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Global Partners and Distributors Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to Cybersecurity SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – SonicWall proudly honored its exceptional partners and distributors at the annual SonicWall Partner Awards, celebrating their unwavering commitment to safeguarding customers in a dynamic and increasingly complex threat landscape. This prestigious award acknowledges partner organizations worldwide that have demonstrated remarkable dedication to delivering innovative cybersecurity solutions. “While partners have been key to SonicWall’s success for over 30 years, our dramatic transformation over the last two years is directly attributable to SonicWall stepping it up and taking a relentless focus on our valued partners, said SonicWall CEO and President Bob VanKirk. “That’s meant listening to and acting upon their key needs and feedback, which has in turn shaped our roadmaps (organic and inorganic), the delivery of technical support (reduced wait times with immediate access to higher tiers of support), how we charge for our products and services, sales resource alignment, and much, much more. Many of our partners posted record years in 2024, and we couldn’t be more pleased about that. These awards are a small token of thanks and recognition of the strategic value SonicWall’s partners have and will continue to play in shaping and driving SonicWall’s business.” “The 2025 SonicWall Partner Awards celebrate the outstanding dedication and innovation of our partners who continually raise the bar in cybersecurity excellence. This year’s winners have demonstrated exceptional commitment to protecting businesses against the ever-evolving threat landscape, leveraging SonicWall’s solutions to deliver proactive, strategic security. Their success is a testament to the power of strong partnerships in driving growth, resilience, and trust in today’s digital world,” said SonicWall Vice President of Sales, APJ Debasish Mukherjee. Partners were nominated across various categories in each region, showcasing their outstanding performance throughout the previous year. From a large pool of nominees, SonicWall selected one partner per region in each category, highlighting their consistent excellence and exceptional service. Based on a matrix of criteria including but not limited highest revenue, partner count, highest growth, etc. SonicWall is excited to announce the following winners for the Asia, Pacific & Japan: Distributor of the Year – ANZ DICKER DATA AUSTRALIA Partner of the Year – ANZ VIRTUAL GRAFFITI AUSTRALIA Enterprise Partner of the Year – ANZ DYNATEK SOLUTIONS PTY LTD Newcomer of the Year – ANZ COM-X PTY LTD Partner Sales Hero of the Year – ANZ MARK WHITTINGTON – OZDOC SOLUTIONS PARTNERSHIP Distributor of the Year – ASEAN MEC NETWORKS CORPORATION Partner of the Year – ASEAN PENTECH SOLUTION SDN BHD Enterprise Partner of the Year – ASEAN ACCENT MICRO TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Managed Security Partner of the Year – ASEAN PT MAXINDO MITRA SOLUSI Newcomer of the Year – ASEAN ST ENGINEERING UNMANNED AND INTEGRATED SYSTEMS PTE LTD Partner Sales Hero of the Year – ASEAN SIVA ANNADURAI – XCESS NETWORKS MALAYSIA SDN BHD Distributor of the Year – GCR DATA WORLD COMPUTER & COMMUNICATIONS LTD Partner of the Year – GCR NANJING YINQIANG INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD Enterprise Partner of the Year – GCR IT CHECK SOLUTIONS, INC Newcomer of the Year – GCR SHIH CHIANG LTD Partner Sales Hero of the Year – GCR CARY WU – SHENZHEN SECUUNION INFO-TECH Distributor of the Year – INDIA & SAARC INFLOW TECHNOLOGIES PVT. LTD Partner of the Year – INDIA & SAARC eCAPS Partner of the Year – INDIA & SAARC UNITED CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED Enterprise Partner of the Year – INDIA & SAARC SAFEZONE SECURE SOLUTIONS PRIVATE LIMITED Newcomer of the Year – INDIA & SAARC VS SQUARE INFO SOLUTIONS Partner Sales Hero of the Year – – INDIA & SAARC PARAMALINGAM S – SAFEZONE SECURE SOLUTIONS Distributor of the Year – JAPAN MARUBENI INFORMATION SYSTEMS CO.,LTD. Partner of the Year – JAPAN NIHON ICS CO.,LTD. Newcomer of the Year – JAPAN KOKUSAI JOHO NET Partner Sales Hero of the Year – JAPAN KYOYA SAKAKIBARA – NEC FIELDING, LTD. Partner Technical Hero of the Year – JAPAN TOMOYUKI TOKIAN – TANAKA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. Distributor of the Year – KOREA SECUWIDE CORP. Partner of the Year – KOREA KICHANG INFOTECH INC. Newcomer of the Year – KOREA GODUNBIZ Partner Sales Hero of the Year – KOREA YEON DONGHO – CORE IT.CO.,LTD To see all the winners, please visit: https://www.sonicwall.com/partnerawards. SonicWall takes great pride in recognizing the contributions of its partners and distributors each year, acknowledging their vital role in protecting customers from evolving cyber threats. For more information about the Partner Awards, please visit: https://www.sonicwall.com/partnerawards. Hashtag: #SonicWall The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About SonicWall SonicWall is a cybersecurity forerunner with more than 30 years of expertise and is recognized as the leading partner-first company. With the ability to build, scale and manage security across the cloud, hybrid and traditional environments in real-time, SonicWall provides seamless protection against the most evasive cyberattacks across endless exposure points for increasingly remote, mobile and cloud-enabled users. With its own threat research center, SonicWall can quickly and economically provide purpose-built security solutions to enable any organization—enterprise, government agencies and SMBs—around the world. For more information, visit www.sonicwall.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced the appointment of Terence Williams as head of Commercial Risk Solutions for Asia Pacific, effective April 2025. Terence Williams Williams will be based in Singapore and report to Joe Peiser, global CEO of Commercial Risk Solutions and Anne Corona, CEO of Asia Pacific. He will also join Aon’s Asia Pacific Executive Committee and Global Commercial Risk Leadership Team. In this role, Williams will lead Aon’s commercial risk strategies and capability across the region to deliver differentiated risk solutions to help address evolving client risks. Peiser said, “The risk landscape continues to become increasingly more connected and complex. Terence has the experience and strategic vision to further enhance our risk capabilities and drive innovative solutions to help shape better business decisions for clients in the region.” Williams brings significant leadership and insurance expertise from his career spanning over two decades with Aon, most recently serving as chief broking officer for the EMEA region based in London. He previously held several senior roles at Aon including CEO, South Africa, chief broking officer, Sub Sahara Africa, and head of casualty, UK. Corona added, “We are thrilled to welcome Terence to the Asia Pacific region. Terence is a proven people leader with the ability to develop talent and build high-performing teams. His leadership and industry acumen will be invaluable as we continue to drive growth and deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.” Read more about Aon’s capabilities in Asia Pacific here.Hashtag: #Aon The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Aon Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses. Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s newsroom and sign up for news alerts here. Disclaimer The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.

HOHHOT, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – At 57, Wang Fei is hailed as the “King of Sunflower Seeds” in his hometown of Bayannur, in northern China. A farmer drives a harvester to harvest sunflower seeds in a field in Linhe District of Bayannur, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region The title reflects not only his passion for the crunchy snack but also his remarkable achievement in transforming locally grown sunflower kernels into a global commodity, with markets spanning the Republic of Korea, Egypt and Germany. If you enjoy eating sunflower seeds, there’s a good chance they originated from the saline-alkali fields of Bayannur – China’s largest base for edible sunflower production. In 2024 alone, the region produced more than 940,000 tonnes of sunflowers, with exports spanning over 40 countries and regions. Wang is one of the local farmers who have leveraged the booming sunflower industry to become a successful entrepreneur. BOOMING INDUSTRY, CHALLENGING LAND Located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Bayannur was once burdened by nearly 4.8 million mu (320,000 hectares) of saline-alkali land, where traditional crops like wheat and corn struggled to grow. The introduction of sunflowers in the 1970s marked a turning point for the city with a permanent population of 1.5 million. With its distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, vast plains and ample water resources, Bayannur offered an environment strikingly similar to the sunflower’s native habitat in North America, making it an ideal setting for this resilient crop, according to Zhang Ruhong, vice mayor of Bayannur. In the 1980s, Wang began cultivating sunflowers on his family’s saline-alkali land. “They are resistant to salt and alkali, drought-tolerant and easy to grow,” he said. By 2024, Bayannur had expanded its sunflower planting area to 4.4 million mu, nearly half of the country’s total. The city’s sunflower industry has flourished into a comprehensive value chain, encompassing seed sales, cultivation, processing, exports, e-commerce logistics and even tourism. Sunflowers are the world’s fourth-largest oilseed crop, following soybeans, rapeseed and peanuts, said Zhang Haiyang, an oilseed industry expert. He noted that sunflowers have gained prominence as a key specialty oilseed crop in China, particularly in northern regions, thanks to their high nutritional and aesthetic value. The sunflower seed market was valued at 32.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of around 9.4 percent between 2024 and 2032, according to Global Market Insights, a market research and management consulting firm. To take Bayannur’s sunflower industry to new heights, local agricultural scientists have successfully introduced high-quality seed varieties, including SH361 and SH363, as well as a resistant strain specially designed to combat broomrape, a parasitic plant that has long plagued sunflower production globally. TINY SEEDS, BIG JOURNEY In the run-up to the Spring Festival, the factories of Bayannur buzzed with activity as machines roared and workers hustled to sort sunflower seeds for export. “We were extremely busy before the holiday, as we wanted to complete and ship all orders abroad,” said Zhao Lei, general manager of Bayannur Rong Da Co., Ltd. “Our sunflower seeds have seen strong overseas demand last year, with exports reaching 35,000 tonnes.” Across China, many regions have cultivated industries tailored to their unique local conditions. For instance, oranges from Ganzhou in Jiangxi Province and strawberries from Dandong in Liaoning Province have become key drivers of social and economic development. Bayannur has also leveraged its local strengths, establishing 120 leading sunflower processing enterprises to seize market opportunities. Wang Fei, who began trading sunflower seeds domestically in 1987, ventured into the international market in 2012. Last year, his company, Mintai Agricultural Trading Co., Ltd., recorded operating revenues exceeding 700 million yuan (about 97.63 million U.S. dollars), with exports making up the bulk. “In China, people love eating sunflower seeds during festivals. Foreigners share this habit as well. Holidays like Christmas mark our peak export seasons,” Wang said, adding that the holiday economy strongly stimulates consumption. Bayannur’s sunflower seeds and kernel products now reach over 40 countries and regions in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe, generating an annual export value of 4.2 billion yuan — 64 percent of the city’s total agricultural exports. These achievements are underpinned by strong policy support. Over the past two years, Bayannur has implemented innovative strategies to promote exports, such as fostering leading companies to establish overseas warehouses, advancing cross-border e-commerce, and streamlining customs clearance processes. Challenges like rising shipping costs, exacerbated by the Red Sea crisis, have also driven adaptability. Last year, Wang began shifting some shipments from sea to land transport, exporting sunflower seeds to Europe via China-Europe freight trains, significantly reducing costs. “My goal this year is to expand my sunflower seed exports into the Spanish market,” he said with a smile. Hashtag: #Bayannur The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

18-29 year olds significantly more optimistic and feel more financially prepared to confront the year compared to 40-49 year olds. SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – AIA Singapore today announced findings from the seventh edition of the AIA Live Better Study, which reflects the evolution of a society where more than 4 in 5 (83%) of Singapore residents plan to actively manage their finances amid concerns of a sluggish economy in 2025. The survey aims to uncover the aspirations and concerns of Singapore residents as they navigate these challenging times in the new year. The study also found a stark contrast in the temperament and financial preparedness between two age groups. While more than half (54%) of those aged 18 – 29 feel financially prepared to tackle the challenging economic situation in 2025, only 34% of those aged 40 – 49, many of whom are taking care of their parents or kids, share similar sentiments. Conducted in November 2024, the AIA Live Better Study[1] investigated the evolving financial, health, and wellness needs of Singapore consumers. Against expected muted economic growth in 2025[2], this year’s study explores the mindset and actions of Singapore citizens and PRs as they navigate these challenging times. Unsurprisingly, only 47% of Singapore residents are optimistic about the economy. Inflation and cost of living (50%) remain the top economic concern amongst the population, followed by worries over job security (35%) and income levels (34%). “Despite the expectation of challenging times, the people of Singapore are showing remarkable resilience and proactiveness. This reflects a maturing society which has a better understanding and appreciation of the value of planning early and planning well for their future and that of their loved ones, which is especially noteworthy as we celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday this year,” said Irma Hadikusuma, Chief Marketing and Healthcare Officer at AIA Singapore. “AIA Singapore is committed to supporting the community with compelling solutions, tools and resources needed to overcome today’s challenges and secure a prosperous future. Our mission is to help people live healthier, longer, better lives, ensuring financial and overall well-being,” she added. Securing financial resilience: Insurance and investments take centerstage in long-term financial plans Rather than wringing their hands in despair, Singapore residents are taking on a positive mindset with more than 1 in 2 (54%) indicating that financial readiness in the long-run is more important to them in 2025 compared to the previous year. The top three priorities Singapore residents believe will help them achieve financial security are savings (62%), a stable income (57%), and to have emergency funds (52%). Notably, 1 in 2 (48%) Singapore residents also cited insurance as an important way to ensure financial stability, a positive indication of an increased understanding about the importance of insurance as part of long-term financial planning. Looking ahead, Singapore residents have plans to uptake a myriad of long-term financial solutions to prepare against the volatile economy in 2025: Approximately 3 in 5 (59%) Singapore residents are tightening their purse strings and planning to spend less on daily expenses or big-ticket purchases. Singapore residents are making plans to build emergency funds (29%), plan for retirement (28%), and diversify investments (27%) to strengthen their long-term financial readiness. Singapore residents are likely to see an increased uptake in endowment and investment plans as over a fifth of respondents intend to boost their expenditure towards insurance (22%) and investments (27%) in the coming year. AIA Singapore offers a comprehensive range of compelling solutions designed to align with the unique aspirations of individuals and families, encouraging them to start their savings journey early. By leveraging the power of compounding interest, we help individuals and their families grow their investments for the long-term and secure a prosperous future. AIA insurance representatives are here to provide personalised guidance to help you make informed decisions about your financial well-being. Balancing the budget in preparation for rising healthcare expenses A substantial subset when it comes to Singapore’s cost of living is healthcare costs. Aligned with Health Minister Ong Ye Kung[3], the study noted that the increasing cost of healthcare is a key economic concern that must be addressed. Key insights include: More than half (53%) of Singapore residents perceive healthcare costs to be expensive. Yet, less than half (47%) feel financially prepared to manage these costs, calling for more support, financial and non-financial, by both the government and private sectors. Singapore residents are taking matters into their own hands, planning to combat the potential high healthcare costs via insurance plans (57%), personal savings (56%) and government healthcare financing and support (49%). A Generational Gap: 18 – 29 year olds are stressing and skimping less compared to their 40 – 49 year old counterparts Many in their 40s are feeling the pressures of being in the sandwiched generation, and they are the most pessimistic about their outlook for 2025 across all demographics. This is in comparison to the more optimistic demographic of 18 – 29 year olds in Singapore. Financial Priorities Shift with Age: From Experiences to Stability Despite the nation’s overall sentiment, the younger generation (aged 18 – 29) are less stressed about the economy and are less likely to take steps towards financial preparedness. This is in contrast to Singapore residents in their 40s. The younger generation is more optimistic (56%) about the economy than those in their 40s (38%), They are less concerned about inflation and cost of living (34% compared to 63%). Fewer 18-29 year olds strive to be debt and loan free (16%) compared to their older counterparts (28%). Less than 2 in 5 (34%) younger adults foresee themselves cutting back on daily expenses and only 35% planning to reduce their budgets for big-ticket items. In contrast, approximately 1 in 2 (47%) of those in their 40s will be cutting their daily spending and 45% will be reducing purchases of big-ticket items. This could be attributed to their current phase in life – between completing their education and starting their working life –

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – 24/7 FITNESS, one of Hong Kong’s most renowned fitness brands, has officially debuted in Singapore with the opening of its flagship club on Orchard Road. This expansion follows the acquisition of local fitness chain GymmBoxx, marking 24/7 FITNESS’s commitment to providing accessible, world-class fitness solutions to Singaporeans. With plans to open 40 locations over the next three years, the brand is set to become a go-to destination for fitness enthusiasts. 24/7 FITNESS has officially debuted in Singapore with the opening of its flagship club on Orchard Road. The 10,000-square-foot Orchard flagship club is Singapore’s largest 24/7 FITNESS facility and boasts state-of-the-art equipment from world-renowned brands. Offering advanced cardio machines and weight-training equipment, the gym is designed to meet the needs of all fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. As a 24-hour gym, members can work out conveniently, enjoying unparalleled flexibility in their fitness schedules. “Our goal is to redefine fitness accessibility in Singapore by providing world-class facilities and services at an affordable price,” said Ingrid Wong, CEO of 24/7 FITNESS. “By expanding to 40 locations over the next three years, 24/7 FITNESS is committed to becoming the fitness brand of choice for Singaporeans who prioritize their health and well-being.” 24/7 FITNESS has already opened 13 branches in strategic locations across Singapore, including popular spots like Ci Yuan Community Club, Keat Hong Community Club, The Seletar Mall, Margaret Market and Yew Tee MRT. Upcoming sites include prominent destinations such as The Cathay, Jalan Besar, Beauty World and Tampines North Community Club, ensuring that members across the island have easy access to 24/7 FITNESS’s world-class facilities. 24/7 FITNESS offers a transparent pricing model starting at just $98 per month, with no joining fees or prepayment required. This straightforward pricing ensures that members receive exceptional value without the hidden costs often associated with other gyms. With access to all 24/7 FITNESS locations across the Asia-Pacific region, members can enjoy flexibility and convenience wherever they go. For those seeking personalized guidance on their fitness journey, the gym has a team of dedicated personal trainers available to help customers achieve their goals. 24/7 FITNESS is also introducing cutting-edge technology with its Smart Face Recognition Terminal, allowing for seamless and secure access to all locations worldwide without the need for a physical key fob or card. This contactless entry system is ideal for those with busy schedules or traveling abroad, ensuring quick and easy access whenever needed. Additionally, the gym’s welcoming atmosphere, designed with a neutral color scheme and soothing Tiffany Blue accents, fosters a comfortable environment where members of all fitness levels can feel at ease and motivated to reach their goals. Founded in Hong Kong, 24/7 FITNESS has rapidly grown to over 200 locations across the Asia-Pacific region, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Macau. Its entry into Singapore marks a significant milestone in the brand’s mission to make fitness accessible and affordable for all. As part of its commitment to the local community, 24/7 FITNESS aims to redefine the fitness experience in Singapore by combining convenience, technology, and value, ensuring that all Singaporeans can achieve their health and wellness goals. For further details about 24/7 FITNESS clubs, please visit: https://bit.ly/3BzsHj9. Hashtag: #247fitness https://sg.247.fitness/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. 24/7 FITNESS 24/7 FITNESS is a renowned international fitness brand with over 200 locations in Asia-Pacific, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Macau. Founded in Hong Kong, 24/7 FITNESS is dedicated to making fitness easy, affordable, and accessible for everyone. The brand offers 24-hour gym access with no long-term contracts, joining fees, or upfront payments. With a commitment to providing high-quality, hassle-free fitness solutions, 24/7 FITNESS empowers individuals of all fitness levels to achieve their health and wellness goals. Official Website：https://sg.247.fitness/

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), through the National Innovation Agency (Public Organisation) or NIA, has revealed an overview of Thailand’s startup growth for 2024. The data shows a consistent upward trajectory, with a cumulative growth rate of 3.3% since 2021, reinforcing Thailand’s position as one of the world’s most startup-friendly hubs. Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA) As we step into 2025, startups face a dynamic landscape marked by economic fluctuations, evolving consumer behaviours, and the rapid emergence of new technologies. Amid these challenges, three key technology sectors are poised for significant growth and investment opportunities: Artificial Intelligence (AI); Sustainability Technologies, including Green Tech, CleanTech, and Climate Tech; and Financial Technologies (FinTech). Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), stated that over the past year, Thailand has been home to approximately 2,100 startups, comprising 700 in the pre-seed stage and 1,400 in the go-to-market or growth stage. When compared to other countries in Southeast Asia, Thai startups have demonstrated consistent growth, with seed-stage funding increasing by 4% year-on-year and a cumulative growth rate of 3.3% since 2021. According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index published last year by StartupBlink—a leading global hub for startup ecosystem data—Thailand ranked 54th globally and 4th in Southeast Asia, following Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This reflects the significant progress of Thailand’s startup ecosystem, which is increasingly recognised on the global stage as one of the region’s emerging hubs for entrepreneurial ventures. One of the key challenges for Thailand’s startup ecosystem lies in the rapid expansion of Data Centres, with the country emerging as a prime destination for both domestic and global investors. Positioned as the region’s new “Digital Economy Hub,” Thailand’s data centre capacity has surged by over 54% in the past three years, ranking third in ASEAN, following Singapore and Malaysia. Projections for 2024–2027 estimate that Thailand could attract around 260 billion baht in data centre investments. However, to fully capitalise on this growth, Thailand must accelerate talent development to meet market demands and establish robust, long-term policies that inspire investor confidence. These efforts are critical in fostering a sustainable ecosystem that aligns with the broader challenges of the AI-driven society, the need for upskilling and reskilling the workforce, and the global shift towards ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. Embracing ESG not only ensures sustainable business practices but also positions Thailand competitively within the evolving global economic landscape. Looking ahead to 2025, both in Thailand and globally, the startup landscape is set to be driven by transformative technologies that promise significant growth potential. These key trends include: Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is rapidly revolutionising industries, with Generative AI at the forefront due to its versatility across sectors. This technology fuels continuous, efficient innovation by creating new content, solutions, and processes. Additionally, the rise of AI Agentic Systems—capable of autonomous thinking, analysis, and decision-making—marks a major leap forward. These systems excel at managing complex tasks and solving multidimensional problems, with over 70% of business leaders and investors confident in their potential to transform operations, from strategic planning and production to customer service. AI Agents not only enhance responsiveness to market demands but also significantly reduce resource consumption, making them an essential asset for future-focused organisations. Sustainability Technologies (Green Tech, CleanTech, and Climate Tech): As environmental challenges intensify, businesses are increasingly prioritising ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, while consumers demand eco-friendly, socially responsible products and services. This shift is propelling the global environmental tech market towards exponential growth, with forecasts predicting an average annual increase of nearly 25% over the next decade. Innovative solutions addressing clean energy, waste management, and sustainable products are driving this momentum. For startups to succeed in this space, it’s critical to develop business models that balance profitability with positive environmental and social impact. Financial Technology (FinTech): In Southeast Asia, FinTech continues to dominate the investment landscape, securing an impressive 26% of seed funding in 2024—the highest across all sectors—followed closely by blockchain technologies at 20%. This underscores the sector’s resilience and attractiveness, fuelled by innovations in digital payments, decentralised finance, and blockchain applications. In an era defined by rapid technological change, agility is key. Startups must cultivate adaptability, building flexible systems that can pivot in response to evolving market conditions. This dynamic approach not only strengthens business foundations but also ensures sustained growth and scalability in an increasingly competitive global environment. Dr. Krithpaka emphasised that in 2025, under its role as Thailand’s “Focal Conductor of Innovation,” the National Innovation Agency (NIA) remains committed to fostering and accelerating the growth of startups through its extensive mechanisms and networks. The agency will focus particularly on the development of “Impact Tech”—technologies designed to create positive economic and social impacts, reinforcing Thailand’s global image and recognition as an “Innovation Nation.” NIA’s support framework spans the entire startup journey, from inception to international market expansion guided by the strategic pillars of Groom -> Grant -> Growth -> Global. GROOM (Knowledge Incubation & Network Building): This phase nurtures entrepreneurial capabilities through the NIA Academy, offering comprehensive courses in collaboration with strategic partners and self-paced learning via online platforms like MOOCs. Additionally, the Startup Thailand League plays a pivotal role in enhancing innovation skills among university students, equipping them with entrepreneurial mindsets and preparing them to transition from academic environments to the real-world startup ecosystem. GRANT (Funding Support): NIA provides diverse forms of non-repayable grants tailored to stimulate innovative business development. These grants support both economic drivers—such as national innovation business promotion platforms and regional innovation ecosystems—and social impact projects, including the ‘Innovation Village’ initiative and urban and community-focused programmes. For startups aiming to scale rapidly and penetrate new markets, the National Innovation Agency (NIA) offers robust opportunities to drive business growth under the GROWTH pillar. This is achieved through a suite of tailored incubation and acceleration programmes across four key sectors: Food Technology – via the flagship SPACE-F programme,

Successful Event Draws 200,000 Global Visitors with Hong Kong’s Local Creativity 29 January to 2 February 2025: 38 Featured Creations & 16 Visiting Hong Kong Comics Artists/ Illustrators Watch drawing demonstrations by Hong Kong comics artists in real-time at one of the top three major overseas comics festivals in the world February to May 2025: All the participating artists will be invited to share their exchange experiences and achievements with Hong Kong creators and readers HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 February 2025 – Reading comics is like embarking on a journey with wonders. Comics artists invite readers to step into an intricate realm where imagination and creativity know no bounds, and where scripts and visual elements harmoniously intertwine to weave fantastic stories that transcend words. ‘Comics made in Hong Kong’ are known for their rich variety of artistic styles and whimsical, captivating narratives. Hong Kong original comics are therefore well-liked by comics enthusiasts both locally and overseas. Hong Kong Arts Centre team, Hong Kong Comics and Animation Federation team, and Hong Kong Comics Artists & Illustrators at the 52nd Angoulême Internatinal Comics Festival 【 Hong Kong Arts Centre (Comix Home Base) 】, with sponsorship from the 【Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region】, is once again partnering with the【Hong Kong Comics and Animation Federation】 to participate in the 52nd edition of the Angoulême International Festival in 2025. A remarkable and wonderful collection of 38 local mid-to-full-length comic and picture book titles has been showcased to represent Hong Kong. The showcased comics this time span various genres, ranging from action and adventure to sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and heart-warming, encompassing a wide spectrum of creative expressions and infinite possibilities. Some of the participating comic artists and illustrators recently received several international awards. The Angoulême International Comics Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the European history. Crowds of visitors, comics enthusiasts of all ages and professions, flock to this annually. The 38 featured creations were selected from ‘The 1st to 3rd Hong Kong Comics Support Programme Book Series’ and ‘GO! Illustrators Series – The 1st Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators at International Book Fairs Promotion Scheme Series.’ Through this large-scale overseas exchange programme, the aim is to further highlight Hong Kong comics of high quality, meanwhile, to enhance the global recognition of local creators. As the title suggests, the project aims to bring ‘waves of whimsical words’ abroad, allowing readers and practitioners from all over the world to explore the fascination of Hong Kong comics. During this event, we successfully attracted 200,000 visitors worldwide with Hong Kong’s local creativity. In addition, we actively sought overseas licensing opportunities in anticipation of more Hong Kong comics being translated into multiple languages and published afterwards. A wider readership with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds could see the infinite possibilities of Hong Kong’s creativity. Reaffirming the commitment to promoting local talents and creativity globally, Hong Kong Arts Centre has led 16 talented Hong Kong artists to participate in the festival in person. They engaged in live-drawing demonstrations, book signing sessions, and sharing, meeting audience and comics professionals from all over the world. The attendee from abroad expressed that he personally admires Hong Kong comic artist Shui-pan Wong. Meeting him in person in France this time, he was delighted to be able to purchase all of his books and obtain his autograph. Hong Kong comic artist Bonnie Pang pointed out that Hong Kong comics often face challenges in reaching foreign readers or publishers, especially due to the language barrier with Chinese comics. This year, we made a new attempt by utilizing AI technology to create a French video for each invited creator, allowing them to personally introduce their works and leave a lasting impression on visitors. Bonnie believes, “This event has been most helpful to Hong Kong comic artists by directly bringing everyone’s works to overseas markets, reaching more foreign readers. The licensing market and various exchange activities promote collaboration opportunities. Additionally, experiencing the atmosphere of the comic festival in person and seeing a large number of comics in different styles broadens our horizons and gives us more inspiration and creative motivation.” Hong Kong comic artist Pen SO, who participated in the exhibition, believes that one of the challenges Hong Kong comic artists face when going international is the issue of networking. This event could help them secure publishing opportunities, establish connections, and provide creative inspiration. Additionally, being sponsored by CCIDA for this event can lead Hong Kong comics towards the international market. He stated, “Although the rise of digital media has made it easier for our works to be exported overseas, publishers not only consider popularity, fame, and quality of work, but also the credibility of the artist. Artists need to know if foreign publishers are reliable. Therefore, the Hong Kong Arts Centre acts as an intermediary, helping us organize and resolve these issues.” In addition to the popular booth at the Asian comics pavilion (Manga City) where we could engage with a large group of readers, the booth at the International Rights & Licensing Market offered a valuable opportunity for us to connect with international publishers and production houses of comic books and related art forms. This actively contributes to the development of Hong Kong comics. Comics fans in Hong Kong could also follow comics artists’ social media platforms to relive their on-site live drawing demonstrations, and feel the zest of of the world’s third-largest comic festival! During February and May 2025, all the participating artists will be invited to share their exchange experiences and achievements with Hong Kong creators and readers. Professionals in the comics industry from other countries will be invited to introduce the trend of comics and other related creations in Europe and the United States. This initiative seeks to help Hong Kong creative talents expand their network and shine in the world arena! Waves of Whimsical Words Hong Kong Comics @The 52nd Angouleme International Comics Festival