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More support from leaders and targeted training urged as Workplace Fairness Act nears implementation: Survey Report

  • While managers are generally familiar with the upcoming implementation of the Workplace Fairness Act (WFA), some have heard of WFA but do not know the full details (34%), and others have never heard of WFA (18%). 
  • Managers cite increased leadership support (54%), targeted training on workplace issues (47%), clearer roles and responsibilities (46%), more frequent training (40%), and access to external expertise (32%) as key to improving their ability to promote fair practices and handle workplace issues.
  • While a quarter of managers (25%) have attended training related to human resources (HR) practices, almost half of them (48%) have not done so in the past year though they plan to within the next year.
  • Although over two in five managers view HR as primarily responsible for fair hiring (44%) and grievance handling (46%), many also see these responsibilities shared with C-suite leaders (28% and 14% respectively), hiring managers (24% and 13%), and line managers (19% for grievance handling).

SINGAPORE, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As companies prepare for the implementation of the Workplace Fairness Act (WFA) that was introduced in January 2025, managers are generally familiar with the legislation, with 28% understanding its implications for hiring and workplace practices and 34% aware of the specific actions their organisations must take to comply. However, a handful are unfamiliar, with over three in ten (34%) of managers aware of WFA but do not know the full details, and close to one in five (18%) have never heard of WFA.

To better handle workplace issues and promote fair practices, 54% of managers say increased leadership support is needed, followed by targeted training on specific workplace issues (47%), improved clarity of roles and responsibilities (46%), more frequent training opportunities (40%), and access to external expertise or consultation (32%).

However, training uptake is low among managers. Only a quarter (25%) of managers have attended training related to HR practices in the past year, while 48% have not but plan to within the next year, and 27% have no plans to attend such training.


These are some of the key findings from NTUC LearningHub’s Industry Insights Report 2025 on Human Resources, which examines the readiness of managers across various departments in preparing for the upcoming implementation of the Workplace Fairness Act. The report surveyed a total of 200 managers who are involved in managing employee relationships, hiring decisions, and corporate governance and compliance. The respondents consist of middle managers, senior managers, and directors and above, across various departments, including HR, business operations, and administration.

Over half of the managers (55%) share that their organisations comply with labour laws, such as Singapore’s main labour law, known as the Employment Act, which outlines the basic terms and working conditions of employment. More than half (54%) also say that their organisations have adopted fair and consistent recruitment practices.

However, the report reveals that over two in five managers (43%) believe that their organisation should place greater emphasis on fair and inclusive hiring practices. In fact, only 9% of managers share that their organisation has taken specific actions to prepare or comply with the WFA to a large extent, while 54% have done so to a moderate extent, 24% to a small extent, and 13% to a negligible extent.

While HR is seen as primarily responsible for fair hiring (44%) and grievance handling (46%), many managers also point to C-suite leaders (28% for fair hiring, 14% for grievance handling), hiring managers (24% for hiring, 13% for grievance handling), and even line managers (19% for grievance handling) as key players in fostering a safe and harmonious workplace.

Commenting on the report’s findings, Mr Amos Tan, Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Core Skills Officer, NTUC LearningHub, says, “As the Workplace Fairness Act nears implementation, organisations must act decisively to equip managers with the skills and understanding needed to support fair practices. This involves going beyond HR and empowering leaders at all levels to foster inclusive, respectful workplaces. At the same time, the rise of emerging technologies, beyond GenAI, presents a unique opportunity to enhance HR functions. But to truly harness its potential, organisations should invest in both digital and human skills for ethical and effective adoption. At NTUC LearningHub, we are committed to supporting this transformation through targeted training and strategic partnerships that build future-ready capabilities.”

To download the Industry Insights Report 2025 on Human Resources, please visit www.ntuclearninghub.com/media/research-reports/2025/Human-Resources. To find out more about the courses, training, and grants, please contact NTUC LearningHub at www.ntuclearninghub.com

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About NTUC LearningHub

NTUC LearningHub is the leading Continuing Education and Training provider in Singapore which aims to transform the lifelong employability of working people. Since our corporatisation in 2004, we have been working with employers and individual learners to provide learning solutions in areas such as Infocomm Technology, Generative AI & Cloud, Healthcare, Retail & Food Services, Employability & Literacy, Business Excellence, Workplace Safety & Health, Security, Human Resources & Coaching and Foreign Workers Training.

To date, NTUC LearningHub has helped over 34,000 organisations and achieved more than 3.2 million training places across more than 1,000 courses with a pool of about 1,000 certified trainers. As a Total Learning Solutions provider to organisations, we also forge partnerships to offer a wide range of relevant end-to-end training. Besides in-person training, we also offer instructor-led virtual live classes (VLCs) and asynchronous online learning. The NTUC LearningHub Learning eXperience Platform (LXP)—a one-stop online learning platform—offers timely, bite-sized and quality content for learners to upskill anytime and anywhere. Beyond learning, LXP also serves as a platform for jobs and skills development for both workers and companies.

For more information, visit www.ntuclearninghub.com.

 

Dell Technologies launches AI Innovation Hub to drive AI transformation, enablement and leadership in Singapore and the region

SINGAPORE, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL), the world’s No. 1 provider of AI infrastructure in 20241, announces the launch of its new Asia Pacific & Japan (APJ) AI Innovation Hub in Singapore, at the Dell Technologies Forum.

(From left) Mei May Soo, Chief AI Global Solutions Specialist; Andy Sim, Vice President & Managing Director, Singapore; Ng Nam Guan, Senior Director, Asia Pacific & Japan AI Innovation Hub, and Tan Loo Shing, Director, Data Science, Client Solutions Group AI Centre of Excellence lead the newly launched Dell Technologies APJ AI Innovation Hub
(From left) Mei May Soo, Chief AI Global Solutions Specialist; Andy Sim, Vice President & Managing Director, Singapore; Ng Nam Guan, Senior Director, Asia Pacific & Japan AI Innovation Hub, and Tan Loo Shing, Director, Data Science, Client Solutions Group AI Centre of Excellence lead the newly launched Dell Technologies APJ AI Innovation Hub

The Dell Technologies APJ AI Innovation Hub (AIIH), dedicated to advancing AI for Singapore and the region, is an extension of the Dell Technologies Global Innovation Hub (GIH). Since 2019, Dell has invested over US$ 50 million in the GIH to drive key areas of growth in digital transformation to improve financial services delivery, enhance healthcare, optimise energy efficiency and expand access to quality education through innovative technology solutions.

The AIIH has three key objectives – AI transformation, AI enablement and AI leadership, aligning closely with Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0.

AI Transformation

Understanding the critical need for support beyond infrastructure, Dell’s AIIH provides end-to-end capabilities that bridge the gap between government and enterprises’ AI ambitions and successful deployment. The demand for holistic support is supported by recent research, where 62% of businesses in Singapore cited a preference for third-party AI partners that are capable of managing projects from strategy to implementation.

The AIIH team will facilitate collaboration between organisations and partners to validate use cases, creating and testing prototypes out of Singapore for the region.

The hub has developed around 50 AI engineering solution prototypes, workshop modules and data science demo models. Since 2024, over 100 proof-of-concepts, workshops and demonstrations on AI engineering, generative and predictive AI have been conducted — all tailored for enterprises in the APJ region.

Many organisations have used Dell’s resources to drive innovation, with several initiatives progressing toward full deployment across various sectors. For example:

  • Energy sector: Strengthening critical infrastructure resilience to ensure seamless and reliable operations for leading energy providers. Additionally, leveraging digital humans and chatbots to enhance customer engagement and improve customer experiences.
  • Telecommunications sector: Assisting a leading telecom provider to improve AI development and deployment across their infrastructure, enhancing agility, resilience and overall operational efficiency.
  • Education sector: Harnessing AI cloud technology to empower leading education providers, enhancing their research capabilities, fostering innovation and driving growth across their ecosystem.

Additionally, the Dell Technologies AI Centre of Excellence Lab is at the forefront of innovation, advancing research and development in AI PCs and edge computing designed for AI-specific use cases and workloads. Complementing the AIIH, the lab is committed to delivering exceptional user experiences while collaborating closely with academic institutions and hardware partners. Together, they conduct AI research and validate proof-of-concepts, ensuring scalable AI solutions can be seamlessly deployed across edge and hybrid environments.

AI Enablement

In line with Singapore’s focus on skilling, the AIIH is working with 10 local institutes of higher learning to integrate essential AI skills as part of current programs. These skills include AI engineering, platform engineering, machine learning operations, containerisation and cloud-native architecture.

This effort aligns with Singapore’s push towards growing AI talent and expertise. According to Deel research, 47% of organisations in Singapore reported a lack of local AI talent to meet business needs.

By the end of 2025, Dell Technologies experts, through the AIIH, will have trained around 10,000 students and midcareer professionals from among their customers and partners, equipping them with valuable tech skills to thrive in the future. The Dell InnovateFest and SCDF and Dell Innovation Challenge are annual events that unite ecosystem partners and students, providing a platform to showcase their creativity and harness technological innovations for social good. The Dell Technologies Forum Singapore event showcased some of these solutions.

“Our latest research shows that 90% of local enterprises are increasing investment in AI projects over the next 6-12 months. Organisations in Singapore recognise that AI is the foundation of future growth. The Dell Technologies APJ AI Innovation Hub, aligned with Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0, is powering AI transformation, accelerating AI enablement and driving leadership for Singapore and the region,” said Andy Sim, Vice President & Managing Director, Singapore, Dell Technologies. “This is a testament to the impact we can create when we harness the collective capabilities of the tech ecosystem to shape AI for the future.”

AI Leadership

Guided by the vision “AI for the Public Good, for Singapore and the World”, NAIS 2.0 seeks to empower individuals and communities to use AI with confidence, discernment and trust.

Aligned with Singapore’s ambitions, the Dell Technologies APJ AIIH helps:

  • Organisations leverage Dell’s expertise in AI engineering, data science, software development and full stack infrastructure deployment. By doing so, they can accelerate AI adoption, gain access to cutting-edge solutions, improve operational efficiency and unlock new business opportunities.
  • Industry to contribute to AI technologies and best practices in APJ, in collaboration with the wider tech ecosystem.
  • Society to advance ethical AI development and governance. Dell Technologies is proud to be a founding member of AI Verify Foundation and an active participant in the IT Standards Committee (ITSC) to spearhead the development of IT standards in Singapore.

“Organisations in Singapore and APJ are adopting AI but vary in AI readiness. The AI Innovation Hub is a trusted partner, offering end-to-end expertise to help businesses trial, deploy and scale AI solutions,” said Peter Marrs, President, Asia Pacific Japan & Greater China, Dell Technologies. “Singapore’s 60th birthday marks decades of progress and innovation. At Dell Technologies, we support this journey by driving technology that empowers businesses, nurtures talent and enriches lives. The new hub strengthens our commitment to bridge the gap between AI aspirations and real-world applications.”

About Dell Technologies
Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) helps organisations and individuals build their digital future and transform how they work, live and play. The company provides customers with the industry’s broadest and most innovative technology and services portfolio for the AI era.

Copyright © 2025 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved. Dell Technologies and Dell are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.  

IDC Semiannual Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Tracker, 2024H2 (May 2025).

Education Cannot Wait Scales-Up Lifesaving Education Programmes in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Nigeria with US$3.05 Million in Dedicated Funding from Japan

Delivered by a broad consortium of local and international partners, the aligned funding builds on ECW’s successful investments to ensure crisis-impacted children have access to safe, quality learning opportunities. 

NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With US$3.05 million in new funding from the Government of Japan, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) is scaling-up its lifesaving education investments in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Nigeria.

In Burkina Faso, 20% of education facilities have been affected by the evolving security crisis, impacting the learning of over 800,000 students.
In Burkina Faso, 20% of education facilities have been affected by the evolving security crisis, impacting the learning of over 800,000 students.

With the new resources, ECW and its strategic partners will expand their innovative programmes to reach more crisis-impacted girls and boys with the safety, hope and opportunity of a quality education, and deliver on the promise of education for all outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Japanese government provides humanitarian aid grants through its supplementary budget to international organizations on a rolling annual basis. In 2023, ECW submitted a successful US$3 million grant proposal through the Permanent Mission to Japan in New York for an investment in Ukraine. The new tranche of funding for Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Nigeria was approved in 2024 by the Government of Japan. To build on this successful partnership, ECW plans to submit a new proposal each year to strengthen its partnership with Japan and raise more visibility for Japanese contributions toward life-saving education in emergencies and protracted crises initiatives.

“The Government of Japan welcomes the opportunity to partner with Education Cannot Wait to strengthen education support in Nigeria, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso. We value ECW’s continued leadership in delivering timely, effective and inclusive education in emergency settings. Particular attention must be paid to the most vulnerable learners, including children with disabilities, who face multiple barriers to accessing quality education in crisis contexts. Ensuring continued access to education for children affected by conflict and climate-induced crises is critical from a human security perspective. Japan remains firmly committed to working with international partners to advance the SDGs and to ensure that no one is left behind,” according to the Government of Japan. 

Japan’s earmarked funding builds on the impact of the US$1.6 billion ECW and its strategic partners have mobilized to date through both the public and private sector.

“The Japan NGO Network for Education (JNNE) welcomes the Government of Japan’s contribution of US$3.05 million to the Education Cannot Wait fund. This fund will provide quality learning opportunities for children and adolescents affected by war and climate change in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Nigeria. The contribution is particularly significant given that Japan will host the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development in August. Japanese civil society organizations recognize the comparative advantages of ECW as the sole UN fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, which enables a coordinated approach to swiftly reaching vulnerable children and adolescents in need of educational support,” according to a statement from JNEE.

Armed conflicts, forced displacement and the climate crisis are pushing millions of girls and boys out of school across many parts of Africa – exacerbating cycles of war, poverty, conflict and economic uncertainty.

In Burkina Faso, 20% of education facilities have been affected by the evolving security crisis, impacting the learning of over 800,000 students. In Ethiopia, 10.5 million children are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. In the Oromia Region of Ethiopia alone, 3.2 million children are currently out of school as the result of various hazards, including armed conflict, intercommunal violence, climate-related hazards, disease outbreaks, food insecurity and economic uncertainty. In Northwest Nigeria – a region long-impacted by armed violence, kidnappings and other challenges – as many as 860,000 children are out of school.

The Japanese funding in Burkina Faso will be delivered by UNICEF in collaboration with FDC, TinTua, Educo and Plan International. In all, the expanded ECW investment will reach close to 100,000 children with a focus on out-of-school children, primary education, and non-formal education for internally displaced children and adolescents.

In Ethiopia, UNICEF, along with local organizations Imagine1Day and the Gurmuu Development Association, will deliver the ECW investment, reaching a total of 72,000 girls and boys with safe, protective and climate-resilient learning spaces.

In Nigeria, Save the Children, along with local partner NNGO Goal Prime Organization Nigeria, will deliver the investment, expanding the reach of the programme to over 137,000 children in all.

Note to Editors 

About Education Cannot Wait (ECW): 
Education Cannot Wait (ECW) is the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the United Nations. We support quality education outcomes for refugee, internally displaced and other crisis-affected girls and boys, so no one is left behind. ECW works through the multilateral system to both increase the speed of responses in crises and connect immediate relief and longer-term interventions through multi-year programming. ECW works in close partnership with governments, public and private donors, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and other humanitarian and development aid actors to increase efficiencies and end siloed responses. ECW urgently appeals to public and private sector donors for expanded support to reach even more vulnerable children and youth.

On X/Twitter, please follow: @EduCannotWait @KentPage

Additional information available at: www.educationcannotwait.org

GC Biopharma’s Study on Hunterase Lysosomal Delivery Mechanism Published in SCIE-Indexed Journal

YONGIN, South Korea, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GC Biopharma, a leading global pharmaceutical company based in South Korea, announced today that it has revealed the delivery mechanism of Hunterase (idursulfase beta), a recombinant enzyme replacement therapy for Hunter syndrome (MPS II). The research findings, detailing the role of N-glycosylation in lysosomal targeting, have been published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, a prestigious SCIE-indexed journal.

Hunter syndrome (MPS II) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) gene, resulting in a deficiency of the IDS enzyme, which is essential for the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). This deficiency leads to the progressive accumulation of GAG within lysosomes, causing a range of symptoms. Thus, effective treatment relies on delivering the therapeutic enzyme to lysosomes to facilitate GAG breakdown.

For effective lysosomal targeting, the N-glycan structures of the therapeutic enzyme must contain mannose-6-phosphate (M6P). M6P acts as a targeting signal, guiding the enzyme to bind to cells, facilitating its uptake and delivery into lysosomes to degrade GAGs.

The research utilized high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry to analyze the site-specific N-glycan structures of idursulfase beta (Hunterase). A total of 42 N-glycan structures were identified, with two sites, Asn221 and Asn255, found to be predominantly modified with bis-mannose-6-phosphate (bis-M6P), a structure containing two phosphate groups. The research team explains that this bis-M6P structure ensures the efficient and stable delivery of idursulfase beta (Hunterase) to lysosomes.

The research team also demonstrated idursulfase beta’s high-affinity binding to the M6P receptors using surface plasmon resonance. Additionally, fluorescence-labeled cellular studies confirmed efficient uptake and lysosomal delivery of idursulfase beta (Hunterase).

Moreover, several N-glycan structures of idursulfase beta (Hunterase) were found to be modified with sialic acid, which is known to prolong the enzyme’s circulation in the blood, extending its half-life.

Hunterase (idursulfase beta), according to GC Biopharma, is highly effective for treating Hunter syndrome due to its targeted lysosomal delivery, driven by N-glycan structures modified with M6P and prolonged circulation enabled by sialic acid modifications.

“This study analyzed the lysosomal delivery mechanism of Hunterase (idursulfase beta), supported by robust scientific evidence,” said Jae Uk Jeong, Head of R&D at GC Biopharma. “With clear evidence of its therapeutic effectiveness, patients with Hunter syndrome can have greater confidence in using Hunterase throughout their treatment journey.”

About GC Biopharma

GC Biopharma (formerly known as Green Cross Corporation) is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Yong-in, South Korea. The company has over half a century of experience in the development and manufacturing of plasma derivatives and vaccines, and is expanding its global presence with successful US market entry of Alyglo®(intravenous immunoglobulin G) in 2024. In line with its mission to meet the demands of future healthcare, GC Biopharma continues to drive innovation by leveraging its core R&D capabilities in engineering of proteins, mRNAs, and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug delivery platform to develop therapeutics for the field of rare disease as well as I&I (Immunology & Inflammation). To learn more about the company, visit https://www.gcbiopharma.com/eng/

This press release may contain biopharmaceuticals in forward-looking statements, which express the current beliefs and expectations of GC Biopharma’s management. Such statements do not represent any guarantee by GC Biopharma or its management of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. GC Biopharma undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule.

GC Biopharma Contacts (Media)

Sohee Kim
shkim20@gccorp.com

Yelin Jun
yelin@gccorp.com

Yoonjae Na
yjy6520@gccorp.com

Carro and SY Holdings enter into strategic partnership to support Carro’s expansion with tech-driven financing solutions

  • Hong Kong-listed SY Holdings to provide cross-border financing solutions for Carro, powered by artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and secure API-based integration
  • The strategic partnership will also explore supply-chain AI capabilities to enhance risk controls and operational efficiency for Carro

SINGAPORE, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Carro, Asia Pacific’s largest and fastest-growing online used car platform, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with fintech platform SY Holdings, entering a strategic partnership that will support Carro’s expansion plans through tech-enabled financing solutions.

Aaron Tan, co-founder and CEO at Carro (left) and Kenny Ng, Head of International Partnerships at SY Holdings (right)
Aaron Tan, co-founder and CEO at Carro (left) and Kenny Ng, Head of International Partnerships at SY Holdings (right)

SY Holdings is a Hong Kong-listed digital intelligence technology company with a focus on AI and industry supply chains. This strategic partnership will leverage artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and API-based integrations that will optimise efficiency, accelerate funding cycles and intensify scalability while maintaining governance and compliance.

“We’re excited to work with new partners like SY Holdings that can move quickly together with us, as we expand into even more markets and explore new propositions like Brand New cars,” says Aaron Tan, co-founder and CEO of Carro. “This strategic partnership will give us access to bespoke, AI driven financing solutions that will not only help align disbursements across our ecosystem in multiple markets, but also optimise the financing supply chain process.” 

At the same time, SY Holdings will be able to tap into Carro’s deep experience and expertise with New Energy Vehicles (NEV) across Asia Pacific.

“Carro’s commitment in AI and NEV, coupled with its recent launch of its Zeekr dealership, resonates strongly with us ,” says Kenny Ng, Head of International Partnerships at SY Holdings. “This partnership will see us working closely to integrate systems that will handle dealership, procurement and settlement cases within the NEV space, as well as explore supply chain AI capabilities that will include anomaly detections, smart pricing algorithms, real-time data synchronisation and automated reconciliation.”

Carro is Asia Pacific’s largest and most trusted online automotive marketplace, with a decade’s worth of experience in buying and selling used cars whilst leveraging proprietary technologies, artificial intelligence and data analytics. The unicorn start up has grown its retail marketplace to an in-house ecosystem powerhouse encompassing Carro Care (aftersales), Genie Financing Services (financing), and Coverro (insurance), building a hub of excellence and quality for all aspects of car ownership.

About SY Holdings

SY Holdings Group Limited  (Stock Code: 6069.HK) is the first “AI + Industrial Supply Chain” digital intelligence technology company listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Recognized by CNBC and Forbes as a leading global fintech innovator, the Group has been included in MSCI, Hang Seng, FTSE and Stock Connect indices, reflecting broad market recognition. Through its proprietary SY Cloud Platform, SY deploys AI Agents that automatically analyse procurement opportunities, match orders, and connect SMEs with funding partners in real time, enabling them to secure growth opportunities with greater efficiency. Operating under a “transaction-focused, asset-light” model, SY strengthens industrial ecosystems and data connectivity across infrastructure, healthcare, commodities, e-commerce, and robotics. As of June 30, 2025, the Group has established partnerships with more than 10 large core enterprises and over 180 funding institutions, facilitating order procurement and financing services exceeding USD 38 billion for over 19,000 SMEs, while continuing to advance digital transformation and inclusive growth for SMEs worldwide.

About Carro

Founded in 2015, Carro is Asia Pacific’s largest online used car marketplace. By offering a trustworthy and transparent experience, Carro transforms the traditional way of buying and selling cars through proprietary pricing algorithms, AI-enabled capabilities, and innovative technological solutions. Carro most recently expanded its product line to include Brand New cars in Singapore and Malaysia, offering customers even more options.

Headquartered in Singapore, the unicorn startup has raised over S$700 million from Softbank Vision Fund and several sovereign funds. It recorded its best ever full-year positive EBITDA of S$43 million in FY2024. Together with its subsidiaries and business lines, Carro is supported by more than 5,000 employees across Asia Pacific:

  • Carro, Asia Pacific’s largest online used marketplace with a strong key presence in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, Japan, Taiwan region, and Hong Kong SAR
  • Carro Care Powered by Jardine & Cycle, Carro’s in-house refurbishment and after-sales servicing capabilities
  • Genie Financial Services, a next-generation fintech automotive financing provider in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand
  • MPM Rent, leading mobility solutions company in Indonesia specialising in leasing / fleet financing transportation services
  • Innorithm, a next-generation fleet management solutions company leveraging state-of-the art IoT and machine learning
  • Kaidee, Thailand’s largest online shopping and classifieds platform

For more information, please visit: www.carro.co.

HTX Joins TRM Labs’ Beacon Network to Strengthen Global Fight Against Crypto Crime

PANAMA CITY, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HTX, a global leading cryptocurrency exchange, today announced its participation in the Beacon Network, the first real-time crypto crime response network launched by TRM Labs, as a founding member. By joining forces with elite exchanges and law enforcement agencies, HTX reaffirms its commitment to combating illicit finance and building a safer, more trusted digital asset ecosystem.

Launched by TRM Labs, the Beacon Network connects vetted investigators with exchanges, stablecoin issuers, and regulators to detect, flag, and disrupt illicit activity before funds can be cashed out. Through real-time alerts and coordinated responses, the network shifts the fight against crypto crime from reaction to prevention, closing gaps that criminals have exploited for years.

“As the crypto industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, threats such as hacking and money laundering have become increasingly sophisticated, intelligent, complex, and fast-moving. It is no longer feasible for any single team to fight these crimes effectively — we must unite as an industry to build coordinated defenses and responses, and Beacon Network helps us do just that,” said Heisen Guo, Chief Security Officer at HTX. “HTX is grateful to TRM Labs for spearheading this effort, and we look forward to working side by side with partners worldwide to forge an ‘iron wall’ for the crypto sector, and to safeguard the security and bright future of the industry.”

By joining the Beacon Network, HTX demonstrates its dedication to advancing compliance and strengthening security standards. Its participation also broadens Beacon’s global reach and real-time coverage, enabling exchanges and law enforcement partners to act within moments rather than days. Together, the industry is setting a new benchmark for cooperation to stop illicit finance before it impacts users.

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX (formerly Huobi) has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord

About TRM Labs

TRM Labs provides blockchain intelligence solutions trusted by financial institutions, cryptocurrency businesses, and law enforcement to detect, investigate, and prevent cryptocurrency-related financial crimes. TRM combines advanced analytics with human expertise to build a safer financial system for everyone. Learn more at www.trmlabs.com.

Timeless (8028.HK), Eddid Financial, and HashKey Chain Sign Strategic MOU to Launch Hong Kong’s First Silver-Backed RWA Token Ushering in a New Chapter in Precious Metal Tokenization

HONG KONG, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Timeless Resources Holdings Limited (“Timeless”, Stock Code: 8028.HK), Eddid Financial‘s subsidiary Eddid Securities and Futures, and HashKey Group‘s HashKey Chain have signed a strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore a potential collaboration on the development and issuance of a digital token backed by silver assets (“Silver Tokens”). This initiative would mark the launch of the Hong Kong’s first tokenized real-world asset (RWA) project based on silver.

The three parties will assess opportunities to develop, deploy, and issue the Silver Tokens on the Ethereum Layer-2 network, HashKey Chain, operated by HashKey Group. HashKey Chain under the HashKey Group will provide technical support, documentation, and compliance assistance services to facilitate the successful issuance of the Silver Tokens. Eddid Financial intends to assist the product issuer to obtain all necessary approvals from competent regulatory authorities (if any) prior to the launch of the Silver Tokens. Eddid Financial will also leverage its client operations to primarily direct its clients to the operational channels and products of HashKey Group and Eddid Financial for transactions or collaborations involving the Silver Tokens.

Timeless specializes in the exploration, development and exploitation of mines, precious metal processing and trading and the provision of integrated IT solution and other related services, with a well-established industry footprint and market presence. Drawing on its deep expertise in precious metals trading, Timeless is now exploring how blockchain technology can modernize and enhance traditional industry practices. Timeless has extensive expertise and knowledge for the underlying silver assets of the token, enabling the project to advance smoothly and efficiently.

As one of Hong Kong’s pioneering financial groups offering both traditional and virtual asset services, Eddid Financial has built a robust presence in the digital asset space. Its subsidiary, Eddid Securities and Futures, is among the first licensed brokerages in Hong Kong authorized to conduct virtual asset trading. The firm is committed to delivering secure and efficient crypto trading and related services to institutional and retail investors, while also expanding its virtual asset liquidity management offerings to support licensed institutions, reinforcing its leadership in the sector.

HashKey Group is a leading global digital asset service provider in Asia. Its subsidiary, HashKey Exchange, is one of the first licensed virtual asset exchange in Hong Kong, offering comprehensive, compliant and secure virtual asset trading services for professional investors and retail customers. HashKey Chain is a public blockchain launched by the HashKey Group in December 2024, dedicated to advancing the compliance and large-scale development of Onchain Finance. HashKey has built a global Web3 ecosystem under a high-compliance regulatory framework, operating in regions such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Bermuda, establishing itself as a leader in Asia’s digital asset sector.

This strategic partnership brings together deep expertise and extensive networks across precious metals, capital markets, and virtual asset. By leveraging blockchain technology, the collaboration aims to revolutionize global precious metals operations and lower the barrier to entry for investors. As the Hong Kong’s first silver-backed RWA, the Silver Tokens will offer investors a novel asset allocation option and mark a major milestone in the evolution of tokenized commodities.

About Timeless

Timeless and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Timeless Group”) are principally engaged in the exploration, development and exploitation of mines, precious metal processing and trading and the provision of integrated IT solutions and other related services. Management of the Timeless Group has over 40 years of experience in metal trading, including gold, silver, copper and nickel, with in-depth knowledge for metal and related business. In addition, the Timeless Group also extensively involved in the information technology sector, providing services including hardware and software solutions on digital management software transformation, centralized data storage and AI data analysis aimed for efficient operations; self-developed software, including enterprise business information systems, data asset management system, BI system, business finance integration system, data exchange services system, deployable to cloud for SaaS and to local integration device; and continuous development of high performance hardware and software system which help customers to achieve sustainable business growth.

About Eddid Financial

Anchored in Hong Kong, Eddid Financial is an all-encompassing financial group centered around fintech and dedicated to integrating latest technologies into its enterprise DNA.The diversified businesses of Eddid Financial range from retail to institutional and include but are not limited to fintech, internet finance, wealth management, asset management, investment banking, and digital asset. Eddid Financial is committed to providing one-stop financial services and products to customers through high-quality investment solutions.

Members of the Group hold a variety of licenses and memberships across key financial markets. These include Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) regulated activities (“RA”) licenses for types 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9; SEHK and HKCC participant (OTP-C broker number: 0974 and 0977), Insurance Broker Company license; Trust or Company Service Provider License in Hong Kong. Additionally, our fully owned U.S. broker-dealer subsidiary, Eddid Securities USA Inc., maintains approved membership with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the National Futures Association (NFA), the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), and the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (NQX), and is a registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the United States. Our Singapore subsidiary, Eddid Financial Singapore Pte. Ltd., holds the Capital Markets Services License (License No.: CMS101839) issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Learn more: www.eddid.com.hk/en

About HashKey Group

HashKey Group is a leading digital asset financial services group in Asia with global operations in regions such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Bermuda. Since 2018, HashKey Group has built a Web3 ecosystem within a high-compliance regulatory framework, including HashKey Exchange, the largest licensed virtual asset exchange in Hong Kong*; HashKey Global, the flagship digital asset exchange; HashKey MENA, a virtual asset exchange licensed by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA); HashKey Capital, a global asset manager investing exclusively in blockchain technology and digital assets; HashKey OTC, the compliant over-the-counter (OTC) trading arm, HashKey Cloud, a leading global Web3 infrastructure provider; and HashKey Tokenisation, a tokenisation services provider.

HashKey Group also possesses a rich on-chain ecosystem, having developed the Ethereum Layer 2, HashKey Chain, and has listed the HashKey Ecosystem Token HSK. HashKey Group is committed to driving the mass application of blockchain technology, aiming to provide trustworthy and accessible digital asset services to one billion global users.

*As of August 8, 2025, HashKey Exchange ranks seventeenth on CoinGecko’s global exchange list and is the highest-ranked licensed virtual asset exchange in Hong Kong.

About HashKey Chain

HashKey Chain is the preferred blockchain for financial institutions and RWA tokenization, dedicated to promoting compliant and scalable Onchain Finance. As a compliance-friendly blockchain infrastructure, HashKey Chain provides a secure and transparent on-chain environment for institutions. HashKey Chain inherits Ethereum’s decentralized security while enhancing transaction efficiency through high-performance optimization, ensuring on-chain asset stability and traceability. Its low-cost solution offers minimal Gas fees and high throughput, enabling efficient circulation of MMFs, bonds, funds, and stablecoins while reducing institutional operational costs.

HashKey Chain collaborates with leading financial institutions and compliant Web3 projects to provide solutions for institutional DeFi, RWA tokenization, and stablecoin settlement, accelerating the financial system’s digital transformation.

Disclaimer: https://hsk.xyz/news/disclaimer/Disclaimer

Wellness and Walkability Shape European Travel Preferences, Agoda Advises Hoteliers

Among top destinations, Malaysia shows largest year-on-year search growth at 20% in Agoda’s Europe to Asia Summer Travel Trends Report

SINGAPORE, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda’s latest Europe to Asia Summer Travel Trends data shows an increase in European traveler interest for Asian destinations.

Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam top the list of most searched destinations for summer 2025, with interest driven by travelers from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. Notably, search interest is also rising among travelers from Greece (+23%), Turkey (+21%), and Poland (+17%).

This growth in interest aligns with a broader shift in European traveler preferences, who are increasingly seeking authentic, immersive experiences in striking locations from exploring vibrant neighborhoods, enjoying wellness retreats and sampling local cuisine to discovering cultural landmarks on foot.

Agoda’s guide to Asia’s top cities to explore on foot highlights walkable hidden gems that make many of these trending destinations celebrated for their ease of accessibility. Hotels in walkable cities like Chiang Khan (Thailand), Melaka (Malaysia), Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) can stand out further by emphasizing their proximity to city centers, historic neighborhoods, and local attractions.

For Asian hoteliers, the growing appeal of walkable cities presents a timely opportunity to tailor offerings and capture the attention of Europe’s next wave of Asia-bound guests. Properties can highlight walkability by offering curated street tour maps and guided walking tours to enhance guest experience. Accommodation providers can make it easier for guests to access local cuisine, hidden cafés, and cultural landmarks at every turn.

Wellness tourism continues to expand across Asia, with Mordor Intelligence reporting that the market is projected to reach USD 156 billion in 2025. Today’s travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that not only offer convenience and cultural immersion, but also opportunities to recharge and focus on their wellbeing. Hoteliers can attract discerning guests by offering spa packages, yoga classes, or digital detox retreats, and by bundling wellness experiences with room rates. Chiang Khan in Thailand, for instance, is an ideal example of a wellness-focused destination, with its car-free walking street, peaceful sunrise views over the Mekong, and opportunities for mindful experiences. These thoughtful touches not only appeal to wellness-seeking travelers but also enhance the overall guest experience.

“As European travel patterns evolve, the real opportunity for hotels lies in anticipating not just where guests want to go, but how they want to experience those destinations,” said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda. “By leveraging data-driven insights, hoteliers can move beyond traditional offerings to curate experiences that reflect the growing demand for wellness, walkability, and local authenticity. This approach positions them to capture interest from European travelers and build stronger, more resilient guest relationships for the long term.”

With over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda provides endless possibilities for creating unforgettable travel experiences.  

For more insights on how to optimize strategic hotel initiatives this summer, visit https://partnerhub.agoda.com/.