Media OutReach

SCG Drives ‘Regional Optimization,’ Positioning Vietnam as a Key Base for Production, Domestic Consumption and Global Exports; Highlights LSP and BMP to Strengthen ASEAN Growth Alongside Social and Environmental Sustainability

Published

4 weeks ago

27/11/2025

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 November 2025 – SCG is advancing its “Regional Optimization” strategy by positioning Vietnam as a key production base to support domestic consumption and exports to global markets. The company is showcasing the strengths of Long Son Petrochemicals (LSP), Vietnam’s first fully integrated petrochemical complex, and Binh Minh Plastics (BMP), the country’s leading manufacturer of premium plastic pipes and fittings. Together, these businesses reinforce SCG’s growth in ASEAN while driving social and environmental sustainability.

Kulachet Dharachandra, Country Director – Vietnam at SCG and Executive Vice President of SCGC, said, “Regional Optimization is an integrated business strategy across ASEAN that leverages the collective strengths of each country, production bases, resources, and economic potential, to enhance efficiency and create advantages in cost, market reach, and sustainability. SCG is implementing this strategy across Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar, where each country plays a vital role in strengthening SCG and its subsidiaries while supporting long-term sustainable growth.”

Vietnam: SCG’s Strategic Production Base and Market

Vietnam is a strategic country for SCG, supported by several key factors: a domestic market of more than 100 million people, rapid infrastructure development, competitive production costs, and government policies that promote investment and exports. In 2024, Vietnam’s economy grew by 7.1%, with its gross domestic product (GDP) reaching USD 476 billion and foreign direct investment totaling more than USD 38.2 billion.

Kulachet continued, “SCG and its 28 subsidiaries have invested more than USD 7 billion in Vietnam, representing 28% of SCG’s total assets. Our operations span chemicals, cement, building materials, packaging, and logistics nationwide, enabling fully integrated cost and supply chain management. SCG also leverages the combined strengths of Thailand and Vietnam to enhance the competitiveness of the Group through initiatives such as:

Transferring expertise in technology, safety standards, and plant management from Thailand to Vietnam;
Leveraging Vietnam’s position as an export base, supported by its extensive network of more than 60 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), enabling the export of products such as PRIME GROUP’s glazed porcelain tiles and low-carbon cement to the United States;
Enhancing regional supply chain efficiency, particularly in the chemicals business, where production and marketing can be jointly optimized across the three crackers (ROC–MOC–LSP). This allows Thailand to focus on producing high value-added (HVA) products, while LSP focuses on meeting Vietnam’s large domestic demand and supplying global markets.”

Long Son Petrochemicals (LSP): Vietnam’s First Fully Integrated Petrochemical Complex

Kulachet said, “The petrochemical industry continues to face volatility and challenges due to global oversupply, while the world economy has yet to fully recover. Nevertheless, SCGC is continuing to advance and accelerate strategic adjustments to navigate these challenges by strengthening its competitiveness and leveraging key advantages. One of these advantages is SCGC’s diversified production base across three ASEAN countries, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, with LSP as Vietnam’s first fully integrated petrochemical complex. LSP significantly enhances SCGC’s long-term competitiveness at both regional and global levels. With LSP’s flexible production technology, the plant can switch between naphtha and propane feedstock depending on market conditions (Flexible Feedstock). For example, with propane prices currently lower than naphtha, LSP has adjusted its production plan by increasing the proportion of propane feedstock to 70% to optimize costs and strengthen competitiveness.”

“In addition, LSP has also adopted advanced technologies and technical expertise transferred from Thailand to further enhance environmentally responsible operations. These include Vietnam’s first large-scale enclosure ground flare system for smokeless gas disposal, a high-efficiency wastewater treatment system, and technologies designed to reduce air emissions, reinforcing LSP’s ambition to become a model for environmentally sustainable plant operations.”

“As for the progress of the LSP Enhancement Project (LSPE), the project is progressing according to plan. Construction of two ethane storage tanks is currently underway, along with process modifications to accommodate ethane feedstock. Overall progress has exceeded 20%, and completion is expected by the end of 2027,” Kulachet added.

Binh Minh Plastics (BMP): Market Leader in Premium Plastic Pipes and Fittings Supporting Vietnam’s Growth

In addition to its petrochemical operations in Vietnam, another business that reinforces SCGC’s strengths is the plastic pipes and fittings segment under Binh Minh Plastics (BMP), a listed company on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE). BMP operates a nationwide distribution network of more than 2,500 stores across Vietnam.

Niwat Athiwattananont, Chief Executive Officer of BMP, said, “Vietnam is undergoing rapid infrastructure development, resulting in strong demand and significant growth opportunities in the construction materials sector. BMP specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of premium-grade plastic pipes and fittings for residential, industrial, infrastructure, and agricultural applications, including water supply systems, drainage, telecommunications, and construction.”

“Furthermore, BMP collaborates closely with Nawaplastic Industries (NPI) in Thailand to enhance plant management efficiency through automation and robotics, as well as through knowledge sharing and technology transfer. This collaboration supports the development of high value-added (HVA) innovations, particularly within BMP’s ‘green’ product portfolio, which has been certified with international environmental standards. These efforts elevate product quality to global benchmarks. Looking ahead, the company plans to develop additional product lines to meet emerging market needs and expand its distribution coverage across the ASEAN region,” Niwat added.

Commitment to ESG

Kulachet added, “SCG places strong emphasis on advancing ESG to drive Inclusive Green Growth in Vietnam by applying expertise from Thailand to enhance production processes and promote green technologies.

Environment: In recent years, SCG has invested more than USD 100 million in projects to improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy. The company also places strong emphasis on developing environmentally friendly products and services across all business units, such as Low Carbon Cement, to support the growing green transition in Vietnam and export markets.
Social: SCG has implemented programs that uplift community well-being, including the Sharing the Dream scholarship initiative, which has provided more than 6,000 scholarships nationwide over nearly 20 years, and the Loving Water for the Future project, which has helped install clean-water pipelines for more than 1,500 households in remote areas.
People: SCG is committed to developing more than 15,000 employees across Vietnam through SCG Academy and leadership-development programs such as the Management Enrichment Program, conducted in collaboration with Duke University, to build leaders equipped to navigate future challenges.”

“We firmly believe that Vietnam continues to hold strong growth potential, and we are proud to contribute to the country’s economic, social, and environmental development through the enduring partnership between Thailand and Vietnam. This collaboration will further strengthen the competitiveness of the ASEAN region as a whole. Our investments in LSP and BMP demonstrate SCG’s capability to operate effectively amid challenges and its long-term commitment to developing a competitive and sustainable industrial landscape,” Kulachet concluded.
Hashtag: #SCG

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

Media OutReach

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

Published

2 days ago

24/12/2025

Media Outreach

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

https://www.aeonbank.com.my/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeonbankmy/?viewAsMember=true
https://x.com/aeonbankmy
https://www.facebook.com/aeonbankmalaysia
https://www.instagram.com/aeonbankmy

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.

Media OutReach

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

Published

2 days ago

24/12/2025

Media Outreach

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

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

https://www.aeonbank.com.my/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeonbankmy/?viewAsMember=true
https://x.com/aeonbankmy
https://www.facebook.com/aeonbankmalaysia
https://www.instagram.com/aeonbankmy

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

AEON Bank (M) Berhad

Media OutReach

Empowering Website Operations Across ASEAN with AI and Teamwork

Published

2 days ago

24/12/2025

Media Outreach

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.