KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 August 2026 –Premium European Products made its return to Malaysia for the third consecutive year at the Malaysian food and beverage trade show. This time round, Premium European Products joined the International Food & Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB) 2026, held from 15–17 July 2026.
Building on the success of its previous editions, this year’s participation further reinforced the campaign’s role in connecting Greek and Latvian producers with key players in Malaysia. Alongside the trade fair showcase, Premium European Products hosted for third year Business-to-Business (B2B) Dinners, bringing together stakeholders, importers and retailers for business matching, market insights and discussions on the growing demand for premium European products. Held ahead of Malaysia’s National Day period, the event also created timely opportunities for restaurants, cafés, hotels and foodservice operators to explore how Premium European Products can be incorporated into locally inspired menus.
Throughout the three-day showcase at MIFB and B2B dinners, visitors and guests had the opportunity to discover a curated selection of premium Greek and Latvian products. The Greek showcase featured a range of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products including Cretan PDO Graviera cheese, PDO green table olives of Konservolia variety, PDO Cretan extra virgin olive oils from Koroneiki variety, PDO Corinthian Raisins Vostitsa, PDO Masticha Chios resins, and PDO Krokos Kozanis saffron.
The Latvian showcase complemented this with a premium selection of dairy products, high-quality cheese snacks, fine chocolate and confectionery, and handcrafted dried fruits. Together, these products reflected the quality, authenticity and versatility of European food and beverage offerings, while demonstrating strong potential for Malaysia’s retail, hospitality and foodservice sectors.
Beyond their European heritage, the products also demonstrated strong relevance to Malaysian tastes and cooking styles. Long threads of Krokos Kozanis saffron, blue-black small Vostitsa dried raisins and Latvian sweetness dried fruits can be incorporated into rice-based dishes such as briyani, nasi minyak and festive rice preparations, adding their natural distinctive aroma, colour and flavours. Olive oils and table olives with their rich flavors that differ for every variety can complement grilled seafood, roasted chicken, salads, sambal-based appetisers and modern café dishes, while Graviera cheese with its sweet flavor and subtle spicy notes can be used in pastries, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads and fusion snacks. Latvian cream cheese and truffle butter also offer versatile applications for bakery items, spreads, sauces and premium foodservice creations, making them suitable for Malaysian consumers who are increasingly open to elevated yet approachable international flavours.
The successful return of Premium European Products for its third consecutive year reflects growing interest in premium European products and the continued value of business exchange between Greece, Latvia and Malaysia. Through its presence at MIFB and dedicated B2B networking sessions, the campaign continues to support stronger market access, business cooperation and product discovery within Malaysia’s evolving food and beverage landscape.
Hashtag: #PremiumEuropeanProducts
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Premium European Products:
The “Premium European Products” campaign is a promotional program co-funded by the European Union. It highlights the safety, traceability, and authentic flavours of European agri-food products, supporting their expansion into high-growth international markets like Malaysia.
Pages dedicated to this program can be found on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, @premiumeuropeanproducts.
About National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS)
Founded by Greece’s leading cooperatives and established by Greek law, ETHEAS is the national coordinating body of Agricultural Cooperatives in Greece. With over 300 member cooperatives representing approximately 80% of Greece’s total agricultural cooperative turnover, ETHEAS aims to foster rural and cooperative development, support and promote its members’ activities domestically and internationally, provide expert opinions on cooperative movement, agricultural production and sector development, supervise the dissemination and promotion of cooperative ideas, and serve and educate its members through studies, research projects, and assignments.
About Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC)
The Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC) was established in 1995, represents the Latvian dairy processing sector and aims to protect its interests. It consists of 17 members processing approximately 80% of industrially produced milk in Latvia.
SHANGHAI, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Innogen Pharmaceuticals (HK.2591), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to innovative drug discovery and industrialization in metabolic diseases, today announced that its Efsubaglutide alfa manufacturing facility in Suzhou has officially passed a compliance inspection conducted by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) in accordance with the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, and has received the GMP certificate issued by ANVISA.
This milestone represents a significant recognition of Innogen Pharmaceuticals’ quality systems by an international regulatory authority, confirming that the Company’s manufacturing site has achieved PIC/S GMP international standards. It will further accelerate the registration, market access, and commercial partnerships for Efsubaglutide alfa in Brazil and other emerging markets that recognize the PIC/S GMP framework, providing a critical quality assurance foundation for the product’s internationalization. With Brazil as a key strategic hub, the Company will further expand into South American and other PIC/S member markets, laying a solid groundwork for the global development and overseas registration of additional indications of Efsubaglutide Alfa, and continuously strengthening Innogen’s global footprint.
Brazil is the largest country in South America and bears one of the heaviest diabetes burdens worldwide. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), approximately 16.6 million adults in Brazil live with diabetes, ranking among the highest globally. Meanwhile, the overweight adult rate exceeds 60% and obesity prevalence stands at around 26%, driving sustained demand for innovative metabolic therapies[1]. With the continuous improvement of the local healthcare system, opportunities are opening for global products and services to enter the Brazilian medical market. IQVIA reports indicate that Brazil’s pharmaceutical market reached US$35.6 billion in 2023, accounting for 2.2% of the global market, making it a key focus for Innogen’s overseas commercialization strategy.
Efsubaglutide alfa is an innovative, human-derived, ultra-long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist independently developed by Innogen Pharmaceuticals. It has been approved in Mainland China and Macau for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults and has been included in China’s National Reimbursement Drug List. The pivotal SUPER series clinical studies demonstrated that Efsubaglutide alfa provides significant glycemic reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes. After 24 weeks of once‑weekly 3 mg treatment, mean HbA1c decreased by approximately 2.2% from baseline in treatment‑naïve patients, and by approximately 1.8% in patients with inadequate glycemic control on metformin background therapy, with a favorable safety and tolerability profile and observed signals of improved β‑cell function.
The clinical value of Efsubaglutide alfa in weight management continues to be validated. In the China‑based ENLIGHT phase Ⅱb study, subjects receiving 20 mg once weekly (Q1W) for 18 weeks achieved a mean weight reduction of 10.6% and a waist circumference decrease of approximately 8.9 cm; the 20 mg once‑every‑two‑weeks (Q2W) group showed a mean weight loss of 9.7%, with improvements in body composition parameters including fat mass, liver fat content, and muscle‑to‑fat ratio. The Company is currently conducting a phaseⅡclinical trial for obesity in Australia, exploring a once‑monthly (Q4W) dosing regimen, to continuously accumulate evidence‑based data for future global registration and commercialization. In June 2026, the phase Ib clinical trial of Efsubaglutide alfa in adolescent obesity was approved by China’s National Medical Products Administration, and the first subject was enrolled in July, marking the official progression of this study into the clinical implementation stage.
Professor Wang Qinghua, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Innogen Pharmaceuticals, commented: This recognition under the PIC/S GMP framework marks a significant milestone in the development of our global quality systems. It will accelerate the registration and commercial launch of Efsubaglutide alfa across all PIC/S-aligned emerging markets, including Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and Latin America. Looking ahead, Innogen Pharmaceuticals will continue to adhere to international quality standards, leveraging independent innovation and proprietary intellectual property to advance the global development of Efsubaglutide alfa in metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, bringing China’s original innovative achievements to more patients worldwide.
Reference:
1. Vigitel – Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey, 2024
About PIC/S
PIC/S (Pharmaceutical Inspection Co‑operation Scheme) is a leading international organization that harmonizes GMP regulatory standards for pharmaceuticals worldwide. Its core objectives are to unify GMP requirements among member countries, promote mutual recognition of GMP inspection results, and enhance cross‑border regulatory collaboration. PIC/S members include drug regulatory authorities from major countries and regions globally, and its GMP standards carry high credibility in pharmaceutical markets worldwide, particularly in emerging markets such as Latin America and Southeast Asia. ANVISA officially joined the PIC/S scheme in 2021, and its rigorous GMP inspection standards are recognized as a benchmark regulatory authority in South America.
About Innogen Pharmaceuticals
Founded in 2014, Innogen (HKEX.2591) focuses on innovative metabolic disease drugs, with fully proprietary pipelines covering T1D, obesity, MASH, and AD, supported by global IP and patent portfolios. Its core product, Efsubaglutide Alfa (a next-generation human-derived ultra-long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist), is approved for type 2 diabetes in Chinese Mainland and Macau SAR, included in China’s National Reimbursement Drug List, and is under global development and registration. Learn more: www.innogenpharm.com.
Latest Avenir release gives organizations more direct access to the travel content, data and service needed to manage modern travel programs
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 August 2026 – Direct Travel, one of the world’s largest travel management companies, today announced the next evolution of Avenir, its advanced travel management platform designed to give organizations the most direct access to travel content, data, service, and an expanding set of capabilities that help them manage, optimize, and strengthen their travel programs and the experience for travelers.
Direct Travel Introduces the Next Evolution of Avenir
Business travel has never offered more opportunity or more complexity. New content sources, evolving distribution models, AI, and an expanding ecosystem of travel technologies are creating tremendous new possibilities, but they are also fragmenting how organizations access travel content, data, and service. As information becomes dispersed across multiple systems, travel managers face growing challenges delivering consistent experiences, gaining timely insights, and effectively managing their programs.
Avenir was built to change that. Rather than requiring travel managers to work across disconnected systems, Avenir brings together the content, data, insights, tools, and expertise organizations need to manage modern travel programs through a single experience. The result is fewer obstacles between travel managers and the information they need, making it easier to access insights, manage travel programs, and support travelers throughout their journeys.
At the core of Avenir is Spotnana’s next generation cloud-based travel infrastructure, providing the modern booking and servicing infrastructure for enterprise travel. Direct Travel brings that technology to life through global implementation, enterprise travel expertise, and outstanding service, creating an enterprise ready solution for organizations around the world.
Avenir is built to grow beyond traditional travel management through an expanding ecosystem of connected capabilities. Rather than requiring organizations to adopt additional standalone tools, Avenir will provide more direct access to the services and technologies they need through a single experience. This release marks the first step with the introduction of Juno for guest travel. By connecting guest travel with managed travel, organizations gain more complete visibility across total travel activity and richer insights to support better decisions.
“As technology continues to reshape business travel, our focus has remained the same: helping travel program owners run better travel programs and deliver better experiences for their travelers,” said Christal Bemont, Chief Executive Officer of Direct Travel. “Avenir gives organizations more direct access to the content, data, and service they need to manage modern travel programs. By removing many of the obstacles between travel managers and the information they need, we help them spend less time navigating systems and more time making strategic decisions that improve their programs.”
The latest release introduces several new capabilities designed to help travel program owners work more efficiently and make more informed decisions.
One place to manage your travel program
Avenir now provides a single destination for reporting, travel resources, program insights, and integrated partner capabilities through one secure login, reducing the need to move between multiple systems.
Ask better questions. Get better answers.
Avenir is built on a modern, AI-ready data foundation that brings together trusted travel data from across the program into a secure, governed environment. Rather than relying on static reports, travel managers can ask questions in natural language through Ask Avenir and receive trusted answers, build reports on demand, and analyze complex travel spend in minutes. Combined with new dashboards, trend analysis, proactive insights, and actionable recommendations, Avenir helps organizations identify opportunities, make more informed decisions, and continuously improve their travel programs.
A more intelligent travel experience
Avenir is evolving to deliver AI throughout the travel experience by combining Direct Travel’s own AI innovations with the power of Spotnana’s new multi-agent AI architecture and an expanding ecosystem of specialized AI capabilities. As Spotnana introduces new AI experiences for travelers, travel managers, and travel advisors, Direct Travel will bring those capabilities to customers through Avenir while continuing to automate routine workflows and simplify servicing.
At the same time, Avenir’s open architecture allows organizations to take advantage of focused AI solutions from trusted partners. Whether interacting with the platform through natural language, receiving intelligent recommendations, or using specialized assistants like Otto for focused travel experiences, customers will benefit from AI that works together through a single connected platform.
Built for what’s next
Avenir’s open architecture creates a connected foundation that allows Direct Travel to continuously expand the platform with new capabilities and best in class partner solutions. As customer needs evolve, organizations will gain access to additional experiences across travel management, analytics, automation, meetings and events, expense, duty of care, and other connected services without replacing the technology at the core of their travel program.
“Avenir has become our one-stop shop for understanding our travel program,” said Lisa Kaffenberger, People & Culture Travel Manager, BDO. “Whether I need to track a ticket from beginning to end or get answers to questions that once required hours of manual reporting, it’s all right there. It’s not just another application. It’s becoming the foundation for how we manage our travel program by making the information we need easier to access, and we’re excited to see where it goes next.”
“In APAC, the real friction in travel management isn’t a lack of data – it’s an access problem. Avenir cuts through regional complexity by turning fragmented spreadsheets and guest travel into a single system of record, giving leaders immediate, trusted intelligence to optimize spend rather than react to it,” added Ali Hussain, Managing Director – Asia Pacific of Direct Travel.
The new release is another step in Direct Travel’s strategy to give organizations more direct access to the content, data, expertise, and technology they need to build smarter, more connected travel programs.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Direct Travel, Inc.
Direct Travel is one of the world’s largest travel management companies, focused on delivering exceptional, innovative solutions to every client and traveler. With a long history of proven market expertise, we blend advanced technology, superior service and expert insight to drive tangible value and meaningful savings across Corporate Travel, Leisure Travel, Meetings & Events and specialty travel businesses.
Through Avenir, our next-generation platform developed with leading technology partners, we provide the industry’s broadest inventory and a modern, real-time shopping experience that empowers travelers and simplifies program management. What truly sets us apart is the human care behind the technology, delivered by an experienced, passionate team dedicated to anticipating needs and delivering exceptional service at every step.
For more information about Direct Travel, visit www.dt.com
PERTH, Australia, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At the Boao Forum for Asia Perth Conference on July 27, Li Donglin, Chairman of CRRC Zhuzhou Institute, joined global political and business leaders to share the company’s strategy for scaling green industries through proprietary technologies and application-driven innovation.
Boao Forum: CRRC Zhuzhou Institute Outlines Core Technologies and Application-Driven Innovation for Green Industry Growth
Discussing how to move innovation from the laboratory to commercial deployment, Li argued that real-world industrial settings should determine technology priorities. He cited partnerships with XCMG Group and Australian mining giant Fortescue as examples. Together they are creating integrated green value chains linking mines, railways and shipping—for example, using renewable energy to power electric locomotives and producing ammonia and methanol from renewable hydrogen for marine fuel. These system-level applications, Li said, create the real-world demand that drives innovation.
“The economics of a project ultimately determine whether green innovation can scale globally,” Li said. He stressed that investors focus on profitability and long-term value. To that end, the company is raising R&D spending to improve the efficiency of green energy conversion and drive unit costs down to globally competitive levels.
A flagship Chinese player in high-end equipment and green energy, CRRC Zhuzhou Institute has long honed its power conversion and control technologies. These have been widely deployed in high-speed rail and extended into wind turbines, solar inverters, and energy storage, performing reliably even in harsh environments from deserts to mining sites.
As renewables account for a growing share of electricity generation, the company is investing in grid-forming technology and advanced power system equipment to strengthen grid stability and renewable integration.
“A sustainable green future requires not just industrial competitiveness but tight coordination across the global supply chain,” Li concluded. As an active participant in the next phase of global green-industry cooperation, CRRC Zhuzhou Institute looks forward to working more closely with partners around the world, building on its technological expertise and industrial scale. The goal is to strike the right balance between deployment, safety, and growth—and in doing so, advance the sustainability of the global green sector.
About CRRC Zhuzhou Institute
CRRC Zhuzhou Institute is a high-tech company specializing in power conversion and control technologies. Its operations span rail transit, renewable energy (wind, solar, energy storage, and hydrogen), and industrial applications. The company has developed an integrated green industry cluster that covers power generation, grid, load, and storage within a unified framework.
Acquisition expands Mintoak’s footprint across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia, strengthening its ability to help banks unlock new revenue opportunities beyond payments
Combined business generates over US$30 million in annual revenue with a profitability margin exceeding 30%
MUMBAI, India, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mintoak, the payments and engagement OS for acquirers, today announced the acquisition of ICC Loyalty, expanding its footprint across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia while helping banks unlock new revenue opportunities beyond payments.
Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, ICC Loyalty serves over 30 leading banks and 11 million customers across 10+ countries, with clients including Emirates Islamic, Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) and RAKBANK.
The acquisition expands Mintoak beyond merchant payments to include customer engagement, loyalty and rewards. The combined business generates over US$30 million in annual revenue with a profitability margin exceeding 30%.
“This acquisition represents a defining milestone for Mintoak,” said Raman Khanduja, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mintoak. “Payments have become the foundation of banking relationships. The next phase of growth will come from engagement. By bringing together merchant engagement, customer loyalty and data-driven intelligence, we are building a Payments and Engagement OS that enables banks to create greater value for merchants, consumers and banks.”
“Joining Mintoak allows us to integrate their advanced AI and platform capabilities into ICC’s ecosystem, delivering next-generation hyper-personalisation for both our existing and new clients,” said Amit Narang, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, ICC Loyalty. “Together, we will help banks deliver more meaningful customer experiences while creating measurable commercial value.”
Following the acquisition, Mintoak now partners with over 50 banks across 20+ countries, including HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and SBI Payments in India, Emirates Islamic and RAKBANK in the Middle East and Absa Bank in Africa. Backed by PayPal Ventures, British International Investment, Pravega Ventures, HDFC Bank and Z3Partners, its platform supports over 5 million merchants and 11 million customers while powering more than US$93 billion in annual payment volume.
Together, Mintoak and ICC Loyalty are building the leading Payments and Engagement OS for banks, helping financial institutions unlock deeper customer relationships and new revenue opportunities.
Mintoak is the payments and engagement OS for banks, helping financial institutions transform payment transactions into customer engagement, recurring revenue and long-term value. Mintoak now partners with more than 50 banks across 20+ countries, including HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, SBI Payments, Emirates Islamic, RAKBANK and Absa Bank. Backed by PayPal Ventures, HDFC Bank, British International Investment, Pravega Ventures and Z3Partners.
About ICC Loyalty
ICC Loyalty is a Dubai, UAE-headquartered loyalty technology company helping banks build engagement and rewards programmes. It serves over 30 leading banks and 11 million customers across 10+ countries, including Emirates Islamic, Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) and RAKBANK across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia.
This photo is used for representational purpose only.
Laos and Vietnam are pushing to take their economic partnership to the next level, with both countries targeting USD 4 billion in bilateral trade in 2026.
The goal follows a strong year for trade, with two-way trade reaching USD 3.196 billion in 2025, up 12 percent from the previous year.
The two sides also set a longer-term goal of reaching USD 10 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaythong Kommasith and Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung discussed the target during a meeting in Hanoi on 31 July to review their ministries’ annual cooperation plan.
The two countries recorded USD 1.305 billion in trade during the first half of 2026, with stronger cross-border trade, tourism, and infrastructure projects driving economic links.
Both ministers agreed to improve trade cooperation by strengthening border trade policies, connecting logistics networks, and creating better conditions for businesses from both countries to invest and expand.
Energy
Energy security also took center stage during the talks.
Laos and Vietnam agreed to pursue government-to-government (G2G) fuel procurement and supply arrangements to secure long-term fuel supplies. They also agreed to continue advancing the Laos-Vietnam fuel pipeline connection project, which remains under feasibility study.
The push follows a severe fuel crisis that struck Laos earlier in 2026, when the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Middle East conflict disrupted oil flows through a waterway carrying more than a fifth of the world’s oil supply. By mid-March, roughly 1,068 of Laos’s 2,538 filling stations had shut down, and Vietnam stepped in with 50 million liters of emergency fuel that month.
Building on that cooperation, the two sides also agreed to advance the Laos-Vietnam fuel pipeline connection project, which Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone raised at the government’s Cabinet meeting in July 2026. The project remains in the feasibility study stage.
On mining, officials agreed to strengthen cooperation, resolve investment bottlenecks in Laos’ industrial sector, and establish mineral processing industrial parks.
PANAMA CITY, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BingX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3-AI company, today announced the appointment of Kevin Lee as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). In this role, Kevin will lead the company’s long-term strategy across platform development, business growth, and ecosystem expansion, helping align innovation with evolving market opportunities and user needs.
The appointment comes as BingX continues to expand beyond crypto-native trading toward a unified multi-asset trading platform that enables users to discover market-moving opportunities, access a broader range of assets, and act on them with greater speed through an intelligent trading experience. As investor behavior evolves and global markets become increasingly interconnected, BingX is focused on building a platform that connects opportunities across digital assets and traditional financial markets.
Kevin brings more than 20 years of experience spanning institutional finance, electronic markets, financial technology, and digital assets. Since entering the digital asset industry in 2013, he has held senior leadership roles at leading digital asset companies, helping drive business growth, institutional adoption, and market development. Prior to that, Kevin held roles at JPMorgan Chase, Macquarie Group, and BNP Paribas, specializing in electronic trading, market structure, algorithmic execution, and financial technology across the Asia-Pacific region.
As Chief Strategy Officer, Kevin will lead BingX’s long-term strategic direction across platform innovation, business growth, and ecosystem development. He will drive initiatives that connect market trends, user behavior, and product innovation, helping users discover and access what’s moving across global markets while advancing BingX’s intelligent multi-asset trading experience.
“The next era of trading will be defined not only by access to more asset classes, but by how seamlessly users can discover and access opportunities across them,” said Kevin Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at BingX. “As digital assets and traditional finance continue to converge, users expect an intelligent platform where they can discover, access and stay connected to what’s moving. BingX is building exactly that, and I’m excited to help shape the next generation of trading experiences for users worldwide.”
Kevin’s appointment reflects BingX’s long-term commitment to building a platform that evolves alongside global markets and user behavior. By combining broader market access, intelligent technology, and a user-first approach, BingX is creating a trading ecosystem that helps users discover market-moving opportunities, access diverse markets, and act with confidence through one unified platform.
About BingX
Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange and Web3-AI company, serving over 40 million users worldwide. Ranked among the top five global crypto derivatives exchanges and a pioneer of crypto copy trading, BingX addresses the evolving needs of users across all experience levels.
Powered by a comprehensive suite of AI-driven products and services, including futures, spot, copy trading, and TradFi offerings, BingX empowers users with innovative tools designed to enhance performance, confidence, and efficiency.
BingX has been the principal partner of Chelsea FC since 2024, and became the first official crypto exchange partner of Scuderia Ferrari HP in 2026.
Expedition maps more than 12,800 square kilometers of seabed and documents deep-sea biodiversity across a little-studied high seas region
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 August 2026 – OceanX today announced the completion of High Seas: Revealing Roo Rise, a 22-day scientific expedition aboard R/V OceanXplorer to investigate one of the eastern Indian Ocean’s most ecologically significant and under-characterized high seas regions.
Scientists monitor a deep-sea sampling dive from Mission Control aboard OceanXplorer as an ROV pilot navigates ROV Chimaera.
Conducted in collaboration with Minderoo Foundation, Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA, the Western Australian Museum, and the Living High Seas Initiative, the expedition surveyed two seamount features within Roo Rise. One lies within the South of Java Island Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Area [EBSA], while the other is located near its southwestern boundary. Researchers from the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore also participated in the expedition.
The research team used high-resolution seafloor mapping and remotely operated vehicle [ROV] surveys to document the structure and biodiversity of the two features. Environmental DNA [eDNA] sampling, water-column profiling, plankton surveys, and targeted specimen collection produced complementary datasets spanning the seafloor through the upper ocean.
Expedition outputs include:
12,833 square kilometers of seabed mapped, including 9,333 square kilometers in international waters. Approximately 8,232 square kilometers, or 64 percent of the total area, represents new mapping when compared with existing global and Australian datasets.
Eight ROV dives, one submersible dive, nine CTD casts, 15 bongo net deployments, and six XBT deployments. The deepest CTD cast reached 3,845 meters.
2,365 samples recorded across the expedition’s scientific workstreams, including 329 specimen lots and 528 eDNA samples collected across ROV transects and CTD stations.
Tissue samples from 243 specimens across nine phyla collected for whole-genome sequencing and the development of genomic reference resources in collaboration with the OceanOmics Centre.
Preliminary observations documented extensive sponge gardens and coral communities across Roo Rise, including large habitat-forming species and taxa recognized as indicators of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems [VMEs]. Several surveyed areas supported dense coral and sponge assemblages with diverse associated communities of echinoderms, crustaceans, molluscs, annelids, and fishes.
Scientists also identified four xenophyophore morphotypes that may represent undescribed species, subject to further taxonomic and molecular review. An unusual seafloor habitat consisting of probable early diagenetic carbonate colonized by abundant agglutinated foraminifera was documented during a Roo Rise dive.
“Roo Rise sits within a region that is globally important for ocean productivity and fisheries, yet its deep-sea habitats have remained largely under-characterized,” said Dr. Alexis Weinnig, Science Program Manager and Expedition Coordinator at OceanX. “Over the past 22 days, our team mapped the structure of these seamounts and documented deep-water communities. We also collected samples from the seafloor through the water column. Bringing these datasets together will give scientists and decision-makers a stronger evidence base for understanding this part of the high seas.”
The South of Java Island region is shaped by seasonal upwelling and complex oceanographic processes. It is also associated with the only known spawning area for endangered Southern Bluefin Tuna, although this expedition took place outside the species’ peak spawning season. The data collected will help scientists examine how seafloor structure, water-column conditions, and biological communities interact across this productive open-ocean ecosystem.
Minderoo Foundation and Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA led environmental DNA sampling and associated tissue sample collections in support of genomic biodiversity research across the expedition. The ship-based program generated 528 eDNA samples from ROV transects and CTD stations, while representative tissue samples from 243 specimens collected in situ via ROV dives will support whole-genome sequencing and the creation of genomic reference resources. At Christmas Island, an adjacent marine protected area under Australia’s jurisdiction, eDNA samples were collected from 90 sites, including 20 locations revisited from a 2023 survey.
“This expedition lays the groundwork to support genomics-based biodiversity monitoring in one of the ocean’s most under-studied and difficult-to-reach regions. By combining eDNA and tissue samples from Roo Rise with our growing datasets from Christmas Island, we can compare biodiversity across a clear protection gradient, from a recently established marine park to the less-protected waters of the adjacent high seas. As nations move to implement the BBNJ Agreement, this kind of evidence will be critical for understanding and safeguarding the deep-water habitats that support many vulnerable species. The expedition also gives people a window into places they will likely never see for themselves, offering a way to explore deep-ocean biodiversity in some of the planet’s most remote waters and feel connected to it,” said Dr Shannon Corrigan, Principal Research Fellow and OceanOmics Centre Lead at the Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at the University of Western Australia.
Western Australian Museum scientists contributed taxonomic expertise and specimen-based research. Voucher specimens will be curated within the Museum’s permanent reference collections, supporting species identification, taxonomic description, and open access to specimens for future deep-sea biodiversity research.
The expedition also connected deep-sea science with public audiences through live broadcasts with scientists aboard the R/V OceanXplorer. More than 100 people attended a Live Cross at the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip, while an earlier event broadcast to Christmas Island brought together approximately 80 to 100 community members and Parks Australia staff. The WA Museum live cross was recorded and is now available on the WA Museum website and YouTube, enabling broader audiences to engage with the research.
“The real legacy of expeditions like this lies in the specimens that come back to the Western Australian Museum collections. While the footage is spectacular, it is the specimens that allow us to verify what we’ve seen, describe the species, and provide a permanent record that scientists can return to as new questions and technologies emerge. What stood out was the diversity of coral and sponge habitats we encountered across the deep water environments of Roo Rise. Even for the seamounts that appeared similar on a map, the communities at each turned out to be very different, reinforcing just how diverse and patchy these deep-sea ecosystems are and how much there is still to discover,” said Jennifer McIlwain, Director, Science at the Western Australian Museum.
Around Christmas Island, the onshore program combined eDNA sampling with community engagement and local capacity building. Thirteen activities were offered to the community, alongside participation in locally organized events. Total attendance reached approximately 345, reflecting repeat participation by community members across sampling trips, presentations, and education activities.
The expedition also collected baseline plankton and microbial data relevant to research into the Milky Seas phenomenon. Bioluminescent bacteria were successfully and consistently isolated from radiolarian and zooplankton material collected through bongo net surveys. Further population genomics and physiological analysis will examine the characteristics of these cultures.
The expedition’s scientific datasets may contribute to future assessments of biodiversity, seamount ecosystems, and ecological connectivity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The work may also inform future area-based management discussions under the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction [BBNJ Agreement]. Future designation and management decisions sit with the relevant international processes.
The next phase of research will focus on taxonomic review, eDNA metabarcoding, whole-genome sequencing, and the processing of seafloor mapping and oceanographic data. Any observations involving organisms that may represent undescribed species will be communicated following scientific validation and partner approval.
Pending a data-sharing agreement, processed bathymetry is intended for submission to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information and global mapping initiatives including GMRT, GEBCO, and Seabed 2030.
Hashtag: #OceanX
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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 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 future potential. OceanX is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies. For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on Facebook, Instagram, X,TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About Minderoo Foundation
Minderoo Foundation is driven by a commitment to create a future where people and the environment we depend on can thrive. Its work focuses on strengthening communities, advancing gender equality, and protecting natural ecosystems. While its approach centers on long-term systems change, when urgent challenges arise, including humanitarian crises, it acts quickly through targeted impact missions. Minderoo Foundation drives change by working alongside those closest to the challenge, advocating for reform, building evidence for what works, and developing solutions when none exist.
About Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA (OceanOmics Centre)
As a leading ocean research institute located in the Indian Ocean region, the UWA Oceans Institute harnesses transdisciplinary expertise to drive transformative research, pioneer solutions, collaborate with communities, protect marine and coastal biodiversity, and guide critical decisions for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Embedded in the UWA Oceans Institute, the Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA integrates advanced genomics infrastructure, specialist expertise, and strong collaborative networks to support large-scale environmental DNA and whole-genome sequencing research characterizing marine biodiversity. Its work establishes a genomics-enabled foundation for biodiversity discovery, ecological understanding, informed conservation management, and the development of innovative biomonitoring solutions.
About Western Australian Museum
The Western Australian Museum is the state of Western Australia’s premier cultural organization, housing the state’s scientific and cultural collection. For over 120 years, the Museum has made Western Australia’s natural and social heritage accessible through research, exhibitions, and public programs. Today, the Museum has seven public locations and a Collection and Research Centre that houses more than eight million objects. The OceanXperience exhibition is currently on display at WA Museum Boola Bardip, with activities organized to engage members of the public in person and virtually.
NTU, Singapore
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is a globally recognized research university with strengths in marine science, environmental engineering, sustainability, and Earth systems science. Through interdisciplinary research and technological innovation, NTU contributes to understanding and conserving marine ecosystems while supporting collaborative initiatives that address regional and global ocean challenges.
About Living High Seas Initiative
The Living High Seas Initiative is an international collaboration dedicated to improving scientific knowledge and governance of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. By supporting research, policy development, and international cooperation, the initiative contributes to implementation of the BBNJ Agreement and promotes the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity on the high seas. Its collaboration with OceanX helps generate scientific data that can inform global ocean management.
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