30 C
Vientiane
Saturday, June 7, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 723

AI and Blockchain Innovations Propel Singapore’s Fintech Evolution Amid Investment Recalibration: KPMG’s Pulse of Fintech H2’24

  • Singapore’s fintech investment recalibrated to US$1.3 billion in 2024, in line with global shifts toward sustainable growth.
  • Crypto and blockchain investment increased 22 percent in H2’24 to US$267 million, driven by AI-integrated solutions.
  • AI-powered fintech surged, with investment jumping from US$24 million in H1’24 to US$160 million in H2’24, reflecting demand for regtech and automation.
  • H2’24 fintech deal value grew 41 percent, reflecting a shift toward high-value, early-stage investments.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Singapore’s fintech sector recalibrated in 2024, with investment totaling US$1.3 billion, the lowest level since 2020. This strategic pivot reflects a global trend as fintech investment reached a seven-year low of US$95.6 billion. Despite reduced funding levels, Singapore’s focus on innovation and sustainability positions it as a leader in AI-driven solutions and blockchain advancements, according to KPMG’s Pulse of Fintech H2’24 report.

Singapore’s Resilience in Fintech Innovation

While the cautious investment environment slowed overall funding, Singapore remains a hub for fintech innovation. Crypto and blockchain investment rose 22 percent in H2’24, reaching US$267 million, fuelled by AI-powered digital asset solutions and blockchain-based financial infrastructure. Strong regulatory frameworks and institutional interest have solidified Singapore’s role as a strategic leader in these emerging sectors.

AI-powered fintech also made significant gains, with investment soaring from US$24 million in H1’24 to nearly US$160 million in H2’24. Investor interest was particularly strong for regtech, business automation and agentic AI solutions.

“If what we’ve seen in the broader investment space is any indication, AI could be a sleeping giant for fintech investment,” said Anton Ruddenklau, Lead of Global Innovation and Fintech, Financial Services, KPMG International. “However, right now, it’s still very early days. There’s definitely a lot of interest in AI, generative AI, agentic AI and automation, but there’s a lot of caution too. Over the next year, AI-focused regtechs will likely see the most traction among investors as financial services companies look for better ways to respond to the increasingly complex regulatory environment.

Shifting Dynamics in Investment Focus

H2’24 saw the total value of Singapore’s fintech deals rise 41 percent, hitting US$781 million, even as deal volume dropped 36 percent. This underscores a growing emphasis on later-stage deals with high scalability and near-term profitability. Early-stage VC interest remains strong as quality-driven investments gain traction.

Globally, fintech investment also trended towards practical solutions, with funding focused on blockchain infrastructure, climate tech and compliance-driven technologies. This alignment with global priorities underscores Singapore’s adaptability and competitive edge.

The Role of Regulatory Clarity in Blockchain Growth

The blockchain and crypto space in Singapore benefitted significantly from regulatory stability, with H2’24 blockchain investment rising by over 20 percent to reach US$267 million. This growth was spurred by AI-powered blockchain applications, blockchain-as-a-service platforms and notable funding rounds such as Partior’s US$80 million raise for its blockchain-based interbank settlement network—the largest in the Asia-Pacific region.

These advancements position Singapore for continued leadership in the digital assets space while aligning with international regulatory trends.

Global investment in digital assets reached US$9.1 billion in 2024—the highest total ever outside of the outlier years of 2022 and 2023, focusing on market infrastructure, tokenisation, and stablecoins. During H2’24, four of the five largest deals occurred in the Americas, including Stripe’s US$1.1 billion acquisition of stablecoin infrastructure company Bridge, a US$525 million raise by Praxis, and a US$200 million raise by Current—all based in the US—and a US$210 million raise by Canada-based Blockstream. A US$100 million raise by UK-based Crytocoin accounted for the largest deal in the EMEA region.

Payments sector in Singapore faces maturity challenges

Singapore’s payments sector, ranked third among fintech verticals, showcased resilience despite operating in a mature ecosystem. H2’24 witnessed a rise in deal count, with nine transactions totalling US$57.4 million. Innovations like FAST, PayNow, and SGQR provide a robust foundation for the sector, enabling further growth in tailored and scalable payment solutions. Opportunity in this fintech segment lies in cross-border and regional expansion, positioning Singapore as a hub for Asia’s payment growth.

On the global stage, the payments sector demonstrated strong momentum in 2024, with funding nearly doubling year-on-year to reach US$31 billion. While this funding surge was heavily influenced by consolidation and strategic transactions, it highlighted the sector’s critical role in the fintech ecosystem. Landmark deals included GRCR’s US$12.5 billion acquisition of Worldpay and Advent International’s US$6.3 billion privatisation of Nuvei, alongside other notable activities such as Mynt’s US$788 million VC raise in the Philippines.

A Forward-Looking Market Outlook

Amid a recalibrating investment landscape, Singapore’s focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and emerging technologies positions the country at the forefront of fintech evolution. With declining interest rates and easing global election uncertainties, 2025 offers opportunities for increased fintech deal activity and new momentum in AI, blockchain, and digital payments. The Singapore Budget 2025 further accelerates this momentum, introducing initiatives to help businesses access and integrate AI at scale and to attract entrepreneurial talent to establish and grow ventures in Singapore.

H2 2024 H1 2024
Fintech verticals Total value

US$ (million)

No of deals Total value

US$ (million)

No of deals
Reg Tech $1.5 4 $2.2 4
Insur Tech $100.0 2 $41.5 2
Cybersecurity $3.0 1 $3.0 1
Payments $57.4 9 $66.2 6
Digital assets and currencies (crypto/blockchain) $267.0 53 $219.1 82
AI & ML

*these deals are also tagged with other fintech verticals

$159.9 12 $24.1 15

Figure 1: Singapore’s fintech verticals deal values and volume for H1 2024 and H2 2024

Singapore Global
Fintech verticals Ranking Deal Size Ranking Deal Size
US$ (million) US$ (billion)
Digital assets and currencies (crypto/blockchain) #1 $486.09 #2 $9.10
Insurtech #2 $141.50 #4 $3.10
Payments #3 $123.60 #1 $31.00
Cybersecurity #4 $6.00 #5 $0.90
Regtech #5 $3.71 #3 $7.40
Wealthtech #6 0 #6 $0.40

Figure 2: Ranking of top Singapore and Global’s fintech verticals in deal values for 2024

Global fintech investment

Regionally, the Americas attracted the largest share of fintech investment in 2024—US$63.8 billion across 2,267 deals, including US$50.7 billion across 1,836 deals in the US. The EMEA region attracted US$20.3 billion across 1,465 deals, while the ASPAC region saw US$11.4 billion across 896 deals. At a sector level, the payments space attracted the largest share of investment (US$31 billion), followed by digital assets and currencies (US$9.1 billion), and regtech (US$7.4 billion).

“It’s been a rough year for nearly everyone—fintechs, corporates, VC and PE firms—given the breadth of challenges and uncertainties in the global market. With only a handful of exceptions, no one wanted to pull the trigger on the largest deals—which have long been a mainstay in fintech investment,” said Karim Haji, Global Head of Financial Services, KPMG International. “But there’s a lot to be positive about heading into 2025. Many critical elections are behind us and investment and deal activity is beginning to pick up. We are starting to see more deals coming through because of interest rate cuts in different jurisdictions and the lower cost of funding. However, we will have to wait and see if the changing world trading conditions impact inflation, interest rates and consequently these positive signs of market change.”

Global Key Highlights for 2024

  • Global fintech investment fell from US$119.8 billion across 5,382 deals in 2023 to US$95.6 billion across 4,639 deals in 2024.
  • The Americas attracted US$63.8 billion in fintech investment across 2,267 deals in 2024, of which the US accounted for US$50.7 billion across 1,836 deals; the EMEA region attracted US$20.3 billion across 1,4645 deals, while the ASPAC region attracted US$11.2 billion across 896 deals.
  • Global M&A deal value fell from $60.2 billion to US$49.6 billion between 2023 and 2024; while H2’24 was softer than H1’24, M&A deal value rose from US$7.4 billion to US$14.2 billion between Q3’24 and Q4’24.
  • PE investment declined significantly, falling from US$10.5 billion in 2023 to just US$2.6 billion in 2024, while VC investment saw a modest drop from US$49.2 billion in 2023 to US$43.4 billion in 2024.
  • Payments was the strongest area of fintech investment globally in 2024, with US$31 billion in investment compared to just US$17.2 billion in 2023; other sectors that saw investment rise year-over-year included digital assets and currencies —from US$8.7 billion to US$9.1 billion, regtech—from US$4.4 billion to US$7.4 billion, proptech—from US$1.9 billion to US$3 billion, and wealthtech—from US$190 million to US$400 million.
  • Corporate VC-participating investment globally fell from US$26 .9 billion in 2023 to US$19.6 billion in 2024; only the EMEA region saw corporate investment in VC deals rise—from US$5.1 billion to US$5.8 billion year-over-year. The Americas saw CVC drop from US$13.8 billion to US$9.9 billion, while ASPAC saw CVC investment drop from US$8.0 billion to US$3.9 billion.

Global: Americas sees VC investment drop to six-year low despite record high in Canada

The Americas saw total fintech investment drop from US$77.6 billion in 2023 to a six-year low of US$63.8 billion in 2024. The US accounted for $50.7 billion of this funding—a decline from US$72.8 billion in 2023. Outside of the US, Canada saw a record high of US$9.5 billion in fintech investment during 2024—driven in large part by the buyout of Nuvei—while investment in Brazil softened from US$2.3 billion to US$1.4 billion. Fintech investment dropped slightly from US$32.8 billion to US$31 billion between H1’24 and H2’24. On a more positive note, investment almost doubled between Q3’24 and Q4’24, rising from US$10.8 billion to US$20.2 billion. Within the US, fintech investment dropped from US$28.8 billion to US$21.9 billion between H1’24 and H2’24, although it also rose from US$9.9 billion to US$11.9 billion between Q3’24 and Q4’24.

Global: Fintech investment in EMEA region sinks to US$20.3 billion—lowest total since 2016

Fintech investment in the EMEA region fell from $27.6 billion across 1,833 deals in 2023 to just US$20.3 billion across 1,465 deals in 2024. H2’24 also saw a significant drop compared to H1’24—from US$13 billion across 820 deals to just US$7.3 billion across 645 deals. While the UK accounted for nearly half of all fintech investment in the EMEA region during 2024 (US$9.9 billion), the total was a significant decline compared to 2023 (US$13.6 billion). Germany also saw fintech investment drop between 2024 and 2025—from US$961 million to a ten-year low of US$815 million. The Middle East saw the most positive results in EMEA during 2024, with fintech investment rising from US$1.2 billion to US$2.2 billion year-over year.

Global: Asia-Pacific region sees lowest level of fintech investment in a decade

Total fintech investment in the ASPAC region fell from US$14.6 billion in 2023 to US11.4 billion in 2024—the lowest level of fintech funding seen in the region since 2014. India accounted for the largest share of this total (US$4.1 billion), led by a US$.5 billion raise by WSB Real estate partners in H1’24. Total fintech investment in China dropped from US$2.6 billion to just US$687 million between 2023 and 2024, while Australia saw fintech investment nearly double from US$840 million to US$2.1 billion; fintech investment in Japan held nearly steady year-over-year at US$660 million.

A sense of optimism for 2025

With interest rates declining in many jurisdictions and election uncertainties finally easing, there’s a cautious sense of optimism within the fintech market heading into 2025. The average time between deals has also lengthened significantly, from approximately fifteen months in 2022 to twenty-four months in 2025—the longest it has been in the last decade—which could make 2025 a critical year for deal-making as fintechs look to ensure their continued operations.

While the payments space will likely remain the biggest ticket of investment globally, digital assets and currencies are well positioned for an upswing in investment—particularly when it comes to market infrastructure, digital tokenisation, and stablecoins. AI is also expected to remain a key priority for investors, with regtech and cybersecurity-related solutions likely to see the most interest in H1’25.

Hashtag: #KPMG’

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

About KPMG International

KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively.

KPMG firms operate in 143 countries and territories with more than 273,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.

KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

Clarivate Report Explores Opportunities for Innovation and Market Expansion in Latin America

New insights from Clarivate examine strategic partnerships, API production, and innovation in the region

LONDON, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT) a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, has released a new white paper, How is Latin America Growing?, shedding light on the pharmaceutical industry’s evolution in the region. The report explores critical challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships, local API production, and regulatory modernization to drive sustainable growth.

Latin America’s pharmaceutical market, valued at $98 billion, is projected to grow by 10.1% between 2021 and 20251. Discussions at the 2023 Summit LATAM in Barcelona and the 2024 Summit LATAM at CPhI Milan underscored the need for collaboration among industry stakeholders, government agencies, and academia to strengthen regional innovation and competitiveness. With increasing global demand for pharmaceuticals, Latin America has the potential to become a key player in the industry by leveraging its manufacturing capabilities and investing in research and development. Addressing regulatory challenges and fostering a robust innovation ecosystem will be essential in ensuring long-term success and sustainability for the region.

Henry Levy, President, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Clarivate, said: “The Latin American pharmaceutical sector is at a pivotal moment. By fostering collaboration across key stakeholders—including regulators, manufacturers, and researchers—we can unlock new opportunities for growth and development in the region. Strengthening the local pharmaceutical ecosystem through strategic partnerships and data-driven insights will not only enhance supply chain resilience but also ensure that life-changing therapies reach patients more efficiently. At Clarivate, we are committed to providing the necessary intelligence to support this transformation.”

The Brazilian Pharmaceutical Industry Association (ABIQUIFI), a non-profit organization uniting pharmaceutical companies to advance the development and production of pharmaceutical ingredients in Brazil, plays a pivotal role as a key partner in these discussions. Norberto Prestes, CEO, ABIQUIFI, stated, “The industry’s evolution in Latin America depends on fostering transparency and trust in partnerships. By investing in local API production and strengthening regional supply chains, we can reduce dependency on external markets and drive economic growth. Moreover, innovation and regulatory modernization are crucial to positioning Latin America as a competitive player in the global pharmaceutical industry. These efforts will require sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors, and we look forward to continuing to lead these critical discussions. We’ll continue working closely with Clarivate to drive innovation, leveraging valuable data to build the right path for sustainable growth and advancement.”

The report highlights key findings from recent discussions, including:

  • The need for greater transparency and collaboration in strategic partnerships
  • The potential of local API production to reduce reliance on imports and enhance supply chain security
  • The role of artificial intelligence in modernizing regulatory processes and improving efficiency
  • The importance of consistent, long-term policies to encourage investment and innovation

Clarivate remains committed to supporting the region’s life sciences and healthcare sectors by providing reliable, data-driven insights. By fostering industry-wide dialogue and collaboration, the company aims to contribute to an ecosystem of sustainable innovation in Latin America.

To access the full Clarivate report, How is Latin America Growing?, visit here.

To learn more about how Clarivate can help healthcare companies inform and shape the drug discovery, development and delivery process, visit here.

About Clarivate
Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com

Media Contact:
Catherine Daniel
Director External Communications, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Clarivate
newsroom@clarivate.com

1 Source: InFigures: Latin America 2022. Pharma Boardroom. https://pharmaboardroom.com/country-reports/infigures-latin-america-2022/

 

Kia and Samsung Partner to Integrate SmartThings Pro into Kia PBVs

–          Kia and Samsung collaborate to enhance the digital ecosystem of Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs) for business
–          Samsung’s B2B IoT platform – ‘SmartThings Pro’ – will be integrated into Kia PBVs for seamless connectivity between vehicles and business environments
–          The ‘Plug & Play’ business model will allow small business owners to quickly and flexibly customize their PBVs to suit their specific needs
–          Kia and Samsung plan to explore new IoT solutions and global expansion, building on Korea’s reputation for smart technology

SEOUL, South Korea and TARRAGONA, Spain, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kia Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. to introduce next-generation ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) solutions for its Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs) offerings.

Kia and Samsung Partner to Integrate SmartThings Pro into Kia PBVs
Kia and Samsung Partner to Integrate SmartThings Pro into Kia PBVs

The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding during Kia’s 2025 EV Day in Spain, marking a significant step toward redefining both the ‘In-Vehicle’ and ‘Out-of-Vehicle’ experience for PBV customers. 

The signing ceremony was attended by Sangdae Kim, Head of Kia’s PBV Division, and Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President of B2B Integrated Offering Center at Samsung Electronics.

The collaboration aligns with Kia’s wider Platform Beyond Vehicle strategy, which seeks to expand the role of PBVs beyond transportation into customized business solutions that can be integrated into broader digital ecosystems.

“Kia PBVs are designed to be more than just vehicles, they are intelligent business solutions that connect seamlessly with digital ecosystems,” said Sangdae Kim, Head of Kia’s PBV Division. “We anticipate that our business collaboration with Samsung, leveraging its AI B2B solution SmartThings Pro, will extend the vehicle user experience for our business customers beyond PBVs into the broader IoT ecosystem. This partnership is expected to create new opportunities for discovering customer value.”

Kia will integrate Samsung’s IoT platform, ‘SmartThings Pro’, into its PBVs, enabling wireless control of connected devices and technologies through a ‘Plug & Play’ service. This solution allows business customers to integrate and manage IoT-enabled appliances without complex installations, simply by attaching a smart connector.

“By integrating SmartThings Pro into Kia PBV, we plan to present an intelligent new way for businesses to be connected to their customers,” said Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President of B2B Integrated Offering Center at Samsung Electronics. “We will provide an optimized integrated store management experience based on customized solutions to cater for a range of B2B customers including the self-employed and small business owners.”

Connectivity between PBVs and business environments

By integrating SmartThings Pro into its PBVs, Kia is enabling automated connectivity between vehicles and business spaces. This integration allows B2B customers to configure business routines, activating the appropriate routine based on the destination entered in the PBV’s ‘In-Vehicle Infotainment’ (IVI). This allows for seamless and secure management and monitoring of external business operations, even while on the road.

Expanding PBV business solutions for global B2B customers

Alongside SmartThings Pro integration, Kia and Samsung plan to develop specialized IoT solutions tailored to the unique needs of PBV business customers across various industries.

The two companies will first launch pilot services for small business owners and self-employed customers as part of this partnership. Moving forward, they will work on developing IoT product lines specifically for PBVs and bundled solutions tailored to the needs of B2B clients. They also aim to create new business models and extend their services to B2B customers globally.

– END –

Kia Corporation – about us 
For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com

Gravity Sets to Strengthen Ragnarok IP’s Dominance in Southeast Asia in 2025

Four Ragnarok Titles Poised to Captivate Gamers Across the Region!

SINGAPORE, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global gaming company Gravity is set to expand its presence in Southeast Asia by introducing four new Ragnarok IP titles in 2025, further energizing the region’s gaming market and reinforcing the franchise’s lasting popularity.

Gravity first entered the Southeast Asian market in 2003 with the launch of its flagship PC online game, Ragnarok Online, in Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The success continued in 2018 with the introduction of the mobile MMORPG Ragnarok M: Eternal Love, which quickly soared to the top of sales charts across multiple regions, sparking a renewed Ragnarok phenomenon.

Since 2021, every Ragnarok title released—including Ragnarok X: Next Generation, Ragnarok Origin, Ragnarok: Rebirth, and The Ragnarok—has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, further solidifying the franchise’s legacy in Southeast Asia. In the first half of 2025, Gravity and its overseas branches will captivate players once again by introducing four highly anticipated Ragnarok IP titles, each offering unique gameplay experiences: Ragnarok M: Classic, Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus, Ragnarok V: Returns, and Ragnarok: Back to Glory.

  • ‘Ragnarok M: Classic’ Supports Character Growth and Delivering Classic Fun

First, ‘Ragnarok M: Classic’, which was released on February 14, encouraged fair competition among users through a play style that allowed self-sufficiency in equipment and items without purchasing from stores, using only the in-game currency, Zeny. Players can continuously earn rewards through automatic hunting 24 hours a day even when offline. To further enhance character progression, the game offers a free monthly pass packed with 17 exclusive benefits.

Following the pre-download launch in Southeast Asia, it achieved the top 1 in popular games in the Apple App Store in Thailand, Philippines, and Malaysia, while ranked 2nd in Singapore and 3rd in Indonesia. Upon its official launch, the game ranked 2nd and 4th in the top sales rankings on the Apple App Store in Thailand and the Philippines, respectively. It continues to perform strongly, maintaining the No.2 spot in popular games in Thailand and No.5 in Singapore on Google Play, reflecting its growing popularity in the region.

  • ‘Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus’ Delivers Efficient Idle Play with Exciting New Content 

Gravity has officially launched Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus, a vertical idle RPG, on February 20th across global markets, excluding select regions. It combines automatic battle and an idle growth system, allowing you to grow your character and acquire resources even when offline. Featuring modern graphics, the game’s UI and UX have been optimized for an enhanced user experience. Various contents such as 5 job groups, team composition system, various dungeons, seasons, and theme events were also planned to double the fun of the game.

Following the pre-download launch in global regions, it ranked 4th in popular games on the Singapore Apple App Store, 5th in the Philippines and Malaysia, and 6th in Thailand, reflecting strong user interest even before the official release. After the official launch, it ranked 1st in popular games on Google Play in Brazil and Singapore, 2nd in Thailand and the Philippines, and 5th in Malaysia, achieving initial success and raising expectations for future performance.

  • ‘Ragnarok V: Returns’—A Multi-Platform MMORPG Unveiling a Valkyrie’s Unique Story 

‘Ragnarok V: Returns’ is an MMORPG that is the official sequel to ‘Ragnarok Valkyrie Uprising’ that has captivated over 5 million users worldwide. The game captures the cute and adorable charm unique to Ragnarok in its graphics, and offers a variety of content such as a solid story, various occupations and character customization, battle support mercenaries, and a pet system to provide a unique kind of fun. Notably, players can set up their personal stores, similar to Ragnarok Online, with a secure transaction system using passwords. Ragnarok V: Returns enhances accessibility by supporting multiple platforms, allowing players to seamlessly enjoy the adventure on both PC and mobile.

  • ‘Ragnarok: Back to Glory’—A Next-Generation 3D Ragnarok Fantasy Adventure 

Gravity is set to elevate the Ragnarok experience with Ragnarok: Back to Glory, an upgraded 3D MMORPG that builds upon the success of Ragnarok: Rebirth, which launched in Southeast Asia in June 2024. It has all the advantages of existing adventure game production, graphics implemented with 3D backgrounds of various colors, and horizontal and vertical play methods, and has optimized tutorials, character balance, interface, and UI. It offers diverse content with varying difficulty levels, equipment training, and a pet system. One of Ragnarok: Back to Glory’s most exciting innovations is its new server exchange system, which unites players from Korea, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, allowing seamless item trading across regions.

Gravity Business Director Kim Jin-hwan said, “In the first half of 2025, we are introducing four distinct Ragnarok IP titles to Southeast Asia, each offering a unique experience. We are confident that players will enjoy the variety and excitement of exploring multiple titles at once, as each title has its own charm.” He added, “We ask for your interest and love for the four attractive Ragnarok IP titles that will be launched in the first half of the year. We have also prepared generous benefits for each title, so we hope you enjoy all four games and immerse yourself in the world of Ragnarok.”

For more details on the four Ragnarok IP titles launching in Southeast Asia in the first half of 2025, visit the official introduction pages: (https://www.ragnarokland.com/sea).

4 new Ragnarok IP titles in 2025
4 new Ragnarok IP titles in 2025

[Gravity official website] http://www.gravity.co.kr 

[Introduction page for 4 Southeast Asia region launch titles] https://www.ragnarokland.com/sea

[About Gravity]

Founded in April 2000, Gravity is a South Korean game company and a global gaming leader listed on NASDAQ. Its flagship Ragnarok IP has surpassed 203 million global accounts as of August 31, 2024, and has ranked as the second most preferred Korean game in the global Hallyu trend for five consecutive years. Ragnarok Online has also demonstrated its worldwide popularity, securing the No. 1 spot in the “‘Korean Game Users in Overseas Market‘” category across multiple regions, including Brazil, Indonesia, the UK, and the US.

Gravity currently has a strong global network with its subsidiary ‘Gravity Neocyon (Korea)’ and overseas branches ‘Gravity Communications (Taiwan), Gravity Game Link (Indonesia), Gravity Interactive (USA), Gravity Game Arise (Japan), Gravity Game Tech (Thailand), Gravity Game Hub (Singapore), and Gravity Game Vision (Hong Kong).’ Together with the subsidiaries, Gravity is carrying out global publishing business that discovers and distributes not only Ragnarok IP games but also games on various platforms and genres such as PC, mobile, console, and IPTV, thereby expanding awareness and influence worldwide. In addition, along with the expansion into MD, animation, and screen golf business using the Ragnarok IP, content business is also currently being develop, including webtoon production and brand collaboration to discover new IP.

-. Representative title

MMORPG ‘Ragnarok Online’ (launched in 2002), ‘Ragnarok M’, ‘Ragnarok Origin’, ‘Ragnarok X: Next Generation’, ‘THE Ragnarok’, etc.

 

Oudomxay Explosion Causes USD 1.1 Million in Damages

Oudomxay Explosion Causes USD 1.1 Million in Damages
Oudomxay Explosion Causes USD 1.1 Million in Damages

An explosion at a Chinese-owned auto parts shop in Namy village, Xay district, Oudomxay Province, on 14 February that claimed the lives of four people, resulted  in an estimated LAK 22.5 billion (USD 1.1 million) in damages, according to the provincial Department of Labour and Social Welfare.

The fire reportedly broke out before the explosion, with the shop owner and employees attempting to extinguish the flames. Moments before firefighters arrived, a massive blast occurred, causing widespread destruction across multiple villages.

The explosion damaged numerous properties, including shops, temples, and houses in Namy, Nalao, and Nasao villages. Provincial and district authorities have since appointed a steering committee and a resolution committee to mediate the situation and assess the damage.

The blast affected a total of 142 houses, 133 families, two temples, eight shops, and two large vehicles, with estimated losses amounting to LAK 15.5 billion (USD 760,000).

In Namy village, 119 houses, a temple, and two large vehicles were damaged, with costs estimated at LAK 14.9 billion (USD 730,000). In Nalao village, 19 houses, a temple, and two shops suffered damage, with losses estimated at LAK 616.8 million (USD 30,000). In Nasao village, four houses and two shops were damaged, with repair costs estimated at LAK 27.4 million (USD 1,300).

Following the disaster, provincial and district officials visited the injured and affected families, providing support and assistance. Police believe the fire was caused by a large amount of flammable material stored on the premises.

The explosion was followed by several other fire incidents in Laos later that month.

On 25 February, a fire broke out in a luxury home in Xaythany district, Vientiane, where a woman lost her life while her husband sustained injuries. Despite the arrival of five fire engines and a crew of 20 firefighters, they were unable to save her.

The next day, on 26 February, another fire erupted in the early hours in Xaysettha district, Vientiane, claiming the life of an elderly man. Authorities are currently investigating the causes of both fires.

Government of the Republic of Botswana And De Beers Group Confirm Diamond Partnership For The Next Generation

Transformational agreements boost Botswana’s economic development potential and secure De Beers’ long-term share in world’s greatest diamond resources


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – The Government of the Republic of Botswana (the “Government of Botswana”) and De Beers Group (“De Beers”) announced that, following the conclusion of negotiations announced on 3 February 2025, the two partners have now signed the formal new agreements for a 10-year Sales Agreement (which may be extended by a further 5 years) and a 25-year extension of the Mining Licences (from 2029 through to 2054) for the 50:50 Debswana mining joint venture.

.

Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy for Botswana, said: “We are proud to announce the signing of this landmark new agreement, which will underpin the success of our diamond industry as we enter an exciting new phase of Botswana’s sustainable economic development. We hope that these agreements will bring some level of stability and rebuild market confidence in the diamond industry. We are looking forward to our renewed partnership with De Beers; together we will drive development through diamonds and build a brighter future for Batswana.”

Al Cook, Chief Executive Officer of De Beers Group, said: “These are groundbreaking agreements. The half-century partnership between the Government of Botswana and De Beers is considered the greatest public-private partnership in the world. Now we are both extending and improving it. For De Beers, it is a privilege to secure our ongoing participation in the world’s greatest diamond resources for decades to come. I am also extremely proud that through the Diamonds for Development Fund, we can further transform opportunities for the people of the world’s leading diamond country.”

In summary, the formal agreements represent:

  • A 25-year extension of the Debswana mining licences from August 2029 to July 2054. This will enable the Debswana joint venture to deliver long-term value from its existing mining assets and mine life extension projects beyond the current mining licence period. Mine life extension projects include Jwaneng Cut-9, Jwaneng Underground and Orapa Cut-3.
  • A renewed 10-year Sales Agreement for Debswana’s rough diamond production, with a further five-year extension period where certain criteria are met. Under the renewed Sales Agreement, the Government of Botswana’s rough diamond sales company, Okavango Diamond Company (“ODC”), will sell 30% and De Beers will sell 70% of Debswana’s production for the first five years; for the subsequent five years ODC will sell 40% and De Beers will sell 60% of Debswana’s production; and both parties will sell a 50% share for the five-year extension period. As part of this arrangement, De Beers and ODC have also both committed to supply diamonds for beneficiation in Botswana in line with their share of Debswana supply.

In addition, a transformational package of commitments focused on supporting Botswana’s economic development objectives and advancement of the diamond industry has been agreed, including:

  • The creation of the Diamonds for Development Fund to support economic growth, diversification and jobs in Botswana in line with Botswana’s Vision 2036 and National Development Plan. De Beers has committed to an upfront investment of BWP 1 billion (c. $75 million) and further annual contributions from its dividends from Debswana, based on Debswana’s performance.
  • A package of initiatives to be undertaken by De Beers designed to enhance local beneficiation of diamonds and increase participation of the people of Botswana in the diamond industry. These include investment in a diamond jewellery manufacturing facility, establishment of a De Beers Institute of Diamonds grading laboratory and starting up a diamond vocational training institute in collaboration with industry partners.
  • Co-investment by the Government of Botswana and De Beers in marketing initiatives to boost diamond demand. The marketing investments will be for category and other marketing programmes, agreed annually, aimed at stimulating rough diamond sales, protecting the ethical integrity of diamonds, and to maintain and build consumer confidence in the product. De Beers and the Government of Botswana have committed to co-invest over the life of the Sales Agreement and in proportion to their relative shares of Debswana supply.

Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup #Debswana #Botswana





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

About Botswana

Botswana, a thriving democracy, is located in Southern Africa. It is the topmost producer of diamonds by value. Botswana is renowned for the rule of law, including respect for property rights. Heralded for its ease of doing business in the mining sector, it is by no coincidence that it is a premier investment destination for mining.

The Botswana government has placed a strong emphasis on effective management of its diamond resources, recognizing their pivotal role in the nation’s economic development. By exercising careful oversight and strategic partnerships, Botswana maximises revenue from diamond sales, strengthening its position as a key player in the global diamond market and ensuring that these valuable resources drive sustainable socio-economic growth. With a focus on sustainable practices, the government is dedicated to ensuring that the wealth generated from diamond mining contributes significantly to the welfare of its citizens. Revenue from these sales is strategically reinvested to foster growth, infrastructure development, and social programmes, ultimately positioning Botswana as a stable and prosperous socio-economic hub in the region. This commitment underscores the government’s vision of enhancing the livelihoods of its people while promoting overall national prosperity, thereby solidifying Botswana’s reputation as a forward-thinking and resilient nation in the face of global economic challenges.

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing 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 De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘,’ 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 .

World Wisdom Agriculture Technology Exploration, 25 March focus on the World Irrigation Science and Technology Exhibition

BEIJING, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From March 31 to April 2, 2025, the 11th Beijing International Wisdom Agriculture and Irrigation Technology Expo and World Irrigation Technology Conference will be held in Beijing National Convention Center. At the same time, the third Beijing International Water Conservancy Science and Technology Expo was held.

The conference is an innovation highland linking digital agriculture and irrigation technology at home and abroad, and is also the most professional and largest wisdom agriculture and irrigation exhibition in China. With an exhibition area of 30,000 square meters, 800 enterprises from 33 countries and regions around the world will display the world’s leading advanced equipment and technology, including 20 of the world’s top 500 enterprises and listed companies.

15,000 buyers from more than 10 countries and regions such as the United States, Italy, the Netherlands, Israel, Australia, Spain, France, Turkey, Cyprus, Japan and South Korea will visit and purchase.

In the same period, the Southeast Asia Agricultural Irrigation System Promotion Conference, the Silk Road-countries and Russia Agricultural Irrigation System Promotion Conference, the Beijing International Wisdom Agriculture Conference, the world’s first new technology and new products promotion conference, the global intelligent agricultural equipment innovation Ceremony and other activities were held, bringing together the world’s agricultural cutting-edge technology and promote international trade cooperation.

If you want to know about this exhibition, welcome to visit our website:www.chinaite.com.cn

Media Contact:
Taoran Hu, 463611470@qq.com 

SANY Group’s Daotong Village Rural Revitalization Project Named 2024 Best Practice Case, Setting Benchmark for Sustainable Development

– Integrated Smart Elderly Care, Green Infrastructure, and Eco-Agriculture Offer Globally Replicable Rural Model

SHANGHAI, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The China Association of Public Companies recently recognized SANY Heavy Industry and the SANY Foundation’s rural revitalization project in Daotong Village, Lianyuan City, Hunan Province as a 2024 Best Practice Case for Rural Revitalization by Listed Companies. Launched in 2019, this flagship initiative supports China’s rural revitalization and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project integrates smart elderly care, green infrastructure, and eco-agriculture, establishing a sustainable and replicable model for global rural development.

Smart Elderly Care: Building a Sustainable Aging-Friendly System
In Daotong Village, where the elderly constitute 21% of the population, an initiative has established a comprehensive care system that blends the expertise of social workers, professional caregivers, and cutting-edge smart healthcare technology. The central healthcare facility, now a hub for health management, daytime care, and cultural engagement, accommodates 12,500 visits each year. The facility has created 631 digital health profiles to provide personalized care for each resident. Additionally, in collaboration with both public and private sectors, the project has facilitated aging-friendly renovations in 17 low-income homes, ensuring their occupants’ safety with advanced emergency response technologies. To ensure the initiative’s sustainability and potential replication elsewhere, a team has compiled a standardized operational manual.

Green Infrastructure: Driving Sustainable Rural Progress
The project upgraded Daotong’s infrastructure, including overhauling its drinking water network and restoring Longtang Lake’s ecosystem to meet WHO water standards. A 530-unit solar-powered streetlight network cuts annual carbon emissions by 42 tons while illuminating all main roads. The innovative Daotong Micro-Fund empowers community governance, funding eight public space upgrades and fostering a “co-creation, co-management, and co-sharing” model.

The project revitalized 158 acres of abandoned farmland through chemical-free farming, creating 64 jobs and lifting over 40 impoverished households to stable income levels. The introduction of high-value products like multicolor brown rice and “light-snow” strawberries to broader markets has significantly enhanced their agricultural value.

Culture & Education: Unleashing Rural Soft Power
The Daotong Academy and volunteer network form a cultural revitalization matrix. The academy has hosted 110 training sessions on smart farming tools and nature-based education, benefiting 1,057 villagers. A dedicated 97-member volunteer team contributes over 3,000 service hours annually. Cultural initiatives, such as the Farmers’ Harvest Festival, have drawn 1,100 participants, strengthening community cohesion and building a unique rural cultural identity.

Guided by the ethos of “providing scientific knowledge for public benefits”, SANY Heavy Industry and the SANY Foundation prioritize data-driven monitoring and professional operations to ensure long-term sustainability. The project has been honored as a National Model Aging-Friendly Community, a Key Rural Revitalization Initiative in Hunan Province, and a Golden Key – China Action for SDGs awardee.

Moving forward, SANY Group will deepen its integrated rural development efforts, refining a globally replicable model that promotes sustainable development and contributes Chinese wisdom and the SANY Solution to rural transformation worldwide.