28.1 C
Vientiane
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 316

QNAP Officially Launches Dual-NAS High Availability Solution for Continuous Business Operations

TAIPEI, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — QNAP® Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solutions innovator, today officially released its High Availability (HA) solution, empowering businesses to maintain uninterrupted access to mission-critical data and services through reliable dual-NAS failover architecture. Building on successful beta testing and positive market reception, the finalized HA solution offers enterprise-level uptime with cost-effective deployment for organizations of all sizes.

From SMBs to media studios — QNAP High Availability is now accessible to all!
From SMBs to media studios — QNAP High Availability is now accessible to all!

“With growing IT complexity, uninterrupted access to critical services is essential,” said Andy Yu, Product Manager at QNAP, adding “QNAP’s High Availability solution combines automatic failover, real-time sync, and intuitive management to ensure continuous operations across industries.”

Key highlights of QNAP Dual-NAS HA solution

  • Cost-efficient: QNAP HA offers ZFS-based storage with a low total cost of ownership (TCO), making it accessible even to budget-conscious organizations.
  • Automatic failover: In the event of a failure in the active server, the passive server takes over seamlessly in less than 90 seconds, avoiding costly downtime.
  • Real-time data synchronization: Powered by SnapSync technology, QNAP HA ensures consistent, real-time replication of data between NAS units (minimal RPO), minimizing the risk of data loss.
  • Simplified cluster management: The High Availability Manager application allows IT teams to easily manage clusters, monitor system health, and administrate both NAS units through a centralized, user-friendly interface.
  • Versatile use cases: From virtualization storage, AI server expansion storage, to media production storage, the QNAP HA solution fits seamlessly into diverse IT infrastructures.

The Active-Passive HA solution enhances QNAP’s high availability portfolio, enabling organizations of all sizes to achieve uninterrupted operations with greater flexibility and cost-efficiency. Complemented by the ES series enterprise NAS with Active-Active dual-controller architecture and L3 Lite managed switches supporting MC-LAG network redundancy, QNAP delivers a multi-layered HA infrastructure spanning storage and networking — empowering businesses to enhance IT resilience and maintain a competitive edge.

QNAP’s Dual-NAS High Availability solution is now available and supported by a wide range of QuTS hero NAS. To learn more about QNAP’s comprehensive high availability solutions, please visit https://www.qnap.com/go/solution/high-availability.

For more information and specifications, please visit www.qnap.com.

2025 SEPHORiA: The iconic beauty celebration, now on tour with its first stop in Shanghai

  • The global prestige beauty retailer is back in 2025 with a global tour of its iconic celebration and biggest beauty experience.
  • The first and only stop in Asia, Sephora’s highly anticipated beauty festival, SEPHORiA will begin its tour in China’s cosmopolitan city, Shanghai, coupled with the creation of the country’s very own “Sephora Squad”.

SHANGHAI, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sephora announces the return of its largest and most highly-anticipated beauty event. Starting with Shanghai in September, SEPHORiA is coming back with its unique experience, marked by creativity, celebration, and exploration. Each stop of this global journey will bring its own local flavors, allowing attendees to discover the best of beauty and the very latest trends from Sephora’s uniquely curated assortment.

SEPHORiA 2025 unveils a new level of immersive beauty dimensions and experiences. Dream, crave, create, indulge and connect – discover the latest trends, find inspiration, create memories and express yourself through multi-sensorial brand activations, beauty experts’ masterclasses, and all things beauty: makeup, skincare, fragrance, hair care and Sephora Collection.

We’re elevating SEPHORiA to new heights with this global tour, redefining beauty by offering an even more immersive and buzzworthy experience,” said Deborah Yeh, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Sephora. “We can’t wait to surprise and delight our global community of 74 million beauty enthusiasts with our signature playful and social approach.”

SEPHORiA 2025 Kicks Off in Shanghai

Mark your calendars! SEPHORiA, the iconic beauty event Shanghai eagerly anticipates every autumn, returns September 12-14, 2025. This year, Shanghai takes the global stage as the premiere venue and sole Asian stop.

As Xia Ding, Managing Director of Sephora Greater China explains, “SEPHORiA has always been a celebration for global beauty enthusiasts, brand partners, influencers and consumers. This year, we’re transforming it into a vibrant ‘Makeup Land’, where diverse brands, cross-border styles and cultural fashion inspirations collide with endless creativity, embodying the spirit of innovation, authenticity and unity in beauty.

 “We will spare no effort to create an unprecedented multi-dimensional immersive experience, welcoming thousands to explore the fun of makeup. Sephora not only brings the latest global beauty experiences to China but equally provides a playground for the next generation to unleash their unique styles at a time when the market craves novelty and freshness. For this reason, SEPHORiA 2025 has many ingenious surprises and interactive activities in store, and we look forward to creating new and wonderful memories with everyone together,she adds.

With nearly 50 brand activations, SEPHORiA Shanghai invites attendees to dream and discover the buzziest products and trends, plus a collective debut of exclusive brands, including many exciting C-beauty innovations. This year’s robust brand line-up includes:

ATKINSONS

Aveda

BOBBI BROWN

BON PARFUMEUR

BURBERRY

CAUDALÍE

CHA LING

CHLOE

CLARINS

CLINIQUE

color studio by marie dalgar

Documents

DRUNK ELEPHANT

ELEMIS

ESTÉE LAUDER

Face Symbol

FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA

ghd

GIVENCHY

GUCCI

GUERLAIN

HOURGLASS

HERBEAST

KOMFYMED

KÉRASTASE

LANCÔME

LittleONDINE

MAC

MAOGEPING LIGHT

MAKE UP FOR EVER

Marc Jacobs

MAISON de SIT.E

MONCLER

Murad

NATASHA DENONA

RENE FURTERER

SEPHORA COLLECTION

SHISEIDO

SK-II

TATCHA

TAKAMI

UNISKIN

The Ordinary

TIFFANY & Co

Van Cleef & Arpels

Early bird tickets will go on sale in mid-August. Stay tuned!

Sephora Squad” China Launch

Following the success of Sephora North America’s Squad, Sephora China is launching its own content creator program. Selected beauty enthusiasts will collaborate with Sephora on multiple activations and campaigns.

Invitations are already out! Follow Sephora’s official RED account for details on how to become part of SEPHORiA Shanghai, unlock exclusive benefits, and co-create beauty trends with Sephora.

About Sephora

Sephora is the world’s leading global prestige beauty retail brand. With 56,000 passionate employees operating in 35 markets, Sephora connects customers and beauty brands within the world’s most trusted and dynamic beauty community. We serve a highly engaged community of hundreds of millions of beauty followers across our global omnichannel network of more than 3,200 stores and iconic flagships, and our e-commerce and digital platforms, offering personalized and immersive seamless experiences across every touchpoint. With our curation of more than 500 brands and our own label, Sephora Collection, we offer the most unique and diverse range of prestige beauty products, tailored to our customers’ needs from fragrance to make-up, haircare, skincare and beyond, as we constantly reimagine the world of prestige beauty.

Since our inception in 1969 in Limoges, France, and as part of the LVMH Group since 1997, we have been disrupting the prestige beauty retail industry. Today, we continue to break with convention to drive our mission: champion a world of inspiration and inclusion where everyone can celebrate their beauty.

Sephora now operates in 104 cities in Greater China, offering a full range of prestige beauty services across a network of 333 stores and online channels, including Sephora APP, Mini Program, Douyin Shop, TMall, JD, Meituan and JD to Home.

ICH Group Anchors Key SGX Group IPOs; Bullish on Singapore’s Small-Mid-Cap Market

  • Capital Deployed to Date: Over US$1 Billion
  • Companies Supported: Advised and invested in 200+ SGX-listed companies

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 August 2025 – ICH Group is the key anchor investor in the recent Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of Lum Chang Creations, Info-Tech and Goodwill Entertainment on multi-asset platform Singapore Exchange (SGX Group), a decisive move that signals renewed investor confidence following a notable drought in local listings from 2023-2024. This direct investment is part of the broader strategy to inject vital capital into Singapore’s high-growth small- and mid-cap companies.

Since its inception in 2000, backed by initial investments from EDB Singapore, among others, ICH has been a committed investor of local small-to-mid cap companies. Over the past 25 years, it has advised and invested in more than 200 SGX-listed companies.

Today, the ICH Group’s integrated platform – comprising ICH Asset Management, ADDX, and ICAPITAL – spans asset management, private market access, and capital advisory, serving as a one-stop solution for businesses at every stage of their capital needs journey.

With a focus on high-growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, sustainability, and consumer services, ICH and its partners have deployed over US$1 billion into Singapore and other international markets.

This has been invaluable in helping bridge local capital gaps while also attracting global investors that are committed to the long-term vision of a thriving Singapore equity market.

ICH’s distinct advantage lies in its ability to mobilise and match capital from a broad spectrum of investors, including institutional and aggregated private wealth, to early- and growth-stage enterprises that often find themselves underserved by larger financial institutions.

Track Record of Supporting Singapore’s Small- and Mid-Cap Space

ICH Group’s model is unique in its ability to combine advisory, capital raising and long-term partnership across the growth journey of a company.

This includes structuring early-stage rounds, preparing companies for IPO, and supporting post-listing strategies to sustain investor confidence and drive long-term value.

Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, now one of the most recognisable names on SGX, was one of ICH’s earliest success stories as the Group provided equity and strategic advice while also helping the firm navigate the niche financing channels of the shipbuilding industry.

ICH Group played a pivotal role in othe strategic spinoff of Yangzijiang Financial, a move that has unleashed significant shareholder value and positioned both entities for accelerated growth in their respective markets.

The company not only brought significant companies of size to SGX, but also attracted institutional and retail investor attention to the broader industrial and manufacturing sectors in Asia.

“In an increasingly multipolar financial landscape, Singapore stands out as a trusted hub for global capital flows, especially in the ASEAN region,” Vincent Toe, Cofounder of ICH Group and MD of ICHAM, explained.

“Our partnerships with foreign companies, coupled with our local market expertise, allow us to be an effective bridge for this inbound capital. It’s a win-win for both sides.”

Gateway for Chinese Capital and Issuers

In parallel with supporting homegrown enterprises, ICH Group has also built out its cross-border capital capabilities.

One of its strategic pillars is acting as a gateway for Chinese institutional capital into Southeast Asia, particularly through the Qualified Domestic Limited Partner (QDLP) programme.

As one of the early adopters of QDLP, ICH has cultivated long-term partnerships with Chinese asset owners, fund managers and wealth platforms. This has enabled the Group to channel “sticky” capital into Singapore’s equity markets; capital that is long-term in nature and strategic.

This unique access to a differentiated investor base is becoming increasingly valuable, especially as global capital flows continue to diversify away from traditional Western centres toward Asia.

Singapore, as a politically stable, transparent and internationally recognised financial hub, is uniquely placed to benefit.

“While global markets face uncertainty, our QDLP partners see a generational growth opportunity in ASEAN’s digital and sustainable economies,”; said Vincent Toe, Co-founder of ICH Group. “They are not just deploying short-term capital; they are making strategic, long-term commitments to participate in the region’s future, and Singapore is their trusted gateway. Our unique role is to bridge their vision with high-potential local companies ready for growth.”

“Our role is to help them find the right partners, ensure regulatory alignment, and create long-term, win-win outcomes for everyone involved,” said Toe.

Beyond mobilising capital, ICH is also focused on introducing high-quality foreign companies to Singapore’s public markets.

With growing geopolitical and regulatory headwinds in other listing destinations, SGX has become an increasingly attractive platform for deep tech companies from China looking to list abroad.

The Group sees strong potential in sectors such as new energy, biotechnology, smart manufacturing, and digital services. All these are industries that are not only expanding rapidly in China but also have meaningful relevance to ASEAN’s development priorities.

“Listing in Singapore offers international issuers access to global investors, a reputable legal framework, and strong secondary market support,” said Toe.

“Our objective is to work with these companies early, prepare them for international listing requirements, and ensure their long-term success as public companies.”

Hashtag: #ICHGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About ICH Group

Founded in 2000, ICH Group is a Singapore-headquartered financial services firm with over 120 professionals across its integrated asset management (ICH Asset Management), private market (ADDX), and capital advisory (ICAPITAL) platforms. The Group specializes in supporting small- and mid-cap companies throughout their entire growth journey, from early-stage funding to IPO. It has a proven track record in facilitating cross-border investment, notably as a key partner in the Qualified Domestic Limited Partner (QDLP) program.

Silicon Motion Showcases MonTitan™ SM8366 in Core to Edge AI Server Applications at FMS 2025

Company Also Demonstrates Full Spectrum of AI Storage Solutions for PCs, Gaming, Edge, Robotics, and Automotive

TAIPEI and MILPITAS, Calif., Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Silicon Motion Technology Corporation (NasdaqGS: SIMO) (“Silicon Motion”), a global leader in designing and marketing NAND flash controllers for solid-state storage devices, today announced it will showcase its MonTitan™ SM8366 PCIe Gen5 SSD controller solutions, demonstrated using the VAST Data Ceres V2 AI Storage platform and Aetina NVIDIA MGX™ server, at FMS (the Future of Memory and Storage) 2025 in Santa Clara, California, taking place August 5–7 in at booth #315. MonTitan™, together with other advanced storage solutions optimized for AI applications, underscores Silicon Motion’s commitment to delivering next-generation scalability and performance for data-intensive workloads

Silicon Motion showcases MonTitan™ SM8366 controller based Unigen Cheetah SSDs on the VAST Data Ceres V2 platform
Silicon Motion showcases MonTitan™ SM8366 controller based Unigen Cheetah SSDs on the VAST Data Ceres V2 platform

Silicon Motion is collaborating with Unigen to demonstrate its Cheetah High Capacity 128TB QLC E1.L SSD and Cheetah 3.2TB SLC U.2 SSD powered by Silicon Motion’s SM8366 to showcase an efficient and cost-effective storage solution by using VAST Data Ceres V2 Dbox platform. By leveraging NVIDIA BlueField-3 DPUs to accelerate networking and compute combined with its compact 1U form factor, CERES V2 delivers exceptional density for mission-critical AI deployments that demand scalability and throughput. 

“We are pleased to work with Silicon Motion’s MonTitan™ based SSDs that support the Ceres V2 architecture to meet the performance and density demands of AI and data-intensive workloads,” said Avery Pham, VP of Strategic Operations, at VAST Data. “VAST is a Software Data platform utilizing bleeding edge hardware to enable software solutions. This demo illustrates how integrating powerful SSD technology with a disaggregated storage architecture like Ceres2 can help enterprises scale AI infrastructure more efficiently and intelligently.”

Silicon Motion has also teamed up with Innodisk 5TS-P on an 8TB E1.S MonTitan™ based SSD by using Aetina’s AEX-2UAI, high performance, short-depth edge server built on NVIDIA’s MGX™ module design. This edge server brings powerful AI computing capabilities to edge environments and is particularly suitable for use cases demanding high performance in space-constrained settings.  

“The integration of MonTitan™ based 5TS-P SSDs into our AEX-2UAI edge server reflects a shared vision to support powerful AI computing in compact, real-world deployments,” said CC Wu, GM of Embedded Flash Division at Innodisk. “By combining high-density flash storage with MGX-based computing, we’re expediting edge AI systems to perform faster and smarter in space optimized environments.”

“Our MonTitan™ platform is purpose-built to address the extreme demands of AI server storage,” said Alex Chou, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Storage and Display Interface Solutions Business at Silicon Motion. “Our collaborations with customers and module maker partners highlight our ability to deliver leading AI SSD solutions.  We are thrilled to be part of the Core to Edge AI Ecosystems with VAST Data, Aetina and our other partners to deliver storage solutions that meet the ultra-high capacity and performance requirements of the next generation of AI applications for data centers and enterprise storage.”

In addition to the AI server storage demo, Silicon Motion will highlight its broad portfolio of storage solutions designed for a wide range of AI-driven applications—from all-in-one Edge AI and AI PCs to gaming consoles, smartphones, robotics, and automotive systems. This includes PCIe Gen5 SSD, USB4, SD Express, UFS, and eMMC controllers, along with Ferri embedded storage, underscoring the company’s expertise in delivering scalable, high-efficiency storage across diverse AI platforms.

Silicon Motion representatives will also be presenting at FMS keynotes and forums. For further information, please visit: https://www.siliconmotion.com/events/2025FMS/

About Silicon Motion:

We are the global leader in supplying NAND flash controllers for solid state storage devices. We supply more SSD controllers than any other company in the world for servers, PCs and other client devices and are the leading merchant supplier of eMMC and UFS embedded storage controllers used in smartphones, IoT devices and other applications. We also supply customized high-performance hyperscale data center and specialized industrial and automotive SSD solutions. Our customers include most of the NAND flash vendors, storage device module makers and leading OEMs. For further information on Silicon Motion, visit us at www.siliconmotion.com.

Silicon Motion showcases MonTitan™ SM8366 controller based Innodisk 5TS-P SSDs with Aetina’s MGX-based AEX-2UAI edge server
Silicon Motion showcases MonTitan™ SM8366 controller based Innodisk 5TS-P SSDs with Aetina’s MGX-based AEX-2UAI edge server

A Decade of Wonder: Wonderfruit Announces Programming through a Guide to Wonder

Artist line-ups, dining, artwork and more revealed in the second release


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 August 2025 – Wonderfruit, Thailand’s annual celebration of culture, art, music and nature, returns for a milestone 10th edition from 11–15 December 2025 at The Fields of Siam Country Club. Renowned international artists, diverse regional and Thai acts, chefs’ table experiences, Thai Molam legends, as well as rituals, workshops and talks are brought together at highly conceptualized venues, each built and designed with circularity and sustainability in mind.

Solar Village at Wonderfruit
Solar Village at Wonderfruit

This milestone edition continues Wonderfruit’s decade-long exploration of Mind, Nature and Sound through human expressions, acting as a platform for audiences and artists alike to discover culture and new ways of thinking.

Get a deeper look at the second official release of a Guide to Wonder, with much more to come.

  • Music designed for well-being. Through an initiative called Sonic Minds, Wonderfruit collaborates with MSCTY_Studio for year-round research, culminating in soundscapes that aim to improve how we feel. This initiative unravels through live performances (Shook, Elsa Hewitt, Scanner and more) and via sound installations appearing in unexpected places, like in the forest, restrooms or bridges.
  • Molam World takes Isaan root music to the global stage. Home for Northeastern Thai music, food and art, Molam World extends its curation across local and international artists, from fan favorites Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band to legendary Rungfa Kulachai and international artists like Giles Peterson and Ustad Noor Bakhsh. A new multipurpose space, Molam Theatre, designed by PO-D Architects, joins the iconic Molam Bus.
  • From natural amphitheaters to secret forest dancefloors, 40+ venues come alive: Beloved venues like The Quarry, Forbidden Fruit, Solar Village, Enfold and an expanded Living Village fill The Fields with a range of music, including a hybrid set from FKJ, Kerala Dust, Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy, Hatis Noit & Orly Anan, múm, Shubostar, A Guy Called Gerald, Pearson Sound, Tristan Perich & ensemble 0, Vanishing Twin, Dawn of Midi, DOTT, JPBS x DuckUnit, Red-i, Minyo Crusaders and much more. Appearing for the first time, Baan Bardo, a brand new venue designed by Wit Pimkanchanapong, features a kinetic maze and multi-dimensional curation from ROVR, Dhyana and Erased Tapes. Featuring artists eucamedix, Theo Parrish, Britta Arnold, yubass, Daniel Brandt, and Open Reel Ensemble, with an art performance from Lucky Vakharia, a Nepali Charya Nritya dance workshop with Punyasagara, a guided meditation experience with Black Turtle and more.
  • Thoughtful, interactive art fills The Fields: With over 20 installations, Wonderfruit aims to involve art that encourages human connection. From new Social Interventions by Ab Rogers Design to finding shelter in the dome of ‘Singing In My Mind’ by Satit Raksasri, to artist Pinaree Sanpitak’s crafted steel and stone tables that invite communal gatherings and Microtopia by TeaRoom offering introspection through tea smoking and ceremonies.
  • An expansive world of wellness rooted deeply in global traditions: Wonderness offers 100+ unique workshops, rituals and ceremonies with a variety of ways to feel and live better. Including frequency-based healing with Zen monks in Quantum Deep Healing Sound Bath & Light Breathing Meditation Workshop, exploring ancient wisdom of Tantra with Viv Kan The Art of Intimacy: A Tantric Approach to Connection and practices rooted in the indigenous Amazonian tradition in the Sacred Hapé Ceremony by Maxwell Honey & David Björkström.
  • Chefs’ tables return with matriarch-led kitchens, multi-sensory feasts and Michelin-star dining: Devoted to culinary experiences, Wonder Kitchen returns with 120+ person seating, featuring concepts from one Michelin-star and Green Star chef Deepanker Khosla from Haoma, a Mediterranean-Thai fusion feast and a sensory dining experience by Modern Biology x Electric Sheep that combines sound frequencies with Thai comfort food. Lady GooGoo hosts Ma’s Kitchen for the first time at Open Kitchen, with Burmese home cooking from one of the best views in The Fields. On the ground floor, Pa Chan’s Life’s Market features food, crafts and culinary workshops from the five regions of Thailand, inspired by how agriculture and culture impact recipes.

Reflecting on the 10th anniversary of Wonderfruit, Founder ‘Pete’ Pranitan Phornprapha, shared: “Reaching ten years of Wonderfruit is a moment of real gratitude and celebration for us. It’s thanks to the shared energy, creativity and care of our community—our Wonderers that we’ve come this far.”

He continued, “As we look to the future, we’re entering a new chapter—one that moves beyond the idea of a once-a-year gathering. Wonderfruit is becoming a year-round cultural platform rooted in creativity and collaboration. We’re evolving The Fields into a living, working space for learning, experimentation and circular systems—from growing our own food, rewilding the land and hosting various cultural expressions that connect people to mind, sound and nature.”

Wonderfruit opens its next ticket sale for 48 hours from 2–4 September 2025 at 6pm BKK (GMT+7). Tickets will be first-come, first-served, with limited capacity. There will also be new, more accessible ways to join Wonderfruit 2025, especially for families, Thai youths under 25 and newcomers through various ticket types and accessibility points.

For more information, visit www.wonderfruit.co.
Hashtag: #wonderfruit #wonderfruit2025 #decadeofwonder

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Wonderfruit

Punctuated by an annual event every December, Wonderfruit is a five-day celebration of art, music, food and ideas in The Fields at Siam Country Club. Produced by Thailand-based Scratch First, Wonderfruit is a continuous, curious exploration of Mind, Sound and Nature through human expression, seeking greater connection to communities, cultures and the world around us. Through immersive experiences, including performances, workshops, installations and dining, Wonderfruit creates spaces for all to gather, interact and share knowledge. Living in The Fields year-round, Wonderfruit unites designers, architects and craftspeople to build and design in harmony with nature, committing to circularity and zero waste.

Calm Stores, Clear Sites: New Research Highlights How Seniors are Redefining Retail Expectations

SYDNEY, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — While many Australians are adjusting their spending in response to rising cost-of-living, new research from Manhattan Associates Inc. (NASDAQ: MANH) reveals that older Australians continue to play a significant role in discretionary retail. Backed by financial stability and a clear preference for personalised, supportive in-store experiences, over-55s represent a key growth opportunity for retailers who are willing to meet them on their terms.

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

Shoppers aged 55+ are spending, but their expectations are high

According to the research, 68% of mature-aged shoppers reported either no impact or improved confidence in their personal finances, despite ongoing interest rate pressures. Notably, 64% also said that special offers and promotions influence their spending decisions in-store, demonstrating a willingness to engage, provided the experience is worthwhile.

“These shoppers are among the most financially secure and active in the retail space,” said Raghav Sibal, Vice President of APAC at Manhattan Associates. “But they’re also more discerning. They’re not shopping just for products, they’re shopping for a comfortable, helpful and human experience.”

The research revealed that older Australians value a quieter, calmer in-store environment. Two-thirds (66%) of shoppers aged 55 and over said they would prefer retailers to turn down in-store music or avoid it altogether, with one in four (24%) reporting they have actively avoided stores that feel too loud or chaotic.

In addition to creating the right environment, staffing also plays a critical role in shaping the in-store experience for senior shoppers. Only 26% of over-55s said they like to shop entirely independently. Most prefer some level of support, particularly when engaging with new technologies or unfamiliar products. Encouragingly for retailers, 41% of mature-aged consumers said they would shop in-store more often if there were more staff available to assist.

“Retailers sometimes assume that mature-age shoppers want to be left alone, but the data tells a different story. This group values human connection, reassurance, and calm environments. Creating in-store experiences that reduce sensory overload and provide access to well-informed, available staff will go a long way in driving loyalty and repeat visits,” said Sibal.

Technology should support, not replace, human interaction

Senior shoppers are not averse to using technology instore with 73% of shoppers being comfortable using self-checkouts and similar solutions. However, of those surveyed 40% of shoppers said that they usually prefer or require some assistance when using these tools.

“Mature-aged Australian shoppers are often willing to try and use instore technologies to speed up their retail experience, however they often need to be supported by knowledgeable staff in-store,” said Sibal. “It’s that personal interaction that makes the difference, someone who can answer questions or offer guidance.”

Older Australians are increasingly confident online, but want reassurance and clarity

Contrary to common assumptions, senior shoppers are far from digital holdouts. In fact, 65% of Australians aged 55 and over now say they are more likely to shop online due to factors like convenience, better access to deals and broader product selection available through digital channels.

This growing digital fluency is also reflected in user experience, with 57% of mature-age shoppers reporting they rarely or never encounter issues when shopping online. Only 10% say they frequently run into problems, highlighting a general comfort with digital retail.

However, attracting and retaining these shoppers requires retailers to understand the needs of older shoppers. A third (32%) say they would be encouraged to shop online more often if retailers provided clear reassurance around website security. Meanwhile, 28% want more detailed product descriptions and customer reviews to support informed decision-making and 20% said easier-to-navigate websites would increase their likelihood to purchase.

“We’re seeing a generational shift in how older Australians interact with digital commerce. This group is highly pragmatic. They’re not just looking for tech-savvy interfaces, rather they want clarity, trust and a sense of control. Retailers that invest in intuitive website design, transparent product information and strong cybersecurity messaging are more likely to win their confidence and their business,” concluded Sibal.

For more information, please visit www.manh.com.au

Methodology:

Manhattan Associates surveyed 500 Australian consumers over the age of 55.

ABOUT MANHATTAN ASSOCIATES
Manhattan Associates is a global technology leader in supply chain and omnichannel commerce. We unite information across the enterprise, converging front-end sales with back-end supply chain execution. Our software, platform technology and unmatched experience help drive both top-line growth and bottom-line profitability for our customers.

Manhattan Associates designs, builds, and delivers leading edge cloud and on-premises solutions so that across the store, through your network or from your fulfillment centre, you are ready to reap the rewards of the omnichannel marketplace. For more information, please visit www.manh.com 

Bracco Imaging Receives Regulatory Approval in China for SonoVue® in the Assessment of Fallopian Tube Patency

New indication of SonoVue® supports non-invasive assessment of female infertility through contrast-enhanced ultrasound in China

MILAN, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bracco Imaging, a global leader in diagnostic imaging, today announced that its ultrasound contrast agent SonoVue® has been approved by the China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for use in hysterosalpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy).

HyCoSy is a contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) procedure that helps identifying potential causes of female infertility related to blockage of the fallopian tubes or uterine abnormalities with a high level of diagnostic accuracy (1,2). Fallopian tube conditions, such as blockages, scarring, or other damage, are a leading cause of infertility, contributing to approximately 25–35 percent of cases of infertility among women in China (3).

This regulatory approval represents an important milestone in the management of infertility because, unlike laparoscopic assessment of tubal patency with use of a dye, HyCoSy is a non-invasive procedure, and, unlike traditional X-ray hysterosalpingography, HyCosy does not expose to radiation the genital tract of women in their reproductive years (4-6).

“The NMPA approval of SonoVue® use with HyCoSy marks an important step in expanding access to non-invasive, radiation-free detection of tubal issues and uterine problems that often cause infertility in women,” said Alberto Spinazzi, Chief Medical and Regulatory Officer, Bracco Group. “We strive to provide healthcare professionals in China with solutions that advance standards of care, reflecting our commitment to advancing diagnostic precision and improving the patient experience through contrast-enhanced ultrasound.”

“We are proud to support China’s healthcare priorities through solutions like SonoVue® that may help address important diagnostic needs,” said Valtero Canepa, Head of APAC, Bracco Imaging. “This new indication advances Bracco’s role in delivering meaningful innovation in support of the Healthy China 2030 initiative, which prioritizes earlier detection, clinical precision, and broader access to reproductive health services.”

The high diagnostic performance of HyCoSy with SonoVue® has been confirmed by a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 24 clinical studies (total of 1358 women with infertility and 2661 fallopian tubes). Using laparoscopic chromotubation dye test as the standard of truth for the assessment of fallopian tube patency, the pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of HyCoSy with SonoVue® were 93%, 90%, and 96%, respectively (1). 

Backed by over 20 years of clinical use, SonoVue® is the ultrasound contrast agent with the largest number of approved indications in the largest number of countries worldwide. The newly approved HyCoSy indication reinforces Bracco Imaging’s commitment to expanding non-invasive, high-quality diagnostic tools aligned with evolving clinical standards and national health objectives in China and beyond.

  1. Qu E, Zhang M, Ju J, Chen Y, Lin X, Zhang X. Is Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography (HyCoSy) Using Sulfur Hexafluoride Microbubbles (SonoVue) Sufficient for the Assessment of Fallopian Tube Patency? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Ultrasound Med 2023; 42:7-15
  2. Wang T, Dong T, Nie F. Clinical applications, advances, and future directions in hysterosalpingography. Front Med 2025; 12:1537506
  3. Reproductive Health Branch of Chinese Preventive Medicine Association. Chinese Expert Consensus on Holistic Management of Tubal Factor Infertility (2023 edition) [J]. Chinese Journal of Practical Gynecology and Obstetrics 2023; 39:318-324
  4. Roy KK, Gajapathy SR, Rai R, Zangmo R, Das A, Singhal S. Assessment of Tubal Patency with Selective Chromopertubation at Office Hysteroscopy versus Modified Minilaparoscopy in Infertile Women. Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther 2021; 10:159-165
  5. Perisinakis K, Damilakis J, Grammatikakis J, Theocharopoulos N, Gourtsoyiannis N. Radiogenic risks from hysterosalpingography. Eur Radiol 2003; 13:1522-1528
  6. Sulieman A, Theodorou K, Vlychou M, Topaltzikis T, Roundas C, Fezoulidis I, Kappas C. Radiation dose optimisation and risk estimation to patients and staff during hysterosalpingography. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2008;128:217-226

For additional information about Bracco’s products, and for full prescribing information, please visit https://www.bracco.com/.

About Bracco Imaging
Bracco Imaging S.p.A. (“Bracco Imaging”), part of the Bracco Group, is an innovative world leader delivering end-to-end products and solutions through its comprehensive portfolio across diagnostic imaging modalities. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Bracco Imaging’s purpose is to improve people’s lives by shaping the future of prevention and precision diagnostic imaging. The Bracco Imaging portfolio includes products and solutions for all key diagnostic imaging modalities: X-ray imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS), and Nuclear Medicine through radioactive tracers and novel PET imaging agents. Bracco Imaging has 3,800 employees and operates in more than 100 markets globally. Bracco Imaging has a well skilled and innovative Research and Development (R&D) organization with an efficient process-oriented approach and track record in the diagnostic imaging industry. Discover Bracco at https://www.bracco.com/.

Media Contacts:

Bracco Press Contact:
Carolina Bargoni
Bracco Imaging, Communications Director
Carolina.bargoni@bracco.com
+39 347 5397738

U.S., Japan, and Taiwan Experts Gather at NUWA Forum — Over 200 Reproductive Specialists Explore the Future of Integrated Fertility Technology

Is Increased Use of PGT-A Always Better? Experts Call for Evidence-Based Use of Mosaic Embryos
Choosing the Right PGT-A Platform: NUWA Fertility and Global Experts Unite to Advance IVF Success

TAIPEI, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A), a screening method used during IVF to assess embryo chromosomal health, has gained widespread adoption in reproductive medicine worldwide. Yet the accuracy of various PGT-A platforms and their true clinical value remain points of ongoing debate. To dive deeper into the science behind PGT-A and explore the latest validated technologies, NUWA Fertility partnered with the Institute of Biotechnology at National Taiwan University to host its annual Reproductive Medicine Forum on August 3. The event welcomed over 200 fertility professionals and representatives from more than 65 reproductive centers, drawing international experts from the U.S. and Japan for a day of lively discussion and data-driven insights.

NUWA brought together over 200 reproductive medicine professionals from more than 65 IVF centers for a landmark forum on the future of fertility.
NUWA brought together over 200 reproductive medicine professionals from more than 65 IVF centers for a landmark forum on the future of fertility.

New Global Research Questions Conventional Use of Mosaic Embryos

One of the forum’s most anticipated speakers, Dr. Chaim Jalas – CEO and Director of Research and Development at U.S.-based Juno Genetics – presented findings from two prospective studies spanning the U.S. and Europe, with a combined dataset of 15,000 embryo samples. The research showed that when PGT-A is performed using the most advanced, clinically validated platforms, mosaic embryos (those containing both normal and abnormal cells) do not necessarily need to be discarded. By accurately identifying and excluding only embryos with chromosomal abnormalities, clinics can improve live birth rates, reduce embryo waste, and lower the risk of miscarriage.

Dr. Chi-Hong Liu, the Chief Medical Advisor at NUWA Fertility and convener of the forum, emphasized that PGT-A can only deliver meaningful results when the platform is backed by solid evidence and high diagnostic accuracy. He noted that many currently used platforms lack sufficient clinical validation when it comes to identifying mosaic embryos. “Many embryos classified as mosaic still have the potential to implant and result in healthy live births,” said Dr. Liu. “If we discard them based on imprecise technology, we’re not only limiting patients’ chances but possibly wasting embryos with real potential.”

AI-Powered Embryo Selection: Precision without Harm

Mr. Takahashi, a senior embryologist from Japan’s renowned Kato Ladies Clinic, shared advancements in embryo assessment using AI combined with time-lapse imaging technology. This non-invasive method continuously monitors embryo development and uses algorithmic scoring to improve selection accuracy – particularly useful for patients with a limited number of eggs or who should avoid repeated ovarian stimulation. The approach has significantly improved success rates for single embryo transfer, a strategy aimed at reducing the risks of multiple pregnancies.

Behind Every IVF Success: A Seamless Teamwork Between Lab and Clinic

Dr. Shang-Gwo Horng, the Director of NUWA Fertility Center, offered clinical strategies for gentle yet effective ovarian stimulation and medication protocols that support embryo quality. And Dr. Chung-Hao Lu, a leading researcher and embryologist, discussed best practices for helping patients improve embryo outcomes through lifestyle and treatment. He emphasized that even the best PGT-A platform can fail if the biopsy timing, technique, or sample handling are subpar. “Close coordination between physicians and embryologists is absolutely essential to maximize IVF success,” said Dr. Lu.

NUWA Forum: Advancing Fertility Through Evidence-Based Collaboration

Dr. Chi-Hong Liu concluded by reaffirming NUWA’s mission to drive innovation through open knowledge-sharing and scientific rigor. “By building a better-validated, more reliable PGT-A platform, we can help patients increase their chances of success while reducing unnecessary stress and resource loss.”

Now in its third consecutive year, NUWA Fertility’s Reproductive Medical Forum continues to be a vital platform for pushing boundaries in fertility care. Dr. Liu added that NUWA will remain committed to integrating clinical decision-making, lab excellence, and global collaboration to elevate Taiwan’s reproductive medicine on the international stage.

Get to know NUWA: https://www.nuwacare.com/en