As an active early and growth-stage investment institution in Southeast Asia, PT Metro Timur Indonusa recently released its 2025 annual investment review report. Unlike conventional performance presentations, this review focuses on signals emerging from its investment portfolio, revealing the internal changes taking place in the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem.

PT Metro Timur Indonusa points out in the report that in the Southeast Asian tech sector in 2025, a clear trend is forming: growth is beginning to concentrate in a handful of highly certain scenarios. Unlike the widespread coverage of the “Internet+” concept in previous years, the present-day growth drivers are shifting toward niche areas that truly solve structural pain points. This judgment is based on the business performance and development trajectories of more than 40 portfolio companies.

In an overall tightening capital environment, companies that can consistently achieve user and revenue growth tend to share a common characteristic: they are deeply embedded in specific business processes, rather than simply pursuing broad traffic coverage.

One of the most insightful observations in the report concerns the changing role of AI technology. PT Metro Timur Indonusa notes in its review that “AI is shifting from an independent investment track to a foundational capability, much like electricity,” and this transformation is happening across multiple industries:

In fintech, AI models are being used for risk assessment of merchants lacking traditional credit records. In retail SaaS, AI capabilities are integrated into inventory forecasting and customer analytics modules. In the content industry, AI technology is solving efficiency problems in multilingual localization.

This shift does not mean a reduction in the value of AI; on the contrary, it marks the beginning of the large-scale application phase of AI. Companies that can seamlessly embed AI capabilities into existing workflows are achieving more stable growth curves.

The Uniqueness of the Indonesian Local Market

Contrary to the expectation that “technology globalization will smooth out regional differences,” observations by PT Metro Timur Indonusa show that the uniqueness of the Southeast Asian market is being amplified.

This judgment is supported by data from multiple dimensions: First, mobile-first digital pathways have created unique product forms. The portfolio of the institution shows that successful projects generally have strong mobile characteristics, directly reflecting the Southeast Asian demographic structure—leaping over the PC era and entering mobile internet directly.

On the other hand, the complexity of the payment environment has spawned differentiated fintech innovations. The report specifically points out that the gap between bank account penetration and digital payment adoption creates opportunity windows for certain types of payment solutions.

In addition, the fragmented MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) market requires customized infrastructure. The highly dispersed state of MSMEs means that companies able to aggregate demand and provide end-to-end solutions can instead establish a more solid market position.

The Professionalization Shift in the Creator Economy

The content creation field is undergoing a quiet transformation. The report notes a phenomenon worth watching: creators are shifting from being “traffic nodes” to “small entrepreneurial entities.”

Two key drivers underpin this shift: First, AI tools have dramatically lowered the threshold for professional content production. Second, platform tools enable creators to manage their works, analyze data, and monetize in diverse ways. The strategic investment by the institution in Otto Media Grup actually reflects a prediction of this trend: investment logic is shifting from “who owns the traffic” to “who owns the tools + data + efficiency.”

Outlook for 2026

Based on observations from 2025, PT Metro Timur Indonusa believes that in the future, AI will continue to penetrate deeper into the infrastructure layer. Calling on AI capabilities will become more convenient, and more innovation will occur in making it easier for traditional industries to use AI technology. In addition, the role of investment institutions is evolving. In a market with diverging trends, simply providing capital is no longer enough. Becoming a “long-term operational partner” and providing industry insights, operational experience, and ecosystem connections will become increasingly valuable.

As 2026 unfolds, these judgments will be tested in the market. Regardless of the outcome, the practice-based observations by PT Metro Timur Indonusa offer a valuable reference framework for understanding this complex and dynamic regional tech ecosystem. Amid the interweaving waves of globalization and localization, this deeply engaged cognitive framework may well mark the beginning of emerging markets building their own technological discourse.

Washington, US, 13th February 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, For Voshte Gustafson, trade shows aren’t just part of her job. They’re where her energy comes alive. Travel days, booth setups, hotel lobbies, happy hour intros—this is her arena. And she leans all the way in.

“I actually love all of it,” she says. “The travel, the setup, the rush of walking into a huge room full of strangers. It’s exciting. Every show is different.”

A professional in the promotional products industry, Gustafson has built her business and reputation by doing what others sometimes avoid—getting out from behind a desk and making real-world connections. Whether she’s attending as a vendor or visitor, she doesn’t just show up. She plans, preps, and performs.

“If I know certain clients will be there, I bring a gift,” she explains. “Not a promo pen. I mean something unique—a nice water bottle, a custom notebook, something they’ll actually use and remember. It’s a touchpoint that says, ‘You matter.’”

For her, trade shows aren’t about passing out swag and hoping for leads. They’re about presence. She makes her booth approachable, her energy high, and her conversations real. “People like to be seen,” she says. “They want to be heard. That’s how you build trust.”

Over time, Voshte has learned that consistency is what turns a cold intro into a warm client. “You’ll see the same workgroups across different shows. They remember you. They’ll stop by and say, ‘Hey, I saw you in Vegas last year,’ or ‘We loved what you made for us.’ That recognition makes future conversations easier.”

And it’s not just about customers. “Sometimes it’s your booth neighbor that becomes your next client,” she says. “Some of my strongest business relationships started with a casual chat between sessions.”

That’s part of what makes the trade show circuit unique. It’s not a typical sales environment. It’s dynamic. You never know when a great conversation will turn into a contract—or when a new product demo will get the whole floor talking.

“Once, we had a pen with NFC tap capability. Someone saw it, loved it, then sent others over to check it out. Soon we had people lining up just to try the pen. You can’t replicate that kind of word-of-mouth online.”

Those little moments fuel her. But she’s quick to say it’s not always perfect. “Not every show is a winner. Some don’t give you the return you hoped for. But it’s part of the process. You live and learn which ones are worth it.”

That blend of hustle, humor, and self-awareness is what sparked her to start branding herself as “The Trade Show Girl.” It started as a joke—part nod to Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour,” part poke at the sudden wave of AI-generated avatars—but the name stuck.

“I thought it was fun. Everyone was making these polished avatars of themselves, so I leaned in. I wanted to show the real side of trade shows. The grind, the laughs, the airport delays, the wins and the flops.”

And it resonated. She’s used the identity to share insights, find new clients, and show others how real connections still matter in a digital world.

“There’s something about meeting someone face to face that you can’t replace. Whether you’re at a booth, grabbing lunch between sessions, or chatting over a drink in the hotel bar—it all matters.”

Trade shows are loud. They’re long. They’re full of people selling and pitching and moving fast. But Gustafson has learned how to stand out by slowing down.

“We start conversations. We listen. We qualify. We don’t just hand out a catalog and walk away. That’s how you build something lasting.”

For Gustafson, the “trade show girl” identity isn’t about being flashy. It’s about showing up. Over and over. Fully present, fully prepared, and fully herself.

Nashville, TN, 13th February 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, On March 13, 2026, the Church of Scientology Nashville will join Scientologists and communities worldwide in celebrating the 115th birthday of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, honoring a legacy that continues to benefit communities across Tennessee.

From his groundbreaking work in Dianetics and Scientology to his far-reaching humanitarian initiatives, Mr. Hubbard’s influence extends well beyond religious philosophy into education, drug rehabilitation, criminal reform, disaster response and the arts. In Nashville, those contributions are not distant headlines but living programs actively serving local residents.

A Literary and Humanitarian Legacy

L. Ron Hubbard remains one of the most widely read and published authors in history, with international sales exceeding fifty million copies and four Guinness World Records, including most published author and most translated author. His works span fifty years and continue to be studied around the globe.

Yet beyond his literary accomplishments, it is his practical solutions for improving lives that define his enduring impact.

His Study Technology has reached more than thirty million students in 70 countries, offering tools to overcome learning barriers and improve comprehension. In Tennessee, these principles have been used by educators, tutors and community volunteers seeking to strengthen literacy and academic success among youth.

His non-religious moral guide, The Way to Happiness, has been distributed in communities worldwide and forms the backbone of outreach initiatives supported locally by volunteers in Middle Tennessee. Through neighborhood events, partnerships and educational activities, Tennesseans receive common-sense principles designed to foster personal responsibility, respect and ethical living.

Strengthening Tennessee Through Rehabilitation and Prevention

Programs inspired by Mr. Hubbard’s research into drug rehabilitation operate internationally in more than fifty countries. In Tennessee, drug prevention and education campaigns rooted in his work help equip families and young people with factual information about substance abuse, promoting drug-free living across the state.

Similarly, Mr. Hubbard’s criminal reform program, Criminon, has transformed lives in correctional systems worldwide. The principles of personal accountability and rehabilitation reflected in that work resonate strongly in Tennessee communities focused on second chances and restoring families.

“These initiatives are about empowerment,” said a spokesperson for the Church of Scientology Nashville. “Mr. Hubbard believed that when individuals are given effective tools to improve themselves, they uplift their families and their communities. We see that principle at work right here in Tennessee.”

Service in Times of Need

Mr. Hubbard’s technologies have also aided those facing crisis. His detoxification methodology was used to assist first responders following the 9/11 attacks, earning recognition from the New York City Fire Department. Today, Volunteer Ministers—whose training is based on his works—serve in disaster response efforts worldwide.

In Tennessee, Volunteer Ministers from the Church of Scientology Nashville participate in preparedness initiatives and community service activities, helping residents become better equipped for emergencies. Their yellow shirts are often visible reminders that help is available and that practical solutions exist.

A Living Legacy in Nashville

Under the ecclesiastical leadership of Mr. David Miscavige, the Church has expanded global outreach and restored historic sites significant to Mr. Hubbard’s research and discoveries. At the same time, local churches such as Nashville’s continue to function as hubs for community betterment programs.

The Nashville Church serves as a center for initiatives promoting human rights education, drug prevention, moral values, and volunteer service. These efforts reflect Mr. Hubbard’s stated mission to uplift humanity through knowledge and ethical living.

As March 13 approaches, the Nashville congregation is preparing a commemorative event highlighting Mr. Hubbard’s life and the measurable ways his work benefits Tennesseans today.

“In celebrating Mr. Hubbard’s 115th birthday, we are not only honoring history,” the Church spokesperson said. “We are recognizing the practical tools that continue to help people here in Tennessee lead happier, more productive lives.”

The community is invited to learn more about the life and legacy of L. Ron Hubbard and the programs active in Middle Tennessee by visiting the Church of Scientology Nashville.

Nashville, TN, 13th February 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, In recognition of World Civil Defence Day, the Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology Nashville will host a Disaster Preparedness Workshop titled “Prepared is Powerful” on Sunday, March 1, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will take place over lunch at the Church of Scientology in downtown Nashville and is open to the public at no cost.

March 1 is observed internationally as World Civil Defence Day, established by the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO). The day commemorates the entry into force of the ICDO Constitution on March 1, 1972, and was created to highlight the importance of civil protection and disaster readiness worldwide. According to the ICDO, the purpose of the day is to “draw the attention of the world public to the vital importance of civil protection” and to pay tribute to the efforts of national services responsible for safeguarding communities in times of emergency.

In that spirit, the Nashville workshop will provide practical, step-by-step guidance to help individuals and families better prepare for severe weather and other emergencies.

Local authorities and city leaders experienced in disaster preparedness and response will lead sessions covering:

• How to assemble an effective and affordable disaster preparedness kit

• What to do if your power goes out for an extended period

• Safety precautions to take before, during, and after an ice storm

• Community resources available during local emergencies

Each attendee will receive a complimentary gift.

“With recent ice storms leaving many without power for days, preparation is no longer optional — it is essential,” said a spokesperson for the Volunteer Ministers. “World Civil Defence Day reminds us that readiness saves lives.”

About the Volunteer Ministers

The Volunteer Minister program was established more than 40 years ago with the motto, “Something can be done about it.” Volunteer Ministers are active worldwide and are trained to provide practical assistance in times of crisis, including natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and severe winter storms. Working alongside local officials, first responders, and community organizations, Volunteer Ministers assist with logistics, community support, supply distribution, and direct help to affected families. Their distinctive yellow shirts have become recognized internationally at disaster sites where immediate, organized assistance is needed. The Nashville Volunteer Ministers continue this mission by helping equip residents with knowledge and tools so they can be prepared before the next emergency strikes. For more information about the Disaster Preparedness Workshop or to reserve a seat, contact the Church of Scientology Nashville, scientology-ccnashville.org. 

Why Has Cross-Border E-Commerce Suddenly Slowed Down? Otto Media Group Global E-Commerce Report Reveals the Full Picture of the 2025 Compliance Black Box

In 2025, cross-border e-commerce continues to expand rapidly, but invisible “compliance costs” are compressing growth. The latest report of Otto Media Grup notes that while global cross-border e-commerce has reached nearly $1.24 trillion, the abandonment rate is as high as 70%. Most losses relate directly to taxes, customs clearance, shipping, and compliance uncertainties. The true bottleneck has shifted from “having orders” to “whether orders can be fulfilled under the tax, customs, platform, and data rules of various countries.”

The report reviews several key regulatory tightening events in 2024–2025: Chinese cross-border e-commerce reached $370 billion in 2024, about 6% of total trade, alongside more detailed tariffs and product oversight. The US, in 2025, will end the “de minimis” low-value tax exemption, which allowed 1.36 billion parcels worth $64.6 billion into the US in 2024, about 70% from China. The EU continues to strengthen platform VAT withholding responsibilities after its e-commerce tax reform.

Against this backdrop, Otto Media Grup highlights structural contradictions observed in Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe: Brands spend heavily on ads and subsidies to chase GMV, but cross-border tax declarations, customs documents, sensitive category restrictions, local data compliance, and platform rule updates still rely on fragmented outsourcing and manual expertise. In project samples of Otto Media, over half of brands had to delist products or pause campaigns due to compliance issues, with more than a third of losses occurring after customer acquisition but before successful fulfillment.

Addressing this black box, the Otto Media report systematically reveals its proprietary WorldBridge module: By building a “cross-border compliance roadmap,” it maps tax systems, customs procedures, platform reviews, sensitive content, privacy, and data requirements into a unified, simulatable, verifiable, and monitorable rules engine. Projects using WorldBridge saw the average time from launch to first order cut by a third, platform rejection rates drop, and predicted cross-border costs narrow—making budgets and pricing more controllable.

The next round of cross-border competition is no longer about burning more ad spend or chasing short-term GMV, but about turning the “invisible fulfillment chain” into a reliable growth foundation. Otto Media Grup concludes: As regulation becomes the norm, platform rules iterate, and data/legal requirements tighten, brands must shift from “opportunity-driven” to “rule-driven”—embedding compliance into every decision on product, pricing, content, and campaigns. The cross-border toolkit of Otto Media aims to offer not just a set of tools, but a replicable operational base for global expansion: Understand rules before spending, build paths before scaling. For brands going global, real growth now comes from stable fulfillment and sustained trust—not just aggressive customer acquisition.

• Toronto-based fintech leader Thirukumaran Sivasubramaniam shares a simple personal best practice rooted in daily habits, long-term thinking, and steady progress.

TORONTO, ON, 13th February 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, In a world full of shortcuts, hype, and constant noise, Thirukumaran Sivasubramaniam, Co-Founder and COO of Fintex Inc., is encouraging individuals to return to something surprisingly powerful: the basics.

Sivasubramaniam calls it “The Consistency Standard”—a personal best practice centered on daily routines, continuous learning, and small actions that compound over time.

“People don’t fall behind because they lack talent,” he says. “They fall behind because they stop showing up for the fundamentals.”

The Consistency Standard is designed to help individuals improve outcomes in their careers, finances, health habits, and decision-making by focusing on what is repeatable, practical, and sustainable.

Why the Basics Matter More Than Ever

Ignoring foundational habits comes at a real cost. Research shows that when people overlook simple routines, the harm adds up quickly:

• Nearly 70% of employees report burnout at some point, often due to lack of boundaries and sustainable habits (Gallup).
  

• About 20% of small businesses fail in their first year, frequently because of poor planning and inconsistency (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
  

• Only 33% of adults have a written financial plan, leaving many vulnerable to avoidable financial stress (CFP Board).
  

• Over 60% of people say they feel too distracted to focus, reducing productivity and decision quality (APA survey data).
  

“Consistency matters more than intensity,” says Sivasubramaniam. “Small actions done daily beat big efforts done once in a while.”

The Consistency Standard: A Personal Best Practice

The standard is simple:

Do the basic things, every day, even when you don’t feel like it.

Sivasubramaniam credits this mindset to his own journey. After immigrating to Canada from Sri Lanka as a child, his family faced instability, frequent moves, and financial hardship. What stayed constant was education, discipline, and persistence.

“Struggle isn’t the end of the story,” he says. “It can be the foundation.”

He applies the same principle today as a business leader, mentor, and parent.

“Leadership isn’t doing everything yourself,” he adds. “It’s building habits, systems, and trust over time.”

30-Day Implementation Plan (Weekly Milestones)

Week 1: Reset the Foundation

• Start each morning with a grounding habit (walk, journaling, stretching)
  

• Identify your top 3 priorities for the month
  

• Remove one daily distraction
  

Milestone: A clear, repeatable start to your day.

Week 2: Build Consistency in Learning

• Spend 20 minutes a day learning something useful
  

• Follow one trusted voice in your field
  

• Write down one takeaway daily
  

Milestone: Learning becomes routine, not occasional.

Week 3: Strengthen Focus and Relationships

• Have one meaningful conversation per week
  

• Ask for feedback or guidance from someone ahead of you
  

• Offer help to someone earlier in their journey
  

“Mentorship changes everything,” says Sivasubramaniam. “One opportunity can shift a life.”

Milestone: Progress through connection, not isolation.

Week 4: Commit to Long-Term Thinking

• Review what habits worked
  

• Double down on what feels sustainable
  

• Set one 90-day goal based on momentum
  

“Small actions create momentum,” Sivasubramaniam emphasizes. “Start with one step.”

Milestone: A lifestyle of consistency, not a temporary challenge.

One-Page Personal Checklist: The Consistency Standard

Use this daily or weekly:

Did I move my body today (walk, sport, stretch)?
Did I learn something new, even briefly?
Did I take one small step toward my goal?
Did I avoid at least one unnecessary distraction?
Did I connect with someone in a meaningful way?
Did I help or mentor someone, even in a small way?
Did I reflect instead of rushing decisions?
Did I show up, even when motivation was low?

Call to Action

Thirukumaran encourages individuals to adopt The Consistency Standard for the next 30 days and to share the checklist with someone who may need it.

“Long-term success comes from showing up for the basics,” he says. “Try one habit today, and let it build.”

Readers are invited to share the checklist, start the plan, and commit to one small step this week.

About Thirukumaran Sivasubramaniam

Thirukumaran (Kumaran) Sivasubramaniam is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Fintex Inc., based in Toronto, Canada. Born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, he immigrated to Canada as a child and built his career at the intersection of entrepreneurship and technology. He is passionate about mentorship, philanthropy, emerging innovation, and helping others pursue opportunity through consistent effort and long-term thinking.

Kowloon, Hong Kong, 13th February 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, As the world gears up to celebrate three decades of Pokémon and a decade of Pokémon GO, GPS location tool PoKeep joins the festivities with a limited-time 30% discount across all plans, available now through March 2, 2026.

The Pokémon franchise turns 30 in 2026. Since the debut of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan in February 1996, the series has grown into the highest-grossing media franchise of all time — spanning video games, anime, films, trading cards, and a global community of fans. Three decades later, the celebration is just getting started.

2026 is also Pokémon GO’s 10th anniversary, highlighted by the upcoming GO Tour: Kalos in-person events exclusive to Tainan and Los Angeles (February 20–22). For the many trainers who can’t travel to these cities, PoKeep Location Changer offers a way to take part remotely — and one such tool is now celebrating the occasion with a special deal.

PoKeep Joins the Celebration with a 30% Anniversary Discount

To mark this dual milestone, PoKeep Location Changer — a GPS spoofer for iPhone and Android — is running a limited-time promotion offering 30% off all subscription plans, a nod to the “30” in this historic anniversary. The offer is available now and runs through March 2, 2026.

The promotional pricing is as follows:

Every plan includes support for 1 PC and up to 10 mobile devices, a 30-day money-back guarantee, free customer support, and software updates for the duration of the license. Trainers can view full PoKeep pricing details.

What Is PoKeep?

PoKeep Location Changer is a desktop tool that allows users to change the GPS location of their iPhone or Android device, without jailbreak or root. While it is widely popular among Pokémon GO trainers for catching region-exclusive Pokémon and participating in remote events, PoKeep is a versatile, general-purpose location tool that works with most location-based apps on the market.

Key features include:

• 360° GPS Joystick: Simulate realistic walking, cycling, or driving movement in any direction using on-screen controls or keyboard input.
• Four Movement Modes: Choose from joystick control, two-spot movement, multi-spot waypoint routing, or jump teleport to suit different needs.
• Built-in Cooldown Timer: Automatically calculates safe intervals between teleports, helping Pokémon GO trainers play responsibly and avoid soft bans.
• Multi-Device Support: Manage up to 10 phones from a single PC, ideal for families or multi-device users.
• No Jailbreak or Root: Works on iOS (including iOS 26/18) and Android (including Android 16/15) without any device modification.
• GPX Import/Export: Load and share route files for efficient route planning across the community.

In addition to location-based games like Pokémon GO, Monster Hunter Now, Ingress Prime, and Pikmin Bloom, PoKeep supports a universal mode that lets users change their location on a wide range of popular apps, including:

• Social & Messaging Apps: WhatsApp, Snapchat, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
• Dating Apps: Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, Grindr, Badoo, OkCupid
• Tracking & Privacy Apps: Life360, Find My iPhone, Google Maps

About PoKeep

PoKeep is a GPS location technology company focused on building safe, user-friendly tools that give people control over their device location. Its flagship product, PoKeep Location Changer, is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7, macOS 10.9–14, iOS 5+, and Android 6.0+. The software is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars and is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Official Website: https://www.pokeep.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pokeep.official

X (Twitter): https://x.com/PoKeep_Official

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PoKeep.Software

Discord: https://discord.gg/69G3Zkjj5w