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Lao National Assembly Session Concludes 9th Ordinary Session with Approval of New, Revised Legislations

The 9th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature of the National Assembly. 26 June 2025. (Photo credit: Lao People's Army News)

The final day of the 9th National Assembly session closed with the approval of a total of ten laws, including five newly drafted and five revised. 

Throughout the 14 days session from 9 to 26 June, members of the Assembly thoroughly reviewed the proposed laws, examining each article to ensure they are complete, consistent, and practical for enforcement by relevant authorities.

The five newly adopted laws focus on key areas of governance and social welfare. These include the Law on Civil Servants of the People’s Prosecutor’s Office, the Law on Social Work, the Law on Cultivation, the Law on General Education, and the Law on Cybersecurity. 

Meanwhile, the five amended laws were introduced to update and strengthen existing legal frameworks. The revisions covered the Law on Medicines and Medical Products, the Law on Irrigation, the Law on Income Tax, the Law on Advertising, and the Law on the People’s Assembly which includes updates to judicial procedures.

According to the Assembly, these amendments are essential for aligning national legislation with current socio-economic conditions and improving regulatory enforcement.

Government Restructuring

Previously, the National Assembly approved a significant cabinet reshuffle to enhance government efficiency by reducing ministries from 17 to 13. 

The reform involved reassigning or replacing nine ministers and appointing Bounkham Vorachit as the new Governor of the Bank of Laos

Major mergers included the Ministry of Planning and Investment combining with Finance under Santiphab Phomvihane, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, creating the new Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, led by Linkham Douangsavanh. The Ministry of Energy and Mines was integrated into the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. 

The Ministry of Home Affairs was dissolved, with its responsibilities transferred to the Prime Minister’s Office, where four ministers, Khamjane Vongphosy, Buakhong Nammavong, Sonexay Sitphaxay, and Sinava Souphanouvong, now serve directly.

Other notable appointments included Thongsalith Mangnomek as Minister of Education and Sports, Baykham Khattiya as Minister of Health, and Bounkham Vorachit as the new Governor of the Bank of the Laos, moving from her previous role as Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

Several ministers retained their positions, ensuring continuity in key areas. These include Suansavanh Viyaket in Information, Culture and Tourism, Khamlieng Outhakaisone in National Defence, Vilay Lakhamfong in Public Security, Boviengkham Vongdara in Technology and Communications, Phaivi Siboualipha in Justice, and Thongsavanh Phomvihane in Foreign Affairs. Leklay Sivilay succeeded Gnampasong Meuangmany as Minister of Public Works and Transport.

Economic Priorities and Performance

The National Assembly placed strong focus on economic recovery and inflation control, targeting single-digit inflation by the end of 2025. To achieve this, the government is working to stabilize the kip, increase domestic production, and restructure Électricité du Laos (EDL)’s debt. Supporting measures include stricter market regulations, electricity tariff reviews, and improved debt management.

According to the Assembly report, recent data showed positive signs: inflation dropped to 11.76 percent  in the first five months of 2025, compared to 24.77 percent during the same period in 2024. GDP grew by 4.5 percent, with contributions from agriculture (3.3 percent), industry (4.6 percent), services (4.7 percent), and tax revenue (4.4 percent).

To meet the 4.8 percent GDP target, the Assembly highlighted agriculture as a key sector to boost food security and reduce imports. 

Lawmakers also stressed the need for infrastructure investment, especially in road repairs, to improve logistics, lower transport costs, and support growth in tourism and trade.repairs for both national and rural routes. These improvements are expected to enhance logistics efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and boost both tourism and trade sectors, contributing to broader economic recovery.

Social and Regulatory Reforms

The Assembly session also tackled a wide range of pressing social issues, including combating drug abuse, eliminating illegal trade and human trafficking networks, resolving labor shortages across various sectors, enhancing education system quality, reducing traffic accidents, and shutting down illegal entertainment venues that violate national regulations.

The session called for strict measures against non-compliant mining projects and halted approvals for new exploration except construction materials. 

The government committed to improved tax collection and targeted support for vulnerable groups as part of economic recovery efforts.

Tanoto Foundation Backs Landmark Research to Unlock the Code of Asian Prevalent Diseases

Understanding Asian Cancers and Diabetes Through an Asian Lens


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 June 2025 – Tanoto Foundation today announced the funding of two transformative, Singapore-based medical research projects focused on diseases that disproportionately affect Asian populations: prevalent and aggressive cancers, and young-onset Type 2 diabetes. The multi-year initiatives aim to generate data-driven insights that can accelerate diagnosis, improve patient outcomes, and guide public health policy.

NCCS and SGH secure research funding from Tanoto Foundation for projects tackling Asian-prevalent cancers and young-onset diabetes to drive breakthroughs in regional health
NCCS and SGH secure research funding from Tanoto Foundation for projects tackling Asian-prevalent cancers and young-onset diabetes to drive breakthroughs in regional health

Despite global strides in medicine, Asia continues to face rising rates of cancer and diabetes – diseases that are biologically and clinically distinct in Asian populations but remain under-researched due to a lack of region-specific data. The two research projects, from National Cancer Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital, will focus on filling these gaps through deep genomic studies and innovative risk-prediction models.

Imelda Tanoto, Member of the Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation said: “Singapore is well-positioned to lead in medical science. It has strong research institutions and a population that reflects the diversity of Asia. By supporting researchers here who are focused on health issues that affect Asians, we hope to help drive discoveries that make a real difference to people’s lives — both in Singapore and across the region.”

Tackling Asian-Prevalent Cancers

Led by Dr Jason Chan, Medical Oncologist, National Cancer Centre Singapore, the research will investigate four types of cancers with high prevalence and poor outcomes in Asia:

  • Breast Cancer in Asian Women, marked by earlier onset and biological differences compared to Western populations
  • T/NK-Cell Lymphomas, an aggressive blood cancer dominant in East Asians with limited treatment options
  • Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma), increasingly linked to environmental exposures specific to Asia
  • Rare Asian Cancers, collectively neglected but accounting for up to 25% of all cases in the region

These cancers are devastating but remain poorly understood because most research has focused on Western populations,” said Dr Chan. “By decoding their molecular and genomic landscapes in Asian patients, we want to uncover new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities to benefit patients.”

A key feature of the project is its open-access commitment: anonymised data will be freely available to the broader research community to accelerate further discovery and collaboration.

Unmasking Diabetes Risk in Young Singaporeans

The second research project, led by Dr Daphne Gardner, Endocrinologist, Singapore General Hospital, will address the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes in young adults, particularly prevalent in Singapore, where 1 in 5 young adults have prediabetes or diabetes, despite being of normal weight.

Unlike traditional assessments that rely heavily on BMI and family history, this project will develop a next-generation risk prediction tool by incorporating non-traditional indicators such as body fat distribution, continuous glucose monitoring, and health-seeking behaviour.

“Many young Asians with diabetes don’t fit the usual risk profile. They’re lean, active, and often overlooked by current screening models,” said Dr Gardner. “We want to change that by identifying new risk signals and developing tools that are tailored to Singapore’s population and beyond.”

Findings from the study aim to inform national diabetes screening guidelines and lead to earlier interventions that can curb long-term complications.

Singapore as a Hub for Medical Research Advancement

In addition to previously supported research projects, these two initiatives reflect a growing recognition of Singapore’s role in advancing precision medicine for Asian populations, driven by strong clinical infrastructure, genomic capabilities, and public-private partnerships.

Imelda Tanoto added: “We believe precision health can change how we treat and prevent diseases. We’re supporting researchers who are not only breaking new ground, but also making sure their work reaches people and communities across Asia. This is something deeply personal to us — it’s about improving lives in a way that’s inclusive, meaningful, and lasting.”

This announcement marks a key milestone in Tanoto Foundation’s continuing effort to improve the quality of healthcare and health standards, leading to longer and better healthspans.

Hashtag: #TanotoFoundation

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

About Tanoto Foundation

At Tanoto Foundation, we unlock human potential, help communities thrive, and create lasting impact. Founded in 1981 by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto, we are an independent family foundation that believes in providing every person with the opportunity to realize his or her full potential. To do so, we catalyse systems change in education and healthcare. Our approach is impact-first, collaborative, and evidence-based. We invest for the long term and strive to develop leaders who can drive sustained, positive outcomes.

More information is available at .

Expanding the crypto trading experience: exploring CFDs with Octa broker

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 June 2025 – Crypto has been booming for quite a while now. But for those who missed the hype train or find the highly volatile crypto market unsuitable, contracts for difference (CFD) present a viable—and arguably more secure—asset type. The experts at Octa, a global broker since 2011, explain why CFDs are worth exploring to expand experience with the financial markets.

Octa Broker

New trends, old problems
The crypto market experienced turmoil throughout 2024. Bitcoin reached multiple all-time highs in a span of one year, and altcoins tried to follow suit. In early 2025, the appearance of the TRUMP coin reinforces the global trend for crypto’s increasing media presence and violent fluctuations of the crypto market.

However, even with the current uptrend, the downsides of the crypto market persist. Excessive volatility and the speculative nature of most crypto assets make it a bumpy ride for anyone who aims for consistent outcomes.

Among the most popular assets that can be traded instead of crypto, one stands apart for flexibility and accessibility: contracts for difference, or CFDs. These financial instruments allow traders to speculate on the price movements of an asset without owning it. Instead of buying or selling the actual asset, traders enter into an agreement with a broker to exchange the difference in the asset’s price from when the contract is opened to when it is closed. This asset price difference constitutes CFD traders’ profits or losses.

Below are some of the main advantages of CFD trading over investing in traditional crypto assets.

Ride with the wave

One of the worst situations crypto investors can face in their journey is sudden and prolonged downtrends that appear out of nowhere. Profit potential disappears when the entire market suddenly begins to fall. In cases like these, even portfolio diversification won’t help.

In contrast, the contract nature of CFDs allows for more flexibility, enabling traders to act on both upward and downward trends. CFD trading enables positions to be opened in anticipation of both rising and falling prices. In other words, CFDs as an asset hold twice as much potential for gains—any swing in asset price can turn into a profit opportunity.

Better conditions, lower costs
Top CFD brokers can often offer superior trading services, and here’s why. Crypto traders regularly face slow order execution, high slippage, and unexpected fees imposed by crypto exchanges. On the other hand, CFD brokers often offer lower spreads and more efficient order execution, which can affect profits significantly if the markets show high volatility.

For example, Octa, a CFD broker boasting extensive market experience, offers some of the best trading conditions on the market. The broker’s portfolio contains a wide variety of CFD assets, including CFDs on crypto, gold, and indices.

Octa’s clients have the option to replenish their accounts using cryptocurrency and withdraw funds directly to their cryptocurrency wallets. It is important to note that while Octa facilitates these transactions, the broker does not directly engage in providing services related to cryptocurrency. Instead, it operates through reputable partners who possess the necessary licenses to conduct cryptocurrency-related activities.

No wallet, no worries

Stories about astronomical amounts of cryptocurrency gathering digital dust on an unrepairable hard drive or unused e-wallet inaccessible because of a lost password have been filling the web for ages. But the risks of losing digital capital due to some transactional or e-wallet issues are more than real.

CFD traders don’t own cryptocurrencies—or any other underlying asset, for that matter. Instead, they are speculating on the price movement of the underlying asset and can, therefore, tap into the asset’s profit potential while avoiding the risks of owning it.

CFD traders don’t have to manage e-wallets, and that frees them from significant cognitive load—not to mention obvious risks. What’s more, the risk of a crypto exchange being hacked and all their digital capital stolen doesn’t concern them either.

With their flexibility, security, and accessibility, CFDs allow traders to step up their game and avoid many of the drawbacks cryptocurrencies are so famous for as a tradable asset. On top of that, with CFDs, traders can diversify their portfolios since these instruments encompass the whole gamut of various underlying asset types, including precious metals, stocks, and indices.

___

Disclaimer: This press release does not contain or constitute investment advice or recommendations and does not consider your investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Any actions taken based on this content are at your sole discretion and risk—Octa does not accept any liability for any resulting losses or consequences.Hashtag: #octa

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

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including improving educational infrastructure and funding short-notice relief projects to support local communities.
In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

Results of the IX Digital Asset Industry Classification System (“DAICS®”) 1H 2025 Review


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 June 2025 – Today, IX Asia Indexes announced the 1st Half 2025 Review of the IX Digital Asset Industry Classification System (“DAICS®“), aiming to provide professionals worldwide with a transparent and standardized classification scheme to determine sector and exposure of particular digital assets. DAICS® classifies digital assets into 2 main categories: a) Cryptocurrencies and b) Asset Backed Tokens in a 3-tier system for each category. For Cryptocurrencies: Tier 1-Industry/ Tier 2-Sector/ Tier 3-Sub-sector; for Asset Backed Tokens: Tier 1-Asset Type/ Tier 2-Branch/ Tier 3-Sub-branch. The results are as follows:

  • DAICS® coin coverage: top 50 coins by average market capitalization across the past 90 days
  • DAICS® market capitalization coverage: 97.53%*
  • The % coverage of market capitalization of the 50th ranked coin: 0.060%**
  • Member changes within the Top 50 Coins in DAICS®: eight coins added and eight coins deleted
  • Additions: Hyperliquid (HYPE), Pi (PI), Bitget Token (BGB), Mantra (OM), Ondo (ONDO), Gate Token (GT), Official Trump (TRUMP), and Ethena (ENA)
  • Deletions: Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (ASI), Stacks (STX), Dogwifhat (WIFG), Arbitrum (ARB), ImmutableX (IMXG), Injective Protocol (INJ), Optimism (OP), Fantom (FTM): Renamed to Sonic (S)

The rankings of additions and deletions for the DAICS® top 50 cryptocurrencies are listed in Appendix 1. All classification changes, including the ixCrypto Infrastructure Index and ixCrypto Stablecoin index, will take effect on 18th July 2025, with market capitalization, rankings, and weightings available at www.ix-index.com.

*Special currency treatment of DAICS® applies, where any wrapped or second-level cryptocurrency is not considered in the calculation for the market capitalization of DAICS®
**Based on 6th June 2025

1. Cryptocurrencies

1.1. Structure and Definitions

Tier 1: Industry Changes
The industry groups remain unchanged, with 5 industries and the respective weightings as follows:

Industry Weighting (%)
Payment (110) 78.35%
Infrastructure (120) 15.78%
Financial Services (130) 4.17%
Tech & Data (140) 0.24%
Media & Entertainment (150) 1.46%

Tier 2: Sector Changes
The number of sectors has increased from 16 to 17. There is one new sector added under the industry group “Financial Services (130)”:

Financial Asset Tokenization (13040)
Definition: Cryptocurrencies/protocols that facilitate the tokenized issuance and management of financial assets, including but not limited to real-world assets (treasuries, bonds, real estate). Emphasis is on compliance, institutional integration, fractional ownership, and financial product innovation. The crypto itself is not backed by a corresponding real-world asset.

1.2. Classification Changes
This review doesn’t have any reclassification of the existing coins. The DAICS® 1H 2025 cryptocurrencies classification is available in Appendix 2.

1.3. Green Coin Label

This review identifies 9 Green Coins, classified based on their energy-per-unit-transaction, which is defined as the amount of energy consumed for a successful single unit transaction of the coin in the blockchain network. These coins rank in the top 20 percentile of the least energy-consuming cryptocurrencies out of the 50 DAICS® constituents. The top 20 percentile’s threshold is ≤ 0.005 Wh. The table below lists these low-energy coins.

Industry Low Energy-per-transaction (≤ 0.005 Wh)
Payment (110) DAIG
USDeG
KASG
FDUSDG
Infrastructure (120) NIL
Financial Services (130) LEOG
OKBG
AAVEG
Tech & Data (140) TAOG
Media & Entertainment (150) PEPEG

Note: G as ‘Green Coin‘ labelling for cryptocurrencies that adhere to the principles of sustainability

2. Asset Backed Tokens (ABT)

2.1. Structure and Definitions
Tier 1: Asset Type Changes
The asset types remain unchanged as follows:
1) Culture (205),
2) Real Estate (215),
3) Financials (235),
4) Entertainment (255),
5) Natural Resources (265), and
6) Green Economy (275)

Tier 2: Branch Changes
The branches remain unchanged at 31.

2.2. Classification Changes
This review doesn’t have any reclassification of the existing assets.

2.3. Coverage of DAICS®
IX Asia Indexes has not started classifying ABTs. As of June 6, 2025, ABTs comprised only 0.67% of the total market capitalization of digital assets, a rise from 0.11% in the 2024 2H review.

A classification summary and definition table of both cryptocurrencies and Asset Backed Tokens are available in Appendices 3 and 4. For further information regarding the methodology of the DAICS®, please refer to the “IX Digital Asset Industry Classification System”- principle and guiding methodology on the company website https://ix-index.com/daics.html.

For more details on DAICS® qualification criteria, please email daics@ix index.com.

Appendix 1

Additions and Deletions in DAICS® Top 50 Cryptocurrencies

Additions

Current Rank Cryptocurrencies
20 Hyperliquid (HYPE)
23 Pi (PI)
24 Bitget Token (BGB)
34 Mantra (OM)
35 Ondo (ONDO)
41 GateToken (GT)
43 Official Trump (TRUMP)
49 Ethena (ENA)


Deletions

Prev. Rank Cryptocurrencies Current Rank
29 Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (ASI) 54
37 Stacks (STX) 63
39 Dogwifhat (WIFG) 93
42 Arbitrum (ARB) 53
44 ImmutableX (IMXG) 67
47 Injective Protocol (INJ) 66
48 Optimism (OP) 59
50 Fantom (FTM), Renamed to Sonic (S) 55

G: Green Coin

Appendix 2

Classification of the Top 50 Coins by Industry and Sector

Category

Industry Sector Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies (1) Payment:

Blockchain based money, designed for transactional purposes. This includes daily transactions usage and stablecoins.

Transaction & Payment BTC
XRP
XLM
BCH
LTC
PI
XMR
CRO
KASG
Stablecoin USD
USD
DAI G
USDeG
FDUSDG
Infrastructure:

Bedrock blockchain that facilitates the operation of other decentralised applications. This includes the creation and running of dedicated blockchain platforms, achieving interoperability between networks, increasing the amount or speed of transactions etc

Application Development Protocol & Smart Contract ETH
SOL
ADA
TRX
SUI
AVAX TON
HBAR
HYPE
APT
NEAR
ICP
ETC
GT
VET
Interoperability LINK
DOT
ATOM
Scaling & Sharding MNT POL
Supporting System NIL
Financial services:

Tokens that provide on-chain asset management services, crypto-exchange services, funding, lending and other capital markets related services

Exchange Tokens BNB
LEOG
BGB
UNI
OKBG
Lending & Borrowing AAVEG

Staking ENA
Financial Asset Tokenization (NEW) OM
ONDO
Tech & Data:

Provision of data management and storage, and development of innovative crypto technology

Storage & Sharing FIL RENDER

Data Management NIL
Artificial Intelligence TAO G
Media & Entertainment:

Recreational and media services. Including content creation and distribution, advertising through crypto-asset incentive mechanisms, gaming and collectibles

Social Media & Community DOGE
SHIB
PEPEG
TRUMP
Streaming NIL
Gaming NIL
Metaverse NIL

Note:
G as ‘Green Coin‘ for cryptocurrencies that adhere to the principles of sustainability
NEW for newly added sector

Appendix 3
DAICS® Industry and Sector Definition

Category Industry Sector Sector definition
Cryptocurrencies (1) Payment: (110)

Definition
Blockchain based money, designed for transactional purposes. This includes daily transactions usage and stablecoins.

Transaction & Payment
(11010)
Cryptocurrencies that are used for store of value, unit of account, medium of exchange
Stablecoin
(11020)
Cryptocurrencies where price is pegged to a / a basket of, reference asset
Infrastructure: (120)

Definition
Bedrock blockchain that facilitates the operation of other decentralised applications. This includes the creation and running of dedicated blockchain platforms, achieving interoperability between networks, increasing the amount or speed of transactions etc.

Application Development Protocol & Smart Contract
(12010)
layer-1 blockchain network that facilitates DApp creation and smart contract execution and smart contract
Interoperability
(12020)
Network that increases inter-connectivity and integration of the fragmented cryptocurrency ecosystem
Scaling & Sharding
(12030)
Networks that increase the ability to cope with the influx of many transactions at a time and blockchain network that can be split into smaller partitions, to improve scalability and process transactions quicker
Supporting System
(12040)
Networks/sidechains that improve functionality of layer-1 network
Financial services: (130)

Definition
Tokens that provide on-chain asset management services, crypto-exchange services, funding, lending, and other capital markets related services

Exchange Tokens
(13010)
Cryptocurrencies that represent the stable coin in the exchange ecosystem and allow users to covert from digital asset on decentralised or centralised system int fiat currencies
Lending & Borrowing
(13020)
Borrowing and lending crypto assets with interest in return and other secondary financial tools derived from primary underlying asset, such as crypto futures and options
Staking
(13030)
Holding and “staking” of certain amount of cryptocurrency in a wallet to facilitate network operations
Financial Asset Tokenization (13040) (new)

Cryptocurrencies/protocols that focus on the tokenized issuance and management of financial assets
Tech & Data: (140)

Definition
Provision of data management and storage, and development of innovative crypto technology

Storage & Sharing
(14010)
Crypto protocols that provide decentralized storage and/or sharing of data filing and resources.
Data Management
(14020)
Networks/Protocols that facilitate the indexing and querying of data from blockchain(s), enabling efficient data retrieval and management for decentralized applications
Artificial Intelligence
(14030)
Cryptos/Protocols that facilitate the use of AI powered apps or projects directly using blockchain platform.
Media & Entertainment: (150)

Definition
Recreational and media services. Including content creation and distribution, advertising through crypto-asset incentive mechanisms, gaming and collectibles

Social Media & Community
(15010)
Cryptos that provides mast social community and followers without a close secondary industry sector
Streaming
(15020)
Cryptos that provides rights to access decentralised video-streaming sites
Gaming
(15030)
Cryptos which mainly used in gaming or gaming supporting industry
Metaverse
(15040)
Cryptos that is commonly used in collective virtual open space, created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical and digital reality. This includes the use of VR and/or AR and/or 3D.

Note: NEW for newly added sector

Appendix 4

DAICS® Asset Type and Branch Definition

Category

Asset Type Branch Sub -branch
Asset-Backed Tokens (2) Culture: (205)

Definition
Real asset relating to sports, art, cultural drama, festive collectibles and design IPs etc.

Art
(20510)
This shall be further developed in the future with more digital assets available in the market
Sports
(20520)
Festive Collectibles
(20530)
Design IPs
(20540)
Drama and Play IPs
(20550)
Real Estate:(215)

Definition
Assets that mainly derived its valuation from property, real estate, and land

Commercial Property
(21510)
Residential Property
(21520)
Governmental Property
(21530)
Residential and Commercial Land
(21540)
Financials: (235)

Definition
Real financial asset including listed company shareholdings on regulated centralised exchanges and private company shareholdings; debt instruments; property trusts and derivatives that settled on regulated exchange (CeFi and DeFi).

Tokenised Securities (Company Securities, ETF)
(23510)
Tokenised Debts
(23520)
Tokenised REITs
(23530)
Entertainment: (255)

Definition
Ownership of the IPs assets in the area of entertainment in real world such as concert, play, shows, circus, musicals, songs, movies, games, events and programs, and souvenir collectibles that is derived from the above areas.

Movies
(25510)
This shall be further developed in the future with more digital assets available in the market
Songs
(25520)
Concerts
(25530)
Gaming
(25540)
All Other Entertainment Events and Collectibles
(25550)
Natural Resources: (265)

Definition

Natural resources asset that derived directly from sea, sky, atmosphere and underground and can be classified as a commodity with standardisation such as precious metals, agricultural, energy and metals.

Precious Metals

(26510)

Agricultural

(26520)

Energy

(26530)

Metals

(26540)

Green Economy (275)

Definition

Ownership of Projects Asset that falls under the definition of the UN 17SDG²s, with over 80% of the income or jobs provided on these 17 initiatives.

No Poverty & Zero Hunger
(27510)
Following definition of the United Nations
17 sustainable development goals²

Good Health and Well-Being
(27520)
Quality Education
(27530)
Gender Equality
(27540)
Clean Water and Sanitation/Affordable and Clean Energy
(27550)
Decent Work and Economic Growth/ Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure/ Partnerships for the Goals
(27560)
Reduced inequalities/ Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
(27570)
Sustainable Cities and Communities/Responsible Consumption and Production
(27580)
Climate Action
(27590)
Life Below Water & Life on Land
(27500)

² United Nations 17 sustainable development goals covering 1) No Poverty 2) Zero Hunger 3) Good Health and Well-Being 4) Quality Education 5) Gender Equality 6) Clean Water and Sanitation 7) Affordable And Clean Energy 8) Decent Work and Economic Growth 9) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 10) Reduced inequalities 11) Sustainable Cities and Communities 12) Responsible Consumption and Production 13) Climate Action 14) Life Below Water 15) Life on Land 16) Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and 17) Partnerships for the Goals https://sdgs.un.org/goals

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

About DAICS®

DAICS® covers both cryptocurrencies and asset-backed tokens (“ABT”), to be reviewed semi-annually at the end of June and December. On the cryptocurrency side, it is a three-tier system that groups cryptocurrencies into 5 main industries: 1) Payment, 2) Infrastructure, 3) Financial services, 4) Technology & Data, and 5) Media & Entertainment. These industries are further divided into 16 sectors and sub-sectors to be introduced in the future. Under asset-backed tokens, there are 6 asset types: 1) Culture, 2) Real Estate, 3) Financials, 4) Entertainment, 5) Natural Resources, 6) Green Economy. These asset types are further divided into 31 branches and sub-branches to be introduced in the future.

About the IX Asia Tokenization Advisory Committee and Working Group

The establishment of the IX Asia Tokenization Advisory Committee (“Advisory Committee”) is to pursue the goal and vision of formulating a standard for a global tokenization framework in a compliant and transparent way. The key role of the Advisory Committee is to formulate the guidelines and references for tokenization in terms of infrastructure, business, financial stability, sustainability, internal control, and classification. The Advisory Committee is comprised of industry-recognised leaders from blockchain consultancy, sustainable projects, and the field of the Art industry.

The establishment of the Working Group is to identify, evaluate and recommend key directions and founding principles according to their specific industry knowledge and expertise in relating to the creation of the specified token. It will examine and propose improvements to the guidelines and references for tokenization. The working group is formed of a diverse group of market experts representing relevant sectors and markets, to provide input and discuss case studies for creation of tokenization framework, best practices and development of real-world projects.

For more information about IX Asia Tokenization Advisory Committee & Working Group, please visit .

Dutch National Caught with Heroin at Wattay Airport Ahead of Belgium Flight

Dutch National Caught with Heroin at Wattay Airport Ahead of Belgium Flight

On 25 June, customs officers at Wattay International Airport arrested a 70-year-old Dutch national after discovering nearly three kilograms of heroin concealed in his luggage as he prepared to board a flight to Belgium.

HKICPA renews its Mutual Recognition Agreement with ACCA


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 June 2025 – The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) is delighted to announce its renewal of Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The two accounting bodies continue to join hands together to pave ways for career development of the accounting talents in Hong Kong, with the aim to foster the development of the accounting profession.

The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) signed a new three-year mutual recognition agreement with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), which continues widening the opportunities to both HKICPA members and ACCA members. (From Left to Right) HKICPA President Edward Au, HKICPA Chief Executive and Registrar Margaret Chan, Head of ACCA Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area Lead Christina So and ACCA Hong Kong Chairman Stanley Ho.
The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) signed a new three-year mutual recognition agreement with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), which continues widening the opportunities to both HKICPA members and ACCA members. (From Left to Right) HKICPA President Edward Au, HKICPA Chief Executive and Registrar Margaret Chan, Head of ACCA Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area Lead Christina So and ACCA Hong Kong Chairman Stanley Ho.

The HKICPA has held MRA with ACCA since 2000. The new MRA is for a term of three years, continuing to enhance the professional development mobility of members of both bodies, further expanding their professional development opportunities. HKICPA members completing the Qualification Programme (QP) and obtaining at least three years of practical experience may acquire ACCA membership through the agreement. On the other hand, ACCA members who have completed ACCA professional examinations in the United Kingdom or Hong Kong (Including the Advanced Audit and Assurance and Advanced Taxation (Hong Kong) examinations) and having at least three years of practical experience, may apply for HKICPA membership after having passed the Capstone of the QP.

The new MRA has been enhanced to ease the path for ACCA members to gain the CPA designation offered by the HKICPA. Under the new MRA, the eligibility for seeking HKICPA membership will be extended to ACCA members who are non-degree holders possessing a qualification at a level not lower than higher diploma/ associate degree (or equivalent) under the Hong Kong Qualification Framework, and fulfilling relevant conditions. The HKICPA believes that the enhanced MRA would attract more talented individuals from various disciplines to join the professional field of Hong Kong accountants and obtain the CPA designation.

HKICPA President Edward Au said, “We are delighted to renew the MRA with the ACCA. The MRA provides simplified pathways for members of both organizations to obtain professional qualifications from each other, thereby enhancing their career mobility. Furthermore, the synergies created by the co-operations between HKICPA and ACCA enable us to provide advanced support to the development of the accounting profession in Hong Kong, benefiting businesses as well as Hong Kong economy as a whole. HKICPA will continue to work hand in hand with other professional accounting organizations to attract talent from diverse academic backgrounds, build a stronger talent pool, and drive the continuous advancement of the accounting profession.”

ACCA Hong Kong Chairman Stanley Ho said, “We welcome the enhanced MRA, which offers greater flexibility for membership mobility between the two bodies, reflecting our shared commitment to empowering career opportunities and advancing the profession. With over 120 years of global legacy and a proud 75-year heritage rooted in Hong Kong, ACCA has consistently demonstrated leadership in redefining the accountant through times of change. In response to the evolving needs and expectations of society, ACCA will introduce a redesigned qualification in 2027. We look forward to working closely with HKICPA to drive sustainable growth for the profession and the wider community.”

As one of the founding members of the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA), HKICPA has consistently engaged in exchanges with international accounting professions, and remains committed to upholding the international recognition of its membership. Including ACCA, the HKICPA holds mutual membership recognition agreements or mutual examination papers exemption agreements with 11 accounting bodies in the Mainland and overseas. In the future, the HKICPA will continue to expand its global network, explore potential collaborations with more overseas accounting bodies to facilitate exchanges and opportunities for new mutual recognition agreements for members.

Hashtag: #HKICPA




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

Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants

The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“HKICPA”) is the statutory body established by the Professional Accountants Ordinance responsible for the professional training and development of certified public accountants in Hong Kong. The Institute is also a standard setter of the local accounting industry. The Institute has over 47,000 members and about 12,000 registered students.

Our Qualification Programme assures the quality of entry into the profession, and we promulgate financial reporting, auditing, ethical and sustainability disclosure standards that safeguard Hong Kong’s leadership as an international financial centre.

The CPA designation is a top qualification recognised globally. The Institute is a member of and actively contributes to the work of the Global Accounting Alliance and International Federation of Accountants.

Trend Micro to Deliver AI Factory with Dell and NVIDIA for Secure Infrastructure at Scale

Platforms to accelerate secure AI adoption for modern IT environments


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 June 2025 – Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, today announced it will deliver a suite of co-developed, pre-approved OEM appliance offerings in collaboration with Dell Technologies and NVIDIA to support secure, AI-powered infrastructure solutions that scale with the needs of global enterprises.

Kevin Simzer, COO at Trend: “We understand that IT teams are stretched thin. That’s why our platform is designed to automate, streamline, and unify security operations — whether in the cloud, on-premises, hybrid environments, or even air-gapped systems. Our goal is to meet customers where they are, and that same philosophy drives our strategic alliances. We’re delighted to work with Dell Technologies and NVIDIA to overcome the challenges that too often get in the way of effective threat protection.”

Faced with mounting risk levels and increasingly AI-enabled adversaries, global enterprises and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are racing to secure their distributed, hybrid, and edge computing environments. However, IT complexity and integration challenges can slow adoption and expose them to cyber risks.

That’s why many are demanding that their technology vendors remove the burden of “DIY security” by delivering pre-validated and co-engineered security and infrastructure offerings. While packaged for simplicity, these solutions remain fully customizable to meet the unique needs of each environment — offering a clearer starting point for enterprises navigating complex security decisions.

Security can’t just be integrated; it needs to be intelligent. Customers want simplified procurement, built-in support, and a direct line to trusted vendors to accelerate time to value and close skills and security gaps.

These joint offerings are optimized for a range of deployment scenarios, from cloud-native to air-gapped systems, making them well-suited for industries with complex regulatory or performance requirements.

As part of this effort, Trend is offering Trend Vision OneTM Sovereign Private Cloud, in collaboration with Dell, to support rapid deployment with a pre-integrated package that includes software, hardware, support, and deployment services. They simplify adoption, accelerate time to value, and help close security and skills gaps across complex IT environments.

It’s a best-of-both-worlds approach in which:

  • Trend will supply its industry-leading AI-driven cybersecurity platform, Trend Vision One. It features Cyber Risk Exposure Management, Extended Detection and Response (XDR), and comprehensive protection across email, cloud, network, endpoint, data, and identity layers.
  • Dell Technologies provides scalable infrastructure and deployment via Dell PowerFlex for high-performance, software-defined enterprise storage across diverse workloads.
  • NVIDIA powers the solution via the NVIDIA Morpheus cybersecurity AI framework and NVIDIA NIM microservices, delivering real-time, GPU-accelerated threat detection and AI-driven analysis that enables enterprises to reduce dwell time and act on risks faster than ever.

Hashtag: #trendmicro #trendvisionone #visionone #cybersecurity #trendcybertron #cybertron #dell #nvidia




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

Trend Micro

Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro’s cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, the platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 65 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world.

Rethinking Obesity: Novo Nordisk’s Latest Initiative Urges Singaporeans to Treat, Not Blame

“Beyond the Scale” focuses on obesity as a chronic disease — urging empathy, early intervention, and evidence-based care.


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 June 2025 – Imagine a chronic disease affecting more than 600,000 people 1-3 in Singapore — yet often misunderstood, overlooked, or surrounded by stigma. This is the reality of obesity today. For many, outdated perceptions and delays in care have created barriers to support and treatment. Today, a new initiative is calling for a shift — to change how we think, talk about, and respond to obesity, through a lens of science, empathy, and early intervention.

Novo Nordisk’s ‘Beyond the Scale’ initiative
Novo Nordisk’s ‘Beyond the Scale’ initiative

Breaking the Myths: A Public Health Reframe
“Just eat less.” “Try harder.” “It’s a lifestyle choice.” These are more than just phrases — they reflect a deeper misunderstanding of obesity. Today, a bold new initiative, seeks to challenge those misconceptions and open the door to a more compassionate, evidence-based conversation. “Beyond the Scale” launches across Singapore with a clear and urgent call to focus on obesity as not a failure of willpower, but as a complex, chronic disease. The initiative invites the public to go beyond — beyond stigma, beyond myths, beyond labels — and recognise obesity for what science confirms it to be: a multifactorial health condition that deserves understanding, early intervention, and clinical care.

Led by global healthcare company Novo Nordisk in collaboration with local healthcare professionals and patient advocates, “Beyond the Scale” is a disease awareness initiative aimed at driving a shift in how individuals, communities, and healthcare providers approach obesity management.

“We believe it’s time to shift from blame to understanding,” said General Manager, Mr Vincent Siow of Novo Nordisk Singapore. “Obesity affects 1 out of 9 people in Singapore4, yet it’s still too often seen as a matter of willpower. The reality is that obesity is a complex, chronic disease driven by biology, environment, and unequal access to care.1,5 It’s time we treat it with the seriousness it deserves — and we are proud to lead that conversation and drive meaningful change through the “Beyond the Scale” initiative.

Why This Matters Now
The 2021–2022 National Population Health Survey reveals the highest obesity rate (15%) among adults aged 40 to 49, while 43.3% of residents aged 18 to 74 had abdominal obesity, which increases with age and peaks between 50 to 74 years.6 This is compounded by the fact that perceptions persist about obesity being a personal failing, discouraging individuals from seeking help, delaying diagnosis, and compounding the health burden on families and the healthcare system.

Obesity significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD)7, all of which already place a growing strain on Singapore’s healthcare infrastructure. The economic impact is substantial: in 2019, metabolic-risk related diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, CKD, and cardiovascular conditions, cost Singapore S$2.20 billion.8 Of this, S$642 million were healthcare expenditures8, and excess weight alone accounted for an estimated S$261 million in annual medical and absenteeism costs.9 Without decisive public health action, these obesity-related comorbidities are poised to escalate into a major societal and economic burden.

“This is not just a personal issue — it’s a public health priority,” said Dr Ben Ng, Arden Diabetes & Endocrine Clinic. “We know obesity changes how the body regulates appetite, energy storage, and metabolism. It’s a disease, not a choice. Science supports this — and our response should reflect it.”

The Science Behind the Message
Obesity is not simply about calories in and out. Research confirms it involves neuroendocrine (hormonal), genetic, and psychosocial factors, making it both preventable and treatable10 .

Studies show that in Singapore, weight stigma is often driven by the belief that obesity is a personal failing, lack of willpower, or lifestyle choice leading to delayed treatment, reduced care-seeking, and poorer health outcomes, particularly in managing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and kidney disease.11

Beyond Labels, Toward Lasting Change
“Beyond the Scale” is more than a slogan — it is a call to treat obesity as the complex, chronic disease that it is. To move away from blame, appearance-based judgments, and oversimplified narratives, toward empathy, science, and sustained health. It is an urgent appeal to rethink, retrain, and rehumanise the way we support individuals living with obesity.

“The earlier we intervene, the better the outcomes,” said Dr. Ng. “Obesity is not a character flaw. It’s a disease. And it’s time we responded with the same respect, science, and care we give every other chronic condition.”

“Beyond the Scale” aims to:

  • Raise awareness of obesity as a chronic, multifactorial disease.
  • Reduce stigma and myths that hinder early care.
  • Encourage timely, evidence-based conversations with healthcare professionals.
  • Promote empathy and science within the medical community.
  • Support patients with tools to take charge of their health.

Singaporeans can participate by:

  • Visiting [www.truthaboutweight.sg] for factual resources, use a BMI measurement tool, and locate a nearest weight management healthcare professional.
  • Starting honest conversations with GPs, nurses, and pharmacists.
  • Sharing content to help dismantle myths and support loved ones on their health journeys.

1. Cuciureanu M, Caratașu CC, Gabrielian L, Frăsinariu OE, Checheriță LE, Trandafir LM, Stanciu GD, Szilagyi A, Pogonea I, Bordeianu G, Soroceanu RP, Andrițoiu CV, Anghel MM, Munteanu D, Cernescu IT, Tamba BI. 360-Degree Perspectives on Obesity. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Jun 9;59(6):1119. doi: 10.3390/medicina59061119. PMID: 37374323; PMCID: PMC10304508.​

2. World Obesity. Retrieved from https://www.worldobesity.org/about/about-obesity/prevalence-of-obesity

3. World Obesity. Retrieved from https://data.worldobesity.org/country/singapore-192/

4. Lee, Y. V., & Tan, N. C. (2014). Obesity in Singapore: An update. The Singapore Family Physician, 40(2), 11–16. https://cfps.org.sg/publications/the-singapore-family-physician/article/71_pdf

5. World Health Organization. (2024). Obesity and overweight.WHO.https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight As accessed on 22nd May 2025.

6. Ministry of Health, Singapore. (2022). National Population Health Survey 2022 Report. https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/3/28c3b8f9-9216-46be-8fc9-b614098666a9/nphs-2022-survey-report_final.pdf

7. Cohen JB, Cohen DL. Cardiovascular and renal effects of weight reduction in obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2015 May;17(5):34. doi: 10.1007/s11906-015-0544-2. PMID: 25833456; PMCID: PMC4427189.

8. Tan, V., Lim, J., Akksilp, K. et al. The societal cost of modifiable risk factors in Singapore. BMC Public Health 23, 1285 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16198-2 (2.2 Billion)

9. Junxing C, Huynh VA, Lamoureux E, Tham KW, Finkelstein EA. Economic burden of excess weight among older adults in Singapore: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 2022 Sep 16;12(9):e064357. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064357. PMID: 36113947; PMCID: PMC9486358.

10. Bray GA, Kim KK, Wilding JPH; World Obesity Federation. Obesity: a chronic relapsing progressive disease process. A position statement of the World Obesity Federation. Obes Rev. 2017 Jul;18(7):715-723. doi: 10.1111/obr.12551. Epub 2017 May 10. PMID: 28489290.

11. Goff AJ, Lee Y, Tham KW. Weight bias and stigma in healthcare professionals: a narrative review with a Singapore lens. Singapore Med J. 2023 Mar;64(3):155-162. doi: 10.4103/singaporemedj.SMJ-2022-229. PMID: 36876621; PMCID: PMC10071861.

Hashtag: #NovoNordisk

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

About Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs around 77,400 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. In Singapore, Novo Nordisk has been present since 1997 and has approximately 100 employees.

“Beyond the Scale” campaign builds on Novo Nordisk’s long-standing commitment to tackling chronic diseases. With over 100 years of experience advancing care for diabetes and more than 25 years of focused obesity research, Novo Nordisk is pioneering the medical management of obesity and the science of the GLP-1 hormone — a naturally occurring signal that regulates appetite and plays a key role in achieving sustained weight loss.

As part of its mission to drive long-term health outcomes, Novo Nordisk is also investing in scalable prevention efforts. Through the Cities for Better Health initiative — a global public-private partnership spanning over 50 cities — Novo Nordisk is working to reduce chronic disease risk in vulnerable urban communities. Its latest programme, the Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative (COPI), delivers targeted interventions to promote healthier diets and physical activity among children aged 6–13 in underserved areas.

In Singapore and beyond, these initiatives reinforce Novo Nordisk’s holistic approach: treating obesity with medicine and empathy today, while building healthier environments for the next generation.

For more information, visit novonordisk.sg.