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Ne Zha 2 Dominates Hong Kong Box Office for Four Straight Days, Crowned 2025’s Top Film

By
MIL OSI
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0

Source: Media Outreach

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 has taken Hong Kong by storm, topping the city’s box office charts for four consecutive days since its release. As of now, its cumulative earnings in Hong Kong have surpassed $2.07 million, securing its position as 2025’s highest-grossing film in the region.

The premiere of the Chinese animated blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” was held in Hong Kong on February 18.

The sequel to the 2019 hit “Ne Zha” premiered in Hong Kong on February 18 and hit the theaters on February 22, drawing enthusiastic crowds and critical acclaim. The film reimagines the mythical tale of Ne Zha—a divine warrior from Chinese folklore—with modern storytelling and cutting-edge animation, captivating audiences across the Chinese mainland since its Lunar New Year debut.

The Hong Kong premiere at Causeway Bay drew a star-studded crowd, including representatives from its Hong Kong and Macau distribution teams, local cultural figures, and residents. Industry professionals praised the film’s technical brilliance and narrative depth, with many cinemas, such as Kowloon Tong’s Festival Grand Cinema, scheduling near hourly screenings to meet demand.

The billboards in Hong Kong cinemas promoting the release of “Ne Zha 2” on February 22.)

Two Hong Kong moviegoers shared their excitement after attending early screenings. One resident remarked, “I don’t usually watch adult-oriented animated films, but this one is definitely worth watching. Chinese animation can now rival, or even surpass, foreign productions.” Another added, “Chinese animation keeps improving. Compared to films six years ago, the artwork is more beautiful, the visuals more vibrant, and the storytelling completely unexpected.”

LO Shuk-pui, Director of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau, highlighted the film’s collaborative effort, stating, “The script is exceptionally well-written, with sharp dialogue and rich character development. I heard 138 companies worked on this project over five years—the dedication and technical excellence are evident.”

WONG Bak-ming, Chairman of Hong Kong’s Oriental Film Company, emphasized its cultural significance, noting that Ne Zha series has successfully brought traditional Chinese stories to the global stage. It proves Chinese animation can achieve world-class results, and they’re proud to contribute to this milestone.

Globally, Ne Zha 2 has grossed over $1.698 billion as of February 18, surpassing “Inside Out 2” to become the highest-grossing animated film in history and entering the top eight of the all-time global box office chart. Due to its sustained popularity, the film’s screening period in Chinese mainland has been extended to March 30.

From its mythological roots to its record-breaking success, Ne Zha 2 continues to redefine the possibilities of Chinese animation, bridging cultural heritage with global appeal.

Hashtag: #ShanghaiEye

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

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

Budget to maintain Hong Kong’s competitiveness amid fiscal consolidation

By
MIL OSI
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0

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Hong Kong SAR’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan delivered his 2025-26 Budget yesterday (February 26), with clear path and initiatives to rein in the deficit, while accelerating the city’s development and maintaining its competitive edge of a low and simple tax regime.

“The key is managing expenditure growth, making good use of the Government’s fiscal resources, and identifying new revenue resources,” Mr Chan said.

Hong Kong SAR’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan (second left), at a press conference on the 2025-26 Budget

He forecast a consolidated deficit of $87.2 billion for 2024/25 with the Operating Account returning to surplus within two years.

The deficit, Mr Chan said, was largely due to the impact of counter-cyclical measures launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as challenges such as the geopolitical landscape and related disruptions to trade, supply chain, cash flow and sentiment in the investment market.

Under a proposed “reinforced version” of the fiscal consolidation programme, Mr Chan announced a range of measures, including a cumulative reduction of 7% in government expenditure by 2027-28, compared to the level in 2024-25.

The Government has also put forward that the executive authorities, the legislature, the judiciary and members of the District Councils take a pay freeze for 2025-26. That includes, among others, the Chief Executive and all politically appointed officials, and all civil servants.

The civil service establishment will be reduced by 2% each in 2026-27 and 2027-28, with about 10,000 posts expected to be deleted within the next two years.

“The Government has all along endeavoured to deliver more efficient public services to citizens through leveraging technology, streamlining processes and driving the digital transformation of public services,” Mr Chan said.

The Budget proposes a reinforced version of fiscal consolidation programme to restore fiscal balance in the Operating Account within the current term of Government

Meanwhile, the conditions of the two public transport fare subsidy schemes will be adjusted, with expected saving of $6.2 billion in the next five years.

Alongside controls on government expenditure, the Financial Secretary proposed a raft of measures to boost revenue, notably by adjusting some government fees and charges under the “user pays” and “affordable users pay” principle.

These include, for example, reviewing government fees and charges for road users in relation to some tunnel tolls, trunk roads, licences and parking charges, and increasing the rate of air passenger departure tax from $120 to $200 per passenger starting from October 2025.

The Financial Secretary noted that issuing bonds to support infrastructure development is a common practice worldwide.

To take forward major infrastructure projects, particularly the Northern Metropolis development, Mr Chan said “Hong Kong has the prerequisite and capability to suitably increase bond issuance, thereby effectively utilising market resources.”

“With the increase in capital works expenditure, I will expand the scale of bond issuance accordingly. It is expected that during the five-year period from 2025-26 to 2029-30, a total of about $150 billion to $195 billion worth of bonds will be issued under the Government Sustainable Bond Programme and the Infrastructure Bond Programme every year.” He remarked that bonds will not be issued to fund government recurrent expenditure; instead, they will be used to invest in infrastructure only.

The ratio of Hong Kong SAR Government debt to GDP will stay at 12 to 16.5 per cent, which is a prudent and manageable level, and is much lower than most of the advanced economies, Mr Chan emphasised.

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Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #budget

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

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

Samitivej International Children’s Hospital Expands, Advancing Pediatric Healthcare in Asia-Pacific

By
MIL OSI
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0

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Samitivej Hospital, a leader in pediatric care, unveils its newly expanded standalone Samitivej International Children’s Hospital at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital. Backed by a 2 billion THB investment, the expansion strengthens Samitivej’s commitment to becoming Asia-Pacific’s Leading Pediatric Referral Hub, providing specialized care, innovative treatments, and seamless medical coordination.

Samitivej International Children’s Hospital Expands, Advancing Pediatric Healthcare in Asia-Pacific

The upgraded facility serves patients from Thailand and beyond, earning a strong reputation in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, reinforcing its global healthcare role.

Revolutionizing Pediatric Care with Advanced Treatments

Samitivej International Children’s Hospital redefines pediatric excellence, offering cutting-edge treatments for complex and rare conditions:

  • Open-Heart Surgery to Minimally Invasive Catheterization – Complete heart care from birth, ensuring advanced treatment and faster recovery.
  • Haploidentical Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) to CAR-T Cell Therapy – Advanced treatments for blood disorders and cancer.
  • Comprehensive Pediatric and Newborn Surgery – Expertise in performing procedures from head to toe, led by specialized doctors.
  • Epilepsy Treatment with Medication to Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Implants – Solutions for drug-resistant epilepsy.

Advancing Pediatric Excellence with Cutting-Edge Facilities

The new eight-floor hospital features 111 beds, including 12 for critically ill children and 8 neonatal intensive care beds. It integrates Smart Hospital technology for efficiency and patient-centered care. Key features include:

  • Hybrid Operating Room: Precision-driven newborn and pediatric surgical procedures using biplane imaging technology.
  • World-Class Pediatric Specialties: Multidisciplinary teams treating complex and rare conditions.
  • Advanced Neonatal & Pediatric Intensive Care: Specialized care for premature infants under 500 grams.
  • Cutting-Edge Rehabilitation Center: Robotic-assisted gait training, Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) therapy, and Redcord NEURAC systems.
  • Comprehensive International Patient Services: Pre-arrival teleconsultations, aeromedical transport, multilingual care teams, follow-up appointments, and medical evacuation and repatriation.

Global Partnerships & Medical Expertise

Samitivej collaborates with Doernbecher Children’s Hospital (OHSU, USA) to enhance care for critically ill children, newborns, and trauma patients. A partnership with Takatsuki General Hospital (Japan) ensures specialized neonatal and allergy treatments, providing access to the latest pediatric advancements.

Pioneering Smart Hospital Innovations

Samitivej leads in digital healthcare, integrating technology to enhance efficiency and care:

  • Well Kidz App: Manages medical records, appointments, and remote consultations.
  • Smart ER & Smart Ambulance Services: Real-time monitoring ensures rapid emergency response.
  • Smart OPD & Smart IPD: AI-powered cost estimation, queue tracking, and seamless patient-medical team communication.
  • D-Discharge System: Streamlined hospital discharge for greater convenience.

Exceptional Pediatric Outcomes & Achievements

Samitivej delivers outstanding results:

  • 7,000+ critical pediatric cases treated annually
  • 1,000+ newborn and pediatric surgeries performed, including minimally invasive procedures
  • 92% one-year survival rate for bone marrow transplants, surpassing global benchmarks
  • 400+ newborns with heart conditions successfully treated through surgical correction
  • Specialized care provided for premature infants with birth weights below 500 grams
  • 98% trust rating from families

A Commitment to a Healthier Future for Every Child

Dr. Surangkana Techapaitoon, Deputy CEO of Samitivej and BNH Hospitals and Director of Samitivej International Children’s Hospital, stated:

“We want to see a healthier future for every child by integrating innovation, world-class expertise, and compassionate care. This facility strengthens our role as a leading pediatric referral hub, expanding access to specialized treatment and ensuring children everywhere receive the best care from infancy through adolescence.”

For more details, please visit: https://smtvj.com/3F5dPKC

Hashtag: #SamitivejInternationalChildrensHospital

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

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

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

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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

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MIL OSI
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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.

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