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Ecolab Recognizes Chandra Asri Group and Aster with Southeast Asia Impact Awards for Water Conservation Leadership

SINGAPORE, Sept. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ecolab Inc., a global leader in sustainability solutions for water, hygiene, and infection prevention, has recognized Chandra Asri Group for its outstanding leadership and achievements in water conservation and energy optimization across operations in Indonesia and Singapore. The honor comes as part of the Ecolab Southeast Asia Impact Award, highlighting Chandra Asri Group’s exceptional impact and commitment.

Ecolab and Chandra Asri Group team in Singapore
Ecolab and Chandra Asri Group team in Singapore

 

(Left) Christophe Beck, Ecolab Chairman and CEO, with (Right) Erwin Ciputra, President Director and CEO of Chandra Asri Group and Aster
(Left) Christophe Beck, Ecolab Chairman and CEO, with (Right) Erwin Ciputra, President Director and CEO of Chandra Asri Group and Aster

The award acknowledges Chandra Asri Group’s success in optimising water savings of more than 2 million cubic metres and delivering measurable energy efficiencies through innovative solutions and long-term collaboration with Ecolab. The recognition positions Chandra Asri Group as one of the region’s leading industrial champions advancing water circularity and sustainable resource management.

The accolade was presented during a high-level executive meeting in Singapore between Christophe Beck, Ecolab Global Chairman and CEO, and Erwin Ciputra, President Director and CEO of Chandra Asri Group and Aster.

Christophe Beck, Chairman & CEO of Ecolab Inc. said, “Chandra Asri Group and Aster are setting a powerful example of how innovation, partnership and purpose can deliver lasting impact for business and the planet. Their commitment to water circularity and energy efficiency reflects the kind of bold action required to build a more resilient future across Southeast Asia. Together, we’re proving that operational excellence, business growth and environmental progress don’t have to be mutually exclusive.”

Erwin Ciputra, President Director and CEO of Chandra Asri Group and Aster, said “Sustainability is the core of Chandra Asri Group’s transformation and growth journey. Our partnership with Ecolab has been instrumental in helping us advance water circularity and optimise resource efficiency.  As we expand across Southeast Asia, we look forward to deepening this collaboration to deliver solutions that not only strengthen our operations but also contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future. Ecolab has been a valuable partner in helping us improve safety, optimize resource use and reduce environmental footprint.”

Diego Trujillo, VP & GM for Downstream Ecolab Southeast Asia, shared, “We’re proud of the long-standing partnership with Chandra Asri Group in Singapore and Indonesia and excited for regional collaborations for sustainable growth. The teams from both organizations have expertise and exceptional dedication to delivering operational excellence, continuous improvements, and putting safety first.” 

The partnership continues to expand across strategic areas, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to advancing sustainable innovation in the region:

  1. Water Circularity: Reducing, reusing, and reclaiming water across business operations, to address water scarcity and minimise reliance on freshwater resources
  2. Sustainable Growth through Water-Energy Nexus: Optimising water use and reducing the energy required for moving water, heating, cooling, and pumping
  3. Innovation and Digital Transformation: Leveraging real-time monitoring and advanced water technologies to enhance efficiency, performance and resilience

Notably, Ecolab has developed a wastewater treatment facility in Singapore on Aster Chemicals & Energy Jurong Island with a capacity to treat and reuse up to 24,000 cubic meters of wastewater each month.

About Ecolab

A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. Building on more than a century of innovation, Ecolab has annual sales of $16 billion, employs approximately 48,000 associates and operates in more than 170 countries around the world. The company delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use. Ecolab’s innovative solutions improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, high tech, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets. For more information, visit www.ecolab.com.  

Follow us on LinkedIn @Ecolab, Instagram @Ecolab_Inc and Facebook @Ecolab.

About Chandra Asri Group

Chandra Asri Group is a leading provider of energy, chemical, and infrastructure solutions in Southeast Asia, supplying products and services to various manufacturing industries in both domestic and international markets. Since the Group’s establishment in 1992, Chandra Asri has grown from strength to build our reputation as a reliable growth partner, with strategically well positioned assets in Indonesia and Singapore. The Group’s asset base includes a refinery with a capacity of 237,000 barrels per day alongside a 1.1 million metric ton per annum ethylene cracker on Bukom Island, 2.5 million metric ton per annum downstream chemicals on Jurong Island and Indonesia’s one and only naphtha cracker located in Cilegon with a capacity of 0.9 million metric ton per annum. The Company’s business is supported by core infrastructure assets, including energy, water, ports & storage, and logistics. For more information, visit www.chandra-asri.com.

About Aster

Aster Group is a leading provider of energy, chemical, and infrastructure solutions in Southeast Asia, supplying products and services to various manufacturing industries in both domestic and international markets. It is a Chandra Asri-led joint venture with Glencore. Since Chandra Asri Group’s establishment in 1992, the Group has grown from strength to strength to build its reputation as a reliable growth partner, with strategically well positioned assets in Indonesia and Singapore. The Group’s total asset base includes a refinery with a capacity of 237,000 barrels per day alongside a 1.1 million metric ton naphtha cracker on Bukom Island, 2.5 million metric tons of downstream chemical assets on Jurong Island, and a 0.9 million metric ton naphtha cracker in Cilegon. The company’s business is supported by core infrastructure assets, including energy, electricity, water, jetty, and tank farm facilities. For more information, visit www.aster.com.sg.

WuXi AppTec Implements Its First Interim Dividend Plan, Distributing RMB1.03 Billion in Cash Dividends

SHANGHAI, Sept. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd. (Stock Codes: 603259.SH/2359.HK), a global company that provides a broad portfolio of R&D and manufacturing services to enable companies in the pharmaceutical and life science industries, implemented its first interim dividend plan, distributing a total of RMB1.03 billion in cash dividends.

So far this year, to enhance shareholder value, WuXi AppTec has distributed a total of RMB4.88 billion in cash dividends to investors through its annual dividend, special dividend and interim dividend. The Company’s cash dividends, combined with share repurchases and cancellations implemented this year, total RMB6.88 billion, representing over 70% of the net profit attributable to the owners of the Company in 2024.

For A-share shareholders, please refer to the Company’s announcement HERE.
For H‑share shareholders, please refer to the Company’s announcement HERE.

About WuXi AppTec

WuXi AppTec is a trusted partner and contributor to the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, providing R&D and manufacturing services that help advance healthcare innovation. With operations across Asia, Europe, and North America, we offer integrated, end-to-end services through our unique CRDMO (Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization) platform. We are privileged to work alongside nearly 6,000 partners across 30+ countries, supporting their efforts to bring breakthrough treatments to patients. Guided by our vision that every drug can be made and every disease can be treated, we are committed to advancing breakthroughs for patients—one collaboration at a time. Learn more at www.wuxiapptec.com.

22nd China-ASEAN Expo Yields 155 Project Agreements

BEIJING, Sept. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from CRI Online: 

On September 18, the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo hosted a ceremony in Nanning, Guangxi, where, in all, 155 projects were finalized, including 94 industrial agreements, 44 initiatives applying AI across multiple sectors, and 17 international economic and trade deals.

Signing ceremony (Photo courtesy of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Park Development and Investment Promotion Service Center)
Signing ceremony (Photo courtesy of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Park Development and Investment Promotion Service Center)

This year’s signing ceremony focused on the theme of “AI Taking Center Stage, Companies as Key Players.” It emphasized creating an international hub for artificial intelligence cooperation with ASEAN, strengthening cross-regional and cross-border industrial and supply chains, and securing a series of landmark agreements.

Organizers said the 44 AI-related initiatives span the foundational, technological, and application layers of artificial intelligence, in areas including manufacturing, services, agriculture, and the cultural and tourism industries. These initiatives are expected to deepen China-ASEAN cooperation through AI.

The international economic and trade agreements signed this year involve six ASEAN countries: Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia. One example is the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center project, which will cover both construction and operation. The foreign-invested projects encompass integrated intelligent production of specialty agricultural products, biofuels, and paper processing.

Most notably, 45 projects were each valued at more than 1 billion yuan, spanning renewable energy, advanced equipment, metals processing, critical minerals, biomedicine, commercial space, low-altitude aviation and textiles. Among them were two projects worth over 10 billion yuan and three ranging from 5 billion yuan to 10 billion yuan.

2025 World Internet Conference Cultural Heritage Digitalization Forum Opens in Xi’an, Shaanxi

XI’AN, China, Sept. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from CRI Online:

A photo taken at the Forum
A photo taken at the Forum

On September 17, 2025, the World Internet Conference Cultural Heritage Digitalization Forum opened in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. Themed “Bridging History Through Digitalization, Building Civilization with Intelligence — Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace”, the forum aims to strengthen exchanges and dialogues, build broad consensus, and better empower the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage through digitalization, in order to inject profound and enduring cultural strength into the fostering of a community with a shared future in cyberspace.

Following the opening ceremony, the main forum was held where participants engaged in in-depth discussions on four topics: “Protection & Inheritance,” “Technology & Innovation,” “Industry & Empowerment,” and “Openness & Collaborative Governance”. The discussions focused on exploring new methods and pathways of digital empowerment for cultural heritage protection and promoting exchanges and mutual understanding among civilizations. Side events during the forum included an exhibition of selected digital cultural heritage projects, a thematic meeting of the WIC Digital Culture Heritage Working Group, and a training workshop on digital cultural heritage protection. The World Internet Conference Culture Heritage Digitalization Case Collection (2025) was also released during the main forum.

The event is hosted by the World Internet Conference (WIC) and organized by the People’s Government of Shaanxi Province. Approximately 800 guests from over 50 countries and regions, as well as 9 international organizations, attended the forum.

NHG Health And Tanoto Foundation Jointly Launch “I Can’t Believe It Tastes So Good” Healthy Cookbook

Empowering residents and patients with details on calorie count and macronutrients for every dish


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 September 2025 – Today, NHG Health and Tanoto Foundation jointly launched a cookbook titled, ‘I Can’t Believe It Tastes So Good’ – featuring 100 healthy recipes inspired by Chinese, Malay, Indian, Western and other cuisines, a nod to Singapore’s rich cultural diversity as the nation celebrates SG60. In conjunction with the cookbook launch, NHG Polyclinics, the primary care arm of NHG Health, organised a cooking demonstration, which brought together residents and patients to learn about healthier cooking tips from dietitians and patient advocates, as well as healthy lifestyle habits.

(Left to right) Associate Professor Karen Ng, Chief, Primary Care, Population Health, NHG Health, Chief Executive Officer, NHG Polyclinics; Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, Adviser to Sembawang GRC GROs (Sembawang Central); Ms Belinda Tanoto, Member, Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation; and Professor Benjamin Seet, Group Chairman Medical Board (Research) and Co-chair, Academic Partnership Office, NHG Health, launching the healthy cookbook ‘I Can’t Believe It Tastes So Good!” at NHG Sembawang Polyclinic.
(Left to right) Associate Professor Karen Ng, Chief, Primary Care, Population Health, NHG Health, Chief Executive Officer, NHG Polyclinics; Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, Adviser to Sembawang GRC GROs (Sembawang Central); Ms Belinda Tanoto, Member, Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation; and Professor Benjamin Seet, Group Chairman Medical Board (Research) and Co-chair, Academic Partnership Office, NHG Health, launching the healthy cookbook ‘I Can’t Believe It Tastes So Good!” at NHG Sembawang Polyclinic.

2 The event was graced by Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health, Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, and Adviser to Sembawang Group Representation Constituency Grassroots Organisations (Sembawang Central). It was held at the NHG Sembawang Polyclinic Health and Wellness Studio located within Bukit Canberra, an integrated sports and community hub.

3 Launching the ‘I Can’t Believe It Tastes So Good’ cookbook, Minister Ong Ye Kung, said, “Healthy eating is one of the best forms of preventive care. When residents and patients make better food choices together, we not only improve personal well-being but also form friendships and strengthen community bonding. I hope this cookbook can play a positive part in this process.”

4 ‘I Can’t Believe It Tastes So Good’ cookbook is jointly funded by NHG Health Fund and Tanoto Foundation under the NHG Health Diabetes Reversal Programme. Its recipes are specially curated by clinicians and dietitians from NHG Polyclinics and nutritionists from Temasek Polytechnic, based on feedback from patients and community volunteers who participated in tasting sessions or tried these recipes at home. The cookbook offers practical easy-to-follow meals for every occasion and for everyone, especially those managing diabetes and other chronic conditions.

5 “This collaborative cookbook shows how primary care professionals, patients and the community can come together to promote healthy living and build a healthier Singapore. Designed and curated as a key resource for residents and patient empowerment, the cookbook is more than just a collection of healthy recipes; it serves as a bridge connecting families through the shared joy of cooking and creating memories together,” said Associate Professor Karen Ng, Chief of Primary Care, Population Health, NHG Health, and Chief Executive Officer, NHG Polyclinics.

6 “Diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges in Singapore today,” said Belinda Tanoto, Member of the Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation. “We’re excited to launch this cookbook with NHG Health to show that healthy food can be simple, tasty, and easy to prepare. With small changes, we hope more Singaporeans can enjoy healthier meals and build lasting habits.”

7 “Diabetes remains a major health challenge for Singapore. The goal of NHG Health is to not only bring the disease under control and to prevent its complications, but to empower individuals to better manage their health. This cookbook is an example of how we bring real-world solutions directly into homes and kitchens, and our commitment to adding years of healthy life for our population,” said Professor Benjamin Seet, Group Chairman Medical Board (Research), NHG Health.

8 Serving as a resource, the ‘I Can’t Believe It Tastes So Good’ cookbook provides useful details of key nutrients for every dish. Each recipe has been thoughtfully planned to include ample protein, vitamins and fibre (e.g. colourful vegetables), and lower saturated fat, sugar and sodium content to suit different levels of calorie intake required at every stage of life, including those managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, while preserving the flavours of the dishes. The recipes also use simple, fresh ingredients paired with herbs and spices to create meals that are both nutritious and full of flavours, a key highlight of the cookbook.

9 With its launch, NHG Polyclinics’ family physicians, dietitians and nurses will use the cookbook to guide patients to specific recipes to reinforce the importance of healthy eating as part of their patient’s health and treatment plan. Patients will be taught how to plan their meals by mixing and matching the recipes to suit their nutritional needs for better health goals. For instance, the elderly will be guided on choosing recipes that are higher in protein and rich in fibre, and lesser in saturated and trans-fat and sodium to support muscle health, digestion and overall vitality while those with weight concerns will be guided to select the low-calorie recipes. The recipes will also be used at cooking workshops conducted by the Patient Advisory Council members and patient volunteers at the Health Studios located at NHG Polyclinics. It is available to members of the public at https://for.sg/2025-healthy-cookbook to inspire more people to share healthier home-cooked meals with family and friends.

10 “As a dietitian, I often see patients who struggle to eat a balanced meal. One of the reasons is not knowing how to choose healthier ingredients and their limited understanding of food nutrients that the body requires. With this cookbook, it makes it easy for those with dietary restrictions to plan their daily meals. We hope the cookbook can create a rippling effect, inspiring more people to cook their own meals and eat healthier,” said Pauline Xie, Principal Dietitian and Assistant Director of Clinical Services, NHG Polyclinics.

Name Glossary

Associate Professor Karen Ng

Chief, Primary Care, Population Health, NHG Health;

Chief Executive Officer, NHG Polyclinics

黄明燕副教授

总主任,基层医疗,国民保健,

国立健保集团;

行政总裁

国立健保集团综合诊疗所

Belinda Tanoto

Member of the Board of Trustees,

Tanoto Foundation

陈昱廷

董事会成员

陈江和基金会

Professor Benjamin Seet

Group Chairman Medical Board (Research),

NHG Health

薛寒友教授

集团医疗委员会主席(医学研究)

国立健保集团

Ms Pauline Xie

Principal Dietitian

Assistant Director, Clinical Services

NHG Polyclinics

谢欣盈

首席营养师

副处长, 医疗事务处

国立健保集团综合诊疗所

NHG Health Fund 国立健保集团基金
NHG Polyclinics 国立健保集团综合诊疗所

Poliklinik Kumpulan Jagaan Kesihatan Nasional

Nasional

Hashtag: #NHGHealth

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About NHG Health

NHG Health is a leading public healthcare provider in Singapore recognised for its quality clinical care and its commitment in enabling healthier lives through preventive health, innovative solutions and person-centred programmes tailored to every life stage. Our integrated health system, which spans primary care, hospitals and national specialty centres, includes Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Woodlands Health, Yishun Community Hospital, NHG Polyclinics, the Institute of Mental Health, National Skin Centre and the National Centre for Infectious Diseases.

Together with academic and industry partners, we advance medical education, research and healthcare innovation in Singapore, addressing areas that are critical to Singapore’s population needs. As the Regional Health Manager for Central and North Singapore, NHG Health partners general practices and health and social care agencies to ensure the physical, mental and social well-being of residents in the community.

Together, we are committed to building healthier and resilient communities, and Adding Years of Healthy Life to the people we serve.

More information at .

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About NHG Polyclinics

NHG Polyclinics is the primary care arm of NHG Health, the regional health manager for the 1.5 million residents of Central and North Singapore.

NHG Polyclinics provides a comprehensive range of health services for the family, functioning as a one-stop health centre providing treatment for acute medical conditions, management of chronic diseases, women and children health services and dental care. The focus of NHG Polyclinics’ care is on health promotion and disease prevention, early and accurate diagnosis, disease management through physician led team-based care as well as enhancing the capability of Family Medicine through research and teaching.

Through the Family Medicine Academy and the NHG Family Medicine Residency Programme, NHG Polyclinics plays an integral role in the delivery of primary care training at medical undergraduate and post-graduate levels. The Primary Care Academy provides a one-stop primary care training centre for primary healthcare professionals and the community.

About Tanoto Foundation

At Tanoto Foundation, we unlock human potential, help communities thrive, and create lasting impact. Founded in 1981 by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto, we are an independent family foundation that believes in providing every person with the opportunity to realize his or her full potential. To do so, we catalyze systems change in education and healthcare. Our approach is impact-first, collaborative, and evidence-based. We invest for the long term and strive to develop leaders who can drive sustained, positive outcomes.

In Singapore, Tanoto Foundation’s work focuses on four key areas: medical research, early childhood education and development, leadership development, and community development with the aim of improving lives.

Since 2009, Tanoto Foundation has provided catalytic funding to advance scalable healthcare and medical research initiatives. By leveraging Singapore’s world-class medical research ecosystem and integrated academic healthcare landscape, we have supported pioneering projects that generate evidence, inform policy, and deliver real-world solutions for patients and families.

More information is available at

Regent Taipei Recognized Worldwide as Taipei’s Leading Luxury Accommodation

TAIPEI, Sept. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Regent Taipei has long been recognized for its exceptional service, refined hospitality, and commitment to sustainability, earning prestigious distinctions from some of the world’s most respected authorities. Internationally renowned fashion and lifestyle publication W Magazine, in its Insider’s Guide to Taipei, Taiwan, highlighted Regent as the must-stay hotel in the city. From 2017 to 2025, the hotel was honored for nine consecutive years by Forbes Travel Guide, received accolades from the Haute Grandeur Global Awards as “Taiwan’s Best Luxury Spa” and “Asia’s Best City Leisure Hotel,” and was named “Global Winner for Best Luxury Hotel Spa” by the REVE Luxury Awards. Regent Taipei also holds the distinction of being the first hotel in Taiwan to achieve EarthCheck certification, underscoring its role as a pioneer in sustainable luxury hospitality.

Regent Taipei’s elegantly designed lobby welcomes travelers with refined hospitality and timeless luxury.
Regent Taipei’s elegantly designed lobby welcomes travelers with refined hospitality and timeless luxury.

Located in the heart of Taipei’s vibrant Zhongshan District—named by Time Out magazine as one of the “40 Coolest Neighborhoods in the World” in 2023—Regent Taipei offers guests unparalleled access to the city’s cultural, entertainment, and shopping hubs. Within the hotel, the two-level Regent Galleria hosts more than 50 of the world’s most prestigious boutiques, providing an exclusive shopping experience for discerning travelers.

The hotel features 538 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, among the most spacious in the city, with select accommodations offering panoramic skyline views. Guests staying on the Tai Pan floors enjoy the added privilege of 24-hour butler service. Additional facilities include the award-winning Wellspring Spa, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, saunas, and versatile event spaces, including the Regent Ballroom and nine multifunctional meeting rooms designed to meet the needs of business, leisure, and social occasions.

Regent Taipei is also renowned as a culinary landmark, with eight distinctive restaurants and a range of additional dining options located within Regent Galleria. The most notable one is the hotel’s Cantonese fine-dining restaurant, Silks House, which has been named “Taiwan’s No. 1 Chinese Restaurant” by the international dining authority Opinionated About Dining (OAD) for two consecutive years, recognized as Tatler Best Taiwan’s Restaurant of the Year 2024, and awarded a total of 42 distinctions over four consecutive years in the United Daily News’ “500 Plates”, Taiwan’s first locally led food critics’ guide. These honors affirm Regent Taipei’s standing as a premier dining destination in the city.

To accommodate international travelers with limited time in the city, Regent Taipei has thoughtfully curated the “Regent Taste of Luxury Stay” package, allowing guests to enjoy an exclusive dining experience at Silks House without the need for advance reservations. Starting at NT$14,800 per night for two guests, the package includes a Silks House dinner for two, access to the Tai Pan Lounge with its signature privileges, and a special 20% discount on treatments at Wellspring Spa. Guests can indulge in one of Taipei’s most sought-after culinary experiences while enjoying an elegant and seamless stay.

Beyond accommodation and dining, Regent Taipei enhances each stay through its “Regent Academy” program, which connects travelers with Taiwan’s cultural heritage via tea ceremonies, calligraphy workshops, cooking classes, and guided city tours. These curated programs allow guests to gain a deeper cultural connection while enjoying the comforts of a world-class hotel.

Blending modern luxury with cultural authenticity, Regent Taipei stands as the city’s premier hospitality landmark. With award-winning service, a prime location in one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, the hotel continues to redefine luxury hospitality in Taiwan and remains the preferred choice for international travelers.

Xtep Launches 1st Asian Running Club Store

New XRC Space Opens at Singapores Kallang Wave Mall, Blending Gear, Culture and Community

SINGAPORE, Sept. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Xtep, a leading Chinese performance sportswear brand, has opened its first running club store in Asia at Singapore’s Kallang Wave Mall.  More than a typical retail outlet, the new store brings together high-performance running gear and community spaces to create a hub for local runners, featuring immersive displays and multi-category presentations that offer a full range of running products. It also provides dedicated services for professional runners, including marathon events, training camps, coaching sessions, and pacer programs. Guided by its strategy of “Professional runners influence mass runners,” Xtep aims to serve both competitive elite runners who help prove product excellence, as well as beginners and running enthusiasts.


 


Singapore boasts a vibrant and deeply ingrained running culture, supported by a robust calendar of world-class events. According to Sport Singapore (SportSG), running and jogging consistently rank among the nation’s top physical activities, anchored by events such as the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon—which draws over 50,000 local and international participants annually—and a growing circuit of community runs. Capitalizing on this enthusiasm, Xtep has launched its first Xtep Running Club (XRC) store in the region. Designed as both a retail destination and community base, the XRC will host group runs, training sessions, and member events, offering performance footwear for competitive athletes and versatile apparel for training and daily wear. Runners can scan the QR code to join XRC for exclusive events and product experiences.


To mark the opening, Xtep hosted a “XRC RUN” kickoff event. At 6:30 a.m. on September 20, more than 200 runners gathered outside the store for a community run. Participants came from a wide range of industries, including finance, technology, and education, and ran in custom Xtep T-shirts along a route that passed the scenic Kallang River, offering a striking city backdrop. The run highlighted the energy of Singapore’s running community and Xtep’s connection to it. After the run, elite runners were invited to a dedicated 160X 7.0 Champion Collection Elite Appreciation Gathering, where they tested the new carbon-plate racing shoes and participated in interactive sessions. Many participants said the experience helped them choose gear better and appreciate Xtep’s runner support.

The running club store is part of Xtep’s effort to connect professional running with everyday participation. It aims to be a place where runners can find gear, receive guidance, share experiences, and feel supported at every stage of their running journey.

About XTEP

XTEP Group, one of the leading sports brands in China, was founded in 1987 and officially established as the brand XTEP in 2001. The Group was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on June 3, 2008 (01368.hk). In 2019, the Group launched its global strategy, incorporating Saucony, Merrell, K•SWISS, and Palladium to become a leading international sports group with multiple sports brands. For more about XTEP, please visit https://www.globalxtep.com/

Monash University Malaysia’s algae breakthrough clinches global UN climate prize


NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 September 2025 – A team from Monash University Malaysia has won the 4th edition of the Universities for Goal 13 competition, a global challenge organised by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) in partnership with Siemens Energy.

IMG 7059

The winning project, “Turning algae into the future of a clean industry”, exhibits how microalgae can be used to capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources while producing high-value products for food, energy, and pharmaceuticals. Demonstrating strong innovation, feasibility and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the project was awarded during the SDSN’s 25th Leadership Council Meeting, held alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Led by Associate Professor Saman Ilankoon from the university’s School of Engineering, the team consisted of PhD scholars Shafeeq Ahmed Syed Ali and Manuja Dayanath from the School of Engineering, and Lourdes Loh Ye Shing (Morgan) from the School of Business. Their proposal beat finalists from other top universities, including University College London, University of Hamburg, and Tsinghua University.

To achieve net-zero goals by 2050, developing countries will need carbon capture technologies that are both effective and economically viable. The team’s concept centres on using microalgae photobioreactors to capture and convert carbon dioxide from industrial flue gases into valuable biomass. In simulated pilot studies assessing cost and performance, the system successfully captured 8.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually and generated 5 tonnes of biomass, with a payback period of just two years. Beyond capturing emissions, the process also produces natural pigments, biofertilisers, and clean energy, advancing circular economy models. With its potential to decarbonise industrial zones and megacities, the project marks a significant step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Shafeeq Ahmed Syed Ali said participating in the competition was a revolutionary experience: “We are grateful for this opportunity to represent both Monash University Malaysia and Monash University at a global stage. This is a big win for us and a culmination of more than 10 months of work, in addition to our usual research and teaching duties.”

Further building on the conversation, Manuja Dayanath stated, “I’m particularly elated as this work is part of my PhD topic, and the recognition further strengthens its impact and potential. This win motivates me to carry my research forward and contribute to meaningful solutions for climate change. I am deeply grateful to my PhD supervision team, Associate Professor Saman Ilankoon, Professor Ir. Dr Chong Meng Nan and Dr Foo Su Chern, for their invaluable guidance and support throughout this journey.”

Fellow team member Lourdes Loh Ye Shing also added, “Coming from a non-engineering background, I am grateful to be involved in this unique and exciting experience. The mentorship provided by industry experts from Siemens Energy was an eye-opener, providing us with a fresh, outsider perspective on our project. It’s given me the chance to contribute from a multidisciplinary perspective and shown how collaboration across different fields can be strengthened”.

The winning project is also part of the Centre for Net-Zero Technology (CNZT), a Future Centre at Monash University Malaysia that pioneers net-zero innovation and excellence for ASEAN and beyond.

Associate Professor Saman Ilankoon said, “This well-deserved and impactful victory at the global level, fostering sustainable development goals, especially SDG 13: Climate Action, is a testimony to the excellent teaching and research studies we carry out at Monash University Malaysia, and Monash University’s commitment to the Impact 2030 vision, addressing climate change. I appreciate the support from the Schools of Engineering, Business and Science and the CNZT in this cross-school collaboration”.

The Universities for Goal 13 competition provides students from SDSN member institutions with mentorship opportunities from Siemens Energy professionals to develop practical, multidisciplinary solutions for climate action. The team will receive a USD 10,000 cash prize along with international networking opportunities to further advance their project.

The team’s winning video, showing their project, is publicly available on the SDSN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaxl0pTM2pI

Hashtag: #monashuniversitymalaysia

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Monash University Malaysia

Monash University Malaysia, established in 1998, is the third-largest campus of Australia’s largest university and the first foreign university campus in Malaysia. We are a premier research-intensive Australian university ranked among the top 50 universities globally by the QS World University Rankings 2024 and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight (Go8). Monash University is also ranked 58th in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings. A self-accrediting university, we offer a distinctly international and culturally rich environment with approximately 11,000+ students from 85 countries. Monash University Malaysia, including the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, is wholly owned and operated by Monash University since 2020.