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Acer Reports March Revenues at NT$29.28 Billion, Up 71.5% Month-on-Month and 6.5% Year-on-Year

TAIPEI, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Acer Inc. (TWSE: 2353) announced its consolidated revenues for March at NT$29.28 billion, with growth of 71.5% month-on-month and 6.5% year-on-year (YoY). Preliminary consolidated revenues for Q1’25 reached NT$61.42 billion with 4.4% growth YoY. Acer Chromebook revenues grew 59.7% YoY in March and 35.2% YoY in Q1. To navigate through the various economic uncertainties, Acer is working closely with its customers and supply chain to take necessary actions, taking into consideration market demand, competition and its product portfolio.

Acer’s strategy to cultivate multiple business engines has become the group’s anchor in these volatile times. Total revenues from businesses other than personal computers [1] and displays contributed 26.9% of the group’s total revenues in March and 31.7% in Q1 with 12.3% growth YoY. Acer’s public subsidiaries have announced their March and Q1 revenues; one of the highlights under incubation is Altos Computing Inc., specializing in AI server and workstations, its revenues grew 20.1% YoY in March. 

[1] Net income is reported as profit-after-tax in Acer’s financial statements

About Acer

Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world’s top technology companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. The company continues to evolve by embracing innovation across its offerings, which include computers and displays, while branching out to new businesses. Acer is also committed to sustainable growth, exploring new opportunities that align with its environmental and social responsibilities. The Acer Group employs over 9,000 employees that contribute to the research, design, marketing, sales and support of products, solutions, and services that break barriers between people and technology. Visit www.acer.com for more information.

© 2025 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by location. Applicable sales tax extra.

Searce Wins 2025 Google Cloud Country Partner of the Year for SEA

In collaboration with Google Cloud, Searce co-innovates with clients to futurify their businesses across the SEA region

SINGAPORE, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Searce, an AI-powered, engineering-led modern technology consultancy, has been named the 2025 Google Cloud Country Partner of the Year award for Southeast Asia. This recognition by Google Cloud highlights Searce’s commitment to digitally transforming organizations across the region by partnering with clients to deliver intelligent, impactful, futuristic business outcomes.

“Our collaboration with Google Cloud has played a pivotal role in helping clients across Southeast Asia push the boundaries of technology and unlock new possibilities through AI and data-driven solutions. With 150+ customers in the region and a 40% increase in new account acquisitions, this recognition is a testament to our team’s dedication to delivering real outcomes,” said Yash Thakker – Director, Solutions Consulting, APAC, Searce.

Over the last five years, Searce has significantly expanded its investment in Southeast Asia, establishing a presence in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. This growth is reflected in key business metrics, with services growth up by 65% and a 94% rise in local headcount, nearly doubling its APAC team from 2023 to 2024. By strengthening its regional presence and deepening expertise in AI, Data & Analytics, and Application Modernization, Searce continues to empower businesses to maximize the potential of Google Cloud solutions.

“Google Cloud’s Partner Awards recognize partners who have created outsized value for customers through the delivery of innovative solutions and a high level of expertise,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, President, Global Partner Ecosystem, Google Cloud. “We’re proud to announce Searce as a 2025 Google Cloud Partner Award winner and celebrate their impact enabling customer success over the past year.”

To drive sustained year-over-year growth with Google Cloud, Searce will further invest in AI, develop industry-specific solutions for Financial Services & Insurance, Retail, and Telecom, and lead large-scale digital transformation initiatives. Utilizing a process-first, technology-second approach, Searce prioritizes re-engineering core business processes before strategically implementing technology to modernize operations and achieve real business outcomes.

About Searce

Searce is an AI-powered, engineering-led modern tech consultancy that empowers clients to futurify by delivering real business outcomes. Over the last 20+ years, Searce has been a trusted technology partner for over 3,000 clients across Retail, Travel, Transport & Logistics, Financial Services, Healthcare, and other industries. Driven by an engineering excellence mindset, Searce cares most about delivering intelligent, impactful & futuristic business outcomes.

Swiss Artists Sophie de Quay Celebrate Music, Francophonie in Vientiane

Swiss duo Sophie de Quay and Simon Jaccard performed at Vientiane's Blues Box on the evening of 8 April. (Photo supplied by Lab De Lines Vientiane)

Swiss duo Sophie de Quay and Simon Jaccard performed at Vientiane’s Blues Box on the evening of 8 April. The concert, which also featured a special appearance by Lao artist Minaz, marked the final stop of their “Building Bridges Asia Tour” and celebrated the shared values of Francophonie and Laos.

“Music speaks a universal language that connects people across borders,” Sophie said. 

Her musical partner Simon, nicknamed “Simon the Octopus” for his mastery of over 17 instruments, provided musical accompaniment throughout the evening.

Beyond Music

During their week in Vientiane, the Swiss artists also visited Hands of Hope School, Laos’ first official primary school for deaf children, where they received personalized sign language names from the students and learned to translate a verse from their signature song “Building Bridges” into Lao sign language.

“The children were incredibly welcoming and enthusiastic,” Sophie and Simon shared after the school visit. “Signing out our lyrics alongside them was one of the most meaningful moments of our entire Asian tour.”

The musicians, representing Switzerland, donated educational materials to the school, strengthening their connection with Laos beyond just musical performances.

Their cultural immersion extended to performances at the National University of Laos for the Francophonie Festival and a masterclass at the National School of Arts, where they collaborated with students to record “Building Bridges” featuring the traditional Khene, Laos’ national instrument. The duo even incorporated Lao language into portions of their music.

This cultural exchange highlights Switzerland’s continued commitment to Laos’ cultural development through the Lao Culture Fund, established in 2012. The fund supports local organizations in implementing cultural projects while reinforcing Laotian cultural identity.

Before concluding in Vientiane, the Swiss duo’s Asia tour took them through Hong Kong, Macau, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The evening’s performance was organized by the Swiss Cooperation Office and Consular Agency in Laos and Lines Creative Agency in collaboration with The Blues Box Vientiane.

ATFX Q2 2025 Trader Magazine: Adapting to Global Uncertainty

HONG KONG, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global markets face heightened volatility in Q2 2025, with economic warfare, inflation, and shifting trade policies creating uncertainty. Martin Lam, ATFX Chief Analyst of Asia Pacific, highlights how geopolitical tensions, shifting trade dynamics, and emerging technologies like blockchain and Central Bank Digital Currencies add to market instability. Amid these challenges, safe-haven assets such as gold are expected to gain traction, emphasizing the need for diversification and risk management.

According to Mohammed Shanti, ATFX’s Head of Market Research & Analysis, the US stock market had a strong start in 2025 but now faces mounting risks. The S&P 500’s rally has slowed amid rising bond yields and tech sector struggles, with major banks divided on its future trajectory. Meanwhile, Dr. Mohamed Nabawy highlights potential corrections in European markets due to US tariffs on European exports, though fiscal stimulus and European Central Bank (ECB) rate cuts may provide support.

Nick Twidale, ATFX’s Chief Market Analyst (Australia), highlights AUDUSD’s volatility, with rate cuts and commodity prices driving movement. Lucas Nguyen, ATFX Market Analyst (Vietnam), highlights the euro’s challenges, driven by inflation risks, political instability, and an unclear ECB policy outlook. Dean Chen, ATFX Guest Analyst, examines global currency trends, noting a weak Canadian dollar, a strengthening yen, and limited growth prospects for USDCNH due to geopolitical risks.

Diego Albuja, ATFX LATAM Market Analyst, analyzes USDMXN’s depreciation, driven by US tariffs and diverging interest rates. Gonzalo Cañete, ATFX Global Chief Market Strategist, examines the dollar’s resilience in 2024 despite economic challenges. He also provides a GBPUSD outlook for 2025 and discusses Japan’s economic struggles, where inflation and Bank of Japan rate hikes have strengthened the yen. Jessica Lin, ATFX Global Market Analyst (Asia Pacific), projects gold’s continued rise, driven by central bank demand and Federal Reserve rate cuts, with silver following a similar trend.

Gab Santos, ATFX Market Analyst (Philippines), projects lower oil prices in 2025 amid Trump’s trade policies and OPEC+ production cuts. Gabi Dahduh, ATFX Senior Market Analyst (MENA), explores how blockchain are reshaping global finance, particularly in economic warfare. Lin also stresses the importance of disciplined trading amid market volatility, advising investors to stay flexible and focus on long-term trends.

In 2025’s unpredictable markets, staying informed is crucial. Get expert insights in our Q2 2025 Trader Magazine.

About ATFX

ATFX is a leading global fintech broker with a local presence in 23 locations and licenses from regulatory authorities including the UK’s FCA, Australian ASIC, Cypriot CySEC, UAE’s SCA, Hong Kong SFC and South African FSCA. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovative technology, and strict regulatory compliance, ATFX provides exceptional trading experiences to clients worldwide.

For further information on ATFX, please visit ATFX website https://www.atfx.com.

VT Markets Exclusive Analysis: Global Capital May Shift Amid Tariff Shock and AI Disruption


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2025 – 2025 has marked a turning point for global stock markets, as U.S. stocks, once the uncontested giants, now face a dramatic decline, while European markets surge ahead. The VT Markets Research Desk points to two powerful forces reshaping the landscape: U.S. tariff policies and China’s booming AI sector. Under the pressure of both internal and external challenges, U.S. stocks have lost their once-leading position.

Meanwhile, markets in Germany, France, and the UK have gained momentum thanks to a manufacturing revival. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index has soared, boosted by the launch of DeepSeek and China’s thriving tech sector. However, the broader Asian market struggles, with Australia, a key trade partner of China, also feeling the weight of the downturn alongside U.S. stocks.

Impact of Trump’s Tariff Policy

Trump’s tariff strategy has resurfaced, revealing deep structural contradictions in U.S. trade. According to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. current account deficit grew by $228.2 billion in 2024, reaching $1.13 trillion. This increase is primarily attributed to a further expansion of the goods deficit. In this context, new tariffs – including a 20% tariff on China and 25% punitive tariffs on steel and aluminum – appear to serve as a strategic deterrent.

Despite Trump’s claims that the tariffs are aimed at reducing the trade deficit, the reality is more complex. The VT Markets Research Desk reports that a significant portion of the U.S. trade deficit is generated by American companies operating overseas. These firms set up production in Asia and ship goods back to the U.S., creating an apparent trade deficit. While the new tariffs might improve the deficit somewhat, the main goal is to pressure other nations into negotiations and encourage the return of manufacturing to the U.S.

This policy shift has not only affected international trade dynamics but has also triggered the rotation of capital away from U.S. stocks.

Tech Stock Decline and the Rise of Defensive Sectors

Investor concerns regarding the impact of new tariffs on U.S. corporate supply chains, coupled with a cautious stance from the Federal Reserve, have led to capital fleeing from tech giants, even as Q1 earnings season showed that 75% of U.S. companies exceeded profit expectations. Market sentiment is now predicting a slowdown in profit growth for 2025.

In the past three months, U.S. tech stocks have suffered significant sell-offs. Nvidia, for example, has dropped 21.6% year-to-date, losing its position as the most valuable company in the country. Other tech giants such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have seen declines ranging from 8% to 18%. In response, funds have shifted towards defensive sectors like healthcare, non-cyclical consumer goods, and utilities. More conservative investors have opted to increase their cash holdings.

While the stock market correction may seem like a warning sign, it could also alleviate concerns of market bubble risks by reducing excessive capital concentration in the tech sector.

Second Quarter Outlook and Investment Strategy

Looking ahead to the second quarter, the real storm is approaching. On April 2, several previously delayed tariff policies will be enacted. These include reciprocal tariffs, a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico (which were previously postponed due to USMCA), and secondary tariffs aimed at isolating Venezuela by taxing goods from countries purchasing oil the country. Additionally, a 25% tariff will be imposed on automobiles. However, there is still no definitive information regarding the semiconductor and pharmaceutical sectors.

The VT Markets report notes that these policy changes could trigger retaliatory tariffs globally, leading to increased economic risks and prolonged weakness in U.S. stock indices.

Given the highly uncertain market environment, the VT Markets Research Desk advises investors to focus on two key signals: First, whether positive news could prompt U.S. stocks to bottom out. With the current climate being unclear, investors should avoid trying to “catch the bottom.” Second, until the fog of uncertainty dissipates, traders are recommended to adopt a more defensive stance, reducing risk exposure by increasing the proportion of risk-free assets in their portfolios.

VT Markets Research Disclaimer: This analysis is based on market data and information available at the time of writing, dated March 31, 2025. Given the real-time volatility of the financial markets, the views expressed in this document may be adjusted as market conditions change. Readers are advised to consider the latest developments and make informed judgments when referencing this content.

Hashtag: #VTMarkets #CFDs #CFDsbrokers #shares #NASDAQ



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

Thai Police Seize 358 Kilograms of Methamphetamine Smuggled from Laos

Thai authorities with seized property. (Photo: นครพนมทันข่าว)

Thai police intercepted 358 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at THB 100 million (USD 2.9 million), smuggled across the Mekong River, presumably from Savannakhet Province, Laos. 

HR Path Expands Presence in Ireland & UK with the merger of Eaton Square, Experts in Technology, People and Business Consulting

PARIS, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HR Path, a global leader in HR consulting and HRIS solutions, is proud to announce its strategic merger of Eaton Square, an Ireland and UK based company specializing in Technology, People and Business Consulting with global and UKI based technology partnerships with Dayforce, UKG, Workday, Access Group, HiBob, Sage & Microsoft.

With a presence in 28 countries and a team of over 2,200 professionals, HR Path is a trusted partner for businesses navigating the complexities of Human Resources. Specializing in advisory, implementation, and operational services, HR Path delivers cutting-edge solutions designed to enhance efficiency and foster growth. Since its founding in 2001, the company has remained steadfast in its mission to transform HR practices globally.

Founded in 2012, Eaton Square has built a strong reputation for delivering strategic clarity, targeted organizational design, and efficient transformation. Their expertise in business, people & technology solutions empower organizations to navigate digital shifts and process overhauls seamlessly. Eaton Square operates with a unique approach, aligning strategy, people, and technology to drive success for its clients.

This merger marks a significant milestone for HR Path, expanding its footprint in Ireland & the UK and strengthening its Technology and Consulting capabilities. Eaton Square’s deep expertise in technologies such as Dayforce, Access, HiBob, Sage & Microsoft as well as it’s Talent Management and Business Consulting divisions, all new additions to HR Path’s portfolio, adds valuable dimensions to the company’s service offerings. This move also aligns strategically with HR Path’s previous acquisitions of IntSys in Northern Ireland in January 2025, and Three Plus Consulting from UK in March 2024, both specialized in Workday based in the UK. Together, these acquisitions reinforce HR Path’s commitment to delivering comprehensive business and technology solutions across the region.

“The inclusion of Eaton Square is an exciting step for HR Path, as it enhances our ability to provide cutting-edge technology solutions to our clients,” said François Boulet, CEO at HR Path. “Their expertise in Dayforce, Access, HiBob, Sage & Microsoft as well people and business consulting perfectly complements our existing portfolio, allowing us to continue driving innovation and excellence in HR transformation.”

PDF – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2660339/Eaton_Square_EN.pdf

Contact: Fabienne LATOUR – Fabienne.latour@hr-path.com 

Trina Storage Launches Elementa 2 Pro Energy Storage Solution, Advancing Global Energy Transition

MUNICH, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trina Storage, a global leader in energy storage solutions, has successfully introduced its latest innovation, the Elementa 2 Pro 5MWh energy storage system, across strategic regions including Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. The launch has attracted strong industry interest, reflecting the system’s reliable performance and reinforcing Trina Storage’s ability to meet diverse energy market needs and enable grid integration worldwide.

Trina Storage Elementa 2 Pro
Trina Storage Elementa 2 Pro

Long-Lasting Performance and Space-Efficient Design

Powered by an advanced 314Ah cell with an exceptional 15,000-cycle lifespan, the system ensures long-term performance and cost efficiency. Its compact side-by-side and back-to-back design significantly reduces footprint, addressing space constraints in urban and industrial environments. Additionally, Noise reduction technology enables operation at just 70dB, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive locations.

Intelligent Temperature Control and Comprehensive Safety

Equipped with hybrid cooling technology, the Elementa 2 Pro keeps cell temperature differences within ≤2.5°C, even under extreme conditions. This ensures optimal performance and extends the system’s lifespan. In low-temperature environments, auxiliary power consumption is reduced by 30%, further improving energy efficiency.

Safety remains a top priority. Elementa 2 Pro utilizes EV-grade cells that undergo rigorous abuse testing to ensure intrinsic safety. A triple-layer electrical protection system, combined with an emergency stop function, provides comprehensive safety across the cabinet, the PCS, and the EMS, guaranteeing stable operation in diverse environments.

Smart Operations for Increased Efficiency

Elementa 2 Pro integrates smart management features to streamline operations and lower maintenance costs. With 1:1 NTC monitoring, it enables real-time cell tracking and millisecond-level anomaly detection for early warning. Its master-slave BMS architecture further optimizes performance for multi-cabinet parallel configurations.

With one-click remote upgrades and real-time monitoring, the Elementa 2 Pro minimizes on-site maintenance efforts, boosting O&M efficiency by up to 90%.

Advancing Energy Storage with Global Expertise

Since its inception, the Elementa series has earned global recognition for its performance and adaptability. Building on this success, the Elementa 2 Pro leverages Trina Storage’s global project experience to meet the evolving needs of the energy storage industry.

“The launch of the Elementa 2 Pro 5MWh system marks a significant milestone in Trina Storage’s commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Wei Deng, Head of Global Product at Trina Storage. “We’re confident that this advanced solution will accelerate the global transition to clean energy.”

For more details on the Elementa 2 Pro, visit: https://www.trinasolar.com/sites/en-glb/storage/elementa2-pro.html