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Vientiane Capital Exceeds Revenue Plan for Five Consecutive Years

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Laotian Times
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Vientiane Capital, Laos. This image is used for representational purpose only. (Photo credit: Business Information Center)

On 15 December, Vientiane Capital authorities reported that the capital generated state revenue above plan for five consecutive years, while the local economy recorded average growth of 5.34 percent per year over the past five-year period.

Vientiane Governor Atsaphangthong Siphandone, speaking at the 10th ordinary session of the Vientiane Capital People’s Council, reported on the city’s progress in addressing economic and financial challenges over the past years. 

He highlighted that the capital’s economy has continued to grow in line with the national development plan, projecting 6.6 percent growth by the end of 2025 and an average growth of 5.34 percent from 2021 to 2025.

The growth, however, has been uneven across sectors. Industry led the expansion, while agriculture and services followed. 

This shift also brought subtle changes to the economic structure: agriculture’s share of GDP fell to 13 percent, industry remained around 49 percent, and services rose to 38 percent.

As a result, GDP in 2025 is expected to reach LAK 89.28 trillion (about USD 4 billion), surpassing the planned target, though average GDP per capita is projected at LAK 85.17 million (around USD 3,872), slightly below expectations. 

The meeting concluded that the economy is moving in the right direction, and authorities will continue implementing both the 2025 plan and the 2026 work plan for Vientiane Capital.

Mantle Ecosystem Accelerates Rapidly as Global Hackathon Surpasses 900+ Developer Registrations

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Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In under two months, Mantle has entered a phase of unprecedented ecosystem acceleration. Registrations for the Mantle Global Hackathon 2025–2026 have now exceeded 900 registrants, coinciding with a wave of major ecosystem advancements that reinforce Mantle’s position as one of the most promising next-generation leaders in the RWA (Real-World Asset) narrative. Ecosystem “MoMNTum”: Mantle’s Global Liquidity Base is Taking Shape In the past several weeks alone, Mantle has made significant strides in expanding and deepening its on-chain liquidity foundation:

Mantle Ecosystem Accelerates Rapidly as Global Hackathon Surpasses 900+ Developer Registrations
Mantle Ecosystem Accelerates Rapidly as Global Hackathon Surpasses 900+ Developer Registrations

  • Deep technical and liquidity integration with USDT0, strengthening Mantle’s native stablecoin liquidity layer and foundation as a critical pillar for institutional-grade RWA settlement and global on-chain finance.
  • Expansion of RWAs and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) partners with Aave, xStocks, Anchorage Digital, Questflow and more on Mantle, bringing verifiable, programmable, scalable, institutional-grade liquidity and tokenized real-world assets on-chain to both institutions and retail users.

Together, these developments through strong partnership with Bybit establish Mantle as the core distribution layer connecting traditional finance (TradFi) and on-chain liquidity required for RWAs, AI-powered applications, and next-generation DeFi to scale sustainably. This forms a durable long-term base for Mantle’s ecosystem growth.

Meanwhile, the utility of MNT continues to rise, driven by integrations across Bybit and other ecosystem partners, evolving from a pure gas asset into a multi-dimensional utility and credit asset powering the full Mantle economy.

Mantle Global Hackathon: A Catalyst for the Next Wave of Builders & Ecosystem Growth

The Mantle Global Hackathon 2025 launched as one of the largest hackathons in the RWA and infrastructure verticals this year, inviting builders worldwide to create the next wave of Mantle-native applications across:

  • 3 months
  • 6 tracks: RWA / RealFi, DeFi & Composability, AI & Oracles, ZK & Privacy, Infrastructure & Tooling, GameFi & Social
  • 17 judges
  • $150,000 prize pool

In just under two months, over 900+ builders signed up across 50+ countries.

Mantle’s vision and mission is clear:

To identify, support, and accelerate the next generation of Mantle-native builders who will define the next market cycle.

Mantle is committed to a long-term builder-first philosophy:

By backing builders consistently through every market cycle, Mantle is evolving into the premier distribution layer connecting TradFi and on-chain liquidity, where real-world finance flows seamlessly with RWAs and capital.

Register or submit your project: https://www.hackquest.io/hackathons/Mantle-Global-Hackathon-2025

About Mantle

Mantle positions itself as the premier distribution layer and gateway for institutions and TradFi to connect with onchain liquidity and access real-world assets, powering how real-world finance flows.

With over $4B+ in community-owned assets, Mantle combines credibility, liquidity and scalability with institutional-grade infrastructure to support large-scale adoption. The ecosystem is anchored by $MNT within Bybit, and built out through core ecosystem projects like mETH, fBTC, MI4 and more. This is complemented by Mantle Network’s partnerships with leading issuers and protocols such as Ethena USDe, Ondo USDY, OP-Succinct and EigenLayer.

For more information about Mantle, please visit: mantle.xyz
For more social updates, please follow: Mantle Official X & Mantle Community Channel
For media enquiries, please contact: contact@mantle.xyz

Tether, Bitqik Launch Initiative to Promote Crypto, Stablecoin Education in Laos

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Advertorial Desk
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Tether, Bitqik Launch Initiative to Promote Crypto, Stablecoin Education in Laos

On 17 December, Tether, a leading company in the digital asset industry, and Bitqik, a licensed cryptocurrency exchange in Laos, announced a strategic partnership aimed at promoting financial literacy around Bitcoin and stablecoins in the country.

Continue

Montran Launches Montran Africa, Reinforcing Long-Term Commitment to the Continent’s Financial Future

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Advertorial Desk
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NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Montran officially launched Montran Africa, its regional headquarters based out of Kenya—signaling a new era of partnership, proximity, and progress for the global fintech leader in one of the world’s most dynamic financial ecosystems.

The event, attended by representatives from central banks, financial institutions, regulators, and industry leaders from across Africa, celebrated Montran’s decades-long partnership with the continent and the formalization of its regional operations. The Nairobi-based headquarters will serve as a hub for client engagement, implementation support, and innovation across Africa’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.

“Africa is experiencing one of the most exciting transformations in global finance,” said Alexander Esca, CEO of Montran. “The launch of Montran Africa reflects our enduring commitment to the continent. We have long been part of Africa’s financial journey—today, we are taking that relationship even deeper.”

Under the leadership of Wohoro Ndohho, Regional Executive Director of Montran Africa, the new office will enable closer collaboration with clients, faster delivery, and tailored solutions for Africa’s diverse markets. Montran’s systems already power key national and regional infrastructures across the continent, enabling real-time, secure, and interoperable financial transactions.

“This launch is both a celebration and a commitment,” said Wohoro Ndohho. “A celebration of what we have achieved with our partners across Africa—and a commitment that Montran will continue investing, innovating, and collaborating to deliver the next generation of financial infrastructure that supports inclusion, resilience, and growth.”

Across Africa, Montran’s solutions power the backbone of financial markets, supporting millions of users daily. From RTGS and ACH systems to CSDs, IPS platforms, and cross-border payment hubs, Montran’s infrastructure drives interoperability, inclusion, and innovation. Its technologies are foundational to national and regional financial systems—ensuring stability, transparency, and ongoing modernization across diverse markets.

The establishment of Montran Africa marks a new chapter in the company’s partnership with the continent. As Africa accelerates toward digital transformation and cross-border financial integration, Montran invites all stakeholders to join this shared journey.

About Montran
Montran is the leading provider of Payment and Capital Market Infrastructure solutions, servicing the world’s foremost financial institutions with installations and operations in over 90 countries. Discover more at www.montran.com.

AI+AR Leads a New Chapter in Human-Computer Interaction

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Advertorial Desk
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MACAO, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Driven by the rapid maturation of multimodal perception, spatial computing, micro-displays, and other technologies, AI glasses, as the next-generation human-computer interaction terminal, are transitioning from concept to large-scale commercialisation. IDC predicts that global shipments of AI glasses will exceed 10 million units in 2025, becoming the most promising new consumer electronics category after smartphones. Against this backdrop, connecting the entire chain of “technology-standard-scenario-ecology” has become a core concern for the industry.

Peng Lihui, Vice President and Secretary-General of the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce, delivered a speech stating that at the historical intersection of technological revolution and industrial transformation, cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, multimodal perception and spatial computing are reshaping the form and boundaries of the audio-visual industry with unprecedented power. “The next-generation computing platform will be based on multimodal perception and centred on spatial intelligence, realising the seamless integration of the digital world and physical space through lightweight, all-weather AI glasses,” Peng noted.

At the summit, the World Artificial Intelligence Eyewear Alliance (WAEA), initiated by the Shenzhen Flat Panel Display Industry Association, held its establishment ceremony. Guests including Liu Huanming, Vice President of the Shenzhen Flat Panel Display Industry Association, Sun Xiaowei, Foreign Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Chair Professor of Southern University of Science and Technology, Harley Seyedin, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China, and Lin Hanzhong, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce, jointly participated in the launch. Adhering to the concept of “Insight into Perceptual Intelligence, Unlock a Boundless Future”, the alliance will build five core service systems: a global top-level exhibition hub; industrial research and standard-setting; a global network and localised cooperation; market promotion and brand empowerment; and an expert advisory committee. It aims to promote the standardization, commercialization and globalization of AI glasses technology, and accelerate the construction of a complete industrial chain from chips and optical modules to content ecology.

In the keynote speech session, Sun Xiaowei deeply analyzed the latest technological breakthroughs in AR optical waveguide and optical engine technology; Zhang Wengang, Secretary-General of the World Ultra HD Video Industry Alliance (UWA), elaborated on how ultra-high definition audio-visual standards drive industrial upgrading from a global cooperation perspective; Cui Haitao, Founder of Gudong Intelligence, shared the development history and future path of AR glasses display technology.

The summit also featured two roundtable discussions with guests covering key links of the industrial chain. The topics, closely focusing on the current “AI + audio-visual industry”, represented a collision of ideas among “industry, academia, research, application and investment” parties. The themes included “Scenario Expansion, Value Enhancement – From General-Purpose AI Glasses to Vertical Scenario Implementation” and “Industrial Synergy, Ecological Prosperity – Global Vision and Chinese Practice in the XR Industry”.

 

Raytron Unveils Thermal Imaging Breakthrough to Speed Up Winter Search-and-Rescue Missions

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Advertorial Desk
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YANTAI, China, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Raytron, a leader in infrared thermal imaging, today announced its WN2 Series infrared thermal imaging module and multi-platform thermal cameras designed for low-visibility conditions, such as snowstorms, freezing fog, and prolonged darkness.

In winter Search-and-Rescue (SAR) missions, visibility can degrade rapidly, making it difficult to locate missing people, vehicles, or aircraft with visible-light imaging alone. Thermal imaging can help reveal heat signatures and provide first responders with additional situational awareness when visual cues are limited.

How does Infrared Thermal Imaging Accelerate Winter SAR?

Even when targets are partially obscured by snow, vegetation, or uneven terrain, Raytron’s infrared thermal sensor is capable of detecting heat signatures of humans or animals quickly. At the core of this technology is the WN2 series, designed to deliver stable, precise infrared detection for rapid integration.

WN2 series key advantages:

  • With resolutions up to 640×512 and a high frame rate output with built-in non-uniformity correction (NUC) algorithm, the WN2 thermal module provides continuous high-definition thermal video.
  • The thermal module features an ultra-compact design and low power consumption. It measures just 21×21×10.3mm, making it ideal for integration into commercial UAV payloads and handheld devices.
  • The flagship module supports rich digital interfaces and lens options, helping OEMs streamline system integration.
  • Designed for OEMs and system integrators across outdoor and commercial drone applications, the WN2 series thermal module enables reliable thermal perception for thermal night vision. Integrated into commercial UAVs, handheld devices, or automated systems, it helps solution providers support low-visibility missions such as winter search and rescue.

“Visibility can collapse quickly in winter SAR operations, and every minute counts”, said Haley Hu, CTO at Raytron. “By enabling reliable thermal imaging across complex terrains, we aim to help teams search smarter and deliver real-world value where it matters most.”

Building a Safer World with Raytron’s Infrared Innovation

Raytron delivers high-sensitivity infrared imaging solutions that work day or night, across terrain, weather, and visibility conditions. From search-and-rescue in snow and forests to industrial monitoring, security, and wildlife conservation, Raytron’s thermal imaging solutions help organizations to improve response times and protect lives and ecosystems under the most demanding conditions. Looking forward, Raytron remains committed to continuous innovation, advancing smart IR thermal sensing and AI-powered imaging to meet tomorrow’s safety challenges with even greater effectiveness.

For Further Information 

Email: sales@raytrontek.com
Website: https://en.raytrontek.com
LinkedIn: Raytron Technology Co., Ltd.

WYBOT S3 Redefines the Pool Robot Industry with a New Benchmark, Now Launching in Australia

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Advertorial Desk
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SYDNEY, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — WYBOT, a company at the forefront of advanced pool cleaning solutions, is preparing to release its innovative WYBOT S3 Pool Cleaning Robot to Australian customers this Christmas, marketing it as the perfect festive present. This introduction is expected to enhance current pool maintenance practices, as the WYBOT S3 is the inaugural pool robot worldwide to feature both sophisticated 3D mapping and an integrated self-emptying system, thus establishing a fresh standard for robotic pool care.

Self-Emptying System
Self-Emptying System

Real-Time Positioning, AI Visual Cleaning and Smart cleaning system

The WYBOT S3 utilizes 36 sensors as its fundamental technology, powering both its AI visual cleaning and its underwater 3D mapping capabilities. This advanced setup enables the robot to generate an exceptionally precise three-dimensional model of the swimming pool, ensuring comprehensive and missed-spot-free cleaning. Users can observe the robot’s cleaning advancement and its precise route in real-time through trajectory tracking, providing a complete overview of the operation at all times. Upon finishing its task, the automated debris collection system transfers the accumulated dirt into an external, ground-based dustbin, eliminating any requirement for human intervention. Consequently, the robot ensures the pool’s immaculate state is preserved, even during extended periods of owner absence, such as holidays.

Incorporating self-reliant solar charging, WYBOT S3 efficiently harnesses renewable energy for an eco-friendly operation. Additionally, its advanced scheduling function allows owners to customize cleaning timetables, ensuring the pool remains in pristine condition at all times, tailored to personal routines.

The WYBOT S3 ushers in authentic intelligent pool maintenance, moving beyond traditional upkeep tasks like manual filter cleaning, manual recharging, and manual adjustments to settings. It significantly simplifies pool cleaning and also makes spending time outdoors more effortless, comfortable, and intelligent.

Promotional Deal for Early Action

From December 12–19 (ending at 24:00 AEDT), an exclusive early-bird promotion on the WYBOT S3 offers $900 off the regular price, along with complimentary door-to-door installation by WYBOT’s professional technicians. This limited-time offer provides the opportunity to be among the initial owners of this groundbreaking innovation.

About WYBOT

WYBOT is a global leader in innovative pool maintenance solutions, dedicated to transforming pool cleaning into an effortless and intelligent experience. Known for its cutting-edge technology and design excellence, the company is a 2025 CES Best of Innovation Award Honoree. WYBOT has also earned international acclaim, including the 2025 IFA Honoree Award, 2024 French Design Award, 2024 New York Design Award, and 2024 Paris Design Award, recognizing the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and user-centric design.

WYBOT continues to set new benchmarks in robotic pool cleaning, driven by a vision to simplify pool ownership and enhance the user experience. Stay updated on WYBOT’s latest innovations by following us on social media: Instagram : @wybot_australia, Twitter (X) : @WYBOT_official, Facebook : WYBOT Australia. For more information, visit https://www.au.wybotpool.com/.

Hong Kong Opens Its Doors to the World’s Digital Visionaries as SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 Kicks Off

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 officially opens today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), bringing the global community of computer graphics, visual computing, interactive techniques, and digital innovation back to one of Asia’s most dynamic creative capitals.

SIGGRAPH Asia officially opens in Hong Kong for its 18th edition
SIGGRAPH Asia officially opens in Hong Kong for its 18th edition

Hosted by Koelnmesse and the Association for Computing Machinery’s Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques (ACM SIGGRAPH), this year’s edition marks a milestone for Hong Kong as thousands of researchers, artists, technologists, and industry leaders gather for four days of breakthrough ideas, original research, and next-generation digital creativity.

SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 in Numbers

This year’s event brings together a global community shaping the future of computer graphics and emerging technologies:

  • 7,000+ attendees from more than 50 countries and regions[1]
  • 70+ exhibitors, sponsors and leading technology companies showcasing breakthrough innovations such as Adobe, FORUM8, Foundry, Huawei Technologies, Meta’s Reality Labs Research,Morpho Inc, NVIDIA, Pixar’s Renderman,Tencent, and Vicon.
  • 600+ expert speakers in AI, computer graphics, VFX, and immersive technologies
  • Hundreds of sessions across Technical Papers, Featured Sessions, the Art Gallery, XR, Emerging Technologies, and the Computer Animation Festival

Keynote Speakers at SIGGRAPH Asia 2025

This year’s keynote speakers brings together leaders whose work is reshaping the future of visual computing, AI, simulation, and intelligent systems.

Harry Shum (HKUST; former Executive VP, Microsoft AI & Research) will present new work on the Low Altitude Economy (LAE) and the Smart Integrated Low Altitude System (SILAS). Jamie Shotton (Chief Scientist, Wayve) will deliver “Worlds We Make: The Rise of Synthetic Data in AI,” examining how synthetic data is reshaping autonomous systems and embodied AI. Dr. Chunchao Guo (Head of Hunyuan 3D, Tencent) will share “Crafting 3D Worlds for Intelligent Vision,” highlighting advances in generation, reconstruction, and interactive 3D environments.

The 2025 Featured Sessions will also bring together leading voices in animation, VFX, virtual production, and digital storytelling.

Paul Debevec (Eyeline), Richard Chuang (d1n0), and the Pixar team—Claudia Chung Sanii, David Luoh, Emron Grover, Jordan Rempel, Renee Tam, and Sajan Skaria—will present Alien Abduction! The Truth Behind the Making of Pixar’s Elio. Additional presentations will feature Momo Wang (Tuzki), Scott Ross (Digital Domain founder), Raman Hui (Monster Hunt, Shrek), and Chris Bremble (Base Media, Ne Zha 2). The programme also includes Shalini De Mello (NVIDIA) and Alex Woo (IN YOUR DREAMS, Kuku Studios).

A Week That Shapes the Year Ahead 

Throughout the event, participants will take part in research presentations, production and pipeline talks, emerging technology demonstrations, art and design showcases, XR and immersive media programmes, and a range of technical courses and practical workshops. Each program reinforces SIGGRAPH Asia’s role as a catalyst for new partnerships, creative breakthroughs, and technological advancements that will shape the future of computer graphics.

Animation, Artistry, and the Future of Digital Storytelling

The 2025 Computer Animation Festival presents a new slate of award-winning short films, technical achievements, and experimental works from across the world. A total of 488 submissions from 39 countries were evaluated by an international jury, recognising projects that push the boundaries of creative vision, narrative depth, and technical innovation.

Hong Kong as a Crossroads for Creativity and Technology

“SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 celebrates the imagination that drives our community forward,” said Taku Komura, Conference Chair and Professor at The University of Hong Kong. “Here, pioneers of the field stand alongside the next generation of creators, each shaping new possibilities in computer graphics and interactive techniques. Hong Kong’s dynamic and diverse creative landscape provides an inspiring backdrop for this global gathering.”

SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 Program Highlights:

New

Note to Editors:

  • Please visit SIGGRAPH Asia online Press Centre for the latest updates.
  • Access high-resolution stock images and all speaker profile images here.
  • Interview requests with speakers, committee, exhibitors, or sponsors, can be directed to siggraph@prbespoke.com.

Register for On-Site Press Conference:
16 December, Tuesday, 11:15am-12:15pm (HKT) – A press conference will be hosted onsite at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) by SIGGRAPH Asia Conference Chair, respective Program Chairs, conference speakers, and exhibition partners, who will showcase each facet of the program, and describe the immersive experiences and technological innovations that visitors can explore. Media that attend will be given an exclusive tour of the exhibition as well. Please register directly by emailing: siggraph@prbespoke.com. 

About ACM SIGGRAPH
ACM SIGGRAPH is an international community of researchers, artists, developers, filmmakers, scientists, and business professionals with a shared interest in computer graphics and interactive techniques. A special interest group of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the world’s first and largest computing society, our mission is to nurture, champion, and connect like-minded researchers and practitioners to catalyze innovation in computer graphics and interactive techniques.

ACM SIGGRAPH offers two of the premier technology conferences in the world, one in North America and one in Asia. Attended by tens of thousands of computer graphics professionals, SIGGRAPH and SIGGRAPH Asia are highly respected venues for the presentation of new computer graphics technology and research. For more information, please visit www.siggraph.org.

About Koelnmesse
Koelnmesse Pte Ltd is one of the world’s largest trade fair companies. Its more than 80 trade fairs and exhibitions have the broadest international scope in the industry, as 60 percent of the exhibitors and 40 percent of the visitors come from outside Germany. The Koelnmesse events include leading global trade fairs for 25 sectors, such as Imm Cologne, Anuga, IDS, INTERMOT, Interzum Cologne, gamescom, and the International Hardware Fair Cologne. Koelnmesse is ACM SIGGRAPH’s event organizer for the last 17 editions of SIGGRAPH Asia.

For more information, please visit www.koelnmesse.asia.

[1] Final visitor numbers to be published post event

 

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