TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2024 – THXNET., Japan’s premier Web3 enabler and a leading Web3aaS Plug & Play Blockchain Network ecosystem innovator, is excited to announce its strategic partnership with Coinweb, a distinguished layer 2 interoperability platform. This collaboration signifies a transformative leap in the development of Web3 ecosystems, leveraging THXNET.’s innovative Web3 solutions alongside Coinweb’s powerful infrastructure. To support this integration, Coinweb Labs has extended its expertise, emphasizing the shared goal of enhancing interoperability and scalability across the blockchain sector.
The partnership introduces an array of advanced functionalities from Coinweb, such as Cross-Chain Token Issuance, Cross-Chain Routing, Optimized Load Balancing over multiple Layer 1 blockchains, Access to an Enhanced Wallet Library, Tailored Reactive Cross-Chain Smart Contracts, Gas Fee Abstraction and cost-savings through batching of transactions, and cross-chain transfers through Coinweb’s PACT. These features promise to provide businesses and Web3 initiatives with unparalleled agility and operational efficiency.
“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Coinweb, a seasoned and reputable enterprise in the blockchain industry. This collaboration represents a significant stride towards our shared vision of fostering innovation and scalability within the Web3 space.” Said Aro Kondo, Co-Founder and CEO of THXNET.
“We are excited to announce our integration with THXNET.,” stated Toby Gilbert, CEO of Coinweb. “This partnership represents a significant milestone in our journey to drive interoperability and scalability within the blockchain industry. By combining Coinweb’s advanced infrastructure with THXNET’.s innovative Web3 solutions, we will be able to speed up the creation of a much more advanced ecosystem of Web2 businesses converting to Web3.”
THXNET. boasts a proven track record of success, highlighted by the launch of its Layer 0 & Layer 1 Mainnet, the creation of over 136,000 unique wallets, the execution of 1.34 million transactions, partnerships with top-tier entities like Urawa Reds football club for NFT launches on its platform, and collaborations with more than 20 other partners. This demonstrates THXNET.’s capacity to drive the shift from Web2 to Web3.
This integration marks a pivotal moment for the Web3 community, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation among global users. The partnership will also encompass joint marketing campaigns, leveraging THXNET.’s strong community engagement and Coinweb’s technological advancements.
Hashtag: #THXNET #COINWEB
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About THXNET.
THXNET. is at the forefront of the Web3-as-a-Service (Web3aaS) Plug & Play Blockchain Infrastructure, aspiring to be Japan’s leading Web3 ecosystem enabler. Specializing in seamless integration and cutting-edge solutions, THXNET. enables projects and enterprises to easily adopt blockchain technology, offering rapid deployment of dedicated Layer 1 blockchains and other Web3 services, facilitating cost reduction, scalability, and maximum security, even for developers new to blockchain. Visit: https://thxnet.org/
About Coinweb
Coinweb stands as a leading layer 2 interoperability platform, transforming the cross-chain capabilities within the blockchain industry. Its innovative Layer 2 protocol enables seamless interactions between decentralized applications across various blockchains, enhancing interoperability and scalability within the Web3 ecosystem.
Coinweb Labs is dedicated to designing and developing customized solutions for decentralized applications that interact with the Coinweb Protocol. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Coinweb Labs aims to accelerate the growth of projects in the Coinweb ecosystem, driving forward the advancement of blockchain technology.
Retailer to adds new drivers to boost global product choice
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2024 – Freshippo, Alibaba Group’s digital intelligence-powered new retail company, has announced that its Global Go business has recorded year-on-year GMV growth of over 100%. Global Go provides consumers in China with value-for-money import products, sourced at origin through Freshippo’s global supply chain network. To continue to grow its global shopping business, Freshippo will launch Global Go Offline Experience Zones in 66 existing stores, launch its first private brand for healthy living, and improve its product traceability system.
During its recent participation at ALIEXPO, which had the theme of Engaging Natural Beauty of Australia, in Sydney this year, Freshippo continued to integrate its global supply chain and seek direct strategic partnerships at origin. Major retailers, online platforms, and independent retail stores in Australia all showed interest in the innovative recipes and product designs of Freshippo’s own-brand products.
Melody Jia, General Manager of International Business at Freshippo said, “By sourcing goods directly from global origins and establishing direct partnerships with upstream suppliers, we are able to provide consumers with reliable and high-quality products while enhancing Freshippo’s price competitiveness. For consumers, the rich shopping experiences and interaction with professional shopping advisors available in our offline stores will help them gain a personal understanding of the new brands. For overseas brands, Global Go provides a platform where they can target high-quality consumers, thereby facilitating more precise and efficient sales conversions. By pioneering a new model for cross-border shopping, Freshippo Global Go creates a win-win situation for all.”
In addition, to the Global Go Experience counters in 66 Freshippo stores, Freshippo will continue to expand its Freshippo Supermarkets this year. Shopping advisors will be available at Global Go Offline Experience Zone to provide consumers with professional advice and personalized recommendations.
Freshippo also plans to launch its first Global Go brand specializing in healthy living in the second half of this year. The product will range from healthcare products to children’s nutrition and more, bringing health and nutritional products that are more suitable for Chinese customers. The brand will directly collaborate with reputable companies, factories, raw material suppliers, and patent holders to bring high-quality products with competitive prices to Chinese consumers in a safe and reliable manner.
Freshippo will further strengthen the traceability of its Global Go products. Earlier this year, Freshippo Global Go established a comprehensive cross-border beauty product origin-tracing system to regularly invite credible third-party authentication institutions worldwide to authenticate the products in Freshippo’s bonded warehouse, ensuring that consumers can purchase with peace of mind.
In terms of product categories, beauty and health products will be the focus for this year. Australian health supplements, natural foods, baby products, and pharmaceuticals will be one of the key areas. The market for organic and natural powders as well as mood-relieving health products in Australia is also growing rapidly. In addition, Freshippo will collaborate with international duty-free groups, and globally renowned manufacturers. Through direct-at-source procurement, strategic partnerships will be established with leading international companies to discover global high-quality products for consumers. Hashtag: #Freshippo #newretail #technology #alibaba #supermarket #global
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Freshippo
Freshippo is Alibaba Group’s digital intelligence-powered new retail company. Headquartered in Shanghai, Freshippo operates more than 360 stores across 28 cities in mainland China.
Cassava emerged as the leading export product in the initial month of this year, according to reports from Lao government sources. Continuing a trend observed in 2023, Laos faced a trade deficit surpassing USD 188 million in January this year.
Iconic Malaysia Airlines Brand Embarks on a Three-Year-Long Partnership to Instil Air Travel Awareness and Career Opportunities Among Youths
SINGAPORE & KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2024 – KidZania Singapore, an award-winning interactive children’s edutainment park that combines inspiration, fun and learning through ultra-realistic role-playing experiences, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Malaysia Airlines. This three-year-long collaboration represents the first major marketing initiative undertaken by Malaysia Airlines since 2019.
Malaysia Airlines will brand the existing plane within KidZania’s cityscape in Singapore, serving as the official airline partner for the coveted educational entertainment hot-spot. This alliance symbolises a shared vision between two prominent brands in providing enriching life experiences for children and youths in Singapore and beyond.
The partnership will see fresh and intriguing programmes, aimed at exposing children to air travel’s nuances and endless possibilities of career paths within the airline industry. By integrating real-life scenarios and professions within KidZania’s fun-filled environment, Malaysia Airlines seeks to introduce children to various aspects of aviation, such as piloting, cabin crew responsibilities, and ground handling.
Founder and Executive Chairman of Sim Leisure Group, Dato’ Sim Choo Kheng, commented on this partnership, “We are delighted that an esteemed brand like Malaysia Airlines sees the potential in the KidZania project and recognises how it can play a vital role in introducing young minds to career possibilities within the aviation sector. We believe this will inspire them to form ambitions of their own.”
He further added, “This alliance complements our commitment to offering children holistic, engaging and experiential learning sessions. The integration of Malaysia Airlines into our Eduplay city will offer children insights into the aviation world, shaping their understanding of the industry and nurturing their interests.”
Chief Executive Officer of Airlines from Malaysia Aviation Group, the holding company for Malaysia Airlines, Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said: “We are thrilled to be part of the KidZania community, where we can actively contribute to the development of youth and future talents of the aviation industry. By sharing insights and empowering children to pursue their passions, we are committed to challenging stereotypes within the aviation industry and encouraging exploration of diverse job roles, fostering inclusivity and diversity from an early age.
Bringing the essence of Malaysian Hospitality to KidZania, we aim to cultivate an appreciation for both the diverse and shared cultures between our nations among children. We will continue to dedicate our efforts toward curating experiences and offerings that cater to our diverse and global audience. This includes the extension of Malaysia Airlines’ award-winning loyalty programme, Enrich, to children aged 2 – 12 years old via Enrich Junior; enabling them to enjoy a myriad of travel benefits and lifestyle privileges.”
KidZania Singapore is a part of the global edutainment brand, KidZania, that provides a safe, unique, and interactive environment where children can explore a city built for kids. They learn essential life skills through over 100 role-playing activities. KidZania Singapore reinforces the power of dreams, the importance of being responsible and independent, aiming to inspire and educate children through real-life experiences. KidZania Singapore will fully reopen in early Q2 2024.
Malaysia Airlines’ branding at KidZania Singapore signifies a milestone in the company’s commitment to fostering education and career awareness among youths. This alliance enables Malaysia Airlines to reach out to the next generation of aviation enthusiasts in a unique and immersive setting. Hashtag: #Kidzania #MalaysiaAirlines
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About KidZania Singapore
KidZania Singapore is an interactive city made for children aged four to twelve that combines inspiration, fun and learning through realistic role-play. Kids independently explore a safe and contained 81,000 square feet kid-sized city with over 60 exciting careers that they can try. From Surgeon to Courier and Firefighter to Chef, experience the power of role-play in your child’s development http://www.kidzania.sg/
About Sim Leisure Group
Sim Leisure Group Ltd is an international theme park developer based in Dubai, listed in Singapore and operating from Malaysia. Recognized as an international powerhouse in the theme park and leisure industry from Asia, Sim Leisure Group has garnered an impressive reputation for its expertise and innovation. With a track record of creating 300 international theme park projects worldwide, including renowned attractions such as DreamWorks, the John Wick ride in MOTIONGATE™ Theme Park Dubai, and Sea World Abu Dhabi and just recently Six Flags in Saudi Arabia, the group’s standing in the industry is unrivalled.
Sim Leisure Group’s portfolio includes award-winning ESCAPE parks in Penang (consistently rated as the No. 1 Theme Park in Malaysia over the last few years and recently the No. 3 Theme Park in Asia on Trip Advisor) and Petaling Jaya and Ipoh, which is currently under construction, with several upcoming projects both locally and internationally. In addition to its organic growth, the company has made strategic acquisitions, including the prominent edutainment facility KidZania Kuala Lumpur and more recently KidZania Singapore.
The group’s ESCAPE brand of nature-based, retro-eco theme parks showcases Sim Leisure Group’s expertise and forward-thinking approach, led by visionary founder and Executive Chairman, Dato’ Sim Choo Kheng, who was recently inducted into the list of the World’s Top 50 Theme Park Influencers by Blooloop, the world’s leading platform for visitor attraction professionals. ESCAPE offers a unique play experience, combining thrilling rides and games hosted within a natural environment, allowing guests to reconnect with nature through self-directed and self-powered play.
In recent times, Sim Leisure Group has emerged a trailblazer in the international arena, making history by spearheading the first Asian attraction brand to be exported globally. With ongoing projects under negotiation across the Asia Pacific and Middle East, the company aims to become the most successful leisure company worldwide.
Sim Leisure Group constantly strives for excellence and does not settle for anything less. This mantra stems from the founder’s obsession for upholding the highest quality & standards, consistently pushing boundaries and adopting an international global mindset. At Sim Leisure Group, it’s never business as usual.
Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia, offering the best way to fly to, from and around Malaysia through its premium and full-service offerings. Malaysia Airlines carries up to 40,000 guests daily on memorable journeys inspired by Malaysia’s diverse richness. As the nation’s flag bearer, it embodies the incredible diversity of Malaysia; capturing its rich traditions, cultures and cuisines via its inimitable Malaysian Hospitality across all customer touch points.
Since September 2015, the airline has been owned and operated by Malaysia Airlines Berhad. It is part of the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), a global aviation organisation that comprises of different aviation business and lifestyle travel solution portfolios aimed at serving global air travel needs. The airline is committed to facilitating safe and seamless travels by placing safety and hygiene as the anchor across all end-to-end consumer touchpoints in line with its MHFlySafe initiative. Via its alliance with oneworld®, Malaysia Airlines offers superior connectivity to more than 900 destinations in 170 territories across the globe. For more information, please visit www.malaysiaairlines.com and download the Malaysia Airlines app to get the latest promotions conveniently at your fingertips.
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2024 – Prince Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Prince Holding Group, has recently hosted the third Chen Zhi Scholarship Award Ceremony, marking a significant advancement in educational empowerment. This event celebrated the selection of 100 students who are set to begin a transformative educational journey.
His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport (6th from left), was the guest of honor at the recent award ceremony of the third batch of the Chen Zhi Scholarship. Also in the photo is Mr. Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer of Prince Holding Group (6th from right), alongside other government and university representatives, as well as several of the scholars.
Demonstrating Prince Holding Group’s dedication to cultivating future leaders, the ceremony featured His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, as the guest of honor. He commended Neak Oknha Chen Zhi, Chairman of Prince Holding Group, for the profound impact of the scholarship program on academic excellence and career exposure since its launch in 2021.
“Education is a transformative force for lives, communities, and our nation’s future, serving as the key to unlocking a brighter future,” stated H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron. “I encourage all students to seize this incredible opportunity provided by Prince Holding Group. Dedicate yourselves, harness the power of knowledge, and realize your dreams.”
He also urged the Chen Zhi scholars to utilize this opportunity to enhance their education and play a pivotal role in shaping Cambodia’s future, adding, “This scholarship not only fosters confidence but also empowers you to determine your destiny and contribute significantly to Cambodia’s success.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer at Prince Holding Group, expressed appreciation for the ongoing support from the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports. He highlighted the comprehensive nature of the Chen Zhi Scholarship, stating, “The Chen Zhi Scholarship extends beyond merely covering school fees; it encompasses a complete program that facilitates students’ learning and growth. It offers valuable training from Prince employees, internship opportunities, and potential job placements post-graduation.”
The ceremony also featured a heartfelt testimonial from Bo Lyza, a Batch 1 scholar and Year 3 student at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), majoring in Media Communications. She highlighted the program’s transformative effect, stating, “The Chen Zhi Scholarship has not only provided financial support but also fostered our growth and expanded our perspectives.”
Another key highlight during the event is the presentation of a handcrafted watch by two graduate watchmakers from Prince Horology Vocational Training Center to H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, symbolizing the advanced skill sets developed under the mentorship of Swiss horology experts.
Among the attendees were notable government and university representatives, including H.E. Mak Ngoy, Director General of Higher Education; Mr. Kong Phoumka, Director of Higher Education Department; Dr. Seng Bunthoeun, Vice Rector of the National University of Management; Mr. Kean Tak, Vice Rector of the Royal University of Phnom Penh; and Mr. Soy Ty, Deputy Director of the Institute of Technology of Cambodia.Hashtag: #PrinceFoundation #PrinceHoldingGroup #ChenZhiScholarship2024
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Prince Foundation
Prince Foundation, founded in 2015, is one of Cambodia’s leading philanthropic foundations. A member of Prince Holding Group, which is one of the largest business groups in Cambodia, the Foundation aims to work with local communities to build thriving living and working environments that elevate people’s well-being and livelihoods following the vision: “Together, Building a Better Future for Cambodia”.
Focusing on education and youth development, healthcare, and community engagement and sports, and healthcare initiatives, Prince Foundation works with partners to deliver sustainable programs that enhance opportunities for Cambodia’s youths, build resilience in communities and contribute to sustainable infrastructure.
The Foundation’s flagship projects are the Chen Zhi Scholarship, offering full scholarships, stipends, internship and work opportunities to 400 Cambodian university students over a period of seven years, and Prince Horology, where aspiring Cambodian watchmakers learn the art of Swiss-style watchmaking in a state-of-the-art facility. Prince Foundation has launched more than 250 philanthropic initiatives, benefiting over 1.2 million people, with donations exceeding US$16 million.
About Prince Holding Group
Prince Holding Group is one of Cambodia’s largest business groups, spanning across real estate development, financial services, and consumer services.
Prince Holding Group’s key business units in Cambodia include Prince Real Estate Group, Prince Huan Yu Real Estate Group, Prince Bank, BR Capital Management, and Awesome Global Investment Group. Via its subsidiaries, Prince Holding Group has over 100 businesses in Cambodia operating in real estate development, banking, finance, tourism, logistics, technology, food and beverages, lifestyle sectors, etc.
Leveraging a network of industrial, business, and financial professionals across Asia, Prince Holding Group is firmly committed to the long-term development of Cambodia.
Moving forward, Prince Holding Group will continue to seek out opportunities to play an important role in Cambodia through partnerships or direct investments into key industries for the betterment of Cambodians and the local economy.
The first tertiary institution in Hong Kong to use the metaverse for admissions
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2024 – Lingnan Universityexpects a significant increase in the number of non-local student applicants when publicly funded universities’ admission quota of non-local students doubles to 40 per cent in the 2024/25 academic year. To attract outstanding students from around the world, the University officially launchedLingnanVerse 2.0 BETA on 18 March, making it the first higher education institution in Hong Kong to use the metaverse for admissions purposes. The main themeisUndergraduate Admissions asbrand new LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA breaks through geographical and time constraints by providing a one-stop undergraduate admissions information platform that allows prospective students to visit the Metaverse campus any time and from anywhere to access the latest and most comprehensive admissions information, and to select their preferred programmes.
Photo 1. Prof Lau Chi-pang, Associate Vice-President (Academic Affairs and External Relations), and Ms Margaret Cheung Wai-fong, Registrar of Lingnan University. Photo 2&3. With the theme of undergraduate admissions, Lingnan University launches LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA, making it the first higher education institution in Hong Kong to use the metaverse for admissions purposes.
Prof Lau Chi-pang, Associate Vice-President (Academic Affairs and External Relations) of Lingnan University, said that LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA will help to expand the University’s global reach and attract top students from all over the world. “Lingnan University is committed to establishing itself as a leading international research-intensive liberal arts institution in the digital era. Last year, we introduced Lingnan Metaverse, which provides virtual campus visits for secondary school students in Hong Kong, and has been well-received by the public as it allows them to obtain admissions information. This year, the university has launched LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA, which replicates our Tuen Mun campus, allowing users to explore Lingnan and gain a thorough understanding of the University’s rich history and cultural heritage since it was founded in 1888. The platform’s enrolment target has also expanded from Hong Kong to the rest of the world. Admission through LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA helps to reduce the use of printed promotional materials, and is in line with the global trend towards digitalisation and sustainable development.”
Prospective students from all over the world can invite their family and friends to visit this year-round open Metaverse campus with them for admission information, including programmes for the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business, Faculty of Social Sciences, and School of Interdisciplinary Studies in the four teaching buildings, as well as browsing undergraduate admissions information booths, and registering for various admissions activities. They can explore every corner of the Metaverse campus on a computer or smartphone with a personal avatar from a first-person perspective, and experience the University’s friendly, welcoming atmosphere. In addition, users can view the whole Lingnan campus from a bird’s eye view via the Skyway, a walkway system where users enjoy a panoramic view of the campus that cannot be seen in the real world. This year, a real-time communication feature has been added, allowing visitors to interact and take part in in-depth discussions with Lingnan’s undergraduate admissions team and departmental offices within the Metaverse campus.
Ms Margaret Cheung Wai-fong, Registrar of Lingnan University, said “Enrolling in a preferred university is one of the most important decisions in life, especially for students studying abroad. The learning and living environments are critical factors in deciding where to study. Therefore, Lingnan University has launched LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA in a proactive and innovative way to enrich overseas students’ understanding and experience of the university. We will invite faculty and staff to appear on the Metaverse campus from time to time to answer questions about hostels, exchanges, and internship opportunities. Staff and students will also act as tour guides to teach users about Lingnan. Games and activities will be available on the platform to further enhance the fun of applying, and we shall promote LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA through overseas networks to attract the attention of more students from around the world to Lingnan’s latest undergraduate admissions information.”
Having won the THE Awards Asia 2023’s Student Recruitment Campaign of the Year prize last year, Lingnan University will continue to upgrade its state-of-the-art Metaverse campus, adding additional undergraduate admissions information, as well as developing more interactive functions, games, and activities for the community.
For more information about Lingnan undergraduate admissions, please visit “LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA“.
The quality of democracy in developing and transformation countries has been in steady decline over the past 20 years. The latest findings of the Transformation Index of the Bertelsmann Stiftung, now in its tenth edition, show that out of 137 countries surveyed, only 63 remain democracies, while a majority are classified as autocracies. However, there is reason for hope. The examples of the transformation countries Brazil and Po-land, where voters have rebuffed authoritarian trends, show the potential for reversing democratic erosion.
GÜTERSLOH, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 19 March 2024 – In the early years of the BTI, almost 20 years ago, democracies around the world faced much less pressure. Today, almost a third of the 137 countries surveyed by the BTI show the lowest level of political participation opportunities ever recorded by the BTI. In the last two years alone, elections in 25 countries were less free and fair, while assembly and association rights in 32 states have been increasingly curtailed and the freedom of expression in 39 countries has faced tightened controls. This gradual erosion of democracy can provide a pathway for the establishment of authoritarian rule, a trend exemplified by the cases of Bangladesh, Mozambique and Türkiye.
Nonetheless, there are still democracies able to withstand the pressure. The Baltic States as well as Taiwan, South Korea, Costa Rica, Chile and Uruguay demonstrate how successful transformation can be achieved. Firmly anchored in the rule of law, governance in these states emphasizes strategic prioritization, participatory processes and inclusion. It thus delivers strong outcomes in the areas of education, health care, infrastructure and living standards which, in turn, strengthen democracy on the whole.
To counteract the erosion of democracy, institutions and mechanisms of oversight such as the judiciary, parliament and the media are essential. Free and (partially) fair elections have brought about change in some East-Central and Southeastern European countries such as Czechia, Moldova, North Macedonia, Poland and Slovenia, as well as in Latin America, such as Brazil, Guatemala and Honduras. “Authoritarian trends can be stopped at the ballot box,” says Hauke Hartmann, Senior Expert at the Bertelsmann Stiftung. “This requires a mobilization of civil society prior to elections and a return to the rule of law after the elections.”
Civil society matters
In the defense of democracy, one crucial stronghold is the resilience of civil society. Recent examples from Brazil, Kenya and Zambia underscore the pivotal role civil society plays in ensuring fair elections and upholding their integrity, often in collaboration with electoral authorities or constitutional courts. Similarly, in Poland and Sri Lanka, successful mobilization efforts have safeguarded civil and social rights. These instances highlight the importance of uniting street-level activism with institutional checks on government power to effectively resist authoritarian trends. Strengthening and safeguarding these civic forces and institutions stand as paramount strategies for fortifying democracy. Encouragingly, recent BTI assessments indicate that cooperation among interest groups and the self-organizational capacities of civil society remain robust.
Good governance remains elusive, especially in autocracies
Despite claims by authoritarian leaders that their states are governed more efficiently than democracies due to streamlined decision-making processes, the latest BTI findings suggest otherwise. In fact, the report reveals that at the bottom of the efficiency scale are 45 regimes plagued by disorganization and corruption, spanning from Cambodia to Venezuela to Zimbabwe, nearly all of which are ruled with an iron fist. While a few autocratic regimes demonstrate efficient governance, they are a rare exception.
The extent to which the quality of democracy and good governance are intertwined cannot be overstated, especially with regard to consensus-building. In 80 countries, the ability and willingness to foster consensus have declined over the past decade, marking the most significant setback in the realm of good governance. “In many cases, governments have neglected efforts to cultivate societal consensus for too long. Continuous dialogue and inclusivity in decision-making processes are not weaknesses but strengths of democratic governance,” says Sabine Donner, Senior Expert at the Bertelsmann Stiftung. “Good policymaking remains one of the most potent responses to authoritarian challenges.”
Additional information:
Since 2006, the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Transformation Index (BTI) has analyzed and evaluated on a biennial basis the quality of democracy, economic performance and governance worldwide. The current sample includes 137 developing and transformation countries. The assessment is based on the qualitative input provided by comprehensive country reports that in sum exceed 5,000 pages. These reports are the result of a collaborative process involving nearly 300 experts from leading universities and think tanks across more than 120 countries. The review period for the current edition was from Feb. 1, 2021 through Jan. 31, 2023. The BTI is the only international comparative index that measures the quality of governance using data collected by the project itself and which offers a comprehensive analysis of the role of political steering functions in transformation processes.
About the Bertelsmann Stiftung: Inspiring people. Shaping the future.
The Bertelsmann Stiftung is committed to ensuring that everyone in society can participate in political, economic and cultural life. Our programs include Education and the Next Generation, Democracy and Social Cohesion, Digitalization and the Common Good, Europe’s Future, Health, and Sustainable Social Market Economies. In our work, we focus on people, because people are the drivers of change and can make the world a better place. We share knowledge, promote expertise and develop solutions. A nonprofit foundation, the Bertelsmann Stiftung was established in 1977 by Reinhard Mohn.
For more information, please visit: www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The first Beijing to Laos cross-border tourist train of 2024 departed from the Chinese capital during the early hours of Monday morning, 18 March. Dai Kaiyi was there.