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IGHD Hosted National Seminar on Accelerating Newborn Survival and Care in Pakistan

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IGHD Seminar

Pakistan has an unacceptably high burden of neonatal mortality with 40 lives lost per 1000 live births, each year from largely preventable causes. To confront this crisis, the Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) at the Aga Khan University united policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and development partners for a National Seminar on Accelerating Newborn Survival and Care in Pakistan. 

The seminar highlighted persistent gaps in availability, quality, and equitable coverage of essential services for newborns, and aligned practical, evidence-based actions to save newborn lives nationwide. This includes focusing on district-level solutions, strengthening advanced support i.e. level II care, and a rapid scale-up of proven practices across provinces and regions.   

“There is an urgent need to reduce disparities in newborn care across provinces and districts,” said Dr. Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Founding Director of IGHD. “Simple, proven practices like helping babies breathe, supporting breastfeeding, and skin-to-skin care can save countless newborn lives and improve maternal health.”

Chief Guest Professor Ayesha Isani Majeed, Director General Health at the Federal Ministry of Health Services, announced the formation of a National Technical Working group to prioritize newborn care and raise its visibility within government platforms. She also confirmed that routine immunization has been designated a priority within the National Immunization Management System and called on stakeholders to champion the cause.

“Seminars like this one provide a valuable opportunity to connect research with policy dialogue, so that provinces and institutions can consider which approaches are most practical and effective within their contexts,” explained Professor Majeed. “By learning from the data and from each other, we can make meaningful progress for newborn health outcomes.” 

The event underscored that Pakistan already has the knowledge and tools to prevent most newborn deaths. What is needed, stated Dr Shabina Ariff, Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health at AKU, “is consistent implementation, quality assurance, and accountability so that every mother and newborn receives timely, high-quality care.”

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Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture Concludes 3-Day Film Festival Showcasing Emerging Pakistani Talent

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Indus Valley School

The Department of Communication Design at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) successfully concluded its much-anticipated three-day Film Festival, held from 12th to 14th September, celebrating the creativity, talent, and vision of Pakistan’s next generation of filmmakers.

The festival featured 37 short films across multiple genres, with documentaries and animations introduced as categories for the first time. Screenings, workshops, and panel discussions provided a vibrant space for learning, collaboration, and creative exchange.
The opening ceremony on 12th September was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion “Social Media Filmmakers: From the Silver Screen to Digital Screens”featuring Ali Gul Pir, Asad ul Haq, Patangeer, and Azaan Sami Khan, moderated by Pheby Haroon. Day two brought immersive screenings and the session “Let’s Talk AI: Reimagining Film and Advertising Production” by Stimulus Productions. The festival closed on 14th September with screenings and a panel discussion “Educating Through the Lens: Integrating Films Into Learning” featuring Atiya Zaidi, Saife Hasan, Gul Zaib Shakeel, and Farooq Rind.

Six intensive workshops also ran over the weekend, led by mentors including Marium Ali, SOC Films, Rawaz Hammas, Stephan Andrew, Adnan Syed, Rashna Siddiqa Abidi, Khurram Khan, and Uneed Faridy—giving participants practical skills and insights into the evolving world of filmmaking.

Outstanding works were recognized with awards and cash prizes across categories such as Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Direction, Best Editing, Best Sound Design, Best Production Design, Best Animation, and Best Documentary. Additional awards were presented under the Youth Film and Idea-to-Screen Bootcamp categories.
Alfiya Halai, Head of the Communication Design Department at IVS, said:

“The IVS Film Festival goes beyond screenings—it is a space where young filmmakers gain confidence, connect with industry professionals, and find their voice as storytellers. Each year, it grows stronger as a bridge between education and practice, reaffirming cinema’s role as a catalyst for change.”

The IVS Film Festival reaffirmed its role as a platform for aspiring filmmakers to connect with industry leaders, educators, and audiences, while promoting fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling in Pakistan’s growing film landscape.

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Wego Expands Its Presence in Pakistan, Bringing More Travel Choices to Local Travelers

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Wego

Wego, the number one travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has announced its expansion in Pakistan as part of its continued growth strategy across key emerging markets.

With Pakistan’s travel sector witnessing steady growth and a rising demand for both domestic and international trips, Wego is entering the market at a pivotal time. The company aims to provide travelers with greater convenience, localized payment options, and access to the best deals on flights, hotels, and more — all tailored to the needs of Pakistani users.

As part of this expansion, Wego is introducing seamless booking in local currency (PKR), eliminating exchange rate fluctuations and hidden charges. Leveraging its local IATA accreditation, Wego has also partnered with leading Pakistani airlines including AirBlue, AirSial, Fly Jinnah, PIA, and Serene Air. Combined with thousands of global carriers and hotel partners, these collaborations ensure travelers have unmatched access to a wide spectrum of choices, from low-cost options to premium services.

To enhance the booking experience further, Wego’s intuitive platform offers transparent fares, timings, and amenities, helping users make smarter and faster decisions. Exclusive deals designed specifically for Pakistani travelers reflect local preferences, popular routes, and seasonal trends. A dedicated Pakistan-based support line will also provide 24/7 assistance, ensuring customers can travel with confidence.

Commenting on the expansion, Dean Wicks, Chief Flights Officer at Wego, said: “Pakistan represents a rapidly expanding travel market, fueled by a youthful and energetic population with a strong appetite for both domestic and international journeys. Acknowledging that online transactions and connectivity can occasionally pose challenges, we are proud to announce the launch of our first consumer-direct outlet in Lahore to provide travelers with added convenience and support.”

Read More: Pakistan, Iran Reconnect With New Direct Flights

Ross Veitch, CEO & Co-founder of Wego, added: “Wego has operated an R&D center in Lahore for several years, and beyond being a valuable source of developer talent, Pakistan is also becoming an increasingly important market for us. We see strong potential to grow by making it easier for Pakistani travelers to plan and book their trips through Wego. By partnering with local airlines, hotels, and travel providers, we aim to deliver more choice and better value to travelers.”

This move comes at a time when Pakistan’s aviation sector is experiencing significant momentum. Over the past year, national and international airlines have resumed suspended routes, added new destinations, and increased overall capacity, strengthening Pakistan’s connectivity with Europe, the Middle East, and domestic tourism hubs. Islamabad, Lahore, and Sialkot each recorded five new or resumed international connections, while Karachi, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad, and Skardu also welcomed fresh routes. Notably, Islamabad now offers direct access to Paris and Manchester, Lahore has regained connections to Baku, Dammam, and Kuwait, and Sialkot has added routes to Bahrain, Doha, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh.

“The past year marks a turning point for Pakistan’s aviation market,” added Wicks. “With national carriers resuming European flights, new Gulf routes opening, and foreign airlines increasing capacity, passengers now enjoy more choice, better access, and stronger global connectivity.”

Looking ahead, Wego sees strong growth prospects as PIA prepares to re-enter the European market and private carriers like AirBlue, AirSial, and Serene Air receive approval for international operations. The Gulf remains the largest driver of outbound demand, while Europe is once again emerging as a key long-haul market.

By deepening its presence in Pakistan and building stronger local partnerships, Wego is positioning itself to serve this rapidly evolving market. With enhanced connectivity, localized services, and exclusive travel offers, the platform is set to deliver smarter, more personalized travel experiences and reinforce its role as the preferred travel partner for Pakistani users.

Xenith PR partners with Team Envision – PNEC-NUST to amplify Pakistan’s global presence in sustainable innovation and climate action

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Xenith PR Team Envision

In a landmark move for Pakistan’s innovation and sustainability landscape, Xenith Public Relations (XPR) has entered into a strategic partnership with Team Envision – PNEC-NUST, the country’s pioneering youth-led engineering society, to elevate their communications strategy and reinforce Pakistan’s voice on global platforms. The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Ms. Sereen Atif, Faculty Advisor at PNEC-NUST, and Mr. Raheel Nabi, Chief Executive Officer of Xenith PR.

This collaboration will not only strengthen Team Envision’s 360-degree communications and industry outreach but also enhance their participation at the Shell Eco-Marathon 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious student engineering competitions. At the core of this alliance lies a shared commitment to advancing conversations on climate action, sustainability, and the role of young innovators in shaping the future.

Since 2009, Team Envision has been at the forefront of representing Pakistan globally, designing energy-efficient vehicles that have earned acclaim at both international and regional competitions. Their achievements include winning the Communications Award at the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2025 in Qatar, and creating AZAAD-E, Pakistan’s first urban electric vehicle designed for the Teknofest Efficiency Challenge — a milestone in locally driven sustainable innovation.

“Xenith PR has always maintained a long-term commitment to developing talent and building meaningful partnerships. This MoU marks an important step in expanding that vision,” said Raheel Nabi, Chief Executive Officer, Xenith PR. “We have closely observed Team Envision’s consistent success, underpinned by their focus on innovation, sustainability, and elevating Pakistan’s presence on the global stage. We are proud to collaborate with them in amplifying awareness of the climate emergency — a matter of critical importance for business, society, and the future.”

Beyond global competitions, Team Envision is also actively driving STEM advocacy across Pakistan. The team regularly conducts hands-on workshops in schools and colleges, mentoring students in applied engineering, CAD/CAM software, and fabrication to transform ideas into functional prototypes.

Sadus Rizwan, Team Envision’s Manager, added: “We are excited to partner with Xenith PR for the upcoming Shell Eco-Marathon 2026. Their support will help us sharpen our communication goals, expand visibility, and inspire students and professionals across the engineering sector to embrace climate-conscious practices.”

Through this collaboration, Xenith PR and Team Envision will develop industry-driven visibility initiatives, leverage modern communication strategies, and maximise engagement across platforms. This partnership sets the foundation for future academia–industry synergies, building a talent pipeline ready to take on corporate challenges and contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s sustainable future.

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CDC Expands RAAST Aggregator Network with Onboarding of KTrade Securities

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CDC KTrade Securities

The Central Depository Company of Pakistan (CDC) has onboarded KTrade Securities Limited to its RAAST Aggregator Platform, extending the reach of instant digital fund transfers to an even wider base of retail investors. The signing ceremony took place at CDC House, where Mr. Badiuddin Akber, Chief Executive Officer of CDC, and Mr. Mahmood Ali Shah Bukhari, Chief Executive Officer of KTrade Securities Limited, formally signed the agreement.

RAAST, Pakistan’s instant payment system launched by the State Bank of Pakistan, has been a game-changer for financial inclusion. Its integration into the capital market through CDC’s Aggregator has eliminated the delays and inefficiencies traditionally associated with investor fund transfers. Now, every investor sub-account is assigned a unique RAAST Investment ID (in IBAN format), allowing seamless and secure settlement of funds directly from an investor’s bank to their brokerage account—typically completed within minutes.

With the onboarding of KTrade Securities, thousands of new and existing investors will benefit from this facility. For many retail participants, who form a core part of KTrade’s investor base, the ability to move money instantly into the market enhances both accessibility and confidence. By removing friction from the funding process, investors can respond faster to opportunities and engage more actively with the capital market.

This development also signals the broader impact of RAAST on Pakistan’s financial ecosystem. Beyond simple fund transfers, it is reshaping how investors interact with the market—enabling digital participation, reducing reliance on cash and manual transfers, and building trust through transparency and speed.

CDC continues to complement the RAAST framework with other digital initiatives such as Asaan Connect—a one-window investor onboarding platform—and Emlaak Financials—Pakistan’s first mutual fund aggregation portal. Together, these solutions strengthen CDC’s role as the backbone of Pakistan’s capital market infrastructure while advancing the country’s journey toward a more inclusive, efficient, and technology-driven financial system.

Pakistan, Iran Reconnect With New Direct Flights

 

Pakistan, Iran Reconnect With New Direct Flights

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Pakistan Iran Flights

The direct flight service between Pakistan and Iran has officially resumed after several decades, along with the launch of a new Skyight ticketing platform. The inauguration ceremony was held at Islamabad Airport, marking a significant step forward in bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries.

The ceremony was attended by Pakistani and Iranian officials, as well as other dignitaries. On the occasion, Iran’s Deputy Head of Mission, Nabi Shirazi, stated:
“Iran and Pakistan are Islamic brotherly nations, and our relations have been as strong as a rock for centuries. The resumption of Iran Air Tour flights will boost tourism, business, and educational travel.”

He extended congratulations to the people of both countries, especially those associated with tourism and business sectors.

During the event, a new B2B flight booking platform, Skyight, was also launched, designed specifically for travel agents. Through this system, agents can directly book Iran Air Tour tickets by registering at agent.skyight.com. The platform has been developed by the well-known software company Techxudo. A B2C version will also be launched soon, enabling the general public to conveniently book tickets online.

Speaking at the event, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Raza Amiri Moghadam, expressed hope that the resumption of direct flights would promote tourism more than ever before. He said:
“Iranian tourists will enjoy Pakistan’s breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality.”

Meanwhile, Iran Air Tour’s Country Manager, Zaheer Abbas Khan, announced the launch of direct flights between Tehran and Islamabad. He remarked:
“We are proud of our friendship with Iran. This step will further promote tourism, people-to-people connectivity, and bilateral trade relations between the two countries.”

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ICCD Unveils 2nd Edition of BOE Asia “Techpreneurship: Strategy, Innovation & Leadership”

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BOE Asia

The Best of Entrepreneurship Series in Asia (BOE Asia) is set to propel the entrepreneurial landscape once again with its much-anticipated 2nd edition, scheduled for September 24, 2025, at Karachi Expo Centre, on the sidelines of the 26th ITCN Asia.

Building on the success of the inaugural edition “Agri-tech: Feeding the Future”, which united 350 participants from 14 countries and featured 20 influential regional speakers, the 2nd edition will focus on “Techpreneurship: Strategy, Innovation & Leadership”, aiming to explore how technology is transforming entrepreneurship and fueling economic growth in Asia.

This event promises to gather the brightest minds in the tech industry, fostering collaboration and innovation across Asia. Participants will experience a comprehensive journey, including fruitful networking opportunities, enriching panel discussions as well as engaging workshops, with valuable insights into how technology can act as a catalyst for economic renaissance, particularly in areas of technology.

BOE Asia is part of the Best of Entrepreneurship Series “BOE Series”, which has emerged as a regional beacon of innovation and progress, reflecting ICCD’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic development across OIC member countries, by uniting visionary leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs to catalyze a renaissance in economic growth.

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Aga Khan University Launches Landmark Campus in Uganda, Marking Its Largest Expansion Since 1983

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Aga Khan University Uganda

The Aga Khan University (AKU) officially inaugurated its new campus in Kampala, Uganda, today, a historic moment that marks the University’s first full-scale campus development outside of Pakistan since its founding.

The inauguration of the new academic facilities and student residences was presided over by AKU’s Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, and the President of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The event also marked the commencement of construction for the Aga Khan University Hospital, Kampala. Dignitaries present included Her Excellency the First Lady, Honourable Janet Museveni, along with AKU Pro-Chancellor Princess Zahra Aga Khan and Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan.

This new-site development is the most significant undertaking by AKU since its establishment in Pakistan in 1983. It is a direct fulfillment of the original Charter granted by the Government of Pakistan, which designated AKU as an international university. The land was generously provided by the Government of Uganda through President Museveni. Funding for construction was provided by the University’s Chancellor, generous donors and the Government of Germany’s BMZ and KfW.

“At this campus, AKU will invest in developing the potential of Ugandans,” His Highness the Aga Khan said. “My hope is that ambitious young people and skilled professionals will not need to leave their home country to study or practice at the highest level. And many Ugandans will not have to travel abroad to obtain advanced health care.” 

The 60-acre campus, located in the Nakawa area, features state-of-the-art facilities, including a seven-storey University Centre, a nine-storey student housing building, and a four-storey ambulatory care building. At full capacity, the campus will serve 700 students and be home to 100 faculty members. Later this month, the first cohort of undergraduate students will begin the new four-year Bachelor of Nursing Science programme, building on AKU’s legacy of graduating over 1,500 Ugandan nurses.

The 101-bed Aga Khan University Hospital, Kampala, will enable Ugandans to receive advanced medical care locally and train the next generation of healthcare specialists. Once complete, the hospital will be integrated into the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) health and education system across East Africa. 

“With these academic, residential and clinical foundations, we will expand our School of Nursing and Midwifery in Kampala, building on more than two decades of work and 1,500 Ugandan graduates,” said Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, AKU Vice Chancellor and President. “For the first time in Uganda, AKU will also train physicians and launch postgraduate medical education in many needed fields such as surgery, cardiology and others.”

In a special segment of the ceremony, His Highness the Aga Khan was conferred with the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa (Grand Master), Uganda’s highest civilian honour, by President Museveni. This prestigious decoration recognizes His Highness’s distinguished services to the nation and his leadership in advancing social and economic development. Princess Zahra was also honoured with the Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa (Grand Commander) for her long-standing contributions to health, education, and women’s empowerment.

AKU has maintained a presence in Uganda and the East African region since 2000. Its developments in these countries have benefited immensely from the foundational knowledge, capacity, and technological advancements pioneered and established in Pakistan.

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InnoVista, Launch Pakistan’s First National Agentic AI Hackathon With PAFLA, Google, and Systems Ltd

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InnoVista AI Hackathon

InnoVista (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan’s premier innovation ecosystem enabler, and Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) announced the launch of the National Agentic AI Hackathon 2025, a pioneering initiative to harness the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in solving Pakistan’s most pressing challenges.

As the Hackathon’s Exclusive Technology Partner, Google will provide the expertise and resources needed to build the Agentic AI solutions. This hackathon will be a milestone that will open unprecedented opportunities for Pakistani developers and innovators to access cutting-edge AI tools on the Google Cloud Platform such as Vertex AI, and Firebase Studio. This collaboration will be enabled by Google Developer Groups and Google Developer Experts to create a game changing impact on Pakistan’s technology ecosystem, equipping local talent with global-standard resources and practices that will accelerate innovation and enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness on the world stage.

Systems Limited joins as the Knowledge Partner, bringing unmatched technical depth and mentorship to guide participants, while the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) serves as the National Enabler & Outreach Partner, ensuring inclusivity and diverse representation across the country.

The National Agentic AI Hackathon will unfold across six major cities – Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Bahawalpur – engaging over 1,000 participants, with a strong focus on inclusivity and female participation. Shortlisted teams will receive mentorship from industry experts before competing in regional rounds, culminating in a Grand National Finale in Islamabad.

The hackathon will focus on critical thematic areas, including:

  • AgriTech – Smart farming solutions, yield optimization, and irrigation efficiency.
  • FinTech – Access to finance, fraud detection, and financial inclusion.
  • Climate & Disaster Management – Early warning systems, emission monitoring, and rescue coordination.
  • Digital Inclusion – Rural digitization, education access, and affordable solutions.
  • Public Health – Diagnostics, health record automation, and service accessibility.
  • Urban Planning & Infrastructure – Smart cities, traffic control, and energy distribution.

Through this initiative, InnoVista aims to catalyze a new wave of AI-driven innovation, foster cross-sector collaboration, and create a talent pipeline capable of driving Pakistan’s digital economy. 

By providing mentorship, visibility, and access to investors, the Hackathon will serve as a launchpad for visionary solutions with national and global impact.

“The Agentic AI Hackathon is not just an event—it’s a movement to position Pakistan at the forefront of the global AI revolution. With Google as our exclusive technology partner, we are opening doors for Pakistani innovators to leverage world-class AI resources and contribute meaningfully to the digital economy, ” said Hisham Sarwar, CEO of InnoVista.

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BingX Launches AI Master, the World-First AI Crypto Trading Strategist

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BingX AI Master

BingX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 AI company, today announced the launch of BingX AI Master, the world’s first AI-powered crypto trading strategist and the newest addition to the BingX AI suite of tools. This new AI product marks a major step forward in BingX’s vision to make trading more intelligent, accessible, and user-first, setting a new benchmark for innovation in digital assets.

BingX AI Master redefines the trading journey by guiding users end-to-end, from sparking ideas to simplifying execution and reviewing results with full transparency. By combining the strategies of five top digital investors with advanced AI optimization, BingX empowers both beginners and experienced traders to engage with the market more confidently and effectively.

Key Features of AI Master include:

  • Intelligent Strategy: 24/7 access to inspiration via real-time conversation with over 1,000 strategies inspired by 5 of the most influential masters.
  • Timely Investment Alerts: Instant alerts for users to be informed of the status, movements, and progress of their AI-powered strategies at all times. 
  • AI-Driven Backtesting: Round-the-clock updates from AI-driven backtested data and strategy sources.  
  • Simplified Execution: Streamlined buy and sell orders that adapt dynamically to market fluctuations, with full user flexibility at every stage.
  • Transparent AI Review: Transparent performance review, results, and records enable users to refine strategies and grow their skills through AI-optimized insights.

“BingX AI Master is not just a trading tool—it’s a trading strategist designed to bring clarity, discipline, and confidence to every user’s journey,” said Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer at BingX. “With AI Master, we are proving that intelligent trading can be accessible to all, not just seasoned professionals. This launch embodies BingX’s mission to redefine accessibility and create unprecedented user experiences in digital asset trading—building the first truly All-in-AI exchange.”

To celebrate the launch of BingX AI Master, BingX is introducing a head-to-head trading competition with a 3,000,000 USDT prize pool. For the first time, users can battle directly against BingX AI Master, adding competitive energy and interactive gameplay to the platform. Users can simply sign up to start earning rewards, with additional prizes available from task-based lucky draws, trading volume contests, and the AI 1v1 Arena.

With the debut of BingX AI Master, BingX continues to expand its suite of AI intelligence products, strengthening its position as the first exchange to fully embed AI across the trading experience. Looking ahead, BingX will further advance its AI product portfolio following the milestone release of BingX AI Master and BingX AI Bingo, combining cutting-edge intelligence with a user-first philosophy to shape the future of global trading.

About BingX

Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange and Web3 AI company, serving a global community of over 20 million users. With a comprehensive suite of AI-powered products and services, including derivatives, spot trading, and copy trading, BingX caters to the evolving needs of users across all experience levels, from beginners to professionals. Committed to building a trustworthy and intelligent trading platform, BingX empowers users with innovative tools designed to enhance performance and confidence. In 2024, BingX proudly became the official crypto exchange partner of Chelsea Football Club, marking an exciting debut in the world of sports sponsorship.

For more information please visit: https://bingx.com/

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