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Giti Achieves EcoVadis Platinum – Double Honour for Giti Group, Propelling Entry into the Premiership of Tire Makers

SINGAPORE, Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With only one Earth to live on, Giti Tire has embedded in its DNA an unwavering commitment to reducing environmental impact, and these efforts have not gone unnoticed. Giti China was ranked among the top 1% of the tire industry, receiving a Platinum award (scoring 85 points) in the 2025 EcoVadis evaluation and B-rating for Climate and Sustainability from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), setting the standard for all of Giti’s manufacturing facilities to follow. Similar to industry leaders Michelin and Bridgestone, Giti has established itself as a formidable green force in a highly competitive market.

Giti Tire Awarded Platinum EcoVadis Award and CDP Disclosure Badge in 2025
Giti Tire Awarded Platinum EcoVadis Award and CDP Disclosure Badge in 2025

The Reason for the Passion

“These recognitions are a welcome acknowledgment and validation that our efforts are moving in the right direction,” commented Chris Bloor, Executive Director, Sales and Marketing at Giti Tire, while discussing the awards. “However, we will not rest on these laurels. Fuelled by our commitment to future generations, we will continue to enhance processes and products, ensuring a greener future for the tire industry and global mobility.”

Over the years, Giti has solidified its reputation through motorsport performance and through collaborating with major automotive manufacturers, leading to its recognition for top-tier products and forward sustainability initiatives.

The Journey Toward Excellence

Giti’s sustainability journey began with its first CDP submission in 2023. Committed to continuous improvement, Giti has since internalised sustainability principles through comprehensive training programs and sustainability structures led by Chief Sustainability Officer, Dr. Pang Chong Hau. By fostering transparency and accountability, Giti actively encourages stakeholders to take positive action for environmental protection and societal progress.

“Giti adopts a 3P approach, ensuring not only economic growth but also environmental health and social progress,” commented Pang.

“We will remain steadfast in continual improvement, actively engaging shareholders and stakeholders, fostering collaborative partnerships with suppliers and customers, placing sustainability at the core of our decision-making. We promote awareness and meaningful environmental action.”

Governance in Action: Leading EUDR-Compliance

As a reflection of Giti’s commitment to sustainability, Giti champions compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This initiative highlights Giti’s focus on responsible sourcing, ethical procurement, and regulatory compliance—core elements of a strong environmental governance strategy.

Despite delays in EUDR’s official implementation, Giti engages with suppliers to ensure materials are environmentally-friendly and contribute to reversing past damage. As an early adopter of EUDR-compliance, Giti is setting industry standards and reinforcing its role as a pioneer in sustainable governance.

“These achievements were neither overnight successes nor solo efforts,” shared François Petiot, Director, Giti International QA Centre.

“Three key factors contribute to our success:

  1. Strong sustainability commitment among plant managers, backed by methodical training.
  2. Company-wide culture actively turning sustainability goals into reality.
  3. Robust policies and due-diligence structures ensuring compliance and efficiency.”

Ahead of EUDR’s full implementation, Giti has secured 100% EUDR-compliant rubber supplies, with all required raw materials sourced from suppliers that meet strict environmental standards.

Richmind Announces Entry Into Premium Real Estate Development in the UAE

Debut project to be unveiled soon at Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Richmind, a premium developer specialising in ultra-niche real estate products, and a flagship business vertical of Richmind Holding, is proud to announce its entry into the UAE market, introducing its transformative vision of premium real estate. Positioned at the intersection of artistry, nature and design, Richmind is set to establish itself as a major player in the ultra-niche real estate segment.

L-R - ​Ammar Al Assam, CEO, Dewan Architects + Engineers, Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli - CEO - Marjan, Mr. Mohammed Rafiee - CEO of Richmind and Christos Passas, Design Director, Zaha Hadid Architects
L-R – ​Ammar Al Assam, CEO, Dewan Architects + Engineers, Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli – CEO – Marjan, Mr. Mohammed Rafiee – CEO of Richmind and Christos Passas, Design Director, Zaha Hadid Architects

In an event held at Atlantis The Royal, hosted by Richmind’s CEO Mr. Mohammad Rafiee, the brand was unveiled in the presence of dignitaries & VIPs.

“We’re reintroducing the concept of premium, recalibrating exclusivity, and reimagining architectural excellence. We don’t just build structures; we create masterpieces. For us, this goes beyond business or profit to build a legacy that endures. Collaborating with Zaha Hadid Architects is an immense source of pride but more so a validation of our values. Like us, their devotion to true craftsmanship and bespoke designs has elevated them to the heights they have reached,” says Mohammad Rafiee, CEO of Richmind.

This year Richmind will bring over 1000 units to the market. As part of its ambitious launch plan, Richmind’s first project is set to launch soon, in collaboration with the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, located at the coveted Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah.

Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO, Marjan, said: “Al Marjan Island has been conceptualized to offer luxurious waterfront living within a premium leisure and lifestyle destination. We are delighted to welcome to our fold a premier developer like Richmind whose flagship project in association with world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, will no doubt add to the allure of our iconic island. Richmind’s focus on creating lasting value aligns with our commitment to curate an elevated lifestyle for investors and residents in Ras Al Khaimah.”

“Our partnership with Richmind was established over countless hours of collaboration and creative exploration that led to us coming together with an aligned vision. We spent time as a team understanding the details of the project, being inspired by the beautiful landscape of the location and imbibing the customer’s needs in the market, to come up with a design that is a masterpiece, which will become a jewel on this beautiful island,” says Christos Passas, Director of Design, Zaha Hadid Architects.

Redefining waterfront living, the mixed residential property will offer a combination of apartments, villas, duplexes and premium penthouses. It will also be home to globally renowned beach club and spa brands, as well as the latest location for a celebrated culinary concept that will be set at the highest point of the development, surrounded by Ras Al Khaimah’s first and only 360° infinity pool, offering some of the best views on Al Marjan Island.

ISCA launches first Professional Services Centre in Johor Bahru in partnership with ASME, IVAS, LawSoc, SMF, and Tax Academy of Singapore, to support growth of businesses in JS-SEZ


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has officially launched its first Professional Services Centre in Johor Bahru (JB), which is strategically located within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). As part of plans to expand its regional footprint, ISCA hopes to tap on the potential growth opportunities within the JS-SEZ, and to contribute to the growing economic ties between Singapore and Malaysia.

ISCA’s Professional Services (PS) Centre in Johor Bahru is the first of 10 such centres that ISCA will be launching across major cities around the world by June 2025, to support the growth of businesses in their respective countries. These centres mark a new joint partnership between ISCA and the following organisations, which are part of ISCA’s Professional Accountancy Hub:

  • Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME)
  • Institute of Valuers and Appraisers, Singapore (IVAS)
  • Law Society of Singapore
  • Singapore Manufacturing Foundation (SMF)
  • Tax Academy of Singapore

ISCA’s PS Centre in Johor Bahru will serve as a conduit to promote the expansion and availability of professional services such as accounting, sustainability, legal, business valuation, taxation and other corporate services, to meet the needs of Singaporean businesses seeking to expand in Malaysia and vice versa. In addition, it will help to foster cross-border partnerships, and drive the development of accountancy talent in both countries. This is done in anticipation of the future growth of businesses in the JS-SEZ, as more entities tap on the collective resources and collaborative environment within the Zone to expand operations. ISCA expects a considerable increase in demand for professional services and accountancy firms to meet these needs and navigate evolving regulations from a growing pool of clients, particularly in areas such as corporate set-up, cross-border taxation, business expansion advisory, sustainability standards and adoption of technologies.

Recognising the growing need for professional services, the Malaysian government recently announced a target to train 60,000 professional accountants by 2030. The JS-SEZ will create even more demand for professional accountants. In alignment with this vision, ISCA will be forming partnerships with local universities based in Malaysia (Sunway TES College, University of Reading Malaysia, and the University of Southampton Malaysia) to create dedicated pathways for their students to pursue the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ), though provisions of resources, learning support as well as scholarships.

“ISCA is committed to supporting the growth of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone,” said Mr Teo Ser Luck, President of ISCA. “Our Professional Services Centre in Johor Bahru and our partnerships with universities in Malaysia aim to ensure that businesses across both countries prosper, and that a steady supply of skilled accountants will be available to support the Zone’s development. We also look forward to facilitating regional interaction between Malaysian and Singaporean professional services firms, fostering knowledge sharing and mutually beneficial relationships.”

“By leveraging Singapore’s expertise in family offices and sustainability, ISCA’s new business centre in Johor Bahru will provide their members and Malaysian SMPs with the tools and knowledge they need to adapt and excel in an increasingly interconnected world. Together, the joint expertise and resources of the accounting fraternity from both countries will surely be an important support to the development of the JS-SEZ,” said Mr Wong Wen Tak, CEO of Grant Thornton Malaysia – Johor Office.

For more information on the quotes from ISCA Professional Services Centre Partner Organisations, please refer to the Annex via our website.

Hashtag: #ISCA

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

Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore with over 39,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world. ISCA members can be found in over 40 countries and members based out of Singapore are supported through 12 overseas chapters in 10 countries.

Established in 1963, ISCA is an advocate of the interests of the profession. Complementing its global mindset with Asian insights, ISCA leverages its regional expertise, knowledge, and networks with diverse stakeholders to contribute towards the advancement of the accountancy profession.

ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore – CA (Singapore) – designation.

ISCA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global family that brings together the members of leading institutes to create a community of over 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries.

For more information, visit .

GRAVITY GAME HUB ANNOUNCED THE GRAND LAUNCH OF RAGNAROK IDLE ADVENTURE PLUS

SINGAPORE, Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gravity Game Hub (GGH) PTE.LTD, a subsidiary of GRAVITY Co., Ltd. (NasdaqGM: GRVY), announced its brand new game, Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus, has launched globally (except some countries and regions like Mainland China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao) which is available on Google Play Store, Apple App Store and Huawei App Gallery platforms following a successful Pre-Registration period. Over 1,000,000 other players ready to begin their adventure through time on February 20th, 2025.

Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus Grand Launch
Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus Grand Launch

Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus was created based on the original Ragnarok Online lore and has been reimagined as an idle RPG. With an emphasis on guaranteeing simple gameplay, Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus was developed as an RPG which can be compatible even in low spec mobile devices and provides easy playability.

President of Gravity Game Hub (GGH), Harry Choi said, “We received tons of positive response and succeed to reached 1 million of pre-registered players. This launch marks a major milestone, and we can’t wait for them to start their new journey“. “As an official continuation of Ragnarok IP, a game enjoyed by 230 million players globally, Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus will be an exciting addition for Ragnarok fans to embark in a new adventure with a low time investment.” continued by Harry Choi.

Key Features

Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus blends idle gameplay with deep strategy, ensuring a rewarding experience for both casual and hardcore players.

  • Seamless Idle Experience – Enjoy hands-free progression as your Heroes battle, level up, and collect rewards even while you’re offline.
  • Strategic Customization – Assemble and upgrade your ultimate team with a vast selection of characters, skills, and gear combinations.
  • Endless Replayability – Dive into diverse game modes, including MVP Raid (PvE), Hall of Valor (PvP), and an expansive world full of adventure.
  • Pet & Buddy System – Strengthen your journey with loyal companions who aid you in battle.

About Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus

Genre: Idle RPG
Platform: Mobile (Android & IOS)
Website: https://roidle.gnjoy.asia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ROIdleAdventure
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roidleadventureglobal
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@roidleadventureplus
Discord: https://discord.gg/roidleadventureplus

About Gravity Game Hub

Established in 2021, Gravity Game Hub (GGH) Pte. Ltd. is a game publisher and developer focusing on online and mobile games. Gravity Game Hub is committed to delivering an interactive gaming experience and creating a dynamic community for all players in South East Asia.

VinFast signs MOU with Motech to expand service workshop network in the Philippines


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – VinFast and Motech Automotive Service Centers, through its franchisor and operator in the Philippines, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on expanding the service network for VinFast electric vehicles in the market. The agreement aims to meet the increasing demand for electric vehicles among Filipino consumers, while affirming VinFast’s long-term commitment and determination to promote green transformation across the region.

VinFast Philippines Director of After-Sales Service, Margarita Olivia Cuena Delfinado (left) and Motech Automotive Philippines President and CEO, Johann Rommel Naguiat at the MOU signing ceremony.
VinFast Philippines Director of After-Sales Service, Margarita Olivia Cuena Delfinado (left) and Motech Automotive Philippines President and CEO, Johann Rommel Naguiat at the MOU signing ceremony.

Under the MOU, VinFast and Motech will actively work together toward the goal of accrediting 63 Motech service workshops as authorized VinFast service centers. These service centers will be authorized to perform repairs, warranties, and maintenance for VinFast electric vehicles in the Philippines.

As part of its commitment to enhancing customer experience, VinFast plans to establish more than 100 similar service workshops across the Philippines this year, and its recent agreement with Motech is part of the Vietnamese electric vehicle maker’s plan to expand its partner network in the Philippines.

Motech’s service workshops will meet VinFast’s standards for facilities, equipment, and personnel, with a priority on providing genuine services and parts to VinFast owners.

To facilitate the rapid expansion of Motech’s authorized VinFast service workshop system, VinFast will provide personnel training and technical advice. This support is especially important given the expected volume growth of VinFast electric vehicles in the Philippines.

Motech currently operates a chain of auto service centers with a variety of models and scales, encompassing hundreds of facilities throughout the Philippines, including locations from the tip of the Philippine archipelago in Tuguegarao, to the main cities of Metro Manila, and down south to the island of Mindanao.

Furthermore, the two parties will actively explore business cooperation opportunities, information sharing, and joint marketing activities related to electric vehicle after-sales services in Southeast Asia.

Johann Rommel Naguiat, President and CEO of Motech Automotive Philippines shared: “Motech is thrilled to partner with VinFast as an authorized service provider for their electric vehicles in the Philippines. Confident in VinFast’s potential within Southeast Asian market, Motech looks forward to this collaboration to support the growing EV market and to continue to deliver exceptional customer experience. Further, this partnership between VinFast and Motech, a first of its kind in the Philippines, helps the Philippine market embrace the change to greener mobility, by answering the issue of not only range anxiety, but that of the issue of service anxiety as well. With Motech’s network of stores and the reputation it has built in its communities, VinFast customers can drive with confidence, that their VinFast vehicle will be well cared for, anywhere at anytime.

Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said: “Leveraging Motech’s strong reputation, experience, and extensive service network, we aim to provide Filipino customers with peace of mind and satisfaction, aligning with VinFast’s core principles of high quality vehicles, inclusive pricing, and outstanding after-sales policy. We are confident this partnership will simplify EV ownership and usage, empowering customers to join the global movement towards green transportation.

Since officially entering the Philippine market in 2024, alongside launching its green and smart car models, VinFast has strongly affirmed its long-term commitment through attractive sales policies and a continuously expanding after-sales network.

By partnering with leading, reputable after-sales service providers, VinFast has not only optimized its Philippine operations but also strengthened its brand recognition, demonstrating its “Customer-centric” philosophy throughout its global expansion.

In Southeast Asia, VinFast is actively pursuing its “For a Green Future” vision by developing a comprehensive and inclusive electric vehicle ecosystem, focusing on expanding the network of charging stations through collaborative efforts. This vision has achieved significant success in Vietnam and is expected to continue growing in other potential markets./.Hashtag: #vinfast

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

About VinFast

VinFast – a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC – is Vietnam’s leading automotive manufacturer committed to its mission of creating a green future for everyone. VinFast manufactures a portfolio of electric SUVs, e-scooters and e-buses in Vietnam and exports to the United States and Europe. Learn more at

About Motech

Motech Philippines, founded in 1977, is an after-warranty car service shop that started in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines. With education and service as its main thrust, Motech continues to train and produce top line mechanics, who are not only trained technically, but also places a high priority for excellence in customer service. Today, Motech has 63 outlets in key areas nationwide, with a database of over 300,000 and counting. Motech offers standard car repair services such as: Maintenance, Brakes, Suspension, Clutch, Batteries, and Tires Services.

‘Escaping Hell’: Myanmar Scam Center Workers Plead to Go Home

‘Escaping Hell’: Myanmar Scam Center Workers Plead to Go Home
In this photo taken on February 23, 2025 a man reads on his phone as alleged scam centre workers and victims rest during a crackdown operation by the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) on illicit activity, at the border checkpoint with Thailand in Myanmar's eastern Myawaddy township. Hundreds of foreigners are being sent home from scam compounds in Myanmar that are run by criminal gangs, with many workers saying they were trafficked and forced to swindle people around the world in protracted internet scams. (Photo by AFP)

Hundreds of exhausted young men lie in an open-sided detention center in a seedy Myanmar border town, sweating through thick tropical heat by day and prey to clouds of mosquitoes by night.

Creating Homes, Supporting Lives: SONGMICS HOME Embeds Social Care in S-HOME Initiative

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SONGMICS HOME, a global online furnishings brand serving 20 million families, today announced its social responsibility commitment with the S-HOME Initiative, a cross-border welfare program delivering positive impact through the principles of “Support. Share. Sustain.” Since its inception, the initiative has partnered with several local NGOs across the United States, Germany, and France to drive impact in social care, animal welfare, disaster relief, and sustainable development. Looking ahead, SONGMICS HOME aims to extend its ‘Complete Your Dream Home’ mission into broader societal frameworks through sustained S-HOME engagement.

 

S-HOME Initiative 2025 Video-By SONGMICS HOME

Social Care

Through multi-year partnerships, SONGMICS HOME empowered vulnerable groups across continents: In France, sustained donations to Emmaüs Défi (one of France’s leading charities supporting the underprivileged) provided home essentials for low-income families alongside annual charity events. U.S. collaborations with Rise Above Foundation (a U.S. non-profit organization dedicated to empowering foster youths to live independently) transformed transitional housing for foster care alumni, while Germany’s Jugendrotkreuz (Youth Red Cross) partnership enhanced youth emergency preparedness through sponsored offline training events.

Animal Welfare

The initiative delivered cross-species impact via strategic alliances—supporting Priceless Pets Rescue (a U.S.-based nonprofit animal welfare organization)’s adoption drives with product donations from 2022, while providing France’s Société Protectrice des Animaux (SPA, one of the oldest French animal welfare organizations) rescue centers supplies and medications from 2023 to 2024.

Disaster Aid

In response to the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey, SONGMICS HOME provided emergency supplies including camp beds and picnic mats to affected regions, delivering practical support during the crisis recovery phase.

Sustainable Development

SONGMICS HOME planted 18,000+ trees globally in 2023 through its partnership with One Tree Planted (a global non-profit organization dedicated to reforestation and environmental conservation), directly contributing to international reforestation projects.

“True sustainability thrives when business innovation intersects with community commitment. Through these cross-sector partnerships, we’re building a legacy where every product sold actively contributes to a brighter, sustainable, and thriving future.” Daisy Wei, Senior Brand Manager at SONGMICS HOME, emphasized the meaning of S-HOME Initiative.

About SONGMICS HOME

SONGMICS HOME was officially established in 2010. We own 3 major product brands including SONGMICS for home furnishings, VASAGLE for stylish furniture, and Feandrea for pet supplies. With the mission of “Complete Your Dream Home”, we strive to provide global consumers with stylish and valuable furnishing products. Together with an efficient experience, we are enabling everyone to effortlessly create their dream homes.

To date, our products have successfully entered more than 70 countries and regions, including Europe, North and Central America, and Asia, serving over 20 million families worldwide.

Media Contact:
pr@songmicshome.com

Fapon Biopharma Announces FDA Approval of IND for FP008, a First-in-Class Immunotherapy for Solid Tumors

DONGGUAN, China, Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fapon Biopharma, a biotech innovator in developing therapeutic antibodies and fusion proteins, is pleased to announce that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for FP008, its first-in-class immunocytokine designed to address the unmet need in patients with solid tumors refractory to anti-PD-1 therapy.

FP008 is a novel anti-PD-1×IL-10M fusion protein with a unique mechanism of action (MOA) and therapeutic potential for anti-PD-1 naïve or resistant patients. IL-10 monomer (IL-10M) engineering significantly reduces its hematologic toxicity, while the anti-PD-1 antibody enhances IL-10M activity by PD-1 targeted enrichment and cis-activation.

PD1 targeted antibodies drive the differentiation of effector CD8(+) T cells into terminally exhausted status. In the latest pre-clinical experiment conducted by Fapon Biopharma, FP008 effectively counteracted this process through IL-10M, significantly reducing the anti-PD-1 antibody-mediated exhaustion of CD8(+) T cells. In mouse experiments, FP008 exhibited potent anti-tumor effects, significantly increased the infiltration of intratumoral CD8(+) T cells, reduced their terminal exhaustion differentiation and enhanced the ability of terminally exhausted CD8(+) T cells to produce and secrete IFN-γ and GZMB. In addition, FP008 showed encouraging safety and pharmacokinetics profile in cynomolgus monkey, and demonstrated favorable developability.

This breakthrough offers a new treatment choice for patients who have limited options and could potentially transform the treatment paradigm for solid tumors. Fapon Biopharma is actively seeking strategic partnerships with biopharmaceutical companies worldwide to co-develop FP008 through clinical trials or further commercialization.

“Global collaboration is central to our vision,” stated President Vincent Huo. “We invite partners to leverage our robust preclinical data and clinical-stage asset to jointly advance innovative products in tumor immunotherapy.”

About Fapon Biopharma

Fapon Biopharma specializes in discovering and developing biologics for treating cancers, autoimmune diseases and other diseases where there are unmet medical needs. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, we have built advanced drug discovery platforms, including an antibody discovery platform based on the globally leading mammalian cell display technology, a platform for generating IL-10M fusion proteins, and a platform for developing multispecific antibodies using Fibody and nanobodies. With a differentiated pipeline of leading drug candidates, we have established capabilities that cover the entire drug development process from drug discovery, preclinical research, Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) to early clinical development. Committed to innovation, we strive to deliver safer, more efficacious, affordable, and accessible biologics for everyone.

For more information about FP008 and partnership opportunities, please visit our website (https://en.faponbiopharma.com/) or contact our Business Development team.
Max Wang: max.wang@fapon.com;
Liyan Gao:  liyan.gao@fapon.com