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PT Danantara Investment Management opens DPT registration for PSEL partners


JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2026 – In its efforts to accelerate the energy transition while addressing the growing challenge of urban waste, the government has tapped PT Danantara Investment Management (DIM) to seek capable partners in developing waste-to-energy (WtE) power plant projects, locally known as Pengolahan Sampah Menjadi Energi Listrik (PSEL).

The PSEL program is supported by Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 109/2025, which governs urban waste management through environmentally sustainable renewable energy solutions.

The initiative begins with the establishment of a verified providers list (Daftar Penyedia Terverifikasi or DPT), a pre-qualification mechanism designed to identify companies with proven track records, strong financial capacity and technical expertise in WtE.

To that end, collaboration with private partners scheme reflects the government’s intention to share risks with the private sector while leveraging its expertise, ensuring that projects are not only delivered but also remain operationally sustainable.

Participation in the DPT is open to single entities and consortiums, both local and foreign, provided their countries maintain diplomatic relations with Indonesia.

In addition, DIM has appointed an independent registration and verification (R&V) agent to ensure a credible and transparent process, ensuring that prospective partners included in the list undergo a structured and transparent evaluation.

“The program is designed to ensure that the establishment of the DPT is carried out in a transparent and systematic manner, in line with good governance principles,” PT Danantara Investment Management said in an official statement.

The submission period for verification documents will run from March 25 to April 25, with DIM set to hold virtual technical discussions (aanwijzing) in two cycles to provide further clarity on technical requirements. The first cycle is scheduled for March 26, followed by the second on April 1. Each cycle will include two sessions to accommodate across different time zones.

While attendance at the aanwijzing sessions is not mandatory, they are expected to serve as an important forum for prospective participants to better understand the application requirements before submitting final documents through the official channel.

Interested companies can write indication of interest by email through registrationwte@danantaraindonesia.com

For further information, providers may refer to

https://www.danantaraindonesia.co.id/media-center/highlight/dim-waste-to-energy-verified-participants-list-registration-2026

Hashtag: #Danantara

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

A NIGHT TO ROAR: LIONS RETURN HOME AFTER HISTORIC ASIAN CUP QUALIFICATION

  • Head Coach Gavin Lee and captain Hariss Harun rally supporters for the Lions’ final home match of the campaign
  • Fan zones and live entertainment set to mark a historic night for Singapore football

SINGAPORE, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 secured following a hard-fought victory away against Hong Kong SAR, the Singapore Men’s National Team now turns its sights to finishing a historic campaign on a high as they return to the National Stadium on March 31 to take on Bangladesh in their final Group C qualifier (8pm kick-off).

Lions return home after historic Asian Cup qualification
Lions return home after historic Asian Cup qualification

The fixture marks the Lions’ final competitive appearance in the Asian Cup at home before they head to Saudi Arabia next January, offering supporters a rare opportunity to celebrate the team’s historic achievement and send them off in style.

Matchweek begins at Kallang Wave Mall

In the lead-up to matchday, supporters can take part in a series of fan engagement activities across the Kallang precinct.

Following heartland stops at Our Tampines Hub and Bishan Community Club, the Through the Tunnel exhibition will continue at Kallang Wave Mall from 16 to 31 March. Developed in partnership with The Straits Times and Playback Asia, the showcase traces defining moments in Singapore football history, from the 1994 Malaysia Cup triumph to the Lions’ recent qualification milestone. 

From 28 to 31 March, Kallang Wave Mall will also host football-themed game stations, a mosaic photo wall, and merchandise displays. A Lions meet-and-greet session on 28 March will give fans the opportunity to interact with Head Coach Gavin Lee, captain Hariss Harun, and selected national team players ahead of matchday.

Arrive early: Pre-match Fan Zones and Stadium activations

On 31 March, supporters are encouraged to arrive early to take part in pre-match fan zones and stadium activations around the National Stadium.

Stadium gates will open from 6pm, with early arrivals able to enjoy activities including:

  • Shopee Sure-Win Scratch Card digital giveaways
  • Airbrush tattoos and sticker stations
  • On-site jersey customisation
  • Dedicated photo installations and welcome boards

From 7pm, the energy inside the stadium will build with crowd engagement activities including:

  • Freebie drops from the stadium terraces
  • A live Kallang Roar Noise Meter encouraging fans to power the stadium atmosphere
  • A matchday grand draw, where one lucky supporter will win a brand-new Dongfeng electric vehicle
  • Live pre-match performance by Shazza

Half-Time Show and Matchday Entertainment

Entertainment will continue at half-time with a live performance by Singapore artist Iman Fandi, alongside the interactive Shopee Shake, where fans can participate through the Shopee app for a chance to win Shopee Coins. 

Supporters will also have the opportunity to win Shopee vouchers worth up to $888 through the Shopee Sure-Win Scratch Card activation.

Event-exclusive matchday memorabilia

To mark the milestone, a complimentary Playback Asia AFC Qualifying Campaign Commemorative Card will also be available exclusively to supporters in attendance. These will be available at the in stadia merchandise booths while stocks last. 

This limited-edition card commemorates Singapore’s qualification on merit, capturing the emotion of that breakthrough night in Hong Kong. 

Post-match celebrations

Following the final whistle, the Lions will return to the pitch to thank supporters before the evening concludes with a stadium-wide pyrotechnic display, celebrating Singapore’s successful qualification campaign. 

Rallying the Nation

Head Coach Gavin Lee emphasised the importance of finishing the campaign strongly. 

“Qualification is a significant milestone but it’s not the ceiling for this group,” said Lee. We’ve built our campaign on discipline, focus and consistency, and those standards don’t change with qualification secured. 

“Playing at the National Stadium is always special. The support we’ve felt throughout this campaign has given the players real belief and we want to repay that with a performance that reflects our standards.”

Team captain Hariss Harun echoed that sentiment, saying, “It’s been a demanding campaign, and the support from our fans – both home and away – has made a real difference.” 

“We’ll approach this game with the same hunger and discipline, but there’s something special about finishing at home. Playing in front of our families and supporters means a lot, and we hope everyone comes early, brings the noise and helps make it a strong finish together,” urged Hariss. 

Ongoing fan engagement

Beyond matchday, supporters can continue to show their support to the team through various ongoing initiatives, including The Roar Challenge on TikTok and official Lions merchandise available online and at selected activations. 

With a spot at the AFC Asian Cup 2027 secured and preparations already underway for the challenges ahead, the Lions now turn their attention to delivering a strong performance at home, in front of a passionate home crowd. 

Singapore vs Bangladesh

31 March 2026
National Stadium
Kick-off: 8pm
Tickets are available via Ticketek

ABOUT THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE

The Football Association of Singapore is responsible for developing and advancing the game at all levels. Providing a structure for the game to flourish and governing the running of football in Singapore, the FAS also ensures that the Laws of the Game are adhered to, from the professional league to amateur leagues.

The FAS also manages the organisation and running of league and cup competitions, the stewardship of international teams, the establishment of youth development, women’s football, refereeing and coaching frameworks.

The mission of the FAS is to develop a vibrant football culture to enhance national life, strengthen social harmony and evoke the Singapore spirit.

For more information, please visit us at: 

Jay Chou’s New Album “Children of the Sun” Set for Release, Pre-orders Launched on Tencent Music Entertainment Group’s Platforms

SHENZHEN, China, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Millions of music fans are eagerly awaiting another historic moment for Mandopop. After three years and eight months, iconic Mandopop artist Jay Chou is set to release his 16th studio album, “Children of the Sun.” Pre-orders officially began at 13:00 on March 19 across Tencent Music Entertainment Group’s three major platforms: QQ Music, Kugou Music, and Kuwo Music.


From youthful anthems to legendary status, Jay Chou now makes a monumental return under the title “Children of the Sun.” While staying true to his signature style, he pushes musical boundaries with 13 meticulously crafted tracks that construct a complete narrative dimension. Each melody embodies warmth and power, further continuing the timeless legacy of Mandopop.

As the exclusive pre-order and collaboration platform for the album in mainland China, Tencent Music Entertainment Group is committed to delivering an unparalleled music experience for fans in return for their enduring support. QQ Music and Kugou Music have specially launched “Children of the Sun” SVIP Limited Bundles, offering two premium collectible editions: the “Commemorative Card Edition” includes two NFC collector’s cards and physical lyric cards, seamlessly blending technology with ritual; the “Commemorative Medal Edition” features a physical medal marking the king’s triumphant return, creating an exclusive music memorabilia piece with high collection value.

Pre-orders are now open across Tencent Music platforms–QQ Music, Kugou Music, and Kuwo Music, with the official release scheduled for March 25. Join us in celebrating this timeless musical journey and witness the return of the king of Mandopop.

 

The USD 3 Trillion Opportunity: Priority Pass Reveals How Sports and Wellness Travel Is Redefining Payment Cardholder Expectations

  • In an era of economic uncertainty, consumers are seeking more meaningful, life-changing experiences – and financial services brands are ideally placed to provide.
  • 79% of global respondents with travel perks chose their payment card because of their sports and wellness travel interests.
  • Over a third (35%) of global respondents with travel benefits are more likely to consider other products from the same issuing bank, compared to 19% of those without. 

SINGAPORE, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Priority Pass, the world’s original and leading airport experiences programme, has today released the findings of its new report ‘From Stadiums to Spas: Unlocking the Explosive Growth of Sports and Wellness Travel. Sports tourism is projected to reach over USD 2tn by 2032[1], and wellness tourism more than USD 910bn by 2030.[2] Surveying over 12,000 travellers across 20 markets, including seven in Asia Pacific (APAC), Priority Pass’ latest global research report reveals how sports and wellness are inspiring the next wave of travel, and in turn, experience-led journeys.

The report uncovers a developing trend in traveller behaviour: sports and wellness enthusiasts are designing their itineraries around major sporting events or wellness retreats, from live football matches to digital detoxes in nature. Globally, of those who travel for sports and wellness, nearly half (47%) did so for wellness, 20% for sports, and a third (33%) travel for both.

Across APAC, 46% of younger travellers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, actively seek new experiences such as global sporting events while travelling, above the global average of 42%. Furthermore, this group is using sports travel as a jumping-off point for new experiences, with nearly half (49%) motivated to explore new cities as part of the same trip.

When it comes to wellness travel, APAC travellers are looking to unwind. Their top travel motivators include relaxing, recharging, and disconnecting from daily stress (61%), followed by improving mental (52%) and physical (39%) wellbeing. Additionally, almost a third (32%) of younger travellers from the region report booking wellness trips to ‘digitally detox’.

Cardholder Behaviour: Perks Drive Card Selection, Spend, and Loyalty

For financial institutions, the message is clear: meaningful travel benefits drive engagement, spend and loyalty. Globally, 56% of sports and wellness travellers receive travel-related benefits through their most-used payment card, with nearly four in five (79%) influenced to acquire their card due to their sports and wellness travel interests. In APAC, this rises to 64% and 83% respectively. Among those who don’t currently have such perks, 70% within APAC expressed a desire for a card that would enhance their sporting and wellness travel pursuits.

These benefits don’t just influence card selection; they drive usage, too. Globally, 46% of cardholders with travel benefits say it encourages them to use their card more frequently for general spending, compared to just 29% of those without. The impact on loyalty is equally significant; in APAC, over half (56%) of cardholders with travel benefits on their payment card feel valued, while over a third (39%) report feeling loyal to their card provider. Additionally, more than a third (37%) of cardholders in APAC with travel benefits are more likely to consider other products from the same issuer, highlighting the long-term commercial value.

In an era of economic uncertainty, consumers are seeking more meaningful, life-changing experiences that they would not otherwise have access to. This shift marks a pivotal opportunity for banks and card issuers to elevate their role from financial provider to lifestyle enabler, delivering meaningful, experience-led benefits that inspire loyalty, capture high-value segments, and secure long-term growth.

“Cardholders today are looking to brands for access to rewarding experiences that enrich their lives and reflect their true passions,” said Christopher Evans, CEO of Collinson International. “Our report highlights how brands have a unique opportunity to support their customers’ thirst for meaningful experiences – whether that’s wellness retreats, exclusive sports events, or premium lounge access – often opening doors to opportunities they may not otherwise have. These very memorable experiences, create a more emotional connection that delivers lasting value and greater loyalty. Brands that empower their customers to pursue their passions and travel interests are best placed to build genuine, long-term relationships in this new, experience-driven era.”

“Across Asia Pacific, sports and wellness experiences are increasingly shaping how travellers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, plan their trips and prioritise spending. With the region’s sports and wellness tourism markets expected to reach nearly USD 962bn[3] by 2030, it reflects a fundamental shift in how travellers define value, prioritise wellbeing, and pursue happiness through travel,” said Todd Handcock, Chief Commercial Officer and Asia Pacific Executive Chair, Collinson International. “Our research underscores the rising demand of sports and wellness tourism, providing actionable insights on where brands should focus their investments so as to drive deeper customer engagement and loyalty, as this region continues to play a pivotal role in this next phase of travel growth.”

To enhance the traveller experience, Priority Pass members can access more than 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences worldwide, complemented by a suite of end-to-end services that remove friction at every touchpoint: from transfers and car hire to lounge access, tranquil spas, sleep pods and gaming lounges. In addition, access to digital travel wellness companion, TrvlWell, enhances health and wellness while travelling.

By integrating Priority Pass into their offerings, brands can deliver the premium experiences aspirational travellers seek, from a variety of airport and travel experiences to wellness partnerships that support traveller fitness, nutrition, and recovery. This approach helps to move them beyond transactional service providers to facilitators of the lifestyles their premium customers cherish; differentiating card propositions through solutions that genuinely matter.

Methodology

Research commissioned by Priority Pass and independently conducted by Qualtrics, between 05.09.25 and 26.09.25 among a sample of 12,557 travellers from 20 markets including: Hong Kong (SAR) (524), India (1050), Indonesia (1049), Japan (521), Singapore (523), South Korea (517) and Thailand (525).

All respondents self-reported as having travelled / plan to be travelling for sports and / or wellness (past 12 months and / or next 12 months).

Younger generations are categorised as Millennials and Gen Z and older generations are categorised as Gen X, Baby Boomers, and Silent Generation.

 

About Priority Pass

Priority Pass is the world’s original and market-leading airport experiences programme. We provide travellers with access to over 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences in 841 airports in 146 countries. Members can access an ever-growing range of premium experiences – from spas to sleeping pods to dining – that help elevate every journey into something special. By building partnerships with other leading brands, we help to bring a better travel experience to the world.

Priority Pass is owned and operated by Collinson International, part of The Collinson Group, a family-owned business. Formed over 35 years ago, it now has five distinct operating companies that generate a combined annual revenue of £1.9bn, employing more than 2,000 people across 19 countries.

The USD 3 Trillion Opportunity: Priority Pass Reveals How Sports and Wellness Travel Is Redefining Payment Cardholder Expectations

  • In an era of economic uncertainty, consumers are seeking more meaningful, life-changing experiences – and financial services brands are ideally placed to provide.
  • 79% of global respondents with travel perks chose their payment card because of their sports and wellness travel interests.
  • Over a third (35%) of global respondents with travel benefits are more likely to consider other products from the same issuing bank, compared to 19% of those without. 

SINGAPORE, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Priority Pass, the world’s original and leading airport experiences programme, has today released the findings of its new report ‘From Stadiums to Spas: Unlocking the Explosive Growth of Sports and Wellness Travel. Sports tourism is projected to reach over USD 2tn by 2032[1], and wellness tourism more than USD 910bn by 2030.[2] Surveying over 12,000 travellers across 20 markets, including seven in Asia Pacific (APAC), Priority Pass’ latest global research report reveals how sports and wellness are inspiring the next wave of travel, and in turn, experience-led journeys.

The report uncovers a developing trend in traveller behaviour: sports and wellness enthusiasts are designing their itineraries around major sporting events or wellness retreats, from live football matches to digital detoxes in nature. Globally, of those who travel for sports and wellness, nearly half (47%) did so for wellness, 20% for sports, and a third (33%) travel for both.

Across APAC, 46% of younger travellers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, actively seek new experiences such as global sporting events while travelling, above the global average of 42%. Furthermore, this group is using sports travel as a jumping-off point for new experiences, with nearly half (49%) motivated to explore new cities as part of the same trip.

When it comes to wellness travel, APAC travellers are looking to unwind. Their top travel motivators include relaxing, recharging, and disconnecting from daily stress (61%), followed by improving mental (52%) and physical (39%) wellbeing. Additionally, almost a third (32%) of younger travellers from the region report booking wellness trips to ‘digitally detox’.

Cardholder Behaviour: Perks Drive Card Selection, Spend, and Loyalty

For financial institutions, the message is clear: meaningful travel benefits drive engagement, spend and loyalty. Globally, 56% of sports and wellness travellers receive travel-related benefits through their most-used payment card, with nearly four in five (79%) influenced to acquire their card due to their sports and wellness travel interests. In APAC, this rises to 64% and 83% respectively. Among those who don’t currently have such perks, 70% within APAC expressed a desire for a card that would enhance their sporting and wellness travel pursuits.

These benefits don’t just influence card selection; they drive usage, too. Globally, 46% of cardholders with travel benefits say it encourages them to use their card more frequently for general spending, compared to just 29% of those without. The impact on loyalty is equally significant; in APAC, over half (56%) of cardholders with travel benefits on their payment card feel valued, while over a third (39%) report feeling loyal to their card provider. Additionally, more than a third (37%) of cardholders in APAC with travel benefits are more likely to consider other products from the same issuer, highlighting the long-term commercial value.

In an era of economic uncertainty, consumers are seeking more meaningful, life-changing experiences that they would not otherwise have access to. This shift marks a pivotal opportunity for banks and card issuers to elevate their role from financial provider to lifestyle enabler, delivering meaningful, experience-led benefits that inspire loyalty, capture high-value segments, and secure long-term growth.

“Cardholders today are looking to brands for access to rewarding experiences that enrich their lives and reflect their true passions,” said Christopher Evans, CEO of Collinson International. “Our report highlights how brands have a unique opportunity to support their customers’ thirst for meaningful experiences – whether that’s wellness retreats, exclusive sports events, or premium lounge access – often opening doors to opportunities they may not otherwise have. These very memorable experiences, create a more emotional connection that delivers lasting value and greater loyalty. Brands that empower their customers to pursue their passions and travel interests are best placed to build genuine, long-term relationships in this new, experience-driven era.”

“Across Asia Pacific, sports and wellness experiences are increasingly shaping how travellers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, plan their trips and prioritise spending. With the region’s sports and wellness tourism markets expected to reach nearly USD 962bn[3] by 2030, it reflects a fundamental shift in how travellers define value, prioritise wellbeing, and pursue happiness through travel,” said Todd Handcock, Chief Commercial Officer and Asia Pacific Executive Chair, Collinson International. “Our research underscores the rising demand of sports and wellness tourism, providing actionable insights on where brands should focus their investments so as to drive deeper customer engagement and loyalty, as this region continues to play a pivotal role in this next phase of travel growth.”

To enhance the traveller experience, Priority Pass members can access more than 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences worldwide, complemented by a suite of end-to-end services that remove friction at every touchpoint: from transfers and car hire to lounge access, tranquil spas, sleep pods and gaming lounges. In addition, access to digital travel wellness companion, TrvlWell, enhances health and wellness while travelling.

By integrating Priority Pass into their offerings, brands can deliver the premium experiences aspirational travellers seek, from a variety of airport and travel experiences to wellness partnerships that support traveller fitness, nutrition, and recovery. This approach helps to move them beyond transactional service providers to facilitators of the lifestyles their premium customers cherish; differentiating card propositions through solutions that genuinely matter.

Methodology

Research commissioned by Priority Pass and independently conducted by Qualtrics, between 05.09.25 and 26.09.25 among a sample of 12,557 travellers from 20 markets including: Hong Kong (SAR) (524), India (1050), Indonesia (1049), Japan (521), Singapore (523), South Korea (517) and Thailand (525).

All respondents self-reported as having travelled / plan to be travelling for sports and / or wellness (past 12 months and / or next 12 months).

Younger generations are categorised as Millennials and Gen Z and older generations are categorised as Gen X, Baby Boomers, and Silent Generation.

About Priority Pass

Priority Pass is the world’s original and market-leading airport experiences programme. We provide travellers with access to over 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences in 841 airports in 146 countries. Members can access an ever-growing range of premium experiences – from spas to sleeping pods to dining – that help elevate every journey into something special. By building partnerships with other leading brands, we help to bring a better travel experience to the world.

Priority Pass is owned and operated by Collinson International, part of The Collinson Group, a family-owned business. Formed over 35 years ago, it now has five distinct operating companies that generate a combined annual revenue of £1.9bn, employing more than 2,000 people across 19 countries.

A story with power: Baseload Capital launches second Our Hidden Powers children’s boo

How different energy sources can learn from one another and work together, for a planet in balance

STOCKHOLM, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Our Hidden Powers: The Big Switch is the second book in Baseload’s children’s series. It builds on the topic of the first book, how energy sources can work together, but this time introduces a controversial figure: Fossi.

Written by Baseload Capital’s CMO, Kristina Hagström-Ilievska, the illustrated book brings a new classmate to its cast of energy characters. At first, nobody wants to sit beside Fossi. They say he smells. But as events unfold, they discover that Fossi has a hidden treasure.

The story reflects on the role fossil fuels have played in shaping modern society, while showing how geothermal energy can use knowledge, technology, and experience from the fossil fuel sector, to help restore balance to our planet. One built on innovation, collaboration, and solutions that work together across the energy system.

“With this second book, we wanted to approach the energy conversation in a balanced way,” says Kristina. “Understanding how we got here is just as important as thinking about where we go next, and that means acknowledging the historical importance of fossil fuel. At the same time, renewable energy, including geothermal with its always-on availability, will be increasingly important in the years ahead. Through storytelling, we can introduce these ideas to new audiences in a way that feels hopeful and is easy to relate to.”

“The book is written to spark conversations about energy and climate change,” says Alexander Helling, CEO of Baseload Capital. “While the primary target group is children, the aim is also to ignite dialogues in the wider energy sector as well as with policy makers and investors who strive for positive impact.”

Print copies of the book are currently available across the EU, with wider availability expected soon. The e-book is already accessible worldwide for those who prefer a digital format.

English (web shop in Swedish, book content in English)

Swedish

For more information, please contact:
Kristina Hagström-Ilievska CMO, Baseload Capital
kristina.hagstrom.ilievska@baseloadcap.com
Tel: +46 (0) 732330039

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com.

https://news.cision.com/baseload-capital-sweden-ab/r/a-story-with-power–baseload-capital-launches-second-our-hidden-powers-children-s-boo,c4323464

The following files are available for download:

 

Thunes and Banco Cathay of Costa Rica Launch Pay-to-Wallet Payments via Swift

SINGAPORE, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, today announced a new breakthrough in cross-border payments with the successful activation of Pay-to-Wallet by Banco Cathay of Costa Rica.

This innovative solution transforms the reach and efficiency of Banco Cathay’s cross-border offering, enabling seamless digital disbursements to markets where mobile wallets are the dominant payment method.

With Thunes’ Pay-to-Wallet solution, any bank connected to Swift’s global network can join Thunes’ Direct Global Network and unlock fast, transparent, and secure payments to mobile wallets with minimal operational lift. Transactions are powered by Thunes’ SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, ensuring end-to-end control, visibility, protection, and cost-efficiency.

Chloé Mayenobe , Deputy CEO at Thunes, said: “Thanks to our Pay-to-Wallet solution, any financial institution can utilise their existing secure Swift connectivity to access our Direct Global Network and send instant payments to billions of mobile wallets worldwide. Our alliance with Banco Cathay of Costa Rica proves what’s possible when traditional banking infrastructure meets next-generation payment rails. It’s important progress for financial inclusion and another example of how Thunes is enabling cross-border interoperability.”

Franklin Wang , Commercial Manager at Banco Cathay of Costa Rica added: “We’re proud to bring this powerful capability to life. We are enabling faster, simpler, and more accessible cross-border payments for our customers who want to make payments to mobile wallets.”

This step strengthens Thunes’ commitment to building a more inclusive financial ecosystem and extending fast, modern payment services to underbanked and mobile-first populations. By bridging traditional banking infrastructure with the mobile wallet economy, Thunes and the Members of its Network are laying the groundwork for the next era of global payments.

 

About Thunes:

Thunes is the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world. Thunes’ proprietary Direct Global Network allows Members to make payments in real-time in over 130 countries and more than 80 currencies. Thunes’ Network connects directly to over 7 billion mobile wallets, stablecoin wallets and bank accounts worldwide, as well as 15 billion cards via more than 320 different payment methods, such as GCash, M-Pesa, Airtel, MTN, Orange, JazzCash, Easypaisa, AliPay, WeChat Pay and many more. Thunes’ Direct Global Network differentiates itself through its worldwide reach, in-house SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, ensuring Members of the Network receive unrivaled speed, control, visibility, protection, and cost efficiencies when making real-time payments, globally. Members of Thunes’ Direct Global Network include gig economy giants like Uber and Deliveroo, super-apps like Grab and WeChat, MTOs, fintechs, PSPs and banks. Headquartered in Singapore, Thunes has offices in 14 locations, including Atlanta, Barcelona, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Manila, Nairobi, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco and Shanghai. For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/

About Banco Cathay of Costa Rica:

Banco Cathay of Costa Rica started its operations in March, 1998 and after 26 years of trajectory, it has established itself as a model institution of its kind due to the quality of services it provides, the professionalism of its human resources, the variety of products it offers, the technological support that covers all its operations and the vision of its management team.

It continues being the only bank in Costa Rica that has a close relationship with the Oriental Population established in the country, as a result of an Oriental Staff, with the same culture, idiosyncrasy and behavior, who make them feel confident.

For more information, visit: https://www.bancocathay.com/

Thunes and Banco Cathay of Costa Rica Launch Pay-to-Wallet Payments via Swift

SINGAPORE, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, today announced a new breakthrough in cross-border payments with the successful activation of Pay-to-Wallet by Banco Cathay of Costa Rica.

This innovative solution transforms the reach and efficiency of Banco Cathay’s cross-border offering, enabling seamless digital disbursements to markets where mobile wallets are the dominant payment method.

With Thunes’ Pay-to-Wallet solution, any bank connected to Swift’s global network can join Thunes’ Direct Global Network and unlock fast, transparent, and secure payments to mobile wallets with minimal operational lift. Transactions are powered by Thunes’ SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, ensuring end-to-end control, visibility, protection, and cost-efficiency.

Chloé Mayenobe , Deputy CEO at Thunes, said: “Thanks to our Pay-to-Wallet solution, any financial institution can utilise their existing secure Swift connectivity to access our Direct Global Network and send instant payments to billions of mobile wallets worldwide. Our alliance with Banco Cathay of Costa Rica proves what’s possible when traditional banking infrastructure meets next-generation payment rails. It’s important progress for financial inclusion and another example of how Thunes is enabling cross-border interoperability.”

Franklin Wang , Commercial Manager at Banco Cathay of Costa Rica added: “We’re proud to bring this powerful capability to life. We are enabling faster, simpler, and more accessible cross-border payments for our customers who want to make payments to mobile wallets.”

This step strengthens Thunes’ commitment to building a more inclusive financial ecosystem and extending fast, modern payment services to underbanked and mobile-first populations. By bridging traditional banking infrastructure with the mobile wallet economy, Thunes and the Members of its Network are laying the groundwork for the next era of global payments.

 

About Thunes:

Thunes is the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world. Thunes’ proprietary Direct Global Network allows Members to make payments in real-time in over 130 countries and more than 80 currencies. Thunes’ Network connects directly to over 7 billion mobile wallets, stablecoin wallets and bank accounts worldwide, as well as 15 billion cards via more than 320 different payment methods, such as GCash, M-Pesa, Airtel, MTN, Orange, JazzCash, Easypaisa, AliPay, WeChat Pay and many more. Thunes’ Direct Global Network differentiates itself through its worldwide reach, in-house SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, ensuring Members of the Network receive unrivaled speed, control, visibility, protection, and cost efficiencies when making real-time payments, globally. Members of Thunes’ Direct Global Network include gig economy giants like Uber and Deliveroo, super-apps like Grab and WeChat, MTOs, fintechs, PSPs and banks. Headquartered in Singapore, Thunes has offices in 14 locations, including Atlanta, Barcelona, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Manila, Nairobi, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco and Shanghai. For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/

About Banco Cathay of Costa Rica:

Banco Cathay of Costa Rica started its operations in March, 1998 and after 26 years of trajectory, it has established itself as a model institution of its kind due to the quality of services it provides, the professionalism of its human resources, the variety of products it offers, the technological support that covers all its operations and the vision of its management team.

It continues being the only bank in Costa Rica that has a close relationship with the Oriental Population established in the country, as a result of an Oriental Staff, with the same culture, idiosyncrasy and behavior, who make them feel confident.

For more information, visit: https://www.bancocathay.com/