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amfori Asia Sustainability Summit 2025 sets course for resilient, responsible and sustainable supply chains
The Summit attracted more than a hundred participants from multiple countries in Asia and Europe, including sustainability practitioners and business leaders, policymakers and key stakeholders. Under the theme, “Supply Chain Resilience in Asia in the Face of Challenges in a Volatile World”, the Summit underscored the vital importance of developing resilient and sustainable supply chains in the region. Key topics included the evolution of ESG regulations, business risk management, climate-change issues, and the imperative for enhanced collaboration among supply chain stakeholders to strengthen resilience and advance sustainability.
In her welcome remarks, Ms Linda Kromjong, President of amfori, said, “Two words matter most: agility and resilience. In today’s unpredictable world, agility is what keeps us responsive. Resilience is what allows us to absorb shocks and bounce back stronger, protecting not only our operations, but our people and our planet.” she added further, “For amfori, we are here to help you manage and build resilience across your supply chains. We will continue to think global, act local with our solutions and support our members and business partners as expectations evolve.”
Ambassador Harvey Rouse, Head of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, said in his opening keynote, “In a global context of increased barriers to trade – the EU stands as an anchor of stability and predictability. The EU also remains committed to becoming the first climate neutral continent by 2050, providing global companies with clarity and transparency and supporting the green transition in Asia. Businesses in Hong Kong are well known for being among the most efficient, innovative and agile in the world. There is no doubt in my mind that they will quickly and seamlessly incorporate EU’s sustainability rules into their business practices and supply chains. This early adoption will provide Hong Kong businesses with a competitive advantage over slower-moving competitors in Asia and globally. My office is committed to continuing support to Asian and Hong Kong companies in this process”
The plenary discussion session themed “Tackling Sustainability Challenges in Supply Chain in a Volatile World” was moderated by Mr Brian Wong, Data Protection Officer & Assistant Sustainability Director, GP Batteries International Limited (Vice Chair of the amfori Greater China Network). The discussion brought together key speakers, including Mr Lars Ringtved Nielsen, Compliance and Quality Director, JYSK, Ms Amita Lam, Senior Director, Global Governance, Risk Management & Compliance and Human Rights & Social Impact, Mattel, Ms Sammie Ho Dumas, Senior Director, Sustainability and Social Impact, Thai Union, and Mr Gary Ng, Senior Economist, Hong Kong Trade Development Council. They shared insights into navigating the complex pressures of rising tariffs, evolving ESG due diligence rules, export restrictions, supply chain fragmentation and geopolitical tensions, while maintaining sustainability at the core of supply chain management.
During her keynote speech, Ms Helen Kaestner, Head of Operations at amfori, underscored the critical role of amfori’s tools and services in helping companies enhance their ESG performance while strengthening supply chain sustainability in today’s volatile environment.
The Summit also featured parallel breakout sessions addressing critical sustainability topics in supply chain management. The workshop-style breakout session on “Decarbonisation in Global Supply Chains: How to Address Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions Effectively” featured speakers including Dr Keith Choy, General Manager of Green Living and Innovation Division, Hong Kong Productivity Council and Mr Lars Ringtved Nielsen, Compliance and Quality Director, JYSK. Participants explored practical strategies for implementing existing tools like amfori BEPI for measuring and reducing emissions across different disciplines.
Concurrently, the session on “Sustaining Audit Quality and Integrity with Strengthened Assurance Systems in Responsible Supply Chains”, brought together speakers including Lisa Krnel, Compliance Manager, APSCA, Billy Lai, Deputy Director of Business Assurance, SGS, and Jonathan Thorngreen, Sustainability Expert Social, amfori. The session examined how robust assurance frameworks, skilled auditors, and cross-sector collaboration uphold audit quality and integrity amid complex supply chains.
During the session on “Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Human Rights Due Diligence Regulations in Asia: Best Practices for Businesses,” Ms Kathy Roussel, Head of Advocacy & Engagement for amfori, delivered the Opening Remarks, highlighting that businesses are embedding human rights due diligence into daily operations while tailoring action to local realities. Speakers for this session included Mr David Williams, Project Manager (Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Supply Chains (RISSC) project), International Labour Organization (ILO), Ms Wang Jing, Researcher, China National Textile and Apparel Council, and Ms Natasha Majumdar, Director South Asia of amfori. Participants explored best practices for integrating Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) into supply chain management and gained more in-depth understanding in improving social performance.
In parallel, the session titled “Quality Management in Practice: Enhancing Consistency Compliance and Continuous Improvement in Governance” discussed overcoming quality management challenges in building resilient and sustainable supply chains. Speakers including Mr KT Ting, Chief Operating Officer of Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA), Mr Filippo Monti, Managing Director of TGI Technology, Mr Jimmy Po, Divisional Vice President, Shanghai / Quality Management & Sustainability, Asia for OBI Group Sourcing Hong Kong, and Mr Gabriel Amouyal, Audit Service Director for QIMA, shared insights on the implementation of amfori QMI to strengthen governance practices with practical examples.
Hashtag: #amfori
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About amfori
amfori advocates for a world in which trade serves a purpose: delivering social, environmental and economic benefits for everyone.
As a global business association, amfori supports its members at every step of their due diligence journey, offering a comprehensive range of ESG products and services. From supply chain mapping and assessment to reporting, from capacity building to facilitating stakeholder engagement, amfori provides a holistic approach to responsible business practices.
Founded in 1977, and recognised for its flagship product amfori BSCI, amfori leverages decades of expertise and close collaboration with more than 2400 member companies as well as auditing companies, producers, factories, and other stakeholders such as policymakers. Representing a diverse array of industries in over 50 countries, that cover trade streams in over 100 countries, amfori continues to have a positive impact on fostering sustainable trade.
For more information, contact amfori at [email protected] or [email protected]
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Swiss-Belhotel International Unveils Mobile App, Advancing its Integrated Digital Ecosystem
The launch of the Swiss-Belhotel International Mobile App completes a strategic technology upgrade initiated last year, which included the implementation of a new booking engine, the transition to an enhanced website, and the introduction of an advanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. With the addition of the mobile app, Swiss-Belhotel International now offers a fully connected digital ecosystem, ensuring a seamless journey from discovery to booking and beyond.
Commenting on the launch, Matthew Faull, Executive Director and Senior Vice President – Information Technology, E-commerce and Distribution, said: “The launch of the Swiss-Belhotel International Mobile App represents the completion of a carefully structured digital transformation programme. By aligning our booking engine, website, CRM and now mobile platform into one connected ecosystem, we are able to deliver a more efficient, responsive and guest-centric experience. This is not simply about technology adoption, but about creating meaningful value through integration.”
Adding to this, Priyanka Kapoor, Group Director – Sales, Marketing, Branding and Communications, said: “At the heart of this launch is our commitment to our loyal guests. The Swiss-Belhotel International Mobile App allows us to offer greater value, more personalised engagement, and exclusive member benefits. It reinforces our focus on direct relationships with our guests, ensuring they receive the best rates, the best privileges, and a seamless brand experience.”
Built around the principle of ‘One App, Many Benefits,’ the Swiss-Belhotel International Mobile App enables guests to book directly at the best available rates while unlocking exclusive member privileges. Users can easily sign up or log in to access personalised offers, ensuring that loyal guests are consistently recognised and rewarded.
More than a booking tool, the app is designed to simplify the entire travel journey, offering a streamlined, intuitive interface that enhances both convenience and engagement. By integrating its core digital platforms into a single environment, Swiss-Belhotel International strengthens its ability to deliver a consistent and elevated guest experience across all touchpoints.
As digital expectations continue to evolve, Swiss-Belhotel International remains focused on investing in technologies that enhance accessibility, strengthen guest relationships, and support long-term growth. The Swiss-Belhotel International Mobile App stands as a key step in this direction – bringing together innovation, efficiency, and guest-centricity within a single, unified platform.
Hashtag: #SwissBelhotelInternational #HospitalityTechnology #Hospitality
https://www.swiss-belhotel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/swiss-belhotel-international/
https://www.facebook.com/swissbelhotel
https://www.instagram.com/swissbelhotel/
https://www.tiktok.com/@swissbelhotel
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Swiss-Belhotel International
Swiss-Belhotel International operates in 20 countries, managing 165+* hotels, resorts, and projects across New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, with regional offices in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Indonesia, UAE, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand. Committed to delivering world-class hospitality, the group also offers the Swiss-Belexecutive Card (SBEC), a loyalty program providing many benefits, discounts from 10% to 35% on rooms, dining, and other services, plus priority check-in, complimentary upgrades, and late check-out. No collecting points, no waiting for redemption, with the free-to-join Green Global tier, members can enjoy instant discounts from their first stay! Book stays and access special offers tailored for SBI guests and SBEC members through the Swiss-Belhotel International App – available in App Store and Google Play Store. Stay connected with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and exclusive benefits. Visit swiss-belhotel.com for more information.
*Numbers may fluctuate
From September 2025 to April 2026, the program combined consistent distributions with practical assistance. During this time, more than 1,700 food boxes were delivered, helping ensure access to essential nutrition for elderly residents.
The initiative also included healthcare support. Around 300 people received vision checks, with 152 of them receiving eyeglasses based on the results. In addition, approximately 300 people received medicines each month, supporting the management of common health conditions.
Additional assistance included the distribution of first aid kits, hygiene kits, and prepared meals, helping cover both daily needs and immediate care.
Members of the Olymptrade community also took part in the initiative, joining two distribution days to help with the process and spend time with elderly residents.
The eight-month program marks an important milestone in the partnership, but not its conclusion. Olymptrade plans to continue supporting local communities through similar initiatives, guided by a simple principle: Care that counts.
Hashtag: #Olymptrade
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Paymentology and Change Financial join forces to fast-track next-generation payments in Australia
The collaboration combines Paymentology’s cloud-first processing platform with Change Financial’s local BIN sponsorship, regulatory expertise and in-market presence – enabling fintechs, digital banks and programme managers to launch and scale debit, credit and prepaid programmes more efficiently in the Australian market.
Change Financial is a Mastercard Principal Issuer in Australia, providing local scheme connectivity and compliance support. Together with Paymentology’s real-time, multi-cloud processing infrastructure, the partnership creates a streamlined pathway for fintechs looking to enter or expand in the country.
Australia represents one of the world’s most advanced digital payments markets. The national payments market was valued at USD 849.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1.35 trillion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.09% between 2026 and 2034. Cards and mobile wallets now sit at the centre of everyday transactions, as digital adoption continues to accelerate. Australians made approximately AUD 160 billion in mobile wallet payments in the past year alone, with billions of transactions recorded annually, highlighting strong demand for digital-first, contactless and mobile-enabled payment experiences.
Minh Ha Truong, Head of Growth Asia Pacific at Paymentology commented: “Australia is one of the most sophisticated payments ecosystems globally, with strong consumer adoption of digital, contactless and mobile-first experiences. By partnering with Change Financial, we’re combining next-generation issuing infrastructure with trusted local BIN sponsorship and expertise, unlocking faster payment method adoption for fintechs and helping them scale confidently in the Australian market.”
Change Financial brings deep experience supporting fintechs and financial institutions through local sponsorship, scheme relationships and programme enablement.
Jennifer Mateer, Chief Commercial Officer at Change Financial added: “We collaborate closely with fintechs and programme managers every day to launch innovative payment solutions with speed and confidence. Our partnership with Paymentology combines our local market expertise with global-scale issuing infrastructure, enabling innovators to accelerate time to market and deliver compelling card payment experiences to Australian consumers and businesses.”
Hashtag: #Paymentology #Fintech
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Paymentology
Paymentology is the leading next-generation issuer processor, empowering fintechs, digital banks and retail banks to effortlessly launch and manage innovative payment solutions on a global scale. The company drives greater customer choice and value through easy-to-use, integrated platforms and services that help clients to disrupt the status quo, accelerate time to market, and achieve growth.
With a superior multi-cloud platform offering a vast global footprint, and enhanced real-time data, Paymentology distinguishes itself as a leader in the payments industry. Its team of payments experts, with deep local market knowledge, operates across 50 countries and 14 time zones, providing 24/7 support. Paymentology is deeply committed to expanding financial inclusion globally, changing lives and positively impacting the communities in which it operates.
For more information, visit https://www.Paymentology.com.
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