Youth volunteers from different ethnic groups, young entrepreneurs, young people from LGBTIQ groups and young women from Women with Disabilities Development Center came together online yesterday to share their concerns, views and needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Youth Voices: On International Youth Day, a Diverse Set of Youth Speak Up About COVID-19 Impacts
DHL sees surge in road logistics in Southeast Asia
- New DHL whitepaper: renewed economic growth in ASEAN countries will give rise to demand for logistics services as trade recovers
- Road freight to grow substantially with regulatory initiatives, economic rebound, e-commerce boom and increasing demand for sustainable logistics solutions in the region
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 18 August 2021 – DHL Global Forwarding, the leading international freight specialist division of Deutsche Post DHL Group, foresees a strong and sustained growth in cross-border road transportation in Southeast Asia where the e-commerce sector is expected to grow 5.5% in 2021. The predicted upswing is also driven by the renewed growth in many of Southeast Asia’s leading economies, as manufacturing rebounds and companies regionalize and diversify their supply chains. These trends are outlined in the whitepaper, “Southeast Asia Freight: The Road to Growth”, released today.
“With the easing of trade restrictions and implementation of new regulatory initiatives in the region such as the ASEAN Customs Transit System and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, trade cooperation will continue to strengthen and bolster intra-Asia trade. This augurs well for ASEAN countries as they gear up to bounce back strongly from the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Kelvin Leung, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Asia Pacific.
One of the most significant developments is the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) introduced in 2020, which allows operators to move goods seamlessly across multiple ASEAN borders with a single guarantee that covers duties and taxes for the entire journey.
Road freight: an attractive and sustainable logistics solution on the rise
With East Asian economies expected to drive trade growth in 2021, the ASEAN road freight market is expected to witness a CAGR of greater than 8% during the forecasted period of 2020-2025. The rise in e-commerce consumer spending and B2B e-commerce, which is predicted to see a 70% increase by 2027, is also pushing demand for door-to-door logistics solutions.
“Road freight is now playing a more significant role in international long-haul solutions across Asia as it offers a cost effective and sustainable option. As we have seen in the last year with volatile air and ocean freight rates during the Covid-19 pandemic, road or multimodal solutions have offered more stable pricing, capacity, and easier border access in Southeast Asia,” said Thomas Tieber, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Southeast Asia.
Road freight is significantly cheaper and generates less emissions than air freight, while offering increased security and faster lead times than ocean freight. Road solutions are also highly flexible with trucks able to manage door-to-door local, cross-border, long-haul and short-haul deliveries.
Increasingly, customers are choosing to truck their short- and long-haul shipments for part of, or the entire journey due to the reduced carbon emissions it offers as compared to airfreight. An air-road shipment from Jakarta to Bangkok via Singapore cuts carbon emissions by half, in addition to cost savings of 35%, as compared to a direct flight, while trucking a shipment from Singapore to China reduces carbon footprint by 83% as compared to airfreight.
“Road logistics is seeing a greener future, powered by technology to become more efficient and secure, and being more sustainable with carbon efficient fuels. Together, these factors are transforming the road freight sector and creating ever more attractive and sustainable logistics solutions,” added Tieber.
Note to editors:
In Southeast Asia, the market share of road freight transportation is expected to grow substantially with new initiatives and an imminent economic recovery. Read more on DHL’s Logistics of Things.
DHL – The logistics company for the world
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 66 billion euros in 2020. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve zero-emissions logistics by 2050.
#DHL
Laos Confirms Record Number of Covid-19 Cases
Laos has confirmed a record 381 new cases of Covid-19 today, bringing the total number of cases to 11,029.
Entrust partners with MK Group to issue 50 million cards for Vietnam’s Chip-Based National ID Card project
The project is the combination of Entrust’s advanced card issuance solutions and MK Group’s deep local footprint to enhance security and safety of the Vietnam’s national identity cards
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 18 August 2021 – Entrust, a leading provider of trusted identities, payments and data protection, has just announced that the company has facilitated the roll-out of Vietnam’s citizen identity (ID) card project through a strategic partnership with MK Group Joint Stock Company (MK Group). Entrust and MK Group will be delivering advanced technology solutions and on-the-ground support together for Vietnam to be able to issue 50 million chip-based ID cards to eligible citizens starting in February 2021.
Entrust issuance systems and software solutions, along with Vietnam-based MK Group – who will be managing on-the-ground operations and overseeing the local card issuance, will enable the high-speed, high-volume personalization of the first 50-million national ID cards. The new chip-embedded National ID cards will replace and consolidate the three most recent versions of National ID cards – nine-digit, 12-digit, and barcode-based, introduced in 1999, 2012, and 2016 respectively – with new chip-based cards, introducing a more secure, standardized way to authenticate citizen identities.
“We are pleased to be selected as the technology partner for this nationwide project to transform Vietnam’s citizen ID system into one that is more standardized, secure, and digitally advanced,” said Angus McDougall, Regional Vice President, Asia Pacific and Japan, Entrust. “We view this partnership with MK Group as a strong step towards the future of trusted identities in Vietnam.”
“MK Group is proud to introduce and implement leading technology for multi-application smart cards, with ID and biometric authentication application in accordance to ICAO standards. The partnership with Entrust signifies our shared vision of accelerating the rise of secure data protection and advanced identity authentication in Vietnam, where our offerings continue to play an instrumental role in the nation’s digitalization programme,” said Mr. Khang Nguyen, Chairman of MK Group. “MK Group is well placed to respond to the growing focus on government-grade security and assurance demonstrated in this card issuance project, through the delivery of robust and scalable solutions.”
MK Smart, a subsidiary of MK Group, developed the operating system of the chip on smartcards and its applications, in compliance with ICAO standards and local security requirements. The chip-based ID Card, which is bundled with ICAO-compliance e-ID data, biometric and digital signing capabilities, will be used to log into many different government and private portals, where thousands of services are provided to citizens. Citizens can also use the card for authentication with government bodies and banks.
Entrust has been delivering high-volume issuance systems and high-quality consumable supplies and professional services to fulfill the first batch of 50 million smart cards.
About Entrust Corporation
Entrust keeps the world moving safely by enabling trusted identities, payments and data protection. As of today, people demand more seamless, secure experiences, whether they’re crossing borders, making a purchase, accessing e-government services or logging into corporate networks. Entrust offers an unmatched breadth of digital security and credential issuance solutions at the very heart of all these interactions. With more than 2,500 employees, a network of global partners, and customers in over 150 countries, it’s no wonder the world’s most entrusted organizations trust us. For more information, visit 
www.entrust.com.
About MK Group
Established in 1999 in Vietnam, MK Joint Stock Company (Group) has over 22 years of experience in providing Digital Security solutions and Smart Card products. MK Group’s slogan is Smart Digital Security. MK Group always strives to be a trusted partner for providing and implementing a wide range of products and solutions for many customers in the government, finance – banking, enterprise, transportation, and telecommunication sectors. For more information, visit www.mk.com.vn
#Entrust #MKGroup
Limitless Technology Expands to Australia with “Bloomeroo”
The successful internet holding company launched an online flower delivery service down south
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach – 18 August 2021 – Six years after the inception of Southeast Asia’s online leading flower delivery service Flower Chimp, its parent company Limitless Technology has launched “Bloomeroo” as its foray into Australia. Currently available in Perth and its suburbs, Bloomeroo is Limitless Technology’s expansion into the market down under, offering fresh flower delivery service to its customers.
Bloomeroo marks a milestone in Limitless Technology’s company history – it is the internet holding company’s first investment into a market outside of Southeast Asia’s e-commerce arena. It follows the success recipe of Flower Chimp’s: offering high-quality floral products with on-time delivery, however with an assortment tailored to the Australian market. For Bloomeroo’s case, it goes a step further than its predecessors. Currently, it is the only online florist in Australia that offers short product videos to give customers a clear sense of how the flower arrangements look.
“We have a lot of exciting things in the pipeline for Bloomeroo, and we’re excited to offer gifts and floral arrangements straight to customers’ doorstep all across Australia very soon”, comments Niklas Frassa, COO of Limitless Technology, “Bloomeroo is not only a step forward in our company but also a further proof of our commitment to quality and superior customer service”.
Besides offering products suitable for all of life’s occasions, Bloomeroo also offers same-day delivery for orders that are made before its daily 2PM cut-off time. This has proven beneficial for customers who need last-minute gifts or have an unexpected occasion coming up in their daily lives. For most of Bloomeroo’s flower arrangements, customers can tailor it even further by choosing to have it delivered with a vase or as a bouquet with their signature wrappers.
Bloomeroo aims to expand to more areas in Australia over the next months. According to Frassa, the new brand is also releasing new flower arrangements weekly to keep up with floral trends and customer demands.
To find out more about, visit https://www.bloomeroo.com.au.
About Limitless Technology:
Limitless Technology is an internet holding company with a track record of launching and scaling e-commerce businesses in Southeast Asia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the company possesses an online presence in six countries.
#LimitlessTechnology
Grab a Taste of Thailand at 7-Eleven with an all-new line-up of tempting Thai dishes to go
A wide selection of new Thai-inspired dishes are coming your way from 18 August!
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 18 August 2021 – It’s no secret that Singaporeans love Thailand. For the travel-starved – get ready to take your tastebuds to the Land of Smiles, the next exciting destination on 7-Eleven‘s gastronomic journey around Asia!
Say Sawasdee to the tastes of Thailand anytime, anywhere
Satisfy Thai food cravings with 7-Eleven’s new menu of iconic Thai-inspired dishes, including the following five classics:
7-SELECT Thai Boat Noodles (U.P $4.50) This authentic Thai signature street food features beef balls, beansprouts, morning glory, and thin rice noodles in a meaty savoury broth garnished with fragrant fried garlic and spicy chilli flakes. A perfect blend of aromatic flavours, this is comfort food that tastes as good as it looks.
7-SELECT Thai Red Curry Chicken with Rice (U.P $4.50) This dish is fragrant, creamy, sweet and spicy, packed with flavours of dried chilli, garlic, lemongrass, shallots, ginger and coconut milk with a generous serving of long beans, brinjal and chicken. Spicy, creamy and oh so scrumptious!
7-SELECT Phad Thai (U.P $4.00) This crowd-pleasing Thai dish boasts a new and improved recipe. The rice noodles are now more al dente, coated with a distinctly sweet and sour sauce containing tamarind and Thai fish sauce that is now even more flavourful. Talk about the perfect balance of taste and texture!
7-SELECT Thai Glass Noodle Salad (U.P $2.90) A refreshing and spicy salad made with shallots, lemon, and garlic on a bed of vermicelli and minced chicken, the aromas and textures complement each other perfectly, making it the ideal appetiser before you dig into the mains!
7-SELECT Tom Yum Soup (U.P $3.00) No Thai meal is complete without a bowl of hot Tom Yum Soup, arguably the most famous dish in Thai cuisine. This flavoursome soup features juicy prawns, fish and mushrooms whilst the broth is seasoned with fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, coriander, galangal, fish sauce, and chilli.
Other Thai-inspired delights such as 7-SELECT Thai Basil Chicken with Rice, Fresh Coconut, First Brew Lemongrass Drink and Alfredo Tom Yum Goong Pizza Slice are also available at 7-Eleven. From 18 Aug – 14 Sep 2021, enjoy $0.50 off 7-SELECT Thai Glass Noodle Salad or Tom Yum Soup when you buy some of the 7-SELECT Thai items!
Cool down with our new and refreshing limited-edition Mr Softee flavour and Thai Milk Teas
Beat the heat with a cup of Mr Softee Coconut (U.P $1.50). inspired by the must-try coconut ice cream at Chatuchak Market, the brand new soft serve variety concocted as a cherry on top of all the Thai food to be devoured.
7-Eleven also introduces a new range of thirst-quenching 7CAFÉ Thai Milk Teas (Hot $2.40, Iced $3). each cup, comprising an authentic blend of Assam tea direct from India, is brewed to smooth perfection! Looking for a stronger caffeine kick? Try the 7CAFÉ Iced Thai Coffee Milk Tea (U.P $3.50) – a tasty and energising start to the day!
For more details on launch dates and the promotion, please refer to this summary table:
|
Product |
RSP |
Promotion |
Promo Period |
Launch Date |
|
7-SELECT Thai Boat Noodles
|
$4.50 |
Save $0.50 on Thai Glass Noodle Salad or Tom Yum Soup when you purchase 7-SELECT Thai Boat Noodles, Thai Red Curry Chicken with Rice, Phad Thai or Thai Basil Chicken with Rice |
18 Aug – 14 Sep 2021
|
18 Aug 2021 |
|
7-SELECT Thai Red Curry Chicken with Rice |
$4.50 |
|||
|
7-SELECT Thai Glass Noodle Salad |
$2.90 |
|||
|
7-SELECT Tom Yum Soup |
$3.00 |
24 Aug 2021 |
||
|
7-SELECT Phad Thai |
$4.00 |
|||
|
7-SELECT Thai Basil Chicken with Rice |
$3.90 |
|||
|
7CAFÉ Thai Milk Tea (Hot/Iced/Coffee Milk Tea) |
$2.40 (Hot) $3.00 (Iced) $3.50 (Iced Thai Coffee Milk Tea |
– |
– |
18 Aug 2021 |
|
Mr Softee Coconut |
$1.50 |
– |
– |
24 Aug 2021 |
About 7-Eleven
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.
For more information, visit 
www.7-eleven.com.sg
More promotions and updates can always be found on the 
7-Eleven Singapore Facebook page so stay tuned!
#7Eleven
Quantron Supports IKEA’s Emissions-free Delivery
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 17 August 2021 – Quantron, strategic partner of Ev Dynamics, delivers 30 electric vans to IKEA Austria.
Andreas Haller, founder and CEO of Quantron AG (left), hands over a symbolic key for the delivered vehicles to Claes Lindgren, Country Customer Fulfillment Manager IKEA Austria (right)
Quantron AG, handed over the first set of 100% emission-free vans to IKEA Austria, this week. The international furniture company IKEA has set itself the goal of becoming climate-positive by 2030. The e-mobility specialist Quantron supports IKEA in this mission and supplies the IKEA logistics center near Vienna with 30 environmentally friendly e-vehicles. The Germany based Quantron AG is strategic partner of Ev Dynamics.
Quantron’s first all-electric Q-Light was already used for extensive testing at the logistics center in June. With a range of at least 170 km, a drive power of 100 kW and a maximum charging power of 70 kW, the e-transporters are ideally equipped for routes between IKEA locations and customers’ delivery addresses. Initially, the vehicles will be used for deliveries to all 23 of Vienna’s municipal districts and within a 30 km radius of the logistics center.
Andreas Haller, founder and CEO of Quantron AG: “We are pleased to be able to support IKEA with our knowledge and expertise in this important step towards emission-free delivery. Quantron is proud to help companies like IKEA with our many years of e-mobility experience and our international network to make the switch to emission-free freight transport.”
Miguel Valldecabres Polop, CEO of Ev Dynamics, said: “Ev Dynamics and Quantron entered into a share swap agreement on 29 July 2021. Ev Dynamics is proud as investor and strategic partner for the win of this new business opportunity for Quantron AG.”
You can find the original photo in low and high resolution here: Press releases from Quantron AG
About Ev Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (Stock Code: 476)
Ev Dynamics (Holdings) Limited is a pioneer and a prominent player in China’s new energy commercial vehicles market, as well as a whole-vehicle manufacturer of specialty passenger vehicles and new energy passenger vehicles. It is an integrated driving and logistics solutions provider with a solid technological foundation in diverse areas including new energy platform power systems and their key components. The Group has a production base in Chongqing and it has developed its sales network in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Asia Pacific and South America.
#EvDynamics
About Quantron AG
Quantron AG is a provider of clean battery and hydrogen-powered e-mobility systems for commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses and vans. In addition to new electric vehicles, the wide range of services offered by the innovative solutions include the electrification of used and existing vehicles, the creation of individual overall concepts including the appropriate charging infrastructure as well as rental, financing and leasing services and driver training. Quantron AG also sells batteries and integrated customised electrification concepts to manufacturers of commercial vehicles, machinery and intralogistics vehicles. The German company from Augsburg in Bavaria is a pioneer and innovation driver for e-mobility in passenger, transport and freight traffic.
You can find more information at 
www.quantron.net
Visit the Quantron AG on its social media channels on 
LinkedIn and 
YouTube.
