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NCS ramps up digital services arm NEXT to meet growing global demand

2,000 digital specialists across Asia Pacific in place to support client demand for digital first services and innovation

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 30 August 2022 – NCS today announced that NEXT, its digital services arm which offers clients deep-tech capabilities and end-to-end digital services, has grown to scale in key markets in the two years since embarking on its growth strategy to regionalise and expand its business beyond Singapore. With a fivefold increase in headcount since 2019, NEXT has become a 2,000-strong team of digital specialists across 18 specialisations in Asia Pacific, well-placed to help clients accelerate digital transformation and leverage emerging technologies such as metaverse and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) for innovation breakthroughs.

NCS organised an immersive NEXT launch simultaneously at Marquee in Singapore, THE LUME in Melbourne, and on a large-scale virtual platform with a metaverse experience and a digital human presenting future trends to clients and partners.
(Third from left) Mr Ng Kuo Pin, CEO of NCS; Singtel Group Independent Non-executive Director Lim Swee Say; Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How; Ms Wynthia Goh, Senior Partner and global Co-lead of NEXT at NCS; and other NCS NEXT leadership team in Singapore.

Mr Ng Kuo Pin, CEO of NCS, said, “With NCS as the growth engine for the Singtel Group, we’ve advanced NEXT to be one of the largest end-to-end digital powerhouses in the region with the purpose of igniting possibilities for our clients’ growing digital demands. NEXT leverages NCS’ digital services companies including ARQ Group, 2359 Media, Riley, ClayOPS, Velocity and Eighty20 Solutions1, and the current NEXT team to bring to scale industry-leading specialisations and talent to drive innovation.”

NEXT’s focus on leading the charge in digital services is in line with NCS’ three axes of growth transformation – expanding in Asia Pacific, doubling down the government sector and enterprise business and growing its digital capabilities. NCS’ digital-led revenue contribution has increased from 37% in FY2020 to 48% in first quarter ended 30 June 2022.2

Access to digital specialists across Digital, Data, Cloud and Platforms

As more clients seek to be at the forefront of technology and breakthrough thinking, NEXT will focus on four key pillars – Digital, Data, Cloud and Platforms. These pillars will address key digital trends that could impact governments and enterprises over the next few years, such as responsible AI, multi-platform digital world, robots as your colleagues, meta-everywhere and digital humans.

NEXT, together with NCS’ core service offerings in applications, infrastructure, engineering and cybersecurity, offers clients a comprehensive suite of technology services to help them accelerate digital transformation and better scale operations.

Industry leaders driving NEXT’s growth

At the helm of NEXT are two industry veterans – Wynthia Goh and Tristan Sternson – who will jointly lead strategic growth plans to accelerate NEXT’s global reach and innovation ecosystem, particularly in the key markets of Singapore, Australia and APAC region. According to IDC, the digital services market in APAC will grow at a CAGR of 16.9% over 2020-2025 to reach US$190.8 billion in 2025.3

Wynthia Goh has led NEXT since its setup and brings more than 20 years of experience leading regional digital teams in global organisations as well as helping clients successfully harness technology to drive growth. She is a recipient of Singapore’s 100 Women in Tech awards in 2020.

Tech pioneer Tristan Sternson has led ARQ Group in Australia to become a multi-award-winning digital and tech services firm with a 26-year heritage of technological innovation. ARQ delivers advisory, design and managed services to more than half of Australia’s top 20 ASX-listed companies.

Ms Wynthia Goh, Senior Partner and global Co-lead of NEXT at NCS, said, “With NEXT, clients can tap into NCS as a local partner as well as access global talent to help them develop innovative solutions and achieve their business outcomes. We’re excited to showcase the synergies and collective strength of NEXT’s scalable and agile teams to support the growing demand for digital transformation across industries.”

Mr Tristan Sternson, Senior Partner and global Co-lead of NEXT at NCS, added, “We have combined some of the best digital businesses in Asia Pacific to work closely with our clients and partners to unlock the full potential of digital technologies. NEXT will enable cross-pollination of tech innovation to ignite possibilities and make the extraordinary happen with partners and clients, which will create positive impacts on businesses and the communities they operate in.”

To mark the milestone, NCS organised an immersive NEXT launch simultaneously at Marquee in Singapore, THE LUME in Melbourne, and on a large-scale virtual platform with a metaverse experience and a digital human presenting future trends to clients and partners. Attendees were also invited to experience demonstrations of AI, multi-robots operations platform, augmented reality and cloud innovation.

1 NCS has a majority stake in Eighty20 Solutions (Eighty20).
2 Digital revenue refers to capabilities in Digital (data analytics, mobility, artificial intelligence), Cloud (development of cloud strategies and implementations), Platforms (IoT solutions, intelligent data fusion platform and smart video analytics platform) and Cyber. Source: Singtel Financial Results (a) FY2022 (b) FY2023 Q1 ended 30 June 2022
3 Source: IDC Worldwide Black Book: 3rd Platform Edition (May 2022 Release)

Hashtag: #NCS

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

About NCS

NCS, a subsidiary of Singtel Group, is a leading technology services firm with presence in Asia Pacific and partners with governments and enterprises to advance communities through technology. Combining the experience and expertise of its 12,000-strong team across 61 specialisations, NCS provides differentiated and end-to-end technology services to clients with its NEXT capabilities in digital, data, cloud and platforms, as well as core offerings in application, infrastructure, engineering and cybersecurity. NCS also believes in building a strong partner ecosystem with leading technology players, research institutions and start-ups to support open innovation and co-creation. For more information, visit ncs.co.

Nam Ngum 1 Dam Begins Operating New Extension

The new extension of Nam Ngum 1 dam.

The expansion of the hydropower station in Nam Ngum 1 dam was officially launched on Saturday with assistance from the Japanese government. 

Robb Report Hong Kong enters the Hong Kong luxury lifestyle media market

HONG KONG – Media OutReach – 30 August 2022 – Hong Kong welcomes a new title today in the city’s luxury media market. With the launch of Robb Report Hong Kong and its official website, Nexus Media Limited will publish the esteemed print magazine annually alongside daily digital content, presenting a definitive guide to lifestyle and luxury.

Robb Report carries an unrivalled global reputation for reporting on lifestyle with authority and discernment. Robb Report Hong Kong is dedicated to featuring all aspects of luxury, primarily focusing on automobiles, aviation, and boating, alongside coverage of real estate, travel, dining, whiskies, wine, watches, jewelry, and fashion.

Above and beyond any other luxury enterprise or venture, Robb Report is known for its grand events, creating tailor-made experiences for its VIP readers and clientele. From first-look previews to private evenings and sojourns, Robb Report readers are provided with unparalleled access and benefits that truly speak to living life to the fullest.

“Robb Report Hong Kong is unlike any other magazine you’ll see on newsstands,” says Tak Man, Chief Executive Officer and Director at Nexus Media Limited, who brings the title to market. “We are about creating unique experiences, hand-picked from around the globe to feature only the very Best of the Best—an integral theme in our magazine. What’s extraordinary about this launch in Hong Kong is that our readers will get to experience tailored, specially curated events, the likes of which many have never seen or experienced before.”

Robb Report Hong Kong’s print magazine, Best of the Best, is an annual publication that promises to be the definitive tome on luxury and lifestyle in Asia. With a massive online and social media presence, the signature events that complement the features on the official website and print magazine makes this an exciting venture like no other in the region, staying true to its motto: Luxury without Compromise.

Be it Signature Events or Tailored Events, join Robb Report Hong Kong as we travel to exotic destinations for unparalleled experiences.

Car of the Year has been a staple in Robb Report’s calendar for the past two decades. Each year, readers participate in a fresh experience at a new location with extraordinary cars of the moment. A carefully selected and well-informed panel of judges will shortlist the supercars as nominees for Car of the Year, and our event will be capped off with a grand gala dinner featuring an exclusive VIP guest list and the announcement of the Car of the Year nominees. This lavish event will premiere in Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2023.

Ultimate Drive takes readers on an annual pilgrimage that will appeal to the most passionate of auto enthusiasts. To add to the beautiful displays of automotive excellence, participants are treated to behind-the-scenes tours and access, exclusive drive experiences, and model previews with the top automotive marques in the world, as well as private celebrations with superlative luxury brands that only Robb Report can provide. This multi-day extravaganza is one that true auto enthusiasts and collectors mark on their calendar every year.

Each year, Robb Report bestows its Best of the Best awards on the very finest luxury products, services, and experiences that the world has to offer. A select group of readers will gather together for a private celebratory dinner to toast the Best of the Best winners.

For the epicurean, the hottest ticket in town is Culinary Masters. Join Robb Report and an incredible line-up of Michelin-starred luminaries for an unforgettable weekend of gourmet dining experiences, exquisite wine pairings, intimate culinary classes, and a friendly golf tournament with your favorite chefs, all surrounded by magnificent views.

And finally, the year is capped off with Dream Machines. Robb Report’s Dream Machines: Land & Air makes its debut in Hong Kong, presenting readers with an elite experience featuring the latest machines, wings, and wheels for a fun, adrenaline-driven adventure. Test-drive the newest luxury cars, enjoy epic helicopter tours over the city, and indulge in exceptional dining, world-class wines, and fabulous accommodations.

In Hong Kong, a hybrid of both curated experiences and programmes will be created for Robb Report readers on an international scale.

A Brief History

The first edition of Robb Report hit newsstands in the United States back in 1976, originally devoted to advertisements for new and vintage Rolls-Royces by founder Robert L. “Rusty” White. The original “Robb” distributed his newsletter to members of the Rolls-Royce Owners Club, and he provided a suede three-ring binder to paying subscribers, setting a standard of effortless elegance from the get-go.

The brand evolved over the course of four decades to become what it is today: the single most influential journal of living life to the fullest, with 18 international editions in 10 languages spanning 28 countries across the globe.

The Hong Kong edition is the nineteenth title in the franchise, highlighting not only the finest aspects of life and luxury in the world, but putting a spotlight on what’s rising from the East, consumers of note, cognoscente of luxury, and experiences like no other.

For all of the changes that have taken place in the years since Robb Report first hit newsstands all those years ago, the standards of exceptional quality, beauty, and precision have remained constant in the hearts and minds of true connoisseurs who have subscribed to the publication since its nascent stage.

In Hong Kong, the publication of its annual, Best of the Best, is anticipated to hit newsstands in the first quarter of 2023. A mighty tome limning the finest products and services, Best of the Best will be accompanied by the official website, dedicated to providing daily updates on what’s happening in the world of luxury across all digital platforms.

Robb Report is the leading voice in the global luxury market, synonymous with affluence, luxury, and the best of the best. Its discerning audience around the world has a shared appreciation and desire for quality, exclusivity, heritage, taste, and fine design. It is the brand the most successful people rely on to discover the ideas, opinions, products, and experiences that will matter most to them.

Robb Report: Luxury Without Compromise.

Hashtag: #RobbReportHongKong

About Robb Report Hong Kong

Robb Report Hong Kong is part of Nexus Media Group, a company celebrating its tenth year in Hong Kong. The bold title joins a roster of expert curated content creation platforms and media titles that includes Nexus Media, Localiiz, WeeGo, MyLocals, and Nexus Digital.

UN Calls for Inclusive and Fair Digital Transformation in Asia and the Pacific

UN Calls for Fair Digital Transformation

The rapid, widespread adoption of digital technology, spurred in large part by the COVID-19 pandemic, and its economic and societal ramifications are the key focus of deliberations at a United Nations forum this week.

Less than a third of Asia Pacific businesses are well prepared for disruption amid increased focus on future-readiness

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 30 August 2022 – New global research by Harvard Business Review Analytic Services commissioned by SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) has found that more than nine in ten (92%) of businesses in Asia Pacific (APAC) say that an adaptive culture and continuous employee upskilling is very important, though only 30% say their organisation is very prepared for unexpected changes or disruptions.

This is particularly important as APAC businesses increase their investment in people (62%), business processes like innovation or services (69%), and operations (43%) over the next year.

“Rarely in the course of history have so many disruptions affected so many businesses at the same time,” said Cathy Ward, Chief Operating Officer, SAP Asia Pacific and Japan. “Unforeseen challenges and new priorities, from supply chain resilience to sustainability, are putting pressure on companies to adapt. What this report shows is that, while agility and resilience are critical to prepare for the future, there’s still no single way to anticipate the changes the future will bring.”

These insights have been revealed in a new report released today, which explores the impact of planning and anticipation of the future on business success. The report, ‘Anticipating the Future for Growth and Innovation‘, surveyed 442 global organisations across Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe.

Strategic planning focused on short-term horizons

Globally, businesses are strongly focused on strategic planning, many are working to relatively short-term horizons. Almost three quarters (73%) of organisations say they plan for between one and five years into the future. Just one in five (20%) of respondents say their planning horizon is more than five years out.

The research also found that organisations share a few common priorities when planning. The top four priorities respondents selected were revenue growth and improving profit margins (55%), finding new customers, markets, and growth areas (51%), product and service innovation (47%), and retaining and attracting talent (46%). While APAC and other respondents across the globe are mostly aligned on priorities, one difference is in building a more resilient business ecosystem which was selected by more APAC respondents (42%) than respondents from the rest of the world (29%).

Agility and talent are key obstacles to anticipating the future

Despite the priority on anticipating the future, there remain critical challenges many businesses face when planning. Slow decision-making was identified as the biggest challenge by APAC respondents (38%) when anticipating the future, while attracting the right talent (36%) and retaining staff (36%) were both raised as key issues.

Another problem identified by many APAC companies was a hierarchical disconnect when it came to planning. A third (32%) of businesses said that lower-level employees not being involved in planning was a core problem. That may be because the more senior a role, the more they’re encouraged, and rewarded, to have a proactive mindset and think about the future.

“Executives in APAC are much more encouraged (80%) and rewarded (55%) to have a proactive mindset about the future than most other roles,” continued Ward. “But while leaders are integral to building a future-ready business, they cannot do it alone. That’s why one of the most important steps a leader can take as they move towards becoming what we call the Chief Anticipation Officer is creating a culture of collaborative planning and forward-thinking mindset across the organisation.”

Investment in organisational culture is essential to plan for multiple different futures

The culture a business nurtures and maintains has a disproportionately large role on success in planning for the future. Globally, more than half (57%) of respondents said that creating a culture that embraces change is an important organisational factor in anticipating the future – the most-selected response.

But building that culture requires a focus on talent acquisition, engagement, and upskilling. Organisations are placing high importance on the ability to attract new talent with needed skills (globally at 59%), aligning employee skill sets with the right roles and responsibilities (59%), and the ability to upskill current employees (56%).

The survey also found that technology and digital infrastructure are on the minds of many executives, though they may not be organisations’ top focuses. Strong digital infrastructure and cybersecurity skills (42%) was noted as the fourth most-cited answer when asked which skills and competencies most help organisations plan for the future. Additionally, lacking the technology an organisation needs for the future is also an important challenge to anticipate the future for APAC respondents (32%).

“This moment in time is an incredible opportunity for businesses to look to the future,” concluded Ward. “Continuous change demands flexible, forward-thinking action in three critical areas: how people will work, how we will do business, and how we will operate our organisations. By focusing on these areas, we can break away from traditional methods, better anticipate what’s coming next, and begin to drive new, successful outcomes in the future.”

The full Anticipating the Future for Growth and Innovation report by SAP and Harvard Business review is available at this link: https://www.sap.com/sea/cmp/oth/sea-rise-of-chief-anticipation-officer/index.html

Visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @SAPNews.

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Hashtag: #SAP

About SAP

SAP’s strategy is to help every business run as an intelligent, sustainable enterprise. As a market leader in enterprise application software, we help companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best: SAP customers generate 87% of total global commerce. Our machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics technologies help turn customers’ businesses into intelligent enterprises. SAP helps give people and organizations deep business insight and fosters collaboration that helps them stay ahead of their competition. We simplify technology for companies so they can consume our software the way they want – without disruption. Our end-to-end suite of applications and services enables business and public customers across 25 industries globally to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and make a difference. With a global network of customers, partners, employees, and thought leaders, SAP helps the world run better and improve people’s lives. For more information, visit .

This document contains forward-looking statements, which are predictions, projections, or other statements about future events. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to materially differ. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties may be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the risk factors section of SAP’s 2021 Annual Report on Form 20-F.

© 2022 SAP SE. All rights reserved.

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Which Provinces in Laos are Facing Heavy Flooding?

Extreme flooding in Xai District, Oudomxay Province on 26 August (Photo: Walker Trail).

This year, seasonal monsoonal rains are drenching Laos, causing natural disasters in several provinces. What are those provinces, and how has flooding affected them?

Transport Trucks Remain Stranded at Laos-China Border

Trucks from Laos stranded at the Laos-China border at Boten (Photo: RFA)
Trucks from Laos stranded at the Laos-China border at Boten, Luang Namtha province. (Photo: RFA)

Strict Covid-19 controls by China have meant cargo trucks from Laos have been unable to deliver freight, leaving thousands of trucks stranded at the border gate in Boten.

Cainiao Partners with Daraz to Automate Two Smart Distribution Centres in Pakistan to Enhance E-Commerce Logistics Capabilities in South Asia

  • The two facilities are located in Karachi and Lahore and it will be one of the most technologically advanced logistics facilities in South Asia
  • This is Cainiao’s first deeply integrated distribution centre network in the region

HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach – 30 August 2022 – Cainiao Network, (“Cainiao”), the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, and Daraz, South Asia’s leading eCommerce platform, today announced upcoming plans to automate Daraz’s two smart distribution centres in Pakistan for Daraz, a leading eCommerce platform in South Asia.

Cainiao Distribution Center for Daraz in Pakistan

The distribution centres will be equipped with innovative smart technologies, such as an automatic assembly line and smart distribution set-up. It will utilise Cainiao’s proprietary solutions, including e-PLC,control algorithm,WCS, to ensure operational quality and stability.

The project marks a new milestone for Cainiao as its first deeply integrated network of distribution centres in South Asia. To date, Cainiao has built hundreds of automated distribution centres of varying scales in the Chinese mainland, and 10 smart distribution hubs across Europe, Asia, and America.

“As Daraz’s official logistics partner, we are committed to growing its logistics capabilities in the region. By extending our technology to the logistics ecosystem in South Asia and beyond, we hope to also raise awareness of our smart logistics offerings and technology applications to help the industry and our overseas partners close the gap in digitalisation, become more competitive, and meet the growing demand for eCommerce,” said Dr. Ding Hongwei, General Manager, Cainiao Technology.

South Asia is one of the most exciting regions with access to over 500 million people, and untapped growth potential. Strong consumption momentum in South Asia, an emerging market for eCommerce, has spurred the rapid growth of the business. Over the past two years, the business grew by 85 percent in GMV, with revenue surges during the 11.11 global shopping festival.

The shifting consumer behaviour toward online shopping represents immense opportunities for eCommerce merchants in the region. By modernising logistics distribution, Cainiao will not only support Daraz’s business growth, but will also relieve the immense logistics pressure faced by the industry and usher in a new age of smart logistics in the region.

“Strengthening our logistics infrastructure and technology is critical in scaling our operations in Pakistan. By tapping on smart technology, Daraz is able to enhance our customers’ experience by providing more efficient logistics distribution. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Cainiao to grow our logistics capabilities,” said Mr Bjarke Mikkelsen, Daraz Group Chief Executive Officer and Founder.

“This sort of technology is coming to Pakistan for the first time – the partnership with Cainiao will bring immense knowledge sharing for the industry and help Pakistan in its efforts towards digitization. Along with that, this automation will increase Daraz’s sorting capacity by over 4x and decrease manual errors by over 90%. We are very excited to welcome Cainiao and look forward to working with them to bring global best-in-class technology and logistics solution to Pakistan, .” said Mr Ahmed Tanveer, Chief Operating Officer for Daraz Pakistan

Cainiao is intensifying its actions toward enabling a resilient and robust global logistics and supply chain ecosystem. Having succeeded in digitising its supply chain processes, it is now helping the industry accelerate warehouse digitalisation with its smart warehouse technology. Last year, ahead of the 11.11 global shopping festival, Cainiao collaborated with Flash Express, one of the leading logistics companies in Thailand, to build the largest smart warehouse in Southeast Asia. Utilising Cainiao’s technology, Flash Express gained a differentiating competitive advantage in a saturated logistics market.

Hashtag: #Cainiao #Daraz

About Cainiao Network

Founded in 2013, Cainiao Network (“Cainiao”) is a smart logistics company and the logistics arm of Alibaba Group. As part of its commitment to create customer value, it adopts a collaborative approach to logistics that aims to improve efficiency and customer experience for all players along the supply chain. It carries forward Alibaba’s mission of making it easy to do business anywhere by aiming to deliver anywhere in China within 24 hours, and across the globe within 72 hours.

About Daraz Group

Founded in 2015, Daraz is South Asia’s leading e-commerce platform in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Myanmar. It empowers more than 200,000 active sellers with world-class marketplace technology to reach the fast-growing consumer class in a region of 500 million people. Through Daraz Express and Daraz Pay, it operates the most efficient and digitalised logistics and payments infrastructure in its markets. Daraz’s vision is to be a champion of South Asia serving 100 million customers and businesses by 2030.

For more information, please visit .