French Crêperie Opens in Luang Prabang
Duality Bio Appoints Hua Mu as Global Chief Medical Officer
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SHANGHAI, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DualityBio announced today that Dr. Hua Mu has joined the company as Global Chief Medical Officer (CMO). In this role, Dr. Mu will oversee the strategic planning, meticulous design, efficient execution, and comprehensive regulatory compliance of the company’s global clinical development efforts, ensuring adherence to the most stringent international regulatory standards.
Dr. Mu holds an M.D. degree from West China University of Medical Sciences and a Ph.D. degree from the University of California, Berkeley. With decades of global experience in drug research, translational medicine, and clinical development, he has held leadership roles at top multinational pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and top-tier capital, successfully advancing multiple drug candidates from preclinical stages through commercialization. As a seasoned biotech executive and drug developer, Dr. Mu’s extensive expertise and global vision will provide strategic leadership in driving clinical development programs and navigating regulatory landscapes.
“Dr. Mu’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as DualityBio approaches a new milestone in the capital markets,” said Dr. John Zhu, Founder and CEO of DualityBio. “His unique blend of full-cycle development experience in multinational pharma and hands-on expertise in the globalization of China’s innovative drugs will strengthen our global multicenter clinical trial strategy. By implementing scientifically rigorous clinical development plans, we will enhance pipeline value and build clinical development infrastructure and capability fully aligned with FDA, EMA, and NMPA requirements. We are confident that Dr. Mu will accelerate our clinical progress, fuel DualityBio’s global expansion, and solidify our leadership in next-generation ADC innovation.”
Dr. Mu stated: “I am honored to embark on this new journey with DualityBio. My decision to join stems from a deep alignment with the company’s global vision. My mission is to build a team with international regulatory expertise, integrate clinical resources across the U.S., Europe, and China, and accelerate NDA filings for core assets—all while driving DualityBio’s global clinical-commercial flywheel. Together, we will transition from a biotech to a biopharma, delivering accessible breakthrough therapies to patients worldwide.”
Search Efforts Enter Tenth Day with 78 Still Missing After Bangkok Building Collapse

Thai authorities continue to ramp up search operations following the collapse of a Chinese-owned 30-storey skyscraper in Bangkok on 28 March, with 78 people still reported missing and the death toll rising to 16.
Sinopec and CATL Join Forces to Build 10,000 Battery Swap Stations, Pioneering a New Era of Green Mobility
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BEIJING, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (“Sinopec”, HKG: 0386), one of China’s largest integrated energy and chemical companies, and CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited), the global leader in new energy innovative technologies, signed an industry and capital cooperation framework agreement in Beijing. The partnership aims to establish a nationwide battery swap network, setting a new benchmark for green infrastructure in China.
Sinopec and CATL Join Forces to Build 10,000 Battery Swap Stations, Pioneering A New Era of Green Mobility.
Under the agreement, the two industry giants will leverage their respective strengths to accelerate the development of battery swap ecosystems and standardize operations. This year, the collaboration targets the construction of no fewer than 500 battery swap stations, with a long-term goal of 10,000 stations, creating a seamless “swap-as-fast-as-refueling” experience for electric vehicle (EV) owners in China. The initiative aligns with China’s national strategy to promote new infrastructure and low-carbon transportation.
Ma Yongsheng, Chairman of Sinopec, emphasized the strategic significance of the partnership: “This collaboration marks another milestone in Sinopec’s commitment to energy revolution and green development. By combining our energy supply capabilities, nationwide network, and customer service expertise with CATL’s cutting-edge technology, we aim to build a comprehensive energy infrastructure that powers a better life.”
Dr. Robin Zeng, Chairman and CEO of CATL, highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative: “A robust energy replenishment network is critical to the widespread adoption of EVs. Through this partnership, we will elevate the battery swap model to new heights, injecting fresh momentum into sustainable development.”
Sinopec brings its extensive network of 30,000 integrated energy stations in the country, 28,000 Easy Joy convenience stores, and over 10,000 ultra-fast charging stations, serving 200 million customers daily. CATL, as the world’s top EV battery manufacturer, has partnered with leading automakers, including Changan, GAC Aion, BAIC, SAIC, Hongqi, NIO, and major truck producers like Sinotruk and Foton, to roll out a diverse lineup of battery-swappable passenger and commercial vehicles.
The partnership strengthens Sinopec and CATL’s ongoing work in energy stations, storage, and advanced materials. The collaboration will build smart energy microgrids, featuring solar power, energy storage, charging, swapping, and battery inspection. Moving forward, the two companies will explore broader synergies in zero-carbon solutions, vehicle ecosystems, and battery materials. Capital and equity partnerships will also be pursued to foster innovation and accelerate the development of new productive forces.
Thai Night 2025 Elevates Thai Entertainment on the Global Stage at FILMART

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 April 2025 – The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, successfully hosted Thai Night: Where Films Come Alive 2025 at JW Marriott Hong Kong during FILMART 2025, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a global hub for the film and entertainment industry. Presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi, the event brought together 517 distinguished guests, including 453 film industry representatives and 64 international media members, facilitating high-level business networking and expanding opportunities for Thai entertainment businesses in the global market.

Under the theme “Thailand: Where Films Come Alive”, the event highlighted Thailand’s excellence in film production, talent, locations, and post-production services. It was attended by 37 leading Thai entertainment companies, as well as prominent figures from international film and media organizations such as CCTV (China), VIU (Hong Kong), NBCUniversal (Singapore), A+E Networks and Seoul Broadcasting System (South Korea), Lionsgate (India), and Variety Magazine (USA). The evening featured exclusive networking sessions, strengthening ties between Thai and international entertainment professionals. Special performances included a Muay Thai-inspired dance performance, blending Thailand’s martial arts heritage with cultural dance, and live performances of soundtracks from popular Thai series such as Make a Wish, Ai no Kisetsu, B.Friend Series, Piang Chonlay, and Duan Prang. Guests also had the opportunity to experience Thailand’s renowned cuisine, with Thai SELECT-certified food and beverages, further promoting Thailand’s Soft Power in entertainment and gastronomy.
According to Ms. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director-General of DITP, “Thai Night continues to be a key platform in positioning Thailand as a leader in the international entertainment industry. By connecting Thai content creators, producers, and investors with global industry leaders, we are opening doors for Thai films, series, and creative talents to reach wider audiences and new business opportunities.” As part of Thailand’s broader strategy to promote its film and entertainment industry, Thai Night is held at major international events such as the Cannes Film Festival (France), the American Film Market (Los Angeles, USA), and FILMART (Hong Kong, China), reinforcing Thailand’s role in the global entertainment ecosystem and fostering international collaborations.
For more information about Thailand’s film industry and upcoming initiatives, please visit www.ditp.go.th or contact the DITP Trade Hotline at 1169.
Hashtag: #ThaiNight2025
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures
World Health Day Statement by Education Cannot Wait Director Yasmine Sherif
NEW YORK, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Education is an essential investment in providing health to those left furthest behind.

On World Health Day, we must connect the dots between education and health in humanitarian crisis settings. A child attending school gets vaccinations and healthcare, a nutritious meal and mental health and psychosocial services. By funding education, we optimize our investments to cover multiple sectors in one investment, such as health.
On World Health Day, we must connect the dots between education and health in humanitarian crisis settings. A child attending school gets vaccinations and healthcare, a nutritious meal and mental health and psychosocial services. By funding education, we optimize our investments to cover multiple sectors in one investment, such as health.
“The link between education, health and well-being is clear. Education develops the skills, values and attitudes that enable learners to lead healthy and fulfilled lives, make informed decisions and engage in positive relationships with everyone around them,” according to UNESCO.
At the same time, poor health, hunger, war-trauma and diseases negatively impact academic performance, especially in humanitarian emergencies.
According to UNICEF, humanitarian investments in education and health have substantial returns. Every $1 invested in children and their well-being yields a ten-fold societal return.
Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and our strategic partners deliver speedy and lifesaving quality education on the frontlines of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. In places like Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti and Cameroon, this means healthy school meals, greater nutrition, safe classrooms and access to public health initiatives that are available at the beginning of school.
Right now, we are making impossible decisions on humanitarian funding that put millions of lives at risk. The most effective way of utilizing financial means is to ensure multiple impact or a holistic and cross-sectoral approach.
Education is one of the single best investments we can make, while also ensuring healthy lives for all. Not the least for the 234 million children and adolescents who today endure unspeakable crises with no other hope than to attend school, survive and thrive. This is what it is all about: the humanitarian imperative is about saving their lives.
LG RELEASES PRELIMINARY EARNINGS FOR FIRST-QUARTER 2025
The Company Achieves Record-High First-Quarter Revenue
Surpassing KRW 22 Trillion
SEOUL, South Korea, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics Inc. (LG) today announced its preliminary earnings results for the first-quarter of 2025, reporting a consolidated revenue of KRW 22.7 trillion and operating profit of KRW 1.3 trillion.
This marks the first time LG’s first-quarter revenue has exceeded KRW 22 trillion. Despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges, including a global economic slowdown, the company’s focus on “qualitative growth” businesses played a key role.
Especially in B2B sectors, the Eco Solution (ES) business has been the primary driver of growth in both revenue and profitability. Other areas—such as subscription services, webOS-based advertising and content, and direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales—also contributed to the company’s record-breaking results.
Operating profit exceeded KRW 1 trillion for the sixth consecutive year, continuing to reflect a stable profit structure. Increased revenue from high-margin areas created a strong operating leverage effect, helping to sustain a stable profit structure. Additional drivers of profitability included efficient resource allocation, normalization of raw material and logistics costs, and enhanced agility in global production operations.
In the home appliance solution business, LG’s premium products maintained strong leadership in the global market. The built-in appliance business – a B2B segment – alongside key component sales such as motors and compressors, also contributed meaningfully to the performance.
The company’s subscription business, which combines hardware and services, is rapidly expanding. In 2025, LG plans to further strengthen its subscription-ready product lineup and customer care services, while also accelerating the global rollout of its subscription model.
In the media and entertainment solution business, from this year, LG is integrating its display-based businesses – including TVs, IT (laptops, monitors) and ID (commercial displays) – to generate synergy in its webOS-based advertising and content platform, traditionally centered around smart TVs.
LG’s 2025 TV lineup introduced enhanced AI features such as personalized content recommendations, superior picture quality and immersive sound. New products like the ultra-light LG gram Pro AI laptop and the portable LG StanbyME 2 lifestyle screen received positive responses from global markets. The commercial display segment also secured several large-scale international contracts.
The vehicle solution business, continues to expand sales of high value-added products, especially in in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems, while diversifying into automotive content platforms. LG Magna e-Powertrain is strengthening its competitiveness through advanced motor and inverter technologies and is enhancing operational capabilities at global production sites to support long-term growth. Meanwhile, the automotive lighting business is accelerating development of next-generation technologies, such as high-resolution and intelligent lighting systems, while improving overall efficiency.
The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) business began operating as an independent Company in the first quarter. By focusing business capabilities on the essence of the order-based HVAC business and the characteristics of customers, the company is increasing its contribution to profitability.
In the commercial HVAC space, LG secured major overseas contracts in markets such as Singapore, thanks to its ability to provide localized, tailored solutions. Going forward, LG aims to make HVAC a core pillar of its B2B portfolio by leveraging its proprietary technologies in compressors, fans, heat exchangers and AI engines.
In the residential market, LG plans to maintain its leadership with AI-powered innovations. Additionally, in industrial and power-generation sectors, the company is actively pursuing new opportunities with large-scale chiller systems.
These figures are tentative consolidated earnings based on K-IFRS provided as a service to investors prior to LG Electronics’ final earnings results, including net profit. Details regarding each division will be announced officially later this month.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with a presence in almost every country and an international workforce of more than 75,000. LG’s four Companies – Home Appliance Solution, Media Entertainment Solution, Vehicle Solution and Eco Solution – combined for global revenue of over KRW 88 trillion in 2024. LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from TVs, home appliances, air solutions, monitors, automotive components and solutions, and its premium LG SIGNATURE and intelligent LG ThinQ brands are familiar names world over. Visit www.LGnewsroom.com for the latest news.
DFI Launches 2024 Sustainability Report
Emphasising Commitment to People, Products and Planet
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 April 2025 – DFI Retail Group (DFI or the Group) is pleased to announce the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report, outlining the Group’s ongoing commitment and progress in sustainability across Asia.

In 2024, DFI demonstrated strong ESG performance. It was ranked in the 84th percentile in the Food and Staples Retailing industry in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment*. Key achievements include a 14.2% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions compared to the 2021 baseline, with a target of 50% reduction by 2030. The waste diversion rate improved to 61%, up from 56% of the previous year. DFI also made community investments totalling US$2.76 million, enhancing social impact through various initiatives across markets. Additionally, DFI achieved 57% packaging recyclability of Own Brand products with plastic packaging, progressing the Group on track towards the target of 100% by 2030.
Scott Price, Group Chief Executive, DFI Retail Group shared, “At DFI, our purpose is to sustainably serve our millions of customers in Asia for generations with everyday moments. This shared purpose inspires us to meet the daily needs of our customers while creating lasting, sustainable value for all stakeholders. As Asia’s leading retailer, we take this responsibility seriously by providing essentials that support livelihoods, health, well-being, and ecosystems across all our markets.”
Erica Chan, Group Chief Legal, Governance and Corporate Affairs Officer shared, “I am proud of the consistent progress DFI has made in laying the foundation for our refreshed Sustainability Framework. I am also deeply encouraged by the collective efforts of our teams, partners, and communities, and am confident that we will continue to make great strides in our sustainability journey in the years ahead.”
This year’s report introduces a refined Sustainability Framework centred around three key pillars: People, Products and Planet, with Governance as the cornerstone, ensuring robust leadership and oversight.
The People-focused priorities underscore DFI’s commitment to its customers, team members, communities, and the labour in its supply chains. By prioritising employee development, health, and safety, DFI aims to empower its team members and address the diverse needs of customers. Initiatives include enhancing training programmes, promoting gender equality, and fostering community engagement through various giveback projects.
Across the business, the Products pillar focuses on providing sustainable product choices that resonate with consumer demand. DFI is dedicated to increasing the availability of Own Brand products with sustainability certifications, ensuring that customers can easily access sustainable goods and solutions without compromising affordability, while also safeguarding product quality and safety. This commitment extends to advancing sustainable packaging practices and promoting responsible sourcing across its supply chains.
The Planet strategies recognise the urgent need to address environmental challenges and are dedicated to reducing DFI’s overall carbon footprint, minimising waste and advancing circular economies through upcycling. The Group remains on track to achieve a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. Additionally, the company is addressing Scope 3 emissions by collaborating with suppliers and industry partners on decarbonisation strategies and engaging consumers to embrace sustainable consumption.
As part of DFI’s efforts to advance its goals across these pillars, it progressed several impactful initiatives during 2024, including:
- People: Mannings Hong Kong launched a safe disposal service for unused medicines, becoming the first community pharmacy chain in the city to do so. The programme expanded in 2024 to double the scale. Since its inception in 2023, it has handled around 8 million unwanted pills and received multiple industry awards for its contribution to public health. Additionally, IKEA Indonesia introduced the IKEA Social Entrepreneur Accelerator (I-SEA), partnering with local organisations to support marginalised communities. This initiative has supported over 220 local communities and impacted thousands of smallholder farmers and businesses through capacity building and mentorship.
- Products: DFI has increased the percentage of its Own Brand products with sustainability certifications from 24% to 28%. Additionally, as part of the Group’s commitment to responsible sourcing, 7CAFÉ has adopted 100% Rainforest Alliance-certified Arabica coffee beans across its stores in Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore.
- Planet: DFI led a successful Low-Carbon Rice pilot in Thailand, addressing the 6% of the Group’s Scope 3 emissions attributed to rice. With 85% of the world’s rice produced in Asia, DFI worked with local partners to train 30 local farmers in sustainable farming techniques, including Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD). The pilot produced 110,000kg of certified low-carbon rice, achieving at least 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on approved participating rice fields. In 2025, DFI plans to launch 200,000 kg of low-carbon rice under its Own Brand Yu Pin King in Hong Kong, helping promote sustainable agriculture across its supply chains.
Together, these pillars reflect DFI’s comprehensive approach to advancing sustainability priorities. By integrating these principles into its core business strategies, DFI is not only addressing immediate sustainability challenges but also paving the way for a more resilient future for its customers, communities and the planet.
For detailed information on the various sustainability initiatives undertaken by DFI, please refer to the Sustainability Report 2024. To learn more about DFI’s efforts, please visit DFI’s website.
*Ranking as of 8 January 2025
Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #SustainabilityReport #Mannings #Guardian #7-Eleven #Wellcome #MarketPlace #DFILucky #ColdStorage #Giant #IKEA #yuu
https://www.dfiretailgroup.com/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
DFI Retail Group
DFI Retail Group (the ‘Group’) is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to “Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments”.
As at 31 Dec 2024, the Group, its associates and joint ventures operated over 10,700 outlets, and employed over 190,000 people.
The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains.
The Group, including associates and joint ventures, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across six key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailing.