Latest news with #ACET
Bangkok Post
17 hours ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Acme Worawat, ACT Warriors donate demining robots
Mr. Worawat Narknawdee, a renowned businessman and investor also known as Acme, announced via his Facebook page 'Acme Traderist – Worawat Narknawdee' his plan to join forces with hundreds of thousands of ACT Warriors in the procurement and donation of the 'DOK-ING MV-4 Remote Controlled Mine Clearance System' from Croatia, valued at over 100 million baht, for aiding the Royal Thai Armed Forces in demining operations on the Thai-Cambodian border. He also tagged the official Facebook page of the Royal Thai Army in the post, stating: 'This initiative is not the procurement of weapons for warfare, but the prevention of casualties caused by landmines still present in many parts of Thailand. The 'DOK-ING MV-4 Remote Controlled Mine Clearance System' is a remotely operated demining robot capable of clearing at a speed of 3–5 km/h, controllable from a distance of up to 1,500 metres. It is resistant to explosions and harsh environmental conditions, with a service life of 10–15 years. Its dimensions are well-suited to Thailand's geography, allowing continuous operation in high-risk areas and serving as a shield for soldiers engaged in dangerous frontline missions.' 'Although the procurement involves complex procedures — including compliance with legal requirements, liaison with the Croatian manufacturer, verification of its use for military donation rather than for commercial purposes, coordination with the Royal Thai Army and security agencies, and the acquisition of import permits under the Arms Control Act — I and the ACT Warriors, as ordinary citizens, will make every possible effort to secure this equipment and deliver it to the Royal Thai Army. The intention is to provide a tool for mine clearance that spares our personnel from risking their lives, and to restore those areas as 'safe zones' where Thais can resume their lives in peace and normality.' Mr. Acme Worawat further stated. Acme Worawat is a prominent Thai businessman, investor, and cryptocurrency billionaire, widely recognised as one of Asia's foremost Bitcoin holders with a portfolio of over 11,000 BTC. He is the founder of ACT (ACET), regarded as Thailand's leading home-grown digital currency. Now in its fourth year, the currency has a total trading volume exceeding $506 million (approximately 18 billion baht) and has over 164,000 holders worldwide. In 2024, he marked a significant philanthropic milestone by organising the 'Acme Vampire Day III', during which thousands of ACT (ACET) holders collectively donated 1 million cubic centimetres of blood and contributed 1 million baht to the Thai Red Cross Society. In addition, Mr. Acme Worawat has been a vocal advocate for integrating Bitcoin into the country's national reserve. He has also made headlines with a proposal to offer interest-free Bitcoin loans to the Thai government. The initiative to donate a 'Remote-Controlled Mine Clearance System' marks a significant civilian-led effort to support the Royal Thai Army. Spearheaded by investor Acme Worawat together with the ACT Warriors community, the project highlights a powerful demonstration of public support for the Royal Thai Armed Forces. Although the equipment is valued at over 100 million baht, Acme reaffirmed that 'Thailand deserves this, not to wage war, but to prevent the loss of life and to affirm that the life of every Thai citizen is far too valuable to be taken by landmine. There will be no public fundraising. Please be wary of anyone making such claims.'
Zawya
11-08-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Briefing Highlights: How the African Development Fund is Financing Africa's Future in a Shifting Global Landscape
The African Development Fund, the African Development Bank Group's ( concessional financing arm, was the focus of a special edition of the African Transformation Briefing co-hosted by the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) and the Global Strategic Communications Council. Moderated by ACET Communications Manager Belinda Ayamgha, the session was held virtually on 29 July 2025. The media-focused event convened development partners, journalists, and policymakers for an in-depth conversation on the Fund's role in financing economic transformation across 37 low-income African countries, nearly half of which are classified as fragile states. Valerie Dabady, Manager of Resource Mobilization and Partnerships at the African Development Bank, delivered a keynote presentation outlining the Fund's catalytic impact, financing structure, and evolving strategic direction. She underscored the Fund's ability to channel investments in areas such as climate resilience and regional integration through concessional resources tailored to country-specific needs and highlighted plans to expand its resource base. 'With 37 member countries and over $45 billion in investments since inception, the African Development Fund is a cornerstone of Africa's development financing architecture,' Dabady said. 'As we look toward the future, innovations like market borrowing and expanded donor engagement will be critical to increasing our impact.' The briefing also featured a country perspective from Joseph Chanda, Assistant Director for Economic Management and Planning in Zambia's Ministry of Finance. Chanda highlighted how Zambia is leveraging African Development Fund resources to accelerate infrastructure development, build climate resilience, and deepen regional integration. 'ADF financing has played a transformative role in Zambia,' he noted. 'By allocating just 10% of our national resources to the Lobito Corridor, we were able to leverage over $330 million in regional window co-financing. These are the types of investments that build real economies and regional prosperity.' The Lobito Corridor, a strategic rail and road project connecting Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia, is among the largest regional integration initiatives currently under preparation with support from the African Development Fund. With a $500 million commitment, the Fund is helping to finance and de-risk the project, which is expected to catalyze investment in logistics, agriculture, and mining, particularly in critical minerals vital to the global energy transition. Chanda also referenced the Kazungula Bridge Project, a regional integration initiative co-financed by the Fund with an investment of $68 million. Completed in 2021, the 923-meter-long bridge spans the Zambezi River, connecting Zambia and Botswana and replacing a long-standing ferry service. The project also includes One-Stop Border Posts on both sides of the bridge, significantly streamlining customs procedures and reducing transit times along the North–South Corridor. It supports intra-African trade, enhances regional logistics efficiency, and has become a key node for trade between Southern and Central Africa. Participants raised questions on donor engagement, capital market access, and the future structure of the Fund. Dabady reaffirmed the Bank's ongoing efforts to attract non-traditional partners and finalize approvals that would enable the Fund to access capital markets. 'The ADF has long flown under the radar,' she said. 'But this is a pivotal moment to raise its profile, demonstrate impact, and unlock greater investment for Africa's most pressing priorities.' The session concluded with a call to action from Kerezhi Sebany, Africa Director for Economic Opportunities at the ONE Campaign. 'We must shine a light on the African Development Fund,' she said. 'When people know what the Fund is and what it delivers, it fosters transparency, trust, and partnership. Now is the time to tell the ADF story and tell it boldly.' The African Development Fund is currently undergoing its 17th replenishment cycle (ADF-17). The next consultative meeting with development partner representatives will be held virtually on 18-19 September 2025. This will be followed by a meeting in Lusaka, Zambia in October, where Zambia government representatives will share results and country-level experiences. The final pledging session for ADF-17 is scheduled for December 2025. Watch the briefing: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Montgomery College recieves grant for program helping displaced federal workers transition to teaching
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. () – The Maryland Higher Education Commission is providing $1 million to 11 colleges and universities across the state. Montgomery College is one of the grantees and will receive $100,000 for its newly expanded 'Feds to Eds' teaching program. Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced the funding Tuesday at Montgomery College's Rockville Campus. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, who was also in attendance, said the goal is 'pretty straightforward and pretty smart.' LOOK: Caps off to the 2025 grads! Check out our viewers' proud accomplishments 'Take people who have been displaced by recent federal job cuts, including employees, contractors, NGO staff and vendors, and help them become teachers,' Elrich explained. In addition to helping federal workers, the grant is meant to address an issue in Maryland classrooms. 'Like most jurisdictions, Montgomery County is facing a teacher shortage, and the governor made a compelling case that we need to move faster to get qualified people into our classrooms, and I agree,' he said. Montgomery College will put the $100,000 it's receiving toward the Alternative Certification for Effective Teachers (ACET), its Feds to Eds program. The funding will support the effort to transition people with professional experience into the classroom, where students can benefit from that experience. Elrich sees it as a win for displaced workers and children. 'I know the people coming from federal agencies, nonprofits and tech fields have a lot to offer,' he said. 'They understand systems, communication and they understand real-world problem-solving. These skills can absolutely enrich the learning experience for our students.' Montgomery College says the funding will help support as many as 18 people who are looking to transition into full-time teaching. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Acme Worawat Named "Most Influential Person in Blockchain & Crypto 2025" at the Middle East Blockchain Awards
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / ACCESS Newswire / May 15, 2025 / In recognising the leadership and impact in emerging technologies, Acme Worawat was presented with the award of 'Most Influential Person in Blockchain & Crypto 2025" at the prestigious Middle East Blockchain Awards (MEBA). Held at the iconic Burj Al Arab in Dubai, the ceremony brought together leaders shaping the future of Web3, artificial intelligence, and decentralized finance. Among other high-profile awards, OKX received the title of 'Most Powerful Centralized Exchange (CEX) 2025", underscoring its global influence in the crypto market. The MEBA 2025 judging panel included: Additional judges from across the blockchain, fintech, and AI sectors also took part, reflecting the region's commitment to advancing frontier technologies. About Acme Worawat Acme Worawat, also known as Worawat Narknawdee, is a Thai entrepreneur and self-made billionaire recognized as a pioneer in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors. He began mining Bitcoin in 2012 and has since become one of Asia's largest Bitcoin holders, with a portfolio exceeding 11,000 BTC. Acme Worawat is the founder of ACET ($ACT), a digital currency with over 159,277 holders and a trading volume surpassing $469 million. Acme is also the founder of Traderist, an organization dedicated to providing free financial education and life skills to empower individuals globally. Upon receiving the award, Acme Worawat stated: 'I am deeply honored to receive this award, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the community for believing in me and supprt for me. This recognition doesn't belong to me alone-it belongs to the entire ecosystem of builders, thinkers, and believers who are shaping the decentralized future together. I'm humbled to stand among so many pioneers and inspired every day by the passion of this community. The Middle East is rising as a global force in Blockchain and Crypto, and this is only the beginning. ACT is the people.' The Middle East Blockchain Awards continues to position United Arab Emirates as a global hub for digital asset innovation, convening investors, developers, and visionaries driving the next phase of technological transformation. Social Channels X (Twitter): Facebook: Telegram: Media Contact Brand: ACET Contact: Corporate Communication Division Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Acme Worawat press release
Khaleej Times
27-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
ACET (ACT) signs MoU with Saif Belhasa Holding to pave way for blockchain-powered finance in the UAE
ACET (ACT), a leading global blockchain-driven digital asset, has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saif Belhasa Holding (SBH), one of the most influential business conglomerates in the Middle East and UAE. This collaboration is set to transform the region's digital economy by integrating ACET (ACT) into various industries within the SBH ecosystem. The agreement marks a new era for both companies, bringing ACET (ACT) into a diverse range of sectors, including real estate, automotive, retail, hospitality, and finance. SBH, led by Dr Saif Ahmad Belhasa, is a powerhouse with a valuation of over $5 billion and a portfolio of over 50 subsidiaries across key industries. Strategic Partnership with Multi-Billion-Dollar Impact The MOU outlines a three-year roadmap to integrate ACET (ACT) as a key financial instrument within SBH's operations, with specific focus on the following areas: Real Estate: ACET (ACT) will enable luxury real estate transactions, with plans for NFT-based property tokenisation for fractional ownership. Automotive: SBH's luxury dealerships will accept ACET (ACT) for vehicle purchases and leases, complemented by crypto-backed financing options. Retail & Hospitality: Token holders will be able to use ACET (ACT) in SBH-affiliated malls, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses, unlocking exclusive VIP perks and discounts. Financial Services: ACET (ACT) will be used in blockchain-powered financial products, such as staking, lending, and investment funds aimed at institutional investors and family offices. Smart Contracts & AI Integration: The cryptocurrency will be embedded within SBH's financial infrastructure, enabling seamless transactions and automated business processes. Institutional Expansion & Government Collaboration: The partnership aims to align with UAE's financial regulations and work with authorities like Dubai's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Statements from Industry Leaders Acme Worawat, founder of ACET (ACT), highlighted the global significance of this deal: "By integrating ACET (ACT) into SBH's vast network, we are taking a giant step toward mainstream crypto adoption. The Middle East is poised to become a hub for blockchain-powered financial solutions, and this partnership positions ACET (ACT) at the forefront of that transformation." Dr Saif Ahmad Belhasa, chairman and founder of SBH, said: "This partnership with ACET (ACT) is a bold leap forward into blockchain finance. We are excited to integrate this cutting-edge digital asset into our business operations, positioning SBH as a leader in digital payments and contributing to the growth of the UAE's blockchain ecosystem."
