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BDx Achieves Certification in the NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center Program to Power AI Data Centres in the region

JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BDx Data Centers (BDx), one of Asia-Pacific’s fastest-growing data center operators, today announced that it has been certified as part of the NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center program.

BDx’s 500MW CGK4 AI Campus in Indonesia is among the first in the country to achieve NVIDIA DGX-Ready certification, delivering scalable and high-performance infrastructure for AI and advanced computing workloads.

BDx offers a national portfolio of interconnected colocation facilities and edge sites in Indonesia, enabling NVIDIA accelerated computing for training and inferencing at the edge. This will empower customers to develop full-stack AI solutions, allowing for data localization while meeting the demands of AI-driven innovation.

“AI is fueling a new industrial revolution—one driven by AI factories. The NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center certification is a testament to our capability to deliver state-of-the-art infrastructure to the country,” said Mayank Srivastava, Chief Executive Officer of BDx. “As organizations embrace AI, robust environments optimized for AI infrastructure become critical. BDx aims to achieve NVIDIA certification across our data centers to democratize AI at scale for the Indonesian population and accelerate the nation’s journey toward achieving its AI-first goals.”

“Organizations worldwide are racing to deploy AI at scale, but unlocking its full potential demands infrastructure that is both high-performance and sustainable,” said Tony Paikeday, senior director of AI systems at NVIDIA. “With the NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center certification, customers in Indonesia can now access advanced AI infrastructure to innovate faster while contributing to the nation’s green economy goals.”

As home to Indonesia’s first renewable-powered AI data center park, BDx Indonesia’s 500MW CGK4 AI campus sets a new standard for sustainability. BDx is also leading the way by integrating direct-to-chip liquid cooling at scale—an industry-first in Indonesia—driving the future of high-density, energy-efficient AI computing.

BDx Data Centers offer scalable data center space, advanced cooling, and ultra high-density power to support NVIDIA’s latest AI innovations—including the NVIDIA Grace Blackwell Superchip and NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra-powered DGX SuperPOD, unveiled at GTC ’25.

BDx is one of the largest data center operators in the region, with a long-term goal of deploying 1 GW of capacity. This ambitious expansion underscores BDx’s commitment to supporting the region’s rapidly growing digital economy and the escalating demands of AI-driven applications.

Pioneering in Intelligent Acoustic Manufacturing: Decoding Tiinlab’s Core ODM Competitiveness

SHENZHEN, China, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As global supply chains undergo rapid restructuring, 1MORE’s parent company, Tiinlab Corporation, is redefining the standard for intelligent acoustic manufacturing. With a vertically integrated, AI-enabled production ecosystem and end-to-end R&D capabilities, Tiinlab delivers high-performance ODM solutions trusted by global leaders like Xiaomi, Huawei, HONOR, ASUS, DEVIALET, MOTO, and boAt.

Proprietary Brands Validates Technology for ODM Clients

Gary Hsieh, Founder, Chairman, and CTO of 1MORE, previously played a pivotal role in helping the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer win orders from Apple, assembling its iconic iPod music players in early 2000. A veteran of the consumer electronics industry, he brings over three decades of expertise in audio-visual technology and remains committed to delivering premium audio products at accessible prices. And 1MORE, Tiinlab’s proprietary brand, serves as a real-world testing ground for next-gen acoustics and AI-powered products—such as its CES 2025 TWICE Picks Award-winning smart glasses and AI headphones. This “risk-forward” innovation approach allows new materials, algorithms, and user experiences to be validated at scale, reducing time-to-market and technical risk for ODM clients.

Intelligent Manufacturing: End-to-End Support for Enhanced Product Competitiveness

Tiinlab’s flagship digital factory, recognized as a “Hidden Champion” by CCTV, is the core engine behind its manufacturing excellence. With over 100 million RMB invested in intelligent production lines, the facility offers vertically integrated services across:

  • Speaker Manufacturing
  • Injection Molding
  • SMT (Surface Mount Technology)
    System Assembly

This allows Tiinlab to provide a one-stop ODM solution that significantly enhances product competitiveness:

End-to-End Control – 25% Cost Reduction

The 40,000m² facility produces over 80% of key components in-house, enabling streamlined workflows, greater flexibility, and costs up to 25% lower than the industry average.

Best-in-Class Delivery – Just 1.2% Return Rate

With 30+ smart quality control checkpoints, including six-sided logo alignment, ±0.1g precision weighing, and airtightness testing, Tiinlab maintains an industry-leading 99.9% pass rate and a return rate of just 1.2%, far outperforming the 3% industry norm.

Delivering Customer Value Through World-Class Technology

Through its world-class infrastructure and relentless focus on quality, Tiinlab enables its clients to:

  • Accelerate R&D cycles by up to 40%
  • Reduce production costs by 25%
  • Achieve over 95% customer satisfaction
  • Bring complex products to market with speed and confidence

Acting as a true extension of your product team, Tiinlab supports everything from early-stage concepting to global-scale delivery.

Why Leading Brands Choose Tiinlab

  • Full-Lifecycle Precision Manufacturing
    From concept design to large-scale production, all under one roof.
  • Proven R&D and Award-Winning Design
    Deep engineering expertise paired with global design recognition.
  • Agile and Sustainable Production
    Smart systems optimized for flexibility, efficiency, and environmental compliance.

Start Your Next Breakthrough with Us

Contact our ODM Solutions Team (jane.jr.yan@1more.com) to explore ODM opportunities.

Elico Applauded by Frost & Sullivan for Enabling Sustainable, Efficient, Scalable, and Cost-Effective Water Management.

Elico’s smart water monitoring solutions detect contaminants, optimize water usage, and maintain compliance with environmental regulations, ensuring efficient water management.

SAN ANTONIO, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan recently assessed the smart water quality monitoring solutions industry and, based on its research, recognizes Elico with the 2025 Indian Customer Value Leadership Award. The company has a legacy of scientific innovation with the vision of becoming a globally renowned company. Specializing in designing, developing, and manufacturing advanced electronic analytical instruments, the company establishes its expertise in spectrophotometry, chromatography, electrochemistry, and flame photometry technologies. These innovations allow Elico to offer solutions for various applications, from complex scientific research to routine field testing. Elico’s commitment to innovation is strengthened by its in-house research and its collaborations with leading academic and research institutions. The company serves globally, catering to diverse industries (e.g., agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, water management, environment, and homeland security). Elico differentiates itself in India’s smart water monitoring sector by offering innovative solutions that address the country’s unique water-related issues and growing water management challenges.

Specializing in designing, developing, and manufacturing advanced electronic analytical instruments, the company establishes its expertise in spectrophotometry, chromatography, electrochemistry, and flame photometry technologies.
Specializing in designing, developing, and manufacturing advanced electronic analytical instruments, the company establishes its expertise in spectrophotometry, chromatography, electrochemistry, and flame photometry technologies.

Elico’s advanced smart water monitoring technologies solve water challenges, accelerate scientific discovery, and foster a healthier, more sustainable future. Its IoT solutions improve the efficiency and sufficiency of the testing process for timely water quality assessment, revolutionizing water monitoring and management. The e-Jal™ portable multiparameter water quality analyzer (PE-149) stands as a testament to Elico’s commitment to innovation and excellence in water quality monitoring. Designed to cater to diverse sectoral needs, the e-Jal Analyzer offers a unique blend of precision, portability, and advanced technology. It is particularly suited for field conditions where laboratory infrastructure may be unavailable, ensuring reliable, efficient, and comprehensive water analysis anytime and anywhere. Additionally, the analyzer supports multiple reagent types, including liquid, powder and tablet forms for simplified testing and offers advanced connectivity options for seamless data sharing and cloud integration. The built-in global positioning system tracker adds further utility by providing precise geolocation tagging, enhancing data accuracy for informed decision-making. With its robust design and ability to deliver precise results, the e-Jal Analyzer supports large-scale sample analysis, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Paul Hudson, senior industry analyst for sustainability and circular economy at Frost & Sullivan, observed, “Elico’s smart water monitoring solutions ensure efficient water management by providing real-time, accurate data for water quality analysis. These solutions are critical for detecting contaminants, optimizing water usage, and maintaining compliance with environmental regulations.”

Elico’s online analyzers, the AquaSense Series, meet the increasing demand for automated, accurate, and efficient process monitoring. By enabling real-time process control, it eliminates the delays associated with traditional laboratory testing, significantly reducing costs and enhancing operational efficiency. The AquaSense Series also incorporates renewable energy options such as solar power, low power wide area connectivity, and low reagent consumption, reinforcing its sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Elico’s collaborations and use of real-time water monitoring data enable better resource management and timely action, contributing to enhanced public health, a higher quality of life, and more reliable water infrastructure. This establishes Elico as a key player in delivering sustainable solutions that drive customer value and positive social impact. Elico’s customer-centered approach ensures that its mobile units integrate seamlessly into local water management systems. By providing accurate, timely results and reducing response times, the company enhances community confidence in water safety efforts and solidifies Elico’s reputation as a trusted partner in advancing water quality standards across India.

“Elico integrates the Internet of Things, eco-friendly and sustainable solar-powered systems, and mobile laboratories to transform water quality monitoring, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure and reliable data are often limited. By combining precision, sustainability, and customer-centric design, the company empowers its users with value-driven tools that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and support better decision-making, solidifying its position as a leader in analytical instrumentation. Its forward-thinking approach contributes to sustainable water management practices and improves access to clean water for communities nationwide, adding lasting value for its customers,” added Norazah Bachok, best practices research analyst at Frost & Sullivan. With its strong overall performance, Elico earns Frost & Sullivan’s 2025 India Customer Value Leadership Award in the smart water quality monitoring solutions industry.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated excellence in implementing strategies that proactively create value for its customers with a focus on improving the return on the investment that customers make in its services or products. The award recognizes the company’s unique focus on augmenting the value that its customers receive, beyond simply good customer service, leading to improved customer retention and customer base expansion.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, megatrends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Tarini Singh
E:tarini.singh@frost.com

About Elico Limited

Elico Limited, established in 1960 and headquartered in Hyderabad, India, is a pioneer in the field of Analytical Instruments. The company has a rich legacy of innovation and was the first to indigenously design and manufacture scientific instruments in the country. With a strong focus on R&D and customer-centric solutions, Elico also provides design and manufacturing services to leading multinational companies.

Contact:

KVSN Raju
rajuk@elico.co

 

 

Coway Wins Red Dot Design Award 2025, Marks 19th Consecutive Year of Recognition

  • Three products, including Coway’s new Switch Water Purifier, recognized for design innovation
  • The company was applauded for its minimalist aesthetics and user-centric design that blends seamlessly into any space

SEOUL, South Korea, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Coway Co., Ltd., the “Best Life Solution Company”, has received the Red Dot Design Award 2025 in the Product Design category. This marks Coway’s 19th consecutive win, reaffirming its global competitiveness in design.

Coway Products Honored with the 2025 Red Dot Design Award
Coway Products Honored with the 2025 Red Dot Design Award

The Red Dot Design Award is a prestigious international competition that celebrates design excellence and innovation, alongside other such distinguished awards as iF and IDEA.

This year’s award-winning products include the Switch Water Purifier, NOBLE 2.0 Air Purifier Series and more. They were praised for their minimalist design, ability to complement various interior styles, and user-centric features.

Coway’s innovative new Switch Water Purifier is a non-electric model offering maximum installation flexibility. It can be easily adapted between horizontal and vertical configurations to suit a range of kitchen layouts and even offers under-sink convertibility, enhancing space efficiency.

Additionally, the NOBLE 2.0 Air Purifier Series blends effortlessly into all kinds of interiors thanks to its sleek, architectural design with clean lines and five nature-inspired color options. Its concealed air intake further contributes to its overall design integrity, while Coway’s innovative purification technologies optimize performance even within a more compact form factor.

Also honored in this year’s awards was the Premium Bidet Remote Control Series used in Coway’s bidets. The series features an intuitive touch display and comes in three shapes – stair-type, bar-type, and square-type – and two elegant color options, titanium silver and charcoal black. With these choices, users can personalize their experience to suit both their bathroom interiors and preferred operation styles, while the intuitive design enhances usability and convenience.

A Coway official said, “This award reflects growing global recognition of our design philosophy – that is, creating products that naturally integrate into everyday life. We will continue to introduce innovative designs that deliver enhanced functional and aesthetic experiences for our customers.”

About Coway Co., Ltd.

Established in Korea in 1989, Coway, the “Best Life Solution Company,” is a leading environmental home appliances company making people’s lives healthy and comfortable with innovative home appliances such as water purifiers, air purifiers, bidets, and mattresses. The company’s most recent venture, the BEREX brand, aims to improve sleep and wellness through cutting-edge mattresses and massage chairs. Since being founded, Coway has become a leader in the environmental home appliances industry, with intensive research, engineering, development, and customer service. The company has proven dedication to innovation with award-winning products, home health expertise, unrivaled market share, customer satisfaction, and brand recognition. Coway continues to innovate by diversifying product lines and accelerating overseas business in Malaysia, USA, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, and Europe, based on the business success in Korea. For more information, please visit http://www.coway.com/ or http://newsroom.coway.com.

Strava to Acquire Runna, A Leading Running Training App

The world’s biggest team has a new coach

SAN FRANCISCO, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Strava, the app for active people, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Runna, a UK-headquartered tech company developing personalized running training plans and coaching. The acquisition unites the world’s largest fitness community with a leading app in the fiercely competitive running training space, creating compelling value for users and shareholders of both companies.

The world's biggest team is getting a new coach: Strava is acquiring Runna.
The world’s biggest team is getting a new coach: Strava is acquiring Runna.

“Coming off Strava’s accelerated innovation and unprecedented growth last year, it was the right time to look for complementary businesses that could create even greater value for our users,” said Michael Martin, chief executive officer, Strava. “Running is booming worldwide—nearly 1 billion runs were recorded on Strava in 2024. Runna’s mission to give every runner a personalized plan to achieve their goal is a perfect fit.”

According to Strava’s Year In Sport data, running is the fastest growing sport globally, and Gen Z in particular are turning to running to create community and connection. This has created a sharp increase in race participation, with 43% of Strava users wanting to conquer a big race or event in 2025. Demand for training plans has grown quickly as more athletes look for personalized guidance.

“We are delighted to become part of Strava as we continue to focus on bringing the world the most customized and personalized training plans available,” said Dom Maskell, co-founder and chief executive officer, Runna. “We have spent many hours together with Strava senior management and we couldn’t be more excited to be on the same team,” he added. “Our passion is to give every runner a training plan and access to amazing coaching and this investment allows us to make even more improvements to everything we do at Runna, benefiting runners worldwide” said Ben Parker, co-founder.

“I have been deeply impressed with Dom, Ben and the Runna team,” said Martin. “Our plan is to keep the apps separate for the foreseeable future, to invest in growing the Runna team and further accelerate the development of the Runna app.”

The deal is part of Strava’s ongoing initiatives to innovate for its 150+ million registered users and represents deep investment in Strava’s API developer community. Over 100 training apps currently connect to Strava’s API in order to provide users with enhanced features and functionality. Strava remains firmly committed to maintaining this role as the open platform for fitness and to supporting all developers, alongside Runna. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to recognize and invest in an API developer like Runna,” said Martin. “Strava is the community for all active people regardless of sport, skill level, location, app or device.” 

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Additional terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

About Strava
Strava is the app for active people. With over 150 million athletes in more than 185 countries, it’s more than tracking workouts—it’s where people make progress together, from new habits to new personal bests. No matter your sport or how you track it, Strava’s got you covered. Find your crew, crush your goals, and make every effort count. Start your journey with Strava today.

Join the Strava Club or follow Strava on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Visit www.strava.com for more information.

About Runna 
Runna, one of the world’s top-rated running coaching apps on iOS and Android, was founded in 2021 by running enthusiasts Dom Maskell and Ben Parker. Officially launching in March 2022, the subscription-based app helped millions of runners complete their first race. Now available in over 180 countries, Runna was selected as one of three finalists for Apple’s App of the Year in 2024.

To learn more about the company and follow along on this amazing journey check out the latest by following us on Instagram, Reddit and LinkedIn or try out Runna with xCODE for 2 weeks of running coaching free today!

Media Contact: 
press@strava.com

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/strava___runna.jpg 

World Hemophilia Day 2025 – April 17, 2025 – “Access for all: Women and girls bleed too”

MONTREAL, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 17, 2025, the global bleeding disorders community will come together under the theme “Access for all: Women and girls bleed too” and celebrate World Hemophilia Day. Today, women and girls with bleeding disorders (WGBDs) are still underdiagnosed and underserved. The global bleeding disorders community has the power—and the responsibility—to change this. Through recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and care, the quality of life of WGBDS will improve, and the bleeding disorders community will become stronger.

World Hemophilia Day logo with name, April 17 and Recognizing all bleeding disorders
World Hemophilia Day logo with name, April 17 and Recognizing all bleeding disorders

“Recognizing women and girls with bleeding disorders is a significant milestone for our community. In the past, they were often viewed solely as carriers rather than individuals with a bleeding disorder. It is time to fully embrace and acknowledge their experiences and struggles. Prioritizing the diagnosis and treatment of women and girls is crucial, and doing so strengthens our entire bleeding disorder community. Join us on April 17 to show your support for access for all—including women and girls.”

—Cesar Garrido, WFH President

World Hemophilia Day 2025 is a call to action for governments, healthcare providers, and advocates worldwide to close the gaps in care for women and girls with bleeding disorders. These individuals often face delayed diagnoses, limited access to treatment, and a lack of understanding about their unique needs. By working together, we can challenge these inequities and ensure access to comprehensive care for everyone in the bleeding disorders community.

This year’s theme highlights the importance of equity in healthcare, shining a light on the strength, resilience, and contributions of women and girls with bleeding disorders. Through global awareness efforts, we can break the stigma, improve education, and foster better outcomes for all.

World Hemophilia Day is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities to come together and make a difference. Here are some ways to participate:

  • Get social by posting about inherited bleeding disorders and raising awareness on women and girls with bleeding disorders on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram using the #WorldHemophiliaDay, #WHD2025, #WeBleedToo and #LightItUpRed hashtags
  • Support our global advocacy efforts and be a part of what we are building today for future generations by donating here
  • Share your story on the WFH story site about how your quality of life—or the quality of life of someone you know—has changed thanks to receiving a diagnosis, treatment and care on wfh.org/whd
  • Contact your national hemophilia and bleeding disorders association to find out how you and other members can work together on World Hemophilia Day and raise awareness about women and girls with bleeding disorders
  • Download resources like posters and social media banners from wfh.org/whd to help build your World Hemophilia Day Campaign
  • Send pictures, comments, or questions to the WFH at communications@wfh.org

Let’s join hands on April 17, 2025, to ensure that women and girls with bleeding disorders are not left behind. Together, we can create a future where Treatment For All is a reality, and equity, care, and empowerment define the lives of those living with bleeding disorders.

To learn more about World Hemophilia Day, please visit wfh.org/world-hemophilia-day.

The WFH would like to thank our World Hemophilia Day sponsors for their continued support: Bayer, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Biotest, CSL Behring, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Grifols, Kedrion, LFB S.A, Novo Nordisk, Octapharma, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi, Sobi, and Takeda.

About hemophilia and other bleeding disorders

In people with bleeding disorders, the blood clotting process doesn’t work properly, with the result that they can bleed for longer than normal, and some people may experience spontaneous bleeding into joints, muscles, or other parts of their bodies which can lead to developmental and permanent mobility issues.

About the World Federation of Hemophilia

The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving and sustaining care for people with inherited bleeding disorders around the world. At the WFH, national member organizations (NMOs) and health care professionals (HCPs) work together to provide care for people with inherited bleeding disorders around the world. We partner with governments and hemophilia treatment centres to enhance knowledge through training and provide tools they need to identify, support and treat people living with bleeding disorders in their communities, while promoting global advocacy and collaboration to achieve our common goals.

Our vision of Treatment for All is for a world where all people with inherited bleeding disorders have access to care, regardless of their type of bleeding disorder, gender, or where they live. Our mission is to improve and sustain care for people with inherited bleeding disorders around the world.

To find out more about the WFH, please visit www.wfh.org.

Media contact: Neha Suchak, Director, Marketing & Communications, nsuchak@wfh.org, +1 514-875-7944, #2857, www.wfh.org

 

A Second Trump Term: Will Laos Tilt Toward China?

Trump Stuns With Tariff Backtrack but Punishes China
This combination of pictures created on April 09, 2025 shows, L-R, Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on February 6, 2025 and US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC on April 8, 2025. (Photo by Andres MARTINEZ CASARES and SAUL LOEB / various sources / AFP)

Analysis by Anoulak Kittikhoun, a Laotian political scientist, international relations and water diplomacy expert, originally published on Carnegie Endowment for International Peace website.

Under Donald Trump’s current leadership, the United States’ foreign policy has adopted an “America first” stance that emphasizes nationalistic trade policies, anti-war military posturing, and disengagement in multilateral cooperation. 

These policies have significant implications for Southeast Asia, including Laos. However, while Trump’s approach may increase Laos’ engagement with China, it will not fundamentally alter Laos’ relations with China or the United States. 

This is because Laos has always navigated shifting geopolitical realities and pursued a foreign policy of neutrality (though left-leaning) and a careful balance of power; sympathizing with traditional friends (Vietnam, China, Russia, and Cambodia) while being friendly with its neighbors (Thailand and other ASEAN countries), as well as key powers and partners (the United States, Japan, Australia, India, and European nations) while avoiding superpower conflicts. 

Laos’ geography makes it of special interest for the great powers, past and present. During the Cold War, Laos was a key battleground between the United States, the Soviet Union, and China. Laos was not always aligned with China; however, especially during the Sino-Soviet split and China’s military action against Vietnam in 1979, following Vietnam’s deinstallation of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. 

As for relations with the United States, despite being “the most bombed country on earth” courtesy of America during the Vietnam War, Laos never severed diplomatic ties with the United States. When the Cold War wound down, Laos prioritized improving ties with China (its giant neighbor up north) as well as with the United States (the remaining superpower) and others.  

Today, on the economic front, China outperforms the United States on trade and investments in Laos. Laos’ trade with China accounted for USD 8.23 billion in 2024, making China one of the country’s top trade partners. China exported ($3.68 billion) machinery, electronics, and consumer goods to Laos, while Laos exported (USD 4.56 billion) agricultural products (bananas, rubbers, casavas), minerals, and natural resources to China. China’s investment in Laos has also been substantial, as much as USD 10 billion in 2021 and fluctuating between USD 1 to 2 billion in 2023 to 2024, particularly in mining, hydropower, and infrastructure development (for example, the flagship Laos-China Railway under BRI). 

Despite high levels of investment and trade with China, Laos has significant commercial relationships with two other countries in the region, especially Thailand (USD 8.5 billion) and Vietnam (USD 2 billion). While U.S.-Laos trade is smaller, it is a growing sector of the relationship, and the United States is becoming an important market for Laos exports, such as coffee and garments. The total volume of two-way trade stands at USD 844 million, with a U.S. trade deficit of USD 763 million in 2024. Despite being a small country, Trump has gone after Laos with a significant 48 percent tariff rate. 

These tariffs, pitched as “reciprocal,” were calculated nonsensically. It remains to be seen what the next moves are, but ASEAN, a 670 million population market and the fifth largest global economy, should negotiate as a bloc. Otherwise, ASEAN risks leaving smaller economies behind like Laos, and could further create divisions within the economic bloc. In contrast, China has a zero-tariff policy with Laos since December 2024, promising a further increase in Laos exports to China.  

While Trump’s anti-war rhetoric around his administration’s efforts to end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine has been derided as insincere, “transactional,” a “reversal of core U.S. policy,” and “an abandonment of democratic values” by his opponents at home and traditional American allies abroad, it has been quietly appreciated by Laos and other likeminded countries who know all too well the impacts of American-led military (mis)adventures globally for the past eighty years. 

While Trump’s America First policy may lead to Europe rearming, his non-commitment to defend Taiwan (compared to Biden’s pledge to defend Taiwan while being ambiguous about Taiwanese independence) and perhaps the Philippines in the case of a conflict with China in the South China Sea has the potential to lessen the risks of conflict in Asia’s two hotspots.  

The United States has traditionally been a strong leader in supporting and using multilateral cooperation initiatives in the region such as ASEAN and the Mekong River Commission (MRC) to advance regional stability (for example, managing the influence of China, including its Mekong-Lancang Cooperation mechanism), economic integration, and sustainable development, all previously seen as American interests. 

As an active member of both ASEAN and MRC, Laos sees these platforms as key to its regional diplomacy and leadership in the region. Thus, Laos is anxious about Trump’s narrow view of American interests. During Trump’s first term, Trump had little engagement with ASEAN (he skipped most ASEAN summits during his first term), and now, the termination of a USAID grant worth USD 5 million for the MRC portends a future without serious U.S. multilateral engagement in the region. 

And while Trump will not necessarily push Laos and others to the Chinese camp, his signals will certainly make these countries recalibrate and seek to increase cooperation with other powers such as Japan, Australia, India, and European nations, as well as China. 

Laos will especially be interested in working with these nations on water and climate security where the only effective solution is multilateral cooperation.  


The views expressed in this opinion piece are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of The Laotian Times.

 

About the author: 

Dr. Anoulak Kittikhoun is a Laotian political scientist, international relations and water diplomacy expert with two well-regarded books (Small Countries, Big Diplomacy; and River Basin Organizations in Water Diplomacy) and several peer-reviewed articles, one of which won the Reinhard Bendix Best Paper Award from the American Sociological Association. His recent tenure as the 8th CEO of the Mekong River Commission received global recognition for leading the organization to many achievements. With a Bachelor degree from the Australian National University, and Masters and PhD from the City University of New York, he had also worked for the United Nations Headquarters, Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies and the Lao government, and had been invited to lecture and speak at international conferences in 40 countries.

PETRONAS Lubricants International And Quaker Houghton Form Strategic Partnership For Industrial Metalworking Solutions Starting With Malaysia


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 April 2025 – PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI), the global fluids and lubricants arm of energy giant PETRONAS, and Quaker Houghton, the global leader in industrial process fluids, have announced a strategic partnership that strengthens their commitment to providing proven products, solutions and services for key industrial sectors in Malaysia and India.

Seated from left: Uday Kumar, Group Industrial Managing Director, PETRONAS Lubricants International; Domenico Ciaglia, Group Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, PETRONAS Lubricants International; Jeewat Bijlani, Executive Vice President, Global Specialty and Chief Growth Officer, Quaker Houghton; and Karl Kunkel, Global Vice President, Metals & Operating Solutions, Quaker Houghton, along with representatives from both companies.
Seated from left: Uday Kumar, Group Industrial Managing Director, PETRONAS Lubricants International; Domenico Ciaglia, Group Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, PETRONAS Lubricants International; Jeewat Bijlani, Executive Vice President, Global Specialty and Chief Growth Officer, Quaker Houghton; and Karl Kunkel, Global Vice President, Metals & Operating Solutions, Quaker Houghton, along with representatives from both companies. (2)



Leveraging the product portfolio and geographic market position for both companies, PETRONAS Lubricants International and Quaker Houghton will provide an expanded range of industrial solutions for customers.

Beginning in the second quarter of 2025, PLI will be the exclusive distributor of Quaker Houghton’s broad portfolio of world-class metalworking fluids to customers in the transportation and industrial end markets in Malaysia. In India, Quaker Houghton will offer PLI’s range of high-performance maintenance lubricants and industrial fluids to its steel mill customers.

Domenico Ciaglia, Group Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer of PETRONAS Lubricants International, commented on the partnership, “PLI is committed to building long-term alliances that will provide greater product availability and service quality for our customers, thus strengthening our position as the partner of choice in global industrial lubricants. We believe that the team at Quaker Houghton shares our vision on being future-focused, and they are uniquely positioned to unlock opportunities with us, both in terms of reaching new markets and in being the partner we need to lead the industry into a new era of effective, sustainable service.”

Quaker Houghton’s EVP, Global Specialty and Chief Growth Officer, Jeewat Bijlani, remarked, “Asia is one of our key markets, and this partnership enables us to provide Quaker Houghton metalworking fluids to a greater number of customers. PETRONAS Lubricants International has the proven experience, reputation, and channels to support the customer requirements and expand our reach in Malaysia.”

This strategic partnership reinforces the companies’ shared vision of driving industrial solutions excellence while meeting the evolving needs of modern manufacturing. PETRONAS Lubricants International and Quaker Houghton will partner and set new standards in performance for industrial applications.
Hashtag: #PETRONASLubricantsInternational #QuakerHoughton

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 .

About Quaker Houghton

Quaker Houghton is the global leader in industrial process fluids. With a robust presence around the world, including operations in over 25 countries, our customers include thousands of the world’s most advanced and specialized steel, aluminum, automotive, aerospace, offshore, can, mining, and metalworking companies. Our high-performing, innovative and sustainable solutions are backed by best-in-class technology, deep process knowledge and customized services. With approximately 4,400 employees, including chemists, engineers and industry experts, we partner with our customers to improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next.