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Hang Lung’s 65th Anniversary Celebrations Arrive at Shanghai Grand Gateway 66 and Plaza 66 Debut of “ButterBear” & Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Pop-up

Fuel double-digit growth in foot traffic and sale


HONG KONG SAR and SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 April 2025 – Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK Stock Code: 00101) (the “Company” or “Hang Lung”) launched the second wave of its 65th anniversary celebrations in Shanghai. This wave, developed in partnership with globally popular IP “ButterBear” for Grand Gateway 66 and renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami for Plaza 66, featured innovative cultural and immersive retail experiences that are proving popular with shoppers across the city.

Debut of international IP “ButterBear” at Grand Gateway 66
Debut of international IP “ButterBear” at Grand Gateway 66

Global premiere of Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Immersive Garden Experience with the theme “Full Bloom”
Global premiere of Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Immersive Garden Experience with the theme “Full Bloom”

The celebrations have driven significant growth in foot traffic and sales at Shanghai’s Grand Gateway 66 and Plaza 66, further enhancing the vibrancy of Xujiahui and Jing’an districts. Hang Lung continues its leadership of the “66” brand as the “Pulse of the City” by bringing unforgettable retail and cultural experiences to the heart of the city.

Cultural Tourism as a Commercial Growth Driver
Mr. Derek Pang, Senior Director – Mainland Business Operation of Hang Lung Properties, said, “For our 65th anniversary celebrations, the ’66’ brand has partnered with global powerhouses in art and culture to bring people truly unique and immersive retail experiences. These efforts also support the government’s strategy to integrate culture, commerce, and tourism as part of its goal to build top-tier international consumption center cities.” He added, “The celebrations feature thoughtfully curated, distinctive experiences that appeal to customers of all ages, which we believe will broaden our reach and boost the community’s retail scene. Notably, both Shanghai projects offer an instant tax refund service, a great new experience for international shoppers, tapping into the trend of consumption upgrade, and fueling the city’s commercial vibrancy.”

“ButterBear” Makes Shanghai Debut with Gen Z as Core Customers
From April 19 to May 20, Grand Gateway 66 in Shanghai is presenting an interactive showcase featuring “ButterBear” in various styles. Multiple photogenic scenes imbued with “dopamine aesthetics” were a hit with younger Gen Z customers, including installations such as the “Super Star Support Van,” “Fashion Show Stage,” “Celebrity Lounge,” and “Idol Practice Room”. During the launch weekend of the event, Grand Gateway 66 recorded a foot traffic increase of more than 30% and sales growth by 36% on a week-on-week basis. Members of HOUSE 66, our customer relationship management program, contributed significant sales, which rose 40% from the previous weekend.

Grand Gateway 66 also released popular “ButterBear” limited-edition merchandise with distinctive Shanghai characteristics, such as the “White Magnolia Pendant” and “Spotted Pendant”. As the event concludes, the mall will gather 65 different styles of “ButterBear” to commemorate Hang Lung’s 65th anniversary.

Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Global Premiere – Perfect Integration of Art and Commerce
From April 22 to 28, the highly anticipated global premiere of renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Immersive Garden Experience takes place in Plaza 66. With the theme “Full Bloom,” Plaza 66 is transformed into a dazzling flower field, combining Murakami’s iconic sunflower symbols with cherry blossom trees. The location also features a limited-time coffee experience zone, and consumers may receive exclusive branded tote bags as souvenirs.

From April to May, over 100 international brands within the mall will curate various events and interactive installations, offering guests exclusive encounters and limited-edition merchandise. This includes Asia’s first garden-themed pop-up store by the French luxury brand Goyard, lasting from May 1 to 11, which will bring a refined, spring-inspired touch of luxury to shoppers.

Enthusiastic crowds of fashionistas and art lovers flocked to the Murakami pop-up on its opening day, driving a 30% increase in foot traffic compared to normal days. This highlights the global appeal of Murakami’s artistic works and strengthens Plaza 66’s position as Shanghai’s top lifestyle landmark.

Hang Lung’s 65th anniversary celebration extends beyond Shanghai with multiple exciting events planned nationwide. The “Wiggle We Go” tour, launched in early April as the first signature event and now making its way across mainland China in six cities, showcases immersive installations and limited-time offerings that bring global pop culture to local customers – reinforcing Hang Lung’s leadership in shaping retail and new lifestyle experiences.

Hashtag: #HangLungProperties

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

About Hang Lung Properties

Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the “66” brand, the company’s Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the “Pulse of the City”. Hang Lung Properties is also recognized for leading the way in enhancing sustainability initiatives in the real estate industry, all the while pursuing sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities.

At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.

For more information, please visit .

How Deer Hunters Are Rewriting the Rules of Twilight with HIKMICRO HABROK 4K?

HANGZHOU, China, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Twilight is the prime time for hunting, but dusk creates the most challenging conditions for traditional optics that struggle to see in the fading light. Using outdated equipment can result in missed opportunities at the vital moment, but HIKMICRO has the ultimate solution for hunting success at any light level and into the night.

HIKMICRO HABROK 4K Twilight Performance
HIKMICRO HABROK 4K Twilight Performance

Over the past year, hunters around the world have abandoned traditional optics in favour of the HIKMICRO HABROK 4K, which has revolutionized round-the-clock hunting with its unrivalled digital and thermal capability. These game-changing digital binoculars are born out of HIKMICRO’s refusal to accept the traditional twilight limitations. HABROK 4K has rewritten the rules of low-light hunting, enabling hunters to enjoy crystal-clear viewing from daylight to total darkness – it’s not just a hunting tool, it’s a movement.

HIKMICRO HABROK 4K – The First Choice Digital and Thermal Binocular for Deer Hunters

HIKMICRO developed the HABROK 4K by listening to hunters. This collaboration with the global hunting community means that HABROK 4K’s ultra-refined twilight performance is based on real-world feedback from the people who are putting their kit to the ultimate test. That’s why HABROK 4K has superseded traditional binoculars to become the go-to choice for hunters who demand the best performance in the toughest twilight scenarios.

Twilight Tracking: Outperforming Optical Binoculars

While other optics fail as the sun sinks beneath the hills, HABROK 4K rises to the challenge to become the ultimate low-light hunting companion. Outperforming traditional 10×56 binoculars with its 95% light transmission, it excels where the rest falter. Just like the wary buck emerging cautiously from cover in the fading light, HABROK 4K is now in its natural environment – cutting through the darkness to reveal the secrets of the twilight world. Where others see only blackness, HABROK 4K shows the finest detail – sharp and bright with the clearest definition.

4K UHD: Vivid Colors to Twilight

While conventional optics reduce the golden glow of sunset to murky greys, HABROK 4K reveals the great outdoors in all its glory, bringing it to life in vivid full color 4K UHD. Nothing goes unseen; the chestnut hue and fine texture of the deer’s coat, the subtle twitch of foliage on the woodland edge, and the glint of the last fiery rays catching the buck’s antlers as it pauses to sniff the cool evening air. Apart from serving as important signs for the distant hunter watching from the hill, these details add to the thrill of the hunt. Twilight is the canvas on which HABROK 4K works its magical artistry, immersing you in the beauty of nature and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

HIKMICRO EIS Stability: Precision at High Magnification

The fading light gives the buck confidence to venture from the cover of the woods. The hunter zooms in closer, tracking every cautious step as the deer leaves its woodland sanctuary to feed on the open field. Even at high (22x) magnification, HABROK 4K’s advanced Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) keeps the view rock steady. The hunter’s hands are trembling from the exertion of the climb and the excitement of encountering such a worthy adversary, yet the image is unfaltering. A distant target and thumping pulse make no difference, the view through HABROK 4K remains smooth and stable, leaving the hunter free from distraction and fully focused on the drama of the twilight hunt.

HABROK 4K is an All-In-One Solution: Making Easy Work of Day, Night and Twilight

The buck moves behind a rocky outcrop, forcing the hunter to shift position to maintain visual contact. The HABROK 4K is light and compact, combining all viewing options in a single package. Free from the burden of carrying multiple optics, the hunter moves with ease to follow his quarry.

From a new vantage point, the hunter switches HABROK 4K from full-color 5.5-22×60 binocular to thermal viewing. The buck’s heat profile stands out like a beacon and the hunt resumes.

Now the hunter switches HABROK 4K to night mode, utilizing its integral IR illuminator to banish the darkness. A pin-sharp monochrome image confirms that this is the beast the hunter wants. HABROK 4K’s 1000m built-in laser rangefinder reveals exact distance to target. The hunter takes aim and the twilight adventure comes to a successful conclusion as the moon rises over the wild landscape.

Twilight is the ultimate test in the hunt for the last five minutes, HABROK 4K has passed with flying colors.

HIKMICRO — Pioneering the Future, One Sunset at a Time

The hunt reaches its most critical point during the magical moments between day and night. HABROK 4K becomes an essential tool for success in these vital final five minutes of daylight, buying the hunter valuable extra time when traditional binoculars are no longer of use.

With superior low-light performance, full-color 4K UHD imaging, and stability powered by advanced EIS technology, HABROK 4K continues to provide clear viewing in the fading light – when successful hunters need it most. Whether watching a buck as it creeps out from cover or tracking a deer moving swiftly across a twilight field, HABROK 4K ensures that no detail is missed. Own the hunt by entering the new season with the No.1 choice for all-day, all-light hunting excellence: HABROK 4K.

The Legacy Continues – New HABROK 4K model coming in May

HIKMICRO never stands still and works tirelessly to deliver the best digital and thermal hunting solutions on the market.

The next step in the journey of all-light domination is a 4K upgrade for the HABROK HQ35L 5.5-22x. This model has been refined in line with feedback received direct from leading deer hunters. Breathtaking day, twilight and night viewing are ensured by a 640 thermal detector with 20mK NETD and 4K UHD image resolution. The long list of features includes 250m identification range, 1000m laser range finder, detachable IR illuminator, video and audio recording. HABROK 4K truly is the all-in-one deer hunting solution, delivering the highest level of performance by day and during the vital minutes of twilight.

Share Your Twilight Highlights and Bag a Binocular Harness

Join the movement by using the #Last5minsofdaytimedeerhunting tag when you share your twilight hunting highlights with the HABROK 4K on social media.

HIKMICRO is even offering the chance to get a free binocular harness while supporting international wildlife conservation. To take part in the Bag the Deal, Share the Care offer, simply purchase the HIKMICRO HABROK 4K HE25L/LN 5.5-22×60 from April 22 to June 30 2025 and complete registration via the official HIKMICRO website: https://www.hikmicrotech.com. You get a free binocular harness and HIKMICO will donate 1€ to The International Council for Wildlife Conservation so you can share the care while owning the #Last5minsofdaytimedeerhunting.

Suit Up for Battle in KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME – Global Pre-Registration Starts April 25

Kickoff Trailer and Gameplay Details Revealed

LOS ANGELES, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The hit manga-turned-anime phenomenon Kaiju No. 8 is expanding its universe with KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME, a brand-new Kaiju-Slaying Battle RPG for smartphone and PC. Co-produced by Akatsuki Games, TOHO and Production I.G., the game immerses players in the explosive world of Naoya Matsumoto’s best-selling series. The global pre-registration is now live (excluding Mainland China), alongside the release of the full trailer and key game details.

© JAKDF 3rd Division © Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA | © Akatsuki Games Inc./TOHO CO., LTD./Production I.G
© JAKDF 3rd Division © Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA | © Akatsuki Games Inc./TOHO CO., LTD./Production I.G

With over 18 million copies in circulation in Japan and a worldwide fanbase, Kaiju No. 8 is one of the most acclaimed series in recent years. The upcoming game brings its massive scale and intensity to life, letting players experience exhilarating attacks with intuitive controls as they battle towering Kaiju in fast-paced, cinematic combat that stays true to the heart-pounding action of the original story.

Offering a fresh spin on turn-based combat, KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME lets players crush colossal Kaiju with a game-changing blow in this Kaiju-Slaying Battle RPG. The game pairs accessible gameplay with high-impact visuals, cinematic Ultimate Moves, and high-fidelity models of titanic Kaiju that bring the world of Kaiju No. 8 vividly to life. In addition to exploring Kafka Hibino’s story, the game features an all-new original storyline, expanding the lore and deepening the universe for fans.

Kickoff Trailer and Special Broadcast Now Streaming

The Kaiju No. 8 Anime x Game Special Broadcast premiered today with the first full trailer and gameplay details. The broadcast spotlighted iconic characters from the elite Defense Force: Kafka Hibino, Mina Ashiro, Reno Ichikawa, Kikoru Shinomiya and Soshiro Hoshina, teaming up to protect Japan from calamitous Kaiju.

Pre-Register Now for Exclusive In-Game Rewards

KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME is now open for pre-registration on the App Store, Google Play and Steam. Upon reaching each pre-registration milestone, players will be presented with exclusive in-game rewards such as a Playable Character★4 [Aiming for Greater Heights] Mina Ashiro, after the official launch. Don’t miss your chance to stand against the Kaiju — join the fight today.

Game Overview

  • Title: KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME
  • Platforms: iOS App Store / Google Play / Steam®
  • Price: Free-to-play (in-game purchases available)
  • Supported Languages: Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, French
  • Planning & Production: Akatsuki Games Inc. / TOHO CO., LTD. / Production I.G
  • Development & Operation: Akatsuki Games Inc.
  • Publisher: Akatsuki Games Inc.
  • Publicity Cooperation: TOHO CO., LTD., Production I.G
  • Copyright:
    © JAKDF 3rd Division © Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA
    © Akatsuki Games Inc./TOHO CO., LTD./Production I.G
  • Official Website: https://kj8-thegame.com
  • X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/kj8_TheGame_EN
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kj8-TheGame-EN

About Kaiju No. 8

Based on the popular manga series by Naoya Matsumoto, currently serialized on Shonen Jump+ (published by Shueisha) since 2020, the anime Kaiju No. 8 tells the story of the Japan Defense Force, an elite unit tasked with protecting civilians by eliminating the monstrous Kaiju that threaten daily life. The original manga has surpassed 18 million copies in circulation in Japan, with over 700 million total views on Shonen Jump+ as of April 2025.

The anime, which aired from April to June 2024, achieved tremendous popularity—ranking No. 1 on daily streaming charts across major platforms in Japan. A compilation of Anime Kaiju No. 8 Season 1 was released in theaters alongside the special feature Hoshina’s Day Off on March 28, 2025. The highly anticipated Season 2 is officially slated to air in July 2025.

Official Anime Website: https://kaiju-no8.net/
Official Anime X: https://twitter.com/KaijuNo8_O

About Akatsuki Games Inc.
It is our mission to connect the emotions of people around the world by putting our beliefs and “why” into games. We challenge ourselves to create global hits as a world-class game company with the highest standards of development and operation in Japan.
In addition to the experience of operating games such as Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle (published by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.) and Romancing SaGa Re; Universe (published by SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.), we are taking on the challenges of using high-end 3D graphics display and development on multiple devices. We will deliver the highest quality games for everyone around the world to enjoy.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/akatsuki_games.jpg

KB FINANCIAL GROUP INC. FILES ITS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 20-F

SEOUL, South Korea, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 25, 2025, KB Financial Group Inc. filed its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  The 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F can be downloaded from www.kbfg.com, as well as from the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.  Investors may request a hard copy of the 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F, free of charge, by contacting kbir@kbfg.com

About KB Financial Group Inc.

KB Financial Group is Korea’s leading financial services provider, offering a broad range of financial products and services. The Group was founded in 2008 to better serve clients, enable growth and deliver value in a rapidly changing financial environment. Our core strengths are our expertise, broad customer base, wide distribution network and strong franchise value.

Under the Group, there are 11 subsidiaries including KB Kookmin Bank, KB Securities, KB Insurance, KB Kookmin Card, KB Life Insurance, KB Asset Management, KB Capital, KB Real Estate Trust, KB Savings Bank, KB Investment, and KB Data Systems. Through our businesses, we provide integrated financial solutions and services that help our clients achieve their financial goals and thrive.

For more information, please visit the Investor Relations section of the website of KB Financial Group Inc. at www.kbfg.com.

Contact information regarding this press release:

Mr. Suk Young Sun, Tel: 82 2 2073 2813, Email: tobegreat7@kbfg.com

Yatsen CEO on Science-Backed Beauty, Turnaround Strategy, and Global Positioning

SHANGHAI, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On a recent episode of Bloomberg’s China Show, David (Jingfeng) Huang, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Yatsen Holding Ltd. (NYSE: YSG), offered a revealing look into how the Chinese beauty tech company is evolving from a trend-savvy startup into a global innovation leader.

From a growing portfolio of brands to deep investments in science and R&D, Huang positioned Yatsen as a rare hybrid—both agile and deeply rooted in long-term thinking. His message was clear: beauty is being redefined, and Yatsen intends to lead the next era.


A Vision to Build a Tech-Driven Beauty Powerhouse

Founded in 2016, Yatsen first captured attention through Perfect Diary, now a mainstream brand in China. Since then, the company has expanded to 11 brands, spanning mass, masstige, and premium tiers.

Its lineup includes France’s Galenic, focused on cellular anti-aging, the sensorial British skincare brand EVE LOM, and dermatologist-backed Dr.Wu. Together, these brands reflect a deliberate strategy: address varied consumer needs with credible, differentiated propositions.

“Our vision was always to build a next-generation beauty tech company,” Huang explained. “From trend-driven to science-backed, we now offer products across all major segments—what unites them is innovation.”

China’s Beauty Consumers: Smart, Selective, and Innovation-Hungry

The domestic beauty market in China is vast—valued at over RMB 400 billion—yet remains fragmented. Even the top players only command single-digit market shares, giving agile innovators room to grow.

Despite recent macro challenges, Huang is confident: “Chinese consumers are still highly willing to pay—as long as the product truly delivers.”

That belief led to one of Yatsen’s breakout hits: the Biolip Essence Lipstick. Priced similarly to global luxury brands, this hybrid product combines high-performance color with skincare benefits, including patented ingredients that stimulate collagen and reduce lip wrinkles.

“It’s not just makeup. It’s biotech in a lipstick,” Huang said. “And the market responded—we’ve seen strong repurchase and loyalty.”


Science-Led Premiumization: A Strategic Pivot

Yatsen’s transformation goes beyond branding. In 2021, the company initiated a strategic shift: lean harder into skincare, R&D, and innovation-led premiumization. The move was both ambitious and risky, as it involved restructuring operations, reallocating capital, and riding out a tough market cycle.

“Turning around a public company isn’t easy,” said Huang. “But we knew where the market was going—toward science-backed, benefit-driven beauty. We invested over $80 million in R&D, filed 240+ patents, and published in top-tier journals like Nature Medicine and Science Bulletin.”

He added that 3% of Yatsen’s revenue is now allocated to R&D—putting the company among global leaders in innovation spend ratio in the beauty category.

Profitability Resumed, Market Confidence Growing

While Yatsen’s stock price has yet to return to IPO levels, Huang emphasized the fundamentals are stronger than ever.

“Since last quarter, investor feedback has been increasingly positive. But more important than sentiment is performance—we’ve resumed profitable growth, with a long-term focus on value creation,” he said.

The turnaround, built on disciplined brand building and product innovation, has earned Yatsen growing respect among long-term investors.

“We believe the equity market is a weighing machine over time. Our job is to do the right things—R&D, great products, strong brands—and the value will follow.”

Resilience in a Volatile Global Landscape

Huang also addressed concerns around trade and supply chain disruptions, particularly in light of global tariff tensions.

While the beauty industry is highly globalized, Yatsen has insulated itself well. Most of its components and ingredients are sourced domestically, and its primary market remains mainland China.

“We’re not immune, but we’re well-positioned,” he said. “We monitor risks—supplier stability, cross-border issues—but our current exposure is manageable. Still, we stay agile.”

When asked whether cost increases from potential tariffs would be passed on to consumers, Huang pointed to the brand’s focus on delivering value, not just price.

“Consumers are smart. Post-COVID, they’re more price-sensitive, but they’re not chasing the lowest price. They want high value—products that justify their cost.”

A Different Playbook From Global Competitors

Huang believes that Yatsen’s unique blend of local insight and global scientific ambition sets it apart from multinationals struggling to regain ground in China.

“We’re not just following trends—we’re deeply embedded in where Chinese consumer preferences are heading,” he said. “Biotech, neuroscience, ingredient innovation—this is where we’re betting big.”

Yatsen is already seeing results from this strategy with loyal followings for products under brands like Galenic and high-performance serums featuring vitamin A and C.

In a nod to its future direction, Huang revealed that Yatsen is now exploring neuroscience applications in skincare—a niche with massive long-term potential.

Capital Strategy: Transparency, Optionality, and Growth

On the capital markets front, Huang acknowledged investor concerns around ADR delistings and so on. But Yatsen is taking a disciplined, transparent approach.

The company completed a $200 million share buyback, reinforcing confidence and alignment with shareholders.

Yatsen represents a rare blend of scale, agility, and innovation depth. With proven market traction, a science-led product pipeline, and a profitable operating model, the company is positioned to capture long-term share in a fragmented, fast-evolving industry. In terms of Yatsen’s vision,  “We’re not just making beauty products,” Huang concluded, “We’re inventing the future of beauty—and we’re just getting started.”

Ping An Reports Steady 2.4% Growth In Operating Profit Attributable to Shareholders of the Parent Company in Q1 2025, Life & Health NBV Jumps 34.9% YoY, Group Total Assets Rise above RMB13 Trillion

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (hereafter “Ping An” or the “Group”, HKEX: 2318; SSE: 601318) today announced its first quarter financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

With macroeconomic policies continuing to exert their effects, China’s economy achieved a steady start, maintaining an upward trend in the first three months of 2025. However, foundations for sustained economic recovery and growth still needed to be strengthened due to an increasingly complex and severe external environment, subdued domestic effective demand, and volatile capital markets. Ping An maintained steady performance with solid fundamentals in overall operations by focusing on its core financial businesses, driving innovation, and pursuing high-quality development.

The Group’s operating profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company rose 2.4% year on year to RMB37,907 million in the first three months of 2025. Life and health insurance (“Life & Health”) business’s operating profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company rose 5.0% year on year to RMB26,864 million. The Group’s total assets rose above RMB13 trillion to RMB13.18 trillion as of March 31, 2025. Life & Health business developed steadily with enhanced multi-channel capabilities and high quality. New business value (“NBV”) rose strongly by 34.9% year on year to RMB12,891 million and NBV margin grew 10.4 pps year on year to 32.0% in the first three months of 2025. Notably, NBV from the bancassurance channel and community finance channel jumped 170.8% and 171.3% year on year respectively. Ping An further advanced its integrated finance model. Retail customers increased 1.0% from the beginning of the year to nearly 245 million as of March 31, 2025. The retention rate of retail customers holding four or more contracts within the Group was 98.0%. Ping An further advanced its health and senior care strategy. Nearly 63% of Ping An’s nearly 245 million retail customers were entitled to service benefits in the health and senior care ecosystem as of March 31, 2025. Ping An’s insurance funds achieved sound investment results. The investment portfolio achieved an unannualized comprehensive investment yield of 1.3% in the first three months of 2025, up 0.2 pps year on year.

1.    Deepening Integrated Finance; Strengthening Multichannel Development in Life Insurance

Ping An enhanced the development of retail customers under a customer needs-oriented philosophy. The Group’s retail customers increased 1.0% from the beginning of the year to nearly 245 million and contracts per retail customer grew 0.3% from the beginning of the year to 2.93 as of March 31, 2025. High customer retention. The retention rate of customers holding four or more contracts within the Group was 98.0% as of March 31, 2025, 11.9 pps higher than that of those holding only one contract. Strong customer growth. There were 8.64 million new customers in the first three months of 2025, up 20.0% year on year. Deep product penetration. Penetration rates of life and health insurance products as well as property and casualty insurance products were relatively high and grew steadily to 45.8% (up 0.9 pps from the beginning of the year) and 30.7% (up 0.1 pps from the beginning of the year) respectively as of March 31, 2025.

Life & Health NBV achieved robust growth. Ping An Life continued to enhance its channels and improve business quality under the “4 channels + 3 products” strategy in the first three months of 2025. By upgrading “insurance + service” solutions, Ping An Life continuously strengthened its presence in health and senior care sectors and provided customers with professional, heartwarming services, enabling high-quality development of the company. Life & Health NBV grew 34.9% year on year to RMB12,891 million with NBV margin based on annualized new premium rising 10.4 pps year on year to 32.0% in the first three months of 2025. Significantly enhanced multichannel capabilities. Through continuously deepening transformation and focusing on a team development framework that prioritized the cultivation, recruitment and fostering of high-quality agents, the agent channel NBV increased by 11.5% year on year, and NBV per agent increased by 14.0% year on year. Bancassurance channel NBV surged by 170.8% year on year, as Ping An Life adhered to a diversification strategy, standardized outlet operations, and developed high-performing teams. The community finance channel NBV soared by 171.3% year on year, as Ping An Life had set up 131 community finance outlets in 93 cities, and built elite teams of nearly 24,000 “high-competence, high-performing, and high-quality” agents as of March 31, 2025. The community finance channel’s overall persistency ratio of “retained customers” improved by 0.5 pps year on year in the first three months of 2025, thanks to continuous breakthroughs in customer development. “Insurance + Service” solutions were upgraded. Ping An Life provided nearly 10 million customers with health management services in the first three months of 2025. Over 190,000 customers qualified for home-based senior care services, which covered 75 cities nationwide as of March 31, 2025. Ping An had unveiled a total of six premium health and senior care communities in five cities as of March 31, 2025, which are currently under construction. The communities in Shanghai and Shenzhen are scheduled to open for business in the second half of 2025.

Ping An P&C maintained steady insurance business growth and good business quality. Ping An P&C’s premium income grew 7.7% year on year to RMB85,138 million and insurance revenue rose 0.7% year on year to RMB81,153 million in the first three months of 2025. Overall combined ratio improved by 3.0 pps year on year to 96.6%. The company accelerated transformation by actively applying AI technologies represented by DeepSeek to its core business processes, optimizing operational and business models to forge a new driver of high-quality growth.

Ping An’s insurance funds investment achieved solid results. The investment portfolio achieved an unannualized comprehensive investment yield of 1.3%, up 0.2 pps year on year. The Group’s insurance funds investment portfolio grew 3.3% from the beginning of the year to over RMB5.92 trillion as of March 31, 2025.

Ping An Bank maintained steady business performance and stable asset quality. The bank’s revenue and net profit totaled RMB33,709 million and RMB14,096 million respectively in the first three months of 2025 as a result of market changes and business mix optimization. Non-performing loan ratio and provision coverage ratio were 1.06% and 236.53% respectively as of March 31, 2025. Core tier 1 capital adequacy ratio rose 0.29 pps from the beginning of the year to 9.41% as of March 31, 2025.

2.    Differentiation-Enabled Core Financial Businesses Under the Health and Senior Care Strategy

Ping An’s health and senior care ecosystem created both standalone direct value and huge indirect value by enabling its core financial businesses via differentiated “Product + Service” offerings. Nearly 63% of Ping An’s nearly 245 million retail customers were entitled to service benefits in the health and senior care ecosystem as of March 31, 2025. They held approximately 3.37 contracts and RMB61,200 in assets under management per capita, 1.6 times and 4.0 times those held by retail customers not entitled to these service benefits respectively.

Ping An made significant progress in customer development by effectively integrating insurance with health and senior care services. Ping An’s health and senior care ecosystem enables its core financial businesses through customer acquisition and retention. Synergies between integrated finance and the health and senior care ecosystem give Ping An Health and PKU Healthcare Group access to corporate and retail customers of Ping An’s financial businesses. They also give companies including Ping An Life access to service benefits in the Group’s health and senior care ecosystem. The Group’s health and senior care ecosystem had over 42,000 paying corporate clients and generated over RMB38.5 billion in health insurance premium income in the first three months of 2025. Over 190,000 customers qualified for home-based senior care services, which covered 75 cities nationwide as of March 31, 2025. Ping An has unveiled premium health and senior care communities in 5 cities.

The proprietary flagship business maintained an upward trend, while the integrated “online, in-store, in-home, and in-company” service network was further optimized. In respect of proprietary flagships, PKU Healthcare Group’s revenue grew steadily to approximately RMB1,200 million in the first three months of 2025. Peking University International Hospital’s revenue grew about 9% year on year to approximately RMB550 million, and the number of outpatient visits exceeded 302,000 in the first three months of 2025. In respect of partner networks, Ping An provided services via an “online, in-store, in-home and in-company” network by integrating domestic and overseas premium resources including medical services, health services, commodities and medicines. Ping An had about 50,000 in-house doctors and external doctors in China as of March 31, 2025. It also partnered with nearly 37,000 hospitals (including all top 100 hospitals and 3A hospitals), approximately 105,000 health management institutions and nearly 239,000 pharmacies (up by over 3,500 from the beginning of the year) in China as of March 31, 2025.

3.    Building a “9+5+3” Moat to Implement AI Technologies; Integrating Large Models with Business Application Scenarios

The Group built a “9+5+3” moat to implement AI technologies. The nine databases process over 1 billion data entries per day on average, covering 240 million financial customers, providing deep insights into user needs and enabling user experience improvements. The five labs (Micro-Expression Lab, Computer Vision Lab, Speech & NLP Lab, Data Analytics Lab, and Silicon Valley Lab) continuously explore cutting-edge technologies. The three tech member companies (Ping An Technology, Ping An Health, and OneConnect) focus on expanding the breadth and depth of AI application scenarios. Ping An has accumulated vast amounts of data that can be used to train large models, and continuously develops vertical large models for domains including finance, health care and senior care. Trained with a domain data corpus containing over 3.2 trillion tokens, approximately 310 thousand hours of labeled speeches and over 7.5 billion images, Ping An’s large speech models, large language models, and large vision models have achieved industry-leading accuracy rates in scenarios. The Group cumulatively won 45 championships in domestic and overseas AI competitions, and cumulatively filed 55,435 patent applications as of March 31, 2025, leading most international financial institutions.

Technology enabled core financial businesses by reducing costs, enhancing efficiency, and mitigating risks. The volume of services provided by Ping An’s AI service representatives reached about 450 million times, accounting for 80% of Ping An’s total customer service volume in the first three months of 2025. By efficiently addressing inquiries and resolving complaints, they significantly reduced human service costs. Via smart underwriting, smart claim settlement and smart policy renewal, 93% of life insurance policies were underwritten within seconds, 56% of life insurance claims were settled through Smart Quick Claim, and reinstatement of life insurance policies accelerated by 12%. Moreover, Ping An P&C’s claims savings via smart fraud detection grew 14.0% year on year to RMB3.42 billion as Ping An continuously strengthened risk management.

Ping An actively fulfilled its social responsibilities by supporting green development and rural vitalization. The Group’s green insurance premium income amounted to RMB16,880 million and funds provided for rural industrial vitalization via “Rural Communities Support” totaled RMB15,653 million in the first three months of 2025.

Looking ahead, the national strategies of innovation-driven development and the expansion of domestic demand will continue to provide strong momentum for domestic demand growth and economic recovery. Meanwhile, rising complexity, severity, and uncertainty in the external environment pose both opportunities and challenges. Ping An firmly believes that the industry’s long-term fundamentals will remain positive. With stronger business resilience and enhanced management capabilities, Ping An is committed to deepening its core financial businesses and driving performance growth. The Group will continue to advance its technology-driven “integrated finance + health and senior care” strategy, implement digital transformation and “worry-free, time-saving, and money-saving” value proposition, bolster five key financial sectors (technology finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance, and digital finance). Ping An is dedicated to creating long-term, stable, and sustainable value for customers, employees, shareholders, and society.

 

X Financial Files Annual Report on Form 20-F for Fiscal Year 2024

SHENZHEN, China, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the “Company” or “we”), a leading online personal finance company in China, today announced it filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on April 25, 2025. The annual report can be accessed on the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com as well as the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

The Company will provide a hard copy of its annual report containing the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders upon request. Requests should be directed to the Company’s IR Department at ir@xiaoying.com

About X Financial

X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the “Company”) is a leading online personal finance company in China. The Company is committed to connecting borrowers on its platform with its institutional funding partners. With its proprietary big data-driven technology, the Company has established strategic partnerships with financial institutions across multiple areas of its business operations, enabling it to facilitate and originate loans to prime borrowers under a risk assessment and control system.

For more information, please visit: https://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com.

For more information, please contact:

X Financial
Mr. Frank Fuya Zheng
E-mail: ir@xiaoying.com 

Christensen IR

In China
Mr. Rene Vanguestaine
Phone: +86-178-1749 0483
E-mail: rene.vanguestaine@christensencomms.com 

In US
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Phone: +1-480-614-3004
Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com

Xinhua Silk Road: E. China’s Zaozhuang City boosts spring farming with smart agriculture

BEIJING, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shizhong District of Zaozhuang City in east China’s Shandong Province is harnessing smart agriculture technologies to enhance spring farming efficiency, with its 600-mu (40-hectare) Wonong Smart Agricultural Industrial Park leading the transformation.

The park’s tomato crops, now entering harvest season, have achieved an 80 percent reduction in water use and a 30 percent yield increase through precision irrigation and nutrient systems.

Equipped with integrated water-fertilization and digital temperature-control systems, the park’s greenhouses use sensors to monitor real-time environmental data, including temperature, humidity, and light.

Farmers remotely adjust irrigation, ventilation, and climate settings via smartphones, enabling “cloud-based spring ploughing” to counter unpredictable weather.

The park’s 74 newly built high-standard greenhouses employ full-element nutrition fertilization, delivering tailored nutrient solutions directly to plant roots based on growth stages.

In addition, local agricultural experts provide on-site guidance to optimize pest control and crop varieties, ensuring stable production for the park’s smart farming zone.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/345367.html