On 18 September, the Vientiane Provincial People’s Court delivered harsh sentences to five individuals involved in serious criminal activities ranging from drug trafficking to theft and fraud. Among them, two were sentenced to death in one of the province’s most significant drug cases in recent years.
Vientiane Court Issues Death Sentences in Major Drug Trafficking Case as Nationwide Crackdown Intensifies
OSL Group Completes Acquisition of Licensed Indonesian Exchange Koinsayang
|
HONG KONG, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OSL Group (863.HK) today announced that it has successfully completed the acquisition of Koinsayang, a licensed digital asset exchange in Indonesia, through the issuance of approximately 9.266 million consideration shares. The acquisition grants OSL Group licenses for cryptocurrency and derivatives trading, further accelerating the company’s strategic expansion across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.
With this transaction, OSL Group secures full regulatory approval to operate in Indonesia, laying a solid foundation for the development of emerging business areas such as real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and PayFi. According to the latest crypto industry report issued by the Indonesian Blockchain Association, Indonesia contributes 10.1% of global interest in RWAs, ranking third worldwide.
Leveraging Koinsayang’s established brand recognition and local market resources, alongside OSL’s strengths in technology and regulatory compliance, the company plans to accelerate the launch of innovative, regulated financial products. This will broaden client coverage, advance blockchain adoption and compliance standards, and reinforce OSL Group’s leadership position in Asia. The acquisition also diversifies revenue streams, expands the user base, and enhances the company’s overall global competitiveness.
Ivan Wong, Chief Financial Officer of OSL Group, said: “Indonesia offers both scale and structure, and has a huge potential to integrate TradFi and Web3 and access regulated crypto payments, fitting the compliance-driven global expansion strategy that OSL Group is pursuing. Its sizable digital finance user base, robust Internet penetration, and relatively clear regulatory framework make it an ideal market, as well as one of the key regional hubs in Southeast Asia for digital asset services.”
About OSL Group
OSL Group (863.HK) is a leading global financial infrastructure platform bridging traditional finance and the digital asset economy through blockchain technology. The Group is dedicated to providing efficient, seamless, and regulatory-compliant financial services to individuals and businesses worldwide.
OSL delivers a comprehensive suite of regulated services through its licensed platforms, including 24/7 OTC brokerage with deep liquidity fiat gateways and competitive pricing; omnibus brokerage solutions enabling traditional financial institutions to integrate digital assets; SOC 2 Type 2-certified custody with up to US$1 billion insurance protection; and compliant retail trading channels; wealth management solutions, including scheduled launches on tokenised treasuries and RWAs; and in preparation for cross-border payment infrastructure via OSL Pay.
“Open, Secure, Licensed” are the principles OSL lives by. OSL is expanding its compliant infrastructure across Japan, Australia, and Europe, potentially Southeast Asia, powering the next generation of global financial infrastructure.
THE WORLD’S 50 BEST BARS UNVEILS LIST OF BARS RANKED FROM 51-100
|
LONDON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With two weeks to go until The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, the bars ranked from No.51 to No.100 have been revealed for the ninth year. The annual list is created by votes from more than 800 independent experts, including bartenders, educators and drinks writers.
- The 51-100 list includes bars spanning 34 different cities across the world
- There are 16 new entries on the list, ranging from São Paulo and San Francisco to Barcelona and New Delhi
- Two cities feature for the first time: Taichung and Medellín
- USA leads with eight bars from across Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco
- Europe leads the way with 15 bars on the list
- The 51-100 list includes 12 bars in Asia
The World’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, announces the extended 51-100 list for 2025, which includes 16 new entries. The full ranking will be unveiled at a live awards ceremony in Hong Kong on 8 October.
Returning to Asia for its 17th annual edition, The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 will gather the global drinks industry in Hong Kong in celebration of the finest cocktail experiences worldwide. With the 51-100 list, 50 Best continues to shine a light on an even wider array of remarkable bars and cocktail destinations, amplifying its recognition of excellence on a global scale.
New entries for 2025 include Mexico City’s Bar Mauro (No.54), New York’s Schmuck (No.59), São Paulo’s Exímia (No.61), San Francisco’s True Laurel (No.64), Hong Kong’s Gokan (No.70), Taichung’s Vender (No.74), London’s Three Sheets Soho (No.80), Medellín’s Mamba Negra (No.81) and Bar Carmen (No.100), Buenos Aires’ Victor Audio Bar (No.87), Bangkok’s Dry Wave Cocktail Studio (No.88) and Opium (No.92), Barcelona’s Foco (No.89), Los Angeles’ Mírate (No.93), New Delhi’s Lair (No.96) and Florence’s Gucci Giardino (No.99).
The full list can be viewed here.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Bars, says: “The extended 51-100 list is another opportunity to celebrate the passion, creativity and world-class hospitality that define the very best in the business. Today, we raise a glass to those venues that go above and beyond, offer congratulations to the incredible teams whose hard work has earned their bar a spot on this prestigious list and hope it encourages more people to discover their next drinking destination.”
The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 will be livestreamed on the 50 Best YouTube channel here at 20.00 Hong Kong time on 8 October 2025.
Media centre:
http://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/
$1,000,000 Up for Grabs: LiveJasmin Launches Largest-Ever Streaming Challenge With Multi-Million-Dollar Prize Pool
|
LUXEMBOURG and LONDON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LiveJasmin, one of the world’s most-visited premium streaming platforms, today launched its largest initiative to date: the $1,000,000 Challenge. This milestone programme introduces a record-breaking $1,000,000 grand prize for one model, supported by a multi-million-dollar prize pool distributed over several months.
$1,000,000 Up for Grabs: LiveJasmin Launches Largest-Ever Streaming Challenge With Multi-Million-Dollar Prize Pool
Running from September 24, 2025, through February 21, 2026, the competition spans ten biweekly rounds. At each stage, multiple winners will be recognised and awarded thousands of dollars in prizes, creating a steady pace of engagement and excitement leading up to the final $1,000,000 award.
For participating models, the Challenge represents more than just a competition. It provides a structured opportunity to increase visibility, strengthen personal brands, and demonstrate entrepreneurial skills while working toward career-defining rewards. For many, this could mean not only financial independence but also the resources to invest back into their careers, develop content, and expand their reach globally.
‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,’ said Summer, one of LiveJasmin’s top performers. ‘It’s amazing to see LiveJasmin truly standing behind their promise of making millionaires. For us as models, this feels like history in the making – a time when we are being recognised, supported, and given the chance to reach dreams we never thought possible.‘
For the first time, members are also invited to participate. By engaging with their favorite models, members earn raffle tickets and unlock chances to win credits throughout the competition. This dual approach ensures that the Challenge is not only about rewarding creators but also about giving fans an active role in the experience.
This campaign is launched under the motto, ‘You are not alone. Jasmin loves you.’, reflecting LiveJasmin’s broader mission to empower and reward its global community while introducing new benchmarks for interactive online experiences.
By combining record-breaking rewards, gamified engagement, and broad community participation, the $1,000,000 Challenge sets a new precedent in the live-streaming sector. It also highlights the continuing evolution of digital platforms, where recognition, rewards, and meaningful interaction increasingly define success for creators and audiences alike.
Annapurna Interactive Announces Exhibition Details for “Tokyo Game Show 2025”
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. and TOKYO, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Annapurna Interactive, LLC, the acclaimed U.S.-based publisher known for “What Remains of Edith Finch” and “Stray,” will participate in Tokyo Game Show 2025 for the very first time. The event will be held at Makuhari Messe from September 25 (Thu.) to 28 (Sun.), 2025.
Image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LX_6MccEcy13VMVK0h5hmCGFp2aZZ0q8/view?usp=sharing
Annapurna Interactive Booth
At the Annapurna Interactive booth, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the worlds of its most anticipated titles scheduled for release in 2026 through hands-on gameplay experiences. The titles on display are D-topia (Marumittu Games), People of Note (Iridium Studios), Demi and the Fractured Dream (Yarn Owl), and LEGO (R) Voyagers (Light Brick Studios). Each will be available in a trial version, playable on PC and console. Additionally, visitors will also be able to experience past acclaimed titles Stray and Outer Wilds.
Introduction of New Titles
At this year’s TGS, three new titles scheduled for release in 2026, along with the recently released LEGO (R) Voyagers, will be available to play. This will mark the first opportunity to experience the three new titles. Teaser videos for each title will also be screened at the booth. The company invites visitors to enjoy the worlds of these games through both hands-on play and video.
The teaser for the new title is scheduled to be released at the following URL: https://www.youtube.com/@AnnapurnaInteractive
– D-topia
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eSWhQFDdws6dYny9rJoGu3N8TrWKU_sN/view?usp=drive_link
Step into the world of D-topia in this gentle-paced puzzle adventure. In D-topia, life is curated by artificial intelligence to maximize happiness. As the newest Facilitator, it’s up to players to solve puzzles to keep the D-topia residents happy and the facility running.
Overview
Title: D-topia
Genre: Puzzle-Adventure
Release Date: Scheduled for 2026
Developer: Marumittu Games
– People of Note
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LMEOOIQa6o6lbnjgOoL9HaMyhI5E-nqM/view?usp=sharing
In this turn-based RPG musical, join Cadence as she recruits an ensemble of musicians on her quest for stardom. Enjoy full-length cinematic musical sequences spanning a wide variety of musical genres, performed by its main cast of characters. Experience turn-based combat like never before, where each battle is a musical performance with evolving combat conditions and genre-bending mashup attacks.
Overview
Title: People of Note
Genre: Turn-Based RPG
Release Date: Scheduled for 2026
Developer: Iridium Studios
– Demi and the Fractured Dream
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tB8sFWSwckhR7SI2SCWGOL-1CuozJy3k/view?usp=sharing
In this action adventure, play as Demi and venture through the wondrous world of Somnus. Tasked by a mysterious voice, players must destroy the legendary Accursed Beasts to save the world. Use attacks and abilities to slay enemies, solve puzzles, and uncover the truth behind an ancient history.
Overview
Title: Demi and the Fractured Dream
Genre: Action Adventure
Release Date: Scheduled for 2026
Developer: Yarn Owl
– LEGO (R) Voyagers
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12-ELzvZKt8AzyUwg0sR4rHokZXJcokDb/view?usp=sharing
From the makers of LEGO (R) Builder’s Journey comes a new 2-player co-op adventure about friendship and play. When two friends make it their mission to rescue an abandoned spaceship, they embark on a journey beyond their wildest dreams, ultimately learning the value of being connected.
Overview
Title: LEGO (R) Voyagers
Genre: Two-player Co-op Adventure
Release Date: September 15, 2025
Developer: Light Brick Studios
Reveal Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYggKzKdg08
Playable Demo Information
Please see below for demo duration and number of playable stations.
– D-topia
Demo Time: 15 minutes
Stations: 4 PCs / 2 Nintendo Switch consoles
– People of Note
Demo Time: 15 minutes
Stations: 4 PCs
– Demi and the Fractured Dream
Demo Time: 15 minutes
Stations: 4 PCs
– LEGO (R) Voyagers
Demo Time: 15 minutes
Stations: 2 PCs / 1 Nintendo Switch console
– Stray / Outer Wilds
Demo Time: 10–15 minutes
Stations: 2 Nintendo Switch consoles
How to Play
– Line up for each title at the booth
– Receive instructions from staff and start the demo
Giveaway Information
1. Giveaway for All Visitors
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TiAaf3b6VaQ5wYL0heq5t-Eb51f-bPjj/view?usp=sharing
All attendees who visit the Annapurna Interactive booth will receive a complimentary sticker.
2. Giveaway for Demo Players: “D-topia” Uchiwa (Japanese hand fan)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/141xos34hinhwwQWR7WCMMs9lOIz_2BOd/view?usp=sharing
Players who try out the demos will receive an exclusive “D-topia” Uchiwa (Japanese hand fan) featuring the game’s original design.
Stage Event Information
Annapurna Interactive will present its new title D-topia at the official TGS stage event. The game will be showcased through live gameplay and a teaser video. In addition to Annapurna Interactive representatives, the developer Marumittu Games will also appear on stage.
Stage Overview
Venue: Official Event Stage (Hall 1)
Time: 14:30-14:45
Title: Annapurna Interactive “D-topia” New Title Presentation Stage
About Tokyo Game Show 2025
Dates:
September 25 (Thu.), 2025 – Business Day (10:00-17:00)
September 26 (Fri.), 2025 – Business Day (10:00-17:00)
September 27 (Sat.), 2025 – Public Day (9:30-17:00)
September 28 (Sun.), 2025 – Public Day (9:30-16:30)
Venue: Makuhari Messe (Chiba, Japan)
Expected Attendance: 250,000
Official Website: https://tgs.cesa.or.jp
Official X: https://x.com/tokyo_game_show
About Annapurna Interactive
Founded in Los Angeles in 2016, Annapurna Interactive is a game publisher dedicated to delivering “innovative and memorable experiences” to players worldwide. The company is known for publishing award-winning and artistically distinctive titles such as Outer Wilds, Stray, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Florence. With a strong focus on narrative-driven and creative works, Annapurna Interactive continues to be a leading force in the indie game industry, blending art and entertainment through video games.
Official Website: https://annapurnainteractive.com/
Furniture China 2025 Wraps Up New Record at 30th Edition
SHANGHAI, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Organized by China National Furniture Association & Shanghai Sinoexpo Informa Markets, the 30th edition of Furniture China (SNIEC, 09.10–13) and Maison Shanghai 2025 (SWEECC, 09.09–12) held under the theme “BEYOND NEXT”, successfully concluded with a vibrant showcase of global design, innovation, and trade.
Record Attendance and International Reach
This year’s edition set new records:
- 163,527 total visits over five days, attendees came from 174 countries and regions worldwide, underscoring global reach.
- Overseas visitors reached 32,618, a 13.9% year-on-year increase, reflecting rising international recognition
Redefining the Global Stage for Furniture & Lifestyle
Across both venues, the exhibitions spanned 350,000 sqm with over 3,200 exhibitors, from finished furniture to raw materials and smart manufacturing. Highlights included the Outdoor & Garden Furniture Pavilion and FMC China & FMC Premium at SNIEC—advancing sustainable, high-quality production industry-wide. By combining sourcing strength with design innovation, Furniture China and Maison Shanghai together advanced their position as a premier global hub for the furniture and lifestyle industry.
At SWEECC, Maison Shanghai showcased over 800 design-driven brands across four thematic zones, inspiring creativity and lifestyle innovation. The H3 Design Highland Pavilion stood out as a major highlight, attracting wide attention from industry leaders, media, and buyers, and setting a new benchmark for design-led exhibitions.
At the same time, Maison Shanghai experienced phenomenal growth, welcoming 47,077 visitors (+55.6%) from 136 countries and regions. Overseas attendance surged by 123% compared to the previous year. The exhibition also launched lifestyle design and cultural creativity, supported by 100+ forums and events. Platforms such as the Gold Idea Design Award, CREDAWARD, Design of Designers (DOD), and the Maison Design Forum highlighting innovation, heritage, sustainability, and East–West exchange.
Extending Connections Beyond the Show Floor
The exhibitions also extended digitally through DTS FurnitureChina APP, enabling year-round business with AI matchmaking, exhibitor catalogs, and seamless connections.
Looking Ahead
With gratitude to all exhibitors, partners, and visitors for making Furniture China’s 30th anniversary a success, the organizers look forward to welcoming the global furniture and design community back to Shanghai Pudong in 2026.
Event Info
MAISON SHANGHAI
09.07–10 2026 | SWEECC
Future-forward design, lifestyle furnishing, and factory-direct sourcing
FURNITURE CHINA
09.08–11 2026 | SNIEC
Full-spectrum trade show for furniture & materials
DTS Platform: dts.jiagle.com
WorldRiskReport 2025: Billions threatened by flooding
BERLIN/BOCHUM, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 24 September 2025 – The WorldRiskReport 2025 by Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft and the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict at Ruhr University Bochum focuses on flooding. Between 2000 and 2019, more than 1.6 billion people were affected and economic damage exceeded US $650 billion, particularly in low-income countries.
Holistic prevention
The report analyzes flood preparedness from four perspectives:
- Political: Stronger local governance, coordinated prevention
- Technological: Early warnings, AI, satellite data
- Social: Traditional knowledge, community-based approaches
- Ecological: Nature-based solutions like mangroves, wetlands, river restoration
Dr. Ilona Auer Frege, Managing Director of Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft, emphasizes: “Every euro spent on prevention saves many times that amount in aid and reconstruction. Instead of reacting, we must act preventively.”
Global analysis of flood risk
For the first time, the report presents a world map of global flood risk and reveals how inadequate preparedness can have devastating consequences, even in highly developed countries.
For the Philippines, flood exposure was calculated at provincial level for the first time, revealing hotspots and highlighting the importance of local risk analyses.
Philippines tops the risk rankings
The WorldRiskIndex assesses the disaster risk of all 193 UN member states. In 2025, the global risk hotspots are again in Asia and Latin America. The top 10 countries with the highest risk are:
- Philippines
- India
- Indonesia
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Myanmar
- Mozambique
- Russian Federation
- China
- Pakistan
Press kit
Find the full report, world maps and info grafics in our press kit. Other formats are available on request. You can find all data sets on our website. All experts featured in the report are available for media inquiries. Download the press kit now.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Thailand to ‘Clarify Misunderstandings’ after SEA Games Petanque Ban
AFP – Thailand said Tuesday, 23 September, it would “clarify misunderstandings” after the world governing body of petanque effectively barred the nation from hosting the sport at this year’s SEA Games.
The World Petanque and Bowls Federation (WPBF) said it would not endorse petanque competition at the Southeast Asian Games, scheduled for 9-20 December in Thailand, because of alleged corruption and sexual assault by a senior official at the local federation, according to a letter published by Thai media.
Thailand is regarded as a global petanque powerhouse, topping the world federation’s 2025 rankings ahead of France, where the ball sport originated.
Pimol Srivikorn, president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, acknowledged the de facto ban on Monday, telling reporters that the petanque competition “has to be cancelled”.
He said no countries would send their petanque players to Thailand since they would face a two-year suspension from international tournaments if they breached the WPBF decision by competing at the SEA Games.
Sports Authority of Thailand governor Kongsak Yodmanee said in a statement Tuesday that the organisation would try to “clarify misunderstandings”.
“Those who were banned by the federation were not involved in the athlete selection and their SEA Games participation,” the statement said, without naming individuals.
In the letter dated Saturday and published by several Thai outlets, the WPBF refers to an “individual who briefly presided over the Petanque Federation of Thailand and who was suspended for life for embezzlement, organising rigged elections and sexual assault”, adding that the unnamed person should be “permanently excluded from all sporting activities”.
A WPBF representative could not be reached for comment on 23 September.
The 2025 SEA Games will see 11 countries compete in sports ranging from taekwondo to volleyball.
© Agence France-Presse
