TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2024 – The Council of Indigenous Peoples participated for the first time in a tour organized by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to promote tourism in European cities. On March 1st, a Taiwan Tourism Promotion Event was held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and from March 5th to 7th, they attended the ITB Berlin (Internationale Tourismus Börse). During the promotion period, the Council of Indigenous Peoples and the Tourism Bureau invited the Zuyun Cultural Music and Dance Troupe to perform indigenous music and dance, as well as arranged experiences such as making Paiwan glass bead crafts. The Council of Indigenous Peoples hopes to attract global travelers to Taiwan to experience the diverse cultures of indigenous tribes.
Experience Taiwan’s indigenous music and dance performances, as well as Paiwan glass bead crafting.
The Council of Indigenous Peoples stated that indigenous tribes in Taiwan are either located in the mountains or by the sea, and tribal tourism emphasizes cultural and ecological sustainability, providing places for relaxation of body and mind. This aligns with this year’s theme of the Taiwan Pavilion, “Embrace the Mountains, Embrace the Sea, Enjoy the Circumference of the Island.” Different indigenous groups have distinct cultures and languages, enriching the cultural heritage of Taiwan. Throughout the year, various tribes hold seasonal festivals and celebrations on different days to express gratitude and respect for nature.
Patrick Lammers, former Chief Operating Officer – Commercial (COO-C) at E.ON, joins Skyborn Renewables as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 1 June, 2024
Thomas Karst to retire as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 31 May, 2024, and will continue in an advisory capacity to support an effective transition for Skyborn
BREMEN, GERMANY – EQS Newswire – 20 March 2024 – Skyborn Renewables (Skyborn) is pleased to announce that Patrick Lammers has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective 1 June 2024, replacing Thomas Karst. Thomas will continue in an advisory capacity, serving as a counselor to both the Advisory Board and Patrick to enable an effective transition for Skyborn.
“I am delighted that Patrick is joining to lead Skyborn as it continues to establish itself as one of the world’s leading offshore wind platforms. We believe that offshore wind, one of the fastest growing renewable energy segments, will be critical to the world’s net zero carbon targets and energy transition goals,” said Søren Skou, Chair of the Advisory Board of Skyborn Renewables. “We thank Thomas for his leadership in navigating the challenges faced by Skyborn and its offshore wind developer peers over the past year, in building Skyborn into a stronger, more resilient company and for his support in ensuring a seamless transition. We wish him continued success and happiness in his future endeavors.”
Patrick Lammers brings strong commercial, customer, and digital experience to Skyborn, as it continues to establish itself as a leader for offshore wind’s role in the energy transition. Patrick most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer – Commercial (COO-C) at E.ON, where he was responsible for the energy supply to more than 48 million customers in 12 European markets. He played a crucial role in leading E.ON through the energy crisis created by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and surging sourcing prices in 2022/23. Patrick’s responsibilities were to infuse the company with a spirit of entrepreneurship, continuous improvement, and performance management while fully embracing the massive opportunities of the energy transition for E.ON.
In addition to his fifteen years in the energy sector, Patrick also has several years of in-depth experience in industries and markets outside the classic energy industry. From 2007 to 2009, he was CEO of the British group Dyson plc, and Managing Director of Dureal, a start-up company for the sales, marketing, and production of AdBlue, which he developed into a pan-European company from 2005 to 2007. Prior to that, he worked for Royal Dutch Shell for approximately 15 years, holding international functions in Downstream.
“I believe in the role that offshore wind will play in the energy transition and I look forward to working together with all the dedicated employees at Skyborn to become one of the world’s leading offshore wind platforms,” said Patrick.
Thomas Karst joined Skyborn Renewables at its inception in September 2022 and quickly implemented plans to support the successful completion of several key initiatives. Karst has served as CEO since March 2023. “I am very thankful to the entire team at Skyborn who have worked with me to successfully navigate the challenges faced by our industry over the past year and to build Skyborn into a stand-alone, independent company with capabilities across the entire offshore wind value chain,” said Thomas. “I am also thankful to GIP and our other investors who have supported me in leading this team. I look forward to transitioning the leadership of Skyborn to Patrick, who I am confident will continue the growth and development of Skyborn into one of the world’s leading offshore wind platforms.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Skyborn Renewables
Skyborn Renewables is driving global decarbonization by accelerating offshore wind energy across the world. We believe offshore wind is a cornerstone of the clean energy transition and an enabler for achieving net-zero targets, ensuring energy security, and developing a sustainable energy supply for future generations. Skyborn is an accomplished offshore wind developer and operator with more than 20 years’ experience. Our capabilities cover the entire offshore wind value chain, including greenfield development, project engineering and design, procurement, financing, corporate power purchase agreements, construction management and asset management. Skyborn is a portfolio company of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a leading infrastructure investor headquartered in New York, USA. For more information, visit www.skybornrenewables.com
A local monk pose for a photo with Buddha images recently found in Bokeo (photo: Khattayabaramee)
In recent days, several ancient Buddha statues were retrieved from the Mekong River’s shore in Tonpheung district of Bokeo province. Believed by some to be remnants of a 14th to 16th century temple, the true historical context of these artifacts remains shrouded in mystery, awaiting further investigation.
The Lao government has announced plans to raise the value-added tax (VAT) rate from 7 percent to 10 percent as part of efforts to enhance state budget revenue and support economic and social development in the country.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2024 – TUMI, the leading international travel and lifestyle brand has appointed Aris Maroulis as the new Vice President for Asia-Pacific and Middle East, with immediate effect. Based in Hong Kong, Maroulis will be responsible for building the brand, overseeing operations, and managing overall business in the region. Maroulis will report directly to Subrata Dutta, President – Asia-Pacific and Middle East, Samsonite.
Aris Maroulis – Vice President for TUMI Asia-Pacific & Middle East
“We are delighted to welcome Aris to TUMI at this exciting time for the brand in the region. He has extensive luxury retail experience on both the brand and commercial real estate sides,” said Subrata Dutta. “Aris is a proven leader who will focus on identifying new opportunities for TUMI and continue to provide world-class customer experience through every brand touchpoint”.
Maroulis has 25 years of experience in Asia, Europe and the US with the last 15 years focused on Asia. Before joining TUMI, he held the title of Director – China Business Operation, Asset Management for Hang Lung Properties for four years, overseeing a portfolio of luxury shopping malls in mainland China. Prior to that, Maroulis was the Managing Director for Montblanc China, based in Shanghai, where he had overall responsibility for the China market.
“I have followed TUMI closely for many years, both as a customer and as a luxury brand and business strategist. I have been continuously impressed by the brand’s innovation, meticulous design, unparalleled performance, and customer-first approach. I am delighted to join this dynamic team and lead the brand’s growth in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East,” said Aris Maroulis.
Maroulis earned an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is multilingual and fluent in Greek, English and French, with business proficiency in Mandarin.
Hashtag: #TUMI
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About TUMI
Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel and performance luxury essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we’re committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions.
People talking near a Meta sign outside of the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, California. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
SYDNEY (AP) — Australia’s online safety regulator has put social media giants on notice, requiring them to explain what they are doing to to protect people from violent extremists and terrorists.
The country’s eSafety regulator announced Tuesday that it had issued legal notices to Google, Meta, X, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Reddit requiring each company to report on steps they are taking to protect Australian users of their platforms from extremist material online.
According to Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, the risk of terrorism and online radicalization remains high both in Australia and internationally.
“The tech companies that provide these services have a responsibility to ensure that these features and their services cannot be exploited to perpetrate such harm and that’s why we are sending these notices to get a look under the hood at what they are and are not doing,” Inman Grant said in a written statement.
“We remain concerned about how extremists weaponize technology like live-streaming, algorithms and recommender systems and other features to promote or share this hugely harmful material.”
The Commission said it had issued the notices under transparency powers granted under Australia’s Online Safety Act, which will require the six companies to answer a series of detailed questions about how they are tackling the issue.
“It’s no coincidence we have chosen these companies to send notices to as there is evidence that their services are exploited by terrorists and violent extremists. We want to know why this is and what they are doing to tackle the issue,” Inman Grant said.
“And, disappointingly, none of these companies have chosen to provide this information through the existing voluntary framework – developed in conjunction with industry – provided by the OECD.”
The companies have 49 days to respond and face financial penalties of around 780 thousand Australian dollars ($510,000) per day if they don’t comply.
According to a recent OECD report, Telegram is the top ranked mainstream platform when it comes to the prevalence of terrorist and violent extremist material, with Google’s YouTube ranked second and X, formerly known as Twitter, third. The Meta-owned Facebook and Instagram round out the top five.
WhatsApp is ranked 8th while a 2022 report by the New York State Attorney General confirmed the Buffalo supermarket shooter’s ‘manifesto’ cited Reddit as a platform that played a role in his radicalization towards violent white supremacist extremism.
The eSafety Commission will also be asking Telegram and Reddit about measures they have in place to detect and remove child sexual exploitation and abuse.
The Commission said it will publish further information on the findings later in the year.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2024 – Prudential plc (“Prudential”; HKEX: 2378; LSE: PRU) today announced its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Performance highlights on a constant (and actual) exchange rate basis
New business profitup 45 per cent (43 per cent) to $3,125 million. Excluding the effect of interest rate and other economic movements, new business profit up 47 per cent (45 per cent)
Operating free surplus generated from in-force insurance and asset management business of $2,740 million (2022: $2,725 million ($2,760 million))
Adjusted operating profit up 8 per cent (6 per cent) to $2,893 million
EEV shareholders’ equity is up 7 per cent to $45.3 billion, equivalent to 1,643 cents per share, on an AER basis.
GWS shareholder capital surplus over GPCR of $16.1 billion, equivalent to a cover ratio of 295 per cent (31 December 2022: 307 per cent)
Second interim dividend of 14.21 cents per share, 20.47 cents per share for the full year, up 9 per cent
Commenting on the Results, CEO Anil Wadhwani, said: “These are a very strong set of results while operating in a challenging macro environment, with new business profit up 45 per cent driven by a relentless focus on execution in our markets in Asia and Africa. It is also an illustration of the strength of both our agency and bancassurance distribution channels as well as an affirmation of our leadership position in many key markets.
“It has been six months since the launch of our new strategy and it’s highly encouraging to see the early progress on our strategic objectives of improving our customer experience, driving technology powered distribution and transforming our business model in Health. We have on-boarded senior leadership talent in Health, Technology and added to our talent in our key markets as we continue to strengthen our capabilities in line with our strategic priorities.
“We delivered an excellent financial and operational performance in 2023 and deployed increased levels of capital in new business, enhancing core capabilities and expanding distribution. Sales growth has continued in the first two months of 2024. Given the relentless execution focus in implementing our strategy, we are increasingly confident in achieving our 2027 financial and strategic objectives and in accelerating value creation for our shareholders.”
Summary financials
2023 $m
2022 $m
Change on
AER basis
Change on
CER basis
New business profit
3,125
2,184
43%
45%
Operating free surplus generated
2,007
2,193
(8)%
(8)%
Operating free surplus generated from in-force insurance and asset management business
2,740
2,760
(1)%
1%
Adjusted operating profit
2,893
2,722
6%
8%
IFRS profit (loss) after tax
1,712
(997)
n/a
n/a
31 Dec 2023
31 Dec 2022
Total
Per share
Total
Per share
EEV shareholders’ equity
$45.3bn
1,643¢
$42.2bn
1,534¢
IFRS shareholders’ equity
$17.8bn
647¢
$16.7bn
608¢
Adjusted IFRS shareholders equity
$37.3bn
1,356¢
$35.2bn
1,280¢
Notes The summary financials presented above are the key financial metrics Prudential’s management use to assess and manage the performance and position of the business. In addition to the metrics prepared in accordance with IFRS standards – IFRS profit after tax and IFRS shareholders’ equity – additional metrics are prepared on alternative bases. The presentation of these key metrics is not intended to be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS Standards. The definitions of the key metrics we use to discuss our performance in this press release are set out in the “Definition of performance metrics” section later in this document, including, where relevant, references to where these metrics are reconciled to the most directly comparable IFRS measure.
Further information on actual and constant exchange rate bases is set out in note A1 of the IFRS financial statement. All results are presented in US dollars.
IFRS Comparatives for 2022 have been restated to reflect the retrospective application of IFRS 17. See note A2.1 to the financial statements for further information and reconciliation.
Hashtag: #Prudentialplc
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Prudential plc
Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 24 markets across Asia and Africa. Prudential’s mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (2378) and the London Stock Exchange (PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.
Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2024 – Aviation Concepts Technical Services Incorporated (ACTSI), is pleased to announce it has recently completed and obtained FAA approval for Wheel and Tire Shop Services (WTSS) under its current Limited Accessory Rating.
Mr. TJ Trinidad, Vice President – Business Development at ACTSI
WTSS offers tire change, tear down and build up with NDT (as required) on 19 different wheel assembly part numbers ranging from Gulfstream models G280, GIV-X (G350/G450), GV-SP (G550), G650/G650ER, Textron Beechcraft King Air B200 / B300 models, and Bombardier Global XRS and Global 7500.
With safety and quality always at the forefront, ACTSI remains committed to pushing the boundaries through unparalleled customer service and experience.
The WTSS compliments ACTSI’s current component support services such as their Sheet Metal Repair Shop and Battery Repair Shop (NiCad and Sealed Lead Acid Battery (SLAB)).
“We are in constant pursuit of redefining MRO standards in the region and adding the Wheel and Tire shop to our suite of support services helps bolster our existing repair station services. This in turn helps solidify ACTSI’s reputation as a key player in the MRO sector in Asia.” commented Mr. TJ Trinidad, Vice President – Business Development at ACTSI.
Hashtag: #ACTSI
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ACTSI
Established in 2010, Aviation Concepts Technical Services Inc. (ACTSI) was acquired by Razon & Co. in 2018 and based in Subic Bay, Philippines. ACTSI is dedicated to providing quality services for corporate jets in Asia-Pacific including maintenance, repair, and overhaul services and hangar parking. ACTSI is an FAA 145 Repair Station with other approvals such as Cayman AMO, Bermuda AMO, San Marino, and Philippines CAAP AMO for products such as Gulfstream G280, GIV-X (G350/G450), GV-SP (G550), G650/G650ER, Textron Beechcraft King Air B200 / B300 models, and Bombardier Global XRS and Global 7500.