MELBOURNE, Australia, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Protocol Theory, the world’s leading consumer research and data company dedicated to Web3, today announced a strategic partnership with blockchain news platform with Crypto News Australia.
This partnership enables Crypto News Australia’s audience to earn rewards by participating in surveys through ProtocolPanel™—Protocol Theory’s proprietary, human-verified research community. Readers will be invited to share their views on crypto platforms, digital assets, wallets, Web3 apps, and more—while earning real rewards for their opinions.
Jonathan Inglis, Managing Director of Protocol Theory, said: “Crypto News Australia has built an engaged, crypto-savvy audience that’s actively shaping the future of digital assets in Australia. By connecting this community with ProtocolPanel, we’re creating a win-win: everyday crypto users get rewarded for their voice, and the broader industry gets access to the authentic insights it desperately needs to improve products, experiences, and trust.”
This partnership is designed to:
Empower crypto users to shape the industry by sharing their opinions, experiences, and preferences.
Enable Web3 brands to access real-world insights from Australian crypto users and crypto-curious consumers.
Support high-quality research by ensuring all participants are real, human-verified individuals from ProtocolPanel.
Offer rewards and perks for participating in surveys—turning opinions into tangible value.
Whether it’s evaluating crypto brand perceptions, testing demand for new Web3 product features, or optimising user onboarding journeys, this collaboration gives Web3 businesses unprecedented access to Australia’s crypto community—while giving users a new way to earn by simply sharing their opinion.
About Protocol Theory Protocol Theory is the world’s leading consumer insight and strategy company for Web3, AI, and the technologies reshaping culture and commerce. Trusted by brands like MoonPay, CoinDesk, and Tangem, we turn consumer understanding into competitive advantage. Learn more at www.protocoltheory.com.
About Crypto News Australia Crypto News Australia is one of the country’s most visited platforms for crypto news, education and analysis.Visit cryptonews.com.au to learn more.
Experience a seamless crypto-powered journey — from flights and visas to local purchases in Bhutan
THIMPHU, Bhutan, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bhutan is pioneering the future of travel by becoming the first nation to implement a national-level crypto payment system for tourism. Bhutan’s innovative mechanism allows travelers with Binance accounts to experience truly cashless journeys. In collaboration with Binance Pay and Bhutan’s fully digital DK Bank, this initiative offers travelers using Binance Pay a seamless, secure, and flexible end-to-end payment experience. More than 100 merchants are now live with DK Bank and Binance Pay. From booking flights to purchasing fresh fruit from roadside vendors, visitors can enjoy the convenience and efficiency of digital transactions throughout their journey.
This innovative model allows Binance Pay users to pay for nearly every part of their Bhutan journey using supported cryptocurrencies. This includes airline tickets to Bhutan, tourist visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), hotel bookings, tour guides, monument entry fees, local shopping, and more — all settled quickly and securely through static and dynamic QR code payments.
Known as the “Kingdom of Happiness,” Bhutan prioritizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over GDP, focusing on sustainability, cultural preservation, and societal well-being. This pioneering collaboration with Binance Pay and DK Bank furthers that vision by harnessing digital innovation to enhance travel experiences, empower local communities, and unite tradition with technology.
Key highlights:
Seamless Experience: Use crypto for all travel-related expenses, from flight tickets and visas to local purchases.
Tourism First: A fully integrated system across immigration, travel agents, hotels, guides, and retail.
Inclusive Reach: Enables small vendors in remote areas to accept QR code payments.
Powered by DK Bank: Supported by Bhutan’s first fully digital bank.
Lower Fees: Significantly cheaper than traditional payment methods, with 0 gas fees
Immediate Transactions: Seamless crypto-powered immediate transactions for tourists
Comprehensive Support: Accepts more than 100 cryptocurrencies, including BNB, BTC, USDC
Secure Transactions: Features encrypted transactions, 2FA, and real-time confirmations via the Binance application.
Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, said: “We are excited to partner with Bhutan as we are not only advancing the use of cryptocurrencies in travel but also setting a precedent for how technology can bridge cultures and economies. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to innovation and our belief in a future where digital finance empowers global connectivity and enriches travel experiences.”
“This is more than a payment solution — it’s a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience,” said Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism, Bhutan. “It enables a seamless experience for travellers and empowers even small vendors in remote villages to participate in the tourism economy.”
The partnership marks the first time a tourism product has accepted cryptocurrency at a national level. It addresses common barriers to digital payments, such as high transaction fees and limited merchant acceptance, by offering a low transaction fee and prompt settlements. Real-time notifications further ensure transparency for both merchants and visitors.
DK Bank, Bhutan’s first fully digital bank—is powering the local settlement mechanism. Licensed by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, DK Bank brings modern technology and innovation to deliver seamless, secure, and accessible financial services to all strata of society, especially those marginalized and unbanked. https://www.digitalkidu.bt/
Binance Pay is a seamless, borderless, and secure cryptocurrency payment feature on the Binance app, allowing users and merchants to pay, send and receive crypto worldwide without incurring gas fees. With support for over 300 cryptocurrencies, it caters to more than 40 million active users and 32,000 merchants. Trusted by over 270 million users across 100+ countries, Binance stands as the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users.
The Department of Tourism of Bhutan is responsible for the development and promotion of sustainable tourism in Bhutan. It works to share the Kingdom’s remarkable places, people and experiences with conscious travellers, guided by the principles of high-value, low-volume tourism. Bhutan.travel
Vingroup is positioning itself to lead Vietnam’s ESG push, using its broad business network to drive sustainable growth at home and abroad, while eyeing partnerships in the Middle East’s expanding sustainability sector.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 May 2025 – In one of Vietnam’s crowded conference halls this month, corporate leaders gathered to debate the importance of ESG in business. One idea gained particular attention, even though it seemed obvious: no single company can tackle environmental and social challenges alone. It is necessary to build an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) ecosystem, an interconnected network of businesses, investors, and regulators. Among the Vietnamese companies seen as capable of leading this effort is Vingroup, a giant with a footprint spanning transportation, healthcare, real estate, and education.
Vinhomes Ocean Park 1 urban area, part of the Vingroup ecosystem.
The shift toward ecosystem thinking has been happening around the world for years. Governments are tightening disclosure rules. In Europe, new regulations now require businesses to track ESG performance across their entire supply chains. In the Middle East, despite a long reliance on oil wealth, new initiatives are emerging to support sustainability, including large-scale urban construction projects. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are launching ambitious efforts such as NEOM and Masdar City, which are planned communities centered around clean energy, smart mobility, and sustainable living.
The trend is clear. Companies are positioning themselves to lead the next phase of global commerce by embedding ESG principles into every aspect of their operations.
For Vingroup, ESG is not simply a new box to tick. It has already become an integral part of their business model. Their EV arm, VinFast, moved aggressively into electric mobility, ending production of gasoline-powered vehicles in 2022. Last year, VinFast delivered more than 97,000 electric cars, representing an increase of approximately 192 percent compared to 2023. Although this figure may seem modest compared to established global giants, it made VinFast the top-selling car brand in Vietnam. These vehicles are helping to cut tens of thousands of tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Electric public buses, operated by VinBus, offering commuters a clean alternative to diesel-powered transport. Vinhomes, Vingroup’s real estate arm, has integrated solar panels, smart water systems, and green parks into its large-scale developments. VinUni, Vingroup’s university in Hanoi, has established a Center for Environmental Intelligence to focus on real-world applications of sustainability research.
Meanwhile, Vietnam’s small- and medium-sized businesses, which account for about 97 percent of the country’s enterprises, are still finding their footing in ESG adoption. Many businesses remain unclear about how to begin. Sixty percent lacked information on where to register for support, according to Mr. Mạc Quốc Anh, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Hanoi Small and Medium Enterprises Association. Without larger players stepping up, the gap between companies embracing ESG and those left behind will only widen. With its scale and expertise, Vingroup is in a strong position to anchor a broader movement and help smaller companies align with global standards.
Beyond Vietnam, new opportunities are emerging in regions that were once considered unlikely markets. The Middle East is undergoing a profound economic and environmental transformation. Driven by national visions such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy, Middle Eastern governments are investing heavily in green mobility, smart infrastructure, and renewable energy. Entire cities, industrial hubs, and tourism complexes are being designed with sustainability as a core principle.
For a company like Vingroup, the alignment is natural. Its experience in creating interconnected and sustainable businesses matches the region’s demand for credible, fully integrated partners.
Cooperation could take many forms, including electric vehicles on desert highways, smart residential hubs powered by renewable energy, green hospitals, or financial models that reward environmental stewardship. While the specifics may vary, the central idea remains the same: combining strengths to create long-term value.
As public awareness grows and regulatory pressures intensify, Vietnam’s corporate sector is moving from fragmented ESG efforts toward a more unified approachWith companies like Vingroup leading the way, Vietnam is actively shaping what sustainable development will look like, both at home and on the global stage.
LONDON, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and Windward Ltd, a leading US-based maritime AI company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on Maritime Artificial Intelligence (AI) research and development to address emerging threats and trends at sea.
The partnership will explore efforts to enhance the Singapore Armed Forces’ maritime domain capabilities through digital technologies. The MOU will also cover talent development initiatives through exchange programmes and internship opportunities at Windward, allowing DSTA engineers to deepen their technical competencies.
“This MOU underscores DSTA’s efforts to tap synergies with global partners. By leveraging our strengths and expertise, we seek to advance AI research and development to strengthen our maritime security capabilities, and protect our sea lines of communication,” said DSTA’s Group Technology Officer, Mr Cheng Heng Ngom.
“Singapore has long been a leader in embracing innovation, setting a standard for how nations should implement technological advancement,” said Ami Daniel, Co-founder and CEO of Windward. “Partnering with DSTA is a significant step in our shared commitment to enhancing maritime security through AI. Windward’s unique expertise and patented technology will equip DSTA with the tools to not only address current challenges but to proactively address emerging threats, ensuring a safer and more efficient maritime environment.”
This collaboration was announced at IMDEX Asia 2025.
About Defence Science and Technology Agency
The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) is a top-notch technology organisation that drives innovation and delivers state-of-the-art capabilities to make the Singapore Armed Forces a formidable fighting force. Harnessing and exploiting science and technology, our engineers and IT professionals leverage multidisciplinary expertise to equip our soldiers with advanced systems to defend Singapore. DSTA also contributes its technological expertise to support national-level developments. To achieve our mission, DSTA excels in systems engineering, digitalised platforms, cyber, software development and more.
Windward is the leading Maritime AI™ company, providing an all-in-one platform to accelerate global trade. Windward’s AI-powered decision support and exception management platform, enhanced with Generative AI, offers a 360° view of the maritime ecosystem and enables stakeholders to make real time, predictive intelligence-driven decisions to achieve business and operational readiness.
By integrating advanced AI and Generative AI capabilities, Windward delivers deeper insights, automated risk analysis, and enhanced maritime intelligence and context. Windward’s Maritime AI™ supports companies across industries. The company’s clients range from energy supermajors, shipowners, mining companies, freight forwarders, and port authorities, to banks, insurers, and governmental organizations.
– School awarded HK$58,000 grant to advance STEM programming
HONG KONG, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A team of students from Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School has received an honorable mention, securing the third place in the Otis Asia Pacific region in the Otis Made to Move Communities student challenge, a competition in which students apply principles of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to propose solutions to real-world urban mobility issues.
Over the last several months, the students, with the guidance of Otis volunteer mentors, designed solutions leveraging AI technology aimed at enabling more inclusive mobility in their communities, and presented their ideas to Otis judges from the Otis Asia Pacific region. Otis is the world’s leading elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation and service company.
Their solution of using AI to assist visually impaired residents in navigating more easily on a minibus received an honorable mention in the region, and earned the school a HK$58,000 grant to advance STEM programming.
“We are deeply grateful to Otis for providing this invaluable opportunity through the Made to Move Communities program. Our students have had an incredible experience learning from the Otis mentors and applying their STEM knowledge to tackle real-world mobility challenges. The third-place finish in the Asia Pacific regional competition shows their dedication and innovation, as they worked tirelessly to develop an AI-powered solution enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in urban transportation,” said Acting Deputy Principal cum Director of International Division, Ms Jacqui Koo. “This recognition not only validates their hard work but also inspires them to continue exploring STEM fields and making a positive impact in their community. The HK$58,000 grant accompanying this achievement will be instrumental in advancing our STEM programmes, enabling further investment in resources and experiences that nurture the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators. As a school that advocates and encourages students to embrace the spirit of “Strive for Excellence, Dare to Challenge,” we are thrilled to see them engage so passionately and look forward to building on this success in future competitions.”
“I would like to congratulate the Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School on their impressive achievement,” said Michael Lee, SVP of Service, Otis Greater China, and Managing Director of Otis Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan. “This is the fifth year for HMT to join the MTMC challenge. I am always inspired by the creativity, commitment, and skill demonstrated by the student team. We hope that this experience has sparked a passion in them and other students in the program to continue exploring STEM fields. At the same time, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Otis volunteers for their great support of the program.”
About the Made to Move Communities challenge
Launched in 2020, the Made to Move Communities challenge engages young minds to explore real-world urbanization challenges and develop innovative solutions with the potential to create more connected communities and improve mobility for all. This initiative brings together students, educators, and Otis colleagues as mentors with the goals of advancing STEM and leadership skills to help build the next generation of talent, ensuring future workforce readiness, and sustaining innovation.
Each year, the program focuses on a different theme that aligns with global priorities, such as sustainability, accessibility or technology. This year’s theme had students incorporate Artificial Intelligence into their proposals. Students are encouraged to think critically and creatively, applying STEM principles to address mobility-related issues. Through workshops, mentorship, and collaboration, participants gain valuable insights and skills that prepare them for future careers while making a positive impact on society. Participating schools also receive grants at the conclusion of the program to support ongoing STEM education.
This year, more than 250 students globally from dozens of schools participated in the challenge. To date, the Made to Move Communities program has reached more than 1,000 student participants, involved more than 950 Otis volunteer mentors, and delivered nearly 90 grants totalling over $1 million to support ongoing STEM education at participating schools.
To learn more about the Made to Move Communities challenge, visit www.otis.com/mtmc.
Student team of Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School has received an honorable mention, securing the third place in the Otis Asia Pacific region in the Otis Made to Move Communities student challenge. They take photo with Otis volunteer mentors and program lead.
Nouhak Phoumsavanh's old residence in Nongping village, Boualapha District, Khammouane province. (Photo credit: Pathedlao)
Khammuoane authorities are turning former president Nouhak Phoumsavanh’s old residence into a national memorial to honor his legacy as one of Laos’ most influential revolutionary leaders.
On 5 May, Khammoune Governor Vanxay Phongsavanh and provincial officials visited Nongping village in Boualapha District to inspect the renovation of the historic home once occupied by the late Lao President.
Funded by the provincial government, the project includes restoration of the roof, interior structure, and surrounding landscape. The plan also features land demarcation and the construction of a 35-kilometer road connecting Nha Waed village to Thang Bang Nam Jala village to improve accessibility.
khammouane authorities inspect the progress of Nouhak’s former house. Nongping village, Bualapha district, Khammouane district, 05 may 2025. (Photo credit: Lao National Radio)
Born in Thailand in 1914, but holding a Lao nationality, Nouhak later moved to Savannakhet as a young man, working as a truck driver and owning a trucking business, operating between Laos and Vietnam, where he met the Vietminh. In 1933, he married Chanthom, with whom he had four children. Later, in 1944, he married Bounma Phoumsavanh, and they had five children together.
Around 1945, Nouhak connected with Souphanouvong and represented the Lao Issara movement. During the First Indochina War, he led guerrilla operations in coordination with the Vietminh along the Lao-Vietnamese border.
In 1955, Nouhak Phoumsavanh emerged as one of the key founding members of the Lao People’s Party (later renamed the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, LPRP), establishing himself as a prominent leader in the resistance movement against French colonial rule. As part of the influential triumvirate that spearheaded the opposition, he played a pivotal role in the three-decade civil war that culminated in 1975.
The Pathet Lao movement, with Nouhak as one of the central figures, established Laos’ new era in 1975.
After the country’s revolution, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. From 1982 to 1989, he served as the first Vice President of the Ministerial Assembly and was a permanent member of the council. In 1989, he became President of the Supreme People’s Assembly. He later assumed the role of the third President of Laos, serving from 1992 to 1996, during a crucial phase in the nation’s development. Nouhak passed away on 9 September 2008 at the age of 94.
In 2011, a memorial honoring Nouhak was erected at his birthplace in Mukdahan to honor his legacy. Mukdahan Governor Charnwit Vasayangkorn and his sister, Sida Phoumsavanh, attended the ceremony at the site, marking another important step in preserving his contributions beyond the border.
SINGAPORE, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kantar has announced the appointment of Andy Gallagher, a seasoned global media and communications leader as the head of its creative and media business for Singapore.
Andy Gallagher, Head of Creative & Media Effectiveness, Singapore
Andy brings a wealth of experience specializing in media strategy, creative effectiveness and analytics. Over the years, he has worked closely with major publishers and advertisers to assess campaign performance and optimize touchpoint strategies to maximise ROI. Prior to this appointment, Andy was heading the ad measurement business for Amazon Ads in London, serving as the Go-To-Market (GTM) lead for measurement in Europe. In this role, he provided strategic advisory services across first- and third-party measurement solutions, delivering insights that showcased the value of the brand to advertisers and agencies.
This is Andy’s second stint with Kantar having worked in Kantar’s EU & US markets prior to joining Amazon. With leadership experience across both companies, Andy brings a seasoned perspective in media measurement, creative impact, and campaign effectiveness, making him a trusted advisor in the industry. A recognized thought leader and speaker, Andy has also featured at various industry events.
Commenting on the appointment, Jane Ng, General Manager, Insights Division, Kantar Singapore said, “I’m thrilled to have Andy join us at Kantar Singapore. With his deep expertise across media strategy, creative effectiveness and analytics, combined with a strong entrepreneurial mindset- he brings a powerful edge to our team. His leadership will be instrumental in elevating our creative and media offer and enriching our client partnerships. I’m excited about the role he will play in shaping the future of insights- helping brands navigate an increasingly complex media landscape with confidence and clarity”
Andy added, “I am thrilled to have re-joined Kantar as Head of Creative & Media effectiveness. As part of the new role, I’ve relocated to Singapore to lead the team and am excited to return to this best-in-class organization to help lead & drive strategy for the Singapore business. I look forward to collaborating with both regional and global clients to shape the future of their brands and provide guidance on data-driven, strategic business decisions.”
About Kantar
Kantar is the world’s leading marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world’s top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioural data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future. www.kantar.com
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Riyadh Air, the new national carrier of Saudi Arabia, and Loyalty Juggernaut, Inc. (LJI), an innovation leader in loyalty technology, announced today a strategic partnership to power Riyadh Air’s next-generation digital loyalty program, during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, UAE.
Displaying their commitment to a strategic alliance: James Mulroney, SVP of Client Engagement, Loyalty Juggernaut, and Kim Hardaker, Vice President of Customer Loyalty at Riyadh Air, present their signed agreement.
As Riyadh Air prepares to redefine travel experiences for a new era, the airline is building a loyalty program that is as modern, dynamic, and digitally native as the brand itself. Powered by Loyalty Juggernaut’s cloud-native GRAVTY® platform, Riyadh Air’s loyalty program will deliver a fully personalized, seamless, and rewarding experience for travelers worldwide.
“At Riyadh Air, we are committed to setting a new standard in customer experience,” said Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer of Riyadh Air. “Loyalty Juggernaut’s cutting-edge GRAVTY® platform allows us to create a digital-first loyalty program that matches the ambition, innovation, and scale of Riyadh Air. Together, we are shaping the future of travel loyalty.”
He added, “the program will feature real-time engagement, AI-driven personalization, expanded partnerships, dynamic earn and redemption opportunities, and a seamless mobile-first experience—redefining traditional loyalty for a new generation of travelers.”
Designed for scale and innovation, the GRAVTY® platform’s modular, API-first architecture ensures rapid deployment, future-proof scalability, and effortless integration with Riyadh Air’s broader digital ecosystem.
“We are honored to partner with Riyadh Air in this landmark initiative,” said Shyam Shah, CEO of Loyalty Juggernaut. “Our mission is to elevate loyalty into a strategic growth engine. GRAVTY®‘s nextgen capabilities will enable Riyadh Air to deliver extraordinary value to its guests and partners, setting a bold new benchmark in airline loyalty.”
The new loyalty program is expected to launch ahead of Riyadh Air’s inaugural flights and will be a core pillar of the airline’s broader customer engagement and growth strategy.
This partnership represents a shared vision: to build a loyalty experience that goes beyond points and miles—to create lasting emotional engagement with travelers at every touchpoint.
About Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air is Saudi Arabia’s new world-class airline, launched to connect the Kingdom to more than 100 destinations worldwide. Headquartered in Riyadh and backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air is committed to delivering an exceptional, technology-driven travel experience that reflects the future of aviation.
About Loyalty Juggernaut
Loyalty Juggernaut (LJI) is a leading B2B SaaS provider of next-generation loyalty and customer engagement solutions. LJI’s flagship GRAVTY® platform powers some of the world’s most innovative loyalty ecosystems, enabling enterprises to elevate loyalty into a measurable, strategic growth engine. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, LJI serves leading brands across industries, including airlines, retail, hospitality, and financial services.