Media OutReach

Management change at X-CAGO: Ingo Kästner takes over the reins

Published

17 hours ago

19/12/2024

BERLIN/ROERMOND, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 19 December 2024 – On 1 January, Ingo Kästner, Managing Director of PMG Presse-Monitor, will also take over the management of X-CAGO. The Dutch company is a leading international specialist for data and content conversion in the international publishing industry. The previous Managing Director and founder, Koos Hussem, will be taking his well-deserved retirement at the turn of the year, but will continue to be available to the company with his expertise.

Ingo Kästner has headed PMG Presse-Monitor since 2019. He played a leading role in initiating the acquisition of X-CAGO in 2021. Since then, he has been responsible for the Dutch company’s business together with Koos Hussem.

Olivera Kipcic, Chairwoman of the PMG shareholders’ meeting and shareholder representative of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, emphasises:

‘Ingo Kästner is an accomplished manager and expert in digital content marketing. In recent years, he has created new opportunities to successfully market high-quality content digitally. Under his leadership, PMG and X-CAGO have become a strong strategic unit. His takeover of the management is the next logical step in continuing this success story.’

Ingo Kästner bids Koos Hussem farewell with the following words: ‘I would like to thank Koos warmly for the trusting collaboration over the last few years. With his commitment and vision, he has made X-CAGO one of the most sought-after providers of content management and data conversion since it was founded in 2000. It is an honour for me to continue on this successful path.

Together with his first-class team, we will continue to expand X-CAGO’s role as a technical pioneer and offer content producers worldwide perfect solutions for successful digital marketing.’

About PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH & Co. KG and X-CAGO B.V.
With the largest daily updated press database in the German-speaking world, PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH & Co. KG is a leading provider of digital media monitoring, press review creation and media analysis.

PMG markets the content and rights of around 900 newspaper and magazine publishers. Of over 4,000 print and online sources, around 3,000 are available digitally in the PMG press database. The company supplies over 5,000 customers from companies, associations, public institutions, media monitoring services and PR agencies from its base in Berlin.

Founded in 2001, PMG is a joint venture of German newspaper and magazine publishers with the shareholders Axel Springer, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Gruner + Jahr, Handelsblatt Media Group, Hubert Burda Media, Spiegel-Verlag, Süddeutsche Zeitung as well as the Bundesverband Digitalpublisher und Zeitungsverleger and the Medienverband der freien Presse.

In 2021, PMG is taking a major step towards becoming a central data hub for content publishers with the acquisition of Dutch data converter X-CAGO B.V. The company is internationally successful in converting and standardising a wide variety of content formats. ArchiveExpress, X-CAGO’s digital archive solution, is used by publishers worldwide as a distribution platform for their content.

Hashtag: #PMG

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

Media OutReach

Development Bank of the Philippines Celebrates Consecutive and Dual Honors at Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) 2024

Published

8 hours ago

20/12/2024

Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 December 2024 – DBP has once again been recognized as a trailblazer in sustainability with the conferment of two prestigious accolades at the ACES Awards 2024: the Outstanding Leaders in Asia Award and the Green Initiative Award. These honors recognize DBP’s enduring commitment to environmental stewardship, responsible economic growth, and social inclusion—principles that have guided the institution since its founding in 1947.

The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) shines at the ACES Awards 2024! Receiving the prestigious Green Initiative Award on Day 1, DBP was represented by Michael de Jesus, President and CEO (right center), and Carolyn Olfindo, SVP/Head of the Branch Banking Sector (left center). The award was presented by Dr. Shanggari Balakrishnan, President of the ACES Awards (far left), and Luis Bueno Nieto, Advisor to the ACES Council (far right). Adding to the celebration, Michael de Jesus was honoured on Day 2 with the Outstanding Leaders in Award, in recognition of his exemplary leadership that continues to drive DBP towards sustainable and impactful growth. DBP leading the way in green initiatives and inspiring leadership!

Under the leadership of PCEO Michael O. de Jesus, who brings more than 37 years of domestic and international financial experience, DBP solidified its position as a catalyst for sustainable development. With a strong ethical framework, the bank’s commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and good governance has been instrumental in driving national progress.

As a flagship environmental undertaking and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, the DBP Forest Program was launched in 2005. Over 6.6 million trees have been planted across 48 project sites spanning 6,000 hectares in collaboration with local communities, universities, and non-governmental organizations—achieving 85% of the 2030 target. This initiative enhances biodiversity, improves local livelihoods, and contributes to the Philippines’ climate action goals through carbon sequestration.

As a key player in driving the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy, with target of 35% renewable energy in the power mix by 2030, DBP actively channels resources to climate financing and renewable energy projects. Through its pioneering Solar Merchant Power Plant (SMPP) financing program, the bank supports developers supplying clean electricity to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. Likewise, DBP’s Assistance for Economic and Social Development (ASENSO) for Local Government Units (LGUs) financing program ensures funding for essential infrastructure and socio-economic development projects, including clean energy solutions to uplift living standards nationwide.

DBP’s holistic approach extends beyond financing to education, exemplified by its Resources for Inclusive and Sustainable Education (RISE) CSR program, which provides scholarships to underprivileged students. This emphasis on human capital development underscores the bank’s conviction that education is integral to lasting social and economic progress.

The recent induction of DBP into the Corporate Governance Scorecard Hall of Fame further validates its adherence to high ethical standards, transparency, and good governance. Bolstered by the Senate’s approval of a new charter increasing its authorized capital, DBP stands well-positioned to broaden its development impact, fostering responsible growth, and resilience for future generations.

Hashtag: #ACESAwards2024 #SustainabilityAward #LeadershipAward #Sustainability #leadership #regionalrecognition #DBP #Philippines #leadershipexcellence #outstandingleadersinasia #greeninitiativeaward

https://www.dbp.ph/

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

About the Development Bank of the Philippines:

DBP is a government financial institution dedicated to fostering national progress through strategic financing and technical support for priority sectors, including infrastructure, the environment, social services, and MSMEs. With a solid foundation and a renewed mandate, DBP is poised to continue its mission of fostering sustainable development and empowering communities across the Philippines.

Media OutReach

Sansiri, Thailand’s Most Trusted Brand, Launches ‘the Society’: A New Social Space In Cherngtalay-Bang Tao, Phuket, Set To Become A Global Brand

Published

19 hours ago

19/12/2024

Media Outreach

PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 December 2024 – Sansiri Public Company Limited, Thailand’s leading property developer with a 40-year track record, is regarded as Thailand’s most trusted fully integrated real estate developer among Thai and international clients. The company has recently garnered a number of prestigious awards, including the top spot among Thai property developers on the inaugural Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list, two Asia-level awards (Best Ultra Luxury Housing / Landed Development (Asia) for BuGaan Pattanakarn and Best Luxury Housing / Landed Development (Asia) for Narasiri Phaholwatcharapol) and an additional 11 honours at the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards 2024. These include Best Developer in Thailand and Best Developer in Phuket, underscoring its leading position in the real estate sector both in Thailand and across the region.

Mr. Uthai Uthaisangsuk, President of Sansiri Public Company Limited, reaffirmed the launch of The Society, ‘We are proud to have contributed to Phuket’s development for over 13 years, having successfully completed a portfolio of 27 projects on the island, valued at 26 billion baht. These include notable developments such as Baan Mai Khao Phuket, THE BASE Central Phuket, THE DECK Patong, and Saransiri Koh Kaew. Sansiri plans on continuing its success in the region with the launch of more than 27 Phuket projects over the next five years.’

‘This unwavering trust stems from the company’s high-quality project locations in the island’s choicest areas, alongside comprehensive after-sales services, values that have translated into exceptional returns. We value the potential of Thailand’s recovering tourism sector, especially in Phuket, which is gaining global attention as one of the world’s largest vacation real estate destinations, with an increasing number of foreigners choosing to invest in Thai properties as their second homes. Phuket’s unique indigenous identity, including its cuisine, arts, and culture, serves as powerful magnets for both foreign customers and investors. In addition, Thailand’s visa exemption policy has catalysed unprecedented growth in global tourism, resulting in an “Always High Season” phenomenon for Phuket.’

‘Sansiri developed The Society in the prime Bang Tao-Cherngtalay area to establish it as a global brand at the heart of the exciting developments taking place, enabling visitors to explore all that Phuket and the distinctive Sansiri lifestyle have to offer through new perspectives.’ Mr. Uthai emphasised,

Over four decades, Sansiri has successfully curated exceptional collaborations with the world’s most sought-after international design talents; virtuosos whose masterful touch has graced prestigious private estates and ultra-luxury hotels globally. These visionary collaborations have given rise to extraordinary and bespoke design residences under the Sansiri Luxury Collection portfolio. Each project showcases a rare and highly customised living space, spanning both ultra-luxury flagship and luxury developments across landmark projects in Thailand. These include 98 Wireless, super-luxury flagship condominiums commanding Thailand’s most prestigious resale values, inspired by Ralph Lauren Home with interiors meticulously curated by Anne Carson; KHUN by YOO inspired by Starck, a pioneering Design Branded Residence condominium in the Thong Lo district; and an anthology of extraordinary signature residences presenting the aesthetic vision of world-renowned designers at THE MONUMENT Thong Lo, including Gert Voorjans, the Antwerp-based design virtuoso behind the architectural poetry of Dries Van Noten’s flagship boutiques, and Lorenzo Castillo, the mastermind behind LOEWE’s ethereal retail sanctuaries in Spain, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

Sansiri showcases its design prowess at ‘The Society,’ a new, luxurious yet accessible social hub in Phuket. This first-of-its-kind space by Sansiri is designed to foster community bonding and elevate Phuket as a premiere tourist destination. It offers a continuous lineup of lifestyle activities, featuring contributions from top designers and illustrators to create an immersive experience. Open daily, ‘The Society’ serves as a cultural focal point where both Thai and international visitors can engage with local lifestyle through unique, tailored experiences in food, fashion, arts, and sustainability.

Key attractions include the Day-to-Night Eatery with an authentic Spanish menu at VAMOS Spanish Tapas Bar, and specialty coffees from BEANS Coffee Roaster. The venue also provides a co-sharing workspace ideal for private meetings and podcasting, an art exhibition space, and a vibrant calendar of lifestyle events. Additionally, it houses a sales gallery showcasing Sansiri’s developments like CANVAS Cherngtalay, the first condominium in the Cherngtalay zone, and THE TALES, Sansiri’s first Pool Villa Collection in Phuket with ‘THE TALES STORY ONE – BANGJO’.

The world-class architectural design by Ed Tuttle’s team complements the venue’s welcoming atmosphere, similar to visiting a friend’s home. Iconic furniture pieces like the Cocoon by Louis Vuitton from the exclusive Objets Nomades collection and Amanta armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia from the 1960s enhance the sophisticated setting, making ‘The Society’ a must-visit for those seeking to connect and be inspired. Follow us on IG and Facebook: @thesocietyth, or visit the website www.sansiri.com/thesociety

Hashtag: #sansiri

www.sansiri.com/en

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

About Sansiri Public Company Limited

Sansiri, Thailand’s most trusted full-service real estate developers with over 40 years track record is expanding vigorously both in Thailand and international markets emphasizing on design and livability. With a workforce of over 4,000 employees, Sansiri has built more than 400 projects with over 5 million sq.m. throughout Thailand, one residential building in London and one luxury hotel, The Manner, in Soho – New York City. The company also has an affiliated company for property management and sales management services, PLUS Property.

Media OutReach

Vietnam pushes for prompt removal of the ‘IUU Yellow Card’

Published

19 hours ago

19/12/2024

Media Outreach

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 December 2024 – Vietnam continues its robust efforts to implement the European Commission’s (EC) recommendations for combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with a commitment to securing the removal of the ‘IUU yellow card’ in the coming months.

Following the EC’s fourth inspection in October 2023, the government of Vietnam has maintained close oversight in addressing IUU fishing practices. The Secretariat issued a directive to strengthen Party leadership in combating IUU fishing and fostering sustainable fisheries development on April 10 2024.

The government of Vietnam has instructed ministries, agencies and localities to focus on rectifying shortcomings in the management of fishing vessels and cracking down on IUU violations, including VMS disconnection and illegal fishing in foreign waters.

It has also introduced revised decrees to regulate seafood imports from container vessels, impose stricter penalties for fishing beyond designated zones and deploy six means and technical techniques for administrative enforcement in the fisheries sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam has amended regulations to address no registrations, no checks, no licenses fishing vessels. On June 12 2024, the Supreme People’s Court issued a resolution guiding the application of specific Criminal Code provisions to penalise those facilitating illegal fishing in foreign waters.

Vietnam has identified and documented its nationwide fishing fleet, totalling 84,752 vessels, of which 77,717 are registered. Among 15 metres or longer vessels, 98.62 per cent have installed vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and 98 per cent have been marked for compliance.

The offshore fishing license quota for 2024–2029 has been announced, with 29,552 permits issued. Local authorities have compiled and managed lists of high-risk vessels, ensuring rigorous monitoring through vessel monitoring systems, port entries, and dock operations.

Specialised agencies have also tightened regulations on seafood traceability. For domestically harvested seafood, authorities have implemented and required localities to report and update the daily output of aquatic products unloaded at fishing ports via Google Sheets for monitoring.

An electronic traceability system (eCDT) has been established to ensure transparency and legality in certifying, verifying and tracking the origins of seafood exports. As of now, 80 fishing ports and landing points have adopted these measures.

For imported seafood, new regulations have been rolled out to control products brought into Vietnam via container vessels in accordance with Article 70a and updates under the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA). To date, the EC has recognised Vietnam’s progress in enforcing regulations to monitor imported seafood, highlighting full compliance with PSMA requirements.

Moreover, Vietnamese authorities have intensified law enforcement efforts to address IUU fishing, yielding significant outcomes. 12 criminal cases were prosecuted, involving falsification of documents, manipulation of VMS, illegal departures and brokering activities that facilitated the deployment of fishing vessels for illegal operations in foreign waters.

Additionally, 4,237 administrative violations in the fisheries sector have been penalised, amounting to over VND109 billion in fines. Of which, since the beginning of this year, authorities have handled 3,387 administrative violations, imposing fines exceeding VND75 billion, an increase of about 30 per cent year-on-year.

Violations related to VMS alone accounted for fines of over VND38 billion, while 21 cases of illegal fishing in foreign waters resulted in fines totalling VND23 billion.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Le Minh Hoan, emphasised to the European Commission (EC) that combating IUU fishing remains a core priority for Vietnam’s fisheries sector. It is not solely aimed at ensuring compliance for seafood exports to the European Union but also serves to promote sustainable aquaculture and fisheries, reflecting Vietnam’s responsibility and maintaining its global reputation.

Vietnam also considers the issue of ‘yellow card’ as an opportunity to foster more sustainable fishing practices. Through its ongoing efforts, the country is optimistic about the EC’s timely removal of the ‘yellow card’ warning.

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