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“HKCERT Capture The Flag 2024” Concludes Successfully with Record Participation, Gathering Top Global Teams in Hong Kong, Nurturing Future Cyber Security Talent

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HONG KONG, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) in collaboration with the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT), and Digital Policy Office of the HKSAR Government, successfully hosted the “HKCERT Capture the Flag Challenge 2024” (CTF Challenge) on 20-21 January. The event attracted over record-making 1,300 participants from renowned teams across the Chinese Mainland, other parts of Asia, Europe, and the United States, setting. Since 2020, HKCERT has organised the CTF Challenge for five consecutive years, expanding its scale annually and becoming one of the most influential cyber security events in Hong Kong.

Mr. Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC said, “The CTF Challenge aims to provide an international platform for exchange, enhancing participants’ cyber security skills comprehensively and nurturing future cyber security talent for Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. With the rise of emerging technologies such as AI and big data, cyber security has become a critical issue. These emerging technologies could potentially be used by hackers, making the cultivation of ‘ethical hackers’ increasingly important. We look forward to seeing more emerging cyber security stars shine on the CTF stage and become the backbone of the cyber security field, further solidifying the foundation for the city’s digital transformation.”

Mr. Daniel CHEUNG, JP, Deputy Commissioner (Digital Infrastructure), Digital Policy Office, presented the awards jointly with Mr. Lai to the winners and said, “The CTF Challenge not only recognises the participants’ remarkable achievements and talent in both offensive and defensive cyber security, but also provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and networking. The Digital Policy Office will continue to encourage the information technology sector to actively support cyber security talent development, with a view to addressing the increasingly complex cyber landscape, and collectively promoting Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub.”

Elites Showdown to Advance Global Cyber Security Collaboration

This year, the CTF Challenge saw over 1,000 participants for the third consecutive year, with 149 overseas teams registering, including two guest teams from the Chinese Mainland and two teams known as the “United Nations Team,” competing on the same stage, further strengthening talent exchange and collaboration in cyber security. One international team is ranked among the world’s top 50, and another has claimed seven global CTF championships. The CTF Challenge has received industry acclaim for five consecutive years, with its rating on the internationally renowned CTF competition platform CTFTime steadily rising for four years, proving its increasing recognition and influence in the global CTF community.

Three local teams and one team from the Chinese Mainland won the finals, capturing gold in the secondary school, tertiary, open, and international categories. The “Best School Award” was won by Diocesan Boys’ School in Hong Kong. For the full list of winners and more information about the event and competition details, please visit the CTF Challenge 2024 website.

The international champion team, r4kapig, stated, “This competition provided us with valuable learning and practical opportunities, exposing us to many new knowledge areas and attack-defense techniques. It was our first time competing in Hong Kong, with members from Guangzhou, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Chengdu. The event adopted a hybrid model, offering an excellent exchange platform, allowing us to engage in in-depth technical exchanges and share experiences with Hong Kong and international players. In the future, we will consider pursuing careers in the cyber security industry and continue to delve into this field.”

Diverse Activities to Nurture Local Cyber Security Talent

Following the CTF Challenge, a seminar was held, inviting several cyber security experts to discuss hot topics such as how cyber defense exercises can complement traditional security testing, security risks and considerations in AI applications, and the latest trends in cyber threats. They also provided career advice for young people aspiring to enter the IT industry. The event was sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and OffSec, offering participants the chance to win online cyber security courses sponsored by OffSec, the course covers basic offensive and defensive techniques, networking, scripting, application and operating system security, and business-related skills.

Note: The CTF Challenge has four categories: secondary school, tertiary, open, and international. The top five teams in each category from the preliminary round held in November last year advanced to the finals, making a total of 20 elite teams, including 15 local secondary school, tertiary, and open teams, and five internationally renowned CTF teams from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

About Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre

Managed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) is the centre for coordination of computer security incident response for local enterprises and Internet Users. Its missions are to facilitate information dissemination, provide advice on preventive measures against security threats, and promote information security awareness. 

HKCERT collaborates with local bodies to collect and disseminate information, and coordinate response actions. HKCERT is also a member of the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST) and the Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT). We exchange information with other CERTs and act as a point of contact for cross-border security incidents. 

For more information, please visit HKCERT’s website: www.hkcert.org

About Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a multi-disciplinary organisation established by statute in 1967, to promote productivity excellence through relentless drive of world-class advanced technologies and innovative service offerings to support Hong Kong enterprises. As a nationwide leader in innovative, market-driven research and development (R&D) internationally, specialising in leading technologies and all-rounded manufacturing services, HKPC promotes new industrialisation in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area and facilitates the development of new productive forces, leveraging innovation and technology (I&T), as well as bolstering Hong Kong to be an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city. The Council offers comprehensive innovative solutions for Hong Kong industries and enterprises, enabling them to achieve resources and productivity utilisation, effectiveness and cost reduction, and enhance competitiveness in both local and overseas marketplace. The Council partners and collaborates with local industries and enterprises and world-class R&D institutes to develop applied technology solutions for value creation. It also benefits a variety of sectors through product innovation, technology transfer, and commercialisation, bringing enormous business opportunities ahead. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades.

In addition, HKPC offers SMEs and startups immediate and timely assistance in coping with the ever-changing business environment, and strengthens talent nurturing and Hong Kong’s competitiveness with FutureSkills training for enterprises and academia to enhance digital capabilities and STEM competencies.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.

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SOURCE Hong Kong Productivity Council

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Finastra simplifies trade finance with AI-powered assistant using Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service

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Assist.AI boosts efficiencies and bridges the knowledge gap in trade finance, enabling banks to focus on strategic projects

LONDON, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Finastra today announced the launch of Assist.AI, an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance the trade finance operations within its Trade Innovation solution. The tool, built on architecture powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, bridges the knowledge gap in the trade finance industry, providing users with instant, accurate, and context-aware assistance.

The trade finance industry faces significant challenges, including a diminishing knowledge base and a widening disparity between seasoned professionals and new entrants. Assist.AI addresses these issues by offering prompt-based assistance, allowing users to interact with the tool by entering specific questions related to trade processes. This ensures that users receive precise answers sourced from relevant resources without the need to sift through extensive documentation.

Assist.AI offers Trade Innovation users the following benefits:

Enhanced user support: Provides instant, accurate, and context-aware assistance, significantly improving the user experience.24/7 availability and efficiency: Ensures users can access support anytime, boosting efficiency by automating routine inquiries and freeing up valuable time for more strategic tasks.Continuous improvement and adaptability: The solution learns and adapts based on interactions, ensuring ongoing relevance and continuous improvement in responses.

“This timely and much needed solution represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to advancing Open Finance and leveraging AI technology to solve real-world challenges in financial services. By providing instant assistance to bank employees, we are empowering our clients to navigate the complexities of trade finance with greater ease and efficiency,” said Andrew Bateman, EVP Lending at Finastra.

Finastra identified a significant talent gap in the trade finance industry through interactions with various clients. As experienced staff retire or transition to other careers, banks need to invest in training new staff on the latest developments in trade finance and the use of Trade Innovation. Assist.AI uses Microsoft Copilot technology to facilitate this training and support, making it a timely and essential addition to the industry.

“We are pleased to work with Finastra to make trade finance simpler and more efficient for banks worldwide. Using the robust capabilities of Microsoft Azure, this solution exemplifies the power of AI in enhancing operational efficiency and user experience,” said Bill Borden, Corporate Vice President of Worldwide Financial Services at Microsoft.  “This collaboration not only showcases our shared vision for the future of financial technology, but also strengthens the long-standing relationship between Microsoft and Finastra. Together, we are committed to driving innovation and empowering businesses to achieve more through cutting-edge technology.”

Assist.AI is a global solution, available to users of Finastra Trade Innovation worldwide. To learn more, visit Finastra’s website.

finastra.com

About Finastra
Finastra is a global provider of financial services software applications across Lending, Payments, Treasury and Capital Markets, and Universal (retail and digital) Banking. Committed to unlocking the potential of people, businesses and communities everywhere, its vision is to accelerate the future of Open Finance through technology and collaboration, and its pioneering approach is why it is trusted by ~8,100 financial institutions, including 45 of the world’s top 50 banks. For more information, visit finastra.com.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2615478/FINASTRA_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/finastra-simplifies-trade-finance-with-ai-powered-assistant-using-microsoft-azure-openai-service-302371441.html

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RedotPay Partners with StraitsX and Visa to Revolutionise Digital Spending

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RedotPay is excited to announce its collaboration with Visa and StraitsX to launch a groundbreaking card programme in Singapore. This initiative aims to redefine how users interact with their digital assets in everyday transactions by combining RedotPay’s innovative technology with Visa’s extensive global payment network.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ —

Partnership to Facilitate Launch of Crypto Credit Card for Seamless Transactions

Singapore, 10 February 2025 RedotPay, a leading provider of crypto payment solutions, is excited to announce its collaboration with Visa and StraitsX to launch a groundbreaking card programme in Singapore. This initiative aims to redefine how users interact with their digital assets in everyday transactions by combining RedotPay’s innovative technology with Visa’s extensive global payment network. The collaboration is made possible through the essential support of StraitsX as the BIN sponsor for the card programme.

Seamless Transactions

The new card programme will empower users to spend their cryptocurrencies effortlessly across millions of Visa-accepting merchants worldwide. With this innovative solution, users can utilise their cryptocurrencies directly, thanks to RedotPay’s proprietary real-time conversion technology. This feature bridges the gap between digital assets and traditional commerce, making crypto spending as seamless as using a conventional debit or credit card.

Compliance and Security

RedotPay is committed to providing users with a secure and trustworthy platform for their transactions. The partnership emphasises robust security measures to protect user data and funds, fostering confidence in the use of cryptocurrencies for everyday purchases.

Enhancing User Experience

“We are thrilled to partner with Visa and StraitsX to bring this innovative card program to Singapore,” said Michael, CEO of RedotPay. “This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to make crypto payments accessible and user-friendly, promoting the mass adoption of cryptocurrencies in payment systems. Our users will enjoy the flexibility of spending their digital assets just like traditional currency.”

Jason Tay, Head of Commercial at StraitsX said, “We are excited to support RedotPay in launching this innovative card program in Singapore. This partnership is a game changer for everyday retail use cases, enabling users to easily leverage their digital assets for daily transactions. As the BIN sponsor, StraitsX is dedicated to powering this initiative, which will transform how consumers interact with cryptocurrencies in the retail space. By combining our technology with Visa’s vast network, we are making it easier than ever for users to seamlessly integrate digital assets into their everyday spending.”

“Based on a Visa study, close to six in 10 consumers in Singapore are aware of cryptocurrencies. In fact, over 35 per cent of cryptocurrency owners in Singapore use cryptocurrencies for retail purchases.[1] We are happy to support our partners who are helping more cryptocurrency users have a more seamless payment experience and access to digital payments leveraging on their Visa cards for face-to-face or online transactions. Visa is committed towards promoting innovation with our valued partners and this initiative with RedotPay and StraitsX aligns with our vision to become the best way to pay and be paid,” said Adeline Kim, Visa Country Manager for Singapore & Brunei.

Looking Ahead

The RedotPay card program is set to soft launch later this year, featuring a user-friendly interface designed for both convenience and security. Users will have the ability to manage their crypto assets easily, making everyday spending as simple as swiping a card.

About RedotPay

RedotPay is a leading crypto payment company, headquartered in Hong Kong, eligible to operate across various Asian, European and other jurisdictions. Their mission is to enable crypto adoption as a medium of exchange, increase payment efficiency with blockchain, and promote financial inclusion for the unbanked. Through intuitive interfaces and proprietary blockchain technology, RedotPay simplifies crypto transactions while prioritizing enterprise-grade security. The platform enables seamless integration of digital assets into everyday spending, ensuring accessibility and trust for both businesses and individuals.

For media inquiries, please contact: Press@RedotPay.com

About StraitsX

StraitsX is Southeast Asia’s leading digital payment infrastructure provider and a licensed Major Payment Institution regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Leveraging blockchain technology within a secure, regulated environment, StraitsX empowers businesses and individuals with innovative tools for managing funds, integrating digital assets, and enabling seamless cross-border transactions. Through partnerships with global financial institutions, businesses, and developers, StraitsX is driving the future of digital payments and financial connectivity.

1 Visa Green Shoots Radar: Study conducted across Asia Pacific markets, including 500 Singapore respondents in June 2023.

Media Contact

Jackee T. T. WONG, RedotPay, 1 85221290009, press@redotpay.com, https://www.redotpay.com/

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SOURCE RedotPay

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KBC Group renews collaboration with Cognizant to improve IT services and customer experience

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KBC Group and Cognizant celebrate over a decade of collaboration with a renewed agreement until 2027. Cognizant will provide various IT services, focusing on quality and cost-effectiveness.

BRUSSELS, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) today announced the renewal of its relationship with KBC Group, a leading Belgian universal multi-channel bank-insurer.

This renewal of the agreement will extend until 2027, positioning Cognizant as KBC Group’s partner in supporting its IT and business transformation across the entire spectrum of IT services, including application development & maintenance, data services, infrastructure, and quality engineering.

“We are pleased to renew our agreement with Cognizant, as it supports our goals of creating superior customer experience, supporting innovation, and maintaining operational excellence,” said Isabel Van Mele, Chief Information Officer of KBC Bank & Insurance. “Cognizant’s ability to provide various IT services, focusing on quality, stability, and cost-effectiveness, makes it an important partner for KBC. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to achieve our organizational objectives.”

Cognizant and KBC Group have enjoyed a long-standing relationship for over 11 years, built on mutual trust, respect, and a proven track record. This agreement has been characterized by a collaborative spirit, seeking win-win solutions for both parties. The renewal of the relationship underscores the commitment of both organizations to continue bringing execution focus, innovative solutions and thought leadership to KBC Group. Cognizant’s existing team and service offerings are expected to enhance quality, ensure operational stability, foster innovation, and optimize cost-effectiveness for KBC Group.

“We are honored to extend our partnership with KBC Group,” said Geert Lejon, Country Manager, Belgium & Luxembourg at Cognizant. “Our extensive experience in delivering a wide range of IT services has been crucial in helping KBC achieve its objectives over the past eleven years. Our team is excited to continue this work and further enhance our collaboration.”

About Cognizant

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we’re improving everyday life. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.

About KBC Group

KBC is one of the leading financial groups in Europe. It is a multi-channel bank-insurance group with a geographic focus on Europe, catering mainly to retail clients, SMEs and local midcaps. The group occupies significant, and in many cases leading positions in its core markets of Belgium, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovakia. The KBC group has also selectively established a presence in a number of other countries and regions around the world.

KBC Group employs around 41000 staff and caters for about 13 million clients in its core markets. KBC Group NV is listed on Euronext Brussels (ticker symbol ‘KBC’).

For more information, contact: GlobalCommunications@cognizant.com 

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SOURCE Cognizant Technology Solutions

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