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DHL Express and ASEAN Business Advisory Council partner to strengthen MSME competitiveness and advance ASEAN trade integration

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  • Both parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost trade facilitation across businesses in ASEAN
  • The partnership will empower MSMEs through training and tools to navigate digital, finance, and logistics challenges, while improving trade standards, sustainability, and cross-border processes=

MANILA, THE PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 June 2026 – DHL Express and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) have formalized a strategic collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance trade facilitation, strengthen supply chain resilience, and empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the ASEAN member states. The initiative underscores a shared commitment to accelerate ASEAN’s economic integration and global competitiveness.

George Barcelon, Council Member, ASEAN Business Advisory Council and Herbert Vongpusanachai, Senior Vice President – Commercial for Asia Pacific, DHL Express signed the MoU in Manila

The partnership will focus on four key areas:

  • Empowering MSMEs including women-led businesses with enhanced access to and effective participation in cross-border trade
  • Strengthening supply chain resilience and promoting digital logistics adoption
  • Advancing decarbonization practices in the region
  • Harmonizing supply chain and digital trade standards through policy advocacy

These focus areas align with ASEAN’s broader ambition to enhance intra-regional and global trade connectivity. Equally, it highlights DHL’s GT20 initiative, which prioritizes the world’s 20 most significant markets; six of these are ASEAN member states. Through this collaboration, both organizations will work to reduce barriers to cross border commerce and improve customs processes and standards. ASEAN businesses – particularly MSMEs – will be able to gain a competitive edge in the global trade landscape.

“ASEAN’s strength will not be measured by the success of a few, but by the number of people we bring into the circle of growth and opportunity,” said ASEAN Business Advisory Council Chair Jose Ma. Concepcion III. “Advancing Prosperity for All” means building an ASEAN where businesses of all sizes can grow and innovate. Through stronger regional collaboration, and this partnership with DHL, we want to ensure that no one – especially MSMEs and the small entrepreneurs – is left behind.”

“Global trade has proven its resilience time and again, and ASEAN continues to stand out as a critical pillar of that growth. MSMEs are at the heart of ASEAN’s economies, and their ability to compete internationally will define the region’s next phase of development. DHL has been a constant in enabling cross-border trade – providing the infrastructure, expertise and reliability that businesses depend on. Our partnership with ASEAN-BAC and our GoTrade program show that we are doubling down on our commitment to MSMEs so that they can confidently scale beyond their home markets,” said Herbert Vongpusanachai, Senior Vice President for Commercial – Asia Pacific, DHL Express.

Asia remains a key anchor in global trade, according to the latest DHL Global Connectedness Report, with ASEAN also contributing significantly to trade flows. As a prominent manufacturing base that handled USD4.4 trillion (~EUR3.79 trillion) in merchandise trade, it is essential to ensure the region’s MSMEs receive the support they need to scale.

Under the MoU, DHL will provide expertise via its GoTrade program* and related MSME support initiatives. GoTrade training programs will be introduced region-wide to help MSMEs navigate complexities such as digital, finance and logistics when trading internationally. The DHL GoTrade program is a DHL strategic initiative that aims to unlock global trade opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Meanwhile, ASEAN-BAC Philippines, as chair for 2026, continues to champion MSMEs as a core priority embedded across its four strategic pillars: People (inclusivity), Planet (sustainability, Platform (innovation), and Productivity (competitiveness). Its flagship legacy project, the ASEAN mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network, launched during its last chairmanship in 2017, will be expanded into a digital platform to further scale mentorship, market access, innovation support, and regional opportunities for MSMEs across the region.

The collaboration will also reinforce the region’s strategic importance in global supply chains. By jointly developing research papers on ASEAN trade challenges faced by MSMEs, promoting digital trade processes, and engaging governments on aligned standards, DHL and ASEAN-BAC aim to further elevate ASEAN’s position in international trade networks.

The global DHL GoTrade Summit will also be held in Manila this year. Both ASEAN-BAC and the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines are partners of the event, which convenes experts and policymakers to ideate and discuss ways to help MSMEs trade better across borders.

*Note to editor:

Go Trade is DHL’s strategic initiative to unlock global trade opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By partnering and building an ecosystem with public and private sector stakeholders, and collaborating with international development and intergovernmental agencies, Go Trade addresses systemic barriers to SME participation in international markets and promotes sustainable trade growth worldwide.

The program leverages DHL’s unparalleled global network, logistics expertise, and market insights to connect SMEs with cross-border opportunities. Through Capacity Building and Trade Advocacy, Go Trade equips businesses with the skills, resources, and support needed to scale internationally and operate sustainably. This approach not only accelerates SME growth but also drives economic development in emerging markets, creating long-term value for stakeholders and contributing to resilient global supply chains.

Go Trade represents DHL’s commitment to inclusive trade and sustainable economic progress. For more information on Go Trade, click here: https://www.dhl.com/global-en/microsite/core/gotrade.html

Hashtag: #DHL


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

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

ABOUT THE ASEAN BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL

The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN‑BAC) is the region’s principal private sector advisory body, providing business insights and recommendations to ASEAN Leaders. It serves as the primary platform for the private sector to engage with policymakers, advocate for economic cooperation, and advance ASEAN’s integration agenda

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SIM GE Prepares Graduates for Singapore’s Evolving Workforce

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – In a labour market shaped by rapid industry transformation and evolving skills demands, the link between higher education and employment outcomes has become a key consideration for students and families evaluating their education pathways.

In Singapore today, employability is no longer defined by academic achievement alone. Employers are looking for graduates who can apply knowledge in real workplace settings, work across cultures, adapt to new technologies and continue learning as industries evolve. This is especially relevant as Singapore’s labour market continues to move towards growth areas such as digitalisation, technology, sustainability, healthcare, business transformation and professional services.

Against this backdrop, Singapore Institute of Management Global Education, or SIM GE, continues to strengthen its role as a private education institution that prepares learners for the demands of today’s workplace and the opportunities of tomorrow’s economy.

Employability begins with industry relevance
For prospective students, one of the biggest considerations when choosing a higher education pathway is whether their studies will remain relevant by the time they graduate. This is particularly important in a job market where roles are changing quickly and where employers increasingly value both technical capability and transferable workplace skills.

SIM GE addresses this by offering a broad range of academic programmes through partnerships with reputable universities from Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. These programmes span disciplines such as business, computing, social sciences, aviation, nursing and other applied fields, giving students access to international curricula while studying in Singapore.

This global education model is particularly relevant for Singapore’s open economy. Graduates entering the workforce are expected to understand local business realities while being able to operate in regional and international contexts. By learning from local and international faculty, and studying alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, SIM students are exposed to global perspectives that can support their workplace readiness.

Career support that connects learning to work
Employability also depends on how students translate classroom learning into career action. At SIM GE, career preparation is supported through Career Connect, which provides career workshops, career guidance, résumé reviews, mock interviews, profiling support, internship and job opportunities, as well as career events such as company visits, networking sessions, career talks and fairs.

This structured support is important because many students do not only need a qualification, they also need guidance in understanding industries, articulating their strengths, preparing for interviews and building professional networks. These practical areas can influence how confidently graduates enter the job market.

Through CareerSense, SIM students can also access an integrated online platform to browse and apply for internships, jobs and career events. This helps students take a more proactive approach to career planning while creating a clearer bridge between academic life and employment opportunities.

Real world exposure through internships and traineeships
One of the strongest contributors to graduate employability is exposure to work before graduation. Internships allow students to understand workplace expectations, test their skills in real business scenarios and build confidence before entering full time employment. SIM GE supports this through internships with a range of employers, from SMEs to multinational corporations. Its Work Integrated Learning for Life initiatives and internship related awards further encourage students to gain practical experience and develop holistically across cognitive, interpersonal and applied skills.

For fresh graduates, SIM’s Graduate Traineeship Programme provides structured traineeship opportunities across industries, typically lasting three to six months. The programme is designed to help graduates gain hands on experience, build workplace confidence and develop industry relevant capabilities as they transition into full time employment. This emphasis on work exposure responds directly to a key concern among prospective students, which is whether they will be ready for employment after graduation. By combining academic learning with career guidance, internships and traineeships, SIM GE helps students build not only credentials but also workplace familiarity.

The value of practical exposure is reflected in the experience of Keisha Shevila, a SIM-University of Wollongong Computer Science graduate who secured a Software Engineer role before completing her degree. In sharing her journey, she credited Career Connect with helping her better understand the job search process and preparing her “more confidently for entering the workforce”.

Building future ready graduates through skills and adaptability
The future of work is increasingly shaped by AI, automation, sustainability and cross functional collaboration. In this environment, students need more than role specific knowledge. They need adaptability, communication skills, critical thinking, creativity, cultural awareness and the confidence to keep learning.

SIM GE’s broader student experience supports this development. Beyond academic programmes, students can participate in more than 70 student clubs and co-curricular activities that build leadership, communication and teamwork skills. The EDGE Award, developed in partnership with employers, recognises students’ cumulative achievements across their learning journey and encourages a more holistic approach to personal and professional growth.

SIM GE’s diverse learning environment also plays an important role. With students from more than 50 nationalities, the campus experience provides opportunities for cultural exchange, collaboration and global awareness. These are qualities that are increasingly valuable in multinational and regional workplaces.

Aligning with Singapore’s skills first economy
Singapore’s workforce strategy continues to place strong emphasis on skills, lifelong learning and adaptability. National reports and government agencies have highlighted rising demand in areas linked to the digital, green and care economies, as well as the importance of AI literacy and transferable skills. This makes higher education choices more consequential. Prospective students are not simply choosing a programme. They are choosing a platform for long term career resilience.

SIM GE’s approach aligns with this direction by combining academic pathways, global university partnerships, employability support, industry exposure and continuous skills development. Its graduate outcomes also reflect this emphasis, with SIM reporting a secured employment rate of 81 per cent based on the Private Education Institution Graduate Employment Survey 2024/2025.

Preparing graduates for Singapore today and tomorrow
Employability in Singapore today is shaped by industry relevance, practical exposure and future ready skills. SIM GE’s proposition sits at the intersection of these priorities. For students, this means access to internationally recognised academic pathways, career services, internships, traineeships, employer engagement, student development opportunities and a diverse campus environment. For employers, it means a pool of graduates who have been encouraged to build both knowledge and workplace ready capabilities.

As prospective students consider their higher learning options, the question is no longer only what they can study. It is also how that education will prepare them for the future of work. For SIM GE graduates, the answer lies in an education experience designed not only to support academic achievement but also to develop employable, adaptable and globally minded individuals ready to contribute to Singapore’s evolving economy.

References

  1. The SIM Advantage – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/sim-advantage
  2. SIM Career Services – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services
  3. Achieving the three “Beyond” at individual, industry and institutional levels: Minister Chan Chun Sing at the inaugural SIM Future of Work Series – https://www.sim.edu.sg/news-events/achieving-the-three-beyonds-at-individual-industry-and-institutional-levels
  4. How One International Student Graduated Career-Ready: Keisha Shevila’s Journey at SIM – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/how-one-international-student-graduated-career-ready-keisha-shevila-journey-at-sim
  5. Job Vacancies 2025: Labour demand gradually shifting to growth areas as firms adjust hiring plans – https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2026/0320-job-vacancies-report-2025
  6. Opening Address by Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Ministry of Education for the Launch of the Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report 2025, Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre – https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/speeches/20250122-opening-address-by-ms-gan-siow-huang-minister-of-state-ministry-of-education-for-the-launch-of-the-skills-demand-for-the-future-economy-report-2025-marina-bay-sands-expo-and-convention-centre
  7. SDFE 2025 report – https://jobsandskills.skillsfuture.gov.sg/sdfe-2025

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit

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Green SM officially launches all-electric ride-hailing service in Kazakhstan

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ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2026 – Green SM has officially launched its all-electric ride-hailing service in Kazakhstan, marking the company’s first presence in Central Asia. The launch also represents Green SM’s expansion into its sixth international market, reinforcing its long-term global growth strategy.

The launch ceremony was held in Almaty with the attendance of Mr. Nguyen Thanh Le, Appointed Ambassador of Viet Nam to Kazakhstan; Mr. Berikbol Shatabayevich Mandibayev, Head of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Investment of Almaty; along with representatives of the Government of Kazakhstan, the Embassy of Vietnam in Kazakhstan, and strategic partners, businesses and organizations across the transportation, energy, technology, finance, infrastructure and service sectors.

In its initial phase, Green SM will operate in Almaty with a fleet of VinFast VF 6 Eco vehicles, an all-electric SUV designed to meet the needs of everyday urban travel. Combining quiet operation, a comfortable cabin, and modern safety features, the VinFast VF 6 Eco is expected to provide residents and visitors in Almaty with a more convenient, reliable, and enjoyable mobility experience.

Alongside its electric vehicle fleet, Green SM continues to invest in the development of its Green Drivers through comprehensive training programs covering operations, safety, and customer service. This forms part of the company’s ongoing efforts to maintain consistent service standards and deliver safe and dependable transportation experiences for users in Kazakhstan.

To celebrate the launch, Green SM is offering a promotion of 26%, up to KZT 2,626 for customers booking rides through the Green SM application. Users in Kazakhstan can now access Green SM services via the Green SM app, available on both the App Store and Google Play.

In parallel with the service launch, Green SM has established partnerships with five strategic partners across the transportation, tourism, technology, and service sectors through the Green Alliance Frontier initiative. The initiative serves as a platform connecting organizations that share a commitment to sustainable development and creating positive impacts for local communities across multiple markets.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, Global Chief Executive Officer of GSM, said: “Kazakhstan is a market with strong potential, dynamic growth, and rising expectations for modern services. We come to Kazakhstan with respect for the market, a long-term commitment to investment, and a desire to work alongside local partners in developing high-quality mobility solutions that meet the everyday needs of the community. At Green SM, we believe sustainable growth must be built on trust and meaningful value for society. That is the foundation we hope to build together with our customers, partners, and the people of Kazakhstan in the years ahead.”

Kazakhstan is experiencing the rapid development of modern urban centers alongside rising expectations for quality of life and better services. Green SM’s presence in Kazakhstan reflects the company’s long-term vision of bringing all-electric mobility solutions closer to users in more regions around the world. Green SM enters Kazakhstan with the aspiration of contributing to better mobility experiences for local communities: quieter journeys along busy city streets, more comfortable travel in everyday life, and greater reliability through service standards that are consistently maintained across every trip.

Founded in Vietnam in 2023, Green SM currently operates a green mobility ecosystem across Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Kazakhstan. With an all-electric fleet, a technology-driven platform, and consistently applied operational standards, Green SM is steadily expanding its green mobility ecosystem across international markets, with the goal of providing modern, safe, and sustainable transportation solutions for communities around the world.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

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

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Citi Commercial Bank Drives Dialogue on the Future of Business at Annual Executive Summit in Hong Kong

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Over 120 business leaders gathered at the summit under the theme “Empowering Growth Through Capital Convergence and Digital Innovation”

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2026 – The Citi Commercial Bank Hong Kong Executive Summit 2026 concluded on June 16 under the theme “Empowering Growth Through Capital Convergence and Digital Innovation”, bringing together over 120 company founders and C-suite leaders to examine the future of business amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The annual flagship forum featured a series of discussions centered on how companies can strategically leverage Hong Kong’s unique strengths to achieve sustainable growth and international expansion.

Gunjan Kalra, Head of Citi Commercial Bank for Japan, Asia North and Australia, and Asia South, said, “Companies today are going global at an unprecedented pace. We are also witnessing the rising global prominence of Asian companies, which are making rapid advances and emerging as industry leaders in areas including AI, technology and innovation, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and clean energy.”

Citi Commercial Bank provides global banking solutions to mid-sized companies that are looking to grow rapidly and expand internationally. “Citi is uniquely positioned to support their growth ambitions, offering integrated treasury and capital solutions in over 90 countries through our integrated global platform, as well as advisory and financing capabilities from our investment banking franchise,” she continued.

According to InvestHK, more than 310 companies had established or expanded operations in Hong Kong as of May 2026, with mainland firms accounting for over half of the total.

Joy Cheng, Head of Citi Commercial Bank for Hong Kong,said, “Hong Kong serves a critical dual role as both the launchpad for Chinese companies pursuing international expansion and a strategic gateway for multinationals deepening their presence in mainland China and the region. We are committed to being the banking partner of choice for fast-growing companies as they scale and grow across borders. Our value proposition lies in our ability to simplify complexity and connect visionary companies to opportunities worldwide through our unparalleled global network.”

Key themes explored at the Hong Kong Executive Summit 2026 included:

  • Investing for future growth
  • Leveraging Hong Kong’ssuper-connector role for outbound success
  • Bridging Hong Kong’s AI and tech landscape with global market opportunities

The summit featured a distinguished line-up of speakers, including:

  • Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited
  • Evan Chen, Managing Director, FountainVest
  • Shang Chuang, Chief Financial Officer, Klook
  • CY Guan, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, MOZA Racing
  • Jerry Hu,Managing Director, Full Vision Capital
  • Wesley Ng, CEO and Co-Founder, CASETiFY
  • Jonathan Song, Chief Commercial Officer, Plaza Premium Group
  • Andy Wong, Head of Innovation & Technology and Life & Health Sciences, Invest Hong Kong
  • Dennis Wong, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Master Concept
  • Queenie Wong, Managing Director, EQT Asia Growth
  • Danny Yeung, CEO, Chairman and Co-Founder, Prenetics
  • Ethan Yuan,Vice President, International Business, Regional General Manager, APAC North, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group

Citi Commercial Bank offers a comprehensive suite of products and solutions, including trade and working capital, treasury and liquidity management, global markets capabilities, capital markets solutions, and advisory services. Citi Commercial Bank serves clients in 12 markets in Asia including Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Hashtag: #Citi

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

About Citi

Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services.

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