Fifty years after the Stockholm Declaration on the Human Environment, States must do much more to ensure present and future generations will be able to enjoy the right to a healthy environment, the UN Human Rights Offices for South-East Asia and the Pacific said ahead of World Environment Day.
▪ More than three in four consumers expect their countries to become predominantly cashless within the next five years, but this move towards a cashless society is at a crossroads and varies greatly between countries. ▪ Almost four in ten consumers expect their governments or central banks to launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the next three years. ▪ 37% of consumers expect their governments to officially make cryptocurrencies legal tender for transactions in their countries. ▪ Both consumers and institutions see government regulations as a barrier in the move to a cashless society, but there are clear signs this is changing, with frameworks, approaches, lawsand pilot projects being introduced in several countries globally. ▪ Institutional investors and corporate treasurers expect consumer demand for digital currencies to increase. This may be intensified by the move to the metaverse, and in particular the rise of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
In 2020 and 2021, Economist Impact conducted surveys to measure the relative acceptance of digital currencies and other digital payment methods, and found that the trend towards a cashless society was growing stronger. A new survey of 3,000 consumers, and another of 150 institutional investors and treasury management respondents was launched in January and February 2022 to assess how sentiment around digital currencies has changed in the past year.
The survey finds that while the share of respondents who report that they always (as close to 100% of purchases as possible) use digital payments instead of banknotes, coins, or credit cards has remained largely similar over the past two years at 24%, more than three in four consumers expect their countries to become largely cashless within the next five years.
In fact, 18% of respondents say the country in which they live will become cashless in the next year or two, compared with 17% in 2021 and 14% a year earlier. In keeping with this trend, only 13% now say their country will never become cashless compared with 19% in 2021 and 28% in 2020.
The significance of governments’ role in this shift toward a cashless society is made clear by the survey results. For instance, among those who believe their country will become cashless, government and the public sector is seen as the biggest driver of this (49% compared with 27% in 2021).
This echoes findings from the institutional survey that regulations can enable acceptance and adoption. On the flip side, government regulations are also picked as one of three main barriers to becoming cashless by more than one in four (27%) of consumers, up from 20% in 2021.
Additionally, 37% of consumers surveyed expect their governments or central banks to launch a CBDC in the next three years. A similar share expects them to make cryptocurrencies legal tender for transactions in their countries.
The optimism around CBDCs is seen among institutions as well, with 65% saying they expect them to replace physical currencies in their countries, up from 56% in 2021. There is also optimism around growing understanding and trust of digital currencies—for example, only 35% consider that a primary obstacle to greater institutional investor or corporate treasury use of open-source digital currencies, down from 47% a year earlier. However, a larger share (41%) view regulations as a barrier this year than they did last year (32%).
Charles Ross, principal at Economist Impact and editor of this report, says: “The results of this year’s research show considerable development in the ecosystem for digital assets and currencies globally. Both consumers and institutions are more optimistic about the move to cashless today than they were a year ago and more interested in digital assets. While some barriers remain—and market fluctuations such as those we have witnessed in the crypto markets in recent months can test expectations—the shift away from physical to digital money is well underway.”
Economist Impact combines the rigour of a think-tank with the creativity of a media brand to engage a globally influential audience. We believe that evidence-based insights can open debate, broaden perspectives and catalyse progress. The services offered by Economist Impact previously existed within The Economist Group as separate entities, including EIU Thought Leadership, EIU Public Policy, EIU Health Policy, Economist Events, EBrandConnect and SignalNoise.
We are building on a 75-year track record of analysis across 205 countries. Along with framework design, benchmarking, economic and social impact analysis, forecasting and scenario modelling, we provide creative storytelling, events expertise, design-thinking solutions and market-leading media products, making Economist Impact uniquely positioned to deliver measurable outcomes to our clients. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
About Crypto.com
Founded in 2016, Crypto.com serves more than 50 million customers and is the world’s fastest growing global cryptocurrency platform. Our vision is simple: Cryptocurrency in Every Wallet™. Built on a foundation of security, privacy, and compliance, Crypto.com is committed to accelerating the adoption of cryptocurrency through innovation and empowering the next generation of builders, creators, and entrepreneurs to develop a fairer and more equitable digital ecosystem. Learn more at https://crypto.com.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The military government and its opponents traded accusations over a bomb that exploded in the middle of Yangon, killing one and wounding nine others, reports The Star.
Under the theme of “Inspiration Ahead”, OPPO introduces stunning Inspirational Light activation to underpin Roland-Garros tournament 2022.
PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach – 2 June 2022 – With the new brand proposition: Inspiration Ahead, OPPO, the premium partner of Roland-Garros 2022, unveils the stunning Inspirational Light campaign. Capturing the passion for the sport, inspiring messages were beamed from global tennis fans onto the world-famous red clay court.
OPPO: Premium Partner of Roland-Garros 2022
“Inspiration Ahead means showing confidence and poise when we are moving forward. It encourages us to remain resolved and graceful as we brave the storm and break the stagnation. Participating in sporting events is fantastic for OPPO to convey the mutually inspirational spirit and communicate OPPO’s technology innovation experience with our global users,” announced William Liu, OPPO’s Vice President and President of Global Marketing.
OPPO, as the premium partner for the 4th consecutive year, hopes to bring tennis fans’ inspiration with its advanced imaging technology to witness, capture and share the heart-stopping moments on the court.
“Inspirational Light” Shot on OPPO Find X5 Pro
Galvanising the global support for this year’s tennis stars, OPPO launched the Inspirational Light campaign, where global tennis fans were encouraged to share messages of support, which were then used to create striking yet beautiful light painting imagery showcased on the red clay court on each night of the tournament. At the end of each night match, when the stadium’s lights were turned off, OPPO’s expert light painting crew ‘painted’ the fans’ best comments using OPPO’s Find X5 Pro’s low-light photography mode. The stunning visuals were captured by OPPO Find X5 Pro, with photos and videos posted across social media.
Thanks to its advanced imaging system, the newest cutting-edge flagship from the brand, the OPPO Find X5 Pro, is the perfect handset for tennis fans to capture true-to-life content of their favourite tennis players. Powered by the OPPO’s self-designed MariSilicon X imaging NPU, Find X5 Pro brings the industry-recognized imaging capabilities, enabling tennis fans to capture 4K Ultra Night video and captivating photography of the tennis tournament.
The handset’s Wide-angle camera also features a first-of-its-kind Five-axis OIS system, which improves with every use to counter handshake, reduce noise and sharpen scenes – guaranteeing tennis fans perfect clarity and sharp shots.
Through Inspiration Ahead, OPPO strives to inspire its global users to push the limits to achieve success. The brand is bringing to the forefront technology that delivers a step-change to exemplify the dynamic and exhilarating experiences found only in this elite competition. To learn more about the Inspiration Ahead activities taking place at Roland Garros, click here.
To learn more about the OPPO Find X5 Pro, click here.
About OPPO
OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find X and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services such as OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO has footprints in more than 50 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 2 June 2022 – Chubb and JA Assure announced today the launch of HaxsafeTM – a cyber insurance portal targeting SMEs looking for an easy and accessible insurance solution. Currently available in Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia and Singapore, Haxsafe offers a fuss-free experience with instant quote and policy issuance capability.
Underwritten by Chubb, a leading provider of cyber insurance with more than 20 years of experience, the cyber insurance product offered on the platform is a comprehensive risk management solution providing clients with pre-loss risk mitigation and incident response services. The pre-loss mitigation services include complimentary access to a password management tool and regular spam tests designed to help keep organisations cyber safe. When a cyber incident occurs, clients can access the Chubb Incident Response Platform, an end-to-end process, developed to contain the threat and limit potential damage to their businesses. The incident response manager assigned to the client will assist to triage the issues, develop a plan of action to contain the threat, as well as appoint specialist vendors to assist with loss prevention and business recovery.
Mr. Japhire Gopi, CEO at JA Assure, said, “Haxsafe will be a gamechanger for SMEs as it simplifies the insurance buying process for small business owners who simply do not have the time and resources to go through lengthy insurance purchase processes. We are in the business of innovation and I’m excited to make insurance more accessible to those who need it.”
Mr. Grant Cairns, Regional Head of Property & Casualty, Asia Pacific at Chubb, said, “Our data shows that SMEs, like large organisations, are vulnerable to cyber attacks[1], despite the popular belief that SMEs are too small to be of interest to threat actors. I’m pleased that we are now able to bring Chubb’s cyber risk management solution closer to SMEs, underscoring our commitment to better serve the small commercial segment.”
[1]Chubb Cyber Index: In 2021, 34.3% of cyber claims handled by Chubb were filed by small businesses (under US$25M annual revenue).
About Chubb
Chubb is the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide.
Chubb’s franchise in Asia Pacific comprises an extensive network of operations serving Australia, China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Korea, Macau SAR, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.
About JA Assure Founded in 2012, JA Assure has come a long way from its beginnings in Singapore to spreading its wings in Hong Kong, Malaysia and throughout the ASEAN region. From the start, we’ve embraced technology as a core element of our business going forward so that today – with over 50 years of combined experience – we’re a team of talented experts with specializations in insurance, technology, finance, creative and client relations.
With our strong presence in Southeast Asia and expertise in niche areas of the insurance and insurtech business, we have solidified our position as the industry’s innovations leader in the region – offering services and related insurtech and transit products through several affiliates and brands
JA Assure is a trusted partner dedicated to helping clients take advantage of the latest in technology and innovation to make better insurance decisions, reducing their risk for a better business and operation.
Pharmaceutical service provider integrates sustainability goals into its corporate strategy
RAVENSBURG, GERMANY – Media OutReach – 2 June 2022 – Vetter, a global leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has published its first sustainability report. The report underpins the company’s commitment to sustainable action and covers three areas: Ecological Responsibility, Sustainable Economy, and Social Engagement. In doing so, the CDMO is orienting its activities to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“As a family-owned business, we think in the long term and aim to act in an economically, socially, and ecologically responsible manner,” says Senator h.c. Udo J. Vetter, Chairman of the Advisory Board and member of the owner family. And Vetter lives up to this responsibility. For many years the pharmaceutical service provider has been realizing a comprehensive sustainability program through its comprehensive EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) management. Now the company is going one step further. “With the publication of our first sustainability report, we are committing ourselves to the future and making our previous measures on the subject of sustainability transparent for everyone to understand,” emphasizes Senator h.c. Udo J. Vetter.
And these measures are multifaceted, encompassing the areas of ecology, economy, and social issues in their interplay. “Sustainability is firmly anchored in our corporate philosophy,” says Vetter Managing Director Peter Soelkner. “Of course, on many levels, it also plays an important role in our current corporate strategy Vetter NExT 2029.” All stakeholders are included in the process. Thus, the report also shows the individual importance of sustainable action for patients and their families, customers, employees, partner companies as well as society overall. The company‘s sustainability goals are aligned with the requirements for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.
Ecological responsibility – looking to future generations
“We are very aware of our social responsibility towards future generations,” emphasizes Vetter Managing Director Thomas Otto. “One of our main initiatives is therefore, to further reduce our emissions, energy consumption, and waste volumes, while at the same time meeting the high regulatory requirements within the manufacturing of vital medicines.” Since 2021, all Vetter sites worldwide have been CO2-neutral. In addition, the company attaches great importance to the stable supply of green electricity from hydroelectric power plants as well as the use of energy from cogeneration units, photovoltaic systems, and geothermal energy.By realizing efficiency measures, the CDMO has saved more than 31 million KWh of energy over the past ten years and expects to further reduce energy consumption an additional 10% by 2029. Through the use of green technology and targeted investments that are in line with the German government’s technology strategy, the company was already using 1,562 m3 less water in 2021, for example, or the equivalent annual consumption of 34 people.
Sustainable economy – value creation and occupational safety
Vetter’s entrepreneurial goal is to create sustainable value. Implementing a sustainability strategy is an integral part of its business model. Another focus is on the promotion as well as the protection of its employees. With a comprehensive occupational health and safety management system, the pharmaceutical service provider creates a safe working environment. In addition, Vetter invests in high-quality education of its employees through continuous training.
Social commitment – Social sustainability
As a globally acting company, Vetter currently employs 5,700 people from over 60 different nations and has been a member of the Diversity Charter since 2017. The CDMO is committed to a prejudice-free, appreciative working environment in which equal opportunities prevail for all employees – regardless of characteristics such as gender identity, ethnic origin, nationality, and age. “At the same time, we are aware that social responsibility extends well beyond our own company,” says Managing Director Peter Soelkner. “That is why we are actively involved in various initiatives around our corporate sites.”
About the Vetter Sustainability Report
The structure of the report is based on the requirements of the German Sustainability Code (DNK). In addition, the content was reviewed against the internationally recognized Sustainability Report Standards (SRS), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and the principles of completeness, materiality, and stakeholder engagement.
“Our first sustainability report is another important milestone in Vetter’s corporate history. Even though we look with pride at the results achieved thus far, we see it, above all, as an incentive and motivation to continuously realize our further goals,” Managing Director Thomas Otto sums up.
The complete sustainability report can be found here.
Find the Vetter press kit and more background information here.
About Vetter
Headquartered in Ravensburg, Germany, Vetter is a family-owned, global leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with production facilities in Germany, Austria and the United States. Currently employing more than 5,700 individuals worldwide, the company has long-term experience in supporting biotechnology and pharmaceutical customers both large and small. Vetter services range from early stage development support including clinical manufacturing, to commercial supply and numerous packaging solutions for vials, syringes and cartridges. As a leading solution provider, Vetter appreciates its responsibility to support the needs of its customers by developing devices that contribute to increased patient safety, convenience, and enhanced compliance. Great importance is also given to social responsibilityincluding environmental protection and sustainability. Learn more about Vetter at www.vetter-pharma.com.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach–1 June 2022 – Taiwan’s IDB (Industrial Development Bureau) “AI Life” Pavilion championed artificial intelligence at the center of Computex 2022, celebrating the IT trade show’s first in-person exhibition after two years of virtual events. The Pavilion featured thirteen Taiwanese tech firms, showcasing their latest AI-driven products and solutions.
13 Taiwanese technology companies exhibit on the IDB AI Life Pavilion at Computex 2022
Signage above the Pavilion read, “My AI, my dAIly life”, broadcasting the Pavilion’s purpose – to shed light on the behind-the-scenes role of AI in our daily lives. In keeping with this spirit, each of the thirteen exhibitors spotlighted its latest AI-driven products and solutions, spanning a wide range of industries and applications.
eYs3Ddemoed its eCapture Depth Camera with 3D stereo vision technology, boasting realtime, human-like vision. This edge computing device paves the way for autonomous robots’ obstacle avoidance, object and gesture recognition. It is built upon eys3D’s proprietary IC packaging solution, “Silicon 4.0 Heterogeneous Integration”.
Hysonexhibited its intelligent aquaculture solution, featuring AI technology that defogs and restores the color of underwater images, and analyzes objects such as fish. Hyson’s solution utilizes IoT underwater cameras to monitor fishes’ overall health and feeding activity. This solution enables fish farmers to save labor cost, manage risk, optimize feeding automation and track primary growth data directly from their cell phone.
Trans IoT promoted its IoV solutions, which integrate mapping software and vehicle data with dash cam hardware devices. Its purpose is to monitor driver performance and recognize poor driving behavior such as a driver who is fatigued, distracted, smoking, accelerating too rapidly or braking too aggressively. By using this system, logistics or commercial fleet companies can reduce risk, attain lower insurance premiums and effectively save on operating expenses.
Himaxshowcased its Ultralow Power Intelli-Sensing Module, featuring context-aware AI, to empower application systems to reduce energy consumption and improve user experience. While deploying in a smart home application, the module, which is capable of human presence detection, senses when a room is empty then enables powering down functions. It can power down lighting, electronic devices and air conditioning units to save energy. In addition, the module also offers pre-trained facial recognition model to cultivate user experience, interacting with a registered user by keyword spotting for example.
For a majority of the companies present, there was a common theme of exploiting innovations in AI vision to boost efficiency and safety across multiple industries. Exhibitors not mentioned above include ADLINK, Advantech, AUO, GoodLinker, iAmbition, Kneron, SPE3D, Techman Robot, and LILIN. In addition to their individual kiosks, each exhibitor had the chance to give talks about their technologies throughout the event.
The IDB AI Life Pavilion at Computex 2022 was organized by Taiwan’s Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and executed by Taipei Computer Association.
Under the Sponsorship of Abu Dhabi Police, Aramco & Saudi Electricity Company
Two Strategic partnership agreements were signed with Emirates Health Services (EHS) andThe Kurdistan Agency for Normalization DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – African Media Agency – 1 June 2022 – EFQM concluded the first edition of its Middle East Summit “ACHIEVING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE MIDDLE EAST THROUGH TRANSFORMATION.” at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Dubai, where Transformation and Excellence Business Leaders shared their vision and experiences with the presence of esteemed partners, VIPs, business leaders, media and influencers.
On this occasion, EFQM also signed two partnership agreements with prestigious organizations. The first agreement was signed with Emirate Health Services (EHS) to establish an Excellence and Quality Award for Healthcare Providers and a program for leadership development to enhance the performance of the healthcare sector in Dubai. The second agreement was with the Kurdistan Agency for Normalization to set up the agency as a partner to deliver EFQM courses in the Kurdish language. The Ministry of Culture in Saudi Arabia signed a Diamond Membership agreement with EFQM to support the ministry in its journey toward excellence.
The summit promenaded different panels and keynote speakers featuring thought-provoking presentations such as Innovation, Sustainability, and Transformation by renowned personalities and entities such as HE Major General Fares Khalaf Al Mazroui, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dr Paul Little, EFQM Board Chairman, Dr Nader Sabry, CEO of timeZ5 Global Inc., and Mr Russell Longmuir, EFQM Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Isra’a Mobideen, EFQM Middle East Regional Director, Abu Dhabi Police, Dubai Government Excellence Program, King Abdullah II Center for Excellence, Club Excelencia, Ministry of Interior Bahrain, Orange Jordan, Public Works Authority in Qatar, Roads & Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, Telecommunications, and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, and many more, from across the region and beyond.
His Excellency Major General Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, commented “We would like to thank EFQM for supporting excellence in the Middle East and worldwide, and for organizing this important event. Since its inception in 1957, Abu Dhabi Police has been keen to support and comply with government directions to achieve a global leading position for the UAE. Through establishing a clear purpose, understanding our ecosystem, exploring future Global trends, employing advanced analytical tools, and adopting agile approaches, we have been able to enhance Abu Dhabi Global position by becoming the safest city in the world for the past 6 years. We will continue to support the prosperity and quality of life of our nation and strengthen our partnerships in the pursuit of excellence”.
Mr. Motaz Al-Mashouk VP, Engineering Services at Aramco said: “Excellence is one of Aramco’s driving corporate values, enabling the company to achieve the best possible results when tackling new challenges. The company will continue its excellence journey to drive performance and fulfill our strategic intent of becoming the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals company.”
Isra’a Mobideen, EFQM Middle East Regional Director, highlighted “The summit was a great opportunity to hear from best-in-class pioneering organizations as they shared insights about their transformation journey and showcased best practices for others to learn from. It was great to hear how central EFQM’s Training and methods had become to driving performance improvement, excellence, sustainable transformation, and assisting Middle East organizations to manage the challenges ahead”. We thank our members, partners and sponsors for their support, and we are looking to welcome them again at the EFQM Forum taking place in Lyon- FRANCE on the 27-28th of October 2022.
About EFQM:
EFQM is a not-for-profit membership foundation founded in October 1989, based in Brussels with Global reach. EFQM’s purpose is to build a better future for people, communities, and for organizations themselves. EFQM is the custodian of the EFQM Model, a non-prescriptive framework that can be used to gain a holistic view of any organization regardless of size, sector, or maturity. Over the past 30 years, the EFQM Model has provided a blueprint for organizations across and beyond Europe to develop a culture of improvement and innovation.
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Crypto.com serves more than 50 million customers and is the world’s fastest growing global cryptocurrency platform. Our vision is simple: Cryptocurrency in Every Wallet™. Built on a foundation of security, privacy, and compliance, 
5,700 individuals worldwide, the company has long-term experience in supporting biotechnology and pharmaceutical customers both large and small. Vetter 
EFQM Model, a non-prescriptive framework that can be used to gain a holistic view of any organization regardless of size, sector, or maturity. Over the past 30 years, the EFQM Model has provided a blueprint for organizations across and beyond Europe to develop a culture of improvement and innovation. 
