UnionPay Inks 11 Cross-Border Payment Deals To Expand Global Connectivity

UnionPay hosts Global Partners Conference 2025. 

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- UnionPay recently signed 11 cross-border payment cooperation agreements with major institutions during the UnionPay Global Partners Conference 2025 - Innovations in Open Payments: Sharing Success in Payment Connectivity in Shanghai, China.

The agreements include Bank of China; PayNet and Hong Leong Bank (Malaysia); Uzcard and HUMO (Uzbekistan); IPC (Kyrgyzstan); OCBC Bank (Singapore); Banco do Brasil (Brazil); FonePay (Nepal); and Bluecode (Austria).

In his remarks, UnionPay International and China UnionPay Chairman, Dong Junfeng said tens of millions of micro, small, and medium-sized merchants worldwide now have access to UnionPay’s inclusive and extensive global network.

“Building a connected global network is a long-term, collective endeavour. UnionPay pursues mutually beneficial partnerships that leverage strengths of both issuing and acquiring sides for industry shared growth and fair profits distribution,” said Dong in a statement.

UnionPay has developed an open and inclusive New Four-Party Model, incorporating extended stakeholders such as wallet operators, mobile device manufacturers, and acquiring service providers, to adapt to the evolving payments industry.

While cross-border connectivity benefits millions of merchants, longer transaction chains and complex data introduce new risks, including money laundering and fraud. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become central to addressing these challenges.

Dong explained that large AI models can verify merchant authenticity with a single photo and outperform human judgement in monitoring high-risk transactions.

AI is also transforming the broader payment value chain, making transactions faster, smarter, and more efficient. UnionPay is fostering an AI ecosystem through joint innovation with research institutes, industry partners, and leading universities to drive industry-wide AI-enabled growth.

Guided by the vision of “Trusted Ties, Shared Success”, UnionPay will continue collaborating with global partners under the New Four-Party Model to build an efficient, secure, and connected global payment network, supporting the global payments industry and ensuring safe and reliable services for users worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

China's Hainan safeguards rainforest ecosystem, preserves ethnic culture

^{2025 "Rainforest and You" series of experiential activities}


HAIKOU, China, Dec. 3, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

Changjiang Li Autonomous County, situated in the heart of Hainan Island, recently hosted the 2025 "Rainforest and You" series of experiential activities. The event showcased the dynamic integration of the county's tropical rainforest conservation achievements with its rich ethnic cultural heritage through a diverse program, including on-site rainforest performances, charity hikes led by Olympic champions, adventurous rock climbing and river trekking, and international symposiums.

The event attracted distinguished guests and experts from leading global organizations such as UNESCO, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the U.S. National Park Service, and the Hainan Institute of National Park, as participants engaged in in-depth discussions on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The Chinese edition of the Global Resolution on Strengthening Gibbon Conservation through Collaborative Action  was released, contributing valuable insights into global ecological protection and sustainable development efforts. Besides, three Chinese Olympic champions, acting as volunteer educators for the National Park, led over 1,000 volunteers on a 10-km hike, advocating ecological conservation through concrete action.

In addition, Changjiang County also launched a series of premium rainforest tourism routes centered on its four ecological landmarks: Mt. Bawang, Wangxia Town, Qizi Bay, and Haiwei National Wetland Park. These itineraries integrate natural landscapes with cultural villages, offering global travelers an immersive experience of the unique ecological and cultural features characterized by the convergence of mountains and sea.

As the world's largest free trade port, Hainan boasts China's most concentrated, most diverse, best preserved, and most extensive mainland island tropical rainforest.

In recent years, the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest has made significant progress in ecological restoration, green development, integrated education and conservation, and park-community synergy, effectively safeguarding the authenticity and integrity of this vital tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Most notably, the Hainan gibbon - classified by the IUCN as the "world's most endangered primate species" - has seen a remarkable recovery. Its population has rebounded from the brink of extinction to seven groups totaling 42 individuals, representing the only continuously growing gibbon population worldwide.

Source: The Organizing Committee of the 2025 "Rainforest and You" series of experiential activities

Modon Holding Announces a Strategic Investment in Wellington Lifestyle Partners, Expanding Its Global Portfolio in Luxury Lifestyle Destination Development

 

^{Aerial shot of Wellington International (Photo: AETOSWire)} 

 

• Modon joins a consortium of investors to elevate Wellington International equestrian showgrounds and develop an ultra-luxury destination integrating residential, hospitality and sports assets in Wellington, Palm Beach County, Florida
• Strengthens Modon’s global presence and enables knowledge exchange across large-scale mixed-use, hospitality and lifestyle developments

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Nov 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Abu Dhabi-based Modon Holding P.S.C (“Modon”) today announced a strategic investment in Wellington Lifestyle Partners (“WLP”), joining a consortium of existing investors in the company.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251125937208/en/ 

Modon’s investment will support the long-term development of Wellington International equestrian showgrounds and deliver a landmark ultra-luxury real estate development featuring high-end residences, a boutique hotel, a commercial marketplace and a championship golf course located in Wellington, Florida – a global icon of equestrian sport. This investment marks Modon’s first direct investment in an equestrian led development in the United States, complementing its existing global portfolio, and reinforcing its strategy to partner with leading international organisations in expanding its presence across ultra-luxury destination developments. The partnership further strengthens Modon’s position as a globally recognised investor in large-scale, high-value real estate and lifestyle projects.

Through the investment, Modon joins WLP’s group of existing investors and operators to advance a multi-asset portfolio of lifestyle and sports destinations. The portfolio includes the world-renowned Wellington International showgrounds; The Wanderers Club, a private family-oriented country club offering golf, tennis, swimming and dining; The Wellington, a new private residential club community comprising 253 best-in-class residences set to open in 2028 and featuring a championship-level golf course designed by David McLay Kidd; and a planned lifestyle Marketplace featuring a luxury boutique hotel, residences, shops, offices and restaurants. Together, these assets form a long-term masterplan to strengthen Wellington’s position as the global home of equestrian sport and luxury living.

The investment also includes a strategic licence agreement enabling Modon to use Wellington International’s brand and intellectual property across several key strategic markets to support the development of future lifestyle and community destinations. As part of the agreement, Modon will also become a premier sponsor of the Winter Equestrian Festival and Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) – the world’s largest and longest-running hunter/jumper and dressage competitions, attracting over 250,000 spectators and exhibitors each year.

His Excellency Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of Modon Holding, said: “This strategic investment reflects Modon’s ambition to invest alongside world-class partners that share our vision for excellence in destination development. Wellington Lifestyle Partners represents a unique collaboration that brings together expertise in real estate, equestrian, hospitality and sports-led communities. By extending our reach to the United States, we are furthering Modon’s role in delivering sustainable destinations that embody quality, innovation and cultural connection.”

Bill O’Regan, Group Chief Executive Officer of Modon Holding, added: “Our partnership with Wellington Lifestyle Partners aligns with Modon’s strategy to develop integrated lifestyle destinations that combine community, sport and hospitality. Wellington International is recognised globally for its equestrian excellence, and this collaboration provides a valuable opportunity to exchange expertise in operations, master planning and design. It complements our portfolio across Hudayriyat Island, Ras El Hekma and La Zagaleta, reinforcing Modon’s commitment to delivering transformative, world-class destinations.”

Mark Bellissimo, Founder of Wellington Lifestyle Partners, said: “The addition of Modon Holding to Wellington Lifestyle Partners brings together an exceptional blend of expertise. With Modon’s world-class destination development experience, Doug McMahon and NEXUS’ leadership in luxury community development, and equestrian Murray Kessler as CEO of Wellington International, we are uniquely positioned to accelerate our vision to set a new standard of quality for an equestrian lifestyle destination here in Wellington.”

About Modon:

Modon is an international holding company, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). We are at the forefront of urban innovation, creating iconic designs and experiences that continually surpass expectations. Our primary business sectors include real estate, hospitality, asset management, investments, events, and tourism. Our goal is to deliver long-term, sustainable value, laying the foundations for intelligent, connected living.

About Wellington Lifestyle Partners

Based in Wellington, Wellington Lifestyle Partners (WLP) is backed by private investors, Mark Bellissimo, Lisa Lourie, Roger Smith, Jeff Skoll, Mike Smith and NEXUS Luxury Collection, and is a real estate, hospitality and sports management company dedicated to excellence. Led by Chief Executive Officer Douglas McMahon and President Paige Nuñez, WLP operates a portfolio that includes the new private residential club community of The Wellington, the Wellington International showgrounds, The Wanderers Club and a charming commercial Marketplace to include a luxury boutique hotel, residences, shops, offices and restaurants. WLP is committed to investing in Wellington for generations to come and supporting its position as the premier horse sport destination in the world. www.wlpfl.com

About Wellington International:

Established in 1974, Wellington International spans more than 200 acres in the heart of Wellington, Florida, and is renowned worldwide as a premier equestrian destination. Each year, it attracts riders and visitors from across all 50 U.S. states and more than 55 countries, hosting world-class competitions and events throughout the year. The venue combines state-of-the-art arenas and equestrian facilities with VIP hospitality, dining, and retail experiences, contributing more than $500 million annually in economic impact to the Palm Beach County economy through tourism, employment, and global investment.

Source: AETOSWire

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251125937208/en/

Contact

Salma El Baghdadi, +971555082994
modonholding@webershandwick.com

press@modon.com
ir@modon.com
www.modon.com

Source : Modon

Forum in Vietnam calls for boosting globalization of traditional Chinese medicine

 

^{The International Congress on Luobing Theory Overseas Forum}

HANOI, Nov. 26, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

Recently, The 21st International Congress on Luobing Theory Overseas Forum was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, aiming to promote the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and strengthen international cooperation in the field of Luobing theory, also known as the theory of collateral diseases.

The event was co-hosted by the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies Specialty Committee of Luobing and the Vietnamese Traditional Medicine Association, focusing on clinical applications of Luobing theory in cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, anti-aging and oncology treatments.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Truong Viet Binh, president of the Vietnamese Traditional Medicine Association, noted that the innovation of Luobing theory not only offers valuable references for modern medicine but also serves as a successful model for modernizing traditional medicine in countries, including Vietnam.

Professor Wu Yiling, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, attended the forum online and delivered an academic report on the construction, innovation, and transformation of the Luobing theoretical system. He shared breakthroughs in the innovative transformation of Luobing theory, including the application of the vessel collateral theory in guiding the prevention and treatment of vascular diseases, the Qi-collateral theory in managing disorders of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, and the Essential Qi Theory within the Qi-collateral framework in anti-aging research.

During the forum, experts from several countries released a new guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which highlights the concept of integrating heart and lung treatment in TCM practice.

Source: The International Congress on Luobing Theory Overseas Forum

Bitget Kicks Off New Star-Studded Video Series Featuring LALIGA Star Julián Alvarez

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov 24 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has kicked off a new three-part campaign starring LALIGA standout and Atlético de Madrid player Julián Alvarez, bringing together world-class football talent and next-generation trading technology in a series of dynamic product films. Produced under Bitget’s official partnership with LALIGA, the videos spotlight Bitget Onchain, GetAgent, and the Universal Exchange vision, each told through the high-performance lens that defines elite athletes like Alvarez.

The campaign will have Alvarez showcasing how football’s strategic mindset aligns naturally with Bitget’s “Trade Smarter” vision. The first video, on Bitget Onchain, spotlights how users can access millions of tokens across multiple blockchains from a single account, powered by AI-driven Onchain Signals to help traders identify emerging opportunities with speed and clarity.

“LALIGA has always been committed to innovation, and this collaboration with Bitget reflects how technology and sport can move forward together. We hope this series will be engaging for all LALIGA fans." said Javier Gurrea-Nozaleda, Director of Sponsorship and Licensing at LALIGA.

Alvarez appears across all three videos, bringing a playful yet authentic connection between elite athletic performance and smart trading execution.

“It was exciting to represent LALIGA in this campaign,” Alvarez shared. “Football is all about timing, awareness, and reading the game, and Bitget brings that same mindset to trading. If you make smart moves at the right moment, you give yourself the best chance to win.”

Bitget CMO Ignacio Aguirre Franco added, “Julián brings the perfect mix of strategy and flair. Those qualities mirror exactly what Bitget is building, a smarter, more integrated way to trade. Whether it’s Onchain, GetAgent, or UEX, our goal is to give every user the tools to think and move like a champion.”

Each video will debut with its own dedicated landing page, walking users through core features and new milestones across Bitget’s product ecosystem. The Onchain film launches today, followed by GetAgent and UEX editions in the coming weeks.

Bitget’s partnership with LALIGA continues to bridge the worlds of sport and technology, using storytelling, world-class talent, and product innovation to elevate how global audiences learn about Web3.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 120 million users with access to millions of crypto tokens, tokenized stocks, ETFs, and other real-world assets, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, XRP price and other cryptocurrency prices, all on a single platform. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI-powered trading tools, interoperability across tokens on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and BNB Chain, and wider access to real-world assets. On the decentralized side, Bitget Wallet runs as the leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built-in the platform.

Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World's Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. In the world of motorsports, Bitget is the exclusive cryptocurrency exchange partner of MotoGP™, one of the world’s most thrilling championships.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7169e3d-dedc-4956-bb75-cd9aa8c2822a 

SOURCE: Bitget Limited

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

BUSCH VACUUM SOLUTIONS DRIVES SUPERSONIC RESEARCH AT GERMAN AEROSPACE CENTER

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Busch Vacuum Solutions is powering Europe’s largest tube wind tunnel at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), providing the COBRA NX screw vacuum pump essential for supersonic research.

The dry, oil-free COBRA pump enables researchers to generate the precise vacuum conditions required to simulate flows of up to Mach 7, supporting critical studies that help shape the next generation of safer, more efficient aerospace technologies.

According to a statement, the COBRA NX delivers vacuum levels of 10 to 40 mbar inside the tunnel’s 50- metre cube vacuum vessel, significantly accelerating evacuation times and improving energy efficiency.

Compared to the previous rotary vane pump, the COBRA NX cuts pump-down time by half—reducing vessel evacuation from 30 minutes to just 15—while operating with noticeably lower noise and vibration. Its clean, oil-free design ensures stable, reproducible flow conditions for repeated high-precision experiments, a key requirement for DLR’s scientific work.

Busch was selected through a competitive tender in 2021 to replace the decades-old pump originally used since the wind tunnel began operating in 1968.

The COBRA NX was identified as the optimal solution thanks to its speed, reliability, low maintenance needs, and ability to support demanding supersonic test conditions. Busch’s local service network further ensures rapid on-site support and ongoing maintenance.

DLR researchers rely on the facility to validate numerical models, study turbulent flow behaviour, and generate data used by global aerospace organisations, including NASA, ESA, and the wider aviation industry. Busch’s vacuum technology is now a key enabler of this high-impact scientific work, helping advance supersonic research that influences current and future aerospace missions.

The Busch Group is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of vacuum pumps, vacuum systems, blowers, compressors and gas abatement systems. Under its umbrella, the group houses two well-known brands, namely Busch Vacuum Solutions and Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions.

-- BERNAMA

Oxford Launches Regional Partnership to Drive Equitable, Innovation-Led Growth

 

Professor Irene Tracey, Oxford University Vice-Chancellor

First success with announcement of NatWest investment boost for start-ups in the region

OXFORD, United Kingdom, Nov 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A major new regional partnership, Equinox (Equitable Innovation Oxford) has officially launched to establish Oxford as a global centre for innovation and entrepreneurship.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251110481077/en/ 

Launched today in Oxford by the Rt Hon Anneliese Dodds, Equinox will focus on creating the ecosystem needed to scale up companies, attract inward investment, and foster talent.

In support of Equinox, NatWest has announced the launch of a new NatWest Accelerator, which will provide tailored growth support with specialist banking expertise to help start-ups in Oxfordshire.

Initiated by the University of Oxford, Equinox is formed of over 40 key regional partners including Oxfordshire County Council, Moderna, Advanced Oxford, Oxford University Innovation, Oxford Science Enterprises, the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), Oxford Nanopore, and Siemens Healthineers.

Bringing together universities, local leaders, government, businesses, investors, and communities under one collaborative banner, Equinox will champion equitable innovation and socially responsible economic growth.

Equinox’s objectives are to bring these elements together under one umbrella for the Oxford region. Equinox’s first success is collaborating with NatWest Accelerator to help local entrepreneurs connect with expert networks, access funding and scale their businesses.

Speaking on a video to announce the launch, Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, and Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion, said: “Equinox’s launch marks an important step forward for Oxfordshire and for the whole Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor: driving inclusive growth, fostering innovation, and delivering benefits that will be felt locally, nationally, and globally. The success of Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem is vital to our national mission for growth.”

Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said: “Oxford University has always been a place where great and ground-breaking ideas begin – but our responsibility is to ensure they can develop, thrive and have impact here in our region. Equinox brings together the extraordinary talent, research and entrepreneurial drive of Oxfordshire to create a more connected, equitable innovation ecosystem where everyone benefits. By working in true partnership – across universities, business, government and communities – we can turn discovery into opportunity, and opportunity into shared prosperity. This is the power of Oxford’s innovation: generous service to society.”

Robert Begbie, NatWest Commercial and Institutional CEO, said: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our NatWest Accelerator expansion strategy and a first-of-its-kind for Oxfordshire. Through the proven NatWest Accelerator, we embed deep support for founders - combining local networks, national expertise and our regional specialist sector and venture banking services to help businesses scale with confidence. Our commitment to Equinox reflects our belief that inclusive innovation ecosystems are key to unlocking long-term regional prosperity and we’re proud to be part of shaping that future in Oxford.”

Mairi Gibbs, CEO, Oxford University Innovation and member of the Equinox council, said: “At Oxford University Innovation, we see the ideas and discoveries emerging from across the University every day - ideas that can redefine industries and tackle global challenges. Through the Equinox partnership, we can connect this extraordinary pipeline of innovation to the regional strengths and shared ambition that will turn potential into a better future. Together, we can strengthen Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem, attract investment, and ensure that Oxford’s innovation leads to impact – impact that is shared, sustainable, and felt across our region.”

Ed Bussey, CEO of Oxford Science Enterprises, Oxford-Cambridge SuperCluster Board Member and member of the Equinox council, said: “Equinox will be a vital accelerator for the momentum already building in Oxford. This world-leading ecosystem for science and technology, centred around the University, has produced two unicorns in the last two months — including one from our own portfolio. However, the shortage of UK domiciled scale-up and corporate investment capital — particularly on the ground in Oxford — remains a clear constraint on fully realising the huge opportunity ahead. Equinox will provide the collaborative framework needed to bring together the University, investors, companies, and local leaders to attract that investment into Oxford. This will help us anchor transformational science and technology companies here, securing their economic and strategic value for the region and the entire UK.”

Cllr Ben Higgins, Cabinet Member for Future Economy and Innovation, Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We warmly welcome the launch of Equinox - and with it, the creation of a dynamic strategic partnership, one that unites stakeholders across the county to reassert Oxfordshire's position as the leading force within the UK’s innovation ecosystem.

“Together with Enterprise Oxfordshire, we are building the connections that will amplify Oxfordshire’s global profile, showcasing our exceptional assets, talent, and opportunities to the world.

“But this is not only about place promotion; it’s about driving inclusive innovation and unlocking shared potential, ensuring every community across Oxfordshire can benefit. We look forward to working together.”

Lisa Flashner, Chief Operating Officer at the Ellison Institute of Technology, an Equinox partner, said: "We’re excited to support Equinox and its aims to maximise opportunities in the region. It aligns perfectly with our mission to advance world-class science and innovation.

“By connecting leading universities, businesses, and government, this partnership addresses a critical investment gap and will help groundbreaking ideas reach their full potential. We are proud to collaborate with Equinox to build a unified network that attracts top talent, accelerates impact, and supports diversified growth across the region and the UK.”

Notes to editors

To request a spokesperson interview, please contact Cavendish as below.

About Equinox

Equinox (Equitable Innovation Oxford) is an initiative created by the University of Oxford in partnership with regional stakeholders and government. It aims to unlock and accelerate regionally anchored, nationally significant growth for Oxfordshire.

Equinox brings together investors, corporates, local communities, policymakers and researchers to position Oxfordshire as a globally competitive innovation hub and attract inward investment.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251110481077/en/ 

Contact

Press contact
Cavendish Consulting on behalf of Equinox
Matthew Flack
Equinox@cavendishconsulting.com 

Source : Equinox

--BERNAMA