PM Edition: Top 10 Business Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for November 12, 2026 – Full Text

Global Challenges Call for a More Integrated Approach

Climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and mounting pressure on natural resources are placing the world’s agrifood systems under unprecedented strain. These challenges affect not only agricultural production but also the livelihoods of millions of farmers, global food security, international trade and the stability of supply chains.

Against this backdrop, agricultural transformation can no longer be viewed simply as a matter of changing production practices on individual farms or within local communities. It requires comprehensive change across the entire value chain, from primary production and harvesting to processing, storage, transportation, trade and consumption.

Such a transformation calls for close collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, businesses, farmers, financial institutions, research organisations, development partners and international organisations. In particular, stronger linkages are needed among market demand, production capacity, reliable information, technology and financial resources to ensure that transformation efforts translate into practical results.

It is in this context that P-CRAFT has emerged as an international cooperation initiative to promote collective action and support the development of climate-resilient agrifood value chains that balance economic, environmental and social benefits.

Three Pillars to Drive Value Chain Transformation

P-CRAFT is designed around three strategic pillars, providing an integrated framework for cooperation – from improving transparency and transforming production systems to mobilising investment and financial resources.

First, promoting transparency, traceability and sustainability across agrifood value chains.

Transparent and reliable information is essential to building trust among value chain actors, meeting increasingly stringent market requirements and strengthening accountability throughout supply chains. Improving information systems, traceability mechanisms and data sharing will make it possible to demonstrate more clearly the origin, production practices and sustainability performance of products.

Second, supporting low-emission, climate-resilient and nature-positive production systems.

This pillar focuses on promoting production approaches that are adapted to local ecological conditions, use natural resources more efficiently and reduce negative environmental impacts. At the same time, it seeks to strengthen the capacity of producers and local communities to adapt to growing climate risks.

Third, mobilising finance and investment for transformation.

The transition towards greener and more climate-resilient agrifood systems requires substantial financial resources. Yet many smallholder farmers, cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises continue to face difficulties in accessing finance, technology and technical assistance.

Connecting financial institutions, development partners and the private sector, and mobilising diverse sources of investment, is therefore essential to scaling up sustainable production and business models.

These three pillars are closely interconnected. Transparency builds market confidence; sustainable production generates real value; and finance and investment enable successful models to be scaled up and replicated.

Putting Farmers at the Centre of an Inclusive Partnership

A defining feature of P-CRAFT is its commitment to the principles of voluntary participation, inclusiveness, transparency, national ownership and science-based decision-making.

The initiative seeks to strengthen the meaningful participation of smallholder farmers, local communities, women and young people in the transformation of agrifood value chains. These groups play a vital role in agricultural production, yet often face significant barriers to accessing information, technology, finance and markets.

Sustainable transformation must therefore ensure that its benefits are not concentrated among large enterprises or better-resourced actors, but are shared with those directly engaged in production.

Farmers need better access to knowledge, technology, support services and opportunities to participate in higher-value supply chains. Their capacity to meet evolving market requirements must also be strengthened, so that they can share in the economic opportunities created by the transition.

Through its multi-stakeholder approach, P-CRAFT aims to provide an additional platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and closer links between existing initiatives. It seeks to encourage practical cooperation that reflects the development priorities and specific circumstances of individual countries.

Viet Nam Promotes International Cooperation for Sustainable Agriculture

As a co-initiator of P-CRAFT, Viet Nam looks forward to working with international partners to promote dialogue, share knowledge, mobilise resources and develop practical partnerships that support the sustainable transformation of agriculture.

The announcement of P-CRAFT at COP31 also reflects Viet Nam’s commitment to contributing to global agendas on climate action, sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. The initiative is intended to support the objectives of the Paris Agreement, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Through international cooperation, Viet Nam hopes to strengthen connections among governments, international organisations, financial institutions, businesses, research institutions and development partners. Their collective engagement can help translate shared commitments and strategic priorities into concrete programmes, projects and practical solutions.

At the announcement event on 17 November 2026, the founding partners of P-CRAFT are expected to share their initial cooperation priorities and explore opportunities for collaboration to advance practical solutions for transforming agrifood value chains.

The event will take place at the Viet Nam Pavilion (C235) in the Blue Zone of COP31 in in Antalya, Türkiye. It is expected to bring together a broad range of stakeholders from the public sector, the private sector, academia and the development community.

As climate change continues to reshape agrifood production and trade, P-CRAFT aspires to become a practical platform for cooperation – connecting resources, sharing knowledge and accelerating collective action.

Ultimately, P-CRAFT’s ambition goes beyond building value chains that are responsible towards climate and nature. It is also about creating new development opportunities, improving farmers’ incomes and strengthening livelihoods, while ensuring that the transition towards sustainability is inclusive and delivers tangible benefits to those who make agrifood production possible.

P-CRAFT envisions markets that remain open, fair and sustainable; value chains that prosper and enable farmers to thrive; and production systems that work in harmony with nature. Working together, its partners aim to build a more sustainable future.

Hashtag: #PCRAFT #ClimateResilientAgrifood #SustainableAgriculture #MAE #Vietnam’sMinistryofAgricultureandEnvironment

More than 3,000 polytechnic and ITE students have enrolled in ISCA’s AI Fluency Programme, as efforts expand to support course completion and practical AI application

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 November 2026 – Future accountants entering the workforce will need more than technical accounting knowledge. Employers will need them to know how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) effectively, question its outputs and apply professional judgement.

To prepare students for these changing expectations, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with all five polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to strengthen Singapore’s accountancy talent pipeline. The partnership, announced today at ISCA Conference 2026, will create more opportunities for students to develop practical AI capabilities, gain workplace exposure and connect with accountancy professionals through industry projects, mentorship and internships.

From learning accounting to applying AI in accounting

AI is already changing how accountants analyse financial information, identify risks, perform routine tasks and support business decisions. As technology becomes more widely used, professionals will increasingly need to combine accounting expertise with digital capabilities, analytical thinking and professional judgement.

Developed in partnership with the Infocomm Media Development Authority under the National AI Impact Programme (NAIIP), AIxAccountancy supports ISCA’s broader commitment to equip 60,000 accountancy and corporate finance professionals with AI capabilities over three years. The programme will make practical AI learning accessible to professionals at different stages of their careers.

With participation growing, ISCA is also placing greater emphasis on helping learners complete their training and translate their knowledge into practical workplace applications. The new education partnership will build on this foundation by creating opportunities for students to apply AI lessons to industry projects, practitioner mentorship and workplace experience.

For Chong Xin Yi, a second-year Diploma in Accountancy student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic who hopes to pursue a career in taxation, the programme has already provided a glimpse of how AI could support her future work. During a learning activity, she explored how AI could help identify potentially incorrect Goods and Services Tax input tax claims for further review.

“The AI Fluency Programme has made me more confident about how AI can be applied in the workplace. It has given me a clearer picture of how I can use these skills in my future career, especially in taxation, and how AI can complement the work accountants do. You do not need to be an AI expert to get started; just be open to learning and explore how the tools can support your field,” said Xin Yi.

Employers increasingly value accountants who can work with AI

The changing expectations are not limited to accounting firms. Finance teams across industries are also exploring how AI can improve processes, support financial analysis and enable accountants to contribute more effectively to business decisions.

For employers, this means looking beyond technical accounting knowledge to professionals who can combine financial expertise, sound judgement and the ability to use emerging technologies.

For food and beverage businesses such as Ya Kun, finance professionals play a practical role in understanding costs, monitoring business performance and supporting operational decisions. These responsibilities illustrate why preparing future accountants to work with AI must go hand in hand with developing their accounting knowledge, analytical skills and business understanding.

Mr Wong Chee Meng, Chief Financial Officer, Ya Kun International Pte Ltd, said: “Strong accounting knowledge and professional judgement remain the cornerstones of an effective finance function. At the same time, as technology continues to transform the way businesses operate, we increasingly value finance professionals who can harness AI to streamline processes, analyse information and generate insights that support better business decisions.

“Professional qualifications such as CA (Singapore) provide the essential foundation, while practical AI training equips accountants with the confidence and skills to apply these technologies effectively and responsibly. Ultimately, AI adoption should be viewed not merely as a technological advancement, but as an essential investment in the development of accounting professionals and the long-term sustainability and success of Ya Kun.”

Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of ISCA, said: “AI is changing what accountants do, but it does not diminish the importance of accounting knowledge and professional judgement. In fact, these capabilities become even more important as professionals learn to work alongside AI. Through our partnership with all five polytechnics and ITE, we want students to gain practical exposure to AI, understand how it can support their work and develop the confidence to use it responsibly. Our goal goes beyond preparing students for their first jobs. It is to equip them with the skills, professional foundations and adaptability to build rewarding careers as the profession continues to evolve. That is how we build resilience for the future.”

Connecting education, professional qualifications and careers

Building on existing collaborations, the partnership is under a common framework to strengthen Singapore’s accountancy talent pipeline through industry projects, company visits, job shadowing, internships, mentorship and professional development opportunities. Students and adult learners will also have opportunities to explore different accountancy career pathways, including the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ), which leads to the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.

Beyond AI learning, further collaborations on emerging skills, career conversion and skills-based hiring will be developed according to participating institution’s programmes, learner needs and available resources.

The MOU was signed at ISCA Conference 2026, held under the theme “Reimagining the Future: Resilience in a Multipolar Economy”.

Recognising employers that transform jobs and develop talents

Preparing students for the future is only part of the effort. Employers must also rethink how accounting jobs are designed and how existing professionals can continue developing their skills as technology changes the workplace.

At ISCA Conference 2026, Ernst & Young LLP (EY) and Nexia Singapore PAC (Nexia Singapore) were recognised as recipients of the second Workforce Transformation Award for the Accountancy Sector, presented by Guest of Honour Ms Jasmin Lau, Acting Minister for Manpower and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information.

Presented by the Skills and Workforce Development Agency in partnership with ISCA, supported by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority and Economic Development Board, the award recognises accounting entities that have demonstrated exemplary efforts in transforming jobs and workforce practices, developing employees’ skills and capabilities, and delivering meaningful outcomes for the workforce and organisation. This includes adopting technology, redesigning jobs and investing in employees’ professional development.

The recognition of EY and Nexia Singapore underscores how workforce transformation can help accountancy firms adapt to changing business needs. By combining technology adoption with job redesign and skills development, employers can improve how work is done while enabling professionals to take on new responsibilities and progress in their careers.

Mr Liew Nam Soon, EY Asia East Deputy Regional Managing Partner, also Singapore and Brunei Managing Partner and Asean Managing Partner, said: “This recognition affirms our commitment to helping our people grow and succeed as the profession evolves with AI. By investing in skills across emerging technologies, leadership and future-focused business and soft skills, we want to enable our professionals to use AI confidently and responsibly, apply their judgement to more complex work, excel in serving our clients and build rewarding careers.”

Ms Chua Soo Rui, Managing Director, Nexia Singapore, said: “For Nexia Singapore, workforce transformation starts with understanding how we can support and motivate our people do their work better. It means reviewing processes, equipping colleagues with relevant hard and soft skills as their responsibilities evolve. This recognition encourages us to continue creating an open and supportive environment where every single person of the firm grows by learning, contribute ideas and build fulfilling careers as the firm grows.”

As AI reshapes business and professional roles, ISCA is focusing on equipping current and future accountants with the skills, professional foundations and adaptability to navigate change. Through AI fluency, industry partnerships and stronger professional pathways, ISCA aims to build a resilient accountancy profession where professionals can continue to contribute, grow and remain relevant as the nature of work evolves.

Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy

New initiative connects experienced professionals seeking flexible careers with businesses needing temporary and specialist finance talent

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 November 2026 – A career in accountancy no longer needs to mean working full time for the same employer throughout one’s professional life.

At different stages of life, professionals may have different priorities. Some may be raising young families or caring for loved ones. Others may want to pursue further studies, explore new career interests or take on project-based assignments while continuing to contribute their professional expertise.

Recognising these changing career needs, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is piloting FlexConnect, a flexible hiring initiative that connects experienced accountancy professionals seeking alternative work arrangements with businesses that need finance talent for specific periods or assignments.

The initiative offers employers access to professionals for contract, fractional and temporary roles, including support for project needs, peak workloads and employees taking extended leave.

Rather than viewing flexible work as a compromise, ISCA hopes to make it a viable career choice that allows professionals to remain active in the workforce while meeting their changing personal and professional priorities.

Rethinking careers and workplace flexibility

This initiative comes as an ISCA study highlights the challenges accountancy professionals face in balancing career and family responsibilities and the importance of rethinking how workplaces support career and family needs.

81% of accountancy professionals surveyed feel pressured to be visible or present at work to demonstrate their commitment, while close to 70% were concerned that taking time away for parenting or caregiving could affect their career progression. Only 35% felt they could use flexible work arrangements without facing negative judgement or scrutiny.

ISCA also held a focus group discussion with members of its Young Professionals Advisory Committee where younger members of the profession acknowledged existing support for marriage and parenthood, while highlighting the need to make such measures more accessible and workable in practice, particularly in managing workloads, supporting colleagues on leave and ensuring that family responsibilities do not come at the expense of career progression.

The findings point to a need for greater flexibility in how careers and work are organised. They also highlight the practical challenges employers face in maintaining operations as supporting employees’ time away also means finding ways to cover their responsibilities.

Through FlexConnect, ISCA hopes to address both sides of the equation by helping employers manage staffing gaps with access to experienced professionals while creating new opportunities for those seeking more flexible careers.

Connecting experienced accountants with businesses seeking flexible talent

Since the pilot began in September 2026, more than 100 accountancy professionals have registered their interest to explore flexible work opportunities.

Among them is Jennifer, a Chartered Accountant of Singapore with close to 20 years of experience in finance, accounting and corporate management, secured her first fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role with a local small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) through this pilot. After a career primarily in full-time finance leadership, she is now exploring alternate work opportunities beyond traditional employment.

Jennifer said: “With ISCA’s support, I was able to explore and secure my first Fractional CFO role with a local SME, where I can contribute my finance expertise and experience in a more flexible working arrangement. This marks an exciting new chapter in my career, allowing me to apply my skills and experience in a different capacity while supporting a growing business in strengthening its financial management and driving business growth.”

The pilot initiative has also drawn support from employers across industries, including public and private sector organisations.

Mr Daniel Tan, Director, Group Enterprise Risk Management & Compliance, NUHS said: “We support ISCA’s efforts to expand flexible work opportunities for experienced accountancy professionals. Initiatives such as FlexConnect can help employers address temporary staffing needs and maintain business continuity, while providing professionals with opportunities to apply their expertise through flexible work arrangements.”

Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of ISCA, said: “A strong profession should offer more than one way to build a successful career. As professionals move through different stages of life, their interests and priorities may change, but the experience and expertise they have developed remain valuable. At the same time, businesses need greater flexibility in how they access talent, whether to support a specific project, manage peak workloads or cover temporary staffing gaps. Through ISCA FlexConnect, we hope to bring these needs together and create more opportunities for professionals to remain engaged in the workforce. Our ambition is to make accountancy a profession where people can continue to grow and contribute throughout their careers.”

Building a more flexible accountancy workforce

ISCA will use feedback from participating professionals and employers to refine the pilot, including the types of roles offered, working arrangements and support needed for successful placements.

The initiative forms part of ISCA’s broader efforts to support sustainable accountancy careers, retain experienced talent and help employers adapt to changing workforce needs.

The programme and findings from ISCA’s marriage and parenthood study were shared at ISCA Conference 2026, held on 11 November.

About the study

Conducted in June and July 2026, the study comprised a sensing survey of 585 respondents and a focus group discussion with ISCA’s Young Professionals Advisory Committee. 70% of respondents were early and mid-career accountancy professionals aged 35 to 45. The study provides insights into respondents’ experiences and perceptions of career and family responsibilities. The findings should not be interpreted as statistically representative of all accountancy professionals in Singapore. See here for more information on the findings.

About ISCA FlexConnect

ISCA FlexConnect is a pilot initiative open to all employers and ISCA members, aimed at connecting finance and accounting professionals with flexible work opportunities, including part-time, contract and project-based roles. By facilitating alternative work arrangements, the initiative seeks to support professionals through evolving career and life priorities while helping employers address talent needs and build more resilient, supportive workplaces.

Expression of interests can be submitted via the website link below:
Marriage and Parenthood Among Young Professionals

Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy #FlexConnect

Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

Dual recognition across customer service and MICE strengthens the airline’s proposition as it continues to advance its customer experience and commercial offering

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 November 2026 – Malaysia Airlines has secured major accolades across customer service and the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) segment, reinforcing its customer proposition as it continues to advance its transformation under Malaysia Aviation Group’s (MAG) Long-Term Business Plan 3.0 (LTBP3.0).

At the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, Malaysia Airlines was named Best Airline Staff in Asia, while its cabin crew ranked third in the World’s Best Airline Cabin Crew category, rising five places from eighth in 2025. The airline also climbed six places to 21st in the World’s Top 100 Airlines ranking. Other results included second place in World’s Best Airport Services, a debut at 18th in World’s Best Business Class Airlines, 12th in World’s Best Economy Class Airlines, 11th in World’s Cleanest Airline and 10th among the Top 10 Airlines in Asia.

Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of MAG, said, “This recognition is a reflection of the collective efforts of our people across the airport, onboard and behind the scenes, who come together every day to deliver Malaysian Hospitality throughout the customer journey. Reaching this milestone after years of consistently climbing the global rankings is a significant achievement for our national carrier and a direct reward for our team’s relentless effort. It is this spirit of warm, thoughtful and consistent service that sets the Malaysia Airlines experience apart.”

Over the past two years, the airline has continued to elevate the customer experience, focusing on cabin comfort, in-flight dining and cabin crew service delivery. Initiatives have included expanded hospitality training and capability-building for frontline teams, strengthened service standards and more than 20 enhancements across key customer touchpoints. These range from refreshed cabin crew grooming standards and personalised Pilot Farewell Greetings to enhanced Business Class and Business Suite amenities, alongside family-focused initiatives such as children’s sticker giveaways and dedicated World Children’s Day celebrations onboard. The airline has also continued to evolve its in-flight dining experience through monthly menu rotations and more than 30 new menu offerings introduced over the past year, including Vegetarian Satay and Cendol Ice Cream.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines was named World’s Best MICE Airline and Asia’s Best MICE Airline at the 2026 World MICE Awards, marking its first wins in both categories. The accolades recognise the airline’s role in serving the international MICE segment and reinforce its proposition to travel trade partners across the business events and corporate travel sectors.

Bryan Foong, Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business from MAG, said, “This recognition is an important milestone for Malaysia Airlines, and one we look to build on as we continue to enhance our offering and strengthen our relationships with travel trade partners. Our progress depends on the collective efforts of teams across the Group, working together to deliver a reliable and seamless travel experience grounded in authentic Malaysian Hospitality. As we move forward, we remain focused on building partner confidence, deepening collaboration and delivering sustainable growth for the airline.”

Beyond these achievements, Malaysia Airlines continues to develop its onboard proposition and expand its network to provide customers with greater choice and connectivity. Fleet renewal remains a key priority, with 29 new aircraft received to date and plans to build a fleet of 117 aircraft by 2035 to support future network growth.

The airline’s focus on operational performance also remains central to delivering a consistent customer experience, with year-to-date on-time performance (OTP) averaging 91.70% and reaching a high of 94.16% in September 2026.

These developments support MAG’s LTBP3.0, which sets out the ambition for Malaysia Airlines to rank among the Top 10 Global Airlines by 2030. Through continued investment in its products, services, fleet and network, the Group aims to build a more competitive airline and deliver sustainable long-term growth.

Malaysia Airlines invites travellers in Hong Kong to discover its award-winning Malaysian Hospitalityto Kuala Lumpur, the Maldives, Singapore, Bali, Brisbane and beyond. Book via the Malaysia Airlines website (https://www.malaysiaairlines.com/hk/en/home.html) or mobile app and start planning your next getaway.

Hashtag: #MalaysiaAirlines

About Malaysia Airlines

Under this collaboration, MFC will encourage its members to exhibit at MIFF 2027, taking place from 1–4 March 2027 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL). With the industry and trade now standing behind one show, MIFF strengthens its position as the definitive one-stop platform for furniture sourcing in Malaysia, giving international buyers access to more Malaysian manufacturers.

“MIFF has always worked with the industry to build a valuable platform for the trade. We welcome MFC as our Industry Partner, value MFA’s longstanding support, and look forward to working even more closely with MATRADE. Bringing more of the industry together is how we aim to make every buyer’s visit worthwhile and efficient.” said Kelie Lim, General Manager, MIFF.

With the fair’s professionalism, global influence and industry connections, MFC sees MIFF as a solid platform for its members to reach new markets, and will work with MIFF to promote Malaysian furniture worldwide.

“As the national council, MFC supports the growth of Malaysia’s furniture industry, and MIFF, organised by Informa Markets as a professional global trade show organiser, has been successfully connecting Malaysian furniture manufacturers to global furniture markets for more than 30 years. By working together, we can combine the industry’s expertise with MIFF’s platform to support our members. In a dynamic market, we believe the industry is stronger as one, and MFC is committed to making the most of this opportunity with MIFF.” said Desmond Tan, President, MFC.

MFA has been MIFF’s Strategic Partner since 2013 and continues to support the fair in giving Muar’s furniture manufacturers international exposure. Many MFA members exhibit in Muar Hall at MITEC, showcasing Muar, widely recognised as the “Furniture City of Malaysia”. MFA welcomes MFC’s participation as bringing another step towards a broader cross-section of Malaysia’s furniture industry onto one platform.

“As MIFF’s Strategic Partner, we value the fair’s role in connecting Malaysia’s furniture manufacturers with international buyers. We congratulate MIFF and MFC on this milestone and are glad to see the industry coming together as one. We look forward to working closely with MIFF and MFC to create more opportunities for manufacturers across the country.” said Steve Ong, President, MFA.

MATRADE continues as MIFF’s International Trade Partner, supporting the fair’s overseas promotion and connecting MIFF with international buyers. Together, MATRADE and MIFF promote Made-in-Malaysia furniture globally. Through its trade networks and market intelligence, MATRADE also helps the wider range of Malaysian manufacturers now exhibiting at MIFF find buyers and markets abroad.

“MIFF is a leading export platform for Malaysian furniture. Together with MIFF, we will continue to empower and facilitate Malaysian manufacturers to enhance global markets access and strengthen Malaysia’s standing as a trusted furniture supplier.” said Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, CEO, MATRADE.

“It is anticipated that the global furniture market will post steady growth of 4-5 percent in the next 5 years and this reflects the opportunities that the Malaysian furniture exporters should grab.” He added.

By bringing international trade visitors to Kuala Lumpur, MIFF contributes to Malaysia’s business events and tourism ecosystem. With support from the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), the fair complements the country’s efforts to attract international business events, in line with Visit Malaysia 2027.

MIFF’s established highlights include Muar Hall, MIFF OFFICE, xOrdinary, and FDC CLUB – The SELECT 2.0 showcase, alongside the new Live. Work. Play. experience at WTCKL, an industry seminar and a few other initiatives in 2027, offering buyers more than sourcing, with a range of furniture products, designs, insights and networking opportunities.

Visitor registration is open at www.miff.com.my. Registration is free until 19 February 2027, after which an admission fee of RM30 applies. Furniture manufacturers and industry stakeholders interested in exhibiting at MIFF 2027 may contact info@miff.com.my for space enquiries.

For the media kit, please click here.

Connecting Innovation and Partnerships to Accelerate Thailand’s Cement Industry toward Net Zero 2050

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 November 2026 – The Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) is advancing its “Reimagining Carbon: From Capture to Value Creation” vision, positioning carbon management not only as a means of reducing industrial emissions but also as an opportunity to create new economic value through innovation, technology, and cross-sector collaboration.

Speaking at the Thailand CCUS Grand Forum 2026, Mr. Surachai Nimla-or, Chairman of TCMA, emphasized that achieving Net Zero 2050 in the cement industry—a hard-to-abate sector—requires an integrated approach combining energy transition, materials innovation, advanced technologies, and supportive policies.

Through the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap, TCMA and its members are advancing key decarbonization pathways, including energy efficiency, clean energy, alternative fuels, and the transition toward lower-carbon cement products such as hydraulic cement and Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC³). As process emissions from clinker production cannot be fully eliminated through energy and fuel improvements alone, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) is an essential complementary pathway. TCMA sees Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) as a practical starting point for technology demonstration and value creation, while preparing for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) as part of the industry’s longer-term transition.

One notable example is the pilot deployment of a Mobile Carbon Capture Unit (MCCU), representing the first trial of this technology in Thailand’s cement industry, at the Saraburi Sandbox. The MCCU was developed by the Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute (CETRI), University of Regina, Canada, under the project “Decarbonization of the Cement and Concrete Sectors in Thailand.” The project is supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), with the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) and Chulalongkorn University providing support, while the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) manages the project. The pilot will help build operational knowledge, assess technical and economic feasibility, and explore pathways for future industrial deployment.

Beyond capturing CO₂, TCMA is exploring opportunities to convert it into valuable products and applications, including low-carbon methanol and CO₂-cured construction materials such as fibre cement products and concrete blocks. These initiatives aim to connect carbon capture technology with product innovation and emerging markets.

To unlock CCUS development in Thailand, five enabling factors are particularly important: 1) clear policy and regulatory frameworks; 2) finance and investment incentives; 3) shared infrastructure and cross-sector collaboration; 4) technology readiness and innovation; and 5) market demand and carbon value creation. Progress in these areas will help build investor confidence and support the transition from pilot projects to commercial applications.

CCUS also presents an opportunity to strengthen Thailand’s industrial capabilities and create new business opportunities in engineering, equipment, digital solutions, research, and workforce development. According to estimates referenced in Thailand’s CCUS Industrialization Master Plan, achieving CO₂ management capacity of approximately 60 million tonnes per year by 2050 could generate an estimated cumulative economic value of THB 1.06 trillion and support approximately 585,194 jobs during the period 2025–2050.

“The next step is to move from studies to action, from pilot projects to investment, and from collaboration to new economic opportunities. TCMA is committed to serving as a Climate Solutions Partner, connecting strategy, technology, research, and partners to transform the potential of carbon management into economic value and tangible outcomes for Thailand. Through its ‘Reimagining Carbon: From Capture to Value Creation’ vision, TCMA aims to accelerate the Thai cement industry’s transition toward Net Zero 2050, while fostering innovation, strengthening competitiveness, and contributing to the country’s sustainable growth,” Mr. Surachai concluded.

Hashtag: #TCMA #TCMAtoNetZero2050 #CementDecarbonization #NextChapterNetZero #ClimateSolutionsPartner #SaraburiSandbox #ReimaginingCarbon #CCUS #CarbonToValue

From online shortlisting and video interviews to digital documentation and doorstep deployment, the Singapore agency is reducing the need for repeated agency visits while keeping personalised guidance at the heart of recruitment.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 November 2026 – From banking to healthcare consultations, Singaporeans are increasingly accustomed to managing everyday services online. Yet for families looking to hire a full-time domestic helper, the process can still involve multiple agency visits, coordinating interviews and navigating paperwork. Singapore-based employment agency Hire A Maid is looking to simplify this experience by bringing more of the recruitment journey online, without losing the personal touch that comes with choosing someone to become part of a household’s daily life.

Founded by Francis Wang, Hire A Maid combines online helper shortlisting, video interviews, digital documentation and doorstep deployment arrangements with personalised recruitment assistance. The approach allows employers to manage much of the hiring process remotely, reducing the need for repeated visits to a physical agency while maintaining guidance throughout the selection and hiring stages.

For working parents, dual-income households and families caring for young children or elderly relatives, finding time to visit an employment agency can be challenging. Beyond arranging interviews and reviewing candidates, employers must also consider whether a potential helper’s experience, strengths and expectations align with the specific needs of their household.

Through Hire A Maid’s online platform, families can browse profiles of fresh and experienced domestic helpers from Myanmar and Indonesia, shortlist suitable candidates and arrange video interviews before making a hiring decision. The agency also assists with the required documentation through digital processes and provides doorstep deployment arrangements, making the overall experience more convenient for busy households.

However, Hire A Maid believes that making recruitment more convenient should not come at the expense of finding a suitable match. Unlike a typical online transaction, hiring a domestic helper involves bringing someone into the household to support everyday family life, making mutual understanding and realistic expectations especially important.

“There are no perfect helpers or employers, only the right fit,” said Francis Wang, founder of Hire A Maid. “Our job is to help families make informed decisions while making the whole process less troublesome.”

According to Francis, a successful placement goes beyond a helper’s qualifications or previous experience. Every household has its own routines, responsibilities and expectations, whether the priority is childcare, elderly support or general household management. Likewise, domestic helpers bring different strengths, experience levels and personal backgrounds that need to be considered during the selection process.

Rather than focusing solely on how quickly a helper can be deployed, Hire A Maid places importance on understanding an employer’s requirements and helping families assess candidate suitability. This includes providing guidance during the shortlisting and interview stages, so employers can make more informed decisions and establish clearer expectations from the outset.

“Technology should take away the unnecessary running around, not the human element of recruitment,” Francis added. “Employers still need proper guidance, and helpers deserve clear expectations about the households they’ll be joining.”

By combining digital convenience with personalised assistance, Hire A Maid hopes to make domestic helper recruitment more accessible and less time-consuming for Singapore households. Its approach reflects a straightforward principle: families should spend less time managing the recruitment process and more time making the right hiring decision.

For more information about Hire A Maid’s recruitment services, visit www.hireamaid.sg.

About Hire A Maid

Hire A Maid is a Singapore domestic helper employment agency founded by Francis Wang. The company specialises in recruiting fresh and experienced full-time live-in domestic helpers from Myanmar and Indonesia. Its services combine online helper shortlisting, video interviews, digital documentation, doorstep deployment arrangements and personalised recruitment guidance for Singapore households.

Fred will lead HGC’s next phase of growth, overseeing the Group’s strategy and operations across its enterprise, consumer, carrier and international businesses. With Hong Kong as its home market, HGC will continue to serve local households and businesses while strengthening the city’s role as an international digital hub connecting Asia and the world.

Fred is a seasoned telecoms leader with 30 years of international experience across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. He founded and led Bayobab, MTN Group’s open-access digital infrastructure business. He previously held senior carrier leadership roles at Vodafone and BICS.

Darrin Webb, Executive Vice Chairman of HGC, said, “Fred has built and grown digital infrastructure businesses and knows how to work with customers and partners across markets. That experience is a strong fit for HGC as we expand our businesses and deepen our partnerships in Hong Kong, across Asia and beyond. We are delighted to welcome Fred as CEO. I also want to thank Andrew for his leadership and for the trust he and the team have earned over the years.”

Andrew Kwok said, “Leading HGC has been a true privilege. Through years of rapid industry change and challenging market conditions, our talented and dedicated team has shown remarkable resilience, and HGC has evolved and grown stronger as a result. I am deeply grateful to our colleagues, customers and partners for their trust and support. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the industry in a new capacity. Fred brings exceptional international experience across networks, carrier services and digital infrastructure, and I am confident he will lead HGC to even greater success.”

Dr Frédéric Schepens, Chief Executive Officer of HGC, said, “I am proud to join HGC and build on the expertise of our people and the trust of our customers. My focus is clear: to strengthen our core businesses and bring our connectivity, digital infrastructure and ICT capabilities closer together to help customers operate securely and adopt AI with confidence. We will be ambitious in our thinking and disciplined in our execution. I look forward to working closely with our people, customers and partners to turn these priorities into practical results.”

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About HGC Global Communications Limited