Home Blog Page 2483

Huawei Cloud: Accelerating Intelligence in ASEAN and Forging a Regional AI Innovation Highland

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 took place today. Aka Dai, Director of Huawei Cloud Marketing, gave a keynote speech titled “Accelerate Intelligence, Ignite Smart ASEAN.” He shared insights on how Huawei Cloud collaborates with ASEAN nations to capitalize on AI opportunities, boost growth, enhance competitiveness, and improve social welfare through cloud and AI technologies.

Aka Dai, Director of Huawei Cloud Marketing
Aka Dai, Director of Huawei Cloud Marketing

Cloud and AI are now driving national development and enterprise innovation. At this pivotal moment, ASEAN, with its vibrant energy and vision, is embracing these technologies to build global AI leadership. Despite their diverse approaches, member countries share a common goal: to create a forward-thinking innovation hub.

“This region is not just a dynamic growth engine. It is a land of pioneers, eager for innovation,” said Aka Dai. Huawei has operated in ASEAN for 26 years, and Huawei Cloud has served the region for 7 years. Committed to the principle “In ASEAN, For ASEAN,” Huawei Cloud has brought significant local investments and technological advancements. As the fastest-growing cloud provider in ASEAN, Huawei Cloud has seen a 30-fold increase over five years, with annual market growth surpassing 40%, serving numerous public services, financial institutions, carriers, and internet companies.

In industry applications, Huawei Cloud follows the “AI for Industries” strategy. Collaborating with customers on real-world projects, Huawei’s team of engineers and PhDs has built deep industry knowledge, enhancing productivity worldwide. From R&D and production to supply chain, sales, customer service, and operations—Huawei Cloud has explored over 500 use cases across 30 sectors. In ASEAN, Huawei Cloud has successfully integrated AI into public services, finance, telecommunications, and transportation.

In terms of technological innovation, Huawei Cloud significantly lowers the barrier to adopting AI through systematic innovation, making it easier for businesses to harness its power. It offers three core capabilities. First, a robust global network spanning 34 Regions and 101 availability zones (AZs), ensuring high scalability, low latency, and exceptional reliability. In ASEAN alone, Huawei Cloud operates 5 Regions and 17 AZs, offering top-notch network performance for local users. Second, Huawei Cloud features an open model ecosystem, supporting over 160 leading open-source models. Third, Huawei Cloud’s Pangu models enable companies to develop cutting-edge industry solutions using a full-range, multi-modal, and innovative three-layer decoupling architecture.

When it comes to fostering a thriving ecosystem, Huawei Cloud actively promotes the “Cloud for Good” initiative, leveraging cloud and AI to benefit humanity, nature, and sustainable development. In terms of talent development, Huawei has partnered with 49 institutions in Malaysia since 2021 to train over 54,000 individuals and aims to train 30,000 AI professionals in the next three years.

Huawei Cloud is dedicated to being a long-term partner in the dynamic, agile, and inclusive ASEAN region. We collaborate with local businesses to drive continuous innovation, aiming to empower AI pioneers in industries.

Twist Media Clinches Bronze for Best Recurring Event at Marketing Excellence Awards 2025

SINGAPORE, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Twist Media, a leading event management company in Singapore, has proudly taken home the Bronze award for Best Recurring Event at the Marketing Events Awards 2025. The accolade recognises the event company’s creative excellence and strategic execution for Tiger Brokers Singapore’s signature campaign, “What Would Tiger Do 2024: Project Play.”

Organised by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, the Marketing Events Awards is one of the region’s most distinguished platforms honouring outstanding work in event marketing across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and ANZ. Now in its fourteenth year, the awards celebrate brands and agencies that push the boundaries of creativity and effectiveness in experience-led campaigns. All submissions are evaluated by a panel of senior, client-side marketers and industry veterans, making the win a testament to Twist Media’s standout performance in a competitive field.

The Best Recurring Event category celebrates campaigns that have demonstrated long-term impact, consistent growth, and innovation over at least three years. It highlights events that continue to evolve, engage audiences meaningfully, and deliver lasting brand experiences, even in an ever-changing market.

As a trusted corporate event planner in Singapore, Twist Media led its award-winning campaign, held from 8 to 10 November 2024, built around the theme “Project Play.” This creative concept transformed the world of investing into a vibrant, interactive playground—encouraging both new and existing users of the Tiger Brokers platform to learn investment concepts in a fun, accessible way. The approach reinforced the brand’s belief that “Investing is for Everyone,” and helped demystify financial topics for a broader audience.

The event was activated across multiple channels, including Tiger Brokers’ website, app, EDMs, Facebook, Instagram, online forums, and via key opinion leaders (KOLs). By blending education with entertainment, the campaign successfully boosted engagement and strengthened brand presence in a market filled with key competitors and traditional banks.

This win adds to Twist Media’s growing list of accolades and further cements its position as a renowned corporate event planner. With a track record of delivering immersive, results-driven experiences, Twist Media continues to set new benchmarks as an innovative and reliable event management company.

For more information, please visit https://twistmedia.sg/.

 

BRI Launches Taipei Branch to Provide Financial Services for 360,000 Indonesian Migrant Workers in Taiwan

TAIPEI, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (IDX: BBRI) has expanded into Taiwan and East Asia with the launch of BRI Taipei Branch, located at No. 166, Sec. 3, Nanjing East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City.

The Grand Launching of BRI Taipei Branch at Taipei City, on Friday (08/08/2025)
The Grand Launching of BRI Taipei Branch at Taipei City, on Friday (08/08/2025)

At the Grand Launching Ceremony on Friday, August 8, 2025, Hery Gunardi, BRI’s President Director, highlighted, “As the only Indonesian bank branch in Taiwan, BRI Taipei Branch is positioned as a comprehensive financial hub, serving around 360,000 Indonesian migrant workers with remittance, savings, and investment solutions to support their future financial planning.”

BRI Taipei Branch offers integrated financial services including savings, financing, and remittances, while introducing the Advance FX Licence and BRI ATM cards compatible with Taiwan’s banking infrastructure.

“Looking ahead, we also plan for BRI Taipei Branch to serve as an investment gateway from Taiwan (China) to Indonesia, helping investors channel their funds through both direct and indirect investment avenues. With more competitive investment yields, we believe this will attract greater interest from Taiwanese investors,” added Hery.

At the same launching event, Arif Sulistyo, Head of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei, said BRI’s presence would boost Indonesia–Taiwan economic ties, noting nearly 400,000 Indonesians, mainly in caregiving and manufacturing, now reside in Taiwan.

“Formal Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan’s manufacturing sector earn approximately 28,590 NTD (IDR 14 million), while those in domestic roles earn around 20,000 NTD (IDR 10 million). Each month, 4,000 to 6,000 new workers arrive in Taiwan, contributing to remittance flows exceeding IDR 40 trillion annually,” explained Arif.

BRI Taipei Branch has held a Full Retail Foreign Bank Branch Office license from Taiwan’s financial authority since 2021, allowing it to offer services including deposits, loans, remittances, trade finance, and treasury.

As part of its continued growth, BRI Taipei Branch is launching two new products: BRImo Taiwan, a banking super app enabling seamless transactions, including remittances to Indonesia; and BRI Taipei Future Saving, a time deposit program in NTD with instalment options over 12, 24, or 36 months.

The Taiwan expansion strengthens BRI’s international network, which includes BRI New York Agency (BRINYA), BRI Singapore Branch (BRISG), BRI Hong Kong Representative Office (BRI HKRO), BRI Timor Leste Branch (BRITL), and BRI Cayman Island Branch (BRICIB).

Information about BANK BRI at www.bri.co.id.

Wing Bank and Singapore Airlines Launch Cambodia’s Points-to-Miles Exchange Partnership

The partnership enables Wing Bank users to convert loyalty points into KrisFlyer miles, enhancing their purchasing power through global travel rewards

SINGAPORE and PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Wing Bank (Cambodia) Plc., a 100% Cambodian-owned digital bank, has partnered with Singapore Airlines to launch Cambodia’s loyalty points-to-miles exchange program—marking a major milestone in customer rewards innovation.

Wing Bank and Singapore Airlines Celebrate New Partnership with Photo Opportunity at Launch Event
Wing Bank and Singapore Airlines Celebrate New Partnership with Photo Opportunity at Launch Event

The partnership launch event was honored by the presence of H.E.  HUOT Hak, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, H.E. Dr. Mey Vann, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Secretary General of the General Secretariat of the Non-Bank Financial Services Authority; and Neak Oknha Kith Meng, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wing Bank and CEO of the Royal Group of Companies.

Representatives from Singapore Airlines included Bryan Koh, Divisional Vice President, Loyalty Marketing; and Zechariah Chai, Regional Manager, KrisFlyer Partnerships; and Berlinda Yong, General Manager of Singapore Airlines in Cambodia.

Starting today, Wing Bank customers can seamlessly convert their WingPoints into KrisFlyer miles, unlocking new possibilities for travel and lifestyle benefits. This strategic collaboration reflects both organizations’ commitment to enhancing customer experience and promoting digital financial ecosystems.

Bridging two trusted platforms—Cambodia’s leading digital bank and one of the world’s most respected airlines—the partnership empowers users to turn everyday banking and Wingmall purchases into global travel opportunities. KrisFlyer miles earned through this program can be used to offset airfares with Singapore Airlines or redeemed for products from KrisShop’s extensive omni-channel catalogue.

“This is more than a rewards upgrade—it’s a gateway to global connectivity,” said Dr. Dmytro Kolechko, CEO of Wing Bank. “As a proud Cambodian institution, we’re thrilled to offer our customers the chance to transform local spending into international experiences.”

The redemption process is simple and fully integrated within the Wing Bank App. Users can tap on ‘Earn WingPoints’ and select ‘Redeem KF Miles’ to convert points into miles and instantly enjoy benefits across both ecosystems. As a launch bonus, customers will receive 1,000 WingPoints for every successful conversion.

To celebrate the launch, Wing Bank users can enjoy an exclusive travel promotion with Singapore Airlines. From August 13 to September 2, 2025, eligible travelers booking round-trip fares from Phnom Penh to Singapore will receive a 5% discount by entering the promo code SQWING25 during booking.

The travel period for this special offer runs from August 13 to October 31, 2025, giving passengers ample time to plan their visit. The offer is subject to availability.

This partnership marks a significant step forward in regional travel and financial innovation—bringing greater value, convenience, and global access to Cambodian consumers.

Ms. Berlinda Yong, General Manager of Singapore Airlines in Cambodia, and Dr. Dmytro Kolechko speak to members of the press during the partnership launch event.
Ms. Berlinda Yong, General Manager of Singapore Airlines in Cambodia, and Dr. Dmytro Kolechko speak to members of the press during the partnership launch event.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and Vilebrequin’s Exclusive Capsule Collection and Unforgettable Experiences Make Their Greater China Debut This Summer

Elevated getaway with a limited-edition collection of swimwear, accessories, and activities inspired and brought to life by the signature Family Traditions of St. Regis.

SHANGHAI, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, synonymous with the world’s most coveted destinations, and Vilebrequin, icon of French Riviera style, recently debuted a limited-edition capsule collection of swimwear, accessories, and games. This summer, the collaboration arrives at select St. Regis properties in Greater China, powered by the St. Regis Family Traditions Program rooted in the spirited legacy of the Astor. Captivating guests of every generation, from the youngest on the family tree to the seasoned traveler, the partnership embodies what it means to truly Live Exquisite: from urban escapades to seaside adventures. With thoughtful touches like playful prints of resort vacation scenes, adventure-ready accessories, and timeless pieces in classic cabana stripes, it’s a celebration of family travel at its most joyful.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and Vilebrequin Launch Exclusive Capsule Collection Inspired by the Family Traditions Program
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and Vilebrequin Launch Exclusive Capsule Collection Inspired by the Family Traditions Program

“The St. Regis legacy is built on the spirit of connection and cherished family moments, a tradition we are proud to continue here in Greater China,” said Bart Buiring, Managing Director, Luxury, Greater China, Marriott International. “Together with Vilebrequin, we are delighted to bring a refined yet playful experience to our guests in Hong Kong and Sanya. This collaboration not only elevates our Family Traditions program, but also creates memorable opportunities for families to gather and celebrate the joy of summer in two of the region’s most exceptional destinations.”

Following the beloved 2023 limited edition collaboration, this 2025 global iteration introduces a new pack of coastal essentials celebrating St. Regis Resorts the world-over, including boys’ and girls’ swimsuits, men’s swim trunks, women’s pareos, and a curated selection of beach games and accessories. Each piece is crafted in exclusive, custom-designed patterns and brought to life through one-of-a-kind illustrations and a new co-branded logo. The designs draw inspiration from the spirit of travel and timeless resort memories, featuring “Family Traditions,” a nostalgic print celebrating cherished moments from St. Regis Resorts around the world. “Family Stripes” is rendered in King Cole Red, a bespoke hue inspired by the iconic King Cole Bar at The St. Regis New York, birthplace of the legendary Bloody Mary. Thoughtfully designed family momentos are also present, including a wooden beach paddle set crafted from marine-printed plywood and featuring the Family Traditions motif; a beach bucket set adorned with the new Vilebrequin for St. Regis co-branded logo, and a plush cotton towel that serves as an essential complement to the collection’s swimwear.

The essence of luxury travel lies in unforgettable experiences, and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts are renowned as the setting for crafting moments that transcend the expected. To celebrate the launch, select St. Regis Hotels & Resorts in Greater China will unveil immersive activations that bring the Vilebrequin for St. Regis lifestyle to life.

A Splash of Fun in the Heart of Hong Kong 

This Asian metropolis comes alive under the summer sun. Nestled in the bustling Wan Chai district, The St. Regis Hong Kong serves as the ideal backdrop for families to spend quality time together. Through this collaboration with Vilebrequin, for a limited-time, guests booking the The Ultimate Family Staycation can enjoy exclusive poolside experiences with co-branded amenities, poolside dining, a curated in-room summer welcome amenity, complimentary rollaway bed, and an in-room kid’s tent. The partnership also shines through the hotel’s signature Afternoon Tea, where the Vilebrequin collection’s vibrant color palette is reflected in a curated selection of 16 pastries, including the Pistachio Cannele, Hojicha Madeleine, Citrus Tart and Smoked Salmon Sphere – a treat to both the eyes and palate.

Available until September 30, The Ultimate Family Staycation is priced from HKD $4,200* and can be booked via this booking link or call +852 2138 6888. Afternoon Tea is available until October 5 between 2:30 and 5:30pm, and is priced at HKD $478* per person and HKD $888 for two. For reservations, please visit this link or call +852 2138 6800.

*All listed prices are subject to 10% service charge

Embrace Coastal Bliss on the Shores of Sanya

The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort, nestled along pristine beaches epitome of a tropical getaway. As part of the collaboration with Vilebrequin, the resort presents the Family Tradition Package, featuring a two-night stay at the Royal Seaside Pool Villa, co-branded welcome amenities, and a 60-minute spa session for two at Iridium spa. Guests can also indulge in an array of culinary delights: From starting the day with daily champagne breakfast at Driftwood Seafood Restaurant, to experiencing the St. Regis x Vilebrequin-themed Family set menu at the resort’s Central Signature Pool. Throughout the stay, guests can expect unforgettable experiences, all enhanced by the brand’s signature anticipatory service.  

Available from August 25 to December 20, the Family Tradition Package is priced at RMB 19,498* and can be booked by calling +86 0898 8855 5555.

The exclusive experiences at The St. Regis Hong Kong and The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort complement collaborative activations at other St. Regis locations worldwide. Along the Indian Ocean, The St. Regis Bali and The St. Regis Langkawi offer tropical serenity, while The St. Regis Mallorca and The St. Regis Tamuda Bay bring coastal charm to the Mediterranean. In the Caribbean, The St. Regis Cap Cana delivers island luxury, and in the Middle East, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche and The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort showcase modern glamour by the Gulf.

The Vilebrequin for St. Regis capsule collection will also be available at select Vilebrequin flagship stores worldwide. Premier destinations include New York, Miami, Mexico City, Cannes, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Riyadh, and Dubai and will also be available for purchase online, exclusively at Vilebrequin.com. For guests seeking the ultimate family retreat, St. Regis’ collection of suites and multi-bedroom villas across resort destinations offer spacious accommodations, bespoke butler service, and tailored Family Traditions programming for all ages, which can be booked at St-Regis.Marriott.com.

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
Combining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering exquisite experiences at more than 60 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Beginning with the debut of The St. Regis Hotel in New York by John Jacob Astor IV at the dawn of the twentieth century, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. For more information and new openings, visit stregis.com or follow Instagram and FacebookSt. Regis is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments , and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Vilebrequin 
After celebrating 50 years of vacation, the French swimwear icon feels energized to do more. The secrets to the House’s longevity? Joy, freedom, and the seductive charm of Saint-Tropez back in 1971. That, and an obsession with durable, high-quality tailoring you can vacation in for a lifetime. With a global presence in more than 62 countries, the House isn’t done perfecting the art of living in the sun all year long with a range going from ready-to-wear and accessories to beach games. Driven by innovation, Vilebrequin is focused on developing and implementing sustainable solutions, fabrics, and processes that make an impact on vacation, not on the oceans. This commitment is made even stronger by the launch of the new Foundation Vilebrequin for a better marine heritage.

Media contact:
Patrick Faden
Director, Luxury Brand PR & Communications, Greater China
Marriott International
Patrick.E.Faden@marriott.com    

Medulla Expands Global Footprint with Strategic Launch in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Medulla Communications Pvt. Ltd., one of the world’s most awarded healthcare advertising agencies, has announced its expansion into Singapore, establishing a strategic hub to serve the Asia-Pacific region. Known for its expertise in solving healthcare challenges over 15 years, Medulla is looking to create a new super-specialist category as the first digital healthcare advertising agency in Asia.

In the image to the left is Managing Partner Taffy Ledesma and to the right is Praful Akali, Founder and Managing Director of Medulla Communications
In the image to the left is Managing Partner Taffy Ledesma and to the right is Praful Akali, Founder and Managing Director of Medulla Communications

Medulla is one of the rare healthcare-specialist agencies to win the world’s biggest awards for both creativity and marketing effectiveness, including Cannes Lions and Effies. This reinforces Medulla’s commitment to delivering comprehensive healthcare marketing services across the region, spanning brand strategy, ‘brand love’ campaigns, performance marketing, healthcare professional communications, CRM, patient support programs, and targeted digital campaigns.

“We’ve spent 15 years understanding and addressing the world’s healthcare challenges, working with brands in APAC through our global team. With our proven healthcare communication capabilities, we’re well-positioned to create meaningful impact across the region,” said Praful Akali, Founder and Managing Director of Medulla Communications.

Leading Medulla’s APAC operations as Managing Partner is Taffy Ledesma, a seasoned executive with extensive experience across healthcare, FMCG, and agency leadership. Taffy’s career began client side, working with Johnson & Johnson, Mead Johnson, and Unilever, before he transitioned to agency leadership roles—including Managing Director at DDB Indonesia and Country Head for Indonesia at Hello Health Group.

Taffy added, “My experience on both the client and agency sides of healthcare puts me in a strong position to be a true partner to our clients, ensuring their products and services reach the people they are intended to serve. My focus is on driving commercial effectiveness—and that’s what true partnerships achieve.”

Medulla has partnered with some global companies including Pfizer, Novartis, Ferring, Mylan, Braintap, and more. Medulla is poised to further its mission of delivering transformative healthcare marketing solutions across new frontiers.

About Medulla Communications:

Founded by Praful Akali in 2008, Medulla Communications has consistently been recognized as one of the top healthcare agencies globally. The agency has been honoured as the #1 Healthcare Agency of the Year at Cannes Lions in 2016 and secured a top three global ranking for three consecutive years (2015–2017).

Medulla has also been ranked as the #4 Most Effective Independent Agency globally by Effies, and the #4 Most Effective Specialist Agency globally by WARC.

For media inquiries, please contact: press@medulla.in | Website: www.medulla.agency

SEAMEO STEM-ED and Partners Highlight Two-Year SEA-TEP Program Success, Advancing STEM Teacher Education with Chevron’s Support


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2025 – The two-year Southeast Asian Teacher Education Programme (SEA-TEP), led by SEAMEO STEM-ED (The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for STEM Education) and regional partners, through the Chevron-funded education initiative marked a significant milestone in develop scalable model for STEM teacher education reform across Southeast Asia. The programme’s achievements were presented during the Thailand International Conference on Education Research (ThaiCER) 2025: The Education for the Future during 7th-9th August 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, underscoring a pivotal step forward in strengthen the capacity of STEM education for both pre-service and in-service programmes, regional collaboration, and innovative instructional practices to prepare educators to meet the demand of 21st-century classrooms and international assessment benchmark.

SEA-TEP Final Sharing 2025
SEA-TEP Final Sharing 2025

Across Southeast Asia, education systems continue to face critical challenges in teacher preparation including limited access to high-quality pre-service training, insufficient integration of interdisciplinary integration, and a lack of effective, instructional resources. Addressing these systemic gaps creates an important opportunity to enhance high-quality STEM education across the region to meet the demands of rapidly changing world. In response to these challenges, the Southeast Asian Teacher Education Programme (SEA-TEP) was launched in March 2023 with implementation in Kazakhstan, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia. SEAMEO-STEM-ED works in partnership with SEAMEO SEAMOLEC, SEAMEO RECSAM, the National STEM Association Malaysia, Caravan of Knowledge, and Cambodia’s Ministry of Education and leading regional teacher education institutions to collaboratively deliver a model for transformative teacher development through across diverse education systems.

The SEA-TEP interventions introduce innovative instructional practices for pre-service and in-service teachers, ensuring the development of phenomenon-based STEM lessons that incorporate effective strategies and digital tools. These practices are closely aligned with the OECD’s PISA 2025 Science Framework.

SEA-TEP adopts instructional materials grounded in the United States’ Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) while also responding to local classroom contexts—highlighting the importance of contextualizing STEM learning units. Participants learn to design lesson plans using the Claim–Evidence–Reasoning (CER) framework and modelling techniques. These approaches help students move beyond rote memorization, fostering evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking through curriculum innovation that reflects the competencies assessed by PISA.

Dr. Kessara Amornvuthivorn, SEAMEO STEM-ED’s Programme Director said, “The SEA-TEP model provides a structured approach to strengthening teacher education through collaboration across national and regional networks. By building the capacity of education leaders, SEA-TEP offers a scalable model for advancing STEM instruction. SEAMEO STEM-ED has partnered with implementation teams in five countries to enhance STEM teaching practices through the adoption of high-quality learning materials. The program has delivered professional development to more than 120 educators from 24 universities and teacher development institutes. Faculty members from these institutions have cascaded the training to over 1,500 pre-service and in-service teachers across 214 schools. By empowering both educators and institutions, SEA-TEP is contributing to the improvement of STEM teaching standards across participating countries and offering a promising model for regional collaboration in teacher education and development.”

Zamira Kanapyanova, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Eurasia Pacific, Chevron added, “At Chevron, we believe that empowering educators with the right tools and resources is important for nurturing the next generation of innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers. Through strategic regional programs like SEA-TEP, we aim to strengthen the foundation of STEM learning and help build a more resilient and competitive workforce for the future.”

The implementation of SEA-TEP across Southeast Asia has resulted in measurable improvements in student learning outcomes. Participating teachers reported that the SEA-TEP strategies helped students connect abstract scientific concepts with real-world applications. Notably, teachers observed clearer, evidence-based reasoning in student work, especially when using CER tools in environmental investigations. Prior to SEA-TEP’s adoption, many students struggled to apply scientific principles to everyday contexts. Post-implementation, however, classroom experiences revealed marked growth: students now demonstrate the ability to design experiments, interpret data, and make informed decisions based on diverse evidence sources. A significant improvement was also observed in students’ ability to make well-founded claims supported by concrete evidence and scientific reasoning.

These insights from teacher feedback highlight how SEA-TEP not only aligns with global education goals but also empowers educators to cultivate inquiry-based learning environments—ensuring students are equipped with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate global challenges.

First Vice-Minister of Education, Maira Meldebekova of the Republic of Kazakhstan said “SEA-TEP program is an example of fruitful international cooperation and large-scale changes in education. Such initiatives make it possible to test new formats of work with teachers, adapt and scale best practices at the national level. Teacher training modules that incorporated best practices from participating countries contributed to developing STEM approaches among teachers in Kazakhstan and transformation of STEM education.

Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our strategic partners for their contribution to development of practical and cross-functional approaches to education”.

The success of SEA-TEP lays a strong foundation for advancing policy integration in STEM teacher education across Southeast Asia and Kazakhstan. To ensure long-term impact, early engagement with decision-makers is key. In Kazakhstan, Policy recommendations emerging from the programme include revising national educational standards to promote interdisciplinary learning at the secondary level and establishing government-endorsed registries of certified STEM trainers. In response to a ministerial decree promoting innovation infrastructure within teacher training institutions, Ualikhanov University and Caravan of Knowledge are establishing a STEAM Competence Center to deliver high-quality professional development focused on STEM innovations. Furthermore, fostering regional professional learning communities (PLCs) is critical to ensure targeted teaching support and instructional leadership. These policy directions highlight how SEA-TEP model can serve as a strategic enabler for systemic STEM teacher education reform throughout Southeast Asia and Kazakhstan.

Following the regional sharing and reflection session, SEA-TEP’s final stage now focuses on consolidating key research insights, capturing best practices, and informing long-term strategies for sustainability and policy adoption. The success of SEA-TEP continues to serve as a path for advancing high-quality STEM teacher education across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Hashtag: #SEAMEOSTEMED #STEM #TEACHER #EDUCATION #SEATEP #CHEVRON

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

SM Investments H1 net income rises 6% to PHP42.6 billion

PASAY CITY, Philippines, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments) posted a consolidated net income of PHP42.6 billion in the first half of 2025, a 6% increase from PHP40.2 billion in the same period last year.

Consolidated revenues for the January to June period rose 6% to PHP319.2 billion, up from PHP301.4 billion in the first half of 2024.

“We continue to see steady growth across our core businesses, supported by favorable macroeconomic conditions in the Philippines,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments Corporation. “Bank lending remains strong, and consumer spending in our malls and retail stores continues to rise.  “The Philippine economy was steady at 5.4% growth in the first quarter, while inflation has eased to its lowest level since 2019, creating a more supportive environment for both corporates and consumers. Despite global trade uncertainties, overall sentiment remains positive, and we share that optimism for the remainder of the year.”

Banking accounted for 50% of reported net earnings, followed by property at 28%, retail at 15% and portfolio investments at 7%.

Retail

SM Retail net income grew 10% to PHP8.4 billion from PHP7.6 billion in the same period last year. Revenues were up 8% to PHP211.8 billion from PHP196.3 billion.

In non-food retail, revenues of the department store grew by 11%, marked by a shift in the school opening to the second quarter.

Revenues for specialty retail grew 5%, fueled by spending on stationery or back-to-school items, fashion as well as health and beauty categories.

Food retail revenues increased 8% to PHP127.1 billion due to store expansion and volume growth.

Banking

BDO Unibank, Inc. reported net income increased to PHP40.6 billion, up 3% from PHP39.4 billion in the same period last year supported by strong performance from its core businesses. 

China Banking Corporation posted PHP13.0 billion in net income, up 14% on the back of strong core business growth. Net interest income increased by 15% to PHP34.9 billion on higher asset yields and loan volume.

Property

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) reported first-half net income rose 11% growth to an all-time high of PHP24.5 billion, driven by higher rental income, real estate sales and ancillary revenues.

Portfolio Investments

In the first half, the portfolio investments’ performance was driven by Philippine Geothermal Production Company which contributed 35% of total portfolio income, followed by NEO with 30% and 2GO with 16%.

Balance Sheet

Total assets of SM Investments stood at PHP1.7 trillion, up 2%. Gearing ratio remained conservative at 32% net debt to 68% equity.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com