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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
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
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Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau Wins ESG Champion Award For Sustainable Healthcare At Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2026
The Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2026, supported by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, is one of Malaysia’s recognized platforms for celebrating organizations that demonstrate excellence in sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. The award ceremony was officiated in Kuala Lumpur by YB Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, underscoring the national significance of advancing sustainable and socially responsible business practices in Malaysia.
Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau received the award for integrating sustainability into healthcare delivery while improving health outcomes for the Johor community. The national award recognizes the hospital’s leadership in environmental sustainability, responsible governance, community health programs and sustainable healthcare delivery in Malaysia.
The award recognizes Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau’s unwavering commitment to integrating sustainability into healthcare delivery while creating meaningful and lasting value for the communities it serves. It reflects the hospital’s dedication to responsible governance, environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Over the years, Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau has embraced its mission of “Caring Beyond Boundaries” by extending quality healthcare beyond the hospital walls through impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, preventive health education, free health screening programmes and strategic community partnerships. These initiatives have empowered thousands of individuals to take charge of their health while improving access to quality healthcare in Johor Bahru and even across Johor.
Beyond its community outreach, Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau has embedded green initiatives into its daily operations through energy-efficient practices, responsible waste management, recycling initiatives, digitalisation and paperless workflows to minimise its environmental footprint. These efforts reflect the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care while fostering long-term healthcare sustainability.
Receiving the Company of the Year – ESG Champion for Health, Wellness and Sustainability Award reflects the hospital’s holistic approach to sustainability; balancing quality healthcare, environmental responsibility and good governance to create a healthier and more sustainable future.
“This recognition is a proud milestone for our entire team and reinforces our commitment to delivering not only quality healthcare but also lasting value to our communities,” said Dr. James Chong, Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau. “Healthcare organizations have a responsibility beyond treating illness. We believe sustainable healthcare means improving community health, reducing environmental impact and strengthening responsible clinical governance. This recognition reflects how Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau integrates these commitments into everyday patient care.”
The hospital attributes this achievement to the unwavering dedication of its doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and support staff, whose passion and commitment have enabled Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau to consistently deliver compassionate, patient-centred care while championing ESG and sustainability initiatives.
Looking ahead, Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau remains committed to strengthening community partnerships, embracing innovative healthcare solutions and further advancing sustainable healthcare through responsible environmental stewardship and digital transformation.
Hashtag: #ColumbiaAsiaHospitalTebrau #RightHereForYou #HealthcareExcellence #TeamTebrau #CommunityCare #HospitalCommunications #AwardWinningTeam #CSRMalaysiaAward #CSR #Sustainability #ESG
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About Columbia Asia
For 30 years, Columbia Asia Group of hospitals has been at the forefront of quality healthcare in the private healthcare industry. Established in 1996, it has evolved from its first hospital in Shah Alam to its latest in Penang, to date. As an international healthcare provider, its services span across 19 hospitals in the region; 13 in Malaysia, five in Indonesia, and one in Vietnam. Through the years, the company strategy has always been about making private healthcare accessible to all, hence its hospitals are strategically located in densely populated areas. Under the umbrella of private healthcare company, Asia OneHealthcare, the Columbia Asia group has expanded its reach to bring effective healthcare, closer to home.
Through the years, Columbia Asia’s emphasis has consistently been about early detection of diseases. This is achieved through advanced diagnostic technology that enables greater precision and supports minimally invasive procedures. To fulfil the typical healthcare needs of communities, Columbia Asia offers core disciplines such as obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, and general surgery. Today, it also provides tertiary healthcare addressing more complex fields of medicine such as neurosurgery, cardiac disease treatments, and integrated cancer care.
As it approaches a new decade, Columbia Asia continues to expand; adopting advanced technology to meet the ever-increasing needs of today’s discerning customers.
Upholding strict clinical governance and medical ethics, Columbia Asia is committed to deliver excellent patient outcomes in a safe and trusted environment.
Columbia Asia. Right Here For You.
About Asia OneHealthcare
Asia OneHealthcare (A1H) unites 32 hospitals across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam into one connected healthcare network with a shared purpose. Built on Columbia Asia’s strong community focused hospitals network and complemented by advanced tertiary and super-specialty centres, A1H is dedicated to caring for people during some of the most important moments of their lives — when they are most in need of trusted medical care.
Our network includes leading institutions such as Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) and super-specialty hospitals including ALTY Orthopaedic Hospital, Beacon Hospital, Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL), Hospital Picaso, and Northern Heart Hospital Penang. Together, they provide access to advanced clinical expertise, specialised treatments, and modern medical technology, delivering the best care possible.
With over 4,000 beds across the region, A1H delivers seamless, coordinated care — from initial diagnosis and treatment to complex, life-saving procedures. Guided by our promise, Right Here For You, A1H is committed to standing alongside patients, families, and communities with compassionate, high-quality care when it matters most.
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Orbis Future Vision Leaders 2025/26 Mobilizes 330+ Hong Kong Tertiary Students to Serve Over 2,200 Community Beneficiaries
The campaign spans three core tracks:
- Heal the Future: Infusing medical blindness prevention with psychological empathy and public health outreach.
- Educator 2.0: Deep-diving into campus eye care education and fostering inclusive values in schools.
- Visionary Start-up: Exploring social enterprise models to deliver sustainable accessibility solutions.
Cross-Disciplinary Mobilization Across 10 Hong Kong Universities
Mary Lau, Executive Director of Orbis Hong Kong, praised the student cohorts for independently connecting with over 25 community partners. Through these grassroots collaborations, student teams designed and executed a wide range of interactive eye advocacy initiatives, including vision screenings, clinical escape rooms, AR eye disease simulations, and braille decoding workshops, directly serving more than 2,200 citizens.
The initiative rallied students from 10 major tertiary institutions across Hong Kong (listed in no particular order):
- The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
- Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU)
- Lingnan University (LU)
- The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
- Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
- The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK)
- City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
CEO Mentorship & Distinguished Judging Panel
To bolster the commercial viability and social impact of the Visionary Start-up track, Orbis engaged prominent corporate mentors to guide youth teams in market strategy and operational planning.
Participating Mentor Companies (in no particular order): Climate Incubator, Education for Good, HK Decoman Technology, Pet Space Group Limited, SOFE COFFEE, and V Cycle.
Grand Final Judging Panel:
- Ms. Mary Lau (Executive Director, Orbis Hong Kong)
- Dr. Vincent Lee Yau-wing (Orbis Volunteer Ophthalmologist & Specialist in Ophthalmology)
- Ms. Sharon Wang (Investment Manager, Beyond Ventures)
- Mr. Francis Ngai (Founder & CEO, Social Ventures Hong Kong)
- Mrs. Julie Ma (Principal, St. Stephen’s College)
Official Launch of the 2026/27 Campaign Cycle
The event concluded with a formal lighting ceremony led by the overall track champions, Orbis Executive Director Mary Lau, and academic representatives from participating universities. The ceremonial lighting of the stage centerpiece marked the conclusion of this cycle and signaled the official launch of the 2026/27 Future Vision Leaders Campaign.
Schools, academic faculties, and community institutions interested in co-curricular partnerships for the upcoming cycle can submit inquiries to [email protected]
Full List of Award Winners: Orbis Future Vision Leaders 2025/26
Overall Track Champions
Heal the Future Overall Champion: The University of Hong Kong
- Project: Created the AEyeChatbot and AEyeScreen Helper web tools via AI/AR to connect with 1,000+ users and boost literacy.
- Team Members: Chan Tsz Ching, Angelina Cheng, Lee Po Wa, Ng Man Lok, Ho Chak Fung.
Educator 2.0 Overall Champion: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Project: School workshops combining visual simulation and tactile painting to foster inclusive values among children.
- Team Members: Siu Yan Tung Valerie, Wu Pui Yi, Cheung Hei Long Chloe, Chui Wui
Visionary Start-up Overall Champion: The University of Hong Kong
- Project: Offline digital twin navigation system assisting visually impaired elderly residents in GPS dead zones such as MTR stations.
- Team Members: Sirot Inthasorn, Napat Arjananont, Virakarn Boonfahpratan, Nutnornont Chamadol, Apiwit Triwatana.
Category Winners
1. Heal the Future Track
Vision for theCommunity Award: Hong Kong Metropolitan University (Ng Tim Tim, Wu Nai Wan Rebecca, KeithYeung, Kung Huen Nok) — Launched a Braille workshop, AR senior simulations, and a nursing escape room to drive community blind awareness.
Medical In SightAward: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Wong Pak Hei, Choy Yan Lam, Wong Mei Sze, Chiu Sze Ching, Wong Hiu Lam) — Delivered bilingual workshops and tailored eye screenings that evaluated over 110 ethnic minority seniors and empowered their caregivers.
Innovative Perspectivesin Technology Award: The University of Hong Kong (Chan Tsz Ching, Angelina Cheng, Lee Po Wa,Ng Man Lok, Ho Chak Fung) — Created the AEyeChatbot and AEyeScreen Helper web tools via AI/AR to connect with 1,000+ users and boost literacy.
Inclusivity for the VisuallyImpaired Community Award: The University of Hong Kong (Ng Tsun Hin, Chan Chun Yin, Cherry Lam,Winston Lam, Lam Cheung Yeung) — Hosted a blindfolded running workshop alongside a visually impaired athlete to build critical empathy with medical students.
2. Educator 2.0 Track
Color Adventures Award: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Tsang Pok Hei, Wu Hoi Shan, Tong Chi Kit, Ng Yu Hei) — Deployed an interactive Inside Out themed workshop featuring Stroop tests, paper folding, and drawing sessions to teach primary school students about eye structures, color blindness, and the connection between emotions and colors.
Eye Health Mission Award: Lingnan University / The Education University of Hong Kong (Cheung Ka Wun, Chan Yat Yi, Chan Wing Sze, Gu Shu Ya) — Organised the zero-budget ‘Sight-athlon’ carnival for primary students using AR eye simulations and Braille decoding.
The Unseen World Award: Lingnan University / The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong / Hong Kong Baptist University (Pang Yu Fei, Lo Hoi Chiu, Fan Man Kit) — Implemented a low-cost simulation workshop using DIY glasses to let school children experience glaucoma and color blindness.
Defeating VisionMonsters Award: The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Siu Yan Tung Valerie, Wu Pui Yi, Cheung HeiLong Chloe, Chui Wui) — Managed a color-blindness simulation glasses painting workshop to foster youth STEAM literacy and active prevention awareness.
3. Visionary Start-up Track
Joyful Journeys toWellness Award: The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Chan Ching Tung, Chan Hau Ying, Deng Yu Hing, Au Wing Sze) — Developed ZIP, a gamified walking app utilizing commission-based models to promote lowcarbon urban wellness.
Tech Solutions forChallenges Award: The University of Hong Kong (Sirot Inthasorn, Napat Arjananont, Virakarn Boonfahpratan, Nutnornont Chamadol, Apiwit Triwatana) —Developed GUIDO, an AI-powered 3D SLAM navigation device mitigating urban transit barriers via a Device-as-a-Service framework.
Co-Creating Community Award: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University / The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Yue Yee Ting, Ng Chiu Yee, Chan Chin Yik, Ho Lok Hin) — Formed an ecosystem connector program that bridges schools and NGOs while empowering visually impaired individuals as instructors.
Visual Arts Unleashed Award: Hong Kong Metropolitan University (Fung Ying Ching, Chan Yui Man, Wong Tsz Yi,Li Tsam Yu) — Established a tactile 3D art ecosystem allowing visually impaired individuals to independently create and experience gallery exhibits.
Hashtag: #OrbisHongKong
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AsianPLAS 2026 Connects Global Buyers with Plastics & Rubber Suppliers Through an Extended Online Exhibition
Organized jointly by AsianNet and the B2B marketplace TradeAsia, AsianPLAS 2026 provides participating companies with extended international exposure while enabling buyers to discover products, review supplier information, and submit sourcing inquiries online. Through TradeAsia’s B2B platform and digital matchmaking resources, the exhibition facilitates connections between global buyers and plastics and rubber suppliers, creating additional opportunities for international sourcing and cross-border business cooperation.
Expanding International Sourcing Opportunities Through Global Industry Exposure
To increase global visibility and sourcing opportunities, AsianPLAS 2026 aligns its exhibition period with several major international plastics and rubber industry events, including Expo Plast Peru, Taipei International Plastics and Rubber Industry Show, West Africa Plastprintpack, Fakuma, PLAST IMAGEN MEXICO, and IPF Japan. By running alongside major international industry exhibitions, AsianPLAS 2026 provides additional opportunities for participating suppliers to reach international buyers and expand their exposure across global markets.
Through AsianPLAS 2026, buyers can review supplier information, browse product catalogs, and directly contact exhibitors for sourcing inquiries. The platform gives international buyers convenient access to plastics and rubber manufacturers and suppliers across a wide range of materials, machinery, products, and related industry applications, while helping participating companies strengthen their international visibility and explore new business opportunities.
Comprehensive Product Categories and Industry Suppliers Across the Plastics & Rubber Sector
The exhibition brings together suppliers and manufacturers from across Asia’s plastics and rubber industry. International buyers can explore products and sourcing opportunities presented by companies including ELASTIN INTERNATIONAL, YI CHI HSIUNG, SHANG-YUH MACHINE, LIO CHENG KUNG, UNILONGENTERPRISECO and KAIPHONE TECHNOLOGY.
These exhibitors represent a diverse range of products and applications across the plastics and rubber supply chain, including plastic and rubber materials, processing machinery, plastic and rubber products, packaging and containers, polymers and resins, adhesives and sealants, coatings, chemical additives, and related industrial equipment.
Supporting Global B2B Trade Through Digital Sourcing Solutions
Powered by TradeAsia’s B2B platform, AsianPLAS 2026 provides exhibitors with online product showcases, supplier profiles, and digital e-catalogs designed to increase international exposure and sourcing opportunities.
International buyers can browse products and communicate with suppliers online regardless of location or time zone, making it easier to compare products, review supplier capabilities, and submit inquiries efficiently. The exhibition’s extended online format also enables participating companies to maintain continuous visibility throughout the more than four-month exhibition period.
By integrating online sourcing, digital promotion, and buyer-supplier matchmaking services, AsianPLAS 2026 creates an efficient digital environment for global B2B trade and international procurement across the plastics and rubber industry.
Start Sourcing Now
Explore suppliers, discover products, and connect directly with exhibitors through the official AsianPLAS 2026 online exhibition platform:
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/47/Asian-Plastics-Rubber-Industry-Online-Exhibition-2026.html
Hashtag: #TradeAsia
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About TradeAsia
TradeAsia, available at 
www.e-tradeasia.com, is a B2B digital marketplace connecting international buyers with suppliers across global markets. The platform brings together a broad network of buyers and suppliers with an extensive product database, helping procurement professionals discover products, identify potential suppliers, and initiate business inquiries online.
In addition to its digital platform, TradeAsia works with international trade organizations and industry exhibition organizers to connect online marketing resources with global industry events. By combining digital product exposure, international buyer reach, and industry marketing resources, TradeAsia helps suppliers strengthen their international visibility and create new opportunities for cross-border business development.
