AFP – On 20 August, Sony said it is bumping up the price of PlayStation 5 video game consoles by USD 50 in the United States due to a “challenging economic environment.”
PlayStation Prices Rise as US Tariffs Bite

Citi Launches Real-Time Funding Capabilities for Corporate Clients in Singapore
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SINGAPORE, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Citi today announced the launch of Citi Real-Time Funding (RTF) for corporate clients in Singapore, building on its leadership in real-time liquidity solutions.
Already live in Australia, Hong Kong SAR and U.K., Citi RTF enables the automated movement of funds between cross-border accounts based on pre-defined rules set by the client, helping them ensure that cash is available when and where it’s needed.
In the first half 2025, Citi RTF has processed more than 150 transactions across 4 clients and 3 currencies (AUD / EUR / HKD).
This expansion provides Singapore-based clients with unprecedented control and flexibility over their cash, enabling instant, 24/7, cross-border liquidity transfers eliminating the need to manually transfer funds or rely on end-of-day sweeps.
Our corporate clients operate in an increasingly interconnected and fast-paced global economy, where the ability to manage liquidity in real-time is paramount,” said Rupa Mankad, Citi’s Asia South & Singapore Head of Liquidity Management Services. “This launch of our Real-Time Funding solution in Singapore empowers businesses with continuous access to their funds, offering greater efficiency, improved working capital management and stronger control over their financial positions across borders. This is a key part of our strategy to grow our Real-Time Liquidity offering with new products and expanded reach.”
Citi RTF is a differentiated offering that can help corporate treasurers optimize liquidity and make funding decisions with real-time data, while also automating traditionally manual processes for 24/7 account monitoring and complex cash forecasting to support their operations.
- Real-Time Intercompany Transfers: Seamless and instant movement of funds between different entities within a corporate group.
- 24/7 Availability: Access to and deployment of liquidity around the clock, overcoming time zone limitations.
- Enhanced Cross-Border Capabilities: Facilitates efficient liquidity management across multiple jurisdictions without delays.
This enhanced offering in Singapore underscores Citi’s position as a leader in real-time liquidity solutions, which includes capabilities like Real-Time Liquidity Sharing, Real-Time Multi-Banking, and Real-Time Funding.
ITRI SEA Office and LogHealth of Mahidol University to Co-Host Smart Health Industry Forum on September 9

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 August 2025- The Southeast Asia Office of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and LogHealth of Mahidol University are collaborating to host the “Smart Health Industry Forum” on September 9, 2025 in Bangkok. The event aims to explore the latest trends and developments within the smart health industry of both Taiwan and Thailand.
The smart health industry continues to grow alongside rapid technological innovations and advancements, gradually bringing the vision of quality healthcare into everyday life. As the healthcare landscape becomes increasingly complex due to changes in population structure and heightened health awareness, new demands and challenges are emerging.
The forum is designed to serve as a platform that brings together experts from the public sector, research fields, and the healthcare industry to share insights, exchange views, and explore the challenges and opportunities within the smart health sector.
The forum has invited Professor Eric Chuang, Vice President & General Director of Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, ITRI and Dr. Adichan Chuajinda, M.D., Deputy Director, Bureau of Digital Health of Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health to share insights into the smart health policies in Taiwan and Thailand. Mr. Prasert Patcharabussarakamkul, Deputy Managing Director, RFS Co., Ltd., Mahidol University will present the vision for building future smart hospital. Mr. Daniel Lee, Chairman of Taiwan Medical and Biotech Industry Association and Associate Professor Dr. Norased Nasongkla, Ph.D. Director, Biopolymers and Nanoengineering for Drug Delivery and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University will introduce opportunities within the smart health industry.
The Forum will conclude with a panel discussion moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Duangpun Kritchanchai, Ph.D., Director, Centre of Logistics Management and Healthcare Supply Chain (LogHealth), Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University. Furthermore, Associate Professor Cdr. Sorayouth Chumnanvej, M.D., Ph.D., Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University will also partake as a panelist.
Event details as of follow.
- Date: September 9, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Time: 13:00-16:30
- Venue: Grand Chambray Ballroom (7th Floor), Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel (2089 Sukhumvit Rd, Prakanong Nua Watthana, Bangkok)
- Registration link: Smart Health Industry Forum
Hashtag: #ITRI
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ViewSonic Concludes a Successful “Solutions that Shape the Future” Showcase at InfoComm Asia
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BANGKOK, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual and Edtech solutions, debuted at InfoComm Asia 2025 with an immersive showcase, highlighting how integrated visual solutions are shaping the future across five key scenarios—Large Venues, Meeting Rooms, Classrooms, Personal Workstation and Industrial Applications—for ProAV integrators, enterprise IT managers, and educators.
“ViewSonic’s first presence at InfoComm Asia went beyond showcasing solutions. It was also about sharing our broader mission and vision,” said Eric Wei, Asia Pacific General Manager at ViewSonic. “Through real-world scenarios—from large venues to classrooms and workspaces—we demonstrated how our user-centric ecosystem seamlessly integrates into diverse environments, enhancing collaboration, productivity, and sustainable digital transformation.”
Drawing attention under the theme “Solutions That Shape the Future,” the spotlight at the booth entrance was the 138-inch Foldable All-in-One dvLED Display. With its massive screen size, mobility, and 10-minute setup impressed visitors with a glimpse of how flexible, large-scale presentations can transform dynamic venues.
At the center of the booth, ViewSonic recreated a real-world meeting environment in the “Future Meeting Room” section. A 105″ ViewBoard interactive display paired with Microsoft Teams Rooms-certified TeamJoin™ Solution, delivering a streamlined, inclusive hybrid conferencing experience. Meanwhile, the new ColorPro™ monitor captured individual professionals’ interest with its 5K resolution, compatibility with Mac and PC, Thunderbolt™ 4 connectivity, and Pantone-verified color accuracy.
ViewSonic’s edtech solution is leading the classroom transformation by combining an interactive display with myViewBoard interactive teaching tool and ClassSwift interactive learning software. Live demos of instant quizzes, AI-powered tools, and wireless content sharing highlighted how digital learning environments can be both engaging and intuitive.
Among the highlights, the company also underscored its commitment to sustainability. From energy-efficient displays, lamp-free projectors to software that enables centralized system control for efficient resource allocation, every solution reflected ViewSonic’s dedication to delivering high performance with environmental responsibility.
To explore ViewSonic’s comprehensive portfolio of visual solutions and learn how they empower collaboration, creativity, and sustainable transformation across industries, please visit the website.
About ViewSonic
Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Brea, California, ViewSonic is a leading global provider of visual solutions for the education, business, and consumer markets, with a presence in over 100 countries. The company delivers a unified ecosystem of hardware, software, and services with seamless integration. Its product portfolio includes monitors, projectors, interactive displays, LED displays, commercial displays, video conferencing systems, and industrial solutions. Complementing its hardware is a robust suite of software offerings—including myViewBoard, ClassSwift, TeamOne, Manager, and AirSync—featuring AI-powered tools for collaboration, device optimization, and management. ViewSonic supports customers at every stage, helping them achieve their goals and create a lasting impact by empowering people everywhere to connect with purpose and See the Difference. Learn more at www.viewsonic.com.
Hongkong Land launches Hong Kong’s first AI-powered intelligent facility management platform
Key highlights include:
- The Integrated Facility Management Control Tower (IFMCT) unifies over 20 standalone building systems into a single AI-powered command centre and is poised for wider implementation, with plans to expand across Hongkong Land’s regional portfolio.
- The transition from reactive to proactive maintenance, powered by AI health analytics, has significantly reduced servicing frequency.
- 66% of work orders have been automated, boosting operational efficiency and reducing disruptions.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 August 2025 – Hongkong Land has launched the city’s first AI-powered intelligent facility management platform, the IFMCT, setting a new industry standard for commercial property management and demonstrating the Company’s commitment to PropTech innovation. Following a successful pilot at Alexandra House, which earned the Industry Excellence Award for best practice, the IFMCT has been scaled to Chater House and Exchange Square, demonstrating its adaptability. With proven results, Hongkong Land is now preparing to roll out the platform across its entire Central Portfolio by 2026.

Mr Michael Smith, Chief Executive, Hongkong Land, said:” This pioneering initiative stands as a testament to Hongkong Land’s leadership in delivering forward-thinking sustainable solutions, highlighting the Group’s long-standing culture of innovation and our commitment to creating lasting value for all our stakeholders. We’re proud of the platform’s success in Hong Kong and look forward to extending its impact across our regional portfolio.”
The IFMCT unifies over 20 standalone building systems into a single platform – integrating the Building Management System (BMS), AI-driven Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems (HVAC), thermal comfort control, energy optimisation, and soft services such as cleaning, vendor management, procurement and tenant wellness monitoring. By leveraging real-time monitoring, advanced AI analytics, and 4D digital twin visualisation, the advanced system enhances operational efficiency and minimises disruptions, improving reliability and extending asset lifecycles.
The IFMCT drives operational excellence, accelerating decarbonisation efforts through close collaboration with tenants
The IFMCT automates workflows to optimise both hard and soft services, improving daily building operation as well as tenant experience. Shifting from traditional, reactive maintenance to a predictive, proactive model, the platform harnesses AI-powered health analytics to detect early signs of performance decline, preventing service interruptions.
For instance, Air Handling Units (AHUs) are managed like people: healthy units skip routine check-ups, while symptomatic ones receive priority servicing. This condition-based approach resulted in a 16% reduction in AHU maintenance effort after one year, cutting maintenance frequency from monthly to biannual, clearly demonstrating the tangible benefits of intelligent servicing. Other measurable outcomes include a 66% automation rate for work orders, and an 80% reduction in time needed to retrieve asset documentation. The platform has significantly decreased the volume of alarm monitoring calls to both tenants and vendors, streamlining communication.
As climate resilience takes on greater urgency, the IFMCT elevates the adaptability of buildings and operations through intelligent energy management. The platform balances energy demand and adjusts heating and cooling systems in response to forecasted weather patterns, helping Hongkong Land and its tenants reduce energy consumption and accelerate decarbonisation efforts.
Hongkong Land to scale the IFMCT regionally following successful pilot and Central Portfolio expansion
The IFMCT’s standardised data structure enables seamless integration across markets, supporting Hongkong Land’s regional expansion of intelligent property management solutions towards the ultra-premium integrated commercial properties strategy. Building on its success in Hong Kong, the platform is set to be deployed at Westbund Central in Shanghai, a development offering high-quality retail spaces, office towers, residences, hotels, and arts and cultural venues. This cross-market implementation reinforces Hongkong Land’s position as a regional leader in building management technology.
Hashtag: #HongKongLand
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hongkong Land
Hongkong Land is a major listed property investment, management and development group. Founded in 1889, it is a market leader in the development of experience-led city centres that unlock value for generations by combining innovation, placemaking, exceptional hospitality and sustainability.
The Group focuses on developing, owning and managing ultra-premium mixed-use real estate in Asian gateway cities, featuring Grade A office, luxury retail, residential and hospitality products. Its mixed-use real estate footprint spans more than 850,000 sq. m., with flagship projects in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Its properties hold industry-leading green building certifications and attract the world’s foremost companies and luxury brands.
The Group’s Hong Kong Central portfolio represents some 450,000 sq. m. of prime property. LANDMARK, the luxury shopping destination of the Hong Kong Central portfolio, is undergoing a three-year, US$1 billion expansion and upgrade, which aims to reinforce the portfolio as a world-class destination for luxury, retail, lifestyle and business. The Group has a further 165,000 sq. m. of prestigious office space in Singapore, mainly held through joint ventures, and a portfolio of retail centres on the Chinese mainland, including a luxury retail centre at Wangfujing in Beijing.
In Shanghai, the Group owns a 43% interest in a 1.7 million sq. m. mixed-use project in West Bund. Due to complete in 2028, it will comprise Grade A offices, luxury and retail space, high-end waterfront residential apartments, hotels and convention and cultural facilities. Alongside LANDMARK, it forms part of the Group’s CENTRAL Series of globally-recognised destinations for luxury and lifestyle experiences.
Chula Partners with World Economic Forum to Launch 2025 Gender Gap Report: Thailand Leads in Education and Health
BANGKOK, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chulalongkorn University, as the sole partner of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Thailand, has released the findings of the Global Gender Gap Report 2025, highlighting that gender equality is not merely a social issue but a key strategy for national economic development.
Chula Partners with World Economic Forum to Launch 2025 Gender Gap Report: Thailand Leads in Education and Health
In 2025, Thailand has shown progress in several areas, especially in women’s education and health:
- Education: Perfect score of 1.000 – Ranked 1st in the world
- Health and Survival: Score 0.977 – Ranked 29th in the world / 1st in the region
- Economic Participation and Opportunity: Score 0.786 – Ranked 17th in the world / 3rd in the region
- Political Empowerment: Score 0.786 – Ranked 105th in the world / 5th in the region
Thailand’s overall score is 0.728, an increase from the previous year, placing the country 66th globally and 3rd in the region.
Despite leading the world in education and possessing strong potential, Thai women still face limited opportunities in policy-level leadership positions, reflecting that ability alone is not sufficient if opportunities and power remain restricted.
Thailand’s Strengths:
- Equal access to education at all levels
- World-leading levels of women’s health
- Continuously increasing economic participation by women
Development Strategies:
- Increase the proportion of women in leadership roles.
- Improve support systems and environments that empower women’s potential.
- Close the gender gap to foster innovation, growth, and sustainable social cohesion in Thailand.
Read the full report: https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2025/
Continue reading on website: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/253258/
About Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University has made the world’s top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and work ability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 211th in the world, up from 244th last year.
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChulalongkornUniversity
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/chulauniversity
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/15101896/
NEXCOM Powers Remote Edge Connectivity with Multi-WAN and Edge Computing
TAIPEI, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As global demand for reliable remote connectivity continues to surge, NEXCOM, a leading supplier of network appliances, is empowering off-grid operations with resilient, high-performance network infrastructure. By combining Multi-WAN failover, edge computing performance, and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) readiness, ISV and solution providers are able to transform RV stations and other remote locations into fully functional remote edge hubs.
NEXCOM DFA 1163 Series delivers Multi-WAN routing and NTN-ready connectivity — keeping workloads running anywhere. From remote services to critical operations, extend enterprise capabilities to the farthest edge.
From digital nomads and field news crews to emergency responders, users in remote and infrastructure-light environments now require enterprise-grade uptime and compute power—without traditional fixed-line networks. NEXCOM’s DFA 1163 Series delivers the compute power and networking flexibility needed to stay online—anywhere.
Powered by the Intel Atom® C3758R processor with 8 cores and Intel® QAT acceleration, the DFA 1163 provides efficient, secure edge computing in locations where infrastructure is limited or nonexistent. With one 10GbE SFP+, twelve RJ45 ports and optional PoE+ support for powering essential edge devices without extra cabling, streamlining off-grid deployments and saving critical setup time.
Wireless flexibility includes full-spectrum 5G (FR1 & FR2) and Wi-Fi 6, while optional NTN support ensure connectivity even in total cellular dead zones. This seamless Multi-WAN integration intelligently blends 5G, Wi-Fi, and satellite links to maintain reliable service across shifting network conditions.
For remote operators and digital nomads, this means that their work will not stop when the signal drops. For system integrators and solution providers building remote edge deployments, NEXCOM offers a future-ready solution that keeps data flowing and operations online—no matter how remote the location.
About NEXCOM
Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, NEXCOM is shaping the future of AI-powered networking with its software-defined solutions. Through its Network and Communication Solutions (NCS) unit, NEXCOM delivers cutting-edge platforms for Cybersecurity, OT Security, SD-WAN, SASE, Load Balancing, 5G uCPE, edge AI, and more. NCS specializes in professional design and manufacturing services, enabling reliable and scalable network infrastructures for businesses of all sizes. With a focus on innovation, NEXCOM’s solutions empower customers worldwide to build resilient, high-performance networks tailored to the demands of tomorrow’s connectivity challenges.
Ascentium Expands Southeast Asia Footprint with Strategic Acquisition of ZICO Corporate Services
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Strengthening Presence in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Launching Corporate and Trust Services in Labuan
SINGAPORE, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ascentium, a leading global business services platform headquartered in Singapore, today announced the successful acquisition of ZICO Holdings‘ (“ZICO”), a corporate services business operating across key ASEAN markets, specifically Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The acquisition also includes corporate services and trust & trustee services in Labuan. This strategic investment strengthens Ascentium’s presence across Southeast Asia and marks its entry into the Labuan market. With over three decades of success, ZICO contributes its legacy of operational excellence, deep regional experience, and a distinguished portfolio of premium clients. ZICO’s corporate services will be seamlessly integrated into Ascentium’s operations in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, reinforcing the firm’s proficiency in corporate secretarial services, trust administration, and regulatory compliance.
With ZICO’s corporate services division now part of the Ascentium platform, clients will benefit from an expanded suite of services across multiple markets, while continuing to receive high-quality corporate and fiduciary solutions. This expansion builds on Ascentium’s 2024 acquisition of InCorp Global, a leading provider of corporate services and business advisory solutions, which is expected to complete its brand transition to Ascentium by 2026.
Ascentium is committed to delivering comprehensive, technology-enabled business services across Asia-Pacific and beyond. This investment underscores Ascentium’s strategic expansion across Asia Pacific to offer diversified corporate services, as highlighted by recent key milestone acquisitions such as Links International, the region’s leading HR outsourcing technology partner, and Harneys Fiduciary, a specialist in cross-border corporate, fund, and trust services with established global offices in Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, and Shanghai.
Lennard Yong, Founding Management and Group CEO of Ascentium, commented: “The acquisition marks an important advance in our Southeast Asia growth strategy and represents a crucial milestone toward building a leadership team with unmatched regional expertise. I appreciate Kelvin’s trust and ZICO’s network in Southeast Asia, and warmly welcome ZICO’s corporate services team to Ascentium. We value their entrepreneurial culture and market knowledge. ZICO’s strong governance framework, premium client base, and local know-how align with our mission to deliver transformative business services.”
Datuk Kelvin Ng, Group Chief Executive Officer of ZICO Holdings, said: “This demonstrates a pivotal moment for ZICO Holdings as we transition our well-established corporate services teams in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines to Ascentium. Over the years, our teams have built a strong reputation for professionalism, trust, and regional knowledge. We are confident that Ascentium’s leadership, platform, and global reach will enable our colleagues and valued clients to access new opportunities and enhanced solutions. We thank our outstanding team members for their dedication and commitment and look forward to seeing them thrive as part of Ascentium’s growing family under Lennard’s leadership.”
(From left to right) Lennard Yong, Founding Management and Group CEO of Ascentium & Datuk Kelvin Ng, Group Chief Executive Officer of ZICO Holdings
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About Ascentium
Ascentium is a leading global business services platform dedicated to helping businesses scale greater heights. Headquartered in Singapore, we empower extraordinary growth through specialised expertise and comprehensive one-stop solutions in corporate services, finance and accounting, HR services, and fiduciary and trust services. Our team of 2,300+ professionals spans 44 cities across 22 markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, the Americas, and Europe, serving 50,000+ client entities across diverse industries. Through innovative, technology-enabled solutions and a collaborative approach, Ascentium drives transformative growth, helping clients navigate complex global environments.
For more information, please visit ascentium.com.
About ZICO Holdings
ZICO Holdings Inc. (“ZICO” and together with its subsidiaries and associated companies, the “Group”) is an integrated provider of multidisciplinary professional services. ZICO was listed on the Catalist Board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited on 11 November 2014. ZICO is widely regarded as the Trusted Advisors and Go-To Professional Services Provider of business solutions in the ASEAN region. Through its multidisciplinary services, regional capabilities and local insights, ZICO creates a unique brand offering that enables its clients to capitalise on opportunities across Southeast Asia.
For more information, please visit www.zicoholdings.com.