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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2026 – SCG, ASEAN’s leading low-carbon cement manufacturer, co-hosted Cemtech ASIA 2026, a world-class conference and exhibition for the global cement sector held from June 14 to 17, 2026. Driven by a shared commitment to accelerating low-carbon transition and achieving Net Zero goals, industry executives and experts from across the world gathered to explore breakthrough innovations, expand business networks amidst global challenges, and navigate sustainable business transformations in response to tightening environmental regulations and resource conservation demands.

Mr. Surachai Nimlaor, President of SCG Cement and Green Solutions
Mr. Surachai Nimlaor, President of SCG Cement and Green Solutions

At Cemtech Asia 2026, SCG demonstrated its commitment to advancing the cement industry through tangible low-carbon cement innovations. Mr. Surachai Nimlaor, President of SCG Cement and Green Solutions, stated:

“As the region’s leader in the low-carbon cement industry, SCG is dedicated to developing breakthrough innovations that minimize resource consumption and maximize eco-friendliness. By steadily reducing carbon dioxide emissions, we directly address the evolving demands and adaptation challenges of the construction industry across ASEAN and global markets.”

Alongside showcasing its cutting-edge LC3 low-carbon cement prototype at the exhibition, SCG hosted an exclusive site visit to its Ta Luang Cement Plant in Saraburi Province for global delegates. Key highlights of the showcase and tour included:

  • SCG LC3 Structural Cement: Developed from limestone, calcined clay, and specialized additives, this next-generation low-carbon cement reduces CO2 emissions by up to 30–40%. Its production process incorporates up to 40% biomass alternative fuels (such as rice husks and straw) and over 35% renewable energy. This is achieved without compromising any product performance or structural integrity, with its environmental performance independently verified through an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
  • Rondo Heat Battery: SCG has pioneered ASEAN’s first installation of the Rondo Heat Battery at the Ta Luang Cement Plant. Developed in collaboration with Rondo Energy, this breakthrough thermal energy storage solution converts intermittent renewable power into high-temperature thermal energy, storing it at up to 1,500°C in thermal media. With an exceptional energy recovery efficiency of up to 97% and a lifespan exceeding 40 years, the system provides a continuous 24/7 supply of clean heat, supporting the decarbonization of industrial manufacturing processes.
  • Refractory Solutions by The Siam Refractory Industry Co., Ltd. (SRIC): As a leading global refractory solutions provider, SRIC showcased its advanced technologies and innovative solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, including:
    1. Anti-Hydration Brick: The world’s first Anti-Hydration brick, extending shelf life from 6 to 24 months. This breakthrough innovation helps minimize material degradation, reduce production downtime, and improve overall operational efficiency.
    2. Thermal Media for Heat Battery: Co-developed with Rondo Energy, these high-performance heat storage blocks deliver up to 97% thermal efficiency, enabling reliable 24-hour energy availability and supporting the transition toward cleaner industrial energy solutions.
      • Solar Floating: Installed at the Ta Luang Cement Plant, this floating solar array generates 16.6 million kWh of clean electricity annually, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by over 8,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent per year. By repurposing the plant’s industrial reservoirs, the system optimizes resource efficiency and highlights SCG’s integration of green energy into heavy industry.

As co-host of Cemtech ASIA 2026, SCG reaffirmed its role as a trusted industry leader on the global stage. The event served as a major catalyst for expanding business networks and facilitating high-level technology and knowledge exchanges with world-class industry players. Moving forward, SCG is dedicated to cultivating global alliances to propel Thailand’s cement industry toward a Net Zero pathway, solidifying its position as ASEAN’s cement leader.

Watch the video:

CEMTECH ASIA 2026 | SCG Driving ASEAN’s Cement Industry Towards Net Zero

https://youtu.be/wCvSYeumGLY?si=nFle1kClP8sYR9z3

Hashtag: #SCG

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

Cornell University undergraduates have won the grand prize at The Farm Robotics Challenge with an autonomous robot that kills weeds using targeted electric shocks, strengthening investor interest in farm automation as growers look for alternatives to herbicides, fuel-heavy machinery and costly manual labour. The winning project, developed by Rootline Robotics, beat 95 other teams in the 2026 competition, which drew entries from 13 countries and spanned schools, […]

Scammers are exploiting the opening of Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders with fake early-access offers, bogus beta invitations and imitation websites designed to steal money, passwords and banking details from players waiting for Rockstar Games’ biggest launch in more than a decade. The warning comes as pre-orders for GTA 6 are set to open on June 25 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with the game […]

New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has become the centre of a sharp youth-led challenge to the government, with Cockroach Janta Party supporters extending their sit-in over exam scandals and unemployment while pressing for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign.

The protest, now in its fourth day, has drawn students, job aspirants and young supporters of a movement that began as online satire and quickly turned into a street mobilisation. Demonstrators have slept at the protest site, banged steel plates with spoons, raised slogans and used humour as a political weapon against what they describe as a broken education and recruitment system.

The Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, was launched by Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old political communications strategist and Boston University student, after a Supreme Court judge’s remark comparing some jobless youth to “cockroaches” angered many young people. The group embraced the insult as a badge of survival, saying the term captured the resilience of a generation struggling with paper leaks, cancelled exams, high coaching costs and limited formal work opportunities.

Its rise has been unusually fast. The movement built a following of more than 22 million on Instagram within weeks, overtaking several established political handles and forcing parties across the spectrum to respond. Its supporters say that online reach is only the first stage, and the Jantar Mantar protest is intended to prove that digital anger can move into organised public action.

The immediate trigger is the NEET-UG 2026 controversy. More than two million candidates had to sit for a re-examination on 21 June after allegations that the original medical entrance test paper was compromised. The episode prompted extraordinary security measures, including biometric checks, heightened police presence and tighter monitoring of communication channels. Telegram was temporarily restricted after claims that leaked papers and fraudulent exam material were being circulated through the platform.

The National Testing Agency has said the re-examination was conducted under enhanced safeguards and has rejected claims that the fresh paper was leaked. It has warned students against fraudsters offering answer keys or question papers for money, while cybercrime officials have been asked to act against accounts spreading false claims. For many candidates, however, the distinction between confirmed leaks, fake leaks and administrative failure has done little to calm anger after months of uncertainty.

CJP supporters accuse the education ministry of failing to protect the integrity of high-stakes examinations that shape careers for millions of families. Their demand for Pradhan’s resignation has become the central slogan of the protest, though the movement’s wider language reaches beyond NEET. It links exam scandals with joblessness, inflation, expensive coaching centres and the feeling that young people are being asked to absorb the costs of institutional failure.

At Jantar Mantar, the movement’s theatrical style has been central to its visibility. The banging of plates echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2020 appeal during the pandemic, when people were asked to honour frontline workers from balconies and rooftops. CJP used the same sound as protest, turning a familiar public ritual into a message of anger. Supporters have also called for symbolic actions such as diaper donations, using ridicule to keep attention on their demands.

Police have maintained a heavy presence around the protest site, using cameras and drones to monitor the gathering. Demonstrators have alleged that basic facilities were restricted as pressure mounted on them to leave, while organisers have said they will continue unless accountability is fixed. Dipke has told supporters that the movement is open to dialogue, but only after the education minister steps down.

The government has not accepted the demand for resignation. Officials have emphasised investigations, tighter safeguards and action against fraud networks. The dispute has nevertheless widened into a political issue, with opposition figures describing the CJP phenomenon as a signal of youth frustration while also arguing that lasting change must be carried through established political structures.

By K Raveendran The new FCRA rules may look like an administrative tightening of India’s foreign funding regime, but their political effect is likely to be far larger than their legal wording suggests. On paper, the framework is simple: organisations receiving foreign donations must be more precise about what they do, where they operate, and […]

The article Strained Atmosphere Adds To Suspicion About New FCRA Rule Changes appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

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  • Safety and Shipping Review 2026: Vessel and cargo value in region shows importance of maritime chokepoints. Managing geopolitical disruptions is now a top priority for shipowners and cargo operators.
  • Geopolitical tensions challenge shipping’s ongoing long-term safety improvements. Incidents fell 16% to fewer than 3,000 globally in 2025, while fire remains a major loss driver with over 200 incidents, the second highest total in a decade.
  • More complex and volatile risk landscape enforces need for greater operational resilience versus cost efficiency.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – Given that 90% of international trade is transported across oceans, maritime safety and stable shipping trading routes are critical. According to Allianz Commercial’s latest Safety and Shipping Review, incidents like the closure and reported mining of the Strait of Hormuz are the latest in a series of recent disruptions to have impacted shipping. They signal a transition toward a “new maritime order” defined by escalating security risks along strategic shipping corridors, the disruption of established trade routes, persistent uncertainty, higher risk premiums, and a greater strategic emphasis on resilience over pure cost efficiency.

In addition to geopolitical uncertainty, traditional risks for the shipping industry remain a major concern, although the numbers of total vessel losses and incidents have continued to decline in recent years. Machinery damage or failure and fires are among the main loss drivers in this regard, leading to significant economic and insured losses.

“Our analysis shows the shipping industry has made significant improvements in maritime safety in recent years. However, it has also undergone a fundamental transformation, from decades of relative stability, defined by steady trade flows and largely predictable operating conditions to becoming increasingly complex and volatile. The Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure is just the latest in a series of severe interruptions to hit shipowners and cargo operators. Resilience, geopolitics, and efficiency must be balanced in an increasingly unpredictable world, where the cost of uncertainty is reshaping the shipping industry,” explains Thomas Lillelund, CEO of Allianz Commercial.

Geopolitical uncertainty becomes top risk for shipping industry
The conflict in the Middle East paralyzed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil trade route. Allianz Research data shows that around 1,150 cargo-carrying vessels (over 100GT*) with an estimated vessel and cargo value of approximately $125 billion, a volume of 29 million GT, and as many as 20,000 seafarers are in the Persian Gulf waiting to resume operations following recent diplomatic breakthroughs. This underscores the structural importance of maritime chokepoints and how critical they are for shipping and international trade, while also highlighting the severe disruptions to vessel operations and mental strain that has been placed on those seafarers who have endured months on board facing the threat of attack.

Marine insurance cover has been available throughout the conflict, albeit at increased hull and cargo premiums. However, the real issue for shipowners has been more about the risk to the crew and the vessel when transiting a conflict zone, rather than pure insurance considerations. Even if the US and Iran agreement holds and the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, solid assurances of safe passage will be required, involving the international community, particularly if traffic is to return to its pre-war levels, up to as many as 140 vessels a day.

“We are seeing growing uncertainty around shipping routes. Any type of event – a conflict, pandemic or a grounded vessel blocking a key port or shipping canal – can potentially cause a major disruption to shipping and supply chains. The events in the Middle East have been more impactful than many would have expected. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz sets a dangerous precedent and raises questions around the long-term future of this and other critical chokepoints. What is becoming clear is that we have to pay a price for uncertainty, shifting from ‘just-in-time’ to ‘just-in-case’ supply chains, and prioritizing resilience over cost efficiency,” says Captain Rahul Khanna, Global Head of Marine Risk Consulting at Allianz Commercial.

Total loss and incident numbers decline despite industry headwinds
The review’s latest analysis shows that there have been more than 900 total losses reported over the past decade (vessels over 100GT). Between 2016 and the end of 2020, there were 555, an average of 111 per year. This number declined to 350 between 2021 and the end of 2025, an average of 70 (37% down on the previous five-year period), reflecting the positive effect of an increased focus on safety measures over time – 43 total losses have been reported in 2025, with more than 30 of these vessels over 500GT. The South China, Indochina, Indonesia, and the Philippines region is the main loss hotspot globally over the past year, and the past decade (255). A huge volume of imports and exports flow through the region, resulting in high levels of shipping traffic, which is reflected in the number of incidents.

Around the world, the number of shipping incidents declined over the past year by around 16% (2,818 in 2025 compared to 3,353 in 2024). The East Mediterranean and Black Sea region saw the highest number (622), followed by the British Isles (619), which is also the location of the most incidents over the past decade. Machinery damage or failure was the major cause of shipping incidents globally, accounting for over half (1,505), followed by vessel collision (260). Fires on large vessels, including container ships and car carriers, remain a worry. There were more than 200 incidents on large vessels reported during 2025, down from 2024, but still the second highest total over the past decade, with at least nine total losses reported.

The increasing size of vessels is also driving a trend for a rise in general average claims, where the shipowner and cargo interests share losses or expenditure to save the whole venture in an emergency. Such claims are typically complex and large. Contributions to cover losses can be as high as 50% of the cargo value, which if a vessel is carrying a few thousand electric cars, for example, could easily be over US$100mn.

“Insurance markets react quickly to crises, but the real challenge for companies is understanding how risks are interconnected. That’s why resilience and risk management are becoming just as important as insurance coverage. The shipping industry is facing turbulent times, not only from geopolitical instability, but also from traditional hull and machinery risks, where we see claims costs continue to rise, as well as from decarbonization and fleet renewal challenges. Our role as an insurer is to support our clients as both a risk carrier and a resilience partner to mitigate risks before they become a damaging loss event,” says Justus Heinrich, Global Product Leader Marine Hull at Allianz Commercial.

Geopolitics and high demand drive trend for older vessels
The average age of the global fleet increased to 23 years in 2025, up from around 20 years old just before the Covid-19 pandemic, as shipowners retain vessels for longer due to the volatile geopolitical climate. Conflict in the Middle East has seen tankers and container ships stranded and rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, for example, resulting in longer transit times and a squeeze on existing fleet capacity.

Older vessels pose significant safety risks at sea, with vessels over 20 years old accounting for over half of all safety incidents, analysis shows. As ships age, the likelihood of incidents increases due to structural, mechanical, and technological obsolescence, creating risks for crew, cargo, and the environment.

“Shipowners are under pressure to scrap older vessels and replace them with new, more efficient, safer and compliant ships. However, the recent pushback against net zero targets and full order books at the major Asian shipyards are other factors which could ensure the average age of vessels is likely to remain elevated in the near term,” says Captain Nitin Chopra, Senior Marine Risk Consultant, Allianz Commercial.

Hashtag: #Allianz

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

About Allianz Commercial

Allianz Commercial is the center of expertise and global line of Allianz Group for insuring mid-sized businesses, large enterprises and specialist risks. Among our customers are the world’s largest consumer brands, financial institutions and industry players, the global aviation and shipping industry as well as family-owned and medium enterprises which are the backbone of the economy. We also cover unique risks such as offshore wind parks, infrastructure projects or film productions. Powered by the employees, , and network of the world’s #1 insurance brand, we work together to help our customers prepare for what’s ahead: They trust us in providing a wide range of traditional and risk transfer solutions, outstanding and services as well as seamless handling. Allianz Commercial brings together the large corporate insurance business of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) and the commercial insurance business of national Allianz Property & Casualty entities serving mid-sized companies. We are present in over 200 countries and territories either through our own teams or the Allianz Group network and partners. In 2025, the integrated business of Allianz Commercial generated around €17.3 billion in gross premium globally.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – In a labour market shaped by rapid industry transformation and evolving skills demands, the link between higher education and employment outcomes has become a key consideration for students and families evaluating their education pathways.

In Singapore today, employability is no longer defined by academic achievement alone. Employers are looking for graduates who can apply knowledge in real workplace settings, work across cultures, adapt to new technologies and continue learning as industries evolve. This is especially relevant as Singapore’s labour market continues to move towards growth areas such as digitalisation, technology, sustainability, healthcare, business transformation and professional services.

Against this backdrop, Singapore Institute of Management Global Education, or SIM GE, continues to strengthen its role as a private education institution that prepares learners for the demands of today’s workplace and the opportunities of tomorrow’s economy.

Employability begins with industry relevance
For prospective students, one of the biggest considerations when choosing a higher education pathway is whether their studies will remain relevant by the time they graduate. This is particularly important in a job market where roles are changing quickly and where employers increasingly value both technical capability and transferable workplace skills.

SIM GE addresses this by offering a broad range of academic programmes through partnerships with reputable universities from Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. These programmes span disciplines such as business, computing, social sciences, aviation, nursing and other applied fields, giving students access to international curricula while studying in Singapore.

This global education model is particularly relevant for Singapore’s open economy. Graduates entering the workforce are expected to understand local business realities while being able to operate in regional and international contexts. By learning from local and international faculty, and studying alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, SIM students are exposed to global perspectives that can support their workplace readiness.

Career support that connects learning to work
Employability also depends on how students translate classroom learning into career action. At SIM GE, career preparation is supported through Career Connect, which provides career workshops, career guidance, résumé reviews, mock interviews, profiling support, internship and job opportunities, as well as career events such as company visits, networking sessions, career talks and fairs.

This structured support is important because many students do not only need a qualification, they also need guidance in understanding industries, articulating their strengths, preparing for interviews and building professional networks. These practical areas can influence how confidently graduates enter the job market.

Through CareerSense, SIM students can also access an integrated online platform to browse and apply for internships, jobs and career events. This helps students take a more proactive approach to career planning while creating a clearer bridge between academic life and employment opportunities.

Real world exposure through internships and traineeships
One of the strongest contributors to graduate employability is exposure to work before graduation. Internships allow students to understand workplace expectations, test their skills in real business scenarios and build confidence before entering full time employment. SIM GE supports this through internships with a range of employers, from SMEs to multinational corporations. Its Work Integrated Learning for Life initiatives and internship related awards further encourage students to gain practical experience and develop holistically across cognitive, interpersonal and applied skills.

For fresh graduates, SIM’s Graduate Traineeship Programme provides structured traineeship opportunities across industries, typically lasting three to six months. The programme is designed to help graduates gain hands on experience, build workplace confidence and develop industry relevant capabilities as they transition into full time employment. This emphasis on work exposure responds directly to a key concern among prospective students, which is whether they will be ready for employment after graduation. By combining academic learning with career guidance, internships and traineeships, SIM GE helps students build not only credentials but also workplace familiarity.

The value of practical exposure is reflected in the experience of Keisha Shevila, a SIM-University of Wollongong Computer Science graduate who secured a Software Engineer role before completing her degree. In sharing her journey, she credited Career Connect with helping her better understand the job search process and preparing her “more confidently for entering the workforce”.

Building future ready graduates through skills and adaptability
The future of work is increasingly shaped by AI, automation, sustainability and cross functional collaboration. In this environment, students need more than role specific knowledge. They need adaptability, communication skills, critical thinking, creativity, cultural awareness and the confidence to keep learning.

SIM GE’s broader student experience supports this development. Beyond academic programmes, students can participate in more than 70 student clubs and co-curricular activities that build leadership, communication and teamwork skills. The EDGE Award, developed in partnership with employers, recognises students’ cumulative achievements across their learning journey and encourages a more holistic approach to personal and professional growth.

SIM GE’s diverse learning environment also plays an important role. With students from more than 50 nationalities, the campus experience provides opportunities for cultural exchange, collaboration and global awareness. These are qualities that are increasingly valuable in multinational and regional workplaces.

Aligning with Singapore’s skills first economy
Singapore’s workforce strategy continues to place strong emphasis on skills, lifelong learning and adaptability. National reports and government agencies have highlighted rising demand in areas linked to the digital, green and care economies, as well as the importance of AI literacy and transferable skills. This makes higher education choices more consequential. Prospective students are not simply choosing a programme. They are choosing a platform for long term career resilience.

SIM GE’s approach aligns with this direction by combining academic pathways, global university partnerships, employability support, industry exposure and continuous skills development. Its graduate outcomes also reflect this emphasis, with SIM reporting a secured employment rate of 81 per cent based on the Private Education Institution Graduate Employment Survey 2024/2025.

Preparing graduates for Singapore today and tomorrow
Employability in Singapore today is shaped by industry relevance, practical exposure and future ready skills. SIM GE’s proposition sits at the intersection of these priorities. For students, this means access to internationally recognised academic pathways, career services, internships, traineeships, employer engagement, student development opportunities and a diverse campus environment. For employers, it means a pool of graduates who have been encouraged to build both knowledge and workplace ready capabilities.

As prospective students consider their higher learning options, the question is no longer only what they can study. It is also how that education will prepare them for the future of work. For SIM GE graduates, the answer lies in an education experience designed not only to support academic achievement but also to develop employable, adaptable and globally minded individuals ready to contribute to Singapore’s evolving economy.

References

  1. The SIM Advantage – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/sim-advantage
  2. SIM Career Services – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services
  3. Achieving the three “Beyond” at individual, industry and institutional levels: Minister Chan Chun Sing at the inaugural SIM Future of Work Series – https://www.sim.edu.sg/news-events/achieving-the-three-beyonds-at-individual-industry-and-institutional-levels
  4. How One International Student Graduated Career-Ready: Keisha Shevila’s Journey at SIM – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/how-one-international-student-graduated-career-ready-keisha-shevila-journey-at-sim
  5. Job Vacancies 2025: Labour demand gradually shifting to growth areas as firms adjust hiring plans – https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2026/0320-job-vacancies-report-2025
  6. Opening Address by Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Ministry of Education for the Launch of the Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report 2025, Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre – https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/speeches/20250122-opening-address-by-ms-gan-siow-huang-minister-of-state-ministry-of-education-for-the-launch-of-the-skills-demand-for-the-future-economy-report-2025-marina-bay-sands-expo-and-convention-centre
  7. SDFE 2025 report – https://jobsandskills.skillsfuture.gov.sg/sdfe-2025

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 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% 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

Dubai WoodShow 2026 opened with deals worth more than AED150 million, strengthening the exhibition’s role as a regional marketplace for timber, woodworking machinery, furniture inputs and advanced manufacturing technology. The three-day trade event, running from 22 to 24 June at Dubai World Trade Centre, has drawn more than 400 exhibitors from over 45 countries, with more than 600 international brands and five country pavilions. The opening-day transactions […]

Upscale AI has secured $190 million in fresh financing, lifting its valuation to $2 billion as investors intensify their hunt for companies solving the networking bottlenecks inside artificial intelligence data centres. The Santa Clara, California-based company said the Series A-1 extension brings its total funding to $500 million, less than a year after it emerged with a seed round of more than $100 million. The latest round […]

Standard Chartered is exploring the sale of its wealth and retail banking business in Bahrain, extending a wider reshaping of its consumer operations as the London-headquartered lender concentrates capital on larger cross-border and affluent-client franchises. The review applies only to the bank’s wealth and retail banking operations in the kingdom. Its corporate and investment banking business in Bahrain will continue unchanged, preserving the group’s institutional presence in […]

XRP slipped towards the lower end of its three-week trading band as weak turnover, softer derivatives positioning and fading momentum left traders focused on the $1.05-$1.10 support zone as the market’s decisive near-term test. The token traded near $1.10 on Tuesday, down about 3 per cent over 24 hours and more than 10 per cent over the week, with its market value hovering around $68 billion to […]

SpaceX’s market value has fallen by more than $600 billion in three trading sessions, a reversal that has tested investor confidence in one of the year’s biggest public listings and drawn a sharp contrast with bitcoin’s steadier performance under the same market pressure. Shares of the Elon Musk-led space and technology group extended their decline after the company moved into the bond market for the first time […]

Singapore-based used-car marketplace Carro is considering a confidential filing for an initial public offering in the United States as early as this month, signalling renewed confidence among Southeast Asian technology companies seeking access to deeper global capital markets.

The SoftBank-backed company has been evaluating a US listing that could raise as much as $500 million and value the business at more than $3 billion, though the size, timing and venue of the offering remain subject to market conditions. A confidential filing would allow Carro to begin regulatory engagement without immediately disclosing detailed financial information to the public.

The move would test investor appetite for a profitable, asset-heavy digital commerce platform at a time when equity markets have become more selective about technology listings. Carro’s case is likely to be watched closely because it combines online vehicle transactions, financing, insurance, after-sales services and data-driven pricing across multiple Asia-Pacific markets.

Founded in 2015 by Aaron Tan, Aditya Lesmana and Kelvin Chng, Carro has grown from an online used-car platform into a broader automotive ecosystem. Its operations cover Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong, with Australia also identified as an expansion market. The company uses artificial intelligence and proprietary data tools to inspect, price, finance and sell vehicles, a model designed to reduce friction in a fragmented second-hand car market.

Carro’s financial profile has strengthened ahead of the possible listing. The company posted FY2025 revenue of S$1.2 billion, gross profit of S$149 million and EBITDA of S$43 million, while total assets stood at S$1.3 billion. The results marked its fifth consecutive year of positive EBITDA, offering a contrast with earlier generations of venture-backed marketplaces that pursued scale while absorbing heavy operating losses.

The prospective IPO would come after a series of private funding rounds that brought in heavyweight investors. SoftBank Vision Fund 2 led a US$360 million Series C round in 2021, helping Carro reach unicorn status. Other backers include Temasek, GIC, EDBI, B Capital, Woori Venture Partners and Cool Japan Fund, which led a US$60 million strategic investment last year to support demand for Japanese vehicles across Asia-Pacific.

Carro’s listing plans also reflect a changing market for used cars in Southeast Asia. Rising new-vehicle prices, tighter household budgets, longer replacement cycles and growing acceptance of online purchases have supported demand for certified pre-owned vehicles. Digital platforms are trying to capture this shift by offering inspection guarantees, financing, insurance and warranty products that traditional dealers often provide unevenly.

The company’s expansion into financing is a central part of its investment story. Its fintech arm, Genie Financial Services, has built a loan book while keeping non-performing loans below 0.5 per cent in previously disclosed figures. That lending capability gives Carro an additional revenue stream, but it also exposes the company to credit risk, interest-rate movements and regulatory oversight across several markets.

A US IPO would place Carro in front of investors familiar with listed online auto retailers such as Carvana, whose turnaround has helped restore interest in the sector. Stronger US used-car platform earnings have improved sentiment, but investors remain cautious about businesses that carry inventory, require working capital and depend on financing conditions. Carro would need to show that its marketplace margins, ancillary services and regional scale can offset those pressures.

The offering would also be significant for Southeast Asia’s start-up ecosystem. A successful listing could become one of the largest US debuts by a company from the region since Sea’s 2017 flotation and may encourage other late-stage technology firms to revisit overseas listing plans. Traveloka, Carsome and Xendit have all been viewed as potential public-market candidates, though each faces different timing, valuation and profitability considerations.

For SoftBank, Carro’s progress would add to efforts to demonstrate exits from its later-stage technology portfolio after several years of volatile valuations. Public-market investors have become more disciplined in assessing growth companies, favouring businesses that can show durable margins, strong cash generation and clearer paths to profitability.

Carro’s final decision is not guaranteed. Market volatility, valuation expectations, disclosure requirements and investor demand could alter the timetable or push the company towards another private financing round before any listing. A confidential filing would mark an important step, but the formal IPO process would still depend on roadshow feedback, regulatory review and broader equity-market conditions.

Abu Dhabi sovereign investor Mubadala is reviewing a potential commitment to a private equity project fund seeking to acquire control of MNC Solution, a listed South Korean defence components maker, in a deal that would deepen Gulf exposure to Seoul’s expanding weapons supply chain. The proposed investment would be made through a fund being assembled by Korea Investment & Securities Co. Partners Private Equity Division, which was […]

Emaar Properties has pushed back the tendering process for Dubai Creek Tower by about three to four months, delaying the next major step in one of Dubai’s most closely watched landmark projects as port closures disrupt construction-material costs and pricing assumptions. The postponement affects the main tender for the redesigned tower at Dubai Creek Harbour, a project that has been on the market’s radar since its original […]

Simultaneous Launch of the New Fo Tan Campus: Introducing One-Stop Academic Consulting and Private Candidate Programs, Championing an “Individualized Teaching” Tutoring Philosophy to Solve the “Transition Gap” for Cross-Border Students

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2026 – As the Hong Kong government’s various talent admission schemes continue to deepen, a significant wave of high-achieving elite families has settled in the city. Latest official data from the Labour and Welfare Bureau[1] reveals that more than 410,000 applications have been approved under these admission schemes over the past three years. Among the approved cases, the “Top Talent Pass Scheme” (TTPS), which targets high-income individuals or graduates of top-tier global universities, recorded over 120,000 successful applications. Notably, nearly 40% of approved applicants in Categories B and C graduated with bachelor’s degrees from top international universities, possessing strong, insightful mindsets and professional capabilities. This significant intake of highly educated “New Hong Kong” families has enriched the local talent pool while directly accelerating substantial demand for international education and curriculum transitions.

According to the Q2 market trends observation by For You Education, an esteemed tutoring and admissions consulting institution in Hong Kong, TTPS parents demonstrate highly strategic foresight in planning their children’s education. Most favor international schools or a “dual-track” pathway via Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools, triggering an exponential increase in consultation and registration volumes for international examinations such as IB, IGCSE, and A-Level. For You Education identifies three core reasons behind this phenomenon: first, parents view studying abroad as a critical pathway to cultivating a global worldview and expanding horizons; second, international curricula offer rigorous academic depth, allowing students to focus on their strengths and achieve higher academic merit; third, international examinations feature flexible pacing and allow retakes, granting students greater autonomy in their preparation.

Bridging the Dual Gap of “Language and Academic Depth”: Comprehensively Enhancing the Support System via “Private Candidate Programs”

When transitioning into the Hong Kong or international education systems, cross-border students often encounter two major hardships: the “language adaptation period” of moving from a Chinese-medium to an all-English teaching environment, and the “systemic differences” in curriculum breadth and depth between mainland and international examinations. Taking International A-Level (IAL) as an example, though it offers fewer subjects than the Mainland National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gaokao), it requires deeper academic exploration and a higher degree of self-directed study within specific disciplines.

Traditional mainland education focuses heavily on intensive test-drilling, whereas international curricula (such as IB and IAL) emphasise critical thinking and research writing, such as IB’s Extended Essay. Unlike the high-stakes Gaokao, which allows students to take the exam only once, international tracks offer greater subject flexibility and an elevated margin for error. For instance, GCE A-Level allows students to choose three to four specific subjects based on their personal strengths for deep focus, while permitting modular retakes, resulting in significantly greater autonomy in preparation.

For You Education observes that many TTPS families discover that, after relocation, their local schools do not offer international curricula such as IB or IAL. Consequently, despite students’ willingness to sit, they lack institutional support and resources within their schools. To address this market gap, For You Education has carefully designed its “Private Candidate Programs” to fully support students registering for international public examinations as private candidates. Through comprehensive curriculum structuring and pre-exam coaching, the team helps students overcome institutional barriers and seamlessly transition to top global universities.

Official Opening of Fo Tan Campus: One-on-One and High-Efficiency Group Tutoring Aimed Directly at Return on Investment (ROI) in Education

To better serve newly arrived TTPS families, For You Education announced the official opening of its new branch campus in Fo Tan this quarter. The new campus features upgraded teaching facilities and a centralized team of core professional tutors. Most For You Education tutors possess prestigious international academic backgrounds and extensive cross-border teaching experience, equipping them with a nuanced understanding of the linguistic, psychological, and academic blind spots faced by mainland students transitioning to Hong Kong. Following a comprehensive service upgrade, the center offers an array of solutions encompassing Hong Kong international school admissions, IB tutoring, IGCSE curriculum, and A-Level subject selection.

For You Education opened a new campus in Fo Tan
For You Education opened a new campus in Fo Tan

In response to growing parental expectations regarding the Return on Investment (ROI) of international education, the new Fo Tan campus will prioritize personalized one-on-one and high-efficiency small-group teaching models. Practicing a modern philosophy of “individualized teaching,” the tutoring team assists students in precisely selecting subjects aligned with their personality traits and academic strengths (such as guiding suitable students to pivot from DSE to IAL tracks where they can better leverage their core academic capabilities). Over the past few years, the institution has successfully guided numerous cross-border and local students through their academic transition periods, securing placements at top global institutions across the UK, the US, and Hong Kong.

Cultivating Critical Thinking in the AI Era: “Learning Supplement” Rather Than “Replacement”

Global education frameworks are undergoing a paradigm shift, and the rise of AI technology has introduced parental anxiety regarding future academic majors and career landscapes. Addressing these concerns, Mr. Terry Lo, the Founder and Director of For You Education, stated:

“In the AI era, the core assessment metrics of international examinations like the IB program are shifting away from pure knowledge transmission toward ‘critical thinking’ and ‘knowledge application’. While consolidating our foundation in traditional academic tutoring, For You Education actively guides students on how to properly leverage advanced AI tools to assist their preparation and enhance learning efficiency. However, AI can never replace a tutor’s emotional care, the discovery of a student’s unique potential, or intellectual mentorship. We believe that learning to master AI tools to boost personal productivity is vital today, and we look forward to exploring this boundary alongside our students. We aim to utilize technological advantages to shorten students’ adaptation phases while maintaining close communication with parents who care about educational cost-effectiveness, ensuring children steadily build adaptability and competitiveness along their admissions journey.”

To assist parents in staying up to date with the latest trends in international education, the new Fo Tan campus of For You Education is now open for consultations. Parents are welcome to visit in person or browse online for successful case studies and academic consulting (admissions advice) assessment services, tailoring the optimal breakthrough path for their children’s inclusive education.

Hashtag: #foryoueducation #education #TTPS #internationaleducation




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

For You Education

Founded in 2013, For You Education is a premier, highly experienced subject-specialist tutoring institution in Hong Kong. For years, the Center has championed an “efficient learning model” to deliver high-quality educational services to students from prestigious local and international schools across Hong Kong. Classes are conducted primarily through one-on-one and high-efficiency small-group formats to address the personalized learning needs of each student.

In addition to local school curriculum support, For You Education specializes in international examinations, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE/GCSE), GCE A-Level, and SAT. It uniquely provides core academic guidance for Internal Assessments (IA), Extended Essays (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Individual Oral Commentaries (IOC). For You Education currently operates three major campuses across Hong Kong: the Hong Kong Island Main Campus (Causeway Bay), the Kowloon Branch (Yau Ma Tei), and the newly completed Fo Tan Branch, establishing a comprehensive bridge to global educational excellence.

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VISHNU RAJA
RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
IKUYO KITA