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WeBank Technology Services Launches Value Exchange Infrastructure to Boost Hong Kong’s Web3 Ecosystem

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HONG KONG, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2025, Henry Ma, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of WeBank, as well as Director of WeBank Technology Services, unveiled a blockchain-based inter-institutional “value exchange infrastructure” solution aimed at supporting the prosperity of Hong Kong’s Web3 ecosystem. As Hong Kong actively integrate Web3 into its traditional financial system, this solution, with a balance among efficiency, security, and compliance, strives to accelerate the implementation of innovative and regulated use cases such as stablecoins and real-world asset tokenization (RWA).

In recent years, Hong Kong has introduced a series of policies to guide the compliant development of Web3 and to attract global fintech institutions to actively engage in the Hong Kong Web3 ecosystem. As institutional trading models continue to evolve, the expanding market scale has begun to expose limitations in the current Web3 trading framework, making it increasingly difficult to meet the diverse needs of value exchange between institutions.

Ma analyzed the pain points of four existing models: (1) A single Layer 1 blockchain cannot support virtual assets other than its native cryptocurrency. (2) Over-the-counter (OTC) trading heavily relies on the credibility of counterparties. (3) Decentralized exchanges require assets wrapped from multiple chains onto a single chain, which reduces asset liquidity. (4) Centralized exchanges require users to relinquish control of their private keys, while user experience has to compromise with the complex trading processes.

Is there a feasible solution that balances the needs for efficiency, security, and compliance? Ma suggested the necessity of a common infrastructure to support the access of different types of assets, ensure transaction and asset security through an “atomic swap[1]” mechanism, and establish access protocols to ensure that both parties involved in transactions are compliant, licensed institutions within a regulated framework.

To implement this vision, blockchain technology serves as the backbone. Ma advocates that by returning to the core principles of blockchain technology, we can fully leverage its role as a trust machine and build a secure and reliable infrastructure for value exchange.

At the conference, WeBank Technology Services officially launched POTOS (Portal of the Orient Symposium for Web3), a blockchain infrastructure designed for Hong Kong’s Web3 ecosystem. At its initial stage, POTOS focuses on a “value exchange infrastructure” solution that provides three layers of assurance for institutional value exchange: (1) a high-performance underlying chain is built to connect different types of assets. (2) Trusted cross-chain protocols and smart contracts are introduced to enable atomic exchanges of assets across multiple chains between institutions. (3) Technologies such as multi-group structures and zero-knowledge proofs are integrated to create “value exchange group,” ensuring transaction security and regulatory compliance.

“We hope that this value exchange evolution, driven by the ‘trust machine,’ can truly solidify the foundation of trust for the advancement of Hong Kong’s Web3 ecosystem,” said Ma. He emphasized that WeBank Technology Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of WeBank in Hong Kong, will continue to leverage WeBank’s extensive experience in the blockchain sector to support Hong Kong in upgrading its value exchange infrastructure. This effort aims to attract more institutions to position Hong Kong as a hub for compliant and innovative Web3 practices.

The technical foundation of POTOS comes from the FISCO BCOS blockchain platform, an open-source initiative led by WeBank. POTOS inherits its financial-grade performance and openness that define its core capabilities. Since its full open-sourcing in 2017, the platform has demonstrated a single-chain processing capacity of up to 200,000 TPS while supporting horizontal scalability. It has been successfully applied in over 500 digital transformation projects, including the “Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cross-border Data Verification Platform,” establishing an open-source community that includes more than 5,000 institutions and over 100,000 individuals. FISCO BCOS has become a de facto standard for blockchain technology.

About WeBank Technology Services

Launched in Hong Kong in June 2024, WeBank Technology Services sets out to leverage WeBank’s cutting-edge fintech capabilities and digital finance best practice to deliver a variety of superior digital finance and digital infrastructure solutions to digital banks, financial institutions, government agencies, and industry partners worldwide. In October 2024, WeBank Technology Services joined the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Ensemble framework working group, offering blockchain technology support to drive innovation and development in Hong Kong’s tokenization market.

About WeBank

Launched in 2014, WeBank Co., Ltd. (“WeBank”) is the first digital bank in China. WeBank provides convenient financial services to micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and the public, and continuously improves the quality of services in response to customers’ specific needs. WeBank has served over 420 million retail customers and 5.8 million enterprises. As a digital bank, WeBank focuses on innovation and technology, and leads the industry in core technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud computing, and big data.

[1] Atomic Swap is an asset exchange mechanism based on blockchain technology. It ensures that cross-chain asset exchanges are completed simultaneously, akin to a face-to-face cash-and-goods exchange, effectively eliminating the risk of counterparty default.

 

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SOURCE WeBank Technology Services

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-canada-302918543.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

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