Home Blog Page 1215

Affinidi Launches Pilot to Enable Cross-Border Trade as Reusable Credential Ecosystem Launches for Talent Corridors

Pilot programme transforms employment verification from weeks to minutes, starting with the SingaporeIndia corridor.

SINGAPORE, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Affinidi has launched a pilot to advance global and regional interoperability, enabling seamless cross-border flows of trade, assets, and talent through verifiable credentials that benefit Singapore businesses. The pilot saw collaborations with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and employment background screening companies to launch a reusable credential ecosystem specifically targeting cross-border talent corridors.

The pilot programme addresses a critical industry challenge: background screening companies currently rely on manual verification processes of candidates that take five to fifteen days on average, creating substantial delays, inflating costs, and exposing employers to fraud risks, particularly given Gartner’s prediction that by 2028, 1 in 4 hiring profiles will be fraudulent.

Affinidi’s solution converts background checks into cryptographically signed verifiable credentials that can be stored in digital wallets. Candidates no longer need to submit identical documents to multiple employers repeatedly, and verification time is reduced significantly from weeks to minutes. This creates a reusable professional ‘passport’ that gives candidates complete control over their verified career-related credentials.

Built on World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Verifiable Credentials and Decentralised Identifiers standards, the solution replaces manual document checks with tamper-evident, cryptographic proof almost instantaneously. The interoperable architecture reduces both integration costs, which adds flexibility and scalability of the system, and operational expenses across hiring workflows.

Affinidi currently collaborates with several leading background screening companies, including Avvanz, eeCheck, and Risk Management Intelligence (RMI), among others, to transform employment verification approaches.

“We’re not just solving hiring inefficiencies, we’re creating the foundation for a trust-based digital economy,” said Glenn Gore, CEO of Affinidi. “What starts with employment verification between India and Singapore demonstrates how the same can be applied to transform access to healthcare, financial services, education, and beyond. When individuals own and control their data, entire economies operate more efficiently and with trust.”

Background screening companies are evolving from one-off transaction providers to ecosystem partners offering recurring verification services while maintaining their assurance role.

“Just as the adoption of digital technologies and international standards have dramatically transformed the financial sector, and enhanced interoperability, the use of digital verifiable credentials has the ability to further engender trust and ensure that the best talent pools can be identified and tapped,” said Chek-Tchung Foo, Executive Director of Public Policy, GFTN. “This will also unlock new pathways towards the seamless flow of talent and skills across borders, which will power us towards the long-term objective of accelerating and modernising economies.”

This pilot establishes a building block for frictionless cross-border verification, enabling individuals, businesses and their partners to transact with global trust.

About Affinidi 

Affinidi is a data and identity management technology company founded by Temasek in 2020 that is transforming the global data value chain through the Internet of Trust. Headquartered in Singapore with strategic presence in Berlin, Ukraine, and Bangalore, the company builds technical infrastructure and services that shift value creation from traditional data silos to collaborative ecosystems. 

Through developer tools and open standards, Affinidi enables secure collaboration between individuals, businesses, and AI agents. By replacing surveillance-based systems with trust-based systems, it preserves privacy and ensures individuals retain complete control over their data. 

For more information: https://www.affinidi.com 

Cathay United Bank (CUB) Singapore Branch Wins 2025 HR Asia “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” Awards

Driving Diversity and Inclusion Workplace Through the 3H Strategy: Happy, Healthy, Hearty

TAIPEI, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cathay United Bank (CUB) has earned global recognition for fostering a people-centric, flexible workplace that prioritizes employee well-being and career growth. At this year’s HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards, CUB’s Singapore Branch took home five prestigious honors, reaffirming its commitment to innovation and inclusivity.

At the 2025 HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards—hosted in Singapore by HR Asia, a leading HR media outlet—CUB Singapore Branch stood out among 181 competitors. For the third consecutive year, it earned the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards,” along with four additional honors: “Tech Empowerment Awards,” “Most Caring Company Awards,” “Sustainable Workplace Awards,” and “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Awards.” Notably, this year marks the branch’s first time winning the “Tech Empowerment Awards.”

The “Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards” is based on an employee questionnaire survey and a three-tier evaluation covering organizational culture, employee engagement, and diversity and inclusion development—ensuring that the authentic voices of employees are accurately reflected. CUB Singapore Branch consists of a diverse workforce, including expatriates from Taiwan and staff of various nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Guided by its “3H Strategy: Happy, Healthy, Hearty,” the branch fosters open communication, interaction, and inclusivity through a fair grievance mechanism, open-concept office, and a variety of exchange activities.

Quek Li Ling, Senior Vice President of CUB Singapore Branch, emphasized the bank’s commitment to building a diverse, flexible, transparent, and efficient workplace culture. She noted that CUB prioritizes employee well-being and encourages collaboration to drive sustainable organizational growth. According to the HR Asia survey, CUB outperformed the market average in three key indicators—Core, Self, and Group. Winning these awards for three consecutive years reaffirms CUB’s effectiveness in creating a supportive and adaptive work environment.

In response to rapid fintech development, CUB Singapore Branch is committed to enhancing employee digital capabilities by offering specialized courses and AI application tools to boost technological proficiency and improve work efficiency. The branch also demonstrates its dedication to employee well-being across four dimensions: physical health, family, society, and community. Initiatives include ergonomic office furniture, workshops on health, nutrition, and emotional wellness, as well as a Family Day event at Singapore’s Bird Paradise to strengthen family bonds. Additionally, the branch continued its “CU Smile” CSR Day program under the philosophy of “giving back to society,” mobilizing nearly 100 employees and volunteers from Taiwan-invested companies to support disadvantaged seniors with house cleaning, painting, and repairs—showcasing how international companies can leverage local resources to benefit the community.

Cathay Financial Holdings (Cathay FHC), with over 60 years of deep roots in Taiwan, continues to expand its presence across Asia, now operating 969 branches throughout the region and managing more than USD 400 billion in assets. Its subsidiary, Cathay United Bank (CUB), has built a strong presence in Singapore since entering the market in 2009, and is committed to creating a workplace that embraces cross-domain thinking and fosters diversity and inclusion. CUB Singapore Branch embraces innovative learning models and internal knowledge sharing mechanisms to help employees maximize their strengths and grow with the company, truly embodying the brand value of “Better Together.”

CUB has been recognized by HR Asia as one of the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” for three consecutive years. In 2025, CUB Singapore Branch reached a significant milestone by winning five honors. Chief Executive Winfield Wong (third from left) and Senior Vice President Quek Li Ling (second from left) accepted the awards on behalf of the branch, reaffirming CUB’s commitment to excellence in HR strategy and workplace culture.
CUB has been recognized by HR Asia as one of the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” for three consecutive years. In 2025, CUB Singapore Branch reached a significant milestone by winning five honors. Chief Executive Winfield Wong (third from left) and Senior Vice President Quek Li Ling (second from left) accepted the awards on behalf of the branch, reaffirming CUB’s commitment to excellence in HR strategy and workplace culture.

Xinhua Silk Road: Quanzhou builds global connections through living heritage

BEIJING, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Once hailed by Marco Polo as a “great eastern port” teeming with merchants and goods, Quanzhou, a world heritage city in southeast China’s Fujian Province, today continues to captivate visitors with its living heritage, vibrant street life and enduring openness.

Photo shows a foreign tourist photographing a tourism brochure at the tourist service center in Quanzhou.
Photo shows a foreign tourist photographing a tourism brochure at the tourist service center in Quanzhou.

In 2024, Quanzhou received more than 100 million tourist visits, up 16.8 percent year on year. Travelers come not only to trace history, but also to experience a city where daily life and cultural legacy remain closely intertwined.

From tusun jelly made of coastal marine worms to festive spring rolls known as runbing, Quanzhou’s cuisine reflects both maritime traditions and folk customs.

On Oct. 31, the city was designated a “Creative City of Gastronomy” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Covering just over six square kilometers, Quanzhou’s ancient city remains home to generations of residents. Local authorities have adopted a “micro-renovation” approach, preserving original neighborhoods while improving living conditions and visitor access.

Intangible cultural heritage is another highlight. Quanzhou is regarded as a cradle of traditional Chinese operas such as Liyuan Opera, Gaojia Opera, and string-puppet theater. Performances at the Marionette Theatre of Quanzhou are often sold out within minutes, drawing audiences from across the country. Many young performers have joined the troupes, ensuring the vitality of these art forms.

In Xunpu Village, the once-local custom of wearing elaborate floral headdresses has gone viral nationwide, while oyster-shell houses testify to centuries-old overseas trade.

Today, Quanzhou is home to thousands of foreign merchants engaged in textiles, trade and e-commerce. With improved multilingual services and visa facilitation, the city is welcoming a growing number of international visitors, once again reviving its role as a global port of cultural exchange.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/348816.html 

Xinhua Silk Road: Annual wine-themed folk culture festival held in E. China’s Jiangxi Province

BEIJING, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A wine-themed folk culture festival kicked off in Mengshan Town in east China’s Jiangxi Province on Dec. 4, offering visitors an immersive experience of local culture, wine and cuisine.

The photo shows that visitors are tasting local wine at the annual culture festival held in Mengshan Town in east China's Jiangxi Province.
The photo shows that visitors are tasting local wine at the annual culture festival held in Mengshan Town in east China’s Jiangxi Province.

On the event, visitors were invited to join many interactive experience activities including ring toss game, making Maci, a glutinous rice cake, calligraphy writing, breaking wine bowls, Touhu game, a game in which the winner is decided by the number of arrows thrown into a distant pot, and a wine competition.

The event, already been celebrated for six sessions, attracted large amount of visitors to enjoy the cultural activities, and taste local fine wines and food.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/348815.html 

SHOPLINE Received MPI Licence in Singapore, Strengthening Regional and Global Payments

SINGAPORE, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Instage Technology Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of SHOPLINE, a leading global commerce Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, today announced that it has obtained the Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

The licence covers five regulated payment services — Account Issuance Service, Domestic Money Transfer Service, Cross-Border Money Transfer Service, Merchant Acquisition Service, and E-Money Issuance Service — enabling SHOPLINE to further strengthen comprehensive payment solutions for over 600,000 merchants worldwide.

MPI Licence: Strategic Importance in a Global Financial Hub

Singapore is a well-established financial hub with a strong regulatory framework for payment services. Instage Technology’s MPI licence represents a key regulatory milestone for SHOPLINE Payments. SHOPLINE Payments has implemented governance, compliance, and operational frameworks, which, together with the systems and controls already established and those undergoing further enhancement, support the company’s ability to deliver secure, reliable, and efficient payment services.

Unlocking a New Era of Embedded Financial Capabilities

SHOPLINE is now equipped with the foundational financial infrastructure needed to build a more seamless, end-to-end commerce and payments ecosystem, which:

  • expands the range of payment methods to better align with local habits
  • offers more competitive pricing through unified account structures
  • boosts checkout conversion with reliable and smooth payment experiences
  • provides multi-currency capabilities to support seamless global expansion
  • strengthens fund security with enhanced compliance and safeguards

Together, these capabilities lay the foundation for future embedded financial solutions that help merchants better manage expenses, automate payment flows, simplify bill management, and unlock more flexible and efficient use of working capital — enabling more advanced financial services over time, as we continue to expand our product suite.

“The MPI licence marks an important milestone for SHOPLINE. It strengthens our ability to support merchants in growing their global presence and reaching customers across borders. With the licence, we can partner with more global payment and financial institutions to build a suite of embedded financial solutions that help merchants manage and utilize their funds more effectively, empowering them to scale their businesses with greater confidence.”

Kimi Gong, Deputy GM of Payments, SHOPLINE

What Comes Next: Accelerating Growth Through Global Trust and Partnerships

This achievement follows SHOPLINE’s existing regulatory accreditations, including Hong Kong Money Service Operator (MSO), Australia Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) registration, and Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) energy listing, further reinforcing the company’s expanding global compliance footprint.

With the MPI licence, SHOPLINE  reinforces its commitment to secure and compliant payment services. We aim to provide reliable and trustworthy services. As a truly global organization—not limited to any single market—we are expanding our network of partnerships with local licensed institutions, paving the way for innovative solutions and embedded finance opportunities worldwide.

About SHOPLINE

Founded in 2013, SHOPLINE is a leading global commerce Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider, empowering brands and retailers to build, launch and scale their business around the world. SHOPLINE offers a fully integrated platform that provides merchants with solutions such as ecommerce, POS, social commerce, omni-channel marketing, B2B management, and more. Brands are also empowered to create custom integrations and unique shopping experiences with SHOPLINE’s open platform architecture, comprehensive APIs, and extensive global partner network. SHOPLINE is headquartered in Singapore with over 2000 employees operating globally. Learn more at www.shopline.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Lady M Strengthens Global Strategy in Singapore, Deepening Commitment to Southeast Asia

NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lady M Confections Co., Ltd. (“Lady M”), the internationally renowned luxury patisserie brand, today reaffirmed the strategic importance of Singapore within its global growth plans and announced a transition in the market as part of its long-term strategy for Southeast Asia.

For more than two decades, Lady M has built a global reputation for its signature cakes and refined confections, with over 40 boutiques worldwide. Singapore holds a particularly significant role in the company’s history as Lady M’s first international market outside the United States and a key gateway to the Southeast Asian region.

Singapore has always held a special place in Lady M’s global journey,” said Ken Romaniszyn, CEO of Lady M. “As we enter our next phase of growth, we believe that taking a more direct role in the Singapore market will allow us to further elevate the brand experience, enhance quality and consistency, and better serve our customers in the region.”

Lady M entered Singapore in 2013 through a licensing arrangement with Caerus Holdings Pte. Ltd. With the conclusion of the licensing agreement, Lady M is transitioning the market as part of its globally integrated strategy. The licensing relationship concluded on December 11, 2025.

“This transition reflects our continued focus on excellence and long-term brand stewardship,” Romaniszyn added. “By integrating Singapore more directly into our global operations, we are strengthening our foundation in Southeast Asia while ensuring that the Lady M experience remains consistent with the high standards our customers expect worldwide.”

About Lady M:

Founded in New York City in 2001, Lady M is a luxury confections brand best known as the creator of the iconic Mille Crêpes cake. Led by CEO Ken Romaniszyn, Lady M operates more than 40 boutiques globally. The brand combines classic French pastry techniques with Japanese culinary sensibilities to create cakes that are delicately sweet, refined, and meticulously crafted. All Lady M cakes are handmade fresh, without food additives or preservatives. For more information, visit: www.ladym.com

SHOPLINE Received MPI Licence in Singapore, Strengthening Regional and Global Payments

SINGAPORE, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Instage Technology Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of SHOPLINE, a leading global commerce Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, today announced that it has obtained the Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

The licence covers five regulated payment services — Account Issuance Service, Domestic Money Transfer Service, Cross-Border Money Transfer Service, Merchant Acquisition Service, and E-Money Issuance Service — enabling SHOPLINE to further strengthen comprehensive payment solutions for over 600,000 merchants worldwide.

MPI Licence: Strategic Importance in a Global Financial Hub

Singapore is a well-established financial hub with a strong regulatory framework for payment services. Instage Technology’s MPI licence represents a key regulatory milestone for SHOPLINE Payments. SHOPLINE Payments has implemented governance, compliance, and operational frameworks, which, together with the systems and controls already established and those undergoing further enhancement, support the company’s ability to deliver secure, reliable, and efficient payment services.

Unlocking a New Era of Embedded Financial Capabilities

SHOPLINE is now equipped with the foundational financial infrastructure needed to build a more seamless, end-to-end commerce and payments ecosystem, which:

  • expands the range of payment methods to better align with local habits
  • offers more competitive pricing through unified account structures
  • boosts checkout conversion with reliable and smooth payment experiences
  • provides multi-currency capabilities to support seamless global expansion
  • strengthens fund security with enhanced compliance and safeguards

Together, these capabilities lay the foundation for future embedded financial solutions that help merchants better manage expenses, automate payment flows, simplify bill management, and unlock more flexible and efficient use of working capital — enabling more advanced financial services over time, as we continue to expand our product suite.

“The MPI licence marks an important milestone for SHOPLINE. It strengthens our ability to support merchants in growing their global presence and reaching customers across borders. With the licence, we can partner with more global payment and financial institutions to build a suite of embedded financial solutions that help merchants manage and utilize their funds more effectively, empowering them to scale their businesses with greater confidence.”

Kimi Gong, Deputy GM of Payments, SHOPLINE

What Comes Next: Accelerating Growth Through Global Trust and Partnerships

This achievement follows SHOPLINE’s existing regulatory accreditations, including Hong Kong Money Service Operator (MSO), Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) registration, and Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) energy listing, further reinforcing the company’s expanding global compliance footprint.

With the MPI licence, SHOPLINE  reinforces its commitment to secure and compliant payment services. We aim to provide reliable and trustworthy services. As a truly global organization—not limited to any single market—we are expanding our network of partnerships with local licensed institutions, paving the way for innovative solutions and embedded finance opportunities worldwide.

About SHOPLINE

Founded in 2013, SHOPLINE is a leading global commerce Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider, empowering brands and retailers to build, launch and scale their business around the world. SHOPLINE offers a fully integrated platform that provides merchants with solutions such as ecommerce, POS, social commerce, omni-channel marketing, B2B management, and more. Brands are also empowered to create custom integrations and unique shopping experiences with SHOPLINE’s open platform architecture, comprehensive APIs, and extensive global partner network. SHOPLINE is headquartered in Singapore with over 2000 employees operating globally. Learn more at www.shopline.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

LG SHOWCASES FUTURE OF MOBILITY WITH AI-POWERED IN-VEHICLE SOLUTIONS AT CES 2026

CES Best of Innovation Award Winner Redefines In-Vehicle Experience Powered by Affectionate Intelligence

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics (LG) will unveil an immersive experiential space at CES 2026 that brings the company’s future mobility vision to life through Affectionate Intelligence. The exhibit invites visitors to experience firsthand how AI can reshape the driver, front-passenger and rear seating areas, reimagining the whole cabin as a more intuitive and human-centered space designed to enhance every ride.

LG showcases future of mobility with LG AI-Powered In-Vehicle Solutions at CES 2026
LG showcases future of mobility with LG AI-Powered In-Vehicle Solutions at CES 2026

This new series of solutions has earned the CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award in In-Vehicle Entertainment, marking the first time the LG Vehicle Solution Company has won the category’s top honor. The system brings together cutting-edge display technology, advanced in-cabin sensing, and on-device AI under a comprehensive AI-Defined Vehicle architecture.

The showcase features three core experiential solutions: the Mobility Display Solution, which transforms the windshield into an intelligent interface; the Automotive Vision Solution, which enhances safety and delivers context-aware information to the driver and front passenger via Vision AI; and the In-Vehicle Entertainment Solution, which provides personalized content recommendations, memory-based media and real-time translation.

In the Mobility Display Solution zone, visitors can experience how AI intuitively presents essential information through a transparent OLED-equipped windshield. For example, when approaching a traffic signal, AI displays the remaining wait time above the signal, selectively providing only the most relevant information at that moment. In autonomous driving mode, the system analyzes the surrounding environment and generates corresponding visual scenes: cherry blossom petals flutter across the display on tree-lined roads, while a monotonous tunnel transforms into an enchanting forest, creating an immersive, near-virtual-reality experience.

The Automotive Vision Solution is an advanced in-cabin sensing solution powered by LG’s Automotive Vision System, designed to enhance safety while enabling context-aware, empathetic interactions and personalized content delivery. The solution tracks driver movement, gaze direction, attention, clothing color and gestures in real time, allowing the system to understand and respond to the occupant’s state. Through eye tracking and gesture control, the system expands the range of interest-based information, while anamorphic display graphics heighten immersion and realism. For instance, in autonomous driving mode, if a front-seat passenger looks at an advertisement displayed on a building, gaze recognition can trigger related information on the passenger display, providing seamless product discovery and purchasing.

The In-Vehicle Entertainment Solution delivers personalized entertainment and interactive communication. By recognizing scenery outside the vehicle, AI can display photos linked to past memories associated with that location on the window display. Passengers can share these moments in real time through video calls with family members. During long journeys, AI recommends content tailored to individual tastes, providing entertainment that turns miles into moments. In another scenario, if a restaurant staff member communicates using sign language, AI interprets the gestures into on-screen text to support smooth, two-way communication.

“We are bringing our future mobility vision to life by embedding AI across our solutions — many of which, including in-cabin sensing, are already in production with global OEMs,” said Eun Seok-hyun, president of the LG Vehicle Solution Company. “By accelerating these innovations to market, we aim to pioneer the era of AI-driven vehicles in the years ahead.”

LG AI-Powered In-Vehicle Solutions will be on display at the company’s booth during CES 2026 from January 6-9 (#15004, Las Vegas Convention Center).

About LG Electronics Vehicle Solution Company

The LG Vehicle Solution Company (VS) is bringing LG’s unique human-centered innovations to the automotive industry. As a trusted and innovative partner, the company provides intelligent solutions including head units, displays, connectivity, ADAS vision systems, and software solutions for software-defined vehicles. Committed to “Driving Better Future Mobility,” the company has diversified its portfolio to further strengthen its capabilities, including automotive lighting systems, e-powertrain, and cybersecurity. For more information, visit www.LG.com/global/mobility. To stay updated with the latest news, subscribe to the LG mobility newsletter, LG Loop at www.LG.com/global/mobility/newsletter and follow the LG VS Company LinkedIn channel at www.linkedin.com/company/lgvehiclesolution.