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December 9, 2024

Thai Union Advances SeaChange® 2030 Strategy with Coral Reef Restoration Project in Phuket for Second Year

Thai Union Group PCL, the world seafood leader, has continued its efforts to restore marine ecosystems by advancing its Coral Reef Restoration Project at Koh Racha Yai, Phuket. Now in its second year, the project has seen the installation of 109 coral reef restoration structures, designed using cutting-edge SCG 3D printing technology to support coral growth. The initiative, a part of Thai Union’s SeaChange® 2030 global sustainability strategy, is being implemented in partnership with SCG, Earth Agenda Foundation, Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and the Center of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University. Together, the partners are utilizing innovation and shared expertise to address the impacts of climate change on marine life. Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, highlighted the importance of the project in addressing pressing environmental challenges. “Global warming and human activity have caused significant damage to marine ecosystems, resulting in habitat loss, declining marine life, and threats to food security. Projects like this are critical to reversing these trends. In the first year of installations, we saw more than 5 percent of coral larvae attaching to the structures and an increase in fish population - a positive sign of ecosystem recovery.” Thiraphong Chansiri, CEO of Thai Union Group, said, “At Thai Union, we are committed to restoring and protecting Thailand's natural resources. This project reflects our purpose of promoting “Healthy Living, Healthy Oceans” and aligns with our SeaChange® 2030 sustainability strategy, which is working towards revitalizing ecosystems and building a sustainable future. We are proud to collaborate with our partners who share this vision.” Chana Poomee Chief Sustainability Officer at SCG , said, “SCG has introduced 3D printing technology that uses environmentally friendly mortar to create coral larvae settlement substrates that blend naturally with the environment. This technology enhances coral larvae attachment and growth, supporting marine resources. Beyond innovation, we aim to make coral reef restoration efforts more accessible to the private sector and the public.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nantarika Chansue, Chair of the Earth Agenda Foundation, said, “Coral reefs, which support 25 percent of all marine species, are rapidly deteriorating due to climate change and human activity. Restoration efforts like this one are essential for preserving biodiversity and reviving marine life. After conducting a joint survey with Thai Union and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, the results were encouraging, showing significant coral growth and the attachment of approximately 11 types of organisms, including coral larvae, to the coral reef structures. These outcomes are key to maintaining a balance and thriving marine ecosystem.” Thai Union has committed to supporting the Coral Reef Restoration Project in Koh Racha Yai, Phuket, for three years, with a total of 210 coral reef restoration structures to be installed. ### About Thai Union Thai Union Group PCL is the world's seafood leader, bringing high quality, healthy, tasty and innovative seafood products to customers across the world for 47 years. Today, Thai Union is regarded as one of the world's leading seafood producers and is one of the largest producers of shelf-stable tuna products with annual sales exceeding THB 136.2 billion (US$ 3,912 billion) and a global workforce of more than 44,000 people who are dedicated to pioneering sustainable, innovative seafood products. The Company’s global brand portfolio includes market-leading international brands such as Chicken of the Sea, John West, Petit Navire, Parmentier, Mareblu, King Oscar, Hawesta, and Rügen Fisch, Thai-leading brands SEALECT, Fisho, Qfresh, Monori, OMG Meat, Bellotta and Marvo, and ingredient and supplement brands UniQ®BONE, UniQ®DHA and ZEAvita. With a commitment to “Healthy Living, Healthy Oceans,” Thai Union is proud to be a member of the United Nations Global Compact, a founding participating company of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), and current Chair of Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship (SeaBOS). Thai Union's ongoing leadership in sustainability has been taken to the next level with the announcement of SeaChange® 2030, the Company’s expanded sustainability strategy with more ambitious goals for people and planet. Through SeaChange®, the Company was recognized and listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for the 10th consecutive year in 2023, ranked number one on the Seafood Stewardship Index (SSI) for the third consecutive time, listed in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024, achieved a B rating from global environmental disclosure non-profit CDP, and was also named to the FTSE4Good Emerging Index for the ninth straight year in 2024. Find out more about the Group’s sustainability strategy at https://www.seachangesustainability.org/

December 9, 2024

Business

IOI Wins Most Caring & Best Company At HR Asia Awards 2024

IOI Corporation Berhad (IOI) proudly emerged as a dual award winner at the prestigious HR Asia Awards 2024, held at the One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya on 4 December 2024. We clinched the Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2024 and Most Caring Company Awards 2024 , affirming our commitment to fostering a culture of employee engagement and excellence through comprehensive human resource (HR) initiatives. These accolades reflect our continued dedication to creating an inspiring work environment, underpinned by a strong vision, strategic direction and employee value proposition. Our robust learning and development programmes, flexible work arrangements, effective well-being programme through IOI Cares , and emphasis on work-life integration have played a pivotal role in motivating our people to excel. Moreover, our corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives cultivate a workplace rooted in empathy and care, reinforcing IOI’s position as an employer of choice in Asia. IOI Head of Group Human Resources Molly Tam and Corporate Learning & Talent Development Manager Wendy Ng receiving the accolades on the stage. The HR Asia Awards 2024 mark the 11th anniversary of Best Companies to Work for in Asia programme, themed ‘The Definitive Z Choice’. This year’s winners, including IOI, exemplify excellence in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities posed by the growing presence of Gen Z in the workforce. These companies have demonstrated their ability to attract and retain young talents while fostering a diverse, collaborative and innovative workplace culture – key attributes that resonate with the new generation of employees. Kudos to our HR team for nurturing a supportive and caring environment for our workforce! The HR Asia Awards programme is recognised as the largest employee engagement recognition initiative in the region. Spanning over a decade, it has evaluated more than 20,000 companies, surveyed over 1.5 million employees, and covered 95% of the Asian continent. With entries from Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations and government-linked entities, the awards reflect the pinnacle of employer excellence across 15 countries in Asia.

December 9, 2024

Public Services

AirAsia and APM join hands to assist flood relief efforts in Kota Bharu

AirAsia is committed to supporting the Malaysia Civil Defence Department (APM) in a critical mission to deliver aid to flood-affected communities in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, amidst the ongoing monsoon season. Flight AK6431 carried emergency supplies such as food, water, and medical necessities, along with the 15 APM team to ensure immediate assistance could be provided to severely impacted areas. In addition to today’s mission, the airline is collaborating closely with APM to transport personnel and supplies on an ad-hoc basis, subject to operational capacity for future relief efforts. As the people’s airline, AirAsia is committed to working together with relevant authorities to provide support to communities in need during critical times.

December 6, 2024

Business

JD Logistics Reports Record Growth During Start of Holiday Shopping Season

JD Logistics (also known as JINGDONG Logistics), the logistics arm of JD.com, announced a record increase in orders processed through its global overseas warehouse network on Black Friday. JD Logistics’ global supply chain supported merchants and brands worldwide across a diverse range of industries, including apparel, electronics, home decor, food, fast-moving consumer goods, and both online and offline retail. In Europe, JD Logistics’ warehouses in the Netherlands, the UK, France, Poland, Germany and Spain saw outbound orders increase by 200% on Black Friday. The on-time outbound rate for at least one retail brand in Poland was100% even as the brand’s volume order doubled. In North America, JD Logistics manages more than 20 self-operated and collaborative warehouses. A beverage container brand’s order volume increased over 300% and a leading suitcase brand increased by 400%. Overall, JD Logistics secured a 24-hour on-time outbound rate of as high as 99.8%. In Australia, order volume from its No. 2 warehouse in Sydney was also record-breaking. In Japan, the company’s No.1 collaborative warehouse saw order volume increase rapidly. The company can already ensure same-day fulfillment with outbound efficiency exceeding the local industry average, greatly enhancing merchant operation and customer shopping experience. Warehouse in Dortmund, Germany Cutting-Edge Supply Chain Innovations JD Logistics leverages advanced automation technologies, intelligent human-machine synergy strategies, and an integrated suite of warehousing and supply chain management systems. These innovations enable seamless B2B and B2C omnichannel fulfillment, while accommodating complex logistics models, including reverse logistics, back-order processing, and kitting and bundling services. Even during peak seasons, its system can secure stable and efficient processing of orders. Data shows the overall on-time outbound rate for JD Logistics’ overseas warehouses reaches as high as 99%. Thanks to the application of automation technologies such as AGVs and sorting robots, order picking efficiency has been increased by five times compared with traditional methods. Its robust warehousing network is complemented by diverse final-mile transportation resources. In the U.S., it also includes a self-operated truck fleet, enabling services such as port drayage, retail store delivery, warehouse transfers, and transshipments. Warehouse in Sydney, Australia Commitment to Global Expansion to Facilitate Business Success JD Logistics drives operational efficiency and cost reduction for its clients. With nearly 100 bonded, direct-mail, and overseas warehouses spanning the globe, the company ensured a smooth and timely fulfillment experience for global partners. As of June 2024, JD Logistics operated nearly 1 million square meters of warehouse space in key markets, offering localized services to international clients and Chinese brands expanding globally. Its international cargo flight network continues to grow, enhancing cross-border transportation services to destinations globally. JD Logistics is committed to doubling its overseas warehouse space by the end of 2025 as part of its broader global supply chain strategy. This expansion also includes growing its network of bonded and direct-mail warehouses and extending its international express delivery services. JD Logistics remains dedicated to supporting global businesses of all sizes, delivering precision, speed, and excellence in supply chain management. ( [email protected] )

December 6, 2024

Business

NX China ranked among top 20 international forwarders in China

Nippon Express (China) Co., Ltd. (Chairman: Sumitoshi Matsuo, hereafter "NX China"), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. (President: Satoshi Horikiri), was ranked 20th overall and 1st among Japanese companies in the fiscal year 2023 rankings of China forwarders announced at the "2024 China International Freight Forwarder Logistics Industry High Quality Development Forum and China International Freight Forwarder Logistics Industry Development Blue Book Press Conference" held in Beijing on Monday, November 25, 2024. (Award ceremony) This forum was organized by the China International Forwarders Association (CIFA), an international forwarding business group with about 600 member companies in China, Hong Kong, and elsewhere, and was held as a related support activity for the 2nd China International Supply Chain Expo (November 26-28), in which NX China also participated. The event was attended by relevant ministries/agencies and research institutions as well as international freight forwarding, logistics, port service and marine transport companies, and featured lectures and discussions on developments and trends in China's international freight forwarding/logistics industry. The top 100 ranked international forwarders for fiscal 2023* were announced at the event. NX China placed 20th overall (13th for air freight, 20th for ocean freight, 18th for trucking, and 2nd for warehousing), making it the top Japanese company on the list. The NX Group will be helping develop its customers' business activities by further enhancing its logistics functions in China in addition to providing international transport utilizing its global network to realize its long-term vision of becoming a logistics company with a strong presence in the global market. *This ranking of international forwarder companies in China, including foreign-owned companies, is based on performance data compiled by China's Ministry of Commerce for fiscal year 2023.

December 6, 2024

Technology

Fujifilm to Enhance its Production Capacity of Advanced Semiconductor Material CMP Slurries at the Kumamoto Site

FUJIFILM Corporation today announced that it will enhance its production capacity of CMP slurries*1, advanced semiconductor materials, at its production site located in Kikuyo Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. This expansion aims to support the increasing demand for semiconductor materials in Asia, particularly due to the surge in AI semiconductor requirements. The new facilities are scheduled to start operation in January 2025. Driven by high-speed, high-capacity communications through 5G/6G, the expansion of autonomous driving, and the spread of AI and the metaverse, demand for semiconductors is expected to increase and their performance is projected to advance as well. Consequently, ensuring a stable supply of higher quality and higher performance semiconductor materials for the semiconductor manufacturing process has become increasingly critical. CMP slurry is a proprietary formulation containing an abrasive that uniformly planarizes a semiconductor surface, which contains a mixture of wires and insulation films of varying hardness. CMP slurries are expected to show a high annual growth rate of 13%*2. Fujifilm holds the world's top market share in CMP slurries for copper wiring*3, which are essential in the manufacturing process of advanced semiconductors. To meet the high customer demands for stable supply and quality, Fujifilm is promoting local production of CMP slurries, including those for copper wiring. In addition to having CMP slurry production sites in Arizona, USA, Hsinchu and Tainan of Taiwan, and Cheonan, South Korea, Fujifilm also began CMP slurry production at its Kumamoto site in January 2024. In response to the increasing demand for CMP slurries in Asia, driven by the expanding need for AI semiconductors, Fujifilm Electronic Materials Co., Ltd., the core company that leads Fujifilm’s semiconductor materials business, is investing approximately 2 billion yen to enhance the production facilities for CMP slurries, including those for copper wiring, at Kumamoto site. This equipment investment will expand the CMP slurry production capacity at the Kumamoto site by approximately 30%. Fujifilm provides post-CMP cleaners*4 as well as CMP slurries as materials used in the polishing process of semiconductor manufacturing. Fujifilm will leverage its strength in offering combinations of two materials used in consecutive processes to solve customer challenges and contribute to further improvements in semiconductor performance. Fujifilm offers semiconductor materials used in wafer processing to post processing in semiconductor manufacturing including photoresists*5, photolithography-related materials*6, CMP slurries, post-CMP cleaners, thin-film chemicals*7, polyimides*8 and high-purity process chemicals*9, as well as WAVE CONTROL MOSAIC™*10 which includes color filter materials for image sensors. In addition to its extensive product lineup covering almost the entire range of semiconductor manufacturing processes, from leading-edge to legacy semiconductors, Fujifilm is committed to solving customers' issues and contribute to the development of the semiconductor industry by providing one-stop solutions that leverage its global supply structure and advanced R&D capabilities. Capital Investment Overview 1. Location Kikuyo-machi, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto (inside the factory of FUJIFILM MATERIAL MANUFACTURING CO.,LTD. Kyushu) 2. Total investment value Approximately 2 billion yen 3. Description CMP slurry production facilities 4. Operation commencement January 2025 The production site located in Kikuyo Town, Kumamoto Prefecture The building for introducing CMP slurry production facilities * WAVE CONTROL MOSAIC is a registered trademark or trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation. *1 a proprietary formulation containing an abrasive that uniformly planarizes semiconductor surface, which contains a mixture of wires and insulation films of varying hardness. *2 Electronic Materials Forecasting Report 2023 by the U.S. research company “Linx” *3 “Current Status and Future Prospects of the Semiconductor Materials Market in 2024” by “Fuji Keizai”. *4 Cleaners used after polishing with CMP slurry to remove particles, minute metal fragments and organic residues while protecting the metal surface *5 Material used to coat wafer substrate when circuit patterns are drawn in the process of semiconductor manufacturing *6 Development solutions, cleaners and other materials used in the photolithography process of semiconductor manufacturing *7 Materials for forming low-dielectric insulation films *8 A material with strong heat resistance and insulation properties, used for forming semiconductors’ protective films and rewiring layer *9 High-purity chemicals used in the cleaning and drying processes. The chemicals are employed to remove contaminants during the cleaning and drying stages of semiconductor manufacturing, as well as to eliminate metals and oils during the etching process. *10 General term referring to a group of functional materials for controlling electromagnetic light waves in a broad range of wavelengths, including photosensitive color materials for manufacturing color filters for image sensors such as CMOS sensors, used in digital cameras and smartphones Contact Media Contact FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation Corporate Communications Division, Public Relations Group +81-3-6271-2000 Customer Contact FUJIFILM Corporation Electronic Materials Business Division E-mail： [email protected] * Please note that the contents including the product availability, specification, prices and contacts in this website are current as of the date of the press announcement and may be subject to change without prior notice.

December 5, 2024

Travel & Leisure

Thredbo Wins Australia’s Best Ski Resort for 8th Consecutive Year at World Ski Awards

Thredbo is excited to announce its eighth consecutive win as 'Australia’s Best Ski Resort' at the 2024 World Ski Awards, alongside receiving 'Australia’s Best Ski Resort for Families' at the 2024 Out And About With Kids Awards for the seventh year in a row. Additionally, Thredbo was awarded 'Best Australian Resort' at the 2024 Snowsports Industries Awards for the second consecutive year, among other accolades. Thredbo General Manager, Stuart Diver, expressed that it is an honour to receive these prestigious awards. “I am so proud of the Thredbo team for consistently delivering a premium experience each season despite the challenges faced this winter. Our success in 2024 is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of not only our team, but also the unwavering community support and the guests who choose Thredbo as their winter destination year after year,” said Mr. Diver. As Australia's Best Ski Resort, Thredbo is committed to continuously improving its offering, and winter 2024 was a testament to this. With the introduction of the Alpine Coaster, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and an unparalleled lineup of events and entertainment, winter 2024 in Thredbo was one for the books. 2024 World Ski Awards: Australia's Best Ski Resort Thredbo has been awarded 'Australia's Best Ski Resort' for the eighth consecutive year at the 2024 World Ski Awards. As the most prestigious awards program in the ski tourism industry, the World Ski Awards is the only international initiative to recognise, reward, and celebrate excellence in ski tourism on a global scale. This win is a direct result of Thredbo's commitment to delivering a world-class customer experience through a diverse range of on-mountain experiences, Australia’s biggest events calendar, and the country’s best skiing and snowboarding. 2024 Out And About With Kids Readers' Choice Awards: Australia's Best Ski Resort For Families Voted by Australian families, Thredbo is proud to be crowned 'Australia's Best Ski Resort for Families' at the 2024 Out And About With Kids Readers' Choice Awards for the seventh year in a row. This win reflects Thredbo's incredible family offering, including snow terrain for all abilities, Australia’s only alpine gondola, Australia’s only Alpine Coaster, one of the country’s best snow sports schools, a dedicated beginner area, and a huge variety of family-friendly events. 2024 Snowsports Industries of Australia Awards: Best Australian Resort Once again, Thredbo earns recognition and for the third year in a row is named 'Australia's Best Ski Resort' at the Snowsports Industries of Australia awards. 2024 Keep Australia Beautiful NSW: Tidy Towns Sustainability Awards Thredbo was also awarded the Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation Award at the 2024 Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Tidy Towns Sustainability Awards, along with the Litter Prevention, Resource Recovery, and Overall Tidy Towns Award in the population category of less than 1,500 people. As the first Australian snow resort to hold Gold EarthCheck Sustainable Destination Certification for four years running, this further recognition of our environmental initiatives is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team in promoting sustainable practices and protecting the unique alpine environment for future generations. Looking Forward As they continue to strive to improve their offering, Thredbo, supported by EVT, has made significant developments to their snow-making fleet with the purchase of a new ‘All-Weather Snowmaking Unit', the first of its kind in New South Wales. The Demac Lenko SnowPRO 260 is designed to produce up to 260m³ of snow per day in temperatures up to 20°C. This, combined with traditional snow making, will have a major positive impact on Thredbo Resort's ability to ensure great snow coverage in their beginner area on Friday Flat.

December 5, 2024

Business

CapitaLand Investment-managed Extra Space Asia enters into a strategic alliance with Japan’s largest indoor self-storage manager to accelerate growth

CLI-managed self-storage platform, ESA, has entered into a strategic alliance with Ambitious Co. Ltd., the largest indoor self-storage manager in Japan, to acquire four properties in Osaka with plans to add another two facilities in Tokyo by early 2025. ESA targets to triple its self-storage portfolio in Japan to over JPY12 billion in the near term. Pictured here is the newly acquired Itami Suzuhara Facility located in Kansai, Japan. CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI), a leading global real asset manager, announced that its self-storage platform, Extra Space Asia (ESA) has formed a strategic partnership with Ambitious Co. Ltd. (Ambitious), the largest indoor self-storage manager in Japan. Ambitious’ self-storage business, “Syuno-Pit”, operates 681 self-storage facilities across 126 cities and districts in Japan. ESA is set to expand its portfolio in CLI’s focus market of Japan by leveraging Ambitious’ strong track record and on-the-ground expertise to source, develop and manage self-storage facilities in Osaka and Tokyo. These two regions are the largest markets for self-storage in Japan and where Syuno-Pit has the largest presence. Kickstarting this partnership, ESA has acquired four self-storage facilities in Osaka from Ambitious, with plans to add another two facilities in Tokyo by early 2025. ESA has a right of first refusal to acquire future assets to be developed by Ambitious. Together with Keiyo Logistics Co. Ltd. (Keiyo Logistics), ESA’s existing partner in Japan operating under the “privatebox by Extra Space” brand, ESA now benefits from the expertise of two established self-storage managers with extensive networks to boost its growth and deliver exceptional storage solutions in Japan. Leveraging these dual partnerships for expansion, ESA is targeting investments to triple its self-storage portfolio in the country to over JPY12 billion in the near term. Ms Patricia Goh, CEO, Southeast Asia Investment, CLI and Director, Storage Ventures Asia Pte. Ltd. Ms Patricia Goh, CEO, Southeast Asia Investment, CLI and Director, Storage Ventures Asia Pte. Ltd., said: “ESA’s strategic partnerships with Ambitious and Keiyo Logistics will enable us to capitalise on the increasing demand for self-storage space, driven by e-commerce growth, rising urban population, smaller dwelling spaces, increased population mobility and a higher proportion of rental households 1 . Ambitious and Keiyo Logistics are best-in-class self-storage operators with decades of experience in self-storage development and management.” “Since the formation of CLI’s self-storage joint venture with APG Asset Management in 2022 to acquire ESA, we have grown funds under management (FUM) of our self-storage portfolio by approximately 25%, including the acquisition of two prime industrial assets in Singapore for approximately S$100 million in 1Q 2024. Leveraging CLI’s strong global network of customers and our strategic partners’ deep local expertise, we will continue to scale ESA’s portfolio, and advance towards becoming a dominant self-storage player in Japan,” added Ms Goh. Mr Nobunari Tokunaga, CEO, Ambitious , said: “Ambitious operates the largest number of indoor trunk room facilities under the “Syuno-Pit” brand and is recognised for delivering stable investment returns, a strong management track record, development expertise and marketing capabilities. By combining with ESA’s financial resources, Ambitious aims to invigorate Japan’s evolving trunk room market, accelerate development projects, attract more customers, and enhance local communities and living environments.” Mr Takahide Watanabe, CEO, Keiyo Logistics , said: “Keiyo Logistics, which provides privatebox trunk rooms specialised for the Tokyo metropolitan area, will work with ESA, which has international knowledge, networks, and funding, to expand its network of high-quality facilities and play a role in the growth of the Japanese market.” Pictured here is the Sakai Yamamoto Facility located in Kansai, Japan. ESA’s properties in Japan enjoy high average occupancy of about 92% as demand for self-storage remains strong. Osaka, underpinned by the rising affluence of its population, flexible work arrangements and evolving consumption habits, remains one of Japan’s largest self-storage markets. 2 Following the acquisition in Osaka, ESA will have a total of 14 self-storage assets in Japan with more than 60,000 square feet of gross floor area. ESA will continue to acquire high quality self-storage assets located near densely populated residential areas in gateway cities in Japan. Extra Space Asia In 2022, CLI partnered APG Asset Management N.V., the investment manager for the largest pension provider in the Netherlands, to jointly acquire ESA through Storage Ventures Asia Pte. Ltd. Starting with an equity investment of S$570 million with an option to increase up to S$1.14 billion, in the proportion of 90:10 between APG and CLI, the self-storage joint venture provides CLI with access to an emerging sector that will contribute towards growing its FUM. ESA is Asia’s dominant operator in self-storage solutions with over 80 facilities across seven gateway cities – Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Osaka, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo. Its portfolio comprises more than 2.3 million square feet of gross floor area with an occupancy of over 90%. In February 2024, ESA acquired two industrial assets in Singapore which have been converted into self-storage facilities . CLI in Japan CLI has a diversified portfolio of over 70 lodging, office, logistics, and self-storage properties with total FUM of S$2.7 billion 3 in Japan. CLI’s FUM in Japan will triple to approximately S$11 billion upon the completion of its 40% investment in SC Capital Partners Group. 4 Footnotes: 1. Information obtained from Housing Statistics 2023, available on the Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan. 2. Information obtained from Osaka Residential Markets, Savills Research , September 2023 and Storage Business Report 2023, Yanno Research Institute , 2023. 3. As at 5 November 2024. 4. Subject to the fulfilment of conditions. Refer to the news release “ CapitaLand Investment accelerates growth in funds management through the strategic investment in SC Capital Partners ” dated 20 November 2024 for more information.

December 5, 2024

Travel & Leisure

AirAsia reunites Malaysians with affordable fixed fares for the upcoming Lunar New Year

AirAsia launched its highly anticipated fixed fares to reunite Malaysians for the upcoming Lunar New Year celebration in January 2025. Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Bintulu, Miri, or Sibu; or from Johor Bahru to Kuching, Sibu, or Miri, at only RM328 all-in one way, while the fixed fare for Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, or Sandakan, or from Johor Bahru to Kota Kinabalu is only RM388 all-in one way. Book between 3 December 2024 and 4 February 2025, travel from 24 January to 4 February 2025 to reunite with your loved ones. AirAsia will operate a total of almost 3,600 flights weekly during the 2025 festive season, offering more than 27,000 seats at fixed fares. Photo caption: (Third from left) Paul Carroll, Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia Aviation Group; Datuk Captain Chester Voo, Deputy Group CEO (Airline Operations) of AirAsia Aviation Group; YB Tuan Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport, Malaysia and Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group at AirAsia's 2025 Chinese New Year Fixed Fares event. Minister of Transport, YB Loke Siew Fook said: “The government remains committed to helping people reunite during festive periods. It is encouraging to see AirAsia leading efforts to make travel more affordable and accessible. This aligns with our ongoing initiatives, including the RM499** ceiling fare subsidy and the FLYsiswa programme to ease student financial burden to travel between Peninsular and East Malaysia. We look forward to collaborating with other industry partners on this initiative for the betterment of our nation.” Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia said: “As we approach the final month of 2024 and prepare for the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations, we are delighted to unveil our yearly fixed fares, with more than 27,000 seats available during the Chinese New Year period. We are proud to continue playing our role as an industry leader in supporting the government’s initiatives to ensure smooth and affordable travel for Malaysians, especially during the festive season." Additionally, AirAsia will also be supporting the government’s initiative of RM499** one-way economy class flights from Peninsular to East Malaysia. Under this promotion, base fares for selected flights will be available at a maximum of RM499** celling fares which are applicable for travels four (4) days before Christmas Day. This initiative is part of the airline’s commitment to supporting the government’s fare subsidy, promoting inclusivity and affordability during the festive season. Guests travelling this festive season are strongly encouraged to self check-in via airasia.com or the AirAsia MOVE app, available up to 14 days prior to the departure date and use the e-Boarding Pass to board the flight. For a smooth and seamless travel experience, guests are advised to arrive early at the airport. Baggage drop counters open three (3) hours before departure for international flights, and two (2) hours prior for domestic services. *Promotional fixed fares quoted are for one-way travel, including passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Valid for selected flights only. T&C apply. **Flights with base fares that cost less than RM499 will be sold at the current fare. Fares are non-refundable and subject to other terms and conditions. The government’s subsidy for purchases of one-way economy class tickets of over RM499 from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak. Applicable four (4) days before Christmas Day.

December 5, 2024

Education

Circular Innovation Challenge Alumni Design Sprint 2024: Empowering youth to address sustainability challenges

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical company , in partnership with the School of Global Studies at Thammasat University, announces the successful completion of the Circular Innovation Challenge (CIC) Alumni Design Sprint 2024, which empowered past-winners to address real-world environmental challenges and drive global circularity. This five-week intensive program brought together past CIC winners from 2021–2023 to further refine their sustainability solutions. Indorama Ventures plays a pivotal role in supporting these emerging changemakers, ensuring their innovations are not only market-viable but also impactful on a global scale. The CIC Alumni Design Sprint 2024 is a platform for collaboration, providing participants with essential tools, expert feedback, and resources to finetune their projects and prototypes. The Sprint continued the mission of the Circular Innovation Challenge, a competition supported by Indorama Ventures and Thammasat University to engage young innovators from Southeast Asia through sustainability workshops and design-thinking boot camps, preparing them to develop tangible solutions and concrete business plans to address for real-world environmental problems. This year’s CIC Alumni Design Sprint pushed participants to improve their original ideas through a structured process following the SPRINT method,. Three exceptional projects were selected for their potential to drive meaningful social and environmental change and feasibility in terms of their business models: Recyso (2021 Winner) – Eco-Shield Pro : A group of Thai innovators from the Battery and New Energy Science and Technology Institution at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, created an eco-friendly, non-toxic radiation protection solution made from recycled solar panel waste, designed for use in medical settings. Impact: Upcycling solar waste, supporting renewable energy, reducing hazardous waste, creating jobs, and lowering healthcare costs. Waste to Planter (Youth Prize 2021) – A group of high school students from Plapak Wittaya School, Nakhon Phanom province, Thailand. Their planters are made from recycled agricultural HDPE plastic waste, targeting eco-conscious consumers while promoting sustainable agriculture. Impact: Reducing plastic waste, engaging communities, cutting carbon emissions, and creating economic opportunities for farmers. SCPB (2023 Winner) – A group of Thai founders from Phytavaren Technology, a proptech startup based in England. Their passive brick made from seashell calcite, ocean plastic, and concrete aggregate, is designed to reduce thermal bridges and enhance energy efficiency in buildings. Impact: Enhancing building safety and energy efficiency, reducing marine pollution, and supporting sustainable infrastructure development. Mrs. Suchitra Lohia, Deputy Group CEO and Chairperson of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee at Indorama Ventures , said "Indorama Ventures is proud to support the next generation of innovators who are shaping a circular economy that our PET and polyester value chain can benefit from. Through the Circular Innovation Challenge Alumni Design Sprint, we see young talents turning their ideas into actionable solutions, particularly those that address the challenges within the PET industry and tackle plastic waste. We are honored to support these bright minds on their journey and look forward to the positive, lasting changes their innovations will bring.” Assistant Professor Dr. Prapaporn Tivayannond Mongkhonvanit, Dean of the School of Global Studies at Thammasat University , added, "As educators, we are honored to play a role in empowering young people to transform their ideas into impactful, real-world solutions. The three projects emerging from this initiative hold remarkable promise to become businesses that create meaningful social and environmental change across Southeast Asia and beyond. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Indorama Ventures and our partners for inspiring these young leaders to embrace circularity and shape a future they can truly be proud of." The Circular Innovation Challenge Alumni Design Sprint stands as a testament to the potential of youth-driven initiatives to address sustainability issues that span across industries. By equipping young innovators with the skills and support they need to develop scalable, impactful solutions, Indorama Ventures and its partners are helping to create a pathway toward a sustainable and circular future. Gallery

December 5, 2024

Business

AirAsia expands network in Vietnam with inaugural flight from Kota Kinabalu

Photo Caption: [Third from left] Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Chief Executive Officer of the Sabah Tourism Board, alongside the crew onboard the inaugural flight from Kota Kinabalu to Ho Chi Minh City AirAsia expanded its network in Vietnam with the launch of a new direct route from Kota Kinabalu to Ho Chi Minh City today. The inaugural flight departed from Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 11:45 AM and arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City at 12:55 PM, with a passenger load of 96% percent. This launch marks the commencement of AirAsia’s 16th international flight operated by AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) from Kota Kinabalu. This new route launch also aligns with Malaysia’s broader tourism goals that include a targeted 27.3 million international tourist arrivals in 2024 and in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. The airline’s renewed focus on Vietnam aligns with the country’s ambitious tourism goal of attracting 17-18 million international visitors this year, as it enters its peak season for global arrivals in the final quarter. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew described the introduction of the Ho Chi Minh City to Kota Kinabalu route as a milestone in strengthening Sabah's air connectivity in Southeast Asia. She said this new connection represents a significant step in efforts to expand Sabah's reach within the ASEAN region. "I commend AirAsia for their commitment to enhancing regional accessibility and supporting Sabah's vision to be a top tourism destination in Southeast Asia," she added. Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board said: "We are delighted to welcome this new route, marking a significant milestone for Sabah as a growing must-visit destination in Southeast Asia. Ho Chi Minh City is already well-known among Sabahans, and this new route opens the door for Vietnamese travellers to explore Sabah’s stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and growing interest in medical tourism and wellness travel. With this enhanced accessibility, Sabah Tourism Board will intensify efforts to promote this route and showcase the best of Sabah. We extend our gratitude to AirAsia for their support in strengthening regional connectivity and boosting tourism growth between Sabah and Vietnam." Paul Carroll, Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia Aviation Group said: “Today’s launch underscores our commitment to strengthening regional connectivity while offering affordable, seamless travel for our guests. Vietnam has consistently been a key market for AirAsia, and this new service from Kota Kinabalu adds another dimension to our network. It not only enhances tourism potential for both Sabah and Vietnam but also supports regional trade and economic growth. We are excited to continue fostering stronger ties between these vibrant destinations. “These new routes highlight Vietnam’s growing importance to AirAsia as a key market in our network. With its strategic location and increasing demand for affordable travel, Vietnam serves as a vital hub for connecting Asean and beyond, further demonstrating our commitment to the region’s tourism and economic growth.” AirAsia now operates 93 flights weekly to and from Vietnam, delivering over one million seats since 2023 , further positioning Vietnam as a key connectivity hub for the region.

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