Reach, a leading global Merchant of Record (MoR) solution, is proud to announce a strategic investment from Primus Capital that will help the company scale its operations, accelerate its aggressive product roadmap, and augment its existing world-leading payments, tax compliance, and fraud protection solutions for retail and SaaS businesses worldwide.
Reach Official Logo
Annual Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) for Reach grew 95% year-over-year in Q4 2024 and the organization is primed to extend its leadership in the enterprise MoR market. The investment by Primus Capital will primarily be used to enhance support for enterprise businesses, further develop its ecommerce product mix, and expand its existing global entity network into additional in-demand markets.
“We’re thrilled to have Primus as a strategic partner as we continue to scale our solution for global merchants,” said Sam Ranieri, CEO of Reach. “This investment will allow us to strengthen our infrastructure, expand our international coverage, and empower our clients to unlock new markets and optimize cross-border operations with ease.”
According to Ron Hess, Managing Director at Primus Capital, investing in Reach came down to a strong belief in the company’s value. “We’ve built a relationship with Sam and his team over the past few years and have witnessed the return on investment realized by Reach’s customers. The company’s impressive growth is driven by its innovative approach to solving the pain points of global expansion for retail and digital businesses. This investment will help fuel the company’s efforts to continue delivering unparalleled value to enterprise customers in the face of the challenges of a globalized marketplace,” Hess said.
As a byproduct of this partnership, Reach is investing in new technology infrastructure and augmenting its team to support its evolving and rapidly growing customer base while concurrently developing its ecommerce product suite. The company’s expansion will further simplify cross-border transactions for its clients, which empowers businesses to focus on innovation while Reach handles the complexities of payments, tax, and fraud mitigation at scale.
Leveraging a Merchant of Record is essential for mid-market and enterprise businesses already active in cross-border ecommerce who need to unlock new levels of efficiency, revenue, and international performance. As businesses scale globally, managing local tax regulations and staying compliant with fluctuating tariffs and legal requirements becomes increasingly complex. An MoR simplifies this process by automating tax calculations and ensuring compliance across multiple markets, with much faster time to market than going alone.
“Given the current uncertainty surrounding international trade and cross-border sales, it’s critical for us to provide the most simple, robust, and complete global solution for our clients,” Ranieri said. “The investment from Primus will help us strengthen our position as a world leader in ecommerce while continuing to find innovative ways for our clients to navigate the complex financial and regulatory borders standing between them and their customers.”
RBC Capital Markets acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Reach on the transaction, and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP and Taft Law acted as legal advisors. Goodwin Procter LLP acted as legal adviser to Primus
For more information about Reach’s solutions and upcoming initiatives, please visit www.withreach.com.
ABOUT REACH
Reach is the leading Merchant of Record (MoR) solution designed for mid-market and enterprise ecommerce retailers and SaaS businesses. Reach allows businesses to effortlessly activate global capabilities within the platforms they already use, optimizing payments, fraud prevention, tax compliance, and localized customer experiences – all with no new systems or complex integrations. Businesses can easily activate powerful global features, streamlining cross-border operations and reducing costs. Trusted by global brands, Reach helps improve transaction approval rates and unlock the full potential of existing systems, enabling businesses to scale internationally with ease.
Contact Information Andrew Cunningham Head of Marketing & Media marketing@withreach.com 15875745011
foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), a leading jobs and talent platform, has released the annual foundit Insights Tracker (fit) report, offering comprehensive insights into hiring trends across Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. This in-depth analysis sheds light on the evolving employment landscapes in these dynamic Southeast Asian economies.
The tracker analyses labour market trends in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, offering key insights into hiring dynamics across these job markets.
A closer look at the hiring trends shows that the Philippines recorded a robust 20% YoY growth in hiring primarily driven by its expansion of retail, logistics, and BPO sectors. Malaysia also experienced a 10% rise in hiring activities, while Singapore saw an 11% drop, reflecting a slowdown, especially in industries like IT and BFSI.
Commenting on these findings, V Suresh, CEO of foundit, said, “The evolving employment landscape across Southeast Asia is shaped by key factors such as digital adoption, workplace dynamics, and shifting compensation strategies. Malaysia has leveraged its digital momentum, particularly in retail and hospitality, to drive substantial hiring growth. Similarly, the Philippines has capitalised on consumer demand to expand its retail sector. Meanwhile, in Singapore, technology and efficiency are redefining industry roles. Overall, businesses that strike a balance between technology-driven strategies and employee well-being will be best positioned to navigate these shifts and sustain long-term growth.”
Malaysia recorded the highest YoY growth in Retail hiring at 85%, followed by the Philippines at 75%, where growth was driven by rapid expansion of retail outlets and rising middle-class consumption. Meanwhile, Singapore’s retail industry experienced a 9% YoY decline in hiring activities, which reflects the maturity of its online shopping business.
A sector-specific analysis showed that substantial investments, visa-free policies and spending on digital advertising across borders made by the Malaysian government led to the 42% YoY growth in hiring in the hospitality sector. Meanwhile, growing infrastructural investments, rising tourism, and the use of smart hospitality technology like digital booking systems enabled the Philippines to achieve a notable 30% growth.
Singapore’s hospitality industry saw a 15% decline in recruitment annually, reflecting a slowdown in workforce demand within the sector. This low performance might be attributed to limited promotional initiatives, tighter visa norms and technological shifts such as jobs being outsourced to artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.
Functional outlook analysis across sectors indicated that Malaysia saw a 25% annual increase in roles across Software, Hardware, and Telecom. This resilience reflects the high demand for experts in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing, aligning with the global digitalisation trend as companies place a higher priority on technology for long-term growth and sustainability. In contrast, Singapore experienced a sharp 45% decline in tech roles, and Philippines faced challenges at -8% YoY.
Hiring activity in the Marketing & Communications industry saw an upward annual trend in both the Philippines and Malaysia, reaching 43% and 36%, respectively. Digital campaigns, the growth of social media, SEO & SEM, and expanding e-commerce technology have propelled this surge. In contrast, Singapore’s Marketing & Communications sector faced a 9% decline in hiring demand, primarily due to reduced budgets for traditional marketing roles.
A notable shift was observed in HR & Administration roles, with the Philippines experiencing remarkable growth of 47% over the last year. This was driven by the expansion of industries such as Retail, Outsourcing, and Infrastructure sectors, as companies prioritised scaling their HR functions to manage workforce growth, streamline operations, and enhance employee engagement. At the same time, HR roles in Malaysia grew by 28%, while Singapore saw a 12% decline, most likely due to organisations in the country shifting towards automation and outsourcing of administrative functions to optimise costs.
About foundit Insights Tracker
The foundit Insights Tracker (fit) offers a detailed perspective on hiring patterns in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, focusing on the demand for specific skills, available positions, and salary ranges in the market. This analysis provides essential insights for job seekers and employers navigating the evolving employment landscape.
Period for the Report
The period considered for the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) data is December 2023 vs. December 2024, offering a comprehensive view of hiring trends in these key Asian markets.
About foundit – APAC & Middle East
foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME) is Asia’s leading jobs & talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to a powerful AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation, interview preparation, and professional networking. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 120 million job seekers across 18 countries in connecting them with the right job opportunities and upskilling. foundit is now also the Official Talent Partner of the Badminton World Federation across 20 key world tour events.
Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has launched a cutting-edge solution to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With the use of advanced technology, foundit is seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies. Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring. Additionally, foundit has been recognised as a Great Place To Work, reflecting its dedication to fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture.
Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4) (the “Company” or “Doubleview”) is pleased to announce further drill hole results from the 2024 drill campaign at its 100% owned Polymetallic Hat Porphyry Project, located in northwestern British Columbia. Long copper-gold-silver-cobalt intercepts in Drill holes H075, H076 and H077 expand the mineralization and potentially will increase the Hat Project’s resource in size and grade.
2024 Exploration:
The 2024 drilling program was designed to confirm the integrity of the resource estimate categories, particularly the indicated resource figures and potentially to allow elevating part or all to a measured resource. Holes were directed to intersect shallow mineralization and to further explore high grade zones. Drilling has confirmed the continuity of mineralization indicating that the deposit exhibits greater consistency than typically expected of a porphyry-style deposit.
Important Drill hole Intercepts:
DDH
From (m)
To (m)
Length (m)
CuEq3 (%) excluding Sc2O3
Au (g/t)
Cu (%)
Ag (g/t)
Co (g/t)
Sc (g/t)
H075
90.0
525.0
435.0
0.35
0.15
0.21
0.40
64.8
27.2
Including
90.0
406.7
316.7
0.42
0.17
0.25
0.48
74.2
26.7
Including
148.0
389.0
241.0
0.50
0.21
0.30
0.54
74.4
26.0
Including
196.7
253.3
56.6
1.00
0.44
0.62
1.18
95.7
23.8
Including
218.5
240.0
21.5
2.06
0.79
1.41
2.62
110.2
23.5
H076
12.0
84.0
72.0
0.44
0.49
0.05
0.57
47.6
29.7
Including
21.0
63.0
42.0
0.70
0.82
0.07
0.86
47.0
31.0
Including
28.8
57.0
28.2
1.01
1.20
0.09
1.17
45.6
28.4
And
247.8
367.0
119.2
0.40
0.20
0.22
0.17
64.2
29.1
H077
89.0
497.0
408.0
0.32
0.13
0.16
0.36
103.4
28.0
Including
116.0
148.0
32.0
0.49
0.17
0.24
0.72
225.7
23.5
Including
249.0
369.0
120.0
0.40
0.20
0.20
0.18
98.1
28.6
Including
352.0
356.0
4.0
0.87
0.21
0.25
0.33
904
27.2
Detailed High-Grade Results:
a)DDH H075:
The high-grade intercepts are tabulated below:
DDH
From (m)
To (m)
Length (m)
CuEq3 (%) excluding Sc2O3
Au (g/t)
Cu (%)
Ag (g/t)
Co (g/t)
Sc (g/t)
H075
196.7
253.3
56.6
1.00
0.44
0.62
1.18
95.7
23.8
Including
206.0
240.0
34.0
1.53
0.67
0.97
1.80
101.0
23.7
Including
218.5
240.0
21.5
2.06
0.79
1.41
2.62
110.2
23.5
Including
227.0
236.0
9.0
4.55
1.73
3.18
5.76
129.4
25.6
H075
And
329.0
351.0
22.0
0.99
0.39
0.67
0.94
68.4
19.5
Additionally, drill hole H075 has significant mineralization from 45 metres depth to 341 metres, with 0.40% CuEq. (including 0.23% Cu and 0.16 g/t Au).
b)DDH H076:
Drill hole H076 was mineralized from near surface with stronger gold and silver values. As illustrated in the following table, gold values over long intervals are among the highest recorded on the property.
DDH
From (m)
To (m)
Length (m)
CuEq3 (%) excluding Sc2O3
Au (g/t)
Cu (%)
Ag (g/t)
Co (g/t)
Sc (g/t)
H076
12.0
84.0
72.0
0.44
0.49
0.05
0.57
47.6
29.7
Including
21.0
63.0
42.0
0.70
0.82
0.07
0.86
47.0
31.0
Including
28.8
57.0
28.2
1.01
1.20
0.09
1.17
45.6
28.4
Including
36.0
46.0
10.0
2.71
3.35
0.20
2.75
71.7
29.8
c)DDH H077:
Drill hole H077 intercepted strong copper-silver-cobalt mineralization over more than 408 metres length. The 904 g/t cobalt over 4 meters from 352 meters depth demonstrates the wide array of elements which make the Hat Polymetallic Deposit unique.
DDH
From (m)
To (m)
Length (m)
CuEq3 (%) excluding Sc2O3
Au (g/t)
Cu (%)
Ag (g/t)
Co (g/t)
Sc (g/t)
H077
89.0
497.0
408.0
0.32
0.13
0.16
0.36
103.4
28.0
H077
Including
352.0
356.0
4.0
0.87
0.21
0.25
0.33
904
27.2
Notes:
Copper Equivalent (CuEq) currently does not include the Scandium
Metal equivalents should not be relied upon for future evaluations. – Drill hole intercepts included in this news release are core lengths that may or may not be true widths of mineralization. It is not possible to determine true widths. –
Parameters used to calculate Copper Equivalent: Au price (US$/oz): 1900; Ag price (US$/oz): 24; Cu price (US$/lb): 4; Co price (US$/lb): 22. Au recovery: 89.0%; Ag recovery: 68.0%; Cu recovery: 84.0%; Co recovery: 78.0%. * Copper Equivalent Calculation CuEq in % = ([Ag grade in ppm] *24*0.68/31.1035 + [Au grade in ppm] *1900*.89/31.1035 + 0.0001* [Co grade in ppm] *22*0.78*22.0462 + 0.0001* [Cu grade in ppm] *4*0.84*22.0462)/(4*22.0462*0.84).
Mr. Farshad Shirvani, president & CEO of Doubleview, states: “The 2024 drill campaign was successful in testing, confirming and improving our resource model. We are encouraged to see the occurrence of mineralization closer to the surface as well as strong mineralization drill holes which proves continuity and allows for more detailed structural interpretations. This will strongly reflect in the upcoming MRE.V 2.0 that will be part of Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) and add value to the Polymetallic Hat Deposit by increasing the metal content. We are continuously working on our exploration model as data becomes available to recognize details of the deposit and its critical and precious metals.”
The following section illustrates drill holes H075 to H077 intersecting the Hat polymetallic deposit along the strike of major high-grade mineralization. (Section looking North East)
Location and direction of reported drill hole table:
DDH ID
UTM-East (m)
UTM-North (m)
Elevation (m)
Max-Depth (m)
Azimuth (°)
Dip (°)
H075
347,865
6,453,951
956.5
537
0
89
H076
347,865
6,453,951
956.5
660
262
70
H077
347,865
6,453,951
956.5
531
300
75
Quality Assurance and Quality Control:
Hat Project drill cores are processed at Doubleview’s camp where they are photographed, measured and logged by our technical staff and then divided using a diamond bladed saw. One half is placed in a stout bag to form the assay sample that is forwarded securely to the independent analytical lab. The remaining half core is stored on site where it is available for further examination and sampling. The assay cores are subject to a Chain of Custody routine as they are shipped from camp to a bonded carrier for delivery to the lab.
Core samples are analysed at the North Vancouver facility of ALS Canada Ltd. using their PREP-31, PGM-ICP24, ME-MS61, and ME-ICP06 packages. Each core sample is dried, then crushed to 70% passing a 2mm screen. All material is processed in an automatic Riffle splitter to yield a 250g homogenized, representative sample. This sub-sample is then pulverized to 85% passing a 75-micron screen. All samples are analyzed for Au, Pt, Pd by 50g fire-assay fusion/ICP-ES finish, using PGM-ICP24 package. A separate 0.25g pulp split is analyzed by Four Acid digestion/ICP-MS finish, reporting 48 elements. Over limit elements are analyzed by Ore Grade Four Acid digestion/ICP-ES finish using ME-OG62 assay package. All of Doubleview’s core samples are analyzed or assayed at independent ISO 17025 and ISO 9001- certified laboratories.
When initial assays are received and accepted by our staff, a certain fraction of the samples will be sent to a second ISO-certified lab for check assay and verification purposes. Assays will be reported in News Releases.
Erik Ostensoe, P. Geo., a consulting geologist, and Doubleview’s Qualified Person with respect to the Hat Project as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this news release. He is not independent of Doubleview as he is a shareholder in the company.
About Doubleview Gold Corp
A mineral resource exploration and development company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is publicly traded on the TSX-Venture Exchange (TSXV: DBG), (OTCQB: DBLVF), (WKN: LA1W038), and (FSE: 1D4). Doubleview focuses on identifying, acquiring, and financing precious and base metal exploration projects across North America, with a strong emphasis on British Columbia. The company enhances shareholder value through the acquisition and exploration of high-quality gold, copper, cobalt, scandium, and silver projects-collectively critical minerals-utilizing cutting-edge exploration techniques.
Doubleview’s success is deeply rooted in the unwavering support of its long-term shareholders, supporters, and institutional investors. Their ongoing commitment has been instrumental in advancing the company’s strategic initiatives. Doubleview looks forward to further collaborative growth and development, and continues to welcome active participation from its valued stakeholders as the company expands its portfolio and strengthens its position in the critical minerals sector.
About the Hat Polymetallic Deposit
The Hat Deposit, located in northwestern British Columbia, is a polymetallic porphyry project with major resources of copper, gold, cobalt, and the potential for scandium. As one of the region’s significant sources of critical minerals, the Hat deposit has undergone targeted exploration and development. The 0.2% CuEq cut-off resource estimate, as of the recently completed Mineral Resource Estimate and the Company’s July 25, 2024, news release, is summarized below:
Average Grade
Metal Content
Open Pit Model Hat
Resource Category
Tonnage
CuEq
Cu
Co
Au
Ag
CuEq
Cu
Co
Au
Ag
Mt
%
%
%
g/t
g/t
million lb
million lb
million lb
thousand oz
thousand oz
In Pit
Indicated
150
0.408
0.221
0.008
0.19
0.42
1,353
733
28
929
2,045
Inferred
477
0.344
0.185
0.009
0.15
0.49
3,619
1,945
91
2,328
7,575
Scandium potential for the Hat Deposit is estimated to be 300 to 500 million tonnes at an average grade of 40 ppm (0.004%) Sc2O3.
For further details of the MRE, please refer to the Company’s July 25, 2024 news release.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Farshad Shirvani, President & Chief Executive Officer
For further information please contact:
Doubleview Gold Corp Vancouver, BC Farshad Shirvani President & CEO
NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute “forward-looking information.” In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The ASEAN Finance Innovation Summit (AFIS) 2025 is set to revolutionize the financial landscape by bringing together global finance leaders, industry pioneers, policymakers, and innovators together to discuss the dynamic challenges and opportunities transforming the financial sector in an era of rapid technological advancement. Taking place on February 25th-26th, 2025, at the dynamic ALOFT Kuala Lumpur Sentral, this exclusive event aims to equip attendees with cutting-edge tools and actionable strategies to succeed in the ever-changing world of finance.
Finance is no longer just about managing numbers—it’s about driving innovation, leading strategic change, and empowering organizations to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. From cutting-edge AI and blockchain technologies to hyper-automation and decentralized finance (DeFi), AFIS 2025 is poised to explore groundbreaking advancements that are reshaping the financial landscape and empowering leaders to navigate the evolving marketplace with agility, foresight, and resilience.
Key Topics Include:
The Power of AI and Hyper-Automation in Finance: Discover how AI and RPA (Robotic Process Automation) are streamlining operations, enhancing decision-making, and boosting financial efficiency.
Blockchain and Digital Assets Revolution: Explore the potential of blockchain in enhancing transparency and security while unlocking new opportunities in digital currencies and decentralized finance.
Sustainable Finance Trends: Gain insights into how green bonds, climate finance, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance are shaping the future of finance for a greener world.
Data-Driven Decision Making for CFOs: Uncover strategies for leveraging data analytics to drive operational efficiency, predict trends, and make informed decisions in volatile markets.
Future-Ready Finance Teams: Equip finance teams with the digital skills and leadership capabilities needed to excel in the rapidly evolving financial landscape.
RegTech and Compliance Innovations: Discover how emerging RegTech solutions are simplifying compliance processes and lowering costs while ensuring adherence to evolving regulations.
Fraud Prevention and Cybersecurity: Learn proven methods for building resilience and safeguarding organizations against the growing threats of cyberattacks and financial fraud.
Why Attend?
AFIS 2025 is more than just a conference; it’s a platform for finance leaders to connect, collaborate, and create meaningful change. Attendees will benefit from:
Unparalleled Networking Opportunities: Connect with 50+ top-tier finance leaders, industry innovators, and global experts.
Actionable Insights and Solutions: Walk away with practical strategies to transform your organization’s finance function.
Visionary Thought Leadership: Gain insights from a lineup of esteemed keynote speakers who are leading the charge in financial innovation.
Future-Focused Discussions: Delve into emerging trends and technologies that will shape the future of the financial industry.
Keynote Speakers
The summit will feature an extraordinary lineup of speakers, including:
Jean-Paul Binot, Managing Director, Group Global Business Services Hub, BoardRoom Group: Sharing insights on driving operational excellence and finance transformation at a global scale.
Dipesh Patel, Regional CFO, APAC, Intertek: Discussing strategies for navigating the complexities of finance in the Asia-Pacific region.
Youjin Lee, Cluster CFO, Schneider Electric Singapore: Highlighting innovative approaches to sustainability and digital transformation in finance.
Zulaifah Abdul Ghani, Ex-Regional CFO, ISS Global Forwarding: Providing expertise on leadership and strategic agility in today’s dynamic financial landscape.
Sessions and Discussions
AFIS 2025 will offer a diverse range of sessions designed to equip attendees with practical knowledge and skills, including AI-powered financial modeling, ESG reporting frameworks, RegTech adoption, and decentralized finance applications. Each session will provide actionable insights that can be immediately implemented to drive operational efficiency and growth.
Conclusion
AFIS 2025 is a must-attend event for finance professionals, industry leaders, and innovators looking to lead the financial revolution. Join us to engage with the brightest minds in the field, explore cutting-edge innovations, and gain the tools needed to transform your finance function into a catalyst for growth and sustainability.
About the Organizer
The ASEAN Finance Innovation Summit (AFIS) 2025 is organized by CT Event Asia, a premier provider of high-level events in the fields of finance, innovation, and technology. With a mission to foster collaboration and drive impactful conversations, CT Event Asia connects finance leaders, industry experts, and decision-makers from diverse sectors to address the most critical challenges shaping the future of finance.
Quam Plus International Financial Limited (Quam Plus Financial or the Group) is honored to congratulate the successful holding of the “2024 Hong Kong Capital Market Forum” at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. It is our great honor to be the platinum sponsor of this event, and Dr. Kenneth Lam, Co-Chairman and CEO of the Group, has been invited to serve as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee. Together with other members of the senior management team, we joined numerous professionals from the capital markets, government agencies, academia, and the financial industry to explore ways to further enhance the economic momentum of Hong Kong.
The forum was organized by The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies, The Hong Kong Institute of Directors, and the Hong Kong Association of Registered Public Interest Entity Auditors Limited, with strong support from institutions such as the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the Securities and Futures Commission and the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council.
This year’s forum is themed “How to Enhance Economic Vitality and Strengthen Competitiveness.” The conference invited Mr. Qi Bin, Deputy Director of the Central Government’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong Administrative Region, and Mr. Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, as guest speakers.
Mr. Qi stated, “Last year, with strong support from the central government and the joint efforts of various sectors in Hong Kong, the economy showed steady improvement. The central government intensified macroeconomic regulation and introduced a series of incremental policies, which also helped reverse the decline in the Hong Kong stock market last year.”
Mr. Paul Chan pointed out, “This week, the People’s Bank of China and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced several measures to deepen financial cooperation, greatly enhancing Hong Kong’s ability to connect with mainland and overseas capital markets.” He also noted, “As long as Hong Kong continues to embrace reform, dare to innovate, seize opportunities, and effectively play the roles of a super connector and a super value creator, it can inject new momentum into the financial development of Hong Kong and contribute even more to the country’s goal of becoming a financial powerhouse.”
Dr. Kenneth Lam delivered the opening speech at the forum, stating “Market progress does not solely rely on the efforts of the government and regulatory bodies. As market participants, we also bear responsibility. This is one of the important reasons we are holding this forum today. We hope to gather the wisest perspectives and richest experiences from the industry to jointly explore the right development path for Hong Kong, helping us rise and become stronger amidst challenges.”
As an important bridge connecting mainland China with international markets, Hong Kong has long leveraged its unique position to become a global hub for capital flows. However, as the global economic landscape continues to reshape, Hong Kong’s capital market is at a critical moment filled with challenges and opportunities. Against this backdrop, this year’s forum aimed to explore how to further stimulate market vitality in a complex environment. Political and business leaders engaged in various sessions, including keynote speeches and discussions, to vigorously debate how to consolidate Hong Kong’s core competitive advantages as an international financial center and deepen its important role in global and national development.
About Quam Plus International Financial Limited
Quam Plus International Financial Limited (the “Company”, Stock Code: 00952.HK) is a Hong Kong based financial services group which is listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. The Company was publicly listed in Hong Kong in 1997, it is committed to building a comprehensive, full-licensed integrated financial platform. The core businesses of the Company are brokerage business, interest income business, corporate finance business, asset management business and investments and others businesses. The Company strives to become the ideal partner for both corporate and individual investors in Hong Kong and China. The Company also offers premier one-stop financial services to its clients. The Company continued to provide capital markets services through its representative office or the wholly-owned foreign enterprise in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Shenyang, Ningbo, Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Xiamen of the PRC and through its networks of Global Alliance Partners network and Oaklins International.
W Capital Markets Pte Ltd (“W Capital Markets” or the “Company”), a dynamic corporate finance firm with a Capital Markets Services (“CMS”) licence issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and an accredited SGX Mainboard IPO issue manager and Catalist Continuing Sponsor authorised by the Singapore Exchange (“SGX-ST”), has completed its Series B fundraising round in December 2024 with the strong support of several esteemed investors.
The Company founded in July 2018 by veteran M&A investment banker, Mr Wayne Lee, has completed more than 50 notable capital market transactions since its inception, ranging from S$50 million to S$3.0 billion.
Helmed by a team of reputable and highly experienced M&A and IPO investment bankers, W Capital Markets’ Board of Directors includes Mr Wayne Lee, Mr Sin Boon Ann, Mr Tan Wang Cheow and representatives from the Nanshan Group (a Chinese conglomerate which is ranked among the top 200 enterprises in China), namely Mdm Chen Aijun and Mr Sui Xinpeng. Also, Mr. Inderbethal Singh Thakral, CEO and Executive Director of SGX Mainboard listed Thakral Corporation Ltd, is a Board Observer of W Capital Markets.
The vision of W Capital Markets is to be an international financial group with presence in key financial centres and be recognized as a premier corporate finance powerhouse in the Asia Pacific region.
“We are delighted and honoured to receive such strong support from the esteemed and well-regarded investors who joined us as shareholders in this Series B round, which include several existing seed shareholders, a billionaire single-family office, listed companies and well-respected business owners. With our expansion into new business segment in advising companies to list on the NASDAQ Capital Market and significant increase in M&A activities and deal completions in 2025, coupled with our advisory business for SGX-listed companies, the successful completion of this Series B round will pave the way forward for W Capital Markets to continue to grow its investment banking business and soar to greater heights as one of the top corporate finance firms in Singapore.” said Mr Wayne Lee, Founding Chairman and CEO of W Capital Markets.
About W Capital Markets
W Capital Markets is a holder of the Capital Markets Services licence issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore to conduct the regulated activities of “Advising on Corporate Finance” and “Dealing in Capital Market Products that are Securities and units in a Collective Investment Scheme” and is an accredited Mainboard IPO Issue Manager and Catalist Continuing Sponsor authorised by the SGX-ST. It provides a full suite of bespoke investment banking services, including M&As, NASDAQ IPOs, Pre-IPO & Secondary Fund Raising, Continuing Sponsorship and Financial Advisory with a focus on mid-cap companies (S$50 million to S$1 billion enterprise value) in the Asia Pacific region.
W Capital Private Equity VCC (“WPE”), as an associate of W Capital Markets, value-adds strategically to W Capital Markets by investing into promising small-medium enterprises from Series B to Pre-IPO stage in Singapore.
In 2022, Mr Wayne Lee won the prestigious EYA Entrepreneur of the Year – New Entrepreneur Category.
EXPO REAL Asia Pacific 2026, set to take place in Singapore from 15 to 17 June 2026, is gearing up to be a significant event for the real estate, infrastructure, and investment sectors in the Asia Pacific region.
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) of Thailand has been announced as the first Founding Partner of EXPO REAL Asia Pacific 2026. This partnership highlights the EEC’s commitment to promote investment, uplift innovation and advanced technology, aligning with the event’s goal as a platform to accelerate real estate and infrastructure growth and investment.
The Eastern Economic Corridor, a flagship economic development zone in Thailand, is renowned for its strategic initiatives aimed at transforming the region into a leading economic hub. By partnering with EXPO REAL Asia Pacific, the EEC aims to showcase its investment opportunities, infrastructure projects, and innovative developments to a global audience.
The Thai government calls the 20-year strategy “Thailand 4.0”, taking a cue from the concept of “Industry 4.0” aimed at transforming the country into an innovative, value-based industry, with an emphasis on 5 clusters: Medical & Health, Digital, Next-Generation Automotive, Bio-Circular-Green, and Services.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Eastern Economic Corridor of Thailand as our first Founding Partner,” said Mr Michael Wilton, CEO and Managing Director of MMI Asia, the organiser of EXPO REAL Asia Pacific. “This partnership underscores the importance of EXPO REAL Asia Pacific as the platform where strategic economic regions like the EEC can tap on to share their success stories and attract more global investment and partners.”
The significant milestone provides the EEC with a prominent platform at EXPO REAL Asia Pacific, allowing it to engage with international investors and industry leaders. The EEC will also host forums and networking sessions highlighting its key projects and strategic initiatives.
“We are excited to join forces with EXPO REAL Asia Pacific,” said Dr Chula Sukmanop, Secretary General of the Eastern Economic Corridor. “This partnership aligns with our vision to position the EEC as a global investment destination. We look forward to leveraging this opportunity to attract new investments and drive sustainable economic growth.”
EXPO REAL Asia Pacific will take place from 15-17 June 2026 in Singapore, bringing together key stakeholders from the real estate, infrastructure and investment sectors. The event will feature a comprehensive program of conferences, exhibitions, and networking opportunities designed to facilitate business connections and knowledge exchange.
About EXPO REAL Asia Pacific
EXPO REAL Asia Pacific is the international event for the real estate, infrastructure and investment industry in the Asia Pacific region. Singapore is the leading financial and commercial centre in the region and offers an excellent business environment and direct market access. In one of the fastest growing regions, the event connects industry decision-makers to tap into market potential and do business and invest in an effective environment. The premiere will take place in Singapore from June 15 to 17, 2026. www.exporealasiapacific.com
About Eastern Economic Corridor of Thailand
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development lies at the heart of Thailand 4.0 scheme. The project is an area-based development initiative, aiming to revitalize the well-known Eastern Seaboard of Thailand, where numerous business developers have experienced a rewarding investment journey and exceptional achievements.
The project initially focused on the 3 Eastern provinces, namely Rayong, Chonburi, and Chachoengsao. The EEC development plan envisages a significant transformation of both physical and social development, playing an important role as a regulatory sandbox to uplift the country’s competitiveness. It has the objectives of developing modern and environmentally friendly economic activities, providing comprehensive government services, creating efficient infrastructure and public utilities, determining the appropriate use of land as well as developing liveable cities to be modern and suitable for living and doing business. www.eeco.or.th/en
For media inquiries, please contact: Ms Adeline Lim Project Director MMI Asia Pte Ltd Email: adeline.lim@mmiasia.com.sg
Stableton, a leader in VC direct secondaries and an award-winning growth equity fintech platform, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Alta, Asia’s leading digital securities exchange for alternative assets.
This collaboration aims to expand investor access to high-growth, late-stage private companies, meeting the surging demand for liquidity and diversification within private markets. With more than 1,300 unicorns redefining the industry landscape, substantial value has emerged over recent years. This wave of rapid growth, alongside the advent of sophisticated data providers and enhanced liquidity for the most valuable unicorns, has set the stage for Stableton to unveil the world’s first strategy of its kind, now accessible via Alta. This pioneering strategy delivers investors unparalleled, cost-effective access to a systematic investment approach focused on the world’s Top 20 unicorns, spanning industries including artificial intelligence, fintech, and aerospace.
“This growth reflects a significant shift in how investors are approaching private market opportunities, seeking more flexible and transparent solutions,” said Wei He, Head of Investments at Stableton. Alta has demonstrated its capabilities with a track record of over US$53 billion in mandated transactions and more than US$700 million successfully raised for private companies and funds, positioning it as a transformative player in the alternative investment landscape.
Stableton’s experience with over 95 transactions, a network of more than 100 sourcing partners, and robust technology- and data-driven investment processes enable access to the leading private technology stocks via portfolios and single investment opportunities. The combination of Stableton’s unique investment strategy and Alta, which features over 35,000 direct investor accounts and partnerships with more than 100 financial institutions, promises to elevate accessibility in private markets.
“Partnering with Stableton represents a significant milestone in our journey to democratize access to the private markets,” said Benjamin Twoon, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Alta. “This collaboration introduces a unique investment product akin to an Exchange Traded Fund, offering investors a diversified portfolio and fractional access to a carefully curated group of industry-leading, late-stage private companies. By combining innovation, efficiency, and a data-driven approach, we are advancing our mission to open doors for more investors to participate in this asset class with the same level of rigor, transparency, and diversification as institutional players.”
Andreas Bezner, CEO and Co-Founder of Stableton, remarked: ”Partnering with Alta represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide superior access to growth equity investments. By leveraging Alta’s strong digital platform and Stableton’s expertise in pre-IPO secondaries, we’re not just widening the doors for investment—we’re setting a new standard for accessibility and liquidity in private markets. This is about providing investors, from institutional to individual, with opportunities that were previously out of reach and delivering impactful and flexible solutions.”
The global unicorn market, valued at $4.7 trillion, continues to show strong investment potential.
Alta is committed to tackling the challenge of private market illiquidity with its accessible, efficient, and secure exchange platform. Alta has seen increasing demand this year from investors eager to participate in high impact ventures like, SpaceX, Stripe, xAI and OpenAI. Over the years, Alta raised a total funding of over US$150 million for SpaceX, and recently closed an additional US$15 million for the spacetech firm.
Alta’s technology-powered initiatives are transforming the financial landscape by empowering a diverse array of investors to engage in alternative investments and the firm believes that broadening access to capital markets is crucial for fostering sustainable growth and generating new opportunities for communities globally. In acknowledgment of those efforts, Alta has recently been named as a 2024 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum.
Konstantin Heiermann, COO and Co-Founder of Stableton, shared insights on the operational benefits of the partnership: “This collaboration with Alta not only broadens our geographical reach but also brings a new level of efficiency and scale to our distribution. This partnership marks an important evolution in how investors engage with private markets, making access more seamless, transparent, and aligned with modern expectations.”
This partnership aims to foster a more dynamic investment ecosystem where technology and strategic alliances facilitate the flow of capital into high-potential, late-stage private companies.
Together, Stableton and Alta are committed to bridging the gap between traditional investment barriers and forward-thinking solutions, making pre-IPO investments more attainable and impactful for a broader audience of global investors.
About Stableton
Stableton is a VC direct secondaries specialist investment manager and an award-winning growth equity fintech investment platform (Swiss Fintech Awards 2022 winner) that empowers investors and shapers of tomorrow to achieve their full potential. Stableton’s mission is to provide superior access to growth equity and pre-IPO deals and portfolios, focusing on secondaries. Investors benefit from institutional-quality investments, product innovation, bankable products with low minimums, and improved liquidity.
Stableton was founded in 2018 by Andreas Bezner, CFA, and Konstantin Heiermann, with an international team of over 25 employees across Zurich, Zug, Berlin, and Riga. Our success story includes a CHF 15 million Series A funding round in July 2022 and a FINMA license as a portfolio manager, according to Art. 17 (1) of the Financial Institutions Act (FINIA). Stableton delivers institutional-grade quality with assets over USD 270 million and a track record of over 95 transactions.
About Alta
As the leading licensed digital securities exchange for alternative investments in Asia, we are building critical capital market infrastructure backed by some of the most active securities brokerages and bookrunners on the Singapore Exchange – Phillip Securities, PrimePartners and Nomura Holdings (Japan).
Empowering Private Markets: Through our Digital Exchange, we enable the tokenization and digital custody of alternative assets. This end-to-end solution simplifies and expedites the trading of smaller asset blocks, ultimately facilitating access and liquidity in private markets. We believe that access to capital markets are pivotal in all economies, we recognize that our role in building this critical infrastructure goes beyond facilitating trades; it paves the way for entrepreneurship, job creation, financial inclusion, and economic resilience, fostering a brighter future for emerging markets and economies.
Innovative Financial Ecosystem: Our journey has seen us transition from securities trading and distribution of comprehensive products, including equities, private credit, funds, and asset-backed securities representing real world assets like whiskies and wines, to include fund management and digital custody.
This Chinese New Year, Spritzer invites Malaysians to cherish heartfelt moments for a refreshing experience this festive season through its heartwarming campaign that brings families and friends closer together. As we usher in the Year of the Snake, Malaysia’s leading mineral water brand, Spritzer is excited to present its Chinese New Year (CNY) 2025 campaign that highlights the importance of open-hearted conversations, combining tradition with a modern touch while bringing loved ones closer together.
At the heart of the campaign is Spritzer’s touching short film, “Speak from the Heart”, a tale reminding us to express ourselves with sincerity, respect and understanding, starring actors and brand ambassadors, Koe Yeet and Jaspers Lai with special appearances by Yagood and Jobroseph. This latest campaign is yet another reflection of Spritzer’s values which are deeply ingrained into its commitment to creating positive impact in society and doing good for humanity.
Spritzer celebrates Chinese New Year in 2025 with “Speak from the Heart”, a short film to remind us to embrace the spirit of the season
A Film to Inspire – “Speak from the Heart”
The film tells a story familiar to many young Malaysians, about a young man named Jasper who is approaching his 30s and feeling the pressure from his family to settle down. With the Chinese New Year festive season approaching and his anxiety rising, Jasper enlists a hairstylist played by Koe Yeet to pretend to be his girlfriend for the day. With her humour, quick wit, and ability to hear the inner thoughts of others, Koe Yeet helps Jasper navigate conversations with his nosy aunt turning a potentially stressful situation into a memorable and light-hearted experience.
“Speak from the Heart” channels the true spirit of the Year of the Snake, by reminding us to tap into wisdom, charm, intuition and elegance to glide through the complexities of life and relationships with our loved ones. Check out Spritzer’s short film, “Speak from the Heart”, which is available on the Spritzer Group’s YouTube channel today!
Festive Gifts & Memorable Moments with Spritzer
Spreading the festive cheer, Spritzer is offering exclusive gifts with purchases of its high-quality beverage products to add to the excitement of the season. Customers who buy RM38 worth of Spritzer products will receive a free Spritzer CNY Ceramic Bowl, while those who spend RM18 will get a free Spritzer CNY Retro Mug. These special edition items are sure to add a touch of tradition to your festive get-togethers.
Spritzer’s Natural Mineral Water is also available with a special edition CNY bottle label to add to the festive excitement. Rich in silica to promote healthy skin, hair and nails, it is perfect for staying hydrated throughout the celebrations. In addition, Spritzer Sparkling, available in original and lemon flavours, makes for a refreshing beverage on its own. Spritzer Sparkling contains no sweeteners or calories, and is perfect for pairing with food, gifting to loved ones, and serving at gatherings.
From inspiring short films to exclusive gifts, Spritzer’s CNY 2025 heartwarming campaign is designed to fill your festive season with cheer and positivity. Don’t miss out on the chance to embrace heartfelt traditions while enjoying the refreshing benefits of Spritzer’s beverages this Chinese New Year.
Spritzer’s “Speak from the Heart” short film is available on the Spritzer Group YouTube channel. For more details about Spritzer’s Chinese New Year campaign, please visit our website at https://www.spritzer.com.my/.
For more high-resolution photos, please download them here.
About Spritzer
Spritzer, Malaysia’s No.1 bottled water brand since 1989, sources its water from a 430-acre tropical rainforest in Taiping. The water undergoes a natural filtration process through underground rocks for over 15 years, enriching it with essential minerals like Silica, which benefits skin, bones, hair, and nails.
As a leader in smart manufacturing, we use advanced technology to ensure quality and safety. Our packaging is 100% recyclable and made from recycled materials, reflecting our commitment to sustainability. Tested annually by SIRIM, our products are free from microplastics.
Spritzer offers a full range of products, from Natural Mineral Water and Sparkling Water to Distilled Water and Fruit-flavoured Beverages, catering to every lifestyle and occasion. With a vision to become a circular brand by 2030, we are committed to sustainability and delivering quality you can trust.
Spritzer—nature, innovation, and sustainability in every bottle. For more information, please visit www.spritzer.com.my.
Atlas Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLX) (“Atlas Lithium” or “Company”), a leading lithium pre-production company, is pleased to announce two pivotal additions to its leadership team, marking a significant step forward in the Company’s journey to becoming a leading lithium producer at its Neves Project in Brazil’s thriving Lithium Valley.
Strengthening Project Implementation Expertise with Eduardo Queiroz
Eduardo Queiroz joins Atlas Lithium as Project Management Officer (PMO) and Vice President of Engineering, bringing over 20 years of hands-on experience managing complex, large-scale mining projects, and making him the perfect addition to drive the Company’s Neves Project to revenue generation. Mr. Queiroz has more than two decades of expertise in managing large-scale and complex mining projects, most recently as General Manager of Planning and Management at Bamin, a unit of Eurasian Resources Group, where he successfully led the strategic planning of several projects over US$3 billion, including an integrated iron ore mining project encompassing mining operations, processing plant, railway, and ocean port facilities. His comprehensive experience includes engineering oversight, environmental compliance, risk management, and the implementation of cost-efficient operational strategies. He holds an MBA in Project Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas and a degree in Civil Engineering from the Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto.
“Eduardo’s arrival could not come at a better time,” said Marc Fogassa, CEO and Chairman of Atlas Lithium. “As we prepare to transition into production, his proven track record in the implementation of Brazilian mining projects will be instrumental in our success. We are honored and thrilled to have him on our team.”
Expanding Asian Market Presence with Lili Wu
In addition to strengthening our technical capabilities, Atlas Lithium is expanding its global footprint with the appointment of Lili Wu as Head of Business Development for Asia. Based in Beijing, Ms. Wu brings a wealth of knowledge and an extensive network in the lithium and battery materials industries. Her prior roles at InsightWoo and IHS Markit (now part of S&P Global) demonstrate her ability to drive results in international markets. From negotiating long-term procurement agreements to advising top financial institutions on lithium investments, she has a proven ability to add value in the ever-evolving lithium supply chain. Ms. Wu holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor’s degree in International Trade from Beijing International Studies University.
The appointment of Ms. Wu comes at a strategic time as Atlas Lithium continues to strengthen its market presence in regions experiencing robust electric vehicle growth. Recent market data shows China’s electric vehicle (EV) sales jumped 51% year-over-year as of November 2024, underlining the region’s vital role in the global energy transition. With established offtake agreements with major partners like Mitsui & Co. in Japan and leading lithium chemical producers Chengxin and Yahua in China, Atlas Lithium has commercial relationships in key growth markets. This global approach positions the Company to capitalize on worldwide opportunities in the lithium supply chain while reducing dependence on any single regional market.
“I have had the privilege of working with Lili and her contributions have already been invaluable to Atlas Lithium,” said Fogassa. “Her unparalleled work ethic and deep understanding of the Asian lithium market make her the perfect ambassador for this high EV growth region.”
Positioned for Global Success
These strategic hires reflect the Company’s unwavering commitment to excellence as it advances toward production. Eduardo Queiroz and Lili Wu represent the next generation of leadership at Atlas Lithium, bringing the vision, expertise, and energy we need to achieve our ambitious goals.
“At Atlas Lithium, our mission is not just to mine lithium but to power the world’s transition to sustainable energy,” said Fogassa. “With Eduardo’s operational expertise and Lili’s unmatched ability to navigate the dynamic Asian markets, we are well-positioned for growth. With a world-class team and a clear vision, Atlas Lithium is ready to deliver value to our shareholders, partners, and the global energy ecosystem.”
About Atlas Lithium Corporation
Atlas Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLX) is advancing to production its wholly owned hard-rock lithium Neves Project located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Neves Project has received operational permitting from Minas Gerais in October 2024. Additionally, with 539 square kilometers of lithium mineral rights, Atlas Lithium owns the largest lithium exploration footprint in Brazil of any publicly listed company. The company also holds a 32.7% ownership stake in Atlas Critical Minerals Corporation (formerly Jupiter Gold Corporation), a diversified mining company with significant mineral rights in rare earths, copper, graphite, nickel, iron ore, gold, and quartzite.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward looking statements are based upon the current plans, estimates and projections of Atlas Lithium and its subsidiaries and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. Such statements include, among others, those concerning market and industry segment growth and demand and acceptance of new and existing products; any projections of production, reserves, sales, earnings, revenue, margins or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; uncertainties related to conducting business in Brazil, as well as all assumptions, expectations, predictions, intentions or beliefs about future events. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: results from ongoing geotechnical analysis of projects; business conditions in Brazil; general economic conditions, geopolitical events, and regulatory changes; availability of capital; Atlas Lithium’s ability to maintain its competitive position; manipulative attempts by short sellers to drive down our stock price; and dependence on key management.
Additional risks related to the Company and its subsidiaries are more fully discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on November 9, 2024. Please also refer to the Company’s other filings with the SEC, all of which are available at www.sec.gov. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent the Company’s views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. The Company explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
