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Aon enhances industry-leading Reinsurance team with executive appointments

Alfonso Valera named CEO of International, Steve Hofmann as CEO of Americas, George Attard as Global Head of Strategy and Tomas Novotny as Chairman of International

DUBLIN, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced the appointments of Alfonso Valera as CEO of International for Reinsurance, responsible for UK, EMEA and APAC, and Steve Hofmann as CEO of Americas for Reinsurance, responsible for North America and Latin America. The firm also announced the appointment of George Attard as Global Head of Strategy for Reinsurance and Tomas Novotny as Chairman of International for Reinsurance.

“We are delighted to promote Alfonso, Steve, George and Tomas into these important leadership roles as we accelerate the ambition and velocity of our industry-leading Reinsurance solutions business,” said Marcell, who leads Aon’s integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital capabilities across the firm’s Reinsurance, Commercial Risk, Health, Wealth and Talent teams. “These appointments reflect the depth and quality of leadership across our firm. Together, they bring decades of leadership experience, deep client relationships, market knowledge and domain expertise. Supported by outstanding talent and experts across our regions, they will help shape the next stage of our growth.”

“We continue to invest in our business, our capabilities and our colleagues – and in the areas where we see the greatest opportunity to help our clients make better decisions,” added Marcell. “With expanded investment in innovation, AI, climate advisory and our Better Decisions Labs, we are unlocking new tools and proprietary analytics to help clients accelerate decision-making, strengthen relationships and drive profitable growth.”

Valera previously served as Co-CEO of EMEA for Reinsurance and, before that, as CEO and General Manager of Aon Re Iberia, among other leadership roles. Hofmann previously served as U.S. CEO of Reinsurance and earlier as U.S. Co-President of Reinsurance. Attard most recently served as CEO of Reinsurance for APAC, following 17 years at the firm leading strategy and client engagement in the region. Novotny has served as Co-CEO of EMEA for Reinsurance, Chairman of the Board of Central and Eastern Europe for the firm and as a broking leader for Aon based in Prague.

For more information about Aon’s Reinsurance Solutions capabilities, visit: https://www.aon.com/en/capabilities/reinsurance

About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.

Follow Aon on LinkedInXFacebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.

Media Contact
mediainquiries@aon.com
Toll-free (U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico): +1 833 751 8114
International: +1 312 381 3024

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues in over 120 countries provide our clients with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses. Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues in over 120 countries provide our clients with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses. Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.

SY Holdings Issues Positive Profit Alert for 1H 2025: Net Profit Expected to increase by approximately 20%, Platform-Based Tech Revenue Share Surpasses 50%


SHENZHEN, CHINA – EQS Newswire – 16 July 2025 – SY Holdings Group Limited (“SY Holdings” or the “Group”, Stock Code: 6069.HK), a leading digital-intelligence technology company focused on “AI + Industrial Supply Chains”, today announced a positive profit alert for the six months ended 30 June 2025. Net profit is expected to rise by approximately 20% year-on-year.

The expected increase is mainly attributable to the following:

1. STEADY GROWTH IN PLATFORM SCALE

Through its platform-based development strategy, SY Holdings leverages cutting-edge technologies such as AI Agent to deeply connect industrial ecosystem and data network. By capitalizing on its differentiated risk control model featuring “transaction-focused, entity-light”, SY Holdings delivers “abundant, fast, high-quality and cost-effective” platform-based services to support clients’ needs in working capital. As at 30 June 2025, the Platform has cumulatively facilitated over RMB277 billion in working capital solutions for its clients, representing a year-on-year growth of over 29%, while the cumulative number of clients served exceeded 19,100, with a year-on-year growth of over 14%. Among them, small and medium enterprises (“SMEs”) clients accounted for over 97% of the total, with first-time borrowers making up more than 30%. The Platform has also helped clients reduce financing costs by at least 30%.

2. RISING SHARE OF PLATFORM-BASED TECHNOLOGY SERVICES REVENUE

Through its self-developed “SY Cloud Platform” (the “Platform”), SY Holdings has built an efficient intelligent bridge between the industrial and capital sides, accelerating the expansion of its asset-light operating model. On this basis, the company’s platform-based facilitation business accounted for 88% of total volume, while the proportion of revenue contributed by platform-based technology services has exceeded 50%. As of 30 June 2025, the Platform has connected with over 180 funding partners, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 30%. The Platform has become a key strategic partner for financial institutions in advancing their inclusive finance initiatives.

3. BREAKTHROUGH IN AI COMMERCIALISATION

The Platform is deeply integrated with open-source artificial intelligence (“AI”) large models such as DeepSeek, Qwen and Doubao. Having undergone training and optimization with high-quality industrial data, the Platform can intelligently match project orders and procurement information based on clients’ product characteristics, sales records, production capacity and performance. Meanwhile, leveraging its industrial ecosystem and international market networks, SY Holdings assists ecosystem participants in precisely connecting with overseas demand, enabling them to efficiently carry out marketing, customer acquisition, opportunity seizing, and accelerating their integration into the global industrial supply chain. As of June 30, 2025, SY Holdings leveraged AI technology to deliver value-added services to its clients. Notably, by using AI agents to support clients in securing orders, SY Holdings achieved its first milestone of generating over RMB400,000 revenue through AI-assisted order acquisition.

4. E-COMMERCE: A NEW GROWTH DRIVER

SY Holdings has successfully achieved a breakthrough from scratch in the new e-commerce sector in a short period of time. The company have successfully established a presence on five top-tier e-commerce platforms, unlocking a market with potential exceeding RMB10 trillion and access to over 10 million merchants. Leveraging its robust data connectivity and processing capabilities, SY Holdings empowers emerging businesses by providing actionable insights into key metrics such as sales performance, traffic trends, and inventory turnover. This enables merchants to stay ahead of the curve, predict consumer demands, and identify potential bestsellers with precision. Meanwhile, the company offers flexible working capital facilitation services based on real-time transaction data, helping merchants capitalize on every opportunity to drive growth and create blockbuster products. Additionally, SY Holdings has introduced Be Friends Holding Limited (Stock Code: 1450) as a strategic investor, enabling a rapid entry into the live-streaming e-commerce space. As at 30 June 2025, the cumulative amount of working capital facilitation in e-commerce segment has exceeded approximately RMB2.8 billion, representing an almost eightfold growth year-on-year.

5. AI-DRIVEN EFFICIENCY BOOST

By harnessing the data processing and logical reasoning capabilities of AI large models, combined with ample computing power support from Wuxi Economic Development Zone, SY Holdings integrates and analyses vast volumes of unstructured data such as contracts, documents and public opinions in real time, dynamically generating the enterprise and transaction profiles. This significantly enhances risk control efficiency and avoiding transaction fraud risks. With the strategic investment from a subsidiary of XtalPi Inc. (Stock Code: 2228), SY Holdings receives strong technical support for the development of industrial AI Agents, while deploying innovations such as AI-powered document classification and smart contract review to drive cost reduction and efficiency improvements in collaboration with ecosystem partners. As at 30 June 2025, the per capita working capital facilitated for clients grew by nearly 27%.

6. VENTURING INTO THE ROBOTICS FRONTIER

SY Holdings is a digital intelligence technology company focusing on “AI + Industrial supply chain”. In the face of the continuously growing service demand, the company is actively expanding into new tracks such as e-commerce, robotics and AI applications, it aims to assist SMEs in both precisely matching orders and providing differentiated working capital facilitation services. In the robotics sector, SY Holdings has established a strategic collaboration with Stand Robots (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. which is one of the global leaders in industrial intelligent robotics. This forward-looking initiative positions us to swiftly enter emerging industries, laying a solid foundation for sustained growth and innovation over the next decade.At the same time, SY Holdings continues to increase research and development investment and talent cultivation, and has obtained nearly 90 national invention patents and computer software copyrights, covering areas such as data verification, repayment prediction and risk control models.

Up to now, SY Holdings has maintained profitability for 11 consecutive years and implemented a high dividend policy for 7 consecutive years, and has committed to a dividend payout ratio of not less than 90% conduct declaration and payment of dividends with payout ratio of no less than 90% for the financial years ending 31 December 2025 and 31 December 2026. Including the special dividend, the total dividend payout for the financial years ending 31 December 2025 is expected to reach approximately RMB950 million, implying a dividend yield exceeding 8.5%.

Moving forward, SY Holdings will strengthen its industrial ecosystem and data connectivity, continuously enhancing the commercialization of AI Agent and its platform-based technology service capabilities.

Hashtag: #SYHoldings

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

Zoomex and Haas F1 Launch Global Interview Series: Engine On: Zoomex × Haas Interview Season

F1 Driver Oliver Bearman Leads the Way, Joined by 10 KOLs and 18 Real Users to Share Authentic Crypto Trading Stories

VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Zoomex, the fastest-growing digital asset trading platform globally, officially partners with Haas F1 Team to launch a global brand interview series  Engine On: Zoomex × Haas Interview Season. The campaign brings together real users and professional traders in in-depth conversations, aiming to build a co-creative content ecosystem and rebuild the authentic connection between trading platforms and user trust.

The first episode features rising F1 driver Oliver Bearman, who shares his journey from F2 to F1, his goals for his first full season, and his two-year partnership with Zoomex.

When asked about the similarities between racing and crypto trading, Oliver Bearman said:

“I’d compare my driving style to Zoomex’s trading engine — sub-10ms reaction time. On the track or in the markets, victory often comes down to that split-second decision and execution.”

Zoomex commented that this dialogue sets the tone for the series “rapid execution meets authentic judgment” and deepens the content-level value of its ongoing collaboration with Haas. By drawing parallels between motorsport and crypto trading behavior, the campaign sparks strong user resonance.

In addition to this race-centric episode, Engine On: Zoomex × Haas Interview Season unfolds across two key storytelling threads:

  • 10 globally influential KOLs in the crypto trading space share insights on on-chain trends, trading strategies, and platform experiences.
  • 18 real Zoomex users, grouped in trios by language, participate in online interviews to discuss why they chose Zoomex, their trading logic, and user experience.

All participants are verified Zoomex users, ensuring authenticity and representativeness. Zoomex defines this initiative as an attempt at “co-created brand storytelling”, using the user’s perspective to establish deeper trust mechanisms with the platform.

The interview series will be released in multiple languages, covering major crypto communities in Japan, Korea, Europe, and Latin America. Through localized storytelling and embedded community engagement, Zoomex aims to further enhance its brand presence in regional markets.

As of Q2 2025, Zoomex has surpassed 3 million registered users, supports over 500 trading pairs, and operates across 35+ countries and regions. Known for its “simplicity × ease of use × lightning-fast execution”, Zoomex has built a strong reputation among global crypto traders.

In an increasingly noisy and homogeneous crypto landscape, Zoomex chooses to respond to users’ core concerns through slow, high-trust content giving real users and thought leaders the space to voice their reasons for choosing Zoomex.

“We want to return the question ‘Why Zoomex?’ back to our users — through longer-term, more authentic content formats. The platform is no longer just a slogan broadcaster, but a builder of shared conviction.”

With new episodes rolling out weekly, Zoomex × Haas Interview Season marks the platform’s evolution from a tool-based product to a resonance-driven brand — building trust through content, and winning user loyalty at every trading decision point.

Event details:  https://www.zoomex.com/en/promotion/Interview/

About ZOOMEX:

Founded in 2021, Zoomex is a global cryptocurrency trading platform that follows the core values of “simplicity × ease of use × speed.” The platform is dedicated to providing users with high-performance, low-barrier trading experiences. Zoomex optimizes both its matching engine and user interaction processes, supporting millisecond-level command responses, and significantly enhancing usability through a minimalist interface. With flexible identity verification mechanisms and a free trading system, Zoomex is building a faster, safer, and more accessible trading environment for users worldwide.

Media contact
Contact: Catherine
Company: Zoomex
Address: 306 Victoria House, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
Website: www.zoomex.com
Email: catherine.shi@zoomex.com

HYROX Returns to Hong Kong with Cigna Healthcare as Title Sponsor for the Second Year, Welcoming Nearly 10,000 Racers on July 26-27

The first-ever Adaptive Men/Women category is set to debut, expanding access and inclusivity in fitness racing

HONG KONG, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HYROX, one of the world’s fastest-growing indoor fitness races is set to make a triumphant return to Hong Kong as “Cigna Healthcare HYROX Hong Kong 2025” for its fifth edition on July 26-27, 2025. Returning to AsiaWorld-Expo in partnership with the Fitness & Wellness Expo (FWE) and title sponsor Cigna Healthcare Hong Kong for the second consecutive year, this year’s event is set to welcome a record attendance of close to 10,000 racers, making it the city’s most inclusive fitness festival yet.

For more high-resolution images: http://bit.ly/44LF8Tu
For more high-resolution images: http://bit.ly/44LF8Tu

Since its debut in 2022 with just 700 racers, HYROX Hong Kong has exponentially grown into a cornerstone of the city’s fitness calendar, reflecting the surging popularity of functional fitness across Asia Pacific. Maintaining this momentum into 2024, the event hosted its first-ever Cigna Healthcare HYROX Open Asian Championship, welcoming over 6,500 participants. Now in 2025, HYROX Hong Kong is set to achieve a new record of over 9,700 registered racers gearing up for this year’s event, engaging over 500,000 racers worldwide throughout the recently concluded 2024/25 season.

With a completion rate of 98% at last year’s Hong Kong event, HYROX Hong Kong continues to demonstrate its accessibility and appeal to athletes of all backgrounds, redefining what it means to compete in fitness.

A Race That’s Truly Inclusive for Everyone

For the first time ever in Hong Kong, Cigna Healthcare HYROX Hong Kong 2025 will feature the Adaptive Men/Women category, a new division designed to make fitness racing accessible to athletes with physical disabilities. The Adaptive Men/Women category allows participants to compete in the same iconic HYROX format of a 1km run followed by one functional workout station, repeated eight times with tailored adjustments at selected stations. These modifications ensure a safe, supportive and empowering experience for all while maintaining the spirit of challenge and achievement that defines HYROX.

Participants can choose to enter solo, team up for the doubles division, or take part as a relay team of four. Those keen to race with their colleagues can also register for the Corporate Relay. Workout stations include:

  • 1,000m SkiErg
  • 50m sled pull
  • 50m sled push
  • 80m burpee broad jumps
  • 1,000m rowing
  • 200m farmers carry
  • 100m sandbag lunges
  • 100 wall balls

Whether you’re an elite athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone overcoming physical barriers, Cigna Healthcare HYROX Hong Kong 2025 offers a platform to test your limits and celebrate personal triumphs. This year’s event will also see star-studded appearances from top racers across the globe including Hong Beom Seok, Mixed Relay invitational Asian Champion at HYROX Singapore 2025 from South Korea; Rylan Schadegg, one of the world’s leading elite HYROX racers from the United States; and Dexter Buchanan, a high-ranking athlete from New Zealand who finished first in his age group and second overall in the recent Sydney Men’s Pro race.  Their participation adds extra excitement and inspiration to the festivities. More than just a competition, HYROX is a celebration of personal achievement and community spirit, inviting people to be active and connect with Hong Kong’s dynamic fitness scene.

Gary Wan, HYROX APAC Managing Director, said: “Hong Kong has always been a model for HYROX’s growth in Asia. Our inaugural event here in 2022 welcomed just 700 participants. Fast forward to today, and we’re celebrating a fully sold-out event featuring almost 10,000 racers from over 48 countries. To see the event return for its fifth edition, bigger and more inclusive than ever, is a testament to the city’s vibrant and enthusiastic fitness community. The introduction of the Adaptive Men/Women category means even more people can experience the thrill of HYROX. We can’t wait to welcome everyone of all backgrounds and fitness levels to the start line.” 

Our second-year collaboration with HYROX reflects our ongoing commitment to improving the health and vitality of those we serve,” said Jonathan Spiers, Chief Executive Officer of Cigna Healthcare Hong Kong. “Through this partnership, Cigna Healthcare supports individuals to push their limits and achieve their personal best. HYROX is accessible to a wide range of participants, making it an ideal platform to promote achievable fitness goals. We are proud to join this year’s race with 100 employees, partners, and clients. As a global health insurer operating in Hong Kong for over 90 years, we look forward to engaging in meaningful dialogue with the community around active lifestyles, wellness, and preventative health.”

FWE is set to become the ultimate destination for all racers and fitness enthusiasts, seamlessly blending sport, lifestyle, and entertainment into one dynamic experience. This year, FWE evolves into a fun weekend festival, featuring an exciting lineup of delicious food, refreshing beer, diverse drinks, and a night market-themed marketplace. Whether participants are fueling up before the race or celebrating achievements afterward, FWE promises to elevate every participant’s journey. Adding to the experience is a dedicated recovery zone, thoughtfully designed to help racers rest, recharge, and recover after pushing their limits. More than just a sports village, FWE is a thriving community where fitness meets fun, and people come together to celebrate health, wellness, and unforgettable moments.

HYROX is taking the world of fitness by storm, with over 500,000 athletes taking part across 90 races on every major continent in the 2024/25 season. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or new to the scene, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Ready for your next challenge? HYROX Hong Kong is back — bigger, better, and more inclusive than ever. Secure your spot as a racer or spectator at https://hyroxhk.com/ and be part of the World Series of Fitness Racing.

# # #

Official Strength Equipment Provider: CENTR
Official Nutrition Partner: Myprotein
Official Energy Drink Partner: Red Bull
Official Equipment Partner: Concept2
Official Sportswear Partner and Official Footwear Partner: Puma
Official Wearable Partner: Amazfit
Official Automotive Partner: BYD
Official Hong Kong Title Partner: Cigna Healthcare Hong Kong
Official Photography Partner: Sportograf
Official Water Partner: Bonaqua

HYROX APAC 25/26 Season

Appendix:

Event Information

  • HYROX is a worldwide fitness race for everybody: with 5 different racing categories to choose from, HYROX is accessible for everyone no matter what level.

1.       Singles – take on the standard HYROX for a challenging but achievable race for everyone

2.       Singles Pro – for the experienced racer, heavier weights make for a more challenging experience

3.       Doubles – find a partner and take on the challenge as a pair splitting the workload across the event

4.       Doubles Pro – a new category launched in 2024 that gives athletes the opportunity to compete with heavier weights while still having that partner support to split the workload. 

5.       Relay Teams – perfect for gyms, corporates, and other groups, split the work up among 4 people for the fastest and most accessible version of the race.

6.       Corporate Relay Teams – this new category allows colleagues to band together and race in a fun, supportive setting, ideal for team bonding and promoting workplace wellness.

7.      Adaptive  – a new category launched in 2025 at HYROX Hong Kong, featuring tailored adjustments to weights and repetitions at selected stations. These modifications ensure a safe, supportive, and empowering experience for all participants with physical impairments.

  • Athletes compete in the exact same race all around the world: starting with a 1km run, followed by 1 functional movement, repeated 8 times.
  • Participants can compare Global Rankings: all participants wear a timing chip and receive official finishing times, with comparable results through HYROX’s global rankings across all events.
  • HYROX hosts events in more than 31 countries and regions and culminates at the end of the season with the World Championships: where the fastest racers from around the world come together to battle it out for the highly sought after title of ‘Age Group World Champion’.
  • HYROX fills an untapped gap: the first event to bridge the gap between traditional endurance races with functional fitness, creating a race format for everybody with a unique repeatable, measurable and trainable concept.
  • Born from world-class industry veterans: created by one of the most experienced and successful mass participation race event organisers in the world, Christian Toetzke, together with 3 times’ Olympic Medallist and World Champion, Moritz Furste.

About HYROX

HYROX is one of the most disruptive fitness and sports brands on earth, a winner of the Time 100 Most Influential Companies 2024. HYROX is the global sport of fitness racing, inspiring people worldwide to engage in the healthiest form of training and competition on earth. In a HYROX participants run 8 X 1 KM laps with a functional workout between each lap, participants can run as individuals, in doubles or as a relay team of 4.

HYROX connects the world’s training communities with a sport, a training methodology and a lifestyle that is accessible to all and conveys the transformative benefits of training and competition to a globally connected audience. Founded by internationally recognised industry veterans Christian Toetzke and 3 times’ Olympic Medallist and World Champion Moritz Fürste. HYROX launched in Germany in 2017 with 650 athletes racing in the first season, in the 24/25 season over 500,000 athletes will take part across 90 races in every major continent on earth.

About Cigna Healthcare Hong Kong

Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the healthcare system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality.

Founded in 1933, our Hong Kong business provides comprehensive health and wellness solutions to employers, employees and individual customers. Leveraging on our extensive global healthcare network, we offer global group medical benefits that provide comprehensive and tailored coverage for a wide range of organizations. For individual customers, we also offer a full suite of health insurance plans to cater for their diverse needs. For more details, please visit www.cigna.com.hk.

About FW E

FWE is Asia’s leading festival in the fitness and wellness sectors, celebrated for showcasing the latest industry trends and innovations. Our mission is to elevate the wellness experience by bringing together immersive live experiences and cutting-edge trends for our fans. We collaborate with businesses to build a thriving community that fosters inspiration, connection, and collaboration in the pursuit of health and well-being. Together, we aim to empower one another and create a vibrant ecosystem that celebrates the spirit of fitness, wellness, and community.

The 2025 Mammoth International Contest on Omics Sciences – Young Scientists Track Now Open for Hot Registration!

SHENZHEN, China, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Under the guidance of UNESCO and the United Nations International Cooperation Public Welfare Organization, the 2025 Mammoth International Contest on Omics Sciences – Young Scientist Track (referred to as 2025 MICOS-Youth), co-organized by BGI Research and Jinze Charitable Foundation, was officially launched on May 22, 2025.

About the Competition

Previously, the Mammoth Cup had held four successful competitions with the focus on cutting-edge life science research and industry innovation. This year, the 5th edition of Mammoth Cup launched with a new global competition track for youth aged from 12 to 22.

Following four successful editions focused on cutting-edge life science research and industry innovation, this year marks the first time the Mammoth Cup opens a global competition track for youth aged 12–22. MICOS-Youth is the world’s first youth innovation platform that deeply integrates frontier life science research with biodiversity-focused public welfare practice.

The competition centers on environmental DNA (eDNA) as a core tool, promoting the vision: “Every data point can protect the planet.” Through a dual-track model of scientific research and public service, MICOS-Youth is committed to nurturing future scientists equipped with both academic competence and social responsibility.

What to Expect
Participants will:

  • Design and carry out research projects on biodiversity, rare/invasive species surveys, environmental pollution, or ecological conservation.
  • Complete the entire eDNA research pipeline: field sampling, laboratory work, sequencing, data analysis, research reports, and on-site presentations.
  • Receive mentorship from top scientists
  • Earn Three technical certifications and a UN-recognized public service certificate.

Award-Winning Teams will additionally receive: 

  • Expert-reviewed research evaluations
  • Invitations to scientific conferences
  • Opportunities for research internships

Competition Awards

Finalist teams will be featured in the cover story of Junior science magazine, and Gold Award winners will receive exclusive media interviews. Additionally, a range of high-profile awards awaits participants, including:

  • Research Achievements
    • Internship opportunities at international research institutions
    • Fast-track academic publication support
    • Permanent archival and display of research results
  • Public Engagement
    • Official certification from UN-affiliated organizations
    • Eligibility to attend global summits
    • Support for launching public welfare initiatives
  • Personal Development
    • Eligibility for inclusion in elite talent programs
    • Presentation opportunities on global academic platforms
    • Access to science communication resources
  • Institutional Honors
    • Eligibility for designation as a UN Sustainable Development Model School
    • Accreditation as a Popular Science Education Center

How to Apply

Registration for 2025 MICOS-Youth is now open!
Visit the official competition website for more information or to sign up today:
Official Website: https://micos.genomics.cn/en/ 

CONTACT: Lijin You, youlijin@genomics.cn 

This Summer, Take a Break with a Brick. Join LEGO® Group and Minifigure “Lok Jai” on a Joyful Journey Across 8 “Fun Spots” Explore Hong Kong’s Map of Happiness and Make the Most of Your Holiday


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 July 2025 – This summer, LEGO® Group teams up with popular minifigure Lok Jai to invite everyone in Hong Kong—young and old—to “Take a Brick” and enjoy a slower, more joyful summer! From July 12 to August 31, 2025, LEGO® Hong Kong presents the “Let’s Take a Brick” campaign, where Lok Jai will pop up at eight “Fun Spots” across the city to help you discover your own map of happiness, filled with relaxing and fun moments.

Play AR mini game at “Fun Spots” to Unlock Lok Jai Cards and Bring Him Home!
All “Fun Spots” across the city are equipped with AR mini game – scan the QR code and complete the designated task at each location to unlock Lok Jai collectible card. Then, head to any LEGO® Certified Store or the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Hong Kong with two or more Lok Jai collectible cards, to redeem a Build-A-Mini figure and bring Lok Jai home!

This summer, Let’s Take a Brick! Let Lok Jai join you in playing, laughing, and shouting with joy—making it your most carefree and fun-filled holiday yet!

Confide in the Treehole and Relax with LEGO® Brick Sounds
The first “Fun Spot” is located at Dino Park on the 5th floor of Phase 1, New Town Plaza, where a delightful LEGO® experience awaits!

At the entrance, you’ll find a 5-meter-tall LEGO® treehouse, where you can complete your “happiest summer building homework.” Inside, listen to relaxing music made with LEGO® bricks, helping you unwind and recharge.

There’s also a 3-meter-tall Lok Jai photo spot where you can capture your most fun-filled moments. And don’t miss the fidget spinner building zone, where you can unleash your creativity and immerse yourself in the world of LEGO® bricks. Every scene is infused with signature LEGO® humor and joy!

LEGO® “Fun Spot” – Dino Park
Location: Dino Park, 5/F, Phase 1, New Town Plaza
Date: July 12 – August 31, 2025
Event Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
LEGO® Treehouse Hours: 2:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Chill Out with Lok Jai at West Kowloon Cultural District
Lok Jai, your best summer buddy, is also waiting for you across multiple Fun Spots in the West Kowloon Cultural District—perfect for enjoying sunshine and art! At the High Lawn near Art Park, you’ll find a 3-meter inflatable Lok Jai holding a bright orange balloon, relaxing on a colorful picnic mat, inviting you to enjoy the breeze and your snacks.

In front of the Hong Kong Palace Museum Lawn, creative Lok Jai becomes an artist, wearing a signature beret and holding a brush and palette. Join him in painting and feel the artistic vibes on the lawn!

Next, head over to Harbourside Lawn East, now transformed into “Lok Jai Street,” where Lok Jai stands next to a Hong Kong-style street sign waiting for your classic “I was here” photo moment!

As one of the best sunset viewing spots in Hong Kong, Harbourside Lawn West glows with magic during golden hour. Don’t miss your chance to snap a selfie with Lok Jai as the sky and sea are painted in dreamy shades of red and gold.

Finally, unleash your creativity at the Secret Garden‘s Free Build Area, where you can build your imagination with LEGO® bricks, de-stress, and let your creativity take flight!

Extra Perks! Unlock all 4 exclusive Lok Jai collectible cards in West Kowloon Cultural District, and you can enjoy up to 50% off special deals at designated shops. (See appendix for details.)

LEGO® “Fun Spot” – West Kowloon Cultural District
Locations: Art Park High Lawn, Hong Kong Palace Museum Lawn, Harbourside Lawn East and West
Date: July 12 – August 31, 2025
Secret Garden Free Build Area Hours: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Sat & Sun)

Lok Jai Visits LEGO® Stores Too!
Lok Jai is also appearing at three LEGO® Certified Stores across the city!

  • Times Square, Causeway Bay – Lok Jai is enjoying a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream—can you resist?
  • Langham Place, Mong Kok – Lok Jai is skateboarding and bursting with energy and joy.
  • K11 Musea LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui – Lok Jai is ready for the beach with a floatie and goggles, inviting you to dive into a cool summer adventure!

Limited-Time Offers Until August 31, 2025
Join the “Fun Spot” event and unlock two or more Lok Jai collectible cards to redeem a free Build-A-Mini LEGO® figure. Plus, enjoy special gifts with your LEGO® purchases! Receive a free 30689 Birthday Party Animals with any LEGO® boxset purchase. Spend $350 or more to get a LEGO® Yoyo, and $500 or more to receive an exclusive LEGO® Tote Bag.

At the New Town Plaza LEGO® Certified Store, don’t miss the exclusive offer: spend $680 or more on any LEGO® boxset and receive a LEGO® Picnic Mat—available in limited quantities while supplies last.

For more details, please follow the official LEGO® Hong Kong Facebook page and Instagram account.

Appendix – LEGO® Let’s Take a Brick West Kowloon Cultural District Special Deals

No Venue / F&B and Shop Special Offers
Art Park & Freespace
1. PANO 10% off
9折

2.

Café Bohème
港灣小館
A complimentary soft drink upon spending $200 (Dine- in only)
於餐廳內消費滿港幣$200可獲送汽水一杯
3. Hooman 10% off
9折
4. Lau Bak Livehouse
留白
12% off (dine-in only)
堂食88折
Xiqu Centre

5.

Star Place
明星樓(粵菜宴會廳)
Each customer can enjoy free dessert of the day for lunch
每位顧客於午市惠顧可免費獲贈是日精選甜品
6. Linong Tea
立農茗茶
10% off regular price products
正價貨品9折
7. Tong Tea
餇茶號
10% off
9折
8. Major Cellar
美酒滙
Enjoy $100 discount upon spending $1,000
買滿港幣1,000元可減港幣100元

9.

Rex Music
域斯琴行
A complimentary class upon enrolling in any of the four instrument experience classes
報讀4堂樂器體驗課程額外贈送一堂
10. Eat East
波仔
10% off on regular price Eat East product
正價波仔產品9折

11.

Kafook Florist
嘉馥花卉

12% off in-stock products (including preserved flowers, bouquets, floral materials, plants and orchids)
10% off flower baskets over HK$1,500 (Discount not applicable to discounted items and shipping fees)
任何現貨(包括保鮮花,花束,花材,植物及蘭花)88折
凡訂製花籃滿港幣$1,500以上9折
(折扣不適用於特價貨品及所有運輸費用)
12. Chinese Culture and Art Development Centre
中國文化藝術發展中心
Chess Set 25% off
國際象棋一副75折

13.

Zero to One Tea Culture Promotion Centre
茶創樂茶藝推廣中心
10% off regular price products
One free box of tea upon spending of HK$250 (regular price)
正價貨品9折及
實價滿港幣$250即可免費獲贈指定茶葉一盒
14. Rainbow Creative Arts 50% off on any trial art lesson

半價試堂優惠

15. Natural is Best
自然派
5% off
95折

No Venue / F&B and Shop Special Offers
M+
16. AGATE 璞 A glass of selected non-alcoholic drink upon any spending
於餐廳內消費可獲送指定一杯飲品(非酒精類)
WKCDA Tower
17. PHILLIPS CAFE 10% off on a la carte menu
單點菜式9折
HKPM
18. Cupping Room 10% off food and drinks (excluding retail products)
食品或飲品9折優惠(零售產品除外)
19. Shi Shang House
食尚館
10% off (dine-in and takeaway)
9折(堂食及外賣適用)
20. Crepes and Bakes A complimentary soft drink upon spending $200 (Dine- in only)
於餐廳內消費滿港幣$200可獲送汽水一杯
21. King Lung Heen
璟瓏軒
10% off a la Carte menu (dine-in only)
堂食菜式單點9折
Food Truck
22. Pineapple Canteen
菠蘿仔食堂
10% off
9折
23. Book Brothers
大師兄美食車
10% off
9 折
24. Pat Chun Saucy Truck
八珍醬園美食車
10% off (except pork knuckles, ginger stew and sauce)
9 折(豬腳薑及醬料除外)
25. Lucky Station
幸運站
10% off
9折
26. SawadeeCar 10% off
9折
27. The Butchers Truck 10% off
9 折
Pop Up
28. Tiger Sugar
老虎堂
HK$5 discount on drinks
茶飲減港幣 5 元
29. 852 Eight Five Two Enjoy HK$10 discount upon spending HK$100
買滿港幣100元可減港幣10元

Hashtag: #LEGO #LokJai

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

About the LEGO Group

The LEGO Group’s mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through the power of play. The LEGO System in Play, with its foundation in LEGO bricks, allows children and fans to build and rebuild anything they can imagine.

The LEGO Group was founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, its name derived from the two Danish words LEg GOdt, which mean “Play Well”. Today, the LEGO Group remains a family-owned company headquartered in Billund. However, its products are now sold in more than 120 countries worldwide.

For more news from the LEGO Group, information about our financial performance and responsibility engagement, please visit .

LEGO and the LEGO logo are the trademarks of the LEGO Group. © 2025 The LEGO Group.

Huawei Launches Global Education and Healthcare Partner Alliance to Unleash Value in Industry Ecosystem

SHENZHEN, China, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Huawei held the 2025 Global Education and Healthcare Partner China Convention. Over 300 partner guests from 40 countries attended. At the event, Huawei launched the Global Education and Healthcare Partner Alliance (GEHPA). This initiative aims to strengthen communication with industry partners, leverage mutual strengths, achieve win-win cooperation, and ultimately build a high-quality, sustainable industry ecosystem. Members of the alliance can jointly undertake technical research and develop innovative solutions to power the digital transformation of education and healthcare worldwide.


 


Education and healthcare are greatly impacted by the rapid development of AI technologies and applications. Ernest Zhang, President of Partner Development and Commercial & Distribution Business Dept in Huawei Enterprise Sales Dept, stated that Huawei is committed to fully supporting its partners with enhanced capabilities, collaborative innovation, and a superior partnership experience. The goal is to ensure that more partners thrive through the cooperation, jointly serve the hundreds of thousands of education and healthcare customers worldwide, and build a more beautiful future for these industries in the age of AI.

Li Junfeng, Vice President of Huawei and CEO of Global Public Sector BU, stated out that the education and healthcare sectors are at the forefront of the global digital and intelligent transformation. Huawei is eager to work with partners to build a friendly, win-win, and sustainable global partner ecosystem. They will do this by creating joint solutions, nurturing industry ecosystems, setting benchmarks, and innovating cooperation models.

Peter Zhou, Vice President of Huawei and President of the Data Storage Product Line, stated that the healthcare industry’s vast accumulation of high-quality data is key to leading AI implementation in the sector. He then proposed four initiatives: promoting standardized healthcare data and management, building shared intelligent diagnostic and treatment data infrastructure across departments and multiple hospital campuses, facilitating the tool-based and standardized development of data and model engineering, and accelerating the creation and adoption of sound AI diagnostic and treatment business models to foster a positive cycle.

Moving forward, Huawei plans to strengthen global collaborations, consistently innovating and applying new technologies in education and healthcare to address changing market needs. At the same time, Huawei will also commit to driving the high-quality development of the GEHPA, contributing to the sustainable growth of global education and healthcare.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1-9.jpg
Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2-4.jpg

KuCoin’s Remarkable First Half of 2025: Building Trust, Driving Innovation, and Shaping the Future

VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a global cryptocurrency exchange leader, celebrates a remarkable first half of 2025, marked by strong growth, bold innovation, and enhanced compliance. With over 41 million registered users, the platform also set new benchmarks for security and compliance.

Security and compliance have always been KuCoin’s top strategic priorities and the foundation of its success. KuCoin solidified its position by achieving SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 certifications, underscoring its commitment to user safety. An AAA rating from CER.live ranks KuCoin among the top four most secure exchanges worldwide. Its integration with BitGo’s Go Network for institutional-grade custody includes up to $250 million in insurance coverage. These efforts are part of the $2 Billion Trust Project — a long-term commitment to the KuCoin community.

In 2025, KuCoin advanced its compliance efforts by submitting a MiCA license application in the EU and supporting the official opening of KuCoin Thailand — the first fully regulated local digital asset exchange under the KuCoin brand, licensed by the Thai SEC — marking a significant milestone in KuCoin’s mission to build fast, secure, and user-friendly infrastructure for crypto users worldwide. These efforts reflect KuCoin’s dedication to aligning with global regulatory standards while expanding into key markets like MENA and LATAM, where spot trading volume saw double-digit growth.

Innovation drives KuCoin forward. KuCoin Pay expanded globally, enabling crypto payments for real-world services, such as retail purchases via AEON’s VietQR and QR Ph codes in Southeast Asia. KuCard experienced over 30% growth in transaction volume and introduced 8.5% KCS cashback for high-tier users. The Trading Bot platform, with 8.9 million bots created, saw a 40% trading volume increase, fueled by AI enhancements. Over 170 new tokens and 106 futures assets were added, catering to diverse trading preferences.

Beyond business, KuCoin’s social impact shines. Initiatives that distributed 9,700 solar lamps and 5,000 menstrual kits impacted over 50,000 lives and earned the UNWWO CSR Award. Industry accolades include “Best Crypto Exchange 2025” from Forbes Advisor and CoinBureau, alongside top rankings from CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap.

KuCoin’s first half of 2025 reflects its dedication to trust, innovation, and global leadership. As it looks ahead, the platform is planning new market entries in several regions and is poised to shape a more secure, inclusive, and resilient future for crypto worldwide in the remainder of 2025.

KuCoin’s H1 report can be read in full here.

About KuCoin 

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is one of the pioneering and most globally recognized technology platforms supporting digital economies, built on a robust foundation of cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure, liquidity solutions, and an exceptional user experience. With a connected user base exceeding 41 million worldwide, KuCoin offers comprehensive digital asset solutions across wallets, trading, wealth management, payments, research, ventures, and AI-powered bots.

KuCoin has garnered accolades such as “Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges” by Forbes and has been recognized among the “Top 50 Global Unicorns” by Hurun in 2024. These recognitions reflect its commitment to user-centric principles and core values, which include integrity, accountability, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Learn more: https://www.kucoin.com/