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Laos Records Trade Surplus in September

Workers at a banana plantation in Laos (Photo Champa Meuanglao)
Workers at a banana plantation in Laos (Photo: Champa Meuanglao)

Laos recorded a trade surplus in September, with exports topping imports for the first time in recent months.

ReThink HK 2021 Concludes with Record Attendance and Continues to Support a Sustainable Hong Kong

#AccelerateTheChange

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 18 October 2021 – After ReThink HK’s successful debut in 2020, the event returned to the city in early October (5-6 October 2021) this year at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to convene the one-of-a-kind two-day expo and multi-stream conference for the business of sustainability.

 

As transformative change often requires time and collaboration, the ambitious business event has this year partnered with the Business Environment Council Limited (BEC) as exclusive co-organiser for the first time. The partnership between ReThink HK and BEC has facilitated opportunities for the event to engage with new stakeholders and communities from diverse sectors, on multiple levels.

“Achieving business sustainability is challenging. It is important to empower businesses to lead and make impact, and to support Hong Kong to ‘Build Back Better’, and to accomplish HKSAR Government’s goal of reducing the total carbon emissions by 50% before 2035 from the 2005 level.  Through our exclusive partnership with ReThink HK in this year’s two-day conference, we have engaged sustainability leaders from large corporations to SMEs through a series of insightful programmes. The discussions will continue at ReThink HK 2022 and other BEC 30th anniversary events next year.” Mr Adam Koo, CEO of BEC.

 

Business leaders, sustainability practitioners, NGOs and government officials united to explore sustainable development and the latest solutions from a Hong Kong context. Through a wide range of showcasing, panel discussions, workshops and seminars, the fully-packed event attracted 2,243 unique attendees from across all business sectors.

 

“It’s a brilliant event to showcase how organisations make a difference and clearly changing to make the world more sustainable. The convention allowed delegates a rare insight into all areas surrounding sustainability that are rather less discussed and this really allows us to think more about all the different ways we can lead a more sustainable way of life and run our business. I would definitely recommend everyone to attend, from students to business leaders, an event like this can help make the future a better place for everyone.”, Mr Sahibjit Singh – Global Growth Manager, Running To Stop The Traffik.

 

“What an inspiring 2-day experience at ReThink HK 2021, meeting existing partners and friends, making new ones, discussing collaborations and learning heaps from the panellists in the various theatres. I am already thinking about how best to utilise next year’s ReThink HK 2022 to move our ethical consumption and responsible operations initiatives further forward!”, Mr Rasheed Shroff – Founder & Managing Director, Banyan Workspace.

 

Furthermore, the 2021 edition expanded its offering by featuring 134 showcase exhibitors that were spread out across the venue to provide an opportunity for attendees to understand how different businesses can leverage various solutions to drive sustainable development with the help of innovative products and technologies.

 

“It has been a wonderful event, energizing to see people involved in sustainability, interacting and bringing their passion along to source new solutions.”, Mr Antonio Ng – Founder & Director, Formwork IO.

 

Hundreds of businesses, gathered for one goal

Not only did the event attract sustainability practitioners and those who care about the sustainable development of the city, it also gained support from well-established businesses from different sectors, including motor vehicle brand BMW, multinational bank HSBC, public transport network MTR, energy and automation solution specialist Schneider Electric, local developer Sino Group and Asia leading bank United Overseas Bank. These businesses and organisations gathered at the event to support one goal: a sustainable Hong Kong.

 

Insightful and inspirational content

Throughout the conference, ReThink HK provided insights and inspirations to address the sustainability challenges faced by various businesses and organisations. As exchange of ideas plays a crucial part in connecting communities to build a sustainable future, ReThink HK 2021 invited 303 expert speakers from Hong Kong’s top businesses and organisations to deliver 122 unique conference sessions.

 

With a mixture keynotes, case studies, interviews and panels, ReThink HK worked closely with a wide range of content providers to facilitate a comprehensive spectrum of topics that address the rapidly changing landscape of environmental and societal sustainability, including Hong Kong Ocean Economy Summit (in partnership with Ocean3C) with a focus on Hong Kong’s current relationship and future opportunities related to a sustainable ocean; Green Monday ESG Summit (in partnership with Green Monday) that took aim at the increasing interest to businesses: Environment, Social and Governance; and Sustainability Clinic to advocate the practice of sustainability for SMEs.

 

“Delighted to have been part of a panel with colleagues from Jardines and New World Development at the excellent ReThink HK 2021 conference to discuss how ESG is powering HK conglomerates to accelerate sustainable growth and the transition to a low carbon economy.”, Dr Mark Watson – Group Head of Sustainability, John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Ltd.

 

“I thought the trade show aspect was fantastic, among the best I have seen implemented. It was like an art fair but about sustainability.”, Ms Pamela Mar – Executive Vice President, Knowledge and Applications, Fung Group.

 

“It has been a pleasure to speak and participate and hope we can leverage the conference and new networks to build a stronger community of practitioners on different aspects of sustainability together!”, Ms Florence Cheng – Head of Impact Strategy, Social Ventures Hong Kong.

 

Rethinking the sustainable future of the city

Since its debut in 2020, ReThink HK has been challenging the status quo of the city, hoping to create an impactful transformation for Hong Kong by accelerating circular economy to achieve a sustainable and carbon neutral future. Thus, ReThink HK has tasked itself with a mission to providing a platform for how business leaders and sustainability practitioners can accelerate and amplify change across different business sectors.

In order to drive awareness and action around sustainable development, ReThink HK will continue to strive for a better and sustainable Hong Kong by partnering with well-established organisations to offer a more abundant conference programme to the community in the future.

About ReThink HK

ReThink HK is a unique annual event that helps organisations align sustainable business practices at every stage of their value chain, showcases innovation and solutions accelerating sustainable transformation. ReThink unites the ecosystem so all stakeholders and communities can contribute to and look forward to a climate-smart and equitable city, for everyone. All delegate fees contribute to funding local impact projects with Hong Kong charities.

Download the ReThink HK 2021 Full Event Programme, please click here or the link below:

https://rethink-event.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ReThink-HK-2021-Event-Planner.pdf

#ReThink

MDXi Data Center Expands Lekki Facility; Launches New Facility Q1, 2022

LAGOS, NIGERIA – EQS Newswire – 18 October 2021 – Nearly four months after the launch of its prestigious Tier III facility at Appolonia City, Accra, Ghana, MDXi, a MainOne company has announced the expansion of its data center facilities in Lekki, Lagos.  This expansion tagged “Lekki II” will be the latest addition to the portfolio of MDXi, which is already the leading commercial data center provider in the region. The new Tier III data center is being deployed on a very aggressive timeline and with provision for growth using the latest modular data center technology to deliver unparalleled quality of services to our customers.

MDXi’s Chief Operating Officer, Gbenga Adegbiji, while commenting on the expansion stated that “The Lekki II Data Center will continue to deliver the same excellent services that our customers across West Africa have come to expect from MDXi”. He expressed optimism that global organizations interested in establishing a presence in West Africa would enjoy similar world-class quality of services offered in advanced markets with the new MDXi Lekki II, consistent with the experience with the existing Lekki facility.

MDXi offers a variety of colocation, cloud and interconnection services, delivered via world-class infrastructure, a highly skilled and certified support team. Its carrier neutral data centers with combined capacity of 5 MW across the key markets of Nigeria, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire provide access to all leading internet exchanges, network providers and ISPs in the West African region.

 

Download image: Architectural Image of MDXi Lekki II (https://bit.ly/3p9SeGT)

 

Man Electrocuted Cutting Cables Along Laos-China Railway

Laos-China Railway sees 80 percent of track lain

A man has died after being electrocuted while cutting cables at a Naxaythong section of the Laos-China Railway in Vientiane Capital.

Laos Confirms 296 New Cases of Covid-19 and Two Deaths

Bokeo Covid Update

Laos has recorded 296 new cases of Covid-19 across the country today, with two new deaths.

Laos Confirms 545 New Cases of Covid-19 and Two Deaths

Covid-19 Update

Laos has recorded 545 new cases of Covid-19 across the country today, with two new deaths.

Historic Moment as First Passenger Train Along Laos-China Railway Arrives in Laos

First Passenger Train Arrives in Laos along Laos-China Railway
Lane Xang train arrives at Muang Xay Station (Photo: Do Yuvathin)

In a historic moment, the first passenger train to travel along the Laos-China Railway has arrived in Laos.

Gunung Raja Paksi’s Kimin Tanoto Collaborates With Institut Pertanian Bogor To Strengthen ESG Efforts

One of Southeast Asia’s largest steel companies aims to give back to local community by supporting academic research and action on the green economy

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach – 15 October 2021 Gunung Raja Paksi (GRP), one of Southeast Asia’s largest privately-owned vertically integrated steel companies, today announces its collaboration with the Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB University) in an effort to strengthen the education institution’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts. GRP has been at the forefront of policies on eco-sustainability and climate change following its decision to set up a Transparent, Accountable, and Professional (TAP) management framework earlier this year. As a sign of its continued commitment to ESG, GRP has now signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IPB University’s Sharingyuk social mobilisation community.

 

The collaboration aims to support research into environmental preservation by tapping the university’s pool of academic expertise. GRP will work closely with IPB University in a bid to strengthen the public-private ecosystem in Indonesia and foster a national green economy agenda. Mr Kimin Tanoto, Commissioner of Gunung Raja Paksi and a firm advocate for the Green Economy, currently leads the ESG Task Force for the Indonesian Iron and Steel Industry Association, and has plans to invest in new technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of the manufacturing sector.

 

Kimin Tanoto, Commissioner of Gunung Raja Paksi, said: “I’m delighted to partner with IPB University on this important ESG initiative. Our joint focus is on educating, inspiring, and empowering businesses in Indonesia to rise to the challenge of transforming the economy for a greener and more socially-responsible tomorrow. My hope is that the actions taken by GRP and IPB University today will serve as an example to other public-private partnerships businesses across the country, and encourage more positive action to be taken on not only climate change but a range of ESG issues that must now become business priorities.”

 

Dr Asep Taryana S.TP., MM of Institut Pertanian Bogor, said: “Companies that place a focus on the environment and focus on sustainability such as GRP play an important role in contributing to the positive social impact on its employees, communities and the environment. This collaboration with IPB is very strategic as it is in line with the advancement of ESG goals.

About Gunung Raja Paksi

With a global base across 40+ countries, Gunung Raja Paksi (GRP) is now one of Southeast Asia’s largest privately-owned vertically integrated steel companies. It was successfully listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange in 2019. For more information, please visit: https://www.gunungrajapaksi.com

#GunungRajaPaksi

About Kimin Tanoto

Kimin is the Founder and CEO of Gunung Capital. Based in Singapore, Gunung Capital is a private investment management company focused on impact investments guided by environmental, social, and governance frameworks. Kimin is committed to putting his business acumen and entrepreneurship skills to invest in transformative projects that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This includes investing in projects that support the decarbonization of different industries, sustainability-linked projects, and carbon credit markets. Kimin is a serial entrepreneur and business leader who has founded multiple businesses. Kimin has leveraged his global and regional business connections, visionary business acumen and deep operational expertise to establish partnerships with world-class companies in the steel and cement industry, top-tier financial institutions and capital markets, to seize on opportunities in Asia and the world. Kimin serves on the Board of Commissioners for PT Gunung Raja Paksi Tbk which successfully listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange in 2019. Under Kimin’s leadership, he has initiated a transformation of the company by bringing in a world-class management and operations team. In recognition of his contributions to the local steel industry, Kimin was appointed as the Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Iron and Steel Association. Kimin completed his Bachelor of Industrial Management from Cornell University. He is fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, Hokkien and Bahasa Indonesia. For more information, please visit: https://kimintanoto.com and http://www.greeneconomyforum.com.