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A CONVERSATION WITH PADMA HOTELS: VISION BEHIND THE ICONIC PADMA HOTEL BANDUNG’S TEMPORARY CLOSURE

BALI, Indonesia, April 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — After more than 16 years of welcoming guests to the lush highlands of Ciumbuleuit, Padma Hotel Bandung has officially entered a period of temporary closure as part of a bold and forward-looking transformation. Padma Hotels, the parent brand behind this beloved property, shared their thoughts with us on what this next chapter truly means for the hotel, for the guests, and for hospitality in Indonesia.

After 16 years of heartfelt hospitality, Padma Hotel Bandung enters a graceful transformation period. It is the beginning of another thoughtful journey—one that honours past memories and embraces future travelers’ requisite.  A beautiful chapter awaits, renewed and reimagined.
After 16 years of heartfelt hospitality, Padma Hotel Bandung enters a graceful transformation period. It is the beginning of another thoughtful journey—one that honours past memories and embraces future travelers’ requisite. A beautiful chapter awaits, renewed and reimagined.

“This is not merely a renovation, it is a reinvention,” shared Nandang Suryana, Corporate Director of Operations at Padma Hotels. “Padma Hotel Bandung has long been more than a destination. It is a place where stories unfold—morning walks in the mist, family reunions by the pool, the kind of everyday moments that stay with you. Our aim is to preserve the soul of the hotel while evolving every touchpoint to meet the desires of tomorrow’s travelers.”

The transformation will encompass a comprehensive expansion of guest rooms and suites, the introduction of fresh culinary experiences, enhanced wellness and recreational offerings, and architectural refinements that reflect both contemporary design and a deep reverence for the natural surroundings. A core focus of the project will also be sustainability—ensuring that the beauty of Ciumbuleuit remains untouched and celebrated.

“This evolution is part of our broader commitment across Padma Hotels to deliver thoughtful luxury rooted in place, culture, and care,” Nandang continued. “As one of our flagship properties, Padma Hotel Bandung will emerge not just with a new look, but with renewed purpose.”

When asked about guest sentiment, Padma Hotels acknowledged the deep emotional ties many have with the Bandung property. “We know how much this hotel means to our guests. That is exactly why this transformation is so important. We’re not stepping away, we’re stepping up.”

During the closure period, guests are encouraged to explore other Padma Hotels destinations across Indonesia. From the breezy beachfront lifestyle at Padma Resort Legian and the spiritual calm of Padma Resort Ubud, to the urban elegance of Padma Hotel Semarang and the industrial oasis of Resinda Hotel Karawang, the signature Padma experience remains accessible across diverse landscapes.

As for what awaits upon reopening? Padma Hotels promises more than new features. “We are creating a space that feels both familiar and surprising. A place where returning guests will feel seen, new guests will feel our signature hospitality, and the whole sensation of being home far away from home,” Nandang concluded.

For updates on the transformation journey and future reopening details, please visit www.padmahotelbandung.com or follow @padmabandung on social media.

About Padma Hotels

Previously known as Sekar Alliance Hotel Management, Padma Hotels has two exclusive properties on the island of Bali, a hillside town of Bandung, a prestigious highland of Semarang, and an industrial area in Karawang. All of them are inspired by the rich artistry and cultural heritage of these unique locations. This is reflected through the design aesthetic as well as the gracious hospitality of each property. Padma Hotels is committed to the care and comfort of its guests through dedicated service and up-to-date facilities. Padma Resort Legian and Padma Resort Ubud are the perfect introduction to the carefree ambiance of tropical living, Padma Hotel Bandung uplifts the senses with breathtaking natural scenery, Padma Hotel Semarang brings resort ambiance and contemporary opulence to the city, while Resinda Hotel Karawang, managed by Padma Hotels, is an oasis in the centre of the industrial area.

2025 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies’ Party Shines Bright

Digital Empowerment of “She Power” Paints a New Chapter in Global Commerce

YIWU, China, April 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world. Amid the vibrant breath of spring, the 2025 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies’ Party, now in its 10th edition, was grandly held on April 18. Leaders from various industry associations in the Yiwu market, media guests, and representative merchants from multiple sectors gathered to witness the glorious moment as ten Top Boss Ladies and twenty nominees were honored.

2025 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies.
2025 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies.

Technology Illuminates the Fashion Extravaganza, New and Familiar Faces Shine Together

After a month of fierce competition, this year’s event crowned its winners:

Fu Jiangyan from Zhangweichao Socks Firm
Wang Chunxing from Butterfly Fly Lace Firm
Sun Lifang from Julia’s Bag
Wang Xiaohong from Yiwu Aishang Daily Necessities Factory
Li Hong from Yiwu Hanbang Daily Necessities Firm
Li Chuanzhi from Chengfa Tableware Firm
Bao Qiaoli from Bole Plush Pendant Toy
Hu Bin from Mechen Cup Industry
Jin Chengfeng from Yiwu Lanmo Textiles Co., Ltd.,
Yu Wenxian from Yiwu Gaoshuai Commodity House

Notably, Fu Jiangyan, Wang Chunxing, Sun Lifang have made repeated appearances on the list, showcasing the thriving diversity of Yiwugo merchants across industries and highlighting the healthy, coordinated development of multiple business models, injecting innovative vitality into both the Yiwu market and the event.

On the day of the event, the award-winning businesswomen dazzled in a variety of elegant dresses, embodying the perfect blend of decisive business acumen and graceful fashion sense. During the ceremony, the top ten winners further captivated the audience with a runway show, displaying the spirit of female entrepreneurs and drawing significant attention from buyers and media alike.

“She Power” Connects the Globe, Digital Empowerment Drives Growth

“Through the Yiwugo platform, our socks are being seen by more and more customers worldwide!” said Fu Jiangyan, a repeat winner of the title. As a traditional foreign trade business, Zhangweichao Socks Firm, a 30-year-old family enterprise spanning two generations, has strengthened its risk resilience and diversified its client base by leveraging Yiwugo’s digital management solutions and cost-effective e-commerce traffic, unlocking new growth opportunities amid complex global economic conditions.

Similarly, shop owners from Butterfly Fly Lace Firm, Julia’s Bag, and Chengfa Tableware Firm noted that connecting with global clients via Yiwugo has become a shared habit for both buyers and sellers. The platform’s strong traffic conversion and rapid new customer acquisition have prompted significant shifts in their global business strategies and production models.

Wang Xiaohong from Yiwu Aishang Daily Necessities Factory and Li Hong from Yiwu Hanbang Daily Necessities Firm added that Yiwugo attracts clients with diverse needs, driving continuous optimization of production processes and enhancing competitiveness, thereby invigorating their businesses. Bao Qiaoli of Bole Plush Pendant Toy shared that client demands for plush toy designs have grown more specific, prompting the adoption of AI design tools to expand product variety. Collaborations with design firms have also strengthened, fostering joint success in domestic and international markets while boosting market share.

Brand-building through Decades of Efforts, Diverse Ecosystems Foster Prosperity

Since its inception in 2016, the Yiwugo “Outstanding Women in Business” awards have celebrated ten years of recognizing excellence, honoring over 200 outstanding female entrepreneurs and significantly increasing the proportion of women-led businesses in the Yiwu market. In 2025, Yiwugo further upgraded its “She Power” initiative, offering female entrepreneurs cross-border training, traffic support, and supply chain resources.

“In the digital economy era, female entrepreneurs are not just “half of the pillars” of the market—they are a vital engine of global trade innovation,” emphasized Wang Jianjun, General Manager of Yiwugo, in his speech. “Moving forward, we will foster a more open ecosystem and smarter tools to empower ‘She Power’ on the international stage.”

A decade of perseverance, an unwavering mission; riding the digital wave, women are making remarkable strides. The 2025 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies awards are not just a gathering of business elites—they are a powerful anthem of female empowerment and global integration in this era.

Sino-Japanese Brainstorm in Animation and Comic Industries Brings New Opportunity

CHENGDU, China, April 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — During the 2025 Chinese Spring Festival, the Chengdu-produced animated film Nezha 2 became a global sensation, ranking among the top five highest-grossing films in global box office history, which also attracted lots of attention to Chinese animation and comic industries. On April 18, an International Salon on the Animation and Comic Industries themed “Linking the World with Industrial Interaction”, hosted by National Business Daily and organized by NBD Think Tank, was held in Chengdu city of Sichuan Province of China. The event was focused on collaboration and communication between the Chinese and Japanese animation and comic industries, exploring how Chengdu can build a world-class hub of such industries. It attracted numerous representatives from companies, experts, scholars, and professionals of the industries from both China and Japan. Through activities such as project roadshows and roundtable discussions, the event provided an international exchange platform for the industries of both countries, further advancing the globalization of Chengdu in this sector.

Representative from KADOKAWA Corporation makes a speech about its business and sharing thoughts about Sino-Japanese cooperation of the industries.
Representative from KADOKAWA Corporation makes a speech about its business and sharing thoughts about Sino-Japanese cooperation of the industries.

Representative from one of Japan’s most influential comprehensive cultural enterprises, KADOKAWA Corporation, suggested establishing a regular exchange mechanism of the industries between Chengdu and Japan, including having online and offline technical and experience-sharing sessions periodically, offering more opportunities of communication and cooperation to both sides. Several Chengdu-based animation and comic companies introduced their successful examples of creativity and production in TV cartoons, comic books and video games. Besides, they admitted a favorable environment for business and enterprises in Chengdu played a big role in their success, with local policy support and high efficiency of administrative services.

Chengdu boasts rich cultural resources, such as the mysterious Ancient Shu Civilization, the profound stories of Three Kingdoms Culture, and unique cultural IPs with Tianfu Culture. Experts like Professor Hiroaki Inoue from the Department of Animation and Culture at Japan’s Kibi International University, who was a main member of GAINAX, the producer of famous NEON GENESIS EVANGELION (EVA), emphasized the importance of fully integrating and applying traditional cultural IPs into the industries, to not only empower the development of the sector, but also bring new life into traditional culture. By combining international creation and distribution models, the industries and their outstanding IPs as well as products could become a dynamic new calling card for a city or even a country in global communication.

Minister Sorawong Establishes Joint Task Force to Facilitate Inaugural World Poker Tour (WPT) in Thailand, Targeting Over THB 1 Billion in Revenue

BANGKOK, April 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news report by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand: 

Thailand to Host Inaugural World Poker Tour in 2025 - Tourism Minister Eyes 1 Billion Baht Economic Boost
Thailand to Host Inaugural World Poker Tour in 2025 – Tourism Minister Eyes 1 Billion Baht Economic Boost

Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, and Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Director of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), have announced a strategic collaboration with the World Poker Tour (WPT) and Thailand RF Tourism and Sports Competition Club Co., Ltd. (RF) to host the inaugural Texas Hold’em World Poker Tour (WPT) in Thailand.

A cross-agency joint task force will be established to provide comprehensive support and logistical facilitation for the event. The tournament, structured as a sports demonstration, will take place in Bangkok over 14 days. It is projected to attract over 10,000 visitors and will be broadcast globally via channels including ESPN, EURO Sports, and FOX, reaching audiences in more than 150 countries. The event is expected to generate significant revenue growth for Thailand’s hospitality, F&B, retail, and entertainment sectors.

Ms. Keta O’Sullivan, Vice President of WPT, highlighted that Texas Hold’em is a globally recognized sport combining strategy, planning, and intellectual skill with immense economic potential. “Bringing WPT to Thailand will not only boost tourism revenue but also advance skill development and employment opportunities in the service sector. Over 1,500 specialized roles have already been created through pre-event preparations,” she stated.

In 2023 (B.E. 2566), WPT hosted events in 25 countries worldwide, generating direct tourism revenue exceeding THB 40 billion. For example, the 2022 Paris event drew 8,000 participants and 25,000 spectators, contributing over THB 500 million to the local economy.


Mr. Leo Su, General Manager of RF, emphasized, “This sports demonstration marks only the beginning. We plan to attract more world-class international events to Thailand, fostering sustainable growth in tourism and long-term economic stimulation.”

Asia’s First Real-World ctDNA-MRD Study Strengthens Evidence for Cost-Effective Cancer Monitoring

A landmark study recently published in March 2025 by JCO Oncology Advances, demonstrates the potential of K-TRACKTM in monitoring treatment response and assessing recurrence risk among 623 Solid-Tumor Patients of six cancer types (lung, colorectal, breast, gastric, liver, or ovarian cancer).(1)

SINGAPORE, April 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gene Solutions, a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing precision oncology in Asia, is excited to announce the publication of a pioneering real-world study in JCO Oncology Advances, validating circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a strong prognostic biomarker to effectively monitor patients during cancer management.

K-TRACKTM is a breakthrough in affordable tumor profiling and personalized cancer monitoring leveraging ctDNA technology. The study, the first of its kind in Asia, confirms K-TRACKTM‘s clinical value across both early and advanced stages of cancer. The test can detect residual cancer cells (Minimal Residual Disease – MRD) after radical treatment, predict recurrence months earlier than traditional methods, and monitor treatment responses effectively. This innovative dual assay offers hope to patients in underserved regions where access to advanced diagnostic technologies remains a challenge.

Asia represents nearly 50% of global cancer cases, with incidence rates rising at an alarming pace. While some developed markets in the region have seen improvements in cancer mortality rates, Southeast Asia continues to experience high death rates, predominantly driven by cancer recurrence. (2,3)

Research has demonstrated the clinical prognostic value of ctDNA in a variety of cancer types both before and after treatment  (4).  Despite this potential, the adoption of ctDNA testing remains limited due to factors such as high costs, the absence of standardized methods and insufficient clinical utility of real-world data.

K-TRACKTM was developed as an affordable, reliable personalized test for monitoring ctDNA across multiple solid tumors. It is designed to facilitate early detection of cancer recurrence and provide real-time monitoring of treatment responses. Validated in both clinical trials and real-world studies, K-TRACKTM is built for meaningful impact in cancer care while ensuring accessibility. Here’s how we make it work:

  • Cost-Effective Innovation: K-TRACKTM uniquely combines streamlined tumor profiling of 155 of the most common driver mutations with personalized ctDNA monitoring based on tumor-specific variants, significantly enhancing the affordability and accuracy for routine clinical practice.
  • Comprehensive approach of genomic profiling and minimal residual disease tracking: The initial tumor profiling results guide the selection of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, while subsequent serial ctDNA monitoring provides early prediction of recurrence and assess treatment effectiveness.
  • Designed for Real-World Conditions: K-TRACKTM is engineered to provide reliable results even from challenging samples such as degraded tissue or delayed blood storage, making it ideal for complex clinical settings.

Fig 1. ctDNA analysis workflow. For patients at early stage I-III, paired tumor FFPE and WBC DNA samples were sequenced to identify tumor-specic mutations in 155 cancer-associated genes. Top personalized mutations with the highest ranking scores were used to detect ctDNA in plasma samples by mPCR and ultradeep sequencing. For patients at metastatic stage IV, besides personalized mutations, an additional panel of approximately 500 hotspot mutations specific to each cancer type was added to the  analysis.
Fig 1. ctDNA analysis workflow. For patients at early stage I-III, paired tumor FFPE and WBC DNA samples were sequenced to identify tumor-specic mutations in 155 cancer-associated genes. Top personalized mutations with the highest ranking scores were used to detect ctDNA in plasma samples by mPCR and ultradeep sequencing. For patients at metastatic stage IV, besides personalized mutations, an additional panel of approximately 500 hotspot mutations specific to each cancer type was added to the  analysis.

Real-world monitoring of ctDNA has proven effective in predicting early cancer recurrence, allowing for timely interventions and improved patient outcomes. In both early and advanced-stage cancer patients, K-TRACKTM has demonstrated high accuracy in predicting recurrence. Following surgery, 84.4% [CA1]  of patients with ctDNA-positive results eventually relapsed, while an impressive 96.3% [CA2]  of those with ctDNA-negative results remained cancer-free. Moreover, the test could detect relapse up to 5.5-19.5 months earlier than clinical diagnosis by imaging methods. Simultaneously, the six case studies presented illustrated the clinical utility of ctDNA monitoring in predicting treatment response, informing adjuvant chemotherapy decisions, and identifying new resistant mutations to current targeted treatment. Thus, empowering clinicians with real-time, actionable insights to inform treatment decisions.

Fig 2. Prognostic value of ctDNA in early-stage cancer. (A-D) Kaplan-Meier analysis of Disease-free survival (DFS) for patients stratified by postoperative ctDNA status. (E) For patients suspected of recurrence, ctDNA results showed concordance of 87.0% with later diagnosis. (F) No correlation between Variant allele frequency (VAF) of ctDNA and time to recurrence was observed in both suspected and routine surveillance cases.
Fig 2. Prognostic value of ctDNA in early-stage cancer. (A-D) Kaplan-Meier analysis of Disease-free survival (DFS) for patients stratified by postoperative ctDNA status. (E) For patients suspected of recurrence, ctDNA results showed concordance of 87.0% with later diagnosis. (F) No correlation between Variant allele frequency (VAF) of ctDNA and time to recurrence was observed in both suspected and routine surveillance cases.

A Vision for Equitable Care

“Access to cutting-edge, personalized cancer treatment and monitoring—based on tumor genomic profiling— too often depends on where you live or what you can afford,” said Dr. Lan N. Tu, Principal Investigator at Gene Solutions. “Our mission with K-TRACKTM is to close that gap by providing an affordable and precise real-time solution for routine clinical use.”

Gene Solutions is actively investing in two key areas:

1. On-going Clinical Trials and Real-World Studies:

The company is conducting comprehensive research to validate the role of ctDNA across various cancer types and treatment stages. This includes evaluating responses to TKIs and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in lung cancer, neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer, total neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer, and the use of biomarkers to inform immunotherapy treatment decisions in advanced cancers.

2. Biopharma Collaborations:

Gene Solutions is actively pursuing partnerships with biopharmaceutical companies to provide innovative solutions aimed at accelerating drug development across a range of therapeutic modalities. As the scientific evidence supporting ctDNA continues to grow, Gene Solutions is committed to expanding its research and fostering collaborations with current and new partners to explore new applications in cancer care. The company’s direction aligns with the FDA’s recommendation on ctDNA use as a biomarker in the development of curative-intent therapies for solid tumors which states: “ctDNA as a biomarker has a number of potential regulatory and clinical uses in the early-stage setting that may assist and expedite drug development.” (5)

About Gene Solutions

Gene Solutions, a multinational biotech company in Asia, is leading the way in leveraging advanced AI and ctDNA technologies for innovative cancer detection solutions. The company partners with over 4,500 hospitals and clinics across Southeast Asia and employs a dedicated team of approximately 250 biology experts and technicians out of a total of 700 employees.

With more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and over 50 multi-center studies conducted across the region, Gene Solutions is recognized for its proprietary research and CAP-accredited next-generation sequencing (NGS) laboratories in Singapore and Vietnam. By integrating multi-dimensional genomics with AI-driven methodologies, the company is committed to transforming cancer care and improving patient outcomes.

  1. Hoang, V.-A.N. et al. (2025) ‘Real-World utilization and performance of circulating tumor DNA monitoring to predict recurrence in solid tumors,’ JCO Oncology Advances, Volume 2. DOI: 10.1200/OA-24-00084
  2. Huang, J. et al. (2022) ‘Cancer incidence and mortality in Asian countries: a trend analysis,’ Cancer Control, 29. DOI:10.1177/10732748221095955.
  3. Sharma, R. et al. (2024) ‘Temporal patterns of cancer burden in Asia, 1990-2019: a systematic examination for the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study,’ The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia, 21, p. 100333. DOI:10.1016/j.lansea.2023.100333.
  4. Kobayashi, S. et al. (2025) ‘Japan society of clinical oncology position paper on appropriate clinical use of molecular residual disease (MRD) testing,’ International Journal of Clinical Oncology [Preprint]. DOI:10.1007/s10147-024-02683-0.
  5. Use of Circulating Tumor DNA for Curative-Intent Solid Tumor Drug Development. (2024). In Guidance for Industry [Clinical/Medical]. FDA Guidances, Content current as of: 01/17/2025. 

 

Chery’s New Brand – LEPAS Unveils First Vehicle, Redefining Elegant Mobility

ANQING, China, April 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 18, Chery achieved another milestone in its global strategy: LEPAS L8, the first vehicle under Chery’s new international brand LEPAS, officially rolled off the production line. As a strategic move in Chery’s premium positioning, LEPAS not only addresses a market gap but also redefines elegant mobility with its philosophy of “COLORFUL LIFE, MASTERFUL DRIVE.”

Unveiling of LEPAS’s First New Vehicle, L8
Unveiling of LEPAS’s First New Vehicle, L8

With the audience watching in anticipation, Mr. Zhu Shaodong, Executive Vice President of Chery International, and Mr. Cao Bin, Chief Technology Officer of Chery, alongside other company leaders, unveiled LEPAS’s first new vehicle—L8—revealing its sleek and elegant design in full for the first time. Representatives from global partners and media guests were present to witness this historic moment.

The launch of LEPAS marks the culmination of Chery’s nearly three decades of automotive expertise and global capabilities. It aims to enrich users’ lives through innovative technology and design while delivering a poised yet exhilarating driving experience. As a cornerstone of Chery’s upmarket strategy, LEPAS transcends the car’s functional role, transforming it into an expression of lifestyle aesthetics. The brand name fuses “LEAP” and “PASSION,” symbolizing dynamism and vitality while balancing elegance with fervor. Its “Leopard Aesthetics” design creates boundary-defying visual signatures. Backed by Chery’s eight global R&D centers, LEPAS reimagines “elegant control.”

LEPAS L8, the brand’s inaugural model, sets a new benchmark for mainstream SUVs. With its sleek styling, tech-forward cabin, spacious comfort, and comprehensive safety features, it caters to urban elites seeking a premium lifestyle. Beyond L8, LEPAS will expand its lineup to cover all mainstream segments, building a diverse product portfolio tailored to discerning customers – from family-oriented elites to those with refined tastes.

The LEPAS L8’s debut heralds its global launch at 2025 Chery Business Conference in late April. Centered around the theme “COLORFUL LIFE, MASTERFUL DRIVE,” the event will showcase the perfect fusion of elegance and technology to a worldwide audience. Amid the dual trends of automotive intelligence and consumption upgrades, the arrival of LEPAS represents not only a testament to Chery’s technological prowess but also a bold reimagining of the future of mobility aesthetics. True to its vision—”Making LEPAS the choice for stylish, elegant mobility”—this journey, beginning in Wuhu, China, is now accelerating onto the world stage.

Bybit’s CEO Meets with Vietnam’s Minister of Finance to Support Regulatory Sandbox and Strengthen Crypto Compliance

DUBAI, UAE, April 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, one of the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume, met with H.E. Nguyen Van Thang, Minister of Finance of Vietnam, to express Bybit’s strong support for the country’s regulatory sandbox initiative and its vision to build a safe, transparent, and innovation-friendly digital asset ecosystem.

Hosted at the Ministry of Finance headquarters, the meeting centered on Vietnam’s efforts to establish a comprehensive legal framework for crypto assets. Minister Nguyen Van Thang outlined the Government’s plan to launch a pilot sandbox mechanism that will allow regulators to test the issuance and trading of crypto assets in a controlled environment. This initiative is designed to mitigate risks, strengthen investor protection, and ensure regulatory readiness before introducing official legislation.

A key part of the discussion focused on safeguarding the market against illicit activities. The Minister emphasized the importance of robust compliance frameworks, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, to prevent the misuse of digital assets and support the country’s financial security.

In response, Ben Zhou welcomed Vietnam’s measured and responsible approach to digital asset regulation and reiterated Bybit’s long-standing commitment to compliance:

Vietnam’s forward-thinking regulatory sandbox is a critical step toward unlocking the full potential of blockchain technology. At Bybit, we are fully aligned with the Government’s focus on investor protection and financial integrity,” said Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit. “We are proud to share our expertise in KYC, AML, and global compliance standards, and we look forward to supporting Vietnam in building a resilient, secure, and dynamic crypto economy.”

Bybit expressed its readiness to collaborate with Vietnamese authorities on several fronts, including system architecture design, transaction oversight, and the implementation of international best practices in AML/KYC. The exchange also proposed support in capacity building, such as training financial regulators and sharing experiences from other jurisdictions.

Minister Nguyen Van Thang welcomed Bybit’s proactive approach and assigned the State Securities Commission to coordinate with Bybit on concrete proposals. He also commended Bybit’s reputation for strong financial capabilities, technological resilience, and its adherence to legal and regulatory requirements in the markets where it operates.

This meeting underscores Bybit’s growing role as a trusted international partner for regulatory dialogue and innovation. It also highlights Vietnam’s readiness to embrace blockchain technology while ensuring financial safety and public confidence in the digital asset space.

From left to right: Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, and H.E. Nguyen Van Thang, Minister of Finance of Vietnam, met on April 17 at the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Hanoi to discuss collaboration and support for Vietnam’s digital asset regulatory sandbox.
From left to right: Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, and H.E. Nguyen Van Thang, Minister of Finance of Vietnam, met on April 17 at the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Hanoi to discuss collaboration and support for Vietnam’s digital asset regulatory sandbox.

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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“Shanghai Summer”: A Living Case of a Next-Generation Consumer Hub

SHANGHAI, April 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 “Shanghai Summer” International Consumption Season Global Launch took place on April 18. This year’s campaign is scheduled from early July to the second weekend of October, covering the entire summer period. Centered around the “240-Hour Products” and “City Customized Events,” the program aims to showcase Shanghai’s consumer appeal as an efficient, international metropolis. With a focus on “diversity, convenience, and family-friendliness,” Singaporean visitors are invited to experience a summer journey that blends urban quality with family enjoyment.

Expanding the Global Consumption Map: ‘Shanghai Summer’ and Its International Experiment
Expanding the Global Consumption Map: ‘Shanghai Summer’ and Its International Experiment

According to China UnionPay, during the 2024 campaign, foreign card spending in Shanghai increased by 68.2%. Notably, Huaihai Road saw a 208.6% surge in overseas card usage, with an average transaction of RMB 1,597, while Lujiazui-Zhangyang Road rose by 119.9%, with an average spend of RMB 1,998. Total offline spending reached RMB 815.9 billion, including RMB 96.4 billion in dining—a 26.9% year-on-year growth—demonstrating the city’s strong consumption momentum.

This year, the campaign launches a “starter kit” ideal for short-term trips—offering standardized, bookable urban experiences under the “240-Hour Products.” Bundled with the “Shanghai Pass” one-day ticket, the offering integrates metro transit, landmarks, and commercial privileges. A multilingual official website (www.shanghaisummer.com) and AI assistant “Shanghai Xiaoxia” support visitors with a full-process, user-friendly service. Additionally, China Eastern Airlines provides special international group fares tailored for family travel.

Xiaolong Yin, General Manager at Visa Mainland China, introduced that Visa will partner with industry partners to create the “Visa Zone for Shanghai Summer”. The Visa Zone will focus on optimizing international card acceptance across all payment scenarios, deploying diverse payment methods and innovative acceptance terminals, enhancing payment security and driving consumption, with an aim to promote international cultural and people-to-people exchanges and contribute to the construction of Shanghai as an international consumption center city. 

Families will also find their place this summer. LEGO China is expected to begin trial operations of the LEGO Discovery Resort in Shanghai, featuring eight themed zones, more than 75 rides, shows, and attractions, and 2,889 models built with over 85 million bricks. LEGO China will also host the “World Play Festival” from June 11 to July 25, featuring interactive city playgrounds and themed urban installations. Additionally, the Jinshan LEGOLAND Resort is scheduled to open during the summer vacation, further expanding the family-friendly experience. POP MART will join with its signature designer toy IPs to launch themed exhibitions, pop-ups, and immersive installations. Disney China will present four themed summer events, including Zootopia, Disney Pets, Toy Story’s 30th Anniversary, and Frozen’s “Summer Snow Festival.” Together, these leading global IPs will shape a vibrant CityWalk experience, blending culture, entertainment, and retail to create unforgettable moments for families of all kinds.

Media Contact: Lulu, media@shanghaisummer.com