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Media OutReach

Seeding The Future Foundation, Institute of Food Technologists, and Welthungerhilfe Announce Evolution of the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge

PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA; CHICAGO, ILLINOIS; BONN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 2 September 2025 – The Seeding The Future Foundation (STF), the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), and Welthungerhilfe (WHH) today announced the next chapter of the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge (GFSC). With the conclusion of its fourth cycle, operations will transition from IFT to WHH, an international leader in food systems transformation and the fight against hunger in the Global South. Launched by STF in 2021 and hosted by IFT, the Challenge has become a premier platform for advancing breakthrough innovations. Over four years, it has drawn more than 4,000 applications from 97 countries, awarding $1 million annually to visionary teams tackling urgent food system challenges. The program has accelerated solutions that improve food security, reduce environmental impact, and build resilience in vulnerable communities. “We are incredibly proud of what the Challenge has achieved and the vital role we played in helping visionary innovators bring forward solutions that improve lives worldwide,” said Christie Tarantino-Dean, CEO of IFT. “Our mission to create healthier, more sustainable, and more accessible food systems has guided this partnership, and we are confident the Challenge will continue to thrive and evolve under WHH’s leadership.” “IFT’s dedication helped build a strong global innovation platform that has inspired transformative innovations by thousands of teams globally. As we enter the next phase with WHH, we look forward to broadening the Challenge’s reach and continuing to accelerate solutions that ensure safe, nutritious, and sustainable food for all. With decades of experience in agriculture, food security, and innovation, and deep partnerships across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, WHH is uniquely positioned to lead the Challenge going forward.” said Dr. Bernhard van Lengerich, Founder and CEO of STF. The Challenge will continue to distribute $1 million annually across three award categories for innovations that advance equitable access to safe and nutritious food, promote sustainable and regenerative practices, and deliver trusted, affordable, and appealing solutions: Seed Grants (up to 8 at $25,000 each) Growth Grants (up to 3 at $100,000 each) Grand Prizes (up to 2 at $250,000 each) Beginning with the 2025–26 cycle, opening October 15, 2025, WHH assumes full operational leadership. “Welthungerhilfe is honored to lead the Challenge into its next phase,” said Mathias Mogge, CEO and General Secretary of WHH. “At a time of rising humanitarian needs and constrained development budgets, scalable innovations that combine efficiency, sustainability, and equity are indispensable. This Challenge will continue to spotlight and support solutions with lasting global impact.” For more information about the Challenge, visit https://www.welthungerhilfe.org/global-food-system-challenge or email [email protected]. Hashtag: #Welthungerhilfe The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Seeding The Future Foundation STF is a private nonprofit dedicated to ensuring equitable access to safe, nutritious, affordable, and trusted food. It supports innovations that transform food systems and benefit both people and planet. More at seedingthefuture.org. About Welthungerhilfe WHH is one of Germany’s largest private aid organizations, striving for a world without hunger since 1962. In 2024, it supported nearly 19 million people in 37 countries. More at welthungerhilfe.org. About Institute of Food Technologists Since 1939, the IFT has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding a community of more than 200,000. More at ift.org.

Media OutReach

Berlin Women’s Choir Performs in Yanguan, Fostering Cultural Exchange with Pure Female Voices

JIAXING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2025 – On the evening of August 28, 2025, the Berlin Women’s Choir from Germany gave a concert at the Yanguan Theatre, conducted by renowned maestro Sabine Wuesthoff. This concert marked the ensemble’s debut performance in China. More than twenty members of the choir performed entirely a cappella, featuring works from composers including Beethoven and Schumann. Their harmonious blend and crystal-clear tone demonstrated exceptional artistry. In the second half of the concert, the Berlin Women’s Choir joined hands with the Hangzhou Women’s Choir to perform the traditional Chinese folk song Jasmine Flower (Mo Li Hua), creating a gentle musical dialogue between East and West. The Yanguan Theatre, located in the ancient city known as the “Tides and Music Resort,” has become a favored venue for international performances thanks to its refined acoustics and tranquil atmosphere. Prior to the concert, the choir also gave an impromptu, unadorned performance at Yanguan’s Imperial Wharf, without costumes or stage lighting, embodying the idea that “music belongs to everyone.” Founded in 2015, the Berlin Women’s Choir has won multiple first prizes at German choral competitions and, in 2020, received the OPUS KLASSIK award for classical music. Conductor Sabine Wuesthoff is a recipient of both the Mendelssohn Medal and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Today, Yanguan has become a dynamic artistic arena where strings, piano, percussion, vocals, and traditional instruments such as the guzheng and dizi converge. It continues to witness the growth and fusion of local and international, traditional and contemporary music, allowing the world to hear ever more resonant artistic echoes from this historic place. Hashtag: #Yanguan The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Media OutReach

DHL Express names new Chief Information Officer for Asia Pacific, reinforces commitment to digital acceleration and talent mobility

Karen Tan to lead the region’s IT strategy and digital acceleration efforts, effective September 1, 2025 Karen succeeds Jimmy Yeoh, who will retire starting December 31, 2025 SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2025 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has appointed Karen Tan as Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Asia-Pacific region. Based in Singapore, Karen takes over from Jimmy Yeoh, who will retire from the organization at the end of 2025, after an extraordinary 33 years of dedicated service. DHL Express names Karen Tan as new Asia Pacific CIO Before taking on this new role, Karen served as the CIO for DHL Express Singapore, where she led the development of a nationwide digitalization framework, strengthened data protection and information security practices, and significantly improved employee engagement and leadership scores within the IT team. She also served as the company’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) Champion, where she collaborated with global DPO and legal teams to ensure that policies and processes were in place to handle personal data effectively. Additionally, she served as the DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging) Champion, spearheading initiatives such as International Women’s Day, International Men’s Day, and Generations Day, with the aim of fostering a more inclusive and empowered workplace. In her new role, Karen will oversee the region’s IT infrastructure, digital acceleration roadmap, and cybersecurity strategy, supporting a network that spans over 40 countries and territories. Her leadership will be crucial in facilitating cross-functional collaboration and communication across multiple teams. This will be instrumental to ensuring the team continues to facilitate seamless cross-border trade and deliver best-in-class service to customers across the region. “Digitalization remains one of the megatrends DHL Group has identified that will impact the logistics industry. Our Strategy 2030 has also firmly emphasized growing this segment to accelerate digital innovation for enhanced customer experience. A robust IT strategy will empower us to become more agile, reliable and resilient,” said Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express. “As we focus on developing our people and nurturing talent from within, Karen’s proven track record in driving digital acceleration, data protection, and cross-functional collaboration makes her the ideal leader to take our Asia Pacific IT function to the next level. Her people-first approach and passion for innovation will be instrumental in supporting our teams and delivering value to our customers.” “As digital ecosystems grow more complex, the challenges around cybersecurity and data protection continue to be highly critical. While we manage these risks with care and precision, it is essential that we continue to uphold the standards and quality of our employee and customer experience. Asia Pacific is a dynamic and diverse region, and I am honored to take on this role and work closely with a passionate team that is committed to driving innovation and operational excellence every day,” said Karen Tan, CIO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express. Karen began her career at DHL Express in 1990 as a customer service trainer and has since held a wide range of roles across the DHL Group, including IT, commercial, and operations. From 2014, she served as Vice President of Operations Programs for Asia Pacific and subsequently took on the CIO role at DHL Express Singapore in 2021. Hashtag: #DHLExpress #Digitalization #CIO https://group.dhl.com/en.htmlhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dhlexpress/https://x.com/dhlexpress The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. DHL – The logistics company for the world DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”. DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

News

Nestlé Dismisses CEO Laurent Freixe Over Undisclosed Relationship

Swiss food and beverage multinational Nestlé announced Monday that it has terminated CEO Laurent Freixe following an internal investigation into an undisclosed relationship with a direct subordinate. The company, known for brands such as Nescafé and Purina, said the dismissal took immediate effect after the probe determined that Freixe’s conduct violated Nestlé’s code of ethics. No further details about the investigation were disclosed. Freixe, who had served as CEO for just one year, will be succeeded by Philipp Navratil, a veteran Nestlé executive. “This was a necessary decision,” Chairman Paul Bulcke said in a statement. “Nestlé’s values and governance remain the strong foundations of our company.” Freixe joined Nestlé in 1986 and built a decades-long career across various international markets. He became CEO of Zone Latin America in 2022 before being appointed group CEO in August 2024, officially assuming the role that September. Navratil began his career with Nestlé in 2001 as an internal auditor, later holding senior roles in Central America and within the Coffee Strategic Business Unit. He most recently served as CEO of the company’s Nespresso division. The leadership shake-up adds to a series of senior transitions at the Swiss giant. In April, Steve Presley, CEO of Zone Americas, announced his retirement after nearly three decades. And in June, Bulcke confirmed he would not seek reelection as chairman in 2026. Nestlé, headquartered in Vevey, has faced mounting pressures common across the food sector, including rising commodity prices and tariffs. In July, the company said it offset higher costs for coffee and cocoa through price increases.

Energy & Technology

Rising Player Entermind Sets Out To Unite Data Engineering And Human Experience

PETALING JAYA, Singapore-based Entermind, positioned as the world’s first AI consulting firm to fuse data engineering with human experience, officially launched today. In its statement, Entermind said its multidisciplinary team brings together data engineers, AI and machine learning architects, insight strategists, and human experience designers—talent drawn from leading consultancies and startups worldwide. Beyond Singapore, the company will establish offices in Silicon Valley, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangalore. Apart from Singapore, Entermind will have offices in the Silicon Valley, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangalore. Founder Prashant Kumar said that with AI poised to disrupt the consulting industry, Entermind seeks to deliver a truly “native” approach to AI-driven business transformation—helping companies reimagine their products, capabilities, knowledge, processes, and competitive edge. Kumar, author of the bestseller Made in Future, explained that this transformation involves rethinking internal knowledge graphs, creating AI-native data architectures and ontologies, and building applications designed to solve real-world business challenges. “Most first-generation AI pilots are struggling to scale because they are still being approached in a legacy manner,” he said.“It’s crucial to understand that generative AI ‘speaks’ the same language as humans. To unlock its full potential for enterprises, we need an approach that is native to AI.” Entermind’s services will include harnessing and structuring data for AI-native knowledge and decision systems, designing AI-powered products and services, developing AI-led growth engines, and enabling AI-driven sales and customer service.

Investment & Market Trends

Malaysia Confirms Taxation On Cryptocurrency Trading And Mining Income

KUALA LUMPUR, The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has confirmed that income generated from cryptocurrency-related activities is taxable under the Income Tax Act 1967. The clarification came in response to a query from Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan), who pointed out that LUNO Malaysia recorded RM254 million in revenue but paid only RM3.8 million in taxes between 2019 and 2024. According to the MoF, digital currencies are treated as commodities, meaning that profits derived from trading, mining, or operating exchanges are considered business income and subject to tax. This approach, the ministry noted, is consistent with international practices. The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) has also published guidelines on the tax treatment of such activities. However, the IRB clarified that Malaysia does not impose capital gains tax. As such, if an individual buys cryptocurrency, holds it long-term, and later sells it for a profit, the gain is regarded as capital in nature and is not taxable. By contrast, frequent trading, mining operations, or running an exchange are classified as business activities, and earnings are taxed accordingly. The MoF further emphasized that digital services are subject to service tax. Since 2020, this rule has applied not only to local providers but also to foreign companies offering services directly to Malaysian consumers — ensuring equal treatment for domestic and overseas platforms, including crypto exchanges. LUNO, established in Malaysia in 2015 and licensed by the Securities Commission in 2019, provides trading and storage services for digital assets such as bitcoin and ethereum. It also offers shariah-compliant features, including Islamic staking. The company has not issued a public statement regarding the matter. On concerns over corporate tax contributions, the MoF stressed that tax assessments are based on net taxable income after allowable expenses and deductions, not on total revenue. The ministry also underscored that details of tax paid by individual companies remain confidential under Section 138 of the Income Tax Act 1967, in line with global standards on taxpayer privacy.

Media OutReach

MyRepublic Unveils HaloHome: The Bespoke Home Network and IT Solutions For Homes Beyond Standard Wi-Fi and IT Needs

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2025 – MyRepublic, a recognised innovator in the broadband industry for its appeal to gamers and digital natives, today announced the launch of MyRepublic HaloHome, a premium managed home network and IT solutions designed for homeowners seeking enterprise-grade connectivity, reliability, and convenience. MyRepublic HaloHome “As homes become smarter and more digitally demanding, families need more than a one-size-fits-all Wi-Fi setup,” said Ng Wey Keen, Head of Connectivity at MyRepublic. “Larger homes, luxury residences, and uniquely designed apartments require networks that are both robust and seamless. With MyRepublic HaloHome, we deliver bespoke Wi-Fi solutions as the foundation of the modern home, complementing them with integrated IT and smart-home services, such as CCTV, doorbells, and more. The result is a truly seamless and convenient living experience where connectivity and technology work effortlessly together.” Built for the demands of modern digital living, MyRepublic HaloHome combines advanced networking with a white-glove service model. Backed by a dedicated team of industry network professionals, every solution is curated, from consultation and customised design to professional installation and proactive ongoing support. MyRepublic HaloHome transforms connectivity and IT solutions into an effortless experience, ensuring every home enjoys reliable, end-to-end performance. Every MyRepublic HaloHome customer is paired with a personal account manager, a single, trusted point of contact who understands their household setup, lifestyle and evolving digital needs. This dedicated relationship means that support is always personalised, efficient, and accessible, assuring homeowners that their household connectivity and IT solutions are being expertly cared for at all times. To further elevate the customer experience, MyRepublic HaloHome customers enjoy privileged access to a priority service channel, ensuring that their concerns are addressed ahead of standard queues. With faster response times, expedited troubleshooting, and expert support on demand, MyRepublic HaloHome redefines what it means to have concierge-level service for the modern connected household. To provide absolute peace of mind, MyRepublic HaloHome comes with clear service guarantees, including a firm warranty commitment. Any faulty equipment is replaced quickly and efficiently, minimising long downtimes and ensuring that the home network remains as dependable as the lifestyle it supports. With MyRepublic HaloHome, connectivity is supported by network monitoring and periodic health checks that keep the home network running optimally. By ensuring that the system adapts as device usage expands, MyRepublic HaloHome minimises common frustrations and provides homeowners with greater confidence in their digital lifestyles. The launch of MyRepublic HaloHome signals a new benchmark for the Internet Service Provider (ISP) industry. Traditionally, providers have focused on raw speeds and bandwidth, leaving customers to self-manage their networks. With HaloHome, MyRepublic positions itself as a true partner in digital living, delivering personalised solutions, premium support, and enterprise-grade reliability to the home. Beyond setting a new standard for the industry, MyRepublic HaloHome is already transforming daily life for families. One of the first installations was for a family of five living in a three-storey residence in the East of Singapore. Long plagued by dead zones and dropped calls, the family now enjoys seamless streaming, flawless hybrid work calls, and the confidence that any support they need is just a phone call away. “At MyRepublic, we believe true luxury means effortless living,” said Lawrence Chan, Managing Director and Chief AI Officer at MyRepublic. “With HaloHome, homeowners can be confident that their networks and IT needs are always cared for, their issues swiftly resolved, and their digital lifestyles worry-free.” MyRepublic HaloHome is now available to homeowners in Singapore, with availability expanding in phases. To experience the future of home connectivity and IT solutions, visit any MyRepublic store to speak with the team and explore personalised solutions, or find out more online at https://myrepublic.net/sg/halohome/ Hashtag: #MyRepublic #HaloHome #Broadband #SignalEverywhere #NoDeadZonesEver #NextGenNetworking https://myrepublic.net/sg/https://www.linkedin.com/company/myrepublichttps://x.com/myrepublichttps://www.facebook.com/MyRepublicSG/https://www.instagram.com/myrepublicsg/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. MyRepublic Broadband Pte Ltd MyRepublic is an award-winning telecom operator whose values lie in the future of connectivity, the next opportunity to disrupt, and innovations that will make a real difference. The provider’s priority is to redefine broadband and mobile connectivity in the markets it operates and empower customers to understand what a true modern connectivity experience can be.

Media OutReach

AFTEC’s Epic Three Kingdoms Trilogy Concludes with Taming the Dragon in 2025/26 School Season

Enrolment opens for new school programmes introducing creative learning through live theatre, arts workshops, and digital innovation. HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2025 – AFTEC (The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection) today announced the launch of its 2025/26 school programmes, opening enrolment for a dynamic line-up of arts education experiences. Headlining the season is Taming the Dragon, the highly anticipated final instalment of the From Page to Stage® Three Kingdoms Trilogy. The season also features the bilingual Young Theatre Makers programme, comprehensive Creative Teaching & Learning professional development for educators, and the versatile free digital learning platform, digiAFTEC®. The 2025/26 programme suite encompasses four distinct offerings designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation among primary and secondary school students. From the flagship From Page to Stage® theatre production to cutting-edge digital learning platform, these programmes address the evolving needs of 21st-century education while aligning with the Education Bureau’s learning goals. From Page to Stage®: Taming the Dragon The season’s flagship production, Taming the Dragon, will premiere in March 2026 at AFTEC’s venue partner, the Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre Theatre. Adapted and directed by AFTEC’s Artistic Director, Dr Vicki Ooi, this English-language production with bilingual surtitles brings the legendary saga to a thrilling conclusion. The story picks up with Liu Bei on his deathbed, the fate of the Shu-Han kingdom resting on Zhuge Liang’s final, decisive campaign against his lifelong rival, Sima Yi. This production culminates the exploration of loyalty, brotherhood, and resilience that has defined the trilogy. Directed by Dr Vicki Ooi, this gripping adaptation explores themes of loyalty, bonding, and leadership through the legendary strategic duel between two of history’s greatest military minds. The production features professional actors, live music, and bilingual surtitles, making classical Chinese literature accessible to contemporary and international audiences. Reflecting on the trilogy, Dr Vicki Ooi stated, “Bringing the full arc of this epic to the stage has been a remarkable journey. With Taming the Dragon, we are not just concluding a story; we are reaffirming the power of classic literature to speak to new generations. These tales of strategy, loyalty, and human determination are timeless. Our goal with From Page to Stage® has always been to ignite a passion for the arts and literature by creating theatre that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant for students.” Since its inception in 2009, From Page to Stage® has engaged over 130,000 secondary school students and teachers, establishing itself as one of Hong Kong’s longest-running English-language theatre-in-education programmes. The 2025/26 season offers comprehensive learning experiences including pre-show materials, interactive workshops, and post-show activities designed to deepen students’ understanding of literature and performing arts. Transforming Classrooms into Creative Studios Beyond the main stage production, AFTEC’s 2025/26 season continues to offer a comprehensive suite of programmes designed to embed creativity in schools: Young Theatre Makers: This bilingual drama programme empowers secondary students to explore contemporary and coming of age themes like identity, social media, and family through a curated collection of 14 original plays from local and international playwrights. The programme fosters critical thinking and self-expression through in-school training and a final showcase and discussion. Creative Teaching & Learning CPD: Continuing its commitment to educators, AFTEC offers a series of professional development workshops. These interactive sessions provide teachers with practical strategies and tools to integrate creative, arts-based, and object-based learning into their classrooms. digiAFTEC®: This free, 24/7 online educational resource supports self-directed learning for P4 to S3 students. It includes interactive modules such as Serendip to cultivate creative thinking, Walking the Amazon to explore physical theatre and resilience, and A Young Person’s Guide to the Theatre to demystify the world of stage production. “Our 2025/26 season embodies our belief in a holistic approach that connects arts with education,” said Ms Lynn Yau, Chief Executive Officer, AFTEC. “By combining the excitement of a cultural bridge like Taming the Dragon with a discussion and thinking platform like Young Theatre Makers, all-round teachers’ training and accessible digital resources on digiAFTEC®, we provide multiple pathways to engage with the arts. Our goal is to foster the 5C competencies — Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Contribution — through the arts, equipping a new generation with the skills essential for the future.” Full programme details are available in the appendix. Appendix: AFTEC 2025/26 School Programmes Overview Programme Target Audience Key Features & Offerings Costs From Page to Stage® 2026: Taming the Dragon https://www.aftec.hk/?p=14312 S1 – S6 Students Live Theatre: The final instalment of the Three Kingdoms Trilogy, performed in English with bilingual surtitles. Performance Dates: March 4 – 6 & 9 – 13, 2026. Comprehensive Learning: Includes pre-show digital resources and post-show activities. In-School Workshop: Schools booking 100+ tickets receive one free pre-show workshop (quota applies). Video Option: In-school screening with a workshop is available from June – August 2026 (bespoke arrangement). HK$120 per teacher & student Young Theatre Makers https://www.aftec.hk/?page_id=8881 S1 – S6 Students Bilingual Theatre Programme: Students explore storytelling and performance by working with a curated script. Choice of 14 Plays: Scripts available in English or Cantonese, exploring themes like identity, technology, and family. In-School Training: 24 hours of guidance from an experienced drama tutor. Holistic Experience: Includes teachers CPD workshops, inter-school exchange, and a final showcase. HK$36,000 per group (Max. 30 students & 4 teachers) Creative Teaching & Learning CPD https://www.aftec.hk/?p=14696 Primary & Secondary School Teachers Professional Development: Systematic CPD workshops for teachers. Practical Skills: Provides creative teaching strategies, tools, and techniques for immediate classroom application. Flexible Topics: Includes modules like Creative Teaching & Learning through the Arts, Object-based Learning, and Learning English through Drama. Bespoke Arrangements: Can be tailored for school professional development days and delivered in English or Cantonese. Bespoke arrangements digiAFTEC® https://www.aftec.hk/?page_id=8804 P4 – S3 Students Free Digital Platform: An online resource accessible 24/7 to support self-directed learning. Interactive Modules: Serendip: Cultivates understanding of the arts and develops creative thinking. Walking the Amazon: Explores physical theatre and resilience. A Young Person’s Guide to the Theatre: Demystifies theatre production. Rich

Energy & Technology

Japan Post Bank Set To Roll Out Digital Yen In 2026

TOKYO, Japan Post Bank has announced plans to roll out a digital yen by the end of fiscal 2026, in a move aimed at enhancing convenience for its vast depositor base and further modernising the country’s financial infrastructure. The initiative underscores the growing momentum among Japanese financial institutions and corporates to embrace blockchain technology as a way to improve the speed, transparency, and efficiency of financial transactions. Japan Post Bank, one of the country’s largest deposit-taking institutions with approximately 190 trillion yen (US$1.29 trillion) in deposits, will introduce a digital currency known as DCJPY, developed by DeCurret DCP. The announcement was made in a joint statement released on Monday by the two companies. Once operational, depositors will be able to seamlessly convert their yen holdings into DCJPY, enabling instant settlement of digital securities, tokenised assets, and other blockchain-based instruments. This innovation is expected to provide customers with faster, more secure and transparent transaction options compared to traditional systems. “Our tokenised deposit currency under consideration will allow for instant and highly transparent transactions through blockchain technology,” Japan Post Bank and DeCurret DCP, a subsidiary of Internet Initiative Japan, said in their statement. Unlike stablecoins—which are privately issued cryptocurrencies typically pegged to fiat money—DCJPY is classified as a blockchain-based deposit currency fully backed at a 1:1 ratio by yen deposits. This means every unit of DCJPY in circulation will correspond to an equivalent amount of fiat yen held in reserve, ensuring stability and reducing risks associated with volatility. The planned launch of DCJPY places Japan Post Bank among the key players spearheading Japan’s transition into the era of digital finance. It also reflects broader government and industry efforts to strengthen the nation’s digital currency ecosystem in anticipation of the Bank of Japan’s potential issuance of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the future. With Japan’s ageing population increasingly turning to digital platforms and the financial sector under pressure to enhance efficiency, the introduction of DCJPY could accelerate the adoption of tokenised financial products and services in the domestic market. ($1 = 147.3300 yen)

Property

IOI Properties Plans RM2b Pipeline Of Launches In FY26

PETALING JAYA, IOI Properties Group Bhd (IOIProp), which announced its fourth-quarter results for the period ended June 30, 2025 (4Q25), is gearing up to launch RM2 billion worth of property projects in Malaysia, with its property investment division expected to remain the main earnings driver. Despite a 14% year-on-year increase in revenue, the developer’s net profit for 4Q25 fell 47%, weighed down by lower fair-value gains from investment properties and higher interest costs. IOIProp also declared an interim dividend of eight sen per share. Analyst opinions remain mixed. Hong Leong Investment Bank Research maintained its “buy” call with an unchanged target price of RM4.05, citing expectations of a stronger earnings recovery than the market anticipates. It also highlighted the group’s planned real estate investment trust (REIT) listing, which should unlock asset value. Meanwhile, MBSB Research maintained a “neutral” stance, citing weak earnings visibility and elevated net gearing of 0.7 times. The research house cut its earnings forecasts for FY26 and FY27 by 38% and 32%, respectively, revising its target price to RM2.09 from RM2.15. TA Research, however, reiterated a “buy” call with a target price of RM2.78, pointing to the group’s FY26 project pipeline, which includes high-rise developments in Bandar Puteri Puchong, 16 Sierra, and IOI Resort City, as well as landed homes in Kulai, Johor, where demand remains resilient. The firm noted that the property investment segment continues to underpin earnings, supported by stable recurring income and a 6% rental reversion across its retail portfolio, which lifted mall valuations. TA Research added that the group’s hospitality and leisure segment stands to benefit from Visit Malaysia 2026, though challenges persist at its recently opened Sheraton Grand Xiamen Jimei in China. To support the planned REIT listing, IOIProp has incorporated a new subsidiary and appointed Maybank Investment Bank Bhd and AmInvestment Bank Bhd as joint principal advisers. The company has guided for the REIT to be listed within 12 to 18 months.

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