30.3 C
Vientiane
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 1462

DHL Supply Chain commits EUR350 million in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, to help strengthen customers’ supply chain resiliency

  • Includes a new EUR25 million 40,000 square meter facility in West Java
  • Creates 500 job opportunities in Indonesia by 2024 to address growing supply chain solution demand

PENANG, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 17 October 2023 – DHL Supply Chain, the global market leader for contract logistics solutions, announces an investment of EUR350 million in Southeast Asia over the next five years to expand its warehousing capacity, workforce and sustainability initiatives.

Rendering of DHL Maheswara Green Logistics facility in West Java, Indonesia
Rendering of DHL Maheswara Green Logistics facility in West Java, Indonesia

“Indonesia, as Southeast Asia’s powerhouse, leading economy and one of the largest e-commerce markets in the region, provides significant business opportunities across all sectors. With the government’s recent announcement to invest US$400 billion into infrastructure, the logistics and supply chain sectors can expect to increase its efficiencies here and attract more demand from companies wanting to diversify their supply chains” said Andries Retief, CEO, DHL Supply Chain Southeast Asia.

He continued, “Through our latest investments, DHL Supply Chain is positioning ourselves ahead of the curve. We want to ensure we have the capacity, technologies and trained resources so we are ready for the uptick in demand, and can help our customers future-proof their supply chains in Indonesia. The Maheswara Green Logistics Center is our seventh multi-user facility in the country, and will allow us to do that.”

DHL Supply Chain: SEA’s supply chain partner of choice expands capacity and future-proofs warehouses

DHL Supply Chain will expand its warehouse space by 10 percent, adding 40,000 square meters with the upcoming DHL Maheswara Green Logistics facility in West Java, Indonesia. Set to be completed by the end of 2023, this EUR25 million facility will emphasize sustainability through features such as solar panels, LED lamps with motion sensors and rainwater harvesting.

“Beyond the West Java logistics hub, we are considering expanding into other areas in Indonesia such as Surabaya, Balikpapan, Batam, and Palembang. Batam, for example, is fast becoming an alternative for many companies with its proximity to Singapore. As the leading third-party logistics (3PL) operator in sectors like consumer and retail, telecommunication, and technology, we are setting our sights on growth in the transport, engineering & manufacturing, and automotive sectors. Additionally, we aim to enhance our end-to-end omnichannel solutions,” said Sivananthan SKS, President Director Supply Chain Indonesia.

Besides new facilities, DHL Supply Chain will continue its digitalization process with a cloud-based Warehouse Management System (WMS) and mySupplyChain, a digital platform, providing customers real-time visibility into their orders and shipments.

Investing in talent for a future-ready supply chain

As DHL Supply Chain Indonesia gears up for its operational expansion, it will create 500 jobs in Indonesia by 2024, primarily focusing on warehouse and value-added services. Training hubs in Bandung, Semarang, and Cikarang provide skill enhancement, keeping employees updated with industry standards and enabling them to support customers across various sectors.

DHL Supply Chain Indonesia has been ranked the #1 Best Place to Work® in 2023 and has been certified as a Great Place to Work for four consecutive years since 2020.

Championing a green supply chain management

In alignment with the DHL Group’s ambition for climate-neutral logistics by 2030 and customer’s Scope 3 emissions reduction targets, DHL Supply Chain Indonesia is set to expand its electric vehicle (EV) fleet to 11 by 2025. The commitment to a greener footprint also sees the implementation of Carbon Neutral Building (CNB) standards across its local facilities. This encompasses investments in International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs), smart metering, solar panels, energy-efficient air conditioners, and EV charging stations.

Additionally, the GoGreen program, central to DHL Supply Chain’s sustainability vision, sees the team working with enrolled customers to identify and implement eco-friendly operational solutions in their supply chain in Indonesia.

For more information, visit here.

Hashtag: #DHLSupplyChain

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

DHL – Excellence. Simply delivered.

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 94 billion euros in 2022. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

DHL Supply Chain commits EUR350 million in Southeast Asia to help strengthen customers’ supply chain resiliency

  • Part of a series of strategic investments announced over the past year, already adding up to EUR1.35 billion globally
  • More than 400,000 square meters of warehouse space and additional 3,000 job opportunities will be created across the region to meet growing supply chain demand
  • Next to India and Latin America, ASEAN is a main beneficiary for omnisourcing strategies with lower cost environment and effective trade policies

PENANG, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 17 October 2023 – DHL Supply Chain, the global market leader for contract logistics solutions, plans to invest EUR350 million in Southeast Asia over the next five years to expand its warehousing capacity, workforce and sustainability initiatives.

DHL Grow SEA Infographic.jpg

This is part of a series of strategic investments by DHL Supply Chain over the past year, already adding up to EUR1.35 billion globally. These investments into the supply chain infrastructure, people hiring and development, as well as automation, digitalization and sustainability in India, Latin America and Southeast Asia support the omnisourcing strategies of DHL’s customers in all major geographies, across all industries.

(From L to R) Mario Lorenz (Country Managing Director, DHL Supply Chain Malaysia), Andries Retief (CEO, DHL Supply Chain Southeast Asia), Oscar de Bok (CEO, DHL Supply Chain), Javier Bilbao (CEO, DHL Supply Chain Asia Pacific) at Penang Logistics Hub 4
(From L to R) Mario Lorenz (Country Managing Director, DHL Supply Chain Malaysia), Andries Retief (CEO, DHL Supply Chain Southeast Asia), Oscar de Bok (CEO, DHL Supply Chain), Javier Bilbao (CEO, DHL Supply Chain Asia Pacific) at Penang Logistics Hub 4

“There is an incredible opportunity for businesses in Southeast Asia to strengthen supply chain resiliency. Companies are looking at diversifying their supply chains. Southeast Asia, with its efficient work environment and effective trade agreements such as the China-ASEAN FTA, stands to benefit the most. Our multi-market investment of EUR350 million in this region complements our global investment strategy. These are strategic investments we take – despite the generally softer market environment – because we invest in the future growth of our business and strongly believe in the strategic expansion and diversification of our regional businesses. This puts us in a prime position to support our customers’ growth and omnisourcing strategy in the long term,” said Oscar de Bok, CEO, DHL Supply Chain.

DHL Supply Chain expanding capacity and future-proofing logistics centers
With this investment, DHL Supply Chain will increase its current 1.6 million square meters of warehouse space in Southeast Asia by 25 percent, or 400,000 square meters. Highlights of this investment include:

  • 40,000 square meters DHL Maheswara Green Logistics facility in West Java, Indonesia
  • 18,000 square meters Penang Logistics Hub 5 (PLH5) in Malaysia
  • 50,000 square meters built-to-suit facility in the Philippines
  • 60,000 square meters of space acquired from a local business in Singapore

“We are not just increasing our capacity, but we are building logistics centers that can cater to future demand for our customers through robotics and sustainability initiatives. For example, we are equipping our upcoming fifth facility in Penang – PLH5 with state-of-the-art automated pallet storage and retrieval system and goods-to-person robotics technology to handle small parts picking,” added Javier Bilbao, CEO, DHL Supply Chain Asia Pacific.

DHL Supply Chain will continue to develop its Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) while introducing other warehouse technology in selected markets such as auto-stores, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) for pallets and large goods, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). These digitalization initiatives also allow employees to upskill themselves in such implementations.

Investing in talent and green supply chains

DHL Supply Chain reinforces its commitment to people development as it seeks to create over 3,000 job opportunities across Southeast Asia by 2024. This forms part of a broader strategy to nurture talent to support new growth areas and meet evolving customer demands in automation, digital analytics, electric vehicle (EV) handling, reverse logistics, and solution design.

In support of DHL Group’s roadmap to have climate-neutral logistics by 2030, and also customers’ Scope 3 emissions reduction targets, DHL Supply Chain plans to double its EV fleet in Southeast Asia over the next five years.

DHL Supply Chain is also committed to having carbon-neutral facilities for all new buildings. Today, 100 percent of DHL Supply Chain’s facilities in Singapore and Malaysia have achieved carbon neutrality, showcasing its leadership in championing sustainability in the supply chain sector.

For more information, visit here.

Hashtag: #DHLSupplyChain

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

DHL – Excellence. Simply delivered.

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivaled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 94 billion euros in 2022. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

Lao Woman Wins Lottery in Thailand

Lao Woman Wins Lottery in Thailand
A group photo of Dokkeo, the prize victor along with the staff from Lottery Plus (photo: Tholakhong)

Dokkeo Vongvilay, a 33-year-old Lao national won a lottery in Bangkok, Thailand, conquering the first price of THB 12 million (approximately USD 330,000)

CUHK Students Making Waves in Environment and Sustainability Research

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 17 October 2023 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is proud to highlight the outstanding contributions made by its students in the field of Environment and Sustainability. Through their groundbreaking research and unwavering dedication, CUHK students are leading the way in driving positive change towards a sustainable future. Today, we shine a spotlight on two exceptional individuals, Aldilla Noor RAKHIEMAH and Alissa Victoria BASS, who exemplify the research support and excellence that CUHK offers.

Advancing Sustainable Development and Environmental Conservation

Aldilla Noor RAKHIEMAH, an Indonesian PhD graduate in Geography and Resource Management at CUHK, is making significant strides in understanding the socio-economic factors that influence sustainable development and environmental conservation. Her research, supported by CUHK, has led to the development of innovative solutions for pressing environmental issues. Aldilla’s passion for sustainability extends beyond her academic pursuits, as she actively engages in various global initiatives and projects aimed at raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices.

Image link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15TAijnSBB9pFK2hnRbRfPAnEkzVAqS2Y/view?usp=drive_link

Exploring the Resilience of Hong Kong’s Seagrass Habitats to Climate Change

United Kingdom native Alissa Victoria BASS, a PhD in Environmental Science student at CUHK, conducts research to understand the vulnerability or resistance of Hong Kong’s seagrass habitats to climate change such as marine heatwaves. By exploring this topic, she hopes to lay the groundwork for future seagrass conservation efforts. Supported by her supervising professors at the School of Life Sciences, Alissa’s research paper is expected to provide valuable insights into the protection of underwater environments not only in Hong Kong but also worldwide.

Image link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gEODx1niFZ4-sYrFWER6J9FB7CPYtJHH/view?usp=sharing

Unlocking Boundless Potential: Join the CUHK MPhil/PhD Virtual Info Week and Discover Your Academic Journey

To showcase the exciting MPhil and PhD learning opportunities and the comprehensive research support and facilities available at CUHK, the University is excited to announce the upcoming CUHK MPhil/PhD Virtual Info Week. This event, scheduled from 25 October to 31 October 2023, offers prospective students a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant academic community and the transformative potential of CUHK’s MPhil/PhD programmes. Participants will have the chance to interact with esteemed faculty members and current students, gaining valuable insights into the University’s MPhil and PhD programmes, scholarships, and more.

CUHK’s commitment to research excellence is evident through its multidisciplinary approach and cutting-edge facilities. By fostering an environment that encourages innovative thinking and collaboration, CUHK empowers students to address global challenges through groundbreaking research. The University’s strategic partnerships with leading research institutions and industry leaders further enhance its research capabilities and ensure the practical application of its research findings.

Pursue a PhD at CUHK with the Prestigious Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)

To attract the best and brightest students from across the globe to pursue their PhD studies at CUHK, CUHK now offers an attractive scholarship via Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) totaling up to USD$221,000 to the selected HKPFS candidates. The scholarship covers the following:

  • A monthly stipend of HK$27,600 (~ US$3,540)* and a conference travel allowance of HK$13,800 (~ US$1,770)* per year
  • A tuition fee waiver of up to HK$168,400 (~ US$21,600)*
  • An award of HK$40,000 (~ US$5,130)* for lodging in the first year of study and HK$20,000 (~ US$2,560)* in the subsequent years
  • An on-campus hostel fee waiver in the first year of study
  • Guaranteed on-campus accommodation throughout the normative study period for HKPFS awardees who submit timely applications

CUHK invites aspiring researchers and those passionate about Environment and Sustainability to join its vibrant community. Register and explore the research postgraduate opportunities at CUHK in the coming CUHK MPhil/PhD Virtual Info Week: https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/admissions/mphil_phd_info_week.

Hashtag: #CUHK

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

About The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)

CUHK is a leading institution in Hong Kong known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and research. With a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration and state-of-the-art facilities, CUHK provides students with an environment that nurtures their passion for research and encourages them to make a positive impact on society.

Alibaba Pictures Promotes Japanese Films in the Chinese Market, Emerging as the Premier Platform for Internet Promotion

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 17 October 2023 – The 36th Tokyo International Film Festival (“TIFF 2023”) will open on October 23. The organizers previously announced that Chinese director Gu Xiaogang has garnered the “2023 Kurosawa Akira Award”, and Chinese actress Zhao Tao will serve as a fellow juror under the International Competition Jury section. Several Chinese films, including “Dwelling by the West Lake” (草木人間), “Snow Leopard” (雪豹), “A Long Shot” (老槍) and “Fly Me to the Moon” (但願人長久), have been shortlisted, reflecting the significant presence of Chinese-language films and filmmakers at this year’s festival.

Alibaba Pictures Group Limited (“Alibaba Pictures” or the “Company”, HKEX: 1060), a leading Internet film and television company in China under the Alibaba Digital Media and Entertainment Group, not only boasts robust production capabilities but also excels in film promotion. The Company has effectively supported the promotion of numerous Japanese films, achieving remarkable success in the Chinese film market.

In addition to the competition films, the Chinese Film Week hosted by TIFF 2023 has also generated great anticipation among film fans. It is worth noting that films such as “Lost in the Stars” (消失的她), “Chang An” (長安三萬里), and “One and Only” (熱烈) have achieved both significant box office revenue and positive word-of-mouth in China this year, with Alibaba Pictures involved in their production. The film “All Ears” (不虛此行), invested by Alibaba Pictures, has also been shortlisted under the World Focus section of TIFF 2023.

Japanese films have had a significant impact on the Chinese film market this year, with animated films such as “Suzume” (鈴芽之旅), “Slam Dunk” (男兒當入樽), “Castle in the Sky” (天空之城) and “Doraemon: Stand by Me 2” (哆啦A夢:伴我同行2), all surpassing RMB100 million in box office revenue. Thanks to the copyright acquisition efforts by Road Pictures and the marketing promotion by Alibaba Pictures, “Suzume” broke the first-day box office record for animated films in China and ultimately grossed over RMB800 million in box office revenue, becoming the highest-grossing romantic film of the year. It also surpassed the previous box office record of a Japanese film in China, held by Makoto Shinkai’s “Your Name” (RMB575 million).

During the release of “Suzume”, Alibaba Digital Media and Entertainment Group’s first hyper-real virtual idol, “Leah” cosplayed as the female protagonist Iwahoru Suzume (岩戶鈴芽) and engaged in a captivating cross-dimensional collaboration with the film. This collaboration sparked discussions among netizens both domestically and internationally and serves as a successful example of Alibaba Pictures breaking barriers and promoting films through innovative marketing within its entertainment ecosystem.

Previously, Alibaba Pictures has been involved in the marketing and promotion of numerous classic overseas films with diverse themes. As early as 2017, Alibaba Pictures strategically collaborated with Amblin Entertainment on “A Dog’s Purpose” (為了與你相遇, breaking the box office record for pet-themed films in the Chinese film market.

In 2019, the film “Green Book” (綠簿旅友) won three major awards at the Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor. Alibaba Pictures, as an investor in the film, became the first Internet film and television company globally to produce an Oscar-winning Best Picture.

As a co-producer of the film, Alibaba Pictures accurately predicted the market value of this film. After “Green Book” won the awards, Alibaba Pictures immediately introduced it to the Chinese market. The deep friendship between the two main characters in the film transcending cultural differences touched many Chinese audiences. Thanks to Alibaba Pictures’ marketing and distribution capabilities, “Green Book” became a dark horse, grossing RMB478 million at the box office in China and receiving a high rating of 8.9 on Douban.

In the same year, “Capernaum” (星仔打官司) a Lebanese art film introduced by China Film Group, received a tailored marketing strategy from Alibaba Pictures and Road Pictures to highlight emotional resonance. It targeted the Chinese audience’s interest in the topic of the original family and relied on high-quality preview screenings to generate word-of-mouth. It also leveraged platforms like Douyin (TikTok) to generate buzz and discussion around the film.

Through measures such as strategic scheduling, precise targeted screenings, and controlling the pace of marketing and distribution, Road Pictures and Alibaba Pictures successfully helped this niche film break through the boundaries of the film audience. Despite being released around the same time as “Avengers: Endgame” (復仇者聯盟4), it achieved impressive results with a box office of RMB376 million and a high rating of 9.1 on Douban.

Not only does Alibaba Pictures excel in the promotion of new films, they also re-introduced a growing stable of overseas classic films to the big screen.

In 2019, the Italian classic film “The Legend of 1900” (聲光伴我飛), jointly marketed and promoted by Hishow Entertainment and Alibaba Pictures, re-released in China and achieved a box office of RMB143 million. The 4K high definition restored version also received positive reviews from fans. In 2021, Star Alliance Movies and Alibaba Pictures collaborated to bring the film “Love Letter” back to Chinese audiences after a 22-year absence from the screen. They chose to release it on May 20 (China’s Valentine’s Day), satisfying the audience’s demand for romantic films and ultimately grossing over RMB65 million at the box office.

For the classic and niche Japanese film “Departures” (禮儀師之奏鳴曲), Alibaba Pictures planned a series of short video marketing campaigns, including interviews with funeral professionals, post-screening audience story sharing, and “Heavenly Messages Interaction” through platforms like Douyin, which are popular among young audiences, to convey the film’s social issues and humanistic sentiments.

Through an innovative marketing perspective, the film “Departures” achieved remarkable success on Douyin, garnering over 1.2 billion views, receiving more than 26 million official likes, and surpassing industry expectations with a total box office of over RMB60 million.

In the field of international documentary film promotion, Alibaba Pictures has taken a different approach by targeting the vertical audience for documentary films.

For the extreme sports documentary “Free Solo” (赤手登峰), Alibaba Pictures leveraged the strong promotion capabilities of Taopiaopiao and Beacon which has strengthened the influence of KOLs in the rock-climbing field and attracted members of over 200 rock climbing gyms to watch the film in theaters. With the positive feedback and appreciation from the audience during the initial screenings, the film piqued the curiosity of passersby and ultimately achieved a box office attendance of over one million viewers.

Leveraging precise targeting of the core audience, Alibaba Pictures emphasizes the real-life significance of protagonists’ perseverance and positivity in film promotion. This approach has resulted in strong word-of-mouth, boosting the film to become the second highest-grossing documentary in 2019 with a box office of RMB36.4 million.

Compared with previous marketing strategies for foreign films, Alibaba Pictures goes beyond relying solely on Hollywood blockbusters and emphasizes on high-quality films featuring relatable characters and captivating stories instead. By introducing diverse genres and themes, the content available in Chinese cinemas is enriched and catering to the varied preferences of the audience.

In traditional promotion practices, non-Hollywood imported films often struggle to achieve commercial success due to low awareness and niche themes. Through the digital promotion products offered by Taopiaopiao and Beacon, Alibaba Pictures identifies precise marketing strategies for various films, allowing great content to reach a wider audience and achieve both box office success and positive reception.

This exemplifies the positive changes that Alibaba Pictures seeks to bring to the industry by empowering the film industry with “new infrastructure” like Internet promotion and constantly exploring innovative avenues for film promotion. It is clear that a growing number of international film and television companies are eager to engage in deep collaborations with Alibaba Pictures. In terms of boosting box office revenue and influence within the Chinese film market, Alibaba Pictures has emerged as a significant and influential force that demands attention and cannot be overlooked.

Hashtag: #AlibabaPictures

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

About Alibaba Pictures

Alibaba Pictures was incorporated in Bermuda and its shares are listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange. The Company is an entertainment platform driven by the Internet at its core, with full coverage across the industry chain. The core business of the Group includes three major segments: content, technology and IP merchandising and commercialization. These segments encompass (i) investment in and production and distribution of entertainment content, such as film and drama series, both domestically and internationally; (ii) digitalization in the entertainment sector, including platform ticketing, digital intelligence business and other technology products; and (iii) centered around content IP, provision of professional services such as IP development and operation, and production and distribution of IP derivatives, respectively.

For more information, please visit

HKSTP’s Biggest Ever Elevator Pitch Competition 2024 Hits Four World Cities to Bring Global Innovators to Hong Kong and Springboard to Mainland China and Asia Success

Startups battle for up to US$5 million in venture funding, US$240,000 in cash prizes, plus unrivalled partnership and funding opportunities

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 17 October 2023 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) is kicking off its eighth and biggest ever global Elevator Pitch Competition 2024 (EPiC 2024), by inviting leading tech startups around the world to join the four-city global contest and will have the excellent opportunity for up to US$5 million investment from HKSTP Corporate Venture Fund (“CVF”). Hong Kong’s leading startup pitch competition also offers a total of US$240,000 in cash prizes, unrivalled business matching and funding opportunities, plus the ideal springboard to huge market opportunities in Mainland China, across Asia and beyond.

HKSTP EPiC 2024.jpg

HKSTP is partnering again with world-leading accelerator Plug and Play to help take EPiC on this major global expansion. From January to March 2024, four regional EPiC semi-finals will be hosted in Silicon Valley, Stuttgart, Singapore and Hong Kong, culminating with the grand finale in Hong Kong in April 2024. Mid-to-late-stage tech ventures from around the world are invited to compete in the regional contests to join the list of 72 semi-finalists. The selected semi-finalists will come to Hong Kong to make their live 60-second pitch in front of judges while riding up the elevator at the iconic sky100 venue atop Hong Kong’s tallest building, International Commerce Centre. All applicants of EPiC 2024 will have an opportunity to seek investment from CVF up to US$5 million. External corporations also have the option to co-invest, which further raises the potential final funding opportunity.

Additionally, 72 semi-finalists will enjoy benefits from the HKSTP value-added services for six months, even after the competition. These include business matching, investment referral, exclusive membership of a city-wide and cross-industry virtual lab (STP Platform), access to co-working space as well as an extensive talent pool by reaching out to Hong Kong’s renowned universities, five of them being ranked in the world’s top 100 according to the QS World University Rankings 2024.

Organised by HKSTP, EPiC 2024 is one of the global’s most anticipated startup event and is now open for applications across three competition tracks – FinTech, PropTech and MobilityTech – from 17 October 2023 through to 31 December 2023. The finale will take place in April 2024 at the sky100 venue, International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong, recreating a genuine elevator pitch experience for all participants.

Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “The global growth of the EPiC pitching contest is proof of Hong Kong as a leading international I&T hub to top-tier global startups who seek critical support on their growth journey, connections with entrepreneurs, investors and corporate partners, plus access to Hong Kong’s biggest innovation and technology ecosystem. Hong Kong is the international hub of the China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA) and at the heart of Asia, while the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou science and technology cluster is ranked second in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)’s latest Global Innovation Index, making the city the ideal springboard to the surging investment and market potential of Mainland China, Asia and beyond.”

EPiC is HKSTP’s annual flagship startup event, taking place in Hong Kong and gathering global entrepreneurs, technologists, investors, corporate partners and ecosystem leaders to help the brightest innovators to commercialise their ideas to success in Mainland China, across Asia and beyond. The success of EPiC 2023, which attracted a record 600 plus contestants and 55 economies, made it the city’s most international pitch contest ever. The day-long event generated 150 businesses startup-corporate partnership opportunities and countless investment leads, with four of the EPiC 2023 finalist ventures currently close to becoming full-fledged companies landing at Science Park.

Who can apply to join EPiC 2024:

  1. Tech startups that are less than 10 years old as of 30 April 2023
  2. Ideas should focus on one of the THREE technology tracks: FinTech, PropTech and MobilityTech

Applications will close on 31 December 2023 at 23:59 (GMT+8).

Please visit https://epic.hkstp.org/ for more information on EPiC 2024.

List of awards and prizes

All applicants of EPiC 2024 qualify for a chance to have up to US$5 million investment by the HKSTP Corporate Venture Fund.
Award Cash Prize (for each winner)
Champion Additional US$60,000
3 Tech Winners
(FinTech /PropTech /MobilityTech)
Additional US$20,000
Top 12 Finalists US$10,000

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has for over 20 years committed to building up Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology hub to propel success for local and global pioneers today and tomorrow. HKSTP has established a thriving I&T ecosystem that supported over 10 unicorns and Hong Kong’s leading R&D hub with over 13,000 research professionals and over 1,400 technology companies focused on healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies.

Established in 2001, we attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation and technology for entrepreneurs on their journey of growth. Our growing innovation ecosystem is built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Shatin, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long. The three InnoParks are realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong. The goal is sectors like advanced manufacturing, electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined for a new generation of industry.

Through our infrastructure, services, expertise, and network of partnerships, HKSTP will help establish innovation and technology as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong, while reinforcing Hong Kong’s international I&T hub status as a launchpad for growth at the heart of the GBA innovation powerhouse.

More information about HKSTP is available at .

BAFS introduces ASEAN’s first high-flow EV hydrant dispenser for enhanced performance

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach – 17 October 2023 – BAFS INTECH unveiled the first-ever high-flow electric vehicle (EV) hydrant dispenser, powered entirely by electricity, in the ASEAN region at the Inter Airport Europe 2023, held in Munich, Germany, from October 10 to 13, 2023. This new hydrant dispenser model boasts a faster refueling rate and will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector.

ASEAN's first high-flow EV hydrant dispenser
ASEAN’s first high-flow EV hydrant dispenser


M.L.Nathasit Diskul, President of Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Public Company Limited (BAFS),
said that BAFS INTECH Company Limited, an affiliate of BAFS Group, specializes in the design, manufacture, and assembly of aviation refueling vehicles, aircraft refueling systems, and other ground vehicles operated on airport premises. In addition to serving BAFS, BAFS INTECH extends its services to international markets, including countries such as Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Cambodia. The company is currently poised for expansion into Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, with an ambitious goal of covering the entire Southeast Asia region within the next two years.

BAFS INTECH conducts its business in alignment with environmentally friendly practices and sustainable development goals. In its effort to minimize carbon emissions in the aviation areas, the company is committed to leveraging cutting-edge innovation to develop refueling vehicles that cater to customer requirements and reduce environmental impact. The recent introduction of ASEAN’s first high-flow EV hydrant dispenser is a testament to this commitment, and it marked the first instance of a refueling vehicle from Thailand being showcased on a global stage, as it was featured at the 24th Inter Airport Europe 2023 in Munich, Germany.

This fully electric refueling vehicle boasts enhanced refueling performance with an impressive flow rate of 3,400 liters per minute, a significant improvement over the low-flow model with a flow rate of 1,300 liters per minute. The standout features of the new hydrant dispenser include its compact and flexible design, low noise emissions, and an impressive range of up to 244 kilometers on a single charge (tested under WLTP standards). This substantial range allows it to refuel an average of 15 flights per full charge, rendering it an ideal choice for international airports. Furthermore, it has been manufactured in compliance with the aircraft fuel supply standards established by the Joint Inspection Group (JIG). This new vehicle is slated to begin service at Suvarnabhumi International Airport by the end of 2023.

Earlier in 2020, BAFS INTECH introduced an electric hydrant cart refueling vehicle, comprising an electric tractor and a refueling vehicle with a hydrant system operated entirely on electricity. This innovation resulted in a reduction of 6,300 liters in annual diesel consumption, equivalent to a yearly decrease of 15 tons of CO2-equivalent emissions. Building upon this success, BAFS INTECH continued its development efforts, leading to the launch of a low-flow EV hydrant dispenser in 2021. This dispenser offers a driving range of 170 kilometers and can refuel an average of 8 flights per charge, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel refueling vehicles. Usage statistics reveal an 80% reduction in energy costs. The low-flow EV hydrant dispenser is currently in operation at Don Mueang International Airport.

BAFS INTECH is committed to harnessing innovation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company also supports the Airport Carbon Accreditation program and contributes to advancing the transition to environmentally friendly “green airports” at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi International Airport, as well as other airports throughout the ASEAN region. BAFS INTECH has collaborated with ITURRI, a leading refueling vehicle manufacturer from Spain, on developing the manufacturing of EV refueling vehicles. In this collaboration, BAFS INTECH will import parts for assembly in Thailand and exchange knowledge with ITURRI to adapt the products for the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, local assembly of EV hydrant dispensers in Thailand is expected to lower the cost of refueling vehicles. In the future, the potential use of locally sourced spare parts instead of imported parts could further reduce manufacturing costs, making EV vehicles more affordable. This will be an important factor in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles at airports throughout the ASEAN region. This strategic approach aligns with BAFS INTECH’s plan to drive the aviation industry towards net-zero emissions, in line with BAFS’s vision of “Uplifting the World through Sustainable Business.”Hashtag: #BAFS #BAFSINTECH #BAFSGroup


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

Cambodia Opens a New Airport to Serve Angkor Wat as It Seeks to Boost Tourist Arrivals

Tourists visit the Angkor Wat temple in Siem Rea, Cambodia, on 14 March 2018. (Photo: AP)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Commercial operations began Monday at Cambodia’s newest and biggest airport, designed to serve as an upgraded gateway to the country’s major tourist attraction, the centuries-old Angkor Wat temple complex in the northwestern province of Siem Reap.