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Volvo Cars reports Q2 2025 results, turnaround plan is fully on track

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 

  • Q2 revenue was SEK 93.5 bn (SEK 101.5 bn in Q2 2024)
  • Q2 EBIT included items affecting comparability of SEK 12.9 bn, consisting of an impairment of SEK 11.4 bn and restructuring charge of SEK 1.4 bn
  • Q2 EBIT was SEK -10.0 bn (SEK 8.0 bn in Q2 2024)
  • Q2 EBIT excluding items affecting comparability was SEK 2.9 bn
  • Q2 EBIT margin was -10.6 per cent (7.9 per cent in Q2 2024)
  • Q2 EBIT margin excluding items affecting comparability was 3.1 per cent
  • Q2 basic earnings per share was SEK -2.53 (SEK 1.79 in Q2 2024)
  • Q2 electrified car sales share at 44 per cent (48 per cent in Q2 2024), of which fully electric share at 21 per cent (26 per cent in Q2 2024)

Volvo Cars today reports a group operating profit (EBIT) of SEK -10.0 billion for the second quarter of 2025. The result reflects a continued challenging environment for the automotive industry, but the SEK 18 billion cost and cash turnaround plan is fully on track and the company is confident about more positive effects from the programme.

The result is impacted by the previously announced one-off non-cash impairment charge of SEK 11.4 billion, as Volvo Cars is adjusting the financial assumptions for the EX90 and ES90 platform because of market circumstances, the impact of import tariffs on ES90 and EX90 profitability and previous delays for the EX90. Additionally, the result is impacted by the one-time restructuring cost of SEK 1.4 billion, linked to the previously announced reduction of 3,000 headcounts. Excluding the items affecting comparability, Volvo Cars reported an operating profit of SEK 2.9 billion and an operating profit margin of 3.1 per cent.

In terms of retail sales, the company sold 181,600 cars in the second quarter, a drop of 12 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. For the first six months, sales are down 9 per cent compared to the first half of 2024. Revenues came in at SEK 93.5 billion and the group EBIT of SEK -10.0 billion translated into an operating profit margin of -10.6 per cent. More details about its second-quarter performance can be found in Volvo Cars’ full financial report

“The market continued to be challenging in Q2 as well,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. “Demand remains under pressure from the macroeconomic environment, tariff-related uncertainties and tougher competition. However, our turnaround actions are starting to show results. In a Q2 market with headwinds we made a clear improvement of free cash flow versus Q1 and our EBIT margin excluding items affecting comparability was slightly higher.”

Good progress on profitability, electrification and regionalisation

Earlier this year the company launched a SEK 18 billion cost and cash turnaround plan. This is starting to have an impact with the full effects coming in 2026. The plan supports the company’s strategic direction which rests on three pillars: profitability, electrification and regionalisation.

Looking at profitability first, the turnaround plan is on track. The reduction of 3,000 positions globally is going into execution, and approximately 1,100 people have already left Volvo Cars. Together with spending cuts this will lower its indirect cost base and establish a leaner and more efficient organisation.

In terms of direct cost reductions, the company has started to execute on several actions to reduce material costs. One element is to utilise more synergies within the Geely group by collaborating on procurement. Another synergy area is to develop new car models together especially for the China market. Volvo Cars has also effectively implemented cash actions including a reduction of working capital and a reduced investment pace.

The company’s investment volume will ease off as planned as Volvo Cars has made almost all major investments related to its new product architecture. This will deliver significant future cost reductions and performance improvements thanks to mega-casting, cell-to-body battery technology and more efficient, in-house developed e-motors.

The first car on this new architecture is the all-new, born-electric Volvo EX60, a car for the company’s important best-selling segment. It will deliver improved performance and lower product costs necessary for Volvo Cars’ continued transformation towards full electrification

Most analysts expect demand for fully electric cars to continue growing and to outgrow traditional combustion engine cars by 2030. Consequently, most of the company’s development efforts remain firmly focused on electrification.

Meanwhile, Volvo Cars will also refresh its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cars to offer an attractive bridge solution for customers and areas where charging infrastructure still is weak. The company will soon launch its first extended-range PHEV, the all-new XC70, and start production during the third quarter. It is an answer to a growing demand for such powertrains and it will first be offered in China where Volvo Cars sees big opportunities for this car.

The XC70 is a good example of regionalisation, the third pillar. With globalisation in retreat, Volvo Cars is adapting to a more regionalised world. The company is empowering its three key regions to be more adaptive to regional requirements and customer preferences to be able to accelerate profitable growth.

Volvo Cars is implementing a new governance model for its China operations, with a clear regional performance, operational and decision-making responsibility. In the Americas, a dedicated governance model will also be introduced. 

To increase the utilisation of its Charleston plant and to reduce the effects of import tariffs, Volvo Cars will introduce local assembly of the best-selling XC60 SUV in the US. In Europe, the company recently announced plans to build the new Polestar 7 in the new Kosice plant under construction in Slovakia. It will be the second car to be built in Kosice, following a yet-to-be-announced next-generation Volvo model.

Looking ahead

While 2025 will remain challenging, the company’s SEK 18 billion turnaround plan is fully on track. Volvo Cars has seen a positive effect already in the second quarter and is confident about further positive effects from the programme.

Commercially the company will keep a sharp focus on driving sales, including ramping up sales of the EX30 and the born-electric cars in the 90 Series. The EX30 is now made in the Ghent factory which reduces the impact of tariffs and the EX90 is ready to meet the requirements of demanding premium customers after significant upgrades of its software.

The ES90 all-electric sedan is ready for the market this autumn and the XC70 will take Volvo Cars into a new growing segment for long-range PHEV cars. Development of the EX60 is fully on track and will strengthen the company’s all-electric lineup next year as it enters the largest and most popular fully electric segment. This will strengthen its position and underpin its growth potential in the EV market. 

When market sentiment picks up, Volvo Cars expects to be well positioned for profitable growth, with a future-proof product line-up as well as a leaner and more efficient organisation.

Note to editors

Håkan Samuelsson and chief financial officer Fredrik Hansson will host a livestream on Volvo Cars’ Q2 2025 results for media, investors and analysts at 08:00 CET today. The presentation will be held in English and followed by a Q&A session.
Link for livestream

It will be possible to ask questions during the Q&A session following the main presentation. To participate, you can either use the chat function online to type your question or you can call in. To call in, participants need to register via the link below and will then receive the dial-in details and individual PIN.
Link to register

This disclosure contains information that Volvo Car AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU nr 596/2014) and the Swedish Securities Markets Act (2007:528). The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person, on 17-07-2025 07:00 CET.

For further information please contact:

Volvo Cars Media Relations
+46 31-59 65 25
media@volvocars.com

Volvo Cars Investor Relations
+46 31-793 94 00
investors@volvocars.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/volvo-car-ab–publ-/r/volvo-cars-reports-q2-2025-results–turnaround-plan-is-fully-on-track,c4207878

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Carlsberg Asia Rallies Fans Across the Region with Liverpool FC

The Reds return to Asia, with Hong Kong leading a region-wide celebration of football and beer moments

HONG KONG, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As Liverpool FC returns to Asia for their 2025 Pre-Season Tour, Carlsberg Asia is activating a region-wide campaign to celebrate one of football’s most iconic partnerships. With Hong Kong as the lead market, the campaign brings together fans, customers, and partners in a shared moment of passion, purpose, and celebration – all rooted in the enduring legacy between Carlsberg and Liverpool FC.

Building on a global partnership that spans over three decades, the campaign spans seven Carlsberg Asia markets including Cambodia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Vietnam. Across the region, Carlsberg is delivering engaging experiences and exclusive promotions through on-trade and off-trade channels and launching the limited-edition Miracle Can inspired by the club’s legendary 2005 comeback in Istanbul.

Arindam Varanasi, Commercial Vice President, Carlsberg Asia, said: “Our long-standing global partnership with Liverpool FC gives us a powerful platform to connect with consumers across Asia. This campaign is about more than just visibility, it is about creating differentiated value for our customers, distributors, and retail partners while giving fans the chance to be part of something special. By bringing this moment to life in a way that resonates across markets, we are accelerating growth in Asia by strengthening our commercial impact and deepening the emotional connection consumers have with our brands.”

 

In Hong Kong, the celebration will reach its peak as Liverpool FC takes on AC Milan on 26 July, a rematch of the unforgettable UEFA Champions League Final in 2005. From 22 to 26 July, the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui will be transformed into a “Walk of Fame” honouring Liverpool FC’s history and culture. The experience will feature visual tributes to the club’s 20 league titles, creative nods to the Shankly Gates, and Carlsberg x Liverpool FC installations that bring together the brand’s hop leaf and the Liver Bird.

A Carlsberg-branded sailboat will also cruise through Victoria Harbour, offering fans a floating tribute and a striking backdrop to this summer’s football fever. On 25 July, the celebration continues in Lan Kwai Fong, where Carlsberg will host a Reds-themed street party filled with music, atmosphere, and ice-cold Carlsberg beer.

Jeff Chong, Director, International Premium Brands, Carlsberg Asia, added: “This is a proud moment for all of us at Carlsberg Asia. While each market engages at different levels, we are united in our passion for football and our commitment to bringing fans closer to the game, especially as lucky winners have the chance to travel to Hong Kong for the match or enjoy an unforgettable experience in Liverpool. It is exciting to see how this global partnership continues to inspire local experiences and connect people through something they truly love.”

As The Reds return to Asia, Carlsberg invites fans across the region to raise a glass, relive the legacy, and enjoy this football season the Carlsberg way together.

About Carlsberg Asia  

Established in 1847 by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the Carlsberg Group is one of the leading brewery groups in the world, with an attractive portfolio of beer and other beverage brands. With over 37.000 employees, and with a presence in more than 125 markets, the Group has a purpose of brewing for a better today and tomorrow Doing business responsibly and sustainably supports that purpose – and drives the efforts to deliver value for shareholders and society. 

Carlsberg Asia is a dynamic and diverse region comprising of 8 operating markets: Cambodia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam. Altogether we have 34 breweries and some 12,000 employees spreading across the Asian markets. The Asia Regional Office is based in Hong Kong. 

Ecolab launches revolutionary ReadyDose™ Cleaning Program designed to help restaurants and cafés thrive in Southeast Asia

SINGAPORE, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ecolab has launched an innovative cleaning solution, Ecolab ReadyDose™, designed for food service establishments of all sizes and complexity, representing a significant advancement in cleaning technology and efficiency. Ecolab launched ReadyDose at SIGEP and Restaurant Asia exhibition at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. The event features the foodservice boutique B2B business platform, featuring the most relevant service providers and suppliers.

From Left to Right: Melvin Tan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Sia Huat, and Greg Lukasik, Ecolab SVP & CEO for Southeast Asia, celebrate the launch of Ecolab ReadyDose™, at the SIGEP and Restaurant Asia Exhibition in Singapore.
From Left to Right: Melvin Tan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Sia Huat, and Greg Lukasik, Ecolab SVP & CEO for Southeast Asia, celebrate the launch of Ecolab ReadyDose™, at the SIGEP and Restaurant Asia Exhibition in Singapore.

Foodservice success hinges on maintaining impeccable cleanliness, directly impacting guest satisfaction and brand protection. Ecolab’s ReadyDose program revolutionizes the cleaning process by offering a tablet-based system that simplifies routines and delivers professional-grade cleanliness. Traditional cleaning methods can be time-consuming and complicated, diverting staff from other essential tasks.

Sharing insight during the event, Greg Lukasik, Ecolab SVP & CEO for Southeast Asia, said, “It’s exciting to launch our innovative solutions in one of the largest events for the food and retail beverage industry in Asia. ReadyDose is not just about simplifying the cleaning routine for food service operations; in today’s industry, ReadyDose has the fastest dilution, non-phosphate, making it environmentally friendly. It also supports sustainability goals by reducing packaging waste and conserving resources. Ecolab is proud to lead the way in sustainable cleaning solutions and looks forward to seeing the positive impact ReadyDose will have on our customers and the industry.”

Melvin Tan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Sia Huat, an Ecolab strategic partner for ReadyDose™ distribution in Singapore, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Ecolab in bringing the ReadyDose™ cleaning program to food service establishments across Singapore. This partnership underscores our commitment to providing innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability within the industry.” Sia Huat is Southeast Asia’s leading distributor for foodservice products, tableware, kitchenware and equipment.

One of the product lines of ReadyDose™ is the Specialty Beverage Cleaner, which removes buildup and stains on tea and coffee equipment and effectively works with the CaféMatic coffee machine from Boncafé International. Boncafé International is a leading gourmet coffee manufacturer and supplier in Asia.

The tablets come in a variety of applications that cover customers’ everyday cleaning needs, from the back of the house to the front of the house, and every spot in between.

Here are the full product lines:

  • ReadyDose Multi-Purpose Cleaner works on multiple surfaces, including glass and tile.
  • ReadyDose Presoak breaks down tough grime on flatware for a consistent clean with every wash cycle.
  • ReadyDose Delimer eliminates lime scale and hard water deposits on dish machines, steam tables, stainless steel, tile and porcelain.
  • ReadyDose Specialty Beverage Cleaner removes buildup and stains on tea and coffee equipment.
  • ReadyDose Pot & Pan Detergent cuts through food residue while being gentle on hands.
  • ReadyDose Neutral Floor Cleaner is an all-purpose daily cleaner for floors, including vinyl and tile.

To learn more, visit ReadyDose webpage

About Ecolab

A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. Building on more than a century of innovation, Ecolab has annual sales of $16 billion, employs approximately 48,000 associates and operates in more than 170 countries around the world. The company delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use. Ecolab’s innovative solutions improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, high tech, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets. www.ecolab.com

Follow us on LinkedIn @Ecolab, Instagram @Ecolab_Inc and Facebook @Ecolab.

NPCI International Expands UPI-PayNow Linkage to Drive Cross-Border Remittances

13 Indian banks added to the UPI-PayNow linkage, taking the overall count of participating banks to 19

MUMBAI, India, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) the international arm of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has further enhanced the UPI-PayNow real-time payment linkage by adding 13 more banks on the platform, extending its reach and simplifying cross-border remittances between India and Singapore. With this development, which will go live on July 17, 2025, users in both countries can remit funds to a wider base, making the service more accessible and convenient.

The expanded network for remittances to India now includes 19 banks—Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Federal Bank, HDFC Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, IndusInd Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank, South Indian Bank, and UCO Bank alongside Axis Bank, DBS Bank India, ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, and State Bank of India.

Recipients in India can receive remittances from Singapore in their accounts held with any of these 19 banks through their preferred UPI enabled apps such as BHIM, Google Pay and PhonePe, as well as bank apps. Outward remittances from India to Singapore are available through Canara Bank, HDFC Bank and Karur Vysya Bank along with ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and State Bank of India. In Singapore, customers of DBS SG and Liquid Group can avail this service.

The UPI-PayNow service was launched as a joint initiative between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). It facilitates real-time cross-border fund transfers between individuals, where Indian users can receive funds via UPI ID and send funds to users in Singapore via their mobile number or Virtual Payment Address (VPAs). As the world’s first cloud-based, real-time cross-border payment system, the initiative is a pioneering step in global payment connectivity.

This development is particularly beneficial for the Indian diaspora in Singapore, including migrant workers and students, bringing the ease of digital payments to everyday remittances. UPI is already accepted via QR codes at select merchant outlets in Singapore, further extending its utility.

Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO, NPCI International said, “The expansion of the UPI-PayNow linkage marks a step forward in strengthening cross-border payment infrastructure. By enabling access to more banks in India, we are deepening the reach of real-time remittances and supporting greater financial connectivity between the two countries. This brings added convenience to users through a seamless and trusted platform.

UPI-PayNow integration enables real-time cross-border remittance transactions, with funds reaching the recipient’s bank account within seconds. The service leverages strong security protocols to ensure safe and reliable transfers. It is ideal for small and frequent remittances, providing users with a convenient and cost-effective way to send and receive money anytime.

For more details about NPCI International, click here

For Queries: corporate.communications@npci.org.in  

GC Biopharma Receives Marketing Authorization for BARYCELA in Vietnam

YONGIN, South Korea, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GC Biopharma (006280.KS), a South Korean pharmaceutical company, announced that its varicella vaccine BARYCELA has received marketing authorization from the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV).

Following domestic approval in 2020 and WHO Pre-Qualification (PQ) in 2023, GC Biopharma has been accelerating individual country registrations as part of its dual-track strategy—pursuing both global procurement channels and direct market entry initiatives.

To obtain approval in Vietnam, GC Biopharma conducted local clinical trials to establish the product’s safety and immunogenicity. This achievement highlights the company’s ability to meet the increasingly stringent regulatory standards set by DAV. As a vaccine administered primarily to children, quality certification holds particular importance in the varicella segment.

GC Biopharma plans to establish stable annual revenue in Vietnam by leveraging its local affiliate to engage directly in sales activities, in consideration of the country’s private market-oriented vaccine distribution system.

From 2018 to 2021, Vietnam’s private vaccine market recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32%, reaching approximately USD 300 million in 2021. Varicella vaccines accounted for nearly 10% of the private market[1], with demand for private vaccinations continuing to grow steadily.

“This marketing authorization represents more than a product export—it is the result of a localization strategy and a significant step toward expansion in Southeast Asia,” said Jae Woo Lee, Head of Development Department at GC Biopharma. “We will continue to strengthen our position as a trusted vaccine brand by delivering clinical and quality standards that meet global expectations.”

BARYCELA is a live attenuated varicella vaccine developed by GC Biopharma using its proprietary MAV/06 virus strain. The vaccine is characterized by high viral titer and manufacturing yield. Notably, BARYCELA is the world’s first varicella vaccine produced without antibiotics, utilizing a fully aseptic manufacturing process.

About GC Biopharma

GC Biopharma (formerly known as Green Cross Corporation) is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Yong-in, South Korea. The company has over half a century of experience in the development and manufacturing of plasma derivatives and vaccines, and is expanding its global presence with successful US market entry of Alyglo® (intravenous immunoglobulin G) in 2024. In line with its mission to meet the demands of future healthcare, GC Biopharma continues to drive innovation by leveraging its core R&D capabilities in engineering of proteins, mRNAs, and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug delivery platform to develop therapeutics for the field of rare disease as well as I&I (Immunology & Inflammation). To learn more about the company, visit https://www.gcbiopharma.com/eng/

This press release may contain biopharmaceuticals in forward-looking statements, which express the current beliefs and expectations of GC Biopharma’s management. Such statements do not represent any guarantee by GC Biopharma or its management of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. GC Biopharma undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule.

GC Biopharma Contacts (Media)

Sohee Kim
shkim20@gccorp.com

Yelin Jun
yelin@gccorp.com

Yoonjae Na
yjy6520@gccorp.com

[1] Life-course immunization in Vietnam (2024), KPMG

 

/C O R R E C T I O N — NetGain Systems/

In the news release, NetGain Systems Launches Astra AI, the World’s First Large Language Model Purpose-Built for IT Asset Observability and Management, issued 16-Jul-2025 by NetGain Systems over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the official website for Trident Digital Tech Holdings is www.tridentity.me rather than “https://www.tridentdigital.sg” as originally issued inadvertently. The complete, corrected release follows:

NetGain Systems Launches Astra AI, the World’s First Large Language Model Purpose-Built for IT Asset Observability and Management

Astra evolves how enterprises anticipate and resolve IT issues before  they disrupt businesses and their complex digital infrastructures.

Key Highlights

  • NetGain Systems has launched Astra AI, the first Large Language Model (LLM) purpose-built for IT observability, delivering automation, anomaly detection, and predictive insights across complex digital infrastructure. Astra AI is starting with 500TB of domain-specific data from more than 20 years of enterprise IT environments
  • New LLM addresses a fast-growing USD $4.1B observability market by helping enterprises detect and resolve infrastructure issues proactively
  • Astra AI supports CIOs with intelligent, real-time insights while aligning with Singapore’s Smart Nation and AI goals launched in November 2024. Inspired by the Southeast Asia-focused LLM initiative, NetGain shares its vision and is actively looking to contribute to advancing sovereign AI through enterprise-grade innovation.

SINGAPORE, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NetGain Systems, a leading Singapore-based innovator in IT observability, has announced the release of Astra AI, the first-ever Large Language Model (LLM) specifically trained to enhance IT asset visibility and proactive infrastructure management. Built on more than 20 years of operational expertise, Astra AI delivers a new level of automation, context awareness, and performance insight for enterprise IT teams.

NetGain Systems Astra AI Dashboard
NetGain Systems Astra AI Dashboard

Unlike general-purpose LLMs, Astra AI is engineered specifically for IT environments. It applies deep contextual learning to help operations teams detect anomalies, trace dependencies, and optimise system performance. Based on the LLama 4 architecture and fine-tuned in-house by NetGain Systems, Astra AI supports predictive analytics, real-time issue triage, and intelligent forecasting.

According to MarketsandMarkets, the global observability tools market is expected to grow from USD $2.4 billion in 2023 to USD $4.1 billion by 2028, reflecting the increasing importance of intelligent monitoring. In Southeast Asia, digital transformation is accelerating. Business outages in the region cost an average of USD $2.5 million per hour – well above the global norm –  highlighting the urgent need for proactive, AI-enabled observability tools.

“Astra AI goes beyond conventional AI tools. It is a purpose-built system engineered to understand IT infrastructure with the depth and precision of a seasoned systems architect,” said Toh Soon Seah, CTO and Founder of NetGain Systems. “It can trace dependencies, recognise system behaviours, anticipate failures, and provide actionable recommendations while ensuring that all client data remains private and secure.”

Astra AI processes structured and unstructured data including logs, metrics, configurations, and traces. It generates natural language responses tailored to enterprise-scale queries. Rather than relying on fixed alert thresholds, Astra AI continuously analyses environmental context to detect early signs of infrastructure stress or failure.

Organisations can deploy Astra AI on premise for high-security requirements or in the cloud for scalability. The system is designed for speed and efficiency, delivering most analytical responses within 1–3 seconds. Even complex summaries across large datasets complete within minutes, maintaining usability across a wide range of enterprise applications.

“Astra AI has significantly enhanced our operational capabilities,” said Leo Tan, CTO of Trident Digital Tech Holdings. “This is what domain-specialised AI looks like in practice. It understands IT telemetry and infrastructure with the depth and intuition of a seasoned engineer. Astra AI’s real-time analytics and insights enable more effective monitoring and management of our digital services.”

Astra AI is launched at a time when enterprises face the challenge of managing distributed, hybrid, and fragmented IT systems. This fragmentation complicates visibility, introduces new vulnerabilities, and makes root cause analysis increasingly difficult. As IT ecosystems continue to scale across on-premise, private cloud, and multi-cloud environments, IT operations teams are often overwhelmed by siloed alerts, inconsistent data formats, and a growing skills gap. They are in a reactive position that limits their ability to drive their businesses forward.

Astra AI’s deep contextual understanding helps bridge these silos by providing unified intelligence that correlates signals across the full IT stack. It empowers teams to move beyond reactive monitoring, shifting toward proactive management and continuous optimisation. By embedding this intelligence into everyday IT operations, Astra AI prevents downtime while strengthening overall system resilience and agility.

Traditional monitoring tools lack the flexibility and intelligence to adapt to these dynamic environments. Astra AI’s contextual learning engine fills this gap by delivering operational clarity and proactive risk mitigation, preventing disruption to businesses.

NetGain Systems’s product and technology development strategy aligns with Singapore’s Smart Nation and AI goals. Astra AI was inspired by the government’s Southeast Asia-focused LLM initiative and shares its vision to build sovereign, locally relevant AI that advances enterprise resilience.

“This launch reinforces Singapore’s potential to lead in applied AI for enterprise infrastructure,” said Toh. “We built Astra AI to be the foundation for the next generation of AI-driven operations. It was designed here, for this region and globally, to meet the performance, security, and compliance needs of enterprises.”

NetGain Systems is actively engaging CIOs, technology executives, and managed service providers to participate in early-access pilots of Astra AI. Demonstrations will be tailored to each organisation’s infrastructure and strategic goals.

Please visit http://netgain-systems.com for more information. For interview and demo requests, please contact us.

About NetGain Systems

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Singapore, NetGain Systems is an innovative leader in AI Ops for IT, specializing in monitoring, observability, and infrastructure management. It fills a market need that has existed for years. It is the first company in the world to develop a LLM specifically designed for unified IT observability and security across entire enterprise infrastructures. The company’s AIOps platform automates threat detection, predicts system failures via machine learning, and prevents downtime across hybrid cloud, IoT, and legacy IT environments. NetGain Systems’ solutions comply with regional standards, including IMDA cybersecurity requirements, and are customised for diverse markets in Asia and globally.

For more information, visit www.netgain-systems.com.

About Trident Digital Tech Holdings

 Trident is a leading catalyst for digital transformation in technology optimization and Web 3.0 activation. Its flagship product, Tridentity, is a blockchain-based identity platform that is designed to deliver secure single-sign-on authentication across diverse industries. Trident’s mission is to become a global leader in Web 3.0 enablement, connecting organizations to reliable and secure digital infrastructure with optimized user experiences, with a strong focus on Southern Africa and other high-growth markets.

For more information, visit http://tridentity.me

Media Contact

Kim San
PR Consultant
Axiom Forge PR
Phone: +65 8266 7086
Email: kimsan@axiomforgepr.com

Isabelle Pan
Marketing Manager
NetGain Systems
Email: isabelle@netgain-systems.com
Contact: 6815 8288

Laos Makes Steady Progress in Poverty Eradication, Several Districts Declared Poverty-Free

The ceremony of graduating from poverty-free in Xay District in Oudomxay Province on 15 July (Photo: ສະຖານີວິທະຍຸ ແລະ ໂທລະພາບ ແຂວງອຸດົມໄຊ)

Laos continues to make significant strides in poverty eradication, with multiple districts across the country being officially declared poverty-free, bringing the nation closer to its goal of graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026.

On 15 July, Xay District in Oudomxay Province was officially recognized as the province’s first poverty-free district. The designation is based on national benchmarks that include access to essential infrastructure, services, and long-term sustainability. 

Acting District Governor Somchanh Thepphaly reported that Xay has achieved 100 percent of its development targets. 

Of the district’s 94 villages, 79 have been declared poverty-free, 44 of which are now classified as “developed”, while only 18 villages remain below the poverty line.

The district’s progress was driven by improvements across key sectors. In education, 15 schools have been built to accommodate local students, while healthcare access has expanded with the operation of 19 hospitals and health centers. A notable highlight is universal access to groundwater, with 95 percent of residents benefiting from a clean water supply system.

Infrastructure development has also played a vital role, including a well-connected road network and a Lao-China railway station, which links the district to neighboring provinces and facilitates travel and commerce.

Shortly after, on 18 February, Xieng Ngeun District in Luang Prabang Province was also declared poverty-free. The district’s economy has grown at an average annual rate of 8.7 percent, reaching a total domestic income of LAK 644.5 billion (approximately USD 37.9 million). 

Recent assessments show that 83.66 percent of villages in Xieng Ngeun have surpassed the poverty line by meeting government standards in areas such as clean water access, sanitation, transportation, school enrollment, market availability, and sustainable environmental management.

In northern Laos, Luang Prabang City, a major cultural and tourist hub, was declared poverty-free on 3 March. This achievement followed significant infrastructure upgrades, economic growth, and a thriving tourism industry that has raised living standards and contributed to local stability. 

This follows major infrastructure improvements and economic growth, including enhanced roads, transportation, utilities, and a tourism sector which has played a crucial role in boosting economic stability and raising residents’ living standards.

Government data shows that 98.3 percent of Luang Prabang City’s population, 16,355 families across 113 villages, have risen out of poverty. This success is attributed to gains in employment, access to permanent housing, secondary education, healthcare, clean water, and electricity.

In the south, Champasack Province marked another milestone on 6 May when six districts, including Pakse City, Phonthong, Bachieng Chalernsouk, Champasack, and Khong, were officially recognized as poverty-free. 

These areas were evaluated based on nine criteria, including the presence of secondary schools, healthcare facilities, access to clean water, road and telecom infrastructure, functioning markets, and effective environmental resource management. 

Each district also had at least 70 percent of villages rise above the poverty threshold.

In 2024, Nam Bak District in Luang Prabang Province and Pak Nguem District in Vientiane Capital were acknowledged for eliminating poverty, driven by economic growth, improved infrastructure, and peaceful social conditions that foster unity and harmony among residents.

The government also reported that in the previous year, 31,232 families were lifted out of poverty, reaching nearly 90 percent of its annual target. 

These poverty reduction initiatives are part of Laos’ objective to graduate from Least Developed Country status by 2026, through sustained economic growth, social development, and enhanced infrastructure.

Laos to Criminally Prosecute Offenders of Natural Resource Crimes

Laos to Criminally Prosecute Offenders of Natural Resource Crimes
Extensive logging in Attapeu province in August 2024, in an area recently identified by satellite data as primary forest, suggesting that deforestation occurred within the past year (Photo credit: Rainforest Investigations Network)

The Lao government has officially ended the use of administrative fines for crimes involving natural resources, replacing them with criminal prosecution.