Latest news with #SEA
Finextra
18 hours ago
- Business
- Finextra
Kasikornbank Bank's K Plus app integrates with Google Play
Google Play, Ant International's Antom and KASIKORNBANK today announced the launch of K PLUS as a new local payment method on Google Play, marking the first time that a SEA mobile banking app is made available as a payment option in the platform. 0 Google Play gives users one place to find, enjoy and share their favorite apps, games, books and more, for any Android device. K PLUS, operated by KASIKORNBANK, is one of SEA's most widely used mobile banking apps. Its 14 million users on Android devices will be able to pay for global and local digital content on Google Play using their everyday banking app. The rollout also marks the first time that Antom, the unified merchant payment service under Ant International, enables recurring payment capabilities on a banking app to support global enterprise merchants, building on its experience with digital wallets. Antom has been a strategic partner to Google Play in expanding payment options in Asia Pacific (APAC), and continues driving growth in both transaction volumes and user acquisitions With the K PLUS launch, Antom further strengthens its collaboration with Google Play, by adding digital wallets that serve millions of users in the region. Leveraging its AI-driven solutions for payment orchestration, risk management and digital marketing, Antom supports merchants to integrate over 300 payment methods across over 100 currencies in its extensive global acquiring network. The Asia Pacific region leads the world in digital payment adoption, accounting for nearly two-thirds of global digital wallet spend in 2024, according to a Deloitte report . In response to this growth, Antom has helped Google Play enable a growing list of leading payment options including DANA, GCash and Touch 'n Go eWallet since 2022. Google Play and Antom will continue to work together to increase local payment coverage and enhance payment experiences. Beyond payments, Antom also supports Google Play in launching digital campaigns through its A+ Rewards, an in-App digital marketing platform powered by privacy-preserving computing and AI technologies. Embedded within leading e-wallets across Asia, A+Rewards connects Google Play with hundreds of millions of e-wallet users. Over 2023 and 2024, consumers claimed over 20 million Google Play vouchers from A+Rewards on regional e-wallets. Over 14 million K PLUS users on Android devices will be able to make purchases on Google Play, directly through their everyday banking app. 'Google Play is committed to continuously providing the best experience for users and supporting the growth of the digital ecosystem for developers. We're excited to announce that Google Play now supports K PLUS as a new payment option in Thailand,' said Zulfi Rahardian, Head of Google Play Retail & Payments Activation, Southeast Asia.' With this launch, we hope Thai consumers can purchase games, apps, entertainment and digital content more easily through safe, fast, and seamless transactions.' 'At KASIKORNBANK, we are committed to continuously enhancing our digital payment infrastructure to offer our customers a seamless, fast, and secure financial experience. This collaboration with Google Play and Antom expands payment choices for Google Play users in Thailand, allowing them to pay directly for apps and digital content by linking their account with K PLUS. We are proud to be the first bank in Thailand and SEA to enable mobile banking payments on Google Play. Today, we have around 14 million K PLUS users on Android, and our goal is to have more than 1 million linked accounts by the end of 2025,' said Dr. Ketchayong Skowratananont, Executive Vice President of KASIKORNBANK
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
SEA urges CCPA, FSSAI to take action against 'misleading' social media claims on refined oils
The Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA) has urged the Central Consumer Protection Authority and food safety regulator FSSAI to take action against misleading content on refined edible oils circulating on social media platforms. In a letter written to CCPA and FSSAI, SEA said a viral video posted by the Instagram account @satvicmovement has been making "alarming and factually incorrect claims" about refined edible oils, labelling them as "chemical-laden" and "toxic". Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category "The video has gained widespread traction, creating confusion among consumers and casting unfounded doubts on the safety of refined edible oils, which form the majority of India's edible oil consumption," SEA said in a statement. The association warned that such misinformation threatens not only consumer confidence but also the livelihoods of farmers and the credibility of India's food safety ecosystem. It stressed the need to provide accurate, science-backed information to the public. To counter the viral video, the industry body has released a comprehensive explanatory note to clarify the scientific and regulatory realities of edible oil refining with evidence-based facts. Live Events SEA pointed out that about 85 per cent of India's edible oil consumption comes from refined oils such as palm, soybean, sunflower, rice bran, and cottonseed. These oils are processed under strict Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms and meet globally accepted Codex Alimentarius standards. The association defended the use of food-grade hexane , saying it is safe and regulated. Hexane is a food-grade solvent commonly used in oil extraction and is removed during processing, with final products meeting the FSSAI-prescribed limit of 5 ppm, which is within safe toxicological thresholds recognised globally. SEA also emphasised that refining is a scientifically necessary and approved process, essential to remove natural impurities and ensure safety, stability, and shelf life of edible oils. It said FSSAI regulations are strictly complied with for processes such as deodorisation. "Alarmist messages like those in the viral video pose broader risks to the agri-economy, potentially discouraging consumers, affecting oilseed farming, and damaging trust in a heavily regulated industry," the association said. PTI
Mint
4 days ago
- Health
- Mint
SEA urges CCPA, FSSAI to take action against misleading social media claims on refined oils
New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) The Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA) has urged the Central Consumer Protection Authority and food safety regulator FSSAI to take action against misleading content on refined edible oils circulating on social media platforms. In a letter written to CCPA and FSSAI, SEA said a viral video posted by the Instagram account @satvicmovement has been making "alarming and factually incorrect claims" about refined edible oils, labelling them as "chemical-laden" and "toxic". "The video has gained widespread traction, creating confusion among consumers and casting unfounded doubts on the safety of refined edible oils, which form the majority of India's edible oil consumption," SEA said in a statement. The association warned that such misinformation threatens not only consumer confidence but also the livelihoods of farmers and the credibility of India's food safety ecosystem. It stressed the need to provide accurate, science-backed information to the public. To counter the viral video, the industry body has released a comprehensive explanatory note to clarify the scientific and regulatory realities of edible oil refining with evidence-based facts. SEA pointed out that about 85 per cent of India's edible oil consumption comes from refined oils such as palm, soybean, sunflower, rice bran, and cottonseed. These oils are processed under strict Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms and meet globally accepted Codex Alimentarius standards. The association defended the use of food-grade hexane, saying it is safe and regulated. Hexane is a food-grade solvent commonly used in oil extraction and is removed during processing, with final products meeting the FSSAI-prescribed limit of 5 ppm, which is within safe toxicological thresholds recognised globally. SEA also emphasised that refining is a scientifically necessary and approved process, essential to remove natural impurities and ensure safety, stability, and shelf life of edible oils. It said FSSAI regulations are strictly complied with for processes such as deodorisation. "Alarmist messages like those in the viral video pose broader risks to the agri-economy, potentially discouraging consumers, affecting oilseed farming, and damaging trust in a heavily regulated industry," the association said.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
2025 SEA Games safety priority amid Thailand-Cambodia tensions
THE Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) will not compromise on the safety of the national contingent following the tense situation between Cambodia and Thailand, which is hosting the 2025 SEA Games. OCM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said that although the situation is worrying, he is confident a solution can be reached before the biennial Games begin in December. 'Firstly, we are a little concerned about the Thailand-Cambodia conflict. However, we hope a solution will be found by the time the SEA Games are held. 'So far, there has been no decision from the SEA Games Federation (SEAGF) and what we need to do is stay calm because we also know that Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair, the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) is striving to assist in resolving this crisis,' he said. He said this after attending the CSI1 Prime Minister's Cup, which also serves as an equestrian qualifying tournament for the 2025 SEA Games. Mohamad Norza said that with only a few more months left before the SEA Games are held in Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkla from Dec 9-20, the national athletes are continuing to train as usual, while the athlete selection process is also being carried out as scheduled. 'I am in contact with them (sports associations). No decision has been made yet, and I hope this issue can be resolved soonest possible so that everyone can focus on their preparations for the SEA Games. 'We pray that the tense situation (between Thailand and Cambodia) will not escalate. We always prioritise the interests, safety and welfare of our athletes and officials,' he said - BERNAMA
The Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
2025 SEA Games: OCM prioritises safety of athletes, officials
THE Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) will not compromise on the safety of the national contingent following the tense situation between Cambodia and Thailand, which is hosting the 2025 SEA Games. OCM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said that although the situation is worrying, he is confident a solution can be reached before the biennial Games begin in December. 'Firstly, we are a little concerned about the Thailand-Cambodia conflict. However, we hope a solution will be found by the time the SEA Games are held. 'So far, there has been no decision from the SEA Games Federation (SEAGF) and what we need to do is stay calm because we also know that Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair, the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) is striving to assist in resolving this crisis,' he said. He said this after attending the CSI1 Prime Minister's Cup, which also serves as an equestrian qualifying tournament for the 2025 SEA Games. Mohamad Norza said that with only a few more months left before the SEA Games are held in Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkla from Dec 9-20, the national athletes are continuing to train as usual, while the athlete selection process is also being carried out as scheduled. 'I am in contact with them (sports associations). No decision has been made yet, and I hope this issue can be resolved soonest possible so that everyone can focus on their preparations for the SEA Games. 'We pray that the tense situation (between Thailand and Cambodia) will not escalate. We always prioritise the interests, safety and welfare of our athletes and officials,' he said - BERNAMA
