JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 June 2025 – Africa is undergoing a profound financial transformation driven by rapid technological advancements, with fintech and cross-border payments leading the charge. The continent’s cross-border payments market is projected to grow from $329 billion in 2025 to $1 trillion by 2035, fueled by fintech innovation and intra-African trade. This growth enhances financial inclusion, connecting millions to financial services via mobile money, which Africa leads globally.
However, this digital surge heightens cybersecurity risks, with rising cyberattacks necessitating robust fraud prevention. Fintechs must prioritize compliance, identity verification, and advanced technologies like AI to safeguard sensitive data. AI is revolutionizing African banking by automating fraud detection, enhancing regulatory compliance, and improving risk assessment, enabling more efficient and secure financial systems.
IT News Africa’s Digital Finance Africa 2025, set for July 3, 2025, at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, will convene industry leaders to explore these trends. This premier summit will foster collaboration in fintech, AI, regulation, and cybersecurity, shaping a secure and inclusive financial future for Africa. Join the conversation to drive innovation and trust in Africa’s dynamic financial landscape.
Themed “Safeguarding Innovation: Advancing Secure, inclusive Finance in Africa,”, DFA2025 will explore technology’s transformative power in driving secure financial inclusion and economic development.
Digital Finance Africa attendees can look forward to a day full of insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge solutions shaping Africa’s FinTech and banking sectors.
Digital Finance Africa 2025 offers a unique platform for:
Engaging with over 300 executives, founders, and solution providers in the finance sector
Gaining insights from fintech thought leaders and industry analysts
Exploring the latest technologies and solutions in digital finance
Networking with peers and potential partners to foster collaboration and growth
Sponsorship & exhibiting opportunities are available for organizations looking to promote their products or services, with extensive pre-event and on-site publicity.
WUXI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 June 2025 – At the opening ceremony of the 2025 Jiangsu Week of Grand Canal Culture on June 10, Wuxi, a city located in the heart of E China’s Jiangsu Province, takes center stage as a “City of Music”. The city’s rich musical heritage was highlighted through captivating performances, including traditional Xiju Opera, which enthralled the international audience and provided a window into Wuxi’s vibrant cultural scene.
Wuxi, a city intertwined with the historical Grand Canal, boasts rich musical legacy. As the birthplace of the renowned “The Moon Reflected on the Erquan Spring,” composed by the Chinese folk musician A Bing, Wuxi has been enchanting the world with its melodies since the 1950s. This piece is just one shining example of the city’s musical treasures. From Ji Zha, one of China’s earliest music critics (544 BC), to Liu Tianhua, the master who introduced the erhu to university classrooms in 1922, Wuxi’s musicians have shaped nearly every facet of Chinese music
Today, Wuxi continues to nurture its musical legacy. Over 70 schools offer folk music classes, and the city has a thriving music industry. The city is also a leader in the production of accordions, harmonicas, and harps. The Wuxi Symphony Orchestra and the Wuxi Traditional Orchestra serve as ambassadors of the city’s musical excellence, performing globally and bridging cultures through symphonic and traditional music.
Cultural performance by the Grand Canal in Wuxi
Wuxi’s dedication to music extends to all aspects of life. From special education schools to public transportation, music is a constant companion. The city’s music festivals, such as the Golden Cup Accordion Art Festival and the Asia Pacific Harmonica Art Week, attract musicians from around the world, creating a harmonious blend of global melodies.
Wuxi cordially invites you to immerse yourself in its musical soul. Whether you are captivated by the timeless elegance of Kunqu Opera, the soul-stirring notes of the erhu, or the contemporary rhythms of a symphony orchestra, Wuxi offers a symphony of experiences. This is a city where every corner resonates with music, and every heart beats to its rhythm. Come, listen to Wuxi, and let its melodies enchant you.
Hashtag: #Wuxi
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Fake Scholarship Scams Target Lao Students on Social Media. (Photo: the Laotian Times)
Social media users in Laos have raised concerns about a surge in suspicious scholarship advertisements that target students aspiring to study abroad, particularly in China.
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 June 2025 – XTransfer, the world’s leading and China’s No.1 B2B cross-border trade payment platform, and BNP Paribas,the European Union’s leading bank, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to roll out comprehensive cross-border financial services during Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam. This collaboration aims to reduce the cost and processing time of cross-border payments for XTransfer’s clients, particularly benefiting global traders with significant markets in the Eurozone.
The signing ceremony was held at Money20/20 Europe, with senior representatives from both companies in attendance. The MOU was signed by Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, and Bruno Mellado, Global Head of Payments and Receivables at BNP Paribas, marking a significant milestone in their strategic partnership.
Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer (Left), and Bruno Mellado, Global Head of Payments and Receivables at BNP Paribas (Right), at the ceremony.
China and the EU are each other’s major trading partners. In terms of bilateral trade, according to China’s customs, the total import and export of goods between China and the EU in 2024 was US$785.8 billion, representing a 0.4% year-over-year increase. The EU is China’s third-largest export destination and second-largest import source, while China remains the EU’s largest import source and third-largest export destination.
The partnership between XTransfer and BNP Paribas is set to simplify cross-border payment solutions for European SMEs engaged in international trade. By leveraging BNP Paribas’ extensive network across Europe, XTransfer will empower its Chinese clients to collect funds in Euros seamlessly, while assisting European SMEs in making direct payments in Euros to reduce foreign exchange complexities and enhance transactional efficiency. This partnership is expected to expand further, with plans to introduce even more currency options in the near future.
Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, said, “It is a great honour to join hands with BNP Paribas. This MOU reflects our mutual ambition to empower SMEs with enhanced cross-border financial solutions. As we continue to grow our European footprint, partnerships like this are instrumental in building robust, compliant, and innovative financial infrastructure for international trade.”
Bruno Mellado, Global Head of Payments and Receivables at BNP Paribas, added, “By combining BNP Paribas’ extensive European network with XTransfer’s expertise in B2B cross-border trade payments, we aim to simplify international trade transactions, reduce costs, and enhance the global competitiveness of our clients. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide innovative and efficient financial solutions for businesses operating in the global market.”
The partnership is designed to facilitate seamless trade between SMEs in China and European countries, at the same time streamlining foreign trade transactions between European businesses and their global partners. By simplifying cross-border payments and reducing transactional complexities, this collaboration will lower the costs associated with global trade and significantly enhance the global competitiveness of European SMEs. Hashtag: #XTransfer #BNPParibas #Money2020EU #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About
XTransfer XTransfer, the world-leading and China’s No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, is dedicated to providing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with secure, compliant, fast, convenient and low-cost foreign trade payment and fund collection solutions, significantly reducing the cost of global expansion and enhancing global competitiveness. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Shanghai and has branches in Hong Kong SAR, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, the UAE, and Nigeria. XTransfer has obtained local payment licenses in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, and Australia. With more than 600,000 enterprise clients, XTransfer has become the industry No.1 in China.
By cooperating with well-known multinational banks and financial institutions, XTransfer has built a unified global multi-currency clearing network and a data-based, automated, internet-based and intelligent anti-money laundering risk control infrastructure centred on SMEs. XTransfer uses technology as a bridge to link large financial institutions and SMEs around the world, allowing SMEs to enjoy the same level of cross-border financial services as large multinational corporations.
XTransfer completed its Series D financing in September 2021 and achieved unicorn status. The Company possesses a diverse composition of international investors, including D1 Capital Partners LP, Telstra Ventures, China Merchants Venture, eWTP Capital, Yunqi Capital, Gaorong Capital, 01VC, MindWorks and Lavender Hill Capital Partners.
BNP Paribas Leader in banking and financial services in Europe, BNP Paribas operates in 64 countries and has nearly 178,000 employees, including more than 144,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Group’s commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Türkiye, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group’s performance and stability.
This landmark agreement is poised to accelerate Dai-ichi Life Group’s digital transformation globally. The GCC aims to tap into India’s deep pool of skilled professionals to support and enhance its IT and digital strategies. As a result, Dai-ichi Life Group’s goal is to significantly strengthen its in-house digital capabilities and technology platforms, driving innovation and operational efficiency on a global scale.
This strategic collaboration with Capgemini, which initially spans Japan, the United States, and Australia, will leverage a broad spectrum of the GCC’s digital capabilities including advanced software development, infrastructure modernization, AI & data solutions, and robust cybersecurity measures. It is designed with the flexibility to expand into other countries based on market needs and potential, to support the global ambitions of Dai-ichi Life Group.
“This strategic partnership with Capgemini supports our long-term ambition to build differentiated, internal capabilities through the establishment of our Global Capability Center,” said Tetsuya Kikuta, President and CEO at Dai-ichi Life Holdings. “By adopting a Build-Operate-Transfer model, we are not only accelerating our digital transformation but also laying the foundation for in-house expertise in critical areas such as AI, data, and cybersecurity. This approach sets us apart and strengthens our ability to deliver innovative, high-impact solutions across the Dai-ichi Life Group.”
Capgemini will bring its end-to-end capabilities at scale, including its strong presence and delivery track record in Japan, the Asia Pacific region and globally, to enable Dai-ichi Life Group’s transformation agenda. The partnership will focus on co-innovating solutions that streamline operations, harness the power of data analytics and artificial intelligence, and fortify cybersecurity defenses, all while helping to ensure a seamless and enhanced experience for Dai-ichi Life Group’s customers.
“This strategic collaboration with Dai-ichi Life Group, a distinguished leader in the insurance sector, comes at a crucial time for the industry. Today, customer service remains one of the most powerful tools for encouraging loyalty and shaping brand perception, and this is increasingly enabled through technology,” said Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer at Capgemini. “This partnership is built on a shared vision to leverage technology and innovation to not only meet but exceed consumer expectations. By combining Dai-ichi Life’s deep industry knowledge with Capgemini’s global business and technology transformation expertise, including our proven ability to deliver complex solutions, our partnership will help unlock new value for the Dai-ichi Life Group and set new benchmarks in customer service and operational efficiency.”
Hashtag: #Capgemini
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Capgemini
Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
Dai-ichi Life Group was founded in 1902 as Japan’s first mutual life insurance company. It became a joint-stock company and was listed on the stock exchange in 2010, before transitioning to a holding company structure in 2016. The Group has since expanded its operations globally, including across the Asia-Pacific region and North America, and now serves over 50 million customers while managing approximately USD 430 billion in consolidated assets. Our IT and Digital strategies enable us to innovate, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience, while driving long-term growth and sustainability.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 June 2025 – Gother, a tourism service platform, operated by Search Engine Optimization, a joint venture between Beacon Venture Capital (venture arm of Kasikornbank) and Krungthai Ventures (venture arm of Krungthai Bank) is showing strong upward momentum following a 300% business growth in just seven months since launch in the past year. Aimed at upgrading its platform, Gother is targeting the new generation of travelers by offering a comprehensive travel booking experience. This includes accommodations, flights, car rentals, tour packages, and exciting activities that align with modern travel lifestyles. The platform offers seamless digital integration with mobile banking apps such as K PLUS, Krungthai NEXT, and Paotang, for easy payments and other services. This is expected to help solidify its ambition to become one of Thailand’s top 3 travel platforms by 2027.
Mr. Anupong Kriangkrailipikorn, CEO of Search Engine Optimization and founder of Gother, stated that Gother is not just a platform for booking travel, but part of the travel lifestyle, designed to complement every journey, turning it into a special experience. The platform’s mission is emphasized to be a truly Thai-centric service, tailored to the cultural nuances and preferences of local travelers. Since its official launch in 2024, Gother has attracted strong interest from next-gen tourists, achieving 4-time growth within a single year, and expecting to continue rising. To sustain this momentum, Gother will implement three core strategies in 2025:
1. Diversifying access channels: Gother services are available throughwww.gother.com, the Gother application on iOS and Android, and integrated on leading mobile banking platforms including K PLUS, Krungthai NEXT, and Paotang. These platforms feature secure and convenient payment systems that allow users to complete bookings and payments in one place.
2. Using AI and technology: Gother is leveraging data analytics capabilities to better understand user behavior and provide more targeted services. A new version of the application with intelligent AI features that recommend travel experiences based on individual preferences will launch later this year.
3. Expanding partnerships: Gother is growing its network of partners to include top-tier hotels, airlines, and tour operators domestically and globally. The goal is to offer a wider range of travel services, from flights and accommodations to tour programs, car rentals, and customized experiences for all travelers at competitive prices with attractive promotions and exclusive discounts.
With this strategy, Gother is targeting 10 billion baht in booking value by 2027 and eyeing a top-three position as Thailand’s premier homegrown travel platform that truly understands the needs of modern Thai travelers. Backed by the support and capital of Beacon Venture Capital and Krungthai Ventures, Gother is confident in its ability to scale and achieve its ambition as a travel platform for Thais.
In June 2025, Gother is set to launch its biggest promotional campaign of the year, offering discounts of up to 60% on flight tickets, hotels, and activities booked between June 15–30, 2025. For more details, please visitwww.gother.com.
Hashtag: #Gother
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Gother
Gother is a comprehensive travel and lifestyle service platform developed in 2024 by Search Engine Optimization Co., Ltd., as a rebrand of the former TraveliGo platform (founded in 2015). Gother offers a full suite of travel services, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, car rentals, activities, and tour packages, available through www.gother.com and the Gother application. The platform is committed to redefining the travel experience by collaborating with various partners and adopting innovations to meet the evolving preferences of Thai travelers across all lifestyles.
Thavadxai Xaiyakoumman on the right (Photo: supplied)
UNFPA Lao PDR – Thavadxai Xaiyakoumman wears many hats. The 35-year-old is an affable guide to many tourists who visit Lao’s picturesque attractions and is a small business owner.
Hundreds of fans gathered near two army bases just outside of the capital Seoul where band leader RM -- recently named "Favorite K-pop Artist" at the American Music Awards -- and singer V were discharged.
(Photo by Shin Yong-ju / AFP)
By Sue Han Kim with Hieun Shin in Seoul/AFP – The world’s most popular boy band is heading for a reunion: K-pop megastars RM and V from BTS were released on 10 June after serving 18 months of South Korean military service, prompting a fan frenzy.