Home Blog Page 2266

Japanese Innovation Comes to Thailand: Revolutionary Myopia Management Device Kubota Glass Debuts at ASEAN International Optics Fair Bangkok 2025

TOKYO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Leading Japanese pharmaceutical company Kubota Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. will introduce Thailand to its groundbreaking myopia management device, Kubota Glass, at Bangkok.


Addressing Thailand’s Growing Myopia Crisis

Thailand is facing a growing myopia challenge, with studies reporting that over 60%* of young adults are already myopic—among the highest rates observed in Southeast Asia. This pattern reflects the wider regional concern, where nearly half of the world’s population is projected to be myopic by 2050.

“Thai families are increasingly concerned about their children’s vision health, especially with increased screen time from online learning,” said a company spokesperson. “Kubota Glass represents a breakthrough solution that could transform how Thai eye care professionals address childhood myopia.”

Revolutionary Japanese AR Technology

Kubota Glass employs proprietary AR X optical technology developed in Japan, which projects actively stimulated defocus onto the retina to suppress myopia progression. The device requires only two hours of daily wear, making it highly practical for Thai children’s busy schedules while maintaining rigorous safety standards in compliance with ISO 15004-2 for ophthalmic instruments.

Strong Early Clinical Results

Small-scale pilot studies in the United States and Taiwan have shown encouraging preliminary results, including a high responder rate of up to 92%, with ongoing research continuing to evaluate the device’s long-term efficacy and safety profile.

Key Features for Thai Market

  • Ultra-lightweight design at just 40g for comfortable daily use
  • Smart monitoring capabilities to track usage and treatment compliance
  • Non-invasive approach offering an alternative to daily eye drops
  • ISO 15004-2 certified safety standards for ophthalmic instruments
  • Convenient 2-hour daily wear fitting busy family schedules

Major Opportunity for Thai Eye Care Industry

The Bangkok exhibition will give Thai ophthalmologists, optical shop owners, and optometrists exclusive access to experience this cutting-edge technology firsthand. Early adoption of Kubota Glass represents not only a solution to meet growing patient needs, but also a significant competitive advantage for eye care professionals in Thailand’s rapidly growing optical and ophthalmic markets.

The company is committed to accelerating its expansion throughout Asia through strategic partnerships and comprehensive practitioner support.

Is there an impending epidemic of myopia in Southeast Asia? An appraisal of the evidence
Journal: Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology (2024, in press on ScienceDirect)

Building Partnerships Across Thailand

Kubota is exploring opportunities to establish partnerships with Thai optical chains, eye hospitals, and independent practitioners as part of their regional expansion strategy.

About Kubota Pharmaceutical Holdings

Founded in Japan, Kubota Pharmaceutical Holdings and its subsidiary Kubota Vision Inc. specialize in innovative vision care solutions. Under their mission “Innovation for Vision,” the company develops next-generation ophthalmic technologies to improve quality of life worldwide. Thailand represents a key strategic market in their Asian expansion.

Exhibition Details

Event: World Optical Fair Bangkok 2025
Dates: October 9-11, 2025
Venue: IMPACT Exhibition Center, Bangkok
Booth: 6C057

Thai media and eye care professionals are invited for exclusive demonstrations and interviews. 

Colebrook Bosson Saunders Celebrates 35 Years of Human-Centric Design

HONG KONG, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS), the leader in workplace ergonomics, is marking its 35th anniversary with the release of its Brand Story eBook titled ‘The Birth of Workplace Ergonomics for Well-Being‘ and the accompanying brand video. As technology continues to change the way people work, the eBook and video underscore the brand’s lasting role as a bridge between people and technology, its expertise in human-centric design, and its journey to shaping workplace ergonomics worldwide.

Download the eBook: https://www.colebrookbossonsaunders.com/pages/the-brand-story-ebook?srsltid=AfmBOoovOcb_N589QKzEm-uKwcepFqNlofyhAfvfIGDvWRtsbwRyNixa 

Watch the brand video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUmLtLCLMRE

The London CBS Headquarters – the birthplace of the brand's earliest human-centric designs and continuing to showcase the forefront of workplace ergonomics to this day.
The London CBS Headquarters – the birthplace of the brand’s earliest human-centric designs and continuing to showcase the forefront of workplace ergonomics to this day.

Designing for the evolving workplace

“New technologies like evolving interfaces and AI are rapidly changing how people work, but more than ever people are seeking ways to improve technology’s impact on long-term well-being. CBS has always been right in the middle, brokering the relationship between people and technology. As workplace dynamics and technology continue to evolve, CBS’s brand story demonstrates the timeless concept of design for continuous well-being. Ergonomics is about helping employees stay healthy, focused, and resilient no matter how much the workplace changes,” commented Cecil Huang, Senior Marketing Manager – APAC Middle East & Africa at Colebrook Bosson Saunders.

This focus has guided CBS since its founding in 1990, when the company first responded to the strain and discomfort employees were experiencing from technology use in offices. Its early breakthrough, Gemini, became the world’s first articulating monitor support, setting a precedent for ergonomic innovation. In the 1990s, the Wishbone monitor arm supported industries transitioning from cathode-ray tube to flat-panel monitors, opening new possibilities for sectors such as financial services. Most recently, CBS relaunched the award-winning Flo monitor arm to accommodate today’s larger and curved screens.

Designing for people and the planet

Known for human-centric designs, CBS helps companies unleash the benefits of greater ergonomics in workspaces. For employees, improved ergonomics leads to greater comfort and long-term musculoskeletal health while supporting posture for reduced strain and fatigue.

To explore holistically creating human-centric workplaces, CBS will host a free online webinar Designing Neuroinclusive Spaces: A Webinar with Kay Sargent, from the leading global design and architecture firm HOK.

For additional information and to sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/designing-neuroinclusive-spaces-a-webinar-with-kay-sargent-tickets-1549379829779

Date and Time: October 21, APAC and MEA Session – 15:00 HKT-SGT-CST / 16:00 JST / 12:30 IST / 11:00 GST / 09:00 SAST / 15:00 AWST / 17:00 AEST

Alongside its focus on people, CBS integrates environmental responsibility into its designs and operations. Key commitments include reducing the environmental impacts of products, achieving net zero by 2050 and transitioning to 100% plastic-free packaging by 2027.

About Colebrook Bosson Saunders

Established in 1990 and part of the MillerKnoll collective since 2022, Colebrook Bosson Saunders focuses on seamlessly connecting people with technology, driven by its core values: to innovate, connect, and create.

For more information, please visit: https://www.colebrookbossonsaunders.com/

Media Contact
Cecil Huang
Senior Marketing Manager – APAC, Middle East & Africa
Cecil.huang@cbsproducts.co.uk

Revolutionary Myopia Management Technology Expands Across Asia — Kubota Glass Makes Global Debut at ASEAN International Optics Fair Bangkok 2025

TOKYO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kubota Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. (TSE: 4596) today announced that its groundbreaking myopia management device, Kubota Glass, will make its international debut at ASEAN International Optics Fair Bangkok 2025, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 9-11, 2025.

Addressing Asia’s Myopia Crisis

With half of the world’s population projected to become myopic by 2050, childhood myopia progression has emerged as a critical public health challenge, particularly across Asia where prevalence rates are among the highest globally. Current treatment options remain limited, creating an urgent need for innovative, effective solutions.

Breakthrough AR × Optical Technology

Kubota Glass represents a paradigm shift in myopia management through its proprietary AR × optical technology, which projects actively stimulated defocus onto the retina to suppress myopia progression. The device is engineered for maximum convenience and compliance, requiring only two hours of daily wear while maintaining rigorous safety standards in full compliance with ISO regulations.

“This technology has the potential to transform how we approach myopia management globally,” said Dr. Ryo Kubota, President and CEO of Kubota Pharmaceutical Holdings. “Our pilot studies have demonstrated remarkable outcome, and we’re excited to bring this innovation to the Asian market where the need is most acute.”

Innovative Design Features

Kubota Glass incorporates several breakthrough features that set it apart in the myopia management landscape:

  • Ultra-lightweight design at just 40g for comfortable daily use
  • Smart monitoring capabilities to track usage and treatment compliance
  • Non-invasive approach offering an alternative to daily eye drops
  • ISO 15004-2 certified safety standards for ophthalmic instruments
  • Convenient 2-hour daily wear fitting busy family schedules

Small-scale pilot studies in the United States and Taiwan have shown encouraging preliminary results, including a high responder rate of up to 92%, with ongoing research continuing to evaluate the device’s long-term efficacy and safety profile.

Strategic Asian Market Entry

The Bangkok exhibition will provide ophthalmologists, optical retailers, and optometrists from across ASEAN—including Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia—with exclusive hands-on experience with Kubota Glass technology.

Early adoption of Kubota Glass represents not only a solution to meet growing patient needs, but also a significant competitive advantage for eye care professionals in rapidly growing optical and ophthalmic markets.

The company is committed to accelerating its expansion throughout Asia through strategic partnerships and comprehensive practitioner support.

About Kubota Pharmaceutical Holdings

Kubota Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary, Kubota Vision Inc., are dedicated to translating innovation into a comprehensive portfolio of pharmaceutical and medical device solutions that preserve and restore vision for millions worldwide. Under the mission of “Innovation for Vision,” the company focuses on developing next-generation ophthalmic technologies, including advanced myopia management solutions, contributing to improved quality of life globally.

For more information about Kubota Glass and the company’s vision care portfolio, visit www.kubotaholdings.co.jp/en/index.html

 

Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025 Returns to Singapore to Drive Growth Through Technology and Finance

Asia’s leading accounting, finance, and business technology event will bring together 4,000+ professionals, 130+ solution providers, and 100+ speakers.

SINGAPORE, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025 will take place on October 22-23, 2025 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore, bringing together more than 4,000 accountants, finance leaders, and business decision-makers from across Asia.

Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025 Returns to Singapore to Drive Growth Through Technology and Finance
Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025 Returns to Singapore to Drive Growth Through Technology and Finance

Now in its 8th edition, the show has become the region’s most influential platform for technology adoption and business strategy. The 2025 program will feature:

  • 130+ solution providers showcasing innovations in accounting, finance, HR, payroll, payments, digital banking, e-commerce, and cross-border growth.
  • 180+ expert speakers, including Violet Lim, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Lunch Actually Group, Lip Kiam Tan, Partner, Assurance & Advisory, Moore Singapore, Monica Divik Agarwal, Group Head of People & Talent, MoneyHero Group, Carmen Wee, Board Member, Workforce Singapore, Mason Tay, Director of Global Markets Growth, TripAdvisor and Shivajini Seelan, Managing Partner, JS Partners
  • New ‘People’ and ‘Customer & Commerce’ stages for SME leaders, with sessions on employee engagement and retention, cross-border expansion, sales enablement, and sustainable success.
  • The Start-up Pavilion, highlighting the next generation of accounting, fintech, and business technology innovators.

Asia’s businesses face rising costs, digital disruption, and increasing global competition. The Accounting & Business Show Asia provides the solutions and strategies leaders need to stay ahead,” said Laura Binns, General Manager at Terrapinn.

The event is free to attend, with registration now open. Attendees will gain access to all sessions, earn CPD credits, and network with peers shaping the future of business in Asia.

Event Details
October 22-23, 2025
Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore
Register Free: https://www.terrapinn.com/ABShowAsia2025event 

PR Newswire is the official news distribution partner of Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025.

About Terrapinn

Terrapinn is a global events company that brings together decision-makers, innovators, and leaders across industries to share ideas, forge partnerships, and drive growth. With a track record of delivering world-class exhibitions and conferences, Terrapinn empowers professionals to connect and discover the future of their industries.

Media Contact:
Jessica Foong
Terrapinn Holdings Ltd.
Email: jessica.foong@terrapinn.com 

K-Diamonds and KPOP DAO Unite to Launch the World’s First Immersive Web3 Fandom Ecosystem for Global K-Culture

SARASOTA, Fla., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Official KPOP LLC (“K-Diamonds”), a Delaware limited liability company, today announced a landmark agreement with KPOP DAO LLC ($KPOP), a Wyoming-registered decentralized autonomous organization, to create the world’s first immersive web3 fandom ecosystem dedicated to K-pop and Korean culture.

The new ecosystem will introduce web3-native fan missions, token-gated experiences for $KPOP token holders, and immersive cultural events that reward active participation with exclusive access, recognition, and digital collectibles—all designed to elevate fan voices and unite millions of fans worldwide. By blending blockchain innovation with fan engagement, K-Diamonds will transform the way global communities celebrate K-culture, ushering in a new era of participatory fandom.

“K-Diamonds is about aligning passion with purpose—empowering fans to participate, contribute, and be recognized,” said TJ Marbois, Co-founder and CEO of K-Diamonds. “Together, we’re not just reimagining fandom engagement; we’re shaping a cultural movement.”

At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to redefine the relationship between fans, artists, and culture itself, transforming fandom into a more interactive, rewarding, and community-governed experience. Fans will gain a direct voice in shaping campaigns, co-creating experiences, and celebrating cultural narratives they cherish—powered by decentralized decision-making and transparent governance.

Why Now: Global demand for K-culture is exploding, with K-pop driving billions of streams, sold-out world tours, and unmatched fan engagement across social platforms. At the same time, Web3 adoption is reshaping how communities connect, collaborate, and create value. By combining these forces, K-Diamonds and KPOP DAO are seizing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine fandom—transforming passive audiences into active participants and recognized contributors in the cultural economy.

“In the coming weeks, we will finalize the scope of this collaboration, invite additional strategic partners, and advance our discussions with leading web3 tech companies, global K-artists, K-influencers, and cultural innovators. Together, these partnerships will accelerate our ability to bring this vision to life,” stated Justin Lee, Co-founder & Chief Strategist.

About Official KPOP LLC (“K-Diamonds”) Official KPOP LLC, branded as K-Diamonds, is a Delaware-based company dedicated to building an immersive Web3 utility ecosystem that empowers K-pop fans worldwide through token-enabled experiences, participatory campaigns, and cultural engagement.

About KPOP DAO LLC ($KPOP) KPOP DAO LLC is a Wyoming-registered decentralized autonomous organization structured to govern, fund, and advance community-driven initiatives across the global K-pop and Korean culture ecosystem.

Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements regarding the development of the K-Diamonds and KPOP DAO ecosystem. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including market conditions, regulatory developments, technological challenges, and the ability to form strategic partnerships. Neither KPOP DAO LLC nor Official KPOP LLC undertakes any obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

Press Contact:
Official KPOP LLC (“K-Diamonds”)
Email: media@kdiamonds.io

KPOP DAO ($KPOP)
Email: team@officialkpop.com

 

Budget Direct: Pets found to be ‘Millennials’ best friend’ with the generation depending more on their pets than any other

BRISBANE, Australia, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — More than 50% of millennial Aussies have a pet for mental health reasons or as a support animal, a new survey has revealed. Rather than being a man’s best friend, pets it seems are these days, millenials’ best friends.

A poll of 1000 Australians from leading pet insurer Budget Direct found more than 71% of millennials (28-37 year olds) said they got their pet for companionship, while close to 40% said they got their pet solely to help improve their mental health.

With millennials seen as being more open about mental health issues and normalising therapy, it’s no wonder they are the generation that depends on their pets the most.

“Like many pet owners, it’s clear that millennials consider their pets as part of their family. But the fact that almost 15% acquired their pets solely to be their support animal shows how emotionally important they are to this group,” a Budget Direct spokesperson said.

“We share such a special bond with our dogs and cats and this really shows just how much we value companionship. Whether it’s social quality play time with the pet or taking them on walks in the park or beach, there’s no doubt about the happiness and contentment our furry friends provide.” 

When delving deeper into the survey, nearly 30% of cat owners were more likely to acquire their pets for mental health reasons compared to 25% of dog owners. But when it comes to pet ownership, more than 60% of Aussies own a dog, compared to 31% who own a cat.

Support animals offer emotional stability to those with conditions like anxiety or depression and their companionship is key to their support rather than having undergone specific training.

Any pet can improve quality of life and provide emotional support, regardless of where they come from–pedigree or rescue pets.

Nearly 30% of respondents said they acquired their oldest or only pet from a shelter, with 19% of those surveyed being gifted their pet.

For the full breakdown and further insights from the Budget Direct Australian Pet Survey visit here.

MEDIA CONTACTS

For further information about this data, please contact Bella Bradbrook, Communication Assistant at Elevate Communication – bella@elevatecom.com.au

To reach Budget Direct’s media department, please contact, mediaenquiries@bugdetdirect.com.au.

Link request: Please keep all links in this article to direct readers to the most accurate location for more information.

DISCLAIMER

Insurance is arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd (ABN 61 003 617 909, AFSL 241 411, Registered Office: 13/9 Sherwood Rd, Toowong 4066) on behalf of the insurer, Auto & General Insurance Company Limited ABN 42 111 5 86 353.

Chula’s “Smart Salt” Wins Gold for Cutting Sodium Without Losing Flavor

BANGKOK, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — “Smart Salt,” an innovative low-sodium salt developed by Paul Patsapong Chomchey, a Ph.D. candidate at Chulalongkorn University and Executive MBA alumnus, has won a Gold Medal and Special Award at the 2025 Silicon Valley International Invention Festival. Using Nano Chitosan technology, Smart Salt cuts sodium by more than half while preserving full flavor, offering a breakthrough solution to the global health challenge of excessive salt consumption. 

Chula’s “Smart Salt” Wins Gold for Cutting Sodium Without Losing Flavor
Chula’s “Smart Salt” Wins Gold for Cutting Sodium Without Losing Flavor

Paul Patsapong Chomchey, a graduate of Chulalongkorn University’s Executive MBA Program, Class 37, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, has won both a Gold Medal and a Special Award at the 2025 Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF) for his innovation “Smart Salt. “The event was held from August 8–10 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in California. 

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Technology and Innovation Management for Entrepreneurs (CUTIP program) at Chulalongkorn University, Paul’s invention was selected by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) as one of the country’s standout innovations for global competition. 

A Prestigious Global Stage 

The SVIIF 2025, certified by the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA), featured over 300 innovations from 75 countries, including Thailand, the United States, Germany, China, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Greece, and New Zealand. The event is an international platform that brings together top inventors and innovators worldwide to showcase inventions, research, and innovations, exchange knowledge; build networks; foster creative ideas; and commercialize new developments. 

Paul noted that SVIIF is not just a showcase but a rigorous competition where participants present their work before panels of experts in science, medicine, business, and technology, as well as investors and the public. Judging focuses on novelty, real-world application, social and health benefits, and commercial potential. 

What is “Smart Salt”? 

“Smart Salt” was developed to tackle the global problem of excessive sodium intake. While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily sodium limit of 2,000 mg, most people consume 5,000–6,000 mg—nearly triple the guideline. This imbalance is linked to more than 2.5 million deaths annually from sodium-related diseases. 

Existing alternatives, such as potassium chloride, often compromise taste or raise health concerns. Paul’s solution, “Smart Salt,” uses Nano Chitosan—extracted from shrimp, shellfish, and crab shells—combined in small amounts with sodium chloride. This formulation reduces sodium content by 50–60% while maintaining a salty taste. Nano Chitosan activates the tongue’s salt receptors, sending signals to the brain similar to traditional salt, effectively “tricking” the body into perceiving the same flavor. 

Tested and Proven 

Over six months of lab research and collaboration with restaurants showed that Smart Salt could seamlessly replace regular salt in dishes and broths—such as Japanese-style shabu soup—without compromising flavor. This breakthrough makes it particularly valuable for patients and older adults who must limit sodium but still wish to enjoy their meals. 

Breaking the “Less Salt, Less Flavor” Mindset 

A key challenge, Paul explained, was consumer perception. Many believe cutting salt automatically means cutting taste, since salt enhances the umami flavor that gives food savory richness. Smart Salt addresses this challenge by delivering full flavor with less sodium—a combination that could have broad applications in restaurants, hospitals, and the global food industry. 

Currently, Smart Salt is being developed into a ready-to-drink shabu broth and a crystal (solid) version expected to launch within a year. The innovation is also undergoing patent registration. 

A Global Health Impact  

“Being selected by the NRCT to represent Thailand at such a prestigious international event was a great honor,” said Paul. 

“Smart Salt stood out among many health-focused innovations at SVIIF 2025 and won both the Gold Medal and Special Award because it addresses a global health crisis—excessive sodium consumption. This innovation is a proud example of how Thai ingenuity can make a positive global impact in medicine, nutrition, and the food industry.” 

Paul Patsapong credited both his Ph.D. program (CUTIP) and his Chula Executive MBA education for giving him the tools to move his innovation forward, particularly in business modeling, strategy, and venture capital. 

Acknowledgments and Advice to Innovators 

Paul expressed his gratitude to his advisors and supporters:

  • Professor Dr. Sanong Ekgasit, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University (Project Advisor) 
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanis Saengchote and the faculty of the Executive MBA program, for their support and guidance. 
  • Chef Danial Dusit Proprasit, owner of the Seoul in One restaurant, and chefs from Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School, who assisted in product testing. 

Finally, Paul offered words of encouragement to aspiring innovators: “You don’t need to start with something big. Begin with something small, close to you, and that you care about. Innovation can come from combining new ideas with technology to improve lives. Take action, study, and think about the impact your idea can have. A small beginning can lead to global opportunities. Thailand needs fresh, creative energy to bring our innovations to the world.” 

Read the full article at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/261904/

About Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University has made the world’s top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and work ability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 211th in the world, up from 244th last year.

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChulalongkornUniversity

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/chulauniversity

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/15101896/

EBANX brings Bre-B, Colombia’s new instant payment system, to global companies from day one

Serving on Colombia’s central bank advisory committee, EBANX has partnered with MOVii to enable Bre-B payments for global businesses in Latin America’s third-largest digital market

BOGOTA, Colombia and CURITIBA, Brazil, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following Brazil’s Pix blueprint, Colombia has launched its own instant payment ecosystem called Bre-B with the same core features: interoperability, 24/7 availability, and immediate settlement. As of today (October 6, local time in Colombia), Bre-B begins full-scale operations nationwide, following a pilot phase that began on September 23. Through EBANX, a global technology company specializing in cross-border payment services for emerging markets, global merchants can offer Bre-B to Colombian customers from day one. To facilitate this access, the fintech has partnered with MOVii, Latin America’s first Banktech, which provides a complete issuing and acquiring payment infrastructure for individuals and businesses. 

Bre-B Enables Instant Payments for Over 70% of Colombian Adults
Bre-B Enables Instant Payments for Over 70% of Colombian Adults

More than 30 million people have already registered to use Bre-B, according to Colombia’s central bank, representing 76% of the country’s adult population. At the same time, only 18% have access to credit cards, according to the latest report from the institution. World Bank data shows that Colombia has one of the lowest credit card penetration rates in Latin America. This figure has remained stable since 2022, while the share of Colombians making electronic transfers continues to grow, highlighting a shift in preference toward alternative payment methods for online shopping.

“Bre-B is a game-changer for Colombia’s digital economy, just like Pix was for Brazil. That is why bringing it to our platform from day one was so important to us. We want Colombian consumers and businesses to be part of this transformation right from the start,” said Eduardo de Abreu, VP of Product at EBANX. “Colombians can shop with global brands using the same instant, secure payment method they use locally. It is about bringing world-class e-commerce right at their fingertips without any barriers,” added Katherine Roa, CCO at MOVii.

Colombia’s digital economy has been growing at double-digit rates since 2019 and is set to surpass USD 52 billion in 2025, ranking third in Latin America after Brazil and Mexico, according to Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI) data sourced by EBANX. As Pix has done in Brazil, Bre-B’s instant payment features are poised to fuel this momentum by streamlining transactions for both consumers and businesses, potentially driving the digital market to USD 73 billion by 2028.

Breaking down Bre-B: similarities and differences to Pix

EBANX was one of only two fintechs invited by the central bank of Colombia to sit on the Interdisciplinary Committee for Interoperable Payments that advised local authorities on building Bre-B. This collaboration led to features inspired by nearly five years of lessons from Brazil’s Pix rollout, such as QR code payments, user identification through keys (like ID, phone number, and email), mandatory interoperability for instant transfers, and time-based transaction limits to prevent fraud.

“We process more real-time payments in Brazil than almost anyone else and handle transactions for 20% of all Pix users. Being able to share that experience and know-how with Colombian regulators and help them sidestep some of the bumps we hit early on with Pix was really rewarding,” Eduardo de Abreu emphasized.

But Bre-B is not a copy of Pix. While Brazil built a single rail between financial institutions to make its payment system interoperable, Colombia developed a new ecosystem on top of existing infrastructure. Bre-B bridges established account transfer services that could not connect before, like Transfiya and EntreCuentas, with new solutions like Credibanco and Visionamos. It was also designed to welcome new integrations down the road.

Single connection

Through its partnership with MOVii, EBANX enables global companies to integrate with Bre-B through a single connection. This is made possible by the MOVii Smart Router, a solution that provides access to all of Bre-B’s nodes and intelligently routes transactions based on usage models and fees. This technology selects the most efficient path to optimize operations, making MOVii the first “sponsor bank” to connect to all of Bre-B’s nodes.

“The central bank’s biggest challenge was ensuring standardized and universal operation across different systems. They solved it by providing and managing two core technological components: a centralized directory (DICE) that maps all users and an Operational Settlement Mechanism (MOL) that moves funds instantly between financial entities’ accounts at the central bank, eliminating interbank credit risk and delays,” Abreu explained.

Another important difference between Bre-B and Pix is what is available right out of the gate. For now, the Colombian ecosystem only handles person-to-person transfers (P2P) and consumer-to-merchant payments (P2M). Future plans include bringing government entities into the mix, which would allow people to pay taxes and for public services (P2G), plus enable government subsidy disbursements (G2P). Features like recurring payments for subscription-based services and bulk transfers for payroll and high-volume payouts are also in the pipeline.

Financial inclusion: how Bre-B will digitize Colombia’s economy

Beyond driving interoperability, efficiency, and security, Bre-B will be a key element in accelerating Colombia’s financial inclusion as it is connected to Cajas de Compensación Familiar (Family Compensation Funds, in English), institutions that provide social benefits, subsidies, and services to 42% of Colombia’s population.

“Many of these people had to withdraw cash from ATMs to buy things because they were traditionally excluded from the financial system. Now they have a digital payment option that lets them shop online, pay for services, and tap into the digital economy in ways that were not possible before,” stated Hernando Rubio, MOVii CEO.

Bre-B had already issued over 80 million payment keys, averaging nearly three per customer. “This shows the country’s appetite for a modern, inclusive payment solution. People are ready for change and hungry for better financial tools,” said Eduardo de Abreu.

ABOUT EBANX

EBANX is the leading payments platform connecting global businesses to the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. Founded in 2012 in Brazil, EBANX was built with a mission to expand access to international digital commerce. Leveraging proprietary technology, deep market expertise, and robust infrastructure, EBANX enables global companies to offer hundreds of local payment methods across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. More than just payments, EBANX drives growth, enhances sales, and delivers seamless purchase experiences for businesses and end-users alike.

For further information, please visit:

Website: https://www.ebanx.com/en/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebanx

ABOUT MOVii

MOVii is a Banktech that provides a complete issuing and acquiring payment infrastructure for Latin America. The company provides a portfolio of over 20 solutions—including acquiring, pay-in/pay-out, card issuing, digital wallets, cross-border payments, and BIN sponsorship—all supported by its proprietary regulatory licenses and robust cloud-based technology. MOVii drives a new generation of payment infrastructure to enable open and inclusive banking. Its mission is to empower any individual or business to digitally pay and get paid through a single API connection, regardless of social or economic status.

Website: https://www.empresas.movii.com.co/
LinkedIn: https://co.linkedin.com/company/movii

Media Contact:
Shan Huang
shan.huang@ahgstrategies.com