Chery Auto Expands Global LEPAS NEV Lineup

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Chery Auto, a global automotive manufacturer, has announced that its mid-to-premium new energy vehicle (NEV) brand, LEPAS, is advancing its global market expansion with a comprehensive NEV lineup comprising the LEPAS L4 EV, LEPAS L6 EV and LEPAS L8 PHEV.

The lineup showcases LEPAS’ focus on elegant mobility through a combination of design, intelligent technologies and spacious interiors, addressing a range of mobility needs across global markets.

Chery Auto in a statement said the three models have entered the global launch phase and will be rolled out gradually across international markets as LEPAS continues to expand its presence worldwide.

The LEPAS L4 EV is designed for urban drivers seeking a more intelligent and effortless NEV experience, combining extended range capability, efficient performance and convenient charging solutions for both daily commuting and longer journeys.

Powered by a highly integrated 12-in-1 electric drive system, the L4 EV delivers smooth, quiet and efficient performance. It supports fast charging of more than 120 kilowatts (kW) and can charge from 30 per cent to 80 per cent in about 20 minutes when connected to a 200kW charging station.

Meanwhile, the LEPAS L6 EV, described as an Intelligent & Exquisite Life sport utility vehicle (SUV), features LEPAS’ signature "Leopard Aesthetics" design language and targets consumers seeking a more refined and sophisticated mobility experience.

The L6 EV combines an elegant and dynamic exterior with a minimalist interior design suited to a variety of lifestyles, including daily commuting, family travel, leisure outings and social occasions.

LEPAS said the L8 PHEV balances spacious comfort, intelligent technology, safety features and long driving range capability, delivering a refined mobility experience for global consumers.

Built on a 2,800-millimetre wheelbase, the LEPAS L8 PHEV offers a spacious cabin equipped with an AQS air quality monitoring system, active fragrance system, ultraviolet (UV)-blocking and heat-insulating glass, and smartphone remote-control functions.

-- BERNAMA

Kioxia Unveils NX1 Data Centre SSDs With Direct Liquid-Cooling Support

 

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Kioxia Corporation, a global leader in memory solutions, has announced the KIOXIA NX1 Series of solid-state drives (SSDs), a new generation of E1.S PCIe 5.0 NVMe data centre SSDs and the company’s first SSD with direct liquid-cooling support.

The KIOXIA NX1 Series features Kioxia’s next-generation, in-house developed controller architecture, which is designed to provide advanced capabilities while supporting future feature expansion.

Kioxia in a statement said the new drives are engineered to deliver high-performance, power-efficient storage for graphics processing unit (GPU)-enabled servers and hyperscale data centre environments.

The KIOXIA NX1 Series succeeds the KIOXIA XD Series and leverages PCIe 5.0 performance to help cloud service providers and hyperscale operators optimise infrastructure while maintaining operational efficiency.

Compared with the previous generation, the company said the KIOXIA NX1 SSDs deliver up to approximately 38 per cent higher sequential write performance and nearly 20 per cent higher random write performance.

As artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure continues to expand, storage systems must support increasingly dense, accelerator-rich server designs. The E1.S form factor helps maximise storage density while supporting advanced thermal management, including direct liquid-cooling configurations for efficient heat dissipation in high-performance AI server environments.

The KIOXIA NX1 Series is currently sampling with select hyperscale customers and will be showcased at FMS: The Future of Memory and Storage, which will be held from Aug 4 to 6 in Santa Clara, California.

-- BERNAMA

CryptoRank Study Finds Bitget rTokens Recorded Up to 58% Lower Slippage on $50,000 Orders Across Leading Tokenized Equity Platforms

VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), ranked first for large-order execution in a CryptoRank study evaluating liquidity, market structure and execution quality across leading tokenized equity products. The research found that Bitget's Reality rTokens delivered the lowest simulated slippage across every comparable asset tested, recording up to 58% lower slippage on $50,000 orders than competing tokenized equity products, highlighting the growing importance of execution quality as tokenized equities continue to mature.

The report arrives as the tokenized equity market approaches $2 billion in onchain value with more than 471,000 onchain holders, reflecting growing investor demand for blockchain-based access to traditional financial assets. As tokenized stocks become more widely available across crypto exchanges, CryptoRank examined how differences in product structure, liquidity models and execution infrastructure influence the trading experience beyond simple price exposure.

The study compared tokenized stock offerings across major exchanges and found that products tracking the same underlying equities can differ significantly in investor rights, liquidity mechanisms, redemption models and execution quality. The report evaluated NVIDIA, Microsoft, Meta and Tesla, the only four assets that maintained valid two-sided order books across all venues tested. In this comparable set, Bitget's Reality rTokens consistently produced the strongest execution results for larger trades.

The report found that Bitget delivered the lowest simulated slippage across all four comparable assets for both $10,000 and $50,000 orders, while Reality rTokens recorded the highest balanced displayed liquidity within 50 basis points. CryptoRank attributed these results to Bitget's liquidity architecture, which combines exchange liquidity with NYSE and NASDAQ-linked underlying market liquidity, enabling deeper liquidity and more efficient execution for larger trades. CryptoRank also examined the legal and operational structures behind tokenized equity products, noting that similar stock tickers can represent different forms of investor claims depending on how each product is issued and settled.

“Tokenization is moving beyond access and into infrastructure," said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget. “If even 10% of global financial assets become tokenized by 2030, we’ll witness one of the most significant transformations in modern capital markets. The next phase of tokenization will be defined by quality of execution liquidity and market infrastructure supporting those assets. Independent research like this helps establish the benchmarks the industry needs as tokenzied markets continue to mature.”

The findings build on Bitget's continued expansion of its Stock+ ecosystem, which gives eligible users access to more than 500 tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities and other traditional financial assets alongside cryptocurrencies through a single unified account. By combining 24/7 market access, fractional investing and NYSE and NASDAQ-linked liquidity, Bitget is building the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of tokenized capital markets.

Read the CryptoRank report here.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 500+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships such as MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

For more information, visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c8f2a89-2b0b-465f-9fe6-d03b919d5754

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2fd67267-7705-42b5-82f2-dc4dbe7c590b 

SOURCE: Bitget Limited

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

--BERNAMA

Target Locked on Travelers from Taiwan, Japan, and Southeast Asia! Busan Tourism Organization to Launch‘2026 Revisit Busan Pass Promotion’

- Launches a win-win promotion offering Busan Pay rewards to international tourists returning to Busan
 

- Easy application with only a Visit Busan Pass purchase record and proof of a previous visit to Busan

- “Expecting strong repeat travel demand from Taiwan, Japan and Southeast Asia visitors who love Busan."

BUSAN, South Korea, July 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Busan Tourism Organization (BTO) has announced the launch of the ‘2026 Revisit Busan Pass Promotion’, a special welcome gift for international Free Independent Travelers (FITs) returning to Busan.

In line with the recent expansion of regional low-cost carrier (LCC) flights from Taiwan, Japan and Southeast Asia to Busan, the campaign will offer practical benefits to smart travelers looking to fall back in love with Busan’s charm.

The promotion is open to international tourists who have previously visited Busan and have repurchased the Visit Busan Pass, an exclusive tourist pass for international visitors, for their upcoming trip. Upon meeting the conditions, participants will receive Busan Pay credits worth up to KRW 20,000 as a reward. This mobile local currency can be used instantly like cash at participating small businesses throughout Busan. The reward amount varies depending on the type of pass purchased: KRW 10,000 for purchasers of the 24-Hour Pass and BIG3 Pass, and KRW 20,000 for purchasers of the 48-Hour Pass and BIG5 Pass.

The application process is simple. Travelers can visit the dedicated multilingual promotional microsite and complete the application in three easy steps:

• Enter their Visit Busan Pass purchase information, • Upload proof of a previous visit to Busan (such as a Gimhae International Airport e-ticket, a previous Busan hotel receipt or voucher, etc.), and • Verify the Busan Pay account to receive the reward.

The official added, “Through this Revisit campaign prepared with our gratitude, we hope more global travelers will experience Busan's warm hospitality and exclusive benefits.”

This promotion is available on a first-come, first-served basis while the allocated budget lasts and may close early once the budget is exhausted. Detailed application methods and precautions can be found through the multilingual pop-up windows on the official Visit Busan Pass website and mobile app.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a672ca74-778c-45f7-b8d3-49d1f0da2b3f 

Visit Busan Pass Official, Tel: +82 1660-1122, visitbusanpass@tourpass.kr 

SOURCE: Busan Tourism Organization

--BERNAMA 

Air Selangor Pioneers Sustainable Water Financing with the issuance of the World’s First Blue Sukuk and Malaysia’s First Blue Bond/Sukuk Issuance

KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (“Air Selangor”) has successfully priced the world’s first Blue Sukuk and Malaysia’s first Blue Bond/Sukuk issuance (“Blue SRI Sukuk Kelestarian” or “Blue Sukuk”) of RM200.0 million in nominal value to be issued pursuant to its RM20.0 billion Islamic Medium Term Notes Programme.

The landmark issuance, which has a 15-year tenor, represents a significant milestone in the evolution of sustainable water financing in the Malaysian capital market and reflects Air Selangor’s commitment to mobilising sustainable financing to support projects that deliver measurable environmental impact. CIMB Investment Bank Berhad (“CIMB”) acted as Sole Sustainability Structuring Adviser and Sole Lead Manager for the transaction, supporting Air Selangor in enhancing its Framework and facilitating the successful execution of the issuance.

Accordingly, the issuance supports blue finance — an emerging segment of sustainable finance that channels investment towards sustainable management, protection, restoration and efficient utilisation of water resources and water-related ecosystems, while supporting long-term water security, climate resilience, pollution prevention and environmental sustainability outcomes. This is also aligned with Air Selangor's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, through initiatives that promote sustainable water resource management and strengthen water security for the communities it serves.

Adam Saffian Ghazali, Chief Executive Officer of Air Selangor said “We recognise that building resilient water infrastructure requires long-term investment supported by sustainable financing. This world’s first Blue Sukuk reflects our commitment to advancing innovative financing solutions that strengthen water security, protect natural resources and create long-term value for the communities we serve.”

As both the world’s first Blue Sukuk issuance and Malaysia’s first Blue Bond/Sukuk issuance, it establishes an important precedent for blue labelled financing instruments in Malaysia’s debt capital market and demonstrates how sustainable financing can strengthen essential water infrastructure.

Nor Masliza Sulaiman, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Investment Bank said, “CIMB is pleased to have played a key role in the successful issuance and to have advised Air Selangor on the enhancement of its Sustainable Development Sukuk Kelestarian Framework. This milestone demonstrates CIMB’s strength not only as a capital markets arranger, but as a trusted sustainability partner capable of delivering end-to-end advisory in innovative sustainable finance solutions. We hope this landmark issuance will accelerate the adoption of blue finance across Malaysia and the region, supporting greater mobilisation of capital towards water security, environmental resilience and sustainable development.”

The Blue Sukuk is structured under Air Selangor’s revised Sustainable Development Sukuk Kelestarian Framework Version 2.0 (“Framework”), reinforcing the company's long-term commitment to integrating sustainability into its financing strategy. The Framework aligns with the International Capital Market Association’s (ICMA) Green Bond Principles 2025, Social Bond Principles 2025 and Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2021, and integrates IFC’s Guidelines for Blue Finance Version 2.0. The Framework also includes expanded eligibility to support blue, green, social and sustainability Sukuk issuances under a single platform.

Key enhancements made to the Framework include the introduction of Blue Sukuk to finance sustainable water and wastewater management, resource protection and long-term water security. The Framework also expands the number of eligible project categories from four to eight, covering climate adaptation, energy efficiency, clean transportation and social initiatives.

To reinforce the credibility of the Framework, Air Selangor has secured a Preliminary Assessment letter from RAM Sustainability Sdn Bhd (“RAM Sustainability”), which outlines RAM Sustainability’s view that the Framework’s Eligible Blue Projects are eligible blue projects under IFC’s Guidelines for Blue Finance Version 2.0.

About CIMB

CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM81.6 billion as at 31 March 2026. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present across ASEAN in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in China, Hong Kong and UK. CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 545 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 31 March 2026. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award-winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 91.45% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.83% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.

About Air Selangor

Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) is the largest water services provider in Malaysia, providing clean and safe treated water to 9.62 million consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. To date, Air Selangor operates 34 water treatment plants located in 10 regions and has over 5,000 employees with a breadth of experience in various fields in the industry. Staying true to its mission and vision, Air Selangor aspires to deliver the best experience to customers as well as become the leading water services provider in Asia by 2030. Air Selangor is the first water services provider in Malaysia to be inducted into the Leading Utilities of the World (LUOW) global network.

SOURCE: CIMB Group Holdings Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Anis Azharuddin / Kelvin Jude Muthu
Group Corporate Communications
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Email: anis.azharuddin@cimb.com / kelvinjude.muthu@cimb.com

--BERNAMA

Best’s Market Segment Report: AM Best Maintains Stable Outlook on Vietnam’s Non-Life Insurance Segment

SINGAPORE, July 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best is maintaining its stable outlook on Vietnam’s non-life insurance segment, citing robust demand, technology adoption and healthy macroeconomic factors.

The Best’s Market Segment Report, “Market Segment Outlook: Vietnam Non-Life Insurance,” states that the country’s positive macroeconomic performance has been underpinned by buoyant electronic exports, and increasing foreign direct investment, driven by the global investment boom in artificial intelligence-related technology and infrastructure. The strong macroeconomic fundamentals, along with increased government expenditure, continue to drive commercial insurance demand and support operating earnings, despite increasing competition.

“Vietnam’s non-life market has been attractive to foreign insurance groups and domestic financial conglomerates seeking growth and diversification. As market competition intensifies, insurers’ underwriting discipline faces challenges from these new entrants and incumbents seeking growth,” said Ken Lau, senior financial analyst, AM Best.

According to the report, operating earnings in 2025 exhibited a strong recovery from the prior year, due in large part to favourable underwriting earnings as the market recovers from the impact of Typhoon Yagi in 2024. Vietnam’s non-life insurance market also showed strong top-line growth in 2025, and the positive trend extended into the first half of 2026. AM Best expects the market’s overall operating performance to remain resilient, underpinned by stable investment returns and positive underwriting results, along with easing reinsurance market conditions.

“Non-life insurers in Vietnam continue to benefit from ample reinsurance capacity and more favourable renewal terms in 2026 and are increasingly well-positioned to optimise their reinsurance programmes to protect against the potential impact of severe catastrophic events,” said Chris Lim, director, AM Best.

To access the full copy of this market segment report, please visit
http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=366900.

AM Best’s outlook on Vietnam’s non-life segment will be highlighted in a presentation at the Vietnam Insurance Summit, to be held on 31 July 2026, in Da Nang, Vietnam. Additionally, Rob Curtis, managing director and chief executive officer of AM Best’s Singapore operations, will be in attendance and available for meetings. To arrange a meeting with Curtis, please email rob.curtis@ambest.com. Visitors to AM Best’s exhibit booth (No. 10) also can learn more about the rating agency’s role in the insurance industry. AM Best is a diamond sponsor of the event, which will take place at KOI Resort & Residence Da Nang. To learn more about the summit, visit here.

To view current Best’s Market Segment Outlooks, please visit here.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2026 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260726209986/en/ 

Contact

Ken Lau
Senior Financial Analyst
+65 6303 5025
ken.lau@ambest.com

Chris Lim
Director, Analytics
+65 6303 5018
chris.lim@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Associate Director, Public Relations
+1 908 882 2310
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Cynthia Ang
Senior Industry Research Analyst
+65 6303 5026
cynthia.ang@ambest.com 

Source : AM Best 

--BERNAMA 

AGC Biologics Lands Commercial Manufacturing Agreement for Yokohama Site Worth Hundreds of Millions of Dollars

 

• Commercial long-term deal with a large pharmaceutical company pursuing manufacturing and commercial regulatory approvals in major markets
• Customer commits to AGC Biologics’ new site in Yokohama for five commercial biologics programs
• Highlights growing demand for geopolitically stable supply chains, positioning Japan as an allied hub for global supply of biopharmaceuticals

YOKOHAMA, Japan, July 29 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ahead of the official opening of AGC Biologics’ Yokohama site, an international biopharmaceutical company has already secured half of the facility’s mammalian manufacturing capacity with a multi-year commercial contract expected to reach hundreds of millions of dollars in total value. The Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) will leverage its new Yokohama facility to manufacture a minimum of 35 batches per year of five biopharmaceutical products for the undisclosed customer, securing a reliable global supply chain for patients worldwide.

The agreement includes process transfer, scale-up, regulatory validation, and future commercial production. The customer will pursue multiple regulatory approvals with the EMA, FDA, MHRA, and PMDA. The aggressive manufacturing timeline includes four process performance qualifications (PPQ) campaigns in the first two years. 

Securing commercial production in Japan reflects a broader industry shift toward supply chain resilience, as global biopharmaceutical developers increasingly prioritize established, geopolitically stable manufacturing partners with locations that mitigate geopolitical, regulatory and trade risks.

“AGC Biologics has the largest global network of single-use manufacturing capacity by volume outside of China, but that’s not the full story,” said Alberto Santagostino, President and CEO of AGC Biologics. “The market is demanding capable, reliable manufacturing partners with global quality standards and geographic flexibility. This agreement reflects the strength of our network, our single-use expertise, and the strategic role Japan can play in resilient biologics supply chains. Our newest Japan site in Yokohama synthesizes all our network learning in a location of increasing interest, and that carries the intrinsic cultural value of manufacturing quality and effective delivery.”

Once operational in 2027, the Yokohama site will deploy four 2,000-liter Cytiva single-use bioreactors and two 5,000-liter Thermo Fisher Scientific DynaDrive single-use bioreactors, adding 18,000 liters to AGC Biologics’ existing capacity of single-use technology for biologics manufacturing. Select customers and guests are scheduled to be provided with the opportunity to visit the new site in December 2026, when construction is completed.

“Securing a major commercial partner for Yokohama before the site is operational is a strong signal of confidence in what this facility will offer,” said Tadashi Murano, President of AGC Life Science Company. “With the site located adjacent to the AGC Yokohama Technical Center, biopharmaceutical developers are understanding that choosing a CDMO with an established innovation ecosystem in Japan is a smart outsourcing strategy.”

The AGC Biologics’ Yokohama site was part of the biomanufacturing investments made by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2022. These strategic investments are designed to expand domestic production and reinforce Japan’s position as a highly trusted, long-term biologics partner for life sciences industries within allied nations.

Services available in Yokohama starting in 2027 will include:

• Mammalian development and GMP manufacturing, with two downstream lines and flexible single-use bag capacity of 18,000 liters.
• Cell therapy services with six clean rooms.
• Messenger RNA (mRNA) development and manufacturing with 2 IVT, two purification lines, and two LNP lines. 

With existing cGMP manufacturing locations in the U.S., Japan, and Europe, AGC Biologics’ track record will help kick off the manufacturing operation in Yokohama, utilizing the experience of:

• More than three decades of GMP experience.
• 100 successful regulatory inspections.
• More than 30 commercial products launched, which received more than 100 separate regulatory agency approvals.
• More than 400 products developed and manufactured for over 250 different customers.

About AGC Biologics

AGC Biologics is a leading global biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with a strong commitment to delivering the highest standard of service as we work side-by-side with our clients and partners, to provide friendly and expert services. We provide world-class development and manufacturing of mammalian and microbial-based therapeutic proteins, plasmid DNA (pDNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), viral vectors, and genetically engineered cells. Our global network spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with locations in Seattle, Washington; Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg, Germany; Milan, Italy; and Chiba and Yokohama, Japan. AGC Biologics is a part of AGC Inc.’s Life Science Business. The Life Science Business runs eight facilities focused on biopharmaceuticals, advanced therapies, small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients, and agrochemicals. To learn more, visit www.agcbio.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4834252b-9e14-45c2-987f-d437e07479e4

AGC Inc. corporate contact: info-pr@agc.com

AGC Biologics media contact: kati.sills@agc.com

SOURCE: AGC Biologics, Inc.