SINGAPORE, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following the annual meeting of the Rogers International Commodity Index (RICI®) Committee, Jim Rogers and Beeland Interests, Inc. announce no adjustments to the weights or components comprising the RICI. This outcome reaffirms the founding premise that for the sake of transparency, consistency and stability, composition changes to the RICI be infrequent.
The RICI represents the value of a compendium (or “basket”) of globally traded commodities employed in the global economy (38 commodity futures contracts), ranging from agricultural and energy products to metals and minerals. The RICI and its various sub-indexes are used by many investment banks and investors throughout the world.
Jim Rogers, an advocate of commodities-based investing, created the RICI in 1997 and 1998 and is the CEO of Beeland Interests, Inc., the owner of the Index. The RICI Committee, currently chaired by Jim Rogers, determines the Index components and weights. Jim Rogers also is the author of Investment Biker, Adventure Capitalist, Hot Commodities, A Bull In China, A Gift to My Children and Street Smarts – Adventures on the Road and in the Markets.
“Jim Rogers“, “James Beeland Rogers, Jr.“, and “Rogers” are trademarks and service marks of, and “Rogers International Commodity Index” and “RICI” are registered trademarks and service marks of, Beeland Interests, Inc., which are used subject to license. The personal names and likeness of Jim Rogers/James Beeland Rogers, Jr. are owned and licensed by James Beeland Rogers, Jr.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – Kaplan (Singapore) officially launched its new Odeon 333 City Campus1 on 17 January 2025, another dynamic hub for delivering Murdoch University and Kaplan programmes and fostering a vibrant environment for student activities. This landmark occasion also celebrates the longstanding partnership between Murdoch University and Kaplan, recently renewed for another 15 years in 2024.
From left to right, Professor Peter Waring, Professor Simon McKirdy, Professor Andrew Deeks, His Excellency Allaster Cox, Ms Denise Phua, Mr David Jones, and Dr Susie Khoo commemorated the launch of the Odeon 333 City Campus
The launch comes at a milestone year, with Singapore and Australia celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, a moment that underscores the important role of education in strengthening connections between the two nations. This year also marks Murdoch University’s 50th anniversary and 25 years of delivering quality education to students in Singapore, making the new campus opening a fitting reflection of Kaplan and Murdoch’s shared commitment to advancing education and collaboration.
Professor Andrew Deeks, Vice-Chancellor and President of Murdoch University shared, “Over the past five decades, Murdoch has grown from a single campus in Perth to a university with a global presence. We began with a culture of critical thinking, of nurturing a community of scholars who are dedicated to making a positive impact – and with a commitment to academic excellence – and this has not changed today. As we embark on this new chapter, we reaffirm our commitment to international partnerships, and we look forward to building a brighter future in Singapore for a long time to come.”
The new campus inauguration was graced by distinguished guests, His Excellency Allaster Cox, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, and Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District, who officiated the event with a symbolic LED ball lighting ceremony. Guests were also treated to a campus tour, featuring immersive VR demonstrations that brought cutting-edge technology to life, along with a livestream connection to Murdoch’s Perth campus, showcasing the exciting potential for lessons to transcend physical boundaries.
Commenting on the launch, Dr Susie Khoo, President of Kaplan (Singapore) remarked, “This campus represents more than a new space right in the heart of the city; it embodies our commitment to investing in education, offering students diverse pathways to success and supporting them in achieving their learning goals. Located in Odeon 333, a BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified2 building, it also reflects our dedication to sustainability and building a better future.”
Campus Features The Kaplan City Campus @ Odeon 333 spans three levels, offering thoughtfully designed study areas and well-equipped classrooms that promote learning and innovation in today’s tech-driven landscape. Its facilities include high-capacity computer labs, a wellness room, a reference room, and the Connexion, which is equipped with writable tables that double as height-adjustable whiteboards, enabling dynamic and interactive learning experiences. Additionally, a club room enhances the student experience by offering a welcoming space for relaxation, social interaction, and community-building.
High-Capacity Computer Labs Our state-of-the-art computer labs are designed to equip students with future-ready skills in this transformative age of AI. Featuring cutting-edge hardware for maximum performance and productivity, the labs are optimised with dual monitors and an inverted-U layout that facilitates seamless interaction between students and lecturers to enhance learning outcomes.
Wellness Room Among its key features, the campus provides a dedicated wellness room to support students’ mental and physical well-being. This serene space is designed for relaxation and self-care, ensuring a holistic approach to student support.
Club Room With amenities for leisure, collaboration, and games such as air hockey, darts, tabletop curling, and a game console, this vibrant space offers students a place to unwind, connect, and spark creativity.
Self-Study Areas Configured to facilitate self-study or productive group discussions while maintaining an environment conducive to focused studies, our multiple self-study areas offer a blend of comfort and functionality.
Odeon 333 City Campus Opening Promotion Celebrate the opening of the Odeon 333 City Campus with exclusive sign-up incentives when you enrol in selected Murdoch University programmes through Kaplan during the January or May intakes! Enjoy an Education Grant of up to S$6,540 and stand a chance to win exciting prizes like laptops and Apple AirPods in our lucky draw. Don’t miss this opportunity to kickstart your education journey with added rewards—visit https://murdoch.kaplan.com.sg/ for details.
1. Kaplan City Campus @ Odeon 333 is located at 333 North Bridge Road, Level 2, Singapore 188721 2. https://www.uol.com.sg/odeon/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Kaplan (Singapore)
Kaplan (Singapore) is part of Kaplan Inc., one of the world’s most diverse education providers, and is 4-year EduTrust certified, demonstrating the excellent quality of our programmes and services, as well as business operations. To date, Kaplan (Singapore) has students from over 55 countries and regions, and has served more than 100,000 graduates. With over 450 academic and professional certification programme options for higher learning and skills development, Kaplan (Singapore) provides opportunities for individuals to pursue lifelong learning. Find out more at www.kaplan.com.sg.
About Kaplan
Kaplan, Inc. is a global educational services company that helps individuals and institutions advance their goals in an ever-changing world. Our broad portfolio of solutions help students and professionals further their education and careers, universities and educational institutions attract and support students, and businesses maximize employee recruitment, retainment, and development. Stanley Kaplan founded our company in 1938 with a mission to expand educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Today, our thousands of employees working in 27 countries continue Stanley’s mission as they serve about 1.2 million students and professionals, 15,000 corporate clients, and 3,300 schools, school districts, colleges, and universities worldwide. Kaplan is a subsidiary of the Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC). Learn more at www.kaplan.com.
About Murdoch University
Since opening our doors in 1974, Murdoch University has been committed to making education accessible to all. Our New Strategy reaffirmed our purpose, focusing on three strategic themes of; Sustainability, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and being the university of choice for First Nations People, which we bring to life through our core activities of Education, Research and Engagement. Our journey has seen us become a leading voice in conservation science, a place that encourages diversity and acknowledges the wrongs of the past, to support a more inclusive and equitable future. It’s why we are committed to building a brighter future, together.
A flock of birds flies past amidst high air pollution levels at sunrise in Bangkok on January 21, 2025. (Photo by Chanakarn Laosarakham / AFP)
Bangkok, Thailand
AFP – More than 250 schools in Bangkok were closed on 23 January due to pollution, authorities said, as officials urged people to work from home and restricted heavy vehicles in the city.
Seasonal air pollution has long afflicted Thailand, like many countries in the region, as colder, stagnant winter air combines with smoke from crop stubble burning and car fumes.
In the morning, the Thai capital was the sixth most polluted major city in the world, according to IQAir.
Level of PM2.5 pollutants — cancer-causing microparticles small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs — hit 122 micrograms per cubic metre.
The World Health Organization recommends 24-hour average exposures should not be more than 15 for most days of the year.
Bangkok authorities said earlier this week schools in areas with elevated levels of PM2.5 could choose to close.
And later that day, 194 of the 437 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) had shut their doors, affecting thousands of students.
The figure was the highest since 2020, when all schools under BMA authority closed over air pollution.
Another 58 schools out of the 156 under the Office of Basic Education, a central government body, had also decided to close by Thursday.
There are several other schools in the capital under different authorities, and private establishments, but figures for them were not available.
Vulnerable Children
Children are especially vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution, but rights advocates warned that closures disproportionately affect the most vulnerable students.
“School closures should be a last resort,” said Severine Leonardi, UNICEF Thailand deputy representative. “There really needs to be a wake-up call on the need to invest in the education system and protect children.”
Authorities encouraged people to work from home this week, but the scheme is voluntary and has just 100,000 registered participants in a city of some 10 million.
Officials have also limited access for six-wheel trucks in parts of the capital until late Friday.
The government has announced incentives to stop crop stubble burning and is even trialling a novel method to tackle air pollution by spraying cold water or dry ice into the air above the smog.
But the measures have had little impact so far, and opposition politicians have accused Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra — currently in Davos for the World Economic Forum — of failing to take the issue seriously.
“While the prime minister is breathing fresh air in Switzerland as she tries to attract more investment to Thailand… millions of Thais are breathing polluted air into their lungs,” Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, wrote on Facebook.
Clean air activists have been pushing for legislation that could pass later this year.
“You really need comprehensive legislation on all the different dimensions of the crisis,” said Guillaume Rachou, executive director at Save the Children Thailand.
“It’s difficult but I think with the Clean Air Act, we’re getting there,” he told AFP.
On International Day of Education, Education Cannot Wait launches a new Global Estimates Report, sounding the alarm on growing needs that are outpacing education aid funding.
NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The number of school-aged children in crises worldwide who require urgent support to access quality education is rising rapidly, according to a new Global Estimates Report issued today by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the United Nations. The new report reveals that this number has increased by an estimated 35 million over the past three years, reaching 234 million by the end of 2024.
Out of the 234 million crisis-impacted children and adolescents identified in the report, 85 million (37%) are completely out of school.
Compounding conflicts, coupled with more frequent and severe extreme weather and climate events, jeopardize the present and future of this rapidly growing number of children. Refugees, internally displaced children, girls and children with disabilities are among the most affected, the report states.
While needs are increasing, the new report highlights that after several years of significant growth, humanitarian education aid funding has now stagnated. The share of total Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocated to education has also declined in recent years. According to the United Nations, there is a US$100 billion annual financing gap to achieve the education targets in low- and lower-middle income countries outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“On this International Day of Education, we are sounding the alarm. Nearly a quarter of a billion girls and boys in crises worldwide are being denied their basic right to quality education. Additional funding by public and private sector donors is urgently needed to provide them with the protective, quality learning opportunities they deserve. Unlocking their potential to thrive and become positive changemakers is the most transformative investment we can make to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs,” said Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait.
The report emphasizes that exposure to armed conflict, forced displacement, climate-induced hazards, epidemics and socio-economic challenges poses long-term threats to children’s health, education and well-being. It further highlights that crises are becoming increasingly intense, widespread and interconnected. Over the past five years, the number of global conflicts has doubled with 50 countries experiencing extreme, high or turbulent levels of conflict in 2024.
A Silent Global Emergency Out of the 234 million crisis-impacted children and adolescents identified in the report, 85 million (37%) are completely out of school. Among these 85 million:
52% are girls.
17% (i.e. 15 million) are refugees or internally displaced.
Over 20% are children with disabilities.
Five protracted crises – Sudan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Pakistan – account for nearly half of these out-of-school children.
Nearly one-third of crisis-affected children of primary school age are out of school (52% are girls). Access to secondary education is equally dire: 36% of children of lower-secondary school age and 47% of upper-secondary school-aged children are unable to access education.
Even when they are in school, many children affected by crises are falling behind. Only 17% of crisis-affected primary school-aged children achieve minimum reading proficiency by the end of primary school. Notably, girls in primary school consistently outperform their male peers, comprising 52% of this group.
About half of the crisis-affected school-aged children globally live in sub-Saharan Africa. The report identifies the subregion as facing the most complex challenges in guaranteeing every child’s right to education.
The report also underscores how climate change is amplifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, pushing even more children out of school. In 2024, heavy flooding devastated regions of the Sahel, East Africa and Central Asia, while severe droughts gripped Northwestern and Southern Africa, as well as parts of the Americas. The compounded effects of these crises have exacerbated food insecurity and driven record levels of displacement globally.
To address these interconnected challenges, ECW and its strategic global partners are calling for US$600 million in additional funding to deliver on the goals outlined in the Fund’s four-year strategic plan. With increased financing from public donors, the private sector and high-net-worth individuals, ECW and its partners aim to reach 20 million crisis-affected children with the safety, opportunity and hope of a quality education by 2026.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) is proud to announce its recognition as Asia’s Top Private Hospital for 2025, awarded by Newsweek in collaboration with Statista. This accolade underscores PHKL’s unwavering dedication to delivering world-class healthcare, pioneering medical advancements, and exceptional patient care.
Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
The prestigious ranking highlights hospitals across Asia renowned for excellence in specific disciplines. PHKL was lauded for its exceptional expertise in knee surgeries and knee replacements, solidifying its position as a leader in orthopaedic care. This recognition reflects the hospital’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies and patient-centred approaches that align with its mission to provide sustainable healthcare solutions.
PHKL’s orthopaedic team has long been at the forefront of medical innovation, performing minimally invasive procedures and introducing advanced robotic-assisted surgeries such as its use of the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System, which combining with advanced imaging technology with robotic assistance, enables orthopaedic surgeons to create customised surgical plans tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. The Mako system supports a range of robotic orthopaedic surgeries, including Robotic Knee Replacement (both Partial and Total Knee Arthroplasty) and Hip Arthroplasty, ensuring precision, improved outcomes, and faster recovery times for patients.
These advancements not only enhance precision but also significantly improve patient recovery times. Patients benefit from tailored treatment plans and state-of-the-art care delivered in PHKL’s newly remodelled facilities, ensuring both comfort and optimal outcomes.
PHKL was previously ranked in the Top 5 for World’s Best Hospitals – Malaysia by Newsweek in 2024. These accolades reinforce PHKL’s legacy of excellence and its role as a trusted healthcare provider for generations.
As PHKL looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its dedication to advancing healthcare through strategic investments in technology, facility upgrades, and collaborative partnerships. The hospital’s continued focus on sustainability ensures it will meet the evolving needs of patients and set new benchmarks in medical excellence.
For more information on Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and its award-winning services, visit www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur.
Download the press release and images from this link.
About Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur has been the heartbeat of Kuala Lumpur, steadfastly delivering exceptional care to patients from all walks of life. Since its inception in 1974 with just 68 beds and 20 medical specialists, the hospital has grown into a healthcare icon today with 507 beds, over 200 consultants and counting. Our pursuit of quality healthcare, clinical excellence, and cutting-edge technology is underscored by our service quality and dedication towards clinical research.
This has earned us accreditations from the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI). Additionally, we hold certification as a Baby-Friendly Hospital and is a preferred hospital in Malaysia by the World Health Organization (WHO). As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur looks to the future, unwaveringly committed to continuing its legacy of excellence with world-class healthcare services and innovative treatments for generations to come. Learn more at www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur.
HONG KONG, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dahua Technology, a world-leading video-centric AIoT solution and service provider recently held its first strategic meeting with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to explore comprehensive collaboration on sustainability.
Representative of WWF presented Dahua with a certificate of appreciation and a specially designed trophy featuring the critically endangered species Yellow-breasted Bunting, as a recognition of Dahua’s outstanding contributions to global sustainability and ecological protection in the past.
Representative of WWF presented the trophy to Mr. Bob Chen, Senior Vice President of Dahua Technology and President of Global Business
During the meeting, both parties exchanged ideas on strengthening collaboration and shared practices in advancing sustainability. Dahua introduced its innovative AIoT solutions applied in Antarctica, Hainan Bawangling National Forest Park, and the Giant Panda Nature Reserve. These technologies enabled precise and remote monitoring of rare species such as penguins, Hainan gibbons, and giant pandas, and offered critical data for wildlife conservation. WWF shared its focus on biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, and pollution reduction, along with its efforts to protect and restore the Mai Po Nature Reserve and its wetlands.
“Sustainability is a shared responsibility for enterprises worldwide,” said Mr. Bob Chen. “Dahua is committed to working with organizations like WWF, combining our strengths in technology and resources to contribute to ecological conservation and promote sustainable practices across industries and communities.”
Beyond self-initiated projects, Dahua actively promotes collective action across the industry, rallying its partners to drive greater societal impact. Through the “Pro Techies” global campaign, Dahua encouraged its installer community to earn points through the Dahua Partner APP and convert them into a fund to support WWF’s key conservation projects, such as the “Wetlands for Asian Flyways” and the restoration and preservation of wetland ecosystems along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
WWF representative stated that addressing today’s environmental challenges requires creativity and technological innovation. The achievements showcased by Dahua are truly inspiring, demonstrating the power of technology in advancing sustainability. WWF also expressed anticipation for future collaboration to explore new pathways and create meaningful impacts in ecological preservation.
This partnership will focus on wetland restoration, biodiversity monitoring, innovative eco-technologies and meanwhile explore ways to expand broader public engagement, such as joint educational initiatives, and community-driven conservation campaigns.
As a socially responsible enterprise and practitioner in fostering the harmony between humans and nature, Dahua has actively harnessed its advanced AIoT technologies and solutions in ecological protection including biodiversity monitoring, wildlife conservation, combating illegal logging, and anti-poaching efforts in protected areas. The technology is widely used in endangered species research to provide valuable data for conservation strategies and to enable more effective safeguarding of fragile ecosystems.
Moving forward, Dahua will continue to uphold its mission of “Enabling a smarter society and better living”, and contribute to a greener, safer, and more sustainable future for all by collaborating with global partners and more innovative approaches.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – KPMG in Singapore (KPMG) has launched a strategic guide, Advancing Digital Sustainable Talent for the Future, to support local businesses in developing digital talent while embedding sustainability into their operations. Created with contributions from the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) and the Singapore Computer Society (SCS) Sustainable Tech SIG, the guide is closely aligned with national priorities such as the Forward Singapore exercise and the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
From Left to Right: Mr Francis Lee, SCS Executive Director Mr Benjamin Soh, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Member Ms Ang Guat Ling, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Member Mr Kenneth Ng, Vice-Chairman, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Joey Tan, Chairman, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Lim Bee Kwan, Vice-President, SCS Executive Council Sam Liew, President, SCS Executive Council Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information of Singapore Lee Sze Yeng, Managing Partner, KPMG in Singapore Lyon Poh, Partner, Head of Corporate Transformation, KPMG in Singapore James Wilson, Partner, Technology Consulting Nicki Doble, Principal Advisor, Corporate Transformation, KPMG in Singapore Dr. Deven Chhaya, Partner, Infrastructure Advisory, KPMG in Singapore
The guide highlights how many businesses already possess essential digital talent – such as AI specialists, software developers, and network engineers – and offers actionable strategies to upskill them for evolving technological demands. It also advocates for businesses to adopt ‘Green by Design’ principles, where sustainability is built into core operations and workforce strategies from the start, rather than being treated as an afterthought.
This guide seeks to equip businesses with insights to plan ahead, offering observations of the current landscape, guidance on incorporating sustainability into business strategies, and actionable recommendations to address digital and green priorities. It supports Singapore’s vision of fostering a skilled workforce ready to leverage AI to drive sustainable innovation and long-term economic resilience.
Lyon Poh, Partner and Head of Corporate Transformation at KPMG in Singapore, remarked, “The green transition is a strategic inflection point for Singapore businesses. To succeed, companies must embed sustainability into their core strategies, not as an afterthought, but as a foundation for innovation and growth. By remapping the mindsets and skillsets oftheir existing workforce, leveraging digital talent to drive green innovation, and aligning with national frameworks such as the Green Plan 2030, businesses can transform challenges into opportunities. Practical steps include investing in energy-efficient technologies, redesigning operations for circularity, and collaborating across sectors to scale impactful solutions. Singapore’s strong policy environment and tech-capable workforce uniquely position it to lead in this space, creating economic value while ensuring long-term resilience. Businesses that act decisively now will not only secure a competitive edge but also contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s sustainable growth story.”
Joey Tan, Chairman, SCS Sustainable Tech SIG, said: “For a successful sustainability transformation, practitioners need to combine specialised knowledge with multidisciplinary skill sets. Green skills, including those related to green software, are essential for building a sustainable future and supporting Singapore’s transition to a resource-efficient society.”
Strategic Guide Overview – Driving Green Transformation The guide outlines four key focus areas to help businesses succeed in integrating digital and green priorities:
1. Landscape Analysis Examines Singapore’s digital and green initiatives while addressing global commitments like the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. Identifies workforce gaps and proposes tailored solutions to improve alignment between talent development and sustainability strategies.
2. “Green by Design” Principles Inspired by Singapore’s “Secure by Design” framework, these principles advocate embedding eco-conscious practices early in procurement, systems development, and operations, ensuring sustainability underpins all processes.
3. Digital Talent Roadmap Offers a clear framework for businesses to upskill existing digital roles with emerging green competencies. For example, software engineers can optimise algorithms for energy efficiency, while network specialists can architect sustainable systems. This roadmap is designed to support Singapore’s Skills Frameworks.
4. Recommendations for Businesses Practical steps include fostering a culture of green innovation to seek competitive advantage, advancing cross-sector collaborations to scale sustainable solutions and aligning processes with national initiatives like the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
Strategic Imperatives for Businesses To seize the opportunities presented by the green economy and AI, Singapore businesses must act boldly. Key imperatives include:
Embedding Sustainability Across Functions
Integrate sustainability as a guiding principle across all departments to seek performance improvement opportunities instead of treating it as mere compliance.
Investing in Green Innovation
Commit resources to sustainable R&D and foster a culture of eco-friendly problem-solving at every level.
Uplifting and Leveraging Talent
Fully utilise current talent by embedding green mindsets and skillsets into digital roles, ensuring employees have the expertise to lead in this transformation.
Leading with Purpose
Purpose-driven organisations that align profitability with societal responsibility will differentiate themselves in this unprecedented economic shift.
A Wider Economic and Social Vision The green economy has far-reaching implications. Its benefits include:
Economic Evolution
Industries such as renewable energy, green logistics, and low-carbon technologies are expected to expand, creating opportunities for market growth and adaptation.
Global Competitiveness
Nations and businesses adopting innovative sustainability practices will lead in setting benchmarks for global operations.
Social Equity
A green transition opens up new pathways of inclusivity, enabling diverse talents to play a role in shaping the global economy.
A Call to Action The guide emphasises that the challenges posed by the green transition offer unprecedented opportunities for growth and leadership. By upskilling workforces, embedding Green by Design methodologies, and leveraging existing digital capabilities, businesses can remain competitive and contribute meaningfully to national and global sustainability goals.
KPMG’s strategic guide provides a roadmap to help enterprises lead in the green transition by making sustainability a core pillar of their operations and talent strategies. Download the guide here to take the first step in driving innovation while building a sustainable future. Hashtag: #KPMG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About KPMG in Singapore
KPMG in Singapore is part of a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 142 countries and territories with more than 275,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.
CHANGZHOU, China, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As people return home with a year’s harvest and joy, highway traffic has surged, especially at key traffic nodes such as the Fangmaoshan service area on the Hurong Expressway in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province. The number of new energy vehicles (NEVs) requiring charging has significantly increased compared to usual.
At the Fangmaoshan service area, numerous vehicles are parked for rest and charging. State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company has installed eight charging stations to support NEV owners traveling during this period. One NEV owner remarked, “There are plenty of charging stations, and there wasn’t much queuing today. I charged my car for about half an hour, reaching 80% capacity, which provides a range of approximately 400 kilometers. Getting home will be no problem.”
To alleviate charging pressure, State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company has also installed a temporary high-power charging facility with four charging guns, each capable of delivering 240 kilowatts. This allows up to 20 NEVs to charge simultaneously, reaching 80% capacity within half an hour. According to Yin Yehong, the Comprehensive Director of State Grid Changzhou Electric Vehicle Service Co., Ltd., similar temporary charging facilities have been set up at other key service areas like Gehu to ensure timely charging for NEVs.
In anticipation of the Spring Festival travel peak, the company’s operation and maintenance personnel conduct regular inspections and targeted maintenance at charging stations with high usage. Additionally, the company has increased operation and maintenance staff, optimized the scheduling system for charging stations, and ensured fast response times to guarantee the normal operation of charging facilities during the holiday season.