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DanceSport to be Included in National Games Medal Competitions

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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Lao youths at the Lao Youth Festival 2024. (Photo: UYD/Lao Youth Festival)

Laos has officially approved DanceSport as a medal event at the Lao 12th National Games, marking the sport’s debut in the country’s competition.

The organizing committee officially approved the inclusion of DanceSport on 23 May, following years of advocacy and the recent establishment of the Lao DanceSports Federation (LADSF).

The committee cited the sport’s readiness in terms of trained judges, coaches, athletes, officials, and available competition venues.

The competition will award three gold medals across individual Breaking battles (1 vs 1 format), couple category, and team category, with 6-8 members per team. The 12th National Games will be held from 15 to 25 November, in Vientiane, featuring a total of 34 sports.

Dance Sport is gaining global popularity among youth. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Breaking or Breakdancing (a style under DanceSport) became an official Olympic medal sport for the first time. 

RemeGen: Telitacicept for the Treatment of Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Approved in China

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Advertorial Desk
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YANTAI, China, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On May 27, RemeGen Co., Ltd.(688331.SH / 09995.HK) announced that Telitacicept has officially been approved for marketing in China by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the treatment of adult patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in combination with conventional therapies. As the world’s first innovative biologic drug targeting both BLyS and APRIL for the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG), Telitacicept’s approval not only brings new treatment options to patients, but also fills the gap of domestic innovative drugs in the field of MG treatment in China. It is expected to reshape the treatment landscape in this field. Previously, the indication of Telitacicept for MG was included in the breakthrough therapy category and priority review by the NMPA of China, and was granted orphan drug qualification and fast track designation by the FDA.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease caused by neuromuscular junction transmission disorders. It is characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigue in symptoms, long  treatment cycles and high recurrence rate. Approximately 80%-85% of patients with MG patients are AChR antibody positive, and more than 85% of patients develop to gMG within 24 months of onset. According to Frost & Sullivan report, there are about 1.2 million MG patients worldwide, including approximately 220,000 patients in China. At present, there is a great unmet medical need.

Telitacicept is constructed with the extracellular domain of the human transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) receptor and the fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain of human immunoglobulin G(IgG). It simultaneously targets B-cell lymphocyte stimulator (also known as BLyS) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), and directly attack the source of pathenogenic antibody production – B cells and plasma cells.

According to the phase III data presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) on April 9, 2025, Telitacicept demonstrated a clinically meaningful efficacy and safety profile in patients with gMG. According to the data, after 24 weeks of treatment, 98.1% of patients in the Telitacicept group demonstrated a ≥ 3-point improvement in Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (“MG-ADL”) score, far exceeding that of the placebo group which was 12.0%. The MG-ADL score decreased by 5.74 points from baseline in the Telitacicept group, compared to a decrease of 0.91 point in the placebo group. 87.0% of the patients in the Telitacicept group demonstrated a ≥ 5-point improvement in Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (“QMG”) score, far exceeding that of the placebo group which was 16.0%. The QMG score decreased by 8.66 points from baseline in the Telitacicept, compared to a decrease of 2.27 points in the placebo group, thereby proving significant treatment benefit. In terms of safety, the overall adverse event (AE) rate in the Telitacicept group was comparable to that in the placebo group, indicating a good overall safety profile.

Among the drugs for gMG that have completed phase III clinical studies, Telitacicept had the highest MG-ADL response rate. The approval of Telitacicept in China will benefit more patients with MG in the country, thereby allowing more ambitious treatment goals to be achieved in terms of long-term disease management. Currently, the Company is advancing the global multi-center phase III trial of Telitacicept in patients with MG, aiming to validate the efficacy and safety of Telitacicept in a wider patient population.

The principal researcher, Professor Yin Jian from Beijing Hospital, said: “We sincerely congratulate the approval of the therapeutic indication of Telitacicept for MG! Telitacicept demonstrated rapid and significant clinical improvements in the Phase III trial with good tolerability. This is a major breakthrough and key progress for Chinese innovative drugs in the field of neuro-immune diseases. It provides a high profile basis for evidence-based clinical application of Telitacicept in the treatment of MG, and has also opened up a new paradigm of precise treatment in this field. We believe that with the inclusion of this indication in the medical insurance, Telitacicept will bring new and more effective treatment options to more patients.”

Dr. Fang Jianmin, the CEO of RemeGen, said: “The approval of the MG indication for Telitacicept in China is of great significance. It provides clinicians with a new and more powerful ‘weapon’ to treat patients more effectively and precisely. We look forward to the inclusion of this indication in the medical insurance system to help patients and their families reduce the burden of treatment and further improve their quality of life. RemeGen is advancing the global Phase III clinical study of Telitacicept for MG. We are looking forward to working closely with global experts and scholars to contribute to the continuous advancement of treating autoimmune diseases.”

Aside from Myasthenia Gravis, Telitacicept has been approved in China for the treatment of two other major indications, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

State Grid Jinchang Power Supply Company: Intelligent Inspection Guards Grid Safety

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Advertorial Desk
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JINCHANG, China, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At 9:30 a.m. on May 26, the intelligent inspection robot of the 330kV Dongdatang Substation of State Grid Jinchang Power Supply Company set out on time. Along the guide rail, it “walked” to each primary equipment, extended its “neck”, and rotated its “eyes” to scan the operation status of the equipment and collect real-time data.

Driven by the energy digital transformation, substations are accelerating their march toward “unmanned and intelligent” operation. The intelligent inspection robot in substations can replace manual labor to complete all inspection tasks for high-voltage substation equipment. Combined with a distributed inspection system, it realizes intelligent identification and linkage with station equipment, and achieves 7×24-hour high-frequency unmanned inspection through diversified inspection modes and an automatic charging system. Leveraging the robot’s characteristics of high precision, flexible response, and all-weather operation, and integrating intelligent detection devices and smart analysis software, it has established a closed-loop management and control system covering all-weather data collection, real-time information transmission, intelligent analysis and early warning, and rapid decision-making feedback, thereby enhancing intelligent operation and maintenance management capabilities.

From “human eye observation” to “machine perspective,” and from “experience-based judgment” to “data-driven decision-making,” intelligent inspection robots are redefining the smart standards for substation operation and maintenance. From flashlights to lidar, and from paper records to digital twins, this technology-driven revolution is reshaping the DNA of the power industry. Intelligent inspection robots are breaking down the physical boundaries of traditional operation and maintenance. This technological revolution, which began with equipment inspection, will eventually drive substations to evolve from “power hubs” into “smart energy centers.”

Prudential Singapore partners with IMDA to drive SMEs’ adoption of Generative AI

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Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 May 2025 – Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) has launched GenAI XPonential, a new programme in partnership with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to accelerate the adoption of Generative AI (GenAI) among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Unveiled by Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Mr Tan Kiat How, at ATxEnterprise – an Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) event held today – the programme is in support of the Digital Enterprise Blueprint and aims to equip SMEs with practical knowledge and real-world use cases to strengthen AI adoption.

As part of the programme, SMEs will gain access to a series of up to 10 bite-sized explainer videos and up to four hands-on workshops co-created and hosted by Prudential and its Talent Engagement Ecosystem (TEE-Up)1 partner, Republic Polytechnic. The first two videos on GenAI-enabled Customer Engagement Chatbots and GenAI-enabled Sales & Marketing Content Creation will be available on IMDA’s CTO-as-a-Service platform for SMEs, and the remaining videos will be rolled out progressively in the second half of 2025. The complementary workshops offered as part of the programme are conducted by Prudential’s GenAI domain experts and Republic Polytechnic lecturers.

Prudential has been a long-standing supporter of SMEs through its SME Skills Accelerator Programme2, which equips SMEs with the skills and resources to grow and innovate by upskilling and reskilling their employees. In 2022, the insurer had worked with Ngee Ann Polytechnic and ST Engineering to produce a digital commerce playbook to help SMEs kickstart their digital journey in a safe and secure manner3.

Mr Ben Tan, Chief Distribution Officer, Prudential Singapore, said: “Having been a long-time supporter of SMEs, who are a key pillar of Singapore’s economy, we are proud to deepen our commitment by enabling them to gain access to the latest technologies such as GenAI to fuel business growth. Through practical explainer videos and hands-on workshops conducted by us and Republic Polytechnic, one of our Talent Engagement Ecosystem partners, we aim to equip SMEs with the knowledge and skills to apply GenAI meaningfully in their businesses. These efforts are part of the GenAI XPonential programme, delivered in partnership with IMDA, to help SMEs innovate, grow, and stay competitive in today’s digital economy.”

Mr Johnson Poh, Assistant Chief Executive, Sectoral Transformation Group, IMDA, added: “In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, it is vital to equip our SMEs with the tools and knowledge to harness GenAI effectively. IMDA welcomes the collaboration with Prudential Singapore to ensure that our SMEs can navigate the complexities of this emerging technology, gain the confidence to use GenAI to boost productivity, and remain competitive in an AI-driven economy.”

Collaboration with students to bring GenAI to the fore

Students from Republic Polytechnic’s Year 2 and 3 cohorts were engaged to develop the GenAI XPonential tech explainer videos. Guided by experts from IMDA and Prudential, these students explored real-world GenAI applications while honing their videography and editing skills. These students were engaged for their digital fluency and to encourage knowledge sharing. Singapore’s youth are among the most active users of GenAI, with 80 per cent4 using the technology at least once a week for tasks such as homework or school-related tasks.

Ms Wong Wai Ling, Director, School of Infocomm, Republic Polytechnic, said: “This collaboration exemplifies how industry and education can come together to empower both students and SMEs in the GenAI space. Our students had a unique opportunity to translate classroom learning into practical outcomes, co-creating resources that will help local businesses harness the potential of emerging technologies. We are proud to support Singapore’s digital future by equipping youth with real-world skills while contributing to the nation’s broader upskilling efforts.”

Mr Ben Tan added: “By involving youth in the creation of educational content for SMEs, the broader initiative nurtures the next generation of AI creators who are confident in using new technologies and eager to drive change. It also encourages intergenerational learning, where students support SMEs in the digital economy, building a future-ready ecosystem grounded in knowledge sharing and innovation.”

This collaboration, supported by the National Youth Council, deepened students’ understanding of emerging technologies, served as a platform for them to apply their skills in a real-world setting, and is part of youth outreach initiatives aimed at helping SMEs upskill.

Hashtag: #PrudentialSingapore #IMDA #GenAIXPonential



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

About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore)

Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life and health insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country’s citizens for 94 years. The company has an AA- Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s, with S$57.7 billion funds under management as at 31 December 2024. It delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of more than 5,400 financial representatives.

About Infocomm Media Development Authority

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation by developing a vibrant digital economy and an inclusive digital society. As Architects of Singapore’s Digital Future, we foster growth in Infocomm Technology and Media sectors in concert with progressive regulations, harnessing frontier technologies, and developing local talent and digital infrastructure ecosystems to establish Singapore as a digital metropolis.

For more news and information, visit or follow IMDA on LinkedIn (IMDAsg) Facebook (IMDAsg) and Instagram (@imdasg).

IMAGICA GROUP Film Project: “Maria” Selected by Film Professionals Including Film Director Hirokazu Kore-eda at 78th Cannes Film Festival

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Advertorial Desk
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TOKYO, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IMAGICA GROUP Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, launched the IMAGICA GROUP Film Project as a new challenge to celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2025. The outline of the project, which will be the company’s first original film production, was announced on Wednesday, May 14, with “Maria” being selected as its first film at a press conference held at the Japan Pavilion of the 78th Cannes International Film Festival.

Image1:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108703/202505269457/_prw_PI1fl_GXwJ56s4.jpeg 

Image2:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108703/202505269457/_prw_PI2fl_2rZ4Ad06.jpeg 

Shunjiro Nagase, Representative Director, President and CEO of IMAGICA GROUP Inc. delivered opening remarks, followed by greetings from Hirokazu Kore-eda (Film Director), Shozo Ichiyama (Programming Director, Tokyo International Film Festival) and Yuka Sakano (Executive Director, Kawakita Memorial Film Institute), who served as jury members for the selection of the winning project.

Producer of the first award winning project “Maria,” Hana Tsuchikawa (Producer at OLM, Inc.), gave her impressions as the first winner, and the writer and director, Tomoka Terada, who was unable to appear at the conference in person, shared her feelings and introduced her project in a video message. The press conference ended with the jury’s overall comments on the winning film production project.

Comments from Press Conference Speakers

Shunjiro Nagase (President and CEO of IMAGICA GROUP Inc.)

“We have been considering what we should do now to support the visual culture of the future. In the process, we have come to the conclusion that it is important to bring new talents and works to the world and pursue the possibilities of Japanese visual expression on the global stage, and launched this project.

“The IMAGICA GROUP’s goal with this project is to realize the entry into and winning of awards at international film festivals. We asked three people to evaluate the projects: Director Hirokazu Kore-eda, Tokyo International Film Festival Programming Director Shozo Ichiyama, and Executive Director Yuka Sakano of the Kawakita Memorial Film Institute.”

Outline of the IMAGICA GROUP Film Project

Please see below link for further details and data including application requirements and official materials (photos, movie footage, press release):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11pBQrHQdNXVJKnBm_EhmxC0IYi-jiYPl 

IMAGICA GROUP 90th Anniversary Special Site
https://www.imagicagroup.co.jp/90th-anniversary/en/ 

Vientiane, Kunming Hospitals Partner to Boost Cardiac Care in Laos

By
admin
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Mahosot Hospital New Building in Vientiane
Mahosot Hospital New Building in Vientiane

On 26 May, Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane Capital renewed its partnership with Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital of Kunming, China, to enhance cardiac care in Laos.

The renewed agreement, covering 2025 to 2029, aims to strengthen cardiology services at Mahosot Hospital by focusing on staff training, medical technology exchange, and equipment support.

According to Lao State Media, the collaboration will help improve patient care, support disease prevention efforts, and advance medical research. Special attention will be given to pediatric heart surgeries, particularly for children born with congenital heart conditions.

Souxath Vongphachanh, Director General of Mahosot Hospital, said the new MoU continues a partnership that began in 2019 but was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This latest agreement comes in the context of broader cooperation between Laos and China in the healthcare sector.

On 12 October 2024, the Lao government inaugurated a new building for the hospital, designed to provide state-of-the-art medical care, utilizing advanced technology to benefit patients in Laos while offering convenience for healthcare providers, as part of the Lao-China cooperation “Belt and Road” initiative. 

Solid Innovation for Green Tomorrow! XCMG Excavator Hosts 7th International Customer Festival in Xuzhou

By
Advertorial Desk
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XUZHOU, China, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 7th XCMG International Customer Festival was held in Xuzhou, China, at XCMG’s state-of-the-art intelligent excavator manufacturing hub. The event highlighted next-generation smart, application-specific, and eco-conscious solutions through product showcases, hands-on demonstrations, and collaborative technical exchanges. Industry partners and customers from across the globe gathered to explore the latest innovations driving sustainable construction practices. 

XCMG Excavator Hosts 7th International Customer Festival in Xuzhou
XCMG Excavator Hosts 7th International Customer Festival in Xuzhou

From Achievements to Co-Creation: XCMG Debuts Full Line of Low-Emission Excavators

At the event, XCMG Excavator introduced 10 next-generation models powered by battery electric, and hybrid. Ranging from 1.5 to 70 tons, this comprehensive lineup underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to green transformation and robust sustainable product portfolio, in support of China’s Dual-Carbon goals.

In the live demonstration zone, customers test-drove the XE215EV electric excavator and praised its seamless maneuverability, responsive powertrain, and quiet operation — capabilities that align with today’s demands for productivity and operator comfort on job sites. 

Of note, customers from Northern Europe participated in technical discussions with XCMG’s R&D team to refine machine functionalities and explore technological improvements. The collaboration is aimed at developing tailored solutions that address evolving market requirements worldwide. 

From Products to Jobsite Solutions: XCMG Excavator Creates Real-World Operator Experiences

“I’ve operated the XE135F in Indonesia’s rainforests—it’s incredibly intuitive and adaptable,” an Indonesian customer remarked at the forestry equipment exhibit, drawing enthusiastic nods from other attendees. The event featured scenario-based zones showcasing static displays of forestry machinery, material handling solutions, and multi-attachment applications, alongside live demonstrations of earthmoving and steep-slope operations. The simulations gave customers a chance to evaluate the performance and durability of XCMG excavators in challenging field conditions. 

Interactive operator challenges, including “Excavator Basketball” and “Precision Hoop Drills”, energized attendees. A participant skillfully navigated the XE60G compact excavator to back-to-back victories in a precision control contest, drawing roars of approval. These innovative, hands-on activities deepened customer engagement, underscoring the machines’ exceptional performance and operational excellence. 

From Collaboration to Shared Success: XCMG Excavator Paves the Way for Global Partnership Growth

At the festival, one of XCMG’s Indonesian distributors reflected on their two-decade partnership, noting that since the first equipment delivery in 2005, the alliance has deployed over 8,000 units. He cited XCMG’s relentless innovation and custom-engineered solutions as key drivers for their continued collaboration.

XCMG Excavator also hosted dedicated dealer workshops focused on equipment applications, market insights, and strategies for aftersales support. Looking ahead, XCMG Excavator reaffirmed its commitment to global collaboration, building on its “Scenario + Product” approach to convert customer needs into shared value and sustainable growth.

For more information of XCMG Excavator, please visit https://www.xcmgglobal.com/solution/excavatots.htm.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/imag-34.jpg

AI+ Taipei Startup Pitch Contest: Open Call for Applications From Now Until June 30th

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Advertorial Desk
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TAIPEI CITY, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Calling all Global Innovators! The Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub (TEH), under the Taipei City Department of Economic Development (DOED), is thrilled to announce the “AI+ Taipei Startup Pitch Contest,” welcoming AI startups from across the globe to collaborate and redefine the future.

AI+ Taipei Startup Pitch Contest: Open Call for Applications From Now Until June 30th
AI+ Taipei Startup Pitch Contest: Open Call for Applications From Now Until June 30th

AI+ Taipei Startup Pitch Contest applications are open for submission and accepted until June 30, 2025, Taipei Time (UTC+8). Don’t miss this chance to showcase your innovative ideas and be part of the forefront of AI innovation in Taipei.

To foster international talent exchange and industry collaboration, TEH is committed to advancing AI innovation, a key driver of economic growth and complex problem-solving. Through the “AI+ Taipei Startup Pitch Contest,” we aim to attract top AI talent and startups, encouraging collaboration and unlocking new opportunities in Taipei.

This year, TEH has invited prestigious industry leaders and venture capital firms, including ASUS and SYSTEX, to serve as judges. International startups are encouraged to participate and develop market expansion plans targeting Taiwan. The 6 selected teams will be invited to Taipei for a Demo Day and business trip in late October, with travel and accommodation expenses fully covered by TEH, offering a unique opportunity to connect with potential partners and investors in Taiwan.

During their stay, customized matchmaking sessions and business itineraries will be arranged, facilitating networking and collaboration with Taipei-based companies, venture capital firms, and other key stakeholders.

The AI+ Taipei Startup Pitch Contest offers 6 global entrepreneurs a platform to exchange ideas, learn from leading AI experts, and forge partnerships with future collaborators and investors in Taiwan. Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming Demo Day, where top teams will showcase their innovative solutions in Taipei. Together, we look forward to building a brighter, AI-driven future.

About Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub (TEH):
TEH, which was established in 2021, is a government-backed international community for innovative talents in Taipei. The goals include supporting foreign startups to soft-land in Taipei through online/offline programs like networking events, boot camps, pitch contests, match-makings, and Demo Day. For more information on our activities, please visit our official Facebook page at [Link] or our LinkedIn page at [Link].

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