TAIPEI, Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Viet Digital Investment Joint Stock Company (VDI) and ALPACA Vietnam officially signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding on Insurance Technology (InsurTech) and comprehensive digital transformation. This event marks an important milestone in promoting the modernization of Vietnam’s insurance industry through technology.

Vietnam’s insurance industry in a strong digital transformation phase

The insurance industry in Vietnam is undergoing digital transformation at an unprecedented speed and scale. According to the Strategy for the Development of Vietnam’s Insurance Market to 2030 approved by the Prime Minister, the goal is to promote the application of technology, diversify insurance products and distribution channels on digital platforms, and move towards a fully digital insurance enterprise model.

In addition, according to a survey published at the 2025 Vietnam Insurance Summit, 95.5% of insurance companies in Vietnam have invested in digital technology, of which 68.2% have significantly increased their investment in digital transformation activities.

However, digital transformation still faces many challenges, from fragmented technology infrastructure, lack of data standardization, to limited technological and insurance expertise. In this context, cooperation between technology enterprises and insurance-focused companies becomes crucial in forming comprehensive partnership models and creating real value for the market.

The combination of two complementary strengths: VDI and ALPACA Vietnam

VDI, with over 14 years of experience in system integration and digital transformation, has established its reputation as a trusted provider in developing large-scale digital infrastructure for enterprises and organizations. With strong implementation capability and an extensive international partner ecosystem such as Dell Technologies, IBM, Check Point, F5, Cisco, Oracle… VDI has been continuously honored in the Top 10 Leading Digital Technology Companies in Vietnam in the categories of Digital Infrastructure and Digital Transformation.

Meanwhile, ALPACA Vietnam, established in 2020 with a core team from Unicorn Solutions, has collaborated with many international InsurTech companies such as MyInsurer, Singlife, Zensur, and 360F. In January 2025, ALPACA Vietnam was officially acquired by TPIsoftware Corporation, a Taiwan-based software company specializing in AI and digital transformation. This marks a new phase of growth and innovation for ALPACA Vietnam.

The cooperation between VDI and ALPACA is not only a connection of technological resources but also a strategic step for both sides to jointly build a domestic digital insurance platform that combines in-depth understanding of the Vietnamese market with international technology standards.

Landmark collaboration advances sustainable urban development in Jakarta

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, safe, healthy and sustainable buildings, celebrated the successful completion of a multi-year collaboration with Thamrin Nine, a flagship multi-purpose complex in central Jakarta’s central business district that spans commercial, hospitality and retail spaces. The project, which helps reduce energy use by up to 30 percent, recently achieved BCA (Building and Construction Authority) Green Mark Platinum certification, recognizing its outstanding environmental performance.

As part of the project, Johnson Controls provided chiller plant design and implementation, engineering services and building automation systems for two of Thamrin Nine’s skyscrapers—the Autograph Tower, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere at 382.9 meters, and the Luminary Tower. With building systems fully deployed across both towers, Johnson Controls will continue supporting the development through ongoing service and maintenance to ensure long-term efficiency, comfort and enhance equipment lifespan.

Smart Building Technologies for a Future-Ready Urban Icon

Johnson Controls designed, supplied and installed a full suite of integrated building solutions tailored to the complex’s high-performance needs. Thamrin Nine marks the company’s first chiller plant optimization project in Indonesia, which aims to make cooling systems work smarter through advanced technologies and improved operations. Through turnkey project management that covered design, implementation, and integration across systems, Johnson Controls was able to deliver significant energy and cost savings. These included:

• A 3,100-ton YORK® cooling system for Autograph Tower, designed to meet the Green Mark Platinum certification target of below 0.58 kW/TR. The system helps reduce energy use by up to 30 percent, supporting lower operating costs while maintaining comfort across the building.
• Three 300 TR high-efficiency YORK chillers integrated with an Energy Management System (EMS) optimizing cooling performance and reducing energy demand in the Luminary Tower, which houses three hospitality properties.
• Tailored Air Handling Units (AHUs) and Fan Coil Units (FCUs) for diverse commercial, retail, residential, and hospitality zones.
• Advanced analytics and real-time monitoring based on Metasys Building Management System, enabling facility teams to detect and resolve issues before downtime occurs and improving reliability and reducing maintenance costs.

“This project is a defining milestone for urban development in Jakarta,” said Michael Wiener, Design Director, Thamrin Nine. “Our goal was to change the way people live, work and play in Jakarta —delivering an integrated destination that combines scale, choice, convenience, and sustainability. Johnson Controls has been the ideal partner to help us achieve that vision, and we appreciate their continued support in maintaining performance at the highest standards.”

“Our partnership with Thamrin Nine exemplifies how future-forward engineering and digital optimisation can deliver not just iconic buildings, but greener, smarter cities. By integrating advanced building technologies, we’re creating healthier, more sustainable indoor environments that reduce operational costs, lower carbon emissions, and enhance occupant well-being,” said Wibawa Jati Kusuma, General Manager, Malaysia & Indonesia, Johnson Controls. “With ongoing service and support, we’re committed to helping Thamrin Nine maintain optimised performance and set the pace for sustainable urban development in Indonesia.”

A Model for Sustainable Development in ASEAN

The Thamrin Nine partnership builds on Johnson Controls’ 140-year legacy of innovation and leadership in smart, safe, healthy and sustainable technologies and is part of its expanding portfolio of sustainability-driven projects across Southeast Asia, including:

• Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (Philippines) – Championed operational excellence with Johnson Controls’ Metasys Building Management System.
• Graha CIMB Niaga Building (Indonesia) – Transformed HVAC performance and energy efficiency through digital modernization, improving sustainability and tenant satisfaction.
• Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (Singapore) – OpenBlue digital platform delivered millions in energy cost savings while enhancing patient care.
• City-Centre Development (Singapore) – Set to cut around 88,000 tonnes of CO₂ over 15 years through Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) solution and Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) model.

These proven technologies and approaches, adapted for the Jakarta context, support Indonesia’s Net Zero Emissions by 2060 vision—demonstrating how global expertise can address local environmental challenges at scale. As it celebrates its 140^th anniversary in 2025, Johnson Controls continues to redefine building performance, driving the next era for commercial buildings, transforming industries and powering its customers’ missions.

About Johnson Controls: 

At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.  

Building on a proud history of 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.  

Today, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.  

Visit johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnsoncontrols on social platforms. 

About Thamrin Nine:

Thamrin Nine is a world-class superblock located in the heart of Jakarta. As a first-of-its-kind development, Thamrin Nine seamlessly integrates Grade-A office spaces in Indonesia’s tallest buildings, Autograph Tower and Luminary Tower; luxury residences, Le Parc; a vibrant retail district, Agora Mall; five-star hospitality, including Pan Pacific Jakarta and PARKROYAL Hotel & Serviced Suites Jakarta; and Indonesia’s tallest observatory deck, UP at Thamrin Nine. Designed as a city within a city, Thamrin Nine redefines urban living in Indonesia with its cutting-edge architecture and visionary experiences.

SINGAPORE, Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BiyaPay today announced a strategic upgrade, unveiling its next-phase strategic blueprint dedicated to building a digital financial platform that seamlessly connects the traditional finance and digital asset ecosystems. The core objective of this strategic upgrade is to empower users to more freely exercise rights pertaining to wealth mobility, investment, and returns within a compliant and secure environment, marking BiyaPay’s significant transformation from a pure trading tool into a comprehensive financial services platform.

BiyaPay: A Leading Neobank Case in Asia

As a leading Neobank case in Asia, BiyaPay provides convenient and efficient financial services for global users through digital technology, innovative services, and ongoing compliance efforts. The platform not only integrates traditional financial services with digital asset trading but also breaks the service limitations of traditional banks through smart investment advisory and cross-asset integration, meeting global users’ demand for flexible financial services.

Four Core Pillars: Empowering User Wealth Growth

BiyaPay’s strategy will revolve around four core pillars:

• Compliance and Security: BiyaPay continues to strengthen its compliance foundation, advancing applications for licenses in multiple countries worldwide to provide compliance assurance for international expansion.
• Efficiency and Inclusivity: By optimizing fee structures and transaction speeds, BiyaPay reduces the costs of cross-border payments and asset trading, democratizing access to global market opportunities.
• Connectivity and Integration: BiyaPay integrates cross-asset management, enhances user fund liquidity, and builds a unified account system.
• AI Technology Drive: BiyaPay applies artificial intelligence to product optimization and technical development, enhancing both user experience and platform security.

Future-Oriented Technical Infrastructure

BiyaPay plans to launch its own high-performance blockchain in 2026, supporting 7×24 spot trading of tokenized US stocks on-chain, promoting global asset interoperability. It will further launch Decentralized Exchange (DEX) functionality, achieving seamless integration of capital flow and investment execution.

“Bi-Monthly Upgrade”: Delivering on Strategic Actions

The implementation of BiyaPay’s strategy has officially commenced. Starting today, the platform enters a “Bi-Monthly Upgrade Period,” during which it will gradually roll out multiple new features according to plan, further enhancing security, inclusivity, and user connectivity. Recent upgrades include:

• Backend Optimizations:
  Further strengthening institutional verification (KYB) and institutional-grade risk control, improving the traceability of transactions and clearing, and optimizing the system’s high-concurrency processing capability to ensure platform stability and reliability.
• Experience Enhancements:
  Launching a Web-based trading module, optimizing the trading experience for professional users, enhancing market depth and K-line chart interaction, and improving order placement paths and fund transfer processes. The upcoming US stock fractional share trading and scheduled investment features in November will further lower the investment threshold, helping more users easily access global markets.

These updates will help BiyaPay expand its B2B and professional user base, making account management clearer and trade execution more controllable, thereby further consolidating the foundation for the platform’s long-term development.

CEO Barton on the Future

“We firmly believe that the future of finance lies in openness, integration, and autonomy,” said BiyaPay CEO Barton. “Our role is not just to provide products, but to act as a trusted financial partner for our users. Through continuous technological innovation and compliance building, we provide users with a low-friction, high-transparency financial services platform, helping them manage global wealth with confidence.”

About BiyaPay

BiyaPay is a globally leading fintech platform, holding financial licenses in multiple countries including the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. It provides multi-asset trading services such as international remittance, US and Hong Kong stock trading, and digital currency spot/contract trading, committed to providing users with low-friction, cross-border asset management and allocation services.

Official website address: https://www.biyapay.com/

Customer service Telegram: https://t.me/biyapay001

Telegram Community: https://t.me/biyapay_ch

Customer service email: service@biyapay.com

BANGKOK, Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chulalongkorn University has developed ChulaVerse, a virtual world designed to promote lifelong and immersive learning. The platform comprises two parts: CV World, where users create avatars to explore the campus and join 3D events, and CV Learn, a virtual classroom offering immersive content such as 360-degree videos, simulations, and VR tours.

The concept emerged as a response to disruptions from COVID-19 and, later, the March 2025 earthquake, which forced the cancellation of open houses and other events. ChulaVerse allows prospective students to experience these activities in virtual reality instead, ensuring continuity of learning and engagement even in times of crisis.

Led by Associate Professor Dr. Gridsada Phanomchoeng and colleagues from the Immersive Technology Lab (IMT Lab), the project began in 2023. The team, now 19 members strong from multiple disciplines including medicine, law, engineering, and business, aimed to create impactful educational technology that could be adapted across fields.

What’s inside ChulaVerse?

• CV World lets users design avatars, visit 3D models of university landmarks, and participate in virtual lectures, seminars, and exhibitions. Functions include microphones, cameras, chat, and file sharing.
• CV Learn focuses on lifelong learning, connecting to existing systems like MyCourseVille and MDCU MedUMore. It issues certificates and hosts immersive courseware. Users can choose either VR access with headsets or standard web browsers.

Learning in Practice
Virtual classrooms have been piloted in courses such as robotics, medicine, and science. Compared with Zoom, avatars in CV World create a more interactive experience. Medical students can also rehearse procedures—like CPR or surgery—using VR before real-world training. While virtual tools cannot replace hands-on practice, they serve as valuable supplements, particularly for international or remote students.

Future Directions
ChulaVerse already offers 13 immersive medical modules and has attracted around 1,000 users in its first year. The team is working with organizations like the Boromarajonani National Institute of Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation (BNIRTD) to expand content into healthcare and beyond. In the future, more faculties are expected to add customized modules, making ChulaVerse a hub for borderless education.

With its presence at www.chulaverse.com, Chulalongkorn University now extends far beyond its Bangkok campus—offering a seamless blend of innovation, accessibility, and immersive learning for the future.

Read the full article at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/268006/

Media Contact: 
Chula Communication Center 
Email: Pataraporn.r@chula.ac.th

This global distribution deal will give Amadeus travel sellers easier access to flights to the Himalayas.

SINGAPORE, Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, is proud to announce that its inventory will be available through Amadeus, the leading provider of travel technology solutions. This partnership will significantly enhance the airline’s global reach and provide travel agents worldwide with seamless access to Drukair’s flight services.

Headquartered at Paro International Airport, Drukair connects Bhutan with key cities across Asia, including Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore, Dhaka, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya and Dubai. Through this collaboration, Drukair’s fares, schedules, and inventory will be accessible on the Amadeus Travel Platform, reaching travel agencies worldwide.

“Partnering with Amadeus opens new horizons for Drukair and Bhutan. This collaboration allows us to connect with more travelers around the world, offering seamless access to our flights. We look forward to leveraging this partnership to drive growth and strengthen our presence on the global travel map,” says Mr. Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer of Drukair.

“Amadeus is proud to be Drukair’s first distribution partner as it seeks to expand its global reach. We strive to offer our network of travel sellers comprehensive travel content, and Bhutan is an exceptional destination that more people will now be able to reach. Asia Pacific continues to be a growth engine for the global travel industry, and this agreement will further power its growth,” says Javier Laforgue, Executive Vice President, Travel Unit & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Amadeus.

Travel sellers in India, Thailand, Singapore, Nepal, Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, and France will be able to issue tickets with further global rollout slated for 2026.

The partnership with Amadeus marks a key milestone in Drukair’s growth strategy, aligning with its vision to expand accessibility, enhance customer experience, and integrate seamlessly into the global travel ecosystem.

Drukair will go live with Amadeus travel sellers shortly – exact dates and market availability will be communicated in due course.

With Amadeus, Drukair is ready to welcome more travelers to Bhutan, where every journey is as extraordinary as the destination itself.

Notes to the editors:

About Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines

Drukair Corporation Limited, operating as Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines, is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Established in 1981, Drukair currently operates scheduled flights to 10 international destinations across 6 countries within the South Asian region and beyond its base at Paro International Airport. In addition to its international routes, Drukair services 3 domestic destinations within Bhutan and offers helicopter services to enhance its range beyond fixed-wing operations.

Learn more about Drukair at www.drukair.com.bt, and follow us on:

Facebook, TikTok & Twitter – @Drukair

Instagram & Threads – @drukair_royalbhutanairlines

About Amadeus

Amadeus makes the experience of travel better for everyone, everywhere by inspiring innovation, partnerships and responsibility to people, places and planet.

Our technology powers the travel and tourism industry. Inspiring more open ways of working. More connected ways of thinking, centered around the traveler. Our open platform connects the global travel and hospitality ecosystem. From startups to big industry players and governments too. Together, redesigning the travel of tomorrow.

We are working to make travel a force for social and environmental good. A collective responsibility to protect and improve the people and places we visit, ensuring travel continues to make positive contribution to our world.

We apply innovation to meet new needs, to solve real challenges. Our truly diverse global workforce, made up of 150 nationalities, is passionate about travel and technology.

We are an IBEX 35 company, listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange under AMS.MC. We have also been recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last 13 years.

Amadeus. It’s how travel works better.

Learn more about Amadeus at www.amadeus.com