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14 killed, 124 Missing in Taiwan After Barrier Lake Burst

Part of the bridge over Mataian Creek is seen destroyed after a barrier lake burst in Hualien on September 24, 2025. The bursting of the barrier lake in Taiwan killed at least 14 people, regional officials said on September 24 after Super Typhoon Ragasa pounded the island with torrential rains. (Photo by Taiwan's Central News Agency. AFP PHOTO / TAIWAN’S CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY (CNA)

AFP – At least 14 people were killed when a decades-old lake barrier burst in Taiwan, a government official said Wednesday, 24 September, after Super Typhoon Ragasa pounded the island with torrential rains.

Ragasa lashed the northern Philippines and Taiwan on 22 September with heavy rain and strong winds, forcing thousands to evacuate.

The barrier lake in eastern Hualien county burst Tuesday, 23 September, washing away a bridge and sweeping into a town.

“As of 7 am Wednesday (2300 GMT Tuesday), 14 people are confirmed dead and 18 injured,” said Lee Kuan-ting, a Hualien County Government press official.

Lee told AFP rescuers were also searching for 30 people reported missing in the area.

The National Fire Agency later updated the number of missing people to 124.

Hualien fire officials said flood water temporarily rose as high as the second floor of a house in some parts of the town Tuesday, stranding about 263 people.

They were not in immediate danger and were asked to stay and wait for the water to recede.

Footage released by the fire agency showed flooded streets and half-submerged cars as trees were uprooted in the area.

Across Taiwan, more than 7,600 people were evacuated due to Typhoon Ragasa.

Around 3,100 people were evacuated beforehand and moved in with relatives in the area near the creek in Hualien, according to the fire agency.

Taiwan experiences frequent tropical storms from July to October.

Typhoon Danas, which hit the island in early July, killed two people and injured hundreds as the storm dumped more than 20 inches of rain across the south over a weekend.


© Agence France-Presse

Envision Energy Strengthens Australia Commitment Through New Strategic Partnership

BEIJING, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, reaffirmed its long-term dedication to Australia’s renewable energy sector during the meeting with H.E. Mr. Scott Dewar, Australian Ambassador to China. The company expressed its intent to make strategic investments in Australia, underscoring its commitment to support Australia in building resilient, sustainable, and future-ready energy infrastructure. The collaboration will focus on renewable energy development, net zero industrial parks, green hydrogen and ammonia, and the localization of renewable energy supply chains, strengthening Australian domestic capability while advancing the nation’s clean energy export ambitions.

Envision Energy Reaffirmed Its Long-Term Commitment to Australia
Envision Energy Reaffirmed Its Long-Term Commitment to Australia

Envision Energy Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment to Australia

The meeting was also attended by Daniel Boyer, Deputy CEO of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), and representatives from Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ). Participants exchanged in-depth insights on key topics including energy ecosystem development, supply chain automation, and talent cultivation, reaching broad consensus that paves the way for Envision’s long-term growth in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

“Australia’s abundant renewable resources, innovation potential, and leadership in climate policy make it a cornerstone market for Envision,” said Kane Xu, Senior Vice President and President of International Product Lines at Envision Energy. He noted that Envision has established its Australian headquarters in Melbourne and, together with FERA Australia, is developing large-scale hybrid renewable projects across the National Electricity Market (NEM). “We have also signed a new strategic partnership with ANZ to build a green finance ecosystem, further deepening our long-term commitment to Australia. Leveraging our green technology leadership, we are confident in making a meaningful contribution to the country’s net zero transition.”

Envision and ANZ Collaborate on Energy Transition

The ANZ agreement signing was witnessed by Mr. John Williams, Australian Consul-General in Shanghai and signals the start of a long-term collaboration. Together, Envision and ANZ will leverage their respective strengths to deepen cooperation in financing the energy transition, sustainable finance, cross-border trade and investment, market insights, and policy engagement. With ANZ as its lead banking partner, Envision is set to expand its presence across Australia, New Zealand and other international markets, aiming to jointly drive the growth and transformation of Australia’s renewable energy value chain.

Envision Energy Signed Strategic Partnership with ANZ
Envision Energy Signed Strategic Partnership with ANZ

Envision Energy Signed Strategic Partnership with ANZ

Paul Richards, Global Head of Resources, Energy & Infrastructure at ANZ, said: “As the largest Australian financial institution operating in China, ANZ has long supported Chinese enterprises investing in and providing technology solutions in Australia. Envision’s leadership and ambitions in the global net zero space is exciting. We look forward to developing comprehensive financial solutions and insights to help empower Envision’s growth in Australia and across the region.”

The strategic partnership with ANZ, alongside high-level engagement with the Australian government, is a significant milestone in Envision’s global strategy and aims to set a new benchmark for China–Australia cooperation in green energy.

Envision Energy Strengthens Australia Commitment Through New Strategic Partnership

BEIJING, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, reaffirmed its long-term dedication to Australia’s renewable energy sector during the meeting with H.E. Mr. Scott Dewar, Australian Ambassador to China. The company expressed its intent to make strategic investments in Australia, underscoring its commitment to support Australia in building resilient, sustainable, and future-ready energy infrastructure. The collaboration will focus on renewable energy development, net zero industrial parks, green hydrogen and ammonia, and the localization of renewable energy supply chains, strengthening Australian domestic capability while advancing the nation’s clean energy export ambitions.

Envision Energy Reaffirmed Its Long-Term Commitment to Australia
Envision Energy Reaffirmed Its Long-Term Commitment to Australia

Envision Energy Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment to Australia

The meeting was also attended by Daniel Boyer, Deputy CEO of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), and representatives from Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ). Participants exchanged in-depth insights on key topics including energy ecosystem development, supply chain automation, and talent cultivation, reaching broad consensus that paves the way for Envision’s long-term growth in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

“Australia’s abundant renewable resources, innovation potential, and leadership in climate policy make it a cornerstone market for Envision,” said Kane Xu, Senior Vice President and President of International Product Lines at Envision Energy. He noted that Envision has established its Australian headquarters in Melbourne and, together with FERA Australia, is developing large-scale hybrid renewable projects across the National Electricity Market (NEM). “We have also signed a new strategic partnership with ANZ to build a green finance ecosystem, further deepening our long-term commitment to Australia. Leveraging our green technology leadership, we are confident in making a meaningful contribution to the country’s net zero transition.”

Envision and ANZ Collaborate on Energy Transition

The ANZ agreement signing was witnessed by Mr. John Williams, Australian Consul-General in Shanghai and signals the start of a long-term collaboration. Together, Envision and ANZ will leverage their respective strengths to deepen cooperation in financing the energy transition, sustainable finance, cross-border trade and investment, market insights, and policy engagement. With ANZ as its lead banking partner, Envision is set to expand its presence across Australia, New Zealand and other international markets, aiming to jointly drive the growth and transformation of Australia’s renewable energy value chain.

Envision Energy Signed Strategic Partnership with ANZ
Envision Energy Signed Strategic Partnership with ANZ

Envision Energy Signed Strategic Partnership with ANZ

Paul Richards, Global Head of Resources, Energy & Infrastructure at ANZ, said: “As the largest Australian financial institution operating in China, ANZ has long supported Chinese enterprises investing in and providing technology solutions in Australia. Envision’s leadership and ambitions in the global net zero space is exciting. We look forward to developing comprehensive financial solutions and insights to help empower Envision’s growth in Australia and across the region.”

The strategic partnership with ANZ, alongside high-level engagement with the Australian government, is a significant milestone in Envision’s global strategy and aims to set a new benchmark for China–Australia cooperation in green energy.

COCOSPACE to Host First Soundproofing Consultation & Experience Event in Singapore

Japan’s Leading Soundproofing Items Make Their Debut in Singapore


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 September 2025 – Pialiving Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Fukuoka, Japan; CEO: Fusako Muromizu), Japan’s leading soundproofing specialist, today announced that its Singapore subsidiary COCOSPACE PTE. LTD. will host the first-ever Soundproofing Consultation & Experience Event in Singapore. The event marks the official opening of COCOSPACE’s new exhibition space.

For more than two decades, Pialiving has challenged the notion that “soundproofing requires major construction work.” The company provides easy-to-install products such as soundproof curtains, panels, and mats, trusted by over 40,000 households in Japan each year—including families with children, musicians, and remote workers.

Shared Noise Challenges in Japan and Singapore

In Japan, noise complaints about children’s footsteps and daily life sounds remain a significant issue. From October 2024 to August 2025, Pialiving received 2,842 soundproofing consultations, of which 97 cases (about 3%) were related to children’s footsteps, particularly from families living in apartments.

In Singapore, noise complaints have surged since 2020. According to the Housing & Development Board (HDB), complaints rose from about 4,800 in 2019 to around 30,000 in 2020, and remained high at 27,600 in 2022, well above pre-pandemic levels.

Noise Complaints in Singapore (2019 - 2022)

With both Japan and Singapore facing similar urban noise challenges, demand is growing for practical, do-it-yourself soundproofing solutions that improve everyday living comfort.

Event Details (COCOSPACE Soundproofing Consultation & Experience Event)

COCOSPACE Soundproofing Consultation & Experience Event

  • Date: October 4 (Sat) – October 5 (Sun), 2025
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Singapore Time)
  • Venue: Bedok, Singapore (Advance registration required)
  • Admission: Free
  • Details & Registration: Click here

Highlights:

  • An exhibition to see, touch, and experience soundproofing products
  • Free consultations for those troubled by noise in daily life
  • Simple hands-on soundproofing experiments

This event offers Singapore residents a rare opportunity to directly experience “truly effective soundproofing items” previously available only in Japan.

Next Step: Participation in Kawaiimama Festival Singapore

Pialiving will also showcase its soundproofing items at the Kawaiimama Festival Singapore, scheduled for November 14–16, 2025. This family-oriented international event will feature interactive experiences where parents and children can explore the role of sound in everyday life.

CEO’s Comment

Fusako Muromizu, CEO of Pialiving Co., Ltd. / COCOSPACE PTE. LTD.
“Pialiving has always been committed to supporting families and individuals facing everyday noise problems, with the mission of creating spaces where everyone can live with peace of mind. Through COCOSPACE, we are delighted to bring Japan’s expertise and soundproofing products to Singapore, and we hope to contribute to creating more comfortable and enriching living environments for all.”

Company Overview

Company: COCOSPACE PTE. LTD.
Address: 24 Bedok North Drive #07-32, Bedok Residences, Singapore 465498
CEO: Fusako Muromizu
Business: Sales of Japanese interior & DIY goods, soundproof mats, curtains, and panels
Established: June 3, 2024
Website: https://cocospace.life/

Company: Pialiving Co., Ltd.
Address: 2nd Takada Bldg. 502, 1-1-16 Hakataeki Higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
CEO: Fusako Muromizu
Business: Development and sales of soundproofing products such as mats, curtains, and panels
Established: December 12, 1993
Website: https://www.pialiving.com/
Hashtag: #COCOSPACE

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

Ivan The Hair People Marks 3 Years of Hair and Scalp Excellence in Singapore


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2025 – Ivan The Hair People, located at 260 Orchard Road, The Heeren #05-09, is marking its third anniversary celebration with exclusive promotions and a review of key milestones since opening in 2022. The salon will offer discounted haircuts, colour services, and selected product bundles throughout the month of September, with further details available on its social media channels.

Ivan The Hair People Marks 3 Years of Hair and Scalp Excellence in Singapore

Background and Growth

Founded by hair artist Ivan, who brings over two decades of global hairstyling experience across Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Australia, and London, the salon was established to combine hairstyling with a focus on hair and scalp wellness. Since its opening, Ivan The Hair People has introduced customised solutions based on trichology principles, addressing common concerns such as dryness, thinning, and sensitivity.

The salon has also broadened its offering of scalp and hair treatment services and invested in advanced repair technologies. Regular professional development programmes have been introduced to ensure stylists remain current with international techniques. Facility upgrades, including improvements to seating, lighting, and treatment areas, have been implemented over the past three years to enhance efficiency and comfort for clients. These updates form part of the salon’s steady development as it marks its third anniversary celebration.

Community and Client Engagement

Alongside its service growth, the salon has contributed to community initiatives supporting elderly residents. These activities reflect a continued commitment to engagement beyond day-to-day operations. Client retention has also been notable, with many individuals returning regularly and recommending the salon to family and peers. The third-year anniversary celebration provides an opportunity to acknowledge these long-standing relationships while welcoming new clients.

Statement from the Founder

“This anniversary celebration highlights three years of continuous development for our team,” said Ivan, Founder and Hair Artist. “It reflects the relationships we have established with clients and the steps we have taken to integrate trichology and advanced treatments into hairstyling. Our focus remains on providing services that balance technical precision with personalised care.”

Looking Ahead

Ivan The Hair People has outlined plans to expand its range of personalised treatments further, drawing on new scientific approaches and evolving colouring techniques such as dimensional balayage and gloss services. In line with broader industry trends, the salon plans to introduce sustainable product lines to reduce its environmental impact and offer clients more eco-conscious options. The current anniversary celebration marks not only a milestone but also the foundation for these future developments.

Hashtag: #IvanTheHairPeople #CompanyAnniversary #HairTreatment #HairSalon



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

About Ivan The Hair People

Ivan The Hair People is a premier located in the heart of Somerset, Singapore, known for delivering personalised and high-quality hair services. With a team of internationally trained stylists, the salon blends creativity with advanced techniques to craft styles that suit each individual. From precision cuts to intensive hair and scalp treatments, every service is designed to elevate natural beauty and boost confidence. Committed to excellence and client satisfaction, Ivan The Hair People provides a welcoming space where artistry meets care, making it a trusted destination for those seeking expert styling and transformative results.

Yindii Awards Honour Singapore’s Top F&B Brands Turning Food Waste into Social Impact

SINGAPORE, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore’s leading changemakers in the fight against food waste were honoured at the Yindii Eco-Brand Awards 2025 on 18th September, celebrating F&B businesses and individuals that have collectively helped rescue over 200,000 meals from the bin in less than a year, and prevent over half a million kilograms of CO₂ emissions.

Food waste accounts for nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and in Singapore over 2,200 tonnes of food is wasted every day. Against this backdrop, Yindii, Asia’s #1 sustainable food app, hosted the Yindii Eco-Brand Awards 2025 as part of Impact Week AT ONE, celebrating brands, media, and changemakers proving that sustainability and business success can go hand in hand.

The Awards recognized over 25 leading brands across hospitality, retail, and F&B, including Cedele, Paul, Délifrance, The Providore, So France, Little Farms, Edith Patisserie, Baker & Cook, Duke Bakery, Hjh Maimunah, Grand Hyatt Singapore, Holiday Inn Express, among others. Media outlets such as The Straits Times, CNA, Tamil Murasu Singapore, and Mothership were also recognized for amplifying the urgency of tackling food waste and inspiring consumer action.

Guest of Honour Ms. Poh Li San, Member of Parliament and Chairperson for the Government Parliamentary Committee for Environment and Sustainability, emphasized the importance of collective effort:

“Food waste is one of the most pressing sustainability challenges facing Singapore. With 800,000 tonnes wasted annually in a country that imports 90% of its food supply, reducing waste is not just an environmental issue but a matter of food security and resilience. Tackling this challenge requires strong collaboration between government, businesses, and communities — and initiatives like Yindii show that practical, scalable solutions exist.”

Ms. Poh Li San, Guest of Honour, with Ern Xu Seah, Country Head of Baker & Cook Singapore and Mahima Rajangam Natarajan, Co-Founder of Yindii, at the Yindii Eco-Brand Awards 2025.
Ms. Poh Li San, Guest of Honour, with Ern Xu Seah, Country Head of Baker & Cook Singapore and Mahima Rajangam Natarajan, Co-Founder of Yindii, at the Yindii Eco-Brand Awards 2025.

Since launching in Singapore just a year ago, Yindii has enabled food businesses to recover over SGD 1.5 million from avoided food loss. On average, food businesses using Yindii clear between 75% and 99% of their surplus food through the app — directly reducing wastage, avoiding financial losses, and increasing profitability.  

“These Awards are not a competition — they are a statement,” said Mahima Rajangam Natarajan, Co-Founder of Yindii. “Every meal rescued through Yindii is a step toward making Singapore’s high-quality food more accessible and affordable for everyone. We’re proving that sustainability and affordability can go hand-in-hand with social equity.”

The Yindii Eco-Brand Awards 2025 were a featured event of Impact Week @ ONE, Singapore’s largest sustainability platform, hosted by Eco-Business in partnership with Temasek’s Tsao Pao Chee, bringing together government leaders, businesses, innovators, and communities to accelerate Asia’s green transition. The Yindii Awards will return in 2026 with an expanded platform, uniting even more partners in the fight against food waste.

For more information, visit https://www.yindii.co/ or follow Yindii on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About Yindii

 Yindii is Asia’s #1 sustainable food app, connecting people with surplus meals from restaurants, bakeries, grocers, and hotels at a fraction of the price. Operating in Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, and Thailand, Yindii empowers communities to rescue food, save money, and fight climate change — one meal at a time.

XREX Taiwan Secures Key Regulatory Approval from Taiwan’s FSC, Pioneering a New Era of Regulated Virtual Asset Services

TAIPEI, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — XREX Taiwan, a subsidiary of XREX Group and a leading virtual asset service provider, has been officially approved for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) registration by the Securities and Futures Bureau (SFB) under Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC). This approval positions XREX Taiwan as one of the first nine Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) to navigate the nation’s stringent new regulatory framework successfully.

XREX Taiwan, a subsidiary of XREX Group, is among nine VASPs approved for AML registration by Taiwan’s FSC.
XREX Taiwan, a subsidiary of XREX Group, is among nine VASPs approved for AML registration by Taiwan’s FSC.

Following rigorous audit and review, the FSC has authorized XREX Taiwan to operate across all four core business categories defined by Taiwan’s new regulatory framework: 1) virtual asset exchange operations, 2) virtual asset trading platform services, 3) virtual asset transfer services, and 4) virtual asset custody services.

XREX Taiwan’s success is a culmination of its proactive approach to regulatory alignment. The company first completed its AML compliance declaration with the FSC in March 2022, demonstrating a commitment to responsible operation well before the new statutory framework was introduced. This track record of foresight and diligence ensures XREX Taiwan is well-equipped to uphold the highest standards of security, consumer protection, and operational excellence as required by the new regime.

Pursuant to the amendment to Taiwan’s Money Laundering Control Act in July 2024, which established a statutory registration requirement for VASPs and marked a paradigm shift for the industry, the FSC introduced and enforced new AML registration regulations effective November 30, 2024.

Under the regime, VASPs are required to complete registration before conducting regulated activities. Violations of these new regulations carry severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to two years and fines of up to NT$5 million for individuals, or up to NT$50 million for legal entities.

“This milestone advances user protection and market integrity in Taiwan and offers a constructive reference for other regulators,” said Wayne Huang, Co‑founder and CEO of XREX Group. “Our focus is clear: protect users, work with peers, and help build a more mature, resilient digital‑asset ecosystem worldwide.”

This milestone in Taiwan complements the XREX Group’s global regulatory footprint. Its Singaporean entity holds a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), operating the B2B stablecoin-first cross-border payment platform, XREX Pay.

About XREX Group

XREX Group is a blockchain-enabled financial institution working with banks, regulators, and users to redefine banking together. We provide services to businesses in or dealing with emerging markets, and novice-friendly financial services to individuals worldwide.

Founded in 2018, XREX offers a full suite of services such as digital asset custody, wallet, cross-border payment, fiat-crypto conversion, cryptocurrency exchange, asset management, and fiat currency on-off ramps.

Sharing the social responsibility of financial inclusion, XREX leverages blockchain technologies to further financial participation, access, and education.

XREX Singapore operates under the Major Payments Institution (MPI) license issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). XREX Taiwan is a regulated VASP that completed its Compliance Declaration on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) with Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) in March 2022. It passed its AML registration with the FSC in September 2025, becoming one of nine approved VASPs.

Media contact:
Yoyo Chih Wei Yu
yoyoyu@xrex.io 

LSBF Singapore Campus Partners Singapore Computer Society to Empower Future-Ready Professionals

SINGAPORE, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) Singapore Campus has partnered with the Singapore Computer Society (SCS) to officially launch the SCS Student Chapter on campus, giving students direct access to the nation’s leading infocomm and digital media community.

LSBF Singapore signs MOU with Singapore Computer Society to Strengthen Partnership
LSBF Singapore signs MOU with Singapore Computer Society to Strengthen Partnership

This milestone partnership connects LSBF students to Singapore’s thriving digital ecosystem through professional networks, career mentoring, and real-world industry exposure. As the world accelerates its digital transformation, the collaboration ensures LSBF graduates are equipped with the skills, insights, and connections to thrive in the digital economy.

This initiative complements LSBF Singapore’s technology-driven academic portfolio, including the Diploma in Information Technology, Higher Diploma in Computer Science and related Degrees in Cyber Security. It also builds on recent student engagement initiatives such as the Student Ambassador Programme, underscoring LSBF’s mission to blend classroom learning with industry immersion.

Dr. Preethi Kesavan, Director of Studies at LSBF Singapore, said:
“The launch of the SCS Student Chapter is a milestone in LSBF’s commitment to developing future-ready graduates. By integrating our students into Singapore’s vibrant tech ecosystem, we are giving them the skills, networks, and insights to thrive as leaders and innovators in a digital-first world.”

Through this partnership, the SCS Student Chapter at LSBF goes beyond enrichment—it serves as a strategic bridge between education and industry, preparing students to step confidently into Singapore’s high-growth technology landscape.

About London School of Business & Finance (LSBF)

The London School of Business & Finance (LSBF), founded in 2003 and a member of the Global University System (GUS), serves over 25,000 students across more than 40 countries. With campuses in key cities including the UK, Singapore, and Malaysia, LSBF has expanded its international footprint, particularly in Asia. LSBF Singapore campus offers over 100 programmes in business, finance, law, hospitality, and technology, and collaborate with reputable universities to provide internationally recognised qualifications. LSBF holds EduTrust certification, partners with organizations like Grab, Deloitte and ISCA, and is an ACCA Approved Learning Partner. In recognition of its future-focused approach to education, LSBF was honoured with the Singapore Business Review’s International Business Award in Education for two consecutive years – 2024 and 2025. These accolades reaffirm LSBF’s commitment to delivering quality, industry-aligned education that empowers aspiring professionals globally.

Website: www.lsbf.edu.sg