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Travel Curators and Far East Organization Launch Inaugural World X Fest 2023 Japan Edition at Clarke Quay Central

  • Cosplay competition with the largest ever cosplay prize pool (over $25,000) in Singapore; first prize comprises $1,000 cash and a trip to Japan for two worth over $8,000
  • Featuring J-Pop artistes such as Daimon Yayoi, Yuka Takada, Nine Universe SARAH, Akko Gorilla and famous Japanese cosplayers such as Nanase Meron and Zumi performing and cosplaying for the first time in Singapore
  • Food stalls by Don Don Donki, game stalls helmed by guest artistes and never done before stage shows and performances that brings Japanese culture to Singapore


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 12 September 2023 – Far East Organization has partnered with Travel Curators, a leading travel technology and event management company, to introduce the first ever World X Fest 2023 Japan Edition in Singapore. Spanning three days from 29 September to 1 October 2023 at one of the Far East Malls, Clarke Quay Central, the event aspires to unite individuals in celebrating global cultures, traditions and artisanal crafts. The debut of World X Fest 2023 Japan Edition shines a spotlight on Japan, blending modern J-Pop flair with the timeless charm of traditional Japanese summer festivals (matsuri).

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Director of the Retail Business Group at Far East Organization, Graham Ng, remarked: “Clarke Quay Central, with its robust profile of Japanese tenants and varied offerings, is pleased to host the inaugural World X Fest 2023 Japan Edition as part of the Singapore River Festival. As the grand finale to the month-long Festival, World X Fest 2023 Japan Edition aims to ignite festivalgoers’ passion for the scenic Singapore River, by providing a one-of-a-kind weekend experience featuring food, fun and exclusive performances by J-pop artistes and cosplayers.”

Conceived by Travel Curators, World X Fest 2023 Japan Edition presents a distinctive mashup of classic matsuri elements with J-pop and anime cultures. It promises several exciting new concepts not previously seen in Singapore. Instead of traditional odori dances and matsuri folk songs, J-Pop artistes will be belting out hit tracks from beloved anime series like Demon Slayer, One Piece and Naruto. While summer yukatas are typically worn for matsuri, World X Fest 2023 takes a contemporary twist by encouraging attendees to don cosplay attire. Renowned Japanese cosplayers will be gracing the event, setting a spirited tone. Matsuri game booths will also be reimagined. Featured guest artistes will man the stalls at specific times, offering fans autograph sessions and the opportunity to snag attractive prizes such as CDs, exclusive T-shirts and other sought-after J-pop merchandise.

The guest artistes include J-Pop singers such as Yayoi Daimon and Akko Gorilla who have performed at major music festivals like SXSW and Fuji Rock Festival. Additionally, cosplayer Nanase Meron earned distinction by representing Japan at the World Cosplay Summit 2022 while cosplay armor specialist Yumaki won first place at the World Cosplay Summit Exhibition 2022. Their appearance at World X Fest 2023 Japan Edition is extra special as it marks their first performance in Singapore. To honour their Singapore debut at World X Fest 2023, the organisers are set to feature them in a Japanese-style variety show on stage, offering fans a chance to discover interesting facets of their personalities. Please refer to Annex A for their profiles and Annex B for the programme schedule.

Adding to the festival’s ambience, Don Don Donki will be managing several food stalls at Clarke Quay Central, serving perennial favourites such as yaki-imo (baked sweet potatoes), kushiyaki (grilled skewered meats) and onigiri (rice balls).

Tora-Q Mascot Gijinka Cosplay Competition

In celebration of this inaugural fest, Travel Curators is launching an original yuru-chara mascot, Tora-Q. This captivating character draws inspiration from the shiba-inu dog, the maneki-neko cat and Jizo (stone statues commonly found in Japan that are associated with safe travels). This symbolism resonates with the event’s vision of bringing together people and cultures from around the world. To add to the excitement, World X Fest 2023 will host a thematic cosplay competition on 30 September 2023. Participants can showcase their creativity with their gijinka[1] interpretation of Tora-Q. Interested cosplayers can register online here before 25 September 2023. Please refer to Annex C for more details.


[1] A fan’s interpretation and redesign of an animal-like character in human form.

Singapore’s leading travel company Dynasty Travel is sponsoring one of the biggest cosplay prize pools in Singapore for this competition, worth more than $25,000. Winners stand to gain not only cash rewards but also a specially-curated pop culture-themed trip to Japan. Members of the public coming down to the event are also encouraged to come dressed in shades of grey and red as they get to enjoy certain special privileges. Expect Clarke Quay Central to morph into a mesmerising canvas of grey and red on 30 September 2023.

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Founder of Travel Curators, Mr Teo Tianyi said, “We are excited to be given this opportunity to work with Far East Organization and the Singapore River Festival to create an exciting new event. We hope that World X Fest will grow to become a calendar event that everyone can look forward to in years to come.”

World X Fest 2023 Japan Edition marks the first time a matsuri celebrating Japanese gastronomy, anime and pop music is held at the annual Singapore River Festival. The festivities started on 7 September will end on 1 October 2023. The Singapore River Festival is organised by Singapore River One with BytePlus as the presenting sponsor.

Updated information on World X Fest 2023 Japan Edition can be found at https://www.worldxfest.com/ or the event’s IG page https://www.instagram.com/world_x_fest/.

For high-resolution images, please download them via this link.

Annex A: List of confirmed guest artistes at World X Fest 2023 – Japan Edition

(For upcoming guest announcements, refer to IG page: https://www.instagram.com/world_x_fest/)

Caption

SARAH SARAH (top left) is the lead vocalist from Nine Universe, an anime-loving duo that has worked on several theme songs from video games and animation produced by Konami. In her free time, SARAH also enjoys cosplaying (and of course, making her own cosplay attires), voice acting and creating illustrations.

SARAH will be performing for the first time ever in Singapore, on all three days at World X Fest 2023, and will be singing some of the top hits from popular anime like Demon Slayer and Gintama.

Akko Gorilla Akko Gorilla (top right) is a trailblazing drummer, rapper, and solo artist from Tokyo who recently made her debut appearance at Fuji Rock Festival. Her stage name is inspired by her fascination with how gorillas communicate with each other through rhythms.

Not one to shy away from trying new things, Akko Gorilla will be cosplaying for the first time in her career, performing for the first time ever in Singapore, on all three days at World X Fest 2023, and will also be covering some popular anisongs from Slam Dunk and Sailor Moon.

Yuka Takada Yuka Takada (bottom left) left her hometown in Akita to pursue her passion in singing, first as the lead singer of vocal dance unit Rhythmic and currently as a solo songstress (and part time voice actress). While Yuka is known for her J-Pop ballads, she is actually a big fan of anisongs.

Yuka will be cosplaying for the first time in her career, performing for the first time ever in Singapore, on all three days at World X Fest 2023, and will be singing some of the top hits from popular anime like Naruto and Evangelion.

Yayoi Daimon Hailing from Osaka, guest artiste Yayoi Daimon (bottom center) began her singing career at an all-girl group managed by Yoshimoto Kogyo before going independent to pursue her passion in creating J-pop music inspired by Hiphop and Reggae music.

Yayoi will be cosplaying for the first time in her career, performing for the first time ever in Singapore, on all three days at World X Fest 2023, and will also be covering some popular anisongs from One Piece and Cutie Honey in her repertoire.

Nanase Meron Based in Fukuoka, Nanase Meron (bottom right) is a cosplayer who most recently represented Japan at the World Cosplay Summit in 2022. Quite an amazing feat for someone who started cosplaying simply because she wanted to become her favorite character from anime like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and Inuyasha.

Nanase Meron will be cosplaying for the first time ever in Singapore, on all three days at World X Fest 2023, and will also be conducting workshops on how to create award winning cosplay designs, using her very own Tora-Q gijinka cosplay as a showcase!

Annex B: Tentative Event Schedule

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Annex C: Tora-Q Mascot Gijinka Cosplay Competition Details

Be creative and come up with your very own gijinka interpretation of our Tora-Q mascot. Tora-Q is an original mascot inspired by Japanese stone jizo (guardian of travellers) and a fictitious animal that is a cross between shiba-inu and neko. So as far as possible, please consider the following Tora-Q’s signature features in your cosplay design:

– Predominantly red and stone-grey colors
– Dark red bib
– Neko-mimi (cat ears)

Date: 30 September 2023
Time: TBC (actual time of event on stage, reporting time to be given upon shortlisting)
Location: World X Stage @ CQC Atrium

Prizes:
1st: 10D8N Special pop culture themed trip to Tokyo for 2 (worth more than S$8,000) + S$1,000 cash

2nd: 10D8N Special pop culture themed trip to Tokyo for 2 (worth more than S$8,000) + S$500 cash

3rd: 10D8N Special pop culture themed trip to Tokyo for 2 (worth more than S$8,000)

Scoring:

Participants will be judged on an overall 1-100 point scale comprising:

– Accuracy (decided by panel of judges from organizer and key sponsors)
– Creativity (decided by panel of judges from organizer and key sponsors)
– Popularity (decided by number of likes on WXF23JP’s social media)

Terms and Conditions:
1) This competition is for individuals; team submissions are not allowed.

2) Photos of the actual cosplay submitted as part of this application will be posted on WXF2023JP’s social media, and number of “likes” will be tabulated to determine Popularity points

3) A panel of judges from the organiser and key sponsors will shortlist participants from eligible entries to showcase their gijinka cosplay attire on World X Stage on 30 September 2023.

4) Shortlisted participants will be notified via email or telephone on 25 September 2023. No correspondence will be entertained about the judges’ decision.

5) Participants’ outfits must not be obscene or in breach of any applicable legislation or regulation.

6) The organiser reserves the right to disqualify all entries that do not meet the rules and regulations, and to add, vary, delete or add on any terms and conditions at its absolute discretion without prior notice.

7) The organiser reserves the right to withdraw, discontinue or terminate the competition at any time at its absolute discretion, without notice or liability to any person.

8) In the case of dispute, the judges’ decision is final.

9) Participants shall give consent to having their likeness taken in video or photo and that it may be used or published for promotional and marketing purposes without further reference or compensation to you.

10) Winners of the top 3 prizes will be given a free trip for 2 (twin room sharing) on Dynasty Travel’s 10D8N Special pop culture themed group tour to Tokyo. Details of the trip can be found here:
https://dynastytravel.com.sg/10d8n-japan-pop-culture-trip/

11) The dates for Dynasty Travel’s 10D8N Special pop culture themed group tour to Tokyo are fixed and departs only from Singapore. Amendments to the tour (changing trip dates or departure airport or itinerary) is not allowed.

Registration closes on 25th September 2023 at 2359 SGT or earlier, subject to the organiser’s discretion.

* WXF2023JP reserves the right to revise the contents of this form at any time without prior notice.

Hashtag: #FarEastOrganization

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

About Travel Curators

Travel Curators is an award-winning travel technology and events management company that had its early beginnings as a mobile app targeted at affluent travelers looking for bespoke travel services in Japan. In 2022, the company expanded its business operations in Singapore with an acquisition of Dynasty Travel from JTB Group, and also launched its World X branded series of events to promote unique cultures and inspiring people from around the world.

About Dynasty Travel

Founded in 1978, Dynasty Travel is Asia’s leading luxury travel company with an extensive track record of travel curation and customer service excellence. From backwater towns to verdant jungles and sand-whipped desert lands, Dynasty Travel has always been a trailblazer in the industry, introducing new destinations and unique experiences for discerning global travelers looking for something that is not easily found at the click of a mouse. Following a rebranding initiative in 2022, Dynasty Travel has been transformed into a travel company that is driven by a new mission to help its clients “travel well, learn more and do good”.

About Clarke Quay Central

Clarke Quay Central is a shopping, dining & entertainment hotspot with a picturesque view of the historic Singapore River. The mall spreads across 5 floors with each level showcasing an array of eclectic retail shops and beauty services, and a wide range of gastronomical delights from authentic Japanese cuisines, Chinese specialties to Western fare. Clarke Quay Central is strategically located within the Central Business District and sits atop the Clarke Quay MRT station.

About Far East Organization

Far East Organization is the largest private property developer in Singapore, with a growing reputation for building innovative and functional spaces and providing enriching experiences and value for its customers. Since its establishment in 1960, Far East Organization has been contributing to the transformation of Singapore’s urban landscape with over 780 developments in the residential, hospitality, retail, commercial, healthcare and industrial space segments. It has a sizeable retail portfolio comprising more than 45 wholly-owned and strata-titled establishments with over 3,500 units totalling 2 million square feet of net lettable area; each reaching out to different shopper segments catering to different needs.

About Singapore River One

Singapore River One (SRO) is a private sector-led partnership charged with the day-to-day management, maintenance, enhancement and marketing of the Singapore River. SRO is the first pilot Business Improvement District (BID) and is a not-for-profit company with a singular focus on leveraging public and private investments, increasing footfall, and enhancing property values within the Singapore River precinct.

SRO is responsible for the place management of the entire Singapore River precinct – including Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. It is the intent of SRO that the river be managed as one precinct – one destination – with specialized programs and service delivery methods utilized in each quay as needed, and as directed by a 4-year business plan. New partnership initiative will leverage and pool resources from a variety of public and private sector sources; it will have the involvement and participation of both public and private sector stakeholders, and it will be empowered with the role of implementing the business plan place managing the Singapore River precinct.

Goldman Sachs Reiterates “Buy” Rating on Fosun, Recognizing Fosun’s Core Business-focused Strategy and Healthy Recovery of Core Businesses

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 12 September 2023 – Fosun International Limited (HKEX stock code: 00656, “Fosun International” or the “Company”), together with its subsidiaries (“Fosun” or the “Group”), announced its interim results at the end of August 2023. Goldman Sachs recently published a research report, recognizing the healthy recovery of Fosun’s core businesses and expressing its bullish view on Fosun’s strategy of focusing on the development of core businesses where it boasts clear competitive advantages. Goldman Sachs assigned the Company a target price of HK$7.7, with approximately 57% upside.

Goldmans Sachs pointed out that Fosun International’s 2023 interim results was in line with its expectations, the Group achieved a total revenue of RMB97.06 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 11%; the key indicator reflecting the Company’s operational capabilities – industrial operation profit, if excluding the profit of disposed enterprises (including transactions yet to be completed), representing a significant year-on-year increase of 66%, demonstrating significant improvement in the profitability of core businesses. Taking Fosun’s Happiness segment as an example, Fosun Tourism Group (FTG) and Yuyuan saw a strong recovery. Goldman Sachs pointed out that the net profit improvement was mainly attributable to profit turnaround from FTG with solid recovery in Club Med and Atlantis Sanya; and the notable net profit growth for Yuyuan (a year-on-year increase of 226%) was driven by Yuyuan’s jewelry and fashion business (a year-on-year increase of 35%).

Goldman Sachs said while acknowledging the continued challenges from the macro environment such as weak consumption sentiment, geopolitics, higher interest rate, Fosun has proactively implemented its business streamlining and core business-focused strategy, centering family consumption, and enhancing asset-light operations, therefore, Fosun’s management is optimistic for the Company to weather through economic cycles. Goldman Sachs also recognized Fosun’s efforts in the disposal of non-strategy and non-core assets and its active efforts in exploring financing channels, thereby maintaining a steady debt to capital ratio. As of 30 June 2023, Fosun’s cash and bank balances and term deposits were abundant, reaching approximately RMB115 billion, its total debts to total capital ratio was 51.8% and the average cost of debt was around 5.3%, maintaining at a manageable level. In the first half of 2023, cash inflow from divestment amounted to more than RMB14.0 billion at the holding company level and more than RMB20.0 billion at the consolidated level. In January 2023, Fosun High Technology successfully entered into a syndicated loan agreement for an amount of RMB12 billion with eight domestic banks. As of 30 June 2023, the Group had no material offshore bonds due in one year.

Looking ahead, Goldman Sachs believed that after divesting its non-strategy and non-core assets, the Group would be able to focus more on its core businesses and empowering its subsidiaries to further improve underlying business performance in coming years. The firm sees value at the current level and looks for more signs of execution on deleveraging and earnings recovery, therefore it maintained its Buy rating on Fosun.

Hashtag: #Fosun

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

Thailand’s LGBTQ+ Community Draws Tourists From China Looking To Be Themselves

A gay Chinese couple looks at a facility during a condominium tour in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, 18 August 2023. LGBTQ+ people from China who are frequently scorned and ostracized at home are coming to Thailand in droves. (Photo: AP)

BANGKOK (AP) — Xinyu Wen traveled to Thailand in June, planning a two-week vacation around Bangkok’s Pride parade.

WMI Announces Measures to Deepen Engagement of Family Offices in Singapore, Building on Doubling Demand for WMI’s Family Office Programmes and Forums to Over 3,000 in Past Year

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 12 September 2023 – The Wealth Management Institute (WMI) has introduced two new initiatives to further deepen engagement of family offices in Singapore at the annual Global-Asia Family Office (GFO) Circle Summit, held on 11 and 12 September 2023 at The St Regis Singapore. Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, Mr Heng Swee Keat was the Guest of Honour for the Single Family Office Forum on the second day. The initiatives come on the back of a twofold surge in demand in WMI’s family-office related programmes and forums.

WMI Announces Measures to Deepen Engagement of Family Offices in Singapore, Building on Doubling Demand for WMI’s Family Office Programmes and Forums to Over 3,000 in Past Year
WMI Announces Measures to Deepen Engagement of Family Offices in Singapore, Building on Doubling Demand for WMI’s Family Office Programmes and Forums to Over 3,000 in Past Year

The first initiative will be the pioneering ‘Family Office Discovery Series’, developed and organised with the support of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The Series aims to orientate newly arrived family offices to Singapore and support closer integration into Singapore’s dynamic ecosystem, fostering a sense of belonging and purposeful engagement within the community. It will be systematically offered to recent and new family offices arriving into Singapore.

Through the Series, family offices will gain access to an expansive network and exposure to a spectrum of opportunities, from building a strong peer network to exploring co-investment opportunities.

Ms Foo Mee Har, CEO of WMI, says, “WMI is continuing its strong momentum in building capabilities and community in the family office sector. Over the past year, total participation in WMI’s family office programmes and forums have doubled to over 3,000 since launch. Additionally, more than 200 professionals have successfully earned their Certified Family Office Advisor credentials by completing a rigorous curriculum.”

“Many family offices we have spoken to have expressed a strong desire to strengthen their bonds here and access the wealth of opportunities Singapore has to offer. The Family Office Discovery Series will support the next stage of integrating family offices into Singapore, to fully tap the capital, knowledge, networks and expertise they bring. Through creating a systematic introduction to various facets of the innovation and social impact community, we will enable family offices to fast-track their engagement, allowing businesses based in Singapore to benefit from mutual technological, innovation and capability transfers,” Ms Foo adds.

The second initiative announced was the upcoming launch of a new Family Office Risk Management & Controls programme. This programme is targeted to help strengthen capabilities in the family office ecosystem to safeguard against financial crime and uphold compliance requirements and standards relating to onboarding and due diligence, cross border jurisdiction and tax, capital and exchange control matters.

Mr Lim Chow Kiat, Chairman of WMI and CEO of GIC, says, “For two decades, WMI has been equipping the wealth management profession with future-ready capabilities. The profession plays a critical role in upholding Singapore’s reputation as a transparent and trusted international financial centre. With the rapid growth of the family office sector, we will continue to create programmes that enhance its capabilities.”

These two new launches build on WMI’s flagship initiatives in the family office sector. In 2021, WMI established the Global-Asia Family Office Circle to create a trusted environment for fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the sector. In March 2023, WMI launched the Impact Philanthropy Partnership (IPP) in collaboration with the Private Banking Industry Group (PBIG) and with the support of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The IPP aims to build greater awareness of and momentum for philanthropy and impact capital among family offices.

For more information about the Family Office Discovery Series and other initiatives by WMI, please visit www.wmi.edu.sg.

Hashtag: #WealthManagementInstitute



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

About Wealth Management Institute

Established in 2003, the Wealth Management Institute (WMI) is committed to building capabilities for investing in a better tomorrow. Founded by GIC and Temasek, our vision is to be Asia’s Centre of Excellence for wealth and asset management education and research. WMI is appointed as Singapore’s Lead Training Provider for Private Banking by the Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore (IBF) and supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). WMI also helms the Global-Asia Family Office Circle, a network platform that fosters a trusted environment to build capabilities and community in the family office sector.

WMI provides a comprehensive suite of practice-based certification and diploma programmes and collaborates with leading universities for Master’s qualifications. With over 20,000 annual enrolments, WMI provides training in asset management, wealth management, family office, compliance and risk management across more than 100 programmes.

About WMI’s Family Office Discovery Series

The Family Office Discovery Series, developed by WMI with support from EDB and MAS, aims to deepen integration among family offices in Singapore. It aims to help family offices:

    1. Understand the local investment and social impact landscape so that they can home in on areas of interest and fast track engagement.
    2. Become active members of our venture community and be connected to promising research and tech innovations by Singapore’s start-up communities and research institutes, with opportunities to support scaling of promising new ideas.
    3. Build new networks in Singapore and find like-minded, trusted partners for co-investments.

Through the Series, family principals and single family offices are given exposure to a spectrum of opportunities as well as peer sharing from other family offices. Individual ‘Discovery Sessions’ will be held on a regular basis throughout the year, starting with two session during October 2023.

About WMI’s Family Office Risk Management and Controls Programme
The Family Office Risk Management and Controls Programme is an upcoming programme that aims to build capabilities in the family office ecosystem, to maintain and safeguard Singapore’s position as an international financial centre with high standards of transparency and compliance risk management and controls. The programme will enable participants to understand the regulatory environment for family offices, examine key legal and regulatory risks and identify solutions to mitigate these risks.

This programme is relevant for parties within the family office ecosystem including financial institutions servicing family offices, wealth managers, law firms, trust companies as well as family office professionals, advisors and partners.

To register interest in the Family Office Risk Management and Controls Programme, visit: .

Authorities Destroy LAK 76 Million Worth of Illegally Imported Pork, Buffalo Skin in Vientiane

Vientiane authorities destroyed 4,405 kg of illegally produced, imported, and sold buffalo skin and pork products worth nearly LAK 76 million at a disposal site in Vientiane Capital on 11 September 2023 (Photo: Lao Security News)

Vientiane officials destroyed 4,405 kg of illegally imported buffalo skin and pork products worth nearly LAK 76 million at a disposal site on 11 September.

G-SHOCK Celebrates 40th Anniversary with 88rising with Pop-Up Tour Across Southeast Asia, showcasing 40 Years Journey of Being “Rooted in Toughness”

Immerse in the realm of 40th Anniversary lineup watches, Masterpiece timepieces and exclusive exhibition in conjunction with 88rising as G-SHOCK defines their evolution of toughness over the years.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 12 September 2023 – Marking a remarkable milestone in 40th anniversary celebrations this year, G-SHOCK, distinguished for its groundbreaking timepieces, is set to captivate audiences at its regional pop-up tour, with Singapore as its first stop.

The pop-up will showcase the G-SHOCK 40th Anniversary line up including the Clear Remix series, Remaster Black series, Recrystallized series, Adventurer’s Stone series, Flare Red series and G-SHOCK x Eric Haze collaboration watch.

Rooted in the spirit of Toughness that G-SHOCK has become synonymous with, this pop-up event will transport visitors through an immersive journey, akin to time travel, providing them with a glimpse into the evolution of toughness. Starting from the birth of the pioneering G-SHOCK DW-5600C in 1983, which marked a milestone in digital watch technology, to its current iconic status as a symbol of both durability and innovation (GA-2100), visitors will have the chance to witness the brand’s incredible transformation.

In collaboration with renowned music collective, 88rising, the pop-up will showcase an exclusive display of artist portraits featuring iconic figures such as Rich Brian, Warren Hue, Spence Lee, Dumbfounded, Ylona Garcia, Milli, Atarashii Gakko!, Niki and Stephanie Poetri. These portraits exemplify the synergy between the artist’s roots of origin and representation of modern toughness, embodying the essence of G-SHOCK’s legacy. G-SHOCK also breaks the record for the number of 88rising artists featured in a brand campaign.

At the pop-up, attendees can acquire exclusive G-SHOCK x 88rising limited edition t-shirts, priced at SGD 39 each. These unique t-shirts are solely available during the event and are subject to stock availability.

The G-SHOCK “Rooted in Toughness” S.E.A pop-up tour is set to create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere that resonates with both G-SHOCK and 88rising fans and youths regionally, while also introducing a new generation to the brand’s legacy.

S.E.A pop-up tour schedule:

● Singapore: 16 – 30 September 2023 @ ION Orchard, Singapore

● Malaysia: 23 – 29 October 2023 @ Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur

● Indonesia: 11 – 22 October 2023 @ Central Park, Jakarta

● Thailand: 16 – 31 October 2023 @ CENTRALWORLD, Bangkok

● Philippines: 13 – 20 October 2023 @ BGC High Street, Manila

For more information: https://gshock.casio.com/sg/thats-tough/rooted-in-toughness/

Hashtag: #GSHOCK #Casio


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

ABOUT G-SHOCK

Built from a mission by creator Mr. Ibe to create the unbreakable watch, G-SHOCK is the watch that stunned the world with a concept for toughness that defied conventional watchmaking logic. G-SHOCK creates technologically advanced watches that can resist gravity, freezing temperatures, high water pressure and magnetic fields, watches built to last forever through a constant pursuit of toughness. Launched in 1983, G-SHOCK celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 2018 and its watches have sold over 100 million in over 100 countries during that time. The G-SHOCK Premium collection uses the highest standards of engineering and rigorous testing at its design centre in Yamagata, Japan, to ensure that every piece remains true to the original concept, whilst a combination of fine materials and styling deliver the ultimate in luxury timepieces. News about Casio G-SHOCK is available at:

ABOUT CASIO

Casio Computer Co., Ltd. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics products and business equipment solutions. Since its establishment in 1946, Casio has strived to realize its corporate creed of “creativity and contribution” through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. Today, Casio’s offerings include timepieces, electronic dictionaries, calculators, musical instruments, system equipment, and others.

Crayon Fortifies ‘Journey to Value’ for Partners with Extended Cybersecurity Services

Amid 43% of Cyber Attacks Targeting SMBs and Only 14% Prepared, Crayon’s New Security Assessments Fortify Revenue Streams and Offering to Partners

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach – 12 September 2023 – Crayon, a global leader in IT services and innovation today announced the inclusion of two targeted security assessment services as part of its commitment to the ‘Journey to Value’ initiative aimed at optimizing value and revenue for channel partners. These assessment services deliver significant insights to an organisation’s cybersecurity strength and resilience and offers risk mitigation measures to reduce exposure to threats, prevent data breaches, protect business reputation, and ensure compliance with regulation.

Today, 43% of cyber-attacks are aimed at SMBs, yet only 14% are adequately equipped to face such attacks, according to Accenture’s Cybercrime study.

“While 70% of SMBs plan to migrate to cloud-based solutions in the next two years, our Future of Operations study revealed that over half lack the necessary security protocols. These new services are not just an add-on but a fundamental part of our ‘Journey to Value’ initiative to empower our partners holistically,” said Warren Nolan, SVP Channel and Strategy at Crayon, addressing the urgency and the mismatch in preparedness. “The new security offerings aim to enable resellers, managed service providers (MSPs), independent software vendors (ISVs), and system integrators (SIs) to upgrade their cybersecurity measures effectively.”

Crayon is introducing two comprehensive assessments: Cloud Security Assessments and Essential Eight Maturity Assessments.

Cloud Security Assessments aim to assess security vulnerabilities in Microsoft 365 and Azure environments. Partners receive a detailed report that spells out both immediate and long-term actions for security improvements, enabling them to offer a full-spectrum IT solution to end customers.

Essential Eight Maturity Assessments, on the other side, operate under guidelines from the Australian Cyber Security Centre, evaluating eight core cyber security mitigation strategies, offering partners a vehicle for providing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, thereby meeting their end customers’ holistic IT needs.

“In an environment where the risk is high and preparation is low, it is vital organisations have visibility into their security posture and clear guidance on prioritised improvement. The current skills and resource gap in the market poses significant challenges to our partners in delivering these types of services. Now we can do the heavy lifting for our partners, providing them with the tools they need to improve their customers cybersecurity and add new revenue streams,” said Scott Hagenus, Security Solutions Director at Crayon APAC.

Supplemented by a robust team of over 35 cybersecurity experts, Crayon’s assessments are designed to be an extension of partner capabilities, enhancing rather than competing with them.

“Having previously worked as a reseller, I hold a deep understanding of the challenges our partners encounter within their solutions toolkit. I’m genuinely delighted that we have the opportunity to play a role in bridging this skills gap through our channel security services,” said Joel Ramirez, Channel Commercial Director APAC at Crayon “Our primary aim is to guarantee the utmost safety for their customers’ invaluable data. These newly introduced assessments hold a dual advantage for our partners. They not only provide an additional revenue stream but this toolkit enables partners to proficiently address the end-to-end security and compliance requirements of their customers.”

Crayon announced recently the addition of Backup as a Service to its Partner portfolio and will continue to add services aimed at closing gaps to empower its partner’s IT offerings.

Hashtag: #Crayon

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

Crayon

Crayon is a customer-centric innovation and IT services company with over 3,800 team members across 46 countries. We optimize businesses’ IT estate to help them innovate with expertise they can trust. Our services create value for companies to thrive today, and scale for tomorrow. For more information, visit .

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Arrives in Russia Before Expected Meeting With Putin

This Sunday, 10 September 2023, photo provided by the North Korean government, shows that North Korea leader Kim Jong Un greets attendants in Pyongyang, North Korea, before boarding on a train to Russia. (Photo: Korean Central News Agency via AP)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Joined by his top military officials handling his nuclear-capable weapons and munitions factories, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia on Tuesday, where he is expected to hold a rare meeting with President Vladimir Putin that has sparked Western concerns about a potential arms deal for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.