UAE researchers introduce carbon trading platform on blockchain

Thailand’s Incoming Prime Minister Signals Crypto EmbraceIn a recent parliamentary decision on August 22, real estate magnate Srettha Thavisin emerged as Thailand’s forthcoming Prime Minister. Thavisin, acclaimed for his prior role as the CEO of Sansiri — one of Thailand’s major real estate developers — has a history entwined with the cryptocurrency sector, hinting at potential ramifications for the nation’s crypto landscape.Photo by Markus Winkler on UnsplashParliamentary selection winThe appointment came under the banner of the Pheu Thai Party, with Thavisin securing 482 votes out of 747 in the parliamentary endorsement.Thavisin’s ascent to power could potentially herald a significant shift in Thailand’s approach to cryptocurrencies, leveraging his involvement with Sansiri’s foray into the digital asset domain. Departing from his role as Sansiri’s CEO in April, Thavisin relinquished his 4.4% stake in the company, setting the stage for him to pursue a career in politics.Crypto firm investmentSansiri, under Thavisin’s leadership, undertook active participation in the country’s digital asset arena. Notably, in 2021, the company participated in a substantial $225 million fundraising round for XSpring Capital, a crypto-friendly investment management firm. This strategic partnership paved the way for XSpring to launch a fully integrated cryptocurrency trading platform in 2022, with aspirations to establish a presence among the top crypto exchange companies by 2025.Thavisin’s impact on the crypto sector goes beyond investment. His company also introduced the “SiriHub Token” via XSpring in 2022, presenting a real estate-backed initial coin offering (ICO) that extended 240 million tokens to the public. This duality of involvement from crypto firm investment to token issuance, demonstrates that the new Thai premier has not been afraid to get involved with crypto innovation at an early stage.Crypto airdrop proposalIt appears that Thavisin’s affinity for cryptocurrency transcends corporate endeavors, as his political affiliation with the Pheu Thai Party, which he joined in November 2022, introduced a novel proposition. The party proposed disbursing 10,000 Thai baht (approximately $300) to citizens, executed through digital currency transactions. The synergy between his cryptocurrency background and this proposal raises questions about the potential influence of his past on Thailand’s future crypto policies.As Thavisin’s administration prepares to assume office by the end of September, the extent to which his crypto engagement shapes the nation’s policies remains a topic of speculation. However, the confluence of his real estate expertise and cryptocurrency ventures offers a unique blend of experiences that might foster innovative approaches.Notably, Thavisin’s journey isn’t the sole instance of Thailand’s government engaging with the crypto industry. Earlier in 2023, Thailand’s cabinet introduced tax breaks for companies issuing investment tokens. These measures, announced in March, aim to generate 128 billion baht ($3.7 billion) from investment token offerings over the next two years.Political importanceThavisin’s perceived embrace of cryptocurrency in Thailand comes at a time when crypto and blockchain innovation is being supported by political candidates in multiple jurisdictions. In the United States, the Republican Party is holding a debate on Wednesday between its eight candidates for the presidential nomination, with several of them being pro-crypto.On the Democratic Party side, Robert F. Kennedy is pro-bitcoin, having recently stated that bitcoin is an exercise in extending civil liberty. Meanwhile, in Argentina, Javier Milei, a libertarian pro-bitcoin candidate, topped the poll in the country’s recent presidential primary.

Mobile Strategy Game ‘EF Defense’ to Launch on Immutable zkEVMWeracle, the Singapore-based developer behind the popular mobile game Endless Frontier, is gearing up to deploy its latest creation, EF Defense, on the Ethereum scaling network, Immutable zkEVM.The tower defense strategy game, currently available on iOS and Android, will receive a significant boost with this move, opening up new opportunities for players and integrating blockchain technology into its gameplay.Photo by Catherine Kay Greenup on UnsplashPlay-to-earn gameEF Defense, a play-to-earn game with stunning visual aesthetics similar to Endless Frontier, transports players to the Land of Abundance, where they must fend off a dark and menacing force threatening the continent of Akaros. Armed with 70 diverse heroes and an array of customization options, players will embark on an epic quest to protect their territory and claim rewards for their strategic prowess.Immutable, a prominent Web3 games publisher headquartered in Australia, is partnering with Weracle to facilitate this transition. The move to the Ethereum scaling network brings the potential for even greater in-game experiences, enhanced security, and unique ownership opportunities through non-fungible tokens (NFTs). While EF Defense already offers hero characters as NFTs on the Ethereum scaling network Polygon, the specific utilization of NFTs and tokens on Immutable zkEVM remains undisclosed.The gaming industry veterans behind MagmaByte have also caught the NFT wave with their upcoming release, Galaxy Commanders. This player-versus-player (PvP) space shooter, developed by former talents from major gaming companies like Electronic Arts (EA), NCSoft, and Nexon, will utilize the Immutable zkEVM network for its launch. Players can expect action-packed space battles and cooperative planetary conquests, utilizing various strategies to claim victory.Based on PolygonImmutable zkEVM is based on Polygon’s zkEVM technology, a layer-2 Ethereum scaling network specially designed for gaming. This integration promises faster and more cost-effective transactions compared to the Ethereum mainnet, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience. To cater to gamers new to Web3, Immutable is also working on developing the Passport, a user-friendly wallet to facilitate easy interactions with blockchain-based games.Weracle’s involvement with blockchain gaming through EF Defense is likely to be just a starting point. The studio has ambitious plans to launch more crypto games in the future, cementing its position in the evolving landscape of blockchain-based gaming. Additionally, a digital Weracle Wallet is in the works, intending to create a holistic ecosystem for players and collectors alike.Andrew Sorokovsky, VP Of Global Business Development at Immutable, expressed enthusiasm for Weracle’s transition into Web3 gaming, acknowledging the team’s expertise in the traditional gaming space and predicting significant strides in the realm of blockchain-based entertainment.As EF Defense prepares to enter the world of Immutable zkEVM, players can look forward to an enhanced gaming experience with the added benefits of blockchain technology.The integration of NFTs and the prospect of play-to-earn mechanics has the potential to make a far bigger impact, provided the correct balance is struck between engaging gameplay and the play-to-earn model dynamic.

Welcome Savings Bank Implements Blockchain-based Bank ID for Enhanced Customer ConvenienceWelcome Savings Bank, one of the mutual savings banks in South Korea, has announced a significant step towards enhancing identity security and customer convenience with the incorporation of Bank ID, a blockchain-based decentralized identity (DID) solution operated by the Korea Financial Telecommunications and Clearings Institute (KFTC), a payment services institution.Photo by Jonathan Cooper on UnsplashDID technology to prevent identity fraudThe utilization of DID technology marks a notable stride in preventing identity fraud. By storing user data on a secure distributed ledger, the system becomes highly resilient to counterfeiting or forgery attempts, ensuring a safer environment for customers’ personal information.Single sign-on functionalityWith this initiative, Welcome Savings Bank has become the first savings bank in the country to implement Bank ID, a solution predominantly adopted by prime commercial banks. This strategic move bolsters the bank’s digital competitiveness and improves customer convenience. With Bank ID, users can enjoy seamless access to their accounts across 18 Korean financial institutions without the hassle of logging in separately for each one, streamlining their banking experience.Customers of Welcome Savings Bank can utilize the bank’s mobile app to acquire a Bank ID by undergoing a verification process through a one-time password or security card. For existing Bank ID holders, adding Welcome Savings Bank to their list of banks is a straightforward procedure.The decision to embrace this innovative technology highlights the bank’s commitment to meeting the high standards set by prime commercial banks. By aligning with industry trends and bolstering their digital capabilities, savings banks like Welcome and other subprime banks can deliver improved convenience and a seamless banking journey to their valued customers.