ARCEOs’ Conference 2024 Held in Indonesia: Achieving Sustainability through Digital Innovation

The 44th ASEAN Railway CEOs’ Conference (ARCEOs’ Conference) was successfully held in Bandung, Indonesia, from September 2-5, 2024. With the theme “Driving Sustainability with Digital Innovation,” this year’s ARCEOs’ Conference focused on sustainable and eco-friendly railway development supported by digital transformation in safety and service aspects.

Indonesia’s Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi and delegates of 8 ASEAN railway operators share in the opening of The 44th ASEAN Railway CEOs’ Conference (ARCEOs’ Conference) in Bandung, Indonesia.

Representing Indonesia, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) (KAI) was appointed as the organizing committee for the ARCEOs’ Conference, which was attended by seven other ASEAN railway operators including Keretapi Tanah Melayu (Malaysia), Vietnam Railways (Vietnam), Ministry of Public Works and Transport (Cambodia), Lao National Railways (Laos), Philippine National Railways (Philippines), Myanma Railways (Myanmar), and State Railway of Thailand (Thailand).

In his address, Minister of Transportation of Republic of Indonesia Budi Karya Sumadi highlighted that Indonesia is currently experiencing significant growth in the railway sector with the operation of the first high-speed train in the ASEAN region, Whoosh.

“Moreover, in urban rail transportation, Indonesia is expanding its MRT network with ongoing construction, in addition to the Jabodebek LRT, and the latest is the Autonomous Rail Transit in Nusantara as the next capital city,” he explained.

The introduction of high-speed trains aims to advance transportation in Indonesia to enhance connectivity and the economy between Jakarta and Bandung through modern, eco-friendly mass transit.

With the high-speed train, passengers need not worry about long travel times, as the Jakarta-Bandung route is covered in just 28 minutes, with a maximum speed reaching 350 km/h. Featuring more spacious and modern interiors, the high-speed train offers three classes with a total capacity of up to 601 passengers and dedicated spaces for the disabled.

The event included several working group sessions to share best practices and discuss various issues ranging from the implementation of digital technology, railway human resource development, digital marketing, service transformation, to the application of high-tech railways like high-speed trains.

KAI CEO Didiek Hartantyo stated that the goal of the 44th ARCEOs’ Conference is to strengthen relationships and cooperation among railway operators and industry stakeholders in ASEAN. Didiek emphasized that working together allows for achieving greater accomplishments and truly realizing the ASEAN spirit of mutual benefit, shared success, and resilience in facing various challenges.

“This year, our theme is ‘Driving Sustainability with Digital Innovation.’ We believe this theme stems from the global challenges we face, including the urgent need to address climate change, improve operational efficiency, and meet the growing demand for more sustainable transportation options. Additionally, advancements in technology and changes in customer demands play a significant role in shaping our focus,” Didiek said.

Delegates had the opportunity to experience the Whoosh train from Padalarang Station in Bandung, West Java, to Halim Station in Jakarta, followed by a tree planting activity. In addition to Whoosh, delegates had the chance to ride the Panoramic Train, designed to offer panoramic views along the journey with large windows on both sides.

Furthermore, to support environmental sustainability and digital innovation, KAI deployed electric vehicles during the ARCEOs’ Conference, provided eco-friendly souvenirs, and used an app as an information platform throughout the event.

“We believe this conference will not only strengthen cooperation among railway operators but also promote sustainability and digital innovation in the spirit of ASEAN unity. Together, we can build a future where railways connect our nations and support ASEAN’s growth and success,” concluded Didiek.

For more information, please contact: 
Anne Purba 
VP of Public Relations 
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero)
Email: anne@kai.id

Habitat for Humanity appoints Elizabeth Satow as Area Vice President to propel Asia-Pacific regional strategy and operations

Global nonprofit housing organization Habitat for Humanity announces a significant addition to its leadership team. Elizabeth “Liz” Satow has been appointed as the Area Vice President for Asia and the Pacific and will be a pivotal leader to drive Habitat’s strategic initiatives and foster collaboration and growth within and outside the region.

Elizabeth Satow, who joined Habitat for Humanity Asia-Pacific as Area Vice President, looks forward to being a strong housing advocate in Asia and the Pacific and beyond.

Satow, who joined Habitat on August 5, has over two decades of experience in leading multinational teams and implementing operational strategies. She has a proven track record of generating resources with institutional donors, which will be a valuable asset as Habitat cultivates its strategic partnerships and funding relationships. She has also successfully managed change initiatives to enhance organizational health, accountability, and disaster responses.

Habitat for Humanity Area Vice President Elizabeth Satow (left) joins a house painting activity in the village of Wada, Pune district, Maharashtra, India. In this photo are (center, with yellow hardhat) Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International and (right) Anna Charly, Director of Volunteer Programmes and Individual Fundraising, Habitat for Humanity India.

“In her role as our leader in Asia and the Pacific region, Liz will be instrumental as we seek to deepen our impact, increase our influence, grow our resources, leverage innovation, and maximize organizational effectiveness,” said Patrick Canagasingham, the Chief Operating Officer of Habitat for Humanity.

Satow has expressed her enthusiasm in joining Habitat to drive the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. She is looking forward to serving as a housing advocate, nurturing relationships with the various national organizations and key partners throughout the region and beyond.

Though Satow is from the USA, she was born in India and has spent a large part of her life in Asia. She holds a Master of Arts in International Development from The American University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The College of Wooster.

On August 20, Elizabeth Satow, Habitat for Humanity Area Vice President, participates in the handover ceremony of 15 climate-resilient homes in Wada village, Pune district, Mahrashtra, India.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in U.S.A. Since its founding in 1976, the housing organization has grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In the Asia-Pacific region since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported millions of people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org/asiapacific.

For further information, please contact:
Rona Azucena
RAzucena@habitat.org
+63 916 545 8310

Baguio Green Group Announces 2024 Interim Results

– Persistent growth despite external challenges
– Revenue hits historical high for comparable period

Baguio Green Group Limited (Baguio or the Group, HKG: 1397) is pleased to announce its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2024 (the Period).

During the Period, the Group’s revenue amounted to approximately HK$1,291.1 million, representing an increase of approximately 16.6% as compared to the same period last year, mainly due to the continued increase in revenue in the cleaning segment together with the waste management and recycling segment. Profit for the Period amounted to approximately HK$25.8 million, representing an increase of approximately 18.5% as compared to the same period last year. The overall gross profit increased by approximately 12.4% to approximately HK$97.1 million.

Business Overview and Prospects
In the first half of 2024, new contracts awarded to the Group amounted to a total of HK$1.48 billion. As a result, the Group’s contracts on hand reached approximately HK$4.60 billion (as of 30 June 2024), representing an increase of approximately 3.8% from approximately HK$4.43 billion as of 31 December 2023, providing strong revenue growth in the second half of 2024 and subsequent years.

The Group’s core business, cleaning services, recorded growth during the Period. Revenue from cleaning services increased by 20.1% to approximately HK$1,034.9 million, accounting for approximately 80.2% of the Group’s total revenue. Gross profit of the cleaning business increased by 7.6% to approximately HK$66.4 million, mainly due to the Group’s new cleaning service contracts with various HKSAR Government (the “Government”) departments and different institutions.

The Group’s Government-related street cleaning services cover a total of seven districts, serving a population of approximately 2.8 million, marking Baguio’s leading position in the Hong Kong cleaning services market. The Group’s Government venue cleaning services for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department cover seven districts in Hong Kong. In addition, the Group also provided Government market related cleaning services and leisure venues cleaning services, covering several districts in Hong Kong, as well as other cleaning sites such as hospitals, Government clinics, Hong Kong International Airport, schools, housing estates and private institutions, demonstrating that the Group’s professional services are widely recognised.

Waste management and recycling business recorded growth in revenue during the Period which increased by approximately 7.4% to approximately HK$147.3 million, accounting for approximately 11.4% of the Group’s total revenue. Gross profit of the waste management and recycling business increased by approximately 60.7% to approximately HK$19.2 million, mainly due to the “Plastic Recycling Pilot Scheme” entered the harvest period and the related contracts with the Government increased the recycling spots and revenue. During the Period, the Group provided Government-related waste collection services to five districts, serving a population of approximately 1.6 million, and provided collection services for thousands of recycling spots (including plastic, glass bottles, metals, waste paper and food waste) across Hong Kong, and collection services for recycling bins in public places and schools. During the Period, the Group provided Baguio continued to provide plastic collection services for several districts under the Environment Protection Department (“EPD”) Plastic Recycling Pilot Scheme contract. Baguio also provides collection services for Recycling Stations of “GREEN@COMMUNITY”, introduced by the EPD and smart recycling machines, and other institutions in Hong Kong. In addition, the Group also provides the Government with glass bottles collection and management services and food waste collection services in several districts in Hong Kong.

Regarding green technology business, the Group launched a smart recycling system through combination of a number of advanced smart digital technologies and Internet of Things technologies. Through a one-stop management and big data analytics platform, the Group can monitor the real-time situation of the recycling machines, and flexibly deploy transportation according to the amount of recyclables, reducing logistics costs and unnecessary carbon emissions. The Group currently provides smart recycling machines to the EPD and smart food waste recycling machines to private housing estates. At present, smart recycling machines and smart food waste recycling machines are now available in different places of Hong Kong, providing the public with a convenient recycling experience 24 hours a day, and helping to increase the overall recycling volume in Hong Kong. The Government is proactively offering financial aids for private housing estates to install food waste recycling machines through the Recycling Fund and the Environment and Conservation Fund. Under the expected market demand created by the strong advocacy of the Government, it is believed that the Group’s food waste recycling machines and related smart technology business will bring huge business opportunities. With the increasing market demand for smart recycling, the Group plans to seize the opportunity of smart city development, striving to expand the market share of smart recycling machines and smart food waste recycling machines.

In addition, the Government is actively promoting the “Producer Responsibility Scheme on Plastic Beverage Containers and Beverage Cartons”, and plans to table the bill to the Legislative Council for scrutiny this year with a view to introducing it in 2025. Enshrining the principle of “Polluter Pays” and the vision of “Eco-responsibility”, the recycling rate of plastic beverage containers and beverage cartons is expected to have a significant increase. The scheme is expected to directly drive the growth of Baguio’s recycling business and create solid returns from our investment in recycling facilities which creates a strong entry barrier to the competition.

In partnership with Jardine Engineering Corporation Limited, the Pilot Biochar Production Plant at the EcoPark in Tuen Mun was commenced trial operation during the Period. By converting yard waste into high-quality biochar with pyrolysis technology for various applications, the production plant effectively “turns waste into useful resources”.

Hong Kong has made concerted effort to keep pace with international trends in the field of green and sustainable finance, accelerating its progress towards becoming an international green finance hub. To meet the needs of sustainable development, the Group has incorporated sustainability insights into its core businesses and operations and is committed to providing customers with one-stop and diversified green environmental services and sustainable procurement solutions. In the future, Baguio will invest more resources in personnel training and green procurement. Meanwhile, through the provision of waste audit services, the Group provides waste constituent data to help corporate customers understand the amount of generated waste that can be recycled and achieve sustainable development goals.

As for the landscaping business, the Group provided landscaping services for the Kai Tak Sports Park, the Central and Western District Promenade and the Inclusive Park for Pets at Tsun Wen Road in Tuen Mun. In addition, the Group provides landscaping services for a wide range of clients, including large private residences, Government premises, schools, shopping malls, hotels, airports, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Lingnan University, etc.

For pest management business, the Group continued to provide pest management services in Wong Tai Sin and Tai Po districts during the Period. In addition, the Group provided termite control and monitoring services to 29 monuments under the Antiquities and Monuments Office and 24 temples under the Chinese Temples Committee respectively.

The Government is developing the Northern Metropolis at full speed and a number of public housing estates are scheduled for completion in phases. In particular, intake of tenants at the public housing estates in northern Kwu Tung North and Fanling North New Development Area will commence progressively from 2026. The Northern Metropolis will provide about 500,000 new housing units after fully developed, which is believed to bring opportunities to the Group’s core businesses.

Mr. Ng Wing Hong, Chairman of Baguio, commented, “The Government demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental agenda. Baguio’s core businesses are closely related to the livelihood of the general public and are not affected by the economic environment. Despite the presence of economic headwinds, the Group’s core business continues to demonstrate a growth trajectory.

While the implementation of the Waste Charging was postponed during the Period, the Government has significantly increased its efforts to increase various types of recycling spots through recyclers. For example, the addition of night mobile food waste recycling spots to facilitate citizens’ recycling, with improvement in terms of quality and quantity, which directly brings growth impetus to the Group’s recycling business. Therefore, the postponement of Waste Charging has no adverse impact on the Group’s recycling business, and on the contrary, results in an increase in business. In the long run, waste reduction and recycling will help achieve the Government’s goal of “Zero Landfill”, and benefit the development of the Group’s recycling and green technology businesses.”

Looking forward, the Group will continue to increase the market share of its core businesses and proactively engage in expansion in Hong Kong and beyond. Meanwhile, in line with the development of the Group, it will actively explore potential mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures or new business projects to accelerate future business growth and deliver substantial and long-term returns to shareholders.

For details of the Group’s 2024 interim results announcement, please visit the following website:
http://www.baguio.com.hk/en-US/Investor%20Relations/Announcements%20and%20Notices

– End –

About Baguio Green Group
Established in 1980, Baguio Green Group (HKG: 1397) is one of Hong Kong’s largest integrated environmental services groups. It provides a full spectrum of professional services including professional cleaning, waste collection & recycling, waste management, green technology, organic fertilizer and animal feed production, horticulture & landscaping, and pest control. It serves a wide range of customers in various sectors including Government departments, statutory organizations and multinational corporations. Fully committed to ESG, the Group works relentlessly to advance sustainable development and create a cleaner, greener, healthier city.

SmartHK Nanjing concludes

– Multi-industry collaboration drives Hong Kong-Jiangsu high-quality development

–  Some 40 leaders of business and academia explored Hong Kong-Jiangsu collaboration in finance, I&T, sustainable development, culture and creativity
–  Exhibition showcased Hong Kong’s professional services, creative designs and I&T projects. Some 400 business matching meetings were facilitated
–  Some 30 Hong Kong pitched to Jiangsu investors, while 60+ Hong Kong exhibitors highlighted their diversified services and advanced scientific research

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Department of Commerce of Jiangsu Province as well as Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, concluded in Nanjing today.

Centred around innovative collaboration for high-quality development, some 40 leaders of business and academia explored Hong Kong-Jiangsu collaboration in the areas of financial services, innovation and technology (I&T), sustainable development, culture and creativity.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government Vice Governor Fang Wei and HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam.

In his welcome remarks, Dr Lam said Jiangsu’s development positioning of one centre, one base, one hub and Hong Kong’s eight centres lay the foundation for the two places’ complementary growth. Jiangsu enterprises are encouraged to leverage Hong Kong’s professional services for business transformation and international expansion.

“The HKTDC has proactively facilitated business and trade collaboration between Jiangsu and Hong Kong, in particular through the Jiangsu-Hong Kong Cooperation Joint Meeting. We have strengthened trade-related cooperation in the areas of manufacturing and supply chains, modern service industries and two-way investment. Our collaboration has now been extended to the areas of I&T, green development, culture and talent exchange. At this year’s SmartHK, we discussed finance, I&T, sustainable development, culture and creativity to showcase Hong Kong’s strengths. By focusing on I&T project matching, we’ve explored new modes of bilateral collaboration.”

Mr Paul Chan said in his opening remarks: “Jiangsu and Hong Kong have a long history of cooperation, given strong bilateral economic and trade ties and frequent cultural exchanges. Many Hong Kong entrepreneurs invest and start businesses in Jiangsu. As of last year, they have invested in more than 35,000 projects. Nearly 2,300 Jiangsu businesses have set up in Hong Kong, while more than 100 Jiangsu companies are listed in our city, with a market value of more than HK$660 billion. The trade volume between Jiangsu and Hong Kong exceeded CNY85 billion in 2023, a nearly 35% increase year-on-year. Over the years, cooperation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong in finance, innovation and technology, education, culture and youth exchange, among others, has continued to deepen.”

Mr Fang Wei said: “Technological innovation is key to driving high-quality development. Jiangsu’s market and industrial advantages and Hong Kong’s scientific research and financial advantages can accelerate the pace of innovation across industries and enable China to be self-reliant in the area of science and technology. As super connector, Hong Kong can link Jiangsu with global markets. Leveraging our respective strengths, we look forward to deepening our cooperation in trade and investment, work together to explore Belt and Road markets, among others, and accelerate national development.”

Henry Tang, Chairman of The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Board; Nancy Ip, President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST); Gilbert Lee, Head of Strategy & Planning and Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank Limited, Non-executive Director of Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited, and Chairman of Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited; Roger Chen, Managing Director of China of CLP Holdings Limited; and Chen Shu, President of Jiangsu Soho Holdings Group, discussed the roadmap for Hong Kong-Jiangsu development. They shared their insights about the cultural industry, I&T, cross-border green finance, sustainable energy and success stories from previous collaborations between Hong Kong and Jiangsu.

The HKTDC joined hands with InvestHK, HKSAR Innovation and Technology Commission, the Federation of Jiangsu Community Organisations, Jiangsu Development and Reform Commission, Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology,  Industry and Information Technology Department of Jiangsu, Department of Ecology and Environment of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Jiangsu Provincial Financial Regulatory Administration, Jiangsu Federation of Industry and Commerce, Jiangsu Youth Federation as well as Jiangsu Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade to host four thematic sessions. Industry experts discussed business opportunities in financial services, I&T, sustainable development, culture and creativity.

Green development was a key topic for this year’s SmartHK. The “Green and Sustainable Development” thematic session, exclusively sponsored by Hang Seng Bank Limited, SmartHK’s Diamond Sponsor and Cross-Boundary Green Finance Partner, focused on exploring the green and sustainability development needs and cooperation opportunities between Hong Kong and Jiangsu.

Ryan Song, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited, delivered opening remarks for the session. Dr. Shelley Zhou, Head of Corporate Sustainability of Hang Seng Bank Limited, delivered a keynote speech titled on market trends and international standards of green finance and sustainable development”.

Chan Pui-cheong, CEO of the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency; Arthur Lam, Co-Founder and CEO of Negawatt Utility Limited; Angus Wong, Managing Director for Wholesale Client Coverage of Hang Seng Bank Limited; Christopher Lau, Executive Director of Gold Peak Technology Group Limited; and Liu Changliang, Director of Sustainability of the Nanjing Iron and Steel Company Limited, discussed  other topics including “Green and Development Certification Services and the Importance of ESG Information Disclosure in the International Market”; “Achieving Carbon Neutrality with the Help of Green Technologies”; “Business Expansion with the Help of Sustainable Financing”; “Green Transformation of Hong Kong Manufacturing Industry” and “Jiangsu Enterprises’ Green Finance and Green Businesses’ Needs”. The panel speakers also explored Hong Kong-Jiangsu cooperation opportunities in green finance and sustainable development.

Some 30 start-ups from HKUST, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and InnoClub, co-created by the HKTDC and Hang Seng Bank Limited, took part in a Smart+ pitching session to present their latest innovative solutions to Jiangsu investors and partners.

To foster collaboration opportunities, a hallmark of HKTDC events, some 400 business matching meetings were facilitated to connect Jiangsu and Hong Kong companies.

An exhibition of over 60 enterprises and start-ups showcased Hong Kong’s latest I&T products and services.

Websites
SmartHK: https://smarthk.hktdc.com/

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3AER6D5

SmartHK was held in Nanjing on 28 August.
Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government Vice Governor Fang Wei (front, fourth from the right) and HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong (front, fourth from the left) attended the 12th Jiangsu-Hong Kong Cooperation Joint Meeting.
Hong Kong SAR Government Financial Secretary Paul Chan (front, sixth from the left), Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government Vice Governor Fang Wei (front, seventh from the left), HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam (front, fifth from the left), and HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong (front, fourth from the left) attended SmartHK.
Hong Kong SAR Government Financial Secretary Paul Chan
HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam
Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government Vice Governor Fang Wei
Chairman of The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Board Henry Tang discussed cooperation opportunities between Jiangsu and Hong Kong in the areas of culture and creativity.
(Starting second from left) Nancy Ip, President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Gilbert Lee, Head of Strategy & Planning and Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank Limited, Non-executive Director of Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited, and Chairman of Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited; Roger Chen, Managing Director of China of CLP Holdings Limited; and Chen Shu, President of Jiangsu Soho Holdings Group, discussed the roadmap for Hong Kong-Jiangsu development.
The Green and Sustainable Development thematic session was exclusively sponsored by Hang Seng Bank Limited, SmartHK’s Diamond Sponsor and Cross-boundary Green Finance Partner, focusing on green and sustainable development needs of and cooperation opportunities between Hong Kong and Jiangsu.
Some 30 start-ups from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and InnoClub, co-created by the HKTDC and Hang Seng Bank Limited, took part in a pitching session to present their latest innovative solutions to Jiangsu investors.

Media enquiries
Please contact:
Xinhua Daily (PR agency)

Li JiaweiTel: (86) 15995295632Email: 1360342750@qq.com
Yu YanTel: (86) 13584019845Email: 422791094@qq.com

The HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department (Headquarters, Hong Kong):

Jane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
Sam HoTel: (852) 2584 4537Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

The HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department (Shanghai):

Sun PingTel: (86) 21-63528488       Email: p.sun@hktdc.org

Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitionsconferences 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

The 9th Belt and Road Summit returns next month

– Entering the BRI’s next golden decade Introducing a new Green Chapter to explore sustainable development

–  The 9th Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC, will return on 11 and 12 September (Wednesday to Thursday)
–  This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. As part of celebration activities, the Summit is themed Building a Connected, Innovative and Green Belt and Road. It will gather over 80 key officials and business leaders from Belt and Road countries and regions to explore cooperation opportunities
–  A brand-new Green Chapter is added this year, aligning with the Summit theme to feature a variety of thematic sessions on green development and innovation

The Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Hong  Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will take place on 11 and 12 September.

Themed Building a Connected, Innovative and Green Belt and Road, the Summit will bring together over 80 key officials and business leaders from Belt and Road countries and regions, they will be engaged in discussions on leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages to jointly explore Belt and Road markets and uncover cooperation opportunities.

The Summit is a key platform for Hong Kong to promote the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), closely aligned with the eight major steps announced by President Xi Jinping last year to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

The Opening Session will feature welcome remarks by Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC and opening remarks by John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR. Nurlan Baibazarov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, will give a keynote address.

Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR Government, said: “As our country’s Belt and Road Initiative enters its next golden decade and the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has proposed improving the mechanism for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Hong Kong, with the solid support of the nation, will continue to capitalise on our unique advantages under one country, two systems to play a more active role by leveraging its strengths as a two-way global investment and trade hub, a hub for technological innovation and green development and an international cultural exchange centre. The Belt and Road Summit will deepen international business cooperation and consolidate Hong Kong’s position as the preferred business platform for the Belt and Road Initiative, fully demonstrating Hong Kong’s important functions and positioning in global finance, business cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, innovation and technology development, guiding enterprises to explore new business opportunities.”

Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: “With the support of its global network of 50 offices, the HKTDC organises business delegations and outreach activities to Belt and Road countries and regions, promoting tripartite cooperation among Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong professional service providers, investors and Belt and Road project owners. The HKTDC also enables businesses to leverage their own strengths to help Hong Kong play the role of superconnector, linking China with the world. We will continue to seize the opportunities at this year’s Belt and Road Summit to strengthen connections with ASEAN and Belt and Road countries. We will also set up new consultant offices in Dhaka of Bangladesh and Phnom Penh of Cambodia, further expanding our network along the Belt and Road.”

Seizing opportunities and deepening networks in emerging markets
The ASEAN region is Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partner and the world’s fifth-largest economy. Last year, the bilateral trade value reached US$144.6 billion, accounting for nearly 13% of Hong Kong’s total foreign trade. The development potential is enormous. Last month, John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, led a HKTDC delegation to Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, the three ASEAN countries. The visit was highly fruitful, with 55 cooperation MoUs signed, further expanding Hong Kong’s network in the region. Seven of these MoUs were signed between the HKTDC and relevant chambers of commerce, governments, and organisations in the three countries, further strengthening Hong Kong’s ties with the regions for future Belt and Road development.

Following the recent fruitful ASEAN mission to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam led by Mr Lee, the Summit will focus on ASEAN and emerging markets in the Policy Dialogue and Business Plenary on day one, with the participation of ministerial-level officials and business heavyweights. The second day’s Business Plenary will cover the Middle East and adjacent regions.

In May this year, a Mainland-Hong Kong business delegation led by the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the Belt and Road Office of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government, co-organised by the HKTDC and the China International Contractors Association, visited Hungary and Kazakhstan to explore Belt and Road business opportunities. Senior officials and business leaders from these two countries will attend the Summit, to strengthen their ties with Hong Kong. Among the speakers, Nurlan Baibazarov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, will deliver a keynote address, while Peter Fekete, Group CEO of 4iG, will participate in the second day’s Business Plenary.

Debut Green Chapter to showcase Hong Kong advantages in greentech and finance
Hong Kong’s green finance development has been thriving, with the scale of green financing continuing to expand. In 2023, the total amount of green and sustainable debt issued in Hong Kong surpassed US$50 billion. Among this, the total amount of green and sustainable bonds arranged for issuance in Hong Kong ranked first in the Asian market, accounting for 37% of the total. This has attracted a wealth of green capital and financial products, giving Hong Kong a significant advantage in developing into an international green technology and finance centre. Additionally, the Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong 2035 covered six major areas – green transport, liveable environment, comprehensive emissions reduction, clean energy, scientific management, and regional collaboration – reflecting Hong Kong’s determination to proactively address the challenges of climate change.

In view of the growing global focus on green development and the tremendous strides Hong Kong continues to make in that regard, the Summit will debut the Green Chapter, featuring thematic sessions on green construction, innovation, finance and more, enabling participants to explore how to leverage the Hong Kong platform to make their business greener. The co-organising institutions include the China International Contractors Association, HSBC and HKMA Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office.

As the BRI continues to drive regional development, the Business Plenary on the first day of the Summit, themed Capturing Belt and Road Business Opportunities, will explore promising prospects from rapidly rising ASEAN, building on concrete achievements in the past years. The focus will be on Hong Kong’s role in facilitating multilateral business cooperation as well as the strategies global enterprises are adopting under the latest global landscape.

The session will be moderated by K C Chan, Chairman of WeLab Bank. Speakers will include Clara Chan, CEO of Lee Kee Group; Dato’ Seri Cheah Cheng Hye, Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Value Partners Group; Ding Yanzhang, Chairman of Power Construction Corporation of China; and Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, CEO of Sintesa Group.

The Business Plenary on the second day will be themed Tapping the Markets of New Opportunities. The session will be moderated by Ronnie C. Chan, Honorary Chair of Hang Lung Properties Limited. H.E. Mohamed Abduljabbar Alkoheji, Second Vice Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Bonnie Y Chan, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; Peter Fekete, Group CEO of 4iG; Eric Ip, Group Managing Director of Hutchison Port Holdings Limited; and Iqbal Khan, CEO of Fajr Capital, will explore arising opportunities in  the Middle East and other markets along the Belt and Road.

This year, the Summit will feature two new thematic sessions: Multi-dimensional Connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative and People-to-People Exchanges through Business and Cultural Collaboration. In the former session, experts from industries such as shipping, ports, airports, logistics and trade will jointly discuss and delve into the progress and development potential of connectivity among transportation networks. The latter session, co-organised by Standard  Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, aims to explore ways to enhance interconnectivity, mutual understanding and friendly relations among countries within the Belt and Road Initiative through economic and trade cooperation, as well as cultural exchanges.

Other thematic breakout sessions include Mainland-Hong Kong Trade In Services Symposium co-organised with the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China as well as a session on legal cooperation co-organised with the Department of Justice of the HKSAR Government.

As part of the Finance Chapter, co-organised with the Insurance Authority, Financial Services Development Council, Bank of China (Hong Kong), HKMA Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office and Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, four sessions will analyse opportunities of leveraging Hong Kong’s financial services. For the Youth Chapter, young business leaders will share how they seize opportunities under the BRI.

Connecting global enterprises to facilitate business matching
This year’s Summit will continue to offer investment and business matching. Business matching meetings will provide a full range of services in both physical – 11 and 12 September – and online – 16 and 17 September – forms.

More than 280 investment projects are expected to me matched, with more than 800 one-to-one project matching meetings taking place. The deal-making service includes one-to-one business matching meetings and project investment sessions. Business matching meetings connect participants based on investment preferences and business expertise to facilitate collaboration opportunities.

Project investment sessions enable project owners from different countries to present projects, giving investors and service intermediaries a comprehensive understanding of the investment opportunities in different sectors. Project investment sessions will focus on four main areas: energy, natural resources and public utilities; innovation and technology; urban development; and transport and logistics infrastructure.

The Summit’s exhibition area will gather over 100 exhibitors across the Hong Kong Zone, Global Investment Zone and InnoTech Zone. The Hong Kong Zone will showcase the services and business advantages of Hong Kong service providers, while the Global Investment Zone will present large-scale investment projects, cultural and technological developments as well as global investment opportunities. The InnoTech Zone will feature cutting-edge innovations, AI, technologies and solutions from exhibitors around the globe.

Media representatives who would like to conduct interviews with the speakers, please submit interview requests to awong@yuantung.com.hk or lsong@yuantung.com.hk by 6 September.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4g2t70H

Media enquiries
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:

Anson WongTel: (852) 3428 3413Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk
Louise SongTel: (852) 3428 5691Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Clayton LauwTel: (852) 2584 4472Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Agnes WatTel: (852) 2584 4554Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitionsconferences 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.

TRST01 Signs Landmark Memorandum of Understanding Agreement with Rubber Board of India for Centralised Compliance Solution for EUDR

TRST01, a sustainable tech company that helps businesses meet global sustainability rules while making their supply chains more transparent, trustworthy, and ethical, announces a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement with the Rubber Board of India to develop and implement a centralised compliance solution for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Through this strategic partnership, TRST01 becomes the first private entity in the world to enter into an MoU with a public entity for a one-stop compliance solution, setting a new standard in public-private partnerships.

The MoU underscores the trust and confidence that the Rubber Board of India has in TRST01 as a key player in the sustainable technology space. While other entites have entered into contract-based agreements, this MoU represents a deeper, more integrated collaboration that is poised to revolutionise compliance processes for the Indian rubber industry.

TRST01 and the Rubber Board of India will collaborate on geo-mapping rubber-growing land plots to ensure deforestation-free sourcing and responsible practices. This partnership will also develop a Centralized Database to enhance traceability, risk assessment, and compliance with European Union Deforestation Regulations (EUDR) in the rubber industry, with TRST01 as the technology partner. Ultimately, the MoU will help strengthen India’s regulatory framework and position India as a global leader in sustainable rubber production.

Speaking on the strategic agreement with TRST01, Mr. M. Vasanthagesan IRS, CEO and Executive Director of The Rubber Board, said, “This collaboration with TRST01 is a testament to our dedication to supporting the rubber sector. The initiatives outlined in this MoU will facilitate the exporters to comply with EUDR and make Indian rubber growers globally competitive and get wider opportunities for their produce.”

“This joint venture is a testament to our commitment to driving sustainability and compliance in the rubber industry,” remarked Prabir Mishra, CEO and founder of TRST01. “It is a great honour to partner with the Rubber Board of India as this initiative can serve as a model for other industries and regions.

For TRST01, the MoU will demonstrate how public-private partnerships can drive innovation in sustainability. The collaboration represents a shared vision for a sustainable future. It will significantly benefit Indian rubber producers, highlighting how TRST01 can help producers achieve global compliance standards in sustainability.

About TRST01

TRST01 provides cutting-edge technology solutions that ensure supply chain traceability, accurate ESG reporting, digital measurement of sustainability impacts, and the secure management of carbon credits. TRST01 stands out for its simplicity, adaptability, and focus on creating tangible impacts on sustainability, making it accessible and effective for many users, from smallholder farmers to multinational corporations. It is also at the forefront of the regenerative finance movement, creating financial tools that promote practices that restore rather than deplete the earth’s resources.

TRST01’s approach fundamentally transforms how businesses view sustainability by creating a direct and tangible impact on People, Planet, and Profitability. Our innovations are not just about compliance; they make a sustainable ecosystem where every participant benefits. Visit trst01.com to learn more.

About Rubber Board India

The Rubber Board of India, headquartered in Kottayam, Kerala, is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Established in 1947, it plays a pivotal role in the development of the rubber industry in India. The Board’s responsibilities encompass research, development, and extension activities related to natural rubber cultivation, production, and processing. It also regulates the marketing of rubber and ensures fair prices for both growers and consumers. Through its various initiatives, the Rubber Board strives to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the rubber industry in India, thereby contributing to the economic growth of the country.

Media Contact:

Sheree Tan
Senior Associate
PINPOINT PR Pte. Ltd.
sheree@pinpointpr.sg | pinpointpr.sg
SG: +65 8313 9472

Hakim Ishak
Associate
PINPOINT PR Pte. Ltd.
hakim@pinpointpr.global | pinpointpr.sg
SG: +65 8949 3040 

Cisgenics Brings Next-Generation Irrigation Technology to Australia

Cisgenics, a pioneer of world-class sustainable irrigation solutions, has entered the Australian market, introducing their next-generation irrigation solutions which hold the potential to shape the future of water management in Australia. The company is opening its first office in Adelaide and undertaken a number of significant projects including a world-class sporting venue and various projects for the City of West Torrens in South Australia. These projects address urban green space management and water optimisation to maintain lush, inviting landscapes while adhering to strict water conservation mandates.

Australia faces pressing challenges such as water overconsumption, frequent droughts, and the resulting heightened risk of fires, all of which threaten the sustainability of agricultural practices, urban green spaces, and notable landmarks. Cisgenic’s flagship solution, CisgenX, derived from over 45 years of experience in irrigation experience across more than 1,000 projects, can help overcome some of these issues.  A proven solution, CisgenX will be deployed at some of the world’s most recognisable and photographed locations including, Bay East Gardens, and the Founders Memorial at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, along with the Nad Al Sheba Road in the UAE.

“We see a significant market for CisgenX in Australia, where water conservation and droughts are critical concerns,” says Sam Rebera, Managing Director of Cisgenics. “To help local businesses and communities meet their sustainability goals, we are striving to earn the Smart Approved Watermark, which we believe will establish CisgenX as Australia’s leading sustainable irrigation solution. To support this goal and manage the projects we’ve secured, we are in the process of opening  an office in Adelaide.”

Cisgenics designs solutions to meet the unique needs of various industries, from golf courses and landscapes to agribusiness. Their precision irrigation systems enhance turf health, create water-efficient green spaces in both urban and rural areas, and boost crop yields. CisgenX, utilises advanced IoT (Internet of Things) technology and machine learning algorithms to optimise water, fertiliser, and energy use. This state-of-the-art solution helps optimise water usage and manage plant health.

The integration of technologies in the CisgenX solution enables precision irrigation, where machine learning algorithms will work alongside weather data to predict water needs with pinpoint accuracy, significantly reducing water waste. The platform’s advanced sensors and real-time monitoring optimise resource use, saving money, conserving water, and ensuring plant health. Internal studies have shown that CisgenX can cut water consumption by up to 40%, and in some cases, by as much as 70% on traditional methods of irrigation. These significant reductions help clients meet their ESG goals while providing real-time data through IoT sensors that monitor soil moisture and other critical factors.

“Through our advanced irrigation solutions, we are not only addressing immediate concerns like water scarcity and fire risk but also contributing to a sustainable future for Australia,” added Rebera. “Our goal is to support the country’s efforts to manage its natural resources responsibly while ensuring that essential green spaces thrive.”

Cisgenics will be showcasing these products and more at the upcoming Irrigation Conference 2024 in Sydney from 2-4 September. Attendees are invited to visit Booth 88 to learn how their solutions can transform irrigation practices in Australia and beyond.

About Cisgenics

Cisgenics is dedicated to revolutionising the irrigation industry through innovative, AI-powered solutions that optimise water and energy use, promote sustainability, and ensure the health and longevity of green assets worldwide. With more than 45 years of experience, Cisgenics combines deep industry knowledge with the latest technological advancements to offer precision, efficiency, and sustainability in water management. Visit cisgenics.com for more information.

For more information, please contact:
Illka Gobius
Managing Director
PINPOINT PR Pte. Ltd.
Email: illka@pinpointpr.global
Phone: (AU) 0429 396 275 or (SG) +65 9769 8370

Verofax secures $3M in Bridge funding to deploy AI & AR experiences to tourists and sports fans

Verofax Limited, a Web3 services company, today announced closing a $3M bridge round led by international investors Plug & Play Tech Center, Navig8 Group, King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, Trove Capital UK follow-on investment, Jawa Brothers Advisory, with Alzamil Pedco CVC and Tracecore CVC completing the list of investors.

Verofax applies patented Web3 technologies such as Blockchain, Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence to provide ‘Elevated tourist, shopper and brand marketing experiences’, enabling destinations, retailers and sports stadiums to turn their experiences interactive and drive conversion and social virality. Brands can reach customers directly, thereby increasing consumer intimacy with direct engagement and leveraging gamification for unmatched results from AI & AR experiences. Verofax has won many awards for the application of artificial intelligence for tourism and retail and has achieved sales to date of over $3M for Fortune 100 companies across 50 markets globally.

The funds will be used to execute the Company’s pipeline of projects in the Middle East and EU, notably AI-powered guides in GCC and Sports fan guides in the EU and North America. Verofax solutions apply to various industries (Retail, Tourism and Sports) and are already used by leading brands such as Anheuser Busch Inc and Emirates Airlines. Verofax is a Microsoft Native partner and has secured a global network of distributors and resellers, co-selling on enterprise solution platforms such as Microsoft Azure Marketplace, Amazon AWS, and other platforms.

Wassim Merheby, CEO of Verofax, said, “Our solution helps Tourists elevate their experiences, unlock personalized discounts and Offer gamified ‘Explore to win’ sponsored games in Augmented reality. This allows enterprises and brands to sponsor and elevate their marketing efficiency, power direct-to-consumer communication and deliver amazing experiences to drive growth and boost loyalty. We are thrilled to be joined by strategic investors that will help us accelerate our AI guide solution and AR gamified experiences and grow through their collective network and with their advice.”

Abdullah Alakeel, Country Director of Plug & Play Saudi, said: “Our recent investment in Verofax demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting the most promising startups within the Kingdom and the broader region. As one of the world’s most active and successful early-stage tech investors, we are fully dedicated to nurturing the Kingdom’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are thrilled to witness the transformative impact that Verofax will continue to make within the Tourism industry.”

Mr Ian Campbell, Vice President of the National Transformation Institute (NTI), said, “KAUST is mandated to accelerate the digital economy in the Kingdom as part of the University’s forward vision, leveraging KAUST science and innovation to make an impact beyond the walls of the campus itself and to create collaborations and identify opportunities where KAUST can contribute by convening minds and resources together to deliver solutions to benefit the wider Kingdom and beyond. The application of AI in tourism, customer service and beyond are applications that fall within our investment mandate.”

Jamal Jawa, Managing Partner of Brothers Advisory, said, “Our investment thesis is to support growth startups that leverage the latest technologies such as AI / AR and Web3, setting new service categories. We have been incredibly impressed by Wassim and the whole Verofax team and are thrilled to be making this our first investment in a Pre-Series A startup in the GCC region”.

About Verofax
Verofax is a Web3 Asset Digitization and mixed-reality experience solution provider with a presence across North America, Europe, Asia and MEA regions. The Verofax solution is available across multiple cloud marketplaces, such as AWS & Microsoft Azure, to power tourism and retail personalized, immersive experiences with ease to boost customer loyalty and repurchase rates. Verofax boasts investment and support from 500 startups, including Sanabil Investments (PIF), and has received government grants to develop its IP globally. For technical matters, visit Verofax at https://www.verofax.com or contact info@verofax.com.

About Plug & Play Tech Center
Plug & Play Tech Center is the most significant innovation platform in the world, supercharging innovation of over 500 industry-leading corporations by keeping them at the forefront of industry trends through PnPTC corporate Accelerator programs. Plug & Play runs over 100 industry-focused accelerator programs in over 50 locations globally and invests in over 250 companies a year alongside the world’s best VCs. For more information, visit https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com.

About KAUST
KAUST is an international graduate-level science and technology research university located on the shores of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. Home to world-class faculty, scientists, engineers, and students from around the globe, the campus’s 10 research centers focus on solving problems related to water, food, energy, and the environment. Students can access state-of-the-art labs and our eminent faculty while obtaining a diverse graduate study experience. Visit https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/ or #KAUSTPortfolio for more information.

About Jawa Brothers Advisory
Jawa Brothers Advisory, Owned and Managed by the Jawa Family, has been an Active Investor in the field of Private Equity for more than three decades. The group invests primarily through interests in limited partnership positions, Leveraged Buyout (MBO and LBO), Growth and Expansion Capital Private Equity Funds and Late Stage Venture Capital Funds. Funds are selected based on a clearly defined set of criteria. The company’s disciplined and discerning investment professionals perform exceptional due diligence, studying the industry to identify specific opportunities and trends. Jawa Brothers Advisory is part of Starling Group. Visit https://www.starlinggroup.com/ for more information.

Learn more at https://www.verofax.com or contact Verofax at info@verofax.com.

Valuufy Established to Transform Sustainable Business and Investing

Unleashing ValuuCompass to create a new benchmark for sustainability evaluation

Valuufy, a pioneering fintech startup drawn from a decades’ work in measuring and creating sustainable value at Doshisha University’s Value Research Center, has launched with its groundbreaking ValuuCompass, a comprehensive framework set to transform sustainable business practices and sustainability investing by providing a fully transparent and actionable framework for assessing and improving sustainability performance.

The current state of sustainability reporting:
·  Confusing and inefficient for companies
·  Multiple different standards and metric
·  Emphasis on past activities rather than future strategies
·  Difficult to capture real impacts on people and the environment
·  No reliable benchmark for investors to assess sustainability risks and opportunities

ValuuCompass addresses precisely these challenges.
The ValuuCompass addresses a critical gap in the market: the lack of a holistic, transparent system for assessing a company’s true stakeholder impacts and sustainability risks that arise from these. At the heart of this new product is the Value Model, which has synthesized more than 1,200 individual impact measurements from leading global ESG and sustainability frameworks into a clear goal-based model to measure stakeholder impacts and value creation.

With this new assessment system, Valuufy offers businesses and investors a clear, actionable view of value creation that goes far beyond traditional sustainability and ESG metrics. “In an era where ‘value washing’ – the pretence of sustainable value creation – poses significant financial and reputational risks, both companies and investors need a reliable compass,” said Kyle Barnes, CEO of Valuufy. “Valuufy’s products and services provide these capabilities, offering a level of transparency and insight that goes beyond all other existing solutions.”

Dr. Philip Sugai, Director of Research at Valuufy and Director at the Value Research Center, emphasized the revolutionary approach that Valuufy is taking: “The current systems underlying sustainability and ESG are fundamentally broken, focusing on backwards-looking disclosures rather than forward-looking strategies.  Valuufy was established to change this paradigm, helping businesses to shift their focus to creating real, and measurable value across their key stakeholders.”

Valuufy’s ongoing activities aim to bring this important mindset to business strategy creation for businesses of all sizes. “Today, we’re not just launching a new tool; we’re setting a new standard for sustainable business and investing,” added Marco Koeder, Chief Marketing Officer. By 2030, we aim to establish the Value Model as the global benchmark for measuring and creating sustainable value.”

Benefits of ValuuCompass for Companies:
·  First universal, objective standard to measure real impact on people and the planet
·  Provides actionable recommendations for improvement
·  Enhances performance in the sustainability reporting framework
·  Transforms complex data into clear, strategic insights

Benefits of ValuuCompass for Investors:
·  Enables truly informed decisions on sustainability risks and opportunities
·  Offers rigorous, quantifiable metrics for portfolio assessment
·  Aligns perfectly with the financial sector’s data-driven approach
·  Provides a competitive edge in sustainable investing

Discover how Valuufy is revolutionizing the future of sustainability at www.valuufy.com.

About Valuufy
Valuufy Inc seeks to transform how the world understands and acts on sustainability. Founded in 2024, Valuufy is a registered Japanese startup in Kyoto, Japan, born of 10 years of academic value research at Doshisha University and the Value Research Center. Led by an international team with expertise in value research, sustainability strategies, innovative technologies, business development, and ESG assessments, Valuufy provides a suite of products and services to promote value-creation activities across stakeholders for businesses of all sizes – to set new standards in transparent, data-driven decision-making in the realm of sustainability and value creation. For more, visit www.valuufy.com.

The Value Research Center was officially established at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan, in November 2021 to develop a system for measuring, monitoring, assessing, and reporting on organizations’ value creation and destruction impacts on various stakeholder groups. The result is the Value Model, which forms the foundation for ValuuCompass.

Contact:
Press/Media
E: news@valuufy.com
T: +81-90-9742-0860

Marco Koeder
E: marco@valuufy.com
T: +49-175-999-8647

Verofax and NetGreen Announce Strategic Alliance to Accelerate Global Reforestation Efforts

– Expediting the Journey to Net Zero –

In a landmark initiative to combat climate change, Verofax, a leader in blockchain traceability and AI technologies, has partnered with climate tech startup NetGreen to activate retail channels to lead the change in re-greening our planet with trust and transparency.

Wassim Merheby, CEO of Verofax, with Nisreen Shadad, CEO & Co-founder of Netgreen.

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Verofax’ advanced technological solutions and NetGreen’s platform comes at a crucial time as businesses and consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability.

In fact, 88% of consumers want to make an environmental impact, but lack a trusted platform that is easy and affordable. NetGreen’s platform meets an urgent market need where individuals can purchase a plant-a-tree service from validated reforestation projects to combat climate change.

NetGreen’s unique approach enables participants to directly engage in reforestation through everyday transactions, such as converting loyalty points into tree plantings. This model not only supports carbon sequestration but also enhances biodiversity and fosters a deeper connection between communities and their natural environments.

Preventing Double Counting & Ensuring Validation of Reforestation Projects
With Verofax validating, reforestation projects becomes seamless using Verofax’ Tree Chain technology for identifying, tracking and measuring the carbon capture from trees using computer vision, AI drone feeds, geolocation, and an immutable ledger.

These technologies will automate operations to prevent double counting and ensure their alignment with the latest international standards, including Verra and UNFCCC CDM.

Nisreen Shadad, CEO and Co-Founder of NetGreen, stated, “Partnering with Verofax propels us towards our vision of a greener planet by enhancing the reach and effectiveness of our reforestation projects. Their advanced technology solutions will allow us to provide undeniable proof of impact to our participants, increasing trust and participation rates. This is a game-changer for environmental engagement.”

Wassim Merheby, CEO of Verofax, said, “This partnership is an excellent opportunity to showcase how innovative technology can be harnessed to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges. By supporting NetGreen, we are not only contributing to scaling reforestation but also demonstrating the potential for technology to create significant positive change.”

The MOU between Verofax and NetGreen is poised to set a benchmark for how technology can facilitate more sustainable practices across industries and communities worldwide. It underscores both companies’ commitment to leveraging strengths in promoting an environmental stewardship and global sustainability.

About Verofax
Verofax specializes in providing sustainable solutions with advanced track and trace capabilities through product serialization and blockchain technology. Their solutions enhance compliance and transparency across industries, promoting environmentally responsible practices. For further details, visit https://www.verofax.com.

About NetGreen
NetGreen is a climate action application that empowers individuals and businesses to participate actively in tree-planting projects aimed at re-greening the planet, expediting the journey Net Zero. Led by CEO Nisreen Shadad, the platform enables effective afforestation participation, enhancing biodiversity and fostering community connections to natural habitats. For more information, please visit https://netgreen.live.

For additional information, please register at https://netgreen.live/inquiry, join our community at https://linktr.ee/netgreen.live, or contact us at impact@netgreen.live.