SYDNEY, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ASX-listed tech investment & advisory firm Scalare Partners has been announced as a finalist in the Startup Investor of the Year category at the prestigious 2025 Startup Daily Best in Tech Awards.

The recognition highlights Scalare’s innovative ecosystem-driven investment philosophy that transcends traditional capital deployment to build comprehensive support networks for emerging technology companies.

Through its integrated portfolio of owned platforms including Tech Ready Women, Startblock, InHouse Ventures, and the Australian Technologies Competition, Scalare creates a dynamic circular economy for innovation that generates sustainable revenue and reinvests capital into high-potential founders.

Carolyn Breeze, CEO of Scalare Partners, said: “We don’t just back startups, we build them. Our disruptive model demonstrates that capital alone doesn’t scale companies, ecosystems do. We’ve created a fully integrated support network that helps founders grow faster and smarter through strategic technology partnerships.”

Since January 2024, Scalare has executed six strategic investments in post-revenue, technology-led startups with global scaling potential, with investment amounts typically ranging from $100,000 to $1.5 million. Recent breakthrough investments include Circadian Health Innovations, a cutting-edge digital health platform leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize shift work productivity; Brauz, a revolutionary connected retail technology company bridging online and in-store shopping experiences; Catalyser, an advanced enterprise social impact platform; and BetterX, a Singapore-based B2B digital asset platform.

The company has also made strategic ecosystem investments, including the transformative acquisition of Tank Stream Labs and a $1.3 million acquisition of InHouse Ventures in March 2025. Scalare deepened its partnership with Silicon Catalyst US in May 2025, extending access to global deeptech and semiconductor networks for portfolio companies.

Scalare’s portfolio companies have achieved significant milestones following strategic investment. Brauz secured a national rollout with one of Australia’s largest retail brands, while BetterX completed a successful $2.3 million pre-Series A funding round in March 2025 to support expansion into Asia, the Middle East, and the United States.

The company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion sets it apart in the competitive venture capital landscape. Tech Ready Women has supported over 11,000 women across eight years, with 800+ female founders completing accelerator programs. Scalare’s leadership team, including female CEO, Chair, and CFO, reflects this commitment to building equality in the technology ecosystem.

With 18,000+ founders across its ecosystem and 400+ startups supported annually, Scalare provides retail investors unique access to early-stage investing without traditional capital lockups or the impending 30% tax liabilities that are likely to deter many investors from this category.

The Startup Daily Best in Tech Awards celebrate excellence in Australia’s technology sector, recognizing companies and individuals driving innovation and growth across the startup ecosystem.

Please contact David Sharaz for any interview requests: 0480 097 479

Scalare Partners Holdings Limited (ASX: SCP, www.scalarepartners.com) exists to empower visionary technology founders to transform their ideas into the great businesses of tomorrow.  As a dynamic force in the tech startup landscape, we offer a range of products and services to support all founders as they scale their early-stage businesses.

We are deeply involved in the broader technology ecosystem, driving change through impactful initiatives such as the Tech Ready Women and the Australian Technologies Competition, where we partner with government and corporates to support and promote the most promising technology businesses and founders. Our focus extends to working with female and culturally diverse founders, addressing the unique challenges they encounter in fundraising and scaling their businesses. This engagement not only enriches the tech landscape but also creates lucrative revenue and investment opportunities for Scalare Partners.

At the heart of our business model is the provision of products and services and expert advice tailored to the specific needs of early-stage businesses. We also provide direct investment into selected outstanding businesses and with a current emphasis on the Australian and USA technology sectors, we are building a portfolio spanning across diverse geographies, including Australia, USA, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, and Europe. Scalare Partners is not just an investor; we are architects of growth, collaborators in innovation, and catalysts for positive change in the technology landscape.

TAIPEI, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Taiwan’s two official accommodation brands—Taiwan Host B&B and Star Hotel, are making their first appearance at the 2025 NATAS Holidays Travel Fair, holding from August 15–17 at Singapore EXPO Hall 5. Showcasing the warmth of Taiwanese hospitality, the Taiwan Pavilion will offer a range of engaging activities including Taiwan Host B&B ambassador sharing sessions, travel trivia challenges, and social media check-in prize draws. Visitors will also have the exciting opportunity to win a free round-trip flight between Singapore and Taiwan. This news comes from Staynews.

Taiwan Host B&B is an official certification program promoting homestays that uphold six core values: friendliness, warmth, cleanliness, hygiene, safety, and quality service. These certified B&Bs offer travelers a high level of service and a comfortable accommodation experience. To date, there are over 1,900 Taiwan Host B&Bs across Taiwan. Among them, 100 “Golden-Award Taiwan Host B&Bs” have been carefully selected and categorized into five themes—Nature & Ecology, Cultural Discovery, Architectural Charm, Family & Pet Travel, and Culinary Delights—designed to meet the diverse travel interests of international visitors.

Star Hotels represent another official accommodation brand from Taiwan, selected through a rigorous evaluation process by mystery inspectors who assess over 500 items across both hardware and service. Hotels are ranked from 1 to 3 stars (basic, budget, and comfort) to 4 and 5 stars (deluxe and premium), with a special “5-Star Excellence” level for top-tier properties. There are currently nearly 200 government-certified Star Hotels in Taiwan. These hotels serve as a trusted guide for travelers, providing assurance in both facilities and service quality.

A special highlight at the pavilion will be sharing sessions by Golden-Award Taiwan Host B&B ambassadors, who will introduce the unique charms of homestays across Taiwan, covering themes such as nature experiences, cultural immersion, and family/pet-friendly stays. A B&B owner from Kinmen will also host a demonstration of the Mid-Autumn Festival dice game “Bo Bing“, along with free tastings of Kinmen’s signature souvenirs like peanut brittle and mini pastries, offering Singaporean visitors a nostalgic taste of Nanyang flavor and showcasing the deep connection between Taiwan’s local culture and overseas heritage.

Visitors who join guided tours of the Taiwan Host B&B and Star Hotel booths and complete a short questionnaire will receive a free bilingual handbook featuring the Golden-Award Taiwan Host B&Bs, along with the chance to take home limited-edition gifts.

This appearance at the NATAS Holidays Travel Fair is a milestone in the international outreach of Taiwan’s accommodation brands, offering travelers in Singapore a first-hand look at Taiwan’s heartfelt hospitality and the character of its accommodation experiences.

For more information about Taiwan Host B&Bs and Star Hotels, please visit: https://www.taiwanstay.net.tw

(Press release from Staynews : https://www.staynews.net/Details/stay/9ab5fc6fc0f14477ba32869834288b88)

• The partnerships will enable smart, easy and secure eCommerce experience for consumers and merchants across the region

SINGAPORE, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has announced today the expansion of Click to Pay across Asia Pacific through strategic partnerships with payment enablers 2C2P, Adyen, AsiaPay, and Worldpay.

Click to Pay offers a smart, seamless, and secure online checkout experience. By allowing customers to retrieve their saved, tokenised payment details using a mobile number or email alias, Click to Pay eliminates the need to manually enter card information.

This express checkout experience helps reduce cart abandonment – often as high as 84%^[1] in eCommerce, by eliminating complex logins and streamlining the user journey. Additionally, as Click to Pay transactions are tokenised, merchants benefit from improved security and experience an average uplift of 2.5%^[2] in payment success rates.

Browser- and device-agnostic, Click to Pay supports biometric authentication through payment passkeys for enhanced security, making eCommerce transactions as convenient as contactless payments. 

This rollout is part of Visa’s broader efforts to enhance eCommerce checkout experience, especially in the Asia Pacific region where mobile phone ownership is high and digital payments are ubiquitous. Consumers shop and pay with their mobile phones wherever they are and want to feel safe when they are shopping online^[3].

Personal information is tokenised and securely stored by Visa. This addresses the concerns of 83% of consumers who express worry about data security when saving their information on third-party websites^[4].

T.R. Ramachandran, Head of Products and Solutions, Asia Pacific, Visa, said, “Visa is accelerating the rollout of Click to Pay to simplify the eCommerce checkout experience across Asia Pacific. Through strategic collaborations with 2C2P, Adyen, AsiaPay, and Worldpay, we are helping merchants increase sales, banks to deepen customer engagement, and consumers enjoy quicker, secure checkouts.”

This regional effort builds on Visa’s recent launch with ZA Bank in Hong Kong, the first issuer in Asia Pacific to enable Click to Pay as a standard feature for cardholders. Click to Pay is also live in Vietnam, enabling Techcombank and VPBank Visa cardholders to enjoy seamless online shopping experiences with participating merchants.

These expanding partnerships highlight a growing demand among issuers, payment enablers and merchants in the region for prioritising smart, seamless, and secure checkouts to increase customer satisfaction with better online shopping experience.

See Appendix for quotes and more information from Visa’s partners.

*****************

Appendix

About Visa’s Payment Enabler Partners and Quotes from Partners

1. 2C2P is a full-suite payments platform based in Southeast Asia that empowers the world’s leading enterprises to securely accept and make payments through one point of integration. Its extensive network spans across online, mobile and offline channels including over 600,000 alternative payment locations, enabling enterprises to reach their customers or recipients anywhere. 2C2P also provides value-added services such as issuing, 3D Secure, bill payments and digital goods to meet every business need. It is part of Ant International’s Antom, a world-leading merchant payment and digitisation services provider.

Headquartered in Singapore, 2C2P is the preferred payments partner for airlines, online marketplaces, retailers and other enterprises.

Agnes Chua, Managing Director of Business and Product Development, 2C2P said, “Our partnership with Visa to introduce Click to Pay across Southeast Asia will revolutionise online shopping with an even more seamless and secure payment experience. This initiative will not only empower merchants by maximising conversion rates, but also foster greater trust and convenience for consumers.

The partnership underscores our commitment to innovation as we strive to deliver faster, safer, and smarter payment solutions to meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers across the region.”

2. Adyen: (AMS: ADYEN) is the financial technology platform of choice for leading companies. By providing end-to-end payments capabilities, data-driven insights, and financial products in a single global solution, Adyen helps businesses achieve their ambitions faster. With offices around the world, Adyen works with the likes of Meta, LVMH, SHEIN, Uber, L’Oréal, Cathay Pacific, Grab, Klook, and Singapore Airlines.

Warren Hayashi, President, Asia Pacific, Adyen said, “Visa’s Click to Pay aligns directly with our mission to simplify payments and empower global commerce. It reduces the need for manual card entry while managing risk, enabling us to offer our merchants a seamless, secure checkout experience that reduces cart abandonment and improves authorization rates. This will empower them to better meet the growing consumer demand for fast, secure, and frictionless payments — especially in mobile-first markets across Asia.”

3. AsiaPay: Founded in 2000, AsiaPay, a premier digital payment service and technology solution provider, strives to bring advanced, secure, integrated, and cost-effective electronic payment processing solutions and services to banks, corporations, and e-Businesses in the worldwide market, covering an array of international credit card, debit card, prepaid card, net banking, eWallet, BNPL, and QR code payment, as well as cash collection.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, AsiaPay also offers its advanced, integrated, secure multi-channel digital payment solution and quality local service support in its 17 offices across the Asia Pacific region including Australia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia and India.

Joseph Chan, CEO of AsiaPay said, “We are thrilled to partner with Visa on Click to Pay in Asia. This collaboration demonstrates our shared commitment to delivering cutting-edge payment solutions to businesses enhancing sales conversion with seamless consumer payment experience. Together, we are excited to drive innovation adoption and contribute to the future of seamless, secure, convenient digital payments across the Asia Pacific region.”

4. Worldpay: Worldpay is an industry leading payments technology and solutions company with unique capabilities to power omni-commerce across the globe. Our processing solutions allow businesses of all sizes to take, make and manage payments in-person and online from anywhere in the world. Annually, we process over 50 billion transactions across 174 countries and 135 currencies. Worldpay helps customers become more efficient, more secure and more successful.

Phil Pomford, General Manager, APAC at Worldpay said, “Click to Pay is transformational for online checkout because it drives better conversion rates for retailers and delivers a seamless checkout experience for consumers. By bringing the convenience of contactless payments online to the Asia Pacific market with the Visa offering, we continue to add value for our clients and their customers wherever they’re doing business.”

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com

New platform boosts patient experience and safety, reduces clinician burden, and unlocks operational insight across inpatient mental health hospitals

SYDNEY, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alpha Global, a trusted provider of technology-driven solutions for healthcare and care providers in Australia and New Zealand, today announced an exclusive distribution agreement for the newly launched LIO mental health operating platform.

Jeremy Clare, Head of Product at Alpha Global, said:

“We’re incredibly excited to bring the second generation of mental health monitoring technology to Australia with the launch of LIO. This platform is a significant step forward in supporting clinicians with intelligent, contactless insights that enhance patient care and safety. It’s a proud moment for us to introduce a solution purpose-built for mental health environments — one that reflects our mission to connect healthcare professionals and carers with integrated technology that transforms patient outcomes.”

LIO combines ambient monitoring, digital observations, and management insights into one unified platform. This all-in-one approach supports both frontline teams and hospital leaders, making it easier to deliver safe, high-quality, and efficient care across inpatient mental health wards and services.

Todd Haedrich, CEO of LIO, added:

“LIO is a fully integrated, whole-hospital solution — purpose-built for the complex realities of inpatient mental health — with powerful capabilities that help providers deliver consistently high standards of compassionate, patient-centred care. We’re fortunate to partner with such a credible and respected organisation in Australia to ensure providers and patients have access to this much-needed technology.”

Key features of LIO’s new platform include:

• Adaptive monitoring modes – personalising care, protecting patient privacy, and managing safety risks
• Next-generation digital observations – with smart scheduling, missed observation alerts, and a dedicated 1:1 mode for improved care quality
• Advanced compliance reporting – enabling transparent, accountable governance
• Optimised EPR integration – reducing duplication and streamlining documentation
• New ambient monitoring unit – for faster, easier installation

LIO is available now to Australian hospitals.

For more information on LIO , visit www.liohealth.com. Or  www.alpha.global

Media contact:
Jeremy Clare
Head of Product
Mobile: +61 499 299 599
Email: jeremy.clare@alpha.global

About Alpha Global

Alpha Global is a leading provider of technology-driven solutions for healthcare and care providers across Australia and New Zealand. Our mission is simple — to simplify the way people connect by delivering intuitive solutions that transform care. We partner with world-leading solution providers and work closely with healthcare professionals to break down silos, create seamless connections, and enable better outcomes — from hospital to home and into the community.

About LIO

LIO is the all-in-one platform for inpatient mental health, uniting ambient monitoring, digital observations, and management insights in a single, purpose-built solution. Its contactless design promotes patient comfort, while medical device-grade software ensures clinical accuracy. Backed by dozens of peer-reviewed studies and deployed in hundreds of facilities — including half of NHS mental health trusts — LIO helps providers reduce risk, enhance efficiency, and improve the experience of care.

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/lio_logo.jpg
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/alpha_global_logo.jpg

SINGAPORE, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Brilliance Capital is pleased to announce the launch of a rare investment opportunity in the heart of Bukit Timah, an exclusive portfolio of 16 ground floor retail and F&B units at Crown Centre, a freehold mixed-use development prominently located at 557 Bukit Timah Road. The sale will be conducted via an Expression of Interest (EOI) exercise which closes on 23 September 2025, Tuesday, at 3.00 pm. The portfolio is offered at a guide price of S$33.8 million.

Comprising approximately 5,942 square feet of strata area and a majority stake in the development, this portfolio will make the successful purchaser the single largest owner in Crown Centre. Such a significant shareholding offers not only substantial rental income but also greater influence over the long-term management, positioning, and strategic direction of the property and development.

The portfolio is fully leased to a diverse and resilient tenant mix spanning F&B, education, and lifestyle sectors. Several units enjoy prominent main road frontage along Bukit Timah Road, one of Singapore’s most prominent and high-traffic arterial routes. These frontages deliver exceptional visibility and steady customer flow, which adds as an increasingly rare advantage for retail and F&B operators in this prestigious district.

Crown Centre’s freehold tenure is a highly prized asset in Singapore’s tightly held property market, particularly in blue-chip residential enclaves. This enduring ownership structure provides long-term investment security and strong capital preservation potential, appealing to both local and foreign investors. The property is not subject to Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) or Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD), offering buyers lower acquisition costs and greater transaction flexibility.

The tenant profile consist a curated mix of popular F&B outlets and enrichment centres providing a stable and defensive income stream. Notable occupiers include Popeyes, Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut and Kelly Academy, each contributing to a vibrant and recession-resilient ecosystem of essential services, dining, and education. The result is a highly defensive asset that caters to the needs of the surrounding community and captures a wide and consistent customer base.

Adding to its appeal is a dedicated basement carpark, complete with multiple carparking lots and loading bays, a rarity for Bukit Timah retail properties. This infrastructure greatly enhances accessibility for customers and operational efficiency for tenants, making Crown Centre a highly convenient retail and dining destination.

Its prime District 10 location places it within walking distance of Botanic Gardens MRT (DT9/CC19) and Tan Kah Kee MRT (DT8), with excellent road connectivity via Bukit Timah Road, the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE), and the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE). Surrounded by affluent residential estates and prestigious schools such as Nanyang Primary School, Raffles Girls’ Primary School, Hwa Chong Institution, and National Junior College, the property benefits from sustained, high-quality foot traffic. Combined with limited competing retail supply in Bukit Timah, this ensures consistent demand and stable occupancy.

The area surrounding Crown Centre is also primed for growth, with the ongoing urban development and infrastructure enhancements set to enhance property values in the Bukit Timah region. Crown Centre is poised to benefit from these major area enhancements, including the upcoming Bukit Timah Turf City redevelopment. Planned as a vibrant and sustainable residential estate, the project will introduce 15,000–20,000 new homes, preserve key heritage landmarks, and integrate green corridors, cycling paths, and community spaces. This transformation will significantly boost the area’s population and lifestyle appeal, driving further demand for retail and F&B services, and is expected to remain a prime location for both local and foreign investment.

“This is a rare opportunity to acquire a freehold commercial portfolio with main road visibility, carparking support, full occupancy, and a majority stake in the development, equating to approximately 30.48% of its share value. With a proven tenant mix and solid rental income, Crown Centre offers strong fundamentals for both private and institutional investors looking for yield and capital upside in a trophy location,” says Ms Sammi Lim (林妍孜), Founder and Executive Director of Brilliance Capital. “Becoming the single largest owner in Crown Centre offers not just income and growth potential, but also a strategic position of influence in one of Singapore’s most desirable neighbourhoods.”

Brilliance Capital is the sole marketing agent for this sale. The Expression of Interest closes on 23 September 2025, Tuesday, at 3.00 pm.

Note to editors:

A high-resolution photograph of Crown Centre is enclosed.

About Brilliance Capital Pte. Ltd.

Brilliance Capital is a full-service real estate agency that assists and advises ultra-high net worth individuals, local and foreign family offices, as well as property developers, publicly listed companies, and local and overseas private funds on the purchase and sale of real estate assets. Founded and led by Sammi Lim, the firm engages the industry’s most elite professionals, and boasts a dynamic team of agents specializing in the sale and leasing of the entire spectrum of properties which includes, residential condominiums, landed houses, commercial properties, industrial assets, collective sales, as well as consultancy and advisory services.

New platform boosts patient experience and safety, reduces clinician burden, and unlocks operational insight across inpatient mental health hospitals

SYDNEY, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alpha Global, a trusted provider of technology-driven solutions for healthcare and care providers in Australia and New Zealand, today announced an exclusive distribution agreement for the newly launched LIO mental health operating platform.

Jeremy Clare, Head of Product at Alpha Global, said:

“We’re incredibly excited to bring the second generation of mental health monitoring technology to Australia with the launch of LIO. This platform is a significant step forward in supporting clinicians with intelligent, contactless insights that enhance patient care and safety. It’s a proud moment for us to introduce a solution purpose-built for mental health environments — one that reflects our mission to connect healthcare professionals and carers with integrated technology that transforms patient outcomes.”

LIO combines ambient monitoring, digital observations, and management insights into one unified platform. This all-in-one approach supports both frontline teams and hospital leaders, making it easier to deliver safe, high-quality, and efficient care across inpatient mental health wards and services.

Todd Haedrich, CEO of LIO, added:

“LIO is a fully integrated, whole-hospital solution — purpose-built for the complex realities of inpatient mental health — with powerful capabilities that help providers deliver consistently high standards of compassionate, patient-centred care. We’re fortunate to partner with such a credible and respected organisation in Australia to ensure providers and patients have access to this much-needed technology.”

Key features of LIO’s new platform include:

• Adaptive monitoring modes – personalising care, protecting patient privacy, and managing safety risks
• Next-generation digital observations – with smart scheduling, missed observation alerts, and a dedicated 1:1 mode for improved care quality
• Advanced compliance reporting – enabling transparent, accountable governance
• Optimised EPR integration – reducing duplication and streamlining documentation
• New ambient monitoring unit – for faster, easier installation

LIO is available now to Australian hospitals.

For more information on LIO , visit www.liohealth.com. Or  www.alpha.global

Media contact:
Jeremy Clare
Head of Product
Mobile: +61 499 299 599
Email: jeremy.clare@alpha.global

About Alpha Global

Alpha Global is a leading provider of technology-driven solutions for healthcare and care providers across Australia and New Zealand. Our mission is simple — to simplify the way people connect by delivering intuitive solutions that transform care. We partner with world-leading solution providers and work closely with healthcare professionals to break down silos, create seamless connections, and enable better outcomes — from hospital to home and into the community.

About LIO

LIO is the all-in-one platform for inpatient mental health, uniting ambient monitoring, digital observations, and management insights in a single, purpose-built solution. Its contactless design promotes patient comfort, while medical device-grade software ensures clinical accuracy. Backed by dozens of peer-reviewed studies and deployed in hundreds of facilities — including half of NHS mental health trusts — LIO helps providers reduce risk, enhance efficiency, and improve the experience of care.