APAC News
COLES BAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR AUSSIE VETERANS THIS ANZAC DAY
Coles is baking a difference for Aussie veterans this Anzac Day with its annual Anzac Day fundraising appeal for national military charity Bravery Trust. Funds raised will help veterans under financial pressure as Bravery Trust released its annual Impact Report which revealed the challenges Australian servicemen and women face upon transitioning to civilian life and beyond. The new report revealed: Demand from Australian Defence Force (ADF) current and ex-serving personnel seeking financial support and education from Bravery Trust increased by 77% over the past two years, with a six-fold increase in veterans seeking financial counselling since 2023. 55% of Bravery Trust’s beneficiaries are supporting children, meaning their support provides a safety net for the entire family unit, not just the individual. More than a quarter (26%) of veterans supported by Bravery Trust are battling both mental and physical health issues simultaneously. Before seeing Bravery Trust, only 20% of veterans had a household budget, with 94% having one after seeking help. Top requests for help from Aussie veterans were rent and bond, relocation, motor vehicle expenses and essential utility bills. Among the thousands of veterans Bravery Trust has supported since its inception is Sonya, who turned to Bravery Trust when unexpected bills left her with nowhere else to go. Sonya served both full-time and part-time in the Australian Army for over 16 years, beginning with a stint in the Army Reserves before embarking on several overseas deployments. A single mum for much of her career, she balanced postings, courses and time in the field while putting her children first. Medically discharged in 2012 and living with injuries that prevent her from working, Sonya first contacted Bravery Trust in 2020 for help when her council rates and home insurance fell due in the same week, and again in 2025 for assistance to fix her car so she could stay mobile. “When I first reached out to Bravery Trust, I was very hesitant - pride had a lot to do with that. But the Bravery Trust team made the whole process so easy, putting any fears I had at ease,” Sonya said. “On both occasions they helped me move forward, and I would encourage other veterans to pick up the phone and ask for help. Transitioning is hard, but with the support of friends and organisations like Bravery Trust, I’m now making the most of every moment, enjoying what’s out there.” Bravery Trust CEO Garth Callender encouraged Australians to get behind the campaign. “Our servicemen and women have already given up so much for our country, the least we can do is help them through their transition into civilian life,” he said. “Since 2012, Bravery Trust has distributed more than $8.4 million in direct payments to veterans and successfully negotiated more than $1.1 million in debt to be waived for clients.” “This is made possible with the support of our partners like Coles, and the generosity of their customers. Our partnership is more than just about raising funds. We are also encouraging Australians to start a conversation about veterans and finances by hosting an Anzac biscuit morning tea.” Coles Business Category Manager Bakery and current serving Army Reserve member Rory McDonald said Coles is honoured to continue backing Bravery Trust and Australian veterans. “At Coles, we have a proud history with the veteran community, dating back to our founder GJ Coles and his brothers’ involvement in the Great War,” he said. “More recently, we’ve raised more than $6.4 million for Bravery Trust to support veterans doing it tough. However, the need is ongoing, and we hope our customers can continue to help make a difference by supporting this year’s Bravery Trust appeal.” For media enquiries, please contact Coles Media Line (03) 9829 5250 or [email protected] or [email protected]
"KAGURABACHI" Set for TV Anime Adaptation by Cypic in April 2027!
TOPPAN to Showcase Sustainable Packaging Synergies with Global Group Companies at interpack 2026
T.M.G. Challenged Plus TOPPAN’s Junichi Yoshida Selected to Represent Japan at the 11th International Abilympics
- May 1, 2026Business
SoftBank Corp. and TOPPAN Holdings Develop Lightweight, Durable Skin for Solar HAPS Aircraft Wings
SoftBank Corp. (TYO: 9434) (President & CEO: Junichi Miyakawa, “SoftBank”) and TOPPAN Holdings Inc. (TYO: 7911) (President & COO: Satoshi Oya, “TOPPAN Holdings”) jointly developed a lightweight, durable skin for use on solar High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) aircraft wings and devised a testing method that replicates the stratosphere’s environment. Test production will go forward, and the aircraft wing skin is planned for use with HTA-type1 HAPS, which SoftBank plans to deploy for commercial services from 2029 onwards. This jointly developed HAPS aircraft wing skin and test method that reproduces stratospheric conditions were made possible by combining SoftBank’s HAPS expertise and TOPPAN Holdings’ know-how accrued over years of creating advanced multi-layered film technology designed for packaging and construction materials. TOPPAN Holdings also leveraged its proprietary technology that evaluates weather resistance. This joint development mitigates film damage (degradation) caused by strong ultraviolet (UV) rays and ultra-low temperatures of almost -100°C. As a result, the aircraft can stay in the stratosphere for longer periods. Image of skin structure for HAPS aircraft wings Development Background HAPS, also referred to as “base stations in the sky,” provide communication services from uncrewed aircraft that remain airborne in the stratosphere. Being able to keep an aircraft with a communications payload airborne for extended periods of time would make it possible to provide an alternative means of communications in the aftermath of large-scale natural disasters, as well as provide communication services to under-connected areas, such as mountainous regions and remote islands. As these platforms operate from the stratosphere at an altitude of approximately 20 km above, they offer wider-area coverage than base stations on the ground, while also providing high-quality, high-volume, low-latency communications superior to satellite-based communications. However, at this altitude in the stratosphere, UV ray and ozone exposure is far greater than at ground level, and with exposure to extremely cold temperatures that sometimes drop to almost -100℃, impaired efficacy due to these environmental factors had been a serious issue with conventional all-purpose skins. Responding to this challenge, SoftBank and TOPPAN Holdings jointly developed a new ultra-lightweight, high-durability skin for aircraft wings capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the stratosphere, along with a specialized methodology for its evaluation. Wing Skin & Evaluation Method Characteristics 1. Use of impact-resistant advanced resin and proprietary structure to achieve both lightweighting and safety Leveraging converting technology2 developed for packaging by TOPPAN Holdings, an optimized skin structure was achieved by precisely layering original materials and impact-resistant advanced resin suitable for use at extremely low temperature conditions. The resulting skin weighs the same as or less than average conventional all-purpose skin, and even if damage to the skin were to occur, the break-resistant design keeps damage from spreading, allowing for both a safe and lighter HAPS airframe. 2. Advanced durability to address harsh stratospheric conditions SoftBank has contributed real-world data from its stratospheric HAPS flights, including actual temperature measurements and deep ultraviolet (UV-C) ray exposure conditions, and has also defined requirements such as weight reduction and other performance criteria. This has enabled TOPPAN Holdings to design a skin that addresses exposure to the harsh environmental conditions of the stratosphere by applying technology developed for construction materials. These conditions particular to the stratosphere include everything from extremely low temperatures (approximately -50℃ to -95℃) to extreme heat (approximately 100℃) from direct sunlight. The skin is also resistant to short wave UV-C and high-concentration ozone (10-20 ppm, parts per million) exposure that are far stronger than at ground level. This durability will allow for extended HAPS operation periods. 3. Establishing a testing method that simulates stratospheric conditions to ensure reliability TOPPAN Holdings leveraged its knowledge of packaging film testing and accelerated durability testing of construction materials, to construct a new test environment that assesses the skin under a simulation of the ultralow temperatures of the stratosphere, while also facilitating the testing of simultaneous exposure from short wave UV rays and the ozone. By using this test environment, it is possible to understand the detailed mechanisms of deterioration particular to the stratosphere and to use that knowledge for improved product design. This understanding and design adjustment makes it possible to carry out a more precise and more reliable evaluation compared to former testing methods. Roles of Both Companies SoftBank Provide expertise required to evaluate the suitability of the skin as well as expertise on HAPS operations Supervision of advancing use with HAPS aircraft and transferring advances to practical application TOPPAN Holdings Develop and provide skin material suitable for HAPS aircraft Proposal for evaluation method in stratospheric environment Future Developments SoftBank and TOPPAN Holdings will proceed with research to make the skin material developed within the scope of this project even lighter and stronger by fiscal 2027 (the year ending March 31, 2028). Additionally, while evaluating durability in the stratosphere, both companies will also attempt to establish mass production technology capable of ensuring sufficient supply and reliable quality by fiscal 2028. Also, based on testing outcomes, additional functions will be added, and the skin is expected to be used by SoftBank on HTA-type HAPS aircraft that provide commercial services, planned for launch from 2029 onwards. Both companies also plan to apply this skin to other fields that require a high level of durability. 1 HTA (Heavier-Than-Air) refers to HAPS that remain airborne by generating aerodynamic lift, similar to conventional aircraft. 2 Converting technology is the process of transforming materials like film into high-function final products through specialized processing such as printing and lamination. About SoftBank Corp. Guided by the SoftBank Group's corporate philosophy, "Information Revolution – Happiness for everyone," SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) operates telecommunications and IT businesses in Japan and globally. Building on its strong business foundation, SoftBank Corp. is expanding into non-telecom fields in line with its "Beyond Carrier" growth strategy while further growing its telecom business by harnessing the power of 5G/6G, IoT, Digital Twin and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) solutions, including High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS)-based stratospheric telecommunications. While constructing AI data centers and developing homegrown LLMs specialized for the Japanese language, SoftBank is integrating AI with radio access networks (AI-RAN), with the aim of becoming a provider of next-generation social infrastructure. https://www.softbank.jp/en/corp/ About the TOPPAN Group Established in Tokyo in 1900, the TOPPAN Group is a leading and diversified global provider committed to delivering sustainable, integrated solutions in fields including printing, communications, security, packaging, décor materials, electronics, and digital transformation. The TOPPAN Group’s global team of more than 50,000 employees offers optimal solutions enabled by industry-leading expertise and technologies to address the diverse challenges of every business sector and society and contribute to the achievement of shared sustainability goals. https://www.holdings.toppan.com/en/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/toppan/
- May 1, 2026Business
Gas Malaysia, Greenergy to Explore Biomass Steam Projects in Malaysia as Industries Weigh Lower-carbon Options
Gas Malaysia Berhad (“Gas Malaysia”), a member of MMC Group, and Wasco Greenergy Berhad (“Greenergy”) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) to conduct a joint feasibility study on biomass-fired steam systems for industrial applications across Peninsular Malaysia. The collaboration will assess the viability of both on-site and centralised biomass steam systems, including hybrid configurations combining biomass and natural gas, to enhance cost efficiency and support the transition to lower-carbon industrial energy use. The study will focus on understanding industrial demand, identifying potential project locations, evaluating feedstock supply readiness, project configurations and business models to support scalable deployment for industrial customers. “Industrial customers are increasingly seeking energy solutions that balance reliability, cost and sustainability. This partnership enables us to evaluate how biomass can complement our existing offerings while supporting Malaysia’s energy transition agenda,” said Azli Mohamed, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Gas Malaysia Berhad. Under the MoU, Gas Malaysia and Greenergy will jointly explore biomass-based steam solutions for industrial customers, leveraging their combined commercial, infrastructure and technical expertise to assess viable deployment strategies. “Decarbonising industrial heat requires solutions that are both technically viable and commercially scalable. This collaboration allows us to rigorously assess where biomass can be deployed at scale, alongside existing energy systems, to deliver practical and competitive outcomes for industrial users,” said Lee Yee Chong, Chief Executive Officer of Wasco Greenergy Berhad. This initiative aligns with Gas Malaysia’s long‐term growth strategy, which focuses on strengthening its core business while advancing value‐added and lower‐carbon energy solutions to meet evolving customer needs and national energy transition goals. At the same time, it reflects Greenergy’s post-IPO strategy to enhance earnings resilience and build on sustainable business through an asset ownership model, delivering reliable and low-carbon energy solutions to industrial users at scale. The collaboration also reflects broader regional trends, as industries across Southeast Asia evaluate alternative energy sources to meet decarbonisation targets. Malaysia, one of the world’s largest palm oil producers, generates substantial volumes of agricultural waste that can be converted into biomass fuel, positioning it as a viable low-carbon energy.
- May 1, 2026Business
CATL Unveils Six Major Innovations: Multi-Chemistry Systems to Redefine New Energy Mobility Experience
CATL today hosted its Super Technology Day in Beijing, unveiling third-generation Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery, third-generation Qilin Battery, Qilin Condensed Battery, second-generation Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery, Naxtra Sodium-ion Battery and a fully integrated supercharging and battery-swapping solution. These innovations are designed to address diverse mobility needs across different usage scenarios. At the event, Dr. Wu Kai, Chief Scientist of CATL, systematically elaborated on the respective strengths, limitations, and development pathways of different material chemistries. He noted that LFP is nearing its theoretical energy density limit, making it better suited for a technology roadmap centered on extreme fast charging to achieve optimal balance. NCM’s high energy density keeps it at the forefront of global competition — underscoring that energy density remains the core metric for leadership. Sodium-ion batteries offer broad potential for extreme temperatures and energy storage applications. Whether from the perspective of differentiated consumer needs, or from the viewpoints of energy security and social development, the lithium-ion battery industry must pursue coordinated development across multiple chemical systems. Robin Zeng, Chairman and CEO of CATL, emphasized at the conference that industrial innovation must be driven by a rigorous scientific spirit. For Chinese technology to go global, it relies not just on speed and scale, but on the quality of innovation, the ability to validate, and the credibility of the brand. Third-Generation Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery: Making Superfast Charging and Ultra-Long Lifespan No Longer a Trade-Off From an electrochemical standpoint, boosting charge rates while protecting battery lifespan hinges on one primary factor: temperature rise, not trickle current. As the Arrhenius equation shows, a 10°C increase in battery temperature can roughly double the rate of internal side reactions—an effect that can significantly shorten cycle life. The third-generation Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery addresses heat generation and dissipation through three major measures: reduced heat production during operation, stronger thermal propagation, and higher precision control. As a result, after consuming 1,000 complete cycles, the battery’s capacity retention remains above 90%, achieving an optimal balance between extreme superfast charging and ultra-long service life. The latest third-generation Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery has reached what is claimed to be the industry’s strongest capability: an equivalent 10C and a peak 15C charging rate. Charging from 10% to 35% SOC (State of Charge) takes just 1 minute; from 10% to 80% SOC takes 3 minutes and 44 seconds; and from 10% to 98% SOC takes 6 minutes and 27 seconds. Even at −30°C in extreme cold conditions, charging from 20% to 98% SOC takes about 9 minutes. In addition, by combining battery self-heating technology with a fully integrated supercharging and battery-swapping network, the system is designed to enable low-temperature superfast charging that is not limited by charging piles—offering both fast charging and battery swapping. Third-generation Qilin Battery: Lighter, Stronger, More Premium, Redefining EV Excellence Historically, achieving long range in premium EVs with LFP batteries has relied on simply adding more capacity — an approach that inevitably compromises vehicle lightweighting. The third-generation Qilin Battery is designed for premium long-range EVs, achieving a cell energy density of 280 Wh/kg and enabling 1,000 km range while supporting 10C superfast charging. The battery delivers 3 MW peak power, doubling the output of the second-generation Qilin track battery which competed on the Nürburgring (1,330 kW). The entire battery pack weighs only 625 kg. Compared with equivalent LFP systems, this represents a weight reduction of 255 kg and space savings of 112 litres. The lightweighting metrics deliver exceptionally significant benefits: · Energy consumption per 100 km decreases by more than 6%, saving approximately 0.78 kWh per 100 km. Across a fleet of one million vehicles travelling 20,000 km annually, this equates to 156 million kWh in electricity savings and a reduction of 78,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. · Performance and safety improvements include a 0.6‑second reduction in 0–100 km/h acceleration, a 12% shorter overtaking risk window, an 8% higher moose test speed, a 6.5% lower body roll angle, a 15–25% gain in obstacle avoidance capability, and approximately 1.44 metres shorter braking distance. · Durability is enhanced, with chassis component life extended by 40% and tyre life by over 30%, increasing replacement intervals by at least 10,000 km. The 112 litres of space saved can increase cabin headroom by at least 18 mm. Building on the national standard for NP (No Thermal Propagation), safety is strengthened through “thermal-electrical separation”, with each cell incorporating an independent sealed exhaust channel to isolate thermal events and prevent propagation, ensuring “heat takes the heat path, electricity takes the electrical path”. Qilin Condensed Battery: Aviation-Grade Technology Applied to Passenger Vehicles for the First Time The Qilin Condensed Battery applies aviation-grade technology to passenger vehicles for the first time, achieving 350 Wh/kg cell energy density and 760 Wh/L volumetric energy density — setting a new record for mass-produced batteries. This enables 1,500 km range for sedans and over 1,000 km for large SUVs, with pack weight controlled within 650 kg. The condensed battery features a high-nickel cathode and low-expansion silicon-carbon anode, boosting energy density by 50 Wh/kg. Its first-ever aviation-grade titanium alloy case reduced thickness by 60% and weight by 30%, while tripling unit strength and delivering an additional 20 Wh/kg in energy density. The technology builds on CATL’s electric aviation programme, where 500 Wh/kg systems have completed maiden flight validation on 4-tonne aircraft, with further validation underway on aircraft exceeding 8 tonnes. Replacing liquid electrolyte with a condensed system eliminates risks associated with leakage and combustion, achieving “no liquid to leak, no liquid to ignite”. At the same time, CATL has adopted a new composite current collector that acts as a fast self-fusing fuse in extreme cases of internal short circuits. Second-generation Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery: Bringing Hybrids into the 600 km Pure Electric Era The second-generation Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery extends all-electric range to up to 600 km and standardises 10C superfast charging. It pioneers a “super hybrid technology” that integrates LFP and NCM materials through gradient-uniform mixing, with the olivine crystal structure of LFP serving as the core backbone, enabling a uniform hybrid of LFP and NCM materials at the powder particle level. This achieves an energy density of 230 Wh/kg and increases range by over 15% without increasing pack weight compared with single LFP systems. This enables full coverage from mainstream family use to high-end, all-round hybrid scenarios, delivering optimal solutions across diverse applications. The LFP version delivers up to 500 km pure electric range, enabling a “once-a-week charging” experience for daily commuting. The NCM version further extends pure electric range beyond 600 km, with total vehicle range exceeding 2,000 km, enabling a seamless dual-use experience for both daily electric driving and long-distance travel. The system delivers 1.5 MW of instantaneous power at full charge and maintains 1.2 MW at 20% SOC, addressing power degradation in low-charge conditions. In off-road scenarios requiring over 350 kW output, the system provides more than three times the required power, ensuring consistent performance even at low charge levels. Safety features include a reinforced bottom coating capable of withstanding 1,500 joules of impact energy (ten times the national standard) and waterproof sealing that allows continuous immersion in 2 metres of water for over 200 hours without performance degradation. Naxtra Sodium-ion Battery: Achieving GWh-scale Sodium-ion Industrialisation The Naxtra Sodium-ion Battery marks CATL’s transition from laboratory breakthrough to large-scale manufacturing. By systematically overcoming hundreds of engineering challenges, CATL has achieved GWh-level industrialisation. In 2026, CATL successfully addressed four key industry bottlenecks for sodium-ion mass production—extreme water control, gas generation in hard carbon, aluminium foil adhesion, and self-forming anode systems—paving the way for reliable, large-scale deployment. The Naxtra Sodium-ion Battery is set to enter full-scale mass production by the end of 2026. Integrated Supercharging and Battery-swapping Network: A Unified Replenishment Architecture CATL also introduced an integrated supercharging and battery-swapping network, designed as a unified system rather than separate solutions, built on three complementary pillars—home charging, public charging, and battery swapping—to define the optimal energy replenishment ecosystem. All passenger vehicle “Choco-Swap” and heavy truck “QIJI” swapping stations will be equipped with Shenxing supercharging systems, enabling true charge–swap synergy, where each station serves both as a battery-swapping node and a high-power charging hub. The integrated charge–swap stations feature shared compact substations and charging modules, reducing energy conversion steps and lowering overall power loss by more than 13 percentage points compared with conventional storage-equipped charging stations. In emergency scenarios, station batteries can discharge directly to charging piles, driving equipment utilization rate above 85%. This enables a service capacity of 3× per parking space compared with conventional storage-equipped charging stations, while the fixed investment cost of the supercharging segment is reduced to only one-fifth of comparable systems. CATL launched the Choco-Swap #26 battery, featuring an 800V high-voltage architecture. The first release includes a 75 kWh version, with higher-capacity variants to follow, fully compatible with B- to C-segment 800V vehicles. With this launch, the Choco-Swap system will extend its coverage to a complete vehicle matrix from A0 to C-segment models. In terms of network deployment, CATL plans to build 4,000 integrated charge–swap stations by the end of 2026, covering nearly 190 cities and a nationwide highway network spanning 12 vertical and 11 horizontal corridors. To date, the Choco-Swap network has already built 1,470 stations across 99 cities, with scaling continuing to accelerate. Together with automakers and energy partners, CATL will co-develop a “charge–swap sharing network” based on technology sharing, seamless connectivity, and joint investment. Initial partners include Changan, Chery, GAC, Seres, SAIC-GM-Wuling, and BAIC, with a target of building over 100,000 shared energy replenishment facilities by the end of 2028. Advancing full-scenario energy solutions From five battery products covering the full material spectrum to an integrated supercharging and battery-swapping network, CATL has established a complete value chain from battery products to infrastructure. CATL will continue to invest in advanced research, large-scale manufacturing and ecosystem collaboration to accelerate the transition from single-point innovation to full-scenario energy solutions, ensuring the benefits of technological progress are accessible across all mobility use cases.
- May 1, 2026Travel & Leisure
Thredbo launches Winter 2026 campaign: Better Get Down Here
Thredbo Resort has unveiled its Winter 2026 campaign, Better Get Down Here - the next evolution of its iconic “Better” platform, building on last year’s Thredbo’s Still Better. A fully integrated campaign spanning broadcast, outdoor, digital and CRM, Better Get Down Here leans into what Thredbo does best: better views, better runs, better après, better value and better moments on and off the mountain. It blends pride, nostalgia and grounded confidence, the kind that comes from being voted Australia’s Best Ski Resort for nine consecutive years. A celebration of the details that make Thredbo different, without ever needing to shout about it. At the heart of the campaign is the call to action: Better Get Down Here. A playful, direct, line that captures both urgency and attitude, inviting everyone from first timers and families to seasoned skiers and snowboarders to experience it for themselves. Launching ahead of Opening Day on 6 June, the campaign arrives on the back of a strong moment for Australian snow sports. With Australian athletes claiming multiple medals at the recent Winter Olympics, national interest in the snow season is running high. The campaign features Thredbo’s ambassador line-up of Australian winter athletes a star-studded line-up of Australian winter athletes including gold medallist Josie Baff, silver medallist Scotty James, and silver and bronze medallist Ben Tudhope, alongside Olympians Tess Coady, Jarryd Hughes and Michael Milton. Appearing across campaign creative beyond the hero film, these athletes bring authenticity and momentum to a season. “This campaign is a natural continuation of our ‘Better’ story,” says Thredbo Brand & Marketing Manager, Richie Carroll . “It’s proud, but never over the top. There’s a humility that comes with consistently delivering a world-class experience, and that’s what this creative taps into. From the mountain to the village, from first chair to final après, it’s all here - and it’s better. The message is simple… you just need to get down here.” The Better Get Down Here platform extends across Thredbo’s full winter ecosystem, anchored by a packed events calendar spanning on-mountain competitions like Thredbo Triple Crown and Battle On The Bluff, alongside major cultural moments including Rainbow Mountain and the Après Club - the country’s biggest live winter music series - supported by brand partnerships and on-ground activations throughout the resort. See Thredbo's full winter lineup here . Editors Notes Opening Day: 6 June 2026. Snowmaking: Snowmaking is underway ahead of Opening Day, with the All-Weather Snowmaking Unit on Friday Flat ensuring first turns from day one. Pricing: Thredbo’s dynamic pricing model rewards early planners. Guests can save up to 50% on lift passes when booking 30 or more days in advance. Across key value periods in June and September, adult lift passes are available from $115 per day (save up to 35%), with kids’ 6-day passes from $50 per day (save up to 50%) when purchased ahead of time. Getting to Thredbo: Thredbo has launched a new partnership with FlixBus, offering direct transfers from Sydney and Canberra to Thredbo this winter. Ambassadors: Josie Baff (gold medallist), Scotty James (silver medallist), Ben Tudhope (silver and bronze medallist), Tess Coady, Jarryd Hughes and Michael Milton.
- May 1, 2026Business
Now Serving in the Skies! AirAsia Unveils Sizzling Summer Menu Featuring Thai Longan
Taking inflight dining to delicious new heights, AirAsia Thailand is thrilled to launch its latest Santan menu series, championing local agricultural communities. Featuring premium fresh longan sourced directly from Thai orchards, the new lineup brings a creative, mouth-watering twist to savory dishes, sweet treats, and refreshing beverages. The star-studded menu includes Nam Tok Gai Yang with Longan Sauce and Sticky Rice, Earl Grey Tea with Fresh Longan, and Sweet Sticky Rice with Longan, now available for guests to enjoy on all Thai AirAsia (flight code FD) and Thai AirAsia X (flight code XJ) flights. Ms. On-anong Methapipatkul, Director of Inflight Services for Thai AirAsia, shared the inspiration behind the menu: "We are deeply committed to continuously uplifting Thai farmers. Having been working closely with the Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce, we are proudly bringing back the 'Longan'—a key economic fruit with a truly unique flavor profile—to craft our newest Santan creations. This allows our guests to enjoy meals that are not only incredibly tasty but also highly meaningful. Every single purchase of these special menus directly supports the livelihoods of Thai farmers throughout the year." This quarter's mouth-watering menu highlights include Nam Tok Gai Yang with Longan Sauce and Sticky Rice, a culinary masterpiece that offers the perfect harmony of bold, authentic Thai spicy grilled chicken salad (Nam Tok) flawlessly balanced by the mellow sweetness of AirAsia's signature longan sauce. For a refreshing accompaniment, guests can beat the summer heat with the Earl Grey Tea with Fresh Longan, a naturally sweet and aromatic iced tea packed with generous chunks of real longan that delivers pure cooling refreshment at 35,000 feet. Finally, the Sweet Sticky Rice with Longan serves as the ultimate sweet ending to the journey, featuring beloved Thai dessert staples like soft, gooey sticky rice simmered in rich, fresh coconut milk and topped with juicy longan. As always, AirAsia prioritizes ultimate freshness and the highest hygiene standards. Guests are highly encouraged to Pre-book Meals in advance via airasia.com or the AirAsia MOVE app to unlock special discounts and guarantee their favorite dishes are served hot and ready on board. "Every order brings a smile to a Thai farmer." Join us in passing on these smiles and taste the magic of our new longan menu today on all Thai AirAsia (FD) and Thai AirAsia X (XJ) flights! Nam Tok Gai Yang with Longan Sauce and Sticky Rice, Earl Grey Tea with Fresh Longan, and Sweet Sticky Rice with Longan Taste the summer sweetness while directly supporting Thai farmers!
- May 1, 2026Business
Thai AirAsia Implements Flight Schedules Reduction by 30% in May-June to Navigate Surging Fuel Costs and Softer Travel Demand
Thai AirAsia (flight code FD) announces a strategic capacity adjustment for the second quarter (May-June 2026), reducing overall seat capacity by an average of 30%. This proactive measure addresses the ongoing impact of skyrocketing global aviation fuel prices and the seasonal softening of mid-year travel demand. For domestic routes, the airline will carefully optimize flight frequencies while remaining deeply committed to serving our passengers with the most extensive network possible, sustaining our convenient dual-hub operations at both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports. Internationally, adjustments will primarily affect the Indian market, where elevated operating costs currently challenge our ability to offer the affordable fares our guests expect. Mr. Phairat Pornpathananangoon, Chief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia, stated, "We have continuously done our utmost to adapt and efficiently manage our costs in response to the prolonged spike in aviation fuel prices, coupled with the traditional mid-year travel slowdown. For our domestic network, our priority remains steadfast- we are carefully managing our seat capacity to ensure it sufficiently meets travel demand, while working hard to keep fares reflective of actual costs yet reasonable for our guests." "Aviation fuel constitutes our primary operating expense, and with jet fuel prices having surged more than threefold recently, we must rigorously optimize our operational plans by reducing flight frequencies and temporarily suspending several unviable routes. For our domestic network, we are scaling back our flight schedules at Suvarnabhumi Airport, retaining only the direct services from Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai and Phuket during May and June. Meanwhile, at Don Mueang Airport, we will continue to operate our full network across all destinations, with flight frequencies strategically aligned to match actual passenger demand," Mr. Phairat explained. On the international front, the airline has temporarily suspended and reduced frequencies primarily on Indian routes due to high operating costs that currently prevent sustainable, competitive pricing. Meanwhile, operations across key markets such as China, East Asia, and ASEAN remain steady. The airline maintains a highly agile strategy and is monitoring global conditions closely. Should fuel prices stabilize and travel demand accelerate, Thai AirAsia stands fully prepared to rapidly reinstate and scale up its flight operations to serve our passengers once again. Schedule of Thai AirAsia (FD) Network Adjustments and Temporary Route Suspensions I. Domestic Network Adjustments Suvarnabhumi (BKK) - Buri Ram (BFV): 1 May 2026 - 30 June 2026 Suvarnabhumi (BKK) - Chiang Rai (CEI): 1 May 2026 - 30 June 2026 Suvarnabhumi (BKK) - Khon Kaen (KKC): 1 May 2026 - 30 June 2026 Suvarnabhumi (BKK) - Hat Yai (HDY): 1 May 2026 - 30 June 2026 Suvarnabhumi (BKK) - Krabi (KBV): 1 May 2026 - 30 June 2026 Suvarnabhumi (BKK) - Surat Thani (URT): 1 May 2026 - 30 June 2026 Suvarnabhumi (BKK) - Nakhon Si Thammarat (NST): 1 May 2026 - 30 June 2026 Suvarnabhumi (BKK) - Udon Thani (UTH): 28 April 2026 - 30 June 2026 Suvarnabhumi (BKK) - Narathiwat (NAW): Suspension effective from 21 April 2026 Operational Note: All direct flights to the aforementioned domestic destinations operating from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) remain unaffected and will continue to operate as scheduled. Passengers seeking alternative domestic flights may utilize our DMK hub. II. International Network Adjustments Don Mueang (DMK) - Guwahati (GAU): 29 April 2026 - 24 October 2026 Don Mueang (DMK) - Kathmandu (KTM): 1 May 2026 - 31 July 2026 Don Mueang (DMK) - Bali (DPS): 1 May 2026 - 30 June 2026 Don Mueang (DMK) - Hong Kong (HKG): 12 May 2026 - 30 June 2026 Don Mueang (DMK) - Singapore (SIN): 12 May 2026 - 30 June 2026 Don Mueang (DMK) - Jaipur (JAI): 12 May 2026 - 24 October 2026 Don Mueang (DMK) - Ahmedabad (AMD): 28 May 2026 - 24 October 2026 Don Mueang (DMK) - Hyderabad (HYD): 1 June 2026 - 24 October 2026 Don Mueang (DMK) - Lucknow (LKO): 3 June 2026 - 24 October 2026 Don Mueang (DMK) - Xi'an (XIY): Suspension effective from 11 May 2026 Phuket (HKT) - Chennai (MAA): Suspension effective from 13 April 2026 Phuket (HKT) - Kochi (COK): Suspension effective from 17 April 2026 Hong Kong (HKG) - Okinawa (OKA): Suspension effective from 7 May 2026
- May 1, 2026Business
Olam Group announces completion of 44.58% stake sale in Olam Agri to SALIC
Olam Group Limited (“Olam Group”, “OGL”, the “Company”, or together with its subsidiaries, “the Group”) has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Olam Holdings Pte. Ltd. has completed the Tranche 1 sale of 44.58% stake in Olam Agri to the Saudi Agriculture & Livestock Investment Company (“SALIC”), the food and agriculture investment arm of Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for US$1.88 billion (approximately S$2.4 billion1 ). This implies a 100% equity valuation for Olam Agri of US$4.00 billion (approximately S$5.11 billion1 ) plus closing adjustments. The sale follows receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other closing conditions. Olam Agri becomes majority 80.01% owned by SALIC and a 19.99% owned associated company of Olam Group. Olam Group retains a put option to sell its remaining 19.99% stake in Olam Agri to SALIC (“Tranche 2”) on the third anniversary of the completion of Tranche 1 at the base consideration of approximately US$799.6 million and additional option consideration plus a 6% IRR, providing certainty of Tranche 2 completion. SALIC also retains a call option to acquire the remaining 19.99% stake on or before the third anniversary at the same consideration. Olam Agri will become a 100% owned subsidiary of SALIC on completion of Tranche 2. Yap Chee Keong, Deputy Chairman at Olam Group said: “The completion of the sale of Tranche 1 in Olam Agri to SALIC is another major step forward in delivering on our Reorganisation Plan. It realises significant value and will enable right-sizing of the capital structure of the Group. We will continue to focus on the responsible divestment and monetisation of the businesses in OGH2 , and execute growth initiatives to enable ofi to realise its full potential value. We remain confident our Re-organisation Plan will unlock significant value for shareholders.” Sunny Verghese, Co-Founder and CEO, Olam Agri said: “The completion of SALIC’s acquisition of Olam Agri is a transformative step forward to accelerate Olam Agri’s growth and strengthen our position as a leading global agri-business and integrated food security leader.” “Olam Agri is focused on providing living essentials and daily necessities to consumers for meeting their growing demand for food, feed, fuel, fibre and adjacent agricultural products. “With SALIC as a strategically aligned, committed long-term partner and food security leader, we can build on our historical track record of strong performance to further accelerate and scale our ambitions for profitable growth and value creation.” Rothschild & Co Singapore Limited acted as the lead-financial advisor, along with Citigroup Global Markets Singapore Pte. Ltd and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Singapore Branch as joint-financial advisors to OGL for this transaction 1 All S$ figures in this release are based on an indicative US$-to-S$ exchange rate of US$1:S$1.2778 as at April 24, 2026. 2Previously known as Remaining Olam Group Notes to Editors This release should be read and understood only in conjunction with Olam Group Limited’s announcement on the same subject lodged with SGXNet on April 27, 2026.
- May 1, 2026Business
CAGAMAS GROUP DELIVERS RESILIENT 2025 PERFORMANCE, STRENGTHENS MARKET PRESENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA
Cagamas Holdings Berhad (“the Group”) reported a resilient performance at its 19th Annual General Meeting for the financial year ended 31 December 2025, underpinned by disciplined execution, with agility in business strategies and tactical execution, as well as stronger engagement with investors and stakeholders. The Group recorded a Profit Before Tax of RM476.9 million, sustaining its positive performance trend over the past five years. Total assets expanded to RM56.2 billion, underpinned by prudent capital and liquidity management. Disciplined Execution and Strong Market Presence “2025 was a pivotal year for the Group, marked by stronger market presence and deeper engagement with key stakeholders, supported by disciplined funding execution and a strengthened risk culture,” said Group Chairman, Dato’ Bakarudin Ishak. During the year, Cagamas raised a record RM31.3 billion through bonds, sukuk and other funding instruments, the highest annual fundraising amount in the Group’s history. This supported the acquisition of RM23.4 billion in loans and financing under the Purchase with Recourse programme, reinforcing Cagamas’ role as the preferred market liquidity provider. To support future funding needs and enhance flexibility, the Group also established a new RM80 billion Medium Term Notes and Islamic Medium Term Notes Programme. Investor Engagement and Risk Discipline Investor engagement remained a key priority with the successful organisation of the inaugural Cagamas Investor Forum, which brought together investors, regulators and stakeholders to exchange insights on performance, strategy and sustainability initiatives. The Group continued to strengthen its risk culture through robust governance, clear risk appetite settings and effective controls, with capital indicators remaining comfortably within prudent thresholds. Advancing Sustainable and Inclusive Housing Sustainability remained central to Cagamas’ mandate in 2025. A key milestone was the launch of the Green Mortgage Guarantee Programme, which supports energy efficient housing and encourages environmentally responsible home ownership. The Group also continued to facilitate affordable housing nationwide. Since inception, Cagamas has supported housing financing equivalent to approximately 2.3 million homes, including assistance to more than 110,000 first time home owners, the majority from the B40 income segment. Dato Bakarudin added, “Looking ahead, Cagamas will continue to strengthen its core capabilities, deepen investor relationships and enhance operational discipline, while remaining focused on our mandate to support market liquidity and sustainable growth. We thank our investors, partners and stakeholders for their continued support as we build on the progress achieved in 2025.” From left: Dato’ Bakarudin Ishak, Chairman of Cagamas Holdings Berhad and Encik Kameel Abdul Halim, President/Chief Executive Officer of Cagamas Berhad 19th Annual General Meeting of Cagamas Holdings Berhad
- May 1, 2026Business
Towngas launches Hong Kong’s first hydrogen-powered EV charging system for a commercial building Opening up new applications for green transport
As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, many older commercial buildings face a bottleneck when installing new charging facilities due to the limited load capacity of their existing power systems. The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) announced today the launch of Hong Kong’s first hydrogen-powered EV charging system for a commercial building at its North Point headquarters. By leveraging a flexible hydrogen power generation solution to supply additional electricity, the project eliminates the need for large-scale upgrades to the building’s existing power supply. The new solution also enables users to deploy green hydrogen-powered charging systems, achieving zero-carbon power supply. This project is a collaboration between Towngas and CIMC Enric, a hydrogen equipment manufacturer and engineering services provider, and adopts a bottled-hydrogen supply model using locally produced hydrogen. Cylinders are filled with locally produced hydrogen, transported to the building, and connected to hydrogen power generation equipment to supply electricity to three EV chargers. In general, each kilogram of hydrogen can generate approximately 15 kWh of electricity. Users can select hydrogen power generation systems of different scales according to their electricity demand. In addition to extracting hydrogen from the town gas network, the bottled-hydrogen model provides an additional option for hydrogen applications in Hong Kong. Don Cheng Hill-kwong, Towngas Chief Operating Officer – Hong Kong Business, said: “If last year’s automatic hydrogen charging system at Science Park and the power generator at the Fanling golf course for the National Games were the first chapter of our hydrogen application story, today’s commercial-building project is the sequel.” He added that this bottled hydrogen supply model offers high flexibility, can overcome site constraints, and enables commercial buildings to deploy EV charging systems without extensive electrical upgrades, marking an important step in opening up new applications for green transport. “More importantly, this hydrogen solution can utilise green hydrogen generated from the Tseung Kwan O landfill to achieve zero-carbon power supply. Hong Kong’s first project to convert landfill gas into green hydrogen is set to commence this year, bringing the city one step closer to local green hydrogen application.” Cheng added. Ms Judy Chan Kapui, Chair of the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, said, “This project is a highly valuable demonstration that showcases the feasibility and potential of hydrogen applications in commercial buildings. It also provides an important reference for Hong Kong in advancing green transport and low-carbon transformation. We hope Towngas will continue to leverage its technological strengths to drive more innovative hydrogen applications and support Hong Kong’s journey towards carbon neutrality.” Mr Arthur Lee Hok-yin, Commissioner for Climate Change noted that hydrogen energy is a key future industry highlighted at the national level, and the HKSAR Government has been actively promoting related pilot applications. The project launched today is a significant outcome of collaboration between the Government and the industry. It not only demonstrates the practical application potential of hydrogen in commercial buildings and EV charging, but also highlights its feasibility in Hong Kong’s high-density urban environment, laying the groundwork for broader adoption in the future. Ms Beverly Yang, Honorary President of CIMC Enric Hydrogen Business Center, said that the project marks an important milestone in advancing hydrogen applications in building scenarios. It fully demonstrates the flexibility and feasibility of off-grid hydrogen power technology in urban settings, and will further promote Hong Kong’s green energy transition and low-carbon development. In alignment with the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the HKSAR Government’s direction for hydrogen development, Towngas will continue to launch more ‘sequels’ in hydrogen applications. These include providing green electricity for construction sites and continuing to utilise its gas pipeline network, which spans over 3,700 kilometres, for hydrogen extraction. Leveraging its technology and experience, the Company aims to fully support the Government’s goal of aligning with international hydrogen standard certification frameworks by 2027 or earlier, helping to establish Hong Kong as an international hub for hydrogen technology commercialisation and certification. - END - Press Photos: Photo 1: Towngas holds the commissioning ceremony for Hong Kong’s first commercial building hydrogen-powered EV charging system at its North Point headquarters. Mr Don Cheng Hill-kwong (7th from left), Towngas Chief Operating Officer – Hong Kong Business; several members of the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, including the Chair, Ms Judy Chan Kapui (centre); Mr Arthur Lee Hok-yin (6th from left) , Commissioner for Climate Change; and Ms Beverly Yang (3rd from left), Honorary President of CIMC Enric, attend the ceremony to witness the milestone. Photo 2: Mr Don Cheng Hill-kwong, Towngas Chief Operating Officer – Hong Kong Business, said the commercial building hydrogen charging system is easy to install and well suited to rapid rollout, marking a significant step in expanding green transport applications. Photo 3: Mr Don Cheng Hill-kwong (left), Towngas Chief Operating Officer – Hong Kong Business, and Ms Judy Chan Kapui (right), Chair of the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, try out the new hydrogen-powered EV charging system. Photo 4: Mr Sammy Kong Siu-kuen (1st from right), General Manager – Commercial & Industrial Marketing & Sales of Towngas, introduces Hong Kong’s first hydrogen-powered EV charging system for commercial buildings to the guests. Photo 5: Commissioned at the Towngas North Point headquarters, Hong Kong’s first commercial building hydrogen-powered EV charging system generates electricity using locally produced hydrogen, serving as an excellent demonstration of building a local hydrogen economy value chain. For media enquiries, please contact: The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited Ms Kathy Tse Senior Corporate Affairs Officer Tel: 2963 3497 / 6698 3357 Email: [email protected] Mr Julius Chow Senior Corporate Affairs Officer Tel: 2963 3471 / 6969 1360 Email: [email protected]
- May 1, 2026Business
Towngas and Tencent forge strategic partnership to drive “Energy + Tech” smart digital transformation
The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) and Shenzhen Tencent Computer Systems Company Limited (Tencent) have signed a strategic partnership agreement in Hong Kong. The two companies will collaborate extensively on unified cloud resource management, digital platform development, large artificial intelligence (AI) models and applications, customer engagement enhancement, and R&D tool synergy. Together, they aim to drive the smart digital transformation of the energy sector. The partnership dates back to 2020, when Towngas Lifestyle, the extended business division of Towngas, first teamed up with Tencent Cloud. In 2021, Towngas Energy, the Group’s renewable energy arm, worked with Tencent Cloud to build a smart energy ecosystem, which currently supports over a hundred integrated energy projects for the business segment. In 2023, Towngas Lifestyle and Tencent Cloud entered into a comprehensive strategic partnership spanning cloud platforms, big data, AI, and customer engagement, delivering one-stop lifestyle solutions to 46 million household customers across Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. This latest agreement marks a comprehensive, group-level strategic partnership between Towngas and Tencent. It is designed to pool their resources, achieve cross-divisional synergy, drive quality and efficiency gains, and accelerate AI innovation. Over the past six years, this collaboration has yielded remarkable results. Powered by Tencent Cloud, Towngas Lifestyle has upgraded the digital foundation and driven application innovation for its Towngas Lifestyle Cloud (TLC) platform. Furthermore, leveraging Tencent Cloud’s TBDS (Tencent Big Data Suite), it built the Towngas Analytics Platform (TAP), which currently supports big data applications for over 70 affiliated city-gas companies as well as its Hong Kong operations. In terms of AI applications, Towngas Lifestyle has capitalised on Tencent’s AI computing power and large model technology to launch innovative tools such as smart safety inspections and AI service agents, significantly boosting the efficiency of frontline staff at gas companies. To better serve its customers, the company has deeply integrated Tencent’s WeCom to improve customer outreach. On the R&D front, Towngas Lifestyle has widely adopted Tencent’s AI development tools to streamline workflows. Moreover, the partners have successfully replicated their mainland successes in Hong Kong, completing the cross-border deployment of the TAP platform and advancing the upgrade of the city’s business systems. Mr Peter Wong Wai-yee, Managing Director of Towngas, said: “Tencent’s leading position in AI and digital technology is obvious to all. Since 2020, the two parties have established a strong partnership, expanding from Towngas Lifestyle’s extended business to cooperation on the smart energy platform for the renewable energy segment, and gradually extending from the mainland to Hong Kong. As an enterprise with a 164-year history, Towngas has grown to possess a customer base of over 120 million since entering the mainland gas utility business in 1994. Facing such a massive number of customers, data security is of paramount importance. How to build a secure and efficient system for management and service has become a critical issue for business development. We are confident in joining hands with Tencent to co-build a secure and efficient digital system, comprehensively elevate the customer service experience and operational efficiency, and jointly pioneer more possibilities for ‘Energy + Tech’.” Mr Dowson Tong, Senior Executive Vice President of Tencent and CEO of Tencent Cloud and Smart Industries Group, stated that as a household brand in Hong Kong, Towngas’s “customer-centric” service philosophy aligns closely with Tencent’s corporate mission of “Value for Users, Tech for Good”. Over the past six years, Tencent has engaged in deep collaboration with multiple segments under Towngas, empowering businesses with technology to achieve precise operations. With the development of AI, energy demand is also increasing. Tencent looks forward to taking this exchange as a new starting point, further consolidating the “Cloud + AI” technological foundation based on existing cooperation, and deeply integrating Tencent’s digital capabilities with Towngas’s rich application scenarios. Through technological innovation, the goal is to achieve full-chain intelligentisation of customer service and enhance operational efficiency, exploring a new path to sustainable development for the smart upgrade of the energy industry while ensuring data security and user privacy. This strategic agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter in the partnership. This year marks the start of the national 15th Five-Year Plan. Against the backdrop of the intersecting dual carbon goals and the Digital China strategy, a century-old energy enterprise and a global internet technology leader are deeply integrating “Energy + Tech”. Together, both parties are providing a replicable, innovative model for safe operations, precise customer service, and the energy sector’s low-carbon transition. Looking ahead, the two companies will continue to deepen their collaboration in migrating core businesses to the cloud, co-building digital platforms, deploying large models and AI applications, and enhancing customer engagement. This will not only deliver a superior experience for gas customers but also set a benchmark for the high-quality transformational development of the energy industry. - END - Press photos: Photo 1: Witnessed by Mr Peter Wong Wai-yee (3rd from left, back row), Managing Director of Towngas; Mr Dowson Tong (3rd from right, back row), Senior Executive Vice President of Tencent and CEO of Tencent Cloud and Smart Industries Group; Mr Yang Jun (2nd from left, back row), Chief Operating Officer – Extended Business of Towngas, and Executive Director and General Manager of Towngas Lifestyle; Mr Yongping Zhai (2nd from right, back row), Senior Advisor of the Strategic Development Department at Tencent; Mr John Qiu Jian-hang (1st from left, back row), Chief Operating Officer – Renewable Business of Towngas; and Mr Leon Cao (1st from right, back row), Vice President, Head of Smart Manufacturing and Head of Energy and Resources Energy of Tencent Cloud, the strategic partnership agreement is signed by Mr Alex Wong (left, front row), General Manager – Corporate Information Technology of Towngas, and Ms Faye Song (right, front row), General Manager of Energy and Resources Industry at Tencent Cloud, on behalf of their respective companies. Photo 2: Mr Peter Wong Wai-yee remarks that while Towngas reaches millions of households through energy, Tencent connects them through technology. This powerful alliance with Tencent, focusing on digital platform development, represents a win-win “Energy + Tech” collaboration. Photo 3: Mr Dowson Tong points out that the energy sector is one of the most valuable industry scenarios for AI implementation. The partnership between Tencent and Towngas has expanded from cloud and data to large models and AI agents. Moving forward, Tencent will continue to support Towngas’s smart upgrade with its foundational technological capabilities, deeply embedding AI into the core operations of the industry. For media enquiries, please contact: The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited Ms Kathy Tse Senior Corporate Affairs Officer Tel: 2963 3497 / 6698 3357 Email: [email protected] Mr Julius Chow Senior Corporate Affairs Officer Tel: 2963 3471 / 6969 1360 Email: [email protected]
- May 1, 2026Business
Amata’s Vision for Industrial City Development: Transforming Industrial Estates with Outstanding Facilities to Attract Advanced Investors
As Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) becomes a lively industrial and urban center, Amata Corporation is redefining the industrial estate, attracting advanced, high-tech investors rely on world-class infrastructure alongside a strong ecosystem. Amata is also transforming the area into a destination for premium staycations, business travel, corporate gatherings and cultural exploration. A key part of this vision is Hotel Nikko Amata City Chonburi, which introduces Japanese hospitality to the heart of the EEC and provides easy access to Chonburi's main attractions. Amata’s Mission: Building Cities for Work, Life, and Leisure Amata’s mission goes beyond developing industrial zones, it is about building cities that integrate modern industry with a strong quality of life. “Our goal is to create an ecosystem where business, community, and environment coexist,” says Eiichi Tanabe, Chief Business Development Officer of Amata Corp. “A thriving city is one where people work efficiently, enjoy convenience and comfort, and connect meaningfully with the surrounding community and environment.” The "Industrial City" Concept Amata is transforming its estates from traditional industrial zones into industrial cities, places designed for productive work, comfortable living, and greener operations, not just factory space. This shift is accelerated by continued foreign direct investment (FDI), especially in advanced manufacturing such as hyperscale data centers and AI-enabled supply chains. These industries require ready-to-operate utility platforms and resilient infrastructure, including dual-access roads, robust utilities, and access to green energy, alongside a livable environment that helps attract and retain talent. The Foundation: Building the EEC Supply Chain This foundation dates to the 1970s and 1980s, when Japanese companies helped establish the Eastern Economic Corridor’s industrial base. Over time, a robust network—especially in automotive manufacturing—took shape, with local procurement rates for some models reaching up to 90%, according to Eiichi Tanabe. The result is a dense supply chain that has made the EEC Thailand’s most competitive industrial region, strengthened by government investment in ports, airports, and highways and by estate developers providing operations-ready infrastructure. Today, many Japanese firms are reinvesting, upgrading existing facilities and strengthening their premium brand experience in Thailand. Japan has been instrumental in the country’s industrial development, and Amata has grown alongside Japanese partners for more than 36 years. Across projects in Thailand and Vietnam, Amata hosts more than 650 Japanese factories, forming one of the region’s most concentrated and comprehensive supply chain ecosystems. EEC Hub: From Industry to Living and Tourism In this context, Hotel Nikko functions as essential social infrastructure within a mature industrial ecosystem. It supports business travel with the “Japanese quality” guests expect and helps sustain the broader community as new global companies arrive and build on the foundation established by Japanese pioneers. Hotel Nikko welcomes long-stay business travelers, executives, engineers, and project teams, as well as families and leisure guests seeking a convenient weekend escape from Bangkok (under an hour away via major highways). Managed by Okura Nikko Hotel Management, the property is known for Japanese standards of reliability, cleanliness, and comfort. Its 210 rooms support both short and extended stays, complemented by signature amenities such as a traditional ofuro bathhouse and a rooftop infinity-edge pool overlooking Amata City. “When guests walk in, they feel like they’re in a five-star hotel,” Tanabe says. “It’s peaceful, clean, and beautifully designed. We’ve invested significantly to ensure it feels that way.” As the first Japanese-branded hotel in the EEC, the property stands out as a gateway, not only to Amata City, but also to a higher benchmark for hospitality in the region. Connecting to Chonburi’s Local Attractions The estate’s strategic location makes leisure easy. Amata Spring Country Club is located just a few hundred meters from the hotel, also within Amata City Chonburi. Bang Saen beach is a short drive away for a relaxed coastal break. Sriracha’s “Little Osaka” adds a Japanese flavor, with familiar dining, shopping, and cultural events shaped by the local expatriate community. For a nature-focused outing, Khao Kheow Open Zoo—home to Moo Deng—offers a fun day trip, while the Bangpakong River provides scenic eco-tourism experiences. Thanks to Amata’s forward-thinking city development, Hotel Nikko Amata City Chonburi is more than just a hotel, it is a cornerstone for premium staycations, business travel, and cross-cultural experiences. Its seamless access to attractions, commitment to Japanese hospitality, and innovative city-building approach position Amata as a trailblazer in transforming Thailand’s industrial estate into a next-generation industrial city. ******************************************* For more information Communication section, Amata Corporation PCL. E-mail: [email protected]
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