Bitcoin’s upward momentum has softened after a sharp recovery phase, while XRP has slipped to about $1.86, underscoring a pause in risk appetite even as exchange-traded fund assets linked to XRP reach roughly $1.25 billion. The divergence highlights a market grappling with profit-taking, regulatory recalibration and shifting liquidity conditions across major digital assets. Bitcoin’s price action shows signs of consolidation following a rebound that drew fresh inflows […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Gold, silver and platinum prices pushed to record levels at the close of the year, extending a powerful rally driven by geopolitical strains, a softer US dollar and thin trading conditions that magnified price swings across commodities markets. Spot gold climbed as much as 1.6% on Friday to trade above $4,540 an ounce, a level unseen before, while spot silver for immediate delivery […]
Trump Media and Technology Group has moved bitcoin valued at about $174 million following a fresh purchase, signalling a more active approach to managing its digital-asset exposure rather than holding the tokens passively in long-term storage. Blockchain data reviewed by market analysts shows transfers between wallets linked to the company, a pattern that points to internal reallocation rather than liquidation. The movement comes after disclosures that Trump […]
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2025 – As Malaysians gear up for multiple financial commitments in the upcoming weeks and months, especially during the year-end holidays, back-to-school and double festive season, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, Malaysia’s first digital Islamic bank, strengthens its commitment to financial inclusion by offering accessible support through its Personal Financing-i (PF-i).
From December 2025 till March 2026, the bustling seasons present convergence of multiple spending needs for many households. Acknowledging that this might raise the need for flexible liquidity, AEON Bank provides a solution to address such budgetary constraints in the form of the PF-i; an inclusive, hassle-free financing facility, easily accessible via its digital banking app.
Optimising a Risk-Based Pricing (RBP) framework to determine a competitive and personalised profit rate, AEON Bank ensures that customers can seamlessly apply for PF-i online, as long as they are Malaysian citizens aged 18 to 55, with a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 – be it salaried employees or self-employed individuals, freelancers, as well as gig economy workers.
Aligned with Shariah banking principles, PF-i offers financing facility from RM1,000 up to RM100,000 with flexible tenure options ranging from 3 to 84 months, allowing for repayments tailored to individual budget needs. The Flat Profit Rate starting from 3.88% p.a. and a nominal Wakalah Fee of RM1 is applicable upon acceptance.
The entire process, from the application to fund disbursement are all managed online via the AEON Bank app. This simplifies the process and eliminates the need for physical paperwork or branch visits. To apply for PF-i, customers simply need to follow these steps :
Download the AEON Bank app and activate the Savings Account-i, prior to applying for PF-i.
Step 2 : Eligibility check and employment details
Applicants must be Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, earning a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 – either as salaried employees, self-employed or gig workers.
Step 3 : Financing selection
Select the preferred financing amount ranging from RM1,000 up to RM100,000 and flexible repayment tenure, with options between 3 to 84 months.
Step 4 : Supporting document submission
Upload the latest EPF (KWSP) statement, reflecting the latest consecutive 6-months contributions (for salaried workers) or latest consecutive 6-month bank statement (for self-employed/gig workers).
Step 5 : Approval and fund disbursement
Applications will be processed immediately and upon approval, funds will be disbursed directly into the applicant’s AEON Bank Savings Account-i. Repayments will be automatically deducted via monthly auto-debit.
PF-i enables Malaysians to access a Shariah compliant financing facility to ease their needs; be it an emergency financial support, family budget constraint, small renovation, vehicle repair or a much needed financial aid to bridge the temporary cashflow gaps.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
AEON Bank (M) Berhad
AEON Bank (M) Berhad is the first digital Islamic bank in Malaysia, licensed and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance. Officially launched on 26 May 2024, we currently offer a suite of Shariah-compliant products and services under the Personal Banking and Business Banking (AEON Bank Biz).
Our Personal Banking offerings are 100% accessible via the AEON Bank app, namely the deposit Savings Account-i, AEON Bank x Visa Debit Card-i, Personal Financing-i, Term Deposit-i, Savings Pots, DuitNow QR, utility bill payments, personal financial management and budgeting tools with Neko Sensei, and a range of digital payment services with strategic partners and merchants, as well as Neko Missions, Malaysia’s first gamified digital banking interactive rewards programme.
On 8 August 2025, AEON Bank (M) Berhad officially launched AEON Bank Biz, anchored by the Current Business Account-i and integrated cash management capabilities, with the initial onboarding of vendors from AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad and suppliers within the broader AEON ecosystem. The targeted approach is designed to create an integrated value chain linking AEON’s retail and financial services networks, supporting strategic growth and greater inclusivity. AEON Bank Biz offers streamlined processes for account onboarding, credit assessments and financial services, utilising AI-driven fintech solutions to enable simplified procedures, faster approvals, and an enhanced digital banking experience for business owners and entrepreneurs. AEON Bank Biz’s products and services will soon be extended to more local businesses and entrepreneurs across Malaysia.
Being part of the AEON Group conglomerate, AEON Bank (M) Berhad is equally held by AEON Financial Service Co. Ltd. (AFS Japan) and AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (ACSM). AFS Japan is responsible for the AEON Group’s financial services businesses, with strong roots in the retail sector which operates in Japan and 10 countries across Asia and it is. AEON Group is Japan’s largest retail group and it is a pure holding company that comprises eight core businesses.
AEON Group Malaysia consists of several entities, namely, AEON Co. (M) Bhd, AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, AEON BiG (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Fantasy (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Delight (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Global Supply Chain Sdn Bhd and Malaysian AEON Foundation (MAF). AEON Group has been a recognizable household brand with more than 200 years of history and evolution in Japan since the Edo era, along with 4 decades of growth in Malaysia, providing consumers with daily financial solutions and diversified retail convenience.
Our cloud native agility and AI optimisation, combined with the strength of our Shariah DNA, Malaysian roots and Japanese heritage are our distinguishing factors, while the integration with the AEON ecosystem gives us a competitive advantage of being the only bank in Malaysia with its own nationwide retail network. On top of that, AEON Points loyalty programme offers customers value-added benefits and meaningful rewards, as the AEON Points can be redeemed into cash value, deposited directly into customers’ AEON Bank Savings Account-i.
AEON Bank (M) Berhad is committed to provide accessible financial solutions for Malaysians and we aim to empower the community in pursuing their financial aspirations and achieve economic independence, hence fostering a more inclusive financial future for all. We will continue to contribute towards the Islamic banking development in the region and the nation’s digital economy.
Emaar, the Economic City has secured board approval for a sweeping balance-sheet overhaul that will lift its share capital by nearly 69 per cent through the conversion of debt owed to the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, a move aimed at strengthening liquidity and reshaping the Tadawul-listed developer’s financial structure. The company disclosed that its board has authorised an increase in paid-up capital to 8.83 billion Saudi Arabian […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 December 2025 – In today’s fast evolving job market, traditional qualifications alone are no longer sufficient to guarantee career longevity. Employers increasingly value agility, digital fluency, and continuous learning qualities that micro credentials deliver in concise, impactful ways.
Why Micro-Credentials Matter
Micro credentials are short, focused courses designed to equip professionals with in demand skills quickly. Unlike full degree programs, they enable learners to upskill or reskill without disrupting their careers. For industries shaped by rapid technological change such as digital marketing, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and sustainability, these credentials are becoming essential for staying relevant.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, 39% of workers’ core skills will change by 2030, and 59% of the global workforce will need reskilling to meet evolving demands. This shift, driven by automation, AI, and sustainability imperatives, makes continuous learning a necessity rather than an option.
Micro credentials bridge this gap by offering industry aligned, stackable learning experiences that can be completed in weeks rather than years. Research indicates that employers are 72% more likely to hire candidates with micro credentials, as these certifications validate practical, job ready skills.
SIM’s Commitment to Career Readiness
SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is at the forefront of lifelong learning, responding to the urgent need for professionals to stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy. Through its Centre for Micro-Credentials (CMC), SIM offers a curated portfolio of short, stackable courses designed to deliver future-ready skills in high-demand areas such as digital marketing, AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability.
These programs are industry-aligned and developed in consultation with employers and global education partners to ensure relevance and practical application. Each course provides actionable knowledge that learners can immediately apply in their roles, making them ideal for busy professionals seeking quick, impactful upskilling.
A distinctive feature of SIM’s micro-credential ecosystem is the integration of digital badges. These secure, verifiable credentials contain metadata about the achievement, issuer, and criteria. Learners can showcase these badges on platforms like LinkedIn, signalling to recruiters and employers that they possess specialized expertise in emerging fields. This visibility supports skill-based hiring, a growing trend among organizations seeking demonstrable competencies rather than just academic qualifications.
SIM also emphasizes flexibility and accessibility. Courses are delivered in bite-sized formats, often online or blended, allowing learners to progress at their own pace without disrupting their careers.
The Bottom Line
Micro-credentials represent a strategic shift in preparing for the future of work. As industries evolve rapidly, the ability to adapt, upskill, and demonstrate verified competencies is essential. Degrees provide a foundation, but they often lack the agility to keep pace with emerging technologies.
SIM’s micro-credential programs offer flexibility, relevance, and recognition, enabling professionals to stay competitive in a skills-driven economy. Learners can customize pathways, focus on areas like AI, cybersecurity, or sustainability, and earn digital badges that employers value in skill-based hiring.
Micro-credentials help professionals future-proof their careers, ensuring resilience amid automation and digital transformation. For organizations, they build a workforce that is agile and ready for tomorrow’s challenges.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SIM Global Education
SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.
SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.
For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg
Greenlogue/AP A major commitment by Alterra to a renewables platform run by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners is set to channel long-term capital into clean power, storage and transmission projects across multiple markets, strengthening the scale and pace of energy transition investment worldwide. Alterra, the UAE’s climate investment vehicle with a stated target of deploying $30 billion by the end of the decade, confirmed it is investing in a […]
By Nitya Chakraborty The political developments in Bangladesh including violence against any one opposing the fundamentalists are having dangerous consequences for India involving the security and geopolitical stability in the sub continent. According to this writer who has been following the churnings in the newly liberated nation since 1971, the outlook for India in terms […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 December 2025 – The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) reinforces its commitment to student success through flagship career fairs that connect graduates with leading employers across diverse industries. These initiatives form part of SIM’s comprehensive employability ecosystem, Career Connect, which integrates coaching, mentorship, internships, and high-visibility recruitment events. Supported by the CareerSense app, students enjoy centralized access to job listings and event registrations, ensuring a seamless career planning experience.
Two Opportunities to Engage Annually
SIM organizes two major career fairs each year, strategically aligned with industry hiring cycles. This biannual format provides flexibility for students seeking internships during their studies or full-time positions upon graduation.
DREAMS Career Fair – Flagship Event
DREAMS is SIM’s premier career fair, featuring over 100 leading companies from sectors such as finance, technology, logistics, and consulting. Participating employers include Big Four accounting firms, major banks, and multinational corporations. The event offers extensive networking opportunities, interactive employer booths, and on-the-spot interviews for internships and graduate roles. This serves as a powerful launchpad for students to secure meaningful career opportunities.
IGNITE Career & Internship Fair – Industry-Specific Networking
IGNITE is SIM’s targeted networking event focused on sectors such as accounting, banking, technology, and logistics. Unlike large-scale fairs, IGNITE facilitates smaller, more personalized interactions with recruiters, enabling students to engage in substantive conversations and build deeper connections. The event includes company talks offering insider insights into niche roles and career pathways, complemented by mentorship and personalized guidance.
From Campus to Corporate
Students at SIM leverage career fairs and employer engagement events to build clearer pathways into the workforce. Many approach these opportunities by researching participating organisations, strengthening their resumes and practising how to communicate their strengths effectively, steps that help them gain direct exposure to recruiters and better understand evolving industry expectations.
While early interaction at career fairs may not immediately result in internships or job offers, they have provided meaningful insights and networking opportunities that later contribute to successful applications. Through repeated engagement and improved preparation, students have been able to secure internships and full-time roles at major firms across different sectors.
These outcomes reflect how structured career development activities at SIM support students in strengthening both their technical and interpersonal competencies, expanding their professional networks and transitioning more confidently into competitive industries.
Beyond Recruitment: A Holistic Employability Ecosystem
SIM’s Career Connect integrates career fairs with sustained employability programming, skills workshops, mentorship initiatives such as Project Protégé, and internship matching via the CareerSense app. This holistic approach ensures students have repeated engagement with employers throughout the year and supports recognition through awards like the SIM EDGE awards, which celebrates the well-rounded development of students.
More than recruitment channels, these fairs exemplify SIM’s commitment to bridging talent, industry needs and employment opportunity. External coverage of DREAMS and IGNITE further validates SIM’s commitment in equipping graduates to thrive in an evolving job market.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SIM Global Education
SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.
SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.
For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg
Denmark has begun a phased retreat from Microsoft software across parts of its public administration, signalling a broader reassessment of how governments manage dependence on dominant technology suppliers and safeguard digital sovereignty. The shift, confirmed by officials overseeing state IT procurement, starts with the transport and traffic administration but is framed as a test case for wider adoption across ministries and agencies. At the centre of the […]
South Korea’s central bank has unveiled temporary measures to increase the supply of US dollars in the onshore foreign exchange market, responding to renewed pressure on the won and heightened volatility driven by global monetary conditions and capital flows. The steps, announced in Seoul, are designed to stabilise market functioning rather than signal a shift in the broader policy stance, according to officials familiar with the decision.
The Bank of Korea said it would expand and fine-tune existing mechanisms that channel dollar liquidity to domestic banks, including adjustments to foreign exchange swap operations and closer coordination with financial institutions that rely on short-term dollar funding. The announcement followed sharp movements in the won that reflected a stronger dollar globally, shifting expectations over US interest rates and risk-averse sentiment among international investors.
Authorities stressed that the measures are temporary and targeted. Central bank officials indicated that the aim is to smooth excessive fluctuations and ensure that firms and banks can access foreign currency at reasonable costs, rather than to defend a specific exchange rate level. Market participants have long viewed this distinction as important, particularly after past episodes when heavy-handed intervention drew criticism from trading partners.
South Korea’s economy is deeply integrated into global trade and finance, making its currency sensitive to swings in the dollar. Exporters and importers alike depend on predictable access to foreign currency, while domestic banks hold sizeable short-term foreign liabilities that can become vulnerable during periods of stress. Episodes of dollar scarcity can amplify volatility, as companies rush to hedge exposures and banks scramble to secure funding.
The central bank’s move builds on a toolkit refined over the past decade. FX swap facilities allow banks to exchange won for dollars with the central bank for a set period, easing immediate shortages without depleting official reserves. By adjusting maturities, volumes and pricing, policymakers can influence conditions in the onshore market while signalling readiness to act if dislocations worsen.
Government officials, speaking separately, said fiscal and regulatory authorities were aligned with the central bank’s approach. The finance ministry has held regular consultations with the Bank of Korea and financial regulators to monitor cross-border capital movements, particularly as global investors rebalance portfolios in response to shifting yield differentials. Officials noted that South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves remain ample by international standards, offering a buffer against disorderly market moves.
Economists said the measures reflect a broader trend among Asian central banks grappling with a strong dollar environment. While many economies in the region maintain flexible exchange rates, policymakers have shown a willingness to step in when liquidity dries up or price action becomes detached from fundamentals. In South Korea’s case, analysts pointed to stable external balances and a manageable current account position as factors that give authorities room to act calmly.
Banks welcomed the announcement, saying predictable access to dollar liquidity helps reduce funding costs and limits the risk of knock-on effects to credit markets. A senior treasury executive at a major commercial bank said the adjustments would “help smooth day-to-day operations” at a time when global markets remain sensitive to policy signals from Washington and other major capitals.
Currency strategists cautioned, however, that temporary measures alone cannot offset sustained external pressures if global conditions remain unfavourable. They noted that the won’s performance will continue to be influenced by US monetary policy expectations, geopolitical developments and investor appetite for emerging market assets. Any prolonged mismatch between dollar demand and supply could require further action, though officials have signalled a preference for gradual, market-friendly steps.
The Bank of Korea has repeatedly emphasised that foreign exchange policy operates alongside, not in place of, its primary mandate of price stability. With inflation dynamics evolving and domestic growth facing headwinds from weaker external demand, policymakers are balancing multiple objectives. The central bank has avoided linking the FX measures directly to interest rate decisions, underscoring that liquidity management in currency markets serves a different purpose.
Greenlogue/AP AMEA Power has commissioned a 120 megawatts-peak solar photovoltaic plant in Tunisia’s Kairouan Governorate, adding one of the country’s largest utility-scale renewable assets to the national grid and strengthening North Africa’s push to diversify power generation. The project operates under a 20-year power purchase agreement with Société Tunisienne de l’Electricité et du Gaz, providing long-term offtake certainty for the state utility and stable revenues for the […]
Cisco has said that a sophisticated group of China-linked hackers is actively exploiting a previously unknown vulnerability to breach the networks of its customers, raising concerns across governments and large enterprises that rely on the company’s equipment for critical communications and data traffic. The company disclosed that the attackers have been using a zero-day flaw to gain unauthorised access to affected systems before patches were available, allowing […]
By K Raveendran Oil prices slipping below $60 a barrel for the first time since February 2021 and a sharp easing in European gas prices mark more than a cyclical downturn in commodities. They signal a rapid repricing of geopolitical risk at a moment when diplomacy, rather than escalation, has begun to dominate market psychology. […]
Abu Dhabi-listed Two Point Zero Group has moved to full ownership of fintech platform Maseera, completing the acquisition of the remaining minority stake and consolidating its position in the fast-growing digital finance space. The transaction marks another step in the group’s strategy of scaling consumer-facing financial services across the Middle East and North Africa through tightly integrated platforms. Two Point Zero confirmed that its subsidiary, E Point […]
Matein Khalid 2025 was the year I was convinced that silver would outperform gold in a classic late cycle acceleration trade that is a recurrent theme in full throttle precious metal bull markets. This means, silver has a tendency to lag gold’s ascent until an inflection point at which prices breakout and then accelerate sharply on the upside. This inflection point was $36 an ounce in spot […]
Kim Kardashian switching on a smartphone camera and pitching pyjamas to a scrolling audience has become a telling marker of how live shopping is edging into the American retail mainstream. Earlier this month, the entrepreneur and media figure hosted a TikTok Live session promoting sleepwear, slippers and coordinated sweat sets, adopting the cadence of a television infomercial but delivering it through a platform built on short videos […]
Despite 64% reporting revenue growth, 91% of merchants face payment friction HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2025 – Aspire, the all-in-one finance platform for modern businesses, today released its Hong Kong Ecommerce Pulse Check for 2025, revealing that while 100 Hong Kong merchants (with HKD 1–10 million annual business revenue) remain optimistic about growth even amid macroeconomic challenges, hidden financial friction is […]
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 December 2025 – CGTN will release its new documentary “When We March Together” in January 2026, offering a refreshing look at China–US relations through the lens of youth and music. The film highlights a lesser-explored facet of the bilateral relationship—one driven by youthful energy, cooperation, and shared creativity. The documentary follows three American high school marching band students on […]
Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company has increased its ownership in Invictus Investment Company to about 40 per cent after acquiring an additional 17.5 per cent stake in a transaction valued at roughly Dhs420m, signalling a deeper strategic alignment between one of the region’s largest conglomerates and a global commodities trading platform. The investment was executed through the purchase of about 196 million shares in a major block […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Middle Eastern crude markets are showing growing signs of strain as supply from the region appears set to exceed demand, reinforcing a broader softening trend in global oil fundamentals that has pressured benchmark futures and physical differentials. One of the clearest indicators has been the steady erosion in the premium of Abu Dhabi’s Murban crude over Brent. That spread, closely tracked by traders […]
The United States government’s approval for Nvidia to export its powerful H200 artificial intelligence chips to China has upended expectations across global technology markets and deepened debate over export controls and strategic competitiveness. President Donald Trump confirmed that U. S. authorities will permit sales of Nvidia’s H200 processors to approved Chinese customers under a regime that levies a 25 per cent levy on such transactions, a policy […]
By Nitya Chakraborty The results of the local polls in Kerala covering corporations, municipalities as also gram panchayats declared on Saturday December 13 are a firm indication of the massive erosion of the support base of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) headed by the CPI(M) in both rural and urban areas signalling all the […]
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.7 on the moment magnitude scale struck northeastern Japan on Friday, triggering a tsunami advisory and prompting authorities to urge coastal communities to remain alert while assessments were carried out. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake occurred offshore, with tremors felt across parts of the Tohoku region, an area that remains closely monitored because of its seismic history. Officials said the advisory […]
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By Nitya Chakraborty The political developments in Bangladesh including violence against any one opposing the fundamentalists are having dangerous consequences for India involving the security and geopolitical stability in the sub continent. According to this writer who has been following the churnings in the newly liberated nation since 1971, the outlook for India in terms […]
By Nitya Chakraborty The results of the local polls in Kerala covering corporations, municipalities as also gram panchayats declared on Saturday December 13 are a firm indication of the massive erosion of the support base of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) headed by the CPI(M) in both rural and urban areas signalling all the […]
