Star baby hippo Moo Deng gets Thai COP29 spot

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PUBLISHED: 10 Nov 2024 at 18: 22

Moo Deng the Thai baby pygmy hippo
Thai child pygmy hippo named Moo Deng

Thailand is putting together a Thailand Pavilion to showcase its climate change initiatives and discussions, with products and activities based on Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo, that will be featured at the 29th Conference of the Parties ( COP29 ) in Azerbaijan.

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change ( UNFCCC), which is scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital city, on November 9 through to November 22, will be a part of the minister’s announcement on Sunday, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on said.

He claimed that the event may help Thailand work with other nations to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065.

According to him, the government has collaborated with public and private partners to establish the Thailand Pavilion to demonstrate its efforts to combat climate change.

The palace will show four key areas: climate policy, weather technology, climate action, and climate finance, as well as a technology and innovation zone to existing efforts in greenhouse gas reduction and carbon capture.

Mr Chalermchai said a range of side activities was likewise planned, including dialogues and communities to exchange ideas, information, knowledge and experiences on over 30 issues

The Thailand Pavilion will also have activities like a photo kiosk and souvenirs made by Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s prominent baby pygmy hippo, Moo Deng.

From November 11 through November 22, Mr. Chalermchai said, the people can observe changes and regular happenings at the Thailand Pavilion and COP29 part events live on the Department of Climate Change and Environment’s Instagram page.

Meanwhile, the People’s Party ( PP ) said Thailand should use COP29 to emphasise its commitment to achieving net zero emission goals.

Saniwan Buaban, a list-MP, suggested rules for the authorities to explain at the conference on Sunday.

She suggested that the Thai government should declare its commitment to boosting endurance, lowering climate-related risks, and increasing endurance.

She also urged the government to emphasise the need for information, engineering, technology, experience, several funding sources, and its intention to access international funds.

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China’s surging lead in the EV battery circular economy – Asia Times

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Battery recycling and circular economy initiatives have become crucial to the global green transition as the electric vehicle ( EV ) market expands globally. China, now a powerful person in EV power output, is today expanding its reach into the cell recycling industry, aiming to build a closed-loop supply chain.

China is now a leader in the emerging round business, which involves sharing, rent, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products as much as possible, thanks to this strategy, which addresses the issue of resource scarcity as well as providing a fresh competitive edge in the international green technology arena.

The essential materials for Volt batteries, such as chromium, potassium, and nickel, are limited in supply and socially expensive to extract. China has a strong foothold in the world battery supply chain thanks to its extensive control over the world’s mineral resources, as well as its substantial stakes in African cobalt mines and Latin American lithium sources.

Yet, China’s ambitions go beyond command over natural elements. China is working to reduce its emphasis on just mined nutrients while simultaneously lowering the economic impact of EV cell production by encouraging a powerful battery recycling business.

Chinese businesses like CATL and GEM Co, Ltd. are positioned in the battery recycling market by utilizing cutting-edge technologies to increase the reuse rate of crucial materials. These businesses use cutting-edge extraction techniques to recover valuable components from outdated batteries, which can then be reintegrated into the production cycle.

This strategy improves resource efficiency and reduces waste, as well as establishing a strong green image for China on the global stage. The Chinese government’s supportive policies, which include setting industry standards, offering financial support, and providing tax incentives, are further strengthening the growth of this sector, making China’s position in the global circular economy increasingly difficult to match.

In contrast, the United States and Europe have yet to create comprehensive battery recycling supply chains, which puts them at a long-term disadvantage. Western countries ‘ battery recycling efforts remain fragmented, with limited large-scale infrastructure in place.

China has the opportunity to set standards and win markets in areas that may eventually rely on China for recycled battery materials, just as they have historically relied on it for raw materials.

China’s recycling network will grow as EV adoption increases and the volume of used batteries rises, potentially making Chinese companies key partners for international companies looking to secure sustainable sources of battery materials.

China has a lot of leverage on the international stage thanks to its expanding knowledge of battery recycling. China has greater influence over the global EV supply chain and is at a disadvantage in negotiations with businesses and nations that depend on these resources because of its control over both new and recycled sources of critical minerals.

China’s emphasis on recycling and sustainable practices also aligns with its goals to be a responsible global player in climate action, a position that is crucial as green technology becomes more politicized on the global stage.

However, Western countries are increasingly wary of China’s closed-loop resource system. Particularly in the United States, concerns have been raised that China might use its influence over the recycling supply chain to increase its position of authority in green technology.

There is also growing concern that China may be able to establish standards for sustainability in ways that serve its own interests as a result of this influence.

These issues are at the crossroads between geopolitics and circular economy initiatives: even in those whose main concern is the environment, there is strong competition between the US and China.

China’s research and development in battery recycling serve as both a wise response to resource shortage and a step-by-step exploration of potential circular economy potential. The ability to close the loop on crucial resources like EV batteries will become an increasingly valuable asset as the global green transition progresses.

How countries balance the need for supply chain independence with their circular economy goals could be a key factor in the US and China’s ongoing green technology battle. The future of green technology and, consequently, the dynamics of the world’s economic power will likely be influenced by China’s involvement in battery recycling.

Lin Qin is visiting PhD students at the Liu Institute for Asia andamp; Asian Studies at the University of Notre Dame, and PhD students at the Shanghai International Studies University’s School of International Relations and& Public Affairs. Follow her on X at @Lyinn_Chin7

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Singapore sets up global fintech network, appoints former MAS chief Ravi Menon as chairman

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SINGAPORE: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has set up a global network to strengthen Singapore’s position as a fintech hub and improve connections with other countries.

The Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN) will support the central bank’s efforts to develop and grow Singapore’s fintech ecosystem, MAS said on Wednesday (Oct 30).

The network’s mission is to “harness technology and foster innovation through global partnerships”.

Former MAS managing director Ravi Menon will be the chairman of the GFTN board of directors.

When asked why he was appointed to GFTN’s board and how it relates to his role as Singapore’s Ambassador for Climate Action, Mr Menon said the latter is still his main job.

“But as a retiree, I have a little bit of bandwidth, so I can also do this,” he said at a briefing on Wednesday.

He said the connections he made during his time in MAS led to his appointments in both roles and that he remains interested in technology.

“Both are actually issues that are very close to my heart – sustainability and innovation, the planet and people,” he said.

GFTN replaces Elevandi, a non-profit set up by MAS to foster dialogue related to fintech. It organised fintech conferences in several countries, including Japan, Switzerland and Ghana.

Elevandi’s people and assets will move to GFTN, where the work will be scaled up, said Mr Menon. 

Besides organising forums, GFTN will offer advisory services, partnerships with digital platforms and investments into technology start-ups with the potential for positive social or environmental impact.

“We will provide these portfolio companies with patient capital, but more importantly, access to a global network of potential partners, buyers and suppliers through our existing platforms,” said Mr Menon.

He said Elevandi’s forum business was doing well, and had more invitations than it could handle. At the same time, it was starting to do some “adjacent” work as people were asking for advice on digital infrastructure.

“We’ve been doing some of this pro bono, we’ve been doing some of this informally, not with the full complement of staffing and capabilities,” he said.

GFTN will have four distinct businesses to grow, and it wants to expand its global footprint. 

“It is basically Elevandi on steroids, without the negative connotations of course,” he said. There are currently 40 staff members, but that number is set to grow to “much more than 40 people”.

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South Korea eyes a rich BRICS road to the Global South – Asia Times

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In 2024, the BRICS nations continue to consolidate their influence in the global arena, collectively accounting for over 40% of the world’s population and approximately 30% of global GDP in purchasing power parity terms.

According to recent IMF projections, BRICS countries are set to contribute over 50% of global GDP growth in the coming years, underscoring their increasing weight in the international economic landscape.

China and India, in particular, remain the principal economic engines of the group, each maintaining robust trajectories fueled by China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and India’s ascendancy as a prominent manufacturing hub.

Complementing these giants, Russia leverages its vast energy resources, Brazil capitalizes on its agricultural and natural wealth and South Africa anchors the coalition’s outreach on the African continent. This strategic diversity enables BRICS to wield considerable influence in shaping global economic and political agendas.

Today, the BRICS is positioning itself as a counterweight to traditional Western-led financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, aiming to restore balance and justice in the emerging global economic order.

Central to this effort is the New Development Bank (NDB), which began with an initial capital of US$100 billion to fund infrastructure and sustainable projects, extending beyond the BRICS members to other emerging economies.

This initiative, combined with efforts to promote trade in local currencies, reflects a strategy to reduce reliance on dollar-based systems and challenge Western dominance in global financial governance.

Moreover, BRICS has increasingly positioned itself as a representative of the Global South, advocating for principles of non-interference and mutual development.

The 2024 BRICS summit in Russia reinforced this by welcoming Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, highlighting its ambition to form a more inclusive grouping with greater global influence.

Today, BRICS is not merely an economic grouping; it represents the desire of the Global South for a shift toward a multipolar global order, with the grouping increasingly diverging from Western narratives on critical geopolitical issues.

This rising influence is reflected in efforts to reshape the international financial architecture, promote new development models, and challenge the dominance of Western-led institutions in international politics.

The group’s coherence in advancing the interests of the Global South and its proactive pursuit of economic sovereignty and technological self-reliance is pivotal to its vision of a new world order.

Strategic Seoul positioning

South Korea’s rise as a major economic and technological player has positioned it as an influential actor in global geopolitics. As a significant member of the G20 and an active participant in multilateral forums, South Korea has consistently advocated for greater representation of emerging economies in global governance institutions.

Despite its non-membership in BRICS, South Korea shares many of the coalition’s aspirations, particularly in diversifying economic partnerships and reducing dependence on a Western-centric international order.

South Korea’s strategic policies, such as the New Southern Policy (NSP), emphasize greater engagement with emerging economies in South and Southeast Asia, regions where BRICS nations, particularly India, hold considerable sway.

Furthermore, South Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategy aligns with BRICS interests, particularly in fostering connectivity and infrastructure development, providing fertile ground for deeper engagement on both bilateral and multilateral platforms.

For South Korea, closer cooperation with BRICS offers numerous benefits. By actively engaging with BRICS-led initiatives such as the NDB, South Korea can gain a foothold in emerging financial frameworks, reducing its reliance on traditional Western financial systems and broadening its influence in global economic governance.

This involvement also positions South Korea as a neutral partner that bridges traditional Western alliances with emerging powers in BRICS, enhancing its diplomatic leverage and strategic flexibility in an increasingly multipolar world.

The diversification of its export markets, supply chains, and diplomatic engagements through partnerships with BRICS nations will be essential for maintaining competitiveness and securing long-term interests.

Collaborating with BRICS institutions also provides South Korea the opportunity to access emerging markets and participate in the growing regional integration efforts among BRICS members and their allies.

India-South Korea in BRICS embrace

India and South Korea are already strong strategic and economic partners. However, as BRICS expands its influence in the global arena with India as a key player, it presents a unique opportunity for South Korea to enhance its global status by strengthening its bilateral ties and collaborating more closely on global security and strategic issues.

Both nations possess complementary strengths and shared interests, making cooperation increasingly beneficial amid shifting global dynamics. India and South Korea have established a robust economic partnership, but there is still significant potential to deepen trade and investment ties.

In the wake of BRICS’ rise, the two countries could focus on expanding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to include areas such as digital trade, intellectual property rights, and services. This would not only provide preferential market access and boost bilateral trade volumes but also help South Korea strengthen its ties with the Global South.

Additionally, South Korea can leverage India as an alternative manufacturing hub amid shifting global supply chains, particularly in electronics, semiconductors and automotive manufacturing.

Participation in India’s ambitious infrastructure projects, such as the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and the Smart Cities Mission, presents further opportunities for Korean firms to expand their influence and capitalize on India’s rapid growth trajectory, reinforcing South Korea’s engagement with BRICS countries.

The evolving geopolitical landscape demands stronger strategic ties between South Korea and the Global South. Closer cooperation with India in maintaining a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, enhancing naval coordination, and strengthening joint efforts in counter-piracy and counterterrorism operations will bolster regional security and stability, enhancing South Korea’s role as a net security provider.

Moreover, the defense industries of both countries offer scope for collaboration in areas such as co-production of defense systems and joint development of critical technologies like missile defense, drones, and cybersecurity, reducing the Global South’s dependence on Western defense industries for national defense capabilities.

Both India and South Korea are leaders in innovation and technology, and collaboration in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, quantum computing, and green technologies can yield substantial benefits not only for their national economies but also for the wider region and the Global South.

South Korea’s leadership in semiconductors can further support India’s ambitions to build a robust semiconductor ecosystem through joint investments and technology transfers, thereby boosting India’s position within the Global South.

Strengthening cultural ties and enhancing people-to-people exchanges are essential for sustaining deeper collaboration. By deepening academic exchanges, providing scholarships, establishing joint research centers, and promoting cultural collaborations in areas such as film, music, and cuisine, South Korea can enhance mutual understanding and support broader partnerships with India.

This cultural engagement can serve as a gateway for South Korea to connect with BRICS nations and the Global South, which has been a challenge due to its close ties with the United States and Western-dominated institutions. Developing deeper cultural relations with India can correct this diplomatic anomaly and allow South Korea to extend its engagement beyond the US and the West.

India and South Korea share common values of democracy, development and international cooperation. With the rise of BRICS, India can act as a bridge, bringing South Korean perspectives into multilateral dialogues. Joint efforts in platforms like the G20, UN, and ASEAN can enhance diplomatic influence and promote shared interests, including global governance reforms, climate action and cybersecurity.

Sustainability remains a key concern for South Korea. Collaborative projects with India and BRICS member countries in renewable energy infrastructure, smart grids, electric mobility, and autonomous transportation systems can contribute to mutual energy security and support a sustainable future while integrating South Korea’s economy more deeply with the rising Global South. By focusing on green technologies, India and South Korea can play a pivotal role in the global energy transition.

South Korea’s engagement with BRICS, especially through its strengthened partnership with India, offers a strategic pathway for enhancing its global influence and securing its long-term interests in an evolving multipolar world.

A robust partnership for a new era

As a member of the US-led security order in Northeast Asia and heavily dependent on the United States for its security and economic prosperity, it may not be easy for South Korea to become a member of BRICS in the near future.

However, as the global order evolves with the rise of BRICS, South Korea is uniquely positioned to enhance its cooperation and engage in BRICS initiatives. The rise of BRICS signifies a shift towards a multipolar global order, wherein traditional power dynamics are being redefined, and emerging economies are asserting their influence on the world stage.

By proactively engaging with BRICS, South Korea can secure strategic advantages, reduce dependency on traditional Western institutions, and expand its economic and geopolitical reach.

South Korea’s strategic positioning as an intermediary between Western alliances and BRICS nations presents an opportunity to shape regional and global dialogues, ensuring that its voice remains influential amidst shifting power structures.

By focusing on strategic, economic, and technological collaboration with India and engaging with the broader BRICS coalition, South Korea can protect its interests, seize new opportunities and bolster its status in an increasingly multipolar world.

The foundation of South Korea’s partnership with India rests on shared values, mutual trust, and complementary strengths, making their cooperation pivotal for navigating the uncertainties of a changing global landscape.

Actively engaging with BRICS allows South Korea to align itself with a coalition that is reshaping the global order, securing its position as a key player in the evolving multipolar landscape, and expanding its influence on the global stage.

This proactive engagement not only enhances South Korea’s diplomatic and economic leverage but also solidifies its role as a dynamic actor in a redefined global order, positioning itself as a bridge between emerging powers and established global players.

It is time for South Korea to adjust its diplomatic strategy to claim its due place in the emerging new order in the region.

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Shooting the climate change messenger in Vietnam – Asia Times

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The challenges of climate change loom large as Vietnam struggles to cope with the effects of Typhoon Yagi, including prolonged energy interruptions, serious damage to roads and bridges, and the forced evacuation of over 100, 000 people.

Rising sea levels threaten to bury sections of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s grain dish. Farmland are already being destroyed by saltwater intrusion, and more intense storms and floods are wreaking havoc on areas.

Vietnam is not the only country to have experienced catastrophic and record-breaking floods in the lower Mekong basin over the past month. The need for strong climate actions and resilience planning in the region is underscored by these growing climate impacts.

Yet at this critical moment, one of Vietnam’s most important climate defenders, Dang Dinh Bach, is two weeks into a hunger strike – not from the frontlines of the climate challenge, but from behind prison bars.

The Asian government’s continued crackdown on civil society, climate activists, and other environmental activists is undermining both global climate goals and fundamental human rights, according to Bach’s protest. &nbsp,

Bach and his family have lodged almost 30 formal complaints about abuse and cruel conditions in jail, only to have the prison officials ignore during his three years behind bars.

Bach feels compelled to take this drastic step, which is in great danger for his health, to raise awareness of the plight of elderly and infirm captives who are living alongside him in terrible detention conditions.

Bach’s demands are simple and fair: prohibit solitary confinement, enable prisoners time outdoors for exercise and social contact, ensure electric safety, allow the exchange of books and enough lighting for reading, and ensure contact and communication with family are not unilaterally restricted.

Most immediately, Bach calls for proper medical care for prisoners with hidden disease, a critical public health measure in the high-risk prison setting. These fundamental changes may help Vietnam’s prisons more closely adhere to the UN’s Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and Convention Against Torture.

The Universal Periodic Review for Vietnam, a friend review of Vietnam’s human rights report that occurs every 4.5 years, came to an end last week at the 57th treatment of the UN Human Rights Council.

During the engaging speech, the International Federation for Human Rights&nbsp, made a statement&nbsp, highlighting Bach’s event and the cruel treatment he is enduring in jail. The statement emphasized the continuous and comprehensive harassment and harassment of human rights activists in Vietnam, as well as the oppression of civil society, including those promoting environmental and climate change.

The Taiwanese authorities accepted suggestions for improving the famous prison system, including ensuring problems in accordance with the UN Standard Minimum Rules, as part of its response to the evaluation process. The necessity of putting these pledges into exercise is highlighted by Bach’s hunger strike. &nbsp,

Contrary to its stated commitments to both human right and weather justice, the state rejected all suggestions that would call for an end to the abuse and targeting of human rights supporters and the oppression of civil society.

Bach has worked since joining the Law and Policy of Sustainable Development Research Centre and has dedicated his legal advocacy occupation to empowering areas.

He played a significant role in rewriting Vietnam’s environmental protection laws, enforcing regulations for cheap waste, and pushing for a shift from coal power. Composers trained over 100 young professionals, building a new generation of climate soldiers in Vietnam.

Bach became a target for this powerful job in particular. In the weeks before his imprisonment, Bach led a 17-day strategy to decrease Vietnam’s rely on fuel.

Soon after, he was detained on trumped-up charges of tax evasion – claims that the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention&nbsp, has deemed&nbsp,” a violation of international law on the grounds of prejudice based on political or other view, related to his economic work”.

Bach’s case is not isolated. Since 2021, six of Vietnam’s most prominent climate leaders have been imprisoned on similar dubious charges. The silencing of influential voices like Bach’s fundamentally reduces the ability for Vietnam and other nations to make crucial transitions to clean energy.

Without active civil society involvement, there is a real chance that global climate agreements wo n’t produce meaningful change or even worsen existing disparities or harms to the environment. &nbsp,

Bach’s hunger strike is a stark and appropriate reminder of both the human and climate costs of state oppression. The 29th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change ( COP29 ) will convene next month in Azerbaijan, where the international community will gather.

Azerbaijan is also incarcerating prominent climate activists and environmentalists in parallel with Vietnam, accelerating a crackdown on independent civil society. &nbsp,

Allowing these injustices to remain unreported eliminates crucial opportunities to challenge the status quo, undermining international efforts to address climate change and the credibility of multilateral forums. This is true in Vietnam, Azerbaijan, and throughout the world.

The international community must make every diplomatic and economic tool available to secure Bach’s immediate and unconditional release, as well as the release of climate activists and environmental advocates from other countries, and ensure that all commitments are based on respect for human rights. &nbsp,

As Bach wrote shortly before his arrest,” Only when]we ] enter an era of genuine national development, built on rule of law and respect for human rights, can we hope to address the climate crisis”.

Andrea Giorgetta is the International Federation for Human Rights ( FIDH)’s Asia desk director, and Maureen Harris is the Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition’s coordinator and senior advisor at International Rivers.

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ASEAN states have to ‘work very closely’ to tackle region’s climate change risks, says bloc’s sec-gen

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Crisis RISK REDUCTION FINANCING

Southeast Asia, which is sensitive to rising sea levels, storms, heatwaves and floods, faces difficulties when it comes to financing weather action, said watchers at the SIEW conference. &nbsp,

” If you look at reactive financing, clearly there is significant financing that’s going on, after ( a disaster ) has taken place”, said Dr Ramesh Subramaniam, director general and group chief of the sectors group at the Asian Development Bank ( ADB). &nbsp,

” But the problem that we face is that, in terms of allocating from your macroeconomic resources, a certain percentage of the funds to be ready to face catastrophe, that has been quite, quite slow”, he told CNA.

” And if you look at healthcare industry, I would say it’s about non-existent”.

Next month, the lender approved a new purpose to give climate finance 50 % of its monthly loans by 2030.

Dr. Subramaniam touched on the creation of a loss and damage account during the meeting and mentioned the COP28 climate summit in Dubai last year, stating that it is” a very important first action” in helping less-developed nations.

” We are very positive that there’ll get momentum”, he said, calling for more aid beyond what has been pledged by developed countries. &nbsp,

” Evidently, in terms of funding, the problem that we face is that given the scale of tragedies, no amount of funding is going to be enough”.

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Agritech startup, Qarbotech secures US.5mil in a seed extension round

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  • 500 Global, Better Bite Ventures, people, participated in this round
  • Money will be used to level activities in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand &amp, Vietnam

Left to Right: Chor Chee Hoe, CEO of Qarbotech, Prof Dr Suraya, founder and chief scientist of Qarbotech and Amirul Merican, COO of Qarbotech

Qarbotech Sdn Bhd, which claims to be a technology pioneer in photosynthesis enhancement through advanced carbon quantum dots, has announced its expansion across Southeast Asia, driven by US$ 1.5 million ( RM6.2 million ) in a seed round&nbsp, from investors, including 500 Global, Better Bite Ventures, ID Capital, EQT Foundation, and Epic Angels Limited.

Launched in 2018, the&nbsp, investment&nbsp, solidifies&nbsp, Qarbotech ‘s&nbsp, commitment to introducing its pioneering technology to new markets. It had earlier announced in Feb that it raised US$ 700, 000 in a plant square. The most recent statement is characterized as its grain expansion round. Data from Crunchbase&nbsp, shows Temasek Foundation among its owners, while Khazanah Nasional gave it a give and Petronas Future Tech gave aid with non-equity help.

The funding&nbsp, may allow it to range functions in areas such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, where demand for innovative agricultural solutions is rising.

” We’re thrilled to embark on this new section of growth”, said Chor Chee Hoe, CEO of Qarbotech. ” Our solution, QarboGrow, is a milestone in plant science, using natural, biodegradable carbon quantum dots to dramatically improve light intake and increase crop yields by up to 60 %. This addresses issues with food safety and optimizes the use of fertilizers, thereby reducing the need for a lot of software that can cause dirt pollution and degradation.

As part of its development, Qarbotech is opening its second manufacturing center in Puchong, Malaysia, capable of producing 100, 000 gallons of QarboGrow regular. This facility represents a major step forward in meeting the country’s growing need for cutting-edge agricultural technology.

Amirul Merican, COO of Qarbotech, stated,” This purchase will help us to increase production and bring our branded alternatives to more farmers in the region, enabling them to make more with less economic impact.

The entrepreneur behind Qarbotech’s breakthrough technologies is Prof Dr Suraya Abdul Rashid, a leading nano scientist ranked among the nation’s top 2 % experts in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Her research supports the foundational knowledge of QarboGrow more, in line with the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the finding of quantum dots.

” With over two decades of experience in nano, I am thrilled to discover classical lines finally achieving useful, large-scale influence in agriculture”, said Prof Dr Suraya, chairman and chief professor of Qarbotech and director of the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University Putra Malaysia. ” Our patented technology addresses the inconsistencies of photosynthesis using a scalable and sustainable approach, bypassing the need for genetic modifications, allowing us to directly address challenges in crop yield and climate resilience.”

Qarbotech’s innovations are already making an impact. A pilot project with PT Iceh Agro Indonesia in Indonesia that involved 400 hectares of rice fields increased yields by up to one tonne per hectare and significantly increased farmer incomes.

” Imagine the same farmer with the same land, labour, and workflow being able to produce up to 60 % more food. Qarbotech’s photosynthesis multiplier makes that possible. We are proud to provide additional financing to Qarbotech and believe their technology will be mission-critical for regions vulnerable to climate change”, said Khailee Ng, managing partner, 500 Global.

Michal Klar, founding partner at Better Bite Ventures, added,” Qarbotech embodies our commitment to supporting a more sustainable, climate-friendly food system through transformative technology, improving economic outcomes while lowering emissions. This innovative team and their effort to transform the world food system are a success, in our opinion.

The potential to increase crop yields across a range of climates and agricultural practices presents a significant market opportunity with over 500 million smallholder farmers worldwide.

” During our entrepreneurship competition in Southeast Asia, Qarbotech surprised us with their breakthrough in photosynthesis enhancement. Their innovation demonstrates that it is possible to increase farmers ‘ yields and economic outcomes while lowering carbon emissions. With EQT’s global expertise in agricultural investments, we aim to help Qarbotech overcome barriers to achieving scale”, said Cilia Holmes Indahl, CEO of EQT Foundation.

Beyond boosting productivity, QarboGrow’s unique carbon quantum dot technology promotes carbon sequestration by enabling plants to store more carbon dioxide, which results in lower greenhouse gas emissions. With each litre of product increasing carbon dioxide capture, QarboGrow’s global scaling could have a significant impact on efforts to combat climate change. This opens up the doors to carbon credits and offsets, which are becoming increasingly important in a world where emissions reduction is a top priority.

With far-reaching economic and environmental effects, Qarbotech’s technology is a breakthrough in agritech with increased yields and climate action.

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Commentary: Singapore’s climate action has been graded ‘highly insufficient’, but is that too harsh?

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With the support of the government and our industry-leading developers, Singapore may take the lead in the effort to increase the production of less polluting materials like cement and material in the area. If environmental protection laws are more enacted, this type of investment is important because it will require more extensive use of eco-friendly building materials.

It is easy to overlook how crucial plaster and steel are to Singapore’s future natural development because the majority of these crucial inputs are produced elsewhere. However, if green building components are made in a cooperative manner here in the area, it is significantly lower carbon footprints across various local supply chains and significantly increase Asia’s gross domestic product.

ECONOMIC WINS ARE Weather WINS.

The margins are very great. If we do n’t take collective action, ASEAN’s GDP could drop by as much as 30 % by 2050, according to Swiss Re, more than any other region in the world.

This underscores the value of a shared role in our fight against climate change. It’s not just Singapore’s issue, it’s a shared challenge of making painful choices up.

If Singapore cuts emissions to significantly or too quickly, it will always strike a delicate balance, causing harm to the economy and possibly causing business disequities. Singapore is prone to the physical and economic effects of climate change, but if other nations drag their feet.

However, being at the forefront allows it to determine the course and establish business standards for others to adopt. There is potential to create more jobs, encourage innovation in clear systems, and develop Singapore’s world competitiveness and climate status.

Today, Singapore’s climate targets and policies only merit a “highly insufficient” rating. Will the next report card reflect our gizmo?

Matthew Dearth is the co-director of the Centre for Sustainable Finance Innovation and an associate professor of finance ( practice ) at Nanyang Technological University and Nanyang Business School.

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Global economic activities increasingly viewed through security lens: PM Wong

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Against this backdrop, Singapore will have to get its own way forth, he said. Through local and international forums, this means remaining opened and pushing for complimentary flows of industry and investments. &nbsp,

We want Singapore to get their choice partner, “importantly, as countries and companies outside seem to diversify their risks and broaden their range of partners. We want to act as a trustworthy and trustworthy base from which they can operate, said Mr. Wong.

Using a fund comparison where professionals are always looking for “alpha” or the extra advantage that drives higher returns, Mr Wong said Singapore’s “greatest supply of alpha” lies in its reputation for respect, dignity and reliability.

” These features are a special source of competitive advantage… and it’s very difficult for others to recreate. I believe what’s real for Singapore applies to Temasek”, he said.

Yet as Temasek embarks on its second phase of transformation, these values&nbsp, – ranging from an adherence to excellent standards and values, an ability to think long-term, grow with proper discipline and to add to the Singapore brand of quality, reliability, discipline and integrity -&nbsp,” cannot and must never change”, said Mr Wong.

These qualities make Temasek a well-known brand, and these qualities will help him maintain his value and reputation as a long-term partner.

Mr. Wong also touched on Temasek’s belief that “doing well, doing right, and doing good” in his speech.

Balancing and achieving all of these multiple goals is challenging, he said. Temasek and its portfolio companies ‘ ability to accomplish their goals depends a lot on their leadership and workforce.

He then expressed his gratitude to all the board members who have and continue to serve on Temasek’s behalf.

At the anniversary dinner, former chairmen Mr. Y Pillay and Mr. S. Dhanabalan were among those who were present. &nbsp,” They gave their hearts and minds, and their sweat and tears to build what we have today … We owe them all a great debt of gratitude”, said Mr Wong.

The prime minister&nbsp, noted that the government “has been careful not to have any role or influence in Temasek’s investment’s decisions”. Instead, its approach “has been to hold the board accountable for Temasek’s performance” .&nbsp,

” But this approach has been made possible only because we have board members who are committed and capable, and who can be trusted to work with the management to protect what we have inherited from Temasek, build on it, and pass it on to new generations in better shape than we started,” he said.

In closing, he said:” Tonight, I would like to put on record my appreciation to everyone in Temasek and the portfolio companies. Over the past five decades, we appreciate your numerous contributions.

I want to say a big” thank you” to everyone who has contributed to Temasek and the wider Temasek family, both past and present.

Temasek, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has marked 2024 with initiatives such as the set-up of a S$ 150 million fund for skills training and talent development in Singapore.

It announced at the anniversary dinner that it would set aside$ 100 million as a concessional capital for climate change to help raise money for less-than-bankable projects.

It also launched a commemorative book- titled” By Generations, For Generations: Fifty Years of Temasek As Told By The People Who Shaped It’ ‘ – that chronicles key events and milestones of the firm over the past 50 years.

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