Champasack Province attracted 426,126 visitors in the first seven months of 2025, Vannaxay Sardtakoun, Head of the Department of Culture and Tourism, reported told Lao media on 11 August.
Champasack Draws 426,000 Visitors in First 7 Months of 2025
Fanatics Branded NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL Apparel Sales Banned in Australia
SYDNEY, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FanFirm Pty Ltd, a small Australian company, claims their recent win in the Federal Court of Australia is a “historic win” over their large US competitor and one that has been coming since trademark disputes began between the two companies in 2010.
Australia’s Fanatics win landmark trademark case
On one side was Australian company FanFirm who have sold Fanatics branded apparel since 1997 and on the other was Fanatics LLC, the US$31 billion mega brand which is owned by billionaire Michael Rubin, Jay Z and many of the top leagues in the US.
Up until last year Fanatics LLC sold licensed sports apparel bearing FANATICS branding for the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL & other teams & Leagues into Australia via their website.
However, the Australian company FanFirm owns trademarks for or that include the word ‘Fanatics’ across various trademark classes (including for clothing and sportswear) & has ‘first use’ rights in Australia, having existed in the market in various forms since 1997. The Australian company began legal proceedings in 2022 against Fanatics LLC in the Federal Court of Australia for trademark infringement.
In July 2024, the Federal Court of Australia delivered a judgment that found, amongst other things, that Fanatics LLC had infringed FanFirm’s trademark rights and that Fanatics LLC’s own trademark for FANATICS for on-line retail store services featuring sports related and sports team branded clothing and merchandise should be partially cancelled. Flowing on from that decision, the Australian Federal Court made an order restraining the US company from offering for sale and selling FANATICS branded sports apparel in Australia, including via the US company’s website.
In November last year, Fanatics LLC appealed the July 2024 decision.
So both parties returned to court, this time to the Full Federal Court of Australia and before three Australian Federal Court judges. Fanatics LLC argued they had good faith and honest & concurrent use of Fanatics.
However, the three judges unanimously dismissed those claims in a further win for the Australian company.
The combined effect of the first instance and appeal judgments is that no Fanatics branded jerseys or associated Fanatics branded apparel can be offered for sale or sold in Australia.
The NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL & other leagues, players’ associations, team owners & various players’ unions have invested in Fanatics LLC who make various apparel for the leagues and some players. Many thousands of FANATICS branded items that are currently viewable on the Fanatics LLC website will not be available for sale in Australia under the judgment.
Owner and founder of FanFirm, the owner of ‘Fanatics’ trademarks in Australia, Warren Livingstone said:
“We love North American sports leagues in Australia & Fanatics LLC have said that Australia is their third biggest market for apparel sales. So, while it’s a big loss for them, it’s a monumental win for us.
We never doubted we would win. The evidence was clear from both parties. We had sold merchandise with Fanatics branding for over a decade before they began to use that brand. It really was David v Goliath. We are relieved, but ecstatic.”
Fanatics in Qatar © Salty Dingo 2022
KuCoin Pioneers UBS uMINT Collateral Support via DigiFT
|
Setting a New Industry Standard by Enabling Liquid, Safeguarded Collateral That Links Traditional Finance and Digital Asset Investment Through Robust Technology Infrastructure
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, today announced support for UBS uMINT, a token corresponding to the first tokenized money market investment fund launched by UBS Asset Management and distributed through DigiFT, a leading licensed platform for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs). As the first global crypto exchange to support UBS uMINT, this collaboration allows institutional tokenholders through DigiFT to utilize their tokenized investment funds as off-exchange collateral, enabling efficient trading on digital assets and access to a wider array of alternative digital asset investments offered by KuCoin.
UBS uMINT tokenholders can access UBS Asset Management’s institutional grade cash management solutions underpinned by high-quality money market instruments based on a risk-managed framework. Issued under UBS Tokenize, UBS’s in-house tokenization service, UBS uMINT is built on the Ethereum distributed ledger technology.
This initiative, driven by KuCoin, represents an advancement in the cryptocurrency sector, expanding the use of tokenized RWAs to a real-world applicable trading environment, where KuCoin mirrors RWA holdings with stablecoin equivalents without transferring ownership, enabling sophisticated trading on digital assets while preserving yields and control through a third-party regulated custodian. It addresses the growing demand for high-grade on-chain income assets, offering enhanced liquidity, risk reduction, and operational efficiencies—all while emphasizing regulatory compliance and security.
“KuCoin remains committed to innovation alongside unwavering compliance and security,” stated BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin. “This partnership with DigiFT to support the UBS uMINT token highlights a significant step forward in exploring the viability and adoption of secure investments for a broader audience. It empowers institutions to unlock tokenized traditional assets for seamless global trading and solidifies KuCoin’s leadership in converging traditional and digital finance.”
DigiFT, as an authorized distribution partner, provides investors access to tokenized RWAs such as the UBS tokenized money market investment fund, where DigiFT supports both subscription and redemption via stablecoins and fiat currency in a non-custodial manner, with clients using their preferred custody wallet solution.
Henry Zhang, CEO of DigiFT, remarked: “At DigiFT, we’re building the next iteration of institutional-grade capital markets infrastructure for Web3 — immediately functional, compliant, and powered by yield-generating RWA instruments. The integration of the UBS uMINT token, which will enable tokenholders to use their funds as collateral via KuCoin’s mirroring program, exemplifies our focus on enhancing capital efficiency across digital asset markets through tokenized RWAs. Together with our partners, we are reshaping the innovation contours of institutional digital asset infrastructure.“
Looking ahead, KuCoin anticipates further expansions in tokenized asset integrations, driving broader adoption of RWAs and fostering a more interconnected financial ecosystem. Leveraging its robust technology infrastructure, KuCoin can facilitate a broad array of RWAs issued by reputable asset managers as recognized collateral, providing institutional clients with flexible trading solutions to optimize capital efficiency and boost returns. This initiative sets a new standard for innovation, positioning KuCoin at the forefront of compliant, user-centric solutions in the evolving digital economy.
About KuCoin
Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global cryptocurrency platform serving over 41 million users across 200+ countries and regions. Built on cutting-edge blockchain technology, KuCoin offers access to 1,000+ digital assets and solutions including Web3 wallet, Spot and Futures trading, institutional services, and payments. Recognized by Forbes as one of the “Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges” and a “Top 50 Global Unicorn” by Hurun, KuCoin is ISO 27001:2022 certified and committed to security, compliance, and innovation under the leadership of CEO BC Wong. Learn more: https://www.kucoin.com/
About DigiFT
DigiFT is a next-generation exchange for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and granted Approval in Principle by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). The platform offers end-to-end digital asset services—including tokenization, issuance, distribution, trading, and instant liquidity provision—purpose-built for institutional RWAs. Trusted by global financial institutions, DigiFT is an on-chain tokenization and distribution partner for leading asset managers such as UBS Asset Management and Invesco.
Equiti Group Announces Trio of Key Executive Appointments to Drive Global Transformation
|
DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Equiti Group, a leading multi-asset broker and fintech provider, is excited to announce three strategic executive appointments aimed at strengthening its leadership team and accelerating its global growth. These appointments underscore Equiti’s ongoing commitment to innovation, robust governance, and technology-driven expansion across key markets.
Sartaj Singh has been appointed Chief Technology Officer (CTO) following a transformative tenure as the company’s Global Head of Technology since December 2023. He has played a pivotal role in advancing Equiti’s technology infrastructure, leading a significant transformation that has brought increased stability, scalability, and sophistication to Equiti’s core technology platforms, critical enablers of its global growth strategy. As CTO, Sartaj will focus on embedding intelligence across all operational layers – ranging from trading to onboarding – to deliver fast, intuitive, and client-centric experiences. His leadership is crucial in positioning Equiti as a technology-driven leader in the global financial services sector.
Rick Fulton has been appointed Chief Risk and Audit Officer. Over the past two years, Rick has built a high-performing risk management function, significantly improving the company’s ability to manage and mitigate key risks across market, credit, and enterprise domains. In his new role, Rick will continue to lead the development of Equiti’s Risk and Audit departments, ensuring that both areas remain aligned with the company’s governance framework and strategic objectives, safeguarding the firm’s growth in an increasingly complex financial environment.
Sean Hong takes on the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO), after successfully transforming the company’s Finance function since joining in August 2023. Under his leadership, Equiti’s finance team has been repositioned as a strategic business partner, enhancing financial performance, improving cost management, and providing critical insights to support the company’s ambitious growth trajectory. As CFO, Sean will continue to drive operational efficiency and scalable success, reinforcing the financial foundation needed to support Equiti’s global ambitions.
A vision for sustainable growth and innovation
Iskandar Najjar, Group CEO of Equiti, commented, “Innovation is at the core of everything we do at Equiti. As we expand our footprint in global markets, these appointments ensure we remain agile, tech-driven, and client-focused. Sartaj, Rick, and Sean bring the expertise to lead in fast-changing environments and help us set new standards in trading technology, governance, and performance. More importantly, they share our commitment to innovation, client-centricity, and building a stronger, more agile organisation. This is an exciting chapter for Equiti as we deepen our impact and reimagine what the trading experience can be for clients worldwide.”
With these appointments, Equiti is poised to continue its path of innovation, delivering cutting-edge solutions that align with its long-term goals of market leadership and sustainable global growth.
About Equiti
Equiti Group is a global fintech leader providing advanced trading technology, payment software, virtual assets, asset management and physical commodity solutions. With a presence across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, the Group is licensed in major financial jurisdictions including the UK, UAE and Cyprus. The Group delivers a best-in-class financial experience to clients across retail, professional, and institutional segments. Learn more at www.equiti.com
The Entrepreneur Singapore 2025, Organised by the Association of Trade and Commerce (ATC), Celebrates the Success of Singapore’s Performing Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders
SINGAPORE, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Entrepreneur Singapore 2025, held at Marina Bay Sands, brought together Singapore’s most inspiring and impactful entrepreneurs for an evening that celebrated excellence, innovation, and leadership. The gala underscored the nation’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant, resilient, and forward-looking business community.
The awardees of the Singapore 40 Under 40 Business Leaders 2025
Organised annually by the Association of Trade and Commerce (ATC), The Entrepreneur Singapore is one of ATC’s flagship mid-year events, recognising outstanding entrepreneurs and business leaders. This year’s edition saw more than 250 local entrepreneurs in attendance.
In addition to the gala celebration, the event showcased two of ATC’s most prestigious recognitions:
Entrepreneur 100 Award – Widely regarded as one of Singapore’s most respected and rigorous accolades, the award honours entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, leadership, and contributions to the economy and community. For the assessment year 2024, ATC received 351 applications, with only 80 awardees attaining this distinction.
Singapore 40 Under 40 Business Leaders – Supported by Fortune, this recognition highlights the next generation of visionary founders, innovators, and business leaders under the age of 40 who are shaping the future of Singapore’s economy. For the 2025 cohort, 42 applications were received, and 07 outstanding business leaders were honoured (in no particular order):
- Claudia Scarlett, Dixmondsg Club Pte Ltd
- Mohamad Nor Ashraf Bin Abu Bakar, Aliyah Rizq Holdings Pte Ltd
- Sanjay Giri Asogir, Sunscape Integrated Services Pte Ltd
- Quak Shou Wei, Venturez Services Private Limited
- Devesh Sunil Gurbani, Cybersafe Pte Ltd
- Poh Ding Han Alpha, Momentsg Pte Ltd
- Woo Pei Shan, Passion Soul Pte Ltd
These awardees represent the diversity and strength of Singapore’s business landscape — from cutting-edge technology firms and family-owned enterprises to FMCG brands and professional services. Their achievements embody the dynamism, resilience, and adaptability that define Singapore’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Attendees at The Entrepreneur Singapore 2025 (ATC Networking Zone)
The event also featured an expert panel and fireside chat by HubSpot, discussing the current state of business growth in Singapore. Attendees gained valuable insights, forged new connections, and witnessed homegrown entrepreneurs sharing their journeys, reinforcing ATC’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs with the resources, knowledge, and networks to excel in a competitive global market.
ATC extends its heartiest congratulations to all winners of the Entrepreneur 100 Award and the Singapore 40 Under 40 Business Leaders 2025.
For the full list of Entrepreneur 100 Award Winners assessed in FY2024, please visit https://atc.sg.
About the Entrepreneur 100 Award
An annual national programme honouring Singapore’s emerging and high-performing entrepreneurs, the Entrepreneur 100 Award is one of the nation’s most prestigious accolades. Recognising corporate achievements, industry impact, community contributions, and leadership policies that propel business success, the award affirms the capability and strength of its recipients. More information is available at https://e100.atc.sg.
About the Singapore 40 Under 40 Business Leaders – Class of 2025
The Singapore 40 Under 40 Business Leaders celebrates exceptional young entrepreneurs and executives who inspire innovation, foster growth, and shape Singapore’s future business landscape. This platform builds a network of accomplished young leaders making their mark locally and globally. More information is available at https://40under40.atc.sg.
TCL Ignites Next-Gen Living with Cutting-Edge Tech Showcase at IFA 2025
SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the world’s No.1 Mini LED and Ultra-large[1] TV brand, is pleased to announce its participation at the upcoming IFA 2025 from September 5-9 in Berlin. As a Worldwide Olympic Partner, TCL will ignite the spirit of the Olympics at IFA with a creative booth design that brings to life the adrenaline and excitement of world-class sport and technology. The event marks the latest in a series of activations under TCL’s worldwide Olympic sponsorship campaign building up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
TCL Ignites Next-Gen Living with Cutting-Edge Tech Showcase at IFA 2025
At IFA 2025, TCL will unveil the latest groundbreaking innovations that redefine modern living. Visitors will experience cutting-edge technologies including the latest ultra-large QD-Mini LED displays, NXTPAPER display technology, AR Glasses, AI-powered appliances such as air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators and more that together showcase TCL’s commitment to creating intelligent, personalized, and sustainable living solutions.
Visitors will also experience how TCL’s vision for next-generation living extends beyond individual products through a series of immersive environments powered by the latest TCL technologies. These include the European debut of TCL’s AI robots, alongside other technologies including smart home energy solutions, intelligent cockpits, and TCL NXTHOME—where innovation and lifestyle create meaningful moments.
Don’t miss the chance to discover how TCL is igniting the future of technology and inspiring greatness through intelligent living at IFA 2025.
TCL at IFA 2025 Event Details:
TCL IFA 2025 Global Media Premiere
Date & Time: 15:30 (CEST), September 4, 2025 (Check-in at 15:00)
Location: Hall 21A, Messedamm Berlin, Germany
TCL IFA 2025 Booth
Date: September 5–9, 2025
Location: Hall 21A, Messedamm Berlin, Germany
|
[1] Ultra-large: TVs measuring 85 inches and above |
About TCL
TCL is a leading consumer electronics brand and a global leader in the television industry. Operating in over 160 markets worldwide, TCL specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of consumer electronics products, including TVs, audio systems, home appliances, mobile devices, smart glasses, commercial displays, and more. For additional information, visit the TCL website at https://www.tcl.com.
World Elephant Day: Laos’ ‘Land of a Million Elephants’ Now Home to Just 500-1,000
On 12 August, the world marks World Elephant Day, a day to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect these majestic creatures. In Laos, once known as Lane Xang – the “Land of a Million Elephants” – the elephant population has drastically declined.
Today, only 500 to 1,000 elephants remain, just one-third of the number from two decades ago. Conservationists warn that for every one or two elephants born each year in Laos, around ten die, putting the species at risk of disappearing from the country altogether.
Elephants continue to hold a special place as Laos’ national animal and a powerful cultural symbol.
Most wild elephants are found in the Nam Poui National Protected Area (NPA) in Laos’ northwestern Xayabouly Province, which spans 191,200 hectares across Phiang, Paklay, and Thongmixay districts along the Lao-Thai border.
This province also hosts the annual Elephant Festival, celebrating elephant heritage and promoting conservation efforts.
The Elephant Conservation Center in Xayabouly cares for the largest herd under human care in Laos, with over 25 elephants. Since the 2018 ban on illegal logging, many elephants once used in the timber industry have been redirected to tourism, while others have been sold to zoos, circuses, and breeders.
Global Elephant Population Under Threat
Globally, the situation is also critical. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants remain in the wild, including only 8,000 to 11,000 in Southeast Asia, where habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflict continue to threaten their survival.
Worldwide, about 450,000 elephants remain.
Asian elephants have been classified as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List since 1986.
Every year, an estimated 20,000 wild elephants are killed for their ivory, hides, and other body parts.
ACTC NO 1 (LOT M) PTY LTD ANNOUNCES OFFERING OF AUD 3,500,000 SENIOR SECURED LOAN NOTE OFFER
MELBOURNE, Australia, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ACTC No 1 (Lot M) Pty Ltd ACN 684 640 800 (ACTC or the Issuer) is seeking to raise a total of AUD 3,500,000 in funds by the issue of loan notes, according to an announcement today by the underwriter Banner Capital Management Limited (the Arranger/Underwriter). The issue comprises progressively drawn notes as detailed below.
The following is a text of the announcement:
Banner Capital Management Limited as Arranger and Underwriter has announced today that the Issuer is seeking to raise AUD 3,500,000 through the issue of a series of debentures (in the form of loan notes) for the purposes set out below.
The loan notes (the Notes) to be issued represent a loan commitment of up to AUD 3,500,000.
Pursuant to an agreement with the Issuer, the offer is made by the Underwriter to investors who are qualified as ‘wholesale investors’ as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). The Underwriter has agreed to initially subscribe for the issued Notes on 5 August 2025 and will offer the loan notes pursuant to the agreement.
This open letter constitutes an offer of the Notes for the purposes of the ‘public offer test’ in section 128F(3)(e) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth). That provision provides an exemption from Australian interest withholding tax in relation to interest paid on the loan notes to non-Australian noteholders.
Financiers and those in the business of dealing in debentures, or the buying and selling of loan notes or other debt interests and who are interested in subscribing for the Notes will be required to give customary representations, warranties and information about their status, to assist the Issuer to demonstrate compliance with section 128F of the Income Tax Assessment Act (Cth).
KEY FEATURES OF THE OFFER
|
Issuer/Borrower |
ACTC No 1 (Lot M) Pty Ltd ACN 684 640 800 |
|
Financier/Underwriter and Arranger |
Banner Capital Management Limited ACN 600 738 181 as trustee of the Banner Wholesale Real Estate Credit Fund |
|
The Offer |
An offer to subscribe for Loan Notes on the terms described in the transaction documents. The general terms of the transaction documents are set out in this Term Sheet. |
|
Security and Ranking |
|
|
Purpose |
The proceeds of the issue of the Loan Notes will be used by the Issuer to fund development costs. |
|
Settlement Date |
7 August 2025 |
|
Term |
12 months from the settlement date |
|
Type of Instrument |
Senior Loan Notes |
|
Issue amount |
AUD 3,500,000 (progressively drawn). |
|
Interest Rate |
13% coupon per annum |
|
Transferability |
The Notes are freely transferable without the consent of the Issuer |
|
Governing Law |
Victoria, Australia |
The Issuer reserves the right in its absolute discretion to vary the terms set out above and accept or reject any offer. This offer will expire on 12 September 2025.
Restrictions in certain jurisdictions, including Australia
The distribution of this announcement and the offering and sale of the Notes in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. This message does not constitute an offer, invitation or solicitation to participate in the offer and be issued Notes in any jurisdiction where, or to any person or entity to whom, it would be unlawful to make such an offer, invitation or solicitation.
This message is not a prospectus or disclosure document and it has not been lodged with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act). The offer of Notes is only available to domestic and foreign investors who are qualified as “professional investors” or “sophisticated investors” as defined under the Corporations Act (Wholesale Investors). By accepting the offer, an offeree represents that the offeree is a Wholesale Investor. No Notes will be issued or sold in circumstances that would require the giving of a disclosure document under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.
The Notes referred to in this message have not been nor will they be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and may not be offered, sold or delivered within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. There will be no public offering of the Notes referred to in this message in the United States.
About Banner
Banner Capital Management Limited is an Australian based alternate asset manager specialising in actively managed property debt and has provided attractive risk-adjusted returns to its investors since 2012.
