Commentary: BYD’s 5-minute charge – is time running out for electric vehicle rivals?

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CAN THE GLOBAL AUTO SECTOR Become DISAPPORATED?

The transfer of God’s Eye, which will be available for free, even in its cheapest cars, comes just days after BYD announced the launch of the Super e-Platform.

Tu Le, the leader of Sino Auto Insights, claimed that the God’s Eye system and the fast-charging statement had considerably increased pressure on global carmakers.

BYD boasted academic property across EV, power, and charging technology, according to Le, which made it “much easier and cleaner” for the techniques to get integrated “much easier and cleaner” than in the rest of the business.

The distinction between BYD and everyone else is, he said, “been able to offer these systems on mass-market automobiles.” ” Ford probably put a couple global companies out of business.”

But, groups like BYD continue to be plagued by increasing trade barriers and American concerns about the risks Chinese technology poses for national security.

The business environment, as well as technologies, is essential, according to Kim Seung-tae, an professional at the Korea Battery Industry Association, despite rival Asian organizations pursuing BYD’s technological advancement.

According to him,” Our companies will continue to dominate the US market as long as the IRA [ Inflation Reduction Act ] is in place,” he said, referring to the legislation passed by Joe Biden that forbade electric vehicles with Chinese batteries from receiving tax credits.

Given the country’s weakness in ESG [environmental, social, and governance policies ] and labor rights, Kim continued,” Although competition is intense in Europe, we will have more options there as environmental rules get stronger.”

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IWD: The importance of female sustainable finance leaders | FinanceAsia

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From a minute departure from the Paris Agreement to an emphasis on oil and gas drilling through declaring an energy emergency, to decisions as relatively small as reintroducing plastic straws, the Trump administration has made an’ economic U-turn’ in the world’s largest economy. The results will ripple across the world, probably sending sustainable financing, second gaining momentum in 2018, up years. &nbsp,

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Inside Malaysia’s 6-way MOCN: How Maxis is implementing the world’s first such network sharing agreement

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  • The plan includes both important industry centers and rural areas.
  • 8 fundamental ideas provide a high level framework for MNO engagement.

Malaysia’s cutting-edge 6-way Multi-Operator Core Network ( MOCN) initiative has been in operation since Jan. 2024, but the technical implementation and impact on the real world are still less well understood. Abdul Karim Fakir ( pic ), Chief Technology &, Strategy Officer, Maxis&nbsp, at MWC 2025 in Barcelona, revealed fresh insights into how this first-of-its-kind collaboration functions and its significance for Malaysia’s digital landscape.

Fakir explained that the contract extends far beyond this area, despite the fact that the majority of the 6-way MOCN’s first publicity focused on improving connectivity in underserved areas.

During his demonstration at the Malaysian Pavilion, Fakir explained that this is a “national contract.” The global six-way MOCN should cover both essential market centers and underserved remote areas, according to the statement.

This comprehensive approach is a significant change from the traditional infrastructure-sharing models, which frequently concentrate solely on remote policy. Operators can enter into business agreements for sharing across various business types under the Malay design, which the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and industry consider to be the first of its kind in the world, probably changing the way network infrastructure is deployed throughout the nation.

How the six-way posting functions

The MOCN framework, as described in Maxis ‘ presentation, is based on eight fundamental ideas that set up a high-level framework for collaboration between the six mobile network operators ( MNOs ) participating: Celcom, Digi, Maxis, U Mobile, TM, and YTL Communications. Take note that while Celcom and Digi are merged, they each have community property under development and are undergoing community combination. &nbsp,

The MOCN technology-based model includes both quiet sharing and effective sharing of physical infrastructure. addressing communication complaints, seven designated emphasis places, low-populated areas, and suburban and rural areas are among the priority areas.

Users can participate in either balance collaboration, where several operators share equally, or non-parity engagement, which may contain various levels of membership based on bilateral agreements between parties.

In a shared culture, quality control is paramount.

Maintaining support excellent across multiple providers is one of the most important issues with shared system. Fakir referred to a three-layered strategy for upholding value requirements.

For the professional necessity, he said,” We set the standard for what the sponsor needs to deliver, and that is number one.” Number two, they are also working with the MCMC to follow all open required criteria. Next and all, the telcos are monitored to make sure that we are maintaining the high standards for quality of service.

He acknowledged that while Malaysia has a lot of experience with sharing quiet infrastructure, effective sharing through MOCN is still relatively unknown territory. ” This is relatively new, and we need to go through the journey of knowledge from an administrative point.”

Beyond communication, there are other benefits to conservation.

The 6-way MOCN, in Maxis ‘ opinion, improves protection and provides significant economic gains. The sharing model results in energy efficiency gains of 20 % to 40 %, carbon footprint reductions of 10 % to 25 %, and resource efficiency gains of 15 % to 24 % for electronic waste.

These sustainability indicators connect the development of telecommunications infrastructure to several UN Sustainable Development Goals and align with the Environmental, Social, and Governance ( ESG) goals mentioned in the presentation.

progress toward a policy level of 100 %

The 6-way MOCN implementation is closely related to the JENDELA ( Jalinan Digital Negara ) program in Malaysia, which aims to provide 100 % population coverage for 4G composite and internet connectivity.

According to the roadmap presented by Maxis, Malaysia has already attained 97.3 % coverage as of Q3 2023, an increase from 91.8 % at the start of Jendela Phase 1. Through the continued Jendela Phase 2, which includes fresh initiatives under Jendela2, the nation is on record to have full coverage by 2025. &nbsp,

Essential success elements

Maxis identified four interconnected columns that are essential to the success of the initiative:

  • In keeping with government aspirations, supporting initiatives like Jendela and remote connection projects while still providing visible reports to policymakers.
  • Creating a customer-first thinking by ensuring that, despite shared system, smooth connection and little downtime, service standards remain high.
  • Industry collaboration spirit: Fostering trust among stakeholders and creating ethical models for resource sharing and joint ventures.
  • Government support – Engaging in policy discussions and advocating for regulations that support initiatives to support the digital economy.

Questions of the commercial nature still exist

Although technical details were provided, the sharing arrangement’s commercial aspects were less clear. Fakir declined to provide specific details when questioned about cost savings in comparison to conventional deployment strategies. The current sharing is more about bringing back the Malaysian experience of supporting the government’s efforts to address the digital divide and provide coverage, he said. I don’t believe we want to go into specifics about Maxis ‘ commercial composition,” I wouldn’t think that.”

Industry observers will be closely watching as the 6-way MOCN expands beyond its initial locations to learn how this unique, world-first, model juggles cooperation on infrastructure and competition in the services. What is clear from Maxis ‘ presentation is that this is more than just a pilot project; it is a comprehensive national plan for telecommunications development that places a premium on both coverage and sustainability.

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Malaysia showcases connectivity progress to the world at MWC 2025 in Barcelona

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  • As a doorway to ASEAN development, the nation’s industrial advancements as well as
  • Sarawak-Edotco partnership to make sure that every community can have access to a quick, reliable connection.

The Malaysian pavillion at MWC 2025 Barcelona.

Malaysia made a second appearance at Mobile World Congress ( MWC ) 2025 in Barcelona with an expanded pavilion showcasing its achievements in digital transformation and regional goals. Malaysia was already demonstrating its contributions to this growth as Mats Granryd, GSMA Director General, highlighted how connectivity technologies could generate nearly US$ 1 trillion ( RM49.13 trillion ) in economic value by 2030.

During the official opening of the palace on March 3, Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Secretary General of the Ministry of Communications, said,” The Malaysia Pavilion at MWC 2025 stands as a testament to our devotion, showcasing our nation’s scientific developments and opening a doorway to ASEAN innovation.” &nbsp,

Key players in the industry include Digital Nasional Bhd ( DNB), CelcomDigi, Maxis, Telekom Malaysia, U Mobile, YTL, Edotco, and Measat. The collaborative exhibit brings together key stakeholders including the Ministry of Communications, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and industry leaders.

National digital network program overreaches its goal

The National Digital Infrastructure Plan ( Jendela ), which has overreached, is a key highlight of Malaysia’s MWC presence. Over 9.03 million properties as of December 31, 2024, have high-speed Internet and fiber communication, exceeding our primary objective of 9 million by 2025, according to Mohamad Fauzi.

With wireless broadband speeds reaching a middle of 105.36 Mb and internet coverage increasing to 98.66 % in populated areas in Q4 2024, this success has become visible performance metrics. ” &nbsp,

He continued to add that the 5G rollout has continued to expand, reaching 82.4 % coverage of populated areas and a 56.18 % mobile penetration rate.

engagement in business improvements

Mohamad Fauzi emphasized that creative systems between public and private entities are central to Malaysia’s approach to online infrastructure. &nbsp,

The 6-way Multi-Operator Core Network ( MOCN) initiative, which is unprecedented in the ASEAN region, exemplifies the power of collaboration and shared resources, he said, explaining how this model ties state governments and mobile network service providers to maximize connectivity resources.

A Guideline for Network and Infrastructure Sharing has been created by MCMC and participating wireless network operators to codify this creative design. This framework includes protocols for bilateral and multilateral agreements while incorporating sustainability indicators in accordance with Environmental, Social, and Governance ( ESG) principles and Sustainable Development Goals ( SDG), including energy efficiency and environmental protection measures.

Adlan Tajudin (left), Group CEO, Edotco Group with Mohammad Ariffin Adenan, GM of Kejuruteraan Rasshin.

Edotco’s agreement in Sarawak to provide high speed connection to every neighborhood

Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Sarawak’s assistant leading, and Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak’s secretary of power and communications, witnessed the signing of an arrangement between Edotco Malaysia and Kejuruteraan Rasshin Sdn Bhd to accelerate the development of electronic equipment on the first day of MWC 2025.

In order to support the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, the collaboration aims to provide 4G and 5G-ready facilities across the region’s diverse landscape. This partnership is a crucial step in ensuring that every community in Sarawak, regardless of location, has access to reliable, high-speed connectivity, according to Gayan Koralage ( pic ), director of Malaysia Business at Edotco.

The Edotco group, which owns over 58, 000 turrets spread across nine nations, will provide personalized solutions, including fixed wireless access and low-orbit satellite technology, to tackle Sarawak’s special regional challenges.

The engagement, according to Mohammed Ariffin Adenan, Managing Director of KRSB, aims to “improve communication and enable local neighborhoods and businesses by integrating them into the government’s evolving digital ecology.”

The Malaysian Industrial Development Authority ( MIDA ) stated in a media release from September 2023 that quoted&nbsp, Julaihi, that Sarawak has invested between 2018 and 2023 and made US$ 423 million ( RM1.89 billion ) to develop its telecommunication infrastructure and digital economy.

The Malaysian pavilion highlights a variety of applications of superior connectivity in fields like AI, AI, healthcare, education, broadcasting, manufacturing, and wise cities. Sukan Malaysia ( SUKMA ) 2024, which is Malaysia’s first 5G-Advanced live broadcast, is a notable highlight, demonstrating how high-quality video transmission with minimal latency is changing live broadcasting.

Malaysia has made progress in the development of artificial intelligence through strategic partnerships, including the development of the earliest large-language model specifically designed for Bahasa Melayu, the nation’s national language.

The US$ 11 trillion related future: global perspective

The broader themes of MWC 2025, which Granryd described as” setting” the stage for discussion of a connected potential projected to increase almost US$ 11 trillion in monetary value by 2030, are Malaysia’s advances in line with. ” &nbsp,

The GSMA Director General stressed the need to implement new revenue models, harness AI and Open Gateway APIs, and move the industry forward. Malaysia should be aware that it is not implementing 5G Standalone in its rollout.

In 2024, mobile technologies accounted for 5.8 % of global GDP, or RM29.03 trillion, with an expected increase of nearly US$ 11 trillion, or 8.4 % of GDP, by 2030, according to the GSMA’s Mobile Economy Report 2025. &nbsp,

Additionally, according to the report, there is a US$ 127 billion opportunity for 5G Standalone, which is projected to account for 70 % of all business revenue growth through 2030.

]RM1 = US$ 0.224]

Creating a connected future

According to Mohamad Fauzi,” Malaysia is creating a digital infrastructure ecosystem that benefits both our regional partners.” By putting emphasis on advancements in various key industries, Malaysia is also positioning itself as a hub for technology in the ASEAN region, improving quality of life domestically.

Malaysia’s participation in MWC 2025, which runs through March 6, underscores the country’s willingness to work with international partners and discover new opportunities for growth in the constantly evolving digital landscape.

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Asia’s impact investing gains traction as institutional players step up | FinanceAsia

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Major investors and policymakers are accelerating the formalization and expansion of Asia’s influence investing industry. At the Tideline Compass Series section on February 18, business leaders discussed the state’s growth path, emerging challenges, and the steps needed to promote administrative implementation.

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Ficus Capital leads the charge into Web3 with investment in Morpheus Labs

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  • Expanding into Malaysia and Indonesia will be fueled by cash.
  • Additionally, Startup Five Investment participated in the pre-agreement as an beginning trader.

Ficus Capital, an ESG-compliant Islamic venture capital firm, has announced a strategic investment of US$ 430,000 ( RM1. 9 million ) in Morpheus Labs, a Singapore-based AI-powered Web3 implementation program, as part of its Pre-A money square.

This expense, made through Ficus’s premier Ficus SEA Fund, aims to support Morpheus Labs in simplifying bitcoin execution, enabling businesses and developers to create, deploy, and control decentralised applications more quickly. By reducing time-to-market and streamlining processes, Morpheus Labs is driving development in the Web3 place.

According to Custom Market Insights, the world Web3 market is projected to grow from US$ 4. 8 billion ( RM21 billion ) in 2021 to US$ 69 billion ( RM30 billion ) by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate ( CAGR ) of 68 %, underscoring the rapid expansion and opportunities in this sector.

Rina Neoh, managing partner of Ficus Capital, said: “Our funding in Morpheus Labs reflects our opinion in the transformative potential of Web3 and our trust in the business ’s ability to lead this trend. Their extensive software and ecosystem-first approach align with our vision of fostering green, flexible, and effective industrial solutions. ”

Morpheus Labs is an award-winning head in the Web3 room, offering an AI-powered software that simplifies Web3 deployment for firms and designers. Its essential features include:

  • Smart Contract Studio, which makes it simple to use AI to create intelligent deals.
  • Workflow Studio, a drag-and-drop resource for integrating Web3 capabilities into existing systems.
  • In order to speed up the creation of decentralized applications (dApps ), Web Studio ( UI/UX) offers customisable templates.

Pei-Han Chuang ( pic ), founder and CEO of Morpheus Labs, said: “Ficus’s investment is pivotal in fuelling our growth and expanding our capabilities in the Web3 space. With their help, we are also expanding into important markets like Malaysia and Indonesia, where a fresh, tech-savvy community is driving online implementation.

“Ficus Capital’s responsibility as an ESG-i VC aligns completely with our objective to encourage decentralisation and diversity. As we strive to provide visible and sustainable bitcoin answers, their emphasis on Shariah-compliant ESG investing is in sync with our principles. Additionally, Ficus’s involvement in this round enhances our access to the Malaysian market and its growing technology ecosystem, ” he added.

In addition to Ficus Capital’s purchase, Startup Five Investment, a store account and part of AVA Angels specialising in electronic change, ESG, and Web3 investments, has even joined the Pre-A round as an early investor, following Ficus’s lead. Chuang is investing alongside both firms, reinforcing confidence—both internal and external—in Morpheus Labs ’ potential to transform Web3 development.

Jeffery Yang, managing partner at Startup Five Investment, said: “We are excited to support Morpheus Labs as they shape the future of Web3 technology. Their platform’s cutting-edge features and seamless integration align perfectly with our investment strategy, and we believe this partnership will drive significant innovation in the Web3 ecosystem.

In addition, we are pleased to make an investment in Ficus Capital, a reputable venture capital firm in the ESG and Shariah-compliant space, furthering our shared commitment to supporting sustainable and impactful technologies. ”

With this strategic investment, Morpheus Labs is poised to accelerate its growth and innovation. It has already secured a key collaboration with Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional OTT video streaming service, to pioneer new Web3 experiences for users and content creators. By leveraging blockchain technology, this partnership aims to enhance content monetisation, digital rights management, and user engagement across media platforms.

We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, Chuang continued. Together, we can unlock new potentials in the Web3 space, expanding our platform’s scope and accelerating blockchain adoption in the entertainment industry.

“With our AI-powered platform, we are empowering businesses to build and scale blockchain solutions more efficiently. This collaboration marks a significant step in the direction of redefining digital experiences for users and creators all over the world. ”

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How Trump’s ‘drill, baby, drill’ pledge is affecting other countries

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1 minute ago
Navin Singh Khadka

Environment Correspondent, BBC World Service

Getty Images US President Donald Trump points after speaking during the Unleashing American Energy event at the Department of Energy in Washington DC, USGetty Images

The UN climate summit in the United Arab Emirates in 2023 called for” shift away from fossil fuels.” It received praise as a significant achievement in global climate change.

Barely a year later, however, there are fears that the global commitment may be losing momentum, as the growth of clean energy transition is slowing down while burning of fossil fuels continues to rise.

And now there is US President Donald Trump’s “national energy emergency”, embracing fossil fuels and ditching clean energy policies – that has also begun to influence some countries and energy companies already.

In response to Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” slogan aimed at ramping up fossil fuel extraction, and the US notifying the UN of its withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, Indonesia, for instance, has hinted that it may follow suit.

Getty Images Pump jacks are seen at dawn in an oil field over the Monterey Shale formation where gas and oil extraction using hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is on the verge of a boom on March 24, 2014 near Lost Hills, California.Getty Images

‘ If US is not doing it, why does we?’

“If the United States does not want to comply with the international agreement, why should a country like Indonesia comply with it?” asked Hashim Djojohadikusumo, special envoy for climate change and energy of Indonesia, as reported by the country’s government-run news agency Antara.

Indonesia has remained among the world’s top ten emitters for many years.

” Indonesia produces three lots of carbon]per people a year ] while the US produces 13 plenty”, he asked at the ESG Sustainable Forum 2025 in Jakarta on 31 January.

” Yes, we are the people being ordered to shut down our energy plants,” we are told. But, where is the sense of justice around”?

Nithi Nesadurai, chairman with Climate Action Network Southeast Asia, said the impulses from her place were concerning.

She claimed that increasing the “richest nation and the largest oil producer in the world” gives another states” an easy reason to increase their personal- which they are already doing” by increasing its production.

In South Africa, Africa’s biggest sector and a big carbon emitter, a$ 8.5bn foreign-aided change initiative from the coal industry was already moving at a snail’s pace, and now there are concerns that it may obtain derailed more.

Wikus Kruger, director of Power Futures Lab at the University of Cape Town, said there was a “possibility” that decommissioning of old coal-fired power stations would be “further delayed”.

However, he claimed that the clean energy sector was expected to grow even though there was some “walk back” from the transition to renewables.

Getty Images View of Suralaya coal power plant while smoke and steam billows seen from Suralaya village in Banten province, IndonesiaGetty Images

Argentina withdrew its negotiators from the COP29 climate meeting in Baku last November, days after Trump won the US presidency. Since Trump’s announcement to withdraw from the Paris Agreement of 2015, which supports global efforts to combat climate change, has since followed suit.

The Argentine Association of Environmental Lawyers ‘ president, Enrique Viale, told the BBC,” We now anticipate that our oil and gas production will increase.”

” President Milei has indicated that he intends to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and that environmental protection is a part of the woke agenda,” Milei said.

Meanwhile, energy giant Equinor has just announced it is halving investment in renewable energy over the next two years while increasing oil and gas production, and another oil major, BP, is expected to make a similar announcement soon.

Getty Images Solar photovoltaic panels are seen in a tidal flat in Yancheng city, Jiangsu province, China, Getty Images

” American energy all over the world”

Trump has not just said “drill, baby, drill” but also:” We will export American energy all over the world”.

Potential buyers from abroad are already lining up.

India and the US have agreed to significantly increase the supply of American oil and gas to the Indian market.

At the end of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US visit on 14 February, the two countries issued a joint statement that “reaffirmed” the US would be “a leading supplier of crude oil and petroleum products and liquified natural gas to India”.

A few days after Trump’s inauguration, South Korea, the world’s third largest liquified natural gas importer, has hinted its intention to buy more American oil and gas aimed at reducing a trade surplus with the US and improving energy security, international media have reported from Seoul.

Officials with Japan’s largest power generator, JERA, have told Reuters they too want to increase purchases of liquified natural gas from the US to diversify supply, as it currently imports half of it from the Asia-Pacific region.

The global energy transition may be slowed, according to Lorne Stockman, research director with Oil Change International, a research and advocacy organization for transition to clean energy.” There is definitely a threat that if the US seeks to flood markets with cheap fossil fuels, or to bully countries into buying more of its fossil fuels, or both, the world energy transition may be slowed.

Getty Images Smoke and flames rise from the forest as crews try to extinguish a wildfire in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)Getty Images

According to scientists, there can’t be any new fossil fuel extraction and there needs to be a quick reduction of carbon emissions ( roughly 45 % by 2030 from the 2019 level ) if the world is to experience a 1.5 Celsius warming increase compared to the pre-industrial era.

” The economics of energy supply are a key driver of decarbonisation”, said David Brown, director of energy transition practice at Wood Mackenzie, a global energy think-tank.

Natural gas and liquids production are supported by the US energy sector’s abundance of resources. By contrast, import-dependent economies such as China, India, and those in Southeast Asia have a dramatic economic incentive to decarbonise sources of energy”.

Global energy transition investment surpassed $2tn for the first time last year but studies have also shown that the growth of clean energy transition has markedly slowed in recent years, while many major banks continue to finance fossil fuels.

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Asia’s Best Companies 2025 Poll — open now | FinanceAsia

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Welcome to&nbsp, FinanceAsia ‘s&nbsp, annual poll, which celebrates Asia’s best companies across a range of markets and countries. In developing this priceless criterion of the country’s most important companies, their efficiency and corporate behavior in relation to their peers, we value the input of both investors and analysts.

We ask our audience to nominate any publicly traded Asian-based business that is leading in its field. It might be that the firm impresses in terms of new deal execution, inside structure, completed transactions, continued strategy, or possibly ESG credentials.

We want to&nbsp, hear from you! &nbsp, The second 100 voters may get one month free, unlimited access to all of&nbsp, FinanceAsia’s information. &nbsp,

To vote&nbsp, visit below. &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp,

Poll findings will be published via the&nbsp, FinanceAsia&nbsp, site and will provide traders nationally with special insight into Asia’s best-managed companies, both by country / market and by business industry.

Key Dates

Available for Nomination: &nbsp, Tuesday, Janaury 7 2025
Election Deadline: Thursday, March 6&nbsp, 2025 at evening GMT 8

Outcome Announcement: &nbsp,

North Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia: &nbsp, Monday, March 24 2025&nbsp,
Regional: &nbsp, Tuesday March 25, 2025

Recommendations for Election

  • Each individual who submits a nomination may be asked to provide their contact information.
  • Each election type is&nbsp, special to each market/country. To register for more than one market/country, you perhaps click on the link provided at the end of the study to begin a new submission. &nbsp,
  • Please note that you are &nbsp, just required to fill in the areas in which you wish to make a nomination. You may skip and left the fields flat if there are any categories you do not want to nominate in.
  • Please note that&nbsp, you may not voting for your own business. Vote cast by a business for itself will not be counted.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Individual responses will remain confidential – they will only be aggregated to provide overall results.

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Work It Podcast: Which jobs may enjoy a pay bump in 2025?

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Here is an extract from the talk: &nbsp,

Kirsty Poltock, Robert Walters Singapore: &nbsp,

Over the past few years, companies have put more and more emphasis on conservation, and now it’s a key measurement with clear objectives for the next three to five years, depending on the organization.

And they now need to be strong in that and possess the necessary expertise to do so. So that’s where I think, also from the standpoint of a job seeker, you capitalise on that time.

Gerald Tan, co-host:

There are a lot of&nbsp, people I’ve met, they often express interest in the ESG ( economic, social and governance ), in the natural environment jobs. So they keep asking what other sectors have evolving functions that might incorporate some of these alternative ideas or thinking?

Kirsty:

I ‘ve&nbsp, largely seen them in the offer network room, oil and gas, transport, those kind of places. &nbsp,

Tiffany Ang, co-host:

Additionally, you must examine how these businesses can use federal grants. Best? Because of the statements made by these companies,” OK, if you’re in Singapore and the government is going to put a sizable sum into this green fund, this grant,” they’ll be attempting to tap into that, and they’ll then try to fill more positions or recruit new talent for this sustainable manager ( portfolio ), don’t you think?

Kirsty: 

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Asia’s bond outlook upbeat for issuers in 2025: JP Morgan | FinanceAsia

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A combination of lower interest rates, lower failures, and more securities is good for businesses and governments looking to enter Asia’s bond market in 2025.

There are hopes for Asia’s tie business next year to beat 2024 which is expected to hit$ 160-165 billion in 2024 for Asia, ex-Japan. There is a lot of willingness from banks to provide in the area as issuers prepare to enter the market, which is helping to keep extends small.

Speaking at an early December press presentation in Hong Kong, Jessica Chen, head of China DCM, creation Asia ex-Japan, JP Morgan:” General spreads are small and look extremely attractive to issuers. In 2024, China is expected to overtake Korea in terms of release ( from 2023 ) as the country’s largest business”.

Chen added:” We are expecting$ 170 billion of supply in 2025 in Asia, ex Japan with stockpile to pick up over 2024. We anticipate that this pattern will continue as some businesses mortgage next year.

Another positive factor is that regional relationship failures are declining, and that the US Fed will cut interest rates even further in the coming year. &nbsp, &nbsp,

Soo Chong Lim, managing director, head of Asia credit research, JP Morgan, said:” Bond default rates declined to around 4.4 % in 2024 compared with 17 % in 2023, and we expect them to decline further to 3 % in 2025″.

Despite falling interest rates in the US, anticipation are mixed regarding home bonds and the potential for some headwinds. &nbsp,

Lim added:” We expect three]US Fed ] rate cuts in 2025 and China’s GDP to grow 3.9 % next year. There will still be market volatility, particularly for the Chinese real estate sector, which is recovering slowly after a number of years of volatility. For instance, in Hong Kong, the company occupancy rate will continue to decline as a result of the supply that enters the market.

In 2024, India – probably Asia’s best performing market– had a very powerful yr for bond issuances, a trend that is set to remain in the new year.

Puja Shah, head of Southeast Asia ( SEA ), DCM and sustainable finance Asia ex-Japan, JP Morgan, said:” The high yield bond market in India was a particular bright spot in 2024 with some large names coming onto the market. It is at$ 4.7 billion YTD, and we expect that momentum to continue into 2025 with around$ 5 billion in supply”.

The issuing of green bonds is expected to increase as well. Singapore-based Shah added:” We expect stable demand, at between 25-30 % of issuances, for sustainable ( green and social ) bonds next year in the region, compared with 25 % in 2024″.

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