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HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce, yesterday hosted the Key E-Commerce Leader Award (KEL) Grand Finale in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The event celebrated the achievements and contributions of outstanding B2B e-commerce sellers from across South and Southeast Asia, reflecting Alibaba.com's commitment to fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the global e-commerce sector.
The event brought together 10 top-notch e-commerce sellers from Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia in one of the region's most vibrant cities, Ho Chi Minh City. These exceptional sellers exemplify the transformative power of Alibaba.com's platform, which enables local businesses to grow into global players by providing access to international markets and digital tools. The KEL Award spotlighted their achievements, resilience and leadership, inspiring other SMEs to embrace cross-border opportunities and reach international markets.
After hours of intense business case pitching by the top 10 finalists and careful deliberation by the judging panel, Alibaba.com announced the top 3 Key E-Commerce Leaders for KEL Award 2024 went to Ms. Xuan Hai Yen (Yanni), Deputy Director at Proline Vietnam Manufacture and Trading from Vietnam; Ms. Natasha Gogna, Managing Director of Shri Krishna International from India and Mr. Tayyub Hussnain, Founder of Norwich Streetwear from Pakistan. Additionally, the event awarded Mr. Tayyub Hussnain as the winner of the People's Choice Award, determined by audience votes.
The judging panel included distinguished Alibaba.com leaders and experts: Mr. Shawn Yang (General Manager of Global Business Development at Alibaba.com), Mr. Roger Luo (Head of South and Southeast Asia at Alibaba.com), Ms. Ella Xie (Director of Global Business Development at Alibaba.com), and Ms. Savannah Zheng (CEO of CGCH & Awins).
Mr. Shawn Yang, General Manager of Global Business Development at Alibaba.com, shared: "Through the inspiring stories shared by the sellers at the KEL Award, Alibaba.com aims to motivate businesses across South and Southeast Asia to engage actively in the high-potential arena of global digital trade. For those who have already embarked on their digital trade journeys, we hope these success stories offer valuable insights and strategies for breakthrough, innovation, and diversified growth to succeed on a global scale."
One such inspiring story comes from Ravin Sadh, founder of Conifer Handmades, whose journey demonstrates the immense potential of digital trade through Alibaba.com. He has spent the past two decades building a successful export business in the gifts and crafts industry without ever stepping into a traditional trade expo or needing to travel abroad. Since joining Alibaba.com in 1999, when the platform was newly established, Ravin has relied exclusively on it to reach customers worldwide. Today, 100% of Conifer Handmades' business comes from Alibaba.com, with exports spanning over 35 countries. Focused on sustainable gift bags and crafts, Ravin's business has grown exponentially through Alibaba.com's digital platform, allowing him to connect with international buyers without the typical need for in-person networking or overseas travel. In fact, he only acquired a passport to attend the KEL Award Grand Finale, marking his first journey abroad as a testament to his commitment and success through Alibaba.com alone.
One of the 10 finalists, Tayyub Hussnain from Norwich Streetwear, shared a compelling story that underscores the transformative power of ambition and innovation in e-commerce. After graduating from Govt. Murray College in Sialkot in 2014, he embarked on his career with a modest monthly salary of 16,000 PKR. His entrepreneurial journey in the apparel industry was catalyzed when he received a laptop from the Chief Minister of Punjab, which introduced him to Alibaba.com. Through this platform, he secured his first major order of 770 pieces of clothing, an accomplishment that significantly boosted his confidence. This newfound assurance led Hussnain to leave his stable job and devote himself fully to building his business on Alibaba.com.
Xuan Hai Yen, Deputy Director of Proline Vietnam Manufacture and Trading, is a dynamic leader who has turned her family's business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise with double-digit revenue growth over the past nine years. With 15 years of experience in the import-export and e-commerce sector, Yen exemplifies how resilience and a forward-thinking approach can drive transformative growth.
Yen took charge of the company during challenging times, crafting digital strategies to modernize operations and expand into global markets. Her vision to embrace digital solutions, particularly through Alibaba.com, helped revive the company, leading to an impressive 30% growth rate. Today, Proline exports a diverse range of products, including food bags, ESD anti-static bags and more. Under her leadership, Proline successfully expanded its reach to over 15 countries, including the U.S., UK, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Russia, Cambodia and Australia. Within just four months of joining Alibaba.com, the company secured its first U.S. order, a significant milestone in its growth journey. These success stories illustrate the transformative potential of e-commerce, with Alibaba.com serving as a vital growth engine, connecting businesses to the global market and maximizing their potential.
The Top 10 Finalists of the 2024 KEL Award Grand Finale included:
- Ms. Xuan Hai Yen (Yanni), Deputy Director at Proline Vietnam Manufacture and Trading Limited Company, Vietnam
- Mr. Can Quang Sang, Marketing Manager of VIHABA Co., LTD, Vietnam
- Ms. Nguyen Thi Loan, Founder and CEO of Centic Vietnam JSC, Vietnam
- Mr. Ravin Sadh, Founder of Conifer Handmades, India
- Ms. Natasha Gogna, Managing Director of Shri Krishna International, India
- Mr. Muzafar Hussain, Overseas Marketing Head of JNM Leather Safety Gloves, Pakistan
- Mr. Tayyub Hussnain, Founder of Norwich Streetwear, Pakistan
- Ms. Nitcharee Ujjin, Co-founder of Thumbinthai Co., Ltd., Thailand
- Mr. Nicholas Tee Kai Xuen, Vice President of L.K.Tee Enterprise Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
- Mr. Fahmi Zaenal, Co-founder of PT Pohacee Cartens International, Indonesia
About Alibaba.com
Launched in 1999, Alibaba.com is a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce that serves buyers and suppliers from over 200 countries and regions around the world. It is engaged in services covering various aspects of commerce, including providing businesses with tools that help them reach a global audience for their products and helping buyers discover products, find suppliers and place orders online fast and efficiently. Alibaba.com is part of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group.
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce, yesterday hosted the Key E-Commerce Leader Award (KEL) Grand Finale in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The event celebrated the achievements and contributions of outstanding B2B e-commerce sellers from across South and Southeast Asia, reflecting Alibaba.com's commitment to fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the global e-commerce sector.
The event brought together 10 top-notch e-commerce sellers from Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia in one of the region's most vibrant cities, Ho Chi Minh City. These exceptional sellers exemplify the transformative power of Alibaba.com's platform, which enables local businesses to grow into global players by providing access to international markets and digital tools. The KEL Award spotlighted their achievements, resilience and leadership, inspiring other SMEs to embrace cross-border opportunities and reach international markets.
After hours of intense business case pitching by the top 10 finalists and careful deliberation by the judging panel, Alibaba.com announced the top 3 Key E-Commerce Leaders for KEL Award 2024 went to Ms. Xuan Hai Yen (Yanni), Deputy Director at Proline Vietnam Manufacture and Trading from Vietnam; Ms. Natasha Gogna, Managing Director of Shri Krishna International from India and Mr. Tayyub Hussnain, Founder of Norwich Streetwear from Pakistan. Additionally, the event awarded Mr. Tayyub Hussnain as the winner of the People's Choice Award, determined by audience votes.
The judging panel included distinguished Alibaba.com leaders and experts: Mr. Shawn Yang (General Manager of Global Business Development at Alibaba.com), Mr. Roger Luo (Head of South and Southeast Asia at Alibaba.com), Ms. Ella Xie (Director of Global Business Development at Alibaba.com), and Ms. Savannah Zheng (CEO of CGCH & Awins).
Mr. Shawn Yang, General Manager of Global Business Development at Alibaba.com, shared: "Through the inspiring stories shared by the sellers at the KEL Award, Alibaba.com aims to motivate businesses across South and Southeast Asia to engage actively in the high-potential arena of global digital trade. For those who have already embarked on their digital trade journeys, we hope these success stories offer valuable insights and strategies for breakthrough, innovation, and diversified growth to succeed on a global scale."
One such inspiring story comes from Ravin Sadh, founder of Conifer Handmades, whose journey demonstrates the immense potential of digital trade through Alibaba.com. He has spent the past two decades building a successful export business in the gifts and crafts industry without ever stepping into a traditional trade expo or needing to travel abroad. Since joining Alibaba.com in 1999, when the platform was newly established, Ravin has relied exclusively on it to reach customers worldwide. Today, 100% of Conifer Handmades' business comes from Alibaba.com, with exports spanning over 35 countries. Focused on sustainable gift bags and crafts, Ravin's business has grown exponentially through Alibaba.com's digital platform, allowing him to connect with international buyers without the typical need for in-person networking or overseas travel. In fact, he only acquired a passport to attend the KEL Award Grand Finale, marking his first journey abroad as a testament to his commitment and success through Alibaba.com alone.
One of the 10 finalists, Tayyub Hussnain from Norwich Streetwear, shared a compelling story that underscores the transformative power of ambition and innovation in e-commerce. After graduating from Govt. Murray College in Sialkot in 2014, he embarked on his career with a modest monthly salary of 16,000 PKR. His entrepreneurial journey in the apparel industry was catalyzed when he received a laptop from the Chief Minister of Punjab, which introduced him to Alibaba.com. Through this platform, he secured his first major order of 770 pieces of clothing, an accomplishment that significantly boosted his confidence. This newfound assurance led Hussnain to leave his stable job and devote himself fully to building his business on Alibaba.com.
Xuan Hai Yen, Deputy Director of Proline Vietnam Manufacture and Trading, is a dynamic leader who has turned her family's business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise with double-digit revenue growth over the past nine years. With 15 years of experience in the import-export and e-commerce sector, Yen exemplifies how resilience and a forward-thinking approach can drive transformative growth.
Yen took charge of the company during challenging times, crafting digital strategies to modernize operations and expand into global markets. Her vision to embrace digital solutions, particularly through Alibaba.com, helped revive the company, leading to an impressive 30% growth rate. Today, Proline exports a diverse range of products, including food bags, ESD anti-static bags and more. Under her leadership, Proline successfully expanded its reach to over 15 countries, including the U.S., UK, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Russia, Cambodia and Australia. Within just four months of joining Alibaba.com, the company secured its first U.S. order, a significant milestone in its growth journey. These success stories illustrate the transformative potential of e-commerce, with Alibaba.com serving as a vital growth engine, connecting businesses to the global market and maximizing their potential.
The Top 10 Finalists of the 2024 KEL Award Grand Finale included:
- Ms. Xuan Hai Yen (Yanni), Deputy Director at Proline Vietnam Manufacture and Trading Limited Company, Vietnam
- Mr. Can Quang Sang, Marketing Manager of VIHABA Co., LTD, Vietnam
- Ms. Nguyen Thi Loan, Founder and CEO of Centic Vietnam JSC, Vietnam
- Mr. Ravin Sadh, Founder of Conifer Handmades, India
- Ms. Natasha Gogna, Managing Director of Shri Krishna International, India
- Mr. Muzafar Hussain, Overseas Marketing Head of JNM Leather Safety Gloves, Pakistan
- Mr. Tayyub Hussnain, Founder of Norwich Streetwear, Pakistan
- Ms. Nitcharee Ujjin, Co-founder of Thumbinthai Co., Ltd., Thailand
- Mr. Nicholas Tee Kai Xuen, Vice President of L.K.Tee Enterprise Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
- Mr. Fahmi Zaenal, Co-founder of PT Pohacee Cartens International, Indonesia
About Alibaba.com
Launched in 1999, Alibaba.com is a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce that serves buyers and suppliers from over 200 countries and regions around the world. It is engaged in services covering various aspects of commerce, including providing businesses with tools that help them reach a global audience for their products and helping buyers discover products, find suppliers and place orders online fast and efficiently. Alibaba.com is part of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Top-Notch B2B Sellers from South and Southeast Asia Crowned Champions at Alibaba.com's KEL Award Grand Finale
Top-Notch B2B Sellers from South and Southeast Asia Crowned Champions at Alibaba.com's KEL Award Grand Finale
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SEOUL, South Korea, April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Visa, a global leader in digital payments, is strengthening its chemistry with K-pop as the Worldwide Tour Sponsor for "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'". It marks the comeback of the decade for pop royalty BTS.
"BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'" is poised to be a worldwide phenomenon, featuring 82 shows in 34 regions. The reunion has had a powerful start, with 18.4 million tuning in online to "BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE｜ARIRANG" on 21 March in the heart of Seoul[1]. Visa data also showed foreign travel to South Korea surged over 25% on the week of the concert compared to an average week, while travel spending climbed around 20% from an average week[2], showing that BTS is as much a magnet for music fans worldwide as they are a springboard for tourism wherever they go.
As Worldwide Tour Sponsor for "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'", Visa brings its trusted global network to a truly worldwide celebration, enabling a global audience to access the tour through seamless and secure payments. With "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'" hitting eight cities in Asia Pacific – Kaohsiung, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Manila – Visa cardholders stand to win complimentary tickets through Visa and its issuing partners in these markets and enjoy an upsized Visa presence at the concerts with special merchandise and booths.
Danielle Jin, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Asia Pacific at Visa said, "When it comes to music, few inspire the world as much as BTS. Every step in their journey is marked by passion, creativity, and a determination to make great music. It is their pursuit of excellence and connection that brought them to the pinnacle of pop, aligning perfectly with Visa's belief that the small and deliberate choices we make every day define success. Visa is thrilled to bring seamless and secure payments to the "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'", enabling anyone to be part of the moment at the biggest music reunion in the world."
Visa champions the moments that bring fans closer to the passions they love, from sports and music to fashion and entertainment. Guided by a fan-first approach to partnerships, Visa designs experiences that deepen connection and make participation seamless, secure and accessible for audiences around the world. Through high impact partnerships, Visa helps shape cultural moments while enabling effortless, cross-border commerce. Visa's partnership with "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'" builds on its affinity with music and K-pop such as MAMA AWARDS, the world's no.1 K-pop awards, allowing it to create more meaningful experiences that bring fans closer to the artists they love.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.
About BTS
BTS, an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or "Beyond the Scene," are a GRAMMY-nominated South Korean boyband that has been capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally since their debut in June 2013. The members of BTS are RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. Gaining recognition for their authentic and self-produced music, top-notch performances, and their deep connection with fans, the band has established a legacy as 21st century pop icons breaking countless world records. While imparting a positive influence through activities such as the LOVE MYSELF campaign and the UN 'Speak Yourself' speech, the band has mobilized millions of fans across the world (named ARMY), earned six No.1 Billboard Hot 100 singles since 2020, and performed multiple sold-out stadium shows across the world. They were also named TIME's Entertainer of the Year 2020. BTS are 5-time GRAMMY nominees (63rd to 65th GRAMMY Awards) and have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards like the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards (Artist of the Year 2021) and MTV Video Music Awards. Released in March, 2026, BTS' massively successful fifth studio album ARIRANG debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with its lead single "SWIM" also debuting at No. 1. With a world tour to follow, BTS' return is set to be etched in pop culture history.
SEOUL, South Korea, April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Visa, a global leader in digital payments, is strengthening its chemistry with K-pop as the Worldwide Tour Sponsor for "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'". It marks the comeback of the decade for pop royalty BTS.
"BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'" is poised to be a worldwide phenomenon, featuring 82 shows in 34 regions. The reunion has had a powerful start, with 18.4 million tuning in online to "BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE｜ARIRANG" on 21 March in the heart of Seoul[1]. Visa data also showed foreign travel to South Korea surged over 25% on the week of the concert compared to an average week, while travel spending climbed around 20% from an average week[2], showing that BTS is as much a magnet for music fans worldwide as they are a springboard for tourism wherever they go.
As Worldwide Tour Sponsor for "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'", Visa brings its trusted global network to a truly worldwide celebration, enabling a global audience to access the tour through seamless and secure payments. With "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'" hitting eight cities in Asia Pacific – Kaohsiung, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Manila – Visa cardholders stand to win complimentary tickets through Visa and its issuing partners in these markets and enjoy an upsized Visa presence at the concerts with special merchandise and booths.
Danielle Jin, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Asia Pacific at Visa said, "When it comes to music, few inspire the world as much as BTS. Every step in their journey is marked by passion, creativity, and a determination to make great music. It is their pursuit of excellence and connection that brought them to the pinnacle of pop, aligning perfectly with Visa's belief that the small and deliberate choices we make every day define success. Visa is thrilled to bring seamless and secure payments to the "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'", enabling anyone to be part of the moment at the biggest music reunion in the world."
Visa champions the moments that bring fans closer to the passions they love, from sports and music to fashion and entertainment. Guided by a fan-first approach to partnerships, Visa designs experiences that deepen connection and make participation seamless, secure and accessible for audiences around the world. Through high impact partnerships, Visa helps shape cultural moments while enabling effortless, cross-border commerce. Visa's partnership with "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'" builds on its affinity with music and K-pop such as MAMA AWARDS, the world's no.1 K-pop awards, allowing it to create more meaningful experiences that bring fans closer to the artists they love.
[1] BTS concert on Netflix draws millions of viewers | The Straits Times
[2] VisaNet data; calculated by comparing in-person spending made by non-resident Visa cardholders in South Korea during the period from 16 March 2026 to 22 March 2026 with the weekly average of the preceding 52 weeks (17 March 2025 - 15 March 2026)
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.
About BTS
BTS, an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or "Beyond the Scene," are a GRAMMY-nominated South Korean boyband that has been capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally since their debut in June 2013. The members of BTS are RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. Gaining recognition for their authentic and self-produced music, top-notch performances, and their deep connection with fans, the band has established a legacy as 21st century pop icons breaking countless world records. While imparting a positive influence through activities such as the LOVE MYSELF campaign and the UN 'Speak Yourself' speech, the band has mobilized millions of fans across the world (named ARMY), earned six No.1 Billboard Hot 100 singles since 2020, and performed multiple sold-out stadium shows across the world. They were also named TIME's Entertainer of the Year 2020. BTS are 5-time GRAMMY nominees (63rd to 65th GRAMMY Awards) and have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards like the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards (Artist of the Year 2021) and MTV Video Music Awards. Released in March, 2026, BTS' massively successful fifth studio album ARIRANG debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with its lead single "SWIM" also debuting at No. 1. With a world tour to follow, BTS' return is set to be etched in pop culture history.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Visa cements global K-pop connection as Worldwide Tour Sponsor for "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'"
