‘Fund at First Pitch’ attracts Global Investors with Future Tech

MACAO, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 5^th BEYOND Expo 2025 wrapped up at The Venetian® Macao’s Cotai Expo after delivering a packed program of events that brought to life its vision of “Empowering Asia, Bridging the World”. Following four days of talks by tech leaders and visionaries, the Expo closed with the finals of Fund at First Pitch and a fireside chat with Alibaba Group Chairman Joe Tsai, illustrating the Expo’s commitment to supporting tech innovation in Asia. This year’s BEYOND Expo attracted more than 800 companies, 800 investors and 25,000 visitors, across sectors from AI, HealthTech and Clean Energy to Robotics and SportsTech, making it the biggest BEYOND Expo yet and one of the largest annual pan-Asian technology gatherings.

In a fireside chat with BEYOND Expo Co-Founder Jason Ho, Alibaba Group Chairperson Joe Tsai shared his views on Chinese companies going overseas, the challenges of doing business in the current business climate and the role of sport in global entertainment. He emphasized the importance of trust in business as part of a company’s mission. “Trust is built up over time. It’s very difficult to establish trust overnight. It’s all about people working together to achieve a goal. I think it’s easier if you have a common goal that you’re aiming for, then you can work on the details of establishing that trust. At Alibaba, from day one, we had a mission. The mission is to make it easy to do business anywhere because we wanted to help small businesses to use the internet platform to aspire globally. And that’s something that stayed true to us even today. So, our mission 26 years ago is the same mission today.”

He also highlighted how there are benefits to being a Chinese company but localization and cultural understanding remain key to success. “China today is recognized globally, especially in technology. People do look to China when it comes to AI, consumer internet, and cloud computing. China is definitely a heavyweight player in the global market, and for Alibaba being in the Chinese market because approximately 80%+ of our revenues still come from China. We do get recognized globally because China is a big country and a very important country in the whole global technology race.”

Talking about the future of technology he said “We’ve done very well with AI and large language models, AI is able to understand knowledge, and now able to reason. But spatial intelligence is where there still needs to be more advances in order for the robotics industry to move forward”.

BEYOND Expo included discussions about SportsTech. As Joe Tsai explained how the Brooklyn Nets can become a cultural concept and a global brand that extends beyond basketball. NIP Group CEO and the Macau E-Sports Federation Chairman Mario Ho shared his vision for the future of e-sports. Sports featured prominently throughout the Expo, with a popular demonstration arena set up the NBA, sports technology solutions from cycling to tennis, and exhibitor visits by former NBA stars Yao Ming and Metta World Peace.

BEYOND Expo’s Fund at First Pitch (FAFP) aims to encourage innovation and attract investment funding for winners. JumpStart Media Executive Chairman James Kwan chaired the 2025 Fund at First Pitch. Judges included Artest Management Group (AMG) Chairman, Metta World Peace; Gobi Partners Co-founder and Chairperson Thomas Tsao, and Lingotto Innovation Managing Partner & Co-Head Morgan Samet who quizzed five finalists and gave company valuations as they pitched their ideas. Gobi Partners is a leading Asia-focused venture capital firm with US$1.6 billion in assets under management (AUM) which has invested in over 380 startups. Lingotto Innovation is an investment company wholly owned by Exor which is owned by the Italian Agelli family. Innovative technology investments include Neura Robotics and Optalysys.

Finalists of ‘Fund at First Pitch’ were AI Green Limited, with a 100% bio-based polyurethane formulation for coatings that is bio-based, carbon-reducing, affordable, waterproof, recyclable, and durable. EcoLution is a Finnish-Chinese JV promoting low-carbon farming by upcycling by-products such as tofu. Healytec is a sports recovery tech company with a portable, lightweight hot and cold recovery device that reaches from +45 degrees to -10 creating a new standard in the market. AI4C is an AI agent that can connect to existing systems such as enterprise systems, including CRM, ERP, office automation to create greater efficiencies. 11Talk is an AI language-learning app tailored to the needs of Chinese learners. Past years of Fund at First Pitch have resulted in millions of dollars of funding.

BEYOND Expo Closing Ceremony @ The Venetian® Macao’s Cotai Expo

BEYOND Expo 2025 was held at The Venetian® Macao’s Cotai Expo. Since opening, Cotai Expo has been a leading conference, meetings and exhibition venue in Macao, and is one of the largest MICE venues in Asia, with approximately 71,000 square metres of exhibition space. It is also part of Sands® Resorts Macao, which attracts top event planners from around the world due to its 150,000 square metres of MICE space, world-class entertainment venues, award-winning accommodation, spectacular recreation and leisure options, unrivalled shopping experiences, and dynamic dining options. Sands Resorts Macao’s newest hotel, located within The Londoner® Macao, is Londoner Grand, which marks a bold new chapter in luxury for discerning travellers and event planners.

About BEYOND Expo

The BEYOND International Technology Innovation Expo (BEYOND Expo) is Asia’s leading annual technology event. Serving as a dynamic platform since 2021, BEYOND Expo not only showcases global technological innovations but also provides a unique opportunity to foster innovation upgrades across diverse industries and regions.

BEYOND Expo has attracted participation from Asia’s Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, unicorn companies, and emerging startups. Through a multifaceted approach involving expos, summits, and various activities, BEYOND Expo has successfully cultivated an innovative ecosystem, propelling collective development in the Asia-Pacific region and the global technology innovation industry. www.beyondexpo.com

Key Takeaways:

• Deloitte has been appointed as the exclusive Knowledge Partner for The APEC CEO Summit 2025, the region’s premier forum for senior leaders and executives.
• Deloitte will help shape the Summit’s agenda by providing thought leadership on AI, digital innovation, and sustainability, highlighting the convergence of technology and responsible growth.
• The collaboration underscores Deloitte’s commitment to advancing cross-border collaboration and promoting sustainable development throughout the AP region.

HONG KONG, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Deloitte is proud to announce its appointment as the exclusive Knowledge Partner for The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Korea 2025, to be held in Gyeongju, South Korea, from 28 to 31 October 2025.

The APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 is the region’s most prominent annual gathering for business leaders, industry decision-makers, and innovators from all 21 APEC member economies. Organised by The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the country’s largest and established business organisation, the Summit will offer a dynamic platform for networking opportunities, business meetings, and cultural exchanges designed to foster innovation and regional cooperation.

This year’s Summit, themed “Bridge, Business, Beyond,” will convene over 1,000 C-suite executives and government officials to address Asia Pacific’s most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities. The Summit will also spotlight transformative trends including AI and digital innovation, regional economic integration, sustainability, finance and investment, and biotechnology and healthcare. These discussions will reflect the region’s commitment to sustainable development and the transformative use of technology for the benefit of society and the environment.

As the exclusive Knowledge Partner, Deloitte will play a pivotal role in shaping the Summit’s agenda, drawing on its global expertise in AI, digital innovation, and sustainability. In addition to delivering a keynote address during the plenary session, Deloitte will provide thought leadership, facilitate high-level discussions, and share actionable insights on how technology and innovation can drive sustainable growth, resilience, and prosperity across the region.

Deloitte will unveil the results of its inaugural CEO Survey Report at the Summit, presenting insights from CEOs across APEC member economies. The findings will be used to facilitate in-depth discussions with CEOs on key challenges and opportunities they face, supporting business leaders as they navigate the evolving landscape across the region.

David Hill, Deloitte Asia Pacific CEO, commented:

“We are deeply honoured to serve as Knowledge Partner for The APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025, where the convergence of Generative AI and Sustainability will be central to the conversation. Generative AI is transforming the way businesses operate, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth, efficiency, and innovation. At the same time, our region faces an urgent imperative to drive sustainable development. By bringing these two forces together, we can unlock new pathways for progress, empowering organisations to achieve their ambitions while creating lasting value for society and the environment.”

Lee, Seong Woo, Head of The APEC CEO Summit Korea Preparatory Headquarters and KCCI Vice President, added:

“It is our great honour to host The APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 in Korea. This year, we are especially pleased to welcome Deloitte as our exclusive Knowledge Partner. Through this collaboration, we aim to elevate the quality of dialogue and insight at the Summit, ensuring that business leaders from across the world can collaborate on innovative solutions to our most pressing challenges. Together with Deloitte and all our partners, we look forward to forging new connections, advancing sustainable growth, and shaping a more prosperous and resilient future for the APEC community.”

Hong, Jong Sung,  Deloitte Korea CEO, added:

“As a participating firm of Deloitte Asia Pacific and the exclusive Knowledge Partner, Deloitte Korea is committed to making every effort to ensure the successful hosting of the Summit in partnership with KCCI.”

For further details, please visit the official event website: apecceosummitkorea2025.com

Contact:
Kashish Sakhrani
Media Manager, Deloitte Asia Pacific
Tel: +852 2852 1600
Mob: 852 6689 0757
Email: ksakhrani@deloitte.com 

About Deloitte  

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”). DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms and related entities are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate or bind each other in respect of third parties. DTTL and each DTTL member firm and related entity is liable only for its own acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. 

About Deloitte Asia Pacific

Deloitte Asia Pacific Limited is a company limited by guarantee and a member firm of DTTL. Members of Deloitte Asia Pacific Limited and their related entities, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity, provide services from more than 100 cities across the region, including Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Bengaluru, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Melbourne, Mumbai, New Delhi, Osaka, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei and Tokyo.

This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. 

No representations, warranties or undertakings (express or implied) are given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information in this communication, and none of DTTL, its member firms, related entities, employees or agents shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever arising directly or indirectly in connection with any person relying on this communication.

© 2025. Deloitte Asia Pacific Services Limited.

About KCCI

KCCI (the Korea Chamber of commerce and Industry) is the leading Economic Organization in Korea. (est. 1884). KCCI is all-encompassing in representing Korean companies, holding over 200,000 large, medium, and small businesses across all industries as member and over 700 industry and field-specific associations as special members.

KCCI participates in government-led activities to promote business and nationwide economic development as an economic organization with the legal ground for establishment in the ‘Chamber of Commerce and Industry Act’ and Executing government-delegated tasks such as regulatory sandbox, industrial innovation movement, business restructuring, national qualification assessments, and trade certifications.

Integration brings instant digital pricing and booking to one of the world’s largest cargo carriers on critical Asia-Europe-Americas routes, at a time when these routes are grappling with uncertainty

BARCELONA, Spain, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Freightos (NASDAQ: CRGO), the leading digital freight booking and payment platform for the international freight industry, today announced that China Airlines (CAL, 2610.TW), a top-15 air cargo carrier, will be launching on Freightos’ WebCargo and 7LFreight platforms.

Top 15 Air Cargo Carrier China Airlines Joins Freightos. (L to R): Freightos’ Hiroyoshi Umeka, Joyce Tai; China Airlines’ Eddy Liu, Paul Hsueh, and Bryan Tao, celebrating the launch of digital bookings across key trade lanes

Starting next week, thousands of freight forwarders will have instant access to China Airlines’ rates, capacity, and eBookings across a network of 85 aircraft serving 192 destinations in 29 countries. Forwarders can now digitally search, quote and book shipments with China Airlines — directly through WebCargo’s booking platform, with live integration to the leading rate management and quoting platform. Freight forwarders can even book directly from their transportation management systems (TMS) where these are integrated with WebCargo.

“We’re excited to bring China Airlines, a major player in Asia-Pacific air trade, to Freightos’ leading air cargo booking platform, including both WebCargo and 7LFreight,” said Zvi Schreiber, CEO of Freightos. “Our customers–airlines, freight forwarders and shippers–are currently grappling with fast-changing tariff uncertainties. The ability to instantly and transparently book air cargo is an important tool for maintaining agility during this time and to keep world trade flowing.”

The initial rollout will span major hubs across the United States, Canada, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Japan, along with 14 destinations throughout Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia including Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. In future phases, WebCargo Pay instant payment will be available for China Airlines bookings, enabling forwarders to manage bookings and payments in one streamlined workflow. This integration will include general cargo, express rates, ULD bookings and contract rates.

“Digital transformation is a key pillar of China Airlines’ strategy to better serve our forwarder partners through real-time access to our capacity and rates,” said Eddy Liu, Senior Vice President, China Airlines.  “By joining Freightos’ digital platform, we’re meeting our customers where they are, as part of our commitment to simplify air cargo and exceed customer expectations in a digital-first world.”

“We are delighted to launch operations across five key Japanese hubs—Narita, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka and Okinawa—with China Airlines,” shared Hiroyoshi Umeka, General Manager North Asia at WebCargo by Freightos. This digital integration will significantly enhance trade and freight movement between Japan, the Greater China Region, and Southeast Asia, offering unprecedented efficiency and transparency. We are honored to be chosen by China Airlines and the Japanese forwarding community as their primary digital partner.”

Forwarders using WebCargo can access China Airlines’ offerings here or learn more about rate management, quoting and digital sales solutions here.

About Freightos

Freightos® (NASDAQ: CRGO) is the leading vendor-neutral global freight booking platform. Airlines, ocean carriers, thousands of freight forwarders, and well over ten thousand importers and exporters connect on Freightos, making world trade faster, more efficient and more resilient.

The Freightos platform digitizes the trillion dollar international freight industry, supported by a suite of software solutions that span pricing, quoting, booking, shipment management, and payments for global businesses of all shapes and sizes. Products include Freightos Enterprise for multinational importers and exporters, Freightos Marketplace for small importers, WebCargo and 7LFreight by WebCargo for forwarders, WebCargo for Airlines, and Clearit, a digital customs brokerage.

Freightos is also a leading provider of real-time industry data via Freightos Terminal, which includes the world’s leading spot pricing indexes, Freightos Air Index (FAX) for air cargo and Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) for container shipping.

More information is available at freightos.com/investors.

Photo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/freightos_china_airlines.jpg
Logo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/freightos_logo.jpg

Media Contact
Tali Aronsky
PR Lead, Freightos
tali.aronsky@freightos.com

Investor Contact
Anat Earon-Heilborn
ir@freightos.com

Integration brings instant digital pricing and booking to one of the world’s largest cargo carriers on critical Asia-Europe-Americas routes, at a time when these routes are grappling with uncertainty

BARCELONA, Spain, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Freightos (NASDAQ: CRGO), the leading digital freight booking and payment platform for the international freight industry, today announced that China Airlines (CAL, 2610.TW), a top-15 air cargo carrier, will be launching on Freightos’ WebCargo and 7LFreight platforms.

Top 15 Air Cargo Carrier China Airlines Joins Freightos. (L to R): Freightos’ Hiroyoshi Umeka, Joyce Tai; China Airlines’ Eddy Liu, Paul Hsueh, and Bryan Tao, celebrating the launch of digital bookings across key trade lanes

Starting next week, thousands of freight forwarders will have instant access to China Airlines’ rates, capacity, and eBookings across a network of 85 aircraft serving 192 destinations in 29 countries. Forwarders can now digitally search, quote and book shipments with China Airlines — directly through WebCargo’s booking platform, with live integration to the leading rate management and quoting platform. Freight forwarders can even book directly from their transportation management systems (TMS) where these are integrated with WebCargo.

“We’re excited to bring China Airlines, a major player in Asia-Pacific air trade, to Freightos’ leading air cargo booking platform, including both WebCargo and 7LFreight,” said Zvi Schreiber, CEO of Freightos. “Our customers–airlines, freight forwarders and shippers–are currently grappling with fast-changing tariff uncertainties. The ability to instantly and transparently book air cargo is an important tool for maintaining agility during this time and to keep world trade flowing.”

The initial rollout will span major hubs across the United States, Canada, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Japan, along with 14 destinations throughout Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia including Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. In future phases, WebCargo Pay instant payment will be available for China Airlines bookings, enabling forwarders to manage bookings and payments in one streamlined workflow. This integration will include general cargo, express rates, ULD bookings and contract rates.

“Digital transformation is a key pillar of China Airlines’ strategy to better serve our forwarder partners through real-time access to our capacity and rates,” said Eddy Liu, Senior Vice President, China Airlines.  “By joining Freightos’ digital platform, we’re meeting our customers where they are, as part of our commitment to simplify air cargo and exceed customer expectations in a digital-first world.”

“We are delighted to launch operations across five key Japanese hubs—Narita, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka and Okinawa—with China Airlines,” shared Hiroyoshi Umeka, General Manager North Asia at WebCargo by Freightos. This digital integration will significantly enhance trade and freight movement between Japan, the Greater China Region, and Southeast Asia, offering unprecedented efficiency and transparency. We are honored to be chosen by China Airlines and the Japanese forwarding community as their primary digital partner.”

Forwarders using WebCargo can access China Airlines’ offerings here or learn more about rate management, quoting and digital sales solutions here.

About Freightos

Freightos® (NASDAQ: CRGO) is the leading vendor-neutral global freight booking platform. Airlines, ocean carriers, thousands of freight forwarders, and well over ten thousand importers and exporters connect on Freightos, making world trade faster, more efficient and more resilient.

The Freightos platform digitizes the trillion dollar international freight industry, supported by a suite of software solutions that span pricing, quoting, booking, shipment management, and payments for global businesses of all shapes and sizes. Products include Freightos Enterprise for multinational importers and exporters, Freightos Marketplace for small importers, WebCargo and 7LFreight by WebCargo for forwarders, WebCargo for Airlines, and Clearit, a digital customs brokerage.

Freightos is also a leading provider of real-time industry data via Freightos Terminal, which includes the world’s leading spot pricing indexes, Freightos Air Index (FAX) for air cargo and Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) for container shipping.

More information is available at freightos.com/investors.

Photo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/freightos_china_airlines-1.jpg
Logo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/freightos_logo-1.jpg

Media Contact
Tali Aronsky
PR Lead, Freightos
tali.aronsky@freightos.com

Investor Contact
Anat Earon-Heilborn
ir@freightos.com