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Heineken® Japan transforms bars into gaming hubs to connect online communities in person

Aiming to bring gamers together, shut down servers were reactivated to create a unique space in which experiences could be shared and connections built

TOKYO, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Monday, March 17 saw Heineken® Japan K.K., which sells and distributes Japan’s No.1 imported premium beer, Heineken®, hold a special event for the gaming community at Shot Bar Propaganda in Roppongi.

Heineken® Japan turns a Roppongi bar into a gaming hub, connecting online communities in real life.
Heineken® Japan turns a Roppongi bar into a gaming hub, connecting online communities in real life.

Bringing together gamers, influencers, and game fans, the event saw Heineken® repurpose the bar into a space where the connections of online communities could be extended into the real world. Often, when game servers are shut down, the sense of community that they’ve built is lost and, as champions of socialization, Heineken® recognized an opportunity to take a venue typically associated with socializing and create a truly unique offering.

With multiplayer gaming having long been a powerful way to bond with friends, meet new people, and form lasting friendships, it dispels the stereotype of gamers as isolated individuals. Now, the gap between the digital and physical worlds has been bridged through the use of technology that powers both the beer fridges and game servers, allowing deeper connections to be built and experiences shared.

Heineken® Japan revives gaming servers, bringing gamers together for an unforgettable social experience.
Heineken® Japan revives gaming servers, bringing gamers together for an unforgettable social experience.

Enjoying Heineken® beers, attendees were treated to a tournament-style Omen of Sorrow game, which featured heated battles, live commentary, and participation from some of the region’s top gaming influencers – including winner TAKERA CHANNEL* who went on to comment “I thoroughly enjoyed Heineken®‘s unique game event tonight and the opportunity to socialize with many people in a very relaxed atmosphere”.

Comment from Shin Suda, Marketing Director, Heineken® Japan
“Heineken® is delighted to be collaborating with Omen of Sorrow to bring this unique event to Tokyo. With Japan being the world’s most creative gaming market, we are proud to have been able to offer something new to our communities. By reviving a multiplayer functions game server, we believe that we have been able to reconstruct a place where friends who share common interests can naturally connect. Games and bars are two of the most important communities where people can connect so blending these worlds felt like a natural setting for socialization.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

About HEINEKEN®:
HEINEKEN® is the world’s most international beer producer and a leading developer and distributor of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken® brand, the Group offers more than 300 beers, craft beers and ciders for the international and domestic markets. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, moderate sales, and focused cost management, as well as embedding sustainability into our business through Brewing a Better World.

HEINEKEN® has a well-balanced business with leadership in both developed and developing markets. With more than 85,000 employees in more than 70 countries, it operates production facilities such as breweries, moltereries, and cider mills. Heineken N.V. and shares of Heineken Holding N.V. are traded on Euronext in Amsterdam. The share price of common stock is coded HEIA NA and HEIO NA in Bloomberg and HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS by Reuters. You can check it with the code in the HEINEKEN is a subsidiary of Heineken N.V. (OTCQX: HEINY) and Heineken Holding N.V. (OTCQX: HKHHY) two sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) We have a program.

Heineken Official Website:
https://www.heineken.com/jp

Heineken Official SNS:
https://twitter.com/heineken_jp https://www.instagram.com/heineken_jp/

 

ENERGIZER LAUNCHES THE WORLD’S FIRST 3-IN-1 CHILD SHIELD™ COIN-CELL LITHIUM RANGE IN MALAYSIA

  • The new Energizer 3-in-1 Child Shield™ features the exclusive new colour alert technology, child-resistant packaging, and a non-toxic bitter coating to create the most comprehensive safety solution for Malaysian families.

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Energizer Malaysia introduces the world’s first and only coin lithium battery equipped with three levels of child-protection technology to Malaysia, bringing a new level of safety to your home.

From left to right: From Energizer Malaysia, Carmen Lai, Finance Associate Manager; Law Cheak Ying, Customer Supply Chain Senior Manager; Thean Ong Kee, Traditional Trade Channel Director; Diane Lee, Business Director (Malaysia & Singapore); Alvin Cheah, Modern Trade Channel Director; Aaron Ang, Senior Brand Manager (Malaysia & Singapore); and Bawani, Human Resource Manager (Malaysia & Singapore), officiating the launch of “Know the Risks, Protect Your Kids,” campaign, unveiling the world’s firs
From left to right: From Energizer Malaysia, Carmen Lai, Finance Associate Manager; Law Cheak Ying, Customer Supply Chain Senior Manager; Thean Ong Kee, Traditional Trade Channel Director; Diane Lee, Business Director (Malaysia & Singapore); Alvin Cheah, Modern Trade Channel Director; Aaron Ang, Senior Brand Manager (Malaysia & Singapore); and Bawani, Human Resource Manager (Malaysia & Singapore), officiating the launch of “Know the Risks, Protect Your Kids,” campaign, unveiling the world’s firs

Making homes safe for children is a priority, yet some dangers are well-hidden in everyday spaces, like small batteries found in household items, but how much harm can something as tiny as a battery really cause? According to a case report in Malaysia, severe injuries can occur due to delayed diagnosis, as most emergency department patients who have ingested a battery show no symptoms or only vague and non-specific signs.[1] 

Understanding this risk, Energizer Malaysia upholds its commitment to coin lithium safety with the launch of the “Know the Risks, Protect Your Kids,” campaign and unveils its latest coin-cell lithium batteries with a 3-in-1 Child Shield™ safety system for added protection in Malaysian homes.

“Energizer is the first brand in the world to introduce child-resistant packaging for its coin-cell lithium batteries, featuring a triple-layer child safety system designed to offer extra protection against everyday risks. Our innovation includes the world’s first colour alert technology, designed to help caregivers identify potential ingestion and seek urgent medical attention. As an industry leader, at Energizer, we want to advocate for stronger safety standards in battery designs. By continuously improving safety features for its products, we will continue to lead discussions on preventing household accidents and protecting children,” said Diane Lee, Business Director, Malaysia & Singapore, Energizer Holdings Inc.

During the launch, Dr Wong Yee Ming, a Consultant Pediatrician from Columbia Asia Hospital Bukit Jalil, and real-life toddler parents Diyana Hashim, Pauline Tan, and Chelsea Ng participated in a panel discussion to discuss the real-life challenges faced in avoiding wrong ingestion, what to do during medical emergencies with ingestion, and share practical solutions to create a safer space for children at home.

Dr. Wong Yee Ming, Consultant Pediatrician from Columbia Asia Hospital Bukit Jalil shared, “Many household hazards are hidden in plain sight, making it crucial to raise awareness of potential risks for children. Small objects, such as coin lithium batteries, can cause serious harm if swallowed. Severe injuries can occur due to delayed diagnosis, which is why immediate medical attention is crucial. Preventing such incidents should be a priority, and simple measures, such as storing hazardous items out of reach and choosing child-safe products, can make a significant difference.”

The 3-in-1 Child Shield™ safety system from Energizer is available across its 2032, 2025, and 2016 Ultimate Lithium Coin Battery range and has been designed as an option for those seeking to safeguard their homes.

The new 3-in-1 Child Shield™ safety system was designed to help prevent the risk coin lithium batteries pose to children by combining these three key safety features:

  1. Child-Resistant Packaging: Energizer was the first brand to launch child resistant packaging, which provides security to help prevent children from accessing the batteries in the package.
  2. Non-Toxic Bitter Coating: A bitter taste for better safety, Energizer’s coin lithium batteries include a non-toxic bitter coating on the cell that discourages ingestion.
  3. NEW Colour Alert Technology: A world-first innovation that introduces safety you can see. The new colour alert technology activates once the battery interacts with saliva, visibly dying the mouth blue in just seconds to alert caregivers so they can seek medical attention faster, as needed.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote child safety, Energizer Malaysia will also showcase its latest innovations at Malaysia’s largest baby expo, the TCE Baby Expo, at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre (MVEC) in Kuala Lumpur from 17th to 20th April 2025 and the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from 26th to 28th September 2025. Special promotions will take place during this event.

Energizer’s latest release embraces the power of technology to prioritise children’s safety. The 3-in-1 Child Shield™ technology will be rolled out across the Energizer® Ultimate Lithium Coin Battery range and will be available in leading supermarkets and online. For more information, visit https://energizerchildsafety.com/3in1/malaysia/.

[1] Arifin, M.N.H. and S Retinasekharan, Delayed presentation of Button Battery Ingestion in a 6-year-old girl – A case report (2024), 4

About Energizer 

Originating from the invention of the first dry cell battery in the 1890s and introduced by parent company EVEREADY® in the 1980s, Energizer® is a market leader of high-quality, dependable household batteries. Synonymous with world-first innovations and emerging technologies, Energizer is leading and shaping the power and portable lighting categories with a powerful portfolio of groundbreaking products and consumer-led innovations. Energizer® is committed to continuing to build on its rich history of innovation and driving further sustainable measures across the portfolio.

Product Details:

  • Energizer® 2032 Ultimate Lithium Batteries 2 pack, RM15.90*
  • Energizer® 2025 Ultimate Lithium Batteries 2 pack, RM15.90*
  • Energizer® 2016 Ultimate Lithium Batteries 2 pack, RM15.90*

Note: Retail pricing is at the sole discretion of the retailer

Fosun Wealth Holdings Strengthens Fintech Strategy as Finloop Becomes a Strategic Enterprise of OASES

HONG KONG, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Finloop Finance Technology Holding Limited (“Finloop”), an AI-driven one-stop institutional wealth management platform incubated by Fosun Wealth Holdings under Fosun, announced that it has become one of the strategic enterprises of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (“OASES”) of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This milestone represents a significant advancement in Fosun Wealth Holdings’ fintech strategy and a solid step forward for Finloop in deepening its foothold in wealth management market in Hong Kong.

OASES held the “OASES Enterprises Signing Ceremony” to welcome a new batch of strategic enterprises establishing or expanding their operations in Hong Kong on 8 April. In the presence of Financial Secretary, Mr. Paul Chan, Finloop and other 17 enterprises signed agreements to become strategic enterprise partners of the Government. These enterprises come from high-tech industries such as advanced manufacturing and new energy technology, AI and data science, fintech, and life and health technology.

Aligning with National Development Plan, Shaping Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Future

“We are honored to be recognized as a strategic enterprise partner of OASES and look forward to injecting new momentum into Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem, contributing to the development of its innovation and technology blueprint,” said Mr. Cheng Kang, CEO of Fosun Wealth Holdings and Chairman of Finloop. “Hong Kong has the unique advantage of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, serving as a bridge between mainland China and global markets. Finloop has also introduced a two-way empowerment strategy, which aligns perfectly with this position. The 14th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong’s transformation into an international innovation and technology hub. In recent years, the HKSAR government has rolled out a series of policies to promote technology innovation. The 2025-26 Budget outlined multiple support measures, such as enhancing AI infrastructure and advancing R&D. These initiatives create a favorable environment for Finloop to expand business in Hong Kong.”

Finloop has set up its headquarters in Hong Kong during 2024. It has also become a tenant of Cyberport since March this year to facilitate deeper engagement with local innovation and technology community. As a one-stop institutional wealth management platform, Finloop delivers technology solutions to financial institution clients, covering a comprehensive range of wealth management products, including cash management, public funds, private funds, structured products, bonds, insurance, virtual assets (VA), and real-world assets (RWA). To seize opportunities in wealth management, Finloop has become one of the most impactful providers of financial products and technology solutions for Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect 1.0 and 2.0, significantly enhancing the liquidity and dynamism of wealth management market in Hong Kong.

Empowering Clients with Comprehensive Technologies, Building a Benchmark for Wealth Management Platforms

Amid the era of digital transformation across wealth management industry, Finloop is intensifying its competitiveness with cutting-edge technologies, by embedding AI into its innovation core. Its proprietary middle-office system of wealth management, also known as “FinOne”, integrates deeply with AI technology to power three intelligent operating systems: AI Product Manager, AI Investment Advisor and AI Assistant. These systems significantly boost the operational efficiency for financial institution clients. To unlock opportunities in Web3.0, Finloop also taps into digital asset business, by offering one-stop technology solutions to help fund companies and licensed institutions of virtual asset dealing services provide technological services such as in-kind subscription and redemption of virtual asset ETFs and stablecoin dealings. At the same time, Finloop actively supports the development of tokenization in Hong Kong, promoting Hong Kong as a hub for RWA tokenization. Finloop provides comprehensive and advanced fintech solutions for RWA projects and deeply assists licensed institutions in participating in Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s sandbox projects. This helps traditional financial institutions upgrade their systems to adapt to the new framework and landscape of wealth management in the virtual assets world.

Looking ahead, Finloop will continue to harness its fintech strengths and actively engage with OASES’s resources in evaluation, connection, and funding schemes. Finloop aims to provide leading infrastructure solutions of wealth technology to financial institutions in Hong Kong, while maintaining a strong presence in Hong Kong, expanding throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and connecting to global markets. Mr. Cai Hua, CEO of Finloop, remarked: “Finloop will remain driven by ‘digital intelligence’, with a focus on AI to empower financial institution clients in achieving business growth and creating synergy across the wealth management industry—from technological R&D to financial scenario applications and market output. Simultaneously, we will strengthen cooperation with the HKSAR government and local incubation organizations, actively participate in regulatory sandbox programs, strengthen ties with academia, promote knowledge sharing and standardization, and work together to build an efficient, intelligent, and secure wealth management ecosystem.”

About Finloop Finance Technology Holding Limited

Finloop Financial Technology Holding Limited, along with its affiliates Finloop Finance Technology Services Limited and Finloop Finance Limited (collectively referred to as “Finloop”), is an AI-driven one-stop institutional wealth management platform headquartered in Hong Kong. It provides comprehensive wealth management products and technology solutions for various financial institutions, covering commercial banks, securities companies, cross-border e-commerce, family offices, wealth management companies, insurance brokerage companies, fund companies, etc. Through its proprietary technology platform, Finloop provides a full range of wealth management products including cash management, public funds, private funds, structured products, bonds, insurance and virtual assets. Finloop holds a leading position in the financial technology sector in Asia. It has industry-leading research and development capabilities and solution implementation capabilities. It is currently the only financial technology service provider that can provide a one-stop wealth management platform and solutions. Finloop is committed to becoming customers’ most trusted wealth management partner and helping promote innovation and development of the wealth management industry.

Lao Students Shine at Math, Science Olympics in the Philippines

Students from the Australian International School (AIS) of Laos have concluded this year’s Philippine International Math and Science Olympics (PIMSO).

The delegation of eight students, from Primary and Secondary, represented AIS Laos at the competition held from 4-7 April in Manila, the Philippines. They competed against more than 700 top young mathematicians and scientists from 13 different countries and earned one gold medal, one silver, four bronze medals, and one Achiever Award.

The Lao team had some standout performances, with Thanashok Shengsouly of Primary clinching a gold medal and landing second runner-up overall, plus a World Star recognition. His classmate Phudthasone Chanvilaivanh, also in Primary 6, earned a bronze, while Asaliya Phanthamixai from Primary 4 added another bronze in math.

The individuals in the picture, listed from left to right, are Phudthasone Chanvilaivanh, Thanashok Shengsouly, and Asaliya Phanthamixai (Photo supplied by AIS via email)

AIS Laos expressed immense pride in their students’ accomplishments, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of coaches Jose Rutchan Portillo and Corynthia Vijandre. The school congratulated all participants for their outstanding performance.

In science, Primary’s Thanathone Louanglath shone with a silver medal, while his teammate Thipphavan Oulayseng took home a bronze. Theelaphon Thepphongern was impressed with an Achiever award for his strong performance.

The individuals in the picture, listed from left to right, are Thanathone Louanglath, Jack Oliver Simmons, Theelaphon Thepphongern, Thipphavan Oulayseng, and Abraham Sengone Thorstad. (Photo supplied by AIS via email)

Secondary students Jack Oliver Simmons and Abraham Sengone Thorstad also made their mark, both winning bronze medals in science, boosting AIS Laos’ medal tally.

Jack Oliver Simmons and Abraham Sengone Thorstad (Photo supplied by AIS via email)

PIMSO is an international competition in mathematics and science for primary, secondary, and senior secondary students, organized by International Champions in Education (ICE) from the Philippines.  It operates through a two-stage format: the National Round and International Finals. The competition brings together champions from diverse backgrounds around the world, fostering excellence and proficiency in mathematics and science.

BaseCare Medical (2170.HK) Unveils First Smart Home Sperm Analyzer, Pioneering “B+C” Full-Scenario Intelligent Expansion

SUZHOU, China, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BaseCare Medical, a trailblazer in reproductive health and China’s first publicly traded company in the assisted reproductive IVD sector, has secured regulatory approval for its portable home sperm quality analyzer (model: BKP200). As the nation’s first consumer-facing device for at-home viable sperm testing, this milestone not only underscores the company’s technical prowess in male reproductive health but also carves out a new frontier for the home medical equipment market.

Data from Guangdong Reproductive Hospital reveals a stark reality: nearly half of couples attempting a second child have failed in the past three years, while one-third of men preparing for their first pregnancy exhibit subpar sperm quality. Yet due to embarrassment, many choose to overlook these issues rather than seek help.

Gone are the days of awkward hospital visits and tedious waits for sperm tests. BaseCare’s innovative home analyzer shrinks lab-grade technology into a compact device, bringing professional sperm assessment directly to living rooms.


Cutting-Edge Tech: Lab Precision, Home Convenience

Designed to meet the WHO Laboratory Manual for Human Semen Examination (6th Edition) standards, the BKP200 excels in portability, privacy, speed, accuracy, versatility, and clarity. Using a built-in HD camera and advanced algorithms, it delivers lab-level precision in just 15 seconds, generating visual reports on sperm concentration and motility. Unlike smartphone-based tests prone to inconsistent results, this device eliminates hardware-related errors, enabling hassle-free “15-second home self-tests” that respect privacy and offer actionable insights for long-term fertility management.


Policy Tailwinds & Market Demand: Dual “B+C” Growth Engines

With global male infertility rates climbing (7%-12% per WHO) and traditional testing hindered by limited access and privacy concerns, China—where infertility rates surpass the global average—has seen policy support surge. Since 2024, the National Health Commission has prioritized “comprehensive male health services across the lifespan” and included assisted reproductive technologies in medical insurance, creating ideal conditions for BaseCare’s dual-market strategy.

The BKP200 bridges professional and personal use with its “medical-grade device for home use” model, available online (via Douyin, e-commerce platforms) and offline (in pharmacies). Here’s how it works:

1.Hospital Support: In hospitals—especially in rural areas lacking specialized equipment—the analyzer streamlines pre-screening, freeing doctors to focus on treatment. It effectively extends reproductive healthcare to county and village levels, building a nationwide “fertility health monitoring network.”

2.Consumer Access: Couples can discreetly assess fertility factors at home, while young men gain instant insights into their reproductive health. The accompanying app provides tailored advice like “reduce late nights, increase exercise,” offering a seamless journey from testing to improvement.

Targeting China’s 50 million fertility-challenged families, the device launches in about a month with a pragmatic approach: online, educational content and health influencers normalize conversations about male health; offline, it’s stocked beside blood pressure monitors in pharmacies, making it as accessible as everyday health gadgets..

In essence, this innovation transforms reproductive health management from a “specialized medical process” into a “routine practice,” turning “taboos” into “simple solutions.”

BaseCare’s vision goes beyond technology: it aims to make fertility health accessible to all—whether urban couples, concerned in-laws, or families in remote areas—with minimal cost and maximum scientific assurance, contributing to both individual family dreams and national population quality.

 

X Pay and STOREBERRY form a Strategic Alliance to Revolutionize Local E-Commerce Payments and Drive Sustainable Growth


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2025 – X Pay, the local leader in “Buy Now, Pay Later” solutions, is pleased to announce a landmark strategic partnership with STOREBERRY, Hong Kong’s fast-growing omnichannel commerce platform. “Our partnership with STOREBERRY marks a significant advancement in payment innovation for Hong Kong’s retail sector. The ‘Online Price Divider’ not only makes high-value purchases more accessible but also provides merchants with a powerful tool to boost sales and enhance customer loyalty. Through seamless integration with STOREBERRY’s ecosystem, we’ve tailored a smooth payment experience to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the market,” said Margaret Ng, Head of X Pay.

X Pay and STOREBERRY form a Strategic Alliance to Revolutionize Local E-Commerce Payments and Drive Sustainable Growth.

This alliance positions both companies at the forefront of digital retail innovation, combining X Pay’s rare and market-leading “Price Divider Function”—a breakthrough that empowers consumers to split high-value purchases into manageable payments—with STOREBERRY’s comprehensive online-merge-offline (OMO) ecosystem. “Our collaboration with X Pay takes our omnichannel capabilities to new heights, creating a seamlessly integrated online-offline retail approach. This partnership helps merchants manage sales more easily and elevate the customer experience. X Pay’s flexible payment solutions enhance our platform’s growth potential, enabling more SMEs to expand their online businesses effortlessly and improve the convenience and efficiency of existing payment processes. Together, we’re setting a bold new benchmark for Hong Kong’s retail industry,” said Cyrus So, Founder of STOREBERRY.

Key Announcements:

  • Pioneering “Online Price Divider” Innovation:
    X Pay and STOREBERRY distinguish themselves by offering a market-rare “Online Price Divider” allowing consumers to split high-value purchases into manageable payments. This innovative solution enables consumers to manage high-ticket purchases easily and helps merchants unlock larger basket sizes through strategic marketing in their online stores. X Pay collaborates with STOREBERRY to address the evolving needs of Hong Kong’s maturing e-commerce market, setting a new industry standard.
  • Local “Buy Now, Pay Later” Market Leadership:
    With its proven track record, X Pay has emerged as the premier local “Buy Now, Pay Later” solution. Its seamless, flexible payment options drive high-value transactions, significantly benefiting merchants and consumers and reinforcing its competitive edge in digital payment.
  • Rising Demand for Flexible Payments:
    With a rising demand for flexible installments, X Pay will launch innovative installment plans starting in mid-2025, featuring 6-month, 9-month, and 12-month payment options. This move not only brings more flexible payment options to premium online shopping but also paves the way for sustainable revenue growth in the future.

By merging cutting-edge payment technology with a robust e-commerce framework, X Pay and STOREBERRY are set to redefine Hong Kong’s digital retail landscape. This strategic alliance creates significant value for merchants and consumers in a market poised for sustainable growth.

Hashtag: #XPay

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

About X Pay

, a top “Buy Now, Pay Later” payment platform in Hong Kong, is part of Zero Fintech Group Limited (Stock Code: 0093.HK) and operates under X Wallet App, offering a complete mobile payment solution for your business.

About STOREBERRY

is a fast-growing omnichannel commerce retail platform designed to help businesses of all sizes create, manage, and scale their online stores effortlessly. By delivering a fully integrated Online-Merge-Offline (OMO) retail solution, STOREBERRY enables retailers to connect their online and offline operations seamlessly. The platform combines a robust cloud-based Point-of-Sale (POS) system, centralized inventory management, and an advanced customer relationship management (CRM) tool into one unified ecosystem. With STOREBERRY’s comprehensive suite of tools, merchants can:

  • No coding required — retailers can quickly upload product images with drag-and-drop to set up their online stores. Branded mobile app available as an add-on.
  • Leverage social commerce tools to engage customers and boost sales, including Facebook live streaming with automated comment-to-order functionality.
  • Deliver a seamless omnichannel experience by integrating inventory, membership, sales, and CRM data across physical and digital channels.
  • Streamline operations with real-time inventory synchronization and multi-location tracking.
  • Enhance customer loyalty through an integrated CRM and loyalty program that supports personalized engagement and reward strategies.
  • Flexible plans designed for retailers of all industries — no GMV commission, no hidden charges, and reliable technical support via WhatsApp or phone.

Sandbrook Capital and PSP Investments Announce Sale of Offshore Wind Pioneer Havfram to DEME

LONDON, MONTREAL, and OSLO, Norway, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sandbrook Capital, a private investment firm focused on building leading climate infrastructure companies, and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments), one of Canada’s largest pension investors, today announced the signing of an agreement to sell Havfram, an international offshore wind infrastructure company, to DEME (Euronext: DEME), a global leader in offshore energy and marine engineering.

PSP Investments
PSP Investments

Established in 2021 through a strategic partnership between Sandbrook Capital and PSP Investments, Havfram was created to provide critical offshore wind installation capacity to the world’s leading energy companies. Under their ownership, Havfram has evolved into a world-class operator of Wind Turbine Installation Vessels (WTIVs), with two state-of-the-art vessels currently under construction and a strong contract backlog to build some of the largest offshore wind farms.

“We partnered with PSP Investments to build Havfram because we saw a unique market opportunity to provide the state-of-the-art vessels required to build today’s enormous offshore wind farms” said Christopher Hunt, Partner at Sandbrook Capital. “In just a few years, Havfram has become one of the most important players in the offshore wind industry. We are proud of what the team has achieved and the positive financial returns delivered to our investors.  DEME will be an outstanding steward of the company in its next phase of growth.”

“Our investment in Havfram reflects our broader capabilities and commitment to invest in assets essential to the renewables value chain, while generating strong risk-adjusted returns,” said Sandiren Curthan, Managing Director and Global Head of Infrastructure Investments, PSP Investments. “We are proud to have partnered with Sandbrook Capital and with the Havfram team to build a fleet of next generation WTIVs.”

“The support and long-term vision of Sandbrook Capital and PSP Investments have been instrumental in building Havfram into what it is today,” said Ingrid Due-Gundersen, CEO of Havfram. “We’re incredibly excited to join forces with DEME, a global leader with a shared mission to accelerate offshore wind deployment. Together, we will play a major role in enabling the energy transition around the world.”

The transaction, valued at approximately € 900 million, is expected to close by the end of April 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

Goldman Sachs served as financial advisors and Thommessen served as legal advisor to Sandbrook Capital and PSP Investments.

About Sandbrook Capital

Sandbrook Capital is a private investment firm dedicated to building the next generation of climate infrastructure companies. Founded by a team of seasoned investors and operators, Sandbrook partners with exceptional management teams to grow sustainable businesses that deliver attractive financial returns and meaningful climate benefits. For more information, visit www.sandbrook.com

About PSP Investments

The Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) is one of Canada’s largest pension investors with C$264.9 billion of net assets under management as of 31 March 2024. It manages a diversified global portfolio composed of investments in capital markets, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, natural resources, and credit investments. Established in 1999, PSP Investments manages and invests amounts transferred to it by the Government of Canada for the pension plans of the federal public service, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Reserve Force. Headquartered in Ottawa, PSP Investments has its principal business office in Montréal and offices in New York, London and Hong Kong. For more information, visit investpsp.com or follow us on LinkedIn

About Havfram

Havfram is a Norwegian offshore wind installation company providing critical services to the global renewable energy industry. With two newbuild WTIVs under construction and a robust backlog, Havfram is positioned as a leading player in enabling the deployment of next-generation offshore wind farms. For more information, visit www.havfram.com.

Media contacts: PSP Investments, Charles Bonhomme, +1 438 465-1260, media@investpsp.ca; Sandbrook Capital, Daniel Yunger / James Hartwell, Kekst-Sandbrook@kekstcnc.com, 917.574.8582 / 917.842.9560

Sandbrook Capital
Sandbrook Capital

 

Lao Universities Unite to Reform Higher Education Under EU-Funded Project

Students took entrance exam at the National university of Laos in 2023. (Photo: NUoL News)

Laos is undertaking significant reforms to its higher education framework to align with international standards. 

In line with this mission, from 31 March to 2 April, the National University of Laos (NUOL) recently hosted the first Erasmus+ meeting on capacity building for higher education.

The REAL project is coordinated by the University of Groningen (Netherlands), with additional European support from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (Spain), the University of Poitiers (France), and the Association of Tuning Experts and Educators (Spain). The project is co-funded by the European Union.

This cooperation aims to drive structural reform across Lao higher education by promoting an outcomes-based approach. This includes the development of comprehensive internal quality assurance systems to strengthen teaching methods, enhance graduate employability, and support regional academic integration.

Lavanh Vongkhamsane, Director General of the Ministry of Education and Sports’ Higher Education Department, told state media that as Laos progresses in modernizing its education system, it is becoming more evident that the existing higher education framework needs to adapt to the demands of a globalized world.

Over the next four years, nine key partners, comprising the Ministry of Education and Sports and four public universities, will collaborate on strategies that enhance the relevance of higher education to national development goals.

Project activities will focus on implementing mechanisms that improve program feasibility and promote sustainable innovation across the sector.

In addition, the project will build capacity among academics, program teams, and institutions to ensure effective implementation of reforms. National and institutional stakeholders will be engaged in defining and supporting the full adoption of internal quality assurance frameworks to create lasting structural impact.

A total of 17 undergraduate programs across the four universities will lead the reform process. These include courses in Food Technology, English Language, Transportation and Logistics Engineering, Livestock, and Business Management at NUOL.

At Souphanouvong University, focus areas will include Electrical Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, English Language, and Tourism and Hospitality. 

Meanwhile, Savannakhet University will enhance programs in Electrical Engineering, Transportation and Logistics Engineering, Animal Science, and Rural Development and Business Extension.

Champassak University plans to restructure its programs in Food Technology, Veterinary Medicine, English Language, and Livestock.