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Ascott Boosts Talent Development To Drive The Opening Of More Than 300 New Properties By 2028


PENANG, MALAYSIA / SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2025 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), is ramping up talent development to support the opening of more than 300 new properties by 2028. This global expansion is expected to create more than 12,000 new jobs, including over 1,500 property leadership roles. To power this growth, the company is launching Ascott Accelerate, a structured talent management programme that fast-tracks high-potential associates into hospitality leadership positions. This will be complemented by a digital learning platform offering flexible and accessible development opportunities for associates across all levels.

Connecting Ascott associates from across places and cultures, out-of-classroom initiatives such as the Ascott Global Exchange Programme and Ascott Learning Festivals provide in-person opportunities for associates from different regions to engage in cross-culture discussions and gain insights into best practices from expert trainers.
Connecting Ascott associates from across places and cultures, out-of-classroom initiatives such as the Ascott Global Exchange Programme and Ascott Learning Festivals provide in-person opportunities for associates from different regions to engage in cross-culture discussions and gain insights into best practices from expert trainers.

Both new initiatives are part of the Ascott Global Academy for Excellence (AGAX), a comprehensive training platform launched in 2024 to build a future-ready workforce and support Ascott’s target of achieving over S$500 million in fee-related earnings by 2028. AGAX is led by the Ascott Learning Council, co-chaired by Ms Wong Kar Ling, Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director, Southeast Asia, and Mr Lee Ngor Houai, Chief Operating Officer for Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), South Asia and China.

Ascott Accelerate is one of the many new initiatives introduced as part of the Ascott Global Academy for Excellence (AGAX). AGAX is a comprehensive training platform designed to build a future-ready workforce for Ascott. It was launched in 2024 at the group's biennial Ascott Global Conference.
Ascott Accelerate is one of the many new initiatives introduced as part of the Ascott Global Academy for Excellence (AGAX). AGAX is a comprehensive training platform designed to build a future-ready workforce for Ascott. It was launched in 2024 at the group’s biennial Ascott Global Conference.

In 2024, Ascott continued its upward trajectory, achieving a third consecutive year of record fee-related earnings at S$343 million, reflecting a 12% year-on-year increase on a recurring basis[1]. This performance was driven by a 6% rise in revenue per available unit (RevPAU) and the opening of a record 11,700 units across 54 properties. Today, Ascott’s global footprint spans more than 990 properties in over 230 cities, with two-thirds already operational. The company is advancing its growth through a multi-typology brand strategy designed to scale and diversify its presence across key markets. Malaysia exemplifies this approach with a portfolio of more than 40 properties – both operational and in the pipeline – spanning serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living spaces and branded residences. Fittingly, Ascott chose Penang – home to 21 of these properties – as the launch site for Ascott Accelerate and its new digital learning platform during the Ascott Learning Festival, reinforcing Malaysia’s role in supporting the company’s broader growth strategy.

Mr Lee Ngor Houai said: “At Ascott, our vision is to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. To deliver on this, we have expanded our portfolio beyond serviced residences to include hotels, resorts, social living spaces and branded residences, offering guests more choices under our brand promise ‘Stay Your Way.’ Our multi-typology brand framework not only caters to the diverse needs of today’s travellers, but also empowers our associates to develop broad-based expertise and thrive across different accommodation formats. As our business continues to grow and diversify, we remain deeply committed to developing our people, ensuring they have the skills and support to grow with us. Looking ahead, talent development will remain central to our strategy as we expand globally, with over 300 new properties set to become operational by 2028.”

Ms Wong Kar Ling said: “To future-proof our talent pipeline, we are excited to launch Ascott Accelerate, a comprehensive initiative designed to nurture high-potential talent at every stage of their hospitality careers. This programme supports associates from entry-level roles to key property leadership positions, such as Residence Manager and General Manager. Through mentorship, on-the-job training, project-based learning and e-learning, Ascott Accelerate will shape the next generation of hospitality leaders, equipping them with the capabilities to drive our continued success. As the training needs of our organisation evolve, we are also exploring partnerships with leading hospitality institutions to enhance the professional credentials of our team. We welcome individuals with a passion for hospitality to join us at Ascott, where opportunities to grow and thrive are part of our dynamic journey.”

With over 12,000 new jobs expected to be created across more than 300 new properties slated to open as part of Ascott's global portfolio by 2028, the company's talent management programme, Ascott Accelerate, will seek to train and fast-track high-potential associates into key property leadership roles.
With over 12,000 new jobs expected to be created across more than 300 new properties slated to open as part of Ascott’s global portfolio by 2028, the company’s talent management programme, Ascott Accelerate, will seek to train and fast-track high-potential associates into key property leadership roles.

Ascott Accelerate features three progressive career development tracks:

  • Aim, which builds foundational leadership skills essential for supervisors;
  • Advance, which strengthens the management capabilities required to lead as heads of departments; and
  • Aspire, which prepares future Residence Managers and General Managers through curated hands-on learning, equipping them with the agility and leadership skills to thrive in a fast-evolving hospitality landscape.

To turbocharge the programme, Ascott is also introducing a new digital learning platform that enables associates to learn anytime, anywhere. Featuring tailored content across key operational areas – including guest services, housekeeping, property maintenance, digital technology and finance – the platform empowers associates to develop relevant skills at their own pace, while balancing daily responsibilities.

In addition, Ascott is enriching learning experiences through initiatives like the Ascott Global Exchange Programme and Ascott Learning Festivals. The exchange programme offers promising associates short-term overseas postings to broaden their perspectives, adapt to new environments and learn from high-performing teams across the network. Complementing this, the Ascott Learning Festivals are dynamic, in-person events where associates gain insights into the latest industry skills and best practices from expert trainers and thought leaders.

Ms Wong added: “Hospitality is about connecting people across places, cultures and possibilities. At Ascott, we believe those connections should begin within our own teams. Just as we aspire to offer global living to our guests, we are equally committed to giving our associates the opportunity to experience the global nature of our business – whether through international assignments or globally connected platforms like our learning festivals. These initiatives reflect not only the scale of our operations but also why many are drawn to hospitality: a passion for people, culture and discovery.”

For more information on career opportunities and to explore how you can grow with Ascott, please visit: https://www.discoverasr.com/en/the-ascott-limited/careers.

[1] Excluding fee-related earnings from one-off projects and the impact of foreign exchange movements.
Hashtag: #hospitality #talentdevelopment #humanresource #Ascott




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

About The Ascott Limited

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of over 990 properties across 230 cities in over 40 countries, Ascott’s presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes , , , , , , , , , , , , and .

Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.

As a wholly owned business unit of , Ascott generates fee-related earnings by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored and private funds.

For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit . Alternatively, connect with Ascott on , , and .

About CapitaLand Investment Limited

Headquartered and listed in Singapore in 2021, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 31 March 2025, CLI had S$117 billion of funds under management held via stakes in seven listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and a suite of private real asset vehicles that invest in demographics, disruption and digitalisation-themed strategies. Its diversified real asset classes include retail, office, lodging, industrial, logistics, business parks, wellness, self-storage, data centres, private credit and special opportunities.

CLI aims to scale its fund management, lodging management and commercial management businesses globally and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand Group’s development arm. In 2025, CapitaLand Group celebrates 25 years of excellence in real estate and continues to innovate and shape the industry.

As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.

Wildfires and Floods Caused Billion-Dollar Economic Loss in Asia Pacific in the first quarter of 2025: Aon Report

  • Q1 data follows $74B economic loss in Asia Pacific from natural disasters in 2024
  • Earthquake in Myanmar estimated to be the costliest event of the year so far, with only a fraction insured

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, published Asia Pacific (APAC) insights from its Q1 Global Catastrophe Recap – April 2025, which analyzes the natural disaster events that occurred worldwide during the first quarter of 2025.

During this period, the APAC region experienced significant wildfire activity, particularly in South Korea and Japan. South Korea faced devastating wildfires that resulted in 31 deaths, 49 injuries and the destruction of over 7,700 structures with losses estimated at approximately $1B.

The earthquake that occurred in March in Myanmar is the costliest event of the year so far. Damage is expected to reach billions of dollars and only a fraction is covered by insurance. The costliest event for APAC insurers was ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with insured losses of approximately AU $1B.

The Q1 data follows Aon’s 2025 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report, which identified global natural disaster and climate trends to quantify the risk and human impact of extreme weather events in 2024, where total economic losses in APAC were $74B, with insurance covering only approximately $4B.

The main driver of economic losses in 2024 was flooding, with a significant contribution from seasonal floods in China. Two major events: the Noto earthquake in Japan and Typhoon Yagi in Southeast Asia and China also accounted for a large proportion of the losses.

Typhoon Yagi was one of the most severe storms to hit Southeast Asia since Typhoon Rammasun in 2014. The storm caused extensive damage across Vietnam, China, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand, resulting in significant economic and insured losses. This event highlights the importance of considering both wind and flood risks in typhoon-prone areas.

George Attard, CEO for Reinsurance Solutions for APAC at Aon, said: “The devastating earthquake in Myanmar, which caused at least 5,400 deaths and significant structural and infrastructure loss, underscores the importance of being prepared for catastrophe-related risks. Extreme weather and seismic events remain a powerful force driving the complexity and volatility that businesses and communities face and emphasizes the urgent need for innovative mitigation solutions to address this growing challenge.”

Aon’s 2025 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report highlights several trends with natural catastrophe losses:

  • Growing Disaster Losses: Global insurance losses in 2024 were 54 percent above the 21st-century average, covering $145B of the $368B in damages. Even though insured losses far exceeded the average, the protection gap stood at 60 percent, representing a significant financial headwind to communities, businesses and governments. In the APAC region, the protection gap was much higher with 95 percent of the losses not covered. Increases in population density in coastal areas, wealth and overall exposure to natural hazards in high-risk areas continue to be a crucial component of growing disaster losses.
  • Earthquake Risks: April 2024 saw a significant earthquake impact in Taiwan, while Japan experienced the Noto Peninsula earthquake on January 1, 2024. This emphasises the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness for seismic events.
  • Exposure Changes: Changes in exposure is a growing challenge for insurers and clients. These changes, rather than climate risks alone, are driving shifts in loss patterns. Typhoon Yagi, for example, accentuated the importance of a regional risk management approach that extends beyond sovereign borders.
  • Advances in Flood Modelling: Despite the challenges, advancements in flood modelling have made significant strides in recent years. Advanced tools and data analytics can help businesses and governments understand the complexities of flood risk and prepare for future events.
  • Economic Impacts: The exposure of commercial infrastructure to extreme weather has increased, requiring companies and insurers to explore the impact of changing weather patterns on assets. While Typhoon Yagi made a significant impact on economic and insured losses in China, Vietnam and the Philippines, 2024 was a relatively quiet year for natural catastrophes in Asia when compared with the long-term regional trend.

The economic and insured losses in the region also contrast with the global figures, where economic losses from natural disasters in 2024 are estimated at $368B, more than 10 percent above the long-term average since 2000.

With greater resilience and mitigation measures in place, global economies can reduce damage and loss of life. In 2024, 18,100 people lost their lives due to natural hazards, mostly from heatwaves and flooding globally. This was below the 21st-century average of 72,400. The long-term decrease in global fatalities can be attributed to improved warning systems, weather forecasts and evacuation planning, underscoring the value of reliable climate data, insights and analytics.

Significant Asia Events in 2024

Date Event Location Deaths Economic Loss

(2024 $ B)

Insured Loss

(2024 $ B)

09/06 -14/07 South Central China Floods China 470 15.7 0.4
01/09 – 09/09 Typhoon Yagi China, Southeast Asia 816 12.9 0.7
01/01 Noto Earthquake Japan 489 18.0 1.5
01/03 – 30/06 India Heatwaves India 733 NA NA
20/06 – 30/06 Karachi Heatwave Pakistan 568 NA NA

“Asia is at the forefront of flood modelling,” said Peter Cheesman, head of Risk Capital analytics for APAC at Aon. “Despite this, there remains a need for better tools and collaborations with public and private partnerships to help close the insurance gap. A comprehensive, multi-country strategy, together with advanced modelling and data inputs, are critical in helping risk managers prepare for future events as climate and exposure trends continue to evolve.”

Aon’s 2025 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report can be found here.
Hashtag: #Aon #climaterisks #climate #catastrophe #catastropherisks #flooding

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

About Aon

(NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.

Follow Aon on , , and Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s and sign up for news alerts .

Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.

Kardome and LG Electronics Partner to Transform Voice User Interfaces with Spatial Hearing AI

Tel Aviv, Israel – Newsfile Corp. – May 13, 2025 – Kardome, a voice AI market leader, announced today a strategic collaboration with LG Electronics to integrate Kardome’s Spatial Hearing AI into LG’s next-generation smart devices.

Kardome’s Spatial Hearing AI technology enables smart devices to hear like humans do, delivering natural, seamless, and highly accurate voice user interfaces (voice UIs)-even in noisy or complex environments. The technology will first be integrated into LG’s line of smart TVs, with expansion planned across additional categories including smart appliances, audio products, and vehicles.

LG Electronics will integrate Kardome’s Spatial Hearing AI into LG’s next-generation smart devices

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8225/251553_70ae7c9ea4fa99cb_002full.jpg

As demand rises for intuitive voice UIs across the smart home and consumer electronics markets, Kardome’s Spatial Hearing AI offers a critical differentiator: spatial awareness and voice isolation that enable devices to understand and respond to users in real-time, regardless of background noise or the number of speakers.

LG Electronics, known for its commitment to innovation and quality, sees this as an opportunity to enhance its product offerings further.

“Kardome’s technology is a game-changer for smart devices,” said Jungho Kwak, head of MS Service Platform Development Division at LG Electronics. “By integrating this next-generation Spatial Hearing AI technology, we deliver a more intelligent and responsive user experience that redefines what’s possible in voice-enabled products.”

Kardome’s proprietary Spatial Hearing AI technology isolates and identifies individual voices in real-world settings. This ability allows devices to understand commands faster and more accurately, enhancing user satisfaction and performance.

“Our partnership with LG represents a major milestone for Kardome,” said Dani Cherkassky, CEO of Kardome. “Together, we’re bringing voice AI to the forefront of product innovation. Our Spatial Hearing AI sets a new voice UI standard in consumer electronics.”

This collaboration showcases how Spatial Hearing AI can transform human-machine interaction across LG’s ecosystem of connected devices, offering manufacturers a powerful solution to meet today’s voice-first user expectations.

For more information about Kardome’s Spatial Hearing AI technology, visit www.kardome.com.

About Kardome

Kardome is a pioneer in voice AI for consumer and automotive products. Its Spatial Hearing AI technology delivers accurate, context-aware voice interaction in real-world environments. The company’s patented technology enables smarter, more human communication between users and their smart devices. Learn more at kardome.com.

Press Contact

Laura Tate
VP Marketing, Kardome
Email: laura.tate@kardome.com
Phone: +1 323-205-6436

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

Hong Kong and Qatar: Partnering for Success

Visa-free travel arrangement and 35 bilateral accords signed


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 May 2025 – Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’s Chief Executive John Lee is leading a delegation of over 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and Mainland China to Qatar and Kuwait to forge closer connections and promote the city’s advantages to the Middle East. This historic visit marks the first time that Mainland entrepreneurs have joined an official overseas Hong Kong delegation.

“The composition of the delegation demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique role as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’ under the principle of ‘one country, two systems'”, Mr Lee said. “Hong Kong is dedicated to capitalising on its connectivity with both Mainland China and the world, collaborating and synergising with economies and enterprises that are eager to pursue high-quality development with us.”

The first stop in Qatar (May 10-12) yielded significant results, including the signing and announcement of 35 bilateral accords covering areas such as economic co-operation, investment, finance, legal collaboration and innovation and technology (I&T). These included a tripartite agreement among organisations from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar focusing on fintech collaboration, showcasing Hong Kong’s bridging role between different economies.

In addition to Hong Kong-Qatar co-operation, two agreements were reached between enterprises from Mainland China and Qatar, fostering co-operation in financial services and high-end manufacturing.

HKSAR's Chief Executive John Lee (seventh right) witnesses agreements signed between government department, enterprises, and institutions from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar.
HKSAR’s Chief Executive John Lee (seventh right) witnesses agreements signed between government department, enterprises, and institutions from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar.

Speaking at a business luncheon in Doha (May 12) themed “Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a ‘Super Connector’ and ‘Super Value-Adder’, Mr Lee unveiled a new arrangement allowing HKSAR passport holders to visit Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days. He also said that Hong Kong and Qatar have substantially concluded the negotiations on an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.

On arriving in Qatar (May 11), Mr Lee met the Amir of the State of Qatar, High Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, to exchange views on strengthening bilateral relations and economic co-operation between Hong Kong and Qatar.

Mr Lee meets the Amir of the State of Qatar, High Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (right).
Mr Lee meets the Amir of the State of Qatar, High Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (right).

Qatar is Hong Kong’s third-largest trading partner in the Middle East with bilateral trade in goods worth US$1.6 billion last year. Mr Lee said that there is plenty of room for further growth in trade and business between the two places.

During a visit to the Qatar Investment Authority, Mr Lee was briefed on the operation and investment strategies of the sovereign wealth fund, and explored with the Qatar Investment Authority the development and co-operation opportunities for both sides in finance and the economy.

With I&T being an area of great potential for bilateral collaboration, Mr Lee and other delegation members visited Lusail City, one of the country’s flagship smart cities, to understand how the city integrates I&T with urban planning and infrastructure development. Mr Lee highlighted that both Hong Kong and Qatar attach great importance to technological development and regard artificial intelligence as an engine of new economic development.

Mr Lee tours Lusail City in Qatar.
Mr Lee tours Lusail City in Qatar.

Delegation members also toured the National Museum of Qatar to learn about the country’s history and rich cultural heritage.

Before departing for Kuwait, Mr Lee took the chance to visit an autonomous vehicle project at Doha Hamad International Airport. The project is designed by a Mainland Chinese tech firm with its international headquarters in Hong Kong, and first piloted at Hong Kong International Airport. “This exemplifies our role as a launchpad for global innovation,” Mr Lee said.
Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #collaboration #partnering #Qatar #beltandroad





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

Global Water Crisis Knows No Borders: Malaysia Leads Call For Urgent Cooperation


PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 May 2025 – Malaysia calls on the international community to strengthen cooperation in addressing the global water crisis – a transboundary challenge impacting nations of rich and poor alike. Strategic partnerships and coordinated policy actions are essential to securing a sustainable and resilient water future for all.

Sharing Malaysia's experience at the Global Water Summit 2025 in Paris, Deputy Prime Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof said, it is time for the global community to recognise water as an invaluable resource to human survival and development
Sharing Malaysia’s experience at the Global Water Summit 2025 in Paris, Deputy Prime Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof said, it is time for the global community to recognise water as an invaluable resource to human survival and development

While sharing Malaysia’s experience at the Global Water Summit 2025 in Paris, Deputy Prime Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof said, it is time for the global community to recognise water as an invaluable resource to human survival and development.

“Water, the lifeblood of our planet, unites us in a shared responsibility. The global water crisis, transcending borders and economies, demands urgent collaboration,” he said in his speech during the Opening Plenary: “Delivering the Economics of Water” here today.

Sharing the nation’s progressive approach to sustainable water management, Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), highlighted both its successes and lessons learned, reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to offering its expertise as a model for countries facing similar water security issues.

In his address, he outlined key milestones in Malaysia’s water management journey, emphasising reforms that have transitioned the country from fragmented state governance to a more coordinated federal-state partnership. He also underscored Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to manage growing demands, including urbanisation, climate change and industrial water use.

Key Highlights from Malaysia’s Water Sector Transformation 2040 Agenda:

  1. Shifting Perspectives on Water – Malaysia is focusing on treating water as a precious, finite resource. The nation is accelerating smart water management systems and implementing a matching grants program to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) with co-funding from federal government.
  2. Strengthening Private Sector Collaboration – Malaysia is inviting private sector investment to help drive innovation in water management. New policies are fostering opportunities for greater participation in green initiatives, water reclamation and the use of alternative energy sources in water infrastructure.
  3. Proactive Preparedness for Climate Change – Malaysia is strengthening its resilience to climate change by enhancing flood forecasting, advance data modelling and scenario planning to better anticipate extreme weather events.

Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah also added that Malaysia’s active role in regional efforts, particularly within ASEAN, while extended an invitation to global innovators to invest in and collaborate on the next generation of water technologies. The Malaysian government remains committed to fostering sustainable water management practices through continuous innovation, partnerships and shared global solutions.

Meanwhile, Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer, Narendran Maniam stated that resource recovery has shifted from a discretionary measure to a policy imperative, driven by the pressing need to enhance environmental resilience and ensure sustainable resource management amid escalating economic and ecological pressures.

Narendran added that for IWK, resource recovery has evolved from being a nice-to-have to a necessity, with a focus on three main drivers behind this journey:

  1. Commitment to Environmental Sustainability – IWK is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimising waste and creating positive environmental impact through all its efforts.
  2. Changing the Utilities Landscape – by becoming the second tap for the nation. As Malaysia is rapidly becoming a regional hub for data centres, it presents a unique opportunity for IWK to support the sustainability of Malaysia’s data centre industry through reclaimed water supply.
  3. Economic Values and Financial Sustainability.

“Our message to the broader ecosystem is simple – bring value into the equation. The door is open for collaboration. As the national sewerage company, all collaborations will be subject to transparent open tenders and due diligence,” he said at the roundtable talk “Delivering the Capex Surge” during the summit.
Hashtag: #GlobalWaterSummit #Sustainability #IWK #NewLifeForWater #EraBaharuAir #PETRA






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

Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK)

Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK), is a sewerage services company owned by Minister of Finance Incorporated, Malaysia. IWK is responsible for providing sewerage services, operating and maintaining 9,133 existing sewage treatment plants and network pump stations, as well as more than 22,000 km networks of sewerage pipelines serving 32 million Connected Population Equivalent (cPE).

Our core expertise spans Operations and Maintenance, Refurbishment, Planning & Policy Strategy, Engineering and Process Review, Project Planning and Management, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), as well as Research & Development, and Training Services including module development. IWK has been recognised to lead capacity building projects via mentorship programme by UN Habitat and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The company has completed two projects: UN Habitat’s Global Water Operators’ Partnerships & Water Organization Partnerships (WOP) Project in Banjarmasin, Indonesia, and ADB’s Water Organization Partnerships for Resilience (WOP4R) Programme in Baguio City, the Philippines.

For more information, visit www.iwk.com.my

Viral Malaysia Elephant Death Sparks Calls for Crossings

Viral Malaysia Elephant Death Sparks Calls for Crossings
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo credit: Stock Vault)

AFP – Viral images of an elephant trying for hours to save her calf after it was hit by a truck in Malaysia have prompted calls for dedicated wildlife crossings in the animal-rich country.

Lenovo AI Now Revolutionizes Learning and Teaching Experience at Hong Kong School, Ignites Education Landscape Transformation

Chong Gene Hang College implements Lenovo’s on-premises AI solution to create a whole new learning and teaching experiences, setting new standards for AI integration in Hong Kong’s education sector


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 May 2025 – Lenovo today announced the successful deployment of its on-device large language model (LLM) solution, Lenovo AI Now, at Chong Gene Hang College in Hong Kong. It represents a significant milestone in the modernization of education in Hong Kong and the region, allowing students to access personalized learning resources generated from their own curriculum materials, and enabling teachers to focus on enhancing teaching experience through easing their administrative workload.

Jimmy Chan, Vice-Principal, Chong Gene Hang College: “By implementing Lenovo AI Now across select subjects, we’re providing our students with tools that not only enhance their learning experience but also prepare them for a future where AI literacy will be essential.”
Jimmy Chan, Vice-Principal, Chong Gene Hang College: “By implementing Lenovo AI Now across select subjects, we’re providing our students with tools that not only enhance their learning experience but also prepare them for a future where AI literacy will be essential.”

“Lenovo AI Now is fundamentally changing how we approach education technology,” said Serena Cheung, General Manager, Lenovo Hong Kong and Macau. “Unlike generic AI platforms that rely on internet-sourced information, our on-device solution ensures students access only verified, curriculum-aligned content. Streamlining the operational work allows teachers to focus more on enhancing their lessons and engaging with students. Schools can implement the system in minutes rather than months, making advanced AI accessible to educational institutions of all sizes.”

Facilitating Students in Self-Studying

With Lenovo AI Now, Chong Gene Hang College allows students to instantly build a knowledge base using its existing digital resources, including textbooks, syllabus materials, notes, and past examination papers from the last three years. By leveraging this data, Lenovo AI Now delivers several key advantages for students:

  • By using the materials aligning school’s teaching strategy and policy, the application eliminates concerns about inaccurate information and saving time from fact check.
  • The application can accelerate learning path in self-study or self-reflection by generating key points, questions and answers analysis, customized exercises based on past papers and previous teaching materials

Lenovo AI Now’s personalized approach to facilitating self-paced learning for students also improves students’ independent learning ability.

Streamlining Teachers’ Work to Enhance Teaching Experience

For teachers, the application can reduce administrative work from them on managing on-going announcement, guidelines and changes from government. It allows school to quickly react and to stay close communications with students and their parents. As a results, teachers can focus more on “education” including enhancing course design, broadening the students’ knowledge through in-depth academic discussion, which is more than “teaching”.

During the trial period, several dozen students and teachers are using the solution, and they generally find the platform easy to navigate. Teachers reported a 40% reduction in time spent on supporting and individual tutoring, as students have more source to get assistance in learning. This self-directed approach motivates students to learn and they even requesting more supplementary materials, resulting in improved learning efficiency.

This ease of use has significantly boosted student engagement and interest in learning while enhancing teaching convenience. Many students have shared that the Lenovo AI Now platform has transformed their learning especially in exam preparation. They appreciate the ability to generate practice questions on topics they find challenging, receive immediate feedback, and focus their study time more effectively. It feels like having a personal tutor available whenever they need assistance.

“This collaboration with Lenovo represents a significant advancement in our digital transformation journey,” said Jimmy Chan, Vice-Principal, Chong Gene Hang College. “By implementing AI Now across select subjects, we’re providing our students with tools that not only enhance their learning experience but also prepare them for a future where AI literacy will be essential. This demonstrates our commitment to educational innovation.”

Chong Gene Hang College is currently utilizing Lenovo AI Now for English, Mathematics, and Science, while establishing a dedicated AI-powered self-study facility. This initiative sets a new benchmark for educational technology integration in Hong Kong schools. In the future, the school plans to explore using AI Now to develop personalized teaching plans for individual students by analyzing their school reports, attendance, and extracurricular activities. To ensure the security of personal information, a highly secure platform will be essential for this implementation, making a local LLM like AI Now crucial.

Hashtag: #Lenovo

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About Lenovo

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Innolux and CarUX at Display Week 2025: Driving the Smart City Era and Expanding Next-Gen Cockpit Solutions

Showcasing AI-Driven, Customized Innovations for Smart Public Services with Industry-Leading Integrated Cockpit Displays


ZHUNAN, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 May 2025 – Zhunan, Taiwan-MediaOutReach Newswire-May 13, 2025- Innolux and CarUX will showcase groundbreaking display technologies at SID Display Week 2025 in San Jose, USA. The exhibition highlights their advancements in MicroLED, MiniLED, and AI-driven solutions, targeting smart city applications and next-generation automotive cockpits. These innovations underscore Innolux’s transforming digital life and enhancing user experiences across diverse sectors, from public displays to intelligent vehicles.

Innolux's exclusive 85
Innolux’s exclusive 85″ 4K AI interactive InnoGallery

Innolux introduces a new era of MicroLED applications, unveiling the world’s first “Color-Conversion Free-Tiling Seamless AM-MicroLED Mirror Display” and “High-PPI AM-MicroLED Mirror Display.” These products boast a wide color gamut (NTSC 115%), high reflectivity (86%), and low power consumption, enabling customizable, seamless tiling for smart cockpits, retail, and entertainment. Additionally, Innolux’s “101″ Color-Conversion-Based AM-MicroLED Free Tiling Display” further demonstrates its technical prowess, featuring P0.5mm high-definition imagery, seamless tiling, and high color saturation, suitable for large venues and immersive displays.

In the realm of AI, Innolux’s “85″ 4K AI Interactive InnoGallery” redefines art and interaction. Equipped with anti-glare and anti-reflective technology, it delivers a paper-like viewing experience, enabling dynamic digital art creation via voice commands. This solution targets smart city applications like digital museums and therapeutic environments. Innolux also presents the “MicroLED Floating Jewelry Box,” leveraging contactless gesture sensing and high-brightness MicroLED (>1,500 nits) to offer lifelike visuals for high-end retail and museum exhibits.

CarUX, focusing on automotive displays, unveils the industry’s only “9.6″ Micro-LED AR Windshield Reflective Solution” (WRS). This high-brightness, low-energy MicroLED module projects critical driving information onto the windshield using 3D imaging and image correction, enhancing safety by allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road. The projection extends to the co-pilot’s view with customizable display options. CarUX also introduces the “InvisiView-Transparent Leather” solution, blending MiniLED backlight with leather for hidden displays, and the “InvisiView-55″ LID with Carbon Fiber Texture,” which conceals screens behind decorative panels to elevate cabin aesthetics.

Safety and convenience are further enhanced with CarUX’s “Smart Privacy 12.3″ Display,” which toggles between private and sharing modes to minimize driver distractions, and the “Camera Behind Display” (CBD), which integrates a driving monitoring system (DMS) with AI to monitor driver behavior. Additionally, CarUX and Innolux collaborate on the third-generation “34″ Active MiniLED Backlight Automotive Display,” featuring a slim profile, high color saturation (NTSC 115%), and chip-scale packaged LEDs, offering Tier 1 manufacturers a comprehensive smart cockpit solution.

Innolux’s “High PPI AM-MicroLED Display” addresses automotive needs with high brightness, ultra-high contrast, and durability, ensuring visibility in challenging conditions like sunlight or snow. Its pliable, rollable design enhances in-car entertainment and communication, creating safer and more convenient driving environments. These advancements position Innolux and CarUX as leaders in integrating display technology with AI, safety, and aesthetic innovation, driving the future of smart cities and intelligent mobility.

The showcase at Display Week 2025 reflects Innolux’s vertically integrated capabilities and CarUX’s focus on automotive excellence, offering scalable, customizable solutions for global markets. From smart retail to autonomous driving, their technologies promise to redefine user interaction and elevate digital experiences.

Video clips on Innolux’s exclusive products and technologies: https://youtu.be/uVn44RaskfQ

Information on Innolux’s participation in SID Display Week 2025
Date: May 13 (Tuesday) to May 15 (Thursday), 2025
Time:
May 13, from 10:30 to 18:30
May 14, from 09:00 to 17:00
May 15, from 09:00 to 14:00
Exhibition Location: San Jose McEnery Convention Center, San Jose, California, USA
Booth Number: 828

Hashtag: #Innolux

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

About Innolux Corporation

Innolux Corporation is a world leading TFT-LCD and large size glass solution provider. The Company implements the core business philosophy of “More than Panel”, restructuring the business units into two domains, Display and Non-display. Display domain focuses on vertically integrated display applications, technological efficiency improvements, and operational synergies. Non-display domain extends to automotive, medical, Fan-Out Panel-Level Packaging and other fields, and provides customers with comprehensive solutions. Innolux has thirteen front-end fabs (including advanced packaging) located in Jhunan and Tainan in Taiwan, along with assembly facilities in China, including in Shanghai, Ningbo, and Foshan. Innolux Corporation (3481 TT) is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE). The company’s 2024 consolidated revenue reached NT$ 216.5 billion. For more information, please visit

About CarUX

CarUX, a subsidiary of Innolux, is a global leading company for smart cockpit display and vision solutions, with high-end, immersive interfaces as well as enhancing user experience, quality, and efficiency by driving seamless integration capability and innovative technology. Combining with her 5i strategy, CarUX actively invests resources to develop display-centric technologies, which enables the products perfectly blended in the interior and exterior design of a car and create the differentiation for car brands.