Media OutReach

Apex Lin, Pang-Soong Receives Special Jury Award from Asia Design Prize, Recognizing His Long-term Contributions to Asian Design

Published

2 weeks ago

31/03/2025

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 March 2025 – The 2025 ADP (Asia Design Prize) has awarded the “Judge’s Choice” to Apex Lin, Pang-Soong, Chair Professor at Asia University in Taiwan, in recognition of his long-term contributions to promoting Asian design development and international visibility through design practice, design education, and design promotion.

Dr. Kim Hyun-Sun, chairman of the 2025 Asia Design Prize Jury, awarded the Judge’s Choice to Apex Lin, Chair professor of Asia University in Taiwan, in recognition of his long-term contribution to Asian design.

The Asia Design Prize, established in 2016, is a collaborative initiative between Japanese and Korean design communities aimed at discovering outstanding design works across Asia. The competition is organized by the Korean design media company “DESIGNSORI” and strives to create a world-class design award. Competition categories include Industrial Design, Space/Architecture Design, Communication Design, and Social Impact. In 2025, a total of 1,879 entries were received from 22 countries, with only 304 works selected as winners. This year’s jury consisted of 42 experts from different countries, with Dr. Kim Hyun-Sun, President of the Korean Federation of Design Associations, serving as the jury chair. The award ceremony was held on March 26 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, bringing together award recipients from around the world.

In 2024, ADP presented its first “Judge’s Choice” to Professor Kim Nando of Seoul National University in Korea, recognizing his dedication to advancing market consumer trend research. The 2025 ADP “Judge’s Choice” was presented to Apex Lin primarily to recognize his long-term artistic and design work featuring Taiwan’s island image. He has not only established a clear personal identification symbol but has also promoted Taiwan’s image globally, transcending design services for clients and markets to present deeper philosophical thinking. As this year’s jury chair, President Kim Hyun-Sun wrote in the award citation: “Design is not merely about form, but a creative act that can interpret trends of the times and pioneer the future… Professor Lin Pang-Soong’s design philosophy goes beyond simple visual expression to become a powerful medium for sharing cultural values and leading social change, presenting works that transcend eras with outstanding creativity and design insight. These achievements have not only created aesthetic value but have also established an identity for Asian design and made important contributions to elevating the status of Asian design in the global design field.”

In addition to his personal creative achievements, Apex Lin has long directed arts and design talent cultivation programs for Taiwan’s Ministry of Education. Among these, the “Taiwan International Design Strategy Initiative (IDC): Encouraging Students to Participate in International Art and Design Competitions” has, from 2006 to 2024, helped Taiwanese students win over 1,920 awards in global design competitions, including more than 300 bronze or higher-level awards, demonstrating Taiwan’s design strength on the global stage. Since 2014, he has consecutively organized the “Design Power from Asia” lecture and workshop series for 11 years, inviting over 70 distinguished designers from 20 countries to Taiwan to conduct international design forums and workshops. This provides Taiwanese teachers and students the opportunity to receive direct guidance from globally renowned designers, establishing a solid foundation for Taiwan’s design education and building bridges for design exchange between Taiwan and the world.

Since 2008, Apex Lin has directed the “TISDC Taiwan International Student Design Competition” for Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, with sponsorship from the iSee Taiwan Foundation and the Sayling Wen Cultural & Educational Foundation. Each year, the competition invites collaboration from 21 international design organizations across five continents, including WDO, Cumulus, BEDA, NY ADC, JDP, DBCS, and PADI, creating a design platform that offers fair competition and exposure opportunities for students worldwide. TISDC annually receives entries from over 60 countries and regions, representing more than 1,000 academic institutions, with approximately 20,000 submissions. It has become a collaborative platform for global design leaders to regularly visit Taiwan for in-depth design exchanges, evolving into a significant event in the Asian design community.

This prestigious “ADP Judge’s Choice” represents a significant milestone in recognizing Professor Lin’s lifetime of dedication to design. Beyond honoring his personal achievements, ADP acknowledges his pivotal role in elevating Taiwan’s design presence on the global stage and his enduring contributions to Asian design development. Through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment, Lin has not only shaped Taiwan’s design landscape but has also inspired a new generation of designers across Asia, cementing his legacy as one of the region’s most influential design leaders.Hashtag: #AsiaDesignPrize #ADP

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Media OutReach

Recognising Purpose-Driven Excellence: ACES Awards 2025 Opens Nominations for the Philippines’ Most Visionary Leaders and Companies

Published

22 hours ago

16/04/2025

Media Outreach

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 April 2025 – In a region rich with ambition, the Philippines continues to lead with sustainability and purposeful leadership. The Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards has officially opened Wave 2 nominations for its 2025 edition – inviting Filipino companies and leaders to share their stories of impact and vision.

Marking its tenth win, Globe Telecom – represented by Nico Bambao, was honoured with the 2024 Industry Champion of the Year award.

Now in its 12th year, ACES is one of Asia’s most respected business recognition platforms, where leadership is measured by purpose and long-term impact. Filipino organisations have earned 174 awards to date – the most awarded country, reflecting a strong national drive for innovation, sustainability and shared growth.

Among the nation’s most awarded is Globe Telecom Inc., a ten-time honouree and four-time “Industry Champion of the Year” – the most by any Filipino company. Its achievements embody the forward-thinking and socially conscious spirit of Filipino enterprises.

“The Philippines shows us that leadership means lifting others as you grow,” said Dr. Shanggari Balakrishnan, President of the ACES Awards and CEO of MORS Group. “Filipino organisations don’t just tick ESG boxes – they live them. Their passion for people, planet, and progress is unmatched.”

Even amid global and local challenges, Filipino leaders continue to step forward with boldness and empathy. ACES offers a regional platform to recognise these changemakers and connect them with like-minded peers.

The ACES Awards 2025 will be held from 27–28 November, shortly after COP30 in Rio de Janeiro. Bali, Taiwan and Malaysia are shortlisted to host the event, with the final venue to be announced in June.

Nominations are open under three pillars: Individual Leadership, Corporate Excellence and Corporate Sustainability. Wave 2 closes April 30; Wave 3 runs until June.

Whether a growing SME or industry giant—your impact deserves the spotlight. Submit now at www.acesawards.com.
Hashtag: #ACESAwards2025 #ACESAwards

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About ACES Awards

The Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards, organised by MORS Group, is a leading platform that recognises businesses and leaders across Asia for their impact in leadership, sustainability, and responsible growth. ACES highlights those driving meaningful change in their industries and communities.

To nominate for the 2025 ACES Awards, contact Rhasvin Sidhu at rhasvin@acesawards.com.

Media OutReach

Consumer goods expo highlights China’s growing allure for global brands

Published

1 day ago

15/04/2025

Media Outreach

HAIKOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2025 – The fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), held on the tropical island province of Hainan, has reaffirmed the country’s position as a vital marketplace for global enterprises.

The high-tech exhibits and beachside fashion shows at the 5th CICPE.

This year’s expo has drawn record participation from over 4,100 brands across 71 countries and regions, reflecting the expanding international appetite for engagement with China’s vast consumer market and its evolving landscape.

The UK, this year’s guest country of honor, brought 27 companies spanning fashion, beauty, and other fields. Flagship brands like Burberry and Bentley showcased their latest offerings, with a strong emphasis on green technology and sustainable development.

“I have seen the tremendous innovation and growth taking place within China’s economy in recent years, not least in digital technologies, life sciences and green energy,” said Douglas Alexander, minister of state of the UK’s Department for Business and Trade.

These areas present significant opportunities for both economies, he said, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to deepening economic ties with China.

Burberry Greater China President Josie Zhang noted the value of the expo in facilitating foreign firms to engage with local partners. “By deepening cooperation with various stakeholders, we aim to explore new market opportunities and achieve mutual growth,” she said in a written interview.

Slovakia also made a notable debut with its first-ever national pavilion. Andrea Jancekova, CEO of Slovak brand Truscada, praised the expo’s global reach. “You can have a good connection also with people from all over the world.”

Slovak Deputy Prime Minister Denisa Saková highlighted the expanding trade ties between the two countries. “China is one of our most important trading partners outside the European Union,” she said. “The growing volume of trade is a testament to the strength and dynamism of our economic relationship.”

Among the newcomers was Japan’s Eda Livestock Co., Ltd., known for its premium Wagyu beef. “We plan to establish a foreign trade company in Hainan as our strategic entry point into the Chinese market,” said Rei Tanaka, the firm’s chief operating officer, who participated in the CICPE for the first time.

This year’s expo also gathered an array of top-tier global luxury brands. Richemont’s TimeVallée debuted as an independent exhibitor, while LVMH and Kering Group brands made notable appearances, reflecting confidence in China’s premium consumption growth.

“Luxury consumers in China are significantly younger than those in many overseas markets, and that presents a major opportunity for us,” said Nancy Liu, president of luxury travel retailer DFS China. The company has introduced tailored services to cater to the expectations of these emerging consumer groups.

Beyond luxury, sectors like automotive and technology are repositioning China from being a mere sales destination to a research and innovation hub.

As the co-organizer of the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo, the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development stated that, amid China’s technological innovation momentum, this year’s expo for the first time introduced dedicated zones for artificial intelligence and the low-altitude economy, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and products from leading tech companies around the world.

“Since 2020, Volkswagen has invested over 10 billion euros in China. In particular, we have established a research and development center in China in 2023, the largest outside Germany,” said Su Bahong, vice president of Volkswagen Group China. “This shows the trend where China is becoming the global technological innovation hub.”

Hashtag: #CICPE

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Media OutReach

PAObank Shared in World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit in Hong Kong

Published

2 days ago

15/04/2025

Media Outreach

Insights on the Potential of Commercial Data: A Path to Enhanced Financing Efficiency and Financial Inclusion

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2025 – The World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit 2025 held for the first time in Hong Kong. PAO Bank Limited (“PAObank”) has been invited to participate in the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit 2025, held for the first time in Hong Kong. As the only Hong Kong digital bank invited, PAObank engaged in discussions with international industry leaders and experts on unlocking the potential of commercial data. Leveraging its own experiences, PAObank analyses the adopting level of digital and intelligent technologies in financial sector, with the aim of advancing financial inclusion.

The World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit, a flagship event of the innovation and technology sector, was held for two days in Hong Kong under the theme of “Integration of AI and Digital Technologies Shaping the Future – Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace”. The Summit brought together around 1,000 participants from the Mainland and overseas, including government representatives, business leaders, expert and scholars. It serves as a platform to provide new impetus for exploring the potential of digital technology and fostering the growth of the digital economy across the Asia-Pacific region.

PAObank, as the first digital bank to participate in the Commercial Data Interchange initiative, stands out in leveraging alternative data to streamline financing processes. PAObank was invited to sub-forum on the second day of the Summit, titled “Digital Finance Forum: Inclusive Finance Empowered by Digital Intelligence”, where it shared insights on fintech applications and the breakthroughs of cross-sector data interchange.

Mr. Ambrose Wong, Chief Executive cum Chief Risk Officer of PAObank shared, “PAObank has been dedicated to addressing the banking services gaps for SMEs since its inception. By leveraging financial technology and alternative data, we have streamlined the loan application and approval process, empowering SMEs with tailored financing services. Over the past five years, our deep exploration and application of commercial data have benefited lots of SME customers. In fact, amongst the approved loan cases of PAObank, about 25%[1] of SMEs obtained bank loans for the first time from PAObank, and around 8.2%[2] of startups received unsecured loan, reflecting PAObank’s commitment to empowering SMEs to navigate their business upgrade and transformation journeys by leveraging financial technology.

PAObank is also strategically focusing on the Greater Bay Area, a region with immense development potential. The area is witnessing an influx of SMEs and a surge in economic vitality, leading to an increased demand for capital among SMEs. As a subsidiary of Lufax Holding Limited (“Lufax”) (06623.HK, NYSE LU), PAObank aligns closely with Lufax’s vision to leverage finance technology to advance financial inclusion in the Greater Bay Area. This synergy will support PAObank in developing cutting-edge digital banking services. PAObank will proactively explore relevant banking services and harness the role of Hong Kong as a ‘super-connector’ to support SMEs venturing into the Greater Bay Area and overseas markets, empowering them to tackle future challenges with confidence.”

Recognised as the “best partner” for SMEs, PAObank deeply understands SMEs are the cornerstone of the economy. By leveraging financial technology and commercial data, PAObank designs targeted loan services tailored to the specific operational models of various industries. These include the “Cross-border e-Commerce Revolving Loan”[3] launched this year, designed to help SME expand their e-commerce business presence. By analysing the real-time data from e-commerce platform, such as sales volume, inventory and refund rates, PAObank gains a comprehensive insight into SMEs’ business dynamics, which helps streamline the credit assessment process through big data analysis. Based upon the loan approval process, SMEs can secure funding as quick as one week[4] without providing any financial statements. This can promptly meet SME’s funding needs while assisting them in exploring new business prospects.

Looking ahead, PAObank will continue to leverage commercial data to facilitate the development of digital banking ecosystem by forging more partnership and introducing more SME banking services. With continued efforts in the development of financial technology, PAObank will bring more diverse financing services to individual and SME customers, fulfilling its commitment to financial inclusion.

[1] As at 31 December 2024, about 25% of SMEs received their first bank loan amongst the approved loan cases of PAObank.

[2] As at 31 December 2024, around 8.2% of SMEs were start-ups operating for less than 3 years amongst the approved loan cases of PAObank.

[3] This loan product is only eligible to companies registered in Hong Kong. Reminder: To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay! Terms & Conditions apply. Please refer to PAObank website or call customer services hotline 3762 9900 for details

[4] Upon submission of loan application, the specific disbursement time is subject to the completion of documents to be provided and signed.

Hashtag: #PAObank #WIC

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

PAO Bank Limited

PAO Bank Limited (“PAObank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufax Holding Ltd (“Lufax”) (SEHK: 6623; NYSE: LU) and a member of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An”) (SEHK: 2318; SSE: 601318), is committed to fostering financial inclusion and establishing a digital banking ecosystem by leveraging its extensive experience in SME banking services and its leading financial technology advantages. PAObank was granted a banking licence by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in May 2019 to offer banking services via digital channels. PAObank is expanding diverse business segments including retail banking and SME banking.