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UN Experts Urge More Help for Human Rights Defenders in Myanmar

Photo Credit: East Asia Forum

UN experts said on Friday human rights defenders documenting and responding to atrocities by Myanmar’s military junta urgently need comprehensive support, including financial, and called on the international community to end apparent indifference to the violence targeting the country’s population.

“In the face of inaction by the international community, and with human rights violations continuing to be perpetrated on a daily basis by the military junta, human rights defenders are persisting in their support for those targeted and working to preserve the possibility of justice in the future,” said Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.

Along with Tom Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Lawlor highlighted the grave risks defenders face and the specific challenges confronting women human rights defenders.

“Defenders have been murdered and disappeared by the military since the coup took place. They now risk arrest, detention, torture, including sexual violence and death when going about their work and fear having their documents seized at military checkpoints,” the experts said. “Many have had to go into hiding after being targeted by the military for assisting survivors of gender-based violence. They are on the move constantly, and women human rights defenders often have no choice but to take their children with them when they flee.”

Others have had to relocate to neighbouring countries, where they remain vulnerable.

Lawlor and Andrews said they had publicly expressed concerns for the safety of defenders in the country just over a year ago.

“What’s needed is concrete support for Myanmar human rights defenders, including those who have had to flee the country: stronger, coordinated pressure on the junta, timely and responsive direct financial support for defenders on the ground, and visas or resettlement for those fleeing the country,” the experts said.

“The international community must not adopt a passive stance when it comes to the crimes that are being perpetrated by the military junta and the risks for human rights defenders in Myanmar.”

Time to tackle the demand-side of the energy transition, Schneider Electric says

  • Senior Schneider executives at Climate Week NYC to advance the energy debate
  • Solutions for environmental, social and economic progress exist


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 19 September 2022 – Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today issued a rallying cry for governments, companies and individuals around the world to wake up to the huge – but often still under-estimated – role they can play in building a more electric, digital and energy-resilient future.

“Weaning the world off fossil fuels is essential, but it will take time – and time is running out when it comes to climate change.,” said Gwenaelle Avice-Huet, Schneider Electric’s Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer. “The good news is that there are solutions we can leverage today. In particular, there’s much more we can do to optimize how energy is consumed in the first place. This demand-side of the energy equation is a powerful lever, and one that deserves much more action and attention than it is currently getting.”

Ms Avice-Huet was speaking on the eve of Climate Week NYC 2022, which she and several other senior Schneider Electric will attend. The event, on September 19-25, brings together influential climate action leaders from business, government, and the climate community to promote climate action and awareness.

This year’s event takes place against the backdrop of a dramatically disrupted global energy landscape. Soaring energy prices have highlighted that the energy transition needs to be not only about the environment, but also about society and addressing the unequal and often very painful economic toll the crisis is taking.

“Energy insecurity is a global and growing reality we can’t ignore,” said Ms Avice-Huet, “As an impact company we’re acutely aware that we’re not here to simply raise the alert on the issues, but that we need to deploy our insights and know-how to deliver actual solutions and bring everyone along the path to sustainability.”

Schneider Electric founded its own Sustainability Research Institute in 2020 to reinforce its contributions to the climate and energy debate. The institute’s reports offer valuable insights and policy recommendations on the untapped potential of electrification, digitization, efficiency and circularity. Its research team has been expanded significantly since its creation and regularly collaborates with external research partners and influencers such as the World Green Building Council and BloombergNEF.

Schneider Electric is widely recognized for being a corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) leader and enabler. Earlier this summer, the company confirmed its commitment to reach net zero across its entire value chain by 2050 by becoming one of the first few organizations in the world to have that commitment validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Schneider’s products, software and services help its customers and partners to speed up their decarbonization efforts and attain greater resilience. The company will announce a string of innovations for efficiency and sustainability during its flagship annual Innovation Summit World Tour customer and partner event, which kicks off on October 12.

Hashtag: #SchneiderElectric

About Schneider Electric

Schneider’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.

We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, endpoint to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.

We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.

Discover more:

Gangsters Wanted in Thailand for Death of Kyrgyz Woman Trafficked to Laos

Thai police investigate the apartment from where Anara Seitaleva jumped to her death. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

After the death of a 30-year-old Kyrgyz woman in Pattaya on Friday, three Chinese nationals are wanted by the Thai Police in connection to the incident.

Police in Laos Provide Update on Phonethip Fraud Case

Phonethip Xaypanya
Phonethip "Jie Thip" Xaypanya

Police in Laos have provided an update on the case of fraudster Phonethip Xaypanya, known as Jie Thip, who was arrested in Thailand in July.

Vietnam Leads the Way for Protecting LGBTQ+ Health Standards

With LGBTQ+ rights making headlines in Laos, neighboring Vietnam has adopted global LGBTQ+ health standards to prevent discrimination and provide dignity to members of the community.

To develop the RCEP market, Dongfeng Motor Corporation shows multiple star products at CAEXPO

WUHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach – 19 September 2022 – On September 16, the 19th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) lasting four days was opened in Nanning, Guangxi. Themed “Sharing the RCEP new opportunity and promoting China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Version 3.0”, such CAEXPO attracted over 50 countries and regions to participate in the expo.

This year is the opening year when RCEP becomes effective and the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership is started. To seize such opportunity of CAEXPO and further promote the integrated development of regional industrial chains and supply chains, SASAC organized relevant authorities and resources to select a batch of central government-owned enterprises which have relatively strong technical strength and frequently cooperate with foreign companies. The joint exhibition zone for central government-owned enterprises was set up at CAEXPO. As a representative enterprise in the Chinese automobile industry, Dongfeng Motor Corporation was selected into such zone. Dongfeng Motor Corporation presented such products as its commercial vehicles, passenger cars, farm machineries, parts, etc. in a collective manner to the expo with the Group’s overall image. By synchronously setting up indoor and outdoor booths, it exhibited 9 finished automobiles, 4 sets of critical assemblies, two farm machineries and over 70 parts to comprehensively showcase the technical achievements of Dongfeng Motor Corporation’s technological innovation “Leap” initiative by orienting to the market in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Dongfeng Motor Corporation held the VOYAH new product introduction meeting oriented to the overseas market customers on the day of the opening ceremony of CAEXPO. VOYAH is a high-end intelligent luxury electric powered MPV. Equipped with Dongfeng’s autonomously developed dual-power electric driving ESSA architecture, VOYAH supports such two power systems as the pure-electric power system and intelligent multi-module driving power system. It is the only electric MPV which is equipped with a dual-power system layout in the industry. It aims to build perfect driving and riding experiences for commercial reception and family travel.

Dongfeng Motor Corporation introduced such products as Dongfeng Aeolus HAOJI, GS MAX, FORTHING Yacht, etc. to the customers in the ASEAN in a focused manner.

HAOJI is a brand new high-end hybrid SUV which is built by Dongfeng with great efforts. Bearing the Mach power assembly autonomously developed by Dongfeng, with an acceleration response time of only 0,15s and a fuel thermal efficiency of up to 41,07%, HAOJI is able to extend with multiple platforms such as hybrid power system, hydrogen energy power system, etc. It can meet power needs of such models as HEV, PHEV, REV, etc., so it is widely popular with the customers and is called “the fighter’s engine”.

Dongfeng Aeolus GS MAX which was designed in a fully new manner has the widest car body among the vehicles of the same class. Bearing the “Chinese heart” Top 10 engine 1,5T Mach power system and 7DCT300 gearbox golden power assembly, it has adequate power and low oil consumption and is highly safe, comfortable and smart, thereby sufficiently embodying the latest technical achievements for “electrification, intelligence orientation, networking, sharing and light weight orientation” of Dongfeng Motor Corporation.

FORTHING Yacht is a 7-seat family vehicle specially built by Dongfeng for family travel. Its design is greatly innovative and the brand new concept of “FENG Dynamic” is applied, so it attracted great attention from the customers in ASEAN on the site.

In the markets in such countries as Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines, etc. of ASEAN, Dongfeng commercial vehicles have outstanding quality, a leading market share and a widely positively evaluated comprehensive service capability. At the outdoor booth of CAEXPO, Dongfeng launches such 5 best selling commercial models as D760, D320, D560, etc. Of these models, the 6×4 D760 tractor, as the major exhibition vehicle at the outdoor booth, is the representative product of the Dongfeng Dragon flagship series and is the choice of efficient power and excellent performance for the customers in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

In addition, FORTHING T5 EVO SUV and such two MPVs as FORTHING Yacht and FORTHING M7 and 3 representative products such as Lapras Heavy-duty Truck were exhibited at the outdoor booth of Dongfeng Liuzhou Automobile Co., Ltd. Dongfeng Liuzhou Automobile Co., Ltd.’s products are safe, reliable, efficient, energy conserving and comfortable, thereby presenting diversified choices of value to the customers in the ASEAN market and being widely popular with the customers in the ASEAN.

Over recent years, Dongfeng Group has proactively responded to the “Going Abroad” national strategy. Its products were sold to over 100 countries including all countries in the ASEAN, etc. Additionally, it globally cooperated and collaborated with over 10 international finished automobile and parts enterprises. From January to August in this year, Dongfeng Motor Corporation exported 124000 vehicles which increased by 90% compared to the same period of the last year, representing a good development trend.

In the future, Dongfeng will continue to apply technical achievements of the “Wind blows in the east and technology leaps” initiative to such international markets as ASEAN, etc., thereby playing a greater role in the joint building of the “Belt and Road Initiative” and the promotion of regional economic cooperation and prosperity.

Hashtag: #DongfengMotorCorporation

Skyborn Renewables GmbH: Skyborn Renewables Launches as a Leading Company in Global Wind Power

GIP Closes and Rebrands Former Wpd Offshore Business
New Management Team Appointed
Announces Opening of Hamburg Office Hub

HAMBURG, GERMANY – EQS Newswire – 19 September 2022 – Global Infrastructure Partners (“GIP”), a leading independent global infrastructure investor, today announced the launch of Skyborn Renewables, a leading player in the international wind power industry. Skyborn Renewables (Skyborn) was previously operated as wpd offshore.

In May, GIP announced an agreement to acquire 100% of the business. The transaction closed on September 15, 2022.

The assets of Skyborn include interests in 5 operating and under-construction projects in Germany, France and Taiwan; and a pipeline of over 30 GW (gross) of highly diversified offshore wind projects in various stages of development. The company has over 20 years of development experience, a track record of ~7 GW developed to date, and a presence in fifteen European and APAC markets.

CEO Achim Berge Olsen commented: “Skyborn Renewables will combine the team’s experience with GIP’s financial strength and track record of investing in renewables assets to the deployment of offshore wind energy for the benefit of future generations. Our mission is to address the global challenges of the climate crisis and energy security.”

In addition to Berge Olsen, the newly-appointed management team includes:

  • João Metelo, Chief Investment & Financial Officer (CIFO), who has over 23 years of international experience,
  • Morten Melin, Co-Chief Operating Officer (COO), who will join the team in March 2023, an industry expert with more than 25 years of offshore wind experience,
  • Thomas Karst, Co-Chief Operating Officer (COO), who has almost 25 years of relevant industry and leadership experience and a strong focus on successful customer projects,
  • Lars Muck, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), who has over 25 years of industry and leadership experience,
  • Cathrin Browne, General Counsel (GC), who will join the team in November 2022, has over 12 years of experience and has held senior positions at market leading companies and law firms.

To support the team and strengthen its operating capabilities, Skyborn Renewables will open an office in Hamburg.

“GIP identified offshore wind as an important component of the transition to clean, renewable power. The investment in Skyborn is a significant milestone and demonstrates GIP’s commitment to the continued growth of global renewable power generation,” said Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and CEO of GIP.

Hashtag: #SkybornRenewables

About Global Infrastructure Partners

GIP is a leading independent infrastructure fund manager that makes equity and debt investments in infrastructure assets and businesses. GIP targets investments in the energy, transport, digital infrastructure, and water/waste sectors in both OECD and select emerging market countries. GIP’s global renewables portfolio includes solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage assets representing 18 GW of operating and construction capacity, royalty interests in over 21 GW of operating renewable projects, and over 175 GW of assets under construction or in development. Headquartered in New York, GIP operates out of 10 offices: New York, London, Stamford (Connecticut), Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Mumbai, Delhi, Singapore and Hong Kong. GIP manages c. US $84 billion for its investors. GIP’s portfolio companies have combined annual revenues of c. US $68 billion and employ over 100,000 people. For more information, visit .

About Skyborn Renewables

Skyborn Renewables (Skyborn) is helping to achieve global decarbonisation by accelerating the development of offshore wind energy across the world. We believe offshore wind is a cornerstone of the clean energy transition, which will enable the achievement of net-zero targets, ensure energy security, and provide a sustainable energy supply for future generations. Skyborn is a pioneer and leading offshore wind developer and operator with more than 20 years’ experience and a track record of approximately 7 GW developed around the globe to date. Our capabilities cover the entire offshore wind value chain, including greenfield development, engineering and design, procurement, financing, construction management and asset management. Skyborn’s portfolio includes a global pipeline of over 30 GW in various stages of development. Headquartered in Bremen, Germany, the company is present in 15 European and APAC markets. For more information, visit

EdgePoint and Xperanti Collaborate To Realise Penang’s Smart City Ambition

PENANG, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 19 September 2022 – Xperanti IoT Sdn Bhd (Xperanti) – the first IoT network provider in Malaysia, and EdgePoint Infrastructure (EdgePoint) – a leading ASEAN-based independent telecommunications infrastructure company, are collaborating to explore business opportunities beginning in Penang. The collaboration – affirmed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Xperanti IoT Sdn Bhd and EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd – EdgePoint’s operating entity in Malaysia, aims to create an ecosystem merging both IoT solutions and intelligent telecommunications infrastructure – and will play a part in realising Penang’s Smart City ambition.

MoU.jpg

(From left) EdgePoint Infrastructure Chief Executive Officer Mr Suresh Sidhu, EdgePoint Infrastructure Chief Technology Officer Mr Muniff Kamaruddin, Xperanti IoT Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Mr Prashant Pathmanaban and Xperanti IoT Sdn Bhd Head of Business Mr Efny Johan at the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony.

Extension of Existing Smart Parking Solution

As part of the MoU, the parties will explore the opportunity to extend their existing partnership on the Penang Parking Application that will allow the integration of future IoT technologies such as flood monitoring solutions, air quality monitoring and energy conservation solutions. The current Penang Parking Application is run entirely on a Sigfox network, applied on 36,000 bays across Penang state.

With Penang as pioneers in this space, this initiative will continue the close collaboration with the Penang State Government as the key stakeholder in ensuring that the solutions deployed keep the Rakyat safe and informed, bring savings for the local councils and a consolidated view for better city management.

Both Companies Play Key Role in Achieving Smart City Ambition

Prashant Pathmanaban, CEO of Xperanti, commented “IoT offers possibilities for municipalities to address urban city challenges by supporting decision-making via the detection of key metrics such as parking availability, traffic movement and water levels along with city-wide energy conservation applications through real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making capabilities. To strengthen the value offering, the solutions deployed will be cost-effective for the local council and, more importantly, keep the Rakyat informed across many areas of public safety and updates via the unified app.”

Xperanti’s collaboration with EdgePoint will enable support for and growth of services in the Penang region, with a focus on intelligent infrastructure, scalability of the business model, and innovation and futureproofing.

Muniff Kamaruddin, Chief Executive Officer of EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd, added, “In line with our aim to be a leading digital and telecommunications infrastructure provider for the 5G age, this collaboration with Xperanti will further enable us to expand our scope of next-generation connectivity solutions, tailored to suit conditions on the ground where we have a presence. We will continue our focus on driving a leading-edge industry position through the provision of innovative and scalable infrastructure solutions, reinforced with analytics and digital technologies, for quick pivoting and adaptability amidst a landscape in flux.”

Hashtag: #EdgePoint #Xperanti

About Xperanti IoT

Xperanti IoT is the first IoT network provider in Malaysia, offering comprehensive end-to-end IoT solutions that unlock tremendous opportunities for businesses, government agencies and ambitious cities administration to adopt Industry 4.0. Our exceptional technology delivers practical, scalable and sustainable solutions for critical sectors such as Smart Cities, Transportation & Logistics, Utilities, Agriculture, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Healthcare and Communities. For more information, visit www.xperanti.com.

About EdgePoint Infrastructure

EdgePoint Infrastructure is a telecommunications infrastructure company that aspires to power Digital ASEAN via Next Generation Infrastructure. With operations in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, through EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd, PT Centratama Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk and Comworks Infratech Corporation respectively, the company is focused on providing sharable and leading-edge telecom structures, small cells and in-building systems. EdgePoint aims to be an industry leader through scale and innovation, driving operational efficiencies through the adoption of analytics and digital technologies.