25 C
Vientiane
Saturday, May 24, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 110

Forrester Unveils Top 10 Emerging Technologies For 2025; AI Innovation Shifts From Experimentation To Business Imperative

Agentic AI represents the next frontier in automation, enabling systems to make decisions independently and with intent

SINGAPORE, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As generative AI evolves into agentic AI, automation becomes more sophisticated, and emerging technologies shift to large-scale deployment, firms will no longer be experimenting with AI by the end of 2025 — they will be racing to keep up with AI’s acceleration. However, given ongoing geopolitical volatility, making the right technology investment decisions will be a key lever for business growth and competitive advantage. Forrester’s (Nasdaq: FORR) research, The Top 10 Emerging Technologies In 2025, highlights new technologies that empower leaders to drive AI-led innovation while ensuring long-term resilience.

The research categorizes the top 10 emerging technologies by their impacts over short-term, mid-term, and long-term benefits horizons to help enterprises and leaders prioritize their investments. An overview of the top findings is as follows:

Emerging technologies that will offer significant benefits to enterprises within the next two years by balancing AI acceleration with security needs include:

  • IoT security. As cyber threats increase, IoT security technologies will be critical to strengthening defenses for critical data and connected devices. Businesses with high technology integration will see the biggest benefits from IoT security.
  • Synthetic data. New to Forrester’s emerging technologies list this year, this technology enhances AI model training while improving trust and privacy. With regulators encouraging organizations to adopt synthetic data to minimize risk, industries including financial services, insurance, healthcare, and the public sector will benefit the most.

Mid-term emerging technologies that will deliver benefits to enterprises in the next two to five years given their real-world complexity include:

  • Agentic AI. The immediate potential of this technology is increased flexibility and adaptability to automate specific business processes. Although early examples of AI agents are promising and offer autonomous decision-making, this technology still requires stronger accuracy, trust, and coordination to become mainstream.
  • GenAI for visual content. This technology is changing the way companies create and deploy photorealistic images, videos, and motion graphics. GenAI for visual content is poised to make the biggest impact in marketing, advertising, retail, and e-commerce sectors, delivering immersive and personalized preferences, and boosting consumer satisfaction.

The emerging technology that will take at least five more years to deliver tangible value for enterprises:

  • Humanoid robots. This is the first year that this emerging technology has appeared on the list. GenAI’s rapid advancement and decreasing hardware costs are driving the advancement of humanoid robots — autonomous robots that resemble humans in appearance and functionality and are equipped with advanced sensors, AI, and actuators to perform tasks. However, challenges including high research and development costs, and complexities surrounding robot integration into existing workflows and infrastructure will hinder their widespread adoption.

“As AI becomes ubiquitous, business and technology leaders should prioritize investments that will deliver the greatest impact for their organizations in terms of driving business growth, innovation, and competitive advantage,” said Sharyn Leaver, chief research officer at Forrester. “Despite global uncertainty, AI’s rapid acceleration will continue. Enterprises that strategically balance AI innovation with risk mitigation will be ones that successfully thrive and achieve sustainable growth.”

Resources:

  • Register for a complimentary webinar to learn about Forrester’s 10 top emerging technologies for 2025 and how these innovations apply across industries.
  • Register to attend Forrester’s 2025 Technology & Innovation Summits in Asia Pacific, EMEA, and North America.

About Forrester 
Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) is one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world. We empower leaders in technology, customer experience, digital, marketing, sales, and product functions to be bold at work and accelerate growth through customer obsession. Our unique research and continuous guidance model helps executives and their teams achieve their initiatives and outcomes faster and with confidence. To learn more, visit Forrester.com.

Rockefeller Foundation Announces Latest Steps to Accelerate Community-Focused Energy Transition Projects during Ecosperity Week

  • Collaboration between ACEN Corporation, GenZero , Keppel, and Mitsubishi for pilot project in the Philippines 
  • Approval of a methodology by Verra that will accelerate the world’s first transition credits
  • Scaling up support for 60 plant transitions could unlock US$110 billion in public and private investment, prevent 9,900 early deaths annually, and generate 29,000 permanent jobs  

SINGAPORE, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Rockefeller Foundation announced its latest efforts to accelerate access to clean, affordable energy in vulnerable communities living near coal-fired power plants in developing countries, as part of its Coal to Clean Credit Initiative (CCCI). During Ecosperity Week in Singapore, the Foundation’s partner ACEN Corporation, announced a new collaboration with GenZero, Keppel, and Mitsubishi Corporation and its subsidiary, Diamond Generating Asia, Limited, to advance the first CCCI pilot in the Philippines, while Verra, a nonprofit certification body that issues Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) for carbon reduction, officially approved the CCCI’s methodology, the first of its kind. In addition, new analysis from The Rockefeller Foundation shows that supporting 60 projects by 2030 could unlock US$110 billion in public and private investment while preventing 9,900 early deaths and 640,000 lost workdays annually and generating 29,000 new permanent jobs. 

Ashvin Dayal, Senior Vice President, Power and Climate at The Rockefeller Foundation, said: “Energy access and abundance define people’s, community’s, and country’s futures.  With electricity demand increasing around the world, The Foundation has been looking for ways to work with communities and countries as they make the best energy choices for their people.  As more and more countries and communities choose to transition to clean energy sources, philanthropy has a unique role to play—we can take risks where others cannot and catalyze momentum needed. The projects announced this week will do just that, offering real benefits for people living and working in these communities.” 

Increasing access to clean energy technologies, which are now cheaper than coal power in most markets, improves the affordability of energy for households, communities, businesses, and governments, according to a recent report from the International Energy Agency. When paired with energy storage and smart grid technologies, renewables also deliver energy reliability and decrease dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets. In addition, studies have shown major public health gains from reduced air pollution from coal-fired plants, which is particularly significant for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

This Work in Action:
CCCI aims to unlock market demand for transition credits while addressing the needs of vulnerable communities, creating new jobs, expanding access to affordable energy, driving economic growth opportunities, and improving public health, alongside enhancing climate resilience. Since 2022, The Rockefeller Foundation has invested over $10 million to identify eligible communities, build an ecosystem around transition credits for high integrity, and support pre-feasibility assessments. 

In 2023, The Rockefeller Foundation announced a new collaboration with ACEN Corporation, the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group, to explore leveraging carbon finance to replace its 246 MW South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation (SLTEC) coal plant in the Philippines with clean power and battery storage, while supporting the livelihoods of workers affected by the plant’s early transition. Fully replacing SLTEC with the same level of firm, reliable power can be achieved with 1000 megawatt (MW) of solar, 250 MW of wind, and 1000 MW of battery energy storage. ACEN, whose SLTEC plant was already scheduled for early retirement in 2040, is working to move this up to 2030 by leveraging CCCI’s methodology.

The Rockefeller Foundation currently has a portfolio of potential projects in several geographies across the Asia-Pacific region, with an overarching goal of supporting 60 asset owners with similar transitions by 2030.

Announced during Ecosperity Week 2025

  • Investing in energy abundance solutions.
    The Rockefeller Foundation shared for the first time their initial estimates, undertaken by Catalyst Advisors, that support for 60 projects could help unlock US$110 billion in public and private investment, create US$21 billion in economic spillover, and generate approximately 29,000 net permanent jobs. These projects could also prevent 9,900 early deaths and 640,000 lost workdays a year and save consumers in emerging economies up to US$8.3 billion annually in power costs.

    The Rockefeller Foundation also announced a US$600,000 grant to the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM Limited) to support a Continuous Improvement Program on transition credits, which will develop a high-integrity threshold for this new asset class. This funding will also help ensure that the needs and rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities are taken into account when designing and implementing these markets.

    “Today’s progress update demonstrates that we are closer than ever to unlocking new benefits to people with credits that will help communities transition to clean, affordable energy. We are now focused on scaling this initiative and bringing dozens of such transactions to the market by 2030.”
     ―  Dr. Joseph Curtin, Managing Director for Power and Climate at The Rockefeller Foundation

  • Exploring a new partnership to advance the first pilot.
    Located in a region with the second highest unemployment rate in the Philippines, ACEN’s SLTEC is located in the City of Batangas, where the population density is 31% higher than the national average and where by 2030 over 726,000 people live within a 20-kilometer radius of the plant. Leveraging the CCCI’s methodology, ACEN is teaming up with GenZero, Keppel Ltd., and Mitsubishi Corporation and its subsidiary, Diamond Generating Asia, Limited, to explore a collaboration that would facilitate the early retirement of the SLTEC plant and replace it with clean and reliable energy.

    “This partnership represents a milestone in our collective efforts to address the enormous challenges of the energy transition. By pioneering the Transition Credits mechanism, we are demonstrating a viable pathway for coal-dependent economies to transition sustainably. We hope this will serve as a catalyst for other coal plant owners to embark on their clean energy journey.”
    ― Eric Francia, President and CEO of ACEN Corporation 
  • Approval of the CCCI’s methodology.
    Verra, the leading global carbon crediting standard, officially approved the CCCI’s methodology, marking a significant milestone in the development of high-integrity transition credits. This approval paves the way for the first projects to generate high-integrity transition credits – with clear protections in place – from local job creation to energy access and essential social safeguards – to supports workers and communities affected by early coal plant closures.

    “We need to rethink the very systems that are hurting people and the planet. Our new methodology empowers energy providers to make that shift in a way that doesn’t leave workers or communities behind and doesn’t inadvertently exacerbate energy poverty.”
    ― Mandy Rambharos, CEO of Verra

About The Rockefeller Foundation  

The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation

DFI Retail Group and Dingdong Announce Strategic Partnership With first-year sales target of HKD100 million


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 May 2025 – DFI Retail Group (DFI or the Group), and Dingdong (Cayman) Limited (Dingdong or DDL), a leading fresh food e-commerce platform in the mainland, recently announced their partnership to their supply chains and retail networks. Together, they aim to build a digitalised cross-border supply chain system. Through DFI’s Wellcome supermarkets, they will provide Hong Kong customers a diverse selection of quality products at competitive price, targeting sales of HKD 100 million in the first year of its launch. The first phase began on 9 April 2025, six selected Dingdong vegetables have already been made available in nearly 280 Wellcome stores, as well as Wellcome’s Online Shop (www.wellcome.com.hk) and food delivery platform foodpanda. The sales will gradually be expanded to other upscale supermarket brands, such as Market Place and 3hreesixty.

Curtis Liu, Chief Executive Officer, Food, at DFI Retail Group (Left) and Changlin Liang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dingdong (Right) attended the signing ceremony to announce the strategic partnership.
Curtis Liu, Chief Executive Officer, Food, at DFI Retail Group (Left) and Changlin Liang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dingdong (Right) attended the signing ceremony to announce the strategic partnership.

Enhancing Cross-Border Supply Chain. Faster and Fresher Food from Mainland to Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s fresh food market has long relied on imports, often facing price fluctuations of over 50% for leafy vegetables due to unstable weather. This collaboration allows DFI to leverage Wellcome’s network of nearly 280 stores across Hong Kong while DDL utilises its nationwide sourcing and efficient transportation methods. This partnership aims to streamline the supply of fresh produce “from farm to table.”

The two parties plan to jointly build a digitalised cross-border supply chain and integrate their data. An AI prediction system will dynamically help adjust the inventory across DFI’s supermarkets to reduce / minimise out-of-stock rates. For example, the system can anticipate fluctuations in demand for leafy vegetables based on weather changes and holidays in Hong Kong, ensuring accurate supply. This digitalised supply chain, from upstream planting to downstream retail, improves the efficiency of the fresh food supply chain.

In addition, to ensure quality, DFI and DDL plan to adopt “one product, one code” traceability technology for vegetables supplied to Hong Kong. Customers can scan a code after purchasing DDL products at DFI’s supermarkets to access planting records, inspection reports, and transportation routes, achieving full transparency.

Curtis Liu, Chief Executive Officer, Food, at DFI Retail Group, said, “This partnership with DDL, is to fully leverage the core strengths of both parties to jointly build an efficient digitalised cross-border supply chain. It enhances the quality and cost-effectiveness of fresh produce for our customers, creating a win-win situation. We believe this innovative model will significantly improve supply chain efficiency, ensuring that every customer can enjoy fresh, high-quality products.”

Yang Shaoming, Vice President of DDL, said, “This collaboration integrates DDL’s supply chain capabilities with Hong Kong’s retail network. We will utilise our direct sourcing and digitalised supply chain to efficiently deliver high quality, safe fresh food to Hong Kong, enriching local shopping options, and making choices more affordable.”

DDL expands across Hong Kong with various vegetables available in nearly 280 Wellcome stores

The initial six types of vegetables available this time – Chinese Lettuce, Indian Lettuce, Choy Sum, Baby Bok Choy, Chaozhou Mustard Greens, and Spring Greens – are all selected from DDL’s direct supply bases in mainland. The products meet both mainland and Hong Kong safety standards, ensuring quality and safety control at every stage from farm to shelf. The fresh vegetables are pre-cooled and freshness-locked within 2 hours after harvesting and transported in temperature-controlled trucks. Before arriving at the stores, they undergo a second manual sorting process, with strict control over quality and weight to ensure the freshness of shelf products. Within a month of launch, total sales exceeded 100,000 kilograms.

These selected vegetables are available in nearly 280 Wellcome stores and on Wellcome’s Online Shop and foodpanda. The partnership plans to add regular categories such as bitter melon, okra, and green beans in 2025, along with vegetables popular on Chinese social media platforms and other regional specialties. This will give Hong Kong customers to enjoy a taste of seasonal specialties like Hubei Hongshan Cabbage in winter, Yunnan wild mushrooms and purple lettuce in spring, and Shandong cucumbers and Yunnan corn in summer. Notably, Yunnan’s edible Banlangen and Red Little Spinach will be available in Hong Kong for the first time, meeting customers’ diverse tastes and nutritional needs. Additionally, fruits, as well as soy products, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and alcoholic beverages will be introduced, with over 150 products expected by the end of the year.

These products will cover all 18 districts of Hong Kong through Wellcome stores, Wellcome Online Shop, and foodpanda, achieving omni-channel availability and allowing customers to enjoy seasonal fresh vegetables from across the country. The two parties will actively explore expanding the cooperation to DFI’s supermarkets in Macao and Cambodia, benefiting more customers in these regions.

Hashtag: #DFI #DFIRetailGroup #Wellcome #MarketPlace #DDL #StrategicPartnership


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

DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group (the ‘Group’) is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to “Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments”. As at 31 Dec 2024, the Group, its associates and joint ventures operated over 10,700 outlets, and employed over 190,000 people. The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains. The Group, including associates and joint ventures, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across six key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailing.

About Wellcome, Market Place

Established in 1945, Wellcome is Hong Kong’s longest established supermarket chain with the largest store network. Since 1964, the company has been wholly owned by DFI Retail Group. Together with Market Place, 3hreesixty and Oliver’s, Wellcome operates a network of over 320 stores serving more than 14 million customers every month.

With the mission of ‘Always Fresh, Always Value and Always Here for You’, we take pride and passion in providing a quality range of fresh and grocery products, great value and an exciting shopping experience to help our customers save more and enjoy more. As a market-leading supermarket, Wellcome constantly innovates to serve our communities better. In 2021, it introduced a new format, Wellcome Fresh, which offers great value and high-quality fresh produce in an environment that combines the atmosphere of a wet market with the convenience of a supermarket. More recently, it has accelerated its e-Commerce development, enhancing the omnichannel customer journey by offering a more convenient, flexible and personalised grocery shopping experience.

For more information about Wellcome, please visit .

Market Place offers Hong Kong people a unique and contemporary Western store environment, customised product range, knowledgeable staff and attractive prices. Customer satisfaction is at the core of our business. We are here to fulfil the needs and wants of local customers. We present our customers with a higher quality international food store, offering the finest and widest range of local, regional and international tastes. Combining the energy and vibe of a true marketplace, Market Place brings a modern environment and vibe to everyday grocery shopping.

About DDL

Founded in May 2017, DDL is an entrepreneurial company focused on good food. DDL focuses on the business of “food” and strives to satisfy more people’s “what they want to eat”. Through the supply of good ingredients, the development of good flavors, and the incubation of food brands, DDL constantly provides people with solutions for a better life, and strives to make more people eat freshly, save money, eat richly, and eat healthily. With better culinary experience, we create deliciousness and happiness for families.

Bybit x Block Scholes: BTC Volatility Hits New Lows

DUBAI, UAE, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has released its latest weekly crypto derivatives analytics report in partnership with Block Scholes. The latest edition highlights a six-day streak of gains in risk-on assets, driven by encouraging signals around potential US trade deals. The report provides in-depth analysis of macroeconomic indicators, spot market activity, and derivative trends across futures, perpetual contracts, and options. It reflects a market lifted by renewed confidence, yet still navigating recent volatility and heightened risk awareness.

Key highlights:

Perp at Multi-Month High; Traders Remain Cautious

Sources: Bybit, Block Scholes
Sources: Bybit, Block Scholes

After surging from $75,000 to over $95,000 in early April, Bitcoin has been trading sideways near $94,000 this week. Open interest has remained steady for April, hovering near all-time highs at $8 billion, while daily trade volumes have declined to $10 billion. Lower volumes have coincided with reduced realized volatility. Perpetual futures positioning suggests that traders are holding off on major bets, potentially awaiting the next breakout while remaining wary of recent sell-offs.

Bitcoin Volatility Drops to 18-Month Low

Bitcoin’s volatility has declined toward a key support zone between 35% and 40%—a range from which it has repeatedly rebounded over the past 18 months. Implied volatility has followed suit, dipping in line with a 10-point drop in realized volatility to just above 30%, the lower bound of its 18-month range. Options flows currently show a preference for puts, while the spot price remains stable. The volatility smile skews toward out-of-the-money (OTM) calls for longer-dated options, whereas short-dated options are close to neutral.

BTC Volatility Smile Tilts Toward OTM Calls

Bitcoin’s volatility smile now favors out-of-the-money (OTM) calls across all tenors, marking a reversal from the put-heavy skew seen earlier in April. Ether shows a similar short-term recovery, although longer-dated skew for ETH remains modestly bearish. Despite positive funding rates for ETH, longer-dated option smiles still lean toward puts, indicating mixed sentiment. In contrast, BTC derivatives markets reflect stronger bullish signals, including positive funding rate spikes, upward-sloping futures curves, and a renewed skew toward OTM calls.

Access the full report

The full report is available here.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk /#BybitResearch

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
Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

Crypto News Australia Partners with Protocol Theory to Bring Insights to the Australian web3 Community

MELBOURNE, Australia, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Protocol Theory, the world’s leading consumer research and data company dedicated to Web3, today announced a strategic partnership with blockchain news platform with Crypto News Australia.

This partnership enables Crypto News Australia’s audience to earn rewards by participating in surveys through ProtocolPanel™—Protocol Theory’s proprietary, human-verified research community. Readers will be invited to share their views on crypto platforms, digital assets, wallets, Web3 apps, and more—while earning real rewards for their opinions.

Jonathan Inglis, Managing Director of Protocol Theory, said:
“Crypto News Australia has built an engaged, crypto-savvy audience that’s actively shaping the future of digital assets in Australia. By connecting this community with ProtocolPanel, we’re creating a win-win: everyday crypto users get rewarded for their voice, and the broader industry gets access to the authentic insights it desperately needs to improve products, experiences, and trust.”

This partnership is designed to:

  • Empower crypto users to shape the industry by sharing their opinions, experiences, and preferences.
  • Enable Web3 brands to access real-world insights from Australian crypto users and crypto-curious consumers.
  • Support high-quality research by ensuring all participants are real, human-verified individuals from ProtocolPanel.
  • Offer rewards and perks for participating in surveys—turning opinions into tangible value.

Whether it’s evaluating crypto brand perceptions, testing demand for new Web3 product features, or optimising user onboarding journeys, this collaboration gives Web3 businesses unprecedented access to Australia’s crypto community—while giving users a new way to earn by simply sharing their opinion.

About Protocol Theory
Protocol Theory is the world’s leading consumer insight and strategy company for Web3, AI, and the technologies reshaping culture and commerce. Trusted by brands like MoonPay, CoinDesk, and Tangem, we turn consumer understanding into competitive advantage. Learn more at www.protocoltheory.com.

About Crypto News Australia
Crypto News Australia is one of the country’s most visited platforms for crypto news, education and analysis.Visit cryptonews.com.au to learn more.

DSTA PARTNERS WITH WINDWARD TO DRIVE INNOVATION IN MARITIME AI RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

LONDON, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and Windward Ltd, a leading US-based maritime AI company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on Maritime Artificial Intelligence (AI) research and development to address emerging threats and trends at sea.

The partnership will explore efforts to enhance the Singapore Armed Forces’ maritime domain capabilities through digital technologies. The MOU will also cover talent development initiatives through exchange programmes and internship opportunities at Windward, allowing DSTA engineers to deepen their technical competencies.

“This MOU underscores DSTA’s efforts to tap synergies with global partners. By leveraging our strengths and expertise, we seek to advance AI research and development to strengthen our maritime security capabilities, and protect our sea lines of communication,” said DSTA’s Group Technology Officer, Mr Cheng Heng Ngom.

“Singapore has long been a leader in embracing innovation, setting a standard for how nations should implement technological advancement,” said Ami Daniel, Co-founder and CEO of Windward. “Partnering with DSTA is a significant step in our shared commitment to enhancing maritime security through AI. Windward’s unique expertise and patented technology will equip DSTA with the tools to not only address current challenges but to proactively address emerging threats, ensuring a safer and more efficient maritime environment.”

This collaboration was announced at IMDEX Asia 2025.

About Defence Science and Technology Agency

The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) is a top-notch technology organisation that drives innovation and delivers state-of-the-art capabilities to make the Singapore Armed Forces a formidable fighting force. Harnessing and exploiting science and technology, our engineers and IT professionals leverage multidisciplinary expertise to equip our soldiers with advanced systems to defend Singapore. DSTA also contributes its technological expertise to support national-level developments. To achieve our mission, DSTA excels in systems engineering, digitalised platforms, cyber, software development and more.

Visit www.dsta.gov.sg for more information.

About Windward Ltd

Windward is the leading Maritime AI™ company, providing an all-in-one platform to accelerate global trade. Windward’s AI-powered decision support and exception management platform, enhanced with Generative AI, offers a 360° view of the maritime ecosystem and enables stakeholders to make real time, predictive intelligence-driven decisions to achieve business and operational readiness.

By integrating advanced AI and Generative AI capabilities, Windward delivers deeper insights, automated risk analysis, and enhanced maritime intelligence and context. Windward’s Maritime AI™ supports companies across industries. The company’s clients range from energy supermajors, shipowners, mining companies, freight forwarders, and port authorities, to banks, insurers, and governmental organizations.

For more information visit: https://windward.ai

For media queries:

Headline Media  for Windward
David Hoffman
david@headline.media
+972-52-842-1955

DSTA Corporate Communications
ZHOU Junlin / Priscilla GOH

ZJUNLIN@dsta.gov.sg / GYEEXUAN@dsta.gov.sg
9820 1160 / 8608 6685

Bhutan and Binance Pay partner to launch world’s first national-level crypto tourism payment system

Experience a seamless crypto-powered journey — from flights and visas to local purchases in Bhutan

THIMPHU, Bhutan, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bhutan is pioneering the future of travel by becoming the first nation to implement a national-level crypto payment system for tourism. Bhutan’s innovative mechanism allows travelers with Binance accounts to experience truly cashless journeys. In collaboration with Binance Pay and Bhutan’s fully digital DK Bank, this initiative offers travelers using Binance Pay a seamless, secure, and flexible end-to-end payment experience. More than 100 merchants are now live with DK Bank and Binance Pay. From booking flights to purchasing fresh fruit from roadside vendors, visitors can enjoy the convenience and efficiency of digital transactions throughout their journey.

This innovative model allows Binance Pay users to pay for nearly every part of their Bhutan journey using supported cryptocurrencies. This includes airline tickets to Bhutan, tourist visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), hotel bookings, tour guides, monument entry fees, local shopping, and more — all settled quickly and securely through static and dynamic QR code payments.

Known as the “Kingdom of Happiness,” Bhutan prioritizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over GDP, focusing on sustainability, cultural preservation, and societal well-being. This pioneering collaboration with Binance Pay and DK Bank furthers that vision by harnessing digital innovation to enhance travel experiences, empower local communities, and unite tradition with technology.

Key highlights:

  • Seamless Experience: Use crypto for all travel-related expenses, from flight tickets and visas to local purchases.
  • Tourism First: A fully integrated system across immigration, travel agents, hotels, guides, and retail.
  • Inclusive Reach: Enables small vendors in remote areas to accept QR code payments.
  • Powered by DK Bank: Supported by Bhutan’s first fully digital bank.
  • Lower Fees: Significantly cheaper than traditional payment methods, with 0 gas fees
  • Immediate Transactions: Seamless crypto-powered immediate transactions for tourists
  • Comprehensive Support: Accepts more than 100 cryptocurrencies, including BNB, BTC, USDC
  • Secure Transactions: Features encrypted transactions, 2FA, and real-time confirmations via the Binance application.

Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, said: “We are excited to partner with Bhutan as we are not only advancing the use of cryptocurrencies in travel but also setting a precedent for how technology can bridge cultures and economies. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to innovation and our belief in a future where digital finance empowers global connectivity and enriches travel experiences.”

“This is more than a payment solution — it’s a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience,” said Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism, Bhutan. “It enables a seamless experience for travellers and empowers even small vendors in remote villages to participate in the tourism economy.”

The partnership marks the first time a tourism product has accepted cryptocurrency at a national level. It addresses common barriers to digital payments, such as high transaction fees and limited merchant acceptance, by offering a low transaction fee and prompt settlements. Real-time notifications further ensure transparency for both merchants and visitors.

DK Bank, Bhutan’s first fully digital bank—is powering the local settlement mechanism. Licensed by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, DK Bank brings modern technology and innovation to deliver seamless, secure, and accessible financial services to all strata of society, especially those marginalized and unbanked. https://www.digitalkidu.bt/ 

Binance Pay is a seamless, borderless, and secure cryptocurrency payment feature on the Binance app, allowing users and merchants to pay, send and receive crypto worldwide without incurring gas fees. With support for over 300 cryptocurrencies, it caters to more than 40 million active users and 32,000 merchants. Trusted by over 270 million users across 100+ countries, Binance stands as the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users.

The Department of Tourism of Bhutan is responsible for the development and promotion of sustainable tourism in Bhutan. It works to share the Kingdom’s remarkable places, people and experiences with conscious travellers, guided by the principles of high-value, low-volume tourism. Bhutan.travel

– Ends –

 

Vingroup and the Rise of the ESG Ecosystem

Vingroup is positioning itself to lead Vietnam’s ESG push, using its broad business network to drive sustainable growth at home and abroad, while eyeing partnerships in the Middle East’s expanding sustainability sector.


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 May 2025 – In one of Vietnam’s crowded conference halls this month, corporate leaders gathered to debate the importance of ESG in business. One idea gained particular attention, even though it seemed obvious: no single company can tackle environmental and social challenges alone. It is necessary to build an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) ecosystem, an interconnected network of businesses, investors, and regulators. Among the Vietnamese companies seen as capable of leading this effort is Vingroup, a giant with a footprint spanning transportation, healthcare, real estate, and education.

Vinhomes Ocean Park 1 urban area, part of the Vingroup ecosystem.
Vinhomes Ocean Park 1 urban area, part of the Vingroup ecosystem.

The shift toward ecosystem thinking has been happening around the world for years. Governments are tightening disclosure rules. In Europe, new regulations now require businesses to track ESG performance across their entire supply chains. In the Middle East, despite a long reliance on oil wealth, new initiatives are emerging to support sustainability, including large-scale urban construction projects. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are launching ambitious efforts such as NEOM and Masdar City, which are planned communities centered around clean energy, smart mobility, and sustainable living.

The trend is clear. Companies are positioning themselves to lead the next phase of global commerce by embedding ESG principles into every aspect of their operations.

For Vingroup, ESG is not simply a new box to tick. It has already become an integral part of their business model. Their EV arm, VinFast, moved aggressively into electric mobility, ending production of gasoline-powered vehicles in 2022. Last year, VinFast delivered more than 97,000 electric cars, representing an increase of approximately 192 percent compared to 2023. Although this figure may seem modest compared to established global giants, it made VinFast the top-selling car brand in Vietnam. These vehicles are helping to cut tens of thousands of tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

Electric public buses, operated by VinBus, offering commuters a clean alternative to diesel-powered transport. Vinhomes, Vingroup’s real estate arm, has integrated solar panels, smart water systems, and green parks into its large-scale developments. VinUni, Vingroup’s university in Hanoi, has established a Center for Environmental Intelligence to focus on real-world applications of sustainability research.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s small- and medium-sized businesses, which account for about 97 percent of the country’s enterprises, are still finding their footing in ESG adoption. Many businesses remain unclear about how to begin. Sixty percent lacked information on where to register for support, according to Mr. Mạc Quốc Anh, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Hanoi Small and Medium Enterprises Association. Without larger players stepping up, the gap between companies embracing ESG and those left behind will only widen. With its scale and expertise, Vingroup is in a strong position to anchor a broader movement and help smaller companies align with global standards.

Beyond Vietnam, new opportunities are emerging in regions that were once considered unlikely markets. The Middle East is undergoing a profound economic and environmental transformation. Driven by national visions such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy, Middle Eastern governments are investing heavily in green mobility, smart infrastructure, and renewable energy. Entire cities, industrial hubs, and tourism complexes are being designed with sustainability as a core principle.

For a company like Vingroup, the alignment is natural. Its experience in creating interconnected and sustainable businesses matches the region’s demand for credible, fully integrated partners.

Cooperation could take many forms, including electric vehicles on desert highways, smart residential hubs powered by renewable energy, green hospitals, or financial models that reward environmental stewardship. While the specifics may vary, the central idea remains the same: combining strengths to create long-term value.

As public awareness grows and regulatory pressures intensify, Vietnam’s corporate sector is moving from fragmented ESG efforts toward a more unified approachWith companies like Vingroup leading the way, Vietnam is actively shaping what sustainable development will look like, both at home and on the global stage.

Hashtag: #Vingroup

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