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Tencent Cloud, Anti-Cheat Expert (ACE) and Asphere Join Forces to Ensure Fair Game Play

HONG KONG, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of global leading technology company Tencent, and Anti-Cheat Expert (ACE), Tencent’s professional game security solution, announced the partnership with Asphere, an influential digital technology company in Southeast Asia (SEA). Under the collaboration, Asphere will integrate the security services provided by ACE to enhance the user experience of their popular games, including Nine Dragon Ultimate, YG Mobile, and Rakion.

Tencent Cloud, Anti-Cheat Expert (ACE) and Asphere Join Forces to Ensure Fair Game Play
Tencent Cloud, Anti-Cheat Expert (ACE) and Asphere Join Forces to Ensure Fair Game Play

As a listed company in SEA with over 20 years of operation, Asphere is dedicated to enhancing its business capabilities and creating new consumer experiences in the Web 3.0 era. In regions where in-game cheating has long been a significant concern, Asphere aims to leverage the ACE solution to effectively combat game cheating by collaborating with Tencent Cloud.

ACE offers a comprehensive range of game security services, safeguarding players across various scenarios throughout the lifecycle of both PC and mobile games. It provides multi-dimensional protection and detection capabilities. Leveraging 20 years of anti-cheat experience and a vast database of cheat samples, ACE employs AI and big data technologies to develop industry-leading solutions. These solutions effectively detect various types of threats and cheating, including emerging cheats such as DMA (Direct Memory Access) and AI-based cheats.

Aside from ACE, this partnership also leverages Tencent Cloud’s Global Content Delivery Network (CDN), which enhances user experience by ensuring fast and reliable access to Asphere’s content across different regions. Currently, Tencent Cloud International operates 58 availability zones across 21 regions globally. With over 3200 cache nodes around the globe, content is distributed to acceleration nodes across the network to ensure a safe and seamless experience.

Jimmy Chen, Vice President of Tencent Cloud International and Managing Director of Southeast Asia, said, “Tencent Cloud and ACE are thrilled to collaborate with Asphere to ensure a fair gaming environment for players. With our extensive experience in supporting gaming companies, we are well-equipped to detect the latest types of cheats swiftly and effectively, and strive to prevent malicious players from disrupting the game. Looking ahead, we are eager to expand our services internationally and explore further collaborations with global partners.”

Asa Piwkhum, Chief Marketing Officer at Asphere, said, “We are excited to join forces with Tencent Cloud to develop and share best practices for nurturing healthy gaming communities and promoting positive player interactions. Our aim is to create a safe and enjoyable gaming environment where players can connect and engage with each other. This partnership represents a major step forward in achieving this goal. We look forward to further enhancing our user experience and ensuring a fair gaming environment for all players.”

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About Tencent Cloud:

Tencent Cloud, one of the world’s leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation.

About Anti-Cheat Expert (ACE):

Since 2005, Anti-Cheat Expert (ACE) has strived to protect games and players from a broad range of game security threats, offering developers a one-stop game security solution. From basic game protection strategies to industry-leading technologies, ACE offers safeguarding for all games, empowering game developers to preserve the integrity of their game environments. ACE is steadfast in its dedication to partnering with global gaming professionals, contributing to the flourishing of the digital gaming landscape but also to uphold a fair playing field for gamers worldwide.

About Asphere:

As a leading online game publisher in Southeast Asia under the PlayPark name, our core mission is to deliver world-class entertainment and immersive gaming experiences. With a diverse portfolio of high-quality PC and mobile games, spanning genres such as MMORPG, Casual, SRPG, FPS, and MOBA, we continue to redefine the gaming landscape.

Operating in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, PlayPark has cultivated a deep understanding of the region’s dynamic gaming community. By embracing the rich diversity of languages, cultures, and lifestyles, we have cemented our position as a leading force in the online gaming industry.

Through innovation, community engagement, and a commitment to excellence, PlayPark continues to shape the future of gaming, bringing players together for unforgettable experiences.

 

Kacific and PAKSAT partner to bring affordable satellite Internet to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kacific Broadband Satellites Group (Kacific) and PAKSAT are partnering to expand high-speed, affordable satellite internet across Pakistan, where over 54% of the population lacks reliable broadband. Leveraging 11 Ka-band spot beams on the Paksat MM1 satellite, this partnership will bridge the digital divide and support the country’s growing connectivity needs. With high-throughput capacity for over 20,000 sites, the collaboration will provide essential broadband access for communities, businesses, government agencies, ISPs, and telcos, enabling mobile backhaul and backup connectivity in remote regions.

Kacific - Powered by PAKSAT
Kacific – Powered by PAKSAT

A Commitment to Nationwide Connectivity

“SUPARCO’s story is one of unwavering ambition. Since its inception, we have been driven by a vision to propel Pakistan’s journey into the cosmos,” said Muhammad Yousuf Khan, Chairman of SUPARCO. The partnership between PAKSAT and Kacific will certainly bridge the digital divide in Pakistan and will empower countless communities.

“Improving Pakistan’s connectivity will have a positive impact on the country’s economy and its communities,” said Dr Shahid Rasheed, CEO of PAKSAT. “The people of Pakistan, like those of other developed countries, can expect to enjoy fast, affordable internet wherever they live and work. That’s a goal that PAKSAT is striving to achieve day and night.”

“With this partnership, Kacific is making a long-term investment in Pakistan’s digital future,” said Christian Patouraux, CEO of Kacific. “We’re expanding ISP partnerships, training KAD installers, and deploying essential infrastructure to meet the country’s growing connectivity needs.”

Urgent Connectivity Challenges in Pakistan

Pakistan’s broadband demand is increasing with every passing year, yet over 131.8 million people remain offline. Fiber penetration is extremely low, with fiber-to-the-home access under 5%. Only 15% of the country’s 55,000 cell towers are fibre-connected, compared to the 40% international benchmark. Kacific’s high-speed satellite service will significantly enhance Pakistan’s mobile backhaul capabilities, bypassing infrastructure limitations at a fraction of fibre’s cost.

Unlocking the Potential of Paksat-MM1

Launched in May 2024, Paksat-MM1 delivers 99% availability with seamless nationwide coverage. Gateway beams over Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad provide real-time monitored connectivity, backed by 24/7 support from Kacific’s Singapore Operations Center.

Following the launch of Paksat-MM1, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called it a “momentous occasion,” highlighting its role in revolutionizing Pakistan’s digital landscape. Minister of State for IT & Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to digital inclusion, emphasizing the satellite’s potential to enhance connectivity, especially in remote areas.

Strategic Partnerships Driving Pakistan’s Digital Transformation

Kacific is working alongside strategic partners to ensure reliable, cost-effective connectivity:

  • Paksat International (Pvt) Limited (PAKSAT): The private limited company markets the satellite capacity of National Communication Satellites, including PakSat-MM1, a high-power multi-mission satellite which provides communication services in Ka, Ku, C and other bands.
  • SUPARCO (Pakistan’s Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission): Pakistan’s national space agency, ensuring seamless satellite operations.

Complementing our strategic partners, Kacific brings a proven, scalable broadband model, delivering high-speed connectivity across 25 countries. With experience in large-scale VSAT deployment, rural network infrastructure, and disaster response, Kacific has connected over 500,000 users. Kacific also provides end-to-end support, from satellite payload operations to network management, ensuring seamless and affordable broadband expansion in Pakistan.

Scalable, Affordable Internet for Pakistan

Kacific introduces its Gigstarter plans, which offer unlimited data and easy, low-cost installation for both residential and business users. Kacific will offer three plans for the consumer market: an entry-level 30/20 Mbps plan and two with higher speeds and bigger priority data quotas: 60/20 and 100/20 Mbps. These plans are billed per site monthly, providing cost-effective solutions for diverse connectivity needs. Kacific will sell the services in Pakistan via Operators registered with the regulatory bodies. In addition, Kacific intends to train and certify hundreds of Kacific Authorized Distributors to install, resell, and maintain sites across Pakistan, fostering community engagement and economic growth.

A New Era of Digital Empowerment for Pakistan

By combining Kacific’s global expertise with PAKSAT’s national assets, this partnership is set to transform Pakistan’s digital landscape. It will empower communities, drive innovation, and unlock new economic opportunities, ensuring that even the most remote regions can thrive in the digital age.

About Kacific 

Founded in 2013, Kacific Broadband Satellites Group is a next-generation satellite operator providing access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband services across Asia and the Pacific. Kacific uses advanced Ka-band space and ground communications technologies to provide innovative services to governments, businesses, and communities. Today, as one of the largest Ka-band satellite operators in Asia-Pacific, Kacific fosters greater internet usage, fuels economic growth, supports disaster management and control, and improves the delivery of other critical services.

Kacific1, which was launched back in 2019, connects underserved areas in 25 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Kacific is an award-winning company, recognized with many awards, including the Gold Stevie® Award for Excellence in Innovation in Technology Industries (Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, 2024), Connecting the Unconnected (Global Telecoms Awards 2022), Outstanding Satellite Company (PCT Awards, 2022 and 2024).

Kacific is headquartered in Singapore and employs over 100 staff globally. For more information, visit www.kacific.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube

About PAKSAT

PAKSAT International (Pvt) Limited was established in 2004 to market the satellite capacity of National Communication Satellites. PAKSAT offers commercial satellite capacity and managed services via its high-power satellites, Paksat-1R and Paksat-MM1, located at 38° & 38.2° East. These satellites support a range of services across C, Ku, Ka, and L bands, catering to customers in South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Central Asia.

PAKSAT has grown rapidly since its foundation, with significant milestones, including the launch of PAKSAT-1R in 2011, followed by the advanced PAKSAT-MM1 in May 2024. PAKSAT-MM1 marks a major step in satellite technology, further expanding broadcasting capabilities by distributing over 120 TV channels. PAKSAT’s innovative approach in the digital era supports the vision of Digital Pakistan, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas through reliable satellite links.

With a focus on long-term partnerships, PAKSAT delivers tailored, cost-effective solutions that add real value, making it a trusted partner for TV broadcasters, cellular operators, internet service providers, and government organizations across four continents. Its commitment to excellence and continuous innovation remains at the heart of its success in the evolving communications landscape.

Dongfeng powers a fuel-free journey from Wuhan to Harbin

WUHAN, China, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from Changjiang Daily.

a global tour of the Dongfeng Motor Global Innovation Center
a global tour of the Dongfeng Motor Global Innovation Center

On March 4, Han Yang, Director of the Technical Planning Center at Dongfeng Motor Corporation R&D Institute, led a global tour of the Dongfeng Motor Global Innovation Center. He showcased advancements in new energy and intelligent vehicle technology, reinforcing Dongfeng’s role in shaping the future of mobility.

This event, part of the “China Auto Valley • Global Launch of Wuhan-Made Auto Brands,” featured the theme “Technological Dongfeng, Leading the Smart Future.” It highlighted how Dongfeng translates innovation into user-focused products through its three major brands—Dongfeng Fengshen (AEOLUS), Dongfeng eπ, and Dongfeng Nammi.

300km in just 5 minutes

The Quantum Architecture stands out as a cutting-edge intelligent electric vehicle framework. While most traditional EVs operate on a 400V system, Quantum Architecture upgrades to an 800V system, effectively turning a “narrow pipeline” into a “highway,” enabling a rapid 5-minute charge to provide 300km of range.

During the event, Han Yang pointed to a model and explained that conventional EVs house their battery packs externally, much like an “attached backpack.” In contrast, Quantum Architecture has adopted an integrated design that seamlessly fuses the battery with the vehicle’s floor, reducing battery thickness by 10mm, increasing vertical cabin space by an additional fist’s height, and enhancing body rigidity by 30%—achieving both safety and comfort.

The Quantum Architecture has already undergone rigorous road testing over 500,000km, enduring extreme conditions from -30°C in Mohe to 50°C in Turpan. Covering over 200 diverse terrains—including plateaus and gravel roads—it ensures a stable and reliable driving experience.

World-Leading 47.06% thermal efficiency

Engine thermal efficiency is a key benchmark for performance. “Traditional gasoline engines typically have a thermal efficiency of around 35%, but our Mach hybrid engine has achieved a global-leading 47.06%,” Han Yang stated.

Higher thermal efficiency translates to greater fuel savings and extended range. For example, hybrid models equipped with the i-Control intelligent power management system operate on pure electric mode in urban areas with zero fuel consumption, seamlessly switching to hybrid mode for highway driving. This results in an impressive range of over 2,000km—enough to drive from Wuhan to Harbin without refueling or recharging.

As the powerhouse behind Dongfeng’s vehicles, Mach Power has been a defining force since its debut in 2021.

Ushering in a smarter mobility era

Beyond power, a truly intelligent vehicle must “understand” its driver. “If a car were a human body, the engine and wheels would be its ‘limbs,’ while Tianyuan Architecture serves as its ‘nervous system’ and ‘brain,'” Han Yang explained. This system boosts communication efficiency fourfold via fiber-optic transmission, enabling real-time hazard response.

Moreover, Dongfeng’s intelligent cockpit prioritizes emotional interaction. If a driver appears fatigued after work, the system automatically dims the lights, plays soothing music, and releases a lavender scent—transforming the cabin into a “personalized spa space.”

Dongfeng’s intelligent driving system effectively handles complex scenarios such as sudden pedestrian crossings and glare from oncoming headlights at night. For instance, if a pedestrian suddenly emerges from a blind spot, the system can detect, decide, and brake within just 0.02 seconds—10 times faster than human reflexes.

An industry-first vehicle-road-cloud integration ensures seamless interaction between vehicles and infrastructure, providing accident alerts and syncing traffic signals to reduce sudden braking. Already deployed in multiple Chinese cities, these innovations reinforce Dongfeng’s vision of a safer, smarter driving experience.

Dongfeng’s cutting-edge technologies are deeply intertwined with vehicle performance and user experience. Through technological empowerment, the company has built cars with a stronger “physique,” a more powerful “heart,” a smarter “brain,” and a more responsive “nervous system.”

Goodman Magic Mile Charity Run celebrates 10th Edition, raising HK$2.28 million for Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong

  • The 10th Goodman Magic Mile raised HK$2.28 million to facilitate home-improvement services for over 500 vulnerable households
  • A total of 40 organisations and over 700 runners raced up the cargo ramp at the recently renovated Goodman Interlink, an iconic sustainable logistics facility in Tsing Yi
  • Robin Fall from Aurex Group was the fastest man with a time of 00:22:30, and Tina Choy from JLL was the fastest woman with a time of 00:27:32 in the Challenge race.

HONG KONG, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Goodman Magic Mile Charity Run proudly marked its 10th edition last Sunday, taking place at the iconic cargo ramp of Goodman Interlink in Tsing Yi. The run attracted over 700 participants from 40 organisations, including Goodman’s business partners, customers and their families, and staff eager to support the worthy cause.

Kristoffer Harvey, CEO Greater China, Goodman Group, said, “This year marks a remarkable milestone as we celebrate the 10th edition of the Magic Mile. We are grateful for the tremendous support from our corporate partners and participants, who over the years, have helped us raise over HK$11.5 million for worthy causes in Hong Kong since the first Magic Mile in 2012.

Returning to Goodman Interlink for the 10th Magic Mile is particularly special, as this is where the event began. The newly renovated building facade enhances its appearance and, most importantly, increases its sustainability and resilience to Hong Kong’s climate conditions. We are proud to partner again with Habitat for Humanity to make a tangible impact in the community through this unique event.”

The Goodman Magic Mile 2025 raised an impressive total of HK$2.28 million, which will support Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong’s ‘Project Home Works.’ This community program provides deep cleaning and renovation services to repair homes to make them safe. It also distributes winter care kits, to enhance living conditions for over 500 vulnerable households in Hong Kong. To further support the charity organisation, an on-site sausage sizzle, inspired by the Australian fundraising tradition, operated to raise awareness of Habitat’s great work, and generate additional funding.

The charity run featured a 15-floor cargo ramp as the race track at Goodman Interlink, a landmark warehouse and logistics facility in Hong Kong’s strategically significant Tsing Yi port district. It included two races, one of which was the Magic Mile Challenge, where runners were required to complete two laps of the ramp for a total of 4 miles. Robin Fall from Aurex Group won the men’s title with the fastest time of 00:22:30, while Tina Choy from JLL secured the women’s championship, with the winning time of 00:27:32. There was fun for the children too, with five young people crowned as the Little Fashion Icons, showcasing their creative and comfortable running outfits. 

Jo Hayes, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong, said: “I am incredibly grateful to Goodman for once again choosing Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong as the charity partner for the 10th Goodman Magic Mile Charity Run. I would also love to thank all of the corporate sponsors and participants of the Magic Mile. This event is about doing good in our community, and all the money you have all helped to raise, will enable us to improve the living conditions of hundreds of families living in public housing estates across Hong Kong. This event is a powerful reminder that every step we take, together, is one step closer to a world where everyone has a safe home.”

In alignment with Goodman Group’s commitment to sustainability, the Goodman Magic Mile Charity Run implemented eco-friendly initiatives including recycling. Participants were encouraged to bring their own bottles or cups, eliminating the need for single-use paper cups at water stations.

Event sponsors include (in alphabetical order): 

Platinum sponsors

+         Alter Domus

+         Arup

+         ATAL Engineering Group

+         CBRE Advisory Hong Kong Limited

+         Chinney Builders Co., Ltd.

+         CR Construction Company Limited

+         ING Bank N.V. Hong Kong Branch

+         Modern (Enviro-Demolition) Co., Ltd.

+         Steel-Clad Engineering Co. Limited

 

Gold sponsors

+         A&O Shearman

+         Colliers International (Hong Kong) Limited

+         Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank

+         DP World Asia Holdings Limited

+         Glory Top Building Materials Ltd

+         JLL

+         Knight Frank Hong Kong

+         Union Contractors Limited

+         Wong Tung & Partners Limited

 

Event partners  

+         Aedas

+         APG Asset Management Asia

+         Aurex Group Hong Kong Limited

+         Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited

+         BS Engineering & Consultancy Company Limited

+         Chun Sing Engineering Company Limited.

+         David S. K. Au & Associates Ltd.

+         DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

+         G4S Secure Solutions (Hong Kong) Limited

+         Inspire Construction Limited

+         JEB Group

+         Keytop Parking (HK) Limited

+         OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

+         PAG

+         PMB-Cyberwall Limited

+         Randstad Hong Kong

+         Rise Associates Asia Limited

+         Savills (Hong Kong) Limited

+         Shun Cheong Building Services Limited

+         Simon Reid-Kay & Associates

+         The Express Lift Company Limited

+         The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

 

Official partners

+         CTBus

+         Hung Fook Tong

+         Joyous

+         Maxim’s Catering Services

+         Maxim’s Group

+         NOC Coffee Co.

+         Vitasoy

 

Over 700 runners turned up at Goodman Magic Mile Charity Run 2025 to support Habitat’s home-improving community initiative
Over 700 runners turned up at Goodman Magic Mile Charity Run 2025 to support Habitat’s home-improving community initiative

 

Representatives from Platinum Sponsors, Goodman Group and Habitat at the cheque handover ceremony.
Representatives from Platinum Sponsors, Goodman Group and Habitat at the cheque handover ceremony.

 

Representatives from Gold Sponsors, Goodman Group and Habitat at the cheque handover ceremony.
Representatives from Gold Sponsors, Goodman Group and Habitat at the cheque handover ceremony.

 

Stage setup in front of the newly upgraded facade featuring green walls at Interlink, creating a vibrant backdrop for the event
Stage setup in front of the newly upgraded facade featuring green walls at Interlink, creating a vibrant backdrop for the event

 

Robin Fall celebrates his victory as the winner of the male category in the Challenge race
Robin Fall celebrates his victory as the winner of the male category in the Challenge race

 

Tina Choy, the female winner of the Challenge race, crosses the finish line
Tina Choy, the female winner of the Challenge race, crosses the finish line

 

Kristoffer Harvey, CEO Greater China, Goodman Group; Jo Hayes, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong with Little Fashion Icons contest winners
Kristoffer Harvey, CEO Greater China, Goodman Group; Jo Hayes, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong with Little Fashion Icons contest winners

 

Family team runners race up the mile-long truck ramp at Goodman Interlink
Family team runners race up the mile-long truck ramp at Goodman Interlink

**For high resolution photos, please download from the link here.

For further information, please contact: 

Wendy Cheung, Marketing Manager 
Wendy.Cheung@goodman.com 
Ph: +852 6111 1641 

Michelle Chaperon, Head of Corporate Communications 
Michelle.Chaperon@goodman.com  
Ph: +61 (0) 416 285 907 

About Goodman  

Goodman Group is a provider of essential infrastructure. It owns, develops and manages high quality, sustainable logistics properties and data centres in major global cities, that are critical to the digital economy.  

Goodman has operations in key consumer markets across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the Americas. Goodman Group, comprised of the stapled entities Goodman Limited, Goodman Industrial Trust and Goodman Logistics (HK) Limited, is the largest property group on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: GMG), a top 15 entity by market capitalisation, and one of the largest listed specialist investment managers of industrial property globally 

The Group’s property portfolio includes logistics and distribution centres, warehouses, light industrial, multi-storey industrial, business parks and data centres. Goodman takes a long-term view, investing significantly alongside its capital partners in its investment management platform and concentrating the portfolio where it can create the most value for customers and investors. 
For more information visit: www.goodman.com

About Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong

Driven by the vision that everyone deserves a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 in the U.S. as a grassroots effort. The housing organisation has since grown to become a leading global non-profit working in more than 70 countries.

Habitat works locally in Hong Kong and across the Asia and Pacific region; to help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Financial assistance and volunteers from Hong Kong have contributed to Habitat supporting more than 62 million people globally. Through shelter, we empower.   

To become a monthly donor, volunteer or learn more about our program in Hong Kong and globally, visit habitat.org.hk or LinkedIn: Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong

Pine Labs partners with Visa to provide Visa Instalment Solutions to merchants across key markets in Southeast Asia

SINGAPORE, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pine Labs, a fintech platform, has announced a partnership with Visa (NYSE: V) to introduce Visa Instalment Solutions (VIS) on Pine Labs’ multi-issuer payment solution across key markets in Southeast Asia.

Previously, merchants used to sign up with multiple issuers and deploy multiple payment terminals to process instalment transactions at the point of sale. The collaboration between Pine Labs and Visa will enable merchants more flexibility and affordability to offer seamless instalment payment options for domestic and cross-border transactions. Merchants in Southeast Asia including Courts, Hooga and Chicco will be able to offer this integrated instalment solution.

Visa Instalment Solutions will be first introduced on Pine Labs’ network of merchants in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, and subsequently in Thailand, Indonesia and other Southeast Asia markets.

Dheeraj Chowdhry, Chief Business Officer – SEA, Pine Labs, said, “This collaboration plays on the strength of Visa’s vast global network and Pine Labs’ tech capabilities to provide flexible and intuitive instalment payment options for consumers. Facilitating consumer finance on already approved credit lines using their existing credit cards is expected to be a win-win for cardholders and merchants. It empowers merchants and direct brands to boost ticket and basket size by taking the transaction up the affordability curve. This is further amplified by enablement of cross-border instalments during purchase – a feature that will be a ‘market-first’ across the instalments landscape.”

Commenting on the partnership, Kim Hak J, Head of Products & Solution for Regional Southeast Asia, Visa, said, “According to Visa’s Green Shoots Radar Study[1], the usage of instalment solutions in Southeast Asia is significantly higher than the Asia-Pacific average. The same study showed that over the past two years, we have observed a notable increase in instalment payments usage, particularly in Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. This trend underscores the growing preference for flexible payment options among consumers in these markets, and we are excited to support this demand through our partnership with Pine Labs.”

As a participant in the program, Harry Higashiura, Chief Executive Officer, Courts Malaysia and Singapore, said, “As the leading omni-channel retailer in electrical, IT and furniture products across Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, we see demand for instalments when it comes to customer purchases. We are thrilled to participate in this initiative by Visa and Pine Labs to enable our customers with more options to pay for their purchases across our stores in the region.”

To know more, please visit www.pinelabs.com.

 

[1] Visa Green Shoots Radar study – Wave 13 was conducted on January 2024 in 14 Asia Pacific Markets on over 8,000 consumers aged 18-65 years old to uncover insights on consumer sentiments, financial products ownership, payment behaviours and other topics.

 

CGI in the Asia Pacific hosts CGI Elevate 2025 to spark conversations on the future of Global Capability Centers

CGI brings together industry leaders to discuss the evolution of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) into hubs of innovation and growth in an AI-driven landscape.

BANGALORE, India, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB), one of the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world, hosted CGI Elevate 2025, a premier event that brought together industry leaders, technology experts and alliances to discuss the future of GCCs, AI driven innovation and the evolving role of strategic partnerships in driving progress in the global business landscape.

With a theme centered on partnering for progress, CGI Elevate 2025 highlighted how organizations can harness cutting-edge technology to position their GCCs as hubs of excellence. The event served as a platform to exchange insights, share best practices, and envision a future where AI propels global capacity centers (GCCs) to drive greater value and global impact.

Rakesh Aerath, President, CGI Asia Pacific Global Delivery Centers of Excellence, emphasized the evolving strategic role of GCCs: “The narrative around GCCs is shifting, from being cost and efficiency centers to becoming intelligence-driven nerve centers that power enterprise agility, innovation, and transformation at scale. Through this event, we advanced these discussions to provide actionable solutions and insights into how CGI can help GCCs thrive in an AI-first world.”

As a sponsor of CGI Elevate 2025, Sunil Gopinath, CEO Rakuten India, spoke about GCCs as strategic partners in business growth, highlighting the transformative role of GCCs in leading AI driven solutions, automation and emerging tech. He added, “CGI Elevate 2025 was a powerful platform that brought together industry pioneers to exchange ideas, challenge the status quo, and explore how AI and automation are reshaping the future of GCCs. The depth of discussions and the actionable insights will help organizations drive innovation, agility, and long-term business impact.”

About CGI

Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 91,000 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2024 reported revenue is CA $14.68 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.

cgi.com/newsroom

For more information

Neha Kothari
Director, Marketing and Communications, Asia Pacific Global Delivery Centers of Excellence
neha.kothari@cgi.com

The Channel Company Welcomes Athina Mallis as Editor of CRN Australia

WESTBOROUGH, Mass., March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Channel Company, a global provider of news, insights, strategy, events, and marketing services for the information technology industry, is delighted to announce the appointment of Athina Mallis as Editor of CRN Australia.

Based in Sydney, Australia, Athina brings a wealth of experience covering the technology industry as a senior journalist and editor. She has previously held positions at Digital Nation and most recently served as Managing Editor of Gizmodo Australia.

This appointment follows The Channel Company’s announcement in February 2025 that it is taking direct publication control of CRN Australia, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional journalism globally.

“I am so excited to be joining The Channel Company as the editor at CRN Australia. As someone who has been in the tech media landscape, CRN has always been a respected, top-tier brand,” said Athina. “To lead the Australian editorial team at The Channel Company during this relaunch is such an honour. We want CRN Australia to be the go-to news source for the Australian channel and beyond!”

Stuart Sumner, Chief Content Officer at The Channel Company, added, “We are thrilled that Athina has joined as Editor of CRN Australia. She brings experience, energy, and passion to the role, making her a perfect fit for The Channel Company. This appointment demonstrates our intent to bring global news to the region through a local lens.”

About The Channel Company
The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world’s top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.

About EagleTree Capital:
EagleTree Capital is a leading New York-based middle-market private equity firm, with $5.3 billion of assets under management, that has completed 45 private equity investments and over 100 add-on transactions over the past 20+ years. EagleTree primarily invests in North America in the following sectors: business services, consumer, and water and specialty industrial. For more information, visit www.eagletree.com or find EagleTree on LinkedIn..

Media contact: Corporate Communications, corporatecommunications@thechannelco.com

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‘Ne Zha 2’ highlights global potential of Chinese animation

BEIJING, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

Michael Woo Kim-kong, a member of the CPPCC National Committee, highlighted that the success of Ne Zha 2 underscores the power of storytelling. A great animated film should do more than dazzle the eyes — it should touch the heart and inspire. With the fusion of technology and creativity, Chinese animation is poised to gain greater recognition and influence on the global stage.