- October 15, 2025Business
Coles grants $250,000 to Little Athletics Centres as participation jumps
Aspiring athletes and community volunteers will benefit from $250,000 in grants this season from the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund as Little Athletics record a high jump in participation numbers. Today, Coles announced the 72 grassroots Little Athletics Centres who will share in $250,000 to purchase much needed sports, safety and volunteer equipment, including high jump mats, defibrillators and laptops. The announcement comes as Little Athletics Australia revealed a 16% jump in participation over the past 12 months1, with the biggest increase recorded in the Little Athletics Tiny Tots program for 3 to 5-year-olds, which rose by 33%2. In the past five seasons, Little Athletics has grown by more than 40% to over 96,000 Aussie kids and a further 74,000 community volunteers, coaches and officials, making it one of the most participated junior sports programs in Australia. A significant contributor to this surge in participation was Australia’s success at the Paris Olympics and represented the third-highest post-Olympics growth in the past 40 years (behind London 2012 and Sydney 2000). And now, with a home Olympic Games on the horizon, Coles is backing Little Athletics for a further three years by renewing its partnership with the iconic Australian sporting program. Coles kicked off its partnership extension with Little Athletics by launching two exciting initiatives to support grassroots clubs and centres – the annual Banana A-Peel, a national fundraiser whereby 5 cents from every kilo of Cavendish bananas sold at Coles until 21 October will be donated to Little Athletics Australia to a maximum donation of $150,0003, and the revamped Coles Little Athletics Tiny Tots, a modified athletics program for kids as young as three. Three-time Olympian and Coles ambassador Brandon Starc returned to his junior club, Parramatta City Little Athletics to unveil the centre’s new high jump mat, which was purchased with a $5,000 grant from the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund. The Australian high jump record holder and Commonwealth Games gold and silver medallist said he was delighted to see the ongoing growth of Little Athletics. “Little Athletics is where so many Australian champions get their start, and it’s fantastic to see Coles backing kids from their very first steps on the track. As a father myself, I’m starting to think about which sports to get my kids involved in and Little Athletics is of course on top of the list because both my wife and I have experienced it and know the value and impact it has on kids’ health and social skills,” he said. Little Athletics Australia CEO Myles Foreman said Little Athletics is well positioned to maintain its growth with recent successes on and off the track and field. “Grassroots Little Athletics Centres are the heartbeat of our sport. The sustained upward trend in participation over the past five years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our 74,000 volunteers across the country, as well as the ongoing efforts of our State and Territory Member Associations who deliver quality programs to thousands of young athletes,” he said. “Last season’s increase in registrations was further boosted by the inspiring performances at the Paris Games, igniting enthusiasm among young athletes and their families. We are hopeful that this momentum will continue following the recent Athletics and Para-Athletics World Championships, where more than 70 former Little Athletes competed on the world stage — including gold medallists Nicola Olyslagers and James Turner.” “Our partnership extension with Coles for a further three years will also help Little Athletics to continue this momentum with resources and opportunities for children of all ages, including our youngest athletes through the Coles Little Athletics Tiny Tots program.” Coles Acting Group Corporate and Indigenous Affairs Officer Jace Armstrong said Coles is extremely proud of its long-standing partnership with Little Athletics. “Coles’ partnership with Little Athletics is built on mutual values and goals to help kids and local communities thrive and grow. Since 2017, Coles has donated more than 6 million bananas and over $2.8 million in sports equipment grants to help kids stay fit and be active. We’re excited to play a role in fostering the next generation of Australian athletes for another three years.” In addition to being the major national partner of Little Athletics Australia, Coles has partnerships with Football Australia’s introductory program, Coles MiniRoos and AFL’s Coles Healthy Kicks to encourage healthy lifestyles and healthier choices for children. For media enquiries, please contact Coles Media Line (03) 9829 5250 or [email protected] or [email protected] 1 2023/24 vs. 2024/25 season comparison in all states and territories except for Northern Territory. 2 Little Athletics Tiny Tots registrations only apply in NSW, Qld, SA, ACT and Tas. 3 5c donation applies from 8/10/25 to 21/10/25.
- October 14, 2025Business
Jetstar customers can take off faster with new passport scanning app feature and Uber partnership
Jetstar customers heading overseas can now check in for flights in seconds by scanning their passport details directly into the Jetstar app. From today, instead of having to manually enter their passport details, customers can use their mobile phone camera to instantly capture their passport details. It means Jetstar will be one of few low-cost carriers in the Asia Pacific to offer the passport scanning feature. The change has been made to reduce passport entry errors and will particularly save time for families and groups checking in. Mobile passport scanning is available on most international routes from today - except for flights to and from Vietnam and flights departing from Fiji, Vanuatu and the Philippines due to local regulations. Fewer steps Jetstar has also reduced the number of steps on the app between starting check-in and issuing a boarding pass. Steps now include: open the Jetstar app and choose to check-in for your international flight confirm the health acknowledgement and dangerous goods requirements scan your passport when prompted add your mobile boarding pass to your phone. Apple Wallet and Google Wallet options are available. Schedule rides in advance with Uber From the 30th of October, Jetstar customers will be able to book an Uber Reserve directly through the Jetstar app, making airport transfers easier than ever. Uber Reserve allows customers to reserve Uber rides from as little as 30 minutes to up to 90 days in advance, offering peace of mind and extra certainty for important trips or occasions. By simply tapping the Uber Reserve icon in the Jetstar app, customers can set their pick up and drop off locations, select the date and time of travel, and choose their preferred vehicle from the options available in their area. An upfront pricing for each ride will be displayed, giving travellers the flexibility to choose an option that best fits their budget. Uber Reserve is available in Australia and New Zealand. To celebrate the launch, Jetstar customers will receive $10 off their first Uber Reserve booking through the Jetstar app until the 30th of November. Jetstar’s Executive Manager, Customer, Jenn Armor said the airline is committed to making low fares travel a breeze. “Our new passport scanning makes international check-in faster and easier, so customers can spend less time typing and more time getting excited for their trip. “Getting to and from the airport is also easier than ever with customers able to access Uber Reserve directly from the Jetstar app – making it a breeze to reserve airport transport in advance. “Travel should feel like a holiday from the moment you open our app. It is your go-to for everything from viewing your flight details and boarding pass to adding extra baggage or seats, all without digging through your email for an itinerary. “It’s the easiest way to stay in control of your trip, wherever you are.” Director of Consumer Operations, Uber Australia and New Zealand, Mathieu Marie said: “We know that getting to and from the airport can be one of the most stressful parts of any trip. “We are excited to partner with Jetstar to integrate Uber Reserve into the Jetstar app, offering travellers more certainty and choice so they can start and end their journey with peace of mind.”
- October 14, 2025Business
Singapore's Office Market Seeing the Beginning of a Bull Run
The Singapore office market continued its upward trajectory in Q3 2025, marking the third consecutive quarter of rental growth, CBRE Research found. Gross effective rents for Core CBD (Grade A) offices rose by 0.8% q-o-q to $12.20 per square foot per month, underpinned by resilient occupier demand and tightening supply. Tricia Song, CBRE Head of Research, Singapore and Southeast Asia, commented, “Despite the prevailing global economic uncertainties, the market has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Vacancy rates in the Core CBD (Grade A) have steadily tightened from 5.9% in Q1 2025 to 5.1% in Q3 2025, reflecting sustained leasing momentum and a relentless flight to quality.” The market’s strength was illustrated in IOI Central Boulevard’s strong performance. This development is the last major Grade A completion in the Core CBD until 2028 and achieved approximately 90% commitment by Q3. This strong take-up is demonstrative of the robust demand for premium office space, especially in the city centre as locations like Marina Bay and Raffles Place remain highly sought-after. Neighbouring submarkets like Marina Centre and Beach Road/City Hall have also outperformed, where less than 3% of space is available at the moment. With several notable deals to close in Q4, Core CBD (Grade A) office space vacancy could fall below 5% by the end of the year. David McKellar, CBRE Head of Office Services, Singapore, observed, “Occupier activity remains broad-based, led by sectors such as banking and finance, transport, government, and agile space operators. Outside the CBD, demand is also strong. Paya Lebar Green, completed earlier this year, is now fully occupied following Visa’s relocation that absorbed the remaining space. This brought vacancy rates in decentralised locations down from 7.9% in Q2 to 6.5% in Q3.” From Q1 to Q3, the market recorded net absorption of approximately 510,000 sq. ft. (excluding stock removed for redevelopment), while office rents have grown 2.1% year-to-date. Mr McKellar added, “Looking ahead, the supply pipeline remains limited, especially for large occupiers seeking 200,000 to 300,000 sq. ft. of contiguous space. Beyond strata and smaller redevelopments, upcoming options are few, with Shaw Tower (2026), Skywaters (2027), Clifford Centre Redevelopment and Comcentre Redevelopment (2028) on the horizon to offer some relief down the line. The tight supply environment is prompting occupiers to accelerate decision-making to secure quality space before availability dwindles further in the short-term.” Ms Song concluded, “CBRE Research maintains its 2025 rental growth forecast of approximately 3%. In fact, there might be potential upside as interest rates ease to support continued occupier activity, and as we see more leases completing in the final quarter.” Office Investments Market on a Similar Trajectory In the investment market, Q3 2025 office deals surged seven-fold q-o-q to $1.794 billion, with the largest transaction of the quarter involving the 55% stake sale of CapitaSpring for $1.045 billion ($2,822 psf). In contrast, Q2 2025 saw transactions involving only strata office units or floors. Michael Tay, CBRE Deputy Managing Director and Head of Capital Markets, Singapore, commented, “The office sector is experiencing a resurgence of positive sentiment, thanks to strong fundamentals: rent growth, complemented by limited future supply. Adding to the positive outlook, the 3-month compounded SORA has fallen to 1.45%, positioning the sector favourably for yield-accretive returns. Buoyed by robust enquiry levels and advanced deal negotiations, we anticipate investment momentum to stay strong through the remainder of the year.” About CBRE Group, Inc. CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2024 revenue). The company has more than 140,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves clients through four business segments: Advisory (leasing, sales, debt origination, mortgage servicing, valuations); Building Operations & Experience (facilities management, property management, flex space & experience); Project Management (program management, project management, cost consulting); Real Estate Investments (investment management, development). Please visit our website at www.cbre.com .
- October 13, 2025Business
CapitaLand Investment, and its listed and private funds, strengthen ESG leadership positions in 2025 GRESB Real Estate Assessment
Leading global real asset manager CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI), its listed REITs and business trusts, and private funds demonstrated continued leadership in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, with strong performances in the 2025 GRESB Real Estate Assessment, a global ESG benchmark for the real estate sector. CLI and its listed REITs achieved notable improvements in their GRESB scores from the previous year and received an ‘A’ rating for Public Disclosure. CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT), CapitaLand China Trust (CLCT) and CapitaLand India Trust (CLINT) maintained their 5-star rating for standing investments, while CLI’s flagship regional core-plus fund, CapitaLand Open End Real Estate Fund (COREF), earned its first 5-star rating. CLI, CapitaLand Ascendas REIT (CLAR) and CapitaLand Ascott Trust (CLAS) were awarded a 4-star rating for standing investments. Notably, CLAS secured the first position in the Listed Hotel, Globally Diversified category for the fifth year, outperforming its peer group. CapitaLand Malaysia Trust (CLMT) also improved its standing in the benchmark, achieving its first 4-star rating, one up from its 3-star rating last year. Additionally, the CapitaLand Ascott Residence Asia Fund II (CLARA II), a value-add private lodging fund under CLI, attained a 4-star rating. Based on their performance, CLI, CICT, CLAS and CLMT will receive interest rate savings from their respective sustainability-linked loans linked to GRESB performance. “CLI, our listed and private funds continue to lead in GRESB, reflecting our commitment to embedding sustainability across the fund management lifecycle – from product development, capital raising and investments to asset and portfolio management,” said Mr. Vinamra Srivastava, Chief Sustainability & Sustainable Investments Officer, CLI. “By aligning sustainability with financial performance, we create tangible long-term value for our investors, including redeploying interest rate savings into sustainability initiatives. As we work towards our 2030 Sustainability Master Plan targets, we remain focused on delivering sustainable returns that benefit all our stakeholders.” Additional ESG Recognitions in 2025 • CLI and CICT maintained their MSCI ESG Rating of ‘AAA’ and ‘AA’ respectively for four consecutive years, while CLAR also retained its ‘AA’ rating for the third consecutive year. CLI remained a constituent of the 2025 MSCI ESG Leaders Index, marking its 12th consecutive year on this list. • CLI and CICT were included in the FTSE4Good Index 2025, marking CapitaLand’s 12th and CICT’s 18th consecutive year of inclusion. • CLAR was on the FTSE4Good Developed Index, while CLMT remained listed on the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index.
- October 13, 2025Business
MATRADE Bridges Markets and Cultures at The Third Country Training Programme
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) once again assumes the role of a Training Institution for the Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) 2025: Trade Promotion for African Countries from 8 to 15 October 2025. This year marks the ninth time since 2013, that MATRADE has been involved in TCTP as a Training Institution. The programme, which provides significant training and facilitation for the exchange of valuable knowledge in trade and export promotions, is a tripartite cooperation between MATRADE, Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) - a unit under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). TCTP is an initiative of the South-South Cooperation, a technical cooperation for knowledge sharing among developing countries. Participants were selected from key export-oriented African nations namely Algeria, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Two observers from The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), were also present to contribute to the overall learning experience. MATRADE’s transformational initiatives have positioned the national trade promotion agency as an ideal organisation to serve as a Training Institution, setting the benchmark as a role model for its counterparts from the African continent. The 8-day programme comprises a seminar entitled Emerging Africa: Tapping into Growth and Opportunities, briefings and industrial visits, emphasising areas such as trade, investment, and sharing sessions by Malaysian industry players in the oil & gas, transport and logistic, renewable energy services, food and beverages, road construction and halal sectors. Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, the Chairman of MATRADE, emphasises the importance of Africa as a continent, stating that these emerging markets should not be neglected as they provide vast opportunities for Malaysia’s exports. According to him, "TCTP 2025 will make a profound impact on all participants, from the seamless selection process to the engaging sessions and invaluable networking opportunities, MATRADE's organisation of TCTP is a testament to our ability to deliver a world-class experience to all participants”. Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican added that the programme had not only facilitated valuable business connections but also spotlighted Malaysia's pivotal role as a global trade and investment hub. For the period of five years since 2020, Malaysia’s trade with Africa was cumulatively valued at RM258.6 billion. Exports were valued at RM154.4 billion, with major export products comprising palm oil & palm oil-based agriculture products, petroleum products, processed food, electrical & electronic products as well as palm oil-based manufactured products. To strengthen Malaysia’s presence and expand our market share across the African continent, MATRADE has intensified its export promotion programmes this year. The Agency has facilitated the participation of Malaysian companies in the Egypt Energy Expo, alongside a series of export acceleration missions led by its Chairman to Egypt, Libya, South Africa and Kenya. These initiatives aim to enhance business linkages, open new opportunities for Malaysian exporters, and showcase Malaysia’s capabilities as a reliable trading partner in emerging African markets. At the recent Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), the participation of eight (8) African nations namely Nigeria, Algeria, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Egypt, Mali and Mauritius, highlighted the continent’s growing confidence in Malaysia’s globally recognised halal ecosystem. Representatives from these countries took part in both the exhibition and the International Sourcing Programme (INSP), exploring new opportunities for partnership and market expansion, reinforcing Malaysia’s leadership in driving the global halal economy. MATRADE is expected to continue its role as a Training Institution to third countries in the future TCTPs.
- October 10, 2025Business
Bioeconomy Corporation & Polaris Bio Seal RM700 Mil MoU at NICE 2025
Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation), under the purview of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia, has entered into a collaboration with South Korea-based renewable energy company Polaris Bio Co., Ltd. (Polaris Bio) to develop palm oil mill effluent (POME)-based biogas upgrading facilities in Malaysia as part of renewable energy investments. An initial RM30 million will be invested in the first facility as part of the RM 700 million total planned investments. This pilot project will validate the technical and financial feasibility of biogas upgrading and pave the way for the nationwide rollout of more than 20 facilities, which are expected to cut up to 384,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent each year. The partnership will accelerate the commercialisation of biotechnology converting palm oil mill effluent (POME) into Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (Bio-CNG), a sustainable fuel, while also creating internationally tradable carbon credits – known as Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. According to Bioeconomy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, En. Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak, biogas development from oil palm biomass and waste in Malaysia has long been recognised as a strategic opportunity. While early projects faced inconsistent yields, high maintenance costs, and limited downstream integration, recent technological advances have improved efficiency and reliability, enabling biogas to be upgraded into Bio-CNG, biomethane, and green chemicals – making it a viable pathway for decarbonisation and integration into Malaysia’s renewable energy and bio-based industrial ecosystem. “Over the past two years, Bioeconomy Corporation has witnessed a series of bioenergy partnerships from its BioNexus Status and Bio-based Accelerator (BBA) companies, signaling a surge of activity in the sector and renewed investor confidence. This is reflected in our partnership with Polaris Bio, which will advance the government’s push to position bioenergy at the heart of Malaysia’s energy transition and power the country’s circular bioeconomy,” he added. Polaris Bio’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Junghwan Kim, said the collaboration with Bioeconomy Corporation opens new opportunities for scaling bioenergy solutions in Malaysia, while setting a benchmark for cross-border climate partnerships. “Since 2020, Polaris Bio has been actively engaged in Malaysia’s pioneering POME-to-Bio-CNG initiatives. Building on this proven track record, we are now delighted to embark on direct investments in partnership with the Government of Korea, including the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, its agency the Sudokwon Landfill Site Management Corporation, and leading Korean private enterprises. This collaboration not only reinforces Korea–Malaysia cooperation in renewable energy and carbon markets, but also stands as the first bilateral endeavour under Article 6.2, enhancing carbon market development in both nations,” he stated. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Yusof witnessed the exchange of memorandum of understanding between En. Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak and Mr. Junghwan Kim at the opening ceremony of the National Innovation and Creative Economy Expo 2025 (NICE 2025) in Kuala Lumpur today. The partnership represents a timely step in aligning national priorities with international investment to reinforce Malaysia’s low-carbon transition under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and its target of 40% renewables in the primary energy mix by 2035, while supporting the goals of the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 to drive sustainable bio-based industries and innovation for the nation’s circular economy. -END-
- October 10, 2025Business
IOI Sets ESG Benchmark With Best Of The Best Award
IOI Corporation Berhad (IOI) has been honoured with the Best of the Best award, a newly introduced category, at the fourth The Edge Malaysia ESG Awards 2025, held at Hilton Kuala Lumpur on 1 October 2025. This marks our fourth consecutive win, following three straight Gold awards in the plantation sector from 2022 to 202 (File pic by IOI Corporation). IOI has made continuous improvements in our efforts to sustain our ESG performance. Our new Five-Year Strategic Roadmap (2025–2029) places sustainability and climate initiatives as one of the four strategic priorities, underscoring that these are not only responsibilities but also an overriding business strategy to shape a more resilient and successful future. IOI Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Dato’ Lee Yeow Chor said: “We are proud to have surpassed our GHG emission intensity reduction target a full year ahead of schedule. Our original goal was to achieve a 40% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions, measured against 2015 carbon intensity emissions, by 2025. By the end of FY2025, we have reached a 46% reduction.” This significant milestone reflects how deeply decarbonisation is embedded in our business strategy, achieved through initiatives such as enhancing methane capture facilities, installing solar panels, optimising energy and resource efficiency, as well as deploying both nature-based and engineered solutions. Just as importantly, we work closely with employees and stakeholders to align everyday actions with long-term ESG goals. IOI Plantation Director Mr NB Sudhakaran (third from right) receiving the Best of the Best award at The Edge Malaysia ESG Awards 2025, celebrating our fourth consecutive ESG win. (File pic by IOI Corporation). Organised by The Edge Malaysia with Bursa Malaysia and FTSE Russell, this year’s award drew the largest pool of PLCs to date, tripling to 956 over the past three years with the inclusion of ACE Market alongside Main Market PLCs. The average FTSE4Good ESG score for Main Market PLCs rose from 2.45 in December 2024 to 2.59 in June 2025, showing continued improvement in ESG performance and a maturing ESG ecosystem. As of June 2025, IOI achieved a score of 4 out of 5, reflecting our strong performance across 14 themes and over 300 indicators under the FTSE4Good’s ESG ratings model.
- October 9, 2025Public Company
CenterPoint Energy's INSPIRE Leadership Program Wins a 2025 Global Recognition Award for Customer Service Excellence
CenterPoint Energy (CNP) has been honored with a 2025 Global Recognition Award in the customer service category, recognizing the energy company’s innovative INSPIRE coaching and development program. The Houston-based utility provider received this prestigious international recognition for its commitment to promoting leadership development and strengthening employee engagement across its organization. This achievement highlights the company’s strategic investment in human capital development, particularly within its customer service operations, which serve 2.8 million customers across its service territories. Photo Courtesy of CenterPoint Energy According to recent industry research, companies with strong employee development programs experience 94 percent higher retention rates and see productivity increases of up to 17 percent when employees receive targeted training. The award acknowledges CenterPoint Energy’s proactive approach to workforce development, which aligns with broader market trends showing increased investment in employee training initiatives. Industry statistics reveal that 80 percent of companies have established concrete plans to elevate their customer experience investments in 2025, with the customer experience market projected to grow at a 15.4 percent compound annual growth rate through 2030. Innovative Program Design And Strategic Implementation The INSPIRE coaching and development program was launched in January 2025 under the leadership of the Customer Service Learning team, co-led by Christi Gilchrist, Manager of Customer Service Learning, and Wendy McCubbin, Senior Sales Trainer, with support from the CNP Enterprise Learning & Organizational Development Teams. This competency-based initiative was custom-designed specifically to support call center supervisors and leads, addressing critical leadership development needs within the organization. The program reflects CenterPoint Energy’s strategic focus on empowering its people through targeted training and practical development opportunities that directly impact operational effectiveness. Key benefits of the INSPIRE program include enhanced leadership capabilities through expertise development in delivering feedback, fostering motivation, and managing stress effectively. The initiative also focuses on increased engagement by cultivating cohesive teams and reducing employee turnover, while simultaneously improving efficiency through optimized workflows that drive higher productivity. Industry Recognition And Market Impact The program’s design addresses critical workforce challenges facing the energy sector, where effective leadership development has become increasingly important for maintaining operational excellence. Research indicates that companies implementing robust training programs can reduce hiring costs while achieving higher first-call resolution rates and improved customer satisfaction scores by up to 10 percent. The Global Recognition Award highlights CenterPoint Energy’s comprehensive approach to workforce development, which positions the company as a leader in the utility sector’s human capital management practices. This achievement comes at a time when the energy industry faces significant workforce challenges, making practical training and development programs essential for maintaining a competitive advantage. The INSPIRE program serves as a best-practice model for how energy companies can transform their workforce capabilities while driving measurable business outcomes across their operations. Final Words Industry analysts note the significance of CenterPoint Energy’s achievement within the competitive landscape of customer service excellence, particularly given the increasing emphasis on employee development across all sectors. “This award highlights the critical importance of investing in employee development as a cornerstone of operational excellence, while CenterPoint Energy’s INSPIRE program represents a best-practice model for how energy companies can transform their workforce capabilities,” remarked Alex Sterling, spokesperson from the Global Recognition Awards. The recognition reflects the growing understanding that strategic investments in human capital development directly correlate with improved customer satisfaction and operational performance. The INSPIRE program’s success demonstrates how targeted leadership development initiatives can lead to measurable improvements in organizational effectiveness, while promoting a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. This achievement positions CenterPoint Energy as a forward-thinking organization that recognizes the vital connection between employee development and customer service excellence. The company’s commitment to investing in its workforce through innovative training programs, such as INSPIRE, establishes a foundation for a sustained competitive advantage in the growing energy marketplace. About Global Recognition Awards Global Recognition Awards is an international organization that recognizes exceptional companies and individuals who have significantly contributed to their industry.
- October 9, 2025Business
Capital A’s Group CFO Teh Mun Hui named one of the Most Powerful Women Asia 2025 by Fortune
Capital A’s Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Teh Mun Hui has been named one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Asia in the 2025 list, an honour that recognises 100 leaders whose impact and influence are reshaping industries and communities across the region. Mun Hui is one of four Malaysian honourees on this year’s list. Since taking on the Group CFO role at Capital A, Mun Hui has been instrumental in executing Capital A’s financial transformation. As the key architect of Capital A’s PN17 regularisation, she designed and led the roll-out of the Group’s plan. The most notable would be the proposed disposal of Capital A’s aviation assets to AirAsia X (AAX) while coordinating complex shareholder, regulatory and financing workstreams. In 2024, she helped deliver Capital A’s US$443 million revenue bond, broadening the Group’s investor base and reinforcing market confidence in its turnaround and long-term growth strategy. Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A , said, “I’m incredibly proud of Mun Hui, who has been the driving force behind the creation of Capital A, which has evolved into a group of robust companies, from engineering to logistics, fintech and F&B business. The progress we’ve made is a testament to her unwavering focus and dedication. Mun Hui’s leadership on Capital A’s restructuring has earned the trust of regulators, shareholders, and Allstars alike. Our strength has always been the people and Mun Hui embodies that strength in every way.” Accepting the recognition, Teh Mun Hui , Group Chief Financial Officer of Capital A , said, “I’m honoured to be included alongside so many inspiring leaders from across Asia. This recognition belongs to our Allstars who showed resilience and grit through every chapter of our transformation, and to our leadership, especially Datuk Kamarudin and Tony for the trust, challenge, and support to deliver what mattered most. Our 2024 revenue bond was the fruition of team efforts across many teams and I’m grateful to each Allstar who were part of it. We will remain focused on discipline, transparency, and sustainable performance as we charter our next steps and build a stronger Capital A for the long term.” While Ms Ang Khoon Fong, Fortune Asia CEO commented, “MPW Asia 2025 celebrates diversity – from the region’s most powerful boardrooms to the arenas of culture, sport, and public life, our honourees are setting Asia’s agenda and shaping its future. Together, they personify the depth, range, and creativity that define the Most Powerful and Influential Women in Asia today.” Capital A continues to make progress on its restructuring initiatives, while sharpening its focus on scalable non-aviation businesses. The Group remains focused on delivering the remaining steps toward a potential PN17 uplift. Note to editors: Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Asia 2025 list and related stories are available on Fortune.com/asia from 7 October 2025. For event and media information, please refer to Fortune’s published materials.
- October 8, 2025Business
CATL and Springer Nature launch journal Watt to connect science and industry
21C Lab, the cutting-edge innovation arm of CATL dedicated to next-generation battery technologies, and Springer Nature, a world-leading publisher of scientific developments, proudly announce the launch of Watt , a new international journal focused on energy and carbon neutrality research. The journal, set to debut its first issue in February 2026, aims to accelerate the sustainable energy transition by championing ground-breaking science while prioritizing scalability, reproducibility, and real-world impact. Watt encompasses cutting-edge research to propel the net-zero transition—spanning energy storage, conversion technologies, grid optimisation, carbon capture, and policy analysis. Designed to unite academia and industry, the journal fosters rigorous science with practical applicability. This dual commitment positions Watt as a pioneering journal; one that recognises the growing demand for bold ideas validated with equally robust evidence and clear pathways to deployment. Watt is guided by a world-class editorial board comprised of preeminent scientists in energy research and publishing, ensuring the highest academic standards. The distinguished team includes: · Dr. Rose Zhu , In-House Editor-in-Chief; · Professor Sir Peter Bruce , University of Oxford, UK; · Academician Huisheng Peng , Fudan University, China; · Academician Stefano Passerini , Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany; · Dr. Kai Wu , Chief Scientist of CATL The editorial standards of Watt are anchored in its innovative "Five Highs" framework, ensuring excellence and impact: · High Quality : A rigorous peer review process combines in-house editorial expertise with insights from world-leading academics. · High Reproducibility : Independent verification of key experiments ensures reliable, trustworthy results, building greater confidence for industry and investors. · High Practicality : Research with real-world potential receives incubation support to bridge the gap between discovery and deployment. · High Visibility : An open-access model and proactive outreach to policy, industry, and academic communities maximize global influence. · High Diversity : The journal embraces diverse disciplines, regions, and perspectives, creating a truly global, inclusive platform. The journal is now open for submissions (https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/44503/3) and warmly invites the global academic community to contribute in the following ways: submitting ground-breaking research; joining as a reviewer to help establish rigorous academic standards; and endorsing Watt by sharing it within industry networks. Watt aims to redefine the role of the scientific journal by serving as a bridge between transformative science and scalable technology, fostering innovation that is essential to achieving a sustainable, net-zero future. Beyond publishing research, it provides a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange to advance the global energy transition.
- October 8, 2025Technology
Lunit and Agilent Technologies Announce Collaboration to Enhance Development of Companion Diagnostic Solutions Powered with AI for Precision Medicine
Lunit (KRX:328130.KQ), a leading provider of AI for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, and Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A), a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, today announced a nonexclusive collaboration to develop AI-based companion diagnostic solutions. The collaboration will leverage Lunit’s AI technology and Agilent’s expertise in tissue-based companion diagnostics to create advanced solutions that meet the demand of novel and complex biomarker assays in drug development. Under this agreement, Lunit and Agilent will develop advanced AI-powered companion diagnostic tools designed to enhance the accuracy of diagnosis and the measurement of therapeutic efficacy. The initial focus will be on leveraging Lunit's AI algorithms with Agilent’s state-of-the-art assays to evaluate biomarkers critical for the development of new pharmaceutical therapies. The joint solutions will support pharmaceutical companies in companion diagnostic (CDx) product development, improving the precision and accuracy of biomarker testing, and ultimately benefiting patients with more tailored treatment options. "Biomarker testing is at the heart of precision oncology, but today it is still largely dependent on manual interpretation," said Brandon Suh, CEO of Lunit. "By combining Agilent’s global leadership in tissue-based diagnostics with Lunit’s proven AI algorithms, we can help pharma partners bring biomarker-driven therapies to market faster and with greater confidence - ultimately ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the right time." "Agilent is committed to bringing cutting-edge diagnostic solutions to our pharmaceutical partners and ultimately to patients, and this collaboration with Lunit further strengthens our ability to offer the most advanced companion diagnostic solutions available today," said Nina Green, vice-president and general manager of Agilent’s Clinical Diagnostics Division at Agilent. "Through this collaboration with Lunit, we aim to deliver next-generation diagnostic tools that enable the advancement of precision medicine worldwide." The collaboration will initially focus on the co-development of AI-powered assays for use in research and clinical trials. This agreement marks a significant step forward for both companies as they seek to redefine the role of artificial intelligence in precision oncology and translational medicine. ### About Lunit Founded in 2013, Lunit (KRX:328130.KQ) is a global leader in AI for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. With a mission to conquer cancer through AI, Lunit develops AI-powered solutions for medical imaging and biomarker analysis to enable precise diagnosis and personalized treatment. Lunit’s FDA-cleared Lunit INSIGHT suite supports cancer screening at over 7,000 medical institutions in more than 65 countries, while Lunit SCOPE is used in research partnerships with global pharma giants focused on biomarker development and companion diagnostics. Lunit clinical studies have been featured in top-tier journals—including The Lancet Digital Health and Journal of Clinical Oncology —and presented at major conferences such as ASCO and RSNA. Headquartered in Seoul with global offices, Lunit is driving the worldwide fight against cancer. Learn more at [lunit.io/en]lunit.io .
ALL NEWS
- AirAsia deepens partnership with Sarawak at Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2025
- ExcelMindCyber Institute Launches Program Enabling Business Professionals to Lead Security Assessments
- The Chouraeshkenazi Group Announces Leadership in Forensic Neuropsychopathology
- Green SuperHeroes 2030 a family-friendly Documentary Launches Globally on Amazon Prime Video
- Mahesh M. Thakur Urges Family Businesses: Delaying AI Could Be Their Most Expensive Decision Yet
- Orlando Executive Transportation Elevates Luxury Travel Experience Across Orlando and Central Florida
- Yahui Zhou: From Tsinghua Scholar to Global Tech Trailblazer
- CORRECTION: HackerNoon Launches Comprehensive Database of AI Software and Compute Grants to Empower Emerging Startupsing Startups
- UPCX Announces Staking Ecosystem Continues to Expand, Total Staked Amount Reaches 1.78 Million UPC.
- Wild Hart Massage Opens in SE Portland with a New Approach to Rest and Recovery
- Charles Kudelski: Redefining Leadership, Finance, and Innovation for a New Era of Technology
- Skin Savvy Aesthetics Welcomes Kelsey Schwab, BSN, RN, to Scottsdale Med Spa Team
- Uncover Jamaica Founder Angela Lattibeaudiere Proves Adventure Has No Age or Budget Limit
- The China (Shenzhen) - Saudi Arabia Digital Energy Industry Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference was successfully held in Riyadh
- Grandmaster Konrad Spillmann Achieves 9th Dan Rank in Taekwondo
- Christina DiArcangelo: Empowering Change Through Leadership, Resilience, and Innovation
- DiamondLake ($DLMI) Highlights NASDAQ’s 2026 Plan to Tokenize All Listed Securities
- Health insurance Austin sees rising costs prompting careful coverage evaluation
COMMUNICATE. COMMAND. COMMERCE.
Lead the conversation of your brand & win more customers with MarketersMEDIA Solutions.
Explore Now
Google
RSS