HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 August 2025 – As climate change accelerates, humanity is facing a greater number of extreme weather events and environmental challenges. In this context, strengthening behavioural management related to climate change has become a central issue of our time. From countries advancing ‘dual carbon’ goals to international carbon trading markets, more organisations are turning their attention to their environmental performance. Green transformation has become a fundamental requirement for high-quality development, with ESG (environmental, social and governance) serving as a crucial guide for this transition.

How can enterprises anchor ESG values to drive sustainable economic and social transformation? On 23 August, this question was explored at the launch of KPMG China’s ‘Our Impact Plan’ report, which was held outdoors for the first time on a lawn in the Futian District, Shenzhen. The event featured keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, and presentations of results, reflecting on KPMG China’s achievements in the ESG field over the past five years. It also brought together government, social organisations, enterprises, and partners to focus on ESG trends and discuss new paths for sustainable development.

KPMG China continues to deepen its commitment to sustainable development

Honson To, Chairman of KPMG Asia Pacific and China, said, “This year marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets’ concept and the fifth anniversary of the ‘Our Impact Plan’. Hosting this event in the embrace of nature is highly significant. Looking back at our ESG reports over the past five years, we can see a clear reflection of how our environmental, social, and governance efforts have aligned with the country’s development. This publication not only summarises our steadfast commitments and investments in ESG but also reflects our determination to deepen ESG practices and empower clients and society in order to propel sustainable development.”

Climate change is one of the core drivers of future economic development. Jacky Zou, Chairman-elect of KPMG China, said, “At the national level, the ‘dual carbon goals’ are driving new economic momentum and reshaping the country’s economic development landscape and ecosystems. For enterprises, a high-standard ESG management system is essential for achieving sustainable development and seizing economic transformation opportunities. KPMG China has released the ‘Our Impact Plan’ report for five consecutive years, aiming to set an example and accumulate more cases of ESG information disclosure that align with corporate needs, with a view to promoting the widespread implementation of ESG principles.”

Strategic ESG actions, especially after the mandatory disclosure of future ESG reports, will deeply impact the business layout of companies. From the perspective of sustainable growth, enterprises need to develop a more comprehensive ESG action roadmap that focuses on the present while looking ahead to future milestones and promoting continuous action. Tracy Yang, Head of Corporate Affairs, KPMG China, emphasised, “As an organisation committed to sustainable development, KPMG China continuously explores feasible ESG solutions. We believe that true progress comes from aligning corporate responsibility and national vision through ESG strategies, creating lasting and profound impacts. Companies should not only focus on healthy growth but also leverage the development opportunities presented by national long-term goals to enhance leadership in sustainable business ecosystems.”

The ‘Our Impact Plan’ report released by KPMG China marks a first for the firm by moving the launch event outdoors to a lawn in the Futian District of Shenzhen in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, conveying our strong commitment to sustainable development and showcasing the beautiful vision of coexistence and shared prosperity between humanity and nature. It also highlights the significant progress and outstanding achievements KPMG China has made across four pillars: Governance, People, Planet, and Prosperity. Wilson Pang, Head of Our Impact Plan, KPMG China, stated, “These four pillars complement each other and form the backbone of KPMG China’s ESG ethos. Through its governance principles, KPMG China has established a comprehensive ESG governance framework; and the firm’s people-centred approach highlights its core values. Meanwhile, our efforts to care for the planet reflect our deep commitment to environmental sustainability; and achieving prosperity is at the heart of KPMG China’s ESG mission, pushing us to deliver impactful outcomes.”

Meeting quantified targets and co-constructing ecosystems

During the launch of the ‘Our Impact Plan’ report, KPMG China provided a professional overview, showcasing the highlights and flagship projects of the programme, along with a retrospective of the firm’s five-year journey and future outlook. Wilson Pang emphasised that this year marks a significant milestone for KPMG China in promoting the programme, marking the firm’s evolution from a mere participant to a leader and initiator, and from academic practice to emphasising sustainable development, technological innovation, and the development of new quality productive forces.

KPMG China has been recognised in the ‘2025 Typical Case in the Business Community to Conserve Biodiversity’ and the ‘2025 Corporate Green Transformation and ESG Practice Cases’, reflecting recognition of the firm’s efforts in biodiversity protection.

KPMG China continues to collaborate with the Mangrove Conservation Foundation (MCF) to initiate the ‘Green Bay Area Pioneer Action – Habitat Enhancement of Futian Mangrove Ecological Park’ project, which was launched in September 2024. We also partnered with multiple organisations to jointly launch the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area ESG Biodiversity Corporate Recognition Award, with the goal of encouraging corporate participation in ecological protection. At the release of this year’s ‘Our Impact Plan’, KPMG China officially launched the China Biodiversity Recognition Award to promote the integration of environmental and ecological protection with technological innovation at both the national and regional levels.

KPMG China has purchased 100% renewable electricity for four consecutive years, and KAMPUS (KPMG China’s Hongqiao office) has received LEED Platinum certification. Additionally, 90% of our office floor area is located in buildings with green and/or wellness-related certifications.

We rolled out the new ‘Protect the Future – Action for the Planet’ (‘Protect the Future’) volunteer programme to encourage more employees to engage in volunteer service.

Upholding one of KPMG’s values, ‘For Better – We do what matters,’ we continuously invest in our communities. During the year, over 1,500 KPMG volunteers have participated in various corporate social responsibility activities organised by the firm, contributing over 15,800 total volunteer hours and reaching over 98,000 beneficiaries directly.

KPMG China is also leveraging AI applications to provide comprehensive deployment and application solutions to enterprises.

This year’s event also marks the first time we are launching the report outdoors, demonstrating KPMG China’s commitment to promoting sustainable business structures and protecting natural ecosystems.

From the perspective of ecological co-construction, guests engaged in deep discussions during the roundtable forum on the day of the launch discussing the theme ‘Harnessing the Power of Society to Build a New Paradigm for Biodiversity Protection’. The event also focused on the collaborative achievements of the ‘Our Impact Plan’, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area ESG Biodiversity Corporate Recognition Award.

Wilson Pang said, “As the global economy becomes increasingly interconnected and the impact of climate change deepens, China is actively advancing the green transformation in areas such as green energy, carbon emissions management, and the green transition of traditional enterprises, achieving significant results in various areas. As a professional services firm, KPMG China closely follows national strategic plans and continuously strengthens collaboration with various stakeholders. Over the past five years, the firm has evolved from initially exploring carbon accounting and supply chain reviews to our current stage, in which we are establishing a comprehensive ESG service system covering all business areas, transitioning from a ‘reporter’ and ‘participant’ role to a ‘promoter’ and now to a ‘leader’.”

The true value of ESG lies in harnessing professional skills to transform sustainable concepts into daily practices for enterprises. The ‘Our Impact Plan’ report is not only KPMG China’s annual ESG report but also a commitment to forward-looking action. In light of the firm’s journey towards net-zero by 2030, KPMG China is actively exploring management methods for carbon reduction and low-carbon practices, and we are striving to provide better insights and practical results for more market participants.

Hashtag: #KPMG #KPMGChina

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

About KPMG

KPMG in China has offices located in 31 cities with over 14, 000 partners and staff, in Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Dongguan, Foshan, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hangzhou, Hefei, Jinan, Nanjing, Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Wuhan, Wuxi, Xiamen, Xi’an, Zhengzhou, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR. It started operations in Hong Kong in 1945. In 1992, KPMG became the first international accounting network to be granted a joint venture licence in the Chinese Mainland. In 2012, KPMG became the first among the “Big Four” in the Chinese Mainland to convert from a joint venture to a special general partnership.

KPMG is a global organisation of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively.

KPMG firms operate in 142 countries and territories with more than 275,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.

Celebrating 80 years in Hong Kong

In 2025, KPMG marks “80 Years of Trust” in Hong Kong. Established in 1945, we were the first international accounting firm to set up operations in the city. Over the past eight decades, we’ve woven ourselves into the fabric of Hong Kong, working closely with the government, regulators, and the business community to help establish Hong Kong as one of the world’s leading business and financial centres. This close collaboration has enabled us to build lasting trust with our clients and the local community – a core value celebrated in our anniversary theme: “80 Years of Trust”.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 August 2025 – In an era of polycrisis — from climate disruption and geopolitical instability to mounting mental and emotional strain — the very notion of ‘economic security’ is being redefined. For many, especially younger generations, prosperity is no longer measured by GDP or income alone. Instead, the focus is shifting toward quality of life in all its dimensions. This reflects a global trend, with WGSN reporting that 84% of people aged 16 – 24 are actively seeking spaces for genuine mental and emotional renewal. As a result, ‘happiness’ and ‘Gross Well-Being (GWB)’ are rapidly emerging as powerful new metrics for economic progress.

One region primed to lead this movement is Southern Thailand. Across its 14 provinces, the region combines breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, distinctive local identities, diverse ways of life, and strong infrastructure to form the foundation of a new prototype: the “De-Stress Economy.” This forward-looking model places happiness at its core, harnessing creative city design and high-quality tourism, along with products and services that restore both body and mind. Its success will be measured not only by economic value, but also by feelings of safety, comfort, hope, and joy.

The Southern Region: A De-Stress Economy Sandbox

The “De-Stress Economy,” a new economic model focused on well-being and emotional comfort, is set to be piloted for the first time in Southeast Asia at Pakk Taii Design Week 2025 (PTDW2025), Southern Thailand’s annual creative festival now in its third year. Organized by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA, in collaboration with public and private partners, creative communities, and local stakeholders, the festival will take place from 28 August to 7 September 2025, across Songkhla Old Town and Hat Yai under the theme “South Paradise.”

Far more than a creative showcase, PTDW2025 serves as a policy sandbox — a real-world testing ground for an economic model that puts well-being at the center. The goal is to establish a health and wellness economy that investors, entrepreneurs, and creatives across the region should not overlook.

To drive this new model, CEA has launched two flagship initiatives: the ‘South Market,’ a prototype platform for wellness-driven products and services, and the ‘Hero Product Incubator,’ designed to cultivate creative entrepreneurs from across all 14 southern provinces and scale innovations aligned with the De-Stress Economy. A centerpiece of the festival will be the exhibition “South De-Stress,” which spotlights the region’s rich culture, local wisdom, architecture, and landscapes — positioning Southern Thailand as a source of distinctive, globally competitive, and sustainable business opportunities.

Four Investment Opportunity Clusters in the Southern De-Stress Economy

For this new model, the 14 southern provinces have been grouped into four clusters — Calm, Relax, Energize, and Worry-Free — based on their suitability for living, investment, and tourism. These clusters are aligned with an “Emotional Value Proposition,” designed to meet the holistic quality-of-life needs of the new generation of consumers. The opportunities span across areas like quality tourism, creative lifestyles, the wellness industry, and sustainable businesses.

The potential of each cluster will be showcased through creative activities at PTDW2025, allowing participants to feel and explore how the happiness-driven economy can be realized in practice.

(1) Moment of Calm — Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, and Phang Nga — This cluster emphasizes wellness and spiritual retreat businesses that link faith, craftsmanship, and positive energy.

• Nakhon Si Thammarat: As a ‘City of Faith’ or ‘Hip & Holy’ rooted in centuries of culture and belief, the city is ideal for investments in Spiritual Wellness & Retreat, and contemporary crafts that deeply connect local wisdom with personal experiences. Highlights include the exhibition “5 Merits + 1 Faith“ and immersive performance art blending light, sound, and spirituality.
• Narathiwat: A ‘Multicultural Border City’ known for its exquisite koleh boat artistry, Narathiwat is primed for contemporary lifestyle products and the halal industry as a soft power driver. Discover “Ask Yourself to Narathiwat Beyond,” a forum to explore the art, identity, and daily life of the province, while the photography exhibition “DIALOGUE” Ask Yourself to Buildings, Rivers, Boats, Forests, Mountains, Sea, and Sky, presents fresh perspectives on Narathiwat through a lens that encourages reflection and critical inquiry.
• Phang Nga: As a ‘New Hub in the Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor,’ its landscape is perfect for Healing & Aura Economy businesses, including Medical & Wellness Tourism with spas, yoga, sound therapy, and herbal medicine. This potential will be demonstrated through an immersive experience. “Jaroen Arn Pharmacy” presents storytelling-based healing with the power of stories and reading combined with workshops in yoga, sound healing, etc.

(2) The Art of Relaxing — Yala, Trang, Phatthalung, and Phuket — This cluster connects lifestyle, gastronomy, and fashion to cultural roots and new narratives.

• Yala: As the ‘Hub for Muslim Fashion,’ there is a fully integrated textile industry, ready to evolve into Malay-inspired fashion brands and fashion-tech products for the regional Muslim market. This potential will be showcased through “NAYU COUTURE,” a runway exhibition of contemporary Muslim fashion, complemented by talks and workshops designed to inspire the next generation.
• Trang: As a ‘City of Multicultural Food,’ it is primed for growth in gastronomy business and food & root branding that elevates local ingredients into global stories. The exhibition “Trang O-cha” presents visitors to savor the profound flavors and narratives of Trang’s cuisine.
• Phatthalung: ‘Strong in Local Agriculture under the BCG Model,’ particularly rice varieties, the province has the potential to develop health, beauty, and specialty food products under the “Rice and Growth” concept. The “Tam RICE – Tam-Hrai?” exhibition showcases rice as a cultural emblem and a driver of global opportunity.
• Phuket: ‘Evolving beyond Tourism into a Wellness MICE and Global Rehabilitation Space,’ Phuket caters to digital nomads and international retirees a world-class lifestyle. The festival will feature exhibitions and activities that prompt new questions about Phuket’s possibilities.

(3) Place of Energize — Krabi, Songkhla, and Surat Thani — This cluster focuses on creative experiences and adventure tourism that inspire and engage multiple generations.

• Krabi: As a ‘Land of ‘Ancient Nature and History,’ Krabi is ideal for investment in Edutainment, Geo-Tourism, and learning-based experiences. The “Cave Calls: A Thousand-Year Journal Waiting to Be Discovered” exhibition explores ancient geological wonders while blending science and local wisdom in all ages.
• Songkhla: A ‘Cultural and Creative Connector City’ with strong heritage districts, museums, and contemporary artist networks, Songkhla is primed for co-creation spaces, design retail, and creative events. Its showcase, “Mermaid Song.exe,” captures the intergenerational voices of Songkhla.
• Surat Thani: Known as ‘A Festival and Entertainment Destination,’ harnesses the vibrancy of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao as stages for Beach Festivals, Music Culture, and Sportainment. Under the concept of “Fancy & Party Me,” the festival will feature music festivals and creative event gatherings with local and international artists, installations from recycled materials, workshops, and kids’ zones – showcasing its dynamic blends of celebration and creativity.

(4) Stage of Worry-Free — Chumphon, Ranong, Satun, and Pattani — This cluster highlights minimalist inspirations, ecological tourism, and sustainability innovation.

• Chumphon: As a ‘Coastal Province Rooted in Blue Economy and Marine Conservation Tourism,’ it fosters immersive soundscape experiences and sustainable research-tourism through the “Beneath Chumphon’s Waves” program. This vision comes to life in the “Sailing Sounds of the Sea” exhibition and the “Creative Sounds from the Sea” workshop, where participants can listen, explore, and transform the ocean’s rhythms into healing creativity.

• Ranong: Known as a ‘City of Slow Living, Forest Bathing, and Wellness Retreats,’ it is surrounded by nature and a planned land bridge to connect the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, it’s a prime location for a western eco-city. The “Rare-Nong” exhibition will offer an immersive experience that lets visitors soak in the year-round rainy-city atmosphere and a rare sense of peace.
• Satun: A ‘Global Geopark with a Strong Local Fishing Culture,’ it is suited for sustainable food processing, cultural tourism, and sustainable food security platforms. The “Satun Folk & Fine” exhibition and one-day trip activity highlight community-based living and marine culture.
• Pattani: Emerging as a ‘Center for Climate Tech and the Circular Economy,’ Pattani is ideal for green startups, eco-innovation, and regional disaster preparedness learning centers. The “Coping with the Present: Environment and Alternative Materials” talk will spark dialogue about a sustainable future, while the “WAQAF – A Space for Contemporary Coexistence” exhibition will present a model for designing public spaces that balance culture, resources, and people.

All four clusters reflect the South’s geographical, cultural, and infrastructural strengths, making the region an attractive destination for investment in the wellness economy. The Global Wellness Institute reports that the global wellness market was valued at over $5.6 trillion in 2024 and is growing at an average rate of 8.6% per year, particularly in the areas of wellness tourism, mental wellness, and creative experiences.

PTDW2025 is more than a creative festival — it is a ‘platform for opportunity’ for investors, entrepreneurs, and creatives to launch pilot projects, discover local talent, and forge policy and business collaborations that deliver sustainable economic and social impact. The event will feature a diverse range of programs, including exhibitions, performance art, talks, workshops, creative markets, etc.

As the saying goes, “In the next economy, well-being is the new era.” In the decades ahead, well-being will emerge as a powerful value and the defining soft power of the 21st century. Experience this transformation at Pakk Taii Design Week 2025, taking place 28 August – 7 September 2025, 11.00 – 21.00 hrs, in Songkhla Old Town and Hat Yai, Songkhla Province. Discover the untapped potential of all 14 southern provinces from fresh perspectives, and find your own equation for happiness in the “South Paradise” experience.

For more details, please visit www.pakktaiidesignweek.com or follow us on FB/IG: pakktaiidesignweek.

Hashtag: #PTDW2025 #PakkTaiiDesignWeek #SouthParadise #CEA

https://www.pakktaiidesignweek.com/ptdw2025
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA

Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA, is a dedicated government agency tasked with fostering creativity as a key driver of the creative economy. CEA focuses on developing various creative industries and encouraging the manufacturing sector to adopt creative approaches to enhance product and service value, thereby elevating Thailand’s global competitiveness.