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GEODIS makes strategic investments in Asia expanding Road Network from Singapore to China

Equipped with industry-leading Internet of Things (IoT) security features and infrastructure, the GEODIS Road Network is integrated with major air and sea ports and offers multimodal options to meet customer needs for agile and flexible supply chains

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 22 Aug 2023 – GEODIS, a global leader in the transport and logistics sector, is driving its growth in Asia with strategic investments in its capabilities and infrastructure in the region. The company has expanded its Road Network from Southeast Asia (SEA) to China – solidifying its position as a leader in providing secure day-definite, cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly solutions connecting Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and China.

PICT063955-GEODIS Truck in Malaysia-Tan Ying Zheng.jpg

The Road Network features advanced IoT technology and equipment for transporting goods securely for the High Tech, Semiconductor, Automotive, Engineering, Retail, and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sectors. Investments have also been made to increase service frequency and to enhance its capabilities with dedicated customs brokerage and trade compliance teams at major border crossings to facilitate the seamless movement of goods. The Road Network integrates with major air and sea ports to offer customers a variety of multimodal options to meet the challenges of today’s fast-moving environment and their need for agile and flexible supply chains.

The Road Network to Shenzhen will officially launch on 23 August 2023 and will subsequently be extended to Hong Kong, and in the near future to Indonesia, connected by an inter-modal road-sea service.

In recent years, trade between ASEAN and China has grown rapidly, underscoring the significance of logistics in facilitating trade. Road freight has become one of the fastest-growing modes of transport in the ASEAN freight market with Thailand and Vietnam looking to invest further in infrastructure to support cross-border trade. The Road Network will enable GEODIS to access the expanding logistics sector in Asia Pacific, projected to reach US$4.5 trillion by 2029 with an anticipated growth of 5.24% from 2023 to 2029.

“ASEAN and China are two of the fastest growing economies in the world. As the region remains poised for growth, GEODIS sees the extension of our Road Network to China as an opportunity to enhance our multimodal solutions and connectivity across major air hubs and seaports to give customers greater flexibility and reliability. We have made significant investments to our security, infrastructure and capabilities to ensure a safe and efficient flow of goods for our customers. Ultimately, we want to provide them with a competitive advantage to grow their business,” said Onno Boots, Regional President and CEO of GEODIS Asia Pacific and Middle East.

Recognizing the need for high security, GEODIS has made significant investments into advanced IoT security equipment and processes to safeguard high-value shipments throughout the Road Network. With GPS-tracked, sensor-equipped containers, prime movers and trailers, the Road Network is monitored 24/7/365 by a professional command center, providing real-time, end-to-end visibility of shipments actual locations. Customers can access automated updates of shipment milestones including border crossings via GEODIS’ freight management solution.

The Road Network will be equipped with industry-first truck safety and driver assistance features such as brake assist, stability control assist, hill hold assist and driver fatigue monitoring, to ensure utmost safety of people, vehicle and cargo.

GEODIS also targets heightened economic, operational and environmental performance through high-utilization double-deck container loading, and reduction in carbon emissions through their fleet of new prime mover trucks. Last year, GEODIS added to their fleet seven new Mercedes-Benz Actros prime movers, equipped with the latest in security and safety technologies.

The completion of the GEODIS Road Network from Singapore to China is part of the company’s continued investment to boost its capabilities and infrastructure to match their customers’ growth in the Asia Pacific region.

Hashtag: #GEODIS

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

GEODIS – www.geodis.com   

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in five lines of business: Supply Chain Optimization, Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and European Road Network. With a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and more than 49,400 employees, GEODIS is ranked no. 6 in its sector across the world. In 2022, GEODIS generated €13.7 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group.

Minister of Youth and Sports Officiates Avenue K Balloon Run 7.0 Celebrating The Merdeka Month

Avenue K Shopping Mall’s signature balloon run paints KL city pink by hosting a vibrant event welcoming 80 athletes with disabilities and communities in the heart of Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 22 August 2023 – Avenue K Shopping Mall wrapped up its annual Balloon Run 7.0 on 20th August 2023, with 2,500 participants from diverse backgrounds in a vibrant celebration of the Merdeka month. One of the highlights of this year’s event was the presence of YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports who officiated the race.

YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports Officiates Avenue K Balloon Run 7.0
YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports Officiates Avenue K Balloon Run 7.0

The distinct element of this run is the four fuchsia pink balloons that are tied to every participant throughout the race, passing by various city attractions such as the Petronas Twin Towers, starting and finishing at the mall’s entrance on Jalan Ampang. This enduring tradition has shaped the unique identity of the fun run, making it what it is today. Reiterating its commitment to inclusivity, Avenue K also partnered with the KLBUG Sports Community for the first time, integrating 80 athletes with special needs into the Balloon Run.

“I thank the organisers for making the decision to make the run an inclusive one to reflect the spirit of Merdeka. This is in line with the one of the main thrusts of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which is to make sport accessible to all,” said YB Hannah.

Since its introduction in 2014, the Balloon Run has become a hallmark event for Avenue K, embodying its commitment to community support and engagement. The theme of AK Balloon Run 7.0 featured the vibrant fusion of Malaysian pride, prominently displaying the Jalur Gemilang and the national flower, hibiscus, aligning perfectly with the Merdeka month.

“The team and I are genuinely proud to have an annual event for all to connect and celebrate unity. Beyond just racing, it emphasizes community, health, and lifestyle. From the first run with 700 runners in 2014 to now over 2,500 participants, including many repeat runners, and this year, with the participations of 80 athletes with disabilities, it feels good to see this event holding a special place in the community. It’s a testament to the run’s impact in weaving communities together through sport,” shared Rachel Er, Centre Manager at Avenue K Shopping Mall.

This year’s event saw an enthusiastic response, welcoming a notable number of participants, exceeding last year’s count. Participants had the option to embark on a spirited 5km or a more demanding 10km route. The energy persisted post-run with Zumba sessions in collaboration with Fitness First, aerobic dance by SuperPark Malaysia, culminating in a live lucky draw along with booster treats from Village Grocer, an expected highlight of Avenue K’s Balloon Run 7.0. All finishers received a commemorative medal, celebrating their accomplishment and the event’s dedication to inclusivity and a healthy lifestyle.

Hashtag: #AvenueK #BalloonRun #BalloonRun2023 #BalloonRun7 #HannahYeoh



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

About Avenue K Shopping Mall

Avenue K Shopping Mall, a prominent retail and entertainment destination in Kuala Lumpur, has been at the forefront of community engagement since its establishment in 2014. The annual Balloon Run, a flagship event, reflects Avenue K’s dedication to promoting unity, health, and the spirit of inclusivity within the community. With a wide array of brands, services, and entertainment options, Avenue K provides an unmatched shopping experience in the heart of the city. For more information please visit .

Thai Digital Minister Proposes Shutting Down Facebook Due to Scam Ads

Thailand Proposes Shutting Down Facebook Due to Scam Ads
Stock Image. (Photo: Freepik)

Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn is keen on seeking a court date later this month, to submit a proposal to shut down Facebook services due to the social media platform’s inability to block fraudulent advertisements.

Habitap Announces Strategic Partnership with JLL to Provide Super-app for Tenants

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 22 August 2023 – Habitap, Asia’s leading integrated and customisable smart living management system, today announced a strategic partnership with JLL to curate a super-app – COMPASS SG, powered by Habitap, to provide a best-in-class smart building experience with a range of smart functionalities for JLL’s clients. As part of the partnership, JLL has already rolled out in one commercial building in Singapore and will progressively implement it in more buildings by the fourth quarter of 2023.

The COMPASS SG app is fully customisable based on each clients’ individual needs and allows for a fully integrated, connected tenant experience programme that combines technology, tenant experience and community features. In addition, this app includes a real-time access control management portal that allows tenants to track important building information through a user-friendly, intuitive dashboard.

Various visitor access options are also available to allow tenants to manage their visitors more efficiently. For example, they can register through facial recognition, HID Mobile Access or a QR code sent to them before their visit and or via a kiosk powered by Habitap. Other features include wayfinding, electronic lockers, and car park management tools, all aiming to revolutionise how tenants manage access and security within their properties.

To further streamline building operations, the app provides access to real-time data, giving greater security and control over their facilities. With the app, tenants can also apply for building services such as permits, renovation work, air-con extension and season parking. Circulars, push notifications, and emergency broadcasts can also be sent through the app, ensuring a better reach of information. Furthermore, the smart concierge feature, facility booking, and Building Management System integration feature automates administrative tasks for the clients so that they can focus on running their businesses.

Additionally, the community functions of the app enable tenants to easily offer promotions and news to their customers, as well as a more efficient way for users to sign up for upcoming events and redemption of vouchers, therefore allowing for better capability to drive promotions and to engage the community. JLL also has a series of curated activities, focusing on environment, social and wellness that will be broadcasted via this app for tenants to participate.

Commenting on the partnership, Founder and CEO of Habitap, Franklin Tang, said, “We are thrilled to partner with JLL – a trusted global name in the commercial real estate industry. Habitap’s goal has always been focused on helping organisations transform through vision and technology to ultimately enable people to experience a Smart Living lifestyle. Our partnership with JLL reflects this shared commitment and puts us at the forefront of defining the future of smart buildings. With COMPASS SG, JLL’s clients can experience an unparalleled Smart Building experience that promises to seamlessly integrate technology with our lifestyles.”

Echoing Franklin’s sentiments, Executive Director of JLL, Derek Soh said, “We are excited to be working with Habitap, whose commitment to delivering experiential real estate solutions mirrors our own. Our partnership with Habitap is a testament to our dedication to providing the best-in-class, innovative solutions that drive our clients’ experiences to the next level.”

Both Habitap and JLL aim to work together to empower their clients and tenants with technology that is of global standards and eventually roll out COMPASS SG to more properties in Singapore.

Compass SG on the App Store (apple.com)
Compass SG – Apps on Google Play

Hashtag: #Habitap

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About Habitap

Habitap is Asia’s leading integrated and customisable smart living management system, a Super App that seamlessly combines smart controls, community management and lifestyle offerings into a single platform with an aim to drive sustainable impact and create positive tenant experiences for real estate owners.

In 2021, Habitap launched Habitap ONE, the first-ever subscription-based access management solution, built as a Software As A Service (SaaS) platform, which aims to drive the adoption of smart living by first revolutionising the way people access homes and offices, offering a truly seamless digital access solution with minimal set-up and low cost of entry for all.

Continuing to harness the latest technologies in the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence and more, Habitap integrates live, work, and play functions in a single app and even across different properties, to allow users to experience greater convenience and unparalleled connectivity and control. With people, sustainability and security as its focus, Habitap continues to customise new smart living solutions and enhance the feature set of its SaaS platform, Habitap ONE for homeowners, offices and communities all over Singapore and in the region.

About JLL

For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $20.9 billion and operations in over 80 countries around the world, our more than 103,000 employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAY SM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit .

Curtin Malaysia and CPA Australia ink educational partnership

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 22 August 2023 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and CPA Australia have joined forces to develop educational programs for prospective accounting professionals and strengthen the future of the Malaysian accounting profession.

2_Prof Simon Leunig and Rowena Buddee exchanging copies of the MOU as Prof Pauline Ho and Priya Terumalay look on.jpeg
Professor Simon Leunig and Rowena Buddee exchange copies of the MoU as Professor Pauline Ho and Priya Terumalay look on.

The parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the aim of creating a curriculum that meets the evolving needs of the accounting industry. This collaboration will ensure students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers.

Signing the MOU on behalf of Curtin Malaysia was Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive, Professor Simon Leunig, who said: “The signing of this MOU is a testament to Curtin Malaysia’s dedication to academic excellence and continuous improvement. We are honoured to partner with CPA Australia and are confident that this collaboration will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change in the field of accountancy.”

The MOU was co-signed on behalf of CPA Australia by Chief Member Experience Officer, Rowena Buddee, who said: “We truly believe this partnership will benefit both institutions in advancing the education and training of future accountants. By joining forces with Curtin Malaysia, we aim to enhance the quality of accounting education in the region and contribute to the strength of a highly skilled, local professional accounting workforce.”

Another key aspect of the agreement is the promotion of institutional opportunities to enhance teaching methodologies and to broaden perspectives. The two parties will be jointly organising symposia, conferences, and short courses on accountancy.

These events will enable professionals, academics, and students to come together, exchange ideas, and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field. By fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment, both organisations can contribute to advancements in teaching, training, and student development.

Curtin Malaysia and CPA Australia are confident the collaboration will serve as a catalyst for change, fostering innovation and excellence in accountancy education. Both institutions look forward to a fruitful partnership that will benefit students, academics, professionals, and the broader community.

Also present at the MOU signing ceremony were Deputy President of the CPA Australia Divisional Council Malaysia, Yip Kit Weng; CPA Australia’s Regional Head of Singapore, Malaysia, UK and UAE, Priya Terumalay; and Business Development Manager, Global Member Experience, Serena Wu.

Other representatives of Curtin Malaysia in attendance were the Dean of Faculty of Business, Professor Pauline Ho; Associate Dean of External Engagement, Yip Ka Yii; Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching, Dr. Fayrene Chieng; Head of Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, Dr. Dhanuskodi Rengasamy; Head of Department of Management, Marketing and Digital Business, Dr. Samuel Folorunso Adeyinka-Ojo; and Advisor to the CPA Student Charter of Curtin Malaysia, Dr. Lynn Ling, along with a number of the Student Charter’s members.

Hashtag: #cpaaustralia #curtinuniversity

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

About Curtin Malaysia

Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) is Curtin University’s earliest and largest global campus and hub in ASEAN, established as the first foreign branch campus in East Malaysia in 1999. It is majority-owned by the Sarawak Government and managed and operated in partnership with Curtin University by a locally-incorporated company, Curtin (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Curtin Malaysia offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses identical to those offered at its parent campus in Perth. It also offers courses at pre-university level that feed directly into its undergraduate programs, as well as professional training and short courses. It currently has about 3,000 students from over 50 countries, and teaching staff from 15 countries further strengthen its international outlook. For more information, visit curtin.edu.my

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 172,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 10,500 members in Malaysia. CPA Australia has been operating in Malaysia since 1956 and opened our Malaysian office in 1994. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at

Last moment before Japan’s Nuclear Wastewater Discharge, Children from Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan Conduct Beach Cleaning in Okinawa

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 22 August 2023 – With the Japanese government potentially discharging nuclear wastewater, children have taken a special interest in discussing environmental issues in Japan. They have also engaged in beach cleanup activities, seizing the last moments to experience the ocean that has yet to be contaminated by nuclear pollution.

Children from Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan clean the beach in Okinawa together
Children from Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan clean the beach in Okinawa together

The JCI North District specially organized this beach cleanup event from August 10th to 14th, led by the president, Raymond Lai, where children from Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan joined together to clean the Okinawa beach which has not yet been affected by nuclear pollution. After going through two typhoons, the natural beaches of Okinawa were littered with a lot of garbage. The children, learning that the ocean could soon be polluted by nuclear waste, cherished ated to environmental protection, focusing not only on mountain and beach clean-up but also addressing the issue of marine litter and conservation.

Hong Kong has a precious marine environment that is currently plagued by litter. We must take action to protect this marine habitat of extraordinary ecological value.

14 children from three different regions participated in the 'International Children's Cultural Exchange Camp' to learn and exchange culture with each other.
14 children from three different regions participated in the ‘International Children’s Cultural Exchange Camp’ to learn and exchange culture with each other.

On May 28th, we held the “Nature Rangers – Clean Up Fun Dive” event, where we invited the very famous Ghost Net Hunter, Mr. Chan Tin-Ming MH to particithis opportunity to experience the beautiful ocean while they still could. Besides actively cleaning up the beach, the children also visited the DMM Kariyush aquarium to Heighten their understanding of marine ecology and the importance of conservation.

Apart from cleaning the beach, this 5-day, 4-night “International Children’s Cultural Exchange Camp” also provided the children an opportunity to step out of Hong Kong and meet children from different regions, including Japan and Taiwan, China. The itinerary included visits to the Ryukyu Cultural Village and the Ogimi Shiikuwassa Park. The children learned about environmental conservation while experiencing Japanese culture and gaining insights into colonial history.

Raymond Lai, the President of The JCI North District, expressed, “I am concerned about the potential harm that could be caused by the discharge of nuclear wastewater. This could have a far-reaching impact on the marine ecosystem and be even more damaging than marine garbage. We shared our thoughts with our sister organization, the Naha JCI Japan, and hope to encourage the Japanese government to stop the discharge of nuclear wastewater. In addition, we plan to clean the beaches in Okinawa to demonstrate the commitment of the ‘Nature Rangers’ to protecting the environment, regardless of borders.”

Participant Kayton Ng, aged 11, revealed that the International Children Cultural Exchange Camp did not only allow me to understand the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom but also to learn its traditional culture and arts. It helped children to understand the spirit of craftsmanship. He believed the trip would have a strong influence on his growth in the future. Kayton added, “it was the first time I joined cleaning work for a beach in Japan and I firmly believe that environmental protection is not just an individual matter but a global issue. All global villagers share the same responsibilities.”

Participant Tierra Wong said, “This International Children’s Cultural Exchange Camp has allowed me to see the culture of Japan (mainly Okinawa) and met new friends from Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.”

Participant Charmaine Ng said “I want to express my gratitude to our teachers for taking great care of me and making me feel safe throughout this journey. Additionally, I would like to extend my appreciation to the organizers. Without your hard work and dedication, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to embark on such a fun and exciting adventure to Japan. From the depths of my heart, I simply want to say a heartfelt THANK YOU. This journey will always hold a special place in my memory.

This journey was not just a cultural exchange camp but also an opportunity to understand the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It aimed to enhance the children’s awareness of environmental protection and clean water, and jointly seek solutions to global issues. We hope that the Japanese authorities heed our voice, think about the sustainable development of the planet, and immediately stop discharging nuclear wastewater into the ocean, thereby protecting marine life. This is what responsible humans should do!

Hashtag: #JCINorthDistrict

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About Nature Rangers

Nature Rangers is dedicpate. We led a group of 40 people to clean up litter from the seabed and nearby beaches, contributing to environmental protection. We collected a total of 100kg of trash from the beach and seabed. The event also collaborated with different groups and corporate volunteer teams, with over 80 participants cleaning up litter at various beaches in Hong Kong, collectively cleaning up over 200kg of litter.

About Junior Chamber International North District

Junior Chamber International North District was established in 1985. It is one of the 21 chapters under the Junior Chamber International Hong Kong. Young people participate in work projects to serve society, train, and improve themselves, and create positive changes. When the association was founded, it was based in the North District. With the association’s development, members are now from all districts in Hong Kong.

Divisive Thai Ex-prime Minister Thaksin Returns From Exile as Party Seeks to Form New Government

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra greets his supporters after landing at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport on 22 August 2023. (Photo: The Sun Daily)

BANGKOK (AP) — Divisive ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand on Tuesday after years of self-imposed exile to face possible criminal penalties on the same day that a party affiliated with him plans to start forming a new government.

Cambodian Parliament Approves Longtime Leader’s Son as Prime Minister as Part of Generational Change

Hun Manet, center, army chief, designate prime minister and son of Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen, attends an assembly session in the National Assembly's hall in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, 22 August, 2023. (Photo: AP)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — The son of longtime autocratic Cambodian leader Hun Sen was approved by Parliament on Tuesday as the country’s new prime minister, part of a generational change in top positions in the Southeast Asian nation.