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Bitcoin’s surge & beyond: An Octa broker forecast

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2025 – Bitcoin (BTC) has been rising almost uninterruptedly over the past three months, setting new all-time highs (ATH) essentially every week since mid-May. According to Coinbase, BTCUSD surpassed the crucial $112,000 mark on 10 July and went on to touch the $123,200 level on 14 July. Since then, the market seems to have entered a period of consolidation, with prices fluctuating in the $116,000–120,000 range. The critical question now facing investors is whether this represents a prelude to a significant downward correction or if the current consolidation will merely serve as a springboard for the rally to continue its upward trajectory. Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, explains the reasons for the rally and examines potential scenarios.

Following the spring pullback, when the price of the world’s major crypto currency dipped below $75,000 in early April, BTC rallied 65% and was trading slightly above the $123,000 level by mid-July. The major drivers for such an impressive rally include renewed investor optimism, rising institutional flows, a favourable regulatory environment, and skewed BTC supply. Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker comments: ‘In many ways, the stars have aligned for Bitcoin holders, with significant improvements in risk sentiment and supportive regulatory news truly propelling its ascent’.

Indeed, the rally kicked off on 22 April, sparked by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s suggestion of a potential de-escalation in U.S.-China trade tensions. The following day, President Donald Trump further boosted sentiment by hinting at lower tariffs for China and retracting threats to dismiss Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell. This news improved risk appetite and sent BTCUSD up by 6.82% on 22 April alone. Optimism for global trade was further fueled on 8 May, when Donald Trump unveiled a new trade deal with the United Kingdom (UK)—the first since the ‘reciprocal’ tariff pause—propelling BTCUSD higher by an additional 6.38%.

Apart from positive headlines, deeper structural transformations—notably, a mismatch between supply and demand—have also played a key role. It is no secret that Bitcoin’s total final emission is limited to 21 million coins. Additionally, bitcoin undergoes a “halving” event approximately every four years, which cuts the reward for mining new blocks in half, thus limiting the daily average supply of new bitcoins. Following the most recent halving, a new Bitcoin block is now mined roughly every 10 minutes, and the reward per block is 3.125 BTC. Therefore, the daily issuance of new Bitcoin currently stands at just around 450 coins per day. This is how it is calculated:

(6 blocks/hour×24 hours/day)×3.125 BTC/block = 144 blocks/day×3.125 BTC/block = 450 BTC/day.

This daily issuance has been vastly outpaced by demand from exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which have been absorbing up to 10,000 BTC per day. A mismatch between natural supply and ETF-driven demand has created a severe shortage in available coins, fueling aggressive upward price momentum. The imbalance has been exacerbated by continued investor preference for bitcoin vs other, less liquid, and less developed coins. Institutional flows into crypto investment vehicles have further amplified the rally, signalling growing mainstream adoption. BlackRock reported a 366% quarter-over-quarter surge in crypto ETF inflows in Q2 2025, with allocations rising to $14 billion, now comprising 16.5% of its total ETF flows. Similarly, U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs posted their second consecutive $2 billion inflow week in mid-July.

This growing supply-demand imbalance has coincided with significant regulatory milestones in the U.S. Specifically, the Republicans have pushed forward three pieces of legislation (the Genius Act, the Clarity Act and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act) aimed at creating a regulatory framework for the growing cryptocurrency market. The Genius Act, which focuses on stablecoins, creating a comprehensive regulatory framework for their issuance and oversight, has already been signed into law by President Trump, while the Clarity Act and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act are yet to be passed by the Senate.

Overall, the increasing crypto interest and adoption drove the crypto market capitalization to hit $4 trillion on 18 July, reflecting its strength and maturity with bitcoin in particular becoming a central part of the global investment landscape.

BTC Rally Outlook: A Burning Topic
With so many factors working in Bitcoin’s favour, it seems reasonable to infer that its price will likely continue to go higher in the long term. And while this may be true, it is still important to highlight major risks that lie ahead. Kar Yong Ang, comments: ‘Technically, Bitcoin looks like it is preparing for a major downward correction. BTCUSD failed to hold above the 0.618 extension level of the bullish trend, which commenced in early April. The price has formed a long wick on the daily chart, signalling an exhaustion of the bullish trend. A decline towards the 112,000 level is now highly likely. A break below 112,000 would open the way towards the 105,000 level.’

BTCUSD DAILY CHART
Source: TradingView
Source: TradingView

Indeed, the failure to hold the 121,500 level on 14 July and the subsequent correction on 15 July occurred on very strong volume, meaning that traders are uncertain about the next big move and doubt that a rally can be sustained in the short term. Furthermore, fundamentals have turned sour lately. After a 0.1% increase in May, U.S. consumer prices rose 0.3% in June, a roughly 3.5% annual rate, which is uncomfortably above the Fed’s target rate. This renewed inflationary pressure diminishes the likelihood of a September interest rate cut by the Fed and may exert bearish pressure on equity and crypto valuations. A similar scenario is evident in other major economies. For example, UK CPI rose to 3.6% in June from 3.4% in May and also undermined the widespread anticipation of a rate cut by the Bank of England (BoE). In other words, the global monetary policy may not be as accommodative as investors had hoped for previously, making them reluctant to purchase in risky assets

Three BTC price action scenarios
Kar Yong Ang of Octa Broker has come up with three potential scenarios for BTCUSD.

The most optimistic scenario envisions a continued upward climb beyond current highs, driven by persistent institutional inflows and favourable regulatory developments. However, given signs of short-term overextension and waning upside momentum on the daily chart, this outcome appears less likely in the short term.

There is the risk of a deeper, prolonged correction, particularly if macroeconomic headwinds or regulatory setbacks dampen sentiment. While not impossible, this scenario is seen as less probable for now, given strong underlying fundamentals such as limited BTC supply and sustained demand from ETFs.

A more probable, base-case scenario is a modest correction toward support levels, followed by a resumption of the broader uptrend. Such a pullback would allow the market to consolidate and establish a stronger foundation, ultimately preserving the bullish structure while shaking out weak hands.

Kar Yong Ang comments: ‘Bitcoin looks a little stretched right now, and you can see it struggling to punch clean through resistance at the highs. A pullback into the $112,000–105,000 area would actually be healthy—that’s where smart money will likely step back in. The fundamentals are still stacked in Bitcoin’s favour: supply is tight, ETFs money keeps flowing, and regulatory progress is finally breaking through’.

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Disclaimer: This press release does not contain or constitute investment advice or recommendations and does not consider your investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Any actions taken based on this content are at your sole discretion and risk—Octa does not accept any liability for any resulting losses or consequences.
Hashtag: #Octa

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

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including improving educational infrastructure and funding short-notice relief projects to support local communities.
In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

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Etiqa’s Project Firefly Reinforces Mangrove Ecosystem in Sungai Panjang in Collaboration with Malaysian Nature Society

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SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 January 2026 – Etiqa has launched Etiqa’s Project Firefly a new environmental initiative dedicated to conserving one of Malaysia’s iconic firefly habitats while uplifting the livelihood of the communities living along Sungai Panjang in Sabak Bernam, who rely on eco-tourism and the mangrove ecosystem. The programme was carried out in collaboration with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and the Sabak Bernam District Council.

(L to R) Raffi Ismail, Marketing & Partnership Manager, Malaysian Nature Society; Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad; Zaki Parmin, Assistant Agricultural Officer, Sabak Bernam District Council; Amran Hassan, Chief Strategy Officer, Etiqa

Through Etiqa’s Project Firefly, Etiqa is taking proactive steps to preserve and sustain the ecosystem by planting 130 Sonneratia Caseolaris or locally known as Berembang saplings and 200 Sonneratia Caseolaris seeds, undertaking habitat restoration works, and mobilising 50 Etiqa volunteers for a community-driven initiative along Sungai Panjang, covering a total stretch of 10 kilometres. In addition, an awareness session was conducted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Science which aimed to educate participants on the ecological importance of fireflies and the need for long-term conservation.

Fireflies play an important role as indicators of mangrove ecosystem health, which in turn supports environmental balance and benefits surrounding communities. However, across Malaysia, firefly populations are declining due to rapid habitat loss caused by river pollution, deforestation, and increasing light pollution along mangrove-lined rivers. These threats not only endanger native species but also affect the livelihoods of local fishermen and villagers who rely on healthy river ecosystems and firefly-based eco-tourism. Protecting congregating firefly zones through the preservation of adequate vegetation buffers along riverbanks is therefore critical to ensuring the long-term survival of these species and the sustainability of local livelihoods.

Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad (EGIB) said, “We initiated Etiqa’s Project Firefly as conserving native firefly species is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities that co-exist around them. By conserving firefly habitats, we are not only protecting an irreplaceable part of Malaysia’s biodiversity but also helping sustain the eco-tourism and river-based livelihoods of Sungai Panjang residents. This reflects Etiqa’s purpose in Making the World a Better Place that includes meaningful environmental action which strengthens both nature and society, creating long-term value for future generations.”

Mr. I.S Shanmugaraj, Executive Director of Malaysia Nature Society says, “Fireflies are natural indicators of a healthy mangrove ecosystem, and their presence reflects the overall condition of our rivers and surrounding environments. We commend Etiqa for taking proactive steps through Etiqa’s Project Firefly to address the growing threats of habitat degradation along fireflies corridor. Meaningful conservation requires collective action, and we hope this initiative will inspire more companies to collaborate with environmental organisations and local communities to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods for the long term.”Hashtag: #Etiqamy

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

About Etiqa

Etiqa is a multi-channel distributor of Insurance and Takaful products via its 10,000 agency force, 44 branches and 17 offices, over 490 bancassurance network (via Maybank branches, third-party banks, as well as co-operatives and brokers) through its presence in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia.

In striving to make the world a better place, Etiqa’s Sustainability journey focuses on internal initiatives that reduces its carbon footprint and increases its social impact, as well as external solutions that allow its clients to do the same.

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PolyU research teams and startups shine at CES 2026, winning three prestigious innovation awards

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) led 19 startups to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, held from 6 to 9 January. Alongside the groundbreaking technologies presented by participating startups, the University also showcased its research achievements, covering fields such as human security, digital health and energy optimisation. PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s Show, with three projects winning one “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”. This not only marks the University’s best result since it first took part in this event, but also accounts for two-thirds of all awards received by the Hong Kong startup delegation, underscoring PolyU excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s CES, with three projects winning one “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”, underscoring the University’s excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing innovative research talent with both national and international outlooks. We empower our teams by leading them to major international innovation events and fostering close collaboration among industry, academia, research and investment sectors on a global level, creating opportunities for the overseas expansion of PolyU startups. PolyU was the sole university from Hong Kong to exhibit at the event, with its participating teams making up 30% of the Hong Kong delegation, contributing to Hong Kong’s advancement into an international innovation and technology hub. Our record-breaking performance at this year’s CES affirms international recognition of PolyU research and innovation, propelling our teams to continue striving along the path of innovation and technology to create even more profound social impact.”

PolyU led 19 startups to exhibit at CES 2026. Prof. Christopher Chao (centre) posed with representatives from the award-winning PolyU teams.
PolyU led 19 startups to exhibit at CES 2026. Prof. Christopher Chao (centre) posed with representatives from the award-winning PolyU teams.

Leveraging its robust research strengths and its unique startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, the University actively supports its research teams and startups in developing innovative technologies, bringing Hong Kong research achievements to the global stage. The Smart Firefighting Robot, developed by Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering as well as Founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, along with his team, achieved the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category and earned the prestigious “Best of Innovation Award”. The Powered Rehab Skateboard, developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, received an “Innovation Award” in the “Accessibility and Longevity” category. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, developed by a team spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of PolyU startup Eieling Technology Limited, also won an “Innovation Award” in the “Digital Health” category.

The three award-winning innovations aim to enhance human security or health through cutting-edge technologies. The AI-driven Smart Firefighting Robot features autonomous patrol, burning materials classification, fire extinguishing and real-time data sharing functions in smoke-filled environments, protecting firefighters and the public simultaneously. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable and cost-effective robotic system that supports home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. The skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs and allows users to engage in effective therapy. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device is the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection. Weighs only 120 grams, the device can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards.

Organised by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is one of the world’s largest and most influential consumer electronics exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge technologies for modern living. This year, CES attracted over 4,500 exhibitors from around the globe. The PolyU startups participating in the exhibition were as follows:

PolyU Startups Featured Innovations Company Representatives
AniMed Technology Limited Contactless real-time AI-driven health monitoring Dr LYU Weimin
Co-founder and CEO, AniMed Technology Limited
CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited AI-powered energy optimisation platforms for smart buildings Ms Amber ZHANG
Co-founder, CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited
DRESIO Limited AI-powered physiotherapy assessments software solution Mr Alexander YING
CEO, DRESIO Limited
Eieling Technology Limited FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device
(CES 2026 Innovation Award)
Prof. ZHENG Yongping
Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, Eieling Technology Limited
Entoptica Limited Cutting-edge ophthalmic diagnostic technologies Dr Mukhit KULMAGANBETOV
Senior Research Fellow, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research; CEO, Entoptica Limited
Feelings Group Limited AI-powered computer vision solution Dr WONG Wing-sze
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology, PolyU; Clinical Consultant and Co-inventor, Feelings Group Limited

Ms YIP Chi-hay
Partner, Feelings Group Limited

Gembody Limited Next-generation portable AI ultrasound system Ms MAO Qian
CEO, Gembody Limited

Dr YANG Fan
CTO, Gembody Limited
ImageVector MedTech Limited AI-Vision for Joint Degeneration

Dr JIANG Tianshu

Executive Director, ImageVector MedTech Limited

Immune Materials Limited Innovative long-lasting antimicrobial self-disinfection materials Prof. Chris LO Kwan-yu
Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited

Prof. KAN Chi-wai
Associate Dean and Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited

Innobound Limited Portable smart terminal for emotional interaction, health monitoring and daily living assistance Ms GAO Lan
CEO and Founder, Innobound Limited
MedVision Limited AI-powered medical imaging solution Prof. CAI Jing
Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Consultant, MedVision Limited

Dr MA Zongrui
Postdoctoral Fellow,Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Founder, MedVision Limited

Mirror Caring Limited Knee health management solution Prof. Stephen WANG Jia
Professor, School of Design, PolyU; Founder, Mirror Caring Limited
Nuvatech Limited Next-Gen Fashion OS powered by Multi-modal AI Mr DENG Yanheng
Founder, Nuvatech Limited
On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited Wearable Biomedical Electronic Device Dr Rayman GONG
Founder and CEO, On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited
ReSaTech Limited AI solutions for product reliability Mr Ricky LAW
CEO, ReSaTech Limited
UbiquiTech Innovations Limited Edge-AI robot for autonomous inspection and cleaning in confined spaces Prof. CAO Jiannong
Vice President (Education), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, PolyU;
Founder and Chief Scientist, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

Dr LIANG Zhixuan
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Computing, PolyU; Founder and CEO, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

Vcare Vision Technology Limited Non-invasive myopia prevention solution Dr TANG Yuk-ming
Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU; Co-founder, Vcare Vision Technology Limited
Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited Smart Firefighting Robot

(CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award)

Mr WANG Meng
PhD candidate, Building Environment and Energy Engineering, PolyU; Founder, Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited
XOXO Beverages Limited Automated Cocktail Machine for improvements event and hospitality efficiency Mr Nicholas YU Wo-ping
Founder, XOXO Beverages Limited

Hashtag: #PolyU

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

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Starlight Centre Launches New Program For Students with Autism Entering Mainstream Primary Schools.

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2026 – Starlight Centre has launched a new program designed for students with autism entering mainstream primary schools, including Pathlight and St. Andrew’s Mission School, next year. This school-readiness program is aimed at preschoolers (around 6 years old) in preparation for the challenges of primary school. Starlight Centre plans to utilise peer modelling and the RISE™ framework to equip these preschoolers with the essential skills needed for the transition to primary school.

Peer Modeling
Starlight Centre has provided specialised care services for children with high-functioning autism from primary 1 to 6 and have supported many students who are now ready to demonstrate positive behaviours from the programmes. Through peer modelling, younger students can observe and learn from their more experienced peers, helping them understand the acceptable boundaries of good behaviour.

RISE™
The Starlight RISE™ Primary School Readiness Program effectively prepares young children for formal education by developing their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills through engaging, play-based activities.

By actively involving parents in the process through comprehensive evaluations and strong partnerships, Starlight Centre aims to make parents feel valued and confident that their child’s development is being supported holistically, beyond just basic skills.

Hashtag: #AutismEducation #SpecialNeedsEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ParentingSupport #StarlightCentre

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About Starlight Centre

Starlight was founded by a group of parents and seasoned autism professionals who have experienced first-hand the challenges of finding the most effective therapy programs, preschools, and after-school care services. We understand what you’re going through and are here to help. No matter your child’s needs, come to us, and we will connect you with the right resources.

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