HONG KONG, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TÜV SÜD Hong Kong recently joined hands with local football club Hong Kong Krauts and the environmental organisation Green Hope to organise a joint coastal and trail clean-up at Tiger Rock Beach in Sai Kung, in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative not only tackled marine litter through direct action but also echoed TÜV SÜD’s commitment to linking environmental stewardship with its broader sustainability services — reinforcing the company’s core claim of “Add value, Inspire trust.”

Taking Action to Restore a Cleaner Coast

On the day of the event, the team hiked towards Tiger Rock Beach while collecting rubbish along the trail. Upon arrival, they carried out a focused clean-up of the shoreline. Within just 1.5 hours, the team removed 35 bags of waste weighing approximately 108 kilograms, consisting mainly of plastic bottles, polystyrene boxes, discarded fishing lines and nets. Such litter not only spoils natural landscapes but also poses a silent yet serious threat to marine ecosystems. Plastics remain in the environment for decades, gradually breaking down into microplastics that enter the food chain and ultimately impact human health. Abandoned fishing gear, often referred to as “ghost nets”, continues to trap and harm marine animals long after being discarded. By taking part in person, our colleagues and partners gained a deeper understanding of the urgency of tackling marine pollution and strengthened their resolve to remain actively involved in environmental protection.

From On-the-Ground Action to Systemic Sustainability Solutions: TÜV SÜD’s Sustainability Commitment

This clean-up activity reflects TÜV SÜD’s wider commitment to corporate social responsibility. As a global organisation offering comprehensive solutions across the fields of safety, security and sustainability, TÜV SÜD integrates environmental awareness into its core services, offering clients end-to-end support in carbon neutrality and sustainable development.

Mr. Andrew Lee, Chief Financial Officer of TÜV SÜD North Asia, stated: “We are committed not only to protecting the environment through action, but also to extending the principles of sustainable development across industries through our professional services. Moving forward, we will continue to support and organise initiatives of this kind, while leveraging TÜV SÜD’s technical strengths in low-carbon solutions and ESG to help society progress towards a more sustainable future.”

Founded in 1866 as a steam boiler inspection association, the TÜV SÜD Group has evolved into a global enterprise. Almost 30,000 employees work at over 1,000 locations to continually improve technology, systems and expertise.  They contribute significantly to making technical innovations such as Industry 4.0, autonomous driving and renewable energy safe and reliable. tuvsud.com

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MOIN, a leading fintech company specializing in cross-border payment solutions, announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with Nium, the global infrastructure for real-time payments, at Korea Fintech Week. The expanded partnership will enhance global payout and collection capabilities, delivering faster, more affordable, and more transparent international money transfer services for Korean consumers and businesses, while enabling seamless settlement into Korea for global customers.

Through this collaboration, MOIN is expanding its outbound payouts to key global markets including Japan (JPY), the United States (USD), Europe (EUR), Australia (AUD), and Canada (CAD). The integration with Nium also unlocks access to emerging market currencies across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, – allowing Korean individuals and businesses to send money to more geographies with greater speed and efficiency. 

Since establishing their strategic partnership in 2018, MOIN has relied on Nium as a key global remittance partner. The two companies now plan to strengthen inbound payment flows into Korea through additional use cases, new service types, and higher transaction volumes in Korean won (KRW) payout services, enabling faster and more reliable KRW settlements for corporate clients and global partners — such as marketplaces and platforms.

In parallel, the companies are jointly exploring stablecoin-based cross-border payment and settlement models, combining MOIN’s blockchain expertise with Nium’s global network to develop next-generation technologies that improve speed, reduce costs, and enhance liquidity efficiency.

With this deepened partnership, Korean users gain access to faster, more affordable global remittance services, while businesses of all sizes – from exporters to digital platforms and financial institutions, can strengthen their competitiveness through lower cross-border payment costs, improved settlement speed, and broader service coverage.

Ilseok Suh, CEO of MOIN, said, “By further expanding our long-term partnership with Nium, we have established a foundation that enables Korean users and businesses to enjoy world-class remittance and payment experiences. We will continue to integrate global networks and next-generation payment technologies to grow into a leading cross-border financial infrastructure connecting Korea and the world.”

“As global ambition accelerates, payment infrastructure must evolve with it,” said Anupam Pahuja, Chief Revenue Officer at Nium. “Strengthening our partnership with MOIN allows us to extend the speed, transparency, and cost advantages their customers rely on, while scaling to support even greater growth.”

By deepening its integration with Nium’s global network, MOIN is further strengthening its foundation for next-generation cross-border payments. This collaboration supports MOIN’s vision to deliver more seamless, efficient, and future-ready financial solutions for individuals and businesses in Korea as global payment models continue to evolve.

About MOIN, Inc.

A cross-border payment company based in South Korea. Since its establishment in 2016, MOIN has been addressing the inefficiencies of cross-border payments by developing a proprietary payment network that replaces the conventional payment network.

MOIN launched its individual cross-border remittance service targeting students studying abroad and has been expanding its outreach to encompass businesses and e-commerce platforms.

MOIN’s technology and business solutions were awarded by 2019 The World’s Top Fintech Companies by KPMG Top 100. 2023 The only Korean remittance company to be included in the World Bank price index. 2023 K-Fintech 30, chosen as the top 10 representing fintechs in Korea by the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

Moin has been recognized as the first non-banking financial institution to receive the “Outstanding STR (Suspicious Transaction Report) Reporter for Financial Institutions in the First Half of 2025” Commissioner’s Award from the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)—the nation’s financial intelligence authority.

For more information, visit www.eng.themoin.com. 

About Nium

Nium, the leading global infrastructure for real-time cross-border payments, was founded on the mission to deliver the global payments infrastructure of tomorrow, today. With the onset of the global economy, its payments infrastructure is shaping how banks, fintechs, and businesses everywhere collect, convert, and disburse funds instantly across borders. Its payout network supports 100 currencies and spans 190+ countries, 100 of which in real-time. Funds can be disbursed to accounts, wallets, and cards and collected locally in 40 markets. Nium’s growing card issuance business is already available in 34 countries. Nium holds regulatory licenses and authorizations in more than 40 countries, enabling seamless onboarding, rapid integration, and compliance – independent of geography. The company is co-headquartered in San Francisco and Singapore. For more information, visit www.nium.com.

• Officially opens its next-generation new branch at Punggol Coast Mall to tap a high-growth residential and commercial area
• Introduces digital LED art wall and use of augmented reality to engage customers
• Launch of revamped website to improve user experience

SINGAPORE, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Leong Finance (HLF) has officially opened its next-generation new branch at Punggol Coast Mall to tap a high-growth residential and commercial area. In conjunction with the new branch opening, HLF has also announced digital innovations as it reimagines customer experience, including an LED art wall and use of augmented reality to engage customers, as well as the launch of a revamped corporate website, reinforcing its commitment to digitalisation and customer-centric transformation.

Mr Ang Tang Chor, President of HLF, said: “We are excited to open our new branch in Punggol district, one of the fastest growing and most promising new catchment areas for our growth. Punggol’s population has been rising rapidly with an estimated 190,000 people in recent years^[1] and with major developments such as the Punggol Digital District, we see demand potential for our financial products and services.”

“As part of our customer-centric focus and transformation, we also delighted to roll out new initiatives to enhance customers’ experience and better engage with them. Whether they are at our branch, using our app and digital platform, or visiting our website, we want our customers to have a seamless and secure experience. This integrated omnichannel approach will also address the evolving needs and expectations of today’s digitally savvy consumers, while continuing to uphold the personalised service that HLF is known for.”

Redefining Customer Experience through Innovation, Care and Sustainability

HLF’s next-generation branch at Punggol Coast Mall reflects its commitment to evolving with customers’ changing needs in a rapidly transforming financial landscape. Through various innovations and features, HLF aims to redefine what a modern financial services branch can be – a welcoming, sustainable, and technology-enabled space that connects people, builds trust, and empowers customers to manage their financial well-being confidently.

As digitalisation accelerates, HLF recognises that the human touch remains vital – particularly in helping customers make informed financial decisions and protecting their transaction privacy. The branch’s new privacy-enhanced teller booths, which replace traditional counters, create a more personal and secure environment where HLF staff can spend quality time understanding customers’ needs and offering guidance in comfort and confidence. In addition, the new branch has a dedicated SME Centre where SMEs operating in the Punggol district can have consultations with HLF’s relationship manager on financial solutions for their businesses.

At the same time, HLF is leveraging technology to make the experience more engaging, intuitive, and accessible, enabling customers to connect with its messages faster and more meaningfully in an increasingly visual world. The striking, dynamic digital LED art wall integrated into the branch’s glass façade serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Besides providing an engaging experience for customers from the moment they arrive, the digital LED wall also delivers information to customers before they step inside.

In addition, HLF has introduced an industry-first augmented reality (AR) encounter featuring Ray, a friendly young dinosaur who comes to life to share information about the HLF Digital app and its benefits. This interactive experience demonstrates how technology can simplify complex information, making learning both fun and memorable.

Sustainability and inclusivity are also key pillars of the new branch design. Priority seating areas ensure seniors are served comfortably, while energy-efficient lighting and green-certified materials reflect HLF’s commitment to responsible, environmentally conscious design.

Mr J. Ng, a customer, said: “The new branch feels like one that is built for the future. It blends innovation with personal care. The privacy-enhanced booth makes my sharing with the staff feel more comfortable and secure, and I really appreciate how she takes time to understand my needs. The digital LED wall immediately catches my eye — it’s vibrant and informative, and the AR experience is a creative way to learn about the HLF Digital app.”

Enhancing User Experience – Revamped Website, HLF Digital App and Digital Platform for Vehicle Loan Applications

In tandem with the new branch opening, HLF has also launched its revamped website, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the customer journey across all touchpoints. As customers use both physical and digital channels for information and services, an intuitive, user-friendly website is essential to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. The refreshed design, improved navigation and interactivity make it easier for customers to find what they need, while enhanced visibility of announcements and alerts keep customers informed on important information and messages.

The new website follows the recent official launch of the HLF Digital app which enables customers to access a broad range of services anytime, anywhere, and the introduction of HLF’s game-changing digital platform for vehicle loan applications, which seamlessly integrates with car dealers’ booking systems to automate data transfer and eliminate manual paperwork. By combining accessibility and convenience, HLF’s various digital initiatives will complement physical branches and strengthen connection with customers in an increasingly digital world.

About Hong Leong Finance

A member of Hong Leong Group Singapore, Hong Leong Finance (HLF) is Singapore’s largest finance company with a network of 28 branches and 12 SME Centres island-wide. HLF’s loan books stood at S$11.668 billion, with deposit base at S$12.300 billion and shareholders’ funds at S$2.108 billion as at 31 December 2024.

HLF has retained its title as “ASEAN Finance Company of the Year” by Asian Banking & Finance for twelve consecutive years and is ranked among The Banker’s “Top 1000 World Banks” for the eighth year running. It is also named a “Top 100 Most Valuable Singaporean Brand” by Brand Finance for eight consecutive years and received the “Best Automobile Financing Product in Asia Pacific” in the TAB Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards 2025 by The Asian Banker as well as the “SBR Technology Excellence Awards 2025” by Singapore Business Review. For details, visit https://www.hlf.com.sg/.

UTM alumni duo behind Exar Technologies named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 for redefining immersive innovation

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Two Malaysian entrepreneurs and alumni of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Eswaran Mohan and Renuga Nair, have earned a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list, a global recognition that celebrates the region’s most promising young leaders and changemakers. Listed under the Social Media, Marketing & Advertising category, the duo’s company, Exar Technologies, stands at the forefront of augmented reality (AR) and immersive digital innovation, transforming how brands engage with audiences worldwide.

Entrepreneurship Fueled by Collaboration and Resilience

Exar Technologies’ work reflects Malaysia’s growing stature in the digital content economy, aligning with the nation’s vision to lead in Industry 4.0 and AI innovation. Through workshops, mentorship, and community outreach, Eswaran and Renuga continue to inspire young innovators by encouraging them to build, experiment, and lead. Their goal for the coming years is clear, which is to scale Exar Technologies globally while nurturing local talent to drive Malaysia’s next wave of digital creativity.

In interviews, the husband-and-wife team have spoken about the passion and persistence that carried them through challenges. “There were times we doubted ourselves, but moments like this reaffirm our belief that we’re on the right path,” Eswaran shared.

Renuga added that the recognition serves as a reminder to “keep going, to keep building something that matters.” Their journey reflects the strength of partnership, both personal and professional, as they continuously push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Together with their creative director, Arun Mohan, they have built a company that not only leads technologically but also inspires a new generation of Malaysian youth to pursue digital entrepreneurship.

From UTM Classrooms to the Global Stage

Eswaran, a graduate of UTM’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering, and Renuga, a graduate of the Faculty of Science, founded Exar Technologies in 2018 while still students driven by a shared dream to bring creative technology to life.

What began as a university project has since evolved into a regional innovation powerhouse, serving over 50 multinational clients, including Nestlé, Fujitsu, Honda, and FoodPanda. Exar Technologies develops AI-powered AR and VR solutions that elevate brand storytelling, redefine digital marketing, and bridge human emotion with technological creativity. Their company made history as the first in Asia to be appointed as an official Snapchat lens partner, joining an elite circle of the world’s top 30 creators — a milestone that placed Malaysia firmly on the global digital innovation map.

UTM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim praised the duo’s accomplishment as “a proud moment for UTM,” underscoring the university’s enduring commitment to nurturing globally competitive graduates.

“At UTM, we continue to champion a learning culture that empowers students to create sustainable, high-impact, and humanity-centric solutions for the future,” he highlighted the role of UTM XCITE (Centre for Student Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship) and the School of Undergraduate Studies (UGS) in fostering an innovation ecosystem that empowers students to transform ideas into impact-driven ventures.

From university classrooms in Johor to global recognition by Forbes, Eswaran and Renuga’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of vision and resilience. Their achievement is not just a personal success story, but also a symbol of Malaysia’s rising digital potential, anchored by innovation, collaboration, and education. Their story serves as a testament to how UTM’s graduates are shaping industries, communities, and the future of technology, not just within Malaysia, but across Asia and beyond.

Their success also follows in the footsteps of RunCloud founder Arif Thukiman, another UTM alumnus previously listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2020, solidifying UTM’s reputation as a leading incubator for future-ready technopreneurs and digital creators.

About Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM):

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is a leading public research university in Malaysia, dedicated to advancing knowledge and nurturing future leaders. UTM is committed to excellence in education, research, and innovation, making a significant impact on society and industry. As a global institution, UTM is known for its cutting-edge research and its role in developing innovative solutions to global challenges.

HONG KONG, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Himel, globally acclaimed manufacturer and supplier of electrical products, is strengthening its presence in the premium home-electrics segment with the global rollout of its ALTIVO wiring device series. Since 2024, ALTIVO has successfully launched across Bahrain, UAE, Kenya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Indonesia, and Malaysia, earning strong market taction for its blend of modern aesthetics, long-term durability, and reliable electrical performance, which reinforced Himel’s position as a trusted brand for both residential and commercial environments.

ALTIVO’s growing momentum reflects a global shift toward wiring devices that deliver modern aesthetics, reliable safety, and enhanced everyday usability. Engineered with fully flat, ultra-slim plates, five contemporary color options, and more than 80 functional modules, the series is designed to integrate seamlessly into modern homes, hospitality spaces, and commercial developments. The result is a wiring range that marries design precision with robust electrical integrity — an offering increasingly sought after in fast-growing markets.

“The rapid adoption of ALTIVO across diverse regions underscores a universal shift in how consumers and developers think about electrical design,” said Wenjie Qi, International Business General Manager at Himel. “People are no longer choosing between aesthetics and safety — they expect both. ALTIVO demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality, well-designed, and accessible solutions for modern living.”

Himel’s expanding global footprint is underpinned by its long-standing mission to make reliable, well-designed electrical solutions accessible to a wider audience. Founded in Spain in 1958 — Himel carries a heritage aesthetics that continues to shape its approach to modern home electrics. This foundation reinforces Himel’s Powering Infinity philosophy of enabling people, businesses, and communities to unlock their potential with safe, sustainable, and future-ready electrical systems.

“From the dynamic construction corridors of Southeast Asia to the transformative projects across the Gulf and East Africa, the ALTIVO series is more than a product line — it reflects our commitment to elevating everyday spaces into dream and smart homes with reliable, design-forward electrical solutions.” said Koon San Ang, Vice President of International Sales at Himel.

Looking ahead, Himel aims to advance its commitment of empowering modern “dream home” environments worldwide. This forward path reflects Himel’s Powering Infinity initiative, reinforcing a commitment to continuous innovation and enduring value for every space it touches.

For more information about Himel and the ALTIVO series, visit: https://www.himel.com/gb