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Minish Holds First Seminar in Japan with Great Success – Over 100 Dentists in Attendance

“Impressed by Extensive Full-Mouth Rehabilitation Cases” , “Anti-Aging Effects Highly Praised”

TOKYO, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On the 17th, Minish Technology successfully concluded its first-ever clinical case seminar and corporate presentation in Japan. The event, held the previous day at Shiodome Season Terrace in Minato City, Tokyo, drew over 100 dentists from across the country, demonstrating significant interest in Minish’s innovative approach to dental restoration.

The first Minish seminar in Japan was a success with more than 100 dentists attending.
The first Minish seminar in Japan was a success with more than 100 dentists attending.

The seminar covered origins and development of Minish, its clinical applications, and case studies from Minish Members Clinics (MMC). It also provided insights into Minish Technology’s vision and global expansion strategy.

Attendees were particularly captivated by Minish’s innovative approach. The ability to correct misaligned teeth and address irregularities in color, size, shape, and proportion—within a single day—was highly regarded. In addition, the full-mouth restoration capability, extending beyond anterior teeth to molars, received praise. The proven stability of Minish, backed by over 160,000 cases over the past 17 years, further solidified confidence among participants.

Dr. Mamina Aoya, director of Ojima Clinic in Gunma Prefecture, remarked, “I was amazed that such extensive treatments, including full-mouth rehabilitation, are possible. The anti-aging effects of Minish will certainly resonate in Japan, where the aging population is significant.”

Dr. Yoshishige Taniguchi, director of Taniguchi Dental Clinic in Saitama Prefecture and a board member of Japanese Academy of Anti-Aging Dentistry, added, “I am eager to introduce Minish to our organization as soon as possible.”

Dr. Shuji Imatomi, director of Imatomi Dental Clinic in Hokkaido, shared his motivation for attending: “Given the high proportion of non-insurance treatments in Japan, I wanted to explore effective treatment options. I plan to adopt Minish at my clinic soon.”

The enthusiasm from this seminar is set to carry over to the upcoming Minish Academy in April, which will be held in South Korea for Japanese dentists. Notably, 45% of the Japanese dentists who completed the Minish Academy program in November last year have since joined MMC. Currently, MMCs offering Minish treatments in Japan are located in Tokyo’s Shinjuku, Gunma Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, and five other regions.

Choi RockSun, PR manager at MINISH Technology Inc. stated, “This seminar reaffirmed the recognition that Minish is not merely a complement to orthodontic or aesthetic treatments, but rather a comprehensive solution for dental restoration. Given the strong response, we expect to expand the number of MMCs in Japan to 50 locations within the year.”

Hanon Systems Announces Full Year 2024 Financial Results

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hanon Systems, a leading global automotive thermal management supplier and subsidiary of Hankook & Company Group, last week reported its full year 2024 financial results.

For the fourth quarter of 2024, Hanon Systems reported consolidated revenue of KRW 2.5498 trillion, marking a 3.8% increase year-over-year and a 2% increase from the previous quarter. However, the fourth quarter operating income showed a loss of KRW 98.8 billion due to one-time factors and global restructuring costs. The total net loss for the year 2024, including the fourth quarter operating loss, decreased production volumes due to a slowdown in EV sales, interest expenses, and impairment losses on intangible assets, amounted to KRW 334.4 billion.

The company expects that there will be no difficulty achieving sales exceeding KRW 10 trillion in 2025, and the operating margin is expected to improve gradually.

In 2025, the company will continue improving profitability and cash flow, strengthening accountability in management through the rollout of a new regional organization structure, and enhancing management efficiency through successful integration. The company has established specific implementation plans to achieve these goals. In January, Hanon Systems realigned its organization to regional business groups to drive greater efficiency and strengthen responses to customers’ needs.

Vice Chairman and CEO Soo Il Lee stated: “In the short term, our priority is to enhance financial structures through cost reduction and operational efficiency. In the long term, by strengthening accountability in management, we will establish a proactive organizational culture.” He added, “Through these measures, we will lay a foundation for sustainable growth and make company-wide efforts towards successful integration.”

Hanon Systems expects to see tangible results in the second half of the year and, through synergies with the Hankook & Company Group, aims to achieve a stable financial structure within two to three years, continuously enhancing competitiveness by responding agilely to strategic changes in customers’ demands.

About Hanon Systems

Hanon Systems, founded in 1986, is a global leader in thermal energy management solutions. In January 2025, it became a subsidiary of Hankook & Company Group. Its offering includes a wide range of solutions in the areas of heating, ventilation and air conditioning, powertrain cooling, compressor, fluid transport, and electronics and fluid pressure. The company currently operates 50 manufacturing sites and three regional innovation centers and employs more than 20,000 people across 21 countries. To learn more, visit hanonsystems.com.

Follow Hanon Systems:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanonsystems
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6bSZ7NMg7LPhXDyTOMwebQ/feed

Abu Dhabi to further enhance trade and investments with China

  • 140 senior officials and executives from different sectors in Abu Dhabi to explore new opportunities
  • Abu Dhabi Investment Forum accelerates partnerships in next-generation industries
  • ‘Business Connect –Abu DhabiShanghai‘ enhances collaborations of business communities

ABU DHABI, UAE, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is leading the emirate’s economic delegation to China as part of ongoing efforts to further strengthen partnerships with leading economies and cement Abu Dhabi’s stature as global magnet for talent, businesses, and investments.

With bilateral trade between China and the UAE projected to reach $200 billion by 2030, Abu Dhabi is reinforcing its position as an essential gateway for Chinese investment in the Middle East and beyond. The emirate is already home to many of the 6,000 Chinese companies operating in the UAE across key sectors, including technology, financial services, and energy.

The high-level delegation is comprised of around 140 senior officials and executives from government and private sector including Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Customs, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), ADNOC, Mubadala, KEZAD, Hub7, and major companies from different economic sectors.

During the visit, which will start on Monday 17 February 2025, the Abu Dhabi economic delegation will meet senior government officials and key businesses and investors in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong to explore business opportunities and foster strategic relations with Chinese counterparts.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, said: “A rising economic powerhouse, Abu Dhabi continues to build and strengthen partnerships with leading economies and top trading partners, contributing positively to international efforts to address giga trends and transformations impacting all geographies and industries to ensure a brighter future for our people and the entire humanity”

“Our longstanding relations with China are going from strength to strength, as reflected by the growth of bilateral trade and mutual investments over the past few years, and we are doubling down our efforts to take it to the next level by deepening cooperation and exploring new opportunities in various sectors to create more partnerships. This visit and activities to be organised as part of it underscore Abu Dhabi’s commitment to enhancing collaborations with our international partners. We are eager to enable investors and businesses to benefit from ample opportunities provided by our soaring ‘Falcon Economy’, which is harmonising between advanced technologies, sustainability, human development, and economic diversification as we accelerate the transition towards the next phase of Abu Dhabi’s development”.

To foster direct engagements between investors and key decision-makers to accelerate partnerships in next-generation industries, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), will organise the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Beijing and Shanghai on 18 and 20 February 2025. To be held under the theme “Invest with Abu Dhabi,” the forum will provide Chinese investors and businesses with a platform to explore opportunities in the emirate, which is one of the fastest-growing economies in MENA.

ADIF will feature a comprehensive agenda, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and bilateral meetings from delegates representing various sectors of Abu Dhabi’s economy. These experts, including executives from institutions like ADNOC, Mubadala, HSBC, Gulf Capital and more, will provide in-depth insights into the emirate’s investment landscape, showcasing opportunities in technology, financial services, healthcare and trade.

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), in cooperation with ADGM, ADIO and the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce, will organise “Business Connect –Abu DhabiShanghai” on 19 February 2025 to strengthen economic relations and partnerships between the business communities in Abu Dhabi and China.

As Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its favourable regulatory environment and world-class investment landscape, ADIF and “Business Connect –Abu DhabiShanghai” provide suitable platforms for Chinese business leaders to gain firsthand insights into new opportunities, sector-driven initiatives and strategic partnerships in the UAE capital.

Oceanpayment Partners with Mastercard to Issue Its First-Ever Payment Card to Empower Global Businesses

Oceanpayment’s new Mastercard-powered virtual commercial credit card aims to help reduce the operational costs of multi-currency accounts while improving conversion rates

HONG KONG, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Oceanpayment, a global digital payment solutions provider, and Mastercard today announced the launch of Oceanpayment’s first-ever payment card, a Mastercard virtual commercial credit card. The new product is designed to help cross-border merchants reduce the operational costs of multi-currency accounts while improving conversion rates. Merchants can rapidly apply for and set up the Oceanpayment Card online, as the virtual card offers higher efficiency in overseas B2B payments to ensure seamless, compliant and secure cash flow management.

Source:Oceanpayment
Source:Oceanpayment

Simplifying financial management

According to the Virtual Card Benchmark Survey conducted by RPMG Research and commissioned by Mastercard, 85 percent of bank executives surveyed globally believe that virtual cards improve organizational processes including efficiency, reconciliation, system integrations and compliance.  Furthermore, 84 percent of them believe that virtual cards enhance cybersecurity, reduce fraud and increase data security. Through the new virtual Oceanpayment Card, businesses can now more easily address common financial management challenges associated with traditional cross-border transactions, including handling multiple currencies and real-time payments among many others, further optimizing their operational management.

Lanny Yang, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oceanpayment, said, “Building on Oceanpayment’s extensive expertise and experience in the acquiring space, and the deep integration with Mastercard’s capabilities in enabling virtual card issuance, we are excited to launch our new card product, completing our all-in-one fund management solution to streamline payment acceptance and disbursement. Tailored to meet our merchants’ needs with precision, this service simplifies money movement management and optimizes business cash flow, ultimately boosting overall operational efficiency for businesses.”

Helena Chen, Managing Director, Hong Kong & Macau, Mastercard, said, “This partnership with Oceanpayment not only highlights Mastercard’s commitment to delivering innovative, seamless and secure payment solutions, but also underlines the strength of its support for issuers. With B2B virtual card spend estimated to reach US$1.3 trillion by 2028[1], Mastercard is pleased to be the preferred partner of choice for digital payments solutions, leveraging its expertise and experience in virtual cards, end-to-end support to issuers, as well as its global acceptance network.”

Faster, safer, more stable payment without delays

The launch of a Mastercard Virtual Commercial Credit Card represents a key milestone in Oceanpayment’s global digital payment infrastructure. This marks a significant evolution from transaction capabilities to a holistic ecosystem that brings simplicity, security and efficiency of digital payments into merchants’ cash flow operations. By streamlining B2B payment processes and reducing transaction time, it empowers businesses to manage their working capital digitally.

The Oceanpayment Card eliminates transaction management and processing delays among consumers, merchants, international card schemes and issuing banks. It enables faster, safer and more stable payment interactions while improving merchants’ operational efficiency, transparency and predictability. This reduces dependency on traditional and inefficient processes, offering a streamlined and optimized payment workflow.

Furthermore, the new virtual card empowers cross-border merchants to achieve intelligent, integrated cash flow management systems and provides diverse commercial payment support for global operations. By incorporating issuing services, merchants can significantly enhance the efficiency of international payments in both online and offline scenarios, including advertising, subscriptions, consumption, procurement and business travel. With Oceanpayment’s automated and embedded solutions, merchants gain complete control over their financial visibilities, effectively minimizing operational friction.

The new Oceanpayment Card can effectively address operational pain points in cross-border payments and meet the diverse needs of business payment scenarios by providing merchants with more precise solutions, including:

  • Integrated Transactions for Efficiency: all-in-one solution that integrates acquiring and issuing services, enabling seamless fund connectivity and significantly enhancing cash flow management efficiency.
  • Instant Activation with Comprehensive Features: such as instant card activation and quick transactions. This enables a full-suite, one-stop service with deeply integrated multi-functional capabilities.
  • Versatile Payment Scenarios: empowers merchants with diverse payment scenarios, supporting aviation, advertising subscriptions, procurement management, logistics and education.
  • Shared Card Limits for Global Reach: supports major settlement currencies including HKD and USD, along with over 140 transaction currencies. It facilitates multi-currency shared limits and streamlined foreign exchange processes for a seamless payment experience.
  • Membership with Secure and Global Coverage: As a Mastercard issuer, Oceanpayment has successfully tapped into Mastercard’s global network, enabling extensive international payment coverage. It caters to merchants’ diverse business payment needs, focusing on convenience, security and efficiency.

Oceanpayment: Simplifying Global Payments

Over the past decade, Oceanpayment has dedicated itself to empowering global partners with professional expertise and exceptional services. It has continuously strengthened payment infrastructure by integrating open APIs and digital services, seamlessly connecting payment technology across all aspects of the cross-border payment ecosystem.

The company’s comprehensive solutions unlock a wide range of cross-border business scenarios, including global acquiring services, financial payment gateways, intelligent risk management and compliance operations. This holistic approach enables seamless integration of cross-border business models, technological innovation and product offerings, fostering the global expansion of cross-border merchants.

Looking ahead, Oceanpayment will continue to enhance its payment chain products and services through technological innovation. It is committed to providing cross-border merchants with a more convenient and secure “global payment” experience. The company aims to facilitate businesses’ digital and intelligent transformation to accelerate growth and foster high-quality development of global cross-border e-commerce.

– Ends –

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

About Oceanpayment

Oceanpayment is a leading global payment service provider empowering businesses with secure, convenient, professional and simple payment solutions for cross-border transactions. We leverage cutting-edge technology, robust infrastructure, effective risk management, and proven expertise to deliver seamless payment experiences. Processing transactions continuously for hundreds of thousands merchants across over 200 countries and regions, enabling them to accept and process payments seamlessly and maximize revenue growth.

www.oceanpayment.com

References:

[1] Juniper Research, Virtual Cards, Strategy & Forecast, 2021-2026.

Thailand Cracks Down on Foreign Teachers with Tourist Visas

Thai Students Learning with Foreign Teachers
Thai Students Learning with Foreign Teachers (Photo: Pinoy Thaiyo)

Thailand has launched a crackdown targeting foreign teachers working with tourist or transit visas in an attempt to strictly enforce employment laws in the education sector. 

-30°C Extreme Challenge: JETOUR T2 Conquers the Arctic


CHONGQING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 February 2025 – In the Arctic Circle, the JETOUR T2 faces tough challenges, proving its off-road capabilities in extreme cold and harsh terrain.

-30°C Extreme Challenge: JETOUR T2 Conquers the Arctic

The Arctic’s rugged geography, with snowfields, mountain roads, ice crevasses, and muddy paths, poses significant risks, such as skidding, imbalance, getting stuck, or flipping over. Snow-filled craters increase the difficulty, easily causing tires to become stuck or leading to rollovers. Equipped with the advanced XWD system and a rear differential lock, the JETOUR T2 handles these icy and snowy terrains effortlessly. Its 6+X driving modes automatically switch to adjust to road conditions, distributing power for optimal traction and ensuring smooth performance without stopping.

The JETOUR T2 delivers power with its 2.0T turbocharged engine and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Also, the engine boasts a maximum power of 187kW and a maximum torque of 390N·m, ensures high efficiency and stability in temperatures as low as -30ºC. Its approach angle of 28°, departure angle of 30°, and ground clearance of 220 mm enables the JETOUR T2 to easily overcome tough terrains.

No one is born a champion—true strength is forged through relentless trials. With extraordinary capability, the JETOUR T2 has conquered the harsh Arctic, showcasing the exceptional performance of a light off-road SUV.

Hashtag: #JETOUR

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

Dusit Thani Kyoto named Four-Star Hotel in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2025 Star Awards

Luxury hotel earns another prestigious accolade for its exceptional service and world-class facilities


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 February 2025 – Dusit Thani Kyoto, a luxury urban oasis operated by Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has built on its recent One Michelin Key recognition by earning a 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award—further cementing its reputation as one of Kyoto’s most exceptional hotels.

The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating is awarded to properties that demonstrate exceptional service and outstanding facilities.
The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating is awarded to properties that demonstrate exceptional service and outstanding facilities.

Founded in the United States in 1958, Forbes Travel Guide (formerly known as Mobil Travel Guide) is a globally respected authority in luxury hospitality, renowned for pioneering the five-star rating system in 1960. Its anonymous inspectors evaluate hotels based on more than 900 objective standards, ensuring a trusted benchmark of excellence in the travel industry.

The Four-Star rating is awarded to properties that demonstrate exceptional service and outstanding facilities. Dusit Thani Kyoto earned this distinction through rigorous, undercover assessments by Forbes Travel Guide’s inspectors, who experienced the hotel just as a typical guest would—paying their own way to ensure impartiality.

Opened in September 2023, Dusit Thani Kyoto is set in the peaceful Hongwanji Monzen-machi district, just 850 metres from the city’s bustling Kyoto Station. Operating under Dusit’s luxury Dusit Thani brand, the hotel seamlessly blends Thai-inspired gracious hospitality with Japan’s deep-rooted culture of omotenashi (wholeheartedly looking after guests) and features 147 meticulously designed guest rooms that balance timeless elegance with contemporary comfort.

The hotel also serves as a hub of gourmet dining experiences. Guests can embark on an interactive omakase journey at Kōyō, which showcases Kyoto’s 24 micro-seasons through the finest ingredients. Den Kyoto elevates mixology with handcrafted cocktails infused with Thai herbs, while Ayatana, the hotel’s signature Thai fine-dining restaurant, delivers an exquisite celebration of Thai flavours and culinary artistry. Committed to sustainability, Ayatana sources premium seasonal ingredients from the Kansai region, including fresh herbs and vegetables from Ohara Farm and organic tea leaves from its own tea farm in Wazuka.

Alongside versatile event spaces that accommodate up to 240 guests, the hotel also boasts a signature Devarana Wellness centre, where expert therapists blend ancient Thai massage therapies with traditional Japanese healing rituals, ensuring a truly restorative experience.

“Receiving Forbes Travel Guide’s distinguished Four-Star Award just over a year after our opening is a remarkable achievement and a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, heartfelt service, and creating truly memorable experiences for our guests,” said Makoto Yamashita, Cluster General Manager, Dusit Thani Kyoto and ASAI Kyoto Shijo. “Inspired by this accolade and our One Michelin Key status, we remain committed to raising the bar, delivering exceptional service, and ensuring our hotel continues to be a place of warmth, elegance, and meaningful connections for all who visit.”

For more information about the hotel, please visit Dusit Thani Kyoto.

Hashtag: #dusitinternational #dusitthanikyoto

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

About Dusit Thani Kyoto

Opened on 1 September 2023, Dusit Thani Kyoto is located in a historic area near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nishi Hongwan-ji Temple. The hotel offers a unique fusion of Japan’s exquisite traditions and the gracious hospitality of Dusit’s Thai origins. Guests can enjoy beautifully designed, comfortable rooms alongside a rich variety of culinary experiences, including three distinctive restaurants, a tea salon, and a hidden bar. The Devarana Wellness centre provides rejuvenation for the mind and body, while exclusive experience programmes immerse guests in the true essence of Kyoto.

Our commitment to delivering “Everything You Deserve” ensures that guests not only enjoy the charm of Kyoto as a travel destination but also find a tranquil oasis for their hearts and senses. Notably, in July 2024, Dusit Thani Kyoto became the first Thai-origin hotel brand in Japan to receive a prestigious “Michelin Key” for its ‘outstanding’ facilities and service.

For more information about the hotel, please visit .

About Forbes Travel Guide

Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world’s best experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our independent inspection process.

For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit .

Explosion in Oudomxay Auto Parts Shop Kills Four, Injures Six

Explosion in Oudomxay Auto Parts Shop Kills Four, Injures Six
High angle shot of the auto parts shop after the explosion (photo credit: Lao National Radio)

On 14 February, an explosion erupted at an auto parts shop in Nasao village, Xay district, Oudomxay province, around 10:20 am, killing four people and injuring six others.