'Heroes of Mavia' token airdrop follows entry into crypto gaming sphere

Swing Launches Blockchain-Based Service to Offer Financial Incentives for Scooter RidersSwing, a South Korean personal mobility startup, announced today the launch of “Swing by Boats,” a blockchain-based asset tracking system, in collaboration with blockchain company Block Odyssey. Developed by Block Odyssey, Boats completed a proof-of-concept (PoC) test with a commercial bank to validate the feasibility of the technology.Photo by Sergey Lapunin on UnsplashFinancial incentives for scooter investmentsSubscribers of Boats now have the option to invest in electric scooters operated by Swing. For those who choose to purchase these scooters, Swing offers a financial incentive: an average return rate of 7.5% on the purchase price, paid out over a period of 30 months. In addition, buyers will receive a complimentary one-hour ride on Swing mobility devices. Each scooter available for purchase through Boats is priced at KRW 750,000 (approximately $564). At the end of the 30-month period, Swing commits to buying back the scooter from the purchaser.Simulation program to earn pointsBoats subscribers now have access to a scooter simulation program known as Swing Miles. Within this program, subscribers can assign one of the scooters operating on the Swing platform as their own. They can then monitor various performance metrics such as mileage, routes taken, and payment rates for their designated scooter. Whenever other riders use that specific scooter, the subscriber earns 10% of the payment made by those riders, awarded as Swing Points. These points can be redeemed like cash for services or devices within the Swing app. Before launching Boats, the company conducted a two-month beta test to enhance the service’s quality and accuracy.Jung Sung-ha, an official at Swing, explained that although the newly launched program does offer an average return rate for users, it is primarily aimed at scooter riders rather than professional investors. Jung noted that riders can directly invest in scooters and enjoy the service as if it were a game. According to Jun, the company plans to use the point system as a way to boost customer engagement.

In a recent blog post, Christopher Hui, Hong Kong's Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB), announced a stringent deadline for unlicensed virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to submit licensing applications, as well as outlining the intention to develop a regulatory framework for over-the-counter (OTC) venues.Photo by Manson Yim on UnsplashUnlicensed VASP deadlineThe Hong Kong government's financial services department has set Feb. 29 as the cutoff date for applications from VASPs that are currently unregistered and unregulated. Those not approved must cease operations by May 31. The move comes as the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) established a licensing system for VASPs, acknowledging a transitional period for those operating before its implementation. Midway through last year, the SFC issued a stern warning to unlicensed crypto trading platforms engaging in what it termed as “improper practices.” Hui emphasized that VASPs wishing to continue operations in Hong Kong must submit their license applications by the end of this month. Failure to meet the relevant requirements outlined by the SFC could result in the issuance of a "no-deeming notice" for existing service providers. This notice mandates that they must halt operations either by May 31 or three months after receiving the notice. Service providers failing to submit their applications by the February deadline are also expected to cease operations by the end of May. As the deadline approaches, Hui highlighted that the SFC is actively preparing for enforcement work, including issuing notices to disapproved service providers and intensifying publicity efforts. Proposed regulatory framework for OTCsHighlighting the specific role OTC venues played in some fraud cases involving unlicensed VASPs in 2023, Hui announced that the SFC plans to launch a consultation on a proposed regulatory framework for OTC crypto venues. The consultation will encompass virtual-asset outlets, including shops and online platforms. Hui emphasized the necessity of regulating OTC venues to prevent investor deception and protect against fraudulent activities. This move aligns with Hong Kong's ongoing efforts to create a vibrant sector and ecosystem for virtual assets. The city implemented a licensing regime for crypto companies in June of the previous year, with companies requiring approval before June of the current year to continue operations. Cautioning investorsHui also took the opportunity to caution investors about the volatility and value of virtual assets. He stressed that many digital assets lack intrinsic value and exhibit price volatility, urging investors to thoroughly understand details and assess associated risks before engaging in related investments. Furthermore, Hui emphasized that only platforms officially licensed by the SFC should be used for virtual asset transactions. Additionally, Hong Kong is exploring a regulatory regime for stablecoin issuers, proposing that fiat-backed stablecoin issuers obtain a license from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. As Hong Kong strengthens its regulatory framework, it aims to create a secure and compliant environment for the evolving landscape of virtual assets.  

Dunamu Distributes 4,100 NFTs for Climate Change CampaignDunamu, the operator of the South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Upbit, announced that it has distributed 4,100 non-fungible tokens (NFTs) from the Climate-sensitive Biological Indicator Species (CBIS) list in collaboration with four agencies under the Ministry of Environment — the National Institute of Biological Resources, the Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, the Honam National Institute of Biological Resources, and the National Institute of Ecology. This comes as part of efforts to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and habitat protection amid the threat of climate change.Photo by Yiju Cheng on UnsplashThemed NFTs for conservationThe CBIS list outlines species whose seasonal activities, habitat area, and population size are susceptible to being impacted by climate change, thus requiring continuous observation and management by the government.Dunamu, along with the four environmental institutions, minted NFTs representing 15 different species from the list — such as the white eye bird and the camellia tree — to distribute to participants of their Resource Circulation Climate Action Campaign.The latest round of NFT distributions was carried out in collaboration with the Honam National Institute of Biological Resources from May 19 to August 11. It is the first of four to be carried out over the course of the year following their initial announcement to do so in May.Empowering climate action beyond boundariesParticipants showed a positive reaction to the utilization of emerging technologies such as NFTs and the metaverse, which enabled them to contribute to climate change efforts without the limits posed by time and space. By organizing fun missions within the metaverse and gifting NFTs to participants, Dunamu and the environmental agencies were able to highlight the severity of the climate crisis while simultaneously making the concept of resource circulation more accessible and easier to understand. Dunamu reported that during the three-month period of the first campaign, the designated campaign space within Dunamu’s metaverse platform, 2ndblock, also racked up a cumulative visitor count of 73,000 users.The second campaign has also commenced and is running from now until October 2. This time around, Dunamu is working with the Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources to issue 1,000 NFTs of four species: the tree frog, barn swallow, kumgang minnow, and little egret. Noteworthy artists will also contribute to creating the NFTs, including those from the Botanical Artist Society of Korea.In order to partake in the campaign, participants must complete the stamp-collecting mission in the campaign space on 2ndblock. Lucky participants who are chosen to receive NFTs must register their issued gift code on Upbit’s NFT marketplace.“As a result of our deliberation on ways to contribute to the environment and society with our technology and resources, many people have shown interest in our online and in-person climate efforts,” said Lee Sirgoo, CEO of Dunamu. He also expressed hopes for continued participation and support for the remaining NFT distributions and campaigns to promote environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.This collaboration between the private and public sectors which combines online and in-person activities stands out as an innovative method for combatting climate change.