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UNDP and Trigger Team Up to Supercharge SDG Startups and Businesses with Smarter Investment and Support


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Trigger Asset Management (Trigger) have launched a landmark partnership aimed at unlocking capital and strengthening support for startups and businesses advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This collaboration brings together UNDP’s global innovation and finance expertise with Trigger’s strength in sustainable and scalable investment solutions.

Led by UNDP’s Alternative Finance Lab (AltFinLab), the initiative called “‘Origin” will enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of impact investment opportunities for mission-driven startups and businesses, particularly those nurtured by UNDP’s accelerator programmes.

Based in Singapore, Trigger is a leading investment management firm committed to building impact-oriented financial ecosystems to tackle global challenges from climate action and poverty reduction to health and education.

Through this initiative, UNDP and Trigger will co-develop infrastructure and strategies to help promising SDG-focused ventures and businesses reach scale and sustainability.

Key areas of collaboration include:

  • Designing and launching investment opportunities for SDG-aligned startups and businesses that will be guided by structured acceleration and incubation pathways;
  • Creating a next-generation AI and Web3-powered digital platform to connect startups and businesses with investors and streamline collaboration;
  • Building a comprehensive, interactive database of startups and businesses supported by UNDP accelerator programmes, enabling smart matchmaking between ventures, donors, and investors;
  • Delivering tailored capacity-building programs, including training in SDG impact management, innovative financing, business development, and agile project design;
  • Rolling out a Digital MBA programme and peer learning workshops to upskill business owners and enhance organizational readiness for investment.

“We’re seeing enormous potential in SDG-aligned startups, but they often struggle to attract the right kind of investment or support,” said Robert Pasicko, Team Leader for AltFinLab at UNDP Europe and Central Asia. “This partnership with Trigger is about bridging that gap—making it easier for impact investors to find and fund ventures solving real-world problems, while giving those ventures the tools and networks they need to thrive.”

“This partnership is a critical step toward redefining how impact capital is mobilized and applied,” said Goh Seh Harn, Founder and CEO of Trigger Asset Management. “We are building an ecosystem where capital not only scales businesses but also fuels systemic change for people and the planet.”

By combining UNDP’s global development reach with Trigger’s leadership in sustainable investment, the partnership is poised to support a new generation of investment-ready startups and businesses capable of delivering economically sustainable, and measurable social and environmental impact at scale. More information at www.triggervc.com

Hashtag: #TRIGGER #UNDP #impactinvesting #sustainableinvestment #sustainabledevelopment


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

TRIGGER

Trigger Asset Management, headquartered in Singapore, is an investment firm that aligns private and institutional wealth for high-impact, sustainable ventures to preserve and grow economic and social capital. Through technology, strategic partnerships, and deep domain expertise, Trigger is building ecosystems where innovation meets purpose. Learn more at .

UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization working to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. With a presence in 170 countries and territories, UNDP helps nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at or follow @UNDP.

UNDP AltFinLab

AltFinLab is UNDP’s flagship innovation lab for alternative finance, pioneering solutions in blockchain, crowdfunding, and impact investing. It works with governments, startups, and private sector partners to mobilize resources for sustainable development.

Octa Broker Analysis: Why the U.S. Dollar is Struggling Amid Global Trade Turmoil


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2025 – The U.S. Dollar, the world’s reserve currency and the ultimate safe-haven asset, is now the world’s worst-performing major currency in 2025. Octa Broker explains why. The historical role of the U.S. dollar as the world’s leading safe-haven currency is under threat. Despite rising macroeconomic uncertainty, investors are fleeing the U.S. dollar, defying conventional safe-haven flows. Greenback’s rapid depreciation over the past weeks has fuelled speculation over the loss of confidence in its safe-haven status. With USDCHF trading news multi-year low, Octa Broker analyzes if we are in the midst of dramatic regime change in markets and explains why the U.S. dollar is struggling amid global trade turmoil.

Octa Broker

The U.S. dollar (USD), the buck or the greenback, as it is often informally referred to, has long occupied a rather exclusive position in global finance. Ever since the end of World War II and the establishment of the Bretton Woods monetary system, the greenback has played a crucial role in facilitating cross-border transactions and smoothing international trade flows, in addition to serving as a primary reserve currency for central banks around the world. Being the official currency of the world’s largest economy, the United States, has certainly helped the dollar maintain its dominant position. Indeed, the sheer size of the U.S. economy, its deep and liquid financial markets, strong private property rights and the rule of law enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, and last but not least, the unrivalled power of the U.S. military, made the dollar the most trusted global currency. As a result, the greenback became what market participants call ‘a safe-haven currency’, a refuge for investors during times of macroeconomic uncertainty or market turmoil. Most recently, however, the instability in global financial markets triggered by rising trade tariffs and exacerbated by fears of a global recession seems to have upended this narrative, undermining the dollar’s established role.

Trade tensions
The U.S. dollar has been depreciating almost relentlessly since mid-January. In just three and a half months, the Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the greenback relative to a basket of six major foreign currencies, including the euro, Japanese yen, British pound, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, and Swiss franc, lost more than 10% in value (from 13 January high to 21 April low). On 11 April, it breached the critical 100.00 level, and although it has since increased slightly, it remains by far the worst-performing currency among other major currencies this year so far. This decline has raised an important question: Is the U.S. dollar losing its safe-haven status, or is it merely a temporary setback.

The catalyst for the dollar’s slide is rooted in the escalating trade tensions, particularly the aggressive tariff policies enacted by U.S. President Donald Trump. In recent weeks, the U.S. imposed a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with much steeper duties imposed on key trading partners like China, which, in turn, retaliated with its own 125% levies on U.S. goods. These moves have stoked fears of a global recession, as international supply chains may get disrupted with potentially devastating consequences for the world economy. Historically, such uncertainty would bolster the dollar, as investors seek the safety of U.S. assets. However, this time around, the greenback is faltering, while alternative safe-haven currencies like the Swiss franc (CHF) and Japanese yen (JPY) are gaining ground.

Hedging
Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, says that the U.S. dollar’s recent weakness is driven by a diversification shift among investors into alternative safe-haven currencies, motivated by risk-hedging and fears over the growth prospects of the U.S. economy. ‘We are witnessing a major reallocation of capital. Market participants realise that in a trade war, there are no winners. In the short term, the U.S. economy will face the consequences, and they will not be pretty. Big players with large investments in the U.S. realised they needed to hedge their currency risk, so they moved into the Swiss franc and the Japanese yen. Also, higher tariffs are fuelling recession fears, so traders have increased their bets on additional rate cuts by the Fed [Federal Reserve]. That too had a bearish effect on the greenback’.

Indeed, on April 21, USDCHF dropped below the 0.80500 mark, the level unseen in almost 14 years, while USDJPY was hovering near the critical 140.00 area, a drop below which will open the way towards new multi-year lows. Significant shifts in capital flow allocations have prompted some analysts to conclude that the U.S. dollar is facing a crisis of confidence. However, Octa analysts have a different view and believe that the current situation doesn’t reflect a broad erosion of investors’ long-term trust in the U.S. dollar. Kar Yong Ang said: ‘The issue isn’t so much a fundamental loss of faith in the U.S. dollar’s long-term prospects. What we are witnessing right now is a dramatic, yet logical response to the probable economic implications of Donald Trump’s trade policies. You have an administration, which is effectively re-structuring the global trade order, that does not conceal its dissatisfaction with the Fed and apparently believes in a weak dollar. If you’re a foreign investor in the U.S., you simply cannot afford to be unhedged these days. But also, let’s not forget that the greenback has been falling from relatively high levels, so a healthy downward correction was long overdue’. In other words, the recent slide in the U.S. dollar is not an unusual phenomenon or an anomaly; it is quite natural and probably a short-term occurrence. In fact, even after an 11% drop in 2025, the greenback is still some 38% above its historical low set in 2008. Furthermore, it is clear that once key global actors adopt more conciliatory diplomatic rhetoric and engage in active trade negotiations, the situation will normalise immediately.

Conclusion
As for the dollar’s long-term prospects, its dominant status will likely continue to be challenged, but no single currency can take its crown for now. According to the Bank of International Settlements (BIS), the U.S. dollar still accounts for nearly 88% of international transactions, and its dominance in Forex markets remains unmatched, with daily trading volumes dwarfing those of the yen or franc. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), more than half (57.8%) of the $12.4 trillion in global foreign exchange reserves were in U.S. dollars. Therefore, while the greenback may not be the automatic refuge it once was, its role as a Forex cornerstone endures for now.

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Hashtag: #octa

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

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively

Avnet AI Tech Days Empower Singapore’s AI Ambitions

Event in Singapore to Showcase Latest AI Solutions and Expertise, Supporting National Growth Goals

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Building on Singapore’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), fueled by strategic initiatives like the S$150 million Enterprise Compute Initiative and the National AI Strategy 2.0, Avnet Asia is set to power this progress at its upcoming AI Tech Day – Shaping the Future of AI on May 14, 2025. At this event, attendees will gain actionable insights into deploying the latest AI technologies, forge valuable connections with industry leaders, and discover how Avnet can accelerate their AI journey.

This event will feature Avnet’s comprehensive ecosystem of cutting-edge AI solutions, developed through close collaboration with a robust ecosystem of industry leaders, including AMD, Infineon, LITE-ON, Micron, Molex, MPS, Nichicon, NXP, STMicroelectronics, Supermicro, Taoglas, and Yageo Corporation. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness live demonstrations and static displays showcasing the latest AI innovations from Avnet’s design services team and its strategic partners. Alongside these collaborations and demonstrations, the event will also showcase Avnet’s sister companies, Tria and element14.

“Avnet is excited to host Avnet AI Tech Days – Shaping the Future of AI,” said Tan Aik Hoon, Regional President, Avnet South Asia and Korea. “Our collaboration with industry leaders aligns perfectly with Singapore’s ambitious National AI Strategy. We are committed to providing the technologies and expertise needed to empower local businesses and drive the nation’s success in the global AI arena.”

A key highlight of the Avnet AI Tech Day in Singapore will be the invaluable insights shared by prominent figures shaping Singapore’s AI landscape. Guest speakers Laurence Liew, Director of AI Innovation at AI Singapore, and Dr. Nyan Myo Naing, Senior Specialist & Senior Lecturer at the Autonomous Technology Innovation Centre (ATIC), Nanyang Polytechnic, who will both bring significant authority and practical expertise to the event. Their presentations will complement a comprehensive display of advanced AI infrastructure and platform technologies, expertly curated by Avnet to accelerate AI integration across various key sectors.

Laurence Liew, Director of AI Innovation at AI Singapore and a key architect of the national AI strategy, will keynote on “Building an AI-First Nation: Empowering Businesses with Singapore’s Leading AI Initiatives,” bringing his perspective from over 30 years of technology leadership and his pivotal role in initiatives like 100 Experiments (100E) and AI Apprenticeship Programme (AIAP).  Adding a crucial practical dimension to the Avnet AI Tech Day will be Dr. Nyan Myo Naing, Senior Specialist and Senior Lecturer at Nanyang Polytechnic. Dr. Naing, who has extensive expertise in AI, deep learning, computer vision, and deploying AI on edge computing devices, will present on “Real-Time Edge AI: Deploying Smart Algorithms and Streaming Pipelines for Industrial-Grade Performance.” His direct experience in delivering AI solutions for numerous industrial projects within Singapore brings a real-world perspective to the event, offering attendees actionable knowledge on implementing advanced AI in industrial settings.

Avnet’s commitment to understanding and addressing the evolving needs of the AI market is further emphasized by its recent Avnet Insights survey. The findings reveal a strong global optimism regarding AI’s impact on product development, with a significant percentage of engineers already integrating AI into their designs. Notably, Singapore is proactively leveraging its infrastructure and talent to adopt AI across diverse industries. The survey also identifies key challenges such as security, privacy, and data quality, highlighting the importance of the solutions and expertise Avnet and its partners will present at the Avnet AI Tech Day. Download the full Avnet Insights whitepaper here.

“The findings of our recent global Avnet Insights survey underscore Avnet’s commitment to equipping our customers to navigate the complexities of AI development. We are dedicated to providing the necessary tools, technologies, and expertise to succeed in this exciting new era of AI-powered innovation. Avnet will leverage our deep expertise and extensive network to unite leading suppliers, innovative customers, and a strong partner ecosystem, ensuring we collectively unlock AI’s transformative potential across Southeast Asia,” concluded Tan.

The Avnet AI Tech Day offers exclusive access to industry insights and networking opportunities with key semiconductor, technology, and business decision-makers. Engineering professionals from tech manufacturing companies may register their interest to participate here.

Our valued partners will showcase their latest innovations, including these highlights, at the Avnet AI Tech Day in Singapore:

AMD: AMD will showcase its comprehensive portfolio of high-performance computing solutions driving advancements in AI across various applications, from cloud infrastructure to edge devices and endpoint solutions. Their exhibit will highlight the capabilities of their advanced GPUs, CPUs, NPUs, and FPGAs in powering demanding AI workloads.

Infineon: Infineon will showcase the PSOC™ Edge Vision Demo, highlighting human detection using AI/ML on the PSOC™ Edge E84 with a USB camera. This demonstration illustrates the seamless integration of AI/ML capabilities with hardware, offering an efficient platform for advanced human detection in applications such as smart homes and buildings.

LITEON: LITEON will present its state-of-the-art power supply, emphasizing its high power efficiency and various features. This power supply supports GREEN initiatives and offers potential for AI-enabled applications.

Micron: Micron will feature the Micron 6550 ION SSD, the world’s first 60TB PCIe Gen5 data center SSD. This product is engineered to deliver unparalleled performance, energy efficiency, and density, making it ideal for addressing the growing demands of AI workloads in AI data lakes, high-performance computing (HPC), big data, and analytics environments.

Molex: Molex will exhibit its EXTreme Ten60 Power connectors and High-Speed Pluggable Solutions, providing the robust power distribution and high-bandwidth connectivity crucial for AI applications like servers and data centers. Additionally, they will display the Molex Mirror Mezz Connectors, which offer efficient board-to-board communication suitable for AI hardware requiring high-performance processing in compact spaces.

MPS: MPS will showcase its latest innovation, the MPC24380, the Highest Power Density Module for AI GPUs and TPUs. This module addresses the challenges of increasing power requirements for AI processors by integrating output caps and utilizing a thermally efficient DrMOS-on-top approach with extremely low ThetaJT for improved heat transfer.

Nichicon: Nichicon will showcase its advanced capacitor solutions, including aluminum, hybrid, polymer capacitors, and SLB products. The demonstration will highlight their high-performance, space-saving designs and enhanced durability, making them suitable for applications in smart meters, IoT, automotive, and industrial sectors.

NXP Semiconductors: NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI) will present its role as a trusted partner for innovative solutions across the automotive, industrial & IoT, mobile, and communications infrastructure markets. Their “Brighter Together” approach combines leading-edge technology with pioneering people to develop system solutions that enhance the connected world’s quality, safety, and security.

STM: STM will feature the STM32N6 microcontroller (MCU) series, their most powerful to date and the first to integrate the Neural-ART Accelerator (NPU). This new series delivers a 600-fold increase in machine-learning performance compared to current high-end STM32 MCUs, enabling advanced machine-learning capabilities at the edge for applications like computer vision, audio processing, and sound analysis in both consumer and industrial domains.

Super Micro Computer, Inc. (SMCI): Supermicro will present its capabilities in empowering AI-driven solutions for enterprise, retail, and edge server deployments. A key product on display will be the AS -1115S-FWTRT, a 1U, short-depth system leveraging AMD’s EPYC series processors and capable of supporting a single double-width NVIDIA L40S GPU, offering customers flexibility in core counts and GPU capacity. Supermicro is a Total IT Solution Provider for AI/ML, HPC, Cloud, Storage, and 5G/Edge.

Taoglas: Taoglas will highlight how antennas and Ethernet magnetics are becoming the essential connectivity backbone for edge computing and AI, ensuring robust, low-latency data transmission. Their presentation, “The Backbone of Connectivity,” will showcase groundbreaking innovations designed to support digital infrastructure.

YAGEO: Yageo will highlight its commitment to delivering high-quality passive component solutions designed to meet the evolving demands of AI across various industries worldwide. They will introduce the latest key applications of Yageo passive components in emerging technologies.

About Avnet

As a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, Avnet has served customers’ evolving needs for more than a century. Through regional and specialized businesses around the world, we support customers and suppliers at every stage of the product lifecycle.  We help companies adapt to change and accelerate the design and supply stages of product development. With a unique viewpoint from the center of the technology value chain, Avnet is a trusted partner that solves complex design and supply chain issues so customers can realize revenue faster.  Learn more about Avnet at www.avnet.com.

Avnet Asia Media Contact

Seraphina Wee
Corporate Communications and Public Relations Manager, Asia Pacific
Seraphina.wee@avnet.com

Eurofragance Strengthens Market Position with €180M in Sales for 2024

  • Sales up 27% like-for-like versus 2023
  • All categories and regions experienced healthy growth
  • Investments in infrastructure and innovations fueled global expansion

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Spanish fragrance house Eurofragance releases its financial results for 2024, showing unprecedented growth. With a 27% sales increase reaching €180 million like-for-like, the company continues to build on its strong upward trajectory year after year.

This performance underscores Eurofragance’s strategic focus and commitment to excellence across all regions and product categories. Juan Ramón López Gil, the company’s CFO, says: “Achieving €180 million in sales is a testament to our initiatives and the dedication of our teams. Each region’s contribution has been instrumental in achieving these results and our financial discipline and focused strategies will continue to drive our success.”

Widespread Expansion Across Categories and Regions

Eurofragance’s results were driven by strong performances in key regions and product categories. All regions recorded significant growth in 2024, ranging from 19% in the EAT region (Europe, Africa, and Turkey) to 30% in IMEA, with APAC standing out with a strong performance at 23%. Joan Pere Jimenez, Chief Market Officer, adds: “We are capitalizing on the rapid development of dynamic markets such as Vietnam and Thailand. We are also benefiting from positive market trends in Indonesia where rising disposable income is fueling demand.”

The multinational’s diverse product portfolio also helped shore up significant gains. The Fine Fragrance category experienced a 28% upswing, while the Home and Personal Care segments saw a 20% increase. This cross-category progress highlights Eurofragance’s ability to meet the demand of its customers in their expansion when it comes to offering them the right fragrances to grow their brands.

Expansion Fueled by Strategic Investments and Innovations

In 2024, Eurofragance continued to invest in strategic initiatives to support its growth. As part of this effort, the company is currently renovating its facilities in Singapore, including both the factory and the creative center, as well as renewing its premises in Jakarta, Indonesia. The fragrance house’s expansion and optimism regarding the future are also evident in its commitment to talent. With new hires across all affiliates and substantial investment in its professional development academies and its talent management program, Eurofragance’s workforce grew by 15% in 2024.

The Spanish fragrance house also launched Euphorion™, its first synthetic addition to its ICON Captives collection, a perfumery ingredient that offers a new take on freshness in the perfumer’s palette. Laurent Mercier, who has been at the helm of Eurofragance as CEO for the past seven years has played a key role in the accelerated development of the company and its foray into the design of proprietary fragrance ingredients. Mercier explains: “Our disciplined approach to growth and strategic investments in key areas have allowed us to maintain our reputation as a leading player in the fragrance industry. The strategies we have in place will ensure our sustained expansion, and our commitment to innovation will continue to drive our success in the years to come.”

Relentless Commitment to People and Planet

Eurofragance remained steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, earning the highest possible rating from EcoVadis with a Platinum medal. The company’s dedication to community engagement was and continues to be evident through its participation in programs such as “Empowering Women’s Talent” and “Diversity Leading Company” both organized by the top-tier Human Resources media outlet in Spain Equipos&Talento. Additionally, Eurofragance collaborated with Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona and MartiDerm dermocosmetics company on a solution for fish odor syndrome, which received a silver medal award at the VPC Green Beauty Awards.

Eurofragance’s performance in 2024 reflects its strategic vision, innovative spirit and commitment to its people, sustainability and community. As the company looks to the future, it remains dedicated to driving growth and delivering value to its customers and stakeholders.

About Eurofragance

Eurofragance manufactures and markets the highest quality fragrances for worldwide brands in fine perfumery, home, personal and air care. The company is a privately held B2B enterprise founded on family values in Barcelona in 1990 and currently has over 550 employees.

Driven by a passion for perfume and the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders, Eurofragance first grew in Europe and the Middle East, before taking on the Far East and the Americas. The company is now represented on five continents; runs its own plants in Spain, Singapore and Mexico; and works with manufacturing partners in China and India.

Eurofragance’s international network of Creative Centers and outstanding manufacturing capabilities enable it to create and deliver fragrances around the world. Over the years, Eurofragance has cultivated lasting relationships and has grown hand in hand with its partners.

Eurofragance is wholeheartedly invested in addressing sustainability issues and its decision-making process is built around strategic initiatives supporting this cause. The company spearheads activities around four major axes: safety, community, business ethics and resources.

E-Health Now CEO Kelly Xu won 2024 Forbes China Science and Technology Innovation Figures Award

BEIJING, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Science and Technology Innovation Conference and the “2024 Forbes China Science and Technology Innovation Figures” Awards Ceremony, jointly hosted by the Anhui Provincial People’s Government and the Global Science and Technology Innovation Alliance, was held grandly in Hefei, China in April 17-19, 2025. At this grand event focusing on “the Fission of the Sci-tech Innovation Ecosystem” and “Breaking Barriers in Globalization“, Kelly Xu, founder and CEO of E-Health Now, stood out from hundreds of candidates in China with her core innovative power and ecosystem-building capabilities in the life and health sector, and was awarded the “2024 Forbes China Science and Technology Innovation Figure”.

Leverage sci-tech innovation to redefine the boundaries of the medical service ecosystem

As one of Forbes China’s most influential rankings, the “Science and Technology Innovation Figures” list always focuses on pioneers who drive industrial transformation through technological innovation and model innovation. The selection process lasted for nearly a year, and the candidates were evaluated comprehensively based on multiple core indicators such as technological research and development capabilities, commercialization effectiveness, and industry ecosystem construction capabilities. Kelly Xu’s award is due to her leadership of E-Health Now in building a three-dimensional innovation system of “Technology + Scenario + Ecosystem” in the field of medical and health services:

Resource Integration & Service Enhancement: Leveraging partnerships with nearly 10,000 top-tier hospitals worldwide, along with proprietary digital healthcare platforms (including Internet hospitals and pharmacies), we have launched over 100 online and offline medical service products. This enables a seamless smart health management ecosystem, transcending traditional time and space constraints in healthcare delivery — ensuring broader access to premium medical resources;

In-depth application of AI technology: independently developed multiple intelligent tools such as AI general practitioner, doctor assistant, precise medical triage, traditional Chinese medicine, etc. Through big data analysis and intelligent diagnostic assistance, achieve industry breakthroughs in improving healthcare management operational service efficiency by 50-80% and doubling user health management coverage; using AI intelligent agent Dr. Hua as its core figure, integrating personalized AI and real healthcare services to achieve a closed loop from virtual advice to real-world ground breaking medical service experiences.

Business model innovation: Empowering institutional clients such as healthcare, insurance, and banking through the B2B2C model, serving tens of millions of end users, effectively addressing industry pain points such as lack of loyalty, fierce competition in product innovation and other challenges.

From deep technological cultivation to ecosystem Co-building , decoding the scientific and technological innovation genes of E-Health Now

Kelly Xu’s scientific and technological innovation practice has always been centered on “bringing technology services back to humanity”. Under her leadership, E-Health Now has established a closed-loop innovation model of “Resource integration – Technological empowerment – Scenario implementation – Value feedback”: on the one hand, it has deepened its research and development efforts in AI medical technology, and has accumulated more than 30 software copyrights and invention patents. Its “Precision Medical Analysis Algorithm” and “Haohai Traditional Chinese Medicine Consultation Text Generation Algorithm” have successfully passed the national level deep synthesis service algorithm filing; On the other hand, adhering to the principle of “serving the people”, customized medical service solutions are launched for health insurance clients of domestic and international insurers, community hospitals, Southeast Asian cross-border medical care, overseas Chinese remote medical care, overseas student health management and other segmented scenarios, allowing AI technology to truly serve real medical needs.

Promote the development of global scientific and technological innovation, and embark on a new journey of intelligent healthcare

This award is Kelly Xu’s second appearance on the industry list after being listed as a “Forbes China Emerging Innovator and Entrepreneur”, and also marks a new starting point for E-Health Now to move from “Chinese innovation” to “global innovation stage”. Facing with the opportunity of global healthcare transformation, Kelly Xu said that E-Health Now will accelerate the dual wheel drive of “technology going global” and “ecological co construction”: in Singapore and Southeast Asian markets, empower local hospitals with AI technology for digital upgrading, establish cross-border medical service networks, and improve regional service quality and efficiency. At the same time, the company plans to cooperate with leading medical device manufacturers in China and insurance institutions in Southeast Asia to provide overseas insurance companies with value-added medical critical illness insurance services, covering remote consultations, accompanying consultations, global specialty drug search, etc., allowing Southeast Asian critical illness patients to enjoy efficient and professional cross-border medical services in China.

Industry Impact: A Dual Breakthrough from Business Success to Social Value

Kelly Xu’s path of scientific and technological innovation not only creates commercial value for enterprises, but also demonstrates the social responsibility of technology companies. Through its “AI+Healthcare Management” service model, E-Health Now is empowering grassroots medical institutions to improve human productivity and diagnostic accuracy, reducing employee health management costs for enterprise customers. Its “one-stop artificial intelligence medical and health service platform” has served over 35 million end users. These practices have proven when technological innovation is deeply integrated with people’s livelihood needs, it can not only foster to new business forms, but also become the “golden key” to solving social problems.

Being awarded for the Forbes Science and Technology Innovation List this time is a recognition of Kelly Xu’s years of deep cultivation in healthcare technology, and also a showcase of China’s scientific and technological innovation power on the global stage. E-Health Now’s mission is to “enable everyone to enjoy 100 year of healthy life” and its vision is to “become a global leader in intelligent healthcare”. Through technological and service innovation and ecological reconstruction, it is becoming a “digital bridge” connecting global medical resources. In the future, with technological iteration and global rollout, E-Health Now will contribute more “Chinese wisdom” to human health, promoting the transformation of intelligent healthcare from vision to reality.

Company Name: E-Health Now Health Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd
Contact Person: Ms. Luo
Email: marketing@ehealthnow.cn 
Website: www.huameihaolian.com 
Telephone: +8615801167074

TPIsoftware’s digiRunner Wins Vietnam Sao Khue Awards 2025 for Retail Ecosystem Innovation

TAIPEI, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TPIsoftware (TWSE: 7781), Taiwan’s leading software company specializing in digital transformation, has been awarded the Sao Khue Awards 2025 in recognition of its API management platform digiRunner‘s proven capabilities in heterogeneous integration across retail ecosystems. Being an honoree in the Retail and Distribution category, digiRunner has been accredited for its excellence in enhancing efficiency and scalability through microservices architectures and seamless third-party connectivity, with API standardization improving interoperability across disparate systems and applications to overcome legacy constraints for enriched experience and accelerated iteration.

Do Vuong Phong, General Manager of TPIsoftware Vietnam, accepted the Sao Khue Awards trophy.
Do Vuong Phong, General Manager of TPIsoftware Vietnam, accepted the Sao Khue Awards trophy.

The Sao Khue Awards, organized by the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA) since 2003, are one of the most esteemed awards in Vietnam’s software and IT services industry. The awards saw participation from 165 organizations, with over 500 nominations competing in nine categories. The rigorous three-round evaluation process was conducted by a panel of industry experts, chaired by Nguyen Quan, former Minister of Science and Technology. Criteria include market performance, technology and quality, impact and effectiveness, and unique selling proposition. digiRunner stands out as the winner of Best Retail and Distribution Solution, alongside 198 digital products, services and solutions by tech leaders in Vietnam.

Following its recognition for Best Open Banking APIs Southern Asia 2024 from the Global Banking & Finance Awards®, TPIsoftware’s win at the awards reflects its deep-rooted experience in technology over the past two decades. The company’s proprietary API management platform digiRunner not only meets the unique digital challenges in the retail industry, but also stands as an integrated API solution across sectors such as finance, insurance, healthcare, telecoms, public services, manufacturing and e-commerce. The platform helps organizations meet industry requirements by supporting authentication frameworks such as OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect, and ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation. Designed for mission-critical services, digiRunner is built with load balancing and traffic throttling to optimize traffic distribution, ensure system stability and prevent failures.

Yilan Yeh, General Manager of TPIsoftware, says, “The recognition not only affirms digiRunner’s robustness to help retailers navigate the complex API landscape with confidence, but also comes as a testament to TPIsoftware’s ability to empower enterprises to achieve goals, maximize value and drive innovation. The award gives us the momentum to deliver tech solutions that empower our clients’ digital transformation journeys.”

Unpack and Stay Awhile at Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort

BALI, Indonesia, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This summer, step into an unforgettable island escape with Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort’s“Bali Bound for Summer” offer. Crafted for those seeking more from their holiday, this limited-time package invites travelers to slow down, stay longer, and experience the best of Bali’s southern coast.

Sip, swim, and stay longer, your endless summer begins at Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua.
Sip, swim, and stay longer, your endless summer begins at Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua.

Tucked within the prestigious Nusa Dua enclave, Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort balances laid-back beach living with vibrant resort experiences. Guests staying three nights or more will enjoy daily breakfast for two adults and two children, a one-time two-course lunch, a refreshing head and shoulder massage, and a bucket of beer served at the lively MoMo Bar, all seamlessly included. With complimentary airport pick-up, every arrival begins with ease, setting the tone for a memorable stay.

At Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort, island days are designed for discovery and relaxation. Spend leisurely mornings drifting through the resort’s signature 97.7-meter lagoon pool, sip handcrafted cocktails at the swim-up bar, or unwind at the resort’s private Beach Club, where sun loungers and ocean breezes invite you to linger longer. Little explorers can dive into creative fun at the Kids Club, while adults can recharge with spa treatments, join in selected resort activities, or simply savor the warmth of tropical living.

As the world’s first Courtyard resort, the property seamlessly blends contemporary design with the spirit of Bali’s lush surroundings. Thoughtfully appointed guestrooms feature private balconies overlooking vibrant gardens or shimmering pools, offering space to reconnect and recharge.

Guests also enjoy 10% savings on spa treatments and dining (excluding alcohol), adding even more reasons to savor each day. With complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and easy access to Bali Collection shopping center and a world-class golf course, Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort creates the perfect setting for a summer escape where every moment feels effortless.

The “Bali Bound for Summer” package is available exclusively for direct bookings via the hotel website, for stays between 1 May 2025 and 31 March 2026 (blackout dates apply).

Visit www.courtyardnusadua.com and use cluster code ZJ5 to book your endless summer escape.

Pulses 25: the most pivotal event in the Global Pulse industry to be held in Singapore on 20-22 May 2025

Organised by the Global Pulse Confederation, “Pulses 25” to set the global agenda for a resilient, sustainable food future


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2025 – The Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) is set to host Pulses 25, the premier global gathering for the pulses industry, at the Fairmont Hotel, Singapore from 20 to 22 May 2025. Bringing together over 700 key industry players from across the globe, Pulses 25 will offer an unparalleled platform for stakeholders to exchange insights, discover emerging trends, and unlock strategic business opportunities in the fast-evolving global pulse trade.

As the peak body representing the global pulses industry, GPC is at the forefront of driving sustainable production, consumption, and trade of pulses. With a membership spanning over 50 countries, GPC partners with global institutions like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), advocating for pulses as a key driver of food security, nutrition, and climate-resilient food systems. At Pulses 25, delegates will gain exclusive access to a global network that spans across major pulse-producing nations such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Pakistan, Turkey, the UAE, and the USA. The event is strategically positioned as a gateway to emerging markets and will enable attendees to connect with industry leaders, forge high-value partnerships, and close business deals with global decision makers.

Pulses 25 will feature panels led by global experts covering vital industry topics, including price trends, supply dynamics, and demand forecasts. These sessions are designed to empower participants with the critical market intelligence they need to make data-driven decisions. Additionally, the event will showcase cutting-edge innovations in plant-based foods, with key insights from leading food technology ecosystems. Sustainability remains at the heart of Pulses 25, with panels dedicated to climate-resilient agriculture and the role of pulses in sustainable food systems. Attendees will discover how pulses are increasingly being recognised as a solution to food security and environmental challenges, positioning the industry as a leader in the global transition to sustainable agriculture.

Delegates can expect to learn from a stellar lineup of speakers, including Murad Al Katib, President & CEO, AGT Food and Ingredients Inc.; Paul Newnham, CEO, SDG2 Advocacy Hub; Anuj Maheshwari, Managing Director, Temasek; Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO, DMCC; Cindy Khoo, Managing Director, Enterprise Singapore; Diedrah Kelly, Executive Director of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office; Cao Derong, President, CFNA (China) and Vijay Iyengar, President, GPC.

Besides these keynote and VIP speakers, attendees will gain firsthand insights from global industry leaders and analysts, covering key categories such as red, green, and brown lentils; kabuli and desi chickpeas; dry peas; mung beans; pigeon peas; urad; white beans; faba beans; lupins; and speckled and color beans—as well as discussions on innovation, technology, and contracts. Industry leaders and analysts from countries like India, Turkey, Canada, Kazakhstan, China, Ukraine, the USA, Pakistan, Argentina, Australia, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Venezuela, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Brazil, and Switzerland will contribute to the discussions.

“Pulses 25 is a convergence of ideas, innovation, and opportunity. The event will bring together a diverse group of thought leaders and stakeholders from more than 40 countries across the pulses ecosystem to discuss issues of acute global concern — nutrition, sustainability, and equity,” said Vijay Iyengar, President, Global Pulses Confederation. “Some of the issues that will be highlighted at Pulses 25 will be reducing global greenhouse emissions which is of acute concern to the global community. We aim to not only unlock new trade pathways but also champion the vital role of pulses in building a resilient and inclusive global food system.”

Pulses 25 is much more than a conference – it is a strategic business opportunity for all stakeholders in the pulses value chain. From producers to service providers, this event promises to deliver exceptional networking, insights, and growth opportunities.

Pulses 25 will be held on (Tuesday) 20 May from 09:00 – 21:00, (Wednesday) 21 May from 10:00 – 16:45, and (Thursday) 22 May from 10:00 – 19:40 at The Fairmont Hotel.

Relevant links:

Registration
Programme
Complete Speaker list

Hashtag: #Globalpulses #Events #Globalevents #Singapore

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

Global Pulses Confederation

About Pulses 25
Pulses 25 is organised by the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) and will serve as a premier
platform for industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to engage in insightful discussions,
explore emerging trends, and foster global business opportunities within the pulses sector. The
conference is aimed at offering valuable networking opportunities, keynote speeches, and panel
discussions, focusing on pulses market insights, innovation, sustainability, and the future of
pulses in the global food system
About Global Pulse Confederation
The Global Pulse Confederation (GPC, formerly known as CICILS IPTIC) represents all
segments of the pulse industry value chain from growers, researchers, logistics suppliers,
traders, exporters and importers to government bodies, multilateral organisations, processors,
canners and consumers. Its membership includes 20 national associations and over 500 private
sector members. GPC is based in Dubai and licensed by the Dubai Multi Commodity Centre
(DMCC). It has also been incorporated as non-profit (GPC Inc.) in the United States of America.