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TRUMP coin: the signal of crypto era and rise of memecoins by global broker Octa

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 January 2025 – Memecoins were on the rise in 2024. Their overall market capitalisation increased from $20 billion last January up to $120 billion in December 2024. Such coins as DOGE, PEPE, or SHIB have thrived, primarily driven by community support and innovative strategies. Some experts have even acknowledged meme coins as a viable crypto trend. TRUMP, a meme coin created by Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th U.S. President, has emerged as a speculative and rather controversial asset. However, it may still signal mass adoption of crypto, regulatory warm-ups and new crypto trends. Global broker Octa explains how the meme coin may impact the market.

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TRUMP: launch and accelerated growth
Donald Trump surprised society on 17 January 2025, three days before his inauguration, by launching the meme coin TRUMP based on the Solana blockchain. Trump announced the launch on his official X and Truth Social accounts. The coin’s value quickly surged, particularly when it was listed on several CEX (centralised crypto exchanges) like ByBit. Within two days, it increased from $7 on 17 January to $75 on 19 January. The next day, when the President entered the White House, the price soared significantly. The minimum was around $38 per coin. At one point, the coin became the 19th most valuable crypto globally during its peak on 19 January. At the moment of writing the article, the coin ranks 25th on CoinMarketCap in terms of market capitalisation, outperforming popular memecoins like PEPE and, notably, 10-year-old XMR.

TRUMP is considered a memecoin since it has no inherent value, and the asset’s price entirely depends on the market sentiment: buyers and sellers can manipulate the price. Nonetheless, Trump’s fans and crypto enthusiasts have actively supported the coin. The volume of daily traded coins reached its maximum on the inauguration day, 20 January, and surpassed $52 billion.

Currently, the circulating supply accounts for almost a fifth of the whole supply: 200 million tokens. Another 800 million are controlled by Trump-owned entities. The developers plan to release the remaining tokens gradually within three years. However, many experts are concerned because the owner can ruin the market by selling the controlled assets.

MELANIA meme coin: launch and impact on the market
Following the TRUMP coin hype, Melania Trump announced the launch of her own meme coin, MELANIA. While its value almost reached $13 on 20 January, and a lot of crypto traders abandoned TRUMP to trade MELANIA, the asset’s price has dropped since then. The First Lady’s coin was officially presented by her incorporated company, MKT World LLC.

The coin has contributed to the Trump family’s crypto hype. There were even rumours that another coin from Ivanka Trump, the daughter of the elected President, was about to see the world. However, no official news or proof was released, so this could be fake.

The future of TRUMP
TRUMP has been a controversial asset. Some believe it signals ‘a new regulatory era, where governments see crypto as a technology to reach out to the masses directly’. Others are sure that the launch has undermined the credibility of the industry, as the coin is rather volatile and speculative. For example, a popular Bitcoin investor, Erik Voorhees, has criticised the asset.

‘Although TRUMP may be considered as a ‘rug pull’—a quickly abandoned coin—it may have potential longevity. One of the deciding factors is the remaining 80% of the supply and its future’, comments Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker. ‘For now, the future of the asset depends on the crypto society and its willingness to buy TRUMP. This is proved by the MELANIA launch, which shifted liquidity in its favour and significantly dropped the President’s token price.’

Considering the emotion-driven buying frenzy of the TRUMP coin, which potentially drove many newcomers to the crypto market, it’s likely to provoke another rise of memes from celebrities and influencers. While meme coins are known for their high returns, especially during the launch on CEX, they are very volatile and speculative. Traders should avoid quick decisions and overbudgeting to secure their funds.

What is more, it’s advised to beware of scams. For example, there are fake TRUMP tokens now. Moreover, hackers can try to capitalise on the meme hype. Just recently, scammers breached Nasdaq’s X account and promoted a fake meme coin, STONKS. It was launched the same day and was a copycat of a pre-existing memecoin on Solana. Despite this, the project’s market capitalisation reached $80 million. Several days later, the token’s price dropped.

Nonetheless, TRUMP can be considered an evidence of a crypto-favourable regulation. Since Donald Trump was elected as the U.S. President, crypto society has considered this as another proof of an anticipated bull run and crypto mass adoption. For example, Bitcoin hit another ATH (all-time-high) on the inauguration day. This is probably driven by the President’s crypto-related plans, such as industry deregulation or a potential strategic Bitcoin reserve.
Hashtag: #Octa

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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 the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, 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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BAFS Reports Strong 2024 Performance with First Profit in Five Years at THB 102.9M, Approves THB 0.30 Yearly Dividend, Eyes Asian Market Expansion in 2025

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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – BAFS has announced its 2024 financial results, reporting total revenue of THB 3.507 billion and a net profit of THB 102.9 million, marking a 175% increase from the previous year and the company’s first profitable year since the COVID-19 pandemic. This turnaround to profitability was driven by a high volume of aviation fuel refueling and pipeline oil transportation. BAFS plans to distribute a yearly dividend of THB 0.30 per share for 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, the company has allocated an investment budget exceeding THB 1 billion to strengthen its business and expand into Asian markets, targeting an 8% revenue growth.

M.L. Nathasit Diskul, President of BAFS demonstrated robust and consistent business growth in 2024

M.L. Nathasit Diskul, President of Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Public Company Limited (BAFS), stated that BAFS and its subsidiaries (BAFS Group) demonstrated robust and consistent business growth in 2024, leading to the company’s first profitable year since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019, with a net profit of THB 102.9 million—a 175% increase from the previous year. This growth was primarily attributed to a surge in aviation fuel refueling volume, which reached 5.047 billion liters, exceeding expectations, along with a significant increase in northern pipeline oil transportation to 1.226 billion liters. These factors drove total revenue to THB 3.507 billion, reflecting a 14% year-over-year increase, in line with the recovery of the tourism sector. EBITDA also grew by 21% year over year, reaching THB 1.594 billion.

In Q4 2024, BAFS Group recorded total revenue of THB 955.4 million, a 19% year-over-year increase, with EBITDA of THB 343.9 million, supported by higher gross profits resulting from increased aviation fuel sales. Operating expenses rose by 1% while net finance costs decreased by 9% due to scheduled debt repayments to financial institutions and lower interest rates on commercial bank loans. The company recognized a Q4 loss due to a fair value adjustment of its investment in a Japanese power plant and an impairment of goodwill from a domestic power plant. Additionally, it wrote off deferred tax assets (DTA) that were deemed unlikely to be utilized in the future. These accounting adjustments had no cash flow impact and resulted in a Q4 net loss attributable to shareholders of THB 49.8 million.

Following its strong performance in 2024, the Board of Directors approved a dividend payout of THB 0.30 per share for 2024. This includes an interim dividend of THB 0.10 per share, paid on September 3, 2024, and a final dividend of THB 0.20 per share, scheduled for payment on May 22, 2025. The final dividend is subject to approval at the company’s 2025 Annual General Meeting.

BAFS Group will continue its commitment to sustainable growth in 2025, targeting an 8% revenue increase. With over THB 1 billion allocated for strategic investments, the company will collaborate with partners to explore new business opportunities while enhancing Thailand’s energy transportation infrastructure. A key project is the extension of the northern oil pipeline connecting Ang Thong and Saraburi led by BAFS Pipeline Transportation Co., Ltd. Construction is set to begin in Q1 2025, with commercial operations expected to commence in 2026. Once completed, the total length of the pipeline system will exceed 726 kilometers, making it the longest and most advanced oil transportation pipeline in Thailand and the longest in Southeast Asia.

Amid the ongoing energy transition and its challenges, BAFS Group remains committed to sustainable value creation and energy security. The company’s five-year strategic plan (2025-2029) focuses on three key pillars. The first pillar, Solid Financials for Uplifting Asia, involves expanding investments across Asia, leveraging BAFS Group’s capabilities to seek investment and growth opportunities in the Asian market. Two key contributors are BAFS INTECH Co., Ltd., which is driving the expansion of the aviation refueling truck market in Southeast Asia, and BAFS Clean Energy Corporation Co., Ltd., which is currently advancing investments in Mongolia.

The second pillar, Sustainability and Governance for a Thriving Future, focuses on supporting the transition of society and the aviation industry to a sustainable energy era, primarily by preparing for the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Last year, BAFS began SAF refueling services at Samui and Suvarnabhumi International Airports and recently obtained ISCC-CORSIA certification in the logistic center scope for its aviation fuel storage and refueling stations at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airports.

The third pillar, Re-imagining the Future of Work for Human Empowerment, emphasizes building a future-ready workforce by enhancing employees’ skills in generative AI and digital literacy to ensure adaptability to changes. BAFS is also assessing and preparing its IT infrastructure to provide employees with secure and convenient access to generative AI tools to boost efficiency.

Hashtag: #BAFS #BAFSGroup



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British Council Singapore Honours Outstanding UK Alumni at the Study UK Alumni Awards 2025

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – British Council Singapore celebrated the achievements of exceptional UK alumni at the Study UK Alumni Awards 2025, held at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, on 20 February. This flagship event honours individuals who have leveraged their UK education to make significant contributions to their professions, communities and societies.

British Council Singapore Honours Outstanding UK Alumni at the Study UK Alumni Awards 2025

The Study UK Alumni Awards are a testament to the power of education and collaboration in tackling common challenges and finding lasting solutions to these.

The 2025 Awards celebrated winners across four categories, each recognising the transformative impact of UK-educated Singaporean professionals:

  • Business and Innovation Award – Wen Si Chow, for promoting inclusion and equal opportunities for women in the STEM industry.
  • Culture and Creativity Award – Chong Soon Khong, for significant contributions to Singapore’s creative music landscape.
  • Science and Sustainability Award – Stephanie Choon Xia Liaw, for impactful work in energy transition and sustainability.
  • Social Action Award – Shalom Lim Ern Rong, for exceptional efforts in driving inclusion and positive change in society.

UK universities consistently excel in world rankings, with four featured in the 2025 QS World University Rankings top ten. The strength, depth and diversity of the UK higher education sector – from small conservatoires to large metropolitan universities – has always attracted students from all parts of the world, including close to 7000 students from Singapore who choose to pursue higher education in the UK every year.

The Study UK Alumni Award winners exemplify the value of their world-class UK education, using their expertise to drive innovation, address pressing challenges, and contribute to Singapore’s progress.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Nik Mehta OBE, British High Commissioner to Singapore, commended the awardees: “All four Singapore winners inspire me because they are making a difference to our world in fields ranging from science and sustainability to culture, social engagement, and business innovation. Their stories illustrate how higher education can be a life-changing experience – shaping minds, values, ambitions, and futures”.

On 9 August 1965, the UK was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with the newly independent Singapore. As Singapore celebrates its 60th birthday this year, the 2025 Awards hold special significance, underscoring the profound and enduring

educational and cultural ties between the UK and Singapore, cemented over these 60 years.

As Lissy Vadakel, Country Director for British Council Singapore, commented: “Through these Awards, we celebrate the achievements of outstanding UK alumni in Singapore. This is also an occasion for us to come together as a community, with at least one commonality: in one way or another, be that through our educational experiences, our professional lives, or our personal and social connections, we are part of the Singapore-UK fabric”.

The High Commissioner also reflected on the lasting impact of UK-educated Singaporeans in growing and strengthening bilateral relations: “At the heart of our countries’ partnership are our people, who have forged lifelong professional and personal connections in our communities. These ties contribute to the mutual trust and understanding between our countries today and will do so for years to come”.

The British Council remains committed to supporting and celebrating the aspirations of UK alumni worldwide, ensuring their achievements continue to inspire future generations.

For the editor

Recipients of Study UK Alumni Awards Singapore 2025

BUSINESS AND INNOVATION AWARDS

Wen Si Chow
University of Bristol
Wen Si Chow is a currently a Senior Legal Counsel at Mott MacDonald. She strongly believes in promoting inclusivity and equality within society. In this regard, her previous stint as a lawyer in private practice has seen her working on a pro bono basis and helping the less privileged in society access legal advice and representation. At Mott MacDonald, Wen Si also serves as the Asia Lead for Inclusive Networks for Women, a regional initiative which seeks to encourage the support of women within the organisation, in the hope that this advances the further promotion of women within the STEM industry as a whole. Wen Si credits her time at the University of Bristol with broadening her perspective on equality in society, as well as increasing her exposure to, and appreciation of, the unique cultural diversity that is found in Southeast Asia.

CULTURE AND CREATIVITY AWARD

Chong Soon Khong (Ken)
Bath Spa University
Dr Ken Chong is an award-winning composer, chart-topping songwriter, and an educator at tertiary institutions, including Nanyang Technological University. Ken’s accolades include Apple Music Best Song of 2016 (China) for his song “Rainbow Bot”, sung by Mandopop queen Stefanie Sun, as well as recognition for his music in full feature films, TV programmes, and advertisements. Bath Spa University was pivotal in Ken’s songwriting career, where almost half of his songs submitted for his Master of Music final year project were sold to popular Chinese music artists upon graduation. Ken attributes his success to the university’s ability to help him identify his strengths and passions, and then develop knowledge and skills towards achieving excellence. Ken recognises the benefits of music composition, often perceived as exclusive to a gifted few, and hopes to show how technology has democratised composing, such that anyone can create. He credits his UK educational journey with the impact he now has as a music teacher on his students at various institutes of higher learning in Singapore.

SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

Stephanie Choon Xia Liaw
University of Strathclyde
University of Birmingham
Stephanie Liaw is the Energy Lead for Singapore and Malaysia at Mott MacDonald, where she drives energy transition and sustainability initiatives across Asia. She is currently leading the cross-border interconnector projects at various phases to integrate green energy, connecting Singapore and the ASEAN Power Grid. Under her leadership, Mott MacDonald developed a model to assess interconnector impacts, funded by the UK FCDO under the UK-SG Green Economy Framework. Stephanie’s Engineering and MBA studies in the UK provided a transformative, multicultural experience, equipping her with valuable technical insights and business opportunities to advance energy transition in the region. Her enduring passion lies in ensuring equitable energy access in underdeveloped countries, advancing renewable energy by reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing community livelihoods through Just Transition principles. This passion continues to fuel her mission as an Energy Lead, committed to bringing clean energy to shape a more sustainable future for all.

SOCIAL ACTION AWARD

Shalom Lim Ern Rong
University of Liverpool
Shalom Lim is an artist and a writer, as well as an advocate dedicated to disability inclusion in Singapore. As a committee member on the Management Board of the Disabled People’s Association, he strives to improve social policies relating to disability and to shift public perspectives. He has also collaborated with K9Assistance to expand access to assistance dogs for individuals and families with non-vision disabilities in Singapore. Shalom’s storytelling, through books and performances, challenges perceptions and touches hearts, showing others that people with disabilities can thrive academically and contribute meaningfully. Pursuing Criminology and Security at the University of Liverpool shaped Shalom’s confidence in advocacy and his passion for justice and inclusion. The university’s open discussions helped him recognise the power of his voice in pushing for change. Shalom continues to use his art and writing to build a more inclusive society in Singapore, and to inspire others to see inclusion as a necessity, not a choice.

Hashtag: #BritishCouncilSingapore

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About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2022–23 we reached 600 million people.

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Cakebar Katong Unveils Singapore’s First 24/7 Self-Pickup Cake Kiosk

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – In a strategic move to reshape the dessert service landscape through the comprehension of local consumer needs, Cakebar Katong introduces Singapore’s first 24/7 self-pickup cake kiosk, marking a significant shift towards innovative unmanned store concepts. Setting a new standard in customer convenience, this pioneering initiative at its Katong outlet offers customers the freedom to order and collect artisan cakes and desserts around the clock from a dedicated, chilled pickup station. By integrating advanced IT and engineering solutions, Cakebar prioritises accessibility, holding its own in a competitive market increasingly dominated by online options.

Pioneering Singapore’s first 24/7 self-pickup cake kiosk, Cakebar Katong revolutionises dessert accessibility for all occasions. This unmanned, fully integrated online ordering system eliminates the constraints of store hours and home refrigeration, catering to both spontaneous celebrations and planned events with unparalleled convenience and innovation.

Redefining Cake Shopping with Advanced Technology

As retail trends shift towards technology-driven solutions, Cakebar emerges as a fresh contender with its automated cake kiosk, aiming to make a dent in the confectionery market. At its core, this transformative kiosk integrates advanced IT and engineering solutions with robust security measures, including long-distance remote monitoring, real-time alerts, and CCTV surveillance, along with continuous online tracking of refrigeration temperatures to ensure optimal food safety and quality.

Extending beyond the boundaries of typical cake shopping experiences, Cakebar’s technology-driven service is fully integrated with online ordering. Eliminating traditional shopping constraints, this self-pickup service offers unmatched convenience, allowing customers to skip the queues, order and pick up their cakes and desserts anytime—day or night. With a simple online ordering process, customers can choose the 24/7 pickup option at Cakebar Katong and retrieve their orders on-site in a few taps. Whether it’s a same-day pickup for orders placed before 2PM, or a next-day pickup, Cakebar ensures that every celebration or spontaneous craving is met with ease.

Enhancing Convenience with Future Service Innovations

Celebrated for its pioneering technology and creative solutions, Cakebar is set to further enhance its proprietary 24-hour service model by introducing a self-service vending machine. This future addition aims to provide not only cake pickups but also a selection of celebration essentials, such as party plates, flowers, and greeting cards—all available around the clock.

Anticipating future expansions, this Singaporean-run company is exploring ways to extend this innovative service model across its entire network of outlets, potentially offering the full customer experience 24/7 at all its locations—unmanned. This move highlights Cakebar’s ongoing efforts to marry baking with cutting-edge service innovation, anticipating new convenient ways to satisfy local customer needs in the confectionery space.
Hashtag: #Cakebar



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Cakebar

Cakebar is a distinguished artisan cake shop specialising in premium cakes and pastries that delight the senses with every bite. Renowned for its indulgent creations, Cakebar offers a diverse selection of desserts crafted with the finest ingredients. This online cake shop also ensures seamless home delivery across Singapore, catering to every celebration and craving, with four outlets offering either grab-and-go or dine-in options. For more information, please visit: https://cakebar.com.sg/

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