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Charting the Growth of Finance: Future-Ready Chartered Bankers Lead in an Era of Transformation

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB) recently held its 8th Chartered Banker Conferment ceremony, honouring the commitment of banking professionals who exemplify the highest standards of professional excellence and lifelong learning in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing financial environment. Held under the theme “Charting the Growth of Finance”, the ceremony underscored the growing importance of nurturing future-ready and ethical banking and finance professionals, especially in light of rising challenges in cybersecurity, data privacy, sustainable finance, and the accelerating impact of digital transformation and fintech.

Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Dato' Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, AICB Chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr, and the AICB Council with Chartered Banker Institute (CBI) President Paul Denton, AICB Chief Executive Edward Ling and Asian Banking School Chief Executive Officer Prof. Dr Manivanan Saman, at the 8th Chartered Banker Conferment 2025.
Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Dato’ Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, AICB Chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr, and the AICB Council with Chartered Banker Institute (CBI) President Paul Denton, AICB Chief Executive Edward Ling and Asian Banking School Chief Executive Officer Prof. Dr Manivanan Saman, at the 8th Chartered Banker Conferment 2025.

Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Dato’ Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, who delivered the special address at the ceremony, said: “Malaysia has invested significantly in developing talent in our financial sector. Over the years, we have developed a comprehensive ecosystem of talent affiliates providing training, certification, and future-looking guidance on the skills needed by the financial sector. I also wish to highlight the important role played by financial institutions to further complement these efforts through their respective learning and development academies. While the financial services industry benefits from a good talent development ecosystem, more collective actions are needed to future-proof the workforce.”

A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award by Chartered Banker Institute (CBI) President Paul Denton to AICB Chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim. This global recognition — the first awarded by CBI in over a decade — celebrates Tan Sri Azman’s decades-long leadership in promoting ethical banking and professional excellence across the region.

AICB Chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim said: “I am deeply honoured by this recognition. This award is a reflection of the collective progress we have made as an industry in championing ethical professionalism in banking. Banking transcends numbers — it is about trust, stewardship and purpose. I hope this inspires more professionals to embrace continuous learning and lead with integrity in shaping the future of finance.”

The ceremony also honoured the contributions of Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) with the AICB Honorary Fellowship — one of the Institute’s highest distinctions. This prestigious award recognises Governor Remolona’s transformative contributions towards fostering greater ASEAN banking integration, effective policymaking, and championing talent development within the financial sector.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said: “It is a tremendous honour to receive the prestigious Honorary Fellowship from the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB). In today’s interconnected world, regional collaboration is essential in elevating banking standards across ASEAN. I look forward to deepening the Malaysia–Philippines cooperation in talent development and knowledge exchange and key areas of mutual interest, ensuring that our financial sectors remain robust, ethical, and future-ready.”

As banking continues to evolve rapidly, AICB reaffirmed its commitment to professionalising and upskilling the workforce through its professional education offerings. Its flagship Chartered Banker qualification, developed in collaboration with the UK’s Chartered Banker Institute, sets the gold standard for banking professionalism. AICB also provides specialised certifications in areas such as digital transformation, financial crime prevention, sustainable finance and more.

AICB Chief Executive Edward Ling said: “Professionalism and upskilling in banking is no longer optional — it is essential. At AICB, we are committed to expanding our growing community of over 800 Chartered Bankers in the next two years, empowering the industry with future-ready capabilities. Through our robust education programmes, the Future Skills Framework and thought leadership initiatives in key areas such as digital innovation and sustainable finance, we aim to equip our members with the critical skills and professional foundation needed to navigate and innovate the future of banking and finance.”

The ceremony conferred the prestigious Fellow Chartered Banker (FCB) status on 14 distinguished industry leaders, including AICB Council Member Dato’ Mohd Rashid Mohamad, Group Managing Director / Group Chief Executive Officer of RHB Bank Berhad. Additionally, 71 AICB members were conferred the Chartered Banker (CB) status, while over 500 members attained the Associate Chartered Banker status.

The ceremony also celebrated recipients of the Excellence and Corporate Awards. Attended by over 480 guests comprising members of the AICB Council and C-suite executives, the 8th Chartered Banker Conferment ceremony reaffirmed AICB’s role in building a resilient, ethical, and future-ready professional banking workforce for Malaysia and the region.

About Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers

AICB is Malaysia’s premier professional body for the banking industry, governed by a council comprising representatives from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) and the Malaysian Investment Banking Association (MIBA). With over 37,000 members, our mission is to elevate banking standards by developing professionals who exemplify integrity, expertise and competence.

As the exclusive institute in Southeast Asia authorised by the UK’s Chartered Banker Institute, we confer the prestigious Chartered Banker status. AICB collaborates with industry leaders to ensure our qualifications remain relevant, equipping bankers with the skills needed to thrive in the dynamic banking sector.

Our commitment goes beyond education, offering members opportunities for growth through innovative learning, advocacy for professionalism, thought leadership and valuable networking initiatives.

For more information on AICB, please visit www.aicb.org.my

Visa launches Click to Pay in Hong Kong with ZA Bank, the first issuing bank in Asia Pacific

SINGAPORE, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Visa, a global leader in digital payments, today announced a significant advancement that will transform the eCommerce experience. Hong Kong’s first and largest digital bank[1], ZA Bank, pioneers Click to Pay, enabling cardholders to complete online transactions in seconds without the need for manual card entry. ZA Bank is the first card issuing bank to enable Visa Click to Pay in Hong Kong and across Asia Pacific, with 11 more markets to follow.

Click to Pay is the new standard in online shopping; it brings greater convenience to online shopping.  When Click to Pay is enabled, consumers can skip guest checkout, bypass form fields and forgo the hassle of remembering passwords after setting up their Visa card on the issuing Bank’s app. By eliminating the need to manually enter your Personal Account Number (PAN), or your 16-digit card number, and passwords, reducing checkout time from five minutes to under one minute[2]. Data is also securely stored with Visa, ensuring trust and security without the need for consumers to store their information on third-party sites.

With cart abandonment rates as high as 84%2 for eCommerce, Click to Pay seeks to reduce friction by improving authorisation rates by an average of 2.5%[3], improving business for merchants. Without the complexity of card information input, it is like contactless payment, for online shopping. Click to Pay enables consumers to complete online transactions within a few clicks, powering a more seamless and secure checkout experience at scale. Consumers only need their registered email, phone number or Visa Payment Passkey to check-out online. 

T.R. Ramachandran, Head of Products and Solutions, Asia Pacific, Visa, said, “eCommerce in Asia Pacific has been accelerated by mobile phone ownership, digital advancements and connectivity in Asia Pacific. Our partnership with ZA Bank is a great example of Visa’s ongoing industry collaboration to bring innovative payment solutions that benefit the consumer, merchant and issuer. When Click to Pay is used, and combined with Visa Payment Passkey, consumers can enjoy a seamless checkout experience with just three clicks[4] while merchants will benefit from a quicker checkout time, improved authorisation rates and far lower fraud rates. Visa will continue to uplift the consumer retail and online experience while bringing greater commercial success and more innovations to our bank and merchant partners across the region.”

By making Click to Pay a card-level feature that comes ready with Visa cards, cardholders can access the solution without having to sign up separately on third-party eCommerce or merchant sites for Click to Pay. There is no additional setup required by consumers.

To provide additional peace of mind with the Click to Pay capability, cardholders can set up their Visa Payment Passkey using their native device’s biometric capability or screen lock and use the Passkey for future payment authentication when they check out at participating eCommerce sites.

In the Asia Pacific region, major acquirers, including AsiaPay, and a wide range of merchants have geared up with Visa Click to Pay solutions. Consumers can now enjoy enhanced checkout and payment experiences at their favourite shops or merchants.

The ZA Bank partnership highlights a growing demand among issuers, acquirers and merchants for prioritising safe, seamless and frictionless checkouts to increase customer satisfaction with a better online shopping experience. It also gives us a glimpse into what next generation eCommerce will look like – safe, seamless, secure and fast.

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.


[1]: Interim report of Hong Kong Banks. As the first digital bank to launch in Hong Kong, ZA Bank had the highest number of users and customer deposits among the city’s eight digital banks as of 30 June 2024.

[2]: Retail Asia: ‘I am not a robot.’ 84% of APAC consumers abandon carts due to complex login process.

[3]: VisaNet data, Oct-Dec 2022. Visa credit and debit CNP transactions for tokenised vs non-tokenised credentials in the AP region. Authorisation rate is defined as approved authorisations divided by total authorisation attempts based upon first attempt of a unique transaction.

[4]: Three clicks to complete the transaction: 1 – Click to Pay recognises consumer and presents issuer activated cards, 2 – consumer selects a card and initiates checkout and 3 – consumer authenticates to complete the transaction.

China-Europe-America Global Initiative Think Tanks and Museums Paris Dialogue 2025 Held in Paris

PARIS, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On May 23, the China-Europe-America Global Initiative Think Tanks and Museums Paris Dialogue 2025 was held in Paris, with more than 50 guests from China, France, Italy, the US and other countries engaged in the dialogue.

Experts from China, Europe, and America exchange views at the session “Harmony in Beauty: An International Dialogue on Beijing's Central Axis”
Experts from China, Europe, and America exchange views at the session “Harmony in Beauty: An International Dialogue on Beijing’s Central Axis”

The event, under the theme “China, Europe, and America: Cultural Exchanges for Peace and Progress”, was co-hosted by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS), the Information Office of Beijing Municipality and the China-Europe-America Global Initiative. The sub-forums were featured by topics including “The Role of Cultural Institutions in Fostering Understanding Between Cultures” “The Future of Museums and Cultural Institutions” and “Harmony in Beauty: An International Dialogue on Beijing’s Central Axis”.

Laurent Fabius, Former Prime Minister of France and Chen Li, Minister of the Chinese Embassy in France, attended the forum and delivered speeches. Yu Yunquan, Vice President of the China International Communications Group (CICG) and President of ACCWS, and Yu Junsheng, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and Director of the Beijing Municipal Government Information Office, delivered video speeches. David Gosset, founder of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative, presided over the opening ceremony.

Laurent Fabius said that as the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, cultural institutions should play a dual role: fostering the concept of peace by transmitting historical lessons, as well as raising public awareness of environmental protection through exhibitions and initiatives.

Chen Li emphasized the longstanding cultural exchanges between China and France, calling for the promotion of cultural resonance between the Chinese philosophy of “harmony in diversity” and Europe’s ideal of “unity in diversity”. Such efforts, he noted, would contribute significantly to global cultural diversity and human progress.

Yu Yunquan described museums as “gene banks” for preserving civilizations, “salons” for facilitating mutual learning among cultures, and “showcases” for promoting contemporary values. He stressed the common commitment to deepening the China-Europe-America Museum Cooperation Initiative to advance the Global Civilization Initiative.

David Gosset released Museums Without Borders • China Museums 2025 Annual Report during the dialogue. The report, co-authored by ACCWS and the China-Europe-America Museum Cooperation Initiative, focuses on Chinese museums’ international collaboration practices and highlights their role in improving global understanding of China and facilitating cultural dialogue.

As a supporting event of the forum, a photo exhibition themed “Beijing Central Axis: A Masterpiece Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital” was held in Paris on the same day. The French edition of the book China’s Perspectives on Global Governance was also launched at the event.

FAIR PLAY MENARINI INTERNATIONAL AWARD, THE COUNTDOWN TOWARDS A MEMORABLE 29TH EDITION BEGINS

FLORENCE, Italy, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Fair Play Menarini International Award is gearing up for its 29th edition. This annual event, dedicated to champions of ethics, loyalty, and respect, is once again set to captivate audiences with a stellar line up of international sports legends.

Fair Play Menarini International Award
Fair Play Menarini International Award

The partnership with Sky TG24 has been renewed for the year 2025 and the broadcaster will be covering all the highlights leading up to the Award ceremony, starting with the gala dinner on Wednesday 2 July. The unique setting of Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence shall indeed be welcoming those sports legends who the day after, on Thursday 3 July, will be given a very warm reception by the public at the award ceremony at the Roman Theatre in Fiesole.

Once again, this year’s event shall be acknowledging some of the world’s top-tier athletes who are also ready to become Ambassadors of the Fair Play Menarini International Award and commit to endorsing the values of fairness and sportsmanship, both in sport and in life.

The names of this edition’s awardees shall be announced on Wednesday 11 June, during a press conference set to take place at the Hall of Honour at the Italian Olympic Games Committee headquarters, CONI, in Rome. On this occasion, the touching stories of fair play shown by three young athletes will be showcased and the Fair Play Menarini ‘Young Athletes’ award conferred.

On Thursday 26 June, the spotlight will shine on the Special Fiamme Gialle ‘Study and Sport’ Award which acknowledges those young athletes who excel not only in competitive sports but also at school. This prize, founded in collaboration with the Sports Group of the Guardia di Finanza and the Tuscan branch of CONI, will be awarded during a press conference at Palazzo Guadagni Strozzi Sacrati, the headquarters of the Tuscany Region, in Florence.

“We’re putting the finishing touches to what promises to be a thrilling 29th edition, full of extraordinary guests,” declared Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, members of the Board of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation. “As we move forward, our passion for this journey grows even stronger. We approach each edition with the same enthusiasm as the first, eager to reunite with the audiences of the Fair Play Menarini International Award and share some of the magic of sport.

Fair Play Menarini International Award
Fair Play Menarini International Award

 

Fair Play Menarini International Award
Fair Play Menarini International Award

 

 

Tech Meets Trail: Hypershell and American Hiking Society Launch Groundbreaking Partnership on National Trails Day®

Hypershell joins as the Exclusive Exoskeleton Sponsor to support trail stewardship and empower the next generation of hikers.

SHENZHEN, China, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hypershell, creators of the world’s first wearable exoskeleton designed for outdoor adventure, is proud to announce its partnership with American Hiking Society (AHS) for National Trails Day® 2025, held this year on Saturday, June 7.

Hypershell and American Hiking Society Launch Groundbreaking Partnership on National Trails Day
Hypershell and American Hiking Society Launch Groundbreaking Partnership on National Trails Day

As the Exclusive Exoskeleton Sponsor of National Trails Day®, Hypershell is donating 30 Hypershell Pro X units to American Hiking Society to amplify the mission of trail conservation and accessibility. These lightweight, AI-powered exoskeletons—designed to reduce fatigue and support mobility—will be deployed to key trail stewardship events across the country, helping both volunteers and organizers move farther, work longer, and hike stronger.

“Hypershell was founded on the belief that technology should expand the boundaries of human movement, especially in the wild,” said Kevin Sun, Founder and CEO of Hypershell. “Our mission aligns deeply with that of the American Hiking Society, which has been the national voice for America’s hikers for nearly 50 years. We’re honored to stand with them in promoting access, adventure, and stewardship on the trails.”

American Hiking Society champions foot trails and the hiking experience, working to protect the places people love to hike. National Trails Day®, their signature annual event, unites thousands of volunteers, hikers, and partners across all 50 states in the shared mission of improving trail access and care.

This year, Hypershell will join volunteers at the Tahoe Rim Trail project near Big Meadow Trailhead in Lake Tahoe, California, one of the most scenic sections of trail in the Sierra Nevada. The focus of this year’s stewardship effort is a new highway crossing reroute—a critical improvement that will enhance safety and the overall trail experience. Attendees will have the chance to try on the Hypershell Pro X and experience firsthand how wearable exoskeletons can reduce strain, extend endurance, and support the vital work of trail maintenance.

From enabling older volunteers to stay active in conservation, to empowering next-gen adventurers to take on new terrain, Hypershell believes wearable robotics can play a key role in sustaining both human potential and natural spaces.

Together with AHS, we’re building more than trails. We’re building a future where everyone can explore farther, give back longer, and hike without limits.

For more information, visit the Hypershell Official Website or American Hiking Society Official Website.

Contact:
Hypershell Co., Ltd.
Hypershell PR team
Email: pr@hypershell.tech

Nota AI Demonstrates On-Device AI Breakthrough at Embedded Vision Summit 2025 in Collaboration with Qualcomm AI Hub

  • NetsPresso® and Qualcomm AI Hub: Strategic Integration Streamlines Edge AI Development
  • Generative AI solutions drive global expansion momentum ahead of IPO listing

SEOUL, South Korea, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nota AI, a global leader in AI optimization, showcased its latest edge AI innovations alongside Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. at the Embedded Vision Summit 2025, held May 20–22 in Santa Clara, California. The Embedded Vision Summit is a prominent global conference for innovators incorporating computer vision and AI in products, attended by more than 70 companies and over 1,400 industry experts worldwide.

Tae-Ho Kim, CTO and Co-founder of Nota AI, presents on the platform integration between NetsPresso® and the Qualcomm® AI Hub during Qualcomm’s Deep Dive Session.
Tae-Ho Kim, CTO and Co-founder of Nota AI, presents on the platform integration between NetsPresso® and the Qualcomm® AI Hub during Qualcomm’s Deep Dive Session.

Nota AI prominently featured its collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, emphasizing the optimization of its proprietary AI model optimization platform, NetsPresso®, for use with the Qualcomm® AI Hub. Both companies utilized video presentations at their booths to demonstrate the enhanced efficiency and scalability achieved through this collaboration. Nota AI’s CTO, Tae-Ho Kim, further highlighted these advancements in a Qualcomm Technologies-hosted Deep Dive Session, detailing how the integrated platforms significantly streamline the workflow for developing and deploying AI models on edge devices.

“This collaboration shows how we’re making edge AI deployment faster, lighter, and more efficient,” said Tae-Ho Kim, CTO of Nota AI. “We’re excited to deepen our collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies and extend our reach across global edge and IoT applications.”

Additionally, Nota AI unveiled the NetsPresso Optimization Studio, the latest enhancement to its AI model optimization platform, NetsPresso®. Optimization Studio offers users an intuitive, visual interface designed to simplify AI model optimization. Developers can quickly visualize critical layer details and model performance required for efficient quantization, enabling rapid, data-driven decisions based on actual device performance metrics.

Also featured was Nota Vision Agent (NVA), a generative AI-based video analytics solution. NVA enables real-time video event detection, natural language video search, and automated report generation, helping enterprise users maximize situational awareness and operational efficiency. The solution has already proven its commercial viability through a recent supply agreement with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) — a first for a Korean company in this domain.

Meanwhile, On May 22, Nota AI filed for a preliminary IPO listing, making it the first AI optimization company from Korea to do so via the country’s technology-special track. The IPO plan is attracting significant market attention, backed by Nota AI’s robust global expansion and strong product competitiveness. Earlier in April, Nota AI was also recognized as one of the “Top 100 Global Innovative AI Startups” by the global market research firm CB Insights. Looking ahead, Nota AI plans to accelerate its presence across key global markets — including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

Shelter Pererenan Honored with Prestige Gourmet Gold Award 2025

BALI, Indonesia, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shelter Pererenan is proud to announce its recognition as a recipient of the Prestige Gourmet Gold Award 2025, celebrating its position among the Top 10 Restaurants in Indonesia.

Shelter Pererenan Honored with Prestige Gourmet Gold Award 2025
Shelter Pererenan Honored with Prestige Gourmet Gold Award 2025

Hosted by Prestige Indonesia, the inaugural awards gathered a distinguished panel of nearly 30 tastemakers, creatives, and culinary professionals—each selected for their expertise and deep appreciation of gastronomy. Through a highly selective judging process, Shelter earned its place on the national stage for its consistent commitment to culinary integrity and elevated guest experience.

“This recognition is a meaningful milestone for our entire team at Shelter. We take great pride in crafting food that is honest, soulful, and deeply rooted in flavor—delivered with intention from our kitchen to each guest’s table,” said Chef Stephen.

More than just an accolade, this recognition is a celebration of Shelter’s dedication to quality—from ingredient sourcing and technique to the genuine hospitality that defines every guest touchpoint.

About Shelter Pererenan

Tucked in the vibrant heart of Pererenan, Canggu, Shelter is a modern Mediterranean restaurant rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and soul. Known for its earthy interiors, open kitchen, and generous hospitality, Shelter is a favorite among locals, expats, and traveling gourmands seeking thoughtful food and a relaxed, yet refined atmosphere. Whether it’s a slow brunch or vibrant dinner service, every dish reflects the team’s devotion to honest, flavorful cooking.

Reservations & Media Inquiries

Book a table: www.shelterbali.com
Media Contact: ineke@shelterbali.com 
Location: Shelter Pererenan – Canggu, Bali
Instagram: @shelter.pererenan

WeBank Technology Services Wins International Fintech Award

HONG KONG, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On May 22, at the TAB Global Financial Technology Innovation Awards 2025 ceremony held by The Asian Banker (“TAB”), WeBank Technology Services and Fusion Bank were jointly awarded the Best Core Banking Technology Initiative (Small Bank) in Asia Pacific for their collaborated project of Next-Generation Core Banking System.

The TAB Global Financial Technology Innovation Awards is one of the most prestigious benchmarking awards for technology innovation leadership and performance in the global financial services industry. The Best Core Banking Technology Initiative specifically acknowledges institutions with exceptional technological advancement in core banking systems. This is the first time in three years that a Hong Kong digital bank won at the TAB Global Financial Technology Innovation Awards, indicating the technological leadership of the project’s collaborative achievement.

Fusion Bank and WeBank Technology Services were jointly awarded the Best Core Banking Technology Initiative (Small Bank) in Asia Pacific
Fusion Bank and WeBank Technology Services were jointly awarded the Best Core Banking Technology Initiative (Small Bank) in Asia Pacific

The award-winning project was launched to enhance Fusion Bank’s digital service capabilities and meet its business innovation and cost-efficiency needs to ensure the bank’s sustainable development. The project covered upgrade of over 150 subsystems across five core business areas of Fusion Bank, and was completed with a swift cutover in just 15 hours. The data in legacy systems from various vendors were seamlessly migrated to the new core banking system within merely six hours. Supported by WeBank Technology Services with its core banking system solutions, the project has set a new benchmark in banking system upgrade for the banking industry in Hong Kong.

Leveraging the distributed architecture design from WeBank Technology Services, the upgraded system can now scale on demand according to business growth, solving the previous pain points of high upfront IT investment. Additionally, it further enhances the business agility and shortens the time-to-market for new product launches, through parameterized products, process orchestration, and AI-native capabilities. After the new system went live, the product development cycle of Fusion Bank was reduced from an average of six months to three months, with non-human IT costs expected to be cut by 53% by 2027. Notably, the new system is widely compatible with mainstream software and hardware, offering the advantages of openness and being technology-agnostic.

The Asian Banker highlighted: “WeBank Technology Services and Fusion Bank have demonstrated exceptional innovation through the successful execution of this technology initiative, effectively addressing current and future business needs while enhancing service capabilities. This has resulted in notable business outcomes, significant efficiency gains and enhanced customer value, surpassing industry peers.”

Billy Chiu, Chief Technology Officer of Fusion Bank, said: “We are truly honored to be the only Hong Kong digital bank receiving this award in the past three years. It is a significant recognition for both Fusion Bank and WeBank Technology Services. The upgrade of our next-generation core banking system shows our ongoing commitment to advancing financial inclusion through fintech, making our banking services more accessible and efficient for a broader segment of the community.”

As the wholly-owned fintech arm of WeBank, WeBank Technology Services leverages the parent company’s leading practices in digital banking, focuses on providing digital finance and digital infrastructure solutions globally. Currently, WeBank Technology Services is expanding its partnership with multiple institutions across markets like Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Qatar.

About WeBank Technology Services

Launched in Hong Kong in June 2024, WeBank Technology Services sets out to leverage WeBank’s cutting-edge fintech capabilities and digital finance best practice to deliver a variety of superior digital finance and digital infrastructure solutions to digital banks, financial institutions, government agencies, and industry partners worldwide.

About WeBank

Established in 2014, WeBank Co., Ltd. (“WeBank”) is the first digital bank in China. WeBank provides convenient financial services to micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and the public, and continuously improves the quality of services in response to customers’ specific needs. WeBank has served over 420 million retail customers and 5.8 million enterprises.

WeBank has pioneered the development of the world’s first fully distributed next-generation core banking system using standardized hardware and open-source software. It maintains an exceptional system availability of 99.999% with peak daily transaction exceeding 1.4 billion, while the annual IT O&M cost per account remains as low as USD 0.3, only one-tenth of the industry average.