ASEAN Archives - Page 15 of 36

Indonesia urges ASEAN to preserve nuclear-weapon-free zone, not abandon human rights issues

Indonesia reaffirms its readiness to cooperate in reaching significant human rights promotion and protection efforts

Indonesia has urged ASEAN member states to preserve the Southeast Asia Region as a nuclear-weapon-free zone and not abandon human rights issues, and reaffirms its readiness to cooperate in reaching significant human rights promotion and protection efforts.

“We will continue the communication with each other, but I emphasize that we have a very strong political will to maintain Southeast Asia as a nuclear-free region,” Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said during the sidelines of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Marsudi has led the Commission of the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) meeting. The SEANWFZ had contributed to the collective efforts in maintaining the region’s peace and stability through global disarmament and non-proliferation regime.

However, Indonesia regretted that none of the nuclear weapon states had signed the protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty, which was inked by ASEAN member states 25 years ago. The protocol was formulated to invite the five nuclear powers — China, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States — to join the efforts to realize Southeast Asia as a region free of nuclear weapons.

During the SEANWFZ meeting, the Commission plans to task negotiators to examine the treaty body due to some objections to some sentences. Thus, the ASEAN member states must cooperate to achieve the region’s peace and stability without nuclear weapons. “We must come as a united front before the nuclear weapon states. (It is) only then we can forge a clearer path toward a region free of nuclear weapons,” Marsudi said.

Additionally, during the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) with representatives of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), Indonesia stated that differences between ASEAN member countries should not become an excuse for abandoning Southeast Asia’s human rights issues.

The Indonesian foreign minister noted that dialogue on human rights should be conducted regularly. “We are, therefore, aiming for a Leaders’ Declaration on the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue,” Marsudi said. ASEAN could set an example of its values in prioritizing constructive engagements amid global crises and rivalries that worsen human rights.

The AICHR should continue to work beyond capacity-building activities and results in impactful homegrown initiatives, as well as continue to promote human rights values in accordance with the regional context and voice the promotion and protection of human rights that are constructive, objective, and proportional in the three pillars of the ASEAN Community.

Indonesia reaffirms its readiness to cooperate in reaching significant human rights promotion and protection efforts.

The series of ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) events are being held in Jakarta from July 10 to July 14, 2023. The events comprise 18 meetings, including the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) meeting, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) meeting, the AMM plenary session, and a retreat session, as well as meetings with ASEAN’s dialogue partners.

Yashinta Difa, Raka Adji, Editor: Azis Kurmala (c) ANTARA 2023

Image: [L-R] Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Zambry Abdul Kadir, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Philippines Enrique Manalo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Retno Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam Erywan Pehin Yusof, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Timor Leste Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and the General Secretary of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn take a group picture before the Meeting of the Commission of the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) in Jakarta, Tuesday (11/7/2023). (ANTARA FOTO/Indrianto Eko Suwarso/YU/cfo) (https://photos.acnnewswire.com/20230712.ASEAN.jpg)

Roles in Hospitality and Travel Soar with 120% Surge in Hiring: foundit Insights Tracker

foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), one of the leading talent platforms, today published the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) for May 2023, previously Monster Employment Index (MEI). According to the fit Report for Malaysia, job roles in the Hospitality and Travel sector have shown impressive growth of 120% over the past year.

fit also reveals a promising year-on-year (YoY) growth of 8%, as the index climbed from 73 in May 2022 to 79 in May 2023. Additionally, a month-on-month (MoM) analysis indicates a notable 6% surge, with an index of 73 recorded in April 2023. The rising index values reveal a thriving labour market that will benefit employers and job seekers alike.

Commenting on Malaysia’s job trends for May 2023, Sekhar Garisa, CEO, foundit, said, “Our findings indicate a strong momentum and a promising future for Malaysia’s labour market. However, in this competitive landscape, companies emphasise on individuals with specialised skills. Hence, job seekers must always be aware of the changing demands of the industry and equip themselves with the required skills. Upskilling and continuous learning will be the key to unlocking new opportunities and thriving in this dynamic landscape.”

Hospitality and Retail sectors lead in hiring activity, while the IT, Telecom, Oil and Gas Industries witness a drop in recruitment.

The hospitality and retail industries continue to lead the way among steadily growing sectors. The hospitality industry saw a remarkable YoY growth of 102%, owing to Malaysia’s booming tourism. Similarly, the Retail sector (57%) marked noteworthy progress in e-recruitment due to the rising retail sales. Being next in the rung, Engineering, Construction, and Real Estate industries also witnessed a YoY increase in May 2023 with a 24% rise in the hiring activity due to infrastructure developments, government policies, and rapid urbanisation plans of Malaysia.

The IT, Telecom/ISP, and BPO/ITES, along with Oil and Gas industries recorded a substantial deceleration in YoY hiring activity with a decrease of 14% and 7% respectively. This trend can be attributed to the economic slowdown and political uncertainties that lead to reduced investments, and lower demand for services. However, the overall hiring sentiment in Malaysia has been positive with industries such as Production/Manufacturing, Automotive and Ancillary (+2%), BFSI (+5%), Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media and Entertainment (+14%), and, Logistic, Courier/ Freight/ Transportation, Shipping/ Marine (+18%) showcasing hiring optimism in May ’23.

Hospitality & Travel, and Sales & Business Development Lead the Way in Hiring Trends

In terms of functional roles, Hospitality & Travel jobs continued to witness significant demand in May 2023, with a staggering YoY growth of 120% driven by international tourism and the holiday season. This economic recovery created an online demand for other job roles, such as Sales & Business Development (28%) and Marketing & Communications (16%) as well. A few of the other job roles that have showcased a robust YoY growth rate include Software, Hardware & Telecom (+3%), Engineering/ Production, Real Estate (+4%), Purchase/ Logistics/ Supply chain (+8%), Finance & Accounts (+8%) and HR & Admin (+12%).

The roles in Customer Service (-33%) registered the steepest monthly as well as annual decline and it was also the only sector to register negative growth among all monitored functions. Several reasons can be attributed to this including the advancements in technology that have led to the implementation of automated customer service systems such as chatbots and self-service portals. There have also been instances during challenging economic times, where businesses need to prioritise cost-cutting measures, resulting in a decrease in hiring across various job roles, including customer service.

The foundit Insights Tracker is a comprehensive monthly analysis of online job posting activity conducted by foundit. Based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of online career outlets, the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) presents a snapshot of employer online recruitment activity nationwide.

Period for the report

The period considered for the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) data is May 2022 Vs May 2023.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME), is a leading talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 75 million registered users to find jobs, upskill, and connect with the right opportunities across 18 countries. Over the last two decades, the company has been a catalyst in recruitment solutions with advanced technology, seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies. Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches, and precision hiring. foundit strongly believes that a job title doesn’t define one’s potential and leverages technology to dig deeper to curate opportunities central to the needs and aspirations of each user.

To learn more, about foundit in APAC & Gulf:

Contact
Namrata Sharma
Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
+6581383034

International Yoga Day Celebrations by Ojas Yoga and Wellness Align with “Health Happiness Harmony” Book Launch, Inspiring a Holistic Approach to Inner Transformation

In celebration of the highly anticipated International Yoga Day on June 21st’ Ojas Yoga, a renowned holistic wellness and yoga practice hub, celebrated Yoga Day with transformative events and activities promoting health, harmony, and inner well-being. His Excellency.P Kumaran, High Commissioner of India, Singapore launched the book on 21st June 2023 on the auspicious day of International Yoga Day in Singapore at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. A special master class was organized to celebrate and honor World Yoga Day in which around 200 people participated. The event aimed to promote the practice of yoga and its numerous benefits for physical and mental well-being. Participants had the opportunity to learn from esteemed yoga instructors, who guided them through various yoga techniques and shared their expertise.

International Yoga Day, celebrated every year on the 21st of June, was established by the United Nations, is a global initiative that recognizes the profound benefits of yoga for individuals and communities alike. It serves as a reminder of the timeless wisdom and practice of yoga, which has been cherished for centuries and continues to inspire millions worldwide.

As a leading yoga teacher and passionate advocate for the power of yoga, Archana Amlapure, Founder of Ojas Yoga and Wellness, is committed to spreading the joy and benefits of yoga to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. With a mission to foster a healthier and more balanced society, Archana has been empowering people on yoga and its benefits across Asia. The studio is located in 359A, Joo Chiat Road, Singapore. She has been instrumental in conducting various Yoga lessons for students from India, US, Thailand and Malaysia.

“I am thrilled to celebrate International Yoga Day and share the profound benefits of yoga with our community,” said Archana, the visionary behind Ojas Yoga and Wellness. “Yoga has the power to heal, restore, and unite people from all walks of life. Our events and programs aim to create a space where individuals can cultivate mindfulness, strengthen their bodies, and nourish their souls. It is time to discover the transformative power of yoga and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more balanced life.”

The book “Health Happiness Harmony” embarks on a journey that delves into the depths of our inner being, guiding us towards self-discovery, healing, and profound growth. Yoga, with its ancient roots and timeless wisdom, has the power to unlock every individual’s true potential and connect to a state of harmony and balance.

Archana, on launching her first book, quips, “As I reflect upon the significance of yoga in my own life, I am humbled by its ability to create a profound shift in our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is a practice that transcends boundaries, cultures, and beliefs, embracing all who seek solace, strength, and serenity. Through the pages of this book, we all have the opportunity to embark on a shared exploration of this beautiful and transformative practice. May this book serve as a trusted companion on your personal odyssey of self-discovery, growth, and connection. May it inspire you to step onto your mat with renewed vigor and embrace the teachings of yoga with unwavering devotion.”

It is time to embrace the practice of yoga as a lifelong journey and let it illuminate your path with its transformative light.

About Ojas Yoga and Wellness-

Ojas Yoga and Wellness is a premier yoga studio dedicated to empowering individuals through yoga and mindfulness. Led by Archana Amlapure, a highly trained and experienced yoga teacher, Ojas offers a variety of classes, workshops, and retreats designed to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Website: https://ojasyog.com/

Contact:
Archana Amlapure
(+65) 8191 2862

SATRIA-1 launch to improve internet access across Indonesia

The Republic of Indonesia Satellite (SATRIA-1) successfully lifted off on Sunday at 18:21 local time from the Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC 40) in the US, intending to increase internet coverage for the disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions.

SATRIA-1 successfully launched using a Falcon 9 rocket at 6:21 PM from the Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC 40) in the U.S. on Sunday (18/6/2023). (ANTARA/Livia Kristianti/aa)

The satellite launch is an effort to equalize development and include the Indonesian public in the digital economy with the provision of internet in the 3T regions and in the country. SATRIA-1 will cover the entire Indonesian territory, including remote areas.

“This first Indonesian satellite, SATIRA-1, aims to distribute internet access evenly, particularly for purposes of education, medical, public services, the military and the police force,” acting Communication and Informatics minister Mahfud MD said here on Monday.

The satellite was launched using American-based private spacecraft manufacturer and launch company Space X’s Falcon 9 rocket. The launch runs for about ten minutes and SATRIA-1 will head to the orbit point at 146O of East Longitude.

“It was a great achievement and success, thanks to the support of all Indonesian people,” the acting president director of Telecommunication and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI), Arief Tri Hardiyanto, said at Kennedy Space Center, Florida after the launch of the first internet satellite owned by the Indonesian government.

After arriving at the orbit, PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN) along with Thales Alenia Space (TAS) will conduct In-Orbit Testing of the satellite for three weeks to ensure the function of the satellite. The next phase of the satellite operating series is the In-Orbit Acceptance Review (IOAR) which is scheduled to be held in the first week of December 2023.

The Ministry of Communication and Informatics (KOMINFO) will monitor SATRIA’s internet service quality. It hopes Indonesians will be able to utilize the internet capacity of SATRIA-1 gradually starting in January 2024.

SATRIA-1 has been built by the government since 2019 to provide equal internet access in public facilities, specifically in the 3T regions. According to the ministry’s latest study in 2023, the 150-Gbps capacity SATRIA-1 will provide expanded broadband coverage to 50 thousand public facility points in 3T regions connected to the internet.

It will provide equal internet access for public facilities in 3T regions, such as schools, hospitals, community health centers, village offices, and sub-district offices, as well as security services. The internet speed in each of these points will reach 4 Mbps, which is four folds higher than the previously projected speed of only 1 Mbps for every point in 2018.

In addition to SATRIA-1, the ministry will launch Hot Backup Satellite (HBS) in the third quarter of 2023. The Communication and Informatics Ministry stated that satellites are the best and quickest choice for equitable internet distribution in Indonesia.

Adimas Raditya FP, Mecca Yumna, Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga (c) ANTARA 2023

43rd ASEAN Food Security Meeting: Indonesia urges ASEAN anticipate global food crisis

The 43rd ASEAN Food Security Reserve Board (AFSRB) meeting hosted by Indonesia on June 7-8, 2023, has discussed food security as one of the concerns of Southeast Asian countries since the world is facing the threat of a global food crisis due to climate change, El Nino phenomenon, and geopolitical conflicts.

National Food Agency (Bapanas) Head Arief Prasetyo Adi during the ASEAN Food Security Reserve Board (AFSRB) meeting in Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday (June 7, 2023). (ANTARA/HO-Bapanas/FR)

The 43rd AFSRB meeting, held in Bogor District, West Java Province, was attended by representatives of all ASEAN member countries, the ASEAN Secretariat, the AFSRB Secretariat, the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) Secretariat, and the ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) Secretariat.

“We have to take concrete action to address the potential global food crisis, including various other risks threatening the food system,” the Head of Indonesia’s National Food Agency (NFA) Arief Prasetyo Adi said. Therefore, it is important to ensure the stability, availability, accessibility, and wise utilization of the food stocks in the region.

One of the attempts to address food and nutrition security dynamics is by strengthening the commitment of ASEAN member countries through the establishment of an ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration regarding food security. It is expected to be endorsed by the leaders of ASEAN member countries at the 43rd ASEAN Summit scheduled to be held in Jakarta in September 2023.

The ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Time of Crises is one of the Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) of Indonesia’s chairmanship in ASEAN 2023 as well as the topics in the 43rd AFSRB meeting.

The document will encourage the establishment of a cooperation mechanism among various domestic institutions of ASEAN member countries in the agriculture, trade, finance, and transportation sectors to strengthen food security in the region. The cooperation mechanism also aims to bolster regional supply chains and sustainable farming.

Apart from the declaration, the meeting also brought attention to the recent food issues in each member country, so that problems can be solved through regional cooperation. Representatives of each Southeast Asian country would report on food commodity availability, and the forum would determine which and how much food resource should be reserved.

As quoted from the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry’s website, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict had disrupted the global supply chain, resulting in an increase in food prices by up to 30 percent. The condition also affects ASEAN member countries. The average inflation rate in the countries reached 15 percent in 2023 so far.

The NFA, as a governmental institution responsible for maintaining food security in Indonesia, developed a national food reserve and distribution system to anticipate the global food crisis potential. The agency develops collaboration with related ministries and institutions, State-owned Enterprises, universities, non-governmental organizations, agricultural and farmer associations, and the private sector as well as international stakeholders.

Kuntum Khaira R, Fadhli Ruhman, Editor: Azis Kurmala (c) ANTARA 2023

Vivid Fire Kitchen Heats Up Vivid Sydney 2023 With A Sizzling Local Line-Up

The Vivid Food program presents a stellar line-up of local culinary heroes along with internationally acclaimed pitmasters for Vivid Fire Kitchen, a barbecue of epic proportions taking place at The Cutaway, Barangaroo for three weeks of flame-fuelled festivities set alongside the immersive splendour of Vivid House.

Visitors to Vivid Fire Kitchen will be spoilt for choice, with Ross Lusted from Woodcut at Crown Sydney; revered chef and fire connoisseur Tim “Chef Tonto” Yates; Danielle Alvarez; one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, who was previously at Fred’s,and Jordan Walker Toft from Mimi’s all set to showcase their primal cooking skills.

Festival-goers can grab a free spot by the fire pit to watch pitmasters take to the coals, purchase exclusive dishes and discover tips and tricks from the best of the barbecue trade.

Vivid Fire Kitchen will also host an exciting line-up of street food, trailblazing restaurants and innovative dining concepts, including Alibi Bar & Dining; modern Indian offering Don’t Tell Aunty; NOLA Smoke House and Bar; social dining enterprises Kabul Social, Colombo Social and Coyoacán Social; low’n’slow specialists BlackBear BBQ; Brazilian Parilla barbecue specialist Pampa Flame; Asian American barbecue fusion Smok’n Blues; and the Catalonian inspired Bar La Salut, as well as the delicious brainchild of three junior fine-dining chefs, Burger Head.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said the culinary creations on offer at Vivid Fire Kitchen and throughout the Vivid Food program perfectly complemented the visual, ideas and musical experiences the festival offers.

“For the first year of Vivid Food, we couldn’t be happier with the line-up assembled across the whole program, and the latest additions to Vivid Fire Kitchen. These pitmasters and dining concepts are showcasing the best of Sydney’s culinary scene in an accessible way,” Ms Minervini said.

“With all Vivid Fire Kitchen events taking place at The Cutaway in Barangaroo, festival-goers can round out their Vivid Sydney experience here before or after experiencing the 8.5km Vivid Light Walk, along with the incredible offering from our Vivid Music and Vivid Ideas program.”

The additions to the Vivid Fire Kitchen line-up join previously announced pitmasters Lennox Hastie of Firedoor,MasterChef Australia 2021 runner-up Pete Campbell, Singapore-based, Michelin-starred chef Dave Pynt and raw fire cooking connoisseur Pip Sumbak. World Barbecue Champion Sterling Smith and Pitmasters Brasil founder Daniel Lee will also take to the coals, plus Aussie-born Jess Pryles will be bringing her innovative Texan flair to smoking and grilling.

It won’t all be about the food at Vivid Fire Kitchen: guests can also try a Fire + Ice cocktail, topped with a flaming marshmallow and served in an edible ice cup, or slake their thirst with delectable drinks from Tempus Two, 4 Pines Brewing Co. and Unexpected Guest Gin, among other leading local producers. When the sweet cravings call, head to the hot chocolate and s’mores bar or, for something stronger, drop by Mr Black for an espresso martini.

Vivid Fire Kitchen is free entry for visitors to Vivid Sydney, complementing other free festival events; the 8.5km Light Walk from Circular Quay to Central Station, including DJs at the Goods Line; thought-provoking talks at the Powerhouse and Australian Museums; and the Tumbalong Nights concert series.

Vivid Fire Kitchen is being produced by IMG, the global events company behind Gourmet Escape, Taste Festivals, The Big Feastival, New York Fashion Week: The Shows and Frieze art fairs.

For more information and to keep updated about the program, go to vividsydney.com

About Vivid Sydney

Vivid Sydney is Australia’s largest festival celebrating creativity, innovation and technology, and transforms Sydney into a kaleidoscope of colour and events for 23 nights. Staged for its 13th year in 2023, Vivid Sydney will bring together mesmerising displays from the world’s brightest light artists, exhilarating live music performances, deep-dive discussions with thought leaders, and innovative experiences from food creatives. Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.

About IMG

IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media. The company manages some of the world’s greatest athletes and fashion icons; owns and operates hundreds of live events annually; and is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. IMG also specialises in licensing, sports training and league development. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company.

Media Contact:
Wani Diwarkar
Mobile: +65 98320643
E-mail:wani@pinpointpr.sg

Brawijaya-Japan cooperate to establish Research Center of Robotic, AI

Brawijaya University and some Japanese universities cooperate to establish the Research Center of Robotic and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Rector of Brawijaya University Prof. Widodo with President of Nagoya City University Prof. Kiyofumi Asai (ANTARA/HO-Brawijaya University).

The university’s deputy rector for planning, cooperation, and international affairs, Andi Kurniawan, underscored the important role of Brawijaya University to conduct such cooperation with its Japanese partners, such as the Nagoya City University (NCU).

The cooperation, which also includes the development of study program related to data science and material science, is expected to provide mutual benefits for the two universities.

“We work with universities that really consider Brawijaya as an important partner, so that collaboration for growing together can be delivered,” Kurniawan remarked in a statement, Monday (June 5).

In terms of AI, he noted that the cooperation will be implemented in research on life sciences, especially those related to medical plants.

Lecturer at the Faculty of Computer Science Novanto Yudistira explained that in future, the implementation of AI would be carried out for big data at the molecular level of medical plants.

With the utilization of AI, Brawijaya University is expected to conduct exploration of seven thousand medical plants.

During a visit to NCU, Yudistira noted that the rector of Brawijaya University also presented a research titled “Bioinformatic and Holistic Paradigm of the Complexity of Indonesia Traditional Medicine for Promoting Human Health” that sheds light on Indonesia’s biodiversity to open up opportunities in developing research on traditional medicine.

“However, we should find a solution regarding the standardization of product safety,” he noted.

In terms of robotics, Brawijaya University and Waseda University in Japan are creating a humanoid robot that will be named King of Brawijaya.

The collaboration with Waseda University, which is ranked 200 among the best universities in the world based on the QS Star version, had been established since 2019.

In addition, several professors at Waseda University, such as Prof. Shuji Hashimoto, who is known as one of the members of the Gundam robot manufacturing team and Prof. Pitoyo Hartono, an Indonesian diaspora member, who became a professor in Japan, have forged several collaborative relations by becoming guest lecturers or supervisors at Brawijaya University.

Under the collaboration, students of Brawijaya University can learn from the research and the professors mainly from Waseda and Chukyo universities, who are main experts and involved in the projects for making Gundam robots.

Apart from research, the output of the collaboration will also be directed to publish some international journals and encourage journals in Brawijaya University to become reputable journals.

Earlier, Brawijaya University had collaborated with other universities in Japan, such as Nagoya University, Chukyo University, Keio University, and Waseda University.

–Antara

Thailand celebrates sensational rainbow phenomenon with “Pride for All” campaign at Central World, putting forward the country to be a world pride destination in 2028

Over 500 LGBTQIAN+ joining a Parade of Rainbow Flags – symbolizing equality to reflect Central World as a space that embraces diversity that accepts all differences and promotes equality

Celebrate Pride Month: experience the magic of colourful Pride festivals here in Thailand, supporting and celebrating the LGBTQIAN+ community. Join the Spectacular Pride parade at Central World shopping center – one of a leader of the celebration of the Pride festival in Thailand, JVs with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand, partners from government and private sectors led by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Galderma Thailand, Muse by Metinee, Bangkok PRIDE and Tiffany’s Show Pattaya Co., Ltd. to roll out the great celebration of THAILAND’S PRIDE CELEBRATION 2023 – ‘PRIDE FOR ALL’

PRIDE HAPPENING – the rainbow phenomenon throughout June.
The Biggest Pride Parade – waving rainbow flags in eight branches nationwide led by ‘Proud to be Pride’ at Central World with the show ‘Fly High In The Sky for Pride’ and Fashion Parade that gathers over 500+ models together with the ‘This is my look’ Parade from Galderma (Thailand) to express self-expression with confidence and charm. Followed by the sensational ‘Pride Concert’ by Thailand’s leading artists.

Echoing voices of diversity and equality with the Bangkok Pride 2023 parade, which Central World co-hosted with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in addition to Naruemit Pride. The parade are moved from the Pathumwan intersection to the Ratchaprasong intersection at Central World, waving the beautiful and spectacular 144.8-meter rainbow flag with hundreds of thousands of people joining the grand procession. Enjoy special shows, mini concerts and celebrations of gender diversity attended by provincial governors ambassadors, government agencies and representatives from the LGBTQIAN+ community.

Pride Talk with UNDP, listen to discussions from key persons in the LGBTQIAN+ community at centralwOrld, Central Pattaya, Phuket, Udonthani, Khon Kaen, Chiangmai and Chonburi. Enjoy Pride Competitions of Miss International Queen with national costumes at centralwOrld. Pride Vibe – experience an art installation from artist: ‘Teayii’ Prapatsorn with her work: ‘Seat a Pride’ throughout two full months at centralwOrld (June-July 2023) and at Central Chonburi under the art concept of ‘Mirror Mirror: Reflect Yourself’.

CONTACT: Public Relations, CENTRAL PATTANA,
Tatthep Hatsakanpiamsuk (Aum), Tel. +66-81-928-7702, Email: hatatthep@centralpattana.co.th;
Ninasreen Matha (Memee), Tel. +66-82-426-3914, Email: maninasreen@centralpattana.co.th

Analog Devices Further Strengthens its South-East Asia Operations with New Singapore Facility

Analog Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADI), a global semiconductor leader, today announced the launch of a new state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly, 38,951 sq. ft. facility in Singapore. Located within the Kallang Industrial Park, the facility is planned to serve as a central hub for the more than 200 employees working in Singapore in key divisions of the company, including research and development, test engineering, sales, and manufacturing. ADI established its first location in Singapore in 1995 and has steadily grown its operations and workforce since then. This new strategic investment aligns with the company’s global expansion plans, which include enhancing its capabilities in the Asia Pacific region.

“Our new facility is an important milestone in ADI’s global growth strategy,” said Jerry Fan, President of Asia for ADI. “Enhancing our capabilities in Singapore is vital to leveraging the country’s superb talent pool and advanced manufacturing capabilities to serve our regional and global customers’ needs. Our investment reinforces ADI’s presence within Singapore’s thriving semiconductor ecosystem, which is supported by the nation’s digital growth initiatives.”

The new facility features a more spacious and advanced laboratory to foster interaction between the research and development team as well as customers in the region. Through this forum for the exchange of ideas, ADI and its customers plan to deepen their collaboration and deliver innovative products for the Intelligent Edge. In addition, a dedicated space has been allocated for test development purposes within the new facility, custom-tailored to accommodate multiple automated test equipment (ATE) stations. These on-site testing stations are designed to enable faster initial testing of ADI’s state-of-the-art products and accelerate the timeline of ADI engineering’s ability to meet customers’ toughest challenges.

Fan continued, “Customer intimacy, business strategy, engineering processes, manufacturing capabilities, and problem-solving are essential for creating long-term value for our customers. We are confident the environment within our new facility will help us deliver the kind of innovation that leads to breakthrough products and services, and we believe it will have a lasting impact on the region’s ongoing digital transformation journey.”

Location selection and build criteria for the site prioritized accessibility and sustainability. The new office is bicycle-friendly, close to public transportation, and is directly accessible via expressways. Recyclable materials were used throughout construction, and energy efficient AC, lighting, and water systems are all part of its advanced building automation system. Low carbon footprint materials were an integral part of the biophilic interior design. The office building is Green Mark Platinum-certified and expected to get LEED Gold certification by July 2023.

About Analog Devices, Inc.

Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADI) is a global semiconductor leader that bridges the physical and digital worlds to enable breakthroughs at the Intelligent Edge. ADI combines analog, digital, and software technologies into solutions that help drive advancements in digitized factories, mobility, and digital healthcare, combat climate change, and reliably connect humans and the world. With revenue of more than $12 billion in FY22 and approximately 25,000 people globally working alongside 125,000 global customers, ADI ensures today’s innovators stay Ahead of What’s Possible. Learn more at www.analog.com and on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/analog-devices) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/ADI_News).

CONTACT:
Karen Ow
karen.ow@analog.com
+65 6427 89493
Analog Devices Singapore

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Forward Looking Statements
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THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 Smashes Records with unprecedented Scale and Global Participation

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023, the largest food and beverage trade show in Southeast Asia, concluded with a resounding success, surpassing expectations with its impressive scale and remarkable international participation. The event has solidified its position as one of the most influential international food and beverage trade fairs. Held from May 23 to May 27, it featured a display of 3,034 exhibitors from 45 countries, encompassing a vast 130,000 square meters of exhibition space. This marked a notable growth compared to the pre-pandemic show in 2019, which saw the participation of 2,745 exhibitors.

Countries that demonstrated a strong presence at the event once again included China, Brazil, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, South Korea, Turkey, the United States and Vietnam, among others.

Adding to the international diversity, new country groups made their mark at the event, including Australia, organised by the Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (DPIRD), the French Pavilion, Hungary, organised by the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA), Sri Lanka, organised by Sri Lanka Export Development Board and the United Kingdom, organised by the UK Department of Business and Trade.

The 2023 edition also reported a significant increase in attendance, attracting over 78,764 visitors from 133 countries, a 17% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Highlighting the importance of face-to-face business networking, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 featured a highly anticipated buyer programme that facilitated business meetings between 1,900+ top-quality international buyers and exhibitors, fostering valuable connections and partnerships.

The Future Food Experience+ segment at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia showcased next-generation food and beverage innovation, featuring 33 speakers from around the world. With a remarkable turnout, the sessions provided valuable insights, trends, and breakthroughs that will shape the industry’s future. A total of 1,794 attendees registered for 23 sessions, with the most subscribed sessions being: 1. Future of Functional Food, 2. Future Food Trend 2023-2025, and 3. Re-Imaging Future Protein. It served as a dynamic platform for industry leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and explore the limitless potential of the evolving food and beverage landscape.

Exploring World Coffee also witnessed a coffee spectacular as the Thai Coffee Association (TCA) proudly welcomed esteemed Ambassadors from Brazil, Guatemala, and Kenya, who presented their nations’ coffee markets, farming techniques, and distinctive varieties. 400 attendees were treated to a sensory experience as they sampled over 40 coffee-cupping samples from diverse origins.

Khun Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Thailand, announced that “DITP has organised the well-received THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 alongside two valuable partnerships – Thailand Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Koelnmesse – both of which have played pivotal roles in the success of this year’s event. The 3 organisers have built a platform to foster industry evolution and attract local and international exhibitors while sharpening Thailand’s position as a prominent player in the global F&B landscape through THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023. Thailand will continue to establish itself as a hub for the F&B industry, driving innovation, and contributing to the global food ecosystem.”

Khun Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), said, “THAIFEX – Anuga Asia has been a resounding success, surpassing our targets visitor numbers and turnover. The show provided a valuable platform for Thai SMEs entrepreneurs and startups to introduce and launch their products and services to the international market, resulting in immediate orders and promising leads. Our entrepreneurs highlighted opportunities for product development and market testing, to meet changing customer needs. Foreign buyers were also impressed by the local exhibitors’ showcase of modern food trends, including organic, plant-based and sustainability. Beyond F&B, the event also boosts tourism revenue as high-spending visitors plan to explore various destinations in Thailand.”

Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director, and VP Asia-Pacific of Koelnmesse, said, “As one of the organisers of Asia Pacific’s leading food and beverage trade show, I am immensely proud of the unprecedented success achieved at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023. The record-setting event has witnessed an 89% increase in exhibitors and a 50% surge in trade visitors compared to 2022. This achievement has firmly established our position as industry leaders and provided an exceptional platform for global food and beverage stakeholders. More than ever, F&B trade businesses are looking for a concentrated platform to engage in business negotiations and achieve their year’s target within a few short days.

As we work towards the highly anticipated launch of THAIFEX – HOREC Asia trade show from 6-8 March next year and our 20th edition of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024, we reaffirm our commitment to industry leadership, innovation, and fostering invaluable connections.”

New and returning exhibitors find unmatched opportunities at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023

Dr. Sándor Sipos – Ambassador of Hungary, shared his feedback as a first-time participant. “Joining THAIFEX – Anuga Asia as an exhibitor is a privilege for us, especially as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Hungary this year. The exhibition provided us with a prestigious platform to promote Hungarian products and build valuable relationships. We were delighted with the positive response from visitors and industry players, who showed great interest in our unique offerings, such as the exquisite mangalitsa pork and traditional Hungarian ingredients like paprika and Tokaji dessert wine. The warm hospitality and friendly atmosphere of Thailand made our experience even more exceptional. As we continue our journey in the Asian market, we look forward to returning to THAIFEX – Anuga Asia next year to further strengthen our connections and showcase the best of Hungary’s culinary heritage.”

Mr. Thierry Mathou, French Ambassador to Thailand, participating for the first time, said, “We are very happy with the success achieved by French exhibitors at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023. The event has provided an excellent platform for our brands to showcase their expertise, innovation, and culinary excellence. The exposure and opportunities generated through THAIFEX – Anuga Asia have been instrumental in promoting our food and beverage industry, opening doors for collaboration, and expanding market reach. It is particularly gratifying to witness the recognition garnered by French innovations, such as the ground-breaking BRAINFINGER, a Touchscreen Table (Table Tactile) by a French Start-up, as part of the Franco-Thai Year of Innovation 2023 offering innovative solutions for various sectors such as F&B, Hotels, and retail.”

“We extend our congratulations to all the participating French brands and look forward to continued growth and partnership within the dynamic food and beverage landscape of Thailand and beyond. Business France, the trade Department of the French Embassy is eager to co-operate with the organisers of THAIFEX-Anuga Asia and of the French Pavilion to ensure that the French participation is even more successful next year.”

New exhibitor from China Yichang Yilinghong Ecological Agricultural Development reported a remarkable debut at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia. Chairman Wang Enzhen, said “This is our first-ever participation in THAIFEX – Anuga Asia and we are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. It has been a tremendous success for us, culminating in a significant deal worth 600 million yuan. Throughout the event, we gained valuable insights into the preferences of Thai consumers, particularly their strong demand for oranges from Hubei province and their growing interest in organic fruit juice. These observations will guide our future strategies to better serve the market.”

“Looking ahead, we are excited to return to THAIFEX – Anuga Asia next year with a goal to expand our presence and achieve a remarkable 1 trillion-yuan deal. We are dedicated to forging mutually beneficial partnerships, pursuing meaningful business opportunities, and striving for extraordinary accomplishments in the future,” said Wang Enzhen.

Winners Celebrated in Prestigious Categories at Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC) 2023

The 9th edition of the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC) also captivated food enthusiasts and industry professionals as it returned to Hall 12, Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok from May 23rd to 27th, 2023. Regarded as one of Asia’s most esteemed culinary contests, TUCC presented an exhilarating showcase of talent, creativity, and gastronomic delights.

Winners were recognised in the following categories:

Best Ultimate Establishment
- Chiangmai Chefs Association
Best Ultimate Asian Gourmet Challenge
- Fan Ying-Chih, Nkuht FBM Young Chef
- Hsu Kuo Fu, Nkuht FBM Young Chef
- Tsai Shih Hsuan, Nkuht FBM Young Chef
Best Ultimate Asian Chef
- Khairul Ashikhin Bt Adbullah Suhami, Kolej Komuniti Chenderoh
Best Ultimate Professional Chef
- Jaturong Mayurowas, Chiangmai Chefs Association
Best Ultimate Junior Chef Award
- Seo Hyun Joon, World Culinary Arts and Bakery (WCB)

TUCC 2023 brought together professional and aspiring chefs from 9 countries, competing in 21 categories encompassing a wide range of culinary expertise. With 700 entries, the event celebrated culinary excellence on a global scale.

This year, the competition introduced a new plant-based theme, reflecting the growing popularity of sustainable and plant-centric cuisine in the industry.

A distinguished panel of over 40 experts, approved by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS), served as the judges, meticulously evaluating the participants’ skills, techniques, and presentation.

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024 will return to IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok from 28 May to 1 June 2024, celebrating its 20th edition.

THAIFEX – HOREC Asia will debut at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok from 6-8 March 2024.

Note to Editors:

Fast Facts:
Total number of trade visitors: 78,764
Exhibition space: 130,000 square metres
Total exhibitors: 3,034
International exhibitors: 1,925
Thai exhibitors: 1,109
No. of countries: 45

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 is organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Koelnmesse. For more information, please visit https://thaifex-anuga.com

11 Signature Trade Shows:

6 Special Shows:

4 Supporting Programmes:

About the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand

The Department of International Trade Promotion is committed to providing excellent service to Thai entrepreneurs in international business, including trade facility, cost reduction, value creation of goods and services, providing consultation for overseas market access and maintenance, as well as close cooperation with the private sector to promote Thailand as a major gateway of Asia. http://www.ditp.go.th/

About the Thai Chamber of Commerce

The Thai Chamber of Commerce represents as the Thai private sector to facilitate business and trade as well as to serve as the central coordinating agency between the government and private sector, and also helps to promote trade, business and economic cooperation including, build relationships between Thai and partner countries at the bilateral and multilateral level as well as plays a proactive role in representing the interests of the local Thai business community. https://www.thaichamber.org/

About Koelnmesse – Global Competence in Food and FoodTec

Koelnmesse is an international leader in organising food fairs and events regarding food and beverage processing. Trade fairs such as the Anuga, ISM and Anuga FoodTec are established world leaders. Koelnmesse not only organises food and food technology trade fairs in Cologne, Germany but also in further growth markets around the globe, for example, in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Italy, Japan, Thailand, the United States and the United Arab Emirates, which have different focuses and contents. These global activities enable us to offer our customers a network of events, which in turn grant access to different markets and thus create a basis for sustainable and stable international business. Further Information is available at: https://www.koelnmesse.com/current-dates/all-trade-fairs/

Media Contacts:

International
Wani Diwarkar
Mobile: +65 98320643
E-mail:wani@pinpointpr.sg

Organiser
Faith Lim
Tel: +65 9230 6126
E-mail: faith.lim@koelnmesse.com.sg

Thailand
Jitjam Adsawakeawmongkol
Mobile: +66(0)81-924-9271
E-mail: jitjama@arip.co.th

Organiser
Jeerabhas Rerkpiyasap
Tel. +66 2507 8341
jeerabhasr@ditp.go.th www.ditp.go.th