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Paris Baguette Expands Global Reach with the Launch of Its Regional Manufacturing Hub in Johor, Malaysia

Strategic Growth to Strengthen International Supply Chain and Meet Rising Global Demand

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Paris Baguette, the globally renowned bakery brand under SPC Group, has officially launched its newest regional manufacturing hub in Johor, Malaysia. This milestone, graced by Johor’s Chief Minister Mr Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and Mr. Hur Young In, Chairman of SPC Group reinforces Paris Baguette’s commitment to global expansion, increased production capacity, and delivering high-quality bakery products to international markets.

MR. HUR YOUNG IN, CHAIRMAN OF SPC GROUP OFFICIATED THE GRAND LAUNCH IN MALAYSIA
MR. HUR YOUNG IN, CHAIRMAN OF SPC GROUP OFFICIATED THE GRAND LAUNCH IN MALAYSIA

This facility marks a strategic move in Paris Baguette’s global expansion, ensuring a seamless, efficient supply chain that supports the brand’s growing presence across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. As demand for premium bakery products continues to rise globally, the Johor hub will play a pivotal role in boosting production capabilities, streamlining international distribution, and reinforcing SPC Group’s position as a major player in the global food industry.

During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Hur Young In, Chairman of SPC Group, stated: “Food is more than just what we eat—through food, we connect with people, honour our heritage, and create meaningful experiences that bring communities together. With the Johor Production Centre as a strategic hub, we aim to bring wholesome and delightful flavours to the 2 billion consumers in the Halal market, spanning Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. This milestone is not only about business expansion, but also about building stronger connections, creating job opportunities, and celebrating the rich and diverse cultures of the communities we serve.”

The Paris Baguette Regional Manufacturing Hub in Johor is designed to support the brand’s rapid expansion across key international markets. The hub is equipped with seven advanced production lines, enabling an output of up to 100million bakery products per year, ensuring a steady and scalable supply of bakery products to meet global demand.

A defining feature of this facility is its Halal certification, meeting some of the most stringent food safety and quality standards worldwide. Malaysia’s globally recognised Halal certification is synonymous with excellence in food hygiene, sourcing, and production processes. By achieving this certification, Paris Baguette ensures that its products meet the highest levels of quality, safety, and cleanliness, further strengthening consumer trust across international markets.

With around 4,000 outlets worldwide, Paris Baguette remains one of the fastest-growing bakery brands in the global market. The opening of this regional manufacturing hub is part of SPC Group’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as an international leader in the bakery and food production industry.

For more info, please visit https://www.parisbaguette.com.sg/.

About Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette, born in 1988, is a global bakery brand of SPC Group, a leading South Korean food and confectionery corporation. From its modest beginnings, the chain has grown steadily to become the No.1 bakery in Korea.

From 2004, the brand has expanded internationally, the brand operates around 4,000 stores worldwide across the United States, Canada, France, UK, China and Southeast Asia, solidifying its reputation as a truly global premium bakery brand.

About SPC Group

SPC Group is a Korea-based global food company, over 80 years of history. It owns 30 renowned brands and operates 7,000 stores worldwide, including Paris Baguette, Paris Croissant, Passion 5, Coffee@Works, and StrEAT.

SPC Group has successfully introduced global brands to the Korean market including Baskin Robbins, Dunkin, Pascucci, LINA’s, Jamba, Shake Shack.

SPC Group remains committed to innovation, quality, and sustainable growth, shaping a healthier and happier global food culture.

Driving Impact: Southeast Asia as a Rising Force in Social Developments and Impact Investing

The region’s rising maturity and rapid economic growth
position it as a critical player in addressing social issues,
while fostering innovative solutions through collaborative ecosystems.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The AVPN Southeast Asia Summit 2025, held at Fairmont Singapore on 24 and 25 February, brought together over 450 investors, leading philanthropists, government officials, policymakers, and impact leaders from around the world to accelerate solutions for Southeast Asia’s most pressing challenges. Under the theme “Voices of Southeast Asia: Driving Regional Transformation and Inclusion,” discussions focused on the region’s growing leadership in tackling climate action, health resilience, gender equality, catalytic philanthropy, blended finance and impact investing, and AI skilling.

From left to right: Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO, AVPN; Muhamad Chatib Basri, Co-Chairman of The Pandemic Fund and former Minister of Finance of Indonesia; Dini Indrawati Septiani, Regional Director, Southeast Asia, AVPN
From left to right: Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO, AVPN; Muhamad Chatib Basri, Co-Chairman of The Pandemic Fund and former Minister of Finance of Indonesia; Dini Indrawati Septiani, Regional Director, Southeast Asia, AVPN

Guests of honour who attended the Summit include Dr. Mari Elka Pangestu, Indonesia’s Presidential Special Envoy for International Trade and Multilateral Cooperation, Bapak Muhammad Chatib Basri, Co-Chairman of Pandemic Fund and former Minister of Finance of Indonesia, Dr. Kraiyos Patrawart, the Managing Director of the Equitable Education Fund, Mr Vinamra Srivasta, Chief Sustainability & Sustainable Investments Officer, CapitaLand Investment (CLI),  and Boon Heong Ng, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Foundation.

Addressing Southeast Asia’s Critical Challenges

Southeast Asia is one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, but it faces mounting challenges, including the need for net-zero strategies, workforce upskilling, gender equity, and healthcare resilience. Despite its economic strength, investment gaps continue to hinder progress in these critical areas. To overcome these barriers and drive sustainable, inclusive growth, collaborative capital and innovative financing models are essential. This includes exploring new approaches and tools to reform the development finance architecture, to raise the voice of Asia at critical global forums.

Encouragingly, impact investing in the region has surged, with over 67% of cumulative capital from the past 15 years committed in just the last three years (2020–2022), signalling strong momentum for solutions-driven investment. Starting in 2025, world leaders have emphasised the need for collective action and shared solutions to advance the SDGs at global forums. Southeast Asia is well-positioned to emerge as a leader in tackling social challenges through innovative, localised approaches.

“The AVPN Southeast Asia Summit 2025 reinforced that while the region is increasingly recognised as a key driver of global impact, unlocking its full potential requires more than dialogue—it demands tangible commitments and coordinated action,” said Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO of AVPN. “By convening the region’s key changemakers, we are not only spotlighting solutions in gender finance, AI skilling, and climate resilience but also mobilising the capital and partnerships necessary to turn ideas into measurable outcomes.”

Building Resilience for Vulnerable Communities in Asia

CapitaLand Hope Foundation, the philanthropic arm of CapitaLand Group, in collaboration with AVPN, announced the launch of the SGD 3 million CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative at the Summit. This initiative, which will be implemented across China, India, Singapore, and Vietnam, aims to equip vulnerable children and youth with the skills, knowledge and support systems needed to thrive in the face of adversity, strengthening their resilience to ensure a stronger, more adaptive and equitable future. Funding will be provided to projects by non-profit organisations focused on improving the education, health and well-being of children and youths.

Improving Access to Medicine Across Southeast Asia

AVPN, together with Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Access Health International, and SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute have pledged to ensure sustained and equitable access to medicines in Southeast Asia amongst underserved communities.

The Southeast Asia Access to Medicines Pledge underpins a shared vision of improving medicine access in the region, addressing disparities both within and across countries. Leveraging multistakeholder collaboration, each organisation aims to share knowledge and best practices, invest resources, work together to drive progress, and continuously measure and report impact.

Generating Insights and Increasing Transparency for Social Investment Ecosystem

AVPN and Impact Intelligence launched the Social investment in Asia in Action (SIAA) Dashboard, an AI-powered tool that provides a dynamic view of social investment capital flows across Asia-Pacific. Covering more than 50 markets across Asia-Pacific, the dashboard generates news and insights on social investments across Asia, and identifies specific impact activities across sectors, geographies, capital investment mechanisms and more.

This tool will support the social investment ecosystem by improving decision making through the deployment of valuable insights, increase accountability and transparency, and strengthen collaboration between social investors, philanthropists, corporates and other stakeholders.

Looking Ahead: Turning Commitments into Action

As the Summit concluded, speakers emphasised the need to move from discussion to action.

“The Southeast Asia region is integral to tackling global challenges, from climate change and gender equality to healthcare resilience and youth empowerment,” said Naina. “The solutions developed here will not only shape Southeast Asia’s trajectory but also contribute to the broader global agenda.”

About AVPN

AVPN is the largest network of social investors in Asia, comprising over 600 funders and resource providers across 33 markets. Our mission is to increase the flow and effectiveness of financial, human, and intellectual capital in Asia by enabling members to channel resources towards impact. As an ecosystem builder, AVPN enables its members to connect, learn, act, and lead across key pillars and improve the effectiveness of deployed capital, bringing local field needs, regional expertise, and policy insights to the forefront. We have market representatives as local points of contacts across Asia-Pacific and beyond, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Philippines. For more information about AVPN and our work, please visit our website and read our latest Annual Review 2023/24.

DFI Retail Group Announces Leadership Appointments


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 February 2025 – DFI Retail Group (“DFI”) today announced important leadership changes to strengthen its strategic capabilities and drive growth. Ella Chan has been appointed as Group Chief Strategy Officer, effective 1 April 2025. Ella brings over two decades of leadership experience in global strategy, transformation, and innovation within the retail and consumer sectors. In her new role, Ella will oversee Corporate Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions, Investor Relations, and Customer Insights.

DFI Retail Group appoints Ella Chan as Group Chief Strategy Officer, effective 1 April 2025
DFI Retail Group appoints Ella Chan as Group Chief Strategy Officer, effective 1 April 2025

Ella’s extensive career includes impactful roles at Walmart across the US, China and Hong Kong, where she drove significant business growth and operational excellence. Her achievements include leading initiatives resulting in double-digit sales growth, pioneering digital innovations, and developing new retail formats tailored to evolving consumer needs.

Wee Lee Loh, DFI’s Group Chief Digital Officer, will expand his responsibilities to serve as Group Chief Digital and yuu Rewards Officer, overseeing yuu Rewards, Retail Analytics, and Retail Media. Wee Lee, who joined DFI in September 2023, has a strong background in digital transformation and e-commerce. His expanded role reflects the DFI’s commitment to leveraging data-driven insights and digital innovation to enhance customer engagement.

Scott Price, Group Chief Executive, DFI Retail Group said, “We are pleased to welcome Ella to our leadership team and to expand Wee Lee’s responsibilities. I’m confident their leadership will further strengthen our ability to respond to evolving customer needs, empower our people, and deliver sustained value for our shareholders as we continue driving growth and innovation across the business.”

These appointments underscore DFI Retail Group’s dedication to fostering talent, driving strategic growth, and delivering operational excellence in the rapidly evolving retail landscape.
Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #yuuRewards #Mannings #Guardian #7-Eleven #Wellcome #MarketPlace #ColdStorage #Giant #IKEA

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

DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group (the ‘Group’) is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to “Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments”. The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and exceptional service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains. The Group, including associates and joint ventures, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across six key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailing.

ATFX Illuminates the Future with 2025 Annual Gala Dinner

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On February 22, 2025, ATFX hosted its highly anticipated Gala Dinner at the prestigious Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together over 600 employees from 23 office locations worldwide. The evening was filled with entertainment, awards, and relationship-building. Guests were treated to a variety of wonderful performances and good food, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.

The formal segment began with an opening speech from ATFX Group Chairman, Joe Li, in which he shared his “3H philosophy” of being Hungry, being Humble, and having Heart, encouraging employees to stay driven, grounded, and passionate in their roles. He highlighted ATFX’s 2025 slogan, “Illuminate the Future Spectrum“, which emphasizes the dynamic and unified nature of ATFX, reflecting the company’s innovation and breakthroughs much like a spectrum of colours which are diverse yet remain unified.

Following his speech, a toasting ceremony took place, with VIPs gathering on stage to celebrate ATFX’s success. As dinner commenced, a live band performance created a lively atmosphere while guests enjoyed a fine dining experience.

A major highlight of the evening was ATFX very own talent competition, where teams from Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia, Jordan, and Vietnam competed in a showcase of talent. Guests voted for their favourite performances, adding an interactive element to the event. After the final performance, ATFX’s Chief Strategy Officer, Drew Niv, took the stage to deliver a speech before announcing the winner and presenting the Most Creative Performance Award, further inspiring employees to embrace creativity and teamwork.

The event also honored long-serving employees, as well as top sales teams and outstanding employees from both China and the overseas. Chairman Joe Li, Jeffrey Siu, ATFX’s Chief Operating Officer, and Siju Daniel, ATFX’s Commercial Officer, presented these prestigious awards, highlighting ATFX’s deep appreciation for its employees’ dedication. The excitement continued with a lucky draw, giving attendees the chance to win valuable prizes.

With a perfect blend of entertainment, recognition, and team spirit, the ATFX Gala Dinner 2025 was a resounding success. The night concluded with a high-energy DJ session, as guests danced and celebrated late into the night. As ATFX continues its global expansion, events like these strengthen the company’s culture of excellence, unity, and innovation, reinforcing its commitment to growth and achievement.

About ATFX

ATFX is a leading global fintech broker with a local presence in 23 locations and licenses from regulatory authorities including the UK’s FCA, Australian ASIC, Cypriot CySEC, UAE’s SCA, Hong Kong SFC and South African FSCA. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovative technology, and strict regulatory compliance, ATFX provides exceptional trading experiences to clients worldwide.

For further information on ATFX, please visit ATFX website https://www.atfx.com

ZTO to Announce Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results on March 18, 2025 U.S. Eastern Time

SHANGHAI, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK: 2057) (“ZTO” or the “Company”), a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024 and its unaudited annual results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, after the U.S. market closes on March 18, 2025.

ZTO’s management team will host an earnings conference call at 8:30 P.M. U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, which is 8:30 A.M. Beijing Time on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

United States:

1-888-317-6003

Hong Kong:

800-963976

Singapore:   

800-120-5863

Mainland China:

4001-206115

International:

1-412-317-6061

Passcode:

9429827

A replay of the conference call may be accessible through March 25, 2025 by dialing the following numbers:    

United States:

1-877-344-7529

International:

1-412-317-0088

Canada:

855-669-9658

Passcode:

8404611

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company’s investor relations website at http://zto.investorroom.com.

About ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK: 2057) (“ZTO” or the “Company”) is a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China. ZTO provides express delivery service as well as other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network coverage in China.

ZTO operates a highly scalable network partner model, which the Company believes is best suited to support the significant growth of e-commerce in China. The Company leverages its network partners to provide pickup and last-mile delivery services, while controlling the mission-critical line-haul transportation and sorting network within the express delivery service value chain.

For more information, please visit http://zto.investorroom.com.

For investor inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations
Tel: (86) 21 5980 4508
Email: ir@zto.com

YolTech Therapeutics Announces Positive Clinical Data for YOLT-203, an In Vivo Gene Editing Therapy for Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1 (PH1)

SHANGHAI, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — YolTech Therapeutics, a clinical-stage in vivo gene editing company committed to pioneering the next generation of precision genetic medicines, today reported positive results from the ongoing investigator-initiated trial (IIT) of YOLT-203 in patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06511349), with data demonstrating excellent safety and pharmacodynamics profiles and the potential of YOLT-203 to effectively normalize urinary oxalate levels in PH1 patients. YOLT-203 is the first in vivo gene-editing therapy to show positive clinical data for PH1.

YOLT-203 is an investigational in vivo gene-editing therapy designed to be a one-time life-long cure for PH1, a rare genetic disorder that causes kidney stone accumulation and potentially kidney failure. YOLT-203 has the potential to reduce the oxalate overproduction in PH1 patients by deactivating glycolate oxidase (GO), an enzyme encoded by HAO1 gene and suppressing the synthesis of oxalate precursors. YOLT-203 intends to edit the HAO1 gene in hepatocytes by YolTech Therapeutics’ proprietary CRISPR/Cas gene-editing system YolCas12HF delivered via proprietary lipid nanoparticles (LNPs).

In August 2024, YOLT-203 was the first investigational in vivo gene-editing therapy to enter clinical trial for PH1. The IIT of YOLT-203 was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, pharmacodynamics of YOLT-203. As of January 2025, seven PH1 patients were enrolled in YOLT-203-IIT and dosed with YOLT-203 via intravenous infusion. For patients received the high dose, nearly 70% reduction of 24-hour urinary oxalate levels was observed and sustained through the 16-week primary observation period. At all dose levels, YOLT-203 was well-tolerated. There have been no serious adverse events (SAEs), treatment discontinuations or patient withdrawals.

In September 2024, YOLT-203 received dual FDA designations, Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD).

Dr. Yuxuan Wu, Founder and CEO of YolTech Therapeutics, stated, “The clinical results of YOLT-203 represents a breakthrough in the field of in vivo gene-editing therapies. In this clinical trial, we have proven the potential efficacy of our proprietary gene-editing system YolCas12HF, a system with enhanced editing precision and efficiency compared to conventional platforms and the ability to avoid legal complexities of the ongoing CRISPR/Cas9 patent disputes. Most importantly, it marks the first full-cycle innovation by a Chinese team, spanning from discovery, optimization to clinical translation of next-generation in vivo gene-editing drugs. We fully understand the urgent need for patients with rare diseases to have a treatment addressing the root of their diseases. Exemplified by YOLT-203, we believe one-time treatments for lifelong cure will redefine the standard of care for rare diseases globally.”

About Primary Hyperoxaluria (PH)
Primary Hyperoxaluria (PH) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by enzyme deficiencies in hepatic oxalate metabolism, leading to excessive oxalate production and systemic oxalate deposition. PH1, the most common subtype, is triggered by AGXT gene mutations and typically manifests in childhood. Patients often present with kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis, renal insufficiency, and oxalate deposition in other organs. Severe cases progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring dialysis, kidney transplantation, or combined liver-kidney transplantation. PH primarily affects children, with symptoms usually appearing between ages 0–3. Without effective intervention, most patients develop ESRD during adolescence, posing life-threatening risks. The estimated prevalence of PH is 1 in 58,000, affecting approximately 10,000 individuals in the U.S. and EU.

About YolTech
YolTech Therapeutics is a clinical-stage in vivo gene editing company committed to pioneering the next generation of precision genetic medicines. Our approach combines innovative gene editing technologies with an advanced lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system, creating a versatile platform designed to address a wide range of serious diseases. Central to our mission is the development of internal capabilities, including end-to-end manufacturing, to ensure the highest standards of quality and scalability. Our lead candidate, targeting ATTR, marks a significant milestone as China’s first LNP-mediated in vivo gene editing therapy to enter clinical development. With promising early clinical outcomes, YolTech is also advancing therapies for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1). As a company dedicated to transforming the treatment landscape, YolTech continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in gene editing.

For more information, please visit: www.yoltx.com 

CNPC’s Well Shendi Take-1 reaches 10,910-meter milestone

BEIJING, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

 

On February 20, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) announced the successful completion of the Well Shendi Take-1, reaching an impressive depth of 10,910 meters. This groundbreaking achievement marks the well as the deepest vertical well in Asia and the second deepest in the world.

The Well Shendi Take-1 is located in Shaya county, Aksu prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, at the heart of the Taklimakan Desert. This major deep-Earth project by CNPC in the Tarim Basin marks China’s first 10,000-meter scientific exploration well. The well has yielded China’s first 10,000-meter core, as well as the world’s first oil and gas discovery at a depth of 10,000 meters on land. Additionally, it has set five engineering records, including “the fastest global onshore drilling over 10,000 meters”, and driving advancements in engineering technology.

The 10,000-meter core, retrieved from a depth dating back 540 million years, has become a key piece of evidence for studying Earth’s evolution. Experts regard it as invaluable, comparing its significance to that of lunar soil. Using data, including the 10,000-meter logging results, researchers have created Asia’s first 10,000-meter geological profile, offering crucial insights into unlocking the Earth’s deep “oil and gas code”.

Guo Guangchang: Fosun Emphasizes Strategic Advancement and Exits, Focuses on Core Businesses, and Leverages Operational Capabilities to Participate in Global Markets

HONG KONG, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On 21 February, Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International spoke at the 25th Annual Conference of Yabuli China Entrepreneurs Forum 2025, stating that private enterprises are not afraid of competition as long as there are fair opportunities for participation. A strong commitment to product excellence will certainly lead to market opportunities.

The annual conference, themed “Cultivating New Productivity and Empowering High-Quality Development”, was held in Yabuli, Heilongjiang from 21 to 23 February. Guo Guangchang said in his keynote speech that over the past two decades of globalization, Chinese private enterprises have never shied away from competition. While competition is fierce, it has fostered competitiveness and core technologies, enabling these enterprises to compete globally.

Guo Guangchang pointed out that, although the overall economy has not yet fully recovered, several positive signs have emerged. During this year’s Spring Festival, the occupancy rate at Atlantis Sanya, a resort under Fosun, exceeded 98%; sales of Shede Spirits’ T68 baijiu surged over 80% year-on-year; the Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival in Shanghai attracted nearly 4 million visitors; and accommodation at the ski resorts in Yabuli, China and Hokkaido, Japan was in high demand. These achievements indicate that consumers are still willing to pay for high-quality products and services, emphasizing that product competitiveness is the key to business success. A strong commitment to product excellence will certainly lead to market opportunities.

Globalization was a hot topic at this year’s conference. As one of the private enterprises that went global early and has established a profound industrial presence in 35 countries and regions, Fosun’s biopharmaceutical subsidiary, Shanghai Henlius, has achieved significant milestones in its 15 years. It has not only become the first Hong Kong-listed “18A” first-in-class pharmaceutical company to turn a profit through product sales, but it has also made significant breakthroughs in globalization. Notably, its independently developed PD-1 monoclonal antibody, HANSIZHUANG (serplulimab), was successfully launched in the European Union this month, making it the first PD-1 monoclonal antibody approved for first-line treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. In addition, HANQUYOU (trastuzumab), commenced commercial supply globally, and HANBEITAI (bevacizumab) received approval for overseas sales, with several products poised for substantial revenue.

Addressing the concerns of private entrepreneurs regarding the business environment, Guo Guangchang pointed out that the rule of law constitutes the best business environment and provides entrepreneurs with a sense of security. The fairness of law enforcement is as important as the outcome itself, ensuring that clear standards and expectations are established for all business activities.

In recent years, Fosun’s divestment from several non-core assets has garnered significant market attention. Guo Guangchang revealed that, in response to economic and consumer pressures over the past few years, Fosun has actively pursued a business streamlining and core business-focused strategy by divesting from several non-core assets. For example, the divestment of its private banking operations from HAL, a 220-year-old private bank in Germany, not only generated over EUR700 million but also helped ABN AMRO Bank, a Dutch bank, secure a position among the top three in wealth management in Germany. Meanwhile, Fosun retained HAL’s asset servicing business, which manages assets totaling EUR200 billion, achieving win-win outcomes with its partners.

Statistics show that over the past two years, Fosun has strategically divested assets worth over RMB80 billion, significantly reducing both onshore and offshore public debts and successfully navigating the “maturity wall”.

Guo Guangchang believes that given the current circumstances, opportunities to start afresh in a new industry are becoming more limited. Therefore, it is essential to concentrate on advantageous sectors and deepen their development. For Fosun, the focus will remain on advantageous industries such as health, tourism, and consumption, leveraging its operational capabilities to generate profits. By embracing innovation and globalization, Fosun will continue to penetrate both domestic and global markets, fully integrating AI to enhance efficiency.

Recently, Fosun has made significant moves across various sectors. In the health segment, it partnered with the Shenzhen Municipal Government to establish a RMB5.0 billion biomedical industry fund. In the tourism sector, it signed the Taicang Alps Resort phase II project, and commenced the ULTRAMED Hainan project, alongside a privatization plan for Fosun Tourism Group aimed at accelerating its development with greater flexibility.

In response to the AI wave, Guo Guangchang said that Fosun is actively incorporating AI across its industries. For example, Fosun is integrating AI elements into project planning for ULTRAMED Hainan and China Mall in Chongqing. Fosun Pharma has recently launched the PharmAID decision intelligence platform, which is the first self-developed AI decision intelligence platform in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, the medical aesthetics platform Sisram is using AI to analyze skin conditions. “Looking ahead, I am particularly optimistic about two areas: first, leveraging AI to empower vertical industries for reconstruction and upgrading; second, the revolutionary changes in productivity and production relationships brought about by the integration of physical and virtual AI.”