FEATURED NEWS
- July 17, 2025Business
JD Food Delivery Upgrades Rider Experience for Workforce with 150,000 New E-Bikes, Offers Enhanced Benefits
By the end of June, JD Food Delivery’s full-time rider workforce increased to over 150,000 people. And with the summer delivery peak approaching, JD will put in RMB 2 billion worth of resources to enhance rider experience and benefits, offering substantial upgrades beyond existing social insurance benefits, known as the “five social insurances and one housing fund.” Full-time riders will receive special monthly allowances during extreme weather seasons, alongside 150,000 new state-of-the-art electric bikes to elevate their work experience. The e-bike incentive program will refund the purchase costs to riders who complete 3,000 orders within 90 days of using the new bikes. The program has already launched in Beijing, Changsha, and Nanjing, with plans for a nationwide rollout. Riders will also sport racing-inspired uniforms and badges, boosting their professional image and sense of pride. These sleek, JD-red electric bikes are designed for both performance and style, featuring ergonomic seats and backrests that rotate 180 degrees for rest, as well as portable fridges with dual-core cooling chips that double chilling efficiency compared to traditional models. The portable fridges ensure ice-cold deliveries stay fresh, enhancing customer satisfaction. The bikes also come with glowing, eco-friendly PU foam-insulated delivery boxes that extend heat retention by 100%, with free daily disinfection at stations to maintain hygiene. JD Food Delivery drivers on the new bike. One driver uses his rotating backrest as he takes a well-earned break. A JD Food Delivery spokesperson emphasized, “We’re committed to rewarding our riders’ hard work with tangible benefits. These upgrades not only enhance service quality but also ensure our riders feel valued and respected.” This comprehensive welfare model sets a new standard for the delivery industry, earning recognition and support from riders and the public. (vivian.yang@jd.com)
- July 17, 2025Business
JD.com Introduces Tax Refund Service to Over 100 Stores Across China — Here’s What Overseas Visitors in China Need to Know
There’s nothing better when travelling overseas than getting a tax refund on products you’ve bought. Well, the good news is that at China’s largest retailer by revenue, JD.com, international customers can apply for a tax refund of up to 9% at designated in-store counters. JD MALL and JD Electronics & Appliances City Flagship Stores have been officially designated as tax refund-eligible outlets for overseas visitors. And to cash in, all you need to do is to make an eligible purchase of RMB 200 or more in a single store on the same day and present valid identification in one of 106 authorized stores in 39 cities across China. It’s that simple! “We have introduced multilingual signage, detailed tax refund guides, and bilingual announcements throughout our stores to help international shoppers easily access the service,” said a JD MALL spokesperson. “Customers can either pick up their purchases in-store or opt for complimentary delivery to their hotels.” As China’s largest retailer by revenue, JD.com is a trusted destination for shoppers seeking authentic, high-quality products. With the introduction of the tax refund service, overseas visitors in key tourist and trade cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Kunming, Chongqing, Suzhou, Xi’an, Dalian, Qingdao, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Dongguan, and Yiwu can now enjoy a seamless shopping experience, with access to more than 50,000 products across more than 100 categories, from consumer electronics and home appliances, to household goods, beauty products, and more. JD MALL and JD Electronics and Appliances City Flagship Stores represent JD.com’s innovative approach to offline retail, delivering immersive, digitally integrated, one-stop shopping experiences. JD.com data shows that portable, high-tech products such as smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, drones, projectors, electric toothbrushes, massage devices, hair dryers, and robotic vacuum cleaners have proven especially popular with international customers. ( yuchuan.wang@jd.com )
- July 17, 2025Business
Suntory Holdings Named on CDP A List for Climate Change and Recognized as Supplier Engagement Leader 2024
Suntory Holdings proudly announced its inclusion on the global environmental non-profit CDP’s “2024 A List” for climate change, marking the sixth consecutive year of this recognition as Suntory Group. Suntory Group was also selected for the highest rating of “Supplier Engagement Leader” in the CDP’s annual Supplier Engagement Assessment for the fifth consecutive year. Earlier this February, the group was also honored as a CDP Water Security 2024 A List company for the ninth consecutive year (see press release here ). CDP’s annual environmental disclosure and scoring process is widely recognized as the global standard of corporate environmental transparency. More than 24,800 companies responded to CDP’s request to disclose data on environmental impacts, risks and opportunities through its platform. To achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its entire value chain by 2050, Suntory Group aims to reduce GHG emissions in its direct operations by 50%*1 and across the entire value chain by 30%*1 by 2030, and promotes various initiatives across its global business. Most recently, Suntory Group announced “Suntory Green Hydrogen*2 Vision,” the group’s mid- to long-term plan for utilizing hydrogen, an essential element for the group to achieve its 2050 net zero GHG emissions target (see press release here ). Suntory Group believes that its approach to tackling climate change globally, including its GHG emissions reduction targets, Scope 3 emissions data gathering, and various collaborations with suppliers, contributed to its recognition as both CDP’s “2024 A List” for climate change and “Supplier Engagement Leader”. Suntory Group’s purpose is to inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Since its founding, the group has been committed to achieving a sustainable society. As a corporation sustained by the gifts of nature and water, Suntory Group will continue to promote sustainability management, preserve biodiversity, reduce GHG emissions through the use of renewable energy and green hydrogen, and realize a sustainable society. Learn more about Suntory Group’s Sustainability Vision here and its initiatives related to climate change here . *1 Total reduction versus 2019 baseline *2 Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. About Suntory Group As a global leader in the beverage industry, Suntory Group aims to inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Sustained by the gifts of nature and water, the Group offers a uniquely diverse portfolio of products, from award-winning Japanese whiskies Yamazaki and Hibiki, iconic American whiskies Jim Beam and Maker's Mark, canned ready-to-drink -196 (minus one-nine-six), The Premium Malt’s beer, Japanese wine Tomi, and the world-famous Château Lagrange. Its brand collection also includes non-alcoholic favorites Orangina, Lucozade, Oasis, BOSS coffee, Suntory Tennensui water, TEA+ Oolong Tea, and V energy drink, as well as popular health and wellness product Sesamin EX. Founded as a family-owned business in 1899 in Osaka, Japan, Suntory Group has grown into a global company operating throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania, with an annual revenue (excluding excise taxes) of $20.3 billion in 2024. Its 41,357 employees worldwide draw upon the unique blend of Japanese artisanship and global tastes to explore new product categories and markets. For more information, visit www.suntory.com and Drink Smart .
- July 17, 2025Business
Frasers Property Thailand and UOB Thailand join forces to support industrial investment amid rising FDI into ASEAN
Frasers Property Industrial Thailand, a subsidiary of Frasers Property (Thailand) Public Company Limited or “FPT,” has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UOB Thailand to promote industrial investment in Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, supporting continued investment growth into Southeast Asia. This collaboration is expected to significantly strengthen the growth of the factory and warehouse sector and elevate the region's role as a global industrial hub. Under the MOU, Frasers Property Industrial Thailand will provide comprehensive support for businesses investing in industrial space, including guidance on policies, regulations, and investment opportunities. Meanwhile, UOB Thailand will offer a suite of financial solutions, such as regulatory advisory, project financing, trade facilities, and treasury services, leveraging its extensive regional banking network and expertise in supporting cross-border investments Mr. Peerapat Srisukont, Managing Director of Industrial Business of FPT, said, “This partnership aims to support industrial investment and facilitate access to financial solutions for global enterprises seeking to expand their footprint in Southeast Asia. It will also strengthen FPT’s factory and warehouse rental business in Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, where we currently manage more than 3.77 million sqm of space.” This initiative aligns with FPT’s FY25 business plan under its concept of "Strengthening Growth Through a Value-Focused Strategy in a Challenging Global Landscape". It also follows the company’s "Unlocking Value" strategy, which aims to unlock the potential of its portfolio through strategic asset management and collaboration with partners to expand business growth opportunities. The collaboration also supports the continuous inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) into Southeast Asia amidst global trade uncertainties. The region remains a high-potential destination for investment. According to the UNCTAD World Investment Report 20251, FDI into Southeast Asia reached US$225 billion in 2024, an increase of US$20 billion from 2023. Mr. Richard Maloney, President and CEO of UOB Thailand, added, “This strategic collaboration with Frasers Property Industrial Thailand will be a key driver in supporting the growth of the industrial sector in Southeast Asia. By combining UOB's deep regional knowledge and financial solutions with Frasers Property Industrial Thailand's robust real estate capabilities, new investment opportunities will be unlocked, promoting industrial development and sustainable economic growth. This also reinforces Southeast Asia's prominent role as a supply chain hub and a crucial strategic area for international business expansion.”
- July 17, 2025Business
Seatrium to Propel Offshore Innovation with First Turnkey FPSO Delivery to Petrobras
Seatrium Limited (“Seatrium” or “the Group”) is pleased to announce today the impending delivery of the PETROBRAS 78 (P-78) - the first of a series of turnkey Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSO), to Brazil’s National Oil Company, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A (Petrobras). The sailaway ceremony took place two weeks ago at Seatrium’s Singapore yard, marking a significant and timely milestone. Upon delivery, the P-78 will be deployed in Brazil’s prolific Buzios field, the largest deepwater oil field globally, with an impressive production capacity of 180,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd), 7.2 million cubic metres (mcbm) of gas per day, and a storage capacity of 2 million barrels of oil. The P-78 will rank among the largest in the global operating fleet of FPSOs. Mr Chris Ong, Chief Executive Officer, Seatrium said, "We take great pride in delivering the first of the series of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) FPSO to Petrobras. As a leader in providing sustainable offshore energy and infrastructure assets, Seatrium is committed to supporting Petrobras in their efforts to reduce carbon emissions from their floating production units. Our long-standing partnership with Petrobras in their decarbonisation journey spans five other FPSO projects, each showcasing innovative sustainability features. We look forward to building on our strong track record of performance, leveraging our seamless One Seatrium Global Delivery model to continue delivering safe and high-quality vessels that meet the evolving demands of the industry." Through its One Seatrium Global Delivery Model, the company collaborates with industry leaders for worldwide project execution leveraging its global footprint to transcend geographic boundaries. Seatrium’s global teams have fabricated the topside modules weighing an impressive 54,000 MT across its shipyards in Singapore, China and Brazil, in addition to the integration and commissioning works of the P-78 FPSO in Singapore. Upon completion, the P-78 will transit to the Buzios field, where Seatrium will conduct the final phase of offshore commissioning works. Ms Renata Baruzzi, Executive Officer for Engineering, Technology and Innovation, Petrobras said, “The FPSO P-78 is more than just the largest and most complex unit ever built for Petrobras — it is a testament to how far we’ve come. This vessel embodies the highest standards of construction and commissioning quality, integrating a wealth of new specifications and hardearned lessons from the Replicantes and Cessão Onerosa FPSO series. In many ways, the P-78 is the culmination of over 15 years of Petrobras’ legacy in building and operating FPSOs in the Pre-Salt region — a legacy now sailing into the future.” Seatrium has a strong track record of delivering vital projects for Brazil and Petrobras, including FPSOs, floating production units, Floating Storage Regasification Units, drilling rigs, and accommodation vessels, all pivotal to Brazil’s robust energy infrastructure. Beyond its technical impact, the P-78 FPSO project is also a major contributor to the Brazilian oil and gas sector, supporting increased national oil production and generating thousands of local job opportunities. By executing a substantial portion of the work in Brazilian shipyards, the project promotes local content development, workforce training, and long-term skills enhancement. FPSO P-78 sailing to Buzios field in Brazil. Photo Credit: Seatrium -End- About Seatrium Limited Seatrium Limited provides innovative engineering solutions to the global offshore, marine and energy industries. Headquartered in Singapore, the Group has over 60 years of track record in the design and construction of rigs, floaters, offshore platforms and specialised vessels, as well as in the repair, upgrading and conversion of different ship types. The Group’s key business segments include Oil & Gas Newbuilds and Conversions, Offshore Renewables, Repairs & Upgrades, and New Energies, with a growing focus on sustainable solutions to advance the global energy transition and maritime decarbonisation. As a premier global player offering offshore renewables, new energies and cleaner offshore & marine solutions, Seatrium is committed to delivering high standards of safety, quality and performance to its customers which include major energy companies, vessel owners and operators, shipping companies, and cruise and ferry operators. Seatrium operates shipyards, engineering & technology centres and facilities in Singapore, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Norway, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. Discover more at www.seatrium.com . For more information, please contact: Mr Winston Cheng Head, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Tel No: +65 68637367 Email: winston.cheng@seatrium.com Ms Clarissa Ho Senior Manager, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Tel No: +65 6803 0276 Email: shufang.ho@seatrium.com
- July 16, 2025Business
Fujifilm Develops PFAS-Free*1 Negative ArF Immersion Resist
FUJIFILM Corporation today announced that it has developed a PFAS-free negative-type ArF immersion resist for use in advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes. The new PFAS-free ArF immersion resist is a photoresist*3 designed for negative-type ArF immersion exposure*4. In collaboration with imec, a world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, Fujifilm evaluated the performance of this resist and successfully demonstrated its ability to achieve high yields*5 in forming 28nm generation*6 metal wiring, widely used in applications such as automotive and industrial semiconductors. Moving forward, Fujifilm aims to proceed with customer evaluations and target early commercialization. PFAS is commonly used in the photoresists for ArF immersion exposure, which are widely adopted today, to efficiently generate the acid reactions necessary for drawing fine circuit patterns and to provide a hydrophobic surface on the resist to suppress defects caused by watermarks*7. However, increasing awareness of the potential environmental and ecological risks associated with PFAS has led to growing regulatory pressure and a rising demand for alternative materials that do not rely on these substances. Fujifilm has a history of proactively worked on the reduction and replacement of substances that pose potential risks to human health and the environment. For example, Fujifilm developed the NTI developer solution, which uses highly safe, high-purity organic solvents, marking the world's first innovation in the negative development process. Additionally, Fujifilm launched a PFAS-free nanoimprint resist last year as a semiconductor material compatible with the advanced semiconductor manufacturing technology known as "nanoimprint lithography." By leveraging the technology and expertise for the development of other advanced resists, including those for EUV, Fujifilm is actively promoting the PFAS-free innovation of advanced resists. This latest PFAS-free ArF immersion resist was developed by leveraging Fujifilm's extensive expertise as a pioneer in the negative development process using high-purity organic solvents. Utilizing the functional molecular design technology honed through its research and development in silver halide photography, along with the molecular design, organic synthesis, formulation, and analytical technologies cultivated through the development of semiconductor materials such as photoresists, it has achieved excellent reaction efficiency in circuit pattern formation and high hydrophobicity to reduce watermarks during advanced ArF immersion exposure. This ensures the formation of highly uniform, fine circuit patterns. Together with imec, Fujifilm evaluated the performance of this PFAS-free negative-type ArF immersion resist and successfully demonstrated its ability to form fine 28nm-generation metal wiring with high yield and high throughput*8. Currently, evaluations are underway with customers. Fujifilm is a global supplier of photoresists, photolithography-related materials*9, CMP slurries*10, post-CMP cleaners*11, thin-film chemicals*12, polyimides*13, high-purity process chemicals*14, and other process materials for semiconductor manufacturing from front-end to back-end processes. Fujifilm is also expanding globally with products such as WAVE CONTROL MOSAIC™*15, which includes color filter materials for image sensors. Fujifilm will continue to contribute to the development of the semiconductor industry by providing one-stop solutions to solve customers' issues through our broad product lineup that covers almost all areas of the semiconductor manufacturing process, from cutting-edge to legacy nodes, as well as by leveraging its global stable supply system with manufacturing bases in major countries in Japan, the United States, Europe and Asia and its advanced research and development capabilities. *1 PFAS refers to a collective term for perfluoroalkyl compounds, polyfluoroalkyl compounds, and their salts, as defined in the OECD's 2021 report “Reconciling Terminology of the Universe of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Recommendations and Practical Guidance.” Accordingly, the claim ‘PFAS-Free’ denotes the absence of substances falling within this defined group. *2 Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre. The world’s largest independent research and innovation center for nanoelectronics and digital technology. *3 Material used to coat wafer substrate when circuit patterns are drawn in the process of semiconductor manufacturing. *4 An exposure method using ArF (argon fluoride) excimer laser light (wavelength 193 nm), which is currently the most widely used advanced lithography technology. *5 The proportion of functional semiconductor chips on a single wafer. Higher yield is achieved when the semiconductor's electrical properties are optimal, and defects are minimal. *6 The final generation of technology that can be manufactured using single patterning with ArF immersion. Beyond this point, advanced semiconductor manufacturing becomes possible by applying multi-patterning, which involves repeating the patterning process multiple times using the same resist material. *7 The occurrence of water droplets remaining on the wafer. This can lead to penetration into the resist film or the dissolution of resist material, potentially causing defects. *8 Processing capacity or productivity per unit of time. *9 Development solutions, cleaners and other materials used in the photolithography process of semiconductormanufacturing. *10 A proprietary formulation containing an abrasive that uniformly planarizes semiconductor surface, which contains a mixture of wires and insulation films of varying hardness. *11 Cleaners used after polishing with CMP slurry to remove particles, minute metal fragments and organic residues while protecting the metal surface. *12 Materials for forming low-dielectric insulation films. *13 A material with strong heat resistance and insulation properties, used for forming semiconductorsprotective films and rewiring layer. *14 High-purity chemicals used in the cleaning and drying processes. The chemicals are employed to remove contaminants during the cleaning and drying stages of semiconductor manufacturing, as well as to eliminate metals and oils during the etching process. *15 General term referring to a group of functional materials for controlling electromagnetic light waves in a broad range of wavelengths, including photosensitive color materials for manufacturing color filters for image sensors such as CMOS sensors, used in digital cameras and smartphones. Contact Media Contact FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation Corporate Communications Division, Public Relations Group +81-3-6271-2000 Customer Contact FUJIFILM Corporation Electronic Materials Business Division E-mail: shm-ff-em_inquiries@fujifilm.com * Please note that the contents including the product availability, specification, prices and contacts in this website are current as of the date of the press announcement and may be subject to change without prior notice.
- July 15, 2025Business
Yamaha Motor Completes Global Organizational Restructuring of Financial Services Business - Global business operation plan established for accelerating value creation -
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) (hereinafter "Company") announced today that Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation (hereinafter "YMFC"), a group company established in the United States in November 2022 to oversee Yamaha Motor's global Financial Services business, has completed an organizational restructuring to bring the Company's financial services companies in Brazil, France, Australia, and New Zealand under its umbrella. With this, YMFC becomes the sole Yamaha Motor subsidiary with key financial services operations under its jurisdiction and a headquarters-level role and responsibility for global business oversight. YMFC's business vision is, "Provide sound Financial Services that contribute new excitement and a more fulfilling life for Yamaha Motor's customers." The company aims to achieve 1 trillion yen in receivables, a 3% ROA, and a 10% ROE by 2027. To realize these goals, YMFC will promote the sharing of know-how and strengths across markets while ramping up its efforts in the following key areas to enhance business competitiveness, growth potential, and profitability: 1. Enhance risk management and governance in the continuously growing and evolving Financial Services business. 2. Active adoption of transformational digital technologies to promote innovation and strengthen business competitiveness. 3. Strengthen global management and utilization of talent with expertise in the Financial Services business. In its new Medium-Term Management Plan announced in February 2025, Yamaha Motor positioned the Financial Services business as a key pillar supporting both its core and strategic businesses. This establishment of a global business operation enables the Company to continuously deliver sound financial service solutions and offer new Kando * and more fulfilling lives to its customers. * Kando is a Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value.
- July 15, 2025Business
Seatrium Expands Sustainable Finance Framework with US$400 Million Sustainability-Linked Credit Facility from UOB
Seatrium Limited (Seatrium or the Group) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary Seatrium Financial Services Pte. Ltd. (SFS) has successfully secured a US$400 million Sustainability-Linked Revolving Credit Facility with United Overseas Bank (UOB). This credit facility, anchored in sustainability-linked principles, aligns with Seatrium’s Sustainable Finance Framework and includes revolving credit features which will strongly enhance the Group’s liquidity and financial flexibility. It will significantly contribute to Seatrium’s long-term goals of achieving its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets, further bolstering its commitment to sustainable development in the offshore, marine and energy sector. Dr Stephen Lu, Seatrium’s Chief Financial Officer, said, “Our continued partnership with UOB marks an important milestone in advancing our financial agility and deepening our commitment to environmental stewardship. By linking our financing framework to clearly defined sustainability targets, we are not only reinforcing accountability but also embedding climate-conscious principles into our capital strategy. This alignment will actively support our decarbonisation goals and longterm value creation.” Ms Cindy Kong, Managing Director of Group Corporate Banking at UOB, added, "As the global energy transformation accelerates, sustainability-linked financing is playing a crucial role in driving the shift toward decarbonisation. We are proud to partner Seatrium in championing forwardlooking initiatives within the global renewable energy segment. Together, we aim to foster innovation while paving the way for responsible and sustainable business growth globally." Since 2023, Seatrium has successfully secured over S$3 billion in sustainability-linked loans and green financing, further establishing itself as a leading global provider of sustainable engineering solutions for the offshore, marine, and energy sectors. The Group is steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its Sustainability Vision 2030, which is centred on empowering clients to minimise their carbon footprints through energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable vessels and offshore platforms. -End- About Seatrium Limited Seatrium Limited provides innovative engineering solutions to the global offshore, marine and energy industries. Headquartered in Singapore, the Group has over 60 years of track record in the design and construction of rigs, floaters, offshore platforms and specialised vessels, as well as in the repair, upgrading and conversion of different ship types. The Group’s key business segments include Oil & Gas Newbuilds and Conversions, Offshore Renewables, Repairs & Upgrades, and New Energies, with a growing focus on sustainable solutions to advance the global energy transition and maritime decarbonisation. As a premier global player offering offshore renewables, new energies and cleaner offshore & marine solutions, Seatrium is committed to delivering high standards of safety, quality and performance to its customers which include major energy companies, vessel owners and operators, shipping companies, and cruise and ferry operators. Seatrium operates shipyards, engineering & technology centres and facilities in Singapore, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Norway, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. Discover more at www.seatrium.com . For more information, please contact: Mr Winston Cheng Head, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Tel No: +65 68637367 Email: winston.cheng@seatrium.com Ms Clarissa Ho Senior Manager, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Tel No: +65 68030276 Email: shufang.ho@seatrium.com
- July 15, 2025Charity
ikhlas.com fulfills the dreams of 1,000 asnaf to perform umrah
Ikhlas Com Travel & Umrah Sdn Bhd (ikhlas.com) fulfills the dreams of underprivileged individuals (asnaf) to perform the sacred pilgrimage of umrah, with the first group of special pilgrims under the Umrah 1,000 Asnaf initiative departing for the Holy Land from Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (klia2). Photo caption: Executive Chairman of Capital A Berhad, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and Chief Executive Officer of ikhlas.com , Ikhlas Kamarudin with the first group of Umrah 1,000 Asnaf before their departure to Jeddah from Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (klia2), Sepang. This special group comprises 15 asnaf individuals who were carefully selected from among thousands of candidates through a thorough vetting process. Each recipient is fully sponsored to perform the umrah pilgrimage — including passport fees, vaccinations, visa, return AirAsia flights and a comfortable, fullboard umrah package by ikhlas.com. Chief Executive Officer of ikhlas.com, Ikhlas Kamarudin said: “We are currently arranging departure schedules for around 200 more asnaf pilgrims and we expect that a total of 1,000 asnaf will be able to fulfill their lifelong dream of performing Umrah before the end of the 1447H Umrah season next year. “We warmly welcome corporate bodies who wish to support the Umrah 1,000 Asnaf initiative to connect with us directly. May we work hand in hand to help even more members of the asnaf community set foot in the Holy Land in the coming Umrah season, inshaAllah.” The Umrah 1,000 Asnaf program was launched in conjunction with ikhlas.com’s 5th anniversary with the mission to empower local communities by identifying deserving asnaf and turning their dreams of performing umrah into a reality. The initiative reflects ikhlas.com's broader commitment to making umrah accessible to all Muslims — especially those who may not have the means — at least once in their lifetime. Malaysians are still welcome to submit nominations via https://ikhlas.com/ms/my/umrah-1000-asnaf, where ikhlas.com will continue to carry out careful screening and selection for sponsorship under the Umrah 1,000 Asnaf program. Launched at the height of the pandemic in October 2020, ikhlas.com is a Muslim-friendly lifestyle and travel platform designed to make it easier for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations. In addition to ikhlas.com Umrah and Muslim-friendly Travel offerings in collaboration with subsidiary airline, AirAsia, ikhlas.com also makes it easier for Muslims to perform Zakat, Sadaqah, Aqiqah, Fidyah, Qurban and more. For more information, visit ikhlas.com or download the mobile app through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store .
- July 15, 2025Business
Towngas’s innovative volunteer services win three construction industry volunteer awards
The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) has been honoured with three major awards at the Construction Industry Volunteer Awards Presentation Ceremony 2025, organised by the Construction Industry Council (CIC). These include the Annual CISVP Corporate Award for Activeness – “Entrepreneur” Group 1 – Gold Award, Commendation Award – Excellence in Construction Industry Volunteering Project (Merit Award), and Commendation Award – Excellence in Construction Industry Volunteering Individuals (Bronze Award). These accolades recognise Towngas and its volunteer team's dedicated efforts in actively participating in community services. Towngas has been encouraging its employees to engage in volunteer services since the 1970s and established the Towngas Volunteer Service Team (TVST) in 1999. To date, TVST has contributed over 1 million service hours, and the cumulative number of beneficiaries has reached over 8.5 million. In addition to continuously increasing service hours, Towngas is actively expanding the forms of service and collaborating with various organisations to create a greater social impact. The Towngas-WSD Volunteer Team, formed by TVST and the Water Supplies Department Volunteer Team, won the Commendation Award – Excellence in Construction Industry Volunteering Project (Merit Award) for its “Spreading Love with Flame and Flow” project. This project combines the resources and expertise of both parties to provide volunteer services for vulnerable groups, including elderly singletons and doubletons, persons with disabilities, children, low-income families, and residents of transitional housing. Over the past year, the Towngas-WSD Volunteer Team has organised various activities, such as Mid-Autumn Festival visits, charity radish cake making, and household water, electricity, and gas consultation and maintenance services, to offer practical support to those in need. Ms Joan Leung Wai-chung, Vice Chairman of TVST, received the Commendation Award – Excellence in Construction Industry Volunteering Individuals (Bronze Award). Since joining Towngas, Joan has been a volunteer with the TVST, participating in various volunteer activities. She said, “ I witnessed many volunteers participating in the Farming for Charity every Saturday, braving the sun and rain to deliver the harvest to charitable organisations. It is the enthusiasm and perseverance of these volunteers that allow our volunteer services to continue and expand. This has also inspired me to become more engaged in participating in and organising more volunteer activities." Regarding the three awards, Ms Catherine Wong Pui-yee, Towngas Head of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations and Head of Extended Business, stated that Towngas has been actively giving back to society for many years, investing substantial resources in volunteer services and fully supporting TVST in organising diverse activities. “In addition to bringing warmth through visits, we also offer innovative volunteer services tailored to the needs of different communities, such as organising Dragon Boat Festival rice dumpling-wrapping event for ‘elders with emigrant children’, hosting cooking contests for visually impaired individuals, and Farming for Charity, to fill gaps in social care.” In the future, Towngas will continue to uphold its commitment to serving the community, providing more diverse and practical volunteer services that align with social needs, to build a warmer and more cohesive community. -END- Press photos: Photo 1: Ms Catherine Wong Pui-yee (centre), Towngas Head of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations and Head of Extended Business, and representatives of the Towngas Volunteer Service Team (TVST) accept the Annual CISVP Corporate Award for Activeness – “Entrepreneur” Group 1 – Gold Award at the Construction Industry Volunteer Awards Presentation Ceremony 2025. Photo 2: Mr Raymond Tai Hung-yuen (2nd from left), Chairman of the TVST, Ms Joan Leung Wai-chung (1st from right), Vice Chairman of TVST and representative of the Water Supplies Department, accept the Commendation Award – Excellence in Construction Industry Volunteering Project (Merit Award) at the Construction Industry Volunteer Awards Presentation Ceremony 2025. Photo 3: Ms Joan Leung Wai-chung (centre), Vice Chairman of TVST, receives the Commendation Award – Excellence in Construction Industry Volunteering Individuals (Bronze Award). Photo 4: TVST has always provided diverse volunteer services to people with different needs in society, such as hosting cooking contests for visually impaired individuals, with the hope of raising public awareness about visually impaired persons and providing more support. Photo 5: The Towngas-WSD Volunteer Team, formed by TVST and the Water Supplies Department Volunteer Team, combines the resources and expertise of both parties to provide volunteer services for vulnerable groups. At the beginning of this year, the team hosted the Flame × Flow Celebration for a Prosperous Year of the Snake for residents of transitional housing in Tseung Kwan O, fostering a sense of belonging and wellbeing. Photo 6: Ms Joan Leung Wai-chung (1st from left), Vice Chairman of the Towngas Volunteer Service Team, has been actively involved in various volunteer activities. 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: kara.kwong@towngas.com Mr Julius Chow Senior Corporate Affairs Officer Tel: 2963 3471 / 6969 1360 Email: julius.chow@towngas.com 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: cad@towngas.com
- July 14, 2025Business
CATL partners up with BHP to advance sustainable mining
CATL has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the world-leading resources company, BHP Group Limited (BHP) to collaborate in battery technology and electrification. CATL and BHP will explore opportunities in battery development for mining equipment and locomotives including rapid charging infrastructure, as well as seeking to understand energy storage systems and battery recycling options for BHP's mining applications. As a global leader of new energy innovative technologies, CATL is committed to building a zero-carbon future leveraging advanced technologies. It is developing cutting-edge battery technologies and energy solutions that support the energy transition and e-mobility. CATL's innovation presents exciting opportunities to accelerate the mining industry's decarbonisation transition, aligning with BHP's long-term goal to achieve net zero operational greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1 and 2 from its operated assets) by CY2050. Through this MOU, the collaboration will not only identify pathways for electrification at BHP's mining operations, but also focus on opportunities to advance the circular economy by enhancing battery recycling processes, especially leveraging BHP's copper operations, establishing more sustainable value chains within the mining sector. "These important relationships are further steps towards BHP meeting our decarbonisation ambitions for our operations and help drive transformative change within the global resources industry," said Rashpal Bhatti, BHP Chief Commercial Officer. "CATL is a leader in their field and at the cutting-edge of what's possible in battery technology, energy storage and battery recycling. By joining forces with industry leaders like CATL, we are seeking solutions to help shape a more productive and more sustainable resources industry of the future." "We are excited to collaborate with BHP, a global leader sharing our commitment to driving the energy transition towards a zero-carbon future," said Tan Libin, head of overseas business of CATL. "Together with forward-thinking mining companies like BHP, we aim to demonstrate how advanced battery technologies can decarbonize mining operations, logistics, and product delivery, accelerating a sustainable, efficient future while creating long-term value and transforming the global resources industry through innovation."
- July 11, 2025Business
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
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