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DBP Strikes Gold, Named Top Community-Centric Company in Asia with Third Consecutive ACES Award


BALI, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 December 2025 – The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) won the Gold Trophy for “Top Community-Centric Companies in Asia” at the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2025. This is DBP’s third consecutive win, elevating it to a higher distinction reserved only for organizations consistently setting the benchmark in community service and social impact.

Mario Rey T. Morales, Senior Vice President of the Development Bank of the Philippines, proudly receives recognition at the ACES Awards 2025 ceremony. The award celebrates DBP's leadership in driving sustainable economic progress in the region
Mario Rey T. Morales, Senior Vice President of the Development Bank of the Philippines, proudly receives recognition at the ACES Awards 2025 ceremony. The award celebrates DBP’s leadership in driving sustainable economic progress in the region

This award validates DBP’s unwavering commitment to its development mandate by driving inclusive growth and empowering communities. DBP was recognized for two key initiatives:

  1. Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program (APPP) where DBP acts as the financial executing agency in this rural empowerment program of the Department of Agriculture in partnership with the National Irrigation Administration, National Food Authority, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, Planters Products Inc., and Agricultural Credit Policy Council. APPP provides end-to-end support system for farmers, utilizing the Interventions Monitoring Card (IMC) that serves as ID cum cash card. It integrates affordable credit, input funding, free crop insurance, and market access via a transparent, digital closed-loop system for last-mile communities.
  2. 100-hectare Reforestation Project in partnership with Mindanao State University–Buug Campus and United Nations Development Programme. This project in Zamboanga Sibugay involves planting at least 24,000 trees (fruit bearing trees, endemic forest trees, and bamboo). It promotes environmental sustainability, estimated to sequester over 2,000 mt CO2 annually at full maturity (roughly equal to annual emissions of about 435 passenger vehicles). It also strengthens social cohesion and peacebuilding by providing sustainable livelihoods for former Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants.

Each initiative proves what is possible when financial innovation, strong collaboration, and a deep sense of public service converge. By fusing innovation with mission, DBP has become a model for transformative partnerships that create tangible, lasting change – delivering meaningful progress where it is needed most.

Looking ahead, DBP remains steadfast in its mission to champion inclusive and sustainable development. The Gold Trophy confirms DBP’s role not just as a financial institution but as a true partner in building a more resilient and equitable nation.

Hashtag: #ACESAwards #MORSGroup #Sustainability #Leadership #ACES2025

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

South Pacific Group, MidasVault, and HuiLink Unveil Next-Generation Fintech Solutions at 2025 Global Artificial Intelligence Machines and Electronics Expo

Strategic Partnership Transforms Cross-Border Payments to Fuel New Wave of International Commerce

HONG KONG, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 Global Artificial Intelligence Machines and Electronics Expo, hosted by the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce (CECC) and supported by leading government and industry bodies, was held from December 4-6 across Macau and Zhuhai. Under the theme “Bay Area Intelligence, Globally Embraced,” the event has established itself as one of the region’s most influential technology platforms, bringing together innovators and industry leaders to shape the future of intelligent commerce. Against this high-profile backdrop, South Pacific Group, MidasVault, and HuiLink, have joined forces to showcase a fully integrated cross-border payment ecosystem designed to empower cross-border businesses and accelerate international business growth.

For businesses seeking global expansion, traditional cross-border payment channels feature systemic constraints, characterised by lengthy settlement cycles, high transaction costs, and operational inefficiencies that limit scalability. According to latest industry insights, correspondent banking networks still dominate, resulting in long multi-day settlement times and high fees, particularly for SMEs. Typical business-to-business cross-border transactions can take between 2-5 days to clear due to compliance checks and fragmented infrastructure, while costs are further compounded by transaction fees and foreign exchange markups. These inefficiencies strain cash flow but also limit access to emerging markets where many businesses operate without robust banking infrastructure.

Pioneering an end-to-end cross-border payment ecosystem to streamline global transactions

The growing fragmentation of payment rails and regulatory complexity is accelerating the shift toward digital assets and tokenised money as businesses seek faster, more efficient, and cost-effective alternatives. Recognising this market evolution, South Pacific Group, MidasVault, and HuiLink have forged a strategic partnership to deliver next-generation solutions built on Web3 technology and digital assets. By combining their expertise, they have created a fully integrated, end-to-end payment ecosystem that streamlines transactions across all touchpoints. This holistic approach redefines global payment experiences by addressing the entire end-to-end payment journey. From on-ramp to off-ramp, the integrated next-gen ecosystem enables near real-time settlements while empowering businesses to scale internationally with confidence.

During the event, the partnership presented a comprehensive demonstration of the next-gen payment lifecycle, highlighting the seamless integration of each and every stage within the end-to-end ecosystem:

  • Payment Collection – HuiLink’s Digital Asset Payment Gateway provides businesses with a streamlined solution for accepting digital asset payments while supporting leading public blockchains and traditional fiat transactions. It delivers near-instant settlement, real-time balance visibility, and automated currency conversion, ensuring global liquidity without operational complexity. To strengthen this capability, HuiLink integrates its Embedded Compliance framework, which incorporates advanced KYC and AML screenings performed by trusted third-party providers directly at the protocol level. This seamless combination of payment innovation and compliance automation provides robust support for regulatory and compliance requirements, enabling frictionless onboarding while safeguarding user privacy — making cross-border payment collection fast and trusted.

  • Transaction Flow – South Pacific Group powers the core infrastructure of the payment journey through its Integrated Asset Management Platform, designed for real-time liquidity orchestration and multi-market settlement at scale. Leveraging blockchain-based transparency and smart contract automation, the platform facilitates efficient reconciliation, enhances risk management, and supports compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Its architecture enables the routing of both digital assets and fiat currencies, improving transaction speed and cost efficiency while maintaining strong security and audit capabilities. This integrated approach helps address fragmentation in cross-border payment flows, creating a streamlined network with a trusted fintech infrastructure.
  • Settlement & Payout – MidasVault’s Multi-Channel Payout Solutions provide businesses with rapid, flexible access to funds worldwide. Supporting both digital assets and traditional fiat, the platform offers virtual and physical cards powered by major networks, supporting acceptance in over 200 countries and regions. Businesses can benefit from rapid card issuance, seamless currency conversion, and automated exchange rate optimisation, making cross-border payments as smooth as domestic transactions. With built-in compliance and audit reporting, MidasVault streamlines cross-border settlements, including payroll, supplier payments, and marketing spend, empowering businesses to operate efficiently and securely worldwide.

Together, these three pillars form a holistic, end-to-end ecosystem that bridges traditional finance and Web3 – all while complementing existing financial infrastructures. The strategic partnership empowers businesses to scale globally with confidence, unlocking new opportunities in regions where traditional infrastructure has struggled to keep pace.

Speaking at the event, Ting Zhang, Vice President, South Pacific Group, shared, “Cross-border payments today demand more than just speed – they require trust, compliance, and collaboration. At South Pacific Group, we are building next-generation infrastructure that leverages digital technologies and blockchain to create a collaborative platform suitable for fast, secure settlement, embedding compliance and transparency at every layer to help businesses scale globally with confidence. Together with our partners, we are reshaping the future of global payment, making cross-border transactions seamless and ready for the next era of commerce.”

As global commerce enters a new era, this partnership serves as a strategic bridge between businesses and next-generation digital ecosystems. By leveraging blockchain and advanced technologies, South Pacific Group, MidasVault, and HuiLink reaffirm their commitment to creating a future where cross-border transactions are near-instant and globally accessible, paving the way for a truly connected future and unlocking new opportunities in the evolving digital economy.

About South Pacific Group

South Pacific Group is a fintech group committed to building next-generation infrastructure for the digital economy. Headquartered in Hong Kong and backed by the Vanuatu Department of Finance and Treasury, the Group leverages advanced blockchain technology to support efficient digital transactions across trading, payments, and cross-border commerce. Established to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the digital economy, South Pacific Group is fostering trust, compliance, and market confidence across industries, driving the adoption of Web3 technologies across Asia-Pacific and beyond.

About MidasVault

MidasVault is a paytech innovator unlocking the potential of digital assets for everyday use. Supporting both digital assets and fiat, MidasVault offers virtual and physical cards accepted in over 200 countries and integrated with leading payment platforms such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and LINE Pay. Built on institutional-grade security, the MidasVault Card delivers instant access, 24/7 monitoring, and premium benefits – all without staking requirements – for a seamless Web3 experience.

For more information, please visit: https://www.midasvault.com/

About HuiLink

HuiLink is a pioneering global payment gateway designed to bridge traditional finance and the digital economy. The platform enables near-instant settlement, real-time balance visibility, and automated currency conversion to ensure global liquidity without operational complexity. Its Embedded Compliance framework integrates advanced KYC and AML screenings performed by trusted third-party providers directly at the protocol level, delivering strong regulatory support while safeguarding user privacy. Combining payment innovation with compliance automation, HuiLink offers a fast and trusted solution for digital asset and fiat payment collection worldwide.

Disclaimer 

This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. It should not be interpreted as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell, or hold any digital assets, or to provide related services. Availability of products and features may vary by jurisdiction and is subject to applicable laws, regulations, and licensing requirements. Please consult qualified legal, tax, or investment professionals regarding your specific circumstances.

Malaysia’s Day Two Champions Illuminate the ACES Awards 2025 Stage


BALI, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 December 2025 – Malaysia shone brilliantly at the ACES Awards 2025, its winners carrying not just accolades, but stories of heart, transformation, and courage.

The best of Asia's corporate world captured together following the conclusion of the ACES Awards 2025 ceremony on Day 2. An evening dedicated to honoring excellence in leadership and innovation
The best of Asia’s corporate world captured together following the conclusion of the ACES Awards 2025 ceremony on Day 2. An evening dedicated to honoring excellence in leadership and innovation

This year’s Malaysian honourees did more than meet expectations—they lifted the bar for what leadership with purpose truly looks like.

“Malaysia’s winners remind us that excellence becomes extraordinary when it is driven by purpose, compassion, and courage,” said Dr Shanggari Balakrishnan, MORS Group CEO and ACES Awards organiser.

“Their stories show what it truly means to lead with heart while shaping a better future for Asia.”

WEIL Resources moved the audience with its vision of sustainable luxury, proving that hospitality can be both indulgent and deeply human.

Under Yu Wei Liew, sustainability is not a programme but a living pulse within the hotel—where design, community, and nature meet in harmony.

Sarawak Water drew admiration for its extraordinary transformation journey.

Led by the steady and determined Malseni Jamal, the organisation is unifying multiple water authorities into a modern, people-first utility—an effort that touches millions of lives and demands both brilliance and bravery.

PEOPLElogy moved judges with its belief that talent can change destinies.

Allen Lee’s mission to democratise digital skills has grown into a regional force, empowering individuals and strengthening communities through learning.

Sandisk Storage Malaysia inspired everyone with its breathtaking leap into the future—Malaysia’s first 4IR Lighthouse and Asia’s first Sustainability Lighthouse.

Technology, sustainability and humanity coexist in its halls, proving that innovation can uplift people, not replace them.

PMCK brought warmth to the stage with its devotion to patient-first healthcare, while Santan celebrated a journey of flavour, identity and responsible growth.

Haleon reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to community trust and everyday wellbeing.

Hashtag: #ACESAwards #MORSGroup #Sustainability #Leadership #ACES2025

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

About the ACES Awards

The Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards recognises outstanding leaders and organisations across Asia that demonstrate excellence in leadership, sustainability, and corporate responsibility. As a premier regional awards platform, ACES highlights companies and individuals that set industry benchmarks and contribute meaningfully to economic and social progress. Through its rigorous evaluation and broad regional reach, ACES continues to showcase best-in-class achievers shaping Asia’s corporate landscape.

Zoomlion Recognized as Top-Tier Smart Factory at 2025 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference

CHANGSHA, China, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zoomlion”; 1157.HK) was named one of the first 15 industry-leading smart factories at the 2025 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference on November 27, 2025. The Company’s breakthrough in shared mixed-flow production for multiple types of heavy equipment has enabled a collaborative smart factory cluster for construction machinery. By combining flexibility, scale, and automation, the model is shaping a new standard for the industry’s digital and intelligent transformation.

Zoomlion Recognized as Top-Tier Smart Factory at 2025 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference
Zoomlion Recognized as Top-Tier Smart Factory at 2025 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference

Zoomlion’s major breakthrough in intelligent manufacturing addresses a significant industry challenge, namely, efficiently producing low-volume, multi-model heavy equipment on a shared mixed-flow production line. At its Smart Industrial City, the Company built a shared smart excavator factory, achieving three world-first milestones. Zoomlion became the first to implement full-process intelligent manufacturing across six core stages, run a mixed-flow line for over 100 models, and integrate collaborative production across multiple equipment categories.

This shared manufacturing model supports a modular, highly scalable cluster for construction equipment. Designed for interoperability, it spans major equipment categories and connects hundreds of manufacturing steps. Three shared manufacturing centers enable multi-plant integration, pushing steel plate utilization above 90 percent and cutting construction costs by 15 percent. Automated logistics replaces storage with real-time transport, reducing inventory by 70 percent and ensuring precise distribution. Combined with a cross-regional R&D platform and a flexible shared supply-chain model, Zoomlion has built a comprehensive ecosystem that advances efficiency and digital transformation across the industry.

Zoomlion’s shared intelligent manufacturing model delivers leading efficiency driven by data and AI. At its excavator smart factory, AI covers over 80 percent of processes, enabling self-organizing production with zero changeover time. The full cycle, from steel plate cutting to final assembly, takes only 6.5 days, and one excavator rolls off the line every six minutes. With the industry’s shortest takt time and production cycle, the factory supports sales-driven, customized output while sharply reducing inventory and eliminating the disconnect between production and demand.

The model’s success is already scaling globally. Zoomlion has applied its intelligent production system to more than 20 factories worldwide, while also enabling innovation in sectors like agricultural machinery, energy equipment, and emergency response vehicles. Building on advances in AI and robotics, the company plans to deepen technology integration, accelerate innovation in next-generation processes, and share its smart manufacturing model with global partners across industries.

Kerry Unveils New Philippines Customer Co-Creation Centre to Meet Evolving Consumer Demands

TAGUIG CITY, Philippines, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, has officially opened its upgraded office and Customer Co-Creation Centre in Taguig City, reinforcing its commitment to fostering partnerships and accelerating food innovation across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Kerry's expanded office and Customer Co-Creation Centre in Taguig City will foster partnerships and accelerate food innovation across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
Kerry’s expanded office and Customer Co-Creation Centre in Taguig City will foster partnerships and accelerate food innovation across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

With over a decade of operations in the Philippines, Kerry has experienced steady growth across three key business channels: retail, food service chains, and brands. Designed as a modern hub for thought leadership and customer collaboration, the 716 sqm office is set to inspire the creation of winning concepts and future food solutions.

The space features specialised labs that enable hands-on innovation, including Sweet, Savoury, and Meat labs, a dedicated customer suite for beverage solutions brand DaVinci Gourmet’s clients and a culinary test kitchen for food service and retail partners, as well as a boardroom, meeting rooms and booths for individual work.

The opening ceremony was graced by Her Excellency Emma Hickey, Ambassador of Ireland to the Philippines, underscoring the strong ties between Ireland and the Philippines and Kerry’s role as a centre of taste, beverage, and food innovation excellence for the region.

Increasingly, Filipino consumers are prioritising health, convenience, and value in their food and beverage choices. PwC’s 2025 Voice of the Consumer report shows that 67% of Filipinos cite nutritional value as a key factor when purchasing food, while 45% look for budget or value brands to manage rising costs. Products with natural ingredients, added fortification, and clean labels are in high demand, reflecting a strong preference for healthier options.

Convenience is also critical: the popularity of ready-to-drink and portable foods continues to rise. A 2024 global survey on the State of Snacking showed that the Philippines tops the world in snacking, but recent surveys also show that 99% of Filipino snackers practise mindful snacking, with 91% pairing indulgent treats with healthier options and 80% seeking portion-controlled snacks.

Jacinta Macapugay, Country Head & Commercial Lead, Kerry Philippines commented: “As Filipino consumers seek healthier, more convenient, and better-value choices, our investment  is about empowering our teams and partners to co-create the future of food. Together, we can navigate changing consumer preferences and enable faster, more relevant innovation that meets the evolving tastes and needs of Filipino consumers, celebrate the vibrant food culture of this nation, and drive sustainable growth for years to come.”

Chery Partners with 2025 Asian Youth Para Games, Taking Center Stage in Global Sports with Passion and Aspiration

DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On December 4, Chery held a signing ceremony with the organizing committee of the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) in Dubai. The event was attended by key dignitaries including Mr. Zhu Shaodong, Executive Vice President of Chery International, Mr. Majid Rashed, President of Asian Paralympic Committee, Mr. Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sport Council, Mr. Thani Juma Berregad, Chairman of DCD and Local Organising Committee – AYPG, and Mr Tarek Souei, CEO of Asian Paralympic Committee. Together, they announced Chery’s official role as the exclusive mobility partner for the Games. Under the theme “With CHERY, Born to Rise!”, this collaboration marks not only a deepening partnership between the two sides but also a strong recognition of Chery’s brand strength and values.

Partnership Formally Sealed: Chery and AYPG Announce Collaboration
Partnership Formally Sealed: Chery and AYPG Announce Collaboration

The 2025 AYPG, guided by the motto “Born to Rise,” champions the perseverance and fighting spirit of young athletes—a philosophy that resonates deeply with Chery’s “Little Thatched Cottage” ethos of “fearing no hardship and never giving up.” Zhu Shaodong remarked, “From our beginnings in 1997 to now ranking among the Fortune Global 500 and operating in over 120 countries and regions, This is Chery’s ‘rise.’ We look forward to cheering on the ‘rise’ of every young athlete on the field.”

Chery has previously built trust and shared purpose with Asian Paralympic organizations through initiatives such as supporting the Kazakhstan Children Paralympic Games and assisting with the General Assembly of Asian Paralympic Committee, paving the way for this cooperation. At the same time, Chery’s long-term commitment to core R&D has equipped it with solid technological expertise and a global research network. These capabilities not only fuel product innovation but will also be channeled into event support and training solutions, offering athletes a reliable platform to pursue excellence. Within its ESG framework, Chery further connects business growth with social value through collaborations with international bodies like the International Union for Conservation of Nature and UNICEF, actively fulfilling its corporate responsibilities.

A dedicated Chery team has now been formed to coordinate global resources in support of Games preparations. As the 2025 AYPG is approaching, Chery will stand alongside every athlete with technological strength and a sense of duty, driven by the shared conviction: “With CHERY, Born to Rise!”

‘Keywords to Understand China’ new series facilitates cultural understanding

BEIJING, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from China.org.cn:


Keywords to understand China: Common values of humanity

The multilingual book series “Keywords to Understand China: Global Civilization Initiative,” the latest of the “Keywords to Understand China” program, has helped bridge cultural differences and facilitate global understanding of China’s perspective on civilization, according to international publishers and readers. 

The series was launched on Sept. 23 in Beijing, aiming to bridge linguistic and cultural divides, and introduce China’s perspective on civilization that values equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness.

Compiled and translated by institutions including China International Communications Group (CICG) and its subsidiary Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, and edited and published by the New World Press – another CICG subsidiary – the series systematically interprets the Global Civilization Initiative for the global audience.

This Chinese proposal responds to global needs for enhanced civilizational dialogue, and advocates respect for the diversity of civilizations, the common values of humanity, the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilizations, as well as robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, according to the book series.

The series decodes 48 core keywords, from theoretical concepts like a “new form of human civilization” to historical narratives such as the “Silk Road,” making China’s civilizational perspective accessible to international readers.

The first print offers five separate bilingual editions, each presenting the text in Chinese alongside English, French, Russian, Spanish, or Arabic. 

The publication is now being distributed through multiple channels. Digitally, it is available on major platforms like Amazon Kindle and Kobo, reaching users in over 150 countries and regions. In print, the book is frequently featured at international cultural events, with a recent copyright signing ceremony at the Frankfurt Book Fair and publishers from Albania, Canada, and Türkiye facilitating its localized distribution.

As of June 2025, the entire “Keywords to Understand China” program has released more than 180 books and e-books across 22 themes and 19 language editions, with over 20,000 multilingual keywords published.

Through partnerships with international publishers, the program has reached a global audience of over 25 million and garnered more than 100 million subscriptions and views overseas, establishing itself as a crucial window for the world to understand Chinese perspectives.

Laos to Establish Ore Inspection Offices to Boost State Revenue

The Ministry of Finance signed an agreement with Lao Standard Control Ltd. on 3 December to establish seven ore inspection offices by the end of 2025. (Photo credit: Laos Economic Daily)

The Lao government has signed an agreement to establish ore inspection offices at seven key border checkpoints, aiming to strengthen quality control of mineral exports, increase state revenue, and curb losses from smuggling and fraud.

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) signed the agreement with Lao Standard Control Ltd. on 3 December, with operations expected to begin by the end of 2025. The initiative addresses major gaps in the current mineral export oversight system.

Under existing procedures, ore inspection and quality verification occur only at the initial stages of export, creating vulnerabilities throughout the supply chain. Minerals can be smuggled, mixed with lower-quality materials, or substituted with high-value ores during transport to border crossings. 

Compounding these challenges, some mineral types require samples to be sent abroad for verification, a process that takes 14 to 21 days and incurs substantial costs.

“Establishing inspection offices at the export points will ensure timely, accurate, and controlled verification, safeguarding government revenue,” said Somchit Moungkhoun, Head of the MOF Office, during the signing ceremony.

Somchit Moungkhoun, Head of the Ministry of Finance Office. (Photo credit: Laos Economic Daily)

The initial phase will establish inspection offices at seven strategic locations: Boten International Border Checkpoint in Luang Namtha, Namkan International Checkpoint  in Xieng Khouang, the 3rd Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and Naphao International Checkpoint in Khammouane, La Lai International Checkpoint in Salavanh, and Vang Vieng Railway Station (Vientiane Province) and Vientiane South Station (Vientiane Capital).

These locations were selected based on their importance as mineral export routes, according to MOF.

The project will operate on a two-year trial basis before assessing expansion to other points nationwide.