31 C
Vientiane
Saturday, June 7, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 539

CCTV+: Xinjiang In Focus | Life in a Tuvan Log Cabin

BEIJING, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tucked away in Xinjiang’s picturesque Kanas region, the tranquil Hemu Village is like a scene from a fairytale—misty mornings, wooden cabins, and a way of life that appears frozen in time. But for young local woman Ou Donghua, a member of the Tuva Mongolian ethnic group, this is home. Over the years, she has witnessed this once-isolated village transform into a buzzing travel hotspot. How has that changed life for the Tuvan people? And what’s next for this hidden paradise? Step inside Hemu through her eyes.


Xinjiang In Focus | Life in a Tuvan Log Cabin

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYfODmbuMuo 

China High Speed Transmission Equipment Group Commences Legal Proceedings for Fund Misappropriation of RMB 6.64 Billion

HONG KONG, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors (the “Board“) of China High Speed Transmission Equipment Group Co., Ltd. (the “Company“, Stock Code: 0658.HK, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group“) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Nanjing High Accurate Drive Equipment Manufacturing Group Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing Drive“), Nanjing Handa Import and Export Trade Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing Handa“) and Nanjing Shengzhuang Supply Chain Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing Shengzhuang“, together with Nanjing Drive and Nanjing Handa, the “Relevant Subsidiaries“), issued a writ of summons (HCA 656/2025) in the High Court of Hong Kong on 31 March 2025.

The Legal Proceedings

The action is brought against the following defendants (the “Defendants“):

(1)  Fang Jian (former Executive Director of the Company and former Legal Representative of the Relevant Subsidiaries),

(2)  Fullshare Holdings Limited (“Fullshare“, Stock Code: 0607.HK),

(3)  Five Seasons XVI Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fullshare,

(4)  Ji Changqun (Chairman and Executive Director of Fullshare),

(5)  16 other companies (the “Counterparties“) which are counterparties to certain agreements for the sale and purchase of commodities (the “Agreements“), and

(6)  10 other individuals who were Fullshare personnel improperly involved in the administration, financial management and contract approval of the Relevant Subsidiaries.

The claim is based on the alleged wrongful conduct of the Defendants, which resulted in the loss of RMB 6.64 billion (the “Relevant Amounts“) of the Relevant Subsidiaries.

The legal action reflects the Group’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of all shareholders, particularly minority shareholders, in light of potential unlawful activities by the Defendants.

“Our Board takes this matter very seriously and has taken decisive steps to protect the Group’s interests and uphold our obligations to shareholders,” said Hu Jichun, Chairman of the Group. “We are duty-bound to rectify any misconduct that undermines corporate governance and shareholder value. We will pursue all necessary legal remedies to ensure accountability and transparency.”

Key Considerations

As of 31 October 2024, receivables and pre-payments due to the Relevant Subsidiaries under the Agreements totaled approximately RMB 6.64 billion. 

Demand letters were sent to the Counterparties, which were not properly answered. Amongst the limited replies received, the Counterparties claimed that amounts owed were transferred to third parties following instructions from the Relevant Subsidiaries.

The Relevant Subsidiaries have reported to the authorities in the PRC, which have, after vetting, initiated formal criminal investigation into suspected embezzlement and misappropriation of the Relevant Subsidiaries’ funds and assets by individual(s) in position(s) of authority.

Whilst the details surrounding the Relevant Amounts are still under independent investigation and formal criminal investigation, the Company and the Relevant Subsidiaries have been advised of the following:

  • Meeting minutes, commercial records and communication records of the Relevant Subsidiaries indicate that Fullshare personnel, reporting to Ji Changqun, were improperly involved in the decision-making and management of the trading business of the Relevant Subsidiaries for which the Agreements were signed.
  • According to Nanjing Drive’s employees interviewed and financial records reviewed, Fullshare’s financial personnel and accountants directly handled various payments between the Relevant Subsidiaries and the Counterparties;
  • Financial records of the Relevant Subsidiaries were recovered from Fullshare’s premises at Fengsheng Science Park in December 2024, after repeated demands from the current management of Nanjing Drive, demonstrating the potential control of Fullshare over the financials of the Relevant Subsidiaries;
  • There existed a parallel contract approval procedure of the Relevant Subsidiaries where former legal counsel and other former or current executives of Fullshare were substantively involved;
  • Crucially, public company search records show that certain Counterparties, which received the funds of the Relevant Subsidiaries, could be related to Ji Changqun or Fullshare. Nanjing Drive’s current and former employees also indicated that the Counterparties are indirectly connected to Fullshare; and
  • Fang Jian was responsible for the operation and management of the Relevant Subsidiaries when the Agreements were executed. Fang Jian also oversaw the management and approval of the company seal for these subsidiaries at the relevant time.

In view of the above, the Relevant Subsidiaries have started to pursue the Defendants named in the legal action for the Relevant Amounts. Further defendants may be added to the proceedings as the investigations progress.

Actions taken

Upon discovering the Agreements, the Board promptly formed an Independent Investigation Committee to oversee an investigation into the matter. An independent investigative consultant was engaged and is expected to deliver a preliminary report of its findings by mid-May.

The Board and the Group have reiterated their unwavering commitment to strengthening the Group’s internal controls and have to date implemented interim remedial measures, including:

  • Enhanced oversight and control of commodities trading operations
  • Streamlined cash flow controls and inventory management
  • Optimized senior management roles to ensure robust corporate governance
  • Heightened management oversight and compliance

– END –

About the Group

China High Speed Transmission Equipment Group Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 0658.HK, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group“) operates as a professional corporation principally engaged in the manufacture of high-speed and heavy-duty gears. The Group was established in 1969 and listed in Hong Kong in 2007. The Group’s “NGC” brand is famous in the PRC market and well established in the international market. Its business is focused on wind energy gearboxes, rail vehicle gearboxes, industrial gearboxes, robot reducers and new energy vehicle gearboxes. For more information, please visit www.chste.com.

Multinationals Expanding Global Operations To Emerging Cities In Asia, Africa, Latin America, Middle East

HONG KONG, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Oliver Wyman Forum, the think tank of Oliver Wyman, a management consulting firm and a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC) produced a comprehensive ranking of high-growth emerging urban centers poised for future direct investment from multinational companies.

The Cities Shaping the Future examines the business environments of 1,500 cities in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America with populations greater than 250,000. The report was developed to assist multinational corporations identify new manufacturing sites and expand their sales networks to emerging consumers.

The Oliver Wyman Forum ranked the cities based on consumer activity, access to suppliers and shipping, regional and global transportation connectivity, and climate resilience. Together, the cities represent 45% of global GDP and 85% of the world’s population. The study applies proprietary urban research models developed by Oliver Wyman as well as advanced geospatial data gathering.

“Sustainable economic growth, climate change and protectionism are prompting corporations to review and reconsider their geographic footprints,” said Ben Simpfendorfer, lead of the Oliver Wyman Forum initiatives in Asia. “As a strategic planning tool, this report can help multinationals identify future opportunities and manage risks. Many of these cities will be among the world’s largest megalopolises by the end of this decade.”

Findings show that Asia has multiple mid-tier cities benefiting from national industrial policy, supply chain shifts, and tourism. These cities account for 79 of the top 100 export centers, including Ho Chi Minh, and many have invested in advanced technologies, such as Shenzhen. Some key Asian export centers are uniquely exposed to climate change, however, owing to a greater number of coastal locations.

Six Middle East cities rank among the top 50 commercial hubs, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh expanding rapidly. Several are aviation hubs with long-haul connections to Asia, Africa and Europe. Moreover, regional companies are increasingly listing on public equity exchanges. The report notes that expanding industrial capacity will be the key to whether they can match Asian peers.

In Latin America, Mexico’s scale as a supplier to the United States now rivals China, while a growing number of Latin American cities offer alternatives to Asia. Multiple cities have built modern mobility hubs, including Panama City and Bogota. While climate risks in the region are rising, extreme heat and water scarcity are more moderate than in the Middle East and some Asian cities.

Africa has significant growth potential and faces fewer climate risks than either Asia or the Middle East. Improved transit and shipping connectivity are necessary to tap export opportunities, according to the report. The region’s inter-continental mobility supporting tourism to the North is strong, with Addis Ababa as a standout. North Africa’s major cities, such as Cairo or Tangiers, are the continent’s export champions with long established industries but many of Africa’s growing commercial hubs need improved urban planning, especially intra-city mobility. 

The report contains illustrated comparisons of populations and narrative profiles of key cities. Profiles in the report score cities on climate resilience and rank them as Commercial Hubs, Export Champions, and Mobility Connectors.

About the Oliver Wyman Forum 

The Oliver Wyman Forum is dedicated to building leadership communities to act on shared global challenges. As Oliver Wyman’s think tank, we engage leading thinkers and undertake innovative research to inspire action. Together with our diverse community, we focus on making a difference. To stay up to date, sign up to our newsletter.

About Oliver Wyman

Oliver Wyman, a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC), is a management consulting firm combining deep industry knowledge with specialized expertise to help clients optimize their business, improve operations and accelerate performance. Marsh McLennan is a global leader in risk, strategy and people, advising clients in 130 countries across four businesses: Marsh, Guy Carpenter, Mercer and Oliver Wyman. With annual revenue of over $24 billion and more than 90,000 colleagues, Marsh McLennan helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information, visit marshmclennan.com, follow us on LinkedIn and X.

Media Contact:
Sophie Liu
Oliver Wyman
+852 2201 1717
Sophie.Liu@oliverwyman.com

Hyundai Motor Introduces Mobilet, the Ultimate Mobility Solution for On-the-Go Needs, in April Fool’s Day Campaign

  • Hyundai Motor unveiled Mobilet, a fictional mobility solution addressing urgent restroom needs, as part of their April Fool’s Day campaign
  • The company produced humorous content for Mobilet, sharing it across platforms like Instagram, X, and Facebook
  • The campaign not only entertained but also highlighted how innovative, human-centric mobility solutions are needed in daily life

SEOUL, South Korea, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of April Fool’s Day, Hyundai Motor Company engaged consumers in an entertaining campaign centered around Mobilet, a new, fictional mobility solution designed to satisfy urgent restroom needs. This imaginative initiative aligns with Hyundai Motor’s brand vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’ by playfully addressing one of humanity’s most basic needs while maintaining a focus on innovation and empathy.

Hyundai April Fools Campaign 'Mobilet'
Hyundai April Fools Campaign ‘Mobilet’

For this campaign, Hyundai Motor introduced a variety of custom technologies for Mobilet, including dynamic facial recognition for instant access, an aroma air diffuser to eliminate unwanted odors, and a stealth mode to disguise the exterior, ensuring users’ public reputations remain intact. Rather than simply ending the campaign as a prank, the company emphasized how this aligns with its vision by highlighting the importance of addressing basic human needs.

Hyundai Motor used generative AI to produce humorous images and moving assets and share entertaining, on-trend content. The campaign was shared across various social channels, including Instagram, X, and Facebook, engaging audiences with its innovative and humorous approach.

“We wanted to create a campaign that not only entertains but also resonates with our audience,” said Sungwon Jee, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Hyundai Motor Company. “With Mobilet, we combined humor with innovation to highlight our commitment to creating mobility solutions for every need.”

Through this campaign, Hyundai Motor not only garnered laughs but also emphasized the importance of innovative mobility solutions in daily life. By blending humor with a meaningful message, the brand’s April Fool’s Day campaign successfully captured the attention and imagination of audiences worldwide, reinforcing the company’s dedication to addressing human needs with creativity and care.

More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at:

https://www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/ or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai 

Hyundai Worldwide Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hyundai/p/DH4TefbpJYH/
Hyundai Worldwide X https://x.com/Hyundai_Global/status/1906828884315668501
Hyundai Worldwide Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16SrYUiKrs/ 

 

 

MPA Hires Vice President of Content Protection to Amplify Anti-Piracy Efforts in Asia Pacific Region

Former Attaché for U.S. Embassy Will Be Based in Singapore and Manage MPA Content Protection Programs for APAC Region

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has hired Dawn Barriteau as Vice President of Content Protection for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. She joins the MPA after more than two decades with the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division, where she most recently served as Regional Attaché in the U.S. Embassy in Singapore.

Barriteau’s first day with the MPA is March 31. She will be based in the MPA’s Singapore office and report to Larissa Knapp, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Protection Officer for the MPA. 

In her new role, Barriteau will work to tackle the distribution of illegal content across multiple jurisdictions in the Asia Pacific region, in close coordination with the global content protection team. She will manage complex internet investigations around the globe and oversee a team of internal and external investigators.

Previously, Barriteau led HSI operations in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Timor-Leste, collaborating with domestic field offices, international law enforcement agencies, and private sector partners. She also directed global investigations spanning five countries in the APAC region, focusing on illicit trade, trade-based money laundering, fraud, financial crimes, and IP and copyright infringement violations.  In addition, Barriteau has conducted country-level threat assessments and leveraged strategic intelligence in APAC, identifying supply chain integrity risks related to commodities, counterfeit goods, falsification, and diversion resulting in the recovery of over $9 million in lost revenue.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Dawn to the MPA’s content protection team,” said Knapp. “Dawn’s vast experience in intellectual property rights enforcement and her extensive network of government agencies and law enforcement officials in the APAC region will strengthen the MPA’s global work in protecting the creative marketplace.”

Barriteau holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminology from Warner College in Staten Island, New York. 

# # #

About The Motion Picture Association

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) serves as the leading voice and advocate of the motion picture, home video, and television industries. It works in every corner of the globe to advance the creative industry, protect its members’ content across all screens, defend the creative and artistic freedoms of storytellers, and support innovative distribution models that bring an expansion of viewing choices to audiences around the world. Its member studios are Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Charles Rivkin is Chairman and CEO. 

 

Creativity 2030 – 4th International Forum Successfully Held in Beijing

A news report from CRI Online:

BEIJING, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Creativity 2030 – 4th International Forum was successfully held in Beijing, focusing on cultural diversity and sustainable development. The event was hosted by the International Centre for Creativity and Sustainable Development (ICCSD) under the auspices of UNESCO, under the supervision of the Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission and the Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park.

Around 150 representatives from 10 countries including Austria, France and Germany attended the forum. Key speakers included Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, and Ge Siying, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO. The forum marked the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of Cultural Diversity of UNESCO, featuring discussions on digitalization and cultural preservation.

A major highlight was the focus on the integration of culture and technologies in the science fiction industry, with Beijing’s growing sci-fi sector generating an annual revenue of CNY 48 billion. Experts from institutions such as Ars Electronica Linz, the Beijing Film Academy, and Tsinghua University explored the roles of digital innovation, AI, and metaverse in cultural storytelling.

During the forum, 20 exemplary cases of digital technologies supporting cultural diversity were released, with discussions held on cultural and technological projects leveraging industrial heritage. The forum is viewed as successful in facilitating international cooperation.

 

Myanmar to Mark Minute of Silence as Quake Toll Passes 2,000

Myanmar to Mark Minute of Silence as Quake Toll Passes 2,000
Workers transport the body of a victim to be cremated at the Aye Yate Nyein Cemetery in Kyar Ni Kan on the outskirts of Mandalay on March 31, 2025, three days after the deadly Myanmar earthquake. Myanmar declared a week of national mourning on March 31 for the country's devastating earthquake, as the death toll passed 2,000 and hopes faded of finding more survivors in the rubble of ruined buildings. (Photo by Sai Aung MAIN / AFP)

By Sebastien BERGER and Hla-Hla HTAY/AFP – Myanmar will mark a minute of silence Tuesday in tribute to victims of the country’s devastating earthquake that has killed more than 2,000 people, as hopes dim of finding more survivors in the rubble of ruined buildings.

Asia Pacific Supply Chain Sustainability Summit 2025

SINGAPORE, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fosus successfully hosted the Asia Pacific Supply Chain Sustainability Summit (APSCS) 2025 at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay in Singapore, on March 19-20. This two-day premier event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability experts from sectors including FMCG, electronics, fashion & textiles, chemicals, healthcare, and digital solutions. The summit provided a platform for sharing insights, best practices, and innovative strategies to transform supply chains in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.

Hosted by Fosus, the Asia Pacific Supply Chain Sustainability Summit 2025 (March 19-20, Singapore) advances eco-driven innovations in global supply chains.
Hosted by Fosus, the Asia Pacific Supply Chain Sustainability Summit 2025 (March 19-20, Singapore) advances eco-driven innovations in global supply chains.

The event was made possible through the invaluable support of key sponsors Asuene APAC, Benchmark Gensuite, LRQA, and SGS, alongside strategic partners GoNetZero and ChangeMakr. These organizations played a crucial role in advancing sustainability in global supply chains and shaping the discussions at the summit.

Key Themes & Focus Areas

  • Geopolitical Shifts and Supply Chain Transformation
  • Climate Leadership, Water Stewardship, and Circular Economy
  • Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Procurement and Supplier Development
  • Reducing Transportation Emissions and Addressing Scope 3 Challenges
  • Decarbonizing Manufacturing and Achieving Resource Efficiency
  • Sustainable Packaging, Biopolymers, and Renewable Materials
  • Supplier Diversity, Inclusive Growth, and ESG Impacts
  • Building Effective Carbon Reduction Partnerships

Day 1 Highlights (19 March 2025)

The summit opened with remarks from Chairman Steve Young, an ESG Trainer who has worked with organizations such as BCG and the Big 4, focused on how the rapidly changing global system is reshaping supply chains.

Esteemed speakers such as Zijian Khor (ESG Public Leader) discussed the geopolitical impacts on supply chains, while Shailesh Upadhyay (Haleon) presented on green supplier ecosystems. Jose Ordonez (CDP) shared insights on driving transparency through data, and Anurag Priyadarshi (ex-Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages) explored the intersection of climate and water stewardship. Shu Setogawa (Asuene APAC) demonstrated how AI-enabled sustainability reporting and product carbon footprints drive collaborative action.

Panel discussions delved into global trends in sustainable supply chains and innovation strategies tailored to the Asia Pacific region, with contributions from thought leaders at WWF Singapore, Colgate-Palmolive, LRQA, and DBS.

The afternoon sessions highlighted key sustainability pathways, including circular manufacturing models from Dell’s Bobby Raother, ethical apparel sourcing from MAS Intimates’ Sameera and Benchmark Gensuite’s Jason Yang presented AI-powered solutions for supply chain risk management and ESG compliance, helping enterprises mitigate global supplier risks. Nilesh Shah, Site Head from Reckitt Benckiser shared the Manufacturing sustainability best practices as examples for industry wide implementation. The day concluded with lively panel discussions on aligning procurement with sustainability for global impact.

Day 2 Highlights (20 March 2025)

Dr. Riza Suarga opened the second day with a focus on carbon trading and its role in combating climate change, featuring insights from the Indonesia Carbon Trade Association.

Industry leaders, including former P&G executive Omer Awan, outlined multimodal logistics optimization strategies aimed at reducing transport emissions, emphasizing the potential of route digitization and strategic carrier partnerships in the FMCG sector. Bhavana Gupta from SGS redefined supply chain assurance through the “Compliance-Verification-Innovation” triad, while Pierre Vignaud from Country Foods shared insights on balancing sustainability and cost savings through innovative packaging.

Panel discussions focused on circular economy approaches, resource efficiency, and sustainability transformation in logistics, with experts from DUYTAN Recycling, 3M, and other organizations offered strategies to promote circularity and accelerate carbon reduction.

Afternoon sessions featured Braskem’s Tim Wagler and DP World’s Vineet Mahajan, who outlined strategies for biopolymer adoption and logistics transformation, followed by a fireside chat on the importance of supplier diversity with Standard Chartered. The summit concluded with Schneider Electric and other experts sharing insights on building carbon reduction partnerships, culminating in Asahi Group’s sharing of global sustainable best practices.

Fosus extends its gratitude to all sponsors, speakers, and participants for their valuable contributions and looks forward to continued engagement in building a greener, more resilient supply chain in Asia Pacific. We look forward to welcoming you in Shanghai for our next event!

Contact
Email: info@fosusglobal.com