Home Blog Page 872

Smart Energy Week 2026 Opens in Tokyo, Bringing Together 1,600 Exhibitors to Unveil the Next Wave of Energy Transition Innovations

TOKYO, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Smart Energy Week Spring 2026, one of the world’s largest exhibitions for renewable energy, clean power technologies and next generation energy systems, will open at Tokyo Big Sight from March 17 to 19. The exhibition brings together the latest global energy technologies and services, attracting numerous international exhibitors and professional visitors. It is held concurrently with the Decarbonisation Expo and Circular Economy Expo. As a hub for cutting‑edge technologies and industry trends, the event also hosts a variety of professional conferences, seminars, and lectures that share the latest achievements in the smart energy sector and explore future directions.

Smart Energy Week 2026 Opens in Tokyo, Bringing Together 1,600 Exhibitors to Unveil the Next Wave of Energy Transition Innovations
Smart Energy Week 2026 Opens in Tokyo, Bringing Together 1,600 Exhibitors to Unveil the Next Wave of Energy Transition Innovations

This year’s exhibition will comprehensively showcase the latest solutions in hydrogen energy, solar power, energy storage, smart grids, and energy management. It is highly valuable for professionals engaged in research, strategy development, and business planning in areas such as:

  • Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies
  • Solar, wind, and other renewable energy systems
  • Energy storage systems (batteries) and energy management
  • Smart grids, energy digitalization, and decarbonization solutions
  • Electric vehicles (EVs) and related energy infrastructure

Through on‑site exhibitions, technical presentations, and conference, you can gain first‑hand insights into the latest energy policies and trends in Japan and across Asia—valuable information for future research, development, and business planning.

Exhibition Information

Name: SMART ENERGY WEEK Spring 2026

Dates: March 17 (Tue) – 19 (Thu), 2026

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, Japan

Organizer: RX Japan GK.

Exhibition Scale

Exhibitors: 1,600 / Visitors: 70,000 / Conference: 200

*Estimated scale, including co‑located exhibitions.

Visitor Registration(Free/ Pre‑registration Required)

Admission is free with advance registration.

Register here:

https://www.wsew.jp/spring/en-gb/register.html?cat=visitor&ct=U2FsdGVkX1+EpJ/ECBUI3NwNuY9uajUSz/3FVJzO7N4=&utm_campaign=newswire&utm_medium=paid&utm_source=paid-newsletter

Highlights of Smart Energy Week 2026

  • One of the world’s leading renewable energy exhibitions, featuring over 1,600 exhibitors. 7 specialized shows cover all energy‑related technologies, offering solutions for challenges across the entire value chain.
  • 200 high‑level industry conferences. The conference program further enriches the experience, offering high-value sessions from leaders at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Honda R&D Co., Ltd., IHI Corporation, TEPCO Power Grid, Inc., MHI Vestas Japan Co., Ltd., and JERA Co., Ltd. These presentations will explore Japan’s GX strategy, hydrogen technology developments, pathways for electric aviation, next generation power network design, offshore wind expansion and emerging trends in zero-emission thermal power.
  • Special program: Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) Test Drives. Companies including Toyota and Hyundai Motor will showcase their latest fuel cell vehicles for hands‑on test drives.

7 Specialized Shows within Smart Energy Week

Smart Energy Week comprises 7 specialized exhibitions, enabling visitors to quickly grasp the latest developments in the smart energy industry and explore cutting‑edge technological achievements from leading exhibitors.

  • H2 & FC EXPO
    H2 & FC EXPO Related Tech. gathers technologies for “production”, “transportation”, “storage”, and “use” of hydrogen.
  • PV EXPO
    PV EXPO gathers a full range of products and technologies from next-generation solar cells to solar power plant construction, maintenance and operation.
  • BATTERY JAPAN
    BATTERY JAPAN gathers a broad range of technologies, components, materials, and devices for rechargeable batteries development & production.
  • SMART GRID EXPO
    SMART GRID EXPO gathers VPP, DR-related technologies, Energy Management systems, Rechargeable Batteries, EV utilisations.
  • WIND EXPO
    WIND EXPO gathers a wide range of technologies for wind power generation including wind turbines to wind farm construction, maintenance and operation, and offshore wind technologies.
  • BIOMASS EXPO
    BIOMASS EXPO gathers biomass fuels, power generation systems, and heat utilization technologies.
  • ZERO-E THERMAL EXPO
    ZERO-E THERMAL EXPO gathers power generation systems, plant equipment, maintenance & operation technologies, hydrogen, and ammonia utilization.

Concurrent Shows of SMART ENERGY WEEK

The following shows are held inside Sustainability Management Week

  • Decarbonisation Expo
  • Circular Economy Expo

Special Exhibit Area

  • BIPV WORLD (Building – integrated Photovoltaics Technologies)
  • SCM -Supply Chain Management- WORLD

Visitor Registration

Please register at the following link:

https://www.wsew.jp/spring/en-gb/register.html?cat=visitor&ct=U2FsdGVkX1+EpJ/ECBUI3NwNuY9uajUSz/3FVJzO7N4=&utm_campaign=newswire&utm_medium=paid&utm_source=paid-newsletter

Contact Information

Contact Person: Ms. Imamura
WeChat: RX_imamura18
Email: visitor-eng.wsew.jp@rxglobal.com
Website: https://www.wsew.jp/spring/en-gb.html

About RX Japan

RX Japan GK organises 109 exhibitions, composed of 437 sub-exhibitions, annually at large exhibition halls such as Tokyo Big Sight, Makuhari Messe, and Intex Osaka across a wide variety of 38 fields, including jewelry, fashion, gift items, electronics, energy, IT, cosmetics, and medical. Visit the RX Japan website for more details, https://www.rxjapan.jp/en/

Agoda Reveals Malaysians Rank Fourth Among Top Foodie Travelers in Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its ranking of Asian travelers that are the most passionate about culinary experiences during their travels. The findings, derived from a survey of Asian travelers as part of Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, reveal that Malaysians travelers rank fourth among the top foodie travelers in Asia, with one in three Malaysians citing the discovery of new culinary experiences as a primary reason for travel.

Food is increasingly taking center stage as a primary reason for travel, with more Asian travelers eager to explore destinations that offer unforgettable culinary experiences. This shift reflects a broader trend where gastronomy is becoming a significant motivator in choosing where to go, what to do, and where to stay, as travelers seek to immerse themselves in the local food culture of their chosen destinations. Agoda’s survey results highlight this evolution, revealing that culinary experiences have climbed into the top three motivators for Asian travelers, jumping from sixth place last year.

Leading the list are travelers from Taiwan, with 47% indicating that culinary experiences are among their top reasons to travel. This highlights Taiwan’s rich food culture and the importance of gastronomy in the travel plans of its residents.

Vietnamese and South Korean travelers follow in second and third place, with 35% and 34% of respondents, respectively, emphasizing their deep appreciation for diverse and flavorful cuisines while traveling.

Travelers from Malaysia and Japan rank fourth and fifth as Asia’s top foodies, with 33% and 32% of respondents, respectively, prioritizing food in their travel itineraries.

Finally, Indonesia (31%), Thailand (20%) and India (8%) round out the list of the top eight most flavor-forward travelers, showcasing their keen interest in exploring global cuisines.

Fabian Teja, Country Director Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda shared, “For many Malaysians, travel and food naturally go hand in hand. Whether it’s seeking out authentic street food, discovering regional specialties, or planning trips around trending dining spots, culinary exploration plays a big role in how Malaysians experience the world. It’s no surprise to see Malaysia among Asia’s top foodie markets, given the country’s own rich and diverse food culture. Malaysia offers an incredible variety of local flavors whether it’s savoring Penang’s smoky char kway teow, indulging in Johor Bahru’s rich laksa Johor, exploring the Klang Valley’s iconic nasi lemak and vibrant street hawker favorites, tasting Terengganu’s fragrant nasi dagang and keropok lekor, or enjoying Ipoh’s famous bean sprout chicken and white coffee in the kopitiams of Old Town. At Agoda, we’re excited to support this appetite for discovery by making it simple for travelers to book flights, stays, and experiences all in one place, so they can focus on enjoying their journey.”

For those seeking out their next culinary adventure, Agoda offers over 300,000 activities, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 130,000 flight routes, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and start planning your next foodie getaway today.

TWP’s Bridge+ Brings Premier Event Spaces and Coworking Solutions to Geneo

SINGAPORE, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Work Project’s (TWP) newest coworking space at Geneo is now operationally ready with the completion of the cluster. Operated under the Bridge+ brand, the facility offers specialised event spaces that promise to become a networking hub for Singapore Science Park.

Bridge+ at Geneo Launches Following the Completion of the Integrated Innovation Cluster

The opening of TWP’s latest Bridge+ coworking space follows the full completion of the Geneo cluster, a life sciences and innovation hub in Singapore Science Park 1. Strategically located at 1A Science Park Drive, the facility serves as a key component of the interconnected development.

Bridge+ provides high-spec coworking space and agile office solutions designed to foster a campus-style environment where research-driven enterprises and tech-led businesses can thrive in a collaborative, future-ready ecosystem.

Bridging Innovation: Specialised Event Spaces to Drive Synergy Across Singapore Science Park

TWP Geneo’s coworking spaces include high-tech meeting rooms and event venues that offer a unique networking hub for the over 350 leading enterprises and science and technology firms in the vicinity.

Bridge+ at Geneo stands out as the only dedicated provider of versatile event spaces within the precinct, filling a critical gap for professional gatherings and industry showcases.

By providing a common ground for business enablers, startups, and established MNCs, TWP facilitates knowledge exchange and partnership building that promise to accelerate growth in the Singapore Science Park community.

About the The Work Project

The Work Project (TWP) is a leading provider of flexible workspaces designed to empower businesses and enhance productivity. TWP operates two brands in Singapore; TWP and Bridge+. TWP emphasises on premium design, hospitality-driven service, flexible, tech-enabled, high-end, professional workspaces in the CBD, while Bridge+  focuses on the synergy within the building and community events. Overall, TWP creates beautifully crafted modern spaces that are flexible, modular, and customisable to meet the unique needs of each client. By prioritising client branding, expansion capabilities, and individual work cultures, TWP ensures that every workspace becomes an extension of the company it serves.

MWC 2026: Top 10 Innovative Highlights from FiberHome

BARCELONA, Spain, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 MWC officially commenced in Barcelona from March 2 to March 5. This year, FiberHome unveils its theme ‘Connecting the Bright Intelligent Future’ and showcases 10 groundbreaking innovations. These cutting-edge advancements span optical-computing infrastructure, boundless intelligent networks, and industry intelligence elevation, fully presenting FiberHome’s leading strength in optical communication and AI-ICT integrated innovation.

FiberHome in MWC 2026
FiberHome in MWC 2026

— Optical-Computing Infrastructure:

Guided by the vision of micro-level chip integration and macro-level cloud connectivity, FiberHome provides comprehensive optical interconnect component solutions covering the E2E “chip-cabinet-data center” scenarios, building a solid technical foundation for the AI era with leading optical technologies to ignite the leapfrog evolution in computing power.

1. Extreme Transmission: 

Explore FiberHome’s hollow-core fiber, which achieves an ultra-low loss of 0.06dB/km@1550nm and sets a new global benchmark for ultra-high-speed optical transmission.

2. Space Reconfiguration:

Witness the Ultra-high-core-count optical cables with “ultra-large core count + ultra-low outer diameter” that save 80% of pipeline resources, leading the high-density cabling trend.

3. Optical-Computing Interconnection:

Discover how FiberHome’s OM4 PRO and OM5 series enable cost-effective 400G/800G technology evolution, empowering the upgrading of AI data center infrastructure upgrading.

Boundless Intelligent Networks:

FiberHome’s full-scenario intelligent networks are purpose-built to break through long-standing capacity bottlenecks, reduce overall costs, boost operational efficiency, and help deepen value-oriented  business operations.

4. Tbit + Future Optical Network Foundation: 

FiberHome showcases the industry-first FliexO 1.6T Dual-Carrier Hybrid Networking System with electrical cross-connect, laying a solid cornerstone for Tbit+ future optical networks.

5. Intelligent Submarine Cable Application:

FiberHome introduces its commercially proven 400G submarine cable system, mass-deployed multi-core fiber submarine cables, and a global O&M center enabling intelligent collaborative response worldwide.

6. 10Gigabit Intelligent Connectivity: 

See how an Ultra-wide intelligent 50G PON with native OLT computing power advances computing and networking convergence, and raises O&M efficiency by 30% with the support of a distributed AI engine.

7. Full-stack Innovative V-PON:

Discover FiberHome’s fully self-developed V-PON featuring end-to-end independent control over core standards, chips and platforms, plus a complete automotive-grade solution ranging from OLT/ONU modules to optical cables.

8. AI-Enabled Network Operation:

Explore how FiberHome’s Full-link digitalization solutions across design, construction and operation cut TCO by 15% and boost ARPU by 25% for revenue growth.

—Industry Intelligence Elevation:

FiberHome delivers core driving force for the in-depth digital-intelligent upgrading of global vertical sectors with its integrated “Optical + Computing + AI” intelligent solutions, injecting solid momentum into the high-quality transformation of thousands of industries.

9. AI-Empowered Smart Grid Innovation:

Discover the reliable, high-efficiency intelligent grid solution, which delivers over 100km of line monitoring capability and cuts labor costs by 40%.

10. Intelligent Computing Base for Industrial Upgrade:

Witness FiberHome’s 2U to 6U computing solutions covering full training scenarios, with heterogeneous computing power supporting 600W AI cards and enabling the stable single-unit operation of the full-capacity DeepSeek.

FiberHome welcomes you to explore these innovations at MWC 2026, deepen industrial collaboration and jointly build an efficient, green and bright intelligent future.

Visit us at Booth 1A50, FIRA GRAN VIA, Barcelona, and be part of the revolution!

FiberHome Booth in MWC 2026
FiberHome Booth in MWC 2026

Contact us: marketing@fiberhome.com

For more information: https://en.fiberhome.com

Royalty Pharma Appoints Kenneth Sun as Senior Vice President and Head of Asia to Expand Royalty Pharma’s Global Platform

NEW YORK, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Royalty Pharma plc (Nasdaq: RPRX) announced the appointment of Kenneth Sun as Senior Vice President and Head of Asia, effective May 2026. Ken will be based in Hong Kong and lead the company’s royalty business in Asia. Ken joins Royalty Pharma from Morgan Stanley, where he was Head of Asia Pacific Healthcare Investment Banking.

Asia-based biotechnology companies are now prolific creators of innovative therapeutics. In 2025, the out-licensing of Chinese medicines alone comprised over $130 billion of announced transaction value, up from approximately $14 billion in 2021, as multinational pharmaceutical companies increasingly recognized the value of this innovation. This momentum is expected to continue into 2026 and beyond, as modalities, therapeutic areas and deal structures out of Asia become increasingly innovative, comprehensive and diverse.

The royalties from these transactions are creating a new market opportunity for royalty-based funding. Royalty Pharma will partner with biotechnology innovators to build the royalty market in greater Asia, just as Royalty Pharma played a foundational role in establishing the biopharma royalty market in the west by working closely with universities, research institutions and biopharma companies over two decades ago. 

“We are excited to welcome Ken, who has a deep and strategic understanding of the funding needs created by the incredible innovation occurring across Asia,” said Pablo Legorreta, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Royalty Pharma. “On‑the‑ground expertise and strong local relationships are essential in Asia, where we see an important long‑term opportunity to fund innovation through royalties and other creative structures. Ken will be instrumental as we continue to expand our global platform.”

“I am incredibly thrilled to join Royalty Pharma, the pioneer and undisputed leader of the royalty market,” said Mr. Sun. “Royalty creation in Asia has grown rapidly and represents a potentially important new source of flexible, non-dilutive capital at significant scale to innovative biotech companies. I could not be more excited to help build and grow the royalty market at a time when biopharma innovation in the region is rapidly advancing.”

In his previous role as Managing Director, Head of Asia Pacific Healthcare Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley, Ken led the establishment of the bank’s leadership position in China. He advised a diverse spectrum of strategic clients, including biotech, medtech, CRO, pharmaceutical and healthcare service companies. Ken successfully led origination and execution of notable and industry defining healthcare transactions across IPOs, M&A, and biotech licensing advisory, with a primary focus on Greater China. He brings more than 18 years of investment banking experience, having previously worked at China Renaissance and BNP Paribas. Ken holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s University, Canada.

About Royalty Pharma

Founded in 1996, Royalty Pharma is the largest buyer of biopharmaceutical royalties and a leading funder of innovation across the biopharmaceutical industry, collaborating with innovators from academic institutions, research hospitals and non-profits through small and mid-cap biotechnology companies to leading global pharmaceutical companies. Royalty Pharma has assembled a portfolio of royalties which entitles it to payments based directly on the top-line sales of many of the industry’s leading therapies. Royalty Pharma’s current portfolio includes royalties on more than 35 commercial products, including Vertex’s Trikafta and Alyftrek, GSK’s Trelegy, Biogen’s Tysabri and Spinraza, Roche’s Evrysdi, Astellas and Pfizer’s Xtandi, Johnson & Johnson’s Tremfya, AbbVie and Johnson & Johnson’s Imbruvica, Servier’s Voranigo, Gilead’s Trodelvy, Amgen’s Imdelltra and Alnylam’s Amvuttra, among others, and 20 development-stage product candidates. For more information, visit www.royaltypharma.com.      

Forward-Looking Statements 

The information set forth herein does not purport to be complete or to contain all of the information you may desire. Statements contained herein are made as of the date of this document unless stated otherwise, and neither the delivery of this document at any time, nor any sale of securities, shall under any circumstances create an implication that the information contained herein is correct as of any time after such date or that information will be updated or revised to reflect information that subsequently becomes available or changes occurring after the date hereof.

This document contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements that express the company’s opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results, in contrast with statements that reflect historical facts. Examples include discussion of Royalty Pharma’s strategies, financing plans, growth opportunities, market growth and plans for capital deployment. In some cases, you can identify such forward-looking statements by terminology such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “seek,” “project,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could” or “should,” the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to the company. However, these forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of Royalty Pharma’s performance, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to many risks, uncertainties and other variable circumstances, and other factors. Such risks and uncertainties may cause the statements to be inaccurate and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. Many of these risks are outside of the company’s control and could cause its actual results to differ materially from those it thought would occur. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date hereof. The company does not undertake, and specifically declines, any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such statements to reflect future events or developments, except as required by law.

Certain information contained in this document relates to or is based on studies, publications, surveys and other data obtained from third-party sources and the company’s own internal estimates and research. While the company believes these third-party sources to be reliable as of the date of this document, it has not independently verified, and makes no representation as to the adequacy, fairness, accuracy or completeness of, any information obtained from third-party sources. In addition, all of the market data included in this document involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and there can be no guarantee as to the accuracy or reliability of such assumptions. Finally, while the company believes its own internal research is reliable, such research has not been verified by any independent source.

For further information, please reference Royalty Pharma’s reports and documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Royalty Pharma Investor Relations and Communications
+1 (212) 883-6772
ir@royaltypharma.com

WRISE Group Announces Strategic Partnership in Thailand with IFCG

Strategic alliance with the leading Thai brokerage and advisory firm will see both companies expand capabilities to provide institutional-grade wealth management solutions in the country

HONG KONG / SINGAPORE/MAINLAND CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – WRISE Wealth Management (“WRISE”), one of Asia’s fastest-growing independent wealth platforms, today announced its landmark strategic alliance with IFCG Public Company Limited (“IFCG”). By combining WRISE’s wealth management solutions with IFCG’s local footprint, the partnership will offer Thai investors access to global investment and insurance solutions*.

Thailand’s private wealth market, which is expected to exceed USD 1 trillion by 2028, is undergoing a structural shift. While more High-Net-Worth (HNW) and mass affluent investors seek greater transparency and sophisticated investment solutions, these individuals also face fragmented advisory services and limited access to global investment opportunities.

The WRISE-IFCG alliance addresses this market gap by integrating WRISE’s institutional-grade platform, global investment access, and proprietary technology with IFCG’s deep local expertise and extensive distribution network.

WRISE will provide its platform to enable financial advisory and capital solutions powered by technology, while delivering sophisticated wealth solutions that go beyond what traditional banks typically offer. Complementing this infrastructure, IFCG brings a robust network of over 400 professional wealth advisors, with a proven track record of engaging HNW, mass affluent and corporate clients across property, wealth, and health sectors.

Derrick Tan, Group Executive Chairman of WRISE, said: “Thailand is a strategic cornerstone in Southeast Asia’s wealth management landscape. We are seeing a new generation of Thai investors who are global in their outlook but underserved by fragmented local services. By partnering with IFCG, we look forward to combining our global reach with their in-market strength—further democratising access to institutional-grade wealth solutions for clients. Our goal is to provide Thai clients with the same borderless investment capabilities that our clients enjoy in Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai.”

Withoon Lertpanomwan, CEO of IFCG, added: “Partnering with WRISE allows us to bring world-class investment solutions, integrated technology, and institutional-grade advisory to our clients. Together, we are building a wealth management platform that bridges global expertise with local knowledge, enabling Thailand’s investors to access scalable, sophisticated wealth solutions designed to support compliance with applicable regulations.”

The expansion in Thailand marks a significant milestone in WRISE’s regional growth strategy, following the opening of a new Client Service Centre in Taiwan earlier this year.

*This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation of any securities, investment products or services in any jurisdiction. Any services in Thailand will be provided by IFCG and/or other appropriately licensed entities, as applicable. WRISE does not hold a securities licence in Thailand and does not provide regulated securities services in Thailand.

Hashtag: #WRISE

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

WRISE Group

WRISE is one of Asia’s fastest-growing financial firms, driven by strategic acquisitions of companies with deep expertise and solid foundations. With a strong presence across key financial hubs including Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Changsha, Taipei and Tokyo, WRISE is home to one of the largest networks of independent qualified advisors. With over 400 employees located globally, supported by an ecosystem of over 200 financial intermediaries and access to eight booking centres worldwide, WRISE ensures unparalleled service and expertise in navigating today’s financial landscape.

WRISE Group of companies include WRISE Wealth Management (Singapore), WRISE Wealth Management (Hong Kong), WRISE Wealth Management Middle East Ltd (DIFC, regulated by the DFSA), WRISE Prestige (Hong Kong) Limited, WRISE Prestige Securities (Hong Kong), WRISE Prestige Asset Management (Hong Kong), WRISE Capital (Hong Kong), WRISE Financial Services (Hong Kong) and affiliates including WeWrise Services.

IFCG

IFCG Public Company Limited is a leading Thai-based financial and real estate investment advisory firm with over 16 years of proven excellence in the market. Operating as a comprehensive Lifestyle Wealth Partner, IFCG specialises in the strategic integration of Real Estate, Financial Planning, and Wellness Solutions.

The firm distinguishes itself through its proprietary wealth-tech ecosystem, designed to empower its advisors and deliver precision to clients. This includes IFCG Hub, a sophisticated internal wealth advisory software that enhances Financial Advisors’ capabilities through centralized training and personal branding tools.

Expanding its footprint into corporate and digital solutions, IFCG’s portfolio includes Flex Ben, Thailand’s premier HR application, and LeadX, the nation’s exclusive platform dedicated to lead and referral management.

Malaysia’s Aonic Secures USD 10 Million to Take Home-Grown Drone Technology Global

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aonic, a Malaysia-founded drone technology company operating across Southeast Asia, today announced that it has secured USD 10 million in new funding. The Series A funding round is led by Kairous Capital, a regional private equity and venture capital firm backed by Jelawang Capital, Malaysia’s National Fund-of-Funds through its Emerging Fund Managers’ Programme. The investment will accelerate Aonic’s regional and international expansion, deepen R&D, and scale its Malaysia-built drones, software, and services.

Cheong Jin Xi, Founder and CEO of Aonic
Cheong Jin Xi, Founder and CEO of Aonic

“Aonic is scaling a proven system,” said Cheong Jin Xi, Founder and CEO of Aonic. “We’ve spent years building the engineering, manufacturing, and operational foundations to support real-world, field-ready operations. This funding enables us to expand globally with the same level of consistency and reliability we’ve achieved in Southeast Asia.”

Aonic provides end-to-end drone solutions to modernise the agriculture and industrial sectors in Southeast Asia by addressing persistent traditional challenges: labour-intensive and hazardous work. By replacing manual spraying, Aonic helps farmers increase efficiency and yields. Based on internal performance data across participating farms, Aonic’s agriculture drones have been shown to increase farmers’ income by 50%, boost farm output by around 54%, and reduce water use for spraying by approximately 75% compared with manual methods.

To support this at scale, Aonic has built a fully integrated in-house ecosystem. It designs, engineers, and manufactures its own drones and proprietary software in-house, enabling the company to have full control over product performance, costs, and roadmap. Beyond technology, Aonic’s broader ecosystem also supports farmers through training, agri-drone financing, and agri-input retail, which aims to lower adoption barriers and deliver scalable and sustainable impact across agriculture and industrial operations.

With its strong after-sales service network of more than 50 3S (Sales, Service, Spare Parts) centres across Southeast Asia, Aonic provides responsive, on-the-ground support long after deployment. As one of the market leaders in the agri-drone segment in both Malaysia and Thailand, Aonic’s drones are widely adopted by local farmers for spraying operations in plantations and farms.

“We have been searching for transformative food and agri-technology for a long time, and Aonic is a rare Malaysia-based company that can deliver across Southeast Asia at scale,” said Adrian Hia, Partner at Kairous Capital. “The team pairs deep technical capability with exceptional execution and financial discipline, bringing measurable outcomes for farmers.”

Aonic has grown at a triple-digit CAGR since 2022, reaching more than USD 60 million in annual revenue. In addition, the company has been profitable since 2023, reflecting its disciplined execution and a scalable operating model.

Expanding Through Global Resellers and Distributors

Today, Aonic’s drones are sold and deployed in over 15 countries, with applications across agriculture, plantation management, inspection, and industrial services.

“Through this investment, Aonic will further strengthen its ability to invest more deeply in R&D for its proprietary drone capabilities and scale its manufacturing capacity in Malaysia for the next phase of growth,” said Hia.

As part of its next growth phase, Aonic is actively expanding its reseller and distributor network to bring its Malaysia-built drone ecosystem to global markets.

Driving Nation-Building and Smallholder Transformation

Alongside global expansion, Aonic continues to play a key role in modernising Malaysia’s agriculture sector. Through Aonic Flex financing, certified training via Drone Academy Asia, and integration with agri-inputs, Aonic empowers smallholders and large estate operators alike to adopt drone technology with lower upfront barriers and measurable productivity gains.

“Kairous Capital is a strong strategic fit because they understand our long-term vision and the realities of scaling an asset-heavy platform,” said Cheong. “Beyond capital, they bring later-stage growth expertise to help us scale operations and expand into global markets over the next five years.”

With a strengthened capital base and a decade of groundwork since its founding in 2016, Aonic is now scaling its infrastructure and exporting Malaysian engineering excellence to help drive the next wave of agricultural and industrial transformation globally.

About Aonic

Aonic is an end-to-end drone solutions provider, leveraging smart technologies to develop ecosystems within the drone industry and beyond across Southeast Asia. Anchored by its expertise in drones, its ecosystem provides tailored solutions to the unique needs of enterprises and end users across six integrated verticals consisting of agriculture, industrial, services, retail, academy, and lifestyle.

Visit Aonic’s Website: www.aonic.com
Media Enquiries: marketing@aonic.com

About Kairous Capital

Kairous Capital is a regional private equity firm specialising in cross-border investments across Greater China and Southeast Asia with a focus on investing in disruptive technologies and technology-driven companies across both regions.

Visit Kairous Capital’s Website: www.kairous.com

NETMARBLE LAUNCHES STONEAGE IDLE ADVENTURE GLOBALLY TODAY

Mobile Idle RPG Based on the Beloved StoneAge IP Now Available Worldwide on Google Play Store and Apple App Store

All Pets Available Through Daily Login Rewards

SEOUL, South Korea, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality games, today announced the global launch of its new mobile idle RPG StoneAge Idle Adventure (developed by Netmarble N2). The game is now available worldwide on mobile devices.

Source: Netmarble
Source: Netmarble

StoneAge Idle Adventure is the latest title based on the steady-selling IP “StoneAge,” enjoyed by more than 200 million players worldwide. While preserving the charm and core gameplay of the original where players adventure alongside pet dinosaurs, the game features simplified and intuitive systems designed for easy play anytime, anywhere. Signature features such as pet capturing and mounting have been reinterpreted for modern mobile gameplay.

Players can build massive strategic decks consisting of up to six Trainers and 18 Pets that allows 24 units to participate in battle. Fan-favorite pets from the original series, including Mogaros, Veldor, and Yangidon, return with their unique traits intact while appearing in a more charming style.

The game offers a variety of competitive and cooperative content, including the large-scale raid “Advent Battle,” where numerous pets enter combat simultaneously; the ranking competition “Sky Tower”; the real-time resource-stealing mode “Aquafarm”; and the cooperative “Mecha Pet Hunt,” where players unite to repel invasions.

To celebrate the official launch, Netmarble is hosting in-game events that allow players to earn up to 10,000 Pet Draw Tickets and 10,000 Blue Gems. Additionally, players can obtain every pet available at launch simply by logging in daily, while the mount pet “Pteravis” will be granted as a Day 2 login reward.

StoneAge Idle Adventure can now be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. More information about the game can be found on the official website.

More information about StoneAge Idle Adventure can be found on the official website.

About Netmarble Corporation

Founded in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a leading global game developer and publisher. Through acclaimed franchises and strategic partnerships with top-tier IP holders, the company delivers innovative and engaging gaming experiences to audiences worldwide. As a parent company of Kabam, SpinX Games, Jam City, and a major shareholder of HYBE and NCSOFT, Netmarble’s diverse portfolio includes Solo Leveling:ARISE, Seven Knights Re:BIRTH, Raven2, MARVEL Future Fight, and The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com.