The 3rd edition of the ASEAN Procurement Innovation Summit & Awards (APIS25) concluded on a high note, affirming its role as the region’s most influential platform for procurement, supply chain, and sourcing professionals. Over two packed days, more than 250 delegates came together to explore transformative strategies, disruptive technologies, and leadership approaches shaping the next generation of procurement.
A Strategic Platform for Innovation and Insight
Under the theme “The Next Frontier in Procurement Excellence: Elevating Standards, Driving Results, Shaping the Future”, APIS25 featured a forward-looking agenda built around five strategic pillars: AI adoption, ESG integration, digital procurement, supply chain resilience, and talent development.
The summit hosted high-level keynotes, Oxford-style debates, real-world case studies, fireside chats, and panel discussions—offering attendees deep insights into the evolving role of procurement in driving organizational value and societal impact.
Session Highlights
AI in Procurement & Resilient Contracting
Norlela Tukiban (Telekom Malaysia) shared how AI-powered contract intelligence is redefining supplier risk, spend agility, and compliance.
Oxford Debate: Long-Term Value vs. Cost Savings
Moderated by Jan Piskadlo (Ben Line Group) and featuring Luke Kenny, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Gupta, and Alwaleed Alabdulwahed, this lively session dissected the trade-offs between short-term gains and long-term strategic value.
Oxford Debate Stage: Is Generative AI Truly Transforming Procurement?
An engaging session moderated by Zyad Khan (Dubai World Trade Centre) brought together top thinkers including Rym Khelil (SLB), Carl Kimball (Zycus), Jan Piskadlo (Ben Line Group), and Nisa Camalia (CBRE Asia Pacific) to evaluate the real-world potential of generative AI in procurement.
Supply Chain Evolution: Nearshoring & Resilience
A dynamic panel explored regional strategies to navigate disruption, enhance transparency, and foster local sourcing.
Digital Procurement Transformation
In partnership with Gold Sponsor Zycus, this session demonstrated how next-gen automation and predictive analytics are revolutionizing sourcing operations.
The highly anticipated ASEAN Procurement Awards recognized organizations and professionals driving impactful change across leadership, ESG, innovation, and transformation.
Award Winners:
EDOTCO Group – Leaders in Procurement Transformation for Resilient Supply Chains
BIOCON – Visionaries in Sustainable Supply Chain Excellence
Shell Malaysia – Future Leader of the Year & Supply Chain Initiative of the Year (Derrick Lopez)
PERKESO – Women in Procurement Award (Fadhilah Binti Hamil)
Tahakom – Procurement Innovation Award (Alwaleed Alabdulwahed)
Dubai World Trade Centre – Highly Recommended: Leaders in Procurement Transformation for Resilient Supply Chains
Award Spotlight
Jayaprakash Krishnan, Head of Group SCM Shared Services at EDOTCO Group, delivered a high-impact presentation showcasing how EDOTCO’s strategic transformation elevated procurement from a transactional role to a future-ready value driver.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Advisory Panel
The success of APIS25 was anchored by the guidance of our respected Advisory Board:
Dr. Christina SS Ooi, Luke Kenny, Jonathan Cheung, and Yang Chor Leong. Their behind-the-scenes leadership ensured the integrity, relevance, and rigor of the summit and awards.
Voices that Moved the Room
We thank our inspiring speakers including Tom Bollen, Dr. Christina SS Ooi, Rachael Bah, Jonathan Cheung, and Luke Kenny, whose insights and authenticity elevated conversations and ignited new thinking.
Lucky Draw & Community Moments
The summit closed with an energizing Lucky Draw hosted by Chairperson Tom Bollen, leaving attendees with unforgettable memories and generous giveaways.
Thank You to Our Sponsors, Exhibitors & Partners
A heartfelt thank you to the sponsors and partners who helped bring this vision to life:
Platinum Sponsor: GEP
Gold Sponsors: Zycus, iCertis, Bahwan CyberTek, Green Tape
Silver Sponsor: SPEED
Exhibitors: SAIBA International, Esker, Lapasar, Olive Technologies, JSOFT Solution
Your unwavering commitment to innovation and collaboration was key to APIS25’s impact and reach.
To our Supporting Associations and Media Partners, thank you for amplifying our mission, championing innovation, and connecting us to wider communities across the region. Your collaboration helped us reach new heights.
Together, we’ve sparked conversations, celebrated excellence, and shaped the future of procurement in ASEAN.
Looking Forward
APIS25 wasn’t just an event, it was a movement toward procurement excellence across ASEAN. As we continue to shape the future of procurement, we remain committed to collaboration, capability-building, and community impact.
In a fiery spectacle worthy of Silicon Valley lore, Ditchit – a rising star in the online marketplace space and rival to OfferUp – has made headlines by purchasing and then blowing up the original 560-pound Twitter bird sign once perched atop the company’s San Francisco headquarters.
The marketing stunt, filmed in the Nevada desert with a 15-person production crew, four Tesla Cybertrucks, and a Hollywood pyrotechnics expert, marked a symbolic farewell to legacy tech monopolies and a bold introduction to Ditchit’s mission: to build a local marketplace that puts people before profits.
“Elon Musk rebranded Twitter to X to support free expression. At Ditchit, we’re doing the same for local marketplaces,” said Ditchit spokesman James Deluca. “Today’s platforms are filled with ads, fees, and algorithms that prioritize businesses over people. Ditchit is different-free to use, ad-free, and designed to support real communities and real sellers.”
The 12-foot-tall Twitter logo, affectionately known as “Larry,” was purchased at auction for $34,000 earlier this year. While the initial acquisition was driven by nostalgia, the company ultimately decided to transform the artifact into a symbol of disruption.
The resulting video, now live on YouTube, shows the massive sign’s explosive end outside of Las Vegas, capturing a cinematic moment that’s already garnering viral attention.
But “Larry’s” story doesn’t end in smoke. Fragments of the sign have been salvaged and will be sold on the Ditchit app in a sealed-bid auction starting today. 100% of proceeds will go to the Center for American Entrepreneurship, a nonprofit that champions startup innovation and supports the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“Many entrepreneurs get their start on local marketplace apps,” Deluca added. “We’re here to support that journey-not just through our platform, but through action.”
With the stunt, Ditchit isn’t just selling a piece of tech history. It’s signaling a new era for digital marketplaces – one powered by transparency, accessibility, and the belief that local economies deserve better.
About Ditchit Ditchit is a community-first local marketplace built for everyday buyers and sellers. Unlike traditional platforms, Ditchit is ad-free, fee-free, and designed to keep transactions simple and fair. Founded in 2024, the Ditchit app is available for iOS and Android.
– July’s Spotlight Event in Hong Kong runs together with Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks
– Book Fair runs alongside the HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and HKTDC World of Snacks from 16 to 22 July at the HKCEC – With a single ticket, visitors can immerse themselves in the worlds of literature, sports and leisure activities and global snacks. To celebrate the Book Fair’s 35th edition, three special offers will be launched to welcome both Hong Kong citizens and tourists, encouraging attendees to visit the fairs with their companions – The theme of this year’s Book Fair is “Food Cultureï½¥Future Living”, featuring more than 620 cultural activities. The World of Art & Culture will feature an interactive exhibition, “Book a Table ï½¥ Food for Thought” – The FIBA 3×3 World Tour Hong Kong 2025 international event will take place at the Sports and Leisure Expo, while the World of Snacks will offer more than 1,300 tasty treats
The 35th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from 16 to 22 July (Wednesday to Tuesday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The popular annual event will run concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the HKTDC World of Snacks, bringing together more than 770 exhibitors across the three fairs. With the theme of the year “Food Cultureï½¥Future Living”, the Book Fair will feature more than 620 cultural activities both onsite and offsite, including acclaimed writers’ seminars, book launches and multicultural activities, creating a literary feast and promoting a culture of reading.
Sophia Chong, HKTDCDeputy Executive Director, said: “The Hong Kong Book Fair Cultural Events Advisory Panel selecting ‘Food Cultureï½¥Future Living’ as the theme of the year is truly meaningful. Both food and reading serve as carriers of culture. Food literature works not only document local culinary traditions but also narrate stories through recipes, making them more intriguing. As a renowned food paradise where east meets west, Hong Kong offers a unique platform for promoting international cultural exchange through food literature. We hope the theme of the year will encourage people to explore diverse aspects of food culture through reading, savouring the cultural nuances and lifestyle attitudes behind the texts and delving into new food cultures shaped by future technologies. We invite everyone to relish the joy and flavour of reading.”
Ms Chong added that Hong Kong Book Fair, as a Hong Kong spotlight event and a feature of the Hong Kong Summer Viva in July, will present a wide array of engaging experiences for locals and tourists alike. To celebrate the 35th edition of the Book Fair, three special offers will be rolled out to allow citizens and tourists to fully immerse themselves in the three major cultural and leisure events of reading, sports and leisure, and snacks. First, visitors born in 1990, when the Book Fair was first held, can enjoy free entry by presenting valid identification. Second, a limited edition of 500 35th-edition special packages will be available, allowing five visitors to enter for the price of three tickets. Third, visitors who spend over HK$500 at the Book Fair will have the opportunity to receive a limited-edition commemorative tote bag and a special gift.
World of Art & Culture presents a cross-cultural feast The Book Fair continues to be supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to stage the World of Art & Culture and industry-focused activities such as the International Publishing Forum and the IP Roundtable.
To further promote Hong Kong as an east-meets-west centre for international cultural exchange, the World of Art & Culture echoes the theme of the year with an exhibition titled “Book a Table ï½¥ Food for Thought” that uses food as a bridge to connect cultures and offers visitors a chance to savour life and explore the world through the dining table. The exhibition is a collaboration between eight artists and the consulates general of various countries in Hong Kong. It features eight tables curated by eight artists, each exploring themes related to food and healthy living, surplus and future, table etiquette, lifestyle and culture, process, experience, music, art, and more. The consulates general will showcase related books and exhibits from around the world while an interactive artificial intelligence (AI) device onsite will recommend books to visitors. In addition, more than 30 events, including talks and workshops, will be held to provide a multifaceted exploration of food culture. Ray Lok, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Hong Kong agritech company Full Nature Farms, will share insights on the latest sustainable diets and future farming.
This year’s Book Fair features the Cultural and Creative Products Zone for the first time, offering interactive experiences related to Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage and showcasing a curated selection of cultural and creative products from Macao and the Palace Museum in Beijing. This year’s Mainland China Pavilion will spotlight Sichuan, the home of pandas, as the thematic province.
Under the theme “Sichuan and Hong Kong: Weaving Culture, Crafting Tomorrow”, the pavilion will showcase Sichuan’s lifestyle through iconic elements such as food, wine, tea, opera and embroidery, all rooted in the province’s rich heritage. There will be a display of award-winning Sichuan publications, foreign publishing achievements, and a variety of panda-themed books and cultural and creative products. There will also be a series of industry exchange activities such as the International Publishing Forum, the Hong Kong Publishing Biennial Awards and the Launch Ceremony of Publishing 3.0. The IP Roundtable will include a business matching session to help industry players explore business opportunities. (to be confirmed by branch office)
The 2025-26 Budget from the HKSAR Government mentioned plans to provide local technology companies with more physical displays for their products. In support of this initiative, the Book Fair will introduce the Hong Kong Tech Showcase area that will showcase innovative technology products in various areas including edtech, healthtech, sportstech, foodtech and more.
Eight Seminar Series explores the inspiration and wisdom of life The Book Fair will continue to feature the Eight Seminar Series, inviting authors from around the world to share and exchange ideas with readers on topics including Theme of the Year, Renowned Writers, English and International Reading, World of Knowledge, Children and Youth Reading, Personal Development and Spiritual Growth and Hong Kong Cultural and Historical and Lifestyle. The Theme of the YearSeminar Series will invite notable writers related to food literature, including Andrew Chui, the fifth-generation heir of Tai Ping Koon Restaurant; Benny Li, a food review author; Yim Ho, a renowned director and dietary therapy expert; and Sian “Leo” Proctor, the first American woman to become a commercial spaceship pilot. Together, they will explore food culture, lifestyle and future technology, offering the audience fresh insights on life through the world of cuisine.
The Renowned Writers Seminar Series, co-organised by the HKTDC along with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, will feature a lineup of highly influential Chinese-language writers who will share and interact with readers onsite. The heavyweight speakers include Lung Ying-tai, making a return to the Hong Kong Book Fair; Xu Ze-chen, Mao Dun Literature Prize winner for his novel Northward; Xu Zi-dong, former Chair of the Department of Chinese at Lingnan University; business management expert Feng Tang; and Zhu Jia-ming, one of the “four gentlemen of China’s market reform” and an expert on AI.
The English and International Reading Seminar Series brings international authors to Hong Kong every year, highlighting the city’s position as an international metropolis. The star-studded authors in 2025 include Japanese author Rie Qudan, who won the Akutagawa Prize in 2024 for her AI-themed novel; Cheon Seon-ran, selected as the “Young Writer Who Will Become the Future of Korean Literature”; Kim Bo-young, one of Korea’s leading science fiction authors; Nguyen Hanh Phuong (aka Rosy Black), a 16-year-old Vietnamese writer of English fiction stories; and Osamu Okamura, a Czech architect focusing on human-centred urban design. Speakers at other seminars include Jack So, former Chairman of the HKTDC; Ronnie Chan, Honorary Chair of the Hang Lung Properties Limited; Yuen Kwok-yung, Chair Professor of the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong; and polar researcher Rebecca Lee. The Story Sharing by Celebrities session, meanwhile, will feature Vivian Kong, Olympic fencing gold medallist, Vicky Lau, the first female Michelin star chef in Hong Kong, and artists Carlos Chan and Grace Chan. For more details on the seminars and the lineup of speakers, please visit: https://shorturl.at/TRdAw )
Sports and Leisure Expo runs concurrently with the FIBA 3×3 World Tour The 15th National Games will be held this year with several events set to take place in Hong Kong. The Sports and Leisure Expo will feature an exhibition area where visitors can take photos with the mascots, Xiyangyang and Lerongrong, and learn more about the competitive events and mass participation events that are being hosted in Hong Kong. To tie in with the current basketball craze, the HKTDC is collaborating with M1 Group Limited to bring the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Hong Kong 2025 international event to the HKCEC, where it will be held indoors for the first time on 19 and 20 July during the Sports and Leisure Expo. Ticket holders for the Book Fair can access the carnival-style 3×3 Village from 16 to 22 July, where they can enjoy various sports booth games and visit sports product showcases.
The Hong Kong Sports Institute (Booth 5C-B02) will once again set up a cheering zone and an exhibition area showcasing some of the precious items belonging to elite athletes, with visitors able to show their support for the Hong Kong stars as they prepare for the National Games. The popular Hong Kong Playground Association (Booth 5C-D02 &5C-E02) will also participate in the expo again. In addition to its signature mobile rope nets, the Association will introduce a new multi-sports experience zone, offering various sports experiences over the course of the seven-day exhibition period. Sports experiences include pickleball, rope skipping and running will feature on 16 and 17 July; street workouts will feature on 18 and 19 July; HADO AR dodgeball will be showcased on 20 and 21 July; and drone soccer features on 22 July. Making its debut at the event, Gymetaverse Company Limited (Booth 5C-C02) will promote the sport-finance concept through the LIVE4WELL sports rewards platform, encouraging the public to exercise more.
A new Travel Zone will debut this year, featuring the ever-popular Japan Pavilion along with the newly added Taiwan Pavilion and Thailand Pavilion. The Consulate General of Japan in Hong Kong will team up with 17 Japanese prefectures including Kagoshima, Okinawa, Shizuoka and Iwate, to participate in the Japan Pavilion, with a special focus on the Tohoku region’s popular local snacks beloved by tourists (Booth 5B-E23). Moreover, this zone highlights the Hong Kong attractions include GO PARK Sports (Booth 5B-E02) and the Sai Yuen Camping Adventure Park in Cheung Chau (Booth 5C-A05), offering visitors information on water and land sports, adventure activities and camping.
Discover Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand treats at the World of Snacks This year’s World of Snacks will bring together more than 1,300 different treats featuring a variety of classic flavours, healthy options and handcrafted snacks from around the world. They include the stone-ground black sesame snacks that were selected for the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand 2025 (Heartwarming: Booth 5B-A21) as well as handcrafted sodas in special flavours such as ginger lemon honey and salted plum lemon honey (City Carbonation: Booth 5B-A10).
Cultural July brings the community together to promote the love of reading In addition to the Book Fair, the HKTDC is once again organising Cultural July in collaboration with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the HKSAR Government, publishers, and various educational, cultural and arts institutions. From 24 June to 31 July Cultural July will feature nearly 400 cultural activities including a food and culture tour, author sharing sessions, parent-child reading workshops, storytelling theatre, art exhibitions and handicraft workshops, all designed to promote a city-wide love of reading across each of Hong Kong’s 18 districts.
The Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will continue to offer a single ticket for entry to all three events. This year, the adult ticket price remains at HK$30, while special discounts such as Morning Admission Tickets, Special re-entry, and Tourist Tickets will continue to be available. More details can be found below.
Disclaimer: Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Media enquiries Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks Yuan Tung Financial Relations: Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk Salina Cheng Tel: (852) 3428 2362 Email: salcheng@yuantung.com.hk
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Stanley So Tel: (852)2584 4049 Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org Jane Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4137 Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) (“Founders” or the “Company”) announces a new high-grade gold discovery at its Antino Gold Project (“Antino” or “Project”) in southeastern Suriname (Figure 1). The Company reports a 22.5 metre (m) interval of 11.88 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) at Maria Geralda, a new exploration target approximately 5 km SE of Lower Antino. The drilling follows up on systematic surface exploration, including prospecting, mapping, and augering programs that identified a 500 m by 400 m gold anomaly at surface.
Highlights
First-ever drilling at Maria Geralda delivers exceptional results with 22.5 m of 11.88 g/t Au (MG003)
Discovery validates systematic exploration approach with auger sampling identifying a 500 m by 400 m gold anomaly at surface where 54% of samples returned assays above 0.1 g/t Au
Significant expansion potential with the discovery zone open along strike and to depth, supporting plans for follow-up drilling in 2025
Colin Padget, President & CEO of Founders, commented, “While weather has limited our access to other exploration targets recently, we were pleased to maintain ready access to Maria Geralda and follow up on early surface results. This outstanding start to drilling at Maria Geralda further validates our exploration approach across the 200 km² Antino land package. The 22.5 m interval grading 11.88 g/t Au represents some of the highest-grade mineralization we’ve encountered to date. These results demonstrate the substantial discovery potential that exists beyond the property’s current established zones. Between this discovery, recent expansions at Upper and Lower Antino, and our ongoing 2025 exploration program, we see significant opportunity to build shareholder value.”
Maria Geralda is located along a major structural corridor on a northwest-trending lineament at the geologic boundary between intrusive rocks and mixed metavolcanic-metasedimentary formations. The discovery hole was designed to test the geochemical anomaly identified through the Company’s auger sampling program. Founders plans to follow-up with systematic step-out drilling to define the extent of mineralization along strike and to depth.
About Founders Metals Inc.
Founders Metals is a Canadian-based exploration company focused on advancing the Antino Gold Project located in Suriname, South America, in the heart of the Guiana Shield. Antino is 20,000 hectares and has produced over 500,000 ounces of gold from surface and alluvial mining to date1. The Company is fully financed for up to 60,000 metres of drilling in 2025.
1 2022 Technical Report – Antino Project; Suriname, South America. K. Raffle, BSc, P. Geo & Rock Lefrançois, BSc, P.Geo.
Intervals are down-hole depths. Results from all zones outside of Upper Antino, Lower Antino and Buese have not seen sufficient drilling to provide estimated true widths.
Table 2: Drill Hole Locations
Hole ID
Easting (m)
Northing (m)
Elevation (m)
Azimuth (°)
Dip (°)
Depth (m)
MG003
825729.5
398220.3
159.5
70.2
-50.0
330.2
MG002
825721.7
398287.5
163.2
70.0
-50.0
251.0
MG001
825796.5
398110.0
155.5
69.7
-50.2
341.0
The coordinate reference system is WGS 84, UTM zone 21N (EPSG 32621)
Quality Assurance and Control
Samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 µm. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 5.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.
Qualified Persons
The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
Per: “Colin Padget“
Colin Padget President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company’s recently completed financings and the future or prospects of the Company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect “, “is expected “, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company’s most recent annual management discussion and analysis. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.
– The Executive Centre has further expanded at JP Tower Level 11, following the successful launch of Level 14, showcasing strong demand for premium workspace solutions. – The upcoming GranTokyo South Tower centre, set to open in September 2025, will be TEC’s fifth centre in the Tokyo Station/Marunouchi area and twelfth centre in Japan. – TEC reinforces its position as a leading premium flexible workspace provider, poised to meet the needs of high-growth sectors like technology and AI.
The Executive Centre (TEC), the leading premium flexible workspace provider in Asia Pacific and the Middle East, is pleased to announce the opening of its new centre at JP Tower Level 11, which has already achieved an impressive 80% pre-sale occupancy, and further complements the existing Level 14 centre in the same iconic building. This expansion follows the successful launch of Level 14 in April 2024, which brings TEC’s mature Tokyo Station portfolio to 100% occupancy, reflecting the robust demand for TEC’s premium flexible workspaces in this vibrant location.
Following this expansion, TEC’s total footprint in JP Tower exceeds 30,000 sq ft. The JP Tower Level 11 centre mirrors the elegance and sophistication of its Level 14 counterpart, featuring a natural-light lounge, private offices which could accommodate from 6 to 100 people, meeting room facilities, and an event space for up to 40 people. The centre also includes enhanced amenities, such as soundproof phone booths, a dedicated private server room, and a stylish pantry area, all designed to elevate the workplace experience.
In addition to this exciting expansion, TEC is thrilled to also announce the forthcoming opening of the GranTokyo South Tower centre, scheduled for September 2025. This centre will mark TEC’s fifth centre in the Tokyo Station/Marunouchi area as well as its twelfth centre in Japan, offering breathtaking views of Tokyo Station and the Yaesu district. Designed for enterprise clients, particularly in technology and AI sectors, it will feature signature elements of TEC with advanced amenities including height-adjustable digital standing desks, ergonomic Herman Miller chairs and Salto Bluetooth-enabled door locks, ensuring alignment to TEC’s premium offerings.
Liam Owens, City Head of Tokyo & Yokohama at The Executive Centre, stated, “The ongoing investment and strategic growth of TEC in the Tokyo Station/Marunouchi area underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional premium flexible workspace solutions. With the launch of JP Tower Level 11 and the upcoming GranTokyo South Tower, TEC is well-positioned to support high-growth sectors and solidifying our leadership position as the premium flexible workspace provider in Japan.”
Looking ahead to 2026, TEC plans to further expand with additional centres, ensuring to meet the evolving needs of businesses in Tokyo and beyond. This strategy reflects TEC’s unwavering dedication to fostering dynamic work environments with the highest quality in workspace solutions and services, catering to the demands of today’s workforce.
About The Executive Centre
The Executive Centre (TEC) is Asia’s premium flexible workspace provider, opened its doors in Hong Kong in 1994 and today boasts over 220+ Centres in 36 cities and 16 markets. It is the third largest serviced office business in Asia.
The Executive Centre caters to ambitious professionals and industry leaders looking for more than just an office space – they are looking for a place for their organisation to thrive. TEC has cultivated an environment designed for success with a global network spanning Greater China, Southeast Asia, North Asia, India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and Australia, with sights to go further and grow faster. Each Executive Centre offers a prestigious address with the advanced infrastructure to pre-empt, meet, and exceed the needs of its Members. Walking with Members through every milestone and achievement, The Executive Centre empowers ambitious professionals and organisations to succeed.
Privately owned and headquartered in Hong Kong, TEC provides first class Private and Shared Workspaces, Business Concierge Services, and Meeting & Events facilities to suit any business’ needs.
A research team from Brawijaya University (UB) has identified two new microalgae genera in the waters around Bawean Island, Gresik Regency, East Java, and Tomini Bay, Central Sulawesi.Lecturer of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) Oktiyas Muzaky Luthfi, S.T., M.Sc. while conducting research on an object. (ANTARA/HO-Humas Universitas Brawijaya)
“The newly identified microalgae genera are Paracatenula and Wallaceago,” head of the research team and lecturer at UB’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Oktiyas Muzaky Luthfi stated in Malang, East Java, on Friday.
The genus name Wallaceago was chosen to honor Alfred Russel Wallace — a renowned naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, and expert on species distribution.
Each of the two new genera also includes newly identified species: Paracatenula porostriata and Wallaceago porostriatus.
Discovered near Bawean Island, Paracatenula porostriata is characterized by a circular shell structure with small pores and a flat valve.
Meanwhile, Wallaceago porostriatus, found in Tomini Bay, has valves that are partially diamond-shaped with fine lines on the lower surface.
These discoveries have already been published in an international scientific journal.
In addition to Paracatenula and Wallaceago, the UB team also identified several new species within the genera Catenula and Catenulopsis.
According to a summary of the published journal, four new species were found in the genus Catenula: Catenula boyanensis, Catenula komodensis, Catenula decusa, and Catenula densestriata.
These species were discovered in Bawean Island, Tiga Warna Beach in Malang, East Java, and Tomini Bay, Central Sulawesi.
One more species identified under the genus Catenulopsis was named Catenulopsis baweana.
“We discovered it in Bawean, which is why it is named baweana,” Luthfi explained.
The research and identification process took place from 2021 to 2024, using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological analysis.
Researchers explored the diversity of diatoms from sediment and fragments of dead coral in reef environments.
The study involved collaboration with several universities from different countries, including the University of Szczecin and the University of Rzeszów in Poland, as well as the University of Michigan in the United States.
Luthfi emphasized that the discovery is important for sustaining life on Earth, as microalgae not only form the foundation of the food chain but also play a vital role in oxygen production.
“Microalgae are responsible for generating 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen,” he noted.
He remarked that this discovery provides a foundation for monitoring marine environments, studying tropical aquatic ecology, and conducting paleoecological research.
“This proves that Indonesia’s oceans harbor an abundance of microscopic life that we have yet to fully understand,” he concluded.
ZeptoMetrix® is pleased to announce the launch of NATtrol™ Influenza A H5N1 Quantitative Stock, a groundbreaking advancement in molecular diagnostic quality assurance. Leveraging phage-like particle encapsulated RNA technology, this product sets a new standard for accuracy and reliability in avian influenza (H5N1) detection, addressing critical gaps in laboratories’ ability to validate end-to-end testing workflows.
As H5N1 outbreaks continue to rise globally, the need for robust quality control materials has never been greater. ZeptoMetrix’s Influenza A H5N1 Quantitative Stock offers laboratories a comprehensive quality control material that requires RNA extraction, unlike traditional naked RNA products. This novel solution includes three encapsulated H5N1 gene segments within a phage-like particle, ensuring realistic validation of extraction, amplification, and detection steps.
“The ongoing H5N1 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for reliable diagnostic tools,” said Dr. Karuna Sharma, PhD, Vice President & Chief Scientific Officer of Antylia Diagnostics division. “This launch represents a significant advancement in diagnostic quality control. By encapsulating RNA within a phage-like particle, we enable labs to have confidence in their results at every step. This is not just innovation; it is vital in the fight against H5N1 and other emerging RNA viruses.”
NATtrol Influenza A H5N1 Quantitative Stock (Product Code: 0831198) is NATtrol inactivated to enhance stability and provided with precision quantification at 1,000,000 gene copies/mL of each gene segment, verified by digital PCR (dPCR). The ready-to-use 1 mL format integrates seamlessly with ZeptoMetrix’s -STQ product line, streamlining workflow adoption.
More information on how to order and additional ZeptoMetrix products can be found at: www.zeptometrix.com
About ZeptoMetrix® ZeptoMetrix, an Antylia Scientific company, is an established industry leader in the design, development, and delivery of innovative, quality solutions to the infectious disease diagnostics market. Our expertise and abilities in molecular diagnostics, including external quality controls, verification panels, proficiency panels, customized and OEM products/services, have set the industry standard for performance and reliability and make ZeptoMetrix the preferred choice for independent third-party quality control materials.
Multi-Billion-Dollar Program With Up To 400 Units Ordered to Modernize Crude Transport Infrastructure
QS Energy, Inc. (OTCQB:QSEP), a leader in crude oil transport technology, has received a major order to deploy its Applied Oil Technology (AOT) across Southeast Asia and Africa. This marks a breakthrough moment for QS Energy and supports global efforts to modernize and decarbonize crude infrastructure.
DELIVERING ON A PROMISE OF INNOVATION AND SUCCESS This initial order of five (5) AOT units launches a broader multi-phase deployment under a government-backed program with VIPS Petroleum. Valued at $25 million with the estimated expected full payment in this quarter, this order kicks off up to a $2 Billion 400-unit framework for South East Asia and Africa. The remaining 395 units will be delivered in milestone-based phases with a 50/25/25 payment structure, ensuring strong cash flow for QS Energy, commencing in Q3 and Q4 2025. AOT’s proven results helped open doors with energy ministries and national oil companies. This deal is made possible by VIPS Petroleum, QS Energy’s exclusive regional distributor contracted in 2024.
Cecil Bond Kyte, CEO of QS Energy, stated: “This order proves our technology’s readiness to transform crude transport. With VIPS and the support of ministries and operators, we’re setting a new global standard for efficiency and sustainability.”
THE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMING CRUDE TRANSPORT Independently validated through peer-reviewed studies, field trials, and Temple University testing, AOT tackles one of the industry’s oldest problems-how to move oil more efficiently. Since the days of Rockefeller’s Standard Oil, the sector has battled viscosity, drag, and energy loss. AOT reduces viscosity by 10% or more using electric fields, lowering pump pressure and energy costs. Built for tough, continuous operation, each unit undergoes strict testing to ensure long-term performance.
MADE IN AMERICA, BUILT FOR THE WORLD QS Energy proudly designs and manufactures AOT systems in the U.S., powered by American workers. Our partners include:
ReadyFlo, a turnkey ASME pressure vessel specialist
Forward-MFG, experts in custom electronics and sensors
Their dedication helped make this historic deal possible.
EXPANDING GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS AND FINANCING This agreement positions Southeast Asia and Africa as leaders in modern crude transport and job creation. The success of this model is driving expansion talks with Australia, the Middle East, and other regions. QS Energy and VIPS Petroleum are finalizing additional deals to replicate this structure and broaden AOT deployment globally.
SECURE IMPLEMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE QS Energy is committed to full transparency through regular updates and strict compliance with U.S., Southeast Asian, and African standards. The program is backed by milestone payments and top-tier financial guarantees, minimizing risk. Lessons from past deployments guide a robust execution plan to ensure every phase meets deadlines and quality benchmarks.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS QS Energy will earn a share of incremental barrels gained through AOT-enabled flow increases, creating long-term performance-based revenue.
LOOKING AHEAD With deployment underway, QS Energy is focused on accelerating its role in the energy transition. AOT’s cost savings and environmental benefits position it for major global impact.
For further information about QS Energy, Inc., click here and read our SEC filings at https://ir.qsenergy.com/sec-filings. To stay connected, subscribe to Email Alerts at https://ir.qsenergy.com/news/email-alerts to receive Company filings and press releases, and subscribe to our new QS UPDATES email service here to receive timely updates on the Company’s latest news and innovations.
Safe Harbor Statement Some of the statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements under federal securities laws. Please click here for our complete cautionary forward-looking statement.
About Applied Oil Technology QS Energy’s patented Applied Oil Technology (AOT) is a solid-state turn-key system which uses a high volt / low amp electric field to reduce crude oil viscosity. AOT installs inline on crude oil pipelines, operates unattended without interrupting pipeline flow, with full remote monitoring and control. More information is available online here.
About QS Energy QS Energy, Inc. (OTCQB: QSEP), develops and markets crude oil flow assurance technologies designed to deliver measurable performance improvements to pipeline operations in the midstream and upstream crude oil markets. For further information about QS Energy, Inc., visit www.qsenergy.com.
Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection, that is common in all age groups and can cause mild to life-threatening illness. It is also the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization(WHO), pneumonia killed more than 808,000 children under the age of 5 in 2017, accounting for 15% of all deaths of children under 5 years. Notably, in China, non-invasive pneumococcal diseases(NIPD), result in approximately 550,000 cases annually, leading to around 6,000 deaths. Meanwhile, invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) are more severe, with over 7,200 cases of pneumococcal meningitis reported each year. The average treatment cost per case of IPD is approximately CNY 64,000, and the case-fatality rate exceeds 10%. Behind these stark numbers lie the heavy burdens on countless families and an urgent public health challenge.
Facing this challenge, CanSino Biologics Inc.(Stock Code: 688185.SH, 6185.HK, “CanSinoBIO” or “the Company”) has developed and launched its 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, trade name “iPneucia®”, optimized for China’s local pneumococcal epidemiology, aiming to provide more precise and safer protection for Chinese children.
The main advantage of iPneucia® is its deep optimization based on China’s local epidemiological characteristics. Streptococcus pneumoniae is categorized into different serotypes based on polysaccharide structure and biochemical traits. However, not all serotypes pose the same threat; their pathogenicity and disease burden vary. Research indicates that serotypes 19F, 19A, 7F, and 3 are the four most burdensome for Chinese children, accounting for over 60% of cases. These serotypes are also characterized by high resistance and high risk of sequelae. Given these risks, iPneucia® is specifically designed to target these four high-risk serotypes, and clinical data show that the geometric mean concentration (GMC) of antibodies against these four serotypes in iPneucia® is significantly higher than in the control group. This targeted protection strategy greatly enhances the precision of prevention, reducing disease risks at the source.
The breakthrough of iPneucia® lies not only in its enhanced targeting serotypes protection effect, but also in its carrier technology. It pioneers a dual-carrier conjugate process that adopts CRM197 and tetanus toxoid(TT) as carrier proteins. This approach effectively avoids immune interference caused by excessive use of a single carrier and reduces the risk of immune suppression when co-administered with other vaccines, enhancing immunogenicity. Moreover, iPneucia® also adopts a more advanced carrier protein conjugation process, ensuring consistent polysaccharide antigen content across all serotypes, significantly reducing competition between components.
Notably, the process of using CRM197 carrier as carrier protein in iPneucia® does not require formaldehyde for detoxification, which improves vaccine safety. This is also supported by data from Menhycia, another CRM197-based vaccine developed by CanSinoBIO. Post-marketing surveillance data on adverse events following immunization (AEFI) for recipients of the Menhycia show a apparently decline in the incidence of AEFI, fever, and local induration..
In summary, iPneucia® offers precise protection by targeting key serotypes and innovative protein carrier technology, resulting in enhanced effectiveness while minimizing the risk of adverse reaction. It also utilize a mature production process that excludes phenol, further improving its safety profile. CanSinoBIO presents a superior option for preventing pneumococcal diseases in Chinese children.
As a leader in innovative vaccines, CanSinoBIO always dedicated to scientific research and exploration in vaccine development. The company strives to create innovative, high-quality, and affordable vaccines. CanSinoBIO is committed to tackling global health challenges and improving the health and well-being of children around the world.
BW Digital and BW ESS, international owner-operators of digital infrastructure and energy storage systems, today announced the launch of BW Velora.
BW Velora Management and Board
The new venture will focus on developing and commercializing high-value sites for next-generation digital infrastructure and data centers in the Nordic region and Canada.
In an era where data is a strategic asset, building secure, sovereign digital infrastructure is critical to reducing dependency on foreign jurisdictions and safeguarding sensitive data.
Building data centers requires significant investment in critical infrastructure, which also enables the growth of other related industries.
BW Velora will leverage the digital infrastructure expertise of BW Digital and BW ESS’ extensive experience developing energy infrastructure in Europe to position itself at the intersection of digital infrastructure development, access to renewable energy and engagement with local communities.
BW Velora will create a sustainable environment for the construction of new data centers – from early-stage development to ready-to-build projects, including land and utilities, regulatory approvals, design and execution services – enabling customers to unlock synergies across the value chain and significantly reduce time-to-market.
BW Velora aims to drive regional industrial growth, promote innovation and accelerate sustainable development. The data centers will anchor industries such as AI, renewable energy, carbon capture and advanced digital services.
It was co-founded by industry experts Paal Skoe, Nils Kristian Liveng-Ness and Christian Ekeberg, whose combined experience positions the company uniquely in the fast-growing digital infrastructure market.
“BW Velora is strategically positioned to meet the rapidly growing demand for digital infrastructure,” said Paal Skoe, Co-founder and CEO of BW Velora. “Our innovative approach significantly reduces risks, simplifies project execution and accelerates entry into high-performance data center markets, ultimately driving substantial economic growth and sustainability in local communities.”
Erik Strømsø, CEO of BW ESS and BW Velora chairman commented: “The worlds of digital infrastructure and sustainable energy are increasingly intertwined. As digital power demand continues to grow, we believe it is essential to take a holistic approach to energy and digital infrastructure development.
“Our investment in BW Velora is an example of this and we believe the company is uniquely positioned to take a leading role in this space, while at the same time creating local economic growth and sustainability.”
Ludovic Hutier, CEO of BW Digital and BW Velora director, added: “As AI continues to evolve, the convergence of data center growth and increasing power demand strongly supports BW Velora’s ambitions. Through BW Digital, we are excited to extend our investment opportunities into the Nordic region, building upon our existing digitalecosystem in Asia-Pacific and fostering meaningful synergies across industries and regions.”
About BW Velora
BW Velora specializes in initiating, commercializing and financing high-value sites for digital infrastructure, specifically data center projects. The company addresses the complex challenges associated with digital infrastructure development, providing comprehensive solutions from early-stage project planning through to execution and financing.Part of the BW Group ecosystem, BW Velora leverages a global industry network, including decades of experience in digital infrastructure and energy infrastructure investment, delivery and operation. To find out more, visit: https://bw-velora.com/
About BW ESS
BW ESS is a global energy storage owner-operator, moving with speed to develop and build market-leading energy storage projects across multiple countries.
Typically working with local development partners, the business is active in the UK, Australia, Italy, Germany, and Sweden. It has more than 500MWh of operating BESS projects, with over 2.5GWh under construction and a development pipeline of about 7GW.
BW ESS has a strategy to hold assets for the long-term, taking a hands-on approach to unlock value throughout the energy storage asset lifecycle.
Part of BW Group, BW ESS can leverage a global industry network, as well as decades of experience in energy infrastructure investment, delivery, and operation. To find out more, visit: https://bw-ess.com/
About BW Digital
Privately-owned and carrier-neutral, BW Digital develops, builds and operates digital infrastructure. Our vision is to create a sustainable digital ecosystem for cloud and AI workloads by combining data centre and connectivity assets.
BW Digital is the owner-operator of Hawaiki – a 15,000km submarine cable system connecting Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa, Hawaii and the US west coast since 2018 – and is currently building its first digital campus spanning Singapore and Indonesia. The campus includes a 120MW data centre (NDP1) in Batam, a subsea cable linking Singapore and Batam (NCC) and a terrestrial fibre network within Nongsa Digital Park (Citra Connect).
Part of BW Group, BW Digital can leverage a global industry network, as well as decades of experience in energy infrastructure investment, delivery, and operation. To find out more, visit https://www.bw-digital.com/
Media Contact
BW Velora Nils Kristian Liveng-Ness +47 413 14 003 nk@bw-velora.com
Lecturer of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) Oktiyas Muzaky Luthfi, S.T., M.Sc. while conducting research on an object. (ANTARA/HO-Humas Universitas Brawijaya)
