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KuCoin Launches Anti-Phishing Month to Strengthen User Protection Amid Global Security Awareness Observances

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Advertorial Desk
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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, today announced the launch of its “Anti-Phishing Month” initiative, reinforcing its commitment to protecting users through a combination of education, technology, and proactive risk management. Following a well-received debut last year, the initiative returns for its second edition.

In recent years, KuCoin has identified a growing number of phishing attacks targeting its users, with affected individuals primarily concentrated in regions. Among these threats, SMS phishing (smishing) and email phishing have emerged as the dominant attack vectors, accounting for over 90% of incidents. These attacks not only result in direct financial losses but also have a lasting impact on user trust. In response, KuCoin has prioritized a more systematic approach to anti-phishing efforts, elevating user protection as a core strategic focus.

Against this backdrop, May marks several global cybersecurity awareness observances, including World Information Security Day, World Password Day, and cybersecurity initiatives led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Leveraging this moment, KuCoin is launching its Anti-Phishing Month initiative to enhance user awareness and promote stronger self-protection practices across its global community.

Guided by its “security-as-a-service” philosophy, KuCoin has built a comprehensive defense framework combining user education, incentive mechanisms, and advanced security technology:

  • Real-Time Risk Detection and Interception
    KuCoin has deployed an industry-leading phishing detection engine capable of identifying and blocking suspicious login attempts and unauthorized withdrawal activities.
    The system prevents over 5,000 high-risk access attempts daily, serving as the first line of defense for user accounts.
  • End-to-End Security Alerts and Multi-Factor Protection
    Across critical user actions — including login, withdrawals, and API binding — KuCoin integrates multi-factor authentication (MFA) and real-time risk alerts to ensure users are fully informed before proceeding.
  • Continuous Security Education
    KuCoin regularly shares security knowledge, phishing case studies, and risk awareness content through its platform and app. A built-in “Security Score” module further helps users assess and improve their account safety practices over time.

“In today’s threat landscape, relying solely on technical safeguards is no longer sufficient. Effective security requires both strong platform capabilities and informed user behavior,” said Edwin Wong, Head of Risk Management at KuCoin. “Through Anti-Phishing Month, we aim to make security a daily habit — something users can understand, engage with, and actively practice, ultimately strengthening long-term trust between the platform and our users.”

As a key part of this initiative, KuCoin is launching the second edition of its “Anti-Phishing Month” campaign in May 2026, marking its first large-scale effort to integrate security education with incentive-driven engagement.

Through an interactive Learn-to-Earn format, users are encouraged to:

  • Learn essential anti-phishing knowledge
  • Complete a short quiz
  • Enable additional account protection features such as Anti-Phishing Codes

Participants who complete the program will be eligible for exclusive rewards. Click here to join the campaign.

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust and security, serving over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. Known for its reliability and user-first approach, the platform combines advanced technology, deep liquidity, and strong security safeguards to deliver a seamless trading experience. KuCoin provides access to 1,500+ digital assets through a broad product suite and remains committed to building transparent, compliant, and user-centric digital asset infrastructure for the future of finance, backed by SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 27701:2019 Certifications. In recent years, we have built a strong global compliance foundation, marked by key milestones including AUSTRAC registration in Australia, a MiCA license in Europe, and regulatory progress in other markets.
Learn more at www.kucoin.com.

Thailand Approves $29 Billion Investment Wave as Data Center Demand Surges

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Advertorial Desk
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TikTok leads new BOI approvals as Thailand moves to strengthen power readiness, clean energy access and fast-track strategic investment


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 May 2026 – Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has approved six major projects worth a combined 958 billion baht, or approximately USD 29 billion, led by a large-scale data infrastructure expansion by TikTok System (Thailand) Co., Ltd., underscoring the country’s growing role as a regional hub for data centers, cloud services and AI-driven digital infrastructure.

The approvals were made at a BOI Board meeting chaired by Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. The Board also approved a second batch of projects under the Thailand FastPass mechanism and discussed with energy agencies steps to strengthen electricity readiness and improve access to clean energy — two increasingly important factors in attracting large-scale digital and high-technology investment.

Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI, said the latest approvals reflect growing investor confidence in Thailand at a time when global companies are racing to expand digital infrastructure across Asia.

“Amid continuing global volatility, investment in Thailand’s digital and advanced technology sectors continues to grow, reflecting investor confidence in the country’s potential as a regional technology hub,” Mr. Narit said. “For Thailand to capture this new investment cycle, we must be ready not only with investment incentives, but also with sufficient power, clean-energy options, skilled talent, deeper supply chains and a reliable facilitation system that allows projects to move quickly from approval to operation.”

Of the six approved projects, three are in data center and data hosting services, with a combined investment value of 913 billion baht, or approximately USD 27 billion.

The largest project is by TikTok System (Thailand) Co., Ltd., valued at 842 billion baht, or approximately USD 25 billion. The project will install additional servers and expand data storage and processing infrastructure across Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Chachoengsao Province, supporting rising demand for digital services and strengthening Thailand’s role in regional digital infrastructure.

Beyond its core infrastructure investment, TikTok has also committed to developing digital literacy and e-commerce curricula to help create new business opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs and strengthen the country’s digital workforce.

Another approved project is a 46 billion baht, or USD 1.4 billion, data center investment by Skyline Data Center and Cloud Services Co., Ltd., part of the UAE-based DAMAC Group. Located in Chachoengsao, the project will support an IT load of 200 megawatts.

A third data center project, by Bridge Data Centres IIO (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. from Singapore, was approved with an investment value of 24.6 billion baht, or USD 746 million. Located in Chonburi, the project will support an IT load of 134 megawatts.

The remaining approved projects cover renewable energy, circular economy and resource-based industries. PureCycle (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. will invest 8.18 billion baht, or USD 248 million, in recycled plastic pellet production in Rayong, using technology exclusively licensed from P&G, with Thailand serving as a key production base for the Asian market. Dan Khun Thot Wind One Co., Ltd. will invest 4.7 billion baht, or USD 143 million, in an 89-megawatt wind power generation project in Nakhon Ratchasima. ASEAN Potash Chaiyaphum Plc. will invest 31.4 billion baht, or USD 952 million, in potassium chloride production in Chaiyaphum, producing a key input for potash fertilizer.

To accelerate project implementation, the BOI Board also selected nine additional projects worth 52 billion baht, or USD 1.6 billion, for Thailand FastPass, following the first batch of 16 projects. The latest selection brings the FastPass portfolio to 25 projects, with a combined investment value of 223 billion baht, or USD 6.8 billion.

The FastPass mechanism is designed to streamline approval and permitting procedures, speed up coordination among relevant agencies — including the BOI, the Department of Industrial Works, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, the Customs Department and power-related agencies — and help strategic projects begin operations faster.

At the same meeting, the Board outlined steps to strengthen electricity readiness with the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission, focusing on urgent power supply needs for incoming investment, particularly in the Eastern region. The Board also directed action on accelerating the issuance of Thailand’s Power Development Plan (PDP) to support future demand, new energy technologies and long-term power-system planning.

The Board also advanced plans for clean energy mechanisms, including Direct Renewable Power Purchase Agreements, or Direct PPA, which would allow private companies to buy and sell renewable electricity directly, with participation criteria and grid-service charges to be announced shortly. The Board also acknowledged the launch of Utility Green Tariff 2, or UGT2, a source-specific green tariff designed to give companies more options for procuring clean electricity.

The Board also tasked the BOI with coordinating with relevant agencies to consider regulatory improvements that would facilitate clean energy investment, including easing power-generation licensing conditions for foreign operators installing solar rooftops, and clarifying rules to support self-generation under Independent Power Supply, or IPS, arrangements.

Mr. Narit said the combination of large-scale digital investment, power readiness, clean energy access, skilled talent and faster investment facilitation is central to Thailand’s competitiveness in the next phase of global investment.

“Thailand is entering a new investment cycle in which speed, power readiness, clean energy access and skilled talent will be decisive,” he said. “The BOI is working with partner agencies to ensure that major projects can move from approval to operation as quickly as possible, while strengthening the infrastructure, workforce, supply chains and ecosystem needed for long-term growth in the digital economy.”

USD conversion based on an estimated exchange rate of 33 baht per USD.

Hashtag: #boinews #thailandboardofinvestment


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

Thailand Board of Investment

Established in 1966, the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) has continuously played an essential role for over 60 years in promoting value-adding investment for the country, from both foreign and Thai investors, to enhance national competitiveness and drive towards a new era of sustainable and balanced growth.

Investment Services Center- PR Section, The Office of the Board of Investment (BOI)

555 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Chatuchak Bangkok 10900 Tel. +66 (0) 2553 8111, Fax: +66 (0) 2553 8222

Sanya Hosts 6th Asian Beach Games with Focus on High-quality Services

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Advertorial Desk
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SANYA, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 April 2026 – The 6th Asian Beach Games officially opened on Tuesday evening in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province. An opening ceremony titled “A Sky-Ocean Meeting” unfolded against a natural backdrop of ocean and sand, welcoming athletes from 45 countries and regions across Asia.

The 6th Asian Beach Games is being held from April 22 to 30 in Sanya, a coastal city in south China's Hainan Province.
The 6th Asian Beach Games is being held from April 22 to 30 in Sanya, a coastal city in south China’s Hainan Province.

Over recent months, the host city has established a comprehensive, high-standard service system, now fully operational, to support what organizers describe as a “splendid, exceptional and outstanding” event.

The success of the Games, organizers say, begins with a smooth and welcoming arrival experience. Benefiting from policies under the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), entry procedures have been streamlined.

Jože Zidar, a veteran Slovenian sports journalist who visited earlier this year, said he experienced “one of the most efficient border clearances” he had encountered. Such feedback has since been echoed by many participants.

High service standards extend throughout the event. The Games adopt a coastal venue layout described as a “pearls-on-a-string” coastal layout, integrating multiple sites and combining beach sports with the surrounding natural environment to create a “sports and tourism” experience.

All venues have been built or upgraded in line with green standards and are now operational. In terms of logistics, 22 designated hotels, more than 1,000 new energy vehicles, and around 4,700 volunteers have been deployed. The Main Media Center is providing one-stop services for over 1,000 registered journalists from China and abroad.

Given the nature of beach and marine events, Sanya has also established a citywide emergency medical system featuring a “30-minute response network.” A total of 71 on-site medical stations, supported by additional medical posts, 285 medical staff and 46 ambulances, form a comprehensive response system covering on-site treatment, patient transfer and specialized care.

The opening ceremony itself broke with the traditional stadium format, instead integrating performance elements into the natural beach setting of sand, sunshine and palm trees.

Artistic segments combined local Hainan culture, the vision of the Hainan FTP, and the spirit of sport.

The Games mascot “Ya Ya”, the Eld’s deer, appeared throughout the ceremony as a cultural symbol linking the city’s past and future.

Environmentally friendly technologies and virtual imaging were also incorporated to create a visual experience blending digital and real-world elements. Sanya has positioned the Games as a catalyst for urban development under the concept of “promoting construction and improving quality through sports.”

Preparations have contributed to infrastructure upgrades and environmental improvements.

At the same time, a “sports, tourism and consumption” model has been introduced.

More than 200 licensed products have been launched, while promotional campaigns linking tourism resources across the island are underway.

Supporting events, including an international diving festival and cultural exhibitions of intangible heritage, have also been organized to enhance the experience for visitors and participants.

From preparation to opening, Sanya aims to deliver on its commitment to the Asian sporting community through comprehensive services and an open, dynamic city environment.

The Games are expected to serve as a platform to promote unity, friendship and development across Asia.

Hashtag: #Sanya

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

2026 Pacific Ocean International Festival of Rock Balancing and Arts Holds Grand Opening at Qixingtan Scenic Area on May 1st

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Advertorial Desk
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HUALIEN, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 May 2026 – The “Pacific Ocean International Festival of Rock Balancing and Arts” officially kicked off May 1st at the Qixingtan Scenic Area in Hualien. The event brings together renowned artists from Sweden, Spain, Iraq, Japan, and Turkey, collaborating with local Taiwanese creators. Through traditional rock balancing and interdisciplinary artistic concepts, the festival fosters a cross-cultural dialogue along the Pacific coastline, showcasing vibrant creative energy.

Pacific Ocean International Festival Of Rock Balancing And Arts – Land Art and Artists
Pacific Ocean International Festival Of Rock Balancing And Arts – Land Art and Artists

Centered on public participation, the festival features a diverse range of activities, including international art exhibitions, professional rock balancing competitions, family-friendly experiences, local markets, and hands-on workshops. Visitors are invited to engage directly with nature and create their own rock artworks. A photography contest encourages participants to capture the diverse beauty of rock stacks under varying light conditions and perspectives, while a short video competition invites creative visual storytelling.

During the preparation phase, the organizers established a strategic partnership with Scotland’s European Land Art Festival and received its official endorsement. This collaboration aims to develop Hualien into a key Asian hub for international competitions, strengthening connections with Europe and the United States.

The opening ceremony featured a unique musical performance inspired by rocks, presented by Professor Lin Tze-ying and students from Taipei National University of the Arts, alongside local Hualien students. Their performance blended the region’s distinctive natural soundscape with its rich cultural heritage.

Running through June 30, the festival transforms Qixingtan Scenic Area into a two-month outdoor art venue, inviting both domestic and international visitors to experience the enchanting intersection of art and nature between the mountains and the sea.

Hashtag: #Hualien

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

Laos, Thailand Expand Energy Cooperation as Power Trade Grows

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Laotian Times
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Nam Theun 2 hydroelectric dam in Laos. (Photo: Asian Development Bank)

Laos and Thailand discussed expanding energy cooperation during talks in Bangkok on 1 May between Lao and Thai energy officials.

Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith and Thai Energy Minister Akanat Promphan described the energy sector as a key driver of economic ties between the two countries, particularly as regional demand for electricity and fuel continues to rise.

According to Lao officials, Laos exported more than USD 2.34 billion worth of electricity to Thailand in 2025, while Thailand exported between USD 1.5 billion and USD 1.8 billion in fuel products to Laos.

Thailand remains Laos’ largest electricity buyer, with hydropower exports forming a major part of Laos’ economy. Laos has long promoted itself as the “Battery of Southeast Asia,” exporting electricity to neighboring countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China.

Thai investment in Laos’ energy sector also continues to expand. Officials said Thai investors are currently involved in six power projects under construction with a combined installed capacity of 3,613.2 megawatts, alongside 16 operational projects generating 7,688.9 megawatts.

Combined investment across the projects exceeds USD 14.7 billion.

The discussions also covered long-term energy security and regional electricity integration, including cross-border power trade under ASEAN energy connectivity plans. Thailand has increasingly relied on electricity imports from Laos as it seeks to diversify energy sources and manage domestic electricity costs linked to volatile global fuel prices.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Malaithong invited the Thai energy minister to make an official visit to Laos for further discussions on future cooperation in the energy sector.

Sino Group Broadcast International Football Tournament for Fourth Straight Edition Over HK$8M Invested to Launch ‘Sino Malls Goal Together’ Campaign

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Advertorial Desk
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  • Screening 104 Matches across 3 Major Malls, with over 40% Morning Kick-offs and Dedicated Family Zones to Encourage Cross-Generational Football Viewing
  • Olympian City “Classic x New”, tmtplaza “Football King Challenge”, Citywalk “Baby Football Mania”
  • More than 50 Activities to be held, with Double-Digit Growth Expected in Football and Sports-Related Retail Sales

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 May 2026 – The highly anticipated quadrennial major football event will kick off in mid-June, igniting excitement among fans citywide. Committed to supporting international sporting events, Sino Group announces that its shopping malls will be screening the tournament in full for the fourth consecutive edition. The Group will invest over HK$8 million in promotional spending. Its three flagship malls — Olympian City, tmtplaza and Citywalk — will broadcast all 104 matches live in high definition on giant LED screens, offering the public an immersive stadium-like experience and uniting fans across Hong Kong in celebration of global football fever.

Sino Group Broadcast International Football Tournament for Fourth Straight Edition Over HK$8M Invested to Launch ‘Sino Malls Goal Together’ Campaign
Sino Group Broadcast International Football Tournament for Fourth Straight Edition Over HK$8M Invested to Launch ‘Sino Malls Goal Together’ Campaign

Ms. Bella Chhoa, Chief Commercial Officer of Sino Group, remarked: “Sino Group has long been dedicated to promoting local sports development and major international sporting events. This year, over 40% of the matches will kick off in the morning Hong Kong time, creating a unique ‘morning sports economy’. Beyond core football fans, the early kick‑offs are ideal for families, allowing parents, children and even three generations to enjoy breakfast together while watching matches. A dedicated family viewing zone and morning match viewing parties will be introduced at Olympian City to encourage football culture across generations. In total, over 50 football‑themed activities will be organised across the malls, catering to toddlers, families, hardcore fans and e‑sports enthusiasts alike, seeking to unite the city and share the excitement. In addition, nearly 100 merchants will roll out special promotions in phases across dining, sportswear and electronics categories and more.” She added that the Group expects the football frenzy to significantly boost local consumption, with double‑digit year‑on‑year growth anticipated in both mall footfall and sales performance of sports‑related retailers.

To enhance the viewing experience, matches will be broadcast on the 430‑inch and 540‑inch giant LED screens at Olympian City and tmtplaza respectively, with Citywalk also offering simultaneous HD live broadcasts, bringing fans from across the city together to cheer on their favourite teams.

Olympian City: “Classic x New” Football Fun for All Generations

Yapp Hung Fai Appears with Three Generations of Family | Classic “Watermelon Ball” Meets the New Football Challenges

As the main broadcasting hub, Olympian City will screen all 104 matches in full and, in view of the strong appeal of morning fixtures, will set up a dedicated Family Zone with family seating and cheering props for all 44 morning matches, bringing families together to jointly experience a world‑class sporting spectacle. 3 special morning match viewing parties will offer breakfast menus including Chinese dim sum, Hong Kong-style pineapple buns and Western fast food, allowing fans to enjoy breakfast while cheering for their favourite teams.

Under the theme of “Classic x New”, Olympian City welcomes the Hong Kong Footballer of the Year, Yapp Hung Fai, who will attend with his father and four‑year‑old son to share stories of football heritage across generations, alongside a series of interactive highlights including a 3.5-metre-tall classic “Watermelon Ball” photo spot, retro arcade football game on a 430-inch LED screen, traditional tabletop football, innovative under-table football and a 2-on-2 mini match featuring age-grouped competitions, allowing children and adults alike to experience the joy of football from multiple perspectives.

tmtplaza: Clear 10 Rounds to Win Up To HK$40,000 in cash vouchers at “Football King Challenge”

tmtplaza will partner with PlayStation to present the highlight weekend event “Football King Challenge”, featuring PlayStation®5 EA SPORTS FC™ 26 gameplay in a classic knockout format. Participants who clear 10 consecutive rounds can win HK$10,000 S Coupons, with no quota limit. The top 16 finalists will advance to the grand finale to compete for the Football King title and HK$30,000 worth of S Coupons, also a chance to challenge well‑known KOLs onsite. A dedicated PS5 football gaming experience zone will be open to the public, allowing e-sports players and football fans alike to showcase their skills in the virtual arena.

Beyond e‑sports, the mall actively promotes youth sports development. In collaboration with local football academy LBRO, football experience sessions and regular interest classes for children aged 3 to 10 will be held from May at tmtp commons, led by professional coaches to nurture interest, teamwork and perseverance.

Additionally, the mall atrium will transform into a giant football field, featuring 11 international football stars reimagined by local designers as 2‑metre‑tall Q‑style inflatable “Football Stars” for photo‑taking.

Citywalk: Kick-Off for All Ages – From Babies to Seniors

In addition to live match broadcasts, Citywalk will roll out a series of football‑themed activities designed to engage participants of all ages, launching with “Baby Football Mania”, which features football‑inspired crawling and obstacle courses for babies, alongside “Senior Football Adventures”, offering football fitness exercises tailored for elderly participants. The programme will be rounded out by the “Goddess of Goals Challenge”, a pop‑up interactive game inviting shoppers of different generations to join in, ensuring that children, families and seniors alike can share in the excitement of the football spectacle together.

More exciting programmes will be announced soon. Stay tuned for more.
Hashtag: #SinoGroup #OlympianCity #tmtplaza #Citywalk

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

Minnesota Moves to Recognise Lao War Veterans Amid Ongoing Refugee Deportations

By
Laotian Times
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Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme
UXO destroyed in routine operation (Photo: Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme)

Lawmakers in Minnesota have unanimously passed new legislation to expand recognition and benefits for Hmong and Lao veterans who fought in the Secret War in Laos, a covert conflict linked to the Vietnam War.

The state House approved the bill with all 132 votes, building on a 2025 law that established the official “Veteran of the Secret War in Laos” designation. The new measure creates a formal application process, allowing eligible veterans to access state-level benefits.

The bill is not yet enacted and remains pending further action in the Minnesota Senate.

Approved applicants would receive official certification along with expanded benefits, including veteran designation on identification cards, funeral honors, grave markers, burial privileges at state veterans cemeteries, and employment preference.

The bill allocates USD 200,000 for implementation in fiscal year 2027.

The vote comes amid renewed attention on Lao refugee communities in Minnesota following recent enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Earlier this week, state officials issued an emergency pardon to Lao refugee Ricky Chandee, a case that could affect the legal basis for his deportation proceedings.

Deportations, Diaspora Pressures

The legislation also comes against the backdrop of ongoing deportations of Lao nationals from the United States. In the past year, U.S. authorities have continued to carry out removals to Laos.

Estimates from social media deportee groups and regional reporting suggest that thousands of deportees have been returned to Laos over the past year, often after long periods of residence in the United States.

To date, more than 4,800 Lao nationals in the United States have final orders of removal, though actual deportations remain lower due to diplomatic and documentation constraints, typically occurring in smaller, periodic transfers.

These cases have drawn renewed attention in Minnesota, home to one of the largest Hmong and Lao communities in the United States, where community groups and local officials have raised concerns over deportations involving long-settled refugees and permanent residents.

The bill also arrives as the legacy of the Secret War, including veteran recognition and immigration cases involving Lao refugees, continues to receive attention in the state.

War Veterans

During the Secret War (1960s–1970s), the Central Intelligence Agency recruited tens of thousands of Hmong and Lao fighters under the Special Guerrilla Unit program as part of covert operations linked to the Vietnam War. At its peak, the force is estimated to have included more than 30,000 Hmong troops.

The conflict also coincided with extensive U.S. bombing campaigns across Laos between 1964 and 1973. Despite their role during the war, many of these fighters were not formally integrated into the U.S. military, leaving them ineligible for federal veteran status after the conflict ended.

Supporters of the Minnesota legislation say the measure would provide a clearer pathway for recognition at the state level decades later.

Korea International Trade Association and Korea Development Bank to Host Asia’s Largest Startup Fair, “NextRise 2026, Seoul”

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Advertorial Desk
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SEOUL, South Korea, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and the Korea Development Bank (KDB) will co-host NextRise 2026, Seoul, Asia’s largest startup fair, at COEX in Seoul on June 18–19, 2026. Now in its eighth edition, the event is expected to draw over 530 startups and more than 270 global corporations and investors for two days of business collaboration, investment consultation, and open innovation under the theme “Shape the Next.”

Rows of startup booths stretch across the exhibition floor at COEX, Seoul, during NextRise — one of Asia's largest open innovation events.
Rows of startup booths stretch across the exhibition floor at COEX, Seoul, during NextRise — one of Asia’s largest open innovation events.

This year’s NextRise is set to be the largest in the event’s history. Exhibition booths will feature startups and 23 global companies and institutions spanning AI, biotechnology, and other advanced industries. More than 150 large and mid-sized corporations, including LG Group, Hyundai Motor, SK Telecom, Korean Air, and Renault, along with over 120 venture capital firms will participate in the event’s signature 1:1 Business Meetup program, with more than 3,800 individual meetings scheduled for partnership and investment discussions.

Special exhibition zones will be expanded this year to spotlight global startups and leading international corporations, with particular emphasis on France, this year’s Guest of Honor country. French companies including Renault and L’Oréal are among the confirmed participants, reflecting the event’s growing role as a bridge between the Korean startup ecosystem and international markets.

The event will also feature keynote speeches and panel discussions by industry experts, an Open Innovation Concert, a Startup and Employment Concert to broaden entrepreneurship across the venture ecosystem, and a startup recruitment meetup connecting early-stage companies with young AI developers. Through the NextRise Awards program, standout startups will be selected for dedicated support in their global expansion efforts.

NextRise has grown steadily since its launch in 2019. At last year’s event, 205 startups secured tangible business outcomes, and 104 of them raised a combined KRW 500 billion in investment. Participants from 28 countries, including Guest of Honor Germany, attended the 2025 edition.

“With the largest-ever lineup of Korean conglomerates and venture capital firms participating this year, NextRise will serve as a gateway for startups from around the world looking to enter the Asian market,” said Hee-Chul Jung, Executive Managing Director, Global Marketing Group. “We hope this event becomes a forum where the key players of the global innovation ecosystem come together in Korea to explore opportunities for collaboration and growth.”

The full list of participating corporations and investors is now available on the official NextRise website at www.nextrise.co.kr/en. Startups may apply for participation through the website until May 11, 2026.

About NextRise

NextRise is Korea’s flagship startup fair, jointly organized by KITA and KDB since 2019 to support the growth and globalization of Korea’s startup ecosystem. The event is co-hosted by the Korea Venture Business Association and the Korea Venture Capital Association.

About KITA

The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) is Korea’s leading trade promotion organization, representing more than 80,000 member companies and supporting their global expansion.

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