Connect with us

Media OutReach

BUMA International Group 1H 2025 Results Demonstrate Strong Recovery in 2Q25

Published

on

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 October 2025 – PT BUMA Internasional Grup Tbk (BUMA International Group, IDX: DOID, “the Group”) today announced its audited consolidated results for the first half of 2025 (“1H25”). While major operational and weather-related disruptions significantly impacted the first quarter, the Group delivered a strong recovery in the second quarter, marked by higher production, efficiency improvements, and positive free cash flow, despite continued rain challenges.

2Q25 Results: Strong Recovery Supported by Fundamental Improvements

The Group recorded EBITDA of US$50 million in the 2Q25, more than three times the EBITDA generated in 1Q25. Overburden removal increased to 108 million bcm (mbcm) and coal production reached 20 million tonnes (mt), both up 8% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) as weather conditions eased and operations stabilized. Revenue rose to US$378 million, up 8% QoQ in line with higher volumes, while the net loss narrowed to US$10 million, with the Group achieving monthly profitability in May and June. Free cash flow turned positive at US$24 million, compared to negative US$19 million in 1Q25, while the cash balance remained solid at US$221 million. This recovery was underpinned by stronger operational discipline and cost efficiency.

The severe disruptions in 1Q25 reinforced the Group’s focus on strengthening fundamentals, leading to decisive actions in 2Q25 that delivered measurable gains in performance and improved cash flow across Indonesian operations, even as rain challenges persisted. Effective work hours increased by 31% between January and July, driven by higher equipment availability and utilization. Total standby hours[1] were reduced 43% by July as bottlenecks in disposals, roads, and geology were addressed, while cycle times shortened 12% over the same period, reflecting smoother haul roads and improved driving discipline. These improvements translated into higher volumes: overburden removal rose from 33 mbcm in April to 38 mbcm in June, and further to 44 mbcm in July and 43 mbcm in August, more than 25% above the 1Q25 average. Coal production averaged 6.4–7.5 mt per month since May, largely supported by stronger recovery performance in Indonesia.

Cost efficiency was also strengthened. Unit cash costs fell in 2Q25, with further improvement by August delivering a 28% reduction since January, directly supporting margin recovery. Manpower cost per bcm decreased 42% by August, driven by disciplined shift management and more efficient operator allocation[2]. Fuel cost per bcm reduced by 17% by August, reflecting a 9% reduction in fuel consumption and an 8% decrease in fuel prices. Repair and maintenance cost per bcm was also down by 13%, supported by health monitoring equipment and a 17% extension in major components life.

Iwan Fuad Salim, Director of BUMA International Group, stated, “Our second-quarter 2025 results demonstrate that the recovery plan is delivering tangible progress. By strengthening our operational fundamentals and reducing the impact of rain disruptions, we improved reliability and restored monthly profitability toward the end of the quarter. This operational discipline provides a stronger foundation for sustained momentum in the months ahead.”

1H25 Performance Weighed Down by Q125 Disruptions

On a year-on-year (YoY) basis, 1H25 results reflected the impact of unprecedented major operational disruptions in 1Q25. Overburden removal totaled 209 mbcm, down 23% YoY, while coal production reached 38 mt, down 10% YoY. The decline was mainly due to extreme weather and safety-related closures from other parties in 1Q25.

Revenue stood at US$730 million, down 15% YoY, primarily due to lower volumes, partly offset by 3% YoY higher average selling prices (ASP) from the mining-contractor business and contributions from the mining-owner business. Revenue from the contracting business proved more resilient, as the majority of contracts are protected against inflation and weaker coal prices, underscoring the strength of the Group’s portfolio.

EBITDA in 1H25 was US$64 million, with an 11% margin compared to 22% in 1H24. The Group recorded a net loss of US$80 million, mainly driven by lower EBITDA and receivable provisions for the Australian operations. These impacts were partly offset by favorable foreign exchange movements, fair value gains from the investments in 29Metals, lower interest expense, higher tax benefits, and reduced depreciation from lease expirations and site closures.

The Group’s capital expenditure rose 40% YoY to US$111 million, with US$53 million allocated to growth sites and US$58 million for maintenance. Free cash flow significantly improved to a positive US$5 million, compared to a negative US$47 million in 1H24.

Strengthening Diversification, Deepening Community Impact

In line with the Group’s diversification strategy, revenue from non-thermal coal accounted for 30% of total revenue in 1H25, up five percentage points YoY, reinforcing the Group’s progress in reducing reliance on thermal coal.

Beyond operations, the Group continued to advance its social commitments through its subsidiaries PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA) and PT BISA Ruang Vokasi (BIRU), reaching more than 5,400 beneficiaries as of June 2025. Programs focused on education, health, and economic empowerment, reflecting the Group’s commitment to creating long-term positive impact in the communities where it operates.


[1] Idle time when equipment is ready but held up by external constraints.

[2] Excluding severance, the decline was 31%

Hashtag: #BUMA

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

About PT BUMA Internasional Grup Tbk (BUMA International Group)

Established in 1990, PT BUMA Internasional Grup Tbk (BUMA International Group) is a globally diversified mining holding company with operations across Indonesia, Australia, and the United States. The Group operates under four key business pillars: Mining Services, Mine Ownership, Social Enterprise, and Technology.

At the core of its Mining Services operations is PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA), one of the largest mining services providers in Indonesia and Australia (operating under its fully owned subsidiary, BUMA Australia Pty Ltd). The Group transformed its business as a mine owner in 2024 with the acquisition of Atlantic Carbon Group, Inc. (ACG), and positioning itself as the leading producer of ultra-high-grade anthracite in the United States.

Expanding its diversification, the Group entered the future-facing commodities sector in 2024 by acquiring a stake in 29Metals Limited, an Australian-based copper and base metals mining company. The Group has also invested in AIM-listed Asiamet Resources Limited for its flagship BKM Copper Project in Central Kalimantan. The Group’s other portfolios include PT Bukit Teknologi Digital (BTech), focusing on developing deep learning technologies aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, reducing emissions, and minimizing Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) risks, and PT BISA Ruang Nuswantara (BIRU), a social enterprise dedicated to education, vocational training, and promoting a circular economy.

Headquartered in Jakarta, BUMA International Group is publicly listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX: DOID) and employs over 15,000 people worldwide. In June 2025, the company was once again recognized among the Top 200 in the FORTUNE Southeast Asia 500, underscoring its position as one of the region’s largest companies by revenue.

Media OutReach

No Judgement, No Awkwardness: More Hongkongers Are Opening Up to AI for Mental Health Support

Published

on

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2026 – There is a particular kind of exhaustion that comes not from the stress itself, but from carrying it in silence — unsure whether it is serious enough to mention, or whether anyone would truly understand.

A newly completed Hong Kong study suggests there may finally be a way to bridge that gap. The AIM Greater China Psychology Research Group has completed a Hong Kong-based study conducted in the 2025–2026 academic year, comparing the effectiveness of human hypnotherapists against AI in delivering hypnotic experience-based stress relief experiences. The findings were striking: a significant proportion of participants felt that both approaches yielded virtually equivalent levels of relaxation — and more than 60% reported preferring their AI session after the fact.

Over 400 Applicants: A Reflection of a Generation in Need of Being Heard

The research team recruited participants experiencing family-related stress via Facebook. Within a short period of the post going live, over 400 individuals voluntarily applied — a figure that speaks not only to the pervasiveness of stress in modern life, but also to a growing willingness among the public to prioritise their own emotional wellbeing and actively seek self-care solutions.

From the applicant pool, 48 participants were randomly selected to take part. Each participant underwent two separate hypnotic experience stress relief audio sessions, each lasting approximately one hour — one recorded by a human hypnotherapist, and one fully generated by AI, including both the script and voice. Participants then compared their personal experiences of both sessions.

What Humans Can Do, AI Can Do Too

In the most critical area of comparison — stress relief effectiveness — the largest single group of participants (41.7%) rated the AI and human sessions as equally effective. On a scoring basis, the AI hypnotic experience averaged approximately 2.92 points, compared to 2.58 points for the human session — with AI coming out marginally ahead.

The study further found that nearly 90% of participants indicated they would enjoy a session if it genuinely helped them feel relaxed. In other words, what people truly care about is whether it works — not whether the voice behind it belongs to a human or a machine. On this front, AI has passed the test.

Over 60% More Willing to Share Their Feelings with AI

The results around personal preference were perhaps the most eye-opening. When asked which session they enjoyed more, 62.5% of participants chose the AI experience — and among women, that number climbed even higher, to 68.4%.

So what made AI the preferred choice? Researchers believe it comes down to one simple thing: feeling safe. With AI, there is no worry about being judged. No fear of saying the wrong thing. No awkwardness. About 1 in 4 participants said they actually found it easier to talk openly with AI — because it communicates in a way that feels clear, calm, and natural, much like everyday conversation.

The truth is, some things are just easier to say when no one is watching. That is not a flaw in human nature — it is simply how many of us work.

When it came to privacy, the findings were equally reassuring. More than half of all participants said they had no concerns about AI handling their personal information. Only a very small number — just 2.08% — said they felt uncomfortable. This points to a growing sense of trust in AI tools among the general public.

AI Reads the Data; Therapists Read the Person

Beyond the hypnotic experience itself, the local research team also evaluated AI’s capability as an analytical tool — with equally impressive results.

AI was able to rapidly process large volumes of participant responses, objectively assess individual stress levels, and identify underlying patterns. For instance, AI identified that 35% of participants independently expressed a desire for “personal space” or “better soundproofing” in their homes. On the surface, these may seem like trivial lifestyle concerns — yet AI connected this pattern to the reality of Hong Kong residents living in constrained spaces, highlighting a deeper psychological sense of having “nowhere to breathe”. This level of insight would be difficult to uncover through manual review of dozens of questionnaires alone.

AI also observed that many participants habitually occupied the role of “problem-solver” or “mediator” within their households, suppressing their own emotional needs in the process. Researchers noted that this reflects a widely recognised social phenomenon — the pressures faced by eldest daughters and the so-called “sandwich generation,” caught between the responsibilities of caring for ageing parents and raising children. AI’s ability to rapidly identify these hidden emotional burdens allows therapists to bypass lengthy preliminary assessments and focus more swiftly on the core issues that require their attention.

AI Is Here to Help, Not to Take Over

The local research team emphasises that the study was never intended to position AI as a replacement for human therapists. Rather, the aim is to explore how the two can work in tandem. Much like how blood test reports assist physicians in diagnosis, AI can play an analogous supporting role in the mental health field — organising data, identifying patterns, and lowering barriers to seeking help, so that mental health professionals can direct their energy towards the moments that truly require a human touch.

Those who proactively seek psychological support remain a minority, often deterred by the fear of inconvenience, social stigma, or the awkwardness of speaking up. If AI can serve as the bridge that encourages more people to take that first step, that alone may be its most meaningful contribution to society.

Hashtag: #HypnosisInstitute

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

About Hypnosis Institute

Hypnosis Institute is dedicated to helping people in Hong Kong lead healthier and more fulfilling lives through hypnotic experience. We offer accessible and practical hypnotic experience training programmes designed to integrate hypnotic techniques into everyday life, with a focus on stress management, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth.

Hypnosis Institute is Hong Kong’s only hypnotic experience professional development platform that simultaneously operates a research group, social innovation group, practical training group, crisis psychological support group, charitable initiatives, networking events, therapeutic services, and a comprehensive training pathway.

As the sole Hong Kong chapter of the Association for Integrative Medicine (AIM) in the United States, the sole overseas Hong Kong academy of UK educational institution Study House (Quality Licence Scheme), and the sole specialist hypnotic experience training school in Hong Kong under Cambridge International College in the United Kingdom, Hypnosis Institute provides internationally recognised qualifications that contribute to the advancement of the industry.

Founder Charles Leung is a trainer of trainers in the field of hypnotic experience, and has been specially appointed by the Association for Integrative Medicine as the Chief Instructor for Specialist hypnotic experience in Greater China. He has trained over 1,000 hypnotherapists and instructors, upholding the highest standards of professional development in the mental health field.

The Institute’s programmes integrate a comprehensive range of methodologies, including hypnotic experience combined with MBTI personality profiling, DISC behavioural analysis, mental health coaching, emotional education, and the HiddenMe Cards inner child tool — providing a holistic and personalised approach to hypnotic experience practice. Instructors specialise in paediatric hypnotic experience, Internal Family Systems (including inner child) hypnotic experience, stress and insomnia relief hypnotic experience, interpersonal relationship hypnotic experience, as well as hypnotic experience in reminiscence and palliative care.

Driven by the belief that everyone can harness the power of hypnotic experience to enhance their mental wellbeing, Hypnosis Institute is committed to sharing psychological knowledge and providing professional support in the areas of emotional management, life challenges, and the professional development of the hypnotic experience industry.

Follow us at , , and for the latest updates.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Reimagining Capital: Inside BizPal Day 2026 and the Launch of CapitalOS

Published

on

JOHOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2026 – BizPal Malaysia hosted BizPal Day 2026, an invite-only event bringing together investors, SME founders, and ecosystem partners in Johor, where the company formally introduced CapitalOS, its corporate finance platform, and signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Malaysian partners My Education Platform and VA Partners.

Attendees of BizPal Day 2026 gather in Johor, Malaysia, bringing together investors, SME founders, and ecosystem partners for the official introduction of CapitalOS, BizPal’s corporate finance platform.

Held at deMori @ FCC Signature, the event featured a live platform demonstration, partner showcase, and networking sessions aimed at facilitating engagement between founders, advisors, and investors.

Introducing CapitalOS

CapitalOS, BizPal’s corporate finance platform, was presented through a live demonstration during the event. The system integrates operational, brand, and financial data into a structured framework designed to support investor readiness and due diligence.

According to BizPal, the platform is intended to help SMEs organise their business information into formats aligned with investor expectations, enabling clearer communication during fundraising discussions.

“SMEs should never walk into a funding conversation unsure of their numbers,” said Ms. Anya Tan, CEO of BizPal Malaysia.

MOUs Expand Distribution Network

The event also included the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between BizPal and two Malaysian partners, My Education Platform and VA Partners. Both organisations will serve as authorised distributors of BizPal’s education and advisory programmes across Malaysia.

Representatives from BizPal and My Education Platform formalise their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), expanding BizPal’s distribution network across Malaysia.
Representatives from BizPal and My Education Platform formalise their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), expanding BizPal’s distribution network across Malaysia.

The partnerships expand BizPal’s reach within the SME ecosystem by working with local organisations that support business development and capability building.

“Partnering with BizPal allows us to introduce structured, investor-ready methodologies to the SME community we serve,” said Mr. Jeff Lee, Director, My Education Platform.

A representative from VA Partners is expected to provide a statement following final endorsement.

Global Mentorship Exchange (GMX)

During the event, BizPal also presented the Global Mentorship Exchange (GMX), an ecosystem initiative designed to connect experienced business leaders with high-potential entrepreneurs.

The initiative provides a structured environment for mentorship supported by data-based evaluation and standardised assessment criteria aligned with investor expectations. GMX was first introduced during BizPal’s Data Fundraising Masterclass in December 2025 and was presented to a broader network of partners and investors at BizPal Day.

Next Steps

Following the event, BizPal plans to expand the adoption of CapitalOS and continue developing its partner network across Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
Hashtag: #NoDataNoTalk #DataFundraising #InvestorReady #CapitalReadiness #FinTech #BusinessValuation #ASEANSMEs #BizPalDay


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

About BizPal

BizPal provides data-driven corporate finance solutions designed to help ASEAN SMEs become investor-ready. Its platform, CapitalOS, integrates operational, strategic, and financial data into a unified system that supports business evaluation and investor engagement.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio And IHG Hotels & Resorts Partner To Bring Four International Hotel Brands To The Coastal Mega Urban Development

Published

on

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 April 2026 – Cangio Tourist City Corporation, the developer of Vinhomes Green Paradise, and IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, have signed a strategic partnership agreement to introduce IHG’s hotel brands to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio in Ho Chi Minh City. The collaboration will not only enhance the project’s service ecosystem to international standards, but also lay the foundation for a leading coastal mega urban development, reinforcing Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio’s position on the global tourism and resort map.

Under the agreement, IHG will develop four hotels with a total of more than 1,000 rooms at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, including InterContinental Saigon Can Gio with 400 rooms, Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio with 400 rooms, Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio with 130 rooms, and Garner Saigon Can Gio with 130 rooms.

InterContinental Saigon Can Gio, a world-renowned luxury brand, will deliver premium hospitality experiences tailored to international travelers and domestic guests seeking high-end accommodation. Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio, one of the largest upscale hotel brands globally, will cater to frequent travelers with modern, flexible spaces designed to optimize productivity and foster connections.

Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio and Garner Saigon Can Gio will expand the destination’s accommodation offering with efficient, high-quality stays focused on value, making the development more accessible to a broader range of guests. This also marks the official debut of both brands in the Vietnamese market.

According to the development timeline, Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio and Garner Saigon Can Gio are expected to open in 2028, followed by InterContinental Saigon Can Gio and Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio in 2030.

In this partnership, Vinpearl, a member of Vingroup, will act as the project operator and lead the collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts, while coordinating with all stakeholders throughout the development and operational phases.

Together with Vinpearl’s world-class hospitality brand, the addition of four premium IHG hotels will help realize a 7,000-room accommodation ecosystem at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, meeting the growing demand for extended stays and diverse experiences year-round in Can Gio and Ho Chi Minh City.

Complementing the hospitality offering, a series of large-scale entertainment and resort facilities unique to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio will further elevate the destination. These include the 122-hectare VinWonders theme park featuring the world’s tallest artificial snow mountain and nearly 200 attractions, the 5,000-seat Blue Waves Theater, the 800-hectare Paradise Lagoon, the five-star international cruise port Landmark Harbour, and two 18-hole international-standard golf courses. Together, these developments aim to position Can Gio as a globally-recognized tourism and resort hub, targeting 40 million visitors annually and standing alongside leading destinations in Vietnam and worldwide.

Mr. Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “This agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between IHG and Vingroup. Bringing four of our standout brands to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio reflects the diversity of our portfolio, as well as our strong commitment to supporting Vietnam’s goal of becoming a leading global tourism destination. With brands spanning multiple segments, we believe this collaboration will help create an integrated hospitality ecosystem that meets the diverse needs of travelers at one of Vietnam’s most significant developments.”

Ms. Ngo Thi Huong, Chief Executive Officer of Vinpearl Joint Stock Company, said: “We selected IHG not only for its global brand portfolio but also for its proven operational expertise across international markets. Introducing InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, and Garner to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio is a key step in completing our service structure and establishing international operating standards for the mega project’s hotel system. With this partnership as a foundation, we believe Vinhomes Green Paradise will progressively emerge as a world-class destination, where a fully integrated ecosystem continues to enhance its appeal to residents and both domestic and international visitors.”

Vinhomes Green Paradise is located in the southeastern part of Ho Chi Minh City. Construction began on April 19, 2025, with a total area of 2,870 hectares. The development features three sides facing the sea and is adjacent to the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized site. The project is being developed to leading ESG++ standards, integrating green, smart, ecological, and regenerative principles.

The development benefits from a well-connected transport infrastructure network, including the Ben Thanh – Can Gio high-speed railway, which will reduce travel time from central Ho Chi Minh City to just 13 minutes, the Can Gio Bridge, the interchange connecting Rung Sac Road with the Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway, and the Can Gio – Vung Tau sea-crossing route, enabling travel between two major tourism hubs in just 10 minutes.

With a diverse range of accommodation options, internationally-standardized hotel systems, and a wide array of cultural, artistic, sports, and entertainment facilities aligned with green, smart, and community-friendly principles, Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio stands out as a rare mega urban development that both sets new benchmarks for ESG living and delivers a world-class tourism and resort experience.

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

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

About IHG Hotels & Resorts:

IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company with a portfolio of 21 brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programs with over 160 million members. IHG currently franchises, leases, manages, or owns more than 6,900 hotels across over 100 countries, with more than 2,300 hotels in its development pipeline.

IHG’s brand portfolio spans Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, Essentials, and Suites segments, including well-known brands such as Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, Garner, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites.

About Vinhomes
Vinhomes is Vietnam’s leading real estate developer, pioneering the development of large-scale, well-planned urban areas with integrated amenities, green living environments, and modern lifestyles. In addition to 36 urban developments currently in operation nationwide, Vinhomes continues to focus on building next-generation mega and super urban developments of regional scale and significance, aspiring to create some of the most livable cities in the world while significantly transforming Vietnam’s urban landscape.

For more information, please visit

Continue Reading

Trending