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Australia’s ‘solar godfather’: Vietnam leads Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2025 – With the invention of solar cells using Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) technology, Prof. Martin Andrew Green from the University of New South Wales (Australia) and his team made a groundbreaking contribution to green energy production. Two years after receiving the 2023 VinFuture Grand Prize, he continues to push the boundaries of solar innovation, working to improve efficiency and help pave the way for a future of productive renewable energy harvest.

Prof. Martin Green, 2023 VinFuture Prize Laureate and Member of the VinFuture Prize Council, commended VinFuture and Vingroup's efforts in accelerating Vietnam's leading position in the global race to renewable energy.
Prof. Martin Green, 2023 VinFuture Prize Laureate and Member of the VinFuture Prize Council, commended VinFuture and Vingroup’s efforts in accelerating Vietnam’s leading position in the global race to renewable energy.

Nurturing the energy revolution

Renowned as the “godfather of solar,” Prof. Martin Green has spent over five decades advancing solar energy technologies. In 2023, Prof. Green’s revolutionary development of Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) technology, now used in over 90% of solar panels worldwide, earned him the VinFuture Grand Prize. Through the VinFuture Prize, Prof. Green has also had a unique perspective on Vietnam’s progress toward global sustainability, as he continues to become a member of the VinFuture Prize Council.

One of the most immediate outcomes was the opportunity to establish new collaborations in Vietnam. I have gained much greater insight into the progress being made in Vietnam’s clean energy sector than I knew before,” he shared.

Prof. Green also expressed deep appreciation for the VinFuture Prize, noting that winning such a significant award had undoubtedly enhanced his research group’s ability to attract the necessary resources to develop new ideas.

Earlier this year, his pioneering work was honored with a clean-energy ferry named after him in Australia. While he felt “fortunate to be selected,” Prof. Green emphasized that this recognition propelled him toward a broader movement for a global solar energy revolution.

We need to move faster,” he urged, pointing to the stark evidence already unfolding in Australia, including massive bushfires followed by widespread flooding that falls well outside the norm. “It is a bit of a sign of what lies in the future. We’re beginning to feel the initial effects of climate change, which will only intensify unless we take urgent action,” Prof. Green warned.

The “godfather of solar” also shared that the path forward hinges on international collaboration and government leadership. The global exchange of knowledge and talent has allowed innovations from his lab to influence commercial solar production in China, which in turn benefits countries like Australia that import these cost-effective solar technologies.

Much of that progress, Prof. Green added, has been made possible by falling prices driven by technologies like PERC, as well as support from international organizations such as the United Nations (UN). One of the UN’s key Sustainable Development Goals is to ensure universal access to energy by 2030 and solar offers the most viable path to get there.

Pushing solar frontiers

In recent years, Prof. Martin Green and his team have continuously challenged the boundaries of what photovoltaic technology can achieve. One of the most compelling directions in his current research revisits a landmark theoretical paper he wrote about 40 years ago, regarding the limits on the energy conversion efficiency of silicon cells.

At the time, most people believed that the efficiency limits lay just over 20% energy conversion efficiency. However, in my paper, I calculated the theoretical limit to be between 29% and 30%, significantly higher than what was commonly accepted,” he said, suggesting that 25% efficiency was a feasible target.

This insight became a key motivation for his team to explore greater efficiency gains. They set a practical goal of 25% efficiency, which they ultimately reached around the turn of the century. Today, many commercial solar cells already operate at this level of efficiency, getting closer to the 29-30% limit he proposed years ago.

The second area of focus involves stacking cells made from different materials on top of each other to capture more energy from sunlight. Sunlight can be regarded as a stream of particles called photons. Silicon cells respond to photons of all colors in sunlight, from blue to red and even to the lower-energy infrared ones that our eyes can’t see. However, blue photons contain much more energy than needed, and in standard silicon cells, that excess energy is wasted.

This is the key reasons behind the limits on the energy conversion efficiency of silicon cells.

One material showing strong potential in lab settings is a special kind of perovskite, made with heavy elements like lead and iodine. Still, there is no guarantee that perovskites will meet the stability standards required for widespread commercial use, which is why researchers are also investigating alternative materials. Though these alternatives don’t currently match perovskites in performance, they may offer better long-term reliability.

These approaches, aiming to increase efficiency, have opened a door for the large-scale deployment of the solar revolution.

According to Prof. Green, it has been a key driver in the dramatic cost reductions in photovoltaics over the past few decades. “If we can transition to one of these stacked tandem cells, like perovskite on silicon, it could revolutionize not only performance but also system-wide cost dynamics. Not so much in the cost of making the cell, but by leveraging those efficiency gains to reduce the broader costs of solar deployment,” he emphasized.

Bringing down the cost of cell production will be a key to expanding the interest in using them. According to the International Energy Agency, solar power delivers some of the cheapest electricity in history.

The exciting thing is that the cost of solar is still coming down despite the massive decreases we have seen over the last 15 years. It continues to fall week by week,” he said. “We witnessed the agricultural revolution and then the industrial revolution. Now, many believe we are entering an energy revolution, where it becomes so affordable and accessible that new applications open up.”

However, one of the biggest near-term challenges is finding a cell that can be used in these stacks. Silicon is an ideal material for photovoltaics as it is abundant, non-toxic, and stable. What’s missing is a complementary material that matches these qualities while offering additional performance benefits.

In this search, artificial intelligence can provide a much wider scanning of possibilities than traditional methods permit. The whole material system will be canvassed, and perhaps some new materials will be identified.

The potential of Vietnam

As the global race to renewable energy and net-zero emissions accelerates, Vietnam is not standing on the sidelines. In terms of photovoltaics, he cited the data suggesting that over 10% of Vietnam’s electricity has been generated from solar in recent years.

As the adoption scales up, the uptake needs to match the electricity network’s ability to absorb solar power. This requires parallel investment in battery storage systems and other stabilizing technologies, and Prof. Green believed Vietnam is progressing well on this front.

So I think Vietnam would be one of Southeast Asia’s leaders in terms of photovoltaics,” he remarked, Vietnam is probably already leading Southeast Asia in the clean energy transition.”

In Southeast Asia, where two-wheeled vehicles dominate urban transportation, the shift toward electric scooters is also crucial. Drawing parallels with China, where the replacement of fossil-fueled bikes with electric versions has reduced pollution and CO₂ emissions, he believed that Southeast Asian nations could see similar environmental benefits by following this path.

On this front, Prof. Green was impressed by VinFast’s electric vehicles when visiting Vietnam in 2023.

The quality of the cars seemed like genuinely competitive products. I also like the electric buses that VinBus has developed in Vietnam,” he stated. “In this context, Vingroup seems to be leading the way in developing vehicles that can meet this potential demand,” he noted.

The VinFuture Prize has also enabled Prof. Green to build valuable connections with experts in clean technology and beyond. “I shared the 2023 VinFuture Grand Prize with Prof. Rachid Yazami, Prof. Akira Yoshino and Prof. Stanley Whittingham, whose pioneering work is in lithium-ion batteries. Meeting those people and getting to understand their contributions better has been really important to me as well“, he said.

Reflecting on the diversity of fields represented, he noted:”The VinFuture Prize is not limited to clean energy; it is designed to honor innovations with global impact across a wide range of disciplines.”

Hashtag: #VinFuture

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

VinFuture

The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Madam Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation’s core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, which recognizes transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide.

The VinFuture Prize is now accepting nominations for the 2026 VinFuture Prize. Submit your nominations here: https://vinfutureprize.org/vinfuture-prize-nomination/. Outstanding nominators will be honored through the VinFuture Nominator Recognition Program.

The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, making it one of the largest annual prizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, specifically dedicated to honoring Women Innovators, Innovators from Developing Countries, and Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields.

PETRONAS Lubricants India Secures Aftermarket Service Fill Contract from Mahindra Automotive Division, Strengthening Its Presence in India


MUMBAI, INDIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2025 – PETRONAS Lubricants (India) Pvt. Ltd. (PLIPL), a subsidiary of PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI), has been awarded the Aftermarket Service Fill contract by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (Mahindra), India’s leading SUV manufacturer, strengthening its footprint in the country’s automotive lubricant segment.

[From L-R] R. Veeraghavan, Senior Vice President Strategic Sourcing, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.; and Binu Chandy, Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Lubricants India Pvt. Ltd at the signing ceremony.​
[From L-R]
R. Veeraghavan, Senior Vice President Strategic Sourcing, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.; and Binu Chandy, Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Lubricants India Pvt. Ltd at the signing ceremony.​

PLIPL will be the sole distributor of vehicle fluids to Mahindra’s authorised dealers, workshops and stockists under the Maximile brand within Mahindra’s South Zone Distribution network in India. This includes engine oils, transmission oils, axle oils and steering fluids, spanning 50 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), catering to a wide range of passenger cars and SUVs across the region.

This collaboration marks a strategic step for PLIPL, reinforcing its commitment to deliver high performance, OEM-aligned solutions to India’s rapidly growing automotive market. Through decades of engineering expertise, PLIPL’s innovative products will now be accessible to a broader market, enabling more customers to experience its award-winning Fluid Technology Solutions™ while supporting the future of mobility in India with Mahindra as a trusted partner.

Binu Chandy, Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Lubricants India Pvt. Ltd. [7th from Left] and R. Veeraghavan, Senior Vice President Strategic Sourcing, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., [6th from Left] accompanied by other PETRONAS Lubricants International and Mahindra representatives at the signing ceremony held in Mumbai on 19 June 2025.​
Binu Chandy, Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Lubricants India Pvt. Ltd. [7th from Left] and R. Veeraghavan, Senior Vice President Strategic Sourcing, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., [6th from Left] accompanied by other PETRONAS Lubricants International and Mahindra representatives at the signing ceremony held in Mumbai on 19 June 2025.​

It reflects a shared vision between Mahindra and PETRONAS Lubricants International for delivering superior quality and performance in the automotive sector. With proven capabilities in R&D, manufacturing, and global distribution, PETRONAS Lubricants International is ideally positioned to support Mahindra’s expansive service network and evolving customer expectations.

The agreement was signed by Binu Chandy, Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Lubricants India Pvt. Ltd. and R. Veeraraghavan, Senior Vice President Strategic Sourcing, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., at the signing ceremony held in Mumbai on 19 June 2025.

Hashtag: #PETRONASLubricantsInternational

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

About PETRONAS Lubricants International

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) is the global lubricants manufacturing and marketing arm of PETRONAS, Malaysia’s dynamic global energy group. Established in 2008, PLI manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality automotive and industrial lubricant products in over 100 markets internationally. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, PLI also has offices around the world including Turin, Belo Horizonte, Beijing, and Chicago. PLI is the technical resource behind PETRONAS’ partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, responsible for the design, development and delivery of the Fluid Technology Solutions™, which includes customised lubricants, fuels and transmission fluids to power the Silver Arrows.

We are a progressive energy and solutions partner, enriching lives for a sustainable future. Our commitment remains to conduct and grow our business in ways that contribute positively to society and the environment.

PLI is driving an aggressive business growth agenda as one of the leading global lubricants companies at the forefront of the industry, providing custom-made solutions for every need. For more information, please visit.

Own Award-Winning Luxury Resort-Style Residences at Thailand’s VEHHA Hua Hin with Limited-Time Discounts

Discover Luxury Resort-Style Living at VEHHA Hua Hin – Thailand’s Tallest Residential Tower Offering Panoramic Ocean Views, Hotel-Style Services, and a Complete Living Lifestyle with Exclusive Access to VANA NAVA Water Jungle and Prime Coastal Connectivity


Experience Fitwel-Certified Living with Panoramic Ocean Views, Exclusive Privileges, and a Convenient Coastal Location

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2025 – Proud Real Estate Plc is delighted to present an exceptional opportunity to own a prestigious residence at VEHHA Hua Hin, the tallest and most iconic residential tower in the coastal city of Hua Hin, Thailand. As part of a limited-time promotion, selected units are now available, with starting prices from USD 118,000 (June 2025). Fully completed and ready for immediate occupancy, VEHHA Hua Hin represents a new standard of wellness-inspired living, combining cutting-edge design, unrivaled amenities, premium hospitality services partners and prime location.

VEHHA Hua Hin Thailand
VEHHA Hua Hin Thailand

Recognized with the Fitwel Design Certification in the multifamily residential category, this award-winning development emphasizes health, well-being, and sustainability through innovative architecture and curated services. Offering panoramic ocean views from every residence, VEHHA Hua Hin is a rare blend of luxury and wellness, ideally positioned for discerning homeowners and investors seeking a future-focused property in one of Thailand’s most sought-after destinations.

Setting a New Benchmark in Wellness & Well-being Real Estate

VEHHA Hua Hin is a landmark development that redefines luxury living in Thailand. Standing 31 stories high, it is the tallest residential tower in Hua Hin, offering 364 fully furnished units across a variety of layouts, including 1-bedroom, 1-bedroom plus, and penthouse configurations. Each unit is designed with panoramic ocean views, privacy-enhancing Single Corridor layouts, and abundant natural light, ensuring a sophisticated living experience that harmonizes with the surrounding environment.

“Every element of VEHHA Hua Hin—from its design and amenities to its services and infrastructure—embodies Proud Real Estate’s brand philosophy, which is ‘ALL IS WELL,'” stated Ms. Proudputh Liptapanlop, Executive Director of Proud Real Estate Plc. “This is not just a statement but our sincere commitment to crafting a world-class residence that enhances every dimension of life.”

Beyond its architectural brilliance, VEHHA Hua Hin provides a seamless vacation lifestyle through a curated selection of a-la-carte hospitality services by the world-renowned Holiday Inn Resort VANA NAVA Hua Hin, including housekeeping, private catering, and room service etc. Residents also enjoy exclusive access to hotel-level amenities at privileged rates, enriching every aspect of the ‘ALL IS WELL’ living philosophy, as well as a complimentary three-year pass to the VANA NAVA Water Jungle, one of Thailand’s premier water parks.

To further enhance the living experience, Proud Real Estate has partnered with leading wellness and healthcare providers to offer personalized wellness programs, ensuring that residents enjoy a holistic lifestyle that nurtures physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure Upgrades

Strategically located in the Nong Kae area, VEHHA Hua Hin offers unparalleled convenience. It is just 700 meters from the beach, steps from the train station, and a short five-minute drive to Hua Hin’s vibrant downtown. This prime location ensures a harmonious blend of accessibility and tranquility, making it an ideal choice for vacation homes, retirement residences, expatriates, digital nomads, and long-term investments.

Hua Hin’s appeal as a premium destination is further bolstered by significant infrastructure upgrades, including:

  • Highway 35 (M35) Upgrade: Will cut Bangkok–Hua Hin drive time to 1 hour by late 2025.
  • Dual-Track Railway: In use since 2023, cutting Hua Hin train time by 25%.
  • High-Speed Rail: Will reduce Bangkok–Hua Hin travel to 1 hour once complete.
  • Hua Hin Airport Expansion: Finishing in 2026, upgrading to international standards and boosting tourism.
  • Thailand Riviera Project: 950 km coastal road across 12 provinces to enhance tourism and local economies.

Hua Hin: A Timeless and Evolving Destination

Hua Hin, a destination steeped in history and charm, has evolved into a world-class retreat for travelers and residents alike. Its stunning beaches, cultural landmarks, and tranquil atmosphere make it a preferred choice for those seeking a blend of relaxation and modern convenience.

With travel times from Bangkok ranging between 2 to 3.5 hours, Hua Hin has become increasingly accessible, attracting both Thai and international visitors. The town’s compact geography and scarcity of prime real estate, particularly in beachfront and city-center locations, have driven demand for high-rise developments, making projects like VEHHA Hua Hin highly desirable.

Real Estate Growth and Investment Opportunities

Hua Hin’s real estate market continues to demonstrate steady growth, with annual increases of 5 to 7 percent over the past five years. A report by Colliers Thailand highlights the strong momentum of high-rise developments in the region, particularly across Hua Hin, Cha-Am, and Pranburi, with 76 percent of launched units sold by the end of 2024.

Buyer demographics reveal that 85 percent of units are sold to Thai nationals, with the remaining 15 percent purchased by foreign investors from countries such as Germany, the United States, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. At VEHHA Hua Hin, however, foreign buyers account for approximately 50% of current sales—significantly higher than the regional average—with most coming from the United States and European countries. This reflects strong international confidence in the project’s design, quality, and alignment with global lifestyle expectations. Luxury rental yields in Hua Hin range between 4 to 6.5 percent annually, with VEHHA Hua Hin expected to deliver yields of 5.5 to 6 percent, making it an attractive option for investors seeking stable returns.

A Vision for the Future

Ms. Proudputh envisions Hua Hin as a “destination of the future”, uniquely positioned to attract international demand despite domestic economic challenges. “Hua Hin offers a unique lifestyle rooted in wellness, blending natural beauty, cultural charm, and modern conveniences,” she remarked.

The scarcity of prime land in Hua Hin, particularly in central and beachfront locations, has made high-rise developments like VEHHA Hua Hin increasingly rare and sought-after. With its unrestricted ocean views, luxurious amenities, and award-winning design, VEHHA Hua Hin represents a transformative vision for the future of wellness living in Thailand.

Don’t Miss This Exclusive Opportunity

For more information and exclusive offers, visit: https://bit.ly/VEHHAglobalhub

Note: This press release contains forward-looking statements about market performance and investment returns. Actual results may vary. Investors should conduct their own due diligence before making investment decisions.

Hashtag: #ProudRealestate #AllisWell #RommConvent #LuxuryWellnessResidences #CondoSathorn #CondoHighRise #Condo #Bangkok #CBD



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

PROUD REAL ESTATE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED

Proud Real Estate is Thailand’s leading luxury wellness-focused property developer, renowned for creating holistic living environments that seamlessly integrate health optimization, sustainability, and timeless design. With a portfolio of internationally awarded projects, Proud Real Estate consistently delivers above-market investment returns while setting new benchmarks in luxury and resident well-being. The company gained global recognition for the development of one of only eight world-class branded residences under the InterContinental name—further solidifying Proud’s reputation for excellence in luxury real estate.

Lao Pension Rules Updated: 25-Year Contribution Required

This image is used only for representational purpose . (photo credit: Hakan Nural ob Unsplash)

Effective 2 June and announced publicly on 22 June, the Lao government has introduced updated pension regulations to standardize eligibility and benefit calculations for retirees.

Under the new rules, workers must contribute to the social security system for a minimum of 25 years to qualify for full pension benefits. The retirement age now ranges between 57 and 60 years for men, and 55 to 60 years for women, depending on individual circumstances.

Workers who have contributed slightly less, between 23 and 24 years, remain eligible for retirement but will receive a reduced pension, with a one percent deduction for each year below the 25-year threshold.

By comparison, the previous system allowed workers to retire at age 60 with at least 25 years of contributions, while women had the option to retire earlier at 55. It also permitted those missing up to three years in age or two years in contributions to receive pensions, subject to a similar one percent reduction per year shortfall.

Special provisions continue to apply for early retirement to certain groups. This includes individuals who joined the revolutionary movement before 1975, workers who have spent five or more years in hazardous environments, and those who have lost work capacity due to exposure to chemicals or toxins. 

For these groups, early retirement is allowed at age 55 for men and 50 for women, provided they have contributed for at least 20 years.

Furthermore, workers who served under the pre-1975 regime benefit from preferential service crediting, every three years of service during that period counts as one additional year toward pension eligibility.

For workers who do not meet the criteria for a monthly pension, a one-time lump-sum payment will be offered. This payment is calculated at 85 percent of the worker’s final monthly salary, multiplied by 1.5 months, and then multiplied by the total number of contribution years.

These changes do not affect military personnel and police officers, who remain subject to retirement regulations under separate laws governing the Lao People’s Army and national public security forces.

Laos, South Korea Launch Medical University Project in Vientiane

A signing ceremony btween Laos and South Korea (Photo: University of Health Sciences Laos)

Laos is establishing the first infrastructure for the University of Health Sciences (UHS) in Vientiane Capital, aiming to advance the medical sector through human resource training. 

Travel Smart: Get Rewarded for Flying Direct to Hualien from Hong Kong


HUALIEN, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2025 – Discover a new side of Taiwan with the new direct flight from Hong Kong to Hualien, launched in late 2024 by HK Express. Operating four times a week, this route makes it easier to reach Hualien’s stunning landscapes without the hassle of transfers or long train rides. Travelers can also fly to Kaohsiung on China Airlines and then connect to Hualien with Mandarin Airlines. Also, The Hualien County Government is offering 1,000 limited travel incentives, valid for the entire trip.

2 hours to Hualien—mountains, sea, and culture in reach.
2 hours to Hualien—mountains, sea, and culture in reach.

Hualien is famous for its majestic mountains and Pacific coastline. Just 15 minutes from the city center is Ci Sing Tan Scenic Spot, currently hosting the Pacific Ocean International Rock Balancing Festival. You can also enjoy boat tours to spot dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. While some areas of Taroko National Park are under maintenance, visitors can still explore the peaceful Taroko Visitor Center and stay at the nearby five-star Silks Place Taroko.

Known as one of the world’s most welcoming cities, Hualien offers natural healing amid mountains, sea, and the East Rift Valley’s rice fields and tea plantations. Immerse yourself in indigenous culture through unique dining experiences and guided forest exploration.

To attract more international visitors, the Hualien County Government is offering the “Sustainable Travel in Hualien” program rewards groups of 12 or more who book through certified local agencies and stay two or more nights. Rewards include NT$2,000 (about HK$500) per person plus NT$1,000 for each additional night, available through November 2025.

Summer highlights include a pop-up water park at Liyu Lake (Jul. 12–Aug. 10), the Hualien Summer Festival concerts (Jul. 23–27), and the Hualien Starry Night Concert in partnership with the beloved global IP The Little Prince (Aug. 2 in Fuli and Aug. 23 at Ci Sing Tan Scenic Spot). Don’t miss the Pacific Austronesian Joint Harvest Festival, taking place from July 18 to 20—a vibrant celebration of indigenous music, dance, cuisine, and cultural traditions.

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature and culture? This summer, treat yourself to an impromptu getaway with a direct flight to Hualien.

For more information or to find a travel agency, visit the official “Sustainable Travel in Hualien” website: https://hltrip.tw/agency/

Hashtag: #HualienCountyCulturalAffairsBureau

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

Swee Heng Introduces More Toast & Roll Locations Islandwide


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2025 – Swee Heng Group is expanding its new bakery concept, Toast & Roll, with several new outlets opening across Singapore in 2025. The brand’s latest retail expansion aims to introduce a modern, grab-and-go bakery experience to more neighbourhoods, following a strong customer response to its first few locations.

Swee Heng Introduces More Toast & Roll Locations Islandwide
Swee Heng Introduces More Toast & Roll Locations Islandwide

Bringing a Fresh Concept to Familiar Neighbourhoods
Initially launched to provide a new experience distinct from Swee Heng’s existing brands like Swee Heng 1989 Classic, Toast & Roll has grown steadily since its debut. The company has opened outlets at Jurong Point, Oasis Terraces, Tampines MRT, Novena Square, and Bedok Mall. This year, upcoming locations are set to open at The LINQ @ Beauty World, Lentor Modern, West Mall, and Heartland Mall Kovan.

The decision to expand Toast & Roll stems from evolving consumer preferences, particularly a demand for bakery products that are not only high in quality but also lifestyle-oriented and convenient. With a broadened menu focusing on toasts and cake rolls but complemented by croissants, Danish pastries, tarts, and festive exclusives, the brand looks to tap into a growing appetite for artisanal, portable baked goods with a modern twist.

Toast & Roll is perfectly positioned to meet these expectations, especially with our Research and Development team constantly innovating and adapting to global influences,” shared a spokesperson from Swee Heng Group. “This growth journey allows us to stay ahead of consumer trends and present new ideas in a form that’s exciting, modern, and highly relatable.”

Creating Value for All Stakeholders
However, the value does not end with the customer. This retail expansion is also slated to create opportunities for employees through internal mobility, cross-training, and leadership development across outlets. For stakeholders, the growth supports long-term brand equity by enhancing visibility and improving the innovation pipeline. Each new outlet contributes to the company’s operational scale, helping Swee Heng respond quickly to market changes while ensuring consistency across service and quality.

New Loyalty App to Enhance Customer Experience
Alongside this broader retail expansion, Swee Heng is also preparing to launch a new loyalty app that will integrate rewards and payment functions across all brands within the Group. Designed to streamline the customer experience, the app will allow users to earn and redeem points, make in-app payments, and purchase or gift vouchers.

By offering these functions on a single platform, the brand aims to enhance convenience while encouraging greater engagement across outlets, including Toast & Roll. It also reflects Swee Heng’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its digital presence and provide customers with a more seamless and connected way to interact with its offerings.

Positioning for Long-Term Growth
Despite facing challenges such as location scouting, recruitment, and operational alignment, Swee Heng has leveraged its experience and infrastructure to support a smooth rollout of the new Toast & Roll outlets.

A spokesperson for the company noted, “Toast & Roll is a strong example of our ability to move beyond traditional formats and launch bold, differentiated concepts that still align with our heritage and quality standards. Its success and expansion reinforce our position as a brand builder with an innovative edge.”

By developing a brand that both complements and refreshes its core identity, Swee Heng aims to continue shaping bakery trends in Singapore while extending its market presence and industry relevance.
Hashtag: #SweeHeng #Bakery #ToastandRoll #RetailExpansion



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

About Swee Heng Bakery

Established in 1989 with its first outlet at Jurong Estate, Swee Heng Bakery is the pioneer brand under the Swee Heng Group. Over the past three decades, it has grown into a familiar household name with over 35 outlets islandwide, offering a wide range of for all occasions. The brand is known for its commitment to quality and affordability, making it a trusted choice for customers seeking a .

Laos Clarifies LAK 3,000 Telecom Fee After Viral Video Sparks Public Doubt

Laos Clarifies LAK 3000 Telecom Fee After Viral Video Sparks Public Backlash
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo credit: Kelly Telecom)

A government official has clarified the purpose of the LAK 3,000 (USD 0.14) monthly telecom “security fee” following public backlash sparked by a viral video of a National Assembly session, in which even the Minister of Finance admitted he was unaware of how the money was being used.