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That message reflects a wider shift in digital assets. After years dominated by token launches, trading cycles and proof-of-concept experiments, the emphasis across much of the industry has moved towards tokenised securities, cross-border settlement, digital identity, compliant custody and blockchain rails for mainstream financial institutions. Reuters has reported that major market infrastructure players are developing tokenised securities platforms, while analysts have projected strong growth in tokenised real-world assets, even as sceptics warn that much of the promise still sits in early-stage back-office applications rather than broad public adoption.

For Indonesia, that debate carries particular weight because the country has spent the past two years reshaping supervision of digital assets. Regulatory oversight of crypto assets and other digital financial assets was formally transferred from commodity futures regulator Bappebti to the Financial Services Authority, or OJK, under the wider financial sector reform framework. That has tightened the link between blockchain activity and mainstream finance, while signalling that the authorities want a more structured regime around licensing, compliance and consumer safeguards.

OJK’s own public updates show that digital financial assets and crypto supervision now sit within a broader integrity and resilience agenda for the financial system, alongside sandbox oversight and enforcement. That regulatory direction matters for a conference such as Indonesia Blockchain Week because institutional investors, banks and enterprises are less likely to engage seriously with Web3 infrastructure unless licensing, governance and disclosure standards are clearer than they were during the sector’s earlier growth phase.

Another strand of the Indonesian story is the state’s interest in sovereign digital infrastructure. Bank Indonesia’s Project Garuda, the central bank’s digital rupiah initiative, has been presented as part of a broader effort to safeguard monetary sovereignty in the digital era. Even though a retail or wholesale digital rupiah remains under development rather than fully launched, the project has become one of the clearest signs that distributed ledger technology is being examined not just by crypto-native firms but by the institutions that underpin payments and currency systems.

That backdrop helps explain why conference organisers are leaning into the language of “impact”. Across Asia, the conversation has become more institutional and more policy-aware. Reuters reported last year that wealthy Asian investors were increasing crypto exposure, while other reporting this year has shown how tokenisation is moving closer to exchanges and regulated financial venues. At the same time, risks remain central to the story: the IMF warned this month that tokenised finance could amplify market stress if regulatory guardrails and crisis-response mechanisms do not keep pace with technology.

That balance between promise and caution is likely to define the Jakarta event. Proponents of tokenisation argue that blockchain-based representations of bonds, funds, property interests and other assets can reduce settlement delays, widen market access and make ownership more divisible. Critics counter that many of these benefits are still more theoretical than proven at scale, and that fragmented standards, legal uncertainty and cybersecurity risks continue to hold the sector back. Reuters’ explainer on tokenisation captured that divide by noting both the liquidity and access arguments advanced by supporters and the unresolved questions over how fast real adoption will follow.

Indonesia Blockchain Week itself appears keen to place the country at the centre of that regional conversation. Organiser material describes the event as a gateway between local innovation and global capital, policy and technology networks. Yet the official website also shows some transitional messaging, with parts of the site still carrying 2025 branding even as other official channels and partner announcements point to the August 2026 summit. That inconsistency does not alter the announced dates, but it does suggest organisers are still in the process of consolidating the event’s next edition across platforms.

This marks the first time an Asia-wide environmental hackathon exclusively for undergraduate and master’s students is held in Vietnam. The competition aims to identify and develop technology-driven solutions to pressing environmental challenges, while fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration among the younger generation.

Participants will advance through three main stages: Registration & Preliminary (April 6 – May 17, 2026); Online Training Phase (June 2 – June 28, 2026); and Final Round & Hackathon at VinUniversity (July 2 – July 5, 2026, tentative).

During the Registration & Preliminary Round, participants register online in teams of up to four members. Eligible applicants must be current undergraduate or master’s students at universities across Asia.

Application materials include an idea proposal and an introductory video. Based on evaluation by the Technical Board, the Top 30 teams will be selected to advance to the next stage.

The competition encourages interdisciplinary ideas that integrate multiple fields—including technology, environmental sciences, economics, and social sciences—with the aim of creating solutions that are innovative, feasible, and socially impactful.

Proposed ideas should address one of three key challenge areas: Renewable Energy and Low-Carbon Mobility; Urban Air Quality and Climate Resilience; Water Resources and Climate-Resilient Agriculture.

During the Online Training Round, the Top 30 teams will participate in a series of intensive training sessions and expert consultations with multidisciplinary specialists. These sessions are designed to equip teams with deeper domain knowledge and up-to-date insights on sustainability trends and relevant technologies, enabling them to further refine and expand their proposed solutions.

During the Final Round and Award Ceremony, all travel and accommodation expenses for the Top 30 teams will be fully covered. The teams will take part in a 24-hour hackathon at VinUniversity (Hanoi), where they will further develop and refine their technology-driven solutions before presenting them to the Judging Panel. Based on this evaluation, the Top 9 teams will be selected to advance to the final assessment round, from which the winning team will be determined.

The Chair of the Judging Panel is Prof. Duong Nguyen Vu, Vice Provost of Graduate Education at VinUniversity and Chief Scientific Officer at the Center for AI Research. He had been a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore until July 2025, where he served as Scientific Director at the Air Traffic Management Research Institute (ATMRI). Under his leadership—as Executive Director until 2025—the institute has emerged as a global leader in air traffic management research, thanks in large part to the scientific foundation he helped establish. Before joining NTU, Prof. Vu was the founding Director of the John von Neumann Institute at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, spearheading university-industry collaborations and championing innovation and entrepreneurship in education.

Prior to returning to Vietnam in 2010, he was Head of Innovative Research and Senior Scientific Advisor at the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL). He also advised Vietnam’s Minister of Planning and Investment on innovation strategy, contributing to the establishment of the National Innovation Center.

The competition offers a total prize pool of USD 24,000, comprising one First Prize of USD 8,000, one Second Prize of USD 5,000, two Third Prizes of USD 3,000 each, and five Consolation Prizes of USD 1,000 each. Beyond the awards, participating teams will gain valuable opportunities to engage with leading experts from across the region, expand their professional networks, and strengthen their access to the broader innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Le Thai Ha, Managing Director of the “For Green Future” Foundation and Head of the Organizing Committee, shared: “We believe that ideas with the power to shape the future do not always emerge from large laboratories or well-established institutions; they often arise from the insight, initiative, and determination of young people to make a difference. Through the Asian Hackathon for Green Future, we seek to create a platform where students across the region can transform their environmental awareness into tangible, innovative solutions that deliver meaningful impact for communities and the future.”

The Asian Hackathon for Green Future is expected to foster innovation aligned with sustainable development, while contributing to the development of a new generation of young talents capable of cross-border collaboration to create solutions with lasting, positive impact across the region.

Interested candidates may register for the competition via: https://forms.gle/o3L5BVLExUYKQtGJA

For any inquiries, please contact the Organizing Committee at [email protected] for further assistance.
Hashtag: #ForGreenFutureFund

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

The project is a collaboration between Wycombe Abbey, BE Education, and Rabbit Holdings, a subsidiary of BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited, reflecting the continued expansion of global education networks into Asia and Thailand’s growing relevance as a destination for international schooling.

Founded in 1896 in Buckinghamshire, Wycombe Abbey is widely recognised for its academic excellence and long-standing reputation for combining rigorous British curricula, including IGCSEs and A Levels, with a holistic approach to student development. The model emphasises intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a global perspective.

Wycombe Abbey also represents a rare example of a historic global institution that has successfully maintained its academic standards while expanding internationally. Its schools in Hong Kong and major cities across China have demonstrated the ability to uphold the same quality of education, driven by close collaboration and strict academic oversight from Wycombe Abbey UK. This approach ensures consistency in teaching standards, student outcomes, and the overall educational experience across its international network.

The school’s entry into Thailand comes amid sustained growth in the country’s international education sector. Thailand currently hosts more than 250 international schools serving approximately 70,000 to 80,000 students. The market is valued at over 80 billion baht and continues to expand at an annual rate of around 10%, driven by rising demand from both Thai and expatriate families seeking globally recognised education pathways.

Bangkok’s appeal as an education destination is supported by its quality of life, safety, regional connectivity, and relatively competitive cost of living, positioning the city as a potential regional hub for international families.

Wycombe Abbey’s international network already spans Hong Kong and multiple cities in China, including Changzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing. Bangkok will serve as one of its newest strategic locations, with further expansion planned in Singapore and South Korea, strengthening cross-border academic connections and student mobility within Asia.

William Vanbergen, Founder and Chairman of BE Education and Chairman of the Wycombe Abbey International Advisory Board, said the expansion represents more than a geographic extension.

“Wycombe Abbey isn’t just expanding. It is bringing one of the UK’s most respected educational traditions into Asia, while creating a multi-campus network that connects students across locations through shared experiences and collaboration,” he said.

Chotchawal Leetrairong, representing BTS Group Holdings and serving as financial advisor, said the investment aligns with a broader vision of urban development.

“World-class education is a fundamental component of a global city. Our investment reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening Bangkok’s position by supporting international education, talent attraction, and economic development,” he said.

Fiona Angel, Founding Executive Headteacher of Wycombe Abbey International School Bangkok, said the school will focus on developing well-rounded students equipped for a rapidly evolving global environment.

The school will offer a continuous 15-year education pathway from Nursery to Year 13 (ages 2–18), with both day and boarding options. Boarding will remain a central element of the educational model, designed to foster independence, responsibility, and leadership within a structured learning community.

Located near Thana City on Bangna-Trad Road, the campus will span over 66 acres, positioning it among the largest international school campuses in Bangkok. Facilities will include an Olympic-standard swimming pool, FIFA-standard football field, tennis and golf facilities, basketball courts, a full athletics track, and a 1,000-seat stadium, supporting both academic and co-curricular development.

The combination of Wycombe Abbey’s academic reputation and the school’s strategic location is expected to further strengthen Bangkok’s position as an emerging Asian education hub. Situated just 10 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the campus offers convenient regional access for international families, while its high-quality boarding facilities are designed to meet the needs of students and parents across Asia. This positioning is expected to attract a growing number of families seeking world-class education within the region.

Wycombe Abbey has consistently delivered strong academic outcomes. Over the past decade, 28% of its graduates have secured places at Oxford and Cambridge, with many progressing to leading universities worldwide. Across its international network, 38% of students in its Hong Kong and China campuses have been admitted to QS Top 10 universities, while 74% have gained entry to QS Top 50 institutions globally.

With its established academic track record, international network, and large-scale campus, Wycombe Abbey International School Bangkok aims to position itself as a leading provider of British-curriculum education in Southeast Asia, while contributing to Bangkok’s long-term development as a global education destination.

For more information, please visit https://wycombeabbeyinternational.com/schools/bangkok/

Hashtag: #WycombeAbbey

https://wycombeabbeyinternational.com/schools/bangkok/

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

Dentsu has appointed Yusuke Kagohara as chief financial officer for Southeast Asia, handing him a mandate that goes beyond traditional finance oversight as the advertising and marketing group tightens governance and prepares for a more disciplined phase of expansion across one of Asia’s most competitive markets. The appointment took effect immediately, and Kagohara will report to Sanjay Bhasin, chief executive for Southeast Asia.

The move lands at a sensitive point for global agency networks. Growth remains available across Southeast Asia, but margins, client expectations and regulatory scrutiny are all sharpening. Dentsu’s own framing makes clear that this is not merely a replacement hire. Company statements and industry reports describe the post as part of a wider effort to deepen strategic and financial discipline and strengthen governance across the regional cluster, which covers Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The business employs more than 4,000 people in the region under what Dentsu describes as a borderless operating model formed in 2023.

Kagohara arrives with a profile that fits that brief. Before this appointment, he served as group head of risks and controls at Dentsu Group Inc., where he worked on internal controls, enterprise risk management and broader governance and remediation efforts. Earlier assignments included chief financial officer and deputy chief financial officer roles in Beijing and at Dentsu Creative China, experience that gave him exposure to large and complex operating environments in Asia. Industry coverage of the appointment has also highlighted his background in corporate strategy, transformation and all-round finance, suggesting the company wanted someone comfortable with both compliance architecture and commercial execution.

That background matters because agency finance chiefs are no longer judged only on forecasting, cost control and reporting. They are increasingly central to how networks integrate acquisitions, police internal controls, price AI-enabled services and defend profitability while clients demand more measurable returns. Dentsu has been signalling this shift at group level for months. Its global management overhaul announced in February was pitched around stronger execution, while its 2025 integrated report and governance materials emphasised capital discipline, internal investment, productivity and the strengthening of leadership and controls.

Southeast Asia gives that challenge extra complexity. The cluster spans fast-growing but highly uneven markets, each with different media structures, regulatory standards, client mixes and digital maturity. Dentsu has described the region as one of the world’s fastest-growing, and its own ad spend outlook has projected Asia Pacific growth ahead of the wider global economy. In December, the company forecast that global advertising spend would rise 5.1 per cent in 2026 to more than $1 trillion, with Asia Pacific remaining the fastest-growing region. For a network trying to convert that momentum into durable earnings, stronger financial control becomes a strategic tool rather than a back-office function.

Bhasin’s comments underline that point. In remarks carried by multiple reports and company-linked posts, he said growth on its own was not enough and that the business needed expansion that was “accountable, resilient, and built to last”. He described Kagohara’s experience in governance, transformation and complex markets as critical to the next stage of Southeast Asia’s development. Kagohara, for his part, said the region stood out for its scale, complexity and ambition, adding that strong fundamentals were universal even when market conditions varied widely. Those comments indicate a leadership view that the next test for Dentsu is not whether Southeast Asia can grow, but whether it can do so with tighter controls and greater consistency across markets.

The timing also follows a change in the seat Kagohara is filling. Trade reports late last month said Bharti Agrawal, who had served as CFO for Southeast Asia at Dentsu, had moved to Monks as chief financial officer for APAC marketing services. That succession gives the new appointment a sharper operational significance, because it suggests Dentsu moved quickly to avoid drift in a role that sits at the centre of planning, compliance and regional coordination.