Lifequest subsidiary Biopipe Global enters the United States with Shipment of its Revolutionary 100% Sludge-Free Biological Onsite Sewage Wastewater Treatment Plant to California

via NEWMEDIAWIRE — LIFEQUEST WORLD CORP (LQWC) subsidiary Biopipe Global, which has developed the world’s only highly scalable onsite sludge and chemical-free sewage wastewater treatment technology, has shipped its first plant to California. With a capacity of 10m3/day (2,640 gallons/day), the plant will be installed at a campground in Southern California.

Enes Kutluca, the CEO of Biopipe, said, “Due to Covid-19, this is the first fully assembled and ready to install plant we have shipped from Turkey. We have an excellent engineering partner on the ground to install and commission the plant in the near future. We have implemented a new process with our manufacturer, PIMTAS, which will allow us to ship ready-to-install systems with capacity ranging from 2m3/day to 15m3/day. We also recognize that California Water Board (CWB) is one of the toughest water regulators in the world and we are confident that we will meet the effluent discharge standards set by CWB.”

Max Khan, the President & CEO of Lifequest, said, “Given our focus on Asia and Africa, we did not intend to enter the USA market until 2021 due to all the regulatory hurdles and certifications that are required. But due to strong inquiries from various parts of the country, we decided to start with the toughest state. California faces an intractable water crisis and the recycling of wastewater is the only way out. Our BIOPIPE system is an effective solution for onsite wastewater treatment because it produces non-potable water that can be reused. The USA in general, but California in particular, represents an enormous opportunity.”

About Lifequest & Biopipe

Lifequest offers both effluent treatment (ETP) and sewage treatment (STP) solutions. Biopipe, a wholly owned subsidiary, has developed a patented 100% sludge-free, chemical-free, odor-free, silent, easy to assemble and install, scalable, low cost, ecological and virtually maintenance-free onsite sewage wastewater treatment system. It treats both grey and black water. The treated water exceeds EU and all local standards for discharge and can be reused for irrigation, flushing and cleaning.

Visit: http://www.lifequestcorp.com
Contact: info@lifequestcorp.com
Telephone: +1-646-201-5242

Visit: http://www.biopipe.co
Tanmay Pawale: Tanmay@biopipe.co
Nina Aquino: Nina@biopipe.co

This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company’s current beliefs, expectations or intentions regarding future events. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “will,” “will be,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “expect” “continue,” “future,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of the Company and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: future revenues, expenditures, capital, the adequacy of the Company’s current cash and working capital to fund present and planned operations, and the growth through joint ventures. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, can be found in our current Disclosure Statements at www.otcmarkets.com. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause views and expectations to change. The Company assumes no obligation, and specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Emerge 2020 HR Tech Summit Concluded Successfully

Asia, July 9, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Yet again Clavent has brought HR leaders across the globe on a single platform to plant a flag on their first-ever virtual event “Emerge2020 HR Tech Summit​” organized on 25-26th June. Amidst the pandemic, Clavent is always ready to Inspire, Interact, and Innovate. Certainly establishing norms of “virtual experience” in current scenarios to assemble HR veterans to speak on divergent topics based on technological advancements to tackle challenging disruptions in the HR domain across various industries.

Meanwhile, Clavent conducted a virtual summit ensuring that they fulfill their purpose of an event to not only get insights from different sessions but also to get acquainted with fellow attendees and acquire skills from each other. Clavent brought under one platform taking charge of all the elements enabling real-time experience such as Networking Lounges, Exhibitor Booths, Polls, Discussions, Q&A to meet and greet fellow attendees.

At Emerge, Clavent predominantly touched upon three themes Innovation & Leadership, Talent Management, and Learning & Well-Being. The day started with the captive hosting that drove the whole event with enthusiasm and bridged the gap between the attendees and the speakers. He initiated the session with the exciting polls. One of the polls that you can answer right now as well “Are you in your Pajamas?” Polls ensured that the audience was heard, engaged, and were updated in real-time.

The summit began with a keynote session by Prithvi Shergill – Chief Business Officer, KPISOFT who talked about “In a crisis: CHROs Step Up to New Challenges”. The session was a head turner and the speaker emphasized how to master risk and performance with four evolution stages “React, Respond, Reform & Reimagine” with three indispensable elements Workplace, Workforce, and Work. He also dug deep with the paradoxes in the coronavirus crisis and how to build trust across various projects to celebrate the milestones.

Steve Yong – CAO HR from HSBC, a proven effective change leader with the ability to create and implement various business strategies in complex global organizations emphasized on “Leverage Tech & Analytics to keep a tab on Productivity & Engagement”. He spoke about how to be prescriptive in sentiment analysis and pay reviews. Everyone was enthralled about the way he brought HR and Technology in a single discussion and to fulfill personal and organizational goals.

Augustus Azariah, HR Leader from IBM and having 20+ years of experience in the industry and a key driver to bring happiness in the workforce. This was where the third session focussed on “People, Process, Automation”. While Clavent again initiated the session with another poll, Augustus spoke about the purpose of being essential. He left the attendees amazed by taking them from changing the talent landscape to the journey of new normal.
The next speaker for Emerge was Komal Singh, Senior HR business partner- India & APAC at InMobi. She has been leading business priorities through people’s intervention to drive focus on an enterprise model mindset. She talked about “Building a digital culture”. She focused on the reality of the emerging Gig Economy & millennials workforce view. She deep dive into how an ecosystem can drive digital culture.

“Attracting GenZ” was the fourth session of Day 1 by none other than Anil Kumar Mishra, Vice president & Chief People Officer of MagicBricks. Certainly, an engaging session for all the upcoming HR leaders wherein he emphasized on how to attract Genz and how to create an exciting workplace. He also talked about how imperative it is to take care of GenZ career aspirations and how it will drive the organization to the road of success.

Dr. Ankita Singh, Senior VP & Global Head HR at CIGNEX Datamatics who has over 19 years of progressive experience in leading various aspects of HR across various domains of ITES. She talked about “Future of Work” that focused on certain topics like WFH, Gig Economy, tech-driven processes, LMS. She brought certain aspects onto the table like how to rebuild the tour business, people, and trust. How HR can be a copilot to the organization to fulfill objectives.

“Employee Experience = Customer Experience” was the topic of the next session taken by Amit Sharma CHRO from Volvo Group. He drove the session by answering if the above-mentioned terms are understood clearly by the workforce. He also bridged a gap between the two mentioned terms and how happy employees will lead to better customer experience.

Ben Eubanks, Principal Analyst Lighthouse Research & Advisory brought us an interesting topic of this age “Learning in the age of social distancing”. He focused on the way to learn new skills powerfully. He also connected neuroscience, formal learning, and to explore informal learning.

Clavent was delighted to kick off day 2 with none other than Bhavya Misra, HR Director PepsiCo. She is richly experienced across a variety of roles in the HR domain in the Retail & FMCG sector. She focused on the “Role of Leadership in maintaining Work-Life Balance”. In the current context and the scenario, it becomes indispensable to talk about the lines between work life and personal life. To not only introspect but retrospect what this means and how it impacts the workforce. Is it clock connectivity, expectations on responsiveness coming in the way?

“Science of well being” was the next session by Varadharaju Janardhanan, VP & Head HR [24]7.ai. He emphasized on the mental well being. To elucidate the workforce’s mind space and to talk about constraints like Lockdown, Social Distancing, Working Virtually, Shortage of essentials, etc. While he talked about the above-mentioned restrictions brings the fear of the future in the employees that might result in anxiety and how it can be tackled by understanding brain science.

“Networking Break” helped to bring in an opportunity to meet and greet the fellow attendees and get to know each other and make these sessions more meaningful. Moreover, Clavent conducted “Q&A sessions” each day exclusively to bring out a childlike curiosity among every individual.

Manish Behl, Associate VP Center for the future of Work at Cognizant, spoke about “The Future of Work and AI”. Manish spoke about AI can be a rocket fuel to drive organizational objectives and harness employee goals. He further talked about how AI is infusing in work culture followed by fantastic questions by curious attendees such as to drive attention from automation, employability and its effect due to COVID19.

Venkatesh Palabatla, Group CHRO Navabharat Ventures Limited shared his views on “Augmented Talent – Harnessing the cognitive capital of people at work”. He brought major topics that had major implications on industries that are the Industrial revolution and COVID Crisis. He talked about building Human Capital, the need for a new organizational model that will align with the new business needs and challenges.

Susan Armstrong, Managing Partner- Global Training Transformation spoke about “Designing a Future Proof Learning Strategy”. She talked about the need to engage, motivate, and develop leaders and employees. She deep-dived on the global challenges that are faced by an organization in regards to employee performance and mental health. She has also been a part of Learning and development strategies in COVID and talked about how those can be executed successfully.

Saswati Sinha, VP and Head HR-Cheil India ( Samsung Group) talked about “The Power of Collective Intelligence”. She explained the real definition of CI and how technology plays a vital role in group intelligence. She also mentioned that technology is changing the way employees were working earlier and how it is bringing a change in the centralized management approach. She focused on how organizations will thrive, loose hierarchies, and embrace democracy.

Abhimanyu Choudhary Chief Business Officer at Xoxoday spoke about “Know your Employee Pulse in the age of Social Distancing”. He talked about the challenges that 2020 brought. The uncertainty that calls for managing not only the work but household chores. The challenge for HR is to keep its employees motivated and engaged. He motivated the attendees to come up together and work for the upliftment of the organization overall.

The last session “The Myth of Employee Engagement” was given by Jonas Prasanna, International HR Business Partner. He brought up a few questions regarding the effectiveness of the surveys done across several organizations, and if disengagement is a bad thing? He focused on how rather than talking about an engagement that can be done to drive the culture of a workplace that brings positive results.

In the end, the day concluded with a Q&A session that brought not only questions but different perspectives of each attendee on various aspects of HR domains across industry creating a dynamic and inclusive environment. Clavent brought can’t-find-anywhere-else tips from various HR Leaders across industries to be imbibed on your journey as an HR Leader.

Event Website Link – ​https://www.clavent.com/emerge-2020-hr-tech-summit/
For more information drop an email at contact@clavent.com

Frost & Sullivan Honors Leading Organizations in Asia-Pacific in an Inaugural Virtual Ceremony for the 2020 Asia-Pacific Best Practices Awards

SINGAPORE, July 8, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Frost & Sullivan honored Asia-Pacific’s leading companies at the 18th annual Asia-Pacific Best Practices Awards on 8 July in an inaugural virtual awards ceremony. A total of 15 awards were presented to organizations for elevating performance benchmarks and for their outstanding achievements in the industry.

These awards were segmented across six major sectors:

– Automotive
– Energy
– Building & Environment Industries
– Healthcare
– Information & Communication Technologies
– Logistics

Congratulating the 2020 winners and recognizing their best-in-class performance, Sapan Agarwal, Vice President Asia-Pacific at Frost & Sullivan, said that the best practice awards are aimed at motivating firms to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence year after year. “We applaud companies that have continued to push the boundaries and have demonstrated excellence in their industries. Frost & Sullivan awards are strong accolades to the good work and a reminder to all industry players that business performance benchmarks have now been raised for everyone,” he said.

The award recipients were identified using Frost & Sullivan’s proprietary, measurement-based methodology derived from extensive primary and secondary research, in-depth interviews, analysis, and industry benchmarking. Numerous award categories were carefully reviewed and evaluated to reflect the current market landscape and highlight emerging trends in Asia. A detailed study was further conducted on each of the nominated companies, focusing on real-time performance indicators like market share, revenue growth, customer acquisitions, product/service value, and technology innovation. The companies that emerged represent outstanding leaders that are driving positive trends in the Asia-Pacific economy.

The 2020 Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific Best Practices Awards virtual banquet is supported by our Media Partners: ACN Newswire, AI Time Journal, CryptoNewsZ, Chief IT, Asia Research News, CEO World Magazine and Developing Telecoms.

To learn more about the awards and partnership opportunities for the 2020 awards, please visit http://www.apacbp-awards.com/. To schedule an interaction with our spokespersons, please email Kala Mani. S. at kala.manis@frost.com.

About Frost & Sullivan

For over five decades, Frost & Sullivan has become world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion

Media Contact:
Zuzana Zukarnain
Corporate Communications – Asia-Pacific Phone: +60192657808
Email: zuzana.zukarnain@frost.com

Most Businesses Proceeding with International Expansion Plans, Undeterred by COVID-19, Reveals New CFO Survey

More than 80% of Businesses Now Considering Remote Global Workforce Model

New research released by Globalization Partners and CFO Research, indicates that most businesses are undeterred by the impact of COVID-19 and are still moving forward with plans for new or expanded international operations. More than half of the respondents expressed interest in expanding or adding operations in the Asia-Pacific region. The findings also show that 83% of respondents said they are looking into a remote, global workforce model as a solution to the changes brought about by COVID-19.

Despite the pandemic-induced economic crisis, 45% of respondents are either currently expanding globally or only slightly delaying their expansion and will do it within one year. Another 9% maintain intent to expand internationally but remain in a year-long holding pattern.

After North America at 71%, the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China), targeted by 65%, was the most popular region for new or expanded operations. Capturing market share was the top cited reason for expansion into these specific regions. Also, highly cited was the desire to expand sales, diversify investments and acquire top talent.

“This research offers grounds for optimism that the economic crisis caused by COVID-19 has not derailed international expansion plans for most businesses who were already on this path,” explained Nicole Sahin, CEO and Founder of Globalization Partners. “However, the operational challenges, particularly around local legal rules, recruitment and compliance can take months to navigate. Our solution removes these barriers to success and makes it easy to establish new international teams and revenue generation in a matter of days.”

The data also found that employee health and safety was a top concern related to global expansion, cited nearly twice as much as the other leading issues, including new business strategies, increasing sales pipeline and revenue, and reducing organizational costs. In addition, 83% of executives expressed concern managing multiple third parties and stakeholders in a foreign environment during a volatile economic climate. And 74% of executives expressed concern with navigating foreign banks and international employee payroll in these volatile times.

Expansion had been or was expected to be a long process for most of the executives. 86% said their global expansion took or would take at least five months. That figure included 42% who put the time required at more than one year. As a result, dedicating resources to global operations was also a top concern for executives planning international expansion.

Sahin concluded: “The survey supports all the key challenges facing companies as they expand globally. But the biggest issue for most of our clients is the time and cost involved with establishing legal entities or subsidiaries. We make it easy for our clients to hire talent in a new country in a matter of days while ensuring compliance with international laws and agreements.”

Survey Methodology
The survey, conducted by CFO Research of Argyle Advisory and Research Services, polled 166 senior finance executives at companies with international expansion plans.

About Globalization Partners

Globalization Partners enables companies to quickly and easily expand internationally across six continents and 187 countries. Our solution allows companies to hire employees in as little as 12 hours without having to navigate complex international legal, tax, and HR issues. When companies find top talent, that team member is put on our locally compliant payroll. We are the most trustworthy solution in the market and offer 24/7/365 premium support services. We have dual U.S. headquarters to serve you in Boston and San Diego, with regional hub offices located worldwide in the UK, Ireland, Germany, the UAE, India, China, Singapore, Brazil, and Mexico. For more information, please visit https://www.globalization-partners.com.

Contact:

Touchdown PR for Globalization Partners, Asia Pacific
Melinda Ilagan
Senior Consultant
milagan@touchdownpr.com

HKTDC Summer Virtual Expo goes live on Monday

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is organising Summer Virtual Expo from 29 June to 24 July 2020, helping Hong Kong businesses to tap new opportunities with leading buyers from around the world. See https://info.hktdc.com/sourcing/virtualexpo.
Hong Kong company Matrix Promotion Ltd launched anti-pandemic corporate gift sets during the COVID-19 outbreak, with more than 2.7 million hand sanitisers sold. Using business matching services offered during Spring Virtual Expo, Matrix received orders from a buyer in the United States for a total of 120,000 surgical masks and 1,000 thermometers.
Summer Sourcing Weeks | Go Online will feature a wide range of products including lighting, electronics, ICT, medical and healthcare items, houseware, home textiles and furnishings, fashion, gifts and premiums, printing and packaging and more, enabling companies to continue to explore cross-industry business opportunities. See https://ssw.hktdc.com.

Although there are signs that the COVID-19 outbreak is stabilising in some parts of the world, the demand for online sourcing continues to grow as physical trade fairs are still unable to be staged. To help companies rise to the challenge, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is organising hktdc.com Sourcing Summer Virtual Expo from 29 June to 24 July, providing an effective way for more than 22,000 suppliers to connect with some 500,000 global buyers.

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau said: “Our Spring Virtual Expo in April was successful in helping local businesses win new orders in the face of significant challenges. We hope the Summer Virtual Expo can maintain the momentum and help our suppliers connect with 500,000 buyers from around the world, while buyers will get the opportunity to replenish stocks to meet expected consumer demand in the second half of the year.”

Mobilising HKTDC’s global network

The HKTDC’s 50 offices around the world are helping to promote the Summer Virtual Expo by encouraging participation from influential global buyers, particularly those that work with mega chain stores and e-tailers and have previously sourced at trade fairs in Hong Kong. During the fair period, these offices will offer professional support such as handling in-depth business matching requests and arranging virtual meetings.

Mr Chau added that the hktdc.com Sourcing platform has won multiple international awards for its effectiveness in bringing suppliers and buyers together. The site currently features around 130,000 quality suppliers and two million international buyers, with over 24 million business connections made every year. “Buyers are more confident to source products from suppliers when the relevant information can be verified by third-party organisations,” he said.

Addressing buyers’ sourcing needs

Key products to be featured in the Summer Virtual Expo include consumer electronics, gifts, kitchenware, medical supplies, outdoor activity equipment, garments and clothing accessories, and much more. To further enhance the effectiveness of the business matching process and meet different sourcing needs, the HKTDC will send personalised product recommendations to global buyers through different channels such as social media, online advertising and email, encouraging them to view more products and make enquiries.

Weekly product themes include Tech & Innovations, Home Sweet Home, Lifestyle, and Smart Health. “Buyers can make enquiries and connect with suppliers in just one click, helping them to seal deals more quickly,” Mr Chau said.

Summer Sourcing Weeks | Go ONLINE

As part of its anti-pandemic measures, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) announced on 2 June that the compulsory 14-day quarantine for persons arriving in Hong Kong from overseas will be extended until 18 September. This development means that overseas exhibitors and buyers would have great difficulty joining Summer Sourcing Week in July. Following discussions with industry representatives, the HKTDC has decided to migrate the physical exhibition to a virtual platform, Summer Sourcing Weeks | Go ONLINE, to enable companies to continue exploring business opportunities. Summer Sourcing | Weeks GO ONLINE features a wide range of products including lighting, electronics, information and communications technology (ICT), medical and healthcare items, houseware, home textiles and furnishings, fashion, gifts and premiums, as well as printing and packaging.

Summer Sourcing Weeks | Go ONLINE is supported by a brand-new artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled business matching platform, Click2Match. Allowing tailor-made virtual meetings, meeting planners, live chats, instant video conferencing and online expert talks, this self-service platform offers buyers and suppliers a hustle-free online sourcing, marketing and networking experience.

Please download more photos from here. https://bit.ly/2NO58Xz

# Note to editors: given the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, the HKTDC has adjusted its schedule of exhibitions and conferences as part of a continued effort to create business opportunities for various sectors through multiple channels. For details, please visit: https://bit.ly/31jgyu0

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 trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Contact:

Beatrice Lam, Tel: +852 2584 4049, Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.org

CropLife Asia Commends UN Call for Action to Avoid “Global Food Emergency” & Rallies Regional Stakeholders

– Group cites UN Brief on Impact of COVID-19 on Food Security & Nutrition as ‘Clarion Call’ for Asia
– Raises Need for Greater Coordination, Collaboration across Regional Food Value Chain

A policy brief released this week by the United Nations (UN), “The Impact of COVID-19 on Food Security and Nutrition”, raises serious concerns regarding the effect COVID-19 is having on the most vulnerable parts of society already experiencing hunger and malnutrition. As a result, CropLife Asia is reiterating the need for greater coordination and collaboration across the regional food value chain to ensure a sustainable supply of safe and nutritious food.

Last year, the UN issued research indicating hunger, undernourishment and obesity are at critical levels globally and throughout Asia in particular. According to the 2019 State of Food Security & Nutrition in the World, some 820 million people did not have enough food to eat in 2018 – this was up from 811 million in 2017 and represented the third consecutive year of increase. Meanwhile, over 513 million of those hungry people (or over 62%) call Asia home. When it came to undernourishment, the statistics were also discouraging. In 2018, the largest number of undernourished people around the world (more than 500 million) lived in Asia.

“We’re seeing first-hand the diabolical disruption COVID-19 continues to cause our food supply chain in Asia. This UN brief only reaffirms the effect the pandemic is having and heightens the needs for action,” said Dr. Siang Hee Tan, CropLife Asia Executive Director.

“CropLife Asia commends the UN for its leadership on this critically important issue. From farm to fork, we all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and nutritious supply of food reaches those who need it most. It’s time for the regional stakeholders driving the food supply chain to answer this clarion call by the UN and work together to ensure a food emergency isn’t realized in Asia. It’s time for greater coordination and collaboration among governments, industries and civil society to deliver results. It’s time to get to work.”

Feeding our growing global population is a shared responsibility, and plant science continues to play a crucial role. Biotech crops are developed with improved traits such as increased yield, better resistance to pests and/or improved nutrition, among others. These traits are crucial tools that enable farmers to meet global challenges such as food insecurity. Meanwhile, farmers continue to rely on crop protection products to produce more food on less land and raise productivity per hectare. Without crop protection products, 40 percent of global rice and maize harvests could be lost every year[1] and losses for fruits and vegetables could be as high as 50-90 percent.

About CropLife Asia

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

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

Nomination Opens for “Directors Of The Year Awards 2020”

Themed “Vanguard in Challenging Times”

The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (“HKIoD”) has announced that its annual “Directors Of The Year Awards 2020” is open for nominations today. Last year, the US-China trade war and ongoing social unrest have plunged Hong Kong’s economy into a recession. This year, the coronavirus pandemic has paralysed the global economy, but at the same time accelerated the development of major business trends such as cloud online offices and e-commerce. A series of shifts have tested the adaptability and leadership skills of the Hong Kong business leaders. The Awards this year are themed “Vanguard in Challenging Times”, and honour the outstanding directors and boards who have successfully shown their leadership skills and led their companies through difficult times in an unpredictable environment.

Dr Christopher To, Chairman of HKIoD, said, “‘The HKIoD Corporate Governance Scorecard’ recently launched points out that companies with improved corporate governance standards have experienced relatively smaller declines in market valuation, demonstrating the direct relationship of corporate governance standards to the ability to survive under adversity. We always emphasise that corporate governance is a dynamic process, and good corporate governance needs to continually improve to better respond to the market situation, particularly persevering in the face of adversity. With this year’s theme, I hope the creative thinking and calm attitude of the awardees can inspire the industry and directors how to find a way through the difficulties.”

Mr Kenneth Wong, Chairman of 2020 Directors Awards Organising Committee, said “There is no performance index to accurately measure the leadership skills of business leaders. Figures in the report such as profit, cost or return on investment can be affected by different variables across specific industries as well as external factors. When the judges assess the outstanding directors, they evaluate on how the directors establish excellent corporate governance procedures, build company culture, lead the company to accomplish the goal together as well as undertake accountability to stakeholders . I hope the theme this year can recognise the most outstanding directors in Hong Kong and enhance the overall corporate governance standards in Hong Kong by sharing their stories, particularly in surviving or even thriving in such times of challenge”

Dr Carlye Tsui, CEO of HKIoD, said, “In the face of the current unsettled situation, business leaders must fully understand the latest market situation, in order to make the right decision at the crucial moment and to lead their firms to avoid crisis. HKIoD provides a platform for directors to learn and share, so that they can keep abreast of market trends and to ensure they are provided with adequate information in order to make wise decisions.”

Nomination for the Awards will close on 31 July 2020. The Panel of Judges comprises leaders, professionals and regulators in Hong Kong. Director Of The Year Awards 2020 recognises excellence in the following categories:

Company Categories
1. Listed Companies
2. Non-Listed Companies
3. Statutory/Non-Profit-Distributing Organisations*

Director Categories
1. Executive Directors
2. Non-Executive Directors
3. Boards

Notes: *A non-profit-distributing organisation is defined as an organisation in which profits are not distributed to its shareholders, members, directors, employees or any other persons, with objectives including, but not limited to, charitable welfare, social service, health and medical care, education, research, trade and industrial alliance, professional advancement, self-help support etc.

The selection criteria for winners in the Individual Director Categories include successful pursuit of strategic corporate business/non-profit functions, contribution to board effectiveness in strategic planning and monitoring of performance, implementing compliance, risk control and accountability measures, managing change and succession, leadership and other attributes and qualities, including continuing professional development for directors, business ethics and other achievements. As for the Collective Board Categories, judging criteria include board composition, effectiveness in pursuing strategic functions of corporate business/non-profit aspects, development and execution of strategic plans and monitoring of performance, implementing compliance, risk control and accountability measures, managing change and succession, development of the board, effectiveness of board committees, business ethics and other achievements.

The Awards nomination form and related information are available on The Hong Kong Institute of Directors website at www.hkiod.com.

About Directors Of The Year Awards
First launched in 2001, Directors Of The Year Awards were the first ever such Awards organised in Asia. The project has now become an annual project of impact in the community. The objectives are to recognise directors and board of directors for outstanding director practices and corporate governance, to publicise the significance of good corporate governance and to promote awareness of good corporate governance and director professionalism in Hong Kong. Nominations are open to the public. As good corporate governance is vital to all types of organisations, and professional director practices are encouraged from directors in all board roles, the Awards recognise excellence in categories by company types, including listed companies, private companies and statutory/non-profit-distributing organisations, and categories by roles, including Executive Directors, Non-Executive Directors and Boards. For more details on the previous years’ Awards, please visit http://www.hkiod.com/dya-awardees.html.

About The Hong Kong Institute of Directors
The Hong Kong Institute of Directors is Hong Kong’s premier body representing directors to foster the long-term success of companies through advocacy and standards-setting in corporate governance and professional development for directors. A non-profit-distributing organisation with membership consisting of directors from listed and non-listed companies, HKIoD is committed to providing directors with educational programmes and information service and establishing an influential voice in representing directors. With international perspectives and a multi-cultural environment, HKIoD conducts business in biliteracy and trilingualism. Website: http://www.hkiod.com.

Media Enquiries:
Strategic Public Relations Group
Eveline Wan +852 2864 4822 eveline.wan@sprg.com.hk
Brenda Chan +852 2114 4396 brenda.chan@sprg.com.hk
Chak Yau +852 2114 4395 chak.yau@sprg.com.hk
Fax: +852 2114 4948

Directors Of The Year Awards 2020 Enquiries:
The Hong Kong Institute of Directors
Odessa So +852 2889 4988 odessa.so@hkiod.com
Moni Ching +852 2889 1414 moni.ching@hkiod.com
Fax: +852 2889 9982

Border Security Integral to Preventing Trans-national Contagion and Illicit Trade

The recent announcement by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, to strengthen Malaysia’s borders in light of the Covid19 pandemic is to be lauded.

The Prime Minister is spot on when he says that Malaysian borders are filled with numerous ‘rat lanes’ or ‘lorong tikus’ that allow illegal or undocumented travellers from other countries to penetrate Malaysia and potentially bring the Covid19 virus with them.

As a law enforcement consultant, I strongly believe that a porous border not only threatens a country’s national security and citizens’ health but also harms the economy through the proliferation of illicit trade.

A 2017 study commissioned by the International Chamber of Commerce, found the global trade in counterfeit and pirated goods is estimated to generate between $923 billion (RM4 trillion) to $1.13 trillion (RM4.9 trillion) annually. This includes cross-border trade, domestic trade and digital piracy.

Recently, a report by the Retail Trade and Brand Advocacy (RTBA) showed that the illicit trade in cigarettes continues to cause substantial revenue loss for governments and legitimate businesses in the Asia-Pacific region.

The RTBA Illicit Tobacco in the Asia-Pacific Region: Causes and Solutions report found that in terms of revenue alone, total tax loss estimated across 19 monitored markets in the region was over USD5.8 billion (RM25.3 billion) in 2017, with nearly 50% of this occurring in just two markets; Australia and Malaysia!

Clearly, the impact of illicit trade in cigarettes alone has caused significant losses to economies and the prevalence of this problem stems from the inadequate border security across countries within the region.

According to estimates, more than 50% of illicit cigarettes in Malaysia come through the ports and ‘rat lanes’. In addition to this, the flow of illegal cigarettes into Malaysia is also being spread beyond its borders. In Australia, over 40% of illicit cigarettes come from, or tranships through, Malaysia.

Already, recent news reports have indicated that perpetrators are now using food couriers or e-hailing services to distribute illicit cigarettes during the Movement Control Order as supplies of legal products are disrupted. Many may not know that most of these illicit cigarettes come from beyond Malaysian borders!

If border security is not tightened, the prevalence of illicit cigarettes in Malaysia will become more entrenched after the MCO period that it would be next to impossible to dislodge. This will be detrimental to the country socio-economically. The Government’s losses in uncollected tax revenue due to illicit cigarettes, which now stands at RM5 billion a year, will also widen even further.

In addition, the easy access to illicit cigarettes will increase youth smoking rates. According to the Malaysian Ministry of Health’s National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2017: Adolescent Survey, the number of youths, between the ages of 13-17, actively smoking in 2017 has increased to 13.8% as compared to 11.5% in 2012.

Often, illicit cigarettes are just the start. If products like illicit cigarettes can easily get into Malaysia and even be re-exported out to neighbouring countries, so can other dangerous items like weapons, drugs and diseases.

More can be done to tighten border security.

The Malaysian Prime Minister’s instructions to the heads of all relevant enforcement agencies, from the Royal Malaysian Police to the Immigration Department as well as the Malaysian Armed Forces to tighten border security, is definitely a step in the right direction.

This attention given to border security must transcend beyond the Covid19 pandemic to safeguard lives as well as businesses.

In addition to mobilising relevant agencies, the Malaysian Government can also look into enhancing cross-border intelligence sharing and surveillance to identify and close ‘rat lanes’. Advance technologies such as drones, state-of-the-art scanners and CCTVs can also be deployed at suspected entry points.

Apart from people, goods coming through ports and expressways must also be checked thoroughly.

Now is the time for a rededication of efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s borders to prevent unwanted visitors and products coming into the country during these times.

About RTBA

RTBA is a coalition of businesses, retailers and trademark holders working to minimise the impact of criminal conduct on the Asia-Pacific trading environment. We unite, mobilise and advocate for effective change with regard to regulatory, financial and taxation issues affecting the supply chain. See www.rtbacommerce.com.

About Rohan Pike

Rohan Pike is a former Australian Federal Police officer and founder of the Australian Border Force – Tobacco Strike Team. He is currently an adviser and consultant on fraud, corruption and bribery relating to illicit cigarettes trade as well as the illicit trade advisor to the business crime prevention advocacy group, Retail Trade & Brand Advocacy (RTBA).

Media Statement issued on behalf of Rohan Pike
By Acendus Communications Sdn Bhd

For further information, please call I-mae Liew at 012 383 5688.

Illicit Trade Still Rampant Despite MCO

Retail and Trade Brand Advocacy (RTBA), a non-governmental organisation that safeguards businesses from criminal conduct, says the travel restrictions, movement control order (MCO) and tighter scrutiny by enforcement agencies at border checkpoints and expressways have done nothing to disrupt the illicit trade supply chain in Malaysia.

Heath Michael, Managing Director of RTBA, said: “Recent feedback from industries and enforcement agencies indicated that instances of illicit trade in Malaysia remain high as syndicates and perpetrators utilise innovative ways to circumvent the more intense spotlight cast by the authorities due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“In the case of illicit tobacco trade in Malaysia, our research has found that demand for illicit cigarettes has increased during the MCO period as legitimate manufacturers are not allowed to distribute cigarettes, which are not considered as essential items.”

“The syndicates have intensified their use of eCommerce and social media platforms along with eHailing and courier services to meet the heightened demand. “This trend is worrying as it defeats the national health agenda to encourage Malaysians to quit smoking during MCO while extending the Government’s loss of revenue,” Michael added.

Michael’s comments came in conjunction with the launch of the RTBA’s “Illicit Tobacco in the Asia-Pacific Region: Causes and Solutions” report today.

According to Michael, “RTBA’s research shows that Malaysia is not only losing more than RM5 billion annually in revenue to illicit tobacco trade. Malaysia, along with China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, has also been identified as a lead vector in the spread of illegal tobacco throughout the region.”

“We found that illicit tobacco, primarily manufactured in China, are shipped into Malaysia before being distributed across the rest of Asia, and further destinations, including Australia. We expect this trans-national supply chain to remain intact as multinational organised crime find clever ways to export and import illicit cigarettes during the Covid-19 pandemic,” Michael explained.

Underscoring this point, Michael said that recently, the Bureau of Internal Revenue Philippines[1] had seized over a million packs of illicit cigarettes in the Pampanga province of Central Luzon. “These contraband products were supposed to be shipped to Malaysia for local consumption as well as to be exported elsewhere,” he continued.

Illicit trade of tobacco continues to cause substantial revenue loss for governments and legitimate businesses in the Asia-Pacific region. “In terms of revenue alone, total tax loss estimated across 19 monitored markets in the region was over USD5.8 billion (RM25.3 billion) in 2017, with nearly 50% of this occurring in just two markets; Australia and Malaysia,” Michael added, quoting from the report.

Malaysian Government Must Step Up

“Latest news reports have indicated that both the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the Royal Malaysian Police have acknowledged the current situation and have vowed to crack down hard on the online sale of illicit tobacco MCO. This is clearly a move in the right direction, though its effectiveness remains to be seen.”

“The Malaysian Government can do more to cripple illicit tobacco trade permanently by further strengthening vulnerable border points; increasing international cooperation and cross border intelligence sharing; and implementing demand-driven solutions that address the price gap between legal and illicit tobacco.”

“Taking out this illicit trade segment once and for all will immediately put RM5 billion per year back into the Malaysian Government’s coffers. This amount can already fund 50% of the RM10 billion stimulus package for small-medium-enterprises (PRIHATIN Tambahan) recently announced by the Prime Minister of Malaysia,” Michael concluded.

The RTBA’s “Illicit Tobacco in the Asia-Pacific Region: Causes and Solutions” can be found on RTBA’s website at www.rtbacommerce.com.

[1] Philippines Department of Finance, 6 April 2020, https://tinyurl.com/s2w4yn4

About Retail & Trade Brand Advocacy

RTBA is a coalition of business, retailers and trademark holders working to protect the retail and supplier industries in the Asia-Pacific region from the impact of criminal conduct. Based in Victoria, Australia, RTBA’s focus is to unite, mobilise and advocate for effective change in regulatory, financial and taxation issues affecting the supply chain.

Today, RTBA continues to play an active role in the efforts to enhance product security and increasing penalties for criminals involved in black market operations; stamp out illegal activities including counterfeiting, piracy and illicit trade of consumer goods; protect brands & IP rights of suppliers, manufacturers, trademark owners and consumers as well as to provide positive regulatory and taxation solutions for all constituents of retail trade and supply chains. More information about RTBA is available on its website www.rtbacommerce.com.

Issued on behalf of Retail & Trade Brands Advocacy
By Acendus Communications Sdn Bhd

For further information, please call I-mae Liew at +6012 383 5688

Corruption Free India Urges Supreme Court to Protect Prisoners From COVID-19 by Releasing Them Out

NGO CFI writes to CJI seeking intervention for releasing undertrials and those who are convicted for petty crimes

New Delhi based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Corruption Free India (CFI) has urged the Supreme Court to direct States’ Prisons’ Head or Director General of Prisons to strictly implement the apex court’s order to bail out undertrials and those convicted prisoners except the Once’s Convicted for Death in Prison and Death Sentences. The Supreme Court would be taking up a suo-motu writ petition – CONTAGION OF COVID 19 VIRUS IN PRISONS – on April 17. The Organisation has urged the Supreme Court to consider certain true facts while hearing the writ petition.

In a letter to the Chief Justice of India, Advocate Pramod S Tiwari, President & Trustee Corruption Free India said, “In view of surging cases of COVID-19 in India, lives of prisoners are at stake by not releasing them till date despite the Current Situation is Violating the Article 21 of the Constitution which protects life and personal liberty. Several states have put prisoners’ life at risk by being Judgmental/Detrimental on who all should be released and who should remain inside the prisons.”

The Constitution has given equal rights to every citizen and if a citizen is accused of any crime, that doesn’t means their rights can be curtailed. Hence, the CFI requested the CJI should take this on account and release all prisoners across the country instead of leaving the Decision Making with the High-Level Committee of the States. The CFI accused that the High-Level Committees have made a mockery of the lives of people who would be punished with death sentences due to the global outbreak and cascading impact of the COVID-19 on the lives of citizens languishing in prisons. “We have prayed that a direction should be given to the top Jail Authorities including DG Prisons across India and no decision making powers should be given to the High-Level Committees since these Committees’ credibility is questionable. We have instances in Rajasthan where the Committee violated norms and prepared a list of 1328 Prisoners of their own choice. Powerful and rich prisoners of the state found their name in the list,” said Tiwari, adding that even in Maharashtra High-Level Committee violated the norms.

The Maharashtra Committee, according to CFI, has classified some prisoners under sections with punishment up to 7 years should not be included. The above said directions shall not apply to the under-trial prisoners who are booked for serious economic offences/bank scams and offences under Special Acts (other than IPC) like MCOC, PMLA, MPID, NDPS, UAPA, etc. (which provide for additional restriction on grant of bail, in addition to those under CRPC and also presently to foreign nationals and under-trial prisoners having their place of residence out of the Maharashtra). CFI alleged that this order is biased and violation of the order to release prisoners by the Bench of the Chief Justice of India.

The CFI emphasised that since these high-level committees have violated the Supreme Court’s directive, hence during the hearing of Writ Petition they should be charged with Contempt of the Court. In the letter to the CJI, the organisation also pointed out despite the SC Order, passed on March 23, 2020 by the Bench, the majority of the states have not released the prisoners across the country and this amounts to contempt of the Court.

Meanwhile, jail authorities have expressed their views to the media and said prisoners are safer in prisons. Mr. NRK Reddy, Director General of Prisons, Rajasthan reportedly said, “Prisoners are more safe in prisons since the jail administration is giving them food and medical facilities and if they are released then how will they go to their homes during the lockdown.”

The lives of prisoners in Rajasthan are at stake and an Affidavit should be filed by the states to ensure that the Responsibility of Lives is with the Jail Administration and if deaths occur due to their negligence or lack of medical facilities and lack of immunity rich food, they should held accountable. Moreover protecting prisoners with unhygienic masks would be difficult. The CFI also highlighted the lack of Medical Facilities in Prisons and Negligence by the Prison Doctors which have been widely reported in various petitions.

“This is a time when the Judiciary, Central & State Governments should have come together to safeguard lives of millions of prisoners across India and we have urged the CJI to prosecute members of High-Level Committee of Jails & State Prisons Heads,” the President, CFI said.

The letter to CJI requested that all prisoners who are under trials should be released with immediate effect except prisoners who are convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment until their last breath and death sentences should be kept isolated in prisons.

Adv. Pramod S Tiwari
President & Trustee
Corruption Free India (NGO)
A100, Amar Colony A Block, Block A, Amar Colony, Lajpat Nagar 4, New Delhi, Delhi 110024
(M) +919810357506

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/54200