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InvestHK promotes Hong Kong as Asia’s business launchpad in Istanbul

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 May 2025 – Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the Hong Kong government’s investment promotion arm, announced today (12 May 2025) that Ms Alpha Lau, Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, started her visit in Istanbul, Türkiye, to strengthen economic ties and promote Hong Kong as the ideal gateway for Turkish businesses to expand into Mainland China and Asia.

During her visit, Ms Lau engaged with Turkish media, emphasising the significant advantages and opportunities for companies to set up or expand in Hong Kong. She also met with representatives from local Chamber of Commerce and businesses eager to set up operations in Hong Kong, facilitating their expansion and success across the Asia-Pacific region.

Shared Gateway Roles in the Belt and Road Initiative

Türkiye and Hong Kong are strategic gateways in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Türkiye connects Europe and Asia, while Hong Kong bridges Mainland China and the global market. As natural partners, Türkiye’s active participation in the BRI compliments Hong Kong’s role as a super-connector for capital, talent, and services, creating significant opportunities for collaboration.

Hong Kong: Asia’s Premier Business Launchpad

Hong Kong offers Turkish businesses unmatched access to Mainland China and the Asia-Pacific through initiatives like Greater Bay Area and its Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN. Its business-friendly environment, characterised by a low and simple tax regime, a common law system, and free capital flow, makes it an ideal platform for international growth.

Strengthened Hong Kong–Türkiye Economic Ties

The Hong Kong–Türkiye comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA), signed in 2024, enhances tax certainty and facilitates cross-border transactions. In 2024, Türkiye was Hong Kong’s 30th largest trading partner in merchandise trade in the world and in the same year, Türkiye ranked 40th among Hong Kong’s domestic export markets.

Since November 2023, Türkiye’s inclusion in Hong Kong’s Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) supported Hong Kong companies expanding into the Turkish market.

Additionally, InvestHK opened a new consultant office in Izmir, Türkiye’s third-largest city, in early 2025, working together with its consultant based in Istanbul to reinforce the department’s commitment to promoting Hong Kong’s opportunities for Turkish corporates.

Hong Kong’s Investment Environment

Hong Kong is considered to be one of the most liberal and easiest places to do business in the world, as reflected in many renowned international rankings. To name just a few, the Business Ready 2024 Report published by the World Bank Group has ranked Hong Kong the first in “International Trade”; Hong Kong also ranked as the world’s freest economy in the “Economic Freedom of the World: 2024 Annual Report” by the Fraser Institute and the 5th most competitive economy in the “World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024” by the International Institute for Management Development; and according to the “World Investment Report 2024” released by the United Nations Trade and Development in June 2024, Hong Kong was the 4th largest recipient of FDI inflow in 2023 globally.

Invitation to Turkish Enterprises

Ms Lau invited Turkish companies in technology, manufacturing, logistics, and consumer goods to establish a regional base in Hong Kong or channel investments through the city to access Mainland China, ASEAN, and Asia-Pacific markets. Hong Kong’s deep financial markets, international talent pool, and Asia-wide connectivity empowered businesses to innovate and grow with confidence.

Recent successes included Turkish Cargo, which capitalised on supply chain demands to expand its market share, and a Turkish creative advertising agency that built a stronghold in Hong Kong.

Ms Lau said, “Turkey, situated at the strategic junction of Europe and Asia, plays a pivotal role in the Belt and Road Initiative. With its robust industrial base and regional connectivity, Turkey serves as a key partner for international trade and investment. Hong Kong, as a leading global financial and logistics hub, offers Turkish enterprises a trusted platform to access Mainland China and the wider Asia-Pacific market. We see immense potential for collaboration in areas such as advanced manufacturing, green development, logistics, and innovation. We sincerely welcome Turkish investors to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a springboard for regional and global growth.”

Hashtag: #InvestHK

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

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Credo Assurance Earns ESG Certification to Support Sustainability Reporting

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 December 2025 – Credo Assurance, an ACRA-registered audit firm in Singapore, has obtained the ISCA Professional Certification in Sustainability Assurance. The recognition has reflected its readiness to conduct independent reviews of environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting in accordance with established standards.

Credo Assurance Earns ESG Certification to Support Sustainability Reporting

A Response to a Changing Regulatory Environment
Singapore’s corporate sustainability environment has undergone a major transformation in recent years. What began as voluntary corporate social responsibility is now transitioning into a regulated requirement driven by new disclosure mandates. The Singapore Exchange (SGX) requires all listed companies to publish sustainability reports, with climate-related disclosures to be aligned with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) framework.

These developments mirror global trends, including the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the proposed climate disclosure rules by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Notably, these frameworks are influencing supply chains and investment decisions worldwide.

A Commitment to Rigorous Standards and Responsible Practice
The certification was issued by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) under the Professional Certification in Sustainability Assurance programme, which focuses on the International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA 5000). The curriculum also covers key frameworks, such as ISAE 3000, ISO 14064-3, and the reporting principles set out by the Sustainability Reporting Advisory Committee (SRAC).

Participants undergo six months of structured e-learning and a three-day capstone assessment module, which includes a comprehensive 65-question examination. The programme integrates the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and other global reporting standards.

“The certification demonstrates our firm’s dedication to professional rigour and to supporting Singapore’s transition toward a sustainable, transparent economy,” as revealed by Ethan Ong, Director of Credo Assurance. “We aim to strengthen stakeholder confidence and enhance the quality of ESG reporting.”

New Sustainability Assurance Services to Support Businesses Across Sectors
Building on this certification, Credo Assurance has launched its sustainability assurance service. The firm will provide assurance on ESG disclosures, assess internal data controls, and advise on alignment with recognised frameworks such as GRI, ISSB, TCFD, and SASB. In addition, the service covers climate audit and reporting, ESG data verification, and training programmes to help companies integrate sustainability practices into daily operations.

Credo Assurance’s new offering aims to support a wide spectrum of organisations, from listed companies preparing for upcoming SGX requirements to SMEs participating in global supply chains. Industries with significant environmental or social footprints, such as energy, construction, manufacturing, transport, and real estate, are expected to benefit most from independent verification. These services also extend to firms seeking ESG-linked financing or those aiming to enhance their brand credibility and investor trust through transparent reporting.

Shaping the Future of ESG Assurance in Singapore
As Singapore moves toward mandatory climate-related disclosures in 2025, ESG assurance is set to become essential in the audit and accounting sector. Independent verification of non-financial information, such as carbon emissions, labour practices, or governance metrics, helps ensure sustainability reports present accountable and measurable performance.

“ESG assurance is the next evolution of trust in business reporting,” said Mr Ong. “It applies the principles of audit integrity to sustainability, enabling companies to demonstrate both their financial performance and their broader responsibility to society and the environment.”
Hashtag: #CredoAssurance #AccountingFirmSingapore #ESGAssurance


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

About Credo Assurance

Credo Assurance LLP is an ACRA-registered public in Singapore. They provide audit, accounting, and advisory services to both businesses and individuals, helping clients navigate complex regulatory requirements and economic challenges.

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Understanding Credit Exemptions at SIM: A Guide for Polytechnic and SIM GE Diploma Graduates

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 December 2025 – For Polytechnic and SIM GE diploma graduates aspiring to pursue a degree, one common consideration is the time required to complete their studies. SIM Global Education (SIM GE) offers credit exemptions and advanced standing options that may shorten the duration of selected programmes, subject to prior qualifications and programme-specific requirements.

Understanding Credit Exemptions

Credit exemptions enable students to receive recognition for modules previously completed during prior studies. This eliminates the need to repeat similar content, allowing eligible students to focus on new areas of learning. This practice, widely adopted in higher education, ensures students build upon existing knowledge while meeting the academic standards of their chosen degree programme.

Eligibility and Assessment

Credit exemptions at SIM GE are not granted automatically. Each application undergoes a rigorous evaluation to maintain academic integrity. The assessment considers several factors, including the relevance of previous qualifications to the chosen degree, the level and content of prior modules compared to the programme requirements, and the accreditation and recognition of the awarding institution. Through these measures, SIM GE ensures flexibility for students with diverse educational backgrounds while upholding academic excellence.

Types of Exemptions Available

SIM offers several pathways for credit exemptions, depending on prior qualifications and programme requirements. Holders of relevant Polytechnic or equivalent diplomas may receive exemptions that can reduce the overall study duration by up to one year, subject to programme-specific criteria and GPA requirements. Students who have completed SIM GE diplomas or other recognized qualifications may be eligible for advanced standing when enrolling in selected partner university programmes offered through SIM Global Education. For applicants with qualifications outside standard frameworks, exemptions are assessed individually on a case-by-case basis to ensure alignment with academic standards and programme requirements.

Key Information for Applicants

Credit exemptions are designed to acknowledge prior learning while ensuring that all students meet the academic standards of their chosen programme. They are not guaranteed and vary based on factors such as the relevance of previous qualifications, programme requirements, and institutional recognition. Applicants are encouraged to review the specific exemption policies for their intended programme and seek guidance from SIM Counsellors to understand their options.

References:

  1. SIM GE University Partners – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge

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

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30 Million Strong: China Changan Automobile Group Hits Historic Production Milestone, Ushering in New Era of User-Centric, Tech-Driven Global Growth

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CHONGQING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 December 2025 – China Changan Automobile Group today celebrated a historic achievement as its 30 millionth vehicle—an AVATR 12 Quad-Laser Edition—rolled off the line at the AVATR Digital Intelligence Factory. The milestone signals Changan’s evolution into a global intelligent mobility technology company.

“Changan remains committed to delivering smarter, greener, and more fulfilling mobility, meeting the aspirations of global users for a better future.” said Zhu Huarong, Chairman of China Changan Automobile Group.

Uncompromising Safety: The “Safe Journey Home”

Safety is Changan’s top priority, a commitment dating back to 1999 with China’s first minivan crash test. Since then, the company has advanced its protective capabilities from passive safety structures to today’s active safety interventions. Backed by the industry’s only State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Vehicle Safety Technology, Changan uses its proprietary CA-ITVS verification system to subject vehicles to over 5 million kilometers of testing—guaranteeing a lifespan of 10 years or 260,000 kilometers.

In the smart era, Changan is redefining protection with its newly launched “SDA Intelligence”. Moving beyond physical defense, SDA Intelligence introduces a holistic safety ecosystem that secures both passengers and their data, ensuring a “Safe Journey Home” in every dimension.

Tech-Driven: Innovations That Matter

Driven by its Green and Intelligent strategies, Changan is bringing tangible innovations to market. The Green Plan targets electrification, battery safety, and new energy vehicle ecosystems, while the Intelligent Plan advances vehicle intelligence, autonomous systems, and connectivity. Key breakthroughs include the Golden Shield Battery system for superior safety, and the high-frequency pulse heating for cold-weather efficiency. The BlueCore 3.0 powertrain delivers hybrid and ICE solutions, balancing high performance with exceptional fuel economy. These technologies ensure that every journey is efficient and reliable.

A Bold Future: Smart Mobility and Global Reach

Looking ahead to 2030, Changan has unveiled a visionary roadmap to rank among the world’s top 10 automotive brands with annual sales of 5 million units. By 2030, Changan expects over 60% of sales to be new energy vehicles and 30% to come from overseas markets, solidifying its place on the world stage.

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

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