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Laos, Friends International Expand Youth Programs, Vocational Training, Child Protection Efforts

The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, together with Friends-International (Peuan Mit), organized a half-day meeting to review progress under the Phase 5 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The five-year plan, 1 year plan covers activities from 2025-2029, with an initial work plan extending through the final quarter of 2025. Vientiane Capital, Laos. 15 September 2025. (Photo credit: Friends International).

Social Welfare Centers across Laos will expand their vocational training and job placement programs as part of a new five-year initiative aimed at supporting at-risk youth and strengthening child protection systems nationwide.

The move comes under a joint plan between the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and Friends-International (Peuan Mit), which held a half-day review meeting on 15 September in Vientiane. 

The program, running from 2025 to 2029, focuses on creating safer environments for children and offering practical pathways for young people facing social and economic challenges.

In addition to scaling up vocational services, the initiative includes the development of child-friendly educational materials, including cartoon-based tools, to help children understand their rights and identify unsafe situations. 

These materials will be used in schools, temples, and community spaces as part of a broader child protection strategy.

The plan also prioritizes collaboration with local authorities, especially in target provinces such as Luang Prabang, where a follow-up meeting and reassessment are scheduled. Mapping activities will help identify new high-need locations for program expansion.

By combining vocational training, education, and community-based protection measures, the program aims to address both immediate risks and long-term development for vulnerable children and youth across the country.

Friends-International, through its Peuan Mit program, has worked in Laos for over 20 years, supporting marginalized urban youth through services that promote independence, employability, and social reintegration.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, together with Friends-International (Peuan Mit), organized a half-day meeting to review progress under the Phase 5 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The five-year plan, 1 year plan covers activities from 2025-2029, with an initial work plan extending through the final quarter of 2025. 15 September 2025. (Photo credit: Friends International)
The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, together with Friends-International (Peuan Mit), organized a half-day meeting to review progress under the Phase 5 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The five-year plan, 1 year plan covers activities from 2025-2029, with an initial work plan extending through the final quarter of 2025. 15 September 2025. (Photo credit: Friends International)

Green SM expands all-electric taxi service to Bekasi, supporting the city’s smart mobility vision


BEKASI, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 September 2025 – Green SM, the pioneering all-electric taxi service under GSM, has officially launched in Bekasi. From today, residents and visitors can experience safer, cleaner, and more modern journeys in Green SM’s signature cyan taxis, with exclusive launch offers of up to IDR 150,000 for new users.

Green SM’s expansion contributes to Bekasi’s smart city vision.
Green SM’s expansion contributes to Bekasi’s smart city vision.

The debut in Bekasi features a fleet of VinFast all-electric taxis, which can be easily booked through the Green SM app. Built on the company’s “5 Goods”, Green SM guarantees Good Car – modern and well-maintained vehicles; Good Driver – courteous and reliable driver-partners; Good Price – transparent fares; Good Experience – pleasant travel experience; and Good for the Environment – eco-friendly journeys contributing to cleaner urban air.

Green SM’s expansion to Bekasi follows its successful debut in Jakarta, where it quickly gained strong public support and became a symbol of green urban mobility. By expanding into Bekasi, the company enhances the city’s transportation network through direct connections to TransJakarta, LRT Jabodebek, and Commuter Line stations, making it easier for commuters to access first- and last-mile options. This is especially significant in Bekasi, known as Indonesia’s “city of workers” and an important industrial center where hundreds of thousands of trips are made daily to Jakarta for work and school. Green SM’s dependable all-electric taxi network is expected to reduce dependence on private motorbikes and cars, ease congestion, lower emissions, and improve local air quality, while offering affordable and safe transportation choices for families and workers.

The expansion also represents a major milestone in Green SM’s Jabodetabek growth plan. By promoting clean energy transportation in one of Indonesia’s busiest metropolitan areas, the company supports national carbon reduction goals and contributes to Bekasi’s smart city vision. This initiative is not only about launching a new service but also about building a long-term ecosystem where technology, mobility, and community needs move forward together toward sustainable growth.

Deny Tjia, Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia, shared: “Our expansion into Bekasi is more than just launching a new service; it reflects a deeper commitment to the people and rhythm of the city. Bekasi is a place full of energy and resilience, where industry, families, and commuters influence daily life. We see Green SM as a partner to that vibrant community, providing clean and modern transportation that seamlessly fits into busy routines while supporting Indonesia’s climate goals. This launch demonstrates how the public and private sectors can collaborate to advance smart city development through practical, low-carbon solutions.

Looking ahead, Green SM plans to expand further across Indonesia, with Surabaya and Makassar set to join the network soon. This eastward growth beyond Java’s core highlights the company’s ability to operate at scale across diverse urban environments, reinforcing its role as a key player in greening Indonesia’s transportation sector. Bekasi thus marks not only the latest milestone but also a gateway for Green SM’s broader mission to accelerate sustainable mobility in rapidly growing cities nationwide.

To celebrate this achievement, Green SM is offering launch promotions worth up to IDR 150,000 for new users, encouraging residents to experience premium electric rides that are both convenient and affordable. By combining global expertise with a deep understanding of local needs, Green SM reaffirms its long-term vision: to make every journey in Indonesia safer, cleaner, and truly green.

Hashtag: #GSM #GreenSM

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

About GSM & Green SM

GSM (Green Smart Mobility) is the world’s first company to operate an all-electric ride-hailing service across multiple platforms. As a pioneer in sustainable transportation, GSM has built the foundation for a cleaner, smarter, and more responsible mobility model powered entirely by VinFast electric vehicles. Founded by Chairman of Vingroup Pham Nhat Vuong, GSM is committed to developing a future-ready mobility ecosystem while inspiring greener lifestyles in countries that are rapidly embracing sustainability.

Green SM is GSM’s official global brand, representing the company’s vision and values in every market it serves. In Southeast Asia, Green SM operates in Indonesia, under the name Xanh SM in Vietnam and Laos, and as Green GSM in the Philippines. Across all markets, the brand offers a refined travel experience with VinFast electric cars, professional drivers, and a service culture centered on safety and care.

Green SM represents progress toward a future where technology, the environment, and humanity move forward together in harmony. The brand is committed not only to providing zero-emission transportation but also to fostering an environmentally conscious society in every market it operates.

Sino Land Achieves Highest AAA Rating in Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index Series

HONG KONG, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sino Group (‘the Group’) is pleased to announce that Sino Land Company Limited (‘Sino Land’) (Stock Code: 0083.HK) has achieved the highest ‘AAA’ rating in the 2025/2026 Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index Series assessment. It has also been included as a constituent of several prominent sustainability indices, including the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index, Hang Seng (Mainland and HK) Corporate Sustainability Index, and the Hang Seng ESG 50 Index. This AAA rating reflects the Group’s long-term commitment to upholding international standards across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, reaffirming the Group’s leadership position in corporate sustainability within the Hong Kong market and beyond.

Sino Land has achieved the highest ‘AAA’ rating in the 2025/2026 Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index Series assessment and has been included as a constituent of several prominent sustainability indices, including the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index, Hang Seng (Mainland and HK) Corporate Sustainability Index, and the Hang Seng ESG 50 Index.
Sino Land has achieved the highest ‘AAA’ rating in the 2025/2026 Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index Series assessment and has been included as a constituent of several prominent sustainability indices, including the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index, Hang Seng (Mainland and HK) Corporate Sustainability Index, and the Hang Seng ESG 50 Index.

The Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index Series evaluates corporate sustainability performance among listed companies in Hong Kong and Mainland China and plays a critical role in selecting constituents for Hang Seng Indexes Company’s ESG indexes. Constituent selection is based on a robust process that considers the results of a sustainability assessment undertaken by the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency, an independent, professional assessment body. The assessment covered approximately 1,800 eligible securities. Sino Land was selected as a constituent of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index and the Hang Seng ESG 50 Index, recognising the company as one of the top 30 and top 50 local listed companies with the best ESG performance.

Mr Daryl Ng, Chairman of Sino Group and Chairman of the Group’s ESG Steering Committee, said, ‘We are honoured to have achieved the highest AAA Rating in the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index Series and to be included as a constituent of several prominent sustainability indices. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team, which has enabled us to make steady progress. The Hang Seng Index is internationally renowned and provides authoritative benchmarks for investors interested in sustainability. We will continue to adopt a comprehensive approach to sustainability that encompasses environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and robust governance, all aligned with our mission of “Creating Better Lifescapes”. We are committed to the steadfast integration of sustainability into every aspect of our business and to building a more sustainable future through green architectural planning, decarbonisation initiatives, climate resilience, innovation, and meaningful community engagement. We fully embrace the path to a sustainable future in unison with like-minded partners.’

Our corporate sustainability efforts have been recognised across multiple leading ESG benchmarks. Sino Land has received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (“SBTi”) for its long-term science-based emissions reduction targets, demonstrating the company’s commitment to aligning carbon reduction efforts with climate science. In addition, the Company has been included as a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series and recognised in CDP’s 2024 “A List” for corporate sustainability leadership in climate action. Furthermore, the Company has been included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index and maintained its position in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Asia Pacific Index for the third consecutive year. The Company has also achieved a Top 10% S&P Global CSA Score of the Real Estate Management & Development Industry in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025.

ALVAREZ & MARSAL ACCELERATES GROWTH IN CHINA WITH STRATEGIC EXPANSION AND SENIOR HIRES

HONG KONG, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), a leading global professional services firm, is pleased to announce significant milestones in its China growth journey. In just five years, A&M has tripled its headcount and quadrupled revenues in China, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner to both domestic enterprises and multinational corporations that are navigating complex business challenges in China and beyond.

As part of its long-term commitment to the Chinese market through strategic talent acquisition and the expansion of service offerings, the firm has welcomed 218 senior professionals in the last two years, averaging 15 years of experience. In 2025 alone, A&M further deepened its capabilities by adding 41 senior hires, including 16 Managing Directors, each bringing deep operational and industry expertise. These hires have broadened A&M’s footprint in key sectors such as healthcare, automotive, industrials, retail, and financial services, significantly strengthening A&M’s ability to deliver tangible results across the full lifecycle of corporate transformation.

China has always been a market of strategic importance to A&M,”  said Bryan Marsal, Co-Founder and CEO of A&M. “Over the past decade, we’ve seen it evolve from a high-growth economy to one that demands more sophisticated, results-driven solutions. Our expansion reflects a long-term commitment—not just to growth, but to building a platform that helps Chinese businesses navigate transformation, complexity, and opportunity. We’re here for the long term, investing in leadership, capabilities, and partnerships that will shape the next decade of business in China.”

A&M’s growth in China is anchored by its four core business units: Performance ImprovementRestructuring & Turnaround, Disputes & Investigations, and Private Equity Services. These practices have scaled rapidly in response to rising demand from Chinese corporates facing operational complexity, regulatory shifts, and cross-border challenges. The Performance Improvement team is now the fastest growing business unit in China, leading initiatives in operational excellence, digital transformation, and cross-border growth. The Restructuring practice has deepened its onshore capabilities with high-profile hires such as Adam Yuan. The Disputes & Investigations team has tripled in size, adding forensic technology capability and expanding into crypto advisory and financial crime investigation. The Private Equity Services team, encompassing tax, global transaction and performance improvement advisory, has continued to grow across the region, helping PE firms and portfolio companies drive EBITDA growth and mitigate risk from acquisition through exit.

Beyond its core offerings, A&M is broadening its footprint in Asia by introducing its well-established Financial Services, CFO Advisory, and Debt & Capital practices to the region. The upcoming launch of Financial Services will enhance A&M’s ability to support clients across the industry in navigating complex growth, cost optimisation, or M&A-related challenges.

James Dubow, Managing Director and Co-Head of A&M North Asia, commented, “China has become an increasingly complex operational environment after decades of rapid growth. The pace of change, market volatility, shifting supply chains, rapid digital adoption, and evolving regulatory landscape are prompting clients to seek out advisors like A&M. As a diversified consultancy with deep functional and industry expertise, we bring the perspective of former operators, C-suite executives, consultants, and industry experts, and we act as agile change agents and trusted advisors paid on results.”

Wei Zhu, Managing Director and Co-Head of A&M North Asia, added, “Our teams combine local insight with global best practices, helping clients tackle mission-critical challenges and unlock new opportunities. With the strategic hiring and the expansion of our business offerings, we are strengthening our ability to serve clients across the lifecycle of their operations and deliver integrated solutions that reflect the realities of doing business in China and beyond.”

About Alvarez & Marsal

Founded in 1983, Alvarez & Marsal is a leading global professional services firm. Renowned for its leadership, action and results, Alvarez & Marsal provides advisory, business performance improvement and turnaround management services, delivering practical solutions to address clients’ unique challenges. With a worldwide network of experienced operators, world-class consultants, former regulators and industry authorities, Alvarez & Marsal helps corporates, boards, private equity firms, law firms and government agencies drive transformation, mitigate risk and unlock value at every stage of growth.

To learn more, visit: AlvarezandMarsal.com

barq joins forces with Thunes to power faster, world-class remittances across Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, and barq, the rapidly-growing digital wallet in Saudi Arabia, announce the launch of barq’s enhanced remittance services to millions of consumers across the Kingdom. 

barq joins forces with Thunes to power faster, world-class remittances across Saudi Arabia
barq joins forces with Thunes to power faster, world-class remittances across Saudi Arabia

Through Thunes’ trusted Direct Global Network, barq customers can now send money seamlessly across borders, with transactions delivered in real time to billions of mobile wallets and bank accounts worldwide. This milestone reinforces barq’s position as a leading mobile wallet in Saudi Arabia, offering international remittances, cards, and a wide range of innovative financial solutions to end users.

The launch follows the formation of the collaboration between Thunes and barq announced in 2024, focused on delivering growth, expanded reach, and a consistently trusted service to Saudi customers.

The Saudi Arabian remittance market, one of the largest in the world, is undergoing rapid change, driven by the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 programme to digitise payments. By combining barq’s local leadership with Thunes’ international reach, this alliance provides a best-in-class service for consumers.

Thamer Alharbi, Director of International Partnerships at barq, commented: “Our collaboration with Thunes has moved from vision to reality. By going live with these services, we are empowering our customers with faster, more reliable remittances and strengthening barq’s role as the digital wallet of choice in Saudi Arabia. This is another important step in our journey to deliver innovative and accessible financial services, and Thunes’ trusted solutions are helping us to deliver on this mission.”

Ahmad Yaacoub, VP MENA and Country Head for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Thunes, added: “We are proud to see our partnership with barq delivering impact at scale. With this live launch, Thunes and barq reaffirm their shared commitment to delivering efficient, and customer-focused payment experiences, supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision for a digital-first financial ecosystem.”

About Thunes:

Thunes is the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world. Thunes’ proprietary Direct Global Network allows Members to make payments in real-time in over 130 countries and more than 80 currencies. Thunes’ Network connects directly to over 7 billion mobile wallets and bank accounts worldwide, as well as 15 billion cards via more than 320 different payment methods, such as GCash, M-Pesa, Airtel, MTN, Orange, JazzCash, Easypaisa, AliPay, WeChat Pay and many more. Thunes’ Direct Global Network differentiates itself through its worldwide reach, in-house SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, ensuring Members of the Network receive unrivaled speed, control, visibility, protection, and cost efficiencies when making real-time payments, globally. Members of Thunes’ Direct Global Network include gig economy giants like Uber and Deliveroo, super-apps like Grab and WeChat, MTOs, fintechs, PSPs and banks. Headquartered in Singapore, Thunes has offices in 14 locations, including Atlanta, Barcelona, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Manila, Nairobi, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco and Shanghai. For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/

 

Chiba Prefecture to Hold “CHI-BA+KUN’s Japanese Pear Fair” in Taipei and Taichung

– Renowned for Rich Sweetness and Juicy Freshness, Chiba Pears to Arrive in Taiwan –

CHIBA, Japan, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chiba Prefecture will hold the “CHI-BA+KUN’s Japanese Pear Fair” in collaboration with premium fruit outlets in the Taipei and Taichung areas from September 18 (Thursday) to October 1 (Wednesday), 2025.

Chiba Prefecture: Japan’s “Pear Kingdom”

Chiba Prefecture, Japan’s top pear producer*, offers customers based in Taiwan region a limited-time chance to enjoy meticulously cultivated pears, prized for their rich sweetness and freshness. At the fair venues, visitors can experience the appeal of Chiba Prefecture’s pears through tastings, limited sales, and gift suggestions. Please take this opportunity to savor these top-quality pears, perfect for gifting.

*2024 Japanese Pear and Grape Yield Area, Harvest Volume, and Shipment Volume (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)

Poster Image:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108813/202509094879/_prw_PI1fl_44r5MtEf.jpg 

Fair-exclusive Gifts

Visitors who complete a questionnaire at the event will receive a limited-edition premium keychain featuring Chiba Prefecture’s mascot, CHI-BA+KUN.

Keychain Image:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108813/202509094879/_prw_PI2fl_wAWRLTT6.jpg
(Image is for illustrative purposes only.)

Event Overview
Event name: CHI-BA+KUN’s Japanese Pear Fair
Event period: September 18 (Thursday) to October 1 (Wednesday), 2025 (planned)

Venues
Taipei area:
-Far Eastern SOGO Department Store – Taipei Fuxing Store B3, city’super
B3F, No.300, Sec. 3, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Da’an Dist., Taipei City 106
9/18-9/24 

-Breeze Center B2, Breeze Super B2F, No. 39, Sec. 1, Fuxing S. Rd., Songshan Dist., Taipei City 105
9/18-9/24

-Far Eastern SOGO Department Store – Taipei Zhongxiao Store B2, Fresh Mart
B2F, No.45, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Da’an Dist., Taipei City 106
9/25-10/1

-SHIN KONG MITSUKOSHI – Taipei Xinyi Place A8, B2 Market
B2F, No. 12, Songgao Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City 110
9/25-10/1

-Far Eastern SOGO Department Store – Taipei Zhongxiao Store 12F, Japanese Fair
12F, No.45, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Da’an Dist., Taipei City 106
9/26-10/1

Taichung area:
-Kuang San SOGO Department Store B1, Market
B1F, No. 459, Sec. 2, Taiwan Blvd., West Dist., Taichung City 403
9/18-9/24

-Yumaowu
No. 150, Gongyi Rd., West Dist., Taichung City 403
9/26-9/28

Explore “Oishii Chiba!” official website: https://www.oishii-chiba.tw/

Iridium Begins Integration of NTN Direct with Deutsche Telekom

Iridium NTN Direct will extend Deutsche Telekom’s global IoT customer reach

MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM), a leading provider of global voice, data, and PNT satellite services, today announced a new partnership with Deutsche Telekom (DTAG) intended to deliver global connectivity to their customers through the Iridium NTN DirectSM service. Deutsche Telekom will gain roaming access to Iridium’s forthcoming 3GPP standards-based 5G service, providing NB-IoT direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity that will keep customers, and their assets, connected from pole to pole. The two companies will be collaborating to integrate Iridium NTN Direct with Deutsche Telekom’s terrestrial global IoT network.

Iridium's Truly Global Satellite Network
Iridium’s Truly Global Satellite Network

Deutsche Telekom is among the first mobile network operators to begin integrating Iridium NTN Direct with terrestrial infrastructure, positioning it at the forefront of standards-based IoT innovation in areas beyond the reach of traditional mobile networks and competing satellite networks.

“Iridium NTN Direct is designed to complement terrestrial networks like Deutsche Telekom and provide seamless global coverage, extending the reach of their own infrastructure,” said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. “This partnership underscores the power of creating a straightforward, scalable solution that builds on existing technology to enable global service expansion.”

“We look forward to integrating Iridium as our next non-terrestrial roaming partner for IoT connectivity. By providing our customers with access to Iridium’s extensive LEO satellite network, they will benefit from broadened global NB-IoT coverage to reliably connect sensors, machines and vehicles,” said Jens Olejak, Head of Satellite IoT, Deutsche Telekom. “This convergence is now possible through affordable, 3GPP-standardized 5G devices that function across both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.”

Planned for commercial launch in 2026, the service will allow Deutsche Telekom’s IoT customers to roam onto the Iridium network to support use cases such as messaging, tracking, and status updates for IoT, automotive, and industrial devices, with applications spanning international cargo logistics, remote utility monitoring, smart agriculture, and emergency response.

The Iridium constellation is the only network delivering truly global coverage using L-band spectrum, providing reliable connectivity through both routine and extreme weather events, like hurricanes and blizzards. Its LEO orbit provides superior coverage, look angles and lower latency compared to geostationary systems.

Upon successful integration and testing, Iridium and Deutsche Telekom plan to execute a roaming agreement to support full commercial service launch.

For more information about Iridium NTN Direct visit: https://www.iridium.com/ntn-direct/

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium® is the only mobile voice, data, and PNT satellite network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations, and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. In 2024, Iridium acquired Satelles and its positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) service. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services, and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure
Statements in this press release that are not purely historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company has based these statements on its current expectations and the information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the capabilities, benefits and availability of the Iridium NTN Direct service and Iridium’s expected relationship with Deutsche Telekom. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “anticipates,” “may,” “can,” “believes,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,” “likely,” “will,” “to be” and other expressions that are predictions or indicate future events, trends or prospects. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Iridium to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties regarding the development, marketing and availability of the Iridium NTN Direct service and its integration with Deutsche Telekom’s services, the company’s ability to maintain the health, capacity and content of its satellite constellation, as well as general industry and economic conditions, and competitive, legal, governmental and technological factors. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements include those factors listed under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 13, 2025, as well as other filings Iridium makes with the SEC from time to time. There is no assurance that Iridium’s expectations will be realized. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Iridium’s underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Iridium’s forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Iridium undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Press Contact:

Investor Contact:

Jordan Hassin

Kenneth Levy

Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium Communications Inc.

Jordan.Hassin@Iridium.com 

Ken.Levy@Iridium.com

+1 (703) 287-7421

+1 (703) 287-7570

 

 

LA MER DOUBLES DOWN ON MIRACLE BROTH™ WITH NEW BIOENERGETICS RESEARCH PLATFORM AND LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SALK INSTITUTE

THE PLATFORM LAUNCHES WITH ‘LA MER GIVES SKIN LIFE’ CAMPAIGN & A THREE-YEAR HEALTHY AGING FELLOWSHIP

HONG KONG, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — La Mer has long been known to provide skin with cellular energy and has remained dedicated to exploring the bioenergetic efficacy of Miracle Broth, from sea to skin. Building on over 50 years of scientific innovation, La Mer is doubling down on its investment in advancing bioenergetic science and studying the full spectrum bioenergetic ecosystem, their interactions and the mechanisms directly contributing to Miracle Broth’s efficacy in strengthening the skin’s cellular network.

The brand’s new Bioenergetics Research Platform builds on its recently announced three-year Healthy Aging Fellowship with the Salk Institute, a world-renowned authority in biological studies that has been home to six Nobel Laureates and has specific expertise in the science of aging on a cellular level. As the first collaboration of its kind at Salk, the partnership seeks to uncover new insights into areas such as cellular regeneration and other aging interventions. The Bioenergetics Research Platform is an expansive scientific initiative deepening the brand’s decades-long exploration into the cellular energy that powers skin renewal. This next chapter includes dedicated studies across every phase in the development of Miracle Broth; La Mer’s legendary bio-fermented active – from its oceanic origin to its impact on skin vitality.

FROM SEA: KELP MICROBIOME SUPERCHARGES MIRACLE BROTH VIA SELF-GENERATING BIOACTIVES 
Since 2023, La Mer scientists have engaged in a multi-year study on the regenerative power of La Mer’s Giant Sea Kelp which is exclusively harvested in the waters off Vancouver Island. In the first phase of the research conducted, La Mer has unlocked new breakthrough insights into the unique characteristics of the Kelp’s microbiome and its impact on Miracle Broth.

La Mer’s  study demonstrates that the plant’s distinct microbial network and structure in this location is a key to generating skin-supportive nutrients. This thriving network fosters a symbiotic organic system in which the kelp and its microbiome actively self-generate nutrients, and bioactives, like Vitamins C, E, A, and K. As a result, the kelp that goes into Miracle Broth is supercharged with skin-renewing properties well before the kelp’s fermentation process begins.

TO SKIN: MIRACLE BROTH BIOENERGETIC INDICATORS SIGNAL OPTIMIZED VISIBLE SKIN AGING PREVENTION & REPAIR 
Building on its 2023 peer-reviewed publication, La Mer has initiated new in vitro studies to measure the bioenergetic activity of Miracle Broth at the cellular level. Findings from this research show that Miracle Broth is proven to boost skin’s energy levels and targets skin’s intrinsic potential to optimize its natural energy for youthful regeneration and repair.

Specifically, the study shows that Miracle Broth not only helps prevent damage and aging of skin cells’ natural power source, but it also amplifies skin’s natural energy to help reverse visible aging. Additional data from this research shows that Miracle Broth is able to promote energy flow through the day and night.These advancements in bioenergetic science are delivered through La Mer’s proprietary Miracle Broth, the lifeblood that flows through all La Mer products.

A NEW ERA IN BIOENERGETICS RESEARCH
La Mer is proud to be the first beauty brand to partner with Salk Institute, uniting to advance research at the forefront of cellular energy and age-related function. As part of this initiative, La Mer introduces the La Mer Healthy Aging Fellowship, a three-year postdoctoral research fellowship dedicated to investigating the role of mitochondria in the aging process.

This fellowship is being awarded to Ankita Chadda, a postdoctoral researcher in Salk Professor Agnieszka Kendrick’s lab, which studies cellular transport—the system of microscopic highways and specialized protein vehicles that move everything inside a cell. This system is indispensable to cellular function and survival. With La Mer’s support, Chadda will use cutting-edge technologies to explore how aging disrupts cellular transport in neurons. This work may reveal new strategies to prevent or reverse transport-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. As a brand rooted in unlocking the secrets of how bioenergetics can enhance the body’s innate functions, La Mer is honored to sponsor this groundbreaking research project.

“La Mer has always believed in the power of bioenergetics to enhance skin’s natural renewal,” said Sandra Main, Global Brand President, La Mer. “Our partnership with the Salk Institute reflects our deep commitment to advancing the science of cellular energy, ensuring that our innovations continue to push the boundaries of aging science. As a brand founded by a true visionary, we are privileged to honor our legacy by partnering with an innovative, world-class institute, with some of the most globally renowned scientists.”

At the Salk Institute, trailblazing research into mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism has deepened scientific understanding of how energy sustains cellular health. Salk’s discoveries have illuminated the critical role mitochondria—the powerhouses of the cell—play in maintaining optimal function across biological systems. By deciphering how cells generate and regulate energy, Salk scientists are at the forefront of research that informs how tissues, including skin, can adapt and renew over time.

“At the Salk Institute, we are driven by the pursuit of fundamental discoveries that improve human health,” said Gerald Joyce, President, Salk Institute. “We are deeply grateful to La Mer for supporting this mission by funding research into aging at a molecular level and empowering the next generation of scientists. Through this unique partnership, we can apply our scientific expertise to explore new frontiers in healthy aging.”

Together, La Mer and Salk will explore the intersection of these two scientific perspectives, deepening knowledge of how cellular energy influences aging. This research, once completed, could help inform future product innovations for La Mer.

ABOUT LA MER
La Mer is a brand that represents hope, healing and one man’s deep respect for the power of the living sea. It all began over fifty years ago when Dr. Max Huber, a physicist, embarked on a healing quest after a lab accident. Twelve years and 6,000 experiments later, Miracle Broth™ – the legendary elixir – was born. Since joining The Estée Lauder Companies in 1995, La Mer has become the most coveted skin care brand in the world. 

ABOUT SALK INSTITUTE
Unlocking the secrets of life itself is the driving force behind the Salk Institute. Our team of world-class, award-winning scientists pushes the boundaries of knowledge in areas such as neuroscience, cancer research, aging, immunobiology, plant biology, computational biology, and more. Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge.