by | Jun 16, 2025 | Business
In recognition of Father’s Day 2025, Karaoke Manekineko has introduced a limited-time promotion aimed at celebrating dads through accessible and fun family karaoke sessions. The special offer runs from 15 to 22 June across participating outlets.
In celebration of Father’s Day, Karaoke
Manekineko is offering
discounted happy hour rates exclusively for fathers from 15 to 22
June 2025. The initiative is part of the brand’s effort to encourage more
family bonding through music in a casual, welcoming environment.
The special promotion features heavily reduced prices during happy hours
for all fathers. Rates start as low as RM6++ for a 1-hour session on
weekdays, with extended sessions available at RM12++ for 2 hours and
RM15++ for 3 hours. Weekend prices begin at RM9++ per hour,
increasing to RM18++ for two hours and RM20++ for three hours.
This limited-time offer is valid during Happy Hour across the
promotional period and applies exclusively to fathers. All prices exclude
SST and service charges.
With this campaign, Karaoke Manekineko not only acknowledges the contributions of fathers but also reinforces
its ongoing mission to be a venue for family-friendly entertainment. The move
comes at a time when more consumers are seeking value-driven, inclusive
experiences that cater to multigenerational households.
For more information, guests are encouraged to contact their nearest
Manekineko outlet.
by | Jun 13, 2025 | Business
Despite employment reaching a record high in 2024, half of Australian workers (50%) are living paycheck to paycheck, according to ADP Research’s People at Work 2025 report. The study, which surveyed nearly 38,000 workers across 34 markets, uncovers stark regional disparities and generational divides in the global workforce’s financial resilience.
The findings reveal a complex financial picture, both locally and internationally: taking on extra work doesn’t necessarily close the pay gap, as nearly six in 10 (57%) workers surveyed globally are still struggling to make ends meet, even working multiple jobs.
In Australia, over half (52%) of workers with two jobs and nearly six in 10 (58%) of those with three or more jobs report holding multiple roles to cover necessary expenses.
Key Findings:
Global strain: Globally, more than half (54%) of single-job holders, 59% of workers with two jobs, and 61% of workers with three or more jobs are struggling to make ends meet.
Working multiple jobs to make ends meet: A significant portion of Australians are turning to multiple jobs to cope with financial demands.
Two jobs: 58% say they do it to afford extra costs, and 35% to build life savings and prepare for retirement.
Three or more jobs: 58% do it to build savings and prepare for retirement, and 46% to cover extra costs.
Regional Comparison: The country with the highest percentage of workers living paycheck to paycheck is Egypt (84%), followed by Saudi Arabia (79%) and the Philippines (78%). In contrast, South Korea reports the lowest proportion globally, at just 18%. Within the Asia-Pacific region, Australia ranks as the fourth lowest in terms of the share of employees living paycheck to paycheck, with 50% of workers facing this financial pressure. Only Japan (29%), Taiwan (30%), and China (31%) report lower proportions.
Why workers take multiple jobs
The survey reveals that most workers holding multiple jobs are doing it to cover their necessary expenses, to save for future spending, and to build savings for retirement. The number of workers working more than one job is the highest in the Middle East Africa (34%), Latin America (24%), and Asia Pacific (24%).
While people have different reasons for taking on extra work, holding two or more jobs can be a necessity in parts of the world where average wages are low relative to a country’s cost of living. Informal economies in Africa, Latin America and parts of Asia exacerbate challenges, with workers who piece together gig or part-time roles lacking stability or protection.
Navigating the high cost of living
“Pay is the foundation of financial wellbeing for most workers, yet our data shows that even record employment isn’t translating into financial security. Nearly two-thirds of people who hold three jobs still struggle to make ends meet. This presents an opportunity for employers to take a more holistic approach to compensation to help workers navigate the higher living costs of today’s global economy,” ADP chief economist Nela Richardson said.
“With the rising cost of living putting pressure on Australian households, many workers are finding it increasingly difficult to stretch their paychecks, even when holding down multiple jobs. For small and medium-sized businesses, offering across-the-board pay rises may not be realistic — but there are other meaningful ways to support employees,” Judy Barnett, Operations Director at ADP Australia said.
“Flexible work arrangements, subsidised transport, wellness programs, or financial planning support can go a long way in easing day-to-day pressures. These practical benefits help build trust, reduce turnover, and create more resilient workplaces at a time when employee wellbeing has never been more critical,” added Barnett.
by | Jun 13, 2025 | Business
XRP ETF approval is closer than ever as Ripple nears a $50M SEC settlement. With June 17 looming and markets on edge, is XRP about to skyrocket—or crash? Here’s what you need to know.
As the SEC’s decision deadline for Franklin Templeton’s spot XRP ETF on June 17 rapidly approaches, speculation is escalating over the potential approval of XRP spot ETFs from major firms, including Grayscale, Franklin Templeton, and Bitwise.
Market participants are taking note of Ripple’s ongoing push to settle its long-running lawsuit with the SEC, a development that could remove a major obstacle to ETF approval, pending final judicial sign-off.
XRP ETF Odds: From Euphoria to Slight Pullback
On prediction platform Polymarket, the probability of an XRP ETF being greenlit by end-2025 soared to 98% in early June, before easing to around 88% in recent days. These numbers underscore both strong confidence and market sensitivity to regulatory cues.
SEC vs. Ripple: The Settlement Stalemate
Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC hinged on whether XRP constituted an unregistered security. Although the two parties reached a tentative $50 million settlement in March, Judge Torres rejected their joint motion in May due to procedural issues under Rule 60.
They have refiled and paused appeals, aiming for limited remand through the Second Circuit. A procedural status report is due to be submitted by the SEC by June 16, yet the settlement is still awaiting final judicial approval, meaning the case remains formally open.
Looking ahead, the June 17 deadline looms large for the Franklin Templeton ETF decision, and Grayscale’s chance of converting its XRP Trust to a spot ETF finalizes by October 18, 2025.
Price Dynamics & “Buy the Rumor” Effects
XRP has been highly reactive to both XRP ETF speculation and legal headlines:
- On June 12, XRP price declined roughly 5,21%, closing near $2.13, as the broader crypto market weakened.
- Technical indicators: a break above the 50-day EMA may lead to retesting $2.50 and eventually $3.55, while sliding below the 200-day EMA risks a drop to $1.93 .
Traders are treating the ETF buildup like the classic “buy the rumor, sell the news” scenario long seen with Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Projections range from bullish (up to $27) to cautious, with expectations of swift 20–40% corrections post-approval.
Market Volatility & Liquidation Shock
In the past 24 hours, XRP faced $7.95 million in liquidations, predominantly on long positions, triggered by a 182% futures imbalance and price dipping to around $2.11.
Though sharp, analysts view this as a short-duration turbulence within a broader upward trend, especially given ongoing institutional tailwinds.
Institutional Momentum: Futures, Stablecoins & Corporate Treasury Adoption
1. CME XRP Futures
On May 19, CME Group launched cash-settled XRP futures, standard (50,000 XRP) and micro (2,500 XRP) contracts, linked to the CME CF XRP‑Dollar Reference Rate.
These futures add institutional legitimacy, fulfilling a key SEC requirement for mature market structure.
2. Corporate & Real-World Adoption
Ripple’s network is seeing growing real-world use:
- Corporate allocations: Webus, VivoPower, and Wellgistics are committing over $450 million in XRP for treasury and payment purposes.
-
Tokenized assets: Guggenheim Treasury Services issued digital commercial paper on the XRP Ledger.
-
Stablecoin integration: On June 12, USDC came to XRPL, enabling auto-bridging through XRP, a move to bolster liquidity and stablecoin utility on Ripple’s network.
XRP Key Timeline at a Glance
What Comes Next?
1. June 16–17
2. Market and Technical Signals
Traders are watching the 50- and 200-day EMAs; momentum may surge or falter based on price action and ETF headlines.
3. Ongoing Institutional Growth
Futures activity, stablecoin integrations, and institutional treasury adoption all support XRP’s positioning—independent of a spot ETF outcome.
Conclusion
XRP stands at a pivotal juncture. With the SEC’s legal battle nearing resolution and regulated futures trading already in motion, the environment is primed for an ETF decision by late 2025. While odds on Polymarket exceed 80–90%, the outcome hinges on:
- Court confirmation of the $50 million settlement,
- SEC’s interpretation of ETF applications in this new legal context,
- And whether XRP’s market infrastructure satisfies regulatory demands for transparency and investor protection.
XRP’s future could point toward institutional mainstreaming, or a roller-coaster bear trap. All eyes now are on the June 16–17 window.
by | Jun 13, 2025 | Business
The crypto market plunged over 7% amid escalating Israel-Iran conflict, renewed Trump tariff threats, and over $1.2B in liquidations. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP led the selloff, while investors brace for further volatility driven by geopolitical risks, macro uncertainty, and massive options expiry.
The global cryptocurrency market suffered a severe blow on Friday, 13 June, with major digital assets plunging in response to a storm of negative catalysts, including geopolitical conflict, renewed U.S. trade tensions, macroeconomic concerns, and widespread liquidations.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP Lead the Drop
The price of Bitcoin (BTC) tumbled to an intraday low of $102,000, marking a 7% drop over the past 48 hours. Ethereum (ETH) and XRP followed suit, plummeting 10% and 7% respectively within the last 24 hours.
As of press time, Bitcoin had recovered slightly to trade around $104,155, while Ethereum was at $2,507 and XRP price at $2.11.
Overall, the global cryptocurrency market capitalization fell by over 7% in 24 hours to $3.3 trillion, according to CoinGlass data.
Israel-Iran Conflict Ignites Investor Fear
Markets were roiled early Friday by news that Israel launched a preemptive military strike on Iran, targeting strategic nuclear and military sites.
The attack reportedly resulted in significant casualties, including Iranian military leaders and civilians. Iranian officials have vowed a “harsh response,” raising fears of a broader regional war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the beginning of Operation Rising Lion, aiming to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities. In response, Israel closed its main airport and raised national defenses to the highest level.
The White House swiftly issued a statement distancing the U.S. from the attack. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that the United States was not involved and that protecting American personnel in the region remains the top priority.
The geopolitical fallout immediately triggered a flight to safety: gold rose 0.75% to $3,428/oz, while crude oil spiked nearly 10% to $74 per barrel.
JPMorgan warned that oil could reach $120 if the conflict escalates, potentially pushing U.S. inflation back up to 5% from its recent 2.4% level.
Trump’s Tariff Threats Add to Market Volatility
Uncertainty deepened as former President Donald Trump signaled a return to protectionist trade policy. Trump announced plans to reintroduce sweeping tariffs aimed at pressuring U.S. trading partners, adding fuel to investor concerns.
While Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted at a possible extension to the current 90-day tariff pause, markets reacted cautiously.
The fading optimism over a potential trade deal between the U.S. and China, combined with Trump’s demand for a 100 basis point Fed rate cut, compounded fears of macroeconomic instability, sending both traditional and digital markets into a tailspin.
$3.7 Billion in Options Expiry Sparks Liquidation Avalanche
One of the key technical drivers of Friday’s market crash was the expiry of over $3.7 billion in crypto options on Deribit. This includes 28,000 BTC options (worth over $3 billion) and 242,000 ETH options (worth $700 million).
The high volatility surrounding these expiries led to sharp position unwinding. BTC’s put-call ratio of 0.95 and Ethereum’s more bearish 1.20 reading reflected a shift in trader sentiment. The “max pain” points, $107,000 for BTC and $2,700 for ETH, indicated likely retracement levels.
CoinGlass data confirmed that crypto liquidations surged over 125% in one day, crossing $1.2 billion. An astonishing $930 million of long positions were wiped out in just 12 hours. The largest liquidation was a $201 million BTCUSDT order on Binance.
Over 247,000 traders were liquidated, with BTC and ETH accounting for the lion’s share of losses. Whales also contributed to the selloff, as seen with one notable wallet depositing 1,000 BTC (worth $106 million) to Binance after accumulating it at an average price of $18,665.
Support Levels Breached Across the Board
Bitcoin broke below its key support level at $106,000 and the June open, setting off a cascade of forced selling.
Ethereum mirrored this weakness, dropping below its $2,650 support. XRP also failed to hold above $2.20, despite positive sentiment stemming from Ripple’s ongoing legal resolution efforts with the U.S. SEC.
Solana (SOL) plunged 11% to $141, Dogecoin (DOGE) fell 2.5% to $0.19, and Binance Coin (BNB) slipped 4% to $597. Altcoins across the board suffered as the crypto market entered oversold territory, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) dropping to 28.
Interestingly, despite the carnage, the Crypto Fear & Greed Index remained in the “Greed” zone at 54.
A “Bull Trap” or Start of a Deeper Correction?
Thursday’s market behavior now looks like a classic “bull trap.” Initially, crypto assets rallied following a surprisingly low U.S. CPI reading of 2.4%, but this optimism was swiftly replaced by fear amid cascading liquidations, geopolitical risk, and technical breakdowns.
Analysts say the market had already shown signs of weakening demand, especially for Bitcoin. According to CoinPanel’s Dr. Kirill Kretov, “Macroeconomic uncertainty is still high, and with thin liquidity, even moderate players can move prices significantly.”
What Comes Next? Analyst Outlooks
Despite current volatility, many experts maintain a bullish long-term view:
1. Bitcoin (BTC): Analysts forecast consolidation between $100,000–$120,000. Bitfinex projects $115,000 by early July, while Fundstrat’s Tom Lee suggests a year-end target between $150,000 and $250,000.
2. Ethereum (ETH): A summer rally could see ETH revisit $2,800–$3,000 levels, supported by rising institutional interest.
3. XRP: The June 16 SEC lawsuit outcome remains a key catalyst. A favorable verdict could ignite a rally above $2.50, while a negative ruling may push it toward $1.80 or lower.
4. Dogecoin (DOGE): Technical resistance at $0.25 remains a barrier. Without fresh momentum, a dip toward $0.15 is possible.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Turning Point
Friday’s meltdown was a sobering reminder of the fragility of risk assets in a high-volatility, high-uncertainty environment. Whether this marks the start of a broader downtrend or a temporary correction remains unclear.
What is certain, however, is that traders and investors alike are in for a turbulent ride ahead, as global tensions, U.S. politics, and market mechanics continue to collide.
As the world watches developments in the Middle East and the financial markets react, one thing is clear: the age of crypto is no stranger to chaos, and opportunity.
by | Jun 13, 2025 | Business
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – [29 Mei 2025, Khamis] – Untuk Siaran Segera
Sebagai pihak utama dalam mempromosikan inisiatif baharu yang bertujuan meningkatkan penghargaan global mengenai produk pertanian terbaik dari Eropah, Kesatuan Koperasi Pertanian Kebangsaan Greece (ETHEAS) dan Jawatankuasa Tenusu Latvia (LDC) kini memberi tumpuan kepada penawaran tenusu luar biasa dari Latvia yang disesuaikan khas untuk pengguna di Malaysia.
Kempen “Produk Eropah Premium” di bawah program inisiatif “Langkah-Langkah Penyediaan Maklumat dan Promosi Produk Pertanian di Kanada, Malaysia dan Korea Selatan” bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pengiktirafan global terhadap keunggulan pertanian Eropah. Objektif utamanya adalah untuk meningkatkan kesedaran, memperkukuh pengiktirafan pengguna, merangsang penggunaan, dan akhirnya menggalakkan eksport produk premium Eropah ke Malaysia, Kanada dan Korea Selatan.
Kempen ini menampilkan pelbagai jenis produk bertaraf tinggi dari Greece dan Latvia. Kategori pertama mempamerkan 11 produk yang diperakui PDO daripada Greece, termasuk minyak zaitun, buah zaitun meja, anggur kering, kuma-kuma, keju keras, serta gam mastik dan minyak gam mastik. Latvia pula dengan bangganya memperkenalkan pelbagai produk tenusu tulen – khususnya keju – yang amat serasi dengan cita rasa rakyat Malaysia.
Keju Latvia: Kualiti Artisanal untuk Pengguna Moden
Sektor tenusu Latvia terkenal dengan komitmennya terhadap kualiti dan tradisi, menghasilkan keju yang menggabungkan teknik turun-temurun dengan inovasi moden. Antara eksport paling bernilai dari Latvia ialah produk tenusu unggulnya, terutamanya pelbagai jenis keju yang diraikan kerana rasa yang kaya, kaedah pengeluaran yang bersih, serta kemahiran pembuatan tradisional. Keju Latvia dihasilkan menggunakan susu segar berkualiti tinggi yang diperoleh daripada ladang tenusu tempatan yang mematuhi piawaian ketat Kesatuan Eropah dari segi keselamatan, kebajikan haiwan, dan kawalan kualiti.
Industri pembuatan keju di Latvia menawarkan pelbagai jenis produk, termasuk:
- Keju separa keras dan keras dengan profil perisa dari lembut hingga ke mantap
- Keju salai dengan aroma yang tersendiri, sesuai untuk hidangan berpinggan atau dilelehkan
- Keju lembut segar yang sesuai untuk sapuan, salad, atau resipi gabungan (fusion)
Bebas daripada bahan tambahan dan pengawet tiruan, keju-keju dari Latvia memenuhi permintaan yang semakin meningkat di Malaysia terhadap produk semula jadi, berkhasiat dan berlabel bersih.
Selera Multikultural Malaysia Menerima Keju dalam Masakan Fusion
Pasaran tenusu Malaysia sedang mengalami pertumbuhan pesat disebabkan oleh peningkatan kesedaran kesihatan, pendapatan yang semakin meningkat, pembandaran, dan pengaruh budaya Barat. Pasaran makanan tenusu di Malaysia telah berkembang secara konsisten, didorong oleh kefahaman pengguna yang semakin mendalam tentang manfaat pemakanan produk tenusu.
Sebagai sebuah negara yang berbilang kaum dan berbudaya penuh warna-warni, Malaysia terkenal dengan kepelbagaian kulinari yang menggabungkan rasa tradisional dengan pengaruh global. Dalam beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini, keju telah muncul sebagai ramuan kegemaran rakyat Malaysia, dan kini digunakan dalam pelbagai hidangan — daripada makanan jalanan tempatan hingga ciptaan fusion moden. Sama ada nasi lemak bertabur keju, roti dengan mozzarella, atau pasta sambal pedas bersama parmesan, rakyat Malaysia kini semakin kerap memasukkan produk tenusu ke dalam hidangan harian mereka. Selera yang semakin meningkat ini mencerminkan trend yang lebih luas, di mana ramuan Barat — terutamanya keju — dimasukkan secara kreatif ke dalam masakan tradisional, menjadikannya lebih unik dan menarik kepada generasi muda yang lebih berani mencuba.
Melihat kepada kegemaran rakyat Malaysia terhadap segala jenis keju, pasaran Malaysia yang berkembang kini semakin menerima produk tenusu premium yang seimbang antara kenikmatan dan kesihatan. Empat kategori produk Latvia (produk tenusu, gula-gula buah-buahan, coklat dan konfeksi, serta snek masin), terutamanya keju Latvia, sangat serasi dengan landskap ini kerana rasa asli dan nilai pemakanannya.
Produk tenusu Latvia yang serba boleh membolehkan ia diguna dalam pelbagai aplikasi masakan, daripada hidangan Barat tradisional hingga kepada masakan fusion Asia yang inovatif. Selain itu, pengeluar tenusu Latvia juga mengamalkan amalan pengeluaran yang telus dan bersih, menjadikannya sesuai untuk pengguna sensitif terhadap halal yang mencari produk tenusu Eropah yang selamat dan dihasilkan secara beretika.
Mengukuhkan Hubungan Melalui Cita Rasa Bersama
Malaysia merupakan salah satu negara utama untuk memulakan penerokaan ke pasaran Asia Tenggara, di mana kualiti premium dan keselamatan makanan produk tenusu Latvia menjadi keutamaan kepada pengguna. Berdasarkan kecenderungan rakyat Malaysia terhadap produk tenusu seperti susu, keju, mentega, sapuan, dan dadih, Jawatankuasa Tenusu Latvia yakin bahawa produk tenusu berkualiti dapat membawa keunggulan Latvia terus ke komuniti dan peruncit di Malaysia, sambil menawarkan piawaian baharu dalam rasa dan kepercayaan pengguna. Ini merupakan peluang terbaik bagi rakyat Malaysia untuk menerokai produk tenusu dan keju berkualiti tinggi sambil berinovasi dalam budaya pemakanan yang pelbagai di negara ini.
Memupuk Keselamatan, Kualiti dan Kebajikan Haiwan
Kempen ini menekankan tiga tema utama: keselamatan produk, kualiti unggul dan kebajikan haiwan — yang amat berkaitan dalam sektor tenusu. Semua produk Latvia yang terlibat dalam kempen ini dihasilkan di bawah peraturan ketat Kesatuan Eropah, memastikan produk tersebut mematuhi piawaian global tertinggi.
Untuk maklumat lanjut mengenai kempen “Produk Eropah Premium”, sila layari laman sesawang https://premiumeuropeanproducts.eu/ atau hubungi kami melalui emel di in**@*********************ts.eu.
Laman media sosial khas untuk program ini boleh didapati di Instagram, Facebook dan YouTube: @premiumeuropeanproducts.
Nota kepada Editor
Mengenai Kesatuan Koperasi Pertanian Kebangsaan Greece (ETHEAS)
Ditubuhkan oleh koperasi terkemuka di Greece dan berdasarkan undang-undang Greece, ETHEAS merupakan badan penyelaras kebangsaan bagi Koperasi Pertanian di Greece. Dengan lebih daripada 300 koperasi ahli yang mewakili kira-kira 80% daripada jumlah perolehan koperasi pertanian Greece, ETHEAS bertujuan untuk memajukan pembangunan luar bandar dan koperasi, menyokong serta mempromosikan aktiviti ahlinya di peringkat domestik dan antarabangsa, memberikan pandangan pakar mengenai pergerakan koperasi, pengeluaran pertanian dan pembangunan sektor, menyelia penyebaran serta promosi idea koperasi, serta memberikan khidmat dan pendidikan kepada ahlinya melalui kajian, projek penyelidikan dan tugasan.
Mengenai Jawatankuasa Tenusu Latvia (LDC)
Jawatankuasa Tenusu Latvia (LDC), yang ditubuhkan pada tahun 1995, mewakili sektor pemprosesan tenusu di Latvia dan bertujuan untuk melindungi kepentingannya. LDC terdiri daripada 17 ahli yang memproses kira-kira 80% daripada jumlah pengeluaran susu industri di Latvia.
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