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Fujitsu and Macquarie University partner to help address critical shortage of machine learning engineers

New micro credentials course will give students access to Fujitsu’s AutoML technology, allowing them to generate AI models more rapidly

KAWASAKI, Japan, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Faster and highly accurate AI models will be available and accessible to students through a strategic partnership between global digital transformation leader, Fujitsu, and Macquarie University.

The collaboration, formed through an established strategic partnership, will offer university-developed AI micro credentials via Macquarie University’s online learning platforms as well as popular platforms including LinkedIn Learning and Udemy, allowing students, researchers and industry professionals around the world access to Fujitsu’s proprietary AutoML technology while developing valuable knowledge and skills in automated machine learning.

The new four-week online course, “Fujitsu AutoML: Mastering Automated Machine Learning” will open for registrations. The course is tailored to bridge the gap in AI education and will teach basic theory with practical exercises on topics including automated machine learning, models and algorithms using the Fujitsu AutoML tool.

Accelerating AI implementation process with Fujitsu AutoML technology

The Fujitsu AutoML technology speeds up analysis by evaluating the most promising machine learning pipelines, rather than all combinations of possible outcomes. The technology also enhances transparency for data-driven decision-making by showing users how the AI model is built.

Fujitsu AutoML is an integral component of Fujitsu’s cloud-based AI Platform, Fujitsu Kozuchi, which enables rapid development, testing, and implementation of AI across seven areas: Generative AI, AutoML, predictive analytics, text, vision, AI trust, explainable AI.

For full release click here

ZNShine Solar Delivers High-Performance Bifacial Modules for 67MW Signal Ranch Solar Project in Texas

QUINLAN, Texas, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ZNShine Solar, a globally recognized Tier 1 photovoltaic manufacturer, today announced its contribution of 54.648 MW of high-efficiency bifacial modules to the 67 MW Signal Ranch Solar Project. Located at BT Signal Ranch, 427 Signal Road, Quinlan, TX 75474, the project achieved financial closure on December 15, 2023, through non-recourse financing arranged by EastWest Bank.

Project Highlights:

  • Total Capacity: 67 MW (54.648 MW supplied by ZNShine Solar)
  • Technology: 550W bifacial double-glass monocrystalline PERC modules
  • Key Features: Multi-busbar technology for enhanced efficiency, superior PID resistance, and proven durability in extreme conditions
  • Development: Adapture Renewables & Belltown Power (co-developers), SOLV Energy (EPC)

ZNShine’s bifacial modules employ an innovative dual-glass design that replaces traditional backsheets, delivering:

  • 30-year operational lifespan with <0.5% annual degradation
  • 15-25% higher energy yield versus monofacial alternatives
  • Certified resistance to high humidity (85% RH), high temperatures (85°C), and sandstorms

Financial & Operational Details:

With commissioning beginning in November 2024, the project will generate sufficient clean energy to power approximately 9,335 Texas homes annually. EastWest Bank’s non-recourse financing package demonstrates strong confidence in both the project’s viability and ZNShine’s bankable module technology.

About ZNShine Solar
As a BNEF Tier 1 PV Manufacturer and PVEL Top Performer, ZNShine Solar (founded 2006) operates 10GW+ of global production capacity across facilities in China and international markets. The company’s vertically integrated R&D and manufacturing processes ensure industry-leading module reliability, with products deployed across 60+ countries.

 

The Secret of the Vietnamese Restaurant Chain Loved by Koreans

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With over 15 years of experience in the F&B industry, Quán Bụi Group has become a well-known culinary brand among both Vietnamese and international diners.

A diner shared their experience after visiting Quán Bụi: “My family and I visited the restaurant in the evening. Although it was quite crowded, the staff remained very attentive. The food matched our taste, and the ambiance was comfortable. This is truly an ideal place for gatherings with family and friends.”


These values have become the hallmark of Quán Bụi Group and the quality standard they continuously strive for. No matter which of their restaurants you visit, you can experience the completeness in every dish, the professionalism in service, and the warm, inviting ambiance—a place where culture and cuisine come together, touching your emotions.

Founded by CEO Danh Trần, who has a deep passion for Vietnamese cuisine and a strong desire to preserve and elevate its flavors to premium standards, Quán Bụi Group has grown from a small restaurant into a diverse culinary ecosystem with 14 branches, including:

  • Quán Bụi – Specializing in Vietnamese cuisine, recreating traditional flavors in a rustic and cozy setting.
  • Laang Saigon – A modern take on Vietnamese cuisine, blending Asian culinary excellence.
  • Sticky Rice – Authentic Thai flavors with bold spiciness and distinctive aromas.
  • Café’In – A modern café space, perfect for work or relaxation.

Quán Bụi is set to open a new branch in Phú Mỹ Hưng, District 7— an area known as the “Korean Town”, home to a large Korean community in Ho Chi Minh City. With a spacious setting and high capacity, Quán Bụi Phú Mỹ Hưng will be an ideal destination for parties, gatherings, or meetings with friends.

Quán Bụi offers Vietnamese dishes that are beloved by Korean diners, such as Vietnamese Fried Pancake (Bánh xèo) with Seafood, Grilled Squid with Spicy Chili Salt, Vietnamese Clam Soup with Dill, Tofu with Salted Egg Sauce, Beef Salad with White Eggplant and Kumquat, Hanoi Grilled Pork with Rice Noodles – Bún Chả, and Sautéed Fillet Chicken with Tamarind Sauce. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to preserve the authentic essence of Vietnamese cuisine while maintaining a harmonious balance of flavors.

Sharing his vision for development, CEO Danh Trần emphasized: “Cuisine is the easiest way to explore and understand a culture. With continuous efforts to enhance quality and service, Quán Bụi Group’s restaurant brands take pride in being the top choice for the Korean community in Vietnam—a place where flavors touch the heart, and food becomes a universal language of connection.”

The Smoothest Beer Creates the Smoothest Skin Cream? Heineken® Silver Blurs Boundaries with The Heineken® Smootheriser

  • Heineken® Silver is taking its smoothness beyond beer with the launch of The Heineken® Smootheriser; a skin cream as silky as its brew
  • This new, limited-edition drop blurs the lines between beer and beauty, taking the signature ultra-smooth taste of Heineken® Silver and turning it into an unexpected creation
  • The Heineken® Smootheriser will launch in Cambodia and Taiwan region, bringing a refreshing twist to skincare and redefining what smoothness means

SINGAPORE, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Heineken® Silver, the beer renowned for its ultra-refreshing smoothness, today unveils The Heineken®  Smootheriser, a “skin-smoothing” beauty cream. Blurring the boundaries between beer and beauty, the cream draws inspiration from Heineken® Silver’s crisp, easy-drinking formula, taking its smoothness beyond just beer.

The smoothest beer creates the smoothest skin cream_ Heineken® Silver blurs boundaries with the Heineken® Smootheriser
The smoothest beer creates the smoothest skin cream_ Heineken® Silver blurs boundaries with the Heineken® Smootheriser

At a time when consumers are engaging with brands in more unexpected ways, Heineken® Silver is leaning into cultural trends, stepping beyond traditional marketing to create something playful and disruptive. Launched in Asia, this unexpected creation taps into skincare’s popularity surge and the rise of self-care to engage a broader audience with something playful and disruptive.

Disrupting Expectations, One Smooth Move at a Time

Pushing category boundaries is in Heineken® Silver’s DNA. Brewed at -1°C for a refreshingly crisp taste, the beer has always redefined smoothness. Now, in true Heineken® Silver fashion, the brand is making waves with its unconventional approach to brand engagement and sparking curiosity and conversation.

What started as a joke was just too smooth not to make real.

The Heineken® Smootheriser is not just about jumping on the latest trends. It’s about Heineken®’s move to blend humour, innovation and cultural relevance to create a memorable crossover that gets people talking whether they’re into beer, skincare, or both. After all, when something is as smooth as Heineken® Silver, why stop at beer?” says Nabil Nasser, Global Head of the Heineken® Brand.

A Cultural Conversation in the Making

While it makes its debut on April 1, The Heineken® Smootheriser is no April Fool’s joke. The product actually exists, blurring the line between parody and possibility. Infused with the same quality barley and hops that give Heineken® Silver its signature crisp taste, The Heineken® Smootheriser is exquisitely packaged with a premium formulation that’s designed to hydrate and nourish the skin. Over 1,000 limited-edition boxes are now available exclusively through select activations and giveaways.

The Heineken® Smootheriser will launch in Taiwan region and Cambodia, coinciding with Heineken® Silver’s official launch in the latter market.

Fans eager to witness the exciting blend of beer and beauty can follow @heineken_tw and @heineken_kh on Instagram for more updates on The Heineken® Smootheriser.

About HEINEKEN

HEINEKEN is the world’s most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium and non-alcoholic beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken® brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 340 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. With HEINEKEN’s over 85,000 employees, we brew the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world. Our dream is to shape the future of beer and beyond to win the hearts of consumers. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management. Through “Brew a Better World”, sustainability is embedded in the business. HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. We operate breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. Most recent information is available on our Company’s website and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram

 

Why Are There No New Users in the Crypto Market? How Multi-Asset Trading Wallet BiyaPay Is Finding New Solutions Amidst Fierce Competition and User Confusion ?

SINGAPORE, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —

Introduction 

In recent years, the cryptocurrency market has undergone a dramatic shift from euphoria to calm. At one point, Bitcoin and Ethereum prices hit new highs, and concepts like NFTs and the Metaverse rapidly gained traction, attracting a flood of new users. However, as the market cooled down, the growth of new users slowed significantly, even showing signs of stagnation. This phenomenon has caused concern within the industry: why is the crypto market struggling to attract new participants? Despite continuous technological innovation and an abundance of new projects, public interest has not kept pace. The challenges faced by the crypto market are rooted in increasing competition and a more complex ecosystem, which has left new users confused. This article will explore why the crypto market is experiencing a lack of significant new user growth and discuss how, in the midst of intense competition and user confusion, companies like BiyaPay, a leading multi-asset trading wallet, are finding new ways to drive growth in the crypto industry.

Market Situation Analysis

The competition in the crypto market has intensified, and the ecosystem has become increasingly saturated. From public chains to sidechains, to Layer 2 networks and various decentralized applications (dApps), the number of projects has exploded. According to statistics, over 350 active blockchain networks exist worldwide, and the number of new tokens issued each day reaches tens of thousands. The fragmentation of the market has intensified, and users are now faced with an overwhelming number of choices. However, despite the continuous increase in projects, user growth has not followed suit. Indicators like Total Value Locked (TVL) show that the current cycle has not surpassed previous market highs. The decline in search interest for the term “crypto” on Google Trends also reflects the cyclical decrease in public interest. For beginners, entering the crypto world is far from simple: hundreds of blockchains, wallets, and various protocols and applications make the decision process overwhelming, and the sheer number of options raises the cognitive and usability barriers.

The stagnation in new user growth is driven by multiple factors. First, the user experience of crypto products is significantly more complex than that of traditional internet applications. New users must not only install digital wallets, back up recovery phrases, purchase digital currencies, and pay miner fees but also switch between different blockchain networks, which is particularly daunting for those with no prior exposure to crypto technology. Second, market fragmentation is severe. The ecosystems of various public chains are isolated, making asset interoperability a challenge. This means users need to switch between platforms, for example, dApps on Ethereum have high transaction fees, and users seeking cheaper alternatives often have to learn new wallets and operational logic. The lack of unified standards and interoperability creates friction in user experiences. Lastly, information overload exacerbates user confusion. With thousands of token projects, new users often struggle to distinguish valuable projects from fraudulent ones. The complexity of the experience and the overload of information discourage potential users from entering the market.

Beyond the complexity of the user experience, external factors also contribute to the hesitation of new users entering the crypto market. One significant challenge is regulatory uncertainty. Different countries have vastly differing attitudes toward cryptocurrencies, and their regulations are subject to frequent changes. Some countries have welcomed crypto innovation only to suddenly impose strict regulations, while others have yet to define clear regulations. This uncertainty makes it difficult for crypto companies to operate compliantly, and users feel uneasy about investing in crypto due to the risk of sudden regulatory crackdowns. Another challenge is the frequent occurrence of security incidents, which has damaged the public image of the industry. Events such as exchange bankruptcies, project founders running off with funds, and hacking incidents have shaken user confidence in the safety of crypto platforms. The media’s coverage of crypto scams, money laundering, and other criminal activities has further exacerbated the industry’s reputation crisis. These events make ordinary users wary of entering the crypto space, as they fear losing their funds or getting caught up in illegal activities. Trust issues have become the most significant psychological barrier preventing new users from entering the market.

Core Barriers to User Growth

The target audience for the crypto industry is not homogeneous but highly diversified. Developers, ordinary users, investors, and institutions all have different needs, contributing to the fragmentation of the market. For example, public chain projects primarily target developers, as only developers can build applications that attract end users and grow the ecosystem. Therefore, public chains need to focus on “developer marketing” and technical documentation to encourage developers to adopt their chains. However, these efforts may not directly translate into growth for the average user base. For dApp applications, which should ideally focus on end users, many instead focus on attracting token holders and speculative funds. Sometimes token holders are not actual users of the product but engage in speculative arbitrage, which does not contribute to real user growth. Venture capitalists and institutional investors are primarily focused on return on investment (ROI), and they invest in projects with the expectation that token prices will appreciate. This often leads projects to prioritize token price management and exchange partnerships over improving the product’s appeal to everyday users. Meanwhile, retail speculators are more concerned with short-term price fluctuations and lack patience for long-term value, which makes it difficult to cultivate a loyal user base. Technical partners, such as cross-chain bridges and wallet plugins, form another isolated group. The diverse interests of these stakeholders contribute to the fragmentation of the market, making it harder to target and grow a unified user base.

The high technical complexity of crypto technology is another significant barrier to user adoption. Many ordinary people have heard of Bitcoin but find it difficult to understand blockchain principles, private key signing, or how to manage a string of characters on their own. The high technical threshold leads to mistakes or discomfort when users first experience the technology. For example, a user might accidentally enter the wrong address during a transaction, resulting in the loss of their assets. The high transaction fees, especially during Ethereum’s peak, also discourage small investors and beginners from participating in the market. These issues highlight that blockchain infrastructure is still far from being ready for large-scale commercial adoption. At the same time, the lack of trust has worsened the problem. The 2021 bull market attracted a wave of mainstream users, especially with celebrities endorsing NFTs, but many new users withdrew after the market crash in 2022. Exchange collapses and project failures have left people with negative perceptions of the industry. When the media frequently reports on Bitcoin’s “death” or the collapse of major crypto projects, it reinforces this negative view. Therefore, when technical complexity and trust issues are combined, convincing new users to enter the market becomes an uphill battle. They are either discouraged by the high barriers to entry or deterred by security concerns.

The high cost and complex entry process are additional hurdles for new users. For many newcomers, buying cryptocurrencies is already a significant barrier. Fiat-to-crypto channels are limited, and transaction fees can be high. Through third-party payment methods, users might face additional fees of 2-5%, discouraging small-scale users. Additionally, the volatility of crypto asset prices often causes new users to fear that they will “get stuck” as soon as they enter the market, adding to the psychological cost. Transaction costs are also significant, including high fees for blockchain Gas and additional charges for withdrawal and exchange transactions. Furthermore, the onboarding process is complex. Traditional financial account opening may only require identification documents, but in the crypto world, new users often face multiple steps: registering on exchanges, completing KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, linking bank accounts or wallets, depositing fiat currency to purchase USDT or BTC, and finally transferring funds to personal wallets. This process involves several platforms, and each step introduces new concepts (KYC, wallet addresses, private keys) that users need to understand. Some users may abandon the process midway or fall victim to phishing sites that steal recovery phrases. In comparison, Web2 applications have far simpler onboarding processes. The cumbersome entry process further reduces the attractiveness of crypto products to new users.

Where Is the Breakthrough?

To overcome these barriers, the crypto industry must focus on lowering entry barriers, building trust, and enhancing practical functionality. One company leading the way in this regard is BiyaPay, a global multi-asset trading wallet that offers potential solutions through its product features and service model.

BiyaPay’s standout feature is its multi-asset trading function, which allows users to manage various financial assets, including digital currencies, U.S. stocks, Hong Kong stocks, and more, all within a single platform. This “one-stop” design significantly reduces the entry barrier for new users. Firstly, new users no longer need to download multiple apps or switch between platforms. Traditionally, users needed to open a securities account to trade stocks and register with a crypto exchange for digital currencies. With BiyaPay, users can trade both stocks and crypto assets in one wallet, greatly simplifying the process. For traditional investors, they can now access digital currencies through a familiar stock trading platform, while crypto users can easily engage in traditional asset trading. Secondly, this multi-asset integration makes cross-market operations much more convenient. Users can exchange stablecoins for U.S. dollars and trade U.S. or Hong Kong stocks without the need for complex cross-border transfers or opening offshore accounts. BiyaPay supports converting USDT or other digital assets into fiat currencies and then using them to buy and sell U.S. or Hong Kong stocks, all without the hassle of opening offshore bank accounts. The platform allows for rapid account opening in just five minutes and seamless asset exchange, making global financial markets easily accessible. This simplified experience greatly reduces the psychological barriers for new users, making them more likely to engage with different features.

Another breakthrough offered by BiyaPay is its global payment and remittance services, which solve the difficulties associated with cross-border transactions. The platform supports real-time exchange and remittance for over twenty fiat currencies and more than ten major cryptocurrencies at very low costs. For example, a user working overseas can easily send funds to their family by exchanging digital assets into the local fiat currency on BiyaPay and transferring the funds to a recipient’s account. The low fees (around 0.5%) and the elimination of complex intermediary steps provide a significant advantage over traditional remittance services, which can take days to process and have high fees. This service meets real-world financial needs, attracting users who may not be interested in crypto technology itself but need a convenient cross-border payment solution. For instance, in countries experiencing high inflation, residents can use BiyaPay to convert their local currency into stablecoins for value preservation and then exchange them back into fiat currency when needed. This new use case for crypto is a major breakthrough for the industry, as it shifts the focus from speculative trading to practical financial solutions, making the crypto world more accessible.

BiyaPay also builds user trust by operating in a fully compliant and secure manner. It is headquartered in Singapore, with subsidiaries in the U.S., Canada, and Hong Kong, holding comprehensive financial licenses to ensure legal and compliant operations. BiyaPay emphasizes its “complete licensing, safe and reliable” credentials, which help build trust, especially during times of regulatory uncertainty. Users are more likely to trust a regulated platform with legitimate licenses rather than an anonymous underground exchange. In addition to regulatory compliance, BiyaPay also focuses on security, using bank-grade encryption and multi-factor authentication mechanisms to safeguard user assets and data. This focus on security and risk management ensures that users can make secure transactions without worrying about their funds being frozen or confiscated, a common concern among crypto users.

BiyaPay’s multi-asset strategy not only lowers entry barriers but also broadens its potential user base. By offering both traditional financial assets and cryptocurrencies on the same platform, BiyaPay appeals to a diverse range of investors. Traditional investors who are interested in global markets can use BiyaPay to access cryptocurrency markets easily, while crypto investors can use the platform to diversify their portfolios into traditional assets. This cross-pollination between the “stock” and “crypto” communities significantly expands BiyaPay’s user base.

Future Trends and Outlook

Looking ahead, the emergence of Web3 technologies offers new growth opportunities for the crypto market. Social finance, NFTs, and the Metaverse are emerging fields that could drive the next wave of user growth. BiyaPay can tap into these trends by supporting features such as NFT asset management and Metaverse payment solutions, which would cater to users’ needs in these new areas.

In addition to technological innovation, the crypto industry needs to invest in branding and user education to truly reach new audiences. Clear marketing messages and user education efforts can break down existing barriers to entry. By promoting simple, relatable messages such as “blockchain makes cross-border payments as easy as texting,” crypto platforms like BiyaPay can resonate with mainstream users and reduce the cognitive hurdles new users face.

Conclusion

The slowdown in new user growth in the crypto market is due to a combination of factors, including technological complexity, market fragmentation, and trust issues. However, by improving the user experience, strengthening compliance and security, and expanding practical use cases, the market can overcome these barriers. BiyaPay, as a leading multi-asset trading wallet, demonstrates a successful approach by offering integrated services, global payment solutions, and strong regulatory compliance. The future of the crypto industry looks promising, with the potential to attract new users through innovative products and improved user experiences.

About BiyaPay

BiyaPay is a global multi-asset trading wallet that supports instant exchange of more than 30 fiat currencies and more than 200 digital currencies, and provides USDT direct advertising US stocks, Hong Kong stocks and digital currency spot and contract trading services. Its compliance withdrawal channel and one-stop financial ecosystem are trusted by users around the world.

Learn more information

BiyaPay official website: www.biyapay.com 

Customer service email: service@biyapay.com 

Telegram supports: https://t.me/biyapay001 

Amorepacific Museum of Art Presents New Exhibition of Korean Folk Painting, ‘Beyond Joseon Minhwa’

Open through Jun 29, the exhibition – featuring 100 works from 20 institutions and private collections – celebrates the beauty of Korea through ‘Minhwa’ dating from Joseon dynasty to modern times

SEOUL, South Korea, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Amorepacific Museum of Art is pleased to present a special exhibition of traditional Korean art, “Beyond Joseon Minhwa,” in celebration of Amorepacific’s 80th anniversary. Running from March 27 to June 29, the exhibition showcases ‘Minhwa’ from Joseon dynasty to the modern era through a contemporary lens.

Exhibition poster for “Beyond Joseon Minhwa” by Amorepacific Museum of Art
Exhibition poster for “Beyond Joseon Minhwa” by Amorepacific Museum of Art

Minhwa, which literally translates to “painting of the people,” refers to Korean folk painting created by ordinary people in the distant past. In recent years, these works have been gaining recognition for their unique compositions, expressions, colors, individuality and level of completeness, transcending time and space to align with contemporary aesthetics. The exhibition aims to celebrate the growing interest in Minhwa while providing a fresh point of view on the beauty of Korea.

The exhibition showcases Minhwa from a variety of perspectives by categorizing the works based on subject matter, allowing visitors to experience the unique expressions and aesthetics of Minhwa in depth. From highly detailed and sophisticated pieces to bold and distinctive works, the exhibition presents the diverse appeal and charm of Minhwa. In addition to works inspired by Korean court paintings, the exhibition also includes craftworks—including ceramics, metalwork, woodcraft and textiles—underscoring the influence of Minhwa on decorative arts while offering a glimpse into trends that dominated different eras.

A total of over 100 artworks from 20 institutions and private collections, as well as newly acquired pieces by Amorepacific Museum of Art and rarely seen masterpieces, will be on display. Notably, the museum will unveil “Bookshelves” by Yi Taek-gyun and “Geumgang Mountain” from its collection, in addition to best-known Minhwa works, such as “Tiger and Magpies,” “Dragon in Clouds,” and “A Fish Transforming into a Dragon (Rising from Obscurity to Fame).” Moreover, visitors will get a chance to see “Ethical Letters from Jeju Island” from the National Maritime Museum of Korea collection, “One Hundred Fans” from the Seoul National University Museum collection, “Lotus Flowers” from a private collection, and “Eight Views of Gwandong” lent by Hengso Museum of Keimyung University.

Accompanying the exhibition is a 400-page exhibition catalogue, featuring high-quality images, essays by 19 contributors and artwork descriptions by 18 scholars. The catalogue provides in-depth insights into Minhwa and its artistic significance, serving as an excellent opportunity to experience the rich diversity and captivating beauty of Minhwa from diverse perspectives.

In an effort to reduce waste and carbon emissions, Amorepacific Museum of Art is committed to sustainable exhibition practices. For this exhibition, more than 50% of the steel frames and glass from the 2023 exhibition “Beyond Folding Screens 2” were repurposed. Additionally, most of the partition walls were constructed using recycled materials from previous exhibitions, promoting waste reduction and resource circulation.

[Exhibition Overview]

  • Title: Beyond Joseon Minhwa
  • Duration: March 27, 2025 (Thu) – June 29, 2025 (Sun)
  • Opening hours: 10:00 AM6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:30 PM / Closed on Mondays)
  • Location: Amorepacific Museum of Art (100, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul)
  • Reservations: Book tickets through the Amorepacific Museum of Art’s official website (http://apma.amorepacific.com)
  • Lending institutions: National Museum of Korea, Gyeongju National Museum, Jeonju National Museum, National Folk Museum of Korea, National Maritime Museum of Korea, National Agricultural Museum of Korea, The Korean Studies Institute, Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum, Seoul Museum of History, Busan Museum, Ulsan Museum, Jeonju Museum of History, Cheonan Museum, Seoul National University Museum, Hanyang University Museum, Hengso Museum of Keimyung University, Leeum Museum of Art, Horim Museum, Gana Foundation for Art and Culture (19 total)
  • Inquiries: Amorepacific Museum of Art / 02-6040-2345 / museum@amorepacific.com

Amorepacific Museum of Art Presents New Exhibition of Korean Folk Painting, 'Beyond Joseon Minhwa’
Amorepacific Museum of Art Presents New Exhibition of Korean Folk Painting, ‘Beyond Joseon Minhwa’

TIER IV launches new management structure with appointment of external directors

TOKYO, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TIER IV, the pioneering force behind the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving, has launched a new management structure to strengthen governance in preparation for business expansion and global growth. As part of this transition, two external directors with extensive experience in global business join the board.

Effective April 1, the new structure is aimed at strengthening governance by refining decision-making and oversight while clarifying the division of responsibilities between governance and business execution.

Management structure overview

Board of directors

  • The board of directors defines key management policies and oversees business execution.
  • Two external directors have joined the board.

Audit and supervisory board

  • A new audit and supervisory board has been established to enhance corporate governance.
  • The role of auditors is reinforced to ensure effective oversight.

Executive officers

  • Executive officers are appointed based on their business expertise and leadership capabilities, each responsible for a specific unit.
  • They are delegated authority from the representative director to drive business execution.
  • They are assigned a CXO role according to their area of responsibility.

Profiles of new external directors

Tatsuo Kawasaki

Tatsuo is chairman and founding partner of Unison Capital. Since founding Unison, he has managed investment portfolios across a wide range of businesses, including automobile, electronics, financial services, consumer goods and services, and business services. Prior to Unison, he led the IPO process for a US based fin-tech venture following professional experience at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Keio University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Hiroaki Kitano

Hiroaki is the chief technology fellow of Sony Group. He also serves as representative director and president of Sony Computer Science Laboratories (CSL). His career began at NEC in April 1984, where he worked in software engineering research. He joined Sony CSL as a researcher in August 1993 and became its representative director and president in July 2011. In February 2021, he was named a fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence.

New management structure

Board of directors

  • Shinpei Kato: Representative Director and Chief Executive Officer
  • Satoshi Sakaguchi: Director and Chief Financial Officer
  • Akimichi Degawa: Director and Chairman
  • Tatsuo Kawasaki: External Director
  • Hiroaki Kitano: External Director

Audit and supervisory board

  • Shiro Sakazaki: Full-time external auditor
  • Naoki Sato: External auditor
  • Mizuki Takahara: Auditor

Executive officers

  • Shinpei Kato: Chief Executive Officer
  • Satoshi Sakaguchi: Chief Financial Officer
  • Hironori Muraoka: Chief Human Resources Officer
  • Naomitsu Tsugiiwa: Chief Information Officer
  • Ko Miyoshi: Chief Operating Officer
  • Masashi Shinkai: Chief Strategy Officer
  • Yoshihito Takashima: Chief Technology Officer

About TIER IV

TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation, pioneering Autoware, the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving Harnessing Autoware, we build scalable platforms and deliver comprehensive solutions across software development, vehicle manufacturing, and service operations. As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation, we are committed to reshaping the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software, enabling individuals and organizations to thrive in the evolving field of autonomous driving.

Autoware is a registered trademark of The Autoware Foundation.

Media Contact
pr@tier4.jp

Merck Exercised the Option for the Global Rights of Abbisko Therapeutics’s Pimicotinib

SHANGHAI, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 1, 2025, Beijing Time, Abbisko Therapeutics Co., Ltd. (“Abbisko Therapeutics”) announced that Merck has exercised the global commercialization option for pimicotinib (ABSK021), with an option exercise fee of USD85.0 million, under the licensing agreement signed in December 2023. The development represents further deepening of the collaboration, underscoring the unwavering commitment and confidence that both parties possess for the ongoing advancement of pimicotinib.

In December 2023, Abbisko Therapeutics entered into an exclusive licensing agreement (the “Agreement“) with Merck regarding pimicotinib, a CSF-1R inhibitor. Under the terms of the Agreement, Merck initially had an exclusive license to commercialize pimicotinib for all indications in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan with an exclusive option for global commercial rights of pimicotinib. Merck now has exercised such option and has the exclusive license to commercialize pimicotinib worldwide. Abbisko Therapeutics has already received the one-time, non-refundable upfront payment of USD70.0 million in February 2024, and is now entitled to receive the additional option exercise fee of USD85.0 million. Additionally, Merck has the option to co-develop pimicotinib for additional indications under certain conditions. In total, Abbisko Therapeutics is eligible to receive up to USD605.5 million in payments, including upfront, development, and commercial milestones, as well as double-digit percentage royalties on annual net sales.

Pimicotinib is a novel, orally administered, highly selective, and potent small molecule CSF-1R inhibitor, independently developed by Abbisko Therapeutics. Pimicotinib’s positive topline results from the Global Phase III MANEUVER Study in tenosynovial giant cell tumor (“TGCT”) were successfully released in November 2024, where MANEUVER met the primary endpoint with an objective response rate (“ORR”) at Week 25 of 54.0% for pimicotinib compared with 3.2% for placebo (p<0.0001), and treatment with oral, once-daily pimicotinib was well-tolerated with very low rates of discontinuation due to treatment-related adverse events, and with no evidence of cholestatic hepatotoxicity.

Yao-Chang Xu, Chairman and CEO of Abbisko Therapeutics, said, “Pimicotinib represents a key advancement within the emerging class of CSF-1R inhibitors, demonstrating a meaningful clinical efficacy and safety profile that positions it as an innovative treatment option for worldwide TGCT patients. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the Merck team to expedite the registration process of pimicotinib to bring benefits to patients as quickly as possible.”

“Today marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Abbisko as we work together to deliver a potentially best-in-class therapy for patients with TGCT around the world,” said Andrew Paterson, Chief Marketing Officer for the Healthcare business sector of Merck. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing new treatment options in rare oncology for patients who need them. With this important step forward, we aim to transform the treatment landscape and offer hope to those living with TGCT, who today have very limited treatment options.”