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Philippines Ready to Take Helm of 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This photo is used for representational purposed only.

By Alina Khai and Laotian Times – Malaysia’s 2025 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairmanship delivered renewed momentum in economic integration and regional cooperation, but the bloc now faces defining strategic tests as leadership transitions to the Philippines next year.

After a year of high-stakes diplomacy, Malaysia helped drive progress on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), launched the ASEAN Geo-Economics Task Force, introduced the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and advanced efforts toward a long-term strategic roadmap. 

Vietnam’s deputy foreign minister Dong Hoang Giang said 2025 saw “strong breakthroughs in economic growth and innovation,” with new frameworks in digital cooperation, energy connectivity, and technology-led development.

A major achievement was the inaugural ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit, which analysts say deepened ASEAN’s role as a regional convener. Institute of Strategic and International Studies chairman Faiz Abdullah said China’s technological strength “complements the GCC’s substantial resources,” reinforcing ASEAN’s centrality in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific.

US Ambassador Edward Kagan also highlighted Southeast Asia’s rising strategic significance, noting that key “chapters of the 21st century” will be written in the Indo-Pacific.

Zanariah Zainal Abidin, director general of the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat, stressed that the region must remain inclusive. 

“The Indo-Pacific is not a battleground to be won,” she said. “ASEAN’s strength lies in dialogue, bridging divides, and keeping the region open and cooperative.”

Unfinished Business

Despite momentum, the bloc now faces pressure to deliver. 

Several new frameworks remain conceptual, with limited mechanisms for implementation. Senior fellow Joanne Lin of Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS)-Yusof Ishak Institute argued that ASEAN must operationalize these initiatives through clear roadmaps, financing, and deeper private-sector engagement-especially as global tech competition intensifies.

Deputy investment minister Liew Chin Tong said ASEAN could become a “champion of middle technology” and a reliable semiconductor hub if member states maintain neutrality and trust.

Development gaps continue to widen following Timor-Leste’s entry as the 11th members of the association, with veteran diplomat Ilango Karuppannan warning that ASEAN risks splitting into “three tiers of wealth” without urgent corrective action.

Regional political sensitivities also remain. 

The Thai-Cambodian detente is still fragile, and ASEAN has yet to build a robust peacekeeping architecture. International Islamic University’s Phar Kim Beng emphasized renewed political will to activate existing mechanisms as consensus remains vital to the bloc’s identity.

The border clashes between two nations erupted in late July 2025 near the disputed areas surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple. Both sides agreed to an unconditional ceasefire on 7 August in Kuala Lumpur, brokered by Malaysia in its role as ASEAN chair. 

However, the truce remains fragile.

Philippines Takes the Helm in 2026

The Philippines will chair ASEAN in 2026 under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”. Foreign secretary Maria-Theresa Lazaro said Manila aims to maintain continuity, not reinvention, focusing on the three pillars of the ASEAN Community.

Priorities include advancing the long-delayed South China Sea Code of Conduct, climate action, and further steps on Myanmar-issues expected to dominate ASEAN’s agenda as geopolitical tensions persist.

Faiz Abdullah noted that Southeast Asia’s fortunes are increasingly tied to a complex global environment. 

“The lines between geopolitics and geoeconomics have blurred,” he said, warning that cooperation will be essential amid heightened uncertainty.

A New Beginning for ASEAN

Malaysia’s 2025 chairmanship reinforced the bloc’s foundations after years of cumulative work. But the next phase requires execution, not more frameworks.

ASEAN’s ability to act with clarity will be tested more than ever in 2026. The scaffolding has been strengthened; the region must now decide what to build on top of it.

Once-Monthly GLP-1 RA | Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals Initiates Phase 3 Clinical Study (GRADUAL-3) of the First Chinese Once-Monthly GLP-1 RA for Weight Management

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals (Gan & Lee, stock code: 603087.SH) announced the initiation of GRADUAL-3, its third large-scale phase 3 clinical study of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) bofanglutide (research code: GZR18) injection in adults with obesity or overweight. In this study, bofanglutide injection will be administered subcutaneously once every four weeks (once-monthly) to explore its potential to maintain the achieved weight loss and improved long-term adherence.

This phase 3 study (Chinadrugtrials.org.cn: CTR20254659) is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-monthly bofanglutide injection on body weight after 24 weeks of continuous treatment. Professor Linong Ji from Peking University People’s Hospital is the leading principal investigator of the study. The primary endpoints were the change and the percentage change from baseline in body weight at Week 24.

Previously, Gan & Lee has conducted two phase 3 clinical studies (GRADUAL-1 and GRADUAL-2) of bofanglutide injection for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. In GRADUAL-2 study, bofanglutide injection is the first GLP-1 RA globally to be evaluated in a head-to-head, parallel-group comparison with semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy®) in Chinese adults with obesity or overweight, with or without type 2 diabetes. These studies are designed to comprehensively assess and confirm the efficacy and safety of bofanglutide injection in patients with obesity or overweight, as well as its overall impact on metabolic parameters and cardiovascular risk factors. The GRADUAL-3 clinical study will further explore the potential of once-monthly bofanglutide injection to maintain the achieved weight loss and improved long-term adherence. By reducing injection frequency and offering a more convenient treatment regimen, GRADUAL-3 is expected to support long-term treatment adherence and address key challenges associated with GLP-1 RA therapy, including weight regain and suboptimal durability of weight-loss efficacy over time.

GRADUAL Clinical Development Program
The GRADUAL clinical development program of bofanglutide injection is designed to comprehensively evaluate its efficacy and safety in adults with overweight or obesity. Three large-scale phase 3 clinical studies are currently ongoing in China, with a planned total enrollment of more than 1,000 participants.

  • GRADUAL-1 is a 52-week, phase 3 clinical study in approximately 630 Chinese adults with obesity or overweight who have not achieved adequate weight loss with diet and exercise, evaluating the weight-loss efficacy and safety of bofanglutide injection.
  • GRADUAL-2 is a 52-week, phase 3 clinical study in approximately 471 Chinese adults with obesity or overweight who have not achieved adequate weight loss with diet and exercise, with or without type 2 diabetes, assessing the weight-loss efficacy and safety of bofanglutide injection compared with Wegovy ® (semaglutide 2.4 mg, for weight management).
  • GRADUAL-3 is a 24-week, phase 3 clinical study designed to explore the efficacy and safety of once-monthly bofanglutide injection on maintaining weight-loss effect.

Bofanglutide injection
Bofanglutide injection (research code: GZR18) is a novel GLP-1 RA developed by Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals. Its clinical development currently focuses on two indications: obesity/overweight and type 2 diabetes. Bofanglutide injection has demonstrated outstanding weight-loss and glucose-lowering effects in clinical studies, while also providing comprehensive metabolic benefits. The overall safety and tolerability profile of bofanglutide is consistent with that of marketed GLP-1 RAs. Currently, the global development of bofanglutide has advanced to the phase 3 stage.

Forward-looking statements
Forward-looking statements are based on our expectations and assumptions as of the date of the statements. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, and we can give no assurance that such results will be achieved in the future. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. 

Xinhua Silk Road: Exhibition on China’s Dehua white porcelain opens in Los Angeles

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — An exhibition showcasing China’s Dehua white porcelain opened here Friday, drawing over 100 attendees from both countries and aiming to highlight traditional Chinese culture while promoting cross-cultural exchange.

Visitors view an artwork at an exhibition showcasing China's Dehua white porcelain in Los Angeles, the United States, Nov. 21, 2025. The exhibition opened here Friday, drawing over 100 attendees from both countries and aiming to highlight traditional Chinese culture while promoting cross-cultural exchange. Titled
Visitors view an artwork at an exhibition showcasing China’s Dehua white porcelain in Los Angeles, the United States, Nov. 21, 2025. The exhibition opened here Friday, drawing over 100 attendees from both countries and aiming to highlight traditional Chinese culture while promoting cross-cultural exchange. Titled “The Aesthetics of Harmony: Blanc de Chine, Porcelain from Dehua,” the exhibition featured around 100 finely crafted ceramic artworks and photographic pieces. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

The exhibition, titled “The Aesthetics of Harmony: Blanc de Chine, Porcelain from Dehua,” featured around 100 finely crafted ceramic artworks and photographic pieces. Blending traditional techniques with contemporary design concepts, the displays highlight the cultural legacy, artistic beauty and innovative spirit embodied in Dehua ceramics.

Addressing the event, Huang Hongjiang, deputy consul general of China in Los Angeles, said Dehua porcelain represents not only China’s long-standing cultural traditions but also its refined modern craftsmanship.

Huang said China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan offers broad prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation with the United States in trade, investment and other areas, calling for joint efforts to increase exchanges and deliver more benefits to people in both countries.

Fang Junqin, head of Dehua County in southeast China’s Fujian Province, hoped that the exhibition will give the American public a chance to appreciate the elegance of Dehua porcelain and the Eastern aesthetic it embodies.

Fred Stehle, a local resident from Whittier in Los Angeles County, told Xinhua the porcelain pieces “are incredibly fine and delicate, rich in detail,” and reflect a blend of Chinese tradition, culture and modern craftsmanship.

“We’re very interested in Chinese culture and hope to learn more,” he said. “We also hope to visit China again in the near future.”

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/348511.html

Laos Steps Up Debt Reforms With New Strategy, Stronger Oversight

By
Phontham Visapra
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Laos Steps Up Debt Reforms With New Strategy, Stronger Oversight
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo credit: pixabay/freemalaysiatoday)

Laos is advancing major public debt management reforms with a new medium-term strategy and tighter oversight of state-owned enterprises to strengthen fiscal stability and support economic growth, Deputy Minister of Finance Soulivath Souvannachoumkham said on 25 November.

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The 34th Guzhen Lighting Fair will debut in March 2026, kicking off a festive spring procurement season with the opening of pre-registration

By
Advertorial Desk
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ZHONGSHAN, China, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Embark on a new journey in spring, with the convergence of business opportunities! The highly anticipated 34th China (Guzhen) International Lighting Fair (hereinafter referred to as the Guzhen Lighting Fair) will officially launch from March 18-21, 2026 at the Guzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, China. 

With the theme “Guzhen Lights up the World”, this exhibition will capitalize on the trillion-yuan industrial cluster advantage of Guzhen, known as the ” Lighting Capital of China “, with spring procurement as the core keynote. It aims to create a one-stop procurement and sales platform covering the whole industry chain, injecting robust momentum into the development of lighting industry in 2026.

Over 1.5 million Sqm Layout: Hall H Newly Expanded & Upgraded

This exhibition continues the “1+8+N” core layout, linking the main venue – Guzhen Convention and Exhibition Center – with eight major sub-venues including Lihe Lighting Expo Center, Huayi Plaza, Starlight Alliance Global Brand Lighting Center, Lighting Era Center, Guzhen Chang’an Lighting Parts & Electronic City, Caosan International Lighting Parts City, Guyi Ruifeng International Lighting Fittings City, and Guyi Qingfeng LED Lighting Trading City, covering a total exhibition area of over 1.5 million square meters.

Notably, to meet diverse demands during the peak spring procurement season, the integrated zone in Hall H at the main venue has been upgraded and expanded, which will bring together more premium brands and specialty products to complement the following Halls and achieve a display effect that covers all product categories and adapts to all scenarios: Hall A’s smart lighting and brand exhibition area; Hall B’s decorative lighting, residential lighting, and commercial lighting, and Hall C’s outdoor lighting and specialized lamps; hall D’s machinery and equipment and accessory components; hall E’s accessory components and supporting services; and Hall F’s smart home solutions and soft furnishings.

Over 3,600 high-quality brands will showcase 100,000 original new products, covering not only light health application solutions, commercial intelligent lighting environment solutions but also smart city cultural tourism products, zero-carbon light-storage integrated products, and even automated production machinery. This one-stop offering meets the sourcing and collaboration needs of buyers, distributors, and designers, showcasing the source-based advantage of ” exhibition in front, factory behind, and exhibition-store linkage “.

Global publicity campaign in full swing, and pre-registration has been officially launched

As a grand gathering of the lighting industry at the beginning of spring, this session of Guzhen Lighting Fair has launched a global promotional matrix. Utilizing over 100 leading domestic and international media outlets, including PR Newswire, People’s Daily, and Tencent, we will collaborate with multi-platform social media such as Douyin, WeChat, and Facebook, combined with SEO, short videos, email, phone and SMS marketing, and community fission, the Fair is poised to achieve precise global reach.

The pre-registration for the Spring Fair has been officially launched. Early registrants can secure free entry and enjoy multiple exclusive benefits, including exclusive exhibition matchmaking services, previews of new product launches, and targeted supply and demand matching, ensuring an efficient visit and streamlined sourcing.

The spring procurement continues into summer, with the Summer Fair focusing on outdoor lighting and new e-commerce ecosystem

In 2026, the Guzhen Lighting Fair will maintain its strategic layout of “Three Exhibitions a Year”, consolidating momentum for the outdoor lighting industry.

The 2026 Guzhen Outdoor Lighting Expo will open in May, focusing on green, low-carbon, and smart innovative outdoor lighting products, deeply integrating with the e-commerce ecosystem and creating a dual-engine platform with “full industry chain exhibition” and “precise resource matchmaking”.

The exhibition will collaborate with mainstream global e-commerce resources to establish an innovative exhibition and trade platform linking online and offline resources, facilitating enterprises to access worldwide opportunities. 

Whether it is all-category sourcing in spring or outdoor lighting and e-commerce channels in summer, the Guzhen Lighting Fair will continue to leverage its industrial cluster advantages, offering the industry an all-year-round stage for exchange and cooperation.

In March, Guzhen town will once again host a convergence of global buyers and showcase a wide range of brand-new products. Let us gather for this festival of light and shadow and seize the new future of the industry in “Lighting Capital of China“.

2025 Zhejiang Service Trade (Singapore) Film and Television Exhibition is Set to Launch

By
Advertorial Desk
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Highlands of Industry Shine with Distinction, Culture Goes Global in Full Bloom 

HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province:

From December 3 to 5, 2025, the 2025 Zhejiang Service Trade (Singapore) Film and Television Exhibition will be held in Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, leveraging the platform of The 26th Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF). With the theme of “Service of Zhejiang, Serve the World”, this exhibition focuses on the entire field of film and television creation. It will showcase 12 key film and television enterprises from Zhejiang province at Booth N08, including Hengdian World Studios, Zhejiang Zhongnan Animation Co., Ltd., Xiaowu Bros., Parallax Films, Hangzhou Steamworks Creative Co., Ltd, Zhejiang Zhongchuang Huashi Cultural Development Co., Ltd., Jiaxing Jiuzhou Culture Media Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Huamai Network Technology Co., Ltd., Haining Naqada Media Company Ltd., Hangzhou Huangliu Cultural Development Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Star Fashion Film Co., Ltd., and Zhejiang Xiuming Film Co., Ltd.

Blockbusters Gather: Zhejiang-made Content Resonates Globally

In the animation sector, Zhejiang Zhongnan Animation Co., Ltd. makes a grand appearance with hit original works including Legend of King Qian, which has successfully entered the broadcasting systems of over 130 countries and regions worldwide. Hangzhou Steamworks Creative Co. Ltd., a leader in stop-motion animation, showcases outstanding works such as Candy and Mini Town.

In the fields of short dramas and film/TV IPs, the “blockbuster DNA” of Zhejiang-made content continues to shine. Xiaowu Bros. presents popular short dramas like The Invincible Bastard Son; Jiaxing Jiuzhou Culture Media Co., Ltd. launches IP-derived short dramas including A Life Restart to Save Her Mom; Parallax Films debuts internationally acclaimed films such as A Story About Fire. Additionally, works focusing on local cultural inheritance are highly anticipated: the overseas version of The Hidden Village by Zhejiang Star Fashion Film Co., Ltd. integrates intangible cultural heritage (ICH) ancient villages with rural revitalization themes, bringing the beauty of Chinese countryside to the world; DONGMEI by Zhejiang Xiuming Film Co., Ltd. depicts rural sentiments with delicate storytelling, conveying warm humanistic power.

Technology Empowers, Innovation Drives Industrial Upgrade

In the field of film and television technology and services, as a world-leading film and television base, Hengdian World Studios will focus on showcasing its large cluster of live-action shooting bases and one-stop film and television service platform, providing global film and television teams with full-industry-chain support from pre-production preparation to post-production. Keeping pace with technological trends, Hangzhou Huangliu Cultural Development Co., Ltd. will present the latest achievements of AIGC technology empowering content creation, injecting intelligent momentum into film and television production.

To meet cross-border communication needs, Zhejiang Huamai Network Technology Co., Ltd. will display the MEGAMEDIA audio-visual content cross-border trading platform, which has successfully connected film and television resources from 50 countries and regions worldwide. Haining Naqada Media Company Ltd. will showcase Hollywood-level multilingual dubbing and regional distribution services, helping Zhejiang-produced films and television works quickly adapt to the Southeast Asian market. Leveraging its mature overseas distribution experience, Zhejiang Zhongchuang Huashi Cultural Development Co., Ltd. will bring multiple blockbuster cases of cross-border communication, providing partners with market-oriented implementation solutions.

Gather at the Grand Event to Unlock New Cooperation Opportunities

On the afternoon of December 3rd, Zhejiang will host enterprise new film roadshows and premium content promotion sessions, building a precise docking platform for global film and television institutions, investors, and distributors. Whether you are a distribution company seeking high-quality content, a production firm in need of technical support, or an investment partner looking to expand into the international market, you can find cooperation resources tailored to your needs at the Zhejiang Service Trade (Singapore) Film & Television Exhibition.

From December 3rd to 5th, 2025, at Booth N08, Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, Zhejiang cordially invites global film and television peers to gather at this grand event, explore new opportunities for collaboration, and join us in composing a new chapter in cultural globalization!

Attachment: Promotion Session Schedule

Time

(Local Time)

Presentation Order

Presenting Enterprise

December 3rd

14:00-16:00

1

Hengdian World Studios

2

Zhejiang Zhongnan Animation Co., Ltd.

3

Xiaowu Bros.

4

Parallax Films

5

Hangzhou Steamworks Creative Co. Ltd.

6

Zhejiang Zhongchuang Huashi Cultural Development Co., Ltd.

December 4th

12:30-16:30

1

Xiaowu Bros.

 

SCG Drives ‘Regional Optimization,’ Positioning Vietnam as a Key Base for Production, Domestic Consumption and Global Exports; Highlights LSP and BMP to Strengthen ASEAN Growth Alongside Social and Environmental Sustainability

By
Advertorial Desk
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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 November 2025 – SCG is advancing its “Regional Optimization” strategy by positioning Vietnam as a key production base to support domestic consumption and exports to global markets. The company is showcasing the strengths of Long Son Petrochemicals (LSP), Vietnam’s first fully integrated petrochemical complex, and Binh Minh Plastics (BMP), the country’s leading manufacturer of premium plastic pipes and fittings. Together, these businesses reinforce SCG’s growth in ASEAN while driving social and environmental sustainability.

thumbnail SCG Drives Regional Optimization

Kulachet Dharachandra, Country Director – Vietnam at SCG and Executive Vice President of SCGC, said, “Regional Optimization is an integrated business strategy across ASEAN that leverages the collective strengths of each country, production bases, resources, and economic potential, to enhance efficiency and create advantages in cost, market reach, and sustainability. SCG is implementing this strategy across Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar, where each country plays a vital role in strengthening SCG and its subsidiaries while supporting long-term sustainable growth.”

Vietnam: SCG’s Strategic Production Base and Market

Vietnam is a strategic country for SCG, supported by several key factors: a domestic market of more than 100 million people, rapid infrastructure development, competitive production costs, and government policies that promote investment and exports. In 2024, Vietnam’s economy grew by 7.1%, with its gross domestic product (GDP) reaching USD 476 billion and foreign direct investment totaling more than USD 38.2 billion.

Kulachet continued, “SCG and its 28 subsidiaries have invested more than USD 7 billion in Vietnam, representing 28% of SCG’s total assets. Our operations span chemicals, cement, building materials, packaging, and logistics nationwide, enabling fully integrated cost and supply chain management. SCG also leverages the combined strengths of Thailand and Vietnam to enhance the competitiveness of the Group through initiatives such as:

  • Transferring expertise in technology, safety standards, and plant management from Thailand to Vietnam;
  • Leveraging Vietnam’s position as an export base, supported by its extensive network of more than 60 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), enabling the export of products such as PRIME GROUP’s glazed porcelain tiles and low-carbon cement to the United States;
  • Enhancing regional supply chain efficiency, particularly in the chemicals business, where production and marketing can be jointly optimized across the three crackers (ROC–MOC–LSP). This allows Thailand to focus on producing high value-added (HVA) products, while LSP focuses on meeting Vietnam’s large domestic demand and supplying global markets.”

Long Son Petrochemicals (LSP): Vietnam’s First Fully Integrated Petrochemical Complex

Kulachet said, “The petrochemical industry continues to face volatility and challenges due to global oversupply, while the world economy has yet to fully recover. Nevertheless, SCGC is continuing to advance and accelerate strategic adjustments to navigate these challenges by strengthening its competitiveness and leveraging key advantages. One of these advantages is SCGC’s diversified production base across three ASEAN countries, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, with LSP as Vietnam’s first fully integrated petrochemical complex. LSP significantly enhances SCGC’s long-term competitiveness at both regional and global levels. With LSP’s flexible production technology, the plant can switch between naphtha and propane feedstock depending on market conditions (Flexible Feedstock). For example, with propane prices currently lower than naphtha, LSP has adjusted its production plan by increasing the proportion of propane feedstock to 70% to optimize costs and strengthen competitiveness.”

“In addition, LSP has also adopted advanced technologies and technical expertise transferred from Thailand to further enhance environmentally responsible operations. These include Vietnam’s first large-scale enclosure ground flare system for smokeless gas disposal, a high-efficiency wastewater treatment system, and technologies designed to reduce air emissions, reinforcing LSP’s ambition to become a model for environmentally sustainable plant operations.”

“As for the progress of the LSP Enhancement Project (LSPE), the project is progressing according to plan. Construction of two ethane storage tanks is currently underway, along with process modifications to accommodate ethane feedstock. Overall progress has exceeded 20%, and completion is expected by the end of 2027,” Kulachet added.

Binh Minh Plastics (BMP): Market Leader in Premium Plastic Pipes and Fittings Supporting Vietnam’s Growth

In addition to its petrochemical operations in Vietnam, another business that reinforces SCGC’s strengths is the plastic pipes and fittings segment under Binh Minh Plastics (BMP), a listed company on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE). BMP operates a nationwide distribution network of more than 2,500 stores across Vietnam.

Niwat Athiwattananont, Chief Executive Officer of BMP, said, “Vietnam is undergoing rapid infrastructure development, resulting in strong demand and significant growth opportunities in the construction materials sector. BMP specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of premium-grade plastic pipes and fittings for residential, industrial, infrastructure, and agricultural applications, including water supply systems, drainage, telecommunications, and construction.”

“Furthermore, BMP collaborates closely with Nawaplastic Industries (NPI) in Thailand to enhance plant management efficiency through automation and robotics, as well as through knowledge sharing and technology transfer. This collaboration supports the development of high value-added (HVA) innovations, particularly within BMP’s ‘green’ product portfolio, which has been certified with international environmental standards. These efforts elevate product quality to global benchmarks. Looking ahead, the company plans to develop additional product lines to meet emerging market needs and expand its distribution coverage across the ASEAN region,” Niwat added.

Commitment to ESG

Kulachet added, “SCG places strong emphasis on advancing ESG to drive Inclusive Green Growth in Vietnam by applying expertise from Thailand to enhance production processes and promote green technologies.

  • Environment: In recent years, SCG has invested more than USD 100 million in projects to improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy. The company also places strong emphasis on developing environmentally friendly products and services across all business units, such as Low Carbon Cement, to support the growing green transition in Vietnam and export markets.
  • Social: SCG has implemented programs that uplift community well-being, including the Sharing the Dream scholarship initiative, which has provided more than 6,000 scholarships nationwide over nearly 20 years, and the Loving Water for the Future project, which has helped install clean-water pipelines for more than 1,500 households in remote areas.
  • People: SCG is committed to developing more than 15,000 employees across Vietnam through SCG Academy and leadership-development programs such as the Management Enrichment Program, conducted in collaboration with Duke University, to build leaders equipped to navigate future challenges.”

“We firmly believe that Vietnam continues to hold strong growth potential, and we are proud to contribute to the country’s economic, social, and environmental development through the enduring partnership between Thailand and Vietnam. This collaboration will further strengthen the competitiveness of the ASEAN region as a whole. Our investments in LSP and BMP demonstrate SCG’s capability to operate effectively amid challenges and its long-term commitment to developing a competitive and sustainable industrial landscape,” Kulachet concluded.
Hashtag: #SCG

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

Highgrove and Cotswolds Distillery unveil “Highgrove Evergreen” – a tribute to the English countryside

By
Advertorial Desk
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SHIPSTON-ON-STOUR, England, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Highgrove and the Cotswolds Distillery are proud to announce the release of Highgrove Evergreen English Whisky, a beautifully crafted single malt that celebrates nature, heritage and the enduring craftsmanship of English whisky making.

Highgrove and Cotswolds Distillery unveil “Highgrove Evergreen”
Highgrove and Cotswolds Distillery unveil “Highgrove Evergreen”

Highgrove Evergreen is distilled from Plumage Archer barley, a traditional heritage variety grown on the Highgrove Estate. The whisky has been matured in a rare combination of Bourbon and STR red wine casks, creating an elegant balance of depth and complexity. The result is a rich, full-bodied spirit layered with notes of orchard fruit, honeyed malt and warm spice, lifted by subtle red berry sweetness from the red wine cask influence.

Each bottle of Highgrove Evergreen is presented in a beautiful gift box that features an illustration painted by King Charles III. *A View from the Wildflower Meadow* is reproduced from an original watercolour painted by His Majesty in 1995, when he was HRH The Prince of Wales. The scene depicts the beauty of Highgrove House and its iconic Wildflower Meadow, with the Cedar of Lebanon tree standing proudly in the background.

Daniel Szor, Founder of Cotswolds Distillery, said:

“When I first purchased Plumage Archer barley from the Highgrove Estate many years ago, I could never have imagined it would grow into a collaboration of this scale. To now craft a whisky that reflects our shared commitment to craftsmanship, provenance and respect for the land is a genuine honour. Highgrove Evergreen marks a remarkable milestone for our distillery and for the continued evolution of the English whisky category. We look forward to sharing this release with the proud British public, and eventually with international markets as well, particularly the United States as we set our sights on key regions for 2026.”

Highgrove’s profits from the sale of this whisky will support The King’s Foundation for its charitable delivery of education and training initiatives, some of which will take place at Highgrove.

Priced at £100 and bottled at 46% ABV, Highgrove Evergreen English Whisky will become a permanent addition to the Cotswolds Distillery portfolio, reflecting an ongoing collaboration between Highgrove and the Cotswolds Distillery.

Highgrove Evergreen will be available to pre-order online from the Cotswolds Distillery website and Highgrove Gardens website from 25 November. It will be available to purchase in store from the Cotswolds Distillery and Highgrove Gardens from 4 December 2025.

www.highgrovegardens.com
www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cotswolds_highgrove_evergreen.jpg
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cotswolds_distillery_logo.jpg

 

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