• Fast growing crypto exchange meets esports legend on meteoric rise
• Bybit says this marks the beginning of its foray into esports collaborations
• NAVI players to participate in Bybit’s upcoming World Series of Trading (WSOT) 2021

KYIV, UKRAINE – Media OutReach – 18 August 2021 – Bybit, one of the most popular exchanges for crypto lovers, has announced a multi-year partnership with esports team NAVI (“Natus Vincere”) today, scaling up synergy between two fastest growing industries that can only go up.

The sponsorship will put the Bybit name on the map in the esports space in a symbolic move to bring closer two creative communities that are shaping up to redefine finance and sports. The sponsorship will not only see the Bybit logo appear on NAVI’s jerseys, but also include impact-driven collaborations on charity initiatives, school and student projects, and anti-hate/anti-bullying campaigns.

Bybit has in store a series of activations to help NAVI fans put their competitive skills to the test in the 2021 rendition of Bybit’s flagship World Series of Trading (WSOT) crypto trading competition. WSOT 2021 spectators will see familiar names from NAVI’s team of top players. The crypto community has been anticipating the event of the year with a prize pool of up to a record $7.5 million.

Best of Both Worlds

Boasting a whopping 18.4 million fanbase and close to 600 million cumulative video views on YouTube, NAVI reaches a unique segment of 15 million fans per month. It was also one of the most viewed esports teams in the world in 2020.

As NAVI’s exclusive cryptocurrency platform partner, Bybit will have greater visibility among one of the fastest growing demographics in sports and gaming. In turn, Bybit is excited to introduce the esports community to the endless possibilities cryptocurrency could open up for them.

The worlds of investment and professional gaming share commonalities — esports fans and crypto lovers are digitally savvy, forward-thinking and confident in their trades. Both industries have also demonstrated transformative power in a short space of time.

In just three years, Bybit made itself one of the top names in crypto trading with more than 2.5 million registered users from over 200 markets. It ranks second in terms of daily volume of Bitcoin futures and registered more than $1 trillion in total overall trading volume in the first quarter of the year. Helmed by veteran forex platform and blockchain development pioneers, Bybit stands out for its professional, intuitive and innovative online trading and cloud mining experience for retail and institutional clients, known for providing reliability even during periods of high volatility.

Bybit believes in equal investment opportunities for all crypto lovers. The sponsorship will feature financial education resources for gamers looking to diversify and invest in digital currencies.

Both emerging and fast-moving industries, crypto and esports promise to be the game-changers charting the future of finance and sports. Projected to become a billion-dollar industry in 2021, the esports sector is expected to welcome around 200 million new gamers by 2024 according to analytics firm Newzoo.

With overwhelmingly young demographics, esports is predicted to be an “up only” industry just as cryptocurrency is finding its way into mainstream portfolios globally. Many in the esports community will likely be keen to embrace a digital-first, borderless and decentralized asset class and will benefit from connecting with one of the best platforms facilitating cryptocurrency.

Bybit’s First Esports Venture

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many established conventions in a number of human experiences. Both sports and finance have witnessed the exponential pace of mainstreamization of two new entrants — esports and cryptocurrency,” said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit.

“We are delighted to connect with one of the most iconic names in esports that provided 86.1 million hours of thrilling entertainment to audiences worldwide in 2020. As one of the fastest-growing start-ups built for crypto lovers, we are excited to sign on with NAVI, and are looking forward to unleashing the natural synergy between the crypto community and the athletes and creators in esports,” he said.

“We share the vision of real sportsmanship, and the drive to be the best in the game. Whether you are in the business of innovative finance or competitive esports, to be a good player you need to put in hard work, hone your craft and build a strategy. That’s why we are constantly on the lookout for partners in excellence,” he added.

“I believe that this was bound to happen. Cryptocurrency and esports have much in common: They are new, fast-growing and interesting to keep watch and learn. We shall strive to show esports fans the real value of digital-based communication by cryptocurrency platform Bybit and our team. Also we want to represent the esports world to cryptocurrency enthusiasts as a point of their interest. We hope to bring new game-changing and engaging projects to make esports a better place to play together,” said Alexander Pavlenko, CMO of NAVI.

With 46 players in 12 disciplines and academy, NAVI has recorded a total of 247 awards since 2009.

Game On: More to Come

As a global platform loved by users from different parts of the world, Bybit has more plans for further integration with the international esports community.

Bybit’s debut into esports echoes its global, inclusive and innovative value, representing the shared ideals of the cryptocurrency community. Bybit is kicking off the gaming season with NAVI to set in motion a wide-range of integrations and activities, joining global brands like Monster Energy, ASUS, Puma and Logitech and other esports supporters.

Sharing its vision for a future in crypto with the global esports community, Bybit will introduce NAVI players in the upcoming WSOT 2021 that has become the premier gaming-themed event within the cryptocurrency community, with more announcements to follow on other partnerships and sponsorships.

About Bybit

Bybit is a cryptocurrency exchange established in March 2018 to offer a professional platform where crypto traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, excellent customer service and multi-lingual community support. The company provides innovative online trading services and cloud mining products, as well as API support, to retail and professional clients around the world, and strives to be the most reliable exchange for the emerging digital asset class.

For more information please visit: https://www.bybit.com/

For updates, follow Bybit’s social platforms on Twitter and Telegram.

#Bybit

About NAVI

NAVI is one of the leading esports clubs in the world, founded on December 17, 2009. Over the long history, the club has been represented in 18 disciplines: the players have won many awards around the world. Now NAVI has teams in CS:GO, Dota 2, PUBG, Apex Legends, Rainbow Six, Brawl Stars, VALORANT, Free Fire, Wild Rift.

For more information please visit: https://navi.gg/en/

About WSOT

The World Series of Trading (WSOT) is a global cryptocurrency trading competition powered by Bybit championing the spirit of competition, fair play, and cultivating camaraderie between crypto lovers from around the world. WSOT celebrates the positive changes cryptocurrency and technologies has brought to our lives.

WSOT ranks contestants by the “profit vs. loss” percentage where traders compete on a level playing field regardless of the depth of their pockets.

Read the rules and sign up for WSOT 2021: bybit.com/wsot2021

Five week tram presence along with month-long social campaign commemorates the launch of localised website providing Hongkongers a seamless online shopping experience

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 18 August 2021 – Love, Bonito, Southeast Asia’s largest omni-channel women’s fashion brand, is back with the launch of its Hong Kong website following the positive response from its pop-up shop at H Queen’s. The new website will offer pricing and payment in HKD, feature local best-sellers and allow returns that can be conveniently dropped at over 400 locations around the city. To celebrate the new website, Love, Bonito is taking over Hong Kong’s iconic trams starting today with the launch of “Travel in Style with Love, Bonito”, a social media campaign where 500 lucky winners will receive a limited-edition pre-loaded Love, Bonito branded Octopus card and a Love, Bonito website shopping voucher. Love, Bonito will also be hosting month-long giveaways on its Facebook page.

“The new site will mark the introduction of the brand’s new and improved online experience, providing shoppers with a faster and more responsive website,” said Dione Song, CEO, Love, Bonito. “In addition, the new site can also be saved as a mobile home screen application to provide shoppers with more convenient access to the website. We are thrilled to introduce these exciting new features first in Hong Kong and subsequently in other in-market websites in the future.”

Calling Hongkongers to “Travel in Style with Love, Bonito”

Three Love, Bonito branded trams will be travelling around Hong Kong island from today until August 29^th. The trams will feature a QR code that Hong Kongers can scan to sign up for the Love, Bonito newsletter and participants can stand a chance to win a limited-edition Love, Bonito branded Octopus card pre-loaded with HK$50 and a HK$50 shopping voucher for the Love, Bonito Hong Kong website. Every week starting from the week of July 26 to the week of August 29, 100 lucky winners will be announced every Wednesday beginning on August 4th to September 1st via email regarding the prizes.

In addition, from July 30^th to August 5^th, fans can join Love, Bonito’s “Spot the Tram” contest where they will be asked to comment on a tram post on Love, Bonito’s Facebook page and upload a photo capturing one of the three Love, Bonito trams travelling around Hong Kong. Ten lucky winners will receive a HK$100 shopping voucher that can be used on the Hong Kong website. Winners will be announced on August 6^th. and contacted on Facebook.

Full contest Terms and Conditions will be available on www.lovebonito.com/hk on July 30^th.

Introducing Love, Bonito’s Hong Kong Website

Since the brand’s debut in Hong Kong with a pop-up store at H Queen’s, Love, Bonito has continued to grow its local community with its women-for-women offerings featuring thoughtful designs that bridge fashion and functionality with well-made, well-fitted pieces at an accessible price point. The Hong Kong website will feature all of Love, Bonito’s product lines including work, casual, occasion, The Staples (wardrobe foundations), LYLAS (bridesmaid & party), loungewear, Embrace (maternity), kids, intimates and special collaborations.

Love, Bonito’s Hong Kong website will feature pricing and payment in HKD. New styles will be added to the website twice a week (Monday and Wednesdays) and customers can enjoy free shipping for orders HK$350 and above. For those with orders under HK$350, a flat shipping rate of HK$40 will be charged. Returns will be accepted within 90 days of purchase and can be conveniently dropped off at over 400 Circle K, 7-11 or Alfred Lockers locations around the city (HK$20 for every 5 items).

About Love, Bonito

Designing for the key moments and milestones of a woman’s life, Love, Bonito’s comprehensive assortment features stylish and comfortable pieces for the modern Asian woman at home, work and play. Love, Bonito is the largest vertically integrated, omni-channel women’s fashion brand in the region today. We remain committed to relationship building and nurturance, imbuing soul into innovation with thoughtful design and dedicated community outreach.

For more information, please visit https://www.lovebonito.com/hk/about-us

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovebonito/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovebonito/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClFWjOkFAPFf_tEW27Yom8A

#LoveBonito

DELHI, INDIA – African Media Agency – 18 August 2021 – In cities like Lagos, Nairobi and Addis Ababa, busy streets are awash with the bright blue shopfronts of Transsion’s flagship brand, TECNO. The company might still be a new brand globally, however, the company took a different path to success from other top Chinese smartphone makers or international mobile brands. TECNO built its business in Africa and is focused on its growth in global emerging markets. And it has no plans to change tact now.

Stephen Ha, General Manager, TECNO

For TECNO, future growth is set to come from building its business outside Africa by tapping into other developing regions like the Middle East, East Europe, and Southeast Asia, but with Africa still a key focus.

A recent Counterpoint research reveals that TECNO was responsible for 18% of the total smartphone shipments in Africa in 2020. The research firm attributes TECNO’s rise to a strong second half of the year and its affordable smartphone portfolio. The brand has made a dent to some of the bigger smartphone names, making TECNO a challenger brand to watch out for.

Glocal approach

TECNO’s ethos is rooted in a business strategy called “glocalisation,” the creation of products that will sell universally but can be customised to specific markets or regions. This strategy signifies TECNO’s growth from an Africa-focused brand to a newcomer in the mid-to-high-end smartphone segment in global emerging markets.

In Ethiopia for example, TECNO became the first major phone brand in the country to offer a keyboard in Amharic, the country’s native script. This unlocked an entirely new customer base. Swahili and Hausa keyboards have also been added since then.

“This has helped TECNO grow into one of the most admired smartphone brands in Africa, as well as an expert in providing industrial-leading technology and innovative devices designed for global users in emerging markets,” explains Stephen Ha, General Manager at TECNO.

Today, TECNO’s product line is greatly enriched by its quad core smartphone product lines and a diverse AIoT products, providing consumers with high-quality middle and high-end smart devices.

“We offer a very competitive price, enabling our customers to always stay connected to the world and enjoy a fashionable way of life. Unlike many international brands, TECNO focus on users in emerging markets and creatively combines global technology with the actual needs of local consumers, bringing them cutting-edge technology with localised innovation and differentiated features. This kind of innovation is in our DNA,” adds Ha.

In 2021, TECNO plans to leap further forward with the hope of stabilising its foothold on more emerging markets. “To further expand our brand popularity, we aim to play a more significant role in the mid-to-high end market segment. We will do this by actively combining international-level partnerships to create our global brand image, while also utilising diverse and innovative branding activities to serve a growing number of young consumers.”

Joining the premium smartphone space

TECNO’s brand mission is to become the most admired tech brand in the global emerging markets by continually making breakthroughs in product innovation.

With PHANTOM X, TECNO intends to redefine the premium flagship phone trend and evolve it to new dimensions that exemplifies premium design, industry flagship camera technology, and seamless customer experience punctuated by a differentiated service.  “We are confident that we have figured out a right strategy in terms of many aspects like elegant design language, camera technology, and total user experience,” says Ha.

But PHANTOM X is just the beginning. As TECNO continues to play a more significant role in the mid-to-high end market segment, it will cultivate its market position by bringing with it premium smart devices and services-based offering and lead with a customer-oriented innovation mindset.

“The mid-to-high-end smartphone market has become more mature today, and market demand has spread rapidly to global emerging markets. We are eager to push the competition into new boundaries to make flagship technology and innovation available to consumers in global emerging markets sooner,” adds Ha.

TECNO plays a crucial role post-pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges both for industry and society, however, TECNO knows that every challenge brings with it an opportunity. “During the period, we kept the communication lines with our global partners. We stood alongside our consumers to help them overcome challenges. We’ve always been the brand that pushes past limitations,” says Ha.

TECNO gave back to communities. They implemented fast-response measures to support local communities in time of outburst events such as COVID19. “Last year, we rolled out a range of initiatives to provide prevention measures, materials and educational and economical support that aims to help local communities to maintain their safety and wellbeing for everyday life.”

TECNO partnered with governments in countries such as Nigeria, Thailand, Myanmar, and India, to provide medical support to local communities. Prior to the pandemic, they partnered with UNHCR to support its global education project, Educate A Child, to help improve the educational conditions of refugee children and enable them to get more opportunities for education.

But more than taking its social responsibility to heart, TECNO is all about knowing what the customer needs, and this philosophy is at the very center of everything they do. “We are at the forefront of meeting neglected market demand by developing elegantly designed smart tech devices and services for our consumers across more than 70 global emerging markets. We want to provide consumers with a comprehensive range of high-quality products and services at competitive prices, from smartphones, tablets, smart wearables to AIoT devices,” says Ha.

As TECNO readies itself to take on the world by storm, the brand recognises the role that it plays in society.

“We are investing more around digitalisation to drive positive impact on business ecosystem, consumers as well as social development. For example, we held the first global AR launch event for the CAMON 16 series in 2020; we witnessed the rise of short-video social trend and launched the very first documentary looking at the “rise of selfie“, calling out for the public to employ devices in a positive way. We are also investing more in e-commerce to bring better convenience to consumers,” concludes Ha.

One can clearly see why TECNO is on the up and up. 

It is no surprise therefore that in 2020 it has outpaced its competitors in Africa and was named one of the top ten “most admired brands in Africa”, a recognition bestowed upon it by its industry peers and consumers.

About TECNO

TECNO is a premium smartphone and AIoT devices brand from TRANSSION Holdings. With “Stop At Nothing” as its brand essence, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best contemporary technologies for progressive individuals across global emerging markets, giving them elegantly designed intelligent products that inspires consumers to uncover a world of possibilities. TECNO understands the needs of consumers from different markets and provides them with localized innovations and design breakthroughs demonstrated through their mastery of serving consumers who are “young at heart” and never stops pursuing excellence. TECNO’s portfolio spans across smartphones, tablets, smart wearables and AIoT devices made for consumers in over 70 emerging markets world-wide. TECNO is also the Official Partner of Manchester City, Premier League Champions 2020-21. For more information, please visit: www.tecno-mobile.com.

#TECNO

Trend Micro’s annual event builds security skills in the industry’s most critical areas of need

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 18 August 2021 – Trend Micro Incorporated ( TYO: 4704 ; TSE: 4704 ), a global cybersecurity leader, today announced the 7^th annual global Capture the Flag competition. The Raimund Genes Cup empowers upcoming and established security professionals to hone and test their skills on the world stage.

The risk of cyber attacks continues to put pressure on organizations and CISOs who rely on skilled security professionals to protect corporate systems. However, according to a recent (ISC)² study [1] , in 2020 there was an estimated shortage of over 3 million cybersecurity professionals globally. Trend Micro is passionate about bridging this gap and equipping more security professionals globally to meet this growing need.

To learn more and to register your team for the online qualifying round, please visit: www.trendmicro.com/ctf .

“Over the past year we’ve seen organizations around the globe struggle to cope with surging cybercrime as critical IT assets and end users become more distributed,” said Mike Gibson, vice president of customer success and security research for Trend Micro. “As skills shortages persist, it’s vital we encourage more to join the industry. Honoring the memory of our former CTO, the Trend Micro CTF – Raimund Genes Cup provides an ideal platform for the world’s best cyber talent to practice their skills and learn from new challenges.”

This year’s competition takes place over two rounds: an online qualifier and virtual finals event. The online qualifier will run over a 24-hour period from September 18-19 (Japan Standard Time). Teams of competitors will face Jeopardy-style questions to test their problem-solving skills.

The top 10 will qualify for the virtual finals, which will once again take place online on December 18-19, in the form of a Dynamic Jeopardy competition.

Through both rounds of competition, teams will be tasked with problems in various critical areas of cybersecurity including IoT, mobile, AI, exploitation and OSINT.

The winning team from the finals will receive 1,000,000 Japanese Yen (approximately $71,700 HKD). Each player from the winning team will also receive 15,000 Zero Day Initiative Rewards Program points, to help earn exclusive awards and benefits. The second and third place teams receive 300,000 JPY and 200,000 JPY, ($21,500 HKD and $14,350 HKD respectively). In addition, the virtual final winners will automatically be seeded in the 2022 competition.

Over 700 teams from 66 countries competed in 2020 and demand is set to be similarly high for this year’s event.

Trend Micro is committed to encouraging more new talent into the industry with showcase events like CTF and Pwn2Own, and programs such as Close the Gap, which aims to support more gender diverse applicants as they search for new career opportunities. This approach is proven effective, with new researchers and engineers joining Trend Micro after participating in regional CTF events.

About Trend Micro

Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro’s cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, the platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 65 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.trendmicro.com.hk

#TrendMicro