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TOKYO, Jan 15, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - EEJA Ltd. (Headquarter: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Akihiko Domae; hereafter “EEJA”), the main company operating TANAKA’s plating business, announced today that it would exhibit at the 39th NEPCON JAPAN, the electronics development and packaging exhibition scheduled to be held at Tokyo Big Sight from January 22–24, 2025. EEJA will premiere a range of new products in the field of plating technologies and processes to help meet rising needs in the electronics industry, including  automotive electronic components and semiconductors.Technologies in demand have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, with the primary usage domain for electronic components shifting from local to network usage. In contrast, the communications industry has shifted from 5G to 6G to support increased data volumes and faster communication speeds. The automotive industry has also changed, with the increased use of electronic components and semiconductors around the engine and demand for products able to pass testing in harsh environments in terms of characteristics such as heat and moisture resistance in particular.EEJA will exhibit several new plating technologies at NEPCON JAPAN, including PRECIOUSFAB Pd/Pt/Ru/Rh/Ir (a high hardness, wear-resistant platinum group plating process increasingly needed for in-vehicle electronic components), PRECIOUSFAB HG/GT/GS (a precious metal alloy plating process used as a means of reducing usage of precious metals that are becoming increasingly expensive, and to create further added value), MICROFAB series (a number of environment-friendly, non-cyanide processes), and SEADCAT (a direct patternable plating process that supports surface treatment of next-generation glass interposers that are essential for semiconductor packaging).Taking advantage of precious metals technologies acquired by TANAKA over many years in the industry, EEJA develops and provides the plating technologies and products that are essential in the electronics industry, from semiconductors to electronic components. With the demand for greater sophistication in the electronics industry, EEJA will continue contributing to technical innovations in the industry.Overview of EEJA's exhibition at 39th NEPCON JAPAN- Date and time: January 22–24, 2025 (10:00–17:00)- Venue: Tokyo Big Sight- Booth: E64-52, East Exhibition Halls- Main products on displayProduct nameOverviewPRECIOUSFAB Pd/Pt/Ru/Rh/Ir: High hardness, wear resistant platinum group plating processA plating process that achieves high reliability when used for contact parts of connectors, etc. that need durability and environment resistance, such as for in-vehicle applicationsMICROFAB Au2108/Au2168: Part of the MICROFAB series of environment-friendly, non-cyanide gold electroplating processes with improved stability of hardness and appearance (New Product)A plating process that does not use cyanide compounds, so will not only help in semiconductor manufacturing processes, but will also improve the plating work environments, which is expected to increase further in demand going forward. It is expected to improve product yields and reliability through stable appearance and hardness when forming gold bumps on increasingly fine-pitch and high-density wafersSEADCAT PRM200 series: Direct patterning plating technology (New Product)   A plating technology that supports more material types than the SEADCAT100 seriesSEADCAT PRM200-MRG: Increased adhesiveness to LCPs and some fluororesins, with improved heat and moisture resistanceSEADCAT PRM200-MDI: Reduced copper diffusion through heat treatment after copper wire formation on polyimidesOptimization of primers has also enabled support for surface treatment of glass interposers.Refer to the following for detailed information on other plating processes and equipment.Plating Processeshttps://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/products/detail/plating-processes/Various plating processes are handled by EEJA Ltd.https://eeja.comPlating Equipmenthttps://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/products/detail/plating-equipment/Plating equipment is handled by group company Mitomo Semicon Engineering Co., Ltd.https://mitomo-semicon-eng.co.jp/en/home-2/EEJA Ltd.Headquarter: 2-6-6 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, TokyoEstablished: 1965CEO: Akihiko DomaeCapital: 100 million yenNet sales: 21.64333 billion yen (FY2023)Number of employees: 130 (including overseas sites) (as of December 31, 2023)Business activities: Development, manufacture, sales, and export of precious metal plating solutions and base metal plating solutions, additives, and surface treatment-related chemicalsHiratsuka Office: 5-50 Shinmachi, Hiratsuka-city, KanagawaOfficial Website: https://eeja.comAbout TANAKASince its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,355 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ending December, 2023, was 611.1 billion yen.Official Website: TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIEShttps://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/Product inquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd.https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-on-industrial-products/Press inquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-for-media/Press Release: http://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/2025115_EN.pdf  Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan 15, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted Eisai’s Biologics License Application (BLA) for lecanemab-irmb (U.S. brand name: LEQEMBI®) subcutaneous autoinjector (SC-AI) for weekly maintenance dosing. LEQEMBI is indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild dementia stage of disease (collectively referred to as early AD). A Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date is set for August 31, 2025.The BLA is based on data from the Clarity AD (Study 301) open-label extension (OLE) and modeling of observed data. If LEQEMBI subcutaneous maintenance dosing is approved by the FDA, LEQEMBI will be the only treatment for AD that can be administered subcutaneously at home using an autoinjector (AI). The injection process is expected to take, on average, 15 seconds. As part of the SC-AI 360 mg weekly maintenance regimen, patients who have completed the biweekly intravenous (IV) initiation phase, exact period under discussion with the FDA, would receive weekly doses that are expected to maintain the clinical and biomarker benefits.AD is a progressive, relentless disease caused by a continuous underlying neurotoxic process that begins before and continues after plaque deposition.1,2,3 Only LEQEMBI works to fight AD in two ways by continuously clearing protofibrils and rapidly clearing plaque. With continuous administration, LEQEMBI clears highly toxic protofibrils* which can continue to cause neuronal injury even after amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque has been cleared from the brain. Long-term three-year LEQEMBI data presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2024 suggest that early and continuing treatment may prolong the benefit of therapy even after plaque is cleared from the brain.4The SC-AI is expected to be simple and easy for patients and their care partners to use, and may reduce the need for hospital or infusion site visits and nursing care for IV administration, which will make it easier to continue maintenance administration and may contribute to further simplifying the  treatment pathway for AD.LEQEMBI is approved in the U.S., Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Israel, UAE, Great Britain, Mexico, and Macau. In November 2024, the treatment received a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommending approval. Eisai has submitted applications for approval of lecanemab in 17 countries and regions. The US FDA accepted Eisai’s Supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for monthly LEQEMBI IV maintenance dosing in June 2024 and set a PDUFA action date for January 25, 2025.Eisai serves as the lead for lecanemab’s development and regulatory submissions globally with Eisai and Biogen co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.*Protofibrils are believed to contribute to the brain injury that occurs with AD and are considered to be the most toxic form of Aβ, having a primary role in the cognitive decline associated with this progressive, debilitating condition.5 Protofibrils cause injury to neurons in the brain, which in turn, can negatively impact cognitive function via multiple mechanisms, not only increasing the development of insoluble Aβ plaques but also increasing direct damage to brain cell membranes and the connections that transmit signals between nerve cells or nerve cells and other cells. It is believed the reduction of protofibrils may prevent the progression of AD by reducing damage to neurons in the brain and cognitive dysfunction.6 INDICATIONLEQEMBI® [(lecanemab-irmb) 100 mg/mL injection for intravenous use] is indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Treatment with LEQEMBI should be initiated in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia stage of disease, the population in which treatment was initiated in clinical trials.CONTRAINDICATIONLEQEMBI is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to lecanemab-irmb or to any of the excipients of LEQEMBI. Reactions have included angioedema and anaphylaxis.WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS  AMYLOID-RELATED IMAGING ABNORMALITIESMedications in this class, including LEQEMBI, can cause ARIA-E, which can be observed on MRI as brain edema or sulcal effusions, and ARIA-H, which includes microhemorrhage and superficial siderosis. ARIA can occur spontaneously in patients with AD, particularly in patients with MRI findings suggestive of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), such as pretreatment microhemorrhage or superficial siderosis. ARIA-H generally occurs with ARIA-E. Reported ARIA symptoms may include headache, confusion, visual changes, dizziness, nausea, and gait difficulty. Focal neurologic deficits may also occur. Symptoms usually resolve over time.Incidence of ARIASymptomatic ARIA occurred in 3% and serious ARIA symptoms in 0.7% with LEQEMBI. Clinical ARIA symptoms resolved in 79% of patients during the period of observation. ARIA, including asymptomatic radiographic events, was observed: LEQEMBI, 21%; placebo, 9%. ARIA-E was observed: LEQEMBI, 13%; placebo, 2%. ARIA-H was observed: LEQEMBI, 17%; placebo, 9%. No increase in isolated ARIA-H was observed for LEQEMBI vs placebo.Incidence of ICHICH >1 cm in diameter was reported in 0.7% with LEQEMBI vs 0.1% with placebo. Fatal events of ICH in patients taking LEQEMBI have been observed.Risk Factors of ARIA and ICHApoE ε4 Carrier StatusOf the patients taking LEQEMBI, 16% were ApoE ε4 homozygotes, 53% were heterozygotes, and 31% were noncarriers. With LEQEMBI, ARIA was higher in ApoE ε4 homozygotes (LEQEMBI: 45%; placebo: 22%) than in heterozygotes (LEQEMBI: 19%; placebo: 9%) and noncarriers (LEQEMBI: 13%; placebo: 4%). Symptomatic ARIA-E occurred in 9% of ApoE ε4 homozygotes vs 2% of heterozygotes and 1% of noncarriers. Serious ARIA events occurred in 3% of ApoE ε4 homozygotes and in ~1% of heterozygotes and noncarriers. The recommendations on management of ARIA do not differ between ApoE ε4 carriers and noncarriers.Radiographic Findings of CAANeuroimaging findings that may indicate CAA include evidence of prior ICH, cerebral microhemorrhage, and cortical superficial siderosis. CAA has an increased risk for ICH. The presence of an ApoE ε4 allele is also associated with CAA.The baseline presence of at least 2 microhemorrhages or the presence of at least 1 area of superficial siderosis on MRI, which may be suggestive of CAA, have been identified as risk factors for ARIA. Patients were excluded from Clarity AD for the presence of >4 microhemorrhages and additional findings suggestive of CAA (prior cerebral hemorrhage >1 cm in greatest diameter, superficial siderosis, vasogenic edema) or other lesions (aneurysm, vascular malformation) that could potentially increase the risk of ICH.Concomitant Antithrombotic or Thrombolytic MedicationIn Clarity AD, baseline use of antithrombotic medication (aspirin, other antiplatelets, or anticoagulants) was allowed if the patient was on a stable dose. Most exposures were to aspirin. Antithrombotic medications did not increase the risk of ARIA with LEQEMBI. The incidence of ICH: 0.9% in patients taking LEQEMBI with a concomitant antithrombotic medication vs 0.6% with no antithrombotic and 2.5% in patients taking LEQEMBI with an anticoagulant alone or with antiplatelet medication such as aspirin vs none in patients receiving placebo.Fatal cerebral hemorrhage has occurred in 1 patient taking an anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody in the setting of focal neurologic symptoms of ARIA and the use of a thrombolytic agent.Additional caution should be exercised when considering the administration of antithrombotics or a thrombolytic agent (e.g., tissue plasminogen activator) to a patient already being treated with LEQEMBI. Because ARIA-E can cause focal neurologic deficits that can mimic an ischemic stroke, treating clinicians should consider whether such symptoms could be due to ARIA-E before giving thrombolytic therapy in a patient being treated with LEQEMBI.Caution should be exercised when considering the use of LEQEMBI in patients with factors that indicate an increased risk for ICH and, in particular, patients who need to be on anticoagulant therapy or patients with findings on MRI that are suggestive of CAA.Radiographic Severity With LEQEMBIMost ARIA-E radiographic events occurred within the first 7 doses, although ARIA can occur at any time, and patients can have >1 episode. Maximum radiographic severity of ARIA-E with LEQEMBI was mild in 4%, moderate in 7%, and severe in 1% of patients. Resolution on MRI occurred in 52% of ARIA-E patients by 12 weeks, 81% by 17 weeks, and 100% overall after detection. Maximum radiographic severity of ARIA-H microhemorrhage with LEQEMBI was mild in 9%, moderate in 2%, and severe in 3% of patients; superficial siderosis was mild in 4%, moderate in 1%, and severe in 0.4% of patients. With LEQEMBI, the rate of severe radiographic ARIA-E was highest in ApoE ε4 homozygotes (5%) vs heterozygotes (0.4%) or noncarriers (0%). With LEQEMBI, the rate of severe radiographic ARIA-H was highest in ApoE ε4 homozygotes (13.5%) vs heterozygotes (2.1%) or noncarriers (1.1%).Monitoring and Dose Management GuidelinesBaseline brain MRI and periodic monitoring with MRI are recommended. Enhanced clinical vigilance for ARIA is recommended during the first 14 weeks of treatment. Depending on ARIA-E and ARIA-H clinical symptoms and radiographic severity, use clinical judgment when considering whether to continue dosing or to temporarily or permanently discontinue LEQEMBI. If a patient experiences ARIA symptoms, clinical evaluation should be performed, including MRI if indicated. If ARIA is observed on MRI, careful clinical evaluation should be performed prior to continuing treatment.HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONSHypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis, have occurred with LEQEMBI. Promptly discontinue the infusion upon the first observation of any signs or symptoms consistent with a hypersensitivity reaction and initiate appropriate therapy.INFUSION-RELATED REACTIONS (IRRs)IRRs were observed—LEQEMBI: 26%; placebo: 7%—and most cases with LEQEMBI (75%) occurred with the first infusion. IRRs were mostly mild (69%) or moderate (28%). Symptoms included fever and flu-like symptoms (chills, generalized aches, feeling shaky, and joint pain), nausea, vomiting, hypotension, hypertension, and oxygen desaturation.In the event of an IRR, the infusion rate may be reduced or discontinued, and appropriate therapy initiated as clinically indicated. Consider prophylactic treatment prior to future infusions with antihistamines, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or corticosteroids.  ADVERSE REACTIONSThe most common adverse reactions reported in ≥5% with LEQEMBI and ≥2% higher than placebo were IRRs (LEQEMBI: 26%; placebo: 7%), ARIA-H (LEQEMBI: 14%; placebo: 8%), ARIA-E (LEQEMBI: 13%; placebo: 2%), headache (LEQEMBI: 11%; placebo: 8%), superficial siderosis of central nervous system (LEQEMBI: 6%; placebo: 3%), rash (LEQEMBI: 6%; placebo: 4%), and nausea/vomiting (LEQEMBI: 6%; placebo: 4%). Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

- The 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) ended successfully today, drawing 3,600+ policymakers and business leaders from more than 50 countries and regions to discuss the latest developments in financial markets and investment opportunities- The event focused on how Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre can be leveraged to navigate and adapt during a period of change, paving the way for more high-profile conferences and exhibitions in the year ahead- More than 700 one-on-one AFF Deal-making meetings were held on-site, connecting funds and investment projects from around the world- On-site polling indicated that generative AI-led innovation (41.6%) and non-AI innovation, including digital infrastructure & healthcare (23%), were seen by most participants as the most critical growth engines in Asia Pacific.HONG KONG, Jan 14, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), successfully wrapped up today under the theme “Powering the Next Growth Engine”. This year’s forum attracted over 3,600 global financial and business elites from more than 50 countries and regions. The event leveraged Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre to strengthen the international communication platform, foster multilateral cooperation and promote mutually beneficial outcomes. Three high-level Mainland China officials attended the Opening Session of the AFF yesterday, including Zhou Ji, Executive Vice Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council; Dr Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People's Bank of China; and Liu Zhenmin, Special Envoy for Climate Change of China.As the year’s first large-scale international financial and business event in the region, the atmosphere at the AFF was vibrant and charged with a positive energy. The forum showcased emerging perspectives across the diverse sessions, all of which were well-attended and well-received by speakers and audiences alike. Leaders from around the world actively engaged in discussion throughout the two-day event, with more than 130 policymakers, international financial and multilateral organisation representatives, financial institutions, and global corporate leaders joining as speakers.The speaker at the Keynote Luncheon on the first day of this year’s AFF was Prof Justin Lin Yifu, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank (2008-2012), who delivered an in-depth analysis of the shifting global economic landscape. Prof Lin pointed out: “In terms of purchasing power, China has the largest domestic market in the world. I think China can reach a 4.5 % growth rate on the average annually between 2019 and 2049. Thus China will continue to contribute around 30% of growth to the world every year. It’s good not only for China, but also will be the most important asset of Hong Kong in the coming years.”Keynote Luncheon today focused on AI: Future Industries and Implications, with Prof Stuart Russell, Co-chair of the World Economic Forum's Council on AI, sharing his insights into the development, application and governance of generative AI. Prof Russell said: “We could build AI systems that are guaranteed to further human interests but we aren’t. Some may worry that the machines that we are building will become conscious and lose control, but competence should actually be the topic that we worry about.  As history shows, we cause species to become extinct due to our competence, not our consciousness. We are training them to have human-like objectives, and that is a fundamental mistake. I am hoping that if we design the AI system well enough, they themselves will refuse to contribute to the enfeeblement of the human race.” Another AI expert, Dr Kai-Fu Lee, Chairman of Sinovation Ventures, also addressed the transformative power of AI and its impact on technological advancements in the global business ecosystem during a dialogue session.In alignment with the HKSAR Government's initiatives to promote sustainable development in Hong Kong, sustainability emerged as a key focus at the forum. A session yesterday featured experts including Sue Lloyd, Vice Chair of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), who delved into the adoption of financial disclosure standards to enhance confidence in Hong Kong's capital markets. Today saw more discussions related to sustainable development, including a Breakfast Panel dedicating to transition finance and two more sessions – on sustainable investment and Post-COP29 Implementation: Enhance Climate Ambition and Enable Financing Action – at which Liu Zhenmin, Special Envoy for Climate Change of China, gave remarks.This afternoon saw the debut of the Gulf Cooperation Council Chapter, jointly organised by the AFF and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, and HE Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, delivered keynote remarks. Financial officials and representatives from Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joined industry leaders from Hong Kong to share updates on economic developments in the Gulf region, highlight future investment opportunities, and examine ways to strengthen financial cooperation and investment between the member states of the GCC and Hong Kong.In addition, pioneers from a range of industries actively participated in sessions such as CIO Insights, Dialogues for Tomorrow and Global Spectrum, focusing on hot topics ranging from fintech and capital markets to female entrepreneurship and philanthropy. One of the heavyweight speakers at this year’s AFF was Joe Tsai, Chairman of the Alibaba Group, who shared his views at a fireside chat moderated by Ronnie Chan, Honorary Chair, Hang Lung Properties Limited on how large companies spur economic development in a session titled Global Spectrum – The Role of Large Companies in Supporting Start-ups and Social Enterprises.Views on mainland and overseas industries and environmental economies tracked on-siteReal-time polling was conducted during the forum to gauge participants’ views on various topics, such as the global economic outlook and China opportunities. It indicated that generative AI-led innovation (41.6%) and non-AI innovation, including digital infrastructure & healthcare (23%), were seen by participants as the most critical growth engines in the Asia Pacific region. Meanwhile, generative AI (31.4%) and advanced manufacturing (20%) were seen as the most promising growth sectors  in Mainland China.More than 700 one-on-one matching meetings facilitated on-site over two daysThis year’s AFF Deal-making, co-organised by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (HKVCA), brought together more than 270 investors and over 560 investment projects with more than 700 one-on-one meetings held, covering a wide spectrum of sectors such as fintech, healthtech, deep tech, consumer goods, infrastructure and real estate, environment, energy and environmental technology. The meetings helped to connect funds and investment projects from across the globe.As always, the AFF featured several exhibition zones, set up with the aim of creating business connections and promoting networking, including the Fintech Showcase, Fintech HK Startup Salon, the InnoVenture Salon, and the Global Investment Zone. These zones featured more than 140 exhibitors including international financial institutions, technology companies, start-ups, investment promotion agencies and sponsors such as AFF Knowledge Partner EY, along with HSBC, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Standard Chartered Bank, UBS, Prudential, China International Capital Corporation (CICC) and Huatai International and more.Three other events ran concurrently with the AFF across the two days. The Hong Kong International Fundraising Roundtable 2025 yesterday convened C-suite leaders from overseas and mainland enterprises with Hong Kong's financial and professional service providers to address pressing financing and fundraising needs. The Malaysia–Hong Kong Islamic Finance Roundtable, co-organised with Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre (MIFC) Leadership Council, facilitated the development of cross-border financial activities between Hong Kong and Islamic economies represented by Malaysia. Additionally, the Family Office Symposium, co-organised with the Private Wealth Management Association (PWMA), spotlighted Hong Kong’s advantages as a premier family office destination and explored current investment trends.The Asian Financial Forum was a signature event of 2025 International Financial Week (IFW), which runs from 13 to 17 January and brings together more than 20 partner events to create synergies in the industry. These events cover many topics of global interest to the financial and business community, including private equity, family offices, net zero investing and generative AI, among others. This week of events helps underscore the importance of Hong Kong as an international financial hub.Websites- Asian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en- Programme: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/programme- Speaker list: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/speakerAFF 2025 video footage: AFF 2025 footagePhoto download: https://bit.ly/4jdMdCQhttps://www.uphoto.cn/album_ia1082272835.htmlThe 18th Asian Financial Forum, co-organised by the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC, successfully wrapped up today, enjoying the participation of over 3,600 financial and business elites and creating a dynamic atmosphere for exchange and sharing on Hong Kong’s future development landscape. Christopher Hui (left), Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, moderated the Plenary SessionProf Justin Lin Yifu, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank (2008-2012), delivered a keynote addressDistinguished speaker, Prof Stuart Russell, Co-chair of the World Economic Forum's Council on AI, shared his insights on the development, application, and governance of generative AI at today’s Keynote LuncheonJoe Tsai, Chairman of the Alibaba Group, shared his views on how large companies spur economic development in a session titled “Global Spectrum – The Role of Large Companies in Supporting Start-ups and Social Enterprises”The afternoon session today marked the debut of the Gulf Cooperation Council Chapter, jointly organised by the AFF and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). HE Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, delivered keynote remarksMore than 700 one-on-one meetings were facilitated in this year’s AFF Deal-making, connecting global funds with investment opportunities and involving over 270 investors and over 560 projectsThree other events ran concurrently with AFF, including the Malaysia–Hong Kong Islamic Finance RoundtableThis year, the AFF collaborated with various organisations to provide special travel, dining and shopping discounts and privileges for overseas participants joining the event. Activities include Peak Tram and Sky Terrace trips, the iconic Aqua Luna red-sail junk boat, and guided tours of Man Mo Temple and Tai Kwun arranged by the Hong Kong Tourism BoardMedia enquiriesYuan Tung Financial Relations Limited:Agnes YiuTel: (852) 3428 5690Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hkLouise SongTel: (852) 3428 5691Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hkHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Clayton LauwTel: (852) 2584 4472Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgKaty 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 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.  Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Detroit, Michigan, Jan 13, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The new Honda Civic hybrid, the electrified variant of America's most popular compact car, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 North American Car of the Year™ award. It’s a record-setting fourth win for the Honda Civic, which has won more NACOTY honors than any other nameplate in the over 30-year history of the award. The win also marks the second honor for the 11th-generation Civic and the seventh time a Honda vehicle has received a North American Car or Truck of the Year™ award – Honda Civic (2006, 2016, 2022 and 2025), Honda Ridgeline (2006 and 2017) and Honda Accord (2018)."We are honored to have leading automotive journalists select the Honda Civic hybrid as the North American Car of the Year™,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales. "Our fun-to-drive hybrid-electric models are a key part of our Honda electrification strategy, and sales of the new Civic hybrid will ultimately represent about 40% of Civic sales."The North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year™ awards honor excellence in innovation, design, safety features, performance, technology, driver satisfaction and value. Initiated in 1994, vehicles are judged by 50 professional automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who work for independent magazines, television, radio, newspapers, and industry websites.    2025 Honda Civic HybridPositioned at the top of the refreshed 2025 Honda Civic lineup, the new Civic hybrid, offered for the first time as either a sedan or hatchback, combines the fun-to-drive spirit of Civic with the award-winning Honda two-motor hybrid-electric system.With a combined 200 horsepower and an impressive 232 lb.-ft. of torque, the new Civic Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid are the most powerful non-Type R Civics ever. Featuring two large and powerful electric motors, the Honda two-motor hybrid system gives Civic hybrid quick, effortless acceleration with outstanding EPA fuel economy ratings – including a 50-mpg city rating for Civic Sedan Sport and Sport Touring hybrids1.To further amplify the legendary fun-to-drive spirit and class-leading ride comfort of Civic, the ride and handling dynamics have been optimized with unique spring and damper tuning, and a special tire developed for Civic hybrid. Hybrid-electric trims also enjoy the highest levels of cabin quietness and ride comfort in the Civic lineup, with a robust noise reduction package that includes Active Noise Control on all hybrids, and wheel resonators on Sport Touring.Civic is the longest-running Honda automotive nameplate and one of the top three best-selling passenger cars in America over the past 52 years2. Honda has sold over 15 million Civics in North America since 1973, and the 11th-generation Civic is an unparalleled success. Serving as the gateway to the Honda brand, it's America's most popular vehicle with not only Gen Z buyers, but also first-time new car buyers as well as multicultural customers3. Honda Two-Motor Hybrid SystemHonda is celebrating 25 years of hybrid sales in America. Honda began sales of the first-generation Honda Insight, America's first mass-production hybrid-electric passenger vehicle, in December of 1999.The new fourth-generation Honda two-motor hybrid system that powers Civic hybrid models maximizes efficiency without compromising dynamic performance or passenger and cargo space to deliver a sportier and more pleasant driving experience with exceptional fuel economy ratings.Variants of the two-motor hybrid system are also available in the Honda Accord and CR-V and represent more than 50% of Accord and CR-V sales.Praised for its power, efficiency and refinement by the editors at WardsAuto, the Honda two-motor hybrid system powering the 2025 Honda Civic Sedan and Hatchback received a "Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems" award. This was the second year in a row the Honda hybrid-electric powertrain has received this prestigious honor.Hybrid-electric System Made in OhioThe new fourth-generation Honda two-motor hybrid-electric power unit is built* by associates at the Honda Transmission Plant in Ohio. It is paired with an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine made at the Anna Engine Plant in Ohio. All major components in the engine have been redesigned and improved including the block, which now features stronger main bearing caps, cylinder head, crank, connecting rods and camshafts. These components are manufactured at the Anna Engine Plant for the first time, improving production efficiencies and increasing capacity.Honda Civic ManufacturingHonda has produced* nearly 12 million Civics in North America, including more than five million in the United States, accounting for more than a quarter of Honda vehicle production in the region since Honda began making cars in America in 1982. The 11th-generation Civic continues to build on that legacy with production* of the Civic Sedan in Alliston, Ontario, Canada, and Civic Hatchback at the company's Greensburg, Indiana plant. Both plants produce Civic hybrid models.*using domestic and globally-sourced partsLearn more about the Honda Civic hybrid here.About HondaHonda offers a full line of clean, safe, fun and connected vehicles sold through more than 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The award-winning Honda lineup includes the Civic and Accord, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport, Prologue and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup, and the Odyssey minivan. The Honda electrified vehicle lineup, representing more than a quarter of total sales in 2024, includes the all-electric Prologue SUV, hybrid-electric Accord, CR-V, and Civic, and Fuel-Cell-electric CR-V e:FCEV, with a hybrid Prelude set to join the lineup in late 2025.Honda has been producing automobiles in America for over 40 years and currently operates 18 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2023, more than 99% of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, with about two-thirds made in America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.More information about Honda is available in the Digital FactBook. Source: Wards Intelligence cumulative U.S. light vehicle sales among passenger cars, 1974-2023CY.(1) 2025 Civic Hybrid EPA fuel economy ratings (City/Highway/Combined): Sedan: 50/47/49; Hatchback: 50/45/48; Use for comparison purposes only; your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition and other factors.(2) Based on total sales data from WardsAuto and Sales Flash 1973-2024CYTD October(3) Based on Strategic Vision's New Vehicle Experience Study 2021-2023.  Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.