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GIP–BlackRock Discusses a Strategic Partnership with “CP–True IDC” to Strengthen Thailand’s Digital Infrastructure and Build a Regional Giga Data Center Hub

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BANGKOK, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Thailand has once again gained strong confidence from leading global investors, as a high-level delegation from Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP)—a major infrastructure investment group under BlackRock, one of the world’s largest asset managers—paid an official visit to Thailand. The delegation was led by Mr. Adebayo Ogunlesi, Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of GIP, and Senior Managing Director at BlackRock. During the visit, Mr. Ogunlesi met with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to discuss investment opportunities and collaboration in Thailand’s digital infrastructure. Joining the discussion were Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group), and executives from True IDC, who shared their vision and reaffirmed the Thai private sector’s readiness to elevate the country as a regional hub for technology and AI.

GIP–BlackRock Discusses a Strategic Partnership with “CP–True IDC” to Strengthen Thailand’s Digital Infrastructure and Build a Regional Giga Data Center Hub
GIP–BlackRock Discusses a Strategic Partnership with “CP–True IDC” to Strengthen Thailand’s Digital Infrastructure and Build a Regional Giga Data Center Hub

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed her commitment to facilitating private sector infrastructure investments with greater ease, speed, and transparency. The PM also affirmed the government’s willingness to support collaboration between the private sector and academic institutions to develop knowledge and human capital, ultimately strengthening the foundation for Thailand’s digital economy and data center industry.

Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of CP Group, stated, “Thailand holds tremendous potential to become the digital and AI hub of ASEAN. We are now entering the Giga Data Center era—facilities designed to support gigawatt-scale energy demands and handle high-intensity workloads, tailored to meet the needs of global technology companies investing in Thailand. CP Group is fully committed to working with international partners such as GIP and the Thai government to elevate the country’s digital infrastructure, promote human capital development, and support research and development initiatives. These efforts can transform Thailand into a center for education and innovation, delivering long-term benefits to future generations.”

Mr. Adebayo Ogunlesi, Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of GIP, and Senior Managing Director at BlackRock, remarked, “GIP operates across more than 100 countries and has deep expertise in delivering world-class infrastructure projects, including airports, ports, power systems, renewable energy, and data center networks—core systems that underpin long-term digital economic growth. We believe in Thailand’s strategic importance in Southeast Asia, supported by its advantageous geography, infrastructure, energy resources, and human capital—all of which are conducive to sustainable development. GIP’s investment in Thailand is not merely a business opportunity; it is a strategic partnership aimed at building a stable, secure, and sustainable digital ecosystem and laying a new foundation for the regional digital economy.”

A key highlight of this visit is GIP–BlackRock’s plan to collaborate with local partners on a major digital infrastructure investment in Thailand valued between USD 3–5 billion (approximately THB 105–175 billion), with a primary focus on data centers. This investment will significantly enhance Thailand’s capabilities in supporting advanced technology workloads such as AI, Big Data, and Cloud Services. It is expected to generate substantial employment in the engineering and technology sectors while positioning Thailand as a stronger competitor in the modern global economy.

Regionally, Southeast Asia is emerging as a new growth hub for the data center market, with forecasts predicting market value to reach USD 3.81 billion from 2024 to 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%, driven by edge computing, AI adoption, and broad cloud usage. Thailand’s data center market alone is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5%–8.5% over the next three years. This marks a pivotal opportunity for Thailand to become a key technology hub with a central role in ASEAN’s economic ecosystem.

The visit of GIP–BlackRock to Thailand marks the beginning of a significant strategic alliance. It brings together the vision of the government, leading Thai industry players, and global investors to lay the foundation for future innovation—with Thailand leading the way toward a new regional direction in the era of digital economies driven by intelligent infrastructure.

Huawei: Keeping Cities Moving, Amplifying Urban Rail Intelligence

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Huawei Smart Urban Rail Summit, themed “Steaming Ahead with Cloud-Network Convergence and Data & AI Enablement for Smart Urban Rail”, was held in Hong Kong, China.

Thomas Xu, Vice President of Huawei’s Smart Transportation BU and Director of the BU’s Partner Development and Sales Department highlighted the importance of identifying the most suitable information, digital, and intelligent technologies for addressing specific service needs.


Dr. Tony Lee Kar-yun, Operations and Innovation Director at MTR, believed that the integration of digital resources and innovative AI applications can enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience, and pointed out that this integration will serve as the foundation for more efficient urban transportation and more convenient community life.


Mr. Xi Xiaodong, Chief Engineer of Shanghai Rail Transit Maintenance Support Co., Ltd., emphasized the need for metro operators to integrate external resources and enhance internal core capabilities if they are to achieve high-quality development.


Nelson Huang, Rail Business Director of Huawei’s Smart Transportation BU, stated that Huawei integrates innovative ICTs, such as the cloud, big data, 5G, AI, and IoT based on the digital and intelligent foundation for urban rail.

Mr. Xiong Xinbin, Rotating CEO and Senior Vice President of Beijing Railway Institute of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering (BRI) noted that they have deployed Pangu models to empower rail transportation, utilized Ascend and Kunpeng to lay a solid data foundation, and integrated AI to develop a comprehensive intelligent O&M platform.


During the follow-up roundtable salon, Mr. Ji Kun, Overseas Rail Solution Director of Huawei’s Smart Transportation BU; Datuk Dr. Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman, Chairman of the Malaysian Rail Industry Corporation (MARIC); Chan Hing-keung, Chief of Operations Engineering Service & Innovation at MTR; Mr. Xi Xiaodong, Chief Engineer of Shanghai Metro Maintenance and Support; Mr. Xiong Xinbin, Rotating CEO and Senior Vice President of BRI; and David Xu, Vice President of Huawei’s Smart Transportation BU and Director of the BU’s Solution Development I&V Dept — delved into technology enablement scenarios, transformation pain points, data value mining, and user experience upgrade.


Huawei has served more than 300 urban rail lines in over 70 cities around the world. Moving forward, Huawei will deepen its cooperation with industry partners by consistently adhering to the principle of “openness, cooperation, and shared success”. The company is determined to realize convenient travel and smooth logistics, alongside digital and intelligent transportation.

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G2E Asia and Asian IR Expo Open Today, 100 Exclusive Product Launches on Display

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 May 2025 – G2E Asia and Asian IR Expo, the leading marketplace for the gaming, entertainment and integrated resorts sectors, officially opens today at The Venetian Macao, with more than 10,000 industry professionals from 80 countries and regions expected to attend.

Running from May 7-9, the exhibition spans over 30,000 sqm, showcasing over 150 exhibitors and featuring cutting-edge products and technologies that encompass the full spectrum of the entertainment and travel industries.

GRAND OPENING CEREMONY OFFICIATED BY KEY LOCAL INDUSTRY FIGURES

The joint event officially commenced with a grand opening ceremony officiated by key figures from the local industry, highlighting the event’s importance as the key platform and reinforcing the region’s commitment to industry growth and cross-border collaboration.

G2E ASIA CONFERENCE BEGINS WITH DISTINGUISHED KEYNOTE AND POWERHOUSE SPEAKER LINEUP

Kicking off on May 7-9 alongside the exhibition, the G2E Asia Conference opened with a compelling program and a strong lineup of industry leaders.

May 7 featured Francis Lui, Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group, delivering the opening keynote on the evolving entertainment landscape and Ed Bowers, President of Global Development of MGM Resorts International, presenting the afternoon keynote on gaming and market transformation.

Centered around the Asian Market Forum, the day also welcomed notable speakers including Praveen Choudhary, Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Asia Limited; Fredric E. Gushin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Gaming Group; and Niall Murray, Chairman of Murray International (Macau) Co. Ltd., setting the stage for two more days of strategic insights and future-focused discussions.

100 EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS DEBUT ACROSS SHOW FLOOR

Among the showcased products and solutions, 100 exclusive launches are making their debut in Asia for the first time. From established brands to rising stars, the launches span a diverse range of functions within the gaming and integrated resorts sectors, underscoring the limitless potential for innovation and growth within the industries.

MAY 8 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

G2E Asia and Asian IR Expo continues May 8 with a full lineup of activities, including:

  • The G2E Asia Conference running until May 9, addressing key topics including Technology and Innovations for Gaming; the 4th Asia Pacific Responsible Gaming Forum; and IAGA Best Practices Institute. Speakers include Jerry Chan, Senior Vice President of Electronic Gaming & Special Projects of Okada Manila; Guojing Su, President and Professor of Asian Responsible Gaming Alliance; and Hikaru Oguchi, Partner of Nishimura & Asahi.
  • The final day of the Asian IR Summit, offering in-depth discussions on Sportainment and New Era of Entertainment. Speakers include Kevin Benning, Senior Vice President and Studio City General Manager, Melco Resorts & Entertainment; Jeffrey Jiang, EVP- Entertainment Services, Galaxy Entertainment Group; Michael Jensen, Senior Vice President of Strategic Optimization of Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace; Jeremy Walker, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Event Services, Galaxy Entertainment Group; Raymond Lo, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Marketing and General Manager of Altira Macau and Mocha Clubs, Melco Resorts & Entertainment; David Baxley, Vice President of Regional Entertainment, Sands China Ltd.
  • An afternoon of expert-led sessions on smart hospitality at the Tech Talk, located within the exhibition.
  • An afternoon exploring table games technology at the Gaming Innovation Forum, also within the exhibition.
  • Exclusive networking cocktail events designed for table games and marketing professionals.
  • The G2E Asia After Party at Para Club Macau, City of Dreams, with tickets available for purchase onsite at the event.

To learn more about G2E Asia, visit www.G2EAsia.com.
To learn more about Asian IR Expo, visit www.AsianIRExpo.com.
Hashtag: #G2EAsiaandAsianIRExpo

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

OSL Wealth Announces Strategic Partnership with Nine Blocks to Distribute Institutional-Grade Crypto Market Neutral Arbitrage Strategies

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OSL Wealth, a wealth management platform tailored for traditional investors managing crypto assets of OSL Group (HKEX: 863), today announced a distribution partnership with Nine Blocks Capital Management, a pioneer in regulated and institutional crypto hedge fund management and the first and only crypto hedge fund regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

Through this collaboration, OSL Wealth will offer qualified investors  access to Nineblocks’ flagship USD Market Neutral Fund and BTC Market Neutral Fund, marking a significant milestone in the institutional adoption of digital asset investment strategies.

The partnership addresses growing demand from institutional investors seeking crypto exposure via regulated fund managers. This will enable OSL clients to generate returns on the USD/stable coin assets as well as generate yield on their Bitcoin holdings.

Nine Blocks’ market-neutral approach combines sophisticated quantitative strategies with rigorous risk management frameworks to deliver consistent returns across market cycles. The USD Market Neutral Fund enables investors to generate returns on their USD and stable coin assets. The BTC Market Neutral Fund enables long term BTC holders to generate yield on their Bitcoin assets without losing Bitcoin exposure.

Eugene Cheung, Chief Commercial Officer of OSL, emphasised the strategic importance of this partnership, “As digital assets mature into an institutional asset class, investors increasingly require sophisticated strategies that align with traditional portfolio construction principles. Nineblocks’ VARA-regulated market-neutral solutions represent exactly what discerning allocators demand – the innovation potential of crypto assets combined with institutional-grade risk management and compliance standards. This partnership enables us to provide clients with tools to navigate digital markets while maintaining their existing risk parameters.”

Henri Arslanian, Co-Founder of Nine Blocks Capital Management, commented, “We believe that many HNWIs and family office investors want to access crypto products through platforms that are regulated and institutional-grade. We are pleased to partner with OSL to deliver such products to the Hong Kong and Asian markets.”

About OSL Hong Kong

As a subsidiary of the publicly listed OSL Group (HKEX: 863.HK), OSL Digital Securities is Hong Kong’s first and most established SFC-licensed and insured digital asset platform. Operating since 2018, the platform provides institutional-grade digital asset services to corporations, financial institutions, professional and retail investors.

OSL Hong Kong delivers services across five core domains: OTC brokerage, Omnibus broker solutions, custody, wealth management, and retail services. The OTC brokerage services provide 24/7 high-liquidity crypto trading with fiat on/off-ramp services. Custody solutions feature client-asset segregated wallet management backed by US$1 billion insurance coverage. The wealth management suite offers crypto investments to traditional investors, including tokenised treasuries, RWAs, structured crypto products, and quant investment strategies. Retail services bring institution-grade security and crypto access to professional and retail investors.

As a pioneer in bridging traditional finance and the digital asset economy, OSL Group adheres to its core concept:  Open, Secure, and Licensed, empowering the next generation of global financial infrastructure. In addition to Hong Kong, OSL Group expands operations under full regulatory compliance in Japan, Australia, Europe and beyond.

For more information, visit osl.com.

About Nine Blocks Capital Management

Launched in 2021, Nine Blocks is an institutional-grade, market-neutral crypto hedge fund manager.

With both USD and BTC funds, market-leading returns, and over four years of track record, Nine Blocks’ mission is to build the world’s leading regulated crypto asset management firm.

With a presence in both Hong Kong and Dubai, Nine Blocks is the first and only crypto hedge fund to be regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

www.nineblockscapital.com

Restoring a city’s charm

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China Daily:

As night falls, an outdoor movie is playing in a public area in front of the Fisher Coffee shop on Shiquan Street in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, captivating residents. Nearby, lights flicker on the river as tourists on boats lift their phones to capture the enchanting scene.

The bustling street and tranquil river, along with the harmonious coexistence of tourists and residents, bring immense joy to He Qing, founder of the coffee shop and who has lived on this street for more than a decade.

“This street is steeped in culture, yet brims with the vibrancy of everyday life. Following last year’s revitalization, our needs for living, entertainment and work can all be met without leaving the area,” says He.

Situated at the heart of Suzhou’s ancient city area, Shiquan Street has been a bustling hub for centuries. Stretching 2 kilometers, it still retains the traditional layout of streets in Suzhou, where waterways run parallel to roads and streets neighbor rivers.

Classical Suzhou gardens, century-old schools and traditional residences lie along its length.

Following the nationwide trend of old street renovations, Shiquan Street completed its transformation at the end of June last year, emerging as a trendy destination that draws numerous visitors for photo ops. The quality of life for the 20,000 households residing here has also improved, according to surveys by local communities.

Thus, the street has been labeled a fashionable district that embodies the lifestyle and architectural charm of Suzhou. In March, it was recognized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development as a model case for neighborhood revitalization.

“I think the success of this street’s renovation lies in the fact that everyone’s opinions were respected. Every business owner and resident was able to participate in the renovation and management of the neighborhood,” says He.

Her coffee shop was originally a traditional residence. The open space in front of it was vacant and not very clean before the renovation. During last year’s renovation, she proposed the idea of taking over this public area and turning it into an outdoor cultural living room for the community, which received strong support from the neighborhood.

Now, the public area frequently hosts activities organized spontaneously by residents and business owners, such as performances by bands made up of chefs and bartenders, resident choir performances, and community book reading events. It often attracts large numbers of tourists who stop by to participate and take photos.

Although it was already 8:30 in the evening, a few high school students were dotted around the cafe doing their homework. Residents were sipping coffee and chatting, while tourists sat on the riverside seats enjoying the night view. Occasionally, tour boats passed by, with tourists waving to the people on banks.

“Residents here live with a sense of refinement, and they approach tasks with great meticulousness,” says Deng Dong, chief planner and designer of the Shiquan Street renovation, who is also vice-president of the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design.

Since the beginning of this century, Deng has been involved in renovation projects in Suzhou.

He describes the renovation of Shiquan Street as a successful example of people-oriented development, where residents, shop owners, and the community collaborated in construction and governance. During last year’s renovation, Deng’s team spent a significant amount of time engaging in detailed communication with residents and businesses.

They gathered every individual’s concerns, such as uneven roads and the lack of parking spaces for motorcycles, as well as the community’s shared expectations for their neighborhood. This process also sparked enthusiasm for participation, leading residents to offer suggestions and voluntarily join renovation efforts.

“The government invested approximately 47 million yuan ($6.43 million) in the project, while businesses and institutions on the street voluntarily contributed more than 100 million yuan. Their active participation in the neighborhood’s renovation represents a sustainable model for community development,” says Deng.

Walking along Shiquan Street, which is lined with bakeries, cafes, trendy clothing stores and time-honored restaurants, every shop owner Deng encounters greets him warmly and invites him in, just like an old friend.

Across the river, on the other side, is a residential area.

“The people here are particularly meticulous in their work. Once my design proposal was approved, they took the initiative to implement it with a strong sense of ownership,” he says, adding that Suzhou has been home to scholars and literati since ancient times. This scholarly spirit is also ingrained in the DNA of the city’s residents.

In the last century, Shiquan Street was known for its international hotels, and later for its bars and jade shops. In recent years, the government has hoped to inject new vitality into the area to attract more young people.

The renovation of Shiquan Street has met the needs of all parties. Tourists can visit to take photos and experience Suzhou’s leisurely and refined lifestyle and traditional culture, while residents can enjoy a comfortable living environment.

According to statistics compiled by Deng’s team, the area attracts an average of 20,000 visitors per day.

Ji Zhaoliang, who works at the subdistrict office responsible for the Shiquan Street area, says after the renovation, residents have been enthusiastically and actively organizing activities. During the cultural and arts season, they invite street performers, community bands, and Kunqu Opera enthusiasts to perform in public spaces in the neighborhood.

First Lao Student in Morocco Wins Top University Award

By
Phontham Visapra
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First Lao Student in Morocco Wins Top University Award
The 24-year-old Khampagna “Eno” Khounsy, a student from Laos studying in Morocco, has received the "Prix d’Excellence" (Award of Excellence) from Université Mohammed V de Rabat (photo supplied)

Khanpangna “Eno” Khounsy, a 24-year-old student from Laos, has made history by becoming the first Lao national to receive the prestigious Prix d’Excellence from Université Mohammed V de Rabat, one of Morocco’s most respected public universities.

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Former of the Lao Post Office Employees Prosecuted in Major Fraud Case

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Laotian Times
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The Entreprise des Postes Lao (Photo: Brother Tours)

Authorities in Laos have prosecuted several former employees of the Lao Post Office in a major corruption case, successfully recovering over LAK 58 billion, approximately USD 2.7 million.

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Shoplazza and Easyship Partner to Simplify Shipping for Global eCommerce Merchants

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Advertorial Desk
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TORONTO, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shoplazza, a leading eCommerce SaaS platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Easyship, a global shipping technology company, to enhance logistics and strengthen fulfillment capabilities for merchants worldwide.

This integration brings Easyship’s powerful automation, 550+ courier connections, and discounted shipping rates of up to 91% directly into the Shoplazza platform, giving merchants a faster, more affordable way to fulfill orders and scale globally. By embedding Easyship’s tools natively, Shoplazza merchants will soon be able to generate real-time, all-inclusive shipping quotes at checkout—including duties, taxes, and all delivery costs—streamlining cross-border commerce and helping reduce cart abandonment.

Shoplazza and Easyship Partner to Simplify Shipping for Global eCommerce Merchants
Shoplazza and Easyship Partner to Simplify Shipping for Global eCommerce Merchants

Empowering Merchants With a Seamless Fulfillment Engine

“Shipping is one of the biggest hurdles for eCommerce sellers,” said Jeff Li, Shoplazza CEO. “This partnership brings a powerful, scalable logistics engine directly into our platform, allowing merchants to streamline fulfillment and focus on growing their business. We’re pleased that Shoplazza shipping is now powered by Easyship.”

Whether shipping a handful of packages or managing high-volume international operations, merchants will benefit from discounted label rates from top carriers, including UPS, FedEx, DHL Express, and USPS. Built-in courier optimization will help merchants select the best shipping option based on destination, delivery time, and cost.

To further support operational efficiency, advanced reporting and analytics tools will allow merchants to track shipping performance, identify trends, and continuously optimize their logistics strategies.

Delivering Scalable Shipping Solutions to Growing Brands

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in New York, Easyship has become one of the world’s most trusted shipping software providers, offering advanced global logistics technology to more than 100,000 brands and merchants worldwide.

Its platform, available as an App or via API, streamlines every stage of the shipping journey—from printing labels and syncing orders to managing returns, comparing courier rates, and automating fulfillment workflows—all within a single dashboard.

With the new integration, these capabilities will be natively embedded within the Shoplazza ecosystem. Merchants will be able to tap into hybrid fulfillment services and a global delivery network tailored to virtually every destination. All-inclusive, real-time shipping quotes—covering duties, taxes, and delivery costs—will also be available at checkout, helping reduce cart abandonment and improve customer satisfaction.

Advancing a Unified Cross-Border Ecosystem

This collaboration reflects Shoplazza’s broader commitment to building an open, flexible eCommerce ecosystem. By integrating robust shipping technology directly into its platform, Shoplazza is helping merchants streamline operations and deliver seamless, reliable experiences to their customers.

“Together with Shoplazza, we’re making shipping easier, smarter, and more affordable for merchants everywhere,” said Tommaso Tamburnotti, Co-Founder of Easyship. “We’re proud to support brands as they scale and expand into new opportunities. Offering them all the shipping tools they need to succeed.”

The integration is currently underway and will soon be available to Shoplazza merchants. Once launched, it will deliver a fully integrated, end-to-end shipping solution designed to support long-term growth.

About Shoplazza

Founded in 2017, Shoplazza strives to simplify how retailers and online sellers connect with consumers. Today, Shoplazza leads the industry with its robust omnichannel platform, empowering retailers to reach customers wherever they shop—whether in-store, online, or through social commerce.

To learn more about Shoplazza, visit https://www.shoplazza.com/.

About Easyship

Easyship is a leading all-in-one shipping platform that empowers businesses of all sizes to simplify their fulfillment operations, save on shipping costs, and enhance their customer delivery experience. Trusted by tens of thousands of merchants worldwide, Easyship provides instant access to more than 550 courier services, offering exclusive discounted rates of up to 91% off retail. Our integrated shipping software also offers cross-border fulfillment, logistics, and shipping automation technologies to scale growth and save hours daily. Leverage our App or API to streamline eCommerce shipping with a suite of helpful tools to compare carriers, print labels, track shipments, calculate international tax and duties, and increase conversions with calculated shipping rates at checkout.

For more information, visit: https://www.easyship.com/.

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