26.7 C
Vientiane
Thursday, August 28, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 1446

From Page to Stage®: Rousing the Dragon Premieres in March

Re-imagining a Classic Tale of the Three Kingdoms in English; Renowned Theatre Director Dr Vicki Ooi’s 101st Production


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – Widely celebrated for its literary and artistic value, as well as its timeless virtues, the Chinese literary classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms continues to inspire audiences across generations. The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection (AFTEC), known for its innovative bilingual Learning Theatre™ approach, is set to present its latest production, Rousing the Dragon, this March. This English retelling of the Three Kingdoms saga will bring to life the legendary tales of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhuge Liang. Directed and adapted by Dr Vicki Ooi, recipient of the 31st Hong Kong Drama Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award, the production will feature live music, bilingual surtitles, and a captivating performance that promises to move audiences.

Rousing the Dragon marks the 101st production by AFTEC’s Artistic Director, Dr Vicki Ooi, a leading figure in Hong Kong’s arts and education sectors. Known for her dedication to holistic education and her passion for youth theatre, bilingual theatre, and arts education, Dr Ooi has spent decades creating thought-provoking works. Reflecting on this milestone, Dr Ooi shared: “We believe in the transformative power of the arts, which goes far beyond mere visual spectacle. With Rousing the Dragon, we aim to present a fresh and innovative take, engaging audiences with dynamic performances and powerful storytelling to ignite their interest in classic literature and the arts.”

Rousing the Dragon is the first instalment of AFTEC’s Three Kingdoms Trilogy. As a prequel to last year’s Strategy, which depicted the battle of wits between Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu, this new production returns audiences to the world of the Three Kingdoms. Iconic stories such as the Oath of the Peach Garden, Crossing Five Passes and Slaying Six Generals, and Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage are brought to life on stage, with a focus on the legendary bond between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhuge Liang. The performance explores three core themes: loyalty and nobility, brotherhood and fraternal bonding, and determination and resilience. The trilogy’s final chapter, Taming the Dragon (working title), is scheduled to premiere in March 2026 at the newly refurbished Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre Theatre, AFTEC’s venue partner, and will highlight the intense confrontation between Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi.

For this production, Dr Vicki Ooi has enlisted Selina Kan of the Seals Players Foundation as a guest performer for two public shows. Dr Ooi and Kan share a collaborative history spanning half a century, blending mentorship and friendship. Kan has performed in 16 of Dr Ooi’s productions, including Volpona and Skin of Our Teeth, making her an integral part of this milestone work.

Through From Page to Stage®, AFTEC integrates theatre and education, offering students and the public an opportunity to enjoy drama while exploring traditional Chinese virtues and values. This innovative approach makes learning English and historical knowledge accessible and enjoyable, providing a fresh perspective on Chinese literary epics and sparking interest in English, Chinese literature, and theatre arts.

Two public performances of Rousing the Dragon will be held on 8 and 15 March at the Yuen Long Theatre Auditorium. Tickets will be available for purchase from 24 January through URBTIX and art-mate. Pre- and post-show foyer activities will be open to ticket holders, along with a post-show stage tour led by the cast, offering audiences a behind-the-scenes look at theatrical productions.

Secondary school shows will run from 4 to 7 March and on 10 March at the Yuen Long Theatre Auditorium. Participating schools will gain access to pre-show learning resources, in-school workshops, and post-show activities. These resources provide students with a deeper understanding of the script, story, and characters while encouraging them to apply creative thinking skills to appreciate theatrical productions. Students will also have the chance to re-enact scenes under the guidance of the cast, experiencing the thrill of performing on stage.

Programme website: https://www.aftec.hk/p2s2025-rousing-the-dragon/

Ticketing platforms: https://art-mate.net/doc/78082 (art-mate)

https://www.urbtix.hk/event-detail/12826/ (URBTIX)

Public Shows Secondary School Shows
Date & Time March 8 & 15, 2025 (Saturday)
2:30 pm
March 4 – 7 & 10, 2025 (Monday to Friday)
10:30 am & 2:30 pm
Venue Yuen Long Theatre Auditorium
Fee $240 (including post-show stage tour*) / $210 / $160 $100 (same for teachers and students)
Length Approximately 1 hour with no intermission Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with no intermission
Fringe Activities Pre- & post-show foyer activities for ticket holders
* Post-show stage tour: Follow the cast to explore behind-the-scenes theatre operations
Includes pre-show learning materials, in-school workshops, and post-show activities

Hashtag: #AFTEC

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

About From Page to Stage®

Since its launch in 2009, From Page to Stage® has been one of Hong Kong’s longest-running theatre education programmes, with over 300 performances staged and an audience of more than 125,000. Six productions were produced under The Jockey Club “From Page to Stage®” Programme from 2012 to 2017. It was also one of the English Alliance programmes under the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) from 2018 to 2021.

Tailored for local secondary school students, the programme brings classic literature to life on stage, offering pre-show learning resources and in-school workshops. It aims to cultivate an appreciation for classic literature and the arts among Hong Kong students. Widely praised, nearly 25% of participating schools have been involved in the programme for 10 years or more.

About The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection

The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection (AFTEC) is the pioneer and specialist in creative learning and teaching in Hong Kong. As an award-winning bilingual Learning Theatre™, AFTEC is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of young people and creative learning professionals. We believe in the power of the arts to inspire, motivate, and transform, and use an integrated arts-in-education approach to enhance education and encourage creative learning. Our acronym A.F.T.E.C. also stands for Arts For Transformative Educational Change.

Established in 2008 as a registered charity, we have reached over 283,000 audience members and participants through our diverse cross-disciplinary projects. Since 2009, we have been the Venue Partner of the Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre under the LCSD Venue Partnership Scheme. AFTEC was a recipient of HK Arts Development Council’s Award for Arts Education 2014 & 2017, and Arts Promotion 2020, as well as a two-time recipient of the Springboard Grant under the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme (2015 & 2017) and a grantee of Art Development Matching Grants Scheme (2021 – 2024) of the HKSAR Government. AFTEC pioneered Relaxed Theatre and the performing arts module of Medical Humanities developing STEAM as a teaching & learning approach. Website:

Visa and Fintech DealMe Collaborate to Launch Cross-Border Card Installment Payments

Cardholders with locally issued Visa credit cards in Vietnam will soon have access to real-time installment offers at top merchants in South Korea, enhancing repayment convenience while traveling


HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, and DealMe, a fintech company, have joined forces to address the increasing demand for cross-border shopping and flexible payment options. This collaboration will introduce cross-border card installment payment services, offering greater payment flexibility to Vietnamese and other international consumers.

Cardholders with locally issued Visa credit cards in Vietnam will soon have access to real-time installment offers at top merchants in South Korea, enhancing repayment convenience while traveling. This initiative will benefit Vietnamese shoppers, as Visa’s data indicates that 75% of surveyed Vietnamese consumers plan to travel for leisure next year, with South Korea being the top destination (18% planning to travel there)[1]. Vietnamese travelers with Visa credit cards issued in Vietnam will be able to shop at duty-free shops, department stores, and medical institutions in South Korea.

This collaboration allows Visa and DealMe to provide card installment payments for foreign customers at participating merchants, a service that was previously unavailable. When international consumers use their Visa cards at these merchants, their cards will be checked for eligibility for the cross-border installment service. If eligible, consumers can choose the installment duration and complete their payments.

DealMe plans to leverage Visa’s extensive global network, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with Visa’s Asia-Pacific headquarters in November 2024. DealMe will initially pilot this service in South Korea, in collaboration with Visa, and plans to expand it to other markets, including Vietnam, the United States, Australia, Japan, and Singapore.

“This collaboration with DealMe reinforces Visa’s commitment to enhancing cross-border payments in Vietnam. The timing is ideal, with South Korea a favored destination for Vietnamese travelers and Asia Pacific travelers, and inbound tourism to Vietnam rebounding strongly. This innovative cross-border installment solution offers greater flexibility for both inbound and outbound travelers, supporting Vietnam’s future tourism payments and contributing to the nation’s digital transformation,” said Ms. Dung Dang, Visa Country Manager for Vietnam and Laos.

Mr. KIM Tae Hong, SVP of DealMe, said: “We are delighted to partner with Visa to enable card installment payment on cross-border transaction. This gives consumers an additional payment option when traveling overseas.”


[1] The Green Shoots Radar study (Wave 15, October 2024) was conducted online with 8,400 consumers across 14 Asia Pacific countries and territories including 500 Vietnamese/Korean respondents aged 18-65 years old: Japan is the leading destination for leisure travel in the next 12 months, followed by Australia, South Korea, and Mainland China.

Hashtag: #Visa #DealMe #InstallmentPayments



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

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at .

About DealMe

DealMe was established in 2022 with technology investments from KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology). In June 2023, the company signed an agreement with Lotte Card to process installment payments for international customers visiting South Korea. The Initial Startup Package, a government-supported program organized by the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups and the Korea Startup Promotion Agency, has been crucial in supporting DealMe’s investment in the technology needed to implement cross-border credit card installment payments.

Wildberries Posts Surge in E-Commerce Sales in Central Asia in 2024

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – Wildberries, a leading e-commerce platform in Eurasia, saw a surge in sales turnover for its operations in Central Asia in 2024.

With a population of 75 million and rapidly growing online retail penetration, Central Asia is one of the world’s most dynamic markets for e-commerce growth. Wildberries currently operates in three of the region’s five countries.

Kazakhstan, the largest economy in Central Asia, is Wildberries’ third-largest market after Russia and Belarus. The company began operating there a decade ago. Purchases in Kazakhstan on the Wildberries marketplace increased by 96% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2024.

Sales by Kazakhstan-based sellers on the platform grew by 67% during the same period. With more than one million sellers on its platform, Wildberries supports the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs in the region by enabling them to sell their products not only on their domestic markets but across all countries where the company operates.

In Kyrgyzstan, where Wildberries began operations seven years ago, purchases grew 2.3-fold year-on-year in the first nine months of 2024. Sales by Kyrgyz sellers on the platform more than doubled over the same period.

The fastest-growing market for Wildberries is Uzbekistan, the most populous country in Central Asia with a population of 36 million people. Wildberries entered Uzbekistan, which is known for its cotton production and high-quality yet affordable textiles, in 2022. Sales by Uzbekistan-based sellers on the platform grew 87-fold year-on-year in the first nine months of 2024, with most of these goods sold to neighboring countries in the CIS. Purchases in Uzbekistan increased by 47% during the same period.

Wildberries is actively developing its logistics infrastructure in Central Asia to further improve its storage and delivery services for local buyers and sellers and support its expansion in the region.

In Kazakhstan, the company operates 1,600 pick-up points and 43,000 square meters of warehouse space. Additionally, two large logistics hubs with a combined area of 269,000 square meters are currently under construction near the country’s largest cities, Almaty and Astana. Wildberries also opened its first large-scale logistics complex in Uzbekistan in 2023, with plans for further expansion.

Hashtag: #wildberries

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

About Wildberries

Established in 2004 in Russia, Wildberries is a leading e-commerce platform that currently operates in Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Uzbekistan, in addition to partnering with sellers in China. Wildberries offers a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure to support customers and sellers on its platform, as well as a developed logistics network spanning more than 130 facilities and 55,000 pick-up points across its markets of operation. As of 2024, Wildberries serves a customer base of more than 75 million and processes more than 20 million orders per day.

Korea Zinc Announces EGM Results, Affirming the Important Position the Company Holds in National Key Industry

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On January 23, Korea Zinc (KRX:010130) held an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) at Grand Hyatt Seoul to vote on eight agenda items proposed for amendments to the company’s articles.

Among these, six proposals were approved, including adoption of cumulative voting system, limiting the maximum board size, stock split, appointment of an independent director as a board chair, changing the record date for dividends and adoption of quarterly dividends.

However, the proposal to introduce an executive officer system, which was proposed by MBK Partners and Young Poong as part of their campaign to improve corporate governance, was rejected after the consortium voted against it, leading to failure to meet the special resolution requirement of needing approval from more than two-thirds of attending shareholders.

The proposal to stipulate the protection for minority shareholders also failed to pass due to opposition from MBK and Young Poong.

Approval of Cumulative Voting System and Limiting the Maximum Board Size Paves the Way for Strengthening Minority Shareholder Protection and Governance

The first item to pass was the amendment to the company’s articles to introduce a cumulative voting system. Designed to protect the rights of minority shareholders, the 3% rule was applied, and the proposal was approved with over 70% of the votes from the shares present.

The cumulative voting system allows each shareholder to exercise voting rights equal to the number of directors to be elected per share owned. This system is praised for enhancing minority shareholder rights and promoting board diversity. It also serves as a check against dominant shareholders unilaterally influencing board elections, enabling minority shareholders to play a “casting vote” role in board composition. Advocacy groups for minority shareholders, civic organizations and some from politics have strongly supported the adoption of this system.

The proposal to cap the number of directors at 19 was also approved, improving board stability and efficiency. This aligns with recommendations from domestic and international proxy advisory firms, such as Glass Lewis, ISS and SUSTINVEST, laying the groundwork for a globally standardized board structure.

The proposal to appoint an independent director as the board chair also passed smoothly with strong support from attending shareholders. This is intended to strengthen governance independence by allowing an independent director to oversee the board, free from the influence of controlling shareholders.

Proposals to adopt quarterly dividends and change the record date for dividends were also voted in favor. In addition to interim dividends, the company plans to return profits regularly to shareholders by paying quarterly dividends – at the end of March, June and September. The record date for dividends was also revised to enable investors to confirm dividend amounts in advance when making investment decisions. 

Stock split marks another significant change. The proposal involves reducing the par value per share from KRW 5,000 to KRW 500, a tenth of the original value. This will increase the number of shares in circulation and is expected to expand investment opportunities for minority investors. 

Board Members with Expertise and Independence Get Newly Appointed, Enhancing Management Transparency and diversity 

The EGM also voted to appoint new board members. Previously on the 21st, the court had granted Young Poong’s injunction request to prohibit the proposal of appointing directors via a cumulative voting system at Korea Zinc’s EGM on the 23rd, and as a result the proposal was proceeded based on ordinary resolution requirements with a presupposition that the number of board members had been capped at 19.

As a result of this vote, all seven independent director candidates recommended by Korea Zinc were newly appointed. The new board members include Sanghoon Sam Lee, former representative of Affinity Equity Partners in Korea; Hyeong-Kyu Lee, emeritus professor at Hanyang University Law School; Kyeongwon Kim, dean and professor at Sejong University’s College of Business and Economics; James Andrew Murphy, senior advisor at Oliver Wyman; Tammy Chung, dean of the College of Business at Myongji University; Jaiyong Lee, emeritus professor at Yonsei University’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; and Jaesik Choi, professor at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Graduate School of AI.

All 14 independent director candidates recommended by MBK and Young Poong failed to secure a majority vote.

A Korea Zinc representative stated, “Many domestic and international proxy advisory firms, as well as many of our shareholders, including the National Pension Service, have made wise recommendations and decisions after deliberating over Korea Zinc’s importance in the national economy, especially as a key player in core national technologies and advanced strategic industries. Using this EGM as a jumping-off point, all employees and executives of Korea Zinc will strive to meet the support of our shareholders.”

Young Poong’s voting rights for the Korea Zinc shares they own were restricted at this EGM.

The day before the EGM on the 22nd, Sun Metals Corporation (SMC), a subsidiary of Korea Zinc, acquired some of Young Poong’s shares held by Young Poong Precision and the Choi family, citing stable business operations and reasonable pricing as the basis for the acquisition. Notably, SMC acquired shares from the Choi family at a 30% discount from the closing price on the 21st, which provided SMC with significant financial gain. In contrast, the Choi family gave up a considerable portion of potential profit from the sale. The number of Young Poong shares newly acquired by SMC amounts to about 10.3% of Young Poong’s total issued shares, and according to the Commercial Act of Korea (Articles 369 (3) and 342-2 (3)), this means that Young Poong does not have voting rights for the shares of Korea Zinc that it holds.

A large number of Korea Zinc labor union members gathered at the venue where the EGM was being held. The union members united under the shared mission of protecting a national key industry, appealing for shareholder support through an orderly protest with placards.

Korea Zinc, along with its labor union, key technical team and all of its employees, has been working together to protect the company, a core pillar of the nation’s key industry, and prevent the outflow of national core technologies, national high-tech strategic technologies and national strategic technologies to overseas entities. They have made full efforts to safeguard against serious concerns over employment insecurity, such as layoffs, restructuring and asset sales, which they deemed could potentially arise in the future.

Korea Zinc emphasized that all members of the company are open to discussions and cooperation with MBK if it aligns with the company’s growth and development. The company believes that coexistence, cooperation and achieving a great compromise are the best path forward for everyone involved. The company also emphasized its willingness to keep all options open and engage in dialogue at any time and has called for the cooperation and support of various stakeholders in reaching this goal.

Korea Zinc’s current management and employees believe that if MBK Partners can build mutual trust as a reputable and prestigious private equity firm capable of collaborating for the benefit of Korea Zinc, it could become a valuable partner in the company’s journey toward becoming a national enterprise.

In relation to recent developments, Korea Zinc’s management will be holding a press conference on January 24 at Grand Hyatt Seoul, the same location where the EGM was held a day prior. They plan to provide their stance on various recent issues, including the results of the EGM, and conduct a Q&A session.

Clear Skies Ahead: Agoda’s Guide to February’s ‘Fresh Air Getaways’

SINGAPORE, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda highlights seven destinations in Asia where travelers are likely to enjoy fresh and healthy air this February. From the snowy landscapes of Sapporo to the coastal beauty of El Nido, these locations are expected to offer a breath of fresh air for those seeking a refreshing getaway.


February is traditionally the month in which certain regions face air quality challenges, caused by a combination of vehicle emissions, seasonal agricultural practices, and climatic conditions. While efforts are being made in many locations to combat the increase of PM2.5 dust particles, some might prefer to travel to destinations that are more likely to offer cleaner air.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, “Traveling is all about new experiences, and what better way to refresh than by visiting a destination that offers clean, crisp air? Whether it’s the snowy streets of Sapporo or the sunny shores of El Nido, Agoda is here to make any fresh air getaway a reality.”

Agoda highlights seven destinations that are likely to offer fresh air in February based on historical PM2.5 data. The destinations are:

Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo, known for its winter wonderland scenery, provides not only stunning snow-covered landscapes but also crisp, clean air. In early February, visitors can enjoy the famous Sapporo Snow Festival while breathing in the refreshing atmosphere.

Kuching, Malaysia
In Malaysia, Kuching offers a tropical escape with its lush greenery and good air quality, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. The city is a gateway to the natural wonders of Borneo, providing a perfect blend of urban and natural experiences.

El Nido, the Philippines
El Nido in the Philippines is celebrated for its pristine beaches and clear waters. The coastal town benefits from sea breezes, ensuring a pleasant and healthy environment for travelers. It’s a paradise for those looking to unwind by the sea and explore vibrant marine life.

Singapore
Known for its urban sophistication, Singapore also boasts numerous green spaces and parks that contribute to its commendable air quality. Visitors can enjoy the Gardens by the Bay or take a leisurely stroll through the Botanic Gardens, all while enjoying the city’s clean air.

Gangneung, South Korea
Meanwhile, Gangneung in South Korea offers a mix of cultural experiences and natural beauty, with its low PM2.5 levels providing a clean air experience. The city’s coastal location and cultural festivals make it a lively destination for fresh air seekers.

Nantou, Taiwan
Nantou, Taiwan, surrounded by mountains and lakes, offers a serene escape with good air quality. Visitors can explore the picturesque Sun Moon Lake and enjoy the tranquil surroundings, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Koh Lipe, Thailand
Koh Lipe, a small island in southern Thailand, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and colorful coral reefs. The island’s location in the southern Satun province benefits the air quality and ensures a peaceful environment, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy nature’s tranquility.

These destinations are not only likely to offer cleaner air but also a variety of experiences, from cultural festivals to natural wonders. Travelers can explore Agoda’s offerings, which include over 5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. For more information, visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda app.

ZO Motors North America Announces its First North American Manufacturing Plant and New Regional Headquarters in Fontana, California

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ZO Motors, a global leader in innovative zero-emission vehicles, proudly announces the establishment of its first North American manufacturing plant in Fontana, California. This significant milestone also marks the relocation of the company’s regional headquarters to the Fontana facility, solidifying its commitment to advancing sustainable transportation solutions in the USA.

ZO Motors North America Announces its First North American Manufacturing Plant and New Regional Headquarters in Fontana, California
ZO Motors North America Announces its First North American Manufacturing Plant and New Regional Headquarters in Fontana, California

The newly constructed facility spans 9.67 acres, with a factory floor area of 210,000 square feet. It is located in Fontana, approximately 49 miles from downtown Los Angeles.

The new Fontana manufacturing plant will serve as the cornerstone of ZO Motors’ operations in the United States, supporting series production of a diverse portfolio of zero-emission products under the ZM Trucks brand. These will include electric commercial trucks, terminal tractors, and airport ground service equipment initially. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to commence production in the first half of 2025.

“Our new Fontana facility reflects ZO Motors’ commitment to the U.S. market, U.S. domestic manufacturing and sustainable innovation,” said Joost de Vries, CEO of ZO Motors. “This expansion allows us to deliver zero-emission solutions that lower total cost of ownership and drive long-term value for our customers.”

ZO Motors has already announced its cutting-edge manufacturing plant in Cambodia, which will be instrumental in supplying the Asian Pacific markets. The addition of the Fontana plant underscores the company’s strategic commitment to scaling its operations in regional markets and grow its global footprint.

The new regional headquarters and manufacturing facility in Fontana are expected to create significant job opportunities in the region while reinforcing ZO Motors’ mission to lead the transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions.

For more information about ZO Motors and its ZM Truck commercial vehicle brand, please visit ZMTRUCKS.COM

About ZO Motors

ZO Motors is a global leader in zero-emission commercial vehicles, dedicated to delivering sustainable transportation solutions for industries including commercial vehicle, port and aviation ground logistics as well as transit and tourist transportation. With manufacturing facilities in Asia and North America, ZO Motors is at the forefront of innovation, combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to reducing environmental impact.

6 Game-Changing Security Tech Trends for 2025: Insights from Axis

HONG KONG, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With global security challenges evolving at unprecedented pace, Axis Communications unveils six key tech trends to revolutionise safety and efficiency in 2025. These trends highlight the growing role of innovation and adaptability in addressing the complex needs of businesses and communities worldwide.

Six Game-Changing Security Tech Trends

1. Hybrid Solutions: The Foundation for Freedom of Choice
Organizations will increasingly adopt hybrid architectures that combine edge, cloud, and on-premise technologies. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor their security solutions to meet specific regulatory, data control, and energy efficiency needs.

2. AI Evolution and Efficiency
The application of various AI technologies, from deep learning to generative AI, will transform operational efficiency in security. The continued evolution of AI presents opportunities to enhance analytics and decision-making processes, reinforcing hybrid architectures as the standard.

3. Beyond Safety and Security
Advanced AI-driven analytics will enable quicker and more effective incident responses. The data generated by diverse sensors—video, audio, and environmental—will be leveraged for various applications beyond traditional security, promoting greater operational efficiency and business intelligence.

4. The “Rebirth” of Image Quality
Advances in analytics and AI mean that a higher resolution image will inevitably lead to a better result, whatever the use case. Object recognition will be more accurate and more detailed data (and metadata) created. The drive towards even better image quality has been reignited. With this has also come opportunities for efficiency as well as effectiveness.

5. Long-Term Value in Products Through Software Support
As hardware quality improves, the importance of ongoing software support will become paramount. A camera’s functionality and cybersecurity will depend on robust software maintenance, ensuring longevity and reliability.

6. Technology Autonomy for Customer Benefit
Vendors with greater autonomy over their core technologies will be better equipped to meet customer needs. This control allows for the design of tailored capabilities and helps mitigate risks associated with global supply chain disruptions.

As change accelerates in the security sector, these trends present significant opportunities for enhanced capabilities, increased flexibility, and greater value for customers.

“The security industry stands at a pivotal moment,” said Jessica Chang, Regional Director of North Asia at Axis Communications. “Our insights into 2025 trends underscore the importance of innovation in shaping a safer, smarter world”.

Unlock the Full Potential of 2025 Security Trends
For an in-depth look at these transformative tends, visit our blog and explore how your organisation can stay ahead in 2025 https://newsroom.axis.com/blog/technology-trends.

About Axis Communications
Axis enables a smarter and safer world by improving security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. As a network technology company and industry leader, Axis offers video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio solutions. These are enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training.

Axis has around 5,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with technology and system integration partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984, and the headquarters are in Lund, Sweden.

For more information about Axis, please visit www.axis.com.

EVM, Solarvest and PECC2 Forge Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Renewable Energy Adoption in Vietnam through the new Direct Power Purchase Agreement Mechanism (DPPA) via National Grid


HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between, Saigon Jim Brother’s Corporation (EVM), Solarvest (Vietnam) Company Limited (“Solarvest”), and Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 2 (PECC2), marking the start of a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the adoption of a renewable energy solution in Vietnam. This collaboration focuses on leveraging the Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) Mechanism via National Grid to supply a large amount of green electricity by Solarvest and PECC2 to EVM’s operations in Vietnam, playing a part in facilitating sustainable energy projects and drive Vietnam’s clean energy transition.

EVM, Solarvest and PECC2 Forge Strategic Partnership

After years of research, the Vietnamese Government issued Decree 80/2024/ND-CP on July 3, 2024, regulating the mechanism for direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) between renewable energy generators and large electricity consumers. Among the two types of DPPA outlined in this Decree, the DPPA through the national grid, also known as the virtual DPPA, is the option selected by the parties under this MOU. This mechanism allows EVM, who has substantial renewable energy needs, to access a utility-scale renewable energy generating source, a solar farm project, with electricity purchases made through the national grid. EVM, Solarvest and PECC2 recognize that this DPPA Mechanism presents a unique opportunity to overcome barriers to renewable energy adoption, including accessible, regulatory, financial, and technical challenges. By uniting their expertise, the parties aim to streamline the adoption of renewable energy solutions and accelerate participation in the DPPA Mechanism for solar energy projects.

Speaking at the event, Global Vice President – Sales, Assets & Marketing of Solarvest, Mr. Jack Tan Qi Jie, emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainability: “This partnership between EVM, Solarvest and PECC2 is more than a collaboration—it’s a strategic alignment of expertise and shared values. Together, we are addressing one of the most critical challenges businesses face today: the transition to renewable energy in a way that is both economically viable and operationally efficient. Solarvest brings years of experience in clean energy development, with over 1,300MW of renewable energy projects across Asia-Pacific. By combining our proven financial models with the technical expertise of PECC2 and the innovative drive of EVM, we are creating tailored solutions that enable businesses to achieve their sustainability goals without compromising profitability. We see that The DPPA via National Grid marks an important milestone in Vietnam’s energy transition and it is expected to transform Vietnam’s energy market, policies, and power system operations toward achieving NET ZERO and excited to be a part of this progress as a pioneer.”

Mr. Emil Lin, CSR Senior Manager of Saigon Jim Brother’s Corporation (EVM), commented: “As a footwear manufacturing company in Vietnam for a top international brand, sustainability is at the core of our operations. This cooperation with Solarvest and PECC2 marks a pivotal step in our journey toward achieving our turning green targets. By integrating renewable energy into our production processes, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also aligning with EP Group’s global sustainability goals. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship as we continue to lead by example in the manufacturing industry.”

Representing PECC2, Mr. Nguyen Hai Phu, Chief Operating Officer of PECC2 said: “This collaboration with Solarvest and EVM represents a significant step forward, allowing PECC2 to provide large-scale green electricity to EVM’s operations in Vietnam. This partnership signifies more than a legal agreement; it demonstrates a shared vision to overcome challenges in renewable energy adoption. By combining our expertise, we aim to address accessibility, regulatory, financial, and technical hurdles, thereby streamlining the implementation of renewable energy solutions and enhancing participation in the DPPA Mechanism for renewable energy projects.”

Hashtag: #Solarvest #Energy #SolarEnergy #Sustainability




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

About Solarvest (Vietnam) Company Limited

Solarvest (Vietnam) Company Limited is the subsidiary of Solarvest Holdings Berhad, Malaysia’s largest clean energy developer with multi-national presence across Asia-Pacific in 8 countries. The company is a one-stop solar photovoltaic system solution provider for residential, commercial & industrial, and utility-scale solar farms. Today, Solarvest has accumulated over 1,300MW renewable energy portfolio.