Bybit, a cryptocurrency exchange, has stated that individuals from mainland China can use a VPN for trading but not with the Chinese currency, yuan. The CEO of Bybit, Ben Zhou, has also announced that the firm intends to reapply for a license in Hong Kong next year, despite the restrictions placed by regulators on selling cryptocurrencies to people from the mainland.

Bybit, originally a Chinese cryptocurrency exchange that has grown to be one of the largest globally in terms of trading volume, has indicated that users from mainland China can engage in trading on their platform through a virtual private network (VPN). However, trading in the Chinese currency, yuan, will not be permitted.

Earlier this year, Bybit revealed plans to permit mainland Chinese citizens to trade on their international platform. This decision was influenced by the high demand from users and the company's belief that the associated risks were manageable, according to CEO and co-founder Ben Zhou in a press conference on Tuesday. Despite this, the platform has no intention of accepting Chinese currency.

"Zhou stated that the Chinese government's primary issue with cryptocurrency is its potential to enable the movement of capital out of the country. He added that they have no plans to cross this boundary."

The company's intention behind the shift was to draw in the "foreign Chinese population", as stated by the firm earlier. However, Zhou pointed out on Tuesday that this also implies that those residing in mainland can participate in trading on the platform by using a VPN, which employs an IP address from a different region.

Despite expectations, Bybit hasn't observed a significant influx of new users from mainland China, says Zhou. This was anticipated due to the company's limitations on accepting yuan.

Alibaba is set to fund the Lunar Year Spring Festival Gala, aiming to target China's cost-conscious buyers. The online retail behemoth is supporting the globally most-viewed program, in an effort to rejuvenate its expansion amidst stiff rivalry and a decelerating economy.

A Moderna survey reveals a hesitancy among Hong Kong inhabitants to receive the most recent Covid-19 vaccine. Approximately 52% of those from Hong Kong surveyed expressed a readiness to take the new vaccine, a figure lower than the 58% in Singapore showing a similar willingness.

According to last week's published results, Moderna discovered that 52% of those surveyed in Hong Kong expressed readiness to receive the new vaccine once it's available. Meanwhile, 58% of the participants in Singapore showed a tendency to accept the most recent injection.

Moderna emphasized in its research the significance of receiving further vaccinations, however, the survey data suggests an increasing indifference, even as COVID-19 variants continue to mutate.

Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Moderna has been broadening its reach throughout Asia, encompassing Hong Kong and mainland China, in order to access the substantial healthcare industry in the region.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has introduced unique mortgage plans to assist individuals who purchased properties at the height of the market. A singular program has been implemented which raises the loan-to-value ratio of mortgage loans to 80% for those who invested in incomplete properties between 2021 and 2023.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has announced an increase in the maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for mortgage loans from 70% to 80% of a property's current value. This LTV ratio is used by banks to establish the required down payment and mortgage loan amount.

Eric Tso Tak-ming, the chief vice-president of mortgage broker mReferral, suggests that if banks had adhered to the 70% limit based on present home values, the mortgage loans of borrowers wouldn't have been enough to finalize their deals.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has announced plans to increase the highest permissible debt-servicing ratio (DSR) – the percentage of a borrower's monthly earnings allocated for paying off debts – from 50% to 60%. According to Tso, this move will enable a greater number of borrowers to become eligible for housing loans. He further estimated that approximately 4,000 house purchasers will take advantage of this revised scheme in the current and following year.

The Land Registry reports that from 2021 to 2023, 38,717 new properties were sold, with the majority being sold prior to their completion. As these houses are now finished, potential homeowners are required to secure mortgage loans to finalize their purchases. However, Tso highlights that many may find it difficult to gather the necessary funds for the down payment, largely as a result of the significant dip in housing prices.

The majority of projects initiated in 2021 have reached completion, indicating that this program is advantageous for those who purchased new residential properties in 2022 and 2023. The estimated transaction volume over these two years is close to 20,000. Yet, the actual number of participants could be less, as there were buyers who made complete payments and others who did not face financial obstacles, as stated by Sammy Po Siu-ming, the head of Midland Realty's residential sector.

According to CEOs, Hong Kong should focus on fostering insurance professionals to compete with Singapore and Dubai. Lawrence Lam, the Chief Executive Officer of Prudential in Hong Kong, emphasizes that data analysts' role in the sector has never been more crucial.

Executives have stated that Hong Kong needs to develop and cultivate its insurance industry talent to stay competitive with other financial hubs such as Singapore and Dubai, especially as businesses continue to move towards digitalisation.

HSBC's Global Insurance CEO, Edward Moncreiffe, suggested that the city should concentrate on enhancing its physical and digital foundations, regulatory framework, and linguistic abilities if it intends to preserve its status as an international finance hub.

This will guarantee that individuals with quality services can conduct business in Hong Kong more smoothly than in any other place," he stated at the Insurtech Insights Asia conference on Wednesday. "In a world where everything is digital, locations lose their significance."

Moncreiffe highlighted the significance of English, stating that while a large portion of HSBC's business comes from customers in mainland China, the bank also caters to clients from dozens of other countries in Hong Kong by drafting policies for them.

The two-day summit represents the biggest assembly of leading insurance professionals in the area.

Recent testing of bovhyaluronidase azoximer sparks optimism for individuals suffering from lung complications due to COVID-19

A latest clinical study centered around bovhyaluronidase azoximer (BA) has produced encouraging findings, suggesting it may serve as a possible therapy for lingering lung complications from COVID-19.

BA could potentially enhance patients' lung abilities and their tolerance to physical activity.

[This article's content was created by our promotional partner.]

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that long COVID, a condition affecting multiple body systems, occurs in about 10 to 20 percent of COVID-19 patients. The symptoms of this condition often consist of tiredness, difficulty in breathing, and an inability to tolerate physical activity.

One of the persistent effects of COVID, referred to as pulmonary sequelae, encompasses conditions like restrictive lung disease, breathing-related symptoms, and lung imaging irregularities similar to pulmonary fibrosis. These lung-related consequences of COVID-19 have the potential to linger for months or even years.

Up to this point, the WHO has not released any medical treatment advice for lung complications following COVID.

Despite this, recent research has ignited optimism. The study, named "Bovhyaluronidase azoximer for long-term pulmonary sequelae of COVID-19: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial," concluded with results that hint at a promising path for additional exploration of BA in addressing lung complications and possibly extended effects of COVID-19.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays a role in the disease progression of lung-related conditions. BA, an enzyme linked to a polymer, is responsible for breaking down HA.

The recent testing of bovhyaluronidase azoximer sparks optimism for individuals dealing with lung complications from long COVID-19.

The latest clinical research on bovhyaluronidase azoximer (BA) has shown encouraging outcomes for its possible use as a treatment for prolonged COVID-related lung complications.

The potential advantages of BA could be enhancing patients' lung abilities and their endurance during physical exertion.

[This article's content has been created by our promotional partner.]

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, often referred to as long COVID, is a complex condition affecting multiple body systems. It is reported to occur in about 10 to 20 percent of individuals who have had COVID-19. The symptoms of this condition

Long-term effects of COVID, also referred to as pulmonary sequelae, incorporate conditions like restrictive lung disease, breathing issues, and lung-related abnormalities similar to pulmonary fibrosis. This aftermath of COVID-19 has the potential to persist for months or even years.

Until now, the WHO has not released any medical treatment advice for lung complications following COVID-19.

Despite this, recent research has brought about encouraging results. The study, named "Bovhyaluronidase azoximer for long-term lung complications of COVID-19: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial," has ended with conclusions that provide a promising pathway for more in-depth exploration of BA’s role in the treatment of lung complications, and potentially long-term effects of COVID-19.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays a role in the disease progression of lung-related conditions. BA, an enzyme linked to a polymer, is responsible for breaking down HA.

The recent testing of bovhyaluronidase azoximer offers new possibilities for individuals suffering from lingering COVID-19 lung complications. The latest clinical trial studying bovhyaluronidase azoximer (BA) has shown encouraging findings for its use as a potential remedy for long-term COVID-19 lung aftereffects. The potential advantages of BA could be enhancing lung functionality and exercise capacity in patients. [This article's content was provided by our promotional partner.]

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that long COVID is a condition affecting multiple systems in the body, which occurs in 10 to 20 percent of individuals who have had COVID-19. The symptoms of this condition encompass tiredness, difficulty breathing, and an inability to tolerate physical activity.

A persistent symptom of long COVID, referred to as pulmonary sequelae, encompasses restrictive lung conditions, breathing issues, and lung imaging irregularities similar to pulmonary fibrosis. These after-effects of COVID-19 on the lungs can persist for several months, and in some cases, even years.

Up until now, the WHO has yet to release any medical treatment protocols for lung complications following COVID.

Despite this, a new study has sparked optimism. The clinical trial, named "Bovhyaluronidase azoximer for long-term pulmonary sequelae of COVID-19: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial," has ended with results that indicate a promising path for more in-depth exploration of BA in the treatment of pulmonary sequelae and possibly even long COVID overall.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays a role in the disease process of lung complications. BA, an enzyme connected to a polymer, is responsible for breaking down HA.

Recent testing of bovhyaluronidase azoximer sparks optimism for individuals with lung complications from COVID-19

A fresh clinical study centered on bovhyaluronidase azoximer (BA) has produced encouraging outcomes for its potential use in treating persistent lung complications from COVID-19.

BA's potential advantages could involve enhancing patients' lung capacities and their endurance for physical activity.

[This article's content was created by our promotional partner.]

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that long COVID, a condition affecting multiple body systems, is seen in about 10 to 20 percent of individuals who have had COVID-19. The condition is characterized by symptoms such as tiredness, difficulty breathing, and an inability to tolerate physical activity.

A lingering symptom of long COVID, referred to as pulmonary sequelae, encompasses restrictive lung disease, breathing issues, and lung abnormalities that mirror pulmonary fibrosis. The pulmonary aftereffects of COVID-19 can persist for several months or even years.

As of now, the World Health Organization has not yet released any medical treatment recommendations for post-COVID lung complications.

Despite this, a new study has sparked optimism. The clinical trial, named "Bovhyaluronidase azoximer for extended lung aftereffects of COVID-19: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial," ended with results that point towards a promising path for additional exploration of BA in treating lung aftereffects and potentially long-term effects of COVID in general.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays a role in the disease progression of lung-related conditions. BA, an enzyme linked to a polymer, is responsible for breaking down HA.

Viewpoint | There's a lack of financial and policy support in Southeast Asia's energy shift

The majority of required funding will have to be sourced from private investment, necessitating a favorable climate that can be established by regulatory policies.

During the Cop29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, industrialized countries pledged to supply a minimum of US$300 billion each year by 2035 to aid developing countries. The Asian Development Bank states that Southeast Asia alone requires US$210 billion per year until 2030 to satisfy its energy transformation demands.

The International Energy Agency has reported a decrease in carbon emissions in numerous developed countries since 2007, despite an increase in their gross domestic product. This distinct separation between GDP and emissions is not as pronounced in developing countries, yet it is still evident. For example, China's economy has grown 14-fold since 1990, while its emissions have only increased five-fold. Similar trends are observed in Africa and Latin America where economic growth and emissions are moving in opposite directions.

Regrettably, in Southeast Asia, there has been a near-identical rise in both GDP and emissions.

Opinion | While Trump frets over improbable 'Brics currency', China needs to communicate more with the US regarding finances

Trump's warning of tariffs against a currency that probably won't come into existence underscores the powerful influence the dollar holds in emerging economies.

The countries that make up Brics – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with some new additions to the group – are not exactly forming a fiscal coalition. The thought of them establishing a shared currency to challenge the U.S. dollar is merely a pipe dream. Even though Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, has toyed with this concept by displaying a vibrant Brics banknote at a recent summit in Kazan this year, he was prompt in stating that the group has no plans to introduce a new currency.

The member nations are bound by a common dissatisfaction with the global order dominated by the US and a perception that their opinions are not given due importance. However, the coalition falls short in terms of powerful institutions or abilities.

The New Development Bank, originally known as the Brics Development Bank and located in Shanghai, is not expected to take on the responsibilities of a central bank. The organization's yearly summit presents an opportunity for national leaders to network and make notable political statements, though it doesn't offer much beyond that.

Even though there's a hint of bitterness towards US dominance, the term Bric was initially introduced by the American financial institution Goldman Sachs. The abbreviation was created by the British economist Jim O’Neill to educate his clients about trading and investment trends, similar to the Pigs label for Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain amid the European debt crisis.

The phrase Bric began to hold political significance following the G8 summit in Japan in 2008. There's an unverified account that Japan gave preference to G8 members, treating them as honored guests, while the five invited nations – China, Brazil, Mexico, India, and South Africa – were considered less important. The G8+5 global governance model was soon replaced with a more balanced and inclusive G20. Following this, the Bric nations began to form a bond. The inaugural Bric summit took place in 2009, and in 2010, South Africa joined, leading to the addition of the "S" in the acronym.

The CEO of New World, Huang, faces the challenging task of organizing the operations of the Hong Kong developer. Despite having a strong track record within the company, analysts suggest she must still convince investors of her suitability for the role.

The surprising selection of Echo Huang Shaomei as the latest CEO of New World Development (NWD) has sparked doubts regarding her suitability to guide one of Hong Kong's heavily indebted developers out of its current predicament.

Experts express significant skepticism regarding the current circumstances of NWD, including the leadership history of Huang and issues of NWD's corporate governance. They also raise concerns about non-essential asset sales and the insufficient information given about the most recent changes in management.

"Recent modifications might provoke apprehensions in the market regarding NWD's corporate governance," stated Raymond Cheng, the managing director at CGS International Securities Hong Kong. He further noted that this turbulence could potentially lead to a decline in its stock value in the upcoming period.

Cheng expressed that the shift in leadership might enable NWD to enhance its operations in mainland China. However, Huang's absence of prior experience in Hong Kong's real estate industry could potentially be a disadvantage.

Huang must prove and persuade the investor community that she is the appropriate individual to guide the company, he stated.