The 15th Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) has concluded successfully, marking four days from 1 to 4 November of intense and inspiring discussions among 700 young delegates from 28 countries. (Photo supplied)
The 15th Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) has concluded successfully, marking four days from 1 to 4 November of intense and inspiring discussions among 700 young delegates from 28 countries.
Held at the Rama Garden Hotel in Bangkok, the conference centered on the theme “Empowering Youth Diplomacy for Global Harmony.” The event fostered meaningful dialogues and collaborations as participants tackled some of the most pressing global issues in a diplomatic setting.
Throughout the event, delegates engaged in councils focusing on topics ranging from child poverty and economic stability to environmental sustainability and human trafficking. Each council provided an opportunity for young leaders to propose innovative solutions to real-world challenges, bringing forward diverse perspectives and insights.
In his opening address, Thailand’s Minister of Justice, Thawee Sodsong, remarked, “Justice, in its most powerful form, transcends borders and provides the framework for peace and stability,” emphasizing that the delegates’ role in promoting fairness would help shape a just and harmonious world.
Building on this, he further highlighted the importance of the right approach to diplomacy, stating, “Diplomacy is not just about negotiation, it is about listening, understanding, and standing up for what is right. Whether you are engaging in advocacy, shaping policies, or leading diplomatic initiatives, your voice matters. Your actions will define the future of global justice and harmony. I encourage each of you to take this responsibility to heart and be relentless in your pursuit of peace and fairness.”
AYIMUN, an initiative by the International Global Network (IGN), has proven to be a transformative platform since its inception, bringing thousands of young people together to cultivate diplomatic skills, broaden their perspectives on global issues, and foster cross-cultural friendships.
The 15th AYIMUN successfully brought together students from across Asia, Europe, and beyond, representing a diverse array of cultures, languages, and perspectives. Through this global exchange, delegates gained a deeper understanding of international cooperation, building connections and friendships that will serve as the foundation for future collaborations and a shared commitment to global harmony.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2024 – XTransfer, the World’s Leading & China’s No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, was featured at Hong Kong Fintech Week 2024 last week as both an exhibitor and a main sponsor. The event attracted significant attention to XTransfer‘s booth, where attendees learned about the company’s innovation for secure and speedy global trade payments for SMEs. Bill Deng,Founder and CEO of XTransfer, participated in multiple panel discussions, engaged with leaders from international financial institutions and attended private meetings with various government representatives to explore collaboration opportunities.
XTransfer in Hong Kong Fintech Week 2024
Bill was invited to be the keynote speaker for the “Next-Gen Digital Payment Infrastructure: Integration, Security & Interoperability” panel on the first day of the event, which included representatives from Tencent Financial Technology and Payment Asia.
During his discussion on how AI and other emerging technologies can enhance the efficiency and security of payments, Bill stated, “XTransfer has built a data-based, automated, Internet-based and intelligent anti-money laundering risk control infrastructure centred on SMEs. By utilising artificial intelligence to assist banks and financial institutions in anti-money laundering and anti-fraud efforts, manual operations are largely reduced, significantly improving efficiency. XTransfer uses technology as a bridge to link large financial institutions and SMEs around the world, allowing them to enjoy the same level of cross-border financial services as large multinational corporations.”
Bill was also invited to participate in another panel on “The Role of Tech in Finance for an Inclusive Future”, where he addressed the topic of promoting financial inclusion. Bill remarked, “With the increasingly stringent rules and regulations imposed by various governments, SMEs have continued to encounter various obstacles in trade settlement, including difficulties in opening accounts with traditional banks, high risk of fund freezing, high exchange losses, long remittance time, high remittance costs, and even being forced to remit funds through non-compliant channels.”
“Today, banks, financial institutions, and fintech payment companies have begun to cooperate to find efficient solutions to serve SMEs and enhance financial inclusion. XTransfer has partnered with J.P. Morgan, Deutsche Bank, Bank of China, DBS Bank, Visa, and other international banks and financial institutions to provide SMEs engaged in foreign trade with the “Global Business Account“.The account covers more than 200 countries/regions and more than 15 currencies, offering cross-border payment solutions, foreign exchange, and other financial services,” Bill added.
Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, speaks at Hong Kong Fintech Week 2024.
When discussing XTransfer’s global expansion, Bill said, “We have observed that emerging countries, particularly those in the ASEAN region, Africa, and South America, are experiencing a rise in cross-border trade. However, SMEs in these emerging markets often encounter challenges, such as being “unbanked” and lacking access to US dollars.”
“XTransfer is actively expanding into emerging markets such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East; Nigeria and Kenya in Africa; Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines in Southeast Asia; as well as Mexico and Brazil in South America. When both buyer and seller use an XTransfer account, they can utilise the XTransfer-to-XTransfer (X2X) payment service, which allows them to conduct “Account-to-Account” payments, enabling seamless transactions between the buyer and seller as if they were making a “local transfer”. This significantly improves operational capital efficiency for enterprises and promotes global trade.” Bill added
Finally, Bill pointed out, “In our first six years, we have been focusing on the Mainland China market, assisting SMEs with their foreign trade collection needs. In 2023, we took our first step toward global expansion by entering the Hong Kong market. This year, we participated in the Hong Kong FinTech Week for the first time, and it was incredibly rewarding. We not only broadened our horizons but also showcased our strengths to industry and the public. We look forward to continuing our promotion of fintech innovation in cross-border payments in collaboration with international financial institutions and governments.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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 SAR, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, the UAE, Nigeria, etc. XTransfer has obtained local payment licenses in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. With more than 550,000 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.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2024 – Global ice cream brand Cornetto set hearts aflutter all over Thailand last week, inviting their famous brand ambassador, Korean singer and actor Cha Eun-Woo, to meet fans from around the region at an exclusive event held at Samyan Mitrtown in Bangkok, Thailand. Part of their “Cornetto presents: Unwrap the Moment with Cha Eun-Woo” campaign, this fan-meet gave lucky attendees the cool opportunity of meeting their idol in person.
Lucky fans and top spenders from a Cornetto promotion across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, and Malaysia were given exclusive access to unwrap never-before-seen sides of Cha Eun-Woo!
Fans participated in various activities, including photo opportunities at Cornetto’s exclusive Cha Eun-Woo photo booth, enjoying Cornetto-themed games, and listening to him share untold stories from his experiences filming Cornetto commercials.
Cornetto also offered a delightful selection of its best-selling ice cream flavors for fans and passersby to enjoy, including Cornetto Classic Vanilla, Cornetto White Rose, and more, along with the chance to win an exclusive Cha Eun-Woo mini poster from Cornetto.
The event created happy memories for all the fans in attendance, and even after, the joy still lingers. Fans can check out the wonderful moments shared using #CornettoxChaEunWoo and #CornettoUnwraptheMoment.
To unwrap more exciting events, surprises and pop-ups, connect with Cornetto on social media to stay updated on what’s next!
In Laos, as the job market grows more challenging, people are questioning the true value of academic accolades, particularly the “red certificate,” a mark of academic distinction. But is it truly a key to success, or does it merely add more pressure? As graduates celebrate this accolade, many are left wondering about its actual value in today’s job market and how it shapes their future.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2024 – VinFast and the Durango Drivers’ Union in Mexico signeda Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the green transition of public transport, including the potential purchase of 3,000 VF 5 electric cars and 300 electric buses by Durango Driver’s Union for operation in Mexico. This strategic partnership underscores the growing global interest in VinFast’s electric vehicles, highlighting their ability to meet the evolving needs of diverse markets.
Under the agreement, both parties will negotiate the sale of VF 5 electric vehicles and electric buses to the Union of Drivers and Related Workers of Durango, a member of the Confederation of Mexico Workers (CTM) for public passenger transport in Durango City, replacing the current gasoline-powered fleet.
Additionally, VinFast and its affiliate, V-Green, and CTM will collaborate in studying, setting up, installing, and/or operating charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and electric buses in Durango, creating a convenient and extensive charging network to meet the needs of both personal and public transport vehicles.
This cooperation will contribute to the greening of transportation and the development of the EV ecosystem in Durango City and across Mexico. Replacing the gasoline fleet with electric vehicles will significantly reduce CO2 emissions, while also helping the Durango Drivers’ Union save on operating costs and create new jobs through the installation and operation of the charging system.
A subsidiary of Vingroup, the leading private conglomerate in Vietnam, VinFast offers a full range of electric vehicles, from cars and buses to scooters and bikes. Their compact e-SUV VF 5 is a popular choice for both individual drivers and taxi fleets due to its good value, reliability, nice design, smart technologies. VinFast’s electric buses are designed with versatile capacities and options, prioritizing safety with the latest technology. These vehicles, along with others in VinFast’s lineup, have been adopted by various transportation companies throughout Vietnam, playing a crucial role in familiarizing the public with EVs and promoting a greener transportation landscape.
Ms. Pham Thuy Linh, Deputy CEO atVinFast, stated:“We are impressed by the State of Durango and CTM’s strong commitment to a green transition. This shared vision for a sustainable future aligns perfectly with VinFast’s core values. With our high-quality electric vehicles and our affiliates‘s expertise in taxi operation and charging infrastructure, we are confident in our ability to support the State of Durango in realizing their vision, creating a lasting impact on the state and the broader Mexican landscape.”
Mr. Juan Erik Mercado Rangel, on behalf of Mr. Ricardo Fidel Pacheco Rodríguez, General Secretary, and Mr. Juan Pedro Mercado Gallegos, Deputy General Secretary of the Durango Drivers’ Union, remarked: “We are thrilled to collaborate with VinFast, a global EV brand. Their vehicles, their green mobility eco-system, as well as their grand vision and spirit of partnership have truly impressed us. CTM believes that this collaboration not only paves the way for enhanced transportation services but also positions us at the forefront of the global shift toward sustainable mobility.”
While still at an early stage, Mexico’s electric vehicle market is experiencing a rapid uptick. The country’s potential for EV adoption is significant, and the Mexican government is exploring incentives to further stimulate the sector.
As a global electric vehicle brand, VinFast is at the forefront of solutions and collaborations aimed at promoting the greening of transportation worldwide. Recently, in September 2024, VinFast marked a significant milestone by becoming the first EV car brand to top sales in Vietnam, establishing its presence with a diverse range of EV models in the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Hashtag: #VinFast #Vingroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia. Learn more at: https://vinfastauto.com/vn_en
About CTM
The Union of Drivers and Workers of the CTM in Durango, founded on August 8, 1932, is one of the city’s key players in public transportation. Currently, it operates around 65% of the transportation concessions, with a fleet exceeding 300 buses and 5,000 taxis, along with additional services such as personnel, school, and tourist transportation, thus meeting a wide range of mobility needs within the region. As a member of the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM), the country’s largest labor organization, the Union is dedicated to securing workers’ rights and promoting fair working conditions within the transport sector.
The Union is developing an innovative business model aimed at acquiring 100% electric vehicles for fleet renewal. This project seeks to modernize the service, reduce carbon emissions, and support Durango’s environmental commitment, aligning with global trends toward the electrification of transportation.
Victory Securities to Launch Two Exclusive New Offerings
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2024 – Hong Kong’s leading virtual asset broker Victory Securities has announced its plans to launch two innovative products and services to further cement its dominant position in the industry. Victory Securities plans to commence the marketing of virtual asset structure products to qualified professional investors by the end of this year, and to provide designated products and services to clients who hold stablecoins through the broker’s omnibus account to earn extra yield.
Victory Securities announced it has secured the requisite regulatory consent from the Securities and Futures Commission to market and distribute cash-settled virtual asset structured products to qualified professional investors, becoming the first licensed broker in Hong Kong to have secured such approval. These products reference the performance of virtual asset and allow investors to, under specific market conditions, achieve higher potential returns, manage the risks arising from market volatility and achieve various investment objectives including arbitrage. In addition, whilst clients of Victory Securities are already able to subscribe for money market funds through the VictoryX mobile application, the broker is planning to facilitate qualified clients that hold stablecoins to earn relatively stable returns through specified products and services. The abovementioned offerings are expected to be launched respectively by the end of this year.
Kennix Chan, Executive Director of Victory Securities, commented “at present, there is lack of options for strategic investment product in the regulated virtual asset investment market. The regulatory green light for Victory Securities to market virtual asset structured products signifies an important step forward for Hong Kong to build a comprehensive virtual asset ecosystem. As a pioneer in Hong Kong’s virtual asset industry, Victory Securities will continue to strive to introduce unique and innovative investment products to facilitate our clients in building their diversified investment portfolio and capturing profit opportunities under different market conditions.”
Victory Securities is the first and only broker in Hong Kong that is permitted to allow customers to deposit and withdraw cryptocurrencies and stablecoins directly through Victory’s omnibus account. As the digital asset market continues to grow, Victory Securities has actively promoted industry innovation and has successively launched new investment instruments and strategic investment products. Victory Securities will continue to act as the bridge between traditional finance and the virtual asset space and offer new investment opportunities for investors in a compliant environment.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Victory Securities
Victory Securities (stock code: 8540.HK), with over 50 years of history, is a comprehensive full- licensed securities firm licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission, with regulated activities under Type 1, Type 2, Type 4, Type 6, and Type 9. Investors can enjoy Victory Securities’ comprehensive financial services, including Hong Kong and global securities trading, first and second market securities financing, corporate financing (capital markets and bond capital markets), wealth management in various fields. In 2023, Victory Securities became the first and currently only licensed entity in Hong Kong to hold virtual asset trading, advisory, and asset management service licenses issued by the Securities and Futures Commission.
All insured members will benefit from having increased access to telemedicine, mental wellness services, pediatric care and home health screenings from WhiteCoat.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2024 – AIA Singapore, a leading health insurer, is reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the quality of care for insured members by making Whitecoat’s healthcare services accessible to all1 AIA insured members at affordable rates from 4 November 2024. This initiative will provide convenient, quality and affordable medical care to more Singaporeans and Singapore Residents.
Previously only accessible for customers with AIA HealthShield Gold Max and selected AIA critical illness plans, AIA Singapore’s exclusive partnership with Whitecoat will now provide all1 AIA insured members access to on-demand telemedicine services from the comforts of their own homes.
“Health is wealth. With people at the centre of everything that we do at AIA Singapore, we want more people to take a worry-free step towards living Healthier, Longer, Better lives,” said Ms. Irma Hadikusuma, Chief Marketing and Proposition Officer, AIA Singapore.
Worryingly, Singapore’s medical inflation is increasing at a faster pace than the rise in overall cost of living[1]. With the average cost of medical care expected to increase by close to 10.7% in 2024[2], it is no surprise that a large majority of Singaporeans (80%) are concerned about the rising medical costs[3]. Furthermore, Singaporeans listed rising healthcare costs and loss of independence as the main concerns they have when it comes to growing old[4]. In response to the growing concerns of financial pressures brought about by rising medical cost and cost of living, AIA Singapore’s timely move in partnership with Whitecoat further fortifies its commitment to make quality healthcare services affordable and accessible to all.
As a leader in the insurance industry, AIA Singapore is dedicated to understanding and meeting the evolving needs of its customers. To underscore this commitment, the company recently provided 15,000 Singapore residents with six months of free critical illness and mortality insurance. This initiative aimed to address the protection gap in Singapore[5] and showcase AIA’s ability to deliver innovative solutions that cater to the specific requirements of its customers.
In August 2024, AIA Singapore announced its initiative of minimising jargon in policy documents and simplifying these documents. This will enable customers to better understand what their policies cover and don’t cover, allowing them to better understand their coverage and identify protection gaps to better plan for their future needs[6].
[3] AIA Group’s Consumer Sentiment Research was conducted in 2023 with more than 7,000 consumers across the region to understand their priorities and needs following the COVID pandemic.
[4] AIA Personal Accident (PA) Plan Study 2023 was conducted from 26 June to 4 July 2023 with 500 AIA and Non-AIA customers to find out about their top concerns about growing old.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AIA Singapore
AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR[1], Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR[2], and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$289 billion as of 30 June 2024.
AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 42 million individual policies and 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.
AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes “1299” for HKD counter and “81299” for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol “AAGIY”.
[1] Hong Kong SAR refers to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
[2] Macau SAR refers to the Macau Special Administrative Region.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2024 – Watsons Singapore, the leading health and beauty retailer, is thrilled to announce its first-ever Get Active event, a vibrant initiative designed to promote health and wellness within the community. Scheduled for Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the iconic Fort Canning Green, this exciting event runs from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and invites Singaporeans of all ages to join in a day of fitness, fun, and family bonding.
The Watsons Get Active 2024 event is not just a fitness gathering; it represents a pivotal step towards fostering a culture of active living in Singapore. This year’s theme, “Healthy n Fun Family Day,” emphasises inclusivity and enjoyment, ensuring that everyone can participate in various engaging activities while prioritising their health. Best of all, participation is completely free, with no tickets required.
Attendees at the event can look forward to an exciting Health & Beauty Festival featuring 16 leading health and beauty suppliers and partners, offering exclusive gifts, rewards, and more. Our lineup includes OCBC, ShopBack, GNC, L’Oreal, Unilever, P&G, Holistic Way, Caltrate, Greenlife, and many others! Be sure to stop by the Watsons booth, where participants can enjoy a complimentary ice cream just by downloading the Watsons SG app.
Event Highlights
FREE Upsized Goodie Bag (worth over $340): The first 200 attendees will receive an exclusive goodie bag filled with wellness essentials—no purchase necessary!
Family Fun Run (2km): Experience a scenic run through the Trees of the Fort Trail! The first 300 finishers will earn a limited-edition Watsons Get Active 2024 finisher medal.
Thrilling Obstacle Courses: Test your skills with exciting challenges like Ninja Warrior and Life-Sized Human Foosball.
Health & Beauty Festival: Shop from 16 leading health and beauty brands offering exclusive deals, giveaways, and more.
Chill & Relax Zone: Enjoy live music, free food booths featuring delicious treats like acai bowls, chipolatas, burger livestation, popcorn chicken and unlimited truffle fries, plus fun activities such as creative face painting, giant bubble-making stations and kite painting kit giveaways for children.
This event is an excellent opportunity for families to come together and enjoy a day packed with fitness activities, entertainment, and great deals. It also provides the perfect platform to explore Watsons’ wide range of health and beauty products.
Join Us!
No registration or tickets are required to participate. Simply mark your calendar for 9 November 2024 and bring your family and friends to Fort Canning Green for a day of fun, fitness and festivities. Be sure to arrive early to secure your free goodie bag and be a part of the exciting line-up!
Tip: Don’t forget to bring along a picnic mat to relax and enjoy the atmosphere in our Chill & Relax Zone. It’s the perfect way to unwind between activities while savouring delicious treats and enjoying live music!
For more information and updates, visit our dedicated event page at Watsons Get Active.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Watsons Singapore
Watsons Singapore is part of AS Watson Group, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer operating over 16,500 stores under 12 retail brands in 29 markets, with over 130,000 employees worldwide. For the fiscal year 2023, AS Watson Group recorded revenue of US$23 billion. Every year, it is serving over 5.5 billion shoppers via its O+O (Offline plus Online) technology-enabled platforms.
Watsons is the leading O+O (Offline plus Online) health and beauty retailer in Asia, currently operating 8,000 stores and more than 1,500 pharmacies in 16 Asian, European and Middle-East markets.
Watsons is named as the No.1 Personal Care and Beauty retailer in Asia*, providing personalised advice and counselling in health, beauty and personal care on top of its market-leading product range, making customers LOOK GOOD, DO GOOD, FEEL GREAT every day. Watsons is the flagship health and beauty brand of AS Watson Group.
In Singapore, Watsons has received other accolades and awards including Retail App of the Year 2024 (Singapore), Omnichannel Strategy of the Year 2023 (Singapore) and Health & Beauty Retailer of the Year (Singapore) consecutively from 2021 to 2024 by Retail Asia Awards, and Best HR Digital Transformation Strategy at the prestigious Employee Experience Awards 2023.
*Campaign Asia-Pacific’s Top 50 Brands survey with 10,000 respondents across 6 Asian countries