NPIXEL Wraps Up 2nd Community Test for Web3 Game “Gran Saga: Unlimited”

Google Cloud becomes a Volunteer Validator for gaming blockchain XPLAXPLA, a gaming blockchain guided by Korean cultural content company Com2uS Holdings, revealed in a blog post on Tuesday (local time) that Google Cloud has joined as a validator for its blockchain network.Through their collaboration, Google Cloud will take on the role of the first Volunteer Validator for the XPLA blockchain. This partnership enhances the network’s security and governance, as validators are responsible for maintaining the integrity of a blockchain network by validating and relaying transactions.Photo by engin akyurt on UnsplashLayer-1 mainnetXPLA is a layer-1 mainnet that features a diverse group of network participants from the Web3 space. This includes notable enterprises such as Oasys, Animoca Brands, Yield Guild Games (YGG), Blockdaemon, gumi and LayerZero, all contributing to the ecosystem.Commenting on this initiative, Jack Buser, Google Cloud’s director of game industry solutions, said, “We are pleased to take on a role as a Volunteer Validator for the XPLA ecosystem.” According to South Korean news outlet Etoday, Buser expected that the cloud computing services provider’s robust infrastructure will contribute to driving rapid growth and fostering innovation within the realm of Web3 gaming.Better Web3 experiencesPaul Kim, Leader of the XPLA team, echoed similar sentiments as he welcomed Google Cloud’s participation in their project. He mentioned their shared aim to deliver innovative and appealing Web3 experiences to gamers worldwide within a transparent Web3 ecosystem. Kim said, “Through this collaboration, XPLA can secure advanced IT technology and insights into future industries.”

In a significant move to propel Thailand towards becoming a digital asset hub, the Finance Ministry has announced the exemption of value-added tax (VAT) on digital asset trading. VAT exemptionAccording to the Bangkok Post, the decision became effective on Jan. 1. It aims to foster the growth of the digital asset industry and support the country's growing digital economy. Paopoom Rojanasakul, secretary to the finance minister, underscored the ministry's commitment to promoting digital assets as a viable fundraising tool. By suspending the requirement to pay 7% VAT on income derived from cryptocurrency and digital token trading, authorities seek to encourage investment in the digital asset market. This VAT exemption extends beyond authorized digital asset exchanges to include brokers and dealers under the supervision of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The move aligns with Thailand's ambition to position itself as the region's premier digital asset hub. Moreover, the Finance Ministry and SEC are actively amending the 2019 Securities and Exchange Act to enhance regulations concerning digital investment tokens, bringing them more in line with securities.Photo by Markus Winkler on UnsplashAttracting offshore digital asset sector investmentThailand's attractiveness to offshore digital asset investors has grown substantially in recent years. The new tax policies are poised to further bolster the country's position in the global digital asset market. Last month, the Thai SEC adjusted the rules governing digital token investments, raising the investment ceiling that had been imposed on retail investors where initial coin offerings (ICOs) relative to infrastructure and real estate are concerned. Furthermore, the Commission has updated criteria for custodial wallet provider businesses, enabling them to extend their services to digital asset business operators, thereby facilitating smoother operations within the digital asset ecosystem. However, Mr. Paopoom emphasized the importance of balancing development with financial stability. While fostering innovation in the digital asset sector, the government remains mindful of safeguarding the integrity of the financial system. Despite these advancements, the SEC has made it clear that it will not permit the trading of spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in Thailand. This decision contrasts with the recent approval of bitcoin ETFs in the United States and moves towards approving crypto ETFs in Hong Kong, reflecting Thailand's cautious approach to cryptocurrency-related financial products. Nevertheless, Thailand continues to attract global crypto exchanges, with industry giants such as Binance establishing a presence in the country. Last month, Binance announced the launch of crypto exchange services to the general public in Thailand through Gulf Binance, a joint venture with Thailand’s Gulf Innova. The VAT exemption on digital asset trading represents a pivotal step in Thailand's journey towards embracing the digital economy. With supportive regulatory measures and a dynamic market environment, Thailand aims to take its place as a leading player in digital assets.   

Seongnam City Hosts Seminar on Industry 4.0 AdvancementSeongnam City of Gyeonggi Province announced that it held a seminar on Tuesday under the theme “Seongnam: 50 Years Today, 50 Years Tomorrow” at the city hall to discuss the vision and prospects of the city’s identity as a technological hub for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0. Some 100 individuals were in attendance, including the city’s mayor, Shin Sang-jin, and the Director of the Seongnam Research Institute, Im Jong-soon, along with other experts, citizens, and city officials.Photo by Sandro Katalina on UnsplashPath to the Fourth Industrial RevolutionFor Seongnam to develop further, Shin emphasized the need for a specific vision for the city’s future growth. “Gathering individual talent and corporations to drive innovation is the key to leading the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.Shin presented seven major tasks required to achieve this goal, including the establishment of a next-generation semiconductor cluster, a bio cluster, an Industry 4.0 cluster, a special zone dedicated to blockchain and the metaverse, a metaverse platform, and a smart city, as well as a Digital Twin City project. Director Im Jong-soon pledged that the Seongnam Research Institute would support the city’s development through extensive research.During the seminar, multiple experts also gave presentations on various topics, such as the growth process of Seongnam’s industry, digital transformation, and the city’s tasks in becoming an Industry 4.0 hub.Following the presentations, a panel discussion was led by Jang Yoon-jong, a research fellow at the Korea Development Institute. The discussion included participation from Lee Kwang-yong, Head of Policy Strategy at Naver; Kim Seo-gyun, Secretary-General of the Korea Fabless Industry Association; and Kwon Soon-bum, a research fellow at the Seongnam Research Institute. The panelists engaged in a lively debate on the prospects of Seongnam’s development.Innovation and research for a vibrant futureThe Seongnam Research Institute was established on July 3, becoming the first of its kind among cities with a population of over 500,000 to provide policy alternatives and improve the quality of life for citizens through systematic research on current issues.