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Visa advances digital payments in Vietnam with Cashless Day 2025 and innovative payment solutions

  • Strategic partnerships and nationwide events make cashless payments more accessible and beneficial for all Vietnamese consumers
  • The new Click to Pay solution, seamless e-wallet integration, and exclusive Visa promotions offer faster, easier, and more rewarding ways to pay every day

HCMC, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 June 2025 – Visa, a global leader in digital payments, is reinforcing its commitment to Vietnam’s national digital transformation by partnering with the Cashless Day 2025 campaign. This annual series of activities is organized by Tuoi Tre Newspaper under the direction of the State Bank of Vietnam.

Main KV

At the conference themed ‘Cashless Payments Driving the Digital Economy’ on June 14, Visa will present regional case studies on a variety of solutions aimed at making cashless payments more convenient across the public sector, enterprises, and for individual users. These include the use case of Diia, the digital citizen application in Ukraine empowered with Visa credentials to enable the digitization of public services payment and to accelerate government support for underserved communities; Visa Accept, which enables micro-sellers to accept electronic payments easily; and the integration of Visa as a funding source in Vietnam’s most popular e-wallets enhancing the overall customer experience.

Visa’s involvement extends beyond the Conference, with a series of partner collaborations and communication initiatives throughout the campaign period. During the Cashless Festival – Ting Ting Day, to be held from June 14 to 15, Visa will co-host engaging activities such as digital experiences, voucher giveaways, and promotional gifts to encourage the adoption of cashless payments via the UrBox loyalty platform, alongside Starbucks promotions for contactless and mobile payments at the Ting Ting Life area. As a leading digital rewards provider, UrBox partners with Visa on the UP Rewards program, enabling cardholders to link their Visa card, earn up to 20% back in points at over 300 merchants, and redeem them for eVouchers from more than 600 brands. In the Ting Ting Wow space, in collaboration with Shinhan Bank Vietnam, Visa will also showcase solutions for small and medium-sized businesses at a dedicated booth, helping business owners better manage their finances, optimize spending, collect reward points, and access premium services.

SHINHANxVISA TCBC

“Digital payments and mobile solutions are playing a vital role in powering Vietnam’s booming digital economy, and we’re committed to driving this growth through our technology. Visa is proud to support the Vietnamese government, our clients, and partners in their digital transformation journey. Through our payment initiatives, we aim to help build an inclusive financial ecosystem where everyone can access safe and convenient digital payment services,” said Ms. Dung Dang, Visa Country Manager for Vietnam and Laos.

With its vision to be ‘the best way to pay and be paid,’ Visa continues to strengthen its partnerships in Vietnam, particularly with banks, leading technology companies and innovators in public services. Through Visa Government Solutions, Visa is enhancing transparency and efficiency in public sector transactions, supporting e-government services and smart transportation infrastructure.

Further demonstrating its commitment to digital security, Visa participated in the Vietnam Security Summit 2025. At the event, Abdul Rahim, Visa’s Head of Risk for Southeast Asia, discussed key regulatory priorities for the Asia Pacific region, with a focus on consumer protection, data security, and the resilience of national payment systems. The session also highlighted Visa’s ongoing efforts to improve payment security through advanced fraud detection, regulatory collaboration, and technological investment.

Visa recently unveiled several groundbreaking product innovations and strategic collaborations at the Visa Asia Pacific Media Showcase to usher in the next generation of commerce across the region. Notably, Click to Pay is now live in Vietnam, enabling Techcombank and VPBank Visa cardholders to enjoy seamless online shopping experiences with participating merchants. Visa also announced the upcoming launch of Flex Credential, a new solution for the Vietnamese market that offers consumers greater flexibility over their spending.

To coincide with the early launch of the Vietnam Grand Sale 2025 by the Department of Industry and Trade, Visa is offering exciting promotions, including 20% off when paying with a Visa card at six brands under the Golden Gate restaurant chain, discounts at ACFC brand stores, and special ride-hailing promotions with Be, Grab, and Xanh SM for travel between all stations on Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line 1.

Through Cashless Day 2025, Visa once again affirms its role as a strategic partner in connecting stakeholders – ranging from Government and businesses to consumers – to realize the national goal of digital payments, while expanding financial access for the community.

Hashtag: #Visa #CashlessDay #FinancialInclusion #Digitalization



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

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at .

Anchor Pastry Challenge 2025 Crowns Malaysia’s Next-Gen Pastry Talent

5 Finalists Each in the Bread & Viennoiseries and Cake Categories Compete for Top Honours


SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 June 2025 – The Anchor Pastry Challenge 2025, organised by Anchor Food Professionals Malaysia & Brunei, celebrated Malaysia’s most promising young pastry chefs, offering them a platform to showcase creativity and technical mastery.

Winners of the Cake Category, alongside Chef Jean-François Arnaud, Head Judge and Anchor Brand Ambassador
Winners of the Cake Category, alongside Chef Jean-François Arnaud, Head Judge and Anchor Brand Ambassador

The competition featured ten finalists; five each in the Bread & Viennoiserie and Cake categories, selected through rigorous assessments at UOW Malaysia located in Shah Alam. Judging was led by a distinguished panel of industry experts, including Meilleur Ouvrier de France Chef Jean-François Arnaud and Chef Judy Koh, Founder and Principal of Creative Culinaire The School; alongside media editors and food reviewers.

“Our aim is to nurture future pastry talents while demonstrating the versatility and reliability of Anchor’s premium dairy products from New Zealand, one of the best places to produce dairy in the world,” said Peter Quah, Food Service Director of Anchor Food Professionals Malaysia. “We’re proud to see such exceptional skill and passion on display.”

In the Bread category, participants showcased lamination and dough-handling techniques, focusing on precision, structure, and flavour. The Cake category challenged finalists to craft refined, visually stunning desserts highlighting artistry, texture, and balance.

Held in a live kitchen environment under time pressure, the competition pushed participants to deliver high-calibre creations that reinforced both their culinary prowess and the performance of Anchor’s professional-grade ingredients. Just like their brand vision, driving the future of dairy in foodservice.

6 winners were crowned at the end of the competition. The Gold prize winners received a solo demo showcase as the official Anchor winner along with a trophy, certificate and cash prize of RM2,500. The Silver and Bronze winners were awarded trophies, certificates and cash prizes of RM1,500 and RM 1,000 respectively.

Chef Jean-François Arnaud, Head Judge of the competition, emphasised that events like this are vital for the growth of young chefs. He explained that by working together in the same kitchen, under the same theme and time constraints, participants can be guided on how to improve. “That is how we elevate the level of pastry-making—not just in Malaysia, but globally,” he said.

In the Bread & Viennoiserie category, the Gold Award went to Ooi Kin Weng from the Academy of Pastry & Culinary Arts Malaysia, followed by Ryan Ang Rui Yan from Taylor’s University, who received the Silver Award, and Sharifah Nur Adylla Binti Syed Zahirin, who earned the Bronze Award.

Gold Award winner for the Bread & Viennoiserie category, Ooi Kin Weng, said that Anchor’s butter and cream were incredibly versatile and high in quality, helping him produce his winning creation.

“When laminating the dough, the products were easy to work with and allowed me to achieve a beautifully soft texture,” said Ooi. Reflecting on his journey, he added, “Winning this category means a lot to me, especially after making the switch from a career in IT to pastry. It’s still the beginning of my journey, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing. One day, I hope to open my own place—something small to start with—and Anchor has truly fuelled my passion for viennoiserie.”

In the Cake category, Tan Jia Le from the Academy of Pastry & Culinary Arts Malaysia took home the Gold Award, while Yap Jing Li from Taylor’s University won Silver, and Sandee Churme Jia Ying, also from Taylor’s University, secured the Bronze Award.

Tan Jia Le, the Gold Award winner in the Cake category, credited Anchor’s dairy products as a key component of her success. “Their creamy texture and consistency helped me achieve a smooth finish and clean flavour that truly brought out the best in my cake. As a Gold Winner, I hope to inspire the next generation to choose quality ingredients and to never stop learning,” she added.

Additionally, Ryan Ang Rui Yan and Yap Jing Li were selected for the Media Choice Awards in the Bread & Viennoiserie and Cake categories, respectively.

Hashtag: #AnchorFoodProfessionalsMY #AnchorPastryChallenge #PastryChallenge #MalaysiaChef #pastryart #petitegateau #vennoissorie #pastry #entremet

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

Laos Among Highest for US Tourist Visa Overstays, But Lowest for Student Compliance

Laos Among Highest for US Tourist Visa Overstays, But Lowest for Student Compliance

Laos is among the top countries with the highest overstay rates for The United States tourist and business visas, according to the latest data from the US Department of Homeland Security. However, when it comes to student and exchange visas, Lao nationals have the lowest overstay rate of any country reporting data.

Tropical Storm Wutip Unleashes Early Floods Across Central, Southern Laos

Tropical Storm Wutip formed in the South China Sea, then struck Vietnam and Laos, impacting many areas in central and southern Laos. (Photo: Windy.com).

Tropical Storm Wutip is battering central and southern Laos, bringing heavy rains and strong winds that have triggered widespread and dangerous flooding. Originating in the South China Sea, the storm has now impacted thousands of residents as authorities race to respond and protect affected communities.

According to Sepone district authorities, the Xe Bang Hieng River has risen by 8.5 meters in just 20 hours. 

Sepone district authorities, the Xe Bang Hieng River has risen by 8.5 meters in just 20 hours. (Photo: Department of Information, Culture and Tourism, Sepone District, Savannakhet Province).

As of 1:00 PM on 13 June, the river measured 14.80 meters, still below the official alert level of 16 meters and the danger level of 17 meters, but officials remain concerned about the rapid rise and ongoing rainfall.

In Savannakhet Province, the Xe Bang Hieng River surged to 11.90 meters at a monitoring point in Lahanam Village on the morning of 13 June, with water levels continuing to rise rapidly, according to the local news outlet Songkhone News

Xe Bang Hieng River surged to 11.90 meters at a monitoring point in Lahanam Village on the morning of 13 June, with water levels continuing to rise rapidly. (Photo: Songkhone News).

Authorities warn that the river’s danger level is 14.50 meters, with 15.00 meters classified as “extremely dangerous.”

Several things are making the flooding worse: persistent rainfall, inflow from upstream tributaries, and water released from the Selanong Dam

On 12 June, flash floods struck Laongam District in Salavan, which is now experiencing widespread inundation across multiple districts.

Sudden flooding occurred in Laongam District, Salavanh Province today, 12 June, following intense rainfall brought on by Tropical Storm Wutip, which affected southern areas near the Vietnam border. (photo: Vte9 Channel).

In Attapeu Province, officials have issued flood warnings along the Sekong River due to the planned release of water, up to 800 cubic meters per second, from Vietnam’s A Luoi Dam. The discharge could rapidly elevate river levels and inundate low-lying areas. Five districts,  Xaysetha, Samakkhixay, Sanamxay, Sanxay, and Phouvong, are on high alert.

Sekong Province is facing an even greater threat from the same dam release, with expected discharge rates reaching 3,000 cubic meters per second. The Sekong River is projected to rise to between 8.50 and 9.50 meters from 12–16 June. Although these levels remain below the official danger thresholds (17.5 meters for warning and 18.5 meters for extreme danger), authorities are concerned about the rapid pace of the water’s rise.

Officials across all affected provinces are monitoring river levels and weather patterns closely. Residents are urged to follow updates from official sources, prepare for possible evacuation, and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their families.

China’s wine market uncorks consumption vitality


YINCHUAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 June 2025 – In an exhibition hall at an expo in Yinchuan, the capital of northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the rich aroma emanating from a copper hot pot is gaining the attention of visitors. The dish of tender mutton cooked in red wine-added broth is a perfect blend of two of Ningxia’s most famed products.

A staff member prepares a serving of tender mutton cooked in red wine-added broth during the Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, on June 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Zhisen)
A staff member prepares a serving of tender mutton cooked in red wine-added broth during the Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, on June 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Zhisen)

“Using spring water, red wine and nourishing ingredients removes unpleasant smells, making the mutton delicious and flavorful,” said Tian Feng, who manages the hot pot restaurant operating the booth. The popularity of its red wine hot pot ensures the restaurant is often fully booked on weekends, Tian added.

Across China’s evolving consumer landscape, wine is undergoing a subtle transformation. No longer restricted to formal banquets and professional tasting events, wine is becoming accessible as various consumption scenarios and wine products are created.

This shift in accessibility is evident at the ongoing Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo in Ningxia, which is a renowned wine production region that is promoting a “tipsy economy.”

People visit the Global Wineries Exhibition during the Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, on June 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)
People visit the Global Wineries Exhibition during the Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, on June 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Ningxia boasts a unique terroir for the production of top-class wine, with prolonged sunshine hours and a cool, dry climate aiding the cultivation of grapes. After four decades of development, it has become China’s largest wine-producing region. The eastern foot of Helan Mountain is widely regarded as a “golden zone” for grape cultivation and high-end wine production.

By the end of 2024, the region had more than 600,000 mu (about 40,000 hectares) of wine grape plantations and an annual wine output of 140 million bottles. Its wines were exported to over 40 countries and regions.

At the expo, brightly colored canned wines from the Ningxia State Farm Winery have won the favor of many. Compared to bottled wines, canned wines are more convenient to drink and can more easily meet the demands of diverse scenarios such as camping and picnics, said Li Shuang, the winery’s sales manager.

In addition to its canned wines, which have been popular since their launch last year, the company offers innovative products such as creamy jasmine wine, lemon oolong tea wine, black coffee wine and alcohol-free options. These products drove 20 percent of the company’s sales growth in 2024, Li said.

Cheeks rosy after tasting a dozen wines at the expo, local visitor Lu Ting is a tourism professional and sommelier who enjoys buying wines to share with family and friends.

“Chardonnay with meat skewers, reds with hot pot — it’s about sharing joy,” said Lu, 42.

The four-day event will run until Thursday and is slated to include a world wine tasting event, a wine and winery exhibition, an innovation competition and an art biennial.

Last month, Yinchuan also hosted a marathon that saw 43 local wineries offer 28,000 runners free vineyard tours, tastings and exclusive discounts for wine purchases. This event-driven approach has created a powerful synergy between tourism and viticulture, resulting in a surge in hotel bookings in the city.

“We’re transforming the entire city into a living wine museum,” said Li Bingjie, director of Yinchuan’s wine industry development service center. “Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the journey from grape to glass.”

Speaking at the expo’s opening ceremony on Monday, Yvette van der Merwe, president of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, said that the organization has for many years observed and supported the rise of China’s grape and wine industry, with the country being an important wine consumer and table grape producer.

“I see the energy that the growth of Ningxia Helan Mountain’s east foothill region has contributed to the Chinese wine industry, and I am confident that it will bring new inspiration and opportunities to the global wine community,” she said.
Hashtag: #AdministrativeCommitteeofWineIndustryZoneofNingxiaHelanMountainsEastFoothill

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Juyeon Lee, Head of Xsolla APAC: “Xsolla Buy Button Designed to Reduce Friction and Drive More Revenue Online”

Surge in New Partnerships Across Japan and India Reflects Growing Interest in Alternative Payments


SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 June 2025 – Game developers increasingly seek ways to reduce app store fees. Xsolla’s Buy Button for Mobile Games is gaining traction for users in the United States as an effective tool in that pursuit. According to Jooyeon Lee, Head of Asia-Pacific (APAC) at Xsolla, the Buy Button allows mobile game developers to integrate their web shops and custom payment pages directly, bypassing traditional app market fees and improving profitability for US-based players.

Juyeon Lee, Head of Xsolla APAC
Juyeon Lee, Head of Xsolla APAC

“Mobile game companies are highly interested in reducing app store fees and engaging directly with their users. With Xsolla Buy Button, developers can link their web shops and payment pages, giving them more flexibility and helping them retain more revenue. In a recent interview, this feature is particularly beneficial for companies aiming to expand globally,” said Lee.

Lee, a seasoned business leader with previous experience at game publishers such as Nexon, Netmarble, and Singapore-based Garena, rejoined Xsolla earlier this year as Head of APAC, overseeing operations, marketing, and organizational strategy across the region. Xsolla’s APAC division covers South Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, India, Australia, and New Zealand.

“The APAC game market is currently in a phase of maintaining scale rather than aggressive growth, and we’ve seen increased demand from developers focused on improving profitability,” she noted. “As concerns about platform monopolies resurface, more developers are exploring third-party payment options—this is exactly why the Buy Button is attracting attention.”

The Buy Button is designed with easy integration without much coding, allowing developers to choose where and how to link payment pages. “Whether it’s a custom-built web shop or a third-party payment page, our partners have the freedom to decide,” said Lee. “Games with a large portion of their revenue coming from outside the U.S. can especially benefit from this feature, turning reduced fees into meaningful profit gains.”

Built on Xsolla Web Shop for mobile games and Xsolla Pay Station, the Buy Button connects to a browser-based checkout experience and offers key benefits such as:

  • Keep up to 30% from platform fees
  • Legally compliant external payment link integration
  • Seamless one-tap payments
  • Minimized tax and regulatory burdens
  • Loyalty and rewards programs
  • Parental controls and gift card options
  • Multi-channel commerce support

As the official merchant of record, Xsolla also manages global tax compliance and fraud prevention. The company supports over 1,000 localized payment methods worldwide, up from 700, and has recently expanded into Southeast Asia, Japan, India, the Middle East, and Africa.

“Buy Button emphasizes flexibility and convenience. If developers are hesitant to adopt third-party payments directly, they can also use the feature to promote their web shops,” Lee explained. “It’s a low-barrier way to localize payments for developers targeting global markets.”

She added that adoption is rising even in traditionally conservative markets like Japan. “Japanese developers have been cautious about changing payment methods, but those who partnered with us have expressed high satisfaction,” said Lee. “We expect strong growth from our Japanese partners this year. Word of mouth about Xsolla is spreading in Japan and India, increasing new deals. An official announcement will follow soon.”

Lee also emphasized that Xsolla’s value proposition extends beyond fee reduction. “Developers are also satisfied with our tax management and fraud prevention capabilities. Even those initially selected other payment providers are increasingly switching to Xsolla.”

As for developer support, Xsolla continues to invest in initiatives for indie developers. “Our solutions are designed with global indie studios in mind. We’re actively participating in events like PlayX4 and BIC, and we’re expanding promotional channels to support international exposure,” she said.

In closing, Lee remarked, “Xsolla is ready to partner with any game developer focused on global expansion and profitability. We hope the Buy Button becomes a strategic tool for growth in today’s challenging market landscape.”

Hashtag: #Xsolla

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

Xsolla

Xsolla is a leading global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the industry. Since its founding in 2005, Xsolla has helped thousands of game developers and publishers of all sizes fund, market, launch, and monetize their games globally and across multiple platforms. As an innovative leader in game commerce, Xsolla’s mission is to solve the inherent complexities of global distribution, marketing, and monetization to help our partners reach more geographies, generate more revenue, and create relationships with gamers worldwide. Headquartered and incorporated in Los Angeles, California, with offices in London, Berlin, Seoul, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Raleigh, Tokyo, Montreal, and cities around the world.

Cambodia Cuts Thai Internet, Bans Entertainment, Affirms Power Independence

Cambodia Cuts Thai Internet, Bans Entertainment, Affirms Power Independence
Cambodia ordered its troops to stay on "full alert" June 13 in its ongoing border spat with Thailand, as it ordered television stations and cinemas to stop showing Thai dramas. (Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP)

Cambodia has begun rerouting its internet traffic through domestic infrastructure after Prime Minister Hun Manet announced plans to reduce reliance on Thai bandwidth, ban Thai entertainment, and assert the country’s energy independence. The move follows online threats to cut Cambodia’s access to electricity and internet.

Oil surges, stocks fall on Middle East fears as Israel strikes Iran

Oil Field Drilling. (Photo: Daily Observer)

AFP – Oil prices soared and stocks sank Friday after Israel launched “preemptive” strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites and warned of more to come, stoking fears of a full-blown war.