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Thai, Cambodian Military Leaders Meet After Deadly Border Clash

The recent tensions between Thai and Cambodian troops on the morning of 28 May 2025, occurred at Chong Bok, a mountain pass located near the tri-border area of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier.

Military leaders from Thailand and Cambodia convened today at 3 PM in Kap Choeng District, Surin Province, Thailand, in an urgent effort to ease tensions following a deadly border clash that occurred on the morning of 28 May.

Gunfire was exchanged between Thai and Cambodian troops, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier, according to Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence.

The incident took place around 5:45 AM in an area along the border between Nam Yuen District in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand, and Choam Ksan District in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia, in a disputed section of the border where both countries lay overlapping territorial claims.

Today’s bilateral meeting between Thailand and Cambodia lasted one hour and 20 minutes and concluded with a series of joint agreements aimed at easing tensions along the disputed border, Thai media reported. 

Both sides agreed to resolve the current issue through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), which is expected to convene within the next two to three weeks.

To prevent further escalation, the parties committed to maintaining appropriate and non-confrontational positions along the border. Additionally, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to preserving long-standing good relations by exercising patience, restraint, and mutual respect.

Previously, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed the incident, stating that she had already spoken with Thailand’s Ministry of Defense and held direct talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.

She emphasized that the situation was not too serious, noting that both sides agreed on the importance of de-escalating tensions quickly. She also stressed that neither country wanted the conflict to continue.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn added that her relationship with Prime Minister Hun Manet remained strong.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hun Manet, who is currently on an official mission in Tokyo, posted a message on Facebook to address growing public concern over his absence during the rising tensions. 

He acknowledged that many Cambodians were uneasy but emphasized that armed conflict would benefit neither country and would be particularly harmful to the soldiers stationed along the border. 

He added that he remained hopeful the military dialogue would produce positive outcomes and promote continued cooperation and communication between frontline forces, as had been the case in the past.

Both leaders have called for calm and dialogue, with today’s meeting representing a critical step toward avoiding further escalation.

The longstanding border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia often centers on the Preah Vihear temple, known in Thai as Phra Viharn, a conflict that dates back to the French colonial era, long before the establishment of modern Southeast Asian states.

In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the temple belongs to Cambodia, a decision reaffirmed in a 2013 ruling. 

Despite the ICJ’s decisions, tensions flared in 2008 following UNESCO’s designation of the temple as a World Heritage Site, prompting a series of armed clashes near the disputed area.

While the conflict has de-escalated in recent years, underlying tensions remain unresolved.

KuCoin Unveils Copy Trading and Supernova Program: A New Era in Crypto Trading

VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has launched its new copy trading function alongside the exclusive Supernova Program. These initiatives are designed to simplify crypto trading and empower users by fostering a dynamic, community-driven ecosystem where traders of all levels can connect and succeed.

The copy trading feature allows KuCoin users to automatically follow and replicate the trades of top-performing lead traders in real time. Tailored for both beginners and seasoned traders, this tool streamlines the trading process, enabling users to adopt proven strategies effortlessly. Whether you’re aiming to diversify your portfolio or save time, copy trading offers access to expert insights with minimal effort.

This launch underscores KuCoin’s mission to make trading more accessible while nurturing a collaborative community. BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin, stated: “We’re introducing copy trading to build a stronger community where experienced traders and newcomers can thrive together. It’s about creating mutual benefit—bridging the gap and offering a platform where knowledge and success are shared. This marks a step toward a more connected and inclusive trading experience.”

KuCoin’s copy trading leverages API integration, empowering lead traders to automate strategies with precision. Supported by a high-performance matching engine, it ensures fast execution, efficient trade replication, and minimal slippage. Innovative features like fixed ratio and fixed amount copy modes, paired with 0.5% slippage protection, provide enhanced risk management and flexibility for users seeking effective trading solutions.

Complementing this, the Supernova Program rewards elite lead traders with incentives such as trading funds and profit-sharing. This ensures followers benefit from top-tier strategies while recognizing and compensating the platform’s best performers.

Built on KuCoin’s robust futures platform, the copy trading function supports over 300 futures contracts across various cryptocurrencies. It accommodates all contract types—USDT-margined, USDC-margined, and coin-margined—and features precision pricing synced with major exchanges. The advanced trading engine delivers fast, reliable performance, making it a trusted choice for traders worldwide.

Security remains at the heart of KuCoin’s operations, with state-of-the-art tools like offline cold storage, mandatory two-factor authentication, and advanced encryption ensuring your assets are protected today and prepared for tomorrow. With a growing global presence, we’re crafting a trading platform that adapts to the diverse, ever-changing needs of traders worldwide. The journey continues as KuCoin shapes the future of crypto trading—dynamic, secure, and limitless—while prioritizing fund safety and operational transparency to solidify the trust of millions of users worldwide.

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is one of the pioneering and most globally recognized technology platforms supporting digital economies, built on a robust foundation of cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure, liquidity solutions, and exceptional user experience. With a connected user base exceeding 40 million worldwide, KuCoin offers comprehensive digital asset solutions across wallets, trading, wealth management, payments, research, ventures, and AI-powered bots.

KuCoin has garnered accolades such as “Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges” by Forbes and has been recognized among the “Top 50 Global Unicorns” by Hurun in 2024. This recognition reflects its commitment to user-centric principles and core values, which include integrity, accountability, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Learn more:https://www.kucoin.com/.

Cango Inc. Completes PRC Business Sale, Strengthens Board to Drive Global Bitcoin Focus

SHANGHAI, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) (“Cango” or the “Company”), a rapidly expanding leader in Bitcoin mining, has finalized the divestment of all its business in the PRC (the “PRC Business”), a strategic transaction valued at approximately US$351.94 million in cash with Ursalpha Digital Limited. The sale, which closed on May 27, 2025, decisively repositions Cango to concentrate its full financial and operational capabilities on accelerating its leadership in the global Bitcoin mining industry.

This pivotal move unlocks significant resources and facilitates Cango’s rapid expansion of its Bitcoin mining across key strategic regions, including North America, the Middle East, South America, and East Africa, leveraging emerging opportunities in the digital finance sector.

This transaction also represents a transformative step for Cango, cementing its strategic shift to a focused leader in global Bitcoin mining. The Company is now streamlined and better capitalized, positioning it to aggressively pursue its growth objectives and enhance shareholder value.

As part of this strategic realignment, the Company has further restructured its Board of Directors with the appointment of two new members, effective May 27, 2025, bringing deep expertise in Fintech, AI, Web 3.0, and global capital markets to steer Cango’s Bitcoin-focused future. Looking ahead, this enhanced board composition reinforces Cango’s commitment to innovation and strengthens its position for leadership in the rapidly evolving digital finance landscape.

The initial agreements for the sale of PRC Business were announced on April 3, 2025, with shareholder approval obtained on May 16, 2025. Following the divestment, the Company will apply to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”) to terminate its “China Concept Stock” status.

About Cango Inc.

Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) is primarily engaged in the Bitcoin mining business, with operations strategically deployed across North America, the Middle East, South America, and East Africa. The Company entered the crypto asset space in November 2024, driven by advancements in blockchain technology, the growing adoption of digital assets, and its commitment to diversifying its business portfolio. In parallel, Cango continues to operate an online international used car export business through AutoCango.com, making it easier for global customers to access high-quality vehicle inventory from China. For more information, please visit: www.cangoonline.com.

Media Contact

Juliet Ye
Cango Inc.
Tel: +86 21 3183 5088 ext.5581
Email: ir@cangoonline.com 

OneConnect Announces Annual General Meeting Results

SHENZHEN, China, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd. (“OneConnect” or the “Company”) (NYSE: OCFT and HKEX: 6638), a leading technology-as-a-service provider for the financial services industry in China, today announced the results of its annual general meeting of shareholders held in Shenzhen on May 29, 2025.

At the meeting, the shareholders of OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd. approved, ratified and/or confirmed the following resolutions:

  1. To receive and adopt the audited consolidated financial statements and the reports of the directors of the Company (the “Directors”) and auditor for the year ended December 31, 2024.
     
  2. (i) To re-elect Mr. Chen Dangyang as an executive Director.
    (ii) To re-elect Ms. Xin Fu as a non-executive Director.
    (iii) To re-elect Mr. Wenwei Dou as a non-executive Director.
    (iv) To re-elect Dr. Yaolin Zhang as an independent non-executive Director.
    (v) To re-elect Mr. Tianruo Pu as an independent non-executive Director.
    (vi) To authorize the board (the “Board”) of Directors to fix the remuneration of the Directors.
     
  3. To re-appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers as auditor and to authorize the Board to fix its remuneration.

About OneConnect

OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd. is a technology-as-a-service provider for financial services industry. The Company integrates extensive financial services industry expertise with market-leading technology to provide technology applications and technology-enabled business services to financial institutions. The integrated solutions and platform the Company provides include digital banking solution, digital insurance solution and Gamma Platform, which is a technology infrastructural platform for financial institutions. The Company’s solutions enable its customers’ digital transformations, which help them improve efficiency, enhance service quality, and reduce costs and risks.

The Company has established long-term cooperation relationships with financial institutions to address their needs of digital transformation. The Company has also expanded its services to other participants in the value chain to support the digital transformation of financial services eco-system. In addition, the Company has successfully exported its technology solutions to overseas financial institutions.

For more information, please visit ir.ocft.com.

Contacts

Investor Relations:
OCFT IR Team
OCFT_IR@ocft.com  

Media Relations:
OCFT PR Team
pub_jryztppxcb@pingan.com.cn 

TOEFL IBT® TRANSFORMS FOR TODAY’S GLOBAL LEARNERS

The World’s First and Most Respected High-Stakes English Test Announces a Fairer, More Accessible, Smarter and Tailored Experience

PRINCETON, N.J., May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ETS, a global leader in education and talent solutions, today announced a series of experience-focused enhancements to the TOEFL iBT® test. Grounded in the organization’s mission to advance the science of measurement to power human progress, these updates are designed to make the TOEFL experience fairer and more accessible for students, without compromising the academic integrity and reliability trusted by institutions for over six decades.

Beginning May 30, 2025, test takers using the TOEFL iBT Home Edition will see immediate improvements to the support and structure of the at-home testing experience. Broader refinements to test adaptivity, turnaround time and score reporting will go into effect January 2026.

“I learned English outside of a formal classroom, so I understand the challenges of nontraditional learning,” said Omar Chihane, Global General Manager of TOEFL at ETS. “We’re transforming TOEFL to be more fair, flexible and relevant, so no student is held back by how or where they learned.

We’ve updated niche topics like Greek mythology with more real-world academic content that reflects today’s global student, relevant regardless of their background. Whether testing at a center in India or from home in Denmark, every student deserves a fair shot to demonstrate their English proficiency. That’s our mission.”

Experience Enhancements

A More Supportive At-Home Testing Experience (Starting May 30, 2025)

Key elements of the TOEFL iBT Home Edition have been redesigned to create a more seamless and supportive experience, updates include:

  • ETS-trained in-house proctors for consistent support throughout the testing session
  • AI-assisted identity verification (ENTRUST) to confirm test taker identity while easing check-in friction
  • Simplified registration and test-day workflow, reducing stress and administrative hurdles

A Personalized, More Efficient Testing Experience (Starting January 2026)

ETS will implement a multistage adaptive design for the Reading and Listening sections of the TOEFL iBT. This means the test will adjust in real time based on how a student performs. Additionally, traditional content will be supplemented with modern, equitable topics. The tailored test will:

  • Better reflect how students use English in real academic settings, like group discussions and project work
  • Use content that is relevant, accessible and carefully reviewed to reduce cultural bias

Easier-to-Understand Scoring That Aligns with Global Standards (Starting January 2026)

In addition to their traditional scoring, TOEFL iBT will introduce an intuitive score scale of 1-6.

This additional score will directly align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – the world’s most widely recognized English proficiency framework, making score interpretation simpler and more consistent:

  • Score reports will display both the 1–6 banded scale and the traditional 0–120 scale
  • Institutions will receive training and resources to ensure a smooth integration
  • Test takers can better connect TOEFL scores to prior learning and familiar benchmarks such as the CEFR

Other key enhancements include:

  • Upgraded audio equipment: All test center headphones worldwide are being replaced with state-of-the-art custom ‘stereophones,’ developed in collaboration with renowned audio brand Koss.
  • Expanded prep resources: New materials, including free items, designed to support the enhanced TOEFL iBT experience will be available starting in July.
  • Faster score reporting: Students will receive scores within 72 hours or less, enabling them to meet application deadlines with greater confidence.
  • Simplified registration: A redesigned process makes it easier to find and book a test—whether at a center or at home.

“Since 1964, the TOEFL iBT has helped millions unlock opportunities through global education and been the benchmark in high-stakes English testing,” said Rohit Sharma, Senior Vice President of Global Mobility Solutions at ETS. “We’re preserving that high bar for quality while evolving the experience around it – removing friction, improving fairness and making the process more inclusive for students worldwide.”

Built for Today’s Students. Trusted by the World’s Institutions.

Today’s learners expect testing that is flexible, efficient and relevant to their backgrounds and academic goals, while institutions require results they can trust. TOEFL continues to deliver on both. With more than 2,300 test centers in 120+ countries and a secure, streamlined Home Edition, students benefit from greater access, faster results and scoring that reflects real-world communication.

Accepted by 100% of universities in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia, and by over 13,000 institutions worldwide, TOEFL iBT is the gold standard in high-stakes English testing. Its fair, modern assessment experience, strong security and CEFR-aligned scores give institutions the confidence they need to make admissions decisions and students the most reliable way to showcase their English proficiency.

To learn more about the TOEFL iBT and stay updated on upcoming experience enhancements, visit www.ets.org/toefl and follow TOEFL on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.

About the TOEFL iBT test 

The TOEFL iBT test is the most respected, accepted and preferred test of academic English-language proficiency, used for study, work and immigration. More than 13,000 institutions in 160+ countries worldwide accept TOEFL iBT scores to make high-stakes decisions. The test is a crucial component of the world-class TOEFL Family of Assessments, offering tools for English-language proficiency starting with learners 8+. Powered by ETS, these assessments are rooted in 75 years of research and expertise, building equitable ways to measure proficiency while empowering people and institutions around the globe to turn aspirations into reality. TOEFL is a passionate journey partner, providing learners access, authority and support to move the world. For more information, visit www.ets.org/toefl.  

About ETS

ETS is a global education and talent solutions organization enabling lifelong learners to be future ready. We advance the science of measurement to build the benchmarks for fair and valid skill assessment. We are committed to powering human progress by promoting skill proficiency, empowering upward mobility and unlocking more opportunities for everyone, everywhere. Our assessment products – including the TOEFL, TOEIC, GRE, and Praxis Assessments – as well as our innovative solutions and subsidiaries help 50 million people each year to clarify their strengths and find opportunities for growth in education, work and beyond. We continue to operate around the world, with offices in 25 locations and operations in 200 countries and territories. www.ets.org

Lao Authorities Seize Over 100 Marijuana Packages at Wattay Airport, Three Malaysians Arrested

The offenders were seized by Lao authority on 27 May (Photo: Mistry of Finance)

Lao authorities seized more than 100 packages of marijuana at Wattay International Airport on 27 May, arresting three Malaysian nationals accused of attempting to smuggle the drugs to Germany.

Arup experts share trends shaping the future of rail at Asia Pacific Rail


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 May 2025 – Rail leaders of global sustainable development consultancy Arup from across the Asia Pacific region shared their insights into the future of rail at Asia Pacific Rail 2025, ranging from the role of transit-oriented development in funding rail infrastructure, the use of the latest green and smart technology in transit systems, station transformation, and customer journey planning.

Arup experts gathered at Asia Pacific Rail 2025, exploring how to transform rail across the region.
Arup experts gathered at Asia Pacific Rail 2025, exploring how to transform rail across the region.

Held in Bangkok on 28-29 May 2025, the major rail event in the region was attended by 4,000 people and brought together more than 160 speakers and 200 exhibitors.

As moderator of the keynote panel, TC Chew, Managing Director of APAC at Arup, discussed with leaders of key rail organisations in the region the crucial role of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in making public-private partnerships (PPPs) financially viable and sustainable, the challenges in implementing TOD as well as opportunities for future regional collaboration.

“Governments are under increasing pressure to look for innovative ways to fund rail projects. TOD could be part of the answer. If planned and designed carefully, TOD can help address challenges such as a growing population and demand for housing and employment, while promoting efficient transport options needed for a long-term sustainable future,” said TC.

James Musgrave, APAC Rail Business Leader at Arup, said, “From the Kowloon Station development in Hong Kong to the Sydney Metro Martin Place integrated station development in Australia, Arup provided strategic planning, design and engineering expertise to maximise the value of investment in transit infrastructure and the positive impact on the community it serves. When we create an impactful TOD, we don’t just change how a city moves, we redefine how people live.”

Three leaders from Arup also spoke at Asia Pacific 2025 on major topics in railway development:

  • Alberto Battois, Malaysia Rail Business Leader, on ‘Integrated mobility – what next?’;
  • Carol Lau, Associate Director, on ‘New forms of smart and green mass transit systems for medium capacity network – planning and design’; and
  • Aden Chua, Associate, on ‘Digitalising station transformation’.

In addition, Arup sponsored the British Embassy Reception, where Arup’s clients and partners connected with rail leaders to exchange ideas and share insights. With over 6,400 people in 28 offices across Asia Pacific and direct access to a larger global network, Arup is committed to supporting clients to deliver transformative railways that enhance lives and connectivity across cities and nations.
Hashtag: #Rail #TransitOrientedDevelopment #Arup





Wechat: Arup奥雅纳

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

Arup

Arup is a global built environment consultancy with advisory and technical expertise across more than 150 disciplines. We create safe, resilient, and regenerative places, bringing a Total Design approach to our work for our clients.

Ping An’s Mother’s Needlework Public Welfare Program Showcased at London Craft Week

Traditional Crafts Integrated into Sustainable Fashion, Empowering Ethnic Minority Women to Generate Income

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An”, the “Company” or the “Group”, HKEX: 2318; SSE: 601318) presented its Mother’s Needlework public welfare program at London Craft Week 2025, in the “Tiangong Kaiwu: Crafting Works Of China” exhibition of the China Pavilion. The program showcased embroidery and handcrafted carpets created by women from ethnic minorities, including the Yi and Dulong communities. The pieces exemplify the unique beauty of the intangible cultural heritage passed down for thousands of years and highlight the significant role of handicrafts in women’s empowerment, community development, and a sustainable economy.

The exhibition’s diverse array of handicrafts from Chinese ethnic minorities included the intricate and vibrant Dulong Carpet from Yunnan Province’s Dulong people. As a unique garment of one of China’s smallest ethnic groups, the Dulong Carpet is celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship and vibrant colors.

Ethnic minority crafts are vital expressions of cultural heritage and history. However, rapid modernization threatens the survival of these skills. In 2020, Ping An launched the Mother’s Needlework public welfare program to empower ethnic minority women to preserve traditional techniques and boost their incomes through innovative design and market access. The program champions sustainable fashion by integrating recycled materials with traditional ethnic designs, supporting local women to craft aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly textile products for domestic and international markets.

The Mother’s Needlework public welfare program has expanded to 10 provinces and regions across China to date, including Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, and Guangdong, benefiting over 100 women. It has significantly improved the economic well-being of participating families and injected fresh vitality into sustainable community development.

Ping An affirms that ethnic handicrafts are not only Chinese cultural treasures but also a means to advance sustainable development and social inclusion. Through international platforms such as London Craft Week, Ping An aims to share the unique allure of China’s intangible cultural heritage and invite collaboration from global designers and social organizations to collectively explore the innovative and sustainable future of handicrafts.

London Craft Week was established in 2015 and is supported by the King’s Foundation, a charity founded by King Charles III. It is a premier global event in the fields of design, fashion, and crafts. Each year, it draws designers and artisans from around the world, fostering cross-cultural exchange and innovation through exhibitions, workshops, and forums.

About Ping An Group

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (HKEx:2318 / 82318; SSE:601318) is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. It strives to become a world-leading provider of integrated finance, health and senior care services. Under the technology-driven “integrated finance + health and senior care” strategy, the Group provides professional “financial advisory, family doctor, and senior care concierge” services to its nearly 240 million retail customers. Ping An advances intelligent digital transformation and employs technologies to improve financial businesses’ quality and efficiency and enhance risk management. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. As of the end of December 2024, Ping An had more than RMB12 trillion in total assets. The Group ranked 29th in the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2024 and 53rd in the Fortune Global 500 list in 2024. 

For more information, please visit www.group.pingan.com and follow us on LinkedIn – PING AN.