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Emirates to hold its first ever pilot recruitment roadshow in Macao

DUBAI, UAE  , Feb. 25, 2025  /PRNewswire/ — Emirates, as the international airline based in Dubai, has announced its first series of pilot recruitment roadshows in Macao Special Administrative Region, China to meet the strong surge in customer demand.

The three sessions of upcoming roadshows in Macao will be held at 1pm & 6pm on 6 March and 10am on 7 March. Last year, Emirates announced significant and exciting changes to its pilot recruitment, including higher salaries, new roles, and a radical change to eligibility. Experienced pilots will join Emirates for roles in one of the four programmes: Direct Entry Captains, Accelerated Command, First Officers Type Rated and First Officers Non-Type Rated.

Prior registration is not required, and pilots are only required to attend one of the sessions. At the session, prospective Emirates pilots can find out more about the airline’s recruitment process, available opportunities, training programmes, expected career trajectory, and benefits, as well as speak to pilots currently flying with Emirates. More information can be found at https://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/pilots/.

Captain Brian Tyrrell, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Fleet, said: “Emirates pilots fly a modern all wide-body fleet to over 148 destinations across the globe. They undergo robust in-house training at Emirates’ cutting-edge training facility and are also based in the safe, vibrant and tech-savvy city of Dubai. Emirates is on a bold growth trajectory, and we look forward to welcoming pilots from Macao come onboard our airline.”

Flying with Emirates

With a network spanning 148 destinations, Emirates pilots have the exciting opportunity to fly to diverse destinations. With the retrofit of an additional 71 Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, the airline is refreshing the interiors of 191 aircraft in its fleet. The airline’s continuous investment ensures that its pilots fly modern fleet of all wide-body aircraft.

The airline has received its first three A350s, of which it has 65 on order. Emirates is also looking forward to receiving its Boeing 777Xs, of which the airline has 205 on order.

Emirates offers an exciting range of benefits for pilots and their families, including competitive tax-free salary, 42 days of annual leave with annual leave tickets for self and immediate family, company provided accommodation in gated communities, child education allowance, life, medical and dental insurance, deeply discounted travel benefits for the wider family and friends, and more.

Cutting-edge Training Experience

Emirates provides new joiners a robust, evidence- and competency-based in-house training to ease them into their roles. Successful candidates complete training programmes at Emirates’ advanced pilot training facilities in Dubai, which currently houses ten simulators.

Emirates’ new and sophisticated pilot training facility is spread across 63,318 sq. ft. and worth an investment of US$135 million. The facility accommodates six Full Flight Simulator Bays for its A350 and 777X aircraft and will be opening very soon.

Direct Entry Captain

To command Emirates’ highly anticipated A350 fleet of 65 aircraft or A380s. Candidates need a minimum of 7,000 hours of flying experience on multi-crew, multi-engine commercial aircraft.

Accelerated Command Programme

Primarily designed for experienced Airbus and Boeing Captains, who currently command narrow-body aircraft on regional routes and wish to dial up their careers by working with a global airline brand.

Captains with a minimum of 1,000 hours of Airbus fly-by-wire and Boeing experience will join Emirates as First Officers on an enhanced salary package. They are eligible for an accelerated command upgrade after a minimum of 700 flying hours and two successful recurrent checks. Typically, Emirates pilots achieve these milestones in a little over a year as they fly a mix of ultra-long, long- and short-haul routes.

First Officers – non-type rated

Emirates is welcoming First Officers who are non-type rated – mainly those who have experience only on turbo prop or jets. These pilots will now have the opportunity to be fully trained to fly the airline’s all wide-body fleet of 144 Boeing aircraft. First Officers will also be able to fly 205 of the new Boeing 777-Xs when these aircraft enter the fleet.

First Officer

Candidates for First Officer roles must have multi-engine, multi-crew aircraft experience, a valid International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), and a minimum of 2,000 hours on 20-tonne maximum take-off weight aircraft.

More information about the requirements and benefits of each role can be found here: https://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/pilots/.

About Emirates

From its global hub in Dubai, Emirates serves customers on six continents, providing high quality air transport services that facilitate tourism and trade. The airline has earned customer recognition for its industry-leading services on the ground and in the sky, delivered by a passionate workforce representing over 140 nations. Emirates operates the world’s largest fleet of wide-body Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft, offering spacious cabins and iconic inflight features such as its A380 Shower Spa and Onboard Lounge, and its ice inflight entertainment system available in all seats across its fleet, which has topped “best in sky” awards for 17 consecutive years. Emirates is committed to environmentally-responsible operations and focusses on three areas: reducing emissions, consuming responsibly, and protecting wildlife and habitats. 

LS Education Expands Global Learning Opportunities for Lao Students

LS Education facility

LS Education is striving to provide students with internationally recognized qualifications and opportunities. To bridge the gap between local education and global standards, LS Education has partnered with PSB Academy, a renowned institution in Singapore known for its quality education and industry-relevant programs.

Fusion Bank and WeBank Technology Services Forge New Benchmark in FinTech Collaboration with Next-Gen Core System

HONG KONG, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In the digital age, the global financial industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and Hong Kong’s Fusion Bank has just unveiled a significant milestone in its digital infrastructure. The bank’s new-generation core banking system, launched in October last year, has achieved remarkable results: it has halved the time required for new product development and is projected to reduce non-human IT costs by 53% over the next three years. This success is the result of a collaboration with WeBank Technology Services, which provided core banking system solutions based on distributed architecture, and Tencent Cloud, which supplied the full-stack proprietary cloud platform and database solutions. The project not only sets a new benchmark for core system upgrades in Hong Kong but also offers valuable experience for ShenzhenHong Kong fintech cooperation.

A New Milestone in Digital Banking

Fusion Bank, a licensed digital bank in Hong Kong, initiated the project to build a new-generation core system to meet the demands of business innovation and cost efficiency. The project involved integrating and transforming over 150 subsystems across five core business areas. Within just 10 months, the upgrade was completed, with the go-live process taking only 15 hours and the migration of systems and data from various vendors to the new core system accomplished in just 6 hours.

The new system, built on a distributed architecture, incorporates key features of the digital banking solutions from WeBank Technology Services. It offers low cost, high agility, and high availability while maintaining an open nature. The upgraded system can now scale on demand according to business growth, solving the problem of high upfront investment and resource waste associated with traditional one-step solutions. Additionally, the system’s capabilities in parameterized products, modular design, process orchestration, and AI-native features have significantly enhanced the efficiency of new product launches. The compatibility with mainstream software and hardware also ensures that the bank’s operations are no longer reliant on a single supplier or technology platform, reducing the impact of supply chain disruptions.

Significant Benefits for Fusion Bank

“This upgrade is of great significance to Fusion Bank’s long-term development,” said Fusion Bank’s Alternate Chief Executive and Chief Technology Officer, Billy Chiu. “It not only supports our operations in a more cost-effective manner but also helps us build a sustainable agile innovation capability to respond more quickly to customer needs.” The new product development cycle has been shortened from six months to three months, and non-human IT costs are expected to be reduced by 53% by 2027.

Global Implications for Digital Banking Transformation

The global financial industry is currently in urgent need of updating its digital infrastructure, with many financial institutions seeking technological solutions to optimize their cost structures. The successful upgrade of Fusion Bank’s new core banking system demonstrates WeBank Technology Services’ continued effectiveness in delivering digital finance solutions in international markets. It also provides a valuable reference for banks in Hong Kong and around the world looking to upgrade their core systems and accelerate digital transformation.

WeBank Technology Services, established in June 2024 as the wholly-owned fintech arm of WeBank, is committed to providing digital finance and digital infrastructure solutions globally. Leveraging WeBank’s leading fintech capabilities, WeBank Technology Services has actively pursued opportunities in the global market, engaging with over 20 enterprises and institutions across countries such as Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Indonesia, and regions including Hong Kong.

WeBank is a global leader in digital banking. Since its inception, WeBank has adopted commodity servers and open-source software to develop the world’s first core banking system based on a fully distributed architecture. The system has served over 400 million individual customers and 5 million micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs),with a peak daily transaction volume exceeding 1.4 billion. The system’s availability rate remains above 99.999%, and the annual IT O&M cost per account has been reduced to less than $0.3, one-tenth of the industry average.

About WeBank Technology Services
Launched in Hong Kong in June 2024, WeBank Technology Services sets out to leverage WeBank’s cutting-edge fintech capabilities and digital finance best practice to deliver a variety of superior digital finance and digital infrastructure solutions to digital banks, financial institutions, government agencies, and industry partners worldwide.

 

XCMG and FinDreams Battery Co-Host the 3rd Super Battery Day: Pioneering Green Construction with Innovation and Collaboration

XUZHOU, China, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 3rd XCMG & FinDreams Super Battery Day was successfully held at the XCMG International Conference Center, Xuzhou, China, focused on cutting-edge technologies and explored new pathways for green energy development. Technical experts from XCMG Research Institute and FinDreams Battery, a subsidiary of BYD, engaged in in-depth discussions on the application scenarios and solutions for power batteries, covering topics such as battery technology, battery management systems, core components, and quality control.

XCMG XCT100G5_1HEV, a truck-mounted telescopic boom crane, is designed with a maximum lifting capacity of approximately 100 metric tons, and capable of handling heavy loads with ease in the challenging environment.
XCMG XCT100G5_1HEV, a truck-mounted telescopic boom crane, is designed with a maximum lifting capacity of approximately 100 metric tons, and capable of handling heavy loads with ease in the challenging environment.

Yang Dongsheng, Chairman of XCMG Group and XCMG Machinery, emphasized the significance of the strategic partnership between XCMG and BYD. “The collaboration between XCMG and BYD has been a pivotal force in advancing XCMG’s green transformation. Over the past three years, our joint efforts have yielded remarkable achievements. Moving forward, we will continue to deepen our cooperation in the new energy sector, leveraging our technological strengths and innovative capabilities to pioneer a greener future for the construction machinery and commercial vehicle industries.”

He Long, Senior Vice President of BYD and Chairman of FinDreams Battery, highlighted the successful application of FinDreams Battery technology in XCMG products. He outlined plans to further strengthen the partnership by establishing a joint R&D platform, building an ecosystem of collaboration, and expanding into global markets. “Together, we aim to set a new benchmark for the green transformation of the global commercial vehicle and construction machinery industries,” he said.

The event brings together over 300 industry leaders, experts, and academics from XCMG, BYD FinDreames Battery, Wuxi Caitong, the China Automotive Technology and Research Center, the China Industrial Association of Power Sources, Xi’an Jiaotong University, and Beijing Institute of Technology. Industry leaders and academics also shared their latest research findings and perspectives on the innovation and application of new energy technologies.

Shan Zenghai, Chief Engineer and Vice President of XCMG Machinery, provided an in-depth analysis of the rapid growth trends and challenges in the new energy construction machinery market. He shared insights into the technological advancements and market applications achieved through the collaboration with FinDreams Battery and expressed optimism about future innovations in power battery technology. “Our partnership will continue to deliver high-quality, efficient, and green construction machinery and commercial vehicles,” he added.

Looking ahead, XCMG and FinDreams Battery will deepen their collaboration, accelerate the integration of innovation and industrial chains, and drive breakthroughs in core new energy technologies.

Green transformation remains a cornerstone of XCMG’s strategic development. At the 2024 Shanghai bauma Exhibition, XCMG and FinDreams Battery jointly announced a lifetime warranty policy for electric construction machinery and commercial vehicle batteries, underscoring their commitment to sustainability. During the exhibition, XCMG showcased 48  new energy products, accounting for 42% of its display, reflecting its leadership in the new energy sector. XCMG has achieved full electrification across its product line, with applications in earthmoving, logistics, and mining operations. The penetration rate of new energy product revenue has reached 19%, solidifying XCMG’s position as a leader in the industry’s green and low-carbon transformation.

African Swine Fever Detected in Xaysomboun, Control Measures Enforced

Pig Farm (Photo: Vincent ter Beek - Pig Progress)

Authorities have declared several villages in Xaysomboun Province as under threat for African swine fever (ASF) following confirmed test results from five pigs in Vang Hai village. 

China-ASEAN Observation: What Are the Future Trends in China-ASEAN Digital Economy Cooperation?

BEIJING, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The digital cooperation between Singapore and China holds exceptional promise, given their mutual commitment to technological innovation and digital transformation. Singapore, with its well-developed digital infrastructure, especially, the innovative regulatory framework, and status as a global financial hub, complements China’s vast market, technological expertise, and manufacturing capabilities. Singapore’s strategic position as a gateway to Southeast Asia also makes it an ideal partner for China as it seeks to expand its digital footprint in the region.

The collaboration between Singapore and China can be particularly impactful in several high-potential areas. This partnership can enhance financial inclusion and streamline transactions between businesses and consumers. There are also opportunities to explore central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and alternative global settlement solutions.

As leaders in AI research and development, Singapore and China can collaborate to advance smart cities, healthcare, and logistics. By sharing expertise in big data analytics, they can drive innovations across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and public services. The growth of e-commerce presents a valuable opportunity for digital cooperation. By aligning their digital trade policies and platforms, Singapore and China can facilitate smoother cross-border e-commerce transactions and enhance cybersecurity measures to ensure safe and secure digital trade.

Both nations are pioneers in smart city development. Collaborative projects in this area can lead to sharing best practices, conducting joint research, and implementing cutting-edge technologies to improve urban living, sustainability, and efficiency. For instance, integrating smart electric vehicles with smart city initiatives could be a key focus.

Additionally, as two of the most digitally advanced economies in Asia, the collaboration has the potential to set benchmarks for the region and beyond. Initiatives like the ChinaSingapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity and the Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City can serve as blueprints for future collaborations, fostering a more integrated digital economy.

As for China and ASEAN, the cooperation in the digital economy is set to become a cornerstone of their economic partnership. Focusing on critical areas such as e-commerce, digital infrastructure, AI, and cybersecurity will unlock new growth opportunities and foster a more integrated and resilient digital economy. This collaboration will not only benefit China and ASEAN but also contribute to broader goals like digital inclusion and sustainable development in the Global South.

Governments and firms should closely monitor the following key trends:

1. Digital Silk Road Integration: The Digital Silk Road, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is likely to play a pivotal role in ASEAN-China digital cooperation. This initiative promotes the construction of digital infrastructure, e-commerce platforms, and smart cities, which will integrate ASEAN more closely into the global digital economy.

2. Rise of Digital SMEs: As digital infrastructure improves, more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in ASEAN will have the opportunity to engage in digital trade. This will lead to a more inclusive digital economy, where even the smallest businesses can access international markets. The economic amplifying effect has been well observed in China and ASEAN countries.

3. Increased Focus on Sustainability: Sustainability will become a key consideration in digital economy cooperation. Both China and ASEAN are likely to prioritize green technologies and digital solutions that contribute to environmental protection, such as smart grids, energy-efficient data centres, and sustainable urban planning. 

4. Collaborative Innovation Hubs: To foster innovation, China and ASEAN may establish joint research and development centres or innovation hubs focused on digital technologies with industry partners and universities. These hubs could facilitate collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, and governments, driving the development of new digital products and services.

As international data flows evolve, ASEAN and China face the critical challenge of balancing digital integration benefits with the need for robust data governance. To address these challenges and build a trustworthy, transparent, and secure digital environment, they should engage both the private sector and civil society to establish common standards for data governance, promote ethical use of data and AI to build trust through transparency and accountability, enhance multilateral dialogue and cooperation, strengthen cybersecurity collaboration, and facilitate cross-border data flows with continuous monitoring and adaptation. RCEP has already set up an arrangement to facilitate free data flow among the ASEAN 10 + 5 countries. 

ASEAN and China must deepen their collaboration across multiple fronts. By harmonizing data governance standards, enhancing cybersecurity cooperation, promoting ethical data use, and engaging a broad range of stakeholders, they can create a robust framework that supports digital innovation while safeguarding privacy and security. This approach will not only strengthen their digital economies but also contribute to the broader goal of building a secure and trustworthy global digital ecosystem.

(This article is a contribution from Yan Li, invited by China-ASEAN Observation. Yan Li is currently a senior lecturer at Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of China-ASEAN Observation.)

About China-ASEAN Observation 

https://www.coa-observation.com/ 

Established by China Center for International Communication Development (CCICD) in 2024, China-ASEAN Observation is a dedicated content platform focusing on various aspects of China-ASEAN relations, including economic and trade cooperation, cultural exchanges, and regional developments. The platform gathers insights from experts and scholars across China and ASEAN, offering analytical articles that provide perspectives on key topics such as the current state and future prospects of China-ASEAN cooperation, the development of a shared future community, high-level exchanges, regional peace and stability, economic and trade trends, the South China Sea, technology, and cultural tourism. In addition to commentary, the platform incorporates data visualizations, infographics, and illustrations to present information in a diversified manner.

China-ASEAN Observation collaborates with multiple Chinese media platforms to establish a content-sharing mechanism, expanding its reach and influence. By providing in-depth perspectives and diverse content, China-ASEAN Observation aims to be a leading voice in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between China and ASEAN nations.

 

Sino Land Recognised in CDP’s 2024 ‘A List’ for Corporate Sustainability Leadership in Climate Action

HONG KONG, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sino Group (‘the Group’) is pleased to announce that Sino Land Company Limited (‘Sino Land’) (Stock Code: 0083.HK) has been recognised as one of the first developers in Hong Kong to be included in CDP’s highest benchmark, the 2024 ‘A List’, for its leadership in corporate sustainability, transparency and performance on climate action. This accreditation reinforces our commitment to accelerating climate action and provide a clearer pathway towards achieving net-zero carbon by 2050, in alignment with our Decarbonisation Blueprint.

Sino Land has been included in the CDP 2024 ‘A List’.
Sino Land has been included in the CDP 2024 ‘A List’.

CDP’s annual environmental disclosure and scoring process is globally recognised as the gold standard for corporate environmental transparency. As a leading non-profit organisation, CDP has tracked and disclosed corporate climate data since 2000, enabling businesses to effectively manage climate and environmental risks. In 2024, over 24,800 companies reported data to CDP. The organisation applies a detailed and independent methodology to assess companies’ emissions reduction efforts, climate risk management, and the comprehensiveness of their environmental disclosures, with the highest ‘A’ score awarded exclusively to companies demonstrating leadership in climate action, deforestation mitigation, and water security.

Mr Daryl Ng, Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the ESG Steering Committee of Sino Group, said, ‘We are honoured to be recognised among esteemed companies around the globe on the prestigious CDP “A List” for leadership in climate action. This achievement signifies a key milestone in our ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and enhance environmental transparency. We look forward to joining hands with like-minded partners to contribute to a more sustainable future through green architectural planning, decarbonisation, innovation and inclusion.’

The Group has been taking an active role in minimising the impacts of climate change. It has recently reached several important milestones on its decarbonisation journey, including official validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for long-term emissions reduction targets, the launch of the Decarbonisation Blueprint, being one of the pioneering developers in Hong Kong to publish a standalone Climate Action Report, and the installation of over 4,000 photovoltaic panels and over 1,800 electric vehicle chargers at the Group’s managed properties, highlighting its dedication to addressing long-term climate challenges.

Paris Baguette Expands Global Reach with the Launch of Its Regional Manufacturing Hub in Johor, Malaysia

Strategic Growth to Strengthen International Supply Chain and Meet Rising Global Demand

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Paris Baguette, the globally renowned bakery brand under SPC Group, has officially launched its newest regional manufacturing hub in Johor, Malaysia. This milestone, graced by Johor’s Chief Minister Mr Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and Mr. Hur Young In, Chairman of SPC Group reinforces Paris Baguette’s commitment to global expansion, increased production capacity, and delivering high-quality bakery products to international markets.

MR. HUR YOUNG IN, CHAIRMAN OF SPC GROUP OFFICIATED THE GRAND LAUNCH IN MALAYSIA
MR. HUR YOUNG IN, CHAIRMAN OF SPC GROUP OFFICIATED THE GRAND LAUNCH IN MALAYSIA

This facility marks a strategic move in Paris Baguette’s global expansion, ensuring a seamless, efficient supply chain that supports the brand’s growing presence across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. As demand for premium bakery products continues to rise globally, the Johor hub will play a pivotal role in boosting production capabilities, streamlining international distribution, and reinforcing SPC Group’s position as a major player in the global food industry.

During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Hur Young In, Chairman of SPC Group, stated: “Food is more than just what we eat—through food, we connect with people, honour our heritage, and create meaningful experiences that bring communities together. With the Johor Production Centre as a strategic hub, we aim to bring wholesome and delightful flavours to the 2 billion consumers in the Halal market, spanning Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. This milestone is not only about business expansion, but also about building stronger connections, creating job opportunities, and celebrating the rich and diverse cultures of the communities we serve.”

The Paris Baguette Regional Manufacturing Hub in Johor is designed to support the brand’s rapid expansion across key international markets. The hub is equipped with seven advanced production lines, enabling an output of up to 100million bakery products per year, ensuring a steady and scalable supply of bakery products to meet global demand.

A defining feature of this facility is its Halal certification, meeting some of the most stringent food safety and quality standards worldwide. Malaysia’s globally recognised Halal certification is synonymous with excellence in food hygiene, sourcing, and production processes. By achieving this certification, Paris Baguette ensures that its products meet the highest levels of quality, safety, and cleanliness, further strengthening consumer trust across international markets.

With around 4,000 outlets worldwide, Paris Baguette remains one of the fastest-growing bakery brands in the global market. The opening of this regional manufacturing hub is part of SPC Group’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as an international leader in the bakery and food production industry.

For more info, please visit https://www.parisbaguette.com.sg/.

About Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette, born in 1988, is a global bakery brand of SPC Group, a leading South Korean food and confectionery corporation. From its modest beginnings, the chain has grown steadily to become the No.1 bakery in Korea.

From 2004, the brand has expanded internationally, the brand operates around 4,000 stores worldwide across the United States, Canada, France, UK, China and Southeast Asia, solidifying its reputation as a truly global premium bakery brand.

About SPC Group

SPC Group is a Korea-based global food company, over 80 years of history. It owns 30 renowned brands and operates 7,000 stores worldwide, including Paris Baguette, Paris Croissant, Passion 5, Coffee@Works, and StrEAT.

SPC Group has successfully introduced global brands to the Korean market including Baskin Robbins, Dunkin, Pascucci, LINA’s, Jamba, Shake Shack.

SPC Group remains committed to innovation, quality, and sustainable growth, shaping a healthier and happier global food culture.