CGTN: 2025 CMG Spring Festival Gala Blends Tradition With Innovation In Final Stage

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 (Bernama) -- The 2025 China Media Group (CMG) Spring Festival Gala, a cornerstone of Chinese New Year celebrations, has entered its final rehearsal phase.

Known for its rich cultural significance, this annual event, or Chunwan in China, combines innovation with tradition, captivating audiences in both China and the world, according to a statement.

With cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology, the show promises an immersive experience, blending classic acts with interactive elements to engage audiences and attract a broader audience, particularly younger generations.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the gala has also unveiled its official mascot, "Si Sheng Sheng”, a vibrant green snake symbolising the Year of the Snake.

Inspired by traditional Chinese culture, the design incorporates intricate details like the spiral patterns from a gilded silver "Ruyi" discovered in northwest China's Shaanxi's Famen Temple, representing prosperity.

Since its inception in 1983, the Spring Festival Gala has become a cultural hallmark of Chinese New Year, celebrating the nation's heritage through performances such as operas, folk songs, dances, skits, and crosstalk.

While maintaining the traditions, this year’s gala will embrace modern creative expressions with its stage design, which draws inspiration from the "Ruyi" sceptre, a traditional Chinese artefact symbolising fulfilled wishes.

In recent years, the Spring Festival Gala has embraced technological advancements to rejuvenate traditional art forms, with the integration of technology and culture not only breathing new life into traditional art but also deepening the audience's connection with China's cultural heritage.

In addition to celebrating familial bonds, the gala reflects societal changes and issues through its humorous skits and crosstalk, sparking both laughter and reflection, in which the 2025 Gala will continue this tradition, offering insight into contemporary social themes while embodying the spirit of the times.

This year's event promises to be both a vibrant celebration of the past and an exciting glimpse into the future, reinforcing the gala's role as a bridge between tradition and modernity and as a heartfelt connection among Chinese people worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

CGTN: PRESIDENT XI JINPING VISITS FLOOD-HIT ZHUJIAGOU VILLAGE AHEAD OF SPRING FESTIVAL

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- With the Spring Festival just over a week away, families in Zhujiagou Village, located in northeast China’s Liaoning Province, are preparing to celebrate the Chinese New Year in new homes following devastating flooding.

Last August, torrential rains caused severe flooding in Liaoning's Suizhong County, impacting 185,000 residents across 110 villages in 10 townships. The low-lying Zhujiagou Village was hit particularly hard, with destroyed roads, flooded farmlands, and over 50 homes damaged.

According to a statement, 41 of these homes were deemed beyond repair, forcing 186 villagers to relocate to higher ground.

Construction began in early September to ensure that residents could move into new homes before the harsh winter, and by Oct 24, 2024, all affected villagers had settled into newly built houses.

Braving the cold, the Republic’s President, Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visited the village to check on the progress of the reconstruction efforts.

During his visit, Xi expressed relief over the improvements and reassured the villagers of continued support from the Party and government, emphasising that “the people can always count on the Party and the government in their most difficult times”.

Xi’s visit is part of a long-standing tradition where he visits disaster-affected areas ahead of the Spring Festival. His visits underscore the government’s commitment to improving the lives of the people, particularly during times of hardship.

This year, he also recalled past visits, including his inspections of flood-affected areas in Tianjin and Shanxi, reinforcing the government's resolve to enhance infrastructure and ensure the welfare of citizens.

-- BERNAMA

Indiaspora Forum For Good To Bring Global Leaders For Collaborative Action

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- Indiaspora, a nonprofit organisation, will host the "Indiaspora Forum for Good" (IFG) in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from Feb 23 to 26.

This multi-day forum will bring together global leaders from business, technology, investment, healthcare, academia, and climate alongside prominent figures from the arts, sports, and entertainment fields, to create new models for the world, embodying Indiaspora’s “force for good” mission.

In a statement, Indiaspora said renowned Indian actor and philanthropist, Vivek Oberoi will serve as its Forum Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The forum aims to foster collaboration across these diverse fields, creating innovative solutions for pressing global challenges such as climate change and healthcare. Key announcements related to philanthropy, economic impact, and the arts will be made during the event.

Indiaspora Founder and Chairman of the Board, MR Rangaswami said IFG represents the power of collective action and innovation within the global Indian diaspora.

“This forum is a testament to the diaspora’s unique ability to serve as a bridge among cultures, fostering transformative ideas into lasting impact,” he said.

Meanwhile, actor Oberoi shared his excitement about the forum’s role in uniting leaders to drive social change.

Additionally, Indiaspora will collaborate with the Dubai Future Foundation to enhance the event’s impact, reflecting Dubai’s role as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The forum will be held across two of the UAE's most dynamic cities, beginning in Abu Dhabi before concluding in Dubai at the iconic Museum of the Future on Feb 26, focusing on AI-driven topics.

Additional key venues will include renowned cultural and architectural landmarks such as Abu Dhabi's Louvre Museum, the Grand Mosque, BAPS Hindu Mandir, and the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, offering a diverse and inspiring backdrop for global discussions.

-- BERNAMA

IMMERSE IN A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE AT KYOTO AQUARIUM THIS LUNAR NEW YEAR

The jellyfish area increasingly popular as a photo spot. (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- The Kyoto Aquarium, located in Umekoji Park, Kyoto City, is hosting the Jellyfish Luminaries event in the Jellyfish Wonders area from January to March 2025.

Running until March 21, this annual event, now in its fifth year, showcases around 60 jellyfish lamps representing 20 different jellyfish species, according to the Kyoto Aquarium in a statement.

A highlight of the event is the Mirror Tunnel, where visitors can admire mesmerising scenery reflected on the mirror walls.

These lamps were crafted by glass artisans from Niigata Prefecture, with designs mimicking the appearance of real jellyfish, under the guidance of the aquarium’s breeding staff.

Jellyfish, known for their photogenic beauty, are symbolic of good fortune, making this event a perfect way to celebrate the Lunar New Year and wish for good luck in the year ahead.

-- BERNAMA

EQUATIV UNVEILS UPGRADED ADTECH PLATFORM FOR PROGRAMMATIC CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- Equativ, a global independent adtech company, has unveiled significant upgrades to its all-in-one curation platform, Equativ Buyer Connect (EBC), now renamed Maestro by Equativ.

According to the company in a statement, the platform centralises programmatic campaign management, offering ad buyers direct access to high-quality, scaled supply.

“As the market and client needs evolved, we refined our intuitive, all-in-one curation platform to offer ad buyers unmatched control, enabling them to streamline omnichannel strategies, leverage first-party data, and scale campaigns more effectively while still supporting the broader ecosystem,” said Equativ Chief Revenue Officer, Parag Vohra.

Since launching its curation platform four years ago, Equativ has gathered insights from over 500 media agencies, including all six of the Big Six Advertising Agencies, as well as publishers and data curators. This feedback has played a crucial role in refining Maestro by Equativ, which now provides curators with enhanced control through a more optimised interface.

The new version of Maestro allows users to set precise criteria for ad placements, ensuring that campaigns adhere to brand safety, relevance, and sustainability standards, ultimately driving better outcomes.

Maestro’s global reach includes integration with over 70 demand-side platforms (DSPs) and 30 data providers like LiveRamp and Lotame, maximising campaign efficiency.

The platform features an intuitive interface and offers personalised support across 19 countries. Key improvements include advanced data capabilities, meta deals for better optimisation, and direct campaign activation using Equativ’s premium inventory.

Equativ’s future updates will also introduce creative enhancements backed by research, as well as the GreenPMPs feature, allowing curators to reduce emissions by filtering out high-emission sites.

-- BERNAMA

WEF25: SAUDI MINISTERS DISCUSS ECONOMIC RESILIENCE, REGIONAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, addressed a panel session at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos on ‘Diplomacy amid Disorder’, where he spoke about an opportunity for the region “to turn a page” (Photo: AETOSWire)

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal F. Alibrahim has highlighted the Kingdom’s long-term approach to growth at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland.

During a panel session on ‘The Future of Growth’, Minister Faisal said in a statement: “Saudi Vision 2030 is an example of bold leadership that has led us to plan with confidence, deliver with optimism, but also manage with prudence.”

Meanwhile, in another panel session titled ‘Diplomacy amid Disorder’, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah highlighted the Middle East’s potential to shape a prosperous future following the recent Gaza ceasefire.

Despite the region’s risk factors, he emphasised the region’s resilience and optimism, particularly with the progress seen in countries like Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza.

Prince Faisal expressed hope for a new chapter in the region, noting the stability of the Kingdom and other GCC countries despite challenges.

On the other hand, the Minister of Tourism, Ahmed A. Al-Khateeb, in a session titled ‘Travel and Tourism’s Role in Building Trust’, shared the success of the tourism sector, revealing that the Kingdom saw nearly 30 million international visitors in 2024, up from 10 million in 2019, stating: “Travel and tourism is contributing to building a diversified and more resilient economy.”

The WEF released a briefing paper with expert input from Minister Ahmed on ‘The Future of Travel and Tourism: Embracing Sustainable and Inclusive Growth’, exploring trends in the sector and the importance of cross-sector collaboration.

The Ministry of Tourism also released an Investor White Paper highlighting initiatives transforming the Kingdom's tourism sector under Vision 2030.

In addition, Salesforce has announced plans to open a regional headquarters in Riyadh, pledging to provide upskilling opportunities to 30,000 Saudi citizens by 2030, while also announcing a partnership agreement with IBM to open an artificial intelligence Innovation Center in the Kingdom.

-- BERNAMA

SMART MODULAR ADD-IN CARDS ACHIEVE COMPLIANCE TESTING

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- SMART Modular Technologies Inc (SMART), a Penguin Solutions Inc brand, announced its 4-DIMM and 8-DIMM Compute Express Link (CXL) memory Add-in Cards (AICs) have successfully passed CXL 2.0 compliance testing.

These products are now officially listed on the CXL Consortium's Integrators' List, marking a significant milestone in the company's commitment to delivering high-quality, interoperable memory solutions.

SMART Modular Technologies vice president of advanced product development, Andy Mills in a statement said achieving CXL compliance is a testament to the company team's hard work and dedication to innovation.

“Our 4-DIMM and 8-DIMM CXL memory Add-in Cards are designed to meet the evolving needs of our customers, and this recognition further validates our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions with enhanced performance and reliability,” he said.

The inclusion of SMART Modular Technologies' products on the CXL Integrator's List underscores the company's dedication to adhering to industry standards and ensuring compatibility across a wide range of computing environments.

Developed by the CXL Consortium, the CXL Compliance Program provides members with opportunities to test the functionality and interoperability of their products as defined in the CXL specification.

This achievement not only highlights SMART Modular Technologies' technical expertise but also reinforces its role as a leader in advancing integrated memory technology.

As the demand for high-speed data processing continues to grow, SMART Modular Technologies remains at the forefront of delivering advanced memory solutions that help drive efficiency and performance in modern computing systems.

-- BERNAMA

BITGET PARTNERS WITH KAIA FOUNDATION TO FOSTER MINI-DAPP ECOSYSTEM ON LINE MESSENGER

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Jan 22 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with the Kaia DLT Foundation to accelerate the growth of the Kaia blockchain-powered Mini-Dapp ecosystem launched on LINE Messenger today. This collaboration will focus on identifying high-potential Mini-Dapps, offering comprehensive support in incubation, advisory, listing, and go-to-market strategies to drive their success.

Kaia blockchain, renowned for its innovative architecture and emphasis on simplicity, has positioned itself as a pioneer in Asia’s Web3 space. Its unique ability to seamlessly integrate with Web2 platforms like LINE Messenger has drawn significant attention. In 2024, Kaia achieved a milestone of over 2 million unique active wallets and 13 million total transactions, with more than 9,000 active contracts already deployed on its chain. This impressive growth reflects Kaia’s strong technical foundation and the scalability required to support a thriving decentralized ecosystem.

Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, expressed her enthusiasm for this partnership: “In 2024, our extensive collaboration with the TON ecosystem brought unprecedented new user flows into the Web3 industry, demonstrating the immense potential of bridging Web2 and Web3. We firmly believe that driving user adoption from Web2 will remain a pivotal focus in 2025. By partnering with Kaia Foundation, we aim to uncover and empower outstanding Mini-Dapps on LINE Messenger, driving innovation and adoption in this rapidly evolving space.”

Dr. Sam Seo, Chairman of the Kaia DLT Foundation, stated, “Bitget has consistently proven itself as a leader in empowering Web3 projects with its unparalleled expertise in global market reach. This collaboration with Bitget marks an exciting chapter for the Kaia ecosystem as we work together to identify and amplify the next generation of Mini Dapps. With Bitget's support, we’re confident that the Kaia blockchain will become a cornerstone of Web3 innovation.”

On the same day, the Kaia Foundation officially introduced the Dapp Portal, which initially had 30 Mini Dapps selected. All the Dapps are built on the Kaia blockchain and accessible directly from LINE Messenger, a trendy chatting app with over 200 million monthly active users globally. This initiative will empower Kaia to bring decentralized services to mainstream audiences.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World's Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

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

About Kaia

Kaia is a high performance public blockchain that brings Web3 to the fingertips of hundreds of millions across Asia. Formed through the merger of the Klaytn and Finschia blockchains that were initially developed by Kakao and LINE respectively, Kaia is Asia’s largest Web3 ecosystem integrated with the Kakaotalk and LINE messengers that have a combined user base of over 250 million - all of whom can experience Web3 with the ease and speed of Web2 within their favourite messenger superapp to connect, create, collaborate, and contribute to the ecosystem. Learn more at www.kaia.io.

About Kaia DLT Foundation

The Kaia DLT Foundation, based in Abu Dhabi, was established in 2024 to expand the ecosystem of Kaia, a global Layer 1 blockchain platform. We drive the adoption and development of new technologies to ensure that Kaia fulfills its role as an accessible, transparent, and sustainable blockchain platform for developers and users alike, and facilitate decision-making to ensure that the ecosystem continues to expand optimally in the rapidly changing blockchain landscape.

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.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d11cb0f-5394-4904-b1f7-b3564454fe22 


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.}

​RHINO.AI ANNOUNCES $50M SERIES A TO TRANSFORM ENTERPRISE MODERNIZATION

AsiaNet 0200667

WASHINGTON, D.C, Jan.22, 2025 /AgilityPR-AsiaNet/--

Koch Venture Capital Group, Koch Disruptive Technologies, Leads Funding Round

Rhino.ai, a leading AI-powered enterprise platform, announced $50 million in Series A funding led by Koch Disruptive Technologies. The investment will fuel Rhino.ai’s mission to help organizations transform outdated systems into agile, scalable solutions.

By combining agentic AI with human expertise, Rhino.ai's intelligent platform analyzes complex legacy systems and automatically generates modernized applications in any desired technology stack. While traditional modernization tools focus on code conversion, Rhino.ai orchestrates the entire transformation journey - from deep system analysis to collaborative requirements, refinement and automated development - reducing modernization timelines from years to months.

Breaking new ground beyond conventional AI copilots, Rhino.ai is the first end-to-end platform that enables business teams, developers, and system integrators to collaborate seamlessly through an AI-powered modernization lifecycle. Rhino.ai’s state-of-the-art agent-graph architecture leverages a blend of industry-leading large language models (LLMs) alongside Rhino.ai’s own advanced, proprietary LLMs to deliver enterprise-grade transformations with unprecedented speed and accuracy."

"Transforming enterprise systems requires more than automating isolated tasks. Our platform manages the end-to-end process, from discovery to deployment, enabling organizations to seamlessly transition to modern architectures without the constraints of proprietary systems,” said Adam Branch, CEO of Rhino.ai.

The global market for legacy system transformation is projected to reach $583 billion by 2027, underscoring the urgency for organizations to replace cumbersome systems with flexible, future-ready infrastructures. Rhino.ai is leading this shift, automating the discovery, transformation, and deployment of entire application portfolios through its innovative platform.

Rhino.ai’s platform transforms applications across diverse architectures, including low-code/no-code environments, microservices, and systems on platforms like AWS, GCP, Azure, or open-source frameworks. Its Universal Application Notation (UAN) framework decouples business-critical applications from vendor-specific constraints, enabling organizations to modernize without proprietary limitations.

"Rhino.ai's innovative approach to legacy system modernization aligns perfectly with the urgent need for digital transformation across industries," said Byron Knight, President of Koch Disruptive Technologies.

Koch Disruptive Technologies, Koch’s venture capital group, is leading the $50 million Series A funding round. This new funding will support Rhino.ai’s growth by expanding its engineering team, enhancing product offerings, and scaling operations to meet the surging demand for modernization solutions. Backed by Koch, Rhino.ai is well-positioned to redefine how enterprises and government agencies transform their technology landscapes. The investment will fuel Rhino.ai’s mission to help organizations transform outdated systems into agile, scalable solutions.

"This partnership with Rhino.ai represents a continuing shift towards AI in our digital transformation efforts," said Matt Hoag, Koch CTO. "By addressing our technical debt more efficiently using AI agents, we have the opportunity to not just save time and money – but also free up our talented developers to focus on innovation."

About Rhino.ai
Rhino.ai revolutionizes the way organizations upgrade legacy systems. By automating software development and simplifying complex modernization processes, Rhino.ai enables faster, more cost-effective digital transformation with unmatched operational agility. For more information, visit www.rhino.ai

About Koch Disruptive Technologies (KDT)
Koch Disruptive Technologies is a venture capital firm partnering with principled entrepreneurs who are building high-growth companies that have the potential to transform industries. KDT has a flexible mandate to make investments at any stage of a company's life cycle, from seed to late-stage growth. KDT is a Koch company, one of the largest privately held companies in the world, with annual revenues that have exceeded $125 billion and operations in more than 50 countries. KDT helps its partners unlock their full potential by bringing them Koch’s capabilities and network, structuring unique capital solutions, and embracing a long-term mutual benefit mindset. For more information, visit www.kochdisruptivetechnologies.com

Media contacts:
Zara Thornwood
Chief Innovation Officer
rpress@rhino.ai

Source: Rhino.ai

--BERNAMA

Innovation In Focus: AM Best To Present At 18th India Rendezvous

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- AM Best Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Andrea Keenan, is set to deliver a presentation titled “Innovation is in Insurance’s DNA” at the 18th India Rendezvous, scheduled for Jan 20 to 22 at the JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu in Mumbai, India.

The conference serves as a significant platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to convene and align strategies towards achieving India’s Vision 2047, which emphasises inclusive growth, technological advancement, and enhanced resilience against economic and environmental challenges.

In a statement, AM Best said Keenan’s presentation is scheduled on Jan 22, and AM Best Singapore operations Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Rob Curtis, will also be present at the event.

Curtis, who oversees market development for the Asia-Pacific region, will be available for meetings to discuss AM Best’s role in the insurance industry as well as its resources for insurance professionals, including its widely recognised Best Credit Ratings.

The India Rendezvous has evolved to be the flagship event for the Indian insurance market and Asia Insurance Review’s largest conference, with over 800 delegates registering for the event in 2024.

It continues to be a vital event for fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in the insurance and reinsurance sectors, paving the way for sustained growth and resilience in the region.

-- BERNAMA

UNI-FUELS RAISES US$8.4 MLN IN SUCCESSFUL IPO CLOSING

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited (Uni-Fuels) has successfully closed its underwritten initial public offering (IPO) of 2,100,000 Class A Ordinary Shares at a public offering price of US$4.00 per share, raising total gross proceeds of US$8.4 million before underwriting discounts and commissions. (US$1 = RM4.49)

All of the Class A Ordinary Shares are being offered by Uni-Fuels, according to a statement.

The IPO, which closed on Jan 15, began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on Jan 14, under the ticker symbol “UFG”.

In addition, the company has granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to 315,000 additional shares within 45 days of the effective date of its registration statement in relation to the IPO.

The company plans to use the proceeds from the IPO for several strategic purposes, including expanding its reselling activities to capture a larger market share, strengthening its workforce, and expanding its market presence in new geographical locations.

Additionally, the funds will also be utilised for general corporate purposes and as cash reserves.

The IPO was conducted on a firm commitment basis with R. F. Lafferty & Co Inc, serving as the sole book-running manager.

Founded in 2021, Singapore-headquartered Uni-Fuels is a global provider of marine fuel solutions and has evolved from modest beginnings into a dynamic, forward-thinking company.

-- BERNAMA

EasyTransfer Secures Spot In KPMG’s 2024 China Fintech 50 For Third Year Running

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- EasyTransfer, a Singapore-based global education fintech firm, has been listed in KPMG’s 2024 China Fintech 50 report for the third consecutive year, affirming its status as a leading fintech company.

The company, which operates in over 170 countries, is particularly influential in China, serving more than 380,000 Chinese international students by facilitating seamless payments to top universities and educational institutions worldwide, according to a statement.

“It is a great honour for EasyTransfer to be included in KPMG’s China Fintech 50 list for a third year, in recognition of the company’s achievements in the global education-focused fintech sector,” said EasyTransfer Founder and President, Tony Gao.

Gao highlighted the company’s significant 2024 milestones, including partnerships with the University of Manchester, Oxford University Press, Newcastle University,  the University of Nottingham, Pearson PTE, China CITIC Bank, as well as several payment service providers in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. He also expressed optimism for continued growth in 2025.

EasyTransfer simplifies school fee payments for over half a million international students, offering transparent real-time exchange rates locked in for 12-hour periods to counter volatile currency fluctuations and eliminating processing fees for recipient universities.

The platform addresses challenges such as forex volatility and remittance limits, enabling more students to pursue education abroad affordably and efficiently.

This year’s winners were announced on Jan 10, at the 2024 KPMG China Financial Technology Enterprise Double 50 List Release and Award Ceremony in Shanghai, organised by KPMG China in collaboration with the Financial Technology Branch of the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics Alumni Association.

Companies were nominated in five broad fintech categories, comprising financial services in science and technology, eco-friendliness, inclusivity, pensions, and digital products. A panel of financial experts assessed applicants based on criteria such as science and data; innovation and change; popularisation of financial services; recognition in capital markets; and industry development prospects.

-- BERNAMA

EBC FINANCIAL GROUP EARNS FOUR PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS IN FXEMPIRE’S 2025 REVIEW

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- EBC Financial Group (EBC), a leading global brokerage, has been recognised in FXEmpire’s 2025 review, receiving accolades in four key categories.

According to the statement, the four categories are Best FCA-regulated Broker for Professionals, Best ASIC-regulated Broker for Automated Trading, Best Order Execution for Copy & Social Trading, and Best Fast Execution Broker for Day Traders.

These recognitions underline EBC’s standing as one of the top FCA-regulated brokers on FXEmpire’s platform, showcasing its ongoing commitment to excellence and continuous growth.

In addition to these awards, EBC was praised for its exceptional trading services, which focus on providing a seamless, reliable, and accessible experience for traders of all levels.

EBC’s deposit and withdrawal process were commended for their speed, efficiency, and reliability, ensuring traders can confidently transfer funds with ease. It also offers personalised account structures tailored to both novice and professional traders, enhancing the overall trading experience.

The company’s platforms empower traders to execute strategies with precision, while its proprietary copy trading platform, which utilises artificial intelligence, was also recognised for enhancing social trading.

With low spreads and commissions, ultra-fast order execution speeds of under 20 milliseconds, and exceptional customer support, EBC offers a cost-effective and reliable trading environment.

Additionally, EBC provides advanced tools like order flow analysis powered by CME data, offering institutional-grade insights, and supports a broad range of financial products, including forex, stocks, indices, and commodities. The company also prioritises trader education with webinars, tutorials, and market insights to ensure clients make informed decisions.

Looking ahead, EBC plans to expand its tradable instruments, improve educational resources, and maintain its strong regulatory standards with oversight from the FCA, CIMA, and ASIC. With insurance coverage from Lloyds of London, EBC continues to prioritise security and innovation, setting new benchmarks in the financial industry.

EBC’s recognition in FXEmpire’s comprehensive review is a testament to its high industry standards, validated through a rigorous evaluation process that evaluates over 250 variables across nine critical categories. This continued excellence positions EBC for future success as it leads the forex industry with integrity, innovation, and opportunity.

-- BERNAMA

PERMA-PIPE SECURES US$43 MLN CONTRACT FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN GCC REGION

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- Perma-Pipe International Holdings Inc (Perma-Pipe), announced it has received a formal letter of award with value exceeding US$43 million for a development project located in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. (US$1=RM4.51)

In a statement, the company said it will provide thermal insulation, anti-corrosion coatings, and other services from its Abu Dhabi facility, with work on the project is slated to begin in the third quarter of this year.

“This award provides evidence that our technologies are well-positioned to meet the complex requirements in virtually all geographies as we continue our focus on highly active oil and gas markets worldwide.

“This project continues an increase in large-scale project activity we are seeing globally and, when coupled with other recently announced project awards, further strengthens our record backlog position heading into 2025,” said its President and Chief Executive Officer, David Mansfield.

Meanwhile, Perma-Pipe MENA region Senior Vice President, Saleh Sagr said this award follows the successful execution of numerous development projects in the region.

“Our differentiated coating solutions have proven to be well-suited for technically challenging projects. We would like to thank our customers for this significant award,” added Sagr.

This project will utilise Perma-Pipe’s anti-corrosion coatings capabilities, fabrication, and the TRACE-THERM insulation system, a spray-applied polyurethane foam jacketed with a high-density polyethylene casing.

A global leader in pre-insulated piping and leak detection systems for oil and gas, district heating and cooling, Perma-Pipe has operations at 15 locations in six countries. It uses its extensive engineering and fabrication expertise to develop piping solutions that solve complex challenges regarding the safe and efficient transportation of many types of liquids.

-- BERNAMA

Expereo Is Starlink Authorized Reseller, Providing Global Connectivity

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Expereo, a global intelligent internet company, announced it has become a Starlink Authorized Reseller, enabling the company to provide unmatched connectivity solutions to organisations worldwide via Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite Internet.

According to a statement, Expereo leverages Starlink’s LEO satellites to provide enterprises reliable high-speed internet even in the most remote areas.

Engineered by SpaceX, Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation using LEO satellites to provide high-speed internet services, including streaming and video calls, in remote and underserved areas where traditional connectivity is unreliable.

“Starlink is a game-changer for our customers. Starlink’s satellite technology, renowned for its ability to provide high-speed internet to remote areas, aligns perfectly with Expereo’s mission to deliver seamless, resilient, high-quality and managed internet access to enterprises, regardless of their location.

“Starlink complements Expereo’s expertise in providing end-to-end management of an entire suite of connectivity solutions for organisations of all kinds, no matter where they are based or what their growth ambitions are, all visible and managed through our intelligent platform expereoOne,” said Expereo Chief Executive Officer, Ben Elms.

As reliance on real-time data, remote collaboration, and critical applications continues to surge, ensuring uninterrupted, high-performance connectivity has become non-negotiable for business continuity and operational success.

Starlink's innovative satellite technology enhances Expereo’s portfolio by delivering resilient satellite solutions that ensure reliable internet access, even during physical outages, infrastructure limitations, and bandwidth constraints.

Key benefits include unmatched resilience in a fully managed solution; instant failover for seamless continuity; flexible deployment and rapid scalability; and the ability to connect anywhere.

-- BERNAMA

noco-noco Files 2024 Annual Report After Audit Completion

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- Technology solutions provider, noco-noco Inc has successfully filed its delayed 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F, with the filing completed on Dec 26, 2024, and amended on Jan 8.

This follows the successful completion of the independent audit for the year ended June 30, 2024, and the delay in the filing of the Form 20-F was due to a number of strategic changes implemented to drive operational efficiency, which included a change in auditors.

Upon filing the Form 20-F, as amended, the company in a statement said it is now compliant in its filings and has also moved up to the Pink Tier on the over-the-counter (OTC) Markets.

Additionally, the company has appealed the Hearing Panel's decision to delist its securities from the Nasdaq Capital Market, in which the appeal was submitted to the Nasdaq Listing and Hearing Review Council on Dec 19, 2024.

The company also intends to apply for securities listing on the OTCQB in the near future.

Building its business on X-SEPA, the revolutionary battery separator technology developed in Japan and designed for long-lasting and high-heat-resistant performance, noco-noco addresses the need for clean, affordable, and sustainable energy storage solutions.

-- BERNAMA

AVENACY REPORTS STRONG 2024 PERFORMANCE, OUTLINES 2025 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- Avenacy, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on supplying critical injectable medications, has provided an update on recent business highlights and financial performance for 2024 and outlined its strategic priorities for this year.

The company shared the updates ahead of its participation in the 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference from Jan 13-16, in San Francisco, California.

Avenacy’s leadership team, including Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Yordon; Chief Operating Officer, Joe Mase; and Vice President of Finance, Peter Jensen, will be meeting with investors and showcasing the company’s recent accomplishments and plans for 2025.

“2024 was a breakout year for Avenacy marked by exceptional growth and tremendous progress. 2025 will be a pivotal year for the organisation, and we are confident in our ability to achieve our ambitious portfolio and broader business goals.

“As we continue to position our business for accelerated growth, we remain committed to our mission of enhancing patient care and addressing critical gaps in the United States healthcare system,” said Yordon in a statement.

In 2024, Avenacy achieved solid revenue performance in the first full year of operation, underpinned by its portfolio of 14 critical injectable medications. The company’s fiscal performance establishes a strong foundation for future growth, with expectations of continued annual sales growth and profit expansion.

The company has also built strong commercial leadership and infrastructure, establishing partnerships with major wholesalers, completing the necessary staffing and securing state licences. Avenacy's leadership team strengthened with the addition of Dr Patrick Soon-Shiong, a pharmaceutical veteran, who brings extensive experience in the commercialisation of injectable generic medications.

All of its products feature differentiated packaging and labelling to assist pharmacists and clinicians with accurate medication selection. Avenacy continues to pursue opportunities to bring products to market that improve safety and convenience, such as ready-to-use dosage forms and formulations that are easier to store.

Looking ahead to 2025, Avenacy remains on track to launch over 25 products by year-end, continue to build-out its foundational portfolio of critical acute care medications and shortage products, and secure further investment to support its long-term growth portfolio.

Avenacy raised capital in August to fund its 2025 growth, and the company is seeking additional funding to expand both its foundational and growth portfolios. As it enters its second year of operations, Avenacy is focused on sustaining its momentum and securing strategic investments for continued success.

-- BERNAMA

BITGET INTRODUCES BANK DEPOSITS WITH ZEN INTEGRATION, ENABLING ACCESS FOR ELEVEN FIAT CURRENCIES

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Jan 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, is excited to announce the integration of ZEN.com, a renowned banking solution, into its fiat deposit and withdrawal channel. With this integration, Bitget users can now seamlessly deposit and withdraw funds using 11 supported fiat currencies, including PLN, CZK, DKK, AUD, CAD, NOK, SEK, CHF and HUF.

This collaboration shows Bitget’s focus on enhancing accessibility and improving the user experience, particularly in underserved European markets and major regions such as Oceania.

“Our partnership with ZEN.com aligns with our plans of making crypto trading more accessible to users worldwide. By supporting more fiat currencies than our competitors and offering instant fiat on-ramp options, we’re empowering users with convenient and innovative trading solutions," said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget.

Bitget’s ZEN integration offers a multitude of benefits. Users can deposit and withdraw funds in 11 fiat currencies, more than what other CEXs currently provide. With instant fiat on-ramp, users gain access to instant cash conversion to crypto via Bitget. There are no hidden charges, and zero deposit fees help users benefit from fee rebates during the promotional period.

To celebrate this partnership, Bitget and ZEN are launching an exclusive campaign, rewarding users with a 3-month ZEN PRO trial, zero deposit fees, and up to 25% rebates on fiat-to-crypto conversions.

The event runs from January 7th, 2025, 18:00 (UTC+8) to February 4th, 2025, 18:00 (UTC+8). Participants can register here by creating a ZEN account for a free 3-month PRO trial, making a fee-free deposit in supported fiat currencies, and converting fiat to crypto to earn up to 25% rebates.

For detailed instructions on how to deposit via ZEN, visit here.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World's Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

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.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c5896ba2-052c-4cfa-8f39-e222f41ad1be

SOURCE : Bitget Limited

CARTERRA SHIPS ULTRA BIOSENSOR PLATFORM, WRAPS UP 2024 WITH DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Carterra Inc, the world leader in enabling high-throughput biology, announced it has delivered its first Carterra Ultra biosensor platform and closed 2024 with double-digit growth and record revenues.

Announced in September 2024, the Ultra instrument provides a full complement of small and large molecule applications while reprising gold-standard surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection, high-throughput, and the minimal sample requirements of Carterra’s systems.

Its Chief Commercial Officer, Tim Germann acknowledged the challenges in capital equipment spending over recent years.

“Even so, drug and vaccine discovery groups are focused more than ever on going faster and spending less money to bring life-saving therapies to market, that is exactly what Carterra platforms enable,” he said in a statement.

The Ultra is capable of characterising molecules as small as 100 Daltons, with early customers utilising it to study molecular glues, PROTACS, DNA-encoded libraries (DELs), kinases, membrane proteins, and ligandability.

The platform also boasts faster analysis speeds, flexible referencing, and new screening software for fragment and small molecule applications.

For the first time, investigators can conduct fragment-based lead discovery, small-molecule analysis, and large molecule protein-protein interactions, including on- and off-target measurements at industrial scale.

Leading biopharma scientists will be showcasing groundbreaking new data generated with the Carterra Ultra platform this month with presentations at SLAS2025 International Conference & Exhibition, and Drug Discovery Chemistry 2025, both to be held in San Diego, California.

These presentations will highlight the platform's impact on advancing fragment and small molecule drug discovery while also demonstrating how Ultra enables innovative workflows and accelerates discovery timelines.

-- BERNAMA

AHF CALLS ON ASEAN TO TAKE LEADERSHIP IN COMBATTING HIV/AIDS IN APAC

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a global non-profit provider of HIV/AIDS medical care, has urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to lead the fight in ending AIDS as a public health threat in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

Having served over 400,000 clients across 10 APAC countries, AHF in a statement said it is eager to contribute its expertise to support ASEAN’s ambitious goals.

AHF President, Michael Weinstein emphasised that ASEAN's efforts could significantly impact the global fight against HIV/AIDS.

“By building partnerships with governments, civil society, and international agencies—and focusing on community-based approaches—ASEAN can demonstrate that ending AIDS as a public health threat is within reach.

“This progress would save lives, reduce healthcare costs, boost workforce productivity, and strengthen communities, while setting an example for other regions to follow,” he said.

Meanwhile, AHF Asia Bureau Chief, Dr Chhim Sarath expressed pride in the organisation’s collaborations with the majority of ASEAN countries and their civil society organisations (CSOs).

“As we welcome the New Year, we urge ASEAN and its member states to enhance collaboration and establish robust mechanisms to develop a ‘Road Map to End AIDS in the ASEAN Region’, with active engagement from CSOs like AHF,” added Dr Sarath.

AHF proposes working through platforms such as the ASEAN GO-NGOs Forum to promote collaboration, address inequalities, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and ensure access to the prevention and treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

The non-profit organisation provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over two million people in 48 countries worldwide, including the United States, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Europe.

-- BERNAMA