JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is delighted to announce a new global partnership with Midea, a world-leading brand in white goods, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances.
Midea and AFC Announce Global Supporter Partenrship
This multi-year agreement will see Midea become a Global Supporter of the AFC’s club competitions, which include the AFC Champions League Elite™ from the final stages of the 2024/25 season to the 2028/29 season, and the AFC Champions League Two™ and AFC Women’s Champions League™ from the 2025/26 to the 2028/29 seasons.
Datuk Seri Windsor John, the AFC General Secretary, said: “We are delighted to welcome Midea as a Global Supporter onboard this exciting journey, which further underlines the global appeal of the AFC’s world-class club competitions, and are excited to work closely with them to create more unforgettable moments for our passionate Asian football fanbase.”
Lewis Fu, President of Midea International Business, said: “Midea is excited to partner with the AFC as a Global Supporter of the AFC Champions League Elite™, AFC Champions League Two™ and AFC Women’s Champions League™. These AFC club competitions offer Midea a unique opportunity to reach a large global audience while also speaking directly to fans and consumers locally all across Asia and the Middle East.
As a Global Supporter, Midea will have exclusive rights to promote their products across all AFC club competitions worldwide, enhancing their brand presence and engaging with millions of football fans.
About the AFC
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the governing body of Asian football and one of the six Confederations making up FIFA. Established in 1954, the AFC is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and comprises 47 Member Associations. The AFC organises the AFC Asian Cup™ and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ while the AFC Champions League Elite™ and AFC Women’s Champions League™ are the premier competitions for Asian clubs.
About Midea
Midea is the world’s leading smart home appliances brand and covers a wide range of product categories including air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, air fryers, and robot vacuum cleaners. Midea Group, established in 1968, is a leading global technology company with over 190,000 employees worldwide, an annual revenue of USD57.5 billion in 2024, and ranked #277 on the 2024 Fortune Global 500 list. Find out more about Midea home appliances at midea.com/global and Midea Group at midea.com.cn/en
SHANGHAI, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ChangAn Automobile (“ChangAn” or “the Company”), an intelligent low-carbon mobility technology company, showcased its latest achievements in innovative technology, brand upgrades, and sustainable development at Auto Shanghai 2025 under the theme “Together for a Smarter World”. The Company invited nearly 600 domestic and international media outlets and over 500 global partners to Shanghai to explore a shared future vision.
On the first day of the show, ChangAn hosted a series of major press conferences and briefings. The Company showcased models from its three major brands — CHANG-AN, DEEPAL, and AVATR — each highlighting its unique strengths. ChangAn officially announced the pricing and specifications of the Q07, positioning it as a vehicle offering comfortable, worry-free driving experience. The DEEPAL brand, aimed at younger consumers, debuted the full-size SUV S09. Meanwhile, the AVATR 06 drew the spotlight, aiming to redefine the luxury electric vehicle standard with advanced design and assisted driving technology — a smart vehicle designed to understand its driver.
During the exhibition, media participated in interactive showcases, such as riding in the CHANG-AN E07 equipped with the Intelligent TH Chassis to experience leaf- and snow-shaking movements synchronised with music. These features highlighted ChangAn’s SDA digital platform and its advancements in smart perception. Attendees also engaged with robotic dogs and humanoid robots, demonstrating the Company’s breakthroughs in intelligent technology and multi-scenario applications. Additionally, ChangAn’s Intelligent TS Drive, Intelligent TY Cockpit, and BlueCore 3.0 were also showcased, pushing its intelligent capabilities to new heights.
In his keynote at the 2025 conference, Zhu Huarong, Chairman of ChangAn Automobile, global sales rose 34.2% to 2.684 million vehicles in 2024, with 735,000 new energy vehicles and 536,000 sold internationally. At the conference, Li Mingcai, Executive Vice President of ChangAn Automobile, highlighted key global milestones. The Company launched its first international NEV manufacturing base in Thailand and developed eight overseas production partnerships, reaching a capacity of 580,000 units. In 2024, ChangAn ranked among China’s top three auto exporters, with over 500,000 vehicles sold internationally and revenue surpassing $11 billion. The brand expanded into 20 new countries, entering over 100 globally, and now operates 1,150 sales channels. “This year, we will accomplish the setup and of the Middle East, Australian and UK subsidiary, and accelerate operations in high-potential markets such as Europe, Brazil, Australia, Indonesia, and we will have 10 regional business entities by 2025.” said Mr. Li.
ChangAn continues its push to become a world-class brand, with a strong focus on technological innovation. Mr. Wang Xiaofei, Executive Vice President of ChangAn, shared with the media that the Company has invested more than 40 billion yuan over the past decade in three core new energy areas. Over the next decade, the Company will invest more than 200 billion yuan into future automotive tech, expand its R&D team by 10,000 and develop intelligent car robots and flying cars — with flight tests expected by year-end.
While pursuing high-quality corporate development, ChangAn Automobile has also deeply embedded sustainability into its strategy and operations. In April 2025, the Company released its 2024 ESG Report, highlighting its work in green ecosystems, products and services, and community partnerships. In 2024, ChangAn’s new energy vehicle sales reached 735,000 units, cutting carbon emissions by 5.5 million tons throughout its life cycle, equivalent to planting 10,000 hectares of trees, and contributing to the development of a new low-carbon ecosystem through green transformation.
“Looking ahead, ChangAn will steadfastly advance our Vast Ocean Plan, enabling more global users to enjoy intelligent, high-quality, and high-efficiency green ChangAn.” said Mr. Li.
WASHINGTON, DC and ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA – Media OutReach Newswire– 25 April 2025 – Delphos advises LendMN NBFI JSC (“LendMN”), Mongolia’s leading digital lending platform, on securing a senior secured debt facility of up to USD 20 million from Lendable Inc., an impact-focused fintech lender, to advance financial inclusion in Mongolia. This financing will enable LendMN to expand its micro loans portfolio, providing greater access to financial services for underserved individuals and small businesses that traditional banks often exclude due to a lack of regular income or collateral.
Delphos President Andrew Brown
LendMN is the pioneering fintech that leverages artificial intelligence and data-driven credit scoring to offer the first fully digital and non-collateral consumer and business loans in Mongolia. The impact of this transaction is significant, as LendMN’s lending model caters to borrowers with irregular or non-salaried income, specifically customers in rural areas, and women entrepreneurs. Currently, 35% of LendMN’s borrowers reside in rural areas, and 90% have non-salaried income, underscoring the company’s strong commitment to financial inclusion. Additionally we, women make up 56% of its borrower base and 66% of its workforce.
The financing is particularly significant in Mongolia, where the lending landscape is dominated by short-term domestic funding sources. This three-year facility provides LendMN access to longer term international capital, and sustainably expand credit to its underserved customers. This financing marks LendMN’s first offshore fundraising initiative and represents Lendable Inc.’s first financial close in Mongolia, demonstrating a strong alignment of interests between both parties under Delphos’ strategic guidance and negotiation support. This transaction demonstrates Delphos’ expertise and capability to attracting new international capital to Mongolia.
LendMN BNFI JSC CEO Uuganbayar.TS.
“This financing enables us to expand access to credit for underserved communities across Mongolia. With our digital lending platform and data-driven credit assessment, we can better support individuals with irregular incomes, rural residents, and women entrepreneurs, fostering financial inclusion and economic empowerment while reinforcing our commitment to innovation in Mongolia’s financial sector,” said Uuganbayar.TS, CEO of LendMN NBFI JSC.
Commenting on the deal, Delphos’ President, Andrew Brown said, “This transaction is a testament to Delphos’ expertise in facilitating impactful cross-border financings that drive financial inclusion. We are proud to support LendMN in its mission to expand access to credit for Mongolia’s underserved populations.”
The funding aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 10 and 5 which aim to reduce inequalities and ensure gender equality. With this successful transaction, Delphos continues to reinforce its commitment to fostering financial inclusion in emerging markets through innovative financing solutions.
Hashtag: #Delphos
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About LendMN NBFI JSC:
LendMN NBFI JSC is Mongolia’s leading fintech company, providing fully digital, non-collateral consumer and business loans to underserved populations. Leveraging artificial intelligence and data-driven credit scoring, LendMN offers fast and accessible financial solutions, particularly for individuals with irregular income, rural residents, and women entrepreneurs. With a strong focus on financial inclusion, 35% of its active borrowers are in rural areas, 90% have non-salaried income, and women make up 56% of its borrower base. LendMN is a subsidiary of AND Global Pte Ltd. and continues to expand its impact in Mongolia’s financial ecosystem.
For more information: https://lend.mn/en/
About Lendable Inc.:
Lendable believes in creating a more equitable and sustainable world through data and finance. Lendable is a leading debt finance provider to market leading companies across pre-frontier, frontier and emerging markets that create access to new financial products and services for un- and under-banked populations. Lendable uses its proprietary technology, Maestro, to help investors understand risk and impact in the markets where it operates. Lendable’s team is based across over 10 countries giving an on-the-ground presence. To date, Lendable has disbursed over $577m as of December 2024.
Lendable Group consists of Lendable Inc, Dynolabs Asset Management Ltd, Dyno Labs Limited, Lendable PTE. LTD, Lendable Analytics LLC and Lendable Asset Management LLC.
For more information: https://lendable.io/
About Delphos:
Delphos is the definitive source for arranging innovative financial solutions for development companies and projects. We specialize in raising long-term, competitively priced capital for corporates, fund managers, developers, SMEs, sovereigns, and entrepreneurs around the world. Since 1987, we have arranged more than $20 billion in development finance to support the efforts of over 1,200 companies. We tap into the resources of more than 350 government agencies and multilateral organizations worldwide to help clients realize their international business goals and have sustainable impact. In addition to our capital raising efforts, Delphos provides market-leading transaction advisory and investment/risk management consulting services to government and private sector clients across multiple industries. We are approved advisors to AfDB, DFC, IDB Invest, IFC, USAID, US Ex-Im Bank, USTDA, WBG, leading private equity firms, infrastructure developers and strategic investors, and foreign governments and utilities.
SHANGHAI, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DeepRoute.ai, a pioneer in developing and deploying end-to-end smart driving solutions, today announced a partnership with Volcano Engine, a cloud and AI service platform, during Auto Shanghai 2025.
The two companies will collaborate to accelerate the development of AI vehicles by integrating advanced large language models, smart driving systems, and cloud computing infrastructure. As part of the partnership, Volcano Engine will provide high-performance computing support to DeepRoute.ai, boosting training efficiency for the Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model evolution.
Maxwell Zhou (CEO of DeepRoute.ai), Liwei Yang (General Manager of Volcano Engine Automotive and Head of the Institute of Intelligent Mobility and Embodied AI)
“Computing power, data, and algorithms are the three engines behind VLA’s evolution,” said Maxwell Zhou, CEO of DeepRoute.ai. “With enhanced compute from Volcano Engine and our closed-loop data system, we are accelerating iteration. Algorithm innovation remains our core strength.”
Designed for versatility, DeepRoute.ai VLA model supports both camera-only solution and LiDAR-camera fusion configurations, compatible with various automotive computing platforms. Multiple AI vehicle models integrated with DeepRoute.ai’s VLA model are set to release in 2025.
Liwei Yang, General Manager of Volcano Engine Automotive and Head of the Institute of Intelligent Mobility and Embodied AI, also expressed his confidence in the collaboration and strong anticipation for DeepRoute.ai’s VLA model to enter the market soon.
This advanced system excels in long-context understanding, analyzing driving scenarios over extended time frames of up to dozen seconds. It provides step-by-step explanations of its decision-making process, offering insights into its surroundings, predictions and planned actions. By enhancing both performance and transparency, the VLA model fosters greater trust in smart driving technology.
“To reach full autonomy, AI systems must evolve like human intelligence — from generalists to specialists,” Zhou added. “VLA is the generalist foundation of smart driving and stands as one of the most promising paths toward fully autonomous driving.”
At Auto Shanghai 2025, DeepRoute.ai is showcasing its latest smart driving advancements, the VLA model and RoadAGI strategy at exhibition booth 8BD012. CEO Maxwell Zhou is also attending the panel on the stage, sharing insights into the company’s vision for expanding AI-driven mobility.
About DeepRoute.ai
DeepRoute.ai is an artificial intelligence company dedicated to the research, development and application of smart driving solutions. Being the first to develop production-ready smart driving solutions and a pioneer in deploying end-to-end architecture, DeepRotue.ai aims to create artificial general intelligence in robotics through mass-produced passenger vehicles.
DeepRoute.ai is headquartered in Shenzhen, with offices in Beijing and Fremont, California. For more information, visit deeproute.ai, follow DeepRoute.ai on LinkedIn, and X, and subscribe to DeepRoute.ai on YouTube.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 April 2025 – Johor Economic, Tourism and Cultural Office Singapore (JETCO) continues to solidify Johor’s presence in Singapore’s tourism landscape with a series of strategic collaborations aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and cross-border tourism opportunities. Announced at a B2B Table Talk Session on 22nd April, attended by key trade partners, these initiatives reflect the growing synergy between Johor and Singapore’s tourism stakeholders.
In his welcome address, YB Dato’ Hasni Mohammad, Executive Chairman of JETCO emphasized the deep-rooted connection between Johor and Singapore, among others stating:
“Johor and Singapore share more than just a border—we share a common vision for tourism growth, and JETCO is here to ensure that vision becomes reality. JETCO serves as the bridge between Johor and Singapore, the driving force behind tourism promotion, and the facilitator of partnerships that benefit both destinations. Our goal is to turn transit visitors into extended-stay tourists and day-trippers into repeat guests.”
He further highlighted that JETCO was established to position Johor as a preferred destination for travellers from Singapore and beyond by providing trade partners with market insights, promotional support, and seamless connections to Johor’s best offerings.
Johor: A Land of Opportunities for Singapore & Beyond
Johor presents significant opportunities for both Singaporean tourists and international visitors:
For Singaporean Tourists: A short trip across the border offers world-class resorts (Desaru Coast), thrilling theme parks (Legoland, Sunway X-Park), and unbeatable value for dining, shopping, and leisure.
For International Visitors: Many tourists flying into Singapore may not realize that just less than an hour drive, Johor offers pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rich cultural heritage—perfect for extending their Southeast Asian itinerary.
Johor is also a paradise for golfers, home to 27 world-class golf courses that cater to both amateur and professional players. With stunning landscapes, championship-level courses, and top-tier hospitality, Johor is an attractive destination for golf tourism, drawing enthusiasts from Singapore and around the world.
Key Cross-Border Tourism Initiatives
The Chairman also congratulated the trade partners for their commitment to several impactful collaborations:
Digital Tourist Counter at Suntec City with WTS Travel – Enhancing accessibility for travellers by providing real-time travel information and seamless booking services for Johor-bound visitors within a key Singapore retail hub.
Johor Tourism Ambassador Program with Les Clefs d’Or Singapore, Concierge Association Singapore – Equipping concierge professionals with in-depth knowledge of Johor’s tourism offerings, enabling them to serve as tourism ambassadors and direct more travellers to the state.
These initiatives align with Johor’s vision to strengthen tourism ties with Singapore, especially in preparation for Visit Johor Year 2026, which is expected to attract a surge of international visitors.
Strong Partnerships for a Successful Visit Johor Year 2026
YB Raven Kumar Krishnasamy, Johor State Executive Councillor (EXCO) for Unity, Heritage and Cultureemphasized the importance of these partnerships, among others stating:
“As we gear up for Visit Johor Year 2026, it is vital that we work closely with our trade partners in Singapore to enhance connectivity, promote new travel experiences, and ensure seamless access to Johor’s attractions. These collaborations demonstrate our commitment to making Johor a top-of-mind destination, and we look forward to deepening these ties for mutual growth.”
Some key highlights from YB Raven Kumar Krishnasamy on Tourism Johor’s roadmap:
Visit Johor 2026 Campaign: A bold statewide movement aiming for 12 million tourist arrivals by the end of 2026. The campaign will unite efforts across various sectors, including eco-tourism, family attractions, health and wellness, and cultural heritage. Officially launching in August 2025, it will be supported by domestic and international promotions and a series of billboards across Johor to build momentum.
Investing in Tourism Infrastructure: In 2024, Johor rolled out 15 tourism development projects worth RM67.6 million, with another 18 projects planned for 2025, totaling RM48.75 million. Focus areas include upgrading tourist facilities, creating new attractions, and improving public amenities in hotspots like Desaru, Mersing, and Kota Tinggi.
Strengthening Johor–Singapore Connectivity: The RTS Link, set to be operational by the end of 2026, will revolutionize cross-border travel, improving accessibility to Johor. Upgrades to CIQ checkpoints and public transport systems are in progress, while Johor and Singapore collaborate on dual-destination packages and coordinated promotions to enhance visitor experiences.
Smart and Sustainable Tourism: Johor is integrating smart tourism through mobile apps, digital signage, and visitor platforms. Sustainability remains at the heart of its tourism strategy, protecting natural and cultural heritage while empowering local communities to benefit from tourism.
Strengthening Regional and International Collaboration: Johor values collaboration with Singapore’s travel trade, media, and tourism professionals. Partnerships such as these will help drive visitor interest and promote Johor as a top destination globally.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action for Trade Partners
In conclusion, JETCO reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with travel trade partners to:
Encourage Singaporean day-trippers to become overnight visitors.
Position Johor as a preferred visit extension for international tourists in Singapore.
Create win-win opportunities for both tourism players in Johor and Singapore.
“To all our travel trade partners here today: JETCO welcomes you. Let’s start a conversation, explore partnerships, and make Johor the next big destination in your portfolio,” the Chairman concluded.
JETCO remains committed to fostering strong cross-border tourism and economic partnerships and invites more industry players to join forces in developing innovative and sustainable travel experiences for visitors. Hashtag: #JETCO
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About JETCO
Johor Economic, Tourism & Cultural Office Singapore (JETCO) is a Johor State Government agency that is responsible in linking Johor agencies to various stakeholders in Singapore.
JETCO which started operating in Singapore in 2022, plays a pivotal role in highlighting economic opportunities, promoting tourism, and showcasing Johor’s rich cultural heritage to Singapore and beyond.
Through various initiatives and events, JETCO aims to facilitate collaboration and partnership between agencies in Johor and Singapore, in line with recent key initiatives such as Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Special Financial Zone (SFZ), and Visit Johor Year 2026. For more information, visit our website at jetcojohor.com and our social media accounts.
Experience joyful moments with curated kids’ activities, family-friendly amenities, and dining made for sharing, just across the causeway
JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With the mid-year school holidays just around the corner, DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru invites families to enjoy the school holidays with a collection of curated experiences made for both parents and little ones. Conveniently located just three kilometers from the Johor-Singapore Causeway, the hotel combines kid-approved surprises, delicious dining, and family-friendly amenities designed to make the most of the holiday season.
Little Chefs’ Pizza Workshop at Tosca, DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru
From the moment of arrival, families are greeted with DoubleTree’s signature warm cookie welcome, along with Little Traveler Packs to kick off the stay. At lunchtime, Tosca comes alive with the Little Chefs’ Pizza Workshop, held daily, where kids can craft their own pizzas while enjoying time with loved ones. Afternoons are best spent by the kids’ pool, where poolside toys and refreshing beverages await under shaded lounging areas—ideal for parents and children to unwind together.
To make exploring the city even more convenient, the hotel offers complimentary shuttle services to nearby attractions like Mid Valley Southkey and Johor Premium Outlets, perfect for leisure and retail therapy. Evenings bring a touch of nostalgia with traditional Malaysian games such as congkak and batu seremban, while the lobby popcorn cart, available daily from 12 noon to 5 PM, adds a little sweetness to every stay.
Renowned for its hearty breakfast, Makan Kitchen remains a guest favourite—offering comforting morning selections including fresh pastries, live egg stations, and regional delicacies, all in a warm and lively setting. For families dining with young children, the restaurant features a dedicated Kids Corner play area, designed to keep little ones happily entertained with colourful toys, games, and hands-on activities—allowing parents to enjoy their meals with added peace of mind.
To make family stays even more seamless, guests can now book guaranteed connecting rooms through the Hilton Honors app—ensuring everyone stays together with the space they need to relax and recharge. Whether it’s a weekday retreat or weekend road trip, the mid-year break is all about reconnecting in a setting that feels like home.
To round off the experience, the hotel’s Stay & Dine Package brings together all the essentials of a memorable family getaway. With rates starting from RM599+, the package includes breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner, complemented by spacious family rooms, kids’ welcome amenities, a dedicated kids’ pool, and close access to Johor Bahru’s vibrant shopping and heritage districts.
Whether it’s a spontaneous escape or a well-deserved break, DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru offers the warm touches, friendly service, and family experiences that turn everyday stays into lasting memories.
For reservations or enquiries, call +607 268 6868 or email us at JHBDT_RES@hilton.com. Book direct on our website or via the Hilton Honors app to enjoy the best rates and exclusive member benefits.
Innovative Bathroom Design Brand Redefines Luxury with Avant-Garde Installation
MADRID, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global smart bathroom leader JOMOO has marked its grand entrance into the European market with a breathtaking sensory installation at Casa Décor 2025, Madrid’s premier interior design exhibition. Held in a historic 19th-century building located on Sagasta Street, the event showcases cutting-edge creativity, sustainability, and innovation — and JOMOO’s space, designed by renowned Summum Studio, has emerged as a standout attraction.
Photo by Nacho Uribesalazar
Titled BRUMA: the Ritual of Senses, JOMOO’s immersive installation reimagines the bathroom as an emotional sanctuary. Visitors step into a softly feathered enclosure, where a central circular structure evokes a tranquil well. Above, a dynamic metal mesh of floating rings elevates, synchronizing with ambient aromas and music to create a multisensory journey. The installation embodies JOMOO’s ethos of blending smart innovation with emotional resonance, transforming everyday spaces into extraordinary experiences. “This isn’t just a bathroom — it’s a space to reconnect with oneself”, explains the design team. The experience culminates in a striking dome adorned with 450 showerheads, surrounded by pampas grass, blending nature with futuristic technology.
In addition to the installation, JOMOO’s cutting-edge X70 smart toilet is featured in Casa Décor’s public restroom, offering visitors a firsthand experience of the brand’s commitment to functional luxury. The X70, celebrated for its ultra-quiet operation and advanced hygiene features, exemplifies JOMOO’s dedication to redefining everyday living.
Casa Décor, now in its 60th edition, draws over 50,000 visitors and 50+ top brands annually. JOMOO’s debut aligns with the event’s ethos of pushing boundaries in design. “We wanted to challenge perceptions of what a bathroom can be — a place of artistry, innovation, and emotional resonance”, says a JOMOO representative.
Experience the future of design — where innovation meets emotion.
About JOMOO
JOMOO is a global pioneer in smart bathroom and kitchen solutions, celebrated for merging advanced technology with visionary design.
Casa Décor is Spain’s leading interior design platform, transforming iconic venues into showcases of creativity. This year’s edition highlights sustainability and avant-garde aesthetics. The exhibition runs April 3-May 18, 2025, at 33 Sagasta Street, Madrid.
On 24 April, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) celebrated a major milestone with Mekong Day 2025 in Vientiane, marking 30 years since the signing of the 1995 Mekong Agreement.
The event brought together representatives from MRC Member Countries, development partners, diplomatic corps, regional stakeholders, youth, and the public to reflect on three decades of achievements and renew commitments toward a sustainable Mekong Basin.
Busadee Santipitaks, CEO of the MRC Secretariat and the fourth riparian leader to hold the position since January 2025, delivered the State of the Mekong Address, assessing the condition of the river, outlining key challenges, and setting forth the organization’s strategic directions.
“Last year, we released the 2023 State of the Basin Report and the Mekong Atlas, which have shown that the Mekong region has undergone notable evolution over the past decades. While there have been areas of positive developments, there remain some areas that will require careful consideration and collaborative action,” Busadee said.
Busadee Santipitaks, CEO of the MRC Secretariat, delivered the State of the Mekong Address, assessing the condition of the river, outlining key challenges, and setting forth the organization’s strategic directions. Vientiane, Laos, 24 April. (Photo: Thongsavanh Souvannasane)
Water-related sectors in the Lower Mekong River Basin contribute significantly to the region’s economy, generating nearly USD 63 billion annually, with key industries like rice, fisheries, and hydropower playing vital roles. The broader Gross Domestic Product (GDP) linked to energy, agriculture, navigation, and fisheries is estimated at USD 133.7 billion. Over the past two decades, living conditions have improved with better access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, and enhanced food security.
Key Challenges
However, climate change poses accelerating risks, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, and declining sediment and mangrove forests threaten communities and ecosystems. While water quality remains generally good, La Niña conditions may bring hotter temperatures and less rain, increasing drought risks in 2025.
“Basin countries recognize the urgency of climate adaptation, but financing gaps and institutional challenges persist,” Busadee emphasized.
“Increased efforts are needed to strengthen disaster preparedness, particularly at the community level. Downstream areas also face the greatest environmental challenges, from sediment and wetland degradation to increased salinity levels. Sand mining and plastic pollution are ongoing concerns.”
Strategic Directions
As the MRC concludes its 2021–2025 Strategic Plan, it is establishing a bold course for the next Strategic Plan of 2026–2030, aligned with the Basin Development Strategy, focusing on deepening cooperation, driving innovation, and strengthening inclusivity.
Looking ahead, the MRC aims to continue and deepen collaboration with Development Partners, enhance regional and global partnerships, including with ASEAN and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, while advancing joint projects under its Proactive Regional Planning initiative. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, such as AI and satellite systems, the MRC will improve early warning systems and data access through platforms like the One Mekong App and Flood and Drought TV.
More emphasis will be placed on inclusive decision-making by amplifying local voices and promoting gender equality.
“We must listen to the voices that matter most,” she said. “Their insights, concerns, and ideas will shape our policies and projects. At the end of the day, it’s not just about water, it’s about the people.”
Youth engagement
As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, the MRC announced the winners of its inaugural Mekong Song Competition, which showcased over 70 musical entries from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Finalists representing diverse genres performed live during the Mekong Day ceremony in Vientiane.
The winning song, “Never Run Dry,” performed by Seathencity, captivated judges with its poetic lyrics about unity, resilience, and shared responsibility for the river’s future. Second place went to “Every wave, we all belong” performed by the WAVE the laos, while AF Production’s “Carried by the Mekong” and 4Brothers’ “Mekong, our common future” both earned third place.
“Music has the power to connect hearts and inspire action,” said Busadee. “Through this competition, we saw how deeply the Mekong touches people’s lives and how youth can lead the way in redefining our relationship with nature and appreciating our lifeblood.”
“Never Run Dry” – Seathencity, first place winner, with poetic lyrics about unity, resilience, and shared responsibility for the Mekong’s future. Vientiane, Laos, 24 April. (Photo: Thongsavanh Souvannasane)“Every wave, we all belong” – WAVE the laos, second place winner, celebrating connection and collective responsibility for the Mekong River. Vientiane, Laos, 24 April. (Photo: Thongsavanh Souvannasane)“Mekong, our common future” – 4Brothers, third place winner, emphasizing shared responsibility and a sustainable future for the Mekong River. Vientiane, Laos, 24 April. (Photo: Thongsavanh Souvannasane)“Carried by the Mekong” – AF Production, third place winner, honoring the river’s influence on lives and communities along its banks. Vientiane, Laos, 24 April. (Photo: Thongsavanh Souvannasane)