KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Coming into 2025, the cryptocurrency market is on the upswing. Bitcoin has reached another all-time high (ATH), surpassing $109,000 on 20 January 2025, ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration. The overall market growth is driven by institutional investors’ crypto adoption, a change in regulatory sentiments, and general interest in digital assets, retail investors included. Considering this, many believe the crypto market is on a bullish run, which refers to the period of high demand for assets and their rising prices. Financial market analyst at Octa Broker, Kar Yong Ang, shares potential crypto market development and driving factors to consider.
Bitcoin Projections for 2025 Bitcoin’s (BTC) price increase to $100,000 and beyond has been anticipated for many years. Some factors contributing to such growth are increased institutional adoption, favourable regulatory changes, and retail traders’ overall interest in the crypto market. Experts are optimistic about the future BTC price increase.
For example, according to an opinion published by Forbes, Bitcoin can ‘blow past’ $150,000 in the first half of 2025 and may go up to $185,000 by the end of this year. It could also rise to $200,000 before the year closes, citing a surge in retail and institutional demand and a constricted supply.
Many believe that such an increase is also driven by Bitcoin’s halving, which took place in April 2024. Some see further upside ahead with limited supply and rising demand, while growing participation by institutional investors cements Bitcoin as a long-term store of value.
Positive changes in regulation also set Bitcoin’s future. In the U.S., the amicable approach toward cryptocurrencies in the Trump administration created a very friendly environment for investment in digital assets. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets, or MiCA, regulation is expected to further boost investor confidence with the standardisation of a legal framework across the union.
Other Cryptocurrencies to Watch in 2025 Ethereum (ETH), which has surpassed $4,100 in Q4 2024 for the first time in a long time, is the cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem. Since the successful transition to Ethereum 2.0 in 2022, the network has continued to usher in the most important upgrades that help to scale better and improve user experience.
Recent developments on the chain include proposals to scale both Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions to improve transaction efficiency at lowered costs. However, Ethereum is increasingly contested by emerging blockchains such as Solana (SOL), which boast faster transaction times and lower fees. This rivalry has been ever-growing as projects and investors seek more efficient blockchain solutions.
BNB, the native coin of the Binance Smart Chain, has almost reached $800, representing its integral value within the greater Binance ecosystem. The token’s price relies highly on the performances and growth that Binance achieves through its core exchange business and foray into DeFi. The more innovative tools and expanded offerings from Binance, the greater the utility and demand for BNB, thereby driving up its valuations.
Expectations During Crypto Bull Run As cryptocurrencies rally, the broader market implications are becoming increasingly evident. For example, traders should expect higher volatility, with rapid price swings creating opportunities and amplifying risks. This is especially relevant for new crypto projects or meme tokens.
Bull runs typically attract new investors, bringing fresh liquidity into the market. However, heightened speculation also raises the risk of price corrections, making risk management crucial for traders. The increasing mainstream adoption of Bitcoin ETFs has further fueled market expansion as retail and institutional investors gain more seamless access to digital assets.
Beyond Bitcoin and the top 50 cryptocurrencies by market capitalisation, decentralised finance (DeFi) presents new investment avenues. DeFi platforms continue to offer lending, borrowing, and yield farming opportunities. For those looking for passive income strategies, staking and yield farming are becoming increasingly popular. By participating in network validation or providing liquidity to DeFi platforms, investors can earn returns while contributing to the stability of blockchain ecosystems.
The 2025 crypto bull run has gotten underway, setting the stage for never-before-seen market activity. Surging beyond $100,000, Bitcoin is but one indicator of an industry in rapid evolution: institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and shifting macroeconomic conditions.
While this current rally does offer a lucrative opportunity, traders should be cautious. Market volatility needs to be tackled strategically by balancing risk versus informed decisions. The next few months are expected to prove critical for the long-term course of digital assets as projected regulations further unfold and major financial players further indulge in the crypto sector.
Hashtag: #Octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Experience Sakai’s vibrancy at Japan’s First Dorsett Hotel overlooking the stunning Sakai harbour
OSAKA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Following the success of the G7 summit at Hotel Agora Regency Osaka Sakai in October 2023, Agora Hospitalities looks forward to welcoming Osaka’s World Expo 2025 on Yumeshima from April to October 2025. With the debut of our latest venture and the first Dorsett Hotel in Japan, Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai, opening on March 25, 2025, the hotel will offer ticket sales for a direct ferry service running four times daily, conveniently connecting guests from the pier just outside the hotel to the Expo within 30 minutes.
Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai is ideally located just three train stops from the shopping district of Namba and a 30-minute ride from the airport, perfect for both leisure and business travellers.
Guests will be welcomed by 321 stylish rooms and suites, a meeting room for up to 42 seated guests, and an all-day dining restaurant with an outdoor harbourfront terrace for 120 guests. Half of the guestrooms, ranging from 22 to 44 sq.m, offer stunning views of Sakai harbour. Each room features compact minibars, window-side seating, and sofa beds.
Sustainability and local culture inspire the design with ‘Greenery, Earth and Sea’ elements. Eco-friendly materials such as ceramic tiles, bricks and upcycled denim cushions sourced from Japanese brand Rekrow, ensure a comfortable and an eco-conscious stay for our visitors.
Guests booking directly with the hotel will enjoy the brand’s signature Dorsett 26 Hours – offering a flexible check-in or out time and a full 26-hour stay. Dorsett Discoveries, a curated insider guide will provide guests with unique access to experiences around Sakai and Osaka.
“This debut, in partnership with Dorsett Hospitality International, marks Agora’s 10th, and introduces the first Dorsett Hotel in Japan. Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai reflects our commitment to exceptional hospitality and showcasing the best of Japan,” said Michael Xian, CEO and President of Agora Hospitality Group.
BOOK NOW to celebrate the hotel’s opening with the Soft Opening Special 38% discount for stays from March 25th to December 31st, 2025, available for booking until April 30th, 2025. Be among the first to experience Japan’s first Dorsett by Agora!
For details, please visit www.agoradorsett-sakai.com/en/.
Hashtag: #DorsettHospitalityInternational #Osaka
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Ready-mixed concrete: December 2024 quarter–12 February 2025 –Ready-mixed concrete statistics provide an indicator of construction activity.
Key facts
In the December 2024 quarter, the actual volume of ready-mixed concrete produced was 967,964 cubic metres, down 6.2 percent compared with the December 2023 quarter.
In the year ended December 2024, 3.82 million cubic metres of ready-mixed concrete was produced, down 7.7 percent compared with the year ended December 2023.
In seasonally adjusted terms, the volume of ready-mixed concrete fell 4.7 percent in the December 2024 quarter, following a 0.6 percent rise in the September 2024 quarter.
Acquisition strengthens Bitdefender’s position in Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and surrounding countries to deliver advanced cybersecurity solutions for business and government customers
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Bitdefender, a global leader in cybersecurity, today announced the acquisition of a key division of BitShield, responsible for distributing Bitdefender solutions in Malaysia and Brunei as a trusted Country Partner. The acquisition underscores Bitdefender’s continued investment in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, one of cybersecurity’s fastest-growing markets.
This acquisition aligns with Bitdefender’s broader strategy to expand its presence in the APAC region through both organic growth and strategic partnerships. It builds on the successful acquisition of Singapore-based Horangi Cyber Security, a company specialising in cloud security, consulting, and offensive services. By leveraging its deepened regional presence and broader capabilities, Bitdefender is better positioned to address critical cybersecurity challenges organisations face as they navigate a growing attack surface and complexity of securing multi-cloud environments.
“Our long-standing collaboration with Bitdefender has enabled us to deliver leading-edge cybersecurity solutions to hundreds of partners and thousands of customers across Malaysia and Brunei,” said Susan Lulla, CEO at BitShield. “By combining our deep understanding of the local market around security and data regulation challenges with Bitdefender’s global operations, we are well-positioned to deliver tailored security solutions and exceptional outcomes for organisations as the threat landscape evolves.”
For several years, BitShield has sold and supported Bitdefender solutions in Malaysia and Brunei, including endpoint protection and other offerings, to organisations across several key sectors, including government entities, financial institutions, multinational corporations, and technology companies.
Central to these offerings is the Bitdefender GravityZone Platform, a unified security and risk analytics solution that offers organisations options for advanced endpoint protection, including endpoint detection and response (EDR), extended detection and response (XDR), and cloud security for physical, virtual, and multi-cloud environments. GravityZone delivers deep security context for detections and seamlessly integrates with Bitdefender MDR services.
“We are pleased to announce this strategic acquisition as part of our ongoing commitment to expanding our APAC presence,” said Florin Talpes, co-founder and CEO of Bitdefender. “Building on our initial success in Singapore and Malaysia, this marks another step in our journey to grow our business there by working with more partners, reaching more customers, and expanding our team significantly. This investment also reflects our relentless dedication to being a trusted cybersecurity partner for businesses and government organisations worldwide.”
Transaction Details The terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. The acquired BitShield division will be fully integrated into Bitdefender’s global operations, transitioning to the Bitdefender brand. BitShield will retain its identity and operations outside the Bitdefender portfolio. As of January 1, 2025, Twdor Sdn Bhd, became an official and newest distributor of Bitdefender business security solutions in Malaysia.
Hashtag: #Bitdefender
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Attributable to Otago Coastal Area Commander, Inspector Marty Gray:
The man being sought by Police in Clutha for firearms offending has been located deceased.
Police, including specialist squads supporting local staff, have been at a rural property overnight working to resolve the matter safely.
The incident began about 9am on Tuesday, when Police began working to locate a person of interest in relation to alleged firearms offending in the Clutha area.
This morning, Police made entry to the house around 10:15am and the man was located by officers inside, deceased.
His death will be referred to the Coroner and Police will assist the Coroner with those inquiries.
The man’s family are being supported at this very difficult time.
While this is not the outcome Police would have hoped for, I want to thank the frontline staff and specialist teams for their hard work in responding diligently to this very lengthy incident.
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Globally recognized multi-asset broker JustMarkets received three awards from AllForexBonus, a leading Financial Portal that covers all types of Forex, CFD & Options’ Promotion released by brokers worldwide. The company has earned the prestigious titles of the Best Forex Broker Middle East 2024, Best Educational Broker 2024, and Best Mobile Application 2024, solidifying its high position in the trading industry.
These awards once again prove JustMarkets dedication to constant improvements and customer satisfaction. The broker has always prioritized the latest technologies, competitive conditions, and friendly support, and the team continues to move forward.
Expanding Opportunities for Traders in MENA
Recognition as Best Forex Broker Middle East 2024 highlights JustMarkets growing presence in the MENA region. The company keeps strengthening in this key market by providing tailored services and access to a broad range of financial instruments.
The broker also ensures that traders from MENA have access to Arabic-language support, region-specific payment solutions, and educational initiatives to give them more growth opportunities.
Empowering Traders Through Knowledge
As Best Educational Broker 2024, JustMarkets has been acknowledged for its commitment to trader education. The company offers extensive learning materials, market insights, and analytical tools designed to help traders at all experience levels.
Understanding that knowledge is a key driver of success, JustMarkets has developed a comprehensive educational ecosystem, featuring in-depth guides, case studies, daily analytics, Help Center section, and 24/7 support for any questions.
Setting a New Standard for Mobile Trading
The Best Mobile Application 2024 award follows a significant upgrade to JustMarkets Trading App in June 2024. This update introduced In-App Trading, allowing traders to execute trades directly from their mobile devices.
Previously, the app was only used for managing orders, but with the new functionality, traders can seize market opportunities anytime and anywhere. The JustMarkets app is highly popular among users, being available for download on both Google Play and the App Store.
Focusing on Innovation and Client Success
Since its founding in 2012, JustMarkets has built a strong reputation in the trading industry, serving clients in more than 180 countries. The company operates under multiple regulatory licenses, including the Financial Services Authority in Seychelles, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa, and the Financial Services Commission in Mauritius. Its dedication to transparency, security, and trader success has earned JustMarkets more than 50 industry awards.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized by the trading community,” a JustMarkets spokesperson said. “This recognition inspires us to continue improving our services, expanding our offerings, and delivering the best possible trading experience to our clients from every part of the world.”
People travelling in and out of Hanmer Springs village next Monday night, 17 February, through to Tuesday morning, 18 February, will need to plan around a full night closure over the Waiau River bridge.
The bridge, at the start of SH7A off the Lewis Pass highway, will close at 9 pm and reopen at 5.30 am Tuesday morning.
Midnight opening
There will be an hour’s opening midnight to 1 am to let traffic through in both directions, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
Crews will be repairing the bridge deck. NZTA thanks all night-time drivers for working around this closure. Emergency vehicles will be allowed across at short notice.
The first planned night closures of State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill for 2025 are coming up.
The route is set to be closed to traffic for five nights, 9 pm to 4 am, from Sunday, 23 February to Friday morning 28 February, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Maintenance & Operations Wellington / Top of the South for NZTA, says the route has been kept open since last December to cater for the extra traffic from KiwiRail’s closure of the Wairarapa Line for upgrades and maintenance.
“Now the rail line is open, it’s crucial we make sure the road remains in good shape for the wetter winter months ahead.
“Our road crews will be hard at work carrying out resurfacing, sign replacement, clearing drainage, maintaining barriers and line marking as well as the remedial work to the slip on the Featherston side of the hill, where the Slow Vehicle Lane is currently closed,” Mr Owen says.
He says it is essential drivers are aware of the closures and are ready for them. As well as the closures in February, more are planned overnight in March, April, May and June.
Pahiatua Track, Saddle Road alternative, longer routes, or book to be escorted
“We do not want people to be caught out by these overnight closures, as the only alternative detours are via the Pahiatua Track or Saddle Road to the north – a much longer trip.
“Escorted crossings for drivers of light vehicles are available during closure nights but must be booked in advance and can be made on the NZTA website,” Mr Owen says.
“During this closure we are only able to accommodate one escorted crossing per direction each night due to significant resurfacing works.”
Mr Owen says full closures mean maintenance works can be finished faster and they are safer for road crews.
“A critical factor is far fewer vehicles use the route at night. Around 7,000 vehicles on average travel over the hill daily, but of this 300 or fewer travel at night.
“Night closures have a far lower impact on drivers than if the work was done under stop/go during the day. They really are the best option for this work,” he says.
Important information for Remutaka Hill closures
Escorted crossings for light vehicles are available during closure nights but must be booked in advance. We always communicate well before planned closures and provide contact details so bookings can be made.
Bookings are essential – drivers who turn up without one risk being turned away. If you have a genuine emergency on the night, the hill manager will decide how best to help you.
The escorted crossings are for light vehicles only. To keep our contractors safe, heavy vehicles cannot be accommodated.
Full access is always available for emergency services.
More information about planned maintenance closures for Remutaka Hill can be found here:
State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, planned night closures. February – June 2025:
