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Clarivate Pulse of the Library Report Reveals Link Between AI Literacy, AI Implementation and Confidence

Drawing on insights from over 2,000 librarians representing academic, national and public libraries globally, the report offers an up-to-date view of how they are adapting to rapid change

LONDON, Oct. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, today released the Pulse of the Library 2025 report. The report examines how libraries globally are adapting to fast-moving opportunities and challenges such as AI adoption, open science and geopolitical pressures.

The findings reveal a steady rise in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, with 67% of libraries exploring or implementing AI tools, an increase from 63% in 2024. While the majority remain at the initial stages of evaluation, early adopters are pressing ahead and reporting greater optimism, particularly as they progress through implementation phases.

The report also shows that libraries are more likely to be in the moderate or active implementation phases of AI when AI literacy is part of the formal training or onboarding program (28%), librarians have dedicated time/resources (23.3%), or have managers actively encouraging development (24.2%).

Oren Beit-Arie, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Innovation, Academia & Government at Clarivate, said: “Our second Pulse of the Library report points to growing maturity in library approaches to AI, and an increase in the number of early adopters since last year. It also underscores the importance of offering AI literacy and professional development. Libraries that invest in literacy report greater confidence and will be better positioned to leverage AI for a range of uses, including to increase efficiencies to leave more time for important strategic and creative tasks.”

Other key findings from the report include:

  • Pace of AI adoption varies regionally: Asia and Europe have continued to advance AI adoption, with 37 – 40% in initial implementation or beyond, compared with 14 -16% in 2024. The U.S. is behind in adoption and confidence, with the lowest optimism about AI’s potential benefits (7% optimistic, compared with 27 -31% in Asia, Mainland China and Rest of World).
  • Perception gaps across roles: Senior librarians are more likely to prioritize library efficiencies as a primary objective of implementing AI technologies, especially when compared to librarians. Senior librarians were more confident in AI terminology, with 43% ranking their confidence in AI terminology as 4 or 5 (on a scale of 1 for not confident to 5 for highly confident), compared to 36% for junior librarians.
  • Core library missions mostly unchanged from 2024: The only shift observed was in academic libraries where student engagement has become the primary focus in 2025 (40%).
  • Budget constraints remain a key challenge: Many libraries are experiencing geopolitical pressures, affecting budgets and collections. Half of U.S. and North American respondents expect cuts to collections as a result.

John Chrastka, Executive Director at EveryLibrary, said: “Librarians play a leading role in sharing knowledge and building connections within their communities. This report will help support library and information professionals worldwide as they navigate challenges and opportunities.”

The 2025 Pulse of the Library report draws on insights from more than 2,000 librarians across 109 countries and regions, representing academic, public and national libraries. Building on the first report in 2024, it provides actionable insights and recommendations for libraries seeking to maximize the benefits of AI.

Explore the Pulse of the Library report here.

Survey methodology and demographics
The survey was hosted online from June to July 2025. In partnership with Library Journal, Clarivate promoted it to academic, national and public libraries through email, listservs, website pop-ups and social media. To ensure accessibility, the survey was available to complete in English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese languages. Data analysis was conducted in partnership with an external agency, TBI Communications, with additional qualitative interviews led by Clarivate.

In total, 2,032 responses were analyzed. The demographic profile of respondents was broadly consistent with the 2024 survey: 77% represented academic libraries; 46% of respondents were in the U.S.; librarians made up the majority of each library type (over 40%).

The full demographics of the 2025 survey and the quantitative survey data can be found here.

About Clarivate
Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com

Media contact:
Helen Chung-Kesl, Manager, External Communications
newsroom@clarivate.com 

 

ARDY FERGUSON WINS ESTEEMED S.PELLEGRINO YOUNG CHEF ACADEMY AWARD 2025

The dish, ‘Archipelago Celebration’ from Asia takes the crown and will help shape the future of gastronomy.

MILAN, Oct. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following a two-day Grand Finale, last night saw Ardy Ferguson crowned as the winner of S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25, the competition’s sixth edition, at the iconic Castello Sforzesco in Milan. Competing against 14 other talented global finalists,Ferguson’s dish ‘Archipelago Celebration’ stole the show.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
https://www.multivu.com/s_pellegrino/9363351-en-young-chef-academy-award-2025

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is an inspiring global community, empowering talented young chefs through unparalleled connections with renowned culinary figures, education, mentorship and further networking opportunities. Its rigorous two-year global competition, spanning 55 countries and 15 regions, reached its culmination last night, with the extraordinary creativity, skill and visionary talent of gastronomy’s next generation on full display and a winner crowned.

After two years of competing with chefs regionally and worldwide, Ardy Ferguson’s  signature dish was chosen as the winner by a  Grand Jury of seven renowned  chefs – Christophe Bacquié of France and two-Michelin-star Le Table des Amis; Jeremy Chan, co-founder of London’s trailblazing two-Michelin-star restaurant Ikoyi; Antonia Klugmann, of Michelin-starred L’Argine in Gorizia, Italy; Niki Nakayama, of Michelin-starred n/naka in Los Angeles; Elena Reygadas, chef-owner of Michelin-starred Rosetta in Mexico City and founder of the Elena Reygadas Scholarship; Julien Royer, of celebrated three-Michelin-starred Odette in Singapore; and Mitsuharu Tsumura, whose restaurant Maido in Lima is the best in the world according to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

The jury praised Ferguson who has been guided throughout the competition by Vicky Lau for demonstrating exceptional technical precision, a distinctive creative vision and a deep personal connection to their dish. Their dish, ‘Archipelago Celebration’, stood out for its balance of innovation and authenticity, perfectly embodying the competition’s values of skill, passion and purpose.

Ardy Ferguson, winner of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Awards 2025, said: ‘‘I’m incredibly honoured to have been named the winner of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2025. Representing Asia on this global stage has been an unforgettable experience. Creating my dish, ‘Archipelago Celebration’, allowed me to share the vibrant culinary traditions of Indonesia that have deeply inspired me. This journey has challenged me creatively and technically and connected me with some of the most inspiring chefs in the world. I’m deeply grateful to my mentor, Vicky Lau, for her guidance, and to S.Pellegrino for building such an extraordinary platform that empowers and celebrates young chefs.”

Guests at the awards ceremony, held at Castello Sforzesco in Milan, were treated to an exclusive gastronomic spectacle, as a bespoke dinner was created by two of the culinary world’s most influential figures: Pía León, chef-owner of Lima’s Kjolle, ranked number nine on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, and Jessica Rosval, Head Chef of Casa Maria Luigia and Al Gatto Verde.

Among those present in the kitchen was Nelson Freitas, winner of S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2022–2023, who, following his mentorship experience with the Academy, now works alongside León – a true example of the meaningful career opportunities and connections the Academy continues to create.

The gala evening also saw the winners of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition’s collateral awards crowned. Chef Zanté Neethling (Africa, Middle East & South Asia) received the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award for her dish Tribute to the Khoi-Khoin Tara, which was praised for best exemplifying the use of sustainable practices.

Chef Noah Wynants (North Europe) and his plant-based take on a global classic, Dutch ‘Rendang’, was named winner of the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award which celebrates the young chef whose signature dish best reflects harmony between tradition and innovation. Finally, chef Nicolás A. López (USA) took home the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award, which is the only award in the competition decided by public vote and recognises the young chef whose dish best expresses their personal beliefs and values, something chef López was praised for with his dish Pork with Hints of the Sea.

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is an incredible opportunity for young talent in the industry to access the highest levels of expertise and knowledge, with Ardy Ferguson now joining high ranking names to create a positive contribution to the world of gastronomy and wider community.

Highlights from S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25 are available on S.Pellegrino Academy and Sanpellegrino official social channels. To discover more about the competition, please visit sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.

About S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna

S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks are international trademarks of Sanpellegrino S.p.A., which is based in Milan, Italy. Distributed in over 150 countries through branches and distributors on all five continents, these products represent quality, excellence by virtue of their origins and perfectly interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of pleasure, health and well-being. Sanpellegrino, with its iconic products and a history of over 120 years is the leading company in Italy in the non-alcoholic beverage sector, offering a wide range of mineral waters, aperitifs, and soft drinks.

Sanpellegrino has always been committed to enhancing this primary good for the planet and works responsibly and passionately to ensure that this resource has a secure future.

 

ARDY FERGUSON WINS ESTEEMED S.PELLEGRINO YOUNG CHEF ACADEMY AWARD 2025
ARDY FERGUSON WINS ESTEEMED S.PELLEGRINO YOUNG CHEF ACADEMY AWARD 2025

 

 

Futurise Unveils 2024 Impact Report: Shaping Tomorrow’s Regulatory Landscape

CYBERJAYA, Malaysia, Oct. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Futurise Sdn. Bhd., a company under the Ministry of Finance, released its Impact Report 2024, showcasing a transformative role in shaping Malaysia’s future economy through the National Regulatory Sandbox (NRS) and regulatory innovation initiatives.

Futurise Impact Report 2024
Futurise Impact Report 2024

Guided by its vision to lead the establishment of a regulatory innovation ecosystem, Futurise has strengthened Malaysia’s position as a pioneer in agile, future-oriented governance, bridging industry, government, and academia to enable innovation in critical sectors and emerging technologies such as AI, advanced air mobility, healthcare, esports, micromobility, and data protection.

2024 Highlights

  • 5 National Guidelines Introduced: Including Data Breach Notification Guideline, Data Protection Officers Guideline, Practical Guide: AI Governance & Ethics, PUSPAL Guidelines 6.0, and Guidelines for Micromobility Service Operators.
  • 2 Industry Studies Completed: Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Industry Report and National Regulatory Sandbox: Way Forward.
  • 14 Major Events & 4 RegTalks: Covering data protection, AI readiness, regulatory sandbox ecosystems, and drone sports.
  • 3 Strategic Partnerships Signed: With the Personal Data Protection Department (JPDP), Malaysia Sports Aviation Federation (MSAF), and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).

National & Global Impact

Futurise was appointed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) as the Secretariat for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Steering Committee, reinforcing Malaysia’s ambition to lead in next-generation urban mobility. This initiative is expected to accelerate the safe integration of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and drone-based logistics into Malaysia’s transport ecosystem.

Through the NRS Labs, Futurise addressed pressing national challenges:

  • Personal Data Protection: Collaborating with JPDP to modernise PDPA frameworks.
  • AI Governance: Partnering with the Ministry of Digital to publish the Practical Guide on AI Governance and Ethics.
  • Entertainment Regulation: Revising the PUSPAL Guidelines 6.0 to balance cultural sensitivities with global competitiveness.
  • Micromobility: Launching guidelines with MOT to support safe adoption of e-scooters and other micromobility solutions.

Building Talent and Ecosystems

Futurise continued its advocacy for emerging industries, including drone sports, through initiatives such as AKSADRON (National Drone Sports Academy), which expanded via partnerships with UMPSA. These efforts are strengthening Malaysia’s global positioning in drone innovation, talent development, and STEM education.

Internationally, Futurise hosted delegations and study visits from Qatar, France, Brunei, Cambodia, and the Philippines, while engaging in global dialogues such as the Malaysia Aviation Safety Seminar and France-Malaysia Innovation Day.

Looking Forward

The report outlines Futurise’s upcoming priorities:

  • Launch of the Autonomous Vehicle Roadmap
  • Development of Data Protection Guidelines
  • Training programmes for Data Protection Officers
  • Supporting the rollout of the National Cloud Computing Policy

Our mission is clear: to ensure Malaysia’s regulatory frameworks not only keep pace with technology but also set the benchmark for responsible and sustainable growth,” said Siti Shafinaz Salim, Acting CEO of Futurise.

About Futurise

Futurise is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cyberview Sdn Bhd under the Ministry of Finance. It is mandated by the Government of Malaysia to manage the National Regulatory Sandbox, providing public policy advisory and acting as a key enabler of regulatory solutions to expedite innovation and future-proof Malaysia’s economy.

Follow Futurise social media for updates:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/futurisemy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurisemy
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futurise/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FuturiseMY

Run for Children 2025: Over 3,000 Runners Unite for Lao Kids

The Run for Children 2025, held on 25 October, brought together more than 3,000 runners from Laos and around the world. 

Hotel Artz Fair Unveils Global Lineup Featuring Basquiat Showcase and ULTRAMAN’s First-Ever Art Collaboration Outside Japan

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 October 2025 – Hotel Artz Fair is proud to announce the artist and program highlights for its much-anticipated second edition, taking place from 21–23 November 2025 at Conrad Hong Kong. This boutique Fair offers a uniquely intimate experience, transforming hotel rooms into warm, homelike art spaces where works by over 40 artists from 12 countries and regions will be showcased. It invites collectors and art lovers to engage directly with artists in a setting designed to foster meaningful conversation and discovery.

Star Ferry at Hong Kong Harbour (detail), Pip Todd-Warmoth, TANYA BAXTER CONTEMPORARY, Rooms 4507 & 4508
Star Ferry at Hong Kong Harbour (detail), Pip Todd-Warmoth, TANYA BAXTER CONTEMPORARY, Rooms 4507 & 4508

“We are thrilled to bring back this immersive and personal art experience to Hong Kong,” said Garth Grierson and Terry Ma, co-founders of Hotel Artz Fair. “This year, we’re proud to present a rare exhibition of four seminal works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a vibrant curation by Tanya Baxter featuring icons like Warhol and Chagall, and a historic debut collaboration between Japan’s legendary ULTRAMAN and local artist William Kan. These highlights reflect our commitment to pushing boundaries and deepening the dialogue between global and local creative voices.”

A Global Tapestry of Talent
This year’s edition features a compelling mix of emerging and mid-career artists from around the world. British expressionist painter Jesse Grylls brings raw emotional intensity to his canvases, while Australian muralist Jamie Torpey offers bold abstract portraiture. Hong Kong artist William Kan showcases his multidisciplinary approach, blending tradition with contemporary flair.
Mid-career talents include English painter Pip Todd-Warmoth, whose works are part of HRH King Charles’ private collection; Turkish painter and sculptor Coplu, celebrated for his emotionally resonant and colour-rich creations; and Japanese artist Hisahiro Fukasawa, known for his meticulous brushwork and masterful gold-leaf layering.
Curated Icons and Contemporary Voices
Internationally acclaimed art adviser Tanya Baxter, recognized by Spear’s as one of the world’s top 500 art advisers, brings her signature curatorial flair to the Fair. Her showcase will feature a vibrant mix of post-modern, modern British, and contemporary works, including pieces by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Marc Chagall, Tracey Emin, Bridget Riley, and Andy Warhol, presented alongside emerging and mid-career artists such as Rocco Ritchie and Pip Todd-Warmoth.
Special Exhibition – Basquiat: Two Years, Four Moments
In collaboration with a private collector, four pivotal works by Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988), created between 1982 and 1983 will be unveiled. This intimate exhibition invites guests to step into Basquiat’s creative world, offering a deeper understanding of his artistic language and cultural impact. These privately held pieces are rarely seen and carry immense market significance, making this showcase a landmark moment for the region’s art scene.
A Heroic First: ULTRAMAN Meets Hong Kong Art
In a landmark moment, the Fair will host ULTRAMAN’s first-ever artistic collaboration outside Japan, presented by Gabangel. This debut features a newly commissioned work by William Kan, fusing the iconic Japanese superhero’s legacy with local creative energy in a bold, cross-cultural statement.
Beyond the Canvas: Immersive Experiences Await
The Fair goes beyond traditional exhibitions, offering a suite of immersive experiences designed to enrich the visitor journey. Guests can enjoy a playful, art-inspired photoshoot hosted by Venture Studios, leaving with a personalized keepsake that captures the spirit of the Fair. Whisky Cask Specialists will lead a guided tasting experience, inviting guests to explore the nuances of fine whisky in a relaxed and engaging setting. Complementing these moments, a series of thought-provoking seminars will delve into themes across art, culture, and creativity, encouraging deeper reflection and dialogue.

Top Picks at the Fair

(Top) Ethnic Group 7 (detail), Liu Liguo, Room 4510; (Bottom Left) Taytu Betul (detail), Damien Hirst, TANYA BAXTER CONTEMPORARY, Rooms 4507 & 4508; (Bottom Right) Journey of Being Deeply in Love and Side by Side (detail), Coplu, V’Art Space, Room 4512
(Top) Ethnic Group 7 (detail), Liu Liguo, Room 4510; (Bottom Left) Taytu Betul (detail), Damien Hirst, TANYA BAXTER CONTEMPORARY, Rooms 4507 & 4508; (Bottom Right) Journey of Being Deeply in Love and Side by Side (detail), Coplu, V’Art Space, Room 4512


Liu Liguo, China
Liu Liguo (b.1964) is a contemporary Chinese artist known for blending traditional aesthetics with modern media to create visually bold and conceptually rich works. A graduate of the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, Liu draws on cultural memory, identity, and social transformation, often using irony and theatrical flair. His signature “classic series” of ceramic sculptures featuring the iconic “butt” motif, combines grey humour with symbolic storytelling. Active since China’s 1990s art movements, Liu continues to explore the intersection of heritage and innovation, with recent works reflecting on ecological concerns and the rhythms of life in a rapidly changing world.

Damien Hirst, United Kingdom
Damien Hirst (b.1965) is one of Britain’s most prominent contemporary artists. A founding figure of the Young British Artists movement, he gained early recognition with Freeze in 1988. Hirst’s fascination with mortality is reflected in works like The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, featuring a preserved shark. His vibrant series include Spot, Butterfly, and Spin paintings. In 2022, Hirst released The Empresses, a glittering butterfly print series honouring powerful women. Taytu Betul evokes motion and resistance, while Theodora celebrates Byzantine strength through rich crimson tones and symmetrical elegance.

Coplu, Turkey
Coplu is a self-taught Turkish artist whose vibrant, whimsical works celebrate the motto “Life is Beautiful.” Through iconic symbols like hearts, trees, boats, and clouds, he explores human emotions, relationships, and our deep connection to nature. His colourful compositions blend rich textures and joyful imagery to reflect love, freedom, and the beauty of existence. With exhibitions across the globe and public sculptures like “Nature of Love-Warmth” in Singapore’s Changi Airport, Coplu’s art transcends cultural boundaries, inviting viewers into a world of optimism, imagination, and emotional resonance rooted in the harmony between humanity and the natural world.

(Left) Dragonfly Fish, Ho Siu Chong, CHONG HO ART JEWELRY, Room 4518; (Top Right) Landscape (detail), Kim Hoe-won, Gallery ANN, Room 4505; (Bottom Right) Peony and Parrots, Hisahiro Fukasawa, William Chan Design, Room 4521
(Left) Dragonfly Fish, Ho Siu Chong, CHONG HO ART JEWELRY, Room 4518; (Top Right) Landscape (detail), Kim Hoe-won, Gallery ANN, Room 4505; (Bottom Right) Peony and Parrots, Hisahiro Fukasawa, William Chan Design, Room 4521

Ho Siu Chong, Hong Kong
Ho Siu Chong (b.1977) is a Hong Kong-based artisan renowned for transforming traditional craftsmanship into poetic wearable art. Trained in design from a young age, he developed his practice through hands-on exploration of diverse techniques. His creations reflect a deep appreciation for nature, family, and the fleeting beauty of life. Inspired by his children and personal experiences, his sculptural adornments radiate warmth, innocence, and a meticulous sense of proportion. Chong combines enamel, gemstones, titanium, and gold with intricate mechanical structures, crafting pieces that merge emotion, innovation, and elegance – each one a reflection of his philosophy and artistic spirit.

Kim Hoe-won, South Korea
South Korean artist Kim Hoe-won (b.1968) draws deep inspiration from the timeless elegance of the Baekjamoon, or traditional Korean moon jar. He reimagines the jar as a contemplative space, filled with shimmering willow branches that sway in hues of blue, as if moved by an invisible breeze. These delicate forms evoke a sense of motion within stillness, layering memory and perception that bridges Eastern sensibility with contemporary minimalism, inviting viewers into a meditative world where silence speaks and sentiment lingers. Kim continues to explore the emotional resonance of material and form, shaping a unique visual language rooted in Korean aesthetics.

Hisahiro Fukasawa, Japan
Hisahiro Fukasawa (b.1976) is a Japanese visual creator whose work reimagines classical kachōga (flower-and-bird painting) through a contemporary lens. Blending gold-leaf craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics, he pioneers a neo-traditional style that bridges East and West. His birds, often adorned with floral crowns and intricate patterns, evoke both celebration and introspection. Fukasawa’s acclaimed series Golden Whispers explores harmony between nature and the human spirit. With solo exhibitions across Asia and Europe and works held by the Mucha Foundation, his art invites viewers into a meditative yet dazzling visual symphony, where tradition meets innovation in a transcultural dialogue.

Hashtag: #ArtFair #ContemporaryArtFair #HotelArtzFair #HotelArtzFair2025 #ArtInHotels #CuratedSpaces #ContemporaryArt #ArtistsToWatch #ArtisticJourney #ArtCollectors #ArtInvestment #ArtLovers #ArtSpotlight #HongKongArtScene #AsiaArtFair #GlobalArtFair #ArtBeyondWalls #ArtMeetsHospitality #LivingWithArt

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

Hotel Artz Fair

Founded by Garth Grierson and Terry Ma in 2024, Hotel Artz Fair presents an intimate and engaging art experience that differentiate itself with other players. Now in its second edition, the Fair continues to nurture the local art scene while promoting accessibility of art of emerging, mid-career and established artists from around the world.

Xinhua Silk Road: Industrial and financial synergetic development to be engine for Northeast Asia’s economy

BEIJING, Oct. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the Exchange Conference on Industry-Finance Synergetic Development in Northeast Asia, a parallel event of the 3rd Northeast Asia Finance Conference held recently in Shenyang of northeast China’s Liaoning Province, participants from China, Japan, South Korea and Russia gathered together to exchange views on the financial and industrial collaboration in promoting regional development.

In recent years, China has enhanced in-depth collaboration with northeast Asian countries in terms of industrial chains and supply chains and continuously facilitated industrial optimization and upgrading. The economic development in Northeast Asia is embracing new opportunities, with deep industrial and financial collaboration as the core engine for the regional cooperation.

At present, international cooperation has become an inevitable option for enterprises in northeast China to participate in the “dual-circulation” development pattern and improve their global competitiveness, said Xiong Haifang, professor and vice dean of the School of Finance of Dongbei University of Finance & Economics, when delivering a keynote speech at the event. To transform industrial advantages into international competitiveness, it is necessary to rely on the precise empowerment of the financial system, Xiong noted.

Evgenii Shimanovskii, first vice-president of Eurasian Business Alliance, said that finance is not only a capital supplier but also a core driving force for industrial mutual trust and regional collaboration. The Northeast Asia is home to a strong manufacturing base which is even more in need of strong financial guarantee and support.

During a roundtable discussion session, Andrei Kapustin, counsellor of the Trade Mission of the Russian Federation in China, said that as an important bridge and link, the Trade Mission of the Russian Federation could help Chinese and Russian enterprises explore cooperation opportunities and facilitate financial support and practical connection for industrial projects.

Jin Xing, vice general manager of the Shenyang Branch of Shinhan Bank (China) Limited, said that as a foreign bank, Shinhan has actively supported the economic development in Shenyang and enhanced financing support for enterprises with cross-border financing needs, especially those investing in South Korea.

Peng Songyang, general manager of the Banking Department of Shenyang-headquartered Shengjing Bank, said that technology financing will be the key development strategy for the bank and it will provide comprehensive financial services for high-tech enterprises in the region to support their growth.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/348082.html 

Xinhua Silk Road: Annual Conference of Financial Street Forum 2025 kicks off Monday, highlighting high-quality global financial development

BEIJING, Oct. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Annual Conference of Financial Street Forum 2025 kicked off here on Monday, bringing together participants from China and abroad to discuss ways to promote high-quality global financial development.

Under the theme of “Global Financial Development in an Era of Innovation, Transformation and Restructuring”, the annual conference sets a main forum, parallel forums, the Fintech Conference 2025 and other activities.

High-profile guests, coming from over 30 countries and regions around the world, are now taking part in diverse activities of this year’s annual conference, whose main and parallel forums include 27 thematic sessions, six investment and financing-related matchmaking activities, etc.

Scheduled to close on Thursday, the Annual Conference of Financial Street Forum 2025 is co-hosted by the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, the People’s Bank of China, the National Financial Regulatory Administration, China Securities Regulatory Commission, Xinhua News Agency and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/348090.html

METABORA GAMES Launches ‘Puzzle & Guardians’ on LINE NEXT’s Mini Dapps to expand BORA Token Utility

Baligames, METABORA GAMES’ puzzle RPG studio, launches global title ‘Puzzle & Guardians’
–  Combines 3-match puzzles, RPG growth, and Web3 rewards
–  Introduces BORA DEEPS, linking gameplay missions with Web3 rewards
–  Expands BORA utility through in-game payments and new Web3 services

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — METABORA GAMES (CEO Choi Se-hoon), a leading blockchain game developer, announced today the official global launch of its new Web3 title “Puzzle & Guardians” through the Dapp Portal operated by LINE NEXT.

METABORA GAMES Launches ‘Puzzle & Guardians’  on LINE NEXT’s Mini Dapps to expand BORA Token Utility
METABORA GAMES Launches ‘Puzzle & Guardians’ on LINE NEXT’s Mini Dapps to expand BORA Token Utility

Developed by Baligames, a puzzle RPG specialist studio in partnership with METABORA GAMES, Puzzle & Guardians is a hybrid Web3 game that combines the casual fun of 3-match puzzle battles with RPG progression elements. Players can collect and enhance various Guardians, engage in 1v1 PvP duels as well as Boss Rush and other PvE modes, and earn BORA token rewards by completing in-game missions and seasonal events.

Accessible directly through the LINE NEXT’s Dapp Portal without additional installation, Puzzle & Guardians also supports in-app purchases using BORA tokens, offering players a seamless Web3 Payment experience.

METABORA GAMES also introduced “BORA DEEPS”, a brand new infrastructure service designed to strengthen interaction between players and the BORA ecosystem. Its first feature, Quest, debuts with Puzzle & Guardians at launch. By connecting in-game missions with BORA-based Web3 rewards, BORA DEEPS enhances user engagement and plays a pivotal role in expanding the overall BORA game ecosystem.

In addition to Kaia based payments provided on Mini Dapps, Puzzle & Guardians officially enables in-game purchases with BORA tokens. Together with the BORA DEEPS Quest reward system, the game establishes a sustainable token utility cycle across gameplay and user participation.

METABORA GAMES is also expanding Gas Abstraction across key BORA ecosystem products, allowing users to make payments with BORA tokens on the Kaia chain without holding KAIA tokens; enhancing overall accessibility for BORA users.

Looking ahead, the company plans to further enhance and diversify BORA token utility by launching additional Mini Dapp games and introducing new features within BORA DEEPS.

Earlier this year, METABORA GAMES entered a partnership with LINE NEXT, operator of the Dapp Portal, and Baligames, developer of Axie Champions. Puzzle & Guardians marks the first collaborative title introduced to the global market under this partnership, following its pre-launch showcase at WebX 2025, Japan’s largest Web3 conference, where it drew significant international attention.

More information about Puzzle & Guardians is available on the official X (Twitter) account and the LINE NEXT’s Dapp Portal.

About METABORA
METABORA is a casual game developer and the service operator of the blockchain platform BORA.
The BORA ecosystem brings together partners across various industries—ranging from tokenomics and content to blockchain technology—driving innovation and collaboration across games, sports, and entertainment.
BORA is a national game/entertainment token with a high liquidity in the market and reinforcing the accessibility of users and services abroad by increasing the listing on global cryptocurrency exchanges and expanding partnership.