Author: Asia PEVC

New Office Bearers Announced by CropLife Asia

CropLife Asia, the regional voice of the plant science industry, today announced a new lineup for the organization’s Office Bearers within the Board of Directors. Among the changes to the roster of Office Bearers as the installation of Ms. Simone Barg of BASF as CropLife President.

Ms. Simone Barg, Senior Vice President, Agricultural Solutions Asia-Pacific with BASF, is an experienced senior leader with a growth mindset focused on customers and people. Currently based in Singapore, Ms. Barg has served with BASF for over two decades and successfully managed the company’s businesses in various industries, B2B and B2C, specialty and commodity chemicals and extensive transformational programs.

The new roster for the CropLife Asia Office Bearers is as follows:

  • Ms. Simone Barg (BASF) – President
  • Mr. Paul Luxton (Syngenta) – Vice-President
  • Ms. Malu Nachreiner (Bayer Crop Science) – Treasurer
  • Mr. Robert Kaan (Corteva Agriscience) – Secretary

“As the population in Asia continues to grow, the challenge facing agriculture is its ability to produce safe, affordable and nutritious food sustainably,” said Simone Barg, President of CropLife Asia. “This starts with supporting farmers gain access to the tools, technology and innovations in plant science. I am honored to represent CropLife Asia as President. Together with our member partners, governments, ag industry partners, and farmers, we seek to establish agricultural systems enabled through innovative crop science and technologies that would contribute to improving food security and the living standards of all in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner.”

About CropLife Asia

CropLife Asia is a non-profit society and the regional organization of CropLife International, the voice of the global plant science industry. We advocate a safe, secure food supply, and our vision is food security enabled by innovative agriculture. CropLife Asia supports the work of 15 member associations across the continent and is led by six member companies at the forefront of crop protection, seeds and/or biotechnology research and development. For more information, visit us at www.croplifeasia.org. 

For more information please contact:
Duke Hipp
Director, Public Affairs & Strategic Partnerships
CropLife Asia
Tel: +65 6221 1615
duke.hipp@croplifeasia.org 

.africa TLD Now Available on GoDaddy.com for Global Registrations

Registry Africa, the official operator of the .africa top-level domain (TLD), and GoDaddy, a world leader in domain registration and web services, have announced that the .africa domain is available on GoDaddy.com. This will help increase Africa’s digital ecosystem while catering to the rising international demand for connectivity with the continent.

GoDaddy’s vast customer base – spanning millions of business owners organizations, and entrepreneurs globally – can easily register and manage .africa domains by simplifying access to .africa extension. The aim is to empower entities seeking to establish or expand their digital footprint across Africa’s rapidly growing markets.

“Having GoDaddy as our Registrar increases our market reach and puts .africa at the top shelf for users to access,” said Lucky Masilela, CEO of Registry Africa.

The move comes as interest in Africa’s digital potential is growing internationally due to the continent’s youthful population, increased internet penetration, and a surge in startup environment. The .africa domain, synonymous with regional identity, offers businesses a strategic tool to localize their online presence.

Industry analysts and economic experts highlight that strategic partnerships can act as a catalyst for transformation, accelerate digital innovation and stimulate cross-border investments throughout Africa. This partnership coincides with a period of rapid expansion, exemplified by the remarkable surge in mobile internet adoption across sub-Saharan Africa.

For more information on registering a .africa domain through GoDaddy, visit www.godaddy.com/en-ph/tlds/africa-domain.

About GoDaddy

GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services, and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company’s AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

About Registry Africa

Registry Africa is the official registry for the .african domain, responsible for managing the .africa top-level domain (TLD) and maintaining the database of all registered .africa domain names along with corresponding registrant information. Visit www.registry.africa for more information.

PR contacts:
GoDaddy: mohammed.elbatta@fekracomms.com
Registry Africa: pr@registry.africa

Brawijaya University Lecturer Develops IoT-based Chicken Coop Monitoring System

A Lecturer at the Faculty of Animal Science at Brawijaya University, Danung Nur Adli Spt., MSc., MPt, has developed an integrated chicken coop monitoring system to increase the potential productivity of broiler chickens. The system uses the Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile apps.

A lecturer at the Faculty of Animal Science at Brawijaya University, Danung Nur Adli (right), explains the functioning of an IoT-based chicken coop temperature monitoring system that he developed, in Malang, East Java, on Tuesday (March 11, 2025). (ANTARA FOTO/ARI BOWO SUCIPTO)
Malang, East Java – Danung Nur Adli (right), a Lecturer at the Faculty of Animal Science at Brawijaya University, explains the functions of his IoT-based chicken coop temperature monitoring system. (ANTARA FOTO/ARI BOWO SUCIPTO)

The innovation was initiated in 2019, when Danung began designing ways to use technology in traditional ‘open’ model chicken coops to develop the economic value of male chicks that are often viewed as waste.

“We didn’t know what to do with the male chicks. They were usually raised to be sold as broiler chickens,” Danung said in Malang, East Java, on Friday. “We have designed a real-time technology service for chickens, whose goal is to increase the productivity of broiler chickens.”

Danung’s IoT-based chicken coop is also designed as an alternative to more sophisticated technologies, such as the TempTron, a temperature and humidity control device. Given the high cost to build a TempTron, which is specifically designed to maintain the stability of temperature and humidity in a closed chicken coop or ‘close’ house, Danung decided to design his innovation for farmers who use traditional open-type coops to raise chicken.

“So, we designed a microcontroller, then a sensor that works using a modem to transmit data about temperature and humidity,” he said. “Chickens eat less when the air temperature is high. This requires a quick decision. If too late, it can affect their immunity, raising the potential to get sick, while the increase in cells per body weight also decreases,” he explained.

The mechanism allows each farmer to get real-time data on the temperature and humidity in their chicken coops within an estimated two to three minutes via their mobile phone.  Using the data, farmers can immediately take corrective action. For example, if the air temperature is hot, they can provide drinking water or nutritional intake to their chickens.

In 2024, Danung’s system received a funding grant for further development from Brawijaya University. His design also caught the attention of Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid when she visited the East Java campus some time ago.

Currently, Danung’s chicken coop system is being used at several farms in Malang Regency, such as in Karangploso and Singosari. The innovation for livestock has received a positive response from chicken farmers as well, especially those from the millennial generation.

For marketing the system, Danung is collaborating with Luthfan Bayu Zulkarnaen, a colleague and co-founder of Pemiara.id, a supplier of male chickens. “Bayu also helps to report on temperature developments, and provides input on what corrective actions to take,” Danung said.

For more information please click: https://ub.ac.id
Brawijaya University: https://prasetya.ub.ac.id

Editor: Primayanti, Copyright (c) ANTARA 2025

Gain Therapeutics Doses First Participant in Phase 1b Clinical Trial of GT-02287 in Parkinson’s Disease

Gain Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: GANX) (“Gain”, or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leading the discovery and development of the next generation of allosteric small molecule therapies, today announced the dosing of the first participant with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in its Phase 1b clinical trial of GT-02287, the Company’s lead allosteric small molecule in development for the treatment of PD with or without a GBA1 mutation.

“Initiation of dosing in our Phase 1b clinical trial represents an important step in the clinical development of GT-02287 and in Gain’s mission to deliver a disease-modifying therapy to people with Parkinson’s disease. We look forward to continued enrollment and anticipate an interim analysis from the towards the end of 2Q 2025,” said Gene Mack, President and CEO of Gain Therapeutics. 

The Phase 1b open-label, multi-center trial is designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of GT-02287 in people with GBA1-PD and idiopathic PD. Secondary endpoints include pharmacokinetics, GCase modulation, levels of GCase substrates, and other biomarkers in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. The trial will enroll up to 20 participants who will receive GT-02287 daily for three months. Interim data from the Phase 1b trial are anticipated at the end of 2Q 2025.

The Phase 1b trial follows Gain’s successful Phase 1 study in healthy volunteers completed during Q3 2024, in which GT-02287 demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile as well as plasma and CNS exposures in the projected therapeutic range. Importantly, the Phase 1 study also showed significant target engagement of GT-02287 demonstrated by a statistically significant increase in glucocerebrosidase (GCase) activity that was >50%.

For more information on the Phase 1b clinical trial, visit: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06732180 

About GT-02287

Gain Therapeutics’ lead drug candidate, GT-02287, is in clinical development for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with or without a GBA1 mutation. The orally administered, brain-penetrant small molecule is an allosteric enzyme modulator that restores the function of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase) which becomes misfolded and impaired due to mutations in the GBA1 gene, the most common genetic abnormality associated with PD, or other age-related stress factors. In preclinical models of PD, GT-02287 restored GCase enzymatic function, reduced aggregated α-synuclein, neuroinflammation and neuronal death, and improved motor function and cognitive performance. Additionally, GT-02287 significantly reduced plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels, an emerging biomarker of neurodegeneration.

Compelling preclinical data in models of both GBA1-PD and idiopathic PD, demonstrating a disease-modifying effect after administration of GT-02287, suggest that GT-02287 may have the potential to slow or stop the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Gain’s lead program in Parkinson’s disease has been awarded funding support early in its development from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) and The Silverstein Foundation for Parkinson’s with GBA, as well as from the Eurostars-2 joint program with co-funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 research and Innosuisse – Swiss Innovation Agency.

About Gain Therapeutics, Inc.

Gain Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company leading the discovery and development of next generation allosteric therapies. Gain’s lead drug candidate, GT-02287 is currently being evaluated for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease with or without a GBA1 mutation. Results from a Phase 1 study of GT-02287 in healthy volunteers demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability, plasma exposure in the projected therapeutic range, CNS exposure, and target engagement and modulation of GCase enzyme.

Gain’s unique approach enables the discovery of novel, allosteric small molecule modulators that can restore or disrupt protein function. Deploying its highly advanced Magellan™ platform, Gain is accelerating drug discovery and unlocking novel disease-modifying treatments for untreatable or difficult-to-treat disorders including neurodegenerative diseases, rare genetic disorders and oncology.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are typically preceded by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “will,” “may,” “should,” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current knowledge, assumptions, judgment and expectations regarding future performance or events. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such statements are reasonable, they give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct or that those goals will be achieved, and you should be aware that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: the development of the Company’s current or future product candidates including GT-02287; expectations regarding the timing of results from a Phase 1b clinical study for GT-02287; expectations regarding the timing of patient enrollment for a Phase 1b clinical study for GT-02287; and the potential therapeutic and clinical benefits of the Company’s product candidates. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the Company’s business in general, please refer to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. We have no obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Contacts:

Apaar Jammu and Chuck Padala
ajammu@gaintherapeutics.com
chuck@lifesciadvisors.com 

Media Contacts:

Russo Partners
Nic Johnson and Elio Ambrosio
nic.johnson@russopartnersllc.com
elio.ambrosio@russopartnersllc.com
(760) 846-9256

Habitat for Humanity offers up to US$40,000 in grants for innovative youth-led housing solutions in Asia-Pacific

Habitat for Humanity is excited to engage young people in the Asia-Pacific region in creating innovative housing solutions through grants worth up to US$40,000. Through the Habitat Youth Solutions grant, up to 10 young people or youth organizations in the region can each win US$4,000 to start, scale up, or replicate culturally and contextually appropriate projects that help their local communities improve their housing conditions.


“Youth for Good Nepal”, which is one of the previous winners of the 2023 Youth Solutions Microgrant, organized eight workshops in Kathmandu, Nepal, for 321 participants to learn about earthquake safety and retrofitting techniques from experts. Through the grant, the team developed and distributed educational materials on disaster resilience, strategically partnering with 5 local government units, 5 youth clubs and local organizations, and 1 school in implementing the workshops.


Indo Gajahlah Kebersihan – Gajahlah Kebersihan, from Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, trained 30 community members on manufacturing ventilation blocks from recycled plastics. In just six months, the innovation re-used 220,000 pieces of plastics as building materials, preventing them from polluting marine environments. The organization also engaged 100 students, raising awareness about the coastal housing issue and how this solution addresses the need.


PHL Modern Balsa – The Modern Balsa Initiative from the Philippines built an indigenous community’s first floating sanitary facility in Sabang Adgawan, Agusan del Sur, with help from 89 local volunteers. The facility currently serves 411 households with a population of 2,053. In partnership with a government-run technical-vocational education agency, the initiative trained 45 community members on basic carpentry and masonry.

“The Asia-Pacific region is not on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, as U.N. data show. With rapid urbanization, climate change, environmental degradation and social inequality, sustainable cities and communities seem like a distant dream,” said Liz Satow, Area Vice President for Asia-Pacific, Habitat for Humanity International.

“But there is hope. The youth in Asia-Pacific bring a wealth of exciting and creative ideas, passion, and determination to address these challenges. When governments, civil society and communities join hands with the youth of Asia-Pacific, the partnership creates solutions that are grounded in the reality of their communities, and therefore, can be incredibly effective.”

The 13-year Habitat Young Leaders Build campaign attests to the youth’s potential and power to advance the cause of affordable housing.  Besides the grant, up to 40 shortlisted applicants will convene at the Youth Assembly in the Philippines in mid-2025 to network with experts in housing, urban development and project management, learn from previous grant winners, and ideate with peers from across the region. In addition, winners of the 2025 Habitat Youth Solutions grant will receive mentorship from experts and implementors from Habitat’s network of volunteer leaders and development partners.

Through such youth engagement and collaboration, about 4,000 individuals in up to 10 communities in the region will gain access to affordable housing.

Past winners of the 2023 Habitat Youth Solutions included Indonesian organization Gajahlah Kebersihan. They trained 30 community members in manufacturing ventilation blocks from recycled plastics. In six months, 220,000 pieces of plastics were reused as building materials instead of ending up as marine pollutants. About 100 Indonesian students also helped raise awareness about the risks of coastal housing and highlighted the innovative recycling initiative.

“Winning Habitat’s Youth Solutions Micro-grant was a game-changer for us. It allowed us to expand our impact, be more involved in sustainable building issues and connect with like-minded people and organizations,” said Dicky Alfandy, co-founder of Gajahlah Kebersihan.

Application for the 2025 Habitat Youth Solutions grant is open until April 13, 2025. Interested young leaders can learn more through the official web page.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in U.S.A. Since its founding in 1976, the housing organization has grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In the Asia-Pacific region since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported millions of people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org/asiapacific.

Contact:
Angeli C. Alba-Pascual
+63 920 956 3376
aalba@habitat.org

For further information or to set up interviews, please contact Ms. Angeli Alba-Pascual, AAlba@habitat.org, +63 920 956 3376. Please find related photos and videos here.

Future of airport operations to take centre stage at inter airport Southeast Asia conference

Themed “Airport Operations for Tomorrow”, inter airport Southeast Asia 2025 (IASEA) curated a lineup of conference sessions and the latest innovations to drive conversations on what a sustainable tomorrow looks like for Asia’s airport operations and ground handling industry.

From 25-27 March 2025, the 8th edition of IASEA is expected to gather over 4,000 attendees, 150 notable global brands and some 50 industry experts as speakers at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

IASEA 2025 Conference – Mastermind keynotes on shaping the future of airports

Setting the stage for this conference on day 1 (25 March) is the fireside chat titled Reshaping Global Airport Operationsby Patrick Ky, CEO, International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI), an industry leader with nearly three decades worth of aviation experience. Moderated by Glory Wee, Senior Director, Aviation Development Group, Civil Aviation Authority Singapore (CAAS), the session will discuss solutions that improve operational efficiencies and lay the foundation for resilient and future-proof airports.

“Globally, Asia Pacific takes the lead as the region with 60% of the total number of airport projects, and the region’s carriers handled 31 million international passengers, which was a 19.8% increase in November 2024 compared to November 2023. Recognising the need to address ground and airspace capacity constraints and manpower shortages, while keeping up with increasing passenger footfall in the region, the International Centre for Aviation Innovation was established in Singapore,” said Patrick Ky, CEO, International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI). “ICAI focuses on research and development projects for next-generation air navigation services, automated and smart airports, and unmanned aviation systems and sustainable aviation. At the upcoming IASEA 2025, I’m excited to share insights into new innovations that will be tested in Singapore before being deployed globally.”

This will be followed by keynote sessions led by two of the top 5 airports according to Skytrax’s World Top Airport List 2024. The first keynote, Airports of The Next Decade & Beyond with Shinichiro Motomiya, General Manager, Narita International Airport Corporation, will provide insights into the master plan of Narita International Airport – a case study of the airport of the future, and Airport in Brief: Incheon Airport with Soonil Hwang, Deputy Director of Fast Travel Team, Incheon International Airport Corporation, will cover a deep dive into the airport’s Digital Transformation Project.

Shinichiro Motomiya, General Manager, Narita International Airport Corporation, shared, “To ensure that airports can keep up with this surging demand in air traffic today, it’s become paramount for the industry to accelerate conversations on what will make airports sustainable, improve operational resilience and passenger experience. Takethe ‘New Narita Airport’ expansion project as a case in point, which we will share about during the keynote session. The airport development project for the 2030s is looking at consolidating terminals and building a new cargo area to allow for the expected increase of passenger capacity from 57 to 75 million and cargo capacity from 2.4 to 3.5 million tons atNarita International Airport.”

Soonil Hwang, Deputy Director of the Fast Travel Team, Incheon International Airport Corporation commented, “We should not shun away from the use of Artificial Intelligence technologies, especially in the aviation industry. At Incheon International Airport, we believe that technology will strike a fine balance between passenger experience and operational efficiency. Hence, we’ve analysed customer demands and drawn a Persona Journey Map to design solutions around it. As we complete Phase 4 of the transformation of Incheon International Airport, it is my pleasure to share at the upcoming IASEA how we’ve identified values such as ‘Convenient Journey’ or ‘Time’ and utilised them to elevate the customer experience.”

The morning of the opening day will also see Nguyen Dang Minh, Head of Airport Operations Department, Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) spearhead the next keynote, Vietnam Airport Development Masterplan 2030. Vietnam stands as a leader in the aviation landscape, aiming to expand its airport network to 30 airports by 2030 and a long-term vision extending to 2050 that includes upgrades to increase annual passenger capacity by over 80%. As new airports are being built and existing ones upgraded, Minh will cover the solutions needed to address challenges in ground management, security, and resource allocation that will enable airport operations to evolve alongside Vietnam’s expanding aviation network.

Day 2 of the conference will open with the keynote Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Incursion. With safety as a top priority for the aviation industry, and runway incursions as one of the top five high-risk categories of aviation risks, the session will be led by Mitch Fox, Director, Asia Pacific Centre for Aviation Safety, Flight Safety Foundation, who will cover recommendations from the Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Incursions (GAPRI) that go beyond simple regulatory compliance. Aside from safety, efficiency and sustainability are the next priorities to drive airports of tomorrow. Brad Moore, CEO, APAC, Swissport International AG, will lead the next keynote Redefining Ground Support Excellence in Asia Pacific to examine how transformative technology, greener practices, and strategic innovation are unlocking new opportunities for ground handling – a critical backbone of the aviation system.

Aside from these mastermind keynotes, other industry experts and thought leaders from the airport industry will join the conference, sharing their groundbreaking strategies for transforming terminal and ramp operations to address the challenges of today’s demanding and rapidly changing aviation landscape.

Some of the conference highlights include1:

  • Using Data Analytics to Optimise Airport Operations
  • Rethinking Passenger Flow: Unravelling the Knot of Terminal Congestion
  • Transforming Baggage Handling: Best Practices for Modern Airports
  • Future-Proofing Airport Security: Balancing Safety, Technology & Passenger Experience
  • Boosting Operational Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected

The full list of speakers can be found here.

State-of-the-art solutions at inter airport Southeast Asia exhibition

As the reference point for the future of airports, IASEA 2025 will stand as a platform to unveil the latest aviation technologies aimed at streamlining workflows, improving sustainability and elevating operational capabilities.

Automation will continue to play a pivotal role in ever-growing passenger expectations. SITA’s 2024 Baggage IT Insights reveal that 80% of airports and 66% of airlines have put touchless self-

service baggage handling in place, and more investments will continue in 2025. Aligned with this transformation, industry expert Smith Detection will introduce to the Asia market the SDX 10060 XDi, a ground-breaking X-ray scanner, offering highly accurate material discrimination and substance identification based on an object’s molecular structure. Separately, biometrics and digital identity leader NEC will showcase its facial recognition technology, ranked the world’s most accurate in a benchmark test conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology in 2024. ADB Safegate Singapore, who recently clinched awards for Environmental Initiatives, Innovation, Safety, and Business Expansion at the Airport Technology Excellence Awards 2024, will present their award-winning airport management software.

Other notable brands to expect on the exhibition floor:

Aviaco GSE, CIAS, Colibri Energy, Cobus Industries, Datalogic, ewo, FAAC, Fastcharge, FibreFENCE by Fibre Net Spa, FLEX Industries, GRP Iluminacion, Honeywell, ITW GSE, Japan Radio Co., LEONARDO, Mallaghan, Mototok, NEC, OCEM Airfield, Oshkosh AeroTech, Poltrona Frau, Roypow Technology GmbH, SICK AG, ShinMaywa, Thales, TCR, TLD Asia, Toyota Industries Corporation, TREPEL and Weihai Guangtai. 

All registered professionals for inter airport Southeast Asia 2025 will be granted free access to exhibition and conference floors. For the latest information on inter airport Southeast Asia, please visit the event website, LinkedIn, or Facebookpages.

About inter airport Southeast Asia

inter airport Southeast Asia influences and accelerates the transformation of the airport industry in Asia by crafting a unique, 3-day airport trade show for the region.

Every odd year, buyers and decision makers from the airports, airlines, ground handlers and the entire Airport community in Asia attend inter airport Southeast Asia to source and experience from the most diverse selection of innovations, technology and equipment for airport terminals and ramp operations.

Whatever your strategy or needs – this is the place to be for business, friendship and new trends.

25-27 March 2025

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
www.interairport-southeastasia.com

About RX  

RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people.  RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com. 

About RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors

Media contacts (on behalf of RX)
Carolyn Kok (carolyn.kok@fifthring.com)
Chloe Lim (chloe.lim@fifthring.com)

SRKay Consulting Group Unveils Research on Why New-Shoring is Replacing Traditional Offshoring

SRKay Consulting Group has released a groundbreaking whitepaper, “New-Shoring: The Next Evolution in Global Expansion,” providing data-driven insights into why companies are rapidly moving away from traditional offshoring models and embracing New-Shoring as a future-proof strategy.

With geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and rising labour costs impacting global businesses, organizations are actively seeking new locations that offer regulatory stability, skilled talent, and operational resilience. According to the whitepaper, 76% of CEOs now see New-Shoring as a long-term transformation strategy, rather than a cost-cutting measure.

Key Highlights from the Whitepaper

Why Offshoring is No Longer Sustainable:

35% of executives rank political stability as the top concern when selecting new expansion locations.83% of North American and 90% of European businesses are actively diversifying their supply chains post-pandemic.China’s labor costs have surged by over 15% annually, reducing its cost-advantage.

New-Shoring: The Strategic Shift

India (75%), Vietnam (70%), and Mexico (55%) are the top New-Shoring destinations based on workforce availability, infrastructure, and policy incentives.22% of global executives now use AI-powered site selection for risk mitigation and operational efficiency.57% of enterprises prioritize sustainability and ESG compliance in location selection.

Case Studies from Industry Leaders

  • Apple – Shifting iPhone production to India to diversify its manufacturing footprint.
  • Tesla – Expanding Gigafactories in Mexico for nearshoring closer to the U.S. market.
  • Boeing – Investing in Mexico’s aerospace hub to improve supply chain efficiency.

The Future of Global Expansion

AI-driven automation, hybrid workforce models, and geopolitical realignments will define business expansion strategies over the next five years.Companies that embrace New-Shoring will gain a competitive advantage in resilience, speed-to-market, and innovation.

As per Karunjit Kumar Dhir, CEO of SRKay Consulting Group:”New-Shoring isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about ensuring long-term stability and business resilience. Our latest whitepaper outlines a strategic framework for companies looking to make this shift effectively.”

Why Download the Whitepaper?

Discover which global destinations offer the best opportunities for New-Shoring.✔ Gain insights into AI-driven decision-making for site selection and risk assessment.✔ Explore real-world case studies showcasing how top companies are making the shift successfully.

Download the Whitepaper today and future-proof your global expansion strategy.

About SRKay Consulting Group

With operations in eight countries, SRKay Consulting Group is a trusted partner for businesses navigating global expansion, New-Shoring, and offshore transformation strategies. The firm specializes in regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and operational excellence, helping enterprises unlock growth opportunities in emerging markets.

For media inquiries, partnerships, and whitepaper access:
Komaldeep Kaur
Email: Komal@mianext.com
Explore More: www.srkay.com

WEGE & DEX Launch Netro: Indonesia’s Groundbreaking Net-Zero Smart Modular Home Concept

PT Wijaya Karya Bangunan Gedung Tbk (WEGE) a subsidiary of PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk (WIKA), in collaboration with PT Dex Solusi Transit (DEX) presents Netro, Indonesia’s first innovative smart modular home with Smart Net-Zero and Growing-modular concept. The Netro launch was part of WIKA’s 65th anniversary ceremony. The launch ceremony was held on the 17th floor of WIKA Tower 2, marked by screening of Netro’s video profile on Tuesday (11/03).

Prototypes of Netro version 1.0 model homes are displayed on WIKA Realty’s plot located in Pulo Mas Jaya. The model homes are featured in various floor sizes: the smallest at 33m2, followed by type 49m2, 93m2, and the largest at 129m2. These prototypes demonstrate WEGE and DEX’s commitment to provide a smart, industrial-based green housing model.

Netro is designed to meet demand for sustainable housing that operates efficiently, conserves energy, and reduces carbon emissions using its intelligent smart system. It meets the Greenship Net-Zero rating requirements set by the Green Building Council Indonesia (GBCI).

Netro is a modular home system that allows systematic expansion, which allows wider market reach and enhances affordability. It also provides homeowners with flexible housing options that align with improvements in living standards, enabling them to expand their living space as needed. With its qualities, Netro raises awareness on the importance of sustainable development by introducing smart modular homes.

WIKA’s President Director Agung BW stated during the launch event that “Netro was created based on awareness of climate change and is aligned with WEGE’s commitment to developing modular homes as a building construction method since 2018. In spite of that, DEX introduces a smart “breathing home” concept by maximizing natural air circulation demanded by Net-Zero principles. The smart home also features IoT (Internet of Things) that automates cost-effective data collection for certification processes. This collaboration produces smart homes that are not only sustainable, but also educates their occupants on energy efficiency through integrated technology.”

The primary features of Netro include passive cooling, natural ventilation, solar panels, water recycling and energy monitoring systems, thermal comfort, and minimum air quality standards – all of which are integrated in the GBCI Greenship Net-zero app. The system allows occupants and GBCI to digitally monitor energy consumption and renewable energy production, which significantly reduces emissions and meets the requirements for Greenship Net-Zero certification.

In line with Agung BW, President Director of WEGE Hadian Pramudita said, “This launch offers a solution in response to demand for housing, not only in urban areas but also in coastal and rural regions. With the support of WEGE and DEX’s construction technology, along with WIKA Realty as the first developer to build Netro in its real estate projects, we are confident that we can meet market needs with the highest quality. This will help promote massive energy efficiency and raise awareness of a sustainable Net-Zero lifestyle.”

As a pioneer in sustainable development, WEGE is committed to providing innovative homes that focus on energy efficiency and improve people’s quality of life. Netro serves to meet the needs of society across all segments, including developers and real estate companies (B2B), by providing homes that are quick and easy to build, structurally robust, cost-effective in operational expenses, and in line with sustainable principles.

“The fulfilment of Greenship Net-Zero criteria in Netro Products provides a solid and objective basis to meet Green Finance requirements set by banks. We anticipate a major shift in the banking industry towards Green Finance, including KPR Hijau, Green Loan, and similar financial products,” said Iwan Prajitno, President Director of DEX.

Products such as Netro are a compelling solution to smart, high-quality, and sustainable homes to help with Indonesia’s housing backlog. We believe that every citizen is entitled to at least one modest, high-quality home.

Netro’s Outstanding Features as an Eco-Friendly Home

Netro is an eco-friendly home, equipped with exceptional features designed to reduce energy consumption and achieve Net-Zero. It achieves natural thermal comfort, and its modular system allows faster construction times. The key benefits in favour of Netro House as an ideal choice for future housing are as follows:

1. Growth Enable Modular System – Expandable Modular Homes

Netro is an industrial-based housing system. This ensures that the product and its components are tried, tested, and meets all required standards. As most of the production processes are done in factories, procurement and construction on-site is significantly faster than conventional construction methods. Netro’s on-site installation process is quick and generates minimum waste, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Netro is designed to enable expansion without major interruption to its occupants’ daily activities – thanks to systematic design and clear identification of additional required components.

2. High Albedo Roof – Reflective Roofing for Thermal Comfort

Netro’s high albedo roof reflects sunlight and minimises heat absorption. This helps maintain a cooler home temperature without excessive reliance on air conditioning.

3. Louvre Window & Operable Window – Maximising Air Circulation

Netro incorporates louvre windows and operable windows, designed to optimise natural airflow inside the house. These features enable cross-ventilation, creating a naturally cooler indoor environment, which minimizes the need for air conditioning and improves indoor air quality.

4. Inner Court – A Green Oasis Within the Home

The inner court is a multifunctional green area that provides a natural living experience indoors. More than just an aesthetic feature, this space serves as a central airflow hub, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the house, creating a cooler and more refreshing environment, and providing comfort for its occupants.

5. Permeable Wall – Better Air Circulation

Permeable wall is incorporated to allow free airflow, enabling smoother air ventilation and helping to remove heat from inside the house.

6. Drywall with Insulation – Fast and Efficient Construction

Walls are sandwiched with thermal insulators to enable faster construction time. In addition, drywall helps to reduce heat absorption from sunlight and maintain stable indoor temperature.

7. Photovoltaic (PV) – Self-Sufficient Energy and Net-Zero Emissions

Netro can be equipped with a photovoltaic (PV) cell so the house can generate its own electricity. Using this technology, houses achieve net-zero energy, reduce its dependence on conventional electricity, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

8. Smart Wall – Smart Energy Monitoring

Netro features the Smart Wall, a central control system showing real-time data on household electricity consumption, energy generated from solar PV, and indoor air quality. With this feature, occupants can control their energy consumption effectively. Additionally, the post-occupancy evaluation and Net-Zero certification process can be conducted online automatically.

With a combination of innovative technology and sustainable design, Netro provides an energy-efficient, cosy, and environmentally friendly home, an ideal solution for those seeking modern living that fulfils their goals of improved well-being and minimal environmental effect.

PT Wijaya Karya Bangunan Gedung Tbk [IDX: WEGE]

Contact:
Purba Yudha Tama
Corporate Secretary
PT Wijaya Karya Bangunan Gedung Tbk.
Hp. 081317925577
Tel: +6221 8 85908862 / 85909003
Fax: +6221 86904146
Email: corsec@wikagedung.co.id 

Energy Savings Projects with Singapore Bank to Scale

Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. (TSXV: GMG) (“GMG” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that GMG, C&W Services Singapore and ACMES, GMG’s Singapore Thermal-XR distributor, have successfully completed energy savings case studies with a Singapore bank. The energy savings was seen on average between 10% to 20%. Following the successful case study, the bank is now exploring the potential to scale the application of Thermal-XR Enhance across more branches.

Figure 1 shows ~33% energy saving by comparing post coating average daily energy consumption to before washing.



Figure 1: Daily Energy Consumption Reduction due to Thermal XR Coating (after washing) on Bank Air Conditioner

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/244317_0264293a642e5ab7_002full.jpg

GMG’s Managing Director and CEO, Craig Nicol, commented: “Our partnership with C&W Services and ACMES has been very successful thus far and we look forward to implementing more energy savings projects with THERMAL-XR® Powered by GMG Graphene with various other companies in Singapore and around the world.”

About GMG:
GMG is an Australian based clean-technology company which develops, makes and sells energy saving and energy storage solutions, enabled by graphene manufactured via in house production process. GMG uses its own proprietary production process to decompose natural gas (i.e. methane) into its natural elements, carbon (as graphene), hydrogen and some residual hydrocarbon gases. This process produces high quality, low cost, scalable, ‘tuneable’ and low/no contaminant graphene suitable for use in clean-technology and other applications.

The Company’s present focus is to de-risk and develop commercial scale-up capabilities, and secure market applications. In the energy savings segment, GMG has initially focused on graphene enhanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC-R”) coating (or energy-saving coating) which is now being marketed into other applications including electronic heat sinks, industrial process plants and data centres. Another product GMG has developed is the graphene lubricant additive focused on saving liquid fuels initially for diesel engines.

In the energy storage segment, GMG and the University of Queensland are working collaboratively with financial support from the Australian Government to progress R&D and commercialization of graphene aluminium-ion batteries (“G+AI Batteries”). GMG has also developed a graphene additive slurry that is aimed to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries.

GMG’s 4 critical business objectives are:

  1. Produce Graphene and improve/scale cell production processes
  2. Build Revenue from Energy Savings Products
  3. Develop Next-Generation Battery
  4. Develop Supply Chain, Partners & Project Execution Capability

For further information please contact:

  • Craig Nicol, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of the Company at craig.nicol@graphenemg.com, +61 415 445 223
  • Leo Karabelas at Focus Communications Investor Relations, leo@fcir.ca, +1 647 689 6041

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “intends”, “expects” or “anticipates”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “should”, “would” or will “potentially” or “likely” occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as “forward‐looking statements”, are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding the bank chain applying Thermal-XR Enhance to all of its remaining branches, GMG’s continued partnership with C&W and the potential application of Thermal-XR Enhance to other companies around the world.

Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation, that the bank chain will apply Thermal-XR Enhance to all of its remaining branches and that GMG and C&W will implement energy savings case studies with other companies in Singapore and worldwide. Additionally, forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of GMG to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation, that the bank chain will not apply Thermal-XR Enhance to all of its remaining branches and that GMG and C&W will not be able to implement energy savings case studies with other companies in Singapore and worldwide.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/244317

Entertainment Expo makes grand return

– Spectacular events lead industry innovation and opportunities

This year’s Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2025 makes a grand return and is set to be the biggest yet injecting fresh vitality into Hong Kong’s entertainment sector and heralding in a new vision. Taking place from 16 March to 27 April, this year’s Expo encompasses nine signature events, fostering cross-regional collaboration and digital transformation opportunities, further cementing Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s entertainment hub.

Entertainment Expo 2025 is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) with sponsorship from the HKSAR’s Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), Film Development Fund, and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and is part of Arts March Hong Kong. The launch ceremony will take place on 17 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), with Leon Lai continuing in his role as Hong Kong Entertainment Ambassador and carrying forward his mission of promoting Hong Kong’s film and entertainment culture.

A new addition to this year’s line-up, the Hong Kong Film Music Fiesta joins forces with established events including the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market, EntertainmentPulse, Hong Kong International Film Festival, Hong Kong Film Awards, Asian Film Awards, Digital Entertainment Summit, Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum, and the Microfilm Production Support Scheme (Music), presenting captivating entertainment content

Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART)
The 29th FILMART, Asia’s leading entertainment content marketplace organised by the HKTDC, will run from 17 to 20 March at the HKCEC and brings together more than 750 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions, and features more than 30 regional pavilions. This year, Australia, Cambodia, France, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam will host new pavilions while emerging markets including Czech Republic and Kazakhstan, join for the first time, further enhancing the event’s cultural diversity.

FILMART introduces several groundbreaking initiatives this year, headlined by Producers Connect – a collaborative effort between the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, CCIDA, Hong Kong Film Development Council, and the HKTDC, funded by Film Development Fund. This focused programme features a series of events including a panel discussion, fireside chats, workshops and business matching activities, forging valuable networks for emerging and renowned producers from Hong Kong and around the world, to steer more co-productions, while supporting up-and-coming talents.  

In response to the global digital transformation sweeping across the film and TV production world, the HKTDC will launch the AI Hub pilot programme in collaboration with the Association of Motion Picture Post Production Professionals and the Movie Producers and Distributors Association of Hong Kong.  Comprising an exhibition zone, conference panel and forums, AI Hub promotes AI usage across the filmmaking process, with the exhibition zone spotlighting AI solutions from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) School of Film and Television, Lenovo and Sony, and more.  Distinguished industry leaders and AI pioneers will also gather at the conference and forums to share their knowledge and expertise in harnessing AI’s game-changing potential.

While the physical exhibition spans four days, the FILMART Online IP Catalogue will operate from now until 27 April, helping exhibitors and buyers to continue their discussion for project collaborations before and after the fair.

EntertainmentPulse
The four-day conference, EntertainmentPulse assembles global entertainment industry leaders to discuss the outlook and development of the Asian markets.  Key topics include Asian animations, ASEAN market and video streaming.  While the world recognized producers will take a deep dive into risk management in cross-border co-productions on the second day, the panel of “Gearing Up for the AI Opportunities” is the highlight for day two, featuring Yu Zhixin, producer of Ne Zha 2 from Hong Li Animation Studios, who will share insights on leveraging AI to achieve international acclaim.

Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF)
From 10 to 21 April, the 49th HKIFF presents the theme “Dialogue – Conversation of Film” with acclaimed actress Angela Yuen serving as festival ambassador. Celebrated screen icon Louis Koo takes centre stage as Filmmaker in Focus, with a curated retrospective of ten seminal works highlighting his enduring impact on Hong Kong cinema.

A distinguished highlight features Catalonian virtuoso Albert Serra‘s masterclass, where the contemporary auteur will present his latest documentary Afternoons of Solitude and share insights into his signature long-take aesthetic. The highly acclaimed Finnish director Juho Kuosmanen will also be featured, presenting his latest film, Silent Trilogy, while sharing his film philosophy and artistic vision with the audience in Hong Kong. Additionally, more highlighted filmmakers from France, Switzerland, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan are set to come, offering a variety of exciting programs.

Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA)
The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony will take place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on 27 April. This year’s awards demonstrate unprecedented industry solidarity, with first-round voting participation reaching a three-year high of 64.84%. Reflecting the industry’s continuing professional development, the HKFA Association has grown from 14 to 17 member organisations, including the Hong Kong Film Assistant Directors’ Association, Hong Kong Association for Pictures and Sound Production, and Hong Kong Visual Effects Association.

This year’s nominations showcase Hong Kong cinema’s diverse creative prowess The Last Dance, Hong Kong’s highest-grossing Chinese-language film to date, leads with 18 nominations, followed closely by Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In with 14 nominations.

Asian Film Awards (AFA)
The 18th Asian Film Awards will take place at the Xiqu Centre on 16 March and feature 30 outstanding films from 25 countries and regions competing across 16 categories and legendary international action star and director Sammo Hung chairs this year’s jury. Korean film Exhuma dominates with 11 nominations, including Best Film and Best Director followed by Hong Kong’s action epic Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In follows with nine nominations. Japanese director Daihachi Yoshida’s black-and-white film Teki Cometh and Indian director Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light each received six nominations. Hong Kong films Papa and The Last Dance garnered three nominations each, with Sean Lau and Michael Hui competing for Best Actor, Maggie Li Lin Lin received her first Best Supporting Actress nomination for All Shall Be Well.

In February, Japanese all-round artist Koki, was as the recipient of this year’s special Rising Star Award and will personally accept the honour in Hong Kong.

Digital Entertainment Summit
The 14th Digital Entertainment Summit, themed “Unlock Opportunities of the Dynamic Animation Market and Productions in Asia”, organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council, co-organised by Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association and Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, will convene at the FILMART on 19 March and brings together Asia’s foremost animation visionaries and industry leaders. In an era where AI and breakthrough technologies are revolutionising creative expression, distinguished industry pioneers from across the region will explore the integration of advanced technologies to elevate production capabilities and examine Asian animation’s strategic positioning in the global marketplace.

Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF)
Since becoming an integral part of the HKIFF Industry Project Market last year, HAF has expanded significantly. This year’s edition received nearly 400 submissions from 45 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Korea, Thailand, and Turkey, with 48 projects selected. The prestigious lineup includes projects produced by Hirokazu Kore-eda, Stanley Kwan, Lee Sinje, with a cast of veteran actors and rising stars from Lee Kang-Sheng to Kadowaki Mugi, Fan Bingbing, Jennifer Yu, Jack Tan, and Qu Chuxiao and spans action, sci-fi, fantasy, suspense, horror, and disaster genres. A new independent section dedicated to animated feature films at various production stages is a new addition and is designed to foster animation development across Asia. The three-day forum will run concurrently with FILMART from 17-19 March at the HKCEC, will facilitate business matching and networking opportunities to drive Asian film industry development.

Hong Kong Film Music Fiesta
The annual Hong Kong Film Music Fiesta organised by the Hong Kong Film Composers’ Association, promoting Hong Kong’s film music to the global industry and public appreciation through the live performance. Themed “Echoes of Order and Chaos” and staged at the HKCEC on 18 March, the concert will be led by music directors Tomy Wai and Julian Chan, reinterpreting the dynamics of Hong Kong’s crime films, paying tribute to distinguished filmmakers and composers including Benny Chan, Teddy Robin, and Kawai Kenji, and showcasing the unique charm of Hong Kong film music.

Microfilm Production Support Scheme (Music)
The 12th Microfilm Production Support Scheme (Music) Awards Ceremony will take place on 20 March at Theatre 2, HKCEC. The initiative empowers 22 emerging teams and 10 established production houses with grants ranging from HK$130,000 to HK$240,000. Participating filmmakers benefit from comprehensive mentorship in screenwriting, directing, and other facets of production. The scheme recognises excellence through accolades including the prestigious “Best Microfilm Production” award, with distinguished works gaining potential nominations for international festivals, further elevating Hong Kong’s creative talents on the global stage.

Entertainment Expo website: http://www.eexpohk.com

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/41QFgAO

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HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.