Pop culture universes will collide when the first-ever NEXUS FAN FAIR launches in the Philippines. Presented by Tier One Entertainment and organised by Philippine Blockchain Week 2023 (PBW) from September 19 to 21 at the MGBX Convention Hall in Newport World Resorts’ Marriott Grand Ballroom, NEXUS FAN FAIR will be an epic celebration for fans of gaming, technology, entertainment, music and more.

Fans of every kind will enjoy browsing the expo area, where merchant booths will offer a variety of games, merchandise and other collectibles. The electrifying event will feature top tier talents such as world champion-caliber esports team Blacklist International, alongside renowned streamers and content creators. Ticket holders will have the exclusive opportunity to win exciting giveaways and collectibles unavailable anywhere else. In addition, the community stage will host a series of engaging talks and panel discussions featuring handpicked artists, influencers and celebrities, all of whom will be available for Meet-and-Greets.

Meanwhile, at Philippine Blockchain Week, K-Pop followers will get a special treat with the debut Southeast Asian performance of the TripleS sub-unit EVOLution, hot on the release of their sister sub-unit LOVElution’s first album. As a special bundle, tickets for NEXUS FAN FAIR will be free of charge for fans who purchase an EVOLution concert ticket.

Since 2017, Tier One Entertainment has led the field in esports and gaming entertainment in Southeast Asia. With NEXUS FAN FAIR, Tier One will solidify their position as the premiere destination for pop culture lifestyle.

NEXUS FAN FAIR is organised by Philippine Blockchain Week 2023 with the participation of platinum sponsors Smart Communications and Philippine Airlines; gold sponsors Metafarms and TierOne Entertainment; and bronze sponsors Gala Games, Assemble Stream Inc, Maya Philippines and technology partner Xctuality Pte Ltd. PBW’s official legal partner is Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, while platinum media partners include DOOH and Rakuten Viber; gold media partners are CNN Philippines, Forkast News, Philstar Media Group and YourPRStrategist; and silver media partners are Jinse Finance and KTRO Media.

One of the largest labour associations in Macau has submitted a request to authorities, asking for increased guarantees of rest and improvements in working conditions for casino employees, with government intervention.

The Federation of Associations of Workers of Macau (FAOM) made the request after noticing that the return of visitors to Macau is putting additional work pressure on casino employees.

In a meeting with the SAR’s Labour Affairs Bureau last week, representatives from FAOM advocated for the reinforcement of labour rights protection for workers, especially those in the gaming sector. The association also urged the government to take the initiative to negotiate with gaming concessionaires to ensure employee rest time.

Choi Kam Fu, vice president of FAOM, noted that due to surges in work volume, gaming industry employees experience frequent changes in work shifts, which have a relatively greater impact on the physical and psychological health of employees.

Macau lawmaker Leong Sun Iok revealed that he has received some complaints about the management of gaming companies. He reported the issues to the government, stating that the casinos in Macau have implemented stricter management methods due to the surge in visitor volumes.

In response, the director of Labour Affairs Bureau, Wong Chi Hong, promised that he will always maintain an open attitude and actively listen to the views of various stakeholders, including employees and employers, on labour legislation.

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on September 4 addressed the increasing issue of gambling in the country. As it has caused tragedy for some families, particularly young people at a higher risk, President Tokayev has instructed state authorities to establish restrictions on gambling for certain citizens.

He stressed the importance of educational and explanatory measures in the fight against fraud and drew attention to the rise in crime associated with gambling addiction. To ensure law and order, both preventive and other measures have been mandated by Tokayev.

The President emphasised the significance of the public, the clergy and the media in shaping attitudes that deter the growth of gambling addiction in the country. Additionally, the leader of the Republic of Kazakhstan highlighted the necessity of increasing efforts to prevent financial and other misconduct in the gambling industry.

“It’s crucial to monitor all financial transactions in this field,” he stated.

Kazakhstan permits gambling but with strict government regulation. Only a limited number of casinos and other gambling establishments are allowed to operate in designated zones, which the government closely monitors to ensure compliance with all regulations and prevent illegal activities. In recent years, the government has introduced stricter rules and penalties for violations, including establishing a new regulatory body – the Committee for Regulation and Control of Gambling and Lotteries. However, despite these efforts, there are concerns about the negative impact of gambling on society and the economy. Critics argue that it can lead to addiction, financial hardship for individuals and families, and contribute to organised crime and money laundering.