29 C
Vientiane
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 44

New Report Highlights Need for Ecosystem Approach to Help MSMEs in Southeast Asia Adopt More Sustainable Practices

  • Report by the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) finds growing momentum among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Southeast Asia to adopt sustainability practices, driven by commercially motivated goals such as reducing costs, improving long-term efficiency, meeting consumer demand, entering new markets and attracting talent.
  • As significant variations in ESG awareness and adoption exist across the region, advancing the adoption of ESG practices will require coordinated efforts from governments, industry associations, MNCs, investors, and financial institutions to provide MSMEs practical, constructive assistance.
  • The report identifies key challenges and five ecosystem actions to unlock the full potential of MSMEs in advancing sustainable supply chains.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 May 2025 – The “Transforming for Sustainability: Driving Impact and Value through Supply Chain Action” report, by the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) found that MSMEs in Southeast Asia recognise the business value of adopting sustainability practices – from lowering costs and improving long-term efficiency (39%) to attracting or retaining talent in a values-driven workforce (27%) – and want to do more.

At the same time, many global multinational corporations (MNCs) are making long-term sustainability commitments, setting higher expectations across their supply chains. As MSMEs often serve as key suppliers, aligning with these evolving standards – including MNC supplier codes – is becoming increasingly critical to remain competitive and secure long-term growth opportunities.

Launched today at Ecosperity Week’s Impact Investing Roundtable 2025, the report explores key barriers to increasing supply chain sustainability and identifies practical enablers and tools across four sectors: consumer goods, food and beverage, electrical and electronics, and tourism. The findings are based on a survey of over 3,500 MSMEs from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, alongside interviews with 85 organisations across Asia — including MNCs, solution providers, and ecosystem enablers. The report builds on CIIP’s 2024 study, developed in partnership with PwC Singapore, titled “It Takes a Community”: Enabling SME Resilience in FMCG Supply Chains.

While sustainability and ESG are separate concepts, they are closely linked – especially when looking at how ESG practices support sustainability goals. To better understand how MSMEs are putting sustainability into action, 21 practices were identified and mapped across the areas of “environmental”, “social”, and “governance”.

Encouragingly, 84% of MSMEs have adopted at least one ESG practice, with social practices being the most common due to mandated social employee protection policies in each of the countries studied. Waste management was the most common environmental practice, reflecting this key concern across the region. However, much more needs to be done.

“MSMEs are the backbone of Southeast Asia’s economies and essential partners in advancing sustainable supply chains,” said Ms. Dawn Chan, Chief Executive Officer, CIIP. “Their growing interest in ESG signals a real opportunity to unlock business resilience and long-term value. This report aims to provide a clearer view of what MSMEs need to succeed, and how ecosystem players, from industry leaders to governments and financial institutions, can work together to accelerate scalable, sustainable impact.”

MSMEs Are Making Progress, But Practical Challenges Continue to Hold Them Back

While MSMEs are making progress in meeting new sustainability requirements, many continue to face practical challenges in advancing their efforts. With lean, multi-functional teams focused on daily operations, they often lack the capacity for dedicated roles to oversee the adoption of more ESG practices – and 60% report moderate to significant difficulties in hiring staff for sustainability or ESG roles.

Financial constraints remain a key hurdle. Many cite high upfront costs, though encouragingly, half of all MSMEs surveyed plan to increase their ESG budgets by 2027.

Many also cite the inability to derive immediate benefits from adopting ESG practices, with 32% saying the ability to gain new clients or enter new markets would be a key motivating factor for future adoption of ESG practices.

To overcome these challenges, the report provides five recommendations to shape ecosystem actions.

Five Key Enablers to Raise ESG Awareness and Adoption among MSMEs

  1. Make ESG clear and simple. Clearly emphasise the commercial benefits of ESG practices – from cost savings to increased revenue opportunities – while highlighting clear improvement pathways. Companies should be assured that adopting ESG practices is not a formidable task and can be done in gradual steps.
  2. Build capacity, both internal and external. Develop industry-specific toolkits or education materials with global standards and local inputs, which are simple and actionable, while encouraging MSMEs to leverage external expertise for ad-hoc support and personalised guidance.
  3. Encourage more win-win customer-supplier partnerships. MNC buyers are a strong predictor of ESG adoption, and some are already leaning in to support their supply chains. This should be more widespread – MNCs can offer incentives such as longer-term contracts, paying more for sustainable products or services, and implementing shorter payment cycles.
  4. Invest in innovative MSME-targeted solutions. Venture capital firms and impact investors play a crucial role in facilitating ESG adoption across supply chains, providing catalytic funding to incentivise innovation and reducing the barriers to adopting ESG practices. They can play a particularly important role by backing early-stage solutions and business models that are priced and designed for MSMEs.
  5. Finance the change. While sustainability-linked loans are increasingly available, MSME uptake remains low – suggesting that concessional rates alone are not enough. A more holistic approach is needed, combining fit-for-purpose financing with practical guidance, stronger support for early adopters, and tools like digital platforms to assess ESG baselines and customise loan terms. These elements must work together to drive meaningful, scalable ESG adoption.

For more insights and takeaways, the full report is available at:
https://ciip.com.sg/knowledge-hub/research-insights/Details/transforming-for-sustainability–driving-impact-and-value-through-supply-chain-action

Turning Insights into Tangible Solutions

The report also revealed that country-specific conditions significantly influence ESG adoption, underscoring the importance of tailored approaches that address local needs. Notably, industry associations serve as a key source of sustainability and ESG guidance for MSMEs, given their deep understanding of sector-specific needs and ability to recommend fit-for-purpose tools and approaches.

In line with this, CIIP today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Singapore Fashion Council (SFC) to drive supply chain sustainability within the fashion and textiles industry. Under the agreement, SFC will lead the development of a sectoral plan, a resource guidebook, and a digital toolkit tailored to the sustainability needs of fashion and textiles MSMEs, leveraging insights from this report and CIIP’s ongoing ecosystem engagement efforts.

In parallel, CIIP and the Philanthropy Asia Alliance have launched the second edition of the Amplifier mentorship programme, with two dedicated tracks aimed at scaling innovative solutions for supply chain sustainability in tourism, as well as, fashion and textiles. Adopting a whole-of-ecosystem approach, the programme is supported by over 55 cross-sector partners this year.

CIIP welcomes more partners – including industry associations, corporates, technology and solution providers, investors, and financial institutions – to work together and collectively advance ESG adoption among MSMEs in the region.

For the full announcements, please refer to: https://www.temasektrust.org.sg/newsroom

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

About the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices

The Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (“CIIP”) was established in 2022 as a non-profit entity by Temasek Trust to foster impact investing and practices in Asia and beyond by building and sharing knowledge, bringing together stakeholders in the community, and bringing about positive action that accelerates the adoption of impact investing principles and practices. CIIP is the anchor partner for the United Nation Development Programme’s Private Finance for the SDGs, providing Asia investors and businesses with clarity, insights and tools that support their contributions towards achieving the SDGs. Temasek and ABC Impact are CIIP’s strategic partners. For more information, please visit .

Bybit Launches Gold Exclusive Trading Zone With $800,000 Prize Pool

DUBAI, UAE, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has announced the launch of its Gold Exclusive Trading Zone, offering users a unique opportunity to trade gold alongside crypto assets and compete for a share of an $800,000 prize pool. This initiative marks the first time Bybit enables users to trade gold with USDT across multiple platforms in one seamless experience, further solidifying its position at the forefront of financial innovation.

Bybit Launches Gold Exclusive Trading Zone With $800,000 Prize Pool
Bybit Launches Gold Exclusive Trading Zone With $800,000 Prize Pool

The campaign follows a record-breaking surge in gold prices and represents Bybit’s latest move to bridge traditional financial assets with digital innovation. From now through June 10, 2025, Bybit users can now trade traditional gold pairs such as XAU/AUT+, XAU/EUR+, XAU/JPY+, and XAU/USD+ with USDT via Bybit Gold & FX. Additional options include trading XAUT on Spot or PAXG/XAUT on Derivatives. Those interested in yield opportunities can subscribe to XAUT Flexible Savings or invest in XAUT Dual Assets for more sophisticated strategies.

Participants who complete gold trading tasks will be eligible for a range of exclusive rewards, including luxury gold rings, gold coins, and generous USDT airdrops. Each completed task earns users a lucky draw ticket, increasing their chances of winning as their trading activity grows.

“This launch is a powerful step forward in our mission to integrate the best of traditional finance with the speed and accessibility of crypto,” said Shunyet Jan, Head of Derivatives Business and Institutional Sales at Bybit. “Bybit’s Gold Exclusive Trading Zone gives users a seamless way to engage with gold, earn rewards, and diversify their portfolios in one unified platform.”

The Gold Exclusive Trading Zone is open to eligible users who complete Identity Verification Level 1 and reside in supported jurisdictions. All prizes, including physical items, will be distributed in the equivalent USDT value through the Bybit Rewards Hub.

Full campaign details and terms can be found on Bybit’s official campaign page.

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

Kuaishou Technology to Report 2025 First Quarter Financial Results on May 27, 2025

HONG KONG, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kuaishou Technology (“Kuaishou” or the “Company”; HKD Counter Stock Code: 01024 / RMB Counter Stock Code: 81024), a leading content community and social platform, today announced that it will report its unaudited consolidated first quarterly results for the three months ended March 31, 2025, after the Hong Kong market closes on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

The Company’s management will host a conference call on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 7:00 PM Beijing Time (7:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time) to discuss the results.

Participants are required to pre-register for the conference call at:

Chinese Line (Mandarin):
https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10046720-loa8c5.html

English Simultaneous Interpretation Line (listen-only mode):
https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10046718-ka8c65x.html

Participants can choose between the Chinese and English simultaneous interpretation options for pre-registration above. Please note that the English simultaneous interpretation option will be in listen-only mode. Upon registration, participants will receive an email containing conference call dial-in details, event passcode, and a unique registrant ID. This information will allow you to gain immediate access to the call. Participants may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time.

Additionally, live, and archived webcasts of the conference call, for both Chinese and English simultaneous interpretation, will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.kuaishou.com.

Replays of the conference call will be available until June 3, 2025 via the following dial-in details:

Dial-in Numbers

Mainland China:

400 1209 216

Hong Kong:

800 930 639

US/Canada:

1855 883 1031

Chinese conference ID:

10046720

English simultaneous interpretation conference ID:

10046718

About Kuaishou

Kuaishou is a leading content community and social platform in China and globally, committed to becoming the most customer-obsessed company in the world. Kuaishou uses its technological backbone, powered by cutting-edge AI technology, to continuously drive innovation and product enhancements that enrich its service offerings and application scenarios, creating exceptional customer value. Through short videos and live streams on Kuaishou’s platform, users can share their lives, discover goods and services they need and showcase their talent. By partnering closely with content creators and businesses, Kuaishou provides technologies, products, and services that cater to diverse user needs across a broad spectrum of entertainment, online marketing services, e-commerce, local services, gaming, and much more. For more information, please visit https://ir.kuaishou.com.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Kuaishou Technology
Investor Relations
Email: ir@kuaishou.com

INIU Partners with Boulanger to Launch Innovative Charging Products in France


PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 May 2025 – INIU has expanded its partnership with France’s leading electronics retailer Boulanger, making its latest innovations—MagPro Slim 5K/10K, Pocket Pro 10K 45W, and Leopard Magnetic Cable 100W—available in stores and online.

INIU Partners with Boulanger to Launch Innovative Charging Products in France

“We’re thrilled to bring INIU’s most advanced charging innovations to even more French consumers through our expanded partnership with Boulanger,” said Victor Rosière, Sales Director France at INIU. “This is a key milestone in our commitment to make next-gen power solutions accessible and stylish.”

A Perfect Blend of Power and Portability: INIU MagPro Slim 5K/10K

The MagPro Slim series redefines mobile charging with its ultra-slim profile and fast power. The 5K model is just 0.9cm thin, delivering 15W Qi2 wireless charging (iPhone 16 to 40% in 25 minutes) and 20W PD wired charging. A foldable stand adds hands-free convenience anywhere.

For more juice, the 10K model brings larger capacity with upgraded 45W PD fast charging (iPhone 16 to 51% in 22 minutes).It can power three devices simultaneously, making it a perfect match for your entire Apple lineup.

Ultra-Portable with 45W Fast Charging: Pocket Pro 10K 45W

As the smallest 10,000mAh 45W power bank on the market—just one-third the size of a phone—the Pocket Pro is effortlessly portable yet impressively powerful. It features a built-in USB-C cable and handy strap for easy bag attachment, while supporting dual-device fast charging. Power your iPhone 16 to 60% in just 25 minutes. Compatible with a wide range of devices, including iPads and AirPods, it intelligently adjusts output to protect smaller batteries—keeping you powered and connected, hassle-free, wherever you go.

Power and Order, Redefined: Leopard Magnetic Cable 100W

The Leopard Magnetic Cable 100W blends fast power and organization. Supporting 100W PD fast charging, it boosts MacBook Pro battery 60% in 45 minutes. Its magnetic auto-winding design keeps it tangle-free, while FLYWEAVE nylon and Emarker chip ensure durability and safe power delivery.

Hashtag: #INIU

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

About INIU

Founded in 2017, INIU is a leading innovator in power solutions, serving over 40 million users in 174 countries. Honored with iF Design, Red Dot, and CES Innovation Awards, INIU integrates innovations like TinyCell and HyperStack—making products 25% smaller, 15% lighter, and 10% more efficient than others.

THE MICHELIN GUIDE EXPANDS TO NEW TAIPEI CITY, HSINCHU COUNTY AND HSINCHU CITY

  • The MICHELIN Guide announced its expansion to three additional destinations for the upcoming 2025 Taiwan selection

TAIPEI, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — After its debut in Taipei in 2018, and progressive expansions to Taichung in 2020, and Tainan and Kaohsiung in 2022, the MICHELIN Guide announced that it will expand further to include three more Taiwanese gastronomic destinations – New Taipei City, Hsinchu County, and Hsinchu City – in its scope. The upcoming 2025 MICHELIN Guide Taiwan restaurant selection will be revealed later this year, and it will now cover a total of seven destinations – Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, along with newly added New Taipei City, Hsinchu County, and Hsinchu City.

The MICHELIN Guide expands to three new destinations in Taiwan - New Taipei City, Hsinchu County, Hsinchu City
The MICHELIN Guide expands to three new destinations in Taiwan – New Taipei City, Hsinchu County, Hsinchu City

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide shared: “We are thrilled to explore the beauty and culinary diversity of New Taipei City, Hsinchu City, and Hsinchu County in our Taiwan 2025 Selection. Since the launch of the MICHELIN Guide in Taiwan in 2018, we have gradually expanded from Taipei to include Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. Now in its eighth year, this marks the third round of expansions in Taiwan, and we are delighted to continue our journey in Taiwan.”

“These destinations offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation, from vibrant seafood scenes to rich cultural heritage. Our inspection team is eager to uncover more gastronomic treasures of northern Taiwan, celebrating the dynamic flavors and experiences that make this region a must-visit destination. We can’t wait to share these discoveries with the world,” added Gwendal Poullennec.

New Taipei City, encircling Taipei, is part of the Greater Taipei metropolitan area. Less than 60km from central Taipei, it has a vast territory with varied topography and historical background, and it is a heaven for seafood enthusiasts and adventurers, as it boasts a vibrant culinary scene with seafood specialties, mountain delicacies, and traditional small eats.

Although they share the same name – Hsinchu – Hsinchu County and Hsinchu City are two different cities with different vibes and distinct personalities. As the heartland of the Hakka group, Hsinchu County offers a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This area has preserved many unique Hakka ancient houses, hence offering traditional Hakka dishes and seasonal treats. Other dishes such as rice noodles and Hakka savory dumplings also showcase the rich snack culture.

On the other hand, Hsinchu City is a well-developed urban area but rich in cultural heritage and temples, and surrounded by diverse local small eateries, offering a unique ambiance with a fusion of technology and culture.

Taiwan Tourism Administration, MOTC, Director General Chou Yung-Hui stated, “The announcement of new cities has once again expanded the culinary map of the MICHELIN Guide Taiwan. This not only showcases the vitality and local culinary culture of different cities but also highlights their unique charm. Furthermore, the recognition of the diverse flavors and characteristics of the local cuisine in these three newly added cities, will inject new energy and vitality into Taiwan’s food and tourism industries.”

“We sincerely invite global travelers to explore Taiwan in depth, enjoying the marvelous transition from the azure ocean to majestic mountains within a single day, while savoring the delicious blend of creativity and tradition. Let every journey be filled with surprises and endless possibilities. In 2025, come and experience the MICHELIN Guide recommendations of Taiwan’s seven major cities!” Director General Chou Yung-Hui added.

With the inclusion of three additional cities, the highly anticipated 2025 MICHELIN Guide Taiwan restaurant selection will continue to celebrate the diversity and richness of cuisines in Taiwan.

The MICHELIN Guide Methodology

Created in 1900 by the Michelin tire company, the MICHELIN Guide supports automobile mobility and highlights world culinary scenes. It guides international travelers and local foodies to the best restaurants, promoting travel culture.

The selection follows MICHELIN Guide’s method based on five universal criteria:

  • Quality of the ingredients
  • Mastery of cooking techniques
  • Harmony of flavors
  • Personality of the cuisine
  • Consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole

The MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Selection

The MICHELIN Guide awards distinctions to special restaurants within its selection – One MICHELIN Star: “High-quality cooking worth a stop”, Two MICHELIN Stars: “Excellent cooking worth a detour”, and Three MICHELIN Stars: “Exceptional cuisine worth a special journey”.

Additionally, the Bib Gourmand category recognizes restaurants offering good quality food at moderate prices.

The MICHELIN Guide is committed to maintaining the highest global standards in its restaurant selection process. Our team of anonymous and expert inspectors conduct continuous and rigorous evaluations of restaurants. These evaluations are carried out objectively and independently, ensuring that external factors do not influence the results. This dedication to impartiality and excellence guarantees that only the outstanding dining establishments are recognized.

Laos to Implement Nationwide Digital ID Card System

Laos to implement the digital ID card system

Laos is ready to roll out a nationwide digital ID card system as part of its broader effort to modernize public services. 

The recent announcement, published on the Department of Mass Media’s official Facebook page on 7 May, confirmed that Laos is ready to take the project to the next stage. While the exact timeline for implementation has not yet been disclosed, the ministry emphasized its commitment to moving forward with the initiative.

The initiative will establish a centralized database and modern infrastructure for securely managing citizens’ personal information. 

The goal is to create a robust digital identity system while strengthening the technical capabilities of the civil servants responsible for its implementation.

Once in place, the system will streamline public services and introduce advanced technologies into government operations, making everyday interactions more efficient for citizens across the country.

The digital ID project officially launched in July 2024 during a high-level meeting between the President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, and the then-President of Vietnam, To Lam, held in conjunction with Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship.

Rhenus signs MoU with Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)


MUMBAI, INDIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 May 2025 – Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), leading global logistics service provider, the Rhenus Group, will operate barge services in various National Waterways in India. In the first phase, Rhenus will introduce push boats and 20 flat bottom barges from Germany with a capacity of 400 tonnes, which can be combined to transport up to 1,200 tonnes per trip. As demand grows, Rhenus India will scale its fleet to 100 barges and expand its corridors across the Indian subcontinent. The partnership with IWAI aims to contribute towards building a resilient multi-modal logistics ecosystem in India, with the eventual goal of carrying over a million tonnes of cargo per year by 2025.

The MoU was signed at the IWAI office on 5 May 2025 and the formal exchange of the MoU took place in the presence of the Hon’ble Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal on 6 May 2025. The Minister’s presence underscored the government’s strong commitment to strengthening inland waterways as a key pillar of India’s logistics ecosystem. Rhenus is proud to support India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and lead the way in shaping the future of sustainable logistics and contribute to India’s logistics transformation.

With over 14,500 kilometers of navigable waterways, including 111 National Waterways, India’s Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector, which is governed by IWAI, has seen significant growth. Cargo volumes have increased from 30 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) in 2014 to 133 MMTPA in 2024.

Rhenus India will introduce its Inland Waterways Transport solutions: barge scheduled services that will facilitate cargo transport on two Indian rivers, the Ganga River and the Brahmaputra River. These sustainable and cost-effective logistics solutions will allow for seamless cargo movements across India and beyond. In this venture, Rhenus is expanding its existing expertise for port operation and inland navigation from Europe to India.

To start, Rhenus India intends to operate barge services on National Waterways NW-1, NW-2, NW-16 and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route (IBP), with plans to gradually scale up to include other national waterways in the country. A combination of pushers and barges, to suit low-draft navigation in the waterways, will be used to transport both Bulk and Break-Bulk cargo across North & East India, North-East India, and subsequently neighbouring countries. With 1,000 vessels in operations daily on all navigable waterways in Europe, Rhenus will now tap into its Port Logistics experience, in particular in European inland navigation, as well as resources from its European Waterways fleet to further support India’s IWT sector.

In Europe, Rhenus has been active in the inland navigation sector since its foundation year 1912. With barge shipping as its core competency, the Rhenus Group built its company and service portfolio around its logistics activities along the Rhine River and diversified them to include air and ocean freight, warehousing, road freight as well as rail, over time, becoming a worldwide logistics solutions provider.

Vivek Arya, CEO of Rhenus Logistics India & Global CEO of Rhenus Warehousing Solutions Intercontinental, said, “With over 100 years of dedicated expertise in inland waterway operations across Europe, Rhenus is excited to partner with IWAI in this transformative journey to create a smarter, greener and more economical logistics network. Recognizing the immense potential of India’s inland waterways, we are committed to adapt our best practices to suit the Indian environment and contribute towards seamless waterway movement through our innovative solutions.”

Michael de Reese, Division Head of Rhenus Port Logistics, added, “Inland navigation is the backbone of the producing economy in Germany as well as in Europe. With our expertise and our broad experience in mastering challenges such as infrastructure construction, varying water levels and the training of a reliable expert workforce, we can support the growing Indian economy together with the IWAI.”

Hashtag: #Rhenus

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

About Rhenus

The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 8.2 billion. 41,000 employees work at 1,330 business sites in more than 70 countries and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.

Multimedia Now Available: SpreeAI Is Redefining Retail With Virtual AI-Powered Try-Ons Curated by the Top in Tech and Fashion

SpreeAI celebrates a $1.5 billion valuation as it prepares for groundbreaking partnerships and game-changing innovation.

NEW YORK, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SpreeAI, a leader in fashion tech innovation, is transforming retail with its photorealistic try-on product so lifelike the naked eye can’t tell it’s virtual. Combined with sizing technology boasting 99% accuracy, SpreeAI delivers hyper-personalized shopping experiences that enhance both retail companies’ operations and consumers’ satisfaction. Designed for seamless use both in-store and online, SpreeAI is reshaping shopping by merging advanced AI with real-world applications.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/spreeai/9334251-en-spreeai-redefining-retail-virtual-ai-powered-try-ons

For consumers, SpreeAI adds an unparalleled level of personalization, allowing shoppers to become the model and visualize clothing in a lifelike, photorealistic way. Packed with upcoming features like an AI stylist, a virtual wardrobe, and more, SpreeAI creates a dynamic and engaging shopping experience. For retailers, SpreeAI is engineered to reduce returns and boost sales conversions, offering a transformative solution for the fashion industry.

Visionary Leadership Drives $1.5B Valuation

Led by visionary Co-founder and CEO John Imah, SpreeAI’s board is bolstered by legendary supermodel and fashion icon Naomi Campbell, alongside entrepreneurs Bob Davidson and Larry Ruvo. Having one of the world’s most recognized fashion figures on the board underscores SpreeAI’s fusion of high-fashion insight with cutting-edge tech. The company recently achieved a $1.5 billion valuation after an undisclosed funding round led by The Davidson Group, a prominent family office known for supporting groundbreaking ventures. This milestone valuation reflects the market’s confidence in SpreeAI’s mission and its rapid growth at the intersection of technology and style.

“It’s inspiring to be part of SpreeAI’s transformative journey under John’s visionary leadership. I’ve always believed in pushing boundaries and embracing innovation, and seeing John’s passion and determination firsthand makes me even more excited about the future we’re creating together. SpreeAI represents the powerful fusion of fashion, technology, and inclusivity—and I’m thrilled to be on this groundbreaking path.”

— Naomi Campbell, Fashion Icon and SpreeAI Board Member

Academic and Industry Alliances Fuel Innovation

Exclusive collaborations with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Carnegie Mellon University across research initiatives, talent development, and technical collaboration drive SpreeAI’s deep commitment to innovation. Additionally, SpreeAI’s partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) further solidifies its intersection between advanced technology and high-fashion expertise. These prestigious alliances enable the company to lead the industry with unmatched solutions. With 4 issued patents and 23 pending, SpreeAI safeguards its proprietary technology, ensuring its position as a frontrunner in the competitive retail tech market. This foundation of innovation is further supported by internal initiatives like Protea—a platform that helps retail partners integrate and test SpreeAI’s solutions—empowering brands to enhance operational efficiency and customer experiences.

“The CFDA is proud to collaborate with SpreeAI, a fashion technology leader delivering innovative solutions to help designers and brands thrive in the fashion industry.”

Steven Kolb, CEO, Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)

“SpreeAI’s partnership with the EECS Alliance exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking collaboration we strive for—bringing together industry innovation and academic excellence. Their active involvement, including providing impactful internship opportunities, has opened up exciting pathways for our students while supporting research and real-world application in the AI space. We’re proud to support SpreeAI as they continue to grow and lead in this evolving field.”

Priscilla Capistrano, Program Manager at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

“AI is poised to revolutionize many things including e-commerce. SpreeAI is pushing the forefront of this for a truly personalized garment-shopping experience, by leveraging collaborations with academia and assembling a team that understands both the deep technical challenges and their product impact.”

Professor Deva Ramanan, Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)

Fashion Collaborations & Met Gala Spotlight

2025 is set to be a transformative year for SpreeAI, with major retail and luxury brand partnerships and new product features on the horizon. As part of this momentum, SpreeAI is announcing new partnerships with luxury fashion label Sergio Hudson and London-based contemporary womenswear brand Kai Collective. The timing of these collaborations coincides with a cultural moment: the 2025 Met Gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which honors Black designers. Both Sergio Hudson and Kai Collective’s founder Fisayo Longe are celebrated Black designers at the forefront of fashion innovation. John Imah will attend the Met Gala as the first-ever fashion tech in AI startup CEO invited, underscoring SpreeAI’s prominent role in the fashion world and its commitment to celebrating the creative visionaries who inspire its technology.

You can now experience SpreeAI’s technology firsthand by visiting Sergio Hudson’s website at sergiohudson.com.

“We’re thrilled to partner with SpreeAI and aim to create a personalized experience for Sergio Hudson and drive increased sales.”

Sergio Hudson, Founder & Creative Director

“At Kai Collective, we’re always looking for ways to fuse innovation with storytelling. Collaborating with SpreeAI allows us to explore how technology can elevate the customer experience while staying true to our brand’s identity and values.”

Fisayo Longe, Founder & CEO of Kai Collective

These designer partnerships exemplify how SpreeAI’s technology unites with creative vision to redefine customer engagement. And SpreeAI isn’t stopping here – the company has hinted that even more collaborations with major luxury fashion houses are on the way. By keeping details under wraps, SpreeAI is fueling a buzz of excitement and industry-wide anticipation for what’s coming next.

“Our approach will always be customer-focused—that means both the retail partners and the consumers we serve,” said John Imah, Co-founder and CEO of SpreeAI. “We don’t just look at the shopping landscape; we reimagine it. Whether it’s in-store or online, we step back and ask how AI can transform real-world challenges into seamless, exciting experiences. This mindset drives us forward as we continue shaping the future of retail and fashion with AI, blending innovation with personalization to empower and inspire. The possibilities are limitless, and we’re just getting started.”

For more information, please contact Brittanae Casper at brittanae@vmgroupe.com.

About SpreeAI

SpreeAI is transforming the shopping experience with its photorealistic try-on product and 99%-accurate sizing technology, designed to enhance both retail operations and consumer satisfaction. For shoppers, SpreeAI offers unmatched personalization, enabling them to become the model while introducing features like an AI stylist, a virtual wardrobe, and more. For retailers, SpreeAI reduces returns, increases sales conversions, and creates seamless shopping experiences. Its product integrates effortlessly into both in-store and online environments, promoting sustainability and setting new standards for retail.

About John Imah

John Imah is a visionary leader at the forefront of technology and fashion. As a Nigerian American and first-generation immigrant, John brings innovation and diversity to the tech industry. Under his leadership, SpreeAI has achieved a $1.5 billion valuation, cementing its role as a transformative force in AI-powered retail.

John’s career includes leadership roles at Samsung, Twitch, Amazon, Meta, Take-Two Interactive, and Snap Inc., where he implemented strategies that drove impactful growth. A member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), John seamlessly combines his expertise in tech and fashion to deliver groundbreaking solutions.

As a successful entrepreneur and creative, John’s influence extends beyond business into design, music, and philanthropy, including initiatives like serving as a strategic advisor to the Davidson Academy—a pioneering school dedicated to providing profoundly gifted students with educational opportunities tailored to their unique abilities, strengths, and interests. His involvement with the Academy is deeply personal, rooted in his own experiences as a profoundly gifted child. By actively mentoring students, funding scholarships, and supporting charitable initiatives, John blends professional success with a genuine commitment to empowering gifted youth and uplifting underserved communities, ensuring his legacy is defined not only by innovation but by authentic and meaningful impact.

SpreeAI Is Redefining Retail With Virtual AI-Powered Try-Ons Curated by the Top in Tech and Fashion
SpreeAI Is Redefining Retail With Virtual AI-Powered Try-Ons Curated by the Top in Tech and Fashion