Fintech PR
Enabling Regenerative Agriculture for Independent Smallholders in Indonesia: The BIPOSC Project, in Collaboration with Musim Mas, L3F, SNV Indonesia, and ICRAF
JAKARTA, Indonesia, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Musim Mas Group, the Livelihoods Fund for Family Farming (L3F), SNV Indonesia, and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) are collaborating to improve the knowledge and capacity of independent oil palm smallholders through the Biodiverse & Inclusive Palm Oil Supply Chain (BIPOSC) project.
The project began in 2021 and takes a long-term approach to sustain a deforestation-free supply chain, regenerate degraded land, restore local biodiversity, and improve the livelihoods of independent smallholder farmers in Labuhanbatu, North Sumatra. BIPOSC will achieve this through implementing regenerative agriculture, locally adapted agroforestry models, capacity-building for sustainable businesses, and others.
The independent palm smallholders taking part previously received complementary training from Musim Mas. Following the training, these smallholders formed a smallholder’s association, Labuhanbatu Independent Oil Palm Smallholders Association (APSKS LB), North Sumatra. Musim Mas encourages smallholders to form associations to get better access to resources and obtain certification by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO).
“Musim Mas has long saw that smallholders are key to achieving palm oil sustainability, and that’s why we lead Indonesia’s most extensive smallholder program. We believe that the way forward is to collaborate with more partners to achieve a wider impact. With our BIPOSC partners, we hope to advance the skills and knowledge of smallholders through regenerative agriculture and related techniques. Regenerative agriculture and agroforestry have the potential to help smallholders be part of a sustainable palm oil supply chain. It could help them develop alternative sources of income, especially during the replanting period where their palm oil crops are unproductive, typically for three years,” said Rob Nicholls, General Manager, Projects & Programs, Musim Mas Group.
In the face of climate change and threatened biodiversity, regenerative agriculture can play a role for small farms because it maintains soil health, prevents erosion and water runoff, and can potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen leakage.
“As a global development partner organization, SNV aims to support Indonesia in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To achieve this, we need to implement effective and impactful programs to transform agricultural and food systems, energy, and water. In the BIPOSC program, we promote a comprehensive regenerative agriculture and agroforestry model to maintain soil fertility and biodiversity, providing maximum benefits for farmers’ livelihoods and economy,” said Rizki Pandu Permana, Country Director of SNV Indonesia.
The key regenerative agriculture techniques taught include the application of bio-input, mulching to protect topsoil, planting cover crops, integrated pest management that reduces the need for chemical pesticides, and application of compost that reduces the amount of chemical fertilizers needed. To date, 1,032 independent smallholders received training and implement these techniques on their farms, representing a total land with a total area of 1,063.68 hectares. The project trained 25 village facilitators to provide hands-on assistance to smallholders, and seven demo plots established as pilot areas and learning facilities for regenerative agriculture.
“When I visited palm oil smallholders a few years ago in the area, their biggest concern was access to more fertilizers. While fertilizers play a key role in boosting yields, there was a noticeable gap in understanding how to protect the soil from long-term degradation. Smallholders needed more knowledge about maintaining soil health, preserving soil structure, and other critical factors. This is exactly what the BIPOSC project aimed to address, and we’re pleased to see that the farmers involved are now reporting not only higher yields but also healthier soils on their plots,” said Bernard Giraud, President & Co-Founder, Livelihoods.
The projectalso looks into capacity-building. In addition to home composting, the project enabled the local farmer association, APSKS LB, to develop and manage a composting unit with a capacity of 100-150 tons/month. Producing compost at scale with inputs from nearby mills and farmer plots, the unit offers compost to member farmers at half of typical market prices. In 2023, its first year of operation, the unit produced 588 tons of compost, and generated a profit of IDR 421 million. The project partners believe it is a model that can be replicated elsewhere.
“One of the most impactful outcomes of this project for smallholders is the Composting Unit as the business model around it. It enables smallholders to obtain compost affordably, and the profits are shared among member farmers. This is a practical solution to promote the adoption of composting, and all ASPKS-LB smallholders are now using compost in their plots,” said Syahrianto, Chairman of the Labuanbatu Independent Oil Palm Smallholders Association.
As of 2023, independent smallholders manage about 41% of oil palm planted areas in Indonesia, representing 6.94 million hectares. This figure is expected to increase to 60% by 2030, making projects like BIPOSC critical in shaping the future of sustainable palm oil production.
Devane Sharma
[email protected]
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2533466/DSCF9193.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2533468/DSC07760.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2533467/DSCF0748.jpg
View original content:
Fintech PR
HTX 2025 Outlook: Five Sectors to Look Forward to, and How Trump’s Policy Will Affect Crypto Industry
SINGAPORE, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The year 2024 marks a significant chapter in the history of the crypto industry, where we witnessed continuous breakthroughs in blockchain technology, surges in Bitcoin price, and a gradually more open regulatory environment, with cryptocurrencies gaining increasing recognition from the mainstream. As 2025 unfolds, HTX, the world’s leading digital asset exchange, has released its latest report, HTX 2024 Global Web3 Blockchain Ecosystem Review and 2025 Outlook, which provides forward-looking insights into the development prospects of the crypto industry.
Key Sectors for 2025
In the report, HTX highlighted five key sectors that showed encouraging progress last year, and will continue to closely monitor these areas in 2025.
Bitcoin Ecosystem
In 2024, Bitcoin’s market dominance kept increasing, solidifying its position as the core asset, with spot ETFs acting as liquidity channels, and U.S. listed companies such as MicroStrategy (MSTR) serving as the vehicles to absorb unlimited dollar liquidity.
As a result, it is increasingly essential to further develop Bitcoin’s ecosystem and enhance capital utilization efficiency. With strong support from macro markets and infrastructure support, a further surge in Bitcoin demand over the next two years is well-anticipated.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure remained a cornerstone in 2024’s crypto investments and funding. The synergy between capital and technology has driven the rapid development of Layer 1, Layer 2, and middleware projects, among others.
Layer 1 solutions, in particular, now represent the focal point of technical development and exploration within the crypto space, and it is expected to remain a priority for development resources and capital investment in the future.
Meme Coins
The Meme coin sector emerged as a hotspot in 2024, fostering community consensus while integrating with fields like DeFi and GameFi to create new use cases. As the crypto market environment grows increasingly favorable, more retail investors are expected to enter the market, positioning Meme projects as vital channels for capital inflows.
AI
In 2024, the intersection of Crypto and AI sector has been driving the exploration of several segmented fields, the hottest one of which is AI agents. In the future, AI agents will gradually become personal butlers and assistants for users, serving them with comprehensive capabilities. Over time, they may develop unique cultures and religions.
This deep integration of AI and encryption technology is a groundbreaking evolution that is unattainable within Web2 and cannot be achieved by Web3 relying solely on encryption technology.
TON Ecosystem
Attributable to Telegram’s hundreds of millions of users and robust technical support, the TON ecosystem achieved significant milestones in various fields, pioneering the monetization of Web2 social applications through crypto. Moving into 2025, it needs to explore and find new business models to improve user retention and identify its next growth curve.
Donald Trump Effect: Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Worth Anticipating
The report also discusses the potential impact of crypto-friendly policies that could arise after Donald Trump takes office. Two important bills, the FIT21 Act and the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Act, are likely to pass more quickly thanks to him.
The FIT21 Act aims to create a clear legal framework for token issuance and trading by classifying tokens as digital assets or digital commodities, transferring the regulatory responsibilities of many blockchain projects from the SEC to the CFTC, and introducing a safe harbor mechanism. This would help standardize and promote the healthy growth of the entire industry.
The Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Act, aligning with Trump’s campaign promises, if passed, would mark Bitcoin’s transition from a niche asset to a nationally recognized reserve asset, greatly enhancing its legitimacy and recognition. It may also prompt other countries to adopt similar measures to further advance Bitcoin’s global recognition and application.
The Act was submitted to Congress for deliberation on August 4, 2024, and referred to the Senate Banking Committee for review. Trump is well-positioned to push this bill through. Meanwhile, several U.S. states have already proposed their own Bitcoin Strategic Reserve bills. By 2025, Bitcoin as a strategic reserve may become a reality.
Additionally, under Trump’s presidency, the SAB121 Act is likely to be repealed, allowing traditional financial institutions to hold cryptocurrencies on their balance sheets, further accelerating the institutionalization of crypto assets and contributing to the overall maturity of the crypto market. The SEC’s application criteria of the Howey Test may also be relaxed, increasing the likelihood of more spot crypto ETFs being approved and more public listings of crypto companies.
Meanwhile, the report also provides a comprehensive summary of 2024, looking back on the key events that had a major impact on the crypto industry while summing up what HTX had achieved over the last year.
To learn more, please visit: https://square.htx.com/htx-2024-global-web3-blockchain-ecosystem-review-and-2025-outlook/
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, we harbor global capabilities that enable us to provide users with safe and reliable services.
Our growth strategy – “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance”, underpins our commitment to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.
Contact Details
Ruder Finn Asia
[email protected]
Company Website
https://www.htx.com
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2595311/image_838145_24282172.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2391903/image_ID__Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/htx-2025-outlook-five-sectors-to-look-forward-to-and-how-trumps-policy-will-affect-crypto-industry-302347870.html
BEIJING, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Professor JIN Zhao, Assistant Professor of Finance at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB), was honored with the Brattle Group Prize – Distinguished Papers at the 2025 American Finance Association (AFA) Annual Meeting held in San Francisco on January 5, 2025. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding papers on corporate finance published in the Journal of Finance, one of the discipline’s most esteemed academic journals. Professor Jin is the first scholar affiliated with a Chinese institution to receive this award since its inception in 1999. This achievement underscores the exceptional research capabilities and global impact of CKGSB’s faculty.
Professor Jin’s award-winning paper, “Artificial Intelligence, Education, and Entrepreneurship,” co-authored with Professor Michael Gofman from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, offers a novel perspective and rigorous methodology to examine the intricate connections between artificial intelligence (AI), education, entrepreneurship, and financing. The study highlights the negative impact of AI talent migration from academia to industry on education systems as well as the establishment and funding capabilities of entrepreneurial ventures. By addressing these challenges, the research provides valuable theoretical insights and policy recommendations to support the sustainable development of the global AI industry.
Professor Jin Zhao is an Assistant Professor of Finance at CKGSB. He joined CKGSB in 2020 after earning his PhD in Finance from the University of Rochester. His research, which focuses on entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and corporate finance, has been presented at prestigious institutions, such as Stanford University, and published in leading academic journals. His work has also garnered attention from prominent media outlets, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
About CKGSB
Established in Beijing in November 2002, CKGSB is China’s first privately-funded and research-driven business school. The school aims to cultivate transformative business leaders with a global vision, sense of social responsibility, innovative mindset, and ability to lead with empathy and compassion (https://english.ckgsb.edu.cn).
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ckgsb-professor-jin-zhao-becomes-first-chinese-business-school-scholar-to-win-afa-award-302347868.html
PORT VILA, Vanuatu, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Markets, a leading multi-asset trading platform, is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming iFX EXPO Dubai 2025, scheduled for January 14-16 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. As an Elite Sponsor, Vantage is poised to showcase its latest innovations and commitment to empowering traders worldwide.
In a recent exclusive interview, Souhail Fadlallah, Business Development Manager at Vantage, shared insights into the company’s objectives for the expo and the value it aims to deliver to attendees.
Fadlallah emphasized Vantage’s dedication to providing traders with tools and resources designed to enhance their trading experience. Attendees visiting Vantage’s booth can expect to discover the latest advancements in trading platforms, including features aimed at streamlining user experiences and optimizing performance.
Beyond technology, Vantage is committed to offering advanced educational resources. Fadlallah highlighted the company’s suite of learning tools that provide traders with valuable insights and training materials to sharpen their skills and achieve success in the financial markets. Additionally, Vantage’s robust affiliate and partner programs are designed to drive mutual growth and success, reflecting the company’s dedication to creating value for its partners.
For Vantage, participation in iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 is about more than showcasing its offerings; it’s about building trust and fostering meaningful connections. Fadlallah stated, “We want attendees to leave iFX EXPO Dubai with the clear message that Vantage is more than just a trading platform. We’re a partner deeply committed to innovation, transparency, and the success of all our clients.”
Vantage invites all attendees to visit their booth at the iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 to explore their offerings and engage with their team of experts. The event promises to be a hub of innovation, insights, and empowerment in trading.
For more information about Vantage and their participation in iFX EXPO Dubai 2025, visit Vantage Markets.
About Vantage
Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.
With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.
trade smarter @vantage
RISK WARNING: CFD trading carries significant risks. You could lose more than your initial investment.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2595278/Vantage_Showcase_Innovation_iFX_EXPO_Dubai_2025.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2506103/Vantage_15_Logo_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vantage-to-showcase-innovation-at-ifx-expo-dubai-2025-302347838.html
-
Fintech PR7 days agoBybit x Block Scholes Report: BTC Options Steady with Call-Put Parity, ETH Braces for Short-Term Volatility
-
Fintech PR7 days agoArtificial Intelligence (AI) in Trading Market to Reach USD 35 Billion by 2030, Growing at a 10% CAGR | Valuates Reports
-
Fintech3 days agoAsian Financial Forum held next week as the region’s first major international financial assembly of 2025
-
Fintech PR3 days agoOWIT Global Provides Alternative Delivery Models that Adapt to the Continuously Evolving Data Security Demands of the Industry
-
Fintech PR4 days agoHyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung Outlines 2025 Vision Driven by Commitment to Innovation, Overcoming Challenges, and Creating Opportunities in New Year’s Message
-
Fintech PR4 days agoZoomlion Accelerates Global Expansion with Localized Innovations in Saudi Arabia
-
Fintech PR5 days agoPayroll Service Market Anticipates Strong Growth Amid Rising Automation Demand
-
Fintech PR1 day agoClear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. to Sell its Europe-North Segment to a subsidiary of Bauer Media Group for $625 Million