AGC Biologics Expands Deal With Novelty Nobility For Antibody Production

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) -- AGC Biologics, a global biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has expanded its manufacturing agreement with South Korea-based biotech company Novelty Nobility to advance a bispecific antibody drug candidate.

According to a statement, Novelty Nobility will progress its candidate, NN4101, through process development and GMP manufacturing at AGC Biologics’ facility in Chiba, Japan.

The partnership builds on earlier collaboration between the companies, including completed cell line development in Copenhagen, Denmark, and will leverage AGC Biologics’ global network for subsequent manufacturing stages.

AGC Biologics Senior Vice President and General Manager of its Chiba site, Susumu Zen-in said the company’s integrated global network enables seamless project execution.

“This approach is creating wins for our partners and for AGC Biologics throughout the APAC region. The upcoming capacity at our new Yokohama site will only strengthen our ability to meet the global demand for vital biopharmaceuticals,” he added.

Meanwhile, Novelty Nobility Chief Executive Officer, Sang Gyu Park said the partnership supports the advancement of complex biologics programmes.

“AGC Biologics has proven to be an ideal manufacturing partner for advancing our most complex programmes. Their global network gives us the confidence to move NN4101 forward with speed and precision,” he said.

NN4101 is a first-in-class bispecific antibody targeting neovascular retinal diseases, combining an anti-c-Kit monoclonal antibody with a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) trap.

AGC Biologics is also expanding its footprint in Japan with a new facility in Yokohama, designed to support large-scale GMP manufacturing using single-use bioreactor technology, making it one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in Japan.

-- BERNAMA

What is the best internet solution for business travel? Why Holafly for Business is becoming the preferred choice for global companies

 

DUBLIN, May 5 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For IT teams, one of the biggest risks when an employee travels is not the flight itself, but what happens upon arrival: landing without reliable internet access. This goes far beyond lost time, as it often translates into lack of access to critical tools, reliance on unsecured public WiFi networks, and decisions being made without real-time information.

As global workforces become increasingly distributed, companies are rethinking how they support their teams abroad, moving away from fragmented solutions towards more integrated approaches. In this shift, solutions like Holafly for Business are emerging as a foundational layer that allows IT departments to regain control, visibility, and security, ensuring that employees can access mobile data the moment they land without dependency on external networks.

This transformation is closely tied to the evolution of business travel itself. According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), global business travel spend is expected to reach $1.69 trillion in 2026, reflecting a structural shift towards more geographically distributed ways of working, where the ability to operate seamlessly from anywhere is a baseline expectation.

The operational impact of connectivity gaps is already measurable, with GBTA data indicating that business travelers lose an average of 5.2 productive hours per trip due to connectivity-related challenges. At the same time, security has moved to the center of the conversation. With the average cost of a corporate data breach reaching $4.88 million, according to IBM Security, relying on public WiFi networks is no longer a viable option for many organizations.

Alongside these challenges, the way companies manage data services internally is also a challenge itself. Platforms like Holafly Business Center allow IT teams to centralize eSIM management, monitor usage in real time, and automate billing processes, reducing operational complexity while providing the level of visibility required to manage distributed teams effectively. According to Gartner, organizations that adopt automation in IT operations can reduce management costs by up to 30%, reinforcing the value of more scalable solutions.

Cost predictability when it comes to roaming fees is another factor driving this shift, as traditional roaming models continue to generate unexpected and difficult-to-forecast expenses, solutions like Holafly for Business can reduce these costs by up to 85%, offering both savings and the financial stability that global operations increasingly demand.

“Companies are no longer asking whether their teams will be online when they travel, but how reliably and securely they can operate from anywhere,” said Ricardo Rodriguez, Head of Sales at Holafly for Business.

About Holafly
Holafly is the global leader in eSIMs for travelers, offering coverage in over 200 destinations. With an outstanding 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot and more than 15 million satisfied users, it has become the preferred eSIM choice for international travelers. Its unlimited data offering ensures peace of mind anywhere in the world.

Contact: press@holafly.com 

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ff9372ad-41f6-4acc-8266-5578d80cc425 

SOURCE: Holafly

CGTN: CHINA SOLAR PROJECT SHOWCASES GREEN DEVELOPMENT, LIVELIHOOD GAINS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- A solar power project in northwest China’s Qinghai Province is being highlighted as an example of how technology can support both economic development and environmental sustainability.

Located in the Talatan Gobi Desert, the solar facility has an installed generation capacity of 8,430 megawatts and combines renewable energy production with livestock grazing, allowing local herders to raise sheep beneath rows of photovoltaic panels.

According to CGTN in a statement, the model helps address desertification pressures that have affected traditional grazing while providing herders with stable income and restoring grass growth through improved land conditions.

Huanghe Corporation’s Hainan Branch Engineer, Cao Jun said local herders are granted access to graze livestock at the site, while water runoff from solar panel cleaning supports vegetation growth.

Meanwhile, ClientEarth Chief Representative for China, Dimitri De Boer described the model as a “win-win”, saying it supports local livelihoods while improving land quality and advancing sustainability goals.

The project was featured in CGTN’s Art of Governance, which examined how technological innovation is being used to support China’s green development strategy.

China’s green development agenda is a key component of its modernisation strategy and includes efforts to advance carbon peaking and carbon neutrality through emissions reduction, pollution control and expanded green capacity.

China is also a major global supplier of renewable energy equipment, providing about 70 per cent of the world’s wind power equipment and 80 per cent of photovoltaic components, contributing to lower global wind and solar generation costs.

China will continue pursuing green development and international cooperation on climate action as the 15th Five-Year Plan period begins.

-- BERNAMA

SINGAPORE’S TOP 100 BRANDS RISE 7 PCT TO US$84.1 BLN VALUE IN 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Singapore’s top 100 brands rose seven per cent year-on-year to a combined value of US$84.1 billion in 2026, driven by growth across the banking, engineering, food and real estate sectors, according to the Brand Finance Singapore 100 2026 report. (US$1 = RM3.95)

DBS Bank retained its position as Singapore’s most valuable brand for the 14th consecutive year, with brand value rising eight per cent to US$18.6 billion, supported by regional expansion and diversification efforts.

Marina Bay Sands ranked second in brand value at US$8 billion, rising 35 per cent, supported by strong revenue performance and ongoing upgrade investments that enhanced its premium positioning in the tourism sector, while OCBC Bank ranked third at US$6.8 billion, reflecting steady performance in wealth management and regional expansion initiatives.

The report highlighted strong performance across sectors, with engineering benefiting from aerospace and defence demand, food and agriculture supported by commodity trends, and real estate remaining stable on steady transaction activity, according to a statement.

Meanwhile, Changi Airport was named Singapore’s strongest brand, with a Brand Strength Index score of 91.2 out of 100 and an AAA+ rating, driven by record passenger traffic, expanded connectivity and continued service investment.

TeleChoice International was the fastest-growing brand in the ranking, with brand value surging 288 per cent to US$52.7 million, driven by strong demand in semiconductor-related segments and product expansion.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts was the top hotel brand, ranking 27th overall, supported by digital transformation initiatives, loyalty programme growth and expansion of its global property portfolio.

Separately, Singapore Airlines led sustainability perceptions among Singaporean respondents, particularly for its decarbonisation strategy, including its net zero emissions target by 2050 and investment in sustainable aviation fuel.

Other brands showing strong sustainability perceptions included Ascott and Banyan Tree for environmental sustainability, CapitaLand, Singapore Land and FairPrice in social sustainability, and DBS in governance, reflecting strong domestic recognition across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) pillars.

-- BERNAMA

6TH ASIAN BEACH GAMES OPEN IN SANYA AFTER POSTPONEMENT FROM 2020

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- The Sixth Asian Beach Games has officially opened in China's tropical resort city of Sanya, with the opening ceremony held at the seaside Yasha Park.

Around 10,000 participants, including 1,790 athletes, are taking part in the continental multi-sport event, which was originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chinese State Councillor Shen Yiqin declared the Games open after 45 delegations marched into the stadium, according to a statement.

The games mark the first time Hainan has hosted a continental-level beach sports event. It is also the island’s first major international sporting event since the Hainan Free Trade Port was inaugurated last December.

Held from April 22 to 30, the games feature 14 sports, 15 disciplines and 62 events. It is the second time China has hosted the Asian Beach Games, after the 2012 edition in Haiyang, Shandong Province.

China has sent a delegation of 255 members, including 171 athletes, competing in 13 sports and 60 events, marking the country's highest participation in Asian Beach Games history.

-- BERNAMA

FUJIAN OPENS 2026 CULTURAL AND TOURISM CONFERENCE IN ZHANGZHOU

KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 (Bernama) -- The 2026 Fujian Provincial Conference on the Development of Cultural and Tourism Economy kicked off recently in Zhangzhou, China's Fujian Province, highlighting elements of Minnan (Southern Fujian) wisdom, lifestyle, and culture.

The conference, themed "Building a World-Class Destination, Cultivating a Pillar Industry", coincides with a major initiative to build the World Minnan Cultural Exchange Center and features six main activities and 60 peripheral events aimed at attracting global visitors, according to a statement.

The opening ceremony featured the Homing Minnan (Return to Southern Fujian) show, set against the backdrop of the historic Yuegang Port and local craftsmanship, utilising interactive staging to bring the "daring to try, striving to win" spirit to life.

The event focuses on industrial synergy and investment promotion, encouraging interaction across the cultural tourism sector, with projects covering emerging performance-driven economies, sports tourism, "film-and-TV-plus-tourism", and wellness retreats.

Highlighting regional identity, the conference also features Minnan cultural showcases, including comedy acts, galas and cross-strait Gezi Opera performances, alongside the "Fresh Fujian Lifestyle" campaign aimed at offering domestic and international visitors an authentic taste of southern Fujian.

Since 2023, the annual conference has been seen as a vital catalyst for boosting industry confidence and facilitating the deep integration of culture and tourism across the province.

-- BERNAMA

KWM Signs Exclusive Global Distribution Agreement with HYBE Covering BTS, SEVENTEEN, LE SSERAFIM, and More — Targeting Annual Revenue in Excess of $100 Million

 

Through Play Company, KWM secures worldwide distribution rights for concert DVDs and digital codes. Substantial revenue generation expected as BTS launches its first world tour since members' return from mandatory military service


NEW YORK and SEOUL, South Korea, April 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- K Wave Media Ltd. (“KWM” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KWM), a global K-content, intellectual property (IP), and artificial intelligence (AI) technology platform, today announced via Form 6-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that it has entered, through its wholly owned subsidiary Play Company Co., Ltd. (“Play Company”), into a global distribution agreement with HYBE for video and print merchandise related to 2026 concert activities. The agreement became effective on April 3, 2026, carries an initial term of one year, and may be extended upon mutual consent. The agreement encompasses not only BTS but also SEVENTEEN, LE SSERAFIM, and additional HYBE artists.

Under the agreement, KWM will distribute and monetize digital video products derived from BTS live concert performances to global audiences, including in the United States and key Asian markets. BTS is widely regarded as one of the most influential global music acts, with a substantial international fan base and strong consumer engagement.

The most significant component of this agreement centers on BTS. Prior to the group's activity hiatus, BTS generated approximately $80 million in revenue in 2022 solely through video merchandising via Play Company. With all members having completed their mandatory military service and the 2026 world tour confirmed, market observers and analysts anticipate significant demand.

BTS’s fifth studio album, ARIRANG, has already surpassed four million pre-orders. The accompanying world tour, launching in Korea on April 9th, encompasses 79 confirmed performances over an 11-month run through March 2027, with additional dates anticipated in Japan, the Middle East, and other markets that could bring the total to between 90 and 100 shows. In January, tickets for 41 stadium performances across North America and Europe sold out immediately upon release, with venues in Madrid, Brussels, London, Munich, and Paris selling out within 60 minutes.

Industry analysts project the tour could generate approximately $1.45 billion (approximately KRW 2.14 trillion) in revenue, placing it alongside Taylor Swift and Coldplay among the world’s highest-grossing concert tours. The Guardian reported that “BTS’s world tour as a reunited group has the potential to generate an economic impact that surpasses Taylor Swift’s records.”

The Company expects the renewed collaboration to reestablish a scalable, fandom-driven revenue stream as BTS resumes global activities. KWM intends to leverage its existing production, localization, and distribution capabilities to expand monetization across multiple formats, including digital content, fan-focused commerce, and related offerings.

Play Company has an established track record of working with leading Korean entertainment companies to develop and distribute official K-pop content globally. The Company believes this agreement represents a meaningful step in strengthening its position within the global fandom economy and expanding its portfolio of high-value entertainment IP.

In addition, KWM recently completed the acquisitions of Rabbit Walk and a controlling interest in Inticube Co., Ltd., further expanding the Company’s content production and AI-driven engagement capabilities. These acquisitions are projected to increase KWM’s pro forma annual revenue by approximately 50–70%.

When combined with the recently completed acquisitions, KWM expects total incremental revenue contributions to exceed $50–$75 million on a pro forma basis, representing an estimated 50–70% increase relative to the Company’s prior revenue base. This growth is expected to propel the Company’s total revenue beyond $100 million over the next 12 months and enable the Company to turn profitable for the current fiscal year.

Ted Kim, Chief Executive Officer of KWM, stated: “We will continue to pursue strategic partnerships, investments, and acquisitions to expand our IP portfolio and develop an integrated platform that combines content, commerce, and technology.”

The Company expects to explore potential synergies between its global content IP and Inticube’s technology capabilities, with a focus on enhancing fan engagement, personalization, and digital commerce initiatives. KWM intends to continue developing new revenue streams beyond traditional content distribution, including data-driven services, digital goods, and platform-based monetization strategies.

About K Wave Media

K Wave Media (KWM) is a publicly listed entertainment and Bitcoin treasury company dedicated to creating, distributing, and monetizing high-quality content across multiple platforms. Since going public in 2025, KWM has focused on strategic growth initiatives, including acquisitions, digital platforms, and digital asset treasury management.

Through its subsidiaries, KWM currently works with major K-pop entertainment companies, including HYBE, SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and KQ Entertainment.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.

These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other performance metrics and projections of market opportunity. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this communication, and on the current expectations of K Wave Media’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of K Wave Media. Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements could include changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political, and legal conditions.

If any of these risks materialize or K Wave Media’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that K Wave Media does not presently know, or that K Wave Media currently believes are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect K Wave Media’s current expectations, plans, and forecasts of future events and views as of the date hereof. Nothing in this communication should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved.

You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this communication, which speak only as of the date they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein and the risk factors of K Wave Media described in K Wave Media’s Form 20-F initially filed with the SEC on May 14, 2025, as amended, including those under “Risk Factors” therein. K Wave Media anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while K Wave Media may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, K Wave Media specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing K Wave Media’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

Media Contact
Investor Relations: info@kwavemedia.com
Public Relations: info@redroosterpr.com 

SOURCE: K Wave Media 

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