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Laos Processes 21,003 Drug Cases, Arrests 31,289 Suspects Since 2021

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakhamfong reported on 12 November.

Laos has made progress in its fight against drugs, with 21,003 cases handled and 31,289 suspects arrested between July 2021 and October 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakhamfong reported on 12 November.

Putting People First: How China’s Best Companies Are Leading Through Transformation

SHANGHAI, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — China’s workplaces are evolving faster than ever. As the nation’s working-age population continues to shrink — dropping by nearly seven million in the past year — the battle for talent has become one of the most pressing challenges for employers. Skill shortages are now the new norm, with 60% of companies reporting difficulty finding qualified workers, especially in high-growth sectors such as AI and semiconductors. At the same time, younger employees are redefining work itself — prioritising wellbeing, flexibility, and personal growth over traditional career paths.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 China HR Asia Best Companies to Work in Asia
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 China HR Asia Best Companies to Work in Asia

Amid this evolution, the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia awards, organised by Business Media International returns to China to celebrate organisations that are not only overcoming these challenges but setting new benchmarks for the future of work. This year’s winners — a mix of major Chinese enterprises and multinational corporations — exemplify a simple yet powerful truth: when companies put people first, everything else follows.

These award-winning companies are using innovation and empathy to stay ahead. They are building in-house academies to nurture skills, creating transparent career pathways, and fostering multi-generational harmony through mentorship and flexible work models. They are also embracing technology as a human enabler — deploying AI and digital tools to enhance productivity while investing in the training and trust that help employees thrive.

Beyond recognition, the HR Asia programme itself is transforming how companies approach their people strategy. The awards have become a trusted benchmark across Asia, boosting winners’ employer branding, helping them attract top talent, and strengthening their reputation as industry leaders. The insights and data-driven feedback provided through HR Asia’s TEAM Survey enable participating companies to uncover workplace trends, identify engagement gaps, and turn employee feedback into tangible action.

As a result, being recognised as one of the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia is more than a badge of honour — it is proof of leadership in a time of disruption. These companies are not only retaining their best talent but also inspiring others in their industries to follow suit.

“The winners in China have demonstrated exceptional adaptability in an era of uncertainty,” said Datuk William Ng, Chairman, HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards. “They’ve shown that when you put people first — when you empower, listen, and evolve — you don’t just attract talent, you lead your industry. These organisations are redefining what it means to be an employer of choice in the world’s most dynamic market.”

The award covers fifteen markets across the region including mainland China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam, making this the largest recognition program and survey in the region for employee engagement. For more information about the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2025 – and a complete list of winners, please visit https://hr.asia/awards/

LIST OF WINNERS OF HR ASIA BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN ASIA 2025 (CHINA EDITION) IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

  1. A.MENARINI CHINA HOLDING CO., LTD.
  2. AICPA & CIMA
  3. ALLIANZ CHINA
  4. APL LOGISTICS CHINA, LTD
  5. ARROW (CHINA) ELECTRONICS TRADING CO., LTD.
  6. AVERY DENNISON CHINA
  7. BOROUGE
  8. CHINA INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL CORPORATION LIMITED
  9. COLLIERS CHINA
  10. CRYSTAL INTERNATIONAL GROUP LIMITED
  11. E. SUN BANK (CHINA) CO., LTD
  12. FUTU NETWORK TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
  13. Goertek Inc.
  14. HANG LUNG MANAGEMENT (CHINA) LTD.
  15. InnoCare Pharma
  16. IPSOS (CHINA) CONSULTING CO., LTD.
  17. JOHNSON MATTHEY CHINA
  18. JPE YEAN HERN CO., LTD
  19. KPMG
  20. LEE KUM KEE (CHINA)
  21. LEE KUM KEE GROUP
  22. MANULIFE-SINOCHEM LIFE INSURANCE CO.,LTD.
  23. MINISO GROUP
  24. MUNDIPHARMA (CHINA) PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.
  25. OLAM AGRI CHINA
  26. PUBLICIS GROUPE CHINA
  27. SHANGHAI HENLIUS BIOTECH, INC.
  28. SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO., LTD.
  29. SYNTHASIA GROUP CO., LTD.
  30. WELLINGTON COLLEGE EDUCATION (CHINA)

WINNERS OF HR ASIA MOST CARING COMPANY AWARDS 2025

  • MANULIFE-SINOCHEM LIFE INSURANCE CO.,LTD.

WINNERS OF HR ASIA SUSTAINABLE WORKPLACE AWARDS 2025

  • A.MENARINI CHINA HOLDING CO., LTD.
  • BOROUGE
  • HANG LUNG MANAGEMENT (CHINA) LTD.
  • JOHNSON MATTHEY CHINA
  • OLAM AGRI CHINA

WINNERS OF HR ASIA TECH EMPOWERMENT AWARDS 2025

  • PUBLICIS GROUPE CHINA
  • WELLINGTON COLLEGE EDUCATION (CHINA)

-End-

About BUSINESS MEDIA INTERNATIONAL

Business Media International is a subsidiary of Audience Analytics Limited (1AZ.SG), a regional leader in promoting growth for companies in Asia through data-driven brands and initiatives. We own renowned media brands such as SME Magazine, HR Asia, Capital Asia, Energy Asia, Logistics Asia, TruthTV, and CXP Asia as well as business impact assessment brands such as SME100, HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia, Golden Bull Awards and CXP Asia Best Customer Experience Awards. We organise various exhibitions and have the proprietary software-as-a-service — Total Engagement Assessment Model – in our portfolio.

Adrian Cheng

Marketing Manager

Business Media International

Mobile No.: 6012-2692701

Email: adrian@businessmedia.asia

ASEAN’s Companies Rise as the Architects of a Connected Economy

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — What does it mean to be an ASEAN enterprise today? For decades, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region have been described as the backbone of their economies — yet, for the first time, a new generation of businesses is redefining what that truly means.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 ASEAN SME100 Awards and 2025 ASEAN Halal Brand Award
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 ASEAN SME100 Awards and 2025 ASEAN Halal Brand Award

The first ASEAN SME100 Awards and the ASEAN Halal Brand Awards organised by Business Media International, held in conjunction with the ASEAN SME Forum, marked a turning point — one that celebrated not just success, but transformation.

The Rise of the Borderless SME

The inaugural ASEAN SME100 Awards honoured companies that have broken past national boundaries to establish themselves as regional forces. These are not just growing businesses — they are ambitious disruptors shaping the new narrative of ASEAN competitiveness.

Across industries — from digital technology to logistics, from manufacturing to lifestyle — these companies are proving that size is no longer the measure of influence. Agility, innovation, and regional collaboration are the new currencies of success.

Their stories are evidence that ASEAN’s economic promise isn’t just theoretical — it’s unfolding in real time, led by enterprises that refuse to see geography as a limitation.

Halal as a Regional Language of Trust

Running parallel to this transformation is another quiet revolution — the rise of ASEAN’s halal industry. The ASEAN Halal Brand Awards celebrated brands that have gone beyond compliance to turn halal into a global value system: one that blends ethics, authenticity, and ambition.

In a world where halal products represent a market projected to exceed USD 5 trillion by 2030, ASEAN’s halal champions are redefining what trust and quality mean in a borderless economy. These brands have not only earned certification — they have earned regional respect by proving that faith and modern business innovation can thrive together.

From Recognition to Regional Identity

The awards serve a larger purpose: to reshape how ASEAN sees itself. For too long, SMEs have been viewed as national players, their growth confined within borders. The ASEAN SME100 and ASEAN Halal Brand Awards challenge that narrative, recognising those who have evolved beyond being local champions to become regional catalysts.

This shift mirrors a deeper regional truth — that ASEAN’s future will be written not by governments or multinationals alone, but by SMEs bold enough to connect across cultures, sectors, and markets.

A Platform for the Future

Held alongside the ASEAN SME Forum, the twin awards represent more than celebration; they are a declaration — that ASEAN’s entrepreneurial class is ready to lead. These programmes are not about prestige alone, but about creating new pathways for SMEs to access visibility, credibility, and partnerships across borders.

They turn recognition into opportunity. They transform awards into accelerators.

As ASEAN moves toward deeper economic integration, one truth becomes clear: the next wave of regional powerhouses will not emerge from size, but from vision — the kind that sees ASEAN not as ten separate markets, but as one interconnected ecosystem.

For more information about the SME100 Awards 2025 ASEAN and the complete list of winners, please visit www.sme100.asia

LIST OF WINNERS OF THE ASEAN SME100 AWARDS 2025 IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

  1. APEIRON CONSULTANCY INC
  2. ASE EDUCATION GROUP PTE LTD
  3. BEYOND INSIGHTS SDN BHD
  4. CK PACKAGING & PLASTIC INDUSTRIES SDN BHD
  5. COLDWORLD ENGINEERING PTE LTD
  6. COMPLETE HUMAN NETWORK SDN BHD
  7. CS CLOUD SDN BHD
  8. EDKA DIGITAL CO., LTD
  9. ENERCON ASIA PTE LTD
  10. FILIPINO HOMES
  11. FPT FOOD PROCESS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
  12. GRIFFIN PROTECTION INTEGRATED SECURITY PTE LTD
  13. HOWERN WASSER SDN BHD
  14. INNODENT TRADING CO., LTD
  15. MATA GROUP HOLDING CO., LTD
  16. MCE MARKETING SDN BHD
  17. MOST CAPITAL GROUP SDN BHD
  18. MX ENGINEERING PTE LTD
  19. NETGAIN SYSTEMS PTE LTD
  20. NEXT ENERGY SDN BHD
  21. PET PROTECT FOOD CO., LTD
  22. PROTUS WONDERLAND PTE LTD
  23. PT. RAVELWARE TECHNOLOGY INDONESIA
  24. RM APPLICATIONS SDN BHD
  25. UNIQTEK CO., LTD
  26. YOSHITEC PRECISION ENGINEERING (M) SDN BHD

ASEAN OUTSTANDING YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS 2025

  1. MR. ANG SOON ENG – CK PACKAGING & PLASTIC INDUSTRIES SDN BHD
  2. MR. LEONG CHIA HANN, JASON – MOST CAPITAL GROUP SDN BHD
  3. MR. SONG MINGQIANG, STEVEN – MX ENGINEERING PTE LTD
  4. MR. STEVEN CHIEW CHOON MENG – NEXT ENERGY SDN BHD
  5. MR. RANDY BUDI WICAKSONO – PT. RAVELWARE TECHNOLOGY INDONESIA

SME100 ASEAN WOMEN LEADERSHIP AWARDS 2025

  1. MS. TEH CHAI PENG – COMPLETE HUMAN NETWORK SDN BHD
  2. MS. LEONG HUEY MIIN – NETGAIN SYSTEMS PTE LTD
  3. MS. PAN XIAOJING – PROTUS WONDERLAND PTE LTD

SME100 ASEAN SUSTAINABLE BRAND AWARDS 2025         

  1. COLDWORLD – COLDWORLD ENGINEERING PTE LTD
  2. ENERCON – ENERCON ASIA PTE LTD
  3. HOWERN WASSER – HOWERN WASSER SDN BHD
  4. YOSHITEC – YOSHITEC PRECISION ENGINEERING (M) SDN BHD

ASEAN HALAL BRAND AWARD

  1. CAP KUNCI – EHH FOOD INDUSTRY SDN BHD
  2. F&N – FRASER & NEAVE HOLDINGS BERHAD
  3. McDONALD’S MALAYSIA – McDONALD’S MALAYSIA
  4. NESTLE – NESTLE MALAYSIA BERHAD
  5. PAYLESS INSTANT NOODLES – NISSIN – UNIVERSAL ROBINA CORPORATION
  6. ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES – ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES SDN BHD
  7. ZUS COFFEE – ZUSPRESSO (M) SDN BHD

 

About BUSINESS MEDIA INTERNATIONAL

Business Media International is a subsidiary of SGX-listed Audience Analytics Limited (1AZ.SG), a regional leader in promoting growth for companies in Asia through data-driven brands and initiatives. We own renowned media brands such as SME Magazine, HR Asia, Capital Asia, Energy Asia, Logistics Asia, TruthTV, and CXP Asia as well as business impact assessment brands such as SME100, HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia, Golden Bull Awards and CXP Asia Best Customer Experience Awards. We organise various exhibitions and have the proprietary software-as-a-service — Total Engagement Assessment Model – in our portfolio.

Adrian Cheng

Marketing Manager

Business Media International

Email: adrian@businessmedia.asia 

 

 

XTransfer and KBank Team Up to Turbocharge International Trade Across ASEAN at SFF 2025


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 November 2025 – XTransfer, World’s Leading B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform and KBank, a leading regional financial institution in the AEC+3 market, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Singapore FinTech Festival 2025. The partnership aims to deliver one‑stop cross‑border financial solutions for SMEs engaged in international trade across key ASEAN markets. The collaboration will focus on domestic and cross‑border payment solutions, FX conversion and operational integration to enhance trade efficiency and support SME growth.

Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer (Left) and Dr Karin Boonlertvanich, Executive Vice President - Corporate Strategy and Innovation Division Head at KBank (Right), signed an MOU during the Singapore Fintech Festival.
Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer (Left) and Dr Karin Boonlertvanich, Executive Vice President – Corporate Strategy and Innovation Division Head at KBank (Right), signed an MOU during the Singapore Fintech Festival.

Under the MoU, the parties will work together to evaluate and develop comprehensive cross-border payment solutions, including domestic and cross-border collections and payments, as well as foreign exchange conversion, specifically designed for SMEs operating across ASEAN, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. By utilising application programming interfaces (APIs) and the digital platform, XTransfer and KBank aim to facilitate automated, real-time, and seamless FX conversion and transaction processing. This technological collaboration is intended to improve scalability, efficiency, and reliability for clients involved in cross-border trade.

The partnership anticipates a closer operational integration between XTransfer and KBank. This will include enhanced system connectivity, standardised reporting formats, and straight-through processing to improve risk management and service performance. Additionally, to support clients’ working capital needs, XTransfer and KBank will further evaluate lending solutions for Chinese merchants to enhance access to financing and streamline customer journeys.

Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, said, “This collaboration with KBank represents another important milestone in our mission to make cross‑border trade more efficient and inclusive for SMEs across ASEAN. By combining KBank’s regional strengths, we aim to help clients reduce costs, improve cash flow, and increase transaction efficiency. We will continue to strengthen compliance and risk management to build a trusted cross‑border financial infrastructure for our clients.”

Dr. Karin Boonlertvanich, Executive Vice President – Corporate Strategy and Innovation Division Head at KBank, said, “Cross-border trade and commerce in ASEAN has been expanding at a rate of 8%, driven by rapid advancements in digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). This digital transformation presents unprecedented growth opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to scale efficiently while reducing transactional banking costs and mitigating associated risks.”

In light of the strong growth trajectory of cross-border trade and the emergence of XTransfer as the world’s leading B2B cross-border trade payment platform, KBank is proud to enter into this strategic collaboration. By integrating KBank’s robust regional network—spanning Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China—with XTransfer’s cutting-edge digital solutions, we aim to deliver seamless, secure, and cost-effective cross-border financial services. This partnership is designed to empower SMEs to expand their reach, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen their competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Hashtag: #XTransfer #KBank #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs #SFF2025 #MOU





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

About XTransfer

XTransfer, world-leading B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, is dedicated to providing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with secure, compliant, fast, convenient and low-cost foreign trade payment and fund collection solutions, significantly reducing the cost of global expansion and enhancing global competitiveness. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Shanghai and has branches in Hong Kong SAR, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, the UAE, and Nigeria. XTransfer has obtained local payment licences in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, and Australia. To date, XTransfer serves over 700,000 enterprise clients worldwide.

By cooperating with well-known multinational banks and financial institutions, XTransfer has built a unified global multi-currency clearing network and a data-based, automated, internet-based and intelligent anti-money laundering risk control infrastructure centred on SMEs. XTransfer uses technology as a bridge to link large financial institutions and SMEs around the world, allowing SMEs to enjoy the same level of cross-border financial services as large multinational corporations.

XTransfer completed its Series D financing in September 2021 and achieved unicorn status. The company has a diverse composition of international investors, including D1 Capital Partners LP, Telstra Ventures, China Merchants Venture, eWTP Capital, Yunqi Capital, Gaorong Capital, 01VC, MindWorks and Lavender Hill Capital Partners.

For more information, please visit:

About KBank

Established in 1945, KASIKORNBANK (KBank) has grown into a leading regional financial institution in the AEC+3 market. With a strong competitive edge in the SME segment, KBank is dedicated to being a comprehensive solution provider for both SME and retail banking. The bank also offers a wide array of financial products and services to support corporate clients in expanding their businesses, including supply chain financing, foreign exchange services, and offshore loans.

KBank is deeply committed to supporting SMEs, recognizing their vital role in driving Thailand’s economic resilience and growth. Under its 2025 strategy, “WE GROOM, YOU GROW,” the bank has developed a comprehensive framework to empower SMEs in overcoming economic challenges and achieving sustainable success. This includes providing in-depth knowledge and capability building. KBank also delivers expert financial advisory services to help SMEs manage risk, optimize financial planning, and prepare for expansion. In addition, the bank offers tailored financial solutions, including low-interest and zero-interest loans, designed to enhance liquidity and support long-term investment.

Looking ahead, KBank aims to deliver sustainable value to all stakeholders by leveraging AI and digital innovation, enhancing customer experience, and pioneering new financial solutions. With a target of achieving double-digit Return on Equity (ROE) by 2026, KBank continues to reinforce its role as a dependable partner for SMEs and the broader Thai economy.

For more information, please visit:

Thailand Set to Lift Afternoon Alcohol Sales Ban

Thailand will lift its afternoon alcohol sales ban, allowing shops to sell drinks from 11 AM to midnight. The change will be tested over six months before final approval. This photo is used for representational purposed only.

Thailand is preparing to lift its afternoon alcohol sales ban to boost tourism and economic activity.

Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Sarum announced the change on 13 November after chairing a meeting of the National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee. The government will remove the 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM sales restriction, allowing continuous alcohol sales from 11:00 AM to midnight.

Currently, alcohol sales are permitted only during two windows: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to midnight. The afternoon ban was originally introduced to discourage civil servants from drinking during work hours, a rationale Sophon called outdated and misaligned with modern social behavior.

The policy shift is intended to stimulate spending during major festivals, including the upcoming New Year period and Songkran 2026, according to Sophon.

Late-Night Extension Debated

Health Minister Pattana Promphat, who attended the meeting, confirmed the new rules will undergo a six-month trial period. 

“Economic benefits, health concerns, and other considerations will be assessed,” he said, adding that the board will reconvene to evaluate results before deciding whether to continue the measure.

The updated policies are expected to be finalized after public consultations, with an official announcement planned for early December 2025

Meta Unveils Southeast Asia’s Most Impactful Reels Campaigns and Creators

Publicis Groupe, L’Oréal SAPMENA Zone, and Grab took home the top honours, winning Agency of the Year, Advertiser of the Year, and the Grand Prix, respectively.


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 November 2025 – Meta today announced the winners of the 2025 Southeast Asia Reels Impact Awards (RIA), celebrating the region’s most innovative brands and creators who are pushing the boundaries of short-form video. This year’s awards highlight the rising influence of Reels across Southeast Asia’s digital landscape, as video content continues to shape the way people, businesses, and creators engage and connect.

The Grab team, together with partners VaynerMedia Asia Pacific and M&C Saatchi Performance, celebrate winning the Grand Prix at the 2025 Southeast Asia Reels Impact Awards
The Grab team, together with partners VaynerMedia Asia Pacific and M&C Saatchi Performance, celebrate winning the Grand Prix at the 2025 Southeast Asia Reels Impact Awards

Meta’s Vice President for Southeast Asia, Sandhya Devanathan, commended the winners for their ability to break through the digital noise and connect authentically with audiences. “This year’s winners have harnessed the power of Reels to set new benchmarks for what’s possible in Southeast Asia’s digital landscape,” she said. Their work not only delivers measurable business growth but also inspires others to experiment and innovate in the fast-evolving world of short-form video.

Reels has rapidly become the heartbeat of online culture in Southeast Asia. According to Meta, video now accounts for more than 60% of time spent on both Facebook and Instagram, with Reels alone making up around half of all time spent on Instagram. The global impact is equally impressive: Reels are shared 4.5 billion times every day – more than double last year’s volume. These figures highlight the explosive growth and engagement that short-form video is generating, not just among individual users but also for brands seeking new ways to reach audiences.

The surge in Reels usage is driven by a combination of creative storytelling and measurable business outcomes. Brands and creators across Southeast Asia are leveraging short-form video to boost discoverability, foster deeper engagement, and drive conversions. The Reels Impact Awards, now in its second year, recognizes campaigns and creators from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam who are setting new standards for digital excellence and innovation.

Anni Tankhiwale, Director of Agencies for Southeast Asia, highlighted the collaborative nature of this success: “The growth of Reels is powered by an incredible ecosystem of partners, from media and creative agencies to creators and multi-channel networks (MCNs), who elevate brand storytelling through short-form video. Together, they’re helping brands reach new audiences, inspire discovery, and make time spent on Reels more meaningful for people and businesses alike.”

This spirit of partnership and creativity is at the heart of the Reels Impact Awards. The achievements of this year’s winners exemplify how collaboration between brands, creators, and agencies can unlock the full potential of Reels, sparking conversations, building communities, and driving real impact. By honoring these trailblazers, the awards inspire others across the region to push boundaries and explore new possibilities in short-form video.

“Winning Advertiser of the Year is a reflection of our team’s relentless drive for innovation. Through our deep partnership with Meta, Reels have opened up new possibilities for us to connect with diverse audiences and tell the stories of our 37 international beauty brands in authentic, meaningful ways that drive our business. We’re excited to keep pushing boundaries and inspiring others in the digital space,” said Lex Bradshaw-Zanger, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, L’Oréal Groupe, SAPMENA Zone.

“We’re honoured to receive the Reels Impact Award for our campaign powered by AI avatars. This recognition reflects how technology and creativity can come together to engage audiences in completely new ways. Reels gave us the perfect canvas to bring this idea to life. We’re excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Cheryl Goh, Chief Marketing Officer, Grab.

The Reels Impact Awards are more than a celebration – they signal a call to action for brands and creators across Southeast Asia. Meta is encouraging everyone to embrace short-form video, challenge conventions, and drive meaningful results. The company believes that the future of digital engagement lies in creative, authentic, and impactful storytelling, and Reels is at the forefront of this transformation.

For the full list of winners and more information, visit: https://metareelsimpact.awardhub.org/

Hashtag: #Meta

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

iCOMPASS® Unveils ULTRA™, the World’s First AI-Powered Compliance Operating System for Financial Institutions

Singapore-based RegTech firm breaks new ground in compliance innovation for financial institutions regulated by the MAS; Will debut at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2025


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 November 2025 – iCOMPASS®, a Singapore-based regulatory technology (RegTech) firm, has launched ULTRA™, the world’s first AI-powered compliance operating system for financial institutions. ULTRA harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) and workflow automation to help boards, senior management, and compliance teams proactively manage risk, streamline regulatory obligations, and enhance oversight.

iCOMPASS' ULTRA Compliance Operating System
iCOMPASS’ ULTRA Compliance Operating System

“As financial activities grow more complex, compliance is becoming a bottleneck. It is increasingly costly, fragmented and slow to adapt, especially for smaller players,” explained Raymond Moh, CEO of iCOMPASS. “Without change, this will limit innovation and deepen inequality in market participation. With Explainable AI, we can close the gap. This is the problem we are solving with iCOMPASS’ ULTRA.”

iCOMPASS’ ULTRA will debut at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) booth stage during the 10th annual Singapore FinTech Festival 2025 (SFF), the world’s largest FinTech gathering. The presentation will feature real-world use cases shared by its flagship financial institution users, with both iCOMPASS and its partner institutions participating in the MAS PathFinder Programme.

iCOMPASS was founded by compliance veterans with decades of experience serving MAS-licensed financial institutions. Leveraging a deep understanding of Singapore’s regulatory ecosystem, the firm designs technology that bridges real-world compliance practice with AI-driven governance innovation.

Building on the success of its flagship iCOMPASS KYC platform, ULTRA represents the next step in Singapore’s RegTech evolution. It redefines how financial institutions manage, monitor and govern compliance across the enterprise leveraging on the immense potential of AI.

Reimagine Compliance Amid Rising Costs and Regulatory Complexity

iCOMPASS’ ULTRA is making its debut as compliance expenditures for Asia-Pacific financial firms surpass US$7 billion, growing at over 20 percent annually, while non-compliance penalties have surged to US$5.1 billion, up from US$6.6 million in 2019. As regulatory expectations evolve rapidly, audits grow more complex, and systems become increasingly fragmented, compliance has become a growing operational bottleneck for financial institutions.

iCOMPASS’ ULTRA addresses these challenges by integrating explainable AI, regulatory intelligence, and automation into a single, connected ecosystem. This solution empowers compliance teams to shift from manual and reactive processes to streamlined workflows and proactive governance, reducing the time and resources required to track regulatory changes and maintain ongoing compliance by up to 80%, resulting in greater efficiency and consistency.

Core Capabilities

iCOMPASS’ ULTRA is a modular, end-to-end compliance platform debuting its first modules at SFF, each powered by clause-level intelligence trained on underlying regulations and licensing frameworks, thereby delivering transparent and explainable outputs. Key features include PolicyHub™, which automates policy creation and management, RegRadar™, for real-time regulatory change tracking, AskULTRA™, an AI-driven compliance assistant, and ULTRA™ KYC, an AI-Powered Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) capability. Designed to be adaptive, iCOMPASS’ ULTRA can also scale to support compliance operations across multiple jurisdictions.

From Obligation to Advantage: Turning Compliance into an Engine for Institutional Resilience

Beyond automation, iCOMPASS’ ULTRA™ enables institutions to retain organizational knowledge as institutional memory, ensuring that insights gained from past reviews and operational compliance interactions are not lost but continually improve future compliance performance.

Through this convergence of AI innovation and human expertise, ULTRA™ turns day-to-day compliance operations into an evolving intelligence asset — one that builds trust, strengthens governance, and equips financial institutions to thrive in a more complex and interconnected world.

Hashtag: #iCOMPASS #SFF2025 #ULTRA #RegTech #ULTRA


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

iCOMPASS

iCOMPASS Pte Ltd is a Singapore-headquartered RegTech firm developing AI-driven solutions that make regulatory compliance simpler, safer and smarter. Its portfolio includes the iCOMPASS KYC Platform, featured in the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s PathFinder Programme, and ULTRA™, the world’s first AI-powered compliance operating system for financial institutions. iCOMPASS is dedicated to advancing trusted, technology-enabled governance and enabling financial institutions to operate with confidence across global financial ecosystems.

From Furniture to Illumination: Tribesigns Launches Comprehensive Home Lighting Line

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tribesigns, a globally renowned furniture manufacturer and retailer, is delighted to announce the launch of a new product line – lighting series to meet users’ multi-level lifestyle and functional needs.

The debut of Tribesigns’ lighting series marks the culmination of years of dedicated R&D. Guided by a user‑centric philosophy and rigorous quality standards, Tribesigns has created a comprehensive and diverse collection of lighting products that harmonize functionality with design aesthetics. As the brand’s first lighting lineup, these pieces are thoughtfully crafted to enrich everyday living while meeting both practical and emotional needs.

Tribesigns Launched Lighting Series
Tribesigns Launched Lighting Series

Tribesigns’ newly launched lighting collection features a rich and diverse assortment, including flush mount lights, chandeliers, pendants, lamps, vanity lights, sconces, ceiling fans, and outdoor wall lights. Together, these designs illuminate every corner of the home, casting a warm, gentle glow reminiscent of spring sunlight.

“Our new lighting products are suitable for all home spaces, such as the living room, bedroom, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and study,”said Peter Wang, CEO of Tribesigns. “They perfectly combine practicality with design aesthetics, not only meeting basic lighting demands but also satisfying users’ inner emotional demands — including spatial visual reshaping, adjustment of mood and state, and the expression of personal style. Like Tribesigns’ furniture series, most of our lighting products are uniquely designed and cannot be found elsewhere in the market.”

With “Lighting Designed for Life” as the slogan for the new series, Tribesigns reaffirms its commitment to delivering high‑quality lighting that unites practicality with aesthetics — all while enhancing the overall quality of everyday living.

Tribesigns’ lighting series represent a strategic addition to its existing home and office furniture products. Its original commitment to delivering warm, comfortable home experiences for a broad user base remains steadfast, and this commitment continues to serve as a guiding principle for its ongoing endeavors.

For detailed information about the Tribesigns lighting series, please visit:

Official Website:
https://tribesigns.com/pages/lighting 

Amazon Store:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/89863E9F-B80B-4A3A-9B90-E7AB9DEE24F5 

About Tribesigns

Tribesigns is a leading global furniture designer and manufacturer. With the slogan ‘Designed For Life’, its philosophy revolves around the diversity of personal lifestyles and the importance of embracing eco-friendly choices. 

Tribesigns is widely recognized for its distinctive and elegant furniture designs. Many of its latest models are exclusive to the brand, offering unique pieces that combine individuality, craftsmanship, and timeless style.