FEATURED NEWS
- July 25, 2026Business
EVT achieves EarthCheck Platinum Certification for Thredbo Resort, the first destination in Asia-Pacific to set sustainability benchmark
EVT today announced, in partnership with EarthCheck, that Thredbo Resort has become the first destination in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve EarthCheck Platinum Destination Certification, recognising 10 years of consistent measurable progress across environmental, social and governance performance and annual auditing against global best-practice standards. To achieve this, Thredbo has delivered measurable improvements across energy, waste, biodiversity, community engagement and destination management, including transitioning to 100% renewable electricity and launching the Sustainable Snowies local procurement program to support regional businesses and strengthen local supply chains. "This achievement reflects more than ten years of commitment from our passionate team and partners to continually improve the way we operate," said Stuart Diver, General Manager of Thredbo Resort. "Protecting the alpine environment is fundamental to everything we do and continues to be a priority. EarthCheck is an internationally recognised framework to measure our progress, challenge ourselves to do better, and ensure we're stewarding the alpine environment for future generations." Katharine Hopper, EVT Head of Sustainability, said: “Thredbo’s achievement of EarthCheck Platinum Destination Certification is a milestone for EVT. As EVT works towards our Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi)-validated emissions reduction goals, this recognition highlights the important role our destinations play in enhancing experiences for our customers, supporting our community and operating with care for the environment.” "Thredbo’s Platinum Destination Certification recognises more than a decade of sustained leadership, independently verified performance and measurable progress across environmental, social and governance outcomes. As the first tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve this milestone, Thredbo sets a new benchmark for sustainable destination management and demonstrates the impact of science-backed certification in driving meaningful change," said Stewart Moore, CEO and Founder of EarthCheck. Celebrated during Thredbo Environment Week (13–19 July), the certification reinforces the resort's long-term commitment to protecting the mountains while delivering world-class customer experiences.
- July 25, 2026Business
Coles helps customers take $100 off their in store shop with 20,000 Flybuys points
Coles is helping customers get more value from their in store shop, with Flybuys members now able to pay with points to take up to $100 off their shop instantly at the checkout when they redeem 20,000 Flybuys points in store at Coles.1 Launching nationally today, pay with points gives customers a faster and more flexible way to turn their points into money off their shop, with members able to redeem points for between $10 and $100 off based on their points balance. Flybuys members who shop in store at Coles and have a minimum of 2,000 points in their Flybuys account can choose to redeem $10, $20, $30, $50, $70 or $100 off based on their points balance and total spend, previously limited to $10 off per shop. Coles Chief Customer Experience Officer, Michael Courtney said the expansion of pay with points would give customers more choice and more value when they shop in-store. “Our customers are looking for practical ways to save and pay with points makes it easier to use the points they have already earned for money off their in-store shop, instantly at the checkout,” he said. “For customers with points sitting in their Flybuys account, this is a simple way to unlock more value and those points can now help pay for more of the weekly shop” More than half of Flybuys members who shopped in-store at Coles in the past 12 months received more than $40 off at checkout through $10 redemptions Flybuys Chief Executive Officer, Anna Lee said pay with points gives members a simple and flexible way to use the points they have already earned. “We know value and flexibility matter more than ever to our members and pay with points makes it easier for them to turn points into money off their in store shop when they need it,” she said. “Millions of members who shop in store at Coles already have enough points to redeem. Pay with points gives members more choice in how they redeem their points across our great range of partners”. Customers can collect 1 Flybuys point for every dollar spent at Coles and Liquorland and can boost their balance faster by activating personalised offers in the Coles app or Flybuys app before they shop.2 Points can also be earned across the broader Flybuys network before being redeemed in store at Coles supermarkets, giving members more opportunities to earn and more ways to save. To pay with points, eligible Flybuys members simply shop in store at Coles supermarkets, scan their Flybuys at the checkout and choose an available dollar amount to take off their shop instantly. The amount available will depend on the member’s points balance and transaction value. Pay with points will also be available in selected Liquorland stores across the country from Wednesday 19 August, making it easier for customers to save on their favourite drinks. Cheers to that.3 How to Pay with Points in-store at Coles Set your reward preferences to ‘pay with points’ in the Flybuys app or on the Flybuys website. Shop in store at Coles supermarkets. Scan your Flybuys at the checkout. Choose an available dollar amount to redeem, based on your points balance and transaction value. Get money off your shop instantly at the checkout. For media enquiries, please contact Coles Media Line (03) 9829 5250 or media.relations@coles.com.au or media.relations@coles.com.au 1 This reward is available in store only at Coles. Reward available for Flybuys members who spend a minimum of $10 in one transaction after savings and discounts and who have a minimum balance of 2,000 Flybuys points. Scan your Flybuys at checkout and follow the prompts to redeem Flybuys points to get money off your in-store shop. The maximum redemption available in one transaction is $100 off. Depending on your points balance and the value of the transaction, you can take money off your in-store shop in the increments presented at the checkout. Every 2,000 points equates to $10 off your in store shop. Limited to one redemption per day (00:00 to 23:59), per Flybuys account. Cannot be used for any online purchases, gift cards, tobacco, and tobacco-related purchases. You can opt out of receiving the checkout prompt by selecting any other option in the ‘Choose reward’ setting in the home screen of the Flybuys app. This setting can also be updated from the Flybuys website (Flybuys.com.au) by navigating to Dashboard, then Account details and switching the pay with points toggle to ‘off’. Any Flybuys points or Coles collectible credits will be calculated on your total eligible spend before you redeem your points for money off your shop. When shopping at a selected store in VIC or NSW and Coles Pay is selected as the payment method at checkout, customers will be redirected to finalise the total payment via Coles Pay in the Coles app. This pay with points reward is not available for transactions completed using Coles Pay. If using Coles Pay, members can instead redeem their eligible Flybuys points in accordance with the standard Coles Pay Flybuys points redemption process. Terms detailing how you can collect Flybuys points at Coles can be found on the Flybuys website. Flybuys points and Flybuys Dollars have no cash or monetary value. Standard Flybuys T&Cs apply and can be found at flybuys.com.au. 2 Points awarded after savings, discounts and vouchers (excludes purchases of selected gift cards, iTunes cards, charitable donations, tobacco and tobacco related products, delivery/service fees and purchases made through any external third-party platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash etc.) Standard Flybuys T&Cs apply, see flybuys.com.au . 3 Pay with points will be available in-store at Liquorland in Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, and select Western Australian and South Australian stores. A list of participating stores can be viewed here .
- July 25, 2026Business
UEM Edgenta Cements Role In Delivering Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak
UEM Edgenta Berhad (“UEM Edgenta” or “the Company”), a leading Asset Management and Infrastructure Solutions company serving as the appointed Independent Checking Engineer (ICE), has successfully steered the development of Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak. The project marks a significant milestone in strengthening Sarawak's transport connectivity, unlocking greater economic opportunities and improving access for communities across the state. The Pan Borneo Highway is expected to enhance mobility, improve logistics efficiency and support long-term socio-economic growth by connecting towns, rural communities and key economic corridors. Beyond the physical infrastructure, the project represents a long-term investment in the state's resilience, competitiveness and quality of life. Spearheaded by Jabatan Kerja Raya Sarawak as the project's principal team lead, this achievement was executed through UEM Edgenta's critical governance, technical oversight, and project management expertise. Drawing on its experience managing more than RM100 billion worth of major infrastructure projects across Malaysia, the Company ensured every stage of delivery adhered to stringent standards of quality, safety, regulatory compliance and sustainability. To navigate the physical realities of Sarawak’s vast landscape, UEM Edgenta’s experience in managing mega projects such as the PLUS Highways, the Penang Bridge, and international infrastructure projects contributed to the highway's development. Overseeing a project of this scale meant implementing advanced structural reviews to address deep and unstable soil conditions, engineering resilient solutions to bridge extensive river networks and managing highly complex logistical supply chains across vast, remote distances. By tailoring these engineering solutions to Sarawak’s specific topographical and climate challenges, the technical oversight provided by UEM Edgenta helped ensure that the physical asset is designed to minimise future maintenance costs, reduce environmental impact and maximise structural resilience for decades to come. Stretching approximately 786 kilometers from Telok Melano in the south to Merapok in the north, Phase 1 of the Pan Borneo Highway represents one of the most ambitious civil engineering undertakings in Southeast Asia. UEM Edgenta’s technical governance oversaw the successful delivery of 115 bridges and 25 complex interchanges, navigating treacherous topography and vast river networks. Moreover, managing this mammoth operation required logging millions of safe man-hours, laying down immense volumes of specialised asphalt, and coordinating a massive daily workforce. All these were deployed with uncompromising safety and operational standards on the ground. Commenting on the sheer magnitude of the operations involved, Shaiful Subhan, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UEM Edgenta, said, "Delivering an infrastructure project on the scale of the Pan Borneo Highway across Sarawak's vast and diverse landscape demands exceptional technical expertise, disciplined governance and close collaboration among all stakeholders. At UEM Edgenta, we are proud to have supported this vision by providing the engineering oversight, project management and quality assurance needed to deliver infrastructure of this complexity. Through proven engineering practices and rigorous project governance, we have helped ensure this highway will serve the people of Sarawak safely, reliably and sustainably for generations to come." Beyond infrastructure delivery, the Company has also contributed to strengthening Sarawak's engineering ecosystem through the development of local talent and industry capabilities. Recognising that sustainable infrastructure is built not only through physical assets but also through people, UEM Edgenta has embedded capability building throughout the project by integrating local contractors and professionals into internationally recognised project management and engineering practices. Today, more than 70% of UEM Edgenta’s workforce supporting projects in Sarawak comprises local talent, reflecting the company's commitment to developing homegrown expertise. Strategic collaborations, including its ongoing partnership with Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, have further strengthened the local talent pipeline through internships, graduate programmes and technical knowledge transfer. These initiatives not only support the successful delivery of today's infrastructure projects but also help cultivate the next generation of Sarawakian engineering professionals equipped to lead the state's future development. For UEM Edgenta’s Sarawak team on the ground, the project transcends corporate milestones; it taps into deep local sentiment and is a matter of profound state pride. Reflecting on the socio-economic weight of the project, Raihana Ahmad, Managing Director of Infrastructure Solutions at UEM Edgenta, said, "The Pan Borneo Highway is more than a road, it is a catalyst for unity, progress and opportunity across Sarawak. For our team in Sarawak, delivering this long-awaited vision has been deeply meaningful because it is, ultimately, about improving the lives of the communities we serve. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Sarawak State Government, our partners and local contractors to help bring this vision to life, while strengthening local capabilities that will support the state's future infrastructure ambitions." Marking its final completion milestones, the Pan Borneo Highway stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a client’s bold vision is met with uncompromising engineering expertise. With a highly skilled local workforce now equipped with world-class operational standards, Sarawak is primed for its next great leap. As the state gears up to celebrate Sarawak Day in July and continues to expand its horizons through highly anticipated mega-projects like the Coastal and Second Trunk Roads which consists of the iconic Batang Lupar 1 Bridge being the record longest river-crossing bridge in Malaysia; UEM Edgenta remains steadfastly positioned to drive the realisation of the Sarawak Government’s aspirations.
- July 25, 2026Business
The Peninsula’s Historic Rolls-Royce Phantom arrives at its new home at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu with support from Cathay Cargo
Hong Kong and Beaulieu, 21 July 2026 - The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH), in partnership with Cathay Cargo and the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, marked the delivery and handover of a 2006 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII to its new home at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, UK. Donated by HSH and formerly part of The Peninsula Hotels’ fleet, the vehicle was transported from Hong Kong to London with the support of Cathay Cargo, reflecting a unique cross-continental collaboration in heritage preservation, aviation logistics and automotive excellence. The initiative coincides with the 160th anniversary of HSH and the 80th anniversary of Cathay, underscoring their shared legacy and commitment to excellence, and is documented in the short film “Moving a Legacy across Time,” which captures the journey from Hong Kong to Beaulieu and will be released at a later date. The Rolls-Royce Phantom is now on public display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience a piece of The Peninsula’s storied automotive legacy. It is part of a new gallery titled “Driven: Britain’s Motoring History,” which opened in June 2026. Speaking at the ceremony, The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of HSH, said: “The Peninsula’s partnership with Rolls-Royce goes back over half a century to 1970, beginning with our historic first order of seven Silver Shadows. As we celebrate 160 years of HSH and 80 years of Cathay, and the new historic gallery at the National Motor Museum, we are reminded of the importance of craftsmanship and heritage. This was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Cathay Cargo. It brings me great pleasure to know this Rolls-Royce has found a prominent home here at Beaulieu, where its story can be shared for generations to come.” Brian Tsoi, Regional General Manager, Europe, Cathay, who attended the handover ceremony on behalf of Cathay Cargo, added: “At Cathay Cargo, we have decades of experience handling high-value, sensitive shipments, and that expertise is essential in situations like this. It’s not simply about moving cargo from A to B, but about protecting something that represents craftsmanship, heritage, and history. This requires meticulous planning and specialised handling at every stage, from operation to loading to landing. What makes this even more meaningful is the shared effort between The Peninsula, Cathay Cargo, and the National Motor Museum, each playing a role in preserving this legacy. This is more than a shipment; it’s part of an ongoing story.” Dr Jon Murden, Chief Executive of the National Motor Museum, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sir Michael Kadoorie to Beaulieu and the National Motor Museum for the unveiling of the impressive Rolls-Royce Phantom, which his hotel group The Peninsula has donated to the Museum. The car will be placed on display in our new gallery, Driven: Britain’s Motoring Story, and reflects the most recent of Britain’s motoring heritage and prestige car manufacturing.” The car’s arrival at Beaulieu also carries a further historical resonance through the Rolls-Royce mascot, the Spirit of Ecstasy. The mascot was created by sculptor Charles Sykes, a friend of John, 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, and was modelled on Eleanor Velasco Thornton, Lord Montagu’s secretary and companion. The current Lord Montagu of Beaulieu was also in attendance at the ceremony, underscoring the enduring connection between Beaulieu, the Rolls-Royce marque and British motoring heritage. The vehicle is a bespoke 2006 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII Extended Wheelbase, one of 14 Rolls-Royce motor cars purchased by The Peninsula Hong Kong in 2006. Finished in the brand’s distinctive Peninsula Green with a single coachline and the HSH crest on the front doors, it was specially configured for the hotel’s renowned airport transfer service, with an enlarged boot area and luggage protector, customised illuminated tread plates, repositioned air-conditioning controls, a cool box, a hand towel cooling compartment and a used towel bin in the rear door, as well as a hill hold function. The car served VIP guests over an 18-year period from 2006 to 2024, continuing The Peninsula’s long-standing association with Rolls-Royce, a connection made world-famous by the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. The car has covered 500,000km while serving VIP guests over an 18-year period from 2006 to 2024, continuing The Peninsula’s long-standing association with Rolls-Royce, a connection made world-famous by the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. Media asset download links below. Photos Videos
- July 25, 2026Business
Alfen and CATL Reach 5 GWh Sodium-Ion Battery Storage Partnership in Europe
Alfen N.V., a leading European energy solutions provider, and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), the world's largest battery manufacturer, today announced their collaboration to deploy 5 GWh of CATL's advanced sodium-ion battery energy storage systems across Europe. This brings the two companies' long-standing partnership to a new level, opening a new chapter of diversified, technology-driven development supporting Europe's energy transition. Since the start of their collaboration, Alfen and CATL have worked closely on lithium-ion energy storage projects. Back in 2023, the two parties began a long-term battery supply partnership, which was expanded in 2024 to accommodate Alfen's growing demand for energy storage deployment in Europe. "Sodium-ion is the next step in how we think about energy storage - more diversified, resilient, and built for where the market is heading. This step with CATL puts us ahead of that curve and we're looking forward to continuing this partnership." - Michael Colijn, CEO, Alfen "We are excited to partner with Alfen, one of our key strategic partners, to accelerate the deployment of next-generation energy storage technologies across Europe. With their superior safety performance and lifecycle sustainability advantages, sodium-ion batteries will deliver unique value to European customers and support the region's transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future." -Tan Libin, Chief Customer Officer & Co-President of Sales and Marketing, CATL This initiative establishes forward-looking cooperation on next-generation, low-cost energy storage solutions, and the opening of new business opportunities beyond traditional lithium-ion battery storage supply. It enables Alfen to diversify its battery material portfolio, optimise the cost structure of its energy storage products, strengthen resilience against lithium price volatility, enhancing its competitiveness in mid-to-large scale European project tenders. Joint deployment of sodium-ion projects with Alfen allows CATL to accumulate localised European grid application experience for sodium batteries, optimize product adaptation to European grid codes, and accelerate the global scaling of sodium-ion energy storage shipments. The two companies will jointly accelerate the large-scale adoption of sodium-ion energy storage across Europe and support the continent's energy transition and renewable integration, opening a new era in cross-border clean-energy collaboration.
- July 25, 2026Business
CATL and Solarpro Sign 2 GWh Sodium-ion Battery Storage Agreement for Eastern Europe
CATL and Solarpro Technology AD (Solarpro) today announced the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement for 2 GWh sodium-ion systems. This marks a significant milestone in advancing the adoption of next-generation storage technologies and the transition toward more resilient and sustainable energy systems in Eastern Europe. Leveraging the technology's unique advantages in low-temperature performance and long cycle life, CATL and Solarpro will explore sodium-ion storage solutions tailored to diverse application scenarios across Central and Eastern Europe. The two companies aim to commission the first sodium‑ion energy storage project in Central and Eastern Europe. Solarpro is a leader in the Eastern Europe's renewable sector, with strong capabilities in turnkey project delivery, system integration, and long-term operation and maintenance. The collaboration with Solarpro will enable CATL to gain deeper insights into local market needs, address real-world operational challenges, and identify new application scenarios for sodium-ion technology in the region. As a global leader in sodium‑ion battery innovation backed by advanced R&D, system design, and field validation capabilities, CATL will work with Solarpro to explore and develop sodium‑ion storage solutions optimized for Eastern Europe's climate conditions, grid requirements, and evolving energy landscape, advancing the large-scale adoption of sodium-ion technology in this region. "Sodium‑ion technology offers clear advantages in low‑temperature performance and long‑cycle life. We see strong potential for its deployment in Lithuania and other Eastern European markets. We look forward to working with CATL to further optimize sodium‑ion storage solutions and identify the most suitable application scenarios across the region," said Krasen Mateev, CEO at Solarpro Holding, part of Vienna based Renalfa Solarpro Group. Amanda Xu, CTO of ESS and President of ESS Europe, CATL, said: "We are delighted to partner with Solarpro on this project. The efficient teamwork between the two teams has revealed great potential in this partnership. We look forward to the successful implementation of the first sodium-ion battery project in Central and Eastern Europe." The new agreement builds on the long-standing partnership and shared vision between CATL and Solarpro. In May 2026, through joint efforts, the two companies have successfully connected a 602 MWh large-scale battery energy storage project to the national power grid in Bulgaria, increasing the country's total energy storage capacity by 10%.
- July 25, 2026Business
CATL Receives the 2026 Volkswagen Group Award
Recently, CATL was granted the 2026 Volkswagen Group Award. With outstanding overall performance in battery technology R&D, supply chain stability, and efficient global execution, CATL stands as the sole power battery manufacturer and the only enterprise from Chinese mainland to be recognized this year. CATL has been supplying NCM battery cells for Volkswagen's MEB platform since 2018. This year, the strategic partnership has been further extended to the mass production of Volkswagen's Unified Cell. Currently, CATL has delivered more than 200GWh of battery cells in total for the company, powering 45 models across eight iconic Volkswagen brands. Going forward, CATL will deepen its partnership with Volkswagen, and stay committed to supporting Volkswagen's electrification transition and advancing large-scale production of sustainable vehicles with innovative battery technology and a robust supply chain.
- July 25, 2026Business
Weathernews Launches Smartphone App for AI-Powered Marine Weather Service SeaNavigator
Weathernews Inc. (Headquarters: Chiba, Japan; President and Representative Director: Tomohiro Ishibashi) has launched a smartphone app for SeaNavigator, its AI-powered marine weather service, enabling faster vessel status monitoring and more streamlined navigation decision-making. The app delivers timely push notifications to dispatchers (shore-side operators) regarding navigational issues and route changes, eliminating the delays inherent in conventional email communications. In addition to automatically detecting and notifying users of vessel speed reductions and drifting based on AIS (Automatic Identification System) data, the app also features a workflow that enables dispatchers to review and approve route and speed recommendations from Weathernews directly from a smartphone. Notifications prompt shore-side operators to instantly check high-resolution wind and wave forecasts and vessel data on their smartphones. In pre-launch trials, the process of proposing a route change and issuing instructions to the vessel (which had previously taken an average of 24 hours) was reduced to roughly 6 hours, demonstrating a significant improvement in response time. Land-based operators can also choose to receive only the push notifications relevant to them, allowing them to stay on top of critical risks instantly even when away from their desks. Furthermore, the status of voyage plan changes is automatically synced in real time with the desktop version of the service, ensuring that the entire team maintains an accurate and up-to-date picture of the situation. Weathernews will continue to expand the app’s functionality to provide powerful support for fast and reliable mobile decision-making not only for shore-side operators at shipping companies, but also for personnel in different departments such as chartering, sales, environmental management, and corporate planning, thereby contributing to greater operational efficiency across shipping companies and helping establish a framework for safe vessel dispatch. Inquiries about this service - https://sea.weathernews.com/contact See here for this service - https://sea.weathernews.com/seanavigator Timely Awareness of Navigation Issues and Faster Route Changes in Severe Weather In recent years, the shipping industry has seen strong demand for frontline-focused digital transformation aimed at reducing the burden on crews and shore-side operators while enhancing both safety and operational efficiency. Weathernews has supported shipping operators through SeaNavigator, its AI-powered marine weather service, and developed this mobile application after identifying opportunities to accelerate dispatch operations and improve the speed at which navigation issues are detected. Vessel status monitoring had previously relied primarily on report emails from vessels and on monitoring the SeaNavigator screen at a fixed workstation, making it difficult to gain an immediate understanding of sudden speed changes caused by severe weather when away from the office. The back-and-forth of emails and the effort required for manual confirmations in the conventional email-based workflow also caused significant delays in issuing instructions to vessels. Weathernews concluded that eliminating these inefficiencies and delays at the source and enabling more timely decision-making required a fundamentally different approach. Mobile App Developed for AI-Powered Marine Weather Service SeaNavigator The app's key strengths lie in its ability to rapidly detect navigation issues and accelerate dispatch workflows through real-time alerts. A personalization feature also allows operators to select only the push notifications they need, ensuring critical risks are never missed while keeping day-to-day operations free from unnecessary interruptions. Future development plans include expanding the app's push notification capabilities with features such as automatic transmission of approved plans to vessels and route deviation alerts, as well as a request feature that will allow operators to submit changes to destinations, vessel speed, and estimated time of arrival directly from the app. Points 1. Automatic Detection of Navigation Issues from AIS: Instant Push Notification Alerts for Speed Reductions and Drifting 2. Faster Workflow for Changing Voyage Plans Through Push Notifications for Quicker Decision-Making 3. Access the Latest High-Resolution Wind and Wave Forecasts with World-Class Accuracy 4. Stronger Team Coordination Through Seamless Integration Between the SeaNavigator Desktop and Mobile App 1. Automatic Detection of Navigation Issues from AIS: Instant Push Notification Alerts for Speed Reductions and Drifting The app is equipped with an alert feature that continuously analyzes AIS (Automatic Identification System) data and sends push notifications when abnormal vessel behavior is detected. The app automatically detects sudden speed reductions or drifting (when a vessel comes to a complete stop) outside port areas where deceleration is expected and immediately notifies shore-side operators. The "Slowdown" notification for speed reductions is triggered when the cumulative deceleration of a vessel exceeds the threshold set for its vessel type. The "Drifting" notification is sent when a vessel's speed remains below 0.5 knots for two or more consecutive hours. 2. Faster Workflow for Changing Voyage Plans Through Push Notifications for Quicker Decision-Making The app's push notification feature instantly delivers voyage plan changes and other updates to shore-side operators. They can review the recommended route along with the estimated time of arrival (ETA), vessel speed, and projected fuel consumption on their smartphones and simply tap the "Approve" button to confirm the recommendation, significantly reducing the time required for voyage plan management. Push notification for voyage plan (notification of recommended route) In the past, changing voyage plans involved a slow, email-dependent process that caused significant delays in decision-making. The conventional workflow proceeded as follows: (1) Weathernews detecting weather changes along a route and emailing a proposed plan change to the land-based operator; (2) the land-based operator replying by email to approve the change; and (3) Weathernews reflecting the approved plan in SeaNavigator and notifying the captain by email. This app eliminates the inefficiencies and delays caused by email-dependent confirmations, enabling more timely decision-making. During pre-launch trials, the average time from Weathernews's initial route change proposal to transmission of the final voyage plan to the vessel was reduced from approximately 24 hours to approximately 6 hours, with the fastest recorded case completed in as little as 23 minutes. Incoming notifications can also be viewed as a list, with badges color-coded by status so that land-based operators can see at a glance which items require attention. To ensure that critical approval items are never overlooked even on the busiest of days, the app also includes a reminder feature that automatically resends notifications when no action has been taken within a specified period, preventing important notifications from being missed, as can easily happen with conventional email. Respond to recommended route proposal by pressing "Approve" or "Hold" Check the latest arrival times for individual vessels as well as notifications from Weathernews 3. Access the Latest High-Resolution Wind and Wave Forecasts with World-Class Accuracy The app provides high-resolution weather and marine data — including wind direction and speed, wave height and period, ocean currents, and typhoon track forecasts — for any location worldwide. Operators can overlay this data, displayed on a 0.125-degree grid, with the positions of the vessels under their responsibility, allowing them to assess severe weather risks at a glance. The service's forecasts are powered by Weathernews' proprietary Global Weather and Wave Forecasting System, which delivers world-class forecast accuracy at high resolution. Forecasts are generated by combining more than 80 forecast scenarios derived from ensemble forecasts produced by major meteorological agencies worldwide with weather satellite data and Weathernews' extensive vessel observation network. 4. Stronger Team Coordination Through Seamless Integration Between the SeaNavigator Desktop Website and Mobile App Working alongside the SeaNavigator desktop platform already in use at many shipping companies, the app allows users to receive push notifications on their smartphones before switching to their computers to review detailed voyage and weather information. Furthermore, rather than displaying all vessels linked to an account, the app features a "Vessel Groups" function, that allows operators to filter their view to show only the vessels under their responsibility. Operators can monitor the current location and status of only selected vessels exclusively, enabling more efficient responses to confirmations and risk management tasks without distraction from unnecessary information or notifications. Create vessel groups and configure notification settings Reference: SeaNavigator — The AI-Powered Marine Weather Service SeaNavigator is an AI-powered integrated marine weather service that supports safer, more environmentally friendly, and more economical vessel operations across all vessel sizes. The service includes AI Weather Insight, which automatically generates weather and marine analyses covering all ocean areas up to five days in advance and instantly identifies vessels affected by deteriorating weather conditions, as well as AI Agent, which allows users to query vessel performance, fuel data, and more at any time. The service enables users to select optimal routes, visualize CO2 emissions, and mitigate grounding risks — all within a single platform. In December 2025, Weathernews also released SeaNavigator for Master , a marine weather service designed specifically for onboard use that supports captains' operational decision-making through AI. Using AI Agent, captains can instantly obtain information about weather risks and the rationale behind recommended routes through a conversational chat interface, much like consulting a specialist directly. Designed to overcome the connectivity challenges inherent to operations at sea, the service gives captains access to the latest high-resolution wind and wave forecasts covering all ocean areas, along with a simulation function that automatically calculates optimal routes and a chat tool for ship-to-shore communication, providing powerful support for reliable decision-making at sea. Inquiries about this service | https://sea.weathernews.com/contact Leveraging more than 40 years of marine weather expertise and its experience supporting more than 1 million voyages, Weathernews will continue to drive digital transformation in shipping by making the most of AI and mobile technology.
- July 25, 2026Business
First Official hololive production Smartphone Game “hololive Dreams,” Jointly Developed by QualiArts and COVER, Officially Launches
CyberAgent, Inc. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & President: Takahiro Yamauchi; TSE Prime Market: Code 4751) announced that its consolidated subsidiary, QualiArts, Inc. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & President: Yoshitatsu Tsujioka), in joint development with COVER Corporation (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & President: Motoaki Tanigo), have officially launched “hololive Dreams” (abbreviated as “holodori”), the first official smartphone game for “hololive production” on Thursday, July 23, 2026 (JST). At the start of the game, players can choose and obtain one talent of their choice at the highest rarity. To celebrate the official service launch, various in-game campaigns will be held, including the “Extra Song Campaign: 25 New songs in 15 days”, “Release Celebration! Login Bonus” and more. “hololive Dreams” Officially Launches! The official service for “holodori” began on the App Store, Google Play and Steam on Thursday, July 23, 2026 (JST). ▼Download here ・App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6756641249 ・Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=game.qualiarts.hololive.dreams.com ・Steam https://store.steampowered.com/app/4282500/hololive_Dreams/ *Download availability may vary depending on when each store page is updated. *The launch date, time, and content are subject to change without notice. What Is “hololive Dreams”? “holodori” is a Rhythm & RPG set in a theme park, with rhythm game elements at its core. The game takes place on an uninhabited island floating somewhere in the world. Players will complete facilities for the hololive production members and work toward creating “Dream Park,” a dreamlike theme park that everyone can enjoy. Choose Your Favorite talent at the Highest Rarity! At the start of the game, players can obtain the talent of their choice at the highest rarity through Redraw Gacha. Enjoy playing the game together with your favorite talent! Release Celebration Campaigns Underway! To celebrate the official service launch of “holodori,” various in-game campaigns will be held. ▼ 『Extra Song Campaign: 25 New songs in 15 days』 Underway! To celebrate the service launch of “holodori,” the “Extra Song Campaign: 25 New songs in 15 days” will be held, adding playable songs to the rhythm game for 15 consecutive days. During the campaign period, a total of 25 songs, including hololive production original songs and cover songs, are scheduled to be added sequentially. In addition, information on some of the songs to be added during the campaign has been revealed in advance. Further details on the additional songs will be announced sequentially on the official “holodori” official X account ▼1.5 Million Pre-Registrations Reached! Pre-Registration Gifts Available! To commemorate “holodori” surpassing 1.5 million pre-registrations, players will receive the in-game items unlocked through the pre-registration campaign. In addition to Diamonds, Gacha Tickets, and Music Disks that can be exchanged for songs, players can also receive accessories for all 54 participating talents. ▼ Pre-Registration Gifts ・2,500 Diamonds (equivalent to 10 Gacha pulls) ・★4+ Guaranteed Gacha Ticket ・Music Disk x3 ・Memory "Live Stage Day/Night" ・Memory "Park Day/Night" ・Pixel Sunglasses for all 54 talents ・Gacha Ticket x5 ・Kawaii Hairpin for all 54 talents *Please check the in-game announcements for details on how to receive the rewards and the claim period. *Reward contents are subject to change without notice. ▼『Release Celebration! Login Bonus』Underway! To celebrate the service launch, the “Release Celebration Login Bonus” will be held. By logging in to the game every day during the campaign period, players can obtain Diamonds equivalent to 10 Gacha pulls. Be sure to claim these special rewards and enjoy the game. 【hololive Dreams Overview】 Title: hololive Dreams (holodori) Genre: Rhythm & RPG Price: Free-to-play (In-app purchases available) Supported OS: iOS/Android/Steam (May not be available on some devices) App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6756641249 GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=game.qualiarts.hololive.dreams.com Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4282500/hololive_Dreams/ Official Website: https://hololive-dreams.com/en Official X(Japanese): @hololive_dreams ( https://x.com/hololive_dreams ) Official X (English): @holo_dreams_en ( https://x.com/holo_dreams_en ) Copyright: ©️ COVER / ©️ QualiArts, Inc. Published by: QualiArts, Inc. Development/Operations: COVER Corporation / QualiArts, Inc.
- July 25, 2026Business
TOPPAN Group to Host HYPER JAPAN FESTIVAL 2026
TOPPAN Inc. (TOPPAN), a TOPPAN Group company and wholly owned subsidiary of TOPPAN Holdings Inc., and London-based Cross Media Ltd. (Cross Media) will host HYPER JAPAN FESTIVAL 2026 at the Olympia London from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26. This comprehensive event is dedicated to introducing and celebrating the diverse facets of Japanese culture. First launched in 2010, this year’s festival marks its 22nd edition. As the UK's largest B-to-C event dedicated to Japanese culture, it comprehensively presents the appeal of J-culture, including anime, manga, gaming, music, food, and traditional customs. This year’s event will be the largest to date, bringing together over 600 exhibitors and creators to promote the diverse appeal of Japanese content directly to UK consumers. Alongside merchandise sales, the venue will feature new, interactive experiences reflecting the latest trends, such as an indie games interactive area and dedicated VTuber attractions. Popular Japanese musical artists will also take the stage, providing attendees with an immersive J-culture experience. Through this event, the TOPPAN Group provides Japanese companies and local governments looking to expand into the UK and European markets with an opportunity to engage directly with local consumers, thereby supporting their global business growth. Background and Objectives The TOPPAN Group is actively expanding its business footprint in the European market. Recognizing the growing enthusiasm for Japanese culture and content across the UK and Europe, TOPPAN welcomed Cross Media into the group in March 2024 to create more opportunities for Japanese culture exposure and sales. In 2025, the group launched a wholesale distribution business to assist Japanese anime and manga content holders with merchandise sales in the UK. HYPER JAPAN FESTIVAL 2026 leverages TOPPAN’s robust network of Japanese content holders and Cross Media’s proven track record of successful event operations in the UK. Together, the two companies aim to strengthen the connection between Japan's premier cultural assets and Europe’s highly engaged consumer base and fan communities. Event Highlights Over 70 Corporate Exhibitors More than 70 companies, organizations, and local governments representing anime, gaming, food and beverage, and traditional craft industries will showcase and sell their products directly to UK consumers. Key Exhibitors (Alphabetical Order): Bandai Namco Amusement Europe - Toy & Hobby Division, GiGO, GungHo, ITO EN Europe, Kewpie Trading Europe B.V., Konami Digital Entertainment B.V., Mitsubishi Pencil Co. UK Limited, Pentel, Shueisha, Suntory Europe, Takara Shuzo International, UCC Europe, ZEBRA PEN, and others Interactive Content Showcasing the Latest Trends Japanese Indie Games Area: Attendees can play 30 unique Japanese indie game titles. The area will also serve as a business matching space to connect Japanese game developers with European publishers and media, fostering new market opportunities. VTuber Attractions: Dedicated interactive projects will bring Japan's highly popular virtual YouTuber trends directly to European fans. Special Exhibits and Traditional Workshops Hatsune Miku Collaboration: A special exhibit organized by the festival will celebrate the history and journey of the global "HATSUNE MIKU EXPO" concert tour, complete with limited-edition event merchandise. Cultural Workshops: Visitors can experience more than 20 traditional and pop-culture activities, including kintsugi (gold-joinery pottery repair), Japanese calligraphy, Awa Odori dance, and jujutsu. Live Performances The main stage will feature live performances by highly acclaimed Japanese artists—including Eir Aoi, avantgardey, and Queen Bee—alongside popular Europe-based performers. HYPER JAPAN FESTIVAL 2026 Overview About the TOPPAN Group Established in Tokyo in 1900, the TOPPAN Group is a leading and diversified global provider committed to delivering sustainable, integrated solutions in fields including printing, communications, security, packaging, décor materials, electronics, and digital transformation. The TOPPAN Group’s global team of more than 50,000 employees offers optimal solutions enabled by industry-leading expertise and technologies to address the diverse challenges of every business sector and society and contribute to the achievement of shared sustainability goals. https://www.holdings.toppan.com/en/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/toppan/
- July 25, 2026Business
How Frasers Property Thailand strengthened its position as a regional leader in industrial and logistics real estate
The ASEAN region —particularly Thailand— has emerged as a key investment destination for leading companies worldwide. Behind this shift are trends such as the reconfiguration of global supply chains and adoption of China+1 diversification strategies, along with the rapid expansion of industries supporting advanced electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), data centres, and modern logistics. This high-value shift in Thailand’s industrial landscape means that investors today look beyond just land costs or factory locations alone. Increasingly, there is greater emphasis on the readiness of the broader business ecosystem to support faster operational start-up, reduce operational complexity and support long-term growth. More than ever, high-quality infrastructure, efficient logistics systems, stronger partner networks, environmental management, sustainability support, and opportunities for regional business expansion matter. As a result, the role of industrial property developers is evolving from being providers of leased space to that of an integrated business partner, co-designing solutions and creating competitive advantages for customers across the entire supply chain. Beyond industrial: A strategic partner for sustainable growth In this way, Frasers Property (Thailand) Public Company Limited (FPT) is today more than just a developer and manager of industrial and logistics properties. To support the rigorous expansion requirements of customers today, the company is making the shift as a strategic partner that is able to support customers’ business growth at every stage. Through its integrated industrial property solutions, FPT provides end-to-end services, ranging from site selection and customised property design and development to utility and infrastructure management, operational support, and access to an extensive partner network. The company's development capabilities include both Built-to-Suit and Built-to-Function solutions, tailored to meet each customer's specific operational requirements. This integrated approach enables businesses to accelerate operations, improve efficiency, and build a strong foundation for long-term growth. Sustainability is a key consideration in FPT’s business strategy. The company incorporates environmentally-responsible practices throughout the development and management of its industrial properties, guided by internationally recognised environmental standards. Its projects have obtained certifications from leading organisations including TREES (Thai’s Rating of Energy and Environmental Sustainability) green building standard, EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Beyond operational excellence, FPT’s unique approach to placemaking for industrial and logistics real estate extends to enhancing the well-being of employees and building users with features that promote healthy living and work-life balance. The company integrates thoughtfully designed communal areas, including recreational areas, futsal courts and jogging tracks into its projects, contributing to a more holistic, vibrant and productive working environment. The industrial and logistics real estate leader with the most comprehensive portfolio FPT commands its leadership in Thailand’s industrial and logistics real estate business with a comprehensive portfolio of factories and warehouses. The company manages more than 3.8 million square metres (sqm) of industrial space across over 50 strategic locations nationwide and regional assets in Vietnam and Indonesia. These include Ready-Built factories and warehouses, as well as bespoke developments tailored to customers’ specific needs through Built-to-Suit and Built-to-Function solutions. From general warehouses, hazardous material storage and cold storage facilities to factories designed in accordance with energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable building standards, FPT is committed to delivering high-quality facilities that support long-term business growth and sustainable operations for its customers. Recently, FPT has also expanded into industrial estates to broaden its exposure across the industrial value chain. This includes ARAYA – The Eastern Gateway, Thailand's fully integrated industrial development and innovation ecosystem, designed under the Industrial-Tech Ecosystem concept and setting a new standard as Thailand's Smart Industrial Estate spanning more than 4,600 rai, as well as the acquisition of a 2,200-rai industrial estate in Chonburi. FPT’s industrial and logistics business serves leading companies across a wide range of industries. Its diversified customer base comprises both local firms and multinationals such as HAVI Logistics (Thailand), Lyreco, CEVA Logistics, SPX Express, DHL, Maersk, DB Schenker, Billennium, Watsons Thailand, F&N Dairies (Thailand) and Big C Supercenter, among others. Connecting regional growth opportunities through global partnerships FPT’s industrial and logistics business is well-positioned to facilitate customers’ regional and multinational expansion. The company is a subsidiary of Singapore-headquartered Frasers Property Limited, an integrated investor-developer-operator of real estate with businesses in Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe and China. With the strength of the Group’s multinational network and deep asset expertise combined with FPT’s deep local market expertise, the company is well positioned to serve as a long-term strategic partner, helping businesses unlock new cross-border regional growth opportunities, enhance the competitiveness of Thailand’s industrial sector and create sustainable value for customers, communities and the broader supply chain.
- July 25, 2026Business
IOI Wins Silver At The Star ESG Positive Impact Awards 2025
IOI Corporation Berhad (“IOI”) has been awarded the Silver Award in the Human Rights and Labour Standards category under the Large Companies tier at the fourth ESG Positive Impact Awards 2025, which was officiated by the Human Resources Minister Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan at Sunway Resort Hotel on 22 July 2026. IOI Plantation Director Mr NB Sudhakaran (centre) receiving the Silver Award from SMG Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Chan Seng Fatt (right) during the event. The award recognises IOI’s leadership in advancing fair labour practices and human rights standards across our organisation. Beyond strong governance, responsible recruitment and worker welfare, the Group works closely with strategic partners such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Borneo Child Aid Society (HUMANA) to address labour-related challenges proactively. Our key initiatives include a long-standing commitment to providing holistic full-day education for our plantation workers’ children, reinforcing our commitment to children’s right, the IOI Mesra mobile app which empowers workers to raise concerns and seek support, and our newly introduced Pre-Employment Orientation Programme (PEO), designed to strengthen ethical recruitment practices, prevent forced labour while creating lasting social impact for communities. This achievement reflects the dedication of IOI Family in upholding human rights and responsible business practices to create positive impact for our communities. Organised by Star Media Group (SMG), the ESG Positive Impact Awards celebrate large corporations, Small and Medium Enterprises to mid-tier companies that turn ESG commitments into measurable impact for people, communities and the environment. Held under the theme “Celebrating ESG in Action: From Vision to Value”, this year’s awards honoured 44 local organisations with 65 awards across 16 diverse categories for demonstrating impactful, scalable and results-driven ESG initiatives.
SELECT NEWS
SUBSCRIBE TO MARKETERSMEDIA NEWS
ALL NEWS
- Jeannette's Voice Studio Announces 2026 Coaching Expansion
- EVT achieves EarthCheck Platinum Certification for Thredbo Resort, the first destination in Asia-Pacific to set sustainability benchmark
- Coles helps customers take $100 off their in store shop with 20,000 Flybuys points
- UEM Edgenta Cements Role In Delivering Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak
- The Peninsula’s Historic Rolls-Royce Phantom arrives at its new home at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu with support from Cathay Cargo
- Alfen and CATL Reach 5 GWh Sodium-Ion Battery Storage Partnership in Europe
- CATL and Solarpro Sign 2 GWh Sodium-ion Battery Storage Agreement for Eastern Europe
- CATL Receives the 2026 Volkswagen Group Award
- Weathernews Launches Smartphone App for AI-Powered Marine Weather Service SeaNavigator
- First Official hololive production Smartphone Game “hololive Dreams,” Jointly Developed by QualiArts and COVER, Officially Launches
- TOPPAN Group to Host HYPER JAPAN FESTIVAL 2026
- How Frasers Property Thailand strengthened its position as a regional leader in industrial and logistics real estate
- IOI Wins Silver At The Star ESG Positive Impact Awards 2025
- IOI Foundation And MicFront Successfully Host Malaysia’s Largest Public Speaking Event
- Munich Re posts quarterly result of €2.2bn
- Towngas Hydrogen City Design Competition concludes successfully, unleashing students’ STEAM potential and demonstrating diverse applications of green energy
- Secondary students get a real taste of the workplace to develop skills and unlock potential
- Towngas JV VENEX receives first Global Sustainable Transport Certification
ON INSIDER
- Allianz General contributes RM187,597 to charitable causes from Allianz4All Untuk Semua surplus
- IPSE Advances Securities-Based Framework for Intellectual Property Financing
- The Cathay Group releases traffic figures for June 2026 and an update on first-half 2026 financial performance
- CapitaLand Investment establishes RMB3.15 billion private REIT, China’s largest sponsored by an international asset manager
- Today Marks the First Public Release of CentreMove — Building the UK's First Centralised Property Transaction Platform
- Former Homes.com Director Jason Brown & Wife Elizabeth Launch ‘Firm Foundation Team’ with eXp Realty in Hampton Roads
- PatientCentricCare.AI Introduces PCC Safety OS™ to Help Healthcare Scale Trusted AI Across the Continuum of Care
- Gaffen Stone Launches Witchy Sh!t by Design Podcast to Spark a New Conversation on Self-Authority and Authentic Living
- Transportvibe to Launch AI-Powered Shipping Assistant, Secure Booking and TrustScore Ratings
- Hamilton Financial Receives 2026 Global Recognition Award for Client-Centered Financial Planning and Succession Governance

Google
News
RSS Feed
