Laos has been ranked 7th in ASEAN and 102nd in the world for education, according to the latest assessment by World Population Review.
Hang Lung Leads Industry Dialogue on Net Zero Transition with Groundbreaking Discussion Paper
Hang Lung presents an innovative in-depth analysis of its potential journey to net zero as a model for the real estate sector, calling for greater transparency and improved benchmarks to drive real estate decarbonization
HONG KONG SAR & SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OuReach Newswire – 24 March 2025 – Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) (the “Company” or “Hang Lung”) has published a first-of-its-kind discussion paper, “Our Journey to Net Zero: Our Scenarios and Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions to 2050.”
While many companies have made net zero commitments, few have carefully examined how to achieve these commitments. Hang Lung has risen to this challenge, adopting an innovative approach based on a decarbonization model with more than 1,000 internal and external data inputs. From this thorough analysis, it has developed two main scenarios to understand potential pathways for the Company to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 2050.
From a starting point of around 1,000,000 tonnes of GHG in 2023, Hang Lung’s emissions could drop to fewer than 100,000 tonnes by 2050—and even go as low as 16,000 tonnes. The scale of new construction and the emissions intensity of available construction materials will play a critical role in shaping this reduction.
The Journey to Net Zero paper concludes that the Company has the potential to fully achieve net zero by 2050. However, doing so will require consistent effort and sustained focus, including strategic collaboration with suppliers. The Company will also need to leverage advancements in technologies.
While the paper’s analysis is based on a close examination of Hang Lung’s emissions pathways, it also raises issues applicable to peers and standard setters. For instance, the paper highlights overlooked sources of emissions, discusses key carbon accounting issues for the sector, and calls for greater transparency and standardized benchmarking for construction materials.
“The real estate sector has a responsibility to reduce its carbon emissions,” Mr. Adriel Chan, Chair of Hang Lung Properties and Chair of the Sustainability Steering Committee, said. “But we need to form a long-term vision together. By addressing key issues head-on—including the impact of business expansion, decarbonization of construction supplies and energy, and emissions blind spots—Hang Lung is demonstrating in this paper that we take our net zero commitment seriously. We also encourage our peers and partners to embrace greater transparency, so we can all learn from and collaborate with one another.”
Illustrating its commitment to catalyzing change in real estate, Hang Lung has outlined eight key actions it is pursuing to support its long-term journey to net zero emissions by 2050:
- Advancing energy efficiency
- Expanding renewable energy procurement
- Improving material efficiency
- Reducing the GHG intensity of construction materials
- Collaborating with suppliers
- Exploring ways to repurpose existing properties
- Improving lifecycle refrigerant management practices; and
- Collaborating with tenants to reduce emissions.
These actions are discussed in greater detail in the paper: https://www.hanglung.com/en-us/media/sustainability-publications.
Expert Reactions
“This effort is truly a milestone and a commendable example for the real estate sector.” – Wei Li, Principal, RMI China.
“Candid, collaborative and practical, this report redefines how companies should report on net zero progress.” – Raefer Wallis, Founder and Chief Executive Offier, GIGA/RESET Standard.
“I believe methodologies and insights from this report can effectively enhance capacity and encourage industry action.” – Da Zhang, Associate Professor, Institute of Energy, Environment and Economy, Tsinghua University.
“The scenario-based approach is very enlightening, with open analysis of uncertainty rather than strategizing with the hope of a magically smooth curve down to zero carbon emissions.” – Jenny Zhang, Director of Sustainability, APAC, Urban Land Institute.
Note to Editors:
Hang Lung’s sustainability achievements:
With support from top management and a long-term vision, Hang Lung aims to become one of the most sustainable real estate companies in the world. Through clear and measurable sustainability goals, including 25 Targets to be achieved by 2025, 2030 Sustainability Goals and Targets, and net zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the Company has gained recognition from stakeholders for its pioneering sustainability initiatives in real estate. Hang Lung obtained more than 45 ESG awards in 2024.
The Company is on the CDP “Corporate A List,” with an “A” rating for Climate Change and an “A-” rating for Water Security. Since 2021, Hang Lung has received a 4-star performance rating for standing investments from the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), and maintained an “AA” rating in the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment and a “low ESG risk” rating from Sustainalytics. The Company has also been a constituent stock of the FTSE4Good Index Series and the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index (Mainland and Hong Kong) since 2021 and 2010 respectively.
Hang Lung has also demonstrated its sustainability leadership in renewable energy, low carbon construction and tenant partnerships. Since April 2024, 50% of Hang Lung’s operating properties in mainland China have been powered by renewable energy. For low carbon construction, Plaza 66 Pavilion Extension’s building structure in Shanghai is Hang Lung’s first Mainland project to use almost 100% low carbon emissions steel. And the Company has partnered with 49 tenants representing 11% of its total leasable area on sustainability initiatives through its nationwide Changemakers Program for all tenants, and its first-of-its-kind sustainability collaboration with LVMH Group in 2022.
For more details, please visit: https://www.hanglung.com/en-us/sustainability
Hashtag: #HangLungProperties
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hang Lung Properties

Laos Achieves Trade Surplus of USD 310 Million in February
Laos recorded a trade surplus of USD 310 million in February, as the total value of imports and exports (excluding electricity) reached approximately USD 1,540 million.
Fitness First is ready to feature Asia’s Biggest Group Fitness Festival Returns! TUFF 2025
Set to Take Over ICONSIAM Mall, Get Ready for the Ultimate Group Workout Experience – Tickets Available March 24, at Eventpop
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 March 2025 – The Ultimate Fitness Force 2025 (TUFF 2025), Asia’s largest group fitness festival, is coming to TRUE ICON HALL, ICONSIAM, on June 7-8, 2025. Hosted by Fitness First Thailand in collaboration with ICONSIAM, and Les Mills Asia Pacific, this massive two-day event is set to welcome over 8,000 participants from across Asia and beyond.

TUFF 2025 will redefine group fitness, bringing together high-energy workouts, world-class trainers, and an electrifying festival atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting your journey, this event promises an unparalleled fitness experience that blends movement, music, and motivation.
“TUFF 2025 is more than a fitness event – it’s a global fitness movement,” said Orawan Kleawpatinon, Head of Marketing at Evolution Wellness (Thailand) Co., Ltd. “With Fitness First, Les Mills, and ICONSIAM, we’re bringing together the region’s most passionate fitness communities for an unforgettable experience.”
What to Expect at TUFF 2025
- The Biggest Les Mills Classes Lineup Ever – Featuring BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT, BODYJAM, RPM, LES MILLS DANCE, BODYBALANCE, and the debut of Les Mills Pilates! Total of 13 classes over 2 days.
- Red Hot Dance Ignition by Fitness First – Mix of Pop, Hip-hop, House, Latin, Shuffle, K-Pop, and EDM with a sexy, feminine twist.
- Global Superstar, Trainers and Presenters – the gathering of Les Mills trainers, presenters, and ambassadors walking legends including the top superstars from Thailand team.
- Immersive Stage Production – Experience cutting-edge sound, lighting, and visuals.
- HYROX Physical Fitness Test – A global fitness challenge designed for all levels.
“TUFF 2025 is set to be Asia’s most exhilarating fitness experience,” said Pairach Visessiriluk, Head of Tenant and Customer Experience Division, ICONSIAM Company Limited. “Bangkok is becoming a hub for global fitness events, and TUFF 2025 will further establish our city as the ultimate destination for wellness tourism.”
Tickets for TUFF 2025 will be available via Eventpop https://www.eventpop.me starting March 24, 2025. Standard class passes are priced at THB 900 per session, with premium options such as VIP front-row access and exclusive meet-and-greet sessions available. Discount for Fitness Trainers around the world is available too!
With a larger venue, world-class trainers, and a festival-like atmosphere, TUFF 2025 is set to be the most exhilarating group fitness event of the year.Hashtag: #fitnessfirst #iconsiam
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Thailand Says ‘Disappointed’ by Renewed Gaza Hostilities

AFP – Thailand has said it is “disappointed” by the return to hostilities in Gaza and called for the release of hostages, including a Thai national.
ITE Singapore collaborates with Dell Technologies to enable AI adoption through launch of Hybrid Cloud VDI Centre

- ITE Singapore and Dell Technologies are combining academic excellence with real-life practical industry expertise and technology to close the AI skills gap, fostering innovation and accelerating digital transformation.
- ITE has worked with Dell to establish a hybrid cloud Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Centre. It allows students to learn from anywhere regardless of hardware and enables flexible teaching.
- The VDI Centre, powered by Dell VxRail, combines agility, scalability and efficiency with streamlined operations.
- As part of establishing the VDI Centre, ITE aims to deliver a Universal Omniverse Experience (UOX). This will equip staff and students with essential digital skills through training, upskilling and certification in key areas such as cloud computing, virtualisation and AI.

The VDI Centre supports up to 80 virtual machines accessible using any web browser. It allows students to learn from anywhere without worrying about hardware specifications, supporting more flexible teaching methods. Powered by Dell VxRail, the VDI Centre delivers agility, scalability and efficiency to enhance the learning experience.
Why Does It Matter?
The traditional classroom model faced significant challenges during the pandemic, including resource bottlenecks and scheduling conflicts. This led to a rapid surge in demand for digital learning. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) eliminates the need for desktops and IT hardware to be physically located in the same space. It allows users to connect to a remote data centre over the Internet or local network, providing a fast and efficient experience wherever the student is and empowers ITE to offer more flexible teaching methods.
Seamless Learning Experience at Scale Powered by Dell
The VDI Centre, built on Dell VxRail hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI), delivers agility and performance through automated lifecycle management.
- The VDI Centre enables virtual lab clients to operate like physical PCs, but accessible from any web browser, offering a seamless user experience. It can run up to 80 virtual machines concurrently.
- Using the virtual machines within the VDI Centre, students can gain access to advanced AI tools like GenAI animation and 3D modelling for experimentation and prototyping, enhancing their learning experience.
- Additionally, the VDI Centre’s flexibility fosters collaboration with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) industry partners such as Convergent Systems (S) Pte Ltd, PilotPulse Pte Ltd, Ninety One Branding & Marketing Pte Ltd and Alteredverse Pte Ltd on AI-focused projects, bridging the gap between education and real-world applications.
As part of establishing the VDI Centre, ITE also aims to deliver a Universal Omniverse Experience (UOX). The UOX entails equipping staff and students with essential digital skills through training, upskilling and certification in key areas such as cloud computing, virtualisation and AI.
Combining academic excellence with real-life practical industry expertise, Dell and ITE are working towards closing the AI skills gap, fostering innovation and accelerating digital transformation.
Collaborating to shape an AI-ready workforce
ITE and Dell bring together their innovation and technology capabilities to train, upskill and certify ITE staff and students for an AI-ready workforce.
- Train: Dell will provide expertise in IT infrastructure virtualisation and hybrid cloud, essential building blocks that power AI deployment, to enhance ITE’s curriculum and train its staff and students.
- Skill: Dell will deliver state-of-the-art technology infrastructure while collaborating with ITE to develop skill-building programs that equip students with in-demand tech skills. To strengthen industry collaboration, ITE and Dell will host visitors at the VDI Centre, offering support to SMEs incubating industry projects that take advantage of VDI technology. Additionally, ITE will conduct workshops designed to help enterprises adopt and implement VDI solutions, driving cross-industry innovation and growth.
- Certify: ITE and Dell are collaborating to offer short courses to SMEs focused on gaining technical certification in areas like AI and Data Centre virtualisation using the VDI Centre. Participants will receive a Certificate of Competency (CoC) from ITE upon completion of the course.
Underpinned by the three key pillars, the collaboration will support lifelong learning for ITE staff and students as well as strengthen ties with the technology sector.
Perspectives
“Accelerating AI adoption for all is a purpose Dell and Singapore’s National AI Strategy share as enabled by the Singapore FY2025 budget’s Enterprise Compute Initiative dependent on reliable, local access to high-performance computing for AI development,” said Andy Sim, vice president and managing director, Singapore, Dell Technologies. “Our collaboration with ITE aims to nurture AI-savvy talent and enhance tech curricula, supporting enterprises and communities in building an AI-ready workforce.”
Low Khah Gek, chief executive officer, ITE, said, “By leveraging our partnership with Dell Technologies, we are not only enabling our learners to acquire new skills related to AI and virtualisation technologies but also preparing them for the future of work. The hybrid cloud VDI Centre empowers learners to access advanced tools and resources from anywhere, ensuring that our training remains flexible and impactful. Together, we are shaping an AI-ready workforce that will drive innovation and digital transformation in Singapore.”
Hashtag: #delltechnologies
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Dell Technologies
Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) helps organisations and individuals build their digital future and transform how they work, live and play. The company provides customers with the industry’s broadest and most innovative technology and services portfolio for the AI era.
New Prudential Wealth Suite caters to growing high net worth segment
Number of Prudential Private Client Advisors serving HNW individuals rose six-fold since 2018 to meet increased demand for specialised wealth advisory services
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 March 2025 – Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) has launched the Prudential Wealth Suite (“Wealth Suite”). It is an exclusive space for the life insurer’s Private Client Advisors (PCAs) to serve their expanding pool of high net worth (HNW) customers who seek comprehensive wealth and financial planning services in Singapore. The Wealth Suite is located within the insurer’s main customer service centre at Prudential Tower in Raffles Place, and opened its doors on 17 March 2025.

Prudential’s HNW business has grown in recent years, mirroring Singapore’s rise in prominence as a leading international financial centre. The company saw a 16 per cent increase in its number of HNW customers from 2023 to 2024, driven by its financial representatives and advisors, and sales rose by over 40 per cent within the same time period.
With the millionaire population in Asia projected to more than double from 10 million in 2022 to 22 million in 2030,[1] Prudential anticipates leveraging this growth momentum to build on its HNW business.
Mr Goh Theng Kiat, Chief Customer Officer, Prudential Singapore, said: “The Prudential Wealth Suite is part of Prudential’s strategy to support the continued growth of wealthy individuals in Singapore and the region, and it is designed to deliver seamless and convenient holistic advisory to our high net worth customers.
“In tandem with the region’s growing pool of wealthy individuals who view Singapore as a global wealth hub, we anticipate that overseas customers will make up a significant portion of Prudential Wealth Suite users. These customers often have complex and globally connected portfolios, and appreciate Singapore’s strategic location for accessing Asian markets and a climate of stability in the country, making it their preferred location for wealth diversification solutions.”
The Wealth Suite offers a private, by-appointment-only environment where HNW customers can discuss their insurance and wealth management requirements with their PCA in comfort.
A special feature of the Wealth Suite is the presence of an in-house advisor who works together with PCAs to support HNW customers with more complex financial needs. Eligible HNW customers can additionally request to consult with an external panel of experts for tax and business advisory, legal and estate planning, fiduciary and trust services, family office advisory services as well as legacy giving.
“Tax planning is an integral part of financial planning for high net worth individuals with complex wealth structures and estate planning needs. Many of our wealthy customers seek ongoing guidance on tax-related matters to optimise their financial planning strategies. Another priority is growing and preserving their wealth, so we are focused on ensuring that we have the right advisors and solutions to meet their unique needs,” said Mr Goh.
In response to these priorities, Prudential offers a range of solutions from wealth accumulation to legacy planning for HNW customers, including its latest offering – PRUVantage Legacy Index – an indexed universal life insurance product designed to address HNW individuals’ protection and legacy planning needs. Prudential’s HNW customers also receive swift underwriting, priority service, and VIP medical services.
In 2018, Prudential set up a team of 60 PCAs who are specially trained to support the unique needs of HNW individuals. This group has since grown over six-fold in strength to more than 380 PCAs today. There are stringent criteria for Prudential financial representatives to become a PCA, including being a Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)[2] qualifier with at least three years of licensed financial advisor experience in the industry.
“We invest in our Private Client Advisors to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver the highest level of advice and service to our growing clientele of high net worth customers. We now have more than 380 Private Client Advisors who are specially trained to advise our customers,” added Mr Goh.
In addition to in-house training, Prudential fully funds the professional development of its PCAs through customised courses designed by the Wealth Management Institute (WMI), a leading centre for wealth and asset management education and research. Through the WMI training, PCAs gain expertise in wealth structuring areas such as asset protection, liquidity planning, wealth accumulation, and wealth preservation.
About the Prudential Wealth Suite and Customer Service Centre
The Wealth Suite is located within Prudential’s new customer service centre (CSC) at Prudential Tower (30 Cecil Street, Singapore 049712) and commenced operations on 17 March 2025. The location may be familiar to some customers who would have been served at the CSC when it was housed in Prudential Tower back in 1999. The CSC was moved to the Marina One building in 2018, before being relocated back to Prudential Tower in 2025.
The CSC covers two floors at Prudential Tower, with the Wealth Suite situated on the mezzanine level. The entire CSC is constructed from eco-friendly, green-labelled materials, and is wheelchair-accessible. It offers a lounge-style environment with private servicing areas for customers.
Besides serving customers in-person, the CSC offers video servicing for all customers for greater convenience. Customers can make a video servicing appointment easily on the Prudential Singapore website.
Hashtag: #PrudentialSingapore
https://www.prudential.com.sg/
https://sg.linkedin.com/company/prudential-assurance-company-singapore
https://www.facebook.com/PrudentialSingapore/
https://www.instagram.com/prudentialsingapore/?hl=en
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore)
Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life and health insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country’s citizens for 93 years. The company has an AA- Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s, with S$53.3 billion funds under management as at 31 December 2023. It delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of more than 5,200 financial representatives.
American Express and Singapore Airlines Enhance Business Card with New Exclusive Benefits for SMEs

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 March 2025 – American Express and Singapore Airlines today announced the introduction of new benefits to the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card, designed to provide greater travel rewards and enhanced redemption options for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The enhancements include a higher limit on converting HighFlyer points to KrisFlyer miles and the ability to redeem points for KrisFlyer Elite Gold status at a discounted rate.

Updated Benefits for the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card
Starting 23 April 20251, new and refreshed benefits include:
- Increased limit for HighFlyer point-to-KrisFlyer mile conversion to 150,000 miles – previously capped at 100,000 miles. HighFlyer points convert to KrisFlyer miles at a 1:1 rate.
- Attaining KrisFlyer Elite Gold status with the redemption of 100,000 HighFlyer points, compared with the standard requirement of 125,000 points2.
- Welcome bonus of 10,000 HighFlyer points when businesses new to the HighFlyer programme complete their first flight, booked via the Singapore Airlines HighFlyer booking portal.
- Access to accelerated KrisFlyer Elite Gold status upgrade for one corporate traveller3 with a minimum spending of S$15,000 on eligible Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights in the first year of Card Membership.
- Bonus of 6,000 HighFlyer points, when Card Members pay their annual renewal membership fee.
- Earn rate of up to 8 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent on Singapore Airlines or Scoot flights. This includes 2 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent on eligible Singapore Airlines Group transactions4, 1 bonus HighFlyer point per S$1 spent on qualifying Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights on the Card, and a base rate of 5 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent awarded by Singapore Airlines for HighFlyer members who purchase an eligible flight ticket.
- Card Members also enjoy 1.2 HighFlyer points per S$1 on all other eligible spending on the Card.
Card Members will continue to enjoy existing benefits such as:
- 0% interest on instalments over six months on Singapore Airlines flights.
- Accor Plus membership, including a complimentary night stay every year, up to 50% off dining across AccorHotels properties in Asia Pacific, with annual fee payment.
- Hertz Gold status with 10% off best available retail rates, one car class upgrade for rentals, and more.
With these benefits, the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card will have an annual fee of S$400 including 9% GST, starting 23 April 2025.
Mr. Marlin Brown, Singapore Country Manager, American Express, said, “Building on our 25-year partnership with Singapore Airlines, we are excited to refresh the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card, which is designed to help business owners go further – delivering greater rewards, travel benefits and financial flexibility to support their growth.”
Mr. Ng Yung Han, Vice President Global and Corporate Sales, Singapore Airlines, said: “Singapore Airlines’ long-standing collaboration with American Express has allowed us to deliver even more benefits and rewards to our customers. The Singapore Airlines HighFlyer business travel programme, coupled with these enhancements to the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card, offers a comprehensive suite of rewards to small and medium enterprises. These are tailored to give them even greater flexibility and value as they travel with Singapore Airlines.”
Please visit go.amex/siabusinessterms for more details on the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card.
Hashtag: #AmericanExpress #SingaporeAirlines
https://www.americanexpress.com.sg
https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-express
https://www.X.com/americanexpress
https://www.facebook.com/americanexpresssingapore
https://www.instagram.com/americanexpress
https://www.youtube.com/americanexpress
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About American Express
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com.sg and connect with us on
facebook.com/americanexpresssingapore,
instagram.com/americanexpress,
linkedin.com/company/american-express,
X.com/americanexpress, and
youtube.com/americanexpress.
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