AVIA Releases Indonesia Study on the Untapped Opportunity of Premium OTT Services for Advertisers

JAKARTA, Oct 4, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) has released a study to understand the usage of different video services in Indonesia and consumer attitudes towards them. The study looked at video across social media, user-generatedcontent (UGC), linear TV, messaging services and premium OTT. This is a follow-up to its study on Premium OTT – Building its Rightful Place in the Digital Market, which was first released in September 2022 and focused on the Singapore market.

Amongst Indonesian consumers, premium OTT is viewed as having the highest quality content. 75% of users of premium OTT services (such as Netflix, Vidio, Viu and WeTV) said it offered the best quality content, higher than users of any other category of video. Of all 24 video platforms studied, five of the top seven services ranked as offering the highest quality content were premium OTT.

Usage of premium OTT is also associated with the most positive emotions. When asked about feelings after watching an hour of different types of content, TV series and movies significantly outscored user- generate content and social media in eliciting happiness and amusement.

While premium OTT is still at an earlier stage of development in Indonesia than free UGC and social media services like YouTube and TikTok, it is clear that those who use premium OTT value it more. When asked what videoservices they would first be prepared to forego, only one in the top ten services was premium OTT, and the top 4 were all social media or UGC services.

“We believe the power and opportunity of premium OTT is hugely significant and offers a real and relatively untapped opportunity for advertisers in Indonesia. The proven quality of the environment, the stickiness of thecontent and the positive emotions created by it are critical for advertisers, and this study clearly demonstrates that. Given the dominance and high penetration of UGC and social media video services in Indonesia, the fact that this smaller but growing category of premium OTT performed so well in these categories is quite remarkable. We believe advertisers need to sit up and take note,” said Louis Boswell, CEO, AVIA.

The full Indonesia study research deck and methodology can be found here. This study continues to build on a regional research project started with a two part study conducted in Singapore in 2022 and 2023.

AVIA thanks its members Magnite, PubMatic and The Trade Desk for supporting the Indonesia research.

About the Premium OTT Study

The current study, Premium OTT: Building its Rightful Place in the Digital Market (Indonesia), was conducted inIndonesia by Milieu Insight Pte Ltd, with online fieldwork using Milieu Insight’s online panel. The sample size was n=1000 and was representative of the adult population aged 16+ in Indonesia. Premium OTT Services listed in thestudy were as follows: Disney+ Hotstar, HBO Go, iFlix, iQIYI, Metro TV Online, Netflix, RCTI+, TVRI Online, Vidio, Vision+, Viu, WeTV. Social Media and Video Sharing Services listed were Facebook, Instagram, Snackvideo, Snapchat, Telegram, TikTok, Twitch, Twitter, Vimeo, WhatsApp and YouTube.

About the Asia Video Industry Association

The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in AsiaPacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. AVIA is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against videopiracy through its Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) and provides insight into the video industry through reports and conferences aimed to support a vibrant video industry.

For media enquiries and additional background please contact:
Charmaine Kwan
Head of Marketing and Communications
Email: charmaine@avia.org
Website: www.avia.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/asiavideoia
Twitter: @AsiaVideoIA

Erez Capital Announces Addition Arpit Garg as General Partner

BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct 3, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Erez Capital, an emerging venture capital fund investing in disruptive technologies, is thrilled to announce the addition of Arpit Garg as a General Partner.

Prior to joining Erez Capital, Arpit was a tech investment banker at Drake Star Partners. He advised on mergers and acquisitions and private placements (Series B onwards) for companies operating in Fintech, AI, and Entertainment verticals.

Arpit joins Erez Capital with valuable experience as an investment banker with Drake Star Partners in Los Angeles, and Beekman Advisors, where he advised companies operating in Real Estate and FIG sectors in over $3 Billion of M&A transaction value. Arpit started his career as an asset manager with JPMorgan, overseeing the planning and investment of over $1 Billion of technology portfolio across AI, Fintech, Cloud Computing, et cetera. He earned a Master of Science in Finance degree from McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Arpit to Erez Capital as our newest General Partner. His experience and successful track record managing billions in capital and working across borders aligns perfectly with our vision to invest globally and bring disruptive technologies to the market.” – Michael Benezra, Managing Partner

About Erez Capital

Erez Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm in Boston, investing in seed-stage startup companies at the forefront of digital transformation.

Erez Capital Public Deck.

Media Contact:
Plato Data Intelligence
144 E44th St
New York NY 10017
PlatoAiStream.com
Zephyr@platodata.io

Source: Plato Data Intelligence

ZeptoMetrix Awarded in Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) Certification

BUFFALO, NY, Oct 3, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – ZeptoMetrix® is pleased to announce it has been awarded an IVDR Quality Management System certificate from British Standards Institution BSI, NB 2797, one of the notified bodies under the new EU In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (IVDR). This certificate applies to the majority of the current portfolio of CE marked ZeptoMetrix NATtrol™ quality control products that are the industry’s preferred brand for molecular diagnostic testing and are supplied ready-to-use as independent third-party quality control materials. With this significant certification step completed, ZeptoMetrix will focus on the implementation of updated product labelling over the next several months.

“ZeptoMetrix is delighted with our smooth and efficient transition to IVDR,” commented Glenn Harrall, Global Vice President of Quality, ZeptoMetrix. “This transition reflects ZeptoMetrix continuous investments in quality programs, regulatory compliance and demonstrates our ongoing quality commitment to our partners and customers.”

“Achieving this certification milestone is further demonstration of ZeptoMetrix’s commitment to supporting European clinical laboratories with reliable, innovative quality controls,” said Evangeline Gonzalez, President, ZeptoMetrix.

For more information on ZeptoMetrix and NATtrol products, visit www.zeptometrix.com.

About ZeptoMetrix®

ZeptoMetrix, an Antylia Scientific company, is an established industry leader in the design, development, and delivery of innovative, quality solutions to the infectious disease diagnostics market. Our expertise and abilities in molecular diagnostics, including external quality controls, verification panels, proficiency panels, customized and OEM products/services, have set the industry standard for performance and reliability and make ZeptoMetrix the preferred choice for independent third-party quality control materials.

Contact Information
Andrew Zenger
Global Product Manager
andrew.zenger@antylia.com
(716) 715-7417

JE Cleantech – Singapore-based Precision Cleaning Leader Sees Growth in Revenue and Net Income in H1 2023

SINGAPORE, Oct 3, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – JE Cleantech Holdings Limited (“JE Cleantech” or “JCSE” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: JCSE), a leading Singaporean cleantech and precision engineering company, today released its financial results for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023 (“H1 2023”). The Company has experienced significant growth in revenue and net income compared to the corresponding period last year (“H1 2022”), reflecting its commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions in the cleaning technology sector.

In H1 2023, JCSE’s revenue experienced an increase of approximately 22.5% compared to H1 2022 to achieve approximately S$8.8 million (US$6.5 million) of sales. The growth was driven by nearly 50% increase in sales of cleaning systems and other equipment. JCSE also recorded a net income of approximately S$0.3 million (US$0.21 million) in H1 2023, demonstrating an approximately 89.8% climb from approximately S$0.15 million (US$0.1 million) in H1 2022. The Company attributes its revenue and profit growth to its solid customer base and changing demand dynamics. Leveraging its expanded customer base through strategic efforts, the Company managed to receive recurring and new orders for the precision cleaning systems.

“2023 has so far been a very promising year for the precision cleaning business”, shared Elise Hong Bee Yin, Founder and CEO of JE Cleantech. “We remain committed to our pursuit of excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth. By adapting to market changes, enhancing customer relationships, and closely monitoring cost dynamics, we aim to continue our trajectory of success.”

The results follow a strong 2022 financial performance from JCSE. With the foundation laid in the first half of the year, JCSE is looking to build upon its success through strategic expansion of its business in new markets. The Company remains committed to Singapore as a priority market while monitoring opportunities overseas. In H1 2023, JCSE stepped up its green efforts by implementing sustainable initiatives in its production, such as installing solar panels in its main facility and enhancing the recycling process. The Company also partnered with a Singapore deep-tech manufacturer to develop cleaning robots in an effort to diversify its product offerings. JCSE is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable solutions in the global market.

About JE Cleantech Holdings Limited

JE Cleantech Holdings Limited is based in Singapore and is principally engaged in (i) the sale of precision cleaning systems and other equipment; and (ii) the provision of centralized dishwashing and ancillary services. Through its subsidiary, JCS-Echigo Pte Ltd, the company designs, develops, manufactures, and sells cleaning systems for various industrial end-use applications primarily to customers in Singapore and Malaysia. Its cleaning systems are mainly designed for precision cleaning, with features such as particle filtration, ultrasonic or megasonic rinses with a wide range of frequencies, high pressure drying technology, high flow rate spray, and deionized water rinses, which are designed for effective removal of contaminants and to minimize particle generation and entrapment. The Company also has provided centralized dishwashing services, through its subsidiary, Hygieia Warewashing Pte Ltd, since 2013 and general cleaning services since 2015, both mainly for food and beverage establishments in Singapore. For more information about JE Cleantech, please visit our website: www.jecleantech.sg.

Disclaimer: Forward looking statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such words or phrases as “should,” “intends,” “is subject to,” “expects,” “will,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “estimated,” “projected,” “may,” “I or we believe,” “future prospects,” “our strategy,” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements made in this press release that relate to our future contract revenues among other things involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those expected and stated in this announcement. We undertake no obligation to update “forward-looking” statements.

For Media Enquiries and Investor Relations, please contact:
enquiry@jecleantech.sg

HanchorBio Announces First Patient Dosed in the Phase 1 Multi-Regional Clinical Trial of HCB101

SAN FRANCISCO, CA and TAIPEI, TAIWAN, Oct 3, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – HanchorBio Inc., a global clinical-stage biotechnology company focusing on the discovery and development of innovative immuno-biomedicines to treat a wide variety of patients suffering from different solid tumors or hematological malignancies with significant unmet medical needs, today announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1, multi-regional, multi-center clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05892718). The trial aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamics, and anti-tumor activity of HCB101 in patients with advanced solid tumors or relapsed and refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“The dosing of the first patient with HCB101 marks another major milestone in evaluating the potential benefit of HCB101 for these patient populations,” said Scott Liu, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of HanchorBio. “Based on the preclinical head-to-head comparison studies, HCB101 repeatedly demonstrated superior efficacy and excellent safety profiles in comparison with several similar biologics currently being investigated in clinical trials targeting the same SIRPα-CD47 pathway. I am immensely proud of the teamwork that has brought our differentiated program to this point with only 2.6 years from the Company’s inception to IND and now first-patient-in. HanchorBio is dedicated to discovering and developing immunotherapies to overcome the inadequacies of PD-1/L1 therapies with our proprietary FBDB™ technology platform.”

“There is an urgent need for new treatment options for patients with cancer, particularly those who cannot tolerate currently available therapies,” commented Jason Tsai, M.D., M.S., Chief Medical Officer of HanchorBio. “Through blockade of the SIRPα-CD47 pathway, HCB101 brings additional armament to fight cancer. Our goal is to bring transformative treatment options for patients with cancer by developing HCB101 as a foundational innate immunity checkpoint immunotherapy and open the door to innate-adaptive combination immuno-oncology therapy.”

HCB101 is an engineered fusion protein using the Company’s proprietary Fc-based designer biologics (FBDB™) technology platform that blocks the “do not eat” signal from the SIRPα-CD47 pathway, which inhibits the ability of macrophages to engulf and destroy cancer cells. Preclinical studies have shown that HCB101 has anti-tumor activity across a wide range of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Unlike other similar agents, HCB101 exhibits excellent safety profiles in the repeat-dose cynomolgus monkey toxicology studies, as no abnormality of RBC or platelet levels were observed, with a potential as the best-in-class anti-SIRPα-CD47 immunotherapy.

HanchorBio owns worldwide commercial rights to HCB101.

About HCB101

Discovered through a structure-guided protein design and engineering supplemented with relevant screening technologies, HCB101 is an engineered extracellular domain of SIRPα fused to the Fc region of IgG4. HCB101 triggers potent phagocytic activity of the macrophages by primarily blocking the “do not eat” signal between macrophages and tumor cells. Based on the extensive in-vitro and in-vivo preclinical data, HCB101 is potentially a safer and more potent biologic than the anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies and SIRPa fusion proteins currently being investigated in clinical trials. Furthermore, quantitative RNA transcriptional analysis indicated that HCB101 triggered distinct gene expression profiles inside the tumor and in the tumor microenvironment compared to other relevant clinical candidates, suggesting that HCB101 might exhibit unique mechanisms of action. Using HCB101 as the foundation, our pipeline includes other arms targeting both adaptive and innate immunity to help revolutionize the treatment of patients with cancer and other debilitating diseases.

About Multi-Regional Clinical Trial of HCB101 (NCT05892718)

HCB101-101 is a multi-regional, multi-center, open-label, dose-finding, first-in-human (FIH) study of adults with advanced solid tumors or relapsed and refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States and Taiwan. The purposes of the study are to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and clinical anti-tumor activity of HCB101 via intravenous injections. HCB101-101 has already received IND clearance by the U.S. FDA in April 2023 and the Taiwan FDA in July 2023.

About HanchorBio

Based in Taipei, Shanghai, and San Francisco Bay Area, HanchorBio is a global clinical-stage biotechnology company focusing on immuno-oncology. The Company is led by an experienced team of pharmaceutical industry veterans with a proven track record of success in biologics discovery and global development to transcend current cancer therapies. Committed to reactivating the immune system to fight against diseases, the proprietary Fc-based designer biologics (FBDB™) platform enables unique biologics with diverse multi-targeting modalities to unleash both innate and adaptive immunity to overcome the current inadequacies of anti-PD1/L1 immunotherapies. The FBDB™ platform has successfully delivered proof-of-concept data in several in vivo tumor animal models. By making breakthroughs in multi-functional innovative molecular configurations in R&D and improving the manufacturing process in CMC, HanchorBio develops transformative medicines to address unmet medical needs.

For more information, please visit: www.HanchorBio.com or follow us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/hanchorbio-inc

Contact Information
Scott Liu, Founder, Chairman and CEO, scott_liu@hanchorbio.com
Yi Du, Sr. Director of Business Development, yi_du@hanchorbio.com

The World’s First AI-Created Digital Children’s Spokesperson ‘Uni’ is Ready to Amplify the Voices of Children Around the World

BILLUND, DENMARK, Oct 3, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – A manifesto and 40 ideas addressing the world’s challenges have now been sent from the world’s children to global leaders. That’s the summary of a gathering of 80 children aged 10-17, from 50 nationalities, who convened in Denmark at the Capital of Children in Billund for the third annual Children’s General Assembly Summit from September 19th to 21st.

The children have returned home, but their solutions continue to be assembled in the world’s first digital children’s spokesperson called “Uni”. Uni is an AI created as an amalgamation of 80 faces and voices of the participants of Children’s General Assembly and has helped amplify and deliver the messages of the world’s children. According to the Secretary General of Children’s General Assembly, Uni and the children’s way of approaching challenges can inspire on multiple levels.

“In this year’s Children’s General Assembly, children are trying to engage with contemporary tools like AI to devise a visual solution that can generate buzz and increase attention, providing them with a stronger unified and compelling voice. This is a symbol of the way children approach finding solutions to challenges, which far more politicians and businesses should take inspiration from,” says Charlotte Sahl-Madsen, Secretary General of Children’s General Assembly. She continues:

“Uni sets a fresh standard for efficiently collecting relevant insights from many people and cleverly consolidating them into a unified entity, which creates a foundation for concrete actions.”

40 ideas for decision-makers to address

Leading up to the September Summit, the children engaged in workshops and collaborative sessions. Through creative exercises, playful learning, and co-creation, they crafted a manifesto presented at the summit by Uni alongside the children, and an idea catalogue containing 40 ideas addressing global challenges. The ideas were mainly focused on STEAM, mental health, children’s safety, and awareness of the importance of children’s voices.

This is stated by the 80 participants in Children’s General Assembly in this year’s manifesto:

“From furthering education, fostering health and safety, and amplifying children’s voices, there’s a lot to be done. We’re not just children with dreams; we’re creative world citizens. It’s crucial for grown-ups to listen to us. We understand the challenges we face, and we have great ideas to make things better. Investing in children today means investing in a better world tomorrow.”

All materials, including the manifesto, idea catalogue and livestream from the September Summit were handed directly to the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth for distribution to the UN General Assembly.

Contact Information
Charlotte Sahl-Madsen
Secretary General of Children’s General Assembly
csm@cocplayfulminds.org
+45 51 50 46 97

WARC releases The Future of Strategy 2023, a worldwide survey-led report with insights from almost 1,000 marketing strategists

LONDON, Oct 3, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – As tough economic conditions continue to squeeze client budgets, levels of optimism are lower as client bravery wanes. Strategists see the biggest opportunity in upstream work, understanding new tech and helping brands navigate culture, whilst there is still much work to do on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Some argue strategy is stymied by frameworks, and that strategy needs more revolution. These are some of the findings included in The Future of Strategy 2023 reportreleased today by WARC – the global authority on marketing effectiveness.

This eleventh edition of the annual WARC study unpacks the key trends considered pivotal to the future of strategy. The research is based on a worldwide survey with 971 client- and agency-side strategists fielded in June and July this year, topics explored at this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and discussions with leading strategists from around the world.

Lena Roland, Head of Content, WARC Strategy, says: “Our annual Future of Strategy report acts as a temperature check for how strategists are feeling about the state of the discipline. Amid a tough economy, which appears to be stymying team growth, the report looks at how strategy careers are evolving, the biggest forces impacting the function, and the core values strategists can bring to help marketers get a more realistic understanding of people and cultural trends.”

Covering the big issues defining marketing, such as economic downturn, career development, measurement and diversity, the report uncovers insights and opportunities of today’s strategist.

Key takeaways considered pivotal to the future of strategy are:

Strategy needs more revolution: 70% of strategists are encouraged to be strategically brave, but just a third (34%) agree clients encourage brave decision making

Knowing what has worked in the past has its place, but strategy is also about imagining the future, and strategists are well placed to identify game changing ideas and innovations. For this, they need ambition, imagination, bravery, and revolution.

However, this year’s survey highlights a strategic bravery gap. Whilst 70% of strategists say their company encourages them to make brave strategic choices, in contrast, just a third (34%) agree that clients encourage strategic bravery as tightening budgets mean brands are taking fewer risks.

Over-reliance on frameworks can leave strategists and strategies in a safe/conformist zone. Almost half (48%) of respondents agree that accepted marketing frameworks are a hindrance to strategic bravery, while 30% disagree.

Matt Klein, Head of Global Foresight, Reddit, says: “The future of strategy is straightforward. Uphold the bureaucratic way things have always been done and study from a distance, or immerse oneself and explore the way the world truly operates to affect progress.”

Calling for a Marketing Reality Movement, Richard Huntington, Chief Strategy Officer, Saatchi & Saatchi, says marketers are far removed from the real lives of the people they’re meant to understand and reach, and calls on marketers to “turn the tide on aspirational marketing”.

Planning in a world where niche is big: 76% of strategists agree that greater emphasis on qualitative methods is necessary to understand emerging and niche communities

With fewer monoculture moments to capture mass attention, strategists and brands are having to find ways to effectively understand, reach and engage niche communities.

76% of strategists agree that greater emphasis on qualitative rather than quantitative methods is necessary to understand emerging and niche communities and that understanding how they spread from those communities to larger groups will be crucial moving forward.

Through their connection with culture, strategists are well placed to look to the fringes, identify new opportunities and need states, critical for marketers moving forward.

Charlie Elliott, Strategy Director, Billion Dollar Boy, says: “Niche communities… give a sneak peek into what may come in popular culture – from vocabulary, to fashion trends, to the next big rising star – and allow brands to get ahead of it and engage audiences with greater impact.”

Planning for a sustainable future: 59% of strategists say DEI objectives do not feature in briefs and 50% say sustainability never features

Many companies have taken great strides towards responding to the climate crisis. However, sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) objectives rarely feature in client briefs, suggesting an intention-action gap in what marketers say, and what they do.

The majority (59%) of strategists say DEI objectives do not feature in briefs and half (50%) say sustainability never features. This also suggests that there’s a need for better briefing.

Strategists expect this to change, and strategies of the future will need to imagine better ways for this to grow. This might mean things like demand switching, the circular economy, radical innovation, and doing (and wasting) less.

Helen Brain, Communications Strategy Director, Iris, says: “Sustainability isn’t a ‘thing’ out there, it’s part of culture. If we want brands to be culturally relevant we could do worse than aligning with, amplifying and exploring themes in sustainability, nature and wellbeing.”

Summing up, WARC’s Lena Roland says: “A recurring theme in this year’s Future of Strategy report is the need for strategists to get away from their desks and meet real people. Without this, it’s harder to have a realistic understanding of people’s lives, their hopes, fears, pain points and harder to spot game changing opportunities that build a better future.

“Calling for a revolution suggests we need a rethink. Strategies need to be more imaginative and ambitious, and research needs more respect and reality.”

The Future of Strategy 2023 report, which includes quantitative and qualitative data analysis, expert commentary and advice from leading strategists, is available to WARC subscribers. Two Future of Strategy podcasts will be available to all this week including one with Richard Huntington unpacking his call for a research revolution.

Contributors to the report are: Charlie Elliott, Billion Dollar Boy; Dr Marcus Collins, University of Michigan; Ellie Bamford, Wunderman Thompson; Yael Cesarkas, R/GA; Elizabeth Paul, The Martin Agency; Helen Brain,Iris; Matt Klein, Reddit; Tomas Gonsorcik, DDB North America, Ayo Fagbemi, Explorers Club, Jenna Cummings, Rival; Leo Rayman, EdenLab; Acacia Leroy, Culture Group; Amy Daroukakis, Freelance; Katie Rigg-Smith, WPP; Narayan Devanathan, Dentsu India; Andy Wilson, Ogilvy Consulting; Jo Arden, Ogilvy UK; Richard Huntington, Saatchi & Saatchi.

About WARC – The global authority on marketing effectiveness

For over 35 years, WARC has been powering the marketing segment by providing rigorous and unbiased evidence, expertise and guidance to make marketers more effective. Across four pillars – WARC Strategy, WARC Creative, WARC Media, WARC Digital Commerce – its services include 100,000+ case studies, best practice guides, research papers, special reports, advertising trend data, news & opinion articles, as well as awards, events and advisory services. WARC operates out of London, New York, Singapore and Shanghai, servicing a community of over 75,000 marketers in more than 1,300 companies across 100+ markets and collaborates with 50+ industry partners.

WARC is an Ascential company. Ascential delivers specialist information, analytics, events and eCommerce optimisation to the world’s leading consumer brands and their ecosystems. Our world-class businesses improve performance and solve customer problems by delivering immediately actionable information and visionary longer-term thinking across Digital Commerce, Product Design, Marketing and Retail & Financial Services.

With more than 3,800 employees across five continents, we combine local expertise with a global footprint for clients in over 120 countries. Ascential is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

For further information, please contact:
Amanda Benfell
Head of PR & Press, WARC
amanda.benfell@warc.com
www.warc.com

Hong Kong Licensed Virtual Asset Association Statement on JPEX Incident

Hong Kong, Oct 03, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The recent JPEX incident, which has attracted a lot of attention from the Hong Kong and international media, serves as a timely reminder of the importance of establishing a robust and supportive regulatory environment that promotes the development of a healthy virtual asset and Web3 ecosystem to ensure the integrity of virtual asset platforms and protect the interests of market players and the investing public alike. Like the previous Gatecoin, AAX and FTX episodes, the JPEX incident has once again brought to the limelight the risks posed by unregulated (or under-regulated) virtual asset platforms, including potential fraudulent practices, underscoring the need for rigorous regulatory supervision, transparency, and public education.

In the emerging landscape of virtual assets and Web3 economy, it is crucial to strike a balance between innovation and regulation. Whilst innovation drives the growth and potential of these technologies, effective regulation is necessary to mitigate risks, safeguard users, and maintain market stability. It is our belief that a well-designed regulatory framework should encourage responsible practices, promote adequate information disclosures, and deter illicit activities, which would not only protect investors but also enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of the virtual asset ecosystem as a whole.

To achieve this, effective collaboration between regulators, industry stakeholders and market participants is crucial. It is therefore one of our Association’s core objectives to promote regular engagement and dialogue with the Hong Kong regulators to facilitate positive policy developments by helping regulators stay abreast of technological advancements and market trends whilst allowing industry participants to contribute their expertise and insights.

To contribute to the efforts to raise public awareness of the opportunities and risks brought by virtual assets, our Association also aims to leverage the rich industry experience and knowhow of our members, being the leaders of the virtual asset and Web3 industries, to provide education and share our knowledge with new entrants to the virtual assert space, including enterprises, startup businesses and investors, and to help the public stay up-to-date on the latest regulatory, technological and market developments relating to virtual assets.

Whilst JPEX incident has demonstrated once again the risks and consequences of improper or even fraudulent practices of unregulated virtual asset platforms, this should not affect our city’s overall roadmap for virtual asset and Web3 ecosystem development. By working together to foster an environment that encourages responsible innovation, the Hong Kong regulators and market participants can jointly facilitate the emergence of new services, products, and economic opportunities which bring greater financial inclusion and enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a vibrant international fintech hub.

Lawrence Chu

Chairman

Hong Kong Licensed Virtual Asset Association

Mr. Lawrence Chu, Chairman – lawrence.chu@vsfg.com

Mr. Henry Yu, Secretary General – hyu@lylawoffice.com / +852 2115 9525

Driving Action for Global Climate Change: Over 1000 global industry leaders to convene in Dubai at upcoming Future Sustainability Forum hosted by DIFC

DUBAI, Oct 3, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Dubai is set to take centre stage on action for climate change as Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, is gearing up to host the first ever Future Sustainability Forum (“The Forum”) to be held 4-5 October 2023, at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC.

Set to attract over 1000 industry leaders, including more than 50 speakers, representing 30 countries, the 2-day Forum will explore how the financial sector can lead the charge in addressing climate change, promoting a just transition to a sustainable economy, and aligning efforts with the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

Globally, an estimated USD 3.3 – 4.5tn is required annually to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This has called forth the sustainable debt market, which has been growing at pace driven by strong demand from investors and rising expectations for governments and organisations to deliver on their sustainability commitments.

Mohammad AlBlooshi, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Innovation Hub, said: “We are thrilled to welcome over 1000 global leaders to the inaugural Dubai and the Future Sustainability Forum. The Forum will focus on mobilising sustainable finance and innovation by connecting industry leaders, investors, tech disruptors, and policy makers, and help channel investment flows between the global north and global south, to accelerate climate action. Our mission is clear: We want to pioneer change, foster collaboration, and ensure that the finance sector stands at the forefront of sustainable practices.”

The Forum’s Agenda supports COP28’s 4-pillar plan on fast-tracking the transition, fixing climate finance, focusing on adaptation to protect lives and livelihoods, and making COP28 fully inclusive.

In addition to keynote addresses by H.E. Essa Kazim, Governor, DIFC; and Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority; the line-up of speakers will feature eminent leaders including a fireside chat with H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates and Honourable Quincia Gumbs-Marie, Minister of Sustainability, Innovation and the Environment, Government of Anguilla.

Dr. Ayesha Alnuaimi, Director of DEWA’s Solar Innovation Centre and Amal Larhlid, Partner Sustainability at PwC; Florence Bulte, Chief Sustainability Officer of Chalhoub Group and Rajesh Garg, Group CFO and Chief Sustainability Officer of Landmark Group; will speak on behalf of the corporate sector.

The forum is a key platform to discuss the topic of environmental conservation and private investment, which will be delivered by a distinguished speaker line-up including Ghiwa Nakat, Executive of Greenpeace MENA; Laila Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature – WWF; Dr Abid El Moubadder, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates District Cooling; Satya Tripathi, Secretary-General of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet; Matt Brown, Chief Sustainability Officer, Expo City Dubai; Thomas Bosse, Head of Carbon Unit, Neom and Shivam Kishore, Senior Advisor at the United Nations Environment Programme.

Representatives of the financial sector include, Nader Albastaki, Managing Director of Dubai Future District Fund; Suhail Bin Tarraf, Group Chief Operating Officer of First Abu Dhabi Bank; Vijas Bains, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Emirates NBD; Simon Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, The Chartered Banker Institute; Shargiil Bashir, Chief Sustainability Officer, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Nameer Khan, Founder of FILS and Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association.

The Future Sustainability Forum will also put the spotlight on the UAE’s sustainable practices particularly within the financial ecosystem, inviting global experts to connect, collaborate and share insight to accelerate the global transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. Panel discussions and sessions include: ‘Supporting corporates in embedding ESG within their organisations’; ‘Empowering companies to design their path to Net-Zero’; ‘Unlocking the potential of ESG-driven innovation’; ‘Fostering sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems’; and ‘Transforming capital to drive the low carbon transition’.

Central to DIFC’s programme in the run up to COP28, the inaugural Future Sustainability Forum, further demonstrates the Centre’s commitment to play a leading role in advancing COP28 priorities, aligned with DIFC’s chairmanship of the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group (DSFWG), established in 2019.

To register for the Future Sustainability Forum visit: www.futuresustainabilityforum.com.

About Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 72 countries with an approximate population of 3 billion and an estimated GDP of USD 8 trillion.

With a close to 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe and the Americas through Dubai. 

DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of over 39,000 professionals working across over 4,900 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region. 

The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups.  

Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations. 

For further information, please visit our website: difc.ae, or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @DIFC. 

For media enquiries, please contact:  

Omar Nasro
ASDA’A BCW | +9714 4507600 
omar.nasro@bcw-global.com

Rasha Mezher | Dubai International Financial Centre Authority
Consultant, Marketing & Corporate Communications
+9714 3622451
t-rasha.mezher@difc.ae

Indonesia Investment Forum 2023 Offers UK Investment Opportunities in the Green Sector and in Indonesia’s Digital Transformation

LONDON, Oct 2, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Aiming at fostering investment in the green sector, digital transformation, and sustainable trade and supply chains, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in London, in collaboration with Representative Office of Bank Indonesia in London and the Indonesia Investment Promotion Center (IIPC) London, will host the Indonesia Investment Forum (IIF) 2023 in London on 5 October 2023.

IIF 2023 is an annual event that aims to showcase and promote Indonesia’s investment landscape and Investment Projects Ready to Offer (IPRO). This forum will be enriched with business matching sessions featuring selected IPRO projects from 11 sectors, including renewable energy, electric vehicles, digital, infrastructure, transportation and tourism.

IIF 2023 marks the beginning of a series of “Experience Indonesia” events, encompassing cultural arts performances and exhibitions of SME products during “Indonesian Night” on the evening of October 5, coupled with Experience Indonesia Dublin, which would be the first Indonesian cultural arts performance in Ireland in the last 5 years. During the Experience Indonesia 2022, we had the pleasure of hosting 4,000 visitors over the course of 3 days, leading to the establishment of cooperation agreements valued at over USD 75 million.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, Desra Percaya, hopes that IIF 2023 can forge closer investment cooperation between the two countries, “especially considering the value of Indonesian-UK investment continues to steadily rise, in line with Indonesia’s prominent standing on the global economic front,” he mentioned. In 2022, UK investment in Indonesia reached a substantial USD 822 million, securing its position as the 10th largest investor in the country.

Approximately 20 speakers have been confirmed to be present at this forum, including distinguished figures from both countries. This forum boasts an impressive lineup of keynote speakers such as Nusrat Ghani MP, UK Minister of State (Minister for Investment Security Unit and Minister for Business and Economic Security), together with the Governor of Bank Indonesia, Perry Warjiyo and the Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM, Bahlil Lahadalia. Meanwhile, Richard Graham MP, UK PM’s Trade Envoy for Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and ASEAN, will provide insights into the promising potential of the economic partnership between Indonesia and the UK. Furthermore, our panel discussions will feature prominent leaders from the banking and business sectors in Indonesia, the UK, and Europe.

This event is also supported by Bank Mandiri, BNI, UK-ASEAN Business Council, British Chamber of Commerce Indonesia, ASEAN Business Partners, TheCityUK, Citigroup, Standard Chartered, KPMG and bp.

Further information is available via the website: https://iif2023.indonesianembassy.org.uk/

Source: Indonesian Embassy in London