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The programme generated approximately Rp5.5 billion in premium sharing, which will be distributed to 76 Village Unit Cooperatives (KUDs), benefitting more than 30,000 smallholders. The initiative underscores Asian Agri’s long-term commitment to improving smallholder welfare while advancing environmentally responsible palm oil management.

Head of Partnership at Asian Agri, Rudy Rismanto, said RSPO certification plays a critical role in expanding market access for smallholder-produced palm oil.

“Through RSPO certification, palm oil produced by our partner smallholders can be accepted in global markets, including Europe, which requires sustainably produced products,” Rudy said. “The premiums received are reinvested to improve productivity, upgrade infrastructure, strengthen KUD facilities and support alternative sources of income. In this way, sustainability delivers tangible economic benefits for smallholders.”

Rudy emphasised that Asian Agri’s sustainability approach goes beyond environmental stewardship to include social and economic impact.

“Through strong collaboration with smallholders, we ensure that sustainable practices also translate into improved livelihoods. This reflects Asian Agri’s philosophy of creating benefits for society, the environment, customers, and ultimately the company itself—so that sustainability and prosperity grow together.”

Representing partner cooperatives, Subiyono, Head of Karya Bersama KUD, said the premium sharing scheme has delivered clear and measurable benefits.

“The premium has provided meaningful support to both smallholders and the cooperative,” he explained. “In 2026, we plan to allocate these funds to improve and maintain roads that serve as the main access routes for transporting Fresh Fruit Bunches to palm oil mills. Better infrastructure will help ensure smoother operations for smallholders.”

Karya Bersama KUD is currently participating in a replanting partnership with Asian Agri. The replanted oil palm area, now 49 months old, has achieved an average productivity of 2 tons per hectare per month.

Similarly, Waluyo, Head of Makmur Rezeki KUD, highlighted how the premium strengthens institutional capacity while supporting sustainable practices.

“The funds are allocated to strategic priorities, including improvements to fertiliser and herbicide warehouses, road upgrades, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for smallholders, and the installation of owl nesting boxes as part of natural pest control,” he said. “These initiatives enable more environmentally friendly and efficient plantation management.”

According to Waluyo, the programme also reinforces smallholders’ commitment to sustainability.

“This support not only improves cooperative facilities and operations but also strengthens members’ dedication to sustainable practices. We hope Makmur Rezeki KUD can continue to grow together with Asian Agri, so the benefits can be felt more widely by our members and surrounding communities.”

Through the Certified Palm Oil Premium Sharing Programme, Asian Agri, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, continues to invest in the long-term resilience of smallholders and cooperatives, ensuring that sustainable palm oil development delivers enduring social, economic, and environmental benefits for generations to come.
Hashtag: #RGE #AsianAgri #CSR #palmoil #Indonesia #smallholders #sustainability #RSPO #certification #KUD

https://www.asianagri.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/asian-agri

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

About Asian Agri

Founded in 1979, Asian Agri is one of Indonesia’s foremost companies in crude palm oil production, managing over 100,000 hectares of oil palm plantations and employing over 20,000 people.

As a pioneer of the Indonesian Government’s Smallholder Transmigration Core Plantation Programme (PIR-Trans), Asian Agri has partnered with 30,000 scheme smallholders in Riau and Jambi, who collectively manage 60,000 hectares of oil palm plantations. The company also fosters partnerships with independent smallholders to enhance their welfare and drive socio-economic growth.

Committed to sustainable practices, Asian Agri upholds a zero-burning policy and implements plantation best management practices to help smallholders boost productivity, increase crop yields, and improve supply chain traceability while supporting their journey towards certification. Asian Agri’s mills leveraged advanced technology and self-generated green energy to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

Asian Agri’s plantations, as along with their scheme smallholder plantations, are full Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) certified, underscoring the company’s commitment to responsible and sustainable palm oil production.

Please visit Asian Agri’s website for more information.

By Ashis Biswas Within the South Asian context, a noticeable coarsening of diplomatic discourse among four countries has occurred, following the violent regime change in Bangladesh, a brief encounter involving India and Pakistan and sporadic skirmishes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. A new political alignment, whose contours will be clearer after the Bangladesh general elections, is […]

The article Disturbing Decline Of Diplomacy Across South Asia Bodes Ill For All appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The symposium comes at a critical moment, as shared challenges across health, nutrition, education, and caregiving continue to shape early childhood development outcomes in Indonesia and globally, where many young children continue to face barriers to healthy development, from gaps in nutrition and care to limited access to quality early learning.

These challenges highlight the need for closer coordination across health, education, parenting, and social protection to ensure children receive holistic and equitable support from the earliest years.

Without strong cross-sector collaboration, Indonesia risks losing momentum in building its human capital and realising its demographic dividend towards Indonesia Emas 2045.

In partnership with key government ministries and cross-sector organisations, Tanoto Foundation convened the symposium as a platform to align policy, practice, and evidence across sectors, bringing together representatives from central and local government, international organisations, academia, civil society, and philanthropy.

The symposium featured two main discussion tracks focused on health and education, and parenting in early childhood.

The morning segment, “Synergising Health and Education for ECED”, focused on integrating health, nutrition, and early learning services, highlighting innovations in growth and development monitoring, nutrition interventions, and early stimulation within primary service systems.

The afternoon session, “Parenting and Early Learning”, placed families and caregivers at the centre of the ECED ecosystem, exploring responsive caregiving, interaction-based learning, and policy support to strengthen parents’ capacity to nurture children’s development.

Indonesian Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin officially opened the symposium, emphasising the decisive importance of early childhood for national development.

“The age of 0 to 5 years is a highly decisive phase in determining whether a person will grow into a healthy, intelligent adult who can contribute to the nation, including to increase per capita income,” the Minister said.

“If we do not act quickly, we risk missing Indonesia’s demographic dividend. This is our responsibility to our children.”

The Government of Indonesia has reaffirmed early childhood development as a national priority through the Long-Term National Development Plan 2025 to 2045 and the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2025 to 2029, with Holistic and Integrated Early Childhood Development (PAUD-HI) designated as a key performance indicator.

Opening the afternoon session, Indonesian Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, highlighted the symposium’s contribution to policy strengthening.

“This forum brings together strategic cross sector perspectives. We encourage the resulting recommendations to be used to strengthen policies, regulations, and service innovations for early childhood development,” she said.

Indonesian Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Stella Christie, underscored the importance of science-based parenting and high-quality interaction.

“Caregiving with optimal interaction between children and caregivers has the greatest potential to maximise child development,” she said. “No technology, including artificial intelligence, can replace the power of human interaction.”

She added that children learn through curiosity, imitation, and everyday experiences, making responsive and evidence-based parenting critical for brain development and lifelong learning.

CEO of Tanoto Foundation Benny Lee reaffirmed the Foundation’s long-term commitment to early childhood development as a cornerstone of human potential.

“The early years are when the foundations of brain development, health, and character are formed,” Benny said.

“This is not the work of one institution. It requires a truly supportive ecosystem built through collaboration among government, civil society, academia, and philanthropy.”

He emphasised that Tanoto Foundation, founded by Sukanto Tanoto, Founder and Chairman of Royal Golden Eagle (RGE), views early childhood development as a primary investment, where collective action can deliver lasting and sustainable impact. “This symposium is about ensuring that every child receives the strongest possible start in life, every parent receives the support they need, and every sector moves forward together,” he said.

The symposium brought together up to 200 participants, with speakers from government, development organisations, academia, research institutions, and philanthropy.
Hashtag: #RGE #TanotoFoundation #Philanthropy #Indonesia #ECED #EarlyChildhood #Healthcare

https://www.tanotofoundation.org/en/

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

About Tanoto Foundation

At Tanoto Foundation, we unlock human potential, help communities thrive, and create lasting impact. Founded in 1981 by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto, we are an independent family foundation that believes in providing every person with the opportunity to realise his or her full potential. To do so, we catalyse systems change in education and healthcare. Our approach is impact-first, collaborative, and evidence-based. We invest for the long term and strive to develop leaders who can drive sustained, positive outcomes.

The new model is designed around practical engineering workflows, with a focus on long-running task execution, stable tool calling, and multi-step reasoning, capabilities that have become increasingly important as developers deploy large language models in complex, agent-based systems.

Compared with its predecessor, GLM-4.6, GLM-4.7 shows notable gains in code generation, complex reasoning, and agent execution. According to Z.ai, the model delivers more consistent and controllable performance over extended tasks, while producing cleaner and more concise language output, addressing a common weakness in many open-source models.

To evaluate performance in realistic settings, Z.ai tested GLM-4.7 on 100 practical programming tasks in production-like environments such as Claude Code, spanning front-end, back-end, and command-execution scenarios. The company said GLM-4.7 achieved higher task completion rates and greater stability than GLM-4.6, and has since been adopted as the default model for its GLM Coding Plan.

Benchmark results also place GLM-4.7 among the strongest open-source models currently available. It scored 67.5 on BrowseComp and 87.4 on τ²-Bench, the latter marking a new high for open-source systems. In coding-focused evaluations, including SWE-bench Verified and LiveCodeBench v6, its overall performance approaches that of Claude Sonnet 4.5. In Code Arena’s large-scale blind evaluation, which aggregates votes from more than one million comparisons, GLM-4.7 ranked first among open-source models.

The model is available through the BigModel.cn API and has been integrated into Z.ai’s full-stack development platform, according to the company. As open-source models take on a more prominent role in the global technology ecosystem, Z.ai’s progress offers a clear indication of how such systems may continue to evolve, and what they might enable next.

Default Model for Coding Plan: https://z.ai/subscribe
Try it now: https://chat.z.ai/
Weights: https://huggingface.co/zai-org/GLM-4.7
Technical blog: https://z.ai/blog/glm-4.7

Hashtag: #ZAI

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The initiative was launched on 15 December 2025 at the RW 03, RW 09 and RW 10 community offices within the Cilincing public housing complex. Targeting women of reproductive age, the programme was designed as a preventive effort to raise awareness and improve access to essential health services, particularly reproductive health, as a foundation for healthy families and future generations.

Apical’s CSR Manager, Sugiantoro, said the collaboration reflects the company’s long-term, preventive approach to public health. “We believe that healthy women are the pillars of strong families and a key force in shaping healthy communities. Through PT AAJ’s involvement, we aim to create tangible impact by prioritising early prevention, rather than focusing solely on treatment,” he said.

A key focus of the initiative was the early detection of cervical cancer, a serious but largely preventable disease when identified through routine screening and timely intervention. Services provided included IVA screening (visual inspection with acetic acid) and HPV (human papillomavirus) testing.

Dr Kezia Ivana from the Cilincing Community Health Centre explained that IVA and HPV screenings are effective methods for detecting cervical cancer at an early stage.

“Early detection allows us to identify the virus that causes cervical cancer sooner, significantly reducing the risk of disease progression. When detected early, the chances of recovery are very high. However, if left undetected, cervical cancer can lead to severe pain, abnormal bleeding, kidney and urinary tract disorders, swelling of the legs, and fertility problems that may prevent women from having children,” she said.

Apical’s participation in this initiative aligns with the company’s 5Cs philosophy that whatever it does must be good for the Community, Country, Climate and Customer, and only then will it be good for the Company, which underpins its commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth. Through partnerships with local stakeholders, Apical, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, continues to support government efforts to address stunting while contributing to improved social and women’s health outcomes, particularly in communities surrounding its operational areas.
Hashtag: #RGE #Apical #CSR #Stunting #Indonesia #Women #Health #Communities

https://www.apicalgroup.com

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

About Apical

Apical is a leading vegetable oil processor with an expanding global footprint. Our vertically integrated mid-stream refining and value-added downstream processing makes us an integral supplier that supports the needs of various industries namely food, feed, oleochemicals and renewable fuel, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) which enables a great reduction of CO2 emissions.

With integrated assets in strategic locations spanning Indonesia, China and Spain, Apical operates numerous refineries, oleochemical plants, renewable fuel plants and kernel crushing plants. Through joint ventures and strategic partnerships, Apical also has processing and distribution operations in Brazil, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Middle East, Africa, USA and Vietnam.

Apical’s growth is built on the foundations of sustainability and transparency, and motivated by our strong belief that we can contribute to a circular economy for a more meaningful impact, even as we continue to grow our business and deliver innovative solutions to our customers.

Positioning Vietnam as Production-Export Hub to Global Markets, with SCGD Leading Decorative Surface Materials and Ceramic Tiles Market Ready to Drive Cement Business Expansion of Low-Carbon Products to Global Markets

HCMC, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 December 2025 – SCG continues its Regional Optimization strategy, positioning Vietnam as a Strategic Hub in the ASEAN region for manufacturing and exports to global markets. SCG Decor (SCGD) supports PRIME GROUP in expanding production capacity for high-quality tiles to meet growing demand. The cement and building materials business in Vietnam is accelerating development of low-carbon cement for both domestic sales and global exports under the Green Building policy
to create sustainable growth while enhancing quality of life.

Mr. Kulachet Dharachandra, Country Director – Vietnam, SCG, stated: “Vietnam is a strategically important country for SCG, with total investments exceeding 7 billion US dollars across 28 companies, representing 28% of SCG’s total assets. This covers chemicals, cement, building materials, packaging, and logistics businesses to serve both domestic and export market demands, enhancing competitive capabilities and building comprehensive production and supply chain potential.

Under the Regional Optimization strategy, SCG combines the strengths of Thailand and Vietnam in digital technology, artificial intelligence and automation, safety standards, and plant management, as well as social, environmental, and governance practices following ESG principles. Vietnam is a high-growth potential market due to its economy, government infrastructure policies, and increasing Green Building trends. It also has consumers with purchasing power for high-quality products and a large consumer base of over 100 million people, plus export potential with efficient production costs, which strengthens sustainable business growth and elevates quality of life in the region.”

SCGD supports PRIME GROUP, Vietnam’s Number One Market Leader of Decor Surface

PRIME GROUP, the flagship business in which SCG acquired shares in 2012, is the market leader of decorative surface materials in Vietnam and will be a key force strengthening SCGD toward its goal of becoming ASEAN leader.

Mr. Numpol Malichai, The Chief Executive Officer and President of SCG Decor Public Company Limited, stated: “Vietnam’s economy is growing, the middle class is expanding, and the real estate market is recovering in mid-range to premium residential projects that favor Glazed Porcelain (GP) tiles, leading to continuously increasing demand for these products.

PRIME has sales revenue of approximately 5,500 million baht with total production capacity of around 80 million square meters. The company plans to invest in expanding GP tile production capacity from 19 million square meters in 2025 to 25.6 million square meters in 2026, targeting expansion to 45 million square meters by 2030 to align with increasing demand. PRIME can also manage and control production costs of GP tiles to be able to competitive with the products from world-class competitors. This cost advantage supports PRIME to become the strategic production and export base of SCGD, strengthening the Regional Optimization strategy for sustainable growth.

In response to market change and maintain competitive level, PRIME invested in Biomass Gasifier systems at the Pho Yen plant to replace fossil fuel with biomass, thereby reducing energy costs and greenhouse gases, supporting Vietnam to become the strategic export hub to ASEAN and other countries. Furthermore, PRIME’s products meet customers’ needs of all market segments with product offering that covers innovative design and health and safety functions that are well-recognized throughout the Asian region. This supports business growth along with environmental care enhancement. Additionally, SCGD grows bathroom business and strengthens COTTO brand in the ASEAN market with over 44 distributors appointed in Vietnam, as well as growing Complementary products such as adhesive and grout, and others.”

SCG Low-Carbon Cement Supports Vietnam’s Infrastructure and Green Cities, Advancing Its Role as a Global Export Hub

SCG Cement and Building Materials has operated in Vietnam for more than 20 years, with 11 companies across the cement, roofing, and building materials businesses. With production bases located in the central and southern regions, the company supports domestic market growth while also serving as a strategic manufacturing hub for exports to global markets.

Mr. Wichet Chuchaeu, Country Director – Vietnam, SCG Cement and Building Materials Business, stated: “Vietnam’s economy continued to expand in 2025, driven by growth in the industrial and construction sectors. Accelerated government infrastructure investment has supported a steady recovery in demand for building materials and cement—especially low-carbon cement, whose growth aligns with national policies such as the 2050 Net Zero Emission commitment and the Green City policy, which targets that by 2050 at least 50% of new urban areas and 10% of all cities nationwide must meet government-defined green city criteria.”

The cement business has an annual production capacity of 3 million tons of clinker and 4 million tons of cement. Vietnam is the best-managed production-cost base among SCG’s regional cement operations, positioning the country not only as a strong domestic supply base but also as a key hub for exports. SCG currently exports both low-carbon cement and clinker to America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Asia.

SCG Cement continues to enhance environmental performance through the use of alternative and recycled materials, reduced coal consumption via alternative fuels such as biomass and refuse-derived fuel (RDF), and the implementation of Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) systems that significantly reduce natural resources, lower energy consumption and reduce CO2 emission.

These initiatives have earned SCG recognition through international environmental standards, including Singapore Green Building Product certification and International Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) System certification—affirming sustainability from production through to finished products.

“Our investment strategy and production cost optimization under the Regional Optimization concept have strengthened SCG’s competitiveness. Vietnam is now positioned as a central hub for manufacturing and exporting quality products to global markets. This supports growing demand for high-quality surface materials and environmentally friendly building materials, contributing to green city development and sustainably enhancing the quality of life for people in Vietnam and the region.”, Mr. Kulachet concluded.

Hashtag: #SCGCement

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

Japan’s MONJI+—A WebOps Enablement Platform Inspired by Voices from 77 Countries—Launches Its English Edition

OSAKA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2025 – ALAKI Inc., celebrating its 15th anniversary, has officially launched the English edition of MONJI+, an evolution of its 2018-born feedback tool MONJI β, now reimagined as a comprehensive WebOps Enablement Platform.

Alongside its free plan, available indefinitely, MONJI+ begins its full-scale expansion into the ASEAN market, helping teams elevate their website operations. In addition, a free Academic Edition is now offered to educational institutions to foster the next generation of web and IT talent.

▶️ Learn more about MONJI+

Since its launch in Japan in 2018, MONJI β has been adopted by web agencies, corporations, and advertising firms worldwide—across 77 countries and regions—streamlining feedback workflows for website management and development.

In everyday website operations, teams often face:

• Feedback scattered across tools and channels
• Miscommunication between internal teams and agencies
• Unclear priorities that fail to drive results
• Knowledge loss when members change
• Valuable learnings buried and forgotten

MONJI+ connects creation, publishing, maintenance, and optimization into a single workflow—eliminating silos and enabling all members to move forward toward shared goals.

▶️ See how MONJI+ transforms your workflow

Since its official launch in Japan in January 2025, MONJI+ has rapidly spread among enterprises and educational institutions. It is increasingly adopted as a practical standard among agencies and in-house teams, improving productivity and measurable outcomes.

During forums and seminars held alongside the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, ALAKI engaged with government representatives and industry leaders from around the world.

The feedback was clear: inefficiencies in website operations, lack of improvement cycles, and a shortage of web marketing expertise are universal challenges. But one issue stood out above all—the shortage of skilled web and IT professionals.

Some governments even requested that MONJI+ contribute to national web/IT talent development, not just productivity gains. Following the Expo, inquiries from multiple countries confirmed the demand, prompting the official release of the English edition of MONJI+.

As part of its ASEAN expansion, ALAKI visited SWITCH 2025 (Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology), held from October 29–31. Through dialogues with government agencies, corporations, startups, and academic institutions, the importance of website operations productivity and digital talent development was reaffirmed.

Insights from leading ASEAN web and IT innovators will continue to shape the evolution of MONJI+.

Eliminate inefficiencies and dependency on individuals—enhancing both productivity and performance in website operations.

• Workflow Efficiency: Centralize feedback and progress tracking to prevent oversights
• Error Reduction: Detect typos automatically with AI proofreading
• Results-Oriented: Integration with analytics tools helps identify improvement areas instantly
• Team Collaboration: Share real-time updates across internal and external members
• Knowledge Building: Use the Wiki feature to retain expertise and reduce training costs

▶️ Explore MONJI+ features

MONJI+ evolves beyond a simple management tool—it becomes an AI-driven partner that learns from operational data to support human decision-making and creativity.

Our vision: a human-in-the-loop “Agentic WebOps” environment that helps teams achieve outcomes with AI-assisted decision support.

Available AI Features:

• AI typo and error detection for feedback
• AI chatbot assistance

Upcoming AI Features (Examples):

• Content suggestion and creation
• Feedback trend analysis and improvement recommendations
• Design assistance
• Webpage performance analysis and enhancement

• Global Marketing Agency (Singapore): “Sharing the same interface greatly improved collaboration across our international offices.”
• Web Production Agency (Japan): “Centralized feedback management accelerated delivery times by roughly 30%.”
• E-commerce Company (Japan): “By linking with an analytics tool, we identified key improvement areas instantly—our conversion rate increased by over 20%.”
• Recruitment Platform (Japan): “With AI detecting typos automatically, our job listing checks became faster and more reliable.”

Discover how MONJI+ envisions the future of website operations.

▶️ Watch the Vision Video

“Website operations shouldn’t be about chasing scattered messages—it should be about generating results that matter. With MONJI+, we unify feedback, workflow, and analytics, while AI suggests the next strategic move. Our mission is to help ASEAN teams reach outcomes faster and more reliably.”

— Yuji Yamauchi, Founder & CEO, ALAKI Inc.

• Forever-Free Plan: Access essential functions without time limits
• 30-Day Free Trial: Experience all features in a live environment

▶️ Start your free 30-day trial now

To empower the next generation of web and IT professionals, MONJI+ offers an Academic Edition free of charge to universities, vocational schools, and online programs. Students and educators can experience real-world website operations, gain practical skills, and collaborate through shared projects.

▶️ Learn more about the Academic Edition

Hashtag: #MONJI+

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

Thailand is moving quickly to reshape the digital map of Southeast Asia, with a surge in data centre construction and artificial intelligence investment shifting the country from a long-standing data transit role to a regional convergence point. New facilities clustered around Bangkok, Chonburi and the Eastern Economic Corridor are altering traffic flows, shortening latency across borders and drawing cloud, AI and content providers seeking scale outside established hubs.

The expansion reflects a change in how data moves across the region. Historically, much east-west traffic between South Asia, Greater China and the Pacific routed through Singapore before fanning out. With hyperscale campuses multiplying in Thailand, workloads are increasingly being processed and stored closer to end users, easing congestion and improving resilience. Network operators say the shift is visible in peering arrangements and cross-border fibre utilisation, with Bangkok emerging as a preferred interconnection point.

Policy has been a key driver. Authorities have offered investment incentives, fast-tracked permits and clarified power and land-use rules to attract large campuses. Grid upgrades and new renewable capacity have been prioritised to address the energy intensity of AI-ready facilities. The strategy aligns with a broader push to anchor higher-value digital services domestically, from cloud platforms and analytics to language models and industry-specific AI tools.

Global technology firms are responding. Cloud providers including Google, Microsoft and Amazon Web Services have expanded or announced investments to serve regional customers from Thai infrastructure, while chipmakers and systems integrators are working with local partners to deploy accelerated computing suited to AI training and inference. Industry executives cite Thailand’s central geography, improving power availability and maturing regulatory environment as decisive factors.

Domestic players are also scaling up. Telecom operators and property developers have formed joint ventures to build carrier-neutral sites, while energy companies are pairing data centres with solar and gas assets to stabilise supply. Universities and research institutes are increasing AI programmes to address talent gaps, with a focus on data engineering, cybersecurity and model governance. The goal is to ensure that infrastructure growth translates into local capability rather than pass-through capacity.

Competition across the region remains intense. Singapore retains strengths in finance, regulation and dense interconnection, but land and power constraints have pushed expansion elsewhere. Malaysia and Indonesia are adding capacity to serve fast-growing domestic markets, while Vietnam is drawing manufacturing-linked digital workloads. Against that backdrop, Thailand is positioning itself as a neutral aggregation point serving multiple neighbours within ASEAN, balancing scale with proximity.

Connectivity improvements underpin the shift. New submarine cable routes landing on both coasts, alongside terrestrial links to neighbouring countries, are diversifying paths and reducing dependence on a single choke point. Operators say this redundancy matters as enterprises distribute AI workloads across regions for cost, performance and regulatory reasons. Financial services, e-commerce and media firms are increasingly adopting multi-cloud strategies that favour locations offering reliable interconnection.

AI demand is shaping design choices. Facilities are being built with higher power densities, advanced cooling and space for accelerated hardware to support model training, while edge nodes closer to population centres handle inference and latency-sensitive tasks. This layered approach is changing how content delivery, language services and real-time analytics are deployed across Southeast Asia.

Over the past year, the project advanced from planning into visible, on-the-ground execution. Major construction milestones included the pouring of foundations for key modules, continued progress on marine piling, and further implementation of modular construction techniques designed to reduce on-site footprint while accelerating delivery timelines.

These advancements were achieved through close collaboration with project partners, suppliers and contractors, and in partnership with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).

In 2025, Woodfibre LNG, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, continued to operate its floatel workforce accommodation solution, designed to minimise pressure on local housing and community services. As of November, two floatels were in active operation, providing high-quality, safe and comfortable living conditions for the project workforce while supporting construction efficiency.

Environmental protection remained a central focus throughout the year. The project’s Marine Mammal Monitoring Programme, which includes hydroacoustic monitoring, exclusion zones and shore-based observation posts, delivered measurable outcomes by enabling real-time operational decisions, including pauses to marine activities when marine mammals entered exclusion areas.

In parallel, remediation of legacy materials from the former pulp mill site continued, with hundreds of thousands of tonnes of historical waste removed. These efforts have contributed to improving site conditions for both local communities and marine and terrestrial ecosystems in Howe Sound.

Woodfibre LNG’s Operator Training Programme, delivered in partnership with the Squamish Nation Training and Trades Centre and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), progressed throughout the year. The programme’s first cohort of graduates transitioned into full-time roles, supporting the development of long-term, skilled local employment opportunities linked to the project.

Through its Community Partnership Programme (CPP), Woodfibre LNG continued to invest in local communities across the Sea-to-Sky corridor. In 2025, the programme surpassed $1 million in total grants since its inception, supporting initiatives in sports, healthcare, emergency services, arts and culture, and youth development.

Luke Schauerte, CEO of Woodfibre LNG, said, “2025 has been a year of significant progress for Woodfibre LNG. We are proud of what our team and partners have accomplished together and look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.”

With more than half of the project’s development now complete, Woodfibre LNG remains focused on advancing construction safely and responsibly, while maintaining strong partnerships with Indigenous communities, local stakeholders and regulators.

As the project looks ahead to 2026, Woodfibre LNG continues its work toward delivering lower-carbon, responsibly produced Canadian energy to international markets.

Hashtag: #RGE #PacificEnergy #PacificCanbriamEnergy #WoodfibreLNG #LNG #environment #partnerships #LNG #liquefiednaturalgas #energy #sustainability

https://www.woodfibrelng.ca

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

About Woodfibre LNG

The Woodfibre LNG Project is owned by Woodfibre LNG Limited Partnership, owned 70 per cent by Pacific Energy Corporation (Canada) Limited and 30 per cent by Enbridge Inc. The Woodfibre LNG facility is being built on the site of the former Woodfibre pulp mill site, which is located about seven kilometres southwest of Squamish, B.C. Woodfibre LNG will source its natural gas from Pacific Canbriam Energy, a Canadian company with operations in Northeastern British Columbia. Pacific Canbriam is an industry leader in sustainable natural gas production. Woodfibre LNG and Pacific Canbriam Energy are subsidiaries of Pacific Energy Corporation Limited. Woodfibre LNG is the first industrial project in Canada to recognise a non-treaty Indigenous government, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), as a full environmental regulator.

Hashtag: #CardSub, #MyRepublic #MyRepublicCardSub #CardSubSG #TCG #GeeksUseUs

https://myrepublic.net/sg/
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MyRepublic

The food-surplus app returned more than HKD 20 million to partner businesses while making meals more affordable for consumers

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 December 2025 – As Southeast Asia grapples with growing food waste and rising living costs, Yindii, Asia’s number 1 food‑surplus marketplace, celebrates a year of remarkable growth and impact. Co-founded in 2020 by Louis‑Alban Batard‑Dupré and Mahima Rajangam Natarajan, Yindii connects restaurants, bakeries, grocers and hotels with diners who collect “Surprise Bags” of unsold food at 50-80% off the usual price. By turning what would otherwise become waste into affordable meals, Yindii offers a simple, scalable solution that benefits consumers, businesses and the environment.

In 2025 alone, the Yindii community across the region saved over half a million meals from going to waste. That is roughly one meal rescued every single minute, equivalent to offsetting over 1,375 tonnes of CO₂. To put this into perspective, that saving is comparable to driving an average petrol-powered car for about 6.9 million miles, or around 277 trips around the world. It is also on par with the emissions from burning around 154,000 gallons of petrol, or roughly 575 one-way passenger flights from Paris to New York.

Elaborating on the ethos that drives Yindii’s growth, Co‑Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Mahima Rajangam Natarajan, shared, “Every meal rescued is a step toward making high-quality food accessible and affordable for everyone. We’re proving that sustainability and affordability can go hand in hand with social equity. What excites us most is seeing families, students and office workers discover new neighbourhood favourites while knowing they are doing something tangible to help the planet. We are also watching our partners turn what used to be an end-of-day loss into a new source of loyalty, revenue and pride for their teams. Thousands of F&B brands are now transforming surplus into a meaningful new revenue stream, with more than US$2.5 million (HKD 19.45 million) flowing back into their businesses instead of into the bin.”

Across the region, the numbers tell an even richer story at the market level. In Hong Kong, diners using Yindii rescued over 250,000 meals in 2025. Flagship partners such as Saint Honore Cake Shop, Circle K and Pret A Manger have turned surplus into real value, with Saint Honore alone saving over 75,000 meals or 187 tonnes of CO₂. Other partners, including Rosewood Hong Kong, Little Mermaid, NOC Coffee Co and Pacific Coffee, all managed to clear an impressive 85-95% of their surplus on the app. In Hong Kong, Yindii has more than tripled in size since last year and reached profitability, strengthening partner confidence in a model especially popular with women, who make up around two-thirds of users.

In Singapore, diners using Yindii rescued over 300,000 meals in 2025. Since launching in 2024, the app has helped partners achieve a nationwide saved ratio of around 75%. Popular brands such as Paul, Baker & Cook and SaladStop, alongside hotel buffets and neighbourhood grocers, are using “Surprise Bags” to move premium food at accessible prices while cutting waste. Altogether, Singapore partners have already recovered more than SGD1.5 million in avoided food losses, underscoring Yindii’s role in helping diners stretch their budgets while giving the F&B industry a powerful new way to protect profitability.

“Looking ahead to 2026, we are focused on building on this momentum by bringing Yindii to more cities, including South Korea, and deepening our partnerships where we are already present. Our goal is to make it easier for people to save great food rather than see it go to waste, and for businesses to treat surplus as an opportunity rather than a loss. At the heart of all this, our mission goes far beyond transactions. It is about building a community where strangers become food heroes and where food that once represented loss becomes a source of joy and connection. We have seen that spirit take root in Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore, and we cannot wait to grow new communities of local food heroes in the years ahead,” Mahima concluded.

Throughout the year, Yindii’s success also earned recognition beyond the dining table. In October, it was named a finalist in the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards for its creative approach to tackling food waste. During Impact Week at ONE in Singapore, the company hosted the Yindii Eco‑Brand Awards 2025, celebrating 25 leading brands and media partners. Guest of Honour Poh Li San, Chair of Singapore’s Parliamentary Environment Committee, highlighted that Singapore wastes 800,000 tonnes of food annually and noted that fighting waste is essential not just for the planet but for national food security.

Since launching in 2020, Yindii has registered more than 700,000 food heroes, rescued over 900,000 meals and prevented more than 2,250 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. For more information, visit www.yindii.co or follow Yindii on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Hashtag: #Yindii #SaveFoodWithYindii #YindiiHK

https://www.yindii.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/yindii/

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

About Yindii

Yindii is Asia’s #1 sustainable food app, connecting people with surplus meals from restaurants, bakeries, grocers, and hotels at a fraction of the price. Operating in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and South Korea, Yindii empowers communities to rescue food, save money, and fight climate change — one meal at a time.

Aligned with the travel peak season at the end of the year, the campaign covers key destinations including Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. Offline promotions extend to 30 major international airports, 65 premium shopping districts, 40 leading department stores, 15 outlet villages, as well as duty-free shops and luxury boutiques within 30 major global airports. The initiatives also encompass daily consumption, such as supermarkets, cosmeceutical retailers, dining spots, tourist attractions, entertainment, accommodation, local transportation and telecommunication services.

UnionPay has also customized activities for mobile payment methods, including UnionPay mobile QuickPass and UnionPay QR code payment, which are accepted in more than 100 countries and regions. For instance, in Australia and New Zealand, UnionPay cardholders can enjoy instant discounts when using UnionPay mobile QuickPass at participating merchants nationwide.

The year-end incentives have been further expanded to online scenarios. UnionPay has collaborated with digital entertainment platforms to accommodate the high-frequency online spending during the holiday, such as Hoyoverse Honkai: Star Rail top-up promotion, Apple Services promotion. In Australia, UnionPay has launched an online tuition payment promotion for students.

In select markets, UnionPay has partnered with local issuing banks to provide exclusive privileges for cardholders. For example, DBS Bank in Singapore offers UnionPay Platinum debit cardholders value-added benefits, such as cashback, fee waivers, airport lounge access and other travel-related perks.

UnionPay has built up a global payment network covering 183 countries and regions, providing stable and convenient payment support for cross-border travel and holiday consumption. Through in-depth cooperation with issuing banks, financial institutions and merchants, UnionPay has provided diverse holiday discounts and supporting services to optimize the consumption experience for cardholders.

Hashtag: #UnionPay

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

Why Micro-Credentials Matter

Micro credentials are short, focused courses designed to equip professionals with in demand skills quickly. Unlike full degree programs, they enable learners to upskill or reskill without disrupting their careers. For industries shaped by rapid technological change such as digital marketing, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and sustainability, these credentials are becoming essential for staying relevant.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, 39% of workers’ core skills will change by 2030, and 59% of the global workforce will need reskilling to meet evolving demands. This shift, driven by automation, AI, and sustainability imperatives, makes continuous learning a necessity rather than an option.

Micro credentials bridge this gap by offering industry aligned, stackable learning experiences that can be completed in weeks rather than years. Research indicates that employers are 72% more likely to hire candidates with micro credentials, as these certifications validate practical, job ready skills.

SIM’s Commitment to Career Readiness

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is at the forefront of lifelong learning, responding to the urgent need for professionals to stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy. Through its Centre for Micro-Credentials (CMC), SIM offers a curated portfolio of short, stackable courses designed to deliver future-ready skills in high-demand areas such as digital marketing, AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability.

These programs are industry-aligned and developed in consultation with employers and global education partners to ensure relevance and practical application. Each course provides actionable knowledge that learners can immediately apply in their roles, making them ideal for busy professionals seeking quick, impactful upskilling.

A distinctive feature of SIM’s micro-credential ecosystem is the integration of digital badges. These secure, verifiable credentials contain metadata about the achievement, issuer, and criteria. Learners can showcase these badges on platforms like LinkedIn, signalling to recruiters and employers that they possess specialized expertise in emerging fields. This visibility supports skill-based hiring, a growing trend among organizations seeking demonstrable competencies rather than just academic qualifications.

SIM also emphasizes flexibility and accessibility. Courses are delivered in bite-sized formats, often online or blended, allowing learners to progress at their own pace without disrupting their careers.

The Bottom Line

Micro-credentials represent a strategic shift in preparing for the future of work. As industries evolve rapidly, the ability to adapt, upskill, and demonstrate verified competencies is essential. Degrees provide a foundation, but they often lack the agility to keep pace with emerging technologies.

SIM’s micro-credential programs offer flexibility, relevance, and recognition, enabling professionals to stay competitive in a skills-driven economy. Learners can customize pathways, focus on areas like AI, cybersecurity, or sustainability, and earn digital badges that employers value in skill-based hiring.

Micro-credentials help professionals future-proof their careers, ensuring resilience amid automation and digital transformation. For organizations, they build a workforce that is agile and ready for tomorrow’s challenges.

References:

1. The Future of Jobs Report 2025 – https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/in-full/3-skills-outlook/
2. Micro credentials offer accessible education for evolving workforce – https://dcs.wisc.edu/blog/microcredentials-offer-accessible-education/
3. World Economic Forum – https://www.linkedin.com/posts/world-economic-forum_skills-gap-reskilling-the-future-of-ugcPost-7283091514723819521-JmZr/
4. Career Sense & MySIM – https://www.sim.edu.sg/alumni/careersense-mysim
5. CMC – https://cmc.sim.edu.sg/s/alumni-landing
6. Digital Badge – https://learn.credly.com/blog/digital-badges-explained-what-why-how-and-when

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg

Growth Sectors Driving Singapore’s Economy

According to the Ministry of Manpower’s Labour Market Report (Q2 2025), resident employment continues to expand in Health & Social Services, while demand for roles in Information & Communications Technology (ICT) and sustainability-related fields remains robust despite global uncertainties. Job vacancies reached 76,900 in June 2025, surpassing the number of jobseekers, with a ratio of 1.35 vacancies per unemployed person—underscoring sustained demand for skilled talent.

Singapore’s Smart Nation and Green Plan strategies highlight key growth sectors including the digital economy (AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing), finance and fintech (green finance, blockchain, digital banking), healthcare and life sciences (driven by aging demographics and biomedical innovation), and sustainability (ESG consulting and renewable energy)

SIM’s Industry-Aligned Programmes

SIM addresses the needs of Singapore’s fastest-growing sectors through two key business units: SIM Global Education (SIM GE) and SIM Academy (SIMA).

SIM GE collaborates with leading universities to deliver degree programmes in high-demand areas, such as:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Data Science and Business Analytics (University of London) – preparing graduates for careers in data analytics and machine learning
• Bachelor in Computer Science (Big Data and Artificial Intelligence) (University of Wollongong) – developing expertise in cybersecurity and generative AI
• Bachelor of Business, Majors in Economics, Finance etc (RMIT University) – enabling roles in finance

SIM Academy complements these academic pathways with professional development courses for upskilling and reskilling, including the Starting and Managing Corporate Sustainability, designed to empower professionals to lead ESG initiatives aligned with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030. These offerings combine academic rigor with practical certifications, internships, and industry-aligned projects, ensuring competitiveness in Singapore’s evolving job market.

Alumni Success Pathways

Graduates from SIM’s cybersecurity-related programmes come from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of talent entering Singapore’s growing digital sector. Many begin their learning journeys with different motivations, whether to upskill for emerging roles, pivot from adjacent fields or pursue deeper specialisation in cybersecurity.

Some learners are inspired to pursue formal training after encountering real world risks, such as online fraud or data breaches. Others choose to build on existing technical foundations to take on more specialised responsibilities in national and enterprise cybersecurity functions. Through industry-aligned curricula, practical exposure and professional networks, SIM enables these learners to strengthen their competencies in areas such as threat intelligence, AI-enabled defence and cloud security.

These varied pathways highlight how SIM programmes support both early-career and mid-career professionals in progressing to roles within high-demand sectors, as well as further studies at reputable institutions. The outcomes reflect the value of accessible, skills focused education in developing the cybersecurity workforce needed to support Singapore’s transformation into a resilient and digitally driven economy.

Looking Ahead

Singapore’s economic future depends on a workforce that is agile, skilled, and prepared for change. SIM remains a catalyst in this transformation, offering programmes and professional courses aligned with national growth sectors and global trends. By combining academic excellence with practical industry exposure and showcasing alumni who have successfully transitioned into high-demand fields, SIM demonstrates how education drives employability and innovation.

References:

1. Labour Market Report 2Q 2025 – https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2025/0917-labour-market-report-2q-2025
2. Smart Nation Vision – https://www.smartnation.gov.sg/about/our-vision/smart-nation-vision/
3. A city of Green Possibility – https://www.greenplan.gov.sg/
4. Green Fintech – https://www.mas.gov.sg/development/fintech/Green-FinTech?
5. Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Data Science and Business Analytics – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/programmes/programme-listing/bachelor-of-science-honours-data-science-and-business-analytics
6. Bachelor of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence and Big Data) – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/programmes/programme-listing/bachelor-of-computer-science-artificial-intelligence-and-big-data
7. Bachelor of Business – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/programmes/programme-listing/bachelor-of-business
8. Starting and Managing Corporate Sustainability – https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/course-listing/starting-and-managing-corporate-sustainability

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

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

About the Singapore Institute of Management

The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) is an International Institute of Higher Learning (IIHL) that empowers, uplifts and strengthens employability, at all seasons of life and starting points. Seeded by the Singapore Economic Development Board in 1964, SIM nurtures leaders with industry focused skills, knowledge and values to create impact in Singapore and Asia through globally recognised education and learning pathways.

SIM harnesses new knowledge, skills, and technology to provide skills-based learning experiences that enable students, professionals, and enterprises to Learn for Life and Thrive for Life. Through SIM Global Education (SIM GE) and SIM Academy, SIM supports diverse learning needs—offering higher education pathways and tailored learning journeys for working professionals and enterprises to adapt and grow in an ever-changing world.

With a steadfast commitment to transforming lives, SIM continues to be a catalyst for change across communities, inspiring learners to contribute meaningfully to society, and fostering progress in society.

For more information on the Singapore Institute of Management, visit sim.edu.sg.

Findings from the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) Private Education Institution (PEI) Graduate Employment Survey 2023/2024 provide valuable insights into the employment landscape for PEI graduates. The survey reported that 74.8% of PEI graduates in the labour force secured employment within six months of graduation. Of this group, 46.4% attained full-time permanent roles, while others engaged in part-time, temporary or freelance employment.

Although overall employment rates reflect a slight softening in the job market, the median gross monthly salary for full-time permanent employment increased to S$3,500, signalling continued demand for qualified talent. Graduates in Information and Digital Technologies achieved the highest median salary at S$4,080, underscoring the strong market appetite for digital and technological skillsets, areas in which SIM’s IT and Computer Science programmes are well aligned.

SIM’s Business graduates also continue to perform competitively across the finance, technology and consulting sectors, leveraging analytical proficiency and global perspectives to contribute to multinational corporations and high-growth enterprises. In parallel, Arts and Social Sciences graduates are building meaningful careers in communications, media and the public service, where creativity, problem-solving and community engagement remain critical.

Graduate Success Pathways

The survey findings are reinforced by the varied experiences of SIM graduates who have progressed into competitive roles across multiple industries. Their journeys demonstrate how diverse learner profiles can achieve successful outcomes when supported by accessible pathways and industry-relevant learning.

Many SIM graduates enter programmes with different educational starting points — from polytechnic diplomas to mid-career transitions — and go on to advance through learning designed to strengthen both academic foundations and practical skills. Graduates have leveraged internationally recognised qualifications offered at SIM to secure positions in multinational organisations, high-growth technology firms, financial institutions, and public service agencies. Others pursue postgraduate education at reputable universities worldwide, building on their undergraduate success.

Students benefit from exposure to real-world environments through internships, applied industry projects and student leadership opportunities, which help build capabilities valued by employers. These experiences contribute to stronger career readiness and more resilient employability outcomes, supporting transitions into fast-moving sectors that are central to Singapore’s economic priorities.

Collectively, these pathways reflect SIM’s ongoing role in enabling talent progression — supporting students in unlocking new opportunities, whether beginning their careers, switching industries or enhancing their professional expertise.

SIM’s Contribution to Workforce Development

The survey findings underline the important contribution of private education pathways within Singapore’s broader talent ecosystem. While autonomous universities continue to report higher employment rates and salary outcomes, SIM remains a key provider of industry-relevant programmes that complement national skills priorities, serving a wide spectrum of learners and supporting their career advancement goals.

The upward salary trend among full-time permanent roles, together with strong performance in technology and business fields, indicates that SIM graduates are well-positioned to participate in sectors driving Singapore’s continued growth.

References:

1. Close To 3 in 4 Private Education Institution Graduates in Employment Within 6 Months After Graduation Amidst Overall Lower Hiring Demand – https://www.ssg.gov.sg/newsroom/close-to-3-in-4-private-education-institution-graduates-in-employment-within-6-months-after-graduation-amidst-overall-lower-hiring-demand/
2. From Undergrad to Postgrad: Paving the Way to the C-Suite – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/from-undergrad-to-postgrad-paving-the-way-to-the-c-suite
3. How this graduate pivoted her career by pursuing a degree while working full time – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/how-this-graduate-pivoted-her-career-by-pursuing-a-degree-while-working-full-time
4. How 6 internships, 4 hackathons, and CCAs paved the way for Ashley – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/how-6-internships-4-hackathons-and-ccas-paved-the-way-for-ashley
5. The Power of a Second Chance – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/the-power-of-a-second-chance

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg

Netskope has unveiled a new data centre in Malaysia, sharpening its expansion across Southeast Asia as governments and enterprises tighten rules on data residency and demand greater control over cloud security. The move places the US-based cybersecurity firm closer to customers in regulated industries that are accelerating cloud adoption while seeking assurances on where sensitive information is processed and stored.

The Malaysia facility, located to serve customers across the country and neighbouring markets, extends Netskope’s NewEdge network, the company’s global security infrastructure that underpins its secure access service edge offerings. By processing traffic locally, the firm says it can reduce latency, improve performance for cloud applications, and help organisations meet domestic compliance obligations without fragmenting their security architecture.

This expansion reflects a broader shift in Southeast Asia, where data protection regimes have become more explicit and enforcement has intensified. Malaysia’s Personal Data Protection Act, alongside sector-specific requirements for finance, healthcare and telecommunications, has pushed multinational firms to re-evaluate cross-border data flows. Similar pressures are evident in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand, creating demand for security platforms that combine global reach with local presence.

Netskope’s regional strategy has focused on building infrastructure rather than relying solely on partner facilities. The Malaysia data centre complements existing points of presence across Asia Pacific and is designed to support services such as cloud access security brokerage, secure web gateways and zero trust network access. Company executives have said that proximity is increasingly critical as enterprises migrate mission-critical workloads to software-as-a-service platforms and public clouds.

Industry analysts note that the competitive landscape in cloud security has intensified as vendors race to offer compliant, low-latency services. Global rivals including Zscaler, Palo Alto Networks and Cisco have all invested in regional infrastructure to address sovereignty concerns. What differentiates players, analysts argue, is the ability to deliver consistent policy enforcement across geographies while adapting to local legal frameworks.

Malaysia has emerged as an attractive hub for such investments due to its growing digital economy, improving connectivity and government incentives aimed at data centre development. The country has positioned itself as a neutral base for regional operations, with policymakers encouraging foreign technology firms to establish infrastructure that supports domestic innovation and cross-border trade.

For enterprises, the presence of a local Netskope facility may ease long-standing concerns about routing traffic through distant jurisdictions. Financial institutions, in particular, have faced scrutiny over outsourcing arrangements and third-party risk management. Local processing can simplify audits and reporting while maintaining alignment with global security standards.

The expansion also speaks to changing threat dynamics. Cyber risk in Southeast Asia has risen alongside digitalisation, with ransomware, phishing and cloud misconfigurations posing persistent challenges. Security teams are under pressure to gain visibility across hybrid environments that span on-premise systems, multiple cloud providers and a distributed workforce. Vendors that can aggregate telemetry and enforce zero-trust principles close to the user are gaining traction.

Netskope has invested heavily in research and development to support this approach, including machine learning models that analyse cloud usage patterns and detect anomalous behaviour. The Malaysia data centre will feed into these capabilities, enabling faster inspection and response times for regional customers.

Beyond compliance and security, performance considerations are becoming a board-level issue. Latency can directly affect user productivity and customer experience, particularly for real-time collaboration tools and data-intensive applications. By shortening network paths, local infrastructure can deliver measurable gains, strengthening the business case for in-country deployments.

The move is expected to bolster Netskope’s channel ecosystem in Southeast Asia, where managed security service providers and systems integrators play a central role in enterprise adoption. Local infrastructure allows partners to offer services tailored to national requirements while leveraging a globally recognised platform.

By Nitya Chakraborty The political developments in Bangladesh including violence against any one opposing the fundamentalists are having dangerous consequences for India involving the security and geopolitical stability in the sub continent. According to this writer who has been following the churnings in the newly liberated nation since 1971, the outlook for India in terms […]

The article Latest Bangladesh Developments Have Dangerous Consequences For India appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Two Opportunities to Engage Annually

SIM organizes two major career fairs each year, strategically aligned with industry hiring cycles. This biannual format provides flexibility for students seeking internships during their studies or full-time positions upon graduation.

DREAMS Career Fair – Flagship Event

DREAMS is SIM’s premier career fair, featuring over 100 leading companies from sectors such as finance, technology, logistics, and consulting. Participating employers include Big Four accounting firms, major banks, and multinational corporations. The event offers extensive networking opportunities, interactive employer booths, and on-the-spot interviews for internships and graduate roles. This serves as a powerful launchpad for students to secure meaningful career opportunities.

IGNITE Career & Internship Fair – Industry-Specific Networking

IGNITE is SIM’s targeted networking event focused on sectors such as accounting, banking, technology, and logistics. Unlike large-scale fairs, IGNITE facilitates smaller, more personalized interactions with recruiters, enabling students to engage in substantive conversations and build deeper connections. The event includes company talks offering insider insights into niche roles and career pathways, complemented by mentorship and personalized guidance.

From Campus to Corporate

Students at SIM leverage career fairs and employer engagement events to build clearer pathways into the workforce. Many approach these opportunities by researching participating organisations, strengthening their resumes and practising how to communicate their strengths effectively, steps that help them gain direct exposure to recruiters and better understand evolving industry expectations.

While early interaction at career fairs may not immediately result in internships or job offers, they have provided meaningful insights and networking opportunities that later contribute to successful applications. Through repeated engagement and improved preparation, students have been able to secure internships and full-time roles at major firms across different sectors.

These outcomes reflect how structured career development activities at SIM support students in strengthening both their technical and interpersonal competencies, expanding their professional networks and transitioning more confidently into competitive industries.

Beyond Recruitment: A Holistic Employability Ecosystem

SIM’s Career Connect integrates career fairs with sustained employability programming, skills workshops, mentorship initiatives such as Project Protégé, and internship matching via the CareerSense app. This holistic approach ensures students have repeated engagement with employers throughout the year and supports recognition through awards like the SIM EDGE awards, which celebrates the well-rounded development of students.

More than recruitment channels, these fairs exemplify SIM’s commitment to bridging talent, industry needs and employment opportunity. External coverage of DREAMS and IGNITE further validates SIM’s commitment in equipping graduates to thrive in an evolving job market.

References:

1. SIM Career Services Career Connect Overview – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services
2. How I Landed A Full-Time Job Before Graduating – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/how-i-landed-a-full-time-job-before-graduating
3. External Coverage – DREAMS Career Fair @ SIM (CYS Global Remit) – https://www.cys.com.sg/post/dreams-career-fair-sim-unlocking-opportunities
4. IGNITE Career & Internship Fair – SCDF Career Outreach Listing – https://www.scdf.gov.sg/join-us/career-outreach-activities/2024/09/20/career-outreach-activities/sim-career—internship-fair—ignite-2024

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg

CareerSense Matters in Today’s Job Market

The global workforce is evolving rapidly. Automation, digitalisation, and emerging technologies are creating new opportunities while presenting new challenges. Navigating this landscape requires more than academic credentials; it demands self-awareness, adaptability, and strategic planning.

CareerSense addresses these needs by combining artificial intelligence with career development expertise, offering a personalised, data-driven approach to job readiness. It functions as a comprehensive career coach, accessible anytime and anywhere.

Key Features That Set CareerSense Apart

CareerSense offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to empower students throughout their career journey. Its AI-driven VIPS profiling evaluates Values, Interests, Personality, and Skills to deliver personalised career recommendations aligned with individual strengths and aspirations. The smart resume builder provides real-time scoring and improvement tips, while the job-matching algorithm connects students to roles that fit their unique profiles. Through integrated access, students can RSVP for events, schedule advisory sessions, and apply for internships and job listings seamlessly. Additionally, the Employability Index measures job readiness and works alongside skill gap analysis and tailored course recommendations to help students stay competitive in today’s dynamic job market.

The Bigger Picture: Empowering Future-Ready Graduates

The future of work is shaped by constant change, technological disruption, and global connectivity. Employers seek individuals who are adaptable, self-aware, and equipped with relevant skills. CareerSense empowers students to take ownership of their career journey, understand their strengths, identify gaps, and build competencies that matter in the real world.

This initiative reflects SIM’s commitment to lifelong learning and employability, ensuring graduates are not only job-ready but future-ready. In a competitive market, CareerSense positions SIM learners as confident, agile professionals prepared to lead in the digital economy.

References:

1. Introducing CareerSense: Your All-in-One Personalised Career Buddy On-The-Go – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/introducing-careersense-your-all-in-one-personalised-career-buddy-on-the-go
2. Career Service – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services
3. SIM Career Sense App (Google Play Store) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=sg.edu.sim.careersense&hl=en-US&pli=1
4. SIM Career Sense App (Apple Store) – https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/sim-careersense/id1641839680
5. Introducing CareerSense: Your Guide to Career Success After Graduation – https://regional.simge.edu.sg/en/introducing-careersense-your-guide-to-career-success-after-graduation/

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg

At the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), internships are integrated into the broader approach to career preparation, supporting students as they transition from education to employment through structured exposure to industry environments.

The Role of Internships in Graduate Readiness

Internships enable students to develop practical skills while gaining insight into professional expectations and workplace culture. Through hands-on experience, students strengthen competencies such as problem-solving, communication and adaptability—attributes that remain highly valued across industries.

For SIM students, internship opportunities are positioned as part of a wider employability framework, designed to support informed career decisions and broaden access to diverse professional pathways.

An Integrated Internship Ecosystem

SIM collaborates with a wide range of organisations, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Multinational Corporations (MNCs), across sectors such as technology, professional services, logistics and business operations. These partnerships provide students with exposure to roles aligned with evolving industry needs.

Students may secure internships independently or apply through SIM’s Talent Development Programme, an in-house internship initiative administered by the Career Connect Office. This structure allows flexibility while ensuring alignment with academic requirements and career development objectives.

Access to Global Opportunities Through Alumni Networks

SIM’s alumni network further supports student employability by facilitating access to overseas internships and international work exposure. Alumni-led initiatives and professional connections create opportunities for students to gain insight into different business environments and cultural contexts, contributing to broader professional perspectives in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Experiential Learning and Career Progression

Students are able to explore different industries through internships, refine their career interests and build both technical and interpersonal skills. Some students undertake multiple placements across sectors, gaining exposure to varied organisational settings and work functions. These experiences support clearer career direction and stronger preparedness for full-time employment upon graduation.

The outcomes reflect how experiential learning, when embedded within academic programmes and supported by structured career guidance, can contribute meaningfully to graduate employability and longer-term career progression.

Embedding Sustainable Employment and Employability

The principles of Sustainable Employment and Employability are central to SIM’s approach. Sustainable employment focuses on creating fair adaptable and long-term job opportunities while employability emphasizes continuous learning transferable skills and resilience in the face of change.

At SIM, these principles are embedded into every internship experience. Programmes are designed not only to prepare students for their first job but to equip them with lifelong skills for a dynamic and evolving workforce. Internships at SIM are not mere stepping stones they are accelerators for success. By combining academic rigor with practical experience SIM empowers students to graduate with confidence and competence. Whether aspiring to work locally or globally SIM internships prepare students for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

References:

1. Career Service – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services
2. Internship & Employment Opportunities – https://www.sim.edu.sg/alumni/internship-and-employment-opportunities
3. How 6 internships, 4 hackathons, and CCAs paved the way for Ashley – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/how-6-internships-4-hackathons-and-ccas-paved-the-way-for-ashley

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg

From now until 4 January, 2026, Central is lit up where Prince’s Building and seven other iconic buildings become the canvas for the “Immersive Light Show,” activating both the Company’s properties and the public realm that connects them. Along Chater Road, a golden canopy of Starlight Boulevard, Hong Kong’s largest three-dimensional outdoor light canopy, creates a magical pathway with cascading lights and illuminated figures marking different years of celebration. This enchanting boulevard leads to LANDMARK ATRIUM’s “Noëlia at LANDMARK,” where the Company’s largest ever installation features an 11-metre lighthouse and an interactive Wishing Lake. At Statue Square Garden, Christmas Town dazzles with a majestic, 6-storey high Christmas tree. Visitors can embrace the holiday spirit at the Christmas market, which offers not only festive workshops but also seasonal food & beverages and unique artisanal products. The experience is further enriched by Santa’s Workshop craft sessions and Rudolph’s Tour curated by Hongkong Land, which weaves together Central’s enchanting heritage and festive traditions.

Winter Wonderland in Central – Experience Highlights:

Starlight Boulevard on Chater Road – Hong Kong’s largest three-dimensional outdoor light canopy transforms Chater Road into a magical pathway. Over 30 trees and pedestrian footbridges shimmer with twinkling lights, while a golden canopy at the entrance to Chater House features illuminated figures marking different years of celebration, casting a warm glow, inviting visitors toward LANDMARK ATRIUM.

Santa’s Food Market & Christmas Boulevard – Discover a charming Christmas market featuring 12 specialty chalets at Statue Square Garden, where Santa’s Food Market & Christmas Boulevard comes alive with festive flavors and holiday treasures. Visitors can indulge in gourmet offerings while exploring a curated selection of artisanal products and holiday décor – all set against the backdrop of a 6-storey high Christmas tree. The magical setting is complete with surprise appearances by Santa Claus, and whimsical toy-themed decorations.

Santa’s Workshop – Creative, hands-on workshops for all ages, brought to you by Hongkong Land. From crafting ornaments and personalised gifts to unique experiences that make perfect presents, these sessions add a personal touch to holiday merrymaking. Highlights include family-friendly activities such as the Christmas Tree Mosaic Workshop and Snow Globe Workshop, as well as distinctive options like the Christmas Aroma Stone Workshop, Upcycled Denim Christmas Tree Workshop, and the Fortune Cat Terrarium Workshop.

Find your perfect Christmas craft here: https://reg.winterwonderlandincentral.com/en/workshop/register

Rudolph’s Tour – Curated by Hongkong Land, these heritage tour blend the season’s magic with the timeless spirit of Hong Kong. Where history meets celebration, the story of Hongkong Land’s lasting imprint on the city’s skyline unfolds. This journey offers a fresh perspective on Central, rich with stories, traditions, and hidden gems.

Register here for a unique experience in Central:
https://reg.winterwonderlandincentral.com/en/tour/register

Immersive Light Show – Every night starting at 7:30pm, Prince’s Building and seven other iconic landmarks will glisten in a spectacular show, featuring a blend of 3D projections, festive animations and music.

Noëlia at LANDMARK: Joy Begins with Giving

Festive transformations lead the way to the much-anticipated annual installation at LANDMARK Atrium: “Noëlia at LANDMARK: Joy Begins with Giving.” This enchanting lakeside village is crowned by an 11-metre lighthouse, with a floating airship overhead and Noëlia’s beloved villagers guiding visitors through a landscape filled with wonders. Highlights include Hong Kong’s largest interactive Wishing Lake – Lake Lumière, the exhilarating Starlit Slide, and the Festive Photo Studio, offering endless opportunities for joy and discovery. Every 30 minutes, watch the village come alive in a captivating light show, as Noëlia shimmers with brilliance, bathing the village in sparkling wonder.

Join us this winter for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Central. Visit https://winterwonderlandincentral.com/en for the latest updates and event details.Hashtag: #HongkongLand

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

Hongkong Land

Hongkong Land is a major listed property development, investment and management group. It focuses on developing, owning and managing ultra-premium mixed-use real estate in Asian gateway cities, featuring Grade A office, luxury retail, residential and hospitality products. With over US$40 billion assets under management, Hongkong Land’s ultra-premium mixed-use real estate footprint spans over 1.28 million sq. m. in operation and 1 million sq.m under development, with flagship mixed-use projects in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Its properties hold industry leading green building certifications and attract the world’s foremost companies and luxury brands. Established in 1889, Hongkong Land takes a long-term view, investing significantly alongside our capital partners and concentrating our portfolio where we can create the most value for tenants, customers and investors. Hongkong Land Holdings Limited has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Singapore and Bermuda. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.