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“Explore China, Pay Your Way” forum promotes more convenient mainland payment for Hong Kong and Macao residents as well as overseas visitors

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HONG KONG, June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The “Explore China, Pay Your Way” Forum was successfully held on June 26 in Hong Kong. The event was hosted by the Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong (HKCBA), co-organized by UnionPay International (UPI) and supported by Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK). Stephen Chan, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, representing the HKCBA; Liu Naji, Executive Vice President of SAFE Investment Company Limited, representing the People’s Bank of China (PBOC); Michelle Shao, General Manager of UPI Hong Kong Branch; and Dick Ho, Deputy General Manager of BOC Credit Card (International) Limited, delivered speeches at the event. Approximately 100 representatives from various sectors attended, including banks and electronic payment institutions from Hong Kong and Macao, international chambers of commerce, and the Hong Kong Chinese Visa Application Service Center.

At the beginning of this year, the State Council of China issued the Opinions on Further Optimizing Payment Services to Facilitate Payments, which included among its priorities facilitating payment for overseas visitors to the Chinese mainland. Relevant departments, Chinese local governments and financial institutions rapidly implemented the directive, leading to significant improvements in payment services. Following the issuance of the Opinions, UnionPay immediately launched “Project Excellence 2024” and collaborated with industry parties to enact the new priorities.

The continuous development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has generated increasingly close relationships between the three regions while attracting more overseas visitors. Hong Kong and Macao serve as the optimal platforms for promoting and publicizing payment convenience in the Chinese mainland. Today’s event continues the efforts of “Project Excellence 2024” by showcasing the rapid development and innovation of UnionPay and the local payment system. This has helped Hong Kong and Macao residents, as well as overseas visitors to the Chinese mainland, enjoy a safer, more convenient and comfortable payment service experience, giving impetus to greater mobility, deeper exchange and increased economic cooperation.

On behalf of the HKCBA, Stephen Chan, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, stated that Hong Kong possesses the unique advantage of being supported by the Chinese mainland while being connected to the world. Its integration with the nation’s development plan opens up enormous opportunities for Hong Kong to collaborate and develop in tandem with the Chinese mainland. At the same time, as an international financial center, Hong Kong serves as a bridge for overseas financial institutions and multinational corporations to access the mainland market. The city is also an important gateway for overseas visitors travelling to the mainland. The HKCBA has actively responded to the Central Government’s directives by continuing to strengthen the promotion of payment services, including publicizing the latest developments in mainland payment services to representatives from international chambers of commerce in Hong Kong as well as overseas enterprises. It has also boosted the overseas promotion of new enhancement measures to facilitate payment convenience on the mainland, encouraging overseas visitors to experience first-hand the exceptional payment services available.

On behalf of the PBOC, Liu Naji, Executive Vice President of SAFE Investment Company Limited, remarked, “The People’s Bank of China has implemented a series of measures to address difficulties in the payment field, achieving significant results in service optimization. In May, both the number and volume of foreign card transactions via POS machines doubled compared to February, with over two million overseas visitors now using mobile payment. Cash services in commercial banks also continued to improve. We are very pleased with the role that Hong Kong is playing as a unique platform for our efforts to increase visibility. Looking forward, China will continue to enhance payment services and convenience for all, allowing our friends worldwide to enjoy the nation’s high-quality development. We hope that smooth payment services will serve as a positive step towards strengthening trust and supporting future cooperation.”

Michelle Shao, General Manager of UPI Hong Kong Branch, explained that “Project Excellence 2024” is more than just a payment initiative: rather, it represents UnionPay’s commitment to building a robust and inclusive payment ecosystem that caters to customers’ needs. Subsequently, Roger Lee, Assistant General Manager of UPI Hong Kong Branch, provided a detailed introduction to UnionPay’s latest achievements in the field of cross-border payments as well as the diverse payment options available to Hong Kong and Macao residents. UnionPay data shows that transactions by Hong Kong and Macao residents in the Chinese mainland have continued to grow this year. In the first quarter of 2024, the number of mobile payment transactions in the Chinese mainland generated by UnionPay cards issued in Hong Kong and Macao increased by 107% year-on-year, 16 times that of the same period in 2019, accounting for 72% of the total number of transactions. In line with this trend, UnionPay will now offer more “SplendorPlus” benefits via its Greater Bay Area theme card, which is popular among Hong Kong and Macao residents.

Dick Ho, Deputy General Manager of BOC Credit Card (International) Limited, emphasized BOCHK’s full support of the mainland’s efforts to enhance payment convenience. By optimizing its payment products and promoting spending offers, BOCHK is actively encouraging customers to adopt a “swipe card for large purchases, scan QR codes for smaller ones” approach when making payments in the Chinese mainland. In the first quarter of 2024, the transaction value of BOC Credit Card in Shenzhen saw a robust year-on-year surge of over 60%, while transaction volumes more than doubled. In the same period, the overall QR payment transaction value and volume for its customers grew threefold in the Chinese mainland. Meanwhile, the number of transactions via mobile payment application BoC Pay surged more than 3 times, while the number of BoC Pay customers rose by more than 2 times. Dick added that BOC Credit Card is delighted with the remarkable performance of its payment services and will continue to collaborate with various strategic partners to provide seamless payment solutions that meet customers’ evolving needs.

This successful event showcased the innovation and development of the local payment system while promoting cooperation between Hong Kong, Macao and the Chinese mainland in payment services. Participants expressed their commitment to continuing the promotion of payment facilitation and providing more convenient and secure cross-boundary payment services for Hong Kong and Macao residents and enterprises. They also looked forward to further strengthening cooperation with banks and electronic payment institutions in Hong Kong and Macao, as well as international chambers of commerce and other institutions, to jointly promote innovation and development in the payment field.

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SOURCE UnionPay International

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PURE POWER FOR ALL–VAPORESSO’s Global Movement to Drive Clean Energy Solutions and Sustainable Living

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SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On December 2nd, VAPORESSO proudly launched its PURE POWER FOR ALL global ECO-Empowerment initiative—a powerful testament to its commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and promoting sustainable lifestyles worldwide. Anchored by the revolutionary ECO NANO SOLAR and the forward-thinking PURE POWER ACTION movement, this initiative seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technological innovation with impactful social action. Together, these efforts mark a pivotal step in the global transition toward clean energy and a more sustainable future.

ECO NANO SOLAR—Revolutionizing Sustainable Vaping in the Industry

At the heart of this initiative lies the industry’s first solar-powered open-system vape—ECO NANO SOLAR. Crafted from 70% eco-conscious materials, this innovative device features a modular structure with interchangeable components, extending product life while promoting resource efficiency and long-term sustainability.

This pioneering ECO innovation combines degradable photovoltaic technology with a recyclable modular design. Its solar panel achieves remarkable light-to-electricity efficiency and is over 80% biodegradable, advancing clean energy adoption while significantly reducing environmental impact. With the ECO NANO SOLAR, VAPORESSO sets a new standard for sustainability in the vaping industry, inspiring a broader shift toward eco-conscious practices and paving the way for a greener future in vaping and beyond.

PURE POWER ACTION: Bridging Online Engagement with Real-World Impact

The PURE POWER ACTION movement, as a key part of the PURE POWER FOR ALL initiative, engages participants worldwide through a series of interactive online activities designed to build momentum for clean energy advocacy. From simple actions like clicking to show support to vibrant community discussions on sustainable living, each activity amplifies the reach of this global movement. Together, these efforts inspire eco-friendly habits, encourage the exchange of ideas, and foster collective commitment through initiatives like the Pure Living Proposal. By empowering individuals to take small, meaningful steps, the movement unites participants in creating a ripple effect of change that transcends geographic boundaries, all while boosting the Pure Power Level—a key measure of progress.

As the Pure Power Level reaches new milestones, the initiative transitions from online engagement to tangible offline impact. Clean energy solutions, including solar-powered innovations, are introduced into vape stores worldwide, offering users hands-on opportunities to experience the convenience and benefits of renewable power sources. These offline activities, supported by the collective efforts of participants, not only bring sustainability to the forefront of the vaping industry but also demonstrate how individual contributions can culminate in meaningful, real-world changes. Through this seamless integration of online and offline efforts, VAPORESSO underscores the importance of unified action in driving the global transition toward a brighter tomorrow.

A Greener Tomorrow Begins Today

With PURE POWER FOR ALL, VAPORESSO demonstrates how ECO innovation and forward-thinking movement can lead to meaningful global impact. The groundbreaking ECO NANO SOLAR stands as a powerful benchmark for ECO innovation, inspiring the adoption of cleaner, more responsible practices in the vaping industry. At the same time, the PURE POWER ACTION initiative fosters a ripple effect of positive change, uniting individuals and communities in a shared mission to embrace sustainable living and advance clean energy solutions. Together, through collective effort and shared commitment, VAPORESSO is not only shaping the future of the vaping industry but also contributing to a healthier, more sustainable world.

For more details about the PURE POWER FOR ALL movement and ECO NANO SOLAR, please visit: https://www.vaporesso.com/activity/pure_power_for_all. Together, we create a brighter, cleaner future for all.

About VAPORESSO

VAPORESSO was founded on the belief that each action is an endeavor to achieve excellence. Our unwavering commitment to surpassing the ordinary has propelled us to become the leading vaping brand globally. We embody a vision where our technology and values merge, crafting a better, cleaner, and more enjoyable life for all.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pure-power-for-allvaporessos-global-movement-to-drive-clean-energy-solutions-and-sustainable-living-302339062.html

SOURCE VAPORESSO

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SWAG, Asia’s Largest Adult Content Platform, Releases 2024 Annual Report

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Revealing the Top 15 Searched Keywords in Asia

TAIPEI, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SWAG, Taiwan’s largest adult livestreaming platform, often known as the “Pornhub of Asia,” has released the 2024 SWAG Recap today. The report dives into the world of trending adult content, the year’s top searched keywords, and even the income of creators, sparing no details. According to the data, the top searched keyword on SWAG in 2024 was “Vietnam.” Meanwhile, two Taiwanese creators—former Army Chief Counselor “Neinei” and former Sea Dragon Frogman 177—landed in the 3rd and 6th positions as the most searched keywords thanks to their enormous social media buzz. The hashtag with the most clicks went to “Big Boobs.”

In this year’s top searched keyword ranking, “Vietnam” and Vietnamese creator Rosa (@rosababyvip) dominated the top two spots with overwhelming search volume, highlighting the loyalty of Vietnamese enjoyers of SWAG. Meanwhile, keywords like “Ex-Army Chief Counselor Neinei” and “Sea Dragon Frogman 177” maintained high visibility throughout the year, landing them in 3rd and 6th places, respectively.

Analyzing average daily login time by users from different countries, SWAG users spent 15 minutes and 56 seconds per session on average globally, 49 seconds longer than last year. Taiwan emerged as the undisputed champion with an average daily login time of 16 minutes and 21 seconds, the only country above the platform average. On the flip side, Japanese users clocked in at just 11 minutes and 25 seconds, becoming the quickest to reach post-nut clarity. Notably, Vietnamese users soared from last year’s last place to the 4th longest with their online duration time, surpassing users from Singapore and the U.S.

Among SWAG’s nearly 200 hashtags, “Big Boobs” reclaimed its crown from last year’s champion, “Schoolgirl,” becoming the most searched hashtag of the year. “Schoolgirl” fell to 4th, edged out by “Gangbang.” Surprisingly, the long-beloved tag “Creampie” dropped to its record-low position, only ranking 9th.

SWAG noted that nearly 5,000 new creators joined this year, with 40% hailing from Vietnam, making it the country with the most new creators, followed by Taiwan. Among the talents, luna (@rouav) and Jolly (@jollyntr) were crowned as the most popular creator and best newcomer respectively! After a brief hiatus, Luna made a strong comeback by captivating fans with her “natural melons,” “S-line waist,” “perky booties,” and “flawless legs.” Her popularity skyrocketed by 891 spots, earning her the title of SWAG’s Most Popular Creator 2024. The best newcomer, Jolly, who only joined SWAG less than a year ago, gained immense popularity for her housewife aesthetic and NTR-themed content. Fans of the married lady buzzed over her livestreams and videos, where her husband reportedly has been watching helplessly behind the camera, further fueling her meteoric rise.

In other creator data, SWAG’s “Fan Following Clock” is ticking faster than ever! On average, a creator gains a new follower every 5.7 seconds on the platform. Additionally, 8.8% of new creators earn USD 30,000 in less than four months, with Betty (@bettyqueen) achieving this milestone in just three weeks, making her the fastest-earning newcomer of 2024.

Does SWAG make creators rich? The numbers prove everything. This year,  Shirley (@shirleybebe) posted a story, which was unlocked by over 3,000 users within 48 hours, earning her approximately $1,500 instantly as the post became the most profitable story of 2024. Best Newcomer Jolly also delivered impressive results. After debuting in May, one of her long videos attracted over 2,000 viewers, earning her $17,000 just from that one single upload.

When it comes to SWAG’s most lucrative money-making features, livestreaming and private messaging definitely top the list. For example, when Grape (@stellajs) hosted her birthday livestream this year, she generated USD 37,000 in just three hours. Meanwhile, Nini Baby (@ninibaby), well-known for her private chats, sent 380,000 text messages to users this year, receiving 85,000 replies and countless chat gifts. Her private messaging income alone earned a staggering USD 490,000 in revenue, a 17% increase from last year, securing her throne as SWAG’s Queen of private chat.

《2024 SWAG Recap》: https://swag.live/blog/en/swag_2024_recap/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/swag-asias-largest-adult-content-platform-releases-2024-annual-report-302339051.html

SOURCE SWAG

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Higer New V Series, Leading Bus New Trend

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SUZHOU, China, Dec. 24, 2024 /CNW/ — In November 2024, Higer New V Series buses officially launched in the Philippines, this batch of electric buses was the first batch of new energy buses introduced by the Philippines and put into commercial operation. And it has aroused extensive attentions and heated discussions from the Philippines local government, media and people.

Higer New V Series products were launched globally in March 2024, and then made a stunning debut at the Higer Global Partners Conference. The New V-series products with a new shape and a new platform are committed to creating new classic models with high quality, high safety and high intelligence.

In 3 years, more than 1000 people participated in the process of R&D, a one-time investment of more than 100 million yuan was made in the R&D and manufacturing of key components, equipment, tooling, molds, inspection tools, verification of components and vehicle, achieving comprehensive innovation, realizing a significant improvement in product quality and reliability, maintenance convenience and customer experience. Measuring from 8 to 13 meters in length, they can be powered by fossil fuels, electricity, hydrogen, etc. and are readily adaptable for the tourist transportation market, urban public transportation market, etc. The luggage compartment volume is 21.6% greater than similar products, the seating space is 50mm larger, and the middle aisle is 30mm wider. The overall component universality rate was greatly improved by the platform, modular, and universal design concept, and the number of component types decreased by 58%.

It is worth mentioning that Higer is committed to creating a technological experience, redefining the domain-centralized electronic and electrical architecture, and Higer launched the industry’s first mass-produced intelligent cabin. It will help the driver concentrate on driving. The new model provides a mobile phone control interface, drivers and tour guides can control lighting, multimedia, air conditioning, etc. through app. In addition, the intelligent cabin can be customized according to the operational needs of the transport company, realizing intelligent dispatching, intelligent charging, intelligent maintenance, AI interaction, and human-computer interaction.

So far, Higer new V series coaches have already received orders from more than 20 countries like Italy, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and etc., showing a fast rising popularity in the international market.

Higer new V series are committed to providing customers with new “classic models” with better quality, higher efficiency, achieving sustainable development and exploring more possibilities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/higer-new-v-series-leading-bus-new-trend-302339047.html

SOURCE HIGER

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