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Registration, Licensing Required for Sound System Use During That Luang Festival

The Department of Culture and Tourism of Vientiane Capital has announced that all individuals, businesses, and organizations planning to use loudspeakers or sound systems during the That Luang Festival and Trade Fair 2025 must register and obtain the required licenses by 30 October.

According to the department, anyone wishing to use sound systems, organize concerts or cultural performances, or display advertisements during the festival must first receive official approval. 

The registration process aims to ensure that all activities comply with festival regulations and contribute to maintaining order, safety, and respect for the cultural and religious significance of the event.

A representative from the tourism department explained that the That Luang Festival is one of the most sacred and important celebrations in Laos, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Proper registration and licensing will help ensure that entertainment and promotional activities are managed responsibly, without disturbing the festival’s atmosphere.

The Department of Culture and Tourism has invited both domestic and international participants to submit their applications as soon as possible. The office has also confirmed that staff are available to assist anyone seeking information or support with the registration process.

Heightened Security at That Luang Festival

Meanwhile, Vientiane authorities have announced the deployment of more than 2,000 police officers to safeguard the festival and maintain public order during the celebrations, which will take place from 1 to 5 November at That Luang and the Lao-ITECC Exhibition Center.

According to the Subcommittee on Security, a total of 2,015 officers will be stationed throughout key areas of the city. Some officers will be positioned at the main festival sites, while others will handle traffic management and monitor major intersections, checkpoints, and police stations to ensure the smooth movement of people and vehicles across the capital.

Police have urged residents and visitors to follow all festival regulations, keep personal belongings safe, and park only in designated areas. 

They also advised the public to take precautions at home by checking electrical systems, avoiding large sums of cash, and labeling children’s bags with contact details.

The use of weapons, fireworks, sky lanterns, and drones without prior permission is strictly prohibited. 

Officials said these measures are part of a coordinated effort to protect the public and preserve the festive yet respectful spirit of the celebrations.

China Daren Group Limited Announces Strategic Foray into Computing Power Industry

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — China Daren Group Limited (“Daren”), a subsidiary of MBV International Limited (01957.HK), announced that it will actively transform towards the advanced technology industry, striving to build the company into a high-quality high-tech enterprise with obvious core business advantages and outstanding profitability. The company is targeting the continuously exploding global computing power industry, actively exploring the computing power industry, and making it the company’s core business in the future.

Daren is a Hong Kong company, and its geographical advantage makes it a key hub connecting mainland China business and international markets. Currently, the company is in talks with multiple partner companies to accelerate the development of its computing power business.

Daren will operate its computing power business according to the following business models starting from December:

  1. AI Computing Centers — Targeting enterprises and institutions with sustained high demand for computing power, Daren will collaborate with investors to develop and operate AI computing centers. These centers will provide long-term computing services, balancing investor returns with reliable computational supply.
    Services include full-stack solutions for large-scale model training, model development, fine-tuning, inference, and the implementation of generative AI applications. The company will also engage ecosystem partners and clients to foster a collaborative AI computing community.
  2. AI Models — Daren will deliver customized multi-modal enterprise AI assistants by integrating large AI models with clients’ internal data and industry-specific datasets. These tailored solutions are designed for organizations with clear application scenarios seeking intelligent upgrades.
  3. Managed Services — For existing AI computing center clients, Daren will offer manufacturer-grade maintenance and operational support. The services aim to reduce total cost of ownership, enhance operational efficiency, and maximize the value of computing infrastructure.

Actively expanding into the computing power industry demonstrates Daren’s determination to practice its global strategy. In the future, Daren will continuously connect with partners to establish an AI computing power industry service ecosystem and jointly launch the most cutting-edge AI intelligent solutions with global partners.

China Brings Connected Vehicles to Life in Shanghai: Advancing C-V2X Deployment including 5G-Advanced

SHANGHAI, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In Jiading, Shanghai, the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) and Shanghai International Automobile City (SIAC) co-hosted the “C-V2X Implementation in China and International Cooperation” Conference. The full-day event brought together global experts for high-level strategic discussions and live demonstrations, highlighting China’s rapid progress in C-V2X innovation while fostering dialogue across the international connected mobility ecosystem and showcasing the capabilities powered by 5G-Advanced (5G-A)

“The Shanghai conference and demonstrations highlighted China’s proactive role in advancing C-V2X technologies. It is particularly significant as it showcases leadership and innovation that drive progress across the entire global ecosystem,” said 5GAA Director General Christof Schmidt.

Attendees witnessed live demonstrations of cutting-edge C-V2X technologies. China IMT-2020(5G)Promotion Group C-V2X Working Group and SIAC presented the “Four Layers Demonstrations”, which included scenarios such as sudden cut-outs by preceding vehicles, work-zone alerts, and connected-assisted driving. These tests highlighted how advanced onboard units can receive real-time data from multiple vehicles ahead, enabling rapid adjustments and improving safety. Additionally, demonstrations also showcased how C-V2X enhances vehicle awareness under challenging weather conditions.

In parallel, SIAC, AUMOVIO and China Unicom showcased C-V2X vehicle networking applications based on 5G-A network. Leveraging the 5G-A network, cross-operator real-time sensor information sharing between vehicles and on-demand information distribution between vehicles and infrastructure are achieved. The system supports typical application scenarios such as front-object detection, blind spot communication, and emergency collaboration. With end-to-end latency below 30ms, it meets the stringent low latency and high reliability requirements of C-V2X applications.

“We are honoured to co-host this international forum with 5GAA,” said Gang Chen, Chairman of Shanghai International Automobile City. “As China’s first national pilot zone for intelligent and connected vehicles, SIAC is actively contributing China’s practical experience and fostering global industrial synergy through our deep involvement in prestigious international organisations such as 5GAA and VDA. We are committed to building an open, integrated, and globally influential industrial ecosystem, accelerating the alignment and mutual recognition of Chinese solutions with international standards, and sharing ‘China’s Wisdom’ and the ‘Shanghai Model’ with the world. We look forward to joining hands with global partners in pioneering a new chapter for intelligent and connected mobility,” he said.

Full press releases available here.

Myanmar Scam Center Raid Sends Hundreds Fleeing to Thailand

Myanmar Scam Center Raid Sends Hundreds Fleeing to Thailand
This screengrab from Thai PBS video footage taken on October 22, 2025 and received by AFPTV on October 23, 2025 shows Thai soldiers keeping watch as people, believed to have crossed over to Thailand from Myanmar after escaping from scam centres, board a vehicle in Mae Sot. (photo credit: AFP PHOTO / THAI PBS VIA AFPTV)

More than 600 people fled one of Myanmar’s most notorious scam centers and crossed into Thailand, a Thai provincial official told AFP on 24 October, after a military raid on the compound.

Apical Awarded ESGBusiness Award for Sustainable Supply Chain Partnership

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 October 2025 – Apical was awarded the Sustainable Supply Chain Partnership Award – Singapore at the ESGBusiness Awards 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The honour recognises Apical’s leadership in building a responsible, deforestation-free palm oil sourcing model that supports inclusive growth across its value chain.

The award highlights Apical2030, the company’s long-term sustainability strategy, built on four pillars: Transformative Partnerships, Climate Action, Green Innovation, and Inclusive Progress. Guided by Apical’s “5Cs” philosophy of doing good for the Community, Country, Climate, Customer, and Company, the strategy aligns with nine United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“This award underscores Apical’s commitment to a fully traceable, responsible supply chain that delivers shared value for our partners and the communities where we operate,” said Tor Mooi See, Head of Sustainability at Apical. “Guided by our Apical2030, we work closely with our suppliers and industry stakeholders to advance lasting, deforestation-free growth.”

The ESGBusiness Awards celebrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) excellence across Asia. Winners are evaluated on three key criteria:

  • Innovation – how a project introduces new ideas or technology
  • Impact – the measurable environmental and social benefits achieved
  • Dynamism – the ability to adjust to changing conditions and inspire replication

Apical impressed judges on all three fronts. The company requires every supplier to follow its Sustainability, Human Rights, and Sourcing policies, which are regularly updated to meet evolving best practices. Through its A-SIMPLE risk-assessment process, Apical identifies environmental, social, and legal risks and works directly with suppliers to resolve them.

To strengthen compliance with traceability and its No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) requirements, Apical runs key initiatives such as the Mill Prioritisation Programme, Priority Supplier Engagement Programme, and Traceability Outreach Programme. It also co-developed the NDPE Implementation Reporting Framework, which is now widely adopted across the industry to improve monitoring and accountability.

Beyond its own operations, Apical partners with leading certification bodies and industry groups to advance sector-wide sustainability standards. These include the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), and the Palm Oil Collaboration Group (POCG).

Apical also invests in smallholder empowerment. Its SMILE programme – created with Kao Corporation and Asian Agri – supports 5,000 independent smallholders in North Sumatra, Riau, and Jambi with training in sustainable farming and reduced herbicide use. Meanwhile, Sustainable Living Village initiatives in Aceh Singkil and East Kutai promote alternative livelihoods such as honey and cacao cultivation alongside forest conservation.

“While Apical welcomes this recognition, our commitment to sustainability is driven foremost by a pursuit of continuous improvement. We view external awards not as endpoints, but as affirmation of progress, motivating us to further strengthen policies and practices across the supply chain to meet rising environmental and social expectations,” said Tor.
Hashtag: #RGE #Apical #Apical2030 #AsianAgri #Sustainability #SupplyChain #ESG #HumanRights #Smallholders #NDPE

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

About Apical

Apical is a leading vegetable oil processor with an expanding global footprint. Our vertically integrated mid-stream refining and value-added downstream processing makes us an integral supplier that supports the needs of various industries namely food, feed, oleochemicals and renewable fuel, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) which enables a great reduction of CO2 emissions.

With integrated assets in strategic locations spanning Indonesia, China and Spain, Apical operates numerous refineries, oleochemical plants, renewable fuel plants and kernel crushing plants. Through joint ventures and strategic partnerships, Apical also has processing and distribution operations in Brazil, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Middle East, Africa, USA and Vietnam.

Apical’s growth is built on the foundations of sustainability and transparency, and motivated by our strong belief that we can contribute to a circular economy for a more meaningful impact, even as we continue to grow our business and deliver innovative solutions to our customers.

KW Cosmetic Launches “Centella Rescue Spot Ampoule” — Strengthening Its Derma Line for Problem Skin

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — K-beauty brand SkinGuhari, operated by KW Cosmetic, has officially launched its new product, the “Centella Rescue Spot Ampoule,” while renewing its flagship “Revive Therapy” skincare line.

Guided by the brand philosophy “The beginning of salvation toward perfect skin,” SkinGuhari focuses on developing low-irritation formulas designed for acne-prone, sensitive, and atopic skin.

The new Centella Rescue Spot Ampoule contains Centella Asiatica extract, Campanula callus extract, and a 3GF complex (EGF, IGF-1, bFGF), offering intensive soothing, regeneration, and scar-improving benefits.

Meanwhile, the renewed Revive Therapy line features plant-derived PDRN extracted from Icheon rice, combined with patented ingredients to enhance skin barrier strength, hydration, and calming effects.

KW Cosmetic has secured official product approvals in Japan and Vietnam, and is expanding its global presence through participation in major beauty exhibitions and live commerce platforms such as Naver Shopping Live, Grip, and Shopee Live.

A KW Cosmetic spokesperson said, “Our goal is to become a genuine solution brand that helps people struggling with skin concerns by restoring the skin’s natural strength and balance.”

STWO Launches New Functional Cosmeceutical and Health Supplement Lines — “Democratizing Professional Quality”

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Innovative beauty and wellness company STWO Co., Ltd. has announced a major brand renewal and product expansion, unveiling new lines of functional cosmeceuticals and premium health supplements. With these launches, STWO aims to make “professional-grade quality” accessible to everyday consumers through high-performance products at reasonable prices.

More than just a beauty brand, STWO is a comprehensive brand company that oversees research, manufacturing, distribution, and global trade. Guided by its core philosophy of “Essential Value,” the company focuses on developing “Why Needs” products — solutions designed not merely for consumption, but to meaningfully improve consumers’ quality of life.

At the heart of this launch is the “High-Performance” skincare line, specifically formulated for sensitive and troubled skin. The lineup begins with two spicule-based cleansing foams that target skin concerns, followed by mists, serums, ampoules, and modeling masks, completing a seven-product “True Solution” series designed for comprehensive skin care.

In the healthcare category, STWO will introduce a premium probiotic supplement co-developed with Boryung Pharmaceutical, a leader in Korea’s pharmaceutical industry. This product is designed to enhance both inner beauty and gut health, providing a wellness solution tailored to the balanced lifestyle of Asian consumers.

Through this renewal, STWO has broadened accessibility to professional-grade products. Previously available mainly in esthetic clinics and skincare centers, its products will now be offered directly to consumers through a more affordable pricing structure and expanded retail channels.

In several Southeast Asian markets, STWO products have already gained recognition and are even available in select pharmacies, signaling strong momentum for global expansion.

A spokesperson for STWO commented, “This launch marks the beginning of our mission to ‘democratize quality.’ We’re committed to delivering premium care solutions that seamlessly integrate into consumers’ daily routines through customer-driven research and innovation.”

Looking ahead, STWO plans to continue introducing lifestyle-focused solutions that balance premium quality and fair pricing. The company also intends to allocate a portion of its profits to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and product sponsorship programs, helping more consumers experience the benefits of premium skincare and health solutions. Through these efforts, STWO aims to grow as a “Value-Sharing Company” that promotes sustainable well-being across Asia and beyond.

MetaComp and First Digital Sign Strategic Cooperation to Integrate FDUSD into StableX, Advancing Real-World Cross-Border Payments and Compliant Digital Asset Solutions

SINGAPORE, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a significant move to bridge traditional and digital finance, MetaComp Pte Ltd (MetaComp),  a leading licensed cross-border payment and digital assets infrastructure provider headquartered in Singapore and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS),  has entered into a Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation with First Digital Group Limited (First Digital), a Gibraltar-registered company specializing in the issuance of the fiat-backed stablecoin First Digital USD (FDUSD) and trust and custody services. This collaboration aims to accelerate FDUSD adoption for cross-border payments, digital wealth management, and Web3 trading applications.

FDUSD available through MetaComp’s StableX — a programmable FX and cross-border payment infrastructure platform
FDUSD available through MetaComp’s StableX — a programmable FX and cross-border payment infrastructure platform

This partnership reflects the shared vision of both companies to create a seamless, blockchain-powered infrastructure that supports multi-jurisdictional value transfer, expands accessibility across traditional and crypto assets, and drives the real-world use of stablecoins in global commerce for payments and wealth management.

Under this collaboration, MetaComp will integrate FDUSD into its programmable FX and cross-border infrastructure platform, StableX, providing institutional access for over-the-counter (OTC) solution and compliant cross-border payment across key corridors, including Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, and South America. These high-growth regions are seeing increasing demand for blockchain-enabled payment infrastructure for trade, remittances and digital finance. 

This integration will allow clients to convert non-USD fiat currencies to and from FDUSD seamlessly, broadening access for individual and institutional users seeking secure and efficient cross-border fund movements, with compliance as its core.

Beyond payments, the partnership will strengthen compliance efforts around anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) for stablecoin transactions through MetaComp’s VisionX Engine  – an institutional-grade KYC & KYT tool that integrates multiple on-chain Web 3.0 KYT analysis tools with enhanced risk measurement algorithms and leading Web2.0 KYC tools to deliver a secure and reliable Web 2.5 transaction monitoring. It will also collaborate on treasury management and block-chain enabled FX trades with non-USD stablecoins, supported by MetaComp’s affiliated company, Alpha Ladder Finance Pte Ltd.

“This collaboration is a step forward in unleashing the potential of stablecoins in the real economy,” said Tin Pei Ling, Co-President of MetaComp. “By integrating FDUSD into our ecosystem, we are unlocking greater ability to move value across borders faster, more affordably and interoperably, while in compliance with regulatory standards.”

“We are proud to partner with MetaComp to bring FDUSD to life in high-impact markets,” said Vincent Chok, Founder and Group CEO, First Digital. “Our shared goal is to build an inclusive financial bridge that supports real-world payments and asset management for users navigating both traditional and decentralised economies.”

The rollout of FDUSD integration into StableX will begin with corridors across Southeast Asia and Africa, where the partners have strong existing ecosystem, before expanding to additional markets. Both firms remain committed to regulatory engagement, operational integrity, and user-centric innovation in delivering compliant and scalable digital asset solutions for the global market.

About First Digital

First Digital’s mission is to empower financial fluidity in a digital-first world. This is achieved through open finance solutions with a compliance-first, high-transparency approach, enabling the creation of world-class Fintech and Regtech products and services.

FDUSD is a stablecoin redeemable for the US dollar, designed to support diverse trading access, and payment use cases in decentralised finance, extending beyond on-exchange trading to real-world applications.

FDUSD is not intended for use by U.S. individuals or entities. Minting and redemption services are not offered to persons located in the United States or acting on behalf of U.S. persons. To learn more about FDUSD, visit www.firstdigitallabs.com

About MetaComp

MetaComp is a leading licensed cross-border FX and digital assets infrastructure provider headquartered in Singapore and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Payment Services Act 2019. Operating on a P2B2C (platform-to-business/partners-to-clients) model, MetaComp empowers institutions, payment service providers, fintechs, and global enterprises to navigate the evolving cross-border payments and the digital asset economy with confidence.

With a strong emphasis on compliance, security, and institutional-grade infrastructure, MetaComp delivers an end-to-end suite of digital finance solutions — including OTC and exchange trading, fiat payment rails, regulated digital asset custody, and prime brokerage services. MetaComp is a subsidiary of Alpha Ladder Finance Pte. Ltd., a MAS-licensed Capital Markets Services (CMS) licensee and Recognised Market Operator (RMO).

Through its proprietary Client Asset Management Platform (CAMP), MetaComp provides a secure, integrated environment that bridges traditional finance with digital assets.

MetaComp’s latest innovation, StableX, is a next-generation cross-border FX and liquidity routing infrastructure designed to simplify and accelerate global fund flows. Powered by stablecoins and USD, StableX intelligently optimises multi-currency conversions and settlements, enabling faster, more cost-effective, and highly competitive cross-border transactions. As the FX layer within CAMP, StableX combines the programmability of digital assets with the reliability of regulated infrastructure, delivering a scalable, compliant and seamless ecosystem for the future of global finance.

To learn more about MetaComp and its regulated infrastructure and solutions, visit www.mce.sg