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Sagard Announces Strategic Partnership with BEX Capital to Strengthen Private Equity Secondaries Offering

Following this strategic partnership with a secondaries platform, Sagard now offers a full suite of private equity solutions and expands its global investment footprint

MONTREAL and NICE, France, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sagard, a global alternative asset manager with over US$27B of assets under management, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a strategic stake in BEX Capital, a specialized secondaries investment firm with over US$2B of assets under management. This partnership marks a significant step in Sagard’s expansion into private equity secondaries, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of alternative investment solutions.

BEX Capital will bring its deep expertise in fund-of-funds secondaries to Sagard’s existing offering in primaries, co-investments, and secondaries within the Sagard Private Equity Solutions platform.

“BEX has built a remarkable franchise in the secondaries market, with a loyal and diversified investor base and a strong track record of performance. By joining forces, we will enhance our ability to deliver innovative and high-performing secondaries solutions to institutional and private high-net-worth investors worldwide,” said Paul Desmarais III, Chairman and CEO at Sagard.

The partnership will enable the creation of a scaled, diversified private equity offering. BEX’s expertise in acquiring secondary interests in fund-of-funds, secondary funds, and co-investment vehicles will complement Sagard’s existing private equity strategies, allowing for greater investment opportunities and broader investor reach.

“BEX’s specialized approach and disciplined investment strategy complement Sagard’s broader private equity expertise, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation. We look forward to working together to deliver enhanced value to our investors and partners,” said Jonathan Tetrault, Managing Partner at Sagard and CEO of Sagard Private Equity Solutions.

BEX’s current leadership team will continue to manage day-to-day operations, including investment activities, independently, ensuring the continuity of the investment strategy and relationships with clients, fund-of-funds managers, and secondary fund managers, while benefiting from Sagard’s global footprint and resources.

“This exciting partnership will enable us to scale our business while staying true to our core investment philosophy and privileged relationships with our investors and partners. By partnering with Sagard, we gain access to expanded resources, a broader investor network, and enhanced strategic capabilities. This will allow us to develop innovative secondaries solutions, while reinforcing our position as a specialist in the secondaries market,” said Thomas Carbonel, Partner at BEX Capital.

The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. BEX Capital will be co-branded with Sagard to reflect its new strategic partnership.

About BEX Capital

BEX Capital is an independent asset management firm specializing in private equity secondaries, founded in 2010 with offices in Nice and New York. BEX Capital is the first and only secondaries investment firm solely and entirely dedicated to the acquisition of positions in global private equity fund-of-funds, secondary funds and co-investment funds. BEX Capital now has over US$2 billion of capital under management.

For more information, please visit www.bexcapital.com.

About Sagard

Sagard is a global multi-strategy alternative asset management firm with over US$27B under management, 150 portfolio companies, and 400 professionals. We invest in venture capital, private equity, private credit, and real estate. We deliver flexible capital, an entrepreneurial culture, and a global network of investors, commercial partners, advisors, and value-creation experts. Our firm has offices in Canada, the United States, Europe and the Middle East.

For more information, visit www.sagard.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Leong Yik Launches New Website & Enhanced Client Experience to Mark 7 Years in SG


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 April 2025 – Leong Yik Engineering & Contractor has launched a newly redesigned website to mark its 7th year of operations in Singapore. The new platform features a clean layout, improved navigation, and a more intuitive user interface, all designed to offer a smoother and more informative experience for both new and returning visitors.

One of the most notable upgrades is the “Our Projects” section, which now presents a more comprehensive look at the company’s past work. From residential projects to large-scale commercial renovation in Singapore, this section offers detailed visuals, project descriptions, and client testimonials. The redesign aims to give potential clients a clearer understanding of Leong Yik Engineering & Contractor’s capabilities and standards. Compared to the previous version, the new site places a stronger emphasis on project transparency and user engagement.

The website also makes it easier for users to learn about specific services, such as roof leakage repair and wall plastering in Singapore. Whether a client is searching for a roof leakage repair contractor to fix ceiling water damage or looking to find a wall hacking contractor, they can now easily find relevant information and assess service suitability. In addition, Leong Yik Engineering & Contractor showcases its expertise in cement screed flooring and concrete screed flooring, both of which are essential for durable and level surfaces in both residential and commercial spaces.

As an HDB-approved tiling contractor and BizSafe Star accredited company, Leong Yik Engineering & Contractor continues to build trust through quality workmanship and safety compliance. The new website reflects the company’s commitment to professional growth and client satisfaction.

The launch follows months of preparation, including efforts to preserve SEO rankings, transfer existing content, and develop new materials, particularly for the project portfolio. This milestone also signals Leong Yik Engineering & Contractor’s direction for the future: expanding service offerings, exploring new technologies, and enhancing community engagement.

Founded in 2017, Leong Yik Engineering & Contractor has steadily established itself as a reliable name in Singapore’s renovation sector, offering practical and long-lasting solutions tailored to the needs of modern clients.

For more information on Leong Yik Engineering & Contractor and its comprehensive range of services, please visit https://www.leongyik.com.sg/.
Hashtag: #LeongYik

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

AI Meets Everyday Living: Haier Small Domestic Appliances Impress at Canton Fair

GUANGZHOU, China, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 134th Canton Fair opened in Guangzhou, bringing together global buyers and exhibitors across a wide range of industries. Amid the buzz, Haier Small Domestic Appliances stood out with its AI-driven theme, “Care for Your Loves with AI”, highlighting how advanced technology can create a more personalized and intuitive home experience. In line with Haier Group’s strategic direction, the brand continues to integrate AI across product lines to better align with evolving consumer needs.

Immersive Experience Zones Highlight AI Innovation

At the heart of Haier’s booth is the AI-powered kitchen experience. Products such as the 301 coffee machine and air fryer set the stage for a “coffee and dining bar” concept, drawing visitors in to explore a smart kitchen lifestyle. AI-enabled features like intelligent coffee grinding and precision cooking promote healthy eating and ease of use.

Haier’s Leader brand, tailored for younger consumers, brought fun and creativity to the spotlight. Modular breakfast machine, outdoor portable coffee machine, and music-themed devices were showcased in immersive scenes—blending tech with lifestyle. These playful yet practical designs speak to Gen Z’s desire for personalization and multi-sensory experiences.

In the air purification zone, Haier presented tailored solutions such as pet-specific and desktop purifiers. A “1m³ Clean Air” demo zone allowed visitors to see real-time purification effects. With AI capabilities for air quality monitoring and intelligent adjustment, the products offer smart protection for various environments.

For personal care, the AI ironing system delivered a live demonstration of seamless wrinkle removal. Emphasizing ease and precision, the product reflects Haier’s commitment to combining luxury with smart living.

In the cleaning section, an AI-enabled dust mite vacuum was featured. Visitors engaged in hands-on trials, experiencing the product’s powerful suction and intelligent detection, reinforcing the message of a clean, healthy home.

AI for a Smarter, More Personal Experience

Haier Small Domestic Appliances believes the future of small appliances lies in understanding users. By embedding AI into product design, Haier SDA ensures appliances adapt to habits and environments—offering greater convenience, comfort, and personalization.

Driven by Demand, Powered by Innovation

Haier Small Appliances’ success at the Canton Fair showcases its user-centric innovation strategy. Looking ahead, the brand will continue deepening AI integration, delivering smarter solutions that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable for users worldwide.

 

2 out of 3 Singapore Residents Aspire to Achieve Financial Independence Between 40 to 60

  • 1 in 2 Singapore residents believe they need over S$1 million to achieve financial independence.
  • Compared to other age groups, Singapore residents under 30 are most confident in achieving their early financial independence goals.

SINGAPORE, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CIMB Singapore released a report that revealed Singapore residents’ perceptions and behaviours towards financial planning, with 63% of them aspiring to achieve financial independence between 40 to 60 years old. On top of that, 52% of the respondents believe that they need more than S$1 million to achieve financial independence – defined as being free from financial worries.

Despite the large sum, 72% of Singapore residents believe that financial independence is a realistic goal and 43% of them are confident of managing their finances to achieve financial independence. However, the top three barriers to financial independence cited are the high cost of living, family responsibilities, followed by low income.

On the other hand, 39% of respondents responded that they are “often” or “always” feeling anxious about their financial future. Specifically, those aged 40-50 have higher financial anxiety, with 47% of them claiming that they feel anxious in high frequency (“often” and “always”). Similar sentiments are echoed in other urban cities with strong economies such as Hong Kong, where 28% of their workers reported that their financial situation is causing them higher levels of stress and anxiety[1].

Out of 71% of respondents with financial plans, only 48% have started planning for their retirement, citing reasons such as prioritising other financial obligations, reliance on CPF, and lack of knowledge as challenges impeding their retirement planning.

The “CIMB Singapore: Attitudes and Beliefs towards Financial Independence Report 2025“, done in collaboration with the Nanyang Centre for Marketing and Technology[2], captured insights from over 500 Singapore residents aged 26-60 on their perspectives towards financial independence and retirement planning last December.

“We are privileged to collaborate with the Nanyang Centre for Marketing and Technology on this study, which revealed key insights into Singapore residents’ attitudes and beliefs towards financial independence. Notably, younger Singapore residents show the most confidence in achieving early financial independence compared to other age groups. We recognise that the journey to financial independence is deeply personal and are dedicated to supporting all generations to help them navigate their unique financial journeys,” said Raymond Tan, Head of Wealth Management and Preferred Banking at CIMB Singapore.

“We are delighted to partner with CIMB Singapore on this important research initiative examining financial independence. This collaboration highlights the strength of academia-industry partnerships in translating rigorous academic research into actionable insights for the business world. We believe this initiative will serve as a strong foundation for future collaborations, contributing to the development of a dynamic and mutually beneficial ecosystem,” said Professor Sharon Ng, Deputy Dean at Nanyang Business School and Director at the Nanyang Centre for Marketing and Technology.

Navigating Generational Shifts in Financial Confidence

A growing number of younger Singapore residents are striving for early financial independence and demonstrating strong confidence in achieving their goals. Of the respondents under the age of 30, 60% aim to achieve financial independence before the age of 40, and 54% expressed confidence in their financial management skills. However, only 39% of respondents aged 40 to 50, and 43% of those aged 50 to 60, report feeling confident in managing their finances. Respondents under 30 are also most willing to seek financial planning advice (54%), compared to the 40 to 50 (35%), and 50 to 60 (28%) age groups.

This signals a clear generational divide in financial confidence and preference for financial advice, underscoring the need for a tailored approach to financial planning and requirement for financial service providers to understand the unique challenges faced by customers across different life stages.

Closing the Gap: Equipping Public to Make Informed Decisions about Their Financial Future

In the pursuit of financial independence, Singapore residents’ top three preferred tools for financial growth are savings and fixed deposits, stocks and insurance. Yet, 39% of respondents shared that they are unsure about insurance’s effectiveness as an investment tool, which suggests that they might not be maximizing the use of insurance for financial growth.

“As a leading foreign bank in Singapore for bancassurance with an ‘open architecture’ proposition, CIMB Singapore partners with multiple insurance providers to provide customers the best value. We are committed to uniting major insurers to educate and empower the public to take control of their path to financial independence. Building on the success of our inaugural event, this year’s InsureXpo by CIMB had an exciting line-up of industry leaders and experts across private and public sectors, as well as personal finance content creators to address pressing topics on insurance, financial planning and well-being. We want to provide a comprehensive and convenient platform for the public to equip themselves with knowledge to make informed decisions about their financial future, all under one roof,” said Merlyn Tsai, Head of Consumer Banking and Digital at CIMB Singapore.

About CIMB

CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider by assets, with a market capitalisation of approximately RM88.0 billion as at 31 December 2024 and is listed on Bursa Malaysia. The Group is present in seven ASEAN nations (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Philippines). Singapore is one of its most important markets with approximately 1,000 employees serving clients across consumer, commercial, wholesale and transaction banking products and services.  

CIMB is committed to providing customers with an extensive range of sustainable finance solutions as guided by the Group’s Green, Social, Sustainable Impact Products and Services (“GSSIPS”) framework, an internal taxonomy set by the Group to deliver impactful sustainable finance. The Group tripled its sustainable finance target to RM100 billion by 2024, a substantial increase from its RM30 billion target previously announced in 2021. CIMB is on track to achieving its RM100 billion target, recording over RM80 billion in sustainable finance, as of December 2023. 

[1] Info referenced from the 2024 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey conducted by WTW, a professional services firm.

[2] The Nanyang Centre for Marketing and Technology is a research centre under the Nanyang Business School.

 

From the people, to the people: Public engagement in China

BEIJING, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from China.org.cn:


From the people, to the people: Public engagement in China

In this video, we examine evolving strategies for public engagement in China, and how it listens to and responds to the people’s needs through new platforms and participatory tools.

From the people, to the people: Public engagement in China

http://www.china.org.cn/china/2025-04/16/content_117827582.htm

The Grand Opening of the 3rd Hong Kong InnoEX and the Electronics Fair (Spring Edition)

HONG KONG, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from iqingdao.

The 3rd Hongkong InnoEX kicked off on April 13 with the theme of “Innovation, Smart Move, and Take off”. It is co-hosted by Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Concurrently, the 21st Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) made its debut from April 13th to 16th at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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The InnoEX brings together exhibitors from Hong Kong, Chinese mainland, Macau, other countries and regions of Asia, the ASEAN members, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa and Oceania. It showcases smart solutions in the fields of low-altitude economy, smart mobility, artificial intelligence, robotics and cyber security. With the theme of ” The World-Class Electronics Event Inspires Unlimited Business Opportunities “, the concurrent Spring Electronics Fair highlights the latest advancement in the domains of smart home, health technology and wearable devices.

As the core of BIT Week, the InnoEX and the Electronics Fair work together with the 1st World Internet Conference Asia Pacific Summit during April 14 and 15. They jointly discuss the latest trends in innovative areas, such as artificial intelligence, digital finance, digital government and smart life.

All roles, all levels, all markets: General Assembly launches first-of-its-kind one-stop AI Academy to help companies close their AI skills gap

  • This is the first in Singapore to offer flexible AI courses geared towards all organisational roles – from business and operational teams to decision-makers – all in one place
  • Unlike traditional offerings, where companies must purchase and manage separate courses for each department or level, General Assembly’s AI Academy lets companies assemble the modules, depth and context that fit their unique needs
  • The modular, fully customisable courses are hands-on and expert-led, with practical use cases that can be applied in day-to-day work

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 April 2025 – General Assembly, a leading source for tech staffing, education and mid-career transitions into tech, today announces the launch of its first-of-its kind, one-stop AI Academy – a comprehensive and customisable training programme that will enable companies of all sizes to upskill their workforce in AI across various job roles, levels and markets in both tech and non-tech areas.

General Assembly's AI Academy aims to help companies close their AI skills gap
General Assembly’s AI Academy aims to help companies close their AI skills gap

The AI Academy’s launch comes as Singapore prioritises AI adoption and upskilling among enterprises, having launched a series of initiatives to help businesses leverage AI services and enable workforce transformation during Budget 2025. This mirrors global trends, as most tech hiring managers (89%) report their companies plan to increase AI investments in the coming year, according to research conducted by General Assembly. However, organisations continue to face a critical shortage of qualified talent, as businesses continue to catch up to the changing AI landscape. In Singapore, only 4.2% of small-medium enterprises have adopted AI, according to a 2023 report by the Infocomm Media Development Authority.

“Companies are rushing to adopt AI but failing to bring their workforces along. The growing disconnect between technology investments and human capabilities is a significant barrier to achieving ROI from AI. Businesses need to start building AI skills across the workforce, now,” said Daniele Grassi, Chief Executive Officer, General Assembly.

General Assembly’s AI Academy offers flexible, modular training pathways targeting specific business functions, including HR, marketing, sales and product management. The program delivers expert-led, practical and hands-on instruction that focuses on immediate applications of AI tools to increase productivity and drive tangible business outcomes. These customisable courses, ranging from half a day to three days, can be tailored towards a spectrum of roles in an organisation. Courses are divided per role, namely decision-makers; tech and data teams; and business and operational teams.

AI for Decision-Makers (Non-technical track)

  • For Board Directors, Executives and Team Leaders to learn how to use AI insights for strategic decision making, operational efficiency, and ethical and responsible AI implementation

AI for Tech & Data Teams (Technical track)

  • For Data Scientists, Systems Engineers, Software Engineers, DevOps Engineers and Cloud Engineers to pick up hands-on, application-based skills to implement and maintain AI tools within the organisation

AI for Business & Operational Teams (Non-technical track)

  • For HR Professionals, Marketers, Product Managers, Sales/Legal/Finance/UX Professionals to improve sales reach and operational efficiency by adopting AI and undergoing hands-on practice for specific roles

Both non-technical and technical tracks offer three distinct levels of AI training – “AI-Enabled”, “AI-Augmented,” and “AI-Superpowered” – each increasing in depth and specialisation to enable employees to scale their utilisation and deployment of AI at work. All modules are led by experts with at least ten years of industry experience, and can be fully customised with add-ons such as post-training guidance, delivery in a specific language, AI-readiness assessments, among others.

“At this juncture, AI has evolved from being ‘just another tech skill’ to be learnt to being integrated into many of the everyday tools we use. AI will eventually be built and embedded into other tech skills that we learn from here on out, and we see the ever-growing importance of helping workforces be equipped for this evolution in their existing skillsets. As Singapore looks towards harnessing AI, continuously reskilling and upskilling the local talent pool is key to building diverse and future-proof talent pipelines,” said Sima Saadat, Singapore Country Manager, General Assembly.

To learn more about the AI Academy and upskilling your workforce, visit ga.co/aiacademy.Hashtag: #generalassembly



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

About General Assembly

General Assembly is a source for training, staffing and career transitions in the tech industry. Their short-term courses and immersive bootcamps on coding, software engineering, UX design and data science, suitable for students with no tech background, are taught by instructors from leading tech companies to ensure that students are job-ready upon graduation. GA partners the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) under their (TIPP) and SkillsFuture, providing subsidised fees for Singaporeans and PRs. Fortune 500 companies, startups, and businesses also engage GA to identify tech candidates and upskill their existing employees.

Shanghai Electric Reports Continued Growth in 2024 as Its Clean Energy and High-End Equipment Push Expands

With Revenue, Gross Margin, Order Volume, and Cash Flow All Achieving Simultaneous Growth in 2024

SHANGHAI, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shanghai Electric (SEHK:2727, SSE:601727) reported revenue of RMB 116.19 billion. The Company cited its core strengths in nuclear power, wind power, energy storage, and hydrogen energy as key drivers, amid rising global demand for clean energy and high-end equipment manufacturing. As of December 31, 2024, total assets stood at 302.51 billion yuan.

 

Shanghai Electric Reports Continued Growth in 2024 as Its Clean Energy and High-End Equipment Push Expands.

“Shanghai Electric will be guided by our dual carbon goals, focusing on integrated solutions for wind, solar and hydrogen storage while continuing to strengthen our industrial advantages,” said Zhu Zhaokai, President of Shanghai Electric. “We believe that through technological innovation and a global presence, Shanghai Electric can contribute more Chinese wisdom to the global energy transition.”

The energy equipment sector continued to see strong results, with new orders of 89.1 billion yuan in 2024, an 18.45% year-on-year increase

Shanghai Electric unveiled key innovations across emerging sectors, driving growth in wind power, energy storage, hydrogen energy, and green fuels.

  • In wind power, the Company launched its self-developed 18MW-25MW Poseidon platform model, along with Asia’s first operation and maintenance mother ship for deep-sea projects. The model features distributed energy storage, grid-friendly wind turbine tech, and adaptability for offshore scenarios like island microgrids, offshore hydrogen production, flexible DC transmission, and floating turbines.
  • In energy storage, Shanghai Electric introduced a 250kW-class vanadium-iron liquid flow battery, reducing electrolyte costs while maintaining energy density. New inverter systems, including a 2×2.6MW model and a 215kW string inverter, improve power system flexibility. In hydrogen energy, the Company’s Z-series alkaline electrolyzer, TÜV-certified, meets international performance standards, improving efficiency and reducing costs. It also tested its 300Nm³/h PEM electrolyzer, boosting efficiency and stability. Shanghai Electric became China’s first green methanol producer to earn full-process ISCC EU certification, converting agricultural biomass into methanol using advanced gasification and wind-to-hydrogen technologies.

High-end industrial manufacturing equipment made a breakthrough in 2024, with new orders of 42.293 billion yuan

  • Shanghai Electric has accelerated technological innovation, driving the sustainable development of its aerospace business. In 2024, global industrial parts saw steady growth, spurred by innovation and market demand. Domestic substitution of core parts such as aerospace blades, bearings, and precision gears has rapidly progressed. As a global leader in aviation equipment, the Company’s technology supports aircraft engine assembly, fuselage riveting, and composite component production.
  • In automation, Shanghai Electric offers solutions with large-scale precision grinders and CNC machine tools, covering over 200 varieties and 600 specifications. Shanghai Electric’s products are used in major civil airliner production lines. Additionally, the 100% acquisition of Ningsheng Industrial advances its robot industry and digital factory capabilities.
  • The integrated services grew steadily, with new orders of 22.214 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 13.02%. In energy engineering services, Shanghai Electric expanded beyond thermal power into new energy and distributed energy markets. The Company has shifted from regional to global markets, enhancing international outlets and accelerating technical developments to meet strong demand. Shanghai Electric has also built industrial service capabilities, including supply chain collaboration, customized solutions, and full life-cycle management, promoting deeper integration of manufacturing and services.

In addition, in 2024, Shanghai Electric reduced management and financial expenses while advancing ESG goals, launching a carbon management platform that cut 23,000 tons of carbon dioxide and ten of its factories were recognized as Shanghai Smart Factories. The Company also expanded into new energy vehicle parts and industrial software. Its R&D expenses in 2024 totalled 5.67 billion yuan, a 5.5% increase, focusing on breakthroughs in gas turbines and grid-type wind turbines. By the end of 2024, the Company held 6,823 valid patents.

For more information about Shanghai Electrics, please visit: https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/.