HSG Holdings announces that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the EMEA leading hospitality technology provider, Quadriga Systems Limited, in a transaction that will enable Quadriga to support its market expansion across the region and introduce expanded cloud based, data centric sets of solutions bringing more services to its clients

CASABLANCA, MOROCCO – EQS Newswire – 1 November 2022 – HSG Holding has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Quadriga Systems Limited (QSL), a market-leader in cloud-based IT solutions and infrastructure, in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. With this acquisition, HSG Holding strengthen its position in the hospitality arena as an investment vehicle to support the development of companies within the industry in the post Covid 19 period.

HSG Holding was established to focus on investment opportunities within the hospitality sector at the intersection where the strength of traditional hospitality operations meets with new technologies that can assist in the digital transformation of the industry. The company believes in investing over the long-term as it sees great opportunities for growth in the EMEA region and beyond.

Helping the hospitality industry with its digital transformation journey

The Quadriga brand and companies has been a leader for more than three decades as a premier Managed Service Provider built on its Unified Interactive Digital platform operating on Wired, Wireless and Coaxial Network medium. It has a vast expertise in Network deployment and integration to hotels in more than 100 countries worldwide and providing solutions to over half a billion hotel rooms over the years.

Quadriga has been supplying interactive TV platforms, property-wide connectivity solutions and network integration to global hospitality chains since the early days of the industry and has consistently been an industry leader of innovation and development.

Quadriga had been the first to introduce Digital Video on demand as well as full streaming solution to its customers and recently rolled out its fully integrated, cloud based and data centric set of services.

“The acquisition brings to the group product and solution capabilities, and demonstrates continued commitment to clients, and helps them navigate their digital convergence and transformation journey. Quadriga also brings comprehensive service management portfolio, in-house platform development, including next generation networks and integration with partner services over converged network infrastructure” says Jean-Philippe Delouis, CEO of Quadriga Systems Ltd.

Hashtag: #HSGHoldings

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

About HSG Holding:

Backed by a multi-national asset manager, HSG Holding is a newly established investment firm dedicated to the hospitality industry focused on acquiring technology companies that will help their clients to face the next industry challenges. In September, HSG Holding announced the acquisition of IT Hospitality Group and continues to assess further acquisition opportunities.

About Quadriga Systems Ltd:

For the last 40 years, Quadriga has become the leading designer of network integration providing property-wide connectivity and entertainment services and solutions for the hospitality industry creating a “better than home” experience for hotel guests. Quadriga provides complete end-to-end services and solutions that enrich guest stays and maximizes on-property value through Cloud based Services & Data Management.

Ethical assurances, branded offerings, ‘phygital’ retail and Web3 experiences will define the new diamond world

LONDON, UK – Media OutReach – 1 November 2022 – Ethical assurances, ‘phygital’ retail strategies, branded offerings and Web3 experiences are key trends shaping how diamond consumers – in particular Gen Z – perceive and engage with diamond jewellery, according to new research published today by De Beers Group in the 2022 Diamond Insight Report, titled A new diamond world: bringing trusted brands to new generations in a digital age.

Based on previously unpublished research findings, including a new survey of 18,000 US women conducted earlier this year, the report explores how these megatrends are converging and accelerating – spurred by global events, the power of digital technology and attitudes of younger generations – to create a new future for diamond jewellery acquisition. The four trends analysed are:

Values will underpin industry value

The report found that 36% of women overall and 39% of Gen Z now specifically seek information on a brand’s ethical credentials when buying diamond jewellery. What is more, 40% of women overall said that knowing about the positive impact of diamonds on local mining communities would make them more likely to buy diamonds, while this proportion went up to 50% for Gen Z consumers, highlighting a significant opportunity for brands and retailers to capture value differentiation by clearly communicating their values and connecting end-clients to a diamond’s provenance and story.

The rise of brands

Branded diamond jewellery represented two-thirds of all diamond jewellery purchases in the US in 2021 – double the proportion in 2015 – and almost 80 per cent of all sales by value. Branded offerings appealed most to Gen Z consumers, who saw brands as contributing to their sense of self-worth and desire for self-expression. A total of 76% of diamond jewellery purchases by Gen Z consumers were branded, compared with 64% for Gen X and only 38% for Baby Boomers. In addition, affluent consumers and those purchasing diamond jewellery for themselves were more likely to desire brands. Brands represented 74% of diamond jewellery purchases among women earning more than $150,000 (compared with 65% across all incomes), while 73% of self-purchased diamonds were branded compared with 62% for bridal and 61% for gifting.

Phygital retail is here to stay

Online sales of diamond jewellery represented 25% of US sales by value and 31% by volume in 2021. When compared with 2015, when online represented only 14% and 18% of sales respectively, the acceleration of ecommerce in recent years has been remarkable. Online purchases were higher than average among Gen Z consumers (at 42% of total Gen Z purchases), those self-purchasing (40% of total purchases) and single women (37% of total purchases). In addition, 54% of online purchases in 2021 were by people buying diamond jewellery for the first time. While this was likely due to pandemic-related store closures, it also indicates a growing trust in diamond jewellery ecommerce. Importantly, 68% of US consumers who had purchased diamond jewellery online said they intended to do so again in the future.

While diamond jewellery purchases made in-store still outweigh those made online, the full journey of buying diamond jewellery increasingly includes a digital component. It is this melding of the physical and digital retail experiences – ‘phygital’ – that today’s consumers most desire. In the US, around half (49%) of all diamond jewellery purchases are now researched online, compared with only 29% in 2015. Of that 49%, 19% of ultimate purchases occurred online while 30% were in-store, highlighting the importance of a seamless phygital offering.

Web3 and the metaverse are potential game-changers

While a compelling phygital strategy is a must for any retailer today, the arrival of Web3, NFTs and the metaverse has the potential to open up new revenue, customer acquisition and brand opportunities for diamond jewellery brands. These nascent technologies aim to merge the physical and digital worlds in previously unforeseen ways, bringing new virtual shopping, entertainment and socialising experiences to digitally-savvy consumers. With a number of high-profile luxury brands already investing heavily in this space, it promises to be an emerging area of focus for diamond brands.

Esther Oberbeck, SVP Strategy Analytics & Insights, De Beers Group, said: “This year’s Diamond Insight Report explores four key trends that are already making their mark on the diamond industry, having been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, new technologies and evolving consumer expectations as Gen Z comes of age. The convergence of these trends means the diamond industry must prepare for a future where new, digital-native and socially-conscious consumers expect to engage with brands and retailers in fundamentally different ways to the generations that have come before them.”

Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said: “The 2022 Diamond Insight Report demonstrates that the consumer trends we have been observing for some time – such as a desire to purchase more sustainably, to buy from trusted brands, to know where and how a diamond is sourced and to shop digitally – are no longer future predictions for the diamond industry. They are already in evidence today and are set to become even more prominent in the future. We have seen in recent times just how quickly areas of emerging interest, such as e-commerce and diamond provenance, can become overnight priorities for both brands and consumers. This report serves as a timely reminder that we must continue to prepare for tomorrow, today. We are on the cusp of a new diamond world and should embrace the opportunities it presents.”

The 2022 Diamond Insight Report also includes the annual Diamond Value Chain Dashboard, which tracks industry performance in 2021 and the first half of 2022, reflecting on 2021’s record performance and providing an outlook for 2022.

Hashtag: #debeersgroup #diamonds #diamondjewellery #naturaldiamonds

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of the De Beers Group strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and De Beers Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions, such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives GemFair and Tracr. De Beers Group is committed to ‘ Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.

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TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 1 November 2022 – Academia Sinica (AS), the preeminent research institution in Taiwan, announces the application for 2023 fall semester of its Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP@AS). The online application is open from 1st November 2022 to 1st February 2023 (GMT+8).

TIGP@AS provides 13 interdisciplinary and funded programs ranging from physical sciences, life sciences to social sciences and the humanities. The all-English Ph.D. Program cooperates closely with Taiwan’s leading universities and provides superior scientific training courses. It is aimed to attract the top talents from around the world with ambition to grow personally and professionally.

TIGP@AS offers competitive financial support for its students. All admitted students enjoy a monthly stipend of NTD 34,000 (about USD 1,100) for the first year. For those who perform well, this stipend will be extended to the 2nd and the 3rd year. In subsequent years, financial support will come from the thesis advisor. Besides, full-time TIGP Ph.D. candidates or students who have passed their qualifying exams with distinction are eligible to apply for the TIGP@AS Research Performance Fellowship. Awardees can receive an additional NTD 6,000 per month for one year.

Through Academia Sinica’s substantial connections with first-rate institutions worldwide, TIGP@AS can make arrangements for students to visit and conduct research in renowned laboratories around the globe. The yearly Travel Grant Award of TIGP@AS encourages students to join important global symposiums. Other international exposure opportunities include attending seminars abroad, doing short-term research projects abroad, and participating in international meetings such as Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. Academia Sinica also invites distinguished scholars, entrepreneurial masters, and Nobel Laureates to visit the campus and share their unique stories on achieving success in their respective fields.

To facilitate first-year students’ quicker adaptation to the local environments, TIGP@AS provides free-of-charge Mandarin language courses at the entry-level and a convenient and affordable fully-furnished dormitory. All the students of TIGP@AS will find their experiences at Academia Sinica and in Taiwan not only personally rewarding but also culturally enriching.

Application is free of charge through TIGP@AS online system. For any questions, please visit the TIGP@AS official website or contact Ms. Huan-Yi Shen with the TIGP@AS Admission Office at tigp@gate.sinica.edu.tw.

Hashtag: #AcademiaSinica

About TIGP@AS

Started in 2002, TIGP@AS is a joint-effort between Academia Sinica and top research-leading universities in Taiwan. It integrates first-class facilities with outstanding faculty to offer interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs across a wide range of disciplines. All courses are conducted in English. After completing the graduation requirements, students receive certificates from Academia Sinica and degrees from the partner universities. TIGP@AS also periodically accepts applications to funded International Internship Program, which provides an opportunity for young talents to experience Academia Sinica’s research environment.

The 13 interdisciplinary programs within TIGP@AS are in cooperation with 10 top domestic universities as follows.

1. Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics
2. Molecular Science and Technology
3. Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences
4. Bioinformatics
5. Molecular and Cell Biology
6. Nano Science and Technology
7. Molecular Medicine
8. Earth System Science
9. Biodiversity
10. Interdisciplinary Neuroscience
11. Sustainable Chemical Science and Technology
12. Social Networks and Human-Centered Computing
13. Artificial Intelligence of Things

TIGP@AS is a genuinely international community with over 586 students from 47 countries. To date, more than 651 students have completed TIGP@AS’s rigorous requirements and obtained Ph.D. degrees. In the past years, TIGP@AS students have published more than 2,138 research papers in top scholarly journals; many alumni have taken up teaching or research positions in world-renowned universities and academic institutions.

TIGP@AS graduates also proved themselves qualified to contribute their expertise to the industry. Many of them are now working in internationally well-known companies such as Samsung and TSMC. Academia Sinica has recently launched its National Biotechnology Research Park as a biotech industry corridor linking Taiwan to the global market. Right next to the campus of TIGP@AS, the Park should shortly become a bridging platform of multidisciplinary research collaboration and occupational opportunities for the students.

Academia Sinica – laying foundations for discovery

As the leading government-funded research institute in Taiwan, Academia Sinica (AS) has spearheaded numerous fundamental and interdisciplinary research initiatives to address diverse challenges in Taiwan and beyond. Its key objectives, outlined by its president, James Liao, are to achieve global recognition, fulfil social responsibilities, and attract and cultivate top talent. These objectives are embedded in the diverse research programmes at AS, spanning life sciences, mathematics and physical sciences, as well as humanities and social sciences.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 November 2022 – American Express will refresh the Platinum Card® with an expanded suite of premium benefits across entertainment, dining, retail and travel. With the new benefits, the total Platinum Card privileges will be valued at over S$7,400 – with no change to annual fee.

“Our customers’ lives have evolved as the pandemic has changed their lifestyles and priorities. For many of them, meaningful experiences and unforgettable adventures are not just found abroad anymore, but also here in Singapore. Our diversified benefits reflect their many new desires to travel, stay home, wine and dine and create those unique experiences,” said Mr. Marlin Brown, the newly appointed American Express Singapore Country Manager.

New benefits worth up to S$1,200 in statement credits each year, starting in early 2023

Card Members can enroll via the Amex mobile app or website to enjoy these new credits from early 2023[1]:

• S$400 in Dining Credits comprising S$200 for use at participating local restaurants, and S$200 at participating restaurants overseas.
• S$400 in Lifestyle Credits with a minimum spending at participating lifestyle retail partners.
• S$204 in Entertainment Credits per year for monthly news or music streaming services.
• S$200 in Airline Credits for ticket purchases with a minimum spending at Singapore Airlines.

With the introduction of these new credits, the existing S$800 in travel credits (comprising S$400 in air travel credits and S$400 in lodging credits, for bookings made through the Platinum Concierge) will be discontinued on 31 January 2023.

Card Members can continue to enjoy all other existing benefits, services and rewards that come with the Platinum Card, including:

• 5 Membership Rewards® points for every S$1.60 spent on eligible Singapore Airlines and Scoot ticket purchases.
• Exclusive priority access to concerts and experiential dining such as the Chef Residences, and access to Tower Club.
• Global Lounge Collection: With access to more than 1,400 airport lounges in 650 cities, including American Express’ own Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass lounges, the Global Lounge Collection provides access to the most airport lounges among all Singapore-issued card.
• Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits: Platinum Members receive perks worth up to S$800 including complimentary daily breakfast for two, early check-ins, late check-out when they book at over 1,300 Fine Hotels and Resorts properties via the American Express Travel Online website or the Platinum Concierge.
• Elite status at retail and hotel loyalty programmes: Card Members can also gain elite status with complimentary membership upgrades from partner retail and hotel loyalty programmes, with no minimum stay required, such as Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite Status, Hilton Honors Gold Status and Radisson Rewards Premium Status.

Hashtag: #AmericanExpress

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

Welcome offer

Card Members who sign up for The Platinum Card between 3 November 2022 and 31 January 2023 can receive up to 125,000 Membership Rewards points if they spend a minimum of S$20,000 in the first three months of their Card Membership[2]. This is enough to redeem a return Business Class trip to Hong Kong or Taiwan, based on Singapore Airlines Business Saver Awards published as of 5 July 2022. In addition, Card Members who sign up and receive their Card during the period mentioned above will receive the existing S$800 in travel credits before it is discontinued on 31 January 2023 and will be able to enroll for the new credits from early 2023.

For more details, or to apply for the Card, please visit http://go.amex/myplatinum.

About American Express

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com.sg and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpresssingapore, instagram.com/americanexpress, twitter.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express and youtube.com/americanexpress.

The international online trading platform makes a donation to the Thai Boxing Federation and announces the drawing of 100 tickets for this year’s Idol Fight.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach – 1 November 2022 – Recently, Olymp Trade decided to donate funds to the Thai Boxing federation to help develop our national combat sport. The broker is a new Title Sponsor of Idol Fight 2022, a major battle where Thai social media influencers with millions of followers fight face to face to the delight of boxing fans.

Olymp Trade has already announced a collaboration with a prominent blogger My Mate Nate, the originator of Idol Fight 2022. As this event’s Title Sponsor, the platform is providing 100 free tickets for the legendary show that will be raffled off by My Mate Nate on his Facebook page.

On November 4th and 5th, the lucky winners will cheer for their champions at Central Plaza Westgate and enjoy the adrenaline rush, sound, and color of a real-life boxing match. It’s a unique opportunity as the tickets for this grand show are usually sold out within hours after release.

Olymp Trade, the global trading platform that made it possible, has been around for 8 years. Throughout its history, the company has been supporting local communities and charities in the regions of its presence. It’s in line with Olymp Trade’s mission to help people with different backgrounds and skill levels to achieve their financial goals and stand firm on their feet.

This sponsorship is yet another demonstration of Olymp Trade’s commitment to this goal. According to its representative, “it’s only natural that a platform that seeks to create a comfortable environment for its traders from different cultures supports their traditional sports. As different as they are, trading and sports require the same skills for success.”

Hashtag: #OlympTrade

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

The collaboration will contribute towards an innovative, interoperable, and inclusive digital currency infrastructure leveraging on an open-sourced blockchain

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 November 2022 – StraitsX, a part of Southeast Asia Digital Financial Services Group, Fazz, and Grab, a leading superapp in Southeast Asia, today announced they will be testing the issuance of Purpose Bound Money (PBM)^[1] in the form of commercial digital vouchers during the Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) 2022.

During SFF, 5,000 selected trial participants will be able to utilise PBM in the form of digital vouchers through their preferred blockchain e-wallet application. They can use the vouchers sponsored by Temasek to make purchases at selected F&B outlets at the SFF 2022, as well as participating Grab’s merchant-partners such as Ishiro at Expo, and Flash Coffee, Han’s, Hotpot by Seoul Garden, and LiHo at Changi City Point.

GrabPay, Grab’s payment service, is working with StraitsX and digital currency payment gateway TripleA to support the last-mile settlement of PBM. This is done by accepting StraitsX’s XSGD on the Polygon chain, and reflecting the Singapore-dollar pegged stablecoin as SGD in the participating merchants’ GrabPay accounts. GrabPay will also be the main merchant payments processor for the PBM pilot at SFF this year – it will pay out to participating merchants in SGD on an on-demand basis, and remove any need for merchants to invest in end-of-day reconciliation between two accounting systems.

“We see this as transformative for the development of the digital assets space as PBM could form a new foundation infrastructure for payments, ensuring secure transactions, ease of use and seamless integration. Building on the work StraitsX has done with the Singapore dollar stablecoin, XSGD, the issuance of PBMs further demonstrates how blockchain technology and stablecoins can be applied in real-world scenarios. We are thrilled to work with industry leaders like Grab to showcase how the programmability and interoperability of stablecoins can make payment systems more efficient, environmentally friendly, and inclusive,” said Liu Tianwei, Deputy CEO of Fazz.

“We believe technology can be harnessed to economically empower our communities in Southeast Asia. The blockchain technology and applications for digital assets have the ability to accelerate financial inclusion. This pilot with StraitsX and the MAS is a great opportunity for us to test how the technology can be used to benefit the everyday user. We are excited to have our merchant-partners participate in this pilot and with their feedback, we hope to uncover more ways to help our users seamlessly participate in this technology and gain from the benefits.” said Wong Wenbin, Head of GrabFin Singapore.

About the pilot

PBM is explored as part of Project Orchid, building upon the concept and capabilities of both programmable payment and programmable money. This pilot project will delve into the enablement of PBM for the widespread distribution of money for commercial purposes, and its interoperability with e-wallets, payment systems and rails, and blockchains, allowing consumers to purchase goods and services through their preferred platform with PBM tokens.

PBM will enable individuals and organisations to embed logic-based conditions in the form of smart contracts that are automatically verified when submitted for transfers. At the same time, payments can be made more efficient, as the PBM token will unwrap and release the underlying digital currency, transferring it to a merchant’s digital wallet in real-time. The digital currency can then be used by the recipient immediately for other payouts. In this pilot, the digital currency will be reflected as SGD and paid out to the participating merchants in SGD.

Apart from StraitsX, Grab and Temasek, other supporting partners include: ADDX, AltLayer, Automata, Coinbase Wallet, Digital Treasures Centre (DTC), Fomopay, Sequence, TripleA, Trust Wallet and VISA.

This pilot is part of Project Orchid, first announced at SFF 2021, to explore the foundational technology infrastructure and technical competencies necessary to issue retail Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC). Project Orchid builds on the key learnings from the Global CBDC Challenge, which was organised by MAS and its global partners, including IMF, World Bank and ADB, innovative solutions were sought to enhance payment efficiencies and promote financial inclusion. StraitsX was among 15 finalists selected from over 300 applications representing over 50 countries.

The results from this programme will be used to inform the future phases of Project Orchid in the design and selection of infrastructures for a digital Singapore dollar.

Hashtag: #StraitsX

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

About StraitsX

StraitsX is the pioneering payments infrastructure for the digital assets space in Southeast Asia. StraitsX is a Major Payment Institution licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and is part of the Fazz’s ecosystem of financial services which powers business banking in Southeast Asia. StraitsX offers personal and business account holders to mint and redeem StraitsX stablecoins, manage payments as well as connect their accounts to digital asset platforms. Business accounts can also access B2B API-enabled payment rails for digital asset platforms.

About Grab

Grab is a leading superapp in Southeast Asia. Grab operates across the deliveries, mobility and digital financial services sectors in over 480 cities in eight countries in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Grab enables millions of people each day to access its driver- and merchant-partners to order food or groceries, send packages, hail a ride or taxi, pay for online purchases or access services such as lending, insurance, wealth management and telemedicine, all through a single “everyday everything” app.

Grab was founded in 2012 with the mission to drive Southeast Asia forward by creating economic empowerment for everyone, and since then, the Grab app has been downloaded onto millions of mobile devices. Grab strives to serve a triple bottom line: to simultaneously deliver financial performance for its shareholders and have a positive social and environmental impact in Southeast Asia.