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Clarivate and CAPES Expand Landmark Partnership to Power Research and Innovation Across Brazil

New five-year agreement delivers critical academic and life sciences insights into more than 400 institutions, broadening access and driving national research excellence

LONDON, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, today announced the renewal of its multi-year partnership with CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior), significantly expanding access to trusted Academia & Government and Life Sciences & Healthcare data across over 400 Brazilian institutions. As compared to the previous contract, the agreement increases institutional coverage by 57%, extending the reach of high-quality research tools to universities and research centers across Brazil — from major metropolitan areas to the country’s most remote regions.

As a key agency under Brazil’s Ministry of Education, CAPES plays a vital role in advancing postgraduate education, supporting high-level training, and fostering international scientific collaboration. A long-standing partner to CAPES, Clarivate began its collaboration with the agency in 2001, when the Web of Science became one of the first databases integrated into the CAPES Portal. This new agreement builds on that legacy, delivering enhanced access to  solutions including Web of Science, Journal Citation Reports, Cortellis Drug Discovery Intelligence and Derwent Innovation Index.

By bringing together world-class data and insights from academic research and the life sciences and healthcare sectors, the agreement empowers researchers and practitioners at all levels — including scholars, policy advisors, biomedical scientists and healthcare professionals — to conduct innovative research, develop new treatments, improve patient care, and inform policy decisions. It provides broad access to critical information, advancing evidence-based discovery, education and decision-making across disciplines.

Matti Shem Tov, Chief Executive Officer, Clarivate, said: “This expanded partnership with CAPES is a powerful example of how strategic collaboration can accelerate research and innovation on a national scale. Brazil has made remarkable progress in advancing scientific excellence and global collaboration. We’re proud to support this momentum by providing trusted data, insights, and technology to researchers across the country — from early discovery through impact assessment. Our shared commitment to expanding access and fostering innovation will continue to shape the future of research in Brazil and beyond.”

Denise Pires de Carvalho, President, CAPES, said: “Brazil is experiencing a moment of growing scientific output beyond its major urban centers, with resources now being distributed in a more equitable and democratic way to boost productivity across all regions. This collaboration with Clarivate enables us to better understand the scientific production profile of Brazilian institutions and supports more informed investment decisions to reduce regional disparities, which remains a significant national challenge. Many researchers in the North, Northeast and Center-West have limited access to the resources needed to give visibility to their work and expanding that access can make a meaningful difference.”

The renewed partnership reflects a shared commitment to democratizing access to critical scientific information and enabling data-driven research excellence. Through Web of Science, Journal Citation Reports, and Derwent Innovation Index, academic institutions and government agencies gain deeper visibility into global research trends, publication impact, and innovation pathways — supporting policy development, institutional benchmarking, and scholarly advancement.

Complementing these capabilities, expanded access to Cortellis Drug Discovery Intelligence equips Brazil’s life sciences community — including postgraduate students, faculty, and biomedical researchers — with comprehensive insights across biology, pharmacology, and chemistry. From disease understanding and drug interactions to clinical studies and intellectual property, users can more efficiently navigate the full R&D lifecycle and accelerate decision-making in high-impact research areas.

By significantly expanding access to trusted research and innovation tools, this agreement supports CAPES’ mission to reduce regional disparities and foster inclusive academic excellence. Institutions from across Brazil — from leading urban universities to those in underserved and remote regions — can now leverage high-quality data to strengthen postgraduate programs, accelerate innovation, and elevate the global visibility of Brazilian research.

Clarivate values its collaboration with CAPES on this initiative to help shape a more connected, informed and future-ready research ecosystem across Brazil, and stands as a resource for academic consortia worldwide seeking to expand access to trusted research, data and insights.

To learn more about this partnership and the solutions now available to CAPES institutions, visit here.

Notes to editors

According to the most recent Institute for Scientific Information G20 research and innovation scorecard:

  • Around 40% of Brazilian research output is internationally collaborative, with many strong bilateral partnerships with the United States. It also participates in larger collaborations involving the U.S., the U.K., Spain, Germany, and France. Compared with other internationally collaborative output, these partnerships are producing papers with above average impact.
  • Its research output shows a strong focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Life on Land (SDG 15), with impact for both around 0.7 to 0.8 times the world average.
  • More broadly, Brazilian research output has a strong focus on the Life Sciences, while its output in Medicine has impact around 1.1 times the world average.
  • Around 40% of output is published in open access (OA) journals, with their Humanities and Languages output 2.4 times more likely to be published in an OA journal than the G20 average.

About Clarivate
Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com

About Fundação Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
Fundação Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) is a consortium dedicated to expanding and strengthening postgraduate studies in Brazil. It ensures the quality of academic programs while fostering the development of highly qualified professionals in research, teaching, and other strategic scientific fields.

Media contacts: 

Clarivate

Rebecca Krahenbuhl
Senior Manager, External Communications – Academia & Government
newsroom@clarivate.com

Catherine Daniel
Director, External Communications – Life Sciences & Healthcare
newsroom@clarivate.com

CAPES
João Mendes
Communications
joao.mendes@capes.gov.br  

 

‘Supplier Climate Alliance’ Fosters Cross-Sector Collaboration – Sino Group Launches the First Partnership Programme with Suppliers to Build a Green Supply Chain

HONG KONG, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Corporate carbon management and climate disclosure have gained significant importance and are recognised as vital steps towards achieving carbon neutrality. The ‘Supplier Climate Alliance’ (the ‘Alliance’), one of the first local initiatives aimed at raising awareness about climate change among suppliers, was officially launched. Through this initiative, Sino Group aims to foster cross-sector collaboration among industry players, academia, and the wider business community to engage climate-conscious suppliers, promote carbon management, encourage the disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions data, and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable supply chain.

The ‘Supplier Climate Alliance’ is an initiative led by Sino Group, with SGS Hong Kong Limited as a ‘Strategic Partner’ to support the professional verification of carbon data. The Alliance also collaborates with the Centre for Civil Society and Governance of The University of Hong Kong, Ernst & Young, the SME Sustainability Society, and the World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong as ‘Knowledge Partners’ to share their carbon management insights and experiences. Participating suppliers are encouraged to engage in workshops and sign the Carbon Management Pledge as a commitment to decarbonisation. The Alliance recently held a launch ceremony and thematic panel discussion, attended by Mr Arthur Lee, Commissioner for Climate Change at the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the HKSAR Government, Mr Paul Chow, Group General Counsel and Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Ms Miranda Kwan, Director of Business Assurance, SGS Hong Kong Limited, Ms Cindy Chow, Chief Financial Officer & Associate Director (Finance) of Sino Group, and over 50 supplier representatives from various sectors.

At the launch ceremony of the Supplier Climate Alliance, Mr Arthur Lee, Commissioner for Climate Change at the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the HKSAR Government, remarked, ‘The Hong Kong SAR Government is actively developing a sustainability disclosure ecosystem with the aim of realising the vision of carbon neutrality by 2050 and meeting the national “3060 Dual Carbon Targets”. Green transformation at an early stage will enable businesses to contribute to society and gain a competitive edge in the future low-carbon economy. I hope to see more suppliers joining the cause of carbon reduction and embarking on the green transformation of Hong Kong with us, so as to build a low-carbon future for our next generation.’

Ms Cindy Chow, Chief Financial Officer & Associate Director (Finance) of Sino Group, said, ‘Climate change is a significant global issue. We firmly believe that, in addition to enhancing our own climate resilience, we must collaborate with one another. We are delighted to launch the “Supplier Climate Alliance” with the support of various sectors, combining everyone’s expertise and efforts to promote a sustainable supply chain in Hong Kong. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Environment and Ecology Bureau and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited for their ongoing leadership and support in promoting sustainable development for local businesses. We look forward to implementing more carbon reduction measures and actions by connecting with like-minded partners and working together to build a sustainable city.’

The Alliance will provide regular learning experiences, including knowledge exchange and professional training, aimed at helping suppliers and their employees with essential knowledge about greenhouse gas emissions data collection while seeking to inspire them to strengthen their carbon management and implement best practices. Additionally, the Alliance will host various experiential activities to raise participants’ awareness about carbon reduction, including ‘Farm Together’ workshops, snorkelling experiences with understanding coral restoration at Ocean Park, and visits to Sino Inno Lab and The Spark. Approximately 40 suppliers have joined the Alliance, with more than half committing to the Carbon Management Pledge in alignment with Sino Group’s ‘Sustainability Vision 2030’ and the reduction targets for Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing climate-related information disclosure and carbon management reporting.

Ms Miranda Kwan, Director of Business Assurance, SGS Hong Kong Limited, remarked, ‘SGS is delighted to be part of the Supplier Climate Alliance, supporting the professional verification of carbon data in Sino Group’s supply chain. We are also grateful to witness Sino Group be among the first batch of local developers to receive the ISO 20400:2017 Sustainable Procurement – Guidance, incorporating sustainability principles into supply chain management.’

Sino Group is dedicated to integrating sustainable development into all aspects of its business and operations, encouraging colleagues, tenants, and residents to embrace sustainability together. The recently held ‘Sino Sustainability Month’ featured ten diverse tours, seminars, and experiential activities, attracting over 200 employees to participate. Programmes included discussions on ESG trends, ‘Farm Together’ workshops, snorkelling experiences, visits to the EcoBricks factory, food waste upcycling workshops, and more. These activities aimed to inspire participants to adopt a sustainability-focused mindset and integrate sustainable practices into their daily lives.

The ‘Supplier Climate Alliance’, one of the first local initiatives aimed at raising awareness about climate change among suppliers, was officially launched.
The ‘Supplier Climate Alliance’, one of the first local initiatives aimed at raising awareness about climate change among suppliers, was officially launched.

 

Cambodia to File Complaint With ICJ Over Thai Border Dispute

The Cambodian government, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, has announced its intention to formally submit a complaint to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding recent border tensions with Thailand. (Photo: The Phnom Penh Post)

AFP – Cambodia will file a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over border disputes with Thailand, Prime Minister Hun Manet said today, after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a recent frontier clash.

“Cambodia hopes that the Thai side will agree with Cambodia to jointly bring these issues to the International Court of Justice… to prevent armed confrontation again over border uncertainty,” Hun Manet said during a meeting between MPs and senators.

Military clashes between the Southeast Asian neighbours erupted in 2008 and have led to several years of sporadic violence, resulting in at least 28 deaths.

The most recent occurred Wednesday, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a location known as the Emerald Triangle, a joint border area between Cambodia, Thailand and Laos.

The day after, Cambodia’s foreign ministry sent a letter to the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh demanding “an immediate and thorough investigation” into the “unprovoked attack”.

Describing the incident as “a violation of Cambodian sovereignty”, Phnom Penh said it remained committed to resolving the issue through “peaceful and diplomatic avenues”.

Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet said that even if the Thai side did not agree on bringing the issue to the ICJ, Cambodia would still file the complaint.

He added that the border dispute was being “incited by small extremist groups in both countries”, which could lead to further clashes.

Thailand’s ministry of foreign affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.

Cambodia’s military had said they were attacked first in Wednesday’s incident, while the Thai side said their soldiers were responding to gunshots.

The Thai and Cambodian militaries met the following day, agreeing to ease tensions.

Thailand says a Joint Boundary Committee will meet in the next two weeks to resolve the issue.

The Emerald Triangle is among the areas that will be named in the ICJ complaint, Hun Manet said.

Another is Ta Moan Thom Temple, the backdrop for a video posted on social media earlier this year showing a woman singing a patriotic Khmer song which led to Bangkok lodging a formal protest to Phnom Penh.

Cambodia and Thailand have long been at odds over their more than 800-kilometre-long (500-mile) border, which was largely drawn during the French occupation of Indochina.

The 2008 military clashes erupted over a patch of land next to Preah Vihear Temple, a 900-year-old structure near their shared border.

This led to several years of sporadic violence before the International Court of Justice ruled the disputed area belonged to Cambodia.


© Agence France-Presse

OSL now offers sUSDe to eligible investors via OTC desk

HONG KONG, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OSL has introduced access to sUSDe for eligible investors through its over-the-counter (OTC) desk. This initiative, spearheaded by OSL Wealth, leverages the firm’s regulated infrastructure to deliver seamless trading and institutional-grade custody solutions.

Tony Luk, Head of OSL Wealth, commented: “Our clients are looking for dollar stability with real, sustainable returns—delivered through a trusted institution. By integrating sUSDe into OSL’s robust compliance, custody, and security framework, we’ve transformed a technically complex DeFi strategy into a simple, secure solution.”

Steven Shi, Head of Institutional Growth at Ethena Labs, added: “As one of the leading licensed entities providing digital asset services, OSL is an ideal partner for us. OSL Wealth’s adoption of sUSDe brings our globally accessible dollar-based savings asset to clients who demand both transparency and institutional-grade security.”

This launch marks a continued effort by OSL Wealth to bridge innovative DeFi solutions with the needs of institutional and professional investors in a secure, regulated environment.

About OSL Group

OSL Group (HKEX: 863.HK) is a leading global financial infrastructure platform bridging traditional finance and the digital asset economy through blockchain technology. The Group is dedicated to providing efficient, seamless, and regulatory-compliant financial services to individuals and businesses worldwide.

OSL delivers a comprehensive suite of regulated services through its licensed platforms, including 24/7 OTC brokerage with deep liquidity fiat gateways and competitive pricing; omnibus brokerage solutions enabling traditional financial institutions to integrate digital assets; SOC 2 Type 2-certified custody with up to US$1 billion insurance protection; and compliant retail trading channels; wealth management solutions, including scheduled launches on tokenised treasuries and RWAs; and in preparation for cross-border payment infrastructure via OSL Pay.

“Open, Secure, Licensed” are the principles OSL lives by. OSL is expanding its compliant infrastructure across Japan, Australia,  and Europe, potentially Southeast Asia, powering the next generation of global financial infrastructure.

For more information, please visit group.osl.com.

About Ethena Labs

Ethena is the protocol behind USDe, the third-largest and fastest growing USD-denominated crypto asset in history. Ethena has $6.2 billion in TVL today, alongside integrations with some of the largest centralized exchanges and major DeFi applications. Ethena Labs, a contributor to the protocol, is backed by Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, Dragonfly, Binance Labs, Bybit and OKX among others.

SPRING CITY RESORT ELEVATES ITS INTERNATIONAL STANDING AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S FINEST GOLF RESORT WITH KEY AWARDS AND ACCREDITATIONS

HONG KONG, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, Kunming today proudly announced that it had been honored with the prestigious Distinguished Golf Destination designation, the Hallmark of Excellence for a golf course, as determined by the Distinguished Golf Destinations program conducted by BoardRoom magazine in partnership with Forbes Travel Guide.

Spring City Golf & Lake Resort honored with the illustrious " Top 10 Golf Course Asia " award
Spring City Golf & Lake Resort honored with the illustrious ” Top 10 Golf Course Asia ” award

The merit-based designation recognizes exceptional golf courses that exceed expectations in the quality of service and amenities, facilities, and most importantly the teamwork of the staff and management. The elite status acknowledges the top 3% golfing destinations globally.

BoardRoom magazine’s entirely merit-based Distinguished Golf Destinations program adopts a stringent rating system that recognizes the facility, its management and its staff, based on a proprietary criteria and validation process that distills and measures a facility’s Distinguished Golf Experience.

“Spring City Golf & Lake Resort is delighted and honored to be the recipient of this prestigious golf designation.” explained Mr. Mervin Ho, Executive Vice President, Spring City Resort. “We very much appreciate being recognized and conferred with this elite status. It is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of all our staff who ensure every golfer playing at Spring City has a uniquely prestigious golfing experience.”

Mr. John Fornaro, Publisher and Co-founder of Boardroom magazine commented: “Congratulations to Spring City Resort under the leadership of Mervin on achieving such a distinguished status in the golf industry. Your success is a testament to the excellent quality leadership, exceptional golf experience, and outstanding teamwork within your organization. Your team’s dedication and hard work have set a remarkable example for others to follow, and your achievements are truly well-deserved.”

Furthermore, at the prestigious 2025 Top 100 Golf Course Asia Award Ceremony—hosted by www.asiagolftop100.com from May 11th to 13th—Spring City Resort was honored with the illustrious Top 10 Golf Course Asia  award, a testament to its unparalleled excellence as recognized by industry experts and hailed as one of the finest golfing destinations in Asia. Since its inception in 2015, the Top 100 Golf Course Asia Award has established itself as a beacon of prestige and influence across the Asian golfing landscape. More than just a definitive guide for discerning golf enthusiasts, it stands as a celebrated chronicle of the sport’s meteoric rise and enduring brilliance in the region.

Spring City Joins Links2Golf Global Golf Network
Spring City Resort has this month also been inducted into the worldwide Links2Golf golf community. Links2Golf is the world’s most comprehensive reciprocal golf course network, offering access to the finest collection of high-quality golf clubs in the world.

Since 2012, the Links2Golf network of Affiliated and Reciprocal clubs has grown to over 700 properties located in 53 countries around the world. The network serves an aggregated population of over 250,000 network golfers from participating network clubs. The main feature of a Links2Golf partnership for participating network clubs is the opportunity to offer reciprocal access to other destinations across the Links2Golf Network to their own members while creating revenue in need periods.

Spring City inaugurates the first of its kind golf experience platform to bolster tourism in China, with Trip.com
Earlier in May, Spring City Resort announced a collaboration with Trip.com the largest online travel agency in China and one of the largest travel service providers in the world, to launch the “China Travel” golf inbound tourism initiative.

The collaboration with Trip.com will enable the resort to rapidly expand its market influence and accelerate its mission of promoting golf and tourism in China to the world. This alliance goes beyond commercial interests as it serves as a bridge for cultural exchange with a multi-faceted approach by introducing art, culture, music and food alongside golf, wellness and tourism.

“These latest initiatives demonstrate Spring City Resort’s aim to establish itself as China’s premier golf, wellness and tourism destination,” explained Mr. Ho. “The affiliations with prestigious global golf associations and travel platforms are part of an ongoing strategy to develop and build strategic partnerships and international participation as we drive our high-end inbound tourism development plans.

“We also plan to further develop and launch new wellness and tourism concepts, supported by our world-renowned golfing propositions of year-round spring weather playability, pristine golf greens achieving speeds of 12-13 feet perennially and outstanding customer service across the resort. By strengthening Spring City’s unique propositions and weaving in immersive local cultural and tourism programs in Yunnan province; we further accentuate the development of tourism in China – both locally and internationally.”

Spring City – A Harmonious Blend of Leisure and Nature
Nestling within a 7,560-acre lakeside and mountainous retreat, Spring City Golf & Lake Resort is a globally renowned golf and ecological destination, celebrated for the shimmering waters of Yangzonghai Lake and the lushness of its pristine forests. It is not only a paradise for sports enthusiasts but also a model of harmonious coexistence between leisure and nature. The resort’s golf courses blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, allowing every guest to experience the unique charm of Kunming, the “Spring City,” and premium quality golf.

ABOUT SPRING CITY GOLF & LAKE RESORT
The Spring City Golf & Lake Resort was officially completed in 1998, its creation symbolizing the friendship spanning across a distance of 2630 kilometers between the governments of China and Singapore. The vibrant scenery here shines with the colors of nature, awakening the senses while also providing an unparalleled golf experience and a vibrant, culturally rich vacation experience for travelers from domestically in China and around the world.

ABOUT THE DISTINGUISHED GOLF DESTINATIONS DESIGNATION
Developed by industry leaders, BoardRoom magazine and Forbes Travel Guide, the Distinguished Golf Destinations designation is the most prestigious and valuable accolade a resort, semi private, daily fee or public golf course can achieve.  The Distinguished Golf Destinations program is not a popularity contest where industry insiders simply decide who makes the cut behind the scenes.  Instead, Distinguished Golf Destination status is earned through a process where every aspect of your facilities, course(s), and operation are evaluated against the most important of all measures: Golf Experience.

ABOUT LINKS2GOLF 
Links2Golf Network operates the world’s most comprehensive reciprocal golf course network. Links2Golf Network provides access to a broad collection of quality golf clubs worldwide. Since 2012, the Links2Golf Network of Reciprocal clubs has grown to over 700 properties located in 53 countries around the world. The Links2Golf Network serves a population of over 250,000 network golfers from participating clubs and resorts. The main feature of a Links2Golf partnership is the opportunity to offer reciprocal access to their own members while creating revenue in need periods. In doing so, L2G provides an opportunity for participating clubs and resorts to realize new inbound revenue from our Network golfers as well as providing a very robust outbound benefit to their members.

About Trip.com Group Limited
Trip.com Group Limited (Nasdaq: TCOM; HKEX: 9961) is a leading global one-stop travel platform, integrating a comprehensive suite of travel products and services and differentiated travel content. It is the go-to destination for many travelers in Asia, and increasingly for travelers around the world, to explore travel, get inspired, make informed and cost-effective travel bookings, enjoy hassle-free on-the-go support, and share travel experience. Founded in 1999 and listed on Nasdaq in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, the Company currently operates under a portfolio of brands, including Ctrip, Qunar, Trip.com, and Skyscanner, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world.”

ActionHouse International Limited:
Contact: Ivan Chan
Cell Phone: (852)9627-5172
ichan@actionhouseintl.com

Distinguished Golf Destinations:
Contact: Tom Fitzgerald
Cell Phone: 631-774-5515
tfitz@distinguishedgolf.com

Hyomin, of K-Pop Girl Group T-ara, with Spring City Golf & Lake Resort Executive Vice President Mr. Mervin Ho
Hyomin, of K-Pop Girl Group T-ara, with Spring City Golf & Lake Resort Executive Vice President Mr. Mervin Ho

Lakeview Course Scenery at Spring City Golf & Lake Resort
Lakeview Course Scenery at Spring City Golf & Lake Resort

Binance Academy and Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecom Partner to Advance Nationwide Blockchain Education

This partnership aims to provide blockchain education support to 300 educators and reach 80,000 students across 20 universities in Pakistan by 2026

ISLAMABAD, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Binance Academy, the open-access blockchain and crypto learning hub of Binance, and the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MoITT) in Pakistan today announced a partnership to advance blockchain education across the nation. This initiative will provide tailored blockchain education support  for professors and educators, who will, in turn, empower students across Pakistan’s leading universities. The program seeks to cover 20 universities across the country, targeting 300 educators and 80,000 students by 2026, aimed to build a strong pipeline of blockchain talent equipped to contribute to both local and global tech ecosystems.

This partnership builds upon the foundations laid by the Global University Outreach Program (GUOP), the world’s largest Web3 educational initiative, launched through a strategic collaboration between Binance Academy and the Blockchain & AI Technology Center (BAITC). The focus is now on integrating blockchain education into university curricula worldwide, fostering human capital development through open educational programs, industry partnerships, and professional certifications.

“As blockchain reshapes the global financial landscape, empowering people with the right skills is essential to unlocking its potential,” said Bader Al Kalooti, MEASA Head of Growth and Operations at Binance. “Our collaboration with the Ministry of IT and Telecom in Pakistan marks a significant step toward building a knowledgeable workforce ready to drive innovation and foster growth in the digital economy. Together, we’re laying the foundation for a future where blockchain technology creates opportunities across every sector.”

This national educational initiative is set to cultivate a generation of blockchain-empowered professionals who will drive Pakistan’s adoption of innovative technologies. The Minister of IT and Telecom, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, expressed strong support for the program, stating, “In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for a digitally empowered Pakistan, this partnership marks an important milestone in the country’s digital transformation. It contributes to economic growth and positions Pakistan as a global source of skilled blockchain talent. By joining forces with the world’s leading crypto exchange, Binance, along with the Blockchain & AI Technology Center, we are equipping our students with cutting-edge knowledge, preparing them to shape the future of the digital economy and strengthen Pakistan’s presence in the global tech landscape.”

The partnership with the Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecom underscores Binance’s dedication to collaborating with the country’s government to foster a secure and innovative environment for blockchain adoption. By aligning with local standards and supporting the education of future leaders, Binance aims to contribute to a well-regulated, consumer-protective digital landscape that advances Pakistan’s position in the evolving global digital economy.

Since 2022, Binance Academy has already empowered over 3,000 students across 13 universities and three provinces in Pakistan with market-ready Web 3.0 skills through dedicated training initiatives.

The Global University Outreach Program began its journey in 2023 with a pioneering pilot in Kazakhstan and has since expanded to 20 countries. With the ambitious goal of reaching over 200 universities across 50+ countries, the program aims to educate more than one million students by 2026, empowering a new generation of blockchain professionals worldwide.

About Binance Academy

Binance Academy is a leading blockchain and cryptocurrency education platform featuring over 1,000 articles and glossary entries, plus courses on blockchain, cryptocurrencies, Web3, and more. Launched in 2018, it serves millions of learners across the world in more than 30 languages. Binance Academy’s educational initiatives also include Learn and Earn, the University Outreach Program, Student Ambassador Program, as well as partnerships with top online learning platforms, professional associations, and industry alliances.

About Blockchain & AI Technology Center (BAITC)

The Blockchain & AI Technology Center (BAITC) is a global research institution focused on accelerating the global adoption of blockchain and AI. Operating in over 20 countries, BAITC offers a wide range of accessible educational programs and collaborates across industries to provide open bootcamps, hackathons, corporate training sessions, and tech career development initiatives, including Career Bootcamps. For more information, visit: https://baitc.org

Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort Launches Indonesian-Language Website, Strengthening Connection with Indonesian Travelers

BALI, Indonesia, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bali is more than a destination; it’s a feeling. The scent of the sea, footprints on soft white sand, and the distant sounds of gamelan form a story we long to relive. In the heart of this allure, Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort invites Indonesian travelers to rediscover the authentic soul of the Island of the Gods, this time through the launch of its dedicated Indonesian-language website.

The 97-meter lagoon pool at Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort offers the perfect setting to unwind and embrace tropical serenity.
The 97-meter lagoon pool at Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort offers the perfect setting to unwind and embrace tropical serenity.

Created to provide easier access and a more personalized experience, the site is tailored for travelers who seek a deeper, more meaningful tropical escape.

Located in the exclusive ITDC area, the resort blends tropical tranquility with modern comfort. Contemporary rooms and suites, a 97-meter lagoon pool, a vibrant Kids Club with engaging activities, and the signature Courtyard Spa with traditional Balinese treatments create a perfect retreat from the everyday.

The resort also offers exclusive access to the white sand beach of Nusa Dua, complete with a beach club and cycling paths, ideal for leisurely exploration. As part of Marriott Bonvoy™, guests can enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, from special offers to access to global rewards.

“We understand that every journey begins long before guests arrive at the resort. Through this Indonesian-language site, we aim to connect more closely, warmly, and meaningfully with travelers, welcoming them to an authentic experience in the heart of Nusa Dua,” said Milton Tobing, Resort Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort.

More than just a comfortable destination, Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort is committed to responsible tourism. The resort holds a Green Key certification, an international recognition for its sustainable practices, energy efficiency, waste management, and local community engagement.

With the launch of this new site, Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort is not just a place to stay, it’s a place where travel stories unfold and the warmth of Bali can truly be felt.

Visit us at www.courtyardnusadua.com to explore our latest offers, inspiring content, and a glimpse of the Bali getaway that awaits you in the heart of Nusa Dua.

About Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort
Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort is an ideal choice for modern travelers seeking the perfect balance between exploration and comfort. Nestled in the exclusive ITDC complex, the resort offers contemporary accommodations with five pools, including a whirlpool and lazy river, a signature Balinese spa, family-friendly facilities like the Kids Club, and exclusive access to Nusa Dua Beach.

Designed to deliver a warm and memorable stay, the resort invites guests to rest, connect, and fully enjoy their time in the heart of South Bali. Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort is also part of Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International, offering a portfolio of world-class brands, exclusive experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and a host of member benefits.

For more information or reservations, visit www.courtyardnusadua.com, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @courtyardnusadua.

About Courtyard by Marriott®
Courtyard by Marriott is the hotel brand of choice for trailblazing guests who are inspired by a passion to do great things. With over 1,340 locations in over 60 countries and territories, Courtyard is passionate about empowering its guests and serving the needs of travelers everywhere, no matter the purpose of their trip. Its thoughtfully designed guestrooms provide an elevated experience to relax and recharge, complete with plush bedding and flexible workspaces. Guests are able to work, eat well, connect, and be at their best to keep moving forward to succeed. Courtyard is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. For more information or reservations, visit courtyard.marriott.com and stay connected on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Laos Signs Agreement to Build Longest Highway Connecting Laos, Vietnam

The Government of Laos signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 30 May to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of a highway linking Vientiane Capital with Xaysomboun, Xieng Khouang, and Houaphan provinces, extending to the Nam Soi border checkpoint on the Lao-Vietnam border. (Photo: Lao Economic Daily)

The Lao government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Phongsavanh Group Co., Ltd. to develop the country’s longest expressway, marking a major milestone in regional infrastructure development.

The agreement, finalized on 30 May, initiates the feasibility study, route survey, design planning, and construction preparation for a new highway that will directly connect Vientiane Capital to the Laos-Vietnam Namsoi Border Checkpoint in Viengxay district, Houaphan.

The route will start at the intersection of National Road 13 South in KM 21 village, Xaythany District, Vientiane Capital.

Originally proposed in 2021 under a Build-Operate-Transfer model, the project has been reviewed by the Ministry of Planning and Investment in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

The new highway is expected to connect with the existing Vientiane-Vang Vieng expressway, creating a continuous route that will improve Laos’ connectivity with both China and Vietnam.

Further technical evaluations, environmental impact assessments, and project timelines will be released as the feasibility study advances under government supervision.