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Embed Financial Group Holdings (EFGH) is pleased to announce a pivotal addition to the EFGH leadership team

SINGAPORE, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Embed Financial Group Holdings (EFGH) welcomes Eldwin Wong as its new Chief Executive Officer, Asia.

Eldwin Wong - Chief Executive Officer (Asia) of EFGH
Eldwin Wong – Chief Executive Officer (Asia) of EFGH

Eldwin is a seasoned leader in the financial technology sector. As the founder and CEO of IN Financial Technologies (INFT), he successfully built a leading fintech group in Singapore, providing essential financial services and securing key regulatory licenses from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). His extensive experience in scaling tech-driven businesses and his deep understanding of the financial landscape in Asia will be invaluable as we continue to expand our embedded finance solutions.

Beyond his business acumen, Eldwin’s commitment to public service—for which he was awarded the Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (PBM)—resonates deeply with EFGH’s mission to drive financial inclusion and create lasting value for communities across the region.

Please join EFGH in giving Eldwin a warm welcome. EFGH is confident that his leadership will be instrumental in accelerating its growth and strengthening its partnerships throughout Asia.

Find out more about Embed Financial Group Holdings at https://efgh.xyz

HSG Showcases Smart Manufacturing Power at MF-TOKYO 2025, Led by Akihiko Sugiyama

TOKYO, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At MF-TOKYO 2025, HSG Laser made a strong impression with its latest intelligent manufacturing technologies. During the show, Taking center stage were two key solutions: the TP65S high-speed tube cutting machine and the HL1500GW collaborative laser welding system. Both systems demonstrated HSG’s deep commitment to innovation, flexibility, and real-world manufacturing performance.

The TP65S system stood out with its adaptive clamping technology, supporting a wide range of tube profiles—including round, square, angle, and special shapes—alongside an HSG-developed 3D five-axis cutting head for precise, efficient complex processing. The HL1500GW, seamlessly integrated with a collaborative robot, enabled safe, space-saving, and high-quality welding, ideal for modern production lines.

A live streaming event on Day 1 attracted considerable attention, showcasing real-time demonstrations and expert walkthroughs. The presence of a localized technical team further emphasized HSG’s readiness to support Japanese manufacturers with fast service and tailored solutions.

Leading the presentation was Mr. Akihiko Sugiyama, Vice President of HSG Japan. With over 40 years in laser processing, Sugiyama is recognized as one of Japan’s early pioneers in laser R&D. His work has spanned optical system design, gas flow dynamics, and laser-material interaction. He holds more than 20 international patents and has received honors such as the Japan Precision Engineering Award, solidifying his status as a global authority in the field.

As the home of HSG’s Global R&D Center established in 2020 and Processing Center in 2024, Japan plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s technological breakthroughs. In collaboration with Chiba University and industry specialists, the center focuses on advancing laser optics through academic partnerships and next-generation lab facilities—accelerating the transfer of research into real-world equipment applications. With the combined strength of global innovation and local expertise, HSG Laser is expected to set a new benchmark for intelligent metal processing in Japan and across the world.

Xinhua Silk Road: Ancient ethnic Chinese legacy revealing cultural fusion inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage

BEIJING, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Xixia Imperial Tombs were inscribed on the World Heritage List on July 11 during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, France. This marks China’s 60th World Heritage site.

A drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows two Xixia imperial tombs in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (By Wang Peng)
A drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows two Xixia imperial tombs in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (By Wang Peng)

Located at the foot of Helan Mountain in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the Xixia Imperial Tombs represent the largest, highest-ranking, and best-preserved archaeological remains of the Xixia Dynasty (1038-1227). 

The heritage area encompasses nine imperial mausoleums, 271 subordinate tombs, one architectural complex at the northern end, and 32 flood control facilities.

Through nearly half a century of excavation, over 7,100 exquisite artifacts have been unearthed, including a gilded bronze ox and a glazed Chiwen. These findings vividly showcase the features of Xixia civilization.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee recognized the Xixia Imperial Tombs as an outstanding testament to multicultural fusion. 

Their spatial layout, design philosophy, and architectural forms inherited the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties’ imperial mausoleum systems while integrating Buddhist beliefs and ancient local ethnic customs. This created unique funerary traditions and demonstrated the dynasty’s significant role in cultural and commercial exchanges along the Silk Road during the 11th to 13th centuries.

The Chinese government’s tremendous efforts and outstanding achievements in protecting the cultural heritage of the Xixia Imperial Tombs were highly commended by the Committee.

Since being designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1988, the site has established comprehensive laws, regulations, and a management system.

Particularly since 2000, in collaboration with professional institutions, 60 major reinforcement projects have been successfully implemented on the tombs themselves. These have essentially eliminated instability risks and surface erosion issues affecting the imperial mausoleums and main subordinate tombs. 

Furthermore, the removal of approximately 100,000 square meters of buildings and modern facilities within the heritage zone, combined with the establishment of a comprehensive monitoring and early-warning platform, has effectively ensured the site’s authenticity, integrity, and preservation environment.

International scholars point out that the Xixia Imperial Tombs serve as crucial physical evidence for studying ancient ethnic relations, architectural arts, and funerary traditions in China. Their successful inscription enriches the diversity of global cultural heritage.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/346640.html

National Palace Museum Centennial: DOUBLE SHOTS Reimagines Tradition for New Generations

TAIPEI, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Taiwan’s National Palace Museum is celebrating its 100th anniversary by embarking on a creative partnership with DOUBLE SHOTS, a production studio known for its cinematic storytelling. Drawing on the studio’s modern approach to heritage, the collaboration aims to make the institution’s cultural treasures relatable to contemporary audiences and engage various generations in the centennial celebration.

Debuted on June 19, the first video by DOUBLE SHOTS in the year-long collaboration can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/u3zCAH7bFFY

For the National Palace Museum’s centennial, DOUBLE SHOTS created a film that reimagines how ancient artifacts relate to modern lived experiences.
For the National Palace Museum’s centennial, DOUBLE SHOTS created a film that reimagines how ancient artifacts relate to modern lived experiences.

Founded in 1925, the National Palace Museum is home to one of the world’s largest and most important collections of Chinese art and historical artifacts—nearly 700,000 pieces spanning thousands of years. This year marks the 100-year anniversary of its founding and the 10-year anniversary of its Southern Branch.

Hsiao Tsung-huang, Present Director of the National Palace Museum, commented: “Through the collections of the National Palace Museum, this film serves as an infinite reminder of the inextricable connection between the Museum and people.”

With this centennial project, DOUBLE SHOTS has strived to translate cultural richness into visual language that resonates with today’s audiences. Through evocative movement, carefully curated color palettes, and richly layered textures, the video captures the lived emotions and ephemeral gestures of heritage, echoing the delicate brushstrokes of Chinese calligraphy and the flowing patterns of traditional fabric.

Kyle Xu, Director, DOUBLE SHOTS, commented: “Our storytelling approach in this video invites viewers to not just observe the past, but to feel it. To accomplish this, we carefully selected certain visual techniques to bring out key characteristics of the artifacts — from the unique craftsmanship to the creative spirit — and then solidify the connection to modern life.”

Otto Chen, winner of Best Art Design at the 24th Taipei Film Awards and the art director of the film, noted: “Aiming to reinforce the role institutions like the National Palace Museum play in today’s world, we emphasized the connections between the ideas contained in cultural relics and the ideas prominent in modern life — how art and life are inseparable.”

Henry Tao, Director & Co-Founder, DOUBLE SHOTS, remarked: “The ‘revolt’ spirit of Double Shots spurs us to create not only visually cinematic but also emotionally captivating stories. As the cinematographer of this project, I focused on using light, textures, and movement to evoke a sense of resonance in today’s viewers, inviting people to experience history through a modern lens.”

The project engaged multiple departments within DOUBLE SHOTS, including its studio, cinematography, and VFX teams.

DOUBLE SHOTS is driven by its signature ‘uprising’ ethos that emphasizes redefining the way stories are told through unexpected imagery, subtle emotional layering, and cinematic precision. Whether working with art auction houses, tech companies, or AI labs, their process always begins with the same question: how can we move people?  As creatives, the team also leverages AI to enrich visual textures while keeping human emotion at the core.

For institutions or brands interested in cultural storytelling collaborations, please contact studio@doubleshotsmedia.com or visit https://www.doubleshots.com.

About DOUBLE SHOTS

DOUBLE SHOTS is a creative studio specializing in cinematic storytelling, cultural campaigns, and visual identity work. Their client base spans art institutions, government bodies, educational organizations, and tech companies. With a full-service production house, in-house VFX, and a visual-first philosophy, DOUBLE SHOTS redefines how culture is seen and felt.

JAR Wealth Management Pte. Ltd., the Singapore arm of JAR Capital, Accelerates Expansion into High-Growth Asian Markets with Strategic Acquisition of Lyra Capital Pte. Ltd.

The deal boosts JAR Capital’s aspirations as one of Singapore’s top-tier external asset managers, surpassing USD 1 billion in AUM in the city-state.

SINGAPORE, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — JAR Capital, a Swiss-headquartered global wealth and fund management firm, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Lyra Capital Pte. Ltd., a leading Singapore-based Multi-Family Office. The acquisition reflects JAR Capital’s commitment to long-term growth in Singapore and Asia.

The transaction will see JAR Capital’s assets under management (AUM) exceedUSD 1 billion in Singapore alone, solidifying its ambitions to be among the top echelon of EAMs in Singapore. The combined team will operate from JAR Capital’s newly expanded offices at One George Street, with the headcount more than doubling to 18 staff.

Structured as a cash-and-stock transaction, the deal is expected to complete by end of July 2025. The founders of Lyra Capital will become shareholders and directors of JAR Wealth Management Pte.Ltd, acting as board members and clients advisors to ensure continuity in post-deal integration.

Tim Walter, CEO of JAR Wealth Management Pte. Ltd., said, “This acquisition is a defining milestone in our growth journey. In less than three years since launching in Singapore, JAR Capital has grown from a standing start to managing over a billion dollars in assets. With this transaction, we are not only expanding our client base in Asia with a strong focus on Japan led by Akihiro Nemoto, but also enhancing the investment platform and services available to our clients developed by our CIO Karol Bonati since the opening of our Singapore office in 2022.”

Charles Monney, CEO of Lyra Capital, said “Great success is achieved through meaningful encounters. Nothing is so true for the journey of Lyra Capital.  From our first clients who believed in our core values and the team built over the past 20 years, we can only be so proud and thrilled by the continuity of this work at JAR Wealth Management. The combined intelligence and resources derived from this acquisition will accelerate the implementation of a controlled growth strategy across Asia. I sincerely look forward for this next chapter to be written together.”

Complementary Strengths Drive Integration Synergy and New Growth Horizons

Established in 2007, Lyra Capital is one of Singapore’s pioneers in the EAM space and is well-regarded for its deep roots in the Asian high-net-worth community. Its strong relationships in Asia will complement JAR Capital’s existing global client base and accelerate market penetration across Japan under the leadership of Akihiro Nemoto, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, and beyond.

The deal also brings clear operational and investment synergies. JAR Capital offers a sophisticated investment platform – including a global investment committee spanning Geneva, Dubai, and Singapore – featuring in-house Fund strategies and curated third-party fund access.

Beyond wealth management, JAR Capital has built robust fund management capabilities under Singapore’s Variable Capital Company (VCC) regime. Over the past two and a half years, the firm has launched several VCC structures, building its Funds team along the way, and in collaboration with regional asset managers. This expertise is expected to benefit clients of the acquired firm, who have not previously had access to such offerings.

“The integration is about scale, but more importantly, it’s about synergy and common values. We are bringing together two firms with complementary clients, cultures, and capabilities. Together, we’re better equipped to serve the evolving needs of high-net-worth individuals in Asia and globally,” added Mr. Walter.

Gerald de Senger, Chairman of JAR Capital Group, concluded: “By strengthening our established presence in Singapore, a world-class financial hub, this acquisition reflects our ambition to be a reference player and our long-term commitment to servicing clients globally. It represents a natural and strategic progression, made possible by the strong cultural alignment, shared values, and complementary strengths of both firms as we shape up the next chapter of our presence in Asia.”

About JAR Capital

Founded in Switzerland and operating globally, JAR Capital is an independent wealth and fund management firm serving high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. The firm’s investment committee spans Geneva, Dubai, and Singapore, delivering strategic wealth management, bespoke investment solutions, and institutional-grade fund access.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which may include projections, estimates, or other statements about future events or expectations. These statements are based on current assumptions and beliefs as well as information currently available. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied.

Coda Accelerates Global Expansion with Acquisition of European Payments Platform Recharge

  • Singapore headquartered Coda acquires Recharge, Europe’s leading prepaid payments platform, expanding global reach and deepening direct-to-consumer capabilities.
  • Built on strong partnerships with publishers like Electronic Arts, Activision, and Riot Games, the acquisition accelerates Coda’s move into new categories and consumer segments.
  • Combined business processed over US$1.75B in 2024, reaching 200M+ users across 180+ markets.

SINGAPORE and AMSTERDAM, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Coda, a global leader in digital content monetization headquartered in Singapore, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Recharge, Europe’s leading prepaid payments platform, headquartered in Amsterdam. The transaction brings together two profitable regional leaders with scaled businesses, complementary strengths and a shared ambition to lead the future of global digital distribution and monetization.

The acquisition accelerates Coda’s expansion beyond gaming and strengthens its ability to serve the broader digital content economy — across categories, customers, and continents — by extending its presence in Europe and building on its direct-to-consumer capabilities. For Recharge, the deal brings B2B expertise, access to deeper partnerships with top-tier digital content publishers, and a proven playbook for growth in high-growth markets, especially across Asia. Based on 2024 figures, the combined business would have processed more than US$1.75 billion in sales, served over 200 million customers, and operated in upwards of 180 markets — marking a scaled global footprint from day one.

Coda is a trusted monetization partner to the world’s leading mobile gaming and digital content publishers, including Electronic Arts, Activision, Riot Games, HoYoverse, and Moonton. Coda distributes more than 500 titles from over 300 publisher partners and powers webstores for flagship franchises such as Call of Duty®: Mobile and EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile. With a network of over 400 local payment channels, Coda offers consumers better value and more choice. For publishers, Coda simplifies global growth —managing risk, compliance, and customer support as Merchant of Record.

Recharge — a European leader in prepaid digital storefronts like Recharge.com and Startselect.com — strengthens Coda’s B2C scale and reach across Europe. With over 16,000 products spanning gaming, mobile, gift cards, and lifestyle, Recharge combines a marketing-led, consumer-first approach with established brand equity and a user base of more than 8 million. Trusted by over 1,000 global brands — including Apple, Google, Vodafone, and PlayStation — Recharge brings retail strength, relevance, and regional depth.

“We’ve long admired what the Recharge team has built — a profitable, consumer-focused business with top global brands and real depth across Europe,” said Shane Happach, CEO of Coda.

“This transaction brings together two regional commerce leaders with distinct but highly complementary strengths. At Coda, we’ve focused on scaling our B2B capabilities alongside, working with the world’s leading digital publishers to maximize their revenue — particularly in high-growth, complex markets across Southeast Asia. Recharge adds a powerful direct-to-consumer engine, deep prepaid expertise, and strong brand equity across Europe. Most importantly, we’re bringing together two teams that share the same values: ambition, collaboration, and commercial sharpness. That gives us a strong foundation to lead the next chapter in global digital content distribution and monetization.”

“At Recharge, we’ve focused on building the technology platform that connects and scales the prepaid payments ecosystem — enabling seamless transactions between users, products, and brands through smart, data-driven infrastructure,” said Günther Vogelpoel, CEO of Recharge. “That focus, combined with a passionate team that consistently executes with precision, and pace, has allowed us to scale a profitable and trusted business across Europe and beyond.”

“Joining forces with Coda gives us the opportunity to take everything we’ve built — from our platform to our partnerships — and extend it globally to truly become the global leader we set out to be. With complementary strengths and a shared DNA, this unique combination sets us up to create even more value for the brands, publishers, and customers we serve.”

From premium content to prepaid products, this transaction brings together payments expertise, publisher and brand partnerships, and broad consumer reach — opening up real opportunities for cross-sell and deeper market access. With complementary capabilities, wider global coverage, and an expanded catalogue, Coda and Recharge are better positioned to collectively serve the full digital content economy across both B2B and B2C. Together, the combined company will deliver improved value and convenience to partners and consumers worldwide through secure, trusted, and locally relevant monetization and distribution solutions.

The transaction is backed by Apis Partners, Insight Partners, Smash Capital alongside Coda’s other investors.

Images
Available here.

Vectra AI Appoints New Vice President and General Manager for Asia Pacific & Japan

SINGAPORE, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vectra AI, the cybersecurity AI company that protects modern networks from modern attacks, today announced the appointment of Chua Hock Leng as Vice President and General Manager for Asia Pacific & Japan (APJ). In this role, Hock Leng will spearhead Vectra AI’s growth strategy across the region, focusing on deepening customer relationships, expanding the partner ecosystem, and scaling go-to-market operations to meet rising demand for advanced threat detection in hybrid and cloud environments.

With more than two decades of leadership across enterprise security, cloud infrastructure, and digital transformation, Hock Leng brings deep regional expertise and a track record of building high-performing teams. His previous leadership roles at EMC, RSA, and Pure Storage have equipped him to navigate the complexity of APJ’s diverse markets and to deliver value in highly regulated industries.

“What drew me to Vectra AI was the opportunity to help shape the future of cybersecurity in a time when traditional approaches are no longer enough,” said Hock Leng. “As organizations across APJ embrace digital transformation, securing complex environments – especially against identity-based and lateral movement attacks – is more critical than ever. Vectra’s AI-driven platform is purpose-built for this challenge, helping security teams detect and respond to real threats faster and with greater precision.”

Hock Leng sees significant opportunity in key sectors such as financial services, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and government – industries that are navigating regulatory requirements while also facing increasing cyber threats. He will prioritize building regional partner momentum, particularly with hyperscalers and MSSPs, to ensure customers benefit from a connected ecosystem of security innovation and operational excellence.

“Hock Leng is a proven leader who understands both the strategic needs of enterprise customers and the technical dynamics of cybersecurity,” said David Kluzak, Chief Commercial Officer, Vectra AI. “His deep knowledge of the region and commitment to customer success make him the ideal leader to drive our next chapter of growth across APJ.”

Under Hock Leng’s leadership, Vectra will also showcase its latest innovation in generative AI—designed to accelerate threat detection and reduce operational noise—through customer engagements, partner enablement, and executive briefings across the region.

“As a team, we’re focused on being more than just a technology vendor,” added Hock Leng. “We aim to be a strategic ally to our customers—supporting them through complexity with clarity, speed, and trust.”

Learn more about how Vectra AI protects modern networks from modern attacks by visiting our blog and following along on LinkedIn and X.

 

Kavalan, Golden Blue Launch ‘Team Kavalan 2.0’ – A Toast to South Korea’s Finest Bars

Back by Popular Demand After a Stellar First Season

TAIPEI, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — After the overwhelming success of its inaugural campaign, Kavalan, Taiwan’s award-winning single malt whisky, is teaming up once again with long-time exclusive South Korean partner Golden Blue to launch the second edition of ‘Team Kavalan’—a nationwide celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and world-class whisky.

Team Kavalan returns in 2025 with top Korean bartenders reimagining Kavalan through dual-bar cocktail collaborations across South Korea.
Team Kavalan returns in 2025 with top Korean bartenders reimagining Kavalan through dual-bar cocktail collaborations across South Korea.

“One Whisky, Two Perspectives” will feature eight world-class Korean bartenders across 12 months, pairing up to collaborate in crafting two distinct signature cocktails that offer contrasting interpretations of Kavalan. Each pair of cocktails will be promoted simultaneously for three months at two different bars, creating a dynamic, dual-location experience.

The campaign will unfold in waves throughout 2025, with the first collaboration already confirmed:

  • May 2025: Best & Best – Distillery Select No.1
    Bar Cham vs Bar Sookhee

This opening match features two of Korea’s most iconic bartenders. Bar Cham and Bar Sookhee are widely recognized across the industry, with their influence deep and far reaching. As top talents in the Korean cocktail scene, their participation sets the tone for what’s to come.

Additional pairings and themes will be revealed progressively as part of the campaign rollout.

Alongside these signature serves, guests can savor a curated flight of Kavalan single malts, enjoyed neat to fully appreciate the whisky’s depth, elegance, and complexity.

“We’re thrilled to bring ‘Team Kavalan’ back for a second year,” said Golden Blue CEO Ms. Park Soyoung. “Last year’s campaign brought to life the vibrant versatility of Kavalan in stunning cocktails featuring expressions like Distillery Select No.1, Triple Sherry Cask, and Kavalan Classic. This year, we are excited to collaborate with even more bars in Korea to enhance Kavalan’s brand value and deliver diverse experiences.”

As Kavalan continues its impressive growth in South Korea, one of its fastest growing and most strategic global markets, this collaboration underscores the strength of its partnership with Golden Blue.

“Golden Blue has been instrumental in driving Kavalan’s success here,” said Mr. Y.T. Lee, Chairman of King Car Group. “South Korea saw triple-digit sales growth in 2023, and Golden Blue has continued that growth trajectory strongly into 2024 with further double-digit increases.”

Kavalan will also attend this year’s high-end trend-leading Seoul Int’l Bar & Spirits Show from July 25 to 27, Asia’s leading bar and spirits exhibition.

South Korean whisky fans can enjoy 7 Kavalan expressions in the domestic market, including:

Distillery Select No.1, Classic, Triple Sherry Cask, Oloroso Sherry Oak, Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask, Vinho Barrique, and Port Cask. In the duty-free sector, additional favorites such as Concertmaster Port Cask Finish, Solist ex-Bourbon, Solist Fino Sherry, Solist PX Sherry, Master’s Select Series, Grand Reserve Series, and Distiller’s Reserve Series are also available.

About Golden Blue 

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in both Busan and Seoul, Golden Blue is one of Korea’s leading spirits companies. Golden Blue is active in whisky, herbal liquor, and global spirits distribution. The name “Gold” symbolizes tradition and authority, while “Blue” represents innovation and new value. This reflects the company’s mission to open new horizons in the Korean liquor market by presenting fresh value while honoring heritage.

Golden Blue was recognized in Forbes Asia’s 200 Best Under A Billion list in 2019.

Since 2017, Golden Blue has been the exclusive importer and distributor of Kavalan in South Korea. Kavalan is Taiwan’s pioneering single malt whisky brand, internationally awarded and exported to over 50 countries.

About Kavalan Whisky

Kavalan Distillery in Yilan County has been pioneering the art of single malt whisky in Taiwan since 2005. Our whisky, aged in intense humidity and heat, sources the crystal meltwaters of Snow Mountain and is enhanced by sea and mountain breezes. These conditions combine to create Kavalan’s signature creaminess. Taking Yilan County’s old name, our distillery is backed by more than 45 years of beverage-making under parent company, King Car Group. We have collected 900 gold awards or higher from the industry’s most competitive contests.

Media Contact information

Kaitlyn Tsai
kaitlyn@kingcar.com.tw 

Britney Chen
britneychen@kingcar.com.tw