Radio Valley, Bhutan

09/01/2025

Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City Pioneers Adoption of Bitcoin and Other Digital Assets in City’s Strategic Reserves

Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan – [January 8, 2025] Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), Bhutan’s new Special Administration Region, today announced its intention to recognise digital assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and BNB as part of its strategic reserves, making the Special Administrative Region (SAR) one of the first jurisdictions to officially hold digital assets as part of its strategic reserves. The inclusion of digital assets in the GMC’s strategic reserves will enhance the SAR’s economic resilience, and is an evolution of the jurisdiction’s involvement in bitcoin mining.

For its strategic reserves, GMC intends to recognise digital assets that have large market capitalisations and deep liquidity to ensure that they can be easily bought and sold with minimal price impact. In addition, GMC will look to recognise digital assets that are issued on more mature, secure blockchains that support monitoring of on-chain transactions.

Located on the land bridge connecting the rapidly-growing economies of South Asia, GMC is uniquely positioned to serve the more than two billion people in the region, and one of its key economic focuses is on promoting and supporting the use of blockchain technology, in line with the SAR’s emphasis on innovation and pioneering of new technologies.

This announcement follows the enactment of GMC Law No. 1 of 2024, or the ‘Application of Laws Act 2024’, which was announced on 26 December 2024. The enacted set of laws for GMC included establishing the legal and regulatory framework in GMC for companies seeking to offer financial services involving digital assets. The enactment of this law, coupled with recognising digital assets such as BTC, ETH and BNB as part of GMC’s strategic reserves, is intended to bolster the growth of the digital asset ecosystem in GMC within a technologically progressive, yet well-regulated environment.

In March 2025, GMC plans to convene a high-level meeting in the Kingdom of Bhutan of senior government officials and industry leaders from across the world to discuss the recognition of digital assets as part of a jurisdiction’s strategic reserves, and the setting up of an international advisory panel on digital assets for GMC.

01/01/2025

As Nyilo arrives, it brings with it the promise of brighter days and the renewal of life. New beginnings for all.
🥂To longer days and brighter skies. Let us celebrate this moment.
Wishing everyone a joyful Nyilo!

31/12/2024

Happy New Year

16/12/2024

Honoring our visionary leaders and the spirit of unity that defines our nation. Happy 117th National Day of Bhutan to every one home and abroad.

12/12/2024

𝐆𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐙. 𝐌𝐞𝐢 𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 ‘𝐆𝐌𝐂 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫’ 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲’𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭


Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan – 12 December 2024 – As Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) takes shape in the southern plains of Bhutan, His Majesty The King named Ming Z. Mei a GMC Founding Member. Ming Z Mei’s family trust, Humble Holdings, will invest in projects integral to the City’s initial development stages.

Ming Z. Mei is Co-Founder and CEO of GLP, a global leader in logistics real estate, data centres, renewable energy infrastructure, and related technologies. Under his leadership, GLP has transformed the modern logistics industry through innovative and entrepreneurial strategies, expanding into adjacent sectors and new markets. The Group now owns and manages about US$120 billion of assets worldwide, with a focus on high-growth, high-resiliency new-economy sectors across Asia, Europe and the Americas.

The GMC Founding Member programme is an exclusive, invite-only initiative recognising individuals whose expertise and experience are vital to will be significant for GMC’s success. Founding Members not only invest in the City’s development but also serve as advisors, offering specialised knowledge to shape the future of this visionary project.

Ming Z. Mei’s appointment as an inaugural Founding Member reflects his steadfast commitment to advancing Bhutan’s development and his significant contributions to shaping the foundation of GMC’s strategic framework.

Commenting on his appointment, Ming Z. Mei said, "His Majesty's vision for the future of Bhutan and its people is inspiring. Gelephu Mindfulness City presents a bold new model for ‘mindful development’ in the 21st century, aiming to drive economic transformation for Bhutan by launching industries that offer meaningful employment opportunities for the younger generation in modern, technology driven, and globally connected sectors.”

GMC’s development plan emphasises seven key sectors: Agritech & Forestry; the Airport Economy; Education & Knowledge; Finance & Wealth Management; Green Energy & High Tech; Health & Wellness; and Spirituality.

He added, “It is an honour to be named a GMC Founding Member and contribute to the realisation of this visionary project. His Majesty’s plan is a beacon of hope for creating economic and social opportunities for Bhutanese while safeguarding the nation’s natural beauty, culture and values. This aligns deeply with my philosophy of fostering positive impact through investment."

Additional members of the inaugural cohort of GMC Founding Members will be announced in the coming months. This select group of influential individuals will convene regularly to provide guidance, address challenges, and help propel GMC towards becoming a model of sustainable and innovative development, shaping a brighter future for Bhutan and the broader South Asian region.


About the GMC Founding Member Programme

The GMC Founding Member Programme is an invite only initiative under which carefully chosen individuals are appointed as advisers to the Gelephu Mindfulness City’s (GMC) Board of Directors and help realise His Majesty’s vision. The programme aims to induct influential individuals who bring deep knowledge of the industries, infrastructure, and systems required to drive the growth and development of GMC while also holding values that align with Bhutan’s culture and traditions.

About Gelephu Mindfulness City

The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project is a pioneering initiative creating an urban environment centered around mindfulness, sustainability, and innovation in the southern plains of Bhutan. The City will integrate traditional Bhutanese values with cutting-edge design and technology, harnessing the Kingdom’s abundant green power to serve as a global exemplar of holistic development. The GMC will operate as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) vested with independent executive, legislative and judicial powers.

Media Contacts :

Rabsel Dorji
Head of Communications
Gelephu Mindfulness City
[email protected]

Yuri van der Leest
Managing Director
Teneo
[email protected]

09/12/2024

This is how you kick off the 117the National Day of Bhutan celebration. Over 700 fired up participants took over the clock tower square with an electrifying flash mob.

゚viralシ

07/12/2024

In case you missed today's event at the clock tower

National Day of Bhutan

゚viralシ

05/12/2024

Starlink is now in Bhutan

"Announcement from BICMA"

On 4th December 2024, the Starlink Services Private Ltd, a registered FDI company in Bhutan is issued an Internet Service Provider (ISP) License to provide satellite-based internet services in the country.

The approved tariffs for the Starlink Services Private Limited can be found from the link

https://www.bicma.gov.bt/?page_id=8623

29/11/2024

Gelephu Mindfulness City brings to you Ed Sheeran

ED SHEERAN IS COMING TO BHUTAN! 🇧🇹

For the first time ever, Ed Sheeran will perform live in Thimphu as part of his +-=÷x Tour 2025 in Bhutan, promoted by Gelephu Mindfulness City and AEG Presents by arrangement with One Fiinix Live.

📅 Date: January 24, 2025
📍 Venue: Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu, Bhutan
🎟 Tickets: on sale from TOMORROW November 30, 12:00pm BTT, at www.tix.bt

Mark your calendars for the Perfect Duet between Ed Sheeran and Bhutan.

25/11/2024

Congratulations Dechen Roder and Team I, the Song for the Best Director Award at PÖFF | Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and all the best for upcoming IFFI Goa .

18/11/2024

Bhutan, a country that prioritizes happiness, has seen 9% of its population leave in recent years. Now the king is launching a bold plan for a new city to cr...

11/11/2024

Radio Valley wishes His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyelpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck a long life, good health, and happiness on his 69th birth anniversary.

PC: Wangchuk GaAra

11/11/2024

Announcement from Gelephu Mindfulness City

"We are delighted to announce that The Gelephu Investment and Development Corporation (GIDC), established by Royal Charter as Gelephu’s sovereign development body, has partnered with ORO Bank, Asia’s first full-reserve digital bank, to launch an inspiring nation-building campaign for the Gelephu Mindfulness City! ✨

For Non-Resident Bhutanese (NRBs), this initiative offers a unique way to contribute directly to Bhutan’s progress. By investing in fixed-term deposit (FTD) subscriptions through ORO Bank, NRBs can actively support GMC’s growth while securing stable, reliable returns. (Bhutanese living in Bhutan, please hang tight – future opportunities to participate in nation-building are coming your way!)

This program empowers Bhutanese worldwide to join in shaping the future of GMC. Through these FTD subscriptions, ORO Bank will support the development of GMC by subscribing to a bond with GIDC."

30/10/2024

Rock Band from Sikkim, Friday and Saturday, 1st & 2nd November 2024. Ticket: Nu. 300.

25/10/2024

If you believe in social responsibility, innovation, and collaboration, this event is for you!

DTG 2024 Happening this October 28-29 at Changzamtok (near the spacious Regional Trade Office parking), DTG 2024 is all about bringing businesses together with a purpose.

- You will have the opportunity to Inspire Change, unveil fresh initiatives and spark collaborations with like-minded changemakers. - Connect Globally by linking up with global and local partners who share your vision for a responsible future.
- Empower New Generations by supporting rising entrepreneurs as they turn dreams into reality.

Don’t miss this unique chance to be part of a movement that’s creating a better tomorrow. See you there!

Visit https://www.entrepreneurship.bt/ to know more.

Loden Foundation Druk Tshongrig Gatoen - DTG

10/09/2024

02/09/2024

Monday's perfect day to begin fresh.