Monday, April 21, 2025

Arowana launches S$120 million B Corp holding company out of Singapore, appoints B Lab Global co-founder Andrew Kassoy and Thomas Ng to Advisory Board

Arowana & Co.  (“Arowana”), the global B Corporation investment group, announced today that it has launched a holding company headquartered in Singapore to specifically invest in companies committed to the B Corp triple bottom line of PeoplePlanet and Profit across the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region.

The primary purpose of this holding company, AIC Group Holdings, is to provide companies that are B Corp or want to become B Corp with an ownership succession pathway, which will respect and perpetuate the B Corp ethos and culture instilled by their founders.  AIC Group Holdings is privately held.

In tandem with the launch of the holding company, Arowana has appointed Andrew Kassoy, co-founder of B Lab Global, the non-profit behind the B Corp movement, to the Advisory Board of AIC Group Holdings.  In addition, Thomas Ng, a leading B Corp entrepreneur and founder of Genashtim, a fast-growing global social enterprise, has agreed to join the Advisory Board.

Arowana founder and chairman, Kevin Chin, commented: “We have been working on optimising a structure for two years and believe a holding company that has no restrictions in terms of investment entry and exit horizons is the best model that matches the succession and growth objectives of B Corp founders and their businesses. As a B Corp ourselves, we appreciate the dilemma that founders face in this regard. We consider Singapore to be the ideal headquarters for this holding company as we see many enterprises across the fast-growing ASEAN region that would be a good fit. This is consistent with Arowana’s broader strategy of pivoting our focus to developing markets across ASEAN and, in due time, Africa and Latin America with large and growing populations and economies.”

He further added: “I am honoured that two luminaries of the B Corp movement, Andrew Kassoy and Thomas Ng, have agreed to join the Arowana holding company advisory board members. Not only are Andrew and Thomas great stewards, but also world-class entrepreneurs who have led the scale-up of high-growth global enterprises. We expect to announce further additions to the advisory board and the holding company team in due course. Meanwhile, our team is already in exclusive due diligence processes on four proprietary investment opportunities in the ASEAN region that have come about because of Arowana’s veritable commitment to the B Corp ethos.”

Andrew Kassoy, co-founder of B Lab Global, commented: “Since the earliest days of the B Corp movement, we have seen first-hand the issues of succession and ownership transition faced by B Corp founders, especially when deliberating on acquisition proposals from non-B Corp entities. I am excited to join the Arowana B Corp holding company advisory board as I share the vision that Kevin Chin has in creating a permanent capital holding company structure with a genuine B Corp ethos that provides a compelling option for B Corp founders exploring succession and exit.”  

Thomas Ng, B Corp steward and founder, said: “Having known Kevin Chin for some time and seeing first-hand his steadfast commitment to the B Corp values and mission, I am delighted to be joining the Arowana B Corp holding company advisory board. Across Genashtim’s operations in the ASEAN, African and Latin America regions, we see many businesses that the Arowana B Corp holding company would represent an attractive alternative to consider for succession and ownership transition.”

About Arowana & Co.

Founded in 2007, Arowana is a global investment group that ranks amongst the world’s leading B Corporations. Arowana first certified as a B Corp in 2018 and recertified in 2023. Arowana’s investment strategy today is focussed on developing markets with large and growing populations where it can best deliver on its core purpose of growing people, companies and value whilst maximising the B Corp triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. Arowana presently has operating companies and investments in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the United Kingdom, the European Union and Oceania regions.
 
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

Bitget Launches Bitget Onchain to Give CEX Users Early Access to Promising On-Chain Assets

 

  Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, unveils Bitget Onchain — a groundbreaking innovation that bridges the best of CEX and DEX. By combining the speed, security, and simplicity of centralized platforms with direct access to emerging on-chain assets, Bitget Onchain redefines how users discover and trade the next wave of crypto opportunities.

Bitget Onchain provides on-chain asset transactions directly on the Bitget App, for users utilizing a spot account with USDT or USDC. This integration will offer exchange-level trading experience without inherent complexity, simplifying the process of on-chain transactions for even new traders. The product will initially support Solana, BNB Smart Chain (BSC), and Base, featuring an initial batch of tokens including RFC, KTA, and 30 more.

With security as the focus, Bitget Onchain incorporates centralized exchange-level protection to ensure a secure trading environment, even on-the-chain. Offering a broad selection of on-chain assets with real-time availability, Bitget Onchain provides access to early-stage tokens and emerging market opportunities. Continuous updates ensure users can navigate evolving trends efficiently, catering to both new and experienced traders.

Leveraging AI, Bitget Onchain will introduce AI-driven smart screening to enhance investment precision by leveraging advanced algorithms to conduct real-time filtering of on-chain assets. This capability minimizes exposure to uninformed investments, enabling users to make strategic and data-driven decisions.

"On-chain trading has long been riddled by complex set-ups, requiring users to navigate unfriendly interfaces and expose themselves to risks. Bitget Onchain was created to lower the barrier to entry, by providing a seamless and secure trading experience," said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget. "Bitget Onchain will bridge the gap between centralized and decentralized trading, making web3 more accessible to all," she added.

Bitget has consistently integrated AI into its ecosystem, enhancing trading precision, security, and user experience. Key AI-driven features include smart trading bots for automated strategies, AI-powered risk management tools, predictive analytics for market trends, and AI-enhanced copy trading to optimize investment decisions. With the launch of Bitget Onchain, AI-driven smart screening further refines asset selection, minimizing risk and improving trading efficiency.

Bitget Onchain represents Bitget's pursuit of innovative and smart solutions within the crypto exchange industry, integrating user experience with advanced security and market insights. By combining accessibility with highly advanced tools, Bitget Onchain aims to be the go-to platform for on-chain asset trading, bringing users even closer to Web3.

To utilize Bitget On-chain's features, please visit here.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Sunday, April 20, 2025

SAASCON PH ’25 Sets the Stage for AI-Powered SaaS 2.0 in the Philippines

 


 Sprout Solutions marked its 10th anniversary on April 8, 2025, by hosting SaaScon PH 2025, the Philippines’ premier SaaS conference, at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City. The event gathered over 1,000 founders, executives, technologists, and investors to explore the theme: “SaaS 2.0: Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI.” As AI becomes a core driver of business growth and efficiency, SaaScon PH aimed to equip attendees with practical insights on adapting to this shift.

[Philippines] – [April 8, 2025] – As Sprout Solutions marks its 10th year as the Philippines’ most trusted and largest B2B SaaS company, it hosts its biggest event of the year, the 3rd annual SaaScon PH, the country’s premier conference for the local Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) industry.

Drawing over 1,000 founders, executives, technologists, and investors, SaaScon PH ’25 spotlights the next frontier of intelligent software under the theme: “SaaS 2.0: Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI.”

Held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City, SaaScon brings together the nation’s most visionary SaaS builders, enablers and users.  The conference delivers a full day of informative presentations, direction-setting panels, and deep-dive breakout tracks focused on the growing imperative for AI-powered transformation in business.

“The AI revolution is unfolding at a pace we’ve never seen before,” said Kislay Chandra, Chief Operating Officer at Sprout Solutions. “SaaScon is where we unpack how to survive and thrive in the age of AI and why it’s now aptly described as the latest industrial revolution”.

Why “SaaS 2.0” Matters in 2025

The 2025 theme addressed a pivotal shift: AI is no longer an optional innovation—it’s a core driver of operational efficiency, competitive advantage, and scalable growth. With emerging technologies rapidly reshaping almost every business function, SaaScon PH ’25 aimed to equip attendees with practical insights to navigate these seismic changes and harness AI’s full potential in their industries.

This year’s event also served as a milestone celebration of Sprout’s 10-year journey from local startup to SaaS market leader, championing digital transformation in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia.

Leadership Perspectives on AI and Growth

SaaScon PH ‘25 opened with a keynote from Patrick Gentry, CEO and Co-Founder of Sprout, emphasizing the impact of agentic AI on the future of SaaS, and its strategic role in supercharging productivity, efficiency, and speed for businesses of all sizes.

Gentry’s opening is followed by a keynote from Anthony Oundjian, Managing Director and Senior Partner at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), who presents a compelling global, regional, and Philippines outlook on SaaS, AI and technology adoption across multiple industries.

Fireside Discussion with 2 Industry Stalwarts

The morning plenary also featured a fireside chat with Victor Genuino, President & CEO of ePLDT and Lito Villanueva, Chief Innovations & Inclusion Officer and Executive Vice President of RCBC, where they talk about how their industry-leading companies are leveraging this latest wave of computing technology, and their take on how small, medium and large organizations can use it to adapt and thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Government and Industry Dialogue

In a timely session on public-private collaboration, Usec. David Almirol (DICT), Dr. Gonzalo Varela (World Bank), and Frank Vibar (Asian Hospital), was joined by moderator Monchito Ibrahim (ATIN) to explore policies and partnerships for national digital resilience.

Building for an AI-Driven Future

In a powerful closing panel at the morning plenary, industry drivers Unni Pillai (AWS), Dr. Alexander Titov (iDEA), Pushkar Misra (HGS), and Macario Fojas (Seven Seven Global Services) tackled the future of AI-native business models and product strategies.

Tailored Breakout Tracks for Every Growth Stage

Three simultaneous afternoon breakout sessions offered carefully curated content for SaaS users, startup founders, and investors:

Growing Business Talks with Reynaldo Lugtu, Fleire Castro, Eli Harrell, and James Mendoza focused on how SMEs can accelerate productivity, growth and even global competitiveness immediately with practical AI solutions.

Enterprise Exchange, with thought leaders from IBM, Accenture, AWS, Concentrix, Foundever, among others, highlighted how large enterprises are responding to and leading the innovation opportunities brought about by SaaS and AI, and also showcased 5 startups and their solutions that help larger companies quickly scale this innovation.

The Founders and Funders Forum, led by Franco Varona (Foxmont), explored how startup founders are building a new wave of AI-first solutions, and how VC's are separating hype versus high-return in their investment decisions. The Inner Circle session also pairs 10 promising startups with VCs for potential funding discussions.

SaaScon PH ’25 concluded the whole-day event with an engaging Executive Mixer that brings together attendees, organizers and sponsors for an evening of post-event networking, discussions, and deal-making.

A Milestone Event Powered by Industry Leaders

SaaScon PH 2025 brought together a dynamic coalition of sponsors and partners, reflecting the growing momentum behind SaaS innovation in the Philippines. At the forefront was Mynavi, serving as this year’s Platinum Sponsor, with KMC Solutions as Gold Sponsor—both reinforcing their leadership in shaping the future of work and technology in the region.

The event is further supported by Silver Sponsors: Crayon PH, Hive Health, Twala, Olivia, Britana, Ascend, and Sansan. Their participation enabled the delivery of high-value sessions, hands-on showcases, and meaningful engagement across the SaaS ecosystem.

A broad network of Strategic Partners also played a key role in amplifying the event’s reach and relevance. Representing sectors spanning technology, business, HR, and social development, the group includes: Asia CEO Forum, Xamun AI, JuanTax, Beeline, Philippines HR Group, Plan International Pilipinas, Dasho Content, AFG Partners, British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP), International HR Institute, VRI Times, People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), Events Hub, J&S Events Management Services, VHub Human Resources and Organizational Development Consultancy, Kaya Founders, Wavemaker Partners, Unisol, and Globaltronics.

Together, these organizations highlight the collaborative spirit driving SaaScon PH—positioning the event as a key catalyst in building a future-ready, innovation-led SaaS landscape in the Philippines.

About Sprout Solutions Phil Inc

About SaaScon

SaaScon PH is the largest B2B SaaS conference in the Philippines, dedicated to advancing the software-as-a-service sector through thought leadership, innovation, and collaborative growth. It provides a platform for startups, enterprises, investors, and policymakers to align on the future of tech.

About Sprout Solutions

Established in 2015, Sprout Solutions is the largest and most trusted homegrown B2B SaaS company in the Philippines. Now on our 10th year and servicing clients both locally and across South East Asia, we continue to follow our north star of impacting lives and improving business by helping organizations and their employees succeed through AI-enhanced HR, Fintech and business solutions. https://sprout.ph/

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Friday, April 18, 2025

Sendr: Celebrating the Philippine Outdoors!

  

Sendr, a proudly Filipino adventure sports magazine and platform, celebrates the wild and vibrant outdoor culture of the Philippines. Bridging adventure, sports, and lifestyle, Sendr captures stories of athletes, explorers, and everyday superhumans discovering and redefining what it means to engage with the outside in the Philippines.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Embracing the spirit of adventure and the wild beauty of the Philippine outdoors, Sendr (www.sendr.ph) has quickly become the go-to platform for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and lifestyle seekers alike. Featuring compelling narratives, authentic experiences, gear insights, and trail-tested adventures, Sendr is dedicated to celebrating the Philippines' rich outdoor culture and its growing community.

Since its inception during the lockdowns, Sendr has highlighted inspiring stories from Filipino athletes, featured hidden outdoor gems around the archipelago, and offered reviews on gear suited for Philippine conditions. From mountain biking through the rugged trails of Rizal to climbing Everest Basecamp, Sendr passionately covers a wide spectrum of outdoor interests.

"We created Sendr with a mission to get our friends outside," said founder Carlos CastaƱo. "the dream is to inspire more Filipinos to explore, appreciate, and most importantly care for our country's outdoors, and we're thrilled by the community that's growing around this shared passion."

With an ever-growing audience of adventure enthusiasts and lifestyle followers, Sendr works to establish itself as a collaborative voice within the Philippine outdoor community. Its engaging and dynamic content fosters greater awareness, an invitation to adventure, and excitement for the natural, wild world among its readers.

To learn more and dive into the latest adventures, visit www.sendr.ph.

About Sendr

Sendr is an independent outdoor lifestyle and adventure sports platform founded in September 2021, during the height of the pandemic. Born from a desire to reconnect with the wild in uncertain times, Sendr shines a spotlight on the people, places, and passions that celebrate the Philippine outdoors.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Conference on education and technology launched successfully

  

previewTHE National Education & Technology Conference (EdTek Con) 2025, titled “Unfolding the future of education,” was staged successfully for the first time at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino in Lahug last Friday, March 28, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., beginning with registration at 7 p.m.

During the opening remarks, Riki Dacanay — ICT Industry Council of the Philippines president — said the future of education was in the hands of those that attended the conference. Dacanay called on attendees to uphold the future of the education system.

Organized by EdFolio, an education technology or EdTech start-up from Iligan City, in cooperation with Serial Disruptors, Cerebro and the ICT Industry Council of the Philippines, EdTek Con 2025 discussed the future of education and innovations, involving artificial intelligence (Ai) and blockchain in education, data privacy and education.

Founded by EdFolio and SkoolTek CEO Ursel Murillo-Laureno, the event was touted as the leading and exclusive forum for principals and deans, school officials and owners, and professionals in the EdTech space.

“AI is not a replacement for educators, but it is a powerful tool that can help further the advancement of education,” said Laureno.

UST IE Assistant Professor Delfin Jacob, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines Director Franch Lorilla, Serial Disruptors co-founder Karl Fajardo, Apple Distinguished Educator Joyce Zerda, Basecamp Training Manager Joseph Regla, Basecamp Technical Trainer Giulliano Suarez, Fortinet former country manager Alan Reyes, Doconchain CEO Olivier Bariou, JuanTax co-founder Marvin Galang, and Sprout Solutions Vice President Geoffrey Ogang also spoke.

IMAGE FROM EDTEK CON 2025
IMAGE FROM EDTEK CON 2025

Riki Dacanay — ICT Industry Council of the Philippines president, and EdFolio and SkooklTek board director — gives the opening remarks at the first National Education & Technology Conference at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel on March 28, 2025. 

IMAGE FROM EDTEK CON 2025
IMAGE FROM EDTEK CON 2025

During her keynote speech about ‘Future-proofing education: Embracing the age of AI (artificial intelligence,’ EdFolio and SkoolTek CEO Ursel Murillo-Laureno reassures educators that AI will not replace them. 

Monday, April 14, 2025

šŸŽ‰ Jin Grey Announces Launch of “iGaming SEO for Zero Knowledge (Asia)” — 50% Off on April 25, 2025 Only

SEO expert and digital nomad Jin Grey is proud to announce the release of his latest eBook, “iGaming SEO for Zero Knowledge (Asia)”, going live this April 25, 2025 on JinGrey.com with a limited-time 50% launch discount.

This comprehensive guide is built specifically for aspiring SEO freelancers, affiliate marketers, and iGaming operators across Asia who are just starting their journey. Written in simple, no-BS language, the eBook breaks down how to rank online casino, sportsbook, and betting sites in highly competitive Asian markets — even with zero prior SEO knowledge.

“I created this eBook because I know how intimidating SEO can feel—especially in the iGaming space,” says Jin Grey. “This guide is designed for absolute beginners, from the Philippines to India, Thailand, and beyond.”

šŸš€ Launch Highlights — April 25, 2025:

šŸ“˜ Title: iGaming SEO for Zero Knowledge (Asia)

šŸ’ø Launch Promo: 50% OFF for 24 hours

🌐 Available at: https://jingrey.com

šŸŽ Bonus: AI-powered keyword research prompt sheet + checklist for iGaming websites

🧠 For Whom: Beginners, affiliate marketers, SEOs, and iGaming brands across Asia

šŸ“˜ About the eBook

iGaming SEO for Zero Knowledge (Asia) is a beginner-focused guide covering:

SEO basics tailored for online casinos and betting platforms

How to rank for high-value keywords in GCash-friendly, crypto, or localized niches

Grey hat techniques that actually work in the Asian iGaming market

Tools and prompts using ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google Search Console

Live case studies from real iGaming SEO campaigns in the region

šŸ“© Media Contact:

Name: Jin Grey Email: ceo@jingrey.com Website: https://jingrey.com

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

šŸ“˜ JinGrey.com Announces the Official Launch of “Jin Grey's eBook” — Enjoy 50% Off on April 25, 2025!

 

JinGrey.com proudly announces the launch of "Jin Grey's eBook" on April 25, 2025 — a powerful, beginner-friendly SEO guide designed for content creators, marketers, and aspiring digital pros. To celebrate the release, readers can enjoy a limited-time 50% discount, available for 24 hours only on JinGrey.com. The eBook includes practical SEO tips, AI-assisted keyword research prompts, and actionable strategies to rank higher in 2025. Bonus tools will be available for early buyers.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — JinGrey.com, the go-to hub for aspiring SEO professionals, digital marketers, and online entrepreneurs, is thrilled to announce the official launch of “Jin Grey's eBooks” on April 25, 2025. As part of the celebration, readers can grab the eBook for 50% off for one day only!

Packed with years of experience, witty advice, and beginner-friendly strategies, this eBook is designed for those who want to level up their SEO skills fast—without the fluff.

“These eBooks are my blueprint for anyone who wants to rank fast, smart, and ethically. I’ve compressed 17 years of SEO wisdom into something even a total newbie can enjoy,” says Jin Grey, the author and SEO veteran behind JinGrey.com.'

šŸ”„ Launch Day Highlights — April 25, 2025 Only:

šŸ’ø Launch Promo: 50% OFF (valid for 24 hours)

šŸŒ Available at: https://jingrey.com

Whether you're a content creator, affiliate marketer, or small business owner, this guide is packed with practical SEO strategies, AI-powered hacks, and easy-to-follow examples to dominate Google in 2025 and beyond.

šŸ“© Media Contact:

Name: Jin Grey Email: ceo@jingrey.com Website: https://jingrey.com Facebook

Don’t miss out—bookmark April 25, 2025, and get ready to unlock SEO secrets with Jin Grey’s newest digital release at half the price!

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES


Fusion 2025 Celebrates a Decade of OPM Success; Sets a Bold Vision for Filipino Music Festivals

 

Pasay City, Philippines – March 15 – The country’s premier celebration of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) hit a high note as Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival marked its 10th anniversary at the CCP Open Grounds. With a powerhouse lineup of top OPM icons, rising stars, and immersive festival experiences, Fusion —organized by PraXis—once again proved why it’s the ultimate stage for Filipino music and talent.

A Decade of OPM Excellence

"Fusion’s 10th anniversary celebrates OPM as a vital part of who we are as Filipinos," said PraXis CEO and Fusion founder Gladys Basinillo. "This is our moment to set a new standard for music festivals—proudly Filipino, and world-class."

Thousands gathered to witness an unforgettable celebration of Filipino music. The stage lit up with performances from Ben&Ben, December Avenue, Zack Tabudlo, MAKI, The Itchyworms, Barbie Almalbis, Alamat, KAIA, ALLMO$T, and more. Surprise collaborations made the evening more surprising —including Barbie Almalbis and December Avenue’s nostalgic take on Tabing Ilog, and Miguel and Paolo Benjamin’s jam during MAKI’s set.

The festival showcased dance performances from D’Grind, the UP Varsity Pep Squad, and Manoeuvres Ignite. It also gave the spotlight to rising talents like 1ST One, G.A.T., Raya, The Vowels They Orbit, Better Days, Carissa, the Karaoke World Championships artists, and Amiel Sol—proving Fusion’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of OPM stars.

Photos from Jeremy Caisip, Yan Caringal, Harold Burce, Davin Reyes, Garcia, Nina FamosoGuided by the creative vision of director Paul Basinillo, Fusion embraced the theme “Musika Natin ’To”—transforming the event into a full-blown entertainment experience. “Fusion isn’t just about the past decade of OPM. It’s about shaping the future of Filipino music, artists, and fans. It’s about bringing people back to live events and making the festival an experience they’ll always want to be part of,” he shared.

The Fusion experience extended beyond the stage. Festivalgoers, calling themselves “sumakses,” immersed in interactive booths, exclusive merch drops, and perks and giveaways from sponsors like Nestea, NescafĆ©, Bear Brand Sterilized, Maggi, Dazz and Hapee, Fudgee Barr, VinFast, Tanduay Flavored Mixes, KFC, Chowking, McDonald’s, and more.

The night ended with a surprise finale featuring MAKI and Ben&Ben performing together as fireworks lit up the sky. The celebration continued into the afterparty with sets from DJ Bandit, DJ Ron Poe, and Mars Miranda—cementing Fusion as a landmark moment in OPM history.

Championing Filipino Music

Recognizing Fusion’s impact in elevating Original Pilipino Music (OPM) as both a cultural celebration and tourism asset, the Department of Tourism (DOT) underscored the festival’s role in promoting Filipino music as a pillar of the country’s creative industry. With its ability to draw thousands of fans and travelers, Fusion is helping position the Philippines as a vibrant destination for music lovers—both locally and internationally.

"With the immense talent of Filipino artists and the unwavering support of the Filipino youth, OPM deserves to be one of our country’s primary cultural exports," said Gladys Basinillo. "This partnership with the Department of Tourism highlights how music and entertainment are deeply woven into our national identity. Through Fusion, we aim to amplify Filipino music on bigger stages—not just here at home, but around the world."

Fusion’s mission to uplift Pinoy music is also supported by the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), reinforcing a shared advocacy for nurturing Filipino talent and growing the appreciation of homegrown artistry.

Together, these partnerships affirm Fusion’s position as more than just a festival—it’s a cultural movement for OPM’s continued evolution and global recognition.

Bringing the Fusion Experience Nationwide

Fusion continues to set the standard for OPM celebrations—uniting artists, audiences, and communities through the power of music.

Riding on the success of its Manila leg, Fusion is gearing up to take the celebration on the road, bringing the same OPM experience to regional stages across the country this year.

The music, the movement, and the magic of OPM are just getting started. Follow Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X for the latest stories and upcoming destinations.  

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Bitget Chief of Legal's Open Letter Highlights Expansion and Regulatory Compliance Plans

  

Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has published an open letter by its Chief Legal Officer, Hon Ng, which highlights the exchange's efforts in global regulatory compliance and expansion. The CEX continues to grow in the global crypto market by securing regulatory approvals and expanding its operations. With a strong focus on compliance, Bitget is navigating evolving regulatory landscapes with over eight licenses obtained while ensuring that users have access to a secure and transparent trading environment.

Hon Ng, Chief Legal Officer at Bitget, has addressed the company’s strategic direction in an open letter, providing plans to grow Bitget’s regulatory standing across multiple jurisdictions. His statements show the importance of regulatory dialogues and highlight upcoming initiatives that will shape the platform’s future.

“The regulatory environment surrounding digital assets is becoming more defined, and Bitget is taking proactive steps to work alongside authorities to ensure responsible growth. Compliance is not an obligation it's a necessity; it's about setting a standard for the industry and building a sustainable ecosystem for users,” said Hon Ng, Chief Legal Officer at Bitget.

Bitget has already secured registrations and approvals in several key markets, including Australia, Italy, Poland, Lithuania, the UK, the Czech Republic, and El Salvador. These achievements align with the company’s strategy of working within legal frameworks and supporting initiatives that promote advanced security and user protection. The legal and compliance teams are working closely to obtain additional licenses in jurisdictions that will further enhance the platform’s accessibility and credibility.

One of the primary objectives for the upcoming year is to refine the company’s compliance protocols. A strong Know Your Customer (KYC) process is being implemented to optimize user verification while adhering to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. In parallel, Bitget is investing in advanced transaction monitoring tools to detect and prevent illicit activity, ensuring that all operations adhere to the highest standards of financial integrity.

Collaboration with regulators and law enforcement agencies remains a key aspect of Bitget’s compliance efforts. The company has established direct communication channels with authorities to facilitate transparent reporting and improve response times in cases of suspicious activity. By adopting new technological solutions, Bitget aims to enhance global cooperation while safeguarding user privacy.

In addition to regulatory advancements, Bitget is focused on introducing innovative products that align with compliance requirements. Bitget is already building even stronger user protection, risk management features, and enhanced security measures that strengthen the platform's durability and credibility. This is in line with the company's targets of maintaining a secure, compliant, and user-centric trading platform.

As part of its commitment to responsible operations, Bitget strictly adheres to international sanctions controls. Users from restricted regions are prohibited from accessing the platform, ensuring that all activities remain within legal boundaries. A dedicated compliance team continuously monitors global regulatory developments to adjust policies as needed.

Bitget’s legal and compliance strategy is designed to adapt to the rapidly changing digital asset landscape. With regulatory discussions evolving worldwide, the company is prepared to adjust its framework to align with new policies and emerging industry standards. The legal team remains engaged in conversations with policymakers to contribute to the responsible development of crypto regulations.

“Compliance is a continuous process that requires foresight and collaboration. Our goal here is simple: we comply, expand, operate, and grow. Our focus remains on making crypto accessible to everyone globally, and each license and approval is a step closer to it,” added Ng.

Bitget’s ongoing expansion and compliance efforts reaffirm its role as a leading player in the crypto market. By staying ahead of regulatory changes and implementing rigorous security measures, the company indeed plans to keep its title of being one of the top most trusted crypto exchanges globally.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Glico Group Shares Its Unique Value to Contribute to the Future of Food and Health at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. sponsors two pavilions at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and will host various events during the exhibition period. The Glico Group upholds its Purpose of contributing to people’s “Healthier days, Wellbeing for life,” continuously creating value in “Great Taste and Good Health.” Glico supports Expo 2025, under the theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

The company resonates with the Expo’s vision of promoting the exchange of diverse values worldwide, fostering new connections and creations, and showcasing hope for the future to the world. Through support and participation in pavilions, and various activities, Glico aims to propose unique value from the perspective of food and health to realize “Healthier days, Wellbeing for life” for people around the world.

Overview

Glico is a Silver Partner of the Expo’s Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”, and a Premium Partner of the “Osaka Healthcare Pavilion”. In addition to supporting both pavilions, the company will host various related events during the exhibition period. At the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, Glico will present an exhibition focused on “Cellular-care,” a research theme centered on removing senescent cells. At the Expo’s Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”, Glico will showcase its original product,”Rice soft candy,” co-created with the pavilion to highlight the potential of Japanese food culture and create sweets that bring happiness and contribute to a bright future for children.

As part of the produced events, Glico will host health education events at the “Reborn stage” at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. These events will focus on topics including ” Antioxidants” and “gut bacteria.” Additionally, at the EXPO Arena, we Glico will present “Matsuri”, a music event designed to inspire hope for the future.

Glico will also install “Seventeen Ice” vending machines at the Expo site. Coinciding with the opening, two new Japan-inspired ice cream products will debut, available both at the Expo and at major tourist destinations and train stations nationwide.

Exhibition at the OSAKA Healthcare Pavilion: Nest for Reborn

The Osaka Healthcare Pavilion is themed “REBORN,” representing people taking positive steps towards becoming their new selves. Glico shares this vision and will exhibit in the “Future Healthcare” zone with a display on “Cellular-care.”

“Cellular-care” – Research Focused on the Removal of Senescent Cells

“Cellular-care” is a new approach aimed at preventing aging by directly targeting cells. Glico is investigating the potential of targeting senescent cells, which play an important role in human health.

Cells continuously cycle through division, growth, aging, and eventual death. Normal cells gradually lose their ability to divide due to various factors such as aging, ultraviolet rays, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. As a result, they become senescent cells that accumulate in the body, contributing to health issues and aging.

Glico is investigating ways to target and remove senescent cells and exploring the active compounds involved in this process.

At the “Cellular-care Lab.” booth, the negative impacts of senescent cells on surrounding cells will be displayed, along with the approach of “Cellular-care” in an easy-to-understand manner. Visitors will also be able to experience approach to senescent cell removal through touch panels.

The uniform worn by the “Cellular-care Lab.” booth staff has been designed by the renowned Japanese designer Ms. Junko Koshino. It is a gender-neutral uniform, suitable for all genders, embracing the principle of diversity.

The design, inspired by lab coats, features a white base matching the color of Glico’s booth, and expresses the theme of “Future Healthcare.”

Note: The “Cellular-care Lab.” is located in the “Future Healthcare 1 Zone” of the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. A reservation for the “Reborn Experience Route” is required to enter this zone. For more details: https://2025osaka-pavilion.jp/reborn-route/

Exhibition at the Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”

EARTH MART – “Thinking about the lives through eating.”

Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”(Theme Producer: KOYAMA Kundo) is a conceptual supermarket where visitors can explore the interconnected cycle of food and life, discovering new perspectives for a more sustainable and nourishing future. It offers various experiences that encourage visitors to reset their thinking about food and discover new ways of eating. The pavilion invites visitors to reflect on the current state of food, technology, culture, and societal issues, as well as to find joy in eating and explore future clues for sustaining life in the next era of sustainable living.

“Rice soft candy”Made by Weaving Together Rice-derived Ingredients 

In collaboration with “EARTH MART,” Glico has developed “Rice soft candy” to raise awareness of the potential of Japanese food culture and create sweets that bring happiness and contribute to a bright future for children.

“Rice (rice flour),” one of the “EARTH FOODS 25” (a list created by “EARTH MART” to share Japanese food with the world in order to improve the future of food globally),is not only Japan’s staple food but also a symbol of Japanese culture, nurtured alongside nature.

Glico has a long history of research and development, which began when the company’s founder, wishing to enhance people’s health through food, succeeded in kneading “glycogen” into caramel and launched the Glico nutritious caramel. Recognizing the vast potential of rice, Glico applied the technology it has cultivated since its founding to create an entirely new type of caramel by using rice as a key ingredient.

“Rice soft candy” is particular about the ingredients it uses. All ingredients, except sugar, are derived from rice, including rice syrup, rice flour, rice protein, and rice oil. It is crafted by weaving together rice-derived ingredients, resulting in a simple yet delicately unfolding flavor.

During the Expo, visitors can enjoy both the panel exhibition with actual samples of “Rice soft candy”, which will encourage visitors to reflect on the pavilion’s concept, the potential of food culture, and the future of food.

Glico Previously Served as a Judge in the Selection of “The ideas on Future sweets & snacks that make everyone on the Earth happy.”

At the Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”, selected ideas submitted by the general public will be showcased. The first round of submissions was held from January 31 to May 20, 2024, targeting elementary school students in grades 4 through 6 worldwide. Glico participated as one of the judges, helping select ideas to be exhibited at the pavilion. A second round of submissions, this time open to all ages, began on March 18, 2025.

EARTH MART: https://expo2025earthmart.jp/en

Glico-Produced Events During the Expo 2025

The main events produced by Glico during the Expo 2025 are as follows:

Music Event

Date: Friday, August 1, 2025

Venue: EXPO Arena “Matsuri”

Overview: An event to express expectations for the future through music.

Health Awareness Event

Date: Sunday, September 21 – Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Venue: Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, Reborn Stage

Overview: Events focused on “Short-chain Fatty Acids” (Sep 21) and “Antioxidants” (Sep 22-24).

Expo-Related Initiatives

In addition to the events mentioned above, Glico will continue to develop new initiatives in collaboration with partners.

Installation of “Seventeen Ice” Vending Machines at the Expo 2025 Site

Release of Two New “Seventeen Ice” Products with unique Japanese Flavors

Installation Period: Sunday, April 13, 2025 – Monday, October 13, 2025

Installation Locations: Four “Seventeen Ice” vending machines will be installed at EXPO Arena “Matsuri.”

New Products: Two new products with unique Japanese flavors, “Hokkaido Milk” and “Uji Matcha”– will be sold at the Expo site as well as at major tourist spots and stations nationwide, starting from the opening of the Expo.

“MYAKU-MYAKU” Special Design of “Selection the Glico”(Gift Box Assorted Glico Treats)

Release Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Overview: A special design package of Glico’s popular products, featuring the Expo 2025’s official character “MYAKU-MYAKU,” will be sold.

Note: This will be a limited release in the Kinki region and will not be available at the Expo 2025 site.

This document is an English translation of the Japanese original. In the event of any differences or inconsistencies between the Japanese and English versions, the Japanese language version shall take precedence.

About The Glico Group

The Glico Group is a global food company with a history of more than a century. Since the launch of Glico nutritious caramel in 1922, Glico has been engaged in the business of confectionery, ice cream, dairy products, food ingredients and processed foods. In addition to flagship brands such as Bisco, its second nutritional confectionery launched in 1933, and Pocky introduced in 1966, the company has brands like SUNAO and Almond Koka that create health value.
 
Currently, the business operates in 18 locations around the world, focusing on China, ASEAN, and the United States. With its corporate purpose of “Healthier days, Wellbeing for life”, Glico aims to provide “Great Taste and Good Health” for people to live satisfying lives through the creative development of high-quality ingredients. In 2024, the Glico Group’s consolidated revenue was approximately 331 billion yen with approximately 5,600 employees around the world. Shares of Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. are traded on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
For more information, please visit https://www.glico.com/global/ For reference: https://www.glico.com/global/expo2025/
 
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

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