26 C
Vientiane
Monday, October 27, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 708

From Differentiation to Emotional Connection: 180 Brand Talk 6.0 Returns to Help Brands Win Hearts

  • Many SMEs start by asking how to make customers choose their brand.
  • But the real question is—if customers don’t like a brand, there’s no reason for them to choose it.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2025 – To break through this challenge, it all comes down to one thing: building an emotional connection that wins hearts.

Past Brandtalk event photo year 2024

Brand positioning means that when customers encounter a problem, they immediately think of that brand. This can’t be achieved simply by spending on ads—it takes the right approach to make that brand truly resonate.

Addressing the pain points and blind spots of SMEs, Chan Fong has hosted five editions of 180 Brand Talk over the past three years, helping hundreds of businesses uncover their unique points of differentiation and build a brand positioning that is distinctly their own.

This session’s speaker, Chan Fong, is not only a well-known radio DJ but also a veteran advertising professional with 28 years of experience who, together with the team at 180 Degrees Brandcom, has spent more than two decades rebranding renowned brands such as OGAWA, CUCKOO, EcoWorld, Knife, BRAND’s and more, as well as guiding countless SMEs from the ground up to establish a solid foundation and define their positioning.

“Managing a brand isn’t about creating demand, but recognising it,” Chan Fong emphasises. A brand that truly wins hearts always has a clear image, a distinctive personality, and well-defined differentiation.

From long-term observations, Chan Fong found that about 70–80% of SMEs in Malaysia are run by the Chinese community, yet many of these brands lack an emotional connection with consumers. Even with strong and distinctive points of differentiation, they often struggle to communicate them effectively due to the wrong approach. To address this, Chan Fong launched the 180 Brand Talk programme, drawing on practical experience to guide SMEs in defining their brand positioning and building emotional connections.

What Makes This Programme Stand Out

In the 180 Brand Talk programme, Chan Fong avoids abstract theories and marketing jargon. Drawing on 28 years of hands-on experience, the programme shares numerous local case studies that reflect the real challenges faced by Malaysian SMEs, enabling entrepreneurs to relate easily and apply the lessons learned. The programme also features dedicated discussion sessions with the 180 team, where participants can present their brand’s pain points and receive practical, actionable advice.

Whether they are new entrepreneurs taking their first steps or seasoned brand owners stuck at a standstill, this programme helps businesses find their next breakthrough.

From Differentiation to Emotional Connection: 180 Brand Talk 6.0 Programme Details:

Date: 9–10 September 2025 (Tuesday–Wednesday)
Time: 10:00am–6:00pm
Venue: Courtyard by Marriott KL South

Remark: This programme is recognised under Malaysia’s Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF). Eligible companies may apply for HRDF reimbursement claims.

Special Offer:

Register now and use promo code TN200 to enjoy an RM200 discount per ticket! Limited seats are available—first come, first served.
Registration link: https://givingtreeglobal.com/upcoming-event/chan-fong-brand-talk/
Hashtag: #180BrandingStrategicGuideline #branding #brandtalk6.0 #BrandStrategy #BuildYourBrand #BrandVision #BrandPositioning #BrandDifferentiation



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

VVDN Acquires GGS Engineering, Expanding its ER&D Portfolio in Automotive, MedTech and Aerospace Industries

GURUGRAM, India, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VVDN Technologies, a global provider of software, product engineering and electronics manufacturing services & solutions, today announced the acquisition of GGS Engineering Services, a leading engineering solutions company specializing in offering enhanced ER&D services for the Automotive, MedTech and Aerospace industries. 

With this acquisition, VVDN has onboarded engineers with two decades of experience in Mechanical Design, Analysis, Simulation, Virtual Manufacturing and Technical Publications.

The key benefits of this acquisition for OEMs include:

  • Innovative Product Development with Accelerated Time-to-Market.
  • Value Added Engineering for Cost Optimization.
  • Scalable Engineering Talent Solutions.

The integration of GGS Engineering’s mechanical and electrical expertise with VVDN’s embedded systems and manufacturing prowess creates a unique vertically integrated solution for OEMs across key industries such as:

  • Automotive: GGS enables OEMs to create innovative designs that meet modern consumer expectations. VVDN now will be addressing the sector’s rapidly evolving needs for cabin designs, vehicle electrification, NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) refinement, and cutting-edge styling and wire harness.
  • MedTech: VVDN will be serving MedTech customers with added portfolio by supporting them in the development of customized, precise, and efficient medical devices, implants, and surgical tools
  • Aerospace: Combined with GGS experience in CAD/CAM skillset, VVDN will be able to support OEMs and Tier 1s to design and manufacture complex aircraft components with precision and efficiency.

Together, VVDN & GGS set the stage for smarter machines, faster development, and stronger competitive advantages across industries. The combined entity will operate under the VVDN umbrella, with GGS’ leadership and founding teams continuing to play a pivotal role in the business.

Puneet Agarwal, CEO – VVDN Technologies: “We are delighted to welcome GGS Engineering Services into the VVDN family. Their proven excellence in mechanical engineering and design significantly enhances our value proposition to global clients. Our strengthened expertise now allows us to deliver comprehensive, cost-optimized product development for the automotive, medical, and aerospace industries—positioning VVDN to expand its footprint in automotive ER&D space. We look forward to working together to deliver accelerated innovation and end-to-end engineering leadership.”

This acquisition is a crucial step in VVDN’s growth strategy, enabling the company to aggressively penetrate the multi-billion-dollar global ER&D market and unlock new revenue opportunities across high-growth verticals.

Logo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/vvdn_technologies_logo.jpg

 

New support group to provide social and community support for neurofibromatosis patients

Co-founded by individuals living with this rare genetic condition, the Neurofibromatosis Society Singapore seeks to close gaps in mental and emotional care

SINGAPORE, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new patient-led support group, the Neurofibromatosis Society (NFS) Singapore, has been recently registered with the Registry of Societies to provide emotional, psychosocial, and financial support for people affected by neurofibromatosis (NF) – a rare genetic condition that causes the development of tumours affecting nerves on the skin, brain, spinal cord and other parts of the body.

The group participated in the inaugural Regional Rare Skin Patients Support Group Summit 2025, jointly organised by the Asian Society of Pediatric Dermatology (ASPD) and the Rare Skin Conditions Society Singapore (RSCS). Titled “Beyond the Surface”, the summit saw representatives from across Southeast Asia coming together to discuss the needs of those living with rare skin conditions.  

In Singapore, the number of individuals with NF is estimated to be in the hundreds, with NF Type 1 (NF1) being the most common diagnosis. NF1 manifests through symptoms such as multiple flat, light brown spots on the skin – known as “café au lait” spots – and soft bumps under or on the skin, called neurofibromas.[1],[2] Patients are primarily treated at multi-disciplinary clinics established in recent years at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), where they can receive comprehensive care.

To further enhance patient support, healthcare providers from both institutions will work closely with NFS Singapore to provide guidance and care through a range of initiatives, including patient-led events, outreach and advocacy. Dr Nikki Fong, Consultant, Genetic Service at KKH, together with Clinical Assistant Professor Chiang Jianbang, Consultant, Cancer Genetics Service, NCCS, will be working closely with the group to guide their efforts and create a welcoming platform where NF patients can share their experiences and knowledge, helping them connect and build a strong support network.

“There is power in connection. Knowing you are not alone on this journey can be truly life-changing, whether you are a child or adult,” said Yessika Sutawijaya, 44, a co-founder of the group who was diagnosed at the age of eleven. “We hope that with NFS Singapore, we can help others on a similar journey find strength and live life fully, even in the face of challenges.”

As NF is often underdiagnosed, many patients live with feelings of isolation and a lack of information. This is often made worse by the social stigma and misunderstandings that come with visible changes in appearance, which can affect self-esteem and overall quality of life from childhood through adulthood.[3],[4]  

“Growing up with a rare, lifelong condition like NF can be especially challenging for children – not just physically, but emotionally and socially as well,” said Dr Fong. “Beyond medical treatment, young patients and their families need continual emotional and mental support. This group will play a pivotal role in addressing those unseen needs, complementing the clinical journey with peer and psychological support.”

Lai Chee Chong, 45, another co-founder of NFS Singapore, reflected on his own childhood, “As a child, living with NF affected my self-confidence. I found it difficult to make friends because people thought my condition was contagious. Now, I want to help create more awareness on NF.”

NFS Singapore was established in close collaboration with organisations such as RSCS, and with the support of corporates such as biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.

Ms Kim Suyeon, Country President, AstraZeneca Singapore, said, “AstraZeneca is committed to supporting an initiative that puts patients with NF at the heart of everything, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and supported beyond clinical care.”

Notes

This information has been provided to facilitate patient education and disease awareness only. It is not a complete guide to neurofibromatosis. For more information, please speak to your healthcare provider.

Approval code: SG-9695_CA_150825


[1]
 Tamura R. Current Understanding of Neurofibromatosis Type 1, 2, and Schwannomatosis. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22:5850.

[2] Ly K, et al. The diagnosis and management of neurofibromatosis type 1. Med Clin North Am. 2019;103(6):1035-1054.

[3] Fournier, Hugo et al. Psychosocial implications of rare genetic skin diseases affecting appearance on daily life experiences, emotional state, self-perception and quality of life in adults: a systematic review. Orphanet journal of rare diseases. 2023; 18(1):39

[4] Cavallo, Nicola Davide et al. Neuropsychiatric Manifestations, Reduced Self-Esteem and Poor Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1): The Impact of Symptom Visibility and Bullying Behavior. Children (Basel, Switzerland); 2023; 10(2): 330.

 

Hecto Financial, making STO investment easier, continues to provide payment solutions to Yeolmae Company

  • Following subscriptions for Yeolmae Company No. 1, 2, and 3, Hecto Financial has supplied payment solutions for the No. 5 subscription
  • No need to open a separate account, improving convenience for investors’ payments and reducing issuers’ costs
  • Plans to continue collaboration with Yeolmae Company and contribute to revitalizing the domestic STO market

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hecto Financial is lowering the barriers to STO investment with its account-based payment solution.

Fintech company Hecto Financial (KOSDAQ 234340, CEO Jong Won Choi) has provided its payment solution for the No. 5 investment contract securities of ‘Yeolmae Company,’ an operator of a fractional art investment platform.

Yeolmae Company recently completed the electronic disclosure with the Financial Supervisory Service for the No. 5 investment contract securities registration statement. The underlying assets of the No. 5 securities are the iconic work “Pumpkin (Untitled)” by world-renowned artist Yayoi Kusama and the solid gold piece “Golden Memories” by Zhang Xiaogang, called one of China’s “Four Heavenly Kings” of contemporary art. As before, Yeolmae Company is combining the two works for a joint issuance, with a total fundraising target of about KRW 800 million.

From July 18 to 24, Yeolmae Company carried out the subscription and payment process for No. 5-1 (Yayoi Kusama, “Pumpkin”), followed by No. 5-2 (Zhang Xiaogang, “Golden Memories”) from July 25 to 31.

As the issuer of Korea’s first investment contract securities, Yeolmae Company adopts Hecto Financial’s account-based payment solution, unlike most other fractional art investment platforms that primarily use securities accounts for payments.

Using Hecto Financial’s account-based payment solution to pay for investment contract securities eliminates the need to open a separate account, not only improving the convenience of payment for investors but also reducing issuance costs for the issuer.

A Hecto Financial representative stated, “Hecto Financial will continue to enhance payment convenience for investors in line with the expansion of Korea’s STO market, and will work closely with Yeolmae Company to help revitalize the domestic STO market.”

Hecto Financial is the only fintech company in Korea that owns the source infrastructure for all payment methods. Recently, in addition to STO payment solutions, it has been working on building a stablecoin distribution infrastructure. Based on its proprietary settlement system under the Electronic Financial Transactions Act, along with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and Travel Rule compliance systems, Hecto Financial plans to expand its digital asset–based payment ecosystem through partnerships with various domestic and overseas stablecoin issuers and merchants.

STO (Security Token Offering) is a financial service that issues real-world assets as blockchain-based tokens, enabling “fractional investment.” It allows high-value assets, such as artworks or real estate, to be issued and made available for investment in small amounts. Meanwhile, in Korea, STO-related legislation is currently awaiting review, with institutionalization on the horizon.

About Hecto Financial

Hecto Financial is a company that, based on its leading position in cash-based easy payment solutions, provides a wide range of payment services—including firm banking, municipality-specific services, PG (payment gateway), and VAN (value-added network)—to the public sector, financial institutions, e-commerce, and platform industries. In particular, it focuses on settlement and remittance solutions for global e-commerce, expanding its presence in the fintech business sector.

NEV Dark Horse! LEPAS L8 Shapes the Aesthetics of Sophisticated Driving with Technological DNA

WUHU, China, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chery Group’s new energy vehicle (NEV) brand LEPAS has made an impressive overseas debut with newest L8 model. With its”Positive New Energy” pedigree, the L8 integrates Chery Group’s global technology matrix and forward-development philosophy, blending cutting-edge innovation with refined aesthetics to set a new benchmark for sophisticated driving experiences.

NEV Dark Horse! LEPAS L8 Shapes the Aesthetics of Sophisticated Driving with Technological DNA
NEV Dark Horse! LEPAS L8 Shapes the Aesthetics of Sophisticated Driving with Technological DNA

Chery Group, one of China’s earliest hybrid technology pioneers, is accelerating its transition into the NEV sector. Supported by its three core pillars — full-chain core technology mastery, safety-first standards, and an open global ecosystem — Chery delivers vehicles that excel in efficiency, performance, intelligence, safety, and off-road capability.

As of July 2025, Chery had over 17.18 million global users, including over 5.17 million overseas. From January to July, the Group sold 424,737 NEVs — an 87.7% year-on-year increase — ranking it among the fastest-growing NEV manufacturers. July exports reached 119,090 units (up 31.9% YoY), with hybrid models showing strong growth.

Born from Chery’s deep R&D heritage, the LEPAS L8 is built on a dedicated NEV platform and represents a new benchmark in forward development. Its Super Hybrid System delivers 44.5% thermal efficiency, 4.2L/100km fuel consumption in battery-depleted mode, and a combined range exceeding 1,400 km — achieving a “performance triangle” of efficiency, endurance, and power. Even in zero-fuel-consumption mode, the L8’s climate system runs for 4 hours, maintaining cockpit comfort without compromise.

Reflecting the “Positive New Energy” philosophy, the L8’s design blends aerodynamic efficiency and modern aesthetics. Semi-flush door handles reduce drag and enhance its tech-forward design. Inspired by “Leopard Aesthetics,” the L8 combines agility and strength with vertical headlamps and flowing contours to create a striking profile.

Inside, the L8 embraces the “Sophisticated Drive” concept, transforming the cockpit into a “Refined Third Space.” At 4,688 mm in length with a 2,800 mm wheelbase, it targets the mainstream SUV market. A wraparound cockpit, clean interface, and intelligent interaction system offer minimalist luxury. Ergonomic seats and smart tech enhance comfort and usability, ideal for both daily life and travel.

In today’s NEV market, the L8 demonstrates that a truly premium NEV experience is about understanding user needs and innovation, embodying Chery’s “Positive New Energy” philosophy.

Ascletis Announces the Combination of ASC47 and ASC31, its Dual GLP-1R/GIPR Peptide Agonist, Demonstrated Significantly Greater Weight Loss Compared to the Combination of ASC47 and Tirzepatide in an Animal Model of Obesity

–  Combination of a low dose of ASC47 with ASC31, a novel peptide agonist targeting both GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and GIP receptor (GIPR), resulted in a 44.8% reduction in body weight after 14 days of treatment in a diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse model.

–  Combination of a low dose of ASC47 with ASC31 demonstrated statistically significantly greater efficacy than a combination of a low dose of ASC47 with tirzepatide, 44.8% compared to 38.1%, respectively, in the DIO mouse model.

HONG KONG, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX:1672, “Ascletis”) announces encouraging preclinical efficacy results for ASC47, a first-in-class muscle-preserving weight loss drug candidate for the treatment of obesity, in combination with ASC31, its in-house developed GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R)/GIP receptor (GIPR) dual targeting peptide agonist drug candidate.

ASC31 is an in-house discovered and developed novel peptide agonist targeting both GLP-1R and GIPR, which demonstrated a favorable pharmacokinetic profile in non-human primates as well as promising in vitro activities and in vivo efficacy in the diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. ASC31 is part of Ascletis’ discovery efforts to apply its Ultra-Long-Acting Platform (ULAP) to in-house discovered novel subcutaneously (SQ) injectable peptides and oral peptides.

ASC47 is an adipose-targeted, once-monthly SQ injected thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) selective small molecule agonist, discovered and developed in-house at Ascletis. ASC47 possesses unique and differentiated properties to enable adipose targeting, resulting in dose-dependent high drug concentrations in the adipose tissue.

The objective of the DIO mouse study was to compare efficacy in weight loss of a low dose of ASC47 (9 mg/kg, SQ) combined with ASC31 (3 nmol/kg, SQ) to a low dose of ASC47 (9 mg/kg, SQ) combined with tirzepatide (3 nmol/kg, SQ). The treatment duration was 14 days. Results showed that the combination of ASC47 with ASC31 was 17.6% more effective (p=0.02) compared to the combination of ASC47 with tirzepatide, with an average total body weight reduction of 44.8% versus 38.1%, respectively. 

“The significant weight reduction demonstrated with the combination of our novel GLP-1R/GIPR peptide agonist, ASC31, and our THRβ agonist, ASC47, in this animal model suggests the potential for meaningful differentiation compared to currently marketed obesity treatments as well as product candidates in development,” said Jinzi Jason Wu, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ascletis, “Ascletis is developing a strong pipeline of small molecules and peptides for the potential treatment of obesity, and we look forward to providing additional development updates moving forward.”

About Ascletis Pharma Inc.

Ascletis Pharma Inc. is a fully integrated biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of potential best-in-class and first-in-class therapeutics to treat metabolic diseases. Utilizing its proprietary Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Structure-Based Drug Discovery (AISBDD) Platform and Ultra-Long-Acting Platform (ULAP), Ascletis has developed multiple drug candidates in-house, including its lead program, ASC30, a small molecule GLP-1R agonist in development as a once-daily oral tablet and once-monthly subcutaneous injection for weight management. Ascletis is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1672.HK).

For more information, please visit www.ascletis.com.

Contact:

Peter Vozzo
ICR Healthcare
443-231-0505 (U.S.)
Peter.vozzo@icrhealthcare.com

Ascletis Pharma Inc. PR and IR teams
+86-181-0650-9129 (China)
pr@ascletis.com
ir@ascletis.com

Enigmatig Celebrates NYSE American Listing with Bell Ringing Ceremony, Signaling Next Phase of Global Growth

NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Enigmatig Limited (NYSE American: EGG) (“Enigmatig” or the “Company”), a global business enabler empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to scale across borders, today rang the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) to mark its recent listing and reaffirm its mission to power the global ambitions of bold, forward-thinking businesses.

Desmond Foo, Founder & CEO, and team, joined by Tara Dziedzic, NYSE Head of US Listings, rings The Closing Bell (Photo Credit: NYSE)
Desmond Foo, Founder & CEO, and team, joined by Tara Dziedzic, NYSE Head of US Listings, rings The Closing Bell (Photo Credit: NYSE)

Enigmatig began trading on June 18, 2025, following the completion of its initial public offering of 3,005,200 Class A ordinary shares at US$5.00 per share including the partial exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option. The offering raised gross proceeds of approximately US$15 million. Prime Number Capital LLC acted as the sole book-running manager for the offering.

As one of the few Asia-Pacific headquartered firms in its sector to list on the NYSE American, this accomplishment underscores Enigmatig’s role as a trusted partner for SMEs navigating high-stakes cross-border expansion, regulatory complexities, and new market entries.

Enigmatig’s Senior Leadership Team celebrates a milestone at the New York Stock Exchange: Desmond Foo, Founder & CEO (center), Mingwen Teo, Director & CFO (right), and Ryan Tay, COO (left) (Photo Credit: Enigmatig)
Enigmatig’s Senior Leadership Team celebrates a milestone at the New York Stock Exchange: Desmond Foo, Founder & CEO (center), Mingwen Teo, Director & CFO (right), and Ryan Tay, COO (left) (Photo Credit: Enigmatig)

Desmond Foo, Founder and CEO of Enigmatig, said, “Today’s bell ringing is a proud milestone in our 15-year journey of enabling SMEs to achieve their international ambitions. Our listing strengthens our foundation for bold, global expansion, enabling us to deepen our service capabilities, advance our RegTech innovations, and extend our reach across the world’s key financial hubs. Enigmatig was built to guide clients throughout their expansion journey – from incorporation to licensing, compliance, and strategic growth – delivering clarity, precision, and partnership every step of the way.”

Mingwen Teo, the Company’s Director and CFO, added, “Our successful IPO and strong first-half performance validate the strength of our business model and the growing demand for comprehensive, technology-enabled licensing and compliance solutions. This ceremony is not just a celebration of our listing, but also a reaffirmation of our long-term vision to empower compliance globally while creating sustainable value for our clients and shareholders.”

With its IPO proceeds, Enigmatig is driving its next wave of growth by:

  • Expanding its leadership and specialist teams across key markets and verticals
  • Accelerating RegTech and automation innovation to streamline compliance
  • Enhancing strategic advisory with sharper, data-driven insights
  • Pursuing targeted M&A to strengthen its global service offerings
  • Growing its presence in high-potential markets to serve clients closer to where they operate and aspire to operate

Founded in 2010, Enigmatig has built a strong track record across global financial hubs and offshore jurisdictions, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, London, Cyprus, and Belize, delivering tailored solutions across the full business lifecycle, from company incorporation to ongoing compliance and strategic advisory. Its proprietary CRM platform, integrating KYC, AML, and transaction monitoring tools, positions RegTech at the core of the Company’s growth strategy, allowing smarter, faster compliance for both new and existing clients.

For photos, a video replay and other content from the event, please visit: https://bit.ly/4mLtkbe

About Enigmatig Limited

Enigmatig is an international business enabler dedicated to helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) achieve their international ambitions. Since 2010, we have connected businesses with the expertise, infrastructure, and regulatory support needed to succeed in cross-border markets.

With deep capabilities in FX brokerage consultancy, licensing, RegTech, FinTech, and corporate services, Enigmatig delivers tailored solutions across the full business lifecycle – from company incorporation to ongoing compliance. Our experienced team specializes in navigating complex regulatory environments across global financial hubs and key offshore centers, including London, Cyprus, and Belize.

Headquartered in Singapore with a strategic presence in Hong Kong, Shanghai, London, and a representative desk in Bangkok, Enigmatig supports a diverse and growing international client base.

For more information, please visit: https://enigmatig.com

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “aim,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “is/are likely to,” “potential,” “project” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable or similar terminology. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov.

Media & Investor Contacts: investors@enigmatig.com 

Ricoh Asia Pacific and Microsoft Collaborate to Empower a Future-Ready Workforce Through AI

Employee learning programme launched as part of region-wide AI strategy and focus on workplace transformation

TOKYO, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ricoh Asia Pacific today announced the launch of AI Learning Week, a region-wide internal initiative designed to equip employees with practical AI capabilities, accelerate Microsoft Copilot adoption, the use of custom AI agents, and strengthen Ricoh’s leadership in shaping the future of work through responsible, applied artificial intelligence.

Ricoh Asia Pacific launches AI Learning Week 2025—an internal initiative, co-sponsored by Microsoft and Talogy, to accelerate AI adoption and shape the future of work.
Ricoh Asia Pacific launches AI Learning Week 2025—an internal initiative, co-sponsored by Microsoft and Talogy, to accelerate AI adoption and shape the future of work.

Running from 18–22 August 2025 and co-sponsored by Microsoft and Talogy, a leading talent management solution provider, AI Learning Week will bring together over a thousand employees across Ricoh’s Asia Pacific operations for hands-on sessions, leadership panels, and solution showcases. The initiative reflects Ricoh’s belief that empowering employees with AI fluency is key to delivering lasting value for customers and deepening strategic technology partnerships.

“AI Learning Week isn’t just about upskilling—it’s about readiness,” said Kei Uesugi, Regional Director of Ricoh Asia Pacific. “By investing in our people and working alongside Microsoft, we are building the internal strength required to lead AI transformation across the region.”

A Strategic Framework for Regional Scale

Ricoh Asia Pacific’s AI strategy is built around a three-tiered innovation framework that supports varying levels of customer AI maturity and business need. This includes:

  • Pre-Configured Solutions such as AI-enabled multifunction devices, intelligent document processing, and workflow automation
  • Enablement and Advisory Services to help organisations adopt AI responsibly and effectively
  • Advanced Applications using AI agents, large language models, and vertical-specific solutions tailored to customer challenges

This structure enables Ricoh to scale innovation efficiently across markets while encouraging local adaptation and capability-building.

Local Innovation, Regional Impact

Across the region, Ricoh operating companies are already delivering on this strategy through market-led innovation and practical application.

In Hong Kong, Ricoh has launched the Ricoh InnoAI Programme. Developed in partnership with Cyberport and the Ricoh Software Research Center Beijing, Ricoh InnoAI offers AI startups and enterprise partners access to a purpose-built R&D centre, commercialisation pathways, and advanced infrastructure to accelerate innovation.

“Through InnoAI, we are building a business-ready AI ecosystem, anchored in Hong Kong, ready to scale and support customers across the region”, said Ricky Chong, Managing Director of Ricoh Hong Kong. “We are excited to be working at the intersection of technology, talent, and trust; to attract new talent, and help our customers grow.”

In New Zealand, Ricoh has solidified its position as a leader in enterprise AI adoption and Microsoft Copilot deployment. As a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner across Data & AI, Infrastructure, Modern Work (SMB), and Security (SMB), Ricoh New Zealand has met Microsoft’s highest standards for capability, performance, and customer success. This recognition enhances Ricoh’s credibility in the Microsoft ecosystem and reinforces its role as a trusted advisor to customers seeking secure, scalable, and productivity-enhancing solutions.

Building on this foundation, Ricoh New Zealand has implemented structured Copilot programmes across key business functions—including finance, marketing, customer operations and digital services. These deployments are supported by comprehensive AI readiness assessments that help define business needs, identify adoption barriers, and prioritise use cases. The insights gained feed into enablement frameworks and real-time feedback loops that drive continuous improvement, both internally and for Ricoh’s customers.

This hands-on experience—underpinned by its Solutions Partner credentials—has positioned Ricoh New Zealand as a strategic contributor to Ricoh’s go-to-market model in the Asia Pacific region with Microsoft, translating product capability into practical, scalable business outcomes.

Leo Liu, General Manager, Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau, added: “Microsoft is delighted to collaborate with Ricoh for AI Learning Week, empowering teams across the Asia Pacific region to unlock the full potential of AI Agents. Through hands-on sessions and real-world demonstrations, we are committed to supporting Ricoh in harnessing the power of Microsoft Copilot and custom AI agents. Our aim is to drive innovation, enhance productivity, and transform the way work gets done—today and for the future.”

As Ricoh continues to invest in its people, platforms and partnerships, AI Learning Week serves as a timely demonstration of how strategic enablement at scale can power the next phase of workplace transformation across Asia Pacific.

-Ends-

Related News

About Ricoh

Ricoh is a leading provider of integrated digital services and print and imaging solutions designed to support the digital transformation of workplaces, workspaces and optimise business performance.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh’s global operation reaches customers in approximately 200 countries and regions, supported by cultivated knowledge, technologies, and organisational capabilities nurtured over its 85-year history. In the financial year ended March 2025, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,527 billion yen (approx. 16.8 billion USD).

It is Ricoh’s mission and vision to empower individuals to find ‘Fulfilment through Work’ by understanding and transforming how people work so we can unleash their potential and creativity to realise a sustainable future.

For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com

###

© 2025 RICOH ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies.