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ESG Malaysia Summit 2025 Concludes with Industry Milestones and Clear Direction for Malaysia’s ESG Agenda

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The ESG Malaysia Summit 2025 has successfully concluded, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, industry practitioners, and sustainability experts to advance Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) adoption across Malaysia and ASEAN, and address the evolving ESG landscape shaping ASEAN’s competitiveness, export readiness, and long-term resilience.

ESG Malaysia Summit 2025 Concludes with Industry Milestones and Clear Direction for Malaysia’s ESG Agenda
ESG Malaysia Summit 2025 Concludes with Industry Milestones and Clear Direction for Malaysia’s ESG Agenda

A key milestone of the Summit was the formal exchange of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between ESG Malaysia and the Malaysia Steel Institute (MSI), marking a strategic collaboration to accelerate ESG readiness and adoption within Malaysia’s steel and metal sector. Led by YBrs. Mr. Steven Lee, President of ESG Malaysia, and Ts. Dr. Nurul Muiz Murad, CEO of MSI, the partnership focuses on embedding ESG principles into one of ASEAN’s most critical manufacturing industries.

The LOI reflects Malaysia’s growing commitment to responsible industrial development and supports its role as a reference for ESG integration in heavy industries across ASEAN, in response to increasing global expectations on sustainability and climate disclosure in international markets.

Aligning ASEAN Businesses with Global Sustainability Expectations

The ESG Malaysia Summit 2025 addressed critical regional themes, including supply chain transparency, climate risk, sustainability reporting, and the alignment of ASEAN businesses with international frameworks such as IFRS S1 and S2, as well as emerging climate-related trade and disclosure requirements.

Karl Godderis, CEO of EUROCHAM Malaysia, commented:
“The Summit created a timely dialogue between Malaysia’s domestic sustainability priorities and the sustainability expectations of international markets. This is especially relevant as ASEAN economies navigate evolving trade agreements and global climate commitments.”

Christopher Ng, Chairman of Digitalisation at SAMENTA and representative of Trinity42, added:
“The Summit delivered valuable market intelligence for businesses operating across ASEAN. Discussions on future-proofing operations and digitalisation strongly aligned with how companies must adapt to the region’s next phase of growth.”

Yazmin Islahudin, Head of Sustainability, EDOTCO Group, highlighted the importance of continued engagement:
“As the sustainability landscape evolves at an unprecedented pace, ongoing dialogue is essential. The ESG Summit provides a vital platform for industries, regulators, and partners to remain aligned as expectations change. EDOTCO is honoured to contribute and looks forward to continuing our role in shaping the sustainability agenda with ESG Malaysia.”

Participants consistently highlighted the Summit’s practical focus and strong engagement, noting its value in translating ESG commitments into actionable strategies across diverse ASEAN markets.

Regional Collaboration at the Core

Supported by an extensive ecosystem — including EUROCHAM Malaysia, SME Corp. Malaysia, CanCham Malaysia, SAMENTA, Climate Governance Malaysia, the Energy Industries Council (EIC), Eco-Business, Malaysia Steel Institute (MSI), Orbis Business School, and GEDS — the Summit demonstrated the importance of public-private collaboration in advancing ESG adoption across ASEAN.

Sustaining ASEAN ESG Momentum

Founded in 2022, ESG Malaysia continues to play a critical role in advancing ESG awareness, climate risk mitigation, and practitioner capability development beyond national borders. Key post-Summit initiatives include:

  • Expansion of the ESG Malaysia Education Hub, supporting ASEAN professionals with certified training in sustainability accounting, assurance, and climate reporting
  • Development of sector-specific ESG programmes relevant to regional manufacturing, SMEs, and exporters
  • Progress toward forming an ASEAN ESG Alliance, with strategic partners in mainland China, Taiwan region, Korea, and Japan, strengthening Asia-wide ESG cooperation and knowledge exchange
  • Establishment of a dedicated ESG Malaysia Secretariat Office to support structured regional engagement

PR Newswire is the sponsored media of ESG Malaysia Summit 2025.

About ESG Malaysia 

ESG Malaysia is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices across Malaysia and ASEAN. Through advocacy, partnerships, and capacity-building, ESG Malaysia empowers public, private, and non-profit sectors to strengthen sustainability frameworks, align with global standards, and build a climate-resilient, inclusive economy.

A Holiday Christmas Magic: Coca-Cola Bridges Miles by Bringing “Sound of Home” to Overseas Filipino Workers in Australia

In partnership with SBS, Australia’s multicultural and multilingual public broadcaster, Coca-Cola delivered a 24-hour Christmas Day broadcast of heartfelt carols and messages of gratitude, bringing Filipino families closer to loved ones working in Australia this festive season.


SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 December 2025 – For millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Christmas carries a quiet longing: another year spent celebrating from thousands of miles away. This year, Coca-Cola set out to bring the warmth of home back to them through SoundOfHome.FM, a 24-hour Christmas broadcast that turned Australia’s airwaves into a powerful audio love letter from families in the Philippines, connecting people across thousands of miles.

SoundOfHome

The holiday season is meant to be joyful, yet for many OFWs, the weight of distance can dim the spirit they work so hard to sustain for others. Grounded in the global Christmas insight that “the pressures of the holidays steal the Christmas spirit from the true givers,” Coca-Cola sought to uplift these unsung heroes in a way that only Coca-Cola could: through the familiar, comforting Sounds of Home.

More than an airwave takeover, SoundOfHome.FM became an emotional conduit, a continuous stream of Caroloke (carol + karaoke), touching dedications, and heartfelt messages of gratitude recorded by families across the Philippines dedicated for the loved ones they miss every day. It allowed love to travel across oceans in the most human way possible.

“This initiative comes from a place of deep respect for the people who give so much of themselves from far away, a recognition of their immense, yet quiet sacrifices,” shared Francis Izon Reyes, Coca-Cola Marketing Director for ASEAN & South Pacific. “We know that during the holidays, the distance and not being with family can feel heavier than ever. With SoundOfHome.FM, we wanted to bring a moment of comfort, a small piece of home to Filipinos overseas – a familiar voice, a favourite carol, something to remind them that their sacrifice, love, and dedication are seen, valued, and deeply appreciated. That is the real spirit of Christmas, and we are honoured to help bring it to life.”

The groundwork started weeks before Christmas Day, where Coca-Cola brought the Philippines together through a nationwide Caroloke Caravan —visiting key cities and major Pasko (Christmas) Festivals to help families record personalised messages and carols. From children singing their parents’ favourite Christmas songs to spouses whispering the ‘thank you’ they’ve held onto all year, each message carried profound emotional weight.

Families also had access to a digital platform where they could upload dedications remotely. A unique notification system ensured OFWs received personalised alerts inviting them to tune in once their family’s message was scheduled to air, guaranteeing the moment would reach its intended recipient.

The 24-hour broadcast went on air from 6pm on Christmas Eve to 6pm on Christmas Day, bringing festive cheer to listeners throughout the broadcast. It was a day of celebration and nostalgia, a reminder that even when ocean separate families, the sound of home can still find a way.

Coca-Cola also released a powerful Christmas film titled, ‘Sound of Home’. Filmed across Australia, it captures real, authentic reactions from OFWs as they hear their families’ voices mid-shift: a mechanic wiping away tears inside a garage, a convenience store clerk stunned into silence, a kitchen hand breaking into a smile that says everything. These moments reveal a simple truth — sometimes, hearing someone you love is enough to feel home again.

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Reyes added, “Our simple wish is that with this project, we hope we were able to bring even a moment of warmth to those spending Christmas far from home. If the Sound of Home helped one person feel remembered even for a few seconds, then we’ve done something meaningful this season.”

Nikhil Panjwani, Executive Creative Director Ogilvy @WPP OpenX, the creative agency supporting the campaign, commented, “Christmas is about togetherness, but for millions of OFWs, it’s defined by distance. SoundOfHome.FM was our way of using something as simple as radio to bring families closer — if only for a moment — on a day when it matters most. We couldn’t shorten the distance — but we did close the silence with a 24-hour love letter, in audio form.”

The Sound of Home initiative reinforces the Coca-ColaTM brand’s longstanding belief in the power of human connection. By uplifting those who give so much of themselves during the holidays, Coca-Cola celebrates the real magic of Christmas — the simple yet profound moments that bring us back to one another.

Even when families are oceans apart, the feeling of home can still find its way through.

Watch the Sound of Home film on YouTube or visit SoundOfHome.FM to learn more. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest news about the brand.

Hashtag: #Coca-Cola

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

About Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. The Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific (ASP) operating unit serves 25 diverse countries across Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. We offer a diverse portfolio of great-tasting beverages including sparkling beverages, water, juices, dairy, nutrition, sports, and tea. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities, and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices, and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain.

Together with our bottling partners, we help bring economic opportunity to local communities across the region.

Learn more at and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About OpenX

WPP Open X is a bespoke global agency model created in November 2021 for The Coca-Cola Company that’s integrated at its core and unprecedented in its scale. Our work spans across over 200 brands in 195 countries and provides access to the entire agency network and the best talent, capabilities and resources in and outside of WPP. Combining scale and agility, WPP Open X supercharges creativity and is a multiplier for growth and innovation.

ABL Bio Receives Upfront Payment for License, Research and Collaboration Agreement for Grabody Platform and Equity Investment from Lilly

– Secured a total of 55 million in R&D funding, including 40 million in upfront payment and 15 million in equity investment

– Accelerating R&D on core technologies, including expansion of indications for the Grabody platform

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ABL Bio (CEO Sang Hoon Lee), a company specializing in bispecific antibodies, announced that ABL Bio will receive a USD 40 million upfront payment for the license, research and collaboration agreement for its Grabody platform, and a USD 15 million equity investment from Eli Lilly and Company (“Lilly”).

ABL Bio and Lilly are currently conducting joint research and development on multiple therapeutic candidates leveraging the Grabody platform across various modalities.

In parallel with strengthening its collaboration with Lilly, ABL Bio plans to accelerate R&D on its core technologies—including the bispecific antibody platform ‘Grabody’, bispecific ADCs, and dual-payload ADCs—using the newly secured funding.

Sang Hoon Lee, CEO of ABL Bio said, “With the completion of the relevant administrative procedures, including the HSR Act, ABL Bio will receive the upfront payment and equity investment from Lilly. The company plans to use the newly secured funding to expand the indications of its Grabody platform into high-unmet-need areas such as obesity and muscle disorders. ABL Bio also intends to extend clinical development of its bispecific immuno-oncology candidates into combination therapies and focus on advancing next-generation ADC programs.”

Meanwhile, on November 12 and 14, ABL Bio signed a license, research and collaboration agreement for Grabody platform with Lilly valued at USD 2.602 billion (including a USD 40 million upfront payment), as well as a USD 15 million equity investment agreement. Based on these agreements, ABL Bio explores a broad range of collaborative opportunities with Lilly to develop therapies from a long-term perspective.

About ABL Bio

ABL Bio is developing various clinical and non-clinical assets based on its bispecific antibody platform ‘Grabody’. Clinical projects for 8 pipelines, including ABL301 (SAR446159), ABL001 (tovecimig), ABL111 (givastomig), ABL503 (ragistomig), ABL105 (YH32367), ABL104 (YH32364), ABL103, and ABL202 (CS5001/LCB71), are underway for different indications in various countries, including the United States, China, Australia, and Korea. Following the completion of the Phase 1 clinical trial of ABL301 (SAR446159), Sanofi will conduct the subsequent clinical studies. ABL001 (tovecimig) has received Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, ABL111 (givastomig), co-developed with NovaBridge, has presented encouraging data from the Phase 1b clinical trial evaluating the triple combination therapy with nivolumab and chemotherapy in ESMO GI 2025. In addition, ABL Bio is continuously researching and developing several other product candidates, including bispecific antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

 

Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Officially Opens, Strengthening Regional Connectivity

The Fifth Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge, linking Bolikhamxay, Laos, with Bueng Kan, Thailand, officially opened on 25 December, with public use beginning on 27 December.

The Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, connecting Bolikhamxay Province in Laos with Bueng Kan Province in Thailand, officially inaugurated on 25 December,with public use beginning on 27 December.

The 1,350-meter bridge directly links Laos’ Route 13 with Thailand’s Highway 244, creating seamless integration between the two countries’ road networks. 

The opening coincides with the 75th anniversary of Lao-Thai diplomatic relations in 2025, reinforcing the bridge’s role as both a vital transport corridor and a symbol of enduring bilateral cooperation.

High-level dignitaries attended the inauguration ceremony, including Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)

Expanding Network of Friendship Bridges

The new bridge joins four existing Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. 

The first bridge, connecting Vientiane and Nong Khai at 1,174 meters, opened in April 1994. The second linked Savannakhet and Mukdahan provinces in late 2006, followed by the third connecting Khammouane and Nakhon Phanom provinces in November 2011. 

The fourth and longest bridge at 2,480 meters, linking Huay Xay district in Bokeo Province with Chiang Khong district in Chiang Rai Province, opened in December 2013.

Plans are already underway for a sixth Mekong River bridge, which would connect Salavanh in southern Laos with Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand, further expanding cross-border connectivity.

A Decade in the Making

The bridge’s development took more than a decade, beginning with feasibility studies and design work from 2012 to 2014. 

A formal construction agreement was signed in June 2019 between the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Thailand’s Ministry of Transport. 

Construction started on the Thai side in June 2020 and on the Lao side in January 2021, with the final concrete connection completed in June 2025. 

Agreements on ownership, management, and long-term maintenance were also finalized, and the bridge includes advanced structural health monitoring systems to ensure safety and durability.

The total investment was THB 3.93 billion (about USD 126.3 million), with Thailand contributing THB 2.63 billion (USD 84.5 million) and Laos providing THB 1.3 billion (USD 41.8 million) through a concessional loan from Thailand’s Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA).

The new bridge is expected to cut travel time between Bolikhamxay and Bueng Kan by up to three hours, improving the flow of people and goods.

 It also forms part of the shortest land route connecting Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, about 150 kilometers via Lao National Road No. 8, and is a key link in the broader transport corridor between Vientiane Capital, Bolikhamxay Province, and Vietnam, supporting Laos’ goal of becoming a “land-linked” nation.

Gateway to Future Development

The new bridge not only improves travel and trade along Lao National Road No. 8 but also positions Bolikhamxay Province as a central hub in an emerging multimodal transport network. 

Two major infrastructure projects are set to further enhance the province’s strategic importance: a USD 6.6 billion railway connecting Vientiane Capital to Vietnam’s Vung Ang Port, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and operations by 2030,  giving Laos its first direct access to maritime trade routes; and the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, a USD 1.9 billion, 203.8-kilometer stretch scheduled for completion by 2030.

Together, these projects will create an integrated network linking Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and China, expected to reduce logistics costs, attract investment, expand tourism, and accelerate regional integration under initiatives such as the Greater Mekong Subregion and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS).

Thailand Says Hindu Statue Removed to Control Border Area

Thailand Says Hindu Statue Removed to Control Border Area
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo credit: Facebook)

AFP – Thailand on Thursday defended its military’s demolition of a Hindu statue along the border with Cambodia, saying the removal was carried out to assert control in a disputed frontier area.

Laos Provides USD 1.93 Million to Boost Sustainable Rice, Vegetable Farming

The rice farm landscape of Laos. (Picture by Asian Farmers Association for Sustainable Rural Developmen)

On 24 December, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment provided USD 1.93 million in funds and support to 85 small-scale rice and vegetable production groups across six provinces, including Champasack, Salavan, Sekong, Savannakhet, Khammouane, and Vientiane Capital. 

The funding was officially handed over at a ceremony in Champasack province and is expected to benefit producer groups throughout the targeted regions.

The project will be carried out through six key areas: agricultural extension and cooperative development, policy support, irrigation improvement, land management and land title issuance, environmentally friendly farming practices, and agricultural research to strengthen climate resilience. Priority crops include rice, onions, chilies, cabbage, and other vegetables. 

By addressing these areas, the initiative aims to boost competitiveness in agricultural production, strengthen rice and vegetable value chains, and encourage more efficient and sustainable farming practices.

Funding allocations differ by province, with Savannakhet receiving USD 508,000 for 21 groups, Khammouane USD 496,000 for 20 groups, Saravan USD 360,000 for 17 groups, Champasack USD 294,000 for 15 groups, Sekong USD 228,000 for 10 groups, and Vientiane Capital USD 47,000 for two groups. 

The support is provided under the Project to Promote an Environmentally Friendly Agricultural Commodity Chain (ECCC), which aligns with the Agriculture and Forestry Strategic Plan to 2025 and Vision 2030.

During the ceremony, the ministry emphasized the importance of careful monitoring, urging local authorities to ensure the funds are used in line with project objectives and regulations. Such oversight is crucial for effective implementation, long-term sustainability, and allowing the supported groups to serve as models for other communities. 

Officials noted that the project is expected to improve production efficiency, increase farmer incomes, and advance sustainable agricultural development across the targeted provinces.

TIER IV to develop large-scale dataset for autonomous driving under NEDO project

TOKYO, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TIER IV, a pioneer in open-source software for autonomous driving, has been selected by the Japanese government’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for an initiative aimed at strengthening industrial competitiveness through the development of a comprehensive AI data platform and ecosystem. Under this project, TIER IV will collect large-scale real-world driving data and generate synthetic data using multimodal AI to cover scenarios that are difficult to capture in the real world. By combining these efforts, TIER IV seeks to create an advanced dataset for autonomous driving AI.

End-to-end AI is gaining traction in the autonomous driving field, and its development relies on vast and diverse driving data. However, collecting real-world data for rare scenarios is both time-consuming and costly.

The project will center on three main areas:

  • Large-scale driving data collection: Collection of diverse driving data using multiple vehicle models, and technology development to improve data construction efficiency, such as automated labeling.
  • Synthetic data generation using AI: Development of a multimodal generative AI model compatible with multiple sensors to create high-quality training data that covers rare scenarios – such as moments immediately before an accident – and diverse weather and time conditions.
  • AI data infrastructure and ecosystem development: Creation of a platform that enables autonomous driving developers in Japan to access high-quality data.

Through this project, TIER IV aims to advance its dataset capabilities while promoting the creation of an AI data platform that reduces the development burden for individual companies. This initiative is expected to enhance Japan’s competitiveness in the autonomous driving sector and accelerate the deployment of safe and efficient autonomous driving systems.

About TIER IV

TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation, pioneering Autoware, the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving. Harnessing Autoware, we build scalable platforms and deliver comprehensive solutions across software development, vehicle manufacturing, and service operations. As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation, we are committed to reshaping the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software, enabling individuals and organizations to thrive in the evolving field of autonomous driving.
Autoware is a trademark of the Autoware Foundation.

Media contact
pr@tier4.jp 

J&V Energy Wins Top Green Energy Honor at BCCTaipei Better Business Awards

TAIPEI, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — J&V Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (6869), a Taiwan-based integrated group specializing in renewable energy and circular economy solutions, has been honored with the Green Energy Award (Top Distinction). The award recognizes the company’s renewable energy portfolio, diversified business model, and measurable progress toward net-zero goals. The ceremony took place recently, with J&V Energy General Manager Chao Shu-Min attending to accept the award, reflecting the company’s growing role in Taiwan’s renewable energy sector.

J&V Energy receives the top honor in the Green Energy Award category at the 9th BCCTaipei Better Business Awards. Chao Shu-Min (center), General Manager of J&V Energy, accepted the award on behalf of the company at the ceremony held on September 17.
J&V Energy receives the top honor in the Green Energy Award category at the 9th BCCTaipei Better Business Awards. Chao Shu-Min (center), General Manager of J&V Energy, accepted the award on behalf of the company at the ceremony held on September 17.

Ms. Chao noted that being honored in the company’s first year participating in the BCCT Better Business Awards reflects external recognition of J&V Energy’s long-term investment in sustainability. The recognition reinforces J&V Energy’s commitment to environmental sustainability and to supporting Taiwan’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Founded in 2016, the company pioneered the “One-Site, Multiple-Use for Renewables” model, which combines solar power, energy storage, renewable electricity trading, and community education within a single integrated framework to deliver economic, environmental, and social benefits. With support from partners and communities, J&V Energy is strengthening its domestic footprint while expanding operations across the Asia-Pacific region, helping to position Taiwan as an increasingly important hub for renewable energy development.

Now in its ninth year, the BCCTaipei Better Business Awards recognize companies across seven categories spanning corporate climate action, health innovation, social impact, education, and sustainability. Evaluation is based on corporate ESG performance and sustainability impact. This year’s competition included more than one hundred entries. J&V Energy was the sole Taiwanese green energy firm nominated for the Green Energy Award, a sign of Taiwan’s growing presence in the global net-zero arena.

Guided by its mission to promote environmental sustainability, J&V Energy delivers integrated services through solar PV, energy storage, renewable electricity trading, and circular economy solutions. The company has achieved several operational milestones: its cumulative owned solar PV capacity exceeds 1 GW; its subsidiary GREENET Co., Ltd. accounted for nearly 30% of Taiwan’s renewable energy certificate (REC) transaction volume in 2024, remaining one of the island’s leading electricity retailers; and its energy storage subsidiary, Recharge Power Co., Ltd., has brought a cumulative 459 MW / 1,201 MWh of capacity online, contributing to the scaling of Taiwan’s energy storage infrastructure.

Looking ahead, J&V Energy will continue to strengthen its integrated renewable energy portfolio, with a focus on operational resilience and long-term value creation. It aims to support the broader energy transition by working with industry partners, fostering regional connections across Asia-Pacific, and collaborating with international stakeholders to accelerate progress toward net-zero targets.