Category: Daily News

Dr. Teck Lim Chia, Chairman and CEO of CBL International, Honored at the Prestigious Directors of the Year Awards

CBL International Limited (NASDAQ: BANL) (the Company or CBL), the listing vehicle of the Banle Group (Banle or the Group) is honored to announce that Dr. Teck Lim Chia, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CBL International Limited, has been selected as an Awardee in the Directors of the Year Awards – Listed Companies Executive Directors category, presented by the Hong Kong Institute of Directors (HKIoD).

This esteemed accolade follows a comprehensive evaluation by an independent panel of judges comprising senior business leaders, governance experts, and institutional investors. The award recognizes Dr. Chia’s outstanding contributions to corporate governance, exemplary board leadership, and his proven track record in driving sustainable value creation for shareholders and stakeholders.

The HKIoD Directors of the Year Awards are among Asia’s most respected honors in corporate governance. Awardees are chosen based on demonstrated excellence in strategic oversight, ethical leadership, transparency, and long-term sustainable performance—all hallmarks of Dr. Chia’s tenure at CBL International. As Chairman and CEO, Dr. Chia has led the Group through a period of transformative growth while embedding governance excellence into the company’s core. Under his stewardship, CBL has strengthened its investor relations framework, enhanced ESG disclosures, deepened stakeholder engagement, and maintained rigorous compliance with international standards throughout its expansion across Asia Pacific, Europe, Central America and Africa.

In accepting the award, Dr. Teck Lim Chia said:
“I am deeply humbled and grateful to receive this prestigious recognition from the Hong Kong Institute of Directors. This honor belongs not to me alone, but to our entire board, management team, and employees who share a relentless commitment to integrity, innovation, and responsible growth. At CBL, we believe governance is not a box to check — it is the compass that guides every decision. I will continue to lead with purpose, accountability, and vision, always placing the long-term interests of our stakeholders first.”

The Board of CBL International expressed its pride in Dr. Chia’s achievement:
“Dr. Chia’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping CBL into a globally recognized, governance-forward enterprise. His ability to balance strategic ambition with disciplined oversight exemplifies what modern corporate leadership should be. We congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.”

Photo caption: Dr. Teck Lim Chia (right), Chairman and CEO of CBL International Limited, honored at the Directors of the Year Awards – Listed Companies Executive Directors category by the Hong Kong Institute of Directors (HKIoD).

Photo caption: The trophy for Directors of the Year Awards – Listed Companies Executive Directors category by the Hong Kong Institute of Directors (HKIoD).

About the Banle Group
CBL International Limited (Nasdaq: BANL) is the listing vehicle of Banle Group, a reputable marine fuel logistics company based in the Asia Pacific region that was established in 2015. We are committed to providing customers with a one-stop solution for vessel refueling, which is referred to as bunkering facilitator in the bunkering industry. We facilitate vessel refueling mainly through local physical suppliers in 65 major ports covering Belgium, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Panama, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam. The Group actively promotes the use of sustainable fuels and has been awarded the ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certifications.

For more information about our Company, please visit our website at: https://www.banle-intl.com.

Indonesian Government’s Swift Response in Recovering Flood-hit Sumatra

Devastating flash floods and landslides struck three provinces in Sumatra – Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra – in late November. According to data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the disaster has lead to 916 fatalities as of December 7, and cut off access to roads, bridges, and electricity, isolating the affected areas.

Kuala Simpang on Dec. 6 after devastating flash floods in Aceh Tamiang District, Sumatra, in early December. A total of 916 people have died in the flooding that struck three provinces in Sumatra, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) confirmed on Saunday, Dec. 7. [PHOTO/Erlangga Bregas Prakoso/app/YU]

In response, the Indonesian government moved rapidly to recover the affected infrastructure by collaborating with various parties, focusing on restoring road and communication access to ensure the affected residents can reconnect with their relatives and receive up-to-date information. 

During the emergency, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs focused on accelerating the restoration of telecommunications and internet connections. Within 24 hours, 707 towers were back to normal operation from the 2,463 towers that had experienced disruption as of November 28 at 7:00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB).

On Sunday, November 30, the Ministry’s Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI), together with BNPB, the search and rescue (SAR) team, and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), mobilized equipment to several locations, providing internet service at the command posts of BNPB and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).

The Republic of Indonesia Satellite-1 (SATRIA-1) has also been used to provide internet service in a number of disaster-hit regions, including Central Tapanuli in North Sumatra; North Aceh, Central Aceh, Lhokseumawe, East Aceh, and Aceh Tamiang in Aceh; as well as Agam and Padang in West Sumatra.

Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid stated that cellular operators reported that 95 percent of base transceiver stations (BTS) in West Sumatra had been restored, while in North Sumatra, the progress had reached 90 percent.

“For Aceh, 60 percent of the towers remain inoperable due to electricity issues. The government, along with operators and PLN (state-run electricity company), continues to work so that services can return to normal immediately,” she said while leading a coordination meeting in Medan, North Sumatra, on Monday, December 1.

Residents clear debris from their homes in Malalak, Agam District, West Sumatra, on Dec 8, 2025, after flash floods and mudslides in November lead to 916 fatalities. [ANTARA/Muhammad Zulfikar]

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works is prioritizing road repairs and the deployment of additional heavy equipment and personnel in collaboration with the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agencies (BPBD). To speed up the restoration of connectivity, the ministry has also installed Bailey bridges in priority areas.

“Our focus today is on opening connectivity from the northern coast of Sumatra toward Tapanuli. The route from North Sumatra to the west is not yet open, thereby hindering the distribution of aid. We are deploying all heavy equipment, and if more is needed, we will bring it in from the nearest unaffected provinces,” Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo said on December 4.

The government’s disaster response efforts have extended to the education sector. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education provided initial assistance in the form of school cleaning, as well as the provision of books and learning equipment. Furthermore, the government has prepared the replacement of damaged learning equipment, including interactive flat panels (IFPs).

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning will carry out spatial planning evaluation in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra following the deadly floods and landslides. This measure is taken to ensure that land use aligns with environmental characteristics and to minimize the risk of future disasters.

Likewise, the Ministry of Environment will also study the spatial planning in the flood-affected areas to restore the ecosystem, aiming to strengthen the environment’s carrying capacity.

Aceh’s Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) is deploying four elephants to help remove wood debris and restore access to homes after flash floods struck Pidie Jaya District in late November. The elephants – Abu, Mido, Ajis, and Noni – assist in areas inaccessible to heavy machinery, including Meureudu and Meurah Dua sub-districts. [ANTARA /Rahmat Fajri]

BNPB, as well as other agencies and ministries, has received budget support prepared by the Ministry of Finance, the central government making the disaster response a national priority. The response measures include search and rescue, meeting the community’s logistical needs, clearing road access, and restoring communication services and infrastructure.

“The central government is going all out to accelerate emergency response efforts. This covers five key areas: search and rescue, logistical support for the community, clearing road access, restoring communication access, and repairing electricity and fuel infrastructure,” Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center Abdul Muhari said.

BNPB has actively deployed 40 helicopters, supported by helicopters and Hercules aircraft from TNI and National Police (Polri), bringing the total air fleet to 50 units. This air fleet delivers 25 to 35 tons of aid to district and city command posts, as well as to refugee pockets. In addition to helicopters, TNI personnel have been deployed to support BNPB’s operations by distributing aid to the refugee pockets on foot.

BNPB, in collaboration with TNI, Polri, ministries, government agencies, regional governments, volunteers, and international partners, continues to make every effort to speed up search operations, the restoration of access and vital services, and the fulfillment of affected communities’ basic needs.

Editor: Arie Novarina, Copyright © ANTARA 2025

The 20th Eco Expo Asia opens today

– Focusing on three green tech areas that lead to a zero-carbon future supporting the Policy Address

  • The 20th edition of Eco Expo Asia opens today for four days at AsiaWorld-Expo, gathering some 340 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions
  • The Expo features diverse activities and product technologies in response to the Policy Address, covering three key areas – Circular Economy and Waste Management, Green & Smart Mobility and ESG-related Service
  • The ‘Experience Sharing Forum on Promoting Environmental Business in Overseas Markets’ will be held tomorrow. Government officials and representatives of quasi-governmental organisations from Belt and Road countries will share strategies for local market development, to help green companies expand their international networks

The 20th Eco Expo Asia, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and co-organised by the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), opened at AsiaWorld-Expo today and runs until 31 October. Some 340 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions are showcasing innovative green technologies and products, as well as ESG and sustainable solutions. The last day of the Expo, 31 October, will open to the public for free, to encourage sustainable living practices.

Yu Huiwen, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China; Ding Zhijun, Deputy Director of the Department of Energy Conservation and Comprehensive Utilization, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China; Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the Hong Kong SAR Government; HKTDC Executive Director Sophia Chong; and Richard Li, Executive Director of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, attended Eco Expo’s opening ceremony today.

HKTDC Executive Director Sophia Chong said: “This year, we celebrate a significant milestone of the Expo – its 20th edition. This not only marks our commitment to sustainability but also underscores our ongoing mission to develop the ecosystem for driving innovation and collaboration to support the green agenda. Under the theme ‘Green Innovations for Carbon Neutrality’, Eco Expo Asia provides invaluable opportunities for the green industry. This year, once again, we are bringing together leading players from the eco sector to pave the way for a more sustainable future, in alignment with the Hong Kong SAR Government’s net zero goals.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Tse Chin-wan, said, “In the global journey towards sustainability, Hong Kong serves as a ‘super connector’. With our unique position as an international city within the Guangdong-Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area and a bridge between Chinese Mainland and the world, Hong Kong brings together talent, technology, and capital to foster collaboration and scale up green innovation.

Global exhibitors gather to showcase innovative environmental technologies
This year’s Expo brings together 17 pavilions. For the first time, the Environmental Campaign Committee is hosting a pavilion, presenting 22 local green start-ups, alongside a joint government pavilion featuring 11 bureaux and departments, including the Environment and Ecology Bureau. Chinese Mainland delegations from Guangdong, including Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Guangxi, Hunan, Inner Mongolia and Shanghai are also joining the Expo. The ANSO Environmental Technology Industry Alliance, led by the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO), is making its debut, together with 11 mainland enterprises, showcasing technologies related to water resources and the atmospheric environment, and laying the foundation for future expansion overseas. New overseas pavilions include Italy and South Korea, while Canada, the Netherlands and Norway are returning this year.

The Expo is also actively building a platform to support Hong Kong and mainland enterprises to go global and explore new opportunities in green trade, attracting buyers from Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Hungary and Poland to visit and source at the event. For tomorrow’s ‘Experience Sharing Forum on Promoting Environmental Business in Overseas Markets’, the Hong Kong SAR Government has invited government officials and representatives from quasi-governmental organisations from Belt and Road countries to share strategies to develop local markets. In collaboration with the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Expo extends invitations to government service providers from the Chinese Mainland, as well as from ASEAN and Belt and Road countries, to visit and source green technologies and products.

Three major green and smart areas supporting the Policy Address
Environmental protection has become a key policy focus in recent years. The Chinese Government recently released guidelines on advancing low-carbon transition and strengthening the development of China’s carbon trading market. This year’s Policy Address highlighted new directions in green policy in Hong Kong, including fostering green and low-carbon living environments, and expediting the application of green technologies. In line with industry development, the Expo brings together a diverse range of green tech, showcasing the latest achievements in Circular Economy and Waste Management, Green & Smart Mobility and ESG-related Services.

In Circular Economy and Waste Management, Green AI Technology Limited (Booth No. 3-D38) displays its AI-powered smart sorting bin with real-time waste identification, demonstrating good recycling methods through interactive learning. Dynagreen Environmental Protection Group Co., Ltd (Booth No. 3-E30) showcases its comprehensive waste treatment project, contributing to sustainable urban development.

In Green & Smart Mobility, SANY Turbo Fly Machine Limited (Booth No. 6-C26) from Hong Kong and Macao, a subsidiary of SANY Group, a leading equipment manufacturing company in the Chinese Mainland, brings its SANY Mobile Charging Power Station, which can charge two electric trucks simultaneously. CIMC Enric Investment Holding (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (Booth No. 3-F14), a leading manufacturer of advanced clean energy equipment, showcases innovative hydrogen and green methanol technology solutions for transportation and storage.

The Expo also showcases ESG-related services. Llewellyn and Partners Company Limited (Booth No. 6-D14) displays AutoTwin, a patented AI-powered integrated management platform for the construction industry, which helps reduce building operating costs, time and carbon emissions.  XSIM AI Canada Inc.,(Booth No. 6-C23), a Canadian technology company, empowers wastewater and industrial facilities with its AI-driven system to reduce downtime and lower operational costs, while cutting carbon emissions by up to 30% .

Research institutions and start-ups also play a significant role in the Expo. In addition to the return of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Booth No. 3-G24), Lingnan University (Booth No. 6-A25) and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Booth No. 6-A23) are joining for the first time this year. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (Booth No. 3-F20) presents start-up afterNATURE (Booth No. 3-F20), which is showcasing its Deep Hexagonal Basin product. This innovation creates habitats for marine life on its surface, helping to preserve coastal biodiversity. Another start-up, Formwork IO (Booth No. 3-F20), exhibits AtmosBrick and is globally debuting AtmosTile at the Expo. These ‘carbon-negative’ building materials are designed to help reduce carbon emissions.

Eco Asia Conference brings together industry leaders, focusing on construction and transportation sectors

Eco Expo’s highlight event, Eco Asia Conference, began today with the Government Session. Ding Zhijun, Deputy Director of the Department of Energy Conservation and Comprehensive Utilization, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, shared the country’s latest environmental policies and trends. Officials from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and other Belt and Road countries also elaborated on their latest green policies and projects. Another session, ‘Revolutionising with Circular Economy: From Waste to Innovative Solutions’, featured experts led by the Business Environment Council, who explored the application of circular economy concepts in business operations. The Hong Kong Circular Built Environment Guidebook is also making its debut at the Conference, providing the latest green guidelines for the construction industry.

On the third day of the Expo, on 30 October, the Conference will have two main themes: ‘Building a Sustainable Future: Gearing Towards a Net-Zero Built Environment’ and ‘Green & Smart Mobility – Envisioning the Future of Transportation’. Industry leaders and experts, including Pak-cheung Chan, Deputy Director, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Hong Kong SAR Government, and Dr Rick Mo, Head of the Centre of Advanced Power and Autonomous Systems (APAS), Hong Kong Productivity Council, will share insights and discuss how the construction and transportation industries can build sustainable cities through effective collaboration.

Other exciting activities include the FHKI Q-Mark Low Carbon Restaurant Award 2025 on 28 October, the first day of the Expo. The 6th Hydrogen Economy Forum will be held on the second day of the Expo, on 29 October. Diane Wong, JP, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Hong Kong SAR Government will deliver the keynote address, while Dr Wang Ziyuan, Vice President, China Hydrogen Development and Innovation Alliance for Urban Gas will share insights on the opportunities and challenges of hydrogen energy in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Expo also features various seminars, including ‘Startup Edge’, which promotes the development of green start-ups, featuring presentations by start-up representatives from various environmental fields.

On 31 October, Eco Expo will open to the public free of charge, to encourage public participation in environmental initiatives through a series of talks, workshops and activities. These include a seminar on the recent hot topic of extreme weather by Man Yee Chan, Chief Experimental Officer, Hong Kong Observatory, and a presentation by Ocean Park on Mission R, an initiative to protect endangered wildlife and their habitats. The public can also participate in various environmental workshops, and purchase eco-friendly products from the Green Mart.

Other concurrent events
The Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo takes place from 28 to 31 October at AsiaWorld-Expo, showcasing outdoor and professional technical lighting solutions for commercial and industrial use; while the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) opened yesterday and will run until 30 October at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Free shuttle bus services are offered between these venues and other locations in the city throughout the fair period. Please refer to the following page for details:
https://www.hktdc.com/event/ecoexpoasia/en/travel-to-fairground-awe

Photo download: https://bit.ly/48MjH8F

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Website
Eco Expo Asia: www.ecoexpoasia.com

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department:

Stanley SoTel: (852) 2584 4049Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw    Tel: (852) 2584 4472  Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

The HKTDC’s Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

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

About Messe Frankfurt
The Messe Frankfurt Group is one of the world’s leading trade fair, congress and event organisers with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,160 people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 28 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2022 were around €454 million. We serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt’s key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity.

For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability. With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60%) and the State of Hesse (40%). For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com

Standard Chartered GBA Business Confidence Indices rise to multi-year high levels

– Reflecting a broad-based recovery in business sentiment from tariff shock in Q3

Standard Chartered and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) jointly released the latest Standard Chartered Greater Bay Area Business Confidence Index (GBAI). The latest quarterly survey showed a broad-based recovery in business confidence in the third quarter towards current business performance and business outlook, likely supported by reduced external uncertainty following the extension of the US-China trade truce. 

The Q3 GBAI indices rose to multi-year high levels. The “current performance” index for business activities edged up to 54.7 from 53.1 in Q2, while the “expectations” index rose to 55.7 from 52 in Q2, marking a four-year and two-year high respectively.

During the survey period of early August to early September, though the US’ reciprocal tariffs came into effect, the US extended the trade truce with China by another 90 days to November and reached multiple trade agreements with major trading partners.

Amid the constructive dialogue between China and the US, the tariff uncertainty diminished and the overall external environment became relatively stable, supporting a quarter-on-quarter recovery in business sentiment.

Almost all the “current performance” and “expectations” sub-indices rebounded. For “current performance”, six of the eight index components saw quarter-on-quarter improvement, led by a sharp 8pts increase in “new orders” (57.5 in Q3 from 49.5 in Q2) and 4.1pts increase in “prices of finished goods/services” (58.8 in Q3 from 54.7 in Q2).

The positivism in business outlook was more noticeable with all “expectations” sub-indices staying well above the neutral mark. “Production/sales” saw the strongest rebound (+5.3pts) among the eight main sub-indices, followed by “financing scale” (+4.8pts), “fixed asset investment” (+4.2pts) and “profit” (+3.9pts).

Irina Fan, Director of Research, HKTDC, said: “Across GBA cities, nearly all ‘current performance’ and ‘expectations’ rose quarter-on-quarter. In particular, Hong Kong saw the strongest rise in confidence among all cities, with the ‘current performance’ and ‘expectations’ sub-indices edging up a respective 8.3 pts and 7.3 pts to 52.2 and 53.6 in the quarter, underpinned by the continued trade frontloading and robust financial activities.”

Hunter Chan, Economist, Greater China, Standard Chartered, said: “The survey findings are in line with the positivism we have seen across the markets in the third quarter following the extension of US-China trade truce and expectation of continued dialogue between the two countries during the survey period. However, the persisted trade uncertainty may hold back the business sentiment again. With increasing external uncertainties and the competition challenges in the Chinese Mainland, we believe the trend of diversification will continue. It is consistent with the findings that exploring overseas markets (24.5%) remains one of the strategies that GBA corporates are adopting to mitigate the potential risks.”

On the other hand, there has been increasing discussion and concern on “anti-involution”. The survey also examined the impact of excessive competition among businesses and how GBA companies tackle those challenges.

Most of the respondents (63.5%) indicated that they had not been affected by excessive domestic competition, while 3.1% of respondents said they benefited from it. About 29% reported a moderate impact and the remaining 5% indicated a significant impact.

Among those businesses affected by involution, over 70% saw a negative impact on profit and sales, while only around 40% indicated disruptions to hiring and investment.

The companies appear to be adopting multiple strategies to address the challenges from involution, including brand building and marketing (36.3%), cost control / inventory management (35.6%) and providing value-added services (29.7%).

About the GBAI
The GBAI is the first forward-looking quarterly survey in the market that looks at the business sentiment and synergistic effects in cities and industries across the GBA. It is compiled based on a survey of more than 1,000 companies in the GBA covering the manufacturing and trading, retail and wholesale, financial services, professional services and innovation and technology sectors. The index enables investors and businesses to better understand the current business climate, gauge future performance prospects and formulate their market strategies for the GBA.

Related materials
HKTDC Research: https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MjE0MTkwOTU3MA

Report and photos download: http://bit.ly/4oiGQDU

Media enquiries

Corporate Affairs Department
Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited		 
Flora Chiu 
Tel: (852) 3843 2285 
Email: flora.chiu@sc.com 
  
Communications & Public Affairs DepartmentHKTDC 
Katy WongClayton Lauw    
Tel: (852) 2584 4524Tel: (852) 2584 4472
Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgEmail: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

About Standard Chartered
We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 54 of the world’s most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.

Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges.

The history of Standard Chartered in Hong Kong dates back to 1859. It is currently one of the Hong Kong SAR’s three note-issuing banks. Standard Chartered incorporated its Hong Kong business on 1 July 2004, and now operates as a licensed bank in Hong Kong under the name of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered PLC.

For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at sc.com. Follow Standard Chartered on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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

Think Business, Think Hong Kong in Milan in November

– Unveiling Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and Asian business opportunities

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will hold its 13th Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK) mega promotion campaign at Palazzo Mezzanotte in Milan on 27 November. This also marks the event’s return to Italy since 2014.

Amid the rapidly evolving global landscape and driven by new growth markets – such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – as well as opportunities from the Northern Metropolis initiative in Hong Kong, the event offers Italian businesses an opportunity to explore new markets, build partnerships and foster collaboration across Asia.

After successful Paris and Jakarta editions, TBTHK Milan will bring together some 80 representatives from Hong Kong, including government officials, top business leaders, innovators, investors and start-up entrepreneurs, for a day of dialogue, networking and partnership-building with Italian companies keen to expand into Asia.

At the event, Prof Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, representatives from the Hong Kong SAR Government and Italian government will deliver remarks. High-profile speakers from various industries will share their insights at the Plenary Session, including Hans Michael Jebsen, Chairman of The Hong Kong-Europe Business Council and Jebsen Group; Bernard Chan, Chairman of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority; Bonnie Chan, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; Claudio de Bedin, Partner of Justin Chow & de Bedin Solicitors LLP; and Alex Zhavoronkov, Founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine.

The programme also includes four thematic sessions, each focusing on a strategic area that reflects shared priorities between Hong Kong and Italy and offers in-depth insights into practical collaboration opportunities:

Finance and Trade: Highlighting global economic trends, Hong Kong’s role as a trade hub, its advanced digital trade initiatives, success stories using new technologies and plans to build trade corridors linking Italy, Hong Kong, and the Chinese MainlandInnovation and Technology: Exploring AI developments, greentech, industrial digitalisation and smart city solutions, featuring case studies and testimonials that showcase promising sectors for Italian businesses seeking to expand in AsiaSupply Chain Service: Highlighting the strategic role of corporate treasury centres in strengthening supply chain functions to support Italian business growth and partnerships within Asia’s dynamic market environmentCreative and Design: Focusing on promoting collaboration between Hong Kong and Italian design, lifestyle and manufacturing excellence across Asian markets as well as fashion, art and luxury – areas in which Italian creativity and Asia’s cultural vibrancy intertwine

Strong Italy-Hong Kong ties
Italy is an important trading and investment partner of Hong Kong. In 2024, trade between Italy and Hong Kong amounted to US$8.3 billion. This positions Italy as Hong Kong’s fourth-largest trading partner, export market and third-largest import market in the EU.

Italy was also the third-largest EU investor in Hong Kong at the end of 2023, while Hong Kong was the third most popular destination for Italian investment in Asia. Hong Kong investors also made substantial investments in Italy, with the city being the third-largest Asian investor in the country. As of 2024, there were 200 Italian companies operating in Hong Kong.

The most dynamic sectors include fashion and luxury goods, electronics, food and beverage as well as high-value professional services industries, for which Italian excellence is globally recognised.

The Asian metropolis offers a unique global ecosystem, combining competitive taxation, a robust legal framework based on the common law, strong IP protection and privileged access to the Chinese Mainland and emerging Asia-Pacific markets.

This combination makes Hong Kong an ideal platform for Italian companies eager to expand internationally, diversify and strengthen their presence in one of the world’s most vibrant regions.

A media briefing about TBTHK was held in Milan on 16 October, during which Chris Lo, HKTDC Regional Director for Europe, said: “Hong Kong continues to stand out as a dynamic, international and forward-looking ecosystem. With legal certainty, tax efficiency and direct access to the Chinese Mainland market, the city serves as an ideal bridge for Italian companies seeking to operate in Asia. At the same time, the city represents a major opportunity for Asian companies looking to Europe – and particularly to Italy – as a prime destination for investment, innovation and industrial partnerships.”

Gianluca Mirante, HKTDC Director for Italy, added: “Think Business, Think Hong Kong is much more than an event. The campaign accelerates strategic connections between two complementary economies. Italian companies will find in Hong Kong a reliable partner for innovation, growth and international expansion. The initiative serves as a meeting point for institutions, businesses and investors, fostering collaboration and best practices in key areas, such as innovation, finance and sustainable development. It is a concrete opportunity to strengthen ties and open new avenues of cooperation between Italy and Hong Kong.”

For more information, please visit TBTHK, Milan’s official website:
https://thinkbusinessthinkhk.com/2025-milan/symposium/en/index.html

Register for the event on 27 November:
https://milan.hktdc.com/index.php

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3JniDh9   

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Media enquiries
HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:

Jane CheungTel: +852 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org

Weber Shandwick

Nadia LauriaTel: +39 3356962981Email: hkmedia@webershandwickitalia.it
Marco PedrazziniTel: +39 3470369222Email: hkmedia@webershandwickitalia.it
Ines BaraldiTel: +39 3428650498Email: hkmedia@webershandwickitalia.it

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

Developers bring home the gold from the 15th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore)

PropertyGuru, Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, unveiled the winners of the 15th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) at a black-tie gala today in Andaz Singapore.

Supported by Mitsubishi Electric Asia, the 2025 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) honoured the year’s finest real estate achievements in 44 categories, celebrating excellence in property development, design, and individual leadership.

City Developments Limited won the Best Developer award for the first time since 2016, a victory complemented by a win for its project, Union Square Residences.

Chia Ngiang Hong, group general manager of City Developments Limited (CDL), received the inaugural Life Achievement Award, acknowledging his over four decades of exceptional service to the Singapore property market and his exemplary leadership at the Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore (REDAS).

Frasers Property Singapore was awarded Best Lifestyle Developer, alongside a win for Sky Eden@Bedok. Parc Greenwich, the company’s joint venture with CSC Land Group (Singapore), was also a winner.

Soon Su Lin, chief executive officer of Frasers Property Singapore, was named Real Estate Personality of the Year for her strategic investments in sustainability, inclusive developments, and ambitious vision for retail and luxury development in the country.

IOI Properties Group emerged as the programme’s most prolific winner, earning the Best Transnational Developer title. Its subsidiary, IOI Properties Singapore, collected four trophies for W Residences Marina View – Singapore, one trophy for W Singapore – Marina View, and two for IOI Central Boulevard Towers.

UOL Group Limited returned this year with two titles: Best Sustainable Developer and Best Residential Developer. Parktown Residence, its joint venture with CapitaLand Development and Singapore Land Group Limited, won four awards.


Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard, a joint venture between UOL Group Limited and Singapore Land Group Limited, won the prestigious Best Condo Development (Singapore) award. University Road Developments, a project by Best Landed Developer winner Jean Yip Developments, was named Best Boutique Landed Housing Development and Best Housing Development (Singapore).

Allgreen Properties Limited won Best Luxury Developer, along with a trophy for Promenade Peak, while Apex Asia Development Pte. Ltd. won Best Breakthrough Developer, supported by two wins for Artisan 8 by Apex Asia (2) Pte. Ltd. and Food Point @ Tai Seng by Tai Seng Food Point Development Pte. Ltd. The Assembly Place also returned this year with a win for Best Co Living Operator.

The 2025 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) honoured an array of developments, led by One Marina Gardens by Kingsford Marina Development Pte Ltd and River Green by Wing Tai. Other winning projects this year include Otto Place by Hoi Hup Realty Pte Ltd & Sunway Developments Pte Ltd; Tampines Connection by Soilbuild Group Holdings Ltd; and The Golden Mile by Perennial Holdings Pte Ltd and Far East Organization.



Rounding out the individual honours, Oliver Siah, co-founder and managing director of Fraxtor Group, was named Rising Star for his pioneering use of blockchain technology to democratise real estate investment.

Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “Singapore’s legacy as a garden city is reflected in our award winners this year with innovative spaces to live, work, and thrive in harmony with nature. The winning developments clearly demonstrate a profound respect for their surroundings, whether by blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors, or sensitively preserving heritage. With transnational reach and homegrown expertise, our awardees deliver generously scaled, flexible spaces, from large-scale residences to innovative industrial projects. As we mark our 15th-year milestone in Singapore, we celebrate the achievements of developers that go for the gold standard in all aspects of design and development.”

Roy Ling, the new chairperson of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) judging panel, said: “As we mark the 15th edition of the Awards, we celebrate more than architectural beauty—we honour innovation, purpose, and impact. This year’s winners remind us that great real estate is both future-ready and community-centred. From mega-developments to thoughtful heritage conservation, the award winners set new benchmarks for excellence. Congratulations to all—may your vision continue to shape a Singapore where people don’t just live and work, but truly thrive.”

The independent panel of judges who selected this year’s winners consists of Roy Ling, CEO, board director, and adjunct professor, FollowTrade; Ar. Ivy Koh, director, Architecture + Design, Buildings + Cities, SJ Group; Dr Yeong Ming Keow, associate professor, National University of Singapore; Greg Shand, architect, Robert Greg Shand Architects; Henry Woon, director, Atelier Ten; Saravanan Sugumaran, managing director, Morrow Intelligence Pte Ltd; Shang Chai Chua, partner, Dentons Rodyk & Davidson LLP; and Zhenru Goy, principal architect, Goy Architects.

HLB Singapore Foo Kon Tan supervised the selection process under the leadership of Raymond Kong and Edwin Wee, upholding the fairness, transparency, and credibility of the awards.

The 15th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) is part of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, which marks its historic 20th edition in 2025. Over the decades, the series has expanded from its home base of Thailand to markets such as Singapore, Australia, the Middle East, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Top winners of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) will compete for Best in Asia honours at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final in Thailand on 12 December 2025.

Organised by PropertyGuru Group, the 15th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) is supported by gold sponsor Mitsubishi Electric Asia; official portal partner PropertyGuru.com.sg; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; media partners D+A Magazine, Gazet International, SquareRooms Magazine, Tatler Asia Homes, and Top 10 Singapore; supporting association Singapore Institute of Estate Agents; and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.

COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS15th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore)

DEVELOPER AWARDS

Best Developer
WINNER: City Developments Limited 

Best Transnational Developer
WINNER: IOI Properties Group

Best Sustainable Developer
WINNER: UOL Group Limited

Best Lifestyle Developer
WINNER: Frasers Property Singapore

Best Luxury Developer
WINNER: Allgreen Properties Limited

Best Residential Developer
WINNER: UOL Group Limited

Best Landed Developer
WINNER: Jean Yip Developments

Best Breakthrough Developer
WINNER: Apex Asia Development Pte. Ltd.

Best Co Living Operator
WINNER: The Assembly Place

DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

Best Mega Scale Luxury Condo Development
WINNER: One Marina Gardens by Kingsford Marina Development Pte Ltd

Best Mega Scale Condo Development
WINNER: Parktown Residence by CapitaLand Development, UOL Group Limited, & Singapore Land Group Limited

Best Ultra Luxury Condo Development
WINNER: W Residences Marina View – Singapore by IOI Properties Singapore 

Best Luxury Condo Development
WINNER: Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard by UOL Group Limited & Singapore Land Group Limited
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Promenade Peak by Allgreen Properties Limited

Best Boutique Condo Development
WINNER: Artisan 8 by Apex Asia (2) Pte. Ltd.

Best Lifestyle Condo Development
WINNER: W Residences Marina View – Singapore by IOI Properties Singapore 

Best Completed Executive Condo Development
WINNER: Parc Greenwich by Frasers Property Singapore & CSC Land Group (Singapore)

Best Executive Condo Development
WINNER: Otto Place by Hoi Hup Realty Pte Ltd & Sunway Developments Pte Ltd

Best Private Condo Development
WINNER: Sky Eden@Bedok by Frasers Property Singapore

Best Landed Housing Development
WINNER: Springleaf Collection by The Assembly Place

Best Boutique Landed Housing Development
WINNER: University Road Developments by Jean Yip Developments

Best Industrial Development
WINNER: Tampines Connection by Soilbuild Group Holdings Ltd

Best Food Hub Development
WINNER: Food Point @ Tai Seng by Tai Seng Food Point Development Pte. Ltd.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: EcoFood @ Mandai by UnitedLand Development 

Best Mixed Use Development
WINNER: Union Square Residences by City Developments Limited

Best Lifestyle Commercial Development
WINNER: Odeon by UOL Group Limited

Best Heritage Conservation Development
WINNER: The Golden Mile by Perennial Holdings Pte Ltd and Far East Organization

Best Office Development
WINNER: IOI Central Boulevard Towers by IOI Properties Singapore 

Best Boutique Hotel Development
WINNER: Social on Outram by The Assembly Place

Best Integrated Development 
WINNER: Parktown Residence by CapitaLand Development, UOL Group Limited, & Singapore Land Group Limited

Best Sustainable Development
WINNER: River Green by Wing Tai

Best Co Living Space
WINNER: Serene Living, managed by The Assembly Place

DESIGN AWARDS

Best Mega Scale Condo Architectural Design
WINNER: Parktown Residence by CapitaLand Development, UOL Group Limited, & Singapore Land Group Limited

Best Luxury Condo Architectural Design
WINNER: Promenade Peak by Allgreen Properties Limited
HIGHLY COMMENDED: River Green by Wing Tai
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard by UOL Group Limited & Singapore Land Group Limited

Best Office Architectural Design
WINNER: IOI Central Boulevard Towers by IOI Properties Singapore 

Best Sales Gallery Architectural Design
WINNER: W Residences Marina View – Singapore by IOI Properties Singapore 

Best Ultra Luxury Condo Interior Design
WINNER: W Residences Marina View – Singapore by IOI Properties Singapore 

Best Luxury Condo Interior Design
WINNER: Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard by UOL Group Limited & Singapore Land Group LimitedHIGHLY COMMENDED: Promenade Peak by Allgreen Properties Limited

Best Mega Scale Condo Landscape Design
WINNER: Parktown Residence by CapitaLand Development, UOL Group Limited, & Singapore Land Group Limited

Best Luxury Condo Landscape Design
WINNER: River Green by Wing TaiHIGHLY COMMENDED: Promenade Peak by Allgreen Properties Limited

Best Hotel Interior Design
WINNER: W Singapore – Marina View by IOI Properties Singapore 

BEST OF SINGAPORE

Best Condo Development (Singapore)
WINNER: Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard by UOL Group Limited & Singapore Land Group Limited

Best Housing Development (Singapore)
WINNER: University Road Developments by Jean Yip Developments

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Life Achievement Award
WINNER: Chia Ngiang Hong, Group General Manager, City Developments Limited (CDL)

Real Estate Personality of the Year
WINNER: Soon Su Lin, Chief Executive Officer, Frasers Property Singapore

Rising Star
WINNER: Oliver Siah, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Fraxtor Group

ABOUT PROPERTYGURU ASIA PROPERTY AWARDS:

PropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards, established in 2005, are the region’s most exclusive and prestigious real estate awards programme. The Asia Property Awards are recognised as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the Asian property sector. Boasting an independent panel of industry experts and trusted supervisors, the Awards have an unparalleled reputation for being credible, ethical, fair, and transparent. 

In 2025, the Awards series is open to key property markets around the region. The exciting gala events welcome senior industry leaders and top media, as well as reach property agents and consumers via live streaming. Recognising excellence within each Asian market with a variety of categories, including green and sustainable development, each local awards programme will culminate in the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which takes place after the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit during PropertyGuru Week in December 2025. 

For more information, please visit AsiaPropertyAwards.com.

ABOUT PROPERTYGURU GROUP:

PropertyGuru is Southeast Asia’s leading1 PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 32 million property seekers monthly2 to connect with over 50,000 agents3 monthly to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 2.1 million real estate listings4, in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

PropertyGuru.com.sg was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then, PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 18 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio including leading property marketplaces and award-winning mobile apps across its markets in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand as well as the region’s biggest and most respected industry recognition platform – PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, events, and publications across Asia.

For more information, please visit: PropertyGuruGroup.com; PropertyGuru Group on LinkedIn.

(1) Based on SimilarWeb data between July 2024 and December 2024.
(2) Based on Google Analytics data between July 2024 and December 2024.
(3) Based on data between October 2024 and December 2024.
(4) Based on data between July 2024 and December 2024.

PROPERTYGURU CONTACTS:

General Enquiries:
Richard Allan Aquino, Head of Brand & Marketing Services
M: +66 92 954 4154
E: allan@propertyguru.com  

Media & Partnerships:
Nate Dacua, Senior Manager, Media and Marketing Services
M: +66 92 701 2510
E: nate@propertyguru.com

Sales & Nominations:
Alicia Loh, Awards Manager (Singapore)
M: +65 8382 0078
E: alicia@propertyguru.com.sg

Sponsorships:
Priyamani Srimokla, Account Manager, Awards Sponsorship
M: +66 85 440 1655
E: priya@propertyguru.com 

Doubleview Gold Corp Announces Non-Brokered Private Placement of Flow-Through Shares at $1.00 per share along with Non-Flow-Through Units

Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4) (the “Company” or “Doubleview”) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of flow-through shares and non-flow-through units for gross proceeds of up to C$10,000,000 (the “Private Placement”). Proceeds of the Private Placement shall be used to fund the current exploration program and general working capital. Proceeds of the sale of the FT Shares will be used for exploration work on its BC projects, particularly for the polymetallic Hat Project, located in northwestern BC. This work includes drilling, geological advisory and analytical services as well as other development work and other “Canadian exploration expenses” that qualify as “flow-through mining expenditures” (as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”)).The flow-through portion of the Private Placement will consist of up to 5,000,000 flow-through Shares (“FT shares “) at a price of $1.00 per FT share for up to C$5,000,000.

Additionally, the Company will issue up to 7,142,857 hard dollar units (“non-FT Units”) at a price of $0.70 per non-FT Unit, for up to C$5,000,000. Each non-FT Unit will consist of one common share and one full Warrant at an exercise price of $1.00 for 24 months from the date of issue. Each Warrant shall be subject to an accelerated expiry date at the option of the Company in the event the ten (10) day volume-weighted average price of the common shares of the Company on the TSXV for any ten (10) consecutive trading days is $1.25 or more.

Pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws and in accordance with the TSX Venture Exchange policies, all securities issued under this Offering will be subject to applicable resale restrictions under applicable securities laws and to the Exchange hold period of four-months and one day from the date of issuance. In connection with the Private placement, Doubleview may pay a finder’s fees in accordance with the policies of the TSXV consisting of cash and/or finder’s shares.

The closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including the TSX Venture Exchange

About Doubleview Gold Corp

A mineral resource exploration and development company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (WKN: A1W038) and (FSE: 1D4). Doubleview focuses on identifying, acquiring, and financing precious and base metal exploration projects across North America, with a strong emphasis on British Columbia. The company enhances shareholder value through the acquisition and exploration of high-quality gold, copper, cobalt, scandium, and silver projects-collectively critical minerals-utilizing cutting-edge exploration techniques.

Doubleview’s success is deeply rooted in the unwavering support of its long-term shareholders, supporters, and institutional investors. Their ongoing commitment has been instrumental in advancing the company’s strategic initiatives. Doubleview looks forward to further collaborative growth and development and continues to welcome active participation from its valued stakeholders as the company expands its portfolio and strengthens its position in the critical minerals sector.

About the Hat Polymetallic Deposit

The Hat Deposit, located in northwestern British Columbia, is a polymetallic porphyry project with major resources of copper, gold, cobalt, and the potential for scandium. As one of the region’s significant sources of critical minerals, the Hat deposit has undergone targeted exploration and development. The 0.2% CuEq cut-off resource estimate, as of the recently completed Mineral Resource Estimate and the Company’s July 25, 2024, news release, is summarized below:

Open Pit Model HatResource CategoryTonnageAverage GradeMetal Content
CuEqCuCoAuAgCuEqCuCoAuAg
Mt%%%g/tg/tmillion lbmillion lbmillion lbthousand ozthousand oz
In PitIndicated1500.4080.2210.0080.190.421,353733289292,045
Inferred4770.3440.1850.0090.150.493,6191,945912,3287,575

Scandium potential for the Hat Deposit is estimated to be 300 to 500 million tonnes at an average grade of 40 ppm (0.004%) Sc2O3.

For further details, please refer to the Company’s July 25, 2024 news release.

Qualified Person:

Erik Ostensoe, P. Geo., a consulting geologist, and Doubleview’s Qualified Person with respect to the Hat Project as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, and approved the written technical disclosure contained in the news release. He is not independent of Doubleview as he is a shareholder in the company.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Farshad Shirvani, President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information please contact:

Doubleview Gold Corp
Vancouver, BC Farshad Shirvani
President & CEO

T: (604) 678-9587
E: corporate@doubleview.ca

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

The information contained herein contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives and assumptions made as of the date of this news release, including without limitation: the size of the Private Placement and other statements concerning the Private Placement; the anticipated use of proceeds from the Private Placement; the renunciation to the purchasers of FT Shares and timing thereof; the tax treatment of the FT Shares and the Company’s plans regarding exploring its mineral exploration properties; anticipated results of geophysical drilling programs, geological interpretations and potential mineral recovery. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate funding on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company’s expectations; risks related to the gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company’s prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company’s disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty or reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law, to reflect new information, events or circumstances, or changes in management’s estimates, projections or opinions. Actual events or results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements or from the Company’s expectations or projections.

Corporate Logo

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272690

OTS Holdings Celebrates the Grand Opening of its New Manufacturing Facility, Ellaziq (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., in Johor, Malaysia; Marks Major Expansion in its Halal Production Capacity

OTS Holdings Limited (“OTS Holdings” or the “Company”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), a brand builder and food manufacturing group, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new advanced food manufacturing facility located at Lot 1734, Jalan Kampung Pisang, Bukit Keremoiyang, 86200 Simpang Renggam, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia. The facility will operate under a wholly-owned subsidiary Ellaziq (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

The event on 28 October 2025 was graced by Yang Berhormat Tuan Lee Ting Han, Chairman of the Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee, along with representatives from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Enterprise Singapore, the Singapore Business Federation, the Johor State Islamic Religious Department, as well as representatives from banking institutions, partners, and business associates.

From left to right: 1. Mr. Mohamad Reduan Mohd Zabri, Director, MIDA Johor; 2. Ms. Wan Hariati Wan Salleh, Senior Deputy Director, Food Technology & Resources Based Industries Division, MIDA; 3. Yang Berhormat Tuan Lee Ting Han, Chairman of Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee; 4. Mr. Ong Bee Chip, Managing Director, OTS Holdings Limited; 5. Mdm. Ong Chew Yong, Executive Director, OTS Holdings Limited; and 6. Dr. Yu Lai Boon, Non-Executive Chairman and Independent Director, OTS Holdings Limited

With a total investment of approximately RM40 million, the new Johor manufacturing facility is halal certified and equipped with new advanced F&B machinery and automation, boosting the Group’s monthly halal production capacity by up to 200 tonnes — more than three times of its Singapore’s halal production output.

Backed by advanced production capabilities and in-house R&D expertise, the Group has undertaken extensive renovation and upgrading works, since acquiring the property for RM14.3 million in November 2023, to ensure the new facility aligns with the Group’s stringent food manufacturing standards, quality controls and operational requirements.

With a land size of 178,863 square feet, the Johor manufacturing facility has a built-up area of 65,000 square feet that includes office space, production and maintenance facility with boilerhouse and workshop.

Dedicated exclusively to halal production, the Johor manufacturing facility has successfully obtained its halal certification in August 2025.

Notably, the Johor manufacturing facility is equipped with new advanced F&B machinery and automation, which will enable the Group to maintain stringent quality standards while operating with a lean workforce.

In comparison to the Singapore facility, which produces 60 tonnes of halal products monthly within 17,000 square feet, the Johor plant will boast a capacity of up to 200 tonnes per month — more than three times of Singapore’s production output.

Commenting on the grand opening of its new Johor manufacturing facility, Managing Director of OTS Holdings, Mr. Ong Bee Chip said: “Our new Johor facility reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the Muslim consumer segment, which continues to grow both in value and demand.

Our focus is not just on increasing volume, but on creating products that resonate with the values and expectations of the Muslim community, while maintaining the stringent standards of food quality and safety.

Targeting the growing Muslim consumer market locally and abroad—from Singapore and Malaysia to the Middle East, UAE, and Africa, our enhanced production capacity will also strengthen our export capabilities, extending our trusted halal brands and high quality products to a larger audience globally.”

About OTS Holdings Limited

(Bloomberg: OTS:SP / SGX Stock Code: OTS)

Established in 1993, OTS Holdings Limited is a brand builder and food manufacturing group in the consumer industry with a strong niche in ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook meat products with key markets in Singapore and Malaysia.

The Group’s vision is to develop a growing portfolio of established consumer brands and become an innovative market leader in the region. Targeting both halal and non-halal consumer segments, the Group has more than 1,100 SKUs across 13 main product types under its eight house brands and notably the Group’s flagship brands, “Golden Bridge” and “Kelly’s” have become established household names within the ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook meat products market in Singapore and Malaysia.

The Group owns and operates three modern food manufacturing facilities, two in Singapore and one in Simpang Renggam, Johor, Malaysia. In Singapore, its integrated food manufacturing facilities with in-house research and development team span across around 98,285 square feet with an average annual production of around 2,500 tonnes of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook meat products.

The Group’s food products are sold in major supermarkets, convenience stores, provision shops, hotels and restaurants in Singapore and Malaysia. Having built an established sales and distribution network over the past few decades, the Group aims to expand its presence in existing markets and overseas.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.ots-holdings.com.

Issued on behalf of OTS Holdings Limited by 8PR Asia Pte Ltd.

Media & Investor Contacts:
Mr. Alex TAN
Mobile: +65 9451 5252
Email: alex.tan@8prasia.com 

Ecological Threat Report 2025: Extreme Wet-Dry Seasons Emerge as Critical Conflict Catalyst

  • Approximately 2 billion people – one quarter of humanity – now live in regions experiencing moderate to severe increases in seasonality

New research from the Institute for Economics & Peace reveals that changing rainfall patterns are significantly amplifying conflict risks worldwide. The 2025 Ecological Threat Report (ETR), released today, finds conflict death rates are substantially higher in areas where rainfall is concentrating into fewer months, compared to regions where rain is spreading more evenly throughout the year.

Ecological Threat Report 2025

Ecological Threat Report 2025
Analysing Ecological Threats, Resilience & Peace

Key Findings

  • On average in areas where wet and dry seasons are becoming more extreme, there are four times as many conflict deaths as areas where it has decreased.
  • In 2024, natural hazards triggered 45 million short-term internal displacements across 163 countries, the highest figure since at least 2008.
  • Western Brazil, including parts of the Amazon, has recorded some of the world’s sharpest increases in ecological threat levels. Temperatures have risen at twice the global rate, triggering drought and wildfires.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa faces the world’s most severe ecological pressures, with Niger registering the worst ETR score.
  • Central and Western Europe recorded substantial overall improvements, in part representing a return to normalcy following Europe’s unusually dry climatic conditions in 2019.
  • Despite fears of looming water wars, there have been no interstate conflicts fought exclusively over water in the modern era. In the second half of the 20th century, at least 157 international freshwater treaties have been signed, offering models for interstate cooperation.
  • This cooperative approach to water somewhat mirrors nuclear deterrence since the Second World War. In both cases, the very threat of catastrophic destruction has created pragmatic cooperation. The destruction of water supply can lead to societal collapse.

Approximately 2 billion people – one quarter of humanity – now live in regions experiencing moderate to severe increases in seasonality. This is where wet seasons are becoming shorter and more intense, while dry seasons are longer and drier. These changes are disrupting agricultural calendars and heightening uncertainty for billions of people who rely on seasonal rains for food and livelihoods.

The Ecological Threat Report, produced by the Institute for Economics & Peace, covers 3,125 sub-national areas in 172 countries and territories representing more than 99% of the world’s population. Between 2019 and 2024, ETR scores deteriorated in 96 countries and improved in 74.

Sub-Saharan Africa Approaching Multiple Critical Tipping Points
In sub-Saharan Africa, conflict risk rises sharply when seasonality combines with rapid population growth. Unpredictable rains trigger agricultural stress. When coupled with demographic pressure, competition over land, water and food intensifies. In regions with weak governance and unresolved grievances, this combination proves combustible.

The Karamoja Cluster in East Africa illustrates this pattern. While total rainfall remains relatively stable, its timing has become less predictable, amplifying both drought and flood hazards, leading to increased conflict. With only 2% of cultivated land irrigated compared to a global average of 20%, East African communities remain highly vulnerable to these shocks. Since 2019, increased rainfall seasonality has coincided with a resurgence of pastoralist violence after years of relative peace.

“Rainfall seasonality is becoming a powerful conflict catalyst,”said Steve Killelea AM, Founder & Executive Chairman of the Institute for Economics & Peace.“Where rains are increasingly concentrated into fewer months, conflict deaths rise sharply. In sub-Saharan Africa, rapid population growth amplifies this effect, turning unpredictable seasons into competition for land, water and food. The issue isn’t water scarcity – it’s our failure to capture and distribute it. Only 2% of Sub-Saharan African farmland is irrigated, compared to 20% globally.”

Water Inequality and the Infrastructure Gap
The world’s renewable freshwater supply is finite and increasingly unevenly distributed. There are 295 subnational areas facing very high water risk and another 780 with high risk, affecting nearly 1.9 billion people.

High-income countries have reduced per capita water use by roughly one-third since 2000 through efficiency gains and slower population growth, while many low-income nations face rising total withdrawals and falling per capita availability as populations outpace supply.

Sub-Saharan Africa highlights this imbalance. Per capita water use has dropped from 113 cubic metres in 2000 to just 89 in 2022 – less than one-fifth of the global average. The result is mounting pressure on limited water sources and intensifying competition among farms, industries and households, heightening the risk of conflict.

The failure to capture and distribute water is most acute in sub-Saharan Africa, which has the lowest irrigation rates in the world. To irrigate 34 million hectares would require only 6% of the region’s annual renewable water resources.

Steve Killelea said: “COP30 must prioritise investment in climate-resilient water systems as a foundation for sustainability and peace. Just as nuclear treaties reduced the risk of annihilation, international cooperation on water can reduce the risk of ecological collapse. Both demonstrate that survival depends less on dominance, than on shared responsibility.”

Interstate Water Cooperation
Popular narratives have warned of looming “water wars”, especially in transboundary river and lake basins. The ETR finds this is not the case. While disputes over shared rivers do occur, no interstate wars have been fought over water in the modern era. This makes the lessons of successful interstate water cooperation even more important. In an era of increasing conflict, understanding why interstate cooperation has been so successful can provide a blueprint for avoiding future conflicts.

Even in tense basins such as the Indus River – shared by India and Pakistan – water-sharing has continued despite repeated episodes of conflict, political confrontations and military tension. Water agreements, by necessity, encourage nations to think beyond immediate political grievances toward long-term survival and shared benefit.

Regional Analysis
Sub-Saharan Africa faces the world’s most severe ecological pressures. However, some southern and eastern African countries, including Lesotho, Rwanda, Eritrea and Eswatini, have improved their ETR scores. More favourable rainfall patterns in these countries resulted in marked reductions in water risk over the past five years.

In contrast, northwest Africa has seen the steepest deterioration in ETR scores over the same period, led by Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria, where persistent drought and rising temperatures have reversed the unusually favourable conditions of 2019.

Central and Western Europe recorded notable improvements, marking a return to normal following the extreme dryness of 2019.

Contact Information
Mike Koslowski
IEP Senior Communications Advisor
mkoslowski@economicsandpeace.org
+61418410531

SOURCE: Institute for Economics & Peace

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Ecological Threat Report 2025

Doubleview Gold Corp Announces 320-Meter Eastward Extension at the Hat Polymetallic Deposit, Expanding Mineralized Volume and Remaining Open

Doubleview Gold Corp (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4) (“Doubleview” or the “Company”) is pleased to report that ongoing drilling at its 100%-owned Hat Polymetallic Deposit in northwestern British Columbia has extended the mineralized system approximately 320 meters eastward, further confirming that the deposit remains open in multiple directions. The 2025 exploration program continues to expand the mineralized envelope, with results expected to contribute significantly to the upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE).

2025 Exploration Program Highlights

To date in 2025 drill program, the Company has completed more than 10,200 meters of drilling in 14 holes. The focus has been to step out from the known resource limits to prove continuity and scale. Key results from this phase of the program include:

  • Significant Extension: Drill holes H100 through H102 have successfully extended the deposit’s footprint more than 320 meters eastward, confirming that the high-volume porphyry-style mineralization remains open and undefined in this direction.
  • Consistent Mineralization: Mineralization has been intersected in every hole completed in the 2025 program, validating the geological model and suggesting strong continuity of the mineralizing system.
  • Resource Inclusion: The entire drill database to hole H101 will be included in the revised MRE, anticipated for release in 2025. The expanded footprint with stronger assay data and strong visuals as illustrated in the accompanying core photo gallery, is expected to allow a meaningfully increased resource estimate.

The 2025 drilling program comprises more than 10,200 meters in 14 holes and the observed mineralization has been extended more than 320 metres to the east. The interpreted mineralization and the apparent growth in volume provide strong support for the forthcoming MRE that is scheduled for completion within the next 60 days. Fresh assays are being received almost daily from the laboratory and will be released when processed by our technical team.

“These new drill results represent a major step forward in understanding the true scale of the Hat Deposit,” said Farshad Shirvani, President and CEO of Doubleview Gold Corp. “The 320-meter eastward extension, combined with probable continued mineralization beyond the current limits of drilling, highlights the significant expansion potential of the system and positions Doubleview for a meaningful resource upgrade.

“The Hat Deposit, characterized by its copper-gold-cobalt-scandium association, continues to demonstrate robust continuity of mineralization and growing tonnage potential. Drilling to date indicates a broad, strongly mineralized system with elevated scandium and copper values that support the Company’s strategy to define one of North America’s largest critical-metal-bearing polymetallic deposits. Important amounts of gold, cobalt and silver are present.

A detailed drill section and plan map illustrating the newly expanded mineralized area are provided below. In addition, a gallery of approximately 60 core photographs from recently completed, non-reported holes accompanies this release. The Company anticipates announcing assay results from these holes as soon as analytical data are received, validated, and interpreted.”

IMPORTANT VISUAL DISCLOSURE: The visual observations of mineralization, including core photos, are preliminary in nature and are not a substitute for assay results. The Company cautions that visual estimates of mineralization are not indicative of the actual grade or economic viability of the resource. Assay results are pending for the core included in the photos and will be published once received, verified, and analyzed under the Company’s strict Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) program.

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Figure 1: Drill Plan with the Induced Polarization Plan and 2024 Conceptual Pit Outline, showing the new extensions.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8003/271591_b1e46f8114db4806_001full.jpg

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Figure 2: Section on H093 to H096, H100 to H102, and 2024 Conceptual Pit Outline 

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8003/271591_b1e46f8114db4806_002full.jpg

Core Photo Gallery: The following images are showing a few mineralization intervals of the H097 to H102:



To view the enhanced versions of these graphics, please visit:
https://www.doubleview.ca/core-samples-h100-to-h102/

About Doubleview Gold Corp
Doubleview Gold Corp (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4) is a Canadian resource company advancing the 100%-owned Hat Polymetallic Project, located in the prolific Golden Triangle of northwestern British Columbia. The Hat hosts a large copper-gold-cobalt-scandium porphyry system with significant critical metal potential. Doubleview is dedicated to responsible exploration, Indigenous engagement, and sustainable development that benefits both shareholders and local communities.

Doubleview’s success is deeply rooted in the unwavering support of its long-term shareholders, supporters, and institutional investors. Their ongoing commitment has been instrumental in advancing the company’s strategic initiatives. Doubleview looks forward to further collaborative growth and development and continues to welcome active participation from its valued stakeholders as the company expands its portfolio and strengthens its position in the critical minerals sector.

For more information, please visit: www.doubleview.ca

Qualified Persons:

Erik Ostensoe, P. Geo., a consulting geologist, and Doubleview’s Qualified Person with respect to the Hat Project as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this news release. He is not independent of Doubleview as he is a shareholder in the company.

About the Hat Polymetallic Deposit

The Hat Deposit, located in northwestern British Columbia, is a polymetallic porphyry project with major resources of copper, gold, cobalt, and the potential for scandium. As one of the region’s significant sources of critical minerals, the Hat deposit has undergone targeted exploration and development. The 0.2% CuEq cut-off resource estimate, as of the recently completed Mineral Resource Estimate and the Company’s July 25, 2024, news release, is summarized below:

   Average GradeMetal Content
Open Pit Model HatResource CategoryTonnageCuEqCuCoAuAgCuEqCuCoAuAg
Mt%%%g/tg/tmillion lbmillion lbmillion lbthousand ozthousand oz
In PitIndicated1500.4080.2210.0080.190.421,353733289292,045
Inferred4770.3440.1850.0090.150.493,6191,945912,3287,575

Scandium potential for the Hat Deposit is estimated to be 300 to 500 million tonnes at an average grade of 40 ppm (0.004%) Sc2O3.

For further details of the MRE, please refer to the Company’s July 25, 2024 news release.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Farshad Shirvani, President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information please contact:

Doubleview Gold Corp
Vancouver, BC Farshad Shirvani
President & CEO

T: (604) 678-9587
E: corporate@doubleview.ca

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute “forward-looking information.” In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/271591