Home Blog Page 3564

CGTN: How China speeds up AI development, advances high-quality Global South cooperation

BEIJING, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CGTN published an article on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s inspection tour in east China’s Shanghai. Focusing on his visits to an AI incubator and the New Development Bank, the article stresses China’s efforts in developing the AI industry to foster tech innovation, and its willingness to strengthen project cooperation with the bank and focus on green, innovative and sustainable development to achieve more results.

An artificial intelligence ecosystem platform, dubbed an “AI supermarket,” made its debut in Shanghai in February, providing one-stop access to AI resources such as DeepSeek models, government-subsidized computing power and high-quality corpus.

The initiative marks the latest advancement by the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center – a large model incubator home to over 100 enterprises.

Spanning over 60,000 square meters, the incubator provides developers with resources for ecosystem growth, including 18 support policies such as computing subsidies, fundraising networks and open data platforms.

Visiting the incubator on Tuesday as part of his inspection tour in Shanghai, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the city to take the lead in AI development and governance, and accelerate the building of a highland of scientific and technological innovation with global influence.

The inspection trip came four days after China’s leadership convened a dedicated AI study session, where President Xi called for gaining a head start in this strategic sector.

Highland of tech innovation

Officially unveiled in 2023, the center stands as one of China’s first dedicated incubators and accelerators for large-scale AI models. It aims to fortify Shanghai’s pursuit of establishing a world-class, globally competitive AI industry cluster.

To solidify the foundation for resident enterprises, the center has established five major functional platforms on computing power dispatching, open data, evaluation service, financial service and comprehensive service, supporting companies in terms of text corpus and computer resources, investment funds and filing guidance.

Meanwhile, it also extends top-priority policy support to accelerate the world premieres of various small vertical scenario models across consumer, entertainment, finance, and other major application domains, expediting large model innovations’ integration into diverse industries.

“AI technology is evolving rapidly and entering a phase of explosive growth,” Xi said, urging the city to sum up successful experiences in incubating the AI industry, and take the lead in AI development and governance.

Within a single building, enterprises from across the foundation model industry chain converge, creating an ideal environment for collaboration. Companies choosing to establish themselves here include foundational technology providers, application developers, scene designers, computing power supporters, and product marketers.

In response to the rapid development of resident enterprises to meet the center’s need for more talents, Shanghai’s Xuhui District has unveiled a global recruitment plan for AI talent and launched the West Bund International Talent Hub to bring talents to enterprises.

The talent hub has also housed the Shanghai Emerging Industry Young Entrepreneurs Association, further supporting young entrepreneurial talents to pioneer innovation.

“AI is a nascent industry, and it’s also an industry that belongs to young people,” Xi said while joining a salon with young innovators, urging them to continue to show their talents and skills to advance Chinese modernization.

High-quality development of Global South

On the same day, President Xi also visited the New Development Bank (NDB) and met with Dilma Rousseff, president of the institution.

Noting that broader BRICS cooperation has entered a stage of high-quality development, he said the bank is set to embark on its second golden decade of high-quality development.

As a multilateral development bank founded by the BRICS nations, the NDB has approved over 100 projects in all member countries for approximately $35 billion by the end of 2023, safeguarding the economic development of member countries and contributing to the improvement of the global economic governance system.

From urban railway projects in India and green wind power projects in Brazil to highway projects in China, the bank, with its efficient and pragmatic cooperation model, has enriched the practice of South-South cooperation, setting an example for multilateral cooperation.

Calling the bank “a pioneering initiative for the unity and self-improvement of the Global South,” Xi called on the NDB to consider the development needs of the Global South, and provide more high-quality, low-cost and sustainable infrastructure financing.

Unilateralism and protectionism undermine the stability of industrial and supply chains, Rousseff stressed, adding that the bank will continue to contribute to the development of developing countries and emerging markets.

For more information, please click:

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-29/How-China-speeds-up-AI-development-advances-Global-South-cooperation-1CY5Xuxjp7O/p.html

Alphamab Oncology Presented Preclinical Data on Two Novel Bispecific ADCs at the 2025 AACR Annual Meeting

SUZHOU, China, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alphamab Oncology (stock code: 9966.HK) announced that the preclinical data on two novel bispecific antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) JSKN021 and JSKN022 were presented as posters at the 2025 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, which is held in Chicago, USA, from April 25 to 30, 2025.

Title: JSKN021, an innovative site-specific dual-payload bispecific antibody drug conjugate targeting EGFR and HER3 exhibits potent preclinical activities
Abstract ID: 5451 / 9
Location: Poster Section 15
Poster release time: April 29, 2025, 2:00 PM- 5:00 PM CDT

EGFR and HER3 are widely overexpressed in human malignancies, rendering them promising targets for cancer treatment. Alphamab has developed JSKN021, a dual payload bispecific ADC targeting EGFR/HER3, utilizing glycan-specific conjugation technology. The novel DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor T01 and the microtubule inhibitor MMAE, are conjugated to glycan on Fc via cleavable linkers, thereby achieving synergistic antitumor effects through the dual-payload strategy.

Preclinical studies have shown that JSKN021 exhibits excellent stability. Its dual-payload design effectively addresses tumor heterogeneity, demonstrating significantly superior tumor inhibition compared to single-payload ADCs, and might be a promising novel antitumor therapeutic agent. Key differentiating features of JSKN021 include:

  • Conjugation and Stability: JSKN021 demonstrated excellent stability in serum from rat, mice, monkey, and human, with minimal payload release owing to glycan-based conjugation.
  • Binding and Payload Release: JSKN021 successfully bound to both EGFR and HER3, and its payloads (T01 and MMAE) were effectively released without detectable side metabolites.
  • In Vitro Efficacy: JSKN021 significantly inhibited cancer cell growth in multiple cell lines expressing EGFR, HER3, or both (e.g., HCC827, MDA-MB-468, A431, NCI-H1975).
  • In Vivo Efficacy: In multiple CDX models, JSKN021 showed superior tumor inhibition compared to single-payload ADCs.

Title: JSKN022, a first-in-class multi-specific ADC targeting PD-L1 and ITGB6/8 with an innovative DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor demonstrates encouraging efficacy in preclinical models
Abstract ID: 5450 / 8
Location: Poster Section 15
Poster release time: April 29, 2025, 2:00 PM- 5:00 PM CDT

Monoclonal antibodies targeting PD-1/PD-L1 have significantly transformed cancer therapy. However, the majority of patients still cannot get benefit from this treatment or may develop resistance afterwards. Leveraging the increased expression of PD-L1 in tumors, Alphamab has developed JSKN022, an innovative sdAb (single domain antibody) Fc fusion protein drug conjugate, based on our independently developed Envafolimab. This drug molecule utilizes glycan-specific conjugation technology to site-specifically conjugate the DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor T01 to the Fc glycans. It is designed to simultaneously target PD-L1 and ITGB6/8, enabling a synergistic anti-tumor effect.

This preclinical study suggests JSKN022, as a first-in-class multi-specific PD-L1/ITGB6/8 ADC, might potentially bring in novelty in the therapeutic approach for cancers that are refractory or resistant to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Preclinical data demonstrate that JSKN022 exhibits the following differentiating features:

  • Binding and Specificity: JSKN022 demonstrated specific binding to PD-L1, αvβ6 and αvβ8 protein without cross-reacting with other integrin family members.
  • Internalization: JSKN022 exhibited superior internalization capacity in HCC4006 and Capan-2 cancer cells compared to mono-target antibodies.
  • Conjugation and Stability: JSKN022 demonstrated excellent stability in serum from rat, mice, monkey, human, with minimal payload (T01) release, attributed to glycan-based conjugation.
  • Efficacy: JSKN022 effectively inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells and demonstrated greater tumor suppression than single-target ADCs in preclinical cancer models.

About JSKN021

JSKN021 is a first-in-class dual payload ADC consisting of an EGFR/HER3 bispecific antibody conjugated with novel topoisomerase I inhibitor (T01) and MMAE. Engineered with finely tuned binding avidity in both arms to address tumor heterogeneity while minimizing on-target, off-tumor toxicity, JSKN021 was designed for enhanced stability and improved homogeneity. It combines T01 (DAR 4) and MMAE (DAR 2) payloads to overcome non-response and resistance observed with single-payload treatment strategies.

About JSKN022

JSKN022 is a first-in-class ADC targeting both PD-L1 and ITGB6/8. Based on independently developed Envafolimab, Alphamab integrates immuno-oncology (IO) mechanisms with ADC approaches. This novel drug molecule utilizes glycan-specific conjugation technology to enhance both stability and homogeneity. The topoisomerase I inhibitor T01 is site-specifically conjugates to multi-functional antibody via a cleavable linker, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy. JSKN022 might potentially bring in novelty in the therapeutic approach for cancers that are refractory or resistant to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.

About Alphamab Oncology

Alphamab Oncology is an innovative biopharmaceutical company focusing on oncology therapeutics. By leveraging its proprietary core technology platforms including single-domain antibodies, bispecific antibodies, glycan-specific conjugation, linker-payload, dual-payload antibody conjugation, and subcutaneous high concentration formulation for biologics, the Company has established a differentiated and globally competitive product portfolio, covering cutting-edge areas such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, and single-domain antibodies.

The Company has one product approved for marketing (Envafolimab, the world’s first subcutaneously injectable PD-(L)1 inhibitor), which has made a significant breakthrough in the convenience and accessibility of cancer treatment. Additionally, the Company has multiple bispecific antibodies and bispecific ADCs in clinical stage, while rapidly advancing the preclinical pipeline prioritizing bispecific ADCs and dual-payload ADCs. Multiple strategic collaborations based on innovative products or technology platforms have been established with partners such as CSPC, ArriVent, and Glenmark.

Our overarching mission is to make cancer manageable and curable by addressing unmet clinical needs in oncology. Alphamab Oncology is continuously dedicated to the development of effective, safe, and globally competitive anti-tumor drugs to benefit patients.

LG Energy Solution Releases 2025 First-Quarter Financial Results

  • LG Energy Solution posts KRW 6.3 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 375 billion in operating profit in Q1 2025
  • Company returns to profitability through rigorous cost-cutting efforts
  • Company to focus on operational efficiency, cost reduction, and strategic business opportunities to cope with impacts from regulatory transitions this year

SEOUL, South Korea, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220) today announced its first-quarter earnings for 2025, turning a profit through rigorous cost-cutting efforts.

The company posted consolidated revenue of KRW 6.3 trillion, a 2.9 percent decrease quarter-on-quarter and 2.2 percent increase year-on-year. The operating profit was KRW

375 billion with an EBITDA[1] margin of 20 percent, marking a turn around to profitability. The operating profit includes the IRA tax credit amount of KRW 458 billion.  

“In the first quarter, we demonstrated solid shipments to North America and for newly launched EV models. However, as automakers continued their conservative approach to inventory management, our quarterly revenue declined compared to the last quarter,” said Chang Sil Lee, CFO of LG Energy Solution. “Nevertheless, we successfully returned to profitability in the first quarter as our efforts to reduce material costs and enhance cost efficiency came to fruition, with one-off items reflected in the previous quarter no longer playing base effect into Q1 profit,” Lee added. 

In the first quarter, LG Energy Solution has reallocated its production capacity in North America to better respond to market demands and address ongoing uncertainties. Namely, the company put the construction of its ESS battery plant in Arizona on hold and instead decided to first utilize the existing production capacity at its plant in Michigan, aiming to start producing LFP (lithium, iron, phosphate) batteries for ESS this year, a year earlier than planned.

Also, the company is in the process of acquiring the GM JV phase 3 in Michigan, which would significantly expand its footprint in North America. This move will also maximize the utilization of investments already undertaken by minimizing the facility’s downtime.

Alongside this strategic adjustment, LG Energy Solution continued to make notable achievements in both the EV and ESS businesses based on its strong product competitiveness. The company successfully expanded its customer portfolio for 46-Series cylindrical batteries to legacy automakers by securing a new 10GWh (annual) order from an established automaker in North America. It also won contracts from Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE) for grid-scale ESS batteries in Europe and Delta Electronics for residential ESS batteries (4GWh) in the U.S. The company also ventured into new applications, including solar EVs and offshore wind farms, as well as establishing its first European battery recycling joint venture facility with Derichebourg in France, which will establish 20,000 tons of annual preprocessing capacity to meet the EU’s battery recycling regulations and secure a metal supply chain.

Moving forward, as regulatory transitions such as U.S. tariffs and the EU’s industrial action plan for the automotive sector are expected to affect the battery industry broadly, LG Energy Solution will concentrate on streamlining operations and reducing costs this year, while actively pursuing strategic business opportunities.

It will focus on indispensable investments and proactively adjust the scale and speed of capacity expansion in response to changing market demands. It will also take a cautious approach to managing inventory for EV batteries, while accelerating the revenue expansion in its ESS business, which holds relatively higher growth potential.

At the same time, LG Energy Solution will continue to cultivate strategic business opportunities by continuing to secure future demands from its key customers with new products, including 46-Series cylindrical batteries. Simultaneously, it will proactively discover new applications for its cylindrical batteries, such as humanoid robots and drones.

To mitigate the impact of tariffs, the company will promote the local production of raw materials by collaborating with material companies entering North America. It will also accelerate the development and adoption of new technologies, such as dry electrodes, to lower production costs.

[1] EBITDA: Earnings before interest and tax

#  #  #

About LG Energy Solution
LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 69,600 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, and Asia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers. Committed to building sustainable battery ecosystem, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution’s ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.

WePlay Launches Exclusive Livestream Spectacle with Top Philippine Artist Alex Gonzaga

MANILA, Philippines, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ –Global leading social entertainment platform WePlay announced today an exclusive partnership with Philippine national-level multi-talented star Alex Gonzaga. The two parties will launch a joint livestream event on WePlay’s platform on April 30. Leveraging Alex Gonzaga’s massive influence across Southeast Asia and her cross-platform fanbase of over 57 million, this collaboration aims to deliver immersive interactive entertainment experiences to users while further amplifying WePlay’s brand presence in the Asian markets.

celebrity poster
celebrity poster

Top-Tier Collaboration: Boundary-Breaking Influence Elevates Entertainment
As a household-name in the Philippines, Alex Gonzaga—actor, host, singer, and social content creator—has captivated global fans with her humorous charm and high-quality content. Her social media dominance is staggering: over 14.5 million YouTube subscribers, 12.76 million Instagram followers, 13.52 million Facebook followers, 10.1 million TikTok followers, and 6.7 million followers on X, solidifying her status as Southeast Asia’s undisputed “Queen of Engagement.” This partnership synergizes Alex’s creative DNA with WePlay’s interactive features to pioneer new fan engagement frontiers.

Event Highlights: Diverse Content Ignites Anticipation
On April 30 at 8 PM PHT, Alex Gonzaga will host a themed livestream in WePlay’s voice room, featuring fan Q&As, behind-the-scenes stories, talent showcases and interactive games. Users can engage with Alex in real time via WePlay’s signature features like bullet comments, voice chat, and virtual gifts. Participants also may win autographed merchandise and exclusive perks.

Strategic Expansion: WePlay Accelerates Southeast Asia Push
A WePlay spokesperson stated: “Alex Gonzaga’s participation is a pivotal step in our ‘Asia-Pacific Star Strategy.’ She is not just a traffic powerhouse but  also renowned for her infectious creativity. Her energy aligns perfectly with WePlay’s vision to ‘Bring people together through games, lead the trend of global online social entertainment.’ “

About WePlay
Developed by Singapore-based Wejoy, WePlay has emerged as a next-generation global social entertainment hub integrating gaming and interactive features. Committed to “Bring joy and friends to young people around the world,” WePlay sets industry-leading standards in character design, art style, and interactive experiences, attracting a loyal user base. Moving forward, WePlay plans to partner with more top-tier Asia-Pacific artists to build a sustainable celebrity livestream ecosystem, redefining global social entertainment through a “games as medium, socializing as core, stars as bridge” model.

CoCo Bubble Tea Announces New Openings in Southeast Asia

Leading boba brand to open stores in Kuala Lumpur and Phnom Penh, as it focuses on further diversifying beverages tailored to local tastes

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia and PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Leading tapioca tea brand CoCo Bubble Tea is announcing new store openings in Malaysia and Cambodia later this spring. Along with the new locations, CoCo will seek to further customize and cater to varied local tastes to meet growing demand for diversified refreshments.

Interior of Phnom Penh CoCo Bubble Tea Store
Interior of Phnom Penh CoCo Bubble Tea Store

To explore opening a pearl milk tea shop with CoCo Bubble Tea, please visit: https://bit.ly/3OFKWWC

In May, CoCo will open the first store in a multi-store franchise in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with the remaining locations opening later in 2025. These stores will feature beverages made with raw materials certified as Halal, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to making beverages for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, CoCo held the soft opening for its first-ever store in Cambodia, located in Phnom Penh, on April 13. This marks a significant step in bringing its beloved bubble tea to even more communities across Southeast Asia.

“Our franchise network from the dynamic Southeast Asia region does an excellent job innovating and harnessing the flourishing bubble tea market here,” noted Kody Wong, Deputy General Manager of Business Development at CoCo Bubble Tea. “We are immensely grateful to have such strong franchise partners. With these latest openings, we are doubling down on our efforts to engage diverse consumers across a region that is growing rapidly.”

Striving for broader local appeal

As demand for “new tea” drinks grows in Southeast Asia, CoCo is redefining the bubble tea experience in the region. Once considered a premium refreshment option, bubble tea is now evolving to suit the dynamic tastes of a broader range of Southeast Asian consumers. The brand’s focus on using local flavors and offering customizable beverage options is helping its drinks resonate more with middle-class consumers, who have increasingly more purchasing power.

A history of success in Southeast Asia

Since establishing a presence here in 2012, Southeast Asia has brought CoCo Bubble Tea some outstanding success stories. Notably, the Philippines has over 120 CoCo stores nationwide, and the brand has consistent recognition here for beverages that resonate with consumers, a strong brand image, and outstanding customer service. CoCo’s highest average store sales is in the Philippines, and it has been the most successful among locals compared with tourists — as 99% of its customers are Filipinos. This demonstrates the company’s proven ability to connect deeply with local tastes.

Why partner with CoCo

Operating with a franchise business model, CoCo Bubble Tea is deeply invested in the entrepreneurs it partners with to open shops. With over 5000 stores worldwide, CoCo combines its high brand recognition with comprehensive support across supply chain, training programs, and other areas to ensure the long-term success of its franchise partners.

Looking ahead

As CoCo continues its expansion, the brand remains committed to introducing its customized and culturally inspired tea creations to more countries across Southeast Asia — and the world. With the increasing popularity of bubble tea in the region, the brand is poised to further strengthen its foothold and delight consumers with unique and refreshing beverage options.

About CoCo Bubble Tea

CoCo Bubble Tea aims to create a diverse and sustainable community for its consumers by providing visually refreshing products. We continue to be one of the fastest-growing companies and are looking for enterprising partners to join the CoCo Bubble Tea franchise networks. Check CoCo Bubble Tea’s official website and start your application now.

For more information, please visit https://www.coco-tea.com/.

CoCo Bubble Tea Store in Phnom Penh
CoCo Bubble Tea Store in Phnom Penh

CoCo Bubble Tea Store beside Royal Palace
CoCo Bubble Tea Store beside Royal Palace

AsiaPay and My Menu Announce Partnership to Elevate Digital Dining Experience for Hotels and Restaurants

HONG KONG, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Leading digital payment solution provider AsiaPay and cutting-edge digital menu platform My Menu are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership aimed at transforming the way hotels and restaurants handle payments and guest interactions.

This collaboration combines AsiaPay’s secure and seamless payment processing with My Menu’s innovative digital ordering solution, offering hospitality businesses in Asia a more efficient and engaging way to serve their guests.

As the hospitality industry continues to embrace digital transformation, this partnership brings a fully integrated solution that allows restaurants and hotels to streamline operations, enhance guest convenience, and drive more revenue. With My Menu’s interactive digital menus, guests can browse menus, place orders, and now, thanks to AsiaPay, make fast and secure payments directly from their mobile devices.

“Our mission has always been to provide businesses with innovative integrated and secure digital payment solution,” said Joseph Chan CEO at AsiaPay. “Partnering with My Menu allows us to extend this capability to the hospitality industry that readily enhances both operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.”

With this integration, hotels and restaurants benefit from:

  • Frictionless guest experience – Guests can seamlessly browse, order, and pay in one smooth digital journey.
  • Secure and reliable transaction – trusted payment solution ensure transactions are fast and secure.
  • Increased revenue potential – Digital menus with smart upselling features and seamless payments encourage higher spending.
  • Operational efficiency – Improve service speed by automating order-taking and payment processing.

“This partnership is a game-changer for hotels and restaurants catering to the growing Asian traveller,” said Abhishek Bose at My Menu. “With AsiaPay’s expertise in digital payments, we are able to offer guests the freedom to use their local digital wallets such as AliPay, GCash, LinePay, GrabPay and numerous other local wallets ensuring your guests experience seamless frictionless online payments, just like what they are used to at home.”

The partnership between AsiaPay and My Menu is now live and available for hospitality businesses looking to modernize their digital ordering and payment experience. For more information, visit asiapay.com and mydigimenu.com.

About AsiaPay

Founded in 2000, AsiaPay, a premier digital payment service and technology solution provider, strives to bring advanced, secure, integrated, and cost-effective electronic payment processing solutions and services to banks, corporations, and e-Businesses in the worldwide market, covering an array of international credit card, debit card, prepaid card, net banking, eWallet, and QR code payment, as well as cash collection.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, AsiaPay also offers its professional ePayment solution consultancy and quality local service support in its 17 offices across the Asia Pacific region including Australia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia and India.

For more information, please visit www.asiapay.com.

About My Menu

Since its launch in 2018, My Menu has established itself as the world’s most advanced digital menu platform. My Menu is trusted by the best brands in the industry; currently running in 4200+ restaurants and 500+ hotels across 70 countries. My Menu has evolved from a digital menu solution to a comprehensive platform that boosts sales, increases efficiency while reducing costs and enhancing the guests’ experience. It is a simple yet powerful tool to help streamline operations and support sustainability in the hospitality industry. Its key features include: menu customization, online ordering, dish pairing recommendations, promotions, loyalty programs, CRM capabilities, multiple language options, nutrition and carbon emissions information, digital stamp cards, digital gift cards, table reservations, gamification and more.

For more information, please visit www.mydigimenu.com.

Gold’s Path to $4,000: Macro Drivers, Market Sentiment, and Strategic Insight by global broker Octa


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2025 – Gold has kept on rising almost uninterruptedly for most of 2025, recording a series of new all-time highs. Since October 2022, the metal’s price has almost doubled, having risen by more than 25% in 2025 alone, hitting a fresh all-time high of $3,500 per ounce on April 22. A $4,000 price level, once dismissed as fantasy, is now openly being discussed on trading floors across the globe. Octa Broker examines the forces behind gold’s remarkable rally — and what might come next.

Octa Broker

Geopolitical Tensions as the Main Catalyst

The global environment in 2025 is anything but peaceful. The wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe remain, and their long-term resolution still seems to be out of reach. The U.S.–China relations have taken a sharp downward turn. The latest installment of hostilities is being acted out in tariffs: the Trump administration has resumed a trade war footing, with China retaliating by raising tariffs on U.S. goods to 125% from 84%. Recently, the USA admitted that the tariffs for China could be increased up to 245%. This intensifying global uncertainty has propelled investors toward safe-haven assets, and none are more tried-and-tested than gold. As global trade frays and economic growth outlooks dim, gold’s role as a hedge becomes more pronounced.

Monetary Policy Expectations and Rate Cut Bets

Historically, gold tends to perform better when the interest rates are low. The current U.S. monetary policy outlook suggests a favourable environment for the precious metal. In response to weakening economic signals, the Federal Reserve (Fed) is widely expected to cut interest rates at least twice in 2025. The latest Labour Department data revealed a surprise drop in U.S. consumer prices in March, bolstering expectations of a looser policy stance by mid-year. Market participants now factor in a roughly 30% chance of a full percentage point cut by December.

However, with inflation potentially resurging due to tariffs, the Fed could be forced to reverse course. Such a move might derail gold’s momentum. Still, for now, lower rates make non-yielding assets like gold more attractive, creating the potential for further price gains.

Weak Dollar Boosts Gold’s Appeal

The U.S. dollar index recently recorded its sharpest decline since 2022, hitting new yearly lows. As Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, explains: ‘A weaker greenback typically supports gold by making it more affordable for holders of other currencies. This trend, together with the increasing uncertainty, has encouraged strong demand, further fuelling the rally’. Indeed, the increasing demand has been evident since the beginning of the year. In the middle of April, gold fund net inflows hit a record $80 billion year-to-date, according to BofA Global Research.

Central Bank Buying and De-Dollarisation

Another bullish factor for gold is the rise in structural physical demand — especially, when it comes to global central banks that increase their gold reserves at an aggressive pace. People’s Bank of China raised its gold holdings to a record level in Q1 2025, underscoring the metal’s strategic importance. This structural demand aligns with the broader BRICS-led push for de-dollarisation. Diversifying away from U.S. Treasuries and the dollar, several countries are turning to gold as a reliable store of value — bolstering long-term demand fundamentals.

ETF Flows Reflect Retail and Institutional Demand

The growing optimism among investors regarding gold is also evident in exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Gold-backed ETFs experienced significant inflows in March 2025, particularly in North America. These flows indicate robust interest from both retail investors and institutional players, further tightening the market.

Key Risks to the $4,000 Scenario

Despite the underlying bullish environment, gold may fall short of the $4,000 target and, instead, experience a significant downward correction due to several factors:

  • Inflation Surprise and Rate Reversal. If tariffs and supply disruptions reignite inflation, central banks may be forced to abandon dovish policies. A Fed reversal to a tightening bias could strengthen the dollar and exert a downward pressure on gold prices — potentially disrupting the bullish narrative.
  • Geopolitical Stabilisation. A de-escalation of global tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China or in Eastern Europe, could sharply reduce safe-haven demand. While this is not the base case for 2025, it remains a wildcard risk that traders must consider. Indeed, XAUUSD has already pulled back from its recent highs after the U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at lower tariffs for China.
  • Overbought Technical Conditions. Gold’s sharp rally raises the likelihood of corrective pullbacks. If momentum slows, profit-taking could spark a swift and dramatic sell-off. As with any parabolic move, volatility is inevitable: the price tends to experience short-term downtrends before new all-time-highs (ATH). Traders with short-term strategies should beware of such price drops and practice risk management: avoid large trading sums, apply stop-loss positions, and diversify their portfolio.


$4,000: Between Fantasy and Forecast

A convergence of macroeconomic, structural, and technical factors is pushing gold into uncharted territory. With macroeconomic uncertainty, rate cut expectations, geopolitical tensions, and central bank demand all aligned in support, the $4,000 level is no longer just a theoretical ceiling — it is a plausible next target. Still, the path is unlikely to be smooth. Corrections, sentiment shifts, and external shocks may temper the pace of the rally. However, for long-term holders, the thesis remains compelling.

___

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to engage in any investment activity. It does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs. Any action you take based on this content is at your sole discretion and risk. Octa and its affiliates accept no liability for any losses or consequences resulting from reliance on this material.
Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
Availability of products and services may vary by jurisdiction. Please ensure compliance with your local laws before accessing them.

Hashtag: #Octa

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

Octa

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

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

Oryon.net Launches Oryon Academy: Empowering Microsoft 365 Business Users

Why Owning Microsoft 365 Isn’t Enough Anymore — Oryon Academy Teaches Businesses to Master It


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2025 – Oryon.net, the largest Singapore web hosting provider and a leading Microsoft Solutions Partner, is proud to announce the launch of Oryon Academy — a dedicated learning platform designed to help Microsoft 365 Business customers unlock the full potential of their digital tools.​

With over 25 years of experience supporting SMEs, government agencies, and enterprises, Oryon.net has long been recognized for its outstanding 24/7 support, seamless onboarding, and competitive pricing. The introduction of Oryon Academy marks a significant step forward in empowering clients to maximize their Microsoft 365 investment through structured, hands-on training.

“Our mission has always been to simplify technology for businesses,” said Ryan Chua, Managing Director at Oryon.net. “With Oryon Academy, we’re taking that commitment further — equipping our clients with the knowledge and confidence to leverage Microsoft 365 and Office 365 ‘s capabilities fully.”​

Oryon Academy complements Oryon.net ‘s comprehensive Microsoft 365 offerings, which include free email migration, remote desktop assistance, and a price-match guarantee. As a Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) Cyber Essentials Certified provider, Oryon.net ensures that clients receive secure, reliable, and cost-effective solutions.​
Hashtag: #oryonnetworks #microsoft365



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

About Oryon Networks Pte Ltd

At Oryon.net, we specialize in delivering top-tier and solutions to businesses of all sizes. As a trusted Microsoft Solutions Partner in Singapore, we offer a comprehensive range of and subscription plans tailored to your unique business needs. Our portfolio includes , , and — ensuring every customer has the right tools for growth, collaboration, and productivity.

We understand that choosing the right Microsoft 365 plan can be overwhelming. That’s why Oryon.net is committed to helping businesses navigate options easily. Our competitive packages are designed to deliver maximum value without compromising on quality.

In addition to core services, we provide expert guidance on essential applications like — helping businesses seamlessly manage communication and scheduling — and the full suite of tools that power everyday operations.

With over 25 years of experience serving SMEs, enterprises, and government agencies, Oryon.net has earned a reputation for reliable support, seamless onboarding, and a customer-first approach. Whether you’re upgrading your existing 365 setup or starting fresh, trust Oryon.net to simplify and enhance your Microsoft 365 journey.