Thailand is falling behind in the race for sustainable tourism, industry leaders warned at the Thailand Tourism Forum 2025, held on 7 May in Bangkok.
New chapter in China-LAC cooperation: Though oceans apart, kindred spirits remain connected
BEIJING, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China.org.cn on the cooperation between China and Latin American and Caribbean countries:
New chapter in China-LAC cooperation: Though oceans apart, kindred spirits remain connected
It may never have occurred to Paolo Martínez, a young Colombian engineer, that the dream of building a subway in the capital city Bogotá would come true so soon. What he likely imagined even less was that before ever riding a subway in his own city, he would have voyaged all the way to China to learn how to operate one.
Nestled among three mountain ranges, Bogotá is among the world’s most congested cities. On some roads, cars move even more slowly than pedestrians, and commutes of two to three hours are a daily reality. For several decades, the residents of Bogotá have longed for an efficient and convenient subway system.
In 2019, a Chinese consortium won the contract to build the Bogotá Metro Line 1 project. The Chinese team worked closely with the local teams to develop a construction plan that is not only safe and efficient, but also responsive to the needs of local communities and respects cultural heritage. Well aware that sustainable operations and maintenance depend on local expertise, two batches of young Colombian talents were selected for professional training in China. Paolo Martínez, whom we introduced earlier, is one of them.
Today, construction of the metro project is more than halfway complete; the metro line is expected to begin operating officially in 2028, benefiting about three million local residents and unlocking a horizon of new opportunities for Bogotá’s future development.
While looking into the future, this May, new sparks have been added to the story between China and Colombia. Following the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, the two governments signed a cooperation plan for jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative. The two countries also signed documents to promote policy dialogue and exchanges of experience in areas concerning the macroeconomy, BRI cooperation, trade and investment, among others.
In recent years, China and Latin American and Caribbean countries have stood shoulder to shoulder in solidarity and mutual support, continuously deepening political mutual trust. Powered by mutual benefit and win-win, both sides have been committed to boosting steady and long-term cooperation. The relations between China and the Latin American and Caribbean countries have entered a new phase marked by equal stances, mutual benefits, innovation, openness, and a people-centered approach.
In Peru, the Chancay Port, a flagship project of the BRI cooperation between China and Peru, is not only the first world-class deep-water port that features smart technology and green development in Latin America, but is also poised to establish a new land-sea transport corridor between Latin America and Asia. In Brazil, from soybeans and coffee to photovoltaic plants and satellites, the extensive cooperation with China spells “new” and “pragmatic.” In Trinidad and Tobago, the Phoenix Park Industrial Estate, a flagship BRI project between the two countries, has become the first eco-friendly light industrial park in Latin America with full 5G coverage. In Chile, over 90% of its cherries are exported to China, while nearly 98% of the country’s products, including cherries, enjoy zero-tariff treatment under the two countries’ bilateral free trade agreement.
People-to-people exchanges between China and the Latin American and Caribbean countries have grown increasingly frequent and earnest. From the cross-cultural exhibition showcasing dialogue between China’s ancient Shu civilization and Peru’s Inca civilization, to the joint archaeological exploration conducted by Chinese and Honduran experts, and the steadily rising number of exchange students between China and the Latin American and Caribbean countries, all these have been echoed in a Chinese poem: “True friendship knows no distance; even thousands of miles apart, we remain close neighbors.” It is apparent that China and the Latin American and Caribbean countries are growing ever closer as friends and partners, bonded by their kindred spirits.
The world has every reason to look forward to a more enchanting new chapter in building a China-Latin America and Caribbean community with a shared future — one that will continue to be an exemplar of South-South Cooperation, while injecting a dose of stability and positivity into a turbulent world.
China Mosaic
http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm
New chapter in China-LAC cooperation: Though oceans apart, kindred spirits remain connected
http://www.china.org.cn/video/2025-05/21/content_117887107.shtml
Unleashing Next Generation Storage Power | HIKSEMI Showcases Latest Storage Solutions at COMPUTEX 2025
TAIPEI, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HIKSEMI, a global provider of professional data storage solutions, showcased its latest innovations under the theme “Unleashing Next Generation Storage Power” at COMPUTEX 2025. The company highlighted breakthroughs in PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 technologies, demonstrating advancements in high-performance storage and illustrating how these innovations enhance everyday life across a wide range of applications.
Focusing on green technology and immersive experiences, COMPUTEX 2025 set trends in the global ICT industry. HIKSEMI aligned with these themes by presenting solutions across four core areas: gaming, photography, personal and family backups, and industrial storage, emphasizing “storage beyond boundaries.”
The highlight was the enhanced FUTURE gaming series, featuring the FUTURE PCIe 5.0 SSD, FUTURE RGB DDR5, and FUTURE RGB PSSD. Building on the success of the 2023 PCIe 4.0 series, which gained acclaim in markets like Thailand and Japan, the new lineup offers superior performance and versatility, targeting next-generation gamers and content creators.
For photographers, the CAPTURE series offered high-speed memory cards and magnetically secured portable storage devices for efficient data import and secure backups. Personal and family users benefited from intelligent cloud-based backup solutions and NAS-specific products, ensuring reliable management of digital assets.
In industrial sectors, HIKSEMI showcased robust storage solutions for data centers, smart manufacturing, and rail transit, featuring high reliability, low power consumption, and wide temperature adaptability to aid digital transformation.
At COMPUTEX 2025, HIKSEMI showcased its innovation in storage technology and commitment to customer needs. Industry partners and tech enthusiasts experienced the future of data storage, exploring how next-generation solutions are driving digital transformation forward.
AnnJi Pharmaceutical Company Announces Positive Phase 1/2a Results for AJ201 in Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA) Patients
TAIPEI, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AnnJi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a clinical-stage Taiwanese biotechnology company focused on addressing unmet medical needs in dermatology, neurology, and rare diseases, today announced positive results from its Phase 1/2a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, first-in-patient clinical trial of AJ201 in adults with Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA). Conducted across six U.S. clinical sites, the study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of AJ201 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05517603). While not powered to assess efficacy, exploratory endpoints revealed meaningful treatment-related improvements that support continued clinical development.
Safety and Pharmacokinetics
The safety and pharmacokinetic profiles in SBMA patients were consistent with prior healthy volunteer data. AJ201 was generally well tolerated, and no systemic drug accumulation was observed.
Positive Clinical Signals
After 12 weeks of oral treatment, AJ201 recipients showed clinically meaningful improvements in physical and muscle function compared to placebo, including a 17.6-meter gain in the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and a 0.8-point increase in the SBMA Functional Rating Scale (SBMAFRS) on average, while the placebo group experienced slight declines. AJ201 also led to reduction in serum creatine kinase and myoglobin levels—suggesting a positive therapeutic effect. Most responders are in the AJ201 group: 11 of 15 for 6MWT, 6 of 7 for SBMAFRS, 14 of 14 for creatine kinase, and 11 of 12 for myoglobin, further supporting AJ201’s benefit. Additionally, patients in AJ201 group reported significant improvement in physical function component of SF36v2 quality-of-life questionnaire, while placebo group a decline (p=0.026).
Biomarker Findings and RNA Sequencing Reveal Mechanistic Support
Mutant androgen receptor (mAR) levels, a proposed biomarker for SBMA, were assessed via muscle biopsies. Nuclear mAR levels were reduced by more than 50% in 53% of AJ201-treated patients, compared to 17% of placebo, indicating potential therapeutic activity.
RNA sequencing of muscle biopsies from AJ201-treated patients revealed activation of the Nrf2 pathway, along with modulation of several disease-relevant signaling cascades. These changes, absent in the placebo group, offer support for AJ201’s therapeutic mechanism of action.
Conclusion and Expert Commentary
Consistent improvements across functional, biochemical, and molecular markers observed in this study support continued development of AJ201 for SBMA.
“The study results are highly encouraging. AJ201 has shown evidence of clinical benefit, demonstrated through improvements in functional assessments, positive shifts in serum biomarkers, and RNA sequencing data supporting activation of the Nrf2 pathway. Together, these findings reinforce the therapeutic potential of AJ201,” said Dr. Christopher Grunseich, Principal Investigator of the study. Dr. Grunseich is a Lasker Clinical Research Scholar and Head of the Inherited Neuromuscular Diseases Unit at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH).
“SBMA is a slowly progressing neuromuscular disorder, and I am greatly encouraged by the positive clinical outcomes observed after a relatively short course of AJ201 treatment,” said Wendy Huang, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the Board at AnnJi. “AnnJi is committed to advancing the program into Phase 3 clinical trials, with the aim of delivering a safe, effective, and much-needed therapeutic option for patients living with SBMA—a disease that currently lacks any FDA-approved treatments.”
About SBMA and AJ201
SBMA, or Kennedy’s disease, is a rare X-linked inherited neuromuscular disorder caused by CAG repeat expansion in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. The resulting mutant AR protein contributes to muscle and neuron degeneration through mechanisms involving cellular toxicity, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. SBMA affects ~1 in 40,000 males globally and currently has no FDA-approved treatment.
AJ201, also known as JM17, is a novel investigational compound that has shown potential in reducing mutant AR toxicity and improving motor function in preclinical SBMA models. At the molecular level, it promotes degradation of pathogenic mAR protein, induces expression of antioxidant enzymes, proteasome subunits, and heat shock proteins, all of which may slow disease progression (Bott et al., 2016).
About AnnJi Pharmaceutical
AnnJi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., founded in 2014, is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing first-in-class small molecule therapies for serious and underserved diseases. Our pipeline spans neurology, dermatology, and rare disorders like SBMA. AnnJi is committed to translating cutting-edge science into differentiated treatments and advancing them through global collaboration and commercialization. For more information, visit: www.ajpharm.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding AnnJi’s plans, programs, and expected results. These statements are based on current assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially. AnnJi undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.
Contact
Anne Yu
AnnJi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
(+886) 2-2365-5677
anne.yu@ajpharm.com
Marketplace Battle Heats Up: Trust, Convenience and Choice Key as Pricing Pressures Grow
MELBOURNE , Australia, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — An exclusive Australian study by global ecommerce accelerator, Pattern, has shown that product range, convenience, and trustworthiness will be critical battlegrounds for online marketplaces in 2025.
With international tariffs reshaping marketplace business models, platforms like Temu and Shein, once known for ultra-cheap products, are now raising their prices. In some markets, the cost of goods such as health and beauty products has surged by 51%.
“The days of marketplaces winning Australian consumers with ultra-cheap pricing alone are over. Although leading platforms like Amazon will continue to attract shoppers with competitive pricing, consumers are now making purchasing decisions based on factors like credibility, product variety and ease-of-shopping,” said Merline McGregor, Managing Director for Pattern Australia.
Convenience Drives Loyalty
Australians are increasingly choosing marketplaces that offer greater convenience. Amazon continues to set the benchmark, with 57% of shoppers rating it as the most convenient platform for purchasing goods, driven by its streamlined ordering process, fast shipping options, and integrated returns experience.
While Shein and Temu have experienced rapid growth in overall shopper awareness, their convenience ratings are significantly lower at 14% and 27%, respectively. This gap highlights a critical challenge for emerging platforms: while aggressive marketing and discounting can attract first-time buyers, delivering a seamless, reliable shopping experience is crucial to securing repeat business.
“Convenience is more than just speed of delivery, it’s about every touchpoint of the shopping experience, extending from intuitive search functions to reliable customer service and simple returns,” said McGregor. “Australian brands selling on marketplaces that deliver frictionless shopping experiences are more likely to secure both the first purchase and increase their chances of building customer loyalty.”
Trustworthiness and Reliability Build Customer Relationships
As price advantages decline, product quality and reliable return processes are key differentiators for marketplaces. Amazon leads in both areas, with 60% of Australian shoppers trusting it for product quality and 53% for reliable returns.
eBay also performs strongly, earning trust from 42% of shoppers, while Kogan lags at 16% and MyDeal at just 9%. Chinese marketplaces, Temu and Shein face even greater challenges, with only 12% and 11% of consumers expressing confidence in the quality of the products they sell.
“In an increasingly competitive and regulated environment, trust is not an aspiration. Marketplaces must consistently deliver quality products, backed by hassle-free returns to build enduring customer relationships,” said McGregor. “We’ve seen a positive improvement in returns processes for all marketplaces, with only 3% of Australian consumers stating they do not trust any marketplace for reliable returns. This is a huge drop from 18% in 2024 and shows that all platforms are prioritising improving the customer experience in this critical area.”
Amazon, eBay and Temu Win with Product Variety
Amazon is recognised by 60% of shoppers as having the widest variety of inventory in Australia across categories such as electronics, home & kitchen and sporting goods. eBay also retains a strong position, with 45% of consumers recognising its broad range, particularly in the second-hand and collectible markets.
Only 32% of shoppers believe Temu offers the widest product range, yet the number of consumers visiting the platform for its vast product range has surged 87% since 2024.
“A broad and evolving product range is proving key for marketplaces to retain and grow their shopper base. Consumers are moving towards platforms that offer a one-stop-shop experience, and marketplaces that can deliver this effectively across multiple categories have a clear competitive edge,” concluded McGregor.
For more information and to download the full report please click here: ‘2025 Marketplace Consumer Report‘
Prime Focus Technologies expands Southeast Asia presence with strategic partnerships in Indonesia and the Philippines
LOS ANGELES, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Prime Focus Technologies (PFT), the creator of CLEAR®, has entered strategic partnerships with Interindo Multimedia in Indonesia and Challenge Systems in the Philippines. These collaborations mark a significant step in PFT’s regional growth strategy, bringing its cutting-edge AI Agents and AI Applications closer to content companies across Southeast Asia, one of the world’s fastest-growing media and entertainment markets.
“SEA represents a fast-evolving landscape for content creation and distribution,” said Patricio Cummins, SVP & Global Head of Technology Sales at Prime Focus Technologies. “Southeast Asia is a rich tapestry of cultures and languages, where human connection drives business. From our collaboration with Tiara Vision in Malaysia to Interindo Multimedia and Challenge Systems in Indonesia and Philippines respectively, we’re proud to partner with some of the region’s most respected systems integrators. These alliances help us bring best-in-class AI solutions to content companies in SEA, delivering measurable impact across postproduction and content supply chains.”
PFT will showcase CLEAR® AI Agents and AI Applications delivering real results at Broadcast Asia 2025, Meeting Room #5J3-8, with live demonstrations.
About Interindo Multimedia
Interindo Multimedia is Indonesia’s premier broadcast technology partner, serving TV networks, cable operators, and DTH platforms. With decades of expertise and a focus on cutting-edge design, Interindo helps media businesses modernize their infrastructure and embrace future-ready technology.
Website: www.interindo.com
About Challenge Systems
Challenge Systems is a leading media technology partner in the Philippines. With deep roots in digital content creation and system integration, it delivers scalable, end-to-end solutions to broadcasters and enterprises nationwide.
Website: www.challenge.com.ph
About Prime Focus Technologies
Prime Focus Technologies (PFT) is the creator of CLEAR®. It offers streaming platforms, studios, and broadcasters AI technology and cloud media services—enabling creativity, agility, and most importantly, revenue growth. PFT partners with major players such as Channel 4, ITV, Sinclair Broadcast Group, A&E Networks, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Crunchyroll, Insight TV, JioStar, BCCI, Tegna, Amazon MGM Studios, and more.
For more information, visit: www.primefocustechnologies.com
Press Contact
T Shobhana
Senior Vice President & Global Head of Marketing
Prime Focus Technologies
Los Angeles, CA
t.shobhana@primefocus.com
Huntsman Corporation Announces New Purification and Packaging Capability through its E-GRADE® Unit in Conroe, Texas
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THE WOODLANDS, Texas, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN), a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals, is pleased to announce that its Performance Products division has expanded its manufacturing site in Conroe, Texas to better serve the growing needs of its global customers in the semiconductor industry.
Peter Huntsman, Chairman, President, and CEO of Huntsman Corporation, stated, “With the rapid growth of AI and the need for high-quality advanced node chips, our investment in Conroe marks our commitment to developing new semiconductor-grade products and enhancing supply chain security to support the demands of our customers worldwide.”
The new E-GRADE® unit will bolster Huntsman’s portfolio by providing high-purity, low-trace metal amines, including quaternary amines and amine oxides, essential for semiconductor chip manufacturing. Huntsman’s commitment to safety, quality, reliability, and manufacturing excellence will help ensure a consistent production process – from blending, purification through packaging.
“With this unique offering, we are well positioned to become a world-leading supplier of semiconductor-grade amines,” said Jan Buberl, President of Performance Products. “We now have the global manufacturing capability, R&D expertise, and broad portfolio to offer our customers with solutions that meet the industry’s highest quality standards.”
Conroe City Mayor, Duke Coon, commented, “Huntsman’s new E-GRADE® unit provides a significant boost for our local economy, helping to create numerous job opportunities and further solidifying Conroe’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technology.”
About Huntsman:
Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals with 2024 revenues of approximately $6 billion. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 60 manufacturing, R&D and operations facilities in approximately 25 countries and employ approximately 6,300 associates within our continuing operations. For more information about Huntsman, visit the company’s website at www.huntsman.com.
To learn more about E-GRADE® products, visit www.huntsman.com/EGRADE
Social Media:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/huntsman
X: https://x.com/Huntsman_Corp
Facebook: www.facebook.com/huntsmancorp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntsman_corp/

Huntsman Corporation Announces New Purification and Packaging Capability through its E-GRADE® Unit in Conroe, Texas
Prime Focus Technologies expands Southeast Asia presence with strategic partnerships in Indonesia and the Philippines
LOS ANGELES, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Prime Focus Technologies (PFT), the creator of CLEAR®, has entered strategic partnerships with Interindo Multimedia in Indonesia and Challenge Systems in the Philippines. These collaborations mark a significant step in PFT’s regional growth strategy, bringing its cutting-edge AI Agents and AI Applications closer to content companies across Southeast Asia, one of the world’s fastest-growing media and entertainment markets.
“SEA represents a fast-evolving landscape for content creation and distribution,” said Patricio Cummins, SVP & Global Head of Technology Sales at Prime Focus Technologies. “Southeast Asia is a rich tapestry of cultures and languages, where human connection drives business. From our collaboration with Tiara Vision in Malaysia to Interindo Multimedia and Challenge Systems in Indonesia and Philippines respectively, we’re proud to partner with some of the region’s most respected systems integrators. These alliances help us bring best-in-class AI solutions to content companies in SEA, delivering measurable impact across postproduction and content supply chains.”
PFT will showcase CLEAR® AI Agents and AI Applications delivering real results at Broadcast Asia 2025, Meeting Room #5J3-8, with live demonstrations.
About Interindo Multimedia
Interindo Multimedia is Indonesia’s premier broadcast technology partner, serving TV networks, cable operators, and DTH platforms. With decades of expertise and a focus on cutting-edge design, Interindo helps media businesses modernize their infrastructure and embrace future-ready technology.
Website: www.interindo.com
About Challenge Systems
Challenge Systems is a leading media technology partner in the Philippines. With deep roots in digital content creation and system integration, it delivers scalable, end-to-end solutions to broadcasters and enterprises nationwide.
Website: www.challenge.com.ph
About Prime Focus Technologies
Prime Focus Technologies (PFT) is the creator of CLEAR®. It offers streaming platforms, studios, and broadcasters AI technology and cloud media services—enabling creativity, agility, and most importantly, revenue growth. PFT partners with major players such as Channel 4, ITV, Sinclair Broadcast Group, A&E Networks, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Crunchyroll, Insight TV, JioStar, BCCI, Tegna, Amazon MGM Studios, and more.
For more information, visit: www.primefocustechnologies.com
Press Contact
T Shobhana
Senior Vice President & Global Head of Marketing
Prime Focus Technologies
Los Angeles, CA
t.shobhana@primefocus.com
Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/pr_sea-1.jpg