Media OutReach

GWM Hosts World’s First Factory Marathon, Showcasing China’s Automotive Innovation to the World

Published

4 months ago

12/08/2025

BAODING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2025 – Great Wall Motor (GWM) has combined sport, technology, and industrial pride in a landmark event—the 2025 GWM Smart Factory Half Marathon—held inside its Xushui Smart Factory in Baoding, Hebei Province. Over 10,000 runners raced through stamping, welding, and assembly workshops, surrounded by a living showcase of China’s cutting-edge automotive manufacturing.

From the rhythmic movements of robotic arms to the precision of autonomous transport vehicles, participants witnessed first-hand how GWM’s fully automated production lines integrate intelligence and efficiency into every step of the manufacturing process. One runner, a GWM employee, recalled: “I was running alone when a robotic arm flashed ‘You can do it!’ on its screen. It was a small gesture, but it gave me real motivation.”

Today, GWM’s smart production systems seamlessly integrate automation into every step of the manufacturing process. Robotic arms now handle everything from body welding and materials handling to adhesive application and part transfers with speed and precision. Backed by continuous independent innovation, GWM has achieved in-house R&D and production of key components including engines, transmissions, and power batteries.

Relentless Pursuit of Core Technologies, GWM Accelerates Self-Reliant Innovation

GWM employs a formidable engineering workforce of 23,000 professionals, meaning one in every four employees is an engineer.

At the company’s Environmental Wind Tunnel Laboratory, new vehicle prototypes are put through rigorous simulations: searing sunlight, extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and hurricane-force winds. Inside the sealed chamber, these vehicles rotate through intense climate scenarios. Outside, technicians closely monitor real-time data on massive digital dashboards—precision and performance.

“Our Environmental Wind Tunnel is one of the most advanced in the industry, comprising 35 subsystems, including high-powered air blowers, chassis dynamometers, temperature and humidity controls, solar simulation, and centralized control systems,” said Li Can, Head of Environmental Simulation Testing Department of GWM Technical Center. “It can recreate temperatures from -40°C to +60°C, with wind speeds up to 250km/h—enabling us to simulate extreme climate conditions from around the world and ensure our vehicles meet global standards from day one.”

This facility is just one piece of GWM’s expansive innovation ecosystem demonstrating our commitment to technology. The company has invested nearly RMB 10 billion to establish a world-class testing complex, with more than 2,000 testing capabilities across new energy, thermal management, as well as dedicated facilities for crash safety, and comprehensive proving ground.

“Electrification and artificial intelligence have opened a new frontier for the automotive industry,” said Jack Wey, Chairman of GWM. We are leaning in—with a full-stack approach to intelligent vehicle technology, including our proprietary end-to-end intelligent driving models, next-generation AI data intelligence architecture, and the in-house Jiuzhou Supercomputing Center. Our next-generation advanced driver assistance system, developed entirely in-house, enabled real-world driving scenarios—from dense city streets to open highways, from rural roads to precision parking. We believe technology is not just a tool—it is the engine that drives our future,” Jack Wey added. “That’s why we are unwavering in our commitment to R&D and innovation.”

Driven as One, GWM Strengthens its Automotive Supply Chain Through Vertical Integration

In the 1990s, GWM was still a small manufacturer focused on pickup trucks, relying heavily on external suppliers for core components like engines and transmissions. To change that, the company established its own engine and component subsidiaries, gradually integrating its supply chain to enhance in-house R&D and manufacturing capabilities.

But such success also brought new challenges. These newly formed component subsidiaries depended almost entirely on internal orders from GWM, leaving them with little incentive for innovation. As a result, their costs exceeded those of third-party suppliers, and product competitiveness lagged behind.

In 2018, GWM made a bold move—all of its component subsidiaries were spun off as fully independent companies. Initially, this came at a cost. Without guaranteed orders from GWM, many struggled to survive. “That was one of the toughest periods we’ve been through,” recalled Zhang Dehui, Chairman of Nobo Automotive Systems. “We had to compete head-to-head with international suppliers for GWM’s business. It forced us to raise our quality standards and invest in core capabilities. It took several years of hard work before we could secure mass production contracts again.”

Yet that difficult transition unlocked new opportunities. Freed from internal dependency, Nobo began supplying global OEMs, including BMW, and officially entered the international supply chain.

GWM was among the first Chinese automakers to pursue vertical integration. Over the past 35 years, GWM has built a comprehensive and fully integrated supply chain ecosystem—one in which each part supports the others, and resources are circulated with maximum efficiency. “To build a globally competitive automotive brand, strength on the production and technology side is only part of the equation,” said Jack Wey, Chairman of GWM. “We must also develop unique advantages on our channels and customer touchpoints. Our suppliers and dealers are not just partners, they’re our teammates, standing shoulder to shoulder with us.” “In the future,” he added, “We must fully harness the power of digital technology to enable seamless collaboration across the entire ecosystem, future competition won’t just be about supply chains—it will be about industrial ecosystems.”

Driving Global Ambition, Spotlighting Chinese Brands

“This EV offers a 200km range on a single charge, with fuel consumption as low as 7L/100km in hybrid mode. It features surround-sound audio, a built-in AI large language model, and even a 12.5L independent refrigerator that cools down to 0°C…” This May, international delegates inspected our new models including the WEY G9, GWM TANK 300 Hi4-T, and HAVAL H9, each equipped with cutting-edge technologies designed for global consumers

Jack Wey shared that the new plant in São Paulo, Brazil—set to begin operations mid-year—will have an annual production capacity of 50,000 new energy vehicles and create 2,000 local jobs. The plant will adopt intelligent, digitalized production systems and produce a range of powertrains including BEVs and hybrids, all equipped with advanced intelligent connectivity features.

GWM’s “Ecological Globalization” strategy has drawn increasing attention for its “ecosystem-based” approach. The company believes that internationalization is not just about shipping products overseas—it’s about brand globalization and industrial capability transfer. What began as simple product exports has now evolved into a comprehensive strategy of establishing fully integrated manufacturing bases abroad. GWM’s overseas operations now span the full value chain—R&D, production, supply, sales, and service—marking a true shift from product-driven globalization to full-scale “Ecological Globalization.”

Today, at GWM’s Rayong NEV Plant in Thailand, locally produced EV – ORA03 EV is steadily rolling off production line with over 50% local content.

This facility is GWM’s second full-production vehicle manufacturing base outside China—and the first overseas plant dedicated to new energy vehicles. Spanning 658,800 square meters, the plant is set to produce 80,000 units annually during the first phase. Designed to the highest global manufacturing standards, the plant incorporates advanced systems for production, quality management, environmental protection, and digital technologies. With fully upgraded intelligent equipment and technologies, the plant sets a new benchmark for intelligent, sustainable manufacturing upgrade in Southeast Asia.

Wayne Zhou, Marketing General Manager of GWM Thailand, emphasized: “Every Chinese automaker’s global expansion represents Chinese manufacturing excellence – we’re China’s calling card. Chinese NEV brands are accelerating Thailand’s transition to the future of new energy mobility, bringing more NEVs to more Thai consumers.”

GWM’s global footprint continues to grow at pace. Its international sales network now covers over 170 countries and regions, supported by more than 1,400 overseas dealerships. The company has sold more than 2 million vehicles outside China, with a global user base exceeding 15 million. In 2024 alone, GWM recorded overseas sales of 450,000 units.

Hashtag: #GWM

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

Media OutReach

Payment Options Singapore Secures In-Principle Approval from MAS for Major Payment Institution Licence

Published

19 hours ago

08/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 December 2025 – Payment Options Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based payment solutions provider, is pleased to announce that it has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence under the Payment Services Act 2019.

Payment Options Pte Ltd office in Singapore

This milestone underscores Payment Options’ commitment to supporting Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with simple, secure, and accessible digital payment solutions.

If granted the licence, Payment Options Pte Ltd will be authorised to provide three regulated payment services: Merchant Acquisition, Domestic Money Transfer, and Cross-Border Money Transfer. Through these services, the company aims to empower SMEs with a full suite of payment capabilities — from online payment gateways and QR code payments to the upcoming SoftPOS payments technology — enabling merchants to accept digital payments easily and securely.

“We remain deeply committed to supporting Singapore’s SMEs as they grow and compete in an increasingly digital-first economy. Our vision is to position digital payments as a growth enabler — not a challenge — for small businesses”, said Aaron Yip, Director of Payment Options Pte Ltd. “Our goal is to make digital transactions seamless, secure, and accessible for every business, regardless of size.”

Building on this vision, if the licence is granted, Payment Options will continue to work closely with local merchants, financial institutions, and technology partners to enhance payment accessibility and drive innovation across Singapore’s SME ecosystem.

“We reaffirm our commitment to regulatory compliance and innovation, as we contribute to Singapore’s ongoing journey toward a secure, inclusive, and cash-lite economy.”

The IPA granted by the MAS indicates that a licence may be issued upon the fulfilment of specified conditions and provided there are no material adverse developments affecting the applicant. The IPA does not constitute a licence to provide payment services at this stage, and MAS reserves the right to rescind the approval if it deems appropriate.
Hashtag: #PaymentOptions

https://www.paymentoptions.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/payment-options/
https://www.facebook.com/PaymentOptions.int/
https://www.instagram.com/payment.options/

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

About Payment Options Pte Ltd

Payment Options Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based financial technology company providing innovative and secure payment solutions designed to help SMEs and merchants simplify digital transactions. With a focus on compliance, technology, and customer experience, the company aims to make digital payments accessible for every business.

Media OutReach

Financial Assistance at SIM: Breaking Barriers to Education

Published

20 hours ago

08/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 December 2025 – For many aspiring learners, financial constraints remain one of the biggest obstacles to achieving their goals. SIM is determined to change that. Guided by the principle that no student should be left behind because of cost, SIM has built a comprehensive ecosystem of financial aid, scholarships, and bursaries to make quality education attainable for all.

At the heart of this mission is the SIM Impact Fund, a S$60 million initiative dedicated to empowering students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that financial hardship never stands in the way of academic or personal growth. By blending need-based assistance with merit-driven opportunities, SIM is creating an inclusive learning environment where talent and ambition define success.

Empowering Learners Through the SIM Impact Fund

In 2024, SIM introduced the SIM Impact Fund, a S$60 million initiative dedicated to supporting students from lower-income households and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder educational aspirations. Administered through SIM Trust, the fund is designed to empower learners within and beyond SIM’s community by removing barriers to access. Beginning in 2025, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents with a per-capita income of S$1,750 or below can benefit from tiered assistance, ranging from S$6,000 up to S$13,500 for those with PCI of S$600 or less, S$4,500 to S$6,750 for PCI between S$601 and S$1,000, and S$2,000 for PCI between S$1,001 and S$1,750. Beyond tuition aid, the fund also provides support for overseas internships and merit-based scholarships, benefiting approximately 500 students annually.

Beyond Tuition: Comprehensive Financial Aid

SIM’s commitment to learning accessibility goes far beyond tuition subsidies. Through its Financial Assistance schemes, students can tap into a range of support options tailored to different needs. These include Enhanced Bursaries Aid, which provide up to S$13,500 per year for Singapore Citizens, and a SIM GE Crisis Fund offering emergency relief of up to S$5,000 for unforeseen circumstances. In addition, SIM encourages global exposure through Study Abroad Awards, enabling students to broaden their horizons without financial strain. Together, these initiatives reflect SIM’s ethos of inclusivity and resilience, ensuring that financial challenges never derail academic aspirations.

Community-Focused Support

The Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) exemplifies SIM’s deep-rooted commitment to community empowerment and social impact. Launched in July 2024 in partnership with the late Dr Eu’s family,

RESSEC received a combined S$8 million donation, S$6 million from the Eu family and S$2 million from SIM, marking a significant investment in nurturing social entrepreneurship. Guided by Dr Eu’s vision of transforming social service through ethical leadership and innovation, the Centre equips learners and social service professionals via initiatives such as a specialised postgraduate Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship, mentorship, and collaborative dialogues.

RESSEC also provides 12 bursaries of S$10,000 each for SIM Global Education students (check that this is accurate and that it’s not also extended to those outside the SIM ecosystem) who demonstrate strong community service and leadership and those with per-capita income up to S$1,750, prioritising those with per-capita income less than S$1,000. Through this initiative, SIM embeds purpose-driven learning into its mission, empowering students to create sustainable, positive impact in Singapore and beyond

Scholarship for Excellence

SIM offers a diverse range of scholarships under SIM Global Education to recognize excellence and resilience among its students. These include the SIM STARRR Award, which provides up to S$36,000 to outstanding achievers who demonstrate academic distinction and leadership qualities, and the Sports & Arts Talent Award, also valued at S$15,000 for students who excel in athletic or artistic pursuits. Additionally, the Chairman’s Award for Resilience grants S$3,000 to students who successfully balance work and study commitments, showcasing perseverance in the face of challenges. Together, these scholarships complement SIM’s need-based financial aid, creating a holistic support system that rewards merit while ensuring inclusivity.

Conclusion: Building a Future Without Barriers

SIM’s financial assistance framework is more than a set of policies, it is a promise to the community. By investing in initiatives like the SIM Impact Fund and expanding bursaries and scholarships, SIM is actively dismantling the barriers that prevent talented individuals from reaching their potential. This approach does not just benefit students, it strengthens society by cultivating a diverse pool of graduates equipped to lead, innovate, and give back. In a world where education often comes with a hefty price tag, SIM stands out as a beacon of accessibility and empowerment. For students and families seeking assurance that quality education is within reach, SIM offers not just hope but a clear, actionable path forward.

References:

Bursaries & Financial Aid (Enhanced) – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/bursaries-and-financial-aids
Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/ressec
The Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) Opens to Advance Singapore’s Social Sector – https://www.sim.edu.sg/news-events/the-dr-richard-k-m-eu-sim-social-entrepreneurship-centre-%28ressec%29-opens
SIM Scholarship – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships
SIM’s STARRR Award – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-starrr-award-for-new-undergraduate-students
SIM Award and Sports & Artistic Award – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-global-education-scholarship
SIM Global Education Diploma Scholarships – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-global-education-diploma-scholarships
Chairman’s Award for Resilience – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/chairman-s-award-for-resilience

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 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% 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 sim.edu.sg

Media OutReach

Beyond Academic Excellence: SIM Scholarships Champion Leadership, Resilience, and Talent

Published

2 days ago

07/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 December 2025 – The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) is proud to reaffirm its commitment to developing future-ready graduates through a comprehensive scholarship framework that goes beyond academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to recognize and nurture qualities such as leadership, resilience, and talent. These attributes are essential for success in today’s dynamic global environment.

For decades, scholarships have been synonymous with academic excellence. SIM is redefining this narrative by adopting a holistic approach that values character, contribution, and courage alongside academic performance. This initiative reflects SIM’s mission to prepare graduates who are adaptable, innovative, and socially responsible.

Scholarships That Go Beyond Academics

SIM’s scholarship ecosystem reflects its belief that success is multidimensional. Rather than focusing solely on grades, these awards celebrate qualities such as resilience, leadership, and talent. The SIM STARRR Award, for instance, supports freshmen who embody Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Responsibility, offering up to S$36,000 in tuition fees, along with living and exchange allowances, without any bond requirement.

For students who shine in sports or the arts, the SIM Award & Sports/Artistic Talent Award provides S$15,000, disbursed in two tranches, to help them balance academic and extracurricular excellence.

International students pursuing diploma programmes can benefit from the Diploma Scholarships, which cover up to 100% of course fees for academic excellence or 50% for merit-based achievements.

For working adults who have overcome significant challenges, the SIM Chairman’s Award for Resilience offers S$3,000, recognizing perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.

Stories That Inspire

SIM’s scholarships are more than financial aid. They are catalysts for transformation, opening doors for students to turn challenges into triumphs. Take Ernita Tanudjaja, an international student who refused to let pandemic disruptions derail her ambitions. Instead, she leveraged technology to livestream events and boost engagement, showcasing resilience and resourcefulness.

Similarly, Chow Kah Ying, an ICU nurse, managed the intense demands of frontline healthcare during COVID-19 while completing her degree, showcasing perseverance and purpose. Likewise, Michelle Seah transformed O-level failure into triumph, excelling in javelin and academics to earn the SIM Sports & Artistic Talent Award, proof that determination and discipline can rewrite any story.

These journeys reflect SIM’s unwavering belief that leadership and resilience matter as much as grades, and that true achievement lies in character and contribution as much as in academic performance.

The Broader Vision

SIM’s scholarships represent more than financial assistance. They serve as a strategic platform for transformation and growth. Recipients benefit from networking opportunities that connect them with alumni and industry leaders, fostering mentorship and career development. Many scholarships also provide international exposure through exchange programmes that broaden perspectives and enhance global competencies.

In addition to academic achievement, students cultivate essential life skills such as leadership, resilience and adaptability through experiential learning and community engagement. These qualities equip graduates to excel in uncertain environments and contribute meaningfully to society.

This commitment reflects SIM’s core belief that education is not limited to examinations. It is about shaping leaders who create impact and drive positive change in a rapidly evolving world.

References: