VinFuture Prize Officially Opens Call for Nominations for the 2025 Season

January 15, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – VinFuture Prize announces the launch of its 2025 season and officially opens nominations until 2:00 p.m. on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). After 4 seasons, the Prize has seen nearly a threefold increase in nominations, from 599 projects in its inaugural year to 1,469 projects in the most recent 2024 season.

The VinFuture Prize has established its ability to identify and honor groundbreaking scientific research with global impact, standing alongside other long-established and prestigious awards worldwide. Photo: VinFuture.

Inventions and scientific-technological solutions eligible for consideration in 5^th season of VinFuture Prize must fully meet the nomination criteria and be nominated by reputable organizations and individuals in science and technology worldwide.

Nominated projects undergo a thorough evaluation process conducted by the VinFuture Prize Pre-Screening Committee and the Prize Council, comprising esteemed scientists and leading global experts who have been honored with prestigious awards such as Nobel Prize, A.M. Turing Award, Millennium Technology Prize, etc. The evaluation process is expected to conclude in September 2025 and the 2025 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony is scheduled to take place on the evening of December 6, 2025.

The nomination period for the 2025 VinFuture Prize will close at 2:00 PM on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). Nominations submitted after this deadline will be automatically carried over for consideration in the 2026 season.

To provide information to nominating partners, the VinFuture Foundation will host two online seminars in the first quarter of 2025, featuring representatives from the Prize Council, the Pre-Screening Committee and VinFuture Prize Laureates.

In addition to organizing the annual prize, the VinFuture Foundation plans to implement various highlight science-connection activities in 2025 to mark its 5th anniversary. Accordingly, VinFuture Foundation will expand the InnovaConnect scientific program for all institutes, universities, and research organizations nationwide that wish to establish connections with the leading scientists and experts worldwide. The program aims to foster practical cooperation and sustainable development in the field of science and technology.

The Foundation will further strengthen its collaboration with international partners to organize InnovaTalk webinars, reaffirming its role as a bridge for global scientific knowledge exchange and sharing, as well as the mission to identify and promote groundbreaking solutions worldwide.

At the same time, VinFuture will continue the Top Nominators Recognition program for scientists who have made invaluable contributions to identifying and nominating impactful technological innovations and solutions for the VinFuture Prize 2025. This initiative also serves as an opportunity to foster greater collaboration in the development of science and technology in Vietnam.

Professor Sir Richard Henry Friend, FRS, Chair of VinFuture Prize Council, shares: “After four years, the VinFuture Prize has consistently demonstrated its ability to identify groundbreaking scientific research with global impact, sharing the same vision with world-renowned, prestigious awards. A testament to this is the fact that five VinFuture Prize Laureates subsequently honored with the prestigious Nobel Prize. I am very proud that this year, the Prize’s recognition has extended beyond academia, honoring industry leaders like the CEO of NVIDIA, reinforcing the critical link between fundamental research and its practical applications in propelling the AI revolution and driving scientific and technological progress forward. As the fifth Prize cycle commences, I eagerly anticipate the new innovative projects and diverse nominations for the 2025 VinFuture Prize.”

The fourth season of VinFuture Prize has just concluded, garnering strong support from the global scientific and technological community with 1,469 high-quality nominations from scientists across all five continents. This season left a lasting impression and achieved significant success by expanding the scale of activities to connect and inspire the domestic scientific community.

With four successful seasons and convincing award results, the VinFuture Prize has demonstrated its fair and comprehensive evaluation criteria, emphasizing diversity and its mission of serving humanity, creating positive impacts and improving the lives of billions worldwide. Notably, the recognition of many VinFuture Prize Laureates at prestigious international awards such as the Nobel Prize, Breakthrough Prize, and Tang Prize highlights VinFuture’s foresight in identifying groundbreaking works with global influence.

Hashtag: #vinfuture

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

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

Greater Bay Area Residential Transactions Stabilized in 2H 2024 With Central Government’s Support

MIL OSI

January 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Neighborhood Retail Assets and Industrial/Logistics Sector Gain Investors’ Interest

Since the Politburo’s emphasis in its September 2024 meeting that authorities “must work to halt the real estate market decline and spur a stable recovery,” Chinese mainland residential market sentiment has strengthened significantly, supporting a pick-up in primary market home sales
Total investment volume in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) commercial real estate (CRE) market recorded RMB44.7 billion in 2024, accounting for 20% of total Chinese mainland CRE investment volume
The industrial/ logistics sector became sought-after, accounting for 22% of total investment volume in the GBA, with transaction activity in second-tier GBA cities performing notably well

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield today published its Greater Bay Area Residential and Investment Market 2024 Review and 2025 Outlook. In reviewing 2024, GBA residential market sentiment remained cautious in the first three quarters, due to the slower-than-expected pace of economic recovery and a lack of confidence among potential buyers. However, since the Central Government emphasized at the Politburo meeting that authorities “must work to halt the real estate market decline and spur a stable recovery,” and put forward stimulus measures targeting both the demand and supply sides, residential transaction activity started to strengthen from October. The CRE investment market also began to show a steady uptrend from Q4 onwards, with neighborhood retail assets and the industrial/ logistics projects being the most sought-after by investors.

GBA Residential Market

Overall GBA residential market sentiment remained cautious in the first half of 2024 due to the economic slowdown in the Chinese mainland combined with a lack of confidence in the real estate market. Although overall GBA primary market residential transactions picked up in June following the introduction of the “517” new housing policies, the market then gradually digested the favorable impact in the subsequent months, failing to bring a sustained stimulus to residential transactions.

In late September, the Central Government then emphasized at the Politburo meeting that authorities “must work to halt the real estate market decline and spur a stable recovery”. Unlike the “517” new housing policies, which mainly targeted the demand side, this time the policies were designed to stimulate the market from both the demand and supply sides. The Central Government also introduced real estate measures summarized as “four cancellations, four reductions, and two additions,” aimed at lowering the cost of entry for buyers,and boosting the market’s confidence in developers’ capital flow by encouraging local governments to use funds from special-purpose bonds to reclaim and acquire idle land and unsold units. Since October, the residential market has become more active, with transaction numbers picking up significantly. Around 40,000 transactions were recorded in the GBA primary residential market in October, growing 70% m-o-m. Transactions through Q4 showed a strong recovery, growing 42% y-o-y and 72% q-o-q, with new home sales in Shenzhen and Guangzhou surging 165% and 72% respectively over the same period last year. These figures reflect that with the support of favorable policies, residential transaction activity in the Greater Bay Area is gradually recovering. Although total primary market transactions for the full-year 2024 reached approximately 318,000 units, a 16% y-o-y drop from 2023, the decline was concentrated in the first three quarters. (Chart 1).

Chart 1: GBA First-Hand Residential Sales

Primary market home prices are more swayed by the quality level of newly launched projects, and first-hand residential prices in the nine GBA Chinese mainland cities showed a mixed trend in 2H 2024. Secondary market home prices generally better reflect current underlying trends, and National Bureau of Statistics data shows that Shenzhen secondary home prices had been in a correction of -9.2% for the first nine months of 2024. However, since the Central Government introduced a series of stimulus measures for the real estate market in September and October, in particular the special-purpose bonds to improve developers’ cash flow, the sales price index of secondary market residential buildings in Shenzhen has stabilized, with m-o-m increases of 0.7% in October and 0.5% in November. We expect the price index in December to record similar growth to November, narrowing the annual decline to 7.7% (Chart 2).

Chart 2: Change in Shenzhen Secondary Home Price Index

Alva To, Cushman & Wakefield’s Vice President, Greater China & Head of Consulting, Greater China said, “In reviewing the easing policies introduced in 2H 2024, the Central Government has not only stimulated housing demand but also strived to stabilize supply. Among the measures, we believe the policy of encouraging local governments to use funds from special-purpose bonds to reclaim and acquire idle land and unsold units is the most noteworthy. This is expected to help developers improve their cash flow and liquidity, in turn strengthening market’s confidence in developers’ deliveries, while also ensuring a stable housing supply. Only with the gradual restoration of market confidence can the purchasing power stimulated by easing policies be truly unleashed. Looking ahead to 2025, we believe that the most challenging time is over and that the property market is now gradually stabilizing with the support of the Central Government’s policies. With the support of favorable policies, transaction numbers are likely to be maintained at the current level. We forecast that total first-hand residential transactions in the GBA will increase by 20% to around 380,000 units in 2025, supporting the gradual recovery of home prices.”

GBA CRE Investment Market

Charli Chan, Cushman & Wakefield’s Deputy Managing Director, Head of HK PRC Team, Capital Markets, said, “After significant downward asset price adjustments in the middle of the year, the GBA CRE investment market began to show a trend of stable recovery trend from Q4 2024. The GBA CRE investment market (large-sized deals at RMB100 million or above) recorded 66 deals totaling RMB44.7 billion for the full-year 2024, decreasing 9% y-o-y, accounting for 20% of the overall Chinese mainland investment market (Chart 3). Of the 66 large-sized deals, 15 were above the RMB1 billion mark, accounting for 23% of the total number of transactions, up from 20% in 2023. The GBA commercial property investment market continued to focus on the two first-tier mainland cities, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, recording total transaction volumes of RMB23.9 billion and RMB14.6 billion, respectively.

By property type, the office/R&D office sector continued to take the largest share of the market, accounting for more than half of the total investment volume for 2024. The share of the industrial/ logistics sector increased notably, from 9% of total investment volume in 2023 to 22% in 2024, chiefly driven by logistics demand spurred by cross-border e-commerce activities (Chart 4). This trend is also in line with the firm’s forecast six months ago.

Chart 4: Total CRE Investment Volume in the GBA by Property Type

Charli Chan added, “Looking ahead to 2025, investors are likely to remain cautious in the current market conditions. The abundant new supply of industrial, logistics, and office premises, combined with relatively few buyers in the market, is going to lead to increased competition, bringing downward pressure on property prices. However, the low interest rate environment in the Chinese mainland, and with further rate cuts anticipated, is expected to offset the downward pressure to a certain extent. Property prices are expected to remain generally stable in 2025.

“In terms of property type, the logistics sector currently remains the top choice for investors. However, Guangdong is facing a supply boom in the coming two years, which may exert pressure on rents. Neighborhood retail assets and community malls are expected to remain sought after, and industrial parks are also attracting greater market attention with the benefit of relatively long-term tenants. Yet, investors are advised to adjust their strategies in a timely manner, considering the effectiveness of the ‘Industry’s Going Upstairs’ (IGU) policy and the actual market situation. Among all asset classes, the office sector has experienced the greatest price pressure. We suggest investors to pay attention to projects held by U.S. dollar funds that are willing to offload assets with price discounts.”

Please click here to download photos.

Caption:
Alva To, Cushman & Wakefield’s Vice President, Greater China & Head of Consulting, Greater China (Left)
and Charli Chan, Cushman & Wakefield’s Deputy Managing Director, Head of HK PRC Team, Capital Markets (Right).

Hashtag: #CWK

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

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

Galaxy Macau Launches the ‘Adventures in the Cavern’ Guest Mixologist Series, Featuring World-Class Mixologists Monthly at Long Bar at Raffles

MIL OSI

January 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Galaxy Macau™ is proud to unveil the monthly “Adventures in the Cavern – Guest Mixologist Series” at Long Bar at Raffles, an initiative that elevates the Long Bar sensory experience to dizzying new heights. Beginning in January, this monthly series will showcase some of the world’s most celebrated mixologists, including award-winning talents recognized by the “World’s 50 Best Bars” and “Asia’s 50 Best Bars.” Cocktail enthusiasts can anticipate an exceptional roster of guest mixologists. The series will launch on January 18, featuring Antonio Lai and Samuel Kwok, co-founders of one of Hong Kong’s most dynamic new establishments—The Opposites—who will headline the inaugural event.

The monthly event begins on January 18, when award-winning guest mixologists Antonio Lai (left) and Samuel Kwok will take over for the inaugural collaboration

The world’s first speakeasy rendition of the Raffles Long Bar at Galaxy Macau is the ideal setting for this one-of-a-kind series. Accessed through a secret door, this intimate venue is a haven for cocktail connoisseurs and bon vivant, featuring a unique design inspired by the coastal caves of Macau where the gin was distilled and stored, as well as the voyages of the legendary Portuguese merchant ship Madre de Deus, courtesy of renowned interior designer Joyce Wang. It has been honored with the “Best Hotel Bar Design” award at the 2024 VOGUE Living Design Awards and has also been featured in the “Tastemakers 2024 list” by Travel + Leisure as one of the Best Bars in Macau.

The interior design of Long Bar is inspired by the coastal caves of Macau where the gin was distilled and stored, as well as the voyages of the legendary Portuguese merchant ship Madre de Deus and has been honored with the “Best Hotel Bar Design” award at the 2024 VOGUE LIVING DESIGN AWARDS

‘Adventures in the Cavern’ aims to elevate the Long Bar sensory experience to dizzying new heights. World-renowned guest mixologists, including award-winning bartenders from the “World’s 50 Best Bars” and “Asia’s 50 Best Bars,” will be invited to collaborate in creating an exclusive and enchanting cocktail journey. This initiative seeks to transcend sensory boundaries, delight guests’ taste buds, and leave them with unforgettable memories.

The inaugural event in the series will see two of Hong Kong’s most esteemed mixologists, Antonio Lai and Samuel Kwok, making the short journey to Macau to serve up a selection of unmistakable signature creations born from their contrasting mixology styles.

Widely regarded as one of the leading lights of Asia’s bar industry, Antonio is best known as the creative force behind Quinary, the trailblazing Hong Kong cocktail bar that made the World’s 50 Best Bars list for five consecutive years between 2013 and 2017, and again in 2021. It has been a fixture on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list since 2016 and has won the Heering Legend of the List Award as the venue that has performed most consistently in the history of Asia’s 50 Best Bars. The multi-award-winning Antonio is also famed for pioneering the Multisensory Mixology concept, a drinking experience that engages all five senses, and is co-owner of The Opposites, and Draft Land HK, and beverage director of the one-Michelin-starred VEA Restaurant as well as Medora.

Co-owner of The Opposites, Samuel Kwok is not only one of Antonio’s closest collaborators, but also a formidable mixology talent in his own right. Previously the bar manager of Quinary, he has also won numerous accolades, including being named the Diageo World Class Hong Kong Hong Kong & Macau Champion. With their creative spark, artistic flair, and contrasting styles, witness two great creative minds who may think like opposites, but are united in guiding cocktail culture into uncharted territory through their creative crafting drinks.

The following two instalments of the ‘Adventures in the Cavern’ series take place on February 21 and March 28, when Long Bar will welcome more movers and shakers from the world of mixology. Behind the bar on February 21 will be Lorenzo Antinori of Hong Kong’s fêted Bar Leone, which is currently ranked No.2 in the World’s 50 Best Bars and No.1 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars, and Demie Kim and Noah Kwon from Seoul hotspot Zest, which is No.9 in the World’s 50 Best Bars and No.2 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars. On March 28, meanwhile, Long Bar will play host to Dicky Hartono of Bangkok’s Firefly and Amanda Wan and Jo Wong from Kuala Lumpur’s Three X Co.

Demie Kim (left) from Seoul hotspot Zest and Lorenzo Antinori from Hong Kong’s fêted Bar Leone

Jo Wong (left) from Kuala Lumpur’s Three X Co and Noah Kwon from Seoul hotspot Zest

More guest mixologists will be revealed soon in the ‘Adventures in the Cavern’ series, bringing together master bartenders from around the world. With their exceptional skills and creativity, they will create a unique tasting journey that transcends sensory boundaries and delights guests’ taste buds.

Dicky Hartono (left) from Bangkok’s Firefly, Amanda Wan from Kuala Lumpur’s Three X Co

Adventures in the Cavern – Guest Mixologist Series

Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Time: 7pm to 11pm
Location: Raffles at Galaxy Macau
Reservations: +853 8883 2221 (Reservation is required.)

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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

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

Fresh from France: Sustainable Apple Delights Mark Great Success in Singapore

MIL OSI

January 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – INTERFEL (the Interbranch Association for Fresh French Fruit and Vegetables) is back in Singapore with great success presenting its latest range of sustainable French apples for fruit lovers in Singapore to enjoy.

(Top) Interfel Singapore Roadshow, (Bottom) Interfel Singapore Kombucha Workshop

Dusit International strengthens Philippines presence with two new hotels in Mindanao

MIL OSI

January 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, represented in the Philippines by Dusit Thani Philippines Inc., has signed hotel management agreements with IDC Prime, a wholly owned subsidiary of Italpinas Development Corp, a design-driven developer of sustainable properties in emerging cities in the Philippines, to manage two new hotels in Northern Mindanao under Dusit’s upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand.

Under the agreement, Dusit will manage two hotels: Dusit Princess Firenze and Dusit Princess Moena. Pictured here, Dusit Princess Moena will be a highlight of the sustainability-focused Moena Mountain Estate, nestled in the lush, forested mountains of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Slated to open in late 2029, Dusit Princess Moena will be a standout feature of Moena Mountain Estate, a sustainability-focused mixed-use development located in the lush, forested mountains of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, on the outskirts of the Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park.

Thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, the 184-key hotel will cater to both business and leisure travellers, offering a wide range of premium facilities, including a lobby lounge, business centre, all-day dining restaurant, outdoor pool, fully equipped gym, yoga room, and a versatile multipurpose area.

Known as the ‘Baguio of Mindanao,’ Dahilayan is already a popular destination for nature enthusiasts thanks to its stunning mountain scenery, striking landscapes, cool climate, and a variety of outdoor adventures. With its contemporary accommodation and extensive range of services, Dusit Princess Moena will further enhance the area’s appeal, complementing existing attractions such as Dahilayan Adventure Park and the expansive Del Monte Pineapple plantations.

Further north, and also slated to open in late 2029, Dusit Princess Firenze will be a key highlight of IDC’s Firenze Green Tower project in the Limketkai area of Cagayan de Oro, near the city’s commercial and business districts.

Leveraging the city’s reputation as the “Adventure Capital of the Philippines” and its fast-growing business and leisure markets, this 14-storey mixed-use green development will seamlessly combine commercial, residential, and hotel spaces. Dusit will manage 180 rooms on the tower’s upper floors, providing guests with exceptional views and Dusit’s signature high standards of service.

Designed to provide unparalleled convenience, memorable experiences, and exceptional value for guests and residents alike, the project will also feature an array of premium facilities, including a gym, spa, multipurpose areas, commercial spaces, and a swimming pool.

“We are delighted and honoured to collaborate with IDC Prime to further expand our presence in the Philippines through these remarkable projects,” said Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “The Philippine’s dynamic economic growth and thriving tourism sector offer unparalleled opportunities for innovation and advancement. With IDC Prime’s shared commitment to sustainability and positive impact, we are excited to bring our distinctive Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to these vibrant Mindanao destinations, delivering meaningful and memorable guest experiences while creating lasting value for the broader community.”

The Firenze Green Tower and Moena Mountain Estate projects are pre-existing real estate joint ventures between IDC, as the property developer, and the Go family, the original site owners. Adding hotel components to these developments is set to elevate their appeal, positioning Dusit Princess Moena and Dusit Princess Firenze as destinations in their own right.

“IDC was founded on our belief in the Philippine’s growth story, particularly in areas such as these, which are full of potential for transformative development” said Arch. Romolo Nati, CEO and Chairman, IDC Prime. “Our projects are recognised for their sustainability and architectural innovation, consistently delivering a ‘level-up’ in elegance and quality. Partnering with Dusit to bring world-class hotels to Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon is a natural extension of this vision, and we look forward to welcoming these exceptional properties to our portfolio.”

Dusit’s portfolio currently includes 302 properties operating across 19 countries, including 58 properties under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 244 luxury villas under Elite Havens, the leading provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia. Dusit-branded hotels currently operating in the Philippines include Dusit Thani Manila, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, Dusit Thani Residence Davao, dusitD2 Davao, and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort.

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

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

Financial market predictions for 2025 by global broker Octa

MIL OSI

January 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – 2024, a year of geopolitical stress and major political changes, is drawing to a close. It is time to focus on the future and identify new trading opportunities. However, according to Octa broker, the outlook for the global economy is uneven and mixed, ‘rife with uncertainties and riddled with challenges’, so traders are advised to take a cautious stance. In this material, Octa broker looks at key economic and political developments that will shape the next year and offers exclusive guidance into their potential impact on various asset classes.

‘If you were to ask me what will be the key driving theme of 2025, I would say it will be the after-effects of the U.S. presidential elections’, says Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, adding that Donald Trump’s proposed policies provide more uncertainties than opportunities. Indeed, it is the risk of rising inflation induced by new trade tariffs and immigration policies that separates an optimistic 2025 scenario from a pessimistic one. Before we start analysing the likely scenarios for 2025, let’s first look at the current economic conditions.

Current situation
Interest rates in most industrialised economies are currently 75-100 basis points (bps) below their recent peaks. However, real interest rates (adjusted for inflation) are still positive. As Kar Yong Ang explains: ‘If history is any guidance, interest rates are still relatively high. In fact, I think they are more restrictive than stimulative and will most likely continue to go down in 2025’. In fact, at the time of writing, the fixed income market (interest rate swaps) was implying a further 50 bps of cuts from the Federal Reserve (Fed), 100 bps from the European Central Bank (ECB), 50 bps from the Bank of Canada (BoC) and 50 bps from the Bank of England (BoE). As a result, the monetary policy divergence between the Fed and the rest of the world has pulled the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) to a multi-month high.

U.S. stocks have performed very well over the past two years. However, the bullish trend in the S&P 500 and NASDAQ is beginning to show signs of exhaustion, especially after the Fed indicated that it intends to slow the pace of future rate cuts.

Gold (XAU) was moving in a very well-defined bullish trend for most of 2024 and set a new all-time high at the end of October. However, the volatility in gold started to increase after the U.S. presidential election brought policy uncertainty. Currently, XAUUSD finds itself in a sideways market, trading range-bound between 2,550 and 2,720, indicating a lack of a clear trend.

Bitcoin (BTC) made headlines in 2024 when its price jumped above $100,000 per coin. A major impulse came in November after Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election fuelled hopes of crypto industry deregulation. However, these hopes have not yet been fulfilled, leaving Bitcoin and other crypto coins at risk of a sharp downward correction.

2025 outlook
Macro and the U.S. dollar
Declining interest rates mean that returns on cash (bank deposits) in most industrialised economies will continue to go down, prompting investors and traders to put their money into riskier assets like equities and cryptocurrencies. ‘Another important feature of the current monetary policy outlook is that the Fed’s easing cycle will slow relative to the rest of the world. It means that the U.S. Dollar Index [DXY] will likely remain well-supported in 2025’, argues Kar Yong Ang. However, a lot of bullish factors for the U.S. dollar are already priced in, and the greenback has actually started to look somewhat overvalued. ‘I’m sceptical about further dollar gains’, says Kar Yong Ang, adding that dollar bulls should be very cautious.

If the U.S. plays hardball and implements blanket tariffs, inflation and even recession risks will rise. In this scenario, investors will rush into safe-haven assets like the U.S. dollar, the Japanese yen, and gold and sell stocks and crypto assets.

Equities
Betting on broad-based growth in U.S. equities is dangerous. Instead, traders should focus on specific industries and sectors. The main theme here is the adoption and commercialisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Companies that integrate AI into their core operations and invest in AI talent and infrastructure will gain a competitive edge. Therefore, tech companies are likely to perform well in 2025. By the same token, the increased use of AI and data centres is boosting energy demand, so energy companies and utilities are also likely to shine in 2025.

Gold
‘I expect gold to set a new all-time high in 2025. $3,000 per ounce is not impossible. There are too many risks heading our way in 2025, so there will be plenty of demand for safe-haven assets’, says Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker. Indeed, gold will continue to remain an effective hedge against key political concerns, including government debt levels, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, central banks’ demand for gold has already supported gold prices in 2024, and there are no reasons to expect this trend to reverse.

Crypto
The latest rally in crypto looks overextended. It has been driven by sentiment and embedded in forward-looking hopes. ‘There is just too much optimism in Bitcoin right now. I think there is a risk of a significant pullback in 2025. But rather than betting on a bearish correction, I would advise using it as a buying opportunity’, says Kar Yong Ang.

Wrap-up
Overall, 2025 will be a year of reckoning as the impact of the U.S. presidential elections unfolds, determining the course of future policy. In the worst-case scenario of an all-out trade war, global supply chains would be severely disrupted, leading to significant price increases for consumers, decreased business investment, and a sharp contraction in international trade. Under this scenario, U.S. equities and most other commodity prices would drop. However, should we avoid the worst-case scenario, global central banks will likely continue to cut interest rates, pulling stocks and crypto assets higher.

Our base case scenario is somewhere in the middle. We expect to see a lot of volatility and uncertainty enter the marketplace, but we also expect key players to sort out their differences and find common ground. The AI transformation trend is likely to continue benefiting tech and energy companies. It is highly probable that XAUUSD will establish a new all-time high in 2025, given the likely continued gold purchases by investors and central banks in response to low interest rates, geopolitical risks, and dollar diversification efforts. The greenback will likely reach a major mid-term peak in 2025, so betting on its continuing appreciation is risky.

In case the regulatory outlook for the crypto industry starts to brighten (as seems likely) and the reshuffling of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yields productive results, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana will probably hit new all-time highs—particularly in the second half of the year. Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, concludes: ‘Fundamentally, the outlook for the global economy is actually positive, but it’s rife with uncertainties and riddled with challenges. I bet Forex volatility in 2025 will be higher than it was in 2024, so there will be plenty of short-term trade opportunities for swing and intraday traders alike’.

Hashtag: #Octa

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

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

Chuangxinzhong, a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Yeahka, Accelerates AI Marketing with Rapid Growth in 2024 Performance

MIL OSI

January 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – With the widespread application of AI technology in the advertising field, the increase in advertising monetization rates is finally reflected in the company’s revenue growth.

It is reported that Chuangxinzhong, a precision marketing company, used AI to generate text-to-image content for a single client, with more than 20% of the total and over 10% of the consumption share in 2024. In terms of AI-generated digital human videos, the consumption share for a single client reached nearly one-third.

The extensive application of AI technology has driven rapid growth in Chuangxinzhong’s overall business, with industry-leading performance in the fintech segment. It now covers over 90% of the top clients in the industry, including Ant Insurance, WeBank, Ningbo Bank, ZhongAn Insurance, and others, achieving a renewal rate of over 90%.

According to public information, Chuangxinzhong is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yeahka, and its core team members are seasoned industry professionals. The founder, Qin Lingjin, has held positions such as Technical Director, Vice President, and COO at Emar Online and has many years of technical and management experience at NetEase (NASDAQ: NTES; HKEX: 9999) with nearly 20 years of experience in the marketing industry.

Yeahka’s investment in Chuangxinzhong is not only because of Chuangxinzhong’s strong competitive advantages, but also because of the synergies that can be formed between Yeahka and Chuangxinzhong in the marketing business.

Yeahka operates an advertising precision marketing platform, “Juliang”, which uses big data analysis to precisely match offline traffic consumption behaviors and helps advertisers with their ad placements. As a leading content performance marketing service provider in China, Chuangxinzhong has top-tier online media resources, including Tencent and Douyin. The integration of both companies’ services can result in a “1+1>2” effect, achieving complementary “online + offline” precise matching of traffic and advertisers across all scenarios.

In addition, in recent years, Yeahka has been increasingly focusing on artificial intelligence technology. As early as 2017, Yeahka established an AI Lab, focusing on studying and developing large models, algorithm creation, content generation, and other AI-related initiatives for various business applications. These efforts have made significant technological preparations and explorations, while mature AI technologies have been applied to Yeahka’s business scenarios, improving business efficiency and reducing operational costs.

To date, Yeahka has launched a series of AI-driven products, including marketing content and pitch generation through large model training to improve conversion efficiency; AI-driven business analysis tools to interpret marketing activity data; seamless, automated customer interactions and scenario configurations based on merchant-client dynamics; and the automatic generation of unique, creative brand content based on merchants’ brand philosophies, enhancing their exposure and sales conversions. All these AI products and tools can empower Chuangxinzhong’s marketing business, further enhancing its marketing efficiency.

It is worth noting that another Yeahka subsidiary, Fushi Technology, is set to launch AI Agent industry applications in Southeast Asia in the near future, with its first Singaporean brand client scheduled for deployment in the first half of 2025. With Yeahka’s AI capabilities, Chuangxinzhong is expected to continue advancing in artificial intelligence, driving further performance growth.

https://www.yeahka.com/marketing

Hashtag: #Chuangxinzhong #AI

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

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

RedRay MGA Pte Ltd – the first exclusive Healthcare MGA in Asia

MIL OSI

January 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Everest International Reinsurance Limited (Singapore Branch) appoints RedRay to quote and bind policies for healthcare sector

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – RedRay MGA Pte. Ltd. (RedRay), a Managing General Agent (MGA), announced today its appointment as the exclusive underwriting agent for Everest International Reinsurance Limited, Singapore Branch (EIS) for Medical Malpractice Liability Insurance and associated coverages in Asia.

EIS has obtained the relevant regulatory approval to appoint RedRay as its underwriting agent to quote and bind policies specific to clients in the healthcare sector. RedRay is now EIS’ first exclusive healthcare MGA in Asia.

RedRay’s healthcare MGA caters to a broad spectrum of clients – from medical and allied health practitioner organisations to complex institutions such as Acute Hospitals, Teaching Hospitals, Clinics & Surgeries, Aged Care, Assisted Living and other specialty facilities. Healthcare clients can also avail themselves to customised packaged commercial insurance coverage across several lines to help save on their overall insurance expenditure.

On RedRay’s appointment, Mr. Tomi Latva-Kiskola, Everest’s Regional Head of Insurance Asia said, “Our partnership with RedRay stems from our strategic alignment to target and grow in the fast-expanding healthcare sector. RedRay’s deep understanding of the unique exposures and expertise in this sector make it an ideal partner to expand our capabilities in Asia.”

The region is primed for rapid healthcare change driven by shifting demographics, rising consumer expectations, technological innovations and limited legacy health infrastructure. The increasing demand for health services for an ageing population, the manpower training to achieve adequate doctor-patient ratios, infrastructure upgrades and digital health disruptions, are driving many governments in Asia to increase their investment in healthcare.

Mr. Christopher Rummery, RedRay MGA’s CEO said, “We are delighted and humbled by our appointment to be EIS’ exclusive healthcare MGA. Building capacity with partners in rapidly growing sectors of the marketplace lies at the heart of our business. We complement insurance companies like EIS, which have growth ambitions in specialty lines of business, as they can quickly and efficiently tap into our entrepreneurial mindset, robust products and geographical expertise.”

Mr. Kamal Hamzah, Head of Healthcare and Liability at RedRay MGA added, “Our partnership with EIS is well-timed as the healthcare industry continues to evolve and impact the indemnity needs of practitioners and institutions alike. Having medical malpractice specialists in the Asia Pacific region with close to 20 years’ experience, coupled with our agility and innovation allow us to deliver market-leading solutions for all our healthcare clients. I’m excited for the future of the region’s healthcare and look forward to growing further with our existing network of loyal partners and forging new ones.”

https://redray.asia
https://www.linkedin.com/company/redray-asia

Hashtag: #redray #everestreinsurance #medicalmalpractice #medmal #asiapacific #asia #healthcare #liabilityinsurance #professionalindemnity

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

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

Arrow Electronics Teams Up with Asosiasi Startup for Industry Indonesia to Support Tech Startups

MIL OSI

January 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Global technology solutions provider Arrow Electronics has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Asosiasi Startup for Industry Indonesia (STARFINDO). This collaboration is designed to bolster tech startups within Indonesia’s ecosystem.

Arrow Electronics Teams Up with Asosiasi Startup for Industry Indonesia to Support Tech Startups

Through this collaboration, startups will gain access to cutting-edge electronics technologies and vital engineering expertise, empowering them to drive innovations in AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) and EvTech (Electric Vehicle Technology).

According to research conducted in 2023, Indonesia’s startup ecosystem ranked second in the Southeast Asian region¹. Industry-wide and cross-sector support are crucial for the sustainable development of the tech startup ecosystem. STARFINDO is committed to nurturing the growth of tech startups in Indonesia. By collaborating with government bodies, institutions, and the private sector, STARFINDO offers startups access to funding sources, technology ecosystem support, and opportunities to market their products both domestically and internationally.

“Our collaboration with Arrow, a global provider of technology solutions focusing on engineering and distribution support and supply chain services, is a significant addition to our network of industry-leading partners. This strategic collaboration will help us establish a more robust I&T (Information & Technology) ecosystem, fostering deeper engagement among local tech community, public, and private sectors, accelerating growth within Indonesia and beyond,” said Lukas Dedy Setiyawan, chairman of Asosiasi Startup for Industry Indonesia.

Arrow and STARFINDO intend to provide substantial support to startups with the knowledge needed to accelerate their innovation journey. This commitment was exemplified by a recent AIoT and EvTech seminar held in Jakarta, Indonesia, where Arrow joined forces with several international technology suppliers, including Diodes, Inolux, onsemi, Silicon Labs, STMicroelectronics, and Yageo Group. During the seminar, engineering experts from Arrow and these technology suppliers presented the latest market trends. They also showcased new AIoT, EvTech, and battery technologies and products through live demonstrations, allowing over 90 attendees to see firsthand how these technologies are applied to real-world scenarios.

“By leveraging our global network of resources, industry insights, and in-market presence, we serve as a trusted technology partner. We guide and assist aspiring startups and entrepreneurs in transforming their creative ideas into impactful innovations more efficiently and cost-effectively,” said Dr. Raphael Salmi, president of Arrow Electronics’ South Asia, Korea & Japan components business.

¹ https://www.statista.com/topics/10216/startups-in-indonesia/#topicOverview

Hashtag: #ArrowElectronics

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

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

Trend trading: insights and strategies from global broker Octa

MIL OSI

January 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Trend trading is one of the simplest and most reliable strategies for Forex traders. The idea is straightforward: identify the market’s direction—upward or downward—and place trades accordingly, buying in an upward market and selling in a downward market.

Start by selecting a time frame. A daily chart can show larger trends, while shorter time frames like 15-minute charts are more suited to quick, intraday moves. The key is to spot clear price movements that indicate an established trend.

A trend isn’t always smooth, though. Prices often take temporary pauses, known as retracements. These short-lived pullbacks can be a good chance to enter the market at a better price. For traders with patience, swing trading—holding positions for days or weeks—is another way to ride trends and target bigger gains without the constant pressure of monitoring the market. In this article, Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, talks about the importance of understanding market momentum to maximise the potential of this strategy.

Counter-trend trading: spotting reversals
Counter-trend trading, or contrarian trading, is a more advanced approach. Rather than following the market’s direction, this strategy focuses on identifying moments when the market appears overstretched, signaling a potential reversal on the horizon.

This approach can be riskier because it involves going against the flow. Timing is everything here. A contrarian strategy works best when there’s a good reason for a reversal, such as an asset hitting a historically high price or major news suggesting a market shift.

For instance, if a currency pair spikes significantly, traders may expect others to start taking profits, leading to a pullback. The trick isn’t to aim for the entire reversal but to capture smaller, more achievable moves. However, this strategy demands precision and a strict risk management plan, as predicting reversals can be tricky.

Trading the news: seizing opportunities
News-based trading takes advantage of the market’s reaction to major events, such as economic data releases or political developments. This strategy is straightforward in theory but can be difficult to put into practice due to the speed at which markets react.

Events like interest rate announcements or employment reports often trigger sharp movements in currency pairs. For instance, a positive jobs report from the U.S. Federal Reserve might strengthen the dollar, creating opportunities in USD-based pairs like EURUSD or USDJPY.

The key to success here is preparation. Traders should keep an eye on economic calendars and know when major announcements are due. But be cautious—news can be unpredictable, and markets don’t always react as expected. Setting clear entry and exit points is critical to avoid unnecessary risk.

The importance of risk management
Regardless of the chosen strategy, risk management serves as the foundation of successful trading. Implementing stop-loss orders, managing leverage carefully, and maintaining diversified exposure are essential measures to safeguard trading accounts during periods of market unpredictability.

By sticking to a solid plan and being disciplined with risk management, traders can improve their chances of long-term success. Strategies may vary, but the best results come from consistency and thoughtful execution.

Trading isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation, patience, and the ability to adapt. These strategies offer a starting point for traders to refine their approach and navigate the ever-changing Forex CFD market.

Hashtag: #Octa

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

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

1...950951952...1,023 Page 951 of 1,023