Indonesia Blockchain Week 2024: Igniting Innovation and Collaboration in Southeast Asia
The Indonesia Blockchain Week 2024, set for November, promises to be the largest edition yet, aiming to accelerate innovation and collaboration in Southeast Asia’s blockchain ecosystem. With a focus on bridging traditional finance with blockchain technology and exploring the future of entertainment, the conference reunites industry professionals and thought leaders after a two-year hiatus. 4 April 2024 – The Indonesia...
Google Mulls Premium Features for AI-Powered Search Engine Amid Push for Monetization
Google, under Alphabet Inc., is reportedly exploring the introduction of premium features for its AI-powered search engine, aiming to monetize its core products and stay competitive in the AI space. Despite potential subscription-based enhancements, Google assures that its traditional search engine will remain free with ads, amidst competition from industry giants like OpenAI and Microsoft. 4 April 2024 – Google, a subsidiary of...
Apple Inc. Explores Entry into Personal Robotics Market
Apple Inc. is exploring entry into the personal robotics market, with plans for mobile robots and advanced tabletop devices, aiming to diversify revenue streams and maintain its innovative edge. The move reflects Apple’s strategic focus on emerging markets and technological advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. 4 April 2024 – Apple Inc., renowned for its technological innovations, is venturing into...
MoneyGram and Tencent Financial Technology Partner to Enable Digital Remittances to Weixin Pay Wallets in China
MoneyGram partners with Tencent Financial Technology to enable consumers to send funds directly to Weixin Pay wallets in China through MoneyGram Online, catering to the growing demand for digital remittance solutions. With China ranking as the third-highest recipient country for remittances and witnessing a surge in e-commerce and mobile payments, this collaboration aims to simplify cross-border transactions and fortify global...
Microsoft and Quantinuum Make Breakthrough in Quantum Computing Reliability, Paving the Way for Commercialization
Microsoft and Quantinuum achieve a breakthrough in quantum computing by enhancing reliability through innovative error-correction techniques. This advancement brings commercial quantum computing closer to reality, with potential implications for various industries seeking unprecedented computational capabilities. 3 April 2024 – Microsoft (MSFT.O) and Quantinuum announced a significant advancement in quantum computing technology,...
JPMorgan Chase Launches A New Frontier in Digital Advertising Targeting 80 Million Customers
JPMorgan Chase launches Chase Media Solutions, a new digital media platform allowing advertisers to target its 80 million customers based on spending data. Leveraging transaction data and partnerships with brands like Blue Bottle Coffee and Whataburger, the platform offers precise advertising opportunities, signaling the bank’s expansion into the digital marketing space. JPMorgan Chase (JPM.N) has ventured into the digital media...
AsiaPay Partners with Airswift to Elevate Digital Payment Services for Airline Travelers
AsiaPay collaborates with Airswift to enhance digital payment services for airline passengers, offering streamlined payment options and facilitating market expansion for the airline. 2 April 2024 – AsiaPay, a leading digital payment service provider in Asia, has joined forces with Airswift, a boutique airline operating in the Philippines, to improve digital payment options for travelers. This collaboration integrates Airswift...
Amazon’s AWS Expands Free Credits Program to Cover AI Model Usage for Startups, Boosting Bedrock’s Market Share
AWS expands its free credits program for startups to cover AI model usage, aiming to bolster Bedrock’s market share. The initiative, which includes partnerships with various providers, reflects Amazon’s ongoing efforts to support startups while attracting regulatory scrutiny. 2 April 2024 – Amazon Web Service (AWS) has announced an expansion of its free credits program for startups, now encompassing the costs...
OpenAI Announces Unrestricted Access to ChatGPT Without Sign-Up Requirement
OpenAI announces unrestricted access to ChatGPT, its generative AI chatbot, eliminating the sign-up requirement to democratize AI accessibility. Despite its growth slowdown, ChatGPT remains popular for its human-like conversation abilities and diverse tasks. 2 April 2024 – OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, has revealed plans to offer unrestricted access to its ChatGPT generative AI chatbot starting next Monday, removing the necessity...
Visa Bolsters Global Security Measures with AI-Powered Fraud Prevention Solutions
Visa strengthens global security measures with AI-driven fraud prevention solutions, targeting various transaction types including immediate account-to-account and card-not-present payments. 28 March 2024 – In an effort to fortify its position as a leader in digital payments security, Visa (NYSE:V) has announced the expansion of its suite of value-added services with the introduction of three new AI-driven risk and fraud...
Mastercard and Worldpay Collaborate to Streamline Transaction Disputes and Reduce Chargebacks
Mastercard and Worldpay’s partnership introduces Ethoca Alerts to streamline transaction dispute resolution, reducing chargebacks and enhancing fraud prevention efforts for merchants worldwide. This collaboration underscores a commitment to delivering seamless transaction experiences and safeguarding the integrity of the global digital economy. 27 March 2024 – Mastercard and Worldpay have joined forces to streamline the...
Visa and Mastercard Reach Settlement with U.S. Merchants, Potentially Saving Billions for American Shoppers
Visa and Mastercard’s settlement with U.S. merchants over swipe fees could potentially save American shoppers billions of dollars. The agreement, which caps credit interchange fees and addresses long-standing grievances, particularly benefits small businesses and highlights efforts towards fairer transaction practices. 26 March 2024 – Visa and Mastercard have reached a significant settlement with U.S. merchants concerning...
Tencent Cloud EdgeOne Empowers Startups with Free Trials and Advanced Security Solutions
Tencent Cloud EdgeOne offers startups free trials of advanced security solutions, including Content & Intelligent Acceleration and Platform-level DDoS protection, empowering them to navigate the challenges of modern business landscapes with confidence. 26 March 2024 – Tencent Cloud EdgeOne, a leading cloud security and acceleration platform, has announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting startups in their...
Akulaku Secures US$100 Million Debt Financing from HSBC Singapore to Drive Profitability and Expansion in Southeast Asia’s Fintech Landscape
Southeast Asian fintech Akulaku, backed by Alibaba, secures US$100 million debt financing from HSBC Singapore to address existing debts and enhance profitability, emphasizing its improved financial health and commitment to sustainable growth. Despite regulatory challenges, Akulaku remains optimistic about its expansion plans in Indonesia, its primary market, aiming for increased revenue amidst fierce competition in the online lending...
J&T Express Surpasses Expectations with Stellar 2023 Performance: Achieves Record Revenue Growth and Operational Milestones
J&T Express, a leading global logistics service provider, reports exceptional growth and profitability in 2023, marked by significant revenue increases, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced financial stability. 22 March 2024 – J&T Global Express Limited (“J&T Express” or “the Company”, stock code: 01519), a renowned global logistics service provider, proudly announces its stellar...
Tencent Realigns Strategy Towards Casual Gaming Amid Evolving Industry Landscape
Tencent, a leading player in the gaming industry, is refocusing its efforts on developing casual games like “DreamStar” after setbacks with big-budget franchises. This strategic pivot reflects a desire to embrace agility and innovation in response to evolving gaming trends. 21 March 2024 – Tencent, the renowned global leader in the video gaming industry, is undergoing a strategic shift as it refocuses its efforts on...
ASUS Unveils Cutting-Edge GPU Server Solutions at NVIDIA GTC Conference, Empowering AI Supercomputing
ASUS showcases its latest GPU server innovations at the NVIDIA GTC conference, including the ESC NM1-E1 and ESC NM2-E1 servers powered by NVIDIA’s MGX modular reference architecture, aiming to advance AI supercomputing capabilities. Leveraging state-of-the-art NVIDIA technologies and expertise in MLPerf, ASUS offers optimized server solutions tailored to diverse workloads, emphasizing performance, efficiency, and scalability. 21...
Visa’s Spring 2024 Threats Report Uncovers Surge in Scams Targeting Individuals and Organizations
Visa’s Spring 2024 Threats Report unveils a surge in scams targeting individuals and organizations globally, fueled by the increasing sophistication of scammers and their exploitation of vulnerabilities in the payments ecosystem. 20 March 2024 – Visa has unveiled its Spring 2024 Threats Report, shedding light on the escalating threats facing consumers and businesses worldwide in the realm of payment security. The report...
Meta Platforms Slashes Subscription Fee for Facebook and Instagram in Europe Amidst Regulatory Pressure
Meta Platforms reduces monthly subscription fee for Facebook and Instagram in Europe from 9.99 euros to 5.99 euros amidst regulatory scrutiny and concerns over privacy implications. 20 March 2024 – In response to mounting pressure from privacy and antitrust regulators, Meta Platforms (META.O) has announced a significant reduction in the monthly subscription fee for Facebook and Instagram in Europe. The fee will be nearly halved,...
Blitz Electric Mobility Secures USD 1.6M Funding, Accelerating Expansion and Sustainability Efforts in Indonesia’s EV Logistics Sector
Blitz Electric Mobility secures USD 1.6 million in oversubscribed seed extension funding, led by ADB Ventures, bringing its total funding to USD 2.6 million. The investment accelerates Blitz’s expansion in Indonesia, reinforcing its position as a leader in EV logistics while emphasizing sustainability and operational efficiency. 19 March 2024 – Blitz Electric Mobility, a pioneering force in the electric vehicle (EV)...