LUGANO, Switzerland, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —  On March 25, BE OPEN visited Thailand, as The Economist Group’s signature sustainability summit returned to Bangkok for the fourth time. Sustainability Week Asia rounds off a series of global conferences – from Cape Town to New York – which bring together the world’s foremost experts and industry leaders shaping the transition to a more sustainable future.

Opening with keynote addresses by high-ranking officials from Thailand’s Prime Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Industry, this year’s event welcomed more than 900 delegates from across Asia and beyond. It also marked BE OPEN’s first time participating in this important summit to witness conversations about banks driving the ongoing green vehicle transition, providing subsidised financing options for green auto consumption;  Asian manufacturers adapting to ‘net zero’ goals, the region’s brightest architects revolutionising sustainable living, and many more.

The founder of BE OPEN Elena Baturina focused on the value of the conference for the foundation: “We are happy to become part of the event that connects businesses, investors and innovators to achieve a more sustainable future. Annually for our sustainability competitions we collect hundreds of outstanding creative projects from young people all over the world, and do our best to promote them to the public and private sector. Educating and motivating young people to become leaders of sustainable change is the best way forward. That is why we keep trying to do more by offering them a platform for pitching, discussion and exchange of ideas boosting their confidence and helping them to see that they matter.”

Since its inception, BE OPEN has tried to identify the evolving needs of the future, offering a platform for the enterprising young leaders of tomorrow to realise their potential as they work to design, create and innovate for the betterment of the planet. As BE OPEN believes in the power of human creativity to push the boundaries, it values such opportunities to share insights and derive inspiration from the cutting-edge developments taking shape in Asia.

BE OPEN is a global initiative to foster creativity and innovation, a think-tank whose mission is to promote people and ideas today to build solutions for tomorrow. It is a cultural and social initiative supported by Austria-based international philanthropist and businessperson Elena Baturina.

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SINGAPORE, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Justin Sun, Global Advisor of HTX and Founder of TRON, has been featured on the daily cover of Forbes digital assets, marking a significant milestone in the blockchain industry. Sun becomes the second Chinese entrepreneur, after Jack Ma, and the fourth crypto exchange figure, following CZ, SBF, and Brian Armstrong, to achieve this prestigious recognition. Forbes profiles Sun as a “Crypto Billionaire Who Helped The Trumps Make $400 Million,” highlighting his distinct influence and global vision.

Sun’s Crypto Empire: From Disruptor to Industry Leader

The Forbes feature portrays Sun as a figure of “youth, controversy, and immense wealth.” Born in 1990, Sun has built a reputation for bold, unconventional moves within the blockchain space. “In my 20s I was just trying everything,“ Sun shares, illustrating his hands-on, entrepreneurial approach to innovation.

Over the past decade, Sun has developed a comprehensive crypto ecosystem encompassing public chains, payment networks, exchanges, and decentralized finance (DeFi). His flagship project, TRON, ranks among the fastest-growing blockchain networks in the world, with over 300 million users and daily transaction volumes exceeding ten million. This achievement underscores his vision for a “global payment system” and reflects the increasing mainstream adoption of blockchain technologies.

As Global Advisor of HTX, Sun has helped steer the exchange to new heights. HTX was recently recognized by Forbes as one of the “Top 25 World’s Most Trustworthy Crypto Exchanges of 2025”. Under Sun’s leadership, HTX has championed compliance, security, and user experience, setting a benchmark for the convergence of traditional finance and crypto innovation. The synergy between HTX and TRON, facilitated by Sun’s strategic guidance, is driving seamless resource integration through technological interoperability.

Forbes Cover Recognition: A Testament to Global Leadership

Sun’s appearance on the Forbes cover underscores his growing influence on the global crypto stage. He joins a short list of visionary leaders from the crypto exchange world, alongside CZ, SBF, and Brian Armstrong, who have earned this recognition. In a post on X, Sun remarked, “From a visionary to a global force — honored to be featured on Forbes as Crypto’s Billionaire Barker.”

Previously, Forbes Portugal included Sun in its “40 Notable Blockchain Entrepreneurs to Watch” list, where he ranked second—only behind Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin. Notably, Sun was the only Chinese entrepreneur in the top three, representing the highest placement ever for a Chinese figure in a global blockchain ranking. Forbes has also consistently named Sun in its “30 Under 30 Asia” lists and has noted his wide-ranging interests, including art collection, gaming, investment, philanthropy, and space exploration.

In late 2024, Justin was appointed as Prime Minister of the Republic of Liberland, aiming to redefine the crypto space with principles of freedom and innovation.

Strategic Collaborations and Industry Mission: Mainstreaming Crypto

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The Forbes article also highlights Sun’s collaboration with the Trump family, a partnership that reportedly generated over $400 million. His $75 million investment in the Trumps’ World Liberty Financial (WLFI) project demonstrates how crypto can be strategically deployed to integrate with mainstream business initiatives. This bold move showcases Sun’s ability to identify emerging trends and leverage blockchain across cultural IP, social media, and digital asset markets.

Addressing the industry’s volatility and credibility challenges, Sun emphasizes the importance of a “long-term vision” in his Forbes interview. Both HTX and TRON now prioritize transparency, open-source development, and community governance.

Sun’s appearance on the Forbes cover signals not only personal success but the rising global influence of crypto innovation. Through HTX and TRON, Sun is helping bridge the gap between traditional finance and Web3, accelerating the shift toward a transparent, efficient, and inclusive digital economy. As Forbes concludes, “This Eastern crypto pioneer is redefining global rules with code and consensus.”

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/, and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.

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Uniting Two Industry Leaders Under a Bold New Company Identity and Vertically Integrated Operation

CHICAGO, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Benestar Brands (formerly Evans Food Group Ltd.) and Palmex Alimentos, S.A. de C.V. (“Palmex”) proudly unveiled their new unified brand identity: Monarca Authentic Snacks, which becomes the new premier leader in Hispanic snacking across the Americas. This milestone builds on the successful December 2023 merger of the two companies, transforming two respected industry names into a new category leader of Hispanic and Hispanic-inspired snacks, with authentic flavors and high-profile innovation that positions the company for accelerated growth in the Hispanic snacking category across North, Central, and South America.

As a vertically integrated manufacturer of crispy snacks, pork rinds, tortilla chips, snack mixes and in-pack salsa solutions, Monarca Authentic Snacks is a powerhouse of consumer brands as well as a leading partner to snack manufacturers and retailers across the Americas, with the highest quality standards. With nine manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Mexico and distribution in over 17 countries, the company is uniquely positioned to lead the industry, leveraging over 90 years of heritage and commitment to excellence.

A Vision for Growth and Leadership

“Our ambition is to be the leading and fastest-growing crispy snacks company in the hemisphere,” said Jose Luis Prado, Chairman and CEO of Monarca Authentic Snacks. “For nearly a century, we have crafted pellets and snacks with delicious, authentic Hispanic flavors. With this new identity, we are not just embracing our legacy—we are positioning ourselves for the future. The Hispanic segment is the fastest growing in the U.S. and 75% of U.S. consumers are actively looking for new and unique flavors, reinforcing our strategy to lead and expand the market.”

The Inspiration Behind Monarca Authentic Snacks

“The launch of Monarca Authentic Snacks harnesses the combined strength of Benestar / Evans and Palmex under a singular identity inspired by the Monarch butterfly—a powerful symbol whose remarkable migration from Central Mexico to Canada, mirrors the company’s path, embodying the heritage, resilience, and transformation that drive its vision forward,” said Jesus Velazquez, U.S. President, Monarca Authentic Snacks.

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• Heritage–The Monarch butterflies’ migration from Mexico to the U.S. and Canada spans generations, always returning to its origins. Similarly, its brand stays rooted in tradition while looking to the future.
• Resilience–Throughout more than 90 years navigating market fluctuations and industry challenges, Monarca Authentic Snacks has demonstrated the same resilience as the Monarch butterfly, consistently emerging stronger after each challenge.
• Transformation–Just as the Monarch butterfly undergoes metamorphosis, Monarca Authentic Snacks has evolved through strategic mergers and acquisitions to expand its reach and capabilities.
• Transcendence–Just as Monarch butterflies possess extraordinary navigational abilities to reach their destination, Monarca Authentic Snacks maintains unwavering focus on its goal to become the premier and fastest-growing crispy snacks enterprise throughout the Americas.
• Community–Monarch butterflies contribute significantly to ecological well-being through pollination; similarly, Monarca Authentic Snacks demonstrates commitment to strengthening the communities it serves and the environment of the Monarch butterfly.

A Powerhouse in Hispanic Snacking

Monarca Authentic Snacks brings together a diverse and powerful portfolio of consumer and B2B brands, including:

• Mac’s – The #1 Pork Rind Brand in the U.S.
• 4505 – The #1 Premium Pork Rind Brand in the U.S.
• Turkey Creek – The #3 Pork Rind Brand in Convenience stores in the U.S.
• Chicas – The #2 fastest growing Premium Corn Tortilla Chip among Top Selling Brands in the U.S.
• Cazo de Oro – The fastest-growing Tortilla chips with authentic Mexican-recipe and Hispanic branded Pork Rinds and Bulk
• Las Ricas – The new leading brand for Hispanic-inspired “Street Snacks”
• Evans  – A leading pork rind pellet ingredient brand
• Palmex  – A leading crispy snacks pellet ingredient brand

Source: Circana Unify+ –  Mulo+ w/Conv L52wks ending 2/23/25

Delivering Value Through Innovation and Scale

Monarca Authentic Snacks stands at the forefront of the Hispanic snacking market, offering unparalleled innovation capabilities, expanded production capacity, and deep category expertise. By combining the strengths of Benestar / Evans and Palmex, the company is uniquely positioned to drive exciting new snacking concepts, strategic partnerships, and meet the evolving needs of consumers and retailers alike.

About Monarca Authentic Snacks

Monarca Authentic Snacks is the premier Hispanic snack company in the Americas, dedicated to delivering bold, authentic flavors through crispy snacks, pork rinds, and tortilla chips. With a legacy spanning 90 years, Monarca Authentic Snacks continues to inspire and bring joy to consumers across the hemisphere.

For more information, visit www.monarcasnacks.com. 

About Wind Point Partners

Founded in 1984, Wind Point Partners is a Chicago-based private equity investment firm with approximately $6 billion in assets under management. The firm’s Vision, Talent, Transformation (“VTT”) investment strategy focuses on partnering with top caliber management teams around a clear and exciting plan to invest behind a business to achieve transformational growth and value creation. The firm’s Executive Advisor Partner (“EAP”) network is comprised of more than 40 high-caliber executives who are closely aligned with Wind Point and contribute across all aspects of the firm’s investment process.

 Wind Point targets well-positioned middle market businesses within the business services, consumer products and industrial products industries. Since inception, Wind Point has deployed ten private equity buyout funds in partnership with highly-regarded institutional investors around the world, including public pensions, insurance companies, endowments, foundations, fund of funds and family offices.

 Additional information about Wind Point is available at www.windpointpartners.com.

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About Highlander Partners

Highlander Partners, L.P. is a Dallas-based private investment firm with more than $3 billion in assets under management. The firm focuses on making investments in businesses in targeted industries where the principals have significant operating and investing experience. Highlander employs a buy and build investment approach, creating value by helping companies grow both organically and through acquisitions.

For more information, visit www.highlander-partners.com.

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