SEOUL, South Korea, May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Former Google engineer Cecilia Shen co-founded Utopai with the aim of tackling the challenge of generating long-form AI content. Now, this first Hollywood AI film mogul is building a billion-dollar studio. With projects in development and strong performance projections for 2026, this high price tag also signals Utopai’s strong leadership in the Hollywood AI race.

In January 2026, the studio acquired Alquimista Media, a South Korean production company headquartered in Seoul and led by Hyun Park, former head of Warner Bros. Asia, senior leadership at CJ, and co-founder of DramaFever.

This acquisition of 100% of Alquimista gives Utopai access to 15 drama and film projects in active development, at a time when Korean culture continues to thrive in the West.

Cecilia herself rarely gives interviews, but in an interview with Bloomberg in Davos in early 2026, she stated that she was very optimistic about the future of localized content going global, especially Korean content. Therefore, Utopai is a very strong competitor to Netflix, HBO, and others that are aggressively expanding into the Korean market.

Utopai has its own Hollywood backers and traditional supporters, having received early investment from PlutoTV and former Paramount+ president Tom Ryan, as well as investment from Roland Emmerich, the director of sci-fi blockbusters such as Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow.

Recently, Carmelo Anthony’s investment has revealed their latest valuation, which has reached $1 billion.

Utopai’s success lies in their clever business model.

They’ve focused their efforts on the first part of AI. To date, no one has produced a commercially viable full-length AI story, not even a single episode.

“Long-form content is currently a completely blank market,” Shen said. “We really want to monopolize the entire long-form content market.”

Shen invited Marco Weber to co-produce both films. The veteran independent filmmaker holds the intellectual property rights to the sci-fi television series Space Nation, directed by Emmerich, and the rights to the epic historical drama Cortés, written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Nicholas Kazan—a script that Hollywood studios had long told Kazan was “unfilmable.” “It was always considered impossible,” Kazan said at the project launch. “Too grand, too expensive, always ‘TOO'”

Forbes estimates that, assuming the final product is delivered, the combined revenue from Space Nation and Cortez could reach as high as $110 million, with further growth expected if sold to other regions or global streaming platforms.

For Utopai, these works also serve as a marketing tool in the relevant countries, helping to promote production companies seeking to license PAI models. Therefore, Shen pins her hopes on Utopai’s new self-developed narrative platform PAI, launched in March of this year, to make it a new market leader in long-form video generation.

Utopai’s revenue comes not only from long-form content production but also from its own long-form video model—PAI.

PAI launched on March 5, 2026, and within 60 days, it achieved $11 million in ARR. For example, in April, Utopai signed an agreement with China’s leading film and television production company, Huashi Media.

Revenue streams of movies and models, Utopai has achieved a clever synergy in its business model and is growing rapidly.

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Chinese web fiction IP draws brands across 34 countries as YUEWEN opens global licensing talks ahead of 2026 anime and game launches.

NEW YORK, May 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — YUEWEN Group, China’s leading online literature and IP development platform, today announced it is opening global partnership talks for “Lord of Mysteries,” its top-performing intellectual property, after a worldwide fan event drew commercial activity from more than 34 brands across 34 countries.

The company invites brands, retailers, content platforms and investors to participate in licensing, distribution and content deals as it prepares to launch an animation special and two video games tied to the title in 2026.

The announcement follows the annual global birthday celebration for protagonist Klein Moretti, which this year spanned more than 200 cities. The activation included large-screen displays in 16 cities across six countries, among them New York, London, Bangkok and Seoul.

A limited-edition birthday gold banknote sold out within three hours of release and topped Tmall’s weekly merchandise chart. Overall birthday-series merchandise revenue rose 50% year on year.

“Lord of Mysteries” has built a global fanbase of more than 30 million. The original novel, published on YUEWEN’s Qidian platform and the first title there to surpass 300,000 average subscriptions, holds the long-running top spot on WebNovel by votes, sales and reader collections, with a Goodreads rating of 4.5 or above. Physical editions are now available in 14 languages.

The animated adaptation, co-produced with Tencent Video, debuted across more than 190 countries and regions in seven languages. It carries an IMDb score of 9.3, the highest recorded for a Chinese animation overseas. It ranks in the top 100 titles on MyAnimeList and holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Crunchyroll.

“Lord of Mysteries,” created by the author known as Cuttlefish That Loves Diving, is set in a Victorian-era steampunk world ruled by a hidden hierarchy of supernatural beings known as “Beyonders,” whose powers are organized through a tarot-inspired system. The story follows Klein Moretti, a young man who enters this world and rises through its ranks.

YUEWEN has signed more than 40 brand partnerships to date, with co-branded products spanning fast-moving consumer goods, consumer electronics, sports and fitness, themed retail spaces, precious metals and accessible luxury. The company says the IP’s core audience skews toward educated, high-income young consumers in major Chinese and overseas cities.

“We have proven the model across fan engagement, merchandise conversion and cross-category adaptability,” said Benjamin Tao, IP Operations Lead for “Lord of Mysteries.” “Now is the right moment to scale globally. We are open to partnerships across brand licensing, content collaboration and channel distribution, and we welcome quality partners from any market.”

YUEWEN plans to release animation “The Marked Hunt” and two games, “Lord of Mysteries” and ” The new LOM mobile game,” later this year, as part of a decade-long content roadmap spanning more than seven planned animation installments.

“‘Lord of Mysteries’ is the core IP of YUEWEN’s global strategy,” said Hou Xiaonan, CEO of YUEWEN Group. “We will deploy the full weight of our platform resources behind its international growth, and we are actively seeking partners who share our long-term vision for building a global IP universe.”

About YUEWEN

YUEWEN (China Literature Limited) is a culture and entertainment group focused on developing intellectual property (IP) derived from online literature. YUEWEN has a diverse portfolio of well-known brands, such as QQ Reading, Qidian, New Classics Media and Tencent Animation & Comics. It serves as a platform for tens of millions of creators with a rich reserve of literary works, audiobooks, animation, comics, films, drama series, games and merchandise.

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Nha Trang, Vietnam, May 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hosted by the Australian Hospitality Alumni Network in Vietnam (AHA Vietnam), AHA Connection Day 2026: Socialite Hospitality Night recently took place at voco™ Scenia Bay Nha Trang by IHG, marking its first edition in Nha Trang. The event welcomed professionals across hospitality, tourism, aviation, education, and events for an evening of networking and exchange by the bay.

Established in 2014, AHA Vietnam is a professional community for Australian-educated hospitality graduates and Vietnam-based professionals across hospitality and related sectors. Through networking, knowledge sharing, and industry engagement, the organisation continues strengthening its role as a bridge between alumni, businesses, and the broader Australia – Vietnam professional network.

The evening created a relaxed setting for attendees to reconnect with peers, exchange perspectives, and build professional relationships across sectors. Conversations throughout the programme explored hospitality experiences, destination growth, and future opportunities within Vietnam’s tourism and hospitality landscape.

Justin Malcolm, General Manager of voco™ Scenia Bay Nha Trang by IHG, shared: “As an Australian General Manager working in Vietnam, I am proud to support the growth and connection of the Australia – Vietnam hospitality community through initiatives like AHA Connection Day. It is also a wonderful opportunity to welcome everyone to voco™ Scenia Bay Nha Trang by IHG, one of Nha Trang’s newly opened international hospitality destinations. Through my role as a Board Member of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, I also see strong long-term potential for Nha Trang to continue growing as a dynamic commercial, tourism, and hospitality hub within Vietnam and the wider region.”

Speaking about the vision behind the initiative, Camellia Dinh, Founder of AHA Vietnam and Founder & CEO of The Brand Promise, shared:

“AHA Connection Day is ultimately about connection. Through each destination we visit, we hope hospitality professionals who once studied, worked, or lived in Australia can come together again, reconnect through shared experiences, exchange stories, and open new opportunities for future collaboration within the industry.”

The programme was supported by hospitality and lifestyle partners including KORAÏ The Ocean Beer, Red Apron Fine Wines & Spirits, Bittersweet Chocolatier, and Hotelier Vietnam, contributing to the evening’s networking experience.

The Nha Trang edition marks another milestone in AHA Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to expand its community presence across Vietnam while contributing to a more connected hospitality industry network.

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BEIJING, May 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The brand value of Tanyang Gongfu black tea from Tanyang Village of Fu’an City in southeast China’s Fujian Province, reached 9.545 billion yuan in 2025, ranking among China’s top 50 regional public brands.

The figure reflects strong growth in Tanyang, where the village’s collective income hit 2.9 million yuan in 2025, up 35 percent year-on-year, and per-capita net income reached 39,800 yuan.

Fu’an has expanded the model beyond one village. Seven villages now form the “Greater Tanyang” rural revitalization partnership, with combined collective income exceeding 6.3 million yuan. The alliance has created jobs for over 200 villagers, with per-capita disposable income reaching 29,000 yuan. Tanyang Village was named a Fujian provincial international exchange base in 2025.

Tanyang Gongfu tea dates to the Qing Dynasty. It has been recognized as one of China’s geographical indication products.

Quality control underpins the brand’s value. A tea industry technology hub jointly operated by China Agricultural University and provincial research institutes promotes eco-friendly farming. The village has developed a 58-mu low-carbon tea garden demonstration site and over 6,100 mu of smart tea gardens, improving quality across 14,200 mu of production area.

Cultural tourism now drives secondary growth. Old factory buildings have been converted into a tea museum, craft workshops and a 5G-enabled smart tea garden. Three themed education routes attract over 1,000 trainees annually.

Product innovation targets younger consumers. New offerings include tea-based cocktails, tea-infused coffee, and fruit-flavored tea beer. One tea-liquor blend generates over 5,000 yuan in daily sales at peak times.

The seven villages have pooled resources and capital to establish an eco-agriculture company operating under a four-party business model. It has directly created employment for more than 40 people. Projects within the zone include a digital nomad hub, a black tea craft workshop, and a 15-mu flower base.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/350697.html

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New research by SMU highlights a gap in preparedness, socioeconomic disparities and need for stronger public support as Singapore ages

SINGAPORE, May 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new study by the Singapore Management University (SMU) Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA) has found that despite relatively high awareness of the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), many Singaporeans may be legally unprepared for cognitive decline and medical crises. There is a significant gap between awareness and actual adoption of the LPA, where although close to seven in 10 respondents (69.2%) were aware of the LPA, only around one in three (31.3%) had made one.

The study found that more than half (50.8%) of respondents without an LPA and without intentions to make one mistakenly believed their children would automatically have the legal authority to make decisions on their behalf if they lost mental capacity.

“Many Singaporeans assume their loved ones can automatically step in during a crisis to make decisions about medical treatment and financial matters, but without an LPA, the legal process may not be straightforward,” said Professor Paulin Straughan, Director, SMU ROSA. “When such conversations and decisions are postponed despite our current mental clarity, families can experience added stress and uncertainty if a loved one later faces illness or cognitive decline. It is also important to ensure that appointed donees are properly informed, as they not fully understand the scope and significance of their responsibilities.”

The study examined awareness, attitudes, barriers and adoption of the LPA among older Singaporeans, using responses from 7,910 participants in November 2025 from the Singapore Life Panel.

The study noted that in the absence of an LPA, individuals who lose mental capacity may face delays in accessing medical treatment and care arrangements, while family members may encounter significant administrative and legal hurdles, including the need to apply for deputyship. These processes might result in higher costs, delays in decision-making, disruptions to financial and asset management, and increased emotional and caregiving burdens on families.

The findings underscored the need for public education efforts that move beyond awareness to clearly communicating the real-world consequences of not having an LPA in place, while encouraging earlier conversations and planning. Misconceptions, emotional resistance and practical barriers could leave many families unprepared as Singapore faces rapid population ageing and rising dementia prevalence.

Key Findings

1. More than four in 10 respondents (41.06%) neither had an LPA nor intended to make one.
2. Significant socioeconomic gaps were observed in both awareness and uptake:
   1. While 87.73% of respondents with university education were aware of the LPA, awareness fell to 44.56% among those with primary education or below.
   2. LPA uptake among residents living in 1- to 3-room HDB flats was 23.73%, compared to 46.70% among those living in private housing.
3. Although attitudes towards the LPA were generally positive, respondents cited barriers such as:
   1. perceptions that the process is too complex or time-consuming,
   2. uncertainty about how to apply,
   3. discomfort discussing incapacity planning with family members.
4. Even among respondents who applied online, nearly half required assistance with the process.
5. Peace of mind (81.58%) and reducing burdens on family members (81.15%) were the strongest motivations for making an LPA.

The study also found that family members remain the overwhelmingly preferred choice of donees. However, researchers noted that demographic shifts, including rising singlehood, childlessness and smaller family sizes, may increase future demand for non-family or professional donees.

Policy Recommendations
To close Singapore’s LPA preparedness gap, SMU ROSA recommends:

1. Strengthening nationwide public education efforts to correct misconceptions and normalise LPA planning earlier in adulthood.
2. Expanding targeted outreach through trusted community touchpoints such as ComLink+, family service centres and polyclinics.
3. Simplifying the application process through plain-language guides, visual explainers and assisted application clinics.
4. Providing greater financial support for lower-income individuals, including subsidies for certificate issuer fees.
5. Increasing support, transparency and regulation for professional donees and licensed trust companies as non-family arrangements become more common.

Researchers added that stronger support systems for donees, including clearer guidance, scenario-based training and safeguards against abuse, will also become increasingly important as Singapore’s population ages.

One in four Singaporeans are projected to be aged 65 and above by 2030. In this context, improving awareness, accessibility and preparedness around LPAs would be critical to safeguarding autonomy and reducing stress on families navigating incapacity and long-term care decisions.

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The Region’s Premier Pharma Exhibition Returns to Bangkok, Elevating Thailand’s Role in the ASEAN Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

BANGKOK, May 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Informa Markets sets to organise CPHI South East Asia from 8–10 July 2026 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center under the theme “The Gateway to the ASEAN Pharma Industry.” The event is a comprehensive pharmaceutical manufacturing exhibition, technology showcase, and conference for Southeast Asia, featuring innovations from more than 400 companies worldwide.

Highlights include international pavilion zones from eight markets, showcasing innovation trends from Mainland China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Egypt. The event will also provide business matching opportunities and over 60 academic conference sessions. Organisers expect more than 10,000 visitors from over 70 countries during the three-day event, creating new business opportunities throughout the exhibition.

Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN at Informa Markets said, “The pharmaceutical industry in Thailand continues to show strong growth potential, supported by several factors including the country’s transition into a fully aged society, the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), healthcare system expansion, growth in medical tourism, and the use of essential medicines in hospitals under Thailand’s universal healthcare system.

In 2024, Thailand’s pharmaceutical industry was valued at approximately THB 240 billion (around 6.9 billion dollars), and is projected to grow by 6–7% due to these supporting factors. Market research agencies also forecast that by 2030, the industry could reach a value of 480 billion baht or 13.9 billion dollars.

Another key trend to watch is the increasing push from both the public and private sectors toward pharmaceutical development and innovation, including both generic drugs and newly developed medicines. This aligns with government efforts to strengthen pharmaceutical security.

Pharmaceutical and healthcare security has therefore become a national policy priority aimed at raising public healthcare standards and strengthening the country’s economy as Thailand seeks to join the OECD within five years. Policies also focus on reducing reliance on imported medicines, supporting domestic active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production, and increasing manufacturing capacity for essential medicines in line with actual production costs.

This is the driving force behind the organization of CPHI South East Asia, a technology and innovation exhibition with the important goal of contributing to Thailand’s pharmaceutical security. The event aims to help drive both healthcare and the economy forward, positioning Thailand as a Medical Hub for Southeast Asia through internationally standardized pharmaceutical manufacturing and enhanced competitiveness in global export markets.

Ms. Rungphech added, “Pharmaceutical security is a shared responsibility and a foundation of human security. Government and private sector must work in tandem to ensure Thailand not only has access to medicines, but becomes a country that the world trusts to produce them.”

“CPHI South East Asia is part of International Healthcare Week and will be held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center from 8–10 July 2026 under the theme “The Gateway to the ASEAN Pharma Industry.” The event will contribute to advancing Thailand’s pharmaceutical industry in line with the country’s strategic development goals.”

Ms. Supatra Boonserm, Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under the Food and Drug Administration Office (Thai FDA), Ministry of Public Health, stated that in a world where medical technology continues to advance rapidly, we are now entering the era of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). These are no longer just “medicines” in the traditional sense, but represent “new hope” for treating diseases once considered incurable — whether through cell therapy, gene therapy, or tissue engineering.

Today, the role of the Thai FDA is no longer limited to being merely a “regulator” responsible for screening product safety. It has evolved into an “Innovation Facilitator,” aiming to position Thailand as a true regional healthcare hub. The FDA’s key mission in supporting ATMPs is built upon three major pillars:

1.Creating a Regulatory “Fast Track” (Regulatory Excellence)

Complex innovations require regulations that are both flexible and rigorous. The FDA has therefore developed legal frameworks aligned with international standards, covering product classification and dedicated GMP standards specifically for ATMPs. This ensures that products developed by Thai innovators meet global standards and can confidently compete in international markets.

2. Serving as a Strategic Partner for Researchers and Entrepreneurs (Proactive Partnership)

The FDA has implemented a Pre-submission Consultation mechanism to provide technical guidance before formal approval applications are submitted. It has also introduced Fast Track pathways for products addressing urgent medical needs, helping reduce unnecessary delays and barriers while maintaining patient safety as the highest priority.

3. Building an “Ecosystem of Trust” (Ecosystem of Trust)

The FDA oversees clinical trials to ensure ethical compliance and maintains long-term post-market safety monitoring systems. This is intended to build confidence among both patients and healthcare professionals that these innovations will remain effective and safe in a sustainable manner.

Mr. Surachai Ruengsuksilp, Honorary Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Industry Group under the Federation of Thai Industries and Vice President of the Thai Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (TPMA), stated that the pharmaceutical industry is not merely an economic driver, but also a “critical infrastructure for national security.”

Currently, Thailand’s pharmaceutical market is valued at more than THB 240 billion. Amid these opportunities, the Federation of Thai Industries has established a strategic direction to position Thailand as a full-fledged Regional Pharma Hub through three key strategies:

1.Transforming from an “Importer” to a “Producer for Security”

Reducing dependence on imported medicines by promoting domestic production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), thereby reducing vulnerability to global crises.

2. Upgrading from “Basic Medicines” to “Advanced Innovation”

Supporting Thai pharmaceutical manufacturers in upgrading to internationally recognized PIC/S GMP standards, enabling Thai medicines not only to serve the CLMV market but also to expand exports globally.

3. Building a Strong Pharmaceutical Ecosystem

Driving collaboration with the government and the Board of Investment (BOI) to create an investment environment conducive to research and development, while also reforming procurement regulations to better reflect actual quality-based costs. This is intended to help Thai pharmaceutical companies remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth.

The Federation of Thai Industries aims to make Thailand “a regional production base for high-quality and affordable medicines,” focusing not only on economic growth figures, but also on ensuring that Thai people have sufficient access to safe medicines under all circumstances.

Dr.Ponthip Wirachwong Ph.D. Deputy Managing Director, Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO), stated that beyond its primary role in pharmaceutical manufacturing, the organization’s core mission is to ensure confidence in Thailand’s healthcare system by guaranteeing that Thai people will never face medicine shortages during crises or at any time.

In the past, Thailand has experienced epidemics and natural disasters, and the GPO has maintained reserve systems for essential medicines and medical supplies to ensure that hospital operations can continue without disruption caused by delays.

“Even the most advanced medicine fails if it remains out of reach. GPO’s mission is simple: ensure every Thai patient has access to safe, quality medicines — at a price that doesn’t force them to choose between health and survival,” she said.

Pre-registration is now open for visitors and exhibitors. Be part of the future of ASEAN’s pharma industry at www.cphi.com/sea

For media enquiries, please contact:
Gautam Jatwani
Senior Marketing Manager
Gautam.jatwani@informa.com  

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