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KuCoin’s Alicia Kao Leads Insightful Web3 Panel at Hackseason by Metaverse Post

HONG KONG, Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a significant gathering at Hackseason, hosted by Metaverse Post (MPost) on February 20th in Hong Kong, Alicia Kao, Managing Director of KuCoin, moderated a compelling panel discussion titled “Where is Web3 Headed in 2025”. The event brought together leading figures from the blockchain and Web3 sectors, including Gracy Chen from Bitget, Jason Lau from OKX, Ryan Kim from Hashed, and Michael Cameron from Vanilla, to explore the trajectory and future implications of Web3 technologies.


The discussion, enriched by the diverse expertise of the panelists, covered a range of critical topics, from the integration of Web3 technologies in traditional industries to the pivotal roles of security, privacy, and consumer adoption in shaping the future of the Web3 ecosystem. Panelists also delved into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Web3, discussing how advancements in blockchain and AI could potentially revolutionize the landscape by 2025.

Alicia Kao facilitated a vibrant exchange of ideas, emphasizing the transformative potential of Web3: “This panel has not only provided a platform to discuss the innovations driving the Web3 space but also highlighted the collaborative approach necessary to navigate its complexities and capitalize on its vast opportunities,” said Alicia.

The event underscored the industry’s dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of Web3 technologies and its commitment to facilitating discussions that propel the industry forward. Hosted by Metaverse Post, renowned for its in-depth coverage of cutting-edge technologies, the panel served as a critical touchpoint for professionals and enthusiasts aiming to stay at the forefront of the digital economy.

About KuCoin 

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is one of the pioneering and most globally recognized technology platforms supporting digital economies, built on a robust foundation of cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure, liquidity solutions, and an exceptional user experience. With a connected user base exceeding 39 million worldwide, KuCoin offers comprehensive digital asset solutions across wallets, trading, wealth management, payments, research, ventures, and AI-powered bots.

KuCoin has garnered accolades such as “Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges” by Forbes and has been recognized among the “Top 50 Global Unicorns” by Hurun in 2024. This recognition reflects its commitment to user-centric principles and core values, which include integrity, accountability, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Learn more: https://www.kucoin.com/

DFI Retail Group to Announce 2024 Full Year Financial Results and Host Analyst Presentation Live Webcast


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 February 2025 – DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited will announce its 2024 Full Year Results after market close on 10 March 2025, followed by an analyst presentation live webcast on 11 March 2025.

Date: Tuesday, 11 March 2024

Time: 10:00-11:00 am (Hong Kong Time)

Presented by: Mr. Scott Price, Group Chief Executive and

Mr. Tom van der Lee, Group Chief Financial Officer

Kindly RSVP by completing the form on or before Tuesday, 4 March 2025.

To avoid delays, we encourage participants to log in ten minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. A replay of the presentation will be available via webcast on DFI Retail Group’s website.

Should you have any queries please email us at DFIComms@DFIretailgroup.com.

Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #Mannings #Guardian #7-Eleven #Wellcome #MarketPlace #ColdStorage #Giant #IKEA #yuu

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

DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group (the ‘Group’) is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to “Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments”. The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and exceptional service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains. The Group, including associates and joint ventures, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across six key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailing.

Investors
Karen Chan
karen.chan@dfiretailgroup.com
Media
Christine Chung
christine.chung@dfiretailgroup.com

Russia, Laos Clear Over 285 Unexploded Ordnance in Past Three Months

Russia, Laos Clear Over 285 Unexploded Ordnance in Past Three Months
Russia, Laos Clear Over 285 Unexploded Ordnance in Past Three Months

Over the past three months, Lao and Russian military bomb disposal experts removed 285 UXO items from 157,887 square meters of land that have been surveyed and cleared of  Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) in Viengxay district, Houaphanh Province.

Out of a planned area of 187,180 square meters, 29,395 square meters still remain to be cleared of UXO. These explosives were removed from an administration office construction site, a school, and farmland in Nakai village, Viengxay district.

These figures were reported at the 3rd monthly meeting on Lao-Russia cooperation in clearing and deactivating UXO held on 15 February in Houaphanh Province.

In addition, 18,367 scrap metals were removed, along with 39 BLU-28 and 1 BLU-24 munitions and 11 weapons.

Unexploded Ordnance in the agricultural land of local people
Unexploded Ordnance in the agricultural land of local people

The goal of UXO clearance is to give the land back to local people for agricultural and construction purposes and to prevent casualties and injuries from unexploded devices, especially among children.

Since 2018, the Laos-Russian army UXO clearance operation has surveyed 170 hectares of land and removed more than 2,300 pieces of ordnance.

Laos is the most heavily bombed country in the world per capita, with an estimated 80 million unexploded devices still littered across the country, posing a threat to lives and livelihoods, according to the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action Sector in Laos.These munitions have killed or injured more than 50,000 people since 1964 and continue to claim about 100 victims each year.

The government has set a target to remove all unexploded ordnance by 2030 and has received support from numerous countries and organizations to help fulfill this ambition.

Thunes Expands its Direct Global Network into Taiwan

Thunes’ proprietary Network is now the only real-time alternative to the legacy system for sending payments to bank accounts in Taiwan.

LONDON and SINGAPORE, Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, today announced the expansion of its Direct Global Network into Taiwan. This expansion brings Thunes’ Pay-to-Banks payment capabilities to Taiwan, enhancing the company’s cross-border payment services in one of Asia’s most technologically advanced and financially dynamic markets.

With this expansion, Members of Thunes’ Direct Global Network can now provide their customers with real-time payout services into Taiwan in both New Taiwan Dollars (TWD) and United States Dollars (USD). This solution supports all major banks in Taiwan and enables real-time payments to both individual and business bank accounts.

Taiwan is a key hub for international trade and finance, with a strong demand for efficient cross-border payments. According to recent data, in January 2025, Taiwan’s total exports amounted to $38.7 billion, representing a 4.4% increase compared to January 2024. The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research’s (TIER) forecast for Taiwan’s 2025 gross domestic product (GDP) growth is 3.42%, citing positive factors including increasing investments, solid private consumption and stronger exports. As such, the country’s money influx market continues to grow as Taiwan remains a key trade partner for economies around the world.

Floris de Kort, CEO at Thunes, said: “Expanding Thunes’ proprietary Direct Global Network with our new payments corridor into Taiwan provides our Members with greater speed, control, visibility, protection, and cost efficiencies for real-time cross-border payments in one of Asia’s most vibrant financial markets. This expansion underscores our commitment to global reach and industry-leading Quality of Service through direct connections, enabling our Members to seamlessly process payments worldwide, with the highest transaction success rates.”

Tuya Smart x DeepSeek: Multimodal AI Reshapes the Future of Pet Care

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tuya Smart (NYSE: TUYA, HKEX: 2391), a global cloud platform service provider, today announced the integration of its AIoT platform with cutting-edge AI models including DeepSeek. By leveraging advanced technologies like natural language processing (NLP) and multimodal scene perception, Tuya is driving the transformation of smart devices into “active intelligence,” paving the way for AI applications to reach their full potential.

This announcement comes during a current wave of AI technology competition worldwide, which showcases numerous commercial possibilities in fields such as energy management, pet care, emotional companionship, and smart homes. However, the commercialization of AI technology still faces many challenges. According to Gartner, more than 80% of AI projects fail to progress beyond the lab due to a lack of end-to-end deployment capabilities and scenario-based solutions. To bridge the gap between AI algorithms and real-world commercialization, AIoT platforms are playing a crucial role in enabling seamless deployment.

Tuya’s deep integration with DeepSeek will have significant impact on the pet care industry through the synergy between Tuya’s AIoT platform and DeepSeek’s multimodal AI capabilities. These synergies will translate into tangible pet care innovations, and further accelerate the adoption of AI-driven solutions across the pet industry.

Unlocking the “New World” of the Pet Economy with DeepSeek

In recent years, the global pet economy has witnessed exponential growth. According to a 2024 report by Bloomberg Intelligence, the industry is projected to expand by over 45% within the next six years, with global revenues expected to surpass $500 billion by 2030.

Despite this rapid growth, the market for smart pet products remains plagued by functional homogeneity. Many so-called “intelligent” devices are limited to basic monitoring features, such as tracking weight and food intake. However, when it comes to critical needs like pet health management, behavioral analysis, and interactive experiences, user satisfaction remains low.

In one case, a pet owner noticed their pet had been lying on a smart mattress for three consecutive days, showing little movement. The device merely reported that the pet’s “daily activity level did not meet the standard.” It wasn’t until the pet showed symptoms of rectal bleeding and was rushed to the hospital that it was diagnosed with gastroenteritis. In reality, the mattress’s temperature sensor had already detected an abnormal rise in the pet’s abdominal temperature—but failed to issue a timely alert.

By integrating Tuya’s Cloud Developer Platform with DeepSeek’s advanced AI model, the pet industry will experience a fundamental shift from “single-device networking” to a fully interconnected, intelligent ecosystem. This transformation is accelerating innovation in pet care by enabling holistic, AI-driven scenarios, offering pet owners a more seamless, proactive, and worry-free experience.

A Cognitive Leap in Pet Care

The deep integration of Tuya’s smart ecosystem and DeepSeek’s advanced AI model is set to revolutionize the “perception” capabilities of smart pet products. By enabling AI-powered hardware to truly “understand” pets, this synergy is redefining the interaction between pets and their owners, ushering in a new era of intelligent pet care.

Imagine a morning where the sunlight filters through the curtains, and a pet’s smart collar quietly completes a health check. If it detects a 15% increase in breathing rate, it automatically triggers an “environmental temperature and humidity adjustment.” If it notices a 70% decrease in the pet’s usual scratching behavior, it flags “nail health requires attention.”

When a smart litter box detects abnormal fluctuations in urine pH, it instantly connects with the pet health management system, providing real-time emergency hospital navigation within a three-kilometer radius and generating a comprehensive seven-day diet and activity report for veterinarians.

Meanwhile, if the owner is away and an intelligent pet camera detects repeated pacing near the entrance, the AI system springs into action. It plays a pre-recorded, reassuring voice message from the owner, dispenses freeze-dried treats infused with calming ingredients, and sends a notification to the owner’s phone: “Separation anxiety detected. A soothing plan has been initiated. Consider increasing exercise by 30% during tonight’s walk.”

By transforming passive monitoring into proactive care, Tuya and DeepSeek are setting a new standard for AI-driven pet wellness, making pet ownership more intuitive, seamless, and stress-free.

Envisioning the Future of Pet AI Hardware

The deep reasoning capabilities of DeepSeek’s AI model are poised to shatter the rigid, mechanical logic of traditional smart hardware, ushering in a new era of AI-driven innovation. The transformation of the pet industry will be profound. AI devices will soon be able to detect subtle emotional cues, identifying hidden anxiety from the frequency of a pet licking its food bowl or predicting excitement based on the curvature of its tail movement. This evolution from mere command execution to deep emotional perception signals that AI hardware is steadily acquiring human-like cognitive abilities.

To inspire the next generation of AI-powered pet technology, Tuya and DeepSeek have envisioned groundbreaking possibilities for future pet AI hardware. Through the insights of large-scale AI models, these innovations could redefine the very boundaries of pet technology:

Brainwave Translation Collar: Traditional smart devices often misinterpret a pet’s unusual behavior as mere mischief, failing to grasp its true emotional state. This collar, however, captures and analyzes a pet’s brainwave signals in real time, converting them into an intuitive emotional spectrum. Pet owners can then “read” their furry companion’s emotions via a mobile app, receiving personalized care recommendations tailored to their pet’s state of mind.

Dream Projector: When a pet exhibits abnormal brainwave activity at night, an AI-driven projector near its bed quietly activates, transforming the wall into an immersive dream world. Each morning, owners receive detailed dream reports, complete with insights such as “Last night’s happiness index: 92, energy expenditure: 35%.” This breakthrough compensates for the limitations of traditional monitoring devices, which often fail to capture a pet’s nighttime behavior and well-being.

AI Gene Feeder: By integrating advanced DNA analysis, this feeder dynamically formulates meals tailored to a pet’s unique genetic profile, optimizing nutrition in real time. When illness is detected, the feeder functions as an intelligent pharmacist, seamlessly embedding medication into flavored gel capsules to ensure smooth and stress-free ingestion. With this innovation, pet food manufacturers can address common nutritional deficiencies in standardized diets while unlocking new opportunities in the pet health market.

Odor Socializer: Urbanization has led to an increase in social deprivation among pets, leaving many owners searching for ways to enrich their companions’ lives. This device recreates social interactions through AI, allowing pets to mark territory and engage with virtual companions using odor molecules. Simultaneously, it can identify and recommend like-minded playmates within a 500-meter radius, enabling pets to enjoy real-world socialization with compatible furry friends.

By embedding DeepSeek’s AI into the pet industry, Tuya is turning the pet tech sector into one of the most dynamic proving grounds for the AI revolution. This shift not only creates unprecedented opportunities for global developers but also fuels growing consumer expectations for the future of intelligent pet care.

Education Justice for All

World Day of Social Justice Statement by Education Cannot Wait Director Yasmine Sherif

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The central theme of this year’s World Day of Social Justice is to “strengthen a just transition for a sustainable future.” Education is the very foundation for achieving social justice. Without an education we cannot end extreme poverty and advance economic growth. Without an education we cannot empower young girls to become teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, engineers, let alone financially self-reliant. Without an education we cannot achieve good governance, the rule of law and peaceful co-existence.

Nearly a quarter of a billion children living on the frontlines of the world’s most devastating humanitarian crises do not access a quality education.
Nearly a quarter of a billion children living on the frontlines of the world’s most devastating humanitarian crises do not access a quality education.

Social justice in all its forms requires education, be it formal education through grade 12, onto tertiary education, or vocational skills training. There is simply no other way. Education is the path to social justice. As a global community, we are all interconnected and it is thus in our interest to ensure that children worldwide benefit from an education. However, nearly a quarter of a billion children living on the frontlines of the world’s most devastating humanitarian crises do not access a quality education. This will not bode well for them, nor for us.

This global education crisis will have vast impacts on our global society, and our quest for social justice. I think of the brave women of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, including our own ECW Global Champion Somaya Faruqi, who broke gender norms on their quest to learn more about science, technology, engineering and math. Coming out next month, their story will be told in the inspiring movie Rule Breakers. But, much more needs to be done. Social justice does not exist for the women and girls of Afghanistan today, nor in many other parts of the world torn apart by brutal conflicts, forced displacement, climate change or oppressive societal norms.

Since ECW was founded just a few years ago, this global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, together with all our strategic donor partners and implementing partners, have reached a total of 11.4 million children with quality education. With increased funding support, we can provide millions more with access to quality education, and contribute to social justice.

The provision of a quality education fit for the 21st Century is the single best investment we can make to empower children and youth, create stronger economies, and ensure a peaceful co-existence in the world. There is no other promise, and no other pathway that can substitute education as the safest road to social justice.

 

BC.GAME Partners with Colby Covington for Street Charity Event in Miami to Support Local Communities

MIAMI, Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Colby Covington, the new brand ambassador of BC.GAME, held a street charity event in Miami, a community initiative aimed at providing support to individuals in need. The event marked the beginning of BC.GAME’s global community charity efforts in collaboration with their brand ambassador.

Colby Covington, BC.GAME's brand ambassador, sharing a moment with a recipient of the community charity event in Miami.
Colby Covington, BC.GAME’s brand ambassador, sharing a moment with a recipient of the community charity event in Miami.

During the event, Colby distributed food and water to people experiencing homelessness on the streets of Miami. He engaged with individuals, ensuring they had access to basic necessities, a simple yet impactful way to contribute to the local community.

“I believe in taking action when it comes to making a difference,” said Colby. “It’s not about talking, but about showing up and helping out when people need it most.”

BC.GAME continues to explore the boundaries where gaming and crypto intersect, enabling users to make payments with cryptocurrency across all its games while ensuring verifiable fairness. The platform has also led initiatives to give back to the crypto community, such as multiple $BC token airdrops, which can be traded or used directly within the games. This recent charity event is a natural extension of that philosophy, taking BC.GAME’s commitment to supporting communities from the digital space to real-world actions.

This event was just the start, and more charity efforts are planned in the coming months. The focus will remain on supporting communities where help is most needed, with Colby continuing his role in raising awareness and providing aid through these hands-on projects.

About BC.GAME:

BC.GAME is a pioneering crypto gaming platform that combines blockchain technology and cryptocurrency to deliver a unique and transparent gaming experience. Recently, BC.GAME conducted a major $400M airdrop of its $BC token on the Solana blockchain, further strengthening its presence in the crypto space.

About Colby Covington:

Colby Covington is a top-ranked UFC fighter known for his dominant performances inside the octagon. With notable wins over elite fighters such as Tyron Woodley, Robbie Lawler, and Rafael dos Anjos, Colby has earned his place as one of the sport’s most recognized and influential figures. Outside the ring, he has built a large and dedicated fanbase, known for his unapologetic personality and dedication to pushing boundaries.

MANTRA Chain Launches Real-World Asset Accelerator Supported by Google Cloud

HONG KONG, Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MANTRA, a layer 1 blockchain purpose-built for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) has launched RWAccelerator – a start-up accelerator program designed to empower builders and startups with investment capital, mentors, dedicated AI support and more.

Supported by Google Cloud, the RWAccelerator program will focus on projects with a strong interest in the tokenization of real-world assets, across real estate, financial products and alternative assets.

The program was created to drive development, innovation and adoption in what is proving to be a timely moment for the space. With the World Economic Forum projecting that by 2027, 10% of the world’s GDP – approximately $10 trillion – will be stored on blockchain networks, with Real World Assets (RWAs) playing a significant role in the transformation.

Applicants to the RWAccelerator will have the choice of three themed tracks; infrastructure, tokenization and DeFi. They will undergo a robust screening process to identify innovative entrepreneurs, start ups and builders for this unique opportunity. Selected projects will receive support from the Google for Startups Cloud program that provides access to Google Cloud resources including cloud credits, technical support and workshops led by Google engineers.

MANTRA team members will be readily available to support accelerator participants. Sharing advice and support across smart contracts, tokenomics, market maker selection, listing processes, legal and compliance and more. 

“This is a powerful opportunity for startups to harness cutting-edge technology and gain access to resources and mentorship,” said John Patrick Mullin, CEO of MANTRA. “With support from Google Cloud, this RWAccelerator will allow startups to reach new heights and significantly contribute to the wider Web3 community.”

Joining Mullin on-stage at Consensus to announce the launch of the RWAccelerator, Richard Widdman said, “We’re excited to collaborate with MANTRA to support the next wave of innovative Web3 startups focused on tokenizing real-world assets. By providing access to Google Cloud’s infrastructure and expertise, we aim to create an environment where these startups can truly thrive, experiment, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the Web3 space.”

Applications for the first intake to the RWAccelerator will be accepted starting today through March 20, 2025 at www.mantrachain.io/ecosystem/RWAccelerator. Chosen participants will be notified by April 1 and will begin the three-month program with an in-person summit in Dubai. Applications for the second intake will open March 20, 2025.

The launch of the RWAccelerator follows MANTRA successfully obtaining a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), to operate as a Virtual Asset Exchange, as well as provide Broker-Dealer and Management and Investment Services.

For more information, visit mantrachain.io.

About MANTRA:
MANTRA chain is a purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain for real-world assets, capable of adherence to real-world regulatory requirements. As a permissionless chain, MANTRA Chain empowers developers and institutions to seamlessly participate in the evolving RWA tokenization space by offering advanced technology modules, compliance mechanisms, and cross-chain interoperability.