logo
CNA wins gold for Best Use of Video and Best Podcast at Digital Media Awards Asia 2025

CNA wins gold for Best Use of Video and Best Podcast at Digital Media Awards Asia 2025

CNA23-04-2025
KUALA LUMPUR: CNA bagged two awards, a gold for Best Use of Video and silver for Best Podcast at the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) Digital Media Awards Asia 2025.
The awards were presented on Wednesday (Apr 23) at a ceremony at the Digital Media Asia (DMA) conference in Kuala Lumpur.
For its 'Build Your Own News Influencer' project, CNA won the gold for Best Use of Video.
With the rise of self-styled news influencers as a competitor to news publishers and broadcasters, CNA endeavoured to create its own news influencer to grow its audiences.
As part of the project, former TV anchor Chan Eu Imm, who is a veteran journalist with 18 years' experience, reinvented herself as an influencer and creator.
Under the CNA Explains banner, she unpacked topics such as the GISB saga in Malaysia, the rise of Mpox, and the arrest of a Singaporean for a US$230 million crypto scam. The more platform-native style of presentation resulted in a nearly 300 per cent rise in views for CNA's explainer videos on YouTube. Watch time for each explainer video on CNA's YouTube channel doubled as well.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'A visionary leader': Industry players, ex-colleagues pay tribute to late Microsoft Singapore head Lee Hui Li
'A visionary leader': Industry players, ex-colleagues pay tribute to late Microsoft Singapore head Lee Hui Li

CNA

time4 hours ago

  • CNA

'A visionary leader': Industry players, ex-colleagues pay tribute to late Microsoft Singapore head Lee Hui Li

SINGAPORE: The late managing director of Microsoft Singapore Lee Hui Li was known as a visionary leader and someone who was warm and authentic, industry players and former colleagues told CNA on Friday (Jul 25). Ms Lee died on Thursday, according to her public obituary. She had gone on sabbatical from her role in May this year to focus on her health. Her wake is being held at the Church of St Ignatius in King's Road from Friday, with her funeral taking place on Monday morning. "Hui Li was a visionary leader whose impact on Microsoft and the broader technology landscape in Singapore was profound,' a Microsoft Singapore spokesperson told CNA. Throughout her career, Ms Lee was known 'not only for her strategic brilliance, but for her warmth, authenticity, and unwavering belief in the potential of others and of Singapore', the spokesperson added. 'She mentored countless leaders, built inclusive teams, and inspired all of us to lead with purpose. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Hui Li's family, friends, and colleagues,' she said. Ms Lee also chaired the National University of Singapore (NUS) School of Computing's Industry Advisory Committee from July 2023. 'Hui Li was a deeply respected industry leader, known not only for her professional achievements but for her passion to make a meaningful impact on society,' said Mr Edward Chen, deputy chief executive of the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA). He called Ms Lee 'a tireless advocate for practical and forward-looking AI (artificial intelligence) education ', playing a pivotal role in shaping the new Business Artificial Intelligence Systems programme's curriculum to ensure its relevance to the evolving needs of industry. 'Beyond her accomplishments, Hui Li was a warm and trusted colleague – someone you could always count on to offer thoughtful advice and a helping hand,' said Mr Chen, who is a member of the committee too. 'Her generosity of spirit and commitment to nurturing the next generation will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working with her.' Another committee member, Monetary Authority of Singapore assistant managing director for technology Vincent Loy, said Ms Lee was 'always open to new ideas and made efforts to ensure that everyone involved in the discussions and decision-making processes was heard and valued'. 'She was also a strong advocate for entrenching artificial intelligence into the university's curriculum, to make it future-proof. My heartfelt condolences to Hui Li and her family,' said Mr Loy. The NUS School of Computing said in a statement on its website that Ms Lee's 'unwavering dedication and wise counsel forged an enduring legacy, profoundly shaping the committee and the School'. 'Ms Lee played an instrumental role in launching Microsoft Research Asia-Singapore and strongly advocated for our Business Analytics and Intelligent Systems (BAIS) programme,' it said. Launched on Thursday, Microsoft Research Asia-Singapore is the firm's first research lab in Southeast Asia, focused on AI research and talent. 'Her influence will continue to resonate, and she will be deeply missed by all who worked alongside her,' the school said of Ms Lee's legacy. East Coast GRC Member of Parliament Jessica Tan, who was managing director of Microsoft Singapore from July 2013 to December 2016, said that she was 'a dynamic leader and committed to growing the impact of technology in Singapore'. DEEP INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE Ms Lee's death was first reported by financial news outlet The Business Times on Thursday. In her LinkedIn profile, Ms Lee described herself as someone with 'a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the rapidly evolving digital economy'. 'I am passionate about creating new innovation, building trust and resilience, empowering digital natives, and nurturing a culture of inclusion,' she wrote. 'I also champion diversity & inclusion, allyship, and encouraging more women to build their future in the technology industry, having initiated mentorship and coaching programs for female communities.' Ms Lee was managing director for Microsoft in Singapore and Brunei from March 2022. Before that, she was a general manager leading the firm's Asia-Pacific enterprise commercial sales and industry teams from July 2021. Her 27-year career had also taken her through other firms in the sector, such as IBM, Symantec, Dell, HP and EY, according to her LinkedIn profile. Since November 2023, Ms Lee had also been a member of the Ministry of Trade and Industry's Green Skills Committee, which identifies the skills needed in the industry as it shifts towards a sustainable, lower-carbon economy.

Shifting tides: Lion City lures Hong Kong investors
Shifting tides: Lion City lures Hong Kong investors

Independent Singapore

time4 hours ago

  • Independent Singapore

Shifting tides: Lion City lures Hong Kong investors

SINGAPORE: The financial scene in Singapore is changing as more and more Hong Kong investors see the city-state as a refuge from regional unpredictability. The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is capitalising on this trend by putting significant market reforms and initiatives into place. A recent DBS Treasures Affluent Investor Survey, released in July 2025, found that 27% of affluent investors from Hong Kong and mainland China are now thinking about diversifying their portfolios by purchasing Singaporean stocks. The political stability of Singapore, sometimes referred to as the 'Switzerland of the East,' and its growing significance as a gateway to Southeast Asian markets are significant considerations. The city-state has put in place alluring incentives in an attempt to attract companies and investment. The central bank of Singapore announced a 20% tax refund for primary listings in February 2025 as one such measure. Singapore is making a strong case for itself with tax incentives and business-friendly policies that are drawing interest from regional investors. In a media release, Amy Kwan, Head of Business Planning, Customer Segment and Ecosystem, Consumer Banking Group & Wealth Management, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, said, 'Affluent investors are demonstrating strong confidence, resilience and adaptability when navigating a complex economic environment. They are seeking global investment opportunities to diversify their investment portfolios. 'The findings reaffirm that communications with trust relationship managers for a holistic investment advice is essential and important, especially among those with higher investable assets, despite many already leveraging digital tools when making investment decisions. Affluent investors are also investing beyond the borders.' The strategy used by SGX goes beyond standard market stimulation. Singapore's central bank's $5 billion Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP) run by its central bank is a concerted attempt to revitalise the stock market from a number of perspectives. Important tactics the central bank has announced include: Drawing in Secondary Listings: Singapore Depository Receipts (SDR) are being introduced by SGX to increase trading options and target foreign companies for listings in Singapore. Strengthened Research Projects: With an emphasis on cutting-edge industries like artificial intelligence, healthcare, and novel business models, the exchange is developing comprehensive research coverage for possible IPO candidates. Education for Investors: More information about new investment opportunities and attention to lesser-known stocks are being provided by proactive efforts. See also Singapore shares open lower on Thursday—STI dropped 0.4% Thanks to strong earnings results from important Temasek portfolio companies like DBS Group Holdings and Singtel, the Straits Times Index (STI) has also reached all-time highs. There are still issues, though, because roughly 85% of trading turnover is made up of the top 30 STI component stocks. The ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China have increased Hong Kong investors' interest in Singapore. At least five Chinese or Hong Kong-based businesses are getting ready to make dual listings or initial public offerings (IPOs) on the SGX within the next 18 months, indicating growing confidence in Singapore's market potential. With 63% of investors prioritising tech-driven opportunities, the technology and innovation sectors are especially alluring. However, SGX's head of equities, Ng Yao Loong, stresses a practical approach. In an interview with The Edge Singapore, he shared: 'They are all well-meaning, but we know that these measures have to be self-reinforcing, such that the liquidity flywheel can start turning. Liquidity begets liquidity on its own, but sometimes it is quite difficult.' The SGX aims to create a self-reinforcing liquidity ecosystem. This will pull in more investment through transparency, equity, and strategic partnerships. It won't directly challenge Hong Kong's historical dominance in share sales. Rather, Singapore seeks to establish a place for stable, income-producing companies that cater to Southeast Asia. The city-state is working to establish itself as a strong, forward-thinking finance centre in light of the continuous global unpredictability. Only the upcoming months will see whether these initiatives can result in a long-lasting shift in the local investment climate.

Chocolate Finance secures US$15M in fresh funding after 'unusually high' withdrawals wipe out nearly 40% of its assets
Chocolate Finance secures US$15M in fresh funding after 'unusually high' withdrawals wipe out nearly 40% of its assets

Independent Singapore

time5 hours ago

  • Independent Singapore

Chocolate Finance secures US$15M in fresh funding after 'unusually high' withdrawals wipe out nearly 40% of its assets

SINGAPORE: Chocolate Finance has secured US$15 million (S$19.20 million) in fresh funding, four months after 'unusually high' customer withdrawals wiped out nearly 40% of its assets under management. The fintech company made the announcement on Thursday (July 24), saying the funds came from Nikko Asset Management, as well as returning investors Peak XV (formerly Sequoia Capital India and Southeast Asia), Prosus, Saison Capital, and the firm's founder and CEO, Walter de Oude, as reported by Channel News Asia (CNA) . The new capital will go towards expanding the business in the region, starting with Hong Kong. The company recently got regulatory approval there and plans to launch in the first quarter of 2026. Mr De Oude told CNA that the Hong Kong expansion is the company's 'logical next step' as it has similarities in regulation and tech infrastructure with the city-state. He also told Marketing-Interactive that while he anticipates a similar demand for simple financial solutions there, the company won't be 'copy-pasting' its Singapore playbook, as Hong Kong has its own 'rhythm.' The brand also aims to connect with the younger generation there. The announcement came after the company halted instant withdrawals following what it described as an 'unusually high' number of withdrawal requests in March. The company later announced that customers will have to wait for three to six business days to receive their funds , following standard industry practice. CNA reported that over a two-week span, users withdrew S$500 million, sharply cutting into 40% of the company's S$1 billion asset base at the time. Mr de Oude said the company's assets under management have yet to fully recover but have reached nearly S$900 million, and it is getting closer to profitability. He added that while customers currently need to wait up to three days for their withdrawals to be processed, instant withdrawals could be reintroduced in the future. 'We're continuing to look (at) how we can innovate in that space as we roll out,' he said. 'But what we have found is that actually … up to three days for a withdrawal is good enough,' he added. The March incident followed the quiet suspension of AXS payments on Chocolate Finance's debit card, sparking backlash over opaque communication from the firm. At the time, the company's generous two-miles-per-dollar offer—covering categories usually excluded education fees and AXS payments—proved unsustainable, said Mr de Oude. He noted that the mileage programme has been 'pared back a little bit' to make it 'more sustainable,' with customers still able to earn up to two miles per dollar but 'without loopholes.' 'We've had to tweak things a little bit, around our communications and the understanding of our products and services,' he added. /TISG Read also: 2025 is shaping up to be a problematic year, yet the rich are cashing in on rock-bottom stock prices

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store