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Mitsubishi Corporation and FEV Consulting Establish New Joint Venture for Materials Industry

TOKYO, Oct 27, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) is pleased to announce its establishment on October 27, 2022 of a new joint venture company, Beyond Materials Corporation (Beyond Materials), a specialized strategy and engineering service provider that will support materials suppliers on their path to global and sustainable growth. Our partner on this joint venture is FEV Consulting GmbH (FEV). The requirements on future product designs are becoming more sophisticated and diverse due to decarbonization and other societal demands. This has heightened interest in the functions and solutions that materials can provide, and necessitated even stronger relationships between suppliers and users of those materials, the automotive sector being a case in point. For over three years, MC and FEV have been conducting joint preliminary work to develop services targeting these industries, and our collaboration has confirmed that we share a similar dedication to addressing challenges faced by modern societies and helping them to be more sustainable.FEV is the consulting arm of FEV Group, a German engineering services provider with a global workforce of more than 7,000 employees. FEV provides unique advice to its customers by combining long experience in top management consulting with end-to-end technical expertise, including battery systems, car bodies and more, of the FEV Group GmbH. Beyond Materials will provide the materials industries with tailor-made solutions. Its services will extend from market research, strategy development and implementation support, to product development and demonstrations. This will be achieved by combining MC's global network and broad experience in the materials industries with FEV's intelligence on broad applications and customer requirements, engineering and product know-how, and also taking advantage of digital technologies. MC expects this new joint venture to build a bridge between those who use functional materials and those who make them, whether that be in chemicals, metals, or ceramics and other composites. We look forward to Beyond Materials contributing to sustainable growth in global materials markets and helping us to achieve our mission to build net-zero, circular economies. For more information, visit www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/pr/archive/2022/html/0000050161.html. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Avantor and Avantor Foundation Make a Difference by Providing Critical Health Services for Vulnerable Communities in Singapore

Singapore, Aug 24, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Avantor Foundation, Avantor's philanthropic arm, committed financial resources to healthcare charitable organizations, HealthServe and SATA CommHealth, as part of the Foundation's mission to provide healthcare to those in need. The grants will offer much-needed support to communities who would otherwise be unable to receive quality medical care. By identifying community needs and addressing them through these grants, the Avantor Foundation is able to contribute to the advancement of healthcare in Singapore and the region."As we continue to create a better world, grants like this demonstrate our commitment to providing healthcare to those in need," said Christophe Couturier, Executive Vice President, AMEA, Avantor and Board Member of the Avantor Foundation. "By working with SATA CommHealth and HealthServe, we want to connect and help communities, which deserve crucial assistance but are sometimes overlooked. The aid we are providing will address the critical unmet needs in healthcare and enable Science for Goodness, and ultimately create a lasting impact in our communities."SATA CommHealth, an organization which serves the community through the provision of subsidized care in their medical centers, will work with approximately 50 community and grassroots organizations to provide free health screenings for the elderly and less fortunate through regular check-ups and early medical intervention to prevent chronic or deadly diseases."We are truly grateful to receive this generous donation from the Avantor Foundation," said Boon Khiang Chia, Director & Head of Strategic Partnerships & Branding, SATA CommHealth. "We will be able to facilitate collaboration with our community leaders and constituency representatives to effectively serve the healthcare needs of our beneficiaries, especially the elderly who are most vulnerable to poor health."The Avantor Foundation also has provided a grant to HealthServe, a medical NGO that advocates for the needs and wellbeing of vulnerable, low-wage migrant workers in Singapore. Their services include healthcare, counseling, casework, mental health support and social assistance for their beneficiaries. HealthServe will use this grant for a nurse-led chronic disease case management program that supports migrant workers in need of medical assistance. Michael Cheah, Executive Director, HealthServe said, "Bringing healing and hope to migrant workers has always been a cause that is very close to our hearts. This contribution from the Avantor Foundation will allow us to offer customized care plans to these workers in need of medical assistance and deliver better care outcomes for them in the long term."About AvantorAvantor, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the biopharma, healthcare, education & government, and advanced technologies & applied materials industries. Our portfolio is used in virtually every stage of the most important research, development and production activities in the industries we serve. Our global footprint enables us to serve more than 225,000 customer locations and gives us extensive access to research laboratories and scientists in more than 180 countries. We set science in motion to create a better world. For more information, visit www.avantorsciences.com/site/ and find us on:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/avantorinc/Twitter - https://twitter.com/Avantor_NewsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/Avantorinc/About Avantor FoundationAs the philanthropic arm of Avantor, the Avantor Foundation's mission is to create a better world by advancing science education and providing healthcare to those in need. Since 2009, the Avantor Foundation has been making a difference in the science community by supporting organizations aligned to its mission. Learn more at www.avantorsciences.com/pages/en/avantor-foundation.Media ContactChristina KohDirector, Communications - AMEAAvantorM: +65 9720 0169Christina.Koh@avantorsciences.com Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Ev Dynamics is Commissioned to Build Hong Kong’s First Accessible Electric Bus

HONG KONG, Jun 20, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Ev Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (the "Company", Stock Code: 476, together with its subsidiaries, collectively "Ev Dynamics" or the "Group"), a provider of new energy vehicles and integrated technology solutions, has received another purchase order from the Hong Kong Productivity Council to deliver a pure electric bus for use by a Hong Kong non-governmental organisation ("NGO"), which follows the Council's earlier order of electric buses for the Airport Authority Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society.Ev Dynamics' pure electric bus is powered by sustainable high energy density batteries and is designed to adapt to and manoeuvre through complicated city road systems.The bus is equipped with an extra-low platform for easy accessibility for seniors and those with impaired mobility. It has enough space to house up to 33 regular seats and two wheelchairs.Developed by the Group under a new purchase agreement with the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the electric bus boasts a light aluminium alloy body structure with a highly efficient traction motor system, complemented by a full load-bearing electric bus chassis, high energy density batteries that ensure extended stable power output, and other innovative technological features. Moreover, the vehicle is set to be the first socially inclusive electric bus in Hong Kong, having been specifically designed to be accessible to seniors and those with disabilities, with features such as an extra-low platform for easy accessibility and enough space to house up to 33 regular seats and two wheelchairs. It also boasts the unique advantages of a relatively low weight and low energy consumption, making it a cost-efficient and sustainable transport solution. Subject to type approval, inspection and registration granted by the Transport Department, the Group expects delivery to be completed together with an EV charger installation project located next to the NGO's service centre in Tai Po by the end of next year, and will continue to provide quality after-sales maintenance and repair services to the end-user NGO.Miguel Valldecabres Polop, CEO of Ev Dynamics said, "We are always proud and excited when our products are brought to the public. In the past year, we have been expanding our global reach in the international electric vehicle market, especially in high-growth areas such as Europe, Latin America and Asia, but we are especially honoured to have received an order from our home market of Hong Kong. The pure electric bus showcases the Group's most innovative technological and product advantages, boasting zero emissions, reliable operation and sustainable design systems that will help to realise green targets related to the reduction of roadside air and noise pollution. The bus is also designed to be accessible to all members of society, including seniors and those with impaired mobility who may face obstacles when riding public transportation on a regular basis. We expect it to set the standard for energy efficient public transport, as the future of transport lies in electromobility, as well as further Ev Dynamics' market expansion in the local market." About Ev Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (Stock Code: 476)Ev Dynamics (Holdings) Limited is a pioneer and prominent player in China's new energy commercial vehicles market, as well as a whole-vehicle manufacturer of specialty passenger vehicles and new energy passenger vehicles. It is an integrated driving and logistics solutions provider with a solid technological foundation in diverse areas including new energy platform power systems and their key components. The Group has a production base in Chongqing, boasts extensive domestic and overseas sales networks, and focuses on serving high-growth markets in Southeast Asia, Europe and Latin America.Media EnquiriesStrategic Financial Relations LimitedVicky Lee +852 2864 4834 vicky.lee@sprg.com.hk Phoebe Leung +852 2114 4172 phoebe.leung@sprg.com.hkBrigid Lee +852 2114 4313 brigid.lee@sprg.com.hkWebsite: www.sprg.com.hk Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Seniors and the poor most likely to feel uneasy about Singapore’s Covid-19 reopening: IPS study

SINGAPORE - Singapore's poor and elderly were most likely to feel uneasy about the country's decision to live with Covid-19, new research from the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) has found. But support for vaccination remains high, with seven in 10 people agreeing that vaccines should be made compulsory for all citizens and long-term residents. And although people's satisfaction with the Government's handling of the pandemic fluctuated widely over the four-month study period, they remained consistently confident that Singapore will win the fight against Covid-19. These were the key findings from a working paper on people's attitudes towards living with Covid-19, which was released on Thursday (Dec 2). The study used data from online surveys conducted over 12 phases, or "waves", from mid-July to end-November. Each wave collected responses from more than 500 residents aged 21 years and older. It builds on the findings of an earlier IPS study conducted between April 2020 and March. "Those who were younger and more affluent were consistently observed to be more enthusiastic ready for endemic living, compared to those who were older and less affluent," said IPS principal research fellow Mathew Mathews, who led the study. "It's to be expected... since we do know from the science that those who are older may be affected more adversely, so obviously their appetite for endemic living might be more muted." Participants were asked questions ranging from their degree of belief in Singapore's political leadership to how confident they were about resuming social activities in the new normal. They were also asked for their thoughts on policies such as vaccination and the home recovery scheme. As a general rule, older people expressed less confidence about dining out and taking public transport compared to their younger counterparts. For instance, 40 per cent of those aged 60 and above said they were not confident of dining out given that the coronavirus is still circulating, compared with 25 per cent of those aged between 21 and 29. Similarly, people with lower incomes tended to be less sure of attending large live events and engaging in leisure travel. Some 63 per cent of those earning less than $3,000 a month said they were not confident of leisure travel to countries with low case numbers, compared with 43 per cent of those earning $6,000 and above. On vaccination, seven in 10 people said vaccination should be made compulsory for all Singaporeans and long-term residents, while nine in 10 agreed that annual booster shots are important to reduce the risk of infection. But reactions were mixed on differentiated measures based on vaccination status, with older people tending to express negative emotions - anger, sadness or anxiety - over such decisions. Participants were also asked about their attitudes towards the Government's handling of Covid-19. Overall satisfaction levels started at around 77 per cent in July but fell sharply as cases climbed, and hit a low of 59 per cent when the Government announced stricter stabilisation measures. They subsequently climbed back up to 64 per cent in mid-November, when Singapore eased several Covid-19 restrictions. Belief in Singapore's political leadership also fluctuated, with seniors more likely to feel that the government had not demonstrated good leadership, and richer people tending to feel otherwise. But people generally trusted that Singapore will win the fight against Covid-19, with 68 per cent of those surveyed agreeing with this sentiment in the latest phase.

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Students and staff can return to school once they or their close contacts test negative for Covid-19

SINGAPORE - From Thursday (Aug 19), students and school staff who are close contacts of anyone quarantined as part of Covid-19 measures can return to campus once that person tests negative. Also, those who have received a health risk warning can return to school once they test negative for Covid-19. These moves will affect students and staff from primary and secondary schools, as well as junior colleges and the Millennia Institute, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said in a letter to parents and guardians on Wednesday. The letter announced changes to both the leave of absence (LOA) and the approved absence (AA) policies. Both are used to limit Covid-19 transmission by having people stay away from school campuses if they might have been exposed to the coronavirus. Students and staff must now stay home until their LOA is over. There is no fixed length of time for an LOA, as it varies from case to case. For example, those given an LOA because a family member is under a stay-home notice are required to stay away from campus until it is over. MOE said the change is in line with Singapore's gradual easing of community safe management measures. The letter said students and staff will have their LOA removed and will be able to return to school under either of two conditions. Firstly, if the quarantined person tests negative for Covid-19 in an entry swab test at a government facility. Or, secondly, if their close contact who is meant to serve a quarantine order at home tests negative for Covid-19. Ministry of Health (MOH) requirements must also allow the quarantined person's household members to leave the home. Similarly, the rules surrounding the AA have changed. MOE said students who have to be tested for Covid-19, or those who have been sent a Health Risk Warning SMS by the MOH, will have to stay home only until they test negative, instead of waiting out the full duration of their AA. This also applies to students whose family members have to be tested for these reasons. There is no fixed length of time for an AA, as it also varies from case to case. However, there is no change in policy for those placed on an AA because they have flu-like symptoms, or those with household members who have flu-like symptoms, MOE added. Those with flu-like symptoms will continue to be on AA for five days after their medical certificate expires. Those with a household memberwho has flu-like symptoms must stay home until that person tests negative for Covid-19. The full list of conditions that require students and staff to be placed on LOA or AA can be found on the MOE website www.moe.gov.sg/faqs-covid-19-infection

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Singapore employers prioritise skills over education, experience: LinkedIn survey

SINGAPORE (THE BUSINESS TIMES) - Employers in Singapore seek to hire those with communication skills, problem-solving skills and strategic thinking over those with traditional attributes, professional networking platform LinkedIn said in a report. Looking into the future of work, its survey found that 39 per cent of companies in Singapore look for those with technical skills, and 31 per cent look for transferable skills. This exhibits a preference over hiring based on traditional qualifications such as education (8 per cent) or work experience (12 per cent). To close skills gaps, three in five companies may hire those from outside their industries, the survey found. Nine in 10 employers here also look inward to fill open roles, with 65 per cent using existing employees to leverage insiders' perspectives. By hiring internally, the same number of respondents want to provide a sense of progress for staff and 55 per cent wish to encourage loyalty. Companies must then upskill employees to meet needs, which may require human resource (HR) to take on more responsibilities. The report found that almost 60 per cent of companies in Singapore said HR plays an important role in employee training and development. Fifty-seven per cent also indicated that HR plays a significant role in shaping business strategies during Covid-19, compared with less than half prior to the pandemic. This increases to nine in 10 companies in Singapore when discussing its role post-Covid-19. Ms Feon Ang, LinkedIn's vice-president of talent and learning solutions for the Asia-Pacific region, said: "Going forward, we can expect to see a skills-based economy take shape, with skills becoming the new currency for workers in the future world of work. I encourage all individuals to adopt a growth mindset, and keep learning to stay relevant." The inaugural LinkedIn Future of Talent report compiles information from research carried out by market research firm GfK in January 2021. Among 3,500 respondents from small, medium and large enterprises from across the Asia-Pacific region, 505 HR personnel, senior-level hiring managers or top management from Singapore participated in the quantitative 20-minute online survey. More on this topic   Related Story Interactive: Singapore’s Best Employers 2021   Related Story The future of hiring in Singapore: How to ace a virtual interview

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Off to climb ‘Mount Fuji’ here to raise funds for special needs youth

Over the next three months, eight people with special needs in Singapore will each attempt to scale the equivalent of Mount Fuji, which stands at 3,776m. They will climb hills and stairs around Singapore, and track the distance on the Strava mobile app. The eight are participants of YMCA's Special Needs Inclusive Challenge 2021, which was flagged off by President Halimah Yacob at the Istana yesterday. It aims to raise $250,000 to support YMCA's programmes for youth with special needs, and will end on May 29. Addressing participants in a recorded message, Madam Halimah said: "I am encouraged by the confidence and courage shown by YMCA and their special needs ambassadors. It proves that those with special needs also have special talents." Among the eight are returning participants, Ms Oh Siew May, 50, and Mr Harun Rahamad, 32, who both took part in a 2019 edition of the challenge in Japan. They climbed Mount Fuji together with eight others but had to abandon the effort less than 500m from the top because of harsh weather. Ms Oh said: "Disabled does not mean being unable. For those with special needs and those going through hard times due to Covid-19, I want to stir up our spirits and show that we can get by with determination no matter how difficult things may be." Mr Rahamad said his experience in 2019 was fruitful as it helped to build his self-confidence, adding that he hopes others will join in the virtual climb as well. Those who wish to contribute to the challenge, either by donating or by participating, can do so at https://fuji.ymca.org.sg The final day for registration is April 29, and participants can either choose to climb Mount Fuji virtually, or walk, run or cycle its 125km perimeter. Participants can sign up as either individuals or groups, and 120 have signed up thus far.

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JobsPivot Joins 2021 Efforts to Combat Unemployment in Singapore

Opportunities Provider Aims to Help Struggling Singaporeans Rebound After Difficult Year Singapore - JobsPivot today announced a series of job fairs and training partnerships in 2021 meant to help mitigate the effects of the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 in Singapore. These efforts are targeted at segments of the population most vulnerable to longer-term unemployment: those without tertiary qualifications, those in non-PMET jobs, and those aged 60 and above. Incorporated on 4 June 2020, JobsPivot began its mission to connect the right talents with the right opportunities by launching its proprietary online job portal. To further streamline the communication pathway between employers and jobseekers, it launched a marketing consultancy, utilizing its knowledge of jobseekers' online behaviour to create effective ads and social media outreach initiatives for businesses. "2020 was a very challenging year for all Singaporeans, especially those from low-income segments of the population," said Bob Hafiz, Managing Director at JobsPivot. "Our aim for 2021 is to provide clarity and confidence career-wise to those still struggling to rebound from retrenchments." Impact of COVID-19 on the Singaporean Workforce According to the Labour Market Report for 2Q and 3Q 2020 by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the unemployment rate for citizens continued to increase over the second half of last year, from 3.5% in June 2020 to 4.9% in September 2020. The number of retrenchments in 2Q 2020 (8,130) – already higher than the peak of job losses during the SARS outbreak in 2003 – had increased to 9,100 by 3Q 2020.  The ministry's report also found that retrenchments and longer-term unemployment was disproportionately higher amongst three particular demographics: (1) those without tertiary qualifications; (2) those in non-PMET jobs; (3) those aged 60 and above. Historically, most people belonging to these three demographics also make up a significant portion of the country's low-income population. JobsPivot 2021 Initiatives JobsPivot will hold one job fair a month in estates such as Tampines, Woodlands and Toa Payoh. Visitors will be guided through the process of using online portals to source and apply for job opportunities that match their skillset. Those without a proper resume or looking to improve an existing one will be given a quick tutoring session on resume creation and curation. Additionally, JobsPivot in collaboration with sister company EduPivot will partner with private educational enterprises and training providers to provide upskilling courses for those who have lost their jobs. Non-PMETs will be able to transform their careers through a host of programmes in areas such as Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, and App Development. These introductory-level courses aim to equip those having little to no experience in such fields with sufficient knowledge to kickstart their new careers. These two initiatives are expected to benefit participants by helping them overcome two significant barriers to re-employment – (1) technological and logistical unfamiliarity with current job application processes; (2) lack of requisite skills for jobs already available. Be sure to keep an eye out for these initiatives and find out more about JobsPivot at http://www.jobspivot.sg! References MRSD, MOM. (2020, September). Labour Market Report Second Quarter 2020. Ministry of Manpower, Republic of Singapore. https://stats.mom.gov.sg/iMAS_PdfLibrary/mrsd-Labour-Market-Report-2Q-2020.pdf#page=7  MRSD, MOM. (2020b, October). Labour Market Report Advance Release Third Quarter 2020. Ministry of Manpower, Republic of Singapore. https://stats.mom.gov.sg/iMAS_PdfLibrary/mrsd-LMAR-Q3-2020.pdf#page=6  Media contact Company: JobsPivot Contact: Dynn Othman, Marketing Executive Telephone: +65 9337 1233 Website: https://www.jobspivot.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/JobsPivotSG Address: Oxley Bizhub, 67 Ubi Road 1, #07-01, Singapore 408730

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ICC must deliver or pay up

WELLINGTON • New International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Greg Barclay yesterday said his organisation must deliver its pinnacle events over the next three years or there will be serious financial consequences for the sport. The Covid-19 pandemic has forced the ICC to reschedule three of its world tournaments, including this year's men's T20 World Cup, to next November. Barclay, who was confirmed as chairman of the world governing body on Tuesday, said it was contracted to deliver them within the current broadcasting agreement, failing which there would be serious financial consequences. "We have got to deliver the world events that are to come and those that are postponed," the New Zealander said of the agreements that expire in mid-2023. "Not just for the cricketing outcomes but there are commercial concerns as well." Besides the men's Twenty20 World Cup, which will still be held in Australia, and the next women's World Cup, which has been moved to 2022, the men's 2023 World Cup in India has also been pushed back from February and March to October and November that year. "If we fail to deliver all of those events, then we will be penalised by the broadcasters and we won't receive the last of the ongoing payments," added Barclay. "That, in turn, is going to affect the ICC's ability to invest in its own programmes and enable it to make distributions to members. Unfortunately, a lot of the ICC members are heavily reliant on those disbursements." Barclay has replaced interim chairman Imran Khwaja, who temporarily took over from Indian Shashank Manohar after his second two-year term ended in July. Singaporean Imran, who is also a partner at law firm Tan Rajah & Cheah, had been deputy chairman of the ICC since 2017 and was the former Singapore Cricket Association president. Barclay, who has served as New Zealand Cricket's representative on the ICC board for the last six years, has stepped down from that role to lead the global body. FINANCIAL PENALTIES If we fail to deliver all of those events, then we will be penalised by the broadcasters and we won't receive the last of the ongoing payments. GREG BARCLAY, ICC chairman, laying out the consequences. The commercial lawyer said that while the election process had been "drawn out", he was keen to get to work. One of his tasks is to ensure women's cricket continues to "move towards parity" amid the pandemic. He is also eager to develop the game in non-traditional markets and believes the United States is an area it can tap into. "We have to look at regions where there is good potential for growth," he said. "The US appears to be the place to go. It has a massive advantage in its traditional audiences from sub-continental Asia. We should continue with that." REUTERS

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