GCCA Unveils Maiden Carbon Rating System For Cement And Concrete

 

GCCA Low Carbon Ratings for Cement and Concrete

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has launched Low Carbon Ratings (LCR) for Cement and Concrete, a first-of-its-kind transparent global rating system that will enable cement and concrete to be identified based on their carbon footprints.

GCCA in a statement said the ratings system is designed to help customers prioritise sustainability when selecting construction materials by using a clear and intuitive AA to G scale.

GCCA Chief Executive, Thomas Guillot emphasised the role of cement and concrete in modern infrastructure and the urgency for transparency as demand for greener construction grows.

He stated that the LCR system would enable stakeholders across the industry to make more informed, sustainable decisions and accelerate decarbonisation.

Inspired by systems like the European Union (EU) Energy Performance Certificates and the United States (US) Home Energy Rating System, the LCR offers a simple, adaptable framework that provides a clear visual indication of a material’s carbon impact.

Designed to be easily recognisable with a simple visual graphic that clearly indicates a product’s rating, the carbon rating system for cement and concrete provides consistency and comparability in which countries can adopt the global ratings as they are or adapt them if local carbon accounting differs from global norms.

The LCR is flexible enough to be adopted globally or adjusted for local carbon accounting practices. It has been welcomed by international bodies like UNIDO, whose energy systems and decarbonisation unit chief Riccardo Savigliano called it a major step toward harmonising global standards for low-emission construction materials.

Industry players, including Bouygues Bâtiment International, praised the system’s simplicity and usability, noting it can empower on-site teams to manage the carbon footprint of materials more effectively.

The launch of this global rating system marks another milestone on the road to greater sustainability, with notable construction projects already demonstrating the use of lower carbon cement and concrete while the industry is making important progress.

-- BERNAMA

TERA-AWARD BREAKS RECORD WITH 785 GLOBAL SUBMISSIONS FOR CLIMATE TECH INNOVATION

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- The global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions gained significant momentum this year as the TERA-Award recorded its highest participation since inception, with 785 entries from 76 countries and regions.

The competition, which closed applications in early April, reflects a rising global interest in climate technology, particularly within the renewable energy sector. The TERA-Award, now in its fourth year, has emerged as a leading international platform for innovative energy solutions.

According to a statement, submissions spanned six key categories, with renewable energy receiving the highest number of proposals. Entries included projects in green fuels, hydrogen technology, smart energy systems and sustainable infrastructure, all aiming to tackle global energy challenges.

“This surge in participation confirms that the TERA-Award has become a global platform for identifying and nurturing tomorrow’s energy solutions,” said TERA-Award Organising Committee Executive Chairman, Alan Chan.

The competition continues to attract a wide international pool of participants. Entrants from the United States made up 12.5 per cent of total submissions, with notable contributions from India (8.7 per cent), the United Kingdom (6.2 per cent), the Chinese mainland (18.1 per cent), and Hong Kong (5.5 per cent). Organisers also noted a marked increase in entries from Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.

Beyond its US$1 million grand prize, the TERA-Award is recognised for transforming innovative concepts into commercially viable solutions. Previous participant i2Cool, for example, secured Series A funding with support from competition organiser The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Ltd (Towngas) and has since deployed its electricity-free cooling coatings globally. (US$1=RM4.37)

Another former participant, Luquos Energy, leveraged Towngas’s support to expand its sulphur-based flow battery system, now being piloted in Shenzhen.

The competition will now enter its judging phase, led by Professor Cui Yi, a renowned materials scientist from Stanford University. Entries will be assessed based on technological innovation, commercial viability, scalability, and potential global impact.

Winners will be announced in July, but for many participants, the real value lies beyond the prize money. With backing from Full Vision Capital, the TERA-Award also offers access to industry leaders, investors and strategic partners, key drivers in accelerating breakthrough technologies from lab to market.

-- BERNAMA

Uni-Fuels Revenue Soars 119 Pct, Faces Profit Headwinds Post-IPO

KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited (Uni-Fuels), a global marine fuel solutions provider, posted a 119 per cent surge in revenue for 2024, reaching US$155.2 million from US$70.8 million in 2023, driven by a 121 per cent jump in marine fuel sales. (US$1=RM4.38)

The strong topline growth reflects the company’s expanding footprint in a competitive sector as it transitions from a brokerage model to direct fuel sales, according to a statement.

The results mark Uni-Fuels’ first full-year performance as a public company, following its US$9.66 million initial public offering in January 2025. The listing bolstered its capital reserves as it looks to scale operations and deepen market penetration.

Despite rapid growth, profitability declined sharply. Net income fell 86 per cent year-over-year to US$0.2 million, weighed down by a 236 per cent rise in operating expenses, which reached US$3.0 million.

“Our listing on Nasdaq on Jan 14 of this year represents a significant milestone in our corporate journey and a strategic effort to strengthen our capital base and enhance our market presence in an increasingly competitive and globalised industry.

“Looking ahead, we remain confident in our capacity to capture further market share and scale our operations responsibly and efficiently to build on our early success and deliver sustained value to our shareholders,” said Uni-Fuels Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Koh Kuan Hua.

While gross profit increased 40 per cent to US$3.2 million, margins narrowed as the company pursued aggressive pricing strategies to gain market share. Gross profit margin dropped to 2.1 per cent, down from 3.2 per cent in 2023.

Operationally, Uni-Fuels nearly doubled its customer count to 156 and expanded its port coverage from 51 to 87. The shift toward direct sales has enabled broader reach but has also eroded profitability in the short term.

As it exits its first year on public markets, the company is betting that scale and strategic expansion will offset near-term margin compression and pave the way for longer-term earnings growth.

Founded in 2021, Uni-Fuels helps shipping companies optimise fuel procurement across all markets and time zones. It has evolved from modest beginnings into a dynamic, forward-thinking company.

-- BERNAMA

Fuzhou creates a business environment based on the rule of law that is market-oriented, internationalized, and enabling

FUZHOU, China, Apr. 24, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

Tower cranes are lined up, and machines are roaring. At the Fuqing Rongqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone, Fuzhou, the construction of the Fuyao Global Export Base is in full swing, and a zero-carbon smart factory is on the horizon.

With a total investment of 3.25 billion yuan, the project is expected to be the world's largest automotive glass export facility, yet it took only two months from contract signing to groundbreaking.

"With the support of the development zone and government departments at all levels, our progress has been incredibly smooth," revealed a Fuyao executive. What attracts the group is not only the superior location and infrastructure but also Fuzhou's business culture, which can "do things easily, process things quickly, and get things done."

"Handling cases efficiently" and "collecting data at most once", Fuzhou has redoubled efforts to foster a market-oriented, law-based, internationalized, and enabling atmosphere so that every stakeholder can enjoy an open, fair, clear, efficient, and stable environment.

In 2024, Fuzhou had 969 projects in the pipeline with a total investment of 594 billion yuan and implemented 687 projects with a total investment of 303.3 billion yuan.

In addition, harnessing the power of the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project (China and Indonesia set up industrial parks in each other's territory to seek synergy), Fuzhou has underpinned enterprises' inbound and outbound initiatives.

Under the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" umbrella, Saneheld (Fuqing) Food Co., Ltd. and Indonesia's Salim Group co-built the Indonesian Marine Fishery Center -- the first base was put into operation in April 2022, with an annual capacity of 500,000 tons, and the second base plans to start trial production in June 2025. Fuhua Textile invested 71.25 million USD to build a factory in Indonesia, and operation will kick off in May 2025. Huagang Group's subsidiary, Honggang Textile, set up a modern plant in Indonesia to consolidate R&D, weaving, and trade.

Fuzhou, exploring mechanisms to empower enterprises and nurturing a fertile ground for business growth, aspires to embrace a bright tomorrow with you all.

Source: Publicity Department of the Fuzhou Municipal CPC Committee

--BERNAMA

Global surge in energy innovation as TERA-Award draws record-breaking 785 entries

 

HONG KONG, April 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a testament to the accelerating global push for climate tech solutions, this year’s TERA-Award has drawn innovators from around the world, shattering previous participation records. The smart energy competition closed applications in early April with 785 submissions from 76 countries and regions—the highest in its four-year history.

Behind the impressive statistics lies a tapestry of innovation across six categories, with Renewable Energy leading the pack. Competitors have submitted ideas across green fuels, hydrogen technology, smart energy systems, and sustainable infrastructure—all aimed at addressing the world’s most pressing energy challenges.

“What we’re seeing is a remarkable global convergence around energy innovation,” says Alan Chan, Executive Chairman of the TERA-Award Organising Committee. “This surge in participation confirms that the TERA-Award has become a global platform for identifying and nurturing tomorrow’s energy solutions.”

The competition’s international reach has expanded significantly. The US contributed 12.5% of entries, whilst the UK and India followed with 6.2% and 8.7% respectively. Applications from the Chinese mainland (18.1%) and Hong Kong (5.5%) remained strong, but the growing participation from Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas signals the global nature of the energy innovation ecosystem.

Beyond its US$1 million grand prize, the TERA-Award has a proven track record of transforming ideas into commercial reality. Previous participant i2Cool recently closed its Series A funding with support from competition organiser Towngas. Its electricity-free cooling coatings are now deployed internationally, demonstrating the TERA-Award’s impact beyond mere recognition.

Similarly, Luquos Energy used Towngas's backing after participating in the competition to scale up its sulphur-based flow battery system, with a demonstration project now running in Shenzhen. These examples illustrate how the TERA-Award accelerates their solutions from lab to market.

Attention now shifts to the judging phase led by Professor Cui Yi, a world-renowned materials scientist from Stanford University. The expert panel will evaluate the submissions on technological innovation, commercial viability, scalability, and potential global impact.

Winners will be announced in July 2025, but for many participants, the real prize extends beyond the monetary award. The TERA-Award, empowered by Full Vision Capital, offers top teams access to industry leaders, potential investors, and strategic partners—resources often more valuable than the funding alone.

For enquiries, please contact:
The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas)

Tel: +852 2963 3493
Email: cad@towngas.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/514007ad-2257-4658-a9e5-c24870dd9fb1 

SOURCE : The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited

Seven Shows, One Creative Hub: HKTDC Puts Hong Kong In The Spotlight

 

The HKTDC is hosting seven vibrant events spanning lifestyle products and the licensing sector in late April, including the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference.  

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is staging seven mega events, spanning lifestyle products and the licensing sector, this month, spotlighting Hong Kong's role as a creative and innovation hub.

Held across the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo, these include the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show, and the Asian Licensing Conference.

HKTDC in a statement said the events are set to draw some 6,000 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions, serving as a bridge connecting Hong Kong's creative industries with mainland China and international markets while reinforcing the city’s positioning as a regional creative hub.

Marking its 40th edition under the theme "Celebrating Four Decades of Wonder", the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair will showcase products that blend functionality with creative design, in which the Jingdezhen Pavilion will display ceramic works marrying traditional craftsmanship with modern design, including a blind box adoption initiative to nurture the next generation of designers and artisans.

With the silver market growing rapidly and demand for elderly-friendly products continuing to expand, Home InStyle introduces the Gerontech Living Pavilion that will showcase innovative products and solutions from more than 10 local enterprises.

This year’s Fashion InStyle will see the launch of NEXT@Fashion InStyle, a new highlighted zone organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the HKSAR Government, bringing some 60 global material suppliers to showcase advanced fashion materials.

Meanwhile, the Printing & Packaging Fair highlights eco-friendly products in its Green Printing & Packaging Solutions Zone, including recycled plastic yarn ribbons and water-soluble packaging peanuts, while DeLuxe PrintPack focuses on premium packaging solutions.

The events will feature approximately 60 thematic seminars, buyer forums, product promotion and launch events and fashion parades, covering market analysis, cultural creative design, smart industry, the silver economy, health and wellness, and sustainability.

-- BERNAMA

RELEX Solutions Named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Supply Chain Planning

 

RELEX recognized as a Leader for the first time in this independent analyst report, for ability to execute and completeness of vision.


ATLANTA & HELSINKI, April 17 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- RELEX Solutions, a provider of unified supply chain and retail planning solutions powered by proven AI technology, today announced it has been recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant^™ for Supply Chain Planning¹ based on Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute. This recognition marks the first time RELEX has been placed in the Leaders Quadrant, just three years after being included in this report for the first time in 2022. RELEX believes this recognition highlights the strength, scalability, and unified platform we offer, integrating demand and supply across the entire value chain to drive smarter decisions, greater efficiency, and seamless collaboration across all functions.

“We feel being recognized as a Leader in this report affirms our unwavering commitment to delivering measurable value and innovation that transforms supply chain planning through a truly unified platform for retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and consumer goods companies,” said Mikko Kärkkäinen, group CEO and co-founder, RELEX Solutions. “We’ve invested significantly in innovation—allocating 25% of our revenue to R&D—strengthening our platform for complex manufacturing industries. We deliver on our promises, offering an unmatched combination of AI-powered retail-scale demand planning, demand and supply optimization, and production scheduling in a single platform, helping businesses tackle the most intricate supply chain challenges.”

The RELEX platform has been rooted in AI since the company’s inception, enabling highly accurate supply chain optimization, seamlessly aligning master planning, demand forecasting and sensing, replenishment, allocation, and production scheduling within a single data model. Its highly configurable architecture supports touchless planning to automate routine processes and empowers businesses to rapidly adapt to shifting market conditions. Key capabilities include:

• AI-driven demand planning using ML-forecasting and demand sensing to anticipate and respond to market fluctuations
• Integrated production, purchasing, and distribution planning to align supply with real-time demand
• Advanced production scheduling for manufacturing, enabling efficiency gains across complex production environments
• Extended enterprise collaboration leveraging RELEX’s success in the retail industry allowing manufacturers to collaborate seamlessly with retailers
• Advanced diagnostics to identify root causes of supply chain inefficiencies, enabling proactive resolution and continuous improvement
• Replenishment and allocation capabilities that ensure optimal inventory levels across the supply chain, reducing waste and improving availability
• Unified platform that connects these capabilities to deliver on Integrated Business Planning

RELEX is also driving innovation into genAI and agentic AI alongside the specialized AI techniques that further strengthen the platform’s ability to drive agility, reduce waste, and align strategic goals with operational execution. With a market-leading NPS, RELEX customers consistently rate RELEX as a trusted and valued partner for supply chain transformation.

Access the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Supply Chain Planning here.

1. Gartner, “Magic Quadrant for Supply Chain Planning Solutions”; Pia Orup Lund, Joe Graham, Caleb Thomson, Shane Brett, Eva Dawkins, 14 April 2025.
2. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
3. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner and Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

About RELEX

RELEX Solutions delivers a unified platform for retail, manufacturing, and supply chain planning, enabled by proven AI technology. We help retailers, manufacturers, and consumer goods companies optimize demand forecasting, replenishment, merchandising, pricing and promotions, supply chain operations, and production planning across the end-to-end value chain. Companies like ADUSA, AutoZone, Coles, Circle K, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, M&S Food, PetSmart, Rituals, The Home Depot, and Systemair trust RELEX to increase product availability, boost sales, deliver actionable insights, improve sustainability, and drive profitable growth.

Learn more at: https://www.relexsolutions.com/customers/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250415771445/en/

Contact

Jolene Peixoto
Vice President of Communications
RELEX Solutions
Jolene.Peixoto@relexsolutions.com

Savannah Yawn
Senior Communications Manager
RELEX Solutions
Savannah.yawn@relexsolutions.com

Source : RELEX Solutions

TRINITY GROUP UNVEILS TRINITY SENSORIA 'BELI & MENANG' CAMPAIGN

 

_{Trinity Sensoria redefines urban living with a five-tier protection system, setting a new benchmark for wellness and safety in modern spaces.} 

Win Prizes Worth Up to RM3 Million!
 
KUALA LUMPUR, 7 April (Bernama) -- Trinity Group, a leading property developer, has launched its 'Beli & Menang' Campaign to thank homebuyers for their continued support and make homeownership even more rewarding.
 
Running from 1 April to 30 June 2025, the campaign offers new homeowners at Trinity Sensoria the chance to win exclusive prizes worth up to RM3 million. It also helps alleviate the financial burden of furnishing their new dream homes.
 
Dato’ Neoh Soo Keat, Founder and Managing Director of Trinity Group Sdn Bhd said, “At Trinity Sensoria, we believe a home is a sanctuary, not just a place to live. Through Trinity’s ‘Beli & Menang’ Campaign, we’re not only providing high-quality homes but also enriching the living experience by easing the financial burden of furnishing. We want our homeowners to settle in with ease, enjoy their space from day one, and celebrate their new journey with the chance to win furnishing prizes.”
 
Exclusive Prizes Worth RM3 Million
Homebuyers who purchase a unit at Trinity Sensoria between April and June 2025 will automatically be entered into the lucky draw. The prize pool includes premium items such as:
• HABIB Gold Bars
• Bosch Oven with Microwave
• Gintell Massage Chair
• LG Refrigerator
• Recliner Sofa
• 65-inch Sony TV
• Robot Vacuum Cleaner
• Dyson Air Purifier
• Cash Prizes
 
A Rewarding Living Experience
Trinity Sensoria, located in Beverly Heights, Ampang North, offers a perfect blend of comfort, security, and style. Launched in November 2024, the development features a Five-Tier Protection System that integrates contactless technology, wellness-oriented design, and physical, social, and mental wellness amenities.
 
The development also boasts exceptional facilities, including an infinity pool, pickleball courts, a mini futsal court, an edible garden, an outdoor cinema, Himalayan salt sauna, hydrotherapy pods, a gym, a multi-purpose hall, and a spa villa. These features create a peaceful environment surrounded by lush greenery.
 
Homeowners also benefit from the Trinity Gold Assurance Programme, offering extended warranties and superior after-sales support. This initiative ensures high-quality living while providing lasting value, reinforcing Trinity Group’s commitment to long-term investment and security.
 
Your Dream Home Awaits
Trinity Sensoria, slated for completion in 2028, is by Trinity Group, a recognised leader in delivering exceptional residential properties.
 
Don’t miss the chance to own a home at Trinity Sensoria and enter the ‘Beli & Menang’ Campaign for a chance to win amazing prizes.
 
Visit the Trinity Sensoria Sales Gallery in Ampang for more details or register your interest via WhatsApp at +60 3-8084 0808. For more information, visit www.sensoria.com.my or follow Trinity Group on social media.
 
SOURCE: Trinity Group Sdn Bhd

Capcom Game Titles To Launch On Nintendo Switch 2 In June

 

Street Fighter 6 is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th! 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 (Bernama) -- Capcom Co Ltd has announced that both Street Fighter 6 and Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess will be released for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, coinciding with the launch of the new hardware from Nintendo Co Ltd.

Street Fighter 6 represents a new generation of fighting games that can be enjoyed by a wide array of players, with controller input options tailored to both beginners and seasoned players alike and improved audio accessibility settings to supplement the gameplay experience.

According to Capcom in a statement, official e-sports tournament initiatives such as the Capcom Pro Tour and the Street Fighter League have also brought the title significant attention, and the series has surpassed cumulative sales of over 56 million units.

There are dedicated modes and features for the Nintendo Switch 2, such as a new mode that utilises the Joy-Con’s gyro functionality, as well as a local battle mode allowing players to enjoy thrilling matches anytime, anywhere, with anyone.

Meanwhile, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a unique Japanese-inspired, single-player Kagura Action Strategy game that has been nominated for many game awards and received critical acclaim from domestic and international media as well as fans for its originality and high level of craftsmanship.

This version supports mouse controls, allowing players to enjoy more intuitive controls, and adds the additional content Otherworldly Venture, where players can experience the action and strategy from a new perspective.

Founded in 1983 with corporate headquarters in Osaka, Japan, Capcom is a worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, personal computers, handheld and wireless devices.

-- BERNAMA