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Cyberport and International Organisations Co-host “AI Safety, Trust, and Responsibility” Forum

By
MIL OSI
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0

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Cyberport, the World Digital Technology Academy (WDTA) and the International Academicians Science & Technology Innovation Centre (IASTIC) co-organised the “AI Safety, Trust, and Responsibility (AI STR)” Forum. This event served as the Hong Kong session of the recently concluded AI Action Summit 2025 in Paris, France. The forum convened leading international and local academicians, scholars, industry leaders, and experts to share insights on the risks and challenges in AI development and application, and to discuss strategies for balancing innovation with security governance. Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Prof Yale Li, Executive Chairman of WDTA; Prof C.C. Chan, Founder of IASTIC, joined Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, and Dr Rocky Cheng, CEO of Cyberport, in delivering keynote addresses and sharing their perspectives on the future of AI.

Cyberport, the World Digital Technology Academy (WDTA) and the International Academicians Science & Technology Innovation Centre (IASTIC) co-organise the “AI Safety, Trust, and Responsibility (AI STR)” Forum. The forum convened international and local experts to discuss the strategies for balancing innovation with security governance.

Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, remarked, “To provide the most conducive environment for AI development, Cyberport, being Hong Kong’s digital tech hub, established the AI Supercomputing Centre last year, which will provide high-performance computing power of 3,000 petaFLOPS to support impactful R&D projects on AI. As announced yesterday by the Financial Secretary in the 2025-26 Budget, to establish the Hong Kong AI R&D Institute. A dedicated, public mission-driven undertaking, the institute will spearhead AI development and industry application in Hong Kong, promote cross-sectoral collaboration, and add another exciting chapter in our AI history book. We are mindful of the safety, responsibility and trust issues that beset the AI explorers and users. We could only harness the full power and potentials of AI by addressing these contentious issues proactively.”

Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, expressed, “We are delighted to bring together prominent industry experts and leaders from around the world at Cyberport to explore the establishment of a trustworthy and responsible AI ecosystem. This will ensure the controllable, balanced, and sustainable development of this transformative technology. As Hong Kong’s digital tech hub and AI accelerator, Cyberport has achieved significant milestones in building a thriving AI ecosystem over the past year. These include Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre, currently the largest in Hong Kong, and Cyberport’s AI Lab, which unites local AI ecosystem partners and talents to facilitate R&D and collaboration. We look forward to continuing our collaboration across sectors to strengthen Hong Kong’s AI ecosystem and promote AI for good.”

During the forum, WDTA announced the establishment of the “WDTA Asia-Pacific Institute (preparatory)” (The Institute) at Cyberport, marked by an official plaque unveiling ceremony. The Institute will spearhead the development of regional AI safety standards and related initiatives, promote innovation in digital technologies, cultivate scientific and industrial talent, and foster global collaboration in the digital era.

Prof. Yale Li, Executive Chairman of WDTA, addresses the forum, highlighting WDTA’s recent accomplishments and emphasising the importance of a human-centric and safety-based approach to AI. He outlined three core initiatives: First, to build a “safety-native” technological framework by embedding security throughout the entire AI lifecycle and promoting algorithm transparency and data provenance certification. Second, to establish a “human-oriented” value system that ensures technology addresses social needs, such as equitable healthcare and SME transformation. Finally, WDTA is committed to “responsible innovation” globally, with its AI committee addressing challenges like deepfakes and data misuse within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals framework.

Prof. Li officially launched two WDTA certification programs for AI professionals: the “Certified Large Language Model Application Engineer (LLMAE)” and the “Certified Large Language Model Technical Expert (LLMTE)”. These programs are designed to accelerate the training of the next generation of AI professionals, equipping them with both technical expertise and a sense of social responsibility to promote the safety, trust, and responsible development of AI. Prof. Li emphasized, “These certification programs represent a significant step by WDTA to advance global AI talent development. We must establish technical standards and cultivate professionals who embody the principles of ‘human-oriented and safety-based’ to ensure that technological advancements truly benefit society.”

Prof. Ching-chuen Chan, Founder of IASTIC, stated, “As a global innovation hub, Hong Kong is an ideal platform to advance AI governance and collaboration. The WDTA will adhere to the core principles of ‘Speed, Safety, and Sharing’, and leverage The Institute to accelerate collaboration among governments, industries, and academia in the APAC. This will facilitate the formulation of digital technology standards and the transformation of cutting-edge research into practical applications. We will lead the establishment of AI STR standards and certification systems, enhancing the international framework for AI governance and security. By working together across industries and borders, we can achieve an inclusive digital future where no one is left behind.”

At the forum, Cyberport signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WDTA and IASTIC, under which the three parties will join hands to promote best practices in AI STR testing and evaluation. They will work together to actively cultivate AI talent and explore collaboration in the development of AI testing infrastructure. Cyberport also signed MoUs with five local tertiary institutions: the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), and the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT). These partnerships aim to foster AI-related applied research and talent development. These partnerships will provide students at the partner institutions with internships and employment opportunities, injecting new forces into Hong Kong’s AI industry and accelerating its growth.

In addition to leading AI academics and experts, the forum also brought together leaders from Hong Kong’s public, financial, and healthcare sectors to share their valuable insights and practical experiences on topics such as cross-industry AI transformation and balancing AI innovation with risk. They discussed how to leverage AI to enhance efficiency, improve service quality, and address emerging challenges in their respective fields, while ensuring the responsible use of AI.

As Hong Kong’s digital tech hub and AI accelerator, Cyberport is committed to building a thriving local AI ecosystem. The Cyberport’s Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre (AISC), the largest of this kind in Hong Kong, and the AI Lab, officially commenced operations last year, bringing together talents and innovation resources from mainland and overseas to support innovative R&D and applications across the AI value chain, driving industrialisation. The Government has allocated $3 billion to Cyberport for the launch of a three-year AI Subsidy Scheme to support local institutions, R&D centres and enterprises in utilising the AISC computing power to achieve scientific breakthroughs and accelerate the commercialisation of I&T. Cyberport is home to over 350 start-ups specialising in AI and big data, and has attracted leading AI enterprises to combine their R&D capabilities in computing power development, large model construction, algorithms, and data science, to promote AI-driven innovation and application.

Hashtag: #Cyberport

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Hang Lung Announces Official Name of “Xi Zhe Wuxi, Curio Collection by Hilton” at Center 66, Set to Open in Q4 2025

By
MIL OSI
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0

Source: Media Outreach

Enriching the Complex’s Cultural Landscape and Status as a Benchmark for Urban Excellence

HONG KONG SAR, SHANGHAI & WUXI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) (the “Company” or “Hang Lung”) today announced the official name of its new lifestyle hotel at Center 66 – Xi Zhe Wuxi, Curio Collection by Hilton (“Xi Zhe”; 無錫錫喆寓，希爾頓格芮精選酒店). The name’s Chinese meaning is a nod to the hotel’s geographical location and brand philosophy of blending heritage and innovation. Scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2025, Xi Zhe is a key component of the second phase of the Center 66 development in Wuxi, and will greatly enhance the complex’s offerings of retail, office, and residential spaces to deliver holistic experiences, reinforcing its positioning as a premier destination for shoppers, business professionals, and visitors alike.

Xi Zhe’s Chinese name elegantly embodies the hotel’s geographical location and its brand philosophy of harmonizing heritage with innovation

Xi Zhe blends Wuxi’s rich cultural heritage with modern design, providing 105 elegantly appointed rooms across a seven-floor tower and the adjacent three-story former residence of Zhang Xiaocheng (張效程), an architectural gem built in 1933, now nearing its centennial. Demonstrating its commitment to heritage preservation, Hang Lung meticulously restored this historic landmark—designated a cultural heritage protection unit at the Wuxi municipal level—ensuring its original charm and significance are preserved. By seamlessly integrating history with contemporary luxury, Xi Zhe offers a distinctive lifestyle experience.

This unique offering is amplified by Center 66’s prime location in Wuxi’s central business district. Phase One, which opened in 2013, features a world-class shopping mall with over 200 retail brands—about half of them are first-in-market—alongside two office towers and the self-operated multifunctional workspace HANGOUT. Phase Two, launching in stages from 2025, will introduce the prestigious Center Residences and the highly anticipated Xi Zhe, further elevating Center 66’s portfolio and driving commercial synergies.

Xi Zhe features 105 elegantly designed rooms across a seven-story tower and the adjacent historic residence of Zhang Xiaocheng, a three-story architectural gem

Mr. Herman Chui, Senior Director – Office, Hotel & Residence of Hang Lung, said, “Xi Zhe embodies our commitment to elevating Center 66’s prominence and enriching the broader community, aligning with Hang Lung’s long-term vision for both the complex and Wuxi’s development. The second phase of this project, long embedded in our strategic plan, is set to be a transformative force for the Liangxi District’s urban renewal. The hotel will be a must-visit destination for travelers seeking the perfect blend of Wuxi’s historical charm and modern vibrancy, enticing cross-city consumers of the Yangtze Delta, and strengthening Hang Lung’s market presence.”

Curio Collection by Hilton is a global set of individually remarkable hotels hand-picked to immerse guests in one-of-a-kind moments in the world’s most sought-after destinations. Each hotel in the Curio Collection evokes a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and design, world-class food & beverage, and curated experiences, while providing the benefits of Hilton and its award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors.

Xi Zhe’s lobby, where elegance meets modern design


Note to Editor – Key Offerings of Center 66, Wuxi:

Year of Opening/Scheduled Completion and Gross Floor Area

Offerings

Phase One

Phase Two

Retail Mall

2013

Approx. 122,000 sq. m.

–

Office

2014 (Tower 1) and
2019 (Tower 2)
Approx. 138,000 sq. m.
in total

–

Xi Zhe Wuxi, Curio Collection by Hilton

–

Scheduled to open in Q4 2025
7,165 sq. m.
encompassing 105 guestrooms, two restaurants, a lobby lounge, a bespoke event space, an indoor pool and a fitness center

Center Residences

–

Scheduled for completion from 2025 onwards
Two towers comprising
573 units and spanning approx. 100,000 sq. m.
in total

(Remarks: the images are artist’s impression for reference only)

Hashtag: #HangLungProperties

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

NTT Sparks Smart Building Revolution with New OCEAN Intelligence™ Platform in Hong Kong

By
MIL OSI
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0

Source: Media Outreach

Offering a Strategic Vision to Bring AI into Every Building, empowered with an Open Partner Ecosystem

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – As part of NTT Group, a world-leading telecommunications and ICT service provider, NTT Com Asia (NTT) today launched OCEAN Intelligence™ in Hong Kong, a ground-breaking AI-powered open platform set to transform smart building management. With the vision to “Bring AI into Every Building” with an open partner ecosystem approach, the new platform represents a game-changer for building management by fostering collaboration and open innovations.

The photo features Steven So, Senior Vice President, NTT Com Asia (left) and Stephen Tsang, Chief Revenue Officer, NTT Com Asia (right).

At its core, OCEAN Intelligence™ makes AI accessible through three foundational pillars:

  • Openness – that breaks down proprietary barriers and data silos, and enable convergence of OT/IT/IoT;
  • Partner Ecosystem – an open partner ecosystem that enables innovation and collaboration among local and global technology providers to create new services;
  • Quality Data – leverage open hardware to allow cost effective control and collection of real-time high-density equipment data, together with digitization of operation data through automation of operation processes, this forms a superior data foundation for machine learning.

“OCEAN Intelligence™ unique strength lies in its ability to democratise AI, with data quality as its core foundation, making it accessible to every building.” said Steven So, Senior Vice President, NTT Com Asia. “Acting like human brain and central nervous system of smart buildings, the platform connects previously disparate systems and enables data intelligence to flow seamlessly throughout the entire infrastructure. Beyond AI, its modular design and strong open partner ecosystem enables quick deployment in existing environments and opens up possibilities to integrate with partners for new solutions.”

The platform builds upon the company’s commitment to open innovations driving smart building development. A thriving partner ecosystem brings in the latest technology from startups and industry partners to offer more choices to the market. For example, users can benefit Chiller Plant Energy Optimization solution from Carnot Innovations, a startup incubated from Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, which uses AI to analyse operational data to maximise efficiency and reduce energy usage and costs. Through Carnot Innovations’ integration with OCEAN Intelligence, the chiller plant can be directly managed, breaking down data silos, and speeding up deployment under a single pane of glass.

“Openness and collaboration are essential in today’s complex building environments and fast-growing development of AI and IoT technologies, where the open partner ecosystem approach delivers far greater value than isolated technologies,” adds Steven. “With the global smart building market projected to reach USD 359 billion by 2035, growing at over 24% annually, we’re creating significant business opportunities for our partners across the ecosystem — from hardware manufacturers to specialized AI solution providers. This partner-centric approach creates mutual value: partners gain access to new markets and revenue streams, while customers benefit from best-in-class solutions tailored to their specific needs.”

“Today’s complex building challenges demand collaborative solutions. Carnot Innovations brings deep AI expertise and a proven track record, partnering with industry leaders like NTT. Our collaboration within the OCEAN Intelligence™ partner ecosystem allows us to address critical solution gaps with cutting-edge AI. Leveraging NTT’s resources, we provide enhanced support to local clients, ultimately delivering more choices, better integration, and a more streamlined smart building transformation journey,” said Ashish Jerry Justin, Co-founder and CEO, Carnot Innovations.

Phil McManus, Director, Business Innovations, NTT Com Asia (left), Jackie Yuen, Senior Director, System Design & Architecture, NTT Com Asia (middle), and Ashish Jerry Justin, Co-founder and CEO, Carnot Innovations (right) showcase the NTT OCEAN Intelligence™ and the Chiller Plant Energy Optimization, powered by Carnot Innovations.

Leveraging NTT’s global R&D and local talents, the platform empowers businesses to achieve substantial cost efficiencies, optimize building operations, and enhance asset value. Already deployed in NTT facilities and customers in Hong Kong and other locations, OCEAN Intelligence™ is slated for further international rollout.

“With an investment of over HKD170 million into the research and development of the technology, it represents strategic expansion of our vision for AI and smart city,” said Stephen Tsang, Chief Revenue Officer, NTT Com Asia. “It aligns with the Hong Kong Government’s initiatives to establish the city as a leading Information and Technology hub in the region. By championing innovation in smart building management and supporting the development of critical facilities, we’re actively contributing to Hong Kong’s technological advancement and helping solidify its position as a pioneer in smart city development across Asia and globally.”

The launch is a key investment in the company’s series of strategic initiatives to accelerate Hong Kong’s digital transformation into a smart city. This launch follows the successful introduction of the NTT Innovation Alliance in April 2024, High-Performance Computing as-a-service with a Direct Liquid Cooling enabled AI-ready data centre in June 2024, and Private 5G service in September 2024, underscoring NTT’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for Hong Kong’s future.

OCEAN Intelligence™: Key Benefits

OCEAN Intelligence™ gathers and processes data from diverse building systems to optimise performance with unparalleled precision. User benefits include:

  • Predictive AI: The platform uses AI to automate tasks and provide real-time insights, leading to significant improvements in efficiency. It allows businesses to reduce maintenance downtime by up to 75%, speed up data provisioning for new buildings by 2X, and speed up decision making and incident root cause analysis by 5X.
  • Cost Optimisation: Users can achieve up to 30% savings on air-conditioning energy bills, reduce maintenance expenses by up to 50% through predictive maintenance, and lower data collection costs by 40% with open data collection hardware.
  • Customisable and Modular Agility: The platform is designed to be open and modular. This allows it to be deployed with existing platforms or solutions or integrated with current and future solutions from partners. This gives customers the freedom to build their platform, scale according to their business needs and add unique features and services to maximise the value of the building — all within a single platform.

For more information about OCEAN Intelligence™, please visit our website at www.oceanintels.ai.

Hashtag: #NTT

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Lao Brewery Company Strengthens Commitment to a Greener Future with Renewable Energy and Sustainability Initiatives

By
MIL OSI
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0

Source: Media Outreach

VIENTIANE, LAOS – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Lao Brewery Company (LBC), the nation’s leading brewer, is taking a bold step forward in its sustainability journey, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility through innovative green energy initiatives. In alignment with Carlsberg Group’s global “Together Towards ZERO and Beyond” programme, LBC is accelerating efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and support Laos’ sustainable development goals.

From L-R: Mr. Dung Le, Director of VN Green Energy Company, Mr. Henrik Juel-Andersen, Managing Director of Lao Brewery Company, Mr. Joao Abecasis, Executive Vice President, Asia at Carlsberg Group, Dr. Manothong Vongsay, Vice Minister of Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Jacob Aarup-Andersen, CEO of Carlsberg Group, Mr. Thanousack Hommachack, Lao Brewery Company Board of Director, Mr. Sayyadeth Vongsay, Mr. Sithixay Ketthavong, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability of Lao Brewery Company

LBC is making a major transition by partnering with VN Green Energy Company to open the first biomass facility in Laos. This factory will supply LBC’s Vientiane brewery with green steam energy from February 2025 replacing fossil fuels with steam energy produced from biomass waste, powering more than 80% of the plant. This move is expected to significantly cut carbon emissions at the Vientiane Brewery, reaching LBC’s net zero targets 5 years ahead of plan and contributing to Carlsberg’s global target of achieving net-zero emissions across all breweries by 2030. The company is also exploring additional renewable energy opportunities for its Pepsi plant in Vientiane and its brewery in Pakse.

“Sustainability is at the heart of our business, and we are proud to take this major step towards reducing our carbon footprint in Laos,” said Henrik Juel Andersen, Managing Director of LBC. “By implementing biomass energy and continuing to explore further renewable energy solutions, we hope to lead by example—not only in Laos but across the region.”

This announcement comes alongside Carlsberg Group CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen’s 3-day visit to Laos, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability across its global operations. “Carlsberg’s ‘Together Towards ZERO and Beyond’ programme is about taking concrete action to reduce emissions and drive sustainability in all our markets. LBC’s transition to biomass energy and ongoing exploration of broader renewable energy sources is a great example of how our breweries can play a pivotal role in building a more sustainable future,” said Aarup-Andersen.

Beyond renewable energy, LBC has been at the forefront of creating progress in sustainability through various initiatives, including the Sustainable Rice Farming Project, which not only promotes organic farming practices and supports local farmers through innovative technology but also trains farmers in regenerative agriculture methods that enable a 100% sustainable and environmentally friendly rice farming ecosystem.

Additionally, LBC has made significant strides in reducing water usage, improving packaging sustainability, and minimising waste across its operations. The company’s

Zero Packaging Waste programme, which has been ongoing since 2018, has successfully maintained a 97% collection rate of empty 640ml Beerlao bottles, reusing each bottle up to 14 times, before sending them for recycling.

LBC’s contribution to driving sustainable practices in Laos goes beyond the company. As the country’s largest taxpayer, contributing over LAK 5.1 trillion (USD 239 million) in taxes in 2024, LBC plays a vital role in supporting national development. Within the company, it also runs initiatives extending beyond environmental causes, including investing in corporate social responsibility programmes, education, healthcare and disaster relief efforts across the country.

During his visit, Aarup-Andersen, along with Andersen, will meet with Lao government officials to discuss LBC’s role in supporting the country’s green transition and strengthening public-private partnerships for sustainable growth.

“We are not just brewing beer; we are brewing a better future for Laos and beyond,” added Andersen. “Our ambition is to set the standard for sustainable brewing in the region, proving that economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

Stay updated on LBC’s latest initiatives on Facebook @LaoBreweryCompanyLTD

Hashtag: #LaoBrewery

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Serious crash, Melville

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LiveNews Publisher
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0

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Emergency services are currently at the scene of a serious two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Ohaupo Road and Beatty Street, Melville. 

Police were called about 8.45pm.

Initial indications are one person has been seriously injured.

The road is closed, with diversions in place.

Motorists should avoid the area if possible.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre 

MIL OSI

Remarks to joint press conference with Foreign Minister of Mongolia

By
LiveNews Publisher
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0

Source: New Zealand Government

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 

It is a pleasure for the New Zealand to be in Ulaanbaatar this afternoon. The welcome has been warm, even if the temperatures outside have not been. Though, your Ambassador tells me the temperature reached +1 degrees Celsius at midday today! Thank you to Foreign Minister Battsetseg for your generous hosting. 

Despite our geographic distance, New Zealand and Mongolia share many commonalities: both small states committed to democracy, multilateralism, and the international rules-based order. 

We also share proportional representation electoral systems, New Zealand since 1996, and Mongolia since 2024. 

The New Zealand-Mongolia relationship is warm and long-standing. It is significant that this year we are marking 50 years since diplomatic relations were established in 1975. This is a seriously important milestone. 

It was valuable exchanging views and experiences today with the Minister and colleagues, and discussing our respective regional and international priorities. 

The New Zealand community here in Mongolia is small, but an important element to our relationship. We thank the New Zealand community – and Mongolians in New Zealand – for their support for this relationship, and for continuing to find exciting new ways to connect our countries. 

Ties between our people continue to deepen. We continue to welcome Mongolian scholars to New Zealand, including through the long-standing English Language Training for Officials (“ELTO”) programme. 

New Zealand is also pleased to provide targeted support to Mongolian NGOs and other groups through the New Zealand Embassy Fund. This has included support for sheep-shearer training programmes. This might sound ordinary, but shearing is a critical part of ensuring productivity! 

This year we are contributing towards a rural water project, which will support over 100 families to access the water supply system. We are also helping Mongolian herders to build climate change resilience. 

Once again, thank you to Foreign Minister Battsetseg and other senior Mongolian colleagues for your generous hosting on this important occasion. 

And allow me to reiterate one last time what a special significance it is for me to be here today. 

Thank you.

MIL OSI

AI and Blockchain Innovations Propel Singapore’s Fintech Evolution Amid Investment Recalibration: KPMG’s Pulse of Fintech H2’24

By
MIL OSI
-
0

Source: Media Outreach

  • Singapore’s fintech investment recalibrated to US$1.3 billion in 2024, in line with global shifts toward sustainable growth.
  • Crypto and blockchain investment increased 22 percent in H2’24 to US$267 million, driven by AI-integrated solutions.
  • AI-powered fintech surged, with investment jumping from US$24 million in H1’24 to US$160 million in H2’24, reflecting demand for regtech and automation.
  • H2’24 fintech deal value grew 41 percent, reflecting a shift toward high-value, early-stage investments.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Singapore’s fintech sector recalibrated in 2024, with investment totaling US$1.3 billion, the lowest level since 2020. This strategic pivot reflects a global trend as fintech investment reached a seven-year low of US$95.6 billion. Despite reduced funding levels, Singapore’s focus on innovation and sustainability positions it as a leader in AI-driven solutions and blockchain advancements, according to KPMG’s Pulse of Fintech H2’24 report.

Singapore’s Resilience in Fintech Innovation

While the cautious investment environment slowed overall funding, Singapore remains a hub for fintech innovation. Crypto and blockchain investment rose 22 percent in H2’24, reaching US$267 million, fuelled by AI-powered digital asset solutions and blockchain-based financial infrastructure. Strong regulatory frameworks and institutional interest have solidified Singapore’s role as a strategic leader in these emerging sectors.

AI-powered fintech also made significant gains, with investment soaring from US$24 million in H1’24 to nearly US$160 million in H2’24. Investor interest was particularly strong for regtech, business automation and agentic AI solutions.

“If what we’ve seen in the broader investment space is any indication, AI could be a sleeping giant for fintech investment,” said Anton Ruddenklau, Lead of Global Innovation and Fintech, Financial Services, KPMG International. “However, right now, it’s still very early days. There’s definitely a lot of interest in AI, generative AI, agentic AI and automation, but there’s a lot of caution too. Over the next year, AI-focused regtechs will likely see the most traction among investors as financial services companies look for better ways to respond to the increasingly complex regulatory environment.

Shifting Dynamics in Investment Focus

H2’24 saw the total value of Singapore’s fintech deals rise 41 percent, hitting US$781 million, even as deal volume dropped 36 percent. This underscores a growing emphasis on later-stage deals with high scalability and near-term profitability. Early-stage VC interest remains strong as quality-driven investments gain traction.

Globally, fintech investment also trended towards practical solutions, with funding focused on blockchain infrastructure, climate tech and compliance-driven technologies. This alignment with global priorities underscores Singapore’s adaptability and competitive edge.

The Role of Regulatory Clarity in Blockchain Growth

The blockchain and crypto space in Singapore benefitted significantly from regulatory stability, with H2’24 blockchain investment rising by over 20 percent to reach US$267 million. This growth was spurred by AI-powered blockchain applications, blockchain-as-a-service platforms and notable funding rounds such as Partior’s US$80 million raise for its blockchain-based interbank settlement network—the largest in the Asia-Pacific region.

These advancements position Singapore for continued leadership in the digital assets space while aligning with international regulatory trends.

Global investment in digital assets reached US$9.1 billion in 2024—the highest total ever outside of the outlier years of 2022 and 2023, focusing on market infrastructure, tokenisation, and stablecoins. During H2’24, four of the five largest deals occurred in the Americas, including Stripe’s US$1.1 billion acquisition of stablecoin infrastructure company Bridge, a US$525 million raise by Praxis, and a US$200 million raise by Current—all based in the US—and a US$210 million raise by Canada-based Blockstream. A US$100 million raise by UK-based Crytocoin accounted for the largest deal in the EMEA region.

Payments sector in Singapore faces maturity challenges

Singapore’s payments sector, ranked third among fintech verticals, showcased resilience despite operating in a mature ecosystem. H2’24 witnessed a rise in deal count, with nine transactions totalling US$57.4 million. Innovations like FAST, PayNow, and SGQR provide a robust foundation for the sector, enabling further growth in tailored and scalable payment solutions. Opportunity in this fintech segment lies in cross-border and regional expansion, positioning Singapore as a hub for Asia’s payment growth.

On the global stage, the payments sector demonstrated strong momentum in 2024, with funding nearly doubling year-on-year to reach US$31 billion. While this funding surge was heavily influenced by consolidation and strategic transactions, it highlighted the sector’s critical role in the fintech ecosystem. Landmark deals included GRCR’s US$12.5 billion acquisition of Worldpay and Advent International’s US$6.3 billion privatisation of Nuvei, alongside other notable activities such as Mynt’s US$788 million VC raise in the Philippines.

A Forward-Looking Market Outlook

Amid a recalibrating investment landscape, Singapore’s focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and emerging technologies positions the country at the forefront of fintech evolution. With declining interest rates and easing global election uncertainties, 2025 offers opportunities for increased fintech deal activity and new momentum in AI, blockchain, and digital payments. The Singapore Budget 2025 further accelerates this momentum, introducing initiatives to help businesses access and integrate AI at scale and to attract entrepreneurial talent to establish and grow ventures in Singapore.

H2 2024 H1 2024
Fintech verticals Total value

US$ (million)

 No of deals Total value

US$ (million)

 No of deals
Reg Tech $1.5 4 $2.2 4
Insur Tech $100.0 2 $41.5 2
Cybersecurity $3.0 1 $3.0 1
Payments $57.4 9 $66.2 6
Digital assets and currencies (crypto/blockchain) $267.0 53 $219.1 82
AI & ML

*these deals are also tagged with other fintech verticals

 $159.9 12 $24.1 15

Figure 1: Singapore’s fintech verticals deal values and volume for H1 2024 and H2 2024

Singapore Global
Fintech verticals Ranking Deal Size Ranking Deal Size
US$ (million) US$ (billion)
Digital assets and currencies (crypto/blockchain) #1 $486.09 #2 $9.10
Insurtech #2 $141.50 #4 $3.10
Payments #3 $123.60 #1 $31.00
Cybersecurity #4 $6.00 #5 $0.90
Regtech #5 $3.71 #3 $7.40
Wealthtech #6 0 #6 $0.40

Figure 2: Ranking of top Singapore and Global’s fintech verticals in deal values for 2024

Global fintech investment

Regionally, the Americas attracted the largest share of fintech investment in 2024—US$63.8 billion across 2,267 deals, including US$50.7 billion across 1,836 deals in the US. The EMEA region attracted US$20.3 billion across 1,465 deals, while the ASPAC region saw US$11.4 billion across 896 deals. At a sector level, the payments space attracted the largest share of investment (US$31 billion), followed by digital assets and currencies (US$9.1 billion), and regtech (US$7.4 billion).

“It’s been a rough year for nearly everyone—fintechs, corporates, VC and PE firms—given the breadth of challenges and uncertainties in the global market. With only a handful of exceptions, no one wanted to pull the trigger on the largest deals—which have long been a mainstay in fintech investment,” said Karim Haji, Global Head of Financial Services, KPMG International. “But there’s a lot to be positive about heading into 2025. Many critical elections are behind us and investment and deal activity is beginning to pick up. We are starting to see more deals coming through because of interest rate cuts in different jurisdictions and the lower cost of funding. However, we will have to wait and see if the changing world trading conditions impact inflation, interest rates and consequently these positive signs of market change.”

Global Key Highlights for 2024

  • Global fintech investment fell from US$119.8 billion across 5,382 deals in 2023 to US$95.6 billion across 4,639 deals in 2024.
  • The Americas attracted US$63.8 billion in fintech investment across 2,267 deals in 2024, of which the US accounted for US$50.7 billion across 1,836 deals; the EMEA region attracted US$20.3 billion across 1,4645 deals, while the ASPAC region attracted US$11.2 billion across 896 deals.
  • Global M&A deal value fell from $60.2 billion to US$49.6 billion between 2023 and 2024; while H2’24 was softer than H1’24, M&A deal value rose from US$7.4 billion to US$14.2 billion between Q3’24 and Q4’24.
  • PE investment declined significantly, falling from US$10.5 billion in 2023 to just US$2.6 billion in 2024, while VC investment saw a modest drop from US$49.2 billion in 2023 to US$43.4 billion in 2024.
  • Payments was the strongest area of fintech investment globally in 2024, with US$31 billion in investment compared to just US$17.2 billion in 2023; other sectors that saw investment rise year-over-year included digital assets and currencies —from US$8.7 billion to US$9.1 billion, regtech—from US$4.4 billion to US$7.4 billion, proptech—from US$1.9 billion to US$3 billion, and wealthtech—from US$190 million to US$400 million.
  • Corporate VC-participating investment globally fell from US$26 .9 billion in 2023 to US$19.6 billion in 2024; only the EMEA region saw corporate investment in VC deals rise—from US$5.1 billion to US$5.8 billion year-over-year. The Americas saw CVC drop from US$13.8 billion to US$9.9 billion, while ASPAC saw CVC investment drop from US$8.0 billion to US$3.9 billion.

Global: Americas sees VC investment drop to six-year low despite record high in Canada

The Americas saw total fintech investment drop from US$77.6 billion in 2023 to a six-year low of US$63.8 billion in 2024. The US accounted for $50.7 billion of this funding—a decline from US$72.8 billion in 2023. Outside of the US, Canada saw a record high of US$9.5 billion in fintech investment during 2024—driven in large part by the buyout of Nuvei—while investment in Brazil softened from US$2.3 billion to US$1.4 billion. Fintech investment dropped slightly from US$32.8 billion to US$31 billion between H1’24 and H2’24. On a more positive note, investment almost doubled between Q3’24 and Q4’24, rising from US$10.8 billion to US$20.2 billion. Within the US, fintech investment dropped from US$28.8 billion to US$21.9 billion between H1’24 and H2’24, although it also rose from US$9.9 billion to US$11.9 billion between Q3’24 and Q4’24.

Global: Fintech investment in EMEA region sinks to US$20.3 billion—lowest total since 2016

Fintech investment in the EMEA region fell from $27.6 billion across 1,833 deals in 2023 to just US$20.3 billion across 1,465 deals in 2024. H2’24 also saw a significant drop compared to H1’24—from US$13 billion across 820 deals to just US$7.3 billion across 645 deals. While the UK accounted for nearly half of all fintech investment in the EMEA region during 2024 (US$9.9 billion), the total was a significant decline compared to 2023 (US$13.6 billion). Germany also saw fintech investment drop between 2024 and 2025—from US$961 million to a ten-year low of US$815 million. The Middle East saw the most positive results in EMEA during 2024, with fintech investment rising from US$1.2 billion to US$2.2 billion year-over year.

Global: Asia-Pacific region sees lowest level of fintech investment in a decade

Total fintech investment in the ASPAC region fell from US$14.6 billion in 2023 to US11.4 billion in 2024—the lowest level of fintech funding seen in the region since 2014. India accounted for the largest share of this total (US$4.1 billion), led by a US$.5 billion raise by WSB Real estate partners in H1’24. Total fintech investment in China dropped from US$2.6 billion to just US$687 million between 2023 and 2024, while Australia saw fintech investment nearly double from US$840 million to US$2.1 billion; fintech investment in Japan held nearly steady year-over-year at US$660 million.

A sense of optimism for 2025

With interest rates declining in many jurisdictions and election uncertainties finally easing, there’s a cautious sense of optimism within the fintech market heading into 2025. The average time between deals has also lengthened significantly, from approximately fifteen months in 2022 to twenty-four months in 2025—the longest it has been in the last decade—which could make 2025 a critical year for deal-making as fintechs look to ensure their continued operations.

While the payments space will likely remain the biggest ticket of investment globally, digital assets and currencies are well positioned for an upswing in investment—particularly when it comes to market infrastructure, digital tokenisation, and stablecoins. AI is also expected to remain a key priority for investors, with regtech and cybersecurity-related solutions likely to see the most interest in H1’25.

Hashtag: #KPMG’

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

First Responders – Waipoua River fire update #4

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LiveNews Publisher
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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The fire at Waipoua River remains 50 percent contained. The fire is still 96 hectares with a 4.5-kilometre perimeter.
Crews will remain on site tonight to focus on structure protection around Waipoua settlement.
Three helicopters will be back in the air at first light tomorrow morning. Crews will be on the ground attacking the fire and extending containment lines shortly after. Heavy machinery will be back working to strengthen containment lines tomorrow too.
For the safety of the public and our crews, people are asked to stay away from the area.
We thank the communities affected for their understanding as we work to get this fire under control. We also thank all those involved in fighting the fire and supporting people impacted by this fire.
Unless there is a significant change tonight, the next update will be tomorrow morning.

MIL OSI

Activist News – URGENT PROTECTION FOR ROTOKĀKAHI: WORKS PAUSED AHEAD OF ENVIRONMENT COURT HEARING

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LiveNews Publisher
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Source: Mana i te whenua of Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tūmatawera

Despite the Rotorua City Council beginning works on the Tarawera Sewage System at Lake Rotokākahi, the development has now been paused for three weeks, as mana i te whenua of Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tūmatawera prepare for a crucial Environment Court hearing.  

This pause is a relief for Protect Rotokākahi who have been fighting to protect their ancestral burial grounds, their whenua, Rotokākahi, and their awa Te Wairoa. “We’re relieved that our ancestral lands and waters will be safeguarded for the next three weeks. Our goal is to ensure the protection of Rotokākahi in its entirety. Protecting our tūpuna burial grounds, our lake and our river is our priority”, says spokesperson Te Whatanui Skipwith.

The temporary halt on works allows the whenua and whānau to rest, while the community continues to welcome visitors to Rotokākahi – albeit with shifted needs for a front line. However, the need for vigilance remains. “When we make the call again, be ready to stand with us,” urges Skipwith.

Protect Rotokākahi expresses heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support received over the past week. “Your love, solidarity, and actions have made a tangible difference to us. Thank you for sustaining us during this week”, says Skipworth.

As the Environment Court hearing approaches, descendants of Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tūmatawera remain committed to protecting their ancestral heritage with the community and thousands around Aotearoa behind them. “We’ve witnessed an unprecedented surge in our movement’s growth in the last weeks and we know that in the next few weeks it will continue to grow. The people are no longer accepting the desecration of Māori land and waters – and they will show up to protect it. This whenua must be protected – for all of us.”

MIL OSI

Government of the Republic of Botswana And De Beers Group Confirm Diamond Partnership For The Next Generation

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MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

Transformational agreements boost Botswana’s economic development potential and secure De Beers’ long-term share in world’s greatest diamond resources

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – The Government of the Republic of Botswana (the “Government of Botswana”) and De Beers Group (“De Beers”) announced that, following the conclusion of negotiations announced on 3 February 2025, the two partners have now signed the formal new agreements for a 10-year Sales Agreement (which may be extended by a further 5 years) and a 25-year extension of the Mining Licences (from 2029 through to 2054) for the 50:50 Debswana mining joint venture.

Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy for Botswana, said: “We are proud to announce the signing of this landmark new agreement, which will underpin the success of our diamond industry as we enter an exciting new phase of Botswana’s sustainable economic development. We hope that these agreements will bring some level of stability and rebuild market confidence in the diamond industry. We are looking forward to our renewed partnership with De Beers; together we will drive development through diamonds and build a brighter future for Batswana.”

Al Cook, Chief Executive Officer of De Beers Group, said: “These are groundbreaking agreements. The half-century partnership between the Government of Botswana and De Beers is considered the greatest public-private partnership in the world. Now we are both extending and improving it. For De Beers, it is a privilege to secure our ongoing participation in the world’s greatest diamond resources for decades to come. I am also extremely proud that through the Diamonds for Development Fund, we can further transform opportunities for the people of the world’s leading diamond country.”

In summary, the formal agreements represent:

  • A 25-year extension of the Debswana mining licences from August 2029 to July 2054. This will enable the Debswana joint venture to deliver long-term value from its existing mining assets and mine life extension projects beyond the current mining licence period. Mine life extension projects include Jwaneng Cut-9, Jwaneng Underground and Orapa Cut-3.
  • A renewed 10-year Sales Agreement for Debswana’s rough diamond production, with a further five-year extension period where certain criteria are met. Under the renewed Sales Agreement, the Government of Botswana’s rough diamond sales company, Okavango Diamond Company (“ODC”), will sell 30% and De Beers will sell 70% of Debswana’s production for the first five years; for the subsequent five years ODC will sell 40% and De Beers will sell 60% of Debswana’s production; and both parties will sell a 50% share for the five-year extension period. As part of this arrangement, De Beers and ODC have also both committed to supply diamonds for beneficiation in Botswana in line with their share of Debswana supply.

In addition, a transformational package of commitments focused on supporting Botswana’s economic development objectives and advancement of the diamond industry has been agreed, including:

  • The creation of the Diamonds for Development Fund to support economic growth, diversification and jobs in Botswana in line with Botswana’s Vision 2036 and National Development Plan. De Beers has committed to an upfront investment of BWP 1 billion (c. $75 million) and further annual contributions from its dividends from Debswana, based on Debswana’s performance.
  • A package of initiatives to be undertaken by De Beers designed to enhance local beneficiation of diamonds and increase participation of the people of Botswana in the diamond industry. These include investment in a diamond jewellery manufacturing facility, establishment of a De Beers Institute of Diamonds grading laboratory and starting up a diamond vocational training institute in collaboration with industry partners.
  • Co-investment by the Government of Botswana and De Beers in marketing initiatives to boost diamond demand. The marketing investments will be for category and other marketing programmes, agreed annually, aimed at stimulating rough diamond sales, protecting the ethical integrity of diamonds, and to maintain and build consumer confidence in the product. De Beers and the Government of Botswana have committed to co-invest over the life of the Sales Agreement and in proportion to their relative shares of Debswana supply.

https://www.debeersgroup.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/debeersgroup/
http://www.twitter.com/DeBeersGroup
http://www.facebook.com/DeBeersGroupOfCompanies/
http://www.instagram.com/debeersgroup

Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup #Debswana #Botswana

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

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