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Hong Kong’s Financial Innovation Advances —Evolving Capital’s Keynote Spotlights Hong Kong’s Opportunity for Virtual Assets

Forum Co-hosted by King & Wood Mallesons, UWEB, and EmergentX Focuses on the Future Development of Hong Kong’s Virtual Asset Spot ETFs


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 May 2024 – Amidst historic breakthroughs in Hong Kong’s financial technology sector, Mr. Leica Cai, co-founder of Evolving Capital, delivered a keynote speech titled “Opportunities of Hong Kong’s Virtual Asset Spot ETFs” at a high-level forum. The forum, co-hosted by King & Wood Mallesons, UWEB, and EmergentX, and supported by OSL, aimed to explore the future development of Hong Kong’s virtual asset spot ETFs.

Mr. Cai highlighted the new opportunities for Hong Kong in the field of virtual assets, especially following the official listing of Hong Kong’s first batch of virtual asset ETFs on April 30th. These ETF products not only provide Asian investors with new investment options but also signify a significant step for Hong Kong in establishing itself as an international financial center for virtual assets. Mr. Cai emphasized that the listing of Bitcoin spot ETFs provides traditional capital with new liquidity and a fast track into the virtual asset domain, injecting new vitality into the market.

The forum brought together many industry experts, including Dr. Yu Jianing, founder of Uweb, Romeo Wang, Co-founder of Uweb, as well as specialists from King & Wood Mallesons, OSL, Hashkey Group, EmergentX, Harvest Global Investment, and BOCI-Prudential Trustee Limited. They engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as tokenization, the future of cryptocurrency ETFs, and how to embrace the current bull market.

The content of Mr. Cai’s speech and the provided materials offered participants a comprehensive perspective to grasp the opportunities in Hong Kong’s virtual asset spot trading. The successful holding of this forum not only provided valuable knowledge resources for participants but also painted a bright blueprint for the future development of Hong Kong’s virtual asset field.

With in-depth exchanges and cooperation among industry experts, Hong Kong’s leading position in the field of virtual assets is expected to be further consolidated. The listing of Hong Kong’s virtual asset spot ETFs, along with the in-depth discussions at this forum, heralds a more open and innovative future for Hong Kong’s financial market.
Hashtag: #VirtualAssets #web3 #BTCETF #Uweb

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

Record Surge in Individuals Crossing Third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Early 2024

In the initial months of 2024, a total of 85,871 people crossed the Third Thai-lao Friendship Bridge, which links Khammouane Province, Laos, and Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand, according to Soukthong Vongsa, the head of cross-border immigration police in Laos.

These figures show a surge of 3,937 people compared to the same period in 2023.

Soukthong noted the diligence of local authorities in enforcing regulations on individuals’ entry and exit. However, challenges persist, notably the absence of modern inspection tools like X-ray machines, hindering the detection of illegal items concealed in luggage, personal belongings, and vehicles entering and exiting.

Efforts to bolster tourism during Visit Laos Year 2024 include enhancing document notification services, expanding service availability, and ensuring peace and order at checkpoint locations, meticulously mapped out to monitor the orderly flow of tourists and passengers entering Laos.

As the country aims at fortifying tourism initiatives throughout Visit Laos Year 2024, government authorities are stepping up efforts in infrastructure development. The projects include renovation of buildings, workplaces, offices, electrical systems, and street lights. Furthermore, improvements extend to the interior of buildings and the checkpoint courtyard, aiming to enhance convenience, cleanliness, and appeal to attract more visitors to Khammouane Province.

To further promote tourism in Laos, the country is set to launch the fifth bridge in November, connecting Bueng Kan Province, Thailand, with Paksan district, Bolikhamxay Province, Laos. The bridge is currently at 95 percent completion.

The first Australian National University Official Information Day in Hong Kong


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 May 2024 – For the first time, the Australian National University will be organising an official information day in Hong Kong.

The Australian National University is a member of the Group of Eight Australia Universities, will be holding an official information day on 19th May 2024 in Cordis Hotel, Mongkok, Hong Kong. It is definitely an event not to be missed for DSE candidates and those who want to study in Australia.

On the information day, The Australian National University (ANU) will have representatives from various faculties to introduce the course content and teaching models of each college including:

  • College of Arts and Social Sciences
  • College of Health and Medicine
  • College of Asia & Pacific
  • College of Business & Economics
  • College of Science
  • College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics

Through explanations by the representatives, we can have a deeper understanding of the diversified course content and academic environment of world-class universities. In addition, during this information day, the representatives will introduce the university’s scholarships, share about the university’s dormitory arrangements and university life. This event will provide comprehensive information that allows everyone to have more idea of the diverse and high-quality courses offered by ANU and the advantages of its academic environment.

【ANU Information Day details】
Date: May 19, 2024 (Sunday)
Time: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Address: Level 8, Shanghai I, Cordis Hotel Hong Kong
Registration link: Click here to register

This is a unique opportunity. Interested participants please sign up through the link above. People from different parties and backgrounds, current HKDSE, IB, and AL candidates are welcome to participate and explore the palace of knowledge together. Participants who participate in this official information day will receive an application fee waiver code.

Hashtag: #ExpertEducationandVisaServices


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

About the Australian National University

is located in Canberra, the capital of Australia. Its excellent teaching quality and faculty have cultivated many elite talents over the years, including 6 Nobel laureates and 2 Australian Prime Ministers. It is ranked 34th in the world. Whether in academic fields or research projects, ANU has obtained outstanding achievements, allowing you to enjoy a world-class academic environment and a diverse course content.

About Expert Education & Visa Services

was established in 2003. It has more than 15 professional study migration centres in Australia and has more than 20 years of experience in study and migration. We cooperate with more than 100 education institutions in Australia and is one of the official representatives of the Australian National University. In these years, we assisted numerous students to achieve their dreams of studying abroad. As an expert in overseas study and migration, EEVS provides one-stop services including study abroad consultations, school applications, visa applications, accommodation applications, career plannings, skilled immigration applications and many other related services.

Man Arrested in Khammouane Province for Illegal Consumption of Endangered Species

Man Arrested in Khammouane Province for Illegal Consumption of Endangered Species
The arrested Phaiboon Thammavong and the dead Laotian langur (photo credit: the People's Police Academy)

Authorities in Khammouane Province arrested Phaiboon Thammavong on 15 May after he posted a collection of photos on his personal Facebook account depicting the corpse of a Laotian langur, an endangered species, as he cooked and consumed it.

Thai Prime Minister Promises Investigation After Activist Died in Detention

A portrait of Netiporn Sanesangkhom, a member if the activist group Thaluwang (Photo: AP)

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s prime minister on Wednesday, 15 May, offered his condolences to the family of a young activist who died in detention after a monthslong hunger strike, amid a public debate on the country’s justice system.

DBS Hong Kong and Sanfield Pave the Way for Green Construction with a Pioneering Sustainability-linked Supplier Payment Services Program

First of its kind in Hong Kong’s construction industry to drive ESG initiatives


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 May 2024 – DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (“DBS Hong Kong”) and Sanfield (Management) Limited (“Sanfield”) today announced the launch of pioneering Sustainability-linked Supplier Payment Services (“SPS”) for the Hong Kong construction industry. The SPS program marks a significant milestone in extending environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) initiatives from Sanfield to its suppliers and sub-contractors, setting a new industry standard. DBS Hong Kong will act as the sole arranger for this innovative financing initiative.

Desmond Tsoi, General Manager of Sanfield (left), and Wallace Lam, Managing Director and Head of Institutional Banking Group of DBS Bank Hong Kong (right), announce the launch of pioneering Sustainability-linked Supplier Payment Services in the Hong Kong construction industry.
Desmond Tsoi, General Manager of Sanfield (left), and Wallace Lam, Managing Director and Head of Institutional Banking Group of DBS Bank Hong Kong (right), announce the launch of pioneering Sustainability-linked Supplier Payment Services in the Hong Kong construction industry.

This SPS program, the first of its kind in the Hong Kong construction industry, will help Sanfield develop a sustainable construction ecosystem with its suppliers and sub-contractors and fulfil its ESG commitments and vision. Under the SPS program, DBS Hong Kong will act as the only advisor to Sanfield in setting a series of sustainability-related performance targets, including ESG disclosure, safety performance, waste reduction, adoption of innovative technology and carbon-emissions reduction.

By joining the SPS program and meeting the predetermined targets, Sanfield’s suppliers and sub-contractors may benefit by getting early payment for their goods or projects, thereby improving their cash conversion cycle while enhancing their ESG performance. The launch of the SPS program represents a significant step towards building a greener and more environmentally conscious construction sector.

Desmond Tsoi, General Manager of Sanfield, said, “We are delighted to partner with DBS Hong Kong for this landmark program. The Sustainability-Linked Supplier Payment Services program will encourage our suppliers to accelerate their transition to more sustainable construction practices, creating a ‘triple-win’ situation, benefitting the environment, the industry and our construction partners. We anticipate the new program will drive a wider adoption of green building equipment in the industry and create a cleaner and healthier work environment for frontline workers.”

Wallace Lam, Managing Director and Head of Institutional Banking Group of DBS Bank Hong Kong, said, “We are proud to support Sanfield in their sustainability journey. DBS Hong Kong has been committed in providing financing for projects with positive environmental and social impacts, and assisting clients in formulating sustainable development roadmaps. We believe that green construction is the future of the industry, and we are excited to be a part of this transformation. Our collective efforts will contribute to making Hong Kong a greener low-carbon city.”

Sanfield is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP). It not only focuses on building premium properties but also takes a holistic approach to integrating and promoting sustainability in the construction industry. It achieves this through five key areas, which encompass the adoption of green smart technologies, the development of green energy infrastructure, research and innovation in green building technologies, the supply of green building materials, and the training of green building professionals. This comprehensive approach ensures that sustainability is integrated into every aspect of its operations.

DBS Hong Kong actively integrates sustainable concepts into its products and services, promoting the development of green finance through investment support, fund allocation, risk management and advisory services. In recent years, DBS Hong Kong has completed a number of sustainability-linked financings for various listed companies and enterprises.

Hashtag: #DBSHongKong

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

About DBS

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank’s “AA-” and “Aa1” credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “” by Global Finance, “” by Euromoney and “” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “” by Euromoney and the world’s “” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “” award by Global Finance for 15 consecutive years from 2009 to 2023.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting social enterprises: businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping communities with future-ready skills and building food resilience.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit .

About Sanfield

Sanfield (Management) Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Hung Kai Properties’ construction division and a prominent player in the Hong Kong construction industry. Guided by the motto of SHKP, Building Homes with Heart spirit, Sanfield consistently demonstrates its dedication to excellence and innovation. The company offers a wide range of professional, top-notch services encompassing foundation work, site formation, civil engineering, building construction, electrical and mechanical installations, concrete production, precast-concrete-unit manufacturing, production and installation of wooden doors, construction plant and machinery leasing, as well as landscaping.

Sanfield plays a vital role in SHKP’s property development business and has made significant contributions to the development of several iconic buildings, including the International Finance Centre (IFC), International Commerce Centre (ICC) and Central Plaza.

XTransfer Joins the Middle East Delegation of Hong Kong SAR

Explores Local Development Opportunities


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 May 2024 – XTransfer, World’s Leading & China’s No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, was invited to join the Hong Kong SAR delegation to visit the Middle East last week. The visit aimed to engage in discussions with local governments and financial institutions, exploring financial cooperation and development between Hong Kong and the Middle East.

Head of XTransfer Hong Kong Branch, Neil Ni (sixth from right to left), participated in the Middle East Delegation of Hong Kong SAR.
Head of XTransfer Hong Kong Branch, Neil Ni (sixth from right to left), participated in the Middle East Delegation of Hong Kong SAR.

The delegation was led by the Hong Kong Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Hong Kong Financial Services Development Council, and Invest Hong Kong. Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of HKSAR, Joseph Chan, Executive Director of Financial Services Development Council, King Au, Global Head of Financial Services and Fintech of Invest Hong Kong, King Leung, and Head of Fintech of Cyberport, Victor Yim, were among the attendees. Neil Ni, Head of XTransfer Hong Kong Branch, participated as a member of the delegation.

The Middle East presents booming business opportunities and enormous market potential. Hong Kong plays a crucial role in the Belt and Road cooperation between the Middle East and China, serving as a significant bridge for economic exchanges. During the visit, XTransfer joined a delegation of over 50 representatives from the financial and fintech industries. The activities included participating in the Dubai Fintech Summit, meetings with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in Dubai, and the Abu Dhabi Global Market.

Head of XTransfer Hong Kong Branch, Neil Ni, stated, “We are honoured to participate in this exchange activity, which provides us with an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the Middle Eastern market and explore business collaboration opportunities. Apart from actively engaging with local government agencies during the visit, we also had in-depth discussions on cooperation opportunities with local virtual banks and payment institutions. Our company is actively setting up offices in the Middle East and applying for local payment licenses. With the accelerated pace of XTransfer’s internationalisation, SME foreign trade enterprises worldwide, including those in the Middle East, will enjoy a secure, convenient, and cost-effective cross-border payment solution. XTransfer will continue to be rooted in Hong Kong and leverage its strengths to contribute to global trade development.”
Hashtag: #XTransfer #HK #Fintech #MiddleEast



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

About XTransfer

XTransfer, World’s Leading & China’s No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, is dedicated to providing SMEs with secure, compliant, fast, convenient and low-cost foreign trade payment & fund collection solutions, significantly reducing the cost of global expansion and enhancing global competitiveness. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Shanghai and has branches in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Singapore. XTransfer has obtained local payment licenses in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. With more than 450,000 enterprise clients, XTransfer has become the industry No.1 in China.

By cooperating with well-known multinational banks and financial institutions, XTransfer has built a unified global multi-currency clearing network and built a data-based, automated, Internet-based and intelligent anti-money laundering risk control infrastructure centred on small and medium enterprises. XTransfer uses technology as a bridge to link large financial institutions and small and medium enterprises around the world, allowing SMEs to enjoy the same level of cross-border financial services as large multinational corporations.

XTransfer completed its Series D financing in September 2021 and achieved unicorn status. The Company possesses a diverse composition of international investors, including D1 Capital Partners LP, Telstra Ventures, China Merchants Venture, eWTP Capital, Yunqi Capital, Gaorong Capital, 01VC, MindWorks and Lavender Hill Capital Partners.

For more information,

Redress Design Award 2024 Finalists Announced, Competing For Tommy Hilfiger Retail Project

10 top emerging talents to showcase on runway final of world’s leading sustainable fashion design competition

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 May 2024 – Environmental NGO Redress announces the 10 Finalist designers of the Redress Design Award 2024, who are now vying for the career-changing First Prize with 2024 Exclusive Fashion Sponsor, Tommy Hilfiger: the opportunity to join the Tommy Hilfiger team and work on a sustainable design project for retail. In September 2024, the Finalists will present their outfits made from textile waste at a high-profile runway show in Hong Kong. The Redress Design Award, the world’s leading sustainable fashion design competition, is supported by Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as the Lead Sponsor.

Caption

Victor Tsang, Head of CreateHK, said, “Congratulations to the 10 Finalists of the Redress Design Award 2024, a vital platform for building up the next generation to transform the fashion industry towards circularity. May these talented designers enjoy every success in the runway show and future endeavours.”

Marc Gianneschi, Senior Vice President, Tommy Hilfiger Asia Pacific, and Redress Design Award 2024 Judge, said, “We believe tomorrow’s fashion should Waste Nothing and Welcome All. Under our sustainability vision, Tommy for Tomorrow, our brand has ambitions to ensure that all our products contribute to the circular economy throughout the product lifecycle by 2030. With circular design being a key pillar to this, we believe in making it the norm. That’s why we are proud to support emerging designers with Redress to make fashion more circular.”

Dr. Christina Dean, Founder of Redress, the Hong Kong-based, Asia-focused environmental NGO accelerating the transition to a circular fashion industry, said, “History has proven that necessity is the mother of invention. The fashion industry can’t brush its textile waste crisis under the carpet any longer. It’s urgent and essential to drive circularity into fashion. These emerging fashion designer finalists have no other option than to invent design solutions to waste.”

Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned, and just 1% of clothing is recycled back into clothing[1]. On fashion’s current trajectory, compared to 2015, textile waste is estimated to increase by 60% by 2030[2] and the fashion industry is projected to use a quarter of the world’s carbon budget by 2050[3].

DESIGNERS’ JOURNEY TO THE GRAND FINAL

Selected from hundreds of competition applicants from 55 countries and regions, the chosen Finalists represent some of the best emerging sustainable design talent across the globe. The 10 Finalists are now working to bring their sustainable designs to life, tapping into textile waste streams such as a shredded military parachute and car seat covers.

Next up, the 10 Finalists will send their completed collections to Redress for a professional photoshoot with Vogue Hong Kong, with the garments safely delivered by DHL Express, the event’s official logistics partner. Redress is pleased to announce its partnership with DHL, a company which also shares its commitment to promoting sustainability in the fashion industry through strategic partnerships.

The Finalists who live abroad will then come to Hong Kong for an educational bootcamp filled with intensive design challenges to sharpen their skills in sustainable design. During their time in the city, they will be staying at Dash Living. Their experience culminates at the Grand Final Fashion Show in September 2024, where they will showcase their sustainable collections in front of local and international media, and where the winners, selected by experts, will be announced.

The Redress Design Award 2024 Finalists are:

  • Hugo Dumas, France
  • Louise Boase, Australia
  • Miranda Mallinson-Pocock, UK
  • Nguyen Thi Dung, Vietnam
  • Silvia Acien Parrilla, UK
  • Su Anli, Taiwan
  • Tian Ruyin, Mainland China
  • Tiger Chung, Hong Kong
  • Xue Wang, Italy
  • Zari Qanei, Iran

PUBLIC VOTING FOR PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

In August, Redress will invite the global public to cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award among the Finalists. As 98% of consumers think brands have a responsibility to make positive change in the world[4], this opportunity highlights how the public plays an important role in tackling fashion’s growing waste crisis. The People’s Choice winner will be announced at the Grand Final in Hong Kong in September, which will be livestreamed for viewers across the globe.


[1] Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017), A New Textiles Economy
[2] Global Fashion Agenda and The Boston Consulting Group, Inc. (2017), Pulse of the Fashion Industry
[3] Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017), A New Textiles Economy
[4] Futerra Consumer research (2019) The honest generation are here. Are you ready?

Hashtag: #RedressDesignAward

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

About the Redress Design Award 2024 competition: www.redressdesignaward.com

  • The applicants: The Redress Design Award 2024 was open to applications from emerging designers and students with less than four years’ professional experience globally. Finalists .
  • The judges: The Redress Design Award 2024 judges represent the crème de la crème of sustainable industry expertise.
  • Prizes: In addition to the First Prize with Tommy Hilfiger, prizes include high-profile mentorships and high-performance sewing machines from JUKI. .
  • Redress Alumni: The Redress Design Award 2024 Finalists join the , which offers ongoing support to over 300 designers as they develop their careers in sustainable fashion.

About Redress’ education for designers

  • The online, open-access Redress Academy platform is.
  • The online Redress Circular Fashion Design Courses are .
  • Further supporting statistics are .


The Redress Design Award () is the world’s leading sustainable fashion design competition that educates and empowers emerging fashion designers about circular design techniques to reduce fashion’s negative environmental impacts. Organised by Hong Kong-based, Asia-focused environmental NGO Redress and sponsored by Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region annually since 2011, the competition now has over 170 global fashion university partners and attracts designer applicants from over 50 countries and regions to win prizes that connect them with global-leading fashion businesses to accelerate the change to a circular fashion industry.

Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) () is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in June 2009 to spearhead the development of creative industries in Hong Kong. From 1 July 2022 onwards, it is under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community. CreateHK has been sponsoring the Redress Design Award (formerly the EcoChic Design Award) since 2011 to promote Hong Kong’s fashion design.

Redress () is a Hong Kong-headquartered, Asia-focused environmental NGO with a mission to accelerate the change to a circular fashion industry by educating and empowering designers and consumers so as to reduce clothing’s negative environmental impacts.

Tommy Hilfiger () one of the world’s most recognized premium lifestyle brands, uplifting and inspiring consumers since 1985. The brand creates iconic style, which comes alive at the intersection of the classic and the new, co-created with people who are shaping culture around the world. Tommy Hilfiger celebrates the essence of classic American style with a modern twist. Tommy Hilfiger offers premium quality and value to consumers worldwide under the Tommy Hilfiger and TOMMY JEANS lifestyles, with a breadth of collections including men’s, women’s and kids’ sportswear, denim, accessories, and footwear. Tommy Hilfiger has an unwavering commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.