7-Eleven x Peko x SHO-CHAN: A Surprise Collaboration for a NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK

January 15, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 January 2025 – Chinese New Year is almost here, and what better way to embrace new beginnings than with a fresh new look. 7-Eleven is thrilled to unveil its first surprise collaboration of the year, designed to help you welcome the Lunar New Year in style! We’ve teamed up with two beloved Japanese icons, Peko-chan from Fujiya and Sho-chan, for a truly special collection. Together, they’ve created a series of 8 trendy Denim Style Bags with eye-catching designs, each with a unique style to suit your needs and any occasion. Refresh your look for the New Year and usher in good fortune and joy!

This collection of 8 Denim Style Bags features a striking red and blue colour scheme accented with Japanese-inspired patterns, offering a fantastic blend of fashion and function. The adorable Peko-chan and Sho-chan have captured the hearts of many, and their pairing in this collection symbolises “good luck and happiness”, wishing everyone a New Year filled with blessings and joy.

The complete set of 8 Denim Style Bags will be available in 7-Eleven stores from 7am on 15 January. Don’t miss out – collect them all and let Peko-chan and Sho-chan celebrate the New Year with you!

8 Denim Style Bags: Fresh Styles for a Festive New Year
Embracing the spirit of “New Year, New Beginnings”, 7-Eleven is bringing a fresh perspective to product design. This first-ever collaboration with the popular characters Peko-chan and Sho-chan introduces a fun and stylish collection of 8 Denim Style Bags. All 8 bags feature a denim print with a vibrant red and blue colour scheme.

The designs incorporate the super cute faces of Peko-chan and Sho-chan alongside eye-catching Japanese-inspired patterns like peach blossoms and fireworks, as well as New Year’s greetings. These elements perfectly capture the adorable charm of Peko-chan and Sho-chan while adding to the festive atmosphere. Each bag has a distinct and stylish design with high practicality, perfect for various needs and occasions. Whether it’s for your daily commute, school, New Year shopping, or visiting relatives, these bags will elevate your New Year style, symbolising good fortune and happiness throughout the year!

“Denim Style Bag” Product Details:

The Japan-Style Shoulder Tote features a denim print in a deep blue hue. It features the cheerful faces of Peko-chan and the adorable Sho-chan, complemented by Japanese-inspired mountain and peach blossom motifs.

The Big Blessings Sling Bag also features a denim print together with the cute faces of Peko-chan and Sho-chan. Adding to the festive cheer are peach blossoms, fireworks, and the auspicious Chinese character for “luck” (吉).

Both bags feature a pocket on the front, adding a touch of casual cool to the simple design. The elongated shape and convenient shoulder strap make them perfect for carrying notebooks, A4 folders and even your laptop. The durable padded material ensures your belongings are well protected, whether you’re heading to work or school.

Dimensions: Approx. 33cm wide x 37cm high
Shoulder Strap: Adjustable up to 98cm long

The playful Chill Vibes Crossbody bag is made from a material with a denim print and textured padded cotton, featuring a fun and quirky print of Peko-chan and Sho-chan.

This elongated Festive Fortune Bag is crafted from a material with denim print and features the adorable faces of Peko-chan and Sho-chan alongside the Chinese character for “spring” (春) and delicate peach blossoms. It’s a perfect blend of Japanese minimalism and festive cheer!

Both crossbody bags feature a two-compartment design for easy organisation. The front zippered pocket is perfect for smaller items like coins, tissues, hand sanitiser, lipstick and your Octopus card. The back magnetic closure pocket is ideal for your phone and a small wallet. These versatile bags are like portable treasure troves, perfect for carrying all your essentials, especially when you’re out and about collecting red envelopes during the New Year!

Chill Vibes Crossbody
Dimensions: Approx. 22cm wide x 17cm high
Shoulder Strap: Approx. 120cm long (adjustable)

Festive Fortune Bag
Dimensions: Approx. 14cm wide x 21cm high
Shoulder Strap: Approx. 120cm long (adjustable)

The eye-catching Big Blessings Eco Tote features an adorable design with Peko-chan and Sho-chan interwoven with peach blossoms, fireworks, and the auspicious Chinese character for “luck” (吉) – all set against a vibrant deep blue background.

The Creamy Eco Tote features a unique pattern of Peko-chan, Sho-chan, peach blossoms and fireworks against a creamy, milk-white background. The simple design exudes a fresh and charming aesthetic, highlighting the adorable similarities between Peko-chan and Sho-chan.

Both eco-friendly tote bags are incredibly spacious and made from a durable material, with comfortable shoulder straps for easy carrying. They’re perfect for all your New Year shopping needs, even those bulky gift boxes! When you’re not using them, simply fold them up and store them in their own convenient pouches, so you can take them anywhere.

Dimensions (for both bags): Approx. 45cm wide x 35cm high

Happy Half Moon Bag
Remember the half-moon bag trend? Well, it’s back with a playful new twist! This stylish pouch is made from fabric with a denim design and subtle Japanese wave pattern for a cool and minimalist vibe. But look closely, and you’ll find the adorable faces of Peko-chan and Sho-chan hidden within the waves!

This unique design is perfect for any occasion. The spacious interior and wide opening make it easy to access your essentials, like your phone, wallet, camera or portable charger.

Dimensions: Approx. 29cm wide x 16.5cm high
Shoulder Strap: Approx. 114cm long (adjustable)

Subtle Style Pouch
This stylish pouch features a unique and understated pattern of Peko-chan, Sho-chan, peach blossoms and fireworks printed on fabric with a denim design. The spacious interior and durable material make it ideal for storing cosmetics, cameras and other travel essentials. A must-have for any fashion-forward traveller!

Dimensions: Approx. 29cm x 16cm

CAUTION:

We are not responsible for any damage caused by improper use.
This product is not a toy. Not suitable for children under 4 years of age.
This product contains cords that may pose a potential strangulation hazard. Adult supervision is required for children.

USE & CARE:

Keep away from fire and heat to avoid fire hazard or damage.
Do not use a dryer or hot air blower to avoid damage.
Ensure the product is completely dry before storing, and store in a cool, dry place.
Slight colour variations in the pattern are normal.
Hand wash only, do not dry clean.
Do not use bleach.
Do not tumble dry or iron.

“Denim Style Bag” Promotion Details:

How to Collect Physical Stamps and Digital FunStamps:

From 15 January (7am onwards) to 25 February 2025, customers can earn 1 physical stamp or digital FunStamp with a single purchase of $20# or more at 7-Eleven stores* or online. For every additional $10 spent, you’ll receive another stamp. To collect FunStamps with online purchases, customers must download the 7-Eleven app, register as a member, and link their yuu Account. For in-store purchases, customers need to either have their yuu ID scanned by the cashier before payment or pay with a linked Octopus or Hang Seng enJoy card. Stamps are awarded based on single transactions; split transactions are not allowed. Digital and physical stamps cannot be exchanged or combined for redemption.

“Denim Style Bag” Redemption Details:

FunStamps: From 15 January (7am onwards) to 28 February 2025, you have a few options to redeem your Denim Style Bag with FunStamps! Collect 20 FunStamps and add $1 to redeem 1 random “Denim Style Bag” (limited to 50,000 redemptions, while stocks last). Or, collect 5 FunStamps and add $48 to redeem 1 random bag, or 8 FunStamps and add $88 to redeem 2 random bags.

Physical Stamps: From 15 January (7am onwards) to 28 February 2025, collect 8 physical stamps and add $48 to redeem 1 “Denim Style Bag” at random, or collect 12 physical stamps and add $88 to redeem 2 bags at random.

All bags are pre-packaged and redeemed randomly; customers cannot choose specific styles. Stock availability is limited and may vary by store. Each customer can redeem a maximum of 20 bags per day. For larger quantities, please ask our staff about placing an order. Images are for reference only; actual product sizes may vary.

yuu Member Exclusive Offer

Promotion Period: From 15 January to 25 February 2025. Redemption Period: From 15 January (7am) to 28 February 2025. Redeem 1 “Denim Style Bag” at random with 8,800 yuu Points + $18.

Hashtag: #7ElevenHK

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

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

DYXnet Hosts its First Cross-Region Simulated Attack and Defense Exercise to Strengthen Cybersecurity Capabilities

MIL OSI

January 15, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 January 2025 – As technology rapidly evolves, the number and complexity of cyberattacks have increased significantly. To enhance the response capabilities of its cybersecurity team in addressing various threats, DYXnet, a leading enterprise network service provider in Greater China, organized the “DYXnet Cyber Defense Exercise Competition 2025” yesterday (January 14), marking the company’s first cross-regional simulated attack and defense exercise. This event brought together cybersecurity elites from offices in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, forming multiple “blue teams” tasked with defending against attacks from a “red team” led by DYXnet Hong Kong’s cybersecurity experts. The exercise provided DYXnet’s security team with invaluable experience, strengthening the overall incident response capabilities of its Security Operations Center (SOC) and enhancing the protection of clients’ networks and digital assets.

“DYXnet Cyber Defense Exercise Competition 2025” brought together cybersecurity elites from DYXnet’s teams in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Training Cybersecurity Talent with Simulated Real-World Cyber Attacks
The simulated attack and defense exercise, also known as the purple team exercise, was organized by cybersecurity experts from DYXnet’s product and pre-sales departments. They created a simulated enterprise network within One Cloud Director’s controlled environment, acted as the red team attackers, and exploited the latest vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Meanwhile, eight defending blue teams, consisting of members from DYXnet’s SOC, Network Operations Center (NOC), and Quality and Service Management (QSM) departments, participated online. These teams developed defense strategies and employed techniques to detect incidents and respond promptly.

The simulated attacks included data breaches, suspicious internal communications, OWASP, enterprise application vulnerabilities, DDoS, and phishing emails. These scenarios tested the teams’ abilities in alert investigation, incident assessment, and response. The blue teams raced against time to solve the attack scenarios, requiring professional knowledge and familiarity with defensive measures, tools, and configurations to adapt to dynamic attack patterns. After three hours of intense competition, the team that responded most accurately and quickly was awarded the championship.

Joe Sze, the Director of Product and Services Management at DYXnet, stated, “Due to the increasing severity of cybersecurity threats, Hong Kong is considering new legislation for the ‘Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Bill.’ This law will require critical infrastructure operators to implement measures safeguarding their computer information systems and enhancing overall security in Hong Kong. As a key player in the industry and a provider of cybersecurity services, DYXnet is dedicated to maintaining exceptional defense capabilities. We prioritize the training of cybersecurity professionals and consider purple team exercises essential training practices. These exercises allow our teams to engage in real-world scenarios, understand the latest attack trends and advanced persistent threats, and improve their response capabilities and teamwork. Ultimately, this enhances our overall cybersecurity posture.”

DYXnet’s cybersecurity team in Hong Kong won second place in the Fortinet’s “Cyber Attack and Defense Competition 2024”

Gaining Recognition for Professional Expertise in Industry Competitions
In the face of ever-evolving cyber threats, DYXnet is committed to staying ahead and providing clients with the most professional and reliable services. The cybersecurity team keeps up with the latest attack trends, conducts regular exercises, and actively participates in industry competitions, earning notable accolades.

At “The Cyber Attack and Defense Competition 2024” hosted by the global cybersecurity leader Fortinet last year, DYXnet distinguished itself among twelve competing teams from service providers in Hong Kong, achieving second place. The DYXnet team comprised four members: a cybersecurity consultant, a product manager, and two engineers. Each member focused on identifying vulnerabilities, formulating security strategies, assessing incidents, and executing technical solutions. Their extensive experience in daily operations enabled them to respond swiftly to various types of attacks during the competition. This achievement serves as a testament to the team’s capabilities and expertise.

Joe Sze noted, “The purple team exercises emphasize teamwork and time management, as real security incidents often require racing against the clock. DYXnet’s Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service provides enterprises with professional support, ensuring that our SOC team 24×7 monitors and responds promptly, maintaining clients’ business operations and minimizing impacts during security incidents.”

As DYXnet continues to enhance its cybersecurity offerings, the company remains dedicated to providing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions and managed services, including Secured SD-WAN, MDR, SASE, CloudShield, dark web monitoring, penetration testing, and vulnerability scanning, to meet the evolving needs of businesses.

https://www.dyxnet.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dyxnet

Hashtag: #DYXnet #Cybersecurity

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

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

Pioneer under Tykhe Capital Launches Hong Kong’s First Tokenized USD Money Market Fund

MIL OSI

January 15, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 January 2025 – Pioneer Asset Management Limited (“Pioneer“), a subsidiary of Tykhe Capital Group Limited (the “Group” or “Tykhe Capital“), a leading Real-World Asset (RWA) and Security Token Offering (STO) innovator in the APAC region, announces the launch of Hong Kong’s first tokenized USD money market fund (TMF Token) (the “Fund“, TMF). This flagship product marks the Group’s fourth venture into RWA/STO projects, following its initiatives in real estate, private debt, and AI (Artificial Intelligence). It is also the Group’s first flagship product launched after the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong granted HKbitEX a license for operating a Virtual Asset Trading Platform (VATP).

Democratizing Access to Institutional-grade USD Money Market Fund
The Fund is structured as an open-ended tokenized fund, investing in institutional-grade USD-denominated instruments with relatively high and stable yields. The process of tokenization revolutionizes access to finance by making a premium product once reserved for institutional clients now accessible to a wider range of investors. Key features include:

Accessible Entry Point: The minimum initial investment for the Fund is US$5,000, making a high-yield product once exclusive to institutions, now accessible to a wider range of professional investors.
Regulatory Compliance: Designed in strict adherence to SFC guidelines, ensuring a secure and trustworthy investment framework.
First of Its Kind in Hong Kong: As the city’s first tokenized MMF, this product sets a new standard in regulated financial innovation.
Future-Forward Adaptability: Pending SFC approval, the fund plans to accept stablecoins like USDT and USDC for subscriptions and redemptions, further enhancing accessibility and operational efficiency for investors.
Secondary Market: Backed by the Group’s exchange, which just secured Type 1, 7, and AMLO licenses, the tokenized MMF can be traded on the platform, providing higher liquidity and flexibility for investors upon SFC approval.

A Flagship Milestone
“The launch of our tokenized MMF marks a new era for the financial landscape in Hong Kong,” said LUO Xinghua, Director of the Pioneer. “As the first of its kind in the city, this product not only exemplifies our commitment to innovation but also solidifies Hong Kong’s position as a global leader in Web3 and digital finance.”

The Fund’s debut reflects the Group’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and delivering superior financial solutions. As the first product launched after the Group obtained its VATP license, the MMF underscores the robustness of the Group’s regulatory compliance and its focus on creating secure investment opportunities for its clients.

https://www.tykhecapital.com/about
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tykhegroup/
Wechat: Tykhe Capital

Hashtag: #sfc #sto #rwa #moneymarketfund #tykhe #hkbitex #tokenization #token #crypto #donaldtrump #bullish

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

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

Federated Farmers – Kiwi banks urged to follow US exit from Net Zero Banking Alliance

LiveNews Publisher

January 15, 2025

Source: Federated Farmers

Kiwi banks and their overseas parent companies need to follow the lead of America’s six biggest banks and urgently withdraw from the Net Zero Banking Alliance, Federated Farmers say.

Since the start of December, heavyweights JP Morgan, Citigroup, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs have all exited the UN-backed banking alliance.

“These big US banks have seen that their involvement in the Net Zero Banking Alliance is about to come under huge scrutiny,” says Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre.

“They’re leaving in droves because of lawsuits for anti-competitive behaviour within the banking sector and growing political pressure.

“Federated Farmers are now calling on our banks to do the same. They need to do the right thing and withdraw from the Net Zero Banking Alliance – and fast.”

In December, Federated Farmers lodged a formal complaint to the Commerce Commission, requesting an urgent investigation into the lending practices of New Zealand banks.

The complaint relates to potentially anti-competitive, coordinated, cartel-like behaviour from the banks, driven by their involvement in the international Net Zero Banking Alliance.

The Net Zero Banking Alliance is an international group committed to aligning their lending, investment, and capital markets activities with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

McIntyre says with five major banks dominating 97.3% of the agricultural lending market in New Zealand, Kiwi farmers should be asking serious questions of their bank managers.

“All five of those banks are either directly members of the Net Zero Banking Alliance or are indirectly affiliated through their parent companies: BNZ, ANZ, ASB, Westpac, and Rabobank.

“Federated Farmers have some very serious concerns about the potential alignment of lending policies and anti-competitive cartel-like behaviour to the detriment of farmers.

“We think this issue deserves some real scrutiny from the Commerce Commission, but also from the banking inquiry currently before Parliament.

“Most of the banking chairs and chief executives have already appeared before the Select Committee, but I think they should be hauled back in to answer some more questions.”

BNZ is a direct member of the Net Zero Banking Alliance, having joined in 2021. Westpac, ANZ, ASB, and Rabobank are all affiliated with the alliance through their offshore parent companies.

The banks reference their Net Zero Banking Alliance obligations in their various sustainability reports and internal banking policies for who they will, or won’t, provide lending to.

Several of the banks have already started putting in place targets for various sectors, including reductions in financed agricultural emissions by 2030.

“Most of these banks are starting to set emissions reduction targets for farmers that look remarkably similar, and that’s a major red flag for us,” McIntyre says.

“That’s why we’re starting to raise serious questions about potential anti-competitive behaviour and collusion that removes choices for farmers.

“There is also a sovereignty issue here where we effectively have a group of foreign-owned banks coordinating and acting as pseudo-regulators for the New Zealand economy.

“These banks are collectively setting emissions reduction targets for farmers that go much further than the targets set by our democratically elected Government.”

McIntyre says he’s also increasingly concerned about what will happen to farmers if they’re not able to meet banks’ emission reduction targets by 2030.

“Will we effectively be de-banked and unable to access the capital we need to run our businesses, like we’re starting to see happen with petrol stations?

“Given the significance of farming and agricultural exports to the economy, this should be something that concerns all New Zealanders.”

MIL OSI

First Responders – Black Jack Fire Update #11

LiveNews Publisher

January 15, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters will continue their efforts to extinguish areas of deep seated burning on the Black Jack fireground near Kuaotunu on the Coromandel Peninsula today.

Last night Fire and Emergency NZ’s drone team identified a further 14 hotspots using thermal imaging, and these will be targeted by ground crews today, with the support of a helicopter and monsoon bucket.

Incident Controller Shane Bromley said the areas where crews will work are on terrain that is difficult to reach.

Black Jack Road will be closed all day, with access for residents and essential traffic for 15 minutes every hour, on the hour.

MIL OSI

Safe Holidays – Expanding our Tiaki Promise on Airbnb

LiveNews Publisher

January 15, 2025

Source: Airbnb

Airbnb is launching a summer safety campaign alongside key partners as part of efforts to boost awareness of sustainable tourism and help visitors enjoy the wonders of New Zealand safely.

As part of Airbnb’s Tiaki Promise, we are partnering with Mountain Safety Council, Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) and Drowning Prevention Aotearoa, to hold a series of workshops throughout February to raise awareness about Tiaki as well as provide them with vital summer safety messages for their guests.

Airbnb has updated its Tiaki Promise website with ‘Local Safety Information’ including tips for how to be safe in the mountains and on the water for both guests and hosts.

Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb Country Manager for New Zealand said, “We are expanding our efforts to help more people stay safe and make a positive contribution to communities throughout Aotearoa as part of our Tiaki Promise.

“Tourism is not just simply travel; it’s a thriving ecosystem that supports economies, cultures, and communities and we all have a responsibility to preserve the unique and amazing destinations on offer throughout New Zealand for future generations.

“As an integral part of the New Zealand tourism industry, Airbnb is proud of its commitment to help our hosts and guests protect the beauty of Aotearoa, as well as making a positive contribution to local communities.”

Mountain Safety Council Chief Executive Mike Daisley said, “We’re pleased to be collaborating with Airbnb to help visitors to Aotearoa enjoy the outdoors safely. By providing key safety information and advice to Airbnb guests and hosts, we hope everyone planning to explore New Zealand’s great outdoors, whether for a short walk or more challenging hike, will know how to be well-prepared and have a safe and enjoyable experience.

“Hosts play a key role in sharing safety information with their guests which helps to reinforce the important messages and contributes to a strong community who looks out for each other.”

Together with Tiaki, Airbnb has developed a set of principles so guests can help protect and enrich the incredible environment and ecosystem that exists in New Zealand, and in return enjoy a much deeper and conscientious experience themselves.

– Show respect – care for NZ like it’s home, say Kia Ora to the locals, travel with an open heart and mind.

– Keep NZ clean – dispose of waste responsibly, pack lightly and leave no trace, pack a reusable bag and bottle.

– Protect nature – give wildlife space, clean your gear between outdoor areas, care for land, sea and nature.

– Be prepared – dial 111 in an emergency, be aware of local safety information, plan ahead and check the weather.

– Drive carefully – know the rules of the road, keep left, take your time and enjoy the journey.

Airbnb is committed to educating our hosts and guests through various channels and initiatives as we work to encourage all visitors to New Zealand to take the Tiaki Promise and care for Aotearoa like it’s their home so future travellers can enjoy everything the country has to offer.

MIL OSI

ABBANK invests in Backbase to launch digital banking platform with 100% customer migration in 3 months

MIL OSI

January 15, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

ABBANK accelerates customer-centricity for business owners through platform innovation

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 January 2025 – Backbase, the pioneer in Engagement Banking, has announced that its customer, An Binh Commercial Joint Stock Bank (ABBANK), has successfully launched a new business digital banking platform – ABBANK Business, marking a pivotal step in ABBANK’s commitment to supporting all enterprise segments, enhancing customer-centric digital experiences across Vietnam. With this launch, ABBANK provides business owners with enterprise-grade technology and digital banking capabilities through the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform, leveling the playing field and delivering a seamless, secure platform for business growth and financial management.

This platform adoption represents one of ABBANK’s bold moves in the digital space, simplifying banking for SMEs and entrepreneurs through a fast, secure, app-based service. ABBANK Business delivers three core business values: superior management, fast and secure functionality, and a seamless user experience. Key features for the launch phase include customizable account numbers, quick bill payments for utilities, international money transfers, and a dashboard that provides an easy overview of assets, interest rate updates, and recent transaction information. With the agile working model, the advanced features are under developed in parallel for the optimal customer experience.

Transforming Banking Efficiency and Accessibility for SMEs

The new platform launch follows a seamless three-month migration, during which ABBANK transitioned 100% of its existing business banking clients to the new platform without disruption. Now, 88% of these most active customers use the app as their primary banking channel. Building on Backbase’s Engagement Banking Platform, the app offers SMEs a streamlined, user-friendly experience tailored to the unique demands of business banking.

Building Digital Expertise for Sustainable Growth

Over the last one-year ABBANK has attracted hundreds of talents in technology & data for the digital transformation drive.

“ABBANK Business is a strong testament to our customer centricity strategy, building solutions from insights to meet corporate clients’ needs. The new application makes banking easy, safe and convenient for our clients while enhancing ABBANK’s efficiency and enabling us to achieve transformative SME digital banking goals. Backbase platform, on which ABBANK Business is built, provides such robust architecture we need to deliver for our clients,” said Pham Duy Hieu, CEO, ABBANK.

ABBANK Digital & Data is organized around four strategic pillars – Customer Experience, Data, Technology, and Agile to differentiate ABBANK’s services and enable rapid go-to-market which adapts to evolving customer needs, enhancing the digital experience for SMEs.

“ABBANK’s digital transformation is driven by its collaborative development approach and adaptability. By adopting an anchor platform and establishing a Center of Excellence with in-house expertise, ABBANK has laid the groundwork for successful, sustained digital transformation. Their efforts were recognized with the Excellence in Customer Experience Optimization Award at our annual Customer Engagement Awards in October last year – a well-deserved achievement,” said Riddhi Dutta, Regional Vice President, Asia, Backbase.

Supporting ABBANK’s Vision of Empowering SMEs

ABBANK’s mission is to foster Vietnam’s economic growth by empowering SMEs with essential tools for success. By launching ABBANK Business on Backbase’s platform, ABBANK aims to extend its impact among SMEs and entrepreneurs who prioritize digital convenience and robust financial support. With this milestone, ABBANK reinforces its role as a trusted financial partner for businesses and entrepreneurs in Vietnam, supporting them with the innovation, security, and service levels essential for success in a digital-first world.

https://www.backbase.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/backbase/

Hashtag: #Backbase #digitalbanking #engagementbanking #retailbanking #omnichannelbanking #businessbanking #smebanking #corporatebanking

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

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

Kearney appoints Varun Arora as new Managing Partner for Southeast Asia

MIL OSI

January 15, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 January 2025 – Global management consultancy Kearney has appointed Varun Arora as its new Managing Partner for Southeast Asia, effective 1 January 2025, as the firm continues to accelerate growth across the region. Mr Arora succeeds Nithin Chandra, who has led the unit since 2022.

Varun Arora, Managing Partner for Southeast Asia

Based in Singapore, Mr Arora will oversee Kearney’s Southeast Asia operations, which span key markets including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. In his new role, he will be responsible for driving client impact, expanding market opportunities, and nurturing the next generation of consulting talent across the region.

The Southeast Asia unit, which Kearney established in 1990 with its entry into Singapore, supports clients across a wide spectrum of industries. These include technology, telecommunications, consumer goods, retail, healthcare, financial services, energy, automotive, transportation, and process industries.

A Kearney Original with over 17 years at the firm, Mr Arora brings extensive experience in strategic growth and digital transformation. He most recently led the firm’s Communications, Media, and Technology (CMT) practice in Southeast Asia – the largest practice in the Southeast Asian unit – as well as Kearney’s growing Digital & Analytics practice at the Asia-Pacific level. Mr Arora has a proven track record of delivering results for clients across various markets and cultures in Southeast Asia, and growing high-performance teams.

Commenting on the appointment, Shigeru Sekinada, Region Chair of Asia Pacific, said, “I am delighted to welcome Varun as the next leader of our Southeast Asia unit. With his deep expertise, collaborative leadership style, and vision for growth, I am confident that he will continue to propel Kearney’s success in this dynamic region by promoting a purpose-driven culture focused on enhancing societal well-being. Southeast Asia remains a cornerstone of our Asia-Pacific growth strategy, and Varun’s leadership will ensure we continue to deliver exceptional results for our clients and our people.”

Reflecting on his new role, Varun Arora, Managing Partner for Southeast Asia, said, “Southeast Asia is brimming with potential, driven by its diverse workforce, vast innovation capabilities, and growing economy. I am excited to lead Kearney’s efforts in this vibrant region and look forward to collaborating with our clients and the team to unlock growth opportunities and deliver meaningful impact for businesses and communities.”

Mr Arora’s appointment follows an exceptional tenure by Nithin Chandra, during which the Southeast Asia unit achieved record performance and expanded its presence in new markets. Under Mr Chandra’s leadership, Kearney opened its Philippines office in Manila in 2022, and expanded its Bangkok office in Thailand in 2024 as part of the firm’s next stage of growth in Southeast Asia. Mr Chandra will continue to play an integral role at Kearney, focusing on strategic initiatives and client growth.

This appointment also comes as part of regular leadership rotations in Kearney’s Asia Pacific office, alongside the appointment of Siddharth Jain as the Managing Partner and Country Head for India, effective 1 January 2025.

https://www.kearney.com/

Hashtag: #Kearney

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

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

Arlo Unveils Strategic Partnership with Origin AI to Deliver Advanced Smart Home Security Solutions

MIL OSI

January 15, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Arlo becomes the exclusive worldwide provider of Origin’s AI Verified Human Presence^TM detection technology to be integrated into new innovative security solutions

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 January 2025 – Arlo Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ARLO), a leading smart home security brand, recently announced a strategic partnership agreement with Origin AI, pioneers in AI Sensing^TM technology. Sharing a common mission to protect customers through advanced AI-powered solutions, both Arlo and Origin AI have developed award-winning technologies that have been recognised by industry experts as best-in-class.

Under the agreement, Arlo will have exclusive worldwide rights to market and sell Origin AI’s groundbreaking AI products, TruShield^TM and Allos, which deliver Verified Human Presence detection through radio frequency (RF) signals emitted by existing WiFi devices in homes or businesses. This capability enables internet service and other solution providers a simple yet powerful path to bring home security to their customers while increasing accuracy and reducing false alarms.

Additionally, Arlo plans to integrate Origin AI Sensing technologies into future offerings, complementing Arlo’s suite of advanced security solutions powered by Arlo Intelligence — from AI-assisted motion detection to indoor/outdoor video monitoring and professional monitoring with video verification.

“Arlo has been continuously investing for over 10 years in AI- and CV-powered security technologies that enable customers to feel safer, react faster and enjoy greater peace of mind with 24/7 protection from Arlo Secure,” said Matthew McRae, CEO of Arlo Technologies. “With today’s announcement, we are excited to add Origin’s AI Sensing capabilities to create a new integrated AI-powered security offering that will be unmatched in its intelligence and performance.”

“Origin AI is excited to collaborate with Arlo in this strategic partnership,” said Spencer Maid, CEO of Origin AI. “By combining Arlo’s leadership in smart home security with Origin’s cutting-edge AI Sensing technologies, we are delivering unparalleled solutions to redefine how people protect their homes and businesses. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to innovation and customer security.”

Arlo Secure 5, the next generation of smart home security powered by Arlo Intelligence, uses advanced computer vision AI and recognition engines to provide more meaningful, detailed alerts so users can make faster, informed decisions about their security and safety. New AI-powered innovations include:

Person Recognition: Know exactly who has arrived at your home with personalised alerts labeled with names from your private library of named faces.
Vehicle Recognition: Protect your driveway with personalised alerts labeled with known vehicles that you previously named.
Custom Detection: Train Arlo AI to create personalised, custom detections to protect what matters most to you. Teach your camera to recognise certain objects or changes in view to trigger custom notifications. Whether it’s knowing if the garage door is open, lights were left on in the basement or the dog is on the couch, Arlo AI alerts you to what is happening in and around your home so you know what action to take.
Fire Detection: AI-powered notifications that alert you when a fire is detected so you can take immediate action.

Further details about Arlo’s partnership with Origin AI will be shared later this year. For more information on the full range of Arlo smart home security products and services, visit https://www.arlo.com/asia/. To learn more about Origin AI’s AI Sensing technologies, visit www.originwirelessai.com.

Hashtag: #Arlo

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

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

Allianz Risk Barometer 2025: Business interruption top business risk in Asia

MIL OSI

January 15, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 January 2025 – Business interruption is the biggest worry for Asian companies in 2025, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer. Cyber incidents such as data breaches or ransomware attacks, and IT disruptions, such as the CrowdStrike incident, are also a main concern for companies of all sizes, ranking #2. After another heavy year of Natural catastrophes activity in 2024 this peril remains #3.

The top three risks globally – Cyber incidents (#1), Business interruption (#2), and Natural catastrophes (#3) – retained their positions in this year’s Allianz Risk Barometer, which is based on the insights of more than 3,700 risk management professionals from over 100 countries.

Allianz Commercial Chief Underwriting Officer Vanessa Maxwell comments: “2024 was an extraordinary year in terms of risk management and the results of our annual Allianz Risk Barometer reflect the uncertainty many companies around the globe are facing right now. What stands out this year is the interconnectivity of the top risks. Climate change, emerging technology, regulation and geopolitical risks are increasingly intertwined, resulting in a complex network of cause and effect. Businesses need to adopt a holistic approach to risk management and consistently strive to enhance their resilience in order to address these fast-evolving risks.”

Christian Sandric, Regional Managing Director of Allianz Commercial Asia, says, “Business interruption is the most significant risk for companies in the region and this is no surprise as Asian economies are increasingly participating in trade globally and regionally. This is also often due to events like cyber incidents or natural catastrophes, which are part of the top risks in the region. Against this backdrop of an increasingly volatile risk landscape, businesses should ensure they are sufficiently protected and their response measures robust. This includes adopting measures such as loss prevention, developing multiple suppliers, alternative risk transfer, and multinational insurance policies.”

Business interruption strongly interlinked with other risks
Business interruption (BI) is the top risk in Asia; it ranks in the top three risks in all countries and territories, and is the top risk in China and Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea. Its persistence at the top reflects severe supply chain disruption during and after the pandemic.

Such disruptions are of particular concern as Asian economies are increasingly participating in trade. Asia is now the world’s second-most integrated trade region, driven by the rapid growth of manufacturing supply chains across borders. In addition, due to rising US-China tensions, bilateral trade between geopolitically aligned countries has risen. Global trade flows are becoming more intricate and this shift has opened doors for nations like India and Malaysia to step up as next-generation trade hubs, according to Allianz Trade.

Globally, BI has ranked either #1 or #2 in every Allianz Risk Barometer for the past decade and retains its position at #2 in 2025 with 31% of responses. BI is typically a consequence of events like a natural disaster, a cyber-attack or outage, insolvency or political risks like conflict or civil unrest, which can all affect the ability of a business to operate normally. Several examples from 2024 highlight why companies still see BI as a major threat to their business model. Houthi attacks in the Red Sea led to supply chain disruptions due to rerouting of container ships, while incidents such as the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore also directly impacted global and local supply chains. Supply chain disruptions with global effects occur approximately every 1.4 years, and the trend is rising, according to analysis from Circular Republic, in collaboration with Allianz and others. Those disruptions cause major economic damages, ranging up to 5% to 10% of product costs and additional downtime impacts.

Cyber risks continue to increase with rapid development of technology
Cyber incidents rank #2 in Asia; it is the top risk in India for the eighth consecutive year, and the second most significant risk in Japan and Singapore. The Asia Pacific region saw a 23% increase in weekly cyberattacks per organization in Q2 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. Some of the cyber incidents around the region include the attack on India’s biggest crypto exchange WazirX, the distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack on Japan Airlines, and cyberattack on Singapore law firm Shook Lin & Bok.

Globally, Cyber incidents (38% of overall responses) rank as the most important risk for the fourth year in a row – and by a higher margin than ever (7% points). It is the top peril in 20 countries, including Argentina, France, Germany, India, South Africa, the UK and the US. More than 60% of respondents identified data breaches as the cyber exposure companies fear most, followed by attacks on critical infrastructure and physical assets with 57%.

Natural catastrophes remain a major concern
Natural catastrophes retain its #3 spot in Asia. The region is heating up faster than the global average, with increased casualties and economic losses from floods, storms, and more severe heatwaves. It is the top risk in Japan, which faced a M7.5 earthquake in the Noto Peninsula that resulted in insured losses of US$3bn, with economic losses reaching US$12bn, as well as in Hong Kong, which experienced its heaviest rain in November 2024 since records began 140 years ago due to Typhoon Haikui.

Globally, Natural catastrophes remain at #3 with 29%, although more respondents also picked this as a top risk year-on-year. For the fifth time in a row in 2024, insured losses surpassed US$100bn. 2024 is expected to have been the hottest year on record. It was also a year of terrible natural catastrophes with extreme hurricanes and storms in North America, devastating floods in Europe and Asia and drought in Africa and South America.

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

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

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