ASEAN Archives - Page 9 of 36

Malaysian companies have significant scope to promote diversity at the workplace – according to a foundit survey

In today’s globalised economy, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) play a crucial role in driving innovation and competitiveness in the workplace. However, a recent survey by foundit, a leading talent platform, highlights areas for growth in D&I practices across Malaysian organisations.

The survey uncovers notable opportunities in Malaysia’s corporate environment with a significant number of respondents claiming that their organisations do not have a diversity training program and some respondents still getting familiar with the concept of diversity hiring. However a substantial segment of employees believe their workplace is highly committed to hiring diverse teams. These findings point to opportunities for Malaysian workplaces to better harness the proven benefits of diverse teams, such as enhanced innovation, improved decision-making, and stronger financial performance.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become critical focus areas for organisations worldwide. DEI initiatives aim to create workplaces that reflect the broader society, ensure fair treatment and access to opportunities for all employees, and foster an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

As businesses increasingly recognise the benefits of diverse teams – including enhanced innovation, improved decision-making, and better financial performance – understanding the current state of DEI practices is crucial.

The survey, conducted as part of foundit’s ongoing commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive work environments, highlights an opportunity to better align organisational intentions and implemented actions regarding diversity initiatives.

While 32% of employees believe their workplace is highly committed to diversity hiring, 49% respondents claim their organisations do not have diversity training programs in place. Additionally, 28% of respondents are not familiar with the concept of diversity hiring, while 29% feel their organisation is responsive to feedback on diversity issues.

These findings suggest a commitment to diversity in principle, but there are opportunities to improve the implementation of effective diversity initiatives.

Sekhar Garisa, CEO of foundit, commented on the findings: “It is imperative that companies set clear goals with respect to diversity and inclusion and build a more comprehensive plan to achieve them. Some immediate, practical steps include cultural sensitivity training for all employees, mentorship programs to support underrepresented groups, and promoting flexible working arrangements to accommodate various needs.

It’s also crucial to recognise that diversity cannot exist without inclusion making it important to have policies that ensure everyone feels part of the team. Ensuring diverse leadership at the top also sets a positive tone for the entire organisation. By focusing on these actions, Malaysian businesses can create more inclusive workplaces, spark innovation, and boost their global competitiveness.”

Key findings from the survey include:

Diversity Awareness and Definition: 28% of respondents are completely unfamiliar with the concept of diversity hiring. Among those familiar with the concept, 49% define workplace diversity as being inclusive of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, showing a nuanced understanding of the concept.
Organisational Commitment: While 32% of respondents believe their workplace is highly committed to hiring a diverse team, 25% perceive a moderate commitment, and 12% report no commitment at all.
Training Needs and Effectiveness: 49% of respondents state that their organisations do not have diversity trainingprograms. Of those that do offer training, 29% claim they have mandatory programs, while 22% state they were offered non-mandatory options. In terms of effectiveness, 22% report significant awareness gains from training, while 31% saw no increase in awareness.
Recruitment Practices: Respondents report that organisations are adopting various initiatives to ensure equal opportunities. These include inviting applications from diverse communities (17%), conducting interviews in diversity-friendly spaces (16%), using diverse hiring panels (13%), and regularly updating hiring processes to reduce bias (12%). Additionally, 9% organisations provide training for hiring managers to combat unconscious bias.
Provisions for Applicants with Disabilities: Respondents state that organisations offer various accommodations, such as accessible interview venues (14%), accessible online application processes (16%), and additional time allowances for assessments if needed (10%).
Work-Life Balance: 36% of respondents believe their organisations have policies in place to support work-life balance, particularly for women with caregiving responsibilities or differently-abled individuals.
Employee Resource Groups: 47% of respondents are aware of employee resource groups focused on diversity and inclusion within their organisations, with 28% finding these groups highly valuable.
Peer Support and Networking: 29% respondents state that their organisations sometimes facilitate peer support and networking opportunities for diverse groups, 20% say they rarely or never do so, and 19% report that their organisations provide these opportunities frequently.
Responsiveness to Feedback: 29% of respondents perceive that their organisations are responsive to feedback on diversity issues, highlighting an opportunity for improved communication and action on diversity-related concerns.

“These findings underscore the importance of not just implementing diversity initiatives, but ensuring they are effective and meaningful,” Garisa added. “At foundit, we believe that embracing diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage in today’s global marketplace.”

The survey was conducted as part of TRIUMPH, Asia’s leading virtual career fair for diversity, further demonstrating foundit’s commitment to promoting inclusive workplaces.

As organisations navigate the evolving landscape of workplace diversity, this survey serves as a crucial benchmark, offering insights into current practices and highlighting areas for future focus and improvement. By addressing these gaps, companies can create more inclusive and successful workplaces.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME) is a leading talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to a powerful AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation, interview preparation, and professional networking. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 90 million job seekers across 18 countries in upskilling and connecting them with the right job opportunities. foundit is now also the Official Talent Partner of the Badminton World Federation across 20 key world tour events.

Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has recently launched a cutting-edge solution to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With the use of advanced technology, foundit is seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies.

Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring.

Contact:
For media inquiries or further information, please contact
Namrata Sharma – Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
Contact number – +65 81383034

MSG Officials: Papua Is Stable and Conducive Overall

The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) team, led by Director General Leonard Louma and Executive Advisor Christopher Nisbert, emphasized that Papua is stable, and conducive overall. Economic and social activities are well and normal. The statement was released after MSG officials visited the Land of Cenderawasih, as Papua is known, traveling overland from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG) to Jayapura on Monday, 17 June.

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin (left) waves to residents in the Malawei Fishing Village, Sorong Manoi District, Sorong City, West Papua, on Thursday (6 June 2024). The government set a target to build 350 houses for indigenous Papuan fishers in 2014, but only 40 houses have been completed due to technical constraints, including environmental impact assessments (AMDAL permits). Therefore, the remaining houses will be completed in 2024/2025. (ANTARA FOTO/Olha Mulalinda/Spt.) — Vice President Ma’ruf Amin waves to residents in the Malawei Fishing Village, Sorong Manoi District, Sorong City, West Papua, on 6 June 2024. The Indonesian government targeted building 350 houses for indigenous Papuan fishers in 2014, but only 40 houses have been completed due to technical constraints, including environmental impact assessments (AMDAL permits). The remaining houses will be completed in 2024/25.(ANTARA FOTO/Olha Mulalinda/Spt.)

Usman Kansong, Head of the Public Communication Task Force for Papua Welfare, appreciated the MSG team’s visit. “This is a positive step, and I would like to express my appreciation for MSG because its two leaders were able to witness the real conditions in Bumi Cenderawasih, and various developments that the government has undertaken in Papua,” he said in Jakarta on Tuesday, 18 June.

During their visit, both Leonard Louma and Christopher Nisbert agreed that Indonesia could serve as a good example of how a country manages its borders. These best practices could be emulated in border areas in the MSG region. They also believe that Indonesia’s role in the ASEAN region will be crucial and beneficial for MSG member countries, providing various advantages and benefits in multiple fields.

Specifically, Leonard Louma revealed that he would promote cooperation in the plantation sector within MSG that involves Indonesia, including a vanilla plantation program in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Therefore, he believes it is necessary to create an economic corridor in the form of an MSG vanilla association to strengthen the vanilla commodity in the region.

Indonesia’s involvement is crucial because it is believed to help open the ASEAN market. This is highly beneficial as MSG is working to build communication and involve Indonesia regionally. During his visit, Leonard Louma also discussed the potential for cooperation in education between MSG and Indonesia, suggesting that student and faculty exchanges can be realized soon.

Separately, Senior Advisor Theo Litaay of the Presidential Staff Office deemed the MSG leaders visit to Indonesia a significant breakthrough that benefits the region across various economic, socio-cultural, and political sectors. “Such regional cooperation will expand economic growth towards the Pacific. The region will benefit from economic growth in Southeast Asia as a driver for development. That is from a regional perspective,” he said.

Leonard Louma and Christopher Nisbert, with their entourage, arrived in Indonesia from Port Moresby via overland journey to the Skouw-Wutung border on Monday, 17 June. They arrived at the border post around 10:00 AM local time, accompanied by Indonesian Consul General Tangkuman Alexander, and left the post with Representatives of the Border Affairs and Cooperation Agency of Papua Province as they continued their journey to the city of Jayapura, observing developments in Papua.

Both MSG leaders attended the MSG Security Strategy (MSG SS) on Wednesday, 19 June, in Jakarta, organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The MSG SS aims to gather various input from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), including civil society, regarding key priorities in addressing security challenges in the region.

* Note: The Melanesian Spearhead Group is an intergovernmental organization, composed of the four Melanesian states of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, and the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia. In June 2015, Indonesia was recognized as an associate member.

For more information, please contact the Director General of Public Information and Communication, Usman Kansong (+62 81 678 5320), or visit https://infopublik.id for up-to-the-minute news.

New CropLife Asia and EU-ASEAN Business Council Report Highlights Pathways for Sustainable Agriculture in Southeast Asia

CropLife Asia and the EU-ASEAN Business Council have jointly released a report on the sustainability of food systems in ASEAN. The report titled “Report on ASEAN Food Systems Sustainability,” draws on discussions from the first ASEAN Food Systems Sustainability Workshop that was held in Jakarta in November 2023. This report provides an analysis of the current challenges and opportunities facing agriculture and crop production in Southeast Asia, underscoring the need for region-specific solutions in light of global sustainability trends.

“This report is a call to action for countries in Southeast Asia to ensure national agricultural strategies address national needs and realities,” said Dr. Siang Hee Tan, Executive Director, CropLife Asia. “Realizing safe, secure and sustainable regional food systems requires balancing increased productivity with environmental protection and economic viability for our smallholder farmers. We can and must work together to make certain Southeast Asia’s smallholders have access to innovative technologies enabling greater food production with fewer natural resources and less impact to the world around us.”

The report sheds light on the effects of rising population growth and food demand in Southeast Asia. The region is expected to have nearly 30 million more people in 2030 compared to the European Union. This projection highlights the need for innovative approaches that help provide a reliable and affordable food supply. Another key finding from the report is the growing climate change impact to the region’s agricultural sector including lower yields, increased risks from extreme weather events and the continued spread of pests and diseases. The region’s unique tropical climate as well as soil condition further contributes to these agricultural challenges.

“We live in a world where food security, improving the nutritional value of the food we produce, and raising rural incomes are all of increasing importance and are all equally key sustainability measures. And, we have to do this whilst also taking care of and protecting our natural environment. As this report highlights, these things can be done together, in balance,” said Chris Humphrey, Executive Director, EU-ASEAN Business Council.

The report also provides insight into the key crop export landscape in ASEAN and how the stringent agricultural and environmental policies of the EU Green Deal could hinder productivity and sustainability in the region. Additionally, the report emphasizes the role and relevance in the region of agricultural innovations including digital solutions for food distribution, training farmers in efficient farming techniques and the use of gene-editing and crop protection technologies.

The full report can be accessed on CropLife Asia’s website through the following link: https://www.croplifeasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Report-on-ASEAN-Food-Systems-Sustainability-FINAL-2024.pdf

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 and one associate member company at the forefront of crop protection, seeds and/or biotechnology research and development. For more information, visit us at www.croplifeasia.org.

About EU-ASEAN Business Council

The EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) is the primary voice for European businesses within the ASEAN region and is the only organisation that operates in the intersection of the private and public sectors between ASEAN and Europe. We are formally recognised by both the European Commission, and we are an accredited entity under Annex 2 of the ASEAN Charter.

Independent of both bodies, the Council has been established to help promote the interests of European businesses operating within ASEAN and to advocate for changes in policies and regulations which would help promote trade and investment between Europe and the ASEAN region. As such, the Council works on a sectorial and cross-industry basis to help improve the investment and trading conditions for European businesses in the ASEAN region through influencing policy and decision makers throughout the region and in the EU, as well as acting as a platform for the exchange of information and ideas amongst its members and regional players within the ASEAN region

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

Indonesia’s Collaboration on Treating Water Management

Water is the source of life. Its role is very essential for human life and the people’s development in a country. The development of water infrastructure is considered to play an important role in achieving this target.

The floating solar power plant (PLTS) in the Cirata Reservoir, West Java, Indonesia

In front of the heads of state present at the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) High Level Meeting (HLM) in Nusa Dua, Bali, Monday (May 20), Indonesian President Joko Widodo highlighted the achievements of his administration in building and strengthening domestic water infrastructure.

“In the last 10 years, Indonesia has strengthened its water infrastructure by building 42 dams; 1.18 million hectares of irrigation networks; and 2,156 kilometers of flood control and coastal protection; as well as rehabilitating 4.3 million hectares of irrigation networks,” the president noted in his opening speech.

The head of state then emphasized the important role of water, which is also utilized for a floating solar power plant (PLTS) in the Cirata Reservoir, West Java, as the largest floating PLTS in Southeast Asia.

He conveyed that the role of water is very central to human life as the World Bank research estimating that water shortages could slow down economic growth by up to six percent by 2050.

“Water scarcity can also trigger war and can be a source of disaster. Too much water or too little water can both be a problem for the world,” he remarked.

Hence, the 10th WWF is highly strategic to revitalize real action and joint commitment in realizing integrated water resources management.

The need to preserve local wisdom to treat water as a cultural value inherited from our ancestors is also important.

Widodo explained that the Subak irrigation system in Bali Province is a form of such local wisdom.

The water resources have important cultural value for Indonesian people, with the Subak irrigation system in Bali being practiced since the 11th century and recognized as a world cultural heritage.

Water for the community is the glory of God while highlighting the spiritual and cultural value of water that should be managed together. This is in line with the World Water Forum’s current theme of “Water for Shared Prosperity” which can be interpreted into three basic principles.

The principles are avoiding competition, prioritizing equality and inclusive cooperation, and supporting peace and shared prosperity. “All three can only be realized with one keyword, that is collaboration,” Jokowi stated.

Collaboration is actually needed to improve water quality and preserve its availability, amidst the threat of a water crisis. Not only the government, private sector, and academics, water management also needs to involve the younger generation.

The young generation could make a real contribution to maintaining the security and sustainability of water resources. The simplest ways were keeping plastic waste out of the ocean and saving water usage, said Cinta Laura, the Communications Ambassador for the 10th WWF, at the Media Center in Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), Bali, on Monday, 20 May.

“Everyone’s involvement in water resources protection and conservation will bring a positive impact on the environment and of course the climate,” she said.

The youths could also help water preservation by spreading positive information about clean water conservation and disaster mitigation through various communication channels.

Water preservation and conservation from waste is a shared responsibility to ensure water sustainability for future generations.

Hence, the participation of all parties is needed to ensure water sustainability.

The 10th World Water Forum is taking place in Nusa Dua Bali from 18 to 25 May under the theme “Water for Shared Prosperity” and six sub-themes, namely Water Security and Prosperity, Water for Humans and Nature, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Governance, Cooperation and Hydro-diplomacy, Sustainable Water Finance, and Knowledge and Innovation.

Visit:
Official website: https://worldwaterforum.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldwaterforum10/
Twitter|X: https://twitter.com/WWaterForum10
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@10thWorldWaterForum/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wwf10/

Please contact:
Director General, Public Information and Communications, Ministry of Communications & Informatics (KOMINFO), Usman Kansong, t: +62 81 678 5320, e: humas@mail.kominfo.go.id
For daily WWF news and information, please visit https://infopublik.id.

Indonesia calls for global action on sustainable water management at the 10th World Water Forum

Indonesia invites heads of state attending the 10th World Water Forum in Bali to take action to actualize inclusive and sustainable water management.

“This (forum) is meant to reaffirm our commitment and formulate concrete actions related to inclusive and sustainable water management,” President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) remarked at his opening on the forum’s High-Level Meeting on Monday.

At least four initiatives were proposed by Indonesia that are expected to be put forward in the forum’s first-ever ministerial declaration on May 21. These initiatives are World Lake Day, the establishment of a Center of Excellence on Water and Climate Resilience, integrated water resources management on small islands, and fundraising for water projects.

Water plays a critical role in human life and might be referred to as “the next oil” in the future, noting that water shortages could slow down economic growth by up to six percent by 2050.

Indonesia has been striving to strengthen its water infrastructure by constructing 42 dams and developing 1.18 million hectares of irrigation networks in the last decade. The country rehabilitated irrigation networks covering an area of 4.3 million hectares and developed 2,156 kilometers of flood control and coastal protection structures.

The government also utilizes the water surface in Cirata dam for the floating power plant in West Java Province.

“However, all these efforts are not enough. We can expect even more complicated issues related to water and sanitation in the future. We need to make similar efforts at the global level by involving countries, private actors, and civil society,” Widodo stated.

Indonesia’s effort is in line with the statement of the President of the World Water Council (WWC), Loic Fauchon, who invited the world community as the water warriors to achieve water security and solve world water problems.

“Be water warriors together. I want to call for the obligation to take care of nature and provide water for each other,” Fauchon said in his speech at the opening ceremony of World Water Forum’s 10th High-Level Meeting.

There are at least six efforts that WWC promotes to tackle water issues such as promoting water supply security policies at all levels, committing to changing behavior in achieving water sobriety, prioritizing the design and implementation of nature-based solutions for basins, admitting the right to water to national constitutions, Laws and local regulations.

Participating in the “Money for Water” Coalition, and ensuring more active, decentralized governance based on multilateral cooperation on water issues is also needed to tackle water issues.

“We need you, we want new ideas to write the future of water,” Fauchon remarked.

Indonesia hosts the 10th World Water Forum themed “Water for Shared Prosperity” held on 18-25 May 2024.

The High-Level Meeting was attended by world leaders, including Tajikistan Prime Minister (PM) Qohir Rasulzoda, President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Fiji Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato Sri Haji Fadillah Bin Haji Yusof, and Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea John Rosso.

The other attendees comprised President of the World Water Council (WWC) Loïc Fauchon; United Nations (UN) General Assembly President Dennis Francis; former Hungarian president Janos Ader; French special envoy Barbara Pompili; and Dutch special envoy Meike van Ginneken.

Malaysian Retail Sector Sees a 173% Growth in Hiring: foundit Insights Tracker

foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), one of the leading talent platforms, today published the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) for March 2024, formerly published as Monster Employment Index (MEI). According to the tracker, e-recruitment in Malaysia has grown impressively by 8% over the past year.

Additionally, the tracker recorded a 5% increase over the past six months, with the index rising to 84 in March 2024 from 78 in March 2023. The tracker showed a slight increase month over month, with an index of 83 in February. These encouraging figures imply that the labour market is improving gradually but steadily and that demand for online jobs will continue to increase in the upcoming months.

Commenting on Malaysia’s job trends for March 2024, Sekhar Garisa, CEO, foundit, said, “The job market in Malaysia has displayed remarkable resilience, showing consistent growth over the past year, reflecting a positive shift in the labour market. The job seekers community of Malaysia have also shown an affinity towards choosing job roles that align with social and environmental values. The retail sector also witnessed substantial growth in hiring for green job role particularly looking for individuals with specialised, high-demand skill sets. With this in mind, it is imperative that job seekers stay up-to-date with industry requirements and focus on building skills that are in demand.”

Retail Sector Top the Charts, while Oil & Gas and BFSI Industries Witness a Drop in Hiring Activity

The fit reveals that the Retail industry continued to dominate the job market in March 2024, with a YoY increase of 173%. The industry’s increased adoption of sustainable solutions has been key in driving hiring demand. Further, the growth is largely seen in e-commerce fuelled by the increasing consumer inclination toward online shopping and the positive impact of tourism-related activities. Engineering, Construction, and Real Estate and Hospitality industries saw a YoY increase in hiring demand in March 2024 with a 76% rise in hiring in the construction and real estate sector, driven by an uptick in warehousing, industrial needs, and the suitable business environment. While the hospitality sector saw a 75% increase driven by the strategic collaborations within the airline sector.

Among others, Logistic, Courier/Freight/Transportation, Shipping/Marine (+75%) demonstrated exceptional growth, with a noteworthy 56% increase over the last six months. Similarly, Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media and Entertainment (+33%) sector along with IT, Telecom/ISP, BPO/ITES (+11%) sector saw a double-digit annual increase in hiring. The latter sector saw a significant upturn, noticing a 12% increase over the last month. The Oil and Gas (-16%) and BFSI (-10%) sectors were the only sectors to mark a subsequent drop annually. However, both sectors rebounded with impressive growth of 5% and 18% respectively over the last month.

Engineering/Production, Real Estate, and Sales & Business Development Lead the Way in Hiring Trends

In terms of functional roles, Engineering/Production and Real Estate saw the most significant demand in March’24 with a growth of 73% YoY, followed by Sales & Business Development, which registered a consecutive uptick in hiring demand of 66% YoY. The Marketing & Communications job roles (particularly, in the retail sector) also saw an increase in hiring employees with skills around content and data analytics, showcasing growth of 59% YoY. With the opening of various manufacturing facilities across Malaysia, the demand for engineering graduates would increase. As the migrant crisis in the country rises, commercial housing requirements would provide employment to many.

Furthermore, HR & Admin (+42%) roles saw substantial gains annually, driven by extensive training and development initiatives within organizations. Also, Software, Hardware & Telecom (+14%), Purchase/ Logistics/ Supply Chain (+10%) and Customer Service (+5%) roles registered an increase in hiring demand annually in March’24. While the latter saw a significant drop of 16% over the last month. Annual data for March 2024 indicates a notable decline in Hospitality & Travel (-11%) and Finance & Accounts (-3%) positions. This drop is attributed to shifting demands for novel roles across various sectors.

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

Period for the report 

The period considered for the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) data is March 2023 vs March 2024

About foundit – APAC & Middle East 

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

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

CropLife Asia announces new Office Bearers for 2024

CropLife Asia, the regional voice of the plant science industry, today announced a new lineup for the organization’s Office Bearers within the Board of Directors. Following the CropLife Asia 2024 Annual General Meeting, changes include the installation of Mr. Rahoul Vijay Kumar Sawani as President of CropLife Asia with immediate effect.

Mr. Rahoul Sawani serves as President, Asia Pacific with Corteva Agriscience. Appointed to this position in 2022, Mr. Sawani is responsible for delivering the company’s regional strategy and overseeing the growth of the business in the Asia-Pacific region. Highly experienced in the agricultural sector, Mr. Sawani has held various positions in across the plant science industry in his 18-year career and was previously Vice-President, South Asia with Corteva Agriscience.

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

Rahoul Sawani, President, Asia-Pacific, Corteva Agriscience – President
Pramod Thota, President FMC Asia-Pacific, Vice-President, FMC Corporation – Vice-President
Alexander Berkovskiy, Regional Director, AMEA, Syngenta – Treasurer
Simone Barg, Senior Vice President, Agricultural Solutions Asia Pacific, BASF – Secretary

“As climate change intensifies and farmers in Asia face increasing challenges with crop production, plant science plays an important role in ensuring a robust, resilient and sustainable food system for the region. We’re grateful to have experienced and strong leaders comprising our CropLife Asia Board of Directors at such a consequential time for our region,” said Dr. Siang Hee Tan, Executive Director of CropLife Asia.

About CropLife Asia

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

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

(Second overseas roadshow of 2024) MGTO unveils mega roadshow and presentation seminar in Singapore this Thursday (25 April) to tap into overseas markets

Following the first mega overseas roadshow of 2024 held successfully in Tokyo, Japan this March, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) will soon unveil its second overseas promotional event in Singapore. The program includes a four-day roadshow and a presentation & networking seminar namely the “Macao Tourism + MICE Product Updates Seminar & Travel Mart”, to be unveiled in advance this Thursday (25 April). Singaporean visitors and members of the travel trade will be offered a window onto Macao’s strengths as a MICE and travel destination. The event aims to attract more Singaporeans to Macao for leisure and MICE travel, as part of the endeavor to expand the Southeast Asian market.

Macao and Singapore industry operators explore “tourism + MICE”

MGTO will lead a delegation of Macao’s travel trade to Singapore and organize the “Macao Tourism + MICE Product Updates Seminar & Travel Mart” on 25 April. Industry participants from Singapore will be introduced to the strengths of Macao’s tourism and MICE industries. A business networking session will also be held on site for the travel trade from both sides to connect and forge partnerships, in turn boosting mutual visitations.

Spectacular roadshow teems with “tourism +” in Macao

The mega roadshow in Singapore will be held at Suntec City Atrium (Convention Centre) from 25 – 28 April. Designed after Rubik’s Cube, a special space is created with colorful key visual that manifests the vibrant scene of Macao’s cultural diversity and harmony blended with the unique splendor of “tourism +”.

The roadshow will feature numerous themed booths and interactive games. The Economic Development Bureau of Hengqin, the six integrated resort enterprises from Macao and Air Macau will also run booths to promote their newest tourism facilities and products. Singaporean residents can experience Macao from a kaleidoscope of angles.

Multichannel promotional campaign reaches potential visitors

MGTO has progressively unfolded an array of promotional initiatives in advance in Singapore for the mega roadshow. A themed webpage (https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/article/promotion/experience-macao-singapore-roadshow) is launched. Singaporean travel KOL, The Travel Intern, has started spotlighting the event on various platforms since early April. Starting this week, information about the roadshow has been released on radio, newspapers, light boxes, mega exterior LED screens of shopping centres as well as MGTO’s platforms on social media, which widens the event’s presence together with several KOLs’ promotions. It is hoped that the marketing campaign can attract more locals to the event for an experience of Macao’s “tourism +”, in turn boosting visitor arrivals from Singapore and Southeast Asia for international market development.

Average daily Singapore visitor arrivals increase twofold in the first quarter

At present, Singapore ranks as the eighth largest international visitor market for Macao. In the first quarter of 2024, there were 25,623 visitor arrivals from Singapore to Macao. The average daily volume of Singaporean visitors recovered to 82.6% of the level in the first quarter of 2019 and increased by 263.1% compared with the first quarter of 2023. Two airlines (Air Macau and Scoot) currently operate regular direct air service between Macao and Singapore with two flights daily.

Promotional events towards international markets

This year, MGTO actively rolls out mega promotional events. In addition to the mega roadshows in Tokyo and Singapore in March and April respectively, the Office will unfold more roadshows in Jakarta (Indonesia), Seoul (Korea), Bangkok (Thailand) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) for a showcase of Macao’s “tourism +” offerings. To support industry partners to explore business opportunities, destination presentation and networking seminars will be held concurrently for the travel trade there. Moreover, MGTO will continue to engage in major regional and international travel fairs to raise Macao’s international profile and presence as a travel destination.

Enrich special offers to boost destination appeal

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao SAR, MGTO has launched the scheme “My Treats for You” of special travel offers for international visitors (from beyond the Greater China region). To attract international visitations to Macao, 250,000 gifts are rolled out including special offers on air tickets, cross-border transportation, hotel accommodation, dining, entertainment and show tickets. Targeting Singapore as a visitor market, MGTO partners with Air Macau and travel agencies in Singapore and Macao to launch different special offers to attract Singaporean visitors and expand the diversity of travel markets.

About Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO)

Main Responsibilities of Macao Government Tourism Office

In accordance with Macao Special Administrative Region (Macao SAR) Government’s strategy of positioning and developing Macao as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) serves as the public entity responsible for implementing, analyzing and assisting in formulating the tourism policies of the Macao SAR to enhance Macao’s reputation as a quality destination.

For more information, visit https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/.

Media contact:
media@macaotourism.gov.mo

The South China Sea: A Nuanced Understanding Required

Leading regional commentator, and analyst, Eddin Khoo, and Crisis Management Centre founder, Nordin Abdullah, are starting a series of talks in the ASEAN region on issues around the South China Sea. The objective of these talks is to achieve a nuanced understanding of the activities surrounding this critical waterway and the potential impact on the corporate sector.

The Malaysia Global Business Forum (MGBF) in collaboration with the Crisis Management Centre will be hosting the first talk in this series in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Wednesday (24 April), titled ‘The South China Sea: Central to ASEAN’s Business Future?’.

Eddin Khoo, a renowned writer, said, “As we approach the half-century anniversary of that most defining of global events – the end of the Vietnam War, the region of the South China Sea appears to be drawn back, whether of its own volition or not, to superpower tensions.”

“Since the end of the Vietnam war, much of this region has devoted itself to economic development, emerging as one of the principal regions for the inflow of capital anywhere in the world, especially in that once lauded period termed ‘The Age of Globalisation’.

“As the period of the end of the age of globalisation is at once cautioned and heralded, and as the South China Sea is marked for a period of superpower contestation, how much, in these past five decades, has the region been able to ‘state a case for itself’?,” continued Eddin.

The South China Sea handles roughly USD3.37 trillion in global trade annually, and is crucial for multinational corporations; however, territorial disputes often threaten trade routes and livelihoods dependent on its resources.

Nordin Abdullah said, “Everyone is aware of the obvious geographical choke points. The media have hyped up the spectres of single points of failure in global supply chains and past Black Swan events have produced volumes of analysis laden with hindsight bias.”

“Most bilateral and multilateral efforts relating to activities in the South China Sea are largely government to government. Yet it will be the corporate sector that is impacted first if any significant disruption takes place,” he continued.

Through ancient history, South East Asian nations were connected by extensive maritime trade networks. Trade routes such as the Maritime Silk Road facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies among the numerous kingdoms and empires in the region.

Regional geopolitical tensions could disrupt maritime activities, impacting communities and millions employed in industrial activities dotted along the shores. Effective risk mitigation and crisis response strategies are imperative for corporations investing and operating in the area.

Nordin, who is also the MGBF founding chairman, concluded, “Simple diametrically opposed broad-stroke narratives are no longer sufficient for the corporate sector. A nuanced understanding is required for every organisation in any given jurisdiction. To achieve any level of anticipation, let alone foresight leadership, teams need to work through the data and conduct effective scenario planning.”

Businesses operating in the South China Sea must diversify supply chains, invest in alternative transportation routes, and engage in corporate diplomatic initiatives to safeguard their interest. These will be amongst matters discussed and addressed during the lunch talk in Kuala Lumpur, including the dynamic relationship between business and politics in ASEAN, and how corporations with regional and global supply chains manage potential threats.

The lunch talk will be an in-person event and requires pre-registration. The participation fee is RM138 per person. A special price of RM88 is available for members of the Malaysia Australia Business Council (MABC) and other partner chambers.

For more information, visit this event page on Malaysia Global Business Forum’s website: www.MalaysiaGlobalBusinessForum.com.

About Malaysia Global Business Forum

The Malaysia Global Business Forum (MGBF) was established to empower stakeholders at the intersection of international and Malaysian business. Through government relations, business intelligence, advocacy, media engagement, market research, networking, advisory and business matching, MGBF will continue to explore threats and opportunities with industry leaders and policy makers to ensure that Malaysia becomes a leader in the context of Asia.

For more information, visit www.MalaysiaGlobalBusinessForum.com.

About Crisis Management Centre

The Crisis Management Centre was established to empower individuals, corporations, industry associations and governments to effectively deal with all aspects of crisis. The Crisis Management Centre has been able to pioneer several ground-breaking concepts in the field of crisis management including the ‘Reputation-Revenue Dynamic’, which is a data-driven, community and communications framework for addressing areas of concern, crisis, and conflict.

For more information, visit www.crisismanagementcentre.com.

For media enquiries, contact:
Sofea Zarina
Assistant Manager, Public Relations
Glenreagh Sdn Bhd
E: sofea@glenreagh.net
W: www.glenreagh.net

foundit becomes the Official Talent Partner of the Badminton World Federation (BWF)

foundit, a leading talent platform in APAC & the Middle East, today announced its partnership with the Badminton World Federation (BWF). This strategic collaboration aims to amplify foundit’s brand presence while championing the spirit of excellence embodied by badminton players worldwide.

The partnership was unveiled during a global virtual media meet in the presence of Sekhar Garisa, CEO foundit, Saurabh Srivastava, CMO foundit, Thomas Lund, Secretary General, BWF, Owen Leed, Director of Commercial and Communications, BWF. As the governing body for badminton, BWF oversees prestigious events such as the Thomas and Uber Cup, Sudirman Cup, and World Tour Events, boasting a global fan base exceeding 700 million.

Through this collaboration with BWF, foundit aims to tap into the excitement and passion surrounding badminton, one of the most followed and played sports. This partnership will enhance foundit’s brand presence and enable it to connect with a diverse audience of job seekers and employers across various industries. foundit will be the Official Talent Partner for 20 significant championships throughout the year, including the highly anticipated Thomas & Uber Cups, All England Open, Malaysia Open, Singapore Open, and the India Open.

Speaking about the partnership, Sekhar Garisa, CEO of foundit, emphasised the shared values of agility, perseverance, and pursuit of excellence that unite badminton players and foundit. “This partnership is a testament to foundit’s unwavering commitment to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities. Badminton’s immense popularity in our core markets, particularly among young professionals, makes this partnership a powerful tool for engaging with the millions of job seekers and recruiters across the markets.” he added.

Commenting on the association, Thomas Lund, Secretary General/COO, BWF, said, “We are thrilled to partner with foundit, a leading talent platform that shares our passion for excellence and talent development. Badminton is a sport built on dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of success — values that resonate deeply with foundit’s mission. By joining forces, we aim to inspire individuals to reach their full potential and make a lasting impact in their careers.”

foundit further aims to partner with grassroots academies and badminton players from India and Southeast Asia, reflecting its dedication to nurturing talent from grassroots to elite levels. By effectively leveraging these associations, foundit aims to inspire individuals to achieve their full potential in professional pursuits.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME), is a leading talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to a powerful AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation, interview preparation, and professional networking. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 90 million job seekers across 18 countries in upskilling and connecting them with the right job opportunities. Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has recently launched a cutting-edge solution to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With the use of advanced technology, foundit is seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies. Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring. Additionally, foundit has been recognised as a Great Place To Work, reflecting its dedication to fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture.

About BWF

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is the international governing body of the sport of badminton, recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). It was originally the International Badminton Federation (IBF) which was founded on 5 July 1934, before being rechristened the Badminton World Federation in 2006. The purpose and objectives of BWF include regulating, promoting, developing, and popularising the sport of badminton throughout the world and organising, conducting, and presenting international events at the highest level. The BWF’s vision is to make badminton a leading global sport accessible to all – giving every child a chance to play for life. Its mission is to lead and inspire all stakeholders; to deliver entertainment through exciting events to drive fan experience; and to create innovative, impactful, and sustainable development initiatives. BWF has its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with 201 Member Associations worldwide. Poul-Erik Høyer is the BWF President, and Thomas Lund is the BWF Secretary General.

Websites: www.badminton.sport and www.bwf.sport

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