Pertamina saves US$402.46 million amid rising global oil prices

State-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina succeeded in saving operational costs of around Rp6 trillion (US$402.46 million) until July 2022 through several efficiency programs amid rising world oil prices that increased fuel production costs.

PT Pertamina head office building (ANTARA/HO-PT Pertamina)

She explained that energy companies around the world are facing difficult situations as a result of disruption of the global energy supply chain due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The global trade mobility leading to post-pandemic recovery was jolted by limited supply that led to an energy crisis.

The president director noted that the Indonesian government’s policy of maintaining the people’s purchasing power through fuel subsidies was the proper measure to accelerate economic recovery.

According to Widyawati, the accuracy of the policy is reflected in the fuel consumption increase for community mobility and business activities.

Pertamina President Director Nicke Widyawati stated that such a success could not be separated from strategic cost-saving measures taken by the company group since the start of this year.

She explained that energy companies around the world are facing difficult situations as a result of disruption of the global energy supply chain due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The global trade mobility leading to post-pandemic recovery was jolted by limited supply that led to an energy crisis.

The president director noted that the Indonesian government’s policy of maintaining the people’s purchasing power through fuel subsidies was the proper measure to accelerate economic recovery.

According to Widyawati, the accuracy of the policy is reflected in the fuel consumption increase for community mobility and business activities.

On the other hand, she also pointed out that the increase in fuel consumption had caused an increase in the burden of government subsidies.

“We understand the heavy burden of the government’s fuel subsidy, and for that Pertamina carries out various cost-saving programs in order to help reduce the burden,” she stated.

She remarked that the largest chunk of the company’s cost of fuel production is for the purchase of crude oil, which accounts for 92 percent of the production costs.

Fortunately, investment in upgrading the Pertamina Oil Refinery, which had been conducted in the last four years, had succeeded in increasing the flexibility of crude oil availability.

It means, if so far, the Pertamina refinery has only been able to process certain crude oil that is expensive, but starting last year, it has been able to process crude oil, with a higher sulfur content, which is cheaper and can be gained from many sources,” Widyawati stated.

This is Pertamina’s strategic move that has succeeded in significantly reducing fuel production costs, she affirmed.

In addition, the company’s energy efficiency efforts in all operational areas — from upstream to downstream — had caused significant cost savings while also contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions.

“The post-restructuring breakthrough, which is also significant to achieve Pertamina Group’s efficiency, is the centralization of the procurement of goods and services, as well as the integration and optimization of all assets from upstream to downstream,” she stated.

Apart from saving costs, the Pertamina Group has also succeeded in increasing its revenue through the export of high value-added products, such as HVO (palm-based D100) and Low Sulfur Fuel Oil.

By upgrading its refineries, Pertamina has currently been able to produce more low-carbon products whose demand had continued to increase, thereby capturing a very prospective opportunity in the midst of global demand for such a product.

“For Pertamina, cost savings are not just about cutting costs but also changing operating models and improving business processes, so that all company programs can be carried out and all targets are achieved, but at a lower cost,” Widyawati stated.

“Pertamina will continue to make various efforts to save costs, which at the same time can reduce carbon emissions, thereby supporting the company’s and national energy transition efforts,” she said.

Contact: Fajriyah Usman, VP Corporate Communications, PT Pertamina (Persero)
M: +62 858 8330 8686, Email: fajriyah.usman@pertamina.com, URL: https://www.pertamina.com
Written by: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga, Editor: Rahmad Nasution (c) ANTARA 2022

Aggresive in Global Market Expansion, PIS Meets BP, Shell, and Exxon in Singapore

Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) is increasingly targeting consumers in the international market. In addition to this expansion, PIS strives to continuously improve the quality and standard of service by exchanging knowledge and experiences with world energy companies.

PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS), in cooperation with PIS Pte Ltd (PIS PL), hosted a sharing session with BP Singapore Pte. Limited, Shell International Eastern Trading Co (SIETCO), and ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. The meeting was held at the offices of each energy company on August 24-25, 2022, in Singapore.

PIS, in cooperation with PIS Pte Ltd (PIS PL), hosted a sharing session with BP Singapore Pte. Limited, Shell International Eastern Trading Co (SIETCO), and ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. The meeting was held at the offices of each energy company on August 24-25, 2022, in Singapore.

During the sharing session, PIS discussed vetting, inspection, and vessel acceptance or vessel examination and inspection. The event was attended by PIS Director of Operations Arief Kurnia Risdianto, PIS PL Managing Director Brilian Perdana, Crude and Gas Operation (CGO) Vice President Harris Abdi Sembiring, and PIS Loss Prevention Safety Quality (LPSQ) Manager Soleh Komaruddin.

BP Singapore Pte Ltd Vetting and Clearance Senior Manager, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd Asia Pacific Supply Coordinator, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd Mogas Lead, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd Global Senior Marine Operations, SIETCO Mogas Operation Team Lead, SIETCO Head of Marine, SIETCO Senior Originator, and more were also in attendance at this meeting.

The meeting was also a PIS endeavor to escalate acceptance of its ships at the terminals of world energy participants such as BP, Shell, and Exxon to showcase the existence and quality of PIS in international settings. In the maritime and energy sectors, these companies are significant participants that dominate the tanker chartering market called the Seven Sisters.

PIS Director of Operations, Arief Kurnia Risdianto, explained PIS performance which has now explored 12 international routes. PIS ships have met international shipping standards, including the Paris MOU for sailing requirements on the European continent and a Certificate of Compliance from the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

“PIS is the largest tanker operator in Southeast Asia, currently operating around 439 vessels with extensive experience serving the domestic and regional market,” he said.

Experience of PIS in serving the regional market is recorded by many international customers, including Vitol, Petronas, Trafigura, BP, Badak LNG, ExxonMobil, Petrobras, Chevron, Saudi Aramco, Shell, and many more.

As the Integrated Marine Logistics Sub Holding of PT Pertamina (Persero), PIS business includes shipping, marine services, port services, port and jetty management (port ownership), storage tanks, and other related services.

PIS owns two VLCCs, namely, Pertamina Pride and Pertamina Prime, with a capacity of 2 million barrels and incurs the Eco-Green Vessel concept. The two VLCCs are tangible manifestations of PIS endeavor to lead the marine and logistics business in both domestic and international markets.

Besides oil and gas, PIS expands its business potential to various segments and cargo types, including petrochemicals with medium-range chemical-specific vessel assets called PIS Precious.

In the meantime, to comply with regional trading and improve its role in the global market, Tanjung Uban offers an integrated terminal managed by the PIS subsidiary.

PIS CEO Erry Widiastono said that the company has prepared a roadmap to support energy transition programs. “PIS will anticipate the future of vessels business, specifically the greener vessels. For example, vessels responsible for gas shipping such as LPG, LNG, and many others. In the future, we will anticipate the progress of the renewable energy sector,” said Erry.

About Pertamina International Shipping (PIS)

As the Integrated Marine Logistics Sub Holding, PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) consistently stimulates Indonesia’s economic growth through safe and sustainable operation, becomes a trusted and reliable maritime partner, and promotes value for the stakeholders in running their business. See https://pertamina-pis.com/.

Media Contact:
M Aryomekka Firdaus
Corporate Secretary
M: +62-811-872-272
E: aryomekka@pertamina.com

Seventh Belt and Road Summit draws to successful close

  • Event attracts 19,000+ participants, bringing government and business leaders together to facilitate project matching

The seventh Belt and Road Summit, jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded yesterday (1 September). Continuing in the tradition of being a formal, substantial and high-quality event, the summit saw state leaders and senior officials, regional government leaders and business leaders gathered to explore the business potential of the Belt and Road Initiative, and to drive synergies and create a win-win situation through multilateral collaborations such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

The seventh Belt and Road Summit, which ran under the theme “Heralding a New Chapter: Collaborate and Innovate”, attracted more than 80 government and business leaders to share their insights.
More than 19,000 participants from over 80 countries and regions attended online or in-person.
The 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, Aswin Techajareonvikul, CEO and President of Berli Jucker PCL, Liu Liange, Chairman of the Bank of China, and Rod Eddington, Chairman of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, JP Morgan’s Asia Pacific Advisory Council and Non-Executive Chairman of Lion shared their insights at Business Plenary “Collaborate for a Bright New Era”.

As one of the major celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, the summit saw more than 80 senior government officials and business leaders from the Belt and Road region gathered to share their insights under the theme “Heralding a New Chapter: Collaborate and Innovate”. For the first time, the summit was held in a hybrid format, overcoming geographical boundaries by allowing those who were unable to attend in person to participate virtually. More than 19,000 attendees representing over 80 countries and regions participated online or at the physical event.

More than 800 one-to-one matching sessions
The business matching and project pitching sessions at the summit remained popular among project owners and attendees. More than 280 investment projects from the Belt and Road region and beyond were presented at the summit, covering four main areas, namely: (1) energy, natural resources and public utilities; (2) innovation and technology; (3) urban development; and (4) transportation and logistics infrastructure. The projects focused on areas such as smart city development, data centres and e-commerce related investments. More than 800 one-to-one business matching meetings were arranged for project owners, investors and professional service providers to pave the way for collaboration agreements.

Real opportunities in RCEP but some challenges
Multilateral collaboration creates more frequent cross-border trade and investment, and is becoming more important than ever in driving a strong recovery in the Asia-Pacific region following the pandemic. The RCEP, which came into effect this year, stands as the largest free trade agreement in history, accounting for 30% of the world’s population and GDP. Combined with the joint effort of more than 180 countries connected through the Belt and Road Initiative, it will further strengthen regional economic integration around the world. In the Business Plenary titled “Collaborate for a Bright New Era”, business leaders from economies along the Belt and Road and the RCEP shared their insights and explored how these initiatives and agreements can complement each other to drive strong economic growth and promote cross-border collaboration between businesses of all sizes.

The 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, shared his views on the RCEP. “One of the things that are challenged is the supply chains. China is a really a huge market, and we source a lot of goods from China. We can see the impact the breaking down of those supply chains has had on global inflation.”

Aswin Techajareonvikul, Chief Executive Officer and President of Berli Jucker Public Company Limited, shared that the Thailand enterprises have well received the potential of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). “It is in tune with our 20-year strategy and Thailand’s ongoing projects for economic development under the Thailand 4.0 economic model. We are able to expand trade and investment to our neighbouring countries. We can also better link with the world market, especially for the CLMV countries [Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam].”

Liu Liange, Chairman of the Bank of China, said: “Most of the members in the RCEP are located in important junctions along the Belt and Road. This not only fosters connectivity between value chains and supply chains, but also further expands the ‘social circle’ of the Belt and Road Initiative, engaging more countries and businesses in the construction of the Belt and Road and in broader collaboration, as well as forming the dual-engine of the Belt and Road Initiative and RCEP within the region.”

Belt and Road Initiative drives consumption and Infratech development
Global economies are pushing to achieve post-pandemic economic recovery. At the same time, countries around the world are striving to build stronger global business connections with the help of macro measures such as the BRI, the RCEP and the GBA development.

The demand for high-quality, innovative and sustainable infrastructure around the world has given rise to many new business opportunities. These innovative projects will be led and driven by visionary industry leaders as they usher in a new era of infrastructure development. In the “Faster, Greater Infrastructure” session of the thematic group discussions, business leaders who had turned futuristic concepts into reality and envisioned some of the world’s most important infrastructure projects exchanged their views.

Founder and Managing Director of Emaar Properties and Founder and Director of Noon.com, HE Mohamed Ali Rashed Alabbar, said: “I really believe that a link such as the Belt and Road Initiative and its effects on human life, economic progress, quality of life, job creation and exchange of cultures and knowledge and unity to the world – it is going to be incredible.”

Chief Marketing Officer of Hyperloop TT Robert Miller addressed the current trends in infrastructure technology (infratech) development. “Infratech is really underfunded and underdeveloped. Hyperloop really falls into the category of infratech where there is a longer time to profitability. So we need patient investors from both public and private sectors. Meanwhile, governments everywhere are looking at reducing carbon emissions. One of the biggest polluters is the transportation industry: 23% of all carbon emissions worldwide come from transportation. Europe, the United States and countries in Asia are all looking how to decarbonise the transportation industry. Hyperloop TT could be a massive driver in that decarbonisation,” he said.

The seventh Belt and Road Summit was made possible by its Strategic Partner, China International Capital Corporation (CICC); Regional Banking Partner, Bank of China (Hong Kong); and Platinum Sponsors, China Mobile International and China Unicom.

Image download: https://bit.ly/3edlV6t

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 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. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries
Please contact HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Tiffany Leung, Tel: +852 3428 2361, email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk
Wong Hing-fung, Tel: +852 3428 3122, email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hk

Seventh Belt and Road Summit opens today

Win-win hybrid format overcomes limits of geography

The seventh Belt and Road Summit, jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today (31 August). This year’s event lasts two days and runs in a hybrid physical and digital format, helping overcome geographical boundaries. Business leaders unable to attend the summit in person at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) join all sessions online and identify potential business opportunities through the online platform. Participants and guest speakers at the physical summit can actively interact during the event as more than 80 government and business leaders share their insights and explore opportunities the Belt and Road Initiative presents.

The seventh Belt and Road Summit, jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and HKTDC, opened today (31 August), with the theme “Heralding a New Chapter: Collaborate and Innovate”.
In his welcome remarks, Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: “With innovation driving progress, the Belt and Road Initiative provides the framework to apply these innovations to create a sustainable future.”
The Policy Dialogue Session analysed how economies under the Belt and Road Initiative can strengthen cooperation and boost economic growth through infrastructure development and trade under “Driving Growth through Partnership and Collaboration”.

As the first major international event following celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, the summit runs under the theme “Heralding a New Chapter: Collaborate and Innovate”. Project owners and operators, investors and service providers can explore opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) development and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) through a variety of activities, including the Policy Dialogue, plenary sessions, thematic breakout sessions, one-to-one project matching and project pitching sessions and a virtual exhibition, creating a multi-win situation that will help boost economic growth in the region. Activities today are held both online and offline while tomorrow (1 September) will be entirely online.

In this morning’s opening session, Dr Peter K N Lam, HKTDC Chairman, delivered welcoming remarks. John Lee, HKSAR Chief Executive, delivered the opening address. Han Zheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, delivered the keynote speech. Wang Wentao, Minister, Ministry of Commerce, the People’s Republic of China; Hao Peng, Chairman, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC), the People’s Republic of China and Lin Nianxiu, Vice Chairman, National Development and Reform Commission, the People’s Republic of China, delivered special addresses while Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization, gave a keynote address.

Mr Lee said in his opening speech: “The global rise of protectionism has reminded us of how important regional co-operation is. We have to work together for the better future of the region. Hong Kong is therefore very pleased to see the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, come into force earlier this year. The landmark agreement underlines the open, inclusive, rules-based trade and investment partnership that RCEP’s member states are committed to realising. We believe that regional economic integration is an essential complement to multilateral trade. Hong Kong is seeking early accession to RCEP. It will enable us to deepen the collaboration and connections we enjoy with our close partners. The Belt and Road was created to build connectivity, to bring business, and people, together. No one does that better than Hong Kong, thanks to our ‘one country, two systems’ principle; thanks to our longstanding East-meets-West experience and the boundless opportunities afforded us in national development.”

Delivering the keynote speech, Mr Han said: “Hong Kong is an active participant, contributor and beneficiary of the Belt and Road Initiative. We are pleased to see that since the initiative launched, Hong Kong has actively negotiated and signed cooperation agreements with co-construction countries, developing trade and investment cooperation, service standard connection, international financial cooperation and exchange between people. Hong Kong plays an important role in Belt and Road development, as well as expanding its own development space. Hong Kong deserves full recognition for its work in this area. The Central Authorities will adhere to the principle of ‘one country, two systems’ in the long run, fully supporting Hong Kong in maintaining its unique status and advantages. Authorities fully support Hong Kong’s active participation in and contribution to the Belt and Road development.”

Addressing the opening session, Mr Zhang said: “The COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, climate change and anti-globalization sentiment are the four major factors that I believe could affect the reshaping of the landscape of global trade policies. It is very challenging but can still be managed well if the whole world works together. To address these challenges, I strongly encourage enhanced dialogue and cooperation between all governments to find collective solutions because none of these challenges can be addressed by one government alone. Global challenges require global solutions.”

Dr Lam said: “The HKTDC is honoured to have Vice Premier Han Zheng deliver an important keynote speech at today’s summit, giving a more specific illustration of Hong Kong’s role as an active participant, contributor and beneficiary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Following President Xi Jinping’s important speech on 1 July, the Vice Premier’s ‘Four Hopes’ for Hong Kong’s participation in the construction of the Belt and Road further highlighted the direction of the city’s development. The HKTDC has always been committed to promoting the Belt and Road Initiative and development opportunities. The team and I will continue our efforts to promote Hong Kong as an international business platform and services hub and contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative.”

Multipartite cooperation to promote economic growth
The Policy Dialogue Session, chaired by HKSAR Deputy Finance Secretary Michael Wong, analysed how economies under the Belt and Road Initiative can strengthen cooperation and boost economic growth through infrastructure development and trade under the theme “Driving Growth through Partnership and Collaboration”. The panel featured government and business leaders from several Belt and Road countries, including Lim Sidenine, Secretary of State of Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Kingdom of Cambodia; Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment, Indonesia; Lim Ban Hong, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia; Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, Singapore; and Chayotid Kridakon, Thai Trade Representative and Advisor to the Prime Minister.

Growing relationship between Belt and Road, RCEP and GBA
The RCEP, which came into effect this year, is the largest free trade agreement in history, accounting for 30% of the world’s population and GDP. With the joint effort of more than 100 countries connected with the Belt and Road Initiative, global regional economic integration will be become more established. The Business Plenary titled “Collaborate for a Bright New Era” was held this morning, with Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, delivering the welcoming remarks. Hosted by Ronnie Chan, Chairman of Hang Lung Properties Limited, the session examined how economic growth can be achieved through multipartite cooperation. Other guest speakers included the Chairman of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, JP Morgan’s Asia Pacific Advisory Council and Non-Executive Chairman of Lion Rod Eddington; the 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand John Key; President of the Bank of China Liu Liange; Deputy Managing Director & Chairman for Hong Kong of Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited YK Pang; and CEO and President of Berli Jucker Public Company Limited Aswin Techajareonvikul.

In his welcome remarks, Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, said: “We are capitalising on our strong collaboration with Shenzhen, developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub, focusing development on life and health sciences, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and data industry, etc. We are also pressing ahead with more local infrastructure projects, including the Northern Metropolis and the Lantau Tomorrow Vision, as well as many other road, railway and land development projects. Talents, capital and entrepreneurs are all essential to achieving our goals. We warmly welcome businesses and talents from all over the world, Belt and Road countries included of course, to come to Hong Kong to collaborate with us and grasp the enormous opportunities together. To this end, we will have new policies and support measures to facilitate the coming of talents and enterprises.”

The strong economic resilience demonstrated by the Greater Bay Area amid the pandemic will further unleash the region’s economic potential in terms of cross-border trade and financial market liberalisation, along with the development of cutting-edge innovation and technology. The Business Plenary this afternoon, “Capturing Synergies between Belt and Road and Greater Bay Area”, was hosted by David YK Wong, Permanent Honorary President of The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong. The panelists included Chairman of the Power Construction Corporation of China Ding Yanzhang; CEO, Chairman of the Management Committee, Executive Director of the Board of China International Capital Corporation Limited Huang Zhaohui; Chairman of MTR Corporation Limited Rex Auyeung; Chairman of WeLab Bank KC Chan; and Chairman of East Asia Region of Arup Group Michael Kwok. The speakers shared ideas on the potential opportunities the GBA brings as an important Belt and Road hub, and also discussed how Hong Kong can further leverage the advantages of the GBA to enhance its position and promote the development of the city’s industries.

Five breakout sessions explore hot-button issues on summit’s first day
Spanning many countries and regions, the Belt and Road Initiative creates new room for the development of professional sectors. On the first day, the summit, in conjunction with a number of organisations including the Department of Justice of the HKSAR Government, the Insurance Regulatory Authority, China Foreign Contractors Association and Dun & Bradstreet, held five breakout sessions to examine a range of topics such as international dispute resolution, insurance services, GBA infrastructure development, digital technology development and future infrastructure development. More thematic breakout sessions and project pitching sessions will be held tomorrow – details of the programme, speakers and partner organisations can be found at https://www.beltandroadSummit.hk/conference/bnr/en

One-to-one business matching meetings and project pitching sessions
Following the success at previous summits, the HKTDC has extended the hybrid project and business-matching sessions from two to seven days (31 August to 6 September) this year. New features include a video display at the summit to increase project exposure and give investors and professional service companies a better understanding of project details.

The summit also features online and offline exhibitions which have attracted more than 60 exhibitors and are divided into the “Global Investment Zone”, “Hong Kong Zone” and “GBA Tech Zone”. The project pitching sessions give entrepreneurs from different countries a platform to present projects, giving investors and service intermediaries a comprehensive understanding of investment opportunities in different sectors. Pitching sessions focus on four main areas – energy, natural resources and public utilities; innovation and technology; urban development; and transport and logistics infrastructure.

China International Capital Corporation Ltd serves as the Strategic Partner of the seventh Belt and Road Summit; Bank of China (Hong Kong) Ltd as the Regional Banking Partner; and China Mobile International Limited and China Unicom Global Limited as Platinum Sponsors.

The Seventh Belt and Road Summit
Date: 31 August 2022 (Wednesday) Hybrid; 1 September 2022 (Thursday) Online
Websites
– Belt and Road Summit: https://www.beltandroadSummit.hk/conference/bnr/en
– Programme: https://www.beltandroadSummit.hk/conference/bnr/en/programme
– Speaker list: https://www.beltandroadSummit.hk/conference/bnr/en/speaker
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3QbkuDe

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 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. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries
Please contact HKTCD’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Tiffany Leung, Tel: +852 3428 2361, email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk
Wong Hing-fung, Tel: +852 3428 3122, email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hk

Maybank Indonesia Announces Winners of Maybank Marathon 2022

PT Bank Maybank Indonesia, Tbk (Maybank Indonesia) announced the winners of the World Athletics’ ‘Elite’ road race, the Maybank Marathon 2022, as the contest concluded its 10th anniversary run in Bali today (8/28).

With close to 10,000 runners from 50 countries, Maybank Marathon 2022 crowned Hassan Toriss, BIB 004 from Morocco, as champion of the Marathon Open Male category, with a recorded finish time of 2:15:38, and Immaculate Chemutai with BIB 025 from Uganda as champion of the Marathon Open Female category, with a recorded finish time 2:42:32. Each received a cash prize of Rp200,000,000, symbolically handed over by Maybank Marathon Project Director Widya Permana.

In the Marathon National category, Rikki Marthin Luther Simbolon was named champion for the Marathon National Male category with a recorded finish time of 2:34:49, while Odekta Elvina Naibaho came as the champion for the Marathon National Female category with a finish time of 2:55:45. Both received Rp 125,000,000 prize money.

Widya, the Maybank Indonesia Director of Operations and Project Director of the Marathon said, “At the successful conclusion of the Maybank Marathon 2022, we extend our gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has supported the Marathon since preparations began in March 2022. We congratulate the Maybank Marathon 2022 winners whose achievements have demonstrated strong determination to reach their best, in every category.”

“Maybank Indonesia is honoured and proud to have organised Indonesia’s first and only World Athletics ‘Elite’ road race Maybank Marathon, for all national and international marathon aficionados and athletes. The ‘Elite’ label has placed both Maybank Marathon and Indonesia prominently in the world of athletics, specifically marathon sports,” concluded Widya.

Winners of the Maybank Marathon 2022 — the Marathon Open & National Category, Half Marathon (21K) Open & National Category and 10K Open & National Categories — are announced in the official release, available on: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/Multimedia/Maybank_Marathon_2022.pdf.

Maybank held a press conference on Saturday, 27 August at Taman Bhagawan, Bali, to preview the 2022 Marathon. The conference was hosted by Widya Permana, the Project Director and Deniawan Rachmatialevi, the Project Manager of Maybank Marathon 2022.

The flag-off, which marks the start of Maybank Marathon, was done in stages starting with the Marathon (42.195 km) category at 04.30 Indonesia Central Time Zone (WITA), followed by the Half Marathon (21.0975 km) at 05.15 WITA, the 10K at 06.00 WITA, and the wheelchair category at 06.10 WITA. For the 10th anniversary of the Marathon, this year’s event posted a total prize of Rp2.7 billion for 118 winners, including record-breakers.

Maybank Indonesia witnessed strong runner enthusiasm to join Maybank Marathon 2022 as total participants were on par with events before the pandemic. The support of the central and regional Governments during this recovery period made it possible for marathon enthusiasts to participate in this year’s Marathon, said Project Director Widya.

As part of the World Athletics’ ‘Elite’ label road race and its 10th anniversary, Maybank Marathon 2022 enjoyed the participation of 10 elite marathon runners, 5 elite male marathon runners and 5 elite female marathon runners. This year’s Marathon also included Indonesia’s 9 personal-best time national marathon athletes in the race, consisting of 5 male marathon national runners and 4 female marathon national runners.

Safety and Security
From a safety and security perspective on the 42.195 km road race, the Organising Committee mobilised 850 Police personnel from Bali Police Department and 450 pecalang (neighbourhood / citizen security) from surrounding villages in Gianyar Regency. The Bali Police Department implemented traffic management along the course, mainly on Bypass I.B. Mantra, through the rural streets from Ketewel village, Guwang village, and the road to Medahan village.

In addition, from perspective of safety and well-being for the runners, the Organising Committee deployed around 850 marshals, an approximate 180 paramedics team, and 26 ambulances, consisting of 11 ambulance cars, 15 ambulance motorbikes and one ambulance car with emergency installation standards along the course, as well as 40 pacers, trained in First Aid Emergency Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) procedures to handle any emergency conditions.

From Friday (8/26) to Saturday (8/27), Maybank held the Race Pack Collection (RPC) for participants to collect race packs prior to the race. For runners’ safety, Maybank applies a ‘You Register, You Run’ policy which sets mandatory rules for all participants to collect race packs according to registered name and prohibits proxy to collect the pack. The run slots are non-transferrable, and runners can only join the race based on the selected category upon registration.

This year’s Maybank Marathon RPC activity is packaged as a festival of entertainment, featuring well-known Indonesian entertainers, sponsor exhibitions, and a special exhibition for Maybank Indonesia’s Sustainability program.

Maybank Indonesia further organized activities for customers to experience banking products through the Maybank Interactive Lounge, Maybank Premier & VIP Lounge and Maybank Information Station, as well as a payment system using QRIS, accessible via Maybank Indonesia’s digital banking M2U application, to purchase various sponsors’ products such as food and beverages, etc.

Considering the safety of runners, Maybank Marathon applies rules in line with Government Regulation regarding Outdoor Events, outlining the requirement for all runners to have at least a third vaccine (booster) and a mandatory Peduli Lindungi scan prior to entering the Race Pack Collection venue and Race Village. Participants are also mandated to follow health protocols, such as wearing masks, using hand sanitiser and keeping social distance during the event.

Marathon Supporters
Maybank Marathon 2022 received various stakeholders’ support, including the Provincial Government of Bali, the Police Department of Bali, the Regency Government of Gianyar, Palang Merah Indonesia (Indonesian red cross), and the Indonesian Athletics Association (PASI).

Maybank Marathon 2022 is also supported by sponsors who played a key role in ensuring the event’s success. Maybank Indonesia management and the Maybank Marathon Organising Committee convey appreciation to the following sponsors: Aqua, New Balance, Etiqa Indonesia, Pocari Sweat, Taman Bhagawan, Bali Safari & Marine Park, BMW, Berita Satu, RS Kasih Ibu, RS Kenak Medika, Biznet, Rintis ATM Prima, Traveloka, Rubiyat, Cardea, Gambino, Indofood Ice Cream, Optik Tunggal, Fit Bar, Garmin, Strive Gel, Salon Pas, Bali Hai, Waterbom, Shokz, Re.juve, Pelita Air, Swan Paradise by Pramana, Rhadana, Swiss-Belhotel Tuban, Plataran, Parasol, Royal Tulip Jimbaran, Artotel Sanur, and Tribe Hotel.

Maybank Indonesia management and the Organizing Committee also convey appreciation to the following media partners: Metro TV, Berita Satu Media Holdings, Tribun Group, Jawa Pos Group, LKBN Antara, Tempo Media Group and Gatra Media Group, as well as supporting coverage from local and other renowned media during the 2022 Marathon event with articles, videos, and photos of the event and activities.

For the latest updates on the 2022 Maybank Marathon in Bali :
– Website: https://www.maybank.co.id/Maybank-Marathon
– Instagram: @maybankmarathon
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaybankMarathon
– Twitter: @maybankmarathon

About Maybank Marathon
Maybank Marathon is an international level marathon organized by PT Bank Maybank Indonesia, Tbk (Maybank Indonesia} since 2012 which offers a full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.0975 km), and 10K (10 km). Various recognition has been achieved by Maybank Marathon, among which: included as one of the eleven “Remarkable races in the world that one must participate before you die” by The Active, one of “The 52 Best Races on Earth 2016” by Runnersworld, Best Marathon 2016, Best Half Marathon 2015, and the Most Popular Sport Event 2018 by the Venue magazine.

In 2020, the Maybank Marathon received the “Elite Label” certification from World Athletics, the former IAAF, the international organization that regulates and oversees the implementation of marathon races around the world. Maybank Marathon is also part of the 175 Marathon qualification series World Championship Abbott World Marathon Major (“Abbott WMM”), Wanda Age Group World Rankings and became one of the qualifying Race Boston Marathon. Maybank Marathon 2019 became Indonesia’s National Sports Agenda (“PON”) qualification in Papua in 2021.

About Maybank Indonesia
PT Bank Maybank Indonesia is one of the leading banks in Indonesia and is a part of the regional and international network of the Maybank Group. Maybank Indonesia provides a comprehensive range of products and services for individual and corporate customers through Community Financial Services and Global Banking and automotive financing through subsidiaries, WOM Finance for two-wheeled vehicles and Maybank Finance for four-wheeled vehicles. Maybank Indonesia also continues to develop Digital Banking services and capacity through M2U (App and Web), M2E for corporate customer and other various channels.

As of June 2022, Maybank Indonesia has 354 branches, including Shariah branches spread across Indonesia, including one overseas branch in Mumbai, India, 22 Mobile Cash Cars and 986 ATMs connected with over 20,000 ATMs incorporated in ATM PRIMA, ATM BERSAMA, ALTO, CIRRUS, and connected to 3,500 Maybank ATMs in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei. Maybank Indonesia manages customer deposits amounting to Rp111.66 trillion and has total assets valued at Rp167.33 trillion. Visit www.maybank.co.id.

More information, please contact:
Dimas Tjahjono Dradjat, Head, Communications
Email: communications@maybank.co.id
Tel: +6221 2922-8888

Pertamina’s rank in Fortune’s Global 500 jumps 64 spots

Indonesian state-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina has succeeded in re-establishing itself and made it to the 2022 Fortune Global 500 list, thereby being the only Indonesian company to be included on the list.

The building of PT Pertamina. (ANTARA/HO-PT Pertamina)

Pertamina is ranked 223rd on the list, climbing 64 places as compared to the 287th position in 2021, according to a release issued by the company on Wednesday.

In 2022, the Fortune Global 500 list places 30 world oil and gas companies in the Petroleum Refining category. Pertamina was ranked 21st, which is above Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu and Spanish multinational energy company Repsol.

State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister Erick Thohir lauded Pertamina’s success in re-entering the Fortune Global 500 list, with a significant improvement in ranking.

Thohir said that Pertamina’s ranking is testament to the fact that Indonesia’s SOEs can compete with global companies.

“I highly laud the directors, commissioners, and all Pertamina personnel, who have worked hard in increasing the company’s competitiveness in the international arena,” he stated in Jakarta on Monday (August 8).

Thohir pointed out that Pertamina’s success demonstrates that SOEs are not only able to survive in the face of a pandemic but can also improve performance by making various improvements.

According to the minister, Pertamina’s achievements cannot be separated from the transformation and restructuring measures undertaken through the formation of holdings and subholdings of the company.

“Transformation through its holdings and subholdings makes Pertamina’s operations more effective and efficient because it focuses more on the core business. This is in line with our target that Pertamina must become a global energy champion company and have a valuation of US$100 billion,” he remarked.

Thohir further expressed optimism that Pertamina’s achievements would inspire other SOEs to perform better.

He also expressed confidence that other Indonesian SOEs can take a cue from Pertamina by optimally implementing necessary transformation, core values, and improvement.

“The better the performance of Indonesian SOEs, more significant will be the impact on the community, let alone until being recognized at the global level. Positive performance will certainly provide a large space for SOEs to contribute more in increasing national economic growth, maintaining market balance, as well as populist economic programs,” Thohir remarked.

In line with the SOE minister’s remarks, Pertamina CEO Nicke Widyawati said the company’s efforts to boost competitiveness were unhindered by the pandemic, and even in the midst of severe challenges, Pertamina’s financial performance soared sharply in 2021.

According to Widyawati, Pertamina’s performance has helped it climb the rankings in the Fortune Global 500 list in 2022.

“Pertamina has succeeded in increasing the company’s revenue and net profit twice as compared to the previous year. This is an extraordinary achievement in the midst of global challenges and a pandemic that has not ended,” she affirmed.

She noted that Pertamina ranked fifth on the Fortune Global list for the Southeast Asian region. Moreover, in Asia, Pertamina was ranked 105th out of the 227 companies.

“Pertamina is also ranked 12th out of the 24 companies led by female CEOs and the only company in the Petroleum Refining category led by a female CEO,” she pointed out.

Apart from making it to the 2022 Fortune Global 500 list, in September 2021, Pertamina also received an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Risk Rating of 28.1 or was assessed to be at Medium risk.

Such a global assessment has placed Pertamina in the 15th rank out of 252 oil and gas companies around the world, and at the 8th rank in the integrated oil and gas sub-industry.

“This is global acknowledgment of Pertamina’s commitment and efforts to lead energy transition and decarbonization to support Indonesia’s target of net zero emissions in 2060 as well as the achievement of the potential of renewable resources in Indonesia in the context of sustainable growth,” Widyawati explained.

In 2021, Pertamina successfully completed its business transformation by establishing six oil and gas subholdings: Upstream Subholding, Refining and Petrochemical Subholding, Commercial and Trading Subholding, Gas Subholding, Integrated Marine Logistics Subholding, and New and Renewable Energy Subholding.

Widyawati emphasized that transformation is a strategic step to adapt to future business changes. Hence, the company should move ahead in a more agile and swifter manner as well as focus on broader and aggressive business development.

“The transformation will continue to encourage Pertamina to become a world-class energy company. With the support of all stakeholders, Pertamina will fulfill the aspirations of shareholders to realize the target of ranking among the 100 world-leading companies,” she affirmed.

In 2021, Pertamina had clocked a revenue of US$57.51 billion, an increase as compared to its revenue of US$41.47 billion in 2020.

Pertamina’s net profit in 2021 had reached US$2.045 billion, which is almost twice as high as the 2020 net profit of US$1.05 billion.

Contact: Fajriyah Usman, VP Corporate Communications, PT Pertamina (Persero)
M: +62 858 8330 8686, Email: fajriyah.usman@pertamina.com, URL: https://www.pertamina.com
Written by: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga, Editor: Fardah Assegaf (c) ANTARA 2022

Enhancing data governance through the 3rd DEWG meeting

The implementation of equitable and inclusive Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT) and Cross-Border Data Flow (CBDF) had become crucial issues nowadays as data traffic between countries kept increasing.

Hence, as chairman of the 2022 G20 presidency, Indonesia proposed four principles of fairness, lawfulness, transparency, and reciprocity for the implementation of cross-border data governance.

Through the 3rd Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) Meeting, held in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province, on July 20-22, 2022, Indonesia highlighted digital skills and literacy as the second priority issues of the DEWG, as well as the DFFT and CBDF as its third priority issue that will enhance the Bali Package document.

The Ministry of Communication and Informatics has consulted with G20 members and partners to follow up on the results of previous meetings to be accommodated into a declaration draft, known as the Bali Package.

The Bali Package will reflect the commitment of G20 members to achieve recovery through inclusive, empowering, and sustainable cooperation.

Additionally, Communication and Informatics Minister Johnny G. Plate expected that the 3rd DEWG meeting could establish three deliverables.

The deliverables include the recommendations and policies to increase the vulnerable groups’ involvement in the digital economy sector; a G20 Toolkit on digital skills, literacy, and workshop; as well as a summary of practices and policies to develop advanced digital skills and literacy.

The G20 members also sought a common understanding on a clear definition of trust and general principles in implementing the cross-border data flow.

Spokesperson for the Communication and Informatics Ministry Dedy Permadi said all parties involved in the 3rd DEWG Meeting agreed to strengthen the cross-border data governance.

“The Digital Economy Working Group or DEWG had completed discussions regarding the CBDF,” he stated.

The results of the working group’s discussions will be presented at the G20 Digital Economy Ministers’ Meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Bali, in early September 2022.

A workshop had been implemented on the last day of the 3rd DEWG Meeting to enhance the discussion on the CBDF and establish a common agreement on the agenda.

In addition to the G20 members, a number of private actors, international organizations, academics, and non-governmental organizations were also invited, since the workshop served as a multi-stakeholder dialogue forum.

“Thus, the agenda does not only contain the government’s interest, hence, the cross-border data flow agenda will be able to provide comprehensive recommendations,” Permadi, who was also the Alternate Chair of 2022 G20 DEWG, remarked.

The effort showed Indonesia’s commitment in pursuing concrete deliverables to realize beneficial data utilization for all to encourage the recovery of the global digital economy.

Additionally, the Director General of Informatics Application at the ministry, Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, stated the value of Indonesia’s digital economy was projected to reach US$124 billion (Rp1,855 trillion) in 2025.

To optimize the potentials, Indonesia will hold a 2022 G20 DEWG side event entitled G20 Digital Innovative Network, themed ‘The Rise of Digital Economy: Post-pandemic Recovery and Beyond’.

The forum aims to facilitate knowledge-sharing as well as international partnerships among start-ups, venture capitalists, policy makers, and corporations to solve various global challenges.

It was initiated by Italy’s 2021 G20 Presidency under the name of G20 Digital Innovation League.

The G20 Digital Innovative Network aims to find the 100 most promising start-ups in five priority sectors of healthcare, renewable energy, smart society, financial inclusivity, and supply chain.

Start-up pitching, discussion panels, 1-on-1 business meetings, networking sessions, as well as cultural events will be held in a hybrid way during the implementation of the forum in Bali on September 2-4, 2022.

The registration for the forum has been opened to the public at g20innovationnetwork.org.

(c) ANTARA 2022

RI strives to bridge differences in G20 to overcome economic challenges

The third Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting within the framework of Indonesia’s G20 Presidency kicked off in Nusa Dua, Badung, Bali, on Friday (July 15).

The 3rd Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting of G20 in Nusa Dua, Badung, Bali, on 16 July. (ANTARA FOTO/Fikri Yusuf/Pool/wsj)

The meeting aims to seek ways to promote better global economic recovery amid the issues or challenges that had become more apparent nowadays.

“G20 needs to (apply more measures) by taking real actions based on the spirit of coordination, collaboration, and consensus in order to solve global issues,” Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati delivered the statement during the opening of the meeting.

In total, 407 delegations were physically present in Bali, and 120 attended the event through virtual means. Some 19 finance ministers and 11 governors of Central Banks were also physically present. Thereby making it the one with the most number of physical attendees during the course of Indonesia’s G20 presidency.

Minister Indrawati stated that the presence of majority of the delegations of member countries, guest nations, and international organizations demonstrated global commitment and willingness to support the Indonesian G20 Presidency, as well as promote a sustainable economy, especially in the midst of global challenges.

Bridging Differences
Indonesia is committed to bridging various differences and becoming the main supporter of multilateralism in the G20 forum to overcome various current global economic challenges.

“We want to be an honest liaison. Indonesia will tirelessly seek communications and consultations, so we can continue to build bridges to accommodate the differences,” the minister noted while opening the 3rd G20 FMCBG meeting.

The 3rd FMCBG meeting discussed seven priority agendas, comprising the current situation and risks of the global economy, health issues, international financial architecture, financial issues, sustainable finance, infrastructure development, and international taxation.

Meanwhile, several issues that became part of the priority agenda are the impacts of the Russian-Ukraine conflict on global food, energy, and financial security.

On the second day of the meeting on Saturday, Indrawati announced that all G20 members has agreed on the majority of the meeting results despite tensions over Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Indrawati conveyed that the meeting succeeded in agreeing on a number of initiatives, and successfully garnering support to overcome various global economic and financial problems.

“There are 14 paragraphs of the draft on the result of this two-days meeting,” Indrawati stated on her speech delivering the results of the meeting.

She mentioned that two paragraphs of the result draft containing different views of several G20 members, one of which was regarding the use of the word “war” on several issues.

Indonesia and other G20 members, however, should still place the G20 as the world’s largest economic cooperation forum that has a long history of solving various global problems.

Additionally, Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Perry Warjiyo has called upon all G20 members to commit to working together to support global economic recovery in order to realize a sustainable, balanced, and inclusive world economy.

“It is important for us to stay focused on what we have planned to achieve this year,” Warjiyo said at the opening of the second day of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (3rd FMCBG) meeting.

Such a focus, according to Warjiyo, will send a positive message to the global community about the role and efforts of the G20 toward supporting recovery.

During Saturday’s meeting, the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors discussed five topics including COVID-19 exit strategies for ensuring financial stability, climate-related financial risks, crypto assets, financial inclusion and digitization, and initiatives to address new data gaps.

Written by: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga, Editor: Fardah Assegaf (c) ANTARA 2022

Energy transition collaboration to tackle global warming: Pertamina

Indonesia’s oil and gas state-owned enterprise PT Pertamina has encouraged collaboration between countries for energy transition in order to tackle global warming.

Pertamina President Director Nicke Widyawati (middle) in a B20 dialogue themed “Sustainable Finance for Climate Transition” held in Bali on Thursday, July 14, 2022. (ANTARA/HO-PT Pertamina)

“Preventing global warming and climate change is a challenge for all countries in the world, both developed and developing countries, including energy companies and industry parties,” the energy company stated in a release, Friday.

Pertamina President Director Nicke Widyawati noted that energy transition is the key to preventing catastrophic impacts of global warming and climate change, but energy transition efforts should not interfere with the unfinished development agenda in some developing countries.

Widyawati brought up this point, considering that the average energy consumption, emission expenditure, and income per capita of developing countries are generally below those of developed countries.

“Therefore, developed countries must support developing countries in the transition to sustainable energy if the world wants to have a chance to meet the global warming (reduction) target,” she stated in a dialogue themed “Sustainable Finance for Climate Transition” held in Bali on Thursday (July 14).

She remarked that Pertamina — as an energy SOE — has allocated a capital expenditure (Capex) of 14 percent of its total investment funds to support the implementation of energy transition in Indonesia. The figure is much higher than the average investment of 4.3 percent for renewable energy made by any other world energy company.

“Overcoming climate change is one of Pertamina’s Sustainability program strategies, with a target of reducing carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030, which is above Indonesia’s nationally determined contribution (NDC) target,” Widyawati noted.

She remarked that from 2010 to 2020, the company had succeeded in reducing 6.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MmtCO2E), or 27 percent, from 26 percent of the 2010 baseline.

Widyawati — who currently also serves as chair of the B20 Task Force for Energy, Sustainability, and Climate — emphasized that all energy transition efforts must be thoroughly planned in order to ensure energy security and accessibility for the entire community is well-maintained.

Pertamina will accelerate its energy transition efforts towards sustainable energy use as well as ensure a fair and affordable transition and improve energy security, she remarked.

Considering that energy transition requires high technology and costs, Widyawati further said that Pertamina is open to partnerships and collaborations with like-minded parties to encourage innovation and reduce technology costs for the transition effort.

“Pertamina’s ambition is to become a leading global energy company with a good reputation and to be recognized as a company that implements the principles of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) in an integrated manner,” she stated.

The dialog, held in a hybrid format, was also attended by Indonesian Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani, President Director of state-owned electric power corporation PLN Darmawan Prasojo, President Director of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) Ahmad Yunianto, and Vice President of Jinko Solar Co. Ltd. Dany Qian.

The Business 20 (B20) is the official G20 dialogue forum with the global business community. Established in 2010, B20 reserved companies and business organizations, and it is among the most prominent Engagement Groups in G20.

Contact: Fajriyah Usman, VP Corporate Communications, PT Pertamina (Persero)
M: +62 858 8330 8686, Email: fajriyah.usman@pertamina.com, URL: https://www.pertamina.com
Written by: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga, Editor: Fardah Assegaf (c) ANTARA 2022

Malaysia Witnesses 31% YoY Hiring Growth

The Malaysian job market has recorded a 31% growth in job demand this June indicating a spree in hiring activity on an annual basis. A number of segments hit hardest by Covid-19 have shown promising signs of resurgence, as per the Monster Employment Index (MEI).

An upsurge of 15% was registered for hiring activity over the last six months, while month-on-month growth improved at 5% projecting a continuous demand in the job market.

Despite two years of restriction on public activities, rising prices, and the current labour crisis, the retail industry in Malaysia has moved towards recovery with a 321% year-on-year growth in job activity in June 2022. Moreover, retail sales in the country are projected to grow at the rate of 25.7% in the current quarter as per Malaysian retail associations. While the country has seen a number of retail closures over the pandemic, consumer sentiments soar high showcasing a positive outlook for this segment in the months to come.

Commenting on job trends for June 2022, Sekhar Garisa, CEO, Monster.com – APAC & Gulf said“Companies today are ramping up their demand for a digital-first future-ready workforce amidst the ongoing talent crunch we see globally. Jobs in Malaysia have come back and several industries have begun to almost reflect pre-pandemic business functioning with steadfast recovery especially across deeply impacted segments like Tourism, Hospitality, and Retail. With flexible work arrangements gaining popularity in the job market, we are optimistic to see continued growth and resilience in the coming months.”

Following retail, the Hospitality segment (up 65 percent) has also seen a huge inflow of demand for professionals in tourism and travel related industries with the user penetration rate nearing the pre-pandemic levels. With improved business sentiments and airline travel ramping up, tourism in the country has certainly picked up accompanied by the consequent rise in demand for skilled talent. Logistic, Courier/ Freight/ Transportation, Shipping/ Marine (up 51 percent) also noted a huge jump in hiring activity being next in the rung, followed by rapid digitization in BFSI (up 32 percent).

Other sectors that noted promising growth in June include Production/Manufacturing, Automotive and Ancillary (up 4 percent), IT, Telecom/ISP, BPO/ITES (up 5 percent), Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media and Entertainment (up 16 percent) and Engineering, Construction and Real Estate (up 19 percent).

Across roles, the Malaysian job market exhibited maximum demand for professionals in Hospitality & Travel (up 162 percent) driven by travel resumption from neighbouring countries coupled with strong domestic tourism. Interestingly, all 9 functions monitored by the Index saw positive growth over the course of June 2022 projecting a great demand influx for the market.

Given the impressive performance of retail, roles in Customer Service (up 79 percent) increased, followed by Software, Hardware, Telecom (up 58 percent). Finance & Accounts (up 52 percent) and Sales & Business Development (up 41 percent) also observed a rise.

The Monster Employment Index is a broad monthly analysis of online job posting activity conducted by Monster India. Based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of online career outlets, the Monster Employment Index presents a snapshot of employer online recruitment activity nationwide.

Period for the report

The period considered for the MEI data is 1st to 30th June 2022.

About Monster APAC & Middle East

Monster (a Quess Company), the leading online career and recruitment resource, with its cutting-edge technology provides relevant profiles to employers and jobs to jobseekers across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies. More than 200 million people have registered on the Monster Worldwide network. Today, with operations in more than 40 countries, Monster provides the widest and most sophisticated job seeking, career management, recruitment, and talent management capabilities globally.

Monster continues its pioneering work of transforming the recruiting industry with advanced technology using intelligent digital, social and mobile solutions, and a vast array of products and services.

To learn more about Monster in APAC & Gulf, visit: www.monsterindia.com | www.monstergulf.com | www.monster.com.sg | www.monster.com.my | www.monster.com.ph | www.monster.com.hk

Contact:

Yatharth Sharma
yatharth.sharma@monsterindia.com

Silky Sharma
silky.sharma@adfactorspr.com