MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2025 – As the electric mobility sector gains momentum across Southeast Asia,VinFast Auto Philippines Inc. (VinFast Philippines), a fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer; V-Green Charging Station Development Philippines Inc. (V-Green), a pioneer in EV charging infrastructure; and Green and Smart Mobility Philippines Inc. (Green GSM Philippines), operator of the country’s first all-electric taxi fleet,have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO).
Representatives of VinFast, V-Green, Green GSM Philippines, and BDO Bank at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the parties.
The agreement marks the start of a strategic collaboration that will support the three companies’ expansion and operations in the Philippine market, making electric vehicles more accessible to Filipino consumers and businesses. It also signifies a broader push to accelerate the country’s transition toward cleaner energy.
Through this partnership, VinFast Philippines (a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates) will leverage on BDO’s comprehensive suite of financial solutions including cash management, consumer banking, leasing, and insurance services and create tailored financing programs for both retail and corporate customers.
At VinFast, we view sustainable transportation as more than just a technological shift—it’s a commitment to future generations,” said Ms.Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Sales of VinFast.“Partnering with BDO, a trusted and forward-thinking financial institution, allows us to empower Filipinos with greater access to EVs while helping shape a smarter, greener, and more livable urban future.”
The partnership extends beyond vehicles. V-Green has already secured approvals to roll out EV charging stations in four SM Supermalls, with further expansion planned across Alfamart outlets, educational institutions, and other strategic locations within the BDO–SM ecosystem.
“Charging infrastructure is essential for sustainable EV growth,” noted Mr. Nguyen Thanh Duong, CEO of V-Green. “By partnering with BDO, we can fast-track the deployment of convenient and reliable charging solutions that make EV use more practical and scalable across the Philippines.”
Meanwhile, Green GSM Philippines, operator of the country’s first all-electric taxi fleet powered by VinFast vehicles, has integrated with BDO’s digital banking platform since its launch in June 2025 to support its driver onboarding and expansion.
“Our mission is to deliver cleaner, safer, and more transparent public transport,” said Mr. Dao Quy Phi, CEO of Green GSM Philippines.“Our partnership with BDO strengthens our driver support and enables sustainable fleet expansion. It also lays the foundation to help the Philippines in reducing emissions and modernizing urban transportation.”
Charles M. Rodriguez,BDO Unibank’sExecutive Vice President and Head of the Institutional Banking Group shared “Our collaboration with VinFast, V-Green and Green GSM allows us to support the broader adoption of electric vehicles and the development of green infrastructure in the country. By providing the right financial solutions, we are enabling businesses to drive a future-ready transport sector.”
Together, VinFast, V-Green, and Green GSM are building a holistic electric mobility ecosystem in the Philippines, spanning from EV distribution to charging infrastructure development and electric taxi operations. With BDO’s financial support and the SM Group’s extensive network, this partnership aims to bring meaningful benefits to Filipinos – through expanded mobility and improved transport systems aligned with the country’s long-term development goals.
Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Remutaka Hill Road is closed due to a high wind warning.
The closure of the road is required for safety and won’t be reopened until winds ease.
Motorists are advised to add extra time to their journey, as the alternative routes are State Highway 3 / Te Ahu a Turanga or the Pahiatua Track, which are significantly longer.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers from Oxford, Fox Glacier, Matatā, and Taihape were presented with their Royal Honours by Governor-General the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro at Government House in Wellington today.
“These four recipients have dedicated years to supporting their communities to become stronger, safer, and more resilient through their roles as volunteers for Fire and Emergency, and through all their other community contributions. It is wonderful to see their efforts recognised today,” Fire and Emergency Board Chair, Rebecca Keoghan, says.
“On behalf of Fire and Emergency and the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, we wish to thank you for your outstanding service – your communities are richer for your work.”
Entering its third year, the event continues to grow, giving Prime members in Singapore early access to savings across thousands of products, from categories such astoys, babies, electronics, and home & kitchen.
Customers can get a head start on their holiday shopping withsome of Amazon’s best deals of the season, with savings on popular brands such as Nerf, Pigeon, Bose, SMEG and Dyson.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2025 – (NASDAQ: AMZN) – Amazon today announced that Amazon Prime Big Deal Days will return to Singapore from 7 – 13 October 2025, giving Prime members exclusive access to deals on thousands of trusted products from top local and international brands across multiple categories including groceries, toys, babies, electronics, and home & kitchen at Amazon.sg/primebigdealdays. Prime members also enjoy free delivery on eligible items including international store. The shopping event comes at the perfect time for those looking to get an early head start on holiday shopping, with deep discounts set to be available on popular brands such as Nerf, Pigeon, Bose, SMEG and Dyson. From popular gifts to everyday essentials, Amazon serves as the ultimate holiday destination where customers can conveniently complete all their seasonal shopping needs.
Sneak Peek: Top Deals on Prime Big Deal Days From 7 – 13 October, spanning 7 days, Prime members can unlock some of the year’s best savings from leading local favourites to global brands, everyday essentials, and small businesses. Here’s a preview of what’s in store*
Up to 50% off on Bioderma
Up to 45% off on SMEG, with additional S$50 off S$300
Up to 40% off on Nerf, Transformers, board games and more
Up to 30% off Bose headphones, earbuds, speakers and more
Up to 30% off on UGREEN chargers, USB cables & more
Up to 30% off Dyson
Buy 4 Get 20% off Magiclean, Biore, Liese
Up to 50%, with additional 3 for 15% off on Dettol, finish and more
Up to 40% off on Pigeon, with additional 3 for 15% off
“Prime Big Deal Days is one of the ways we deliver on our promise to Prime members – combining exclusive savings with the convenience and trust they already enjoy every day with Amazon,” said Peter Li, Director, China & Singapore, International Stores, Amazon. “We know our customers use sale moments to save on essentials, prepare for the holidays, and invest in bigger-ticket items at great value.”
More Ways to Shop and Save:
Join Prime: New prime signups can enjoy a 30-day free trial. Prime renews at S$4.99 per month or S$49.90 per year. Sign up at https://www.amazon.sg/prime
Enjoy convenient Delivery and Return options: Prime members can enjoy fast and free shipping on millions of eligible items across domestic selection, Amazon Fresh as well as Amazon International Store. Need to return an item from US, Japan or Germany? Easy – customers can now experience hassle-free and faster returns, including pick-up from your address or via a drop-off center. More information here.
Amazon Fresh: Free Scheduled Two-Hour Delivery (FST) for Prime members with a minimum spend of $60″ but i’m not sure about this part “available from now until 31 Dec 2025.
Exclusive Prime Member discounts: Exclusive Prime Member discounts: Prime members enjoy up to 10% off on over a million products on Amazon.sg
Amazon.sgGift Cards: Amazon.sg Gift Cards offer an easy, simple, and convenient gifting experience, providing access to an extensive selection of products on Amazon.sg at Amazon.sg/giftcard. Purchase an Amazon.sg Gift Card worth S$200 to receive additional S$15 credit from 23 September till 13 October*
Amazon Vouchers: Discover more ways to save with Amazon Vouchers. Find discounts on everyday essentials, as well as gifts, electronics, beauty, toys, and more. Simply clip the voucher and the discount will be applied at checkout. Visit Amazon.sg/vouchers for information.
*Terms and conditions apply to all promotions listed above.Shop Prime Big Deal Days Globally Prime Big Deal Days will begin on 7 October in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the U.S., and the UK, and for the first time, Colombia, Ireland and Mexico.
Every Day Made Better with Amazon Prime Amazon Prime was designed to make your life better every single day. Over 200 million paid members around the world enjoy the many benefits of Prime, including the best of shopping and entertainment. In Singapore, Prime membership offers a range of benefits including a discount of up to 10% on over a million eligible products on Amazon.sg, unlimited access to award-winning movies and TV episodes with Prime Video, unlimited access to video game benefits with Prime Gaming, Prime Day, and more. Prime was built on the foundation of unlimited fast, free shipping. Prime members enjoy access to free one-day delivery on domestic Prime eligible selection on Amazon.sg, free delivery on selected delivery windows for orders of S$60 and above on Amazon Fresh, free 2-hour scheduled delivery for orders of S$60 and above on Watsons and Little Farms on https://www.amazon.sg/prime , as well as early access to deals and exclusive deals. Prime is S$4.99 per month, and S$49.90 per year. Start a 30-day free trial of Prime at Amazon.sg/prime
Hashtag: #AmazonSingapore #PrimeBigDealDaysSG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
NZ Transport Agency is seeking public feedback on a proposed speed limit change for a section of State Highway 3 (SH3) in Hāwera.
The proposal is to change the speed limit to 60 km/h on SH3 from just north of Kerry Road to just north of Fantham Street.
This 1km section of highway currently has a mix of 70 km/h and 100 km/h speed limits.
NZTA Director of Regional Relationships Linda Stewart says NZTA has been working with South Taranaki District Council.
“This proposed change reflects the area’s ongoing transformation from rural to urban fringe, driven by two decades of growth and development.
“Planned industrial expansion, including the business park near Kerry and Fitzgerald Roads, is expected to further increase traffic volumes and activity along this corridor.
“Lowering the speed limit will support safer and more accessible travel for all road users and aligns with the South Taranaki’s District Council’s Corridor Strategy for SH3 (Normandy to Hāwera). The strategy includes planned upgrades to key intersections, such as new right-turn bays at Kerry Road and Fitzgerald Road,” says Ms Stewart.
Have your say
We want to hear your views on the proposed speed limit change. You can share your feedback by completing a short survey on our website before Wednesday 29 October.
From the start of next month tens of thousands of households will get extra help with the cost of early childhood education (ECE) thanks to the expansion of FamilyBoost, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
“Legislation expanding the ECE support scheme passed through its final stages in Parliament today.
“I am delighted that despite previously voting against FamilyBoost, Labour has today reversed its position, sensibly voting to support the enhanced FamilyBoost scheme.
“More than 60,000 families have already benefited from Family Boost and I’m sure they will welcome Labour’s ‘Road-to-Damascus’ conversion.
“The changes made today put more money in the pockets of households currently receiving FamilyBoost and extend the scheme to more households,” Nicola Willis says.
“Because the changes took effect from 1 July, households can apply for their first three months at the increased rate from 1 October.
The Income Tax (FamilyBoost) Amendment Bill increases the proportion of ECE fees families can claim from 25 to 40 per cent.
“An eligible household with fees of $100 a week will see its FamilyBoost entitlement increase from $25 to $40 a week, or from $1300 to $2080 a year.
“The entitlement for a family with weekly fees of $200 could increase from $50 to $80 a week, or $2600 to $4160 a year.
“FamilyBoost is paid on fees up to $300 a week so the maximum a family can now claim increases from $75 to $120 a week.
The Act also increases the household income limit for FamilyBoost from $180,000 a year to just under $230,000, making about another 21,000 households eligible for help with ECE costs.
To date, 87,800 households have registered for FamilyBoost and more than 67,000 families have received payments through the scheme.
“I encourage all parents paying for ECE who have not yet checked their eligibility for entitlement to do so.
“The last few years have been tough for many families, and FamilyBoost provides support at a time when many younger families are facing additional costs.
“Households can check eligibility and apply on Inland Revenue’s website. Families who have made a claim tell us it is simple to do and only takes five minutes.”
Notes to editor:
Officials have been asked to progress work on longer term improvements to the scheme, including exploring ways to make the process more automated and easier for families.
FamilyBoost is also included in the Early Childhood Education Funding Review which is examining the full range of supports available to families with children in early childhood education.
Approximately 162,000 families have children enrolled in ECEs across New Zealand.
