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Aura FAT Projects Acquisition Corp Successfully closes US$115m SPAC initial public offering on the Nasdaq as it ramps up investments in Asia

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 19 April 2022 – Aura FAT Projects Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ: AFAR),a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) focused on funding emerging technology start-ups with an acute growth potential in Southeast Asia and Australasia, are pleased to announce the successful close of its initial public offering (“IPO“) of US$100,000,000, consisting of 10,000,000 units priced at US$10.00 per share on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq“). An over allotment option on a further 1,500,000 units for a further US$15,000,000 has been fully exercised. The units have been available for trading under the ticker symbol, “AFARU” since Wednesday 13 April 2022. Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one redeemable warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and warrants are expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “AFAR” and “AFARW”, respectively.

AFAR is a blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination. The Company has an avid interest in new emerging technology companies with an acute growth potential in Southeast Asia and Australasia in sectors such as the Web3, blockchain, cryptocurrency, digital ledger, e-gaming and other new financial technology and services industries.

With operations in Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, Manila and Ho Chi Minh City, AFAR is moving fast in its mission to illuminate the growing innovation in neighbouring countries beyond China. It intends to bridge the start-up funding gap by leveraging on the financial expertise of its co-sponsors, Aura Group and Fat Projects, and a robust ecosystem of quality companies that are ideal for a business combination. Coupled with leadership teams that have extensive experience founding and exiting businesses in Southeast Asia and Australia, AFAR is well-positioned to identify the next generation of technology disruptors and propel their success.

EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC, is acting as the sole book running manager for the IPO. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,500,000 units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments. This offering closed earlier than expected on Monday 18 April 2022, as all the over-allotments have been fully exercised.

Not only will capital from the SPAC listing facilitate strategic mergers and acquisitions with new emerging technology companies, AFAR also intends to target companies that boast a strong executive team with the experience, network and ‘know how’ to accelerate their growth.

Commenting on the offering, Mr David Andrada, Co-Founder of Fat Projects said, “We are extremely excited to be collaborating with Aura Group to launch our second Nasdaq SPAC listing. Collectively, the 2 co-sponsor teams have over 200 years of experience investing in innovative technologies and also boasts a strong track record in identifying quality and reputable companies. We are confident that through our networks, we will be able to identify the right company that aligns with our values for a SPAC business combination.”

Commenting on the IPO, Mr Calvin Ng, Co-Founder of Aura Group commented, “Southeast Asian economies are among some of the fastest growing in the world, with several at the forefront of the digital revolution. This is predominantly why AFAR is honing in its search for a target acquisition in this region. Our SPAC listing allows us to be well positioned to help high potential technology companies who are in need for liquidity and funding to grow.”

About Aura FAT Projects Acquisition Corp

Aura FAT Projects Acquisition Corp, registered in Cayman Islands, is a US$115m SPAC listed on the NASDAQ Global Market. While it will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic region, the Company intends to focus its search on new emerging technology companies with an acute growth potential in Southeast Asia and Australasia in sectors such as the Web 3.0, blockchain, cryptocurrency, digital ledger, e-gaming and other new financial technology and services sectors.

Aura FAT Projects Acquisition Corp brings together co-sponsors Aura Group, a financial services firm providing tailored wealth, funds management and corporate advisory solutions to clients, and Fat Projects, a dynamic team of entrepreneurs and investors with SPAC expertise. Both co-sponsors have significant technology investments, operational, mergers and acquisitions and public company experience, and a compelling track record of value creation.

Aura Group’s and Fat Projects’ vision is to be the regional leader in the SPAC asset class and serialise SPAC ventures by providing growth capital and network access to some of the most promising technology-enabled companies in Asia Pacific, specifically the Southeast Asia and Australasia corridors.

For more information, please visit:


IMPORTANT NOTICE

This press release and any accompanying materials (if any) (“Press Release“) does not constitute or form part of an offer, invitation or solicitation to acquire, purchase or subscribe for securities in Singapore or any other jurisdiction nor should it or any part of it form the basis of, or be relied upon in any connection with, any contract, commitment or investment decision whatsoever. This Press Release is for information purposes only, without regard to the objectives, financial situation or needs of any specific persons. Accordingly, no reliance whatsoever should be placed upon the information set out herein.

The information contained in this Press Release should not be relied on as any representation or warranty by Aura FAT Projects Acquisition Corp. This Press Release may contain forward-looking statements that involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual future performance, outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company’s current views concerning future events. Certain of the information presented in this news release is historical information. The Group’s past performance is not indicative of its future performance.

#AuraFATProjectsAcquisitionCorp

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

South Korea’s K-Startup Grand Challenge 2022 to accept applications from April 15th

Korean government-sponsored program encourages wider participation this year, with top grants worth $320,000

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach – 18 April 2022 South Korea is one of the most thriving economy in Asia. The country is home to global corporates like LG, Samsung, and Hyundai and is a breeding ground for innovative startups, entrepreneurship, and technology. Every year, South Korea opens its doors, inviting global startups and entrepreneurs to develop and grow their businesses in the region.

Korean government’s accelerator program K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC), supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and organized by the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA), is all set to invite applications from world entrepreneurs for its 2022 chapter.

The startup accelerator program, launched in 2016, supports foreign startups that want to enter the Korean market and further explore the international markets. Over the years, the program has supported startups and businesses that have succeeded in multiple fields globally like Artificial Intelligence, fintech, logistics, biotechnology, robotics, game development, IoT, e-commerce, etc.

The participating startups have come from various countries across Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. The ultimate goal of KSGC is to promote the expansion of open entrepreneurship in Asia and assist in South Korea’s evolution as a prominent business hub in the region.

K-Startup Grand Challenge 2022 will start accepting applications for its 3.5 month-long all-expenses-paid program from April 15th. This year the program promises to be better with wider participation from across the business world. KSGC 2022 will be held from August 1st to November 15th, 2022, at the world-class Startup Campus in Pangyo Techno Valley. Sixty startups will be selected to participate in the program.

For 2022, the top ten performing teams will get monetary grants worth $320,000. Also, the top thirty startups will get further assistance to expand business in Korea.

The Selection Process and the KSGC 2022 Program

The application and promotion of the K-Startup Grand Challenge 2022 are starting on April 15th, with the last date for submitting applications being May 31st, 2022. An expert panel of judges will then review the applications, and the global audition process for the top 60 teams will be held from June 20th to 24th, 2022, with the result announcement on June 30th

Who can apply?

● Startups less than 7 years old or Pre-entrepreneur whose representative holds a foreign nationality.

● Promising startups with a clear objective to expand into Asia by using the Korean market as a stepping stone.

The 60 selected teams will participate in the accelerator program from August 1st to November 15th, 2022. Each of the 60 teams will receive $11,136 to cover living expenses for the 3.5 months.

At the end of the 3.5 months accelerator period, a demo day will be held where the top 10 teams will get prizes and after the demo day top 30 teams will get settlement supporting fee of $11,136 through a settlement program. The settlement program will be from January 15th to June 30th, 2023.

Benefits for the startups at a glance

Networking and Expert support: Mentoring & information sessions, coaching on Korean and Asian business culture, and seminars on topics like patents, accounting regulations, tax laws, and more.

Financial support: Living expenses worth $11,136 and further financial assistance for top performers.

Additional Investments: The accelerators may make equity investments in the most promising startups. Startups may have access to other VCs and investors who may choose to invest.

Break into Asia & Corporate Partnerships: The startups can meet Korea’s top tech companies with expertise ranging from smartphones to semiconductors. Also, easy access to other Asian countries.

Access to State-of-Art Resources: The teams get to stay and work at a global startup campus in Pangyo, strategically located in the south of Seoul. The startups get access to world-class prototyping, testing facilities, and expert support.

Administrative support & Visa acquisition: NIPA and the team of the program make sure the visa process is smooth and timely. The startups will have access to administrative support, translation service, and interpretation to make work convenient and productive while in Korea.

For further information and the application for K-Startup Grand Challenge, visit the website – https://www.k-startupgc.org/ and check the Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/kstartupgc) and the LinkedIn page (https://www.linkedin.com/company/kstartupgc) for more information and further updates.

Laos Confirms 312 New Cases of Covid-19

Covid-19 Update Vientiane

Laos has recorded 312 cases of Covid-19 across the country today.

Health Officials Warn of Covid-19 Surge after Lao New Year 

Lao New Year in Luang Prabang (Photo: Jason Rolan).

The Covid Taskforce has warned that residents should test for Covid-19 infection following Lao New Year celebrations.

Fight Of The Ages (FOTA) – The Future Of NFT MOBA In 2022

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 18 April 2022 – In the first quarter of 2022, Fight Of The Ages (FOTA) has successfully become the first AAA MOBA game that raised a whopping $5 million in its fundraising. With sensational graphics, gameplay, and a rich-natured storyline; the world of GameFi anticipates FOTA’s Beta Test in the upcoming months.

About FOTA – Fight Of The Ages

FOTA is not simply a Triple-A MOBA Gaming Project. In fact, FOTA is the first stepping stone of Meta DJINN PTE. LTD., a company upon integrating Mixed Reality (MR) into the Metaverse. To do so, FOTA incorporates Microsoft Mesh – a Microsoft Corporation platform pioneering in creating the most immersive Metaverse experience.

The World of FOTA is more than a fantasy-themed adventure. Races from various universes battle to become the Emperor of all realms. In FOTA, investors/players own Heroes as Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs). They can interact with the NFTs in the real world and have absolute ownership over their digital assets.

Tremendous Achievements Of FOTA

FOTA has continuously gained trust and support from investors, venture capitals, and traditional gamers from all over the world. In the first two months of 2022, FOTA has raised a total of $5 million in his fundraising. This is solid proof of FOTA as one of the most viral AAA MOBA GameFi in 2022, alongside a tremendous scale of initial investment.

In addition, FOTA welcomes March with a valuable membership into the Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA) – an international organization committed to promoting blockchain within the game industry. By joining BGA, FOTA receives crucial support in creating in-game assets as well as integrating blockchain technology by means of professional standards and practices. This significant milestone alone has already demonstrated the potential and the impact that FOTA can have on the GameFi business.

Realistic and Customer-centric Goals

Despite the initial impression as an NFT project, FOTA focuses all human resources on gaming development. As FOTA’s ultimate goal is to become a MOBA universe that keeps players engaging for years, Grey Trinh – CEO of FOTA – tweeted: “GameFi: Game comes firstly, Fi comes after. Remember that!”; he makes sure that players will have the chance to explore, enjoy, and then earn from FOTA.

FOTA looks forward to releasing the Beta Test for its supporters and investors in the first quarter of 2022. Lucky players will have first-hand experience of the FOTA Universe and the rich storyline it offers. Furthermore, FOTA will release exclusive, one-time-only Items with epic and legendary rarities as a tribute to its beloved communities in the upcoming months.

Phenomenal And Innovative Features

FOTA maximizes both Play-4-fun and Play-2-earn features to ensure that players will have the utmost pleasure in Playing and Earning from FOTA:

Unity 3D: The best game engine that offers cross-platform integration (iOS, Android, WebGL, Windows, and macOS), Unity’s asset store management, superb visual quality, consistent layout, next-level design, and captivating gameplay.

Microsoft Mesh Mixed Reality (MR): A virtual platform that enables presence and shared experiences from anywhere – on any device – through mixed reality applications. With the advanced technology from Microsoft, FOTA will allow players to interact with their characters in the real world. This aspect of gaming makes the FOTA experience worthwhile considering how it incorporates elements of fantasy and reality.

Rent-2-play: One of the state-of-the-art features of NFT games. To avoid inflation and support new players, FOTA integrates an NFT leasing system where advanced players can utilize their NFTs to make extra income by renting NFTs to entry-level players. This mechanism creates a mutual benefit as it allows beginners to use high-level NFTs in their progression; the renter will also receive handsome rewards once the lease is finished.

Cross-NFT: In FOTA Universe, players with high rankings will have access to a completely different gaming universe with unique experience and gameplay. Therefore, FOTA will launch the Cross-NFT Feature to benefit players. They can freely bring their NFTs to another universe without making multiple purchases.

Chaotic but Realistic, is what FOTA – Fight of the Ages stands for! Join us now!

FOTA Social Media: @FightOfTheAges | Linktree

#FOTA #Metaverse

Laos New Year Celebrations See Increase in Drunk Driving Accidents 

Ambulance team helping the injured motorist.

Drunk driving was the leading cause of accidents in Vientiane Capital during the three-day Lao New Year celebrations.

Hanoi to Collect Stray Dogs, Fine Owners of Unattended Animals

Hanoi to form dog squads, collect and fine owners of stray dogs.
Stray dogs in Vietnam (Photo: Tuoi Tre).

Vietnamese capital Hanoi is to deploy special squads to capture stray dogs as part of efforts to prevent rabies and reduce the number of animals roaming the streets.

OPPO has introduced Premium Service for Reno7 Pro 5G users in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 18 April 2022 – With the exciting launch of Reno7 Series 5G, OPPO has begun to introduce a premium service package to the Reno7 Pro 5G users. It is the first time that OPPO tries to expand the coverage of premium service, initially bundled with its flagship Find Series, to the Reno series in Malaysia, as a new attempt on expanding into the high-end market.

OPPO premium service is an exclusive “VIP” service package to elevate customers’ experience. There are three essential amenities exclusively for Reno7 Pro 5G’s customers. Firstly, OPPO offers a 24-hour Exclusive Hotline at 1-800-81-7666 that answers customers’ questions and solves any problems. Additionally, Reno7 Pro 5G users can enjoy a prioritized service through the “VIP” lane at the My OPPO Space. Lastly, OPPO will push to offer services from exclusive engineers specifically cultivated through rounds of screenings instead of outsourcing the repair service to third parties.

Besides, OPPO also provides a trustworthy service package for customers who purchase the Reno7 Series 5G, such as Free Send-in Repair Service, Free Labor Costs, Service Day Repair Discounts, OPPO Protection Plan, Software Upgrade Benefits and 1 Hour Flash Fix. It is noteworthy that Free Send-in Repair Service allows customers to send devices in for repair without visiting the service center or paying any shipping fees.

OPPO is truly making it possible to provide customers with not just an excellent device but also an enjoyable, distinctive experience and a satisfactory repair service under the service motto, “Care & Reach”.

For more information on OPPO Premium Service, kindly refer to: https://support.oppo.com/my/

#OPPO