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12 Malaysian students celebrate as Octa broker’s bootcamp reaches completion


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 February 2025 – In 2024, Octa broker sponsored a coding bootcamp for Malaysian students, STATUS 200. Organised in cooperation with Ideas International, this charity project was held on-site in Kuala Lumpur and lasted from April to November 2024. The program was divided into three stages, each filled with intense learning and challenging assignments. While many participants could not go through the first two stages, 12 completed the course—and are now choosing one of many career paths open to them.

Octa

The STATUS 200 bootcamp aimed to create new career opportunities for dedicated Malaysian students passionate about programming. To bring this project to life, Octa broker joined forces with Ideas International, a Malaysian academy focusing on providing high-quality, affordable education for youths with diverse backgrounds.

Octa

STATUS 200 offered a rigorous, high-paced program from day one—that was the only way to ensure each student can successfully complete the assignment projects scheduled after Stages 2 and 3. The bootcamp’s program combined conceptual computer science topics with workshops focused on acquiring and developing practical coding skills.

Octa

Twelve students achieved Stage 2 certification and enrolled in Stage 3, finishing it with impressive results. The graduates successfully completed their final assignments—each had to develop a fully functional webshop from scratch. Based on these individual projects, these students’ skill level corresponds to a junior web developer position.

Octa

The bootcamp has already brought significant positive change into the lives of the participants:

  • Several students engaged in paid, commissioned web development projects on a freelance basis after completing Stage 2
  • Three students were offered internships in the field
  • One student with no prior teaching experience became a coding teacher
  • One student applied for a computer science scholarship in Australia, and the instructors wrote a recommendation for him—the eligibility for this scholarship was solely based on his bootcamp results.

On top of that, the skills acquired during the bootcamp are fully transferable to other fields of study, which will contribute to their future career success.

With STATUS 200, Octa broker made another step towards its long-term social mission: To bring lasting positive change to local communities through small steps—incremental, targeted, and timely initiatives.

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

Octa

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charity and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

iQIYI sees surge in viewership during Chinese New Year: users favor classic IPs, long and short content, and strong interaction

BEIJING, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On Feb. 5, iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, released its viewership data and content trends for the Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday period (Jan. 28 to Feb. 4). Classic IPs, including blockbuster films, served as a powerful foundation, driving a surge in online viewership of related content and fueling platform-wide engagement. Meanwhile, content diversity, including a mix of long-form videos and mini-dramas, further captivated audiences, highlighting the evolving content preferences of users. Data also revealed that users enjoy interacting with iQIYI’s content, with a 118% year-on-year increase in bullet comments and a surge in offline IP-based VR immersive theater experiences.

Variety Show Drives Strong Viewership Engagement

As families gathered to celebrate the holiday, iQIYI’s variety show channel emerged as the category with the highest viewing time. The 2025 Spring Festival Gala, produced and broadcast by China Media Group (CMG), continued its reign at the top of the variety show rankings with impressive viewership numbers. On iQIYI International, the global livestream of the event saw a remarkable 135% year-on-year increase in average viewing time per user.

iQIYI’s original variety shows also delivered exceptional results, with the travel-themed reality show “The Blooming Journey” topping the content popularity rankings within the channel, and comedy hits like “The King of Stand-Up Comedy” continuing to attract strong audience engagement. The platform’s iconic comedy IP, “Super Sketch Show,” saw a noticeable boost in viewing time, with Seasons 1 and 2 experiencing increases of 18% and 26%, respectively, compared to the pre-holiday period.

Cast members from iQIYI’s comedy shows also appeared at the 2025 Spring Festival Gala, showcasing their entertaining sketches and reinforcing iQIYI’s role in nurturing the next generation of comedic talent.

New Dramas Spark Interest in Past Favorites

iQIYI’s extensive lineup of premium dramas resonated strongly with viewers during the holiday period, with series including “The White Olive Tree,” “Moonlight Mystique,” “Drifting Away,” “Unbreakable 2,” and “TRITENT 2” dominating the content popularity rankings. Notably, the success of “Unbreakable 2” renewed interest in this highly acclaimed drama IP, with viewing time for Season 1 soaring nearly tenfold compared to last year’s CNY holiday.

As part of its renowned suspense-themed drama brand, “Light On Theater,” iQIYI launched the highly anticipated series “Let Wind Go By” and “Drifting Away.” These new releases further fueled interest in suspense dramas, with a 22% increase in overall viewing time for “Light On Theater” content compared to the pre-holiday period.

Meanwhile, mini-dramas continued to gain traction, with data indicating that viewers aged 35 and below comprised over 70% of the audience.

Sequel Success Draws Viewers to Rediscover Related Films

The record-breaking box office performance of sequels to popular IP films during the holiday significantly boosted interest in earlier titles and related content on iQIYI. For example, the predecessor of “Ne Zha 2” experienced a remarkable 624% increase in viewing time compared to the pre-holiday period.

Similarly, the release of “Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants” reignited enthusiasm for other martial arts films inspired by Louis Cha (Jin Yong)’s legendary works, with related content seeing a 1,306% rise in viewing time.

The data also revealed an uptick in viewership for iQIYI’s animation and kids’ content. The original production “How Dare You!?” saw a 27% increase in viewing time compared to the pre-holiday period, while beloved animated IPs such as “PAW Patrol” and “Peppa Pig” ranked among the top five in user viewing time.

Enhanced Viewer Engagement Through Technology

With 70% of iQIYI users considering bullet comments an essential part of their viewing experience, the platform saw a 118% year-on-year increase in bullet comments. Fans also actively engaged in AI-powered chats with fictional characters from iQIYI’s hit shows, bringing these characters to life and driving content engagement.

Moreover, iQIYI expanded the reach of its premium IPs beyond the screen through offline experiences. The VR immersive theater “Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty 2: To the West,” launched by iQIYI, became a cultural tourism highlight in several Chinese cities during the holiday. Data revealed a 206% increase in visitor numbers compared to the pre-holiday period, while viewing time for the series it’s based on also grew.

CONTACT: iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com

Acer Announces January Revenues at NT$15.07 Billion

TAIPEI, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Acer Inc. (TWSE: 2353) announced its consolidated revenues for January at NT$15.07 billion, down 1.0%, which was flattish year-on-year (YoY). Chromebooks revenue increased by 56.5% YoY in January, showing continued strong demand. Acer Chromebooks shipments ranked No. 1 worldwide in Q4’24 [1].

Acer’s strategy to expand multiple business engines continued to gain momentum. Total revenues from businesses other than personal computers [2] and displays contributed 40.4% of the group’s total revenues in January. Acer’s public subsidiaries have announced their January revenues; some highlights for businesses under incubation include Acer ITS Inc. with revenues growth of 10.8% year-on-year in January.

[1] IDC Final Historical Q4’24 PC report

[2] Personal computers business includes desktop and notebooks

About Acer

Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world’s top technology companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. The company continues to evolve by embracing innovation across its offerings, which include computers and displays, while branching out to new businesses. Acer is also committed to sustainable growth, exploring new opportunities that align with its environmental and social responsibilities. The Acer Group employs over 8,000 employees that contribute to the research, design, marketing, sales and support of products, solutions, and services that break barriers between people and technology. Visit www.acer.com for more information.

© 2025 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by location. Applicable sales tax extra.

80 Years of Moomin Magic: Helsinki Celebrates Tove Jansson with Art, Design and Storytelling

HELSINKI, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In 2025, one Finland’s most cherished cultural icons, the Moomins, celebrate their 80th anniversary. Helsinki, home to their beloved creator Tove Jansson, honors this milestone with two major exhibitions and a host of opportunities to explore the artist’s life, work and enduring legacy. Beyond gallery walls, Helsinki offers countless opportunities to walk in Jansson’s footsteps, from visiting her neighborhoods to discovering landmarks she cherished and statues she inspired. Moomin-themed stores and design items across the city provide the perfect way to take a piece of Tove Jansson’s fantastical world home.

Tove Jansson’s influence reaches far beyond her famous Moomins. She was a trailblazer in art, literature and design, embodying values of equality, inclusion and openness – principles that resonate deeply with her hometown of Helsinki. This year the Moomins turn 80, and this spirit is echoed in the anniversary theme: “The door is always open.” Visitors can experience these values in Helsinki’s cultural offerings, many of which are available all year round and free of charge.

Explore Tove Jansson’s Art at HAM Helsinki Art Museum

HAM Helsinki Art Museum kicks off the Moomin’s anniversary year with Tove Jansson – Paradise, a landmark exhibition featuring over 180 works, including her monumental frescoes, smaller decorative pieces, and previously unseen sketches. This is the first time Jansson’s public murals, created during the 1940s and 1950s, are brought together in one place. From playful decorative details to grand frescoes filled with joy and beauty, the exhibition offers an unparalleled glimpse into Jansson’s versatility and talent as a visual storyteller. Highlights include six large charcoal drawings that offer rare insights into her creative process. The sketches were found in Jansson’s studio and have never before been shown to the public. The exhibition has garnered significant international interest and has been featured in publications such as the Financial Times and The Guardian.

HAM also houses a permanent gallery dedicated to Jansson, which showcases her frescoes Party in the City and Party in the Countryside, along with other rotating works. These pieces provide insight into her life, including references to her personal relationships and artistic journey. In “Party in the City” Tove’s then (secret) love, theatre director Vivica Bandler can be seen on the dance floor, while Jansson herself sits in the foreground, with a little Moomin figure standing beside her on the table.

HAM Helsinki Art Museum, Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 8
Open Until 6 April 2025

Discover Jansson’s Architectural Vision at the Design Museum

The Moomin 80 anniversary year will culminate in a groundbreaking exhibition at the Architecture and Design Museum Helsinki, opening in October 2025 and highlighting Tove Jansson’s vision of architecture and design. Jansson was famous for her ability to create spaces that feel alive, welcoming and filled with possibility, from her own homes and summer cottages to the caves of childhood play. The exhibition connects her personal life, from her early years in central Helsinki to her summers in the Finnish archipelago, with her literary creations, like the Moominhouse – a place of safety, warmth and joy, where the door always stands open.

Through never-before-seen collection highlights, detailed glimpses into Tove Jansson’s personal surroundings come to life in this exhibition organised in collaboration with Moomin Characters.

Design Museum Helsinki, Korkeavuorenkatu 23
Opening in October 2025

Walk in Tove Jansson’s Footsteps

Helsinki offers a wealth of Tove Jansson-related landmarks that allow visitors to follow in her footsteps. Start at her childhood home in Katajanokka, where Jansson grew up surrounded by the sea and the vibrant cultural life of her family. Stroll through Tove Jansson Park, where she used to play, and visit the Halkolaituri pier, where she ice-skated in winter and later departed for summers on her island retreat of Klovharun.

Don’t miss the Esplanade Park to admire Mermaid Fountain, a sculpture Tove Jansson’s artist-father Viktor Jansson modeled after his daughter. Other must-see spots include her former studio and home at Ullanlinnankatu 1, where she lived from 1944 until she passed away in 2001. The studio is privately owned, but you can see the plaque outside and marvel at the huge windows of the studio on the top floor of the corner. You can also check out Svenska Teatern, where her Moomin play debuted in 1949. If you know Swedish, you can even catch a play. Don’t miss the Moomin Shop Espa, located in the same building. The shop also hosts rotating mini-exhibitions from the Moomin and Tove Jansson archives and offers a wide assortment of books in different languages.

More addresses related to Tove Jansson’s Helsinki can be found in the newly redesigned MyHelsinki.fi website, in articles such as Experience Helsinki like Tove Jansson and Moomins in Helsinki: A “Troll” through the city.

Bring the Moomins Home

Helsinki is a treasure trove for Moomin enthusiasts, with many themed stores and cafés where visitors can immerse themselves in the whimsical world of the Moominvalley – or bring a piece of the Moomins back home with them.

Browse for cherished design items like the iconic Arabia Moomin mugs at the Iittala & Arabia flagship store (Pohjoisesplanadi 23) or clothing that captures adorned with Jansson’s illustrations at the Moomin Shop in Lasipalatsi (Mannerheimintie 22-24), where the interior draws inspiration from The Moomins and the Great Flood – the book that launched the Moomin journey back in 1945. At Helsinki Airport’s Moomin Café, travelers can enjoy a last taste of Finland while surrounded by playful Moomin decor.

For more inspiration and information on Helsinki visit MyHelsinki.fi.

More information
Leena Karppinen
Senior Manager, PR & Communications
Helsinki Partners
leena.karppinen@helsinkipartners.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/helsinki-partners/r/80-years-of-moomin-magic–helsinki-celebrates-tove-jansson-with-art–design-and-storytelling,c4099454

The following files are available for download:

https://news.cision.com/helsinki-partners/i/celebration-moomin-80,c3373595

Celebration Moomin 80

https://news.cision.com/helsinki-partners/i/sketch-for-fairytale-panorama,c3373600

sketch for Fairytale panorama

https://news.cision.com/helsinki-partners/i/tove-jansson-with-moomin-characters,c3373603

Tove Jansson with Moomin Characters

https://news.cision.com/helsinki-partners/i/water-nymphs-by-viktor-jansson-,c3375348

Water Nymphs by Viktor Jansson

https://news.cision.com/helsinki-partners/i/moomin-shop-esplanadi-,c3375349

Moomin Shop Esplanadi

https://news.cision.com/helsinki-partners/i/moomin-shop-airport-,c3375356

Moomin Shop Airport

https://news.cision.com/helsinki-partners/i/tovejansson-ullanlinnankatu11-,c3375357

ToveJansson Ullanlinnankatu11

https://news.cision.com/helsinki-partners/i/tove-jansson—paradise,c3375363

Tove Jansson – Paradise

Trump’s Foreign Aid Freeze Disrupts USAID Projects in Laos

Trump’s Foreign Aid Freeze Disrupts USAID Projects in Laos
The flag of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) outside their headquarters in Washington, DC, on February 5, 2025 (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP)

Operations of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Laos are facing uncertainty after the Trump administration’s recent decision to temporarily pause all foreign assistance programs.

Bybit Card Presents Valentine’s Special: 14% Cashback for 24 Hours Only

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is pleased to announce an exclusive Valentine’s Day promotion for Bybit Card holders. On Feb. 14, 2025, users can earn 14% cashback or up to 10 USDT on eligible transactions, helping couples make the most of their special day.

The promotion aims to provide relief from traditional Valentine’s Day price premiums while rewarding cardholders who plan special experiences on the special day. To participate, users must register for the event in advance:

Registration Period: Sign up for the event from Feb. 7 to 14, 2025
Event Period: Tap or swipe the Bybit Card Feb. 14, 2025, from 12:00 AM UTC to 11:59 PM UTC to qualify for 14% cashback.

Since its launch in 2024, the Bybit Card has attracted over 1.2 million users globally by offering an innovative payment and rewards solution that seamlessly integrates cryptocurrency into daily spendings and payments. Users also earn competitive APR on their digital assets while maintaining easy access to their funds. The card comes with fun and sweet surprises all year round in diverse forms of rewards.

Feature Highlights:

  • Instant Virtual Card: Successful applicants will get to use the virtual card instantly, compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay on supported devices.
  • Global Spending Freedom: Use crypto or withdraw cash from Mastercard-supported ATMs worldwide with the physical card.
  • No Hidden Charges: No annual fees, 2% cashback in USDT, and up to 8% APY (conditions apply).
  • Supporting multiple digital assets: Flexible spending and rewards in USDT, BTC, ETH, and other major cryptocurrencies.

The Valentine’s Day promotion is limited to the first 5,000 eligible transactions. Users may find out more about the event and terms and conditions: It Starts With a Swipe and Ends With 14% Cashback!

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #TheBybitCard

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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The 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin to Open with Creative Ceremony

HARBIN, China, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At 20:00 on February 7, 2025, the 9th Asian Winter Games (AWG) will open with a creative ceremony as reported in Harbin, capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, reputed as the country’s “Ice Capital”.

The Opening Ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin
The Opening Ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin

As another major international winter sports event held by China following the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the AWG invites athletes from across Asia and spectators worldwide to the “city of ice and snow.” Following the principle of “streamlined, safe, splendid,” the event features modernized facilities and diverse cultural experiences.

Themed “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia,” the opening ceremony is going to begin with the prologue of “Ice Lanterns”, telling the story of a little girl’s dream-chasing adventure in an icy world. The ceremony includes protocol, gala performance, and lighting of the cauldron and theme song performance. In an innovative manner, the opening ceremony will span two venues — the main venue at the Harbin International Conference, Exhibition and Sports Centre and the sub-venue at the Harbin Ice and Snow World. A collaborative effort between the two venues, the torch lighting ceremony takes global audiences on an immersive journey through a world of ice and snow.

To highlight the charm of the “city of ice and snow,” iconic landmarks of Harbin, such as the Central Street, Ice and Snow World and Music Square, will be woven into the fabric of the opening ceremony. Audiences will witness the perfect fusion of Harbin’s local intangible cultural heritage with modern art and technology, giving traditional culture an international and trendy vibe. Meanwhile, athletes from across Asia, who will be dressed in their national attire and gather at the ceremony to showcase diverse cultures of their respective countries, jointly interpreting the unity and friendship of the Asian people.

The extensive use of smart technology will be a key feature of the opening ceremony. Through advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR), glasses-free 3D, and ultra-high-definition immersive screens, the venue transforms into a panoramic three-dimensional space, immersing viewers in a dreamy ice and snow world. Ultra-high-definition cameras and immersive virtual reality (VR) technology provide online viewers with an interactive and visually stunning experience. All these ensure a blend of creativity and technology, allowing the ceremony to be enjoyed by all.

1.753 Million Person-times, A Year-on-year Increase of 7.8%, China’s 5A Scenic Area: Tourism Data of The Ancient City of Taizhou in the Year of the Snake Hits a New High

LINHAI, China, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — During the Spring Festival in 2025, the Culture & Tourism Area of the Ancient City of Taizhou, located in Linhai, China and known as the “Millennium Taizhou Prefecture, Great Song City in the South of the Yangtze River”, launched a series of cultural activities, and drew a lot of attention and become extremely popular.

According to the cultural and tourism monitoring data, during the Spring Festival holiday in 2025, the Culture & Tourism Area of the Ancient City of Taizhou received 1.753 million tourists. Among them, the number of tourists from outside Taizhou increased by 7.8% compared with the same period last year, and the number of tourists from outside the province increased by 5.3% compared with the same period last year.


Especially from the first day to the third day of the first lunar month, more than 600,000 tourists visited the Ancient City of Taizhou , ranking first among the 5A-level scenic spots of ancient cities and towns in China, demonstrating the strong attraction of the “top tourist destination”.

This Spring Festival, the Ancient City of Taizhou specially launched two major events: the “Welcome the Spring with Five Blessings” Welcoming Ceremony at Xingshan Gate and the “Waiting for You in the Millennium-old Ancient City” Processional Live-action Performance. The former takes Lady Qi celebrating the nine consecutive victories of Qi Jia Army as the main story line, connecting a group of “celebrities” with a deep connection to the Ancient City, and singing the joyous New Year’s song. The latter is a performance team led by Xiaobaihua Yue Opera actors performing the classic Yue Opera “The Legend of the White Snake” in the East Lake Scenic Area, singing songs such as “Waiting for You for a Thousand Years” and “The Origin of Love“. In the form of a processional performance, it created a melodious opera feast.

More than 100 scattered performances every day, as well as the three newly launched major business forms of the city wall light show, the big storytelling hall teahouse, and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Taizhou Pavilion, have created a brand-new wonderful journey for tourists, making them dazzled and reluctant to leave.