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Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
PCG Collaborates with Big Boss Taxi and STAY BAR to Usher in a Cashless Era
HONG KONG, July 15, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - The Payment Cards Group Limited ('PCG'), a cloud-native payment processor and acquirer, is reshaping the digital payment landscape through disruptive innovation, powering Hong Kong's digital transformation and smart city development. In June 2025, PCG's digital payment acceptance business, Yedpay, collaborated with Big Boss Taxi, a taxi fleet operator to introduce a wide range of digital payment options including Octopus, revolutionizing taxi payment experience and ushering the transportation sector into a new digital era. In addition, Yedpay's solutions empowered Hong Kong's first floating bar, STAY BAR, to break away from traditional business models, significantly enhancing customer experience and driving revenue growth. In June, PCG and its member, BBMSL, celebrated their relocation to a new office, marking a new chapter in the Group's development. With innovation at its core, PCG is transforming Hong Kong's payment ecosystem, guiding industries to embrace the digital era and paving the way for a brighter future as a smart city. Yedpay collaborates with Big Boss Taxi to promote cashless taxi payments As an acquirer with principal memberships in all major card schemes, Yedpay delivers tailored digital payment solutions for diverse industries. Octopus Holdings Limited recently announced a partnership with Big Boss Taxi to launch a comprehensive taxi ecosystem solution that integrates ride-hailing, digital payments, and more. PCG, in collaboration with Big Boss Taxi, integrated POS terminals with taxi meters to support multiple payment methods, including Octopus, credit cards, and e-wallets, enabling seamless and efficient taxi payments for passengers. Big Boss Taxi will launch full services in July, offering passengers a frictionless ride experience powered by cashless payments. Digital payments fuel revenue growth for local bar Beyond its collaboration with local taxi fleet operator, Yedpay assisted STAY BAR, Hong Kong's first floating bar, seize the trend of digital consumption, thereby attracting more tourists and local customers and contributing to continuous revenue growth. By supporting over 21 payment methods, including Alipay, WeChat Pay, and credit cards, Yedpay enabled STAY BAR to deliver seamless and convenient checkout experience for a diverse clientele. With transparent pricing and prompt customer support, Yedpay further enhanced STAY BAR's operational efficiency. Committed to advancing a cashless society, Yedpay provides flexible and innovative payment solutions that support sectors such as transportation, food and beverage, and retail, enhancing operational efficiency and customer experiences, and stimulating local spending amid sluggish consumption. Video link: New office: a milestone for innovation and growth In June, PCG and its member BBMSL hosted a new office warming party, celebrating the successful relocation and fostering stronger connections among staff members. The new office not only enhances the working environment but also injects vitality into the Group's innovation and collaboration efforts. PCG extends its gratitude for the support from all sectors and remains committed to delivering innovative payment solutions to more merchants, thereby advancing Hong Kong's development as a smart city. PCG New Address: Suites 601-2 & 10-14, 6/F, North Tower, World Finance Centre, 19 Canton Road, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong About Payment Cards Group ('PCG') The Payment Cards Group Limited ('PCG') is an innovative and leading payment technology company with operations in Singapore, Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 2016, PCG has become an acquirer with principal memberships in all major card schemes and e-wallet networks. Yedpay, a member of PCG, has firmly established itself as a digital payment acceptance business in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, A3A, another member of PCG, has developed a cloud-native payment processing platform that operates through RESTful APIs, significantly reducing costs and streamlining complex processes while providing users with real-time transaction data and insights. As an acquiring processor, PCG serves as the backbone infrastructure of the entire payment industry by its Asia's 1st cloud-based processing and settlement platform. Rooted in Hong Kong with a global vison, PCG seeks to empower merchants with cutting-edge payment technology solutions and drive high-quality development in the global payment ecosystem. For more information, please visit PCG's website: ]]> Source: The Payment Cards Group Limited (PCG) Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Malay Mail
07-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Angolan Diamond Leaders Endiama and Sodiam Join the Natural Diamond Council. De Beers Group Commits Additional Investment to Jointly Promote the Natural Diamond Industry.
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 July 2025 - Angola's two leading state-owned diamond institutions, ENDIAMA E.P. and SODIAM E.P., have formally announced their joint commitment to generic category marketing by joining the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) as contributing members, effective July 1, the third-largest global producer of natural diamonds and one of the most promising in terms of future deposit discoveries, Angola continues to strengthen its position as a responsible and influential player in the global diamond industry. This move reinforces the country's commitment to transparency, sustainability, and consumer education on the unique value of natural natural diamond sector remains a vital pillar of Angola's socioeconomic development, supporting employment, infrastructure, education, and healthcare in producing regions."With Angola's diamond industry on the rise, promoting the values and socioeconomic contributions of natural diamonds is a national priority," stated Diamantino Azevedo, Angola's Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas. "By joining the Natural Diamond Council, Endiama and Sodiam are formalizing our dedication to a global strategy that highlights the unmatched benefits of natural diamonds to new generations of consumers.""We are thrilled to welcome ENDIAMA and SODIAM to the NDC at such a pivotal time for the industry," said David Kellie, CEO of Natural Diamond Council. "Their membership will significantly enrich our collective voice in sharing the powerful story of natural diamonds rooted in positive impact, rarity, and authenticity."ENDIAMA and SODIAM will commence their commitment to global category marketing through the NDC with a contribution of $8M dedicated to the second half of 2025, supporting the most critical commercial season for the NDC member, De Beers, concurrently announced it will commit additional contribution to the NDC by matching ENDIAMA and SODIAM commitment of $8M for Beers Group remains committed to its sustainable initiative, "Building Forever," ensuring that every natural diamond discovered has a lasting, positive impact on the local communities and environments from which they are sourced. This additional funding highlights De Beers Group's belief that the sustainable development and marketing of natural diamonds should be a shared responsibility across the entire industry, rather than the sole burden of one company, further solidifying De Beers Group's leadership within the members of the Natural Diamond Council increase their investments to support the natural diamond industry, the Council will continue to enhance public awareness of the core values associated with these precious stones. Its goal is to provide a thorough understanding of the rarity, authenticity, and uniqueness of natural diamonds, helping consumers recognize the essential role the industry plays in global socio-economic development and ecological and SODIAM now join current NDC members: De Beers, Okavango Diamond Company, Petra Diamonds, Rio Tinto, and #NDC #Endiama #Sodiam #DeBeersGroup #NaturalDiamonds The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ABOUT ENDIAMA Founded on January 15, 1981, ENDIAMA E.P. is Angola's national diamond company, responsible for managing the State's interests in the diamond sub-sector. While maintaining its focus on core mining operations, ENDIAMA is actively expanding across the diamond value chain through partnerships with internationally recognized companies in cutting, polishing, and jewellery. The company's strategy is guided not by revenue alone, but by a commitment to local development, social impact, and alignment with global ESG standards. ENDIAMA seeks to transform Angola's natural resources into sustainable value for the country and its people, especially in producing regions. As part of its diversification efforts, ENDIAMA is expanding into gold refining as a catalyst for developing a national jewellery industry, further strengthening Angola's position in the global luxury and value-added market. ABOUT SODIAM SODIAM E.P. (Empresa Nacional de Comercialização de Diamantes de Angola) is the Angolan public company responsible for the marketing and sale of rough diamonds. Acting as a trusted interface between producers and international buyers, SODIAM ensures transparency, traceability, and fair value for Angola's natural resources. The company also leads strategic initiatives to promote beneficiation and local value addition in the diamond value chain. ABOUT NATURAL DIAMOND COUNCIL (NDC) The Natural Diamond Council is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the integrity of the natural diamond industry worldwide. Rebranded in 2020, the NDC serves as the authoritative voice of natural diamonds, inspiring and educating consumers through compelling stories of their rarity, positive impact, and emotional value. The NDC supports the livelihoods of over 10 million people across the diamond supply chain. ABOUT DE BEERS GROUP Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world's leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world's largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group's strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers London and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ' Building Forever', a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability that underpins our efforts to create meaningful impact for the people and places where our diamonds are discovered. Building Forever focuses on three key areas where, through collaborations and partnerships around the globe, we have an enhanced ability to drive positive impact; Livelihoods, Climate and Nature. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Best's Market Segment Report: Taiwan's Non-Life Insurance Premiums Continue to Increase Amid Underwriting Improvements
HONG KONG, June 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Taiwan's domestic non-life insurance premium continued to increase in 2024, growing 10.5% to reach TWD 278.5 billion (USD 9.2 billion), according to a new AM Best report. The Best's Market Segment Report, "Taiwan Non-Life Segment's Operating Performance Supported by Tighter Underwriting Guidelines," also notes that this segment's overall capital & surplus level has continued to improve and crossed the TWD 150 billion mark last year. The driving force of Taiwan's non-life segment remains motor insurance, particularly voluntary motor, which contributed close to half of the segment's direct written premiums in 2024, despite the slightly slower overall premium growth last year, partly due to subdued growth in new car sales during 2024 and through the first quarter of 2025. In order to bolster electric vehicle (EV) coverage, Taiwan's insurance regulator implemented standardised EV motor policy terms in the second half of 2024. "However, the motor segment remains cautious over expanding in this product line while insurers continue to accumulate data and claims experience to aid pricing sophistication," said James Chan, director, AM Best. The combined gross written premiums of AM Best's eight rated non-life insurers rose 10.6% to TWD 192.8 billion in 2024, similar to the market's growth of 10.5% reported by all 14 domestic non-life insurers. All rated entities achieved premium gains in 2024, driven by expansions in voluntary motor, travel insurance and commercial lines. According to the report, Taiwan's non-life insurance segment achieved significant improvement in operating profitability for 2023 and 2024. Notably, following a year of historically poor performance in 2022, the market achieved a profit turnaround in 2023, due to the release of pandemic insurance-related reserves and the efforts of non-life insurers to bolster underwriting guidelines. "Company strategies have included non-renewing unprofitable policies, increasing rates, raising policy deductibles, or applying higher co-insurance percentages," Chan said. "These measures are aimed at passing on part of the rising reinsurance costs and potential future losses to policyholders. Insurers also have adopted a more proactive approach in offering risk advisory services and implementing loss prevention measures." To access the full copy of this report, please visit AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit Copyright © 2025 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on Contacts James Chan Director, Analytics +852 2827 3418 Cynthia Ang Senior Industry Research Analyst +65 6303 5026 Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNA
08-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Commentary: What podcasts did – and didn't
HONG KONG: When Prime Minister Lawrence Wong appeared on Plan B in December 2024, it marked a quiet turning point in Singapore's political communication. In a free-flowing chat, he spoke about redefining success, minority inclusion, entrepreneurship and Singapore's humanitarian stance on Palestine. Weeks later, he joined The Daily Ketchup, reflecting on his journey into politics, how he became prime minister and his vision for Singapore's future, peppered with questions about his MBTI personality type, diet and even secret ministerial chat groups. By April – just days before the 2025 General Election – he appeared on Yah Lah But to discuss leadership, public trust and why Singapore needs 'radical change', even from within. Mr Wong's appearances weren't outliers. Politicians across the spectrum turned to long-form, conversational media to appear more relatable, candid and emotionally accessible. The visibility of these engagements led many to call GE2025 Singapore's first 'podcast election'. But what did that really mean? My father, now in his 80s and ever politically attuned, noted that this election was different. 'There's so much information now. YouTube, podcasts, all coming straight from the politicians,' he said. In earlier elections, most Singaporeans relied on the national media, WhatsApp messages, taxi drivers and coffee shop talk. That media landscape has certainly changed. BLENDING ANALYSIS WITH ACCESSIBILITY When I began researching political podcasts in 2024, the scene was still relatively small, outside of mainstream media. Established platforms like CNA's Deep Dive were already exploring political and policy issues in audio formats. But a handful of newer, independently produced channels – Teh Tarik with Walid and those mentioned earlier – were experimenting with a different tone and format: interviewing politicians across the spectrum, asking open-ended questions, and discussing politics in ways that felt both casual, less structured yet analytical. Since then, the ecosystem has expanded rapidly. In the United States, podcasts often amplify partisan divides, offering ideologically tailored content that mobilises like-minded listeners. In Australia, although party leaders actively engaged podcasts and TikTok during the recent campaign, expectations of a 'podcaster-led' election ultimately fell flat amid disengagement and geopolitical shocks. Singapore's politically engaged podcast scene is still young – especially compared to Australia's more mature ecosystem – but already remarkably varied, with a mix of indie creators, academics, influencers and institutional media producing content that blends analysis with accessibility. Platforms like Jo Teo's TikTok account (@suchabohr) and the YouTube series Red Dot Perspective also shaped the GE2025 media environment. Jo, an Oxford graduate student, drew attention for her sharp data-driven critiques of electoral boundaries, including a widely shared rebuttal of a well-known commentator. Her work was later cited by a constitutional law professor in a public lecture hosted by AcademiaSG. Red Dot Perspective delivered in-depth electoral analysis that often surpassed the anecdotal commentary of mainstream punditry. Though different in format from guest-driven podcasts, these channels reflect a growing appetite for accessible, evidence-based political discourse beyond party-aligned messaging. THE INFLUENCE OF PODCASTS Still, we should be cautious about overstating the electoral impact. Podcasts didn't decide GE2025. The People's Action Party retained a clear mandate. The Workers' Party held its ground but made no major breakthroughs. Smaller opposition parties – whose candidates also appeared on podcasts, often to great effect – did not win a single seat. Virality did not translate into votes. Yet their influence should not be dismissed. Podcasts have changed how many Singaporeans engage with politics. Unlike press statements or rallies, they offer politicians room to breathe, reflect and even be funny or vulnerable. This is no small feat in a system long associated with technocratic restraint and party discipline. They also pose a unique challenge, especially to ruling party politicians used to carefully prepared messaging delivered with minimal scrutiny. On podcasts, they may not face hostile questions, but the challenge is subtler and arguably harder: maintaining clarity and composure in a relaxed, often humorous, self-deprecating environment. Do too little, and you seem stiff. Try too hard, and you risk sounding artificial or condescending. EVOLVING CULTURE OF POLITICAL SPEECH Podcast listeners tend to be younger, more networked and more likely to share what they hear. Even if the direct audience is modest, secondary circulation through social media and private discussion can be significant. This suggests a growing role for podcasts in future elections, alongside a growing need for clearer standards. As podcasts become more embedded in political communication, greater attention must be paid to transparency, especially around sponsored content. This is particularly important in Singapore, where the lines between government messaging and partisan promotion are often blurred. If podcasts are to retain public trust, disclosures around affiliation and sponsorship should be standard practice. Electoral politics in Singapore still depends on ground engagement, local trust and a party's ability to deliver material benefits. Podcasts can support those efforts, but they can't replace them. Their value is cultural and atmospheric. In a society where political speech is often cautious, podcasts have created space for risk, laughter and – at their best – honest connection. That's not electoral revolution, but it's not nothing either. GE2025 wasn't decided by podcasts, but it may be remembered as the election where politicians spoke more freely, and voters began listening differently.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Metis Sponsors UPWARD - Huang Yulong: Shaping the Values of Our Time Through Art
HONG KONG, March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Metis Global Group (Metis) has long been committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR), actively engaging in charitable healthcare initiatives and rural education development, striving to build a more compassionate and inclusive society. This year, Metis has further extended its influence into the realm of contemporary art, becoming a key sponsor of the UPWARD – Huang Yulong exhibition. In collaboration with Great Entertainment Group and the renowned gallery Ora-Ora, Metis aims to integrate art into everyday life, igniting fresh imagination and a vibrant creative energy. 20 Monumental Sculptures Transform the Urban Landscape into a Canvas UPWARD – Huang Yulong is a groundbreaking exhibition that fuses street culture with contemporary sculpture, presented from 12 to 31 March at the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park. Acclaimed artist Huang Yulong, known for his collaboration with international superstar Andy Lau on the Share the Love sculpture series, now presents 20 monumental sculptures. Centred around his signature hooded figure, these works serve as a powerful visual language, embodying themes of openness, diversity, community, and youth engagement. These sculptures, standing tall with their heads lifted towards the sky, symbolise a fearless attitude towards challenges and an embrace of hope. They embody the spirit of resilience and boundless possibility, values that align with Metis' philosophy. At Metis, we believe that innovation and breakthroughs are not only the driving forces behind corporate growth but also essential catalysts for social progress. Guided by this vision, we have expanded from Hong Kong to the Asia-Pacific region, actively contributing to charitable healthcare, rural education, and cultural development. By sponsoring this renowned exhibition, Metis invites the public to experience the energy of sculptures, to feel the pulse of the era, and be inspired to fearlessly explore their own journeys and pursue their aspirations. Corporate Engagement in Art: Expanding Cultural Influence for the Future Dr Cheung, Founder and Chairman of Metis, stated: "This sponsorship of a contemporary art exhibition is an extension of our CSR strategy. Art and business are both rooted in innovation and value creation. Through this sponsorship, we hope to support outstanding artists, foster more profound engagement with the public, and ensure the lasting influence of culture into the future." From healthcare and education to cultural development, Metis has remained steadfast in its commitment to giving back to society through meaningful action. By sponsoring UPWARD – Huang Yulong, we aim to inspire more enterprises to recognise the value of cultural assets and to see contemporary art as not just an artistic expression, but as a powerful catalyst for social innovation and shared values. Just as UPWARD – Huang Yulong captures the aspirations of our time through sculpture, Metis translates these values into action, working hand in hand with the art world to shape the spirit of our era and envision a better future. Through this sponsorship, we hope to set an example and encourage broader support for emerging industries and young creative talent, fostering a shared movement towards progress and leveraging art as a transformative force in defining the values of our time. About Metis Global Group Metis Global Group is a financial group that strives to provide unconventional trust and wealth management solutions to clients in Asia. As members of a well-established group, Metis Global (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Metis Global Limited, and Metis Global (Cook Islands) Limited offer trust solutions from jurisdictions that have well-developed trust protections which provide clients with comprehensive asset protection. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Metis Global Group
