A clean-up worker on a boat stands over oil absorbant booms during an operation to clear oil from a major spill near Pasir Panjang port terminal in Singapore on June 18, 2024. Clean-up operations continued on June 18 in Singapore as oil from a major spill washed up on beaches and shorelines in the city state following an accident at Pasir Panjang port terminal. (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN / AFP)
Starting 1 June, Singapore will allow employers to hire workers from Laos, Bhutan, and Cambodia for work permit roles, expanding the list of non-traditional source (NTS) countries.
These additions join existing NTS countries including Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
The change applies to the construction, marine shipyard, and process industries, as well as to selected roles in manufacturing and services listed on the Non-Traditional Source Occupation List.
Announcing the update, Singapore Minister for Manpower said that broadening the pool of eligible foreign workers is aimed at helping firms “build a more skilled and resilient workforce.”
The expansion was discussed during the Ministry of Manpower’s Committee of Supply debate on 6 March.
This policy shift is in response to long-standing labor shortages in key industries.
The Singapore Manufacturing Federation highlighted that sectors such as precision engineering, electronics manufacturing, and aerospace have faced ongoing operational disruptions due to manpower gaps, affecting productivity and competitiveness.
In a related effort to support workforce stability, the Ministry of Manpower will also extend the maximum employment period for work permit holders.
While the cap on employment age remains, it will be raised from 60 to 63 years, allowing experienced workers to contribute longer.
Further updates to the NTS Occupation List are expected in September, as Singapore continues its efforts to strengthen its manpower resilience and support industry needs.
AVIS sets a safety precedent, becoming Singapore’s sole car rental firm certified to ISO 45001, meeting global standards.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 May 2025 – AVIS Singapore is the only car rental company in the country to have achieved ISO 45001 certification in December 2024, an international standard equivalent to Singapore’s bizSAFE Star, demonstrating its commitment to the highest levels of occupational health and safety.
AVIS Singapore personnel and their modern fleet, reflecting a commitment to safety, quality, and sustainable mobility solutions.
Path to ISO 45001 Certification
The attainment of ISO 45,001 reflects AVIS Singapore’s dedication to robust health, safety, and operational standards, aligning with its “Driven by Better” brand promise. This certification was enabled by implementing structured internal safety systems for proactive risk management across vehicle handling, premises, and customer interactions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safety.
A key enabler was a leadership-driven culture prioritising the safety, well-being, and accountability of all stakeholders. This was actively supported by systematic employee engagement through regular training and feedback mechanisms. Furthermore, comprehensive adherence to local regulatory requirements and globally recognised best practices in occupational health and safety management was ensured through a strategic partnership with certified consultants.
Commitment to Quality and Environmental Responsibility
Building on its priority of safety, AVIS Singapore also adheres to recognised standards in other key areas. Holding ISO 9,001 for Quality Management and ISO 14,001 for Environmental Management, the company affirms its focus on providing reliable car rentals with a continuous emphasis on service quality, maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for its employees, and proactively working to minimise its carbon footprint.
In line with its environmental responsibility, AVIS Singapore is actively integrating vehicles with enhanced fuel efficiency into its fleet. This includes an increasing adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), a focus aimed at offering customers renting cars in Singapore sustainable mobility solutions with reduced emissions and improved fuel economy.
Upholding Service Excellence
AVIS Singapore’s ISO 45,001, ISO 9,001, and ISO 14,001 certifications assure customers of high standards across all services. Whether you require short-term car rental with well-maintained and reliable vehicles from a diverse fleet, car leasing with consistent quality for extended transportation needs across Singapore and into Malaysia, or chauffeur service ensuring secure and professional transport throughout the region, AVIS Singapore’s commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability benefits every journey.
Learn more at AVIS Singapore’s website. Hashtag: #CarRental #Avis #ISO45001
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
AVIS Singapore
AVIS Singapore, part of Avis Budget Group since 1961, leads the local car rental market. Located strategically at Changi Airport (Terminals 2 and 3) and Havelock Road, AVIS offers reliable rental solutions. As a member of the globally recognised Avis Budget Group — operating in 180 countries with over $12B in revenue — AVIS Singapore embodies the group’s commitment to innovation, customer focus, and sustainable mobility.
Partnership between leading startup media from Japan and Taiwan strengthens Asian innovation coverage
TOKYO, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pacific Bridge Media and Consulting (PBMC), the Tokyo-based producer of the solutions-focused JStories media platform, and Business Next Media (BNext Media), publisher of Taiwan’s leading startup and technology news website Meet Global, are pleased to announce the launch of a cross-border content exchange initiative beginning in June 2025.
Under this new arrangement, selected content will be shared and co-published between PBMC’s JStories (https://jstories.media/), an English-language platform showcasing impact-driven innovation from Japan and across Asia, and BNext Media’s Meet Global (https://meet-global.bnext.com.tw/), which reports on startup trends and entrepreneurship throughout Greater China and Asia.
This partnership aims to broaden access to high-quality, locally sourced coverage of the fast-evolving Asian startup and innovation scene — helping founders, investors, and business professionals discover new ideas, cross-border opportunities, and success stories from both Japan and Taiwan, as well as the wider Asia-Pacific region.
About Pacific Bridge Media and Consulting (PBMC) Based in Tokyo, PBMC is a multilingual media and communications firm specializing in international business storytelling, corporate communications, and event production. PBMC operates JStories, a global-facing media outlet that spotlights Japanese and Asian innovators solving pressing social issues, and produces branded content for clients ranging from government agencies to global corporations.
About JStories JStories (https://jstories.media/) is PBMC’s flagship English-language platform focused on “solutions journalism” — covering entrepreneurs, researchers, and change-makers from Japan and Asia who are tackling social, environmental, and business challenges through technology and creativity. JStories features original interviews, analysis, and video content for a global audience.
About Business Next Media (BNext Media) Founded in Taipei, BNext Media is Taiwan’s premier media company covering technology, startups, and digital innovation. The company publishes Business Next, a leading business magazine, and operates several digital news brands including Meet Global, which provides in-depth news, analysis, and startup resources for the Mandarin-speaking world and international readers.
About Meet Global Meet Global (https://meet-global.bnext.com.tw/) is an English news platform focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment trends across Asia, with an emphasis on the Greater China region. Under the same brand, Meet operates additional language-specific channels, including Meet Startup (https://meet.bnext.com.tw/), its Mandarin-language platform, and Meet Japan (https://meet-japan.bnextmedia.com/), its Japanese-language counterpart.
Meet Startup is also Taiwan’s largest startup community platform. It organizes business networking events and Meet Taipei, a major startup festival.
Potential Benefits of the Partnership:
Broader Global Reach: Both JStories and Meet Global readers will gain access to a more diverse and regionally balanced stream of innovation stories, helping startups and founders boost their visibility across Asia and beyond.
Knowledge Exchange: Cross-publication of content will enable richer, locally informed perspectives on trends, challenges, and opportunities in the Asian startup landscape.
Ecosystem Building: By sharing news, interviews, and features, the partnership will foster new connections among startups, investors, and supporters in both markets.
Bilingual Impact: With content translated and adapted for local and global audiences, the initiative will help bridge language barriers and promote wider international understanding.
For media inquiries, please contact: Pacific Bridge Media and Consulting (Japan) Email: info@pacificbridge.jp
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 May 2025 – PAO Bank Limited (“PAObank”) announces the appointment of Mr. Ronald Iu as Chief Executive and Executive Director of the Board. Mr. Iu will lead the management team of PAObank to further leverage advanced financial technology, expanding our presence in small and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”) and retail banking, thereby creating greater value for our customers.
Mr. Iu has over 20 years of solid experience in banking and finance. He held various leadership positions in global and local financial institutions, including China CITIC Bank International, Standard Chartered, PrimeCredit and GE Capital (HK). Prior to joining PAObank, Mr. Iu served as the Chief Executive of Airstar Bank and ZA Bank. His extensive experience spanning business management and strategies, risk management and product innovation has given him a deep understanding of customer needs and market trends, bringing unique insights and substantial experience in the development of digital banks.
Mr. Ronald Iu said, “I look forward to working together with the management team and colleagues at PAObank to create better products and user experience for SMEs and individual customers. As PAObank marks its fifth year, we are embarking on the next phase of our business direction and strategy, placing more emphasis on retail banking services. PAObank strives to become ‘the convenient wealth management digital bank’ in everyone’s mind, offering innovative financial solutions that are efficient, hassle-free and flexible. While continuing to offer competitive deposit interest rates as part of client rewards, we will expand into diversified financial services and products to fully develop our retail banking capabilities. Together with my team, we will continue to drive innovation to lead PAObank towards the next milestone.”
Looking ahead, PAObank will continue to be the reliable business partner of SMEs, and create better retail banking products and user experience for customers. By leveraging financial technology and ongoing innovation, PAObank will continue to support the development of digital banks in Hong Kong, serving customers in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
Hashtag: #PAObank #Appointment
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
PAO Bank Limited
PAO Bank Limited (“PAObank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufax Holding Ltd (“Lufax”) (SEHK: 6623; NYSE: LU) and a member of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An”) (SEHK: 2318; SSE: 601318), is committed to fostering financial inclusion and establishing a digital banking ecosystem by leveraging its extensive experience in SME banking services and its leading financial technology advantages. PAObank was granted a banking licence by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in May 2019 to offer banking services via virtual channels. PAObank is expanding diverse business segments including retail banking and SME banking.
SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From May 27-29, Black Sesame Technologies (Stock Code: 2533.HK), a leading automotive-grade computing SoC and Soc-based intelligent vehicle solution provider, made its grand debut at Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) at the Singapore EXPO Convention Center. In the TechXLR8Asia zone (Booth 4N2-5) dedicated to AI, IoT and edge computing, the company showcased its full-stack solutions for robotics, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and edge intelligence.
Black Sesame Technologies Exhibition Booth
Leveraging years of expertise in the automotive industry, Black Sesame Technologies has expanded into robotics and edge computing through its proprietary IP cores, algorithms, and software ecosystems. The company’s Huashan A1000/A2000 and Wudang C1200 chip families deliver high performance, reliability and cost efficiency, serving as core computing engines for ADAS, robotics, edge AI and consumer electronics. These solutions have empowered leading global automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
At the exhibition, Black Sesame Technologies highlighted its comprehensive robotics solutions:
Pre-designed SOM Boards: Powered by Huashan A1000/Wudang C1200 chips, providing scalable, energy-efficient hardware foundations that reduce development cycles
Developer Kit/ Evaluation Board: Ready-to-use platforms with ROS1/ROS2 compatibility enabling rapid prototyping for SLAM navigation and multi-sensor fusion
Turnkey Solutions: End-to-end services from chip selection to structural manufacturing
Since establishing its Singapore subsidiary in 2018, Black Sesame Technologies has built a team covering R&D, technical support, and business development. As a global operations hub, the Singapore team provides full lifecycle support for Southeast Asian clients from chip integration to deployment.
“Southeast Asia is an emerging frontier for robotics applications, with strong demand in industrial automation, smart logistics and urban mobility,” said Dr. Xu Jin, General Manager of Black Sesame Technologies Singapore. “We deliver not just high-performance hardware, but also algorithm optimization and customized solutions to help customers overcome complex challenges.”
Black Sesame Technologies will continue expanding partnerships across Southeast Asia to scale robotics applications in smart manufacturing, service robotics, and smart cities. The company also demonstrated a logistics robot prototype powered by its Wudang C1200 chip featuring edge-LLM enabled autonomous navigation.
Contact For business or technical inquiries: Black Sesame Technologies Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) Address: 01 Fusionopolis Walk, #04-05/06, Solaris South Tower, Singapore 138628 Tel: +65 6908 2986 Email: sg@bst.ai Website: https://www.blacksesame.com.cn
The pioneering hospitality group’s latest property exhibition is headlined by ultra-luxury condos targeting HNWI amid strong international demand for lifestyle homes in Phuket
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 May 2025 – Banyan Group Residences’ latest sales exhibition, to be held at Fairmont Hotel Singapore this weekend May 31-June 1 will showcase a number of new projects in Phuket, amid a surge of international interest in luxury real estate on the island from all over the world including Singapore which is one of the group’s top 5 global source markets and accounts for 6% of the group’s Phuket real estate sales.
Banyan Tree Beach Residences Oceanus
Banyan Group expects to release US$1bn worth of new luxury residential real estate in Phuket over the next two to three years, as demand for quality homes on the island remains high from diverse international markets.
At the top of the range is Banyan Group’s latest absolute beachfront project, Banyan Tree Beach Residences Oceanus – branded residences at the rarest location within internationally-renowned Laguna Phuket which are set right on the beach in a prime area of Bang Tao, the island’s most sought-after district.
The 16 magnificent ultra-luxury 4-bedroom Banyan Tree Beach Residences Oceanus are exceptional in every way, with each boasting built-up areas which measure from an incredible 416 sqm all the way up to 768 sqm for the penthouses. Finished to the highest standards using the highest quality materials, they unlock a lifestyle of unparalleled luxury on the doorstep of one of the world’s most desirable beaches and are expected to set new record prices for condos on the island.
Other recent launches to be showcased in Singapore include Residences at Garrya Phuket, new wellness concept beachfront homes managed as part of the Garrya Phuket hotel which come with guaranteed rental returns of 5% for the first 5 years, and Laguna Lake Residences Aster, minimal-chic contemporary style low-rise condos with a stunning rooftop infinity pool – around a multi-purpose communal lawn and manicured gardens, situated at the entrance of Laguna Phuket and just a stroll away from the popular lifestyle malls of Boat Avenue and Central de Porto.
Meanwhile the Group will also be showcasing Skypark Elara Lakelands Residences, stunning nature-themed residences with beautiful rooftop pools and terraces overlooking tranquil parks and lagoons. These are the second phase of condos at the pioneering new Laguna Lakelands, a one square kilometre residential community interwoven by 15km of nature trails and walkways, natural forest and tranquil lagoons. The breathtakingly ambitious master plan is unfolding in stages and incorporates a wide range of recreational options for all ages prioritising health and wellness including a community club featuring an Olympic sized pool, tennis and padel courts and a fitness centre.
Banyan Group, led by Singaporean entrepreneur Ho Kwong Ping (KP Ho), is famous for its pioneering Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts luxury hospitality brand with a strong focus on wellbeing which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. The group’s first property was Banyan Tree Phuket – also the first resort to introduce the private pool villa concept – but this has since grown to an impressive group of over 90 luxury resorts globally. Last year, Banyan Tree Group rebranded to Banyan Group to reflect the fact that the Group now has 12 global brands of which Banyan Tree is the flagship.
Banyan Group has also been an important driving force in the development of Phuket first as a tourism destination, and more recently as a place for second homes. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Andaman Sea, on a 3km stretch of Bang Tao’s pristine beach, Laguna Phuket, developed by the Banyan Group has evolved over 35 years to become Asia’s leading integrated resort, home to seven world-class hotels, premium facilities as well as now some 3,000 branded residences, many on or close to the beach.
Spanning over 1,000 acres of lush parkland and located just a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, Laguna Phuket has an award-winning 18-hole golf course, luxury spas, exceptional dining options, and countless activities to create unforgettable experiences. Its hotels and condos are set against picturesque lagoons and are interconnected by boats. It will soon also have its own 150-metre-long Beach Club with dedicated zones reserved exclusively for residents.
As more and more people over time have flocked to Phuket not just for vacations but as a place to live, Laguna Phuket has evolved to become a unique international residential community, welcoming people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, with nationals of some 70 different countries as its residents. It even has its own kindergarten, medical and wellness facilities.
“We’re seeing a huge demand for new homes in Phuket due to a whole range of factors from trends such as urban flight, work from home, geopolitical issues and simply the fact that Phuket has become a great place to live with world-class international schools and hospitals and all the benefits of a year-round tropical lifestyle,” said Stuart Reading, Managing Director of Banyan Group Residences.
“High-quality property is still significantly cheaper in Phuket than in most of the buyer source markets like Hong Kong, Singapore or Europe, which is also an important factor,” he said. “For a high quality development in a prime location in Hong Kong, USD1m only gets you about 22sqm of space, compared to over 200 sqm in Phuket,” he said.
Singapore buyers are in the top 5 markets for residential properties at Laguna Phuket, accounting for 6% of all historic sales.
There is still plenty of room for more growth, according to Banyan Group. Up to 2024, a total of around 3,000 residential units have been built in Laguna Phuket, with another 700 now under development. A further 10,000 units are eventually envisaged for Laguna Phuket and Laguna Lakelands over the next 10 years.
“Our strategy is to focus solely on quality high spec residences, regardless of their size,” says Stuart Reading, MD of Banyan Group Residences. “It’s a bit like when you buy a car from a luxury car brand like BMW or Mercedes, even if you are buying a smaller vehicle you know that the quality and craftsmanship is still on the same level as the top of the range models.”
Mr Reading says the group will develop larger branded apartments and penthouses in some of Laguna Phuket’s prime beachfront sites, some possibly measuring up to 500 or even 700 sq m in size.
“Scarcity of beachfront land especially on the prestigious central west coast where we’re located means we can look to create luxury living through spacious and high-spec apartments with private terrace or rooftop pools rather than land-intensive single villas,” he explains.
At the same time, Banyan Group will build lower entry price, smaller but still high specification condominiums in Laguna Lakelands, and other sites within Phuket Laguna that are further from the beach.
Banyan Group recently announced a new initiative The Laguna Advantage, which offers a full suite of services designed to make living in Phuket easier for new homeowners. They range from complimentary first year management services and property insurance to healthcare and education privileges such as complimentary first year enrolment at Laguna Phuket’s award-winning onsite pre-school SILK Kindergarten and special rates at Phuket’s leading international schools.
Hashtag: #BanyanGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Banyan Group
Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans across over 90 hotels and resorts, over 140 spas and galleries, and 14 branded residences in over 20+ countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme with Banyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Management Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.
About Banyan Group Residences
Banyan Group Residences is the property development arm of leading hospitality pioneer the Banyan Group, which is listed on the stock exchanges of Thailand and Singapore. With over 30 years of development experience and an impressive portfolio of residential brands to suit different lifestyles and budgets, it is Thailand’s leading lifestyle property developer with a strong and increasingly international pipeline of projects. The group ‘ s main residential brands are the flagship luxury Banyan Tree Residences as well as Angsana Residences, Dhawa Residences, Garrya Residences, Laguna Residences, Cassia Residences, Skypark and the pioneering new Laguna Lakelands.
Committed to delivering advanced technology solutions, with a particular focus on wireless and energy infrastructure
Strengthening network integration of XLSMART post-merger to enhance connectivity, sustainability, and customer experience
JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, today announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with XLSMART, the newly established entity following the merger of PT XL Axiata Tbk and PT Smartfren Telecom Tbk.
ZTE and XLSMART sign a strategic partnership agreement
The agreement, aimed at bolstering Indonesia’s digital infrastructure, was signed by Richard Liang, President Director of ZTE Indonesia and Shurish Subbramaniam, Director & Chief Technology Officer of XLSMART.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by senior executives from both companies, including Fang Rong, Chairman of ZTE; Xiao Ming, President of ZTE Overseas; Mei Zhonghua, President of Asia-Pacific & CIS Region of ZTE; Bai Yang, CTO of Asia & CIS Region of ZTE; Musa Gan, Sales Director of PT ZTE Indonesia; and from XLSMART: Franky Oesman Widjaja, Chairman of Sinar Mas Telecommunications and Technology; I Gede Darmayusa, Chief Network Integration Officer; and Sanjay Sachdeva, Chief Procurement Officer.
Through this partnership, ZTE is committed to delivering advanced technology solutions, particularly focused on wireless and energy infrastructure, to support the accelerated integration of networks following the merger. This includes developing a reliable 5G network, implementing energy-efficient solutions using green technology, and strengthening the national digital ecosystem. This collaboration will not only enhance service quality and customer experience but also contribute to accelerating Indonesia’s digital transformation, aligning with the government’s vision to drive digital economic growth and ensure equitable connectivity across the country.
ZTE is committed to providing full support to XLSMART in the integration and transformation of the merged network, aiming to create an infrastructure that is future-ready with high efficiency and optimal performance. This support includes the provision of a reliable supply chain and rapid delivery of network equipment, the development of innovative product solutions tailored to the latest technological needs, as well as engineering and implementation that ensure a smooth and stable integration process with a consistent user experience. Additionally, ZTE will conduct comprehensive network planning and optimization to maximize performance and investment value at every site.
Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith shakes hand with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru (Photo credit: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
Starting 1 June, Japanese travelers will be able to stay in Laos without a visa for up to 30 days, doubling the previous limit of 15 days, as announced by Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith during his visit to Japan on 29 May.