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S Hotels & Resorts achieved a record-breaking revenue of 10,352 million Baht in 2024 with 4Q’24 profit surging by 1.3-fold and proposing a 0.03 baht/share cash dividend

BANGKOK, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — S Hotels and Resorts PCL (SET: SHR), the global hospitality company announced its 2024 financial results, revealing a record revenue of 10.352 billion baht, reflecting the ongoing expansion in global tourism demand. Notably, the company’s fourth-quarter net profit surged to 147 million baht, more than double the previous period’s result. This substantial growth was attributed to the accelerated completion of the SAii Laguna Phuket renovation and the robust recovery of its property in the Republic of Mauritius. These results also underscore the company’s enhanced efficiency in financial cost management.

SAii Laguna Phuket -Newly renovated Suite
SAii Laguna Phuket -Newly renovated Suite

During the fourth quarter of 2024, the company recorded revenue of 2,606.7 million baht. This growth was driven by the successful launch of new vacation experiences at SAii Laguna Phuket, which effectively catered to target tourist segments, resulting in a room rate increase exceeding 30%, and the full operational recovery of Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort. Furthermore, a commitment to improve operating efficiency and cost management, particularly a reduction of over 20% in finance cost compared to the fourth quarter of the preceding year, significantly contributed to a net profit increase exceeding 130% during this period.

SHR’s 2024 revenue reached a record high of 10,352 million baht, representing a 7% YoY increase. This impressive growth was driven by the robust performance of the company’s hotel and resort portfolio, which demonstrated impressive growth across most locations. This success underscores the efficacy of a flexible business strategy, encompassing proactive marketing initiatives to optimize the market mix in the Maldives, alongside the ongoing enhancement of asset quality and service standards under the SAii brand, thereby strengthening core operations. As a result, SHR’s 2024 core operating profit surged 25% to 1,246 million baht, while net profit rose 55% to 134 million baht. In recognition of these strong results, the Board of Directors has resolved to propose a dividend payment of 0.03 baht per share from 2024 earnings, doubling the 2023 payout.

Additionally, in early February 2025, the Company successfully issued debentures in the amount of 1.7 billion baht, further optimizing its finance costs as well as preparing for further business expansion.

Mr. Michael Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of SHR, reported, “The substantial performance growth this quarter reflects the resilience and potential of SHR’s portfolio, and validates the company’s robust business development approach. In addition to the exceptional performance of our Thai properties and Outrigger hotels, we have successfully increased RevPAR at the CROSSROADS Maldives project, amidst heightened competitive pricing in the Maldives. Looking forward to 2025, we aim to complete the renovation plans of three additional hotels in the United Kingdom. This initiative aims to uplift the asset quality, enhance service standards, rebrand and reposition while maintaining stringent cost and expense management, thereby maximising the portfolio’s revenue and profit potential.”

 

J-pop Boyband timelesz Announce New Group Members – The Last Episode of Docuseries “timelesz project -AUDITION-“

Revealing New Faces Now Available on Netflix, New Song “Rock this Party” Drop Worldwide February 28


TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2025 – Tokyo-based J-Pop group timelesz have officially announced their new members at the press conference taken place at the Universal Music Japan office on February 15, after the last episode of docuseries “timelesz project -AUDITION-“ was released on Netflix.

J-pop Boyband timelesz Announce New Group Members
J-pop Boyband timelesz Announce New Group Members

Previously known as Sexy Zone, consisting of Fuma Kikuchi, So Matsushima and Shori Sato, the group changed their name to timelesz (pronounced “timeless”) on April 1, 2024, and at the same time announced their audition process for recruiting new members released as the Netflix docuseries titled “timelesz project -AUDITION-“. The series premiered worldwide in September 2024 and concluded on February 15, 2025, with the last (18th) episode revealing new members.

The announced new members are Takuto Teranishi, Yoshitaka Hara, Masaki Hashimoto, Shuto Inomata, and Taiki Shinozuka rebranding timelesz as an 8-member group. Sho Sakurai of Arashi joined the final round of audition as a special host, which came as a big surprise for timelesz fans who witnessed the candidates’ last challenge.

At the press conference titled “timelesz name succession ceremony”, with excitement Fuma Kikuchi of timelesz noted “From now we call ourselves ‘family’, and our family name is timelesz.” During the conference he also emphasized the importance of having fun for the group to keep thriving for many years to come, sharing his dream of holding a dome tour at the soonest time possible.

A total of 18,922 applications entered to join the first round of audition and of those, about 350 were selected for the second round. Thirty-six contestants moved on to the third round where twenty-one members were eliminated for the 4th round. The 4th round was joined by three new contestants from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT Juniors, and twelve members proceeded to the 5th round. The final round with the last eight candidates took place on February 5,, 2025.

Their brand-new song as the renewed group, “Rock this Party”, known as the song for the last round where three original members and eight contestants performed together, is confirmed for global release on February 28, 2025. Along with the new single, the compilation “Hello! We’re timelesz” including 12 previous tracks including “Anthem”, the theme song for the “timelesz project -AUDITION-“, and the group’s iconic smash-hit song “RUN”, will be available on all streaming platforms.

timelesz also revealed their plans for the first studio album as the renewed group.

Stay tuned for more exciting news from timelesz who just started a new chapter of their journey.

Hashtag: #timelesz

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

ABOUT timelesz:

Debuted as the previous group name Sexy Zone, they released the self-titled debut single “Sexy Zone” on November 16, 2011, which ranked at No. 1 on the Oricon Weekly Ranking. Sexy Zone released a total of 27 singles and 12 albums (including best/anniversary albums and EPs), all of which ranked at No. 1 on the Oricon Weekly Ranking.

Being one of the most influential boybands in Japan, they changed their name to timelesz on April 1, 2024. They released their first EP “timelesz” as the first music under new group name. Their last single with three members “because” was released on November 20, 2024, which also ranked at No. 1 on the Oricon Weekly Ranking.

On September 13, 2024, the Netflix docuseries “timelesz project -AUDITION-“ kicked off, featuring their audition process for recruiting new members. On the first week of release, the program ranked in the TOP 10 series in Japan and it continued to be viral creating a great deal of buzz, ranking in the top 10 of today’s series each time new episode was released.

In the last episode released on February 15, 2025, the new members were finally revealed and timelesz embarked on a new journey as an 8-member group.

Follow timelesz: | | |

TotalEnergies ENEOS celebrates the commissioning of SteelAsia’s first solar rooftop project

MANILA, Philippines, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TotalEnergies ENEOS successfully commissioned a 1.9 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system in collaboration with SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation (SteelAsia), Philippines’ leading steel firm and one of the largest rebar manufacturers globally.

With over 3,200 solar modules installed, the PV system at SteelAsia’s Meycauayan, Bulacan facility generates around 2,700 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity annually. This initiative not only delivers significant cost savings for SteelAsia but also reduces the company’s carbon footprint by approximately 2,300 tons of CO2 emissions each year, equivalent to planting over 34,500 trees.

As part of the 10-year long term solar agreement, TotalEnergies ENEOS fully funded, installed, and will operate the solar system throughout the tenure. SteelAsia will purchase the electricity produced during the 10-year period with no additional upfront costs.

The initiative is part of SteelAsia’ wider decarbonization strategy to integrate renewable energy sources across its operations. Two of its other plants – the Calaca green steel manufacturing plant and the Compostela, Cebu rolling mill – are already powered by geothermal energy.

Image: Andre Sy (right), SteelAsia President was joined by Ingrid Jaumain (left), Zone Director of TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Philippines Project Corp during the commissioning ceremony of SteelAsia’s 1.9 MWp solar rooftop photovoltaic system in the company’s Meycauayan steel plant.
Image: Andre Sy (right), SteelAsia President was joined by Ingrid Jaumain (left), Zone Director of TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Philippines Project Corp during the commissioning ceremony of SteelAsia’s 1.9 MWp solar rooftop photovoltaic system in the company’s Meycauayan steel plant.

“Sustainability is at the core of our vision for the future of steel manufacturing”, shared Andre Sy, President of SteelAsia. “This solar project with TotalEnergies ENEOS is a crucial step in reducing our environmental impact while ensuring energy sufficiency across our operations.”

“The steel industry is energy intensive, and we understand the need for improved energy efficiency. We are delighted to be SteelAsia’s trusted partner for their first solar rooftop project, supporting them on their decarbonization journey and contributing to the development of sustainable steel industry in the Philippines,” said Ingrid Jaumain, Zone Director of TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Philippines Project Corp.

To learn more about TotalEnergies ENEOS tailored solar solutions, check out the free brochure, or contact directly for more information.

About TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Distributed Generation Asia Pte. Ltd.

The company is a 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies and ENEOS to develop onsite B2B solar distributed generation across Asia. It is headquarterewiderd in Singapore with a plan to develop 2 GW of decentralized solar capacity over the next five years. https://solar.totalenergies.asia

TotalEnergies and renewables electricity

As part of its ambition to get to net zero by 2050, TotalEnergies is building a world class cost-competitive portfolio combining renewables (solar, onshore and offshore wind) and flexible assets (CCGT, storage) to deliver clean firm power to its customers. By the end of 2024, TotalEnergies’ gross renewable electricity generation installed capacity reached over 24 GW. TotalEnergies will continue to expand this business to reach 35 GW in 2025 and more than 100 TWh of net electricity production by 2030. https://renewables.totalenergies.com/en 

ENEOS Corporation and renewables electricity

ENEOS Group operates solar power plants in Japan and is also participating in renewable energy projects in the United States, Australia, Vietnam and Taiwan. Furthermore, ENEOS is actively engaged in power generation projects using biomass, hydroelectric power, wind power, etc. This joint venture is ENEOS’ first overseas renewable energy project using distributed power sources. 

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.

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About ENEOS Corporation

ENEOS Group has developed businesses in the energy and nonferrous metals segments, from upstream to downstream. The Group’s envisioned goals for 2040 are: becoming one of the most prominent and internationally competitive energy and materials company groups in Asia, creating value by transforming our current business structure, and contributing to the development of a low-carbon, recycling-oriented society with the pursuit of carbon-neutral status in its own CO2 emissions. ENEOS Corporation, one of the principal operating companies in the Group, is contributing to achievement of the Group’s envisioned goals through a broad range of energy businesses. 

About SteelAsia

SteelAsia is the county’s flagship steel manufacturer and one of the largest rebar producers in Southeast Asia with four rebar mills across the archipelago and a combined capacity of 2.5 million tons per year. Setting technological and management benchmarks for the industry to follow, SteelAsia introduced to the country state-of-the-art steel rolling mill technology and was the first to regionalize steel supply, dispersing economic activities and job creation with steel facilities in Bulacan, Batangas, Cebu, and Davao City. Recently, SteelAsia became the first Philippine company to export steel bars, and has shipped a total of 87,000 metric tons to Canada as of January 2025.  Today, SteelAsia employs over 3,000 personnel; additionally, an estimated 15,000 jobs are created in support of its plant operations. The company estimates it supplies around 80% of all infrastructure, high-rise and other heavy construction in the country. SteelAsia has become a global benchmark for producing steel with one of the lowest CO2 emissions in the world, putting the Philippines at the forefront of the development of Green Steel internationally. With plans to add new facilities that could reduce 7 million tons of CO2 per year, SteelAsia’s green steel methodology involves a combination of recycling and renewable energy to achieve a staggering 87% reduction in CO2 compared to traditional steelmaking technologies. Find out more in www.steelasia.com 

TotalEnergies ENEOS Contacts
Media Relations: contact.solar.asia@totalenergies.com

SteelAsia Contacts
Media Relations: Tom Tolibas – +639171233128 / pmtolibas@steelasia.com 

Cautionary Note TotalEnergies

The terms “TotalEnergies”, “TotalEnergies company” or “Company” in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies’ financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Cautionary Note ENEOS Corporation

The terms “ENEOS”, “ENEOS Group” in this document are used to designate ENEOS Corporation and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by ENEOS Corporation. This document contains certain forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those reflected in any forward-looking statement due to various factors, which include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) macroeconomic conditions and changes in the competitive environment in the energy, resources, and materials industries; (2) the impact of COVID-19 on economic activity; (3) changes in laws and regulations; and (4) risks related to litigation and other legal proceedings.

Steel Asia
Steel Asia

DeepQure Advances Global Clinical Trials for Innovative RDN Technology

SEOUL, South Korea, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Breaking Barriers in Hypertension Treatment
DeepQure Inc., a pioneering medical device startup, is revolutionizing the treatment of resistant hypertension with its innovative extravascular (laparoscopic approach) renal denervation (RDN) device, HyperQureTM. Unlike traditional catheter-based RDN systems, HyperQureTM employs a novel approach to achieve more effective and precise sympathetic nerve ablation, minimizing the limitations of existing technologies.

Significant Progress in Global Clinical Trials
DeepQure is actively conducting clinical trials in both South Korea and the United States, demonstrating promising results. In South Korea, seven patients have undergone the procedure, showing meaningful reductions in blood pressure without any adverse events during- or post-operation. The company aims to complete enrollment for its Korean clinical trial within the first quarter of 2025.

In the United States, DeepQure successfully completed its first clinical case on January 17, 2025, at the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine). The procedure, performed by Dr. Pengbo Jiang, yielded significant blood pressure reductions one month after the operation with no reported complications. The next patient is scheduled for treatment in March, with additional IRB approvals secured from prestigious institutions, including Mayo Clinic and Stanford University.

DeepQure’s U.S. clinical trial spans six leading university hospitals, with Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals finalized. The company plans to enroll 15 patients in the first half of 2025, with the ultimate goal of initiating a pivotal study by year-end to establish the safety and efficacy of HyperQureTM.

Expanding Indications: Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) Treatment
Beyond hypertension, DeepQure is expanding its RDN technology to address atrial fibrillation (Afib), one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias. The company has submitted an application to South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) to initiate clinical trials for Afib treatment.

Currently, Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI) is the standard treatment for Afib, but its major drawback is a high recurrence rate of approximately 30-50%. DeepQure’s RDN technology is expected to enhance the effectiveness of PVI procedures by reducing recurrence rates, offering a breakthrough solution in a field where drug therapy has shown limited success.

Shaping the Future of Cardiovascular Care
With its pioneering technology, strong clinical momentum, and expansion into new indications, DeepQure is positioning itself as a leader in the medical device industry. As the global RDN market is projected to grow from $1.3 billion in 2024 to $10.3 billion by 2031 (CAGR 34.4%), DeepQure’s innovations stand at the forefront of next-generation hypertension and cardiac arrhythmia treatments.

As the company continues to advance its clinical programs and regulatory milestones, DeepQure remains committed to setting a new standard in cardiovascular intervention, bringing life-changing solutions to patients worldwide.

Contact: gwnoh@deepqure.com 

President Trump Proposes CoinDesk Large Cap Select Index (“CoinDesk 5”) Components for U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve

NEW YORK, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. digital asset market reached a pivotal milestone with President Trump’s announcement of a proposed U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve, which includes the same assets tracked by the CoinDesk Large Cap Select Index (“CoinDesk 5”). The President’s support reinforces growing U.S. institutional adoption of digital assets, providing a clear signal to markets that regulatory standards and investment infrastructure are maturing.

“The assets proposed for the President’s Crypto Reserve mirror the constituents of the CoinDesk 5, highlighting CoinDesk Indices’ position as the industry standard for digital asset benchmarks, ” said Alan Campbell, President of CoinDesk Indices. “This development strengthens confidence in diversified digital asset investment products and aligns with the broader trend of accelerating market adoption we’re seeing.”

With approximately $750 million in assets linked to the CoinDesk 5, the index has established itself as a trusted benchmark for investment products tracking the largest digital assets by market capitalization and liquidity. Financial institutions leveraging the index include Grayscale Investments, whose large cap fund was launched in February 2018. Other linked-products include Luno Large Cap Bundle, Lyons CoinDesk Large Cap Select Index SMA and BitGo Platform for Wealth Management.

Grayscale operates a publicly-traded investment vehicle in the US that holds the identical assets included in the recently announced U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve. “Grayscale’s Digital Large Cap Fund is an index fund that has been operating for over 7 years with the support of the CoinDesk Index team, currently trades under ticker GDLC, and was most recently priced at a discount of over 10% compared to the fair value of its holdings, Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana and Cardano,” said Peter Mintzberg, CEO, Grayscale.   

Beyond the CoinDesk 5, investors seeking broader market exposure are increasingly turning to the CoinDesk 20 Index, the most traded diversified digital asset benchmark globally, with nearly $14 billion in accumulated futures and options volume. CoinDesk 20 serves as a high-liquidity reference point for institutional investors managing digital asset portfolios and is available through over a dozen investment vehicles globally.

“As digital assets integrate further into the global financial system, we anticipate increased demand for risk management and hedging tools,” added Campbell. “The U.S. administration’s embrace of crypto signals the normalization of digital assets within mainstream financial markets, bringing them closer to traditional asset classes.”

For more information on the index visit our website.

About CoinDesk Indices
Since 2014, CoinDesk Indices has been at the forefront of the digital asset revolution, empowering investors globally. A portfolio company of the Bullish Group, our indices form the foundation of the world’s largest digital asset products. CoinDesk Indices is regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and offers products across multi-asset indices, reference rates, and strategies. Flagships such as the CoinDesk Bitcoin Price Index and the CoinDesk 20 Index set the industry standard for measuring, trading, and investing in digital assets. With tens of billions of dollars in benchmarked assets, CoinDesk Indices is a trusted partner.  

Disclaimer 
CoinDesk is a portfolio company of the Bullish Group. CoinDesk Indices, Inc., including CC Data Limited, its affiliate which performs certain outsourced administration and calculation services on its behalf (collectively, “CoinDesk Indices”), does not sponsor, endorse, sell, promote, or manage any investment offered by any third party that seeks to provide an investment return based on the performance of any index. CoinDesk Indices is neither an investment adviser nor a commodity trading advisor and makes no representation regarding the advisability of making an investment linked to any CoinDesk Indices index. CoinDesk Indices does not act as a fiduciary. A decision to invest in any asset linked to a CoinDesk Indices index should not be made in reliance on any of the statements set forth in this document or elsewhere by CoinDesk Indices. All content displayed here or otherwise used in connection with any CoinDesk Indices index (the “Content”) is owned by CoinDesk Indices and/or its third-party data providers and licensors, unless stated otherwise by CoinDesk Indices. CoinDesk Indices does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, adequacy, validity, or availability of any of the Content. CoinDesk Indices is not responsible for any errors or omissions, regardless of the cause, in the results obtained from the use of any of the Content. CoinDesk Indices does not assume any obligation to update the Content following publication in any form or format. © 2025 CoinDesk Indices, Inc. All rights reserved. 

Digital Garden Tokyo to Feature Unprecedented Speaker Lineup and Over 80 Companies Represented by C-Suite Delegations at Japan’s First Global-Scale Digital Infrastructure Summit

TOKYO, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With just two weeks until the highly anticipated Digital Garden Tokyo, excitement is building for Japan’s inaugural global-scale digital infrastructure summit. Taking place on March 17-18, 2025, at Toranomon Hills Forum, the event will bring together over 80 companies, primarily represented by C-suite delegations, including leading investment firms, operators, hyperscalers, cloud providers, end users, and industry leaders. This pivotal gathering will provide a broad perspective on the future of digital infrastructure.

The speaker lineup includes Yasutoshi Nishimura, member of the House of Representatives and former Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), who will share insights into Japan’s digital infrastructure strategy and global positioning.

A highlight of the summit will be the Government Panel, featuring senior leaders from Japan’s key policymaking bodies, offering a unified view of digital infrastructure policy. Panelists include:

  • Sachio Muto, Director, International and Digital Policy (IDP) Division, City Bureau, MLIT
  • Kazuhiro Wakatsuki, Chief Director, Digital Agency
  • Takuya Watanabe, Director, Software & Information Service Industry Strategy Office, METI

These experts will provide valuable perspectives on Japan’s digital policies, future strategies, and collaborative efforts shaping the sector.

The summit will also feature senior executives and regional leaders from major digital infrastructure organizations. Confirmed speakers include leaders from:

Ada Infrastructure, AirTrunk, COLT DCS, Cushman & Wakefield, CyrusOne, DigitalBridge, DigitalEdge, Gaw Capital, Greenberg Traurig, Kansai Electric, Mercari, Morrison Foerster, PGIM, SMBC, SoftBank Group, ST Telemedia, University of Tokyo, and more.

These executives will discuss key industry trends, innovations, and strategies driving the sector forward.

The summit’s Gala on the first evening will gather top stakeholders to foster collaboration, build partnerships, and drive transactions in the digital infrastructure space.

Bringing together top executives, thought leaders, and policymakers, the event will create a dynamic environment for discussions on pressing challenges and opportunities, from government policy to investment and technology.

“We’re thrilled to convene such an exceptional group of leaders across the digital infrastructure sector,” said Daniel Cox, Executive Chairman of Digital Garden Tokyo. “With C-suite executives, government representatives, and industry innovators in one place, this summit will foster collaboration and shape the future of digital infrastructure in Japan and across the region.”

Digital Garden Tokyo promises unparalleled networking, cutting-edge insights, and critical discussions. Don’t miss this key moment in Japan’s digital infrastructure evolution.

For details and registration, please visit www.digitalgarden.co.jp.

CONTACT: media@digitalgarden.co.jp

Binance Supports Global Fintech Institute to Advance Fintech Education in the AI & Crypto Era

TOKYO, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Binance, the global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has announced its sponsorship and strategic support for the Global Fintech Institute (GFI) to advance fintech education, professional development and innovation. This collaboration aims to equip professionals with the skills needed to thrive in an era defined by artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and evolving financial regulations.

Empowering the Fintech Workforce for a Digital Future

As part of this initiative, Binance is excited to sponsor over 500 scholarships for GFI’s latest course, Foundation in Crypto Regulation and Compliance. The course is catered for professionals in regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and compliance roles, especially those with a passion and curiosity for crypto.

Designed by leading industry experts and academics, this 16-hour online program provides regulators and compliance professionals with a comprehensive understanding of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and financial regulations. Participants will also gain hands-on insights into numerous important areas such as AML/KYC compliance and financial crime prevention, blockchain forensics and cross-border regulatory frameworks, RegTech solutions, and more. By the end of the course, attendees will be well-equipped to tackle compliance challenges, mitigate risks, and adapt to the evolving crypto landscape.

Interested professionals can apply for the scholarship at: https://share.hsforms.com/2LlwvBcnnTRGy1PXrfnzKCg5nir0

Importance of Fintech Education in a Transformative Era

Through this strategic collaboration, Binance and GFI aim to equip professionals with expertise in AI-driven finance and digital assets, develop fintech training programs, advance research, host industry events, and enhance global fintech literacy.

Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, commented on the partnership: “We are thrilled to join forces with the Global Fintech Institute to advance fintech education in this transformative era of AI and cryptocurrency. Education plays a crucial role in closing the knowledge gap for blockchain and crypto, just as it has for other emerging technologies in the past. Today’s announcement underscores Binance’s commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing regulatory compliance, and ensuring that the global fintech workforce is future-ready. With the ever-rising interest and popularity of crypto, we are certain that crypto-focused courses like these would be in high demand, and we look forward to welcoming interested applicants.”

Professor David Lee, Founding Chairman at GFI, added: “As AI, blockchain, and digital assets continue to transform the financial landscape, there is an urgent need for structured fintech education and informed policy discussions. The rapid pace of technological advancement demands that professionals, regulators, and institutions stay ahead of emerging trends to ensure financial stability, security, and innovation-driven growth. Binance’s generous support allows us to expand our educational programs, conduct critical research, and foster industry-wide collaboration. This partnership enables us to bridge the knowledge gap between traditional finance and digital innovations, equipping professionals with the expertise to navigate regulatory challenges, harness new opportunities, and drive responsible adoption of cutting-edge financial technologies.”

The Policy Shift & Its Impact on Fintech

The growing political endorsement of digital assets in many key markets globally signals a significant policy shift that could accelerate institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and the integration of blockchain technology into mainstream finance. If pro-crypto policies gain traction, we could see:

  • More financial institutions embracing Bitcoin, stablecoins, and tokenized assets.
  • Regulatory clarity attracting global investments into fintech startups and digital finance.
  • AI-powered DeFi and blockchain-based financial services gaining wider acceptance, transforming traditional banking.

This partnership between Binance and GFI ensures that compliance and regulation professionals are well-equipped to capitalize on these emerging opportunities by providing cutting-edge training, research, and thought leadership.

The collaboration between Binance and GFI was first announced at GFTN Forum, Japan 2025. Both Binance and GFI are proud members and partners of the GFTN network.

About Binance

Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users. Binance is trusted by more than 260 million people in 100+ countries for its industry-leading trading engine speed, protections for investors, and unmatched portfolio of digital asset products and offerings from trading and finance to education, research, social good, payments, institutional services, and Web3 features. Binance is devoted to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem to increase the freedom of money and financial access for people around the world with crypto as the fundamental means.

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

About Global Fintech Institute

Global Fintech Institute (GFI) is a not-for-profit think tank and certification body dedicated to advancing fintech education, fostering meaningful collaboration, and promoting professional excellence across regulatory bodies, corporations, and academic institutions. Headquartered in Singapore, GFI tackles key challenges in the fintech landscape through rigorous research, insightful whitepapers, and thought leadership discussions which influence policy and set industry standards.

Analytic Edge Now a Certified Partner in APAC for Google’s Meridian Marketing Mix Modelling (MMM) Platform

SINGAPORE, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Analytic Edge (a C5i company), a leading provider of marketing and sales analytics solutions, announced that it is now a certified partner in APAC for Google’s Meridian Marketing Mix Modelling (MMM) platform. Meridian is an open-source MMM platform built by Google to help advertisers measure the impact of their marketing spends on sales and make smarter, data-driven decisions on marketing strategy and budgets.

For the Meridian partnership, Analytic Edge will serve as a consulting and modelling partner to help Google’s advertisers develop MMMs using Meridian. This is particularly useful for advertisers as they can leverage Analytic Edge’s expertise gained from delivering 3000+ MMMs globally over the past 3 years across multiple domains. Advertisers can also tap into a ready pool of Analytic Edge’s data scientists and analysts who are certified on Meridian.

Analytic Edge has worked closely as a Measurement Partner to Google for several years, including delivering multiple MMMs for its own advertisers. The MMMs were delivered using Analytic Edge’s always-on MMM platform, Demand Drivers.

Commenting on the partnership, Santosh Nair, Co-Founder and Director, Analytic Edge, said, “Analytic Edge is excited to apply our extensive MMM experience and to partner with Google on Meridian. Meridian integrates technical innovations to assess the indirect impact of search on marketing channels in the consumer journey. It enhances the measurement of “Reach” and “Frequency” for YouTube campaigns, helping advertisers with campaign planning. The seamless integration with Google MMM Data Platform boosts productivity in data processing and improves the accuracy of the data used in the model. Our collaboration on Meridian will help advertisers better understand the interactions between channels and improve their campaign strategies.”

About Analytic Edge

Analytic Edge, a part of C5i, is a global analytics company that leverages technology and advanced analytics to help companies make data-based marketing decisions. The company’s flagship platform Analytic Edge Qube offers a suite of marketing analytics solutions with a Software as a Service (SaaS) model. The solutions include Demand Drivers, SynTest, PriceSense and PowerView. Analytic Edge works with clients across industry verticals such as e-commerce, mobile apps, gaming, consumer packaged goods, retail, automotive and many others. The company has a presence in Singapore, India, US, Mexico, Brazil, UK, Switzerland, China, Japan, South Korea, UAE and Australia. For more information, visit www.analytic-edge.com 

Media Contact:

Megha Chaudhry

Vice President

Global Head of Marketing & Alliance Management, C5i

O: +1 (425) 615 7474 | E:  megha.chaudhry@c5i.ai