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Laos Calls for Stronger Mekong Cooperation on Digital Growth, Clean Energy, and Water Management

Lancang-Mekong Ministerial Meeting

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane has called for deeper Mekong cooperation to strengthen digital growth, clean energy, and water resource management to improve the lives of people across the region.

Thongsavanh made his remark on 15 August at the 10th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Anning, Yunnan Province, China. 

There, he stressed the need for forward-looking collaboration that delivers tangible benefits to the region’s people. 

The official urged member states to prioritize resilient economies, digital transformation, sustainable water management, human resource development, and responses to emerging security challenges, while highlighting agriculture, clean energy, and tourism as key growth sectors.

Thongsavanh also praised the LMC’s achievements over the past nine years, noting that the LMC Special Fund, established in 2017, has already financed more than 100 projects in Laos worth over USD 26 million.

The meeting, co-chaired by China and Thailand, reviewed progress under the LMC’s three pillars, including Political-Security, Sustainable Development, and Social-Cultural Exchange, and five priority areas: connectivity, water resource management, agriculture and poverty reduction, cross-border trade, and production capacity. 

Laos Reaffirms Support for Myanmar Peace, Regional Security

On the same day, the Lao foreign minister joined a special meeting with China, Thailand, and Myanmar to discuss regional security and the evolving situation in Myanmar

He reaffirmed Laos’ support for a “Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned” political process, stressing that stability there is vital for regional peace and development.

In addition, the ministers reviewed Myanmar’s situation since the military takeover in 2021, including plans for a general election in late 2025 or early 2026. They pledged closer cooperation to combat transnational crimes, including drug trafficking, human trafficking.

World Youth Forum Concludes Dual Summits in Hong Kong and Macau; Global Youth Explore AI Era Issues

HONG KONG and MACAO, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The World Youth Forum (WYF) – a global youth platform for challenge-based learning and growth, co-created by top cross-sector partners through multilateral collaboration–wrapped up its 2025 Future Economics Leadership Summit (WYF-FELS) in Hong Kong, China and Future Liberal Arts Leadership Summit (WYF-FLALS) in Macau, China between August 5-16. Nearly 1,000 youth from 15 countries and regions, including China, India, Singapore, South Korea and the United States, among others, gathered for cross-cultural collaboration to address global issues in the AI era.

The two summits of WYF focused respectively on “Robotization” and “Technology & Humanities,” and integrated top academic challenges like the National Economics Challenge (NEC), the Business Professionals of America (BPA) , the International Academic Decathlon (IAD), and the Global Youth Creative Expo (Hi World), forging a comprehensive learning and growth system from academic exploration to practical implementation.

Among them, the “U20-Youth Voice” session facilitated the formation of multiple transnational teams such as ChinaIndia and the United StatesSouth Korea. The innovative solutions put forward by these teams for issues like “sustainable development” and “technology & social equity” were evaluated by experts as “breakthrough youth perspectives.”

The concurrent Educators’ Seminar brought together educational experts from the United States, South Korea, India, etc., to jointly explore approaches to fostering youth’s core competencies in the AI era, further strengthening the collaborative network in the global education sector.

Houston Hou, Executive Convener of the WYF, stated: “The core goal of the WYF is to create a truly global stage that belongs to young people. By 2030, we aim to expand its partner network to over 100 countries, collaborate with various resources from more countries – especially emerging economies and innovative nations – and through cross-sector cooperation, become the world’s most aspirational platform for youth challenge and growth.”

Rediscover Malaysia Through A Muslim-Friendly Lens: Islamic Tourism Month (ITM) 2025 Returns This August

PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2025 – Islamic Tourism Month (ITM) 2025 returns for its fourth and most exciting edition yet, inviting Malaysians and global travelers to embark on a journey of rediscovery through the rich lens of Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH). Organised by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), ITM 2025 takes place from 18 August to 30 September, showcasing the beauty, diversity, and warmth of Malaysia as a leading Muslim-friendly destination.

This year’s campaign unfolds across eight (8) vibrant categories; Mosque Open Day, Accommodation, Travel Packages, Spa, Wellness and Healthcare, Food and Beverages, Events and Exhibitions, Shopping and Retail, and Tourism Products and Theme Parks, offering a nationwide celebration filled with inclusive-meaningful experiences tailored for locals and international visitors; families, solo travelers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts alike.

ITM 2025 unfolds with a promise of uncompromising discovery experience as Malaysia continues to shine in Muslim-friendly tourism, once again securing the top spot in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025, marking a decade of consecutive recognition as the world’s preferred destination. This achievement goes beyond rankings, it’s built on a foundation of accessible prayer facilities, inclusive travel experiences, widespread availability of halal food, and progressive tourism policies.

At the heart of ITM 2025 is its signature programme: Mosque Open Day. Throughout the month, selected mosques across the country will welcome the public for guided tours, exhibitions, and community-driven activities. Designed to promote understanding, inclusivity, and cultural exchange, this initiative offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the spiritual, historical, and social significance of mosques in Malaysia’s everyday life.

A CALL TO COLLABORATE: JOIN AS AN ITM 2025 PARTNER

ITC invites players across Malaysia’s tourism and hospitality sectors to join the movement as official ITM 2025 partners. From branding exposure and market engagement to economic opportunity, businesses will benefit from access to ITC’s promotional platforms, visibility among a high-value travel segment, and alignment with Malaysia’s broader Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) tourism objectives.

“The seeds planted in 2022 have blossomed into an event that reflects Malaysia’s warmth, diversity and hospitality,” said Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin, Acting Director-General of ITC.

“We invite businesses to be part of this growing movement. By aligning with ITM 2025, partners gain access to a strong branding platform, a rapidly expanding Muslim tourist market and the chance to support Malaysia’s journey toward VM 2026”.

“As the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) ecosystem continues to expand, ITM offers a timely opportunity to showcase products and services that are inclusive, values-driven and culturally relevant, all while driving real business impact,” she added.

Since its inception, ITM has attracted over 300 participating organisations, contributing more than RM5 million in accumulated value to the national tourism landscape. Their collective efforts have helped elevate Malaysia’s MFTH offerings while solidifying its position as a sustainable, values-driven tourism hub.

GET CREATIVE: THE ITM 2025 TIKTOK CHALLENGE IS BACK

The much-loved ITM TikTok Challenge returns in 2025. Content creators are invited to explore ITM partner destinations and share their experiences using the hashtag #ExperienceITM2025. With just three simple steps; Visit, Video, and Viral, participants stand a chance to win exciting prizes worth more than RM50,000, including a holiday package to Xi’an, China, and an exclusive sailing getaway with Aroya Cruises.

MARCHING TOWARDS VISIT MALAYSIA 2026

With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, ITM 2025 serves as a strategic prelude; a platform to galvanise industry readiness, attract global attention, and celebrate what makes Malaysia truly unique. By participating, businesses not only contribute to national tourism goals but also join a movement rooted in authentic experiences, inclusive values, and long-term impact.

REGIONAL MOMENTUM: MALAYSIA’S ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP ELEVATES ITM 2025

This year’s ITM unfolds at a pivotal moment as Malaysia assumes the Chairmanship of ASEAN, offering a timely space to deepen regional tourism collaboration. With shared cultural values and growing interest in Muslim-friendly travel, ITM 2025 presents an exceptional opportunity for visitors from ASEAN member states to explore Malaysia’s offerings. From ITC perspective, this alignment is expected to drive stronger participation and outcomes than previous editions, further positioning Malaysia as a gateway for inclusive, experience-rich tourism across Southeast Asia.

WHO SHOULD JOIN?

ITM 2025 is open to all tourism and hospitality players, including:

  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Spa & Wellness Centres
  • Theme Parks
  • Shopping Malls
  • Retailers
  • Mosques
  • Event Organisers
  • Training Providers
  • Any tourism businesses offering Halal or Muslim-friendly products and services

Registration is now open. Interested businesses can sign up as official ITM 2025 partners via https://forms.gle/cXCC2dgfHvTpYoRr7.

Stay updated and inspired by following us on Instagram (@itm_itc) and Facebook (Islamic Tourism Month).

ABOUT ISLAMIC TOURISM MONTH 2025

  • Mosque Open Day

The much-beloved ITM trademark event where Malaysia’s most majestic mosques open their doors to visitors from near and far. Discover the beauty of Malaysian Islamic culture through guided tours, exhibitions and engaging community activities that promote understanding, culture appreciation and connection.

  • Accommodation

From cool highlands to sunny beaches and city escapes, enjoy exclusive discounts and packages created just for ITM 2025. Look out for deals catering to families, luxury seekers, youth travellers and more.

  • Travel Packages

Enjoy travel packages that take the stress out of planning and offer great value. Designed to suit those seeking for adventures and relaxation. Each package brings together convenience, comfort, and authentic discovery.

  • Spa, Wellness and Healthcare

In an era where self-care and mindful living continues to grow, ITM 2025 brings together a calming selection of spa, wellness and healthcare experiences. From traditional Malay treatments to modern therapies, each option is thoughtfully tailored, with gender-sensitive services available to ensure peace of mind.

  • Food and Beverages

Everyone needs to eat, but during ITM 2025, every meal becomes an opportunity to explore. Enjoy a variety of halal delicacies with special promotions that make dining out even more satisfying.

  • Events and Exhibitions

Level up, upskill, and link up at ITM-listed events and exhibitions throughout the month. Connect with like-minded individuals at key gatherings such as Global Halal Summit (GHaS) (16 to 18 September 2025) and the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) (17 to 20 September 2025). ITC signatures, the MFTG Training programmes are also open for registration to eligible industry players, alongside a variety of other activities including spa and wellness upskilling sessions and guided hiking events that combine learning, leisure, and lifestyle.

  • Shopping and Retail

Retail therapy comes with extra rewards throughout the month. From necessities to well-deserved indulgence, special promotions make it the perfect time to shop for anything and everything.

  • Tourism Products and Theme Parks

This is the perfect time to explore Malaysia’s many attractions, from museums and cultural landmarks to family-friendly favourites like Berjaya Times Square Theme Park and beyond.
Hashtag: #ITM2025 #IslamicTourismMonth #ExperienceITM2025 #DiscoverMFAR #ITMTikTokChallenge2025 #IslamicTourismCentre #MuslimFriendlyMalaysia #MalaysiaMesraMuslim #KembaraPenuhYakin




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

ABOUT ISLAMIC TOURISM CENTRE

Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is an entity under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Malaysia, tasked to develop the Islamic Tourism segment for Malaysia. It advocates for Muslim-friendly tourism (MFT) by offering research and market intelligence, training, industry development consultation, Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) services standards and recognition, and information exchange.

Malaysia was named the top country in the region in the MFTH sector by the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) Report 2025. The country also retained the top-ranked destination in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025, a position it has defended since the launch of the Index in 2015.

Malaysia was also recognised as the Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year (OIC) and the Top Muslim Women-Friendly Destination of the Year in Halal in Travel Awards 2023.

In addition, ITC was named the recipient of the Strategic Business Alliance Award at The BrandLaureate World Halal Best Brand E-Branding Awards 2021. ITC’s signature programme, the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR), was awarded the prestigious BrandLaureate Brand of the Year Award 2024 in the category of Excellence in Islamic Tourism and Muslim-Friendly Hospitality Solutions. It is a recognition of ITC’s efforts and endeavours in formulating new strategies in developing and expanding the Islamic tourism segment in Malaysia. These recognitions are an added motivation for ITC to continue to strengthen its efforts in being a prime mover and leading institution to ensure Malaysia is at the forefront of MFTH.

IBM and the USTA Roll Out AI-Powered Fan Experiences for 2025 US Open

  • ‘Match Chat’ AI assistant answers questions in real-time, during and after all 254 singles matches
  • Enhanced IBM SlamTracker to offer live Likelihood to Win projections, while ‘Key Points’ instantly summarizes articles on USOpen.org and the US Open app
  • New global IBM survey confirms demand for AI-powered fan experiences on the rise

ARMONK, N.Y., Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) today announced a new lineup of AI-powered digital experiences coming to USOpen.org and the US Open app for this year’s tournament. Co-created by IBM and the USTA, the features are designed to deliver millions of tennis fans worldwide more of the customized, nonstop coverage they crave throughout the two-week Grand Slam.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/ibm/92400510-en-ibm-usta-ai-fan-experiences-2025-us-open

Serving first is Match Chat, an interactive AI assistant available during and after all 254 singles matches. Fans can engage the tool by selecting a pre-written prompt or typing their own question on topics such as player stats, head-to-head records, match insights and even player name pronunciations (e.g., ‘who has converted more break points in the match?’).

Built with IBM watsonx Orchestrate technologies – including AI agents and large language models (LLMs) such as IBM Granite – Match Chat is trained on the US Open editorial style and leverages real-time data to provide users with responses.

An enhanced version of IBM SlamTracker is back, now offering fans live Likelihood to Win probabilities for every singles match. The tool will update in near real-time with projected win percentages that can change throughout each match, based on AI-powered analysis of player statistics, expert opinion and match momentum. For post-match insights, AI Commentary will once again offer AI-generated audio and subtitles in English for highlight videos of men’s and women’s singles matches.

Rounding out this year’s lineup is Key Points built with watsonx which creates three-bullet summaries of articles, tournament data and match analysis on the US Open app and website. By simply clicking a button at the top of the article page, fans will receive a “TL:DR” (Too Long; Didn’t Read) recap of all the action they are looking to follow.

The new and enhanced capabilities come at a time when audience demand for more dynamic digital content is accelerating. According to a new global survey also out today from Morning Consult and commissioned by IBM, 86% of tennis fans surveyed worldwide see value in AI-powered features, with real-time insights and personalized highlights central to how they engage with sports.

“As fan engagement and content consumption habits evolve, IBM and the USTA are at the cutting edge – leveraging data and AI to create unique digital experiences that bring the excitement of the US Open to life for audiences around the world,” said Jonathan Adashek, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, IBM. “We’re applying the same powerful technologies that we use with client partners across all industries to meet the demands of tennis fans, deepening the connection to the players and game we all love.”

“Working with IBM, we developed a long-term technology roadmap that has transformed how we operate and connect with fans,” said Brian Ryerson, Sr. Director of Digital Strategy at the USTA. “IBM took the time to understand our vision for the US Open, and together we identified the hybrid cloud and AI capabilities needed to bring it to life. Today, those efforts are paying off — delivering real-time insights that enrich the fan experience, while significantly improving the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of our digital platforms and behind-the scenes-operations.” 

The full findings of IBM and Morning Consult’s new survey can be found here.

The 2025 US Open runs from August 18 – September 7. Explore these IBM technologies and more by visiting USOpen.org and/or the US Open app available in the Apple and Android app stores on all mobile devices.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

About the USTA
The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level — from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization, it invests 100 percent of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, one of the highest-attended annual sporting events in the world, along with approximately 100 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., and selects the teams for Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA’s philanthropic entity, the USTA Foundation, provides grants and scholarships in addition to supporting tennis and education programs nationwide to benefit under-resourced youth through the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. For more information about the USTA, go to USTA.com or follow the official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X) and TikTok.

IBM

Sarah Benchaita

sarah.benchaita@ibm.com

IBM Study: Sports Fans Demand More Dynamic Digital Content, Powered by AI

  • Most fans surveyed agree that AI-powered features will have a significant impact on how they consume sports 
  • More than half surveyed want AI-driven sports commentary and insights for past, current and future events
  • Mobile sports apps are becoming essential to the fan experience, particularly among fans attending events in-person

ARMONK, N.Y., Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — New global research commissioned by IBM (NYSE: IBM) reveals sports fans are turning to more dynamic digital content experiences, with AI, personalization and real-time features central to how they engage with sports.

IBM Corporation logo.
IBM Corporation logo.

The study* of more than 20,000 sports fans across 12 countries shows they increasingly view technology – particularly AI — as a positive force in sports. Total AI usage among fans has grown since 2024 across nearly all re-tested markets, ** with 85% of respondents seeing value in integrating the technology into their sports experience and 63% expressing trust in AI-generated sports content. Surveyed fans identify real-time game/match updates (35%) and personalized content (30%) as their top priorities for AI-enhanced sports engagement.

Beyond live events, many respondents are turning to video highlights (51%), post-event recaps (37%) and player interviews (32%) to stay connected to their favorite sports. Dedicated mobile sports apps are also widely adopted — 73% of surveyed fans confirm using them to stay updated. Social media is the leading platform for accessing additional content, and social media influencers play a prominent role, with 59% of surveyed followers engaging with them for analysis and predictions.

Only 27% of surveyed fans expect their sports consumption habits to stay the same over the next two years. Eighty percent (80%) believe technology – specifically AI — will have the greatest influence on how they follow sports by 2027. More than half (56%) of surveyed fans want AI-powered insights and commentary for past, current and future sporting events. Additionally, 33% of respondents believe real-time translation technology will have the most significant impact on their international sports experience in the next 2-3 years — particularly in markets where English is not the dominant language.

“The sports media landscape is more complex than ever, and fans are comfortable consuming digital content around the clock,” said Kameryn Stanhouse, Vice President, Sports and Entertainment Partnerships, IBM. “With fans signaling their readiness to embrace AI, we will continue working with our tournament, league, and media partners to meet fans where they are, whether they’re watching the action in person or enhancing their second-screen experience.”

Other key findings include:

Sports engagement expands beyond the game with fast, non-stop content across screens

  • Most (90%) fans surveyed consume sports content beyond watching events, with younger fans leading the trend.
  • 40% of surveyed mobile sports app users rely on apps for centralized information and 35% for real-time updates when unable to watch games live.
    • About 1 in 5 F1, golf, and tennis fans use apps tailored to their favorite sports.
  • Mobile sports app usage jumps among in-person event attendees, with 82% of surveyed fans using apps during events. Of those, 91% engage with apps during live events, mostly for real-time commentary (44%), stats or analytics (41%) and enhanced in-stadium experiences (35%).
  • Among fans surveyed in both 2024 and 2025, multi-device usage to follow sporting events increased from 27% to 29%, indicating a significant upward trend in second-screen behavior.
  • 74% of respondents following sports influencers say storytelling is important to how they experience or connect with sports, especially among fans ages 18-44.

Fans seek more connected, community-driven sports experiences

  • 35% surveyed plan to watch more live content over the next two years, and 29% expect to attend more events in person.
  • Fans surveyed agree that enhancements like faster recaps (67%), personalization capabilities (65%) and greater access to players and teams (65%) will improve their digital sports experience.
  • Interest in community-driven experiences is rising: More fans rank community engagement as their first or second priority when consuming sports content, with the share of respondents ranking it as their top priority (1st) rising from 9% in 2024 to 11% in 2025.**
  • More respondents now identify community-building and fan interaction as important areas for AI-driven improvements in sports engagement (21% in 2025 vs. 20% in 2024).**

To view the full study, visit: https://newsroom.ibm.com/image/IBM_Sport_Survey_Report_2025.pdf

*Study Methodology
This survey was conducted in June 2025 among a total sample of 20,864 sports fans 18+ in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Brazil. The interviews for each country were conducted online, and the data is unweighted, with ~2,000 responses per market in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and India and ~1,000 responses per market in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Brazil.

To qualify for this survey respondents must be at least an average sports fan and follow one or more of the following sports: soccer, cricket, tennis, basketball, baseball, rugby, golf, American football, F1 racing, track and field, swimming, and the Olympics.

**Longitudinal insights provide a global overview of how sports fans’ behaviors and attitudes changed between 2024 and 2025. To ensure accurate year-over-year-comparisons, Mexico and Brazil are excluded from these analyses, as they were not included in the 2024 data.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media Contact
Marisa Conway
IBM Corporate Communications
conwaym@us.ibm.com

 

PROPEL with Singlife Champions Excellence in Financial Advisory as Sponsor of 10th Asia Trusted Life Agents & Advisers Awards 2025

Sponsorship in line with its vision of empowering financial advisory firms and progressing the industry


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2025 – PROPEL with Singlife, the one-stop shared services hub for financial advisory firms, proudly announces its sponsorship of the 10th Asia Trusted Life Agents & Advisers Awards 2025 (“the Awards”). Organised by Asia Insurance Review and Asia Advisers Network, the Awards celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation among life insurance agents and financial adviser representatives across Asia Pacific.

In addition, the first-in-market shared services centre based in Singapore is also the Title Sponsor of the “Insurance Agency Leader of the Year” category, which recognises agency leaders in 2024 who have demonstrated exceptional group production and recruitment, strong leadership qualities, and a commitment to professionalism and service to the industry.

A total of 50 finalists have been revealed for this year’s Awards, representing 13 markets and 47 companies across the region. The finalists were shortlisted by an expert panel of 15 judges, comprising CEOs, association heads, and industry experts, including Mr Steven Ong, CEO of PROPEL.

Sheela Suppiah, CEO of Asia Insurance Review and Asia Advisers Network, said: “This year, as we celebrate the 10-year milestone of these awards, we are truly excited to have PROPEL with Singlife on board as a partner. The synergy between their commitment to promote empowerment of the financial advisory industry go hand in hand perfectly with what the awards stand for. We look forward to working with PROPEL towards the common goal of pushing excellence for agents.”

Through supporting the Awards, PROPEL champions values that align closely with its mission to empower financial advisory firms to thrive, and reaffirms its commitment to promoting the transformation of the financial advisory industry.

Steven Ong, CEO of PROPEL with Singlife, said: “PROPEL offers essential tools for FA firms to simplify and smoothen their middle-to-back-office operations so that they can focus on what truly matters – delivering exceptional service to their clients and scaling their businesses. We are proud to put our name behind the Asia Trusted Life Agents & Advisers Awards, celebrating the industry’s best, who raise the bar and inspire others to reach new heights of excellence.”

PROPEL’s integrated platform offers financial advisory firms a one-stop solution for their business needs, including financial needs analysis, new business registration, commission management, and seamless middle-to-back-office support. By streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency, PROPEL enables firms – from start-ups to those already well-established – to scale their businesses and meet the evolving needs of their clients.

Additionally, PROPEL supports advisers aspiring to start their own firms through its consultancy services, providing them with industry knowledge to navigate the regulatory and compliance framework, allowing them to come out of the tied agency model with confidence to start their own firms and offer their customers a wider range of financial solutions.

Since its official launch in January this year, PROPEL has onboarded around 1,000 financial adviser representatives from some 10 firms, as it plays its part in promoting more autonomy for advisers, and choice for consumers. Its goal is to surpass 3,000 advisers and 20 FA firms by 2029.

The financial advisory industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with consumers demanding more personalised, independent advice. PROPEL is at the forefront of this shift, providing firms with the tools and support they need to adapt, grow, and thrive in a dynamic market.

The 10th Asia Trusted Life Agents & Advisors Awards ceremony will take place on 19 August 2025 at ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay in Singapore.

To learn more about how PROPEL helps FA firms scale their businesses effectively, visit singlife.com/en/propel.

Hashtag: #PROPELwithSinglife


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

PROPEL with Singlife

is a one-stop shared services centre under the Singlife Group, a leading homegrown financial services company. PROPEL provides financial advisory firms with an integrated digital and administrative platform that offers seamless middle to back-office support which can be scaled according to their business needs. We are committed to streamline the way financial advisory firms operate at every stage of their business and provide innovative solutions to empower financial advisers, so that they can stay ahead and focus on what matters most – their clients.

Motorola Solutions Completes Acquisition of Silvus Technologies Holding Inc.

Adds mobile ad-hoc network leadership and extends company into a multi-billion-dollar, rapidly growing addressable market for drone and unmanned systems 

CHICAGO, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) has completed its acquisition of Silvus Technologies Holdings Inc. (“Silvus”), a global leader in mission-critical mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET), based in Los Angeles, California. 

Silvus’ MANET technology is designed to support frontline operations in the most challenging and contested environments, enabling highly secure data, video and voice communications without the need for fixed infrastructure. Their devices mesh together to establish large, scalable and self-healing networks that adapt to continuous mobility. These robust mobile networks connect people, devices and other nodes over distance and at scale, and seamlessly support bandwidth-intensive technologies like video, sensors and drones.

“Silvus’ advanced solutions for drone and unmanned systems are trusted in the world’s most demanding defense environments, and offer vital applications for border security and public safety,” said Greg Brown, chairman and CEO, Motorola Solutions. “Their capabilities are an excellent complement to our land mobile radio and video technologies, and we look forward to bringing them to more customers around the world.”  

Autonomous technologies, including drones, vehicles and robots, are increasingly deployed to safely provide a greater distance between soldiers and potential threats. Silvus’ technology allows human operators to securely control these systems with extremely low latency, helping to save lives while informing better tactical decisions.

Silvus’ wide range of customers spans defense agencies, autonomous systems manufacturers, the intelligence community, law enforcement and enterprises globally. Motorola Solutions plans to extend Silvus’ reach through its global scale and long-standing relationships with government and public safety customers around the world. 

“Working with Babak and the Silvus team, we’ve seen firsthand how their expertise has created truly disruptive communications technology,” said Erik Fagan, Partner and Head of Industrial Technology, TJC. “They’ve built an exceptional company serving a critical need, and we are excited to watch their next successful chapter unfold with Motorola Solutions as a global leader in safety and security.”

“We have always respected Motorola Solutions’ leadership,” said Babak Daneshrad, PhD, CEO, Silvus Technologies. “At our core, both our companies are driven by innovation that makes the world safer. Bringing our advanced engineering teams together amplifies our ability to build more powerful solutions to serve more customers globally. I am incredibly optimistic about the future we have with Motorola Solutions.” 

More information about the acquisition will be shared during Motorola Solutions’ quarterly conference call with financial analysts at 4 p.m. Central (5 p.m. Eastern) on Aug. 7. The conference call will be webcast live and a replay will be available at www.motorolasolutions.com/investors.

Download video and images from the media kit.

Transaction Terms
Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the consideration for the Silvus acquisition includes $4.4 billion in upfront consideration, comprising approximately $4.38 billion in cash (subject to customary adjustments) and approximately $20 million in restricted stock to certain employee equity holders. The terms of the purchase agreement also include the ability to earn earnout consideration of up to $600 million in the aggregate based on business performance over consecutive twelve-month periods ending in 2027 and 2028.  

About Motorola Solutions | Solving for safer 
Safety and security are at the heart of everything we do at Motorola Solutions. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that’s critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Learn more about our commitment to innovating for a safer future for us all at www.motorolasolutions.com.

About TJC
TJC, formerly known as The Jordan Company, has worked for more than 40 years with CEOs, founders and entrepreneurs across a range of industries including Consumer & Healthcare, Diversified Industrials, Industrial Technology, Aerospace & Defense, Logistics & Supply Chain and Technology & Infrastructure. With $32.0 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2025, TJC is managed by a senior leadership team that has invested together for over 23 years on over 85 investments. TJC has offices in New York, Chicago, Miami and Stamford. For more information, please visit www.tjclp.com.

Motorola Solutions Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable federal securities law. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and generally include words such as “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimates” and similar expressions. Motorola Solutions can give no assurance that any actual or future results or events discussed in these statements will be achieved. Any forward-looking statements represent Motorola Solutions’ views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing Motorola Solutions’ views as of any subsequent date. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements contained in this release. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, expected benefits of the transaction to Motorola Solutions and the Silvus business, the ability to expand the reach of Silvus’ offerings, and our ability to integrate and combine the two companies. Motorola Solutions cautions the reader that the risks and uncertainties, including those in Part I Item 1A of Motorola Solutions’ 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in its other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, which are available for free on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on Motorola Solutions’ website at www.motorolasolutions.com/investors, could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated or predicted in the forward-looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties cannot be controlled by Motorola Solutions and factors that may impact forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, Motorola Solutions’ ability to successfully integrate and operate Silvus and realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition. Motorola Solutions undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement or risk factor, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media Contact
Damien Batey
Motorola Solutions
damien.batey@motorolasolutions.com
+61 428 036 806

Investor Contact
Tim Yocum
Motorola Solutions
tim.yocum@motorolasolutions.com
+1 847-576-6899

Jobsdb by SEEK Unveils Strategic Hiring Solutions to Address Market Challenges and Shape the Future of Recruitment

Hong Kong hirers can now post job ads for free and pay for performance, with enhanced AI targeting to find the right match for every role

HONG KONG, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 


  • Jobsdb introduces innovative pay for performance model, enabling employers to post unlimited job ads for free and pay only for the performance they need.
  • SEEK AI-powered recommendations drive 43% of applications in Hong Kong, helping employers quickly connect with high-fit candidates.
  • Compared to the second half of 2024, job ads in Hong Kong declined 6% in the first half of 2025, while average job applications per advertisement on Jobsdb surged by 41%, reflecting intensifying competition among jobseekers.
  • New learning and community platform will combine career resources with networking opportunities to help jobseekers stand out and navigate the competitive landscape.

Jobsdb by SEEK, Hong Kong’s leading employment marketplace, today announced a transformative shift in its recruitment solutions. Its innovative pay for performance model eliminates upfront hiring costs and uses advanced AI to deliver better matches between employers and jobseekers.

This move responds to Hong Kong’s changing job market, where economic uncertainties and surging job applications have created compounding recruitment challenges. According to Jobsdb’s latest data, the total number of job advertisements in the first half of 2025 dropped by 6% compared to the second half of 2024, reflecting cautious hiring strategies amidst global economic challenges. In contrast, average job applications per advertisement on the Jobsdb marketplace rose sharply by 41% during the same period. This surge has intensified competition among jobseekers, while employers face added challenges in managing high application volumes, often increasing recruitment costs and time-to-hire.

Pay for Performance Model Offers Flexible Hiring with No Upfront Costs

In response to evolving market dynamics, Jobsdb is moving beyond the traditional pay-to-post model, to one where hirers can post job ads for free and only pay for performance. The new model eliminates upfront advertising costs and offers employers greater flexibility — enabling a more tailored, result-driven hiring experience to meet diverse recruitment needs.

Now, employers can post unlimited job ads for free, granting businesses — from multinational corporations to local startups — cost-effective access to over 2.9 million registered jobseekers in Hong Kong for any role at any time. This makes it an ideal solution for employers facing manpower budget constraints. For job ads requiring enhanced visibility, employers can leverage premium features to boost exposure and attract targeted applications. This approach ensures employers pay only for the performance they need with smarter ad posting experience, helping optimise hiring budgets and streamline recruitment efforts.

Powered by AI, Jobsdb’s improved ad posting experience also delivers smarter insights, including performance predictions across all job ad tiers, such as estimated views and application volumes from high-fit candidates who are most likely to be a strong match for the role. These advanced tools help employers make data-driven hiring decisions, select the most effective ad format for each role, and align recruitment strategies with business goals.

Enhanced AI Targeting Delivers High-fit Candidates and Relevant Matches

Behind this transformation is SEEK’s world-class AI technology that’s already delivering proven results. In Hong Kong, 43% of applications on Jobsdb are driven by AI-powered recommendations.

SEEK has combined its existing AI models with an advanced model trained on millions of past hiring decisions, to predict a candidate’s likelihood of being shortlisted for any given job ad. Candidates with a high potential are classified as “high-fit”. SEEK’s AI actively targets high-fit candidates with relevant opportunities across various recommendation channels, including emails, notifications and website visibility. By focusing on high-fit candidates, SEEK’s AI not only improves job search efficiency and success rates for candidates, but also helps employers accelerate their hiring process and make smarter, faster recruitment decisions.

Rishi Patil, Head of AI Product, SEEK , said, “Our high fit signals is the next evolution in our AI matching. In SEEK, we’re always looking for the next advancement in AI models and how we can deeply understand the requirements that hirers are looking for and what makes a great candidate, and the data tells us that it’s working as high-fit candidates in Hong Kong are 3.8x more likely to be shortlisted than average applicants. This is really a pivotal moment for SEEK and our customers because it’s a shift to an AI-powered product that allows us to focus on more relevant, more targeted matches.”

Creating a Thriving Jobseeker Ecosystem for Career Growth

In today’s competitive job market, staying proactive and adaptable is essential. To empower jobseekers, Jobsdb will soon launch a new online learning and community platform designed to foster professional networking, knowledge sharing, and skills development. This vibrant ecosystem will also feature curated career guidance and video learning resources to support upskilling and help jobseekers grow and succeed in their careers.

Bill Lee, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Jobsdb by SEEK, stated, “As Hong Kong’s recruitment market grows more competitive, employers need efficient, targeted hiring solutions to find high-fit candidates while optimising resources. Jobsdb is evolving into Hong Kong’s most comprehensive employment marketplace, offering a pay for performance model allows employers to post job ads for free and upgrade for the performance they need, enabling a smarter, results-driven hiring process. Meanwhile, Jobsdb supports jobseekers through a new learning and community platform with networking opportunities, career resources, and upskilling content. We encourage jobseekers to continue upskilling and stay informed about market trends to thrive in a dynamic job market.”

About Jobsdb by SEEK

Jobsdb is the leading employment platform in Hong Kong and Thailand, helping people live more fulfilling and productive working lives and helping organisations succeed. It is a subsidiary of SEEK, a diverse group of companies comprised of a strong portfolio of online employment, educational, commercial and volunteer businesses. SEEK is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and has a strong presence across the APAC region, including six Asian markets – Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand – through the Jobsdb and Jobstreet brands. SEEK attracts over 500 million visits a year in Asia.