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This year’s AGM saw members returning to Singapore to attend in person, alongside strong participation from those joining virtually.

A year of reset and strategic investment

In 2025, ISCA recorded its first operating deficit in a decade. This was the result of a deliberate decision to invest in areas that will strengthen the Institute’s long-term value to members and the profession. ISCA continues to maintain a strong financial position, with healthy reserves and a resilient balance sheet.

Rather than maintaining the status quo, ISCA undertook a year of reset and renewal, with spending focused on building stronger capabilities, growing the talent pipeline, expanding into new markets and building new growth engines.

ISCA emphasised that these investments were not made for growth alone, but more importantly, to better support members and provide greater member value in a rapidly evolving business and professional landscape.

Looking ahead, ISCA’s priorities remain clear: to deliver a better member experience, strengthen the talent pipeline and enhance its regional relevance. In 2026, the focus will be on ensuring that these investments translate into tangible and visible outcomes for members.

Expanding opportunities through internationalisation

At the AGM, ISCA Council and management addressed members’ questions on the institute’s plans to expand internationally. ISCA’s regional efforts are aimed at making it easier for members to access opportunities beyond Singapore. For members based in Singapore, this means more job opportunities, potential clients and partnerships across the region. For members based overseas, it means stronger local support and a more connected ISCA network where they live and work. ISCA CEO Ms Fann Kor cited an example of a member who had spent over 20 years building his career in China and was looking to return to Singapore. Through ISCA’s network, he was connected to a listed company seeking deep China experience, creating an opportunity that would otherwise have been difficult to access.

Progress across key areas

Despite being an investment year, ISCA reported progress across several areas:

• Membership grew to 43,500, with 11% growth and a 98.3% renewal rate
• ISCA House recorded 30,000 visits, with member satisfaction at 94%
• Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ) candidate numbers grew by 37%, including 400 overseas candidates
• ISCA expanded its regional footprint to 12 overseas chapters across 9 countries, with 6 overseas offices and 3 Professional Services Centres
• Chartered Accountants Lab (CA Lab) readership reached 39,000, across more than 30 countries
• ISCA developed 8 AI agents and implemented 180 system enhancements to improve access and member experience
• ISCA Academy delivered close to 199,000 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, while reducing average cost per hour by 6% to $37.70
• ISCA Cares marked its 10-year milestone, disbursing $1.5 million and supporting nearly 500 students
• For the first time, SCAQ is being promoted beyond Singapore, making ISCA the first professional body in Asia to promote our national CA qualification overseas
• The SCAQ was embedded in an overseas university for the first time, at Nanjing University of Finance and Economics

2026 ISCA Council Lineup

The newly-elected Council Members are:

• Mr Alan Chang Chi Hsung, Managing Director, OA Assurance PAC
• Ms Chua Siew Hwi, Senior Vice President, Changi Airport Group
• Mr Quah Zheng Wei, CEO, Accredify Pte Ltd
• Ms Tan Aik Na, Senior Vice President (Administration), Nanyang Technological University
• Ms Yong Zen Yun, Partner, General Assurance Leader, Pricewaterhousecoopers LLP

The re-elected Council Members are:

• Ms Jocelyn Goh Chern Ni, Audit & Assurance Partner, BDO LLP
• Mr Koh Wee Kwang, Director, Nexia Singapore PAC
• Mr Lee Boon Teck, Regional Managing Partner, Audit & Assurance, Deloitte & Touche LLP

The Council also appointed Ms Juliet Teo Juet Sim, Joint Head, Portfolio Development Group and Head, Ecosystem Enablement, Temasek Singapore Pte Ltd. Ms Teo was appointed for her expertise on how the finance profession is evolving in response to changing business models, sustainability priorities and global economic trends.

Office bearers

At the first Council meeting following the AGM, the ISCA office bearers were appointed. Mr Teo Ser Luck, immediate past president, was also appointed as ISCA Adviser.

President: Mr Lee Boon Teck

Vice Presidents:

• Ms Ang Suat Ching
• Ms Jocelyn Goh

Treasurer: Mr Song Yeow Chung

Secretary: Ms Judy Ng

Leadership perspectives

The newly elected ISCA President, Mr Lee Boon Teck, said: “The investments we have made over the past year lay the groundwork for a stronger, more connected profession. Our focus now is to ensure that every member, whether they are starting their career, leading an organisation, or building a practice overseas, can see and feel the difference ISCA makes. I am honoured to lead ISCA at this pivotal moment, and I look forward to working with the Council and our members to build on the strong foundations we have in place.”

ISCA Adviser and immediate past President Mr Teo Ser Luck said: “It has been a great privilege to serve ISCA, our members, and the accountancy sector over the past four years. This journey has been one of the most fulfilling I have ever embarked on. None of it would have been possible without an exceptional Council, a dedicated management team, and members who believed in what we were building together. My sincere appreciation to ISCA and our members for the opportunity to serve.”

ISCA CEO Ms Fann Kor said: “2025 was a year of deliberate investment to strengthen what matters most to our members and to the profession. We invested in the talent pipeline, member support, digital capability and regional connectivity so that ISCA can continue to stay relevant and useful in a changing environment. I would also like to thank Mr Teo Ser Luck for his leadership and contributions over the past four years. Under his stewardship, ISCA made meaningful progress in strengthening the profession, growing the Singapore CA Qualification and expanding our regional footprint. Management looks forward to working closely with the new Council to turn these investments into stronger outcomes and clearer value for members.

For the biographies of the elected office bearers, new and re-elected Council Members, please click here.
Hashtag: #DifferenceMakers #Accountancy #ISCACouncil #AGM

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Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.

ISCA supports over 43,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.

ISCA advances professional development and lifelong learning through ISCA Academy, its training arm and drives community impact through ISCA Cares, its charity arm.

For more information, visit www.isca.org.sg.

• Agentic Mobile Protocol (AMP) is the world’s first agentic payment framework designed for mobile interfaces, including digital wallets, super apps, and wearable devices.
• Fully open-sourced, the protocol enables LLMs, platforms and merchants’ seamless agentic connection to 4.4 billion digital wallet users worldwide through simple and secure integration.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – Ant International is introducing the Agentic Mobile Protocol (AMP) for the agentic commerce industry to enable secure, AIOps-native agentic payment connection to mobile services including digital wallets, banking apps, super apps, and mobile portals from phones to wearable devices.

“We are deeply grateful for partners, acquirers and developers who contributed to this project. An agentic protocol for mobile commerce that ensures superior efficiency and security results will be key for businesses large and small expanding into the world’s fastest growing markets. We look forward to expanding our multi-layered partnerships to enable real-world successes of AI commerce,” said Jiang-Ming Yang, Chief Innovation Officer, Ant International.

Wallets and mobile payment key driver for agentic commerce

The global agentic commerce market could reach around USD 28 billion by 2030 with a 46% CAGR as the industry fast-forwards from pilot AI agent programs to full-scale autonomous transaction systems^[1]. The number of global digital wallet users reached 4.4 billion in 2025, and is expected to exceed 6 billion – over 75% of the global population – by 2030^[2].

While the new payment rails are positioned to become a primary interface for AI commerce, current AI payments protocols are designed largely for card rails. Merchants and digital wallets need to be able to offer smooth payment experience, authenticate trusted agents and verify credentials without disruption, as well as seamlessly handle post-checkout settlement and transaction management tasks in a mobile- and AI-native environment.

With the Agentic Mobile Protocol, merchants – LLMs, AI platforms, merchants with self-developed agents, and agent builders – and digital wallets can embed agentic payment functionality directly into their workflows, eliminating the need for system overhauls.

Ant International has open-sourced the AMP to help establish a universal, auditable standard to ensure that AI agents can transact securely and seamlessly across any global platform.

The AMP framework features:

• A superior agentic checkout experience through:
  • Faster agent integration: reducing the number of steps required to link a payment agent to a digital wallet by 50% compared to traditional card-binding methods.
  • Money-back guarantee: every agent-initiated transaction is backed by a money-back guarantee mechanism for payment partners in cases of account takeovers.
  • Cross-device compatibility: payment agents can work on mobile interfaces across smartphones, smartwatches, AR glasses and in-car systems, a capability absent in card-based systems.

• A more efficient and secure trust architecture for agent delegation to ensure secure and precise delegation of payment authority to AI agents — whether it is ordering coffee, booking a ride, or planning a trip – with full visibility and the ability to revoke or modify tasks at any time.

• A high-frequency agent-to-agent (A2A) settlement mechanism enables automated, ultra-small transactions between AI agents. It’s capable of handling nano-transactions as small as $0.000001 between agents with real-time accounting and clearing. A2A settlement is crucial to agentic economy, which requires the capacity to process high-frequency, sub-cent agent transactions that traditional payment rails cannot support.

• A full-spectrum Know Your Agent (KYA) framework establishes an agent’s digital identity and certifies its authorised capabilities. The proprietary Agent Trust Rating mechanism offers an additional layer of protection, a dynamic risk-management tool that determines whether an agent is trustworthy and controls the level of autonomy.

A 40 member-strong wallet ecosystem in cross-sector coordination

Ant International is working with wallet partners of Alipay+, the company’s global wallet gateway, to implement the AMP. Alipay+ now connects over 40 digital wallet partners, covering 1.8 billion user accounts and 150 million merchants globally.

Building on this payment partnership network that spans wallets, acquirers, super apps and cards, Ant International is among the first partners of Mastercard and Visa to pilot card-based transaction capabilities for AI agents, while collaborating with Google on its protocols for agentic commerce and payments.

Hashtag: #AntInternational

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About Ant International

Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. Through collaboration across the private and public sectors, our unified techfin platform supports financial institutions and merchants of all sizes to achieve inclusive growth through a comprehensive range of cutting-edge digital payment and financial services solutions. To learn more, please visit https://www.ant-intl.com/

A research paper done by higher education academia indicates transition, particularly after a break from formal education, can influence students’ academic performance, particularly as they rebuild study habits and self-directed learning.

A National Transition with Growing Relevance

As Singapore continues to emphasise lifelong learning and workforce readiness, the NS-to-university transition is increasingly viewed as a critical phase in the education journey. National policies allow some flexibility, such as disruption schemes that enable eligible servicemen to begin university alongside their academic cohort. However, most students still enter university after completing NS, requiring them to re-engage with academic learning after a prolonged hiatus. This has prompted educators to call for stronger institutional support to help students bridge the gap effectively.

Supporting NS Returnees: SIM’s Student-Centric Approach

Recognising the challenges faced by students transitioning from National Service back into academic life, the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) provides a range of structured academic and student support services to facilitate reintegration. Through refresher workshop and learning support initiatives, students are introduced to university expectations, including academic writing, study strategies, and independent learning skills.

The SIM Student Learning Centre provides academic support and enriching learning experiences for all students. It is staffed by a dedicated team of senior students with strong proficiency in academic writing, who regularly conduct workshops on study skills and university life, sharing practical insights with their juniors. In addition, the Peer‑Assisted Learning (PAL) Programme, established in 2013, continues to run today. Under this programme, high‑performing students are trained as subject leaders to facilitate group learning sessions, supporting collaborative learning and helping participants improve their academic performance.

In addition, SIM provides holistic student support through its Student Wellness Centre and Student Care services, which offer counselling, stress management programmes, and peer support initiatives to help students adjust to academic and personal challenges. These services are designed to support students in managing the transition to university life and maintaining overall well-being.

Complementing its academic and personal support structures, SIM promotes a vibrant campus culture through student communities and peer networks that strengthen social integration and contribute to student resilience and success. The institution further supports employability by providing facilities and career-related resources that help students build connections and prepare for the workforce.

Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive support ecosystem that helps students returning from NS rebuild academic confidence, adapt to self-directed learning, and progress successfully in their higher education journey.

Preparing Students for Academic and Career Readiness

The transition from NS to university involves not only academic adjustment but also broader behavioural and social adaptation. By combining structured support, flexible learning pathways and applied education, SIM aims to support students in rebuilding academic confidence and sustaining long-term learning success. As Singapore continues to strengthen its education to employment pathways, supporting students through key transition phases such as NS to higher education will remain an important focus for institutions and policymakers alike.

Reference:

1. Study Habits, Skills, and Attitudes: The Third Pillar Supporting Collegiate Academic Performance – https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/j.1745-6924.2008.00089.x
2. LifeSG (Ministry of Defence). Managing NS and Your Studies – https://www.life.gov.sg/guides/pe/managing-ns-studies
3. Central Manpower Base (CMPB). Disruption for Further Studies – https://www.cmpb.gov.sg/before-ns/disruption-for-further-studies/
4. Richardson, M., Abraham, C., & Bond, R. (2012). Psychological correlates of university students’ academic performance: A systematic review. Psychological Bulletin. – https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/a0026838
5. SIM Learning Support – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/learning-support
6. SIM Student Care – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/student-care

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

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

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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 www.sim.edu.sg

The grand opening ceremony welcomed a distinguished lineup of guests, including Wang Ning, Chairman and CEO of Easyhome; Tuan ACP Wan Azlan, Subang Jaya Police Chief; Tan Shyong Shan, Staff Officer for Enforcement (Inspector-General of Police’s Office); Vincent Lee Seng Chiang, CEO of Nanyang Siang Pau; Li Zhiqiang, Vice President of CECA and General Manager of China Telecom Malaysia; Dato’ Sri Dr. Philip Ho, CEO of Pavilion Group; KH Lim, Founder and CEO of Senheng; Dato’ Abdul Wahab, Advisor to Pavilion Group; and General Manager Xue Yaqi.

Strategic Entry into Southeast Asia

Wang Ning expressed strong confidence in Malaysia’s development prospects, positioning the country as a key starting point and strategic hub in the company’s global expansion roadmap.

He noted that as China’s manufacturing capabilities continue to advance, its products have become increasingly competitive globally, making international expansion an inevitable direction. At the same time, younger consumer demographics worldwide are driving demand growth, further reinforcing the push into overseas markets.

Malaysia’s mature business environment, openness to foreign investment, and strategic role as a gateway to Southeast Asia were key considerations. Moving forward, Easyhome Mall will serve as a base to expand into Southeast Asia, as well as into the Middle East and Central Asia.

Wang also revealed that the internationalisation strategy began approximately three years ago, with Malaysia being the first large-scale overseas implementation. Over the next three years, the company plans to strengthen its local supply chain and expand into key cities such as Johor Bahru and Penang, alongside other major regional markets.

A New Benchmark in Home & Lifestyle Retail

Established in 1999, Easyhome has grown into one of China’s leading home furnishing retail groups, operating nearly 400 stores nationwide. Its business ecosystem spans design services, furniture and building materials retail, smart logistics, and commercial operations, with strong emphasis on customer-centric service standards.

The Malaysia debut represents a replication of its proven “one-stop home solution” model, integrating China’s advanced supply chain with local consumer needs to deliver a seamless and innovative retail experience.

The project is developed in collaboration with Pavilion REIT, combining operational expertise and resource strengths to establish a benchmark for China–Malaysia commercial cooperation.

Empowering Smart Living Through Innovation

A representative from Pavilion REIT noted that the opening of Easyhome Mall marks a new phase for the Subang project, reflecting continuous upgrades and transformation to better serve the local community.

As technology reshapes lifestyles, homes are evolving into more intelligent and interconnected spaces. In response, Easyhome Mall introduces a new retail concept that integrates smart home technologies with modern living experiences, bringing a new dimension to Malaysia’s retail landscape.

A Fully Integrated One-Stop Home Destination

General Manager Xue Yaqi highlighted that home-related consumption typically involves multiple stages—from design and renovation to building materials, furniture, and appliances—often requiring consumers to visit multiple locations.

Easyhome Mall addresses this by consolidating the entire value chain into a single destination, enabling a seamless one-stop shopping experience. The “what you see is what you get” concept reduces information gaps and enhances decision-making efficiency.

This integrated model allows consumers to complete their home planning and purchasing journey within one space, significantly improving convenience and overall experience.

Comprehensive Lifestyle Offering

Located in USJ 1, Subang Jaya, Easyhome Mall is easily accessible via major highways including KESAS, NKVE, ELITE, and the Subang–Kelana Jaya elevated highway, as well as nearby LRT and BRT stations.

The mall features a carefully curated, multi-level layout:

Driving Digital Transformation

Easyhome’s expansion is supported by its digital ecosystem, including platforms such as Doorverse, Homestyler, and Easyhome IoT.

Homestyler, developed in collaboration with Alibaba Group and enhanced through AI technologies with NVIDIA, enables advanced 3D design and immersive user experiences.

The Doorverse platform has achieved rapid growth, surpassing RMB100 billion in gross merchandise value within three years, reflecting the strength of Easyhome’s digital capabilities.

These technologies support the transition from traditional retail to a digitalised industry service platform, enhancing both operational efficiency and customer experience.

Strengthening Regional Presence

Malaysia represents a key milestone in Easyhome’s global expansion and serves as its first large-scale integrated overseas development. Following earlier ventures in Phnom Penh and Macau, the Kuala Lumpur launch marks a deeper commitment to Southeast Asia.

Beyond retail, Easyhome Mall acts as a platform connecting high-quality Chinese home furnishing brands with the Malaysian market, while simplifying the traditionally complex home furnishing process into a more efficient and enjoyable experience.

Looking ahead, Easyhome plans to further integrate its supply chain, establish overseas warehousing, and support the global expansion of Chinese home brands—from product export to full-scale internationalisation of brands and manufacturing.

Grand Opening Highlights

The opening ceremony featured lion dance performances and a series of promotional activities, including exclusive offers and “crazy sales” deals, attracting strong public turnout and long queues from early morning.

The successful launch of Easyhome Mall marks a promising beginning in Malaysia and sets the foundation for continued growth across the region.

Hashtag: #easyhomemall #onestophomefurnishing #furnituremall

https://easyhome-kl.com/
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https://www.instagram.com/easyhomemall?igsh=bzU3czhnMWxhaGt0&utm_source=qr
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https://www.tiktok.com/@easyhomemall?_r=1&_t=ZS-95a1LnrTmsh

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The company recently marked its eighth consecutive participation at Indo Intertex Expo in Jakarta, where it showcased new opportunities for viscose and lyocell fibres and strengthened relationships across the textile value chain. The exhibition brought together suppliers and buyers seeking new product ideas and business opportunities, giving APR a platform to deepen collaboration and expand market connections.

Central to APR’s Jakarta presence was a showcase featuring seven partner companies spanning spinning, weaving, knitting and garment manufacturing. By presenting these partners together, APR, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, demonstrated the interconnected ecosystem underpinning Indonesia’s textile sector and the shared value created through close collaboration between fibre producers and downstream manufacturers.

A highlight of the showcase was a dedicated display of lyocell fabrics designed for batik applications. Batik, the wax-resist dyeing craft recognised by UNESCO as part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage, remains central to the nation’s textile identity. Lyocell’s compatibility with traditional dyeing methods offers artisans the opportunity to combine heritage craftsmanship with modern fibre innovation.

Building on this momentum, APR continued its engagement in India through participation in the Fibers & Yarns Expo in Mumbai, one of India’s premier textile trade fairs and a vital networking platform for the country’s extensive supply chain. The event enabled APR to deepen market engagement, forge new partnerships and reconnect with a rapidly expanding customer base.

At the Mumbai exhibition, APR introduced BVF, a finer denier viscose engineered for fine count spinning applications and targeting premium segments such as high-end fashion, athleisure, intimate apparel and home textiles. The Indian market continues to present significant growth potential as manufacturers seek reliable fibre supply, consistent product quality and proactive technical support to meet evolving consumer demands both domestically and internationally.

Sachin Malik, Commercial Head, Asia Pacific Rayon, said: “In the current market scenario, success is not a solo pursuit. It is about how effectively we integrate into our customers’ reality. Our strategy in Indonesia and India demonstrates that fibre producers must align their growth with the success of customers and the wider textile value chain.”

As regional supply chains face increasing pressure to become more resilient, APR’s exhibition strategy underscores a clear message: in textiles, competitive advantage is built not through scale alone, but through trusted partnerships that deliver stability, technical expertise and shared progress.
Hashtag: #RGE #APR #viscose #rayon #Indonesia #India

https://www.aprayon.com

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About Asia Pacific Rayon

Asia Pacific Rayon (APR), based in Indonesia, is Asia’s first fully integrated viscose rayon producer, from plantation to fibre. APR, which has a capacity of 325,000 tons per year, is located in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau Province, Indonesia. APR is committed to becoming a leading viscose staple fibre producer with the principles of sustainability, transparency and operational excellence, and serving the interests of the community, country and climate, while providing value to customers. APR is part of the RGE group of companies.

A Vision Rooted in Sustainable Tourism

Guided by its corporate vision to grow sustainably across all dimensions of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Proud Group aims to set the benchmark for quality tourism that is responsible to the planet — balancing long-term business growth with the preservation of natural resources for generations to come.

Highlight Activity: Returning Ten Sea Turtles to the Wild

This year, the project hosted its signature event — the release of 10 sea turtles back into the wild on Saturday, 25 April 2026, from 09:00 to 10:00 hrs, at the Wedding Pavilion, InterContinental Phuket Resort by IHG.

As part of the event, Proud Group presented a donation of THB 200,000 to the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, raised through Reefuel drinking water sales and a curated collection of eco-friendly merchandise, including reusable cups, Sarang-Pu fisherman dolls, sea turtle bracelets, sea turtle keychains, and dugong-patterned hats.

The activity was made possible through close collaboration with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), via the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, whose expertise ensured each turtle was fully prepared for release. This cross-sector partnership contributed to tangible conservation outcomes, supporting sea turtle survival rates and strengthening the long-term resilience of marine ecosystems.

Building on Four Years of Progress

Since its inception in 2022, the “Go Zero Waste, Save Our Ocean Project“ has steadily expanded its impact. In 2024, the project successfully released 5 sea turtles back into the wild — three in the first release and two in the second — contributing to the recovery of marine ecosystems in Phuket. The initiative also champions plastic reduction through its Reusable Cup campaign, with proceeds and ongoing support from Andamanda Phuket channeled directly into long-term conservation efforts.

A Portfolio of Ongoing Sustainability Initiatives

Over the years, Proud Group and its affiliates have implemented a comprehensive portfolio of sustainability programs:

• No Single-Use Plastic by Andamanda Phuket — eliminating single-use plastics across operations and promoting eco-friendly alternatives throughout the guest experience.
• Integrated Water Management — combining Water Circulation and Water Reuse technologies, achieving daily water loss of only ~3%.
• Reefuel Paper-Carton Drinking Water — a plastic-reducing alternative.
• “PROUD Kamala Project” by InterContinental Phuket Resort by IHG together with Proud Group® and Kamala Subdistrict Administrative Organization — continuous beach-care covering over 3 km of Kamala Beach all year round.
• License to Clean 001 — Andamanda Phuket and InterContinental Phuket Resort by IHG with Ocean For All Foundation, using an eco-conscious catamaran to collect ocean waste for proper recycling and waste management.
• Marine Life Conservation Program — strategic partnerships with government agencies and local communities to restore and protect marine resources.

Toward a Shared, Sustainable Future

The “Go Zero Waste, Save Our Ocean Project 2026” reflects the collective intention of Proud Group and its partners to drive responsible tourism — balancing business growth with environmental conservation and sustainable community development. Proud Group invites everyone, locally and globally, to embrace small, meaningful changes in everyday life, creating positive impact that endures for our planet.

Hashtag: #Andamandaphuket #CSR #Sustainable #GoZeroWasteSaveOurOcean #EarthWeek2026 #ProudGroup #AndamandaPhuket #InterContinentalPhuket #Reefuel #SustainableTourism #Phuket

https://www.andamandaphuket.com
https://www.facebook.com/Andamandaphuket
https://www.instagram.com/andamandaphuket/

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About Proud Group

Proud Group is a leading developer of integrated entertainment and resort destinations in Thailand, with a portfolio that includes hospitality, real estate, water parks, and lifestyle retail. Anchored in the principles of sustainable business, the group is committed to building experiences that elevate communities, protect natural resources, and inspire conscious travel.

Recognised as one of the region’s most authoritative dining guides, SCMP’s 100 Top Tables honours restaurants that excel in cuisine, service, and overall dining experience. The inclusion of multiple Galaxy Macau restaurants across Chinese, Italian and Japanese traditions reflects the award-winning luxury resort’s ability to unite worldclass talent, refined craftsmanship and impeccable hospitality within a single destination. Together, these acclaimed establishments form a sophisticated and diverse dining portfolio that underscores Galaxy Macau’s position at the forefront of Asia’s culinary landscape.

Feng Wei Ju

At StarWorld Hotel, Feng Wei Ju has carved out a niche as the premier destination for Hunan and Sichuan cuisine in the region, imparting an unforgettable taste experience on every guest with its nuanced approach to pristine ingredients and flavours. Master Chef Chan Chek Keong, Assistance Vice President of Food & Beverage Culinary of StarWorld Hotel and Executive Chef of Feng Wei Ju, boasts a deep understanding of regional Chinese culinary traditions, crafting dishes that are as bold and nuanced, as they are delicate. The restaurant’s multi-sensory approach to dining has earned it a loyal following and a quiet yet resounding endorsement of its excellence spanning over a decade as one of Macau’s most coveted dining destinations.

8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA

At Galaxy Macau, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA continues to set the standard for Italian fine dining with flawless execution in every detail. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Marino D’Antonio, the restaurant has entered a new chapter. Chef Marino, whose career spans Michelin-starred kitchens, brings a passion for quality and a deep respect for tradition to his craft. His dishes are an ode to Italian food, each one a celebration of regional flavours and produce elevated with ultimate craft.

Lai Heen

Perched on the 51st floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Lai Heen offers exquisite Cantonese cuisine against a glittering panorama of the Galaxy Resort and Macau beyond. Chinese Executive Chef Jackie Ho Hon Sing, the creative force behind the restaurant, projects his vision and skill into every dish, reimagined with a modern sensibility. Combining traditional Cantonese flavours with Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service, Lai Heen delivers an unparalleled dining experience.

Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa

Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa at Raffles at Galaxy Macau, the first international establishment by Chef Masaaki Miyakawa—one of Japan’s six Michelin three-star sushi masters—has found its home at Raffles at Galaxy Macau. The restaurant celebrates Chef Miyakawa’s interpretation of the art of Edomae sushi, a tradition that celebrates the purity of nature and the time-honoured artistry of the chef. Here, the finest seasonal ingredients, from Japan’s leading growers and generational fisherman, are transformed into delicate bites that speak to the sea, the soil, and the seasons. With only 10 seats at the sushi counter, Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa is an intimate space where every detail is a considered ode to seasonality, experience, and restraint.

Teppanyaki Shou

Since opening its doors in 2024, Teppanyaki Shou at Raffles at Galaxy Macau has earned its reputation as a study in precision and passion, redefining the teppanyaki experience under the guidance of Japanese maestros. The restaurant’s name speaks to its mission: to carry forward the traditions that encapsulate the essence of authentic Japanese food culture. Under the guidance of master chefs, the teppanyaki grill becomes a stage, where the finest ingredients sourced daily from Japan and beyond – air-freighted daily to Macau – ensuring that every dish is a masterpiece of freshness and can be transformed into a symphony of flavour. The chefs, with their deft hands and keen intuition, tailor each dish to the diner’s preferences, creating an omakase experience that is as personal as it is unforgettable.

As a world-class luxury integrated resort, Galaxy Macau continues to shape Macau’s gastronomic landscape through excellence, innovation and a steadfast dedication to quality. This latest authoritative recognition by SCMP‘s 100 Top Tables further reinforces Galaxy’s role as Asia’s leading culinary hub; contributing to Macau’s global reputation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

For more information about Galaxy Macau, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT

Galaxy Macau, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott at Galaxy Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.

Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different calibre of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.

Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind cabaret lounge that evokes the glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with stylish entertainment and customizable surrounds; and Foot Hub, which presents the traditional art of reflexology for authentic relaxation and revitalization. For Authentic Macau Flavours and Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.

Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also catered to with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and an expert service team. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meters of total flexible MICE, and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com,www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.

By Nantoo Banerjee Only six months in power, Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has emerged as the world’s most powerful woman reshaping the country’s domestic social and economic policies and international relations, taking a hard line on China. Takaichi has taken a firm stance on China suggesting that a “Taiwan contingency is a […]

The article Japan’s Pro-India Takaichi Is The World’s Most Powerful Lady appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Focus on the “Four Evolutionary Capabilities” of Private Enterprises as European Delegation Joins Efforts to Foster a China-Europe Cooperation Bridge

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 April 2026 – “Momentum Unleashed, Time is Now · GE Jun 2026 Grain Rain Speech” was recently staged in Hangzhou. GE Jun, the Chairman and CEO of TOJOY Shared Smart Enterprise Services, joined more than 2,000 private entrepreneurs, a visiting European political and business delegation, and leading scholars and experts in a far-reaching dialogue on how private enterprises may endure, adapt and evolve in a new era.

This year marks the third consecutive edition of GE Jun’s annual Grain Rain Speech. From “Leap Ahead Again” in Shenzhen in 2024, to “With Belief, The Road Opens Up” in Chengdu in 2025, and this year’s “Momentum Unleashed, Time is Now” in Hangzhou, the series has maintained a clear thematic continuity. Across the three editions, it has attracted more than 6,000 entrepreneurs to attend in person and reached tens of millions online, and has become a signature public intellectual platform amid the transformation wave facing private enterprises.

Focusing on Three Major Currents and Advancing Four Evolutionary Capabilities

GE Jun, formerly Global Vice President at Intel, Apple and NVIDIA, brings extensive global management experience. In a three-hour address, he structured his remarks around four major chapters — “Great Rivers and Mighty Currents,” “Big Waters, Big Fish,” “The Evolution of Fish,” and “Deep Bonds Between Fish and Water” — offering a systematic reading of the three great currents confronting private enterprises in 2026: technology, globalization and policy.

He pointed out that enterprises in 2026 are confronting three key realities: competition is shifting from “manufacturing capability” to “scenario-solving capability”; overseas expansion is moving from “product exports” to “capability exports”; and policy is evolving from a “traffic light” into a “navigation system.” Only by cultivating four evolutionary capabilities — antifragility, multi-generational continuity under the “new three generations,” ecosystem positioning, and two-way engagement — can enterprises truly navigate economic cycles.

European Delegation Attends Event in China as TOJOY Builds a Bridge for China-Europe Collaboration

During the speech, GE Jun said that true globalization is about “two-way engagement” — not only Chinese enterprises going abroad, but also international partners coming into China, with both sides enabling one another and pursuing shared prosperity.

Of particular interest, Ralf, founder of the European thought exchange platform Big Improvement Day, led a 30-member European political and business delegation to China specifically to attend the event. Big Improvement Day is understood to enjoy wide influence in global economic thought circles and is often described as a “mini-Davos.” During the event, TOJOY and the delegation jointly organised the 2026 Sino-European Entrepreneurs Cooperation Forum (SEEC) and Global Innovation and Development Conference, providing a long-term cooperation platform for entrepreneurs from China and Europe.

As a concrete implementation of the “two-way engagement” concept, TOJOY announced the launch of the “Global Shared Office.” Backed by the Group’s entrepreneur resource-sharing platform with more than 6 million registered users, the initiative will create overseas footholds for small and medium-sized enterprises expanding internationally and support the high-quality global expansion of private enterprises.

New Book “A Distant Drum” Released at the Event, Highlighting the Global Evolution Path of Private Enterprises

At the event, GE Jun officially released his new book, A Distant Drum: Evolution of China’s Private Enterprises in a Global Context. The book systematically sets out the evolutionary logic and practical pathways of Chinese private enterprises within a global framework, bringing together the intellectual essence of GE Jun’s more than three decades of global perspective and deep practical engagement with the private economy. “All those who stand apart do so because they have heard the drumbeat from afar.” With these words, GE Jun offered his message to entrepreneurs on the journey ahead.

GE Jun said: “Over the past 30 years, China’s economy has been defined by ‘big waters, big fish.’ Over the next 30 years, it will surely be marked by ‘deep bonds between fish and water.’ I am willing to be a resolute builder of bridges, gathering millions of ‘I’s into a shared ‘we.'”

Hashtag: #TOJOY #天九 #戈峻

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Held from 21-24 April 2026 at Singapore EXPO, the competition attracted over 180 young culinary talents from Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, the UAE and the USA to show their ingenuity and determination in shaping the future of foodservice.

As Official Sauces and Condiments Partner, Lee Kum Kee sponsored its signature sauces throughout the competition, including Premium Brand Oyster Sauce, Supreme Authentic First Draw Soy Sauce, Seafood XO Sauce and Premium Mushroom Powder, enabling contestants to refine their seasoning and create dishes with exceptional flavour profiles.

The competition was a collaboration between FHA, the Singapore Chefs Association and the Singapore Junior Chefs Club, and was endorsed by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies. As well as being a test of traditional cooking skills, it provided a globally recognised platform that challenged participants to demonstrate creativity, adaptability and culinary confidence in a realistic foodservice environment.

During the competition, young chefs who participated in either the Team Challenge or the Skills and Innovation Challenge showcased their technique and creativity under time constraints. The Grand Prix reached its climax with the Team Challenge Finals, with the top eight teams from an initial field of 14 presenting an intense lunch service for invited guests that required contestants to prepare a three-course menu using mystery basket ingredients. Judges evaluated their performances based on Worldchefs Judging Criteria, underscoring the competition’s high standards of excellence and professionalism. Korea Cooking Art Academy was crowned Champion of the Team Challenge Finals.

As part of its participation at FHA, Lee Kum Kee presented its signature products at a dedicated booth, featuring a range of offerings designed for professional chefs, HoReCa practitioners and industry players. Daily tastings of specially crafted dishes made with Lee Kum Kee sauces were offered to visitors during the exhibition, which invited them to appreciate the quality of the products.

Vincent Wong, President – APAC of Lee Kum Kee Sauce, said: “Supporting the Young Chefs Grand Prix at FHA 2026 underscores our commitment to nurturing future culinary professionals. The event went beyond competition, helping to inspire enduring interest in Asian cuisine and showcasing Lee Kum Kee’s product excellence to the next generation.”
Hashtag: #LeeKumKee, #LKK

https://www.LKK.com

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About Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China, and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.

“Across Hong Kong, organizations are rethinking how work gets done with agentic AI—moving beyond experimentation to running operations at scale,” said Judson Althoff, CEO of Microsoft’s Commercial Business. “Frontier Transformation is helping them deliver business impact and measurable outcomes by embedding AI into real workflows, with trust, security, and governance fully integrated throughout.”

Frontier Success Framework: How Microsoft Helps Organizations Scale Agentic AI with Confidence

As AI matures, success is no longer defined by deploying individual tools. At the AI Tour, Microsoft shared its Frontier Success Framework—a practical approach designed to help organizations turn agentic AI into business real, measurable business value. The framework centered on four outcomes: enrich employee experience, reinvest customer engagement, reshape business process, and bend the curve on innovation.

As part of this journey, Microsoft announced that Wave 3 of Microsoft Copilot, delivered through Microsoft 365 E7 (Frontier Suite) will reach general availability in Hong Kong on 1 May 2026. Built on the principles of Intelligence and Trust, Microsoft 365 E7 brings together Microsoft 365 Copilot, Work IQ and Agent 365, alongside enterprise security, identity, and agent governance. By grounding AI in deep work context—understanding how people collaborate, what they work on, and how decisions are made—Work IQ enables Copilot and AI agents to operate with relevance and accuracy. At the same time, Agent 365 provides a centralized control plane to govern agents, while integrated security and governance ensure AI can scale responsibly across the enterprise.

Frontier Success in Action across Hong Kong

Across industries, Hong Kong organizations are already demonstrating what Frontier Success looks like in practice.

AIA –AdvancingAgentic AI Across Its Enterprise: AIA is applying Microsoft’s AI platform to deploy a holistic, agentic AI strategy across its operations. This includes agentic AI supporting product training, lead management and knowledge access, automated claims processing and customer self-service. In addition, a citizen developer program using Copilot Studio to increase productivity. Together, these capabilities enable AIA to reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and scale operational efficiency while meeting the requirements of a highly regulated industry.

AS Watson Group – Driving Scaled AI‑Powered Personalization Across O+O Retail Channels: AS Watson Group has adopted a wide range of AI tools in its Retail HK businesses, including Microsoft Copilot and its AI capabilities across its O+O (Offline plus Online) platform to enhance productivity and decision‑making. Key use cases include AI‑driven product discovery, AI skin analysis, and in‑store personalization to enhance customer engagement, alongside employee‑focused applications such as AI‑enabled store support and AI‑generated marketing content. By scaling generative AI across operations and customer insight analysis, the Group achieves efficiency, effectiveness and cross-team collaboration in its unique O+O business model.

These examples reflect a broader shift across Hong Kong’s business community: organizations are no longer asking whether AI works, but how it should sit inside the operating model to drive meaningful outcomes.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Frontier Success Through Continuous, Enterprise‑Grade Trust

Microsoft has been part of Hong Kong’s technology and business community for 35 years, supporting enterprises as the city evolves into a hub for innovation and global impact.

“Over the past 35 years, we have had the privilege of supporting Hong Kong through multiple waves of digital transformation. Today, as this momentum carries Hong Kong into the frontier era of AI, where organizations are not just adopting new technologies, but rethinking operating models across the enterprise,” said Leo Liu, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau. “As this frontier journey accelerates, Microsoft is committed to empowering local customers and partners to get ahead in the age of AI while maintaining strong data governance and enterprise‑grade privacy—ensuring human judgment remains firmly in control and enabling Hong Kong to define what Frontier Success looks like on the global stage.”

As AI adoption accelerates, Microsoft emphasized that Frontier Success is not a single milestone, but a continuous transformation—one that requires clarity of purpose, strong governance, and real-world execution. Through its platform, partners, and ecosystem, Microsoft aims to support Hong Kong organizations as they move from experimentation to sustained, responsible AI driven growth.

Hashtag: #Microsoft #AI #FrontierSuccess

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About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.