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AI adoption is strong among entry-level workers across sectors and economies – and it’s making work life easier and more enjoyable, reports Generation

  • Analysis finds that 65% of entry-level employees are using AI, and most are self-taught power users.
  • Most users are experiencing clear benefits, with nearly all AI users reporting that it’s enhancing their performance at work and increasing their job satisfaction
  • Survey tracks more than 5,500 entry-level workers in 17 countries, most of whom do not have a college degree, across a range of industries

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new global survey from Generation, the employment nonprofit that trains and places people into meaningful careers, reveals how entry-level workers are rapidly adopting AI tools – while also exposing some divides between those confidently using AI and those not yet there.

The report, AI at Work: A Global Entry-Level Perspective, was developed with support from MetLife Foundation. It draws on responses from more than 5,500 Generation global alumni who graduated in 2023 and 2024. It focuses on the AI experience of entry-level workers, most without a college degree, across a range of industries and 17 diverse economies. This offers a fresh perspective since most surveys have focused on professional service workers in high-income countries.

AI is already part of daily life for many

The analysis shows that AI use is widespread among entry-level employees, with 65% reporting that they use AI at work. Half are adopting AI on their own initiative, while the rest use tools provided by their employers or a combination of the two.

Among AI users, 79% engage with AI tools at least once a week, rising to 89% in the tech sector. More than a third (37%) use AI daily. 

Men are heavier users of AI than women

AI use among women lags that among men, with 53% of women across sectors saying they use it at work versus 76% of men. This gap narrows when you look specifically at the tech sector, with 80% of women saying they are using AI and 86% of men. 

Sector differences are strong. Within tech and customer service & sales sectors, adoption across genders is high – 87% and 80% respectively. However, adoption in the green economy and skilled trades remains low, with just 12% and 10% of entry-level employees in these sectors using AI. 

AI is being used in multiple ways by employees

Entry-level employees are using AI for a broad range of tasks. In the tech sector, for example, 67% of respondents use AI for multiple functions – including learning (61%), content creation (49%), and administrative tasks (44%). In customer service and sales, content creation (43%) and learning (35%) are the top uses.

And while use is lower in green jobs and skilled trades, early adopters in these fields are using AI to primarily learn new skills and create content.

Global adoption is strong – but perceived benefits differ

Despite uneven uptake, most users are seeing clear benefits, with 94% reporting that AI has improved their ability to do their job – including 63% who say it helped a lot. Perhaps even more striking: 91% say AI has made their work more enjoyable, with 59% reporting a significant increase in job satisfaction.

However, the perceived value of AI varies across countries. In upper-middle-income countries, 70% of entry-level workers say AI has greatly improved their job performance – compared to 64% in lower-middle-income countries and 49% in high-income countries. Similar trends hold for enjoyment: employees in emerging economies are more likely to say AI has made their work more fulfilling.

Clarity around use cases would help further AI adoption

While adoption is strong overall, 35% of entry-level employees surveyed are not yet using AI at work. Among this group, 72% say they’re interested – but face barriers including a lack of training (30%), uncertainty about how AI applies to their role (30%), and not having enough time to learn (12%). Only a small share cite trust issues or a lack of clear benefit.

The full report is available here. Generation will continue to survey alumni to gather their perspectives as they adopt AI, helping to shape Generation’s programs and offering an ongoing window into the experience of entry-level workers in a variety of sectors around the world.

Dr. Mona Mourshed, Founding Global CEO of Generation, said:

“AI is reshaping the workplace — and across our thousands of alumni, most of whom do not have a college degree, we see entry-level employees are charging ahead, using tools to learn faster, work smarter, and enjoy their jobs more. We need to ensure every worker, in every sector, has the access and support to begin harnessing the power of AI in their roles.”

Tia Hodges, President and CEO, MetLife Foundation and Head of Corporate Giving and Volunteerism, MetLife, said:

“At MetLife Foundation, we recognize the immense potential AI and other emerging technologies hold for expanding opportunities in our communities. That’s why, we’re proud to support Generation’s efforts to help individuals build the skills they need to be competitive in today’s workforce. We’ve seen firsthand how AI can be a force multiplier for individuals and companies, and we are committed to making sure everyone, regardless of where they are in their career, can leverage and benefit from technology.”

 

DXC Named a Leader in Everest Group’s Custom Application Development Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025 Report

Report highlights DXC’s strengths leveraging GenAI platforms, equipping software engineers with secure AI-powered assets and services to accelerate software development.

ASHBURN, Va., Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), a leading Fortune 500 global technology services provider, has been named a Leader by global research firm Everest Group in its new report, “Custom Application Development Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025.” This recognition underscores DXC’s leadership in building differentiated, scalable and secure custom applications tailored to business needs.

DXC Named a Leader in Everest Group’s Custom Application Development Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025 Report
DXC Named a Leader in Everest Group’s Custom Application Development Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025 Report

Everest Group highlighted DXC’s strengths in leveraging GenAI platforms, as well as in efficiency and productivity, identifying and recruiting top-tier talent with critical expertise, and maintaining high delivery standards. DXC’s GenAI platform equips software engineers with a catalogue of powerful, governed and secure AI-powered assets and services, including coding assistants to accelerate software development, simplify complexities, and reduce operational costs.

“At DXC, we manage over 20,000 applications for clients globally and have transformed over 2 billion lines of code. We help enterprises streamline, modernize and accelerate their most critical applications, enabling greater agility and growth,” said Anand Srivastava, Global Service Line and Capability Lead for Custom Application Services at DXC. “Our deep industry expertise and AI-driven innovation delivers measurable outcomes for our customers, and we’re honored to have our work recognized by Everest Group.”

Serving 2,000 customers in over 70 countries across industries including transportation, retail, telecommunications, and energy, DXC’s intelligent automation and data-driven systems have resulted in a 25% acceleration of application development and 40% faster application testing for customers.

“DXC Technology has established itself as a Leader in the custom application development space, backed by its strong in-house capabilities and consistent delivery performance,” says Ankit Gupta, Vice President at Everest Group. “With its AI platforms, the company accelerates software development by leveraging GenAI driven automation, significantly boosting productivity and efficiency. Clients value DXC’s ability to identify and onboard top-tier talent, as well as its steadfast commitment to delivery excellence. These strengths have contributed to DXC’s positioning as a Leader in Everest Group’s Custom Application Development Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025.”

The PEAK Matrix® is a framework to assess leading application services providers’ relative market success and overall capability. The assessment is based on a comprehensive evaluation of 31 leading technology providers inclusive of case studies, interactions with service providers, client reference checks, and an ongoing analysis of the application services market. Leaders are placed based on their vision and strategy, ecosystem investments, ability to stay ahead of market trends, and maintenance of growth momentum.

As a trusted Custom Applications Services partner to enterprises across the globe, DXC empowers customers to take advantage of the latest digital platforms with custom applications, enabling increased resiliency, new product launches, and entrance into additional markets with minimal disruption.

An excerpt of Everest Group’s report is available to view here. To learn more about DXC’s Custom Application Services, click here.

About DXC Technology 

DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) is a leading global provider of information technology services. We’re a trusted operating partner to many of the world’s most innovative organizations, building solutions that move industries and companies forward. Our engineering, consulting and technology experts help clients simplify, optimize and modernize their systems and processes, manage their most critical workloads, integrate AI-powered intelligence into their operations, and put security and trust at the forefront. Learn more on dxc.com.

Disclaimer 

Licensed extracts taken from Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix® Reports, may be used by licensed third parties for use in their own marketing and promotional activities and collateral. Selected extracts from Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix® reports do not necessarily provide the full context of our research and analysis. = All research and analysis conducted by Everest Group’s analysts and included in Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix® reports is independent and no organization has paid a fee to be featured or to influence their ranking. To access the complete research and to learn more about our methodology, please visit Everest Group PEAK Matrix® Reports.

About Everest Group 

Everest Group is a leading global research firm helping business leaders make confident decisions. Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix® assessments provide the analysis and insights enterprises need to make critical selection decisions about global services providers, locations, and products and solutions within various market segments. Likewise, providers of these services, products, and solutions, look to the PEAK Matrix® to gauge and calibrate their offerings against others in the industry or market. Find further details and in-depth content at www.everestgrp.com.

Angelena Abate: Media Relations, +1.646.234.8060, angelena.abate@dxc.com

Wiltson Energy Launches 26650 LiFePO₄ Low-Temperature Battery for Solar Tracker Backup Power

Operates Reliably from –40°C (–40°F) to +60°C (140°F) with Direct Cold-Weather Charging, No Heating Required

DONGGUAN, China, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Wiltson Energy, a leading innovator in advanced LiFePO₄ (lithium iron phosphate) battery solutions, today announced the launch of its next-generation 26650-format low-temperature backup battery for solar tracking systems. Designed for extreme climates, the new cell ensures stable operation and direct charging even below freezing — without additional heating components.

Wiltson Low-Temperature LFP Battery
Wiltson Low-Temperature LFP Battery

Solar tracking systems can increase energy yield by 10% to 40% compared to fixed-mount systems. However, in harsh winter climates, conventional batteries experience steep performance drops. Standard lead-acid batteries lose 20%–30% of capacity below 0°C (32°F), and typical lithium batteries face reduced output or even lithium dendrite growth risks during charging. These issues often cause trackers to freeze in place or shut down during outages, cutting into expected energy gains.

Wiltson’s newly released low-temperature LiFePO₄ battery solves these challenges with an ultra-wide operating range of –40°C to +60°C (–40°F to 140°F). Unlike competing solutions that rely on heating elements or external warming circuits, Wiltson’s 26650 cells can be safely charged directly below freezing, reducing cost and complexity while boosting efficiency.

Key benefits include:

  • Extreme Temperature Performance: Reliable operation from –40°C to +60°C (–40°F to 140°F), ideal for cold-climate solar projects worldwide.
  • Direct Cold-Weather Charging: Eliminates the need for heating controllers or circuits.
  • High Power Output in Severe Cold: Maintains over 90% capacity at –40°C (–40°F), supporting up to 5C discharge to keep tracker motors at full torque.
  • Uninterrupted Tracking: Ensures solar panels stay optimally aligned with the sun, even during severe cold or grid outages — safeguarding the 10%–40% generation advantage of solar trackers.

“Traditional battery systems either require preheating or shut down entirely in extreme cold, leaving trackers stuck and operators losing production,” said Daniel Fan, Project Manager at Wiltson Energy. “Our new 26650 LiFePO₄ low-temperature battery was engineered specifically for these conditions — it keeps solar trackers moving at –40°C without heating.”

“This innovation represents more than just a technical upgrade — it is a step toward making solar tracker technology reliable in every climate,” added Robert Xie, CEO of Wiltson Energy. “By ensuring uninterrupted operation, we are helping customers maximize energy yield.”

With its standard 26650 cylindrical form factor, the battery is ideal for modular deployment. It functions as both a primary power source and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), switching seamlessly within 10 milliseconds during grid failures. This ensures consistent solar output — even in blizzards, polar nights, or other extreme conditions — maximizing uptime, reliability, and energy yield.

About Wiltson Energy

Wiltson Energy specializes in high-performance LiFePO₄ battery systems for extreme environments. Headquartered in Dongguan, China, the company focuses on the R&D and manufacturing of cylindrical LiFePO₄ cells and battery modules. Its products are widely used in renewable energy, electric transportation, robotics, and industrial energy storage. Renowned for exceptional safety, long cycle life, and outstanding low-temperature performance, Wiltson Energy is recognized worldwide as a trusted partner in clean energy solutions.

Wiltson Energy
Email: sales@wiltsonenergy.com
Website: www.wiltsonenergy.com

From Passion to Destination: Waydoo Users Successfully Complete the Non-stop Miami to Bimini, Bahamas eFoil Challenge

MIAMI, Aug. 20, 2025  /PRNewswire/ — A team of Waydoo eFoil users recently accomplished a remarkable feat by successfully crossing the open waters from Miami to the Bahamas. They are the first group of Waydoo users to complete a 100-kilometer open-sea journey on eFoils. More than just a distance milestone, this challenge embodied their shared passion, perseverance, and unwavering trust in the cutting-edge technology beneath their feet.

Waydoo Users Complete the Non-stop Miami to Bahamas eFoil Challenge
Waydoo Users Complete the Non-stop Miami to Bahamas eFoil Challenge

“There was a moment before we set off when I wondered, could we really fly across the ocean on an eFoil?” reflected Hau, the team’s expedition lead rider. The group, made up of individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, united through their love of the ocean and deep confidence in Waydoo’s products. Over the course of a five-hour journey, they successfully completed this milestone strait crossing.

We faced drifting seaweed, blinding surface glare, and shifting ocean swells yet, with unwavering focus and trust in the Waydoo Flyer EVO, we overcame every challenge,” Hau said. “The Gliding C1100 wing offered exceptional lift and stability, while Waydoo’s plug-and-play battery system enabled seamless mid-ocean swaps, keeping us fully immersed in the journey.”

“The Waydoo Flyer EVO isn’t just powerful; it gave us real confidence,” recalled team member Sal. “In open water, you need more than speed; you need stability, safety, and endurance. The Flyer EVO delivered on all fronts.” Powered by four battery units, the team maintained an average speed of 18 to 24 mph throughout the journey. In some areas, the water was over 700 meters deep, yet the Flyer EVO’s efficient propulsion system ensured steady performance, allowing them to focus on the ride rather than the equipment.

Waydoo Users Complete the Non-stop Miami to Bahamas eFoil Challenge
Waydoo Users Complete the Non-stop Miami to Bahamas eFoil Challenge

As a fully electric, zero-emission watercraft, the Waydoo Flyer EVO embodies a more sustainable approach to ocean exploration. Its high-efficiency motor, Smart Flight Assistance System, extended battery life, and strong wave resistance made this ambitious open-sea crossing possible.

Every kilometer pushed their physical limits and reaffirmed their commitment. The Miami to Bahamas route, a dream for many ocean adventurers, became a reality through teamwork and innovation.

Waydoo remains committed to advancing accessibility in water sports through continuous innovation. This journey highlighted both the users’ dedication and their close connection with the brand. Building on this foundation, they look ahead to even greater possibilities on the water.

Waydoo Users Complete the Non-stop Miami to Bahamas eFoil Challenge
Waydoo Users Complete the Non-stop Miami to Bahamas eFoil Challenge

 

FOSSIL AND 2025-2026 GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR NICK JONAS RELEASE EXCLUSIVE “MACHINE LUXE” CAPSULE

RICHARDSON, Texas, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global superstar, actor, and philanthropist Nick Jonas has teamed up with leading watch and accessories brand FOSSIL for a bold and nostalgic new collection, launching August 20, 2025. Each limited-edition timepiece blends Jonas’ passion for watch collecting, his distinct personal style and Fossil’s decades-long design heritage to deliver styles that are both timeless and distinctly modern—all while reinvigorating our customers’ love for and personal connection to the brand.

“It’s the use of materials that give this collection a distinct personality. They’re exceptionally personal pieces that elevate any look,” says Nick Jonas. “I’m excited to share my love of watches and this collection with the world.”

A lifelong watch enthusiast whose first watch was a FOSSIL, Jonas has partnered with the brand to mark the full-circle moment with a global campaign, captured in Jonas’ native New Jersey. Shot by renowned creative director and photographer Anthony Mandler, and styled by celebrity image maker, Sydney Lopez, the campaign sees Jonas in iconic styles, participating in activities that marked his childhood like visiting local diners and going to the bowling alley. This nod to Jonas’ childhood era will reignite the same nostalgic memories in customers and brand fans, reminding them of small and monumental moments alike throughout their lives.

“Collaborating with the FOSSIL design team has been a dream come true. They were receptive and open to my ideas throughout the entire process,” said Nick Jonas“I still remember the excitement and pure joy I felt when I purchased my first FOSSIL watch shortly after one of my early performances. I wanted to capture that feeling for today’s customers and give them styles that feel elevated and luxurious, but still embody the nostalgia synonymous with FOSSIL.”

The “Machine Luxe” collection is a reimagined take on our bold and bestselling Machine platform, consisting of seven new watches and two new watch rings. Each style features a statement shaped case and signature knurling, characteristic of the Machine series at large.

The Machine Luxe Sunray Dial watches are available in Blue Vignette and Gold-Toned, featuring finely etched lines that fan out from the center of the dial to create a radiant sunray texture. The Blue Vignette paired with a brown croc-embossed leather strap was a personal request by Jonas, echoing a treasured piece from his own collection.

The Machine Luxe Automatic models elevate the offering with a skeletonized dial that reveals a premium Japanese automatic movement and hand-assembled parts. Available in Gunmetal and Gold-Toned.

Showcasing rich natural materials, the Machine Luxe Stone Dial watches arrive in genuine Malachite, Aventurine, and Marble. The signature knurling extends onto the bracelet, adding a bold twist to the classic dress watch silhouette.

Completing the capsule are the Machine Luxe Watch Rings in Gunmetal and Green Vignette. The rings mirror the timepieces’ aesthetic, bringing signature FOSSIL design details into the brand’s distinct, best-selling watch ring.

“Nick Jonas has a genuine love for watches and an authentic connection with FOSSIL brand, it having been his first watch,” said Melissa Lowenkron, Chief Brand Officer of Fossil. “There’s a sense of nostalgia and personal style he brings to the design—rooted in his own journey—that we know will resonate with fans and collectors alike.”

The Nick Jonas x FOSSIL Collection will be available at FOSSIL.com, all FOSSIL stores beginning August 20, 2025, and premium global retailers beginning September 2025.

PRESS CONTACT:
The Right Now
fossil@therightnow.co 

FOSSIL
Since 1984, Fossil has been rooted in bold design and quality craftsmanship of watches. Over the past 40 years, the brand has grown into a multi-category lifestyle brand inclusive of leather goods and jewelry that blend vintage inspiration with modern innovation by creating pieces that spark curiosity, connection, and lasting memories. Fossil creates keepsakes that honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future.

NICK JONAS

After electrifying music from multiple angles, appearing in blockbuster films, and launching successful business ventures, Nick Jonas still challenges himself and popular culture. Of course, his story as one-third of Jonas Brothers remains well-documented—especially given the band’s chart-dominating 2019 comeback Happiness Begins, sold out tours, and subsequent GRAMMY® Award nomination. At the same time, he established himself as a dynamic solo artist with a penchant for breaking boundaries. 2014’s self-titled Nick Jonas yielded the triple-platinum “Jealous,” double-platinum “Chains,” and gold-certified “Levels.” Its 2016 follow-up Last Year Was Complicated spawned the anthem “Close” [feat. Tove Lo] and brought his streams into the billions. In 2017, he contributed the Golden Globe® Award-nominated “Home” to the Ferdinand soundtrack. Meanwhile, his songwriting would be recognized with the prestigious Hal David Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016, and in 2021, he released his solo studio album Spaceman via Island Records.  Along the way, he also captivated audiences as a recurring judge on NBC’s “The Voice” in big screen favorites such as Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Ugly Dolls, Midway, Jumanji: The Next Level, Chaos Walking and more. In 2023, he starred in Robert Schwartzman’s The Good Half and is now set to return to the silver screen alongside Paul Rudd in the upcoming musical comedy Power Ballad.  In 2023, Nick and Jonas Brothers once again proved they are a constant force, embarking on a new era with the release of The Album, via Republic Records. The Album was produced by Jon Bellion and features hit singles “Waffle House” and “Wings.” In support of the new album and this new era for Jonas Brothers, they kicked off “The Tour” kicking off with two sold-out shows at New York’s iconic Yankee Stadium. “The Tour” included stadium and arena dates around the globe through 2024, resulting in the band’s biggest and most extensive tour to date. 2025 marks 20 years of Jonas Brothers, with their upcoming studio album Greetings From Your Hometown set for release via Republic Records on August 8, followed by a celebratory tour kicking off in their home state of New Jersey at MetLife Stadium on August 10.

Nick Jonas x Fossil Campaign
Nick Jonas x Fossil Campaign

 

NYSE Content Advisory: Pre-Market Update + NYSE Texas to celebrate launch at AT&T Stadium

NEW YORK, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

 

Pre-Market Update + NYSE Texas to celebrate launch at AT&T Stadium

Ashley Mastronardi delivers the pre-market update on August 20th

  • Stocks are fractionally lower following a mixed session on Tuesday that saw the DOW hit an intraday high before pulling back. NYSE-listed Home Depot led the gains after it maintained its full-year forecast.
  • The Federal Reserve will be in focus today ahead of its Economic Policy Symposium later this week. The central bank will release the latest fed minutes from July’s meeting at 2 PM ET
  • The NYSE will be in the spotlight this afternoon as NYSE Texas celebrates its launch alongside Texas leaders and innovators in AT&T stadium to ring the closing bell. AT&T (NYSE: T) dual-listed its shares on NYSE Texas in late July.

Opening Bell
BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI) celebrates its new, multi-year naming-rights partnership for the Washington Commanders Ashburn, Virginia, training facility

Closing Bell
NYSE Texas celebrates its launch with executives and founding members

Click here to download the NYSE TV App

Video – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2754475/NYSE_Market_Update_Aug_20.mp4

 

AMTD IDEA, AMTD Digital, and TGE Announce Long Term Commitment from All Executive Directors and Core Management of Key Operations and Subsidiaries

PARIS, NEW YORK and SINGAPORE, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AMTD IDEA Group (“AMTD IDEA Group“) (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB), a NYSE and SGX-ST dual-listed company and a subsidiary of AMTD Group Inc.(“AMTD Group“), AMTD Digital Inc. (“AMTD Digital“) (NYSE: HKD), a controlled and consolidated subsidiary of AMTD IDEA Group, and The Generation Essentials Group (“TGE“) (NYSE: TGE), a controlled and consolidated subsidiary of AMTD Digital, jointly announced that all executive directors and core management of key operations and subsidiaries have entered into voluntary lock-up agreements in respect of all of their holdings in AMTD IDEA Group, AMTD Digital and TGE, signaling a powerful vote of confidence in the long-term strategy and growth potential of the AMTD listed entities.

Specifically, all executive officers and management of key operations and subsidiaries have undertaken not to sell any equity securities they own in AMTD IDEA, AMTD Digital and TGE in the open market for 2 years commencing on the date of this press releases. This extends the existing lock-up commitments from the executive officers of AMTD IDEA and AMTD Digital in respect of their equity securities in AMTD IDEA and AMTD Digital to include also the core management team as well as TGE.

As previously announced, AMTD Group, AMTD IDEA Group and AMTD Digital have also committed to a lock up in respect of their equity securities in TGE for a period of 3 years from June 3, 2025, the date TGE consummated its business combination with Black Spade Acquisition II Co.

About AMTD Group Inc.
AMTD Group is a conglomerate with a core business portfolio spanning across media and entertainment, education and training, and premium assets and hospitality sectors.

About AMTD IDEA Group
AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) represents a diversified institution and digital solutions group connecting companies and investors with global markets. Its comprehensive one-stop business services plus digital solutions platform addresses different clients’ diverse and inter-connected business needs and digital requirements across all phases of their life cycles. AMTD IDEA Group is uniquely positioned as an active super connector between clients, business partners, investee companies, and investors, connecting the East and the West. For more information, please visit www.amtdinc.com or follow us on X (formerly known as “Twitter”) at @AMTDGroup.

About AMTD Digital Inc.
AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD) is a comprehensive digital solutions platform headquartered in France. Its one-stop digital solutions platform operates key business lines including digital media, content and marketing services, investments as well as hospitality and VIP services. For AMTD Digital’s announcements, please visit https://ir.amtdigital.net/investor-news.

About The Generation Essentials Group
The Generation Essentials Group (NYSE: TGE), jointly established by AMTD Group, AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) and AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD), is headquartered in France and focuses on global strategies and developments in multi-media, entertainment, and cultural affairs worldwide as well as hospitality and VIP services. TGE comprises L’Officiel, The Art Newspaper, movie and entertainment projects. Collectively, TGE is a diversified portfolio of media and entertainment businesses, and a global portfolio of premium properties.

Safe Harbor Statement 
This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs, plans, and expectations of AMTD IDEA Group and/or AMTD Digital, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the filings of AMTD IDEA Group, AMTD Digital and The Generation Essentials Group with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and none of AMTD IDEA Group, AMTD Digital and The Generation Essentials Group undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact:
For AMTD IDEA Group:

IR Office
AMTD IDEA Group
EMAIL: ir@amtdinc.com

For AMTD Digital Inc.:
IR Office
AMTD Digital Inc.
EMAIL: ir@amtdigital.net

For The Generation Essentials Group:
IR Office
The Generation Essentials Group
EMAIL: tge@amtd.world

Cell therapy is promising in treating psychiatric disorders, such as depression. — A proof-of-principle study published in “Cell Stem Cell” by the laboratory of Dr. Chen, founder of UniXell Biotech, suggests this.

SHANGHAI, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On August 11, 2025, the research team led by Professor Yuejun Chen, founder of UniXell Biotech, published an article titled “Human stem cell-derived A10 dopaminergic neurons specifically integrate into mouse circuits and improve depression-like behaviors” in Cell Stem Cell, featured as a cover story. This study marks the first establishment of a technique to efficiently and directionally differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into A10 subtype dopamine neurons. This breakthrough lays a critical scientific foundation for cell therapy of psychiatric disorders such as depression.

In this study, the R&D team of UniXell Biotechnology played a crucial role in manuscript preparation/cell differentiation, transplantation, and immunohistochemistry analysis/cell line establishment, driving the entire process from proof-of-concept to publication and providing key support for the high-quality presentation of the research outcomes. 

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the 21st century, projected to become one of the top three causes of global disease burden by 2030. Despite the widespread clinical use of existing antidepressant drugs, approximately one-third of patients suffer from treatment-resistant depression (TRD), showing poor response to current pharmacotherapies. The fundamental symptoms exhibited by depression patients, such as anhedonia and anxiety disorders, are closely associated with the regulatory network of A10 dopaminergic neuron subtypes.

The authors found that whether hPSC-derived A10 dopaminergic neurons were transplanted into the mouse VTA (orthotopic transplantation) or the nucleus accumbens (heterotopic transplantation), the grafted cells could accurately project to the target brain regions of endogenous A10 subtype dopaminergic neurons and specifically integrate into the host neural circuits. This result demonstrates that A10 dopaminergic neurons possess remarkable subtype specificity and precise neural circuit integration capabilities.

When chemogenetically engineered transplanted A10 dopaminergic neurons were activated by specific ligands, the host mice exhibited significant anti-anxiety and anti-depression phenotypes in behavioral experiments. This study is the first to demonstrate that transplantation of hPSC-derived A10 dopaminergic neuron subtypes can reconstruct this neural circuit and improve behavioral abnormalities in modeled mice, providing a novel approach for cell therapy in psychiatric disorders.

“This represents a milestone in the relatively unexplored field of cell therapy for mental illnesses. The study will initiate the clinical translation of using A10 dopaminergic neurons for depression at UniXell, which I believe will establish UniXell as a leading biotech in the field of cell therapy for psychiatric disorders,” said Dr. Chen.

About UniXell Biotechnology

Shanghai UniXell Biotechnology Co., Ltd. was established in 2021, focusing on cell therapy drug development for neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. The company possesses a 4,000-square-meter R&D center and GMP facility, and has developed four innovative technology platforms based on reprogramming technology, stem cell differentiation technology, SISBAR lineage tracing technology, and high-precision gene editing. By 2025, the company has filed over 20 patent applications, with 4 granted utility model patents and 6 software copyrights. Its self-developed cell therapy drugs have received IND approvals from both China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Two subjects have successfully dosed, with postoperative data indicating good recovery.