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Ricoh named in TIME World’s Best Companies of 2025 for employee engagement, growth and sustainability

TOKYO, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ricoh Company, Ltd., today announced it has been named in the World’s Best Companies 2025 list, compiled by TIME and Statista. The ranking recognises 1,000 organisations worldwide for outstanding performance across three areas: employee satisfaction, revenue growth and sustainability transparency. Ricoh’s placement underscores its commitment to creating a workplace where employees can find fulfilment through work — ranking in the top 26% of overall and 11th in the IT, Electronics, Hardware & Equipment sector for employee satisfaction. This marks Ricoh’s second inclusion on TIME World’s Best Companies list, following its inclusion in 2023.

“I believe that supporting our customers on their fulfilment through work journey begins with our employees experiencing it themselves. This year’s recognition on TIME’s World’s Best Companies list reflects our employees’ high engagement and dedication to driving innovation in workplace services and promoting sustainability,” said Akira Oyama, president and CEO, Ricoh Company, Ltd. “I am extremely proud of how they support our customers in both improving productivity and fostering creativity. By aligning ESG with business growth, Ricoh will continue to strengthen the trust our customers, partners and communities have in us, and fundamentally pursue our Mission and Vision: Fulfilment through Work.”

The World’s Best Companies ranking is based on a comprehensive methodology that evaluates companies across three equally weighted dimensions:

  • Employee Satisfaction: Surveys were conducted in more than 50 countries, drawing on anonymous responses from about 200,000 employees via online panels. The assessment included direct and indirect employer recommendations and employee ratings covering image, atmosphere, working conditions, salary, workplace and equality.
  • Revenue Growth: Eligible companies generated at least US $100 million in revenue in 2023 or 2024 and demonstrated positive revenue growth from 2021 to 2023 or 2022 to 2024.
  • Sustainability: Assessed using standardised KPIs from Statista’s ESG Database and targeted research.

This recognition adds to other honours Ricoh received from TIME in 2025, including World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025, focused on ESG performance and transparency, and the Asia-Pacific’s Best Companies 2025, highlighting leading companies in the region. Together, these inclusions reflect TIME’s recognition of Ricoh from multiple perspectives: global overall performance, sustainability leadership and regional excellence in the Asia-Pacific.

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About Ricoh

Ricoh is a leading provider of integrated digital services and print and imaging solutions designed to support the digital transformation of workplaces, workspaces and optimise business performance.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh’s global operation reaches customers in approximately 200 countries and regions, supported by cultivated knowledge, technologies, and organisational capabilities nurtured over its 85-year history. In the financial year ended March 2025, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,527 billion yen (approx. 16.8 billion USD).

It is Ricoh’s mission and vision to empower individuals to find ‘Fulfilment through Work’ by understanding and transforming how people work so we can unleash their potential and creativity to realise a sustainable future.

For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com

© 2025 RICOH ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies.

CNN’s Blueprint spotlights the innovators propelling Mongolia into a digital future

HONG KONG, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — For many, Mongolia is a destination to explore its vast wilderness and disconnect from the outside world. For Mongolians, however, connectivity is everything. With 3.5 million people and 5 million active phone numbers, digital life is thriving – especially in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. CNN’s Blueprint examines how the booming startup scene led by young Mongolian innovators is reshaping people’s lives and driving solutions to pressing issues like pollution, congestion and climate change.

CNN’s Blueprint spotlights the innovators propelling Mongolia into a digital future
CNN’s Blueprint spotlights the innovators propelling Mongolia into a digital future

Among Mongolia’s standout innovators is the team behind UBCab, a local ride-hailing startup tackling Ulaanbaatar’s urban navigation challenges. By combining Google Maps data with custom input based on local landmarks and unofficial addresses, UBCab has developed a tailored mapping system that brings greater efficiency to the city’s transportation network. Another local startup, Tapatrip, is a travel and transport platform designed to allow locals and tourists alike to explore Mongolia with greater convenience. With plans for global expansion, CEO Erdenechimeg Davaasuren hopes this will become Mongolia’s first billion-dollar startup.

The surge in mobile connectivity also sets the stage for a new era of online commerce in Mongolia. Shoppy, launched in 2017 by Mendbayar Tseveen, integrates global marketplaces and serves as a ticketing platform for major events like the Playtime Music Festival. Another ecommerce platform, Stora, led by Enkhjin Otgonbayar, connects Mongolian consumers to products from Chinese and American marketplaces through its fully integrated logistics platform that optimises shipping lead times.

In addition to digital innovation, Mongolian entrepreneurs are also tackling climate change through sustainable infrastructure. Oyuka Munkhbat and Batmunkh Myagmardorj, co-founders of Airee, developed the country’s first biodegradable wool air filters to address the issue of worsening indoor air pollution.

As well, efforts to build greener physical infrastructure are also gaining momentum. Mongolia now boasts its first LEED Platinum-certified building, featuring advanced insulation, solar panels, and energy-efficient HVAC systems. The building is home to IM Motors, where Gantulkhuur Bekhbat, CEO of MMS, is championing a vision of an energy-independent Mongolia, powered by sustainable infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Blueprint trailer: https://bit.ly/3VR1Ntu
Blueprint images: https://bit.ly/4puWYDT

Airtimes for 30-minute special:
Saturday, 20th September at 12:30pm HKT
Sunday, 21st September at 11am and 6pm HKT
Monday, 22nd September at 1:30am HKT

About CNN International 

CNN’s portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV, digital and mobile platforms, reaching more than 379 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America and has a US presence that includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news, mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint, with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships, commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. Around 1,000 hours of long-form series, documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI’s non-news programming division. CNN has 36 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

The 22nd CAEXPO and CABIS Open in Nanning, Guangxi


NANNING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 September 2025 – On September 17, the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit opened in Nanning, Guangxi. The theme of this year’s expo and summit is “Digital Intelligence and Innovation empower Development – Leveraging ASEAN-China FTA 3.0 new opportunities for an even closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future,” attended by Chinese and foreign leaders, government officials, ASEAN ambassadors to China, and other representatives.

The 22nd CAEXPO and CABIS Open in Nanning, Guangxi

This year marks the signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Protocol and the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Through high-level dialogues such as the opening ceremony, leaders from China and ASEAN countries will focus on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and ASEAN, promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and forging broader strategic consensus on cooperation, further enhancing political mutual trust and advancing the building of a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Significantly different from previous years, artificial intelligence (AI) takes center stage for the first time at this grand event, introducing three landmark innovations: the inaugural AI-themed pavilion, the debut of the “AI for Exhibitions” intelligent agent, and the first China-ASEAN Ministerial Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence.

The powerful “AI magnetic field” is drawing global attention. This year’s event brings together over 3,200 enterprises from 60 countries, with Myanmar and Sri Lanka serving as the theme country and special partner, respectively. From exhibition halls to forums, from official agendas to business negotiations, “AI” has become the most frequently mentioned keyword at this expo and summit, signaling that China-ASEAN cooperation is entering a new “digital intelligence” era.

Hashtag: #CAEXPO #CABIS

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

Huawei Unveils Fully Upgraded AI-Centric Xinghe Intelligent Network, Accelerating Intelligent Transformation Across Industries

SHANGHAI, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — During HUAWEI CONNECT 2025, Huawei hosted the data communication innovation summit themed “Xinghe Intelligent Network: Shaping Intelligent Connectivity in the AI Era.” At the event, Leon Wang, President of Huawei’s Data Communication Product Line, announced the fully upgraded AI-centric Xinghe Intelligent Network Solution. This solution features a three-layer architecture—AI-centric brain, AI-centric connectivity, and AI-centric devices—to accelerate the deep integration of AI and networks. It provides enterprises with diverse scenario-specific connectivity services and experiences, such as zero packet loss, high throughput, deterministic low latency, and all-scenario zero-trust security. Guided by the philosophy of AI-ready networks, AI-powered networks, and AI-powered security, this solution unlocks all intelligence across industries.

Leon Wang, President of Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, delivering a keynote speech
Leon Wang, President of Huawei’s Data Communication Product Line, delivering a keynote speech

AI is reshaping the world at unprecedented speed, transforming enterprise operations and posing three major demands for networks: efficient computing power release, assured service experience, and protection against unknown threats. In response, Huawei’s Xinghe Intelligent Network adopts an AI-centric three-layer architecture to fully empower four core solutions: Xinghe AI Campus, Xinghe Intelligent WAN, Xinghe AI Fabric 2.0, and Xinghe AI Network Security—turbocharging intelligent transformation across industries.

  • Xinghe AI Campus extends security from the digital world to the physical world, building a campus with full-scope security. Specifically, Huawei’s Wi-Fi Shield and unauthorized access prevention technologies launched last year effectively address air interface and endpoint access security. To counter hidden camera threats, Huawei introduces the industry’s first spycam-detecting wireless access point (AP), capable of accurately identifying hidden cameras and protecting trade secrets and privacy 24/7. In executive offices, R&D labs, and other critical areas, Wi-Fi sensing enables centimeter-level micro-motion detection, accurately identifying human presence and ensuring seamless, full-coverage spatial security.
  • Xinghe AI Fabric 2.0 provides intelligent assurance for general-purpose computing and AI computing, fully unleashing computing power. In general-purpose computing scenarios, unified simulation of switches and security devices shortens new service rollouts from 7 days to 5 minutes. A single device supports real-time sensing of over 200,000 service flows, enabling detection of any faults in seconds. In AI computing scenarios, Huawei’s in-house AI sensing and unified training-inference scheduling engine enables agile switching between training and inference roles of GPUs, achieving 100% compute utilization and a 10% boost in inference performance. Huawei also introduces a unique four-plane architecture with two-layer cluster networking to support 100,000 GPUs, reducing costs by 40% compared to traditional three-layer designs and building an optimal AI computing foundation.
  • Xinghe Intelligent WAN enables high-capacity, integrated computing-network services, delivering on-demand computing power for enterprises. It offers intelligent enterprise private line services in two editions (Basic and Pro), and leverages the lossless Starnet algorithm and Starnet vector engine to achieve zero-packet-loss transmission over long distances and computing efficiency loss below 5% while keeping sensitive data on-premises. This solution significantly reduces initial investment, supports elastic scaling, and ensures both data security and efficient compute utilization.
  • Xinghe AI Network Security centers on “AI vs. AI” to build an all-scenario AI zero-trust security foundation. Huawei has trained comprehensive AI security models using massive amounts of data from over 100 cloud nodes around the globe. This helps achieve a 95% detection rate for unknown threats—an industry-leading figure. With Huawei’s in-house AI Core (dedicated computing power), these AI security models are integrated into local firewalls. This capability, combined with the Emulator engine for unpacking virus variants, identifies and blocks threats in real time.

Additionally, Huawei NetMaster, a network agent that enables 24/7 autonomous operations and maintenance (O&M) through AI, ensures zero network interruptions and reliable connectivity. It accurately senses AP deployment locations, environmental interference, and terminal experience. Upon detecting typical Wi-Fi issues such as weak coverage or high interference, it calculates and executes optimal solutions across coverage, interference, and load dimensions. In this way, 80% of wireless faults can be automatically resolved.

At the summit, Huawei also unveiled joint innovation achievements with top industry customers including Tsinghua University, Peking University, Shandong University, and iFLYTEK, and announced global showcases with industry pioneers like Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau, Shenzhen Welkin School, China Pacific Insurance (Group) Co., Ltd., and Resorts World Sentosa (Singapore). These benchmark cases span education, electric power, finance, and key enterprise sectors, setting an example for global digital and intelligent transformation.

Adhering to the philosophy of “AI for All, All on IP”, Huawei will continue to innovate and upgrade its Xinghe Intelligent Network products and solutions, and collaborate with global customers and partners to build AI-centric networks and jointly shape the intelligent era.

Vantage Celebrates 4.5-Star Rating on Trustpilot, Strengthening Client Confidence

PORT VILA, Vanuatu, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Markets, a leading multi-asset broker, is proud to announce its 4.5-star Trustpilot TrustScore, backed by over 9,000 client reviews, and growing, a clear indicator of its positive standing in the trading community.

Vantage Celebrates 4.5-Star Rating on Trustpilot, Strengthening Client Confidence
Vantage Celebrates 4.5-Star Rating on Trustpilot, Strengthening Client Confidence

Trustpilot is widely regarded as a benchmark for transparency and client satisfaction. By achieving a 4.5-star rating, Vantage demonstrates its ongoing commitment to delivering reliable trading services and building long-term relationships with its clients.

“Reaching 4.5 stars from thousands of reviews underscores the high level of trust our clients place in us,” said Marc Despallieres, CEO of Vantage Markets. “This milestone reinforces our mission to deliver an exceptional trading experience through innovation, reliability, and client-first service.”

The recognition comes at a time when transparency and reliability are increasingly important to traders worldwide. For clients who are new to trading or considering their first steps, it provides a reference point on overall client sentiment.

This accomplishment was built upon Vantage’s earlier milestone, when it surpassed 5,000 Trustpilot reviews—an occasion that solidified its reputation as a client-rated trading partner.

Vantage continues to leverage client feedback to propel enhancements across its platforms, aiming for seamless experience, excellent customer service, and a transparent, supportive trading environment.

For more information about Vantage’s services and achievements, visit Vantage Markets.

About Vantage 

Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a reliable trading platform, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that provides clients with access to trading opportunities. 

trade smarter @vantage

RISK WARNING: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Ensure you understand the risks before trading.

Disclaimer: The figures mentioned are accurate as of the time of writing and may change as new reviews are submitted. Trustpilot reviews reflect individual client experiences and do not constitute investment advice. Vantage Global Limited is regulated by the VFSC. Clients are responsible for ensuring that access to Vantage’s services is permitted in their jurisdiction before engaging with the platform. This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an offer, or solicitation of any financial products or services. The content is not intended for residents of any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. Readers are advised to seek independent professional advice before making any investment or financial decisions. Any reliance you place on the information presented is strictly at your own risk.

Grvt Raises $19M to Pioneer Privacy-First Onchain Finance and Unlock Trillion-Dollar Markets

PANAMA CITY, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Grvt, the preeminent DEX (decentralized exchange) for onchain financial privacy that is powered by zero-knowledge (“ZK”) technology, today announced the close of a $19 million Series A funding round. This investment strengthens Grvt’s pioneering position as the global blueprint for the future of finance, accelerating its mission to disrupt the fragmented onchain finance ecosystem by addressing longstanding industry challenges, including privacy vulnerabilities, security, scalability and accessibility.

As Wall Street embraces blockchain technology, the next chapter of global finance is being written, and it’s happening onchain. In August, Ethereum’s onchain volume reached over $320 billion, its highest level since mid-2021. Research also projects the DeFi sector to surge from $32.36 billion in 2025 to over $1.5 trillion by 2034.

However, this potential remains untapped due to critical concerns raised by a surge of issues on decentralized platforms. These issues include “whale hunting”, where large trades are front-run or exploited by sophisticated actors scanning the mempool. Such tactics lead to billions in annual losses from maximum extractable value (MEV) attacks and other manipulative tactics. Further challenges include smart contract exploits, compliance hurdles on public chains, a siloed onchain ecosystem, and a lack of ease of use for everyday people.

Grvt is the only player in the field with a solid head start and tech infrastructure to change that. The Series A round was co-led by Grvt’s foundational technology partner ZKsync; Further Ventures, a leading capital markets infrastructure investment firm based in Abu Dhabi, which also led the strategic investment round into Grvt (deal closed last December); EigenCloud (fka EigenLayer), a verifiable cloud platform that lets developers build any application; and 500 Global (formerly 500 Startups), a venture capital firm with $2.3B in AUM investing in founders with a global outlook building fast-growing startups.

Majority of the funds raised will accelerate Grvt’s multi-pronged product strategy, designed to serve both active traders and passive investors. This unique approach is absent from the current exchange scene, solidifying Grvt’s unrivaled position to dominate and unify the fragmented onchain financial landscape and bring it to mainstream. Key pipelines include:

  • Fixed Yield Generation Flywheel: An industry-first yield vehicle that lets users effortlessly move funds between their funding, trading, and vault accounts, and maximize returns.
  • Infrastructure: Keep strengthening Grvt’s privacy-by-default infrastructure which is lacking in the industry.
  • Stablecoin-Enabled System: A robust stablecoin business foundation, including cross-exchange vaults and real-world asset (RWA) integrations.

The remaining funds will fuel community initiatives and talent acquisition to drive global expansion.

Hong Yea, co-founder and CEO at Grvt, commented: “Onchain finance has been held back by privacy gaps that expose users to exploitation. By building a privacy-driven, scalable, and trustless DEX that offers a wide array of structured products, Grvt exemplifies how ZK-powered solutions will become the new normal for everyone, realizing the vision of an open and secure onchain finance world.”

Alex Gluchoski, co-founder and CEO at Matter Labs, commented: “We believe ZK is the ‘HTTPS moment’ for crypto. Just as HTTPS took the internet mainstream by adding a layer of trust and privacy, ZK will do the same for Web3. Grvt is uniquely positioned to be the most liquid and impactful application layer to help realize this vision, their dedication and progress excellently demonstrates how ZK can bring onchain finance to mainstream.”

Faisal Al Hammadi, Managing Partner, Further Ventures, “Further Ventures is committed to backing the next generation of financial infrastructure from Abu Dhabi to the world. Grvt’s application of zero-knowledge proofs demonstrates how cutting-edge cryptography can underpin markets at institutional scale, and we are proud to support their vision for a truly borderless financial system.”

Sreeram Kannan, Founder and CEO at Eigen Labs, “Verifiable data powers verifiable compute, and with EigenDA now at 100 MB/s, the bottleneck has shifted from data to compute. Grvt is tackling that frontier head-on. Their ambitious vision is matched by the caliber of their team, and we’re thrilled to back them alongside ZKSync in bringing onchain finance to cloud scale with the security and privacy it requires.”

Min Kim, General Partner at 500 Global, commented: “We believe the next frontier of finance will be built onchain, and privacy is a foundational element to unlock its full potential. Grvt’s vision of combining ZK technology with institutional-grade infrastructure aligns strongly with our thesis of backing global founders who are re-architecting core financial systems. We’re excited to partner with Grvt as they set a new standard for secure, private, and accessible onchain markets.”

A Collective Charge to Lead and Consolidate Onchain Finance

By implementing zero-knowledge (“ZK”) technology and integrating with the ZKsync technology which has been explored in proofs-of-concept by leading institutions like Deutsche Bank, UBS and more, Grvt is uniquely positioned as a blockchain-native global blueprint for what ZK is able to achieve for finance, making everyday trading and investing secure, fast, private, and accessible. This is how the ZKsync Stack helps solve key bottlenecks when bringing finance onchain:

  • Privacy: Grvt runs a ZKsync Validium L2 blockchain that validates L2 state without publishing it, thereby ensuring privacy, an issue that has long plagued most DeFi protocols.
  • Ethereum-level Security: With ZK proofs, L2 transactions inherit Ethereum-level security. Every batch of transactions is verified directly on Ethereum, this means that even though transactions are processed off-chain for speed and low cost, their validity is mathematically guaranteed. If any transaction were invalid, the proof would fail and Ethereum would reject it.
  • Scalability: The ZKsync Stack improves scalability by operating as a L2 solution, enabling the processing of significantly more transactions than Ethereum’s base layer.
  • Accessibility: ZKsync technology makes transactions cheaper by handling them off-chain in bulk and only posting the essential proofs to Ethereum’s base layer, cutting settlement costs dramatically.

As a key investment arm of Abu Dhabi’s strategic push into the blockchain space, Further Ventures’ co-leadership of the Series A round consolidates its leading position as a critical force in shaping onchain finance globally.

As one of the fastest-growing developer ecosystems in crypto, EigenCloud’s EigenDA, the #1 data availability solution for Ethereum rollups, provides Grvt with the scale and security needed to operate at cloud speed. By anchoring data to a decentralized validator network, EigenDA ensures that Grvt’s ZK stack remains both verifiable and scalable. Looking ahead, Grvt will also tap into EigenDA’s programmable privacy features, which resolve the long-standing paradox between data availability and privacy. This breakthrough allows Grvt to combine data availability with privacy guarantees, an achievement once thought impossible.

Looking Ahead

Building on Grvt’s innovative foundation, which has already delivered several industry firsts – such as a -1 bps maker fee rebate for all maker orders (a benefit traditionally reserved for institutions) – the immediate next step is the launch of our fixed-yield product. This product will ensure a 10% interest rate return for all users. We will also introduce our flagship market-making strategy, the Grvt Liquidity Provider (GLP), a fund strategy that provides high double-digit APRs, which was once inaccessible to retail traders.

Amid the industry’s rapid growth, this funding round establishes a robust, multi-layered foundation. It combines cutting-edge technology, institutional-grade infrastructure, and a secure data framework to create a platform that solidifies its strong position in the increasingly crowded onchain financial space.

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Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies carry high risks. This content is not a distribution of, or an offer or solicitation to provide, financial services or products, nor a representation as to their suitability or legality for you. Grvt is not a regulated entity and your funds are not subject to regulatory protection. Before making any decision based on this content, please seek financial and legal advice, and carefully review our Risk Disclosure and Disclaimer in full.

Grvt Strategies: Grvt provides technology solutions and smart contract infrastructure for digital asset management but does not offer financial, investment, or advisory services. Grvt does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee the performance or suitability of any investment strategies made available through the Strategies platform. All investment strategies are developed and managed independently by third-party strategy providers. Grvt does not assume any responsibility or liability for the performance of such strategies or any losses incurred by users. Users are solely responsible for evaluating and accepting the risks associated with any investment decisions made through the Strategies platform.

About Grvt

Grvt (pronounced “gravity”) is an onchain financial platform built on the ZKsync Stack that ensures private, trustless, scalable and secure infrastructure. Through its decentralized exchange (“Grvt Exchange”) and investment marketplace (“Grvt Strategies”), Grvt enables everyday people to trade, invest, and grow wealth transparently alongside world-class professionals.

Grvt official website: https://Grvt.io/

Social and Community: X | LinkedIn | Telegram | Discord

About ZKsync

ZKsync is the pioneering ZK technology powering the next generation of builders with limitless scale. Secured by math and designed for native interoperability, ZKsync enables the Elastic Network—an ever-expanding network of customizable chains.

Your gateway to the accelerating digital economy, ZKsync is used by leading banks, institutions, and companies to future-proof their financial infrastructure. Built on Ethereum, ZKsync delivers the privacy, scalability, and compliance needed to issue assets, power payments, and launch new financial products—giving you a secure foundation to grow with confidence.

About Further Ventures

Further Ventures builds and invests in companies shaping the future of financial markets.

Through a global platform rooted in emerging economies, Further connects next-generation financial infrastructure with global capital markets. Our portfolio companies enable institutional partners to securely store and transfer assets, trade structured products, secure decentralized networks, tokenize funds, and settle complex transactions with trustless precision.

From San Francisco to Hong Kong, founders choose Further as their institutional co-founder of choice. We make concentrated capital commitments, collaborate closely with regulators, and bring deep domain expertise to build category-defining companies at the frontier of finance.

Website: further.ae

About EigenCloud

EigenCloud is a developer cloud platform that lets developers build any application onchain or offchain, with cryptoeconomic trust. It is powered by the EIGEN token and secured by Ethereum; it unifies data, compute, and verification into a single developer experience, making anything verifiable onchain.

About 500 Global

500 Global is a venture capital firm with $2.3 billion in assets under management that invests early in founders building fast-growing technology companies. Since its inception, 500 Global has backed over 2,700 companies across 80+ countries, including 51+ unicorns such as Credit Karma, Canva, Grab, Bukalapak, GitLab, Solana, and Udemy. With a team of more than 190 professionals representing 25 nationalities, 500 Global is committed to uplifting people and economies around the world through entrepreneurship.

 

Cambodian PM Accuses Thai Forces of Evicting Civilians on Border

his handout photo taken and released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP) on September 17, 2025 shows Thai army and police preparing to lay barbed wire in a disputed area along the Cambodia-Thailand border in Banteay Meanchey province. Thai forces fired rubber bullets and tear gas during a stand-off with Cambodian protesters along their disputed border on September 17, Bangkok's military said, a move that Phnom Penh stated injured more than 20 people. Thai Army personnel were laying barbed wire on the border in Sa Kaeo when around 200 Cambodians gathered to protest, the Thai military said in a statement. (Photo by Handout / Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP) / AFP)

AFP – Cambodia’s leader Hun Manet has accused Thailand of preventing more than 20 families from returning to their homes on the disputed border, according to his letter to the head of the UN released on 18 September.

The Thai army said the Cambodian residents had “illegally occupied” Thai territory.

The Southeast Asian neighbours agreed a truce in late July following five days of clashes that killed at least 43 people on both sides, the latest eruption of a long-standing dispute over contested border temples on their 800-kilometre (500-mile) frontier.

Both sides have since traded accusations of ceasefire violations.

On Wednesday, 17 September, Thai forces fired rubber bullets and tear gas at several hundred Cambodian protesters during a stand-off in a disputed border village, a move that Phnom Penh said injured nearly 30 people, including a soldier and a Buddhist monk.

In a letter dated 17 September to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Hun Manet said Thai forces had “widened the conflict zone by erecting barbed wire and barricades”, and “forcibly” evicted Cambodian civilians from their “long-settled lands” in two border villages in northwestern Banteay Meanchey province since last month.

“Twenty-five families have already been blocked from their homes and fields,” Hun Manet wrote, adding that a Thai military spokesperson had threatened more evictions, “potentially affecting hundreds of households comprised of about a thousand inhabitants”.

Thai army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said in a statement Thursday that the Cambodian civilians involved in the violent incident the day before had “deliberately and illegally occupied Thai territory for an extended period”.

Winthai also accused Cambodian military personnel of failing to intervene on Wednesday as Cambodian villagers “carried long wooden sticks as makeshift weapons, showing intent to harm Thai officials and breach Thai barriers”.

Video released by the Thai military late Wednesday showed Thai security forces firing tear gas at several Cambodians, some of who flung long sticks towards Thai authorities and tried to remove barbed wire.

In his letter, Hun Manet told the UN chief that the Thai military had “an intention of using forces to seize territory at 17 other locations” along the shared border.

He also asked Malaysia, the current chair of the ASEAN regional bloc, to urge Thailand to refrain from using force against civilians and “halt planned forced evictions”.

July’s military clashes between Cambodia and Thailand were their deadliest in decades, with 300,000 people also forced to flee their homes along the border.


© Agence France-Presse

DIGITIMES ASIA Research Insights: Win-win alliance between Tesla and Samsung strengthens chip and foundry ambitions

TAIPEI, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tesla and Samsung have struck a US$16.5 billion chip deal seen as a win-win, with Samsung’s Texas fab set to produce Tesla’s next-gen AI6 chips. Tesla gains customized supply chain support, while Samsung strengthens its foundry credibility and expands its external client base.

Credit: AFP
Credit: AFP

Following an announcement by Samsung of a US$16.5 billion foundry deal with an unnamed client, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed on social media that Samsung’s new Texas fab will produce Tesla’s next-gen AI6 chip. Tesla will also aid in enhancing the plant’s production efficiency, spotlighting both Tesla’s chip plans and Samsung’s foundry goals.

Supply chain integration behind Tesla-Samsung partnership

For Tesla, the deal provides not only flexibility, risk diversification, and bargaining power but also benefits from customized cooperation and integrated supply chain support.

Tesla’s demand for advanced process chips goes beyond vehicles to include robots and AI applications. Unlike traditional chip designers, Tesla focuses on custom-designed chips optimized for its own products. To realize its vision and stay ahead in AI and “Physical AI,” Tesla requires strong manufacturing support and seamless supply chain coordination.

From a supply chain and customization standpoint, Samsung suits Tesla better than TSMC. Tesla’s EV sales, under 2 million annually, and the US$16.5 billion AI6 order over several years are modest for TSMC, limiting Tesla’s access to tailored services. Samsung, aiming to grow its foundry business, finds Tesla’s demand significant enough to warrant adjustments, explaining the focus on the AI6 rather than the AI5.

On another note, Samsung’s vertical integration business model means weaker product sales affect its overall revenue; therefore, partnering with Tesla helps bridge this gap, as Tesla’s focus on EVs and robotics complements Samsung’s main business. Beyond foundry services, Samsung could provide memory, batteries, and displays, boosting Tesla’s supply while ensuring demand for Samsung’s products.

Building confidence in Samsung’s Foundry through Tesla

For Samsung, teaming up with Tesla is less about quick profits and more about boosting its foundry business credibility. DIGITIMES foresees that Samsung and Intel are expected to capture around 10% and 9% of the global foundry market by 2025, mostly driven by internal demand—over 90% for Intel and at least 50% for Samsung. Attracting more external clients is essential for both companies.

Source: DIGITIMES, August 2025
Source: DIGITIMES, August 2025

Confidence is crucial for clients in foundry selection, as production issues affect revenues and strategies. Samsung will have to improve technology, yields, and secure flagship clients to revive its foundry business. Tesla’s US$16.5 billion order reflects trust in Samsung’s long-term capabilities and highlights its commitment to US manufacturing through the Taylor, Texas, fab.

In all, the deal is crucial for Tesla and Samsung, representing a strategic partnership beyond a simple contract, focusing on supply chain integration and foundry development. However, with Taylor’s 2nm production line only launching in 2026, the partnership’s future depends on production performance and yields.

CONTACT: joyce.siow@digitimes.com