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Media OutReach

“Design Your Change: Up+Rise Bangkok” Bangkok Design Week 2025: A Showcase of Creative Solutions Transforming Bangkok’s Future

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – Bangkok is no longer just a city of vibrant lights and ceaseless energy—it has emerged as a design hub that’s driving transformative change in urban living. By addressing challenges in city infrastructure, quality of life, environmental sustainability, and business innovation, Bangkok has positioned itself as a global leader in leveraging design to shape a better future. Over the past seven years, Bangkok Design Week (BKKDW) has demonstrated the power of creativity in redefining urban spaces and fostering growth in the creative industries. The festival has contributed over 3.19 billion baht to the economy, attracted more than 2.51 million visitors, and strengthened Bangkok’s status as a City of Design under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Beyond numbers, it has revitalized once-quiet neighborhoods like Charoen Krung, Talad Noi, Hua Lamphong, and Pak Khlong Talad, turning them into thriving Creative Economy Districts. These transformations have created jobs, driven economic growth, and improved the quality of life for Bangkok’s residents. As part of Bangkok Design Week 2025, designers and cross-sector collaborators are showcasing cutting-edge projects that underscore the potential of creativity to reshape cities. These works reflect how design can tackle pressing urban challenges, elevate communities, and open pathways for sustainable growth—all while reimagining Bangkok’s future as a city that thrives on innovation and inclusivity. Design Your Change + Transforming Overlooked Spaces into Vibrant Public Areas Bangkok’s dense urban population of over 5 million people makes it one of the most crowded cities in the world. While municipal budgets and policies alone are not enough to address the city’s challenges, innovative design provides exciting solutions to reimagine Bangkok’s limited spaces. One shining example is “Prompt Park“ a collaboration between we!park, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Netherlands Embassy. This project transforms unused land located under the expressway into a vibrant public park for relaxation and community gatherings. Designed with Dutch expertise in urban planning, Prompt Park integrates climate-resilient features, creating a functional space that addresses both environmental and urban needs. The park also features a Tactical Intervention installation that combines international urban planning expertise with creative solutions for Bangkok’s challenges. Another we!park initiative transforms private land into a “Pop-Up Park.” This flexible green space is open to people of all ages and offers a variety of activities. It demonstrates that public parks don’t need to be restricted to government-owned land, creating a new model for urban greenery. Other innovative projects include “MinutePocket_UrbanBed” by SP/N Design Studio, which reimagines neglected private plots as temporary structures such as napping pods and playgrounds for children. These creative installations highlight how unused land can be repurposed for the benefit of local communities. Meanwhile, Urban Ally’s Puppup Parklet transforms two parking spaces into a small, temporary public area for relaxation. Located on Samran Rat Road, this compact but impactful initiative reclaims pedestrian spaces and offers an example of how even small design efforts can enhance urban life. In Yaowarat-Song Wat, Attention Studio is transforming limited spaces into “Playground,” multifunctional areas that combine sports, art, and community engagement. This initiative maximizes the use of space to meet the diverse needs of one of Bangkok’s busiest neighborhoods. Design Your Change + Using Design to Solve Persistent Urban Challenges Design is a key tool for addressing Bangkok’s urban challenges, particularly those tied to daily life. MAYDAY! focuses on improving public transportation, shifting attention this year from buses to “Songthaews,” Bangkok’s iconic shared pickup trucks. Despite their decades of service, these vehicles face issues such as safety, comfort, and outdated designs that fail to accommodate all users. The Songthaew Transformation exhibition presents design solutions that tackle these problems, offering practical ways to modernize the songthaew for all commuters. Another project addressing urban problems is “Street Vendor Grease Trap” by Everyday Architect Design Studio. This portable grease trap, designed for street food vendors, prevents clogged drains caused by food waste while doubling as a parking aid for carts. It’s an ingenious example of how small-scale design can make a big difference in city management. The “GAGEENANG” project was inspired by a love for Bangkok’s vibrant street food culture, particularly the iconic plastic chairs found at food stalls throughout the city. By creatively addressing small yet impactful details, the project transforms these everyday chairs by covering the hole in the seat and adding a built-in storage tray for personal belongings. This simple yet thoughtful redesign enhances both comfort and convenience for diners. These upgraded chairs are already being used at select eateries in Yaowarat, further elevating the street food experience. Design Your Change + Promoting Environmental Awareness Bangkok’s long-standing environmental challenges, from waste management to limited green spaces, have inspired innovative design solutions. One such project is the “Mega Mat” by MVRDV Architects, created in collaboration with CEA (Creative Economy Agency), the Netherlands Embassy, and PTT Global Chemicals. This 860-square-meter recycled plastic mat draws on traditional Thai mat designs and transforms plastic waste into a functional public installation. Located at City Hall Square, the Mega Mat blends Thai heritage with sustainability while promoting recycling as a core value. Another standout project is “Habitat Network” by AP Thailand. By creating green spaces to attract native bird species through urban forests, this initiative restores biodiversity in Bangkok’s urban areas, proving that ecological balance can thrive even in densely populated cities. For a hands-on experience, visitors can join workshops in Bang Pho, a historic neighborhood celebrated for its wood industry, to create “Sacred Incense Reinvented.” This activity highlights the local connection and sustainability by transforming teak sawdust, a byproduct of the community, into sacred offerings for Chao Mae Tuptim Shrine. Design Your Change + Energizing Businesses Through Creativity Creativity is not just a tool for enhancing quality of life or adding vibrancy to a city—it is also a powerful driver for business growth and innovation. A prime example is NEIGHBOURMART Bangkok, a marketplace for Bangkok lovers that celebrates local businesses. Created by CEA, in collaboration with the design team at iliU, NEIGHBOURMART curates products from

Media OutReach

“Design Your Change: Up+Rise Bangkok” Bangkok Design Week 2025: A Showcase of Creative Solutions Transforming Bangkok’s Future

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – Bangkok is no longer just a city of vibrant lights and ceaseless energy—it has emerged as a design hub that’s driving transformative change in urban living. By addressing challenges in city infrastructure, quality of life, environmental sustainability, and business innovation, Bangkok has positioned itself as a global leader in leveraging design to shape a better future. Over the past seven years, Bangkok Design Week (BKKDW) has demonstrated the power of creativity in redefining urban spaces and fostering growth in the creative industries. The festival has contributed over 3.19 billion baht to the economy, attracted more than 2.51 million visitors, and strengthened Bangkok’s status as a City of Design under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Beyond numbers, it has revitalized once-quiet neighborhoods like Charoen Krung, Talad Noi, Hua Lamphong, and Pak Khlong Talad, turning them into thriving Creative Economy Districts. These transformations have created jobs, driven economic growth, and improved the quality of life for Bangkok’s residents. As part of Bangkok Design Week 2025, designers and cross-sector collaborators are showcasing cutting-edge projects that underscore the potential of creativity to reshape cities. These works reflect how design can tackle pressing urban challenges, elevate communities, and open pathways for sustainable growth—all while reimagining Bangkok’s future as a city that thrives on innovation and inclusivity. Design Your Change + Transforming Overlooked Spaces into Vibrant Public Areas Bangkok’s dense urban population of over 5 million people makes it one of the most crowded cities in the world. While municipal budgets and policies alone are not enough to address the city’s challenges, innovative design provides exciting solutions to reimagine Bangkok’s limited spaces. One shining example is “Prompt Park“ a collaboration between we!park, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Netherlands Embassy. This project transforms unused land located under the expressway into a vibrant public park for relaxation and community gatherings. Designed with Dutch expertise in urban planning, Prompt Park integrates climate-resilient features, creating a functional space that addresses both environmental and urban needs. The park also features a Tactical Intervention installation that combines international urban planning expertise with creative solutions for Bangkok’s challenges. Another we!park initiative transforms private land into a “Pop-Up Park.” This flexible green space is open to people of all ages and offers a variety of activities. It demonstrates that public parks don’t need to be restricted to government-owned land, creating a new model for urban greenery. Other innovative projects include “MinutePocket_UrbanBed” by SP/N Design Studio, which reimagines neglected private plots as temporary structures such as napping pods and playgrounds for children. These creative installations highlight how unused land can be repurposed for the benefit of local communities. Meanwhile, Urban Ally’s Puppup Parklet transforms two parking spaces into a small, temporary public area for relaxation. Located on Samran Rat Road, this compact but impactful initiative reclaims pedestrian spaces and offers an example of how even small design efforts can enhance urban life. In Yaowarat-Song Wat, Attention Studio is transforming limited spaces into “Playground,” multifunctional areas that combine sports, art, and community engagement. This initiative maximizes the use of space to meet the diverse needs of one of Bangkok’s busiest neighborhoods. Design Your Change + Using Design to Solve Persistent Urban Challenges Design is a key tool for addressing Bangkok’s urban challenges, particularly those tied to daily life. MAYDAY! focuses on improving public transportation, shifting attention this year from buses to “Songthaews,” Bangkok’s iconic shared pickup trucks. Despite their decades of service, these vehicles face issues such as safety, comfort, and outdated designs that fail to accommodate all users. The Songthaew Transformation exhibition presents design solutions that tackle these problems, offering practical ways to modernize the songthaew for all commuters. Another project addressing urban problems is “Street Vendor Grease Trap” by Everyday Architect Design Studio. This portable grease trap, designed for street food vendors, prevents clogged drains caused by food waste while doubling as a parking aid for carts. It’s an ingenious example of how small-scale design can make a big difference in city management. The “GAGEENANG” project was inspired by a love for Bangkok’s vibrant street food culture, particularly the iconic plastic chairs found at food stalls throughout the city. By creatively addressing small yet impactful details, the project transforms these everyday chairs by covering the hole in the seat and adding a built-in storage tray for personal belongings. This simple yet thoughtful redesign enhances both comfort and convenience for diners. These upgraded chairs are already being used at select eateries in Yaowarat, further elevating the street food experience. Design Your Change + Promoting Environmental Awareness Bangkok’s long-standing environmental challenges, from waste management to limited green spaces, have inspired innovative design solutions. One such project is the “Mega Mat” by MVRDV Architects, created in collaboration with CEA (Creative Economy Agency), the Netherlands Embassy, and PTT Global Chemicals. This 860-square-meter recycled plastic mat draws on traditional Thai mat designs and transforms plastic waste into a functional public installation. Located at City Hall Square, the Mega Mat blends Thai heritage with sustainability while promoting recycling as a core value. Another standout project is “Habitat Network” by AP Thailand. By creating green spaces to attract native bird species through urban forests, this initiative restores biodiversity in Bangkok’s urban areas, proving that ecological balance can thrive even in densely populated cities. For a hands-on experience, visitors can join workshops in Bang Pho, a historic neighborhood celebrated for its wood industry, to create “Sacred Incense Reinvented.” This activity highlights the local connection and sustainability by transforming teak sawdust, a byproduct of the community, into sacred offerings for Chao Mae Tuptim Shrine. Design Your Change + Energizing Businesses Through Creativity Creativity is not just a tool for enhancing quality of life or adding vibrancy to a city—it is also a powerful driver for business growth and innovation. A prime example is NEIGHBOURMART Bangkok, a marketplace for Bangkok lovers that celebrates local businesses. Created by CEA, in collaboration with the design team at iliU, NEIGHBOURMART curates products from

Media OutReach

“Design Your Change: Up+Rise Bangkok” Bangkok Design Week 2025: A Showcase of Creative Solutions Transforming Bangkok’s Future

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – Bangkok is no longer just a city of vibrant lights and ceaseless energy—it has emerged as a design hub that’s driving transformative change in urban living. By addressing challenges in city infrastructure, quality of life, environmental sustainability, and business innovation, Bangkok has positioned itself as a global leader in leveraging design to shape a better future. Over the past seven years, Bangkok Design Week (BKKDW) has demonstrated the power of creativity in redefining urban spaces and fostering growth in the creative industries. The festival has contributed over 3.19 billion baht to the economy, attracted more than 2.51 million visitors, and strengthened Bangkok’s status as a City of Design under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Beyond numbers, it has revitalized once-quiet neighborhoods like Charoen Krung, Talad Noi, Hua Lamphong, and Pak Khlong Talad, turning them into thriving Creative Economy Districts. These transformations have created jobs, driven economic growth, and improved the quality of life for Bangkok’s residents. As part of Bangkok Design Week 2025, designers and cross-sector collaborators are showcasing cutting-edge projects that underscore the potential of creativity to reshape cities. These works reflect how design can tackle pressing urban challenges, elevate communities, and open pathways for sustainable growth—all while reimagining Bangkok’s future as a city that thrives on innovation and inclusivity. Design Your Change + Transforming Overlooked Spaces into Vibrant Public Areas Bangkok’s dense urban population of over 5 million people makes it one of the most crowded cities in the world. While municipal budgets and policies alone are not enough to address the city’s challenges, innovative design provides exciting solutions to reimagine Bangkok’s limited spaces. One shining example is “Prompt Park“ a collaboration between we!park, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Netherlands Embassy. This project transforms unused land located under the expressway into a vibrant public park for relaxation and community gatherings. Designed with Dutch expertise in urban planning, Prompt Park integrates climate-resilient features, creating a functional space that addresses both environmental and urban needs. The park also features a Tactical Intervention installation that combines international urban planning expertise with creative solutions for Bangkok’s challenges. Another we!park initiative transforms private land into a “Pop-Up Park.” This flexible green space is open to people of all ages and offers a variety of activities. It demonstrates that public parks don’t need to be restricted to government-owned land, creating a new model for urban greenery. Other innovative projects include “MinutePocket_UrbanBed” by SP/N Design Studio, which reimagines neglected private plots as temporary structures such as napping pods and playgrounds for children. These creative installations highlight how unused land can be repurposed for the benefit of local communities. Meanwhile, Urban Ally’s Puppup Parklet transforms two parking spaces into a small, temporary public area for relaxation. Located on Samran Rat Road, this compact but impactful initiative reclaims pedestrian spaces and offers an example of how even small design efforts can enhance urban life. In Yaowarat-Song Wat, Attention Studio is transforming limited spaces into “Playground,” multifunctional areas that combine sports, art, and community engagement. This initiative maximizes the use of space to meet the diverse needs of one of Bangkok’s busiest neighborhoods. Design Your Change + Using Design to Solve Persistent Urban Challenges Design is a key tool for addressing Bangkok’s urban challenges, particularly those tied to daily life. MAYDAY! focuses on improving public transportation, shifting attention this year from buses to “Songthaews,” Bangkok’s iconic shared pickup trucks. Despite their decades of service, these vehicles face issues such as safety, comfort, and outdated designs that fail to accommodate all users. The Songthaew Transformation exhibition presents design solutions that tackle these problems, offering practical ways to modernize the songthaew for all commuters. Another project addressing urban problems is “Street Vendor Grease Trap” by Everyday Architect Design Studio. This portable grease trap, designed for street food vendors, prevents clogged drains caused by food waste while doubling as a parking aid for carts. It’s an ingenious example of how small-scale design can make a big difference in city management. The “GAGEENANG” project was inspired by a love for Bangkok’s vibrant street food culture, particularly the iconic plastic chairs found at food stalls throughout the city. By creatively addressing small yet impactful details, the project transforms these everyday chairs by covering the hole in the seat and adding a built-in storage tray for personal belongings. This simple yet thoughtful redesign enhances both comfort and convenience for diners. These upgraded chairs are already being used at select eateries in Yaowarat, further elevating the street food experience. Design Your Change + Promoting Environmental Awareness Bangkok’s long-standing environmental challenges, from waste management to limited green spaces, have inspired innovative design solutions. One such project is the “Mega Mat” by MVRDV Architects, created in collaboration with CEA (Creative Economy Agency), the Netherlands Embassy, and PTT Global Chemicals. This 860-square-meter recycled plastic mat draws on traditional Thai mat designs and transforms plastic waste into a functional public installation. Located at City Hall Square, the Mega Mat blends Thai heritage with sustainability while promoting recycling as a core value. Another standout project is “Habitat Network” by AP Thailand. By creating green spaces to attract native bird species through urban forests, this initiative restores biodiversity in Bangkok’s urban areas, proving that ecological balance can thrive even in densely populated cities. For a hands-on experience, visitors can join workshops in Bang Pho, a historic neighborhood celebrated for its wood industry, to create “Sacred Incense Reinvented.” This activity highlights the local connection and sustainability by transforming teak sawdust, a byproduct of the community, into sacred offerings for Chao Mae Tuptim Shrine. Design Your Change + Energizing Businesses Through Creativity Creativity is not just a tool for enhancing quality of life or adding vibrancy to a city—it is also a powerful driver for business growth and innovation. A prime example is NEIGHBOURMART Bangkok, a marketplace for Bangkok lovers that celebrates local businesses. Created by CEA, in collaboration with the design team at iliU, NEIGHBOURMART curates products from

Media OutReach

“Design Your Change: Up+Rise Bangkok” Bangkok Design Week 2025: A Showcase of Creative Solutions Transforming Bangkok’s Future

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – Bangkok is no longer just a city of vibrant lights and ceaseless energy—it has emerged as a design hub that’s driving transformative change in urban living. By addressing challenges in city infrastructure, quality of life, environmental sustainability, and business innovation, Bangkok has positioned itself as a global leader in leveraging design to shape a better future. Over the past seven years, Bangkok Design Week (BKKDW) has demonstrated the power of creativity in redefining urban spaces and fostering growth in the creative industries. The festival has contributed over 3.19 billion baht to the economy, attracted more than 2.51 million visitors, and strengthened Bangkok’s status as a City of Design under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Beyond numbers, it has revitalized once-quiet neighborhoods like Charoen Krung, Talad Noi, Hua Lamphong, and Pak Khlong Talad, turning them into thriving Creative Economy Districts. These transformations have created jobs, driven economic growth, and improved the quality of life for Bangkok’s residents. As part of Bangkok Design Week 2025, designers and cross-sector collaborators are showcasing cutting-edge projects that underscore the potential of creativity to reshape cities. These works reflect how design can tackle pressing urban challenges, elevate communities, and open pathways for sustainable growth—all while reimagining Bangkok’s future as a city that thrives on innovation and inclusivity. Design Your Change + Transforming Overlooked Spaces into Vibrant Public Areas Bangkok’s dense urban population of over 5 million people makes it one of the most crowded cities in the world. While municipal budgets and policies alone are not enough to address the city’s challenges, innovative design provides exciting solutions to reimagine Bangkok’s limited spaces. One shining example is “Prompt Park“ a collaboration between we!park, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Netherlands Embassy. This project transforms unused land located under the expressway into a vibrant public park for relaxation and community gatherings. Designed with Dutch expertise in urban planning, Prompt Park integrates climate-resilient features, creating a functional space that addresses both environmental and urban needs. The park also features a Tactical Intervention installation that combines international urban planning expertise with creative solutions for Bangkok’s challenges. Another we!park initiative transforms private land into a “Pop-Up Park.” This flexible green space is open to people of all ages and offers a variety of activities. It demonstrates that public parks don’t need to be restricted to government-owned land, creating a new model for urban greenery. Other innovative projects include “MinutePocket_UrbanBed” by SP/N Design Studio, which reimagines neglected private plots as temporary structures such as napping pods and playgrounds for children. These creative installations highlight how unused land can be repurposed for the benefit of local communities. Meanwhile, Urban Ally’s Puppup Parklet transforms two parking spaces into a small, temporary public area for relaxation. Located on Samran Rat Road, this compact but impactful initiative reclaims pedestrian spaces and offers an example of how even small design efforts can enhance urban life. In Yaowarat-Song Wat, Attention Studio is transforming limited spaces into “Playground,” multifunctional areas that combine sports, art, and community engagement. This initiative maximizes the use of space to meet the diverse needs of one of Bangkok’s busiest neighborhoods. Design Your Change + Using Design to Solve Persistent Urban Challenges Design is a key tool for addressing Bangkok’s urban challenges, particularly those tied to daily life. MAYDAY! focuses on improving public transportation, shifting attention this year from buses to “Songthaews,” Bangkok’s iconic shared pickup trucks. Despite their decades of service, these vehicles face issues such as safety, comfort, and outdated designs that fail to accommodate all users. The Songthaew Transformation exhibition presents design solutions that tackle these problems, offering practical ways to modernize the songthaew for all commuters. Another project addressing urban problems is “Street Vendor Grease Trap” by Everyday Architect Design Studio. This portable grease trap, designed for street food vendors, prevents clogged drains caused by food waste while doubling as a parking aid for carts. It’s an ingenious example of how small-scale design can make a big difference in city management. The “GAGEENANG” project was inspired by a love for Bangkok’s vibrant street food culture, particularly the iconic plastic chairs found at food stalls throughout the city. By creatively addressing small yet impactful details, the project transforms these everyday chairs by covering the hole in the seat and adding a built-in storage tray for personal belongings. This simple yet thoughtful redesign enhances both comfort and convenience for diners. These upgraded chairs are already being used at select eateries in Yaowarat, further elevating the street food experience. Design Your Change + Promoting Environmental Awareness Bangkok’s long-standing environmental challenges, from waste management to limited green spaces, have inspired innovative design solutions. One such project is the “Mega Mat” by MVRDV Architects, created in collaboration with CEA (Creative Economy Agency), the Netherlands Embassy, and PTT Global Chemicals. This 860-square-meter recycled plastic mat draws on traditional Thai mat designs and transforms plastic waste into a functional public installation. Located at City Hall Square, the Mega Mat blends Thai heritage with sustainability while promoting recycling as a core value. Another standout project is “Habitat Network” by AP Thailand. By creating green spaces to attract native bird species through urban forests, this initiative restores biodiversity in Bangkok’s urban areas, proving that ecological balance can thrive even in densely populated cities. For a hands-on experience, visitors can join workshops in Bang Pho, a historic neighborhood celebrated for its wood industry, to create “Sacred Incense Reinvented.” This activity highlights the local connection and sustainability by transforming teak sawdust, a byproduct of the community, into sacred offerings for Chao Mae Tuptim Shrine. Design Your Change + Energizing Businesses Through Creativity Creativity is not just a tool for enhancing quality of life or adding vibrancy to a city—it is also a powerful driver for business growth and innovation. A prime example is NEIGHBOURMART Bangkok, a marketplace for Bangkok lovers that celebrates local businesses. Created by CEA, in collaboration with the design team at iliU, NEIGHBOURMART curates products from

The Executives

The Power Behind Trillions: Why Governance in Sovereign Wealth Funds Matters

Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) play a crucial role in managing national wealth, ensuring long-term economic stability, and generating financial returns. With over $11 trillion in global assets under management (Global SWF, 2024), their influence extends across global markets. However, ensuring effective governance and transparency remains a priority to maintain public trust and operational efficiency. Elsa Satkunasingam, Senior Business Development Advisor for Corporate and Sustainability Governance at the Asia School of Business (ASB), shares key insights into the evolving landscape of SWFs, emphasizing the importance of governance, investment strategies, and sustainability alignment. Governance and transparency are essential safeguards against financial mismanagement and political interference. “Clear governance processes ensure that SWFs effectively manage national wealth for both current and future generations,” says Satkunasingam. “Without these measures, SWFs risk losing public confidence, which is vital for long-term success.” Recent evaluations highlight varying levels of governance and transparency among SWFs. According to Global Sovereign Wealth Fund (Global SWF) rankings, Singapore’s GIC received mid-range scores, while Malaysia’s Khazanah Nasional has demonstrated marked improvement since 2021. Indonesia’s INA, alongside these funds, continues to enhance its governance by improving board selection disclosures, sustainability strategies, and crisis-prevention frameworks. “The improvements we see are encouraging, but there is still room for SWFs to increase transparency and accountability,” she adds. Khazanah Nasional and Singapore’s Temasek Holdings exemplify strong SWF management by balancing financial returns with socioeconomic development. They operate across domestic and international markets while maintaining independence, accountability, and alignment with their investment mandates. Notably, Temasek has been recognized for its high level of transparency. “Khazanah and Temasek are strong examples of how SWFs can remain independent while contributing to national development,” says Satkunasingam. Maintaining public trust is crucial for SWFs, as they are ultimately responsible for managing national wealth. “Transparent and accountable governance structures are necessary to protect against financial mismanagement and political interference,” says Satkunasingam. “A well-governed SWF ensures that investment decisions are made based on financial viability rather than political influence.” One of the primary challenges for SWFs is striking a balance between domestic investments and international diversification. While international investments help mitigate domestic risks and enhance portfolio returns, SWFs must also contribute to local socioeconomic development. “Diversification is necessary, but SWFs must also align their strategies with national economic priorities,” says Satkunasingam. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are reshaping the investment landscape. Norway’s SWF, for instance, employs AI to optimize capital deployment, reducing trading costs and improving decision-making efficiency. At the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IFSWF) in November 2024, members agreed to integrate AI into their investment strategies. “AI allows SWFs to analyze vast amounts of unstructured data quickly, detect emerging trends, and enhance transparency,” explains Satkunasingam. “This helps in identifying ESG risks, conflicts of interest, and ensuring more responsible investing.” SWFs are increasingly incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their investment strategies, recognizing the long-term economic risks posed by climate change. “There is a natural alignment between SWFs and sustainability goals, particularly in addressing climate-related risks,” says Satkunasingam. Although recent uncertainties, such as investor exits from the Net-Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) initiative, have created challenges, maintaining a steady ESG commitment is critical for resilience and long-term profitability. “Climate-related risks will only intensify, making ESG integration a non-negotiable strategy for SWFs,” she emphasizes. With the launch of the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund (SSWFF), maintaining independence from political influence is paramount. Satkunasingam suggests key protective measures, including legal frameworks to shield the Board of Guardians and senior management from external pressure, holding leadership accountable for fund management, and launching public awareness initiatives to enhance transparency. “A robust governance framework will be critical to ensuring that Sarawak’s SWF remains independent and achieves its long-term financial and economic objectives,” she advises. As SWFs navigate an evolving financial landscape, governance, transparency, and sustainability remain at the forefront of their success. By adopting best practices, leveraging emerging technologies, and maintaining strong ethical standards, SWFs can fulfill their mandate of safeguarding national wealth while driving sustainable economic growth. With institutions like the Asia School of Business contributing to the discourse, the future of SWFs in Asia appears poised for greater accountability and strategic advancement.  

News

EXIM Bank appoints Nurbayu as president and CEO

PETALING JAYA: Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd (EXIM Bank) has appointed Nurbayu Kasim Chang as its president and chief executive officer (CEO). “Nurbayu brings with her a wealth of experience, especially in corporate banking, Islamic finance, and development finance, which puts her in great stead to drive the business and bring positive outcomes for the Bank,” said Datuk Charon Mokhzani, chairman of EXIM Bank. Nurbayu joined EXIM Bank in January 2023 as chief business officer, before taking on the role of acting president and CEO of the bank in February 2024. Prior to EXIM Bank, her experience includes various leadership and management roles at Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Bhd (SME Bank) where her last position was as chief business officer. Apart from that, she also held several leadership positions at CIMB Bank. Nurbayu completed her ACCA in 1999 from the Dublin Business School, in Ireland, and is a certified Credit Professional Chartered Banker, while also holding the Certification in Islamic Development Banking.

Investment & Market Trends

Sime Darby Auto ConnecXion invests RM16.6 Mil in 3S Showroom in Penang

GEORGE TOWN: Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (Auto ConneXion), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, has officially opened its latest and largest 3S (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) showroom in Penang, located at Jalan Baru, Seberang Perai Tengah. With an investment of RM16.6 million, this state-of-the-art facility strengthens Auto ConneXion’s network in the northern region, reinforcing its commitment to delivering an enhanced customer experience for Ford enthusiasts in Malaysia. Sime Motors Southeast Asia managing director Jeffrey Gan said the new showroom reflects the company’s dedication and effort to continuously raise the bar for its customers. “Expanding our network will enable us to ensure that the Ford experience is more accessible in the northern region, providing an unparalleled ownership journey,” he said in a statement today. Echoing this sentiment, Auto ConneXion managing director Turse Zuhair said the new showroom not only reinforces company’s position as a leader in Malaysia’s pick-up truck segment but also highlights its dedication to enhancing the overall Ford ownership experience. “In line with Ford’s global initiative, the implementation of Ford’s Guest Experience in this showroom elevates customer interaction at every step of their journey,” he said. The showroom, spanning 46,000 square foot (sq ft), is designed to provide customers seamlessness comfort and quality service. Upon arrival customers are greeted with personalised service by a concierge, provides a comfortable space for them to enjoy their Ford Experience while digital and streamlined processes ensure optimised efficiency, from vehicle enquiries to after-sales service. In addition to the 3S showroom, Auto ConneXion has launched a 28,000-sq ft body and paint centre, located seven kilometres away at Taman Perindustrian Saga Jaya, Perai, offering a comprehensive range of services that include vehicle body repair, spray painting, windscreen replacement, and polishing. To celebrate the showroom’s grand opening, Auto ConneXion offers customers a complimentary five-year Ford Blue Oval Service Plan and savings of up to RM8,000 for purchase made in February (terms and conditions apply). – BERNAMA

Media OutReach

Discover the Gold Trading Guide from JustMarkets

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – Gold has always been one of the most popular assets for traders around the world, valued for its stability and market resilience. Events in the last few years have once again highlighted the importance of this precious metal as an effective means of protecting assets and a highly profitable trading instrument. Trading gold offers unique opportunities, and JustMarkets have created an exclusive gold trading guide to help everyone trade this metal as effectively as possible. JustMarkets exclusive Gold Guide JustMarkets unique gold trading guide is designed to offer ideas and strategies tailored to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. This guide covers the main strategies for trading XAUUSD, fundamental and technical market analysis methods, and expert approach to help anybody more confidently analyze the market of one of the most popular trading instruments. Perfect for traders A gold trading guide is designed to meet the needs of both beginners and experienced traders. It covers all the main aspects of XAUUSD examples of trading and analysis, from understanding gold price movements to implementing strategic entries and exits and reacting to news and economic events. JustMarkets aims to provide opportunities for all traders, regardless of their experience, goals, deposit size, and trading strategy. JustMarkets, also offers access to other financial markets and a wide selection of over 260 trading instruments. Such a wide selection allows to diversify portfolio beyond the commodities and gold markets. With JustMarkets, everyone can trade forex pairs, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices, and stocks with some of the lowest spreads in the market How to get the guide To get this exclusive guide, simply subscribe to one of our social media channels and DM us with the word “Guide”. Follow JustMarkets to receive market updates, tips, and educational content tailored to every region. JustMarkets social media list: Instagram Facebook X/Twitter Youtube Telegram Linkedin Take this chance to expand understanding of gold trading, explore key insights, and enhance market knowledge with JustMarkets. Subscribe today to access the guide and learn more about gold trading strategies. Hashtag: #JustMarkets #GoldenGuide #TradeGold #BestBroker https://www.linkedin.com/company/justmarketsofficial/https://x.com/JustMarkets_https://www.facebook.com/JustMarketsComOfficialhttps://www.instagram.com/justmarkets.official/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. JustMarkets JustMarkets is a globally recognized multi-asset broker providing reliable and transparent trading services since 2012. The company has earned over 60 industry awards, highlighting its excellence in the financial sector. JustMarkets offers a diverse array of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, metals, energies, and cryptocurrencies, serving clients in over 160 countries. The company is renowned for its competitive pricing, featuring low spreads and zero commissions. JustMarkets caters to both new and experienced traders by providing a wide range of services designed to enhance their trading experience.

Media OutReach

Discover the Gold Trading Guide from JustMarkets

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – Gold has always been one of the most popular assets for traders around the world, valued for its stability and market resilience. Events in the last few years have once again highlighted the importance of this precious metal as an effective means of protecting assets and a highly profitable trading instrument. Trading gold offers unique opportunities, and JustMarkets have created an exclusive gold trading guide to help everyone trade this metal as effectively as possible. JustMarkets exclusive Gold Guide JustMarkets unique gold trading guide is designed to offer ideas and strategies tailored to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. This guide covers the main strategies for trading XAUUSD, fundamental and technical market analysis methods, and expert approach to help anybody more confidently analyze the market of one of the most popular trading instruments. Perfect for traders A gold trading guide is designed to meet the needs of both beginners and experienced traders. It covers all the main aspects of XAUUSD examples of trading and analysis, from understanding gold price movements to implementing strategic entries and exits and reacting to news and economic events. JustMarkets aims to provide opportunities for all traders, regardless of their experience, goals, deposit size, and trading strategy. JustMarkets, also offers access to other financial markets and a wide selection of over 260 trading instruments. Such a wide selection allows to diversify portfolio beyond the commodities and gold markets. With JustMarkets, everyone can trade forex pairs, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices, and stocks with some of the lowest spreads in the market How to get the guide To get this exclusive guide, simply subscribe to one of our social media channels and DM us with the word “Guide”. Follow JustMarkets to receive market updates, tips, and educational content tailored to every region. JustMarkets social media list: Instagram Facebook X/Twitter Youtube Telegram Linkedin Take this chance to expand understanding of gold trading, explore key insights, and enhance market knowledge with JustMarkets. Subscribe today to access the guide and learn more about gold trading strategies. Hashtag: #JustMarkets #GoldenGuide #TradeGold #BestBroker https://www.linkedin.com/company/justmarketsofficial/https://x.com/JustMarkets_https://www.facebook.com/JustMarketsComOfficialhttps://www.instagram.com/justmarkets.official/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. JustMarkets JustMarkets is a globally recognized multi-asset broker providing reliable and transparent trading services since 2012. The company has earned over 60 industry awards, highlighting its excellence in the financial sector. JustMarkets offers a diverse array of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, metals, energies, and cryptocurrencies, serving clients in over 160 countries. The company is renowned for its competitive pricing, featuring low spreads and zero commissions. JustMarkets caters to both new and experienced traders by providing a wide range of services designed to enhance their trading experience.

Media OutReach

Discover the Gold Trading Guide from JustMarkets

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – Gold has always been one of the most popular assets for traders around the world, valued for its stability and market resilience. Events in the last few years have once again highlighted the importance of this precious metal as an effective means of protecting assets and a highly profitable trading instrument. Trading gold offers unique opportunities, and JustMarkets have created an exclusive gold trading guide to help everyone trade this metal as effectively as possible. JustMarkets exclusive Gold Guide JustMarkets unique gold trading guide is designed to offer ideas and strategies tailored to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. This guide covers the main strategies for trading XAUUSD, fundamental and technical market analysis methods, and expert approach to help anybody more confidently analyze the market of one of the most popular trading instruments. Perfect for traders A gold trading guide is designed to meet the needs of both beginners and experienced traders. It covers all the main aspects of XAUUSD examples of trading and analysis, from understanding gold price movements to implementing strategic entries and exits and reacting to news and economic events. JustMarkets aims to provide opportunities for all traders, regardless of their experience, goals, deposit size, and trading strategy. JustMarkets, also offers access to other financial markets and a wide selection of over 260 trading instruments. Such a wide selection allows to diversify portfolio beyond the commodities and gold markets. With JustMarkets, everyone can trade forex pairs, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices, and stocks with some of the lowest spreads in the market How to get the guide To get this exclusive guide, simply subscribe to one of our social media channels and DM us with the word “Guide”. Follow JustMarkets to receive market updates, tips, and educational content tailored to every region. JustMarkets social media list: Instagram Facebook X/Twitter Youtube Telegram Linkedin Take this chance to expand understanding of gold trading, explore key insights, and enhance market knowledge with JustMarkets. Subscribe today to access the guide and learn more about gold trading strategies. Hashtag: #JustMarkets #GoldenGuide #TradeGold #BestBroker https://www.linkedin.com/company/justmarketsofficial/https://x.com/JustMarkets_https://www.facebook.com/JustMarketsComOfficialhttps://www.instagram.com/justmarkets.official/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. JustMarkets JustMarkets is a globally recognized multi-asset broker providing reliable and transparent trading services since 2012. The company has earned over 60 industry awards, highlighting its excellence in the financial sector. JustMarkets offers a diverse array of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, metals, energies, and cryptocurrencies, serving clients in over 160 countries. The company is renowned for its competitive pricing, featuring low spreads and zero commissions. JustMarkets caters to both new and experienced traders by providing a wide range of services designed to enhance their trading experience.

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