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Lao Universities Unite to Reform Higher Education Under EU-Funded Project

Students took entrance exam at the National university of Laos in 2023. (Photo: NUoL News)

Laos is undertaking significant reforms to its higher education framework to align with international standards. 

In line with this mission, from 31 March to 2 April, the National University of Laos (NUOL) recently hosted the first Erasmus+ meeting on capacity building for higher education.

The REAL project is coordinated by the University of Groningen (Netherlands), with additional European support from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (Spain), the University of Poitiers (France), and the Association of Tuning Experts and Educators (Spain). The project is co-funded by the European Union.

This cooperation aims to drive structural reform across Lao higher education by promoting an outcomes-based approach. This includes the development of comprehensive internal quality assurance systems to strengthen teaching methods, enhance graduate employability, and support regional academic integration.

Lavanh Vongkhamsane, Director General of the Ministry of Education and Sports’ Higher Education Department, told state media that as Laos progresses in modernizing its education system, it is becoming more evident that the existing higher education framework needs to adapt to the demands of a globalized world.

Over the next four years, nine key partners, comprising the Ministry of Education and Sports and four public universities, will collaborate on strategies that enhance the relevance of higher education to national development goals.

Project activities will focus on implementing mechanisms that improve program feasibility and promote sustainable innovation across the sector.

In addition, the project will build capacity among academics, program teams, and institutions to ensure effective implementation of reforms. National and institutional stakeholders will be engaged in defining and supporting the full adoption of internal quality assurance frameworks to create lasting structural impact.

A total of 17 undergraduate programs across the four universities will lead the reform process. These include courses in Food Technology, English Language, Transportation and Logistics Engineering, Livestock, and Business Management at NUOL.

At Souphanouvong University, focus areas will include Electrical Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, English Language, and Tourism and Hospitality. 

Meanwhile, Savannakhet University will enhance programs in Electrical Engineering, Transportation and Logistics Engineering, Animal Science, and Rural Development and Business Extension.

Champassak University plans to restructure its programs in Food Technology, Veterinary Medicine, English Language, and Livestock.

HashKey OTC Upgrades to ‘HashKey OTC Global’ to Reinforce its Commitment to Global Compliance

HONG KONG, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HashKey OTC, an OTC trading platform under HashKey Group, announced today that it has completed its brand upgrade and officially changed its name to “HashKey OTC Global“. The renaming takes HashKey’s OTC business to the next level of development and is an important milestone in the company’s globalisation strategy.

This brand upgrade follows HashKey OTC’s recent successful license approval in the Middle East and full integration of its Japan business. As Asia’s leading compliant OTC trading platform, HashKey OTC Global has built a strong compliance advantage with licenses in industry hubs including Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, Japan and the Middle East, and is actively exploring the possibility of expanding business in Europe and other regions.

The platform currently provides 24/7 services, with a focus on providing large-scale and efficient transaction services for institutions and high-net-worth clients. HashKey OTC Global also provides customers with safe and reliable fiat currency services and, in certain jurisdictions, digital currency custody services.

HashKey OTC Global has complete and compliant multi-fiat currency deposit and withdrawal channels, and has established strong ties with leading global banks and prominent local financial institutions, providing customers with services including same-name account transfers, settlement between mainstream fiat and digital currencies and others.

HashKey OTC Global’s business scope covers spot trading, including Request for Quotation (RFQ) and Trade Execution (TE) services and structured products, such as stable and growth investment products. The company has also launched Polaris, a one-stop OTC trading platform to help users open online accounts, manage accounts and experience smooth and convenient trading services.

HashKey Group Chairman Xiao Feng said: “With the upgrade of HashKey OTC to HashKey OTC Global, we will further integrate global resources to provide customers with more comprehensive, secure and compliant digital asset trading services. We look forward to working with global partners to promote the healthy development of the digital asset industry.”

About HashKey OTC Global

At HashKey OTC Global, the over-the-counter (OTC) trading arm of HashKey Group, we serve as your trusted partner in the world of digital assets. With a strong legacy and reputation, we focus on providing regulatory-compliant digital asset trading services to professional investors, institutions, and high-net-worth individuals.

Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia’s Premier Entertainment, Sports and Culture Destination, Elevates Guest Experience with accesso® Horizon

ORLANDO, Fla., April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — accesso Technology Group (AIM: ACSO), the premier technology solutions provider to leisure, entertainment and cultural markets, today announced it has been selected as the guest experience technology provider for the Qiddiya giga-project in Saudi Arabia.

Located southwest of Riyadh, Qiddiya City is set to become the crown jewel of entertainment, sports, and cultural experiences within the Kingdom, spanning over 300 square kilometers. As a key driver of Saudi Vision 2030, Qiddiya will make a major contribution to the diversification of the country’s economy and entertainment, sport and cultural sectors.

“Qiddiya sought a top-tier partner to provide ticketing solutions for our planned attractions, beginning with Six Flags Qiddiya and Aquarabia, and we believe accesso’s extensive global experience with leading entertainment operators will be instrumental in achieving our long-term vision. We have great expectations for this partnership, as it serves as a key foundation for our success,” said Qiddiya CTO Abdulrahman Al-Ali.

accesso will implement its modern, state-of-the-art ticketing and visitor management solution, accesso Horizon, across Qiddiya’s diverse portfolio of attractions, including the highly anticipated Six Flags Qiddiya, which will be home to the world’s longest, fastest, and tallest roller coaster and Aquarabia, the first and biggest water theme park in Saudi Arabia. accesso Horizon will serve as the backbone technology, across the entire Qiddiya portfolio of attractions and entertainment opportunities ensuring a consistent, world-class guest experience from online ticket purchase to the enjoyment of onsite activities throughout the entire property.

“We are proud to work with Qiddiya on this exciting and visionary project,” said accesso CEO Steve Brown. “With the accesso Horizon solution, Qiddiya City will have the future-proof tools to shape and deliver stellar experiences to visitors, setting new standards for entertainment excellence in the region.”

Featuring a fully integrated platform, advanced business logic, and an expansive feature set, accesso Horizon will enable Qiddiya City to scale as new assets launch. Moreover, the solution will allow for management of all benefits, services, and entitlements available to guests from a unified platform designed to be the center of the entire management ecosystem. The solution also offers open APIs enabling direct integration with other technology partners.

About accesso Technology Group plc

accesso is the leading global provider of patented and award-winning technology solutions that redefine the guest experience, drive increased revenue, streamline operations, and support data-driven business decisions for leisure & entertainment operators. Currently serving over 1,200 venues in 33 countries, accesso invests heavily in research and development to provide venues with technology that empowers them to deliver unforgettable guest experiences. Staffed by a team of attractions, cultural venue and ski industry veterans, accesso partners with venues to increase their range of on- and off-site guest engagement to drive increased revenue through intuitive ticketing, point-of-sale, virtual queuing, distribution, digital professional services, and experience management technology. 

accesso is a public company, listed on AIM: a market operated by the London Stock Exchange. Learn more at accesso.com or follow accesso on X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Qiddiya

As one of Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects, Qiddiya is key to Vision 2030’s ambitions for a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. Qiddiya seeks to build destinations, programs and initiatives based on the Power of Play that will enhance the quality of life of visitors and residents. Qiddiya’s first development is Qiddiya City, a city wholly dedicated to play and an epicentre of entertainment, sports and culture, welcoming Saudi nationals, residents, and tourists alike.

About Qiddiya City
Qiddiya City is Qiddiya’s inaugural project – a new global destination built from scratch on the foundations of play. Located at the heart of the Tuwaiq Mountains just 40 minutes from Riyadh, the vibrant city brings entertainment, sports, and culture together in a way never seen before.

Upon completion, Qiddiya City will offer a high quality of life to residents and visitors with a wide range of attractions and experiences, including a global centre for gaming and esports, multi-use stadium, golf courses, motorsports precinct with racetrack, the region’s largest water theme park, and a Six Flags theme park.  

With Qiddiya’s Power of Play philosophy at its heart, the city is designed to host some of the world’s biggest sports competitions, festivals, concerts, and cultural events. Sustainability and wellbeing have also been woven into its urban plan, with residential, retail, and office spaces blended with extensive green zones, cultural centres and top-tier healthcare and education facilities. 

CUBE LAUNCHES REGPLATFORM™ INTEL TO TRANSFORM THE MID-MARKET REGULATORY INTELLIGENCE LANDSCAPE IN FINANCIAL SERVICES

CUBE’s new product combines the best of CUBE into a simple solution for a growing market

LONDON, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CUBE, a global leader in Automated Regulatory Intelligence (ARI) and Regulatory Change Management (RCM), has announced the launch of RegPlatform™ Intel, its latest purpose-built product to help financial services firms in the mid-market sector remain compliant in today’s ever-changing global regulatory landscape. CUBE now has an 800-strong customer community in the mid-market sector and has developed this solution to bring a powerful mix of regulatory technology, content and intelligence to compliance and risk teams across the globe.

CUBE launches new solution for the financial services mid-market sector
CUBE launches new solution for the financial services mid-market sector

CUBE’s next generation solution combines its innovative, market-proven AI-based technology with unmatched regulatory summaries and insightful analysis curated by CUBE’s team of over 250 highly qualified regulatory subject matter experts, legal and compliance professionals. Built on the very latest technology and AI, CUBE’s RegPlatform™ Intel offers the highest levels of reliability and performance which have become synonymous with CUBE’s industry proven enterprise capability.

Commenting on the launch of CUBE’s RegPlatform™ Intel, CUBE’s Founder & CEO Ben Richmond, said: “RegPlatform™ Intel is a simple, secure and highly effective solution for the thousands of businesses that operate in the mid-market sector. With the significant investment we have made and our proven track record in regulatory intelligence we believe this will be transformative for mid-market compliance and risk professionals across financial services. It’s been purpose built for them and will be the most modern and intuitive solution on the market.”

RegPlatform™ Intel has been created for CUBE’s global base of financial services firms, across the mid-market sector, including regional and community banks, wealth managers and asset managers. It is a highly effective solution which enables customers to quickly realise value, often in minutes, demonstrating how user-friendly the solution is for compliance and risk professionals in need of a fast and reliable way to address their regulatory needs.

Discussing the mid-market opportunity, Richmond added: “We’re often recognised for our work with customers in the enterprise sector; where we provide end-to-end regulatory intelligence and change management for some of the world’s largest financial institutions, but we also see a significant demand for our capability with customers in the mid-market sector.”

The solution is the latest in the RegPlatform™ family, building on the success of RegPlatform™ Enterprise. It brings together the powerful combination of CUBE’s enhanced capabilities following the acquisition of two US-based regulatory businesses in 2024 (Reg-Room and the Thomson Reuters Regulatory Intelligence and Oden products and businesses).

There are additional solutions expected to join the RegPlatform™ family during 2025.

 

CUBE LAUNCHES REGPLATFORM™ INTEL TO TRANSFORM THE MID-MARKET REGULATORY INTELLIGENCE LANDSCAPE IN FINANCIAL SERVICES

CUBE’s new product combines the best of CUBE into a simple solution for a growing market

LONDON, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CUBE, a global leader in Automated Regulatory Intelligence (ARI) and Regulatory Change Management (RCM), has announced the launch of RegPlatform™ Intel, its latest purpose-built product to help financial services firms in the mid-market sector remain compliant in today’s ever-changing global regulatory landscape. CUBE now has an 800-strong customer community in the mid-market sector and has developed this solution to bring a powerful mix of regulatory technology, content and intelligence to compliance and risk teams across the globe.

CUBE launches new solution for the financial services mid-market sector
CUBE launches new solution for the financial services mid-market sector

CUBE’s next generation solution combines its innovative, market-proven AI-based technology with unmatched regulatory summaries and insightful analysis curated by CUBE’s team of over 250 highly qualified regulatory subject matter experts, legal and compliance professionals. Built on the very latest technology and AI, CUBE’s RegPlatform™ Intel offers the highest levels of reliability and performance which have become synonymous with CUBE’s industry proven enterprise capability.

Commenting on the launch of CUBE’s RegPlatform™ Intel, CUBE’s Founder & CEO Ben Richmond, said: “RegPlatform™ Intel is a simple, secure and highly effective solution for the thousands of businesses that operate in the mid-market sector. With the significant investment we have made and our proven track record in regulatory intelligence we believe this will be transformative for mid-market compliance and risk professionals across financial services. It’s been purpose built for them and will be the most modern and intuitive solution on the market.”

RegPlatform™ Intel has been created for CUBE’s global base of financial services firms, across the mid-market sector, including regional and community banks, wealth managers and asset managers. It is a highly effective solution which enables customers to quickly realise value, often in minutes, demonstrating how user-friendly the solution is for compliance and risk professionals in need of a fast and reliable way to address their regulatory needs.

Discussing the mid-market opportunity, Richmond added: “We’re often recognised for our work with customers in the enterprise sector; where we provide end-to-end regulatory intelligence and change management for some of the world’s largest financial institutions, but we also see a significant demand for our capability with customers in the mid-market sector.”

The solution is the latest in the RegPlatform™ family, building on the success of RegPlatform™ Enterprise. It brings together the powerful combination of CUBE’s enhanced capabilities following the acquisition of two US-based regulatory businesses in 2024 (Reg-Room and the Thomson Reuters Regulatory Intelligence and Oden products and businesses).

There are additional solutions expected to join the RegPlatform™ family during 2025.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/cube_regplatform-1.jpg
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/cube_logo-1.jpg

Kia announces strengthened growth engine strategy at 2025 CEO Investor Day

  • Kia’s Plan S 2030 business strategy updated with growth strategies for new products, focus on electrification commitment
  • Kia aims for global sales of 4.19 mln units, market share of 4.5%, by 2030
  • EV: Target of 1.26 mln EV sales by 2030
     Global EV market share of 4.3%; expansion of volume EV lineup
  • PBV: To sell 250,000 PBVs by 2030
     Launches of PV5 in 2025, PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in 2029
  • Pickup Truck: To add an EV pickup model for North America, building on Tasman pickup’s success
     Targeting global Tasman sales of 80,000 units per year
  • Aim to achieve KRW 170 tln in revenue, over 10% operating profit margin by 2030
  • Kia to invest KRW 42 tln from 2025-2029, including KRW 19 tln for future business
  • 2025 business guidance
    Targeting more than KRW 112 tln in revenue, market share of 3.7% 
    Operating profit margin of 11% on global sales of more than 3.2 mln units

SEOUL, South Korea, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kia Corporation today shared its mid-to-long-term business strategies and financial targets at its CEO Investor Day.

Kia 2025 CEO Investor Day
Kia 2025 CEO Investor Day

As part of Kia’s updated Plan S strategy – the brand’s mid-to-long-term business plan – the company outlined its bold strategy to achieve global sales of 4.19 million units by 2030, including 2.33 million hybrid and fully electric vehicles (EVs).

Leveraging its agility and flexibility in response to the market environment, Kia will diversify its growth engines by introducing new models – such as PBVs and pickup trucks – and other key future businesses.

“Since launching the Kia Transformation strategy in 2021, Kia has continuously progressed to become a provider of sustainable mobility solutions that innovate space and enable customers to make better use of their time beyond conventional means of transportation,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia. “We will continue to develop the brand by implementing mid-to-long-term strategies to strengthen our internal stability and respond effectively to changes in the auto industry.”

Kia is accelerating its transformation by expanding its hybrid and EV offerings, aiming to sell 1.26 million EVs and nearly one million hybrids by 2030. The company will strengthen its EV leadership through the launch of volume models, including the EV3, EV4, EV5, and the upcoming EV2, while enhancing cost efficiency, customer service, and production strategies.

Kia is also expanding its PBV business, targeting annual sales of 250,000 units by 2030. Its PBV lineup will include PV5 in 2025, PV7 in 2027, and PV9 in 2029. Furthermore, Kia has launched its Tasman for global markets, with an annual sales target of 80,000 units, and will develop an EV pickup model for North America.

By 2030, Kia aims to achieve KRW 170 trillion in revenue and an operating profit margin of over 10 percent. The company plans to invest a total of KRW 42 trillion from 2025 to 2029, with KRW 19 trillion allocated to future business.

Kia 2025 CEO Investor Day
Kia 2025 CEO Investor Day


Ascentium Welcomes Harneys Fiduciary to Enhance Offshore Expertise and Global Influence

Harneys Fiduciary Joins Forces with Ascentium in Expanding Global Presence and Service Offerings

SINGAPORE, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ascentium, a leading global business services platform headquartered in Singapore, is pleased to announce it has joined forces with Harneys Fiduciary, a global provider of corporate, funds and trust services. This collaboration brings together our complementary strengths and shared commitment to delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients worldwide.

From left to right: Lennard Yong, Founding Management and Group CEO of Ascentium; Maria Pia Buchi, Chief Commercial Officer of Harneys Fiduciary; Wendy Wang, Founding Management and Group President of Ascentium; Ross Munro, Chief Executive Officer of Harneys Fiduciary.
From left to right: Lennard Yong, Founding Management and Group CEO of Ascentium; Maria Pia Buchi, Chief Commercial Officer of Harneys Fiduciary; Wendy Wang, Founding Management and Group President of Ascentium; Ross Munro, Chief Executive Officer of Harneys Fiduciary.

The Harneys Fiduciary and Ascentium partnership represents a significant milestone in its commitment to delivering comprehensive business solutions on a global scale. It brings an expansion of the firm’s offshore service offerings, focusing on corporate administration, trust, and fiduciary services in key jurisdictions such as the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Hong Kong SAR, and Singapore worldwide.

Lennard Yong, Founding Management and Group CEO of Ascentium, stated, “We are delighted to welcome Ross and the Harneys Fiduciary team. Their offshore expertise aligns perfectly with our mission to provide comprehensive business solutions globally. It strengthens our ability to serve clients across multiple jurisdictions, further reinforcing Ascentium’s position as a leader in the industry.”

Ross Munro, CEO of Harneys Fiduciary, commented, “Joining forces with Ascentium amplifies our vision and reaffirms our commitment to delivering market-leading client services. This presents an incredible opportunity to take our offering to the next level in our 50th year of operations. We have gotten to know the Ascentium team well and are confident that this development will enhance our capabilities, enabling us to provide tailored solutions to our clients worldwide.”

This strategic initiative underscores our dedication to excellence in serving our clients and partners effectively. With a strengthened service platform catering to over 30,000 active clients in various industries, and a team of 2,000 professionals operating from 44 cities across 22 markets, Ascentium is well-equipped to drive impactful growth and success for our clients globally.

About Ascentium

Ascentium is a leading global business services platform dedicated to helping businesses scale greater heights. Headquartered in Singapore, we empower extraordinary growth through specialised expertise across corporate, HR, accounting, tax, private client/family offices, advisory, cross-border/FDI, risk assurance, and audit services. Our team of 1,800 professionals spans 37 cities across 14 markets in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East, serving over 30,000 active clients across diverse industries. Through innovative, technology-enabled solutions and a collaborative approach, Ascentium drives transformative growth, helping clients navigate complex global environments.

For more information, visit: ascentium.com

About Harneys Fiduciary

Established in 1974, Harneys Fiduciary is a global offshore business services provider to corporate, fund, and private clients, specialising in the provision of corporate administration, trust, and fiduciary services in the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Hong Kong, and Singapore, among other key jurisdictions.

A Bellwether of Global New Energy Frontier Technologies: CIBF2025 to Debut in Shenzhen on May 15, 2025

SHENZHEN, China, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 17th China International Battery Fair (CIBF2025) is set to take place at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from May 15 to 17,2025. This prestigious event will broadly showcase the innovative breakthroughs in battery technology and state-of-the-art energy storage solutions. Hosted by the China Industrial Association of Power Sources (CIAPS), the fair brings together manufacturers, researchers, and industry experts to shape the future of energy innovation.

CIBF persists in spearheading value creation within the new energy industry through its innovative “Four-Dimensional Drive and Six-in-One Integration” framework. Specifically, through the construction of four key platforms, namely the “global highland for the debut of cutting-edge technologies,” “Full-Chain Ecological Aggregation Platform,” “Cross-Domain Innovation Collaboration Core,” and “Pivotal Center for Empowering Digital and Intelligent Experiences“, CIBF has forged a comprehensive six-in-one ecosystem. This ecosystem encompasses technology transformation, Industrial Empowerment, international collaboration, digital Interaction, zero-carbon practices, and smart energy solutions. As a result, it offers the new energy industry complete life-cycle solutions, spanning from the emergence of technological concepts to the ultimate realization of value.

Themed “Linking the World • Energizing Green Development • Driving the Future,” CIBF2025 is anticipated to draw over 3,000 domestic and international companies within the battery industry chain to participate in the exhibition. Spanning an exhibition area of 300,000 square meters, it is estimated that more than 400,000 professional visitors will visit the event.


New Focus on Cutting-edge Technologies 

As one of the world’s most significant battery exhibitions, CIBF2025 will serve as a premier platform for showcasing Innovative Technologies in the global renewable energy field.

It is reported that the world’s top 10 battery enterprises, such as Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), BYD Company Limited, and EVE Energy Co., Ltd., will showcase their pioneering technological achievements. Since the beginning of this year, CATL has launched power batteries with extreme performance and green carbon reduction solutions. BYD has unveiled its second-generation Blade Battery technology, while EVE Energy has innovated the technology of large cylindrical batteries with full tab structures. All these remarkable advancements will be on display at CIBF 2025, highlighting the significant progress within the industry.

Leading companies in the energy storage, materials, and equipment segment, including Shenzhen Center Power, Do-Fluoride New Materials, Wuxi LEAD Intelligent, KATOP, and Han’s SLE, are set to exhibit their latest products and technologies: 

  • Shenzhen Center Power will show its REVO 3.0 TPX600, a backup power solution designed for AI Smart Computing Centers;
  • Do-Fluoride New Materials will display its novel high energy density materials and the fluorine core battery series based on an innovative new structure;
  • Wuxi LEAD Intelligent will present its new intelligent manufacturing concept “Full Value Chain + Full Life Cycle” and top-notch technologies;
  • KATOP plans to host a technical exchange meeting focused on solid-state batteries;
  • Han’s SLE will introduce its intelligent manufacturing solutions for new energy power and energy storage, including technologies for semi-solid and solid-state batteries.

CIBF2025 is dedicated to fostering the exchange of technologies by facilitating the export of new Chinese concepts and designs, alongside the import of international advancements. In International Exchange Hall 10, global industry leaders Siemens, Carl Zeiss, Schneider, Hitachi, and TAOGENT/MIXACO will present their cutting -edge in the intelligent manufacturing, zero-carbon production, and laser technology segments.

New Highlights of Industry Technologies

Addressing the industry’s most pressing issues, CIBF2025 will concurrently host the CIBF2025 Conference on the Frontier Technology of Advanced Batteries.

Centered around the theme “Green Energy Driving the Future,” the main forum will feature seven sessions covering advanced lithium-ion power battery technologies, battery safety and evaluation, solid-state and new system batteries, high-power fast charging technologies, sodium-ion batteries, key material technologies, and intelligent equipment and simulation.

During the event, academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with authoritative industry experts and business decision-makers, will share the stage to explore the potential for technological breakthroughs and their industrial applications. 

Moreover, a variety of high-end summits will be conducted simultaneously. These encompass the “Technical Exchange Conference on Batteries for Electric Aviation and Aircraft”, the “China International Battery Industry Cooperation summit (CIBICS) “, and the “Seminar on the Current Status and Future Development of Isotope Nuclear Batteries”, and other similar events.

On May 15, 2025, at the Shenzhen International Convention & Exhibition Center, this grand event will offer a cutting-edge exploration of the future of energy technologies.

For more information about the 17th China International Battery Fair (CIBF2025), please visit https://cibf.org.cn/en-US