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Independent Reserve partners golfer Shannon Tan and Extra•Ordinary People for “Better Together” community initiative

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Community responsibility initiative “Better Together” supports the dreams and aspirations of everyday SingaporeansSigns partnerships with rising Singaporean golfer Shannon Tan and local charity Extra•Ordinary People to commemorate eleven years of excellence in cryptoPart of the exchange’s broader corporate citizenry towards community betterment

SINGAPORE, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — To commemorate its 11th anniversary, Independent Reserve (IR) – the first licensed cryptocurrency exchange for all investors in Singapore – is proud to unveil its new corporate responsibility initiative, “Better Together”.

Drawing on the power of partnership for greater societal good, IR will support the dreams and aspirations of everyday Singaporeans through meaningful collaboration. To kick off its efforts this year, IR has partnered with accomplished Singaporean golfer Shannon Tan and adopted Extra•Ordinary People as its Singaporean charity of choice.

Lasanka Perera, CEO of Independent Reserve Singapore said: “With 11 years in the market, Independent Reserve has grown to become a trusted name in the crypto industry. We are deeply committed to Singapore and see it as our civic duty to contribute to community.

“‘Better Together’ is a new chapter for us, where we’ll support causes that resonate with our core values of respect, integrity, inclusion and collaboration.”

Better support for local talent, raising education and awareness around golf

IR is delighted to sponsor Shannon Tan, a pioneer in golf for Singapore and the region.

At just 20 years of age, Shannon has had a remarkable rise in the game. She became the first ever Singaporean to secure a full Ladies European Tour (LET) card in December 2023, and went on to achieve the rare feat of winning a tournament on her LET debut, when she triumphed in the season-opening Magical Kenya Ladies Open in February 2024.

Shannon’s achievements have continued apace, with an impressive T3 at the Ladies Italian Open earlier this month. Her strong performances so far this season have contributed towards a high placing well within the top 60 of the Women’s Olympics Golf Rankings, with the field for the Paris Games due to be confirmed next week. Her overall attitude and performances embody the spirit of perseverance and excellence that IR seeks to support.

Through this important partnership, Shannon will work with a brand that supports her development and growth as a player, while also aligning with her strong beliefs on nurturing the local grassroots golfing community in Singapore and promoting the growth of the game across the wider region.

Shannon said: “It is a genuine honour to partner Independent Reserve in their ‘Better Together’ initiative. One of my long-term goals is to generate interest in golf among the next generation of grassroots golfers in Singapore and the wider region. This ambition has always felt important to me, and through this collaboration, we can promote the sport and inspire others to pursue their dreams on and off the golf course.”

Better inclusion & diversity by supporting special needs individuals

IR has also committed to supporting better inclusion and diversity by adopting Extra•Ordinary People – a local charity dedicated to empowering individuals with special needs and fostering an inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

Marking its second year partnering with Extra•Ordinary People, the exchange will work to raise awareness and support for individuals with special needs. Longer-term efforts will include fundraising events and more educational campaigns aimed at driving greater awareness and uplifting local communities.

“We are delighted to join forces with Independent Reserve for their ‘Better Together’ initiative,” said Ivan Chin, CEO of Extra•Ordinary People. “Their dedication to supporting individuals with special needs aligns with our mission to create an inclusive society, and we are excited about the positive impact this partnership will have.”

On the partnerships, Perera said: “We’re extremely proud to support Shannon on her golfing journey. We see many shared synergies in working together – our disciplined and calculated approach to risk as a business mirrors Shannon’s level-headedness on the course and her mindset towards her play. The collaboration also reflects IR’s long-standing heritage and culture of sportsmanship. which encourages mateship, fair play, and resilience. We hope to inspire many more young Singaporeans to embrace golf as an accessible, healthy sport.”

“Extra•Ordinary People’s dedication to empowering individuals with unique challenges aligns perfectly with our values of respect, inclusivity and social responsibility. We believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting organizations that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Together, we can set an example and help create a society where everyone has the chance to succeed and contribute meaningfully,” Perera added.

Corporate citizenry at Independent Reserve’s core

IR has always strived to play its part as a corporate citizen to local communities, in line with its beliefs of creating a supportive environment for all to thrive. In Singapore, IR worked with the World Corporate Golf Challenge team to raise funds for Community Chest – the philanthropy and engagement arm of the National Council of Social Service.

Since 2019, IR has committed to help offset carbon emissions through various initiatives as a corporate partner of the Trillion Tree Foundation, as well as with Climeworks, a Swiss-based firm which captures CO2 from the air with its cutting-edge technology.

In Australia, IR is the Official Cryptocurrency Exchange Partner of The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife and its Tokens for Humanity non-fungible tokens (NFT) project. Under which, the Ethereum community can purchase NFTs that plant real-life trees in fire and flood-damaged areas to conserve habitats.

“Celebrating our 11th anniversary with the launch of ‘Better Together’ is a testament to our commitment to excellence, not only in the crypto space but also in our community,” said Perera. “We look forward to making a meaningful impact through these partnerships.”

About Independent Reserve
Founded in 2013, Independent Reserve is Singapore’s trusted cryptocurrency exchange. Independent Reserve is the first exchange licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore to provide a secure platform for trading and investing in Bitcoin and other digital assets. With a focus on trust and safety, the exchange serves discerning traders and investors by offering competitive fees, advanced trading tools, and comprehensive educational resources. Adhering to the highest standards of governance, compliance, and security, Independent Reserve empowers institutions and individuals in Singapore to confidently navigate the world of cryptocurrencies.

About Shannon Tan
Shannon Tan is a professional Singaporean golfer on the Ladies European Tour (LET). Having embarked on her golfing journey since she was 5 years old, Shannon went on to compete in many prestigious international amateur golf tournaments throughout her junior days. She represented Singapore at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship, Queen Sirikit Cup and also represented APAC at the Patsy Hankins Trophy. Her talent and dedication led to a full ride-scholarship at Texas Tech University where she achieved a T-4 finish at the NCAA Division I golf regionals. She also won the 2023 Singapore Ladies Masters, a professional event on the China LPGA Tour, as an amateur.

Shannon made history as the first Singaporean to secure a full LET card, earning it by finishing tied-8th at Q-School in December 2023. Shannon turned professional in January 2024 and finished second at the Webex Players Series Murray River in her professional debut. She then went on to win on her LET debut at the Magical Kenya Ladies Open in February 2024.

Passionate about inspiring the next generation, the 20-year-old aspires to become a role model for aspiring athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams on and off the course.

About Extra•Ordinary People
Extra•Ordinary People was established in July 2017 as a registered charity with IPC (Institute of Public Character) status. Our core mission is to champion inclusivity and support persons with special needs through community-driven initiatives. From early childhood to adulthood, we journey alongside individuals and their families, fostering independence and actively working towards a more inclusive society. We call ourselves Extra•Ordinary People because we are all ordinary people who make the conscious decision to go the extra mile.

CONTACT: Sheena Poh, sheena.poh@independentreserve.com 

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SOURCE Independent Reserve Singapore

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Citi Singapore receives dual award recognition from FinanceAsia and Forbes

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Citi named Best International Bank and Best International Investment Bank in Singapore by FinanceAsia for the second year in a rowCiti ranked as #1 in Singapore among Forbes World’s Best Banks 2026

SINGAPORE, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Citi Singapore today announced that it was conferred awards by both FinanceAsia and Forbes, underscoring its leading position in the financial industry.

The bank won multiple accolades from FinanceAsia, including ‘Best International Bank’ and ‘Best International Investment Bank’ in Singapore for the second year running. It was also ranked first in Singapore amongst Forbes World’s Best Banks 2026.

FinanceAsia Awards 2026

FinanceAsia, a leading Hong Kong-based financial publication reporting on Asia Pacific’s financial and capital markets, recognized Citi’s strong financial performance, as well as its commitment to client service and innovation across various segments of its institutional and wealth management businesses in Singapore.

Besides the ‘Best International Bank’ and ‘Best International Investment Bank’ awards, Citi also won ‘Best International ECM House’ and ‘Best International M&A House’ in Singapore.

“We are incredibly honored to receive these significant recognitions from FinanceAsia and Forbes,” said Lee Lung Nien, Citi Country Officer for Singapore. “These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our teams, who consistently strive to deliver exceptional value and service to our clients. Singapore remains a critical hub for Citi, and these accolades reinforce our strategy and commitment to driving growth and innovation in this market.”

Forbes World’s Best Banks 2026

Citi’s #1 ranking in Singapore in the prestigious Forbes World’s Best Banks 2026 list is based on a comprehensive survey conducted by Forbes and Statista. Over 50,000 consumers from 34 countries were engaged for this survey in 17 different languages.

Survey participants evaluated banks where they currently have a checking or savings account (within the last three years), or that they knew through family or friends. They shared how satisfied they were with each bank and whether they would recommend it to others, then rated each on trustworthiness, terms and conditions, digital services, customer service and financial advice.

Yeo Wenxian, Head of Wealth for Asia South, said “We are honored to be recognized by FinanceAsia and Forbes. The accolades are a powerful affirmation of the trust our clients place in us and the unwavering commitment of our teams. The awards fuel our determination to keep raising the bar, serving with excellence, and delivering wealth management experiences centered on our clients’ needs.”

These awards reflect Citi Singapore’s robust performance, strategic initiatives, and client-centric approach, solidifying its reputation as a pre-eminent financial partner in the region.

About Citi 
Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services.

Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | X: @Citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi 

 

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SOURCE Citi

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“Pretty Messy” Completes Jūji’s Debut Album Journey — A Luminous Title Track About Embracing Pain and Moving Forward

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BANGKOK, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thai indie pop–jazz outfit Jūji gracefully wraps up its debut full-length album with “Pretty Messy,” a beautifully crafted title track that invites listeners to embrace past wounds before stepping into the future.

Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and currently signed to Melodic Corner, Jūji has steadily captured audiences with its signature blend of indie pop and jazz, weaving deeply personal narratives in both English and Japanese. Its growing international presence includes performances at Bangkok Music City 2026 in Thailand, Music Lane Festival Okinawa 2026 in Japan, and Minrock Festa 2025 in Busan, South Korea.

Following these international appearances, Jūji reaches a defining milestone with the release of its debut full-length project, The 1st Album, culminating in “Pretty Messy” — a reflective and healing composition that encourages listeners to find beauty and meaning within life’s imperfections.

Finding Beauty in Imperfection

“Pretty Messy” explores the process of accepting and embracing sadness. Inspired by real-life experiences, the track reflects on memories, emotional baggage, and the inevitable act of letting go. At its core, it offers a message of quiet optimism: that pain, in hindsight, can reveal its own kind of beauty — especially once we find the strength to move forward.

A Journey Through Love, Longing, and Self-Discovery

As part of The 1st Album, “Pretty Messy” completes a narrative arc centered on love in its many forms — spanning self-discovery, heartbreak, infatuation, and even the longing for something that may never exist.

Over the past year, listeners have followed this journey through standout tracks including “Moon Or Stars,” “You,” “More & More,” “Never This Far Away Gone (All In),” “No Turning Back,” “Forbidden Love,” and “Dreamland,” all leading to the album’s poignant conclusion.

The Sound of Jūji

The 1st Album showcases Jūji’s distinctive indie pop–jazz sensibility, enriched by each member’s unique musical influences. The result is a cohesive body of work that feels both dreamy and sincere — capturing the emotional complexity and quiet vulnerability of the human experience.

Watch & Listen

Experience the beauty of imperfection in Jūji’s “Pretty Messy,” now available as an official music video on YouTube via Melodic Corner. The 1st Album is also available on all major streaming platforms.

Stay connected with Jūji for upcoming projects and uniquely curated content across all official channels.

Follow Jūji
YouTube : https://youtube.com/@jujiband.official?si=Oqz9qvv59XMdlTCY
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/jujiband.official/?hl=en
Tiktok : https://www.tiktok.com/@jujiband.official?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

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SOURCE Melodic Corner

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Protiviti Congratulates Brand Ambassador Matt Fitzpatrick as Fitzpatrick Brothers Win Zurich Classic of New Orleans

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Alex Fitzpatrick Earns PGA TOUR Card

MENLO PARK, Calif., April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Protiviti Golf Brand Ambassador and professional golfer Matt Fitzpatrick continued his strong 2026 season with a victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside his brother, Alex Fitzpatrick. The Fitzpatrick brothers delivered a composed and cohesive performance throughout the team-format event, completing rounds of 64-65-57-71 (-31). The win secured Alex Fitzpatrick his first PGA TOUR card, marking a significant milestone in his professional career.

This marks Matt Fitzpatrick’s third win of the season, most on the PGA Tour, the 14th professional win of his career, and fifth on the PGA Tour. Fitzpatrick is currently No.1 on the FedEx Cup ranking and No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking, the highest ranking of his career. 

To commemorate Fitzpatrick’s win, Protiviti donated 25,000 meals through its “Birdies for Meals” campaign. Since its launch in 2021, the Birdies for Meals program has already donated more than 825,000 meals to people in need. 

“Congratulations to Matt Fitzpatrick and Alex Fitzpatrick on an outstanding victory—an inspiring showcase of chemistry and consistency. We also applaud Alex on earning his PGA TOUR card, a significant step in his career,” said Joseph Tarantino, Protiviti’s president and CEO. “In celebration of this win, Protiviti will donate 25,000 meals through our Birdies for Meals campaign, extending the impact well beyond the course.”

As Matt Fitzpatrick’s Official Performance Data Partner, Protiviti collaborates closely with Matt and his coaching team to enhance performance through advanced analytics and technology. By leveraging Microsoft technologies, Protiviti has developed a custom analytics platform, tailored dashboards, and a mobile application that streamline data collection and deliver real-time, shot-level insights. These tools enable more informed, data-driven decision-making across practice and competition, helping identify trends, refine preparation, and improve consistency. Learn more at www.protiviti.com/golf-data.

“It has been an incredible opportunity to work with Matt and see Protiviti’s work play a role in his on-course success. Just as we do with many clients, our team has built a bespoke program leveraging emerging technologies, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to provide Matt, his caddie, and coaches with analysis and insights that aid in his preparation and guide strategy for each event he plays,” said Nick Ciafardini, associate director, Innovation for Protiviti.

“This win is surreal for me, especially doing it alongside my brother. I’m incredibly proud of Alex earning his PGA TOUR card—it’s a huge milestone for him and one we’ll always share. I’m also so grateful for the unwavering support from my family, my team, and my partners at Protiviti, whose data-driven approach to performance has become a key part of my preparation and constant pursuit of improvement,” said Matt Fitzpatrick.

After taking control with a historic 15-under in the fourball third round, the Fitzpatrick brothers briefly dropped the lead in the final round. With the tournament on the line at the 18th, they delivered a clutch closing sequence to seal the victory. Matt’s precision tee-to-green and Alex’s timely putting proved decisive, highlighting their chemistry under pressure.

Other notable Fitzpatrick wins include the 2015 British Masters, 2016 Nordea Masters, the 2016, 2020, and 2025 DP World Tour Championships. On the PGA Tour, Fitzpatrick also won the 2022 U.S. Open, RBC Heritage (2023 & 2026) and the 2026 Valspar Championship. He has been a Protiviti brand ambassador since 2020.

For more information about Protiviti’s golf brand ambassador program, please visit www.protiviti.com/golf.

About Protiviti 
Protiviti (www.protiviti.com) is a global consulting firm that helps clients transform and protect their businesses, and respond to planned and unexpected events. Through a network of more than 90 offices in over 25 countries, Protiviti and its independent and locally owned member firms deliver deep expertise and tailored capabilities across technology, artificial intelligence, data, operations, finance, legal, compliance, HR, marketing, digital, risk, and internal audit – enabling organizations to accelerate innovation, navigate risks and safeguard what matters most.

Named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list since 2015, Protiviti Inc. has served more than 80 percent of Fortune 100 and nearly 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies. The firm also works with government agencies and smaller, growing companies, including those looking to go public. Protiviti Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half (NYSE: RHI).

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SOURCE Protiviti

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