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Enhanced safety and security of goods entering the EU HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – The European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) aims to enhance the safety and security of goods entering the EU by introducing a standardised, pre-arrival customs process for all transportation modes, including road and rail, in addition to the existing air, maritime and inland waterway requirements. By mandating the submission of accurate and complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) data prior to arrival, the ICS2 enables customs authorities to better assess the risks associated with incoming goods, thereby improving the EU’s ability to prevent and combat customs offenses, and ultimately ensuring a safer and more secure trade environment. From 1 April 2025, road and rail carriers will need to provide data on goods sent to or through the EU prior to their arrival, through a complete ENS. This obligation also concerns postal and express carriers who transport goods using these modes of transport as well as other parties, such as logistics providers. In certain circumstances, final consignees established in the EU will also have to submit ENS data in the ICS2. Economic operators who are not ready by this date need to contact the National Service Desk of the EU Member State (National Customs Authority) where they have registered and obtained their EORI number to request a deployment window by 1 March 2025, at the latest. Deployment windows are granted only upon request. To comply with the ICS2 requirements, affected businesses will be required to make sure they collect accurate and complete data from their clients, update their IT systems and operational processes, and provide adequate training to their staff. Economic operators will also need to successfully complete a self-conformance test before connecting to the ICS2, to verify their ability to access and exchange messages with customs authorities. Goods might be stopped at EU borders and might not be cleared by customs authorities if traders do not meet the ICS2 requirements on time. ICS2 in detail The ICS2 has been developed through close collaboration between the European Commission, Member States’ customs authorities and businesses. Starting from 1 September 2025, the ICS1 will phase out. The ICS2 will fully replace the ICS1 with an entirely new business process in accordance with the Union Customs Code. The European Commission organises monthly webinars (in English) where economic operators can ask questions about the operational and technical aspects of the ICS2. Further details can be found here. For more information More information about the ICS2 is available on the European Commission’s web page (https://ec.europa.eu/ICS2) including factsheets detailing the requirements for all transportation modes and the steps to take to prepare for the ICS2. All necessary technical documentation can be found on CIRCABC. Hashtag: #trade #regulation #shipping #ecommerce The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

New simple, powerful, affordable block storage systems power critical applications SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – NetApp® (NASDAQ: NTAP), the intelligent data infrastructure company, today announced updates to its enterprise storage portfolio, expanding the NetApp ASA A-Series with new systems designed to accelerate and consolidate block workloads for organizations of any size. Alongside the announcement of new cyber resiliency capabilities, these systems enable customers to create a silo-free data infrastructure that both runs on and is built for intelligence. Organizations have to reimagine their data strategy to access the data flexibility and confidence they need to successfully modernize their IT operations to drive efficient innovation. Today, NetApp launched three new enterprise storage systems that give customers even more options for simple, powerful, and affordable storage that is part of an intelligent data infrastructure framework capable of meeting workload-specific requirements now and for years to come. The new high-performance NetApp ASA A20, A30, and A50 systems make block storage available to companies of every size for mission-critical apps like databases and virtual machines. They are ideal for smaller deployments including remote or branch offices with a starting price as low as $25K. The NetApp ASA systems deliver: Simplicity: Customers can use the NetApp ASA systems to modernize their operations with effortless storage which they can deploy in minutes, provision in seconds, and protect with one click. Common management workflows across the entire storage environment, including NAS and SAN, enable customers to enjoy simplicity at a scale that can grow into the future. Power: Customers can operate faster and more agilely with a storage architecture that delivers consistent performance and the flexibility to start small and scale to PBs of capacity. Built-in business continuity, a 99.9999% data availability guarantee, and a ransomware recovery guarantee help reduce operational risks for customers so they can operate worry-free. Affordability: Customers benefit not only from upfront costs 30-50 percent lower than competitive systems but also from a better return on investment driven by up to 97 percent lower power consumption and low operational overhead when modernizing to all-flash ASA. “In less than a year, NetApp has refreshed our entire unified, block-optimized, and object portfolio and highlighted our commitment to relentless innovation,” said Sandeep Singh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Enterprise Storage at NetApp. “With the industry’s most comprehensive storage lineup with built-in cyber resiliency, we offer systems that are faster, simpler, more scalable, and more affordable than the competition—tailored to any workload or budget. NetApp enables customers to rise to the challenges and opportunities of modern data management with an intelligent data infrastructure that optimizes operations, reduces risks, and accelerates AI transformation.” These new ASA systems will also be available in a FlexPod converged infrastructure, delivering additional benefits of simplified data center operations and accelerated deployment of enterprise applications through pre-tested and validated architectures. “NetApp’s portfolio of block-optimized, all-flash platforms ensures that our customers can address a wide range of needs,” said Dhruv Dhumatkar, CTO, Asia Pacific & Japan, NetApp. “From business-critical systems to AI workloads, NetApp sets the industry standard for performance, scale and reliability.” NetApp is continuing to enhance the built-in cyber resiliency capabilities of its enterprise storage portfolio. Later this year, NetApp will release NetApp ONTAP® Autonomous Ransomware Protection with artificial intelligence (ARP/AI) for Block. This update will build on the existing capabilities of ARP/AI, the first real-time threat detection and response for NAS systems, expanding its cyber resiliency protections to SAN customers. To further reduce the operational risks for businesses, NetApp is launching the Ransomware Detection Program. In the event that certain ransomware attacks are not detected, this program assists with recovery using NetApp Professional Services free of initial charge. “As the preferred data infrastructure provider for Aruba, NetApp is enhancing our IT offerings with an intelligent data infrastructure that helps us optimize data center solutions and deliver joint innovation across Europe,” said Fabrizio Garrone, Enterprise Solution Director, Aruba S.p.A. “As we scale operations to meet the growing demand for cloud services, maintaining scalability and flexibility is critical. NetApp ONTAP stands out for its exceptional usability, simplicity, and uniformity, allowing us to devote technical resources to customer service instead of training or tedious operations.” “SAN modernization is a huge opportunity as the data needs of growing businesses expand with their operations,” said Scott Sinclair, Practice Director, Cloud, Infrastructure and DevOps, Enterprise Strategy Group. “Companies need a comprehensive data strategy that will carry them into the future. At the same time, a shortage of IT skills and tight budget constraints means that many small businesses don’t have storage specialists available to develop an intelligent data strategy. The new ASA A-Series provides a simple, powerful, and affordable foundation to carry them into the future.” To learn more about these enhancements and other updates across the NetApp portfolio, visit: https://www.netapp.com/product-updates Statements by NetApp about unreleased offerings and future plans are for informational purposes only, are subject to change without notice, and should not be relied upon for purchasing or other decisions. Such statements do not constitute a commitment, obligation, guarantee, or warranty of any kind by NetApp, including about availability, functionality, pricing, or timing. Terms and conditions apply to the Ransomware Detection Program. No ransomware detection or prevention system can completely guarantee safety from a ransomware attack. Although it’s possible that an attack might go undetected, NetApp technology acts as an important additional layer of defense, and our research indicates NetApp technology has resulted in a high degree of detection for certain file encryption-based ransomware attacks. Additional Resources NetApp ASA Ransomware Detection Confidence: Peace of Mind Assured NetApp Adds New ASA A-Series Block Storage Systems – and so Much More Unleashing the Future of Storage: NetApp’s Breakthroughs in Block-Optimized Storage and Ransomware Defense The Most Secure Storage on the Planet Now Provides Even More Peace of Mind Hashtag: #NetApp #IntelligentDataInfrastructure The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About NetApp NetApp is the intelligent data infrastructure company, combining unified data storage, integrated data services, and

Experience Sakai’s vibrancy at Japan’s First Dorsett Hotel overlooking the stunning Sakai harbour OSAKA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Following the success of the G7 summit at Hotel Agora Regency Osaka Sakai in October 2023, Agora Hospitalities looks forward to welcoming Osaka’s World Expo 2025 on Yumeshima from April to October 2025. With the debut of our latest venture and the first Dorsett Hotel in Japan, Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai, opening on March 25, 2025, the hotel will offer ticket sales for a direct ferry service running four times daily, conveniently connecting guests from the pier just outside the hotel to the Expo within 30 minutes. Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai is ideally located just three train stops from the shopping district of Namba and a 30-minute ride from the airport, perfect for both leisure and business travellers. Guests will be welcomed by 321 stylish rooms and suites, a meeting room for up to 42 seated guests, and an all-day dining restaurant with an outdoor harbourfront terrace for 120 guests. Half of the guestrooms, ranging from 22 to 44 sq.m, offer stunning views of Sakai harbour. Each room features compact minibars, window-side seating, and sofa beds. Sustainability and local culture inspire the design with ‘Greenery, Earth and Sea’ elements. Eco-friendly materials such as ceramic tiles, bricks and upcycled denim cushions sourced from Japanese brand Rekrow, ensure a comfortable and an eco-conscious stay for our visitors. Guests booking directly with the hotel will enjoy the brand’s signature Dorsett 26 Hours – offering a flexible check-in or out time and a full 26-hour stay. Dorsett Discoveries, a curated insider guide will provide guests with unique access to experiences around Sakai and Osaka. “This debut, in partnership with Dorsett Hospitality International, marks Agora’s 10th, and introduces the first Dorsett Hotel in Japan. Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai reflects our commitment to exceptional hospitality and showcasing the best of Japan,” said Michael Xian, CEO and President of Agora Hospitality Group. BOOK NOW to celebrate the hotel’s opening with the Soft Opening Special 38% discount for stays from March 25th to December 31st, 2025, available for booking until April 30th, 2025. Be among the first to experience Japan’s first Dorsett by Agora! For details, please visit www.agoradorsett-sakai.com/en/. Hashtag: #DorsettHospitalityInternational #Osaka The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Coming into 2025, the cryptocurrency market is on the upswing. Bitcoin has reached another all-time high (ATH), surpassing $109,000 on 20 January 2025, ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration. The overall market growth is driven by institutional investors‘ crypto adoption, a change in regulatory sentiments, and general interest in digital assets, retail investors included. Considering this, many believe the crypto market is on a bullish run, which refers to the period of high demand for assets and their rising prices. Financial market analyst at Octa Broker, Kar Yong Ang, shares potential crypto market development and driving factors to consider. Bitcoin Projections for 2025 Bitcoin’s (BTC) price increase to $100,000 and beyond has been anticipated for many years. Some factors contributing to such growth are increased institutional adoption, favourable regulatory changes, and retail traders’ overall interest in the crypto market. Experts are optimistic about the future BTC price increase. For example, according to an opinion published by Forbes, Bitcoin can ‘blow past’ $150,000 in the first half of 2025 and may go up to $185,000 by the end of this year. It could also rise to $200,000 before the year closes, citing a surge in retail and institutional demand and a constricted supply. Many believe that such an increase is also driven by Bitcoin’s halving, which took place in April 2024. Some see further upside ahead with limited supply and rising demand, while growing participation by institutional investors cements Bitcoin as a long-term store of value. Positive changes in regulation also set Bitcoin’s future. In the U.S., the amicable approach toward cryptocurrencies in the Trump administration created a very friendly environment for investment in digital assets. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets, or MiCA, regulation is expected to further boost investor confidence with the standardisation of a legal framework across the union. Other Cryptocurrencies to Watch in 2025 Ethereum (ETH), which has surpassed $4,100 in Q4 2024 for the first time in a long time, is the cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem. Since the successful transition to Ethereum 2.0 in 2022, the network has continued to usher in the most important upgrades that help to scale better and improve user experience. Recent developments on the chain include proposals to scale both Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions to improve transaction efficiency at lowered costs. However, Ethereum is increasingly contested by emerging blockchains such as Solana (SOL), which boast faster transaction times and lower fees. This rivalry has been ever-growing as projects and investors seek more efficient blockchain solutions. BNB, the native coin of the Binance Smart Chain, has almost reached $800, representing its integral value within the greater Binance ecosystem. The token’s price relies highly on the performances and growth that Binance achieves through its core exchange business and foray into DeFi. The more innovative tools and expanded offerings from Binance, the greater the utility and demand for BNB, thereby driving up its valuations. Expectations During Crypto Bull Run As cryptocurrencies rally, the broader market implications are becoming increasingly evident. For example, traders should expect higher volatility, with rapid price swings creating opportunities and amplifying risks. This is especially relevant for new crypto projects or meme tokens. Bull runs typically attract new investors, bringing fresh liquidity into the market. However, heightened speculation also raises the risk of price corrections, making risk management crucial for traders. The increasing mainstream adoption of Bitcoin ETFs has further fueled market expansion as retail and institutional investors gain more seamless access to digital assets. Beyond Bitcoin and the top 50 cryptocurrencies by market capitalisation, decentralised finance (DeFi) presents new investment avenues. DeFi platforms continue to offer lending, borrowing, and yield farming opportunities. For those looking for passive income strategies, staking and yield farming are becoming increasingly popular. By participating in network validation or providing liquidity to DeFi platforms, investors can earn returns while contributing to the stability of blockchain ecosystems. The 2025 crypto bull run has gotten underway, setting the stage for never-before-seen market activity. Surging beyond $100,000, Bitcoin is but one indicator of an industry in rapid evolution: institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and shifting macroeconomic conditions. While this current rally does offer a lucrative opportunity, traders should be cautious. Market volatility needs to be tackled strategically by balancing risk versus informed decisions. The next few months are expected to prove critical for the long-term course of digital assets as projected regulations further unfold and major financial players further indulge in the crypto sector. Hashtag: #Octa The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Octa Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools. The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities. In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively. This article is for informational purposes only and highlights general insights about the financial markets. It is not intended as financial advice or a solicitation of financial services in jurisdictions where such activities are prohibited, including the United Arab Emirates. Readers should seek independent advice and fully understand the risks involved before making any financial decisions.