• Approval granted by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)
• Eptinezumab is the only intravenous (IV) CGRP-targeted preventive treatment approved for the prevention of migraine attacks in adults and launched in over 30 countries worldwide
• Authorization supported by the Phase III SUNRISE trial and the SUNSET long-term extension study in Japanese patients
• Building on 25 years of commitment to patients and brain health in Japan, the approval paves the way for Lundbeck’s first launch in Japan as Marketing Authorization holder, enabling Lundbeck to operate independently on the Japanese market

VALBY, Denmark, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — H. Lundbeck A/S (Lundbeck) today announced that the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) of Japan has granted marketing authorization for eptinezumab for the prevention of migraine attacks in adults, marking an important milestone for patients in Japan and for Lundbeck’s continued growth in Asia.

Migraine is a debilitating neurological disease characterized by recurrent attacks of severe headache often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. In Japan, migraine affects an estimated 8.4%–11.0% of the population¹ and is the fourth leading cause of years lived with disability.² Beyond the physical symptoms, migraine significantly affects daily functioning, quality of life, work productivity and life course.² Migraine is estimated to cost the Japanese economy US$ 3 billion every year in lost productivity.³

“This approval represents a significant advancement for people living with migraine in Japan, where the disease continues to place a substantial burden on patients, families, and society,” said Tarek Samad, EVP and Head of Research and Development at Lundbeck. “Eptinezumab is a differentiated IV CGRP-targeted therapy that offers adults living with migraine an important new treatment option, and we are proud to bring this innovative medicine to patients in Japan. This approval also marks an exciting new chapter for Lundbeck Japan as we prepare for our first independent launch, building on 25 years of commitment to patients and brain health in the country.”

Eptinezumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and was developed for IV administration as a preventive treatment for migraine.

The Japanese marketing authorization is supported by the global clinical development program for eptinezumab, including the Phase III PROMISE-1, PROMISE-2 and DELIVER trials, together with data from the Phase III SUNRISE trial, which evaluated efficacy and safety in a predominantly Asian population with chronic migraine.⁴ The application was further supported by the Phase III SUNSET long-term extension study conducted specifically in Japanese patients to evaluate the long-term safety of eptinezumab.²

Eptinezumab was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2020 for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults, followed by additional approvals including in the European Union and most recently South Korea. It has since been launched in more than 30 markets worldwide.

About migraine

Migraine is a complex and disabling neurological disease characterized by recurrent attacks of severe headache typically accompanied by an array of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Not only is headache painful, but migraine also imposes both a social and financial burden. Migraine can have a profound impact on daily functioning, work productivity, family and social relationships and quality of life.

Migraine is one of the most prevalent neurological diseases worldwide and remains a leading cause of disability, particularly among people under the age of 50.^5,6 As migraine frequency and severity increase, attacks may become harder to control, contributing to greater disease burden and, without appropriate preventive management, progression to chronic migraine.⁷

About Vyepti® (eptinezumab)

Eptinezumab is a humanized mAb that binds to CGRP which was designed for IV administration. The efficacy and safety of eptinezumab were evaluated in two Phase III clinical trials, PROMISE-1 in episodic migraine⁸ and PROMISE-2 in chronic migraine.⁹ In both trials, eptinezumab met its primary endpoint of decrease in monthly migraine days (MMDs) over weeks 1-12.

The safety of eptinezumab has been evaluated in more than 5,000 adult patients with migraine who received at least one dose. Common adverse reactions in the placebo-controlled clinical trials for the preventive treatment of migraine were hypersensitivity and infusion-related reactions.

VYEPTI® (eptinezumab-jjmr) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults in February 2020, and in January 2022, eptinezumab was granted marketing authorization by the European Commission (EC) for the prophylaxis of migraine in adults who have at least four migraine days per month. In Japan, eptinezumab is approved for the prevention of migraine attacks in adults. Today, eptinezumab is launched in more than 30 markets worldwide.

Contacts

About H. Lundbeck A/S

Lundbeck is a biopharmaceutical company focusing exclusively on brain health. With more than 70 years of experience in neuroscience, we are committed to improving the lives of people with neurological and psychiatric diseases.

Brain disorders affect a large part of the world’s population, and the effects are felt throughout society. With the rapidly improving understanding of the biology of the brain, we hold ourselves accountable for advancing brain health by curiously exploring new opportunities for treatments.

As a focused innovator, we strive for our research and development programs to tackle some of the most complex neurological challenges. We develop transformative medicines targeting people for whom there are few or no treatments available, expanding into neuro-specialty and neuro-rare from our strong legacy within psychiatry and neurology.

We are committed to fighting stigma and we act to improve health equity. We strive to create long term value for our shareholders by making a positive contribution to patients, their families and society as a whole.

Lundbeck has more than 5,000 employees in more than 20 countries and our products are available in more than 80 countries. For additional information, we encourage you to visit our corporate site www.lundbeck.com and connect with us via LinkedIn. 

References:

1. Sakai F, Igarashi H. Cephalalgia. 1997;17(1):15-22
2. Takeshima T, et al. J Headache Pain. 2025;26(1):275
3. Sakai F (2010) Olesen J, Ramadan N (eds) Headache care, research and education worldwide, vol 17. Oxford University Press, New York, pp 35–40
4. Yu S, et al. Cephalalgia. 2025;45(10):3331024251386095
5. Steiner TJ, et al. J Headache Pain. 2018;19(1):17
6. Leonardi M, et al. J Headache Pain. 2005; 6(6):429– 440
7. Lipton RB, et al. J Neurol. 2023;270(12);5692–5710
8. Ashina M, et al. Cephalalgia. 2020;40(3):241-254
9. Lipton RB, et al. Neurology. 2020;94(13):e1365-e1377         

CONTACT:

H. Lundbeck A/S
Ottiliavej 9, 2500 Valby, Denmark
+45 3630 1311
[email protected] 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/h–lundbeck-a-s/r/lundbeck-receives-marketing-authorization-for-vyepti—eptinezumab–in-japan-for-the-prevention-of-m,c4396357

The following files are available for download:

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/lundbeck-receives-marketing-authorization-for-vyepti-eptinezumab-in-japan-for-the-prevention-of-migraine-attacks-302880196.html

SOURCE H. Lundbeck A/S

Aptiv’s next-generation integrated front-view ADAS solution, powered by Axera’s M57 SoC, enters mass production for a leading Chinese NEV automaker.

SHANGHAI, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Axera (Stock Code: 0600.HK) announced that its automotive-grade ADAS SoC M57 now powers Aptiv’s new-generation integrated front-view ADAS unit. The solution has entered mass production and begun deliveries for EU-bound models from a leading Chinese new-energy vehicle manufacturer. Led by Aptiv’s China team, the driver-assistance system meets the requirements for a five-star rating under the 2026 Euro NCAP protocols. This milestone demonstrates the M57’s readiness for Europe’s stringent market requirements and provides Chinese automakers expanding overseas with a secure, domestically developed, and independently controlled computing foundation for intelligent driving.

Aptiv’s new unit is designed for Chinese automakers going global. With a single M57 SoC and integrated MCU, it cuts hardware size and power use by 20% each, balancing performance and cost. It incorporates an 8MP, 120° HD camera, leading vision perception algorithms, and Wind River Kaiwu RTOS. Jointly tuned by Aptiv teams in China and abroad for European road conditions and driving habits, it meets E-NCAP 2026 five-star requirements and helps Chinese automotive brands overcome Europe’s demanding market-entry requirements.

Designed for global L2+ driver assistance, M57 is a Chinese automotive-grade SoC built on Axera’s full-stack, proprietary core IP. Its NPU delivers up to 10 TOPS of computing performance and natively supports BEV and Transformer architectures. It integrates an MCU and ASIL-D hardware safety island, and is certified to AEC-Q100 Grade 2, ISO 26262 ASIL-B, and ISO/SAE 21434. Its thermal design power remains below 3.5 W under high-temperature operating conditions of 125°C. Compatible with both internal-combustion and new-energy vehicles, the M57 enables a single chip platform to support regulatory requirements in China and overseas markets. Its open software and hardware toolchain helps Tier 1 suppliers port solutions quickly and shorten development cycles.

Li Hao, Axera’s GM of Automotive Business, said: “The mass-production launch of our joint project with Aptiv in the EU market marks a milestone for Chinese automotive chips developed in China and built to serve the world. As Chinese automakers expand internationally, they need a safe, reliable, regulation-compliant homegrown computing platform. M57 was built for the global market from day one, balancing performance, power consumption, safety, and cost. Axera will continue to deepen its collaboration with Aptiv and other global Tier 1 partners, create a seamless path from chips and solutions to vehicle mass production, and keep delivering globally competitive, China-developed computing solutions for intelligent driving and help more Chinese automotive brands succeed in overseas markets.”

To date, M57 has secured design wins from multiple automakers and Tier 1 suppliers in China and abroad. Its products span a diverse range of applications, including integrated front-view ADAS units, integrated driving-and-parking domain controllers, and in-cabin sensing systems. As deployments accelerate across China and Europe, the M57 is helping make L2 driver assistance more widely available and accessible to drivers worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/axera-and-aptiv-bring-m57-powered-driver-assistance-to-europe-bound-vehicles-302880160.html

SOURCE Axera

DA NANG, Vietnam, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sungrow, a globally leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, officially announced that the Sungrow Master — Installation Skill Competition 2026 has successfully concluded in Vietnam. This event traveled across cities in northern, central, and southern Vietnam, gathering hundreds of prominent local solar installers and renewable energy stakeholders from across the country. Following the Philippines leg, Sungrow Master in Vietnam marks another major milestone in Sungrow’s regional campaign to elevate technical standards across Southeast Asia.

Designed to promote excellence across the solar supply chain, the initiative focuses on upskilling field professionals, reinforcing safety protocols, and standardizing installation practices for advanced PV and storage systems.

As Vietnam continues its rapid clean energy transition, maintaining high-quality installation practices has become paramount. To address evolving local technical challenges and meet rigorous grid integration demands, Sungrow Master provides practical training modules, expert-led workshops, and hands-on operational frameworks tailored for local engineers and technicians.

The program blends theoretical education with practical application—covering system setup, routine maintenance, fault diagnosis, and system optimization. Alongside digital learning modules and regional roadshows, the initiative highlights exemplary real-world installation projects driven by local talent.

Across the nationwide competition, top-tier installers competed in rigorous theoretical exams and time-sensitive practical challenges. Their performance was evaluated based on operational precision, adherence to safety standards, and overall technical execution. High-performing technicians received formal recognition as “Master Installer” from Sungrow, acknowledging their outstanding workmanship and dedication to quality.

“Exceptional solar installations rely heavily on the craft and expertise of field technicians,” noted Ray Xu, APAC Channel Business Manager. “Sungrow Master is more than just a speed and skill contest; it is a long-term commitment to empowering local talent. By standardizing technical capabilities in Vietnam, we are fostering safer, higher-performing solar infrastructures for the entire industry.”

At Da Nang Station, the event also featured the global debut of Sungrow’s latest three-phase hybrid inverters MGTL Series, bringing together product innovation and technical excellence on one platform. By connecting cutting-edge technologies with the professionals responsible for bringing energy solutions into real-world applications, It demonstrated Sungrow’s commitment to supporting the entire solar ecosystem—from product innovation to installation and long-term PV and storage system performance.

Sungrow remains dedicated to expanding its technical enablement and certification initiatives across the region, cultivating a skilled workforce to power Southeast Asia’s green energy transition.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/grand-finale-in-vietnam-sungrow-master-2026-raising-benchmarks-for-solar-technical-expertise-302880159.html

SOURCE Sungrow

-Hybrid Conference Bringing Together Government, Industry and Academic Leaders from Japan and Overseas-

TOKYO, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Secretariat of International Conference on Carbon Recycling 2026 announced that the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) will hold the 8th International Conference on Carbon Recycling 2026 on Friday, October 9, 2026, at The Westin Tokyo. The conference serves as an international platform for sharing and discussing the latest R&D results and business cases in carbon recycling among industry, academia and government in Japan and around the world.

Main image: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109200/202609045320/_prw_PI1fl_ueQ17u0Q.jpg 

2025 conference photos: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109200/202609045320/_prw_PI2fl_9l6upv6F.jpg 

https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109200/202609045320/_prw_PI3fl_3OFG459e.jpg 

Held annually since its first edition in 2019, the conference brings together government officials, leading researchers and industry leaders to exchange knowledge about carbon recycling, including technology development, business deployment and international cooperation. As responding to climate change becomes increasingly urgent, carbon recycling, which treats emitted CO2 as a reusable resource, is considered as a key technology for achieving carbon neutrality and promoting the green transformation (GX). The upcoming International Conference on Carbon Recycling will be held in a hybrid format, both in-person and online, and the organizers are expecting many overseas government officials, researchers and companies to participate.

Conference Outline

-Date/Time: Friday, October 9, 2026; 13:00-17:30 JST
-Venue: The Westin Tokyo (1-4-1 Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8580, Japan)
-Format: Hybrid (in-person and online)
-Languages: English/Japanese (simultaneous interpretation)
-Participation fee: Free (advance registration required)
-Organizers: METI and NEDO
-Official website/registration: https://carbon-recycling2026.nedo.go.jp/en/

Program

Main Sessions
-Opening Ceremony
-Session A: The Global Landscape of Carbon Recycling and Japan’s Initiatives
-Special Session
-Session B: Advanced Carbon Recycling Technologies for CO2 Value Chain Development
-Session C: Industrial Collaboration and Market Development for Carbon Recycling Deployment
-Closing Ceremony

Concurrent Events
-Poster Session
-Networking Reception
-Startup Event
-CR Exchange of Views for Students

About the International Conference on Carbon Recycling
METI and NEDO have held the International Conference on Carbon Recycling in Japan annually since 2019 to share carbon-recycling initiatives from Japan with the world and to promote cooperation with industry, academia and government worldwide.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/global-industry-academia-government-dialogue-on-future-of-co2-utilization-8th-international-conference-on-carbon-recycling-2026-to-be-held-on-october-9-at-the-westin-tokyo-302880083.html

SOURCE Secretariat of International Conference on Carbon Recycling 2026

National convening identifies priorities for moving SMEs from AI awareness to implementation, alongside a new industry-education collaboration

SINGAPORE, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BlackStorm Group, through its AI ecosystem platform Project Asia Data, convened policymakers, business leaders, educational institutions, industry associations, technology providers and ecosystem partners at AIM ASEAN Singapore 2026: National Policy Convening and Flagship Forum. Organised by Project Asia Data and Singapore Polytechnic (SP), the event explored how SMEs can move from AI awareness and experimentation towards practical implementation and measurable business impact.

Bringing together stakeholders from across the public, private and education sectors at the Singapore Polytechnic Convention Centre, the event provided a platform to exchange perspectives on the capabilities, resources and partnerships needed to support responsible and sustainable AI adoption.

The invitation-only National Policy Convening focused on two key challenges: closing the gap between AI awareness and fluency, and developing “AI-bilingual” talent who can connect business needs with the possibilities and limitations of AI.

Participants examined the barriers SMEs commonly face, including uncertainty over where to begin, difficulty identifying high-value use cases, limited internal capabilities, affordability concerns and access to trusted implementation support. The discussions also considered how government agencies, educational institutions, business associations, technology providers, and ecosystem organisations can work together to create clearer pathways from capability building to adoption.

Three priorities for SME AI adoption

Speakers and participants identified three priorities for helping SMEs adopt AI more effectively:

1. Start with business outcomes – SMEs should focus on clearly defined business problems and measurable outcomes, using AI where it can improve productivity, reduce manual work, support better decisions or create new growth opportunities.
2. Build people and organisational capability – AI adoption needs to go hand in hand with workforce development. Employees need practical AI skills, confidence and the ability to combine domain expertise with AI in their daily work.
3. Strengthen the SME AI ecosystem – SMEs need access to practical guidance, trusted partners, relevant training and peer networks to help them move from experimentation to implementation responsibly and sustainably.

Together, these priorities highlighted that successful AI adoption should not be treated solely as a technology project. It also requires leadership commitment, appropriate workforce capabilities, redesigned workflows, responsible governance and continued access to relevant support.

Insights from the National Policy Convening were shared during the afternoon Flagship Forum, which featured an AIM ASEAN Executive AI Masterclass, a panel on the skills, tools, trust and implementation support required by MSMEs, and an AI Ecosystem Showcase connecting businesses with relevant programmes, solutions and partners.

“AIM ASEAN Singapore 2026 connects ecosystem-level discussions with the practical needs of businesses,” said Ms Jeslin Bay, Group CEO of BlackStorm Group. “We have trained more than 1,500 MSMEs to date and aim to reach 3,000 within two years. SMEs need more than awareness or familiarity with AI tools—they need relevant capabilities, trusted partners and clearer pathways to translate AI into meaningful business outcomes.”

BlackStorm Group and Singapore Polytechnic sign MOU

During the event, BlackStorm Group and Singapore Polytechnic signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaboration in skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation and industry engagement.

Potential areas include joint learning programmes, access to entrepreneurs and mentors, industry opportunities for students and alumni, technology commercialisation and connections for businesses seeking innovation support or growth opportunities beyond Singapore.

“AI is changing how businesses operate, and helping our students and alumni keep pace with that shift is central to what we do. This MOU gives us a direct link to BlackStorm Group’s network of entrepreneurs, mentors and industry partners, so our applied learning stays grounded in what businesses actually need. We are looking forward to turning that partnership into real opportunities for our students, alumni and the wider business community,” said Ms Tan Yen Yen, Deputy Principal (Development), Singapore Polytechnic.

Extending support through FutureVillage

BlackStorm Group also introduced FutureVillage, an ecosystem initiative designed to help businesses and individuals navigate the changing future of work and business.

Built around entrepreneurship, leadership and artificial intelligence, FutureVillage will connect businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals with knowledge, AI resources, experienced talent, mentors, industry networks and regional opportunities. The aim is to extend access to learning and support beyond individual programmes and events.

FutureVillage is guided by a simple principle: the future is not built alone. It takes a village.

– END –

About AIM ASEAN

AIM ASEAN is a two-year regional initiative by the ASEAN Foundation, under the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia Pacific, in collaboration with AVPN and supported by Google.org and the Asian Development Bank. It aims to empower more than 100,000 MSMEs. Through practical, localised AI training, AIM ASEAN helps small business owners use digital tools to improve operations, expand markets, and build resilience. The programme also brings together policymakers and experts to strengthen the ecosystem that enables MSMEs to thrive in the digital age.

About BlackStorm Group

BlackStorm Group is a Singapore-based business advisory and ecosystem-building group that helps companies grow and enter Southeast Asia markets with clarity and speed. Its ecosystem includes BlackStorm Consulting, which supports strategy and market entry across Southeast Asia; Project Asia Data, which drives practical AI adoption and training for businesses; and STARTUPVILLAGE, a platform connecting founders and professionals through community and learning across Asia.

BlackStorm Group is also developing FutureVillage, a broader ecosystem connecting entrepreneurship, leadership, talent and artificial intelligence to support businesses and individuals navigating the future of work and business. 

For more information, visit https://blackstormco.asia/. Follow BlackStorm Group on Facebook and LinkedIn @BlackStorm Group.

About Singapore Polytechnic

Established in 1954, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) is Singapore’s first polytechnic and a polytechnic for all ages. Today, more than 12,800 students across 10 schools pursue 30 full-time diploma courses and four common entry programmes in fields such as engineering, business, computing, health sciences, media and design, and maritime studies.

SP brings industry into the heart of learning. As the regional leader of the global CDIO movement, SP embeds real-world problem-solving across all disciplines, preparing graduates to contribute from day one. Its 13 consultancy and technology innovation centres partner enterprises on applied solutions, while the SP Company and Workforce Transformation (CWT) framework helps organisations build future-ready capabilities.

Through the Professional & Adult Continuing Education (PACE) Academy, SP offers more than 500 industry-aligned courses, including part-time diplomas, Work-Study Programmes and SkillsFuture Career Transition Programmes, enabling professionals to upskill and reskill throughout their careers.

SP’s 246,000-strong alumni network includes entrepreneurs, business leaders, public-sector leaders and professionals across industries. Its commitment to education, service and sustainability has earned national and regional recognition, including the President’s Award for the Environment, the President’s Social Service Award, the ASEAN People’s Award and the President’s Award for Teachers.

Guided by its vision of a caring community of inspired learners committed to serving with mastery, SP prepares graduates to be life-ready, work-ready and world-ready.

For more information, visit www.sp.edu.sg. Follow SP on Facebook and YouTube @SingaporePolytechnic, on Instagram and TikTok @SingaporePoly, and on LinkedIn.

Media Enquiries:

For interview requests, event coverage, or additional information about the AIM ASEAN Singapore 2026: National Convening and Flagship Forum, please contact: 

BlackStorm Group

• https://blackstormco.asia/
• More information about the event: https://projectasiadata.com/aim-asean-flagship/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/aim-asean-singapore-2026-brings-singapores-business-and-ai-ecosystems-together-to-advance-sme-ai-adoption-302879949.html

SOURCE BlackStorm Group

The legendary brand’s properties in Hong Kong, Istanbul, and Shanghai all earn inclusion on this year’s prestigious list of top international hotels

HONG KONG, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Peninsula Hotels is proud to announce that two of the twelve properties in its portfolio have been named to The 50 Best Hotels 2026: The Peninsula Istanbul (No.31) and The Peninsula Hong Kong (No.46). The Peninsula Shanghai (No.99) additionally made its debut among The 50 Best Hotels 51-100 extended list. Announced on the evening of 15 September at the awards ceremony at Les Salles du Carrousel in Paris, the distinctions mark the first inclusions for Peninsula hotels on the illustrious annual list’s top 50.

The recognition reflects the breadth of The Peninsula’s portfolio across three distinctive destinations, as well as the dedication of the teams behind each property. From Hong Kong, where the brand’s story began in 1928, to Shanghai and Istanbul, the honoured hotels share the brand’s global commitment to gracious service, timeless elegance, and celebration of the distinctive character and heritage of their destination cities.

“We are deeply honoured to be recognised by The 50 Best Hotels Academy and to stand alongside other distinguished hotels,” said Benjamin Vuchot, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Peninsula’s parent company, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited. “This achievement reflects the extraordinary commitment of our colleagues across our recognised properties, whose passion, expertise, and dedication to creating unforgettable guest experiences continue to define The Peninsula standard of hospitality around the world. We are immensely proud of our teams and grateful for this acknowledgment of their continued pursuit of excellence.”

Hong Kong: A Centenary Approaches

As the flagship property in the brand’s portfolio and the foundation upon which the brand’s legacy was built, The Peninsula Hong Kong has been an icon of stylish glamour and gracious hospitality for almost a century. Since first opening in 1928, the “Grande Dame of the Far East” has drawn both elite international travellers and local residents, who prize the property’s Michelin-starred dining, refined gathering spaces, and sumptuous accommodations overlooking Victoria Harbour. Its recognition among The 50 Best Hotels 2026 is a first for the hotel, following its ranking of No.54 on last year’s list. Approaching its centenary in 2028, the hotel continues to define luxury hospitality on the world stage.

Istanbul: A New Icon on the Bosphorus

Just three years after its 2023 debut, The Peninsula Istanbul has earned its first inclusion among The 50 Best Hotels – and stands as the only Türkiye property on this year’s list. Set along the Bosphorus in historic Karaköy, the hotel unites three meticulously restored early-1900s landmark buildings with an elegant, newly built fourth, surrounded by landscaped waterfront gardens. Featuring expansive accommodations, a private boat dock and luxury yacht, and a collection of chic semi-alfresco restaurants and bars – all with spectacular water views – the hotel has quickly established itself as one of the city’s most sought-after destinations. For one of the newest additions to The Peninsula’s portfolio, recognition among The 50 Best Hotels confirms how quickly the hotel has become a modern Istanbul landmark – one that honours both the character of its destination and the heritage of the brand.

Shanghai: Art Deco Address 

Also recognised among The 50 Best Hotels for the first time this year is The Peninsula Shanghai, which since 2009 has epitomised the dynamic and captivating spirit of its home city. Situated on the Bund, a vibrant protected heritage district fronting the Huangpu River, the property also looks directly over the futuristic modern skyscrapers of Pudong. This commingling of old and new is further echoed by the guest experience at the hotel, which offers both luxurious modern comforts and numerous opportunities to dive into the city’s distinctive art, illustrious history, and delectable culinary traditions.

Now in its fourth edition, The 50 Best Hotels has become one of the hospitality industry’s most anticipated annual awards, recognising leading hotels for their innovation, creativity, and excellence. The 2026 honourees were revealed at the awards ceremony held in Paris on 15 September, bringing together industry leaders from around the globe to celebrate the properties setting the benchmark for luxury travel. The annual list is curated by The 50 Best Hotels Academy, an independent panel of more than 800 anonymous experts recognised for their extensive knowledge and experience, and insight into the international hospitality sector.

For more information on The Peninsula Hotels, please visit: www.peninsula.com.

About The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (Stock Code: 45)

Incorporated in 1866 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited is the holding company of a group which is engaged in the ownership, development, and management of prestigious hotels and commercial and residential properties in key locations in Asia, Europe and the United States, as well as the provision of tourism and leisure, retail and other services. The Peninsula Hotels portfolio comprises The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai, The Peninsula Beijing, The Peninsula Tokyo, The Peninsula London, The Peninsula Paris, The Peninsula Istanbul, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Bangkok and The Peninsula Manila. The property portfolio of the group includes The Repulse Bay Complex, The Peak Tower and St. John’s Building in Hong Kong, and 21 avenue Kléber in Paris, France. The Peak Tram, Retail and Others portfolio of the group includes The Peak Tram in Hong Kong; The Quail in Carmel, California; Peninsula Clubs and Consultancy Services, Peninsula Merchandising, and Tai Pan Laundry in Hong Kong.

Learn more at www.peninsula.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

About The 50 Best Hotels

Following the success of The 50 Best Restaurants and The 50 Best Bars, The 50 launched The 50 Best Hotels in 2023, marking the brand’s first global launch since 2009. The list is created by The 50 Best Hotels Academy, an influential group of more than 800 independent leaders, each selected for their expert opinion of the international hotel scene. The 50 Best Hotels event programme – including the awards ceremony and unveiling of the list – provides a unique opportunity to unite hoteliers, restaurateurs, bar owners, media, business and luxury travellers at a captivating celebration of hospitality, passion and talent. The first edition of the awards was held in London, UK, in September 2023.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/the-peninsula-hotels-celebrates-multiple-honours-on-the-50-best-hotels-2026-list-302880111.html

SOURCE The Peninsula Hotels

Scan to pay for onboard fares on Taiwan Railway, earn a 5% voucher when riding Keelung city buses, and book MICHELIN Guide restaurants through EZTABLE with one tap from the App home screen

TAIPEI, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PXPay Plus has added another international travel partner. International travel platform Trip.com now accepts PXPay Plus on both its Taiwan website and its App, allowing users who book Japan and Korea flights and hotels on Tuesdays to enjoy instant discounts of up to NT$1,300 per transaction. Beyond international travel, PXPay Plus continues to deepen its presence in public transport and everyday scenarios: in line with Taiwan Railway’s new onboard payment policy, passengers can now settle onboard fares with PXPay Plus, while the Transit QR Code has expanded beyond Taipei and New Taipei to Keelung city buses, rewarding riders with a Commuter Rewards Voucher that earns a 5% PXPay Plus Points reward on purchases. For dining, users can tap “Restaurant Reservations” on the App home screen to enter the EZTABLE zone and book MICHELIN Guide restaurants and hotel buffets — connecting travel, transport and dining in one app.

Expanding into international travel booking: up to NT$1,300 off Japan and Korea itineraries on Trip.com

The Trip.com Taiwan site and App now officially support PXPay Plus at checkout, and a limited-time launch promotion is already underway. A limited-quantity discount code campaign runs every Tuesday from today through October 11, 2026. Users who claim a code on the dedicated Trip.com campaign page and select PXPay Plus at checkout will receive NT$1,300 off bookings of NT$12,000 or more, or NT$600 off bookings of NT$6,000 or more, on flights departing Taiwan for Japan or Korea and on hotels in those markets. Codes are issued in limited quantities while supplies last. With autumn and winter flights to Japan and Korea now on sale, travelers can start saving right from the booking stage.

Deeper coverage in transport: cashless onboard fares on Taiwan Railway, plus a 5% Commuter Rewards Voucher on Keelung buses

In response to the new onboard ticketing policy introduced by Taiwan Railway, PXPay Plus QR code payment is now supported for onboard fares across all train lines, eliminating the need for passengers to worry about carrying enough cash. Following Taipei Metro (excluding the light rail lines) and city buses in Taipei and New Taipei, the PXPay Plus Transit QR Code has also opened across all Keelung city bus routes, giving commuters and visitors in Taipei, New Taipei and Keelung a single way to pay for public transport. Riders simply open the Transit QR Code in the PXPay Plus App to complete payment — no coins, no cards. Once the fare is deducted, they receive a Commuter Rewards Voucher, which earns a 5% PXPay Plus Points reward on purchases at PX Mart, MEGA PX MART and PXPay Plus partner merchants, capped at 15 PXPay Plus Points per transaction, adding a little extra value to your daily commute.

EZTABLE reservation zone: no extra sign-up, no app switching — from MICHELIN Guide restaurants to hotel buffets in one place

For dining, PXPay Plus has partnered with EZTABLE to launch a “Restaurant Reservations” zone directly on the App home screen. A single tap takes users straight into the zone, bypassing repeat registration and form-filling, to book MICHELIN Guide restaurants, hotel buffets and fine dining from around the world. The MICHELIN Guide section features top names including Bencotto, Danny’s Steakhouse, Kiccho Kappo Sushi and Molino de Urdániz. After setting a date, party size and city to search available time slots, users confirm the booking and complete payment with their existing PXPay Plus account for a seamless end-to-end experience. Selected partner restaurants offer limited-time discounts, and the reservation fee can be applied toward the bill on the day of dining. EZTABLE is also a participating brand in the PXPay Plus “Top 100 Brands” campaign: after registering for the campaign, reservation fees of NT$1,500 or more earn an additional 5% PXPay Plus Points reward (capped at 150 PXPay Plus Points per account per month), rising to a 7% reward when paying with designated bank cards. From overseas travel to daily commutes to dinner reservations, PXPay Plus links a wide range of everyday scenarios under one account, making every routine transaction more convenient and more rewarding for members.

About PXPay Plus

PXPay Plus, an e-wallet brand founded and 100% fully owned by the PX Mart Group. In June of 2021, PXPay Plus obtained licenses and approval for operating electronic payment related business from the FSC (Financial Supervisory Commission) in Taiwan. Continuing the company culture of the PX Mart group, building a delightful company environment for everyone. With the launch of PXPay Plus, users can now enjoy enhanced wallet features, providing a seamless and secure payment experience.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/pxpay-plus-goes-live-on-tripcom-expanding-benefits-for-japan-and-korea-flight-and-hotel-bookings-302878830.html

SOURCE PXPay Plus

The interactive educational website makes NTDs understandable
to a general audience, the first step toward public support that drives R&D
for the 1.5 billion people affected by these diseases

TOKYO, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund announced the launch of “NTDpedia: Your Guide to Neglected Tropical Diseases.” Designed as an accessible, visually intuitive digital encyclopedia, NTDpedia aims to address a root cause of neglect: Most people have never heard of these diseases. Awareness is the first step; people cannot advocate for, fund, or research a disease they do not know exists.
Website URL: https://www.ghitfund.org/ntdpedia/en

Overcoming Indifference: Why NTDpedia Matters Today
While Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) sets a clear mandate to end epidemics of NTDs by 2030 under the banner “Leaving No One Behind,” NTDs remain severely underfunded and overlooked. Affected populations are trapped in a vicious cycle: Poverty breeds disease and disease deepens poverty. Lack of clean water and sanitation elevates infection risks, while inadequate healthcare infrastructure leads to severe complications, economic loss, social stigma, and further marginalization.

“The greatest barrier to ending NTDs is not just the lack of medical tools but also lack of awareness and societal apathy,” said Osamu Kunii, CEO of the GHIT Fund. “NTDpedia was built to transform a distant problem into something people can understand and then care about, which is the first step toward meaningful global action.”

Key Features of NTDpedia: Connecting Global Challenges to Daily Life
Supervised by world-renowned tropical medicine and global health expert Prof. Kenji Hirayama from Nagasaki University, NTDpedia covers the 21 disease groups recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), including viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections, as well as snakebite envenoming and noma.

To help users intuitively navigate and relate to these complex conditions, the platform introduces two distinct visual discovery frameworks:

1. Four Curated Key Phrases to Personalize the Cause:
   • Climate change: Highlighting diseases that expand into new geographies, including high-income nations, as a warming climate combines with global travel and trade
   • Poor sanitation and poverty: Showing how unsafe water, poor sanitation, and crowded housing keep these diseases circulating and how illness in turn deepens poverty.
   • Children at high risk: Highlighting diseases that fall hardest on children, affecting growth, schooling, and lifelong health.
   • Once common in Japan: Revealing that several of these diseases were once present in Japan and no longer remain in living memory.
2. Categorized Visual Transmission: Diseases are categorized by how they spread and what causes them: parasites, bacteria, viruses, insects, other animals, water/soil, and other routes.

Catalyzing R&D and Global Action
The GHIT Fund envisions NTDpedia becoming a resource for anyone curious about these diseases, from students and teachers to companies and advocates. Apathy often reflects unfamiliarity rather than indifference. By making these diseases visible and understandable, the GHIT Fund aims to build public support that drives investment in research and development of drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for NTDs.

*Please note that this website was created for general readers who may not have background expertise in the field. Estimates and figures regarding NTDs can differ across various sources; therefore, the content herein has been compiled from multiple references. We kindly ask users to verify the latest data and primary sources prior to referencing this information.

The GHIT Fund is a Japan-based international public-private partnership (PPP) fund that was formed between the Government of Japan, multiple pharmaceutical companies, the Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GHIT Fund invests in and manages an R&D portfolio of development partnerships aimed at addressing neglected diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, which afflict the world’s vulnerable and underserved populations. In collaboration with global partners, the GHIT Fund mobilizes Japanese industry, academia, and research institutes to create new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases. https://www.ghitfund.org/

For more information, contact:
Katy Lenard at +1-202-494-2584 or [email protected]
Eriko Mugitani at +81-36441-2032 or [email protected]

SOURCE GHIT Fund