by | Apr 10, 2025 | Business
Sydney’s newest world class marketplace, Hay St Market at Paddy’s, has been officially opened today by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, and Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper, alongside key dignitaries and industry leaders.
Marking a new chapter for the iconic Paddy’s Markets, the $20 million Hay St Market development spans 3,000 square metres, has created more than 300 local jobs, brings together over 48 traders offering 25 diverse cuisines and an extensive selection of fresh produce, food, beverage and specialty retail.
Paddy’s Markets is already a major attraction in Sydney with over 5 million visitors annually. Since first opening its doors at the end of March 2025, Hay St Market at Paddy’s has seen a large number of locals and tourists flock to this exciting new destination, which is expected to increase tourism to the City of Sydney and to Sydney’s Haymarket.
The Hay St Market concept was created by Doltone Hospitality Group following multiple years of research into the world’s best markets and taking inspiration from some of the most renowned globally including Borough Market in London, Lau Pau Sat in Singapore, the bustling food markets in Barcelona and Chelsea Market in New York City.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the significance of the project, stating: “Hay St Market enhances a corner of Sydney that is already home to Market City and the iconic landmark that is Paddy’s Market. It is like a missing piece of the puzzle that has finally been slotted into place. Hay St Market is revitalising this neighbourhood, giving the atmosphere and the local economy a lift. It’s bringing jobs and opportunities, it’s bringing the touch of culinary superstars like Luke Nguyen and Mark Olive, and it’s bringing a fresh reason for tourists and locals alike to visit.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns highlighted the market’s contribution to the city :“ The new Hay St Market at Paddy’s transforms this iconic location in Sydney into a place where you can have fun with your family and your friends, enjoy some of the best produce, the best restaurants that you’re can find in the entire country, right here on the doorstep of one of the best city in the world.”
NSW Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper emphasised the market’s role in driving tourism: “ Sydney is the premier destination for travellers, and the addition of a new attraction like Hay St Market at Paddy’s will certainly enhance our domestic and global appeal. One of our unique offerings is our multiculturalism, and this new marketplace will showcase the many flavours of Sydney to the world, drawing more visitors to our city, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses.”
For Paul Signorelli OAM, Executive Chairman of Doltone Hospitality Group, the opening of Hay St Market at Paddy’s is not just about bringing a global concept to Sydney, it’s also deeply personal:“My father Biaggio Signorelli, arrived in Australia in 1954 and started his journey at Paddy’s Markets unloading bananas by hand.Over time, my father opened Signorelli Bro’s greengrocers in Willoughby and Lakemba, and eventually founded Doltone House. Having the opportunity to bring Signorelli Bro’s to Hay St Market at Paddy’s is a full circle moment that honours the families, traders, the stories of many migrants, and the history that makes this part of Sydney truly special.”
Joseph Murray, Group CEO and Managing Director of Doltone Hospitality Group, expressed excitement for what’s ahead:“Hay St Market at Paddy’s is not just about today; it’s about the future. Not only have we built something for Sydney to be proud of, we’ve also created a space that will continue to grow, innovate, and bring people together for years to come.”
Dale Doonan, Interim CEO of Sydney Markets Limited, reflected on the achievement: “The official opening of Hay St Market at Paddy’s is a huge milestone for our iconic market and highlights the possibilities for our traders, tourism and what lies ahead. We look forward to welcoming many more people through our doors for years to come.”
Key Facts:
Sydney’s newest world class marketplace, Hay St Market at Paddy’s, has been officially opened today by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: “Hay St Market enhances a corner of Sydney that is already home to Market City and the iconic landmark that is Paddy’s Market. It is like a missing piece of the puzzle that has finally been slotted into place. Hay St Market is revitalising this neighbourhood, giving the atmosphere and the local economy a lift. It’s bringing jobs and opportunities, it’s bringing the touch of culinary superstars like Luke Nguyen and Mark Olive, and it’s bringing a fresh reason for tourists and locals alike to visit.”
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by | Apr 10, 2025 | Business
10 April 2025 — Manila, Philippines — VRITIMES, a cutting-edge media technology startup, participated as an exhibitor at SaaScon PH 2025, one of the leading SaaS events in Southeast Asia. The event, held in Manila, brought together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the region, creating a vibrant environment for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
At the event, VRITIMES had the opportunity to showcase its innovative platform that simplifies press release distribution and enhances media outreach. The company’s solution enables users to easily create, distribute, and track press releases, providing valuable analytics to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns. As an exhibitor, VRITIMES connected with potential partners and explored new opportunities to further expand its footprint in the SaaS and media technology sectors.
“We are thrilled to be part of SaaScon PH 2025,” said Ronto Katsura, Country Manager of VRITIMES Philippines. “The event offered a fantastic opportunity to showcase the value our platform brings to businesses looking to streamline their press release distribution process. We’re excited about the potential collaborations and partnerships that came out of the event and look forward to growing within the Southeast Asian market.”
A special thanks to Sprout Solutions, the organizer of the event, for executing a seamless and impactful experience that allowed companies like VRITIMES to connect with key stakeholders in the SaaS ecosystem. The event was an invaluable platform for fostering new relationships and gaining deeper insights into the rapidly growing SaaS industry in the region.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by | Apr 9, 2025 | Business
Pasay City, Philippines – March 15 – The country’s premier celebration of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) hit a high note as Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival marked its 10th anniversary at the CCP Open Grounds. With a powerhouse lineup of top OPM icons, rising stars, and immersive festival experiences, Fusion —organized by PraXis—once again proved why it’s the ultimate stage for Filipino music and talent.
A Decade of OPM Excellence
“Fusion’s 10th anniversary celebrates OPM as a vital part of who we are as Filipinos,” said PraXis CEO and Fusion founder Gladys Basinillo. “This is our moment to set a new standard for music festivals—proudly Filipino, and world-class.”
Thousands gathered to witness an unforgettable celebration of Filipino music. The stage lit up with performances from Ben&Ben, December Avenue, Zack Tabudlo, MAKI, The Itchyworms, Barbie Almalbis, Alamat, KAIA, ALLMO$T, and more. Surprise collaborations made the evening more surprising —including Barbie Almalbis and December Avenue’s nostalgic take on Tabing Ilog, and Miguel and Paolo Benjamin’s jam during MAKI’s set.
The festival showcased dance performances from D’Grind, the UP Varsity Pep Squad, and Manoeuvres Ignite. It also gave the spotlight to rising talents like 1ST One, G.A.T., Raya, The Vowels They Orbit, Better Days, Carissa, the Karaoke World Championships artists, and Amiel Sol—proving Fusion’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of OPM stars.
Photos from Jeremy Caisip, Yan Caringal, Harold Burce, Davin Reyes, Garcia, Nina FamosoGuided by the creative vision of director Paul Basinillo, Fusion embraced the theme “Musika Natin ’To”—transforming the event into a full-blown entertainment experience. “Fusion isn’t just about the past decade of OPM. It’s about shaping the future of Filipino music, artists, and fans. It’s about bringing people back to live events and making the festival an experience they’ll always want to be part of,” he shared.
The Fusion experience extended beyond the stage. Festivalgoers, calling themselves “sumakses,” immersed in interactive booths, exclusive merch drops, and perks and giveaways from sponsors like Nestea, Nescafé, Bear Brand Sterilized, Maggi, Dazz and Hapee, Fudgee Barr, VinFast, Tanduay Flavored Mixes, KFC, Chowking, McDonald’s, and more.
The night ended with a surprise finale featuring MAKI and Ben&Ben performing together as fireworks lit up the sky. The celebration continued into the afterparty with sets from DJ Bandit, DJ Ron Poe, and Mars Miranda—cementing Fusion as a landmark moment in OPM history.
Championing Filipino Music
Recognizing Fusion’s impact in elevating Original Pilipino Music (OPM) as both a cultural celebration and tourism asset, the Department of Tourism (DOT) underscored the festival’s role in promoting Filipino music as a pillar of the country’s creative industry. With its ability to draw thousands of fans and travelers, Fusion is helping position the Philippines as a vibrant destination for music lovers—both locally and internationally.
“With the immense talent of Filipino artists and the unwavering support of the Filipino youth, OPM deserves to be one of our country’s primary cultural exports,” said Gladys Basinillo. “This partnership with the Department of Tourism highlights how music and entertainment are deeply woven into our national identity. Through Fusion, we aim to amplify Filipino music on bigger stages—not just here at home, but around the world.”
Fusion’s mission to uplift Pinoy music is also supported by the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), reinforcing a shared advocacy for nurturing Filipino talent and growing the appreciation of homegrown artistry.
Together, these partnerships affirm Fusion’s position as more than just a festival—it’s a cultural movement for OPM’s continued evolution and global recognition.
Bringing the Fusion Experience Nationwide
Fusion continues to set the standard for OPM celebrations—uniting artists, audiences, and communities through the power of music.
Riding on the success of its Manila leg, Fusion is gearing up to take the celebration on the road, bringing the same OPM experience to regional stages across the country this year.
The music, the movement, and the magic of OPM are just getting started. Follow Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X for the latest stories and upcoming destinations.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by Ferry Bayu | Apr 9, 2025 | Business
Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. sponsors two pavilions at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and will host various events during the exhibition period. The Glico Group upholds its Purpose of contributing to people’s “Healthier days, Wellbeing for life,” continuously creating value in “Great Taste and Good Health.” Glico supports Expo 2025, under the theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
The company resonates with the Expo’s vision of promoting the exchange of diverse values worldwide, fostering new connections and creations, and showcasing hope for the future to the world. Through support and participation in pavilions, and various activities, Glico aims to propose unique value from the perspective of food and health to realize “Healthier days, Wellbeing for life” for people around the world.
Overview
Glico is a Silver Partner of the Expo’s Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”, and a Premium Partner of the “Osaka Healthcare Pavilion”. In addition to supporting both pavilions, the company will host various related events during the exhibition period. At the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, Glico will present an exhibition focused on “Cellular-care,” a research theme centered on removing senescent cells. At the Expo’s Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”, Glico will showcase its original product,”Rice soft candy,” co-created with the pavilion to highlight the potential of Japanese food culture and create sweets that bring happiness and contribute to a bright future for children.
As part of the produced events, Glico will host health education events at the “Reborn stage” at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. These events will focus on topics including ” Antioxidants” and “gut bacteria.” Additionally, at the EXPO Arena, we Glico will present “Matsuri”, a music event designed to inspire hope for the future.
Glico will also install “Seventeen Ice” vending machines at the Expo site. Coinciding with the opening, two new Japan-inspired ice cream products will debut, available both at the Expo and at major tourist destinations and train stations nationwide.
Exhibition at the OSAKA Healthcare Pavilion: Nest for Reborn
The Osaka Healthcare Pavilion is themed “REBORN,” representing people taking positive steps towards becoming their new selves. Glico shares this vision and will exhibit in the “Future Healthcare” zone with a display on “Cellular-care.”
“Cellular-care” – Research Focused on the Removal of Senescent Cells
“Cellular-care” is a new approach aimed at preventing aging by directly targeting cells. Glico is investigating the potential of targeting senescent cells, which play an important role in human health.
Cells continuously cycle through division, growth, aging, and eventual death. Normal cells gradually lose their ability to divide due to various factors such as aging, ultraviolet rays, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. As a result, they become senescent cells that accumulate in the body, contributing to health issues and aging.
Glico is investigating ways to target and remove senescent cells and exploring the active compounds involved in this process.
At the “Cellular-care Lab.” booth, the negative impacts of senescent cells on surrounding cells will be displayed, along with the approach of “Cellular-care” in an easy-to-understand manner. Visitors will also be able to experience approach to senescent cell removal through touch panels.
The uniform worn by the “Cellular-care Lab.” booth staff has been designed by the renowned Japanese designer Ms. Junko Koshino. It is a gender-neutral uniform, suitable for all genders, embracing the principle of diversity.
The design, inspired by lab coats, features a white base matching the color of Glico’s booth, and expresses the theme of “Future Healthcare.”
Note: The “Cellular-care Lab.” is located in the “Future Healthcare 1 Zone” of the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. A reservation for the “Reborn Experience Route” is required to enter this zone. For more details: https://2025osaka-pavilion.jp/reborn-route/
Exhibition at the Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”
EARTH MART – “Thinking about the lives through eating.”
Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”(Theme Producer: KOYAMA Kundo) is a conceptual supermarket where visitors can explore the interconnected cycle of food and life, discovering new perspectives for a more sustainable and nourishing future. It offers various experiences that encourage visitors to reset their thinking about food and discover new ways of eating. The pavilion invites visitors to reflect on the current state of food, technology, culture, and societal issues, as well as to find joy in eating and explore future clues for sustaining life in the next era of sustainable living.
“Rice soft candy”Made by Weaving Together Rice-derived Ingredients
In collaboration with “EARTH MART,” Glico has developed “Rice soft candy” to raise awareness of the potential of Japanese food culture and create sweets that bring happiness and contribute to a bright future for children.
“Rice (rice flour),” one of the “EARTH FOODS 25” (a list created by “EARTH MART” to share Japanese food with the world in order to improve the future of food globally),is not only Japan’s staple food but also a symbol of Japanese culture, nurtured alongside nature.
Glico has a long history of research and development, which began when the company’s founder, wishing to enhance people’s health through food, succeeded in kneading “glycogen” into caramel and launched the Glico nutritious caramel. Recognizing the vast potential of rice, Glico applied the technology it has cultivated since its founding to create an entirely new type of caramel by using rice as a key ingredient.
“Rice soft candy” is particular about the ingredients it uses. All ingredients, except sugar, are derived from rice, including rice syrup, rice flour, rice protein, and rice oil. It is crafted by weaving together rice-derived ingredients, resulting in a simple yet delicately unfolding flavor.
During the Expo, visitors can enjoy both the panel exhibition with actual samples of “Rice soft candy”, which will encourage visitors to reflect on the pavilion’s concept, the potential of food culture, and the future of food.
Glico Previously Served as a Judge in the Selection of “The ideas on Future sweets & snacks that make everyone on the Earth happy.”
At the Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”, selected ideas submitted by the general public will be showcased. The first round of submissions was held from January 31 to May 20, 2024, targeting elementary school students in grades 4 through 6 worldwide. Glico participated as one of the judges, helping select ideas to be exhibited at the pavilion. A second round of submissions, this time open to all ages, began on March 18, 2025.
＜For Reference＞EARTH MART: https://expo2025earthmart.jp/en
Glico-Produced Events During the Expo 2025
The main events produced by Glico during the Expo 2025 are as follows:
Music Event
Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
Venue: EXPO Arena “Matsuri”
Overview: An event to express expectations for the future through music.
Health Awareness Event
Date: Sunday, September 21 – Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Venue: Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, Reborn Stage
Overview: Events focused on “Short-chain Fatty Acids” (Sep 21) and “Antioxidants” (Sep 22-24).
Expo-Related Initiatives
In addition to the events mentioned above, Glico will continue to develop new initiatives in collaboration with partners.
Installation of “Seventeen Ice” Vending Machines at the Expo 2025 Site
Release of Two New “Seventeen Ice” Products with unique Japanese Flavors
Installation Period: Sunday, April 13, 2025 – Monday, October 13, 2025
Installation Locations: Four “Seventeen Ice” vending machines will be installed at EXPO Arena “Matsuri.”
New Products: Two new products with unique Japanese flavors, “Hokkaido Milk” and “Uji Matcha”– will be sold at the Expo site as well as at major tourist spots and stations nationwide, starting from the opening of the Expo.
“MYAKU-MYAKU” Special Design of “Selection the Glico”（Gift Box Assorted Glico Treats）
Release Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Overview: A special design package of Glico’s popular products, featuring the Expo 2025’s official character “MYAKU-MYAKU,” will be sold.
Note: This will be a limited release in the Kinki region and will not be available at the Expo 2025 site.
[Notes of caution]
This document is an English translation of the Japanese original. In the event of any differences or inconsistencies between the Japanese and English versions, the Japanese language version shall take precedence.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by Ferry Bayu | Apr 9, 2025 | Business
Asuene Inc., the leading provider of carbon accounting platforms in Asia, announced that this year, it provided CDP disclosure consultation services to 210 companies. As a result, 90% of these companies either improved or maintained their scores compared to the previous year. Notably, in the transition from ‘Disclosure’ to ‘Management’ levels (from B to F scores), 99% of supported companies achieved either an improvement or maintenance of their scores—demonstrating a high level of performance.
Asuene empowers companies to enhance their environmental disclosures and accelerate their decarbonization and ESG initiatives through its CDP disclosure consultation services.
CDP is a globally recognized framework for evaluating corporate climate-related disclosures. CDP scores are increasingly used by investors, customers, and stakeholders to assess companies’ climate strategies, risks, and preparedness, making them a key indicator of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) progress.
In FY 2024, CDP raised the standards for each scoring level, requiring more strategic and data-driven disclosures. As regulations become stricter and stakeholder expectations increase worldwide, organizations face significant challenges in preparing accurate, compliant, and impactful CDP responses.
To tackle these challenges, Asuene offers ‘ASUENE,’ a carbon accounting platform accompanied by climate consulting services tailored to various industries and disclosure levels. These services help clients improve their CDP scores and ensure the credibility of their environmental disclosures.
Consulting Results and Client Voices
Asuene provided CDP disclosure consultation services to 210 companies, and 90% of these companies either improved or maintained their scores compared to the previous year. Remarkably, in the transition from the ‘Disclosure’ level to the ‘Management’ level (from B to F scores), 99% of the supported companies either improved or maintained their scores.
We appreciate the consultant’s commitment to helping us identify the best strategy for our company.
Listed Manufacturer (Prime Market)
Thanks to your detailed feedback during the mock scoring phase, we made final improvements and achieved a B score—this is very satisfying!
Listed Manufacturer (Standard Market)
We appreciated the early mock scoring session and the preparation of customized presentation materials to emphasize our strengths.
Transportation Sector (Prime Market)
Asuene will continue to expand its consulting services for CDP and other ESG disclosure initiatives. The goal is to help clients enhance the precision of their reporting and improve overall sustainability governance. As global disclosure standards evolve, Asuene is dedicated to providing accurate and customized support to strengthen corporate ESG performance and promote sustainable growth.
CDP is a global non-profit organization that operates the only independent environmental disclosure system in the world. This system helps companies, capital markets, cities, states, and regions manage their environmental impacts.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by | Apr 9, 2025 | Business
Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has published an open letter by its Chief Legal Officer, Hon Ng, which highlights the exchange’s efforts in global regulatory compliance and expansion. The CEX continues to grow in the global crypto market by securing regulatory approvals and expanding its operations. With a strong focus on compliance, Bitget is navigating evolving regulatory landscapes with over eight licenses obtained while ensuring that users have access to a secure and transparent trading environment.
Hon Ng, Chief Legal Officer at Bitget, has addressed the company’s strategic direction in an open letter, providing plans to grow Bitget’s regulatory standing across multiple jurisdictions. His statements show the importance of regulatory dialogues and highlight upcoming initiatives that will shape the platform’s future.
“The regulatory environment surrounding digital assets is becoming more defined, and Bitget is taking proactive steps to work alongside authorities to ensure responsible growth. Compliance is not an obligation it’s a necessity; it’s about setting a standard for the industry and building a sustainable ecosystem for users,” said Hon Ng, Chief Legal Officer at Bitget.
Bitget has already secured registrations and approvals in several key markets, including Australia, Italy, Poland, Lithuania, the UK, the Czech Republic, and El Salvador. These achievements align with the company’s strategy of working within legal frameworks and supporting initiatives that promote advanced security and user protection. The legal and compliance teams are working closely to obtain additional licenses in jurisdictions that will further enhance the platform’s accessibility and credibility.
One of the primary objectives for the upcoming year is to refine the company’s compliance protocols. A strong Know Your Customer (KYC) process is being implemented to optimize user verification while adhering to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. In parallel, Bitget is investing in advanced transaction monitoring tools to detect and prevent illicit activity, ensuring that all operations adhere to the highest standards of financial integrity.
Collaboration with regulators and law enforcement agencies remains a key aspect of Bitget’s compliance efforts. The company has established direct communication channels with authorities to facilitate transparent reporting and improve response times in cases of suspicious activity. By adopting new technological solutions, Bitget aims to enhance global cooperation while safeguarding user privacy.
In addition to regulatory advancements, Bitget is focused on introducing innovative products that align with compliance requirements. Bitget is already building even stronger user protection, risk management features, and enhanced security measures that strengthen the platform’s durability and credibility. This is in line with the company’s targets of maintaining a secure, compliant, and user-centric trading platform.
As part of its commitment to responsible operations, Bitget strictly adheres to international sanctions controls. Users from restricted regions are prohibited from accessing the platform, ensuring that all activities remain within legal boundaries. A dedicated compliance team continuously monitors global regulatory developments to adjust policies as needed.
Bitget’s legal and compliance strategy is designed to adapt to the rapidly changing digital asset landscape. With regulatory discussions evolving worldwide, the company is prepared to adjust its framework to align with new policies and emerging industry standards. The legal team remains engaged in conversations with policymakers to contribute to the responsible development of crypto regulations.
“Compliance is a continuous process that requires foresight and collaboration. Our goal here is simple: we comply, expand, operate, and grow. Our focus remains on making crypto accessible to everyone globally, and each license and approval is a step closer to it,” added Ng.
Bitget’s ongoing expansion and compliance efforts reaffirm its role as a leading player in the crypto market. By staying ahead of regulatory changes and implementing rigorous security measures, the company indeed plans to keep its title of being one of the top most trusted crypto exchanges globally.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
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