TOKYO, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TIER IV, the pioneering force behind the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving, has launched a new management structure to strengthen governance in preparation for business expansion and global growth. As part of this transition, two external directors with extensive experience in global business join the board.

Effective April 1, the new structure is aimed at strengthening governance by refining decision-making and oversight while clarifying the division of responsibilities between governance and business execution.

Management structure overview

Board of directors

• The board of directors defines key management policies and oversees business execution.
• Two external directors have joined the board.

Audit and supervisory board

• A new audit and supervisory board has been established to enhance corporate governance.
• The role of auditors is reinforced to ensure effective oversight.

Executive officers

• Executive officers are appointed based on their business expertise and leadership capabilities, each responsible for a specific unit.
• They are delegated authority from the representative director to drive business execution.
• They are assigned a CXO role according to their area of responsibility.

Profiles of new external directors

Tatsuo Kawasaki

Tatsuo is chairman and founding partner of Unison Capital. Since founding Unison, he has managed investment portfolios across a wide range of businesses, including automobile, electronics, financial services, consumer goods and services, and business services. Prior to Unison, he led the IPO process for a US based fin-tech venture following professional experience at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Keio University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Hiroaki Kitano

Hiroaki is the chief technology fellow of Sony Group. He also serves as representative director and president of Sony Computer Science Laboratories (CSL). His career began at NEC in April 1984, where he worked in software engineering research. He joined Sony CSL as a researcher in August 1993 and became its representative director and president in July 2011. In February 2021, he was named a fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence.

New management structure

Board of directors

• Shinpei Kato: Representative Director and Chief Executive Officer
• Satoshi Sakaguchi: Director and Chief Financial Officer
• Akimichi Degawa: Director and Chairman
• Tatsuo Kawasaki: External Director
• Hiroaki Kitano: External Director

Audit and supervisory board

• Shiro Sakazaki: Full-time external auditor
• Naoki Sato: External auditor
• Mizuki Takahara: Auditor

Executive officers

• Shinpei Kato: Chief Executive Officer
• Satoshi Sakaguchi: Chief Financial Officer
• Hironori Muraoka: Chief Human Resources Officer
• Naomitsu Tsugiiwa: Chief Information Officer
• Ko Miyoshi: Chief Operating Officer
• Masashi Shinkai: Chief Strategy Officer
• Yoshihito Takashima: Chief Technology Officer

About TIER IV

TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation, pioneering Autoware, the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving Harnessing Autoware, we build scalable platforms and deliver comprehensive solutions across software development, vehicle manufacturing, and service operations. As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation, we are committed to reshaping the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software, enabling individuals and organizations to thrive in the evolving field of autonomous driving.

Autoware is a registered trademark of The Autoware Foundation.

Media Contact
pr@tier4.jp

• 62% of Vietnamese companies plan to expand hiring in 2025, focusing primarily on local talent 
• 57.3% of businesses are leveraging recruitment agencies to close skill gaps 
• Reeracoen Vietnam provides tailored recruitment solutions for both local and international businesses 

HO CHI MINH CITY and HANOI, Vietnam, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Reeracoen Vietnam, a leading recruitment agency, has reported a significant surge in local hiring as Vietnamese companies intensify their focus on domestic talent acquisition in 2025. According to the newly released Vietnamese Company Hiring Trends 2025 report, nearly 62% of businesses plan to expand their workforce through local recruitment, highlighting Vietnam’s strengthening labor market and the rising confidence of global investors. 

Despite a modest 3% decline in registered foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, Vietnam achieved record-breaking disbursements, up 9.4% year-over-year, demonstrating strong confidence from international enterprises. Major players, including Google, Siemens, Qualcomm, and Ericsson, have reaffirmed their commitment to Vietnam following high-level government engagements. These trends reinforce Vietnam’s growing status as a “thị trường béo bở” (promising market) for foreign investment and sustainable growth. 

As companies seek to scale, many are turning to recruitment agencies to efficiently fill talent gaps. Reeracoen’s report indicates that 57.3% of companies are leveraging these services to secure skilled professionals faster. Furthermore, to attract and retain top talent, 37.2% of businesses plan salary increases of 5–6% with many also enhancing Tet bonuses beyond the traditional one-month standard. 

“The robust surge in local hiring and the strategic use of recruitment agencies underscore Vietnam’s emerging strength as a dynamic labour market,” said Mr Kosuke Soejima, General Director of Reeracoen. “Our report shows that companies are not only securing essential talent but also investing in competitive compensation to drive growth in 2025. This proactive approach is vital for sustaining operational success and reinforcing confidence in our domestic workforce.” 

Alongside local hiring, Reeracoen’s report outlines essential considerations for international businesses entering Vietnam. These include compliance with local laws, respect for Vietnam’s territorial integrity (especially in official maps), culturally attuned labor practices, transparent tax and contract management, and strong corporate social responsibility. 

“Vietnam is rapidly evolving into a magnet for both local innovation and global investments,” added Mr Masato Sekine, Country Manager of Reeracoen Vietnam. “With record FDI disbursements and our comprehensive hiring strategies, businesses can effectively navigate the complexities of local regulations and cultural nuances. This integrated approach not only propels company growth but also enriches the overall talent ecosystem.” 

Reeracoen Vietnam plays a pivotal role in this transformation by offering tailored recruitment solutions that align with both local market dynamics and international business expectations. The report further reveals that: 

• 84.9% of businesses focusing exclusively on domestic recruitment 
• 70.6% of businesses successfully hiring local employees 
• 76.6% of companies cited profitability as the main driver behind salary increases 

These trends highlight Vietnam’s emergence as a sustainable growth engine, offering companies a balance of skilled labor, economic resilience, and increasing international credibility. 

To download the full report or explore Reeracoen’s recruitment services, visit: 

• Vietnamese Company Hiring Trends 2025 
• Think of jobs in Vietnam, think of Reeracoen Vietnam 

About Reeracoen 

Reeracoen is an award-winning leader in Asia’s recruitment landscape, celebrated for connecting top-tier talent with forward-thinking organisations. With a strong presence across the region, we leverage our expansive networks and deep industry expertise to deliver innovative recruitment solutions tailored to the evolving needs of our partners. 

Operating across 9 offices in 6 major Asian countries, Reeracoen upholds the highest standards of professionalism and service excellence. Our accolades and proven track record underscore our commitment to providing exceptional service quality and cross-border talent solutions, making us the preferred recruitment partner for businesses looking to thrive in the dynamic Asian market. For more information, visit https://www.reeracoen.com.vn/ and follow us on social media for the latest updates and insights. 

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The premier international beauty trade show, Vietbeauty & Cosmobeauté Vietnam 2025, and Beautycare Plus are set to take place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Linh, Tan Phu Ward, District 7. This highly anticipated expo will bring together over 3,000 leading global brands from 700 exhibitors, and an expected 12,500 visitors across 17,600 sqm exhibition space. The exhibition unites beauty professionals and industry experts in one place, at the same time, to discover the latest innovations and trends shaping the beauty sector.

The exhibition spans four key categories: Cosmetic & Perfumery, showcasing skincare, makeup, body care, fragrances; Aesthetic & Cosmetology, featuring medical aesthetics, spa and salon innovations; Supply Chain, covering raw materials, production machinery, and packaging; and Nail & Hair, highlighting hair care, styling tools, and nail artistry. The event also emphasizes natural cosmetics, eco-friendly solutions, beauty supplements, and health supplements that reflect the industry’s sustainability and well-being focus.

Vietbeauty & Cosmobeauté Vietnam 2025 will offer a dedicated buyer program that facilitates one-on-one business meetings between exhibitors and potential partners. These structured networking opportunities will help brands connect with key distributors, retailers, and investors, fostering successful contract negotiations. Alongside this, a series of expert-led conferences will provide valuable insights into market trends, business strategies, and professional development to strengthen the knowledge base of the beauty industry community.

Additionally, Beautycare Plus will be a co-located event with the exhibition, serving as a dedicated zone for the beauty supply chain sector. This specialized collaboration will help the visitors to source for businesses in raw beauty ingredients, packaging, and OEM/ODM manufacturing.

Vietbeauty & Cosmobeauté Vietnam 2025 is the ultimate gateway for brands seeking to expand their presence in the booming Vietnamese and Southeast Asian beauty market. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this dynamic event that is shaping the future of beauty in Vietnam and beyond.

For more information, please visit https://www.vietbeautyshow.com or https://www.cosmobeauteasia.com/vietnam.

To register as visitor, please sign up: https://vbcbv.imasia-passport.com/vi/user/register

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — July 24 – 26, 2025 – The premier international beauty trade show, Vietbeauty & Cosmobeauté Vietnam 2025, and Beautycare Plus are set to take place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Linh, Tan Phu Ward, District 7. This highly anticipated expo will bring together over 3,000 leading global brands from 700 exhibitors, and an expected 12,500 visitors across 17,600 sqm exhibition space. The exhibition unites beauty professionals and industry experts in one place, at the same time, to discover the latest innovations and trends shaping the beauty sector. Organized by Informa Markets Vietnam (SES Vietnam Exhibition Services Company Limited), this highly anticipated expo will bring together over 3,000 leading global brands from 700 exhibitors, and an expected 12,500 visitors across 17,600 sqm exhibition space.

The exhibition spans four key categories: Cosmetic & Perfumery, showcasing skincare, makeup, body care, fragrances; Aesthetic & Cosmetology, featuring medical aesthetics, spa and salon innovations; Supply Chain, covering raw materials, production machinery, and packaging; and Nail & Hair, highlighting hair care, styling tools, and nail artistry. The event also emphasizes natural cosmetics, eco-friendly solutions, beauty supplements, and health supplements that reflect the industry’s sustainability and well-being focus.

Vietbeauty & Cosmobeauté Vietnam 2025 will offer a dedicated buyer program that facilitates one-on-one business meetings between exhibitors and potential partners. These structured networking opportunities will help brands connect with key distributors, retailers, and investors, fostering successful contract negotiations. Alongside this, a series of expert-led conferences will provide valuable insights into market trends, business strategies, and professional development to strengthen the knowledge base of the beauty industry community.

Additionally, Beautycare Plus will be a co-located event with the exhibition, serving as a dedicated zone for the beauty supply chain sector. This specialized collaboration will help the visitors to source for businesses in raw beauty ingredients, packaging, and OEM/ODM manufacturing.

Vietbeauty & Cosmobeauté Vietnam 2025 is the ultimate gateway for brands seeking to expand their presence in the booming Vietnamese and Southeast Asian beauty market. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this dynamic event that is shaping the future of beauty in Vietnam and beyond.

For more information, please visit https://www.vietbeautyshow.com or https://www.cosmobeauteasia.com/vietnam.

To register as visitor, please sign up: https://vbcbv.imasia-passport.com/vi/user/register 

SHANGHAI, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 1st, the second season of the third  BFC (Blokees Figures Creator) Creation Competition, themed “Breaking the Cocoon Season,” was officially launched. This year’s competition continues to adopt a dual-track model comprising the “Modification Zone” and the “Photography Zone.” Winners will be selected for Champion, Runner-up, Third Place, and Top 3 in the Popularity Award categories, totaling 12 winning entries.

A new addition for this season is the introduction of the “Season Pass,” which offers exclusive prizes including a “Seasonal Badge,” a “Seasonal Platform,” and a limited edition figure (600 pieces). These rewards are designed to ignite creators’ enthusiasm and foster their creativity.

Participants have the opportunity to earn exclusive prizes by completing tasks outlined in the “Season Pass” during the competition. Additionally, following the submission deadline, a 20-day popularity voting period will enable the top 150 entries to also receive these exclusive rewards.

Furthermore, the BFC Creation Competition has been officially launched on the Blokees group website. It features sections such as “Hall of Fame” and “Season Pass,” showcasing award-winning entries from previous competitions while providing participants with opportunities to complete tasks for seasonal rewards. Players can register through either the official website or via the BFC Figure CLUB WeChat mini-program.

Ye Shanshan, Vice President of Blokees Brand Marketing, announced that by 2025, the BFC event system will evolve into a more comprehensive framework featuring three core components: the online creation competition, the offline Speed Build competition, and a global exhibition of works. This enhanced structure aims to provide a more complete platform for participants worldwide to create and share their talents, enabling every individual to discover their own stage.

In 2025, the third iteration of the BFC Creation Competition encompasses four seasons: “Launch Season,” “Breaking the Cocoon Season,” “Fearless Season,” and “Stellar Season.” The recently concluded “Launch Season” of the third BFC Creation Competition has attracted  over 30,000 submissions.

The volume of BFC creations is witnessing an extraordinary surge, underscoring that the BFC Creation Competition has firmly established itself as a vital platform within the BFC community. This event highlights the creativity and passion of creators from around the world. This remarkable increase is fueled by enthusiasm, as BFC creators redefine what it means to be a figure.

SYDNEY, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FranklinWH Australia Pty Ltd. (FranklinWH Australia), a leader in whole-home energy management solutions, has partnered with Middy’s Electrical, Australia’s largest independent electrical wholesaler. This strategic alliance aims to redefine how Australian homeowners store, manage, and use energy, providing greater energy freedom and sustainability.

Middy’s vast distribution network and expertise in electrical solutions combined with FranklinWH’s state-of-the-art home energy management technology will empower homeowners with greater energy autonomy. As the demand for renewable energy and grid-resilient power grows, this alliance will help accelerate the adoption of whole-home energy storage solutions across Australia.

“We are excited to partner with Middy’s Electrical, a leader in the industry,” said Steve Ruskin, Deputy GM of FranklinWH Australia. “Together, we’re empowering Australians with smarter, safer, more efficient, and reliable home energy solutions that allow them to break free from the grid—optimizing clean energy use, cutting electricity costs, and taking full control of energy.”

Revolutionizing Home Energy Management

FranklinWH’s whole-home energy storage system intelligently coordinates multiple energy sources—solar, grid power, battery storage, generators, and EVs—enabling homeowners to maximize self-consumption, minimize grid dependence, and enhance energy security.

Equipped with intelligent monitoring and control via the FranklinWH App, users can track energy production and use, avoiding peak pricing and hedging against outages—all in real-time.

“With the growing demand for reliable and sustainable energy solutions across Australia, our alliance with FranklinWH allows us to deliver advanced and innovative home energy solution to our customers,” said Matt Young, National TechEnergy Manager. “FranklinWH is the epitome of home energy innovation, Our collaboration marks a significant shift in the market, offering homeowners smarter, more efficient ways to optimize energy supply and maximize clean energy use while equipping installers with top-tier storage solutions.”

A Commitment to Innovation & Sustainability

This partnership reinforces Middy’s dedication to supporting installers and businesses with high-quality energy solutions while expanding FranklinWH’s footprint in the Australian renewable energy market.

To learn more about FranklinWH home energy management solutions, visit www.franklinwh.com.

About FranklinWH

FranklinWH is a market-oriented, research-driven company specializing in next-generation residential energy management and storage solutions. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, FranklinWH’s team brings decades of expertise in energy system design, manufacturing, and installation. Learn more at franklinwh.com.

About Middy’s Electrical

Middy’s Electrical is Australia’s largest independent electrical wholesaler, proudly family-owned since 1928. With over 100 branches nationwide, Middy’s provides installers and businesses with top-tier products, expert services, and industry-leading support. Visit middys.com.au to learn more.

CONTACT: media@franklinwh.com