Lotte World Unveils Theme Park Maps in Metaverse Platform The Sandbox

Korea’s ABB Joins Hands with Vietnam’s DTS Group for Web3 DevelopmentSouth Korean Web3 consulting firm ABB announced Monday that it has signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding (MOU) with DTS Group, one of the fastest-growing companies in Vietnam.The agreement was signed at the 20th World Web 3.0 NFT META Marvels Bangkok 2023 conference held in the Thai capital last Friday, with ABB’s CEO, Jung Joo-pil, and DTS Group’s Chairman, Truong Gia Bao, in attendance.Photo by Shubham Dhage on UnsplashFostering Web3 innovation and diplomatic tiesThis collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to the development of Web3 in both Korea and Vietnam. They will start by discovering and investing in promising blockchain startups and expand into more diverse business areas, then further enhance their cooperation in Web3 technology development and promotional marketing in the future.About ABB and DTS GroupABB is primarily engaged in consulting, promotional marketing, and fundraising for blockchain-related projects. It is widely known as the publisher of the Korean blockchain monthly magazine Blockchain Today, through which it contributes to the growth of the Korean blockchain industry.DTS Group, on the other hand, is one of the fastest-growing firms in Vietnam and operates via four main subsidiaries, including DTS Foundation, which focuses on the incubation of blockchain startups; DTS Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in blockchain startups; DTS Media, which engages in marketing and event organization; and Mira Blockchain Center, which focuses on the development and support of blockchain and AI technologies.

Philippines breaks new ground in first-ever tokenized bonds saleThe Philippines is set to offer the country’s first tokenized treasury bonds, a novel way of issuing debt securities using blockchain technology.Photo by Mara Rivera on Unsplash$179 million tokenized bond issuanceAccording to a report by Bloomberg on Thursday, the Bureau of the Treasury announced that it will issue 10 billion pesos ($179 million) of one-year tokenized bonds next Monday after canceling the conventional auction scheduled for the same day. The bonds will be issued by the Development Bank of the Philippines, a state-owned entity, together with the Land Bank of the Philippines.The tokenized bonds will be sold to institutional investors at a minimum denomination of 10 million pesos, with increments of 1 million pesos. The bonds will have a one-year validity, maturing in November 2024. The treasury bond interest rate has yet to be determined and will be confirmed on the date of issuance.Deputy Treasurer Erwin Sta said that the government is exploring the potential of tokenizing real-world assets and bonds and will “continue to study the technology and test how far we can take it.”Tokenization is the process of converting physical or digital assets into digital tokens that can be stored, transferred and traded on a blockchain network. Tokenization can offer several benefits, such as lower costs, faster transactions, greater transparency and enhanced security.Asian surge in tokenizationThe Philippines is not the only Asian country that is experimenting with tokenized bonds. This latest bond tokenization project follows hot on the heels of a similar move in Singapore. Earlier this week, British banking conglomerate Standard Chartered, through its Singapore-based fintech investment subsidiary SC Ventures, unveiled a new platform called Libeara. Libeara is gearing up to offer the first-ever tokenized Singapore-dollar government bond fund.In February, Hong Kong issued $100 million of tokenized green bonds under its Green Bond Programme, using Goldman Sachs’ tokenization protocol. The tokenized green bonds, a first-of-its-kind issuance, have a one-year validity and aim to support environmental projects in the region.Authorities in Singapore have also launched a series of pilots on tokenizing real-world assets in collaboration with JPMorgan, DBS Bank, BNY Mellon and Apollo, an investment firm. The pilots will test the feasibility and efficiency of tokenizing assets such as equities, bonds and funds. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) partnered with HSBC to conduct the tokenization of bonds as well.The tokenization of real-world assets is not limited to Asia. Israel’s Tel Aviv stock exchange completed a proof-of-concept for tokenizing fiat and government bonds, demonstrating the potential of blockchain technology to transform the capital markets.The tokenization of real-world assets using blockchain technology is a growing trend among governments and financial institutions. According to the Boston Consulting Group, tokenized assets could reach a market capitalization of $16 trillion by 2030. By issuing tokenized bonds, the Philippines is joining the ranks of the pioneers in this field, opening up new possibilities and opportunities for the crypto industry and the economy as a whole.

Wemade Expands Blockchain Game Platform with Lithuanian and Japanese DevelopersSouth Korean gaming company Wemade has taken strides in expanding its global blockchain game platform, WEMIX PLAY, by signing onboarding contracts with two gaming firms: Lithuania-based game publisher Skyjet Software and Japan-headquartered game developer MetaTokyo Studio. Each of the two firms will present a blockchain game on WEMIX PLAY.Photo by Karol D on Pexels3D helicopter shooting gameUnder the agreement, Skyjet Software is gearing up to introduce Skybreakers, a 3D helicopter shooting game, on WEMIX PLAY. The game offers players the opportunity to customize helicopters and weapons, enabling them to engage in thrilling player-versus-player (PvP) battles.First-person, role-playing shooterMeanwhile, MetaTokyo Studio is currently in the development phase of Chromata, a science fiction game that combines elements from both first-person shooter and role-playing genres. Utilizing Unreal Engine 5, a software framework designed by Epic Games for game development, Chromata boasts a futuristic universe with over 120 characters.Global expansionWemade has been actively establishing partnerships with various game developers worldwide, inviting them to leverage its blockchain platform. In its pursuit of diversification, the Korean game publisher aims to add more games of different types and genres.Web3 event in JapanTo showcase its commitment to the blockchain gaming industry, Wemade CEO Jang Hyun-kook will deliver a presentation on blockchain games next month at the highly anticipated annual international Web3 conference, WebX, in Tokyo. As part of this event, Wemade will also organize a networking session aimed at fostering connections with influential figures and major companies in order to strengthen its foothold in the blockchain sector.