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The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmChamSG) Supports Communities in Need Through Donations to SGSHARE and California Wildfires Relief

AmChamSG Commemorates Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service with St Luke’s ElderCare at the Singapore Flyer

SINGAPORE, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmChamSG) is donating $5,000 to the California wildfires relief, as well as SGSHARE, a national regular giving program by the Community Chest in conjunction with SG60 to rally Singapore to support communities in need. The funds were raised at a farewell dinner honoring U.S. Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Jonathan E. Kaplan in the lead up to Martin Luther King, (MLK) Jr., Day of Service.

AmChamSG volunteers with St Luke’s ElderCare Elders at the Singapore Flyer
AmChamSG volunteers with St Luke’s ElderCare Elders at the Singapore Flyer

AmChamSG volunteers also spent MLK Jr. Day with elders from St Luke’s ElderCare on their first visit to the Singapore Flyer, providing an enriching experience and fostering meaningful connections. A federal holiday in the U.S., MLK Jr. Day was first observed in 1986 in memory of the civil rights hero. Since 1994, Americans have been encouraged to commemorate the day through acts of service.

Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei, Chief Executive Officer of AmChamSG said, “We have been volunteering on MLK Jr. Day since 2021. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., ‘Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.’

An AmChamSG strategic pillar, Community is at the heart of our member companies’ purpose. Amidst global uncertainty, AmChamSG member companies, including CSR partners Micron and West Pharmaceutical Services, remain committed to the economic and social development of Singapore.”

About AmCham Singapore

Established in 1973, the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmCham Singapore) is the largest and the most active international business association in Singapore and Southeast Asia, with nearly 700 member companies.

Our Chamber comprises 12 industry-specific committees: five sectoral and seven functional. AmCham is a forward-thinking, business-progressive association. Our mission is to create value for our members by providing advocacy, thought leadership, and community. Our membership includes American companies and Singaporean and third-country companies with significant U.S. business interests.

AmCham is an independent, non-partisan business organization. Our goal is to provide the information and facilitate the access and connections that give members insight into the local, regional, and global operating environment, enhance their professional capabilities, and enable them to make well informed business decisions.

www.amcham.com.sg

dss⁺ Announces Strategic Changes to Executive Leadership Team in Asia Pacific Accelerating growth and impact for high-hazard industries in the region

SINGAPORE, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — dss⁺ announced today strategic leadership changes to its Executive Leadership Team (ELT) in Asia Pacific. These changes support the company’s goals to accelerate impact on clients, develop internal talent, and deliver on its purpose of saving lives and creating a sustainable future in the region.

Srinivasan Ramabhadran is appointed as Managing Director and Board Member, dss⁺ and Cedric Parentelli, is appointed as the APAC Managing Director, APAC, dss⁺
Srinivasan Ramabhadran is appointed as Managing Director and Board Member, dss⁺ and Cedric Parentelli, is appointed as the APAC Managing Director, APAC, dss⁺

“We remain committed to growing our leaders and providing new development experiences, while leveraging their experiences to help our clients achieve breakthroughs in operational safety, performance and sustainability that drive lasting success,” said Davide Vassallo, CEO of dss⁺. “These leadership changes will further strengthen our growth trajectory and evolution of our firm.”

Advancing Growth in Asia Pacific’s Dynamic Markets

The Asia Pacific region remains a critical driver of global economic expansion, contributing approximately 60% of global growth in 2024, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With a projected GDP growth of 4.4% in 2025 — outpacing the global average — the region continues to demonstrate remarkable economic resilience.

As a critical hub for heavy industries, dss⁺ observes significant developments across key sectors where the company has been actively expanding its operational excellence capabilities. The region is experiencing transformative changes in petrochemicals, energy, industrial manufacturing, and infrastructure. Major economies such as China, India, Australia, Japan, and some Southeast Asian nations are advancing strategically in industrial transformation, focusing on sustainable manufacturing, advanced petrochemical capabilities, and building resilient supply chains and infrastructure.

Key leadership appointments in Asia Pacific

Srinivasan Ramabhadran elevates his role to Managing Director and dss⁺ Board member. In this new position, Ramabhadran will focus on global growth initiatives aligned with the organisation’s strategy while continuing to lead key accounts in the Asia Pacific region.

With over 22 years at dss⁺, Srinivasan built the consulting team across Asia Pacific and previously held roles including global practice leader for Operations Risk Management and market leader for India and ASEAN. He has developed trusted client relationships globally and has been instrumental in building the dss⁺ brand.

“I am honoured to shape and drive dss⁺’s global growth strategy,” said Srinivasan. “The Asia Pacific region has been at the forefront of driving resilient growth, and I look forward to leveraging our regional insights and deep expertise to help organizations transform their operational performance and create lasting impact.”

Cedric Parentelli is appointed Managing Director, Asia Pacific, focusing on delivering superior impact and value to clients in the region. He will reinforce the industry focus and embed deep transformational expertise in client organizations to ensure sustainable results.

Cedric, who began his career with dss⁺ nine years ago, previously led the Western, Central Europe and North Africa region, later expanding his responsibilities to lead Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He built structural foundations to support the brand’s global strategy and focused on leveraging consulting capabilities and industry expertise to deliver strategic solutions to clients.

“The Asia Pacific region is a powerhouse of industrial and economic transformation, presenting both challenges and opportunities in high-hazard, complex industries,” Cedric commented. “I am confident in the region’s growth potential. We aim to help organizations turn operational risks into strategic advantages, elevating performance sustainably.”

These leadership changes position dss⁺ to better serve its clients in Asia Pacific, driving growth and delivering impactful solutions in operational safety, performance, and sustainability across the region’s diverse and rapidly evolving markets.

About dss

dss⁺ is the operational transformation partner for complex and high-hazard industries. We help organisations achieve breakthroughs in safety, performance and sustainability that drive lasting success.

Combining deep technical expertise and decades of hands-on experience with cutting-edge methodologies and data-driven insights, we empower teams to shift mindsets, shape cultures and build the capabilities needed at every level.  www.consultdss.com

Ampace Unveils E30P at Bharat Battery Show: Powering Green Mobility in India

NEW DELHI, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ampace, a global leader in lithium-ion battery solutions, is proud to announce the official launch of our new E30P cell at the 2025 Bharat Battery Show, held from January 19-21, marking a significant step in advancing green mobility solutions in India. On January 19, Ampace introduced E30P officially, bringing cutting-edge battery technology to India’s rapidly growing electric two-wheeler market.

Addressing India’s EV Market Needs: Bridging the Gap Between Performance, Long life and Economy

India is experiencing rapid growth in electric vehicle adoption, particularly in the two-wheeler segment. Electric motorcycles and scooters have become increasingly popular for their eco-friendly benefits and convenience, catering to a wide range of applications from daily commuting to food delivery. However, one of the biggest challenges facing the sector is the balance between higher performance, longer life and better economy in battery technology.

The E30P is designed specifically to address these challenges, offering a battery solution that delivers both high performance and long endurance, meeting the unique demands of the Indian market. With a focus on electric two-wheelers, the E30P provides an optimal balance between performance, reliability, and economy.


E30P: The Power of Innovation — “Easy to Go”

The E30P, featuring Ampace’s proprietary BP (Boost Power) system, is a breakthrough in battery technology. The BP system improves energy density and safety by using advanced materials in the cathode, anode, and graphite, allowing for faster deintercalation of lithium ions and lower energy consumption. This results in superior power, longer battery life, and enhanced safety.

Rajeev Prasad, Ampace’s Director of India Market Sales, addressed the audience during the product launch, saying, “The E30P stands for endurance, capacity, and power — form the foundation of the E30P. This isn’t just a name; it’s a promise of reliable, high-performing energy storage that empowers customers to achieve more. We are excited to introduce the E30P to India, a solution that is tailored to meet the needs of electric two-wheelers in the country.”

The E30P battery comes in a standardized 35205 cylindrical cell size, with a 35mm diameter and 205mm height. This size is optimized for mainstream electric motorcycles and scooters in India, ensuring that the battery packs fit a variety of models including motorcycles, scooters, and maxi-scooters.

Diverse Compatibility to Meet Various Needs:

The E30P cell, with its 30Ah capacity and 35205 dimensions, is highly suitable for electric two-wheeler battery packs in the Indian market. Whether for standard motorcycles, scooters, or underbone models, its flexible battery pack design can adapt to different application scenarios.

Outstanding Range and High Performance:

The E30P cell supports multiple battery solutions, such as a 1.5kWh battery for daily commuting, a 3kWh battery for delivery services, and high-capacity, high-power batteries for long-range, high-speed electric motorcycles. It meets a wide range of range and performance requirements.

Economical and Efficiency Gains:

Compared to traditional 21700 cells, the E30P offers a 600% increase in capacity. This allows for a more streamlined battery pack design, reducing welding points and  component usage. As a result, it lowers the design and manufacturing costs of the pack while improving product reliability.

Ultimate Safety to Ensure User Experience:

The E30P cell incorporates Ampace’s BP technology system, providing high thermal stability and effectively preventing thermal runaway issues. Additionally, the cell has undergone rigorous mechanical performance testing and safety certifications to ensure exceptional safety in extreme environments and applications.

Fast Charging to Enhance User Experience:

The E30P supports both daily fast charging and emergency quick charging scenarios. It can charge to 95% in just 47 minutes under daily fast charging conditions, and up to 50% in only 15 minutes during emergency charging, significantly enhancing user convenience.

Future Outlook: Empowering India’s Green Mobility Revolution

Looking forward, Ampace is committed to furthering the development of India’s green mobility sector. As electric two-wheelers continue to grow in popularity, the E30P represents a significant step toward improving the performance, economy, and sustainability of electric vehicles in India.

Ampace’s entry into the Indian market with the E30P battery cell is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of electric two-wheelers in India, offering powerful, reliable, and safe solutions that meet the diverse needs of Indian consumers and businesses.

Xekong Province Takes Action to Combat Growing School Dropout Rates

Lao students in the class (The Laos Experience)

Xekong Province is stepping up efforts to address the rising school dropout rates, which continue to challenge local education systems, authorities said.

Transforming MENA’s Energy Landscape: Envision Energy Set to Power Egypt’s Gigawatt-Scale Wind Project

CAIRO, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Envision Energy, a global leader in in green technology, has secured a landmark contract for Saudi developer and world largest private company in water desalination, leader in energy transition and first mover into green hydrogen, ACWA Power’s 1.1GW onshore wind farm in Egypt’s Gulf of Suez region, set to become one of the largest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This groundbreaking collaboration will significantly enhance Egypt’s renewable energy capacity, supporting the country and MENA’s energy transition and sustainable development goals.

The project is managed by Suez Wind Energy, a joint venture by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and HAU Energy, with financing provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). It will feature 138 of Envision Energy’s state-of-the-art 8 MW wind turbines, designed for high wind speeds and sandy environments and include 25 years of long-term maintenance services, ensuring optimal performance and reliability throughout its lifespan.

“We are thrilled to be part of this transformative project in Egypt. By leveraging our cutting-edge turbine technology and industry-leading supply chain integration, this project will set a new standard for large-scale wind energy in the MENA region.” said Kane Xu, Senior Vice President and President of International Product Lines at Envision Energy, “As the world accelerates its transition to cleaner energy, this project highlights the power of innovation and collaboration to scale sustainability. It underscores our commitment to delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique challenges of renewable energy deployment in diverse environments.”

Envision Energy’s 8 MW platform turbines are customizable with different blade configurations and hub heights to optimize energy capture in diverse conditions. Backed by Envision’s industry-leading vertical supply chain integration and in-house development and manufacturing of critical components, these turbines offer superior quality and reliability. Additionally, the use of Envision’s Galileo system, which analyzes real-time wind data to define precise load conditions for component- and system-level testing, ensures unmatched performance.

This project marks a significant milestone in the MENA region’s clean energy journey, offering broad economic and environmental benefits. It will enhance Egypt’s renewable energy infrastructure, attract further investment, drive innovation, and create job opportunities. By setting a new benchmark for large-scale renewable energy projects, the wind farm underscores Envision Energy’s commitment to advancing the global energy transition and lays the foundation for future collaborations worldwide.

President Trump Delays TikTok Ban in United States

President Trump Delays TikTok Ban in United States
President Trump Delays TikTok Ban in United States

AFP – Less than 24 hours after the TikTok ban was enacted in the United States (US), newly inaugurated President Donald Trump ordered a 75-day delay in its enforcement.

Sworn in on 20 January in Washington D.C., Trump also suggested the possibility of a partnership with ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company.

The executive order paused the implementation of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which had taken effect on 19 January and aimed to ban TikTok by prohibiting its distribution and updates across the US.

Trump had pledged to act swiftly to protect TikTok from the law, which was passed with overwhelming support in Congress and signed by former President Joe Biden last year.

Trump, speaking to reporters from the White House, said he was seeking a 50-50 partnership between “the United States” and its Chinese owner ByteDance, though he did not provide details on how this could be achieved.

“I guess I have a warm spot for TikTok that I didn’t have originally,” the newly inaugurated Trump said as he signed the order, crediting the app for delivering him the youth vote in his election.

In his first stint in the White House, Trump had attempted to ban TikTok in the US on national security concerns.

The TikTok ban law passed due to concerns that the Chinese government could exploit the app to spy on Americans or covertly influence US public opinion through data collection and content manipulation.

TikTok shut down in the US on 18 January as the deadline approached, leaving millions of dismayed users barred from the app.

Trump then promised to issue an executive order as soon as he took office to delay the ban to allow time to “make a deal.”

TikTok restored service in the United States on the following day crediting Trump for making the reversal possible — though the outgoing Biden administration had earlier said that it would not enforce any ban.

To save the app’s US operations, Trump said he planned to set up a joint venture between US companies and ByteDance and that the company could end up being valued a trillion dollars thanks to his intervention.

“Essentially, with TikTok, I have the right to either sell it or close it,” Trump told reporters in the White House.

“We may have to get an approval from China too…but I’m sure they’ll approve it or that would be a hostile act” that could be reciprocated with tariffs, he added.

Under the order, the attorney general must issue guidance implementing the pause, and send letters to service providers confirming they won’t face liability for continuing to host or update TikTok during this period.

This clarification was crucial for companies like Apple and Google, which would otherwise be required to remove TikTok from their app stores and block updates, facing penalties of up to USD 5,000 per user if the app is accessed.

Oracle, which hosts TikTok’s US servers, is also legally obliged to enforce the ban.

The 75-day pause is intended to give the new administration time to “pursue a resolution that protects national security while saving a platform used by 170 million Americans,” according to the order.

TAHO Pharmaceuticals Completes Pivotal Trial of TAH3311, the First Oral Dissolving Film Anticoagulant

TAIPEI, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TAHO Pharmaceuticals is pleased to announce the successful completion of the pivotal trial for TAH3311, the first anticoagulant oral dissolving film (ODF). This trial was conducted following detailed discussions and alignment with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA), marking a major milestone in the advancement of this innovative product under the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway.

The trial enrolled 60 healthy volunteers to compare TAH3311 ODF with the Apixaban tablet (brand name Eliquis®) under the bioequivalence (BE) regulatory framework. Apixaban, a Factor Xa inhibitor, is widely used for stroke prevention and treatment of thromboembolic conditions due to its lower dosage requirements and reduced gastrointestinal bleeding risk compared to other anticoagulants. TAH3311 addresses a significant unmet need in this market by offering the first ODF formulation, providing a water-free alternative that is especially beneficial for patients with swallowing difficulties, including the elderly, stroke survivors, and children.

According to IQVIA, the global market for anticoagulants is rapidly expanding, with apixaban achieving U.S. sales of $22.1 billion in 2023, making it the leading small-molecule drug globally and the second best-selling drug overall.* This remarkable growth highlights a significant opportunity for TAH3311 to address existing clinical unmet needs while offering a unique differentiation in an increasingly competitive landscape.

With the trial’s completion, TAHO Pharmaceuticals plans to prepare regulatory submissions in both the United States and Europe. Simultaneously, the company is actively pursuing strategic collaborations with international partners to accelerate the global launch of TAH3311 and maximize its impact in key markets.

“The completion of this pivotal study is a significant step forward in TAHO’s mission to bring innovative Transepithelial Delivery System (TDS) drug delivery solutions to patients worldwide,” said Dr. Howard Lee, Chairman and CEO of TAHO Pharmaceuticals. “As the first ODF formulation in the anticoagulant space, TAH3311 has the potential to transform how these life-saving therapies are delivered, especially for patients who face difficulties with traditional tablet forms.”

*Source: www.pharmacompass.com

About Apixaban

Apixaban (co-developed by BMS and Pfizer under the brand name Eliquis®) is a direct factor Xa inhibitor and has been approved for clinical use in several thromboembolic disorders, including reduction of stroke risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, thromboprophylaxis following hip or knee replacement surgery, the treatment of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and prevention of recurrent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. With notable safety advantages, it is the leading novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC). According to various industry reports, apixaban was the second-highest-selling drug globally in 2023.

About TAHO Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Founded in 2010, TAHO Pharmaceuticals Ltd. leverages its proprietary Transepithelial Delivery System (TDS) to overcome the limitations of existing drugs and develop innovative dosage forms for niche markets. The TDS platform combines advanced transdermal and transmucosal delivery technologies, enabling the development of unique dosage forms such as transdermal patches, ODF, and buccal films. TAHO’s diverse product portfolio spans a variety of therapeutic areas, including antithrombotic agents, opioid overdose antidotes, addiction treatments, pediatric ADHD, and chemotherapy-induced antiemetics. Among its notable achievements, TAH4411, an ODF for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, became the first product of its kind to receive regulatory approval and be commercialized in Japan.

Azbil Wins Frost & Sullivan’s 2024 Southeast Asia Company of the Year Award

Recognized for Advancing Growth Strategy & Technological Innovation


TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2025 – Azbil Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange Code: 6845) announced that it has won Frost & Sullivan’s 2024 Best Practices Company of the Year Award in the Southeast Asia smart building solutions industry, marking its third consecutive year of recognition. Frost & Sullivan’s Company of the Year Award, its top honor, recognizes Azbil for exemplifying visionary innovation, market-leading performance, and exceptional customer care. This accolade is based on an independent evaluation of two key criteria types: Visionary Innovation & Performance and Customer Impact. Azbil excels in many of the criteria in the smart building solutions space.

Azbil Award-Logo

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth strategy consulting firm, presents Azbil with this award for demonstrating excellence in growth strategy and implementation. The award recognizes a high degree of innovation with products and technologies, and the company’s resulting leadership in customer value and market penetration.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

Previously, Azbil received these awards from Frost & Sullivan:

  • 2022 and 2023 Southeast Asia Company of the Year Award, Smart Buildings Solutions
  • 2020 and 2021 Southeast Asia Customer Value Leadership Award, Building Automation Systems

Azbil was commended for its commitment to exceeding customer expectations, solidifying its leadership in enhancing building safety, comfort, and energy optimization through advanced automation technology. The company’s expansion strategy is focused on three growth fields —new automation, environment and energy, and life cycle solutions—which enables it to address global challenges and create long-term value. Azbil’s innovative use of AI, IoT, and cloud systems in smart building solutions, coupled with its strong focus on R&D and strategic collaborations, continues to drive innovation.

“Azbil’s success as a pioneer in the smart building solutions industry stems from its ability to adapt to global challenges, leverage its deep expertise in automation, and focus on delivering innovative and comprehensive solutions. By continuously evolving its business model and addressing the needs of a changing world, Azbil remains at the forefront of the industry,” said Mr. Anirudh Bhaskaran, Industry Principal, Energy & Environment, Frost & Sullivan.

“We are honored to receive the esteemed award from Frost & Sullivan. This achievement is a testament to Azbil’s commitment to addressing evolving challenges and opportunities with visionary strategies, smart building automation technologies, and industry-leading best practices to deliver excellence across the value chain. We share this achievement with our employees, customers, and partners, whose collective efforts drive our success. Moving forward, we remain steadfast in advancing industry growth and strengthening our position as a global top value creator for innovative, human-centered solutions,” said Mr. Kazuyasu Hamada, Managing Corporate Executive and President of Building Systems Company, Azbil Corporation.

Click the URL below for a full report from Frost & Sullivan.
https://www.azbil.com/press/pdf/250121-01.pdf

Guided by the Group philosophy of “human-centered automation,” Azbil continues to provide products and solutions that contribute “in series” to creating a sustainable society.

Hashtag: #azbil

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

About Azbil Corporation

formerly known as Yamatake Corporation, is a leading company in building and industrial automation, using its measurement and control technologies to provide customers with high value-added solutions to make their operations more efficient and sustainable. Founded in 1906, Azbil serves customers across the globe in a broad range of industries and aims to contribute to people’s safety, comfort, and fulfilment, and global environmental preservation. At the end of March 2024, Azbil employed about 10,000 people worldwide and generated ¥290.9 billion in revenue.
For more information, please visit .