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Visa’s inaugural Open Payments Session showcases key partnerships and innovation fueling Cambodia’s digital payment landscape


PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 December 2024 – Visa, a global leader in digital payments, hosted its first Open Payments Session in the Kingdom, bringing together regulators, subject matter experts, merchants, and financial services representatives to explore best practices and thought leadership shaping the future of payments. The forum focused on the evolving landscape of digital payments, driven by increased smartphone penetration and government initiatives promoting cashless transactions.

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In Cambodia, the growth of e-commerce is significant, with revenue in the e-commerce market projected to reach US$1.12 billion in 2024. Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 9.98%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$1.81 billion by 2029. This ever-evolving payment landscape is expected to become more layered and diversified with more participants, presenting dynamic opportunities and challenges for ecosystem players to navigate.

“As consumers increasingly embrace cashless transactions, Visa remains dedicated to driving innovation, collaboration, and open payments for businesses in Cambodia. We play a vital role in the payments landscape and are committed to driving digital and financial inclusion for consumers and businesses, in alignment with the Kingdom’s digitization goals,” said Ms. Ivana Tranchini, Visa Country Manager for Cambodia. “With a focus on supporting businesses to grow, Visa aims to empower them to thrive in today’s digital economy by ensuring seamless and secure payments experiences for everyone.”

At the forum, subject matter experts highlighted the latest trends and best practices in payments in Cambodia. They discussed the importance of offering tailored payment solutions to meet changing customer expectations and keep pace with cashless and contactless payment trends, which are increasingly popular due to growing smartphone usage and the convenience of mobile wallets. The experts also emphasized the need for a smooth post-purchase experience to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Collaborative innovation within the payment ecosystem was identified as a key driver of growth, enabling businesses to stay competitive and innovative.

With the rise in digital activity, businesses and consumers in Cambodia need to safeguard against emerging fraud threats and refund/policy abuse. Robust fraud and dispute management strategies are essential in this rapidly evolving digital landscape. As e-commerce continues to surge, particularly driven by the younger population’s preference for online shopping, these measures will be critical in maintaining trust and ensuring seamless transactions.

Last month, Visa announced a suite of new products and services that will be available in Asia Pacific. These solutions are set to reinvent the card and address the future needs of businesses, merchants, consumers, and the financial institutions that serve them, creating opportunities to deliver innovations that enhance payment experiences with greater flexibility, security, and convenience.

Hashtag: #Visa #OpenPaymentsSession



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

KPay Secures Record USD55 Million, Marking 2024’s Largest Series A Fundraise Globally in the Payments Sector

KPay strengthens its position as the leading regional platform for merchants to simplify financial management and streamline business operations. The investment by Apis Growth Markets Fund III and Apis Global Growth Fund III will accelerate KPay’s trajectory to support one million merchants across Asia in the next five years


HONG KONG/SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 December 2024 – KPay Group (KPay), a one-stop financial management and business operations platform, today announced the successful completion of its first institutional funding round, raising a record USD 55 million, the largest Series A globally in the payments sector in 2024[1].

KPay Group completed its first institutional funding round, raising a record USD 55 million, the largest Series A globally in the payments sector in 2024.
KPay Group completed its first institutional funding round, raising a record USD 55 million, the largest Series A globally in the payments sector in 2024.

This landmark investment was led by Apis Growth Markets Fund III and Apis Global Growth Fund III (both of which Apis Partners LLP serves as the portfolio manager for), validating KPay’s strategic vision, market leadership and ambitious growth trajectory. UK-based Apis Partners is an ESG and Impact-native global private equity asset manager which manages or advises on total assets under management of USD 2.3 billion. This investment will not only accelerate KPay’s existing trajectory but also provide the basis for its aggressive expansion plans across Emerging Asia.

With fintech funding in Asia Pacific hitting a six-year low[2] in H1 2024, KPay’s record-breaking Series A stands out as a testament to the company’s execution excellence and opportunity set ahead. The successful funding also demonstrates investors’ appetite to back companies – like KPay – which have a proven playbook to drive expansion across Asia and can do so in a capital efficient manner. Notably, up until this Series A round, the company had yet to raise venture capital funding to deliver growth.

The investment from Apis Partners includes a commitment by KPay to expand its presence across key Asian economies, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and more. KPay will leverage the capital to drive both organic growth and strategic mergers and acquisitions. This partnership aligns closely with the shared vision of Apis and KPay to drive meaningful change, recognizing the critical role of SMEs, which account for 55.8%[3] of total employment in Asia, and in turn acknowledges that supporting SME growth fosters broader economic development and strengthens regional economies.

Founded just over three years ago, KPay has achieved a remarkable 166% revenue CAGR during this period, operating across Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. The company has built a one-stop solution to facilitate the financial, operational and digital transformation for merchants of all sizes, and is already serving more than 45,000 merchants in the region. With its open-architecture ecosystem, KPay currently partners with over 150 SaaS providers, banking institutions, and financial services firms and plans to double its partnerships to support even more businesses across Asia in their financial and digital transformation journey.

Davis Chan, Co-founder and CEO of KPay, says, “I am incredibly proud of this financial milestone our team has achieved. We are excited to use this funding to not only expand our existing markets’ SME merchant base, but also broaden our reach into new merchant industry categories, merchants of all sizes, and merchants operating in other underserved markets across Asia. This will bring us closer to our ambitious goal of supporting one million merchants over the next five years”

Christopher Yu, President and CFO of KPay, adds, “Securing this funding gives us financial strength and flexibility to enhance our product innovation, go-to-market speed, customer experience, and operational excellence. All of this is with our merchants in mind, in making it even simpler, smarter, and more cost-effective for them when using KPay’s services. To do this, we need to continue to attract the best partners and global talent to join us, who share the same ambition to work alongside us to achieve the company’s vision and mission.”

Matteo Stefanel, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Apis Partners, comments: “We are thrilled to lead this investment in KPay, a unique company demonstrating remarkable growth under the leadership of seasoned third-time founders and an exemplary management team. As one of the most active global fintech investors in growth-stage companies, Apis is eager to bring our domain expertise to support this exciting phase of KPay’s journey. With this combination of both financial strength and execution excellence, we look forward to a long-term partnership with KPay, to support their regional expansion, and spearheading next-gen financial management solutions in Asia’s diverse payments and software sector.”

Udayan Goyal, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Apis Partners, adds: “As a financial services-focused investor, we recognise the unique value KPay brings to the market through its commitment to empowering merchants with accessible, impactful financial tools. This investment aligns perfectly with our ESG and Impact mandate to foster sustainable and inclusive growth within the financial sector, promoting the democratisation of finance, embedded finance and the deepening of the digital economy. We look forward to supporting KPay as it scales, helping the company deliver meaningful financial solutions across Asia.”

Hashtag: #KPay #KConnect #KFund #SME #funding #fundraising #privateequity #payin #payout #finance #apispartners

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About KPay Group

KPay Group (“KPay”) is a leading fintech company dedicated to empowering businesses of all sizes with simple, smart, seamless and secure technology solutions. Serving over 45,000 merchants across Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan, KPay is building a one-stop platform to support merchants in financial management, business operations and digital transformation across Asia, unlocking new growth potential for businesses. For the latest updates, follow us on or visit our website at .

About Apis Partners

The Apis Group (“Apis”) is an ESGI-native private equity and venture capital asset manager that supports growth-stage financial services and technology businesses globally by providing them with catalytic growth equity capital. Collectively Apis, through its team of around 40 professionals with deep industry expertise, manages or advises on total AUM of c.US$2.3 billion.

Headquartered in London, Apis has representation in seven countries globally. Apis is highly conscious of the impact that the provision of growth capital for financial services and technology businesses in global markets can achieve, and as such, financial inclusion and financial wellness are core tenets of Apis’ impact investment approach.

Dusit Hotels and Resorts set for Malaysia debut with the opening of Dusit Princess Melaka

The centrally located property is ready to welcome business and leisure travellers from 7 December 2024


MELAKA, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 December 2024 – Dusit Hotels and Resorts under Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is delighted to announce the soft opening of its first hotel in Malaysia, Dusit Princess Melaka, on 7 December 2024.

Dusit Princess Melaka offers guests a memorable escape in the heart of Malaysia’s historic city.
Dusit Princess Melaka offers guests a memorable escape in the heart of Malaysia’s historic city.

Strategically located in the heart of Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage City renowned for its vibrant culture and history, Dusit Princess Melaka marks a significant milestone for Dusit as it enters the Malaysian market.

Melaka’s reputation as a global tourist destination continues to grow, thanks to its unique blend of heritage and health tourism. By September 2024, the state welcomed approximately 10 million visitors, surpassing its annual target of 8.7 million. With a significant number of travellers arriving from key markets such as China and Singapore, Dusit Princess Melaka is ideally positioned to meet the needs of this expanding international audience.

Blending Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality with a contemporary design tailored for both business and leisure travellers, Dusit Princess Melaka occupies the former Ramada Plaza Melaka building, which has undergone a refurbishment and complete rebranding to reflect the distinctive essence of the upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand.

From spacious and elegantly appointed Deluxe rooms with city views to the expansive Presidential Suite, every room in the 296-key property is thoughtfully designed with modern comforts and attentive details, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay for families, solo travellers, and visiting executives alike.

For relaxation and rejuvenation, the hotel features a fully equipped gym and a large swimming pool. Guests can also enjoy a variety of dining experiences, including Zest, an all-day dining destination offering sumptuous buffet spreads, and Long Feng, a beloved local favourite renowned for its authentic Chinese cuisine and signature dim sum.

The hotel is also well-equipped for conferences and social gatherings, with state-of-the-art meeting facilities and a grand ballroom capable of hosting up to 1,000 guests, delivering a seamless and sophisticated setting for events of any scale.

For those seeking an immersive journey, the hotel’s central location is a standout feature, offering unparalleled convenience for exploring Melaka’s rich cultural heritage and historical attractions. The bustling business district and popular landmarks such as Dutch Square, St. Paul’s Hill and Church, A’Famosa Fort, and Jonker Street Market are all within easy reach. Malacca International Airport is just a 17-minute drive away, while Kuala Lumpur International Airport can be reached in approximately one hour and 45 minutes by car.

“We are delighted and honoured to unveil Dusit Princess Melaka, bringing our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to Malaysia for the first time,” said Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “This opening represents a significant milestone in the ongoing expansion of Dusit Hotels and Resorts. With its distinctive blend of comfort, convenience, and heartfelt service, we are confident the hotel will not only become a preferred destination for travellers but also provide an enriching gateway for guests to connect deeply with Melaka’s vibrant history and culture.”

To celebrate its soft opening, Dusit Princess Melaka is offering exclusive introductory packages for stays and dining experiences. For more information and reservations, please visit dusit.com/dusitprincess-melaka or follow the hotel on Facebook and Instagram at @dusitprincessmelaka.

Hashtag: #dusit

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Dusit Princess Melaka

Discover a hideaway at Dusit Princess Melaka where modern comforts meet historical charm. Take a break in comfortable accommodation with city views, ranging from Deluxe rooms to the spacious Presidential Suite. Swim laps in the pool or energise in the gym. Located in the vibrant UNESCO World Heritage City, explore Dutch Square, St. Paul’s Hill and Church, A’Famosa Fort, or Jonker Street Market. Embark on a culinary journey with iconic Chinese dishes at Long Feng or cocktails at Famosa Lounge. Your amazing escape awaits.

For more information, please visit

Government Issues Regulation to Prevent Hoard Goods, Raise Prices During the New Year

Residents are purchasing goods at a local market in Vientiane Capital. (Photo: Lao Aussie Fresh Market)

On 29 November, the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued an official announcement to ensure fair business practices and protect consumers during the New Year period, from 1 December to 31 January (Lunar New Year).

Capstone Asset Unveils ‘Peylaa Phuket Bang Tao’ – A Luxury Condominium Valued at THB 3.4 Billion, Setting a New Standard for Low-Density Living in Phuket’s Iconic Bang Tao


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 December 2024 – Capstone Asset Co., Ltd. proudly unveils Peylaa Phuket Bang Tao, a THB 3.4 billion luxury condominium development in the iconic Bang Tao area of Phuket. Renowned for its world-class attractions and vibrant lifestyle offerings, this neighbourhood provides residents with proximity to Boat Avenue, golf courses, international schools, cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, and more.

Peylaa Phuket Bang Tao - Bird Eye View
Peylaa Phuket Bang Tao – Bird Eye View

The name ‘Peylaa’ originates from an ancient Thai word for time and evokes the word ‘Pearl’ in multiple languages, celebrating Phuket as the ‘Pearl of the Andaman.’ This concept reflects the ethos of ‘Living the Moment,’ inviting residents to savour life’s most memorable moments amidst the natural beauty of Phuket. The Project spans 10-3-09 rai (17,236 sq.m.) and comprises 408 units in three elegant seven-story buildings, arranged around a vast courtyard occupying 40% of the site area. This layout ensures a tranquil, low-density living environment surrounded by lush greenery.

Featuring a ‘modern tropical’ exterior complemented by ‘coastal chic’ interiors, the development offers various unit types, including 1-bedroom layouts starting at 45 sq.m., 2-bedroom options of 82 sq.m. and 90 sq.m., and combined 3-bedroom units at 127 sq.m. All units are sold fully furnished for a seamless move-in experience.

Over 3,000 sq.m. of amenities cater to residents’ productivity and well-being while meeting the diverse needs of all ages and lifestyles. These include a welcome lounge, three 25-metre swimming pools, a kids’ pool, a fully equipped gym with a boxing ring, private Pilates and yoga studios, an ice bath, a tennis court, dedicated barbecue areas with outdoor seating, a co-working space, a library, a playground, and a multifunctional pavilion for private events. Additional conveniences include a shuttle service, 204 car parking spaces (a 50% parking ratio), and 55 motorcycle parking spaces, ensuring practical everyday living in the Bang Tao area.

To provide a flexible ownership experience is another key highlight, with plans to introduce professional property management services and an on-site rental management counter staffed with leasing experts. This enhances quality of life and maximizes income-earning potential for owners.

A branded upscale hotel and curated commercial spaces are also planned as part of the broader mixed-use development, occupying approximately 2 rai (3,200 sq.m.). These additions will elevate the living experience and reinforce the development’s premium positioning.

Presales begin December 9th, 2024, with the official sales gallery opening in Q2 2025.

Mr. Titiwat Kuvijitsuwan, Chief Executive Officer at Capstone Asset Co., Ltd., stated, “Peylaa Phuket Bang Tao redefines luxury residential living, emphasizing harmony with nature and sophistication. It targets buyers seeking a serene lifestyle amidst Andaman coastal beauty. With its rich cultural heritage and growing infrastructure, including the Phase 2 expansion of Phuket International Airport and the Kathu-Patong Expressway, Phuket’s appeal as a top leisure destination will only strengthen. Confident in this potential, we are investing heavily in the architectural features, high-quality materials, and functional designs of this low-density luxury development.”

Ms. Artitaya Kasemlawan, Head of Residential Sales Project at CBRE (Thailand) Co., Ltd., added, “Phuket’s strong reputation as a premier vacation destination and robust market fundamentals continue to drive buyer confidence. International tourist arrivals increased by 42% year-on-year by Q3 2024, while hotel occupancy reached 71.5% in H1 2024—the highest in five years. Consequently, the vacation home market has flourished, with annual sales in 2023 rising 150% from 2022, marking the highest in the island’s history. Sales in H1 2024 have maintained this momentum, with a 142% half-on-half increase. Supported by strong rental yields, healthy occupancy rates, and steady capital appreciation, Phuket is increasingly viewed as a wealth storage destination.”

CBRE is confident that Peylaa Phuket Bang Tao, with its prime location, innovative design, and low-density concept, is perfectly tailored to meet the needs of discerning buyers, whether for personal living or investment. Its attractive launch pricing in a buoyant market is expected to generate strong demand. We are thrilled to partner with Capstone Asset, whose vision and track record in the luxury segment will be instrumental in delivering a truly outstanding development”.

Hashtag: #CapstoneAsset #PeylaaPhuketBangTao

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Capstone Asset Co.,Ltd.

Company Information: Capstone Asset Co., Ltd. is a developer and investor dedicated to enriching lifestyle-led residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, with a portfolio valued at over THB 13 billion, including Tonson One Residence, Canvas Ploenchit, The Kimpton Kitalay Samui Hotel, Cooper Siam, and The Quarter Collection. Visit for more details.

For more information on Peylaa Phuket Bang Tao, please contact us at peylaa@cbre.co.th or call +66 65-945-2499.

HIV Infections Rise in Asia Pacific as Laos Targets 2030 Goal to End Transmission

HIV Infections Rise in Asia Pacific as Laos Targets 2030 Goal to End Transmission
AIDS Image from GENESIS

On World AIDS Day, 1 December, UNAIDS called on global leaders to protect the human rights of everyone living with or at risk of HIV. The organization emphasized that safeguarding these rights is essential to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

A new report, “Take the Rights Path to End AIDS,” highlights that despite progress in the HIV response, human rights violations are obstructing access to critical HIV services.

“When there is impunity for gender-based violence, when people can be arrested for who they are, when a visit to health services is dangerous for people because of the community they are from—the result is that people are blocked from HIV services that are essential to save their lives and to end the AIDS pandemic,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “To protect everyone’s health, we need to protect everyone’s rights.”

Every minute, someone dies due to AIDS-related causes. Almost a quarter of the 39.9 million people living with HIV globally still lack access to life-saving treatment. New HIV infections are rising in at least 28 countries, and UNAIDS stresses the need for accessible HIV prevention, testing, and treatment programs for all, without fear or discrimination.

The criminalization and stigmatization of marginalized communities, including men who have sex with men, people in prisons, drug users, sex workers, and transgender individuals, remain major barriers to accessing HIV services. In 2021, countries committed to reducing punitive laws and policies to ensure that by 2025, less than 10 percent of countries will have such laws and less than 10 percent of people living with HIV and key populations experience stigma and discrimination.

SUBHED: HIV Infections on the Rise in Asia Pacific, UNAIDS Urges Action

In Asia and the Pacific, the situation is dire, with 17 AIDS-related deaths every hour and a new HIV infection every two minutes. From 2010 to 2023, new HIV infections surged in several countries, including Bangladesh (20 percent), Laos (23 percent), Papua New Guinea (104%), and the Philippines (543 percent).

“Instead of punishing marginalized communities, governments need to uphold their human rights and ensure they have the specific information and care they require,” said Eamonn Murphy, Regional Director of UNAIDS Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe Central Asia. “The HIV response is at a crossroads. What governments do now will set the trajectory for whether we end AIDS as a public health threat and achieve a sustainable AIDS response, or whether we fail to achieve this and pay a much higher price in terms of human life and financial costs in the future.”

Legal barriers persist across the region. In Asia Pacific, 20 countries criminalize HIV transmission, exposure, or non-disclosure, while 14 restrict the entry, stay, or residence of people living with HIV. Nearly all countries, except New Zealand, criminalize some aspect of sex work, and many criminalize same-sex relations and drug possession.

The report includes an essay by Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President of Monash University in Malaysia and former President of the International AIDS Society. She argues that aligning drug policy with human rights principles is crucial for advancing public health.

“Only by aligning drug policy with human rights principles would it be possible to advance public health,” Kamarulzaman wrote. “Since offering harm reduction services, needle-sharing has stopped being the main channel for HIV transmission in Malaysia and thousands of new infections have been prevented.”

SUBHED: Laos Reports Rising HIV Rates, Aims to End Transmission by 2030

On 29 November, Lao Deputy Minister of Health Phayvanh Keopaseuth shared new National data ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 December. From January to September, 1,523 people across Laos were reported to be living with HIV, with 53 percent of whom aged 15-29. 

According to projections by the United Nations (UN), the HIV infection rate in Laos has risen to 0.42 percent in 2024, up from 0.39 percent in 2023. Since 1990, an estimated 20,000 people in Laos have been infected, most aged 15-49. Currently, 12,803 individuals nationwide are receiving antiretroviral treatment.

The UN’ “95-95-95” initiative targets reducing HIV globally by ensuring 95 percent of people with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed begin treatment, and 95 percent of those treated achieve a suppressed viral load, reducing transmission risk.

Phayvanh stated that Laos aims to halt HIV transmission by 2030. However, challenges remain, including the need for improved services and expanded strategies like condom use, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for at-risk groups, self-testing, and early treatment access. 

The Ministry of Health has been implementing a national strategic plan for HIV prevention and control (2021-2030). With 196 testing facilities across 18 provinces and a growing network of treatment centers, Laos is working to strengthen its response to the epidemic.

SUBHED: Raising Awareness on HIV Treatment, Prevention

UNAIDS and its partners in Asia Pacific are working to increase public and policymaker awareness about the scientific principle of U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable). This principle states that people living with HIV who maintain undetectable viral loads cannot transmit the virus through sex. The World Health Organization confirmed last year that people with an undetectable viral load have “zero risk” of infecting a sexual partner.

“It’s time we leveraged the full power of U=U to not only save lives, but change attitudes toward people living with HIV,” said Harry Prabowo, Program Manager of the Asia Pacific Network of People Living with HIV (APN+). “Public health is best served with laws, policies, and practices that support people to be diagnosed early, immediately start treatment, and achieve viral suppression.”

As part of efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination, SEA Against Stigma, a network of journalists and influencers from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, is producing news stories and social media content to raise awareness about U=U. 

With a clear message that human rights are integral to the fight against HIV, UNAIDS continues to urge governments, policymakers, and communities to act decisively to protect the health and dignity of all people, particularly the most marginalized, in the ongoing battle to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.


Additional information provided by UNAIDS

 

AlikeAudience Recognised at the Marketech APAC 2024 Marketing Technology Awards

Omnichannel data audience company wins for Best Customer Data Platform, Best AI Marketing Solution, and Best Mobile Marketing Solution


SUNNYVALE, USA & HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 December 2024 – AlikeAudience, a company directly integrated with major demand side platforms and data marketplaces worldwide that provides premium omnichannel audience data to brands, has announced its victory in three categories at this year’s Marketech APAC Marketing Technology Awards.

award 2

The gala awards night, held in Singapore on November 28, awarded AlikeAudience for Best Customer Data Platform, Best AI Marketing Solution, and Best Mobile Marketing Solution.

“The AlikeAudience team is proud to be recognized by the Marketech APAC team, and the top panel of industry judges,” said AlikeAudience Managing Director Jeremy Lo. “We believe the AdTech industry, particularly in the key area of data utilization, will increasingly rely on AI-powered, privacy-compliant solutions. AlikeAudience is at the forefront of this advancement, providing platform and tech-agnostic solutions to meet industry needs.”

AlikeAudience offers bespoke demographic, interest, and app data, and has more than seven thousand audience segments in the US and APAC across the key sectors of FMCG, automotive, e-commerce, entertainment, travel, and hospitality.

The company assembles its audience data from a combination of location signals, app data, and demographic data and connects these data points with insights from market research to generate methodologies to deliver targetable segments for media activation.

Lo also said marketers in Asia must adapt their strategies for first, second, and third party data to effectively navigate diverse market dynamics and regulations.

“An innovative approach is essential to take advantage of technological advances,” Lo said. “With strong US coverage, AlikeAudience can apply global insights while localizing strategies to meet APAC advertisers’ data needs, helping future-proof their business.”

AlikeAudience was founded in Sunnyvale, California, in 2015, and operates in the US, Asia, and Australia.

Hashtag: #AlikeAudience

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About AlikeAudience

AlikeAudience is a data science company focused on omnichannel data activation. We enable advertisers to seamlessly connect with their target audiences through AI-powered, future-proof data solutions. See more at

Hypefest Hong Kong 2024: An Unforgettable Weekend of Music, Art, and Community

Hong Kong’s first two-day outdoor music and cultural festival hosted by Hypebeast, featured 24 musical acts alongside a multitude of brand activations, art installations and interactive experiences.


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 December 2024 – Hypebeast, the leading global platform for contemporary culture and lifestyle, concluded Hypefest Hong Kong 2024 on November 9-10. Financially supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events (Mega ACE) Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and supported by iMe Entertainment Group, Hypefest Hong Kong 2024 marked Hypebeast’s largest event in Hong Kong to date. Despite the impact of Typhoon Signal No. 3 and rain, the 2-day weekend event attracted over 28,000 festival-goers gathering at the Central Harbourfront Event Space – the city’s largest outdoor venue – to soak in the spectrum of contemporary and diversified cultures that Hypebeast had to offer.

PublisherTMPN80VZM.jpg

“Hypefest Hong Kong 2024 is the largest initiative we’ve ever done in Hong Kong. We are excited to welcome all visitors from around the world to celebrate fashion, art, music, culture, and community over one amazing weekend. At Hypebeast, our mission is simple – to bring people together in meaningful ways. We are here to create authentic experiences that inspire everyone. And most importantly, we are here to give everyone an opportunity to express their creativity, passions, and dreams. Hypefest Hong Kong 2024 is truly the perfect venue to make this all happen,” said Mr. Kevin Ma, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Hypebeast Group.

“We are thrilled to support Hypefest Hong Kong 2024, a pivotal event that aligns perfectly with our vision for growth. Our commitment to expanding regional showcases, including music festivals, reflects our dedication to fostering vibrant cultural experiences. Together with Hypebeast, we aim to create unforgettable moments that celebrate creativity and community,” stated Mr. Brian Chow, Chief Executive Officer of the iMe Entertainment Group.

Over the course of the two-day event, Hypefest Hong Kong hosted 24 musical acts headlined by internationally recognized South Korean-born DJ Peggy Gou on the first day, and French electronic music duo, JUSTICE, who concluded the second day of the festival. Apart from the closing performances by the headliners, the music stage showcased a diverse combination of genres that featured a carefully-curated mix of international and regional performers such as ADOY, Awich, ONE OR EIGHT, Rich The Kid, sunkis and more.

In addition to the live performances, the festival was jam-packed with unprecedented and unconventional experiences. Exclusive collaborations stood out as a major highlight with limited edition “Sun Bleach” items with Jiyong Kim, PIET x Oakley and Prodip Leung collaborations, Wing Shya’s capsule, BE@RBRICK Audio’s Hypefest-exclusive speaker and music line-up merch by Peggy Gou’s PEGGY GOODS, as well as JUSTICE available at the flea market.

The festival was nothing short of things to see and do, with Coin Parking Delivery’s larger-than-life inflatable art installation, SIMON’s live-art painting, ASICS SportStyle’ pop-up experience where guests were welcomed with an immersive digital installation, Timberland’s “TIMBS it YOURSELF” customization workshop with Hypefest-exclusive shoe accessories, Mercedes-Benz’ G-Class display and more. Brand pop-ups featuring 432hz, LeeeeeeToy, PabePabe, Raw Emotions, Ballaholic and COSTS were reimagined through interactive carnival games, keeping festival-goers entertained and inspired throughout the weekend. Additionally, the majority of limited-edition collaborative products, including JUSTICE’s T-shirts, Hypefest-exclusive PEGGY GOODS collection by Peggy Gou, and the LABUBU figure created by Kasing Lung in collaboration with 432hz, quickly sold out within two days.

The food village also impressed the visitors with tantalising treats exclusively available at Hypefest Hong Kong 2024. Participating vendors including BaseHall presents: Draftland, Bengal Brothers, Devil’s Tea, Dionysus & Loong, Honbo, Jeonpo Meat Shop, Snack Baby and SONNY’s, who all presented their signature dishes and exclusive menus, making sure festival-goers were replenished and energised.

Hypefest Hong Kong 2024 was made possible by the financial support from the Mega ACE Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Supported by iMe Entertainment Group, the leading entertainment company in Asia, the event offered a memorable and innovative experience to all attendees, while celebrating the vibrant fusion of cultures in Hong Kong.

For more information about Hypefest Hong Kong 2024, visit hypebeast.com and follow its social media channels for more.

Website: hypebeast.com
Instagram:@hypebeast @hypefest

Hashtag: #hypefest #hypefesthongkong2024

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Hypebeast

Founded in 2005, Hypebeast is a leading platform for contemporary fashion and culture that highlights curated brands and emerging lifestyles through editorially-driven news and features. Its devotion to discovery has made it one of the premier online destinations for fashion and lifestyle editorial and news. Currently operating in over 15 markets, readers can stay up to date with the latest culturally-relevant news and developments on men’s fashion. For more information, visit Hypebeast.com.

About Mega Arts and Cultural Events (Mega ACE) Fund

The Mega ACE Fund set up by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau aims to attract and support international and large-scale arts and cultural events to anchor in Hong Kong. It targets mega arts and cultural events in Hong Kong organised by the private sector or non-governmental organisations, with a view to developing Hong Kong into an arts and cultural metropolis, providing opportunities for the arts and cultural sector to flourish, as well as fostering Hong Kong’s development as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

Project Grant
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to Hypefest Hong Kong 2024 only, but does not otherwise take part in it. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in the materials/activities (or by members of the Grantee’s team) are those of the organisers of Hypefest Hong Kong 2024 only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

About iMe Entertainment Group

iMe Entertainment Group, the current leading entertainment company in Asia. Established in 2006 as a concert promoter and artist management company, iMe has since expanded to 10 countries, organized major events in more than 50 major cities in Asia- Pacific region.

Over the past 16 years, iMe has gradually developed entertainment contents consist of concert/live events, artist management, promotion & marketing, and fan base interaction platform, as being the key business elements. iMe committed to grow its scale with producing effective strategies of developing management teams, aiming to deliver innovative and best results for all business partners.