Asia PEVC, Author at AsiaPEVC.com

UOB Hong Kong becomes first Singapore-based bank to sign MOU with HKTDC

– strengthening GBA-ASEAN connectivity

UOB Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the ASEAN Conference 2025 in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in regional collaboration between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and ASEAN. This strategic agreement positions UOB Hong Kong as the first Singapore-based bank to formalise a partnership with HKTDC, reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing sustainable economic development and deepening regional integration.

The MOU was announced by Adaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong Kong, and Vivienne Chee, Director of Singapore, HKTDC, witnessed by Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore, Teo Siong Seng, Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation, Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, UOB, and Kwan Ho Leung, Regional Director – Designate, South East Asia and South Asia, HKTDC.

The agreement outlines a robust framework for cooperation, aimed at strengthening regional ties and promoting sustainable growth. Through strategic initiatives, the partnership will enhance connectivity, promote trade, and foster integrated development of markets across the GBA, including Hong Kong, and ASEAN.

The MOU also aims to create job opportunities and empower communities across both regions by supporting enterprise development and deepening regional collaboration. Companies can leverage UOB’s extensive regional network and financial expertise, alongside HKTDC’s strengths in trade promotion, to access new markets, resources and professional knowledge.

Vivienne Chee, Director of Singapore, HKTDC, said: “We are delighted to partner with UOB Hong Kong to strengthen GBA-ASEAN collaboration. This MOU reflects our shared vision to foster sustainable economic growth through deeper trade and investment ties. By leveraging our respective strengths, we will enable businesses to seize arising opportunities and navigate the evolving global landscape with confidence.”

Adaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong Kong, said, “This partnership with HKTDC underscores our strong commitment to driving regional growth and connectivity. By leveraging our extensive ASEAN network, professional financial expertise and well-established foreign direct investment (FDI) advisory capabilities alongside HKTDC’s strengths in trade promotion, we aim to unlock new opportunities for businesses and deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that fuel trade and development. Together, we empower businesses to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic economic landscape.”

The partnership focuses on initiatives that drive cross-border collaboration, facilitate trade flows and foster cultural and business exchange through joint programmes and knowledge-sharing platforms. By matching local value chains with incoming FDI, the partnership creates new avenues for local enterprises and promotes inclusive growth. Enhanced financial connectivity and investment support strengthen the region’s economic resilience, while capacity-building efforts equip businesses to sharpen their competitiveness and succeed in the regional landscape.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/44vn4ga

Media enquiries

UOB Hong Kong:

Susanna Liu	Tel: (852) 2123 7537	Email: susanna.liuwy@uobgroup.com
Sarah Tsang	Tel: (852) 2123 7536	Email: sarah.tsangsw@uobgroup.com

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Katy Wong	Tel: (852) 2584 4524	Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw	Tel: (852) 2584 4472	Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

About UOB
UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of more than 470 branches and offices in 19 markets in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.

For nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.

The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to helping businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.

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 over 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.

AI-Powered CX, Operational Efficiency, and Smarter Journeys Redefining Strategies Across UK Enterprises: Customer Experience Live Show UK 2025 Unveils Industry Priorities

As digital acceleration reshapes industries across the UK, organisations are taking bold steps to place AI, operational excellence, and customer journey mapping at the core of their customer experience strategies. This was the clear takeaway from the newly released Customer Experience Live UK Intelligence Report 2025, launched at the co-located Customer Experience Live Show UK, AI Experience Show UK, Digital Customer Experience Show UK, and Contact Centre Show UK 2025, held at Hilton Deansgate, Manchester on 1-2 July 2025.The report reveals that 71% of organisations are investing in AI-powered experiences, as AI decisively moves to a central role in delivering personalised, predictive engagement across the region. This shift highlights how UK enterprises are using intelligent technologies not only to automate tasks, but to create service models that are more responsive to individual customer needs.

Alongside this, 82% of organisations are prioritising operational efficiency to deliver consistent, high-quality experiences in complex, fast-moving markets. This operational focus is poised to drive the building of service models that balance speed, cost-effectiveness, and improved customer experience.

Customer satisfaction and loyalty have clearly emerged as top business imperatives, with 78% of organisations prioritising increasing customer satisfaction and retention. Companies are actively aiming to create meaningful, long-term connections that drive competitive advantage. Supporting this, 47% are advancing customer journey mapping initiatives to break down silos and engineer experiences that are seamless, connected, and intuitive across all touchpoints.

The report also reveals how organisations are aligning technology investments to these goals. Companies are upgrading their contact centre and support platforms (48%), implementing AI agents (32%) for more proactive engagement, and investing in workforce engagement management (42%) to enable their teams to deliver greater value.

“This year’s findings confirm that UK organisations are no longer focused on incremental change – they are re-engineering customer experience to be predictive, personalised, and resilient, with AI, data, and operational excellence at the very heart of their strategy,” said Ayusha Tyagi, Managing Director, Customer Experience Live. “What we’re seeing is a turning point where technology and design are coming together to enable enterprises to deliver at scale without losing the human touch.”

Over two dynamic days, the Customer Experience Live Show UK 2025 featured insights from leading brands including Netflix, NatWest, Philip Morris International, Zurich Insurance, and British Gas. Sessions explored topics such as proactive CX models, omnichannel AI excellence, operational efficiency, hyper-personalisation, and trust in digital engagement, providing practical solutions to today’s CX challenges.

The conference was supported by leading sponsors, including eGain, InMoment, Talkdesk, Graia, UJET, Cyara, Precisely, Elephants Don’t Forget, EXL, Sendbird, Future Communications Company UK, Capita, Coveo, Connect, and Resolvable, alongside strategic partners such as the International Customer Experience Institute and BPO Search. Media partners included Call Centre Helper, ACN Newswire, The Customer Data Platform Institute, CrmXchange, StartupNews.fyi, AI Tools Network, CIOReview, Financial Service Review, Applied Technology Review, The European Business Review, CIO Outlook, AIPressRoom.

The event also celebrated excellence by hosting the Customer Experience Live Awards UK 2025, which honoured organisations that have made remarkable strides in CX innovation. Among the distinguished winners were AlTanfeethi, E.ON Next, Tawuniya, Furniturebox, Saudi Ports Authority “Mawani”, Tree Insurance, and Vue International.

To download the Customer Experience Live UK Intelligence Report 2025 or learn more about the event, visit: www.customer-experience.live.

About Customer Experience Live

Customer Experience Live is a leading digital customer experience insights and research powerhouse in the EMEA and APAC regions. Committed to driving growth within organisations through rigorous research and insightful activations, the company plays a pivotal role in facilitating successful business ventures and fostering innovation in customer experience solutions. With a focus on understanding end-user needs and market dynamics, Customer Experience Live empowers top-level executives and solution providers to navigate the ever-changing landscape of customer experience.

For more information, please contact:
Riji Raju, Content and Marketing Lead, Customer Experience Live
Email: riji.raju@customer-experience.live

Global Sports Brand U.S. Polo Assn. Launches in Brazil With Grupo Pasquini

U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), is proud to announce its launch in the Brazilian market in partnership with Grupo Pasquini, a leading player in the country’s fashion industry. This expansion reinforces the global, sport-inspired brand’s presence in Latin America and further supports U.S. Polo Assn.’s strategic growth plan to reach new consumers around the world.

As U.S. Polo Assn. continues to expand its multi-billion-dollar global presence, Brazil marks an exciting new chapter in the brand’s international journey. With its vibrant retail landscape and deep-rooted passion for lifestyle fashion, Brazil offers a natural fit for U.S. Polo Assn.’s authentic connection to the sport of polo. The debut collection in Brazil will showcase timeless, versatile styles across both menswear and womenswear, designed to honor the heritage of the sport while embracing a modern, accessible approach to fashion.

“Launching U.S. Polo Assn. in Brazil, one of the largest and most influential markets in Latin America, is a significant milestone for our global brand,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, which manages and markets the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “With the strong leadership of Grupo Pasquini and their expertise in the Brazilian fashion landscape, we are confident in building a long-term, successful presence in the region.”

Grupo Pasquini, headquartered in Santa Catarina and known for its 30-year legacy in Brazilian fashion, will oversee U.S. Polo Assn.’s multi-channel rollout across the country. The group’s proven track record in menswear and multi-brand distribution will be key to developing a strong retail footprint through a combination of wholesale accounts, owned stores, e-commerce, and marketplace platforms.

“U.S. Polo Assn. is a perfect fit for our strategic growth plan,” said Raritom Pasquini, Founder and President of Grupo Pasquini. “The brand brings authenticity, global appeal, and a powerful story rooted in sport, which will resonate strongly with Brazilian consumers.”

“We are excited to expand our portfolio with a lifestyle brand that shares our values of quality, accessibility, and innovation,” Pasquini added.

As part of the launch celebration, an exclusive, invitation-only event will be held on July 2, 2025, at the Rosewood São Paulo. The evening will offer guests a first look at the collection and feature a curated program that blends fashion, art, and music. Highlights include a roundtable conversation on fashion and business trends in Brazil and a live art activation by local artist Polly. The event will also include live music performances to mark the occasion in true Brazilian style.

Grupo Pasquini plans to open stores in major cities including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Florianópolis, and Porto Alegre, supported by a robust omni-channel retail strategy aimed at delivering a seamless brand experience to consumers nationwide.

This launch marks another important step for U.S. Polo Assn. as the brand continues to build upon its global success story and bring the spirit of the sport of polo to fans and consumers in more than 190 countries.

ABOUT U.S. POLO ASSN.
U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and polo players in the United States, founded in 1890 and based at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida. This year, U.S. Polo Assn. celebrates 135 years of sports inspiration alongside the USPA. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. Historic deals with ESPN in the United States and Star Sports in India now broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., making the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time.

U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors in the world alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized internationally with awards for global and digital growth. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.

For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

ABOUT GRUPO PASQUINI
With over 30 years of experience in the fashion industry, Grupo Pasquini is one of the leading players in the Brazilian market, with a portfolio that includes well-established brands such as Acostamento, ACT, and Inblanche. Headquartered in Santa Catarina, the group operates a 16,000 m² proprietary factory and has a strong multichannel presence – including over 4,000 multibrand retail partners, owned stores, e-commerce, and a growing franchise network. In 2025, Grupo Pasquini became the official partner of U.S. Polo Assn. in Brazil, further strengthening its position in the accessible premium fashion segment. The group is driven by three core pillars: innovation, operational efficiency, and structured expansion. For more information, visit: www.grupopasquini.com.

Contact Information
Stacey Kovalsky
U.S. POLO ASSN. GLOBAL HQ
skovalsky@uspagl.com
+1-954-673-1331 (WhatsApp)

Gabriella Torre
DUETTO COMUNICAÇÃO
gabriella@duettocomunicacao.com
+55 11 98713-7020 (WhatsApp)

SOURCE: U.S. Polo Assn.

TravelKon Launches Unlimited Europe eSIM Range to Keep Australians Connected over European Summer Getaway

Spanning over 35 countries, new digital SIM plans deliver instant activation, 5G speeds, and big savings compared with A$10-a-day roaming passes.

TravelKon, Australia’s trusted travel eSIM and SIM card provider, has launched its latest Europe eSIM range, designed to make staying connected across the continent easier than ever. The new portfolio includes a variety of flexible data plans, along with an “Unlimited Europe” option that covers more than 35 countries. Whether travellers are hopping between major cities or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, TravelKon’s Europe eSIM ensures seamless, reliable connectivity without the stress of roaming fees or juggling multiple SIM Cards.

This launch aligns with a sharp rise in demand for European travel amongst Australians. Emirates booking data reveals that over 120,000 Australians are set to trade the Southern Hemisphere’s winter for a relaxing time under the Mediterranean sun in Italy, Greece, and France. Similarly, the same report shows leisure travellers’ Europe itinerary average 15 days, far outnumbering one-week business trips. TravelKon’s new Unlimited Europe eSIM comes at the perfect time, offering a simple, affordable, and reliable solution for the modern traveller navigating the continent’s vibrant summer landscapes across longer periods of time.

“Australians told us their biggest travel pain points are bill shock and patchy coverage when hopping between countries,” said Anthon, Co-Founder & CEO of TravelKon. “Our Europe eSIM gives travellers local-network speeds in Paris, Prague, or Porto on one QR codeand the new Unlimited plan means you can stream, navigate, and share without watching the meter.”

Why it matters

Roaming savings: Major carriers still charge A$10 per day for just 1-2 GB of roaming data in Europe. TravelKon’s new Unlimited eSIM starts from A$2.72 per day, up to 75% cheaper on a two-week trip, with no data limitations.
Seamless coverage: One eSIM profile auto-switches across partner networks in 35+ countries, eliminating SIM swaps at every border.
Instant activation: Purchase online, scan a QR code, and connect in under two minutes.That means no shipping and no airport kiosk queues.
Market momentum: The global travel-eSIM market is forecast to more than double to US$734 million by 2030, underscoring rapid consumer adoption.

TravelKon’s Europe eSIM plans are available now at TravelKon.com.au/product-category/esim/esim-europe-uk/.

About TravelKon
Founded in 2019, Australia-based TravelKon is on a mission to eliminate connectivity hassles for global travellers. The company partners with leading telecom operators worldwide to deliver affordable eSIM data plans across 180+ destinations-including Japan, North America, and Europe.

Media Contact
Brenda Jory Wijaya – PR & Communications Manager
media@travelkon.com.au | +61 412 718 829
Website: https://travelkon.com.au/

Source currency: AUD. All prices and promotions are correct as of 10 June 2025.

References

“120,000+ Australians are set to swap winter chills for a Euro-summer this season” travel.nine.com.au
“11.7 million trips in 2024”, travelandtourworld.com.
“A$10 per day for just 1-2 GB of roaming data in Europe” telstra.com.au
“US$734 million by 2030” intelmarketresearch.com

SOURCE: TravelKon

The Future Is Now! The Philippines Leads the AI-Powered Cloud Revolution

The future of cloud and AI is unfolding faster than ever—and the Philippines is right at the heart of this transformation. On July 03, 2025, industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers will gather at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila for The State of the Future AI-Powered Cloud Philippines 2025, a high-impact summit that will explore how AI and cloud technologies are reshaping businesses, government services, and everyday life across the country. As we enter a new era of digital acceleration, this event aims to spark conversation, foster collaboration, and highlight real solutions driving national progress.

The Philippines has made bold moves toward digital modernization, led by initiatives like the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT)’s Cloud-First Strategy, which has empowered government agencies to upgrade outdated systems and deliver more efficient services. Alongside this, the rollout of the National AI Roadmap and the launch of the Center for AI Research (CAIR) reflect the country’s growing ambition to become a leading hub for AI innovation in the ASEAN region. Coupled with evolving regulatory frameworks and new tech policies, these efforts are opening the doors for greater investment, wider adoption, and more inclusive access to cutting-edge technologies.

The summit is expected to welcome over 200 senior-level attendees, including engineers, architects, CIOs, CISOs, and business leaders, all eager to exchange insights and strategies. Through a dynamic program of keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats, and tech spotlight sessions, participants will explore critical issues such as AI-powered automation, cybersecurity, digital governance, and ethical AI adoption. The event will also feature a showcase of the latest innovations from top tech exhibitors, offering attendees a hands-on look at the tools and platforms transforming how we work, live, and serve communities.

This year’s summit would not be possible without the support of our sponsors: Genesys, FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines Corp., Agents Stack, Cloudian, TÜV SÜD, and Maptech. These organizations continue to play a pivotal role in pushing digital transformation forward across industries. As Cjhay Azores, Global Director of Operations at ESCOM, puts it: “This is the best speaker lineup we’ve ever had for a cloud and AI conference in the Philippines. The topics are timely, the trends are relevant, and the conversations will be both insightful and actionable.”

What truly sets this event apart is its focus on impact—not just innovation. From using AI to detect misinformation and deepfakes, to leveraging cloud technologies in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the conversations at this summit will highlight how technology can be a force for good. Whether you’re in healthcare, finance, public service, or tech, this is your chance to engage with thought leaders and help shape the future of the country’s digital landscape.

Join us at The State of the Future AI-Powered Cloud Philippines 2025 as we CTRL + ALT + INNOVATE—and ignite the next digital wave for the nation.

For any inquiries regarding cloud, AI, or healthcare technology conferences, please contact cjhay.azores@escom.com.

GFEAI 2025 Concludes Successfully: PM Paetongtarn Backs Human-Centric AI, AIGPC Emerges as Regional AI Ethics Hub

Thailand has successfully concluded the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2025), held from 24–27 June at Centara Grand, Bangkok. With over 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries, the forum served as a key platform for global dialogue on responsible, inclusive, and human-centric AI development.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra opened the forum and presented the government’s vision of “AI for Every Human”, focused on using AI to enhance quality of life across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, while addressing digital threats through literacy and protection. PM announced a landmark investment of USD 15.4 billion in AI, aiming to drive at least THB 4 billion in economic value by 2027.

A central highlight was the launch of the AI Governance Practice Center (AIGPC) the first in Asia-Pacific set to become a regional hub for AI ethics, with support toward UNESCO Category 2 Centre status.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society H.E. Mr. Prasert reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to AI that aligns with ethical principles and national priorities. The government targets 90,000 trained AI specialists, 50,000 developers, and outreach to over 10 million users, under the National AI Strategy.

Discussions also advanced the Global Network of AI Supervising Authorities (GNAIS), aiming to create global codes of conduct rooted in human rights and inclusivity. Thailand’s leadership in AI governance was further reinforced through bilateral engagements, including with Indonesia (AI ethics), Malaysia (smart cities and digital gaming), and India, focusing on expert exchange and project development.

Thailand also endorsed UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) as a tool to guide AI policy, regulation, workforce development, and open data practices across ASEAN. A key milestone was the tripartite MoU between ETDA, NECTEC, and DataDotOrg to develop 10,000 AI/data professionals and create a sustainable AI education ecosystem.

Youth engagement was prominent, with over 200 Thai students participating in the “AI for Children” session. Citing UNICEF data, Thailand launched initiatives such as the Digital Vaccine powered by DQ, YDCD, and Digitally Ready, aiming to build AI-ready schools in over 10 countries by 2026.

GFEAI 2025 marked a pivotal milestone in positioning Thailand as a strategic and ethical leader in AI—both in Southeast Asia and globally. The forum underscored Thailand’s readiness to take an active role in shaping international AI governance, while laying the groundwork for a responsible, inclusive, and sustainable digital future. For continued updates and highlights from GFEAI 2025, please visit ETDA Thailand’s official website.

Chinabank Fully Transitions Into AI-powered Human Capital Management

China Banking Corporation (Chinabank), the Philippines’ fourth-largest private universal bank, has officially completed its transition to Darwinbox, a leading AI-powered Human Capital Management (HCM) platform. This milestone marks the bank’s full shift to a digital-first HR ecosystem that will optimize HR operations and enhance the employee experience for over 11,000 Chinabankers nationwide.

The partnership between Chinabank and Darwinbox was formalized on December 6, 2024 at the Chinabank headquarters in Makati City. In just five and a half months, Chinabank completed the accelerated phase 1 implementation of the platform, which is now live and fully operational across its nationwide network.

Internally branded as SyncHROne (pronounced “Sinkron”), the new platform is part of Chinabank’s One Chinabank identity initiative, reflecting the organization’s commitment to unified, employee-centric innovation.

“We are building a great workplace anchored on a compelling employee value proposition and a transformative work culture to foster innovation, collaboration, and employee growth,” said Romeo D. Uyan Jr., Chinabank President and CEO.

Built with a mobile-first design and open API architecture, Darwinbox enables seamless integration with Chinabank’s existing systems, while offering world-class data security. Employees now enjoy 24/7 access to HR services on both desktop and mobile devices, ensuring a more agile, accessible, and empowered workplace experience.

“We are leveraging innovative technology to drive operational excellence. From the outset, the development of SyncHROne was a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders from across the bank. Their insights ensured the system would meet the evolving needs of our workforce while staying true to our governance standards,” said Delfin Jay Sabido IX, Chinabank Chief Innovation and Transformation Officer.

SyncHROne will now serve as the bank’s centralized HCM platform, managing critical HR functions such as performance management, recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and issue resolution.

Named by the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) as the 2023 Employer of the Year, Chinabank is making every possible effort to be a great company to work for. CBC Group HR Head Tani Michelle Cruz said, “The journey of this HR digital transformation has been focused on the bank’s commitment to fostering a future-ready, inclusive, and innovation-driven workplace.”

For Darwinbox, the partnership marks another significant step in its growing presence in the Philippines. Since entering the market in 2021, the company has onboarded over 50 enterprises, including leading names in banking, retail, and multinational industries.

“We are invigorated by the mission of reshaping people processes across the entire employee lifecycle at Chinabank, and driven by a desire to help them succeed,” said Sasank Raavi, Country Manager of Darwinbox Philippines. “It is an honor to work alongside a company with over a century of legacy. Here’s to a long and fruitful partnership.”

Together, Chinabank and Darwinbox are redefining what it means to build an employee-first, innovation-led organization in today’s evolving business landscape.

About Darwinbox

Founded in 2015, Darwinbox is a global HR tech leader that empowers enterprises to better manage their talent with new-age employee experiences and disruptive AI-powered technology. Its cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) software caters to an organisation’s HR needs across the entire employee lifecycle. Darwinbox is trusted by over 900+ enterprises across 130 countries. Darwinbox has been backed by global investors like TCV, Microsoft, Salesforce Ventures, Peak XV, Lightspeed and Endiya Partners among others.More at www.darwinbox.com.

For media inquiries, please contact: Rishita.chiranewala@darwinbox.in

Eagle Football Holdings supports Leadership Changes at Olympique Lyonnais

Eagle Football Holdings Limited today confirmed its support of leadership changes which shall occur at its subsidiary Eagle Football Group (France) and Olympique Lyonnais.

John Textor, Chairman and majority owner of Eagle Football Holdings, acting in his capacity as the sole director, and on behalf of the sole shareholder, of Olympique Lyonnais, today appointed Michael Gerlinger to the position of Director General (CEO), and Michele Kang to the position of Chair and President. Mr. Textor has resigned from his leadership positions at Olympique Lyonnais, in favor of the appointment of Ms. Kang and Mr. Gerlinger.

Michele Kang, who is also a leading shareholder of Eagle Football Holdings, has served on the OL board since 2023, has been appointed Chair and President. She will take an active role in supporting OL’s executive management, including spearheading the club’s appeal process with the DNCG.

Michael Gerlinger, currently Chief Sports Officer of Eagle Football, has been appointed Director General of Olympique Lyonnais. A widely respected figure in European football administration, Michael brings over two decades of experience in governance, regulatory affairs and sporting operations.

Mr. Textor remains Chairman, CEO and majority owner of Eagle Football Holdings (UK), principal owner of SAF Botafogo (Brazil), Olympique Lyonnais (France), Crystal Palace FC (England) and Daring Brussels (Belgium). In terms of day-to-day responsibilities, he will now re-focus his attention on SAF Botafogo, Daring Brussels and Eagle’s Football club acquisition strategies in the UK.

Chairman and CEO, John Textor said:
“I am extremely proud of the global sporting successes of Eagle Football, with historic championships, cup wins, and tournament qualifications in Brazil, France and England, but it’s clear that we must make changes in our management approach, if we expect to be as effective off-the-pitch, as we are on-the-pitch.”

Regarding Olympique Lyonnais, “Each of our clubs and communities deserve leadership, with a strong local presence, and the acumen to overcome both the sporting and the non-sporting challenges that we face. It’s obvious to everyone that Michele is a perfect choice to lead OL, and I am thrilled for our community that she has accepted the job.”

He continued, “On a personal level, I am truly looking forward to the reduction of my day-to-day management responsibilities in Europe, so I can focus on markets where we have the full freedom to run our football clubs…to invest, innovate, grow and compete. OL in great hands with Michele, and I will focus on Botafogo, Daring Brussels and our next club in England.”

About Eagle Football Holdings Limited
INSPIRED BY FOOTBALL, DRIVEN BY FOOTBALL…MUCH MORE THAN FOOTBALL

Eagle Football is a sports, entertainment and technology company that engages with a global audience through its portfolio of interests in iconic football clubs and related assets around the world. Eagle Football is the leading shareholder of SAF Botafogo (reigning champion of Brazil and South America), Olympique Lyonnais (historic multi-year champion of France), Crystal Palace Football Club (2025 FA Cup Champion), and Daring Brussels.

Fueled by our portfolio of iconic football clubs, our passionate, global audience, and our position as a preferred destination for players-our goal is to build the leading football-related enterprise on Earth. We operate on the belief that the audience of a club is always more valuable than the club, and our scalable entertainment and technology strategies are designed to maximize our total addressable market opportunity, far beyond the reach of typical football clubs. Our mission is to create value for our shareholders by being a champion for our players, our clubs, our fans and our communities, and the magnificent game of football.

Inquiries:
Eagle Football Holdings Limited
www.EagleFootball.com
press@eaglefootball.com

SOURCE: Eagle Football Holdings Limited

ASN: Anson Signs MoU with POSCO Holdings for DLE Demonstration Plant Development at Green River

Anson Resources and POSCO Holdings have signed a non-binding MoU to develop a DLE Demonstration Plant at Green River Lithium Project

Anson Resources and POSCO Holdings have signed a non-binding MoU to develop a large scale DLE Demonstration Plant at Green River.
POSCO Holdings plans to construct a Demonstration Plant to test DLE technology and has initiated a review of Anson’s Green River Lithium Project.
POSCO Holdings plans to fully fund the plant, invest in all required infrastructure and operating costs, including a site lease fee, for the scaled demonstration testing.

Anson Resources Limited (ASX:ASN) (Anson or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has executed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with POSCO Holdings Inc. (KRX: 005490, NYSE: PKX) to collaborate on the construction of a demonstration plant at the Green River Lithium Project (“Project“) in the Paradox Basin, southern Utah, USA. The parties will also explore future partnership opportunities at the Project.

POSCO Holdings will make an investment decision on the demonstration plant at the Green River Lithium Project through the finalisation of its due diligence and internal review, expected to be completed by December 2025.

The two companies will also explore potential business cooperation opportunities, including joint investment in the Project, contingent on positive feasibility outcomes.

The Green River Lithium Project, owned by Anson Resources’s subsidiary, Blackstone Minerals NV LLC, offers compelling advantages, including low forecast production costs, ready access to existing infrastructure and a skilled local workforce. The Project sits in a strategic location within the United States to support the growing demand for domestically sourced EV battery materials.

POSCO Holdings has been conducting long-term R&D and investment reviews on next-generation lithium resources such as brine and geothermal brine for several years, utilising its comprehensive experience in lithium extraction and operational know-how, paired with its deep experience in chemicals trading and distribution.

The demonstration plant is a scaled-up version of a pilot plant designed to validate a new industrial process at a larger, commercially relevant scale before full-scale construction. The Demonstration Plant will operate on a continuous process basis to closely resemble that of the anticipated future commercial plant as well as generating significant quantities of product.

Executive Commentary
Executive Chairman & CEO, Mr. Bruce Richardson commented:
“This MoU agreement with POSCO Holdings represents another significant milestone in our commercialisation strategy and underscores the progress Anson has made in de-risking the Green River Lithium Project. The Project’s ongoing progress continues to attract additional top-tier partners who are contributing to the establishment of Green River as a globally attractive asset.

POSCO Holdings is a world-class chemicals producer with deep operational experience, and their interest further validates the quality and strategic potential of the Project.

As the global supply chain for lithium shifts toward secure, domestic sources, Anson is uniquely positioned to support this demand from within the U.S., offering low-cost, high-purity lithium production.

With forecast-leading production costs, strong local infrastructure, and a highly skilled workforce, the Green River Lithium Project is emerging as one of North America’s most compelling lithium development opportunities.”

POSCO Holdings spokesperson commented:
“This collaboration with Anson Resources represents a strategic opportunity for POSCO Holdings to strengthen our position in the North American lithium market. Through collaboration on the Green River Lithium project, we will verify the commercialization potential of DLE technology and its business feasibility in the United States. We believe our operational know-how, commercial expertise, combined with Anson’s high-quality asset, can create significant value for both companies and contribute meaningfully to the US supply chain and manufacturing.”

About POSCO Holdings
POSCO Holdings Inc. (KRX: 005490) is a leading South Korean industrial group with strategic investments across steel, energy, and battery materials. POSCO Group is developing a global supply chain to support the transition EV and has invested in a total of 93,000 tonnes of lithium production annually in Argentina and South Korea. The company has made significant investments in both brine and hard-rock lithium resources across South America and Australia and is advancing proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies to accelerate low-carbon lithium production.

This announcement has been authorized for release by the Executive Chairman and POSCO Holdings.

About Anson Resources Ltd
Anson Resources (ASX: ASN) is an ASX-listed mineral resources company with a portfolio of minerals projects in key demand-driven commodities. Its core assets are the Green River and Paradox Lithium Project in Utah, in the USA. Anson is focused on developing these assets into a significant lithium producing operations. The Company’s goal is to create long-term shareholder value through the discovery, acquisition and development of natural resources that meet the demand of tomorrow’s new energy and technology markets.

For further information please contact:

Bruce Richardson
Executive Chairman and CEO
E: info@Ansonresources.com
Ph: +61 7 3132 7990

Will Maze
Head of Investor Relations
E: investors@Ansonresources.com
Ph: +61 7 3132 7990

SOURCE: Anson Resources

Ten innovative youth-led housing solutions win a total of US$40,000 in grants from Habitat for Humanity

Ten innovative solutions by passionate youth that target the escalating housing crisis in the Asia-Pacific region took center stage at the 2025 Habitat Youth Assembly. A grant of US$4,000 is awarded to each of these solutions that address the housing needs in the young people’s own communities. The winners of the 2025 Habitat Youth Solutions grants joined more than 50 delegates from eight Asia-Pacific countries to share, learn and network at the assembly that was held for the first time in Cebu City, the Philippines.

Delegates interacting with each other via a mobile quiz game © Habitat for Humanity International/Gerylle Palabay

The winners are:

Chhatt Shakti from India;
Re-Leaf the Heat! and The Light We Share from the Philippines;
Aquamend and Sonju Project from South Korea;
Climate-Retrofit and SmartHousing Nepal from Nepal;
Floating Futures from Vietnam;
Floating Green Community Initiative from Cambodia; and
H-Map from Bangladesh.

“We are pleased to announce the receipt of innovative, people-centered project proposals for the Habitat Youth Solutions grant. These proposals offer culturally relevant housing solutions tailored to the unique needs of each community. Through this new youth engagement initiative, our investment is set to create a meaningful, far-reaching impact. We anticipate that approximately 4,000 individuals across up to 10 communities in the region will benefit by gaining access to safe and resilient homes,” Liz Satow, Asia-Pacific vice-president, Habitat for Humanity, said in a recorded message to the participants in the Youth Assembly.

Muskan Lund from India talks about her project that will provide solar reflective paint for roofs in households experiencing extreme heat. This benefits vulnerable groups such as women, children, and older adult spend most of their time at home amid rising temperatures.

“My community is in Karjat, Maharashtra. It has beautiful landscapes and wonderful people. But people live in poorly ventilated houses there. The houses are made with asbestos or tin walls. They are not equipped to deal with the heat in Karjat,” said Muskan Lund of winning project Chhat Shakti that provides an innovative solution in applying solar reflective paint on roofs. The initiative led by young women seeks to ease the extreme weather conditions for vulnerable groups such as women, children and older adults who spend the most time at home when summer temperature can hit a high of 45°C.

Hajin Yang from South Korea talks about her low-cost and community-driven project that provides portable water purification devices for residents in the coal mining town of Dogyae.

Through another winning project Aquamend, Hajin Yang from South Korea aims to keep her grandmother and neighbors who are mostly older adults safe and healthy in the former coal mining town of Dogyae. “Water is contaminated by metal substances and it usually contains high acidity. Our solution is a small water purification device that can neutralize the contaminated water and remove metal substances such as iron and aluminum and sulfate ions,” she said. The device is portable and more accessible to households at just US$40. “Our solution is low-cost and community-driven. It offers an immediate solution so that people do not have to wait until the government can build purifying facilities.”

Echoing their counterparts at the Youth Assembly, Lund and Yang call for young people’s solutions and ideas to be heard and supported.

“We need trust,” Yang said, recalling multiple instances when her innovation was rejected. For Lund, solutions must begin with spending time with people to create responsive policies and solutions. “Do not make decisions in airconditioned rooms. Think of us, think of the communities that are going through such housing issues. Trust the youth. Give us funding, give us chances to create a change in our community.”

The winners are expected to implement their projects in the second half of 2025. They will also receive mentorship from Habitat’s network of industry experts to help them strengthen their project management skills and to link up to more resources that could help scale their projects.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a movement of people in your local area and around the world, working together to build more prosperous and vibrant communities by making sure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. Since our founding in 1976 as a housing organization, together we have helped more than 62 million people globally build their futures on their own terms through access to decent housing. In the Asia-Pacific region since 1983, we’ve done that by working alongside people of all walks of life to build, repair and finance their homes, by innovating new ways of building and financing, and by advocating for policies that make constructing and accessing housing easier for everyone. Together, we build homes, communities and hope. To learn more or support, visit habitat.org/asiapacific.

For further information or to set up interviews, please contact:
Ms. Hiew Peng Wong
hpeng@habitat.org
+65 96833722