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Love Learning Chinese? Chinesia Launches Global Live & One-on-One Classes This May

HONG KONG, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chinesia, the Mandarin learning app beloved by a new generation of language learners, has officially announced the launch of its Live Classes and Personalized One-on-One Programs starting May 2025.

Chinesia
Chinesia

Designed for beginners, Chinesia has won the hearts of young learners across Southeast Asia with its exquisite illustrations, gamified lessons, and a lovable panda mascot that reflects elements of traditional Chinese culture. The app combines AI coaching, cultural immersion, and multilingual support, now available in more than 20 interface languages including Thai, Vietnamese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and English.

This May, Chinesia will roll out international learning programs:

  • Live Group Classes in Thailand, Vietnam, North Africa, and Indonesia
  • One-on-One Personalized Programs in North America, Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia

Why is Chinesia gaining momentum so quickly?

Beyond its innovative tech and appealing visuals, Chinesia offers a deeply immersive and practical learning experience. In partnership with Beijing Foreign Studies University, Chinesia has developed a comprehensive Chinese learning solution tailored to the diverse needs of global learners. It goes beyond traditional study methods to offer:

  • 200+ video-based lessons covering everyday life scenarios and HSK vocabulary
  • A gamified learning system that builds listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a fun and effective way
  • An exclusive 100-episode animated series that brings Chinese culture to life, helping learners understand the language through rich cultural storytelling

“Chinesia blends AI tutoring with real-life culture and short video stories — so you learn the way people actually talk, not just how textbooks write,” said the company’s CEO. “This is where Chinesia truly stands out.”

With China now the largest trading partner for 166 countries and regions, Mandarin proficiency is becoming increasingly valuable. According to China’s National Immigration Administration, cross-border travel surged to 610 million trips in 2024, a 43.9% year-on-year increase — reflecting a growing global connection with Chinese-speaking communities.

Chinesia is perfectly positioned to ride this wave, offering a modern, dynamic, and culturally rich approach to Mandarin learning.

Backed by a passionate team of educators and technologists, Chinesia is on a mission to become the leading platform for learning Chinese worldwide.

Chinesia is now available globally on both the App Store and Google Play.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zysd.chinesia 
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/chinesia-learn-chinese/id6450110383

Contact:
Jade Rong
jade@zh-games.com

Suvoda and Greenphire Announce Completion of Merger

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. and KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Suvoda, a global clinical trial technology company specializing in randomization and trial supply management, consent, and patient outcomes data collection solutions for complex, life-sustaining studies, and Greenphire, a leader in clinical trial payments, financial management, and patient support tools, today announced the successful completion of their previously announced merger, bringing the two companies under common ownership and management.

Through this merger, the combined company is now better equipped to provide a comprehensive solution to its customers to support the urgent and mission critical moments of their clinical trials. Its customers will have access to an expanded set of capabilities, while continuing to benefit from its steadfast commitment to high-quality services and support. The combined solutions will be unified on a powerful platform that will simplify workflows and ease the experience of running and participating in a clinical trial. The unified data layer will deliver greater insight to empower sponsors, sites, and patients to make more informed and nuanced decisions about their trials.

The combined company will be known as Suvoda. Meaning “the dawn of wellbeing” in Sanskrit, Suvoda reinforces the promise to ease the patient, site, and sponsor experience in clinical trials and contribute to advancing health globally. The name Greenphire will continue at the product level.

The company will be led by Chief Executive Officer Jagath Wanninayake, Suvoda’s Founder and CEO. Thoma Bravo, a leading software investment firm, is the lead strategic investor in the combined company, with Bain Capital Tech Opportunities Fund and LLR Partners making a significant minority investment.

“We are thrilled to announce the completion of our merger and the beginning of our new journey together,” said Jagath Wanninayake, CEO of the combined company. “This partnership represents a significant milestone in our mission to optimize the financial and operational aspects of clinical trials. As one firm, we are now better able to deliver for our customers by meeting their evolving needs and providing them with enhanced solutions that will drive efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”

About Suvoda
Suvoda is a global clinical trial technology company specializing in complex, life-sustaining studies in therapeutic areas like oncology, central nervous system (CNS), and rare diseases. Founded in 2013 by experts in eClinical technologies, Suvoda empowers clinical trial professionals to manage the most urgent moments in the most urgent trials through advanced software solutions delivered on a single platform. Headquartered outside Philadelphia, Suvoda also maintains offices in Portland, OR, Barcelona, Spain, Bucharest and Iasi, Romania, and Tokyo, Japan. The company’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) consistently exceeds the technology industry average, contributing to the company being selected by trial sponsors and CROs to support more than 1,800 trials across 95 countries. To learn more, visit suvoda.com. Follow Suvoda on LinkedIn.

About Greenphire
Greenphire is the pioneer in financial management and patient support for global clinical trials. From participant reimbursements, travel, and engagement to study budgeting and data, site payments, and more, the company connects the dots across disparate processes and stakeholders to get studies done faster. Founded in 2008 and guided by a dedication to site and participant experience, Greenphire’s best in class solutions accommodate regional workflow preferences, navigate challenging regulatory demands, and address the unique needs of every patient. Greenphire currently supports more than one million active trial participants and more than 25,000 investigative research teams at sites in 80 countries worldwide. Greenphire Means GO. To learn more, we invite you to visit greenphire.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact

Elena Filimonova
Chief Marketing Officer
marketing@suvoda.com

Greenphire
Greenphire

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/greenphire_suvoda_llc_logo.jpg 

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/greenphire.jpg

Noah Releases 2024 Chairwoman Letter to Shareholders

SHANGHAI, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —

Dear Shareholders,

On behalf of Noah’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) and management team, I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all shareholders. The year 2024 marked a pivotal chapter in our global expansion, representing a new era of entrepreneurship for Noah. With firm resolve, we embarked on this journey by comprehensively transforming our distribution channels, strengthening our compliance framework, and driving sustainable growth through our overseas expansion.

The challenges presented by this transformation were unprecedented. We had to navigate and comply with diverse regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions and break established operational routines. Simultaneously, we needed to empower our core teams to achieve breakthroughs while continuously attracting global talent. This was not merely a business transformation, but a comprehensive enhancement of our organizational capabilities.

Resilience Amid Challenges

We are a wealth management service provider dedicated to serving global Chinese high-net-worth individuals (“HNWIs”). Since our founding, we have remained true to our core philosophy: “client-centric, with survival as the bottom line.” Starting in 2022, we anticipated that this period would be critical for the adjustment of clients’ strategic asset allocation and proactively advised them to reduce exposure to risk assets while constructing global allocation frameworks based on our “pyramid” model. This approach has benefited many clients, effectively preserving their wealth during turbulent market conditions.

We recognize that distribution channels constitute the core of our business. As the primary interface connecting products and markets, the transformation of our distribution channels represented our most significant challenge. The complexity lies in balancing personal emotions with rational decisions. While our relationship managers and clients value personal connections, as a professional wealth management service provider pursuing overseas expansion, we must consistently uphold compliance standards and build a sustainable long-term business model through rational decision-making. Our vision is to “express care through professionalism”. We are committed to supporting our relationship managers’ long-term growth on our platform while helping clients pursue their aspirations for “success, well-being, and prosperity” through exceptional services. 

In 2024, we underwent a transformation that far exceeded our initial expectations in both scope and complexity, requiring significantly more resources and effort. Nevertheless, through the collective dedication of all our entire team, we successfully achieved a number of our phased strategic objectives.

Domestically, we undertook significant compliance-driven restructuring to align with increasingly stringent regulations. This included separating domestic sales teams into independent licensed business units and consolidating operations into core cities while enhancing online capabilities for remote engagement. Simultaneously, we optimized our operational systems, including human resources and product matrix management, while strengthening compliance and risk management frameworks. We are steadily transitioning from reliance on individual capabilities toward building robust organizational capacity. This not only lays a solid foundation for overseas expansion but also supports our long-term growth. The Hong Kong and mainland China market rally in late 2024 showcased this as demand surged for our RMB-denominated public securities products, demonstrating our agility to capitalize on market opportunities.

Globally, we have established a team of 138 overseas relationship managers in key markets such as Hong Kong and Singapore who are now delivering regionally tailored services to local clients. In our insurance and comprehensive services business, we have also begun building a team of commission-only agents, achieving promising early results. To accelerate our overseas expansion, we launched three new brands—ARK Wealth Management, Olive Asset Management, and Glory Family Heritage—which will support our overseas efforts to serve existing clients and reach new markets. Booking centers were established in key financial hubs such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States (under final preparation) as well as an office in Japan, while pilot programs were initiated in Canada and Southeast Asia.

The progress we have made in transforming our domestic and overseas operations is already yielding tangible results which are clearly reflected in our performance over the past year:

  • Domestically, we restructured our sales teams into fully independent and licensed business units, with operations consolidated into core cities;
  • Domestic transaction value for RMB private secondary products increased by over 200% sequentially during the fourth quarter of 2024;
  • Overseas net revenues increased to 48% of total revenue in 2024 while overseas transaction value increased by 31% year-over-year to US$4.3 billion;
  • Overseas assets under management increased by 18% year-over-year to US$5.8 billion in 2024 while overseas assets under administration increased by 5% year-over-year to US$8.7 billion.

Having generated RMB 550 million in non-GAAP net income attributable to Noah shareholders in 2024, the Board has, for the second consecutive year, approved dividends equivalent to 100% of full-year 2024 non-GAAP net income. This consists of an annual dividend of RMB275 million (US$37.7 million) and a special dividend of RMB275 million (US$37.7 million), and directly complements our ongoing US$50 million share repurchase program, in recognition of our deeply undervalued share price.

A New Era for Wealth Management

As the founder and Chairwoman, I have guided Noah through more than two decades of market fluctuations and financial crises. Throughout this journey, I have developed a profound appreciation for the inherent resilience of the wealth management industry – a resilience rooted in the long-term trust built with our clients. We remain steadfast in our commitment to client-centric, long-term value creation through professional wealth management services.

We firmly believe that global asset allocation for global Chinese HNWIs will remain a dominant trend for the next two to three decades. As the current phase of globalization concludes, a new era of capital globalization is emerging. Global Chinese HNWIs have historically been underserved by the wealth management industry, creating substantial opportunities for institutions that truly understand their cultural background and unique needs. With deep roots in China and extensive experience serving Chinese investors onshore, we have developed a deep and profound understanding of this investor demographic. This represents a distinctive competitive advantage and defines our core mission: to become the preferred wealth management platform for global Chinese HNWIs.

Outlook for 2025

As we enter 2025, we recognize the ongoing volatility in global markets, driven by unprecedented macroeconomic uncertainties and shifting investor sentiment. These challenges underscore the importance of maintaining a disciplined yet forward-looking approach to navigating this complex environment. Our strategic priorities for 2025 will focus on three key areas:

1. Expanding our relationship manager team. In countries and regions where we have established booking centers, we will continue to recruit and develop relationship managers while strengthening their compliance awareness and professional capabilities.

2. Serving existing clients and building a new client base. We will continue to service domestic HNWIs as well as new and established global Chinese immigrants, developing tailored products and solutions for each client segment. Leveraging our years of experience, we are confident in our ability to offer services comparable to leading international private banks, helping clients build sophisticated global asset allocation strategies.

3. Strengthening our global infrastructure. We recognize that technological and AI capabilities are fundamental to our overseas expansion. We will prioritize investments in these areas, leveraging the advantages in technical talent and application expertise that China offers. Our objective is to build a sophisticated digital platform that supports our global operations, and establish a long-term competitive advantage.

Prioritizing Shareholder Interests and Delivering Sustained Returns

We remain committed to our long-term core philosophy of being “client-centric, with survival as the bottom line” and prioritizing shareholder interests and delivering sustained returns.

Since our listing in 2010, our business has remained profitability and continues to generate healthy cash flow. Notably, we generated over RMB 2 billion in operating cash flow in just the past three years alone. In addition to our substantial cash reserves, we proactively completed a secondary listing in Hong Kong back in 2022, to prepare for any market volatility that was impacting US-listed Chinese stocks. With disciplined strategic execution and a robust financial position, we possess significant growth potential. As markets recover, we are ideally-positioned to create shared value for both clients and shareholders, delivering increasingly attractive returns over the long term.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our clients, shareholders, and all our stakeholders for your steadfast support over the years. Your invaluable trust is our greatest motivation and is our most profound responsibility. Looking ahead, we will advance our strategic initiatives with even greater determination and disciplined, working tirelessly to deliver exceptional long-term value in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Ms. Jingbo Wang
Chairwoman of the Board

ABOUT NOAH HOLDINGS LIMITED

Noah Holdings Limited (NYSE: NOAH and HKEX: 6686) is a leading and pioneer wealth management service provider offering comprehensive one-stop advisory services on global investment and asset allocation primarily for mandarin-speaking high-net-worth investors. Noah’s American depositary shares, or ADSs, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NOAH”, and its shares are listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code “6686.” One ADS represents five ordinary shares, par value $0.00005 per share.

In 2024, Noah distributed RMB63.9 billion (US$8.8 billion) of investment products. Through Gopher Asset Management and Olive Asset Management, Noah had assets under management of RMB151.5 billion (US$20.8 billion) as of December 31, 2024.

Noah’s domestic and overseas wealth management business primarily distributes private equity, public securities and insurance products denominated in RMB and other currencies. Noah’s network covers major cities in mainland China, as well as Hong Kong (China), New York, Silicon Valley, Singapore, and Los Angeles. The Company’s wealth management business had 462,049 registered clients as of December 31, 2024. Through its domestic and overseas asset management business operated by Gopher Asset Management and Olive Asset Management, Noah manages private equity, public securities, real estate, multi-strategy and other investments denominated in RMB and other currencies. The Company also provides other businesses.

For more information, please visit Noah at ir.noahgroup.com

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Noah may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Noah’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements include, but are not limited to, estimates regarding the sufficiency of Noah’s cash and cash equivalents and liquidity risk. A number of factors could cause Noah’s actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: its goals and strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the wealth management and asset management market in China and internationally; its expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of the products it distributes; investment risks associated with investment products distributed to Noah’s investors, including the risk of default by counterparties or loss of value due to market or business conditions or misconduct by counterparties; its expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with key clients; relevant government policies and regulations relating to its industries; its ability to attract and retain qualified employees; its ability to stay abreast of market trends and technological advances; its plans to invest in research and development to enhance its product choices and service offerings; competition in its industries in China and internationally; general economic and business conditions in China; and its ability to effectively protect its intellectual property rights and not to infringe on the intellectual property rights of others. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Noah’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Noah does not undertake any obligation to update any such information, including forward-looking statements, as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under the applicable law.

 

Claim Your Golden Delights With DFS

Indulge in Extraordinary Rewards & Experiences This May Golden Week


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2025 – This May Golden Week, let DFS —the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, elevate your shopping journey with curated moments of self-delight. From tranquil moments in our Fragrance Wonderland and family adventures in teamLab Future Park, to exquisite gifts for loved ones and unique treasures that reflect your personal style, every experience across DFS network is designed to surprise and inspire. Enjoy exclusive rewards, limited-time perks, and joyful discoveries from April 25 to May 6— only at DFS.

MGW25 Generic KV EN+SC

Hong Kong & Macau: A World of Multi-Sensational Delights

Immerse yourself in a symphony of sensations at DFS Hong Kong and Macau, where every moment is designed to ignite your senses and create lasting memories.

  • Time It Right To Win: Turn your shopping into a winning moment. Spend HK$888 or MOP 888 in a single net transaction and take on the “Time It Right To Win” challenge. Experience the adrenaline rush as you stop the digital screen at “8888” for your chance to win a 999.9 gold ingot or one of many fabulous prizes worth over HK$1,000,000 or MOP 2,500,000! *
  • Beauty In Play: Discover where luxury beauty meets light-hearted fun. With the purchase of the exclusive Lancôme Absolue set at DFS Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons, receive a limited-edition Lancôme x Monopoly game set. Experience a different dimension of beauty through luxurious sensations and a new playful take on our beauty counters.
  • Explore Your One-Stop Fragrance Wonderland: Treat yourself to a sensory journey with over 900 curated fragrance selections. Whether you’re layering signature blends or discovering your next signature fragrance, let our fragrance experts guide you through an experience that’s uniquely yours.
  • Glow With Confidence: Transform your look with complimentary makeup demonstrations by our expert beauty advisors. Let us help you discover your radiant best! Join us at DFS Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons, City of Dreams or Galaxy (Beauty), from April 25 to May 5, at 3 PM, 4 PM and 5 PM, or DFS Hong Kong, Canton Road at 3:30pm on April 20 and May 4+. From now until May 5, enjoy up to 65% off on beauty products at DFS Hong Kong, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East or Causeway Bay (Beauty)! Plus, receive a Beauty Blind Box (valued at HK900) with a minimum purchase of HK$1,888*.
  • Savor Local Delights: Complete your golden journey with a taste of Hong Kong’s most beloved flavors. Indulge in crispy French toast, freshly baked egg tarts, and velvety milk tea at Men Wah Bing Teng, or unwind with a perfectly brewed coffee at NOC in DFS Hong Kong, Canton Road. Pause, relax, and savor a day filled with flavor and delight.

Okinawa: Discover Your Island Delights!

Enjoy everything that Okinawa has to offer as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of DFS Okinawa, Naha City. Join us in marking this milestone with unique experiences, curated treasures, and moments that honor two decades of unforgettable journeys.

  • A Taste of Celebration: Step into an exclusive marché curated by DFS Okinawa Naha City and THE MARKET, where local flavors meet artisanal crafts. Savor authentic Okinawan delicacies and explore traditional handmade creations, offering you a unique taste of the island’s rich culture.
  • Welcome to Le Labo: Be among the first to experience our newly opened Le Labo pop up store — where artisanal perfumery meets soulful craftmanship. Receive a complimentary gift with your purchase and step into the exclusive world of fine perfumery, available exclusively only at DFS Okinawa.
  • Family Adventure Time: Make magical memories at teamLab Future Park, where interactive digital art brings wonder to life. From lights to laughter, it’s a playful experience not to be missed for kids and kids at heart.
  • Sweet Celebratory Treats: Add a sprinkle of fun to your visit! From May 1–5, try our bubble catcher and receive complimentary gifts with a JPY 50,000 purchase in kids’ fashion. Plus, visit two or more departments and join our Fukubiki lucky draw for a chance to win even more celebratory prizes*!

North America: Turn Airport Time into Me-Time

Make the most of your pre-flight moments at DFS stores in John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport—where airport time becomes your time. From last-minute indulgences to thoughtful pre-planned picks, discover a travel retail experience designed around you.

  • Smart Shopping, More Time for You: Simplify your journey with our convenient pre-order service: browse and shop online, then collect your items at the terminal before departure. Enjoy duty-free privileges and more time to relax before takeoff.
  • A Taste of New York Excellence: At JFK Terminal 4, discover the exclusive Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing City Series – New York. Enjoy a Gold Rush cocktail and receive a special NYC-exclusive gift—crafted to elevate your New York send-off.
  • Treasures for Your Journey: Find your perfect travel companions—from hot fragrance deals starting at US$29 to destination-exclusive souvenirs and gifts. Whether it’s a new signature scent or a keepsake to remember your trip, DFS has your journey covered.

Make Your Golden Week Shopping More Rewarding

This Golden Week, enjoy more value with every purchase at DFS. We have partnered with leading payment providers to bring you exclusive offers across our global destinations—designed to make your travel shopping even more delightful.

Payment Partner Offer Details
Alipay
  • Alipay CN: Enjoy up to CN¥180 off with a minimum spend of CN¥6,000 in Hong Kong and Macau.
  • Alipay HK: Save up to HK$888 in Hong Kong or get HK$60 off on single net purchases of HK$2,000 in Macau.
  • Alipay+ Partner Wallets: Receive up to HK$888 off in Hong Kong.
  • Alipay+ or NaverPay: Enjoy US$10 off when you spend US$150 in North America.
American Express
  • Mainland China card members can enjoy a CN¥370 rebate upon spending CN¥3,700 in Hong Kong and Macau.
Mastercard
  • Enjoy a HK$200 rebate on purchases of HK$2,000 in Hong Kong, and a MOP 700 rebate on MOP 7,000 spent in Macau.

DFS CIRCLE Members, Enjoy Even More

Feel extra special as a DFS CIRCLE member with exclusive benefits including bonus points, member-only offers, and elevated experiences across all DFS locations. Not yet a member? Sign up at DFS.com to unlock a world of privileges.

* Terms & Conditions apply. Prizes vary between stores and are of limited quantities only, while stocks last. Visit DFS.com for more details. + Payment promotions and in-store happenings schedule vary between stores, please see store for details.

Hashtag: #DFS

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

ABOUT DFS

DFS: Your Personal Guide to The World of Luxury

DFS Group is the leading luxury travel retailer. Established in Hong Kong in 1960, DFS Group continues to be a pioneer in global luxury travel retail, offering its customers a carefully curated selection of exceptional products from the most desired brands. Its stores are present in major global airports and downtown locations. DFS Group is privately held, and majority owned by the world’s largest luxury conglomerate, Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), alongside DFS co-founder and shareholder Robert Miller. DFS Group focuses on creating inspiring omnichannel retail experiences for its customers and is headquartered in Hong Kong SAR.

For more information, please visit .

Promotional Event of CIFTIS Successfully Held in Singapore


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2025 – On April 23rd, a promotional event organized by a delegation from the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) was successfully held in Singapore, expanding new frontiers for the digital economy in Southeast Asia and promoting in-depth regional cooperation.

Caption: CIFTIS Overseas Delegation in Singapore
Caption: CIFTIS Overseas Delegation in Singapore

On April 23rd, the Singapore Promotion Event of CIFTIS, the China-Southeast Asia Digital Infrastructure Cooperation Forum, and the Seminar on the Construction of an International Cooperation Ecosystem for the Digital Economy were successfully held in Singapore. During the opening ceremonies of the two meetings, Yin Liang, Deputy Director of the Beijing International Trade in Services Affairs Center, stated that the digital economy in Southeast Asia is developing rapidly. China and Singapore have achieved fruitful cooperation in the digital economy, and digital infrastructure construction is poised for an exponential growth opportunities. He expressed hope that both sides will further utilize the CIFTIS platform in the future to deepen cooperation and explore business opportunities together.

The Singapore Promotion Event of CIFTIS and the China-Southeast Asia Digital Infrastructure Cooperation Forum (DITF) deeply explored how AI computing power can empower industrial transformation and how China’s experience can help Southeast Asia initiate a new era of AI infrastructure construction.

Yin Liang, Deputy Director of the Beijing International Trade in Services Affairs Center, said that as an important window for China’s opening up to the outside world, Beijing is committed to advancing the construction of the National Comprehensive Pilot Zone for the Expansion of Opening-up in the Service Sector and the China (Beijing) Pilot Free Trade Zone, as well as improving the international service system. In his address, Huang Chao, Executive Chairman of DITC for China, stated that the digital economy in Southeast Asia is experiencing takeoff, attracting investment from the international community, including China. He emphasized that only through ecosystem co-construction and localized practice can the investment boom be transformed into genuine industrial upgrading.

During the keynote session, Lin Chaoting, Vice President of Zhipu AI (a leading Chinese AI company), highlighted China’s digital globalization efforts, showcasing Zhipu’s AI agent products and flexible deployment solutions. She called for the creation of global joint labs and innovation hubs to advance AI industry development worldwide. Industry experts from Midea and Tencent Cloud also delivered thematic presentations.

The workshop session, themed “Focusing on Ecosystem Co-construction and Localized Practice: How Investment Booms and Transnational Strategies Accelerate Southeast Asia’s Industrial Restructuring,” explored core topics such as the digital industry’s key pillars (data centers, cloud networks), localized cloud service development, AI advancements, and collaborative digital ecosystem building. They explored how local enterprises in Southeast Asia and multinational corporations, especially Chinese companies expanding globally, can build cross-cultural market competitiveness through strategies such as ecosystem building, localization of teams, cultivation of strategic partner ecosystems, and deployment of cutting-edge technologies, thereby accelerating the development of digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia and achieving a win-win path of regional collaborative development.

During the Seminar on the Construction of an International Cooperation Ecosystem for the Digital Economy, industry experts and entrepreneur representatives from China and Singapore engaged in a heated discussion on topics such as Singapore’s “Smart Nation” experience and how Beijing’s digital economy enterprises can expand into the Singaporean international market.

At the global technology event—GITEX ASIA 2025, a delegation composed of several leading Chinese digital service trade enterprises made a collective appearance, showcasing China’s innovative achievements and impressive capabilities in the digital economy.

Caption: GITEX 2025 Exhibition Site
Caption: GITEX 2025 Exhibition Site

In addition to the forums and exhibitions, an international exchange event titled “Digital Luminary: Southeast Asia’s Future Night” was also held, with the participation of many technology companies, including China Telecom International, Alibaba Cloud, Laihua Technology, and Zhipu AI.

The successful holding and exhibition of the Singapore Promotion Event of CIFTIS and the Digital Service Trade Delegation have demonstrated China’s strong strength and innovative achievements in the digital economy, providing an important platform for digital economy cooperation between China and Singapore, as well as the broader Southeast Asian region.

Hashtag: #CIFTIS

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

Shopware hosts 2025 North America Partner Day, focused on solving complex commerce business challenges for merchants

NEW YORK, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shopware, the leading global open-source e-commerce platform, hosts its North America Partner Day today in Chicago at the historic The Berghoff Restaurant—a nod to Shopware’s German roots. The event is designed to harbor collaboration and learning for Shopware’s partner community of integrated technologies and agencies.

The event theme of “Better Together” reflects Shopware’s partner-first and developer-friendly collaborative approach to supporting the needs of merchants. The “Better Together” theme will be woven throughout the day, starting with opening remarks from Shopware CEO and Co-Founder, Sebastian Hamann, celebrating the 25th anniversary for the company and the expanded role partnerships will have in Shopware’s vision for the future.

Shopware’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, Mark Stanley, will unveil the exciting upcoming product roadmap. Some highlights include:

“Partner Day is one of the best things we do,” said Jason Nyhus, President and GM, US Shopware. “Bringing together our tech and agency partners under one roof to connect, learn and showcase how our solutions are addressing the needs of merchants is special. We all get a chance to educate and inspire one another to continue to drive success. Truly, in this world, we are better together, and this event is a great showcase of that.”

The program content will focus on complex commerce, including presentations from partners on merchant case studies, and the release of two new research reports from The Rick Watson team. The new reports reveal compelling insights and opportunities from forgotten and underserved categories of commerce.

“In the B2B landscape, it’s not about being the loudest, it’s about being the smartest,” said Rick Watson, CEO of RMW Commerce. “These reports are about giving forgotten industries the playbook they’ve been missing. Partnering with Shopware has allowed us to combine sharp strategy with real-world tools for industrial, legacy sectors. We’re moving past noise and focusing on actionable steps that protect and drive margin, retention, and resilience for overlooked sectors.”

The program will end with growth marketing strategies from Sarah Falcon, SVP of Global Marketing for B2B Ecommerce Association, followed by an after party at The Berghoff.  

To learn more about Shopware’s partner ecosystem—or to join our partner community—visit https://www.shopware.com/en/partner/become-partner/ 

About Shopware
Shopware provides high-performance B2C and B2B ecommerce solutions—with differentiated capabilities in complex commerce business requirements and workflows—enabling global businesses to scale rapidly and efficiently. By combining the robust security of open-source technology with the agility modern businesses demand, Shopware delivers cutting-edge innovation, reliability, and unmatched adaptability.

With ready-to-deploy features and a headless, API-first architecture, Shopware empowers merchants to customize and scale the solution, creating a strong customer experience anywhere in the world. Trusted by over 50,000 companies worldwide and supported by an extensive partner ecosystem, Shopware is built to adapt and evolve alongside the ever-changing market landscape.

Top industry analysts, including Gartner, Forrester, and IDC, consistently recognize Shopware for delivering impactful solutions that prioritize efficiency and long-term success. Founded in 2000 by Co-CEOs Stefan and Sebastian Hamann in Germany, Shopware continues to lead the industry in ecommerce innovation and performance.

 

Reolink Partners with Home Assistant for Local & Privacy-Focused Integration

LOS ANGELES, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Reolink, an innovative leader in intelligent visual technology for the home, today is proud to formalize a partnership with Home Assistant, the world’s most trusted local-first automation platform. This new collaboration means most Reolink cameras (excluding 4G models) can now process video feeds, AI alerts, and device controls entirely within users’ home networks, reflecting Reolink’s commitment to a flexible, user-centric, and privacy-focused security experience.

Reolink Joins the "Works With Home Assistant" Program
Reolink Joins the “Works With Home Assistant” Program

“Security should adapt to users, not the other way around,” said Fabrice Klohoun, Marketing Communications Director at Reolink. “By partnering with Home Assistant, we’re ensuring that users can integrate Reolink devices into their smart homes with complete control, privacy, freedom and reliability.”

The Integration That Redefined Trust
Home Assistant, renowned for its privacy-first approach and local execution capabilities, allows users to manage devices without relying on cloud services. With over 1 million active installations worldwide, it supports integrations with more than 3,000 brands, empowering users to create fully customized smart homes.

Reolink’s integration with Home Assistant offers two major benefits: enhanced privacy and unmatched flexibility. By working entirely within your home network, this integration ensures that your video feeds and data remain private, never leaving your local system. Without reliance on external servers, users gain full control over their security, eliminating concerns about third-party access or cloud vulnerabilities.

Additionally, with integration with over 3,000 brands worldwide, users can seamlessly connect Reolink devices to a wide range of other smart home products. Imagine this: someone presses your Reolink Battery Doorbell, and the outdoor lights turn on instantly, and your smart lock secures the gate—all seamlessly from one platform for a safer, more convenient home. This connectivity helps tech enthusiasts and smart home users build a fully customized and personalized security setup, perfectly suited to their needs.

A Commitment to Ongoing Excellence
Reolink is proud to be recognized as a Platinum-tier partner with Home Assistant, the highest classification available. For users, this means Reolink devices integrate smoothly with Home Assistant, offering faster updates, top-notch support without delay, overloading, compromising privacy—providing peace of mind that their smart home setup is built on trusted, high-performance technology.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the first cameras to the ‘Works With Home Assistant Program’ via Reolink,” says Miranda Bishop, Partnership Manager at the Open Home Foundation. “Reolink’s commitment to a top-quality, locally-focused integration is a real line in the sand. It shows a true understanding of users’ desire for private and secure camera options that work seamlessly in a Smart Home.”

Learn more information about Reolink and its Home Assistant integration.

About Reolink
Reolink offers smart security solutions for homes and businesses, aiming for a seamless security experience with its wide range of products. Serving millions globally, it provides video surveillance and protection, standing out for its commitment to security technology innovation. Learn more about Reolink’s offerings at Reolink.com.

 

SquareX Raises $20 Million for Revolutionary Browser Detection and Response, Turning Any Browser into Enterprise-Grade Secure Browser with a Simple Extension

Series A Investment Led by SYN Ventures with Participation from Existing Investor Peak XV Partners (Formerly Sequoia Capital SEA)

PALO ALTO, Calif., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SquareX, the pioneer in Browser Detection and Response (BDR), announced it is closing a $20 million in Series A funding led by SYN Ventures, a leading venture capital firm focused on cybersecurity investments, with participation from existing investor Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital SEA).

The browser has become a primary target for cyberattacks, creating a significant gap in enterprise security. Traditional security tools lack visibility into browser threats, while proprietary enterprise browsers can introduce friction, hindering user productivity and adoption. As the industry’s first Browser Detection and Response (BDR) solution, SquareX’s browser extension converts any browser into an enterprise-grade secure browser, providing the same functionality as dedicated enterprise browsers and more without the cumbersome change management. This unique approach revolutionizes browser security empowering enterprises to effectively manage threats like malicious extensions, phishing, genAI data leakage, insider threats, and more, directly within the browser environment, significantly reducing the enterprise attack surface without compromising user experience.

“The browser is the new endpoint, yet it remains a major blind spot for most organizations. Existing solutions often force a trade-off between security and usability,” said Vivek Ramachandran, CEO of SquareX. “We built SquareX to eliminate this compromise in browser security, offering robust protection that works with the browsers users are already familiar with. This Series A funding, led by the team at SYN Ventures, validates our vision of everyone being able to be online without fear.”

Jay Leek, Managing Partner & Founder of SYN Ventures, commented, “SquareX is tackling one of the most significant and underserved areas in cybersecurity today. The browser is ground zero for countless attacks, and the team at SquareX has developed an elegant and powerful solution that provides critical visibility and control where it’s needed most – directly within the native browser experience.”

“Having partnered with SquareX since their seed stage, we’ve been impressed by their vision and execution in tackling browser security challenges,” said Shailendra Singh, Managing Director, Peak XV. “We are excited to partner with them again as they demonstrate strong results in delivering much-needed cybersecurity capabilities to enterprise customers.”

About SquareX

SquareX is the pioneer of Browser Detection and Response (BDR), empowering organizations to proactively detect, mitigate, and effectively threat-hunt client-side web attacks. Through a simple browser extension, SquareX provides critical protection against a wide range of browser security threats, including malicious browser extensions, advanced spearphishing, browser-native ransomware, genAI DLP, and more. Find out more on www.sqrx.com.

About SYN Ventures 

SYN Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on investing in disruptive and innovative security companies in the cybersecurity, industrial security, national defense, privacy, regulatory compliance, and data governance industries. The firm’s dedicated security team of former CISOs, CEOs, CTOs and Founders has a proven track record with over 400 years of combined security investing and operational experience. SYN also has a highly distinguished network of seasoned security advisors and CISOs.