KDDI Company(Headquarters: Minato Ward, Tokyo, CEO: Hiromichi Matsuda, hereafter “KDDI”) and East Japan Railway Company(Headquarters: Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, CEO: Yoichi Kise, hereafter “JR East”)  will provide “povo Data Oasis” for a limited time starting December 11, 2025, for customers using the eSIM service “Japan SIM” intended for inbound overseas travelers. The service will be available at designated JR East stations.

 

“povo Data Oasis” is a program that allows users to receive data usable on povo2.0 at no additional cost by accessing a special website from their smartphones at specific locations. For Japan SIM users, 0.5GB per day and up to 5GB per month (10 sessions total) will be provided at eligible JR East stations.

Japan SIM can also be purchased through a dedicated link within JR East’s “Welcome Suica Mobile” app (hereafter “the app”), which is offered to inbound visitors. Through the provision of this service, the companies aim to support each visitor in enjoying a comfortable and fulfilling stay in Japan.

【Data Amount (Validity Period)】
0.5GB (24 hours) per session

【Usage Limit】
Once per day / 10 times per month

【Service Period】
December 11, 2025 – February 28, 2026

Service details: https://povo.jp/japan-sim/service/povo_data_oasis/ 

◾️Eligible Users

Customers using Japan SIM.

◾️Eligible JR East Stations for Campaign

Akita, Aomori, Echigo-Yuzawa, Fukushima, GALA Yuzawa, Iiyama, Kamakura, Karuizawa, Mito, Morioka, Nagano, Narit Airport Terminal 1, Narita Airport Terminal2・3, Niigata, Otsuki, Sendai, Shinjuku, Takanawa Gateway, Tokyo, Utsunomiya, Yamagata

*GALA Yuzawa Station will open on December 13, 2025 this year.

*Service may not be available depending on the user’s location at the time of charging, communication conditions, or the device’s location information settings.

◾️How to Use

Users can receive data by accessing the special website from their smartphone at an eligible station.

◾️About “Japan SIM”

Japan SIM is a service for inbound visitors provided by povo2.0. Japan SIM uses the same reliable au network as povo2.0, enabling access to au’s high-speed 5G network. Customers can select from a total of 10 topping options, including fixed-data plans and unlimited-use plans, according to individual needs.

Japan SIM details: https://povo.jp/japan-sim/en/agreement/

◾️About “povo Data Oasis”

A program provided by povo2.0 that allows users to receive data at no cost. It can be used simply by accessing the special website from a smartphone at specific locations.

◾️About “Welcome Suica Mobile”

An app provided by East Japan Railway Company that allows users to issue and charge Suica entirely through the app before and after entering Japan, without stopping by station counters or ticket machines. It can be used for transportation—including trains and buses—as well as for shopping.

Welcome Suica Mobile website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/welcomesuicamobile/ 

*Using a smartphone while walking is dangerous. Please stop in a safe place when using your device.

*Company names and product names are generally trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Information in this release is current as of the date of announcement.

About KDDI Digital Life Corporation

Our company was established in November 2020 with the ambition of pioneering a new future for mobile communications. Since September of the following year, we have been operating povo 2.0, the third mobile brand under KDDI, following au and UQ. Our vision is to enrich our customers’ lifestyles by delivering innovative and forward-thinking communication services.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Bitget appoints Ignacio Aguirre Franco as new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) to lead global expansion

  

Bitget, one of the world’s leading Web3 companies, recently announced the appointment of Ignacio Aguirre Franco as its newly minted Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). 

Ignacio has over fifteen years of experience in the fields of technology, fintech, and blockchain, and has held senior positions at internationally renowned companies such as Adobe, SAP, Scorechain, and Xapo Bank. These experiences have positioned him as an expert in global brand operations, digital transformation, and user growth.

“Ignacio brings a mix of technical fluency and creative vision, which aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Gracy Chen, Bitget CEO, in a statement welcoming Ignacio’s appointment. “His direction will influence how we link innovation, culture, and community globally as Bitget develops into a true Universal Exchange (UEX).”

Ignacio’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Bitget, a company advancing its vision as a UEX. To achieve this goal, he as CMO will be tasked to drive the seamless integration of CeFi, DeFi, and TradFi ecosystems to create a diversified financial ecosystem that enables “one-stop access to global assets.”

“For too long, finance has been a fractured landscape; my mission at Bitget is to dismantle those old barriers,” Ignacio Aguirre Franco, Bitget CMO, said in his letter.

“We’ve already built a powerhouse for over 120 million people, and my core mission as CMO is to take that to 150 million and beyond, aiming toward the bold goal of reaching the next billion users by 2030,” he added. 

More than just leading the brand’s global marketing initiatives, Ignacio will be focusing on enhancing product storytelling and driving mass adoption of Bitget’s key innovative products, including Onchain, GetAgent, and Stock Futures. 

His approach will simplify complex and technical products while injecting creativity, positioning Bitget as both a financial and cultural platform for the next generation of users.

“To achieve this, we will focus on building value. I will ensure that the story of the UEX and the blueprint for the future of finance, resonates with billions of people across the globe—making secure access to crypto and RWA a reality for every person,” Ignacio stressed. 

These efforts will provide key momentum for the company to achieve its goal of surpassing 150 million users by 2026.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

HELP University and Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort Sdn Bhd Sign Landmark Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Education, Training, and Research

  

December 8, 2025, Kuala Lumpur, HELP University today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort Sdn Bhd, marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration to strengthen educational, professional, and research initiatives for communities in Sarawak. The ceremony took place at HELP University on 8 December 2025 and was officiated by senior representatives from both institutions.

The MoU was signed by HELP University and Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort Sdn Bhd, represented by its Chairman and Founder, Dato’ Dr Yong Fook Heng, who is also a distinguished DBA graduate of HELP University via the APEL.Q track. The agreement represents a shared commitment to enhancing human capital development through a wide range of academic and professional training activities.

Under this collaboration, HELP University and Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort Sdn Bhd will jointly develop and deliver executive education programmes and professional training,s, staff development initiatives, collaborative research projects and other mutually beneficial education and industry driven activities. The partnership aims to offer high-quality and industry learning opportunities for   professionals, educators, and communities throughout the region.

Dato’ Dr Yong expressed strong confidence in the transformative impact of the partnership,  noting its relevance not only for Sarawak but for wider regional impact in the years to come.. He highlighted that the collaboration will play a crucial role in elevating educational access and training quality, especially in Kuching, Serian, and the Samarahan area. He added that Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort’s strategic location between Kuching and Serian positions it as an ideal hub for educational outreach, community development, and industry-relevant training programs.

According to Prof. Dr. Andy Liew, Vice-Chancellor of HELP University, “This partnership is not just about training in hospitality, agro-industry, or digital skills. It is about offering opportunity, renewal, and hope to individuals who are seeking a second chance. At HELP, we believe that education must touch lives, uplift communities, and restore dignity. This collaboration allows us to put that belief into meaningful action”.

“This MoU marks an important milestone for both HELP University and Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort,” said Dato’ Dr Yong. “Through this partnership, we aim to bring new opportunities in executive education, research, and professional development to the people of Sarawak. Our goal is to empower local communities and industries with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive and innovative environment.”

HELP University representatives echoed this sentiment, emphasising the institution’s ongoing mission to provide world-class education and expand its footprint in East Malaysia. The collaboration will allow HELP University to strengthen its engagement with local industries, support workforce upskilling, and generate meaningful research outcomes that contributes to both economic development and social advancement.

This partnership reflects HELP University’s broader strategy to foster industry-academic linkages that create real-world impact. By working closely with a dynamic organisation such as Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort known for its innovative aquaculture practices and contribution to the sustainable farming ecosystem— HELP University seeks to build bridges between academic expertise and evolving industry needs.

The ceremony concluded with both parties expressing optimism for long-term collaboration, with plans to begin programme development and joint activities in the coming months.

About HELP University

HELP University was founded in 1986, and it has developed into a leading institution of higher learning in Malaysia. HELP University offers a wide range of social science, and humanities programmes, and is renowned for its psychology, accounting, business, law, education, and IT programmes. The university has embarked on a transformation journey to become the Analytics-Driven Entrepreneurial University. In 2019, HELP University was awarded the Premier Digital Tech Institution (PDTI) status by the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) for being a leading digital tech-focused institution that produces high quality graduates for the workforce. In 2020 it was awarded an overall 5 Stars rating by the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) an annual publication of university rankings. QS also awarded 5 Stars to HELP for the following categories: Teaching, Employability, Academic Development, Internationalisation, Facilities, Social Responsiveness, Inclusiveness, and Business and Management Studies (MBA). In 2021, HELP University was ranked No 1 among 650 universities in Asia for Outbound Student Exchange programmes by QS Rankings World University Ranking: Asia 2021. Besides standing as MDEC’s Premier Digital Tech Institution, HELP University was rated BERDAYA SAING (Competitive), the highest category, by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia in 2022, and awarded the Employers’ Choice of University by Talenbank in 2024 and 2025. In 2025, HELP ranked 46th globally in the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) rankings for Visionary Leadership, recognising its innovation and governance impact. Designated in 2025 by the International Council for Small Business and the Mayor’s Office of Jinju, South Korea, HELP now serves as a global centre for humane entrepreneurship. Rooted in ethics, dignity, and sustainability, this model redefines business success. Visit https://university.help.edu.my for more information on HELP University.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

Villar Foundation Receives DENR Green Legacy Award

 

 The Villar Foundation was recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with the Green Legacy Award for its outstanding commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

The award was presented during the Green Legacy Awards 2025 in Quezon City, held under the theme “Greenerships: Building a Sustainable NCR Together.” The event honored institutions and partners that have significantly contributed to environmental preservation and ecological balance.

In its citation, the DENR highlighted the foundation’s long-running environmental programs, including river rehabilitation efforts, waste reduction initiatives, and extensive environmental education campaigns in communities and schools.

Former Senator Cynthia Villar, Managing Director of the foundation, expressed appreciation for the DENR’s acknowledgment of their work.

“We are honored by this award. Sustainability has always been central to our advocacy. Protecting the environment secures the future of every Filipino family,” Villar said.

Villar has led numerous environmental projects in Las Piñas, including the rehabilitation of the Las Piñas-Zapote River, the Waterlily Weaving Project, the Coco Coir and Coco Peat Enterprise, organic composting programs, and the production of school chairs from recycled plastic waste. She has also championed the conservation of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park, a RAMSAR list ecosystem and legislated protected area of Metro Manila.

DENR officials praised Villar Foundation for its “consistent, innovative, and people-centered approach to environmental management.”

The award reaffirms the Villar Foundation’s commitment to expanding its sustainability initiatives and strengthening partnerships with government agencies, schools, and community organizations nationwide.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES