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Laos to Send 400 Athletes to SEA Games 2021 

Lao sepak takraw team at a previous edition of the SEA Games.
Lao sepak takraw team at a previous edition of the SEA Games.

More than 400 Lao athletes from Laos are to participate in the upcoming SEA Games 2021 in Hanoi, Vietnam. 

Samsung Singapore Launches BESPOKE Creators Collection

  • Consumers can now purchase BESPOKE refrigerators featuring panel designs by local creators and winning designs from 2021’s #BESPOKEDesignedByYou campaign
  • Consumers can also customise their BESPOKE refrigerators with their own creative artwork design

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 6 May 2022 – Following the successful debut of Samsung BESPOKE refrigerator in Singapore, Samsung Electronics Singapore is excited to offer consumers more unique panel design options with the introduction of the BESPOKE Creators Collection. It consists of six, one-of-a-kind designs from local interior design firm ROOOT Studio, artist Candice Phang, as well as the winners of the #BESPOKEDesignedByYou contest.

Consumers looking to further personalise and adorn their very own Samsung BESPOKE refrigerators now also have the option of printing out their original artwork [1] as refrigerator decals for the panels. This allows them to design the refrigerator of their dreams and decorate their homes to reflect their distinctive personalities and styles.

Gavin Yeong, Head of Digital Appliances, Samsung Electronics Singapore said: “The BESPOKE range has opened new design possibilities for homes, and we’ve received numerous feedback from consumers that they want more customisation and design options. With the introduction of BESPOKE Creators Collection, we hope to lay the groundwork for more collaborations with local designers and creators who can put their unique spin to household appliances that can appeal to more discerning homeowners.”

Modular refrigerators meet modern art

The BESPOKE Creators Collection features unique designs inspired by the everyday joy and passion points that fuel the creators’ creativity. The collection elevates common appliances into works of art that consumers can proudly display in their homes, which can become meaningful centrepieces to help spark conversations with family and friends at home.

The BESPOKE refrigerators also work as well as they look – they incorporate a variety of innovative features that promote healthier lifestyles by preserving the freshness of food items with adjustable cooling capabilities[2], as well as maximise and organise storage[2] so that homeowners can have adequate space that fits their changing lifestyles.

Creativity meets no bounds

Samsung Electronics Singapore has also rolled out a customisation option available on the Samsung Online Store and selected retailer stores, allowing consumers to truly experience the versatility of the BESPOKE refrigerator lineup by adding their own personal touch and flair.

After selecting the preferred BESPOKE refrigerator configuration, consumers can further personalise the appliance by submitting their original artwork to be printed as a refrigerator decal for the panels[1] .

Local Availability and Pricing

The Samsung BESPOKE Creators Collection is now available on the Samsung Online Store and selected consumer electronics retailer stores. Prices begin at $4,778 (without GST).

From now until 4 July, consumers can also receive complimentary artwork decals (worth up to $1,020) with purchase of any BESPOKE refrigerators. T&Cs apply.

Additionally, consumers can check out the BESPOKE Creators Collection in-store showcase in the coming months at selected retailer stores. More information will be shared in due course here.

Local creators ROOOT Studio and Candice Phang

Available in BESPOKE 4-Door Flex, $5,789
Goood Afternoon was designed as a conversational piece in the heart of the kitchen, and features elements of everyday Singaporeans’ lives, such as how interactions among people spark joy and ideas.

“When we were first briefed about this project, we wanted to create an artwork that was relatable to anyone and everyone through storytelling, just like how we design spaces. The piece, ‘Goood Afternoon’, was designed as a conversation starter in the heart of the kitchen, as we wanted our design to take a view of the everyday lives of people living in Singapore, and how interactions between people are sparked by things as simple as a greeting with a smile. Try to spot SAMSUNG in this work of art, as it has seamlessly integrated into our lives.”

Available in BESPOKE 1-Door Flex and Bottom Mount Freezer combination, $4,778
Inspired by Candice’s love for cats and plants, the design hopes to bring purrfect vibes to the kitchen with its whimsical design.

“My artwork for the BESPOKE Refrigerator is inspired by two of my favourite things – cats and plants. I wanted it to reflect my passions, while being relatable to others. It’s my interpretation of an enchanting, whimsical and purrfect world that comes to life on the fridge. My main intention is to create positive vibes and add a happy touch to any home or kitchen. While it’s the perfect design for plant or cat lovers, I think anyone can enjoy the bright and cheerful sight whenever they open the fridge.

This is the first time I’m creating artwork that will go on a refrigerator, so it’s incredibly fun, new, and exciting. I felt so much anticipation to see the final product, even during the creation process. Watching it come to life felt amazing. I love that this collaboration gave me the creative freedom to reflect my personal style and taste, which is what BESPOKE is all about.”

Designs by #BESPOKEDesignedByYou contest winners

Held in late 2021, the BESPOKE Design Contest (#BESPOKEDesignedByYou) last year invited members of the public to submit original artwork using the Samsung BESPOKE fridge as a canvas. Samsung received over 2,500 submissions, and the top four designs outclassed the competition with their unique designs which expounded on the possibilities of the BESPOKE refrigerator range.

Available combination: 2 x BESPOKE 1-Door Flex, $4,878

“From the kitchen of her little flat, my friend sees a regular kingfisher which brings her joy every time. This cherished memory can now be brought to life in anyone’s kitchen — the joy of experiencing the vibrance of life within nature.”

Available combination: 2 x BESPOKE 1-Door Flex, $4,878

“Like how refrigerator magnets often tell a cherished story or memory for the dwellers at home, this art piece pays homage to the feelings of nostalgia with its magical dose of vibrance and life.”

Available combination: 2 x BESPOKE 1-Door Flex and 1x Bottom Mount Freezer, $7,217

“Designed with clear precise lines and a meticulous attention to detail, feel free to get a closer look—can you find the cat residents living in the apartment?”

Available combination: BESPOKE 1-Door Flex and Bottom Mount Freezer, $4,778

“A portrayal of the harmony of life, a pair of koi fish arranged like the yin-yang symbol brings perfect balance to any home.”


[1] T&Cs apply, while stocks last. Refer to https://www.samsung.com/sg/bespoke-creators-collection/designed-by-you/ for the full disclaimers.

[2] Features stated are applicable to selected BESPOKE Refrigerator models.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at .

#Samsung

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

MIBR announces historic sponsorship with Bybit, a top crypto exchange that just arrived in Brazil

The organization highlighted the three-year partnership that will bring trading and fan engagement to the next level.

SAO PAULO​​, BRAZIL – Media OutReach – 6 May 2022 – MIBR, the biggest esports team in Brazil, brings on board Bybit, one of the fastest growing crypto exchanges in the world, as a new partner and sponsor for the following three years. This is the first sponsorship deal for Bybit since it announced its expansion into Brazil. The announcement marks Bybit’s designation as the official sponsor of MIBR’s professional teams of both male and female players across various competitive esports arenas such as CS:GO, Rainbow Six, Valorant and Free Fire.

Bybit began collaborations with esports teams in 2021, scaling up synergy between the two fastest growing industries — esports and cryptocurrency — that are each on an up-only trajectory. Bybit is also a proud partner of Formula One’s Oracle Red Bull Racing, several top esports teams in the world such as NAVI and Astralis, top-tier German Bundesliga football club Borussia Dortmund and Japanese J League football club Avispa Fukuoka. This is the first partnership in Brazil by the newcomer exchange player to the most populous country in Latin America. MIBR and Bybit will work together to deliver the partnership through unique consumer events and promotions around the world, tapping into MIBR’s vast audience reach. The sponsorship will continue to put the Bybit name on the map in the esports space, in a symbolic move to bring closer two communities that are shaping up to redefine finance and sports.

The MIBR and the Dubai-based crypto exchange will be curating content on crypto and financial education across the club’s channels during the three-year partnership, expanding the intersection between the esports and crypto communities. The sponsorship will feature financial education resources for gamers looking to diversify and invest in digital currencies, as well as offer fan engagement to the next level with assets and experiences that will create a unique way to support and be with the team.

For the CEO of MIBR, Roberta Coelho, Bybit came to boost the New Era of the organization, a new chapter of its history that started in 2022 and established the fan as the main focus. ” I am glad to know that Bybit will be our partner for the next 36 months! Together we are going to place MIBR in Web 3.0, understand the interests of our fans in the digital assets universe and deliver the utmost experiences. As per Bybit’s slogan, we will lead MIBR to the next level”.

With an overwhelmingly young demographic, esports is predicted to be an “up only” industry just as cryptocurrency is finding its way into mainstream portfolios globally. Many in the esports community will likely be keen to embrace a digital-first, borderless and decentralized asset class and will benefit from connecting with one of the best platforms facilitating cryptocurrency trading.

MIBR esports players will be competing with traders worldwide in Bybit’s flagship crypto trading event, the World Series of Trading (WSOT) 2022. Each team in Bybit’s esports family is presenting their best players in the trading competition, leading cohorts towards victory for a lion’s share in the record prize pool of $8 million and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Bybit is also an ally in MIBR’s mission of changing the perception of women in the gaming and technology world. “Gender equality is near and dear to Bybit’s heart. In addition to the investments toward MIBR’s female teams of CS:GO and Valorant, we will continue to create initiatives with the purpose of championing women gamers. Bybit Brazil will work with Bybit global to support women gamers on their paths to identifying and capturing Web 3.0 Opportunities,” said a representative of Bybit Brazil.

“We are excited to partner with MIBR as the first sponsorship deal for Bybit Brazil. We share the vision of real sportsmanship, and the drive to be the best in the game. Whether you are in the business of innovative finance or competitive esports, to be a good player you need to put in hard work, hone your craft and build a strategy. As a digital asset platform, Bybit holds itself to a high standard in providing a secure and reliable experience for all of our users,” added the Bybit Brazil representative.

About MIBR

MIBR is a leading esports brand with fans all over the world, mainly in Brazil. In fact, MIBR was the third most tweeted about team globally in 2020 by Twitter Gaming Insights. This press release certainly shows the strength of the MIBR tag alongside new brands that are showing support and investing for the growth of the whole esports scenario.

About Bybit

Bybit is a cryptocurrency exchange established in March 2018 that offers a professional platform where crypto traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, excellent customer service and multilingual community support. The company provides innovative online spot and derivatives trading services, mining and staking products, an NFT marketplace as well as API support, to retail and institutional clients around the world, and strives to be the most reliable exchange for the emerging digital asset class. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One racing team, Oracle Red Bull Racing, esports teams NAVI, Astralis, Alliance, Virtus.pro and Oracle Red Bull Racing Esports, and association football (soccer) teams Borussia Dortmund and Avispa Fukuoka.

For more information please visit:

For updates, please follow Bybit’s social media platforms on








#Bybit

Gym Aesthetics & OliveX set to launch Gym A Club NFT collection with five-time Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion Alain the black panther as global brand ambassador

The Two Purpose-Driven Brands Formally Announce New NFT Holder Benefits and its Utility in the Sandbox

STUTTGART, GERMANY – Media OutReach – 6 May 2022 – Gym Aesthetics, the German high-tech fitness apparel company, and OliveX (BVI) Limited, the digital health and fitness company focused on creating a fitness metaverse, a spin off from Animoca Brands, are thrilled to reveal further plans about Gym A Club NFT collection launch and its utility in the Sandbox.

The Gym A Club NFT collection will be launched in June 2022 in mystery boxes. The minting will be paid in DOSE token via Gym Aesthetic’s Sandbox landing page.

A collection that redefines gamified fitness

Challenging the status quo of the standard profile photo NFT, all Gym A Club NFT holders can enjoy various Sandbox utilities and benefits such as participating in gamified fitness experience with their NFT avatar, including fitness and health entertainment, sports events and mini-games on the DOSE Fitness Metaverse within Sandbox. The collection aims to encourage individuals to become more active in the physical world through the move-to-earn model, rewarding individuals for their physical efforts.

Gym A Club NFT holders can also earn DOSE, the utility token used within the DOSE Fitness Metaverse on Sandbox and also OliveX’s own play-to-earn audio adventures – Dustland Runner and Dustland Rider. Gym A Club NFT holders can also use their NFT to access a range of GA exclusives, merchandise, events, and much more.

Kickboxing & Muay Thai Champion as an avatar of Gym Aesthetics NFT collection

Adhering to Gym Aesthetics’ core value of ‘triumph in every battle’, the Gym A Club NFT Collection will enter the cage with global ambassador and first heavyweight kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion NFT – Alain Ngalani (The black panther) leading the collection. The five-time kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion will soon become the first GA Ambassador in the Fitness Metaverse, providing holders of the Alain Ngalani avatar NFT a chance to utilise their favourite ambassador within The Sandbox. Encompassed within the storyline of the collection series, Alain acts as a renowned muscular fitness expert, mirroring his influence and expertise in the physical world.

Once the Gym A Club NFT collection series is in full swing, it will debut the NFT avatar Ligia; one of the leading actresses in the Gym A Club NFT collection series. Ligia is a wealthy girl, and although she is weak, upon seeing all of the casualties and death amid war, she couldn’t stand to just sit idly by without action. Therefore, she decided to train up, learn boxing skills, and march onward to protect herself and the disadvantaged in her community.

For more information and upcoming announcements, please visit the Gym Aesthetics channel and OliveX Fitness Metaverse discord: https://discord.com/invite/cccJ84b2Z8

Secure Your Exclusive Whitelist Spot

To get the exclusive Gym Aesthetics x OliveX NFT whitelist, please join the 2nd Gleam campaign. Details please visit: https://gleam.io/uoXpP/alain-ngalani-x-ga-gleam-whitelist

About Gym Aesthetics

Founded in 2013, Gym Aesthetics is a German high-tech fitness apparel brand appealing to both the aesthetics and the functional needs of its customers worldwide. Its initial flashy wide stringers and thigh hugging shorts stormed the German bodybuilding community with enormous success. 2017 marked a new chapter for Gym Aesthetics when an Asian fund company spotted its potential and invested in the German brand to further reinforce its brand image, and expand its product range and market share globally. Now Gym Aesthetics is devoted to bring unique fitness and wellness experience to metaverse.

Website:

#GymAesthetics

About OliveX

OliveX is a digital health and fitness company delivering unique user experiences through fitness gamification, augmented reality, and play-to-earn experiences. The OliveX fitness metaverse provides platforms that enable real-world fitness to merge with the digital universe in order to engage consumers with brands, influencers, and coaches. OliveX is designed for those who exercise at home, at the gym, or outdoors in over 170 countries.

Restrictions on our Games, Fitness Metaverse, and $DOSE

Restrictions due to compliance regulations for different jurisdictions apply. Residents from certain jurisdictions may not earn $DOSE or participate in NFT sales and/or campaigns in our fitness metaverse. Additional restrictions may apply depending on the type of game or experience you are attempting to access.

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

CPA Australia: Indian small businesses crowned most innovative in APAC

NEW DELHI, INDIA – Media OutReach – 6 May 2022 – India’s small businesses are the most innovative in the Asia-Pacific region, for the second consecutive year, according to a survey by one of the world’s largest professional accounting bodies, CPA Australia. Combined with a very strong domestic economy, this is expected to make Indian small businesses one of the Asia-Pacific’s top performers in 2022.

CPA Australia’s annual APAC Small Business Survey collected views from 4,252 small business owners or senior managers across 11 Asia-Pacific markets, including 525 from India. Conducted from November to December 2021, the survey is designed to understand local business conditions, challenges and confidence.

Sixty-two per cent of Indian small businesses reported growing last year, with 46 per cent experiencing very strong growth – the highest result of the markets surveyed. As a result of this, 77 per cent of respondents said that they had hired more employees, outperforming all other markets.

India’s small businesses are likely to be strong creators of new jobs this year, with 83 per cent expecting to increase employee numbers, ranking first among all markets. Sixty-eight per cent of respondent forecast their small business will grow this year.

Mr Leslie Leow, General Manager – Emerging Markets, CPA Australia said, “The survey results confirm that Indian small businesses are very ambitious. Despite the pandemic, most undertook actions such as making substantial changes to the product or service and made investments associated with high growth businesses.

“India’s small businesses take the crown as the most innovative in the region. Ninety-four per cent told us they will or may introduce a new product, process or service this year, surpassing all other markets surveyed for the second year in a row. A strong and competitive local economy, growing access to skilled workers and government policies such as the recently signed India-UK Global Innovation Partnership is anticipated to trigger a golden era of innovation for the sector.”

Reflecting their strong innovative culture, Indian small businesses are investing in technology with a very high success rate. Of local businesses that invested in technology last year, 80 per cent reported that such investment had already improved their profitability, well above the survey average of 54 per cent.

To support their innovations, India’s small businesses were the most likely to access external finance for business growth last year, and are the second most likely to expect accessing finance for growth this year. Financing this growth shouldn’t be difficult with 69 per cent expecting “easy” or “very easy” access external finance this year, the highest result of the markets surveyed.

India’s small businesses are also one of the leaders in selling online, with 83 per cent generating more than 10 per cent of their revenue through that channel. Related to that, they are also one of the leaders in receiving payment through new payment technologies such as PayTM and PhonePe.

“Of course, the unfortunate companion to this strong digital focus is increased cybersecurity risks. India’s small businesses are not blind to this, with 78 per cent expecting to be cyberattacked this year. However, this is not necessarily transferring through to action, with only 51 per cent reviewing their cybersecurity protections in the past six months.”

Indian small businesses were the most likely to have sought advice from IT consultants (49 per cent), business/management consultants (40 per cent) and accountants (35 per cent). Seeking external advice is a characteristic of high-growth businesses as professional advisers can guide small businesses through challenges and help them take advantage of opportunities.

Leow said, “Policy measures such as the Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme are likely to accelerate technology adoption and meet strong demand for external finance. Indian small businesses should make full use of these government initiatives to expand and innovate, however, some may wish to consider whether they are striking the right balance between short-term growth and sustainable development.”

CPA Australia recommends that Indian small businesses consider the following actions:

  • Leverage government initiatives to invest in technologies and to keep innovating
  • Seek professional advice to adapt your business strategy to a high growth tempo
  • Focus on cybersecurity
  • Only take on debt where calculations show the expected return on investment exceeds the cost of new loans.

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 170,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 2,000 members in South Asia. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at

#CPAAustralia

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

Government of Laos calls on Society to Save Petrol

A petrol station in Savannakhet Province
A petrol station in Savannakhet Province.

The Government of Laos has called on society to try to save petrol as much as possible amid a growing fuel crisis in the country.

Fergus Consultancy Group shares key-insights to Profile Modelling in achieving Permanent Residency or Citizenship status in Singapore

  • The context behind the trend of seeking employment in Singapore has changed significantly post-pandemic
  • 31,200 and 22,100 applicants are granted Permanent Residency and Citizenship status yearly
  • 6 in 10 feel immigrants are not doing enough to integrate into Singapore

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 6 May 2022 – Data-centric immigration firm Fergus Consultancy Group revealed that with the further easing of covid-related measures, Singapore is expected to be popular among expatriates again. However, what challenges await in front of immigrants in their quest to achieve permanent residency or citizenship status in Singapore, especially after coming out of the pandemic? In this report, Fergus Consultancy Group has tried to find the answer to this important question.

Source: Immigration & Checkpoints AuthorityThe figures are based on the full calendar year (January to December).

Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

The figures are based on the full calendar year (January to December).

As Singapore’s borders open progressively, it is expected that foreigners will begin to seek employment in the country and may subsequently decide to reside here for the long run. While this phenomenon is familiar, its context has altered since the pandemic.

When Covid-19 took the world by surprise, many countries gasped at the seemingly draconian measures the Singapore government implemented via “Circuit Breaker Lockdown1” sometime in April 2020. However, statistics from regulations proved the anti-vaxers and naysayers wrong.

Singapore painfully but carefully opened the community through vigorous testing while concurrently vaccinating the entire population. These calculated moves, carefully deliberated by the entire cabinet of Ministers, were closely watched by the rest of the world. And through a nation’s effort, we inched upwards in the charts to be within the top 5 countries in the world that have the highest rate of vaccination, with almost 92% of the entire population in Singapore.

However, as the country began its painstaking recovery process, articles on putting Singaporeans first also emerged concurrently. This, coupled with the increment of the minimum qualifying salaries of Employment Pass holders, seemed like the final nail to the coffin when it comes to achieving a permanent status in residency in the country.

Selective Immigration Framework

With reference to the infographic above, the immigration framework was tightened between 2009 and 2010, resulting in a significant dip in the average number of PRs and Citizenship granted per year. Expectedly, the pandemic had caused the approval numbers to dip further to an unprecedented ten-year low of 27,470 due to the closure of the borders and exodus of many foreign talents in a bid to support their loved ones back home.

Data, data, data

Regardless, the number of applications for both categories of residency did not cease as the ICA portal remains open and foreigners on eligible work pass kept up with their hopes and dreams to sink roots in Singapore successfully.

Being a data-centric immigration firm, Fergus Consultancy Group pivoted its approach and dug deep into trend analysis. Market and individual surveys were done religiously to build an archive of approved case studies within the past 3 years, including the pandemic season. With this valuable information, the approach in assisting their clients began to widen in scope. Documents validation aside, the firm began to place equal importance in ensuring the pillars of supporting elements are met during their extensive intervention period prior to the clients submitting their applications.

Solely based on numerous data points gathered from their surveys of successful cases, the team managed to create a proprietary checklist as a guide for clients to fulfill to their best abilities, and these will ultimately form the supporting elements evident in those cases.

Profile Modelling

The intervention period, also known as Profile Modelling, takes months to a year to complete and is achieved with a forward-thinking mindset and approach, bearing in mind what the Singapore government would wish to see in an applicant 5 years down the road. During this period, Fergus Consultancy Group aims to “model” an applicant’s profile to one that will be of interest and value to the country. Albeit the high number of applications put in every single month, no two are identical, but there is bound to be a group that triggers the interest of the screening officials. To be surefooted in an application is to have the Government gain confidence in areas of an applicant’s profile, e.g., integration and contribution to the community or financial stability, to name a few. These different pillars of confidence are built during the Profile Modelling stage.

Integration

“I’m too busy,” “It is not my focus at this juncture!”, “Where do I begin?” are the common feedback of prospects and clients of Fergus. However, years and years of accumulated articles and even mentions of the importance of integration have always been openly shared on media and the ICA platform. To quote, “ICA considers factors such as the individual’s family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residency, to assess the applicant’s ability to contribute to Singapore and integrate into our society, as well as his or her commitment to sinking roots in Singapore.”https://www.ica.gov.sg/reside/PR/apply

With an ever-growing list of partners and collaborators in the form of schools, universities, and non-profit organizations under their belt, Fergus Consultancy Group can, therefore, proactively allocate relevant integration opportunities to its clients. With an unwavering focus on skills alignment, purposeful intervention, and knowledge transfer, clients can contribute to the community effectively during the profile modeling period. Whether it is stretching a helping hand towards the poor and challenged or educating the next generation of leaders in Singapore, all clients will have a personalized catalog of options to consider and contribute to according to their passion and schedule.

Journey

Unlike countries with point-based systems, Singapore has never and will most probably not ever reveal the extensive allocation matrix for Permanent Residency and Citizenship. However, as experts connect the dots coupled with extensive research on successful cases, it is not impossible to look through the lenses of the approving authorities in accessing an application. Therefore, the journey to achieve one’s immigration dreams in Singapore is a marathon and never a sprint. Work needs to be done, extensive preparation will be required, and focuses may be required to be recalibrated, but ultimately, Fergus Consultancy Group remains a strong partner throughout, like a pacer in a race. The dream to successfully immigrate will, therefore, not remain a dream but a goal to be worked towards. And to begin that journey, one will have to take the first step in the right direction.

To better understand the benefits of being a Singapore PR or Citizen, visit https://www.fcg.com.sg/why-singapore.

To read up on related articles that would be beneficial for a foreigner in Singapore, visit https://www.fcg.com.sg/articles.

About Fergus Consultancy Group

Expertise: We assist our treasured clients in successfully migrating to or working in Singapore without all the hidden stresses and uncertainties.

With our Philosophy to strive to be the best, to remain relevant and competent for our clients because they deserve no less.

Our commitment to clients: We believe “there is no us without you” our commitment lies in ensuring success for every application. Our results are what drive us forward.

Our experience is a unique blend of expertise accumulated across experiences in Government agencies, Financial Institutions, Cross-border Business Development, and MNCs, allowing us to be at the forefront of the industry.

#FergusConsultancyGroup

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

De Beers Group Introduces World’s First Blockchain-Backed Diamond Source Platform At Scale

Tracr™ has capability to provide provenance assurance for 100% of De Beers Group’s diamonds from source to Sightholder to store

LONDON, UK – Media OutReach – 6 May 2022 – De Beers Group is deploying the Tracr™ blockchain platform at scale for its diamond production. Tracr™ is the world’s only distributed diamond blockchain that starts at the source and provides tamper-proof source assurance at scale, enabling Sightholders to provide an immutable record of a diamond’s provenance, and empowering jewellery retailers to have confidence in the origin of the diamonds they purchase.

With more end clients wanting to know the source of the products they buy, the deep meaning associated with a diamond purchase requires a technological step-change to meet their expectations. The introduction of Tracr™ at scale delivers immutable information on the source of De Beers’ diamonds across the value chain and makes source assurance for 100% of De Beers’ production possible.

The Tracr™ platform combines distributed ledger technology with advanced data security and privacy, ensuring that participants control the use of and access to their own data. Each participant on Tracr™ has their own distributed version of the platform, meaning that their data can only be shared with their permission, and only they choose who can access their information. The advanced privacy technologies used by Tracr™ reinforce data security on the platform. The immutable nature of each transaction on the platform ensures that the data cannot be tampered with when the diamond progresses through the value chain.

The decentralised nature of the platform ensures its speed and scalability, with the ability to register one million diamonds a week onto the platform. With centralised platforms, dealing with large volumes of data can cause bottlenecks, but the decentralised model used by Tracr™ avoids such issues and enables rapid scaling.

The scalability, speed and security of Tracr™ are combined into an intuitive user experience to support ease of use for platform participants.

First launched in an R&D phase in 2018 and named by Forbes as one of the world’s 50 leading blockchain solutions in both 2020 and in 2022, De Beers has already registered one quarter of its production by value on Tracr™ in the first three Sights of the year in preparation for this first scale release.

Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said: “De Beers discovers diamonds with our partners in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa and, with our long-term investment in Tracr™, we are proud to join with our Sightholders to provide the industry with immutable diamond source assurance at scale. Tracr™, which will enable the provision of provenance information from source to Sightholder to store on a secure blockchain, will underpin confidence in natural diamonds and represents the first step in a technological transformation that will enhance standards and raise expectations of what we are capable of providing to our end clients.”

Honourable Lefoko Moagi, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Government of Botswana said: “The introduction of this advanced provenance technology is extremely exciting and we are very pleased as a large diamond producing country, and shareholder in De Beers, to be a part of this development. Confidence in diamond origin is extremely important and we look forward to seeing the roll out of this new programme delivering new benefits to the diamond industry and giving more assurance to consumers.”

The Tracr™ platform brings together a range of leading technologies – including blockchain, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and advanced security and privacy technologies – to support the identification of a diamond’s journey through the value chain. De Beers’ provenance claims have been certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council and trust in the De Beers source of diamonds is also assured by the business’s Pipeline Integrity programme which involves annual third-party verification visits of participants by independent auditors.

Notes to Editors

Tracr™ is an advanced technology platform developed by De Beers Group to underpin trust in diamond provenance. Through the use of leading-edge technologies – including blockchain, artificial intelligence, the internet of things and advanced security and privacy technologies – Tracr™ enables confidence in a diamond’s source throughout the diamond value chain.

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of the De Beers Group strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and De Beers Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions, such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives GemFair and Tracr. De Beers Group is committed to ‘,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit .





#debeers #tracr #blockchain #naturaldiamonds