KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- AKWEL, a manufacturer of parts and systems for the automotive and heavy-vehicle industry, has reported a net income of 13.6 million euros for the first half (1H) of 2025, a decrease of 32.9 per cent compared to the same period last year. (1 Euro = RM4.93)
The group’s consolidated revenue totalled 510.6 million euros, down 3.4 per cent from the prior year. Despite the dip in revenue, the group navigated this period with strong cost control, maintaining a healthy cash position of 139.2 million euros at the end of June 2025.
During the first half of 2025, AKWEL saw its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) fall sharply to 6.5 million euros, marking a significant decline of 86.8 per cent compared to the previous year. This drop was largely due to a 52.5 million euros impact on external costs stemming from ongoing customer disputes related to SCR tanks.
However, the company’s current operating income rose by 14.1 per cent, reaching 27.8 million euros, aided by 32.8 million euros in provision reversals.
In a statement, the group also reported its activity with strategic customers has shown good resistance, bolstered by the postponement to 2026 of the production shutdown of SCR tanks.
The group remains focused on its strategic priorities, developing its product potential as part of the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), optimising its operational performance to remain agile in a particularly unstable automotive market and global environment, while continuing to implement its corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments.
Looking ahead, the Annual General Meeting has been set for Sept 30, and the dividend payment for the 2024 financial year is scheduled on Oct 7.
As an independent family business listed on Euronext Paris, with 8,600 employees in 20 countries across five continents, AKWEL remains a key enabler of next-generation mobility, particularly in fluid management and structural systems for EVs.
-- BERNAMA
Friday, September 19, 2025
Dr Indra Singawinata Starts Second Term As APO Secretary-General, Sets Bold Agenda
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) has announced the reappointment of Dr Indra Pradana Singawinata as its 13th Secretary‑General, effective Sept 16.
Reelected by the APO Governing Body at its 67th Session in May 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Dr Singawinata will serve his second term as Secretary-General until Sept 15, 2028, according to the APO in a statement.
“Productivity is not merely output, but it is quality growth, dignified work, and sustainable progress,” said Dr Singawinata, who aimed to invest deliberately in productivity as a driver of competitiveness, resilience, and long‑term sustainability, helping APO members keep pace with rapid global change.
During his first term, Dr Singawinata strengthened institutional governance and transparency and sharpened the APO’s strategic focus across member economies, positioning the organisation to be more responsive, agile, and future-ready.
Building on that platform, his second‑term priorities include continuously improving institutional effectiveness and accountability across the Secretariat and APO programmes, and positioning the APO as the premier productivity partner for national productivity organisations.
In addition, he will also scale the Green Productivity (GP) 2.0 journey to pursue inclusive, innovation‑led, sustainable growth; expand artificial intelligence‑enabled solutions and capacity building across sectors; and support member economies in anticipating and building capabilities for emerging industries and the future of work.
Prior to joining the APO, Dr Singawinata was Senior Vice President at the Indonesia Infrastructure Guarantee Fund (IIGF). He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in philosophy from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan.
APO is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1961 to increase productivity in the Asia-Pacific region through mutual cooperation, contributing to the sustainable socioeconomic development of the region through policy advisory services.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
KIS signs BioLNG supply agreement with Shell, paving the way for future RNG supply
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| KIS signs BioLNG supply agreement with Shell, paving the way for future RNG supply |
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Knowledge Integration Services (KIS Group), a global leader in biomethane and clean energy solutions, has signed a BioLNG supply agreement with Shell Eastern Trading (Pte) Ltd. KIS will supply BioLNG starting in 2027 to Shell for regasification and distribution to customers in Singapore, supporting the country’s transition to a lower- carbon energy future.
This agreement marks the first phase of a strategic framework to meet rising demand for methane capture & renewable natural gas (RNG). It reflects both companies shared commitment to scalable, sustainable energy solutions that help decarbonisation without major infrastructure changes.
Proven Track Record in Clean Technology
With over 20 years of experience and more than 90 global projects, KIS is recognized for its leadership in biomethane innovation. Highlights include:
· South east Asia’s largest BioCNG plant
· Several awards for BioCNG & circular waste management
· 13.5 Million Tons of organic waste treated annually
· 600 million m³ of biogas generated annually
· 5.9 million tons/year of carbon emissions reduced globally
Why BioLNG Matters
BioLNG, a renewable fuel derived from organic waste that are presently emitting methane, offers a cleaner alternative to conventional LNG. As a drop-in solution, it reduces lifecycle emissions and enhances energy security—without requiring major infrastructure changes. Methane capturing helps reducing emissions for agricultural industries & create jobs.
Leadership Perspectives
K. R. Raghunath, Founder & CEO of KIS Group:
“We are delighted to collaborate with Shell for BioLNG . With our combined strength we hope to meet the decarbonisation needs of customers in Singapore at the earliest. We are looking forward to building on this to further to strengthen our collaboration.
Aditya Gupta, General Manager, New Business Development, Shell Energy Asia:
“We are proud to partner with KIS Group on this pioneering BioLNG initiative. By leveraging on our joint expertise, we are supporting Singapore and the region in achieving their climate ambition. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to delivering more and cleaner energy solutions to support our customers in their energy transition journey.”
About KIS Group
KIS transforms waste into clean energy through advanced biomethane technologies and strategic partnerships. With a strong presence across Asia, KIS continues to drive the global shift toward a low-carbon economy.
SOURCE: KIS GREENTECH SDN BHD
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mr. Raghunath Ramaiah
CEO of KIS Group
Email: Raghu@kisgroup.net
--BERNAMA
HERE TECHNOLOGIES, RADARO TO BOOST LAST-MILE DELIVERY INTELLIGENCE
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- HERE Technologies, a location data and technology platform, has partnered with Radaro to extend Radaro’s enterprise-grade routing, planning, and fleet optimisation capabilities.
Trusted by global leaders such as Electrolux, Miele, Knauf, PPG and Air Liquide, Radaro has built a reputation for delivering customer-centric logistics through real-time tracking, deep workflows, mobile driver experience, and configurable business rules.
“This partnership showcases how the HERE Tour Planning and full-stack location services can drive real-world efficiency, reduce planning complexity, and improve the delivery experience for businesses, drivers and customers,” said HERE Technologies Senior Director and Head of Business, Oceania, Daniel Antonello in a statement.
Meanwhile, Radaro Chief Technology Officer, Arie Spivak said: “Radaro is trusted globally to orchestrate the full logistics lifecycle, from planning and compliance to execution, driver experience, and customer engagement.
“By adopting HERE’s location services into our platform, we have further extended those capabilities. Together with HERE, we are delivering better customer outcomes and operational excellence.”
Radaro has strengthened its platform by adopting HERE Tour Planning, with truck-ready intelligence for smarter routing and deeper operational insights, optimised for mixed fleets, including light commercial vehicles, heavy vehicles and electric vehicles to ensure consistent, on-time deliveries.
The combination of Radaro’s platform with HERE Tour Planning and location services allows organisations to evolve from static route planning to dynamic, intelligent logistics execution for complex delivery schedules.
From pre-trip optimisation to post-trip analysis, the combined solution provides traditional fleet routing tools while also accounting for real-world delivery constraints such as vehicle load capacity, driver availability, road closures, truck-specific restrictions and skill-based job requirements.
-- BERNAMA
Trusted by global leaders such as Electrolux, Miele, Knauf, PPG and Air Liquide, Radaro has built a reputation for delivering customer-centric logistics through real-time tracking, deep workflows, mobile driver experience, and configurable business rules.
“This partnership showcases how the HERE Tour Planning and full-stack location services can drive real-world efficiency, reduce planning complexity, and improve the delivery experience for businesses, drivers and customers,” said HERE Technologies Senior Director and Head of Business, Oceania, Daniel Antonello in a statement.
Meanwhile, Radaro Chief Technology Officer, Arie Spivak said: “Radaro is trusted globally to orchestrate the full logistics lifecycle, from planning and compliance to execution, driver experience, and customer engagement.
“By adopting HERE’s location services into our platform, we have further extended those capabilities. Together with HERE, we are delivering better customer outcomes and operational excellence.”
Radaro has strengthened its platform by adopting HERE Tour Planning, with truck-ready intelligence for smarter routing and deeper operational insights, optimised for mixed fleets, including light commercial vehicles, heavy vehicles and electric vehicles to ensure consistent, on-time deliveries.
The combination of Radaro’s platform with HERE Tour Planning and location services allows organisations to evolve from static route planning to dynamic, intelligent logistics execution for complex delivery schedules.
From pre-trip optimisation to post-trip analysis, the combined solution provides traditional fleet routing tools while also accounting for real-world delivery constraints such as vehicle load capacity, driver availability, road closures, truck-specific restrictions and skill-based job requirements.
-- BERNAMA
SEOUL TOURISM ORGANIZATION UNVEILS CUSTOMISABLE ‘PICK 3 PASS’ FOR SMART, FLEXIBLE TRAVEL
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| The Pick 3 Pass allows the holder to select and enjoy a total of 3 partner attractions/services in Seoul for 5 days. (Image: Seoul Tourism Organization) |
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- The Seoul Tourism Organization has launched the “Pick 3 Pass”, a new addition to its popular Discover Seoul Pass series, with official sales beginning on Sept 15.
The organisation in a statement said the new pass is targeted at repeat visitors and independent travellers, allowing tourists to select three attractions of their choice — offering flexibility without compromising value.
The Pick 3 Basic Pass, priced at 49,000 Korean won (US$35.30), allows visitors to choose any three attractions, such as N Seoul Tower and Sea Life COEX, Seoul Aquarium. (US$1=RM4.18)
Meanwhile, the Pick 3 Theme Park Pass, priced at 70,000 Korean won (US$50.41), includes entry to one theme park – Lotte World Adventure, SeoulLand, or Everland – plus two additional attractions.
The Pick 3 Pass joins the existing 72-hour and 120-hour Discover Seoul Passes, expanding the range of options for travellers with varying itineraries and interests.
The pass is valid for five days from first use and is available in both mobile and physical formats. Purchasers of the mobile pass receive a complimentary five-day eSIM, while the physical card includes a rechargeable prepaid transit function for buses and subways.
All pass holders are also entitled to a one-time free rental of hiking equipment at Seoul Hiking Tourism Centers on Bukhansan, Bugaksan and Gwanaksan mountains.
In addition, the physical Discover Seoul Pass now carries a prepaid payment function for transport, attractions and retail purchases, with more than 20 new discount partners added in August.
The passes can be purchased through the official Discover Seoul Pass website and app, as well as global travel platforms such as Klook and KKday.
The expansion reflects changing tourism trends and a growing demand for personalised travel products. The organisation will continue to introduce diverse products and services so that visitors to Seoul can enjoy their travels more conveniently and freely.
-- BERNAMA
CGTN HIGHLIGHTS PREMIERE OF “731”, HISTORICAL FILM ON WARTIME HUMAN EXPERIMENTATION
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- A Chinese historical drama titled 731 is set to premiere globally on Sept 18, depicting events related to wartime medical experiments in northeast China.
Directed by Zhao Linshan, the film follows the story of Wang Yongzhang, a local vendor, and others who were imprisoned under the pretext of health checks and research cooperation.
According to China Global Television Network (CGTN) in a statement, the storyline illustrates how the individuals later became subjects of medical testing during the war period.
The drama also revisits the history of Unit 731, a research facility established in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, during World War II. The unit has been historically associated with biological and chemical warfare activities.
Recently declassified documents from Russia’s Federal Security Service reportedly show that Unit 731 conducted extensive pathogen testing and had planned broader operations in the region.
Historical adviser Jin Chengmin, who also heads the Exhibition Hall of Unit 731 in Harbin, said the film aims to portray the experiences of civilians while highlighting their resilience.
“This history must be remembered, and the film underscores the importance of safeguarding peace,” he said.
The global release coincides with the 94th anniversary of the Sept 18 Incident of 1931, seen as a turning point in the region’s wartime history.
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, observed internationally as a victory in the global anti-fascist struggle.
-- BERNAMA
Directed by Zhao Linshan, the film follows the story of Wang Yongzhang, a local vendor, and others who were imprisoned under the pretext of health checks and research cooperation.
According to China Global Television Network (CGTN) in a statement, the storyline illustrates how the individuals later became subjects of medical testing during the war period.
The drama also revisits the history of Unit 731, a research facility established in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, during World War II. The unit has been historically associated with biological and chemical warfare activities.
Recently declassified documents from Russia’s Federal Security Service reportedly show that Unit 731 conducted extensive pathogen testing and had planned broader operations in the region.
Historical adviser Jin Chengmin, who also heads the Exhibition Hall of Unit 731 in Harbin, said the film aims to portray the experiences of civilians while highlighting their resilience.
“This history must be remembered, and the film underscores the importance of safeguarding peace,” he said.
The global release coincides with the 94th anniversary of the Sept 18 Incident of 1931, seen as a turning point in the region’s wartime history.
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, observed internationally as a victory in the global anti-fascist struggle.
-- BERNAMA
Saturday, September 13, 2025
YIKEDA Showcases Premium Tomato Products At Asia Fruit Logistica, Eyes Global Expansion
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- The high-end fruit tomato brand YIKEDA under Triumph Haofeng Agriculture Group Co Ltd recently made its debut at the 18th Asia Fruit Logistica (AFL), attracting numerous merchants and continuous collaboration.
The debut showcases the brand's strong capabilities and global confidence as it focuses on products such as cherry tomatoes, 100 per cent NFC tomato juice, tomato plum sparkling water, and tomato wellness water.
According to a statement, the products have obtained low glycaemic index (GI) certification and are also recognised by Frost & Sullivan as “Cherry tomatoes: No. 1 Best-seller Nationwide” and “100% NFC tomato juice: No. 1 Best-seller Nationwide”.
All of YIKEDA cherry tomatoes are produced in the smart glass greenhouse owned by its parent company, are non-genetically modified organisms (GMO), free of artificial hormones and heavy metals, naturally seed-rich, bursting with juice and packed with intense tomato flavour.
The 100 per cent NFC tomato juice adheres to “no added water”, using only tomatoes, which also garnered numerous enquiries and positive feedback.
Triumph Haofeng Agriculture Group Chairman and the YIKEDA brand founder, Ma Tiemin said the brand will continue to deepen its focus on the tomato industry, expanding its products and channels with a global perspective.
YIKEDA has already embarked on its global expansion, with its cherry tomatoes entered in Russian Eurospar supermarkets, tomato juice exported to South Korea, and some products sold in various supermarkets in Hong Kong, China.
Held in Hong Kong, the AFL attracted over 750 exhibitors from more than 40 countries, making it one of Asia’s most influential professional fruit exhibitions.
Although the exhibition has concluded, collaborations continue to gain momentum, with clients from Belarus, Malaysia, Thailand, and other regions having expressed strong intentions to cooperate.
-- BERNAMA
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