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The agreement marks the next phase of cooperation between Green SM Indonesia and BCA, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting sustainable, well-governed business development in Indonesia’s urban mobility sector.

The investment loan facility is intended to support Green SM Indonesia’s operational readiness and service continuity. The facility provides a stable financial structure to underpin the company’s disciplined growth approach and support consistent service delivery across its existing urban operations.

The signing builds on earlier cooperation between the two parties, which began with Green SM’s market launch in Jakarta in December 2024. Since then, BCA and Green SM Indonesia have collaborated on customer-focused programs and initiatives to improve service accessibility and raise awareness of environmentally responsible transportation solutions. The transition from cooperation activities to a formal financing arrangement reflects the maturation of this partnership and BCA’s support in Green SM Indonesia’s operational model and governance standards.

The cooperation also reflects BCA’s broader role in supporting business sectors that are adapting to evolving urban development needs, including shifts toward more efficient and forward-looking mobility solutions.

Representing BCA, Mr. Denny Haryanto, SVP Corporate Banking BCA said: “This agreement reflects our approach to supporting businesses with a long-term outlook. Sustainable transportation is increasingly important to Indonesia’s urban development. Through this cooperation, we support initiatives that align with long-term economic resilience and environmental responsibility.”

Mr. Deny Tjia, Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia, said the agreement reflects trust built through consistent cooperation and shared values. “The investment loan agreement reflects recognition of the disciplined operating model and long-term development orientation that Green SM Indonesia has pursued since its early stages. The facility further strengthens the company’s financial foundation, supporting stable and consistent service delivery across the cities where it operates.”

Since commencing operations, Green SM Indonesia has established a presence in several major urban centers, including Jakarta, Makassar, Bekasi, Surabaya, and Bali. These cities face increasingly complex urban mobility requirements alongside rising expectations for cleaner, more responsible transport solutions. In the Indonesian market, Green SM provides all-electric taxi services that support routine urban travel while reducing emissions and noise. The company’s operating approach emphasizes reliability, professional service standards, and scalability aligned with city-level transport planning.

Through this agreement, Green SM Indonesia and BCA reaffirm their shared view that the transition to sustainable urban mobility requires not only electric vehicle technology but also sound financial structures, responsible governance, and long-term commitment. The investment loan agreement is a practical step to support that transition in Indonesia’s evolving mobility landscape.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About GSM & Green SM

GSM (Green Smart Mobility) is the world’s first company to operate an all-electric ride-hailing service across multiple platforms. As a pioneer in sustainable transportation, GSM has built the foundation for a cleaner, smarter, and more responsible mobility model powered entirely by VinFast electric vehicles. GSM is committed to developing a future-ready mobility ecosystem and inspiring greener lifestyles in countries rapidly embracing sustainability.

Green SM is GSM’s official global brand, representing the company’s vision and values in every market it serves. In Southeast Asia, Green SM operates in Indonesia; under the name Xanh SM in Vietnam and Laos; and as Green GSM in the Philippines. Across all markets, the brand offers a refined travel experience with VinFast electric cars, professional drivers, and a service culture centered on safety and care.

Green SM represents progress toward a future where technology, the environment, and humanity advance together in harmony. The brand is committed not only to providing zero-emission transportation but also to fostering an environmentally conscious society in every market it serves.

The announcement signals how sharply competition for AI infrastructure has intensified across Asia. Microsoft said the programme will focus on adding computing capacity inside Japan at a time when governments and corporations are demanding secure, local processing for sensitive workloads. Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice-chair and president, disclosed the plan during a visit to Tokyo, where the company also set out training and security goals tied to the investment.

Under the plan, Microsoft intends to train one million engineers and developers by 2030, a figure that underlines the labour challenge facing Japan as it tries to scale AI use across the economy. The company is also expanding cybersecurity collaboration with the Japanese government, including work around threat intelligence and cybercrime prevention. Those elements give the package a dual purpose: commercial expansion for Microsoft and strategic support for a country that has made digital resilience and industrial competitiveness central to policy.

The new commitment builds on a smaller programme announced in April 2024, when Microsoft said it would invest $2.9 billion over two years to expand cloud and AI infrastructure in Japan, while also launching wider digital skilling efforts, opening its first Microsoft Research Asia lab in the country and deepening cooperation on cybersecurity. The latest package therefore appears less like a standalone move than the next stage of a longer campaign to lock in market share and policy relevance in one of Asia’s most advanced economies.

Japan offers Microsoft an attractive mix of high-value enterprise customers, a technologically sophisticated manufacturing base and a government that has been openly supportive of industrial uses for generative AI. Tokyo’s policy stance has increasingly favoured the deployment of advanced digital tools to lift productivity, offset labour shortages and bolster economic security. That political environment has made Japan a focal point for global technology groups seeking not just customers, but durable alignment with state priorities on data sovereignty and national resilience.

Market conditions also help explain the scale of the move. Reuters reported that around one-fifth of working-age people in Japan are now using generative AI tools, showing that adoption has advanced but remains well below leading global levels, leaving substantial room for growth. At the same time, labour projections point to a steep shortage of AI and robotics specialists by 2040, raising the stakes for corporate training programmes and local infrastructure investment. For Microsoft, that creates an opening to sell both computing capacity and the wider ecosystem needed to make AI usable at scale.

Partnerships with local players will be central to execution. Microsoft said it would work with firms including SoftBank and Sakura Internet to expand domestic AI computing capacity and provide more secure local access to Azure services. That matters in Japan, where demand from public institutions and regulated industries often hinges on where data is processed and how operational control is shared. Collaboration with established domestic groups may also help Microsoft navigate competitive pressure from rival cloud providers and home-grown digital infrastructure ambitions.

Available Now in North America, Europe, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and South Korea

TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2026 – COTODAMA, the brand at the intersection of sight and sound, today announced the global launch of Cotodama Speaker / Box Model in MOON WHITE. Priced at $1,600 USD (tax excluded), it is available now at cotodama-speaker.com.

Every Song. A Universe.
Cotodama Speaker Box was built for the moment when lyrics appear before you — and something inside you responds. Through the world-first Lyrics Motion Engine, it transforms the lyrics of over 15 million songs across 40+ languages into real-time motion graphics, shaped by the emotional gravity of each song. Quiet songs move like breath. Urgent songs flash like a signal from the edge of something vast. Every song is a different universe. And it becomes yours.

MOON WHITE: The Color of Infinite Possibility
White is not empty. It is everything before it becomes something. When the music begins, words emerge as if born from within the screen — not projected, but revealed. MOON WHITE reflects curiosity, and lets it glow.

From COTODAMA
In a space filled with the things you love — what music would you play? If lyrics were to surface there, they would take you somewhere deeper. Into a part of yourself you have not yet found.

Product Overview
Product: COTODAMA SPEAKER BOX — MOON WHITE
Launch: April 3, 2026 | Price: $1,600 USD (tax excluded)
Availability: North America, Europe, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea
Technology: Lyrics Motion Engine (world-first)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi (AirPlay / Spotify Connect / Google Cast)
Songs: 15M+ in 40+ languages

Hashtag: #COTODAMA

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About COTODAMA

COTODAMA is a Japanese brand dedicated to giving lyrics their rightful value. The Cotodama Speaker Box is a permanent selection at the MoMA Design Store, and recipient of the SXSW Accelerator Award (Best Bootstrap Company, 2015).

cotodama-speaker.com | @cotodama_speaker_official

By Dr. Gyan Pathak While world’s untaxed wealth of the richest 0.1 per cent hidden offshore surpasses entire wealth of the poorest half of the humanity, India remains the receiver of the highest number of the regressive tax recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that increases tax burden on the lower-income households more than […]

The article India Gets Highest Number IMF’s Advice To Tax Lower-Income Households More appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Being the only B2B international fastener trade show in Taiwan, Fastener Taiwan showcases a comprehensive spectrum of products and services, including finished fasteners, fastener machines and materials, molds and tooling, inspection instruments, and hand tools.

Innovative and value-added solutions can be found from key participants including Sheh Fung, a leader in high-end painted screws; ZYH YIN, the primary screw supplier to IKEA; TAIWAN SHAN YIN, providing dental implants and automotive components, and SPEC, a qualified supplier for global brands like Tesla and Mercedes-Benz. Additionally, Taiwan Steel Group (TSG) will present integrated solutions for the aerospace and renewable energy industries, while machinery giants like JERN YAO and CHIEN TSAI will debut energy-efficient forging and thread-rolling technologies.

International brands are increasingly drawn to Taiwan’s growing markets, with exhibitors like Germany’s Dörken Coatings and Achilles Seibert, Japan’s Fukae Spring, and Korea’s HAWERS utilizing the show to expand their global reach.

Beyond the abundant display, Fastener Taiwan features the Global Fastener Forum, where industry experts discuss industry development and analyze regional regulations and opportunities. The Procurement Policy and Market Briefing will host leaders from major European distributor associations- EFDA, BIAFD and FDS, to discuss the implications of the EU CBAM and evolving procurement standards. To offer a deeper perspective, the Site Visit program provides buyers with exclusive access to local factories to witness fastener production process firsthand, while One-on-One Sourcing Meetings offer opportunities to discuss specific enquiries.

Fastener Taiwan 2026 is more than a trade show; it is where global industry leaders gather to forge the next decade of success. We invite professionals from all sectors, especially the aerospace, semiconductor, infrastructure, medical, and construction sectors, to register for visit now (https://reurl.cc/O6XXD9) to empower your business through fastening innovation.
Hashtag: #FastenerTaiwan2026

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

As the city welcomes the festive break, ShopBack is set to catalyze this momentum with the launch of its 2026 Easter Egg Hunt. From April 3 to April 7, the campaign will welcome Gen Z and Millennial cohorts to download the official ShopBack App and discover a world of surprises — where every discovery is a chance to win, turning leisure into leverage and proving that in the modern retail landscape, entertainment is the “new currency”.

The Quantifiable Rise of Gamified Earning

The shift from shopping to active “gaining” is backed by record-breaking engagement metrics within the ShopBack app: Over 1,200 curated game titles have been integrated and downloaded on ShopBack Play. Building on a track record of over HK$5 million in rewards already delivered to our community, the platform has cultivated a new class of “Super Earners.” The top-performing user has successfully extracted over HK$30,000 in Cashback rewards simply by mastering game milestones—positioning ShopBack Play as a sophisticated Cashback tool for avid gamers.

2026 Easter Egg Hunt: A Multi-Dimensional Reward Matrix

While traditional holiday campaigns focus on consumption, ShopBack’s Easter Egg Hunt focuses on Community and Catch-up. The 5-day campaign (April 3-7) introduces two flagship challenges designed to maximize player “yield”:

1. “Easter Egg Everyday” – The Blind Box Thrill: During dedicated daily Happy Hours, users who reach specific milestones in the app’s “Red Zone” will unlock surprise loot “Easter egg” boxes. These eggs contain instant Cashback rewards of up to HK$100, adding an element of high-stakes discovery to the daily routine.
2. “United to Unlock” – The Power of Solidarity: In a bold move toward social gamification, ShopBack introduces a collaborative community challenge. If collective participation reaches the 40,000 opt-in benchmark, a massive HK$20,000 prize pool will be unlocked, and every participant stands a chance to win.

A New Paradigm: Beyond the Transaction

“We are witnessing a transformation in retail, where shopping goes beyond a simple task or pastime. ShopBack Play redefines the experience as an engaging ‘treasure hunt’, enabling users to enjoy shopping while earning real rewards effortlessly,” says Mr. Arthur Wan, General Manager of East Asia Cluster at ShopBack. “With ShopBack Play, we have evolved past a simple Cashback upgrade into the next level of ‘Play-to-Earn’. This Easter, we aren’t just offering discounts; we are presenting an immersive hunt where the stakes are real, and the rewards are tangible. We are moving Hong Kong from Gaming to Gaining.”

This Easter, swap the chocolates for real rewards. Dive into ShopBack Play to earn real cash—making the holiday not just a treat, but a “treasure-filled” retreat.

Hashtag: #ShopBack

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About ShopBack

Founded in 2014 in Singapore, ShopBack Group is the leading shopping, Cashback, and payments ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific, serving over 60 million users across 13 vibrant markets. Driven by a mission to make every shopping journey rewarding, the platform seamlessly integrates commerce with entertainment, pioneering the “Play-to-Earn” movement through its innovative ShopBack Play feature. Beyond consumer empowerment, ShopBack serves as a strategic growth engine for thousands of merchants and brands, providing sophisticated, performance-based marketing solutions that drive measurable outreach and high-intent engagement. With the expansion into ShopBack Pay, the Group continues to redefine the future of retail finance, offering a frictionless payment infrastructure that bridges the gap between digital rewards and real-world spending.

For further details and to start earning Cashback today, visit:

• Website: https://www.shopback.com.hk/
• App: https://app.shopback.com/sbhk-shopbackplay

China’s central bank has pulled cash from the banking system for the first time in about a year, signalling a more cautious near-term approach to liquidity management as higher oil prices begin to feed into factory costs, transport bills and corporate margins.

The People’s Bank of China conducted a small reverse repo operation on 2 April while a far larger batch matured, producing a net daily withdrawal of 223.5 billion yuan. The move came after policymakers had spent months leaning towards support for growth, and it suggests Beijing is trying to preserve room for manoeuvre rather than rushing into broader easing while imported inflation risks build.

That calibration matters because China is facing two conflicting pressures at once. On one side, domestic demand remains weak, producer prices are still soft, and policymakers have already acknowledged that supply continues to outstrip demand in parts of the economy. On the other, the oil shock linked to the Middle East conflict is lifting input costs and complicating the case for an immediate flood of fresh liquidity. China’s central bank said after its first-quarter monetary policy committee meeting that it would maintain an “appropriately loose” stance while keeping liquidity ample and supporting a recovery in prices.

The timing of the drain is striking because it follows signs that parts of the economy had started to stabilise before energy costs became a bigger threat. Official manufacturing activity returned to expansion in March, with the PMI rising to 50.4 from 49.0 in February, while a private survey showed factory output and orders still growing even as cost pressures intensified. Those readings pointed to a modest improvement in momentum, but they also showed that the rebound is vulnerable to rising commodity prices and longer supplier delivery times.

Economists and policy advisers in China have begun to frame the challenge less as a choice between stimulus and restraint, and more as a balancing act between supporting growth and containing imported inflation. Huang Yiping, a central bank adviser, said this week that oil-led price pressure was hurting profitability and narrowing the room for policy to respond, even though broader inflation remains below the official target. China’s consumer inflation rose 1.3% in February, the highest in more than three years, but still below Beijing’s target of around 2% for 2026.

For markets, the signal is not that Beijing has turned hawkish. The seven-day reverse repo rate remained unchanged at 1.4%, and the central bank has continued to stress that it can still use rate cuts, reserve requirement reductions and other tools if needed. What has changed is the sequencing. Officials appear unwilling to react to every external shock with an immediate dose of easier money, especially when higher oil prices could push up headline inflation even as underlying demand stays fragile.

That caution is also tied to the broader policy picture. China set a 2026 growth target of 4.5% to 5%, below last year’s goal, reflecting weaker confidence in the external environment and the unfinished task of shifting growth away from debt-heavy sectors and towards household consumption. Policymakers have pledged to support demand, private investment and prices, but the tone from Beijing has been measured rather than aggressive. The central bank’s liquidity withdrawal fits that pattern: it does not amount to a policy reversal, but it does show a preference for targeted fine-tuning over blunt stimulus.

The oil backdrop helps explain why. China has entered the current energy shock in a stronger position than some of its Asian peers, with strategic stockpiles, diversified power supply and a large electric-vehicle base helping to soften the blow. That resilience has supported Chinese assets during wider market turbulence. Yet the country is not immune. Independent refiners have already been cutting processing rates as crude costs climb and domestic fuel demand stays under pressure, while manufacturers are reporting the fastest increase in output prices in years.