Envision AESC plans Gigafactory in the US to supply Mercedes-Benz and advance journey to carbon neutrality
TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach – 16 March 2022 –Envision AESC, world-leading battery producer, announces a new partnership with Mercedes-Benz as the luxury automotive brand gets ready to go all electric.
Under the new agreement, Envision AESC will supply high-performance battery cell modules to support end to end production of all-electric Mercedes-EQ vehicles in Alabama.
Envision AESC’s new state-of-the-art battery facility will be powered by net zero carbon energy and offer world-leading digital automation when operational in 2025.
Lei Zhang, Executive Chairman, Envision AESC, said: “We are pleased to partner with Mercedes-Benz to provide high-performance battery cell modules for its new Mercedes-EQ vehicles produced in the US. This marks a significant step forward in our company’s mission to be a leading technology partner to support the global transition to carbon neutral transportation. Our planned investment in a new Gigafactory will form part of an ecosystem in the region, aimed at growing the local supply chain and developing the whole life cycle opportunities of batteries. Our ambition is to develop advanced technology, future innovations and integrated net zero solutions.”
The new Envision AESC Gigafactory in the US follows confirmation in 2021 of plans to build Gigafactory’s in France, Japan and the UK. Envision aims to have 300GWh+ capacity by 2030, powered by net-zero energy.
About Envision AESC:
Envision AESC is a world-leading battery technology company committed to research, development, design, manufacturing and sales of power batteries and energy storage batteries. Envision AESC has 2,500 employees and production plants in Japan, the US, the UK, China and France. For the past 11 years, Envision AESC has produced power batteries for more than 600,000 electric vehicles in 44 countries, achieving a record of ‘zero critical battery malfunction’.
In June 2021, Envision AESC was again named ‘Global Tier 1 Battery Companies’ by Benchmark, a leading UK-based lithium-ion battery supply chain research organization. The company invests heavily in next-generation technology to drive innovation and collaborates with its strategic partners to deliver excellent products with high performance, high safety credentials and high efficiency. Its teams work to continuously improve the company’s global leadership in product development, quality and sustainable processes. Find out more at https://www.envision-aesc.com/en/
#EnvisionAESC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Good Distribution Practice (GDP) Accreditation ensures pharmaceutical product integrity throughout the supply chain
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach – 16 March 2022 – GEODIS, a global leading transport and logistics services provider, has obtained Good Distribution Practice (GDP) Accreditation in China as the company ramps up its logistics services to meet the demands of the growing healthcare market. With COVID-19 exposing the emerging risks and weaknesses of the pharmaceutical industry’s supply chain, this accreditation underscores GEODIS’ commitment to ensuring the quality and integrity of pharmaceutical products for its customers across the logistics ecosystem.
The implications of the accreditation are extensive, given the stringent requirements published by the Chinese Ministry of Health (MOH) in 2013. The GDP certification requires comprehensive audits of operational procedures in warehouses, ensuring that they are compliant with the highest industry standards to handle pharmaceutical products. This review process further highlights the role that logistics services providers play as vital partners in the healthcare supply chain.
“GEODIS is fully committed to ensuring our pharmaceutical and healthcare customers’ success in maintaining their delivery standards and reputation for high-quality products,” said Onno Boots, President and Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific, GEODIS. “This GDP accreditation demonstrates our continued dedication to providing industry-leading solutions and services in every aspect to meet the high standards set by China’s Ministry of Health.”
India, Korea, Thailand and Singapore are also in the process of receiving certification from the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma), which ensures international and national compliance to safeguard product integrity, whilst specifically addressing the requirements for air cargo handling and transport.
GEODIS – www.geodis.com
GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport), coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, is reflected by its top business rankings: no. 1 in France and no. 7 worldwide. In 2021, GEODIS employed over 46,000 people globally and generated €10.9 billion in revenue.
#GEODIS
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
7-Eleven is taking things up a level and launching a new and improved range of 7-SELECT sandwiches to offer you and your family a tastier, more wholesome option to start the day with. From the bread, fillings, all the way through to the packaging, the 7-SELECT Sandwich range has been completely elevated!
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 16 March 2022 – With all of us striving to lead better lifestyles, we’re always on the lookout for convenient bites on the go that are tasty, wholesome and of good quality! Look no further, 7-Eleven is rolling out an improved range of nine 7-SELECT sandwiches to kickstart your day! Made with exclusive milk bread and using ingredients with no added preservatives, these daily delivered sandos are a simply delicious option to fuel you up day or night. Whether you’re working or studying late, need a snack during recess or a quick breakfast on the run, this new range will be sure to keep you going.
A total makeover inside and out! The choice of bread can make or break a good sandwich. The 7-SELECT range of sandwiches are made with our own exclusive milk bread. What’s more, the bread used is also preservative free making it a sandwich you and your family will love!
Ingredients in the fillings have also been enhanced and reformulated so that they now have no added preservatives! The recipes were meticulously put together to ensure that everything that goes into each sandwich is reassuringly wholesome without compromising on flavour. From nitrate-free ham and all-natural Australian cheddar cheese to no added preservatives mayonnaise and sauces. These quality ingredients now make a better and more satisfying sandwich.
There are nine mouth-watering varieties to choose from. For fans of classic fillings, take your pick from the 7-SELECT Egg & Cheese Sandwich (U.P. $3.20) or 7-SELECT Chicken Ham with Cheese Sandwich (U.P $3.40). If you’re in the mood for chicken, then the 7-SELECT Club Sandwich (U.P $3.60) and 7-SELECT Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken Sandwich (U.P. $3.70) will cure any cravings. For seafood lovers, grab a 7-SELECT Prawn Salad Sandwich (U.P. $3.60) or 7-SELECT Tuna Sandwich (U.P $3.40). Finally, if you simply can’t decide then go for one of the combo packs: the 7-SELECT Double Combo Sandwich (U.P. $3.70) comes in two varieties – Chicken Ham with Cheese + Egg with Cheese or Chicken Katsu + Egg & Potato Salad – or try the 7-SELECT Triple Combo Sandwich (Tuna + Chicken Ham with Cheese + Egg Mayo) (U.P $3.90). All sandwiches are also halal-certified!
From 9 Mar 2022, check out the new range in the open chiller at your nearest 7-Eleven and treat yourself to this all-day breakfast offer! Enjoy the following three sandwiches – Tuna Sandwich, Double Combo Sandwich (Chicken Ham with Cheese + Egg with Cheese) or Double Combo Sandwich (Chicken Katsu + Egg & Potato Salad) – as part of $4.50 Saver Combos (Breakfast) with a 7CAFÉ Cappuccino, Latte or FIRST BREW Almond Milk from now until 12 Apr 2022!
And lastly, the packaging has also had a complete makeover and been redesigned using fun colours to brighten up your day. Grabbing a bite to eat has never been easier or looked so good!
For more details, please refer to this summary table:
Product
RSP
Promotion
Promo Period
7-SELECT Egg & Cheese Sandwich
$3.20
–
–
7-SELECT Chicken Ham with Cheese Sandwich
$3.40
–
–
7-SELECT Club Sandwich
$3.60
–
–
7-SELECT Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken Sandwich
$3.70
–
–
7-SELECT Prawn Salad Sandwich
$3.60
–
–
7-SELECT Tuna Sandwich
$3.40
Available as part of $4.50 Saver Combos (Breakfast) with 7CAFÉ Cappuccino/ Latte or FIRST BREW Almond Milk
Now till 12 Apr 2022
7-SELECT Double Combo Sandwich (Chicken Ham with Cheese + Egg with Cheese)
Established in Singapore in 1983, 7-Eleven has since expanded to more than 400 stores island-wide to become the leading 24-hour convenience chain store. We take pride in serving the Singapore community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 7-Eleven emphasises convenience and value by offering a wide array of quality products, food and services to satisfy the needs of its customers. Think 7-Eleven and what comes to mind are the refreshing Slurpee, 7CAFÉ as well as a wide range of quality ready meals and sandwiches under 7-SELECT. 7-Eleven is also a 24/7 one-stop destination for customers who need to access bill payment services in their own time. Our services cover payment of utilities, courier services, and even cash withdrawal.
PRINCETON, NJ – Media OutReach – 16 March 2022 – Kepner-Tregoe (KT) is proud to announce the winners of the KT Excellence Awards for 2022. These awards honor individuals, teams and organizations who have achieved a global benchmark level in the utilization of KT technologies.
“We had a record-breaking number of submissions this year. Each and every one of them clearly demonstrated great application of KT process by our clients which resulted in solving critical business issues and adding value.” commented Bill Baldwin, CEO of Kepner-Tregoe. “This is truly an international program which includes individuals, teams and organizations in 15 distinct industries we work with throughout the world. Their success demonstrates the enduring value of KT and its core methodologies when applied by clients who combine critical thinking, data, and expertise to achieve excellent results.”
This recognition is a continuation of over 25 years of KT awards for excellence. Formerly known as the International Process Achievement Awards, the KT Excellence Awards expanded the awards program this year with specific honors in three distinct categories namely individuals, teams, and organizations. Award winners are honored for their work in manufacturing as well as service operations, and human resource capability development initiatives.
View Award Winners
Many award winners from the past are profiled in case studies within specific industries on the Kepner-Tregoe website: https://kepner-tregoe.com/success-stories/ . Their successes have solved intractable and highly complex problems, improved quality levels, developed effective teams, built valuable new skills and much more. Individuals often credit the KT methodology for advancing their careers. Similarly organizations and teams credit the KT approach for millions of dollars in savings and very significant improvements in quality, agility, and efficiency.
About Kepner-Tregoe
Kepner-Tregoe (www.kepner-tregoe.com) provides capability development and consulting solutions across the world to help organizations resolve mission critical priorities with speed and confidence. Founded in 1958 and based on ground-breaking research on how humans process information, solve problems, and make decisions, Kepner-Tregoe helps organizations achieve Service and Operational Excellence by, increasing efficiency, improving quality, and reducing costs. The KT methodology is a highly disciplined and structured suite of processes used at all levels of industry leading companies and organizations.
#KepnerTregoe
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 16 March 2022 – Water heater tank disinfection is growing in popularity amidst rising concerns of viruses. Water heater specialist AOS Bath (AOS) offers periodic prompts for these maintenance services. Lately, more requests for tank flushing come from outside their regular clientele. Amanda, an Executive at AOS commented: “Singaporeans are now more tech savvy and aware. Their standards for clean water are getting higher with news of each covid variant.”
With demand on the rise, AOS has upgraded their tank cleaning techniques. From May this year, expect improved chlorination treatments for a more thorough cleanse. These improvements aim to remove an even higher percentage of bacteria and viruses. Each service session comes with routine safety checks on the water heater.
AOS performs hundreds of anti-bacterial maintenance works for households each year. Since the onset of covid, clients have become more aware of water hygiene and upkeep. Moezuddin, a Senior Technician from AOS said: “I see brown water from heaters only after three years of use.”
PUB requires water storage tanks in high-rise buildings to undergo an inspection every year. A Licensed Plumber must certify the tank is clean and disinfected before it is suitable for use. Failing which, tanks will become a potential source of contamination for the public. Authorities conduct random checks to clamp down on negligent maintenance. Failing which, tanks will become a potential source of contamination for the public. End users are innocent victims as residue and bacteria are invisible to the naked eye.
The same principles of tank maintenance apply to household water storage heaters. Enterprise Singapore issues similar guidelines for homeowners, advising regular maintenance every three years. As the home unit is smaller, these guidelines are not enforced. A specialist water heater cleanse costs between $150 to $350.
Those with a higher standard for water cleanliness may opt for a pre-filter. Pre-filters allow homeowners to flush out visible sediments every few weeks. There is no need to wait for the full disinfection every three years. Pre-filters are also commonly used in the kitchen for food preparation.
About AOS Bath
AOS Bath (AOS) is the sole distributor of A. O. Smith Water Heaters in Singapore, the #1 Water Heater company in the USA. An industry specialist, AOS aims to raise the water heater standards in Singapore. They make choosing a water heater easy with relevant technologies and concise explanations. AOS clients enjoy the longest water heater warranties in Singapore. They are also protected with a full return policy.
#AOSBath
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Reports stability and progress in overall performance with record high business results
Profit attributable to equity shareholders reaches HK$1,076 million
Total dividends per share rises by 7.1% yoy to HK22.5 cents
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 March 2022 – CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (“CITIC Telecom” or the “Group”; stock code: 1883), Asia-leading multinational internet-oriented telecommunications enterprise providing comprehensive services, reported profit attributable to equity shareholders of HK$1,076 million for the year ended 31 December 2021, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.2%, or a 2.0% increase if the effect of investment property valuation is excluded.
The Group’s total revenue amounted to HK$9,486 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 6.3% compared to the previous year. The Group reported HK$7,905 million in revenue from its telecommunications services, similar to that of the previous year. Basic earnings per share was up 5.0% to HK29.3 cents.
The Board has recommended a final dividend of HK17.0 cents per share for 2021. Together with the 2021 interim dividend of HK5.5 cents per share, total dividends per share for 2021 amounted to HK22.5 cents, representing a 7.1% growth over the previous year.
Mr. XIN Yue Jiang, Chairman of CITIC Telecom, said, “In 2021, the Company faced a lot of challenges in the business environment, as the global economic conditions remained austere and complicated, while the society and the economy continued to be subject to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The management team and all employees remained cool-headed and focused on innovative development, maintaining stable development of existing business, accelerating the achievement of new breakthroughs and driving new growth. The Group continued to build a strong team and demonstrated a spirit of striving for progress by promoting the corporate culture of ‘solidarity, coordination, inclusivity and charity’. The Group increased technological innovation, improved its operations management, fulfilled its social responsibility and vigorously planned for the future. The Group reported great achievements in business development, product research and development, network quality and epidemic prevention and control. In 2021, its overall operation grew steadily and achieved record high business results, delivering greater returns to shareholders.
The Group has maintained a healthy financial position and a strong cash flow. As at 31 December 2021, the Group recorded cash and deposits of approximately HK$1,793 million, sufficient to meet its financial obligations and contractual capital commitments in the coming 12 months.
Business Highlights
Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau, S.A.R.L. (“CTM”) completed the second phase of 5G network construction to become the first carrier in Macau achieving full indoor and outdoor 5G signal coverage. CTM actively introduced 5G products and 5G roaming tests were conducted and 5G roaming agreements were reached with carriers from different countries and regions in a bid to ensure full preparation for the 5G era. CTM grasped market demand, sales of mobile handsets and equipment surged 67.3% year-on-year to HK$1,581 million. The continuing pandemic adversely impacted the Group’s roaming related services revenue. The Group’s mobile services revenue dropped 10.3% to HK$858 million when compared to the previous year. The Macau City Smart Database (Big Data Platform) developed by CTM on a proprietary basis has been commissioned for commercial application to provide data analysis and policy support for relevant departments of the Macau SAR Government, and application will be further extended to more industries.
Revenue from internet business increased as driven by rising business internet requirements. The Group’s internet services revenue amounted to HK$1,243 million for the year which represented a year-on-year increase of 10.7%. The increase was mainly driven by business internet requirements and the increase in revenue from fibre broadband service as a result of the service upgrade by existing customers and around 1.8% increase in the average number of broadband users to approximately 200,000 subscribers when compared to the previous year. Moreover, revenue from the Group’s data centre continued to grow. The construction of CITIC Telecom Tower Data Centre Phase III (B) was smoothly completed in June 2021 with Tier III accreditation for data centre infrastructure issued by Uptime Institute, a standardisation organisation for data centres.
Growth momentum sustained in messaging services revenue by seizing market opportunities. Revenue from international telecommunications services amounted to HK$2,461 million, similar to that of last year. Due to increasing demand from enterprise messaging delivery, messaging services revenue surged 33.4% to HK$1,678 million when compared to the previous year.
Bolstering the enterprise solutions market in line with customer requirements. The Group maintained its existing business strengths, empowered its cloud, network and security products through intelligence enablement, and vigorously expanded its innovative business. CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited (“CPC”), a subsidiary of the Group, expanded its internet access business and SD-WAN solutions business to help corporate customers meet the challenges of mobility and digitalisation with innovative services. The Group continued to experience encouraging growth in its enterprise solutions services in Mainland China. However, due to the impact of the pandemic, the progress of the Group’s projects in Macau and Southeast Asia was delayed, resulting in a 1.9% decrease in enterprise solutions revenue to HK$3,165 million when compared to the previous year.
Optimised structure of Southeast Asian subsidiaries in an ongoing full effort to expand in the regional market. During the year, the Group further enhanced the efficiency of its Southeast Asian subsidiaries following a structural optimisation and reorganisation exercise in order to seek expansion in the Southeast Asian market with full force. The Group’ s subsidiary in the Philippines has become operational and contributed to additional revenue to the Group. The Group’ s subsidiary in Indonesia has commenced the process of applying for a local ISP license in a bid to explore new business frontiers.
Development Strategies
In Year 2022, the development of the global pandemic will remain subject to many uncertainties and the economic outlook will remain grim and complicated. The Group will seize the opportunities for development created by the new engine of the digital economy and actively participate in the construction of the digital economy with innovative products, services, models and ecosystems.
According to its policy address, the Macau SAR Government will issue 5G licenses in 2022. CTM will continue to optimise and improve its 5G network and ancillary systems to ensure the prompt launch of 5G services ahead of its peers in the market. CTM will actively commence the research and development of 5G+ cloud applications and continue to invest in the construction of “Digital Macau”, working in close collaboration with various sectors in the community to drive the development of smart city in Macau.
The Group will closely monitor new requirements of corporate customers in industrial digitalisation and maintain its existing strength in services, while improving its SD-WAN and cloud servicing regime and enhancing development of capabilities in data centre, cloud service centre and information security service centre. The Group will drive the development of intelligent innovation to facilitate intelligence enablement for cloud, network and security products, while enhancing abilities in industrial digitalisation such as service industry applications and smart city construction, in order to fulfil new requirements in cloud migration, data tool application and intelligence enablement.
The Group will continue to enhance strategic cooperation with Chinese and international telecoms carriers, internet enterprises or other key major customers and procure development of the functions and business of “cross-border mobile communication service platform”, “enterprise messaging service platform” and “global data volume trading platform”, while making major efforts to explore new businesses and sectors such as IPX and the Internet of Things.
Also, the Group will vigorously seize development opportunities in Greater Bay Area and Southeast Asia. The Group will maintain close communication with pertinent government authorities on the national “Master Plan for the Construction of Hengqin Guangdong Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone” to identify and explore opportunities for development in Hengqin Guangdong Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone and contribute to the integrated development of Zhuhai and Macau. For Southeast Asia, the Group will seize opportunities for development presented by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in close tandem with the requirements of multinational corporations that seek to establish their presence in Southeast Asia, and to identify market potential and expand in the Southeast Asian market with full effort.
Mr. CAI Dawei, Chief Executive Officer of CITIC Telecom, said, “In 2022, the Group will seize new opportunities for the development of the digital economy based on high-quality services, and implement the ‘ICT-MiiND’ development strategy with a special focus on innovation targeted at new frontiers such as cloud-net integration, digital transformation and industry application in a full effort to develop a ‘cloud, network, intelligence and security’ platform. We will facilitate the development of a research and development regime across Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Zhuhai (Macau), in line with the positioning of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a ‘talent centre and command post for innovation’. The Group will increase investment in research and development continuously to enhance its competence in proprietary technology research and development, and make technological contributions to digital economic development, actively positioning itself in major national development plans such as ‘Belt and Road’ and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as an enterprise based in Hong Kong and Macau, and accelerate development with innovation and synergies to deliver new value to shareholders.”
About CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (stock code: 1883)
CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited was established in 1997 in Hong Kong, and it was listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on 3 April 2007. As one of the largest international telecommunications hubs in Asia Pacific, the Group provides full-scale international telecommunications services to carrier clients around the globe, and integrated enterprise services in Southeast Asia through its wholly-owned subsidiary Acclivis Technologies and Solutions Pte. Ltd. CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited (“CPC”), the Group’s other wholly-owned subsidiary, provides end-to-end information and communications technology solutions to international corporate clients and business clients. CPC is one of the most trusted partners of these clients in the Asia-Pacific region and provides a full range of ICT services to major enterprises and multinational corporate clients in Mainland China through its subsidiary China Enterprise ICT Solutions Limited (“China Entercom”). The Group holds 99% equity interest in Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau, S.A.R.L. (“CTM”). CTM is one of the leading integrated telecommunications services providers in Macau, and is the only full telecommunications services and ICT services provider in Macau. With a leading position in the market, CTM plays an important role in the ongoing development of Macau. As at the end of 2021, the Group has established branch organisations in 22 countries and regions, the number of staff is 2,500 with over 160 PoPs and business serving more than 150 countries and regions, connecting to over 600 operators globally, and serving more than 3,000 multinational corporations and 40,000 local companies around the globe. CITIC Group Corporation, a large multinational conglomerate headquartered in the People’s Republic of China, is the ultimate holding company of CITIC Telecom.
https://www.envision-aesc.com/en/ 
www.7-eleven.com.sg 
www.kepner-tregoe.com) provides capability development and consulting solutions across the world to help organizations resolve mission critical priorities with speed and confidence. Founded in 1958 and based on ground-breaking research on how humans process information, solve problems, and make decisions, Kepner-Tregoe helps organizations achieve Service and Operational Excellence by, increasing efficiency, improving quality, and reducing costs. The KT methodology is a highly disciplined and structured suite of processes used at all levels of industry leading companies and organizations. 
www.citictel.com 
