Digital Nigeria 2022, Day 2: Blockchain Adoption Can Increase Nigeria’s GNP, If…

ABUJA, NG, Oct 28, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Developing nations like Nigeria stand a chance to benefit from the US$ 1.76 trillion market, if they can position themselves to adopt and leverage Blockchain technologies, Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said during Day 2 of the Digital Nigeria 2022 International Conferences, Exhibitions and Awards.

Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA Director-General, "There are a lot of opportunities in Blockchain, and it is critical in every business. So, you need to task yourself to know which solutions or offerings the industry requires."

Blockchain Summit @ Digital Nigeria 2022, Day 2, featured the summit that many had been waiting for, sponsored by NITDA, and Domineum Blockchain Solutions. [Image: NITDA]

Mohammed Ibrahim Jega, Domineum co-founder, "Blockchain is a technology that houses Cryptocurrency and other compelling ideas, it is important to demystify it, and enable young people to get a proper grasp of this game-changing technology."

The NITDA boss said "Developing countries like Nigeria, if we position ourselves, we can increase our GDP by at least 0.5 percent, which is almost US$ 25 billion. So today we are here to explore how we can position ourselves. The government has been doing it. It is in site. We have developed blockchain adoption strategies."

He revealed the NITDA Blockchain adoption strategy has four initiatives. "Firstly, to establish a consortia that will build the ecosystem. And today we are here to build that ecosystem and community! Secondly, to strengthen the regulatory instruments and have legal framework. and last week, the president signed the Nigerian startup Bill into law, now the Nigeria Startup Act 2022, which is going to provide legal instruments for all emerging technologies, including blockchain."

Inuwa noted "Thirdly, initiatives to incentivize the ecosystem which would encourage the building of use cases using blockchain, adding that the Start Up Act would to achieve that as well. And, fourthly is to build sandbox. We are going to work with you to develop sandbox for proof of concept and proof of value around blockchains. So, all that this government is doing, aims to make Nigeria attractive to blockchain investment."

He listed the benefits of Blockchain to include "Tracking and tracing. We can use it to solve our supply chain challenges. We can use it to track records like land titles. We can use it to track certificate, vaccine, and so many things, anything you can think of that needs that trust. Technology can also address payment system challenges and financial inclusion, adding that it can also be used to strengthen our identity management.

"Not only personal identity, but even things' identities. We're talking about the Internet of Things. That means everything connected to internet needs to be identified. With Blockchain, you can achieve that when you use blockchain and IoT. You can even use it to manage government spending. In the budgeting process, you can use it to attach every single Naira to what it is budgeted for. You can trace it, and make sure there is traceability for every Naira spent by the government."

Blockchain Summit @ Digital Nigeria 2022: And then some..

The session witnessed panel discussions on Prioritizing Blockchain Technology, Implications for Digital Asset Innovation, Impacts of Blockchain on the Digital Economy: the Myth, the Truth and the Opportunities, and, One World Connected with Blockchain. The highlights of the summit were the inauguration of the Blockchain Campus Ambassadors and evolution of Blockchain Technology in Nigeria, in story-book form.

"Blockchain is here to stay, and we are rapidly moving away from traditional process to the Digital Transformation process," concluded Ibrahim Jega, Co-Founder of Domineum Blockchain Solutions, who together with NITDA hosted nearly 2000 guests at this year's Blockchain Summit @ Digital Nigeria 2022, Day 2.

See more Blockchain Summit at https://www.digitalnigeria.gov.ng
More information and opportunity, please write to business@domineum.io
Blockchain Summit @ Digital Nigeria 2022 is powered by DOMINEUM

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Nigerian FG to Stop Importing Digital Products and Services says Digital Economy Minister

ABUJA, Nigeria, Oct 26, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – With stakeholders in the Digital Economy, from within and outside Nigeria, gathered at Digital Nigeria 2022 to brainstorm on a sustainable digital economy for the nation, the Federal Government declared that it was no longer accepting importation of any digital technological product or service into the country, "until and unless the country is convinced that capacity to develop such product and service is not readily available within the country."

NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa opening Digital Nigeria 2022 in Abuja, October 25 [Image: NITDA]

Communications & Digital Economy Minister, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) addressing Digital Nigeria 2022 [Image: NITDA]

The Minister of Communications & Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) made the sweeping declaration while delivering special remarks on Day #1 of the Digital Nigeria International Conference, Exhibition & Awards in Abuja on Monday, Oct 25.

The Conference, formerly known as the eNigeria International Conference, is the flagship awareness programme in the Digital Economy sector. The annual event was re-branded as Digital Nigeria to further expand its scope in line with the core objectives of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).

The aim is to brainstorm on contemporary issues of relevance across the globe, and to address Nigerian challenges for sustainable socioeconomic development. It is a veritable platform for Information & Communications Technology (ICT) awareness, creation, development of appropriate frameworks, and setting goals for best practices.

The Minister holds that wisdom behind the stoppage of importation of digital technological products and services gives effect to Executive Orders 003 of May 2017, and 005 of February 2018, which support "Local Content Procurements by Ministries, Department and Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria", and the "Planning and Execution of Projects, Promotion of Nigerian Content in Contracts and Science, Engineering and Technology", respectively.

He stated further that "even in the employment position that is publicized, as long as there are Nigerians that have the capacities to take up the challenges, it is not allowed for you to bring somebody from outside the country, except in an agreement transferring knowledge, and 40% of our products and services must be retained for Nigerians."

Prof. Pantami enthused that his segment has been performing with increasing creditably in the last three years, making it the fastest growing sector, and the highest contributor to Gross Domestic Product in the country. "The Digital Economy has in recent years recorded three unprecedented records. For example, contributing18.44% of GDP in the last quarter according to the National Bureau of Statistic."

Listing record achievements for the sector, Prof. Pantami further expressed that his Ministry had scored high grades in each of the eight ministerial deliverables he signed with President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019. He noted that his Ministry scored a very strong 173.86% average across the eight.

The scores in each deliverable were recorded as: implementation of broadband connectivity -134%; deployment of 4G across the country – 127%; digitalising government functions and processes – 99%; development and implementation of a National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy – 103%; implementation of a Digital Identity Programme – 86%; improvement and optimisation of revenues from all operators and licensees in agencies under the Ministry's supervision – 594%; active collaboration with private sector to create jobs – 111%; empowerment of citizens – 137%.

According to the Minister, the sector used to contribute an average of N51 billion (approx. US$118 million) quarterly to the government's coffer, but in the last three years, quarterly remittance has grown to N408 billion (approx. US$ 935 million). "And you cannot appreciate this until you know how difficult it is to generate funds for government. We remit all that we generate to the government, while others spend without generating," he noted.

Prof. Pantami expressed that vigor in implementation of the various pillars of NDEPS was facilitating the unprecedented achievements the sector is recording since the policy was approved in October 2019. He listed the eight pillars to include: Developmental Regulation; Digital Literacy and Skills; Solid Infrastructure; Service Infrastructure; Soft Infrastructure; Digital Service Development and Promotion; Digital Society and Emerging Technologies; and Indigenous Content Promotion and Adoption.

The Minister revealed that the under the Service Infrastructure pillar, IT project clearance alone has saved the Federal Government over N44 billion in the last year, with the clearing of 1,600 projects which have to do with the automation of government processes in order to save funds, improve precision and accuracy, and promote accountability.

He said, "In order to simplify the implementation of each of the pillar, we developed other implementation policies under each pillar; under some pillars we have developed three to four policies. Within the last three years, we have developed 19 national policies and at least 17 of them are being implemented today – and this is unprecedented."

While noting the Ministry's achievements in capacity building, Prof. Pantami disclosed that 863,232 Nigerians have been trained on cutting edge and highly demanded digital skills, adding that the training identified a global vacuum in the digital sector, and focused on the provision of skills to citizens such that they could fill the vacuum. In addition, according to the Minister, over 2,000 IT centres have been established across the country.

He said the many regulatory instruments developed by his Ministry and its parastatals led to the initiation and passage of the Nigeria Start-Up Bill by the National Assembly, signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari last week as the Nigeria Start-up Act.

While commending President Buhari and National Assembly for the speedy passage and assent, the Minister described the legislation as "organic, as inputs were sought from the Start-Up ecosystem, and all its challenges are accommodated." He said passage of the Bill has attracted commendations globally, especially the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which indicated it would be learning from Nigeria's experience.

Written by Lukman Oladokun in Lagos
Day #1: Digital Nigeria International Conference 2022, Oct 25.

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

#WBSDubai Shines the spotlight on web3, crypto regulations and future of finance

The opening day of the 22nd edition of World Blockchain Summit –Dubai 2022, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Juma Ahmed Juma Al Maktoum, and cohosted by Rimaunangis, brought industry leaders, technology pioneers and web3 fans, all under one roof. The summit featured an opening address by Furqan Rassul, CEO, Elite Partner Investment and H.E. Abdulaziz Alnuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary, UAE Ministry of Economy, and industry heavyweights such as Reeve Collins, Dr. Marwan Alzarouni and Willem Middlekoop.

DUBAI, Oct 26, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Industry leaders presenting at the summit included Reeve Collins, Co-founder, SmartMedia Technologies, Co-founder, Tether; Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, Strategic Advisor, Digital Dubai and Willem Middelkoop, CEO and founder, Commodity Discovery Fund, to name a few.

During his address, Furqan Rassul, CEO, Elite Partner Investment quoted, “Since 2017, the World Blockchain Summit has brought together the brightest of minds in the blockchain industry, which is crucial given the blockchain’s fast growing role and increasing importance in the global economy.”

H.E. Abdulaziz Alnuaimi, Undersecretary Assistant, Ministry of Economy, UAE, spoke at length about the blockchain and web3 ecosystem, stating, “Economic Paradigms are shifting, new technologies are shaping the economic landscapes, profoundly altering business and work. The latest advancements in blockchain and web3 are expanding the frontiers and the future is arriving faster than expected. To ensure our businesses remain competitive and future proof with ever changing landscape, we the business leaders and policy makers must keep track of technology development. Therefore, seeing so many distinguished delegates and entire blockchain and web3 community gathered here today is only inspiring”.

Reeve Collins, Co-founder, SmartMedia Technologies, Co-founder, Tether, also shared his thoughts on web3 and metaverse stating, “Web3 is going to change the way we use the internet, because we will have a much more interactive experience in all the websites that we go. Just like back in the 90s when everybody said “Oh we need a website”, turned out everybody did, very soon everybody will be on metaverse, because it will be a better way and better experience for the users to interact with the internet.”

The opening day of #WBSDubai saw over 1000 attendees engage and network on some of today’s most pressing questions in the current industry. The event featured enlightening sessions discussing the blockchain and crypto space. It also featured panel discussions, industry highlights, use-case-studies and much more.

The World Blockchain Summit – Dubai 2022 co-hosted by Rimaunangis, also provided startups with a platform to exhibit their innovative capabilities in front of global investors at the Startup World Cup pitch competition. Shipfinex, a company that is tokenizing maritime assets & simplifying investments, enabling Instant payments & a decentralized marketplace by using defi & web3 technologies, won an award for best startup.

“Dubai has positioned itself perfectly as one of the most crypto and blockchain friendly destinations in the world. With all the recent announcements around new crypto licenses being issued, Dubai Metaverse Strategy and more, we are super excited to have the web3 community come together at WBS to create meaningful collaborations and conversations that will shape the future of this industry.” stated Mohammed Saleem, Founding Chairman, World Blockchain Summit (WBS).

World Blockchain Summit – Dubai, co-hosted by Rimaunangis is sponsored by:

Headline Sponsor – Decentralized Investment Group; GBR Coin
Platinum Sponsor – Quai Network
Gold Sponsors – DeenAir; Oceanmoney; Quick Node; Point Network; Meta Cube Lab
Silver Sponsors – Coinstore; Aura Dogs; Presend; GTON Capital; Communi3; The Sphynx;
Bronze Sponsors – arteQ Qlindo; Zeeve; Fluidefi

Ecosystem Partner: Crypto Oasis

Exhibitors: Dreamster; Galaxy Heroes; Khaleeji; Minoid; ITC Games; ITC Global; Purple Quarter; Hyperhealth; BlockScan; Listing.Help; Tangent; Comtech Gold; Figment; Ledgerfi; Islamic Coin; Boba; NFTWorkx; Collective Shift; SLDC Corp; YX; PANVORA; Raven Protocol; IC Plaza and Syntrum

Investor Gala Dinner Sponsor: Shipfinex

Strategic Partner: Smartmedia Technologies

After Party Sponsor: Choise

Lanyard Sponsor: Quai Network

Official Event App Partner: Crowd Comms

Official PR Partner: Luna PR

Media Partners: Be In Crypto; TyN Magazine; CryptoNewZ; Crypto Academy; DxTalks; Women In Blockchain Canada; Bitcoin World; Coinspeaker; BinBits; Coinvestasi; Cointelegraph; The Cryptonomist; Coinstelegram; The Jordan Times; Security Middle East; Regtech Times; The Finance World; ACNNewswire; CoinsCapture; NFT24Studio; Cryptopolitan; Coinbold; Coincrunch; DX Talks; Media7; Gagsty; The Technology Magazine; Washington Elite; The Eastern Herald; Cryptera; Live Admins; The Business Year and Dverse.

The World Blockchain Summit’s next stop is Bangkok, bringing together ASEAN’s leading players in the space on December 8-9, 2022.

About World Blockchain Summit (WBS)

WBS hosts a global series of blockchain, crypto, metaverse and web3 business platforms that bring together the ecosystem of founders, developers, investors, regulators, enterprise buyers and influencers.

As the world’s largest blockchain and web3 summit series, WBS has hosted more than 35,000 industry stakeholders at more than 20 editions in 10+ destinations around the world.

In collaboration with key industry stakeholders and our advisory board members, WBS curates a regionally relevant agenda for each edition that highlights the latest trends and upcoming opportunities in the market while also enabling deal flow, business development and more for our community of founders and investors.

WBS is committed to boosting the development, adoption, and growth of the entire web3 ecosystem.

JCB, IDEMIA and Soft Space launch JCBDC Pilot to test CBDC in-store payments

TOKYO, Oct 24, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – JCB, the leading international payment brand from Japan, has announced the JCBDC (JCB Digital Currency) Pilot project with IDEMIA, a world leader in identity technologies, and Soft Space, Asia's leading secure payments platform. The JCBDC Pilot will test a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) payment solution, and conduct a demonstration experiment with Tokyo merchants.

Central banks in many countries and regions have been testing CBDCs that could be widely accepted by consumers and merchants. However, merchants might be reluctant to accept them, and mass-market rollout may be held up by people without smartphones, like children and the elderly, who could find the user interfaces and payment systems hugely challenging.

JCB will have CBDC acceptance tested using its existing 'JCB Contactless' infrastructure – EMV-based payment merchants, POS terminals and plastic card-based user interfaces – with guidance from IDEMIA and Soft Space. JCB, IDEMIA and Soft Space will have concluded CBDC system development by late 2022 and will conduct pilot CBDC acceptance with Tokyo merchants through March 2023.

"It gives me great honour to announce our collaboration with IDEMIA and Soft Space on this CBDC acceptance project," said Koremitsu Sannomiya, Board Member and Senior Executive Officer of JCB. "This project proves that we can use existing payment acceptance hardware for new CBDC payment systems, which is a huge benefit for both consumers and merchants."

"We at IDEMIA firmly believe that CBDCs are redefining the very fundamentals of the payment ecosystem. We're proud that our ability to innovate has enabled CBDC payments with existing JCB Contactless cards and POS terminal hardware. Joint payment systems by IDEMIA, JCB and Soft Space will usher in worldwide CBDC growth," said Romain Zanolo, IDEMIA Managing Director, APAC Financial Institutions.

"We're thrilled to be in the world's first trial of CBDC acceptance on SoftPOS, alongside partners JCB and IDEMIA. Although CBDCs are still in their infancy, this pilot takes a forward leap, from theory to reality, by harnessing in-store payment experience and existing payment platform expertise," said Soft Space CEO Joel Tay.

*EMV(R), a registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries, is owned by EMVCo, LLC.

About JCB
JCB, a major global payment brand and leading credit card issuer in Japan, launched its card business in 1961, expanding worldwide in 1981. JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions, its network includes more than 39 million merchants worldwide, and more than 140 million cardmembers. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and quality services and products to all customers worldwide. JCB, uniquely yours, visit www.global.jcb/en/.

About IDEMIA
A leader in identity technologies, IDEMIA is on a mission to unlock the world and make it safer. Backed by featured R&D, IDEMIA provides unique technologies with long-standing expertise in biometrics, cryptography, data analytics, systems and smart devices. With 15,000 employees, IDEMIA is trusted by over 600 governmental organizations and 2,300 enterprises spread over 180 countries, with an impactful, ethical and socially responsible approach. For more information, visit www.idemia.com and follow @IDEMIAGroup on Twitter.

About Soft Space
Founded in 2012, Soft Space is the world's leading SoftPOS player, with over 50 financial institutions and partners across 23 global markets adopting its payment solutions. Supported by MDEC's Global Acceleration and Innovative Network (GAIN) programme, Soft Space ranked 66 of 1000 companies in the Financial Times' FT 1000: High Growth Companies in Asia Pacific 2018, and in 2020 was recognized as an IDC Fastest Growing Company. For more information, visit: https://www.softspace.com.my.

JCB Contact
Ayaka Nakajima
Corporate Communications
Tel: +81-3-5778-8353
Email: jcb-pr@jcb.co.jp

Nuraqilah Ibrahim
Marketing Associate
Tel: +603 7494 1222
Email: nur.aqilah@softspace.com.my

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

JCB, IDEMIA and Soft Space launch JCBDC pilot to test CBDC in-store payments

TOKYO & PARIS & KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Japan's only international payment brand JCB Co., Ltd. ("JCB") has launched "JCBDC" (JCB Digital Currency) pilot project with identity technologies no. 1 IDEMIA and the world's leading fintech company Soft Space Sdn. Bhd. ("Soft Space"). JCBDC pilot will develop a CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) payment solution and conduct a pilot test with Tokyo merchants.

Over the past few years, central banks in many countries and regions have been testing CBDCs that should soon be widely accepted by consumers and merchants. However, merchants might be reluctant to accept them, and mass-market rollout may be held up by people without smartphones, like children and the elderly, who could find the user interfaces and payment systems hugely challenging.

As a result, JCB will have CBDC acceptance tested using existing JCB Contactless – JCB's EMV(R) based contactless payment, merchants, POS terminals and plastic card-based user interfaces, with guidance from IDEMIA and Soft Space.

JCB, IDEMIA and Soft Space will conclude payment system development by late 2022 and conduct the pilot test with Tokyo merchants until March 2023.

"It gives me great honour to announce our collaboration with IDEMIA and Soft Space on this project," said Koremitsu Sannomiya, Board Member, Senior Executive Officer of JCB. "This project proves that we can use existing payment acceptance hardware for new CBDC payment systems, which is a huge benefit for both consumers and merchants."

"We at IDEMIA firmly believe that CBDCs are redefining the very fundamentals of the payment ecosystem. We're proud that our ability to innovate has enabled CBDC payments with existing card and POS terminal hardware. IDEMIA's, JCB's and Soft Space's joint payment system expertise will usher in worldwide CBDC growth," said Romain Zanolo, IDEMIA Managing Director APAC Financial Institutions.

"We're thrilled to be first in the world to trial CBDC acceptance on SoftPOS alongside our partners JCB and IDEMIA. Although CBDCs are still in their infancy, this pilot takes us forward from theory to reality, by harnessing our in-store payment experience and existing payment platform expertise," said Soft Space CEO Joel Tay.

*EMV(R) is a registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries and an unregistered trademark elsewhere. The EMV trademark is owned by EMVCo, LLC.

About JCB

JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 39 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 140 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/

JCB Contact
Ayaka Nakajima
Corporate Communications
Tel: +81-3-5778-8353
Email: jcb-pr@jcb.co.jp

About IDEMIA

As a leader in identity technologies, IDEMIA is on a mission to unlock the world and make it safer. Backed by cutting-edge R&D, IDEMIA provides unique technologies, underpinned by long-standing expertise in biometrics, cryptography, data analytics, systems and smart devices. IDEMIA offers its public and private customers payment, connectivity, access control, travel, identity and public security solutions. Every day, around the world, IDEMIA secures billions of interactions in the physical and digital worlds. With nearly 15,000 employees, IDEMIA is trusted by over 600 governmental organizations and more than 2,300 enterprises spread over 180 countries, with an impactful, ethical and socially responsible approach. For more information, visit www.idemia.com and follow @IDEMIAGroup on Twitter.

About Soft Space

Founded in 2012, Soft Space is the world's leading SoftPOS player headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Soft Space simplified the complexity of financial infrastructure and creates value-added features for businesses to expand their business growth. With over 50 financial institutions and partners across 23 global markets adopting its payment solutions, Soft Space is supported by MDEC's Global Acceleration and Innovative Network (GAIN) programme and received financial support through MIDA's Domestic Investment Strategic Fund in 2022. In 2018, Soft Space ranked 66th out of 1000 companies in Financial Times 'FT 1000: High Growth Companies in Asia Pacific' Special Report. Subsequently in 2020, Soft Space is also recognise as one of IDC's Fastest Growing Company. For more information, please visit: https://www.softspace.com.my

Nuraqilah Ibrahim
Marketing Associate
Tel: +603 7494 1222
Email: nur.aqilah@softspace.com.my

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

The Government Blockchain Association (GBA)’s EMEA Lead to speak at UK House of Commons

London, UK, Oct 20, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Blockchain Chair in the House of Commons, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP, has invited Ms. Priya Guliani, (the Government Blockchain Association's Regional Lead for Europe, Middle East, and Africa), to speak at the APPG Evidence Meeting on Sustainability & Climate Change: Energy Consumption & Other Issues.

This meeting is part of the APPG's work on blockchain in the UK Parliament, and part of a series of APPG meetings to make the policymakers aware of blockchain technology's developments, applications, and regulatory implications.

Representatives of academic institutions and the blockchain industry will bring their perspectives on how blockchain can be utilized to solve sustainability and climate change issues. Specifically, is blockchain harming the causes themselves? The issues surrounding blockchain, sustainability, and climate Impact will be discussed by experts, furthering the APPG's understanding of the technology.

The meeting logistics will include speakers from different companies and institutions, followed by a Q&A with the members of the houses of Commons and Lords, the APPG on Blockchain Advisory Board, and the audience.

Register for this event HERE: https://bicpavilion.com/about_pavilion/appg-blockchain)

Priya Guliani is the EMEA Director at the Government Blockchain Association. She is an impact and technology entrepreneur, building decentralized identity solution to bring social, financial, and digital inclusion. She is an MIT certified leadership professional and Oxford certified Blockchain expert with over 14 years of IT consulting experience. She is also an author and speaker in innovative technology and sustainability space. In response to the world succumbing to the global pandemic, Priya formed and leads the Sustainable Environmental Stewardship, working group within GBA. The group's mission is to help public and private organizations create Sustainable, Attainable, and Maintainable solutions to combat climate change.

The Government Blockchain Association (GBA) is a non-profit, global organization, allowing the public and private sectors to connect, communicate, and collaborate over everything blockchain. Developing training materials, assessment tools, white papers, and applications for the blockchain community, GBA brings collaborators together through a variety of events. To find out more, visit GBA's website at www.gbablobal.org.

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

MContent Appoints Hani El Khatib as the New Chief Executive Officer of Blockchain & Web3

DUBAI, UAE, Oct 18, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – MContent, the world's first web3 decentralized content ecosystem is pleased to announce the appointment of Hani El Khatib as their new chief executive officer of blockchain & web3. The hiring of Hani El Khatib shows the commitment of the MContent board & its ambitions in becoming a leading global web3 company. As part of his new role, Hani will oversee the overall MContent blockchain decentralized platform, as well as all web3, NFTs, & crypto divisions. .

Hani El Khatib

"I am thrilled to join the MContent family, and work with the great leaders to help steer the company to global presence & success. Our objective is to make MContent the leading decentralized web3 content company that brings power back to the viewer. At MContent, with our Watch & Earn model, both the viewers & the content creators will be earning monetized cryptocurrency when any of the content is viewed on our platform. Being a firm believer in the power of blockchain & decentralization, I am confident that our business methodology will be beneficial for our members, our community, and for our business," says Hani El Khatib.

Hani brings in a vast experience in terms of leadership, entrepreneurship, and business growth,
having specialized in revenue growth and scaling up businesses, from global unicorn start-ups looking for regional expansion, to multi-nationals looking to grow their business, while also bringing in his entrepreneurial experience, having established his own start-up early in his career. Prior to MContent, Hani was Regional Director at Chainalysis, where he helped in building Chainalysis's presence in the region. Before that Hani held various regional roles in multinational companies including McAfee, and Forescout Technologies.

About MContent

MContent is the World's First Fully Decentralized Watch2Earn Content Eco System that is backed by Gargash Group as the lead investor. Designed to convert content viewers into content owners, the first-of-its-kind web3 video streaming platform enables crowdfunding of film production and capital-intensive content creators using Cryptocurrency, NFTs & Blockchain, as well as being the pioneers of web3 cinema with their Cineverse ( Cinema in the metaverse). In the past year, the project has seeded, funded, and curated more than 40 film & TV productions through its self-sustaining ecosystem. The MContent platform now has almost 1.2 million registered users from across the World with more than 100,000 user generated videos populated as well as a collection of MOriginals & premium exclusive content available for streaming on the app & web platform. Over 500 leading content creators from across the world have already signed up to be a part of the MContent revolution and many influencers continue to join. MContent digital currency is available on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC – BEP20) and Ethereum (ERC20) are trading on more than 7 leading exchanges. www.mcontent.net.

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

GBA Business Confidence Index continues to drop

HONG KONG, Oct 17, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Standard Chartered and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today released the "GBA Business Confidence Index" (GBAI) for the third quarter of 2022. It shows that the current performance for "business confidence" weakened for a fifth straight quarter in Q3 to 41.3 from 43.3 in Q2, reflecting a more challenging reality as both external (rising interest rates and recession risk) and domestic (COVID disruptions and a weak housing market) headwinds worsened in recent months.

Kelvin Lau, Senior Economist, Greater China, Standard Chartered, and Irina Fan, Director of Research, HKTDC, announced the latest "GBA Business Confidence Index" (GBAI) at a press conference today (17 October).

This in turn prompted corporates to turn more cautious towards the Q4 outlook – the expectations index for business activity fell 2.6 points to 49.9 in Q3 from 52.2 in Q2, below the 50-neutral mark for the first time in nine quarters, indicating there is little hope of a swift pick-up momentum.

Meanwhile, among the 11 cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Hong Kong (up 2.8 points to 42.5) and Guangzhou (up 0.9 point to 44.6) were the only two reporting improvements in their "current performance" sub-index. Hong Kong was the only city showing growth in the "expectation" sub-index (up 3 points to 46.3).

"With the recent relaxation of quarantine rules for inbound visitors, we expect Hong Kong to remain on a recovery path in the coming quarters," said Kelvin Lau, Senior Economist, Greater China, Standard Chartered. "That said, a recovery is likely to be modest, given the intensifying external (looming recessions in the West and a slowing China) and domestic (higher interest rates and a weak housing market) drags."

Financial services sector improves while tech plunges

Financial services was the only industry sector that saw improvements in both the "current performance" (up 7.9 points to 47.3), and "expectations" (up 9.1 points to 51.5) sub-indices. The sector likely benefited from recent policy easing, be it via the lowering of banks' own borrowing costs or relaxation towards the real-estate sector, which could help banks mitigate some of the related downside risks to asset quality and loan growth.

Tech companies saw the biggest plunge in the "current performance" and "expectation" sub-indices, falling 10.7 points to 39.6 and down 15.3 points to 46.0, respectively. "Slowing consumer demand, strong capacity growth and high inventories globally, coupled with lingering domestic concerns stemming from prior regulatory tightening, likely explained the sharp fall," Mr Lau added.

COVID disruption lessens

The GBAI is the first forward-looking quarterly survey in the market that looks at the business sentiment and synergistic effects in cities and industries across the GBA. It is compiled based on a survey of more than 1,000 companies in the GBA covering the manufacturing and trading, retail and wholesale, financial services, professional services, and innovation and technology sectors. The index enables investors and businesses to better understand the current business climate, gauge future performance prospects and formulate their market strategies for the GBA.

About half (49%) of the respondents said they have been affected by the pandemic in recent months in terms of transportation and/or logistics disruption, but more than 90% said China's recent shortening of the quarantine period for inbound travellers would help improve business. Over 80% said China's real-estate downturn would have limited or no impact on the overall economy. Meanwhile, most of the respondents said the impact of a potential reduction in US-China trade tariffs would be minimal, as any tax cut is likely to be small in scale and scope.

Asian markets outperform

The survey found that respondents have become more cautious regarding the market outlook and have broad-based growth concerns. Irina Fan, Director of Research, HKTDC, said respondents remained relatively upbeat regarding the outlook in Asian markets. Mainland China saw the highest share of gross positive responses, followed by Hong Kong and Macao, as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc.

"We expect the GBAI will rebound gradually when the pandemic subsides and business activities are able to fully return to normal. Yet, economic headwinds, lukewarm demand, fluctuating global markets and rising costs remain the key challenges ahead."

Related materials
– Standard Chartered GBA Business Confidence Index Report: https://sc.com/hk/zh/gba/gba-index/
– HKTDC Research: https://bit.ly/3EuNsLO
– Standard Chartered Annual GBA Client Survey: https://av.sc.com/hk/content/docs/hk-shop-talk-our-annual-gba-client-survey-26aug.pdf
– Photos download: https://bit.ly/3CCu8K8

About Standard Chartered

We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 59 of the world's most dynamic markets, and serving clients in a further 83. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, Here for good.

Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges as well as the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges in India. The history of Standard Chartered in Hong Kong dates back to 1859. It is currently one of the Hong Kong SAR's three note-issuing banks. Standard Chartered incorporated its Hong Kong business on 1 July 2004, and now operates as a licensed bank in Hong Kong under the name of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered PLC. For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at sc.com. Follow Standard Chartered on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries
Corporate Affairs Department
Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited
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Email: lilian.goh@sc.com

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Beatrice Lam
Tel: +852 2584 4049
Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.org

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#WBSDubai To Feature Digital Pioneer Reeve Collins, Co-Founder Smartmedia Technologies And Tether, Co-Creator of the NFT, As Keynote Speaker On Web3

DUBAI, Oct 17, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – The 22nd edition of the World Blockchain Summit endorsed by His Holiness Sheikh Juma Ahmed Juma AL Maktoun is taking place October 17-19, 2022 at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, UAE and features a highly anticipated keynote speech by digital pioneer Reeve Collins. He is co-founder of Smartmedia Technologies, an enterprise Web3 platform, co-founder and former CEO of Tether, the most used crypto currency in the world and where he invented the stable coin, and the Co-Creator of the non-fungible token (NFT). Collins will be speaking on NFT utility where he will breakdown Web3 and the critical role this new technology provides to all.

Reeve Collins

"Blockchain is the foundation of our future and Web3 will shiT the way we engage and interact with each other and the world," Collins stated. "I look forward to sharing my vision at WBS Dubai on why this new technology will be the driving force of change in consumer habits and how the last decade of blockchain innovation has gotten us to this point."

Reeve Collins is a long-standing pioneer in both digital marketing and the Bitcoin / Blockchain space. Reeve co-founded BLOCKv, raising $22 million in an ICO to deliver the first ever platform for the creation of NFTs. Before the Blockchain, Collins founded several successful ventures including Avenue A where he was the first online media buyer at the first online ad agency which went public at the peak of the Internet bubble for $6.6 Billion dollars. Reeve is a sought aTer international speaker and broadcaster for his entrepreneurship expertise.

#WBSDubai includes the elite gathering of the Web3 ecosystem such as global Blockchain leaders, noted investors, government representatives, and top media personalities.

"We are thrilled to have Reeve Collins join us as a speaker at World Blockchain Summit and looking forward to an incredibly knowledgeable and insightful session," shared Mohammed Saleem, CEO of WBS. "WBS serves as a meeting point for the world's most innovative blockchain projects and offers a unique chance to engage with global crypto and blockchain influencers as well as handpicked investors and important government delegations."

About World Blockchain Summit

WBS is a global series of blockchain, crypto, Web3 and metaverse focused events that has brought together tens of thousands of industry influencers, investors, enterprise decision makers and government stakeholders through physical events hosted in 16+ countries. WBS is dedicated to fostering the growth of the decentralized economy through community development, boosting technological innovation with access to capital, and enabling enterprise and Government adoption of Web3 technologies through deal facilitation. Each summit features enterprise and government use-cases, inspirational keynotes, panel discussions, tech-talks, a blockchain exhibition, startup pitch competitions, and a host of networking opportunities. WBS Events in 2022 also include World Blockchain Summit Bangkok in December. For more information and tickets, visit: www.worldblockchainsummit.com.

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Celebverse Goes Live on Metaverse

DUBAI, Oct 14, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Celebverse, a leading virtual real estate offering exposure to the burgeoning industry via Metaverse, is now live. It is the world's first and only virtual world dedicated to 'Adam & EU', an original human couple and parents of the human race. With its help, one can acquire virtual property/NFTs and take advantage of various virtual accurate estate-centric services.

EU – Meta Queen

Celebverse

Celebverse Goes Live on Metaverse

Celebverse is the revolutionary step towards Metaverse, providing users with the privilege to purchase parcels around celeb's Metaverse Land. With the freedom, individuals around the globe can now enjoy their choice neighbourhood and own their space in the Celebverse.

As the name suggests, Celebverse is a first-of-its-kind celeb-centric virtual world where users can have an exclusive experience of celeb cities, concerts, studios, events, gigs, fashion shows, merchandise, stores, and much more. And at the same time, embracing a world built with celebrities across all walks of life, top brands, top entrepreneurs, anyone and everyone from sports, performing arts, entertainment, literature, influencers, etc., are all celebrities here.

Talking about it, Yogesh Dixit, Head of Operations, Asia Pacific, Celebverse said, "We aim to create an ecosystem where people can test their imaginations' limits, enjoy the rights from minting a city to owning citizenship in their favourite celeb or brand city. Characters of Celebverse will be upto 85 percent of human reality. Driven by Web 3.0 solutions, users not just buy/trade or sell virtual assets but explore the unending possibilities supported by powerful, unshakable and trusted Smart Audit Contracts of the Ethereum Blockchain."

Celebverse is a peer-to-peer network highly facilitated in the Metaverse. The platform offers detailed FAQs and a roadmap to acquisition. Citizens can own their NFTs, design, mint, buy, sell, and auction the land parcels. Newer celebs shall also benefit from having enthralling neighbors in the new world.

To log in, click: https://celebverse.live/#

About Celebverse: https://celebverse.live/#

Celebverse is a first-of-its-kind celeb-centric virtual world where users can have the exclusive experience of celeb cities, concerts, studios, events, gigs, fashion shows, merchandise, stores, and much more. While giving the freedom to build their own spaces, Celebverse also utilizes its tech expertise to create complete solutions for businesses looking to grow in the virtual environment. For more information, please connect us on: Social@celebverse.live

Contact:
Sydney Ifergan
+44-7378483847
social@celebverse.live

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com