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Philanthropy Asia Alliance Launches Two New Communities to Tackle Health Challenges and Accelerate Asia’s Just Energy Transition

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  • The Health for Human Potential Community will address maternal and child health as well as infectious diseases, while the Just Energy Transition Community will focus on closing energy transition gaps.
  • The Health for Human Potential Community aims to mobilise over US$100 million in catalytic philanthropic funding by 2030
  • PAA’s Communities initiative continues to foster deeper collaboration within philanthropic ecosystem

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 May 2025 – The Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) today announced the launch of two new Communities – the Health for Human Potential (HHP) Community and the Just Energy Transition (JET) Communityat the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025. These Communities build on PAA’s ongoing efforts to convene stakeholders around shared challenges and to explore promising pathways for philanthropic collaboration, applying a systems lens to drive scalable solutions in energy, health, and education.

Each Community is helmed by Community Leads – PAA members – who will actively shape, fund and advance each Community’s work together with PAA. The Community Leads for each Community are listed in the next two sections.

Developed with PAA members and launched in 2024, the Communities initiative brings together funders, practitioners, and ecosystem partners to collaborate on shared missions and collectively fund high-impact, PAA-evaluated projects. The first three Communities introduced at last year’s Summit were Blue Oceans, Sustainable Land Use, and Holistic & Inclusive Education. Since their launch, the first three Communities have forged various pathways, from peer learning and exchange of expertise to piloting collaborative projects.

“The Communities initiative was born from a simple idea: that we can do more, and do better, when we act together,” said Mr Shaun Seow, Chief Executive Officer, Philanthropy Asia Alliance. “Tackling complex challenges across health, energy, or education calls for differentiated approaches. To drive deep impact, it is critical for PAA to provide focused platforms for collaboration, apart from industry convenings such as the Philanthropy Asia Summit. The two new Communities are another step forward in that direction. We are grateful to all our Community Leads for their commitment, partnership, and belief in our collective impact.”

Health for Human Potential (HHP) Community: Tackling Asia’s Health Challenges with Ambition and Urgency

PAA has launched the HHP Community with two objectives: to reduce preventable deaths and disease burdens across Southeast Asia, focusing on maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition (MNCHN), as well as to tackle infectious diseases. The initial leads of the Health for HHP Community are the Gates Foundation, Institute of Philanthropy, Quantedge Advancement Initiative, Tanoto Foundation, and Temasek Foundation.

Together, they are catalysing a bold ambition to drive lasting improvements in health across Asia. To kickstart efforts, the HHP Community Leads and the Philanthropy Asia Alliance will commit catalytic funding towards a portfolio of projects. With an initial funding target of US$100 million by 2030, the Community aims not only to deliver impact but also to strengthen the broader giving ecosystem by welcoming new partners and building a sustained, long-term coalition committed to improving health outcomes in the region. Discussions with other partners are ongoing and more are expected to join in coming months.

The HHP Community will drive impact across the health innovation and delivery continuum by advancing affordable health solutions, strengthening health systems, promoting cross-sector collaboration, and integrating digital and AI tools into solutions that align with national health priorities. Efforts will initially focus on Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam – Southeast Asia’s most populous countries – where important gains have been made but further progress is needed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to MNCHN and infectious diseases, including tuberculosis and malaria.

Just Energy Transition Community: Catalysing Philanthropic Action for a Clean and Inclusive Energy Future

Co-led with members including Tara Climate Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and other philanthropic organisations, PAA has also launched the Just Energy Transition (JET) Community to galvanise philanthropic leadership and accelerate Asia’s shift towards clean, inclusive, and people-centred energy solutions. Despite being home to over half the world’s population and accounting for more than 50% of global energy consumption[1], Asia receives disproportionately lower philanthropic support for its critical energy transition. Between 2019 and 2023, just 20% of philanthropic funding reached Asia, Africa, and Latin America combined, while nearly 60% flowed to the U.S. and Europe[2].

The JET Community seeks to close this gap, serving as a collaboration platform for philanthropic organisations to support clean energy initiatives that protect the environment, improve livelihoods, and support a better future for millions across the region. It will create space for funders, governments, industry, and local communities to work together and share ideas, build meaningful partnerships, and co-develop initiatives around job creation, workforce reskilling, better health outcomes, and stronger, more resilient communities.

Refer to the Appendix for quotes from the HHP and JET Community Leads.

Scaling Collective Impact: A Systems Approach

At the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025, both Communities will host kick-off sessions to engage like-minded partners and catalyse collaboration around shared goals. These sessions will mark the start of co-developing each Community’s Collective Impact Framework – a strategic blueprint that defines a common mission, scopes the challenge, and sets clear metrics and timelines for progress.

The Communities will also bring together researchers, industry groups, thought leaders, and programme experts — including Temasek Foundation, which brings 18 years of experience piloting and catalysing innovative solutions and programmes with partners in Asia and beyond. Temasek Trust will support the Communities in applying a systems thinking approach to impact design and measurement.

APPENDIX

Quote Sheet

Health for Human Potential Community
Mr. Hari Menon, Director, South & Southeast Asia, Gates Foundation:

“As the Gates Foundation marks 25 years of working to advance health and equity around the world, we are reminded that lasting progress is only possible through strong partnerships. The Health for Human Potential Community exemplifies this spirit of collaboration – bringing together funders, innovators, and governments to drive transformative impact across Asia. Together, we can accelerate progress in maternal, newborn, and child health, tackle infectious diseases, and help ensure healthier, more equitable futures for generations to come.”

Mr. Brian San, Co-Secretary-General, Institute of Philanthropy:

“True progress requires bold partnerships, and we are glad to stand alongside our fellow HHP Community Leads and PAA to help tackle some of the region’s most urgent health challenges. As a “think-fund-do” tank working for the betterment of communities everywhere, we believe that philanthropy should go beyond funding – it should catalyse impactful solutions that drive meaningful change. By focusing on maternal, newborn, and child health, as well as infectious diseases, this partnership aims to strengthen health systems and drive more equitable access to care. Together, we can create a healthier future for regional communities and demonstrate the power of collective action in philanthropy.”

Ms. Tan Yan Ru, Executive Director, Quantedge Advancement Initiative:

“We believe that good health is foundational to unlocking human potential. Through the HHP Community, we are joining forces with bold, mission-aligned changemakers to back transformative solutions that drive lasting improvements in health outcomes and build stronger, healthier communities across the region.”

Ms. Belinda Tanoto, Member of Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation:

“At Tanoto Foundation, we’re committed to driving systems change so every child has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. Being part of the HHP community reflects our aspirations as an ecosystem catalyst in collaborating with like-minded funders and governments to create brighter, healthier tomorrows for children, their families, and their communities.”

Mr. Ng Boon Heong, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Foundation:

“No single actor can solve today’s health challenges alone. We need to scale and operationalise innovations, empower frontline professionals, and deliver care where it is needed most. The Health for Human Potential Community will leverage our combined strengths to turn bold ideas into systemic change. We invite others to join us in building a healthier Asia.”

Just Energy Transition Community
Ms. Jamie Choi, Chief Executive Officer, Tara Climate Foundation:

“Asia’s just energy transition isn’t just a challenge – it’s one of the greatest opportunities of our time. If we get this right, we won’t just cut emissions – we’ll create jobs, strengthen communities, and secure a healthier, more resilient future for millions. The Just Energy Transition Community is about turning intent into action – a call for bold, collaborative leadership to unite Asian and global funders and deliver the impact this moment demands.”

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Philanthropy Asia Alliance

Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) is a Temasek Trust initiative dedicated to catalysing collaborative philanthropy in Asia through dynamic multi-sector partnerships. By harnessing collective strengths, PAA multiplies impact, accelerates positive change, and takes urgent action to address the pressing environmental and social challenges of our time. PAA’s flagship programme is the annual Philanthropy Asia Summit. For more information, visit.

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Woodfibre LNG Marks 2025 as a Year of Construction Progress, Environmental Stewardship and Community Partnership

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2025 – Woodfibre LNG recently marked 2025 as a year of significant progress across construction, environmental protection and community partnerships, as the project moved deeper into its development phase toward delivering responsibly produced Canadian liquefied natural gas to global markets.

Over the past year, the project advanced from planning into visible, on-the-ground execution. Major construction milestones included the pouring of foundations for key modules, continued progress on marine piling, and further implementation of modular construction techniques designed to reduce on-site footprint while accelerating delivery timelines.

These advancements were achieved through close collaboration with project partners, suppliers and contractors, and in partnership with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).

In 2025, Woodfibre LNG, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, continued to operate its floatel workforce accommodation solution, designed to minimise pressure on local housing and community services. As of November, two floatels were in active operation, providing high-quality, safe and comfortable living conditions for the project workforce while supporting construction efficiency.

Environmental protection remained a central focus throughout the year. The project’s Marine Mammal Monitoring Programme, which includes hydroacoustic monitoring, exclusion zones and shore-based observation posts, delivered measurable outcomes by enabling real-time operational decisions, including pauses to marine activities when marine mammals entered exclusion areas.

In parallel, remediation of legacy materials from the former pulp mill site continued, with hundreds of thousands of tonnes of historical waste removed. These efforts have contributed to improving site conditions for both local communities and marine and terrestrial ecosystems in Howe Sound.

Woodfibre LNG’s Operator Training Programme, delivered in partnership with the Squamish Nation Training and Trades Centre and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), progressed throughout the year. The programme’s first cohort of graduates transitioned into full-time roles, supporting the development of long-term, skilled local employment opportunities linked to the project.

Through its Community Partnership Programme (CPP), Woodfibre LNG continued to invest in local communities across the Sea-to-Sky corridor. In 2025, the programme surpassed $1 million in total grants since its inception, supporting initiatives in sports, healthcare, emergency services, arts and culture, and youth development.

Luke Schauerte, CEO of Woodfibre LNG, said, “2025 has been a year of significant progress for Woodfibre LNG. We are proud of what our team and partners have accomplished together and look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.”

With more than half of the project’s development now complete, Woodfibre LNG remains focused on advancing construction safely and responsibly, while maintaining strong partnerships with Indigenous communities, local stakeholders and regulators.

As the project looks ahead to 2026, Woodfibre LNG continues its work toward delivering lower-carbon, responsibly produced Canadian energy to international markets.

Hashtag: #RGE #PacificEnergy #PacificCanbriamEnergy #WoodfibreLNG #LNG #environment #partnerships #LNG #liquefiednaturalgas #energy #sustainability

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Woodfibre LNG

The Woodfibre LNG Project is owned by Woodfibre LNG Limited Partnership, owned 70 per cent by Pacific Energy Corporation (Canada) Limited and 30 per cent by Enbridge Inc. The Woodfibre LNG facility is being built on the site of the former Woodfibre pulp mill site, which is located about seven kilometres southwest of Squamish, B.C. Woodfibre LNG will source its natural gas from Pacific Canbriam Energy, a Canadian company with operations in Northeastern British Columbia. Pacific Canbriam is an industry leader in sustainable natural gas production. Woodfibre LNG and Pacific Canbriam Energy are subsidiaries of Pacific Energy Corporation Limited. Woodfibre LNG is the first industrial project in Canada to recognise a non-treaty Indigenous government, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), as a full environmental regulator.

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New Opportunities in Southeast Asia’s Digital Shift: Thailand Emerges as the New ASEAN’s AI Hub

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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2025 – As global attention remains fixed on the AI race, Thailand is now carving out a new identity as an emerging “AI Hub for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).” The government is steadily advancing its “Thailand 4.0” initiative, positioning the digital economy as the key driver of national transformation.

The expansion of AI and data centers (DCs) in Thailand is driving several transformative trends:

  • Changing data traffic patterns. As DCs multiply in Bangkok, Chonburi, and beyond, Thailand is evolving from a traditional data “transit point” into a regional “convergence hub.” East-west digital traffic is accelerating, with Thai DC clusters increasingly meeting the computing demands of Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific.
  • Optimized data routing. Data flows that once relied on submarine cables via Hong Kong and Singapore are gradually shifting to land-based digital corridors linking China, Laos, and Thailand. This route reduces data transmission latency from southwestern China to Southeast Asia.
  • Elevated business expectations. Demand is shifting beyond “sufficient bandwidth” toward “high-quality experience.” Thailand sits in a “latency sweet spot” for key Asia-Pacific markets, with latencies to Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia falling within an optimal range—a crucial advantage for latency-sensitive sectors like autonomous driving, telemedicine, and fintech.

New opportunities inevitably bring new challenges, and Thailand also addresses the following three challenges:

1. Massive traffic impacting existing networks: Compared with mature hubs like Singapore, Thailand has insufficient international submarine cables. A large volume of cross-border data still needs to be transmitted through detours. Meanwhile, as DC investments continue to accelerate, traffic will keep rising. Analysis shows that by 2029, Thailand’s DC capacity may reach 2000 MW, with cross-region traffic surging to 630 Tbps. The current network architecture is no longer capable of supporting such heavy traffic.

2. Latency advantages not fully realized: Despite its geographic advantages, Thailand’s network latency performance has yet to reach its full potential. Routes to key markets, like China, still require third-party transit. What’s more, traditional network scheduling lacks intelligent route selection capabilities, making it difficult to provide deterministic assurance for latency-sensitive services like financial transactions and real-time AI interactions.

3. Potential risks in network reliability: Thailand’s network reliability faces structural challenges. Single points of failure have previously caused hours-long interruptions to critical services, directly undermining enterprise users’ confidence.

To overcome these challenges, Thailand can take a systematic approach to upgrading its digital infrastructure, aiming to build next-generation AI-ready networks.

1. Building ultra-high-bandwidth “sea-land” connectivity. By actively introducing new submarine cables, Thailand can significantly enhance its connectivity with the Asia-Pacific region and the world. Meanwhile, accelerating the construction and expansion of key terrestrial cable routes—such as China-Laos-Thailand and Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore—will transform Thailand’s geographic advantage into a tangible connectivity advantage.

2. Optimizing network routes to create a regional low-latency core. Strengthening the Kunming-Laos-Thailand terrestrial cable route will continuously reduce transmission latency between China and Thailand, meeting the needs of real-time applications. In addition, the introduction of autonomous networks will enable automatic selection of the optimal, shortest route, shifting from “best effort” to “deterministic low latency.”

3. Designing a “never-interrupted” high-resilience architecture. Deploying active-active DC networks with millisecond-level switchover capabilities ensures the continuity of core services. Meanwhile, AI-driven intelligent O&M can reduce fault detection and diagnosis from hours to minutes.

Thailand’s booming AI and DC industries are driving rapid growth in regional and cross-border business demand. In this trend, network infrastructure construction centered on DCs is the core engine that drives AI transformation, propelling Thailand toward its vision of becoming the new AI hub for ASEAN.

Hashtag: #huawei

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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MyRepublic Launches Card Sub, Singapore’s First Subscription Service for Trading Card Game Fans

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 December 2025 MyRepublic today announced the launch of Card Sub, a new subscription-based service designed for Trading Card Game (TCG) enthusiasts. Card Sub offers subscribers a convenient way to receive Magic: The Gathering (MTG) products monthly, including access to premium booster packs not typically available through standard retail purchases.

MyRepublic Launches Card Sub, Singapore’s First Subscription Service for Trading Card Game Fans

Card Sub introduces a structured monthly subscription model in which customers pay a fixed monthly rate and receive up to 3 Play Booster packs or 2 Play booster boxes from the current MTG release. In addition, subscribers will receive free premium booster packs or boxes. These premium boosters may include Collector Booster Packs or Boxes, such as the highly sought-after Final Fantasy Collector Booster, which is constantly sold out worldwide which features the extremely valuable serialised Golden Chocobo card
“The trading card community in Singapore is incredibly passionate, and Card Sub is our small way of adding value to that ecosystem,” said Terry Williams, Head of Consumer at MyRepublic. “As TCG players ourselves, we wanted to offer something to the community to provide an easier access to the latest release every month, and the chance to secure premium packs that might not be readily accessible to players. We see Card Sub as a community-driven initiative, open to all who share a passion for growing the hobby.”
The subscription tiers available at launch are:
MyRepublic Card Sub Plans
MyRepublic Card Sub Plans

Card Sub will be available to both MyRepublic and non-MyRepublic customers. All product redemptions will take place in person at the upcoming Card Arena by MyRepublic, located at Suntec City. Customers will redeem their Premium booster or box in-store.

Card Sub is positioned to serve cost-conscious TCG consumers by providing reliable monthly access to boosters with the added benefit of premium packs or boxes at no additional charge. The inclusion of Collector Boosters in the premium pool provides an opportunity for subscribers to obtain higher-value products through a predictable monthly model. MyRepublic also plans to expand Card Sub to additional TCG franchises, including Pokémon.
Card Sub is open for sign-up at cardsub.net and available to everyone in Singapore. Monthly redemption of subscription items will be fulfilled exclusively at:
Card Arena by MyRepublic
Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard, #02-323/324

Hashtag: #CardSub, #MyRepublic #MyRepublicCardSub #CardSubSG #TCG #GeeksUseUs





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

MyRepublic

MyRepublic is an award-winning telecom operator whose values lie in the future of connectivity, the next opportunity to disrupt, and innovations that will make a real difference. The provider’s priority is to redefine broadband and mobile connectivity in the markets it operates and empower customers to understand what a true modern connectivity experience can be.
For more information, please visit
cardsub.net

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