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Aon Appoints Shinji Kuriyama as Enterprise Client Leader for Japan


TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 September 2025 Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced the appointment of Shinji Kuriyama as enterprise client leader, Asia Pacific in Japan, effective immediately.

Shinji Kuriyama
Shinji Kuriyama

In this role, Kuriyama will lead Aon’s relationships globally with its Japanese clients, providing integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital solutions. Based in Tokyo, Kuriyama will report to Craig Torgius, chief client officer and head of enterprise clients, Asia Pacific and work closely with Tatsuya “Jake” Yamamoto, CEO of Japan at Aon.

“Shinji’s appointment marks a significant step in our commitment to delivering enterprise-wide value to our clients in Japan,” said Torgius. “His extensive experience in corporate and investment banking, combined with his ability to lead high-performing teams and navigate complex regulatory environments, makes him uniquely positioned to drive strategic outcomes in Japan. Shinji brings a combination of financial acumen, relationship depth and cross-border leadership that will help us unlock new opportunities and deliver integrated solutions to our clients’ evolving needs.”

Kuriyama brings over 30 years of experience in financial services, including senior leadership roles at BNP Paribas, Wells Fargo and Citigroup in both Japan and the U.S. Most recently, he served as managing director and head of Corporate Coverage at BNP Paribas Japan, where he advised and managed a portfolio of Japanese and multinational clients.

Prior to BNP Paribas Japan, Kuriyama launched and scaled Wells Fargo’s Corporate Banking business in Japan, growing annual revenue and expanding the team to include Japan Desk in the U.S. His career also includes extensive credit expertise at Citi and a strong track record of regulatory engagement with the FSA and Bank of Japan.

Commenting on his appointment, Kuriyama said: “I am honoured to join Aon and look forward to helping clients navigate complexity and drive meaningful outcomes through better decision-making. Working in close collaboration with global and local teams across Aon, I am committed to helping Japanese enterprises to strengthen resilience, capitalise growth opportunities and managing uncertainty with data-driven insights and integrated solutions.”

Read more about Aon’s capabilities in Asia Pacific here.

Hashtag: #Aon

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

About Aon

(NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.

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Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.

Retail Therapy: Agoda’s Top Picks for Asia’s Shopping Destinations

SINGAPORE, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has released a hand-picked list of must-visit shopping malls in Asia for travelers to explore. Renowned for their unmatched scale, innovation, and vibrancy, Asia’s retail hubs are in a league of their own.

These destinations redefine the modern travel experience, boasting striking architecture and a dazzling array of options – from diverse eateries and world-class entertainment to global and local retail brands. Catering to all ages, interests, and budgets, they offer the perfect all-weather escape, ensuring a fantastic experience come rain or shine.

Here are Agoda’s six picks for unbeatable shopping experiences in Asia:

1.       Vincom Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vincom Center is a premier shopping destination featuring a wide range of international and local brands. Its modern architecture and central location make it a popular spot for both shopping and leisure activities.

2.       Ginza Wako Department Store, Tokyo, Japan
Ginza Wako Department Store is renowned for its luxury retail offerings and iconic clock tower. Visitors can explore high-end fashion, beauty products, and exquisite jewelry. The store’s elegant architecture and prime location make it a standout destination for both shopping and sightseeing.

3.       Emsphere, Bangkok, Thailand
Emsphere is a modern shopping complex featuring a blend of international and local brands, along with a variety of dining choices. Known for its contemporary design and vibrant atmosphere, it also hosts cultural events and exhibitions, making it a dynamic destination for travelers.

4.      Hyundai Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
Hyundai Seoul is a cutting-edge shopping destination known for its futuristic design and unique green spaces which bring in a touch of the natural world, including a 12-meter waterfall. It offers a wide range of shops, from luxury brands to trendy local designers, and features unique attractions like indoor gardens and art installations.

5.      Taipei 101 Mall, Taipei, Taiwan
Located within the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, this mall is a haven for luxury shopping enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city while exploring high-end fashion, electronics, and gourmet dining options.

6.       Grand Indonesia Mall, Jakarta, Indonesia
As one of the largest malls in Southeast Asia, Grand Indonesia Mall offers a mix of global brands, local boutiques, and diverse dining options. Its impressive size and unique attractions, such as a musical fountain show, provide a complete entertainment experience for visitors.

Jay Lee, Regional Director, North Asia at Agoda, shared, “Shopping in Asia is not just about buying things; it’s an adventure that combines culture, innovation, and entertainment. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the iconic skyline of Taipei, these shopping destinations are cultural landmarks offering something for everyone. At Agoda, we love helping travelers discover these vibrant retail destinations, where every mall is a world of its own.”

Travelers seeking an unmatched shopping experience can enjoy Agoda’s special sales campaign in celebration of World Tourism Day. Running from September 24 to October 8, the World Tourism Day sale will offer up to 60% off hotel bookings, with special flash sales on September 27 and October 6 offering up to 70% off, along with exclusive deals on flights and activities. Agoda VIP members will receive early access to deals from September 21 to 23. Discover more at Agoda.com and find the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app.

Pyvio Shines at the 4th Global Digital Trade Expo: Unlocking New Pathways for Digital Trade in Emerging Markets with Global Payment Infrastructure, Winning Multiple Authoritative Certifications

HANGZHOU, China, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On September 25, 2025, the Fourth Global Digital Trade Expo kicked off in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Pyvio, a global payment service provider specializing in emerging markets, stood out at the expo with its exceptional technology and innovative solutions. At the Product and Brand Launch event, Pyvio showcased its global collection and payment solutions tailored to Latin American market, and demonstrated its comprehensive capabilities across Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, making a remarkable impression. Furthermore, Pyvio’s pioneering innovations and significant contributions to digital trade have earned the company two prestigious accolades: the 2025 Zhejiang Digital Trade Innovation Application Third Prize awarded by Zhejiang Department of Commerce, and the Pioneer Award (DT Award) at the 4th Global Digital Trade Expo.

Pyvio showcases its one-stop payment solutions for emerging markets at the 4th Global Digital Trade Expo.
Pyvio showcases its one-stop payment solutions for emerging markets at the 4th Global Digital Trade Expo.

These significant achievements highlight Pyvio’s technical prowess and industry leadership in connecting payment channels across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, earning high recognition from government bodies, industry experts, and global clients. Looking ahead, Pyvio will continue to innovate, leveraging its deeply localized payment networks and one-stop intelligent fund management system to help businesses overcome cross-border payment barriers and seamlessly engage with emerging markets, achieving the security, efficiency, and growth of global digital trade.

Ⅰ. Strategic Expansion into Three Key Emerging Markets to Simplify the Global Payment Ecosystem

With the continued globalization of digital trade, emerging markets have become the most promising regions for growth. However, the complexity of their payment ecosystems presents significant barriers for businesses seeking to expand into these regions. Since its outset, Pyvio has been committed to deepening its presence in emerging markets and has successfully built a localized financial network across the three key emerging markets of Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, enabling businesses to access secure, efficient, and compliant payment services.

Latin American Market: Innovative Solutions to Overcome Payment Challenges

At the Product and Brand Launch event, Pyvio introduced its comprehensive payment solutions tailored to the Latin American market. In light of the region’s complex regulatory environment and fragmented payment ecosystem, Pyvio has innovatively upgraded its proven localized operational model from Southeast Asia, rolling out three core solutions to directly address the key pain points of sellers in Latin America:

Independent Local Accounts to Ensure Fund Security: Providing each store with a dedicated local collection account to isolate funds, eliminating account association and suspension risks.

Local Currency Direct Collection to Reduce Foreign Exchange Losses: Supporting buyers to pay in local currencies, with funds directly reaching sellers’ local accounts, avoiding multiple currency conversions and significantly reducing exchange costs.

Multi-Platform Fund Management: Enabling sellers to manage funds from multiple platforms and stores in one unified dashboard, enhancing operational efficiency and fund visibility.

Pyvio’s three-pronged solution of “Independent Accounts + Local Currency Direct Collection + Smart Management” addresses cross-border payment challenges at the source, empowering businesses to thrive in the complex Latin American market.

Southeast Asia and Africa Markets: Deepening Presence in Emerging Markets and Building Mature Localized Payment Ecosystems

As a long-standing leader in emerging market payments, Pyvio has successfully built mature, stable, and highly localized payment ecosystems across Southeast Asia and Africa, laying a solid foundation for cross-border trade and the growth of the digital economy in the region. B2C e-commerce sellers, B2B traders, and software developers alike can quickly connect to local payment channels through Pyvio, enabling precise, country-specific fund management. On this foundation, Pyvio also offers a one-stop financial solution covering bulk payments, payroll, and supplier settlements, empowering businesses to expand their cross-border operations efficiently. Leveraging this mature ecosystem, Pyvio has become the preferred payment infrastructure for numerous companies in Southeast Asia and Africa, with extensive success stories across e-commerce, international trade, gaming, and social sectors.

Pyvio’s value lies not only in enabling businesses to receive payments, but in ensuring they do so efficiently, securely, and cost-effectively. By bridging platforms with sellers and integrating multi-currency and streamlined settlement networks, Pyvio has established itself as a trusted financial partner for enterprises expanding into emerging markets, delivering end-to-end support from global collection to fund flow management.

Ⅱ. Multiple Honors for Excellence in Innovation and Practice from Authorities

In addition to its cutting-edge product launch, Pyvio also obtained multiple authoritative awards at the expo with its exceptional industry contributions and innovation breakthrough, which highlight its exemplary role and brand influence in the digital trade sector. Pyvio was awarded 2025 Zhejiang Digital Trade Innovation Application Third Prize, which acknowledges Pyvio’s advanced technology in fintech infrastructure and its positive social and economic impact. Besides, Pyvio also won the Fourth Global Digital Trade Expo Pioneer Award(DT Award), which reinforces Pyvio’s breakthrough ability and forward-thinking strategy as a leading payment service provider, especially in complex payment environments.

“We are deeply honored to receive these recognitions. It is not only an honor for Pyvio, but also a strong acknowledgment of the value of the entire emerging market payment industry. Our mission is to build the next generation of global payment infrastructure, enabling every business, big or small, to reach consumers in every corner of the world with ease, efficiency, and security,” said Pyvio’s co-founder.

Ⅲ. Productive Discussions at Pyvio’s Booth to Foster Win-Win Ecological Cooperation

During the expo, Pyvio’s booth attracted a large number of representatives from cross-border e-commerce platforms, foreign trade companies, financial institutions, and media outlets. Through live system demonstrations and case studies, Pyvio showcased its payment network infrastructure, technological solutions, and successful practices in emerging markets such as Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, further solidifying its role as a key payment partner for Chinese enterprises expanding internationally.

About Pyvio

Pyvio is a global fintech company committed to building localized financial infrastructure that enables international businesses to manage global funds efficiently. As a cross-border payment service provider focused on emerging markets, Pyvio serves fast-growing economies in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, going beyond traditional European and North American markets.

By cooperating with multiple primary clearing banks across the globe and licensed domestic institutions, Pyvio offers a one-stop cross-border payment solution that integrates global collection, payment, acquiring, virtual credit cards, and currency exchange services across countries including Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Nigeria, Ghana, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia.

Pyvio is a licensed Money Service Operator (MSO) in Hong Kong and registered as a Money Services Business with FinCEN (USA) and FINTRAC (Canada), with additional payment licenses across Southeast Asia, Middle East, Europe in progress. The company also adheres to international payment security standards such as PCI DSS to ensure the highest levels of data and fund security. By combining full compliance with international financial regulations and fintech innovation, Pyvio is dedicated to building a comprehensive payment ecosystem that empowers Chinese brands to expand internationally, deliver seamless services to global users, and accelerate global business growth.

For more information, please visit https://pyvio.com/en 

Contact:
mkt@pyvio.com

McKay Brothers Launches Fastest Private Transport for Crypto & FX Trading Between London and Singapore

GENEVA, Paris and OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — McKay Brothers, the worldwide leader in providing data transport for digital and FX traders, today announced the launch of a new transport service interconnecting London and Singapore in less than 137 milliseconds round trip. McKay’s new network provides the fastest path between Slough-LD4, which hosts leading crypto platforms including Deribit, LMAX and Kraken, and Singapore, where it connects directly into the AWS cloud which hosts crypto platform Bybit. The network is purpose-built for asset classes where risk management increasingly depends on microseconds.

McKay’s Level Playing Field policy ensures that all subscribers can purchase the best latency. The LondonSingapore transport service is optimized for the unique requirements of cloud-based digital asset trading. McKay provides the data transport used by the world’s most   demanding firms and makes it equally accessible to all subscribers, leveling the playing field. McKay’s networks for traders of digital assets are designed to deliver the highest levels of reliability and resiliency, maintaining the same rigorous standards as the company’s networks serving traditional financial markets.

McKay offers digital trading firms a portfolio of long-haul transport at the lowest latency, connecting Tokyo with Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Chicago, and Ashburn, VA.

McKay will attend the Token 2049 conference in Singapore and can be found at Booth MB4 81.

About McKay Brothers

McKay Brothers is the leading provider of data transport services for financial markets. The company designs, owns, and operates the world’s most advanced short- and long-haul networks, delivering transport with a focus on speed, reliability, and resiliency. McKay is relied upon by the most sophisticated market participants. All McKay’s services are provided to clients on an equal footing.

2025 Xiaomi Creativity Competition Launched: Exploring the Possibilities of Design and Innovation

SINGAPORE, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Xiaomi, one of the world’s leading consumer electronics and smart manufacturing companies, officially launched its 2025 Xiaomi Creativity Competition.

With the slogan “Your Screen, Your Story”, the competition introduces three categories: “One Shot, One Moment (Wallpaper Photography), “Vision Through Intelligence” (AI Wallpapers), and “Redefining UX” (Theme Design), seeking exceptional works from creators worldwide.


The competition’s judging panel is composed of outstanding design experts from across the globe. In addition to sharing their work with millions of users, participants will also have the opportunity to engage with world-class experts in the field of design.

To recognize and reward outstanding creativity, the competition provides multiple incentives for participants. The Gold Award carries a prize of up to $10,000, while winners will also enjoy broad exposure and potential commercial opportunities. Exceptional works may be showcased in the competition’s offline exhibitions. Special awards are reserved for Xiaomi Fans, encouraging their participation and celebrating the community’s creative spirit.

Submissions open on September 10, with user voting starting on September 30 and expert reviews scheduled for November. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded in December. Anyone interested in participating can submit their work at: https://zhuti.designer.intl.xiaomi.com/theme-competition-2025/home.

The competition is jointly organized by Xiaomi’s International Internet Business (IIB) Department with Google Gemini. Xiaomi IIB manages a rich international content ecosystem spanning wallpapers, themes, widgets, and more, delivering an outstanding and highly personalized experience for users across more than 100 markets worldwide.

Gemini, an AI assistant from Google, is designed to supercharge creativity and productivity. Users can chat with Gemini for help with writing, planning, learning, and more. Users can also talk things out Live with Gemini to brainstorm ideas, simplify complex topics, and rehearse for important moments with real-time responses.

For both the AI and Photography categories, Xiaomi’s IIB Department is excited to see how users leverage Google Gemini to create stunning imagery through technology.

Google and Gemini are trademarks of Google LLC. Check responses. Setup required. Compatibility and availability varies. 18+.

 

EMBARK NOW:240-HOUR VISA-FREE JOURNEY TO YUNNAN

KUNMING, China, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yunnan Innyo Co., Ltd. recently launched a dedicated website to promote Yunnan’s culture and tourism under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. The new portal — https://www.innyo.com/tourism — brings clear, practical guidance and rich destination content to travelers worldwide.

The site is organized into four main sections to help visitors plan every step of their journey:

Policy Overview: A one-stop resource covering policy interpretation, travel tools, booking guides for attractions, hotels and transportation, payment methods, and other travel services;

Highlights of the Nine Prefectures and Cities: Curated recommendations and must-see experiences;

Immersive Ethnic Culture Tour: Stories, itineraries and cultural insights that spotlight Yunnan’s diverse ethnic groups;

Follow Us: Social feeds and ways to join the conversation on Facebook and other platforms.

Whether you’re arranging transit logistics or exploring Yunnan’s vibrant culture, our site puts essential information and booking tools in one place. Visitors will find policy explanations, practical travel tools, curated itineraries, and booking guidance tailored for a smooth 240-hour stay.

Explore travel options, plan your route, and stay connected at https://www.innyo.com/tourism.

Rice Wasted: 8 Out of 10 People in Hong Kong Say They Leave Rice Unfinished

HONG KONG, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Rice is the daily companion of Hong Kong’s dining tables, but much of it doesn’t get eaten. Marking the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, a new survey by Yindii reveals that 8 in 10 people in Hong Kong admit they can’t finish their rice, with nearly one in ten saying it happens almost every time. On average, each person wastes around a bowl and a half of rice every week.

Across the city, that adds up to more than 11 million bowls of rice wasted every week — over half a billion bowls in a year. Imagine fleets of double-deckers filled floor to ceiling with uneaten rice, driving straight to the landfill.

Why rice goes uneaten

Oversized portions are the main culprit. More than half of respondents said they are served more rice than they need, especially in set meals, while almost half admitted they often order or cook too much. Leftovers don’t always get a second chance: once rice sits in the fridge, many said it becomes dry and unappetising, with more than one in ten throwing it out once the taste changes.

Rice waste also varies by age. Adults aged 45–54 waste about 15% more rice than young people in their twenties, while those over 55 waste the least.

Habits also make a difference

More than a third of people rarely or never pack leftovers when dining out, even when bowls are half-full. At home, while many families reuse rice in soups or fried dishes, some still throw it directly into the bin. And it isn’t just rice — half of people in Hong Kong confessed they also discarded bread or noodles regularly.

The hidden cost of wasted rice

Because Hong Kong (SAR) depends 100% on imported rice, mostly from Thailand and Vietnam, every wasted grain of rice is all the more costly. In 2023 alone, the city spent nearly HK$2 billion on rice imports. Wasting rice means not only food lost, but also money, transport, energy, and resources squandered.

Beyond the economic cost of this waste, there’s also an environmental impact, with precious resources wasted. Every bowl of rice thrown away is 125 litres of water wasted (equivalent to 1 full bathtub).

What’s striking is that awareness doesn’t always lead to action. When asked how they feel about wasting rice, 53% said it makes them uncomfortable, while 23% said they mind and feel guilty. Yet another 24% shrugged it off as “normal.”

“Every week, Hong Kong is wasting millions of bowls of rice that we don’t even grow ourselves,” said Agnes Lee, General Manager of Yindii Hong Kong. “This is a solvable problem. If restaurants serve smaller portions, if diners see packing leftovers as normal, and if families plan meals more carefully, we could dramatically reduce waste.”

Yindii, Asia’s #1 sustainable food app, helps by connecting surplus food from restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets with consumers at a discount — turning what would have been waste into meals that are eaten and enjoyed.

A kitchen tip to save your rice

Leftover rice doesn’t need to end up in the bin. The simplest trick is to freeze it in small portions as soon as it cools. When you want to eat it again, steam it or sprinkle a little water before microwaving — it comes back fluffy, almost as if it were freshly cooked.

Recipe: Golden Rice & Shrimp Fritters

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover cooked rice
  • ½ cup small dried shrimp, soaked and chopped
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 spring onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch (for binding)
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper
  • Oil for frying

Method:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the leftover rice, dried shrimp, spring onions, soy sauce, pepper, and beaten eggs. Add corn starch and mix well until sticky.
  2. Shape the mixture into small triangular fritters.
  3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Shallow-fry the fritters for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
  4. Drain on kitchen paper and serve hot with crispy garlic or a dash of oyster sauce.

These fritters are crispy outside, fluffy inside, and bursting with the savoury umami of dried shrimp — giving leftover rice a new life in a way that feels familiar but not too “everyday”.

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is observed globally every year on 29 September, reminding us that saving food is not just a household choice but a collective responsibility.

China proposes cyber cooperation plan at Sino-Africa internet forum

XIAMEN, China, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from CCTV.com: The China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum opened on Sunday in Xiamen City, east China’s Fujian Province, with China unveiling an action plan to build a shared cyberspace community and launching a network for Chinese internet companies operating in Africa.

The initiative, titled “Plan of Actions on Jointly Building a China-Africa Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace (2025-2026),” was announced during the forum’s opening. China also pledged to continue hosting training programs on cybersecurity and the digital economy.

The event featured sub-forums focused on bridging the digital divide, artificial intelligence development and governance, cybersecurity and data governance, and media cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Some 400 representatives from governments, universities, think tanks and news media across China and 32 African countries attended the forum.

African participants praised the initiative, describing the forum as aligned with Africa’s digital transformation needs. They expressed the hope to deepen cooperation with China in the digital economy, cybersecurity, data protection, AI governance and media exchanges.

The forum was co-hosted by the Cyberspace Administration of China and the Fujian provincial government.