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XSGD expands multichain ecosystem with support on Hedera

XSGD is the first Southeast Asian fiat-backed stablecoin to launch on Hedera’s carbon negative network

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 24 May 2023 – StraitsX, the Southeast Asia-based digital asset payment infrastructure, announced support for the StraitsX Singapore Dollar (XSGD) on the Hedera network.

Since its launch in October 2020, XSGD has gained rapid adoption, surpassing over 7 billion XSGD in on-chain transactions, making it one of the largest non-USD stablecoin by market capitalisation today. Starting today, users can leverage the StraitsX platform to send and receive XSGD on the Hedera network. XSGD (Hedera) is also expected to be listed on global exchanges in the coming months.

Hedera is a leaderless proof-of-stake (POS) network powered by hashgraph consensus, achieving the highest-grade of security possible (ABFT). Combining high throughput, low fees, and finality in seconds, transactions on Hedera are blazing fast with incredibly low bandwidth consumption. HBAR is the native, energy-efficient cryptocurrency of Hedera that powers the decentralised economy.

XSGD support on the Hedera network aligns with the primary focus of the HBAR Foundation, providing entrepreneurs with the ecosystem resources needed to build and deploy new applications on the Hedera network. XSGD on Hedera offers the benefits of a Southeast Asian fiat-backed stablecoin to end-users and applications built on the Hedera network, enabling instant cross-border settlement, with high transaction scalability and low, predictable transaction fees.

Kenny Chan, Head of StraitsX said, “We are excited to have XSGD on the Hedera network natively, contributing to a flourishing ecosystem of applications that offer real-time XSGD stablecoin payments. With Hedera’s energy-efficient framework, micropayments in stablecoins will become increasingly viable, leading to greater financial inclusion in the region.”

Sabrina Tachdjian, Head of Fintech & Payments at The HBAR Foundation said, “We are excited to be working with StraitsX to bring a hedera-native XSGD to the market and add a new regulated and fully reserved stablecoin to our ecosystem. We believe XSGD will add value to Hedera-based applications in APAC and beyond, including in the financial inclusion space as evidenced by our earlier POC with StraitsX.’

Hashtag: #Blockchain #Web3 #FutureOfFinance #Stablecoins #NonUSDStablecoins



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

About StraitsX

StraitsX is the pioneering payments infrastructure for the digital assets space in Southeast Asia. StraitsX is a Major Payment Institution licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and is part of the Fazz’s ecosystem of financial services which powers business banking in Southeast Asia. StraitsX offers personal and business account holders to mint, redeem, and stablecoins, manage payments as well as connect their accounts to digital asset platforms. Business accounts can also access B2B API-enabled payment rails for digital asset platforms.

About HBAR Foundation

Founded in 2021, the HBAR Foundation fuels development of the Hedera ecosystem by providing grants and other resources to developers, startups, and organizations that seek to launch decentralized applications in DeFi, NFTs, CBDCs, ESGs, and other sectors. In addition to providing funding through a streamlined grant process, the HBAR Foundation acts as an integrated force multiplier through expert support across technical, marketing, business development, and other operations that are required to scale. For information about the HBAR Foundation, please visit us at .

DHL Global Forwarding announces leadership change in Asia Pacific

  • After more than two decades with the company, Kelvin Leung, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding, Asia Pacific, retires from Deutsche Post DHL Group
  • His successor will be Niki Frank, currently CEO, DHL Global Forwarding South Asia

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 24 May 2023 – DHL Global Forwarding, the freight specialist arm of Deutsche Post DHL Group, announces a change in its Asia Pacific management as Kelvin Leung, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding, Asia Pacific, retires from the Group after more than two decades of valued contribution. His successor, Niki Frank, currently CEO, DHL Global Forwarding South Asia, will assume his new role as CEO of DHL Global Forwarding for the Asia Pacific region, effective July 1, 2023.

Niki Frank, designated CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Asia Pacific
Niki Frank, designated CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Asia Pacific

Kelvin has had a long and illustrious career in the logistics industry, having joined Danzas AEI in 2002 and assuming various leadership roles in DHL Global Forwarding in the region before he took on the position of CEO, DHL Global Forwarding North Asia Pacific in 2008. In 2011, Kelvin’s leadership responsibilities expanded with his appointment as CEO of Asia Pacific. In this role, he achieved record revenue and tremendous market share growth. He was instrumental in transforming the region by improving freight forwarding solutions, making DHL Global Forwarding a pioneer of rail solutions between Asia and Europe, and growing the Intra-Asia business substantially.

“I wish to express my sincere thanks to Kelvin for his strong commitment, outstanding contributions to the business, and the results achieved over the past years. We wish him all the best for his well-deserved retirement,” said Tim Scharwath, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight. “Congratulations to Niki on his new role, and I wish him great success in his new position. Niki’s extensive experience, strategic acumen, and proven track record in driving performance make him the ideal choice to lead the Asia Pacific region.”

“I am grateful for the trust placed in me and am looking forward to this new challenge. Kelvin has built a solid foundation and a stellar regional team over the last 12 years. I am fully committed to driving our digitalization and sustainability agenda while fostering an inclusive and respectful culture that makes us a great workplace for all. Together with our dedicated teams, I am confident that we will further strengthen our position as a market leader, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and contribute to a more sustainable future,” said Niki Frank, designated CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Asia Pacific.

Niki Frank brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role as CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Asia Pacific. He began his career at DPDHL Group in 2012, joining as Vice President of Corporate Strategy. Throughout his career at DHL Global Forwarding, Niki has held various leadership positions, significantly contributing to the company’s growth and success. He played a major role in the company’s turnaround program and helped shape the “Simplify” Strategy. In 2019, he assumed the role of CEO, India before taking on additional responsibilities for the newly created subregion of South Asia in 2021. In recent years he has successfully driven performance along all three bottom lines to record levels and positioned India as a major profit contributor in the DHL Global Forwarding network. In addition, he managed to create substantial synergies across the countries of his subregion, strategically preparing them for future growth.

Hashtag: #DHL

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

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 94 billion euros in 2022. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

Lao Beauty Queens Walk Red Carpet at Cannes Film Festival 2023

Payengxa Lor, Miss Universe Laos 2022 and a finalist at the Miss Universe pageant, and Piyamarth Phounpaseuth, Miss International Laos 2018 attended the Cannes Film Festival this year.

Govt Approves Lao Tourism Year Campaign in May Cabinet Meeting

Govt Approves Lao Tourism Year Campaign in May Cabinet Meeting
Tourists at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vat Phou in Champasack province. (photo: Suraphat Nuea-on)

The government has approved the idea of promoting 2023-2024 as Lao Tourism Year, at the latest cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Cambodian Land Activists Arrested for Allegedly Inciting Farmers to Hate the Rich

Cambodian land activists arrested for allegedly inciting farmers to hate the rich
Supporters of three land rights activists protest in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. ( Photo : AP )

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Three Cambodian land rights activists who were arrested on charges of plotting against the government planned to provoke a peasant revolution by teaching farmers about class divisions between rich and poor, an official said Tuesday.

Vantage Data Centers Opens New Expanded Asia Pacific Headquarters in Singapore

New local HQ to propel Vantage’s strategic growth across APAC

DENVER, USA and SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 24 May 2023 – Vantage Data Centers, a leading global provider of hyperscale data center campuses, today announced the official opening of a new Asia Pacific regional headquarters in Singapore. The expansion reflects Vantage’s commitment to invest and bolster its presence in Asia Pacific to capitalize on growing market demand for hyperscale data centers that are both reliable and sustainable.

Vantage APAC Headquarters grand opening was officiated by Sureel Choksi, President and CEO of Vantage (second from left), Jeff Tench, Executive Vice President, North America and APAC of Vantage (right), Giles Proctor, COO of Vantage APAC (left) and Sharif Metwalli, CFO, Global of Vantage (second from right).
Vantage APAC Headquarters grand opening was officiated by Sureel Choksi, President and CEO of Vantage (second from left), Jeff Tench, Executive Vice President, North America and APAC of Vantage (right), Giles Proctor, COO of Vantage APAC (left) and Sharif Metwalli, CFO, Global of Vantage (second from right).

“The Asia-Pacific region is a strategic market for Vantage and an integral part of our growth story. Moving from our smaller office in Singapore to a new, expanded regional headquarters paves the way for future growth as we continue hiring team members to scale our business to meet customer requirements,” said Jeff Tench, executive vice president of North America and APAC for Vantage.

“We are thrilled to strengthen our presence in the APAC region with the opening of our new regional headquarters, serving as the strategic hub to realize Vantage’s ambitious business goals and catalyze new growth across APAC,” said Giles Proctor, chief operating officer of Vantage’s APAC business. “Our new Singapore office is designed to be people-centric and promote collaboration, empowering our talent from diverse backgrounds to thrive and grow with the company.”

Conveniently located in the central business district, the 8,000-square-foot (740 square meters) regional headquarters will house Vantage’s APAC leadership team and various corporate functional teams. It will enable Vantage to coordinate and manage business more efficiently and provide even greater support to customers across the region. The new Singapore headquarters was strategically chosen for its business-friendly environment, access to a strong pool of technology talent and proximity to the fast-growing Southeast Asia markets.

Vantage Data Centers is rapidly expanding the local team in response to sustained customer growth. The company currently has more than 200 employees across eight cities in Asia Pacific and anticipates adding 80 new roles by the end of the year. Vantage’s APAC portfolio includes seven campuses that are either operational or under development, including the recently announced 256MW KUL2 campus to be developed in Malaysia.

For more information on the company’s campuses in the Asia-Pacific region, please visit https://vantage-dc.com/data-center-locations/apac/.

Hashtag: #GoVantageAPAC #VantageDataCenters

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

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across five continents in North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Joint News Release By Singapore Police Force And Shopee Singapore

Joint Advisory On Fake Online Job Scams Impersonating Shopee

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 24 May 2023 – The Police would like to alert members of the public to a job scam variant, where scammers are impersonating Shopee employees, or employees of known companies to recruit victims. Since March 2023, at least 46 victims have fallen prey, with losses amounting to at least $753,000.

In this variant, the victims would receive unsolicited WhatsApp or Telegram messages from an individual pretending to be a Shopee employee, asking them to like items on Shopee or to participate in a Shopee survey to earn a small fee. In more recent cases, scammers were observed to be adopting more sophisticated approaches to deceive victims, using easily obtainable information to craft personalised messages, and creating fake employee identification to appear more convincing.

Victims who complete the survey would then be offered a higher paying role of a “Shopee Assistant” by another scammer impersonating a Shopee customer service personnel or a Shopee mentor. These tasks begin with registering an account with a fake Shopee website, where victims would be instructed to choose a pre-paid “task package” and pay monies to bank accounts provided by scammers before they are able to start “work”. Victims often receive their increased earnings in the initial phase and would be convinced to top up their accounts to receive more earnings. Victims would realise they had been scammed when they could not withdraw their earnings or when the scammers could no longer be contacted.

The Police and Shopee Singapore would like to advise members of the public to remain vigilant and adopt the following precautionary measures:

ADD – ScamShield App and set security features (e.g., enable two-factor (2FA) or multifactor authentication for banks, social media, Singpass accounts; set transaction limits on internet banking transactions, including PayNow).

CHECK – for scam signs and with official sources.

  1. Shopee will only contact you via official channels, such as the Shopee App, Shopee’s verified social media and Whatsapp accounts, or email addresses that end with shopee.com.
  2. Never transact outside of the Shopee app. Shopee does not require anyone to pre-pay any monies in order to secure a job and does not offer payment in exchange for likes on products on their platform. There is also no job position titled “Shopee Assistant”.
  3. If you have any concerns or clarifications, contact Shopee Customer Service at +65 6206 6610 or chat with our live agents in-app.
  4. Visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam helpline on 1800-722-6688.

TELL – authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report the scammers to WhatsApp, Telegram and to Shopee

If you have any information relating to such crimes or if you are in doubt, please call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential. If you require urgent Police assistance, please dial ‘999’.

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688. Fighting scams is a community effort. Together, we can ACT Against Scams to safeguard our community!

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE

SHOPEE SINGAPORE
22 MAY 2023

Hashtag: #Shopee

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

About Shopee:

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee promotes an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem by enabling businesses to digitalise and grow their online presence, helping more people access and benefit from digital services, and uplifting local communities.

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping homegrown brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

Shopee is part of Sea Limited (NYSE: SE), a leading global consumer internet company. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology through its three core businesses: Shopee, Garena and SeaMoney.

DirectAsia Singapore Simplifies Travel Insurance: Comprehensive Coverage for School Holiday Trips Available

Tailored coverage solutions enhance peace of mind for families as overseas school holiday travel returns to the fore

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 24 May 2023 – As global travel restrictions lift and holiday plans resume, DirectAsia Singapore responds to the needs of today’s travellers with a comprehensive suite of travel insurance plans. These plans are well suited to provide peace of mind for families planning school holiday trips abroad this June, ensuring they are well-protected in a variety of scenarios.

Adapting to the Evolving Travel Landscape

“DirectAsia Singapore acknowledges the evolving requirements of today’s travellers,” shares Oliver Mallich, Head of Marketing and Partnerships. “Our flexible travel insurance packages are designed to cater to a wide array of situations, ensuring families can travel with freedom from worry during the upcoming school holidays.”

DirectAsia Singapore’s insurance plans provide a variety of options for coverage:

  • Equitable Child Cover & Family Travel Insurance: Offering equal protection for children and adults, DirectAsia provides cost-effective, all-inclusive packages that offer coverage for all family members under a single policy.
  • Inclusive Domestic Helper Coverage: Recognising the integral role of domestic helpers in Singaporean families, DirectAsia ensures they’re not left out, extending coverage to include helpers who accompany families on school holiday trips.
  • Trip Cancellation & Curtailment: Unforeseen circumstances can lead to trip cancellations or shortenings. DirectAsia offers compensation for irretrievable, prepaid transport and accommodation expenses, helping families navigate such disruptions in their school holiday travel plans without financial burden.
  • Personal Possessions, Money & Travel Documents: School holiday trips should be stress-free. To this end, DirectAsia’s insurance shields families from the fallout of theft, loss, or accidental damage to personal belongings, adding an extra layer of assurance.
  • Medical Expenses: An unexpected medical situation can put a damper on school holiday travels. DirectAsia cushions families from this impact, covering medical treatment costs incurred during an insured overseas trip, as well as related expenses for up to 30 days after returning to Singapore.
  • Death & Permanent Disability: In the unfortunate event of severe injury during the trip resulting in loss of limbs, sight, permanent total disablement, or death, families can find some solace in DirectAsia’s provision for a lump-sum payout, providing a critical financial safety net.

Policy Features

DirectAsia Singapore’s travel insurance offers up to S$1,000,000 coverage for medical expenses and assures up to 90 days of coverage per journey. Frequent travellers may find the flexibility of annual plans beneficial. The policy also includes coverage for emergency phone charges, compassionate visits, personal liability, and rental car excess.

For more detailed information about DirectAsia Singapore and the travel insurance options available, please visit https://www.directasia.com/.

Disclaimer

Travel insurance policies from DirectAsia Singapore are subject to terms and conditions. Coverage may not extend to certain countries due to existing travel advisories. For complete details, please refer to the Policy Documents & Wording available on their website.

Hashtag: #DirectAsiaSingapore

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

About Direct Asia

Part of the global , DirectAsia Singapore offers direct-to-consumer insurance services. Their portfolio spans , , and insurance packages, all underpinned by a commitment to clarity, simplicity, and innovation.