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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.

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.”

ATRenew to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results on March 11, 2025

SHANGHAI, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ATRenew Inc. (“ATRenew” or the “Company”) (NYSE: RERE), a leading technology-driven pre-owned consumer electronics transactions and services platform in China, today announced that it plans to release its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 before the U.S. market opens on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

The Company’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 08:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 (08:00 P.M. Beijing Time on the same day) to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

International:

1-412-317-6061

United States Toll Free:

1-888-317-6003

Mainland China Toll Free:   

4001-206115

Hong Kong Toll Free:      

800-963976

Access Code:  

9144093

The replay will be accessible through March 18, 2025 by dialing the following numbers:

International:   

1-412-317-0088

United States Toll Free:  

1-877-344-7529

Replay Access Code:        

8983077

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

About ATRenew Inc.

Headquartered in Shanghai, ATRenew Inc. operates a leading technology-driven pre-owned consumer electronics transactions and services platform in China under the brand ATRenew. Since its inception in 2011, ATRenew has been on a mission to give a second life to all idle goods, addressing the environmental impact of pre-owned consumer electronics by facilitating recycling and trade-in services, and distributing the devices to prolong their lifecycle. ATRenew’s open platform integrates C2B, B2B, and B2C capabilities to empower its online and offline services. Through its end-to-end coverage of the entire value chain and its proprietary inspection, grading, and pricing technologies, ATRenew sets the standard for China’s pre-owned consumer electronics industry. ATRenew is a participant in the United Nations Global Compact, and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to” and similar statements. Among other things, quotations in this announcement, contain forward-looking statements. ATRenew may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about ATRenew’s beliefs, plans and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: ATRenew’s strategies; ATRenew’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; ATRenew’s ability to maintain its relationship with major strategic investors; its ability to facilitate pre-owned consumer electronics transactions and provide relevant services; its ability to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of its brand; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in ATRenew’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and ATRenew does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact

In China:
ATRenew Inc.
Investor Relations
Email: ir@atrenew.com 

In the United States:
ICR LLC.
Email: atrenew@icrinc.com
Tel: +1-212-537-0461

“The Future of Travel”: Trip.com Group to Showcase Next-Gen Tech at ITB Berlin 2025

  • Trip.com Group to launch joint Technology Game Changers: Future Trends in Travel & Tourism report at ITB Berlin Press Conference
  • Diverse leadership panels to explore tech trends shaping the future and AI as a driver for personalisation and experiences

BERLIN, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At this year’s ITB Berlin 2025, Trip.com Group will unpack the emerging technologies shaping the future of travel, such as AI-driven personalisation and next-generation tech. In its biggest showing yet, the company will highlight the evolving digital landscape across the industry.

Through keynote presentations and expert panels, senior leaders from across the business will spotlight how technology has transformed travel — today and in the future.


Mr Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director and Vice President of International Markets at Trip.com Group, will join Julia Simpson, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), to launch a strategic analysis of key emerging and breakthrough technologies from its Technology Game Changers report. The launch event will examine emerging innovations across four key areas, and is a strategic resource for business leaders and stakeholders looking to navigate the complexities of a rapidly transforming digital environment. Technology Game Changers: Future Trends in Travel & Tourism Press Conference 5 March 2025, 10:15 (CET), Hall 5.3 Presentation Hub.

Mr Schubert Lou, COO of Trip.com, will join an exclusive panel to discuss how Trip.com leverages AI-driven personalisation to enhance the customer experience and drive loyalty. Mr Lou will further explore the key innovations reshaping industry dynamics while offering insights and strategies to stay ahead in the competitive landscape. Executive Forecast: The Tech Trends Shaping Travel’s Future 4 March 2025, 11:00 (CET), at Hall 6.1 eTravel Stage.

Mr Andy Washington, General Manager of Trip.com Group Europe, will join an exciting panel exploring how technology drives personalised travel experiences. The session will review the challenges of balancing mass production with individualisation and how AI shapes hyper-personalised travel planning. The discussion will highlight how Trip.com Group successfully integrates tailored experiences, not just for individual travellers but also within complex package and group travel structures, ensuring both efficiency and profitability. Technology as a Driver of Individualized Travel Experiences 4 March 2025, 16:15 (CET), at Hall 7.1b Blue Stage.

Visitors to this year’s event can connect with Trip.com Group at its trade fair booth, located at Hall 9, Stand 121. Representatives from across its business will be present, including teams from Flights, Stays, Attractions and Tours, Transportation, Vacations and Destination Marketing.

Strategic Partnerships & Strong European Growth

Trip.com Group reinforces its commitment to the European market, and is keen to strengthen its partnerships, such as its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing with the German National Tourism Board. This collaboration underscores the Group’s dedication to building a strong presence in Germany, aligning with its strategic expansion across Europe.

Trip.com Group is poised to enhance its role in the region’s travel ecosystem following its recent office locations in Paris and Istanbul, with other offices in London, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Rome and Barcelona. The Group’s European footprint continues to expand, with strong regional growth indicators.

Trip.com Group recently reported its latest figures, highlighting air ticket and hotel bookings on its international OTA platform increased by over 70% year-over-year. Furthermore, German travel bookings specifically grew by almost 60% year-over-year.

“We are confident about strong growth in our international business and increasing progress made in the European travel landscape,” said Mr Washington.

“The European market is significantly shifting towards more personalised travel experiences. To cater to this, Trip.com Group will continue to innovate our technology capabilities so that we can anticipate customer needs and create tailored journeys that enhance the travel experience. “

As the travel industry accelerates its digital shift, Trip.com Group remains at the forefront of innovation, leveraging technology to improve customer service, streamline operations, and drive growth in the global travel industry.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.

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