The chief of police in Savannakhet Province has ordered the dismissal of three police officers for misconduct and violation of Covid-19 prevention orders.
The Big Hygiene Reset: New research reveals almost 1 in 2 people would leave a public venue if it did not appear to have good hygiene measures in place
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 8 October 2021 – Rentokil Initial has released a new global hygiene report, The Global Hygiene Reset, examining the pandemic’s influence on people’s attitudes, behaviours and expectations about hygiene. The world’s leading pest control and hygiene services provider surveyed 20,000 people across 20 countries in EMEA, APAC and AMER to build a global perspective.
Key findings
- 70% of people surveyed have higher hygiene expectations of themselves because of the COVID-19 pandemic
- 74% said that they are now more concerned that other people’s poor hand hygiene could put their health at risk than before the COVID-19 pandemic
- 74% responded that they are now more aware of germ hotspots than before the COVID-19 pandemic
- 71% agree that they are now more fearful of the spread of germs via the surfaces they touch than before the pandemic
- 71% of respondents are concerned about whether a venue has adequate measures in place to stop the spread of germs
The Global Hygiene Reset report provides unique insights into how individuals have adapted their hygiene behaviours because of the COVID-19 pandemic and sheds light on the multiple ways the benchmark for “good hygiene” has shifted as a response. A renowned psychologist, bestselling author and broadcaster, provides expert analysis in the report.
Over the past 18 months, public health advice has emphasised the importance of better hygiene practices involving hand, surface and air hygiene. This has led to a greater awareness of hygiene, how easily pathogens spread and the clear hygiene practices needed to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and other common viruses, such as influenza and norovirus.
- 72% of people surveyed are now more concerned about the spread of germs via the air they breathe indoors in a public venue than before the COVID-19 pandemic
- 74% of respondents say they would now like reassurance that the surfaces they are touching in a public venue are disinfected regularly
The survey reveals a new benchmark in hygiene expectations and that many of the practices adopted by people to keep themselves and others safe have become second nature and are likely to remain.
The global pattern shows that people wash their hands more now (66%) to protect themselves from common viruses than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic and that they’re likely to do this more in future (66%). This increased expectation of good hygiene practices will continue to impact the way we live our lives and the way we work.
Businesses that embrace this shift in the fundamental mindset and implement integrated hygiene strategies – not only for hand hygiene but for surfaces and clean air as well – will be better placed to protect the health and safety of staff and customers, keeping them reassured and giving them the confidence to return to their premises.
Amanda Jackson, Global Head of Category, Hygiene & Wellbeing from Rentokil Initial commented on this paradigm shift in expectations. “Regardless of where we live and work, the implications of the increased awareness of and appreciation for hygiene will have a ripple effect on our society for the coming decades. From avoiding frequently touched surfaces to concerns about poor indoor air quality, the research shows that people feel hygiene must be at the forefront of decisions made by organisations and businesses across the globe. Good hygiene practices will continue to be essential to living a more comfortable, productive and healthier life. Results from our survey show that 71% of people are concerned about whether a venue has adequate measures in place to stop the spread of germs. An integrated approach to hygiene can help put their minds at rest and keep them safe.”
About Initial
We’re the world’s leading hygiene company and part of Rentokil Initial, the experts in protecting people and enhancing lives. We operate in over 60 countries across the world and have over 100 years of hygiene experience, the widest range of solutions and the highest levels of service in the industry. Our teams of microbiologists, product developers and service professionals and our award-winning innovations set us apart from competitors. We help customers around the world manage hygiene risks and create safer business environments to protect their staff, customers and brand reputations.
#RentokilInitial
Deutsche Post AG Sees Strong Q3 2021 And Will Raise Guidance
BONN, GERMANY – EQS Newswire – 7 October 2021 – Disclosure of inside information pursuant to Article 17 MAR
Management has today assessed the preliminary group results for the month of September and hence Q3 2021 as well as the outlook for the remainder of the year.
The positive development of the group’s businesses seen in the first half of the year has continued well through the third quarter 2021. Q3 volume trends confirm base assumptions with continued well supported B2B recovery and B2C volumes staying at high previous year levels across all major networks. At the same time the tight capacity situation both in Ocean and Air Freight markets continued. For Q3 2021 the EBIT performance is forming out as follows:
Preliminary group EBIT reached around EUR 1.765 billion in Q3 2021 (Q3 2020: EUR 1.377 billion), bringing the EBIT of the first nine months of this year to around EUR 5.760 billion. As a reminder, Q3 2020 came including EUR -163 million for the one-time pandemic bonus; in this year’s Q3 there is an effect of EUR -179 million with a similar distribution across the divisions. Related payment is expected in Q4.
The divisional results in Q3 in detail:
EBIT in the Express division reached around EUR 970 million in the third quarter of 2021 compared to previous year’s Q3 of EUR 753 million.
EBIT in Global Forwarding, Freight stood at around EUR 370 million in Q3 2021, also clearly ahead of previous year’s Q3 of EUR 155 million.
EBIT at Supply Chain came in at around EUR 140 million in Q3 2021, significantly above last year’s Q3 result which stood at EUR 112 million.
Also, eCommerce Solutions recorded Q3 2021 EBIT of around EUR 90 million. It was at EUR 76 million in Q3 2020.
EBIT in Post & Parcel Germany in Q3 2021 was around EUR 300 million (Q3 2020: EUR 320 million).
Group Functions/Consolidation recorded a result of around EUR -105 million in Q3 2021; last year’s Q3 reached EUR -39 million including positive effects in the context of the StreetScooter repositioning.
The continued positive business development is underpinned by a continued equally strong development of cash flow; free cash flow in Q3 2021 amounted to more than EUR 1.0 billion. In Q3 2020 this figure was at EUR 1.264 billion. For the first nine months of 2021 Free Cash Flow now stands at more than EUR 3.1 billion versus EUR 1.460 billion last year.
In light of the continued positive earnings momentum also in Q3 2021, management will raise guidance for FY 2021 Group EBIT and FCF, driven by the strong development in the DHL divisions. Also, the mid-term guidance for FY 2023 will be subject to upward revision.
The revised guidance will be published with the formal release of Q3 2021 earnings on November 4th 2021.
The comprehensive disclosure for Q3/9M 2021 will be released on November 4th 2021 as planned.
Financial indicators:
Explanations on these financial indicators are available in the 2020 Deutsche Post DHL Group Annual Report (see page 25f) which is published on the company’s website at the link below:
Ev Dynamics’ 12-Meter E-Bus Passes Homologation in Europe
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 7 October 2021 – Ev Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (the “Company”, Stock Code: 476, together with its subsidiaries, collectively “Ev Dynamics” or the “Group”), a provider of new energy vehicles and integrated technology solutions, today announced that its 12-meter E-Bus model has passed the Whole Vehicle-Type-Approval System (WVTA) and Standardized On-Road Test Cycles (E-SORT) of the Economic Commission of Europe, laying the foundation for the Company’s entry into the European market at large. The Company’s 12-meter E-Bus is currently on its way to Munich, Germany, where it will be used as a test and display unit for European clients.
With an impressive energy performance and a large battery capacity, Ev Dynamics’ 12-meter E-Bus is set to make an appearance in Munich soon as a test and display unit for European clients
Specifically designed with a distinctive and fresh aesthetic, this high-tech vehicle has a reliable grade climbing performance and has been designed and manufactured to meet European standards.
The Company will work with its strategic partner, Quantron AG (“Quantron”), a German-based company engaged in inner-city e-mobility and regional freight and passenger transportation, to tap into the European market with the 12-meter E-Bus model.
Miguel Valldecabres Polop, CEO of Ev Dynamics, said: “We are thrilled to have taken a big step forward in launching our e-buses in the European EV market. With the vehicle now having passed homologation, we are ready to leverage the business network and experience of Quantron and launch our products in Europe. We believe this high-performing and environmentally friendly bus will win a warm welcome from the European market and become a key solution to replace the diesel buses currently being used, thus showing great development potential.”
Michael Perschke, International Advisor of Ev Dynamics and CEO of Quantron, said: “We are seeing a growing demand for EVs in Europe on the back of favorable policies and the market trend of electrification of public transport. In light of the strategic partnership, Quantron will focus on product development whilst Ev Dynamics will be in charge of production. We have also participated in several public transportation tenders. Our collaboration has made significant progress and will continue to deliver good operational efficiency and robust business growth.”
Currently, the Company holds a total of 9,157 shares in Quantron, representing approximately 14.43% of the enlarged share capital of the German company. Quantron has started delivering electric vans to IKEA Austria.
About Ev Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (Stock Code: 476)
Ev Dynamics (Holdings) Limited is a pioneer and a prominent player in China’s new energy commercial vehicles market, as well as a whole-vehicle manufacturer of specialty passenger vehicles and new energy passenger vehicles. It is an integrated driving and logistics solutions provider with a solid technological foundation in diverse areas including new energy platform power systems and their key components. The Group has a production base in Chongqing and it has developed its sales network in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Asia Pacific and South America.
#EvDynamics
Laos Shifts Gears on Electric Vehicle Promotion
The Government of Laos has issued a new policy to promote electric vehicles which it hopes will help minimize fuel imports and reduce emissions in the country.
Tokyo Islands Seafood Fair, a Tokyo Marine Produce Proposal Session for the Restaurant Industry, Etc., in Manila, Will Be Held Online on October 21 (Thu.)
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach – 7 October 2021 – Hightower J. Foods Corp. will hold the Tokyo Islands Seafood Fair, a Tokyo marine produce proposal session for the restaurant industry, etc., in Manila, online on October 21, 2021 (Thu.).
While Tokyo is the largest city in Japan, it’s also home to nature-rich islands like the Izu and Ogasawara Archipelagoes. Rare, high-quality fish like splendid alfonsino are caught around these islands in the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
At the event, top chefs in the Philippines will cook fresh, air-transported marine produce from Tokyo and deliver original dishes exclusively to participants.
In addition to original dishes, we’ll also send a recipe book full of culinary delights made using Tokyo’s marine produce and broadcast video clips introducing the marine produce of the Tokyo islands on the same day. Savor the dishes made using fish from the Tokyo islands and discover their charm through this event.
Tokyo Islands Seafood Fair Overview
Date: October 21, 2021 (Thu.) 14:00 to 15:30 (JST +1)
Venue: Held online (via Zoom)
Aimed at: Restaurants, chefs, fishmongers, etc., around Manila
Event details: Messages from stakeholders
Product introductions (introducing the types and characteristics of Tokyo fish)
Sampling session (a video introducing sample dishes), etc.
Sample dishes (planned): Roasted Aged Splendid Alfonsino – The Fragrance of Tomatoes and Green Shiso
Ruby Snapper Ceviche – A Harmony of Watermelon and Vegetables
Refreshing Summer Barrelfish Cutlet Marinade
Shimazushi of Tokyo Fish, etc. 8 dishes in total
This project has been commissioned by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It aims to establish a continuous logistics scheme to help expand the sales channels for Tokyo’s marine produce, through holding a product proposal session, a fair at retail stores, and other events, and through PR activities associated with them.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/HightowerJ.Foods/
#HightowerJ.FoodsCorp
It’s Time to Glow like Wendy This October with POND’s Brand Day on Lazada!
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach – 7 October 2021 – Global skincare brand POND’S partners with Southeast Asia’s leading e-commerce platform Lazada to launch their biggest regional beauty campaign of the year—POND’S x LazMall Glow Like Wendy Brand Day, a 3-day event from 11 to 15 October featuring POND’S new brand ambassador Wendy from Red Velvet, one of the world’s most popular K-Pop groups.
Wendy is the face of POND’S for the first ever POND’S Bright Beauty 3D Glow Serum, the latest breakthrough serum that works 60 times better than Vitamin C to brighten, smoothen, and hydrate skin for the ultimate Korean glow. Packed with 3 most potent skin perfecting ingredients including GlutaBoost- C, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide – the lightweight formula is proven to be effective yet gentle on skin and suitable for all skin types. 91% of testers* said their skin is visibly brighter after usage and Lazada shoppers are also giving raving reviews, with a rating of 4.9/5. What’s more – the total POND’S Bright Beauty range, consisting of day cream and cleanser, has also been infused with the power of serum.
The upcoming campaign will combine Wendy’s beauty and skincare expertise sharing with the rising popularity of live-streaming in these markets. The Glow like Wendy Live Event on LazLive 11 October 12pm will be a high production event, featuring an exclusive interview with the “Queen of K-pop”, where she will answer fan questions and share about her skincare routine, her secrets to achieving her signature glowing skin, and her experience in her first-ever solo brand partnership. Viewers stand a chance to win exclusive Wendy merchandise during the livestream by participating in games and Q&As!
In addition to exclusive Wendy interview content, the livestream will be packed with a fun-filled line up of activities featuring beauty influencers, Viwan Amy Kongyoth, Brinkkty, and Chopleum, who will also share their expert beauty tips.
Fans can also look forward to Wendy bundles, pre-sales, vouchers, flash sales and up to 50% discount on all POND’S products.
The partnership with Lazada further cements POND’S goal to aggressively grow its e-commerce business and ramp up growth in Southeast Asia over the next five years. [1] The brand aims to leverage on consumer insights and e-commerce best practices to remain one of the leading skincare brands in the region. POND’S Global Brand Vice President Rohit Bhasin shared that “Lazada is an excellent platform for this live event—they’ve grown to be an exciting beauty destination in Southeast Asia, and they’re constantly innovating for better experiences. We’re certain that our partnership will make way for pioneering more skincare initiatives in the region.”
“We are excited to partner with POND’S to bring consumers a unique LazMall shopping experience that guarantees 100% product quality and authenticity coupled by interactive LazLive content to truly engage customers. Through Lazada, we hope shoppers will not only enjoy exclusive promotions, but also have a chance to get to learn more about the brand’s story,” said Pierre Beckers, Regional LazMall FMCG Director, Lazada Group.
POND’S x LazMall Glow Like Wendy Brand Day will be on 11 to 15 October.
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*Based on the Pond’s Serum Clinical Test, Self-assessment agreement score, SPRIM Medical, China, Dec 2020–Feb 2021
About POND’S
POND’S is a skin care brand that debuted in the U.S. in the 1800s. For over a century, the brand has transformed the beauty industry with iconic products like POND’S Cold Cream as well as pioneering skin care technologies like Vanishing Cream. The brand has always been about helping women look and feel beautiful with products that have been the beauty secret of women for generations.
Today, POND’S is one of the biggest global brands in the beauty industry, known for skin care favorites like POND’S Bright Beauty and POND’S Age Miracle. Backed by leading edge skin science of the POND’S Institute, their products go far beyond moisturizing – giving amazing holistic and youthful glow to skin.
About POND’S Bright Beauty 3D Glow Serum
New POND’s Bright Beauty 3D Glow Serum harnesses the triple power of potent skin-perfecting ingredients for the ultimate 3D Korean Glow. It works 60 times better than Vitamin C to brighten, smoothen and hydrate skin. Glutaboost-C brightens skin and fades dark spots, Vitamin B3 minimizes the appearance of pores, and Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates each skin layer.
About Lazada Group
Founded in 2012, Lazada Group is the leading eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia. We are accelerating progress in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam through commerce and technology. With the largest logistics and payments networks in the region, Lazada is a part of our consumers’ daily lives in the region and we aim to serve 300 million shoppers by 2030. Since 2016, Lazada has been the Southeast Asia flagship platform of Alibaba Group powered by its world-class technology infrastructure.
#PONDS
Reckitt Taiwan Named Among ‘Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021’ by HR Asia
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 7 October 2021 – Reckitt Taiwan is crowned the ‘Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021’ award by HR Asia, an authoritative regional publisher in HR industry. This reputable award recognizes Reckitt Taiwan’s outstanding performance under the challenge of the COVID-19 epidemic in terms of working environment, employee care, talent cultivation and development strategies.
“We are honored to be named the winner of the “HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021,” said Boudewijn Feith, Reckitt General Manager Hong Kong/Taiwan. “At Reckitt, we put not only our customers but our people at the front for every decision we make. Under the epidemic, we have also flexibly adjusted our work model so that employees can work remotely from home to reduce the risk of infection outside as we put our people’s safety and health as priority. Hard on results and soft on people is the way how we create an environment with a Freedom to Succeed.”
Reckitt is committed to do the right thing, always. Everyone in the company is led by Our Compass that guides the way to behave as individuals, as teams, and as a company. Reckitt truly believes that everyone has the freedom to succeed and provides all team members with a platform to strive for excellence and build shared success. Employees are empowered and encouraged to own, create and drive their growth with freedom, and they could have the power to shape a life that works for them.
Reckitt understands the importance of cultivating the team spirit and the bonding between employees. Through team building and social activities, we will continue to host Fun Friday’ quarterly with various themed activities after the epidemic ease off, to let the employees to relax, and let the employees from different departments or regions to cultivate a foundation for cross-departmental collaboration in the future. We also regularly organize the ‘Give Time’ program that encourages every colleague to spend two working days a year to volunteer.”
Apart from driving diversity and inclusion overall, Reckitt invests in developing, attracting, retaining, and engaging talented women. Reckitt launched different initiatives to support female employees on balancing their work and lives. Apart from the annual leaves, Reckitt offers generous annual leave days and very much cherishing the wonders of parenthood by allowing 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for mothers and 8 weeks paternity leave for fathers.
“Employees are our key assets, and we always value their wellbeing. Especially when they have to face and adapt the various ‘new normal’ brought by the epidemic, we provide all-round support to help them to achieve ‘Freedom to Succeed’ on an equal and open platform,” Boudewijn Feith added. “Our diversified and trustworthy team are adhering to our mission to protect, heal and nurture, in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world by providing the highest-quality hygiene, health and Vitamins, Minerals and Supplement products and win the pandemic fight with Taiwan together.”
HR Asia ‘Best Companies to Work for in Asia’ Award received nearly 300 award entries this year in its Taiwan edition and 96 companies demonstrated the best working environment across all industries received this distinguish honours. The Award, covering 12 markets across the region, is organized by HR Asia to recognize the best practices to achieve effectiveness in employee engagement and people management. The rigorous selection process covers an extensive assessment of the companies’ employee engagement and workplace excellence.
About Reckitt:
Reckitt* exists to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. We believe that access to the highest-quality hygiene, wellness and nourishment is a right, not a privilege.
Reckitt is the company behind some of the world’s most recognisable and trusted consumer brands in Hygiene, Health and Nutrition, including Air Wick, Calgon, Cillit Bang, Clearasil, Dettol, Durex, Enfamil, Finish, Gaviscon, Harpic, Lysol, Mortein, Mucinex, Nurofen, Nutramigen, Strepsils, Vanish, Veet, Woolite and more.
Every day, more than 20 million Reckitt products are bought globally. We always put consumers and people first, seek out new opportunities, strive for excellence in all that we do and build shared success with all our partners. We aim to do the right thing, always.
We are a diverse global team of more than 43,000 colleagues. We draw on our collective energy to meet our ambitions of purpose-led brands, a healthier planet and a fairer society.
Find out more, or get in touch with us, at Reckitt.com
* Reckitt is the trading name of the Reckitt Benckiser group of companies
About HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards
HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards is where best practices and inner workings of featured companies are investigated to understand what distinguishes them from the rest. The Awards culminate with a Report to be published in HR Asia and cover 12 markets across the region – highlighting excellent workplace practices and employee engagement initiatives across Asia.
About HR Asia
HR Asia is Asia’s largest circulating publication for senior HR professionals. With over 50,000 copies distributed every issue, and an online and offline audience exceeding 200,000, HR Asia is the go-to brand for HR professionals seeking quality business intelligence and industry updates. HR Asia is published by Business Media International, a regional leader in B2B intelligence. For more information, please visit: http://hrasiamedia.com/.
#Reckitt