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YTL Cement Redefined Building Trends and Championed Sustainability and Innovation at 3rd Annual Sustainable Construction Symposium
It opened with an address by Rachel Yeoh, Executive Director of YTL Cement who set the stage with a compelling vision for the future of construction, emphasising YTL Cement’s dedication to sustainability and innovation through the launch of Malaysia’s first repurposed concrete aggregate facility (RCA) in collaboration with the Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM), and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), which can potentially replace up to 30% of natural aggregates in concrete.
She also highlighted how YTL Cement is committed to leveraging digital technologies to enhance its operational efficiencies and strengthening its industry partnerships with CREAM, the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) and the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), among others, to drive more sustainable practices within the industry.
The event also featured 10 local and international speakers from the public and private sectors, across four deep dive sessions and two panel discussions. Topics covered included how cities can thrive with sustainable urban intelligence by Ian Ralph from global architecture and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM); how to make sustainable construction a reality in Malaysia by Puan Zainora Zainal, the CEO of CIDB; how to design and create buildings that care for people, planet and performance by Nicolas Medrano, a design principal from SOM; and an overview on SustainBuild Mark, Malaysia’s first standardised industry certification for sustainable building materials by Ir. Ts. Dr Hj Mohd Khairolden Ghani, a representative of CREAM.
A panel discussion on smart-driven green construction was also held between YTL Cement’s technical general manager Lim Tze Liang, Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (REHDA)’s president, Datuk Ho Hon Sang, and Master Builders Association of Malaysia (MBAM)’s president Oliver Wee. During the session, Lim detailed YTL Cement’s comprehensive sustainability efforts, such as the introduction of its ECO product range that are produced in its ISO-certified facilities, YTL Cement’s AI-driven kiln optimisation and groundbreaking R&D collaborations with CREAM and Malaysian universities, including the development of self-healing concrete with an 83% efficacy rate.
Datuk Ho from REHDA emphasised the need for holistic green strategies for the benefit of the environment, industry, and nation while Oliver Wee of MBAM, discussed the challenges of legacy infrastructure and high initial investment costs for green transformation, calling for greater awareness and education for industry players.
The symposium concluded with a fireside chat on rethinking building solutions and mindsets, between Damian Lusty the Head of Sustainability & Digitalisation at specialty chemicals company Sika, Ar. Dexter Koh the deputy president of PAM, and Lee Mun Sam, CEO of Eastern Pretech Solutions Sdn Bhd.
Lee Mun Sam of Eastern Pretech shared his firm’s two-decade experience in prefabrication for Industrialised Building Systems (IBS), noting growing industry receptiveness towards sustainable materials despite cost concerns. He also highlighted recent industry innovations like hollow concrete and recycled by-products, which maintain quality while reducing carbon footprints.
Beyond that, the panel discussed Malaysia’s middling progress in sustainability, and the need for collective action to get ahead. Dexter Koh highlighted the disconnect between various policies and how industry players need to be more collaborative moving forward, while Damian Lusty shared how government incentives like carbon taxes and collaborative design approaches are essential in balancing costs and sustainability. The panellists concluded that long-term value, not upfront expenses, must drive industry transformation.
The Symposium served as a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration, underscoring a unified industry commitment to redefining Malaysia’s built environment. By bridging insights from developers, architects, engineers, and material suppliers, the event charted a clear path forward, balancing innovation, practicality and environmental stewardship with economic growth.
Hashtag: #YTLCement #SustainableConstruction
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About YTL Cement Group
YTL Cement Group is Malaysia’s homegrown integrated building solutions leader, with a growing global footprint across Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Dubai, and Finland. We deliver end-to-end solutions, from cement, concrete, drymix, aggregates, and precast concrete to prefabricated bathroom units, green technology, and environmental services, helping our customers to build better.
For over 70 years, we have been a trusted partner in nation building, contributing to landmark projects in every market we serve. Guided by a customer-first mindset and driven by insights and innovation, we set the benchmark for quality, performance, and reliability.
With sustainability at our core, we provide solutions that endure. Our ECO Product Range provides low-carbon alternatives, including ECOCem™ low-carbon cements, ECOConcrete™ with reduced embodied carbon, ECOSand™ as a sustainable substitute for natural sand, and ECODrymix™ eco-friendly pre-mixes, supporting the industry’s transition to a greener future.
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VinFast inaugurates 20 e-motorcycle dealerships in Indonesia, expanding its green mobility ecosystem nationwide
The grand opening of VinFast dealers will take place from July 19 to 25, 2026, bringing VinFast’s genuine products and services closer to customers across Indonesia. The 20 new dealerships are located across key regions such as Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Medan, Palembang, Makassar and many other major provinces and cities nationwide.
The expansion follows strong customer response to VinFast’s Early Booking Program, which has attracted thousands of deposits across Indonesia.
Dealerships will provide a full range of services, including vehicle sales, product consultation, after-sales support, and customer care in accordance with VinFast’s global standards. In addition to showcasing and selling VinFast E-motorcycles, the dealerships will offer customers opportunities to test ride the vehicles, experience the battery swapping solution and home charging options, and learn more about VinFast’s attractive ownership policies. Customers can visit VinFast’s official website at: https://vinfastauto.id/ to locate their nearest dealership and register for a test ride.
The opening campaign kicked off with the VinFast E-Motorcycle Experience Day, taking place on July 18, 2026, at Tribeca, Jakarta. The event welcomed customers, media representatives, KOLs, business partners, and electric mobility enthusiasts to explore VinFast’s e-motorcycle lineup and green mobility ecosystem.
During the event, attendees explored the full range of color options available for the VinFast Evo, VinFast Feliz II, and VinFast Viper, while learning more about each model, VinFast’s battery swapping network, home charging solutions, and the energy infrastructure being developed in partnership with V-Green.
In addition to the product showcase, the event featured dedicated test ride sessions, battery swapping demonstrations, safe riding challenges, interactive games, and opportunities to engage directly with VinFast’s product specialists.
Ms. Vo Thi Cam Tu, Managing Director of VinFast E-scooter Overseas Market, said: “VinFast’s strategy goes beyond introducing high-quality electric vehicles. Our vision is to build a complete ecosystem that makes owning and using electric vehicles more convenient than ever. The launch of 20 dealerships across Indonesia, together with our battery swapping, charging, and after-sales service network, represents another important step toward realizing that vision. We hope more Indonesian consumers will choose E-motorcycles as a smart, economical, and sustainable mobility solution.”
The three e-motorcycle models introduced by VinFast in Indonesia are designed to meet the needs of different customer segments while sharing the company’s advanced technology platform and innovative battery swapping ecosystem.
The VinFast Viper features a sporty design tailored to young, tech-savvy riders. Meanwhile, the VinFast Feliz II and VinFast Evo build upon the proven strengths of their predecessors in Vietnam while incorporating refinements to better suit the needs and preferences of Indonesian consumers.
All three models are equipped with a 5,200W BLDC in-wheel motor. The VinFast Viper and VinFast Feliz II offer a top speed of 90 km/h, while the VinFast Evo reaches 80 km/h. Each motorcycle is designed with dual battery compartments under the seat, allowing the simultaneous use of two 1.5 kWh LFP batteries.
With two fully-charged batteries installed, the VinFast Evo delivers a riding range of up to 150 km, while the VinFast Viper and VinFast Feliz II can travel up to 145 km under standard testing conditions, making them well-suited for both daily commuting and longer urban journeys.
Customers can choose to purchase their motorcycles with batteries included or opt for a battery subscription plan. In addition to battery swapping, the motorcycles can also be conveniently charged at home.
As a special launch benefit, all VinFast E-motorcycle owners will enjoy free battery swapping at V-Green’s public battery swapping stations for one year, with a maximum of 20 battery swaps per motorcycle per month. The motorcycles are also backed by a warranty of up to 4+2 years or 60,000+12,000 kilometers, whichever comes first, helping reduce ownership costs while enhancing convenience and peace of mind.
The simultaneous opening of 20 e-motorcycle dealerships further demonstrates VinFast’s long-term commitment to the Indonesian market. By expanding its retail network, diversifying its product portfolio, and investing in energy infrastructure, VinFast is steadily building a comprehensive green mobility ecosystem that will help accelerate the country’s transition toward sustainable transportation in one of the world’s largest motorcycle markets.
Hashtag: #VinFast
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VinFast partners with Bespoke Logistics to strengthen electric motorcycle logistics capabilities in the Philippines
Under the agreement, Bespoke Logistics will operate an integrated mobility processing center and VinFast-authorized service workshop, responsible for warehousing, vehicle inspection, technical preparation of electric motorcycles prior to delivery, vehicle yard management, and transportation. Located in Carmona City, Cavite Province, the 20,000-square-meter facility has a storage capacity of up to 30,000 vehicles, helping streamline vehicle preparation, improve operational efficiency, and ensure product quality before delivery to customers.
As part of the partnership, VinFast will work closely with Bespoke Logistics to implement technician training and certification programs, transfer standardized operating procedures and quality control processes, and establish a parts supply system to support aftersales operations.
Bespoke Logistics specializes in automotive logistics, offering an end-to-end service portfolio that includes pre-delivery inspection (PDI), warehousing, vehicle yard management, transportation, and vehicle delivery. The company also has extensive experience in warehouse-based technical operations and modern vehicle and inventory management systems, serving as a trusted logistics partner for multiple automotive brands in the Philippines.
Partnering with experienced local companies such as Bespoke Logistics will not only strengthen VinFast’s logistics and service capabilities in the Philippines but also provide a strong operational foundation for the delivery of its first electric motorcycles to customers.
The agreement forms part of VinFast’s long-term strategy to develop a comprehensive, international-standard electric motorcycle ecosystem in the Philippines. Alongside the launch of its diverse lineup of battery-swapping electric motorcycles, VinFast is steadily expanding its distribution network, aftersales services, and battery swapping infrastructure to deliver a seamless, convenient, and reliable ownership experience for customers.
Mr. Bui Viet Hung, VinFast Deputy CEO of Global Aftersales Service, said: “At VinFast, world-class products must be supported by robust infrastructure and exceptional aftersales services. Our partnership with Bespoke Logistics is a key milestone in strengthening our distribution and aftersales capabilities in line with global standards, ensuring that customers in the Philippines enjoy high quality products and services from day one of ownership.”
Mr. Allan A. Mina, President and CEO of Bespoke Logistics said: “We are proud to partner with VinFast as it develops its electric motorcycle ecosystem in the Philippines. We are committed to operating the facility in accordance with VinFast’s international standards while continuously enhancing our team’s capabilities and operational processes to support the brand’s long-term growth in the market.”
Over the past few years, VinFast has steadily built a green mobility ecosystem across the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and other international markets through strategic partnerships with local companies and ecosystem partners such as Green GSM and V-Green. In addition to electric motorcycles, VinFast is expanding its product portfolio to include electric cars, electric bicycles, and electric buses, providing consumers with more sustainable mobility options while accelerating the global transition to greener transportation.
Hashtag: #VinFast
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About About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) company with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.
VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally while expanding its production footprint with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Learn more at: 
https://vinfastauto.ph/
About Bespoke Logistics
Bespoke Logistics is a Philippine-based automotive logistics, warehousing, and mobility solutions company specializing in vehicle processing, stockyard management, electric vehicle support services, transportation, and distribution.
Through its Mobility Processing Center platform, Bespoke Logistics provides integrated solutions for automotive manufacturers, distributors, and emerging mobility brands operating in the Philippines.
The decision was announced during the discussion “Competition Development in Global Grain Trade: Joint Efforts of BRICS Countries”, organized by the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre on the sidelines of the 23rd Session of the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Competition Law and Policy in Geneva.
The event included a closed meeting of BRICS competition authorities and a public panel featuring researchers, academics and representatives of international organizations.
Discussions focused on competition in global grain markets, the growing influence of financialization and digitalization across agricultural value chains, and policy tools to improve market transparency. Participants also reviewed the findings of a joint report prepared by the BRICS Competition Centre and UNCTAD (link: https://www.bricscompetition.org/ru/grainreport) , first presented at the 9th BRICS International Competition Conference in Cape Town in 2025.
A coordinated market study
The central outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a BRICS task force that will coordinate a joint sector inquiry into global grain trade within the framework of the BRICS Working Group on Food Markets.
The task force will be co-chaired by Diogo Thomson, President of Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), and Mahmoud Momtaz, Chairperson of the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA).
Thomson welcomed the initiative and proposed making competition in global grain trade a key topic at the next BRICS International Competition Conference, scheduled to take place in Brazil in 2027.
“Brazil is the only jurisdiction that has launched an investigation into digital grain trading platforms such as Covantis. I therefore strongly welcome this sector inquiry, which will help us better understand the impact of digitalization across grain supply chains and the risks it may create for competition. I also support using the BRICS Competition Centre as the coordination platform for this work,” he said.
Momtaz said one of the main conclusions of the BRICS-UNCTAD report was the significant role speculative activity plays in global grain markets.
“One of the key findings of the report presented by the BRICS Competition Centre is the extent to which speculative factors influence global grain trade. The most effective response is greater market transparency. We should not accept a situation where farmers receive only a small share of the value they create while consumers in Egypt pay excessively high prices for bread. Where does this margin accumulate, and who ultimately benefits from it? These are the questions our sector inquiry should answer,” he said.
He also proposed that the task force develop a common AI-powered price monitoring tool covering BRICS grain markets.
“Such a tool would provide the information needed for market analysis and become an important complement to the joint sector inquiry,” Momtaz added.
From analysis to policy recommendations
Hardin Ratshisusu, Deputy Commissioner of the Competition Commission of South Africa, said the study should contribute to the implementation of the BRICS Grain Exchange initiative endorsed by BRICS leaders in the Kazan Declaration (2024) and the Rio de Janeiro Declaration (2025).
“The proposal to establish a BRICS Grain Exchange should become one of the key recommendations of the sector inquiry as an innovative mechanism for restoring competition in global grain trade. Our objective is not merely to identify market problems but to develop practical recommendations that can ultimately be submitted to the leaders of our countries,” he said.
Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre, said competition authorities should play a central role in designing the institutional framework of the future exchange.
“The BRICS Grain Exchange should not become another formal institution. It must serve as a practical mechanism for improving competition and market transparency. Competition authorities are uniquely positioned to identify the institutional features that will allow the exchange to achieve these objectives,” he said.
Growing international role
Frédéric Jenny, Chairmanof the OECD Competition Committee, said the initiative demonstrated the growing international role of BRICS competition authorities.
“This project illustrates how BRICS competition authorities are becoming drivers of the global competition agenda. In the past, they largely followed the lead of developed jurisdictions. That is no longer the case. There are very few examples worldwide of such close cooperation between competition authorities. This applies not only to joint market studies, but also to enforcement cooperation and competition advocacy. Rather than acting individually, you have found both the mechanisms and the political will to work together,” Jenny said.
The task force will now begin developing the methodology and work plan for the joint inquiry. Its findings are expected to provide policy recommendations aimed at strengthening competition, improving transparency in global grain trade, and supporting future BRICS initiatives in agricultural markets.
Hashtag: #BRICSCompetition
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