Every year on 21 May, tea lovers across the globe raise their cups in celebration of International Tea Day, a nod to one of the oldest and most loved drinks in the world.
Laos Celebrates Its Ancient Tea Legacy on International Tea Day

The 12th Animation Support Program Awards Presentation Ceremony cum Premiere
Promising Local Start-ups & Small Animation Enterprises Collaboratively Exploring Business Opportunities & Strengthening the Competitiveness of Hong Kong’s Animation Industry
HONG KONG, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Organized by the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association (HKDEA) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Animation Support Program (ASP) has been dedicated to nurturing local animation start-ups and small animation enterprises for many years. This year marks the program’s 12th edition, continuing its mission by supporting 30 local animation enterprises with funding to create original works.
Group photo of Mr. LAU Chun, Raistlin, JP, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR, Mrs. CHO LAI Suk Ha, Lowell, Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Mr. PANG Gabriel, Chairman of the HKDEA and the Animation Enterprises and Winners.
The Awards Presentation Ceremony cum Premiere was held on 20 May 2025 (Tuesday) at the Hong Kong Arts Centre. The ceremony celebrated the animators’ dedication and achievements, boosted the morale of creative teams, and provided a platform for industry networking—further advancing the development of Hong Kong’s cultural, creative, and digital entertainment sectors.
The organizer invited Mr. LAU Chun, Raistlin, JP, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as the Guest-of-Honour and officiating guest. Mr. Lau commended the HKDEA for successfully organizing the 12th ASP and congratulated all the winners. In addition, Mrs. CHO LAI Suk Ha, Lowell, Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, and Mr. PANG Gabriel, Chairman of the HKDEA also attended the event.
Mr. PANG Gabriel, Chairman of the HKDEA, said, “For the past 12 years, ASP has been dedicated to nurturing local animation talent and promoting original animation works. Today’s ceremony not only recognizes the animators’ dedication but also serves as a key platform for industry exchange, showcasing local animation and inspiring the next generation of creators. Let us witness together the growth and future of Hong Kong’s animation industry—and look forward to another 12 years of success.”
The ASP fosters diversified growth among local animation enterprises; offering three funding categories tailored to different development stages. One category specifically supports Animation Start-ups (16 companies) while the other two support Small Animation Enterprises in Basic Productions and Advance Productions (14 companies). A total of 30 enterprises will receive up to HK$130,000 to HK$600,000 in funding to produce animations of at least 3, 5, or 10 minutes, depending on their category.
Beyond financial assistance, the ASP provides participating enterprises with holistic support, including mentorship by industry veterans, technical training and business development programs. In addition to today’s awards ceremony and premiere, one of this year’s key initiatives was a curated showcase of the 30 funded animations at the “Hong Kong International Film 2025 (FILMART)” from March 17 to 20, 2025. These efforts empower animators to elevate their brands, expand their networks, and unlock new opportunities.
The premiere of the 12th ASP was held right after the award ceremony to showcase all 30 animations produced under the program. To review these 30 animations and to learn more about the 12th ASP, please visit the official website: www.animation-ssp.com.
List of participating animation enterprises and winners of the 12th ASP are as below.
Notes to editors:
List of Participating Animation Enterprises and Winners of the 12th Animation Support Program (in alphabetical order of company names, except the winners)
Tier 1: Animation Start-ups
Name of Start-up |
Name of Animation |
Gold Award of The Best Animation (Start-ups) Award |
|
PAPAPAPA Studio |
Kagami |
2 Punch 6 Studio |
My First Doll |
Silver Awards of The Best Animation (Start-ups) Award |
|
No Award |
|
Bronze Award of The Best Animation (Start-ups) Award |
|
THOSEHERE STUDIO |
LOVER |
Merit Awards of The Best Animation (Start-ups) Award |
|
Koi Design and Grocery |
Shooting Star & Fireworks |
Mountriver Studio |
Skull Story |
BLACK SEA STUDIO |
Fly Train |
Other Participating Enterprises |
|
A1 Studio |
Softies & Friends |
ANILINE |
Hello! Mr. Butterfly |
BOS CREATE A LIMITED |
Modify him! |
cna studio |
Save Bird |
FOUR LEAF CLOVER STUDIO LIMITED |
The growth of darkness |
GOKATTA STUDIO |
Sock and Awe |
Lokomotion Limited |
Order From the Hell |
PROJJECT STUDIO |
Run Run Run |
Tepukuma Limited |
Z Hunter – Prologue |
Little. Puzzle |
The scene of mind |
Tier 2: Small Animation Enterprises with Training in Basic Productions
Name of Start-up |
Name of Animation |
Gold Award of The Best Animation (Small Enterprises with Training in Basic Production) Award |
|
Croissant Studio |
Buzzing Bees |
Silver Award of The Best Animation (Small Enterprises with Training in Basic Production) Award |
|
MindExit Studio |
Silent Tides |
Studio Babos |
Vietnam Diary (Frogs, Sunshine, Django) |
Bronze Awards of The Best Animation (Small Enterprises with Training in Basic Production) Award |
|
No Award |
|
Merit Awards of The Best Animation (Small Enterprises with Training in Basic Production) Award |
|
Creative Woodplace |
Uncle Babysitter 3 |
Other Participating Enterprises |
|
Crow’s Garden Entertainment Limited |
Golden Swirl |
HAND SOLO |
N/A |
Lost and Found Studio |
In-between Crevices |
Microwave Studio |
Kelly Don’t Go |
Moonshiners Studio |
Save the last dance for us |
Storyhere Studio |
Ollie’s Star |
Tier 3: Small Animation Enterprises with Training in Advanced Productions
Name of Start-up |
Name of Animation |
Gold Award of The Best Animation (Small Animation Enterprises with Training in Advanced Productions) Award |
|
Queenkong Land ACG., Co., Ltd. |
The James Show |
Silver Award of The Best Animation (Small Animation Enterprises with Training in Advanced Productions) Award |
|
ClickBoom Limited |
Underblue |
Bronze Award of The Best Animation (Small Animation Enterprises with Training in Advanced Productions) Award |
|
TOCAT Creative Limited |
Mr.Fun’s Silent Movement |
Other Participating Enterprises |
|
diversity creative (hk) limited |
N/A |
Eligibility of Participants
Participating start-ups and small enterprises should be:
- local enterprises holding valid business registration certificates;
- enterprises with primary focus on animation production; and
- able to meet the requirements in the following table:
Category |
Tier 1: Animation |
Tier 2: Small Animation Enterprises with Training in Basic Productions |
Tier 3: Small Animation Enterprises with Training in Advanced Productions |
Eligibility |
Enterprise with a history of not more than 6 years and 8 full time staff members or below |
Enterprise with a history of not more than 9 years and 15 full time staff members or below |
30 full time staff members or less, and with no restriction on years of establishment |
Quota |
16 |
10 |
4 |
Maximum subsidy amount |
HK$130,000 |
HK$240,000 |
HK$600,000 |
Specified length of animation |
Not less than 3 minutes |
Not less than 5 minutes |
Not less than 10 minutes |
Vetting Committee Members of the 12th ASP (in no particular order)
Mr. Gabriel Pang, Chairman, Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association
Mr. Anthony Lee, Vice-President, Hong Kong Film Directors’ Guild
Mr. Eddie Leung, Senior Teaching Fellow, School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong
Mr. Neco Lo, General Secretary, Hong Kong Animation and Cultural Association
Mr. Felix Ip, Animation Director / Comic Artist
Mr. Toe Yuen, Animation Movie Director
Mr. Wong Ying, Visual Effects Supervisor / Screenwriter
Mr. Eddy Hui, Honourary Secretary, Hong Kong Designers Association
Judging Panel Members of the 12th ASP (in no particular order)
Mr. Gabriel Pang, Chairman, Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association
Mr. Anthony Lee, Vice-President, Hong Kong Film Directors’ Guild
Mr. Eddie Leung, Senior Teaching Fellow, School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong
Mr. Neco Lo, General Secretary, Hong Kong Animation and Cultural Association
Mr. Felix Ip, Animation Director / Comic Artist
Mr. Wong Ying, Visual Effects Supervisor / Screenwriter
Mr. Eddy Hui, Honourary Secretary, Hong Kong Designers Association
Ms. Joycelyn Choi, General Manager, MOViE MOViE
Mr. Lam Kee To, Hong Kong Famous Script Writer
Mr. Kinson Cheung, Senior Lecturer, Caritas Institute of Higher Education
Mr. Naveen Ma, Dean of HK School of Animation & VFX
Mentors of the 12th ASP (in no particular order)
Mr. Anthony Lee, Vice-President, Hong Kong Film Directors’ Guild
Mr. Neco Lo, General Secretary, Hong Kong Animation and Cultural Association
Mr. Felix Ip, Animation Director / Comic Artist
Mr. Toe Yuen, Animation Movie Director
Mr. Wong Ying, Visual Effects Supervisor / Screenwriter
Mr. Eddy Hui, Honourary Secretary, Hong Kong Designers Association
Mr. Lam Kee To, Hong Kong Famous Script Writer
Ms. Polly Yeung, Movie / Animation Script Writer
About Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association (HKDEA)
Established in 1999, HKDEA is a non-profit organization aiming to promote digital entertainment development in Hong Kong. Its mission points toward the achievement of the following goals – boosting prosperity of the digital entertainment industry by foster cooperation among local developers; opening up and development of digital market; enhancement of local technology as so to raise the competitiveness of Hong Kong production; promoting communication between digital entertainment industry and related ones such as toys, entertainment and visual games; building a favourable image for digital entertainment; and protection of intellectual property right and scrapping counterfeit products.
For more information, please visit HKDEA’s website at www.hkdea.org
About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA)
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong’s positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.
CCIDA’s website: www.ccidahk.gov.hk
Wondershare Filmora Partners with Microsoft to Redefine Intelligent Video Editing at Microsoft Build 2025
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VANCOUVER, BC, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Wondershare’s flagship video creativity software, Filmora, made its debut at Microsoft Build 2025 as a featured Keynote partner that leverages the new API for semantic search and knowledge retrieval to build a natural language search and RAG (retrieval-augmented generation) scenarios in Filmora with its custom data including effects, filters and music clips. This live demonstration marks a new milestone and a major upgrade to its AI editing assistant, AI Mate, expected to release later this year, where Filmora users will soon be able to learn new features and apply them automatically – completely locally on the Windows Copilot+ PCs even when disconnected from the internet.
“By deeply integrating Microsoft’s latest APIs for semantic search and knowledge retrieval, creators will no longer need to memorize complex terms or manually connect editing steps. Instead, they simply enter prompts like ‘make my video look vintage’ and AI Mate would immediately make recommendations such as adding a ‘Vintage 1950′ filter, a ’16mm film shake’ effect, and a ‘jazz piano’ background track. This made editing tasks much simpler for Filmora users in just one click”, said Luyan Zhang, Product Manager at Wondershare.
Another key highlight of the upgrade is the integration of Microsoft’s Phi Silica, a cutting-edge local language model, directly into AI Mate. Supported by on-device NPU acceleration, this enables Filmora to process natural-language instructions in multiple languages with remarkable accuracy—even PC users are offline while traveling on airplanes or to remote locations with no internet. By eliminating dependence on cloud connectivity or AI user credits, creators gain truly borderless freedom to create, anytime and anywhere with enhanced privacy and reduced cost.
In addition, Filmora leverages Windows 11’s NPU+GPU hybrid architecture to optimize performance across diverse hardware configurations. Several advanced AI features, including Video Enhancer, now support local processing. This allows users to enhance low-resolution videos by recovering fine details—such as skin texture and fabric patterns—without compromising speed or relying on cloud services.
“The AI era is reshaping the global video creation landscape across software, hardware, and ecosystems. We are committed to our mission of making the world more creative by partnering with industry leaders like Microsoft to improve video editing workflows through AI-powered app experiences for creators worldwide.” said Felix Lin, Assistant Vice President at Wondershare. “As a global leader in AI-driven creative solutions, Wondershare democratizes video editing, empower users of all skill levels to explore a future of boundless creativity and artistic freedom.”
About Filmora
Launched in 2015, Filmora is designed with its user in mind, featuring smoother performance and an intuitive user interface, and has attracted a cumulative global user base of nearly 300 million across 150+ countries and regions. With advanced AI features boosting content generation and editing and over 2.3 million creative assets, Filmora stands out as a leader in video editing software. Consistently introducing innovative tools, it enhances video creation and makes the process more efficient and accessible for all skill levels.
About Wondershare Technology
Wondershare is a globally recognized software company founded in 2003, known for its innovative solutions in creativity and productivity. Driven by the mission “Creativity Simplified”, Wondershare offers a range of tools, including Filmora, Virbo, and DemoCreator for video editing; PDFelement for document management; EdrawMax, EdrawMind for diagramming; and SelfyzAI, Pixpic for image recovery and editing. With over 1.5 billion users across 200+ countries and regions, Wondershare empowers the next generation of creators with intuitive software and trendy creative resources, continually expanding the possibilities of creativity worldwide.
TCL Solar Shines at SOLAR & STORAGE LIVE PHILIPPINES 2025, Showcasing Cutting-Edge Solar Solutions
MANILA, Philippines, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TCL Solar made a powerful debut at SOLAR & STORAGE LIVE PHILIPPINES 2025, held at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. As a leading innovator in solar technology, TCL Solar attracted significant attention at Booth 1-NO3, Hall 3, where it presented its latest high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) solutions. Many industry professionals and energy stakeholders visited the booth to explore TCL Solar’s advanced products and discuss collaboration opportunities to accelerate the Philippines’ renewable energy transition.
The Philippines’ Solar Market: A Rising Region in Southeast Asia
As one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic renewable energy markets, the Philippines has seen consistent growth in solar PV installations in recent years. Driven by robust electricity demand, high power costs, and strong government policy support, solar energy has become a cornerstone of the country’s energy transition. According to the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE), renewables are expected to account for 35% of the power mix by 2030, with solar PV emerging as one of the fastest-growing clean energy sources. This strategic focus positions the Philippines as a key market for solar innovation and investment, creating significant opportunities for global leaders like TCL Solar to contribute to its sustainable energy future.
TCL Solar’s N-Type High-Efficiency Modules: Powering the Philippines’ Green Future
At the heart of TCL Solar’s exhibition were its N-type TOPCon solar modules, which offer higher efficiency, lower degradation, and superior performance in high-temperature environments—making them ideal for the Philippines’ tropical climate. TCL Solar’s N-type technology delivers up to 24.6% more power output over its lifespan, significantly reducing LCOE for C&I and utility-scale projects. And as a strategic pillar of TCL’s green energy business, TCL Solar harnesses the TCL’s global competitive advantages to deliver superior solar solutions worldwide. With these advantages, TCL Solar is well-positioned to support the Philippines in achieving its renewable energy goals while ensuring long-term reliability and sustainability.
A Bright Future Ahead
In the future, leveraging cutting-edge technology and extensive project experience, TCL Solar will continue to strengthen local presence, delivering products and services that better meet market demands. Together with our partners, we are committed to driving the green energy transition in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia.
CONTACT: Lydia Tang, lixia.tang@tzeco.com
BBH Greater China ETF Investor Survey reveals that the region continues to outpace global ETF growth as investors manage market risk and volatility
Demand grows for active ETFs as well as for ETFs offering downside protection
HONG KONG, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) continue to grow in Greater China in 2025, with the region accounting for 71% of the overall record-breaking inflows of $347 billion in Asia-Pacific in 2024[1]. The findings of the 8th Annual Greater China ETF Investor Survey from Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (BBH), a global leading ETF custodian and administrator, show that during a time of unprecedented market dislocation and uncertainty, investor appetite for ETFs offering downside protection, such as buffered ETFs, is trending upwards. The region’s allocators are also registering increased demand for active ETFs.
The Annual Greater China ETF Investor Survey, which is a subset of its Global ETF Investor Survey, represents the opinions of 100 ETF investors from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, where 53% of respondents manage over USD$1 billion in assets and of which, 29% have more than 50% of their portfolio invested in ETFs (compared with 24% globally).
“The outsized growth in Greater China demonstrates the strength and depth of the market. As the regional ETF markets have matured and developed, investors are deploying an increasing amount of capital to ETFs. While local ETF issuers have a strong position across Greater China, there are opportunities for international ETF issuers too. To thrive in Greater China, international ETF issuers need to understand the local market nuances,” said Chris Pigott, Asia Head of ETF Services at BBH.
Key findings:
Greater China – The region leads the overall Asia-Pacific ETF growth
- Outsized growth of ETFs in Greater China vs global growth: Appetite for ETFs is particularly pronounced in Taiwan and Hong Kong, where 27% and 23% of allocators respectively have ramped up their ETF holdings by more than 25% in the last five years.
- Active ETFs gaining traction: All respondents plan to increase their exposures to active ETFs in the next 12 months, 40% of investors in both Hong Kong and Taiwan are planning to bolster their active ETF holdings by more than 25%.
- Reallocations to fund active ETFs: 22% of ETF investors said they would reduce their exposures to index-based ETFs, followed by actively managed mutual funds (19%) and actively managed SMAs (15%).
- Reasons for adopting ETFs: 35% of ETF investors are looking for long-term portfolio growth through core exposures. 32% want to provide portfolio outperformance through tactical, niche or narrow/sectors of the market. 20% are looking to manage risks, volatility, and downside protection. Just 13% are buying ETFs in order to generate income.
- Defined outcome leads the way: 29% of Greater China ETF investors plan to invest in defined outcome – or buffered ETFs – over the next 12 months, rising to 34% in mainland China. 27% plan to invest in fixed income.
- Increased focus on cryptocurrency ETFs: 26% of investors intend to buy cryptocurrency focused ETFs in 2025, with Taiwan (40%) and Hong Kong (23%) leading the way.
Mainland China – Investors are positive on increasing exposure to ETFs
- Demand for offshore assets remains strong, with mainland China investors being net buyers of Hong Kong listed ETFs through the Southbound channel in 2024 [2].
- Mainland investors are most interested in buffered ETFs (34%) and ESG products (20%) if they are going to buy ETFs listed on HKEX in the next 12 months.
- 40% of investors plan to fund new ETF purchases by redeploying capital from other ETFs.
Hong Kong – Tax efficiency is an important component of the total cost of ownership that investors are increasingly evaluating
- Hong Kong is one of the most diverse ETF markets in Asia, with flows driven by product innovation, both from the local regulator and the stock exchange.
- While demand for fixed income is on the rise, it is much more sought after in Hong Kong, where 34% of allocators plan to invest in the strategy.
- 34% of investors expect the dominance of the Magnificent Seven stocks to continue – this is above the overall response of 26% for Greater China.
- Tax efficiency is the most important consideration for ETF investors (26%) in Hong Kong.
Taiwan – One of the fastest growing ETF markets in the world, the launch of active ETFs paves opportunities to asset managers
- 23% of ETF investors in Taiwan are reallocating from active mutual funds in order to grow their ETF allocations.
- Demand for the launch of active ETFs is high, with 37% and 27% of investors planning to allocate to equity and liquid alternative active ETFs respectively.
- Structured products, i.e. Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs) are popular, with 23% of allocators planning to gain exposure to the asset class in 2025.
- Taiwan leads the way for cryptocurrency, with 40% of ETF investors intending to buy cryptocurrency focused ETFs in 2025.
- Greater China allocators are incredibly bullish on Artificial Intelligence (AI), with 31% saying it will be major investment trend for 2025. This rises to a staggering 60% in Taiwan.
Read the full report here: 2025 Greater China ETF Investor Survey.
[1] ETFGI Global ETFs industry insights report, December 2024 |
About Brown Brothers Harriman
Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH) is a global financial services firm known for premium service and specialist expertise. We have a 200-year track record helping clients innovate and navigate complex financial markets. Our 6,000 employees serve clients and their investments in over 90 markets across BBH’s 18 offices. As a private partnership, we are uniquely built to put clients first and create success that lasts.
BBH Investor Services is a leading provider of asset servicing and operating model solutions to global asset managers and financial institutions. Our asset servicing solutions include custody, global tax services, depositary and trustee, accounting, administration, transfer agency, and foreign exchange. Our operating model solutions solve platform, data, and connectivity challenges across open-architecture operating models. We support our clients’ growth, enhance operational efficiency and resiliency, and streamline reporting and oversight. For more information, please visit www.bbh.com.
References to specific types of securities and asset classes are for informative purposes only and are not intended to be and should not be interpreted as recommendations.
Disclaimer
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FOMO Pay Joins Global Dollar Network, Expands Stablecoin Payment Infrastructure with USDG
SINGAPORE, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FOMO Pay, a leading major payment institution headquartered in Singapore, has joined the Global Dollar Network (GDN), an open, enterprise-driven network designed to accelerate global adoption of stablecoins. As one of the first partners of GDN, FOMO Pay will integrate Global Dollar (USDG), a stablecoin issued by Paxos, into its digital payment infrastructure, enabling near-instant, transparent, and regulated stablecoin payments for merchants and corporates.
The integration of USDG will allow FOMO Pay’s broad merchant base, spanning sectors such as F&B, hospitality, and retail, to accept USDG payments from their end customers seamlessly. This addition enhances consumers’ checkout experience with more flexible payment options, translating digital currency innovation into real-world utility. In parallel, FOMO Pay’s corporate clients will be able to leverage USDG to streamline cross-border payments with greater speed, transparency, and regulatory confidence.
Louis Liu, Founder and CEO of FOMO Pay, said: “The broader adoption of regulated stablecoins marks the next chapter in financial innovation, unlocking new possibilities for faster, more transparent, and compliant payments. USDG is a meaningful step in that direction, and we are pleased to join the Global Dollar Network as one of its first members to advance stablecoin adoption. Backed by FOMO Pay’s strong local banking and payment infrastructure across Southeast Asia, the Greater Bay Area, and the Middle East and North Africa, we stand ready to help shape a more inclusive and interoperable future for digital finance.”
FOMO Pay is dedicated to partnering with industry leaders to deliver faster, more cost-effective, and regulated payment solutions. By enhancing cross-border payments and facilitating real-world use cases for stablecoins, the company continues to drive innovation in digital finance. Through its efforts, FOMO Pay aims to make modern financial instruments more accessible to businesses, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and interoperable global payments ecosystem.
About FOMO Pay
Founded in 2015, FOMO Pay is a Major Payment Institution licensed in Singapore, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The firm has become a leading one-stop digital payment, digital banking, and digital asset solution provider. It is currently building Asia’s fully licensed financial platform, helping institutions and businesses connect between traditional and next-generation financial services. The firm offers its three flagship products:
- FOMO Payment – One-stop digital payment solution for merchants, corporates and financial institutions
- FOMO iBank – Facilitate businesses’ everyday requirements for transactional banking needs
- FOMO Treasury – One-stop digital asset services provider bridging Web 2.0 & Web 3.0
Visit www.fomopay.com for more information. For media inquiries, contact marketing@fomopay.com.
Visa announces its role as Official Payment Partner for K-Star Spark in Vietnam – presented by VPBank
Global payment leader joins forces with Ravolution Asia to engage Gen Z and Millennials in Vietnam’s vibrant K-Pop scene.
HCMC, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 May 2025 – Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has announced its role as the Official Payment Partner for the K-Star Spark in Vietnam – presented by VPBank, set to take place on June 21, 2025, at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam. The K-Star Spark in Vietnam – presented by VPBank, organized by Ravolution Asia and with VPBank as the Title Sponsor, offers Vietnamese youth a chance to immerse themselves in the world of K-Pop. The lineup includes renowned artists like G-Dragon, CL, DPR IAN, TEMPEST, and tripleS.

This collaboration with Ravolution Asia, a leading music festival organizer, marks Visa’s first local music sponsorship in Vietnam, demonstrating its commitment to connecting with Gen Z and Millennials through their love for music.
Visa’s Gen Z Decoded Report[1] reveals that music is a major passion for Gen Z in Vietnam, with 64% highly engaged in it. Concerts are a popular way for Gen Z to connect, with those interested in music attending nearly two live events annually. A significant 95% of these fans show a strong interest in merchandise at live events, preferring clothing and posters, and they can easily purchase these items using debit cards and digital payments.[2]

The K-Star Spark in Vietnam – presented by VPBank offers a unique opportunity to connect with this tech-savvy audience. Through this collaboration, Visa aims to enhance payment convenience, security, and speed, solidifying its leadership in digital payments. As the Official Payment Partner of this event, Visa adds to the excitement by offering an attractive promotion of a 10% discount on all Visa card purchases for event tickets through CTicket.vn, the official ticketing partner, available during the presale at 2:00 PM on May 20th and the public sale at 2:00 PM on May 21st.[3]
“We are honored to be the Official Payment Partner for K-Star Spark in Vietnam – presented by VPBank. This sponsorship underscores Visa’s dedication to supporting cultural and entertainment activities while engaging with Gen Z in Vietnam,” said Ms. Dung Dang, Country Manager of Visa Vietnam and Laos. “By enhancing the concert experience with our seamless and secure digital payment solutions, we aim to provide fans with greater convenience and enjoyment. We believe this collaboration will not only contribute to the success of Ravolution Asia but also offer our clients with sponsorship opportunities on an international scale. This marks a significant step forward in Visa’s sustainable development journey with its partners in the Asian market.”
In recent years, by aligning with our consumers’ passion points, Visa has actively engaged in sponsorships across both music and sports. The K-Star Spark in Vietnam – presented by VPBank marks the first in a series of five music events in 2025 by Ravolution Asia that Visa is collaborating on.
Hashtag: #RavolutionAsia
https://www.visa.com.vn/en_VN/about-visa/newsroom.html
https://www.linkedin.com/company/visa
https://www.facebook.com/visavn
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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.
Stoneweg Icona Group to bring Charles Leclerc, Andres Iniesta and Arnaud de Puyfontaine together for the first time
SWI Group announces the appointment of a strong Strategic Advisory Board and a dedicated Sports & Entertainment Committee to broaden the Group’s future focus
LONDON and GENEVA, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SWI Group, the alternative investment platform recently created from Stoneweg Group and Icona Capital, announces today that its newly formed Strategic Advisory Board (‘the Board’) has already started to begin its deliberations on a number of potential commercial initiatives.
Max-Hervé George, Chairman and Co-CEO SWI Group and Jaume Sabater, Co-CEO of SWI, have assembled an impressive team that will provide strategic advice and guidance on the Group’s overall business and its development strategy.
In addition to the new Board, SWI Group has created a dedicated Sports & Entertainment Committee, spearheaded by Frédéric Vasseur, the F1 team principal; Charles Leclerc, the F1 driver; and Andrés Iniesta, the former footballer for Barcelona and World Cup winner for Spain, that will seek and drive opportunities across the globe within these fields.
The full complement of the Strategic Advisory Board and the Sports & Entertainment Committee is as follows:
- Arnaud de Puyfontaine, the Chairman of Vivendi, serves as Non-Executive Chairman of SWI’s Strategic Advisory Board
- Olivier Jollin and Simon Benhamou are focusing on the Group’s strategy and business development
- Frédéric Vasseur, Charles Leclerc and Andrés Iniesta will lead the SWI Sports & Entertainment Committee (SWI SEC), a separate entity to the Board, and will be focused on dedicated opportunities across these sectors
Bringing together these talents with an alternative investment approach will create exciting and viable pathways for strategic partnerships, innovative initiatives and new business ventures.
Max-Hervé George, Chairman and Co-CEO: “We have made rapid progress since we announced the composition of the Board earlier this month and we already have a full agenda for us to to consider and debate including potentially holding our first global investors conference early next year, likely after the F1 Season has finished.”
Jaume Sabater, Group Co-CEO adds, “Working with such a strong and diverse Strategic Advisory Board adds opportunity, energy and new approaches to modern business. Combining business initiatives with sporting icons creates a synergy of talent, discipline and efficiency: the values and motivation are shared in finding goals, building growth and common success.”
Charles Leclerc, F1 Driver, said: “I’m looking forward to helping SWI develop their fast-growing business. This is a new challenge for me, and I have several ideas about how and where we can take the passion and expertise that lies behind every sport to drive real business growth.
“I have known Max for many years, he likes to move quickly and deliver results. It won’t surprise anyone, but I have a similar approach; so, I am confident that together we will have several exciting announcements in the near future.”
The Board will serve as an exclusive and collaborative advisory group for the company, as well as providing opportunities to reach new investors and institutions across a wide number of industries, including sports, finance & business, education, healthcare, social & community building, as well as arts & culture.
About SWI Group
SWI Group (www.swi.com) is an alternative investment platform driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit that operates in a number of sectors, including Data Centres, Real Estate, Credit, and the Financial Sector. The company’s investment strategies are grounded in thorough research, in-depth first-hand knowledge, and the ability to efficiently implement strategies to maximise the greatest return potential.
SWI Group relies on local operating teams to identify, develop and manage opportunities around the world, both real estate and investment strategies. SWI Group currently has over €10 billion of assets under management and more than 350 employees across 26 offices across the world.