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Ant Group Chairman Eric Jing Outlines Strategy for Inclusive AI, Collaboration on Tokenised Settlement

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  • AI-as-a-Service applications will make AI virtual CFO and COO for SMEs
  • Public-private collaboration in regulatory sandboxes help to provide clarity and certainty when it comes to new technology like tokenisation and AI


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 November 2025 – Eric Jing, Chairman of Ant Group, said the company’s focus is on putting new payment and operation tools powered by AI and tokenisation technology in the hands of SMEs, to fully embrace the next wave of global productivity revolution.

“We are passionate about using frontier technology to support SMEs and the use of AI will really uplift inclusion,” Jing said during a panel discussion titled “Steering the Global Future” during the Singapore FinTech Festival on November 14, 2025.

Jing was joined by Agustín Carstens, Former General Manager, Bank for International Settlements (BIS); Ravi Menon, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN); Ambassador (Climate Action), Singapore & Former Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore, GFTN, and Dr. Razeen Sally who moderated the panel.

Ant Group Chairman Eric Jing (second from right) shares insights during a panel discussion titled “Steering the Global Future” during the Singapore FinTech Festival on November 14, 2025.

From Agentic Payment to Agentic Finance: A Virtual CFO, and COO for SMEs

On the consumer front, Jing expects the rise of personalised AI financial managers and advisors. On the business front, “Agentic payment is one of the most important forces driving agentic commerce and agentic systems,” Jing said. Ant will focus on democratising AI for SMEs at a time when small businesses engaged in global trade face increasingly complex payment and risk environments.

“Many SMEs may not have sophisticated digital skills or a large workforce to support them in doing business, and this is where AI agents can really play a role in helping them to navigate the landscape,” Jing said.

Antom, the merchant payment and digitisation services arm of Ant International, is using Antom Copilot to support payment integration, merchant onboarding, risk management settings, and chargeback response. Copilot cuts payment integration time by over 90%, boosts chargeback winning rates by 3 percentage points, and shortens chargeback resolution time by 46 percent.

During the Singapore FinTech Festival 2025, Antom also launched EPOS360, an app that brings point-of-sale (POS) system, payments, banking, lending, and growth support together to help micro, small and medium‑sized enterprises (MSMEs) move from setup to scale efficiently.

“Agentic AI will act like your COO, your CFO. They are stepping in as virtual financial and operational planners and implementers for SMEs, enabling them to compete globally,” Jing said.

He added that the rise of agentic payments and multi-agent systems are already on track, where autonomous AI agents collaborate to execute complex end-to-end transactions.

Collaboration with MAS on AI and Blockchain is an Exemplar of Public-Private Collaboration

“The tokenisation of money that enables global real-time settlement across borders will be particularly beneficial to SMEs and companies doing global trade,” Jing said. “On such important projects, it is necessary to have policy leadership from regulators like the Monetary Authority of Singapore, who provides institutional clarity and brings together an industry ecosystem of collaboration.”

Ant International’s deep collaboration with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) through key initiatives like Project Guardian and PathFin.ai sets an exemplary model of public-private partnership, especially when blockchain and AI have emerged as global themes.

“We are honoured to participate in the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s regulatory sandboxes. They provide the clarity and certainty needed to responsibly deploy cutting-edge technologies while managing risks,” said Jing. “This new technology is up and coming, we cannot shy away from it. Instead, the right way is to harness the technology to get the benefits while keeping in mind the potential risks and challenges.”

Under Project Guardian, Ant International has contributed to pilot efforts in tokenised money and cross-border settlements, demonstrating how real-time, transparent and credible blockchain-based payments can benefit SMEs engaged in global trade.

Through MAS’ PathFin.ai programme, Ant International is also actively engaging in knowledge exchange on AI implementations. Jing highlighted Ant International’s Falcon Time-Series Transformer (TST) Model — an 8.5-billion-parameter AI model designed for FX and liquidity forecasting. The model has significantly improved accuracy in predicting cash flow and liquidity, helping businesses reduce hedging costs in today’s volatile global economy.

“Through participating in sandboxes, we see benefits and opportunities to improve our products before rolling them out. It has really been a pleasure to be part of that – MAS is taking a very proactive role and it’s enormously valuable,” said Jing.

Ant International, which became independent in 2024, is headquartered in Singapore. The company now collaborates with over 1,400 institutional partners and provides global payment, settlement and digitisation services to 150 million merchants, and a network of global wallets and national QR schemes that together serve over 1.8 billion consumer accounts.
Hashtag: #AntInternational

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

About Ant International

With headquarters in Singapore and main operations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. Through collaboration across the private and public sectors, our unified techfin platform supports financial institutions and merchants of all sizes to achieve inclusive growth through a comprehensive range of cutting-edge digital payment and financial services solutions. To learn more, please visit https://www.ant-intl.com/

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Tropicana Twister Builds Homes That Could Change Lives for Generations

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Gandakan Kebaikan transforms nationwide kindness into real homes, delivering meaningful and lasting impact.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 April 2026 – Tropicana Twister’s ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ campaign has reached a defining milestone with the completion and handover of homes to families in need, marking a tangible outcome of a nationwide movement built on everyday acts of kindness.

Developed in partnership with EPIC Homes, the initiative contributes towards the building of up to 100 homes for underserved communities, including Orang Asli families across Malaysia. What began during Ramadan as a simple call to do good has since translated into safe, liveable spaces that provide families with protection, stability and a chance to move forward.

“Gandakan Kebaikan reflects our belief that meaningful change happens when communities come together with a shared purpose,” said Aditya Sheoran, PepsiCo Franchise Senior Director. “Through this initiative, we’re building homes and helping to create stronger foundations for families to thrive, today and for the future.”

Jennifer Lee, Head of Marketing, PepsiCo Malaysia Beverages, shared, “This is where intention becomes impact. Tropicana Twister’s Gandakan Kebaikan campaign started as individual acts of kindness, and now, the result is visible, that Malaysians are and will continue to show up for one another.”

“Families living in unsafe homes live in constant worry, especially during heavy rain. An EPIC Home gives them a place where they can feel secure. It goes beyond being just a shelter – a safe home gives peace of mind, stability, and the hope for a better future.” said Nadhira Halim, (Asst. Manager, Fundraising & Partnership, EPIC Homes).

More than just physical structures, these homes create a sense of security and dignity, while giving families a stable environment to rebuild their lives. Built with the support of volunteers and local communities, each home reflects a collective effort that goes far beyond a single campaign.

While ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ was rooted in the spirit of Ramadan, its impact continues to extend far beyond the festive season. By focusing on long-term community needs, Tropicana Twister reinforces its commitment to creating meaningful and lasting change.

“As a brand, we believe in the power of collective goodness. This project is about turning that belief into action and bringing people together to create lasting impact,” added Jennifer. “Just like every beam and plank forms a home, each of you is a vital piece in building this journey.”

With the completion of these homes, ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ continues to build on its mission of supporting underserved communities across Malaysia, proving that collective goodwill can create an impact that lasts beyond a moment.

For more information, visit Tropicana Twister’s Facebook page @MYTropicana and watch here on YouTube to see the impact unfold.

Hashtag: #TropicanaTwister

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

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complimentary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Tropicana, Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the centre of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change cafor the planet and people. For more information, visit , and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

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Student bonds are built at SIM from orientation to graduation

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 April 2026 – As universities adapt to hybrid learning and evolving workforce expectations, student relationships are increasingly being treated not as incidental, but as a designed part of the education journey. Across higher education, there is growing recognition that peer interaction, collaboration, and shared experiences contribute to how students learn, work, and transition into employment. This shift is prompting institutions to rethink how engagement is built from the moment students enter campus through to graduation.

From Orientation to a Continuous Student Journey

Orientation programmes have traditionally focused on introducing students to campus life. Today, they are increasingly seen as the starting point of a longer engagement model. Institutions such as the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), onboarding is complemented by a structured ecosystem of activities that extends throughout the academic lifecycle. These include Student‑led Student Club Recruitment drives,, leadership camps, and peer-led initiatives that encourage early interaction and sustained participation over time.

Building Bonds Through Shared Experiences

Rather than relying solely on informal social interaction, universities or institutions are creating structured environments where students collaborate regularly. SIM, for instance, offers more than 70 student clubs spanning arts, sports, and academic interests, alongside activities such as hackathons, overseas community projects, and student-led events. Such platforms allow students to work together on common goals, reflecting real-world team dynamics and reinforcing skills such as communication and collaboration.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The concept of student life is also expanding beyond academic settings. Dedicated platforms such as SIM’s Student Life initiatives are designed to provide a more holistic campus experience, reinforcing the idea that learning extends beyond formal instruction. At the same time, academic support systems such as the Student Learning Centre provide structured assistance through workshops, consultations, and learning resources, supporting both individual and group learning processes.

A Diverse and Global Learning Environment

With partnerships across universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, and the United States, institutions like SIM bring together students from varied cultural and academic backgrounds. This diversity creates opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, which is increasingly relevant in a globalised workforce.

Connecting Student Experience to Career Outcomes

The emphasis on collaboration and engagement is also closely linked to employability. SIM’s broader model integrates academic programmes with industry partnerships, internships, and career services aimed at preparing students for a rapidly changing work environment. This reflects a wider trend in higher education, where experience is being designed not only around academic achievement, but also around the development of professional networks and workplace skills.

Redefining the University Experience

As learning models continue to evolve, universities or institutions are placing greater emphasis on how student interactions are structured over time. From orientation activities to co-curricular engagement and career preparation, the journey from enrolment to graduation is increasingly being shaped as a continuous pathway for collaboration, experience-building, and network development.

Reference:

  1. Project 1095 – https://project1095.simge.edu.sg/
  2. Singapore Institute of Management – https://www.sim.edu.sg
  3. SIM Global Education Overview – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/overview

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit .

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Where Ancient Ritual Meets Runway: Sanyuesan Festival Gets Modern Makeover in Wuzhishan

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WUZHISHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 April 2026 – From April 15 to 19, a series of events at the Wuzhishan sub-venue of Hainan’s Sanyuesan festival took place in full swing, spreading rich ethnic vibes to every corner of the city and drawing passersby — both local residents and tourists — to stop, watch, and take photos.

Sanyuesan Festival Gets Modern Makeover in Wuzhishan

Alex, a visitor ventured to China’s southernmost province primarily for its renowned black tea. What he did not anticipate was taking a front-row seat at a breathtaking fashion show staged on water.

“This unique stage has allowed me to capture some wonderful images,” said Alex, who happened to be in Wuzhishan during the Sanyuesan Festival. “I originally came here simply as a fan of Wuzhishan’s black tea, but now I find myself deeply fascinated by the culture of Wuzhishan as well.”

The “unique stage” he refers to is the immersive water-based performance space created for the 2026 Sanyuesan Festival, featuring the “Miss Li · Hainan Sanyuesan Water Village Show.” This innovative platform, with water as its runway and the rainforest as its backdrop, presents the Sanyuesan, a traditional celebration of the Li and Miao ethnic groups with thousands of years of history, through a contemporary lens, appealing to both local and international audiences.

This year’s activities in Wuzhishan embraced a dynamic model that intertwines rainforest ecology, intangible cultural heritage, fashion, technology, and tourism. Attendees were treated to a festival experience that was engaging, immersive, and visually stunning. Drones illuminated the night sky, tracing ancient Li totems, like the “Gan’gong Bird,” while diverse performances including intangible cultural heritage shows, original dance dramas, and live performances captivated the audience. A 600-seat long buffet table was set up along the water, where visitors savored authentic local flavors, such as sour fish soup and three-color sticky rice, amid the lively atmosphere.

The Sanyuesan Festival is memorable not only for its visual appeal but also for its interactive nature. In 2025, the event in Wuzhishan received 175,000 visitors and generated 110 million yuan (approximately 15.1 million US dollars) in consumption. This year, Wuzhishan introduced five premium tourist routes, converting ecological resources — including millennium-old tree fern groves, tropical rainforest tea gardens, and Yahu Terraces — into tourism products.

“Previously, folk culture felt distant,” said Shan Lijun, a tourist from northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. “But now, in Wuzhishan, I can sip tea, watch a village show, and dance with the locals— it all feels very ‘cool.'”

Additionally, the festival is witnessing the evolution of local intangible cultural heritage industries. A Li brocade fashion and cultural creative design competition showcased innovative garments and creative works, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion. This heritage item, once listed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, has now, through the concerted efforts of many, been transferred to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and is reaching broader markets through collaborations with international designers.

Hashtag: #Sanyuesan

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

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