A Majority of Businesses Intrigued by the Potential of AI in Achieving Sustainability Goals Whilst Energy Consumption Concerns Persist

March 10, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

More than one in two organizations acknowledge gap in understanding how digital technology can facilitate achieving sustainability goals

HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 March 2025 – Over three quarters of businesses (76%) across Asia, Europe and the Middle East are intrigued by the potential of digital technologies, including AI and cloud computing in driving sustainable development, according to the latest survey report titled “Tech-Driven Sustainability Trends and Index 2024”, commissioned by Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group. However, the substantial energy consumption associated with these technologies is still reflecting a key barrier to broader adoption, as 61% of respondents still express concerns over the matter.

This interest in the potential of AI, cloud computing and other advanced digital technologies to support sustainable development varies across regions, with emerging Asian markets leading the way (83%), followed closely by the Middle East (78%), Europe (74%), and developed Asian markets (72%). Notably, the Philippines (91%), Singapore (84%), Indonesia (81%), and Thailand (81%), demonstrate particularly high interest.

Regional Variations in AI Adoption and Sustainability Efforts

Despite this optimism, 59% businesses acknowledge gap in understanding how digital technology can assist in achieving sustainability goals with Asia leading at 63%, followed by Europe at 61% and the Middle East at 45%. Around two thirds (62%) of executives believe their organizations are lagging in adopting cloud computing and AI to accelerate progress towards sustainability goals. This concern is particularly noted in Singapore (80%), the Philippines (77%), and Japan (75%) and Hong Kong SAR (75%), indicating a pressing need for organizations to accelerate their technological adoption to advance sustainability.

Overall, 82% of businesses agree that sustainable development in technology is paramount for their companies, with markets like Singapore (93%), the Philippines (91%), and Indonesia (89%) leading the charge. Companies increasingly recognize the multifaceted benefits of adopting digital technologies for sustainability including cost savings, improved operational efficiencies, and enhanced compliance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) regulations.

AI and machine learning are viewed as the most crucial digital technologies for advancing corporate sustainability, with businesses in the Middle East (52%) placing greater emphasis on their importance compared to Europe (41%), emerging Asian markets (40%) and developed Asian markets (36%). Meanwhile, 81% of businesses feel human oversight is needed in guiding the development of digital technologies, including AI tools with the Middle East feel the strongest at 91%, followed by emerging Asian markets at 83%, Europe at 82% and developed Asian markets at 74%.

However, the survey reveals a notable concern: 61% of respondents fear that the high energy consumption associated with digital technologies may hinder widespread AI adoption. This concern is even higher in Singapore (85%), the Philippines (77%) and Hong Kong SAR (75%). Furthermore, 71% of businesses believe that the substantial energy consumption of digital technologies such as powering AI may outweigh its benefits with the highest concerns from Singapore (86%), the Philippines (84%) and Malaysia (81%).

The report also highlights the importance of selecting technology providers that prioritize sustainability. When selecting a “green” cloud provider, approximately half of businesses prioritize those that use renewable energy (51%), maintain energy-efficient data centers (46%), and implement carbon footprint reduction initiatives (42%).

Commitment to Green AI and Open-source Innovation

“With feedback from decision-makers across 13 markets, the survey report sheds light on the current attitudes and challenges businesses face in adopting AI and cloud computing for sustainability,” said Selina Yuan, President of International Business, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence. “At Alibaba Cloud, we are committed to supporting businesses on their sustainability journeys with scalable and sustainable solutions. By pledging to use 100% clean energy by 2030 and improving the energy efficiency at our global data centers, as well as optimizing Generative AI capabilities such as large language models (LLMs) performance, AI can be a powerful tool to improve efficiency and optimize energy consumption.”

Alibaba Cloud has made notable progress in its green cloud initiatives. In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, the average power usage effectiveness (PUE) of the company’s self-built data centers improved to 1.200 from 1.215 the year before, with 56% of the electricity consumed coming from clean sources. Additionally, Alibaba’s green computing infrastructure has enabled clients to reduce their emissions by 9.884 million tons, a remarkable increase of 44% year-on-year.

In addition, Alibaba Cloud is at the forefront of democratizing AI through its open-source initiatives, making advanced AI technologies accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes. By releasing cutting-edge open-source models from its proprietary large language model Qwen family, including Qwen2.5-VL and Qwen2.5-1M and its video foundation model Tongyi Wanxiang (Wan), Alibaba Cloud empowers developers to create task-specific AI applications that are both efficient and cost-effective. These open-source models have already inspired over 100,000 derivative models on Hugging Face, showcasing their global adoption and versatility. By promoting smaller parameter models, Alibaba Cloud reduces the cost and energy consumption of AI training and deployment, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that drives energy-efficient innovation.

Surveying 1,300 decision-makers across 13 markets, “Tech-Driven Sustainability Trends and Index 2024” aims to provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of corporate sustainability. The survey report underscores the essential role of technology in driving impactful change, while highlighting the need for businesses to adopt AI and cloud computing responsibly to address energy consumption concerns and bridge the gap in sustainability efforts.

About the Survey

Alibaba Cloud’s “Tech-Driven Sustainability Trends and Index 2024” was independently conducted by Yonder Consulting, a business consulting firm, with advisory, design and analytical support from The Purpose Business, a sustainability consultancy. The survey collected feedback from May 10 to June 19, 2024, involving 1,300 business leaders and senior management from various industries, including technology and communications, finance, infrastructure, renewable resources, healthcare, transportation, retail, and manufacturing.

Respondents were located across 13 markets in Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Singapore and South Korea), Europe (France, Germany, and United Kingdom), and the Middle East (Saudi Arabia and the UAE). In this survey, developed Asian markets refer to Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, while emerging Asian markets include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Hashtag: #AlibabaCloud

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Open for business: new funding to attract international business events

LiveNews Publisher

March 10, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing an additional $3 million from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to secure more business events for New Zealand, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“On top of my recent Tourism Boost announcements for a new Australia campaign and a regional fund, we’re giving business events a boost.

“We know business event participants spend $175 more per day than other visitors on average, and importantly they often visit in the off-peak period between March and November.

“This funding will allow Tourism New Zealand to increase their annual conference bid development from 90 to 110 bids, attract high-value incentive programmes, and enhance New Zealand’s presence at key international trade events.”

The additional activity aims to secure business events for New Zealand that will deliver more than $30 million in incremental spend to the economy.

“This is a chance to showcase our new conference facilities, fantastic hotels, and experiences, and pitch New Zealand as a world class location for business events.

“To boost conference visitor numbers, it makes sense to supercharge the Conference Assistance Programme work that is already happening in Tourism New Zealand.”

The funding is available to any organisation, including universities, to bid to host an international conference in New Zealand. Support is also available to attract high-value incentive business to New Zealand.

This funding is part of the Tourism Boost package, developed by the Government in partnership with industry to support immediate growth in visitor numbers, drive export activity and deliver economic growth.

“My message is clear, New Zealand is open for business and we are looking forward to welcoming more business visitors soon,” Louise Upston says.

MIL OSI

OPPO Awards Media OutReach Newswire “Partner of the Year 2024” for Excellence in Global Press Release Distribution Services

MIL OSI

March 10, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 March 2025 – Media OutReach Newswire, Asia Pacific’s first global newswire, has been honoured with OPPO’s prestigious ‘Partner of the Year’ award for the second time, following its exemplary performance in OPPO’s rigorous annual vendor evaluation system. Media OutReach Newswire achieved an exceptional rating exceeding 90% in OPPO’s evaluation matrix—an A-tier classification that OPPO’s Global Procurement team characterises as ‘extremely difficult to achieve.’ This distinguished OPPO award further solidifies Media OutReach Newswire’s position as a trusted global press release distribution partner. In their formal commendation accompanying the award, OPPO acknowledged the partnership’s strategic value, stating: “You have demonstrated a deep understanding of client requirements and consistently delivered outstanding results.”

Media OutReach Newswire’s Founder and CEO Jennifer Kok with the prestigious OPPO ‘Partner of the Year 2024’ award

Since 2019, Media OutReach Newswire has been a trusted newswire partner of OPPO, the world’s leading smart device brand known for combining aesthetic excellence with innovative technology. Media OutReach Newswire has supported OPPO by distributing the company’s press releases across Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, the USA & Canada, the Middle East, Africa, Europe & the UK, and Latin America.

“Being recognised as the ‘OPPO Partner of the Year’ for the second time is a proud moment for Media OutReach Newswire and a testament to the excellence of our distribution network and customer services,” said Jennifer Kok, Founder and CEO of Media OutReach Newswire. “This award reflects our deep understanding of clients’ needs and our commitment to delivering results that exceed expectations globally. It highlights our expertise in connecting OPPO’s press releases with journalists, securing guaranteed news postings on high-quality media outlets globally, and providing post-release reports with data insights and PR Campaign Intelligence. Our continuous investment in press release distribution network ensures OPPO’s PR and marketing teams achieve impactful results in their global communications campaigns. Media OutReach Newswire is the trusted partner for corporations and governments looking to elevate their global brand trust and recognition.”

Through its comprehensive database of more than 200,000 journalists and editors over 500 trade categories, Media OutReach Newswire ensured OPPO’s press releases reached both general news (newspapers) and targeted trade media such as telecommunications & mobile, general technology, business, finance, ESG, retail and lifestyle which are key to OPPO’s business communications. By delivering OPPO’s press release directly to the inbox of targeted journalists and editors, Media OutReach Newswire’s press release distribution service has generated write-ups from trade media such as Gadgets 360, GMSArena, Phone Arena, Hardware Zone, Tech Edition as well as from tier one media outlets like CNBC, Forbes and South China Morning Post.

Featured OPPO Write-ups on CNBC, Hardware Zone, Phone Arena and South China Morning Post.

Media OutReach Newswire offers a Total Communications Solution that addresses the full requirements of PR and IR professionals, which includes a comprehensive global network of editors and journalists, guaranteed online news postings on quality and real media, and multiformat ready to use post release report with data insights and pioneering PR Campaign Intelligence to facilitate C-Suite’s reporting.

Hashtag: #MediaOutReachNewswire #OPPO #PartneroftheYear

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Green Party launches petition to allow Pacific whānau visa-free access

LiveNews Publisher

March 10, 2025

Source: Green Party

The Green Party is launching a petition calling on the Government to extend visa-free travel to visitors from Pacific Island nations.

“Aotearoa is part of the family of Pacific nations, and we must remove unfair barriers to entry for our Pacific whānau,” says Green Party spokesperson for Pacific Peoples Teanau Tuiono.

“We are a Pacific nation, as will be shown by the rich cultural expression and coming together of peoples at this weekend’s Pasifika festival in Tāmaki Makaurau.”

“Despite our country’s many bonds with the region, people from Pacific countries have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to get a visitor visa approved, and often see their visas unfairly declined.”

“Visitors from 60 countries are currently able to access Aotearoa without a visa – not a single one of those countries is a Pacific Island country.”

“Our petition calls on the Government to demonstrate that Aotearoa values our relationship with Pacific countries, and start to build an immigration system that values community, connection, and fairness.”

“The Green Party wants to give our whānau, āiga and communities certainty to visit Aotearoa,” says Teanau Tuiono.

MIL OSI

Update: SH1 at Marton has reopened following earlier crash

LiveNews Publisher

March 10, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A stretch of State Highway 1, just north of Makirikiri Road, has reopened.

The road closed following a 2-vehicle crash just after midday.

Detours were available.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is thanking drivers for their support during the closure and is advising people to drive to the conditions and expect delays while congestion through the area eases.

Crash closes SH1 at Marton

1:30pm update: A stretch of State Highway 1, just north of Makirikiri Road, has closed, following a 2-vehicle crash after midday.

Detours are available. Northbound traffic will be directed left onto turn left onto Makirikiri Road, then right onto Pukepapa Road, onto Skerman Street, right onto Bond Street, onto Calico Line, before returning to SH1.

The reverse will apply for southbound traffic.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is advising people to delay travel in possible or expect delays.

Visit NZTA’s Journey Planner for updates.

MIL OSI

Takitimu North Link Open Day – Come And Meet The Team

LiveNews Publisher

March 10, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Interested in what’s happening on the Takitimu North Link project? You’re invited to a community open day to find out about current construction progress and get all the latest news.

The Takitimu North Link project team are opening their doors to the public on Saturday 29 March between 10.30am and 1.30pm at the Bethlehem Hall, 239 State Highway 2.

“The team is really keen to share updates with the community and answer any questions you may have,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Darryl Coalter.

“We’ve passed the halfway point in building this road now and when you’ve got good news – you just want to share it – so we’re hoping for a good turnout,” Mr Coalter says.

Takitimu North Link is a Road of National Significance, a new 4-lane expressway that’ll provide a more reliable, resilient, and safe connection between Tauranga and Te Puna.

The open day is a chance to meet the team building this major infrastructure, and learn about:

progress on building a major interchange at SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road, including a 363-metre flyover bridge between Tauriko and the Tauranga city centre,
progress on the layout and construction of 2 roundabouts to form the diamond interchange at Minden,
work to build a new bridge connection towards Te Puna, Tauriko and Lower Kaimai at SH2/Fifteenth Ave,
how Takitimu North Link Stage 2 is progressing.

And so much more…

Stage 1 between Tauranga and Te Puna is due for completion 2028. The designation process for Stage 2 between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa is underway.

“NZTA and the project team couldn’t get this road built without the support of the community, so the open day is a day to say thank you and connect with you all,” Mr Coalter says.

Open day details:

When: Saturday 29 March 2025 between 10.30am and 1.30pm

Where: Bethlehem Hall, 239 State Highway 2, Bethlehem, Tauranga

For more information and to sign up for updates visit: nzta.govt.nz/takitimunorth(external link)

MIL OSI

Overnight works to connect temporary road for SH22 Paerātā roundabout construction

LiveNews Publisher

March 10, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Overnight stop/go and lane changes on State Highway 22 between Pukekohe and Paerātā Rise got underway last night, as NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) contractors complete works to connect a temporary road bypassing construction of the SH22 Paerātā roundabout.

Work to connect the temporary road to the existing state highway will take place overnight between 9pm and 5am through to Thursday (14 March) under stop/go traffic management.

People will still be able to travel in both directions during the works. However, road users are encouraged to plan ahead and expect delays.

Northbound traffic will move to the new temporary road first, followed by southbound road users.

A 50km/h speed limit will be in place on the temporary road during roundabout construction.

The new single lane roundabout will enable access to the future Paerātā Railway Station and new housing developments. It’s one of several infrastructure upgrades in the area to future proof for the estimated population growth of 120,000 people in South Auckland over the next 30 years.

This temporary bypass road allows the roundabout to be built offline without significant disruption to people and freight travelling on SH22.

Please be patient and treat our crews with kindness and respect. Reduce your speed, adhere to the temporary speed limits and follow the traffic management directions at our work sites. 

This work is weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)) for up-to-date information on these works, including any changes due to weather.

Construction of the SH22 Paerātā roundabout is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

NZTA thanks everyone for their patience while we complete this important work.

MIL OSI

Tax Reform – Say NO to Corporate Tax Cuts – Petition Delivered to Luxon & Willis

LiveNews Publisher

March 10, 2025

Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa · New Zealand

This morning a petition signed by almost 13,000 people calling on the Government to abandon plans for corporate tax cuts was delivered to Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis. (ref. https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/say-no-to-corporate-tax-cuts?utm_source=taxjusticeaotearoa )

A recording of the online delivery event is available here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIl7Ro0CR3c

Speakers include:

TJA chair Glenn Barclay – 1’50″

“At a time when public services are being decimated, we can’t afford a loss of revenue.”

Economist Ganesh Nana – 4’25″

“Why are we trying to bribe people and companies to come here? If we’re getting people to come here because we’re paying them, they’re probably coming for the wrong reasons.”

ActionStation Director Kassie Hartendorp – 10’28″

“It strikes us as particularly unjust that the companies that are often in the position to pitch in to our society are the very places that the government is taking away that responsibility from.”

Q+A – 15’15″

The petition was sent to the Prime Minister and Finance Minister with the following message:

To the Right Hon. Chris Luxon and Hon.Nicola Willis,

Dear Prime Minister Luxon and Minister Willis,

It is my pleasure to present to you a petition supported by nearly 13,000 people calling on you to abandon any plans to cut the corporate tax rate and instead maintain (and preferably increase) the collective pool of resources that enable us to provide things like decent public healthcare, education and infrastructure for our communities.

We, and many others, have seen your comments in February that you are considering cuts to the Corporate Tax rate as part of the Budget and this prompted us at Tax Justice Aotearoa to start this petition asking you to ‘Say NO to Corporate Tax Cuts’. Collecting so many signatures in a little over three weeks is a significant achievement in such a short period of time and it is an indication of public concern about your plans.

Cutting the amount that corporates contribute will not stimulate economic growth, but it will reduce the resources that we need to ensure our public services can provide us with timely and decent care and support. Reducing the corporate tax rate by just 1 percentage point would result in a loss of around $650m in revenue and you could do a lot with that money to make New Zealand a better place for all.

Since the petition was initiated, we have seen indications that the Budget might contain a special targeted rate reduction for corporates involved in infrastructure projects. Tax Justice Aotearoa would oppose such measures. The failure to build the infrastructure we need is not due to companies making too little profits on it, but from insufficient funding by successive governments, including the present one.

Corporates such as the banks, power companies and supermarkets have been making record profits in recent years – we should be looking at ways in which they can contribute more, not less.

Naku noa, Na

Glenn Barclay
Chairperson, Tax Justice Aotearoa

MIL OSI

Health – National bowel screening age reduction a step back for Māori health surgeons say

LiveNews Publisher

March 10, 2025

Source: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

The announcement that Government will lower the National Bowel Screening Programme age from 60 to 58 for all New Zealanders still puts us behind other developed countries and, by creating a universal screening age, will exacerbate health inequities for Māori.

Te Whare Piki Ora o Māhutonga – the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) says New Zealanders deserve the same public health standards as other countries, noting that the bowel screening age is much lower in countries such as Australia and America (45) and the UK (50).

RACS also expresses deep concern over the reversal of plans to lower the age for Māori and Pacific to age 50.

Chair of the RACS Aotearoa New Zealand National Committee Dr Ros Pochin says the Government needs to be strategic about how it allocates resources in the health system to ensure the best health outcomes for New Zealanders.

“While increasing access to life-saving bowel cancer screening is a positive step, this plan doesn’t shift the dial far enough and fails to address the stark health disparities Māori face.”

Māori are more likely to be diagnosed with bowel cancer at a younger age, and at more advanced stages, compared to non-Māori. Leading health experts and advocacy groups have long called for the screening age to be lowered to 50 for Māori and Pacific peoples, in line with the evidence.[1].

“The current proposal to lower the screening age to 58 may improve access for some, but it will widen the existing inequity for Māori,” says Dr Pochin.

“Without a targeted approach, this decision risks leaving Māori further behind, despite clear evidence that earlier screening would have the greatest impact on reducing preventable deaths in our communities.”

Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Aotearoa New Zealand, and Māori are disproportionately affected by late diagnoses. A genuinely equitable screening programme must take a Te Tiriti o Waitangi-based approach, prioritising those most at risk.

RACS urges the Government to reconsider its approach and lower the screening age to 50 for Māori and Pacific. Addressing bowel cancer disparities requires bold, evidence-based action that ensures all New Zealanders, particularly those at higher risk, have fair access to early detection and treatment.

MIL OSI

Creative Schools Continuum Launches Anniversary Celebrations with Charity Walk

MIL OSI

March 10, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2025 – On 16 February 2025, more than 800 people gathered at the Creative Secondary School campus in Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong, China to celebrate the schools’ anniversaries. Participants included school board members, students, parents, alumni, and staff. The event aimed to raise funds for the Community Chest of Hong Kong, which helps over 2.5 million people each year. The school community raised a total of HKD 213,085.

Creative Schools Continuum Launches Anniversary Celebrations with Charity Walk

The day began early with student-led game booths and photo opportunities, creating a fun and exciting atmosphere on campus. Young leaders from the three schools welcomed guests and families, setting a lively mood before the opening ceremony and charity walks.

Two scenic walk routes were available: a shorter 2.5-kilometer path for families with younger children and a more challenging 5-kilometer route for those looking for a serious workout. Both routes took walkers through the beautiful sights of Tseung Kwan O, including the pedestrian paths from the school campus to the Tseung Kwan O waterfront park and the Cross Bay Bridge, offering stunning views along the way.

In his opening speech, the chairman of the celebration committee Mr. Victor Fong said, “Since Creative Primary School and Creative Primary School’s Kindergarten were founded in 1985, and Creative Secondary School in 2006, we have created high-quality, coherent educational pathways for students from kindergarten to secondary school.”

“The Creative Schools Continuum is fully committed to providing an exceptionally caring and positive learning environment for students, focusing on both academic success and positive character development.”

The idea of combining celebrations with a charity event comes from the core values of the three member schools. They focus not only on fostering students’ academic achievements and lifelong passion for learning but also enhancing their confidence, resilience, strengths of character and personal qualities. This prepares students to take on new opportunities and contribute to a fast-changing and increasingly challenging world.

Factual Highlights of the Creative Schools Continuum
Three Schools * One Philosophy * One Continuum

The motto of Creative Schools Continuum is “Nurture Future Minds * Build Boundless Capacity”, highlighting the continuum’s foresights and insights of quality education and our commitments to our students and parents.
Creative Primary School and Creative Secondary School are award-winning “Inviting Schools”. The award recognizes the schools’ commitments to providing an exceptionally caring, trusting, respectful and positive learning environments for its students and staff.
As International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools, Creative Primary and Creative Secondary School offer the IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) respectively.
Creative Secondary School also offers the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary School Examination (HKDSE) course in parallel with the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) as pathways to university entrances.

Hashtag: #CSS #CPS #CPSKG #CreativeSchoolsContinuum

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

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