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Bangkok Dusit Medical Services and CNN joined forces to address global health challenges and explore next-gen solutions

HONG KONG, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS), the largest private healthcare network in Thailand, has continued its long-term partnership with CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) through the sponsorship of Vital Signs hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s multiple Emmy award-winning chief medical correspondent.

CNN’s Vital Signs aims to bring viewers health stories from around the world and raise awareness around global health issues and healthy living. Along with a digital editorial series on the Vital Signs digital hub, Vital Signs highlights key health issues and developments with our long-term commercial partner, BDMS. Aired in December, Vital Signs explored the science of sweat, complemented by One Health vignettes that highlighted best practices in health and wellness. Additionally, BDMS has extended its sponsorship of Anderson Cooper 360 for CNN International Asia’s feed. for CNN International Asia’s feed.

“We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with BDMS and join forces with a brand who is dedicated to the mission of sharing vital global health information. As audiences become more engaged with medical advancements and solutions, this extensive cross-platform campaign, including the sponsorship of Vital Signs will continue to enhance visibility around health topics that resonate with our global audience,” said Cathy Ibal, Senior Vice President, CNN International Commercial.

“At BDMS, we strive to deliver world-class medical standards while enhancing value-based healthcare services for patients from around the world. Our partnership with CNN has been pivotal in helping us build global awareness and attract medical tourists. This collaboration strengthens our dedication to advancing healthcare. We are honored to continue this partnership of engaging global audiences and emphasizing the significance of health and wellness,” said Dr. Poramaporn Prasarttong-Osoth, President, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited.

The half hour special Vital Signs explored how sweat is now a valuable diagnostic tool. CNN talked to researchers around the world who are looking to learn more about this valuable fluid and discovering biomarkers in sweat that could help diagnose things like depression and anxiety or help provide precision medicine to treat diseases like diabetes, leukemia and Parkinson’s.

About CNN International Commercial

CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) is responsible for the business operations of CNN’s properties outside of the United States. All commercial activities for brands such as CNN International, CNN Arabic, CNN Style and CNN Business are aligned within the division. This encompasses the advertising sales, sponsorship partnerships, commercial content development, content sales, brand licensing, distribution and out-of-home operations, business development and marketing for the world’s leading international news provider. CNNIC is a recognised industry leader in international advertising sales and its use of award-winning commercial content, produced through its Create unit and driven by its advanced data usage and digital capabilities, has resulted in strong and enduring partnerships with many of the world’s most recognised brands. Its Content Sales and Licensing unit has relationships with more than 1,000 affiliates ranging from licensing the CNN brand through to content supply contracts as well as offering consultancy services. For more information visit http://commercial.cnn.com

About Bangkok Dusit Medical Services

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS) is Thailand’s largest-healthcare network, medical service operator and is a world’s leader of healthcare solutions provider for over 10 million Thai and international patients annually. Today, BDMS manages six major hospital groups (Bangkok Hospital Group, Samitivej Hospital Group, BNH Hospital, Phyathai Hospital Group, Paolo Hospital Group, the Royal Hospital Group and the BDMS Wellness Clinic with -over 50 medical facilities located in Thailand’s popular destinations nationwide, including 2 hospitals in the neighboring country of Cambodia. The network has served over 2 million international patients annually who chose Thailand as their trusted medical tourism destination. Among BDMS’s subsidiaries providing healthcare solutions, there are National Healthcare Systems – largest blood diagnosis centre in Thailand, A.N.B. Laboratories & Medicpharma – laboratory and pharmaceutical product manufacturers, BDMS Medevac Center provides medical emergency transportation with hospital referral network system, and our specialized medical professionals including surgeons and nurses are trained to provide the highest level of emergency assistance. For further information, please visit http://www.bdms.co.th/.

Peatlands and mangroves key to reducing carbon emissions in Southeast Asia, finds international study

SINGAPORE, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Conserving and restoring Southeast Asia’s carbon-rich peatlands and mangroves could mitigate more than 50 per cent of the region’s land-use carbon emissions, according to a new international study published in Nature Communications.

Despite occupying just 5 per cent of the region’s terrestrial land, these ecosystems play an outsized role in emission reduction efforts, making them crucial for meeting climate targets across ASEAN countries.

The research study, conducted by an international team of scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS), with contributions from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and James Cook University in Australia, highlights the significant climate benefits of conserving and restoring peatlands and mangroves.

Together, these ecosystems store more than 90 per cent of their carbon in soils rather than vegetation, making them among the most efficient natural carbon sinks globally.

However, when disrupted or destroyed through activities such as land-use changes, these ecosystems release significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, posing a major challenge to achieving emission reduction targets.

Additionally, peatland degradation during dry periods, such as those associated with El Niño events, not only results in massive carbon emissions but also contributes to regional haze events, affecting air quality in countries including Singapore.

Associate Professor Massimo Lupascu, Principal Investigator and the paper’s senior author, explained, “If we conserved and restored the carbon-dense peatlands and mangroves in Southeast Asia, we could mitigate approximately 770 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2e) annually, or nearly double Malaysia’s national greenhouse gas emissions in 2023.”

“Our research underscores the immense climate benefits of protecting these ecosystems, making them a pragmatic and effective natural climate solution for ASEAN countries,” said Assoc Prof Lupascu, who is from the Department of Geography at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Professor David Taylor, a co-author of the paper and Head of the NUS Department of Geography, said that “including both peatlands and mangroves in the new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0) that countries signed up to the Paris Agreement must update and re-commit to every five years can certainly contribute to increasing the ambition of countries across the region through the setting of higher emissions reduction targets, although this would involve substantial investment in effective conservation and restoration.

Unique ecosystems with global implications

Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s largest areas of tropical peatlands and mangroves. These ecosystems share water-saturated, oxygen-limited soils that slow the decomposition of organic matter, enabling them to act as natural carbon sinks when undisturbed.

However, these soil-stored carbon is “irrecoverable”, meaning it cannot easily be replaced once lost to human activities, such as agriculture or urban development.

Assistant Professor Pierre Taillardat, a co-author of the paper and principal investigator at the Wetland Carbon Lab at the Asian School of the Environment, NTU Singapore, emphasised the transformative potential of wetland conservation and how it can also yield economic benefits through schemes like carbon credits.

“Wetland soils may have little agronomic value, as it is generally not well-suited for traditional farming or crop cultivation, but they are unmatched in their ability to store and preserve carbon,” added Asst Prof Taillardat.

“If carbon were valued like other critical commodities, such as being traded on the carbon credits market, it could unlock vast opportunities for conservation and restoration projects. This will enable local communities to lead carbon management efforts with a win-win scenario where livelihoods and sustainable ecosystems thrive together.”

Updated Emissions Estimates and Pathways for Change

The study also provides up-to-date estimates of emissions from disturbed peatlands and mangroves across Southeast Asia from 2001 to 2022, broken down by land-use type and country.

By doing so, it offers policymakers critical data to identify hotspots for intervention and prioritise conservation efforts.

In their paper, the researchers call for ASEAN governments to integrate peatland and mangrove conservation into national climate strategies.

Given their high carbon storage capacity and the ability to mitigate land-use emissions, peatlands and mangroves represent a cost-effective and impactful approach to achieving net-zero targets.

By conserving and restoring these ecosystems, Southeast Asian nations can reduce emissions, bolster climate resilience, and support local communities that depend on wetlands for their livelihoods.

Dr Sigit Sasmito, from TropWATER, James Cook University in Brisbane, Australia, who is the study’s first author and led the work when he was a Research Fellow in the NUS Department of Geography, remarked, “By investing in the conservation of peatlands and mangroves, Southeast Asia can lead the world in deploying cost-effective, nature-based solutions that deliver enduring climate and biodiversity benefits. These ecosystems pack a climate mitigation punch far beyond their size, offering one of the most scalable and impactful natural solutions to combat the planet’s climate crisis.”

The open-access paper, titled “Half of land use carbon emissions in Southeast Asia can be mitigated through peat swamp forest and mangrove conservation and restoration”, is available online at Nature Communications.

Read more at: https://news.nus.edu.sg/peatlands-and-mangroves-key-to-reducing-carbon-emissions-in-southeast-asia-finds-international-study/

WuXi Biologics Recognized as Industry and Regional ESG Top-Rated Company by Morningstar Sustainalytics for Fifth Consecutive Year

  • Ranked among the top 1% of companies assessed in the pharmaceutical industry
  • Recognized as a leader in Green CRDMO, driving innovation for a healthier future
  • Committed to creating long-term value for all stakeholders

SHANGHAI, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — WuXi Biologics (“WuXi Bio”) (2269.HK), a leading global Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO), today announced it has been recognized as a 2025 Industry and Regional ESG Top-Rated Company by Morningstar Sustainalytics, marking the fifth consecutive year the company has scored among the highest in ESG Risk Ratings.

Sustainalytics, a leading ESG data, research, and ratings firm, supports global investors with the development and implementation of responsible investment strategies. Its 2025 ESG Risk Ratings cover more than 15,000 companies across 42 industries worldwide, with Top-Rated Badges given to those companies with the strongest ESG achievements. WuXi Biologics ranks in the top 1% of companies assessed in the pharmaceutical industry.

Dr. Chris Chen, CEO of WuXi Biologics and Chairman of its ESG Committee, commented, “We are very pleased to once again receive this honor from Morningstar Sustainalytics. It is a reflection and recognition of our ongoing commitment to enhancing sustainability capabilities. As a global leader in Green CRDMO, we consistently deliver our own ESG excellence while enabling partners worldwide to fulfill their ESG commitments, jointly working with all stakeholders to promote responsible practices throughout the entire value chain.”

In recent years, WuXi Biologics’ ESG strategy and initiatives have made significant progress and gained widespread recognition. The Company was included in the UNGC 20 Case Examples of Sustainable Development for 20 Years Collection for its world-leading green biologics solutions; granted an MSCI AAA Rating and included in Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for two consecutive years; awarded the distinguished Platinum Medal by EcoVadis; named to the CDP Water Security “A list” and awarded an “A-” CDP Climate Change score; selected as a Constituent of FTSE4Good Index Series; and listed in the Hang Seng ESG 50 Index.

About Morningstar Sustainalytics

Morningstar Sustainalytics is a leading independent ESG and corporate governance research, ratings and analytics firm that supports investors around the world with the development and implementation of responsible investment strategies. For more than 30 years, the firm has been at the forefront of developing high-quality, innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of global investors.

About WuXi Biologics

WuXi Biologics (stock code: 2269.HK) is a leading global Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) offering end-to-end solutions that enable partners to discover, develop and manufacture biologics – from concept to commercialization – for the benefit of patients worldwide.

With over 12,000 skilled employees in China, the United States, Ireland, Germany and Singapore, WuXi Biologics leverages its technologies and expertise to provide customers with efficient and cost-effective biologics discovery, development and manufacturing solutions. As of December 31, 2024, WuXi Biologics is supporting 817 integrated client projects, including 21 in commercial manufacturing (excluding COVID CMO projects).

WuXi Biologics views Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibilities as an integral component of our ethos and business strategy, and we aim to be an ESG leader in the biologics CRDMO sector. Our facilities use next-generation biomanufacturing technologies and clean-energy sources. We have also established an ESG committee led by our CEO to steer the comprehensive ESG strategy and its implementation, enhancing our commitment to sustainability.

For more information about WuXi Biologics, please visit: www.wuxibiologics.com.

CNN’s The Journey Matters explores the diverse cultures and communities of picturesque Philippines

HONG KONG, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Join The Journey Matters as CNN showcases creative ways to discover the stunning beauty of the Philippines.


With nearly six million international visitors arriving in the Philippines in 2024, tourists are encouraged to engage in responsible authentic experiences that honor traditions and protect the environment while supporting the local communities.

Consisting of over 7000 islands, the Philippines is a haven for diverse flora, fauna and marine life. From the country’s surfing capital, Siargao, and its “cloud nine” waves to the Ifugao rice terraces of Luzon, the Chocolate Hills in Bohol and the rolling hills of Batanes, the charm of the Philippines is readily apparent.

CNN begins its journey in El Nido, Palawan, famed for its crystal-clear waters, breath-taking sunsets and lines of coconut trees. Resident Isobelle Soriano explores ways to connect with the outdoors around El Nido, including at Lio Tourism Estate, an emerging cultural hub just fifteen minutes from town, surrounded by nature and dotted with artisanal cafes, creative shops, and boutique and luxury hotels.

For adventure seekers interested in island hopping from El Nido to Coron, expedition company BIG DREAM BOATMAN and their knowledgeable crew showcase the beauty of the Philippines by sea – think turquoise waters, fascinating rock formations and picture-perfect sandbars – while emphasizing the importance of marine conservation for future generations.

The journey also takes viewers to Siquijor, known for its ancestral traditions of healing. Accessible by plane and ferry, the remote “healing island” draws local and overseas visitors seeking physical and spiritual rejuvenation as well as adventure. From meeting traditional healers to soaking in its famous waterfalls, Siquijor captivates with its untouched beauty. CNN joins a local guide to embrace the mystique of Siquijor and discover its traditions.

The Journey Matters Philippines trailer: https://bit.ly/4huAuxW
The Journey Matters Philippines
 images: http://bit.ly/3E3fPTe

Airtimes for 30-minute special:
Saturday, 15th February 1:30pm HKT
Sunday, 16th February 7:00pm HKT
Monday, 17th February 6:30am HKT

About CNN International  

CNN’s portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV, digital and mobile platforms, reaching more than 475 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America and has a US presence that includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news, mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint, with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships, commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. Around 1,000 hours of long-form series, documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI’s non-news programming division. CNN has 36 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is a Warner Bros. Discovery company. 

ISLE 2025 to Open on March 7: Global Innovation & Production Hub of LED Display & Integrated System

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ISLE 2025, Asia’s biggest exhibition of Smart Display & Integrated System, will take place at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (SHENZHEN WORLD) from March 7‐9, 2025.


Located in Shenzhen, renowned as the world’s R&D and production hub for LED displays, as well as integrated system products, ISLE 2025 will host more than 1000 online and onsite exhibitors, with an exhibition area of 80000 square meters.

The three-day event will fully showcase the latest technologies and innovative achievements in professional fields such as display technology and supporting equipment, LED industry chain products, audio-video integration, and the integration and application of sound, light, and vision, highlighting innovations from leading brands like Leyard, Absen, Unilumin, LEDman, AOTO, LianTronics, BOE, Skyworth, Hisense, Novastar, Cedar, etc.

Gloshine, the rental giant, will present an eye-catching 1000 square meter “YUE Glamour Gloshine” live show for stage designers and systems integrators, with its ever-expanding range of LED displays, 3D naked-eye displays, transparent displays, LED spheres and 360° immersive displays.

With special zones for Micro-LED, Smart City Display, and Virtual Production, hundreds of new products will debut by manufacturers of LED displays (XR stages, small-pitch, transparent, floor, irregular and smart interactive screens); professional stage equipment, AV system; commercial display (VR/AR/MR and 3D applications); LED lighting; Audio-visual integration and application.

ISLE 2025 exhibition hall layout:
Display Technology & Associates, Integration of Light, Audio-visual & Communication (Hall 5)
Display Technology & System and Supporting Equipment (Halls 6, 7 & 8)

ISLE 2025 exhibition hall layout
ISLE 2025 exhibition hall layout

For updates, please follow ISLE at:
ISLE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isleshenzhen
ISLE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/international-smart-display-and-integrated-system-exhibition-shenzhen-3a6a6a10a/ 
ISLE YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ISLEOfficialAcc
ISLE Twitter: https://x.com/ISLEOfficialAcc
Please visit https://www.isle.org.cn/?lang=en&locale=en to register ISLE2025 and access the newest information.

Global Times: From regional specialty to global delicacy, roujiamo bridges cultures, makes Chinese cuisine international

BEIJING, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In September 2024, a giant billboard featuring the eye-catching slogan “Not China’s hamburger, but the world’s roujiamo” lit up Times Square in New York.

Roujiamo – a soft flatbread sliced open, filled with fragrant, tender, and juicy shredded meat, complemented by unique spices and sauces, makes every bite a burst of flavor and satisfaction. For thousands of years, this delicious snack has filled the stomachs and satisfied the taste buds of locals, as well as travelers along the Silk Road.

The history of Shaanxi’s roujiamo dates back to the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206B), over 2,000 years ago. During the Sui Dynasty (581-618) and Tang Dynasty (618-907), the production method became more refined, and by the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), roujiamo had evolved further and gained popularity, gradually appearing in streets and alleys, according to the People’s Daily.

Today, this delicious Shaanxi snack is reaching out to food lovers across the globe, carving its own place on the international stage. At the same time, through cultivating professional talent to preserve culinary traditions, improving production techniques, and exploring overseas markets, roujiamo has grown into a highly standardized and large-scale industry, with its reach expanding worldwide.

In 2015, the Huffington Post referred to Shaanxi’s roujiamo as “the world’s first hamburger.”

“We have drawn lessons from the expansion of Western fast food, but we are not simply replicating a Western mode; we are telling Chinese stories in the language of the world,” a roujiamo industry staff in Tongguan, Shaanxi Province, where roujiamo was first developed, told the Global Times.

He believes that the slogan “Not China’s hamburger, but the world’s roujiamo!” not only demonstrates the cultural confidence of the Chinese people in their traditional cuisine, but also signifies the global ambitions of Chinese food culture.

Taste of hometown

Chopping vegetables, making soup, stewing meat, and preparing liangpi (cold noodles)… Every morning at 8 am, before the London mist clears, Lara Yan, the manager of 1+1 Rougamo, and her staff begin their daily tasks of preparing roujiamo.

Located near several universities in central London, this roujiamo restaurant has become a “home” for many Chinese students and a “canteen” for local workers nearby. The restaurant’s roujiamo, with its crispy outer crust and tender marinated meat filling, has made many customers loyal regulars.

“Some customers from Xi’an have said that our roujiamo’s crispy skin and marinated meat are even more authentic than those in their hometown,” Yan said. “Initially, the restaurant received mostly Chinese customers, but over time, more and more foreign customers started to learn about and love our roujiamo.”

Though the restaurant benefits from competitive pricing and a strategic location, Yan believes the success of their expanded outreach and the high ratings from customers are primarily due to their dedication.

To make the best roujiamo, one of the founders of the restaurant went to Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, to improve his cooking skills and learned authentic Shaanxi techniques from local masters. Over the last six years, the restaurant has expanded from Cambridge to London, gradually allowing more customers to fall in love with Chinese cuisine.

“Our approach is to make costumers feel curious and interested. For example, the most common Chinese meat cuisine’s flavor here is sweet and sour, but we know that Chinese cuisine is much more diverse. It’s hard to introduce all our food, so we chose to use roujiamo as a way to challenge their general perception,” Yan told the Global Times.

However, Yan does not rigidly stick to tradition. “We strive to restore the most authentic flavors, but we’ve also introduced variations, such as duck meat roujiamo and vegetarian versions, to cater to local tastes, so more people can enjoy this dish,” she introduced.

“Dining is not just about filling your stomach, it’s also a way of transmitting culture and emotions,” Yan noted while sharing her culinary philosophy.

In order to ensure the freshness of ingredients, Yan and her staff begin their long preparations early each morning, especially for slow-cooked dishes like soups and liangpi. “Lunch hours are the busiest. Although dinner sees fewer customers, the shop is still filled with the happy chatter of customers until we close at 9 pm,” Yan said.

Yan believes that roujiamo is not just a traditional Chinese dish, it has become a “global cultural symbol.” To attract more customers, this year, they built a giant roujiamo with golden crispy skin and juicy meat in front of the restaurant, becoming a striking feature of the alley.

In fact, roujiamo restaurants have become popular all over the world. In the US, this fast-food dish, which is both filling and full of flavor, is loved by many.

Eric Lee, a regular at Xi’an Famous Foods, a well-known roujiamo chain in the US, commented on Google Maps: “I got great memories of this restaurant all over New York, definitely delicious. Always go spicy for everything!”

After launching successfully in Canada, Chinese fast-food chain Bingz, which specializes in roujiamo, also set foot in the US in 2023. There are always long lines outside the store, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

‘Burger’ with long history

With the expansion of roujiamo stores across the world, the snack has not only become a name card for Chinese food among global eaters, but also a bridge that connects China’s Guanzhong Plain with the world.

However, what is unknown to many is that, roujiamo, a delicacy with a history of more than 2,200 years, is a result of and testament to cultural interaction from the very beginning.

Legend has it that during a military campaign in Tongguan, Emperor Li Shimin of Tang Dynasty tasted Tongguan roujiamo and praised the dish repeatedly, largely boosting its popularity.

According to materials provided by the Tongguan county government, the origin of mo, the layered flatbread used in the Tongguan roujiamo, is believed to be from hubing, introduced by Chinese diplomat Ban Chao during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE).

Tongguan people later refined the recipe into the crisp and multi-layered mo known today.

Over the centuries since then, ethnic integration and culinary experimentation in the region has refined the dish into a uniquely flavorful masterpiece. Along with the development of industrialization in China, the branding and standardizing of Tongguan roujiamo is also accelerating. The food has gradually stepped out of the region and captured the taste buds of more people, becoming a powerful engine for the local economy and rural revitalization.

According to the Tongguan county government, so far, there are more than 20,000 Tongguan roujiamo restaurants across China, creating jobs for about 100,000 people. Thirteen roujiamo factories with 40 production lines have been established in Tongguan county alone, which are collectively able to churn out two million frozen mo daily and generate annual revenues exceeding one billion yuan ($138 million).

Tongguan roujiamo also started to explore overseas market in 2018. Now, the locally manufactured flatbread has been exported to 17 countries and regions including the US, the UK, and Australia, according to the county government.

In Tongguan, the local government has established a roujiamo association to organize local roujiamo production enterprises to participate in large-scale business activities. Supportive policies have also been laid out to provide startups with assistance in technical training and innovation. In 2024 alone, more than 800 training activities in skills and entrepreneurship were provided, according to the local government.

Local manufacturers have also made great strides in the research of production technologies, especially in terms of how to preserve the authenticity of mo while scaling production. Mo is the key to the good taste of Tongguan roujiamo.

“In the beginning, the types of flour used in different processing factories varied. Then, we worked with universities and scientific research institutions to select a custom flour that was most suitable in terms of hardness and toughness,” said Wang Huafeng, president of the Tongguan Roujiamo Association.

According to Wang, with continuous improvement of the production process, the standardization level of mo is getting even higher. The frozen mo sold on the market is now sealed in ultra-clean packaging by -18 C storage technology. Its flavor can be restored by more than 90 percent after heating anywhere in the world.

Innovation and compatibility

Historically, Shaanxi was a crossroad of cultures, where different traditions and ideas seamlessly blended. People in this region have always been known for their spirit of innovation and inclusivity. The ancient capital of Xi’an, once the starting point of the Silk Road, was a vibrant melting pot, where East met West and diverse cultures and cuisines converged, shaping the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Today, roujiamo continues to evolve through innovation, satisfying more palates and attracting more food lovers. From the savory and spicy steamed pork with lotus leaf bread, to the tender and chewy cured beef roujiamo with the signature soft flatbread, each variation brings its own unique flavor.

In addition to roujiamo, other traditional Chinese snacks have also gained international attention in recent years. For example, jianbing guozi (Chinese crepes) has made its way to global food scenes, with food trucks serving this savory, crispy snack in cities across the world. Similarly, tanghulu (candied hawthorn skewers), with its sweet and sour flavor, has captured the curiosity of international food lovers.

These snacks, much like roujiamo, are no longer confined to local markets – they are now part of the growing wave of Chinese street food culture that’s spreading across borders.

Today, in order to take roujiamo further across the world, people are still making more plans.

After opening two stores overseas in 2024 – one in Zaragoza, Spain, and another in Bangkok, Thailand – Wang is now busy with promoting the establishment of more Tongguan roujiamo chain stores overseas.

In London, Yan believes that with the growing popularity of roujiamo worldwide, more international customers will become eager to learn about China’s rich food culture.

“When we met in Cambridge, we said we wanted to make this brand a century-old restaurant. Now, we’re only 94 years away from becoming one. Isn’t that a great improvement?” Yan smiled. Her goal is to make her restaurant one of the representatives of Chinese cuisine in the UK.

“Dining is an art of constant learning. Every day is full of challenges, but the most important thing is to stay true to our original aspiration and focus on making every dish well,” she said.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202502/1327890.shtml

Artyzen Hospitality Group Expands to Xi’an with New Luxury Lifestyle Hotel


SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2025 – Artyzen Hospitality Group (AHG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Shun Tak Holdings Limited (HKSE: 242) today announced a management agreement with Xi’an Yang’s Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. (Xi’an Yang’s Real Estate) to open its first Artyzen Hotels and Resorts luxury lifestyle hotel in Xi’an, China. This marks AHG’s debut in China’s ancient capital and the continuation of its purposeful growth strategy.

Mr. Rogier Verhoeven, Executive Director and President of Group Hospitality Division, Shun Tak Holdings Limited and Mr. Yang Zengtian, Chairman of Xi'an Yang's Real Estate marks Artyzen Hospitality Group’s debut in China with the signing of a hotel management agreement for Artyzen Xi’an, a luxury hotel project slated to open in the first quarter of 2028.
Mr. Rogier Verhoeven, Executive Director and President of Group Hospitality Division, Shun Tak Holdings Limited and Mr. Yang Zengtian, Chairman of Xi’an Yang’s Real Estate marks Artyzen Hospitality Group’s debut in China with the signing of a hotel management agreement for Artyzen Xi’an, a luxury hotel project slated to open in the first quarter of 2028.

Artyzen Xi’an is slated to open in the first quarter of 2028, featuring approximately 280 guest rooms that blend elegant style with contemporary aesthetics. Located in the heart of the central business district within the Xi’an Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, the hotel is near the Xi’an Grand Theatre. Designed by Wang Shu, China’s first Pritzker Prize-winning architect and an urban planning consultant for the Xi’an municipal government, this theatre is also China’s first newly built large-scale theatre to utilise an immersive sound system. Its groundbreaking acoustic design creates an extraordinary three-dimensional audio-visual experience. Artyzen Xi’an will collaborate with surrounding cultural facilities to form a cultural tourism ecosystem, celebrating Xi’an’s rich heritage as the starting point of the Overland Silk Road and its contemporary innovative vitality.

Celebrating the signing of the Artyzen Xi'an hotel management agreement, Mr. Rogier Verhoeven, Executive Director and President of the Group Hospitality Division, Shun Tak Holdings Limited presents to Mr. Yang Zengtian, Chairman of Xi'an Yang's Real Estate with a scroll of elegant cursive Chinese calligraphy signifying good fortune, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership to develop a luxury hotel that celebrates Xi'an's unique cultural heritage and modern charm.
Celebrating the signing of the Artyzen Xi’an hotel management agreement, Mr. Rogier Verhoeven, Executive Director and President of the Group Hospitality Division, Shun Tak Holdings Limited presents to Mr. Yang Zengtian, Chairman of Xi’an Yang’s Real Estate with a scroll of elegant cursive Chinese calligraphy signifying good fortune, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership to develop a luxury hotel that celebrates Xi’an’s unique cultural heritage and modern charm.

“As the inaugural city of the national ‘one belt and one road’ initiative, Xi’an’s significance as a historical centre and a hub for innovation makes it an ideal location for Artyzen Hotels and Resorts,” said Rogier Verhoeven Executive Director and President, Group Hospitality Division, Shun Tak. “We are committed and confident that this project will become Xi’an’s landmark cultural tourism destination.”

Yang Zengtian, Chairman of Xi’an Yang’s Real Estate, noted, ‘This collaboration with AHG represents a significant step toward our vision of creating a gateway showcasing Xi’an’s rich culture and technological innovation while enhancing tourism and strengthening the local community.”

Sunny Li, Vice President, China, AHG, added, “We are delighted to partner with Xi’an Yang’s Real Estate and contribute to the growth of Xi’an’s hospitality sector. We are looking forward to creating immersive guest experience celebrating Xi’ans unique cultural heritage and its modern charm.”

A strategic partnership between Artyzen Hospitality Group and Xi'an Yang's Real Estate commenced with the signing of the hotel management agreement for Artyzen Xi'an. Mr Rogier Verhoeven, Executive Director and President of Group Hospitality Division, Shun Tak Holdings Limited (7th from the left), Mr Yang Zengtian, Chairman of Xi'an Yang's Real Estate (6th from the right), Ms Zhao Xinxin, Deputy Director, Xi'an Hi-tech Zone Urban Living Room Development Center (4th from the right), Ms. Zhang Jia, Head of Investment Promotion Department, Xi'an Hi-tech Zone Urban Living Room Development Center (3rd from the right) and representatives from both parties were in attendance to celebrate this milestone for the luxury hotel project, which will celebrate Xi'an's unique cultural heritage and modern charm.
A strategic partnership between Artyzen Hospitality Group and Xi’an Yang’s Real Estate commenced with the signing of the hotel management agreement for Artyzen Xi’an. Mr Rogier Verhoeven, Executive Director and President of Group Hospitality Division, Shun Tak Holdings Limited (7th from the left), Mr Yang Zengtian, Chairman of Xi’an Yang’s Real Estate (6th from the right), Ms Zhao Xinxin, Deputy Director, Xi’an Hi-tech Zone Urban Living Room Development Center (4th from the right), Ms. Zhang Jia, Head of Investment Promotion Department, Xi’an Hi-tech Zone Urban Living Room Development Center (3rd from the right) and representatives from both parties were in attendance to celebrate this milestone for the luxury hotel project, which will celebrate Xi’an’s unique cultural heritage and modern charm.

Artyzen Hotels and Resorts brand is a collection of individually crafted luxury lifestyle hotels that celebrate the unique culture and heritage of each locale. Artyzen Xi’an will continue this tradition, incorporating local motifs and architectural styles into a modern aesthetic. Guests can expect curated experiences, immersing them in Xi’an’s heritage and unique flavour, offering a journey of discovery that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. Artyzen Xi’an will join 17 other Artyzen properties across the Asia Pacific region to promote the development of the cultural tourism economy.
Hashtag: #Artyzen #ArtyzenHotels #ArtyzenHospitality #ArtyzenHotelsandResorts #ArtyzenXi’an #ShunTakHoldingsLimited




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About Artyzen Hospitality Group

Artyzen Hospitality Group (AHG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Shun Tak Holdings Limited (HKSE: 242) is a homegrown lifestyle hospitality specialist with two flagship hotel brands: Artyzen Hotels and Resorts, and Artyzen Habitat. Additionally, AHG operates a collection of distinctive lifestyle properties, including The Shàng by Artyzen, YaTi by Artyzen, and Grand Coloane Resort. AHG’s portfolio also includes service apartments, restaurants and bars, as well as a conference centre. For more information, please visit .

About Shun Tak Holdings Limited:

Shun Tak is a leading conglomerate active in the Greater Bay Area and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The Group is a forerunner in Macau and Hong Kong’s tourism and transportation scene, and has established a sizable portfolio of infrastructure investments and integrated developments spanning major economic zones across China, including the Pearl River Delta, Yangtze River Delta and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region. It is also expanding its footprint in the Singapore real estate market through recent acquisitions of premium properties and land parcels in downtown locations. With “Tourism +” as its growth strategy, the Group strives to harness its cross-sectoral experience in property, transportation, infrastructure, integrated commercial projects, hospitality and investments to deliver economic value for regions it operates in, as well as contribute to the country’s national development blueprint.

BioRay’s ROR1-Targeting Dual-Epitope ADC Drug BR111 Receives Formal Clinical Trial Approval from NMPA

SHANGHAI, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On December 19, 2024, BioRay Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“BioRay”) announced that the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has accepted the clinical trial application for its self-developed Class 1 innovative therapeutic biological product, BR111 for injection. BR111 is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting dual epitopes of ROR1, intended for the treatment of ROR1-positive hematological malignancies and solid tumors.

ROR1 is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase protein that is either not expressed or expressed at low levels in normal tissues, but is highly expressed in various hematological malignancies and solid tumors, such as lymphoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer. ROR1 is involved in the non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway mediated by Wnt5a, regulating the growth and invasion of tumor cells. It is closely associated with tumorigenesis and drug resistance, making it a potential target for oncology drug development. To date, no ROR1-targeting drugs have been marketed.

BR111 utilizes BioRay’s next-generation CysX™ irreversible site-specific conjugation technology platform to conjugate an antibody targeting dual epitopes of ROR1 with the small-molecule toxin eribulin. It is the world’s first anti-ROR1 Bi-paratopic ADC to enter clinical trials. BR111 can recognize two non-overlapping epitopes of ROR1 on the surface of tumor cells, and dual-epitope recognition brings stronger affinity and endocytosis. Once endocytosed into ROR1-positive tumor cells, BR111 releases the small-molecule toxin in the lysosome, effectively killing tumor cells. Developed using the CysX™ platform, BR111 has higher homogeneity and circulating stability, significantly reducing toxin release in circulation, which enhances safety and optimizes the therapeutic window.

In preclinical studies, BR111 demonstrated superior in vivo anti-tumor efficacy compared to its clinical counterparts in multiple animal models and exhibited better safety. Additionally, BR111 can induce a bystander effect and activate immune response in the tumor microenvironment, showing potential for combination therapy with various drugs, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

The acceptance of this project application is a testament to BioRay’s R&D capabilities and a validation of the CysX™ platform technology. Moving forward, BioRay will continue to focus on clinical needs, drive innovative research, and advance biopharmaceutical technology, with the goal of delivering more effective and safer treatment options to patients through innovative drugs.