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DFI Launches 2024 Sustainability Report

Published

9 months ago

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Emphasising Commitment to People, Products and Planet

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 April 2025 – DFI Retail Group (DFI or the Group) is pleased to announce the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report, outlining the Group’s ongoing commitment and progress in sustainability across Asia.

DFI Retail Group Sustainability Report 2024

In 2024, DFI demonstrated strong ESG performance. It was ranked in the 84th percentile in the Food and Staples Retailing industry in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment*. Key achievements include a 14.2% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions compared to the 2021 baseline, with a target of 50% reduction by 2030. The waste diversion rate improved to 61%, up from 56% of the previous year. DFI also made community investments totalling US$2.76 million, enhancing social impact through various initiatives across markets. Additionally, DFI achieved 57% packaging recyclability of Own Brand products with plastic packaging, progressing the Group on track towards the target of 100% by 2030.

Scott Price, Group Chief Executive, DFI Retail Group shared, “At DFI, our purpose is to sustainably serve our millions of customers in Asia for generations with everyday moments. This shared purpose inspires us to meet the daily needs of our customers while creating lasting, sustainable value for all stakeholders. As Asia’s leading retailer, we take this responsibility seriously by providing essentials that support livelihoods, health, well-being, and ecosystems across all our markets.”

Erica Chan, Group Chief Legal, Governance and Corporate Affairs Officer shared, “I am proud of the consistent progress DFI has made in laying the foundation for our refreshed Sustainability Framework. I am also deeply encouraged by the collective efforts of our teams, partners, and communities, and am confident that we will continue to make great strides in our sustainability journey in the years ahead.”

This year’s report introduces a refined Sustainability Framework centred around three key pillars: People, Products and Planet, with Governance as the cornerstone, ensuring robust leadership and oversight.

The People-focused priorities underscore DFI’s commitment to its customers, team members, communities, and the labour in its supply chains. By prioritising employee development, health, and safety, DFI aims to empower its team members and address the diverse needs of customers. Initiatives include enhancing training programmes, promoting gender equality, and fostering community engagement through various giveback projects.

Across the business, the Products pillar focuses on providing sustainable product choices that resonate with consumer demand. DFI is dedicated to increasing the availability of Own Brand products with sustainability certifications, ensuring that customers can easily access sustainable goods and solutions without compromising affordability, while also safeguarding product quality and safety. This commitment extends to advancing sustainable packaging practices and promoting responsible sourcing across its supply chains.

The Planet strategies recognise the urgent need to address environmental challenges and are dedicated to reducing DFI’s overall carbon footprint, minimising waste and advancing circular economies through upcycling. The Group remains on track to achieve a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. Additionally, the company is addressing Scope 3 emissions by collaborating with suppliers and industry partners on decarbonisation strategies and engaging consumers to embrace sustainable consumption.

As part of DFI’s efforts to advance its goals across these pillars, it progressed several impactful initiatives during 2024, including:

  • People: Mannings Hong Kong launched a safe disposal service for unused medicines, becoming the first community pharmacy chain in the city to do so. The programme expanded in 2024 to double the scale. Since its inception in 2023, it has handled around 8 million unwanted pills and received multiple industry awards for its contribution to public health. Additionally, IKEA Indonesia introduced the IKEA Social Entrepreneur Accelerator (I-SEA), partnering with local organisations to support marginalised communities. This initiative has supported over 220 local communities and impacted thousands of smallholder farmers and businesses through capacity building and mentorship.
  • Products: DFI has increased the percentage of its Own Brand products with sustainability certifications from 24% to 28%. Additionally, as part of the Group’s commitment to responsible sourcing, 7CAFÉ has adopted 100% Rainforest Alliance-certified Arabica coffee beans across its stores in Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore.
  • Planet: DFI led a successful Low-Carbon Rice pilot in Thailand, addressing the 6% of the Group’s Scope 3 emissions attributed to rice. With 85% of the world’s rice produced in Asia, DFI worked with local partners to train 30 local farmers in sustainable farming techniques, including Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD). The pilot produced 110,000kg of certified low-carbon rice, achieving at least 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on approved participating rice fields. In 2025, DFI plans to launch 200,000 kg of low-carbon rice under its Own Brand Yu Pin King in Hong Kong, helping promote sustainable agriculture across its supply chains.

Together, these pillars reflect DFI’s comprehensive approach to advancing sustainability priorities. By integrating these principles into its core business strategies, DFI is not only addressing immediate sustainability challenges but also paving the way for a more resilient future for its customers, communities and the planet.

For detailed information on the various sustainability initiatives undertaken by DFI, please refer to the Sustainability Report 2024. To learn more about DFI’s efforts, please visit DFI’s website.

*Ranking as of 8 January 2025

Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #SustainabilityReport #Mannings #Guardian #7-Eleven #Wellcome #MarketPlace #DFILucky #ColdStorage #Giant #IKEA #yuu

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

DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group (the ‘Group’) is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to “Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments”.

As at 31 Dec 2024, the Group, its associates and joint ventures operated over 10,700 outlets, and employed over 190,000 people.

The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains.

The Group, including associates and joint ventures, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across six key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailing.

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AEON Bank Helps Ease Festive Season’s Budget Constraints with No-Hassle Personal Financing-i

Published

19 hours ago

on

24/12/2025

By

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2025 – As Malaysians gear up for multiple financial commitments in the upcoming weeks and months, especially during the year-end holidays, back-to-school and double festive season, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, Malaysia’s first digital Islamic bank, strengthens its commitment to financial inclusion by offering accessible support through its Personal Financing-i (PF-i).

From December 2025 till March 2026, the bustling seasons present convergence of multiple spending needs for many households. Acknowledging that this might raise the need for flexible liquidity, AEON Bank provides a solution to address such budgetary constraints in the form of the PF-i; an inclusive, hassle-free financing facility, easily accessible via its digital banking app.

Optimising a Risk-Based Pricing (RBP) framework to determine a competitive and personalised profit rate, AEON Bank ensures that customers can seamlessly apply for PF-i online, as long as they are Malaysian citizens aged 18 to 55, with a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 – be it salaried employees or self-employed individuals, freelancers, as well as gig economy workers.

Aligned with Shariah banking principles, PF-i offers financing facility from RM1,000 up to RM100,000 with flexible tenure options ranging from 3 to 84 months, allowing for repayments tailored to individual budget needs. The Flat Profit Rate starting from 3.88% p.a. and a nominal Wakalah Fee of RM1 is applicable upon acceptance.

The entire process, from the application to fund disbursement are all managed online via the AEON Bank app. This simplifies the process and eliminates the need for physical paperwork or branch visits. To apply for PF-i, customers simply need to follow these steps :

  • Step 1 : Activated Savings Account-i pre-requisite

Download the AEON Bank app and activate the Savings Account-i, prior to applying for PF-i.

  • Step 2 : Eligibility check and employment details

Applicants must be Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, earning a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 – either as salaried employees, self-employed or gig workers.

  • Step 3 : Financing selection

Select the preferred financing amount ranging from RM1,000 up to RM100,000 and flexible repayment tenure, with options between 3 to 84 months.

  • Step 4 : Supporting document submission

Upload the latest EPF (KWSP) statement, reflecting the latest consecutive 6-months contributions (for salaried workers) or latest consecutive 6-month bank statement (for self-employed/gig workers).

  • Step 5 : Approval and fund disbursement

Applications will be processed immediately and upon approval, funds will be disbursed directly into the applicant’s AEON Bank Savings Account-i. Repayments will be automatically deducted via monthly auto-debit.

PF-i enables Malaysians to access a Shariah compliant financing facility to ease their needs; be it an emergency financial support, family budget constraint, small renovation, vehicle repair or a much needed financial aid to bridge the temporary cashflow gaps.

For comprehensive details on the Personal Financing-i (PF-i), including full terms and conditions, click here to browse the website and scan the QR Code to download the AEON Bank app: https://www.aeonbank.com.my/api/qr-handler

Hashtag: #AEONBank #DigitalBanking #IslamicDigitalBank #ShariahCompliant #FinancialInclusion #IslamicFintech #PersonalFinancing





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

AEON Bank (M) Berhad

AEON Bank (M) Berhad is the first digital Islamic bank in Malaysia, licensed and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance. Officially launched on 26 May 2024, we currently offer a suite of Shariah-compliant products and services under the Personal Banking and Business Banking (AEON Bank Biz).

Our Personal Banking offerings are 100% accessible via the AEON Bank app, namely the deposit Savings Account-i, AEON Bank x Visa Debit Card-i, Personal Financing-i, Term Deposit-i, Savings Pots, DuitNow QR, utility bill payments, personal financial management and budgeting tools with Neko Sensei, and a range of digital payment services with strategic partners and merchants, as well as Neko Missions, Malaysia’s first gamified digital banking interactive rewards programme.

On 8 August 2025, AEON Bank (M) Berhad officially launched AEON Bank Biz, anchored by the Current Business Account-i and integrated cash management capabilities, with the initial onboarding of vendors from AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad and suppliers within the broader AEON ecosystem. The targeted approach is designed to create an integrated value chain linking AEON’s retail and financial services networks, supporting strategic growth and greater inclusivity. AEON Bank Biz offers streamlined processes for account onboarding, credit assessments and financial services, utilising AI-driven fintech solutions to enable simplified procedures, faster approvals, and an enhanced digital banking experience for business owners and entrepreneurs. AEON Bank Biz’s products and services will soon be extended to more local businesses and entrepreneurs across Malaysia.

Being part of the AEON Group conglomerate, AEON Bank (M) Berhad is equally held by AEON Financial Service Co. Ltd. (AFS Japan) and AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (ACSM). AFS Japan is responsible for the AEON Group’s financial services businesses, with strong roots in the retail sector which operates in Japan and 10 countries across Asia and it is. AEON Group is Japan’s largest retail group and it is a pure holding company that comprises eight core businesses.

AEON Group Malaysia consists of several entities, namely, AEON Co. (M) Bhd, AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, AEON BiG (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Fantasy (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Delight (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Global Supply Chain Sdn Bhd and Malaysian AEON Foundation (MAF). AEON Group has been a recognizable household brand with more than 200 years of history and evolution in Japan since the Edo era, along with 4 decades of growth in Malaysia, providing consumers with daily financial solutions and diversified retail convenience.

Our cloud native agility and AI optimisation, combined with the strength of our Shariah DNA, Malaysian roots and Japanese heritage are our distinguishing factors, while the integration with the AEON ecosystem gives us a competitive advantage of being the only bank in Malaysia with its own nationwide retail network. On top of that, AEON Points loyalty programme offers customers value-added benefits and meaningful rewards, as the AEON Points can be redeemed into cash value, deposited directly into customers’ AEON Bank Savings Account-i.

AEON Bank (M) Berhad is committed to provide accessible financial solutions for Malaysians and we aim to empower the community in pursuing their financial aspirations and achieve economic independence, hence fostering a more inclusive financial future for all. We will continue to contribute towards the Islamic banking development in the region and the nation’s digital economy.

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Media OutReach

AEON Bank Helps Ease Festive Season’s Budget Constraints with No-Hassle Personal Financing-i

Published

19 hours ago

on

24/12/2025

By

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2025 – As Malaysians gear up for multiple financial commitments in the upcoming weeks and months, especially during the year-end holidays, back-to-school and double festive season, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, Malaysia’s first digital Islamic bank, strengthens its commitment to financial inclusion by offering accessible support through its Personal Financing-i (PF-i).

From December 2025 till March 2026, the bustling seasons present convergence of multiple spending needs for many households. Acknowledging that this might raise the need for flexible liquidity, AEON Bank provides a solution to address such budgetary constraints in the form of the PF-i; an inclusive, hassle-free financing facility, easily accessible via its digital banking app.

Optimising a Risk-Based Pricing (RBP) framework to determine a competitive and personalised profit rate, AEON Bank ensures that customers can seamlessly apply for PF-i online, as long as they are Malaysian citizens aged 18 to 55, with a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 – be it salaried employees or self-employed individuals, freelancers, as well as gig economy workers.

Aligned with Shariah banking principles, PF-i offers financing facility from RM1,000 up to RM100,000 with flexible tenure options ranging from 3 to 84 months, allowing for repayments tailored to individual budget needs. The Flat Profit Rate starting from 3.88% p.a. and a nominal Wakalah Fee of RM1 is applicable upon acceptance.

The entire process, from the application to fund disbursement are all managed online via the AEON Bank app. This simplifies the process and eliminates the need for physical paperwork or branch visits. To apply for PF-i, customers simply need to follow these steps :

  • Step 1 : Activated Savings Account-i pre-requisite

Download the AEON Bank app and activate the Savings Account-i, prior to applying for PF-i.

  • Step 2 : Eligibility check and employment details

Applicants must be Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, earning a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 – either as salaried employees, self-employed or gig workers.

  • Step 3 : Financing selection

Select the preferred financing amount ranging from RM1,000 up to RM100,000 and flexible repayment tenure, with options between 3 to 84 months.

  • Step 4 : Supporting document submission

Upload the latest EPF (KWSP) statement, reflecting the latest consecutive 6-months contributions (for salaried workers) or latest consecutive 6-month bank statement (for self-employed/gig workers).

  • Step 5 : Approval and fund disbursement

Applications will be processed immediately and upon approval, funds will be disbursed directly into the applicant’s AEON Bank Savings Account-i. Repayments will be automatically deducted via monthly auto-debit.

PF-i enables Malaysians to access a Shariah compliant financing facility to ease their needs; be it an emergency financial support, family budget constraint, small renovation, vehicle repair or a much needed financial aid to bridge the temporary cashflow gaps.

For comprehensive details on the Personal Financing-i (PF-i), including full terms and conditions, click here to browse the website and scan the QR Code to download the AEON Bank app: https://www.aeonbank.com.my/api/qr-handler

Hashtag: #AEONBank #DigitalBanking #IslamicDigitalBank #ShariahCompliant #FinancialInclusion #IslamicFintech #PersonalFinancing





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

AEON Bank (M) Berhad

AEON Bank (M) Berhad is the first digital Islamic bank in Malaysia, licensed and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance. Officially launched on 26 May 2024, we currently offer a suite of Shariah-compliant products and services under the Personal Banking and Business Banking (AEON Bank Biz).

Our Personal Banking offerings are 100% accessible via the AEON Bank app, namely the deposit Savings Account-i, AEON Bank x Visa Debit Card-i, Personal Financing-i, Term Deposit-i, Savings Pots, DuitNow QR, utility bill payments, personal financial management and budgeting tools with Neko Sensei, and a range of digital payment services with strategic partners and merchants, as well as Neko Missions, Malaysia’s first gamified digital banking interactive rewards programme.

On 8 August 2025, AEON Bank (M) Berhad officially launched AEON Bank Biz, anchored by the Current Business Account-i and integrated cash management capabilities, with the initial onboarding of vendors from AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad and suppliers within the broader AEON ecosystem. The targeted approach is designed to create an integrated value chain linking AEON’s retail and financial services networks, supporting strategic growth and greater inclusivity. AEON Bank Biz offers streamlined processes for account onboarding, credit assessments and financial services, utilising AI-driven fintech solutions to enable simplified procedures, faster approvals, and an enhanced digital banking experience for business owners and entrepreneurs. AEON Bank Biz’s products and services will soon be extended to more local businesses and entrepreneurs across Malaysia.

Being part of the AEON Group conglomerate, AEON Bank (M) Berhad is equally held by AEON Financial Service Co. Ltd. (AFS Japan) and AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (ACSM). AFS Japan is responsible for the AEON Group’s financial services businesses, with strong roots in the retail sector which operates in Japan and 10 countries across Asia and it is. AEON Group is Japan’s largest retail group and it is a pure holding company that comprises eight core businesses.

AEON Group Malaysia consists of several entities, namely, AEON Co. (M) Bhd, AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, AEON BiG (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Fantasy (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Delight (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Global Supply Chain Sdn Bhd and Malaysian AEON Foundation (MAF). AEON Group has been a recognizable household brand with more than 200 years of history and evolution in Japan since the Edo era, along with 4 decades of growth in Malaysia, providing consumers with daily financial solutions and diversified retail convenience.

Our cloud native agility and AI optimisation, combined with the strength of our Shariah DNA, Malaysian roots and Japanese heritage are our distinguishing factors, while the integration with the AEON ecosystem gives us a competitive advantage of being the only bank in Malaysia with its own nationwide retail network. On top of that, AEON Points loyalty programme offers customers value-added benefits and meaningful rewards, as the AEON Points can be redeemed into cash value, deposited directly into customers’ AEON Bank Savings Account-i.

AEON Bank (M) Berhad is committed to provide accessible financial solutions for Malaysians and we aim to empower the community in pursuing their financial aspirations and achieve economic independence, hence fostering a more inclusive financial future for all. We will continue to contribute towards the Islamic banking development in the region and the nation’s digital economy.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Empowering Website Operations Across ASEAN with AI and Teamwork

Published

21 hours ago

on

24/12/2025

By

Japan’s MONJI+—A WebOps Enablement Platform Inspired by Voices from 77 Countries—Launches Its English Edition

OSAKA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2025 – ALAKI Inc., celebrating its 15th anniversary, has officially launched the English edition of MONJI+, an evolution of its 2018-born feedback tool MONJI β, now reimagined as a comprehensive WebOps Enablement Platform.

Alongside its free plan, available indefinitely, MONJI+ begins its full-scale expansion into the ASEAN market, helping teams elevate their website operations. In addition, a free Academic Edition is now offered to educational institutions to foster the next generation of web and IT talent.

▶️ Learn more about MONJI+

A Platform Born from 77 Countries of Real-World Insight

Since its launch in Japan in 2018, MONJI β has been adopted by web agencies, corporations, and advertising firms worldwide—across 77 countries and regions—streamlining feedback workflows for website management and development.

In everyday website operations, teams often face:

  • Feedback scattered across tools and channels
  • Miscommunication between internal teams and agencies
  • Unclear priorities that fail to drive results
  • Knowledge loss when members change
  • Valuable learnings buried and forgotten

MONJI+ connects creation, publishing, maintenance, and optimization into a single workflow—eliminating silos and enabling all members to move forward toward shared goals.

▶️ See how MONJI+ transforms your workflow

Since its official launch in Japan in January 2025, MONJI+ has rapidly spread among enterprises and educational institutions. It is increasingly adopted as a practical standard among agencies and in-house teams, improving productivity and measurable outcomes.

Responding to Global Voices – Official Launch of the English Edition

During forums and seminars held alongside the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, ALAKI engaged with government representatives and industry leaders from around the world.

The feedback was clear: inefficiencies in website operations, lack of improvement cycles, and a shortage of web marketing expertise are universal challenges. But one issue stood out above all—the shortage of skilled web and IT professionals.

Some governments even requested that MONJI+ contribute to national web/IT talent development, not just productivity gains. Following the Expo, inquiries from multiple countries confirmed the demand, prompting the official release of the English edition of MONJI+.

Confidence from SWITCH 2025, and a Vision for What’s Next

As part of its ASEAN expansion, ALAKI visited SWITCH 2025 (Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology), held from October 29–31. Through dialogues with government agencies, corporations, startups, and academic institutions, the importance of website operations productivity and digital talent development was reaffirmed.

Insights from leading ASEAN web and IT innovators will continue to shape the evolution of MONJI+.

Key Benefits of MONJI+

Eliminate inefficiencies and dependency on individuals—enhancing both productivity and performance in website operations.

  • Workflow Efficiency: Centralize feedback and progress tracking to prevent oversights
  • Error Reduction: Detect typos automatically with AI proofreading
  • Results-Oriented: Integration with analytics tools helps identify improvement areas instantly
  • Team Collaboration: Share real-time updates across internal and external members
  • Knowledge Building: Use the Wiki feature to retain expertise and reduce training costs

▶️ Explore MONJI+ features

The Future of “Agentic WebOps” — Powered by Data and AI

MONJI+ evolves beyond a simple management tool—it becomes an AI-driven partner that learns from operational data to support human decision-making and creativity.

Our vision: a human-in-the-loop “Agentic WebOps” environment that helps teams achieve outcomes with AI-assisted decision support.

Available AI Features:

  • AI typo and error detection for feedback
  • AI chatbot assistance

Upcoming AI Features (Examples):

  • Content suggestion and creation
  • Feedback trend analysis and improvement recommendations
  • Design assistance
  • Webpage performance analysis and enhancement
Customer Success Stories
  • Global Marketing Agency (Singapore): “Sharing the same interface greatly improved collaboration across our international offices.”
  • Web Production Agency (Japan): “Centralized feedback management accelerated delivery times by roughly 30%.”
  • E-commerce Company (Japan): “By linking with an analytics tool, we identified key improvement areas instantly—our conversion rate increased by over 20%.”
  • Recruitment Platform (Japan): “With AI detecting typos automatically, our job listing checks became faster and more reliable.”
Vision Video – ‘Pride and Hope for the Web Industry’

Discover how MONJI+ envisions the future of website operations.

▶️ Watch the Vision Video

CEO’s Comment

“Website operations shouldn’t be about chasing scattered messages—it should be about generating results that matter. With MONJI+, we unify feedback, workflow, and analytics, while AI suggests the next strategic move. Our mission is to help ASEAN teams reach outcomes faster and more reliably.”

— Yuji Yamauchi, Founder & CEO, ALAKI Inc.

Getting Started

Getting started is easy, with no credit card required. MONJI+ aims to be the shared foundation for website operations, accessible to everyone.

  • Forever-Free Plan: Access essential functions without time limits
  • 30-Day Free Trial: Experience all features in a live environment

▶️ Start your free 30-day trial now

Free “Academic Edition” for Educational Institutions

To empower the next generation of web and IT professionals, MONJI+ offers an Academic Edition free of charge to universities, vocational schools, and online programs. Students and educators can experience real-world website operations, gain practical skills, and collaborate through shared projects.

▶️ Learn more about the Academic Edition

Hashtag: #MONJI+

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

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