32 C
Vientiane
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 482

LotusFlare Partners with MTN for Strategic Digital Initiatives in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG and SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LotusFlare, a provider of a cloud-native digital commerce and monetization platform for communications service providers (CSPs), today announced its partnership with MTN South Africa, part of Africa’s largest mobile network operator, to support strategic initiatives in the South African market.

 

By leveraging LotusFlare’s Cloud platform and its extensive experience in digital commerce and monetization, MTN aims to improve agility to meet its customers’ evolving needs.

With this initiative, MTN aims to set a new standard for innovation and enhanced customer experience. This partnership marks a significant milestone in MTN’s strategy for the South African telecommunications landscape.

“We are thrilled to partner with MTN South Africa, a true leader in the African telecommunications market, and support them on this transformative journey,” said Sam Gadodia, CEO of LotusFlare. “We believe our Cloud platform will enable MTN to achieve its vision of delivering a truly exceptional experience to its customers.”

“Partnering with LotusFlare marks a significant milestone in our ongoing dedication to providing a world-class experience for our customers across South Africa. This collaboration will enable us to transform and elevate our services, further strengthening our position as a leading telecommunications provider in the country,” says Divyesh Joshi, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at MTN SA.

About LotusFlare

LotusFlare’s mission is to design, build and continuously advance a digital commerce and monetization platform that simplifies technology and customer experience to deliver valuable outcomes to enterprises. LotusFlare serves T-Mobile US, Deutsche Telecom, Globe Telecom, Liberty Latin America, Singtel, Globe Telecom, A1 Group, and other leading CSPs. Learn more at lotusflare.com

LotusFlare Contact

Magdalena Arnautovic
Marketing Communications and Content Manager
Email Address: magdalena.marjanovic@lotusflare.com
LotusFlare News: https://lotusflare.com/news/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lotusflare
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lotus_flare

MTN Contact

Mthokozisi Ndlovu
Senior Manager: External Communication
Email Adress: mthokozisi.ndlovu@mtn.com

 

A*STAR And MojiaBio To Develop Next-gen Sustainable Biomanufacturing Platform In Singapore

SINGAPORE, Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This initiative aims to produce eco-friendly bio-based molecules from low-cost, eco-friendly sources. Key benefits include:

Cost-parity with conventional methods: Unlike existing bio-based molecules production, this initiative aims to achieve cost-parity with conventional processes by utilising low-cost renewable sources like methanol.

Wide-ranging industry applications: The sustainable bio-based molecules produced can be used for wide-ranging industrial applications in textiles, automotive, personal care, and coatings industries.

Boosting Singapore’s green economy: This effort strengthens Singapore’s leadership in the global bioeconomy, which can lead to high-value job creation in sustainable biomanufacturing.

SINGAPORE – MojiaBio, a leading innovator in green chemistry and sustainable biomanufacturing, will be developing an SGD 44.8 million state-of-the-art Sustainable Biomanufacturing Technology Platform (SBTP) with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). By integrating advanced synthetic biology and bioprocessing innovations, the SBTP aims to position Singapore as a global leader in sustainable biomanufacturing, accelerating the transition to a circular bioeconomy and net-zero future.

Unlike other existing bio-based molecules in the market, the SBTP aims to pioneer the production of a range of high-value bio-based molecules that are cost-competitive and serve the needs of various industries. This is made possible due to the innovative use of cost-effective sources like methanol and ethylene glycol, which enables the platform to produce scalable, sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical processes. This includes the production of 1,3-propanediol (PDO), a key ingredient for a broad array of industries such as skincare products, coatings and biodegradable plastics.

Building Singapore’s Capabilities in Green Biomanufacturing

The global market for green chemicals is projected to reach USD 200 billion (around SGD 270 billion) by 2030, driven by increasing demand for sustainable alternatives to their fossil-based counterparts. This collaboration will help Singapore build up our synthetic biology capabilities, which will help position us to capture a share of this growing market and contribute to the development of new economic opportunities in the green economy.

At the heart of the SBTP is MojiaBio’s proprietary Cn+Bio™ pathway and OrthBio® bioconversion process, designed to convert low-cost, renewable sources into bio-based molecules. This will be developed in close collaboration with A*STAR Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (A*STAR SIFBI)—which will provide expertise on enzyme engineering—to ensure a faster, more reliable, and higher-yield conversion.

“The SBTP will not only produce bio-based molecules but also support downstream application research to synthesise high-value sustainable products for different industries,” said Dr Ramon Gonzalez, MojiaBio CSO. “Through our partnership with A*STAR, we will be able to accelerate the commercialisation of green PDO to meet the growing demands and needs of the market.”

The SBTP leverages advanced synthetic biology and integrates the National University of Singapore (NUS)’ computational modelling expertise to engineer enzymes and microbial strains, optimising them as biocatalysts. Unlike conventional fermentation methods, the platform operates independently of its host cell metabolism, which significantly enhances energy efficiency, scalability, and sustainability while reducing production costs.

Professor Tan Sze Wee, Assistant Chief Executive from A*STAR Biomedical Research Council said, “The SBTP marks a significant step forward in sustainable biomanufacturing for Singapore, demonstrating how synthetic biology can unlock cost-effective productions of scalable value-added ingredient alternatives. By leveraging synthetic biology and enzyme engineering capabilities at A*STAR SIFBI and A*STAR Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (A*STAR ISCE2) and forming strategic private-public partnerships, we are laying the foundation for further advancements in sustainable biomanufacturing across multiple industries. This collaboration will not only accelerate Singapore’s bioeconomy growth but also underscore our commitment to advancing in value-added ingredient innovation and green technologies.”

Lim Wey-Len, Executive Vice President, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) said: “Singapore has been developing our capabilities in industrial biotechnology as part of a push for sustainable manufacturing. The SBTP demonstrates how leading companies can partner Singapore’s research ecosystem to innovate and commercialise novel products that improve the quality of life, while meeting sustainability commitments. We welcome more like-minded companies to create solutions through Singapore that can further grow Asia’s bioeconomy sector.”

Advancing Green Economy: Building a Sustainable Future Together

The SBTP aligns with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 targets and global sustainability goals, such as reducing carbon emissions and promoting a circular economy. Compared to conventional methods, bio-based molecules produced through this platform offer significant environmental benefits over conventional processes, including:

Reduced energy use: Renewable sources (e.g. methanol and ethylene glycol) require less energy to process.

Lower carbon footprint: Bio-based production typically emits significantly less carbon dioxide than conventional chemical processes by around 60%.

Fewer pollutants: Bio-based methods produce fewer harmful emissions, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx).

“This collaboration exemplifies our vision to create impactful, sustainable solutions for the future,” said Dr Gonzalez. “MojiaBio is also making strides to establish our operational headquarters and a dedicated research laboratory in Singapore to accelerate commercialisation of other green chemicals to contribute to Singapore’s bioeconomy and the global transition toward sustainability.”

1 “Green Chemicals Market – Global Industry Assessment and Forecast.” Vantage Market Research, 4 July 2023, www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/green-chemicals-market-1347

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore’s lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis.

About A*STAR Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (A*STAR SIFBI)

A*STAR Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (A*STAR SIFBI)’s vision is to be an innovation engine for health and well-being, focusing on the Asian phenotype. Our two strategic pillars are: 1) Developing sustainable, value-added ingredients for food and consumer care; and 2) Optimizing health and wellbeing within the Asian phenotype. We prioritize consumer acceptance, considering taste, texture, and nutrition, alongside sustainable and safe food production. Understanding sensory preferences and the Asian phenotype allows us to tailor food designs to meet consumer needs and improve population health and wellness. We directly impact food resilience, population health, economic growth, and talent development. We envision Singapore as a leading hub for Asian food and nutrition research, fostering industry partnerships and regional collaboration to advance this critical field. This is achieved through public-private partnerships locally and globally. Learn more about SIFBI.

About MojiaBio

MojiaBio is a pioneering leader in industrial biomanufacturing, revolutionizing the production of commodities, materials, and chemicals through sustainable and green processes. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and demand-driven innovation, MojiaBio is committed to creating transformative solutions that shape the future of multiple industries. For more information on MojiaBio.

Tencent Music Entertainment Group Announces Board Changes

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent Music Entertainment Group (“TME”, or the “Company”) (NYSE: TME and HKEX: 1698), the leading online music and audio entertainment platform in China, today announced the retirement of Mr. Matthew Yun Ming Cheng from his position as a director on the Board of Directors (the “Board”), effective February 28, 2025. Concurrently, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Wai Yip Tsang, as a director on the Board, effective February 28, 2025.

“Matthew has been a valuable member of TME’s Board during his tenure since 2022. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank him for his dedication, which helped us drive growth and innovation while promoting the prosperity of China’s music industry,” commented Mr. Cussion Pang, Executive Chairman of TME. “I would also like to welcome Wai Yip to the Board. His deep financial background, extensive experience and business insights will be a tremendous asset to TME.”

Mr. Tsang currently serves as the Financial Controller of Tencent Holdings Limited (HKEX: 0700). Prior to joining Tencent in 2014, Mr. Tsang began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and subsequently held senior financial positions, including chief financial officer or group financial controller at several companies listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, and served as a director of a company listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. Mr. Tsang is a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, as well as a member of CPA Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Accountancy. Mr. Tsang possesses extensive experience in audit, accounting, investor relations, and corporate finance, including initial public offerings, restructuring, and mergers and acquisitions activities.

About Tencent Music Entertainment

Tencent Music Entertainment Group (NYSE: TME and HKEX: 1698) is the leading online music and audio entertainment platform in China, operating the country’s highly popular and innovative music apps: QQ Music, Kugou Music, Kuwo Music and WeSing. TME’s mission is to create endless possibilities with music and technology. TME’s platform comprises online music, online audio, online karaoke, music-centric live streaming and online concert services, enabling music fans to discover, listen, sing, watch, perform and socialize around music. For more information, please visit ir.tencentmusic.com.

Investor Relations Contact
Tencent Music Entertainment Group
ir@tencentmusic.com  
+86 (755) 8601-3388 ext. 818415

CEA Drives Thailand’s Creative Industry Forward: Expanding Thai Music and Content into Asian and European Markets


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – The Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA, has revealed that Thailand’s music and content industries continue to experience sustained growth, aligning with the global expansion of the sector. To ensure that Thai artists and content creators can achieve lasting success on the international stage, CEA is set to launch two major flagship projects in 2025, building on their remarkable achievements of 2024. The ‘Music Exchange’ project aims to propel Thai artists onto global festival stages while attracting international event organizers and promoters to Thailand, creating invaluable opportunities for local musicians and businesses. Meanwhile, the ‘Content Lab’ initiative serves as a platform for Thai content creators to connect with investors both domestically and internationally, paving the way for commercial production. Additionally, it will focus on upskilling professionals in film, series, and animation, ensuring their expertise meets global standards and aligns with key target markets. These initiatives are expected to drive employment opportunities and contribute significantly to Thailand’s economic growth, further strengthening the country’s position in the international creative industry.

CEA Drives Thailand’s Creative Industry Forward: Expanding Thai Music and Content into Asian and European Markets
CEA Drives Thailand’s Creative Industry Forward: Expanding Thai Music and Content into Asian and European Markets

Dr. Chakrit Pichyangkul, Executive Director of the Creative Economy Agency, stated, “The creative content and media industries—encompassing music, film, series, and animation—continue to thrive globally, particularly in the digital streaming era, which have made access to entertainment more seamless than ever. Additionally, the full-scale revival of concerts, music festivals, and cinemas in the post-COVID era has further accelerated this growth. For Thailand, these industries are expanding in line with global trends. Currently, the music business in Thailand is valued at 3-5 billion baht, while the film, series, and animation industries are worth approximately 18 billion baht. This sector has been attracting growing interest from both audiences and investors, domestically and internationally. A testament to this momentum is the recent success of Thai films and series, which have not only generated impressive revenues but have also secured screenings at international film festivals. A standout achievement is the critically acclaimed film How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, known locally as Lahn Mah, which was recently selected as one of 15 films shortlisted to determine the five final nominees for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards 2024. This recognition reinforces the immense potential of Thai creators in these industries and their ability to compete on the world stage.”

A crucial factor in propelling Thailand’s music and content industries towards global success lies in financial investment and sustained government support. This backing enables artists and content creators to produce high-quality work and consistently showcase their talent on the international stage. Countries that prioritize the development of their creative industries, such as South Korea, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, have established dedicated agencies to support music businesses, screenwriters, and content creators. These agencies not only drive employment and attract foreign investment but also contribute significantly to measurable economic growth. Inspired by these successful models and recognizing the immense potential of Thailand’s music and content industries, the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA, has implemented the ‘Flagship Industries Project’ strategy within the Creative Content & Music sector. This initiative focuses on film, series, animation, and music, serving as a key economic driver that will generate substantial revenue for Thailand while solidifying the nation’s presence in the global creative economy.

CEA continues to propel Thailand’s music industry forward and strengthen the Thai Music Wave through the Music Exchange project, which is built on two core activities:

● PUSH – Supporting Thai artists in securing performance slots at international music festivals, helping them expand their fan base and introduce their music to global markets. Notable participating artists include 4EVE, Alec Orachi, WIM, and Polycat.

● PULL – Inviting international music festival organizers and business stakeholders to witness live performances by Thai artists while facilitating business matching sessions to foster networking and commercial opportunities.

This project is driven by the strategic development plan for Thailand’s creative music industry, with a focus on increasing economic value and propelling the industry onto the global stage. Beyond international exposure, CEA is committed to elevating the creative capabilities of Thai musicians, ensuring they remain competitive in the global arena (Strategy: Building Global Standard).

Additionally, the initiative emphasizes music intellectual property protection (Strategy: Promoting Music IP) and aims to strengthen the music business ecosystem (Strategy: Strengthening Music Business Ecosystem), fostering diversity and long-term industry sustainability. Over the past year, Music Exchange has successfully showcased Thai artists in key markets such as Japan, China, and South Korea, forging connections with major global businesses. Throughout 2024, the project has supported over 70 performances by Thai artists, attracting 78 music festival organizers and industry professionals from Asia-Pacific, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States. These efforts have facilitated more than 300 business opportunities, boosting international visibility for Thai artists and reaching a global audience with 35 million views.

In its mission to strengthen Thailand’s film, series, and animation industries, CEA has spearheaded the Content Lab initiative, designed to nurture and elevate Thai content creators from emerging talents to industry professionals. Through incubation programs, the initiative provides structured training courses tailored to both fundamental and advanced skills, ensuring that participants gain expertise relevant to the evolving demands of the content industry. Additionally, selected projects receive funding to develop their ideas into pilot projects, which can then be pitched to film studios and potential investors. A key highlight of the initiative is the launch of Thailand’s first-ever ‘Content Project Market’—a dedicated marketplace where participants from incubation Programs, as well as independent content creators, can showcase their projects to investors, paving the way for commercial production. In 2024 alone, Content Lab successfully upskilled over 288 participants, empowering them with essential content creation expertise. Moreover, one of the projects that received funding for pilot project development from Content Lab 2023, the film ‘Happy Monday(s)’ or Sawasdee Wan Jan(s) [สวัสดีวันจันทร์(ส)], has successfully transitioned into full-scale production. Produced by Neramitnung Film, the film was released in theaters on 20 February 2024.

Through these strategic initiatives, CEA continues to drive the Thai content industry forward, ensuring its creators are equipped with the tools, opportunities, and global exposure needed to thrive in international markets. Recognizing the immense potential and global growth opportunities for Thailand’s content and creative media industries, CEA is committed to continuing its support for both the Music Exchange and Content Lab initiatives in the coming year. For 2025, the Music Exchange project, led by the Subcommittee on Music Industry Development and CEA, will further drive Thailand’s soft power strategy in the music sector by promoting Thai artists on the international stage. The initiative aims to support over 100 artists and bands, enabling them to perform at world-renowned music festivals while also facilitating business-matching opportunities and global networking. The project will focus on connecting Thai record labels with international festival organizers in key markets across Asia and Europe, further strengthening the Thai Music Wave as a recognized global phenomenon. Meanwhile, the Content Lab program will refine its incubation curriculum to align with the evolving media consumption habits of modern audiences. The program aims to train and develop at least 170 mid-career professionals, equipping them with the skills needed to compete on the global stage. This effort is not only about nurturing talent but also about laying the foundation for a sustainable content industry ecosystem, ensuring that Thai creators can continuously innovate, produce, and generate long-term revenue. These initiatives are pivotal in preparing Thai artists and content creators for international competition, while also reinforcing a thriving creative ecosystem that fosters sustainable industry growth,” Dr. Chakrit concluded.

The Content Lab 2025 initiative is now entering its third consecutive year, continuing its mission to develop film and series projects by participants in Thailand’s film and series industries. Some of its incubation programs are already set to open for applications, providing opportunities for aspiring and mid-career creators to enhance their skills and take their developing projects to the next level. Meanwhile, this year marks the second year of the Music Exchange project, which is in its final stages of preparation, with details expected to be announced soon. Those interested in participating or following updates on these projects can stay informed via the CEA’s website: www.cea.or.th and the CEA’s official Facebook page.

Hashtag: #CEA

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

About the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization)

The Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA, is a specialized body tasked with promoting creativity as a key driving force behind the creative economy. The agency focuses on fostering growth across various creative industries, while also encouraging the production sector to apply creative thinking to enhance the value of products and services. This approach aims to elevate the competitive potential of businesses and the country on the global stage.

Renaissance College’s Red Door Centre and Library Shine at Greater Bay Area School Awards


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – Renaissance College (RCHK) is thrilled to announce that its Learning Technology hub, the Red Door Centre (RDC), and the Library have been recognised for excellence at the prestigious Greater Bay Area (GBA) School Awards. The school received the Judges’ Choice Award in the “EdTech Program K-12” category and was named a finalist in both the “EdTech Program – Primary” and “School Library” categories.

The Judges’ Choice Award in the “EdTech Program K-12” category recognises RCHK’s innovative approach to modern STEM education. The RDC helps the school to integrate advanced technological programmes that empower students to explore, experiment, and bring their ideas to life. Through hands-on experiences with robotics, filmmaking, maker-centred learning, and visual content creation using green screen technology, students learn to apply their knowledge in practical and engaging ways. This approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration—essential skills for success in the 21st century.

RCHK’s commitment to fostering a love of reading and creative thinking was also recognised with its Library’s finalist status in the “School Library” category. The library serves as a dynamic learning space, offering a rich collection of resources and supporting students in their academic pursuits and personal growth.

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement,” said Mr. Stu Lowe, Vice Principal (Learning Technologies) at Renaissance College. “These awards showcase the amazing work of the Learning Technology and Library Teams. Renaissance College embraces the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning across the entire school. Seeing that recognised in these awards is a tremendous honour and a reflection of our commitment to innovation.”

The following individuals were instrumental in this success:

Ms. Ness Matthews, Primary Learning Technology Coach
Mr. Sze Lok Kai, Learning Technology Educational Assistant
Mr. Stu Lowe, Vice Principal (Learning Technologies)
Mr. James Sandford, Secondary Learning Technology Coach
Mr. Jœrgen Mortsensen, Media Literacy & Authentic Technology Integration Coach
Ms. Kim Wells, Library Coordinator
Ms. Melissa Cooper, Library Teacher
Ms. Shirley Chan, Librarian (Teaching)
Hashtag: #RCHK #technology #awards #education #internationalschool #hongkong #gba





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

About ESF Renaissance College Hong Kong

Renaissance College Hong Kong (RCHK), a student-centred independent school founded by the English Schools Foundation (ESF) in 2006, serves the local and expatriate communities. Offering all four International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes (PYP, MYP, DP, CP), RCHK provides a through-train education for students aged 5-18. With over 2,000 students representing 40+ nationalities, RCHK celebrates its diverse community, where English is the language of instruction. Students benefit from rich Education Outside of the Classroom (EOTC) and Creative, Action, Service (CAS) programmes, fostering real-world learning and community engagement. RCHK’s Red Door Centre, a state-of-the-art technology hub, provides 1:1 devices (iPads Years 1-3, MacBooks Years 4-13), robotics equipment, and modern fabrication facilities, integrating technology across the curriculum. Wellbeing is paramount at RCHK, with strategies in place to ensure every child feels known and supported. The College also offers scholarships for driven and ambitious secondary students, and financial aid (Youth Empowerment Scheme) to promote inclusivity.

Giti Achieves EcoVadis Platinum – Double Honour for Giti Group, Propelling Entry into the Premiership of Tire Makers

SINGAPORE, Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With only one Earth to live on, Giti Tire has embedded in its DNA an unwavering commitment to reducing environmental impact, and these efforts have not gone unnoticed. Giti China was ranked among the top 1% of the tire industry, receiving a Platinum award (scoring 85 points) in the 2025 EcoVadis evaluation and B-rating for Climate and Sustainability from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), setting the standard for all of Giti’s manufacturing facilities to follow. Similar to industry leaders Michelin and Bridgestone, Giti has established itself as a formidable green force in a highly competitive market.

Giti Tire Awarded Platinum EcoVadis Award and CDP Disclosure Badge in 2025
Giti Tire Awarded Platinum EcoVadis Award and CDP Disclosure Badge in 2025

The Reason for the Passion

“These recognitions are a welcome acknowledgment and validation that our efforts are moving in the right direction,” commented Chris Bloor, Executive Director, Sales and Marketing at Giti Tire, while discussing the awards. “However, we will not rest on these laurels. Fuelled by our commitment to future generations, we will continue to enhance processes and products, ensuring a greener future for the tire industry and global mobility.”

Over the years, Giti has solidified its reputation through motorsport performance and through collaborating with major automotive manufacturers, leading to its recognition for top-tier products and forward sustainability initiatives.

The Journey Toward Excellence

Giti’s sustainability journey began with its first CDP submission in 2023. Committed to continuous improvement, Giti has since internalised sustainability principles through comprehensive training programs and sustainability structures led by Chief Sustainability Officer, Dr. Pang Chong Hau. By fostering transparency and accountability, Giti actively encourages stakeholders to take positive action for environmental protection and societal progress.

“Giti adopts a 3P approach, ensuring not only economic growth but also environmental health and social progress,” commented Pang.

“We will remain steadfast in continual improvement, actively engaging shareholders and stakeholders, fostering collaborative partnerships with suppliers and customers, placing sustainability at the core of our decision-making. We promote awareness and meaningful environmental action.”

Governance in Action: Leading EUDR-Compliance

As a reflection of Giti’s commitment to sustainability, Giti champions compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This initiative highlights Giti’s focus on responsible sourcing, ethical procurement, and regulatory compliance—core elements of a strong environmental governance strategy.

Despite delays in EUDR’s official implementation, Giti engages with suppliers to ensure materials are environmentally-friendly and contribute to reversing past damage. As an early adopter of EUDR-compliance, Giti is setting industry standards and reinforcing its role as a pioneer in sustainable governance.

“These achievements were neither overnight successes nor solo efforts,” shared François Petiot, Director, Giti International QA Centre.

“Three key factors contribute to our success:

  1. Strong sustainability commitment among plant managers, backed by methodical training.
  2. Company-wide culture actively turning sustainability goals into reality.
  3. Robust policies and due-diligence structures ensuring compliance and efficiency.”

Ahead of EUDR’s full implementation, Giti has secured 100% EUDR-compliant rubber supplies, with all required raw materials sourced from suppliers that meet strict environmental standards.

Richmind Announces Entry Into Premium Real Estate Development in the UAE

Debut project to be unveiled soon at Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Richmind, a premium developer specialising in ultra-niche real estate products, and a flagship business vertical of Richmind Holding, is proud to announce its entry into the UAE market, introducing its transformative vision of premium real estate. Positioned at the intersection of artistry, nature and design, Richmind is set to establish itself as a major player in the ultra-niche real estate segment.

L-R - ​Ammar Al Assam, CEO, Dewan Architects + Engineers, Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli - CEO - Marjan, Mr. Mohammed Rafiee - CEO of Richmind and Christos Passas, Design Director, Zaha Hadid Architects
L-R – ​Ammar Al Assam, CEO, Dewan Architects + Engineers, Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli – CEO – Marjan, Mr. Mohammed Rafiee – CEO of Richmind and Christos Passas, Design Director, Zaha Hadid Architects

In an event held at Atlantis The Royal, hosted by Richmind’s CEO Mr. Mohammad Rafiee, the brand was unveiled in the presence of dignitaries & VIPs.

“We’re reintroducing the concept of premium, recalibrating exclusivity, and reimagining architectural excellence. We don’t just build structures; we create masterpieces. For us, this goes beyond business or profit to build a legacy that endures. Collaborating with Zaha Hadid Architects is an immense source of pride but more so a validation of our values. Like us, their devotion to true craftsmanship and bespoke designs has elevated them to the heights they have reached,” says Mohammad Rafiee, CEO of Richmind.

This year Richmind will bring over 1000 units to the market. As part of its ambitious launch plan, Richmind’s first project is set to launch soon, in collaboration with the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, located at the coveted Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah.

Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO, Marjan, said: “Al Marjan Island has been conceptualized to offer luxurious waterfront living within a premium leisure and lifestyle destination. We are delighted to welcome to our fold a premier developer like Richmind whose flagship project in association with world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, will no doubt add to the allure of our iconic island. Richmind’s focus on creating lasting value aligns with our commitment to curate an elevated lifestyle for investors and residents in Ras Al Khaimah.”

“Our partnership with Richmind was established over countless hours of collaboration and creative exploration that led to us coming together with an aligned vision. We spent time as a team understanding the details of the project, being inspired by the beautiful landscape of the location and imbibing the customer’s needs in the market, to come up with a design that is a masterpiece, which will become a jewel on this beautiful island,” says Christos Passas, Director of Design, Zaha Hadid Architects.

Redefining waterfront living, the mixed residential property will offer a combination of apartments, villas, duplexes and premium penthouses. It will also be home to globally renowned beach club and spa brands, as well as the latest location for a celebrated culinary concept that will be set at the highest point of the development, surrounded by Ras Al Khaimah’s first and only 360° infinity pool, offering some of the best views on Al Marjan Island.

ISCA launches first Professional Services Centre in Johor Bahru in partnership with ASME, IVAS, LawSoc, SMF, and Tax Academy of Singapore, to support growth of businesses in JS-SEZ


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has officially launched its first Professional Services Centre in Johor Bahru (JB), which is strategically located within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). As part of plans to expand its regional footprint, ISCA hopes to tap on the potential growth opportunities within the JS-SEZ, and to contribute to the growing economic ties between Singapore and Malaysia.

ISCA’s Professional Services (PS) Centre in Johor Bahru is the first of 10 such centres that ISCA will be launching across major cities around the world by June 2025, to support the growth of businesses in their respective countries. These centres mark a new joint partnership between ISCA and the following organisations, which are part of ISCA’s Professional Accountancy Hub:

  • Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME)
  • Institute of Valuers and Appraisers, Singapore (IVAS)
  • Law Society of Singapore
  • Singapore Manufacturing Foundation (SMF)
  • Tax Academy of Singapore

ISCA’s PS Centre in Johor Bahru will serve as a conduit to promote the expansion and availability of professional services such as accounting, sustainability, legal, business valuation, taxation and other corporate services, to meet the needs of Singaporean businesses seeking to expand in Malaysia and vice versa. In addition, it will help to foster cross-border partnerships, and drive the development of accountancy talent in both countries. This is done in anticipation of the future growth of businesses in the JS-SEZ, as more entities tap on the collective resources and collaborative environment within the Zone to expand operations. ISCA expects a considerable increase in demand for professional services and accountancy firms to meet these needs and navigate evolving regulations from a growing pool of clients, particularly in areas such as corporate set-up, cross-border taxation, business expansion advisory, sustainability standards and adoption of technologies.

Recognising the growing need for professional services, the Malaysian government recently announced a target to train 60,000 professional accountants by 2030. The JS-SEZ will create even more demand for professional accountants. In alignment with this vision, ISCA will be forming partnerships with local universities based in Malaysia (Sunway TES College, University of Reading Malaysia, and the University of Southampton Malaysia) to create dedicated pathways for their students to pursue the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ), though provisions of resources, learning support as well as scholarships.

“ISCA is committed to supporting the growth of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone,” said Mr Teo Ser Luck, President of ISCA. “Our Professional Services Centre in Johor Bahru and our partnerships with universities in Malaysia aim to ensure that businesses across both countries prosper, and that a steady supply of skilled accountants will be available to support the Zone’s development. We also look forward to facilitating regional interaction between Malaysian and Singaporean professional services firms, fostering knowledge sharing and mutually beneficial relationships.”

“By leveraging Singapore’s expertise in family offices and sustainability, ISCA’s new business centre in Johor Bahru will provide their members and Malaysian SMPs with the tools and knowledge they need to adapt and excel in an increasingly interconnected world. Together, the joint expertise and resources of the accounting fraternity from both countries will surely be an important support to the development of the JS-SEZ,” said Mr Wong Wen Tak, CEO of Grant Thornton Malaysia – Johor Office.

For more information on the quotes from ISCA Professional Services Centre Partner Organisations, please refer to the Annex via our website.

Hashtag: #ISCA

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

Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore with over 39,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world. ISCA members can be found in over 40 countries and members based out of Singapore are supported through 12 overseas chapters in 10 countries.

Established in 1963, ISCA is an advocate of the interests of the profession. Complementing its global mindset with Asian insights, ISCA leverages its regional expertise, knowledge, and networks with diverse stakeholders to contribute towards the advancement of the accountancy profession.

ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore – CA (Singapore) – designation.

ISCA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global family that brings together the members of leading institutes to create a community of over 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries.

For more information, visit .