Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Iran said on Monday it wanted a durable end to the war with the United States and Israel rather than a temporary truce, rejecting pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Washington’s timetable as President Donald Trump warned the country could be “taken out” if it failed to meet his Tuesday night deadline for a deal. Tehran’s stance underscored how far apart […]
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 April 2026 – The ACES Institute has officially released its latest comprehensive research publication titled “Doing Things Right, Doing the Right Things: The Scramble for the Soul of an Organisation.” The study provides a rigorous analysis of the modern corporate dilemma between operational efficiency and ethical conviction, introducing a leadership framework designed to help global organizations navigate increasingly fragmented stakeholder expectations.
Ren Li, Founder and CEO of Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd., whose commitment to ‘doing the right things’ led the company’s pivotal shift toward sustainable materials long before it became an industry standard.
The research, authored by Research Strategist Ager Freddy, Senior Researcher Timothy Benson, and ACES Institute President Dr. Shanggari Balakrishnan, argues that the phrase “doing the right thing” is frequently invoked in business discourse as a universal moral ideal, yet it is rarely examined through the lens of operational cost and strategic trade-offs. The study identifies that what is considered “right” varies significantly depending on the stakeholder ranging from regulatory compliance for governments and governance standards for investors to fair wages for employees and responsible resource use for environmental advocates.
The 4Cs Framework and Institutional Resilience
Central to the publication is the introduction of the 4Cs leadership framework: Creativity, Conscientiousness, Constancy, and Collaboration. According to the ACES Institute, these four pillars are essential for embedding ethical considerations directly into an organization’s product design, engineering processes, and corporate culture. The researchers suggest that by moving beyond surface-level corporate social responsibility and toward an institutionalized philosophy, companies can build a foundation for long-term differentiation and resilience.
The study acknowledges that this values-driven approach often necessitates difficult decisions that may carry significant short-term costs. Organizations pursuing deep sustainability or ethical strategies may face higher production expenses, skepticism from traditional market analysts, and resistance from consumers who express support for sustainability in theory but remain sensitive to price in practice. Furthermore, the research explores how global economic and political dynamics, such as shifting regulations and differing sustainability standards across international markets, complicate the efforts of leaders to maintain a consistent ethical stance.
Case Study Analysis: Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd.
To provide empirical evidence for these findings, the report examines the multi-decade journey of Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd., a manufacturer of premium outdoor living products. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Ren Li, the company made a pivotal decision in the early 2000s to abandon wood then the dominant material in the industry in favor of recyclable materials such as aluminum. This decision was driven by personal conviction regarding environmental impact rather than immediate market demand or regulatory requirements.
The case study illustrates the “Constancy” pillar of the ACES framework, noting that the move initially triggered significant resistance. During this period, customers continued to prefer traditional materials, employees questioned the strategic shift, and management warned of the financial consequences of declining orders. However, the research highlights that by persisting through this uncertainty, Letright successfully transitioned from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to an original design manufacturer (ODM). This shift allowed the company to build its own intellectual property, eventually leading to the development of the Ombra solar smart pergola, which integrates photovoltaic technology for renewable energy generation.
Executive Perspective on Global Leadership
“Organisations today operate in a landscape where expectations rarely align,” stated the authors of the study. “What appears responsible to one group may be viewed as inadequate or even harmful by another. Ultimately, ethical leadership does not mean achieving universal approval or avoiding difficult decisions. Instead, it requires organisations to define their own principles and align strategy, operations, and innovation around those values.”
The publication concludes that while “doing the right things” does not guarantee universal agreement, organizations that clearly define their values and consistently act on them are statistically more likely to build lasting relevance and resilience in an increasingly complex business environment. This research forms a key part of the ACES Institute’s ongoing mission to examine the intersection of leadership, sustainability, and responsible corporate transformation across global industries. Hashtag: #ACESInstitute #LetrightIndustrial
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ACES Institute
ACES Institute is a Kuala Lumpur-based research and thought leadership organisation focused on responsible leadership, sustainability, and organisational transformation. Through industry research, case studies, and strategic insights, the institute works with global companies and experts to explore how organisations can create long-term value while addressing complex economic, social, and environmental challenges.
About Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd. | Ombra Brand
Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd. is a global manufacturer of premium outdoor living solutions, specialising in innovative pergolas, outdoor furniture, and lifestyle products. Headquartered in Hangzhou, China, the company combines design innovation, advanced engineering, and environmentally responsible materials to deliver sustainable outdoor experiences for residential and commercial markets worldwide.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Donald Trump has said a Tuesday deadline for Iran to accept a deal remains final, sharpening a crisis that has already pushed energy markets higher, intensified diplomatic pressure and raised fresh concern over the risk of a broader Middle East conflict. Speaking on April 6 at the White House, the US president said Tehran had made what he described as a significant move […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai ADNOC Gas said its domestic supply chain remains intact after damage at part of the Habshan complex on April 3, with gas demand inside the UAE being met through other facilities and no disruption to customer supply. The company told the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange that the affected area had been isolated and that a full assessment of damage to the Habshan train […]
Bit Reactor founder Greg Foertsch has praised Lucasfilm Games and Respawn Entertainment for backing Star Wars Zero Company, saying the decision to build a turn-based tactics title around one of entertainment’s biggest franchises stood out at a time when much of the games business is leaning towards safer, more familiar ideas. Foertsch said the two companies showed “vision and the courage and the conviction” by trusting a […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai du and Ericsson have completed a 5G standalone proof of concept in the UAE that they say could widen the reach of fixed wireless access for households, using millimetre wave technology to deliver faster home broadband over a broader area than is typically associated with high-band spectrum. The companies said the trial was carried out in residential areas and is intended to support […]
Nionyx Bio, a young US biotech focused on gene therapies for inherited kidney disease, has won the 2026 BIO-Europe Spring Startup Spotlight competition in Lisbon, giving the company an early commercial and scientific boost as investors hunt for more selective bets in the gene therapy market. The organiser’s event materials and follow-up coverage identify Nionyx Bio as this year’s winner after the live pitch contest held during […]
Coffee Stain has shut its mobile-focused Malmö studio, ending a unit that was set up to bring the company’s irreverent game brands to phones and tablets and leaving fresh questions over how the newly listed Swedish group intends to handle mobile development. The closure was disclosed by Daniel Persson, the company’s vice-president of mobile, who said Coffee Stain had decided to close the office in Malmö and […]
Washington has doubled to $40 billion a US-backed maritime reinsurance facility aimed at coaxing commercial vessels back through the Strait of Hormuz, as the five-week war with Iran continues to unsettle one of the world’s most important trade arteries. The expanded programme, announced on Friday by the US International Development Finance Corporation and Chubb, adds AIG, Berkshire Hathaway, Travelers, Liberty Mutual, Starr and CNA to the scheme, […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE equities ended Friday on a divided note as investors weighed the prospect of a wider Middle East conflict after U. S. President Donald Trump signalled that Washington could intensify attacks on Iranian infrastructure, a message that added to concern over energy supplies, shipping routes and regional risk appetite. Dubai’s main index fell, while Abu Dhabi’s benchmark edged higher, reflecting a market torn […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Patients in the UAE are set to gain access from May to a new once-daily obesity treatment in tablet form after the Emirates Drug Establishment approved Eli Lilly’s Foundayo, known chemically as orforglipron, marking what officials described as the second national registration for the medicine and widening treatment choices beyond injections. The decision places the UAE among the earliest markets to back a […]
Iran struck Gulf energy infrastructure again overnight into Friday, setting fire to Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi refinery and damaging a power and water desalination plant, as US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could escalate by targeting more of Iran’s infrastructure if Tehran did not yield. The attacks sharpened fears that a conflict already disrupting shipping and fuel markets is moving deeper into the economic core of the […]
Oil prices jumped sharply on Thursday after US President Donald Trump said the United States would step up attacks on Iran over the coming weeks, stoking fears that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could last longer and tighten supplies of crude and refined fuels across global markets. West Texas Intermediate settled at $111.54 a barrel after surging more than 11%, while Brent closed near $109.03, extending […]
President Donald Trump on Thursday sharpened his threat against Iran by publicly celebrating the destruction of a major bridge and warning that more infrastructure could be hit unless Tehran accepts a deal, a move that deepened concern over the direction of the conflict and added to volatility across energy and financial markets. In a social media post, Trump said “the biggest bridge in Iran” had come […]
U. S. defence shares have failed to sustain the geopolitical bounce that often accompanies armed conflict, with the sector sliding in March even as tensions around Iran intensified. The NYSE Arca Defense Index, which tracks 34 large and small-cap companies, fell nearly 8% during the month, a steeper decline than the S&P 500’s roughly 5% drop, underscoring how investors have become more cautious about paying up […]
Microsoft has unveiled a $10 billion investment plan for Japan running from 2026 to 2029, marking one of the company’s biggest artificial intelligence commitments in Asia and a major escalation from its earlier pledge in the country. The package, worth about 1.6 trillion yen, is aimed at expanding AI infrastructure, strengthening cyber defence cooperation with Tokyo and widening access to domestic cloud capacity for government agencies and businesses.
The announcement signals how sharply competition for AI infrastructure has intensified across Asia. Microsoft said the programme will focus on adding computing capacity inside Japan at a time when governments and corporations are demanding secure, local processing for sensitive workloads. Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice-chair and president, disclosed the plan during a visit to Tokyo, where the company also set out training and security goals tied to the investment.
Under the plan, Microsoft intends to train one million engineers and developers by 2030, a figure that underlines the labour challenge facing Japan as it tries to scale AI use across the economy. The company is also expanding cybersecurity collaboration with the Japanese government, including work around threat intelligence and cybercrime prevention. Those elements give the package a dual purpose: commercial expansion for Microsoft and strategic support for a country that has made digital resilience and industrial competitiveness central to policy.
The new commitment builds on a smaller programme announced in April 2024, when Microsoft said it would invest $2.9 billion over two years to expand cloud and AI infrastructure in Japan, while also launching wider digital skilling efforts, opening its first Microsoft Research Asia lab in the country and deepening cooperation on cybersecurity. The latest package therefore appears less like a standalone move than the next stage of a longer campaign to lock in market share and policy relevance in one of Asia’s most advanced economies.
Japan offers Microsoft an attractive mix of high-value enterprise customers, a technologically sophisticated manufacturing base and a government that has been openly supportive of industrial uses for generative AI. Tokyo’s policy stance has increasingly favoured the deployment of advanced digital tools to lift productivity, offset labour shortages and bolster economic security. That political environment has made Japan a focal point for global technology groups seeking not just customers, but durable alignment with state priorities on data sovereignty and national resilience.
Market conditions also help explain the scale of the move. Reuters reported that around one-fifth of working-age people in Japan are now using generative AI tools, showing that adoption has advanced but remains well below leading global levels, leaving substantial room for growth. At the same time, labour projections point to a steep shortage of AI and robotics specialists by 2040, raising the stakes for corporate training programmes and local infrastructure investment. For Microsoft, that creates an opening to sell both computing capacity and the wider ecosystem needed to make AI usable at scale.
Partnerships with local players will be central to execution. Microsoft said it would work with firms including SoftBank and Sakura Internet to expand domestic AI computing capacity and provide more secure local access to Azure services. That matters in Japan, where demand from public institutions and regulated industries often hinges on where data is processed and how operational control is shared. Collaboration with established domestic groups may also help Microsoft navigate competitive pressure from rival cloud providers and home-grown digital infrastructure ambitions.
Rising global energy prices are adding a fresh inflation risk to the United States even as the International Monetary Fund said the world’s largest economy remains on a solid growth path, with trade and fiscal changes expected to narrow the current-account deficit only modestly over the medium term. The IMF’s latest assessment said growth in the US is projected to reach 2.4 per cent in 2026, while […]
Real estate developers across the UAE are sticking to original construction and launch schedules despite a regional war that has lifted energy and materials costs, with industry participants signalling that any easing in prices and transaction volumes is more likely to be temporary than structural while the conflict runs on. Market activity has slowed in parts of the sector, but there has been no broad retreat from […]
U. S. Treasuries fell across the curve after President Donald Trump used a televised address to harden his stance on Iran, unsettling investors who had been looking for signs of de-escalation and instead got a warning of heavier military action that sent oil prices sharply higher and revived fears of another inflation pulse through the global economy. The move in government debt reflected a quick reassessment of […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Oil prices leapt on Thursday after President Donald Trump said the United States would keep striking Iran for at least the next two to three weeks, dashing hopes that Washington was preparing to scale back military action and easing concerns in energy markets only briefly. Brent crude rose above $108 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate climbed past $106 in early trade, reversing […]
HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – Lee Kum Kee Sauce (“Lee Kum Kee”), a global leader in sauces and condiments, proudly served as the Official Sauce and Condiment Partner for the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China. The event marked the first time the celebrated culinary award had taken place in Hong Kong, making the occasion especially significant for the city and the wider Asian dining community.
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards Ceremony 2026. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant
From 23-25 March, Lee Kum Kee brought together top chefs, diverse cultures and industry communities through a range of thoughtfully curated experiences, bringing authentic Asian flavours to the global stage. As well as reaffirming the brand’s Asian roots and international perspective, its involvement reflected an enduring commitment to preserving culinary heritage and driving gastronomic innovation.
“Asian Flavour Duet“: A Culinary Journey Through Heritage and Innovation
Helping to build momentums for this year’s awards, Lee Kum Kee collaborated with Vicky Cheng, the acclaimed Executive Chef and owner of WING, to co-create the “Asian Flavour Duet”, a Hong Kong-style late-night supper party on 24 March. Hosted at two Hong Kong culinary landmarks, the experience unfolded in two chapters – “Paying Tribute to Heritage” and “Innovative Fusion” – and invited guests to explore the limitless possibilities of Asian flavour.
The evening began at the century-old Lin Heung Lau teahouse, a space filled with nostalgia and memories for generations of Hong Kongers. Chef Vicky reinterpreted classic Hong Kong late-night dishes using signature Lee Kum Kee sauces, while guests were immersed in the warmth of the historic venue.
(Left) Chef Vicky presents classic Hong Kong late-night dishes at Lin Heung Lau; (Right) Guests enjoying the nostalgic flavours.
The celebration then moved to Medora, Chef Vicky’s Western dining space, where an “Innovative Fusion” was revealed. He showcased his modern culinary philosophy by incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauces with contemporary techniques to create bold, unexpected dishes. Guests also enjoyed specially crafted cocktails infused with Lee Kum Kee sauces, alongside a delightful yet refined sauce-inspired gelato, demonstrating a harmonious interweaving of savoury, umami, sweetness and spice.
The multisensory journey seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, exploring the future of cuisine while highlighting Lee Kum Kee’s role as a global gateway to Asian culinary culture.
At the event, Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs at Lee Kum Kee, commented, “Tonight, we are honoured to celebrate Hong Kong’s late‑night food culture with Chef Vicky and the global culinary community. From the legacy of Lin Heung Lau to the forward‑looking spirit of Medora, we are proud to be part of the creative journey and help showcase the depth of Asian flavours on the world stage.”
Celebrating a Gastronomic Brilliance with the Highest Climber Award Sponsored by Lee Kum Kee
During the awards ceremony on 25 March, Lee Kum Kee’s booth showcased a range of the brand’s acclaimed classic sauces and innovative products. Guests sampled specially crafted bites featuring Lee Kum Kee sauces, engaging directly with the flavours and techniques that have made the brand a trusted partner in both home and professional kitchens worldwide.
Guests taste creative canapes: beef cheek guabao and shrimp dumpling with egg white; and exchange culinary insights at the Lee Kum Kee booth.
As part of the evening’s celebration of the region’s most exceptional culinary talents, the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee was presented to Lamdre in Beijing by Chef Park from Atomix (No.1 in North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025). Lambre was applauded for its pioneering plant-based dining space that promotes healthy, sustainable living while honouring Chinese biodiversity in its menus.
Lamdre claims the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
In addition, WING, led by Chef Vicky, achieved an impressive second place in 2026 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant had also previously ranked No. 11 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, underscoring its continued international acclaim.
Building the Future Together: Deepening Global Partnerships
With the success of this prestigious awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China, Lee Kum Kee looks forward to deepening its collaboration with leading talents in the global culinary community. By continuing to champion Asian flavours and foster meaningful dialogue and exchange, the brand will continue to bring the spirit of Asian cuisine to kitchens and dining tables around the world. Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Lee Kum Kee
Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.
About Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
Launched in 2013, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants aims to showcase the outstanding achievements and diverse culinary landscape of the region. The list is determined by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a panel of over 350 culinary experts from across Asia who vote independently based on their specialised knowledge of the local dining scene. The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants series includes the awards ceremony and list announcement, creating a premier networking platform for restaurateurs, media, seasoned travelers and culinary connoisseurs to celebrate the exceptional service, passion and talent in the dining industry.
Copper and other industrial metals fell on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump renewed threats to strike Iran’s power plants and other civilian infrastructure if talks fail to halt a war that has entered its second month, adding another layer of risk to commodity markets already strained by conflict in the Gulf. Bloomberg reported the move across metals markets on April 2, while Reuters and AP reporting […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The United Arab Emirates, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, took part in the 43rd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers on 1 April, with the meeting held by videoconference and attended by interior ministers and senior security officials from across the Arab world. The session brought together representatives of […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Silver tumbled on Thursday, extending a volatile run in precious metals as higher oil prices, firmer Treasury yields and a stronger dollar pulled investors out of bullion. Spot silver was reported down about 4.6% on the day, while market data showed the metal trading near $72.31 an ounce and futures dipping to an intraday low around $70.35, leaving the market pressing against […]