SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2025 – MyRepublic is proud to announce the launch of Card Con, a one-day trading card convention dedicated to celebrating the vibrant and ever-growing world of Trading Card Games (TCGs) and collectibles culture. The event will take place at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre Level 3, Summit 2, on Saturday, 3 May 2025, and is open to collectors, […]
New industry survey reveals that 80% of respondents confirm venture capital firms in Dubai are actively seeking AI-driven startups, reinforcing the city’s position as a global hub for AI investment and technological innovation. The findings are part of the newly released Practical Guide to Dubai’s AI Ecosystem 2025, developed by Duamentes Global Alliance in collaboration with Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). The guide provides key insights into investment trends, AI adoption, […]
First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC , the largest lender in the United Arab Emirates by assets, is undergoing another wave of executive departures as it implements a significant internal restructuring aimed at reinforcing its regional dominance and enhancing shareholder value. Chief Credit Officer Neil Barrable is stepping down less than a year after his appointment, citing personal reasons. Barrable joined FAB in June 2024 from HSBC Holdings […]
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 April 2025 – Philips Evnia is proud to announce its exclusive partnership with Ground Zero Gaming for the 2025 esports season. This collaboration marks a monumental step in shaping the future of competitive gaming, where both entities combine their strengths to push the boundaries of performance, innovation, and fan engagement on a global scale. Evnia Partners with Ground Zero […]
Morocco is poised to become a central figure in Africa’s digital transformation as it prepares to host the third edition of GITEX Africa Morocco from 14 to 16 April 2025 in Marrakech. This event, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is organized by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform in partnership with the Digital Development Agency (ADD) and KAOUN International. […]
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, has embarked on his inaugural official visit to India. During this visit, he engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on enhancing the multifaceted ties between the United Arab Emirates and India. The meeting, held in New Delhi, underscored the enduring relationship between the two […]
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2025 – Philippine small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), particularly those in the retail and food & beverage (F&B) sectors, can now enjoy greater peace of mind when it comes to tax compliance. AutoCount, a leading provider of accounting and business software solutions, has achieved official accreditation from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for its Point-of-Sale (POS) software, […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2025 – Cristiano Ronaldo is set to redefine the shopping experience with the grand opening of the first-ever CR7® LIFE Official Flagship Store at Times Square in Hong Kong celebrating his museum and legacy. Set to open its doors on June on the 7th floor of the iconic shopping hub, the first worldwide CR7® LIFE Store promises […]
President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods starting April 9, escalating tensions in the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China. This move comes in response to Beijing’s recent implementation of a 34% tariff on U.S. imports, which was itself a countermeasure to earlier U.S. tariffs. The administration’s decision has sent shockwaves through global financial markets. The […]
New global thought leadership series spotlighting the HKSTP I&T powerhouse, uniting its soft power of visionaries to rally the world to keep up with Hong Kong’s innovation HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 April 2025 – HKSTP’s Keep Up global brand campaign has taken the world by storm, reaching over 19 million people across 240+ destinations worldwide since its launch in July 2024—a testament […]
The United Arab Emirates has reaffirmed its position as the global leader in Fibre to the Home connectivity, achieving a penetration rate of 99.3%. This marks the eighth consecutive year the nation has topped international rankings, surpassing technological hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and South Korea. The FTTH Council’s latest annual report highlights this milestone, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to advancing its digital infrastructure.
The FTTH Council’s analysis encompassed data from 20 countries with FTTH availability exceeding 50%. Singapore secured the second position with a penetration rate of 97.1%, followed by Hong Kong at 95.3%, China at 92.9%, and South Korea at 91.5%. The UAE’s leading status reflects the nation’s strategic emphasis on developing next-generation digital infrastructure to support its economic and technological ambitions.
Central to this achievement is e& UAE, formerly known as Etisalat, which has played a pivotal role in enhancing the country’s connectivity landscape. The company has consistently invested in and developed world-class infrastructure for both 5G and fibre networks. Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, stated that the UAE’s proactive strategies and investments in fibre connectivity are a testament to the nation’s visionary leadership and its confidence to empower people to thrive in the digital age.
The UAE’s focus on fibre connectivity is integral to its broader digital transformation agenda. The nation has continuously invested in innovation and next-generation technologies to expand and enhance its infrastructure. This robust network forms the backbone of a digital ecosystem that supports various advanced technologies, including augmented reality, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
The high FTTH penetration rate offers tangible benefits to both consumers and enterprises. For consumers, it translates to high-speed internet access, facilitating seamless experiences in gaming, streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive applications. Enterprises, on the other hand, can leverage this infrastructure to support advanced use cases, applications, and technologies, thereby driving digital transformation across various sectors.
Beyond performance enhancements, fibre connectivity contributes to energy efficiency and sustainability goals. It is also critical in advancing hyperscalers, 5G Advanced, data centre connectivity, smart cities, and AI-driven initiatives. The UAE’s commitment to fibre connectivity aligns with its vision to become a global hub for innovation and technology.
Artificial intelligence technologies, notably OpenAI’s ChatGPT, are increasingly being exploited to create convincing fake identification documents, posing significant challenges for security and identity verification systems worldwide. The emergence of platforms like ‘OnlyFake’ exemplifies this trend, offering AI-generated fake IDs, including passports and driving licenses, for as little as $15. Investigations have demonstrated that these counterfeit documents can bypass verification processes on major platforms, such as cryptocurrency exchanges, […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 April 2025 – Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) Mr Charles Ng will commence his duty visit to the Middle East from today (April 6) to April 10, with key engagements in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The visit underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to deepening economic ties with these dynamic markets […]
Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, is evaluating the creation of a new digital currency designed to comply with forthcoming U.S. regulations. CEO Paolo Ardoino indicated that while USDT will maintain its focus on emerging markets, the proposed stablecoin would cater specifically to the U.S. market.
Ardoino emphasized Tether’s commitment to regulatory compliance, stating that the company is actively engaging with U.S. lawmakers to help shape stablecoin legislation. He noted Tether’s willingness to adapt its operations to align with legal frameworks, ensuring the company’s continued operation within the law.
The U.S. Congress is currently deliberating several bills aimed at regulating stablecoins. Notably, the STABLE Act, co-introduced by Representative Bryan Steil, proposes that stablecoin issuers maintain reserves consisting solely of high-quality liquid assets, such as U.S. Treasury bills and insured deposits. Ardoino confirmed Tether’s involvement in discussions regarding this legislation, highlighting the company’s proactive approach to compliance.
In addition to legislative engagement, Tether is expanding its global footprint. The company is finalizing the relocation of its headquarters to El Salvador after obtaining a digital asset service provider license there. This move aligns with El Salvador’s ambitions to become a digital currency trading hub, following its establishment of Bitcoin as legal tender.
Tether is also exploring opportunities beyond its traditional offerings. The company recently announced a partnership with Phoenix Group PLC to launch a Dirham -pegged stablecoin in the United Arab Emirates. This initiative aims to provide financial stability to individuals in high-inflation countries and enhance remittance services.
Tether is considering deeper involvement in the sports industry. The company holds a 5% stake in Italian Serie A soccer club Juventus and is open to increasing its investment if the current owners decide to sell more shares. This potential investment reflects Tether’s strategy to leverage its platform and user base to support global brands, particularly in emerging markets.
India is intensifying biosecurity measures across poultry farms and wildlife sanctuaries in response to the expanding reach of the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which has now affected domestic poultry, wild birds, and several mammalian species, including big cats and domestic cats.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has issued directives to all states to bolster surveillance and implement stringent biosecurity protocols. This action follows reports of the virus infecting a diverse range of species, raising concerns about its evolving nature and potential implications for both animal and human health.
In Andhra Pradesh, eight outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu were reported in farms and backyard poultry, leading to the death or culling of approximately 602,000 birds. These incidents underscore the virus’s persistent threat to the poultry industry.
The virus’s impact has extended beyond avian species. In Maharashtra, three tigers and a leopard succumbed to H5N1 at a rescue centre in Nagpur, prompting the central government to issue a red alert for zoos and animal rescue centres nationwide. Authorities have been urged to implement immediate measures to prevent further outbreaks among captive wildlife.
India’s first cases of H5N1 in domestic cats were confirmed in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district. The infected cats exhibited symptoms such as high fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy before dying within one to three days. Scientists identified 27 mutations in the virus found in these cats, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance across domestic poultry, wild birds, and mammals, including pets and humans.
The cross-species transmission of H5N1 is not limited to India. Globally, the virus has been detected in various mammalian species, including tigers, leopards, and domestic cats, raising concerns about its ability to jump species barriers. In the United States, outbreaks have been reported among house cats, while in Canada, a teenage girl was severely affected by the virus, indicating its potential risk to human health.
In response to these developments, the Indian government is collaborating with international health organizations to monitor the situation closely. Efforts are underway to study the virus’s mutations and assess the risk of human transmission. Public health advisories have been issued, cautioning against contact with sick or dead birds and emphasizing the importance of hygiene and protective measures for those handling poultry.
Gold-backed cryptocurrencies have experienced significant declines following the announcement of sweeping tariffs by President Donald Trump. These digital assets, which are pegged to the value of physical gold, initially surged to record highs as investors sought safe havens. However, they have since retreated, mirroring the broader market sell-off.
On April 3, 2025, President Trump unveiled a series of reciprocal tariffs, imposing a minimum of 10% on global imports and up to 49% on certain countries, including Vietnam. This move prompted immediate reactions across financial markets, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunging over 1,000 points, the Nasdaq dropping 3%, and the S&P 500 slumping 2.7%. The technology sector was notably affected, with major companies like Apple, Amazon, and Meta experiencing substantial losses. citeturn0news27turn0news29
In the commodities market, gold initially rallied, reaching an all-time high of $3,167.84 per ounce. This surge was driven by investors seeking refuge amid escalating trade tensions. However, the precious metal’s value soon declined, with spot gold prices falling 1.4% to $3,090.00. This reversal was attributed to investors liquidating positions to cover losses in other asset classes. citeturn0search2turn0search4
Gold-backed cryptocurrencies, which are digital tokens pegged to the price of gold, mirrored this trajectory. PAX Gold and Tether Gold both saw declines, with PAXG trading at $3,047.64, down 2.44%, and XAUT at $3,047.16, down 2.51%. These movements reflect the broader market’s volatility and investors’ shifting sentiments.
The cryptocurrency market as a whole was not immune to the turmoil. Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, fell to the $82,000 level, marking a significant drop from its previous position near $88,000 prior to the tariff announcements. Altcoins such as Ethereum and Solana also experienced declines, with Ethereum dropping over 6% to fall back under $1,800. citeturn0search17turn0search20
Analysts suggest that the aggressive nature of the tariffs has heightened fears of a global trade war, leading to increased market volatility. The tariffs’ impact extended beyond equities and cryptocurrencies, affecting commodities like crude oil, which saw a 6.4% decline. Bond yields also dropped as investors moved towards safer assets.
Central banks’ recent activities have also played a role in the gold market’s dynamics. In February, institutions such as Poland and China increased their gold reserves, contributing to the metal’s price movements. However, the current market conditions have overshadowed these factors, with immediate reactions to trade policies taking precedence.
MIAMI, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 April 2025 – Bigo Live’s Harmony Showdown talent competition will come to a thrilling conclusion on April 9, 2025, at BIGO Fest: Miami Live. Organized by global social livestreaming platform Bigo Live, Harmony Showdown is a head-to-head talent competition featuring musical acts and performers coached by celebrities with rigorous eliminations determined by fan voting. From an initial pool of […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 April 2025 – MyRepublic, one of Asia-Pacific’s leading digital-first telcos, announced the launch of Pocket Rocket Adventures, an industry-first initiative that introduces unique gamification mechanics into the customer experience journey for their broadband and mobile subscribers. The game, accessible via the MyRepublic mobile app available from April, marks a significant step in the company’s broader strategy to drive engagement, loyalty, […]
Valve Corporation has released an update to its Steam client, delivering several improvements aimed at enhancing the gaming experience for Linux users. Key among these is a significant boost in the download speed of client updates, addressing a longstanding concern within the Linux gaming community. The update also resolves a rare issue where non-Steam versions of Proton were being assigned incorrect compatibility tools. Proton, developed by Valve, […]
Corporate events have long gone beyond simple team building activities. They address a wide range of tasks today: helping to accelerate onboarding, improving internal communications, increasing employee engagement and strengthening corporate culture. This is especially important for employees of remote teams who risk losing contact with each other and the company due to remote working formats. In recent years, online tools have made communication easier and virtual […]
Greenlogue/AP Carbon Clean has announced the successful completion of the world’s first industrial deployment of its modular carbon capture technology, CycloneCC. Over a six-month period, the system achieved approximately 4,000 operating hours, delivering a high-purity carbon dioxide product. CycloneCC is designed to address key challenges in industrial carbon capture by offering a fully modular solution that reduces both cost and space requirements. The technology utilises rotating packed […]
President Donald Trump’s administration has announced a sweeping tariff regime, imposing a baseline 10% duty on all imports into the United States, with significantly higher rates targeting specific countries. This move, described by Trump as a “Declaration of Economic Independence,” aims to rectify what he perceives as longstanding trade imbalances. However, the policy has elicited widespread concern, particularly regarding its impact on developing economies. Among the hardest […]
India’s $32 billion gems and jewellery industry is facing a significant downturn following the United States’ imposition of a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian imports. This development poses a substantial challenge to the sector, which relies heavily on the U.S. market, accounting for approximately 30% of its annual exports. The tariff, announced by President Donald Trump on April 2, 2025, is part of a broader strategy to […]
Dubai-based Edgnex Data Centers, a subsidiary of the Damac Group, has acquired Finnish data center company Hyperco, marking a significant expansion into the Nordic region. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Hyperco operates data centers in Finland and Sweden, leveraging the region’s sustainable energy resources, mature digital ecosystems, and high connectivity. The company’s three co-founders and existing team will continue to lead operations […]
