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OceanX Appoints Florence Tan and Lynette Long to Key Leadership Roles in Partnerships and Public Engagement

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Florence Tan and Lynette Long bring strategic, fundraising, and public engagement expertise to accelerate OceanX’s presence and impact in the region

SINGAPORE, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ocean exploration nonprofit OceanX has strengthened its leadership presence in Singapore with the appointments of Florence Tan as Director of Partnerships, APAC, and Lynette Long as Director of Public Programming under OceanX Education. These key hires expand the organization’s footprint in Asia and strengthen its capacity to build impactful partnerships and deliver high-impact public experiences that connect communities to the ocean.

(Left to right) Lynette Long, Director of Public Programming, OceanX Education; Florence Tan, Director of Partnerships, APAC, OceanX
(Left to right) Lynette Long, Director of Public Programming, OceanX Education; Florence Tan, Director of Partnerships, APAC, OceanX

“At OceanX, our work relies on cross-sector collaboration and engaging communities worldwide in the mission to understand and protect the ocean,” said Mark Dalio, founder and co-CEO of OceanX. “Florence and Lynette each bring decades of experience, deep regional insight, and proven results in building relationships and delivering innovative programming. They are mission-aligned leaders who will help scale our presence and partnerships across Asia and beyond.”

Florence Tan joins OceanX after nearly two decades in philanthropy and advancement, most recently as Deputy Director at Singapore Management University, where she led regional fundraising and engagement efforts. She managed a philanthropic portfolio, working with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, family offices, and government partners to fund student and social impact programs. Her leadership in cross-border engagement, stewardship, and giving circles consistently delivered multi-million-dollar results annually.

“I have always been driven by a desire to build meaningful partnerships that create long-term impact,” said Tan. “OceanX’s ability to bridge science, education and media creates a powerful platform for regional collaboration. I’m proud to help grow its footprint in Asia.”

Prior to SMU, Tan held leadership roles at the Kidney Dialysis Foundation and Singapore Children’s Society. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Bradford and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the National University of Singapore.

Lynette Long brings more than 20 years of experience in creative project development, stakeholder engagement, and large-scale immersive experiences. As General Manager and Executive Producer at NEON Global, Long oversaw global touring exhibitions including Jurassic World: The Exhibition and Avatar: The Experience. She has led teams across Singapore, the US, and China, managing multimillion-dollar creative productions from concept to execution while working with brand partners like Universal, Marvel, and Disney.

“There’s a huge opportunity to shift how people engage with ocean conservation,” said Long. “OceanX is well positioned to lead that movement, and I look forward to bringing the ocean to life for communities around the world through OceanX Education.”

Long has also held senior communications roles with the Supreme Court of Singapore, National University of Singapore Faculty of Law, and the Esplanade. She holds a Master of Science in Marketing and a Bachelor of Science in Economics, both from the National University of Singapore.

Tan and Long will help steer OceanX’s strategic expansion in Asia as the organization enters a new phase of public engagement, global missions, and cross-sector collaboration. Their collective expertise in stakeholder engagement, philanthropy, creative production, and regional partnerships will play a vital role in amplifying OceanX’s mission and reach.

For more information about OceanX’s ongoing work, please visit the OceanX website. For media inquiries regarding OceanX, please contact Karuna Tuli at karuna.tuli@oceanx.org.

About OceanX

OceanX is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential. Through a dual focus on science and education, we’re building a new paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our approach is fueled by exploration, leveraging advanced research, multimedia educational programs, cross-sector partnerships, and advanced technology to help transform how people understand and value the ocean. Our work strives to fortify biodiversity and increase the sustainable use of ocean resources to help ensure the ocean remains a foundation for human wellbeing and potential. OceanX is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies. For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, and  YouTube.

 

CNN’s ‘Next Stop’ – Will Ripley visits Taiwan to uncover the island’s way of embracing health and wellness

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HONG KONG, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Though small, Taiwan is home to diverse natural landscapes – from lush mountain forests to alpine lakes and tropical beaches – ideal for rejuvenation and relaxation. In this episode of CNN’s Next Stop, Senior International Correspondent Will Ripley uncovers the different aspects of the island that make it a prime destination for health and wellness.

CNN’s ‘Next Stop’ - Will Ripley visits Taiwan to uncover the island’s way of embracing health and wellness
CNN’s ‘Next Stop’ – Will Ripley visits Taiwan to uncover the island’s way of embracing health and wellness

A testament to its resiliency, despite a decline in tourist numbers in recent years, Taiwan is steadily emerging as a destination for wellness experiences that nurture both mind and body, driven by the efforts of individuals, initiatives, and businesses committed to showcasing the island’s unique beauty.

For more than a decade, Taiwan has invested hundreds of millions of New Taiwan dollars in its cycling infrastructure – including a route that stretches nearly 1,000 kilometers around the entire island. The popularity of Taiwan’s cycling scene is said to originate from its homegrown brand, Giant – the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer. But beyond manufacturing, the brand is also capitalizing on cycling tourism, offering dozens of different cycling tours across the island. CNN visits the picturesque Sun Moon Lake with Amos Lin, Giant’s senior product marketing planner, to understand more about the rise of cycling tourism in Taiwan.

For the tastebuds, Taiwan is known around the world for bubble tea – the popular, trendy beverage of tea paired with milk and tapioca pearls. However, Taiwan’s history of growing, producing and exporting tea goes back more than 150 years. Lionel Lin, a third-generation farmer who runs “Teascent Valley” that grows, produces, and distributes its own brand of tea, explains how Taiwan is renowned for its oolong tea, with the Alishan high mountain variant one of the most famous. In a bid to gain access to international markets, Lionel is leveraging social media to share this staple of traditional Taiwanese culture with people across the globe.

And with Taiwan emerging as a destination for health and wellness tourism, one firm is seeking to offer these experiences with greater convenience. KKday, a Taiwanese travel e-commerce company that connects people with experiences across the world, allows customers to book dining, accommodations, special tours and more, directly from their website or app. Looking to the future, co-founder and COO, Weichun Liu, emphasizes the need to invest in advanced technology to remain relevant amidst growing competition in the industry.

Next Stop (Taiwan) trailer: http://bit.ly/44LuRGO
Next Stop (Taiwan) images: https://bit.ly/4kFDN6G  

Airtimes for 30-minute special:
Saturday, 19th July at 12:30pm HKT
Sunday, 20th July at 6pm HKT
Monday, 21st July at 1:30am HKT

About CNN International 

CNN’s portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV, digital and mobile platforms, reaching more than 379 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America and has a US presence that includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news, mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint, with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships, commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. Around 1,000 hours of long-form series, documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI’s non-news programming division. CNN has 36 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

Total Investment of Approx. USD 7.3 Million in Malaria and TB R&D Projects With Partners Including European Vaccine Initiative, University of Copenhagen, and University of Tübingen

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TOKYO, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund announced today a total investment of approximately JPY 1 billion (USD 7.3 million1) in four R&D projects for the development of vaccine, drug, and diagnostics for malaria and tuberculosis (TB).2

Investment of JPY 800 million (USD 5.5 million1) in malaria vaccine project

Malaria is a serious infectious disease that affects more than 260 million people and claims approximately 600,000 lives worldwide each year. Over 90% of all malaria cases occur in Africa, with more than 70% of those affected being children under the age of five.3 Malaria is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. While prevention and treatment methods are available, the efficacy of currently available vaccines remains limited, highlighting the urgent need for the development of vaccines with higher efficacy and longer-lasting protection.

To address this challenge, the GHIT Fund has decided to invest JPY 800 million (USD 5.5 million1) in a malaria vaccine development project currently in the preclinical stage. This project is being led by the European Vaccine Initiative, the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases (RIMD) at Osaka University, the University of Copenhagen, the University of Tübingen, Danish biotechnology company AdaptVac, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., and Nobelpharma Co., Ltd.

This investment is a continuation of previous projects supported by GHIT, which has invested a total of approximately JPY 630 million (USD 4.3 million1) from 2013 to 2022. The present project aims to develop a vaccine that prevents the proliferation of malaria parasites during the blood-stage of infection. The vaccine is designed to achieve higher efficacy and longer-lasting protection with fewer doses. By reducing manufacturing costs, the project also aims to improve access to vaccines in malaria-endemic regions.

In addition, the GHIT Fund will invest a total of approximately JPY 260 million (USD 1.8 million1) in the following three R&D projects:
(1) Target research project for malaria diagnostics by Ehime University and Universiti Malaysia Sabah
(2) Target research project for TB drug by the University of Auckland and the University of Tokyo
(3) Target research project for malaria drug by Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), LPIXEL Inc., and University of Dundee

This investment brings four new companies and universities on board. Through collaborations with 190 partners across 39 countries — including 64 Japanese and 126 non-Japanese institutions — we aim to contribute to solving global health challenges and accelerating product development.

Please refer to Appendix 1 for detailed descriptions on these projects and their development stages.

As of July 17, 2025, the GHIT Fund has invested in 37 projects, including 15 discovery projects, 13 preclinical projects, and 9 clinical trials.4 The total amount of investments since 2013 is JPY 39.3 billion (USD 271 million1) (Appendix 2).

1 USD1 = JPY144.81, the approximate exchange rate on June 30, 2025.
2 These awarded projects were selected and approved as new investments from among proposals to RFP2023-002 and RFP2024-001 for the Product Development Platform and the Target Research Platform, which were open for applications from June 2023 to July 2024.
3 WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria
4 This number includes projects in the registration phase.

The GHIT Fund is a Japan-based international public-private partnership (PPP) fund that was formed between the Government of Japan, multiple pharmaceutical companies, the Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GHIT Fund invests in and manages an R&D portfolio of development partnerships aimed at addressing neglected diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, which afflict the world’s vulnerable and underserved populations. In collaboration with global partners, the GHIT Fund mobilizes Japanese industry, academia, and research institutes to create new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases.
https://www.ghitfund.org/en

Appendix 1. Project Details    

ID: G2024-201

Project Title

Biomanufacture and preclinical development of the blood-stage malaria vaccine
candidate SE36/cVLP

Collaboration

Partners

1. European Vaccine Initiative (Germany)

2. RIMD, Osaka University (Japan)

3. University of Copenhagen (Denmark)

4. AdaptVac (Denmark)

5. University of Tübingen (Germany)

6. Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Japan)

7. Nobelpharma Co., Ltd. (Japan)

Disease

Malaria

Intervention

Vaccine

Stage

Preclinical

Awarded Amount

JPY 800,715,002 (USD 5.5 million)

Status

Continued project

Summary

[Project objective]

This team’s goal is to fast-track the clinical development of the SE36/cVLP vaccine
candidate and obtain supporting evidence for a safe and efficacious blood-stage
vaccine that could be deployed as a stand-alone or potentially combined in a second-
generation multi-stage malaria vaccine. The main objectives are to:

1.         Manufacture a large GMP batch of SE36

2.         Produce a GMP batch of SE36/cVLP

3.         Conduct a GLP-compliant nonclinical toxicology study for SE36/cVLP + Sepivac
            SWE adjuvant

4.         Prepare clinical trial documentation for the conduct of a phase I/IIa (CHMI) trial
            for SE36/cVLP (+/- Sepivac SWE) to assess safety, immunogenicity, and time-to-
            first episode of clinical malaria in malaria-naïve vaccinated subjects


[Project design]The previous GMP manufacturing process for SE36 was largely based on the E. coli
expression system with modest yield after several chromatography steps. Benefiting
from recent collaborations and new adaptive vaccine technologies, the project team
now proposes to manufacture a larger batch of SE36 using a simplified, high-yield
process with Corynex™, which utilizes Corynebacterium glutamicum. Moreover, to
increase the vaccine immunogenicity, SE36 antigens will be displayed on capsid
virus-like particles (cVLP) ensuring unidirectional and high-density display. A
previously manufactured small lab-scale batch of SE36/cVLP showed that coupling
was stable and that coupled SE36 was highly immunogenic in the mouse model.
Armed with this success, the project team now expands its efforts to manufacture a
larger GMP batch of SE36/cVLP, conduct a GLP-compliant nonclinical toxicology
study and prepare trial documentation to conduct a phase I/IIa trial with this newly
optimised formulation of the SE36 vaccine candidate. A successful completion of
these activities will set the stage for a first-in-human safety, immunogenicity and
efficacy trial.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/242/en

ID: T2024-153

Project Title

ZOO-RDT: Validating a novel biomarker and associated reagents for diagnosis of
acute zoonotic malaria in southeast Asia

Collaboration

Partners

1. Ehime University (Japan)

2. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Malaysia)

Disease

Malaria

Intervention

Diagnostics

Stage

Target Research

Awarded Amount

JPY 64,693,198 (USD 0.4 million)

Status

New project

Summary

[Project objective]

There are no P. knowlesi-specific point-of-care (PoC) tests. Rapid diagnostic tests
based on the pLDH biomarker show high cross-reactivity between P. vivax and P.
knowlesi making them impossible to distinguish. Current diagnostic practices take
time and delay patient access to treatment. Simple, accessible PoC tools are urgently
required. Identification of P. knowlesi-specific diagnostic markers has been largely
neglected. The serine repeat antigen (sera) multigene family has been extensively
studied in P. falciparum and rodent parasite lines and plays critical roles across the
parasite life cycle. The P. knowlesi Serine Repeat Antigen 3 (PkSERA3) antigen 2
has been identified as a P. knowlesi-specific exposure marker, with laboratory and
population-level evaluations showing no cross-reactivity with P. vivax, a
phylogenetically closely related species. The project team will use this antigen to
develop reagents for a P. knowlesi PoC diagnostic test.


[Project design]Overall aim: Validate novel biomarker(s) and associated monoclonal antibodies for
lateral flow assay development for the diagnosis of acute infections. 

Objective 1: Reagent optimisation: the optimised PkSERA3 ag 2 protein plus two
variants will be used in the generation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). 

Objective 2: Analytical and clinical validation of PkSERA3 Ag2 and variants as
species-specific indicators of acute P. knowlesi infection across epidemiological
zones. 

Objective 3: Assessment of Technical Feasibility in the lateral flow system. The best
performing mAbs will be assayed by ELISA, and further down-selection will lead to
selected mAbs being printed onto test strips. Antibody reagents will be provided to a
diagnostic test developer Contract Research Organization (CRO) to validate the
technical feasibility of integrating the developed mAbs into a lateral-flow RDT.

Objective 4: Stakeholder consultation to understand the preferred test design, and to
inform Product Design and generate evidence for a business case for this novel
malaria RDT.

Target results: Validated P. knowlesi-specific mAb reagent for use in LFA
development.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/243/en

ID: T2024-253

Project Title

Harnessing genome mining for novel tuberculosis antibiotics

Collaboration

Partners

1. The University of Auckland (New Zealand)

2. The University of Tokyo (Japan)

Disease

Tuberculosis

Intervention

Drug

Stage

Target Research

Awarded Amount

JPY 100,000,000 (USD 0.6 million)

Status

New project

Summary

[Project objective]

In the short term, this project aims to enhance TB antibiotic discovery by identifying
secondary metabolites that specifically target essential metabolic pathways in M.
tuberculosis. By focusing on mechanisms absent in mammalian cells, the project
team aims to identify secondary metabolites with selective antimicrobial activity and
minimal side effects in humans. This selectivity is expected to improve patient
experience, compliance, and treatment outcomes. Early identification and testing of
these compounds against purified proteins, M. tuberculosis cells, and human
macrophage infection models will provide critical insights into their efficacy and
potential as new therapeutic agents.

In the long term, this project team’s goal is to translate these research findings into
clinical applications, offering new treatment options for TB patients worldwide. A
key strength of this proposal is this project team’s established expertise and drug
development pipeline, specifically in the TB context, which will be instrumental in
advancing subsequent research and development phases.


[Project design]Despite significant advances in understanding the metabolic features essential for M.
tuberculosis, developing new antibiotics remains a major challenge. Enzyme
inhibitors often exhibit limited activity against M. tuberculosis, and many bioactive
compounds have unclear modes of action. To overcome these challenges, the project
team will (a) identify secondary metabolites that specifically target key metabolic
pathways in M. tuberculosis, and (b) test these metabolites against purified proteins
and M. tuberculosis cells to assess their effects on bacterial growth and pathogenesis.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/244/en

ID: T2024-268

Project Title

Machine learning-based deconvolution of antimalarial drug mechanisms of action
through cell painting of compound-treated Plasmodium falciparum-infected
erythrocytes

Collaboration

Partners

1. Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) (Switzerland)

2. LPIXEL Inc. (Japan)

3. University of Dundee (UK)

Disease

Malaria

Intervention

Drug

Stage

Target Research

Awarded Amount

JPY 99,628,772 (USD 0.6 million)

Status

New project

Summary

[Project objective]

The project ultimately aims to deliver a new high-throughput and information-rich
platform for informing and classifying antimalarial modes of action (MoA) and
highlighting novel compound-induced phenotypes. This proposal seeks to leverage
advances in cellular imaging and machine learning-led pattern recognition. The final
goal is to develop a robust, reproducible method to deliver information on a
compound’s biological impact (whether its MoA or pathway is novel or known) in
synchrony with the confirmation of growth inhibition and thus allow clustering on
both chemistry and biology, potentially saving months in the context of Hit
Generation.


[Project design]The project relies on high-content imaging and subsequent analysis of drug-treated
Plasmodium falciparum parasites. The initial assay development phase will optimise
methodologies for staining, fixation, and imaging of parasite-infected red blood cells,
including both healthy untreated parasites and those treated with a pilot set of
compounds with defined MoA. This will allow preliminary development of artificial
intelligence (AI) models to classify parasite morphology across the 48 hour lifecycle,
as well as the phenotypic impact of drug-treatment. Once treatment and imaging
parameters have been optimised, data collection will be performed with an expanded
set of compounds covering a diverse range of MoA, in order to refine and validate the
development of AI models for pattern recognition. AI models will ultimately be
packaged into a cloud-based, user-friendly application so that images generated by
researchers can be analysed without specialist AI knowledge.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/245/en

*All amounts are listed at an exchange rate of USD1 = JPY144.81, the approximate exchange rate on June 30, 2025.

Appendix 2. Investment Overview (as of July 17, 2025)

Investments to date
Total investments: 39.3 billion yen (USD 271 million1)
Total invested projects: 139 (37 active projects and 102 completed projects)

To learn more about the GHIT Fund’s investments, please visit
Investment Overview: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/overview/en
Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfolio/en
Advancing Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/advancingportfolio/en
Clinical Candidates: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/clinicalcandidates/en

For more information, contact:
Nancy Moss at +1-908-606-8940 or nmoss@burness.com
Mina Ohata at +81-36441-2032 or mina.ohata@ghitfund.org

AQX announces acquisition of 100% stake in Singapore Enterprise Fibre Operator SPTel

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SINGAPORE, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Seraya AQX Pte Ltd (“AQX”), a digital infrastructure investment platform wholly owned by Seraya Partners, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of SPTel Pte Ltd (“SPTel”) from Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd’s (“ST Engineering”) wholly-owned subsidiary, ST Engineering Urban Solutions Ltd., and Singapore Power Limited (“SP”) for an enterprise value of SGD290 million (c. USD227 million).

SPTel is a mission-critical, physically independent fibre network operator in one of Asia’s most advanced digital economies. Its nationwide network offers diversity and resilience over the existing telecommunications infrastructure. This architecture enables SPTel to deliver ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity to corporate, government, telecom, and data centre clients across Singapore. SPTel also provides direct and diverse cross-border fibre routes into neighbouring data centre hubs in Malaysia and Indonesia, positioning it as a natural backbone for the emerging SG+ digital corridor.

The acquisition of SPTel represents a rare opportunity to scale a strategic digital infrastructure platform in a high-barrier market. As SPTel remains in the early stages of its P&L growth, the business has significant potential to achieve two to three times growth over the coming years, particularly as demand from the emerging AI and quantum security sectors accelerates. In addition to strong organic growth from its enterprise customer base, the Singapore–Johor corridor is rapidly emerging as a major APAC data centre hub, with a projected combined capacity exceeding 3 GW. SPTel’s physically independent fibre network is expected to play a critical role in enabling intra- and cross-border data traffic within this ecosystem.

Together with Singapore’s position as a leading digital economy and regional gateway, the acquisition positions AQX and SPTel to capture long-term, value-accretive growth opportunities across Asia’s digital infrastructure landscape.

AQX invests in scalable digital infrastructure assets in Asia Pacific developed markets such as Singapore, Japan, Korea, and Australia. It focuses on hard to replicate assets that are defensible, and aligned with secular growth themes such as enterprise digitization, AI, and data center proliferation.

“The acquisition of SPTel by AQX aligns with Seraya Partners’ strategy of investing in scarce infrastructure platforms with long-term value creation potential, and we would like to thank ST Engineering and SP for entrusting us with this opportunity to support SPTel in the next chapter of its exciting growth journey,” said James Chern, CIO and Managing Partner of Seraya Partners.

Through this acquisition, AQX aims to expand SPTel’s operations and network, with the vision of transforming SPTel into the leading provider of advanced enterprise and data centre fibre connectivity solutions for the SG+ region. AQX is also committed to supporting SPTel’s continued innovation in next-generation value-added services, including the development of Singapore’s first nationwide quantum-safe network. SPTel will maintain its service commitments and capabilities to ST Engineering and SP.

“AQX is delighted to partner with SPTel’s visionary CEO, Titus Yong, and his experienced leadership team. Together, we look forward to growing SPTel into a premier provider of fibre connectivity solutions for Singapore, while also addressing mission-critical connectivity demands of the SG+ AI corridors into Johor and Batam,” added Matthias Vukovich, CEO of AQX.

The proposed transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals from the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore.

Redpeak Advisors acted as the exclusive financial advisor to AQX in this transaction.

Unlocking New Opportunities in Asia and the Greater Bay Area

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SHANGHAI, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CPHI & PMEC China 2025 concluded in June with a record-breaking 109,056 attendees, fostering meaningful connections across the entire pharmaceutical supply chain. This remarkable success is a testament to the strong demand within China’s thriving pharma industry. 

Building on this momentum, CPHI & PMEC Shenzhen 2025 will take place from 1-3 September 2025 at Shenzhen Exhibition & Convention Center (SZCEC), addressing the growing demand for access to South China’s key pharma markets.

As a key gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen is uniquely positioned to drive the future of pharma innovation. The region’s health industry GDP is projected to surpass 2 trillion CNY by 2028 and reach 2.5 trillion to 3 trillion CNY by 2030, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth and collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector.

CPHI & PMEC Shenzhen is set to achieve remarkable growth in 2025, doubling its size to 30,000 sqm of show floor and featuring over 600 selected exhibiting companies from various sectors of the pharmaceutical industry, including pharma ingredients, excipients, biotech, contract services, pharma machinery, packaging machinery, packaging materials and more. The event will further expand its scope with increased exhibitor participation across key product zones such as natural supply, finished dosage, clean technology, and laboratory instruments. A new and exciting addition to this year’s event is the ‘beauty & cosmetics supply chain zone’, which will showcase cutting-edge advancements and foster collaboration in this rapidly growing sector. These specialised zones will highlight flagship products and spark fresh innovation, empowering attendees to explore new opportunities and unlock growth horizons across Asia’s pharma markets.

During the exhibition, over 20 high-level forums will bring together regulatory authorities, academic experts, and corporate leaders to deliver in depth analysis of policy shifts, technological breakthroughs, and emerging market dynamics. These sessions will address critical topics such as new drug R&D, API process optimisation, CXO collaborations, emerging markets strategy, nutrition and health food development, natural ingredients and functional food development, injectable medical aesthetics innovation, pharma packaging solutions, pharma manufacturing 4.0, pharmaceutical engineering and etc., offering actionable insights to senior decision-makers and R&D teams.

To further forge strategic partnerships and connections with key decision-makers, industry experts and potential collaborators, exclusive Hosted Buyer Matchmaking and Plant Visit will be organised. These will facilitate meaningful interactions between local suppliers and international buyers with specific purchasing demand, further establishing deep connections and driving business growth and success.

With its strategic location and curated focus, CPHI & PMEC Shenzhen 2025 is set to redefine pharma innovation in South China. The event offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, empowering attendees to unlock new growth horizons across Asia’s thriving pharmaceutical sector.

Register as a visitor before 1 August to enjoy complimentary VIP benefits:
https://reg.cphi-china.cn/en/express-ticketing/shenzhenvip

For more information, please visit:
https://www.cphi.com/china/en-gb/home.html 

Embed Financial Group Holdings (EFGH) is pleased to announce a pivotal addition to the EFGH leadership team

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SINGAPORE, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Embed Financial Group Holdings (EFGH) welcomes Eldwin Wong as its new Chief Executive Officer, Asia.

Eldwin Wong - Chief Executive Officer (Asia) of EFGH
Eldwin Wong – Chief Executive Officer (Asia) of EFGH

Eldwin is a seasoned leader in the financial technology sector. As the founder and CEO of IN Financial Technologies (INFT), he successfully built a leading fintech group in Singapore, providing essential financial services and securing key regulatory licenses from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). His extensive experience in scaling tech-driven businesses and his deep understanding of the financial landscape in Asia will be invaluable as we continue to expand our embedded finance solutions.

Beyond his business acumen, Eldwin’s commitment to public service—for which he was awarded the Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (PBM)—resonates deeply with EFGH’s mission to drive financial inclusion and create lasting value for communities across the region.

Please join EFGH in giving Eldwin a warm welcome. EFGH is confident that his leadership will be instrumental in accelerating its growth and strengthening its partnerships throughout Asia.

Find out more about Embed Financial Group Holdings at https://efgh.xyz

HSG Showcases Smart Manufacturing Power at MF-TOKYO 2025, Led by Akihiko Sugiyama

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TOKYO, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At MF-TOKYO 2025, HSG Laser made a strong impression with its latest intelligent manufacturing technologies. During the show, Taking center stage were two key solutions: the TP65S high-speed tube cutting machine and the HL1500GW collaborative laser welding system. Both systems demonstrated HSG’s deep commitment to innovation, flexibility, and real-world manufacturing performance.

The TP65S system stood out with its adaptive clamping technology, supporting a wide range of tube profiles—including round, square, angle, and special shapes—alongside an HSG-developed 3D five-axis cutting head for precise, efficient complex processing. The HL1500GW, seamlessly integrated with a collaborative robot, enabled safe, space-saving, and high-quality welding, ideal for modern production lines.

A live streaming event on Day 1 attracted considerable attention, showcasing real-time demonstrations and expert walkthroughs. The presence of a localized technical team further emphasized HSG’s readiness to support Japanese manufacturers with fast service and tailored solutions.

Leading the presentation was Mr. Akihiko Sugiyama, Vice President of HSG Japan. With over 40 years in laser processing, Sugiyama is recognized as one of Japan’s early pioneers in laser R&D. His work has spanned optical system design, gas flow dynamics, and laser-material interaction. He holds more than 20 international patents and has received honors such as the Japan Precision Engineering Award, solidifying his status as a global authority in the field.

As the home of HSG’s Global R&D Center established in 2020 and Processing Center in 2024, Japan plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s technological breakthroughs. In collaboration with Chiba University and industry specialists, the center focuses on advancing laser optics through academic partnerships and next-generation lab facilities—accelerating the transfer of research into real-world equipment applications. With the combined strength of global innovation and local expertise, HSG Laser is expected to set a new benchmark for intelligent metal processing in Japan and across the world.

Xinhua Silk Road: Ancient ethnic Chinese legacy revealing cultural fusion inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage

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BEIJING, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Xixia Imperial Tombs were inscribed on the World Heritage List on July 11 during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, France. This marks China’s 60th World Heritage site.

A drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows two Xixia imperial tombs in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (By Wang Peng)
A drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows two Xixia imperial tombs in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (By Wang Peng)

Located at the foot of Helan Mountain in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the Xixia Imperial Tombs represent the largest, highest-ranking, and best-preserved archaeological remains of the Xixia Dynasty (1038-1227). 

The heritage area encompasses nine imperial mausoleums, 271 subordinate tombs, one architectural complex at the northern end, and 32 flood control facilities.

Through nearly half a century of excavation, over 7,100 exquisite artifacts have been unearthed, including a gilded bronze ox and a glazed Chiwen. These findings vividly showcase the features of Xixia civilization.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee recognized the Xixia Imperial Tombs as an outstanding testament to multicultural fusion. 

Their spatial layout, design philosophy, and architectural forms inherited the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties’ imperial mausoleum systems while integrating Buddhist beliefs and ancient local ethnic customs. This created unique funerary traditions and demonstrated the dynasty’s significant role in cultural and commercial exchanges along the Silk Road during the 11th to 13th centuries.

The Chinese government’s tremendous efforts and outstanding achievements in protecting the cultural heritage of the Xixia Imperial Tombs were highly commended by the Committee.

Since being designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1988, the site has established comprehensive laws, regulations, and a management system.

Particularly since 2000, in collaboration with professional institutions, 60 major reinforcement projects have been successfully implemented on the tombs themselves. These have essentially eliminated instability risks and surface erosion issues affecting the imperial mausoleums and main subordinate tombs. 

Furthermore, the removal of approximately 100,000 square meters of buildings and modern facilities within the heritage zone, combined with the establishment of a comprehensive monitoring and early-warning platform, has effectively ensured the site’s authenticity, integrity, and preservation environment.

International scholars point out that the Xixia Imperial Tombs serve as crucial physical evidence for studying ancient ethnic relations, architectural arts, and funerary traditions in China. Their successful inscription enriches the diversity of global cultural heritage.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/346640.html

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