A new study by Pearson and Amazon Web Services has sharpened concerns over whether universities are keeping pace with the demands of an AI-driven labour market, finding that 53% of employers say their main difficulty is hiring graduates with the right AI skills. The report, released on April 13, surveyed 2,711 learners, higher-education leaders and employers across the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS), the world’s leading company for elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation, service and modernization, and WeMaintain today announced that they have closed an agreement under which Otis will acquire a majority stake in WeMaintain, a fast-growing, technology-enabled service company for the elevator and escalator industry. The investment reflects Otis’ continued focus on advancing service and service technology to deliver the best possible solutions for customers.
Otis and WeMaintain leadership teams. Pictured left to right is Nora LaFreniere, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Otis Worldwide Corporation; Judy Marks, Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President, Otis Worldwide Corporation; Jade Francine, Chief Growth Officer, WeMaintain; Benoit Dupont, Chief Executive, WeMaintain.
“Service is the foundation of our business, and innovation in how service is delivered is increasingly important as customers seek greater reliability and better visibility into performance,” said Judy Marks, Chair, CEO and President, Otis Worldwide Corp. “WeMaintain has built a strong technology platform and agile operating model that reflects how quality service is delivered in a fast-paced, digital and customer-centric environment. We are confident in their growth potential and believe this investment supports their continued success while creating long-term value for both organizations.”
“Otis’ investment allows us to stay focused on what we do best – continuing to build and advance our technology and scale our business as an independent company,” said Benoit Dupont, WeMaintain CEO. ” With the stability and support of the global industry leader, we are well positioned to strengthen our offering while maintaining the close customer relationships and high standards that have always defined our approach.”
Otis and WeMaintain will operate as separate entities, and WeMaintain will continue to offer its agnostic IoT and AI-based solution to its current and future customers.
Hashtag: #Otis #WeMaintain
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Otis
Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation, service and modernization of elevators and escalators, we move 2.5 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.5 million customer units worldwide – the industry’s largest Service portfolio. You’ll find us in the world’s most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 72,000 people strong, including 45,000 field professionals, all committed to manufacturing, installing and maintaining products to meet the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook @OtisElevatorCo.
About WeMaintain WeMaintain was founded in 2017 by Benoit Dupont and Jade Francine on the belief that building maintenance could be smarter, more transparent, and more impactful. We combine AI-driven insights, IoT-powered data, and on-the-ground expertise to deliver real-time visibility, enhanced operational efficiency, and increased asset reliability for building owners and operators.
With operations across Asia and Europe and more than 350 employees, we provide services and solutions for elevators, escalators, automatic doors, and fire safety systems.
Our human + tech approach sets a new standard for service quality, customer experience, and growth.
France and Britain are preparing to convene partner countries for what President Emmanuel Macron described as a peaceful multinational mission to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a European push to keep one of the world’s most important energy arteries open without joining Washington’s new blockade of Iranian ports. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would not support the US blockade and insisted […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai AD Ports Group is accelerating its effort to turn itself from a Gulf port operator into a broader trade and logistics network, using expansion in Egypt, Africa, Pakistan and the Mediterranean to win a larger role in global supply chains as companies seek more resilient routes and integrated cargo services. For the Abu Dhabi-based group, 2025 marked another year of record financial growth. […]
OpenAI has accused Elon Musk of staging a last-minute legal manoeuvre ahead of a jury trial due to begin on 27 April in Oakland, California, deepening a dispute that has grown from a fight over the company’s founding ideals into one of the most consequential courtroom battles in artificial intelligence. The latest exchange came after Musk amended his claims against OpenAI and Microsoft, widening the remedies he […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai University of Sharjah has opened a conference on intellectual security and social media, placing the debate over online influence, youth vulnerability and responsible digital engagement at the centre of its academic agenda as governments, universities and religious scholars grapple with the speed at which harmful narratives can spread online. The event, organised by the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies through its Forum […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Qatar Islamic Bank has been named Qatar’s best private bank at the Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2026, handing the lender a prominent endorsement in a market where domestic banks and international wealth managers are competing more aggressively for high-net-worth clients seeking personalised advice, Shari’a-compliant products and stronger digital access. Euromoney’s national winners list for Qatar names QIB as the country’s best private bank […]
Police in San Francisco arrested a 20-year-old man after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the home of OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, in an attack that was followed within an hour by threats against the company’s headquarters, according to police statements and OpenAI. No injuries were reported, but the episode has sharpened concerns over the security risks facing senior technology executives as arguments over artificial intelligence […]
By K Raveendran Election regulation in India is trapped in a contradiction that has become harder to defend with each passing cycle. The Election Commission continues to apply old assumptions about influence, persuasion and voter exposure to a media and political environment that has been transformed by technology, scale and the permanent visibility of public […]
Qatar and India have moved to reinforce one of Asia’s most important energy relationships, with senior ministers in Doha pledging closer cooperation and calling for urgent protection of global supply chains as conflict-linked disruption continues to unsettle oil and gas markets. During talks on April 9 and 10, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and QatarEnergy chief executive Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi told India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, that Doha would remain a reliable energy supplier, while both sides stressed the need for uninterrupted navigation and the free flow of commerce.
The meeting carried weight beyond bilateral symbolism. Qatar is India’s largest supplier of liquefied natural gas and a major source of liquefied petroleum gas, making the Gulf state central to India’s fuel security at a time when shipping risks and production interruptions have tightened markets. New Delhi’s outreach came as it sought assurances on supply after weeks of strain across West Asian energy routes and amid concern over the effect of regional instability on domestic fuel availability and industrial consumption.
Doha’s message was also framed by diplomacy. The official Indian statement said the ministers welcomed the two-week ceasefire agreed on April 8 and underlined the need for an early end to disruption in global energy supplies. It added that Puri conveyed greetings and a message of solidarity from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Qatar’s leadership, reflecting how the energy relationship is now closely tied to broader strategic engagement covering trade, investment and regional stability.
For India, the stakes are immediate. The country depends on imports for about half of its natural gas needs, and the supply shock has already exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure and procurement. GAIL’s finance director said this week that the Dabhol LNG terminal in Ratnagiri was operating at less than half its 5 million-tonnes-a-year capacity because of constrained global supplies. Hindustan Petroleum’s Chhara LNG terminal in Gujarat has also faced difficulties after missing two cargoes in March and April that were expected from Qatar via ADNOC Trading.
The background to the Doha talks is a sharp deterioration in regional energy logistics. Reuters reported on April 8 that QatarEnergy was preparing to restart LNG production after attacks in March forced stoppages at facilities in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. Two of three trains at QELNG North 1 had been restarted, but a full return depended on vessels being able to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most sensitive energy chokepoints. The same disruption has inflated spot prices and increased anxiety among large importers across Asia.
That makes Qatar’s long-term importance to India even clearer. In February 2024, QatarEnergy and Petronet LNG signed their largest single LNG supply agreement, under which Qatar will deliver 7.5 million metric tonnes a year from 2028 to 2048. Reuters reported at the time that Qatar planned to lift LNG liquefaction capacity to 126 million tonnes a year by 2027, up from 77 million, as it sought to strengthen its role in Asian and European markets. The scale of that agreement gives India a measure of stability, but it also underlines how deeply its gas strategy remains linked to a single Gulf supplier.
That dependence has advantages and risks. Qatar has earned a reputation for contractual reliability and remains among the lowest-cost LNG producers in the world, qualities prized by importers facing volatile spot markets. At the same time, the events of March and April have shown that even long-established energy corridors can be shaken by military escalation, damage to infrastructure and pressure on maritime routes. For policymakers in New Delhi, that is likely to sharpen interest in diversification through additional long-term contracts, more storage, broader sourcing and faster domestic gas infrastructure expansion.
India’s longer-term energy ambitions add another layer to the relationship. The government has repeatedly said it wants to raise the share of natural gas in the energy mix to 15 per cent by 2030, from just over 6 per cent at present. That target cannot be met without dependable imported LNG, even as the country pushes renewables, domestic gas output and cleaner urban fuels. Reliable Qatari supply therefore remains integral not only to short-term energy security, but also to India’s broader transition strategy and industrial planning.
Gunzilla Games, the studio behind blockchain-linked shooter Off The Grid and the new owner of Game Informer, has been accused by current and former workers of failing to pay salaries for months, opening a fresh controversy around one of gaming’s more closely watched independent publishers. Multiple reports published on April 8 and April 9 said staff and contractors alleged they had gone unpaid since late 2025, while […]
By Nitya Chakraborty All nations in the globe except perhaps Israel have welcomed the ceasefire agreement for two weeks between U.S. and Iran announced by President Donald Trump on April 7 evening US time and later endorsed by the Iranian government. The ceasefire is fragile – Israel has bombed Lebanon killing 254 persons on Wednesday […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2026 – Marking yet another milestone as the World’s Meeting Place, Hong Kong became the first city outside Chinese Mainland to host the nation’s largest conference on chest pain centres – the 15th China Chest Pain Centers Congress (CCPCC 2026), thanks to the effort of Hong Kong Convention Ambassador (HKCA) appointed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).
Together with two other high-profile and hugely successful medical congresses – the 41st Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress in February and the 17th Asian Congress of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in March, Hong Kong’s medical science events space was off to a strong start in 2026.
Ms Marilyn Tham, General Manager of Mega Events, MICE & Cruise of the HKTB said, “Hong Kong’s leading edge in medical sciences coupled with the city’s world-class venues and destination appeal have enabled notable success for internationally significant medical events. CCPCC 2026 is one of the large-scale medical conventions confirmed for 2026. Such robust lineup reflects event organisers’ confidence in Hong Kong as a premier hub for advancing global exchanges on medical sciences.”
Over 10 medical conventions have secured a spot in Hong Kong this year, spanning diverse disciplines, from cytology to oncology, antimicrobial resistance and more (see full list below). The breadth and depth of the events reflects Hong Kong’s growing appeal as the premier convention hub where global medical minds meet.
Globalising Chest Pain Leadership from Hong Kong
Held on 3-4 April 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with a concurrent venue in Shenzhen, CCPCC 2026 converged 3,000 healthcare leaders, physicians, nurses, researchers, policymakers and industry experts from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, the Belt and Road countries and beyond. The rich topics explored across two days encompassed cutting-edge healthcare innovations, AI-assisted clinical decision-making, intelligent emergency response systems and international accreditation standards.
Co-organised by Hospital Authority (HA) of Hong Kong, the National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, the Guangdong Chest Pain Centers Association, the Chinese Cardiovascular Association (CCA) and Oriental Huaxia Cardiovascular Health Research Institute (OHCHRI), Suzhou Industrial Park, CCPCC 2026 showcased conducive partnership.
Mr. Wenming Zeng, Secretary-General of OHCHRI, remarked, “The global influence of CCPCC has been growing over the years. Thanks to Hong Kong’s strategic location, leading medical standing and its unique role bridging Chinese Mainland and the world, this year’s congress has drawn even wider global participation, giving the event greater international significance. Hong Kong has helped showcase our event to the world, taking cardiovascular emergency intervention to a new height globally.”
A Launchpad for Mainland-spearheaded International Standards
Capitalising on Hong Kong’s strengths as a super-connector for fostering globalisation, CCPCC 2026 released for the first time the “International Standards on Chest Pain Center Construction and Accreditation”, marking Mainland’s global leadership in cutting-edge cardiovascular emergency intervention. Leveraging Hong Kong’s internationalisation, the efforts to foster global policy support and implementation of the standards will contribute to fair, accessible and timely intervention for cardiovascular emergencies around the world.
Another Significant Win for HKCA Programme on its 5th Anniversary
As a HKTB-appointed HKCA, Prof Lu Shi-Juan, who is a Member of Hainan Medical Association Cardiovascular Professional Committee, played an instrumental role in bringing CCPCC 2026 to Hong Kong. This marked the latest success story of the HKCA programme, as HKTB celebrated the programme’s milestone 5th anniversary with a HKCA Networking Cocktail Event on 31 March, 2026.
Prof Lu noted, “As a Hong Kong International Convention Ambassador, I have worked closely with the HKTB to bring CCPCC to Hong Kong, which is a gateway to the global stage. Hosting the conference here showcases how Hong Kong can elevate Mainland conferences internationally, foster cross‑border knowledge exchange and help shape the future development of the broader medical and professional community.”
The HKCA programme bands together over 170 local and mainland sector leaders of 13 industries and academics to champion Hong Kong as the World’s Meeting Place. Their initiative and connections have helped Hong Kong secure 50 convention wins that have brought in nearly 100,000 high-value overnight MICE visitors.
Strong Medical Events Lineup in 2026
Over 10 medical conventions will be held in 2026 across various disciplines, including ophthalmology, oncology, antimicrobial resistance and cytology.
Event
(*first-ever in Hong Kong)
Date / Venue
Highlights
The 41st Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress 2026
5-8 Feb,
HKCEC
The largest and most authoritative ophthalmology congress in APAC, returning to HK for the fifth time, with record-breakingattendance of 11,000+ participants from 111 countries and regions.
The 17th Asian Congress on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2026
27-29 Mar,
HKCEC
Held in Hong Kong for the second time, bringing together internationally acclaimed speakers, globally renowned experts and young surgeons to foster academic exchange and professional development.
The 15th China Chest Pain Centers Congress
3-4 Apr,
HKCEC
Chinese Mainland’s largest conference on chest pain centres, hosted for the first time outside Chinese Mainland.
*Asian Federation of Cytology Societies Conference 2026
8-10 May,
Postgraduate Education Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital
First edition in Hong Kong, bringing together regional and international cytology experts for academic exchange and collaboration.
International Symposium on Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance 2026
12-14 Jun,
HKCEC
A key international platform for academic exchange on infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
European Society of Medical Oncology Targeted Anticancer Therapies Asia 2026
12-14 Jun,
Kerry Hotel
A key Asia-Pacific platform for showcasing the latest advances in early-phase oncology drug development, targeted therapies and precision oncology.
Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists Conference 2026
10-13 Aug,
Cheung Kung Hai Conference Centre, The University of Hong Kong
A major regional scientific meeting in biochemistry and molecular biology, bringing together researchers, educators and professionals from across Asia and Oceania for academic exchange and collaboration.
* 2026 World Cancer Congress
24-26 Sep,
HKCEC
A leading global forum advancing cancer control and research.
2026 Asia-Pacific Longevity Medicine International Summit
1-4 Oct,
TBC
A leading international platform and regional collaborative hub dedicated to longevity medicine and innovation, attracting top longevity scientists, medical experts, cross-industry entrepreneurs and investors from over 50 countries.
10th Asia Cornea Society Scientific Meeting 2026
11-13 Dec,
TBC
A key regional forum for cornea specialists to exchange the latest clinical insights, diagnostics and treatments, and to strengthen collaboration across the Asia-Pacific ophthalmology community.
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Global Health Conference 2026
7-9 Dec,
Henry Cheng International Conference Centre, CUHK
Third time in Hong Kong, convening leading academics, policymakers and practitioners to address critical global health challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2026 – Kenanga Investors Berhad (“Kenanga Investors“) has swept four accolades at the LSEG Lipper Fund Awards 2026 (“the Awards“).
Xav Feng, Asia Pacific Research director, LSEG Lipper, Christopher Kok, Head of Equities, Kenanga Investors Berhad, Lee Sook Yee, Chief Investment Officer, Mohd Faiz Hamsidi, Fixed Income Fund Manager, and Kuek Ser Kwang Zhe, Wealth editor, The Edge Malaysia.
The firm was recognised across various categories, a testament to its continued outperformance:
Kenanga Growth Fund (“KGF“) – Best Equity Malaysia – Malaysia Provident Funds over 5 Years
Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 MYR Class (“KGFS2“) – Best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Provident Funds over 3 Years
Kenanga Malaysian Inc Fund (“KMIF“) – Best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 Years
Kenanga Managed Growth Fund (“KMGF“) – Best Mixed Asset MYR Balanced Malaysia – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 Years
Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director said, “We are honoured to be recognised by LSEG Lipper for our consistent performance in 2025 against a backdrop of volatility, underpinned by heightened trade wars. During the year, geopolitical risks and trade tensions caused sudden swings in sentiment, which affected small- and mid-cap stocks. We steered clear of headlines and focused on sustainable earnings. This allowed us to selectively position ourselves for when valuations turned compelling while reducing exposure when risks escalated which proved effective and underscores our expertise in Malaysian equities”.
Since the launch of KGF in 2000 and KGFS2 in 2018, both funds have demonstrated consistent performance. As of December 2025, each has surpassed RM1 billion in assets under management1, underscoring Kenanga Investors’ disciplined investment approach and commitment to long term value creation. This year’s Awards also mark KGF’s sixth Lipper title while KGFS2 celebrates its inaugural win.
Lee Sook Yee, Chief Investment Officer, elaborated on the firm’s approach, “We maintained a disciplined bottom‑up stock‑picking strategy anchored in company fundamentals, giving us the conviction to stay invested in high quality businesses with strong balance sheets and structural growth drivers. This was supported by a strict risk management framework focused on sector diversification, prudent buffers, and incremental rebalancing. In 2026, we will emphasise themes such as artificial intelligence and data centre expansion, infrastructure, utilities, and selective REITs, while remaining true to our investment philosophy”.
Over the five‑year period ended 31 December 2025, KGF delivered a total return of 48.82%, significantly outperforming its benchmark2 of 3.25%. Similarly, KGFS2 achieved a robust 49.92% return compared to its benchmark’s3 46.93%. KMIF also recorded solid results with a 32.67% return against a benchmark4 of 5.26%, while KMGF posted a commendable 25.88% return, exceeding its benchmark’s5 11.32%.
The firm also recently introduced the Kenanga Growth Fund Series 3 (“KGFS3“), the third fund within its flagship conventional fund series. The KGFS3 utilises the firm’s proven investment philosophy and is managed with an active investment strategy depending on the market conditions and outlook, combining a top-down asset and sector allocation process with a bottom-up stock selection methodology.
The LSEG Lipper Fund Awards, granted annually, highlight funds and fund companies that have excelled in delivering consistently strong risk-adjusted performance relative to their peers. The Awards are based on the Lipper Leader for Consistent Return rating, which is a risk-adjusted performance measure calculated over 36, 60 and 120 months. This year’s achievements will serve to strengthen Kenanga Investors’ market leadership and drive its focus on creating enduring value for its investors.
For more information about Kenanga Investors, please visit kenangainvestors.com.my.
1 Source: Lipper, 31 December 2025
2 Benchmark: FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI CR
3 Benchmark: 8% p.a.
4 Benchmark: FTSE Bursa Malaysia Top 100 CR
5 Benchmark: FTSE Bursa Malaysia Top 100 Index (50%) & All MGS Index by RAM Quant Shop (50%)
Hashtag: #Kenanga
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Kenanga Investors Berhad 199501024358 (353563-P)
We provide investment solutions ranging from collective investment schemes, portfolio management services, alternative investments, as well as wills and trusts for retail, corporate, institutional, and high net worth clients via a multi-distribution network.
The LSEG Lipper Fund Awards 2026 recognised four funds under the Malaysia Provident Funds category; Kenanga Growth Fund was named Equity Malaysia (5 Years), Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 was awarded Equity Malaysia Diversified (3 Years), Kenanga Malaysian Inc Fund was awarded Equity Malaysia Diversified (10 Years) while Kenanga Managed Growth Fund was recognised with the title Mixed Asset MYR Balanced – Malaysia (10 Years).
The Hong Kong-based Asia Asset Management’s (“AAM“) 2026 Best of the Best Awards awarded Kenanga Investors under the following categories, Malaysia Best Impact Investing Manager, Best Impact Investing Manager in ASEAN, Malaysia Best Equity Manager, Malaysia CEO of the Year (Co-Winner), Malaysia CIO of the Year, Malaysia Best House for Alternatives and Malaysia Best ESG Engagement Initiative.
At the AAM ETF Awards 2026, Kenanga Investors received an accolade under the category Malaysia Leverage and Inverse ETF of the Year for the Kenanga KLCI Daily 1x Inverse ETF. The IFN Investor Awards 2025 awarded the Kenanga Islamic Balanced Fund under the categories of “IFN Investor Best Balanced Mixed Assets Fund in Malaysia — MYR 2025”, “IFN Investor Best Balanced Mixed Assets Fund in Asia Pacific 2025”, and “IFN Investor Best Global Balanced Mixed Assets Fund 2025”.
The FPAM Financial Planning Leadership Award 2025 presented Kenanga Investors with the Platinum Award under the Charter Member Category, highlighting our dedication to shaping the future of financial planning. The FSMOne Recommended Unit Trusts Awards 2025/2026 has awarded the Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 with the “Sector Equity — Malaysia Focused” award for the fourth consecutive year since 2022. For the ninth consecutive year, we were affirmed an investment manager rating of IMR-2 by Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad, since first rated in 2017. The IMR rating on reflects the fund management company’s well-established investment processes and sound risk management practices.
This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group’s Marketing, Communications & Sustainability department.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2026 – Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited (Jardines) has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, which outlines the Group’s approach to sustainability, progress towards its objectives and 2025 performance. The report can be found at sustainability.jardines.com/2025/.
Jardines embeds sustainability within its value creation strategy and applies a rigorous lens to investment and capital allocation decisions. There are clear sustainability expectations for our diverse portfolio of market‑leading businesses with the aim to build resilience and mitigate emerging risks.
Earlier, Jardines announced its strategic repositioning from owner-operator to an investment company with a focus on sustainable, top-quartile Total Shareholder Return. Jardines is also committed to active portfolio value creation, talent development, world-class governance and sustainability improvements across its portfolio.
In 2025, Jardine Matheson delivered strong progress on its ‘Building Towards 2030’ sustainability strategy:
Climate action – Decarbonisation remains top priority. 8% decline in scope 1 and 2 emissions from companies on the Decarbonisation and Transition pathway
Responsible consumption – Improvements in waste reduction, resource efficiency and circularity initiatives. 29% decrease in total waste generated and 95% total waste diverted from landfill
Social inclusion – Ongoing investments in education, health and livelihoods. US$59m in community investments made
Governance and transparency – Enhanced sustainability governance and disclosure as Jardines maintains portfolio oversight of sustainability across its portfolio. ESG ratings improvement reflect positive response on sustainability performance (S&P: 82nd percentile, ISS ESG: Prime)
Ben Keswick, Executive Chairman of Jardine Matheson said, “Sustainability is foundational to how we protect and enhance economic value and build long-term resilience across Jardine Matheson – it is an essential value that every business in our portfolio must commit to and that guides the investment decisions we make. We will continue to embed sustainability in our strategy and portfolio management decisions, with a clear focus on decarbonisation, by setting clear commitments, measuring progress against our roadmaps, and applying disciplined governance across our portfolio.”
Decarbonisation is top priority Contributing to a sustainable, low-carbon future is a strategic priority for Jardines. In 2025, the Group delivered an 8% reduction in total scope 1 and 2 emissions, reflecting steady progress across its diversified portfolio. This was supported by a continued shift away from fossil-fuel energy, with renewable energy accounting for 45% of total energy consumption, alongside an overall reduction in energy use.
Jardines’ decarbonisation approach is structured around two pathways: a Decarbonisation Pathway, and a Transition Pathway for mining and energy businesses.
In 2025, Jardines’ portfolio companies began formal reporting on climate risks and opportunities to their audit committees, following the integration of climate risks into existing ERM processes the prior year. Alongside, Jardines is also integrating sustainability factors into investment due diligence and decision-making, ensuring material sustainability-related aspects of an investment are considered as Jardines continues to unlock value creation for its stakeholders.
Looking forward Looking ahead, Jardines will continue to embed sustainability as a core value driver across its portfolio by setting clear commitments and prioritising decarbonisation. The Group will continue to strengthen governance and incentives to drive accountability and deliver on scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction pathways.
To access the Sustainability Report 2025, please visit sustainability.jardines.com/2025/ or click here to download the PDF. Hashtag: #JardineMatheson
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Jardine Matheson
Jardine Matheson (Jardines) is a diversified, Asia-focused investment company. Founded in China in 1832, Jardines creates value for our stakeholders by building lasting, scalable businesses in Asia that produce sustainable returns and market leading services and products.
We ensure highly-qualified boards and leadership teams are in place across the Group, with incentives aligned to driving shareholder value. At the holding company level, we aim for decisive portfolio management built on disciplined capital allocation and strong investment expertise.
At Jardines, we value integrity and long-term partnerships. We ensure global best practice in risk management and governance is embedded across our portfolio, and coupled a strong balance sheet with excellent access to low-cost funding from banks and the capital markets.
Since our founding, Jardines has benefitted from the role of family shareholders who act as long term stewards of our values and commitments – which includes embedding sustainability across our portfolio companies and doing right by our communities for the long term. We are proud to build value for shareholders while also making a positive contribution to the communities we serve.
Jardine Matheson holds interests in Hongkong Land (54.7%), DFI Retail Group (77.5%), Mandarin Oriental (100%), Jardine Pacific (100%), Jardine Cycle & Carriage (JC&C) (85.7%), and Zhongsheng (21.4%). JC&C in turn has a 50.1% shareholding in Astra.
Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited is a listed company with a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and a secondary listing in Singapore.
By Asad Mirza It seems that President Trump’s Tuesday morning Truth Social post, which threatened “a whole civilisation will die tonight” and raised the spectre of nuclear war, has jolted the American lawmakers, and it has begun a chorus of calls either for Trump’s impeachment or for his removal via the invocation of the 25th […]
Kuka is stepping up its push into the United States and Asia as its leadership warns that too many manufacturers in Europe are moving too slowly on artificial intelligence, creating an opening for competitors in markets where automation spending and industrial policy are advancing at a quicker pace. The shift, outlined by chief executive Christoph Schell, comes as the Augsburg-based robotics group tries to reposition itself around […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Sharjah authorities said on Tuesday that a ballistic missile fired from Iran hit an administrative building belonging to Thuraya Telecommunications Company in the emirate’s Central Region, wounding two Pakistani nationals and underlining how the wider regional conflict is reaching civilian and commercial sites in the UAE. Officials said both men suffered moderate injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. State news agency […]
By Nitya Chakraborty China and Russia are the two major countries which are going the wholehog in boosting the Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing who has just been elected as the new President following national elections which were rigged, according to the international poll observers. India also exercised its diplomatic pragmatism by doing away […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai BNW Developments, which describes itself as Ras Al Khaimah’s largest private developer, has entered Dubai’s off-plan market with Orvessa Residences by Michel Adam, a branded residential scheme in Al Furjan that marks the company’s latest push beyond its fast-growing base in the northern emirate. The move extends BNW’s branded-homes strategy at a time when Dubai continues to draw both end-users and investors […]
DAMAC Properties said it led Dubai’s property market by transaction volume in March, reporting sales of 3.12 billion dirhams across 1,106 transactions, a performance that put it ahead of Emaar Properties on 795 deals and Binghatti Holding on 578, according to Property Monitor data cited by the developer. The figures place DAMAC at the front of one of the Gulf’s busiest real-estate markets at a time when […]
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 April 2026 – The ACES Institute has officially released its latest comprehensive research publication titled “Doing Things Right, Doing the Right Things: The Scramble for the Soul of an Organisation.” The study provides a rigorous analysis of the modern corporate dilemma between operational efficiency and ethical conviction, introducing a leadership framework designed to help global organizations navigate increasingly fragmented stakeholder expectations.
Ren Li, Founder and CEO of Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd., whose commitment to ‘doing the right things’ led the company’s pivotal shift toward sustainable materials long before it became an industry standard.
The research, authored by Research Strategist Ager Freddy, Senior Researcher Timothy Benson, and ACES Institute President Dr. Shanggari Balakrishnan, argues that the phrase “doing the right thing” is frequently invoked in business discourse as a universal moral ideal, yet it is rarely examined through the lens of operational cost and strategic trade-offs. The study identifies that what is considered “right” varies significantly depending on the stakeholder ranging from regulatory compliance for governments and governance standards for investors to fair wages for employees and responsible resource use for environmental advocates.
The 4Cs Framework and Institutional Resilience
Central to the publication is the introduction of the 4Cs leadership framework: Creativity, Conscientiousness, Constancy, and Collaboration. According to the ACES Institute, these four pillars are essential for embedding ethical considerations directly into an organization’s product design, engineering processes, and corporate culture. The researchers suggest that by moving beyond surface-level corporate social responsibility and toward an institutionalized philosophy, companies can build a foundation for long-term differentiation and resilience.
The study acknowledges that this values-driven approach often necessitates difficult decisions that may carry significant short-term costs. Organizations pursuing deep sustainability or ethical strategies may face higher production expenses, skepticism from traditional market analysts, and resistance from consumers who express support for sustainability in theory but remain sensitive to price in practice. Furthermore, the research explores how global economic and political dynamics, such as shifting regulations and differing sustainability standards across international markets, complicate the efforts of leaders to maintain a consistent ethical stance.
Case Study Analysis: Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd.
To provide empirical evidence for these findings, the report examines the multi-decade journey of Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd., a manufacturer of premium outdoor living products. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Ren Li, the company made a pivotal decision in the early 2000s to abandon wood then the dominant material in the industry in favor of recyclable materials such as aluminum. This decision was driven by personal conviction regarding environmental impact rather than immediate market demand or regulatory requirements.
The case study illustrates the “Constancy” pillar of the ACES framework, noting that the move initially triggered significant resistance. During this period, customers continued to prefer traditional materials, employees questioned the strategic shift, and management warned of the financial consequences of declining orders. However, the research highlights that by persisting through this uncertainty, Letright successfully transitioned from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to an original design manufacturer (ODM). This shift allowed the company to build its own intellectual property, eventually leading to the development of the Ombra solar smart pergola, which integrates photovoltaic technology for renewable energy generation.
Executive Perspective on Global Leadership
“Organisations today operate in a landscape where expectations rarely align,” stated the authors of the study. “What appears responsible to one group may be viewed as inadequate or even harmful by another. Ultimately, ethical leadership does not mean achieving universal approval or avoiding difficult decisions. Instead, it requires organisations to define their own principles and align strategy, operations, and innovation around those values.”
The publication concludes that while “doing the right things” does not guarantee universal agreement, organizations that clearly define their values and consistently act on them are statistically more likely to build lasting relevance and resilience in an increasingly complex business environment. This research forms a key part of the ACES Institute’s ongoing mission to examine the intersection of leadership, sustainability, and responsible corporate transformation across global industries. Hashtag: #ACESInstitute #LetrightIndustrial
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ACES Institute
ACES Institute is a Kuala Lumpur-based research and thought leadership organisation focused on responsible leadership, sustainability, and organisational transformation. Through industry research, case studies, and strategic insights, the institute works with global companies and experts to explore how organisations can create long-term value while addressing complex economic, social, and environmental challenges.
About Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd. | Ombra Brand
Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd. is a global manufacturer of premium outdoor living solutions, specialising in innovative pergolas, outdoor furniture, and lifestyle products. Headquartered in Hangzhou, China, the company combines design innovation, advanced engineering, and environmentally responsible materials to deliver sustainable outdoor experiences for residential and commercial markets worldwide.
Young business owners drive small businesses in Malaysia
Technology adoption remains concentrated in front-end activities
Improved access to finance needed for deeper digital transformation
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 April 2026 – Innovation, technology and young entrepreneurs continue to power growth among Malaysian small business, but this has yet to translate into sustained improvements in business performance, according to CPA Australia’s Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey findings.
While half of Malaysian small businesses report improved profitability from their technology investments over the past two years, the proportion generating more than 10 per cent of revenue from online sales declined from 74 per cent in 2024 to 62 per cent in 2025.
Digital payment usage has also declined in 2025 with 74 per cent of small businesses receiving more than 10 per cent of their sales through digital payment platforms such as GrabPay, Touch ‘n Go and Boost, compared to 78 per cent in 2024.
Priya Terumalay, CPA Australia’s Regional Head for Southeast Asia, said while government initiatives have helped support technology adoption, these efforts have yet to drive significant uptake of deeper productivity-enhancing technologies, such as artificial intelligence, process automation, data analytics and systems integration.
“Technology investment remains concentrated in computer hardware and customer-facing functions like mobile apps and payments, while structural constraints continue to limit more transformative approaches,” Priya said.
“With cost pressures remaining a persistent challenge compressing margins, policy priorities should focus on addressing structural constraints such as re-orienting digital support towards automation, systems integration, and data use along with support for productivity-enhancing responses rather than short-term relief.”
Businesses making technology investments must include adequate protection measures to minimise cyber risk exposure as 35 per cent of small businesses lost time or money due to a cyber-attack in 2025.
Only 39 per cent reviewed their cybersecurity protections over a six-month period, the second lowest result among the 11 markets surveyed.
Despite the challenges, business sentiment on the Malaysian economy remains positive with 75 percent of small businesses expecting the economy to grow in 2026.
A strong 77 per cent also anticipate business growth this year, although improved access to effective finance, especially for investment will be important to enable deeper digital transformation and build resilience.
“This is particularly crucial for outward-oriented small businesses navigating global supply chain pressures and trade policy uncertainty that could weigh on growth, especially firms integrated into regional supply chains.” Priya said.
About the survey
CPA Australia’s 17th annual Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey was conducted among small business owners/senior managers during November and December 2025 to identify the characteristics of successful small businesses across the region. The findings for the survey come from 4,166 small businesses in 11 markets. From the commencement of the survey in 2009, we have surveyed over 50,000 small businesses across the region. These include Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam. Hashtag: #SmallBusiness #CPAAustralia #MalaysiaBusinesses
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About CPA Australia
CPA Australia is one of the world’s largest professional accounting bodies, with more than 175,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 21,000 members in Southeast Asia. As we mark our 140th anniversary, we also celebrate 70 years of presence in Malaysia. With offices in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam, we are the largest Australian accounting body in the region providing education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on issues affecting the accounting profession and the public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. A CPA is a Certified Practising Accountant. More at cpaaustralia.com.au
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 April 2026 – On April 6, 2026, three Vingroup member organizations—the “For Green Future” Foundation, VinUniversity, and VinTechTalent (Vingroup Young Technology Talent Club) – officially launched the Asian Hackathon for Green Future, a competition dedicated to developing technology-driven solutions for a sustainable future. Open to undergraduate and master’s students from universities across Asia, the competition offers a total prize pool of USD 24,000.
The Asian Hackathon for Green Future officially opened for registration on April 6, 2026, marking the start of the competition, with a total prize pool of USD 24,000. Photo courtesy of the “For Green Future” Foundation.
This marks the first time an Asia-wide environmental hackathon exclusively for undergraduate and master’s students is held in Vietnam. The competition aims to identify and develop technology-driven solutions to pressing environmental challenges, while fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration among the younger generation.
Participants will advance through three main stages: Registration & Preliminary (April 6 – May 17, 2026); Online Training Phase (June 2 – June 28, 2026); and Final Round & Hackathon at VinUniversity (July 2 – July 5, 2026, tentative).
During the Registration & Preliminary Round, participants register online in teams of up to four members. Eligible applicants must be current undergraduate or master’s students at universities across Asia.
Application materials include an idea proposal and an introductory video. Based on evaluation by the Technical Board, the Top 30 teams will be selected to advance to the next stage.
The competition encourages interdisciplinary ideas that integrate multiple fields—including technology, environmental sciences, economics, and social sciences—with the aim of creating solutions that are innovative, feasible, and socially impactful.
Proposed ideas should address one of three key challenge areas: Renewable Energy and Low-Carbon Mobility; Urban Air Quality and Climate Resilience; Water Resources and Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
During the Online Training Round, the Top 30 teams will participate in a series of intensive training sessions and expert consultations with multidisciplinary specialists. These sessions are designed to equip teams with deeper domain knowledge and up-to-date insights on sustainability trends and relevant technologies, enabling them to further refine and expand their proposed solutions.
During the Final Round and Award Ceremony, all travel and accommodation expenses for the Top 30 teams will be fully covered. The teams will take part in a 24-hour hackathon at VinUniversity (Hanoi), where they will further develop and refine their technology-driven solutions before presenting them to the Judging Panel. Based on this evaluation, the Top 9 teams will be selected to advance to the final assessment round, from which the winning team will be determined.
The Chair of the Judging Panel is Prof. Duong Nguyen Vu, Vice Provost of Graduate Education at VinUniversity and Chief Scientific Officer at the Center for AI Research. He had been a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore until July 2025, where he served as Scientific Director at the Air Traffic Management Research Institute (ATMRI). Under his leadership—as Executive Director until 2025—the institute has emerged as a global leader in air traffic management research, thanks in large part to the scientific foundation he helped establish. Before joining NTU, Prof. Vu was the founding Director of the John von Neumann Institute at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, spearheading university-industry collaborations and championing innovation and entrepreneurship in education.
Prior to returning to Vietnam in 2010, he was Head of Innovative Research and Senior Scientific Advisor at the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL). He also advised Vietnam’s Minister of Planning and Investment on innovation strategy, contributing to the establishment of the National Innovation Center.
The competition offers a total prize pool of USD 24,000, comprising one First Prize of USD 8,000, one Second Prize of USD 5,000, two Third Prizes of USD 3,000 each, and five Consolation Prizes of USD 1,000 each. Beyond the awards, participating teams will gain valuable opportunities to engage with leading experts from across the region, expand their professional networks, and strengthen their access to the broader innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Le Thai Ha, Managing Director of the “For Green Future” Foundation and Head of the Organizing Committee, shared: “We believe that ideas with the power to shape the future do not always emerge from large laboratories or well-established institutions; they often arise from the insight, initiative, and determination of young people to make a difference. Through the Asian Hackathon for Green Future, we seek to create a platform where students across the region can transform their environmental awareness into tangible, innovative solutions that deliver meaningful impact for communities and the future.”
The Asian Hackathon for Green Future is expected to foster innovation aligned with sustainable development, while contributing to the development of a new generation of young talents capable of cross-border collaboration to create solutions with lasting, positive impact across the region.