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HONG KONG, May 2, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – FWD Group Holdings Limited (“FWD Group” or “FWD”) today announced exceptionally strong first quarter new business highlights for the three months ended 31 March 2025.- New business contractual service margin (“New business CSM”) growth of 55 percent year-on-year, to US$465 million. This adds to the company’s overall CSM balance, which is released over time to its income statement under IFRS 17.- New business sales (“APE”) growth of 46 percent, compared to the same corresponding period last year, to US$679 million.- Extended FWD Group’s partnership with JA Worldwide in April for a further three years to help primary school students in Asia develop financial literacy, through the award-winning programme, JA SparktheDream.Huynh Thanh Phong, Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of FWD Group, said, “FWD Group had a very strong start to the year, with our customer-led strategy driving some incredible new business results. We continued to respond to rapidly evolving customer needs for protection, health, and savings, with 10 new products introduced in the quarter, including FWD Private’s first high-net-worth indexed universal life proposition.”“FWD Group had a terrific quarter and maintained a strong balance sheet, however, we’re keeping a close watch on the volatility in global financial markets and the uncertain global macro-economic outlook. Risk management is always a top priority and FWD Group is taking a prudent approach in preparing for a range of possible scenarios and outcomes,” added Huynh Thanh Phong.The growth in new business indicators was driven by most of the 10 markets FWD operates in.In Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR, the particularly strong trajectory of growth in new business sales and new business CSM continued, reflecting demand from both local and Mainland Chinese visitor customers.In the Thailand & Cambodia reporting segment, new business indicators were impacted by weaker economic conditions as well as lower interest rates.Double digit growth in new business sales in the company’s Emerging Markets segment was broad-based, while Japan posted steady new business indicators. Quarter ended 31 March^  US$ millions, except for percentages  20242025Growth(year on year CER basis) New business growth indicatorsNew business sales (APE)46067946% New business CSM29746555% Value of new business (VNB)21528732% About FWD GroupFWD Group is a pan-Asian life and health insurance business that serves approximately 30 million customers across 10 markets, including BRI Life in Indonesia. FWD’s customer-led and digitally enabled approach aims to deliver innovative propositions, easy-to-understand products and a simpler insurance experience. Established in 2013, the company operates in some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world with a vision of changing the way people feel about insurance. For more information, please visit www.fwd.comFor media inquiries, please contact: groupcommunications@fwd.comSource: FWD Group Holdings Limited^The unaudited results are for the three months ended 31 March 2025 and are compared to the same period in 2024. Growth rates are represented on a constant exchange rate (CER) basis. New business sales are calculated on an annual premium equivalent (APE) basis, based on 100 percent annual premiums and 10 percent single premiums. New business CSM excludes the impact of one-off reinsurance contracts on in-force business. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TSUKUBA, Japan, May 2, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - In a collaboration between Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), researchers have built a comprehensive new database of dielectric material properties curated from thousands of scientific papers. The study, published in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods, also offers insights that could accelerate the development of next-generation electronic materials and energy storage technologies. Large-scale dielectric materials database built with the open database project "Starrydata" and generation of a materials map using machine learning-based data visualization.AI-driven materials discovery has great potential to accelerate innovation, but it relies on large and diverse datasets. The lack of such data remains a major bottleneck in the field.　To address this challenge, researchers used the Starrydata2 web system to collect experimental data on over 20,000 material samples from more than 5,000 publications. The NIMS team has developed a standardized approach to extract data from graphs, including temperature-dependent properties, which are often omitted in other databases. "What makes our work unique is the meticulous process of manually tracing graphs and correcting inconsistencies in original research papers to create a clean, high-quality dataset," the researchers said.The database focuses on a specific class of materials necessary for electronics and is the largest ever reported, significantly surpassing previous collections. With this wealth of information, the team used machine learning (ML) to predict the properties of materials and how they would behave electronically.Although the ML models were effective, they initially worked as "black boxes" — the researchers couldn’t see why the models made their predictions. To understand the context for predictions, the team created visual maps of the data, making complex information easier to interpret. They used clustering algorithms to automatically group similar materials. This analysis helped them spot patterns in how a material's composition affects its properties. The team was also able to categorize the materials into distinct groups, including seven important ferroelectric families, providing a global landscape of the entire compositional space. The team took a closer look at ABO3 Perovskites, a family of materials which are essential components in everyday electronic devices and energy storage technologies, such as smartphones, computers, and solar cells. Their visualizations showed a simple link between the basic structure of the material and its dielectric permittivity, which coincides with previous academic knowledge.This work advances our understanding of dielectric materials and moves research beyond traditional trial-and-error approaches. "By curating the largest dataset as ever and combining various machine-learning methods, we succeeded in visualizing the landscape of the entire compositional space in unprecedented detail," the team explained.The NIMS team plans to make the dataset publicly available next year, allowing scientists worldwide to leverage it for new discoveries. Future work may involve expanding data collection to include manufacturing methods and processing conditions, allowing for more comprehensive predictions that would link production processes to material properties. "We hope that this foundational work will inspire similar data collection initiatives and new approaches to materials discovery, ultimately leading to smarter materials development pathways that benefit society through improved electronic technologies," the researchers concluded. Further informationTomoki MurataMurata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Email: tomoki.murata258@murata.comYukari KatsuraNational Institute for Materials ScienceEmail: KATSURA.Yukari@nims.go.jpPaper: https://doi.org/10.1080/27660400.2025.2485018About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods (STAM-M)STAM Methods is an open access sister journal of Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM), and focuses on emergent methods and tools for improving and/or accelerating materials developments, such as methodology, apparatus, instrumentation, modeling, high-through put data collection, materials/process informatics, databases, and programming. https://www.tandfonline.com/STAM-MDr Kazuya SaitoSTAM Methods Publishing DirectorEmail: SAITO.Kazuya@nims.go.jpPress release distributed by Asia Research News for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

SAN RAMON, CA AND SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, May 1, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sensiba LLP, a Top-75 U.S. accounting and consulting firm, is pleased to announce the acquisition of AssuranceLab Pty. Ltd., a high-growth cybersecurity audit and risk assurance firm headquartered in Australia, with operations across the Americas, APAC, and EMEA.This milestone expands Sensiba's international reach and deepens its security, privacy, and compliance framework capabilities. Together, the combined firm now supports over 2,300 startup and technology-driven enterprise clients worldwide-providing streamlined, high-quality audits across more than 15 compliance standards, including SOC 2, ISO/IEC 27001, HIPAA, CSA STAR, and HITRUST."We're honored to welcome AssuranceLab to Sensiba. Their reputation in the market is well-earned, driven by innovation, credibility, and a commitment to raising the bar for cybersecurity audits. What makes this such a strong fit is the alignment across our values and client service philosophies, as well as our vision for the future," said John Sensiba, managing partner at Sensiba."Both of our firms have built deep relationships with startups and technology companies, businesses that increasingly recognize how cyber threats, ESG risk, and privacy concerns impact investor confidence, market relevance, and talent retention in a global landscape. AssuranceLab's technology-forward approach and entrepreneurial spirit will be central to how we continue supporting clients with the insight, scale, and expertise they need for rapid growth."Both firms are Certified B Corporations, with a shared commitment to responsible business practices, transparency, and fostering healthy communities. This acquisition brings a broader range of services, including cybersecurity consulting and penetration testing, while maintaining a client-centric, tech-enabled audit experience that both teams are known for."We're excited to take this next step in AssuranceLab's journey," said Paul Wenham, cofounder and co-CEO of AssuranceLab and now a Sensiba partner. "Sensiba shares our client-first and technology-led approach to client service, and their people radiate the kind of values we deeply respect. Joining Sensiba gives us a platform to bring our innovative programs, audit models, and tech to a broader audience, and to have more impact as our clients navigate increasingly complex assurance and compliance challenges.""What excites us most about coming together with Sensiba is the opportunity to build on our tech-forward foundation while tapping into new expertise, geographies, and ideas," said Nicholas Lew Ton, cofounder and co-CEO of AssuranceLab and now a Sensiba partner. "The compliance and risk landscape is changing rapidly, and clients value innovation as we lead the next wave of modern, meaningful audits."Clients will continue working with their existing teams, and there will be no reintroductions or disruptions to service. What's new is the expanded scale, broader framework coverage, and global footprint across The Americas, APAC, and EMEA to better support their cross-border compliance needs and demonstrate their commitment to data security and privacy.About AssuranceLabAssuranceLab is a modern cybersecurity audit and advisory firm, serving hundreds of fast-growing digital businesses worldwide. Headquartered in Australia, the firm offers streamlined, tech-enabled compliance services across global frameworks. AssuranceLab is a Certified B Corp, recognized for its people-first culture and commitment to excellence. Learn more at AssuranceLab.cpa.About SensibaSensiba's global accounting, tax, risk assurance, and consulting services help businesses and people solve problems, establish trust, and build a foundation for sustainable growth. Independent and partner-owned, we're a top-75 U.S. firm with a global footprint, maintaining operations across The Americas, Europe, Australia, and beyond. We're passionate about collaborating with clients to increase efficiency, mitigate risk, and embrace emerging opportunities. As a certified B Corp, we foster a culture where people, families, and communities thrive. As a member of Morison Global, we support our clients' international accounting and tax needs. For more information, visit Sensiba.com.Contact:Marc Stevens, Brand & Communications Manager925-271-8700 x7166mstevens@sensiba.comSOURCE: Sensiba LLP Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

HONG KONG, Apr 30, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – FWD Group Holdings Limited (“FWD Group” or “FWD”) today announced a three-year extension of its partnership with JA (Junior Achievement) Worldwide – a youth-focused charity and Nobel Peace Prize 2025 nominee – to reach 40,000 more students across Asia by the end of 2027 with its award-winning financial literacy programme.The JA SparktheDream programme gives students aged from nine years old to early teens financial education that’s integrated with social and life skills. It does this via a range of engaging learning experiences such as interactive games, digital activities, and classroom sessions supported by FWD volunteers in eight markets across Asia. In the next phase from 2025-2027, the goal is to educate another 40,000 students, engage more parents and teachers, and introduce new programmes to foster mental health resilience skills.Cathy Knezevic, Group Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, FWD Group said, “Children are the most important asset any community has – they’re our inspiration, future leaders and innovators. We know that financial literacy helps people to make better decisions for their future, empowering them to celebrate living. It’s also an important enabler for long-term economic and social development in the community. That’s why we’re delighted to continue our partnership with JA. We want to help more children to gain these skills early in life, to support their well-being later in life.”From 2022-2024, the FWD Group partnership with JA Asia Pacific – the regional operating centre of JA Worldwide – reached more than 37,000 students, exceeding the initial target by 49 per cent. Among participants, 88 per cent gained an understanding of money's role in daily life, while 80 per cent developed a greater awareness of community needs. Over 1,650 students also participated in the JA SparktheDream Social Challenge where they put their new skills and creativity into practice to solve real-world challenges in their communities.Asheesh Advani, Chief Executive Officer, JA Worldwide said, “Our partnership with FWD has provided tens of thousands of students with access to practical and impactful financial education. As we embark on this next phase, we look forward to deepening our impact and enabling even more young people to become financially capable and socially conscious individuals.” FWD Group co-created the JA SparktheDream programme with JA, successfully piloted it in Hong Kong SAR and Singapore in 2022 and expanded it to eight markets – Hong Kong SAR; Indonesia; Japan; Malaysia; the Philippines; Singapore; Thailand; and Vietnam – in its first three years from 2022-2024. The programme included almost 900 classes, supported by over 800 FWD employee volunteers.JA SparktheDream was recognised with a Silver Award in the 2023 Investor and Financial Education Awards from the Investor and Financial Education Council in Hong Kong SAR; a Bronze Stevie® Award at the Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards 2024 for Innovative Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility in the Philippines; and a Special Mention in the 2024 Bisnis Indonesia Corporate Social Responsibility Awards in Indonesia.About FWD GroupFWD Group is a pan-Asian life and health insurance business that serves approximately 30 million customers across 10 markets, including BRI Life in Indonesia. FWD’s customer-led and digitally enabled approach aims to deliver innovative propositions, easy-to-understand products and a simpler insurance experience. Established in 2013, the company operates in some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world with a vision of changing the way people feel about insurance. For more information, please visit www.fwd.comAbout JA Asia PacificJA Asia Pacific, a regional operating centre of JA Worldwide, empowers young people with the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities—and to actively shape it. As the voice of a region that holds 60% of the world’s youth, JA Asia Pacific delivers real-world learning in work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship—preparing young people not just for the jobs of tomorrow, but to create them. With a network spanning 17 countries and territories, we connect students to the global economy through hands-on experiences that spark innovation, grow resilience, and build purpose-driven leadership. Backed by over a century of global impact, JA is building the future of work, one young person at a time.To learn more, visit jaasiapacific.org or follow on social media @JAAsiaPacificAbout JA WorldwideAs one of the world's largest and most-impactful youth-serving NGOs, JA Worldwide provides hands on, immersive learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial health. By partnering with 700,000+ business volunteers and teachers in 118 countries, JA Worldwide delivers more than 19 million student experiences each year—leveraging our scale, expertise, and passion to build a boundless future for the next generation. Visit jaworldwide.orgSource: FWD Group Holdings Limited Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

- The seven lifestyle and licensing events organised by the HKTDC concluded successfully today, with buyer numbers increasing across all exhibitions and some 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions attending in total- Non-local buyers came primarily from Mainland China, Taiwan and Malaysia, underscoring Hong Kong’s influence as an international trade platform- On-site surveys conducted at the events indicated that nearly half of respondents (49.2%) expected overall sales to rise in the next one to two yearsHONG KONG, Apr 30, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The seven large-scale trade events organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), covering lifestyle products and licensing opportunities, concluded successfully today, with buyer numbers increasing across all exhibitions and some 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions attending for on-site purchasing and business negotiations. Among the lifestyle fairs, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair recorded some 36,000 buyers, Home InStyle attracted over 20,000 buyers, Fashion InStyle drew over 11,000 buyers, while the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong saw over 11,000 buyers attend the concurrent events. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) attracted over 20,000 buyers, and the Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) featured nearly 20 international licensing industry leaders as speakers. Non-local buyers at the six fairs came primarily from Mainland China, Taiwan and Malaysia, highlighting Hong Kong’s influence as an international trade platform.Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “The seven major events held by the HKTDC in late April brought together some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. Despite the current challenges in the global economic and trade environment, we actively attracted buyers to our fairs to enhance trade resilience and assist exhibitors in gaining a foothold in new markets such as the Middle East and ASEAN regions. The HKTDC remains committed to promoting cross-sector and international trade cooperation among exhibitors, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international trade hub and showcasing its unique advantage in building connections regionally and globally.”Nearly half of respondents forecast sales growthTo gain deeper insights into current trends in the lifestyle products industry, the HKTDC conducted a survey of 1,583 exhibitors and buyers at the Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, and Fashion InStyle. Key market overview and product trends include:- Nearly half of respondents (49.2%) expected their overall sales would rise in the next one to two years, while 44.5% foresaw that sales will remain stable. The greatest challenges identified were growing protectionist measures (45.7%), fluctuations in the global economy (43.3%) and the impact of inflation (32.0%).- Respondents believed sales prospects are promising or very promising over the next two years in Mainland China (77.3%), India (74.2%), Taiwan (67.6%), Republic of Korea (66.4%) and ASEAN countries (65.8%).- The following are the markets that the respondents are actively exploring: Europe (30.5%), ASEAN countries (17.2%), Japan (13.1%), North America (12.3%) and Republic of Korea (9.5%).- In the gifts and premium market, respondents believed cultural gifts (17.6%), tech gifts (17.0%) and fashion accessories (16.9%) had the most growth potential.- In the furniture and houseware market, smart home technology (21.0%), designer furniture and houseware products (17.0%) and kitchenware and tableware (15.7%) were considered to have the most growth potential.- Respondents identified womenswear (40.3%), urban clothing (39.1%), and fashion accessories (32.0%) as having the most growth potential in the fashion market.Concurrent mega events create synergies and promote new market opportunitiesThe seven concurrent events this year, spanning gifts, houseware, fashion, printing and packaging and IP licensing, helped to foster cross-industry collaboration for exhibitors and buyers. Jimmy Lo, Business Strategy Manager of Homelover Products Limited, a Hong Kong exhibitor at Home InStyle, said: “The number of new buyers visiting our booth has doubled over last year, coming mainly from Asia, the Middle East and South America. The fair attracted fashion buyers and also drew a children’s product exhibitor’s interest in partnering with us to develop eco-friendly tableware. It is expected that this fair will bring us approximately US$100,000 in sales.” A German buyer at the Gifts & Premium Fair, Michael Baumann, a partner in Know How International GmbH & Co KG, said: “I sourced products from India, Vietnam and Bangladesh as souvenirs and giveaways for the European football league. Additionally, I identified a sports bag supplier and a recycled paper box supplier from Mainland China, as well as a metal souvenir supplier from Hong Kong, with a potential total order value of approximately US$2.3 million to US$2.8 million. I am also highly interested in the licensed animated characters from a mainland exhibitor, with a potential order value of up to US$600,000.”In response to global trade challenges, exhibitors are prioritising market diversification and actively pursuing new customer acquisition. Hong Kong exhibitor Moral Team Holdings Ltd has participated in the Gifts & Premium Fair for 17 years, focusing on the development of eco-friendly bag products. The company’s Marketing & Ecommerce Manager, Charlotte Chui, said: “The new US tariff policies have impacted 10% of our export share, prompting us to focus more on the Asian market at this stage. The Gifts & Premium Fair has provided us with a platform to connect with buyers from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. Our mid- to long-term plan is expanding into the Australian and European markets. The concurrent fairs have attracted interest from fashion and houseware buyers. On the first day alone, we secured several orders from the Asian market and anticipate achieving total sales of over US$500,000 at the fair.”Fairs drive the development of high-value cultural and creative industriesCultural and creative products that combine design and functionality are attracting significant attention from buyers. Stanley Kwok, Director of KnitWarm Ltd, a Hong Kong exhibitor at Home InStyle, said “We showcased our patented heat-conductive smart textile technology products in the Cultural and Creative Avenue and Gerontech Living Pavilion. Buyers from Japan, Mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK and the US, as well as social workers in Hong Kong, have expressed interest in our four-in-one warmer blanket cushions and warmer band series. We are confident that the fair will generate at least US$200,000 in sales for our company.” Taiwan buyer William Wu, owner of Royal Best Group Corp, said: “I was impressed by the home trends highlighted in the collaboration between the Cultural and Creative Avenue and Pantone. I connected with exhibitors from the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Hong Kong and more, and plan to make purchases of houseware products totalling US$50,000 to US$100,000 this year. I’m particularly interested in the Czech incense stick holder and look forward to future collaboration opportunities.” Global new materials at Fashion InStyle drive cross-sector interestThis year saw the launch of NEXT@Fashion InStyle at Fashion InStyle a new highlighted zone organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the HKSAR Government. Han Chong, founder and creative director of Self-Portrait, joined as the zone’s ambassador. NEXT@Fashion InStyle was dedicated to establishing a collaborative platform for sustainable and new materials for buyers and exhibitors, as well as designer brands, successfully connecting a buyer from Malaysia, Richard Tsen, founder of CollbStore, with Indonesian exhibitor PT Miko Bahtera Nusantara (MYCL). Mr Tsen said: “I am very interested in the company’s mushroom leather material and was amazed by its solidness and coating after the baking process. This inspired me to apply it to my designer label. I also referred them to the Malaysian Furniture Design Institute to let them explore the creation of mushroom leather furniture. I believe it has the potential to make a significant impact and resonate within the Malaysian and wider Asian market.”Mary Ma, owner-principal of Textile Library, a mainland exhibitor at Fashion InStyle, expressed keen interest in leveraging the exhibition to explore establishing a base in Hong Kong. She said: “Hong Kong is a vibrant crossroads where eastern and western cultures meet. It connects factories across Southeast Asia and attracts European and American buyers.” Chinamind Next Interculture Group, the parent company of renowned fashion industry publication WWD China, also recognised the strategic advantages of Hong Kong as a gateway connecting the mainland with the world, signing a memorandum of understanding with the HKTDC during the fair.Diverse creativity unlocks new licensing opportunitiesChengdu Chenghau Butterflies Huatian Culture Development Co Ltd, one of the exhibitors at the HKILS, signed a cooperation agreement with Sureka.Z Limited worth RMB2 million during the show. The former granted Sureka.Z Limited the performance rights for 10 shows of Panda the Musical in Hong Kong and Macao. At the ALC, meanwhile, leaders from the industry shared their insights on the trends and opportunities in the creative industry. Gabriel Kwong, Panda IP Creator, Ocean Park Hong Kong and Co-Founder of Air World Limited said: “Our edge is being able to see the world from a panda's perspective, and as a park that raises pandas we can immediately gather real-life materials and transform them into IP content. The interplay between reality and virtual elements makes our IP increasingly entertaining."The Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong also created business opportunities for the industry. Zahoor A Qurashi, CEO of Regal Pack, a buyer from the UK, shared: “The fair featured a wide range of sustainable products, including luxury options such as skincare and perfume packaging, as well as ribbons, alongside practical everyday solutions like food and beverage packaging. I placed an order worth US$80,000 with one supplier and am optimistic about future collaborations. Additionally, I made an initial order of US$40,000 with another supplier for heat-expandable cups, which has the potential to grow significantly, possibly reaching US$1 million.” Seamless online-offline integration drives business engagementThe seven events adopted the EXHIBITION+ online-offline integrated model, enabling buyers to continue discussions with exhibitors online during and after the fairs, extending business interactions beyond the physical event.  Photo download: https://bit.ly/44bMnphThe seven HKTDC lifestyle and licensing events concluded successfully today, attracting some 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions for on-site procurement.The Joint Networking Reception for the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair and Home InStyle 2025 was held on Sunday, celebrating the 40th edition of the Gifts Fair. Joining the event were Legislative Council President Andrew Leung (front row, third from left), HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong (front row, third from right), HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong (front row, far left), HKTDC Home InStyle and Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair Organising Committee Chairman Jeffrey Lam (front row, second from left), The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association Chairman Eric Sun (front row, second from right), and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited Deputy Managing Director Diane Chen (front row, far right).The Hall of Fine Designs at the Gifts & Premium Fair featured renowned brands, including Hong Kong exhibitor China Pearl (HK) Company Limited which showcased Thomson Pottery’s exquisite porcelain tableware.Home InStyle collaborated with the European Product Design Award to present the “Best of Show Award”, recognising innovative houseware designs, with seven winning entries standing out this year.Funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission, Home InStyle introduced the Gerontech Living Pavilion in 2025, showcasing innovative products and solutions for the elderly from more than 10 local companies.At Fashion InStyle, some exhibitors expressed an interest in establishing a presence in Hong Kong, using the fair as a platform to explore opportunities. They included first-time exhibitor Textile Library from Hangzhou, which successfully attracted buyers from Europe, the United States and Southeast Asia.Fashion InStyle launched the new NEXT@Fashion InStyle highlighted zone this year, holding a fashion parade to showcase garments designed by five Hong Kong designers using advanced fashion materials.WWD China co-organised a seminar titled "Upstream Circularity: Designing and Constructing a Closed-Loop System for the Fashion Industry" with the HKTDC. It brought together experts, scholars, material suppliers and brand representatives to share innovative ideas and practical strategies with industry representatives.DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong showcased a wide range of premium packaging products for jewellery, fine wines, watches and cosmetics.Raistlin Lau (back row, seventh from left), Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, joined HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Patrick Lau (back row, sixth from left) and other guests to visit the “Hong Kong Licensing Force” showcase on the first day of the Hong Kong International Licensing Show.WebsitesHKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enHong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkgiftspremiumfair/enHome InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/homeinstyle/enFashion InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/fashioninstyle/enHong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkprintpackfair/enDeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong: https://www.hktdc.com/event/deluxeprintpackhk/enHong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/enMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Home InStyleFraser LiTel: (852) 2584 4369Email: fraser.li@hktdc.orgFashion InStyleSerena CheungTel: (852) 2584 4272Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.orgHK Gifts & Premium Fair, HK International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong KongWinnie KanTel: (852) 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.orgHK International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing ConferenceKaty WongTel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.  Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

BEIJING CHINA, Apr 29, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – DataBurning, a leading alternative data and digital solutions provider for financial institutions and corporates, recently announced a strategic partnership with Vumonic Datalabs, a pioneer in e-receipt technology. Under the agreement, DataBurning will serve as the official go-to-market partner for Vumonic's industry-leading India e-receipt panel.The partnership combines Vumonic's proprietary e-receipt technology and extensive India panel with DataBurning's established distribution network and client relationships. Financial institutions and corporations will now have exclusive access to granular spending data covering over 270 companies across India's rapidly growing digital economy.This landmark partnership brings Vumonic's high-frequency, low-latency e-receipt data to investment professionals for the first time. The dataset, delivered with industry-leading accuracy through Vumonic's proprietary processing technology, is designed to meet the exacting standards of hedge funds, quantitative investors, private equity firms, venture capital groups, and major investment banks seeking visibility into India's dynamic market."This partnership represents a significant advancement in alternative data on the Indian market," said Gabriel Appleton, Co-founder of Vumonic Datalabs. "By combining our comprehensive e-receipt technology and data with DataBurning's market reach, we're providing unprecedented visibility into spending patterns across India's digital economy."This marks the first time Vumonic's powerful e-receipt data is being made available to financial firms, following years of development and validation. The company's extensive panel and proprietary parsing technology have until now been reserved for select enterprise clients and internal research.Vumonic's e-receipt panel offers transaction-level insights for major platforms including Zomato, Swiggy, Flipkart, MakeMyTrip, and hundreds more Indian companies. The data provides valuable signals for investors and brands looking to understand market share, growth trends, and spending behavior."We've been searching for a partner that could deliver reliable, granular e-receipt data on India's digital economy," said Joyce Xiang, Co-President of DataBurning's Finance Business Group. "Vumonic's e-receipt panel offers the scale, accuracy, and coverage institutional investors demand for making data-driven investment and strategic decisions."The partnership delivers several key benefits tailored specifically for institutional investors:·          - Institutional-Grade Signal Quality: Transaction data with demonstrated correlation to company performance metrics, ideal for investment modeling- Ultra-Low Latency: Data delivered with minimal lag, critical for time-sensitive investment strategies- Comprehensive Coverage: Transaction-level data for over 270 companies, covering both public equities and private market opportunities- Multi-Frequency Options: Data available in daily, weekly, or monthly cadences to match various investment horizons- Ethical Data Collection: All data collected with explicit user consent and properly anonymized"Vumonic's technology can consistently process millions of complex e-receipts daily with 99.9% accuracy, providing the reliability that institutional investors require," added Appleton. "Our panel's scale and depth offer unprecedented visibility into transaction patterns across India's most dynamic sectors."As part of the collaboration, the companies will jointly host regular webinars showcasing market insights and trends derived from the data. Investors interested in the webinar could register on Databurning website.Founded in 2018, Vumonic has established itself as a leader in e-receipt technology, processing billions of transactions annually while maintaining the highest standards of data privacy and security. The company's proprietary parsing and enrichment technology transforms raw receipt data into structured intelligence.DataBurning, founded in early 2019 and backed by SoftBank Asia, and IDG Capital, has quickly becomes Asia's premier provider of alternative data and digital solutions for financial institutions and corporations. By harnessing AI and other innovative technologies, DataBurning's highly skilled data-science and analyst team turn data into actionable insights, and commentary and fundamental analysis to enhance client’s decision-making.Financial institutions and corporations interested in accessing Vumonic's India e-receipt data should contact DataBurning for more information.Website: https://www.databurning.com/en/Email: market@databurning.com Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

POOLER, GEORGIA, Apr 29, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - HydroFleet, Inc. ("HydroFleet") is excited to announce the construction of its new hydrogen production and refueling station at the new HTWO Energy Savannah site in Pooler, Georgia. This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in clean energy and sustainable transportation solutions, aimed at servicing zero-emission FCEV heavy trucks. This investment will significantly enhance the region's clean energy infrastructure, supporting zero-emission heavy-duty trucks and other clean energy vehicles, including port applications and nearby rail, while contributing to a sustainable future.HTWO Energy Savannah Refueling BayHTWO Energy Savannah Station Depictions are Represented for the Planned Pooler, GA, Facility"Pooler is an ideal location for HydroFleet's facility due to the proximity to major interstates, the Port of Savannah, and prospective fleet customers," said Scott Moe, President and CEO, HydroFleet, expressing his enthusiasm for the project. "We know customers want zero-emission fleets but have struggled to source the entire hydrogen ecosystem at a competitive price. Through strategic partnerships and proven, safe technology, HydroFleet solves this challenging industry problem. We look forward to partnering with Pooler to lead the clean energy transition to cost-effective, emission-free heavy truck fleets here in Georgia and across the U.S."HydroFleet's investment in Pooler is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the area, creating jobs and positioning Pooler, and the greater Savannah, GA, area, as a leader in clean energy solutions. The facility will utilize advanced hydrogen production and distribution technology to reduce emissions and noise pollution, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for the community."HTWO Energy Savannah is a breakthrough hydrogen production and refueling station for the heavy-duty trucking industry, allowing zero-emissions trucks to quickly and easily refuel at a single convenient location in the Savannah region," said Jim Park, SVP, commercial vehicle and hydrogen fuel cell business, Hyundai Motor North America. "The HTWO Energy Savannah hydrogen station will also truly fulfill our vision for Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America ("HMGMA") Clean Logistics, allowing our innovative new electric vehicle plant to transport plant shipments within a clean, zero-emissions ecosystem.""This marks a significant step forward in the decarbonization of emissions-intensive port operations and major logistics corridors," said Jonathan Choi, CEO, HTWO Logistics. "HTWO Energy Savannah provides hydrogen fuel for our Hyundai XCIENT hydrogen-powered class 8 truck fleet, which provides clean logistics for Hyundai's new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America."John Porter, CEO of Capital Development Partners, the property owner and project developer, added, "We are thrilled to collaborate with HydroFleet on this groundbreaking project. This hydrogen production station will not only enhance the local economy but also establish Pooler as a leader in clean energy solutions. Our commitment to sustainable development aligns perfectly with HydroFleet's vision for a greener future."Seth Greengrass, Director, Origination of Axpo, the global energy contract provider for the project, commented, "Axpo is proud to support HydroFleet's innovative hydrogen production facility. Our expertise in energy trading and risk management ensures a reliable and efficient supply of feedstock, contributing to the success of this environmentally friendly initiative."HydroFleet also partnered with the Savannah Economic Development Authority ("SEDA") and the Southeast Hydrogen Energy Alliance ("SHEA") in development of the cutting-edge hydrogen facility. The collaboration encompassed comprehensive planning, strategic site selection, meticulous permitting processes, and robust public education initiatives, ensuring the project's success and community engagement.The deal was completed with legal assistance from Jennifer Surprenant and Raffael Fiumara, both shareholders of Greenberg Traurig LLP. HydroFleet was advised by Lazard, Inc.For more details, please contact:Leam NelsonChief Business Officer, HydroFleetEmail: info@hydrofleet.comPhone: (833) 493-7635Follow HydroFleet on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTokAbout HydroFleet:HydroFleet is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, spearheading the transition to hydrogen-powered mobility and adoption of green technology. We equip industries and fleets with an evolving range of streamlined solutions that maximize operational efficiency and profitability. HydroFleet's versatile hydrogen solutions fuel an increasing range of hydrogen applications, making the transition to a sustainable fleet effortless. HydroFleet, Power to make a difference®. Visit www.hydrofleet.com.Contact InformationLeam NelsonChief Business Officerinfo@hydrofleet.com(833) 493-7635Related Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0wBimtWfC8SOURCE: HydroFleet, Inc.Related ImagesHTWO Pooler FacilityHTWO Energy Savannah Station Depictions are Represented for the Planned Pooler, GA, Site Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

West Palm Beach, FL, Apr 29, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - USPA Global, the company that manages U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), announced that the sports brand has delivered a record $2.5 billion in global retail sales in 2024 with a target of $3 billion in sales and 1,500 U.S. Polo Assn. stores in the near future.U.S. Polo Assn.U.S. Polo Assn.'s continued record growth resulted from expanding its existing footprint across all regions around the world. U.S. Polo Assn. delivered steady growth in North America, the brand's largest market, and continued to gain market share in the other established regions of Western Europe, Middle East and Latin America. In addition, U.S. Polo Assn. is significantly growing in emerging markets for the brand such as Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe. Finally, U.S. Polo Assn. is considered the largest and fastest growing menswear brand in India, with the brand targeting a billion dollars of retail sales in the country in the coming years. U.S. Polo Assn. will also be actively launching several new strategic markets in 2025 including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Poland and Thailand.Today, U.S. Polo Assn.'s footprint spans across 190 countries, with some 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, and thousands of other locations including department stores, specialty retail, sporting goods channels, and e-commerce. U.S. Polo Assn. continues to climb the retail ranks as one of the largest global licensed sports brands in the world, ranking in the top five alongside the NFL, MLB, and NBA, according to License Global."The strength of our sport-inspired brand, great quality products and overall global momentum has resulted in yet another record year for U.S. Polo Assn.," explained J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages and markets the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand globally. "Our biggest growth engine for U.S. Polo Assn. around the world is our direct-to-consumer sales, whether that's in our sport-inspired stores or through our branded e-commerce sites, which enable consumers to engage with the brand and our authentic connection to the sport.""For U.S. Polo Assn., our significant growth in direct-to-consumer channels can be directly attributed to our strategic initiatives to enhance customer engagement and build brand awareness in ways that improve the overall customer experience," added Prince.U.S. Polo Assn.'s robust growth strategy includes a relentless focus on retail store expansion worldwide. The brand has grown its global fleet to over 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. stores, targeting some 1,500 by 2030. For 2024, new and existing strategic stores around the world continue to be enhanced with a more elevated brand and sports concept, providing consumers with an authentic experience when engaging with the brand. Flagship locations are being enhanced or opening in markets all over the world, offering curated selections of U.S. Polo Assn. clothing and accessories for men, women and kids.In addition, U.S. Polo Assn. continues to build on its successful digital strategies to generate record growth in e-commerce with some 50 brand sites in 20 languages. Retail sales growth can also be attributed to new site launches in India, the U.K., Japan and Romania, all demonstrating tremendous e-commerce momentum. U.S. Polo Assn. has further expanded its digital presence across the top social media platforms, with over 10 million followers worldwide demonstrating additional global momentum."We remain committed to entering new partnerships and opportunities to drive our international market expansion and grow our product category offerings while also elevating our global brand strategy, strengthening our strategic sports relationships and philanthropic mission while deepening our authentic connection to the sport of polo," Prince concludes.The brand's relationship with ESPN now runs through 2026 with a recent extension, bringing the thrilling sport to a large global audience and making polo accessible to millions of households and multiple digital channels. The sport's illustrious U.S. Open Polo Championship®, which is broadcast by ESPN and hosted this year by legendary ESPN commentator Chris Fowler, now sits alongside the elite company of The Masters and the Kentucky Derby as one of the country's most prestigious Spring sporting events. In addition, an iconic deal was signed with Star Sports India to broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn, alongside Wimbledon, Premier League Soccer and India Premier League (IPL) Cricket.The USPA National Polo Center (NPC), the sport's premier destination in North America, brought record crowds and sellout Sundays for the 2024-2025 American High-Goal Polo Season, with the best polo in the world from January through April. The stunning venue, now owned by the USPA, is situated in beautiful Palm Beach County, Florida, spans 160 acres, and encompasses multiple grass polo fields, fine dining, tennis courts, stadium seating, swimming pool, and the newly renovated USPA Shop. This Flagship location is an elevated consumer experience filled with rich polo heritage and fashion, boasting a diverse curated collection of sport-inspired and luxury merchandise. At the centerpiece of the USPA Shop is the "Halo," a 360-degree circular screen that showcases the most exciting polo highlights of the season, immersing polo fans and consumers alike.Further supporting the brand's consumer engagement initiatives, the USPA Global Team has been preparing worldwide for a series of 135th Anniversary global events and brand campaigns to create an unforgettable experience for sports fans and consumers in 2025. The U.S. Polo Assn. Anniversary Campaign, now underway, celebrates the 135th year of the USPA and features activations in major markets, including North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Throughout 2025, consumers can look forward to exclusive in-store events, digital experiences, capsule collections, and collaborations with influencers and athletes, all celebrating the sport's legacy and future."In 2024, the U.S. Polo Assn. Global Team and our worldwide strategic partners delivered unprecedented financial results and reached significant achievements in our product offerings, expansion initiatives, global marketing and broadcast efforts," said Prince. "I look forward to an exciting 2025 with an outstanding 135th Anniversary Campaign featuring global events that are already underway in the United States, India and China, with more to come in Italy, the U.K., Turkey and beyond.""I have never been more confident and optimistic about the U.S. Polo Assn. global business increasing our market presence and growing our leadership position, with the near-term goal of passing $3 billion in worldwide sales and 1,500 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores by 2030," Prince concludes.About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA GlobalU.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and polo players in the United States, founded in 1890 and based at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida. This year, U.S. Polo Assn. celebrates 135 years of sports inspiration alongside the USPA. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. Historic deals with ESPN in the United States and Star Sports in India now broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., making the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time.U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors in the world alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized internationally with awards for global and digital growth. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.USPA Global is a subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPA Global also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sports and lifestyle content. For more sports content, visit globalpolo.com.Contact InformationStacey KovalskyVice President, Global PR and Communicationsskovalsky@uspagl.com+001.561.790.8036Kaela DrakePR & Communications Specialistkdrake@uspagl.com+001.561.461.8596SOURCE: U.S. Polo Assn.Related Images Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

RIYADH, Apr 30, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is the official government entity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia responsible for regulating and overseeing the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Its mandate includes organizing pilgrimage operations, ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims, and enforcing relevant policies. This announcement clarifies the Ministry's position on the mandatory requirement of Hajj permits for domestic pilgrims and Hajj visas for international visitors in order to ensure an orderly and secure pilgrimage experience.The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has affirmed that the performance of Hajj rituals will only be permissible through adherence to the necessary regulations and laws, specifically by obtaining a Hajj permit for domestic pilgrims and a Hajj visa for pilgrims from abroad.The Ministry indicated that this requirement aims to foster a culture of compliance with regulations, which will, in turn, facilitate the Hajj rituals with ease and tranquility. This is being achieved in collaboration with the embassies of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, media offices, and Hajj and Umrah offices in various countries worldwide to ensure comprehensive and effective outreach.Through its continuous efforts, the Ministry seeks to guarantee the smooth, safe, and easy performance of the Hajj pilgrimage by organizing pilgrim numbers, efficiently implementing field plans, and improving the quality of services provided to pilgrims. This contributes to enhancing the Hajj experience and achieving pilgrim satisfaction through strict adherence to the necessary permits.For more information, visit the Ministry's official website: https://www.haj.gov.sa.Contact InformationMinistry of Hajj and UmrahMinistrycare@haj.gov.sa+966920002814SOURCE: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.