Author name: admin

Media OutReach

HeyMax Acquires Hong Kong’s krip to Accelerate Regional Expansion into Loyalty and Rewards Market

HeyMax’s first acquisition fast-tracks its regional expansion, bringing over 6,000 credit card deals offered by over 3,000 merchants, and personalized loyalty experiences to consumers in Hong Kong and travelers visiting the city. SINGAPORE and HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2025 – HeyMax, a leading loyalty and travel rewards platform based in Singapore, today announced that it has acquired krip, Hong Kong’s leading fintech platform delivering the city’s first integrated platform for credit card benefits. The move accelerates HeyMax’s entry into Hong Kong’s loyalty and rewards market as part of its regional expansion. “This is a strategic step forward in our mission to make travel more accessible through everyday spending. The krip team brings deep domain expertise in Hong Kong’s loyalty and rewards space, along with strong local relationships and B2B insights that are critical as we expand across the region. With Hong Kong and Singapore as core markets, this acquisition accelerates our presence in a key financial and travel hub, and sets the foundation for new global partnerships that bring even more value to consumers across Asia,” said Joe Lu, CEO and cofounder of HeyMax. Launched in 2022, krip set out to help consumers spend smarter by simplifying how they discover and access credit card rewards and benefits. To date, the platform has aggregated over 6,000 credit card deals offered by more than 3,000 retail merchants, providing a personalized experience for users to manage all their cards in one place. krip enables financial institutions to build greater customer loyalty, supporting an estimated US$7.4 billion in additional annual card spending. With clients including livi Bank, Grantit, and other financial institutions and retail partners, krip has reimagined how customers interact with their credit cards to deliver greater engagement and loyalty. “At krip, our mission has always been to empower consumers to spend smarter. By helping consumers realize more value from their everyday spend, we have unlocked new ways of how financial institutions, retail merchants and consumers can better interact with each other to maximize engagement and loyalty in the digital age. Joining forces with HeyMax opens up exciting opportunities for us to deliver on our mission and to realize our mutual vision to bring greater value to consumers at scale,” said David B. Wang, former CEO and founder of krip. As part of the acquisition, Wang will transition to the Global Head of Loyalty Partnerships and General Manager of Hong Kong at HeyMax, where he will lead local market strategy and support global partnerships growth. Benjamin Quinlan has also been appointed as Senior Advisor of Financial Services Partnerships. As CEO & Managing Partner of Quinlan & Associates, Quinlan joins HeyMax from his role as Chairman of krip, bringing his extensive experience in the financial services and fintech sector across Asia to HeyMax. The krip brand will be retired following the acquisition, with key team members integrated into the broader organization. Existing krip users will be invited to register as HeyMax users and receive free Max Miles, giving them immediate access to the platform’s expanding ecosystem of travel and rewards partners. The acquisition also reflects the strength of Hong Kong’s fintech innovation pipeline. Backed by Cyberport’s Incubation Programme, krip received funding, access to student talent, and connections to key partners that supported its growth and expansion into overseas markets. The acquisition lays the groundwork for HeyMax’s official launch in Hong Kong in the coming months, where both local users and travelers visiting the city will be able to access the platform’s growing network of rewards. With a strengthened local presence and leadership team, HeyMax is well-positioned to accelerate partnerships with banks, fintechs, and consumer brands across the market. HeyMax has launched a waitlist for users in Hong Kong. Early sign-ups will receive priority access and exclusive rewards upon launch. Interested users can join the waitlist at https://hk.heymax.ai/waitlist. Hashtag: #HeyMax https://heymax.ai/https://www.linkedin.com/company/heymax/?originalSubdomain=sg The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About HeyMax HeyMax is a leading loyalty and travel rewards platform that turns everyday spending into meaningful travel, based in Singapore. HeyMax is on a mission to bring more joy and empathy to the world through travel. Its vision is to make travel more accessible and rewarding for everyone by turning the things you already do into free trips, year after year. Users earn Max Miles from over 500 top merchants and redeem them directly for over 30 flights, hotels, and rewards programs, or use them for gift cards. Max Miles never expire, come with no fees, and offer unmatched flexibility for modern travelers. HeyMax is backed by leading investors including January Capital, Monk’s Hill Ventures, Tenity, Ascend Angels, and XA Network. For more information, please visit www.heymax.ai. To be among the first to experience HeyMax in Hong Kong, join the waitlist at hk.heymax.ai/waitlist. About krip krip is Hong Kong’s most comprehensive, personalized and centralized credit card deals and offers platform, empowering consumers to spend smarter with innovative technology and information transparency. With over 6,000 credit card deals and offers, 3,000 merchants and 500 credit and debit cards listed, krip is the go-to place for consumers looking to get the most out of their cards. krip is backed by the Cyberport Incubation Programme and was recognized by the Hong Kong SAR Government in ICT Awards 2023, achieving Award of the Year and Fintech Grand Award, being the first fintech company to win the overall award since its inception.

Media OutReach

DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited Half-Year Results For The Six Months Ended 30 June 2025 And Announcement Of Special Dividend

Highlights 39% underlying earnings growth Increased contributions from associates, Health & Beauty and Food Health & Beauty delivered strong like-for-like (LFL) sales growth of 4% Portfolio simplification continues with the announced divestment of Singapore Food business and sale of minority stake in Robinsons Retail Proceeds from Yonghui and Robinsons Retail divestments strengthen balance sheet to a net cash position of US$442 million Raised full-year underlying profit guidance to be between US$250 million and US$270 million Declared special dividend of US¢44.30 per share in addition to interim dividend of US¢3.50 HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 July 2025 – “We are pleased to report strong first-half underlying profit growth to US$105 million, supported by improved Health & Beauty and Food profitability, higher contribution from associates, and a stabilising revenue growth trend. Our ongoing portfolio evolution enables us to prioritise capital on high-margin businesses and growth initiatives, while providing strategic flexibility for inorganic opportunities. As a result of our strategic progress, we are pleased to announce a special dividend of US¢44.30 per share – the first in 18 years – returning a total of US$647 million to shareholders, including the regular interim dividend. These decisions underscore our confidence in DFI’s long-term growth strategy and commitment to shareholder returns.” Scott Price Group Chief Executive OVERVIEW The Group continued to demonstrate strong business resilience by effectively executing its strategic and margin expansion initiatives. Despite the continued shift towards value by consumers, LFL subsidiary sales for the first half of 2025 remained largely stable compared to the same period last year, excluding the impact of a significant cigarette tax increase in Hong Kong and the divestment of Hero Supermarket business in Indonesia in 2024. LFL subsidiary sales have demonstrated a steady recovery with a return to moderate growth in the second quarter of 2025. Significant progress has been made in the Group’s strategic pivot from a portfolio investor to an operating company centred on five key deliverables: Retail excellence: Delivering a best-in-class customer proposition Customer access: Strategically expanding store network Omnichannel and data ecosystem: Powering e-commerce and retail media with data-driven insights Lean and agile operations: Streamlining business for more efficient decision making Evolving portfolio: Prioritising capital returns and shareholder value The Group continues to reinvest in pricing to deliver a stronger customer value proposition while resetting our sourcing strategy to expand gross profit. Reduction in financing costs and higher underlying profit from associates contributed to a 39% increase in underlying profit attributable to shareholders for the first half of 2025. The Group continues to evolve its portfolio to enhance operational focus and enable more efficient capital allocation, supporting subsidiary business growth both organically and inorganically should shareholder accretive opportunities arise. During the reporting period, the Group completed the divestment of minority stakes in both Yonghui and Robinsons Retail, generating total gross proceeds of approximately US$900 million. Additionally, the Group announced the divestment of its Singapore Food business for approximately US$93 million in cash consideration. As a result of this strategic progress, the Board has approved a special dividend of US¢44.30 per share, equivalent to US$600 million in total payment. Concurrently, the Group declared an interim dividend of US¢3.50 per share, in line with the prior comparable period. These decisions underscore the Group’s confidence in its long-term growth strategy and its commitment to creating value for its shareholders. OPERATING PERFORMANCE Overall Total revenue from subsidiaries for the first half of 2025 was US$4.4 billion, up 0.3% year-on-year on a LFL basis, excluding the impact of a significant cigarette tax increase in Hong Kong and the divestment of the Hero Supermarket business in Indonesia in 2024. Strong sales growth in the Health & Beauty division was offset by lower contributions from other segments. Total revenue, which includes 100% of associates and joint ventures, was US$8.2 billion. Excluding the impact of the minority stake divestment in Yonghui completed at the end of February 2025, as well as the additional two months of sales contribution from Robinsons Retail following the stake disposal at the end of May 2025, total revenue increased by approximately 1%. Total underlying profit attributable to shareholders for the first half of 2025 reached US$105 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 39%, primarily driven by improved performance in associates. Underlying profit from subsidiaries was US$75 million, reflecting a 3% year-on-year increase. Strong performance in the Health & Beauty and Food divisions was partially offset by lower profitability in Convenience as a result of the cigarette tax impact, and higher selling, general and administrative expenses[1] primarily due to a one-time reversal of long-term incentive accruals in 2024 related to executive departures. After accounting for the divestment of Yonghui, underlying profit from associates was US$30 million, an improvement from US$3 million from the prior comparable period, supported by higher contributions from both Maxim’s and Robinsons Retail. Free cash flow for the period was a net inflow of US$89 million, compared with US$61 million in the first half of 2024. As at 30 June 2025, the Group’s net cash was US$442 million, compared to US$468 million net debt at 31 December 2024. Subsidiaries Sales for the Health & Beauty division were US$1.3 billion, up 4% year-on-year on a LFL basis, underscoring the strengthening brand equity of Mannings and Guardian as trusted advisors in health and wellness. Mannings Hong Kong delivered strong LFL sales growth of 6%, driven by growing basket size as the team continued to enhance assortment in key wellness categories, including supplements and derma skin care. Solid LFL sales performance of Guardian was supported by basket size increases across key Southeast Asian markets and improved promotional efficiency, particularly in Indonesia. Integrating the Own Brand team across Food and Health & Beauty drove stronger product relevance and cost efficiency, resulting in improved sales and profit productivity per SKU. Overall, divisional profit grew 8% to US$109 million on a LFL basis1. Total Convenience sales were US$1.1 billion, down 4% year-on-year on a LFL basis, primarily due to reduced volumes of lower-margin cigarette following tax

Media OutReach

Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Releases Strategic Roadmap for ASEAN’s 5G-AI Transformation

New Research Reveals US$130 Billion Economic Opportunity and Outlines Policy Framework to Accelerate Regional Digital Leadership by 2030 SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 July 2025 – The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) today released a comprehensive research report outlining how ASEAN can harness 5G and artificial intelligence convergence for transformative economic growth. The study, “Leveraging 5G to Accelerate AI-Driven Transformation in ASEAN: Imperatives, Policy Insights, and Recommendations,” provides policymakers with actionable strategies to unlock the region’s digital potential. Prof. Vu Minh Khuong, Practice Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, at the report launch event ASEAN faces a critical window of opportunity. The research shows 5G alone is projected to contribute US$130 billion to Asia Pacific’s economy by 2030. However, adoption remains uneven across the region — ranging from 48.3% penetration in Singapore to less than 1% in several ASEAN member states. Without coordinated action, these disparities risk deepening digital divides and weakening regional competitiveness. ASEAN may be left behind as other regions accelerate their digital transformation. “The convergence of 5G and AI represents the infrastructure of innovation, powering smart manufacturing, precision agriculture, and autonomous mobility. But ASEAN cannot afford to wait. The window for establishing regional leadership in intelligent connectivity is rapidly closing,” said Professor Vu Minh Khuong from LKYSPP. “Our report provides ASEAN policymakers with a blueprint to navigate the complex intersection of 5G and AI integration, and now policymakers must act decisively. Coordinated strategies that can accelerate regional leadership in intelligent connectivity must be established to help the region move beyond incremental improvements toward transformative digital leadership.” The LKYSPP study, drawing from extensive stakeholder interviews and survey responses from over 400 professionals across eight ASEAN countries, identifies ten critical imperatives for accelerating 5G-AI transformation, beginning with establishing coordinated digital leadership to address fragmentation that is currently slowing regional progress. ASEAN governments should treat 5G as a strategic AI enabler — not merely a telecom upgrade — while addressing the widening skills gaps that are impeding enterprise adoption across the region. To secure ASEAN’s digital future, the report recommends implementing five strategic priorities: Establishing national 5G-AI development strategies with clear 2025-2030 roadmaps; Creating empowered coordination agencies in ASEAN member countries; Deploying forward-looking spectrum policies that promote accessibility and innovation; Fostering vibrant AI-driven ecosystems through public-private collaboration; and Implementing robust monitoring frameworks to track progress and enable course corrections. The LKYSPP report emphasises that enterprise adoption should be prioritised as the primary driver of 5G’s economic impact. Looking across the region, there is much potential and notable examples of success: Singapore’s 5G-powered smart ports have achieved 50% latency reduction, Thailand has deployed AI-enhanced disaster management systems, and Malaysia’s wholesale network model has reached 82% population coverage. These examples illustrate the potential for transformative impacts when coordinated strategies are effectively implemented. According to the LKYSPP research report, private 5G networks are essential for Industry 4.0 transformation, while Fixed Wireless Access offers a compelling solution for bridging connectivity gaps in underserved areas. The report also positions current 5G deployment as critical infrastructure for 6G evolution expected by 2030, making today’s strategic decisions particularly important for future competitiveness. Looking ahead, the study envisions ASEAN leading a 5G-AI powered future where enterprises scale globally through intelligent manufacturing, farmers optimise yields using AI-driven analytics, and students in remote areas access immersive education platforms. Realizing this vision requires bold coordinated action, strategic coordination and planning, and sustained commitment to digital transformation. The comprehensive 148-page report and executive summary are now available for download. The findings serve as both a strategic guide for policymakers and a call to action for regional institutions to seize the 5G-AI moment and shape a digitally empowered future for ASEAN’s 700 million citizens. Hashtag: #LeeKuanYewSchoolofPublicPolicy #LKYSPP The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Professor Vu Minh Khuong Prof Vu Minh Khuong is a Practice Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. His research and teaching concentrate on economic development and policy analysis. He has published three books and over 50 papers in prestigious academic journals, including Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Information Economics and Policy, Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Telematics and Informatics, Telecommunication Policy, Journal of Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Energy Policy. He is among the top 2% of most-cited scholars worldwide. Prof Vu earned his PhD from Harvard University. He is a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Telecommunications Policy and the Journal of East Asian Policy. About the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) is an autonomous, professional graduate school of the National University of Singapore. Its mission is to be a leading global public policy school, with its faculty and alumni shaping thought leadership, improving standards of governance, and transforming lives for a more sustainable world. In addition to its Masters and PhD programmes, LKYSPP offers high quality Executive Programmes for civil servants, corporate executives, and non-profit professionals to equip them with insights and skills to transform their organisations and the world.

Media OutReach

Wel-Bloom Biotech Launches Wel-ROS6. Black Crystal Roselle Sparks a Surge in High-Concentration Anthocyanins

Black Crystal Roselle Anthocyanin Levels Surge 17.7x — Wel-Bloom Biotech Elevates Taiwan’s Global Ingredient Competitiveness Black Crystal Roselle Shakes Up the Anthocyanin Market with 17.7x Natural Concentration Taiwan’s Black Crystal Roselle Emerges as a Key Player in the Anthocyanin and Health Markets Anthocyanin Levels Surge in Black Crystal Roselle — Spotlight on Key Ingredient Wel-ROS6 Wel-ROS6 in Black Crystal Roselle Raises the Bar for Health Supplements TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 July 2025 – Taiwan’s leading jelly supplement manufacturer, Wel-Bloom Biotech, recently co-hosted an anthocyanin-focused seminar with LEARN EATiNG, one of the most renowned nutritionist teams in Taiwan. The event highlighted trending international ingredients alongside Taiwan’s own Black Crystal Roselle. Attracting around 300 nutrition professionals both online and onsite, the seminar reflected strong industry interest and high expectations for the future of anthocyanin innovation. Wel-Bloom Biotech and the LEARN EATiNG nutrition team host a high-profile seminar. (Image/Wel-Bloom) In recent years, the health supplement market has seen rapid growth, accompanied by a shift in consumer priorities. Today’s consumers increasingly believe that “choosing the right ingredients matters more than simply taking more,” a mindset that is driving innovation in ingredient formulation. According to the 2024 Top 30 Dietary Trends Report, there is growing interest in the synergistic effects of ingredient combinations. For instance, pairing anthocyanins with fish oil offers comprehensive support for overall health, while combining them with collagen enhances beauty and skin wellness. The Black Crystal Roselle, grown locally in Taiwan, contains naturally high levels of anthocyanins and has recently drawn growing interest in the health supplement field for its promising nutritional potential. As one of the keynote speakers, Wel-Bloom Biotech introduced Wel-ROS6®—a proprietary botanical ingredient derived from Black Crystal Roselle. Developed using triple-patented technology, it is cultivated through natural farming methods and smallholder contract farming to ensure consistent quality and traceability. Laboratory data shows that Wel-ROS6® contains 17.7 times more total anthocyanins than standard commercial roselle. Additionally, total phenolic acids and flavonoids are elevated by 1.9 times and 1.3 times, respectively—highlighting its rich phytochemical profile and high functional value. (See Note 1) The event also featured the Food Industry Research and Development Institute’s newly proposed “Food Value Equation”: Value = (Sensory Perception × Functional Technology × User Experience) × Amplification Multiplier. This formula highlights the importance of balancing sensory appeal, technological innovation, and user experience—emphasizing that all three elements are essential to creating meaningful value in food products. To meet growing consumer demands for convenience and palatability in health supplements, product development is increasingly focused on factors such as absorption efficiency, flavor optimization, and sustainable sourcing. The rise of “tasty” health products reflects a major trend in preventive wellness—perfectly aligned with today’s mindset of “eating less, supplementing smarter.” Through its one-stop CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) services, Taiwan’s local agriculture can now be transformed from raw materials into globally market-ready products that seamlessly integrate into everyday life. Wel-ROS6®, backed by the support of over 300 health professionals, will be featured alongside other cutting-edge botanical ingredients at the 2025 BIO Asia–Taiwan Exhibition and Vitafoods Asia. We warmly invite you to visit our booth and explore partnership opportunities with Wel-Bloom Biotech to co-create the next generation of best-selling health supplements. Note 1: Testing commissioned to the Food Industry Research and Development Institute: Total phenolic content: Measured using the Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric assay. Total flavonoid content: Measured using the AlCl₃–NaNO₂–NaOH colorimetric method (also known as the Aluminum chloride colorimetric assay). Independent testing by the Forecast Research Lab: Anthocyanins (Delphinidin chloride, Cyanidin chloride): Quantified using HPLC analysis Total anthocyanins: Measured by the pH differential method Hashtag: #Welbloom #Wel-ROS6 #BlackCrystalRoselle https://www.welbloom.com The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

News

Renault Group Appoints Nicolas Paris As CEO Of Renault Korea

Renault Group has appointed Nicolas Paris as the new Chief Executive Officer of Renault Korea, the company announced on Monday. Nicolas Paris, Chief Executive Officer of Renault Korea Paris will take over from current CEO Stephane Deblaise, who has been named to lead Renault Group’s operations in India starting September 1. Paris, a graduate of Reims Management School in France, brings more than two decades of experience in global automotive procurement and leadership. Before joining Renault Group in 2015, he worked at ZF Lenksysteme, an automotive components supplier. Within Renault, he has held various leadership positions across France, India, and China—including as head of purchasing at the Alliance Innovation Lab in China—and most recently served as vice president overseeing procurement for batteries, e-powertrains, ADAS, connectivity, software, and electronic components. Deblaise, who took the helm at Renault Korea in March 2022, focused on strengthening the company’s long-term competitiveness and strategic value within the group. He led the rollout of the Aurora Project, a flagship development initiative aligned with Renault’s international goals. The project’s first vehicle, the Grand Koleos, launched in September 2024, has already sold more than 45,000 units in South Korea. Renault said Deblaise’s move to lead its Indian operations highlights his strong leadership and the strategic significance of the Indian market.

Energy & Technology

Sustainable Data Centre Framework To Launch In October

KUALA LUMPUR, A national framework to promote sustainable data centre development will be introduced this October, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. In a post on X, Tengku Zafrul said the framework, overseen by the Ministry of Digital, will involve close coordination with various agencies and state governments to streamline the planning and execution of data centre projects across the country. The announcement followed the third meeting of the 2025 Data Centre Task Force (DCTF), co-chaired by Tengku Zafrul and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. He added that the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) will act as the central agency for handling applications for both new and expanded data centre projects. “This approach ensures smoother implementation, prevents overlap of responsibilities, and supports the growth of a more strategic and sustainable data centre ecosystem in Malaysia,” he said. Tengku Zafrul emphasised the importance of the meeting in strengthening Malaysia’s position as a competitive and investor-friendly data centre hub. The DCTF is a joint initiative led by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Ministry of Digital to coordinate national-level data centre policies and development efforts.

ESG

Maybank Launches Southeast Asia’s First Sustainability-Linked Loan For Multinational Corporation

KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) has become the first commercial bank in Malaysia and Southeast Asia to issue a sustainability-linked loan (SLL), with a US$150 million facility extended to Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Malaysia (AT&S Malaysia). In a joint statement with AT&S, Maybank said this landmark deal marks the first SLL from a local bank to a multinational company in Malaysia’s semiconductor industry. From left: Datuk John Chong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Global Banking of Maybank; Michael Mertin, President and CEO, AT&S; Petra Preining, Chief Financial Officer, AT&S. The loan complements a US$250 million financing secured by AT&S Malaysia from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in March 2025. Together, they form part of a parallel loan package arranged by IFC. Proceeds from the loan will support the development of AT&S’ first high-end IC substrate manufacturing facility in Kulim Hi-Tech Park, which will feature advanced equipment and closed-loop recycling systems in line with the company’s sustainability strategy. The plant is set to produce sophisticated IC substrates that are critical for meeting rising demand for high-performance processors, data centres, and AI infrastructure. AT&S noted that with more than US$1 billion invested, this project is the group’s largest initial outlay in Malaysia. The SLL includes targets such as a 31% reduction in annual greenhouse gas emissions by March 31, 2028, using FY2022 levels as the baseline. Maybank’s global banking group CEO Datuk John Chong said the financing aligns with the bank’s strategic push in the semiconductor sector and reinforces its commitment to sustainable finance and the green transition in the region. “This transaction also deepens our collaboration with the International Finance Corporation,” he said. From 2021 through Q1 2025, Maybank has mobilised RM125.46 billion in sustainable financing across ASEAN, exceeding its RM80 billion target ahead of schedule.

Energy & Technology

Cahya Mata Awards RM673 Million Clinker Line Construction Deal To Sinoma

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 July 2025 — Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd, through its subsidiary Cahya Mata Cement Sdn Bhd, has awarded a RM673 million contract to Sinoma Industry Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd to construct a new clinker production line at its Mambong Integrated Plant in Kuching. The new 6,000-tonnes-per-day Clinker Line 2 is expected to more than double the plant’s annual clinker capacity from 900,000 tonnes to 1.9 million tonnes. According to a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the project aims to improve cost efficiency and eliminate the need for future clinker imports, thereby significantly reducing the group’s carbon footprint. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2025, with clinker production expected to start by April 2027 and full commissioning by June 2027. Group managing director Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib said the project is a key milestone in strengthening Sarawak’s cement supply chain, increasing capacity, reducing dependency on imports, and ensuring future supply stability. “Beyond meeting production goals, this project reflects Cahya Mata’s ambition to become one of the region’s most sustainable cement producers,” he said. The facility will feature advanced environmental and energy-efficient technologies, including a waste heat recovery system capable of generating up to six megawatts of power, and a high-performance dust filtration system designed to reduce emissions to less than half the current regulatory limit. Additionally, the clinker line will use high-efficiency equipment to lower energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, while integrating locally sourced alternative materials and fuels to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. At peak construction, the project is expected to create up to 500 jobs and provide economic benefits to local businesses, particularly in the Padawan and Kuching areas.

Media OutReach

Putting People First: ONYX Hospitality Group’s Strategy for Sustainable Leadership

By nurturing talent and cultivating a high-impact culture, ONYX redefines hospitality excellence. BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 July 2025 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality management company in Southeast Asia, specialising in luxury hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and residences, underscores its commitment to human resource development, reaffirming its belief that “people” are at the core of the hospitality and service industry. The company is moving forward with a comprehensive human resource strategy, focusing on caring for, supporting, and developing employees to their fullest potential. This approach aims to deliver high-quality, sincere service experiences to customers, creating a strong competitive advantage and driving sustainable business growth. ONYX Hospitality Group aspires to become The Best Medium-sized Hospitality Management Company in Southeast Asia. In recent years, ONYX Hospitality Group has earned recognition as a leading hospitality management company with a strong focus on human resource development. Its business strategy not only aims to position the organisation as a regional leader but also places people at the centre of its success. This commitment is reflected in numerous prestigious awards received both locally and internationally – highlighting ONYX’s dedication to nurturing the potential of its personnel at every level, in line with its mission to empower people and grow the business together, sustainably and steadily. Ms Saranya Watanasirisuk, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at ONYX Hospitality Group, stated, “With our vision to become The Best Medium-sized Hospitality Management Company in Southeast Asia, ONYX Hospitality Group concentrates not only on expanding our business both domestically and internationally, but also on prioritising strategic human resource development. We believe that in the hospitality and service industry, people are at the heart of delivering exceptional experiences to our guests. Therefore, every position plays a vital role in driving the business toward success. That’s why we place great importance on supporting every stage of the Employee Life Cycle with care, encompassing both workplace welfare and quality of life, from the very first day an individual joins the company to the moment they achieve their career goals.” Driven by the belief that “people” are the cornerstone of the service industry, ONYX Hospitality Group has established a comprehensive human resource strategy—covering every aspect from talent selection and potential development to career advancement and long-term growth support. Recruiting the Right Talent, Creating Differentiated Experiences One key approach emphasised by ONYX Hospitality Group is the careful selection of personnel who possess a genuine “service mindset” and a personality that aligns with the distinct identities of its brands—Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence. The company believes that individuals with a heartfelt commitment to service and a clear understanding of each brand’s essence can naturally embody and convey the brand’s identity, delivering the best possible experience to guests. ONYX Academy: Strategically Developing High-Performance Talent Recognising that all employees seek growth in their careers, ONYX Hospitality Group established ONYX Academy to support systematic, end-to-end development. The Academy designs clear career paths and delivers tailored learning programmes aimed at enhancing the skills and potential of personnel at every level. By focusing on future-ready skills that align with both business needs and individual career development plans, ONYX Academy provides employees with practical knowledge and opportunities to grow in line with their career aspirations. Recently, ONYX Academy received four prestigious honours at the EXA: Employee Experience Awards 2025 Thailand, including: Best Management Training Programme from the GM (General Manager) Track, which emphasises the comprehensive development of general managers; Best Career Development Programme from The NextYou initiative, designed to cultivate emerging leaders; Best In-House Certification Programme from the ONYX HR Development Program, which empowers HR leaders in hotels to become strategic business partners; and Best ESG Programme in recognition of ONYX’s commitment to driving Sustainably Crafted Hospitality. These four awards reflect ONYX Hospitality Group and ONYX Academy’s ongoing and dedicated efforts to enhance the capabilities and potential of every employee. Fostering Success Through a Flexible Corporate Culture In addition, a key factor supporting employee success is a corporate culture rooted in “dynamism” and “openness.” This culture encourages employees to think boldly and act confidently, share new ideas, and experiment with innovative approaches to help the organisation grow. Guided by the belief that “every voice can drive the organisation forward,” ONYX promotes active participation in organisational development and change—adapting swiftly to evolving business and social landscapes—with strong backing from an executive team that deeply understands both its people and the business environment. “We believe that focusing on ‘people‘ is the foundation for delivering the best experiences and service. The success of ONYX Hospitality Group’s human resource management is rooted in the unwavering support of all executives, who empower our employees to grow in every dimension—from recruitment and creating a robust learning system to designing a supportive environment, encouraging experimentation and learning from mistakes, and providing platforms for employees to fully showcase their potential. With this foundation, ONYX Hospitality Group has become not only a sought-after employer but also a trusted organisation where customers and guests across all our brands are confident they will receive the highest quality service from our dedicated and talented employees,” said Ms Saranya. Today, ONYX Hospitality Group stands not only as a leader in managing luxury hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and residences across Southeast Asia but also as an organisation deeply committed to its people. The company prioritises employee well-being, supports career growth, values individual talents, and creates an environment where everyone has the opportunity to grow and create truly meaningful contributions. For more information about Onyx Hospitality Group, visit www.onyx-hospitality.com.Hashtag: #ONYX The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Investment & Market Trends

MAS Picks Three Asset Managers To Help Invest S$5 Billion To Boost Singapore Market

SINGAPORE, The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has appointed Avanda Investment Management, Fullerton Fund Management, and JP Morgan Asset Management as the first three fund managers under its S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme, aimed at revitalising the local stock market. These managers will initially handle S$1.1 billion, with more appointments expected later this year. MAS received interest from over 100 global, regional, and local firms, and is reviewing applications in stages to speed up the rollout. The programme, first announced in February, supports fund managers who invest actively in Singapore-listed companies — especially small and mid-cap stocks — to boost market liquidity and attract more investors. The managers were chosen based on how well their investment strategies align with the programme’s goals, their ability to attract third-party capital, and their commitment to strengthening Singapore’s asset management and research scene. “We picked the first three managers who were ready, and will continue appointing more as reviews progress,” said MAS Deputy Chairman Chee Hong Tat. National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, Deputy Chairman of The  Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) More Support for Equity Research MAS is also setting aside S$50 million from its Financial Sector Development Fund to improve equity research quality under the Grant for Equity Market Singapore (GEMS) scheme. Key enhancements: Maximum grant per research report raised from S$4,000 to S$6,000 Extra support for research covering new listings, private companies, or small and mid-cap stocks New grants for distributing research via digital platforms Listing grants extended to cover Singapore and Foreign Depository Receipts, and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) For instance, issuers of: Depository receipts can get S$40,000 Primary-listed ETFs can receive up to S$250,000 Cross-listed or feeder ETFs can get S$180,000 Better Protection for Investors MAS will also consult on ways to help retail investors seek compensation more easily in cases of market misconduct. Proposals include: Letting investors “ride on” existing court or regulatory actions Enabling investor representatives to launch lawsuits on behalf of groups A grant scheme to help cover legal costs in serious cases “We want to strike a balance — make it easier for genuine claims, but avoid an overly litigious environment,” said Mr Chee. The Equity Market Development Programme is part of broader efforts — led by a review group formed in 2024 — to revitalise Singapore’s stock market, which has faced issues like low trading volumes, limited new listings, and poor valuations. Other ongoing ideas include improving investor engagement, refreshing the Catalist board for growth companies, and promoting cross-border listings with other exchanges. Singapore’s benchmark Straits Times Index is up 11% year-to-date, showing signs of recovery. However, MAS and SGX believe more must be done to attract capital, broaden participation, and enhance long-term market vibrancy.

Scroll to Top

Subscribe
FREE Newsletter