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Four New Series Debut under TOMY’s “T-SPARK” Hobby Label for High-end Customers: Q VILLAGE, COLLEKAZARO, SPARK Fig, LEGACYSOUL; Reservations to Start Sequentially from June

– In Collaboration with Popular Works Such as “Back to the Future,” “The Fast & Furious,” and “My Hero Academia” –

TOKYO, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TOMY Company, Ltd., based in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, has announced four new series from the “T-SPARK” hobby label (for age 15 and up) targeting high-end customers. The new series will be available for pre-order on TOMY’s official online store “Takara Tomy Mall” ( https://takaratomymall.jp/ ) from June 2025.

Image1:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M000076/202505088503/_prw_PI1fl_a9xN87sf.jpg 

Image2:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M000076/202505088503/_prw_PI2fl_66OTpgNG.jpg 

The four new series — Q VILLAGE, COLLEKAZARO, SPARK Fig, and LEGACYSOUL — made their debut at the 63rd Shizuoka Hobby Show held from May 14 (Wednesday) through May 18 (Sunday), 2025.

The four series will also be available in Asia, the United States and Europe (availability of the series will vary depending on the relevant country/region).

Collaborating with popular characters, T-SPARK will utilize the “transformation,” “combination” and “articulation” technologies that continue to attract hobby lovers, offering various ways to enjoy these figures by adding new items to its product lineup, such as alternative easy-to-display sizes.

(1) Q VILLAGE: A deformed format series that showcases a cute and cool world featuring a playset of vehicles and characters. The first product is a collaborative work with the “Back to the Future” movie series and the second with the “The Fast & Furious” movie series.

(2) COLLEKAZARO: A series of 3.75 inches (10 cm) collectible figures in collaboration with characters. The first line is a collaborative product with the TV anime “My Hero Academia.”

(3) SPARK Fig: A series of figures of anime characters and other characters in scale and non-scale sizes. The first product in the series is a figure from the TV anime “Princession Orchestra.”

(4) LEGACYSOUL: A line of popular products from the past that have been modernized with new mechanisms. The first in the series is “Microman” and the second “Super B-Daman.”

Yutaka Tajima, Senior General Manager, Head of Hobby Character Business Division, Character Business at TOMY Company says: “The new series is a figure series that can be enjoyed regardless of gender, with an emphasis on not only replicating the characters, but also on the “Asobi (playing)” that only TOMY Company can offer with a variety of play patterns, and expanding its possibilities through its highly collectable nature. As a new challenge for TOMY, we will also commence sales on the official North American online store “TOMY PLUS” ( https://us.tomy.com/brand/tomy-plus/ ) operated by TOMY International, Inc. In July, the company plans to exhibit at Ani-com & Games Hong Kong 2025 (ACG Hong Kong), one of the largest anime, manga and game events in Hong Kong SAR, to communicate the value of fun through hobby products to Japan and overseas. We now look forward to responses from fans around the world.”

Q VILLAGE
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– Q VILLAGE “Back to the Future Time Machine (Part 1)”
The first product represents collaboration with “Back to the Future,” celebrating the 40th anniversary of the movie’s release this year. The “Time Machine” includes mini figures (Marty and Doc).

Release date: Spring 2026
Reservation launch: Scheduled for July 2025
Suggested retail price: TBA
Copyright notice: (C) UCS LLC and Amblin (C) TOMY

– Q VILLAGE “The Fast & Furious Toyota Supra JZA 80”
– Q VILLAGE “The Fast & Furious NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R (R34)”
The second phase of the series will feature two products in collaboration with “The Fast & Furious” movie series. Each comes with a mini figure (Brian).

Release date: Spring 2026
Reservation launch: Scheduled for July 2025
Suggested retail price: TBA
Copyright notice: (C) UCS LLC (C) TOMY

COLLEKAZARO
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– COLLEKAZARO “My Hero Academia” (5 models)
Five main characters from the TV anime “My Hero Academia” — Izuku Midoriya, Ochaco Uraraka, Shoto Todoroki, All Might, and Tomura Shigaraki — are being merchandised.

– COLLEKAZARO Vigilantes (3 models)
The three main characters from the official “My Hero Academia” spin-off TV series “Vigilante – My Hero Academia ILLEGALS,” Koichi Haimawari, Pop Step, and Knuckle Duster, will be available as merchandise.

Release date: Spring 2026
Reservation launch: Scheduled for July 2025
Suggested retail price: TBA
Copyright notice: (C) K. Horikoshi / Shueisha, My Hero Academia Project (C) TOMY
(C) H. Furuhashi, BETTEN. C, K. Horikoshi / SHUEISHA, Vigilante Project (C) TOMY

SPARK Fig
Image6:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M000076/202505088503/_prw_PI6fl_3ikvKAeH.jpg 

– SPARK Fig Princess Ripple
The first figure is Princess Ripple, the main character from the animated TV series “Princession Orchestra” (approximate height 18 cm).

Release date: Spring 2026
Reservation launch: Scheduled for fall 2025
Suggested retail price: TBA
Copyright notice: (C) Project PRINCESS-SESSION (C) TOMY

LEGACYSOUL
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Image8:
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– LEGACYSOUL Microman Commando No.1 set of 4
The first is the action figure “Microman Commando No. 1”. While following the design of the time, current technology was applied to update the design and proportions as well as doubling the range of motion in the joints.

Release date: TBA
Reservation launch: Scheduled for FY2025
Suggested retail price: TBA
Copyright notice: (C) TOMY

– LEGACYSOUL “Super B-Daman Fighting Phoenix”
The second product is “B-Daman,” a figure-type toy that evolved from playing with marbles in a modern way. The “Fighting Phoenix,” a popular toy from the Super B-Daman series released in 1996, will be completely revived after a lapse of about 30 years.

Release date: TBA
Reservation launch: Scheduled for FY2025
Suggested retail price: TBA
Copyright notice: (C) Shun IMAGA / Shogakukan (C) TOMY

Common information for Q VILLAGE and COLLEKAZARO:
Target age: 15 years and up
Where to buy: Nationwide electronics retailers, hobby specialty stores, scale model shops, online stores, TOMY’s official online store “Takara Tomy Mall” ( https://takaratomymall.jp/shop/ ), etc.

Common information for SPARK Fig and LEGACYSOUL
The products will be sold in Japan and overseas, but Japan sales will be limited to TOMY’s official online store “Takara Tomy Mall” ( https://takaratomymall.jp/shop/ ).

Company’s official website: https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/english/ 

D-Link Unveils the New DBR Router & Access Point

Empowering Secure, Seamless Connectivity for Small Businesses

TAIPEI, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — D-Link Corporation (TWSE: 2332), a global leader in networking solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest DBR Series, which includes the DBR-600-P and DBR-700 business routers, as well as the DBR-X3000-AP smart access point. This new series delivers powerful, secure, and easy-to-manage networking tailored specifically for small business environments such as startups, retail shops, satellite offices, and educational facilities with fewer than 100 users.

D-Link Unveils the New DBR Router & Access Point. The DBR series includes the DBR-600-P and DBR-700 business routers, as well as the DBR-X3000-AP smart access point.
D-Link Unveils the New DBR Router & Access Point. The DBR series includes the DBR-600-P and DBR-700 business routers, as well as the DBR-X3000-AP smart access point.

With the growing demands of hybrid work and decentralized operations, many small businesses face challenges in establishing a stable and secure network without dedicated IT resources. The DBR Series addresses these challenges by offering streamlined deployment, reliable performance, and centralized management. Each product in the series embodies D-Link’s unwavering commitment to high-quality, Made-in-Taiwan craftsmanship, which stands for trusted engineering, meticulous manufacturing, and product reliability. This quality standard reflects Taiwan’s globally respected technology ecosystem and reinforces the durability and integrity of the DBR series.

DBR-600-P & DBR-700: Smart Routing with Enterprise-Level Reliability
Equipped with 2.5G WAN/LAN interfaces and robust processors, both DBR-600-P and DBR-700 offer high-throughput, low-latency connections for performance-driven environments. With up to three WAN ports, they provide automatic failover and intelligent load balancing to ensure uninterrupted operations, even during network disruptions. These features allow small businesses to maintain business continuity and optimal bandwidth usage without complexity. The DBR-600-P supports PoE on all LAN ports with a total power budget of up to 123W, enabling direct connection of devices like IP cameras or wireless APs, simplifying deployment while reducing infrastructure cost. The DBR-700 features a fiber port, making it ideal for long-distance connectivity needs such as linking remote areas in hotels or parking lots, ensuring signal strength without the need for additional equipment.

Security and remote access are core to the DBR series design. With built-in VPN support for multiple protocols, these routers offer secure, encrypted remote connectivity across devices and branch locations. Whether enabling hybrid work or interconnecting multiple sites, the DBR series ensures business data stays safe and accessible. Additional enterprise-grade security features, including an SPI firewall, IPS (Intrusion Prevention System), and URL filtering, enhance network protection and user productivity. Integrated wireless controller capabilities and a user-friendly web interface allow for centralized management of multiple access points, providing real-time visibility and simplified configuration.

DBR-X3000-AP: Next-Level Wireless Coverage and Simplicity
As a seamless extension to the DBR routers, the DBR-X3000-AP features Wi-Fi 6 dual-band connectivity, delivering faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced device handling in high-density environments. With Wi-Fi Mesh support and fast roaming, it ensures consistent coverage and smooth transitions between access points that are ideal for collaborative spaces and mobile workers.

Installation is flexible with PoE support and mounting options for both ceilings and walls, optimizing deployment in various commercial or institutional settings. Security remains a top priority, with WPA3 Personal/Enterprise encryption and Guest Wi-Fi isolation, allowing administrators to separate visitor traffic from sensitive internal data with ease. When paired with DBR routers, the access point supports centralized authentication and dashboard-based monitoring, ensuring end-to-end control and visibility.

Comprehensive and Scalable Networking for the Modern Small Business
Together, the DBR-600-P, DBR-700, and DBR-X3000-AP deliver a comprehensive solution that combines high performance, advanced security, and simplified management. This versatile lineup is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses, including retail operations, hospitality venues, classrooms, and satellite offices. Built with scalability in mind, these products are engineered to grow with the evolving needs of today’s connected business environments.

As a trusted pioneer in networking for over three decades, D-Link continues to uphold its brand commitment to “Made in Taiwan” quality, creative innovation, solution-oriented design, one-stop service, and sustainable development. Through the new DBR Series, D-Link reaffirms its brand spirit of “One Connection • Infinite Possibilities” and remains dedicated to delivering intelligent connectivity that empowers businesses to operate securely, efficiently, and without limits.

The DBR series is now available through D-Link’s global network of authorized distributors and resellers. For more information about the DBR series, please visit www.dlink.com or contact your local D-Link representative.

DBR-600-P

  • 1 x 2.5GE WAN
  • 8 x 2.5GE PoE+ LAN (1 x WAN/LAN)
  • PoE power budget up to 123W
  • 1 x USB Port as WAN backup
  • AP Management: up to 10 Smart Access Points (DBR-X3000-AP)

DBR-700

  • 1 x 2.5GE WAN
  • 7 x 2.5GE LAN (1 x WAN/LAN)
  • 1 x 2.5GE SFP WAN/LAN
  • AP Management: up to 15 Smart Access Points (DBR-X3000-AP)

DBR-X3000-AP

  • Wi-Fi 6 AX3000, up to 3.0 Gbps
  • 2.4GHz/5GHz concurrent dual band
  • 1 x GE PoE LAN
  • Up to 7 SSIDs
  • Central management by the DBR series router

About D-Link 
D-Link, a renowned global brand and leader in the networking industry, was established in 1987 in Taiwan. With operations in 90 locations across 43 countries, D-Link provides networking solutions for individuals, homes, businesses, and industries, including a comprehensive range of industry-leading network solutions and AI-driven cloud management services. Find out more about D-Link atwww.dlink.com

Experimental Drug Development Centre Granted U.S. FDA Fast Track Designation for Antibody-Drug Conjugate EBC-129 to Treat Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

  • EBC-129 is the first made-in-Singapore antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) to enter clinical development. It selectively targets a tumour-specific N-glycosylated epitope on both CEACAM5 and CEACAM6. 
  • The Fast Track Designation highlights the potential of EBC-129 to address critical unmet needs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
  • Updated clinical data from the ongoing Phase 1 study of EBC-129 will be presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

SINGAPORE, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Singapore’s national platform for drug discovery and development, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track Designation for EBC-129 for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). EBC-129 is a first-in-class antibody drug conjugate (ADC) targeting a novel, tumour-specific N256-glycosylated epitope on CEACAM5 and CEACAM6. It is currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials for the treatment of patients with solid tumours with high unmet medical need.

The Fast Track Designation facilitates the expedited development of EBC-129, enabling more frequent engagement with the FDA to discuss the clinical development plan. It also provides potential eligibility for Priority Review and Accelerated Approval, as well as rolling review of any future Biologic License Application (BLA).

“The FDA’s Fast Track Designation for EBC-129 underscores the promise of this novel ADC in addressing the critical need for expanded treatment options for PDAC patients and represents an important step in our efforts to accelerate its development. We view this as both a validation of our efforts and a responsibility to move decisively to advance EBC-129 as a new option to patients in need,” said Professor Damian O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer of EDDC.

Updated clinical data from the ongoing Phase 1 study of EBC-129 will be presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, taking place in Chicago from 30 May to 3 June 2025.

Presentation Details at ASCO 2025:

Title: Clinical activity of EBC-129, a first-in class, anti-N256-glycosylated CEACAM5 and CEACAM6 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in a Phase 1 study

Rapid Oral Session Title: Gastrointestinal Cancer—Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary 

Date and Time: Monday, June 2, 2025, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM GMT-5

Abstract Number: 4018

Presenter: Assistant Professor Robert W. Lentz, MD, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine

About EBC-129 

EBC-129 is an ADC that targets a tumour-specific N256-glycosylation site conserved on CEACAM5 and CEACAM6. CEACAM5 and CEACAM6 are known to have functional importance in tumour formation, migration and metastasis. In the ongoing trial, the tumour-specific marker is found to be widely expressed in multiple solid tumour types, including gastric, oesophageal, pancreatic, lung, colorectal, and appendiceal cancers, based on an analytically validated immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. The payload used in EBC-129 is monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) which has been extensively tested and approved for clinical use in other marketed ADCs and has demonstrated synergy with PD-1 inhibitors. The ongoing Phase 1 trial of EBC-129 is assessing the safety and tolerability of EBC-129 as a single agent and in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumours. Enrolment for the PDAC cohort in the Phase 1 dose expansion study is now complete, while recruitment continues for the gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) and IHC-positive cohorts.

For information about the trial, please visit Clinicaltrial.gov, trial identifier NCT05701527. 

About the Experimental Drug Development Centre 

The Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC) is Singapore’s national platform for drug discovery and development, formed from the integration of the Experimental Therapeutics Centre (ETC), Drug Discovery and Development (D3), and Experimental Biotherapeutics Centre (EBC) in 2019. EDDC aims to develop therapeutics and diagnostics that save and improve the lives of patients in Singapore, Asia and around the world. Hosted by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), EDDC works collaboratively with public sector and industry partners to translate the great science arising from Singapore’s biomedical and clinical sciences R&D into innovative healthcare solutions. For more information about EDDC, please visit www.eddc.sg.   

JOYNEXT’s First Child Presence Detection Product Begins Delivery and Application in the Market

NINGBO, China, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — JOYNEXT’s first CPD (Child Presence Detection) product based on UWB technology, is now being delivered to the market. This product will be installed in vehicle models of a renowned Japanese joint venture brand, offering users enhanced child safety in vehicles. Notably, it is among the first mass-produced products in China to meet the direct detection requirements for CPD specified by C-NCAP, based on UWB technology.

Rapid Realization of Mass-Production-Ready Products
UWB technology, known for its high precision, strong anti-interference capabilities, and high penetration, is increasingly being applied in the automotive industry as the technology matures. In collaboration with strategic partner UbiTraq Technology, Co., Ltd, JOYNEXT adopted the advanced UWB-CPD algorithm to achieve functions such as monitoring, warning, and active intervention for both the front and rear rows of the vehicle and has rapidly transition from product concept to mass production. This solution can directly detect living beings, ensuring accurate detection even when covered by a blanket or in footwell blind spots, while avoiding interference from other objects to prevent false detections. The integrated software-hardware solution enhances reliability while reducing product complexity and management costs.

A New Chapter in Safe Travel with High Standards
JOYNEXT excels in smart manufacturing, backed by extensive experience and robust capabilities. With one-stop automated production, we ensure the reliability and stability of every product. Adhering to high standards and a global quality system, we implement rigorous automated testing and verification at every stage—from raw material procurement to final product delivery—to guarantee that each product meets market standards and customer requirements.

Complying with Global Regulatory Standards
The CPD product, based on UWB technology, is not only a technological breakthrough but also a response to global market regulatory requirements. It enables monitoring subtle bodily functions such as breathing and heartbeat effectively, complying with N-CAP certifications across major markets worldwide. Additionally, JOYNEXT actively participates in the development of CPD regulatory standards. Through close collaboration with industry experts, we are dedicated to advancing travel safety regulations and raising awareness of child passenger safety.

The mass production and delivery of our CPD product mark a significant milestone in our development of the field of body and safety technology. We will continue to innovate, delivering advanced products and solutions to more customers and contributing to a safer future for all travelers.

About JOYNEXT

JOYNEXT is the Automotive Connectivity BU of JOYSON ELECTRONICS. With over two decades of experience as a Tier-1 supplier to the world’s top automotive makers, we have established and maintained long-term partnerships with leading automotive brands, such as VOLKSWAGEN, BMW, Audi, and NIO. We continue to provide OEMs and users with personalized product solutions in the areas of intelligent cockpit, smart connectivity, autonomous driving, software solutions and software engineering services.

Based on considering both innovation and sustainable development, JOYNEXT actively worked with a number of ecological partners such as HUAWEI, Qualcomm, Horizon Robotics, Black Sesame Technologies, ORITEK, QNX, Elektrobit, Microsoft, Brose, and Autobrains to jointly promote the transformation of the intelligent automobile industry and continue to shape the mode of travel for generations.

2025 World Brain Day Dedicated to Brain Health for All Ages

LONDON, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) is pleased to announce Brain Health for All Ages as the theme for the 2025 World Brain Day (WBD 2025), taking place on Tuesday, July 22. This global campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of supporting brain health throughout every stage of life.

“Brain health isn’t a moment in time—it’s a lifelong commitment,” said Prof. Wolfgang Grisold, President of WFN. “World Brain Day 2025 is our call to action to protect neurological well-being from the earliest stages of development, through childhood, adulthood and into older age. It’s a commitment to care, equity, and access for all.”

Neurological disorders remain the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and the second leading cause of death globally. Yet many of these conditions can be prevented, or better managed with early intervention, education, and equitable access to care. This year’s campaign emphasizes five key messages: awareness, education, prevention, access, and advocacy.

Brain health must be supported across the full human lifespan:

  • Pre-Conception: A parent’s health and habits shape a child’s brain even before birth. Good nutrition, regular check-ups and lifestyle choices form a strong foundation for brain health.
  • Pregnancy & Postnatal: A mother’s physical and emotional well-being is critical for healthy brain development in the womb. Prenatal and postnatal care, proper nutrition and stress management protect both mother and child.
  • Early Childhood & Adolescence: Early life experiences influence learning, emotional growth and social development. Safe environments, immunizations, and positive parenting support long-term brain health.
  • Adulthood: A balanced lifestyle habits—healthy eating, sleep, exercise, and stress control—reduce the risk of neurological disorders.
  • Aging Adults: Staying socially engaged helps preserve independence and quality of life in later years, in addition to regular check-ups for early detection of conditions ranging from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.

“As we move into 2025, it’s more important than ever to make brain health a global priority,” said Prof. Tissa Wijeratne, Co-Chair of World Brain Day. “Everyone, no matter their age or where they live, deserves the chance to live with a healthy brain. This year, we’re focusing on fairness in care, supporting families, and making brain health something that truly matters to everyone.”

“The earlier we prioritize brain health, the greater our chance to reduce the burden of neurological disease,” said Dr. David Dodick, Emeritus Professor of Neurology at Mayo Clinic and World Brain Day Co-Chair. “This year’s theme reminds us that brain health is a journey—not a milestone. It begins before birth, refined in childhood, and preserved through adulthood and older age, influencing our potential, resilience, and quality of life at every age.”

World Brain Day is a global call to action for both individuals and institutions to share meaningful information and activities on brain health. July 22 is a day dedicated to protecting and promoting brain health across the entire lifespan. Visit wfneurology.org/worldbrainday for more information and access to campaign tools. 

Established by the WFN in 2014, World Brain Day continues to serve as a global platform for raising public awareness on key neurological health topics. Individuals, societies, and countries are encouraged to participate and amplify their voices on social media using hashtags such as #WorldBrainDay, #WBD2025, and #BrainHealthForAllAges.

About the World Federation of Neurology

With support from its 124 national neurological Member Societies, the World Federation of Neurology fosters quality neurology and brain health worldwide by promoting neurological education and training, with an emphasis on under-resourced areas of the world. As a non-state actor in official relations, WFN supports the World Health Organization (WHO) efforts to give everyone an equal chance to live a healthy life. With Member Societies around the globe, WFN unites the world’s neurologists to ensure quality neurology and advocate for people to have better brain health. Learn more about the World Federation of Neurology at wfneurology.org.

Media Contact:
Ashley Logan, Yakkety Yak
ashley@yakketyyak.com  

http://wfneurology.org/worldbrainday

CPA Australia survey: Young entrepreneurs help drive robust growth in Filipino small business sector

MANILA, Philippines, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Filipino small businesses continue to stand out as among the most dynamic in the Asia Pacific region, with 77 per cent reporting growth in 2024 and 89 per cent expecting to expand this year.

CPA Australia Small Business Survey 2024 - 25  - Philippines Infographics
CPA Australia Small Business Survey 2024 – 25 – Philippines Infographics

These key findings, from the latest Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey conducted by one of the world’s largest professional accounting bodies, CPA Australia. This bullish performance is largely attributed to a customer-focused mindset.

However, challenges such as constrained access to finance and slower technology adoption compared with other markets in the region are holding some businesses back.

Last year saw the highest number of growing Filipino small businesses since 2019. Reflecting this improved sentiment, 41 per cent of respondents increased their workforce in 2024, and 57 per cent plan to hire more employees in 2025.

Customer loyalty and satisfaction remain key drivers of small business success in the Philippines. Nearly half (46 per cent) of Filipino respondents cited customer loyalty as their top growth factor, while 37 per cent selected improved customer satisfaction.

Mr Rufus Pinto, a CPA Australia-qualified accountant who works in the Philippine finance industry, said: “Small businesses in the Philippines are thriving due to their exceptional customer-centric approach, which helps them to retain loyal clients and attract new ones.

“Overall, the economy maintained steady growth last year, driven by strong domestic consumption, which created many opportunities for small businesses.”

Mr Pinto said the youthful profile of Filipino small business owners was a key advantage. “Our young population is a key driver of the dynamic economy,” he said. “The Philippines has one of the youngest small business owner profiles in the region and their strong entrepreneurialism is driving growth in the sector.”

Reflecting confidence in the business outlook, 28 per cent of Filipino respondents expect strong revenue growth from overseas markets in 2025, a three-year high that surpasses many regional counterparts.

“With a young, English-speaking workforce and a strong work ethic, the Philippines remains a top destination for outsourced services from international companies, especially for voice-based services and customer support roles. Small businesses should continue to leverage these strengths to attract more overseas clients,” he said.

Despite the promising outlook and employment trends, Filipino small businesses continue to lag their regional counterparts in digital adoption. In 2024, 62 per cent of respondents reported earning more than 10 per cent of their revenue from online sales, below the surveyed average of 67 per cent.

Though 74 per cent received more than one-tenth of their revenue from digital payment technologies such as Dragonpay and GCash, close to the regional average (75 per cent), only 13 per cent sought advice from IT consultants last year, well below the Asia-Pacific average of 28 per cent.

“With a large talent pool and a focus on people-to-people connection, Filipino small businesses tend to prioritise personal connections over digitalisation and automation,” said Mr Pinto. “Challenges such as limited internet access in rural areas, a large unbanked population and reliance on cash and remittances also hinder digitalisation.”

However, the benefits of tech investment are clear. Among Filipino small businesses who invested in technology in 2024, 69 per cent reported improved profitability, well above the Asia-Pacific average of 56 per cent. This placed the Philippines second among all surveyed markets.

Rising costs remain the top challenge, with 40 per cent of respondents citing it as a key barrier. Access to finance is also a hurdle. While 65 per cent sought external finance in 2024, only 22 per cent found it easy to obtain, the lowest result in the region. This trend is expected to persist.

“Banks remain the primary source of funding, however only 22 per cent of respondents named them as their main lender,” Mr Pinto said.

“When applying for bank finance, it usually requires documents to demonstrate how the funds will be used and the credibility of the borrowers. Filipino small businesses should set ambitious long-term goals and craft well-prepared business plans towards achieving them. These are persuasive and solid documents for securing bank loans.

“Consulting professionals, including accountants who hold the internationally recognised CPA designation, can help improve financial records and address technical issues such as taxation.”     

CPA Australia’s Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey collected views from 4,236 small businesses in 11 Asia-Pacific markets in November and December 2024, including 310 from the Philippines. This is CPA Australia’s 16th annual survey of small business issues and sentiment since 2009.

About CPA Australia

Founded in 1886, CPA Australia is one of the world’s largest professional accounting bodies representing more than 175,000 members working in over 100 countries and regions around the world including more than 20,000 members in Southeast Asia. CPA Australia advances its members’ interests through education and knowledge exchange, the development of professional networks, thought leadership and the promotion of value of CPA Australia members to employers, government, regulators and the public. The CPA Australia designation denotes strategic business leadership and is recognised and valued throughout the world. More information available on www.cpaaustralia.com.au

Laos Issues Payment Guidelines for 1% Digital Revenue Contribution

Laos Issues Payment Guidelines for 1% Digital Revenue Contribution. (Photo: United Nations Development Programme)

The Ministry of Technology and Communications has officially detailed enforcement measures for a regulation requiring all digital service providers in Laos to contribute 1 percent of their gross revenue to the Digital Telecommunications Development Fund (DTTDF), a key component of the country’s push for nationwide digital transformation.

In a notice released on 19 May, the Ministry outlined payment procedures, deadlines, and compliance expectations, marking the most concrete guidance since the DTTDF decree was issued on 30 May 2024.

The regulation, which first took effect on 1 July 2024, applies to telecommunications and internet service providers, postal businesses, and digital service companies. The 1 percent contribution is calculated based on gross revenue, excluding indirect taxes such as excise tax and value-added tax (VAT).

According to the latest guidelines, companies must report their contributions for the July-December 2024 and January-May 2025 periods to the DTTDF by 30 June. 

Beginning June 2025, monthly submissions are required by the 20th day of the following month. 

The DTTDF decree has been announced since 30 May 2024, establishing the legal framework for this revenue-sharing mechanism.

According to the DTTDF, the fund serves multiple strategic purposes, including critical telecom and digital infrastructure to boost national security and remote connectivity. 

It also invests in digital governance, workforce development, and affordable services in sectors like education and health. 

The fund drives nationwide digital transformation. Its mandatory contributions ensure steady progress toward Laos’ digital goals.

OSL Wealth Debuts Stablecoin Yield-Generating Product via Ethena

TL;DR: OSL Wealth Partnership with Ethena, giving institutional clients dollar-pegged stability, auto-compounding on-chain yield, and daily liquidity.

HONG KONG, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OSL Wealth, under OSL Group, announces a new yield-generating product that seamlessly channels the performance of Ethena Labs’ Staked USDe (sUSDe) to OSL’s professional and institutional clients.

Clients simply trade through OSL’s OTC desk—using USD or USDT—and receive an instrument that (i) auto-compounds historically low-to-mid-teen net APY into its price, (ii) maintains constant 1:1 redemption into USDe for dollar stability, (iii) offers business-day subscriptions and redemptions with no lock-ups or performance fees, and (iv) is safeguarded around the clock in OSL’s segregated, insured custody.

sUSDe is the reward-bearing version of Ethena’s synthetic stablecoin, USDe. By pairing ETH collateral with short perpetual-futures hedges, the underlying protocol harvests funding-rate income and staking rewards, compounding them into the token’s value while preserving a 1:1 dollar peg. OSL Wealth now wraps that mechanism inside its own regulated offering, so clients can benefit from sUSDe’s yield without managing staking wallets, on-chain hedges, or complex custody flows.

Tony Luk, Head of OSL Wealth stated, “Our clients want dollar stability that earns a real return, delivered through an institution they already trust. By integrating sUSDe under OSL’s compliance, custody, and security framework, we’ve turned a technically demanding DeFi strategy into a turnkey income product.”

“OSL has set the bar for regulated digital asset services in Asia,” noted Steven Shi, Head of Institutional Growth, Ethena Labs. “Their adoption of sUSDe brings our yield-bearing stablecoin to an audience that demands both transparency and institutional-grade safeguards.”

¹ Past performance is not indicative of future results. Yield fluctuates with perp-funding rates and staking returns.

About OSL Hong Kong

As a subsidiary of the publicly listed OSL Group (HKEX: 863.HK), OSL Digital Securities is Hong Kong’s first and most established SFC-licensed and insured digital asset platform. Operating since 2018, the platform provides institutional-grade digital asset services to corporations, financial institutions, professional and retail investors.

OSL Hong Kong delivers services across five core domains: OTC brokerage, Omnibus broker solutions, custody, wealth management, and retail services. The OTC brokerage services provide 24/7 high-liquidity crypto trading with fiat on/off-ramp services. Custody solutions feature client-asset segregated wallet management backed by US$1 billion insurance coverage. The wealth management suite offers crypto investments to traditional investors, including tokenised treasuries, RWAs, structured crypto products, and quant investment strategies. Retail services bring institution-grade security and crypto access to professional and retail investors.

As a pioneer in bridging traditional finance and the digital asset economy, OSL Group adheres to its core concept: Open, Secure, and Licensed, empowering the next generation of global financial infrastructure. In addition to Hong Kong, OSL Group expands operations under full regulatory compliance in Japan, Australia, Europe and beyond.

For more information, visit osl.com.

About Ethena Labs 

Ethena is the protocol behind USDe, the third-largest and fastest growing USD-denominated crypto asset in history. Ethena has $6.2 billion in TVL today, alongside integrations with some of the largest centralized exchanges and major DeFi applications. Ethena Labs, a contributor to the protocol, is backed by Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, Dragonfly, Binance Labs, Bybit and OKX among others.