25.7 C
Vientiane
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 2469

Ikano Centres continues with growth plans to its meeting place offers in Malaysia and Thailand

Its shopping centres are spearheading futureproofing strategies driven by an omnichannel approach and strategic commercial developments

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 17 December 2021 – Ikano Centres, part of Ikano Retail, continues to accelerate its omnichannel approach to retail amid a year marred by Covid-19 closures for its shopping centre business. As shoppers begin to return to physical visits, a key priority remains enhancing its IKEA-anchored destinations to adapt to evolving consumer expectations.

MyGround at MyTOWN Shopping Centre, Decathlon at MyTOWN Shopping Centre, Soulmates at Toppen Shopping Centre, Development of Shopping Centre Multi-Storey Carpark with the lifestyle RoofTopp and McDonalds at Ikano Centres Batu Kawan (Image credit- Penang Holiao)

 

With five meeting places under its portfolio – IPC, MyTOWN, Toppen, and Batu Kawan in Malaysia, as well as Megabangna in Thailand, Ikano Centres have maintained a healthy lease rate of 92% at its shopping centres throughout the past 18 months. During this time, the group introduced enhancements to address safety, improve customer experience, pilot digital partnerships, and create innovative shopping platforms for customers to connect, engage, and learn.

 

“We are optimistic about our recovery as we see more visitors returning to our centres,” said Adrian Mirea, Ikano Centres’ Shopping Centre and Mixed-Used Director. “To strengthen the shopping experience across our centres, we continue to sustainably invest in both physical developments to our assets and also digital platforms to elevate the experience that shoppers have at our centres. All this while ensuring that our centres continue to be safe meeting places for the many.”

 

Ikano Centres introduced digital innovations aimed to support its tenants throughout closures, while giving its visitors multiple ways to engage with their favourite centres. Initiatives include personal shopper services through GoGet, livestreams supported by social commerce, campaigns powered by GrabFood and Foodpanda, and optimising its shopping centre apps to facilitate convenience to shoppers through order and collect services.

 

As community-centric shopping destinations, each meeting place is growing through sustainable means, with each development plan designed to cater to the needs of its surrounding community: 

 

IPC Shopping Centre: Damansara’s favourite neighbourhood shopping centre strengthens its family-friendly offers

 

At the heart of Mutiara Damansara, IPC is finalising upgrades to its facilities to increase convenience, accessibility, and family-friendly services to its visitors. With a new escalator to improve traffic flow throughout the centre, it is also improving its family amenities including its family rooms and playgrounds. The Level 2 ‘Funland’ will see more fun and exciting playsets for kids, with a new ‘Playland’ on Level G. Families can also enjoy a safe and great day out with new dining options.

 

MyTOWN Shopping Centre: Introducing a new a new socialising and lifestyle hub in the heart of Kuala Lumpur

 

Targeted to launch in December 2021, MyTOWN is excited to introduce MyGround, a vibrant new socialising hub for its city-centre based visitors to connect and co-create shared experiences. More than 145,000 sq ft of its former department store location is being redeveloped into unique retail spaces, with selected units created with a flexible model for F&B tenants featuring built-in fit outs to offer low start-up costs and easier entry into the shopping centre market. In addition to welcoming BookXcess, SSFHOME+, and Panda Eyes earlier this year, sports retailer Decathlon, Puma, and a new concept Adidas store will strengthen the sports and athleisure offer. To cater to working professionals within its location, Southern Malaysia’s largest co-working space Infinity8 will be opening their first location in the Klang Valley in 2022.

 

Toppen Shopping Centre: Championing social enterprise with Soulmates, a flexible space-booking platform to support small businesses and entrepreneurs

 

To help small Johorean businesses recover from the impact of Covid-19, Toppen introduced Soulmates, a platform that provides fully prepared, flexible spaces that can be booked by the hour or day. Designed to be a one–stop solution, Soulmates is ideal for beauty and wellness, fitness, and other skills-based service providers to share their services to customers in a comfortable and professional environment. The platform is targeted to be rolled out to other centres within the Ikano Centres portfolio in the near future.

 

Developments are also underway for its new multi-storey car park, targeted to launch in Q4 2022. The nine-storey structure will not only provide convenience with more parking spaces, but also introduce new retail additions ontop of its lifestyle RoofTopp. Toppen is also set to welcome Lulu Hypermarket’s first outlet in South Malaysia in 2022, providing an exciting grocery offer relevant to those living within the catchment area.

Ikano Centres Batu Kawan: Introducing the next phase of its meeting place in North Malaysia with the opening of an F&B drive-thru concept

 

In line with expanding new retail experiences to the growing township of Aspen Vision City, Ikano Centres recently launched phase two of its shopping centre with the opening of a new McDonald’s drive thru. In the coming months, KFC, Tealive, and Coffee Bean will be new additions to create many convenient food options across 200,744 sq ft gross leasable area

Megabangna Shopping Centre: Welcoming new partners Central Pattana (CPN) Plc.

 

Hailed as one of the largest Southeast Asia malls, the Bangkok-based shopping centre is now proud partners with Central Pattana (CPN) Plc, which recently purchased 56 per cent of Siam Future Development Plc (SF), Ikano Centres’ joint venture partner in Bangkok over the past ten years. Together with IKEA, the new partnership will continue to focus on securing Megabangna as a safe and great day out for the many people. New tenant additions include Topgolf, which will bring together exciting entertainment offers for visitors in East Bangkok in Q2 2022.

 

The focus of all commercial developments and digital innovation is part of Ikano Centre’s philosophy of putting the customers first. “We refer to our centres as ‘meeting places’ because customers today come for the experiences that we offer rather than just traditional transactions.  Post pandemic, shoppers are now more aware, more savvy, and have plenty of options to get what they need,” said Ikano Centre’s Commercial Director Arnoud Bakker. “This is why we have a heavy focus on designing a dynamic tenant mix to cater to specific needs. We are also constantly on the lookout for new partnerships with tenants, platforms, and service providers that are able to create memorable experiences for our visitors.” 

About Ikano Centres

Ikano Centres is part of Ikano Retail and we create retail destinations together with our IKEA stores. We develop land and invest in residential, office and other types of real estate to create vibrant destinations where people can live, work and play. Our shopping centres anchored by IKEA create meeting places that are the heart and hub of the community. We are destinations in itself, which offer an all-inclusive experience for every generation. To date, Ikano Centres operates five meeting places under different brand names spread across Malaysia and Thailand. To learn more, visit Ikano Centres.

About Ikano Retail

We are one of 12 IKEA franchisees, creating a better everyday life for the many people in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Mexico – with plans to open more markets in the years ahead. Our IKEA businesses offer well-designed, Swedish home furnishings at affordable prices. Our Ikano Centres, anchored by IKEA, are meeting places at the heart of our communities. With investments in other types of real estate, we create destinations where people shop, work, live and play. We are the only franchisee owned by the family of Ingvar Kamprad, who founded IKEA in 1943.

#IkanoCentres

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

Sekong Province Authorizes Reopening of Pubs, Clubs and Bars


Sekong Province has officially authorized the reopening of entertainment venues including pubs, bars, and clubs in a bid to restart its economy.

CoorsTek Plant in South Korea Earns Top Chemical Safety Award

National Institute of Chemical Safety Recognizes Facility’s Exceptional Accident Prevention Plan

GUMI, SOUTH KOREA – News Direct – 16 December 2021 – The CoorsTek plant in Gumi, South Korea was recently presented with an award from the National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) in recognition of the facility’s exceptional safety protocols and best-in class chemical accident prevention plan.

 

   

Left: The Director’s Award from the National Institute of Chemical Safety. 

Right: CoorsTek Engineer JW Shin, EHS Technician Steve (JH) Lee, and Engineer Se-Im Kim display the Gumi plant’s award for Best Practices in Chemical Accident Prevention and Management.

CoorsTek, a leading manufacturer of technical ceramics, operates more than 30 manufacturing facilities across three continents. At its Gumi, South Korea plant, which provides a variety of high-performance ceramics engineered specifically for semiconductor processing applications (including PureSiC silicon carbides and PlasmaPure aluminas), a wide range of hazardous materials are used. Due to the extensive use of these materials, the plant is subject to regular inspections to review safety procedures and chemical spill prevention plans.

 

Gumi employees passed last summer’s chemical safety inspection with marks so high that representatives from the NICS asked them to share best practices at a conference in November. CoorsTek team members accepted the offer and used the opportunity to showcase the plant’s comprehensive accident prevention program. The Gumi facility has grown in serving partners since 2000, including a recent expansion to support semiconductor and electronics industry growth as well as many additional customers in the region.

 

CoorsTek was among 12 organizations that were highlighted at the event, but one of only five to receive the Director’s Award for Chemical Safety. CoorsTek was in excellent company; the other four winning organizations were Sam-Yang, SK Materials, Hyundai Motor, and Samsung.

 

According to plant manager BW Han, the Gumi team delivered outstanding results thanks to the steps they have taken to prevent the leakage of hazardous chemicals into nearby bodies of water.

 

“We established a mobile-based wireless network to keep materials from flowing into the rivers here, and developed strong evacuation plans to keep workers and local residents safe if we are faced with an emergency,” he said.

 

CoorsTek Vice President of Environmental Health, Safety, Sustainability, and Security Scott Dolan congratulated the team and expressed pride in their accomplishment.

 

“CoorsTek is committed to being a safe, environmentally friendly and socially responsible company,” he said. “Our EHS teams worldwide take this responsibility seriously. We’re proud of the great work they’re doing in Gumi and pleased with the steps they are taking to create a safe environment.”  

About The National Institute of Chemical Safety

The National Institute of Chemical Safety falls within the South Korean Ministry of Environment, which is the branch of government charged with environmental protection. This agency manages the country’s chemical safety accident prevention system and oversees the accident response program; professional education; and international coordination.

About CoorsTek

CoorsTek is a privately-held leading global supplier of technical ceramics, serving a wide array of industries and markets – with the vision of making the world measurably better. The company is headquartered in Golden, Colorado, with approximately 5,000 employees worldwide. CoorsTek continues to make significant investments in developing advanced materials and processes for critical applications and is the partner of choice for companies worldwide, whose success requires the unique, high-performance properties of products manufactured from engineered ceramics and advanced materials. The company is committed to delivering outstanding value through operational excellence, research, development, and manufacturing capabilities and collaborative stakeholder relationships. Learn more at www.coorstek.com.

#CoorsTek

Michelin Guide 2022 advances to Southern Taiwan Tainan actively prepares to host the world’s key leaders and let the world taste and see Tainan

TAINAN, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 16 December 2021 – Having been in Taiwan for 3 years, the Michelin Guide has since become the growth motivation for local food culture, giving aspiring food and beverage operators a better international arena. Michelin Guide will be reviewing Tainan, the food capital, for the first time in 2022, lighting up Fucheng’s gourmet uniqueness. Facing a trend of globalization of food and beverage, Tainan specially hosted the “2021 International Gastronomy Forum” December 3, inviting 6 elite experts to speak on various topics, and share the unique insights of world- famous chefs and cross-disciplinary experts. The international and local gourmet forum and feast was attended by international ambassadors and representatives in Taiwan, with virtual participation by Japan’s Kyoto City and Yamagata City, Chinese Restaurant Association of Arizona, and sister city, Columbus.

 

2021 International Gastronomy Forum

 

Tainan City Mayor, Huang Wei-che, said that Tainan is Taiwan’s famous ancient city with unique historical and cultural backgrounds, thus giving rise to the abundant source of delicacies, making it a top choice for domestic tours and delicacies for many people. Tainan’s attractions and delicacies have global potential. Besides winning the “Michelin Green Guide” 3-star travel in 2011, a Wall Street Journal’s food writer also praised and described Tainan City as the world’s gourmet museum; while CNN recommended 19 local must-eat street foods in 2015 for travelers to try out if they come to Tainan. The rapidly rising Southern Taiwan Science Park in recent years is creating the largest wave of south-drifting engineers in history, driving new demands, such as housing, transportation, education, etc. This is hence the perfect time to talk about the upgrade of food and beverage.

The forum was led by foreign elite chef, Nicholas Pena Alvarez CMC, and Michelin-starred restaurant chef, Lam Ming Kin, who discussed the world’s overall objective definition of food ingredients, quality, aesthetics, service, etc., and the future trend of fine dining, and also analyzed Tainan’s unique advantages. Cross-disciplinary experts then continued to share various perspectives, such as product abundance, unique characteristics, local customs, quality and safety, etc., and how Tainan’s delicacies elegantly changed in the past four hundred years with the integration of culture.

The event continued into the night, where the host led the guests in a feast by opening Tainan’s gourmet treasure box, which included the unique nine-square dish presented by an old local restaurant, ASHA Restaurant: Hua Wei Hsiang Stewed duck thick soup, Lily Fruits’ seasonal fruits, and the champion Swiss roll, “Irresistible”, by Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Tainan. Key leaders from all over the world gathered in Tainan and learned about Tainan through the delicacies, declaring to the world: “Michelin Guide 2022”, Tainan is ready! https://youtu.be/YoAMR0nCN34

Nasdaq: Development and Investment Themes of Metaverse

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 16 December 2021 – In the virtual regional press conference hosted by Nasdaq today, the award-winning artificial intelligence company Yewno and Korea’s leading ETF provider Samsung Asset Management shared the latest development and investment themes of metaverse.

 

“Metaverse is a collective virtual shared space created by the conversions of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space, including the sum of all virtual worlds, augmented and mixed reality, and the internet,” said Roberto Lazzarotto, CEO of Yewno, “and these technologies truly change the way we live, the way we work, and the way that we experience the world. Metaverse has also opened up a lot of new investment opportunities.”

 

Headquartered in California U.S., Yewno has a patented Knowledge Graph which extracts insights from millions of data sources to transform disconnected information into connected knowledge. Yewno applies this cutting-edge technology across financial services, education and publishing to deliver products and solutions that empower users to strive for deeper knowledge. Together with Nasdaq, Yewno designs the Nasdaq Yewno Metaverse Index which tracks the performance of companies involved in three main components of the metaverse theme: equipment, content and platform.

 

As a pioneer in the Korean ETF market, Samsung Asset Management launched the country’s very first active-managed metaverse ETF with underlyings of Korean stocks in October. “We are committed to bringing global opportunities to local investors. With the collaboration with Nasdaq and Yewno, we are giving Korean investors access to global companies, the very first time in Korea, that are selected based on the proprietary data for virtual reality and augmented reality via SAMSUNG KODEX US Metaverse Nasdaq Active ETF,” said Jaewook Chung, Head of ETF Team, Samsung Asset Management. The stock code number of the new ETF is 411420 KS EQUITY.

 

Nasdaq has seen 70% increase in asset under management in mutual funds and exchange-traded products in APAC licensed by Nasdaq’s indexes year-to-date. As an innovative index provider, Nasdaq is dedicated to designing powerful, relevant index and benchmark families that are in sync with the continually changing market environment. Apart from the flagship index, the Nasdaq-100 Index, which tracks the world’s largest tech name, Nasdaq collaborates with the regional asset managers to offer efficient, yet cost-effective, investment tools for investors, for example, Semiconductor Sector Index ETF, Cybersecurity Index ETF, Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF.

 

“Nasdaq is committed to providing global solutions to local investors to access the untapped potential of growth, innovation and technology across the globe. We are pleased to work with Yewno and Samsung on another successful ETF launch,” said Joyce Ip, Head of Asia Pacific, Nasdaq Global Indexes.

 

About Nasdaq:

Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a global technology company serving the capital markets and other industries. Its diverse offering of data, analytics, software and services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence.

About Yewno:

Founded in 2015, Yewno is an award-winning Artificial Intelligence company whose patented Knowledge Graph extracts insights from millions of data sources to transform disconnected information into connected knowledge. Yewno applies this cutting-edge technology across Financial Services, Education, Publishing, Government, and Life Sciences to deliver products and solutions that empower users to strive for deeper knowledge. Headquartered in Redwood City, CA, and with offices in London and New York, Yewno is backed by leading investors including Pacific Capital and currently has numerous partnerships across top financial institutions, research universities, publishers, and content aggregators worldwide.

About Samsung Asset Management:

Samsung Asset Management is a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Life Insurance that has over US$270 billion of financial asset under management. KODEX is the ETF brand name of Samsung Asset Management with around $30 billion asset under management with 127 ETFs. KODEX ETFs are invested in diverse asset & structure including domestic and overseas equity, fixed income, commodities as well as leverage & Inverse.

#Nasdaq

Melco Cyprus becomes first European operator to receive RG Check accreditation

Making Melco the first and only operator to receive Responsible Gaming certification across its global portfolio

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach – 16 December 2021 – Melco Cyprus, operator of Cyprus Casinos (C2) and the upcoming integrated resort, City of Dreams Mediterranean, announces C2 has been accredited with the esteemed third-party accreditation for Responsible Gaming — RG Check, establishing C2 as the first in Europe to receive the endorsement. The achievement further establishes Melco as the first and only integrated resort operator in the world to be recognized by RG Check in all its jurisdictions of operations. The accreditation has been awarded to all four C2 venues, namely Limassol, Nicosia, Ayia Napa and Paphos. Tied to Melco’s commitment to safeguarding the community’s wellbeing is its effort to promote Responsible Gaming. Melco surpasses mandated regulatory requirements in all its jurisdictions of operation, and seeks continuous improvement to ensure a fair and safe experience for all guests.

 

C2’s RG Check accreditation is a demonstration of Melco’s commitment to Responsible Gaming across its global operations. As announced earlier (link to release), the Company was the first in Macau and the Philippines to attain RG Check certifications. Melco’s entire global portfolio, including Altira Macau, City of Dreams Macau, Studio City, City of Dreams Manila, and now Cyprus’ C2, are accredited by RG Check, making Melco the only operator to receive RG Check certifications for its entire portfolio in Macau, the Philippines and Cyprus.

 

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco, said, “Melco is dedicated to being the industry’s leader in the promotion of Responsible Gaming. Providing a safe and fair gaming experience for guests continues to be at the core of the Company’s commitment to society. The sustainable development and continued implementation of a Responsible Gaming culture is prioritized within every jurisdiction that we operate. We wish to thank the RG Check organizers for the honor, and our colleagues in Cyprus for making this achievement possible.”

 

Ms. Shelley White, CEO of Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), said, “RGC is thrilled that Melco has once again demonstrated its commitment to responsible gaming by achieving the RG Check accreditation in Cyprus for each of its four operating Cyprus Casinos properties. This is the third jurisdiction in which Melco has successfully completed the RG Check Accreditation. Throughout this process, Melco has demonstrated its transparency as an operator and has made duty of care a priority in its operations. In particular, we commend Melco on a best in class score in the Standard Areas of RG Policy, Strategy and Culture which recognizes Melco’s strong responsible gaming leadership and its comprehensive and integrated approach to building a responsible gaming culture that demonstrates awareness of the potential harms caused by gambling, as well as prevention and mitigation measures. RG Check is an invaluable tool for managing risk and increasing the effectiveness of RG programming. RGC is proud to provide continuous support to Melco’s harm minimization efforts throughout their properties around the world.”

 

RG Check is the world’s most comprehensive and rigorous responsible gaming accreditation program. It is designed to meet or exceed all existing responsible gaming regulatory requirements and is valid for three years. Accreditation is reviewed by a prestigious and independent panel of responsible gaming specialists.

About Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited

The Company, with its American depositary shares listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (NASDAQ: MLCO), is a developer, owner and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe. The Company currently operates Altira Macau (www.altiramacau.com), an integrated resort located at Taipa, Macau and City of Dreams (www.cityofdreamsmacau.com), an integrated resort located in Cotai, Macau. Its business also includes the Mocha Clubs (www.mochaclubs.com), which comprise the largest non-casino based operations of electronic gaming machines in Macau. The Company also majority owns and operates Studio City (www.studiocity-macau.com), a cinematically-themed integrated resort in Cotai, Macau. In the Philippines, a Philippine subsidiary of the Company currently operates and manages City of Dreams Manila (www.cityofdreamsmanila.com), an integrated resort in the Entertainment City complex in Manila. In Europe, the Company is currently developing City of Dreams Mediterranean (www.cityofdreamsmed.com.cy) in the Republic of Cyprus, which is expected to be the largest and premier integrated destination resort in Europe. The Company is currently operating a temporary casino, the first authorized casino in the Republic of Cyprus, and is licensed to operate four satellite casinos (“Cyprus Casinos”). Upon the opening of City of Dreams Mediterranean, the Company will continue to operate the satellite casinos while operation of the temporary casino will cease. For more information about the Company, please visit www.melco-resorts.com.

The Company is strongly supported by its single largest shareholder, Melco International Development Limited, a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and is substantially owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is the Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

#Melco

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

Ev Dynamics Welcomes Further Investment from International Investors

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 16 December 2021 – Ev Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (the “Company”, Stock Code: 476, together with its subsidiaries, collectively “Ev Dynamics” or the “Group”), a provider of new energy vehicles and integrated technology solutions, has received notice from Colombian entrepreneur Mr. Frank Kanayet Yepes that he has acquired an additional 150 million shares of the Company at a purchase price of HK$0.150 per share, adding to his first investment early this year.

 


Colombian entrepreneur Mr. Frank Kanayet Yepes has made a further investment in Ev Dynamics to support the Group to achieve its potential of innovative technologies and enlarged its market coverage.

Following this latest move, Mr. Kanayet Yepes holds a total of approximately 270 million shares; increasing his shareholding in the Company’s shares to 3%. Mr. Kanayet Yepes will pay a premium of approximately HK$9.6 million over the current share price.

 

Mr. Miguel Valldecabres Polop, CEO of Ev Dynamics, said, “We are pleased to see Mr. Kanayet Yepes’ enlarge his shareholding as it represents a further vote of confidence in Ev Dynamics. He has a successful investment track record in various industries and is a firm believer in the future of electric vehicles. We are thrilled that Mr. Kanayet Yepes recognizes the glowing prospects that electromobility possesses and how the combination of our technological advantages and development strategies can result in a sustainable and robust business.”

 

“Electric vehicles promise smooth operation and high safety, as well as zero emission which will improve air quality,” said Mr. Frank Kanayet Yepes. “Ev Dynamics has the potential to accelerate the adoption of electromobility across different markets by providing a strong value proposition to its customers. I am pleased to support the Group to achieve its potential of innovative technologies and enlarged its market coverage. I strongly believe that Ev Dynamics will become a global leader on electric buses and vans. The market is huge, and Ev Dynamics has a precious know-how and facilities to conquer it. Ev Dynamics can become the Tesla of public transportation.”

Mr. Frank Kanayet Yepes founded his own oil exploration company in Latin America. He owns an electromobility fund and was the first investor in the electric supercar maker Rimac Automobili (Croatia) – China Dynamics (the Company before the renaming) subsequently became the second investor in the company. In addition, Mr. Kanayet Yepes was one of the first investors into FIA Formula E and owns several other emobility investments worldwide.

About Ev Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (Stock Code: 476)

Ev Dynamics is a pioneer and prominent player in China’s new energy commercial vehicles market, as well as a whole-vehicle manufacturer of specialty vehicles and new energy passenger vehicles. It is an integrated driving and logistics solutions provider with a solid technological foundation in diverse areas including new energy platform power systems and their key components. It has a production base in Chongqing and has developed its sales network in China, Hong Kong, Asia Pacific and South America.

#EvDynamics

Replay Your Year with Facebook Year Together and Instagram Playback

The year 2021 has been an era of transition for many people across the globe. We’ve all worked together to find new ways to reconnect, discover new communities and celebrate each triumph. Here’s how you can recap and replay your biggest moment on the Facebook app and Instagram: