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Winners of VinFuture’s $4.5m global sci-tech prizes announced

The VinFuture Prize rewards breakthrough scientific research and technological innovations with humanitarian outcomes

●        The VinFuture Prize is aligned with one or more of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is grounded in recognising proven, real-life impact

●        Winners demonstrated breakthrough innovations in science and technology focused on driving meaningful and scalable change through improvements in health, prosperity, productivity, equity, and sustainability

●        Recipients were selected from nearly 600 nominations across 60 countries

 

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 21 January 2022 – The inaugural VinFuture Award Ceremony honors inventors of core mRNA vaccine technology; metal-organic frameworks (MOFs); flexible semiconductors with the sensing properties of human skin; and tenofovir gel for the prevention of HIV. These projects are exceptional scientific accomplishments that will positively impact the lives of billions of people on Earth in the present and future.

Professor Katalin Kariko (third from right), Professor Pieter Cullis and Professor Drew Weissman (first and second from left) win VinFuture Grand Prize

Honouring exceptional minds whose research and technological innovations will improve quality of life and ensure sustainable living for future generations, The VinFuture Prize was launched on International Solidarity Day 2020 and is uniquely aligned with one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The award programme is part of the VinFuture Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit set up by Mr. Phạm Nhật Vượng, the first Vietnamese billionaire and Founder and Chairman of the largest Vietnamese conglomerate, Vingroup Corporate, together with his wife, Mrs. Phạm Thu Hương, to create meaningful change in the everyday lives of millions by recognising and rewarding transformative innovation in sci-tech. 

Attracting almost 600 nominations across 60 countries in its inaugural year, the Prize represents the best in science and technological breakthroughs in these fields. Of these nominations, nearly 100 came from the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists, many of whom are themselves laureates of distinguished awards, such as the Nobel Prize, Breakthrough Prize and Tang Prize, among others. 

The Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, is awarded to three scientists: Katalin Kariko (USA), Drew Weissman (USA) and Pieter Cullis (Canada) for their work on mRNA technology, which paved the way for effective COVID-19 vaccines. In their research, they were able to modify mRNA and encapsulate it in lipid nanoparticles, preventing the immune system from reacting to foreign mRNA entering the body and avoiding cytokine induction, toxicity, and off-target effects. Based on Kariko and Weissman’s discovery, and Cullis’s development of lipid nanoparticles, pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were able to produce effective COVID-19 vaccines in record time.

Besides serving as a global line of defense against the increasing infections and deaths caused by the pandemic, mRNA technology also has the potential to generate vaccines against HIV, cancer, autoimmune diseases and genetic diseases, potentially saving the lives of billions of people in the future.

In addition to the Grand Prize, three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, have been dedicated specifically for female innovators and to recognize innovations in emerging fields and in developing countries.


The first Special Prize, dedicated to “Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields”, is awarded to Professor Omar Yaghi (USA) for his work on discovering metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). MOFs are a new class of materials formed as networks of charged molecules linked to metal ions, with permanent porosity with high surface area and impressive stability. With tuneable pore sizes that enable the absorption and storage of gas and water molecules, MOFs provide solutions for the capture, storage, separation, and chemical manipulation of different types of gases and particles, and have the potential to create a cleaner environment and cleaner air, energy, and water sources.  

In particular, Professor Yaghi’s MOF water harvester has been proven to have the potential to generate clean water at any time, in any place. If successfully implemented, MOFs can improve the lives of millions of people in regions that lack access to clean water, helping increase water independence and increase quality of life.

The second Special Prize, dedicated to “Female Innovators”, is awarded to Professor Zhenan Bao (USA) for her work on developing flexible electronics with the sensing properties of human skin. The electronics are made from a type of flexible molecular semiconductor material that has self-healing and biodegradable properties, allowing electronics to be integrated seamlessly into the human body. They have great potential in medical diagnosis and smart healthcare and can also be applied to wearable and implantable electronic devices, enhancing the quality of life of millions of people with disability and sparking future medical breakthroughs.  

Professors Salim Abdool Karim (second from right) and Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim (second from left) win VinFuture Special Prize


The Special Prize, for “Innovators from Developing Countries”, is awarded to Professors Salim Abdool Karim and Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim from South Africa for their research on effective HIV prevention. With extensive experience in the field of epidemiology, the two scientists developed a tenofovir-based gel that prevents sexual transmission of HIV, laying the foundation for the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) method of preventing HIV. Salim Abdool Karim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim also created an oral medicine to create an HIV prevention strategy across the world, including for women and infants.

The Karims’ research was recognized by UNAIDS and WHO as a pivotal scientific breakthrough, with significant impact on the prevention of an epidemic in the African continent and the world.

Speaking about the results of the inaugural season of the VinFuture Prize, Professor Sir Richard Friend, VinFuture Prize Council Chair, stated: “The VinFuture Prize 2021 recognizes truly outstanding scientific work that has made and will make, a positive impact on the lives of millions, or even billions, of people around the world. The winners have brought new solutions for some of the most significant challenges that humanity is facing, such as infectious diseases and meeting the urgent need for zero carbon energy. The VinFuture Prize celebrates the power of science and technology to solve global problems.”


On behalf of the Prize Laureates, Professor Katalin Kariko shared: “It is an incredible honor to learn that the Prize council selected me, together with my fellow scientists Drew Weissman and Pieter Cullis, to receive the inaugural VinFuture Grand Prize. We, as scientists, work at the bench in the laboratory, performing experiments day-after-day and hope that one day – maybe in our lifetime – we can witness that the advancements we made will be beneficial for the common good. We are all relieved and thrilled that our scientific discoveries laid the foundation for the development of the mRNA vaccines. It is also important to note that the vaccines were developed based on a century of scientific and technological progress and recent discoveries by hundreds of thousands of scientists, doctors, engineers and experts who advanced the knowledge of their respected fields, and the combination of that work led to the creation of these very effective and safe mRNA vaccines. We hope that our scientific adventure will also inspire the next generation of researchers and doctors, and that their contributions will advance our scientific knowledge on a higher level leading to the treatment of patients with unmet medical needs.”


The first VinFuture Award Ceremony was broadcasted live on major communication channels across the world, with the appearance of Mr. Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Vietnam, leaders of domestic ministries and agencies, global ambassadors, industry leaders, and in particular, eminent international scientists.

The Award Ceremony signals the end of the first season of the VinFuture Prize, with results far exceeding the expectations of the Prize Council in terms of both quantity, quality, and practical application potential of the nominations. The early success of the Prize lays the foundation for broadening the Prize’s impact in coming years, recognising scientists who seek and deliver solutions to humanity’s problems, contributing to creating a better life for everyone, and building a sustainable environment for future generations./.

Officially starting the second season of the VinFuture Prize

The second cycle of the VinFuture Prize has now started, immediately following the conclusion of the inaugural VinFuture Award Ceremony. The VinFuture Foundation will open the nomination portal from February 15 running until June 3, 2022.

#VinFuturePrize

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

Oudomxay Residents Affected by Laos-China Railway Receive Compensation

Laos-China Railway compensation

Some 72 percent of residents in Oudomxay Province affected by the Laos-China Railway have received full compensation.

Savannakhet Police Shoot and Kill Armed Assailant

Savannakhet Police shoot and kill armed assailant.
Savannakhet Police shoot and kill armed assailant.

A man has been shot dead by police in Savannakhet Province after injuring several people in a machete attack.

Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University Announces Global Initiative to Educate 100 Million Learners by 2030

The Francis and Dionne Najafi Global Initiative is a one-of-a-kind inclusive, innovative, impactful global initiative that will advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, Quality Education for all. Goal is for 70% of participants to be women.

PHOENIX, US – News Direct – 20 January 2022 – Thunderbird School of Global Management, home of the world’s No. 1 ranked Master’s in Management at Arizona State University (ASU), ranked No.1 for innovation in the U.S., announced today a transformative new global initiative to educate and empower 100 million learners by 2030. The announcement coincides with the World Economic Forum’s State of the World sessions.

 

Thanks to a historic $25 million donation from the Francis and Dionne Najafi Global Initiative, Thunderbird will offer an accredited online Global Management and Entrepreneurship Certificate, consisting of five world-class courses in 40 different languages. Of the 100 million learners the program will reach worldwide, it is estimated that 70% will be women and young women. Never before has such an ambitious global higher education program been launched. The certificate will be covered by full scholarships and thus no cost to students because of the philanthropic support undergirding the initiative.

 

The Francis and Dionne Najafi Global Initiative has been made possible through a generous initial gift of $25 million from prominent Phoenix businessman and Thunderbird alumni F. Francis Najafi ’77 and his wife Dionne Najafi ’06. “Our lives were transformed by access to quality education at Thunderbird and we wanted to extend that same transformative experience to people around the world who lack access to quality education,” said the Najafis. “We are excited and deeply humbled to be part of such a bold initiative.”

 

The United Nations estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic has erased 20 years’ worth of educational gains and digital online education has accelerated and expanded dramatically to fill the gap. In addition, the uncertainty and disruption that has come to characterize this era of rapid technological change has displaced many workers and professionals all over the world, increasing the need for upskilling and reskilling in order to seize the immense opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

 

“Thunderbird is the most global and digital leadership and management academy in the world and has touched over two million learners in its renowned 75-year history. Over the last four years, we have engineered the greatest turnaround in higher education history.  At Thunderbird, our vision is a world of sustainable and equitable prosperity, and as part of Arizona State University – the #1 school for innovation seven years running – we measure success not by whom we exclude, but rather by whom we include,” said Thunderbird Director General and Dean, Dr. Sanjeev Khagram. “As a refugee of Idi Amin’s Uganda, my life was transformed by having access to world-class education, so this is deeply personal for me. The Najafi Thunderbird Global Initiative is educational inclusion, innovation, and impact at a worldwide scale!”

 

The learners in the Francis and Dionne Najafi Global Initiative will receive a badge for each course they complete and a 15-unit accredited certificate upon successful completion of all five courses. They will gain 21st century skill sets to catapult their professional careers. They will also have an almost limitless number of lifelong learning options and alternative educational pathways through Thunderbird and ASU, or will be able to transfer the credits to other universities worldwide. Providing these opportunities over the long-term ensures that the Global Initiative will continue to pay dividends well into the future, breaking down barriers and opening new educational opportunities for individuals across generations worldwide.

 

“Access to higher education and the need for equity and inclusion is one of a global scale. One of the reasons Arizona State University is so pleased to have Thunderbird as part of our enterprise is because it is a school that has been focused on sustained prosperity worldwide for decades,” said ASU President Michael Crow. “The commitment made to the school by Francis and Dionne Najafi will impact communities around the world and be a force that brings all of us closer together. We are grateful for their commitment to a borderless expansion of the opportunities that come with higher education.”

 

Educating 100 million learners by 2030 will require a strategic, phased approach. In year one, the Global Initiative aims to reach learners in Iran, Kenya, Mexico, Indonesia, Egypt, India, Senegal, Brazil, and Vietnam in their native languages. By year two, the program will be expanded across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America to at least 25 languages. By year four or earlier, the Global Initiative will have expanded to Europe and Central Asia and 40 total languages – thus available for learners worldwide. Eventually, the initiative will be available for learners worldwide, reaching our goal of 100 million learners.

 

The Francis and Dionne Najafi Global Initiative will provide millions of people with the global management and entrepreneurship skill sets that are not only imperative to accelerate personal success and economic prosperity but also to address persistent poverty and increase inequality worldwide. Interested individuals can request additional information and pre-register at: https://thunderbird.asu.edu

 

About F. Francis and Dionne Najafi

F. Francis Najafi is the American Dream come to life. He came to America from Iran to get an education and earned four degrees from three universities. In 1982 he founded Pivotal Group, a real estate opportunity fund with uncanny market timing and wisdom. Later he broadened Pivotal Group’s mandate successfully investing in private equity and growth venture opportunities. As his success grew, so did his philanthropy: Mr. Najafi has given millions of his own money to an incredibly wide range of causes, headlined by his recent $25 million donation to Arizona State University.

 

About Thunderbird School of Global Management

Thunderbird School of Global Management is a unit of the Arizona State University Enterprise. For more 75 years, Thunderbird has been the vanguard of global management and leadership education, creating inclusive and sustainable prosperity worldwide by educating global leaders capable of tackling the world’s greatest challenges. Thunderbird’s Master of Global Management was ranked #1 in the world for 2019 by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education. ASU is ranked No. 1 “Most Innovative School” in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for five years in succession. To learn more visit thunderbird.asu.edu.

 

About Arizona State University

Arizona State University Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it. For more information, please visit ASU.edu.

 


#Thunderbird choolofGlobalManagement

Mead Johnson Nutrition Hong Kong’s Omnichannel Consumer Engagement Wins HKB Greater Bay Area Enterprise Award

Mega launch of Enfa A+ NeuroPro upgraded formula receives wide recognition for successful online to offline consumer engagement

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 20 January 2022 – Mead Johnson Nutrition Hong Kong (MJNHK) gained industry-wide recognition for its Greater Bay Area consumer engagement efforts for the Enfa A+ NeuroPro upgraded formula at the recent Hong Kong Business (HKB) Greater Bay Area Enterprise Awards. It was the only company to receive the award in the Infant and Child Nutrition category, underscoring its success in exploring business opportunities for the newly-launched infant and child formula and raising category nutrition awareness in the Greater Bay Area.

 

“Grounded in a century of nutritional science, at Mead Johnson, we care for the growth of every child. The award recognises our success in offering quality products and comprehensive support for parents, and we can only do that with the tremendous support from our business partners. We are glad to join hands with our partners to present the Enfa A+ NeuroPro upgraded formula to consumers through a diversified range of touchpoints, as well as adding value to their parenting journey with professional and science-based knowledge. Despite various challenges from the coronavirus pandemic, I am proud that the MJNHK team found innovative ways to realise our vision of nourishing children’s best start in life,” said Mr. Pankaj Agarwal, General Manager, Hong Kong, Taiwan & Cross Border of Mead Johnson Nutrition (Hong Kong) Limited. 

 

The award marks the successful launch of the Enfa A+ NeuroPro upgraded formula, and MJNHK’s continuous efforts in driving the development of the infant and child nutrition category in the Greater Bay Area, as well as providing safe, high-quality, and innovative products that support children’s holistic development.

 

A solid cross-border consumer engagement strategy that integrates online and offline channels played a crucial role in achieving the milestone. The omnichannel approach effectively built product awareness, earned consumer trust, and fueled the sales performance of the Enfa A+ NeuroPro upgraded formula. More than 80% of interviewees said in a May 2021 consumer survey that they would use the product after trial and found its key ingredients, such as HMO and MFGM, satisfactory.

 

Strategic partnerships with leading e-commerce platforms were the key in driving this strategy. MJNHK established partnerships with Tmall, JD, Kaola, VIP, Yunji, O’Mall, as well as popular offline customer touchpoints such as brick-and-mortar mother and baby stores that operate in free trade zones. In addition, it featured the upgraded formula in the Children Baby Maternity Expo (CBME) China, the world’s largest trade fair for child, baby, maternity products and services, in mid-July, successfully connecting with thousands of potential consumers and opening up limitless business opportunities.

 

Dedicated to supporting parents in every stage of their childcare journey, the launch of Enfa A+ NeuroPro went far beyond product selling – it engaged 410,000 consumers via different touchpoints and communication channels and created emotional intimacy with them. Through partnerships with healthcare experts, MJNHK equips parents with essential nutrition and parenting knowledge that spans across different aspects of parenting and child development, from prenatal and postnatal nutrition to the physical wellness of newborns and the mental wellness of parents. The professional and science-based knowledge that is highly relevant to parents’ childcare journey, helped build trust and meaningful connections between the brand and the consumers.

 

These efforts resulted in deep consumer conversations that earned positive word-of-mouth (WOM) and consumer recommendations for the upgraded formula on WeChat, Xiaohungshu, Tik-Tok, and many more vertical social platforms. The product was among the top three brands in the infant and child nutrition HMO segment in August 2021 and one of the top five brands named T-mall Global’s Most Recommended Product in 2021, outcompeting over 100 mother and baby brands.

Watch the interview to know more about the winning project: https://bit.ly/33MtsEq  

About Mead Johnson Nutrition (Hong Kong) Limited

Mead Johnson Nutrition has been established for more than a century since 1905. As the world’s renowned infant and child nutrition brand, Mead Johnson Nutrition has led the way in developing science-based pediatric nutrition products, guided by the mission to nourish the world’s children for the best start in life. Currently, Mead Johnson Nutrition provides more than 70 products in over 50 countries.

 

With excellent quality, Mead Johnson Nutrition has earned the trust of nutritionists and parents. Its dedicated and rigorous attitude, continuous innovation, tireless pursuit of excellence, and caring feedback to the community have also helped it establish a good brand image.

 

Mead Johnson Nutrition (Hong Kong) Limited has landed for half a century, providing Hong Kong parents with high-quality, science-based products, various parenting information, and professional advice, gaining trust and support from parents.

 

Mead Johnson Nutrition’s scientists and healthcare professionals are focusing on a formula for children with special nutrition needs. It is also one of the very few brands that insist on producing formulas for children with metabolic disorders, giving hope to them.

 

For more information: http://www.meadjohnson.com.hk/

#MeadJohnsonNutrition

About Hong Kong Business

Hong Kong Business (HKB) is the only English-language business magazine dedicated to Hong Kong and China. Essential coverage includes the economy, investment, manufacturing, technology, travel and trade, plus special overseas features with in-depth reporting on bilateral economic ties with Hong Kong. With an experienced and dedicated team of seasoned journalists and expert opinions from market leaders, Hong Kong Business is the definitive magazine for Hong Kong’s business elite with a monthly circulation guaranteed at 15,000 copies reaching 60,000 readers.

About HKB Greater Bay Area Enterprise Awards

Organised by Hong Kong Business, the HKB Greater Bay Area Enterprise Awards recognise companies based in Hong Kong or Macau who are making their investments in the Greater Bay Area to foster mutual co-operation, investment, and development with projects demonstrating deeper integration or coordinated economic development between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, as well as successful economic impact for the development of the Greater Bay Area. Awarded companies are deliberated based on judging criteria including investment and commitment, effectiveness and impact and dynamism. 

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

Axion Global Asset Management secures regulatory approval to manage cryptocurrency funds

The Smart Beta Fund provides secure and diversified exposure to “Large-cap” Cryptocurrency Opportunities

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 20 January 2022 – Axion Global Asset Management Limited (“AGAM” or the “Company”), a subsidiary of Edvance International Holdings Limited (SEHK stock code: 1410.HK), is set to launch the Smart Beta Fund SP (“Smart Beta Fund”) after receiving approval from the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong (“SFC”) to manage portfolios that invest up to 100% in virtual assets.

The Company’s new flagship product, the Smart Beta Fund, enables Professional Investors1 to invest confidently in the fast-growing cryptocurrency market via a secure investment vehicle that is managed by a SFC regulated manager.  The Fund seeks to provide superior risk-adjusted returns by tracking the Axion Global Smart Beta Liquidity Index.  The Index has consistently outperformed industry benchmarks and is comprised of the ten most highly valued qualified cryptocurrencies weighted by proprietary investment factors. The Company plans to reach US$100 million in AUM for this Fund.

The launch of the Smart Beta Fund follows the recent launch of the Axion Global Innovations Fund that invests in early-stage digital asset ventures in the burgeoning blockchain and digital assets ecosystem.  As a specialist asset management company that focuses on digital assets and related blockchain opportunities, the Company expects to roll out more products in the future with different strategies to capture returns for investors.

‘We saw the opportunity to create the Smart Beta Fund that will inspire confidence and win the trust of professional investors by combining crypto investment expertise with high governance and operational standards.’ said Mr. Scottie Siu, Investment Director of Axion Global Asset Management Limited. ‘Not only that, we work with best-in-class and regulated custodians and trading platforms such as BitGo Trust, Coinbase and OSL, market leading legal advisors Baker McKenzie and Mourant Ozannes, and expert virtual assets fund administrator Ascent Fund Services to operate the fund in accordance with the highest industry and regulatory standards. The AGAM team was also supported by Sidley Austin, the leading legal advisor, during the approval process with the SFC.’

 

Mr. Gavin Ho, Strategy Director of Axion Global Asset Management Limited commented, “We are thrilled for Axion Global Asset Management to receive regulatory approval as a virtual assets manager and are delighted to have the backing of our parent company Edvance International, who has been a leader in the cybersecurity space for over 20 years, with whom we share a common vision to innovate and be one step ahead in sectors that we operate in.  We see tremendous potential and demand for innovative digital asset products and offerings in the future.’  

 

[1] The term “professional investor” has the meaning as defined under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong) and its subsidiary legislations.

About Axion Global Asset Management Limited

Axion Global Asset Management Limited (AGAM) is an investment management company and an indirect non-wholly owned subsidiary of Edvance International Holdings Limited (SEHK stock code: 1410.HK). It develops investment products focusing on digital assets and blockchain opportunities. AGAM holds a license approved by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong to engage in Type 1 (dealing in securities), Type 4 (advising on securities) and Type 9 (asset management) regulated activities. (CE Number: BMG243)

 

#AxionGlobalAssetManagement

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

JWA Dubai unveils inaugural panel of judges

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 20 January 2022 – In line with its goal of recognising the growing importance of the gemstone and jewellery trade in the Middle East, JWA Dubai has named the judges for its inaugural edition.

 

Nirupa Bhatt, a Business Coach and Strategic Advisor to the gems and jewellery industry, has served as managing director of GIA India and the Middle East. “The Middle East is a very unique and interesting region that caters to local and international consumers. I would like to extend my compliments to the JWA team for launching JWA Dubai in recognition of these outstanding businesses,” said Bhatt.

 

While DMCC Executive Chairman and CEO Ahmed Bin Sulayem, has grown a business that currently has over 20,000 member companies from 180 countries since 2003. “It is a tremendous honour to have been invited into the judging panel of JWA Dubai, which trains the spotlight on the UAE and the opportunities its world-class jewellery sector brings,” added Bin Sulayem, also the Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) and the DGCX.

 

Bhatt and Bin Sulayem lead the judging panel as principal judges.

 

CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri is also a judge. “In less than two decades, Dubai has evolved into a key innovator in the industry as a city whose name has become synonymous with design excellence — just as the Middle East has become one of the most important markets in the global trade,” said Cavalieri.

 

Italian Exhibition Group S.P.A (IEG) Global Exhibition Director Marco Carniello, who has also worked in strategy consultancy with Accenture and Bain & Co, also joins the panel. “Dubai continues to grow as a strategic gateway for jewellery businesses in the Middle East and beyond. Hosting the trade events further affirms its role in the industry today,” he shared.

 

Rounding off the panel is Chairperson and Founder of JWA at Informa Markets Jewellery (IMJ) Letitia Chow. “It is our honour to have the support of various industry experts to join the judging panel of JWA Dubai. We are ready to recognise individuals and companies who contribute immensely to the region’s burgeoning trade,” added Chow, who also chairs JWA Dubai’s judging panel.

 

Organised by IMJ and IEG, the first edition of JWA Dubai is supported by Official Partner DMCC, along with Title Sponsors Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group and Jawhara Jewellery. The awards ceremony will be held at JGT Dubai on Monday, 21 February.


#JewelleryWorldAwards #JWA

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

Bybit Announces Launch of NFT Platform With Mystery Boxes of Monster Galaxy NFTs, Exclusive Artworks Curated by ONBD and REALY Apparel

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 20 January 2022 – Bybit, one of the world’s fastest growing cryptocurrency exchanges, announced the launch of the Bybit NFT Marketplace, a non-fungible token (NFT) platform that aims to streamline digital ownership and support the development of blockchain gaming and the metaverse.

The Bybit NFT Marketplace is set to become a one-stop shop that brings together artists, creators and collectors. Bybit users will not be required to link their personal wallet addresses to the platform. Instead, they can buy, sell or trade NFTs on the Ethereum ERC-721 standard through their Bybit spot accounts — opening the door to digital ownership to collectors of all knowledge and skill levels.

The Bybit NFT Marketplace also allows users to conduct multi-chain transactions, making it easy for everyone to participate in the exciting NFT, GameFi, and metaverse marketplaces. Bybit’s secure and reliable infrastructure means that NFT collectors can verify the authenticity and the chain of custody of their favorite NFTs, making it easy for users to authenticate its origin and value.

Bybit NFT Marketplace Opens Its Doors With Monster Galaxy NFTs, Artworks Curated by ONBD and REALY Apparel

To further spur interest among the community, Bybit is launching campaigns featuring exclusive NFTs from Monsters Galaxy, ONBD and REALY as its debut into the NFT world.

 

Inspired by crowd favorites like Pokémon and Monster Hunter, Monsters Galaxy is a social role-playing mobile game developed by Gaia Online that allows players to participate in epic monster battles with their teams of monsters, or capture wild monsters. So far, it has attracted over 25 million players across the globe to be part of its fanbase.

As a curatorial brand and incubator focused on discovering, conceptualizing and realizing NFT projects, ONBD collaborates with crypto-native artists and traditional artists alike to onboard them to the metaverse. The first series from ONBD on the Bybit NFT Marketplace features more than 100 unique NFT artworks from nine artists from around the world.

 

The REALY Metaverse, also known as KOOOLA virtual city, is a lively metaverse inspired by street culture where users can meet, trade and play games in a fully immersive experience. Players will get to interact with real-life brands and scenarios in the virtual world as avatars (e.g. purchase and wear virtual clothing by real world brands).

 

What to Expect From Bybit’s NFT Marketplace

 

Whether you’re new to digital collectibles or an NFT collector, Bybit’s NFT marketplace promises one of the best collections available, along with reliability, stability and a seamless user experience.

 

Other than partnerships with Monsters Galaxy, ONBD and REALY, Bybit will be curating and releasing exclusive unique NFTs of high value from up-and-coming artists, renowned celebrities as well as athletes, with mystery boxes up for grabs. Artists and creators can look forward to the deep liquidity and access to over 5 million Bybit users. More collaborations will be announced in coming weeks.

 

“While some may be skeptical of the investment value of NFTs, it remains a fact that NFTs not only make it possible for everyone to participate in and appreciate digital ownership, but also enable artists and creators to exercise control over the ownership of their work,” said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit. “We are excited to provide a premier NFT platform for Bybit users, so they can be part of the creation of a new marketplace and new world called the metaverse.”

“The Monster Galaxy series has a rich legacy and an established fanbase in mobile gaming. Our aim is to nurture and grow this community, as we lead them into a blockchain enabled Web 3.0 ecosystem. Bybit’s NFT Marketplace is focused on creating a seamless user experience for new users of crypto, backed by their robust infrastructure and deep exchange liquidity which make them the ideal partners for our maiden NFT collection drop. We look forward to working closely with their team,” said James Cao, founder and CEO of Monster Galaxy.

“ONBD is proud to be building a strong Web 3.0 community of dedicated artists and collectors of the highest caliber. We are very excited to be working with Bybit and their new world class NFT Marketplace to engage with their community and introduce our internationally renowned artists to a new audience,” said Eva Ren, founder and CEO of ONBD.

“REALY’s goal is to be at the forefront of the street culture metaverse and we are very excited to achieve this milestone with Bybit, which is known for their deep liquidity and their no-down-time commitment. The Bybit NFT Marketplace is a clear choice for us to debut our street culture NFTs,” said George Yang, founder and CEO of REALY.

About Bybit

Bybit is a cryptocurrency exchange established in March 2018 to offer a professional platform where crypto traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, excellent customer service and multilingual community support. The company provides innovative online spot and derivatives trading services, mining and staking products, as well as API support, to retail and institutional clients around the world, and strives to be the most reliable exchange for the emerging digital asset class.

 

For more information please visit: https://www.bybit.com

For updates, please follow Bybit’s social platforms on

https://discord.com/invite/bybit

https://www.facebook.com/Bybit

https://www.instagram.com/bybit_official/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bybitexchange/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Bybit/

https://t.me/BybitEnglish

https://www.tiktok.com/@bybit_official

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https://www.youtube.com/c/Bybit


#Bybit

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