Why Every Business Should Embrace Sustainable Supply Chains Today
By Terry Smagh, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Asia-Pacific and Japan at Infor
Maxis appoints Johan Idris as chairman
KUALA LUMPUR: Maxis Bhd has appointed Datuk Johan Idris as chairman, effective March 1, 2025, succeeding interim chairman Datuk Hamidah Naziadin. Johan currently serves as the chairman (non-executive) of KPMG in Malaysia, board member of the Capital Market Compensation Fund Corporation of Securities Commission Malaysia, board member of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, senate member and board of Trustees of International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance, as set-up by Bank Negara Malaysia and council member of Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He has over 35 years of working experience, a proven leadership track record and extensive experience across various industries and sectors, both local and global. The board extends its gratitude to Hamidah as the company has greatly benefited from her leadership as interim chairman since July 1, 2024. Hamidah will continue her role as independent non-executive director. —THE STAR
Jessica J. Lee Appointed Vice President, Strategy at Asia Group Advisors
Asia Group Advisors (AGA) has announced the appointment of Jessica J. Lee as Vice-President, Strategy. Jessica brings a wealth of expertise in corporate communications, issues management, and strategic planning across Asia-Pacific and the United States. “Asia’s fluid business operating environment means that companies will need to be creative and flexible in how they interact with governments and other stakeholders,” said Adam Schwarz, Founder & CEO of Asia Group Advisors. “It also means consistent and deep local market engagement will be required to capture the many opportunities that continue to emerge in this region. Jessica’s expertise will be invaluable as we continue to provide strategic, impact-focused advice to our clients.” Jessica J. Lee has a distinguished career spanning the technology, healthcare, and philanthropy sectors. She has built high-performing, multi-country teams, fostered public-private partnerships and executed impactful campaigns for multinational corporations. Her leadership has been instrumental in addressing complex geopolitical issues and advancing sustainability initiatives globally. Prior to joining AGA, J. Lee served in regional leadership roles at APCO Worldwide, as Managing Director Southeast Asia, and WE Communications, as Vice President Regional Healthcare Lead, where she advised clients on market entry strategies for Korea and Australia and provided strategic counsel to C-suite executives on investment and risk management. She has also spearheaded award-winning communications campaigns for major healthcare brands, focusing on areas such as health economics and digital transformation. Earlier in her career, she contributed to the rollout of the Affordable Care Act in the United States as a healthcare consultant at Wilson Strategic. Additionally, she served as a Visiting Professor at the Korea Development Institute, training civil servants and advancing global development initiatives. “I’m excited to join AGA and contribute to the firm’s mission of helping clients navigate the complexities of the Asian market,” said Jessica J. Lee. “I look forward to working with Adam and the talented team at AGA to deliver innovative solutions and create value for our clients.”–BRANDING IN ASIA
Sulaiman Mohd Tahir appointed as MNRB chairman
KUALA LUMPUR: MNRB Holdings Bhd has appointed Datuk Sulaiman Mohd Tahir as its new non-independent and non-executive chairman effective from Feb 14. Sulaiman succeeds Datuk Johar Che Mat, who has resigned from his position as chairman of MNRB and Malaysian Reinsurance Bhd (Malaysian Re) effective Feb 12. Johar will continue to share his expertise and insights within the group as chairman of subsidiaries Takaful Ikhlas Family Bhd and Takaful Ikhlas General Bhd. Sulaiman will also assume the role of non-independent and non-executive chairman of Malaysian Re, effective from Feb 14. With over 30 years of experience in local financial sector, Sulaiman brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. He has held notable leadership positions, including chairman of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd and group chief executive officer of AmBank Group. “His extensive background in banking and finance, along with his commitment to excellence, will contribute significantly to MNRB’s ongoing growth and development. “Sulaiman’s appointment ensures a smooth transition of leadership and reinforces MNRB’s focus on delivering long-term value to its stakeholders,” it said. –Business Times
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-30°C Extreme Challenge: JETOUR T2 Conquers the Arctic
CHONGQING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 February 2025 – In the Arctic Circle, the JETOUR T2 faces tough challenges, proving its off-road capabilities in extreme cold and harsh terrain. The Arctic’s rugged geography, with snowfields, mountain roads, ice crevasses, and muddy paths, poses significant risks, such as skidding, imbalance, getting stuck, or flipping over. Snow-filled craters increase the difficulty, easily causing tires to become stuck or leading to rollovers. Equipped with the advanced XWD system and a rear differential lock, the JETOUR T2 handles these icy and snowy terrains effortlessly. Its 6+X driving modes automatically switch to adjust to road conditions, distributing power for optimal traction and ensuring smooth performance without stopping. The JETOUR T2 delivers power with its 2.0T turbocharged engine and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Also, the engine boasts a maximum power of 187kW and a maximum torque of 390N·m, ensures high efficiency and stability in temperatures as low as -30ºC. Its approach angle of 28°, departure angle of 30°, and ground clearance of 220 mm enables the JETOUR T2 to easily overcome tough terrains. No one is born a champion—true strength is forged through relentless trials. With extraordinary capability, the JETOUR T2 has conquered the harsh Arctic, showcasing the exceptional performance of a light off-road SUV. Hashtag: #JETOUR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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-30°C Extreme Challenge: JETOUR T2 Conquers the Arctic
CHONGQING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 February 2025 – In the Arctic Circle, the JETOUR T2 faces tough challenges, proving its off-road capabilities in extreme cold and harsh terrain. The Arctic’s rugged geography, with snowfields, mountain roads, ice crevasses, and muddy paths, poses significant risks, such as skidding, imbalance, getting stuck, or flipping over. Snow-filled craters increase the difficulty, easily causing tires to become stuck or leading to rollovers. Equipped with the advanced XWD system and a rear differential lock, the JETOUR T2 handles these icy and snowy terrains effortlessly. Its 6+X driving modes automatically switch to adjust to road conditions, distributing power for optimal traction and ensuring smooth performance without stopping. The JETOUR T2 delivers power with its 2.0T turbocharged engine and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Also, the engine boasts a maximum power of 187kW and a maximum torque of 390N·m, ensures high efficiency and stability in temperatures as low as -30ºC. Its approach angle of 28°, departure angle of 30°, and ground clearance of 220 mm enables the JETOUR T2 to easily overcome tough terrains. No one is born a champion—true strength is forged through relentless trials. With extraordinary capability, the JETOUR T2 has conquered the harsh Arctic, showcasing the exceptional performance of a light off-road SUV. Hashtag: #JETOUR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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-30°C Extreme Challenge: JETOUR T2 Conquers the Arctic
CHONGQING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 February 2025 – In the Arctic Circle, the JETOUR T2 faces tough challenges, proving its off-road capabilities in extreme cold and harsh terrain. The Arctic’s rugged geography, with snowfields, mountain roads, ice crevasses, and muddy paths, poses significant risks, such as skidding, imbalance, getting stuck, or flipping over. Snow-filled craters increase the difficulty, easily causing tires to become stuck or leading to rollovers. Equipped with the advanced XWD system and a rear differential lock, the JETOUR T2 handles these icy and snowy terrains effortlessly. Its 6+X driving modes automatically switch to adjust to road conditions, distributing power for optimal traction and ensuring smooth performance without stopping. The JETOUR T2 delivers power with its 2.0T turbocharged engine and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Also, the engine boasts a maximum power of 187kW and a maximum torque of 390N·m, ensures high efficiency and stability in temperatures as low as -30ºC. Its approach angle of 28°, departure angle of 30°, and ground clearance of 220 mm enables the JETOUR T2 to easily overcome tough terrains. No one is born a champion—true strength is forged through relentless trials. With extraordinary capability, the JETOUR T2 has conquered the harsh Arctic, showcasing the exceptional performance of a light off-road SUV. Hashtag: #JETOUR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
-30°C Extreme Challenge: JETOUR T2 Conquers the Arctic
CHONGQING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 February 2025 – In the Arctic Circle, the JETOUR T2 faces tough challenges, proving its off-road capabilities in extreme cold and harsh terrain. The Arctic’s rugged geography, with snowfields, mountain roads, ice crevasses, and muddy paths, poses significant risks, such as skidding, imbalance, getting stuck, or flipping over. Snow-filled craters increase the difficulty, easily causing tires to become stuck or leading to rollovers. Equipped with the advanced XWD system and a rear differential lock, the JETOUR T2 handles these icy and snowy terrains effortlessly. Its 6+X driving modes automatically switch to adjust to road conditions, distributing power for optimal traction and ensuring smooth performance without stopping. The JETOUR T2 delivers power with its 2.0T turbocharged engine and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Also, the engine boasts a maximum power of 187kW and a maximum torque of 390N·m, ensures high efficiency and stability in temperatures as low as -30ºC. Its approach angle of 28°, departure angle of 30°, and ground clearance of 220 mm enables the JETOUR T2 to easily overcome tough terrains. No one is born a champion—true strength is forged through relentless trials. With extraordinary capability, the JETOUR T2 has conquered the harsh Arctic, showcasing the exceptional performance of a light off-road SUV. Hashtag: #JETOUR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Dusit Thani Kyoto named Four-Star Hotel in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2025 Star Awards
Luxury hotel earns another prestigious accolade for its exceptional service and world-class facilities BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 February 2025 – Dusit Thani Kyoto, a luxury urban oasis operated by Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has built on its recent One Michelin Key recognition by earning a 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award—further cementing its reputation as one of Kyoto’s most exceptional hotels. The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating is awarded to properties that demonstrate exceptional service and outstanding facilities. Founded in the United States in 1958, Forbes Travel Guide (formerly known as Mobil Travel Guide) is a globally respected authority in luxury hospitality, renowned for pioneering the five-star rating system in 1960. Its anonymous inspectors evaluate hotels based on more than 900 objective standards, ensuring a trusted benchmark of excellence in the travel industry. The Four-Star rating is awarded to properties that demonstrate exceptional service and outstanding facilities. Dusit Thani Kyoto earned this distinction through rigorous, undercover assessments by Forbes Travel Guide’s inspectors, who experienced the hotel just as a typical guest would—paying their own way to ensure impartiality. Opened in September 2023, Dusit Thani Kyoto is set in the peaceful Hongwanji Monzen-machi district, just 850 metres from the city’s bustling Kyoto Station. Operating under Dusit’s luxury Dusit Thani brand, the hotel seamlessly blends Thai-inspired gracious hospitality with Japan’s deep-rooted culture of omotenashi (wholeheartedly looking after guests) and features 147 meticulously designed guest rooms that balance timeless elegance with contemporary comfort. The hotel also serves as a hub of gourmet dining experiences. Guests can embark on an interactive omakase journey at Kōyō, which showcases Kyoto’s 24 micro-seasons through the finest ingredients. Den Kyoto elevates mixology with handcrafted cocktails infused with Thai herbs, while Ayatana, the hotel’s signature Thai fine-dining restaurant, delivers an exquisite celebration of Thai flavours and culinary artistry. Committed to sustainability, Ayatana sources premium seasonal ingredients from the Kansai region, including fresh herbs and vegetables from Ohara Farm and organic tea leaves from its own tea farm in Wazuka. Alongside versatile event spaces that accommodate up to 240 guests, the hotel also boasts a signature Devarana Wellness centre, where expert therapists blend ancient Thai massage therapies with traditional Japanese healing rituals, ensuring a truly restorative experience. “Receiving Forbes Travel Guide’s distinguished Four-Star Award just over a year after our opening is a remarkable achievement and a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, heartfelt service, and creating truly memorable experiences for our guests,” said Makoto Yamashita, Cluster General Manager, Dusit Thani Kyoto and ASAI Kyoto Shijo. “Inspired by this accolade and our One Michelin Key status, we remain committed to raising the bar, delivering exceptional service, and ensuring our hotel continues to be a place of warmth, elegance, and meaningful connections for all who visit.” For more information about the hotel, please visit Dusit Thani Kyoto. Hashtag: #dusitinternational #dusitthanikyoto The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Dusit Thani Kyoto Opened on 1 September 2023, Dusit Thani Kyoto is located in a historic area near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nishi Hongwan-ji Temple. The hotel offers a unique fusion of Japan’s exquisite traditions and the gracious hospitality of Dusit’s Thai origins. Guests can enjoy beautifully designed, comfortable rooms alongside a rich variety of culinary experiences, including three distinctive restaurants, a tea salon, and a hidden bar. The Devarana Wellness centre provides rejuvenation for the mind and body, while exclusive experience programmes immerse guests in the true essence of Kyoto. Our commitment to delivering “Everything You Deserve” ensures that guests not only enjoy the charm of Kyoto as a travel destination but also find a tranquil oasis for their hearts and senses. Notably, in July 2024, Dusit Thani Kyoto became the first Thai-origin hotel brand in Japan to receive a prestigious “Michelin Key” for its ‘outstanding’ facilities and service. For more information about the hotel, please visit Dusit Thani Kyoto. About Forbes Travel Guide Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world’s best experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our independent inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.
Tealive enters India in partnership with Devyani International Limited
PETALING JAYA: Loob Holding Sdn Bhd has signed a master franchise deal with leading Indian Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) operator Devyani International Limited (DIL) to introduce Tealive into India. The top regional lifestyle tea brand is now entering one of the world’s largest consumer markets, following its successful penetration of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in October last year. DIL is India’s largest franchisee for Yum! Brands, operating KFC and Pizza Hut outlets, and the exclusive franchisee for Costa Coffee cafes in the country. In addition, DIL has its own home grown brands, including Vaango, a popular South Indian vegetarian food destination, and The Food Street, a food court concept featuring multiple cuisines under one roof. DIL operates more than 2,000 stores across brands in India, Thailand, Nigeria and Nepal. Loob Holding founder and CEO Bryan Loo expressed confidence that DIL’s expansive network and F&B expertise would provide a solid foundation for Tealive to grow in India. “Together with our partner, Tealive will bring our innovative lifestyle tea culture to the land of chai. Our partner knows the local market well and we’re planning significant presence in India, beginning with outlets in the major cities this year,” he said. With over 950 outlets in Southeast Asia, Mauritius, Canada, and most recently the Middle East, Tealive now looks to bringing its unique blend of tea and innovative beverage culture to India. India presents a huge market potential for lifestyle tea amongst the young population. This gives Tealive a strategic advantage with its strong branding and Southeast Asian appeal. While India’s tea scene is populated by local brands and individual stores, Tealive’s diverse menu and innovative offerings will cater to evolving consumer preferences. “Partnering with a strong local operator like DIL gives us the ability to adapt and thrive in India while also extending the Tealive lifestyle to millions of new consumers,” Loo said. Mr. Ravi Jaipuria, Non-Executive Chairman, Devyani International Limited, said: “We are delighted to introduce Tealive, a strong Asian brand, into India, known to have a rich tradition of chai culture. Tealive’s diverse lifestyle tea offerings perfectly align with India’s young and evolving consumer, who are increasingly drawn towards newer categories. Together, we are set to redefine and transform tea experience in the vibrant Indian market.” Loo emphasised that Tealive would continue its current regional strategy of starting small and scaling up fast with the right market conditions. “With our partners’ local knowledge, industry experience, and extensive reach, we are well-positioned to rapidly expand and promote our unique lifestyle tea culture across India,” he said.
