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Vietnam Parliament Approves Raising Alcohol Tax to 90 Percent by 203

Deputies of Vietnam's National Assembly attend the opening ceremony of the Autumn session in Hanoi, Vietnam 22 October 2018. (photo: REUTERS)

On 14 June, Vietnam’s parliament passed legislation to increase the special consumption tax on beer and strong alcoholic beverages to 90 percent by 2031, rising from the existing 65 percent rate. 

Under the new law, tax rates on  liquor with more than 20 percent alcohol content and all beers will climb to 70 percent by 2027, before hitting the final 90 percent threshold in 2031. The present tax sits at 65 percent, while earlier proposals from last year had suggested rates reaching as high as 100 percent.

The sector has already encountered substantial obstacles since 2019, when Vietnam implemented strict drink-driving regulations establishing a zero-alcohol threshold for drivers.

The tax increase compounds existing pressures on Vietnam’s beer industry, which is led by Dutch brewer Heineken, Denmark’s Carlsberg, and domestic producers Sabeco and Habeco.

Responding to declining demand and the original tax proposal, Heineken halted operations at one of its Vietnam facilities last year, demonstrating the financial pressure on major manufacturers.

Vietnam ranked seventh globally in beer consumption in 2023, according to a report by Kirin Holdings, a Japanese beer company.

Nearly 41,000 deaths in Vietnam each year are linked to alcohol use, according to the Vietnam’s Ministry of Health.

Lawmakers also approved a new 8 percent tax on sugary beverages containing over 5 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters. This will become effective in 2027 and escalate to 10 percent in 2028, reflecting Vietnam’s comprehensive public health strategy targeting both alcohol and sugar intake.

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach and Andamanda Phuket Launch Critical Water Safety Initiative to Combat Childhood Drowning in Thailand


PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2025 – Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, a top family-friendly resort in Phuket, is proud to announce the launch of its impactful “Water Hero: Water Safety for Kids”, a comprehensive and complimentary water safety and swimming education program for local schoolchildren. This inspiring initiative aims to empower young lives with essential life-saving skills and responds to a critical need, as studies show that only 16% of Thai children know how to swim, despite the country’s many waterways. By promoting water confidence and safety, the resort is helping to create a safer future for the next generation.

The first student group from Bansainamyen School celebrates the launch of the 'Water Hero' project with representatives from Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach and Andamanda Phuket. This collaborative initiative will teach vital water safety skills to local children.
The first student group from Bansainamyen School celebrates the launch of the ‘Water Hero’ project with representatives from Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach and Andamanda Phuket. This collaborative initiative will teach vital water safety skills to local children.

Recognizing the urgent need and limited access to swimming facilities in many local schools, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach is dedicating its world-class facilities and resources. In a meaningful partnership reflecting a shared commitment to community well-being and safety, Andamanda Phuket contributes its passionate team and expertise, ensuring children receive the highest standard of water safety education.

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“Every child deserves the chance to grow up safe and confident in and around water,” said Mr. Trevor May, Multi-Property General Manager, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach Resort; and Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa. “This project reflects Marriott’s commitment in supporting the communities where we operate. By equipping children with vital life-saving skills, we’re helping build a safer future—something we’re proud to do alongside our valued partners.”

Andamanda Phuket, renowned for prioritizing guest safety, has partnered with Ellis & Associates, a globally recognized authority in aquatic safety and rescue training. This collaboration establishes comprehensive lifeguard and first aid programs that set new benchmarks for safety. This unwavering commitment to excellence means that the children participating in the “Water Hero” program will benefit from instruction rooted in the highest global safety standards, directly helping them learn to survive and be safe in the water.

“Safety defines who we are at Andamanda Phuket,” explains Khun Vorrawan James, Director of Lifeguard Operations. “Our partnership with Ellis & Associates has enabled us to establish Southeast Asia’s most advanced waterpark safety protocols. These world-class standards, which guide our expert teaching team, are now being directly applied to empower local children. By delivering this level of training, we ensure that every child learns effective water safety and survival skills, helping to build essential awareness and prevent avoidable tragedies in our community.”

The “Water Hero: Water Safety for Kids” will run from June to November 2025, with weekly sessions every Thursday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Each session will last approximately 2.5–3 hours, accommodating up to 35 students per class across four classes.

Water Hero: Water Safety for Kids program, where Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach and Andamanda Phuket are leveraging their expertise and facilities to provide free, high-standard water safety training to local schoolchildren, addressing a critical public health issue.
Water Hero: Water Safety for Kids program, where Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach and Andamanda Phuket are leveraging their expertise and facilities to provide free, high-standard water safety training to local schoolchildren, addressing a critical public health issue.

A key partnership for this vital program is with Sainamyen School, a local school in Patong, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach will provide the venue (swimming pools), equipment, first-aid safety personnel, transportation for students, and nutritious food and beverages. Andamanda Phuket will provide the professional teaching team and certified lifeguards, ensuring high-quality instruction and supervision.

This initiative underscores Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach‘s deep commitment to corporate social responsibility and the well-being of the local community. By directly addressing a critical public health issue, the resort is setting a powerful example of how businesses can make a tangible, life-saving difference.

Learn more about our family-friendly resort in Phuket and plan your perfect family getaway here

Call +66 (076) 335 300 or email: mhrs.hktmb.reservation@marriotthotels.com to book now
Hashtag: #MarriottHotels #PhuketMarriottMerlinBeach #CSR #AndamandaPhuket




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

About Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach

is a family-friendly resort complementing a beautiful, secluded stretch of a white sandy beach. Set amongst forested mountains and lush, tropical landscaped gardens, and located on a beautiful, secluded stretch of Tri-Trang Beach, this Phuket spa resort boasts its own reef and stylish accommodation. It offers 414 guestrooms featuring state-of-the-art facilities with 12 superbly designed accommodation options. From romantic seclusion to family fun, with three beautifully appointed swimming pools, modern fitness facilities, Kids’ Club, Spa and a wide variety of food & beverage options, the resort provides outstanding activity programs for all ages, offering extensive options for the most discerning traveler.

Thailand-Cambodia Border Talks End Without Agreement as Cambodia Turns to ICJ

Cambodia and Thailand Boundary Conflict

Latest Update on 16 June at 3:40 PM

The 6th meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) concluded on 15 June in Phnom Penh without reaching any agreements, as longstanding border tensions continue to simmer.

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Achieves over 78% Renewable Energy Usage Across the Group


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2025 – ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), a leading data centre service provider headquartered in Singapore, today published its 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report. The report details progress toward STT GDC’s ESG targets, as well as its three main ESG pillars – carbon-neutral data centre operations by 2030; a safe, secure, diverse and inclusive workplace; and ethical & responsible business.

With the growing demand for digital infrastructure, sustainability has become a critical priority for organisations worldwide. Bruno Lopez, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, says, “As the digital economy accelerates, our responsibility as infrastructure providers extends beyond simply supporting growth; we must lead with purpose and innovation. In 2024, STT GDC made remarkable progress on our sustainability journey, from securing S$500 million in sustainability-linked financing to implementing initiatives such as AI-driven cooling optimisation and pioneering the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil in Singapore. These achievements reflect our unwavering commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 while delivering the resilient, efficient infrastructure that powers our digital world. Sustainability is not just a corporate objective for us—it is the foundation upon which we are building the future of digital infrastructure.”

2024 ESG Report Highlights

STT GDC’s ESG strategy is rooted in the belief that sustainable practices are fundamental to the future of the data centre industry. In STT GDC’s annual ESG report, we measure the Group’s progress toward achieving net carbon-neutral data centre operations by 2030. Notable achievements in our sustainability journey in 2024 include:

  • Achieved 78.5% renewable energy usage, ahead of our targets.
  • Achieved a 22.9% year-on-year reduction in carbon emissions across the group in 2024, progressing towards the goal of carbon neutral data centre operations by 2030.
  • Issued S$500 million of Sustainability- Linked Perpetual (SLP) securities: Our maiden perpetual securities issuance is the first-ever Singapore dollar denominated SLP, the first public benchmark SLP in Asia and the first public SLP by a data centre company globally, underscoring our commitment to sustainable finance.
  • Enhanced Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework: We have expanded and enhanced our Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework, setting even more ambitious targets that reinforce our commitment to achieving higher ESG performance standards. These include increasing the use of renewable energy to 85% by 2028 and achieving a 70% reduction in carbon intensity from a 2021 baseline by 2028.
  • First data centre operator in Singapore to deploy HVO for backup generators: We announced deployment of HVO as a sustainable fuel for our backup generators across our facilities in Singapore. This pioneering move underscores our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the sustainability of our operations, setting a new benchmark for greener energy solutions within the industry.
  • First data centre operator in Asia to pilot AI-based autonomous control system for optimising data centre cooling in STT GDC’s facilities in Singapore, setting a unique precedent by testing the technology in a hybrid cooling environment that is technically more challenging than traditional air-cooled data centres.


Environmental Impact:

  • Achieved an 66.2% reduction in carbon intensity, from the 2021 baseline.
  • Improved power usage effectiveness (PUE) by 11.2% from the 2020 baseline.
  • Realised a 34.5% improvement in water usage effectiveness (WUE) from 2020 baseline.


Social Impact:

  • Achieved zero work-related serious injuries or fatalities since 2020, with a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 0.1 earned across more than 25 million hours worked in our construction and operations program.
  • In 2024, the following STT GDC offices received the Great Place to Work certification: India, for the fifth consecutive year; Singapore, for the second consecutive year; and Indonesia, for the first time.
  • Invested an average of 23.5 training hours per employee in the growth and development of our workforce, ensuring that by equipping our employees with the latest skills and knowledge, they remain at the forefront of industry advancements and emerging technological trends.
  • In 2024, our team at STT GDC Indonesia partnered with a local conservation enabler to plant 1,000 mangrove trees at Dusun Tangkolak, Karawang, West Java. Mangrove trees are essential for protecting coastal communities, boosting biodiversity and playing a crucial role in combating climate change.


Responsible Business Practices:

  • STT GDC is committed to the highest standards of business ethics. Corporate integrity and responsible business practices govern the Group’s values and culture, including:
    • A zero-tolerance policy on bribery, kickbacks, and corruption.
    • A requirement that all persons acting on behalf of STT GDC must conduct all business activities in compliance with its policies and applicable anti-corruption laws.
  • 100% of employees have received anti-corruption training, with zero incidents of corruption.

STT GDC’s ESG Report is based on a full year’s data from 1 January to 31 December 2024, focusing primarily on STT GDC’s operating entities (data centres and offices) during the year.

Hashtag: #STTGDC #EnablingOurDigitalFuture

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

About ST Telemedia Global Data Centres

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) is one of the fastest-growing data centre providers with a global platform serving as a cornerstone of the digital ecosystem that helps the world to connect. Powering a sustainable digital future, STT GDC operates across Singapore, the UK, Germany, Italy, India, Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam, providing businesses an exceptional foundation that is built for their growth anywhere. For more information, visit.

The 6th “Straits Financial Forum: Taiwan Enterprise Development Forum” held in Xiamen

XIAMEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2025 – “Straits Financial Forum: Taiwan Enterprise Development Forum,” an essential event of the 17th Straits Forum, was held in Xiamen on June 14th. With the theme of “Cross-Strait Financial Integration and Technology Empowerment,” it focused on the collaborative innovation of fintech and the high-quality development of Taiwan enterprises, stimulating discussions on new pathways of financial integration among regulators, Taiwan affairs offices/associations in Chinese cities, Taiwan enterprises, young Taiwanese, financial institutions, and experts.

“Straits Financial Forum: Taiwan Enterprise Development Forum” has been rolled out alongside the Straits Forum for 6 consecutive years, addressing the needs of the capital market for Taiwan enterprises and building a platform for cross-strait financial exchange. The event is sponsored by Xiamen Jinyuan Investment Group Co., Ltd. and hosted by Jinyuan President Securities Co., Ltd.

At the forum, the country’s first Taiwan Enterprise Financial Services Alliance showcased its achievements of the past 3 years. The alliance was co-launched by Jinyuan Group and 10 institutions deeply engaged in serving Taiwan enterprises in July 2022. It is committed to advancing collaborative innovation in financial services and empowering the high-quality development of Taiwan enterprises in China’s mainland.

Remarkable results have been delivered over the past 3 years: Jinyuan Group issued the first batch of cross-strait integrated development corporate bonds in China, bringing a number of Taiwan enterprises to the mainland’s capital market; Bank of China (Xiamen Branch) provided a credit line of over 6 billion yuan for Taiwan businesses and set up 8 demonstration outlets; Xiamen Bank’s Taiwan e-Loan credit exceeded 66 million yuan, while the transaction volume of Salary Express reached 660 million yuan. In a word, financial services continue to penetrate into the life and work of Taiwan compatriots.

Jinyuan President Securities revealed that it will tackle pain points in Taiwan enterprises’ financing, making services accessible, affordable, and friendly. To help Taiwan enterprises thrive, it plans to prepare a capital market service toolbox with four priorities (i.e., promoting cross-strait industrial integration, assisting Taiwan enterprises to upgrade, facilitating Taiwan enterprises to go public, and providing all-round financial services).

At the forum, Xiamen Bank announced the country’s first linkage between the Mainland Travel Permit and the Mainland Residence Permit for Taiwan residents in online financial scenarios. Wang Rumin, general manager of the Taiwanese Financial Department at the Head Office of Xiamen Bank, explained that this will optimize Taiwanese’ payment experience because each person’s different identity documents can be associated.

Hashtag: #StraitsFinancialForum

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

Laos Sends Condolences Over Air India Crash Amid Mourning

Relatives carry the coffin of a victim, who was killed in the Air India flight crash, during a funeral ceremony in Ahmedabad on June 15, 2025. Grieving families held funerals in India on June 15 for their relatives who were among at least 279 killed in one of the world's worst plane crashes in decades. (Photo by Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP)

AFP/The Laotian Times – Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane have expressed their deepest condolences to the Government and people of India following the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on 12 June.

In a message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Sonexay expressed deep sorrow for the loss of lives and damage caused by the accident. On behalf of the Lao government and people, he conveyed profound sympathy to the victims and their families and expressed confidence that India will overcome this difficult time through strong government efforts.

On Sunday, 15 June,  in India, mourners adorned white coffins with flowers during funerals for some of the at least 279 victims of one of the deadliest plane crashes worldwide in recent decades.

Health officials have begun handing over the first passenger bodies identified through DNA testing, delivering them to grieving relatives in the western city of Ahmedabad, but the wait went on for most families.

“They said it would take 48 hours. But it’s been four days and we haven’t received any response,” said Rinal Christian, 23, whose elder brother was a passenger on the jetliner.

There was one survivor out of 242 passengers and crew on board the London-bound Air India jet when it crashed Thursday into a residential area of Ahmedabad, killing at least 38 people on the ground as well.

“My brother was the sole breadwinner of the family,” Christian told AFP. “So what happens next?”

At a crematorium in the city, around 20 to 30 mourners chanted prayers in a funeral ceremony for Megha Mehta, a passenger who had been working in London.

As of Sunday evening, 47 crash victims have been identified, according to Rajnish Patel, a doctor at Ahmedabad’s civil hospital.

“This is a meticulous and slow process, so it has to be done meticulously only,” Patel said.

One victim’s relative who did not want to be named told AFP they had been instructed not to open the coffin when they received it.

Witnesses reported seeing badly burnt bodies and scattered remains.

Workers went on clearing debris from the site on Sunday, while police inspected the area.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner erupted into a fireball when it went down moments after takeoff, smashing into buildings used by medical staff.

The majority of those injured on the ground have been discharged, Patel said, with one or two remaining in critical care.

‘We need to know’

Indian authorities have yet to identify the cause of the disaster and have ordered inspections of Air India’s Dreamliners.

Authorities announced Sunday that the second black box, the cockpit voice recorder, had been recovered. This may offer investigators more clues about what went wrong.

Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said Saturday he hoped decoding the first black box, the flight data recorder, would “give an in-depth insight” into the circumstances of the crash.

Imtiyaz Ali, who was still waiting for a DNA match to find his brother, said the airline should have supported families faster.

“I’m disappointed in them. It is their duty,” said Ali, who was contacted by the airline on Saturday.

“Next step is to find out the reason for this accident. We need to know,” he told AFP.

One person escaped alive from the wreckage, British citizen Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, whose brother was also on the flight.

Air India said there were 169 Indian passengers, 53 British, seven Portuguese and a Canadian on board the flight, as well as 12 crew members.

Among the passengers was a father of two young girls, Arjun Patoliya, who had travelled to India to scatter his wife’s ashes following her death weeks earlier.

“I really hope that those girls will be looked after by all of us,” said Anjana Patel, the mayor of London’s Harrow borough where some of the victims lived.

“We don’t have any words to describe how the families and friends must be feeling,” she added.

While communities were in mourning, one woman recounted how she survived by arriving late at the airport.

“The airline staff had already closed the check-in,” said 28-year-old Bhoomi Chauhan.

“At that moment, I kept thinking that if only we had left a little earlier, we wouldn’t have missed our flight, she told the Press Trust of India news agency.


© Agence France-Presse

Mapletree and Singaporean photographer Melisa Teo present Two Rivers exhibition (Part II) at VivoCity


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2025 – Mapletree Investments (“Mapletree” or “the Group”) is pleased to host the second instalment of Two Rivers, a photography exhibition by Paris-based Singaporean photographer Melisa Teo, at Singapore’s largest shopping mall VivoCity.

(From left) His Excellency Mr Stephen Marchisio, Ambassador of France to Singapore; photographer Melisa Teo; Guest-of-Honour Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Manpower; and Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman, Mapletree at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Two Rivers (Part II) photography exhibition at VivoCity’s waterfront Promenade.
(From left) His Excellency Mr Stephen Marchisio, Ambassador of France to Singapore; photographer Melisa Teo; Guest-of-Honour Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Manpower; and Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman, Mapletree at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Two Rivers (Part II) photography exhibition at VivoCity’s waterfront Promenade.

Two Rivers (Part II) is supported by Mapletree and celebrates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and France. It is held at VivoCity’s waterfront Promenade and South-West Boulevard (Level 1, near Wine Connection) from 4 June to 4 July 2025.

The official launch of Two Rivers (Part II) was officiated by Guest-of-Honour Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Manpower; Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman, Mapletree; His Excellency Mr Stephen Marchisio, Ambassador of France to Singapore; and photographer Melisa Teo.

Two Rivers is a captivating exploration of life, memory and dreams, featuring images from the Singapore River and the Seine River in Paris, France. The exhibition at VivoCity will showcase eight new photographs in addition to the original 60 photos presented at Anderson Bridge from 23 April to 31 May 2025.

Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman of Mapletree said: “We are delighted to bring Two Rivers to VivoCity, one of the Group’s flagship properties. This engaging exhibition features an impressive collection of photographs from two rivers in Singapore and France by Singaporean photographer Melisa Teo, providing a memorable experience for a wider audience to enjoy. From funding diverse initiatives to sponsoring photography exhibitions such as Two Rivers, we are committed to bringing the arts closer to the community. Mapletree looks forward to deepening its support in the arts scene, strengthening community bonds and celebrating the limitless creativity of our artists.”

Photographer Melisa Teo added: “Diplomatically, Mapletree’s support for this initiative has contributed to strengthening the ties between France and Singapore through art and culture, and achieving a significant milestone in the cultural landscape of Singapore. Professionally, this opportunity has allowed me to pursue my work with greater purpose, enriching my artistic life in meaningful ways. Personally, it has helped me learn to appreciate the diverse perspectives and rich cultural heritage that both France and Singapore offer, deepening my own understanding of the transformative power of art in connecting communities.”

Exhibition highlights included an Artist Talk by Melisa Teo, which took place at library@harbourfront (VivoCity, Level 3) from 4pm to 5pm on 4 June 2025. The complimentary talk engaged a wide range of attendees, including photography enthusiasts and individuals interested in how art influences perspectives. Melisa Teo shared her journey as an artist, inspiring others to embrace their passions and pursue their dreams.

Young creatives are also invited to participate in the My Two Rivers: Young Artist Competition at South-West Boulevard. Centred on the theme My Two Rivers, which explores the vital role rivers play in shaping human civilisations, the competition invites participants from two age categories: Junior (seven to 12 years old), who will complete a colouring template based on selected photographs from Two Rivers, and Youth (13 to 16 years old), who will submit original artworks inspired by the theme. Submissions will be accepted at the exhibition from 4 to 24 June 2025. Participants stand a chance to win up to S$200 in VivoCity eVouchers and have their artworks showcased in Paris, France.

Mapletree’s support for Two Rivers underscores its belief in the power of arts to inspire and connect people. Since 2010, Mapletree has proudly disbursed more than S$7 million to exclusively fund a diverse range of arts-focused Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Two Rivers is a joint initiative supported by the Singapore and French governments. The exhibition is presented by the French Embassy as part of the vOilah! France Singapore Festival, and supported by Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, National Arts Council, National Parks Board and Land Transport Authority.

Two Rivers photography exhibition (Part II) Details
Exhibition period: 4 June to 4 July 2025 Venue: VivoCity (Promenade and South-West Boulevard), 1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585

My Two Rivers: Young Artist Competition: 4 to 24 June 2025Hashtag: #TwoRiversbyMelisaTeo #TwoRiversExhibition #MelisaTeo




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

Melisa Teo

Melisa Teo is a Singaporean photographer who regards her camera as a “third eye” which is guided by intuition to perceive a reality that eludes the naked eye. For her, the camera is a transmitter and translator of light’s messages and photography, a doorway bordering visible and invisible worlds.

Since 2008, she has explored spiritual realms in search of the sacred, and this has been documented in books like Light From Within and The Light Beyond, as well as exhibitions such as Dark Light and Eden. In recent years, her fascination with the relationship between man and nature is highlighted in The Trees of Paris (2020). Her latest book Two Rivers (2025), features images of the Singapore and Seine Rivers and explores her connection to both her birthplace and her adoptive city. Melisa majored in English Language and Literature at the National University of Singapore and French Language and Literature at Sorbonne University in Paris. Website: https://melisateo.com | Instagram: @melisa_teo

MAPLETREE

Headquartered in Singapore, Mapletree is a global real estate development, investment, capital and property management company committed to sustainability. Its strategic focus is to invest in markets and real estate sectors with good growth potential. By combining its key strengths, the Group has established a track record of award-winning projects, and delivers consistently attractive returns across real estate asset classes.

The Group manages three Singapore-listed real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and nine private equity real estate funds, which hold a diverse portfolio of assets in Asia Pacific, Europe, the United Kingdom (“UK”) and the United States (“US”). As at 31 March 2025, Mapletree owns and manages S$80.3 billion of logistics, office, data centre, student housing and other properties.

The Group’s assets are located across 13 markets globally, namely Singapore, Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong SAR, India, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, the UK, the US and Vietnam. To support its global operations, Mapletree has established an extensive network of offices in these markets.

For more information, please visit www.mapletree.com.sg.

PTT Lubricants Accelerates Regional Growth with Innovation and Sustainability at the Core


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2025 – PTT Lubricants, a flagship business under OR (PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited), is accelerating its Southeast Asia expansion with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and service excellence with 30% market share in Thailand.

PTT Lubricants Accelerates Regional Growth with Innovation and Sustainability at the Core

PTT Lubricants has a robust presence in both automotive and industrial segments and exports to over 40 countries—including all AEC members, driven by premium products and market-specific strategies.

Through out nationwide network, over 190 FIT Auto and FIT Express centers, provides maintenance services and technical support, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality, trust, and customer satisfaction.

“As global mobility undergoes rapid transformation, we see the great opportunity for Thai innovation to take center stage,” said M.L. Peekthong Thongyai, Chief Executive Officer of PTT Oil and Retail Business Pcl. (OR). “PTT Lubricants is not only strengthening its position in Thailand but also scaling regionally through world-class R&D, robust logistics infrastructure, and a fully integrated value chain. Our aim is to deliver high-performance lubricants that combine quality, reliability, and sustainability for partners across ASEAN and global markets — contributing to OR’s mission of Empowering All toward Inclusive Growth by driving innovation that creates value for businesses, communities, and the broader economy.”

As of 2024, over 1.45 billion vehicles are on the roads globally, with 75 million new vehicles sold (OICA; ACEA). EVs reached 17.1 million units—22.7% of new car sales (IEA). While mature markets like the U.S. and Europe face transitional challenges, the long-term EV outlook remains strong.

In Southeast Asia, where over 250 million vehicles are registered (ASEANstats), EV adoption is steadily rising. Thailand, the region’s EV leader, recorded 45 million vehicles in 2024. A 10% dip in new EV registrations (CEIC Data), signals a healthy market adjustment toward long-term growth. This shift calls for adaptable.

PTT Lubricants is leading with future-ready solutions, driving innovations across ICE, hybrid, and EV technologies—including advanced fluids for electric systems. More than keeping pace, the brand is helping shape the future of mobility through innovation, agility, and sustained performance.

“In a fast-evolving automotive landscape, our strategy focuses on delivering value through innovation, performance, and agility,” said Mr. Racha U-Thaichan, Senior Executive Vice President, Lubricants Business, OR. “While EVs remain a long-term growth direction, demand for internal combustion engines, hybrids, and industrial applications remains significant. We are responding with high-efficiency solutions like PERFORMA Synthetic Hybrid with EVOTEC technology, backed by a smart digital supply chain and expert technical support. With an annual storage and distribution capacity of over 263 million liters, and continuous R&D collaboration with INI (PTT Innovation Institute) , we are well-equipped to support customers through this transition and drive regional growth with confidence.”

To support its mission, PTT Lubricants leverages a streamlined digital supply chain powered by fully used OR Eco-system and Intelligent to boost efficiency and speed. Its PTT Lubricants Solutions team offers tailored technical support and after-sales services across industries—creating a value-driven, trust-based ecosystem.

Sustainability is central to its strategy. Through the Go Green initiative, PTT Lubricants applies a circular economy model—reducing emissions, installing solar panels, and repurposing waste. In 2024, it transformed 4,900 used lubricant gallons into 100 school desks for rural Thai schools, cutting over 8,000 kg of CO₂ emissions and more than 1,200 kg of plastic waste. This effort earned the Spotlight Day 2024 sustainability award.

As Southeast Asia’s lubricant sector undergoes change, PTT Lubricants is poised not only to grow market share but to help define the future of mobility—through innovation, trust, and sustainability.

Hashtag: #OR #PTTLubricants

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

About OR

PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) is a leading Thai energy and retail company with operations across 10 countries. OR operates through four core business groups: Mobility Business, providing energy solutions via PTT Stations, PTT Lubricants, PTT LPG, and EV Station PluZ; Lifestyle Business, featuring Café Amazon, one of Asia’s largest coffee chains, along with convenience stores and space management; Global Business, driving international growth with over 422 PTT Stations and 391 Café Amazon outlets; and OR Innovation Business, developing new ventures and sustainable solutions through technology and innovation.

Website: