News
NX Group receives Intel's 2025 EPIC Supplier Award
The NX Group has received the 2025 EPIC Supplier Award from Intel Corporation ("Intel"), the world's leading semiconductor manufacturer. The award recognizes outstanding companies in Intel's supply chains for their global efforts in continually improving quality and for their strong performance over the past year, and the NX Group was the only forwarder to win the award. (Award ceremony participants*) (Trophy) The EPIC Supplier Award, Intel's highest award for suppliers, is presented to companies that embody the four values of Excellence, Partnership, Inclusion, and Continuous Improvement. Of the thousands of companies around the world that qualified for the EPIC Supplier Program this year, 37 top performers were honored for their world-class achievements. The NX Group was recognized for "Excellence in Quality" and was the only logistics provider to receive the award. The award ceremony was held on Monday, June 23 (local time) in Santa Clara, California, and was attended by Satoshi Horikiri, President and Representative Director of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, who accepted the trophy from Intel. Frank Sanders, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Global Supply Chain Operations at Intel, expressed his appreciation for the continued partnership and remarked that "the NX Group's recent growth is a reflection of its high service quality." The NX Group will continue strengthening its partnership with Intel and contributing to the further development of the semiconductor industry and the realization of sustainable societies through the provision of high-quality logistics services. *First from left: Frank Sanders, Corporate Vice President, Intel Corporation Second from left: Yoshiyuki Kanamori, Executive Officer, Nippon Express Co., Ltd. Third from left: Satoru Horikiri, President, NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. Fourth from left: Angel Martin, Senior Director of Supply Chain Strategic Solutions, Intel Corporation
TOPPAN Group Launches Business Supporting Sales of Japanese Anime and Manga Merchandise in UK
Delta Thailand Recognized in Thaipat Institute’s ESG100 Universe 2025 for 11th Consecutive Year
AirAsia Unveils “50 Years Thailand-China” Special Livery to Celebrate Bilateral Ties Striking aircraft design to fly across Asia in honour of half a century of friendship
- July 10, 2025Business
Delta Thailand to Host ESG Forum 2025
Delta Electronics (Thailand) PCL., a global leader in power management and smart green solutions, will host the inaugural Delta ESG Forum 2025: Collaborating for a Sustainable Thailand on July 17, 2025 at Hotel Nikko Bangkok, Thonglor. This invitation-only, closed-door forum will bring together senior leaders from government, industry, academia, and media to demonstrate how collaboration can drive meaningful Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impact in Thailand. Held under the theme “Collaborating for a Sustainable Thailand,” the forum aims to inspire bold actions that support the country’s green transition. The event will open with a keynote address by a senior Thai government official, followed by a welcome address will be delivered by Mr. Victor Cheng, CEO of Delta Thailand, titled “ Shaping Thailand’s Future Through ESG ,” in which will outline Delta’s commitment to ESG-driven innovation and inclusive, sustainable development. Attendees will gain insight into Delta’s ESG strategies and global best practices through presentations by the Delta ESG Consulting Office and Delta’s Corporate Sustainability Division. The forum will also feature breakout sessions on key ESG focus areas, led by respected national and international experts such as PwC Thailand Partner. Breakout session topics include: Environmental Focus: Carbon Neutrality and Renewable Energy Adoption in Thailand Social Focus: Improving Workplace Diversity and Community Impact Governance in Practice: What Thai Companies Need to Know About ESG Disclosure, Risk Oversight, and Legal Accountability A highlight of the agenda includes a panel discussion on Overcoming ESG Challenges to Achieve Sustainability in Thai Industry , with speakers from the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations (AFEO), and Delta Thailand, offering perspectives on sector-wide cooperation and regulatory alignment. The Delta ESG Forum 2025 reflects Delta Thailand’s ongoing efforts to foster meaningful ESG progress through actionable plans driven by collaboration, innovation, and responsible leadership working together with partners across sectors to support a greener, more inclusive, and sustainable Thailand.
- July 9, 2025Business
JD.com and Camposol Kick Off 2025 Peruvian Blueberry Season with First Shanghai Shipment
JD Super, the supermarket division of JD.com, and Camposol, Peru’s leading fruit exporter, celebrated the arrival of the first 2025 season Peruvian blueberries in Shanghai on July 4. This landmark shipment, facilitated through a direct-procurement partnership, launches the global blueberry season and reinforces JD.com’s role as a trusted bridge for international brands and specialty products reaching Chinese consumers. Building on the successful collaboration in 2024, JD Super and Camposol have strengthened their partnership to source top-tier blueberries directly from Peru’s northern orchards. This year, JD Super anticipates purchasing over 1,000 tons of blueberries, streamlining the supply chain to deliver fresher, more affordable fruit to Chinese shoppers. By eliminating intermediaries and optimizing the process, this partnership makes premium blueberries more accessible and less expensive, enabling consumers to enjoy what’s popularly called “blueberry freedom” in China. The 2025 Peruvian blueberry season arrived two weeks ahead of schedule, with an estimated yield exceeding 400,000 tons of exceptional quality produce —a 27% increase from last year. JD Super is set to capture 10% of the 72,000-ton supply to China, cementing its position as the largest online retailer for Peruvian blueberries. The initial shipment features the selection of the premium Madeira variety, carefully graded to 16MM+ and 18MM+ sizes for superior flavor, sweetness, and consistency. JD Super implements a comprehensive assurance system to ensure uncompromising quality through rigorous controls. On-site specialists at Camposol’s Peruvian warehouses monitor product standards from the source, while JD Super conducts regular online quality checks to ensure consistent excellence. Every blueberry meets JD’s strict standards for firmness and uniformity, guaranteeing customers receive premium-grade fruit. To preserve freshness, the blueberries are transported via a fully sanitized, end-to-end cold-chain system from Peru to China. JD Logistics supports this with cold-chain delivery across over 300 cities, guaranteeing each blueberry arrives as fresh as when it was picked. Since entering the imported blueberry market in 2018, JD Super has honed its supply chain expertise, reducing costs while improving quality. This direct-sourcing model has made Peruvian blueberries more affordable and popular, driving exponential sales growth on JD’s platform and turning an unfamiliar fruit into a household favorite in China. Peru’s blueberry industry has seen remarkable growth, with cultivation expanding from 80 hectares in 2012 to 20,500 hectares today, reflecting a 65% annual growth rate. This partnership between JD Super and Camposol sets a new benchmark for global produce collaborations, delivering fresh, high-quality Peruvian blueberries to millions while fostering efficient, sustainable trade. ([email protected])
- July 9, 2025Business
Cathay opens a new IT office in Qianhai, Shenzhen
Cathay was delighted to welcome the opening of its new Digital and IT office in Shenzhen at Qianhai Kerry Centre with an official ceremony earlier today. The event was hosted by Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Shenzhen Municipal Government Jiang Likun and Deputy Director General of the Qianhai Authority Wen Ping, together with members of Cathay’s executive leadership team including Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam, Director Chinese Mainland Arnold Cheng, and Director Digital and IT Lawrence Fong. Following the establishment of Cathay’s Guangzhou IT office in 2024, the opening of the Shenzhen IT office marks another strategic move by Cathay in the Chinese Mainland, strengthening collaboration between its teams in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen as part of its digital development in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). This also reflects Cathay’s unique position of having deep roots in Hong Kong, being proudly part of China and connecting the world by contributing to the development of a world-class digital ecosystem within the region. Leveraging Qianhai’s strengths to advance digital development in the GBA As a leading pilot zone committed to speeding up in-depth Shenzhen-Hong Kong integration, Qianhai benefits from national policies as well as its own resource-pooling capabilities, making the new office there a key part of Cathay’s digital transformation. Cathay’s Ronald Lam said: “Digital transformation is crucial to Cathay’s future success. The new Shenzhen IT office will synergise with our Hong Kong headquarters and Guangzhou IT office, leveraging Qianhai’s position as a regional innovation hub to accelerate our digital development and expand our leading technological capabilities.” Dual focus on infrastructure and talent development Spanning over 25,000 square feet, the Shenzhen IT office is Cathay’s largest office in the Chinese Mainland. Designed around the themes of collaboration, intelligence and innovation, it is equipped with advanced facilities to support a smart, efficient work environment. It also houses Cathay’s first “Innovation Space” for supporting technological research, development and product showcases. With custom furniture and an innovative set-up, the space is designed to foster ideation and collaboration. In the future, to fully support Cathay’s digital transformation strategy, the office will focus on global system development, quality assurance and tech support, while also delivering digital solutions tailored to the Chinese Mainland market. Cathay plans to expand its Digital and IT team in the Chinese Mainland to over 200 people by the end of 2025, doubling the team size compared to 2024. The Group will continue to extend the Digital & IT Graduate Trainee Programme to other cities in the wider GBA, partnering with universities to cultivate more skilled tech talent. Furthermore, the 8th annual Cathay Hackathon will be held in November 2025, fostering talent development in the aviation industry by bringing together young innovators from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and beyond. HK$100 billion investment to reinforce digital leadership and more Cathay aspires to become one the world’s greatest service brands. The Group currently operates flights to over 100 passenger destinations worldwide. This includes 22 destinations in the Chinese Mainland, with HK Express also launching flights to Guiyang later this month. Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific was recently named among the world’s top three best airlines in the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. The Group has committed over HK$100 billion in investments spanning its fleet, lounges, cabin products and digital services. Cathay’s Lawrence Fong said: “Every year, more than HK$3 billion from that investment is dedicated to technological research and development, and digital innovation to enhance our operational efficiency and the customer experience. This year, we established Cathay Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary, to focus on developing cutting-edge aviation technologies and delivering innovative digital solutions for the industry, further solidifying our digital leadership.” Looking ahead, Cathay will leverage its Shenzhen IT office to continue to foster aviation innovation and digital transformation in the GBA, contributing to the technological advancement and high-quality development of China’s civil aviation industry. Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam (fifth from left), Cathay Director Chinese Mainland Arnold Cheng (fifth from right), Cathay Director Digital and IT Lawrence Fong (fourth from left), Cathay General Manager Chinese Mainland Commercial and Operations Martin Xu (fourth from right), Cathay General Manager IT Solutions Annie Ling (third from right), Cathay General Manager IT Infrastructure and Security Rajeev Nair (second from right), Cathay General Manager Digital Ventures Navin Chellaram (third from left) and Cathay General Manager Digital Aldric Chau (second from left) marked the opening of Cathay's new Shenzhen IT office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. Innovation space at Cathay’s Shenzhen IT office Cathay’s Shenzhen IT office
- July 9, 2025Business
AirAsia RedRun set to take Penang by storm, woo thousands runners to Pearl of the Orient
AirAsia is bringing its highly anticipated RedRun to Penang for the very first time, marking the next leg of the airline’s regional initiative to energise travel and spotlight key tourism destinations across Asean. Photo Caption: (Second from left) Dato' Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia and YB Tuan Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy at the launch event of AirAsia Penang RedRun today. Following the successful RedRun debut in Indonesia earlier this year, which saw participants from 40 countries racing through Bali’s scenic routes, AirAsia is now turning the spotlight to Penang, its second largest hub in Peninsular Malaysia, known for its vibrant heritage, rich culinary scene, and thriving creative economy. The RedRun Penang will take place on Sunday, 28 September 2025 at Gurney Plaza, inviting thousands of participants from across the region to join in three race categories: 3KM, 5KM, and 10KM. Registration for the RedRun is now open here until 18 August 2025. YB Tuan Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy said: “This meaningful community event offers a unique platform to bring people together and foster deeper cultural appreciation. We are pleased to see AirAsia connecting communities not only through air travel but also through engaging on-ground events like RedRun. We encourage Penangites to take part and be part of the excitement.” Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia said: “RedRun is more than just a run, it is a regional movement to celebrate the spirit of travel, local culture and togetherness. After a great reception in Indonesia, we are proud to bring the next edition to Penang, a city that represents the heart of our operations and our commitment to community. We are also excited to roll out our AirAsia Festival at Gurney Plaza this month, adding even more reasons to visit the Pearl of the Orient.” Penang has long been one of AirAsia’s top-performing leisure destinations, with direct connectivity to 12 domestic and international cities, including Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Singapore, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Medan and Shenzhen. As one of its five major hubs in Malaysia, Penang stands out as a top destination, especially for tourists from Indonesia, China and Singapore. Secure your slots for the highly anticipated Penang RedRun with an extended early bird price with these promo codes: AARRPCPROMO3KM (3KM) ; AARRPCPROMO5KM (5KM) and AARRPCPROMO10KM (10KM) . Limited slots available until 18 August 2025, register now at: https://www.heyjom.com/event/AirAsia-RedRun-2025
- July 8, 2025Business
CapitaStar Goes Receiptless: Earn Rewards Seamlessly, Unlock Unlimited Star$® and Upsized Birthday Treats
In a move to offer greater convenience and smarter rewards, CapitaLand is elevating its CapitaStar rewards programme to a whole new level. With its latest upgrade, over 1.8 million members can now enjoy a hassle-free and receipt-less scheme that rewards STAR$® seamlessly at checkout. This receipt-free rewards innovation marks a significant leap in CapitaStar’s evolution, aligning with CapitaLand’s continued push for smarter, more seamless retail experiences. As CapitaLand celebrates 25 years of shaping lifestyle destinations, this latest update reflects its commitment to delivering greater ease and value for shoppers across more than 3,400 stores in 30 properties. For more details on the refreshed CapitaStar Rewards experience, please refer to Annex A . SHOP SMARTER WITH PAYMENT-LINKED REWARDS From 8 July 2025, simply spend a minimum of $20 in a single transaction at participating stores and watch your STAR$® add up when transacting with your linked Mastercard, all DBS/POSB payment modes (including DBS/POSB Mastercard, American Express or VISA Cards and/or DBS PayLah!) or ShopBack Pay after you have linked your CapitaStar account on the DBS PayLah! app or ShopBack app respectively. Alternatively, earn STAR$® instantly at participating stores when you pay with eCapitaVoucher with a minimum spend of $10 in a single transaction. It has never been easier to shop your favourite brands and earn rewards seamlessly with every purchase! UNLOCK UNLIMITED STAR$®, ECAPITAVOUCHERS AND UP TO 10X REWARDS To celebrate this exciting milestone, CapitaStar is dishing out a suite of irresistible perks including unlimited STAR$®, 10X bonus STAR$® when transacting with a linked DBS/POSB Mastercard, eCapitaVoucher rewards, and more! From 8 July to 10 August 2025, key in the reward code <UNLIMITED> on the CapitaStar app to get up to $15 eCapitaVoucher plus enjoy unlimited STAR$® earnings on qualifying spend at more than 2,500 participating Beauty, Fashion and Food & Beverage stores which can be found here . In addition, DBS/POSB Mastercard cardholders can look forward to earning up to 10X STAR$® when transacting with a linked DBS/POSB Mastercard from 8 July to 10 August 2025. To get started, simply link your CapitaStar account on the DBS PayLah! app and link your DBS/POSB Mastercard on the CapitaStar app before making your purchase. CELEBRATE BIRTHDAYS WITH A REWARD BOOST FROM AUGUST 2025 Starting August 2025, CapitaStar members can look forward to an even sweeter birthday treat. Members will enjoy 3X STAR$® on their first eCapitaVoucher transaction made during their birthday month at participating properties. A minimum spend of $10 in a single transaction applies. Members of Raffles Prestige will enjoy an even greater treat with an elevated 10X STAR$® for their first eCapitaVoucher spend at Raffles City Singapore during their birthday month. For more information, please visit https://www.capitastar.com/sg/en/whats-new-with-capitastar.html
- July 8, 2025Business
JINGDONG Property and Abu Dhabi Airports Announce Strategic Alliance to Launch 70,000-Square-Meter Smart Logistics Hub in the Middle East
JINGDONG Property (JDP), the infrastructure investment and management platform of JD.com, has entered into a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports to jointly develop and operate a state-of-the-art logistics facility in the Abu Dhabi Airports Freezone. This flagship project marks JDP’s first greenfield development in the Middle East and represents a significant milestone in the company’s international expansion strategy. With a planned construction area of approximately 70,000 square meters, it will be a key logistics gateway, supporting the region’s growing cross-border e-commerce demands and enhancing air freight and distribution services across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports , said: “This joint venture aligns seamlessly with Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision of becoming a global trade and logistics hub. By combining JDP’s modern infrastructure and integrated end-to-end service capabilities with our strategic location and air cargo expertise, we are laying the foundation for a logistics ecosystem that fosters investment, generates high-value employment, and strengthens Abu Dhabi’s role in global supply chains.” “We are delighted to enter into this strategic partnership with ADAFZ to jointly develop high-standard warehouse projects at the ADAFZ Logistics Park.” said Cao Dong, CEO of JINGDONG Property , “This signing marks an important milestone for both sides, and we highly value the trust and support from our partner. We have great respect for the UAE market and are committed to bringing our expertise and resources to support the country’s logistics infrastructure development and e-commerce capabilities. Looking ahead, we are eager to deepen our collaboration, increase our investment, and work together towards long-term, mutually beneficial growth. ” The logistics park will feature cutting-edge automation and digital warehouse management systems, all powered by JD.com’s globally recognized technology stack. It will offer integrated warehousing and value-added services designed for multiple diversified scenarios. The project is set to benefit both local and international merchants by lowering logistics costs, reducing delivery times, and minimizing operational risks for companies entering or expanding in the Middle East. As JD.com’s dedicated logistics infrastructure development and management platform, JDP currently oversees more than 50 infrastructure projects across nine countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, and the UAE. The company plays a vital role in building a globally connected network that supports international trade and facilitates the globalization of businesses of all sizes. Through this partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports, JDP is not only accelerating its footprint in the Middle East, but also actively contributing to the region’s economic diversification goals. The project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities, support SMEs, and enhance the UAE’s competitiveness as a global logistics and e-commerce hub. About JD.com, Inc. JD.com, Inc., also known as JINGDONG, has evolved from a pioneering e-commerce platform into a leading technology and service provider with supply chain at its core. JD.com, Inc.’s business has expanded across retail, technology, logistics, health, property development, industrials, private label, insurance and international business. Ranking 47 on the Fortune Global 500, JD.com, Inc. is China’s largest retailer by revenue. About JINGDONG Property, Inc. JINGDONG Property, Inc. ( www.jdp.com.cn ) is a leading and rapidly growing modern infrastructure investment and asset management platform of JD.com, Inc. Its business includes investment, development and asset management of logistics parks, business parks, data centers and others. As the cornerstone of JD.com, Inc.’s supply chain ecosystem, JINGDONG Property is equipped with deep insights into merchandise and logistics flows and has a unique ability to integrate business resources. We are well-positioned to serve consumption-driven demand and transform local economies. Leveraging our core competencies across infrastructure assets, development expertise, service capabilities and actionable insights, we provide bespoke, holistic and intelligent infrastructure. ( [email protected] )
- July 8, 2025Business
Towngas and Royal Vopak collaborate to expand green methanol supply chain network
In alignment with the global trend of accelerating green energy transformation, The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) and Vopak China Management Co., Ltd. (Royal Vopak) have recently signed a strategic framework cooperation agreement to collaborate in areas such as green methanol production, storage, bunkering, and trading etc. Focusing on the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Asia-Pacific markets, both parties are joining forces to expand an efficient green methanol supply chain network and support the shipping industry’s low-carbon transition. The two parties will capitalise on their respective strengths to expand the supply network of green methanol. Towngas employs proprietary technology to convert agricultural and forestry waste as well as scrap tyres into green methanol, and has obtained multiple international certifications and provides a sufficient supply of green methanol for maritime fuel bunkering. Royal Vopak provides green methanol storage and terminal services with its comprehensive storage and terminal infrastructure and coastal port network advantages. Together, the two parties will achieve efficient resource allocation and ship green methanol to the Greater Bay Area, East China, South China, and the broader Asia-Pacific markets, further expanding the green methanol supply chain network. Towngas and Royal Vopak will further develop multiple areas of regional cooperation, including in the Greater Bay Area. By leveraging the strengths of the ports in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, the partnership will focus on “production and storage synergy” as its core to strengthen cooperation around logistics and terminal facility construction, and to build an integrated green methanol storage and transportation network. In East China, the two parties will centre their collaboration in Shanghai and Ningbo, two major international ports, to further strengthen cooperation in logistics storage and bunkering facility construction to meet the growing demand for green fuels at both ports. In the Bohai Bay region, with Tianjin as the strategic hub, Towngas will transport green methanol produced at its northern China production base to Royal Vopak’s local storage tank farm, then achieve resource allocation through the Royal Vopak’s distribution network, supporting the supply of green methanol from northern China to the national and Asia-Pacific markets. The two parties will also target key export markets, such as Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea, to accelerate overseas expansion and boost the market competitiveness of clean energy in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr Sham Man-fai, Towngas Chief Operating Officer – Green Fuel and Chemicals, stated that this collaboration is expected to harness resource integration and complementary strengths to grasp the opportunities presented by green energy. “Towngas has recently completed a 6,000-tonne green methanol bunkering project, the largest in Asia. It was completed with the support of Royal Vopak’s Tianjin storage tank farm facilities, laying a solid foundation for this partnership. Towngas’s Inner Mongolia green methanol plant is set to increase its annual capacity from 100,000 tonnes to 150,000 tonnes by the end of this year, with plans to further expand to 300,000 tonnes by 2028. Together with Royal Vopak’s storage and terminal services infrastructure and coastal port network, the two parties will build a comprehensive green methanol supply chain network.” Looking ahead, Towngas will further enhance production capacity through its green methanol platform, planning to further establish multiple green methanol production plants across the Chinese mainland, targeting an annual capacity of one million tonnes to prepare for large-scale green methanol applications. About The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited Founded in 1862, Towngas is the public utility with the longest history in Hong Kong and one of the city’s largest energy suppliers, with world-class corporate governance and operations. In recent years, Towngas has been actively developing clean energy solutions, including hydrogen energy, marine green methanol, and sustainable aviation fuel, striving to achieve the vision of carbon neutrality. Towngas possesses extensive experience in green methanol production, and has obtained ISCC EU, ISCC PLUS, ISO 14067 and other international certifications. Additionally, Towngas was the first enterprise on the Chinese mainland to produce ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS-certified green methanol whilst maintaining a large-scale green methanol production capacity. Currently, Towngas has developed more than 1,000 projects across 29 provincial regions in China, encompassing renewable energy solutions, piped city gas, gas resources, water supply, municipal waste utilisation projects, and emerging green energy. About Royal Vopak Royal Vopak is the world’s leading independent infrastructure provider with a global network of LNG, LPG and industrial terminals. Vopak contributes to energy transition, with a focus on infrastructure solutions for ammonia, CO2, battery energy storage, and sustainable fuels and feedstocks. For more than 400 years, Vopak has been focusing on safety and sustainable development and providing efficient, safe, clean and storage services, backed by advanced storage and terminal management and operational expertise. Royal Vopak has established terminals and storage tank farms in 9 China’s major coastal provinces, with storage tank capacity exceeding 3.5 million cubic metres. - END - Press photo: Photo 1: Mr Sham Man-fai (left), Towngas Chief Operating Officer – Green Fuel and Chemicals and Mr Chen Yan (right), President of Vopak China and North Asia, sign the strategic framework cooperation agreement on behalf of their companies to jointly expand the green methanol supply chain network. Photo 2: Towngas’s green methanol production plant in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, employs proprietary technology to convert agricultural and forestry waste, as well as scrap tyres, into green methanol. The Company has obtained ISCC EU, ISCC PLUS, ISO 14067, and other international certifications to supply high-quality green methanol. For media enquiries, please contact: The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited Ms Kara Kwong Assistant Corporate Affairs Manager Tel: 2963 3497 / 6698 3357 Email: [email protected] Mr Julius Chow Senior Corporate Affairs Officer Tel: 2963 3471 / 6969 1360 Email: [email protected] Media Enquiries For media enquiries, please contact our Corporate Affairs Department. Corporate Affairs Department The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited 21/F, 363 Java Road North Point, Hong Kong WhatsApp: (852) 6702 6449 Email: [email protected]
- July 7, 2025Business
CapitaLand Investment publishes its Global Sustainability Report 2024, reaffirms commitment to decarbonisation and ESG integration
CapitaLand Investment (CLI), a leading global real asset manager, has published its 16th Global Sustainability Report , featuring an updated Climate Transition Plan and providing further insights into its 2030 Net Zero Glide Path. The report reaffirms CLI’s commitment to decarbonisation – balancing between financial feasibility and achieving its sustainability targets. CLI remains focused on low-carbon design, intensifying energy efficiency and expanding the use of renewable energy across its portfolio. Highlights from the report include: Renewable energy usage across CLI’s global portfolio rose from 5.2% in 2023 to 7.3% in 2024, with contributions from 70 properties in 12 countries Recorded a 17% growth in green leases for new assets and renewal of leases in Singapore and China1 Raised over S$4.3 billion in sustainable finance in FY2024 through CLI and its listed real estate investment trusts (REITs) and business trusts 30% women on the CLI Board2 and 37% women in senior management Since 2019, CLI has achieved an 11% reduction in energy consumption intensity through asset enhancement initiatives despite a growing portfolio. As of 2024, 63%3 of its global portfolio has attained at least one green building certification. 51% of CLI’s properties were certified LEED Gold and above or equivalent in 2024. Mr Lee Chee Koon, CLI’s Group CEO said: “As a responsible global real asset manager, CLI remains steadfast in integrating sustainability and ESG considerations across every stage of our fund and asset management life cycle. Our decarbonisation strategy is guided by a clear carbon mitigation hierarchy – beginning with low-carbon design, enhancing energy efficiency, and scaling up the use of renewable energy. We continue prioritising solutions that balance environmental impact with financial feasibility while leveraging innovation and technology to accelerate our transition to a low-carbon future.” Return on Sustainability Framework CLI has introduced a new Return on Sustainability (RoS) framework, a data-driven tool that enables asset managers to quantitatively assess the financial benefits of green capital expenditure (capex). CLI’s RoS framework demonstrates how sustainability investments can deliver financial returns in addition to environmental impact. Developed using financial models from CLI’s selected commercial assets across Asia-Pacific, the framework evaluates eight key variables that influence financial performance: green capex, utility costs and savings, carbon cost reductions, rent premiums, leasing durations, interest rates savings, reduced insurance premiums, and enhanced asset valuations. By analysing how each variable impacts cash flows, the RoS framework provides a capital allocation compass for assessing return on investment (ROI) from sustainability initiatives. In best-case scenarios, the framework was shown to estimate that green capex could uplift the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for many assets. Even under challenging market conditions, the framework shows how sustainability spending can safeguard asset value against risks such as carbon taxes, leasing delays, and rising insurance premiums. By quantifying risks and returns, the RoS framework supports more informed decisions around capital allocation, asset-level budgeting and cost-benefit analysis for asset enhancement initiatives (AEIs), redevelopments, and other scenarios that require financial justification. Beyond the asset level, the RoS framework also introduces a portfolio-wide break-even model, enabling fund managers to assess the feasibility of green capex investments through projected long-term savings – offering a practical tool for those with large portfolios that may find it impractical to modify and assess numerous individual financial models. "As regulatory standards, investor expectations and climate resilience change rapidly, a structured approach to assess sustainable investments is essential,” said Mr Vinamra Srivastava, CLI’s Chief Sustainability & Sustainable Investments Officer. “CLI's RoS framework bridges environmental responsibility with financial accountability, ensuring sustainability decisions are grounded in environmental and commercial outcomes. This framework, using first-party data drawn from six existing assets owned and managed by CLI, answers questions such as “Does going green pay off?” and “If so, by how much?”. “Drawing on learnings from external research, the RoS framework allows asset managers to objectively ascertain the financial benefits of green capital investments into their assets. The study shows that when implemented correctly, sustainability delivers clear, measurable returns,” added Mr Srivastava. CapitaLand Sustainability X Challenge CLI also unveiled the ten finalists from the fourth edition of the CapitaLand Sustainability X Challenge (CSXC), a global initiative seeking climate-tech innovations for the urban environment. Launched in October 2024, the challenge attracted more than 900 submissions from 90 regions, including passive cooling coatings, water-powered energy recovery systems, low-carbon construction materials, and AI energy automation. The top ten finalists will pitch their innovations to an internal judging panel comprising CapitaLand and industry experts on Demo Day , 10 July 2025 in Singapore. (See Annex A for the list of finalists). “The ideas that CSXC attracts, together with the RoS framework, underscore our belief that innovation, sustainability and business performance are inextricably linked,” said Mr Srivastava. “With CSXC, we reaffirm our commitment to investing in promising decarbonisation technologies and piloting them in our assets around the world. Tenant partners stand to benefit from these solutions, gaining potential savings in energy and water consumption, waste reduction, and enhancements in health and well-being.” Since its launch in 2020, CSXC has received over 2,400 entries from over 90 regions, showcasing cutting-edge solutions for sustainable urban development from startups and innovations globally. Over the last three editions, more than S$2 million in funding has been committed, with over S$1 million allocated to pilot innovations in the fourth edition. To date, 30 innovations have been piloted in 46 CapitaLand sites across Singapore, China, India, Thailand, Australia, the Philippines, and the USA. Key partners for this edition include the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, Enterprise Singapore, KPMG in Singapore, Allianz Commercial, FedEx, and GIC. (see Annex B for the list of partners). [1] Percentage coverage computed based on net lettable area of CLI-owned and operationally managed commercial, retail, business park, industrial and logistics properties in Singapore and China. [2] 25% as at 1 Jan 2025 with the appointment of Mr Tham Kui Seng and Mr Eugene Lai. [3] This refers to CLI-owned and operationally managed properties by per m2.
- July 7, 2025Business
HKDSE results release imminent: secondary students reject “lying flat” culture and gain early workplace experience
With the release of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) results just around the corner, many secondary students are approaching crucial life decisions. Whilst facing the “lying flat” mindset, a group of students has chosen to swim against the tide by actively participating in the Career in a Nutshell programme hosted by local enterprises, gaining early workplace experience and equipping themselves with essential future skills, demonstrating the progressive spirit of the new generation. The Career in a Nutshell programme is specifically designed for senior secondary students as a year-long initiative organised by The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas). The programme provides diverse workplace training, including career seminars, work experience, corporate culture immersion, project management skills, energy industry knowledge, dining etiquette, and voluntary services, helping students better understand their interests and goals whilst formulating more suitable career plans. This year’s programme attracted 102 students from 11 schools. Among them, Ashley Cheung Hei-yi, a Form 5 student at St. Clare’s Girls’ School who aspires to become a social worker, noted that participating in the programme taught her numerous skills beneficial for future employment. Many programme activities required collaboration with other participants, allowing her to develop communication skills. “Visiting Towngas’s charity farm not only provided experience in organic farming but also taught us how to organise activities—skills that are helpful for social work,” said Ashley. She hopes to undertake a summer internship at Towngas in the future, adding, “I experienced Towngas’s warm corporate culture, where all staff members are extremely friendly. I would also like to try different positions at Towngas in the future”. Kwok Sau-yin, a Form 4 student from Baptist Lui Ming Choi Secondary School, expressed that her gains from participating in the programme exceeded expectations: “Throughout the process, I not only learned more about corporate operations and renewable energy knowledge, but I was most impressed by participating in professional procedures such as learning to cut and connect gas pipes. Seemingly simple gas pipes actually require numerous procedures to ensure a safe gas supply.” She added, “The programme content includes many soft skills such as communication and interpersonal techniques, helping me understand that I am more suited to people-oriented work”. Ms Venus Lui Hei-man, a teacher at Po Leung Kuk Laws Foundation College, stated that this was the school’s second year participating in the programme, with students studying Geography specifically arranged to participate. “The farming activities allowed students to put knowledge learned from textbooks into real-life practice. Additionally, the activities provided them with opportunities to distance themselves from mobile phones for ‘technology detox’, and through farming and harvesting, sharing crops with those in need was very meaningful”. Mr Chan Kai-yin, Vice Principal of Confucian Tai Shing Ho Kwok Pui Chun College, believes that the year-long activities were comprehensive and greatly benefitted the students. “Students not only learned about workplace situations through internships but also better understood the importance of corporate social responsibility. The programme helped participating students with personal growth and confidence-building. The nine participating students were originally quite introverted, but by the final school results exhibition, they could independently design multiple booth games for over a hundred students to participate in, which surprised and delighted the teachers”. Mr Fong Kai-shing, Towngas General Manager – Group Training and Development and Principal of Towngas Training Institute, expressed delight in seeing students grow through the programme. “We tailor diverse workplace training for students, allowing them to experience workplace culture, understand industry development trends, and enhance their workplace skills whilst learning good work discipline. This year, we also added explanations of Towngas’s innovation and research development to inspire their creative thinking.” Since 2018, Towngas has organised the Career in a Nutshell programme, with over 460 students participating to date. The new cohort will commence in September this year, with the scale expanding to 12 schools and 120 student places, helping more young people prepare for future career development. - END - Press photos: Photo 1: This year’s Towngas Career in a Nutshell programme recently held its graduation ceremony, attended by over a hundred teachers and students. Photo 2: Mr Fong Kai-shing, Towngas General Manager – Group Training and Development and Principal of Towngas Training Institute, hopes the programme will help secondary students experience workplace life early and enhance their workplace competitiveness. Photos 3 and 4: Mr Fong Kai-shing (1st from left, photo 3), Towngas General Manager – Group Training and Development and Principal of Towngas Training Institute, and Mr Bien Wong Chun-cheung (1st from left, photo 4), Towngas Assistant General Manager – Group ESG, present Career in a Nutshell programme certificates to participating students from the 2024-25 cohort. Photo 5: Kwok Sau-yin, a Form 4 student from Baptist Lui Ming Choi Secondary School, says that participating in the Career in a Nutshell programme has helped her understand corporate operations and gain knowledge about renewable energy. Photo 6: Ashley Cheung Hei-yi (left), a Form 5 student from St. Clare’s Girls’ School, says she has learned many workplace skills beneficial for future employment through the Career in a Nutshell programme. Photo 7: Ms Venus Lui Hei-man, a teacher at Po Leung Kuk Laws Foundation College (right), believes the programme allows students to apply knowledge learned from textbooks in real-life practice. Photo 8: Mr Chan Kai-yin, Vice Principal of Confucian Tai Shing Ho Kwok Pui Chun College, believes the year-long activities provide comprehensive coverage and greatly benefit participating students. Photo 9: Students participating in the Career in a Nutshell programme intern at Towngas’s Smart Warehouse, learning how modern technology manages and operates warehouses to greatly improve efficiency. Photo 10: The Career in a Nutshell programme arranges for students to learn procedures such as cutting and connecting gas pipes, allowing them to experience Towngas technician training. Photo 11: Students participating in the Career in a Nutshell programme intern at Towngas’s Customer Service Hotline Centre, learning how to handle and respond to customer enquiries. Photo 12: This year’s Career in a Nutshell programme enables participating students to explore pipeline network design, gaining insight into how Towngas ensures a safe and reliable gas supply network. Photos 13 and 14: The Career in a Nutshell programme arranges for students to visit Towngas’s charity farm in Yuen Long to experience the joy of organic farming and harvest crops to donate to charitable organisations. For media enquiries, please contact: The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited Ms Kara Kwong Assistant Corporate Affairs Manager Tel: 2963 3497 / 6698 3357 Email: [email protected] Mr Julius Chow Senior Corporate Affairs Officer Tel: 2963 3471 / 6969 1360 Email: [email protected] Media Enquiries For media enquiries, please contact our Corporate Affairs Department. Corporate Affairs Department The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited 21/F, 363 Java Road North Point, Hong Kong WhatsApp: (852) 6702 6449 Email: [email protected]
- July 7, 2025Business
ikhlas.com expands in East Malaysia with first branch office in Tawau
Ikhlas Com Travel & Umrah Sdn Bhd ( ikhlas.com ), the affordable yet premium umrah service provider under Capital A Berhad has officially opened its first ever branch office in Sabah, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion within East Malaysia. Photo caption: (From the left) Manager of ikhlas.com Tawau, Rabia Abu; Kukusan Assemblywoman, Datuk Rina Jainal; Chief Executive Officer of ikhlas.com , Ikhlas Kamarudin and Commercial Advisor of ikhlas.com , Datuk Rosyam Nor during the grand opening of ikhlas.com ’s first branch office at T2 @ Apas in Tawau, Sabah. The grand opening of ikhlas.com ’s branch office Tawau’s latest iconic commercial centre in T2@Apas was officiated by Kukusan Assemblywoman, Datuk Rina Jainal and witnessed by Chief Executive Officer of ikhlas.com , Ikhlas Kamarudin and Commercial Advisor, Datuk Rosyam Nor. Ikhlas said: “Today’s event is a true testament to our commitment in delivering the most affordable yet comprehensive and convenient umrah experience for all. There is a massive demand in Sabah especially here in Tawau and thanks to our enthusiastic Sahabat (agent), we have achieved our mission to make our service more accessible for the local community. “At ikhlas.com, we are highly attentive and meticulous in the selection process and the opening of this branch to ensure we provide the best possible service to the local community and ultimately, support pilgrims in fulfilling their intention to perform umrah. We also aim to continue expanding to several other locations and are currently in the process of evaluating potential sites for our next branch.” Manager of ikhlas.com Tawau, Rabia Abu said: “We are excited to welcome future Duyufurrahman (guests of Allah) who are seeking for the best and most budget friendly umrah package options with the best inflight service, affordable seat upgrades and stylish luggage set with ikhlas.com without having to worry about the logistics.” The ikhlas.com Tawau branch office offers easy access to patrons with its strategic central location, disability-friendly facilities, ample parking space and comfortable space for guests. Rabia also mentions exclusive discounts for the people of Tawau. Rabia who is one of the most successful ikhlas.com sales agents is also the founder of Alifah Group Sdn Bhd which offers a myriad of products and services including frozen food, fresh produce, beauty products and fashion accessories across Sabah. Launched during the pandemic in October 2020, ikhlas.com is an Islamic travel and lifestyle platform designed to help Muslims fulfil their religious obligations with ease. In addition to ikhlas.com Umrah and Travel (Muslim-friendly journeys) in collaboration with airline subsidiary AirAsia, ikhlas.com also facilitates the fulfilment of Zakat, Sadaqah, Aqiqah, Fidyah, Qurban and more. For more information about the exclusive ikhlas.com Umrah offerings for Tawau, contact 089-959475 or 011-1523 7781 or visit the ikhlas.com Tawau branch office at A.23.3, Level 2 T2@APAS, Bandar Tawau.
- July 7, 2025Business
AirAsia to disrupt global travel as the world’s first low-cost narrow-body network carrier with landmark agreement for 70 A321XLRs
AirAsia Berhad, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capital A Berhad, signed a landmark agreement with Airbus valued at USD12.25 billion for 50 A321XLRs with rights for 20 A321XLRs. With this agreement, the airline takes a major step towards becoming the world’s first low-cost narrow-body network carrier, anchored by its multi-hub strategy. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery commencing 2028 through 2032. Photo Caption: Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes and Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft, Airbus, in Paris today, alongside several Malaysian Cabinet Ministers. Witnessed by Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the agreement was signed today in Paris between Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, and Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft. Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Advisor & Steward of AirAsia Group said: “We pioneered low-cost travel in Asia – now, we are taking it to the next level. AirAsia is on a transformative journey to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier. This is about exponential growth, connecting geographies beyond Asean, and making flying even more democratic. We gave people in Asean the opportunity to explore Asia – now we want the world to see Asean, and Asean to see the world. The A321XLR and A321LR are the game-changers enabling this vision, and we are proud to lead the charge in making our world smaller. We can’t wait to paint the skies even wider in red.” Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus said: “We are pleased to confirm this agreement, as AirAsia Group begins its next development chapter. Having resumed its growth trajectory, which we salute and support, the airline is creating solid fleet efficiencies, allowing global network expansion. The A321XLR unlocks new opportunities for AirAsia to launch non-stop flights linking primary and secondary cities all around the globe.” The next-generation A321XLRs will operate alongside AirAsia’s all-Airbus fleet of A320 Family and A330 aircraft, supporting its long-term strategy to deliver unmatched connectivity across Asia and beyond, while maintaining a low-cost model through improved route economics, enhanced aircraft utilisation and fleet efficiency. AirAsia Group aims to carry 150 million guests annually by 2030, reaching a cumulative total of 1.5 billion guests since inception. The new fleet plays a pivotal role in this transformation. AirAsia’s multi-aircraft strategy enables the airline to match capacity with demand, reduce fuel consumption, and support a sustainable, cost-effective growth model in a highly competitive global landscape. The A321XLR also offers up to 20 per cent lower fuel burn per seat than the Airbus A321neo aircraft, significantly improving emissions performance and operating efficiency.
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