Media OutReach
TCMA joins Saraburi Province to mark one year anniversary of progress “SARABURI SANDBOX” Thailand’s first low-carbon city
SARABURI SANDBOX is an area-based collaborative effort, driven by the Public-Private-People Partnership (PPP) approach, comprising three key stakeholders: Saraburi Province, TCMA, and FTI Saraburi Provincial Chapter. Led by the Governor of Saraburi Province and supported by domestic and international partners, aiming at transforming Saraburi into a low-carbon city by fostering collaboration among the government sector, the private sector, civil society, and related industries for various pilot projects of CO2 reduction.
A year of action since the joint declaration of commitment on August 15, 2023, the tangible and significant progress has been made across five key focus areas: 1) clean energy transition, 2) green industry promotion, 3) waste to value, 4) low-carbon agriculture, and 5) green space expansion. The project still continues with collaborative effort of all sectors, including to seek additional green funding to achieve a target reduction of 5 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2027.
Mr. Bancha Chaowarin, Governor of Saraburi Province emphasized the collaborative approach, outlining four key working principles: 1) immediate action, 2) trial-and-error, flexibility and adaptability, 3) respectful dialogue and consensus-building, and 4) maintaining a positive working atmosphere. The Saraburi Governor affirmed Saraburi’s readiness to serve as a lab city for new technologies and innovations, with the goal of replicating successful models across other provinces, leading to tangible greenhouse gas reduction outcomes, and spreading economic and social benefits to the locals of Saraburi. The Saraburi Governor stressed that the next phase requires continued cooperation, particularly policy support from the government to achieve the Thailand Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goals.
Dr. Chana Poomee, Chairman of Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) and Vice Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries stated that TCMA, as a representative of Thailand’s leading cement manufacturers and a key manufacturing sector in Saraburi, TCMA plays a pivotal role in this project, is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, in alignment with the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap. TCMA’s contributions to building Saraburi as the first low-carbon city of Thailand include optimizing cement production processes, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and seeking green fund and opportunities for international cooperation.
Over the past year, the cement industry has made significant contributions to the SARABURI SANDBOX across several areas: 1) Industrial Process and Product Use (IPPU): research and development of clinker substitution, leveraging nanotechnology to enhance cement properties. Collaboration among stakeholders is essential for knowledge development, machinery upgrades, investment incentives, and regulatory adjustments to promote the adoption of hydraulic cement-a low carbon cement. These actions can contribute CO2 reduction by over 1 million tons in 2023-2024. 2) Green and Smart Mining: efficient resource utilization, coupled with sustainable land rehabilitation to benefit local communities and the environment. 3) Clean Energy Transition: implementation of waste heat recovery (WHR) systems, increased use of renewable energy sources such as solar power, and adoption of biomass and refuse derived fuel (RDF) to replace coal through the co-processing in cement kilns. These measures are expected to cut carbon emissions by approximately 9-12 million tons per year and mitigate PM 2.5 pollution from agricultural burning, while generating additional income for farmers and promoting efficient waste management to zero landfill. 4) Carbon Value Creation: researching carbon utilization methods, including CO2-to-Methanol. Notably, SARABURI SANDBOX has become the first industrial cluster in Thailand accepted into the Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative of the World Economic Forum.
Dr. Chana Poomee highlighted that while significant progress has been made, achieving the goal of establishing a low-carbon city requires innovative approaches, strong leadership across sectors, strong local administration, and substantial international support. Moving forward, increased collaboration with organizations such as the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the German International Cooperation Organization (GIZ), and other global entities will be crucial in supporting energy transition and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) efforts. Dr. Chana emphasized the need for government policies to provide essential support, including knowledge sharing, technological integration, and funding to facilitate meaningful change.
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The “SARABURI SANDBOX: Joining Forces to Create Thailand’s First Low-Carbon City” event was held on January 22, 2025, the Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Air Force Academy (NKRAFA), Muak Lek District, Saraburi Province. The event aimed to raise public awareness, extract key lessons from the past year, and brainstorming to gather input from various sectors to shape the future strategies of SARABURI SANDBOX. More than 700 participants from different sectors attended the event.
Hashtag: #TCMA #ThaiCementManufacturersAssociation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Konica Minolta wins 2025 A3 Line of the Year Award and four Pick Awards from Keypoint Intelligence
Recognition of Konica Minolta’s adaptable, future-ready innovations in office printing technology.
Award-Winning A3 Multi-Functional Print Device Portfolio
Keypoint Intelligence commended Konica Minolta’s comprehensive A3 range, presenting the 2025 A3 Line of the Year Award.
Evaluators cited “superior performance during Keypoint Intelligence’s testing across the entire A3 line,” and praised the company for its “fresh, broad portfolio with a strong feature set that can meet and exceed the needs of hybrid working environments.”
The MFPs also offer cloud-enabled capabilities, facilitating secure document storage and access for remote work. Keypoint Intelligence noted the “simplified setup process and robust administrative capabilities,” as well as “outstanding efficiency, professional-looking print quality, and excellent usability” across the product range. Security features were also highlighted, with the awards acknowledging the “robust security offering to safeguard sensitive data.”
Innovative, Industry-Leading Print Technologies
Four Konica Minolta MFPs—the bizhub C451i, bizhub C551i, bizhub C651i, and bizhub C751i —received Pick Awards 2025. Keypoint Intelligence’s long-term testing revealed “faster-than-average job streams and first-print-out times,” contributing to the devices’ productivity. Evaluators also recognised the MFPs’ suitability for modern work environments, noting “above average scan speeds” that address digitisation needs for hybrid workers.
Evolving to Meet the Needs of Modern Businesses
“As office environments continue to evolve, businesses require print solutions that seamlessly align with their changing needs. While productivity, usability, and high-quality output remain fundamental, the growing demand for hybrid work and digital transformation calls for enhanced connectivity, robust security, and seamless integration with cloud services. Winning the 2025 A3 Line of the Year Award and four Pick Awards from Keypoint Intelligence is a testament to Konica Minolta’s commitment to delivering innovative, future-ready solutions that empower businesses to work smarter and more securely,” said Mr. Francis Chua, General Manager of Regional Sales & Marketing HQ, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Asia Pte Ltd.
Keypoint Intelligence’s recognition of Konica Minolta’s A3 line and individual MFPs underscores the company’s ability to meet these evolving needs and provide businesses with reliable, advanced printing solutions that meet the challenges of today’s dynamic work environments.
The award-winning products are part of Konica Minolta’s next generation of bizhub i-Series MFPs, designed with a focus on security and ease of use.
Hashtag: #KonicaMinolta
https://www.konicaminolta.asia/asia-en
https://www.linkedin.com/company/konica-minolta-business-solutions-asia-pte-ltd
https://www.facebook.com/KonicaMinoltaSingapore/
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Konica Minolta Business Solutions Asia
Konica Minolta’s journey started 150 years ago, with a vision to see and do things differently. We innovate for the good of society and the world. The same purpose that kept us moving then, keeps us moving now.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Asia, based in Singapore, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta Inc., Tokyo, Japan. With its expertise in imaging, data processing and data-based decision making, Konica Minolta creates relevant solutions for its customers – small and medium-sized businesses, large enterprises and public sector – and solves issues faced by society.
Konica Minolta’s Igniting Print Possibilities offering helps printers, converters and brand owners maximize workflow automation to increase efficiency. The company delivers consultancy in all communication matters as well as top-of-the-line production, packaging and label printers. Its finishing devices create print products that stand out and create added value. Konica Minolta has established itself as the production printing market leader for more than a decade (InfoSource).
For an increasing number of organisations, success today is more than the narrow definition of financial prosperity – it also includes protecting the environment and having a positive impact on their workforce as well as the societies they are embedded in. With its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Konica Minolta has pledged to consistently pursue its sustainability and social responsibility goals.
The company has been repeatedly recognised for its rich history of social contribution as well as for working towards achieving the SDGs throughout its business and supply chain. Konica Minolta is listed among “2023 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World” and received a GOLD Level Recognition Medal in the EcoVadis sustainability ratings for 2023.
Worldwide, the company has over 39,000 employees and is operating in over 150 countries.
For more information, please visit https://www.konicaminolta.asia/asia-en.
Current Market Conditions and Silver’s Performance in 2024
Silver prices increased by 18% in 2024, outpacing the more modest increase of gold. The price was driven by inflationary pressures and stronger industrial demand, particularly in renewable energy uses. While gold is a classic safe-haven investment, silver’s dual role as both an investment and industrial metal gives it a unique edge in volatile markets. Yet, risk management is crucial for avoiding unnecessary losses.
There are two major silver market growth drivers:
- Industrial Demand: Silver’s use in renewable energy, particularly solar panels, electronics, and EV manufacturing continues to expand, distinguishing it from gold, which primarily serves investment and jewellery purposes.
- Macroeconomic Trends: While both silver and gold typically hedge against inflation, silver price drops can be more significant compared to gold in times of economic uncertainty. For example, during the COVID-19 crisis, silver experienced a significant negative return of –20.0%, while gold delivered a positive return of 5.1% in the same period.
Silver Price Forecasts for 2025: Can It Surpass Gold?
Silver is expected to outperform gold in the coming years, whereby limited supply will be countered by increasing industrial demand. The price of silver can even reach $40 per ounce sometime in 2025, given the robust demand. This growth potential creates a nice buying opportunity for traders. Nevertheless, market liquidity risks, rising interest rates, and changes in investors’ sentiments, among other things, may affect the market negatively. What’s more, the asset is far more sensitive to economic cycles compared to gold. In case a recession occurs, silver may drop in price more steeply than gold. Traders should also monitor the gold-silver ratio. If it’s too high, investors may simultaneously sell gold and buy silver, assuming the ratio returns to its long-term average.
Those who consider opting for silver instead of gold should closely analyse both assets and compare their investment risks, nature, and potential profits. Here’s a brief overview of their pros and cons.
- Liquidity & Market Depth: While gold remains a more liquid asset, silver’s increasing institutional interest is narrowing this gap, so the difference in liquidity is minor.
- Volatility & Risk: While silver experiences greater price swings than gold, its volatility presents significant profit-making opportunities for active traders who practice strict risk management.
- Portfolio Diversification: Silver serves as both an inflation hedge and a strategic asset tied to industrial demand.
Traders can tap into the potential of both silver and gold using various trading platforms. These days, the choice of a platform is not limited to MT4 and MT5, and other solutions step up their offerings. For example, Octa broker’ proprietary trading ecosystem, OctaTrader, offers CFDs on silver and gold. OctaTrader reports high trade volume for CFDs on gold this year despite the slackened interest towards the metal after Donald Trump’s election win. According to the Octa analysts, the demand for silver on OctaTrader is currently quite high, leading to amplified liquidity and more profit opportunities.
‘Silver’s long-term value is stable because of its underlying supply-demand dynamics. The metal is widely used in electronics, renewable energy, and medicine’, explains Kar Yong Ang. ‘The Silver Institute expects the total silver supply to increase by 3 percent and reach 1.05 ounces, an 11-year high. The demand is projected to remain at 1.20 billion ounces this year. Considering this, the demand is likely to outpace even the increasing supply. Although the demand for jewellery and silverware is to decline, gains are expected in the consumer electronics market and industrial fabrication. As a result, the deficit is likely to take place’, he adds.
Silver’s strong market momentum, industrial applications, especially for renewable energy and solar panels in particular, and potential price appreciation make it an asset to watch in 2025. While volatility remains a factor, strategic investments in silver may yield higher returns compared to gold. Traders who aim to deal with the asset should address it carefully.
Firstly, keep an eye on inflation trends, central bank policies, and industrial demand to conduct fundamental analysis and identify factors of potential price swings. To manage risks, balance your portfolio and do not build an oversized position in any single asset. If your trading budget is limited, especially after you diversify your investments, you can access an increased balance through trading instruments like CFDs. Platforms like Octa broker provide flexible CFD trading options for silver, allowing traders to capitalise on short-term price movements.
Disclaimer: Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision.
Hashtag: #Octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Octa
Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.
Media OutReach
GROW with Singlife and aberdeen Launch New Exclusive Share Class of Global Income Bond Fund to Deliver Sustainable Payouts Amid Market Volatility
Globally diversified portfolio of crossover bonds aims to deliver attractive yields for investors
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 March 2025 – GROW with Singlife (“GROW”), the integrated investment platform under leading homegrown financial services company Singlife, in partnership with aberdeen Investments (“aberdeen”), today launches a new share class of the abrdn SICAV II – Global Income Bond Fund (the “Fund”). Currently exclusive to GROW on its platform, the A Gross Inc Hedged SGD offers investors a compelling Yield to Worst of 6.5% (USD hedged)[1], comprising appealing monthly payouts with potential capital appreciation.
Finding a sweet spot between investment-grade bonds and high-quality high-yield debt, the Fund invests substantially in global multi-sector bonds rated BBB (the lowest investment-grade rating) and BB (the highest high-yield rating). This dual-market approach appeals to both conservative investors seeking stability and those pursuing higher returns. With a globally diversified portfolio spanning investment-grade, high-yield, government, and emerging markets bonds, the Fund offers attractive yield potential while maintaining moderate credit risk, making it a compelling long-term solution for income-focused investors.
The launch comes at a pivotal time in the market. With inflation easing across most global markets and central banks expected to begin rate-cutting cycles, returns from short-term cash management instruments such as fixed deposits and money market funds have declined, making them less appealing to investors looking for higher yields. In such an environment, fixed income investments are gaining attention for their ability to provide higher yields and more sustainable returns. According to Morningstar, a leading global investment research firm, fixed income funds saw record inflows of USD1 trillion in 2024, trumping all other asset classes.
Tim Wong, Head of Product at GROW with Singlife, said: “As part of our commitment to provide advisers and their clients access to innovative and high-quality investment opportunities, we are proud to partner with aberdeen for the launch of an exclusive share class of the abrdn SICAV II – Global Income Bond Fund. With rising life expectancy and increasing cost of living, many investors are looking for ways to secure reliable income to support their retirement goals. This Fund represents a compelling option for those seeking attractive, stable income solutions with controlled risks.”
As Singapore’s population ages and life expectancy continues to rise, the need for reliable retirement income is becoming increasingly critical. A 65-year-old today requires an estimated $685,000 to fund 20 years of retirement, or approximately $2,856[2] per month, covering basic expenses. With stable and attractive payouts to support long-term financial security, the abrdn SICAV II – Global Income Bond Fund offers a sustainable solution for investors.
Natalie Tan, Head of Wholesale Southeast Asia at aberdeen Investments, said: “We are thrilled to partner with GROW with Singlife to introduce a new share class of the abrdn SICAV II – Global Income Bond Fund to investors. This Fund reflects aberdeen’s commitment to help investors navigate market transitions with innovative solutions that aims to achieve sustainable, long-term returns. Looking at the existing landscape, the current bond yields across nearly all major fixed income sub-asset classes well exceed their 10-year averages, presenting an enticing entry point for fixed income investors. With a globally diversified portfolio of bonds, this Fund will be a valuable addition to any income-focused portfolio, offering the potential for high-yield returns at investment-grade risk levels.”
The Fund has a strong history of delivering consistent income and competitive performance. Over the past decade, it has consistently ranked among the top performers in its category, according to Morningstar. As of December 2024, the Fund is in the top 25% in terms of performance over the last one, five, and seven years within its category. This demonstrates its ability to generate attractive, risk-adjusted returns across different market conditions, making it a reliable choice for income-focused investors.
GROW officially introduced the abrdn SICAV II – Global Income Bond Fund, A Gross Inc Hedged SGD, at a launch event at Marina One, attended by industry leaders and financial advisers. Investors can contact their Financial Adviser Representatives or visit grow.singlife.com to learn more.
Hashtag: #GROWwithSinglife
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About GROW with Singlife
GROW with Singlife is an integrated investment platform under the Singlife Group, a leading homegrown financial services company. GROW’s platform offers an integrated investment solution that combines intuitive technology with tailored services, and a progressive range of products, alongside insights, tools, and support, to enable advisers to provide more meaningful and impactful advice to their clients. We are committed to supporting our employees, financial advisers, and end clients with care, consideration, and compassion at every step of their financial life journey.
About aberdeen
aberdeen is a global investment company that helps clients and customers plan, save and invest for the future. Our purpose is to enable our clients to be better investors. aberdeen manages and administers £511.4bn of assets for clients (as at 31 December 2024). Our strategy is to deliver client-led growth. We are structured around three businesses – Investments, Adviser and Personal – focused on their changing needs. The capabilities in our investments business are built on the strength of our insight – generated from wide-ranging research, worldwide investment expertise and local market knowledge. Our teams collaborate across regions, asset classes and specialisms, connecting diverse perspectives and working with clients to identify investment opportunities that suit their needs. As at 31 December 2024, our investments business manages £369.7bn on behalf of clients – including insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, independent wealth managers, pension funds, platforms, banks and family offices.
About Singlife
Singlife is a leading homegrown financial services company that offers consumers a better way to financial freedom. We are headquartered in Singapore with a presence in the Philippines.
Singlife meets diverse customer needs by offering a comprehensive suite of insurance products, including life and health, general insurance and investments, employee benefits and financial advisory solutions.
We achieve this through a differentiated, open-architecture distribution model and Singapore’s largest network of financial advisers.
A pioneer in the digital insurtech space, we offer digital solutions accessible through the Singlife App and GROW with Singlife, an investment platform.
We are a key player in the employee benefits solutions space and are the exclusive insurance provider for the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs and Public Officers Group Insurance Scheme. We’re also one of three government-approved long-term care insurance providers in Singapore.
We take our commitment to achieving Net Zero seriously and are an official signatory of the United Nations Principles for Sustainable Insurance and the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment.
Singlife was formed from the merger of Aviva Singapore and Singlife, originally an insurtech start up, in January 2022. Singlife is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Life, who acquired Singlife in 2024. We have over S$14 billion in assets as of 31 December 2023 and are rated “A” and “Baa1” by Fitch and Moody’s respectively.
Sumitomo Life was established in 1907 and is one of Japan’s largest life insurance companies, with over US$300 billion in assets as of 31 March 2024.
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