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First Public-Private Partnership for I&T in Hong Kong: HKSTP to Co-Invest in Tech Ventures and Drive Global Success

HKSTP celebrates the launch of the HKSTP Co-Acceleration Programme and revealing four partners who will be the first batch of strategic partners in this groundbreaking Partnership


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2025 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) officially launched the HKSTP Co-Acceleration Programme, Hong Kong’s first-ever Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in innovation and technology (I&T), a private fund (the ‘Fund’) that is managed by a Hong Kong statutory body, a HKSTP subsidiary which is licensed with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to act as an Investment Manager of a Hong Kong Limited Partnership Fund (HKLPF).

HKSTP officially launched the fund for the HKSTP Co-Acceleration Programme, Hong Kong’s first-ever Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in innovation and technology sector that is managed by a Hong Kong statutory body, a HKSTP subsidiary which is licensed with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to act as an Investment Manager of a Hong Kong Limited Partnership Fund (HKLPF), and announced the first batch of four strategic partners in this partnership.
HKSTP officially launched the fund for the HKSTP Co-Acceleration Programme, Hong Kong’s first-ever Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in innovation and technology sector that is managed by a Hong Kong statutory body, a HKSTP subsidiary which is licensed with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to act as an Investment Manager of a Hong Kong Limited Partnership Fund (HKLPF), and announced the first batch of four strategic partners in this partnership.

Focusing on three high-demand global sectors — Generative AI, Intelligent Connected Systems, and Sustainability—the Fund sets off on a mission to co-invest with visionary partners in high-potential acceleration-stage startups from Hong Kong, enabling them to scale into global leaders and unicorns. This milestone further cements HKSTP’s position as a leading I&T powerhouse, accelerating innovation and driving global impact.

Mr Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of HKSAR Government officiated the launch ceremony and said, “Innovation and technology are a key pillar of Hong Kong’s future prosperity. We recognise the unique value of public-private partnerships in driving innovation. The HKSTP’s Acceleration Fund aligns with our vision. By partnering with industry leaders to co-invest in high-potential start-ups, particularly in generative AI, intelligent connected systems and sustainability, the Fund amplifies our collective capacity to turn innovation into impact.”

Uniting Industry Leaders to Invest in Startups and Power Innovation

The first batch of four investing firms and enterprise partners were revealed at the partnership signing ceremony, including Cathay Technologies, Fook Man Development Company Limited, Hangzhou Industrial Investment Group, and Zhejiang Communication Investment Group. Representatives from these four parties signed the strategic partnership agreements with Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Mr Paul Chan and Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP. These leaders will bring in industry insights, funding opportunities, and localisation expertise to bridge public missions with private-sector returns. In addition, over 100 startups from the mainland China will be referred to the HKSTP’s thriving ecosystem, providing them opportunities for global expansion and at the same time, enabling local startups to tap into the mainland market.

Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, said: “The fund for the HKSTP Co-Acceleration Programme is a game-changing milestone in Hong Kong’s I&T landscape, and we are excited to welcome our new strategic partners. By bringing these significant partners into our ecosystem, HKSTP is expanding its influence by blending capital, business expertise, and global market access. This public-private fund will propel Hong Kong’s most promising innovators onto the global stage, driving breakthroughs across key industries and reinforcing our city’s status as an international leading I&T hub.”

Cathay Director Digital and IT Mr Lawrence Fong said: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with HKSTP on this landmark fund designed to empower budding start-ups in Hong Kong and the rest of the Greater Bay Area. I believe that this partnership will cultivate a vibrant innovation & technology ecosystem in the region, bringing leading technologists, entrepreneurs, and corporate partners together, further enhancing Cathay’s digital leadership. Our strategic partnership with HKSTP also underscores Cathay’s continued support for the Hong Kong SAR Government in advancing technological innovation to spur our city’s economic growth and development”

Mr Wencheng Tang, Executive Director, Fook Man Development Company Limited, said: “We are honoured to join the ‘HKSTP Co-Acceleration Programme’. Through this collaboration, we aim to forge a long-term partnership and jointly advance the growth of the I&T industry across the Greater Bay Area. As a subsidiary of Dongguan Communications Investment Group, Fook Man Development hopes to leverage this opportunity to strengthen exchanges between Dongguan and the HKSAR, provide more opportunities and resources for HKSAR partners seeking support for development in the mainland, and inject stronger momentum into our industrial upgrading.”

Mr Li Qiu, Investment and Operation Director, Hangzhou Innovation Incubation Center (Hong Kong) Limited, said: “Last year, the Hangzhou Innovation Incubation Center became the first mainland city-level technology incubation center to land in Hong Kong Science Park, providing venue support and resource-matching services for Hangzhou-based I&T companies expanding into Hong Kong and overseas projects setting up in the city. To date, we have connected with over 50 prospective enterprises and are actively building a government-academia-industry resource synergy network. We will proactively engage with Hong Kong’s diverse funding initiatives to empower I&T development and contribute to establishing a Hangzhou-Hong Kong collaborative I&T innovation hub.”

Mr Dehua Wang, General Manager, Zhejiang Communications Investment Group (HK) Company Limited, said: “The Group is committed to leveraging technological innovation as the core engine driving the upgrade and transformation of enterprises, utilising HKSTP’s globalised I&T resources and its integrated incubation and acceleration ecosystem. We focus on identifying high-growth tech companies with strong alignment to industries such as transportation infrastructure, smart construction, new energy, new materials and low-altitude economy. Through our ‘fund investment plus empowering industry’ model, we provide funding, application scenarios, and operational support to enable outstanding Hong Kong projects to establish a foothold in Zhejiang Province and expand nationwide”

Unveiling the “ARENA” to Drive Deals and Collaboration

On the sidelines of the event, HKSTP unveiled the new “ARENA”, a top-notch platform showcasing 23 cherry-picked startups. Designed as a permanent, high-visibility platform for startups, it provides direct access to over 1,000 investors and corporate partners within HKSTP’s ecosystem. The ARENA is segmented into five key zones: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Sustainable Materials & Technology, Advanced Electronics & Robotics, and Life & Health. It is the place where pivotal collaborations and investment deals happen, empowering HKSTP startups to transform ideas into real business ventures and scale up.

Disclaimer
The Fund has not been authorized by the SFC under section 104 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance, Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong (the “SFO”). The information in this document is solely for informational and discussion purposes only. Nothing in this document shall constitute, or be construed as constituting, any of the following:

  1. Investment, legal, financial, accounting, tax or other advice;
  2. An advertisement, offer, solicitation, invitation or recommendation to sell or purchase any securities in Hong Kong or elsewhere;
  3. An arrangement of securities, stocks or any financial instruments in Hong Kong or elsewhere;
  4. An offer to provide any investment or financial services in Hong Kong or elsewhere; or
  5. A direct or indirect provision of investment management services to you by HKSTP Co Acceleration Management Limited.

Nothing in this document shall be construed as (i) Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (or any of its subsidiaries except for HKSTP Co Acceleration Management Limited), or any of the event speakers mentioned in this document, having a license or being authorized to carry out any regulated activity(ies) or regulated function(s) in Hong Kong; or (ii) Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (or any of its subsidiaries except for HKSTP Co Acceleration Management Limited), or any of the event speakers mentioned in this document, holding itself/himself out as being licensed or authorized to perform any regulated activity(ies) or regulated function(s).

Nothing in this document shall be construed as (i) HKSTP Co Acceleration Management Limited having a license or being authorized to carry out any regulated activity(ies) or regulated function(s) in Hong Kong that it is not licensed or authorized to perform under the SFO; or (ii) a HKSTP Co Acceleration Management Limited holding itself out as being licensed or authorized to perform any regulated activity(ies) or regulated function(s) for which it is not so licensed or authorized in Hong Kong to perform under the SFO.
Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

DeepRoute.ai Unveils VLA Model at Seoul Mobility Show to Empower Global Automakers on AI-Driven Mobility

SEOUL, South Korea, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DeepRoute.ai is making its debut in South Korea at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. The company is showcasing its frontier Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model, which will be integrated into over five vehicle models this year. This innovative technology reinforces DeepRoute.ai’s commitment to empowering global automakers to create AI-driven mobility.

Founded in 2019 by Dr. Maxwell Zhou, the company is headquartered in Shenzhen, with businesses across the globe. DeepRoute.ai has completed six rounds of funding, accumulating over US$500 million. The company aims to create artificial general intelligence in Robots with innovative technology. Series production vehicles and large scale Robotaxi deployment will collect a vast amount of data from the physical world, which will enable DeepRoute.ai to build an AI brain with human-level wisdom, empowering various industries and bringing new productivity to humanity.

South Korea has captured international attention with its fast development to advance electric vehicles and smart driving technology, making it a key market for DeepRoute.ai. At 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, DeepRoute.ai unveils its frontier Vision-Language-Action model overseas for the first time.

Designed for versatility, DeepRoute.ai VLA model supports both camera-only solution and LiDAR-camera fusion configurations. It is compatible with various chip platforms, catering to the diverse needs of global automakers and accelerating the adoption of smart driving technologies worldwide.

The first vehicle integrated with DeepRoute.ai’s VLA model— the first of its kind in China—is set to release to consumer market mid 2025. This advanced system excels in long-context understanding, analyzing driving scenarios over extended time frames of up to dozen seconds. It provides step-by-step explanation of its decision-making process, offering insights into its surroundings, predictions and planned actions. With enhanced driving performance and transparency, the VLA model fosters greater trust in smart driving technology.

smart driving system's chain of thought
smart driving system’s chain of thought

“South Korean automakers have been at the forefront of smart driving innovation, rapidly integrating the latest technologies into mass production models,” said Maxwell Zhou, CEO of DeepRoute.ai, “With our extensive experience in scaling smart driving vehicles for the Chinese market, we look forward to collaborating closely with South Korean manufacturers to advance AI-powered mobility.”

CEO Maxwell Zhou has also been invited to deliver a keynote speech at the Seoul Mobility Show Forum, titled Fast Global Deployment of Smart Driving Vehicles Powered by End-to-End Model. In his address, he delves into the rapid advancements in VLA model, sharing insights from DeepRoute.ai’s extensive experience in large-scale deployments, and exploring future industry trends.

The 3rd CISCE 100-Day Countdown: Uniting Global Industry Chains for a Shared Future

BEIJING, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 7, 2025, the 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) initiated its 100-day countdown, heralding a global gathering under the theme Connecting the World for a Shared Future. Amid unprecedented supply chain volatility and shifting trade dynamics, the Expo will take place in Beijing from July 16th to 20th, doubling down on its mission to drive international cooperation and build crisis-resilient supply chains.


Centering on industry chain integration as its cornerstone, the Expo spotlights value generated through supply chain interconnectivity while integrating stakeholder-driven innovations. The event amplifies international collaboration by showcasing China’s expertise in overseas market adaptation, supply chain scalability, and transformative cross-border business models. Attendees will explore cutting-edge, end-to-end supply chain solutions honed by Chinese enterprises, reflecting years of strategic growth.

A highlight includes the inaugural Innovation Chain Zone, part of the Advanced Manufacturing Chain pavilion, which aims to accelerate the commercialization of patented technologies and breakthrough inventions. This dedicated space underscores the Expo’s mission to bridge conceptual advancements with real-world industrial applications, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for global supply chain evolution.

“Through supply chains, we’re connecting the world’s businesses, products, and services, building bridges for industrial integration, innovation, and market access,” said Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). “The platform has become an open driver of mutual growth and win-win cooperation between China and the world.”

The Expo is expanding networking opportunities through pre-event, on-site, and post-event engagements while strengthening its exhibitor alliance to foster deeper business connections.

In a significant development, the event moves to summer for the first time, ensuring optimal comfort for global attendees. Early registrations indicate strong cross-sector participation, with industry leaders from automotive, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and finance—both returning exhibitors and new entrants—gearing up to converge in July and shape the future of global supply chains.

CISCE, held in China and recognized as the world’s first national-level event focused on supply chains, has rapidly emerged as a critical hub for global industrial collaboration and innovation, and a premier gateway for international firms accessing the Chinese market.

At the last CISCE, the event’s second edition, exhibitors signed over 210 cooperation agreements and letters of intent, totaling well over 152 billion yuan (approx. USD 20.8 billion). The Expo also serves as a global hub for tech innovation and environmentally responsible collaboration.

CNOOC Limited Released the 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance Report

HONG KONG, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CNOOC Limited (“the Company”, SEHK: 00883 (HKD counter) and 80883 (RMB counter), SSE: 600938) released its 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report in Hong Kong today.

  • Adhere to efficient governance and solidify the foundation for sustainable development
  • Adhere to green development and actively cultivate new quality productive forces
  • Adhere to ecological protection and safeguard the clear waters and lush mountains
  • Adhere to contributing to society and fulfill corporate responsibilities

CNOOC Limited positions the ESG report as an important carrier for deepening compliance information disclosures and strengthening stakeholder communication. It provides a comprehensive overview of the Company’s progress and achievements in the ESG domains. In 2024, CNOOC received multiple prestigious awards both domestically and internationally and was ranked in the Fortune China ESG Impact List – representing the capital market’s recognition of the Company’s ESG management performance.

CNOOC Limited adheres to high-quality development and continues to enhance corporate governance capabilities. ESG concepts are deeply embedded into the   development strategy of the Company. The Company strictly complys with the code of business ethics, insists on lawful and compliant operations and strengthens risk and internal control management . Anti-corruption and integrity training programs cover all employees. CNOOC Limited has also enhanced its corporate governance system, actively implementing policy on Board diversity  and optimizing the structure of the Board. The Company reinforces lean management and systematically implements the tasks through a”six in one” ESG working mechanism consisting of top-level design, performance assessment, process supervision, capability enhancement, disclosure optimization and culture shaping.

CNOOC Limited adheres to green development and actively cultivates new quality productive forces. The Company aims to optimize our production mix and improve the proportion of natural gas in our domestic gross production. In the exploration stage, the Company aims to find both crude oil and natural gas but will put more efforts on natural gas exploration. The South China Sea trillion-cubic-meter gas region has been realized ahead of schedule. At the same time, we have made remarkable progress in green and low-carbon production of oil and gas resources. Wushi 23-5, the first green design offshore oilfields in China, was brought on-stream. The three phases of Bohai onshore power project were put into full operation. In 2024, the Company implemented 18 energy-saving retrofit projects, achieving a total annual CO₂emissions reduction of 589,500 metric tons. In addition, the new energy and carbon-negative businesses have progressed in an orderly manner. The “Haiyou Guanlan” integrated floating offshore wind power demonstration project operated smoothly. Two offshore CCUS bases in Bohai and Hainan have been under construction. The utilization of digital intelligence has yielded tangible results. A series of intelligent oil and gas fields such as “Shenhai-1” have been completed. The unmanned rate of offshore platforms has increased steadily. The Company has been included in the list of China’s Leading Enterprise in Industrial Data Governance.

CNOOC Limited adheres to ecological protection and safeguards the clear waters and lush mountains. We strictly comply with the environmental laws and regulations in China and other host countries. The Company upholds the concept of “paying equal attention to environmental protection and resource development”, and endeavors to enhance environmental governance capabilities, optimize energy resource management, and implement environmental protection measures throughout the entire process of exploration, development and production. The Company adheres to the principle of “prioritizing ecological protection” and regularly organizes public welfare activities on environmental protection, to enhance public environmental awareness, effectively protect biodiversity and promote harmonious development between our operations and the natural environment. In 2024, the Company carried out about 30 ecological compensation and restoration projects.

CNOOC Limited adheres to contributing to society and fulfilling corporate responsibilities. The Company remains committed to its corporate responsibilities, and strives to maximize its social contributions. We actively share with the employees, shareholders, and other stakeholders our achievements. We continuously optimize the communication mechanisms and actively respond to the concerns of our stakeholders. The Company has been rated as A-grade (excellent) in the information disclosure assessment conducted by the Shanghai Stock Exchange for two consecutive years. We continue to strengthen the supply chain management, and reforms have been carried out in this regard. We aim to build a green supply chain, a win-win supply chain, and a clean supply chain, with due consideration of cooperation with the small and medium-sized enterprises. We continued to advance the community co-development initiatives, of which the local talent development program in Uganda was selected to the Award List of the Fifth Global Solicitation on Best Poverty reduction Practices Campaign. In 2024, we provided over 22 thousand job positions around the world, participated in 58 offshore emergency rescue missions, and contributed RMB133.12 million to donations and public welfare projects, with over RMB83 million specifically allocated to rural revitalization.

As a responsible corporate citizen, CNOOC remains steadfast in optimizing corporate governance, minimizing environmental impact, and maximizing social contributions. Chairman Wang Dongjin stated: “Looking forward, opportunities and challenges coexist. We will seize the momentum, forge ahead, and strive for excellence in corporate governance, resource supply, technological innovation, and value creation. We are committed to contributing more to the economic and social development, better rewarding shareholders with tangible results, and striving to write a new chapter of high-quality development.”

— End —

Notes to Editors:

More information about the Company is available at http://www.cnoocltd.com.

*** *** *** ***

This press release includes forward looking information, including statements regarding the likely future developments in the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, such as expected future events, business prospects or financial results. The words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company as of this date in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company currently believes are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet the current expectations and predictions of the Company is uncertain. Actual results, performance and financial condition may differ materially from the Company’s expectations, including but not limited to those associated with fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, macro-political and economic factors, changes in the tax and fiscal regimes of the host countries in which we operate, the highly competitive nature of the oil and natural gas industry, environmental responsibility and compliance requirements, the Company’s price forecast, the exploration and development activities, mergers, acquisitions and divestments activities, HSSE and insurance policies and changes in anti-corruption, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering and corporate governance laws.

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company cannot assure that the results or developments anticipated will be realised or, even if substantially realised, that they will have the expected effect on the Company, its business or operations.

*** *** *** ***

For further enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Cui Liu
Media & Public Relations
CNOOC Limited
Tel: +86-10-8452-6641
Fax: +86-10-8452-1441
E-mail: mr@cnooc.com.cn 

Mr. Bunny Lee
Porda Havas International Finance Communications Group
Tel: +852 3150 6707
Fax: +852 3150 6728
E-mail: cnooc.hk@pordahavas.com 

JETOUR G700 and G900: New Off-Road Products Coming to Shanghai Auto Show

SHANGHAI, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The automotive world turns its gaze to Shanghai as the 2025 International Auto Show opens on April 23th, where JETOUR will unveil its premium off-road models, the G700 and G900 to international drivers.

A New Choice for Global Off-Road Enthusiasts

As outdoor activities and adventure travel grow more popular worldwide, consumers are choosing premium off-road vehicles that combine outstanding performance with refined comfort. The JETOUR G700 and G900 directly address this global shift.


The JETOUR G700: This premium hybrid off-road SUV combines a 2.0TD+ 2DHT engine with an XWD intelligent four-wheel-drive system that automatically adapts to diverse landscapes through multiple driving modes.

The JETOUR G900: Engineered with an embedded ladder-frame composite chassis and triple differential locks, this construction enables the vehicle to conquer the most challenging terrains.

Accelerating Global Strategic Layout

Building on recent growth, JETOUR positions this Shanghai Auto Show as a milestone of its global strategy. The G700 and G900 not only demonstrate advanced manufacturing and R&D capabilities but also embody the brand’s deep insights into global consumer trends. According to official sources, the G700 is scheduled for its global debut in the Middle East in the second half of 2025. As industry attention focuses on new energy and intelligent, automotive experts are eagerly anticipating JETOUR’s next move in hybrid off-road technologies.

With the auto show’s opening, full technical specifications and hands-on evaluations of these models will be revealed. Will the JETOUR G700 and G900 gain global recognition? Let’s keep a close eye on their future market performance.

 

Little Stars Academy Unveils Modern Upgrades for a Better Learning Environment


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2025 – Little Stars Academy, a leading student care centre in Singapore, is excited to announce the completion of its latest renovations, designed to create a more welcoming and comfortable space for children to learn and grow. These upgrades reflect the academy’s commitment to providing a holistic, home-like environment that enhances the educational experience.

The recent improvements include brand-new flooring throughout the entire centre, including the classrooms, reception area, pantry, and toilets. Additionally, the centre has undertaken retrofitting works for the toilet facilities to ensure a more child-friendly and hygienic space. To enhance comfort, new air-conditioning units have been installed in several classrooms, creating a more conducive learning atmosphere. The entire centre has also been repainted, giving the academy a fresh and inviting new look.

These renovations were inspired by the academy’s mission to make children feel at ease, as if they were at home. By modernising the space, Little Stars Academy aims to boost student comfort, enhance their learning experience, and attract more families to join its nurturing community. These improvements are expected to delight both the children and their parents, making the centre an even more welcoming place for learning and growth.

Little Stars Academy is dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for young learners. With a strong focus on holistic development, the centre offers engaging programmes that support academic growth, creativity, and social skills. Through its well-structured curriculum and enrichment classes, Little Stars Academy strives to create a positive and stimulating learning experience for every child.

Looking ahead, Little Stars Academy is gearing up for an exciting lineup of activities during the upcoming June holidays. This holiday programme will include field trips, workshops, and outdoor play sessions, offering children enriching experiences beyond the classroom. With a strong focus on both academic and personal growth, Little Stars Academy continues to deliver quality education and engaging activities for young learners. Parents eager to be a part of Little Star Academy’s vibrant learning community can enrol for the year 2026 starting in July 2025.

For more information, please visit https://www.littlestarsacademy.edu.sg/.
Hashtag: #LittleStarsAcademy

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

Mobile Money Surpasses Two Billion Registered Accounts and Over Half a Billion Monthly Active Users Globally

New GSMA report highlights 16% growth in mobile money transaction values, reaching $1.68 trillion

LONDON, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mobile money reached two significant milestones in 2024, surpassing two billion registered accounts and over half a billion active monthly users worldwide. The industry, which took 18 years to achieve one billion registered accounts and 250 million active users, has doubled in size in just five years, according to the GSMA Mobile Money Programme’s ‘State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2025.’

In 2024, mobile money processed around 108 billion transactions, totalling over $1.68 trillion. Transaction volumes grew by 20%, while transaction values increased by 16%, reflecting the industry’s robust expansion.

Vivek Badrinath, GSMA Director General comments: “Mobile money has emerged as a powerful driver of financial inclusion and economic growth. Its continued success depends on supportive regulatory environments that promote innovation, accessibility and help unlock the full socio-economic potential. To ensure mobile money remains accessible, affordable, and safe, it is vital for governments and regulators to work with financial service providers to support financial literacy programs, empowering underserved populations and opening new opportunities for financial decision-making.” 

Mobile money has become a key driver of economic development. By 2023, countries with mobile money services saw a $720 billion boost to their GDP, reflecting a 1.7% increase. In Sub-Saharan Africa, mobile money added approximately $190 billion to GDP in 2023.

Sub-Saharan Africa remains the global leader in mobile money, with new accounts rising in East and West Africa. East Africa led growth in active accounts in 2024, followed by Southeast Asia and West Africa. East Asia-Pacific also showed strong growth, particularly in Cambodia, Fiji, the Philippines, and Vietnam, where enabling regulations fostered success.

Many providers in East Asia-Pacific have evolved into full-service financial platforms, offering products like credit, savings, and insurance. By June 2024, 44% of providers offered credit services, making it the most common adjacent financial product.

Despite the growth, several barriers remain, notably among women. Eight of the 12 countries surveyed still showed disparities in mobile money ownership between men and women, with limited awareness and digital financial literacy as significant barriers. Mobile money providers are addressing these issues, with nearly 60% launching digital literacy initiatives to drive adoption and close the gender gap.

To read the full press release, please visit this link.

HKVAX Collaborates with Microsoft Hong Kong to Build Enterprise-Grade Digital Asset Trading Infrastructure


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2025 – Hong Kong Virtual Asset Exchange (HKVAX), a Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) licensed virtual asset trading platform, today announced a strategic collaboration with Microsoft Hong Kong through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This landmark collaboration aims to establish new standards in institutional digital asset trading and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s premier virtual asset hub.

Hong Kong Virtual Asset Exchange

The collaboration will focus on three strategic initiatives:

  1. Next-Generation Cloud and AI Solutions: By using Microsoft Azure’s powerful cloud infrastructure and advanced AI capabilities, HKVAX will deliver lightning-fast, secure, and intelligent trading experiences that set new industry standards.
  2. Enhanced Security and Trading Infrastructure: The collaboration will create state-of-the-art trading and custody platforms, incorporating advanced blockchain technology to ensure unparalleled security and transparency for investors.
  3. Web3 Innovation Hub: HKVAX and Microsoft Hong Kong will spearhead Web3 adoption in Hong Kong developing pioneering solutions in DeFi, NFTs, and smart contracts that will open exciting new opportunities for businesses and developers.

“This strategic collaboration with Microsoft Hong Kong marks a significant milestone in our mission to build institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure,” said Dr. Anthony Ng, Co-Founder and CEO of HKVAX. “By combining Microsoft’s technology with our regulatory expertise, we are creating a robust foundation that will elevate Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s leading digital asset hub while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance.”

“Hong Kong, as one of the global financial centers, continues to nurture a thriving digital asset ecosystem. We are pleased to join force with HKVAX, showcasing our dedication to the dynamic Web3 entrepreneurs in Hong Kong,” said Johnny Tian, Vice President of Microsoft Great China Region. “Together, we look forward to driving the evolution of digital finance, creating a secure, transparent, and efficient environment for the digital assets market within the finance sector.”

As one of Hong Kong’s SFC-licensed virtual asset trading platforms, HKVAX brings deep regulatory expertise and market understanding to this collaboration. The collaboration with Microsoft Hong Kong, a global leader in cloud computing, AI, and enterprise solutions, creates a powerful combination of regulatory compliance and technological innovation that will set new standards in the digital asset space.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s digital finance evolution, as both organizations work together to advance the city’s position as Asia’s premier digital asset hub. By combining HKVAX’s virtual asset capabilities with Microsoft’s enterprise-grade technology, the collaboration will deliver institutional-quality solutions while maintaining the highest standards of security and operational excellence.

Hashtag: #HKVAX

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

About HKVAX

Hong Kong Virtual Asset Exchange (HKVAX) is a virtual asset trading platform licensed by Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission under Type 1 (Dealing in securities) and Type 7 (Providing automated trading services), along with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (AMLO) licence. As a leading virtual asset trading platform, HKVAX aims to be a key global player in virtual finance, headquartered in Hong Kong.

Beyond OTC trading, exchange, and custody services, HKVAX focuses on Security Token Offerings (STO) and Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization. It combines traditional finance
with blockchain technology to serve institutional and professional investors.

HKVAX prioritizes security and compliance, it actively cooperates with regulators to promote industry standards and forms strategic alliances with brokers, Money Service Operators (MSOs), Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) issuers, and other platforms to build a compliant virtual asset ecosystem. Through these efforts, HKVAX drives Hong Kong’s financial innovation and advances the global virtual asset market.

For further information, please visit: