LOS ANGELES, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 November 2024 – Livestreaming platform Bigo Live is set to bring Season 3 of its talent competition, BIGO’s Most Talented, to a thrilling conclusion with the Grand Finale on October 16 in Los Angeles. This innovative virtual talent show blends the competitive excitement of traditional reality TV with the interactivity of live streaming, using engagement as a unique criterion, setting it apart from other competitions in the market. BIGO’s Most Talented brings together creators from across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Southeast Asia. Livestreaming has quickly become one of the most engaging forms of content on social media, with 37% of consumers finding it the most captivating type of media (Sprout Social). What sets BIGO’s Most Talented apart in its third season is the innovative engagement-driven judging system. Unlike traditional formats, this competition uses audience interaction as a central element of the evaluation process. Contestants will not only be judged by a panel of celebrity judges but also by the viewers at home, who can vote for their favorite performances by purchasing virtual gifts via the Voting Box on the livestream.
This unique judging metric means that participants are evaluated not just on their talent but also on their ability to connect with and captivate their live audience, allowing viewers to have a direct impact on the outcome of the show. By encouraging real-time community engagement, livestream watch hours, and virtual gift contributions, contestants have the opportunity to interact directly with their audience, increasing their chances of securing a top spot in the finale.
“At Bigo Live, we are always striving to enhance the user experience,” said Ying Feng (Yvonne Feng), Vice President. “Season 3 of BIGO’s Most Talented is a testament to this commitment, as we integrate audience participation – a core aspect of livestreaming – into our search for the most talented creator. We are excited to create a talent show that is as dynamic as the livestreaming experience itself. It’s inspiring to see how this approach not only showcases the performers’ skills but also celebrates their ability to connect with their viewers.”
Bigo Live continues to serve as a launchpad for creators worldwide, amplifying diverse voices and connecting them to global audiences. The platform’s commitment to social good is evident through its support of communities such as LGBTQ+, African American, Hispanic, Latino, and emerging creators from all backgrounds who deserve recognition and the spotlight.
By fueling the creator economy, Bigo Live empowers creators to succeed on a global scale. BIGO’s Most Talented Season 3 not only highlights individual talents but also demonstrates the global reach and influence of Bigo Live’s vibrant community, with participants from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Nigeria, and beyond. Hashtag: #BIGO
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Bigo Live
Bigo Live is one of the world’s fastest-growing social livestreaming platforms where users broadcast in real-time to share life moments, showcase their talents, and interact with people from around the world. Bigo Live has more than 400 million users in over 150 countries. Launched in March 2016, Bigo Live is owned by BIGO Technology, which is based in Singapore. For more information, the BIGO LIVE app can be downloaded on the Apple App Store or Google Play or Microsoft App Store.
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 November 2024 – Cake by VPBank (Cake), Vietnam’s largest digital bank by user base, revenue and product variety, announced the launch of its first fully cloud-based Card Management System (CMS) in collaboration with Visa. The new cloud-based CMS utilizes Visa Cloud Connect on Google Cloud infrastructure as its access model to the Visa network. This innovative solution is the first of its kind in Vietnam and is now available on Cake’s platform, significantly advancing payment processing modernization.
Visa Cloud Connect allows financial institutions to securely connect to the Visa network via participating cloud-based infrastructure, simplifying and accelerating access to Visa’s global payment network. This benefits a wide range of businesses, from early-stage fintechs and traditional clients, to cloud-native enterprises, that are looking for faster time-to-market, infrastructure modernization, or business expansion, regardless of their existing connections to the Visa network.
Businesses using Cake’s platform benefit from Visa Cloud Connect’s enhanced operational capabilities, such as reduced data center overheads and costs. It promotes operations-driven sustainability and scalability to meet demand and adaptability for future payment innovations and growth. Visa Cloud Connect supports all card and transaction types, is available globally, and maintains the highest levels of security and control.
Ms. Dung Dang, Visa Country Manager for Vietnam and Laos, said: “This collaboration empowers Vietnamese businesses with advanced technologies essential for thriving in today’s digital economy. A cloud-based solution enhances operational efficiency and promotes cashless payments, aligning with our vision for a digital future in Vietnam. It underscores Visa’s commitment to supporting fintech innovation and financial inclusion in the region.”
Cake is the first issuing bank globally to have implemented Visa Cloud Connect on Google Cloud Infrastructure. Cake’s proprietary payment processing platform is built on modern domain-oriented microservices architecture and event-driven architecture, taking advantage of Google Cloud’s unique and best-in-class capabilities, such as Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) Enterprise, Spanner, Pub/Sub and BigQuery. Recently, Cake launched Vietnam’s first disposable virtual debit card on this new platform, with additional debit and credit card products forthcoming.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Toan, Country Manager, Vietnam, Google Cloud, said: “Vietnam is in the midst of a rapid shift toward a cashless society, with the gross transaction value of digital payments projected to reach between US$300 billion and US$350 billion by 2030. We are proud that Cake CMS is one of the world’s first implementations of Visa Cloud Connect on Google Cloud’s secure, scalable, open, and cost-optimized infrastructure, enabling it to deliver the seamless payment experiences that today’s customers demand. This collaboration with Cake exemplifies our commitment to supporting and advancing fintech innovation in Vietnam.”
Mr. Tu The Hien, Chief Technology Officer at Cake by VPBank, added: “Technology is the backbone of Cake’s rapid growth. This collaboration integrates Visa’s payment expertise, Cake’s innovative DNA and Google Cloud’s secure and scalable infrastructure to deliver a seamless payment experience and operational efficiency. It reaffirms our ability to work with leading global organizations to provide comprehensive financial solutions with excellent customer experiences, true to our ‘Easy as Cake’ motto.”
Hashtag: #Visa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.
About Cake Digital Bank
Cake by VPBank digital bank (Cake) was launched in January 2021 in Vietnam. Cake is a digital-only bank that applies AI in the entire banking process with the orientation of “Next GenAI Bank”. As of September 2024, Cake digital bank serves more than 4.6 million customers and provides a full range of personal financial services of the banking sector, including: bank transfer, payment, savings, investment, consumer loans, BNPL, credit cards, etc. In Vietnam, Cake is the digital-only bank that meets the ISO/IEC 30107-3 standard for facial biometrics, Cake also meets the highest standard for payment card data security – PCI DSS 4.0 level 1. In 2024, The Asian Banker recognized Cake as the “Best AI Technology Implementation”. At the same time, Euromoney also voted Cake as “Rising Star 2024”.
MSB, Backbase and SmartOSC announce partnership in signing ceremony
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 November 2024 – Backbase, creator of the Engagement Banking Platform, today announces that Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MSB), has made a strategic investment in the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform, with local implementation support from Backbase’s partner, SmartOSC, a premium digital enabler. This milestone marks a pivotal step in MSB’s journey toward customer-centric modernization, advancing its digital factory, and delivering seamless experiences that drive financial innovation in Vietnam.
As one of the pioneering banks implementing digital transformation in the market, MSB aims to become a bank with a leading digital platform with the best customer service experience. Building on a robust digitalization strategy, MSB has transformed its offerings to bring streamlined, accessible financial solutions to both individual and corporate customers. MSB is currently serving 5.5 million customers.
By adopting the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform, MSB is unifying its in-house applications onto a best-of-suite anchor platform. This strategic shift enables MSB’s digital factory to deliver a seamless, end-to-end digital banking experience by building on the platform—from onboarding and daily transactions to product holding—enhancing customer engagement, simplifying product bundling, accelerating unique feature development, and reducing cost-to-serve for MSB’s 5.4 million retail and 100,000 enterprise customers. MSB’s goal is for the platform to enable an omnichannel, frictionless banking journey that elevates the modern customer experience.
“At MSB, we are advancing our digital factory by combining the strengths of Backbase’s Engagement Banking Platform with our in-house developments, gaining refreshing flexibility to seamlessly integrate and elevate our existing capabilities,” said Mr Nguyen Hoang Linh, CEO of MSB. “Through this platform, we will unify, modernize, and launch our retail and business banking channels on a single platform within the next 12 months, achieving the speed, agility, and control needed to scale differentiated customer experiences. This investment aims to lower our cost-income ratio by 8%, reduce cost-to-serve by 30% through frictionless onboarding-to-usage journeys, and increase our CSAT scores to 93 for retail and 85 for enterprise banking.”
With the platform as its foundation, MSB can unify and streamline customer journeys, significantly reducing time-to-market and delivering seamless, high-impact banking experiences that set new benchmarks in Vietnam’s financial landscape. Its flexible architecture empowers MSB to develop a unique technology ecosystem, integrating seamlessly with other platforms to drive even greater synergy and innovation. MSB estimates a 30% increase in active digital customers and a 20% – 40% increase per year in digital acquisition by delivering end-to-end digitalized experiences after launching the platform.
“Rather than uproot and restart, the ‘adopt and build’ approach enables MSB to reinvent their existing channels and apps, upskill their digital factory, and empower in-house talent to unlock new efficiencies and innovation,” said Mr Riddhi Dutta, Regional Vice President, Asia of Backbase. “Backbase provides a strategic architecture that complements and amplifies MSB’s current efforts, fostering growth without disrupting the valuable work already in place. This approach ensures business continuity while advancing their digital transformation on their own terms, driving progress in a way that aligns with their established processes.”
SmartOSC will play a key role in localizing the Backbase platform to meet MSB’s specific needs, ensuring seamless alignment with local expectations and regulatory requirements. With their experienced resource and deep knowledge of Vietnam’s financial sector, SmartOSC is well-positioned to help MSB achieve its goal of launching both retail and business banking channels within a year. This partnership highlights the importance of local expertise in the digital transformation process, ensuring a smooth and timely deployment that maximizes the benefits of the platform.
“We’re thrilled to be the implementation partner for this project. Our goal is to make this collaboration between MSB, Backbase, and SmartOSC a leading example of technology that empowers human ingenuity,” said Mr. Chi Hieu Nguyen, Co-Founder & Chairman of SmartOSC. “Today’s customers expect seamless, omnichannel experiences, not just multichannel interactions. Banks must bridge this gap and constantly innovate in the digital realm to drive growth and engagement. Using Backbase’s Engagement Banking Platform, we’re confident in delivering this project on time and supporting MSB’s mission to become ‘a bank everyone wants to join and no one wants to leave’ by leveraging technology to meet clients wherever they are and serve them precisely how they prefer.”
With this investment, MSB aims to enhance key performance indicators aligned with its five-year strategic plan including increasing omnichannel acquisition by 10-20% through end-to-end digital journeys, growing digitally active customers to 20% for retail and 23% for enterprise banking, and ensuring 60% of retail and 40% of enterprise banking customers are acquired digitally. The adoption of the Engagement Banking Platform is designed to help MSB reach these milestones and solidify its goal of becoming the most customer-connected and profitable bank in Vietnam. Hashtag: #Backbase #digitalbanking #engagementbanking #retailbanking #businessbanking #enterprisebanking #omnichannelbanking #smebanking
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Backbase
Backbase is on a mission to re-architect banking around the customer.
Backbase created the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform – a unified platform with the customer at the center, empowering banks to accelerate their digital transformation. From customer onboarding to servicing, loyalty, and loan origination, our single platform — open and frictionless, with ready-to-go apps — improves every aspect of the customer experience. Built from the ground up with the customer at the heart, our Engagement Banking Platform easily plugs into existing core banking systems and comes pre-integrated with the latest fintechs so financial institutions can innovate at scale.
Industry analysts Gartner, Omdia, and IDC continuously recognize Backbase’s category leadership position. Over 120 financial institutions around the world have embraced the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform. In APAC, the customers we serve include ABBANK, BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, China Bank, EastWest Bank, HDFC Bank, JudoBank, OCB, Techcombank, and TPBank.
Backbase is a privately funded fintech company, founded in 2003 in Amsterdam (Global HQ), with regional offices in Singapore (APAC HQ), Atlanta (Americas HQ), and operations in Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Latin America, and the UK.
MSB
Founded as Vietnam’s first joint-stock commercial bank, MSB aims to become a pioneer in digital transformation and customer service innovation. The bank’s focus on advanced technology, customer-centric solutions, and risk management strengthens its role in Vietnam’s financial development and aligns with its commitment to sustainable growth. MSB’s digital initiatives have enabled them to expand their customer base significantly, drive transaction growth on e-banking channels, and build a robust digital ecosystem.
SmartOSC
With 18 years in operation, SmartOSC is an industry-leading digital transformation agency of 1000+ experts across countries including Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, the US and the UK. Deep experience across most enterprise platforms and technology stacks has made SmartOSC a trusted partner for leading brands and financial institutions worldwide.
SmartOSC delivers top-tier solutions and caters to the unique requirements of banks and financial institutions worldwide by leveraging the latest technologies. This expertise enables banks to reduce operating costs, save implementation time, and ensure security with SmartOSC’s suite of offerings.
Recognized at the Global Economics Awards 2023 and the Digital CX Awards 2024, hosted by The Digital Banker, for its outstanding platform implementation capabilities, SmartOSC is committed to helping clients succeed in an ever-evolving world.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 November 2024 – ICONSIAM, the global landmark along the Chao Phraya River, a joint venture between Siam Piwat, Charoen Pokphand Group (CP), and Magnolia Quality Development (MQDC) reaffirms its position as a global destination that showcases the best of Thailand to the world. By presenting the spectacular “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025,” ICONSIAM aims to elevate Thailand’s global standing and position the country as a Global Countdown Destination that has captured the hearts of people worldwide. This countdown phenomenon promises Thailand’s and the world’s most impressive celebration, featuring the longest fireworks display along the Chao Phraya River, the first-ever solo performance from “Lisa Lalisa Manobal” a global Thai icon who inspires the world and a troop of top-rated local and international artists. With a projected global audience of over 30 million, the “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025” at ICONSIAM is set to give Thailand’s economy a significant boost. This 3-day, 3-night celebration, scheduled for December 29-31, 2024, is anticipated to position Thailand among the world’s top 5 countdown destinations. The event has already captured the attention of international media and key opinion leaders to broadcast this spectacular event worldwide.
Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Piwat Group, stated, “ICONSIAM was born from a vision to celebrate the rich heritage and pride of Thailand, showcasing the country’s multi-faceted identity through a blend of traditional elegance and contemporary sophistication. It brings together the best of Thailand and the world in one extraordinary destination. ICONSIAM is truly a global destination that makes Thai people feel proud of being Thai, helps preserve and present THAINESS for the next generation, while also making visitors from around the world fall in love and be impressed with Thailand. Therefore, the ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025’ truly reaffirms ICONSIAM’s commitment to showcasing the best of Thailand to the world, fulfilling our original vision.”
Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., stated that ICONSIAM, in partnership with public and private sectors, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thai Chamber of Commerce, join forces to host the grand ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025,’ with an aim to win the world for Thailand with an unrivaled countdown experience. The spectacular countdown celebration along the Chao Phraya River, features “Lisa Lalisa Manobal”, a world-renowned rapper, singer, dancer and style icon, who has brought global fame to Thailand and inspired people worldwide, will highlight Thailand’s unique charm and talents, solidifying the nation’s reputation and a lasting impression on the global stage. Key highlights include eco-friendly fireworks stretching over 1,400 meters along the Chao Phraya River and live performances by prominent Thai and international artists, aiming to attract an estimated 30 million audiences both in-person and through live broadcasts from across the nation and worldwide. We are confident that Thailand’s countdown event will be among the top 5 best countdown destinations in the world.”
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, added “The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has been actively collaborating with the Ministry of Culture, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and various public and private sector partners to elevate Thailand’s status as a world-class event hub. By transforming traditional Thai festivals into global events and attracting international music and sports events, we aim to extend tourists’ length of stay, increase tourism spending, and boost the economy.
Thailand’s strong tourism industry, fueled by robust private sector partnerships, has been recognized with the prestigious “Destination Of the Year 2025″ Award. The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025 at ICONSIAM is a testament to this global recognition. This world-class event, a result of strong public-private collaboration, solidifies Thailand’s position as a leading global countdown destination. TAT would like to express our sincere gratitude to ICONSIAM and all partners for their contributions to this remarkable achievement.”
The Ultimate Countdown Phenomenon, Celebrating the Best of Thailand and the World
ICONSIAM welcomes the New Year with the spectacular Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025. Three extraordinary highlights include:
Global Thai-conic Fireworks Celebration: Witness 1,400 meters of eco-friendly fireworks along the Chao Phraya, blending innovative techniques led by an award-winning Japanese fireworks director and Thailand’s top creative talents, under the theme ‘Celebrating the Everlasting Legacy of Siam,’ reflecting Thailand’s vibrant heritage and wisdom.
Global Thai-conic Captivating Hero: Enjoy the highlight performance from “Lisa Lalisa Manobal”, a world-renowned rapper, singer, dancer and style icon, who has brought global fame to Thailand and inspired people worldwide. She will deliver a performance that will captivate the world in a grand show night on the most magnificent scenery of the Chao Phraya River.
Global Thai-conic Entertainment Showcase: Experience three days of unparalleled entertainment with 60 top Thai and international artists which include ATLAS, BUS Because of you I Shine, 4EVE, Jeff Satur, Milli, NONT TANONT, PP-Billkin, Peck Palitchoke, PROXIE, ZeeNuNew Kongthap Peak, PIT BABE the Series, and a Chinese icon “Wei Zhe Ming”. This grand stage along the Chao Phraya’s iconic curve will deliver a memorable New Years’ experience.
Be part of the unforgettable ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025 at ICONSIAM,’ a grand spectacle unlike any other, from December 29-31, 2024, at River Park, ICONSIAM, or watch Facebook Live and YouTube Live via ICONSIAM from 6.00 PM onwards.
In addition, ICONSIAM continuously deliver extraordinary experiences to our customers, offering exclusive privileges with the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card. Global visitors heading to ICONSIAM’s Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025 are in for a triple treat of exclusive privileges with the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card. Start by enjoying discounts of up to 30% at top participating brands, 5% at Siam Takashimaya and Dear Tummy supermarket, and more, along with complimentary WiFi and access to Tourist Lounge. The card also unlocks unique perks through partnerships with leading airlines, hotels, and tour operators, plus extra discounts and exclusive offers on dining, attractions, and shopping across the Siam Piwat ecosystem in Thailand and abroad. Finally, ICONSIAM-exclusive rewards await the first 500 cardholders who spend a minimum of 6,000 THB with mementos from ICONCRAFT – a platform of inspiration for innovative crafts by Thai craft heroes and communities.
Public attendees can reach ICONSIAM via car, bus, ferry, and BTS Skytrain (Silom Line to Krung Thon Buri, connecting to the Gold Line at Charoen Nakhon Station for easy access to ICONSIAM). For further inquiries, please visit www.iconsiam.com or follow Facebook: ICONSIAM Hashtag: #ICONSIAM
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
A grand kick-off ceremony will be held on November 28, showcasing unique photo spots that embody the charm of a European-style Christmas. Guests are invited to enjoy a luxurious experience of fine dining, entertainment, and shopping all in one destination.
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 November 2024 – As winter approaches, Galaxy Macau™ Integrated Resort (hereafter “Galaxy Macau”) is set to transform into a European-inspired holiday wonderland for the first time, bringing to life the “Joy Village” to orchestrate its festive celebration “Symphony of Joy”. From November 28, Galaxy Macau will take its guests to embark on a magical holiday journey and embrace full-bloom festivities with their loved ones in pure joy.
Whether it’s indulging in luxury travel, enjoying exclusive shopping award, or savoring exquisite cuisine, guests can experience a one-stop destination for holiday delights and check off everything on wish list.
Enchanting European-inspired Joy Village
Paying tribute to the traditional European winter villages, the beautifully crafted “Joy Village” will transform the Pearl Lobby into a vibrant Christmas manor, inviting every visitor to immerse themselves in festive magic. This fairytale-inspired village features several interactive photo spots, including the stylish “Crystal House”, the elegantly fragrant “Perfumery”, the playful “House of Fun”, and the charming “Post Office”, where wishes will come true.
Galaxy Macau is set to transform into a European-inspired holiday wonderland for the first time, bringing to life the “Joy Village” to orchestrate its festive celebration “Symphony of Joy”.
The festive atmosphere will extend far beyond this, featuring “Joy Village” in the Pearl Lobby, scattered Christmas installations, and dazzling lights throughout the resort. Unique Christmas trees at places like Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, and Andaz Macau add a magical touch to the celebrations. This enchanting setting is perfect for capturing photos that will surely be the highlight of your social media feed.
Luxury Instant Lucky Draw – Prizes Totaling MOP 8 Million
Guests can register as a Galaxy Ultimate member on the Galaxy Macau WeChat Mini Program, spend MOP1,000 or more at Galaxy Macau, present valid hotel key cards with holders, or show Galaxy Arena or Broadway Theatre tickets to participate in the instant lucky draw in the ” House of Prizes ” at “Joy Village”. Prizes include luxury hotel stays, concert tickets, flights, dining & shopping vouchers and more, totaling MOP 8 million.
This festive season, several restaurants will present creative holiday menus and exclusive offers.
Guests can also write a postcard at the “Post Office” in “Joy Village” and drop it into the 1/F postbox for a chance to win a complimentary stay at Andaz Macau with breakfast for two. Sharing festive moments on social media with a holiday wish may lead to winning grand prizes like flights and hotel stays or fulfilling a wish list item with shopping vouchers.
Experience Exceptional Rewards in Travel, Dining, Entertainment and Shopping at Galaxy Macau
Galaxy Promenade, home to a collection of luxury brands, turns shopping into a joyful experience, offering guests an exciting array of delights that make every wish come true in moments of happiness. Starting November 28, guests can enjoy enhanced holiday shopping experiences with generous rebate and participate in daily lucky draws for high-value, no-minimum-spend gift certificates, making the festive season even more rewarding.
Galaxy Promenade, home to a collection of luxury brands, turns shopping into a joyful experience.
With the Symphony of Joy, Galaxy Macau’s festive season officially kicks off on November 28, inviting both locals and global visitors to partake in the Symphony of Joy at Galaxy Macau, unlocking a holiday season filled with endless surprises and joy.
With the Symphony of Joy, Galaxy Macau’s festive season officially kicks off on November 28, inviting both locals and global visitors to partake in the symphony of joy at Galaxy Macau.
For more details on the exciting events and offers, please visit the Galaxy Macau official website at www.galaxymacau.com, or follow the latest updates on Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, Little Red Book, and Douyin. Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort
Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau and Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theaters are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.
Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 November 2024 – Frost & Sullivan released the Emerging Asia-Pacific Big Data Market Research Report, 2024, in October 2024. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the big data market across key emerging markets in the emerging Asia-Pacific region, including Hong Kong SAR, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The report highlights the critical role of big data in driving digital transformation, especially in the finance, government, and telecom sectors, where real-time data processing and intelligent data lakes are leading the way. Huawei Cloud, along with AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud, is distinguished for pioneering solutions that empower enterprises to harness big data for advanced analytics and operational efficiency.
Definition and Constitution of the Big Data Market
The report defines the big data market as encompassing the entire ecosystem involved in data collection, storage, computation, analysis, and application. In this ecosystem, businesses are leveraging data platforms that integrate hardware and software technologies to extract actionable insights from vast amounts of data in real-time. As digital economies rise in the Emerging Asia-Pacific region, particularly in sectors such as telecommunications, finance, and internet services, the demand for technologies like data lakes, data warehouses, and intelligent data lakes is growing rapidly. These platforms help enterprises store, process, and analyze large-scale data sets efficiently, thus driving innovation and improving business operations.
Surge in Big Data Demand Amid Regional Digital Transformation
The Emerging Asia-Pacific region is experiencing a rapid shift towards digital economies, creating widespread demand for big data solutions across multiple industries. The report highlights that industries such as finance, government, internet, and telecommunications are leveraging big data technologies to improve operational efficiency, drive innovation, and enhance customer experiences. Banks and financial institutions in countries like Singapore and Malaysia are using big data analytics to enhance fraud detection, optimize risk management, and personalize customer services. Telecom operators in Indonesia are utilizing data insights for network optimization, customer segmentation, and offering tailored services based on usage patterns. Meanwhile, government initiatives in Malaysia and Thailand are focusing on smart city projects where big data is used for urban planning, traffic management, and public safety.
Additionally, large enterprises are increasingly adopting big data to address challenges such as multi-source data integration, real-time analysis, and data security. Fragmented data complicates decision-making, while delays in real-time analysis can hinder production and supply chain efficiency. Moreover, with growing cyber threats, robust data protection is critical to ensuring compliance and safeguarding sensitive information. In the internet sector, big data platforms are enabling companies to provide personalized user experiences by analyzing user behavior in real time. This helps improve user engagement, retention, and overall commercial value. Additionally, big data plays a crucial role in privacy protection and compliance, allowing companies to manage user data securely while adhering to regional data protection regulations, thereby building user trust and enhancing competitiveness.
Real-Time Data Processing and Intelligent Data Lakes Lead the Market
The report highlights that real-time computing combined with intelligent data lakes is driving major technological developments across the Emerging Asia-Pacific region. These solutions enable businesses to process large-scale, real-time data streams, significantly enhancing their ability to respond to dynamic market conditions and optimize operational efficiency.
Industries such as finance, retail, and manufacturing are increasingly adopting real-time data processing to improve decision-making, manage risks, and enhance customer experiences. By integrating real-time computing with intelligent data lakes, companies can dynamically scale data management capabilities and enhance the precision of analytics. This combination offers greater flexibility and cost-efficiency, particularly for complex industries handling large datasets.
Additionally, the fusion of edge computing with intelligent data lakes is expected to further accelerate data processing capabilities by enabling distributed computing architectures. This integration allows businesses to reduce latency, optimize resource management, and improve overall operational intelligence, particularly in sectors such as logistics and IoT-driven smart cities.
Big Data Vendor Evaluation Criteria
The report evaluates big data service providers based on three key criteria: Market Application, Technology Innovation, and Customer Service.
Market Application assesses the business coverage and market share of service providers in the Emerging Asia-Pacific region. Special focus is placed on their adaptability and depth of application in key industries such as finance, government, and telecommunications. Providers leading in market share rankings across multiple regions, particularly in markets like Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, are highlighted for their potential to meet diverse industry needs effectively.
Technology Innovation examines providers’ technical strengths in areas like intelligent data lakes, lakehouse integration, elastic scaling, and AI integration. Providers are evaluated on their leadership in data storage, real-time data processing, fault tolerance, and support for intelligent decision-making. High marks are awarded to vendors demonstrating robust technological innovation.
Customer Service evaluates localized support within the emerging Asia-Pacific market, particularly focusing on data security, risk management, and compatibility with various systems and interfaces. The ability to provide tailored solutions that meet the complex data needs of enterprises is a key factor in this evaluation, enhancing customer satisfaction and competitive advantage.
Huawei Cloud Leads the Big Data Market Competition in Emerging APAC
The report identifies Huawei Cloud, AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud as “Leaders” in the emerging Asia-Pacific big data market. These providers excel in areas like intelligent data lakes, lakehouse integration, and AI-driven analytics, offering cutting-edge technology for advanced data processing and application development.
Huawei Cloud stands out in several markets, particularly in Hong Kong SAR, Thailand, and Bangladesh, where it holds a leading market share. In both the telecom and financial industries across the Emerging Asia-Pacific region, Huawei ranks first, thanks to its real-time data analytics and intelligent data lake solutions. These capabilities have been instrumental in driving operational efficiency and enabling data-driven transformations. The flexibility and security offered by Huawei Cloud’s solutions help organizations optimize their operations while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, making it a preferred choice for enterprises in the region.
AWS continues to lead the market in Singapore, particularly in the internet sectors, where its mature cloud ecosystem and extensive support services enable businesses to scale and innovate rapidly. Microsoft Azure has also shown strong performance in the Thailand and Malaysia, supporting enterprises with AI-driven cloud services and intelligent data analytics to accelerate their digital transformation journeys. Meanwhile, Cloudera, Databricks, Snowflake and IBM are positioned as “Challengers” in the market. These companies possess clear advantages in specific regions or industries and actively expand their market share while continuously improving their technology and service levels to meet customer needs. Oracle, Greenplum, and Teradata, recognized as “Specialists,” are known for their specialized technical expertise and extensive experience in enterprise-level big data platforms and data warehouses, enabling them to offer customized solutions that meet specific business needs.
Overall, vendors like Huawei Cloud, AWS, GCP and Microsoft Azure are driving the growth of the big data market in the Emerging Asia-Pacific region by offering advanced real-time analytics and intelligent data lake solutions. These providers continue to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of industries, ensuring businesses can leverage big data technologies to enhance efficiency, optimize operations, and remain competitive in a rapidly digitalizing world. For a detailed report, please click: https://www.frostchina.com/content/insight/detail/6721967cfa1179b70e3864b9. Hashtag: #Frost&Sullivan
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 November 2024 – The Elite Programme of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) aims to nurture both local and international tech ventures with high growth potential. With 24 companies currently active in the programme, including 13 home-grown companies and 11 from overseas, the Elite companies span across different industries, including AI & robotics, life and health tech, e-commerce, and digital marketing. Together, these companies have a combined valuation of US$2.67 billion* with 11 companies now classified as centaurs#. HKSTP hosted the Elite Global Inno Day today, a high-profile event designed to highlight the achievements of the Elite companies and reveal their global expansion plan.
A group photo among Mr Eric Or, Acting Chief Corporate Development Officer of HKSTP (eighth from left) and HKSTP Elite Programme portfolio company representatives.
Launched in 2019, the HKSTP Elite programme has supported a total of 42 companies in expanding beyond Hong Kong, helping them become unicorns and public-listed companies.
Thanks to its strategic location, friendly business environment, competitive tax incentives, worldclass research and development capabilities, and strong intellectual property protection, Hong Kong has been an ideal launchpad for companies aiming for global expansion.
Leveraging these unique strengths, HKSTP has significantly increased its support for Park companies in recent years as they embark on their global expansion journeys. Through the programme, HKSTP provides comprehensive assistance to Elite companies, including first-class infrastructure, funding, business expansion, partnership, research and talent acquisition, all of which propel the success of Elite companies.
Mr Eric Or, Acting Chief Corporate Development Officer of HKSTP, said, “As the largest innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem in Hong Kong, HKSTP continues to foster the success of innovation-driven tech ventures through our Elite Programme, helping them thrive, grow, and, ultimately, achieve their global ambitions, generate significant global impact, and attract international talent to Hong Kong. This also reinforces Hong Kong’s status as a global I&T and talent hub.”
The reach of the Elite companies now extends to 16 international markets across 6 continents, fostering international collaboration and pioneering innovations that are reshaping industries and improving lives worldwide.
Moreover, 12 Elite companies are led by multi-national management teams, and all Elite companies have committed to creating over 1,200 job opportunities in Hong Kong during the 3-year programme period.
Over 200 partners and investors joined today’s Elite Global Inno Day. The HKSTP team also highlighted the extensive support available to the portfolio companies. 17 of the Elite companies participated in the Elite Innovation Pitch, presenting their cutting-edge technological innovations and business strategies to corporate partners, potential investors and channel partners.
*Valuation is calculated when the company is admitted to the Elite Programme
#Centaurs — companies that reach US$100 million of annual recurring revenue.
Appendix: 17 HKSTP Elite companies participated in the Elite Innovation Pitch
Company
Introduction
1.
Asia Top Loyalty Limited
The company provides a multi-platform loyalty rewards, redemption, and exchange system targeting the retail industry.
2.
b-ONE Ortho (Hong Kong) Limited
b-ONE Ortho provides orthopedic solutions using its patented advanced materials, AI, and surgical robotics technology.
4.
Buy&Ship Limited
Buy&Ship provides international shipping services, delivering value for money through product sourcing and price comparison powered by AI and big data.
4.
Cellomics Holdings Limited
Cellomics focuses on developing and commercialising liquid biopsy products and services.
5.
Fano Labs Limited
Fano Labs offers multilingual AI-driven voice to text recognition, trained in various domains such as Reg Tech, customer service and investigations.
6.
FJ Dynamics International Limited
As a global leader in robotics and automation, FJ Dynamics delivers solutions for industries like agriculture, construction, and landscaping.
7.
GetLinks Limited
GetLinks offers a recruitment platform, along with Employer of Record (EOR) and Human Resources-as-a-service.
8.
Great Bay Bio Limited
Backed by self-developed AI algorithms, large data sets and strong computing power, Great Bay Bio provides an intelligent biotechnology platform for bioprocessing and innovative molecular design.
9.
HRWork Limited
HRWork focuses on EOR, HR-as-a-Service, and Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) solutions, supporting the overseas expansion of mainland Chinese enterprises.
10.
IKAS Industries HK Pte. Ltd.
IKAS provides smart manufacturing tools for semi-conductor manufacturing management knowhow, digital representation, and AI-driven prediction / recommendation.
11.
Immuno Cure Holding (HK) Limited
Immuno Cure provides immunotherapies for cancers, inflammatory and infectious diseases using its patented PD-1-enhanced DNA vaccine and Anti-Δ42PD1 Antibody Immune Blocking technology platforms.
12.
Jumppoint Group Limited
Jumppoint offers a digital logistic platform that specialises in last-mile delivery and cold chain management, including route optimisation, fleet management, and cold chain warehouse management.
13.
KSHER (Hong Kong) CO., LIMITED
Ksher enables SMEs in emerging markets to trade, compete and succeed globally.
14.
Leapstack International Ltd
Leapstack specialises in InsurTech solutions and product initiatives for insurers and reinsurers, leveraging its expertise in insurance operations, risk management, distribution, AI and big data.
15.
PressLogic Limited
PressLogic offers an Ad-Tech ecosystem combining data, MarTech and content solutions via its own media channel, AI analytic tools, and campaign projects.
16.
Radica Systems Limited
Radica provides digital marketing automation platforms across omni-channels.
17.
RHT Industries Limited
RHT provides air purifiers appliances for home use and construction projects.
Hashtag: #HKSTP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 November 2024 – Panasonic announces its latest promotional campaign, a lucky draw with three pairs of Singapore Airlines business class air tickets to Japan up for grabs. The campaign runs from November 15, 2024, to February 9, 2025.
Panasonic’s Win a Trip to Japan Campaign
Upgrade Home Appliances and Win a Trip to Japan
This is an opportune time to upgrade by investing in a new refrigerator, washing machine, or aircon. Purchase Panasonic’s trusted range of appliances, and stand a chance to jet off to Japan in style. Don’t miss this chance to upgrade and potentially win a free trip!
How to Participate in the Lucky Draw
Shop Panasonic: Purchase any Panasonic products or appliances from the official Panasonic store and at retailers. Available in-store at locations islandwide or online.
Eligible Spend: For every $100 spent on Panasonic products during the campaign period (November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025), receive one entry into the lucky draw. Entries are cumulative. Spend more for more chances to win.
Register Purchase: After making a purchase, register for the lucky draw by uploading a copy of the purchase receipt through the official online form. Only entries submitted through the online form will be considered for the lucky draw.
Grand Prize: Three pairs of business class air tickets to Japan
Lucky Draw Date
The Panasonic lucky draw to win a trip to Japan will take place on:
Date: 21 February, 2025
Time: 02:00 PM
Location: Panasonic Customer Care Centre (202 Bedok South Avenue 1, Singapore 469332)
Experience Japan with Panasonic
Panasonic’s Win a Trip to Japan campaign celebrates Japanese craftsmanship and innovation while offering customers a chance to fly to Japan and experience the country firsthand. With this lucky draw, Panasonic aims to introduce more customers to premium Japanese appliances and inspire more people to explore Japan as a premier travel destination.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Panasonic Group
Founded in 1918, and today a global leader in developing innovative technologies and solutions for wide-ranging applications in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, industry, communications, and energy sectors worldwide, the Panasonic Group switched to an operating company system on April 1, 2022 with Panasonic Holdings Corporation serving as a holding company and eight companies positioned under its umbrella. The Group reported consolidated net sales of 8,496.4 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2024. To learn more about the Panasonic Group, please visit: https://holdings.panasonic/global/