• The Group received 17 Sustainability-related awards in 2024, spanning CSR, DEI and ESG categories.
• Notable progress was made on its eight Sustainability Focus (“8SF”) areas, including the launch of its ESG Incorporation Framework (“ESGIF”) to guide the development of ESG-labelled products and services.
• Starting 2025, the Group will focus on further ESG incorporation into its products and services, tracking Scope 3 emissions, and integrating climate risk into its risk management framework.

SINGAPORE, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CGS International Securities Pte Ltd (“CGS International”) has published the second edition of its sustainability report, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable practices in its business and operations. The 2024 Sustainability Report is aligned with globally recognised sustainability reporting standards, Global Reporting Initiative (“GRI”), as well as the International Financial Reporting Standards S2 on climate-related disclosures. 

“CGS International remains committed to future-proofing our business by embedding sustainability in our strategy. We are focused on creating long-term value for our stakeholders and giving back to the communities we serve.

At the same time, we continue to facilitate capital flows between China and ASEAN, some of which could be channeled to sustainable development areas that address climate and biodiversity risks in the ASEAN region,” said Ms Carol Fong, Group CEO of CGS International.

Promoting Bilateral Relations and Mutual Growth

In an increasingly fragmented and volatile global economy, it is important for Asian countries to forge closer regional cooperation to increase collective influence and trade resilience. The Group strengthened its role as a China-ASEAN nexus, facilitating not only capital flows, but also bilateral relations. In 2024, several high-impact conferences were organised across Southeast Asia and China, including the CGS SEA Bilateral Investment Forum 2024 in Hainan, which brought over 300 business leaders from China and ASEAN together. The Group also fostered closer relations between China and Malaysia, including a letter of intent between the governments of Hangzhou and Kuala Lumpur, and hosting high-level delegates to deepen bilateral cooperation.

A notable initiative within the Group was the launch of a secondment programme between CGS International and its parent company, China Galaxy Securities, with the aim to facilitate cross-cultural exchanges and strengthen intra-group ties.

Deepening ESG Integration Across the Group

The 2024 report highlights meaningful progress across the Group’s 8SF areas and marks a milestone in its Vision 2025 Strategy and Business Plan, the five-year roadmap that places sustainability at the heart of its strategic direction:

• Made material progress in emissions tracking, where Scope 2 emissions tracking was extended to international offices.
• Developing reduction targets and plans for Scope 1 and 2 for Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand offices in 2025 and 2026.
• Laid the groundwork with the continued measurement of Scope 3 emissions Category 1 (Purchased Goods and Services) from previous years
• Embarking on other Scope 3 categories covering business travel and finance-related activities in future years.

In 2024, CGS International advanced its “Sustainable Finance” focus by introducing the ESGIF, developed and endorsed by the Group’s Sustainability Committee. This framework aims to provide direction and harmonisation for the development of ESG products and services. It establishes clear mechanisms for measurement, tracking, and reporting to support strategic decision-making.

Furthermore, CGS International’s Malaysia office launched ESG Margin Financing to promote investment in companies with strong ESG performance. Customers investing in constituents of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index with high ESG ratings received preferential financing rates, with total loans extended reaching RM4.88 million. The Group’s presence in Shariah-compliant markets across ASEAN also drove over S$6 million in revenue from faith-based products.

Fostering Collaborative Impact

“At CGS International, we believe that knowledge sharing and collaboration are essential to driving meaningful progress on critical sustainability issues. By working closely with our partners and stakeholders, we aim to create a stronger collective catalyst for sustainable finance across Southeast Asia, and mobilise the industry towards greater climate action across ASEAN,” said Mr Kevin Lee, Group Head of Sustainability.

One such initiative is the ASEAN Institute of Carbon Neutrality (“AICN”), launched in late 2023. AICN aspires to mobilise capital towards sustainable development in the ASEAN region to address issues such as climate change. This is done through education and engagement with the business community on sustainability issues through knowledge sharing and thought leadership.  The AICN has collaborated with the Sustainable and Green Finance Institute (“SGFIN”) from the National University of Singapore since 2024, which resulted in two white papers published on the topics, Just Energy Transition Partnership in Indonesia and Renewable Energy Imports for Singapore. AICN also hosted two webinars on related topics in 2024, including one on nature-related risks for corporates. In the pipeline are three joint research reports with SGFIN in 2025.

For more details about CGS International’s sustainability initiatives: https://www.cgsi.com.sg/sustainability/our-commitment

– END –

About CGS International Securities

CGS International Securities Pte. Ltd. (“CGS International”) is an award-winning and market leading integrated financial services provider, ranked among the top securities houses in Asia.

CGS International taps on our wealth of global and ASEAN insights to offer equities trading, leveraged products, wealth management, investment banking, equities research, Shariah-compliant financing, fixed income, currency and commodities, structured products and prime brokerage services in over 15 countries and regions.

Along with its parent organisation China Galaxy Securities, a leading securities house in China, CGS International is trusted by close to 18 million customers globally.       

Find out more at www.cgsi.com.  

From New York’s skyline to Shanghai’s streets, hypnotic beats meet effortless style for the modern traveler

SHANGHAI, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announces a new limited-time collaboration with lifestyle label MondaySleepingClub, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a sensorial journey of sound, stillness, and expressive style. This one-of-a-kind partnership combines co-branded fashion drops and a two-day immersive pop-up, blurring the line between energy and ease to unlock a fresh new perspective on modern luxury.

Inspired by the contrast and connection between the two brands, the collaboration is anchored in the mantra “Sound On. Mind Off.” “Sound On.” represents W Hotels’ longtime passion for music, igniting the senses through curated playlists, live DJ sets, and the brand’s iconic Sound Suites. From the heart of New York City to Asia’s trendsetting neighborhoods, W Hotels has consistently challenged the norms of traditional hotel experiences through sound, scene, and self-expression. “Mind Off.” embodies the core philosophy of MondaySleepingClub, an aesthetic of calm, comfort, and cultural detachment that celebrates slowing down in a world that rarely does.

“We’re excited to partner with MondaySleepingClub to create a space that is both high-energy and introspective, an unexpected harmony of rhythm and rest,” said Bart Buiring, Managing Director, Luxury, Greater China, Marriott International. “This collaboration reflects W Hotels’ commitment to pushing boundaries and creating experiences that speak to a new generation of culturally driven luxury travelers.”

CO-CREATED FOR SELF-EXPRESSION

Two exclusive pieces bring the collaboration to life: a washed charcoal oversized tee and a classic black-and-white baseball cap. The palette draws inspiration from W Hotels’ refreshed visual identity, featuring monochrome, modern, and unmistakable elements. Clean-lined graphics, including the signature “Sound On. Mind Off.” mantra and a hand-drawn sketch of W New York – Union Square, layer in storytelling. On the back of the tee, a lone figure immersed in vinyl sits beneath the hotel’s iconic façade, a quiet ode to the harmony between outward rhythm and inward stillness, and a subtle nod to W Hotels’ deep-rooted connection to music culture.

The collection will be available for purchase at the Shanghai event and, in limited quantities, at select W Hotels across Greater China.

About W Hotels

Born from the social electricity of New York City, W Hotels has been at the forefront of lifestyle hospitality for over two decades. With 70 destinations around the world, the detail-driven design, signature Whatever/Whenever service, and buzzing Living Rooms cultivate experiences of social connectivity. Each location brings together the magnetic energy of W Hotels and the essence of local culture, creating spaces for new perspectives and a freedom of self-expression. W Hotels is currently undergoing a multi-year brand evolution, to meet the needs of today’s guest and deliver a new generation of luxury lifestyle experiences. For more information on W Hotels, visit w-hotels.com and stay connected on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and YouTube. W Hotels 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.marriott.com.

About Luxury Group by Marriott International

With an unrivaled portfolio of eight dynamic luxury brands, Marriott International is creating authentic, rare, and enriching experiences sought by today’s global luxurian. Spanning all corners of the world, Marriott International’s Luxury Group offers a boundless network of more than 530 landmark hotels and resorts in over 70 countries and territories through The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels. From the world’s most iconic destinations to the ultimate undiscovered gems, the international hospitality leader’s collection of luxury brands is focused on elevating travel with highly contextualized, nuanced brand experiences that signal the future of luxury by allowing guests to indulge their passions while sparking personal growth. For more information, please visit Luxury.Marriott.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About MondaySleepingClub

MondaySleepingClub was born from a yearning for freedom in the everyday. Through a humorous and offbeat lens, the brand captures moments of rest to express a more relaxed, comfortable way of living, easing the pressures of a fast-paced world. By flipping the script on traditional weekday routines and imagining a world where Mondays are for sleeping in, the brand sparks a sense of playful escapism and aspiration. With streetwear as its canvas, MondaySleepingClub blends bold creativity with aesthetic calm—delivering products that reflect both a design-driven spirit and an irreverent take on modern life.

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

ACE-Commissioned Report Analyzes Exposure to Malware, Phishing, and Other Cyber Harms Associated with Piracy Use in Southeast Asia

SINGAPORE, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new study released today and commissioned by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), the world’s leading antipiracy coalition, highlights the increased cyber risk for those in Southeast Asia who engage with piracy sites and services.

Among other findings, the study revealed that in the worst case, local consumers are up to 65 times more likely to be infected with malware when using piracy sites as compared to legitimate websites.

The report, titled “Consumer Risk from Piracy in Southeast Asia,” explored activity in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Study author Dr. Paul Watters is a cybersecurity researcher and thought leader at Cyberstronomy Pty Ltd., Honorary Professor of Security Studies and Criminology at Macquarie University, and Professor of Information Systems at Holmesglen Institute.

“As this study makes clear, the risks and ramifications substantially increase for those in Southeast Asia who visit piracy sites,” said Watters. “Though efforts to curb digital piracy are ongoing, these stark results require additional action – such as smart tools and proven measures – to mitigate the relevant digital threats in each country.”

Overall, the study concluded that piracy sites—including streaming piracy platforms, P2P networks, IPTV services, scam portals, anime piracy sites, and manga repositories—carry a cyber threat risk more than 22 times higher than that of mainstream legitimate sites.

“The research findings reaffirm the extensive harms piracy networks inflict upon consumers and the economy in Southeast Asia,” said Larissa Knapp, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Protection Officer for the Motion Picture Association. “We applaud Dr. Watters and his team for their work in revealing the dangers of using these illicit sources, and we look forward to further collaboration with law enforcement throughout the region to detect these bad actors, deter future misdeeds, and dismantle unlawful operations that endanger a thriving creative marketplace.”

Other key findings from the study include:

• In the worst case, peer-to-peer (“P2P”) networks, scam portals, and streaming piracy sites carry the highest relative risks of cyber threats.
• Consumers in Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia have the highest average relative risk of encountering a cyber threat from a piracy service – each approaching or exceeding a 34-fold increase over legitimate sites.
• By contrast, the study uncovered almost no cyber risks on the most popular mainstream (non-piracy) websites in the region.

The full study is available here.

About The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment 

The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) is the world’s leading coalition dedicated to protecting the legal creative market and reducing digital piracy. Driven by a comprehensive approach to addressing piracy through criminal referrals, civil litigation, and cease-and-desist operations, ACE has achieved many successful global enforcement actions against illegal streaming services and unauthorized content sources and their operators. Drawing upon the collective expertise and resources of more than 50 media and entertainment companies around the world—including sports channels and associations—and reinforced by the Motion Picture Association’s content protection operations, ACE protects the creativity and innovation that drives the global growth of core copyright and entertainment industries. The current governing board members for ACE are Amazon, Apple TV+, Netflix, Paramount Global, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Charles Rivkin is Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association and Chairman of ACE. 

SINGAPORE, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled the top five most popular cities in Asia for the first half of 2025, based on booking data from January 1 to June 30. The list highlights the enduring allure of Asia’s bustling metropolises, with Tokyo, Bangkok, and Osaka leading the pack, followed by Seoul and Kuala Lumpur rounding out the top five.

Agoda’s data underscores the magnetic pull of urban exploration, as travelers continue to flock to Asia’s iconic cities for their unique blend of culture, cuisine, and experiences. From Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to Bangkok’s energetic atmosphere, these destinations remain perennial favorites for both first-time visitors and seasoned explorers.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, shared, “Asia’s cities have a timeless appeal that keeps travelers coming back year after year. Whether it’s the culinary adventures in Bangkok, the cultural treasures of Tokyo, or the urban buzz of Seoul, Agoda is here to make exploring these incredible destinations seamless and affordable.”

The enduring popularity of these cities reflects their ability to offer something for everyone—be it shopping, nightlife, historical landmarks, or food adventures. With Agoda’s extensive inventory of over 6 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, travelers can easily plan their next adventure in Asia’s most popular cities.

For more information and to book a city escape, visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app for the best deals.

BERLIN, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Growatt, a world-leading provider of distributed solar and energy storage solutions (ESS), has secured top positions in the 2024 global PV inverter rankings, solidifying its leadership in the solar energy sector and demonstrating its strong performance across key market segments. According to the latest report, Growatt is ranked the:

• Global No.1 Residential PV Inverter Supplier
• Global Top 3 Hybrid Inverter Supplier
• Global Top 5 Commercial PV Inverter Supplier

The rankings are based on the newly released 2024 PV Inverter Market Tracker by S&P Global Commodity Insights, a leading authority in global solar market intelligence. The latest results mark a step up from Growatt’s 2023 performance, where it was named the Top 2 Residential PV Inverter Supplier and Top 5 Overall PV Inverter Supplier worldwide.

“Being recognized by S&P Global as the top solar inverter brand in 2024—especially as the No.1 global residential PV inverter supplier—is a true honor,” said Lisa Zhang, Vice President of Growatt. “This achievement is a testament to the strong partnerships, user trust, and tireless dedication of our global team.”

Empowering Millions with Reliable and Smart Solar Energy Solutions

As a leading solar inverter brand, Growatt offers a comprehensive portfolio of solar energy solutions, including hybrid inverters, residential and commercial solar inverter systems, and smart energy storage solutions. Growatt provides smart energy solutions to customers in over 180 countries worldwide, powering millions of homes and businesses globally and empowering them to adopt clean, independent, and cost-effective energy.

• In the residential solar segment, Growatt’s inverters are known for their reliability, high efficiency, and advanced monitoring features, making them a top choice for homeowners worldwide.
• As the top hybrid solar inverter supplier, Growatt offers systems that seamlessly integrate solar generation with energy storage, giving users greater control, backup capability, and energy resilience.
• For the commercial and industrial (C&I) market, Growatt continues to expand its reach with reliable solar inverter solutions for businesses, helping companies lower energy costs and accelerate their carbon neutrality goals.
• Designed for residential and commercial use, Growatt’s energy storage systems (ESS) pair seamlessly with solar inverters to provide grid independence and adaptable energy solutions for any scenario.

Thank You to Our Global Community

Growatt extends heartfelt appreciation to its partners, distributors, EPCs, installers, and global users whose continued trust and support have made these achievements possible. From on-the-ground technical teams to regional sales and service partners, this success is shared by all who work toward expanding clean energy access.

“This milestone belongs to our global network,” said David Ding, CEO of Growatt. “Together, we are shaping a more sustainable and energy-resilient future.”

Commitment to Innovation, Service, and Sustainability

Growatt continues to lead through strong R&D investment, allocating 4.5% of its annual revenue to research and development. The company operates four major R&D centers in Shenzhen, Huizhou, Xi’an, and Germany, and boasts a team of over 1,100 experienced R&D engineers specializing in photovoltaic and energy storage technologies. This solid foundation keeps Growatt ahead of the curve, with deep expertise in the core technologies driving solar energy generation and storage solutions.

The company has also launched a wide range of AI-powered tools, energy storage systems with hybrid inverters, smart energy assistants, and intelligent monitoring platforms to optimize system performance and deliver seamless energy management for users worldwide.

To further support global partners, Growatt has built an extensive network of training centers, after-sales support teams, and technical service hubs. This localized approach ensures that global users receive prompt and professional assistance.

As a top solar company with global presence, Growatt remains committed to developing tailored solutions for emerging markets and strengthening its mission to be the most reliable solar inverter company in the clean energy transition.

About Growatt

Founded in 2011, Growatt is a globally recognized provider of distributed solar and energy storage solutions, offering PV inverters, battery storage systems, EV chargers, and smart energy management platforms. With a strong R&D team and a presence in over 180 countries, Growatt continues to lead in technology innovation and customer satisfaction, empowering a greener, more sustainable future.

For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact: marketing@growatt.com | en.growatt.com

DHAKA, Bangladesh, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Himel, the globally acclaimed manufacturer and supplier of electric products, has officially launched in Bangladesh, igniting its presence with a dynamic and future-forward event in Dhaka. The launch marks a major step in Himel’s commitment to delivering reliable, affordable, and innovative solutions to one of South Asia’s most promising markets.

The launch event welcomed over 140 industry professionals, including panel builders, real estate developers, members of the solar association, and representatives from ASHRAE (International Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), reflecting a strong momentum behind Himel’s entry into the market.

Led by Himel’s global leadership, Marketing, Sales, and Offer Management teams, the event underscored the brand’s long-term commitment to Bangladesh. In his keynote speech, Mr Koon San ANG, International Sales Vice President at Himel, stated:

“Through global political and economic instability, Himel has remained steadfast. We believe that reliable and affordable electrical products, delivered through trusted channel partners, are the foundation of sustainable growth.”
“By fostering collaboration and innovation, Himel aims to create a thriving ecosystem that supports our partners and the broader community in Bangladesh—bringing our vision of Powering Infinity to life.”

Mr ANG also reflected on Himel’s enduring legacy:

“Since 1958, Himel has grown from its Spanish roots into a global leader, reaching over 60 countries and 6 billion people. By blending heritage with innovation, we continue to empower industries and communities with smart, safe, and affordable energy solutions.”

As part of the week-long brand launch activations under the overarching global Powering Infinity campaign theme, Himel launched its flagship “I Love Control” initiative on July 15, 2025, introducing its industrial control portfolio with a customer training program in Dhaka. The campaign marks Himel’s expansion into the HVAC-centric industrial automation segment.

Himel, recognized as one of the top HVAC solution providers globally, also debuted its AI-powered EBA (Energy Management & Building Automation) system. Featuring free, intuitive software and expert-driven intelligence, the platform delivers up to 30% energy savings, empowering partners with smart, sustainable buildings. The comprehensive portfolio includes X Series contactors, SP Series VSDs, globally top-ranked smart relay controllers, and full automation systems—engineered to enhance operational efficiency across ventilation, pumping and more.

The launch cements Himel’s long-term vision: powering industrial and economic progress across Bangladesh—one connection at a time.