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AirAsia Aviation Group welcomes Tony Fernandes as strategic advisor ahead of new era of transformation

Photo Caption: (From left to right) Dato' Fam Lee Ee, Chairman of AirAsia X; Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Advisor and Steward at AirAsia Aviation Group; Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim, Chairman of AirAsia Aviation Group AirAsia Aviation Group (“the Group”) has announced the appointment of Tan Sri Tony Fernandes as an Advisor and Steward to its Group Chief Executive Officer, as the airline Group embarks on a new era of transformation and growth. As the co-founder of AirAsia, which is widely acknowledged as the best low-cost airline in the world for the past 14 consecutive years, the Board of Directors at AirAsia Aviation Group unanimously approved Tony’s appointment, based on his exceptional entrepreneurial track record and unparalleled expertise in the aviation industry. Having built a market-leading airline, starting with just two planes to become one of the world's largest low cost carriers places Tony favourably to advise the Group, especially in scaling its airline recovery and growth strategy amid global headwinds such as rising fuel costs, hyper-competition, and a volatile economic climate. His insights and guidance were acknowledged to be crucial as AirAsia looks to grow its business profitably across the globe while maintaining its core value of affordability, propelling the Group towards its vision of becoming a leading, well-governed global airline. Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim, Chairman of AirAsia Aviation Group said: “As we embark on a new era for our airline Group, Tony's visionary leadership, exceptional entrepreneurial ability, global industry knowledge and relationships, will not only ensure continuity but also will assist in the next significant transformation phase. This is integral as we prepare AirAsia Aviation Group to become the overarching leading regional aviation provider for the best value for short, medium and longer-haul routes spanning Asia and beyond. “In his new role Tony will not only provide strategic oversight to AirAsia Aviation Group, including expansion and succession planning, he will also be the key conduit between Capital A and the aviation business ecosystem to ensure all mutual opportunities are leveraged for maximum benefit. In addition, Tony will continue ongoing dialogue with key stakeholders including tourism and government, lessors, bankers and suppliers including Airbus and GE.” Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group said: “Without a doubt, there is no one more fitting to assume the role of our strategic Advisor for the airline Group, as we set our sights on growing to new heights with significant plans for the future. Tony’s extraordinary vision and drive will ensure we can deliver on our strategy to become the most popular and profitable value-driven airline Group in the region and beyond. “In the short term, we remain focused on our airline recovery and growth strategy - to build the most incredible network that can’t be surpassed. This will be achieved by putting the right foundations in place to provide greater connectivity at the best price, alongside an enhanced guest experience which will ultimately drive stronger shareholder value.” Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Advisor and Steward at AirAsia Aviation Group said: “I am excited about what the future holds for AirAsia Aviation Group. With our robust airline expansion strategy, we will be able to soar to greater heights as a formidable combined force in our category, with enhanced connectivity and greater flexibility with the added ability to look to fly to places we have never flown before in the future. “Value, inclusivity, innovation and serving the underserved are key cornerstones of the AirAsia brand. As an airline Group with over 300 new specification, longer range, low emissions aircraft on order, we will be able to look to cover the majority of continents, including also Europe, Africa and the US, ensuring we are always flying profitably with great value fares. “At the same time, as CEO of Capital A, this appointment will enable me to not only oversee my strong senior leadership team in aviation but to also ensure maximum leverage opportunities with our digital ecosystems we focus on becoming the leading aviation, engineering, cargo, logistics and travel platform of choice for everyone - not only in Asean where our foothold is strongest, but across the globe in the future. ”

Stockland and Ampol Launch One of Australia’s Largest Networks of Fast and Ultra-fast Electric Vehicle Charging Bays Across Town Centres

Stockland (ASX: SGP) has today announced a long-term strategic partnership with Ampol (ASX: ALD) to roll out one of the biggest Australian shopping centre networks of AmpCharge fast and ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Customers and tenants at Stockland town centres will soon have access to over 100 AmpCharge charging bays across 16 retail town centres. These bays will allow customers to fully charge their cars in about 60 minutes or less, under the current roll-out plan. Stockland’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Tarun Gupta said the partnership with Ampol is in line with the enterprise’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy, which is focused on innovation, scale and economically sustainable solutions. “Across our portfolio, we are continually exploring ways in which we can support our customers’ transition to a low-carbon future. Last year, our town centres saw nearly 1.8 million visits on average each week, and as the uptake of EVs grows in Australia, we will be providing customers with simple and accessible charging,” Mr. Gupta said. “Our ESG strategy is where our ambition meets tangible, real-world actions – actions that can facilitate more connected, resilient and future-ready communities. This partnership provides an opportunity for us to expand the roll-out of EV charging infrastructure across Stockland’s workplaces and communities in the future, making it easier for people to charge their vehicles wherever they live, work, socialise or shop.” Ampol’s Managing Director and CEO Matt Halliday said Ampol is continuing the expansion of its AmpCharge network as more EV drivers seek convenient places to charge, wherever and whenever they need. “This new partnership enables us to broaden our EV infrastructure network to Stockland’s diversified property portfolio, marking a significant progression in our commitment to supporting our customers and partners as they navigate their energy transition journeys,” Mr. Halliday said. “We look forward to rolling out this critical infrastructure to accommodate an ever-growing number of EVs on our roads.” Mr. Gupta and Mr. Halliday were at Stockland Wetherill Park, in Sydney’s western suburbs, to launch the partnership. The EV charging infrastructure will be installed across Stockland’s town centres over the coming 18 months, with the number of charging bays per centre ranging from six to 12 based on current customer demand. Each AmpCharge charger can service two cars, providing one car up to 150kW or two cars up to 75kW when charging simultaneously. In 2023, EV purchases in Australia more than doubled from 2022, with the total number of EVs on Australia’s roads exceeding 180,000 . Together Ampol and Stockland will continue to look at opportunities to meet the evolving needs of Stockland’s customers. Ampol’s AmpCharge fast and ultra-fast EV charging bays are expected to be available across Stockland’s town centre portfolio which includes Burleigh Heads, Baringa, Birtinya, Hervey Bay and Rockhampton in Queensland; Point Cook and Wendouree in Victoria; Harrisdale and Baldivis in Western Australia; and Merrylands, Wetherill Park, Shellharbour, Glendale, Green Hills, Forster and Piccadilly (Sydney CBD) in New South Wales. Stockland’s ESG strategy is focused on areas where the enterprise has the opportunity to lead, meet and exceed stakeholder expectations. The strategy is underpinned by four pillars – decarbonisation, circularity, social impact and resilience. Media contact: media@ampol.com.au

APAC

Cathay welcomes Olympic medallist Siobhan Haughey as its new brand ambassador

Cathay proudly announces its collaboration with Hong Kong Olympic swimmer Siobhan Haughey as its new brand ambassador. Siobhan will feature in Cathay’s latest series of advertisements, embarking on a journey that manifests their shared belief with all of Hong Kong that “Every Move Counts”. The new Cathay advertisement focuses on Siobhan's daily training routine. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Siobhan has diligently practiced swimming from a young age. She pushes herself to excel in every detail of her practice – every kick, breath control, turn, and weight training exercise, striving to reach new heights day in, day out. The camera captures her dedication and pursuit of excellence, echoing the spirit of Hong Kong people who strive for breakthroughs by recognising the significance of every little move. Just like Siobhan, Cathay strives to make every move count, no matter how small, and everyone across Cathay’s different teams works together to bring customers on a truly memorable journey. Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “We are delighted to have Siobhan represent Cathay as our brand ambassador, reflecting our shared commitment to making every move count in our respective fields. Siobhan is not only a world-class athlete, but she is also a genuine symbol of Hong Kong’s diligent pursuit of excellence on the global stage. As we embark on a new journey with Siobhan, we strive to inspire our customers and the people of Hong Kong with our meticulous attention to detail, and help them move forward in life. “Cathay has deep roots in Hong Kong, and proudly supports the city’s home-grown athletes and their achievements. As a longstanding sponsor of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) and the title sponsor of the Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards since 2019, Cathay aims to join hands with the Hong Kong public to pay tribute to the determination, unwavering perseverance, and remarkable talent exhibited by local athletes. Siobhan's appointment as its brand ambassador further solidifies Cathay's ongoing commitment to supporting its home city’s sports stars.” Siobhan Haughey, the brand ambassador of Cathay, said: “I am honoured to be the brand ambassador of Cathay. Cathay has always been a source of pride for Hong Kong, and I have cherished memories of travelling with my family on Cathay flights. The impeccable service and attention to detail left a lasting impression on me. Whenever I return home on a Cathay Pacific flight after my training or competitions abroad, hearing the familiar cabin announcements brings a sense of warmth and security. I believe Cathay holds a special place in the hearts of many Hong Kong people, and it remains the preferred airline for me and my family when we travel.” Cathay is committed to putting customers at the centre of everything it does, constantly striving to enhance every aspect of the customer experience in pursuit of its vision to become one of the world’s greatest service brands. Whether it's selecting the finest ingredients to offer memorable dining experiences, providing premium cabin facilities and amenities, or the thoughtful service of cabin crew, Cathay aims for perfection in every detail. As depicted in the advertisement, there is a scene where a Cathay Pacific cabin crew member thoughtfully dims the seat light for Siobhan as she rests, ensuring her utmost comfort throughout her journey. It exemplifies Cathay's dedication to enhancing the experience for each customer, and always being attentive to their needs. Inspired by its brand concept “Move Beyond”, Cathay firmly believes that travel is more than simply getting from A to B. The premium travel lifestyle brand endeavours to emotionally engage its customers with thoughtful services, moving them forward in life by connecting them with meaningful places, people, and experiences. Building on this foundation, Cathay always bears in mind the belief that “Every Move Counts”. By focusing on the details and efforts behind every move, Cathay is dedicated to enhancing its service standards to create extraordinary journeys for every customer. Hong Kong Olympic swimmer Siobhan Haughey, as Cathay's brand ambassador, embodies the relentless spirit of Hong Kong. Through this collaboration, Cathay aims to share its belief that “Every Move Counts” with the whole of Hong Kong. In a scene from the advertisement, Siobhan dives underwater and curls up in contemplation, aiming to depict a moment when an athlete faces a low point. Despite facing challenges and setbacks one after another, she still grits her teeth and gives it her all in every competition. She relentlessly pursues perfection in every detail, reflecting the high standards she sets for herself and the belief that even during difficult times, every moment matters. Siobhan shared her experiences of Cathay's attentive service since her early childhood. The advertisement captures a special moment onboard, where a Cathay Pacific cabin crew member thoughtfully dims Siobhan's seat light, ensuring her utmost comfort throughout her journey. Day after day, Siobhan pushes her limits through rigorous weight training. Just like Cathay, she understands the importance of focusing on the details and overcoming challenges with determination. Cathay shares this same dedication, striving to create extraordinary journeys for every customer. https://youtube.com/watch?v=A5o7-CZgAI4&si=Px1-4MadIEz3YsEF

Finance & Loan

Munich Re posts quarterly result of €2.1bn

Munich Re has made a strong start to the year. With a preliminary net profit of approximately €2.1bn in the first quarter of 2024, the Group significantly surpassed analysts’ expectations of €1,476m*. The operational performance of all lines of business was better than expected for the full year: In property-casualty reinsurance, the combined ratio was approximately 75%, attributable in particular to below-average major-loss expenditure. Life and health reinsurance recorded a total technical result of around €0.6bn. ERGO’s net result stood at approximately €0.3bn. Buoyed by a favourable capital market environment, Munich Re achieved a high investment result, with an ROI of approximately 3.8%, and a positive currency result. Munich Re still anticipates a net result of €5bn for the 2024 financial year. Surpassing this target has become more likely due to the Q1 result. Munich Re will provide final Q1 2024 results on 8 May as scheduled. * Mean value derived from the estimates of 11 financial analysts. Munich Re is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, primary insurance and insurance-related risk solutions. The group consists of the reinsurance and ERGO business segments, as well as the asset management company MEAG. Munich Re is globally active and operates in all lines of the insurance business. Since it was founded in 1880, Munich Re has been known for its unrivalled risk-related expertise and its sound financial position. Munich Re leverages its strengths to promote its clients’ business interests and technological progress. Moreover, Munich Re develops covers for new risks such as rocket launches, renewable energies, cyber risks and artificial intelligence. In the 2023 financial year, Munich Re generated insurance revenue of €57.9bn and a net result of €4.6bn. The Munich Re Group employed about 43,000 people worldwide as at 31 December 2023. Disclaimer This media release contains forward-looking statements that are based on current assumptions and forecasts of the management of Munich Re. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the forward-looking statements given here and the actual development, in particular the results, financial situation and performance of our Company. The Company assumes no liability to update these forward-looking statements or to make them conform to future events or developments.

AWC Continues Global Partnership, in Preparation for the Launch of "AEC FOOD WHOLESALE PRATUNAM," Thailand's Groundbreaking Global Food Hub, Opening June 26

(In photo) Mr. Thanasis Tsepisis (Front, far left), Chairman, Hellenic - Thai Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Om Udomkitsakul (Front, 3rd left), Economic and Commercial Assistant, Embassy of Portugal, Mr. Dharmendra Singh (Front, 4th left), First Secretary (Economic & Commerce), Embassy of India, Ms. Rafika Arfani (Front, 5thleft), Commercial Attache, Indonesia Trade Promotion Centre Bangkok, Ms. Laurent LOURDAIS (Front, 6th left), First Counsellor , Agriculture,SPS, Environment, Delegation of the European Union to Thailand, Ph.D. Maria Rakhovskaya (Front, 7th left), Regional Agricultural Attaché, Foreign Agricultural Service | USDA, U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Mr. Alvaro Gil-Navarro (Front, 8th left), Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of Spain in Bangkok, Ms. Jeongju Lee (Front, 9th left), Commercial Attache, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Thailand, Mr. Norbert Bak (Front, 10th left), Head of Foreign Trade Office – Bangkok, Polish Investment and Trade Agency, and Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat (Back, center), Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, furthers its global partnership momentum by hosting a special “PARTNERS TO BETTER FUTURE” luncheon for distinguished guests from Embassies and international trade organizations in Thailand. The event aimed to synergize and attract a network within the global food wholesale industry and expressed gratitude to partners who will take part in enhancing the global food ecosystem through the 'AEC FOOD WHOLESALE PRATUNAM', a global food wholesale hub set to launch on June 26, 2024. ‘AEC FOOD WHOLESALE PRATUNAM' is poised to revolutionize the food wholesale market as the first fully integrated food wholesale platform that connects online and offline realms under the concept of "Integrated Wholesale Platform for Non-Stop Opportunity." 'AEC FOOD WHOLESALE PRATUNAM' is also enhanced by "PHENIXBOX", an omni-channel wholesale platform that is designed to become a year-round Food Ecosystem Destination, setting new trends in the industry. The event, which was honored by guests from the Embassy of India, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Thailand, the Embassy of Portugal, the Embassy of Spain in Bangkok, the U.S. Embassy Bangkok, the Delegation of the European Union to Thailand, the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, the Indonesia Trade Promotion Centre Bangkok, the Hellenic – Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), was held at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse on April 23, 2024. Guests from Embassies and international trade organizations also share the same vision to drive growth for the food industry and promote Thailand as a global food wholesale hub.

Gadgets

“INSTAX mini Evo™ Brown” wins the “Best of the Best Award” of Red Dot Design awards

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation is pleased to announce that 16 of its products including imaging and medical devices have been awarded the “Red Dot Design Award: Product Design 2024,” a product design award program organized by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen based in Essen, Germany. Of the products, “INSTAX*1 mini Evo™ Brown” has received the program’s highest-ranked “Best of the Best Award.” This remarkable achievement marks the first time that all 16 products submitted by FUJIFILM have won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award. The Red Dot Design Award is an international design award program launched in 1955. The award is given to products with excellence in design innovation, functionality, ergonomics, ecological compatibility, and durability. It is one of the world's three most prestigious design awards, alongside Germany's “iF design award” and the United States' “the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA)”. In the development of all its products and services, Fujifilm not only pursues product functionality and performance, but also engages in design development that leverages superior functionality and performance. The 16 products have recognized their beautiful appearance and design achieving outstanding functionality and performance by a panel of internationally renowned design experts. The company will continue to work on creating designs that not only have beautiful appearance but also reflect commitment to offering portability and operability for ease of use and comfort, thereby creating new product values. “Best of the Best Award” logo “Red Dot Design Award 2024” logo *1 INSTAX is a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation. 16 Red Dot Design Award 2024 winning products ①Hybrid instant camera “INSTAX mini Evo™ Brown”【Best of the Best Award】 The “mini Evo™” is a hybrid instant camera incorporating digital technology and supporting the card-size “mini format film.” Released in 2021, it has been a global sensation since its launch due to its hybrid nature of analog and digital function. It comes with ten lens effects including “Soft Focus” and “Light Leak,” and ten film effects, including “Monochrome” and “Retro.” These two types of effects can be freely combined to create 100 different shooting effects, allowing users to express their emotions through INSTAX prints. The camera body sports a premium and classical look and features analog-like operation with the lens dial, film dial and print lever, designed with attention to details such as operation noise. ②Instant camera “INSTAX mini 12™” ③Instant camera “INSTAX SQUARE SQ40™” ④Digital Camera “INSTAX Pal™” ⑤Mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM GFX100 II” Vertical battery grip “VG-GFX100 II” ⑥Mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-S20” ⑦Interchangeable lens for the GFX Series of mirrorless digital cameras “FUJINON Lens GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro” ⑧Interchangeable lens for the GFX Series of mirrorless digital cameras “FUJINON Lens GF55mmF1.7 R WR” ⑨Interchangeable lens for the GFX Series of mirrorless digital cameras “FUJINON Lens GF30mmF5.6 T/S” ⑩Interchangeable lens for the X Series of mirrorless digital cameras “FUJINON Lens XF8mmF3.5 R WR” ⑪FOCUS DEMAND “EPD-51A-G02” ⑫Broadcast zoom lens “FUJINON HZK24-300mm” ⑬Long-range camera with integrated lens “FUJIFILM SX1600” ⑭Portable Identification System of Medicine “PROOFIT iQ” ⑮Wide Format Inkjet Printer “Acuity Prime Hybrid” ⑯Assist function for CT scan “AutoPositioning” Contact Media Contact FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation Corporate Communications Division, Public Relations Group +81-3-6271-2000 * Please note that the contents including the product availability, specification, prices and contacts in this website are current as of the date of the press announcement and may be subject to change without prior notice. * This news release is issued by FUJIFILM Corporation in Japan. Fujifilm makes no representation that products on this news release are commercially available in all countries and regions including the US and EU. Approved uses of healthcare products vary by country and region.

Charity

Coles enlists Richmond Tigers’ top guns to help support Aussie veterans

Coles has enlisted the help of Richmond Football Club’s very own ‘top guns’ Jack Graham and Seth Campbell to encourage customers to get behind military charity Bravery Trust in the lead up to Anzac Day. Graham and Campbell put their baking skills to the test by making their own batch of Anzac biscuits under the tutelage of Coles team members at Punt Road Oval today. Until Anzac Day (April 25), Coles will donate 40 cents from the sale of every 12-pack Coles Bakery Anzac Biscuits to Bravery Trust. As well as the perennial favourite Anzac biscuit, the 40 cents donation will also apply to all other 12-pack Coles Bakery biscuits and cookies sold in-store or on Coles Online during the appeal which commenced last week. Funds raised will enable Bravery Trust to support hundreds of Aussie veterans who are transitioning from military service to civilian life, particularly those who have been injured as result of their service. From helping pay for groceries, rent and other essential bills to providing veteran-specific financial counselling, Bravery Trust has been making a difference in the community for over 11 years. Two-time premiership Richmond midfielder Jack Graham said the Club was pleased to throw their support behind the important appeal. “Richmond Football Club has supported Bravery Trust for the past three years, helping to raise awareness for Aussie veterans who are doing it tough. It’s a cause that strongly resonates across the club – many of our players and supporters know someone, directly or indirectly, who has served for our country,” he said. “We’re excited to play our part in getting the message out there about the impactful and often life-changing work of Bravery Trust through our Anzac Day Eve clash and supporting initiatives like the fundraising campaign at Coles.” Lieutenant Colonel Garth Callender, Bravery Trust Interim CEO, who will be lighting the cauldron at the Anzac Day Eve match, said funds raised will help some of Australia’s most vulnerable veterans and their families. “The lead up to Anzac Day is a great time to show our veterans that they have the support of the nation,” he said. “While most Defence personnel have a great experience and leave Defence with new skills to prosper in a civilian career, sometimes service can take a toll. I believe that we all have an obligation to provide those in hardship with the support they need at the time they need it.” “Bravery Trust works proactively to reduce or avoid the stress that financial hardship can bring veterans and their families. Seventy per cent of those we assist are aged 50 years or younger and nearly three quarters have children to support.” “We hope Coles customers can support Bravery Trust over the next few days by making a donation at the checkout or by buying a participating 12-pack Coles Bakery biscuit or cookie. We are also asking customers to get together with friends, family and workmate and reflect on the sacrifices being made by our veterans.” Coles General Manager Bakery Kate Roff said Coles is proud to continue its longstanding community partnership with Bravery Trust. “Coles has a long and proud history of supporting Bravery Trust and assisting team members who have served or are serving in the Australian Defence Force or Reserves, including our founder GJ Coles who fought in World War 1,” she said. “Our bakers rise to the occasion for Bravery Trust every year, making nearly 500,000 Anzac biscuits in the week leading up to Anzac Day. It’s a cause our bakers love getting behind and we hope our customers can support too by buying a 12-pack Coles Bakery Anzac biscuit on or before Anzac Day.” For media enquiries, please contact Coles Media Line (03) 9829 5250 or media.relations@coles.com.au

Travel & Leisure

AirAsia Malaysia welcomes first flight from Jaipur, connecting Kuala Lumpur to the Pink City in India’s north

AirAsia Malaysia today celebrated another major milestone, welcoming its maiden flight from Jaipur to Kuala Lumpur with full grandeur. The inaugural flight, with a load factor of 100%, departed from Jaipur International Airport at 11.40PM and landed in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2) at 7.05AM local time. Excited guests onboard flight AK18 were warmly greeted upon arrival by several Allstars who handed out exclusive goodie bags to the delighted travellers. This route is extra special for AirAsia Malaysia ‒ marking its first venture into the stunning Pink City, world-renowned for its vintage forts dating back to the 16th century as well as the majestic Jal Mahal. Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, Bo Lingam said: “We’re thrilled that our first ever services for AirAsia Malaysia between Jaipur and Kuala Lumpur route took flight today and are honoured to be the only airline in Malaysia to offer this direct connectivity. Jaipur ‒ often known as the ‘Jewel of Rajasthan’ ‒ is an exquisitely-beautiful city with plenty to offer, as is Kuala Lumpur thanks to our world-famous sky-scrappers and cultural melting pot of local delights. “AirAsia first commenced flights from between India and Malaysia in 2008 with the sole aim of enabling travellers to experience the beauty and wonder of both countries with ease and affordability. We have since gone on to fly millions of guests between India and Malaysia in the last decade and a half. The inauguration of this route commemorates AirAsia’s steadfast commitment to further expand our network in India, and we look forward to welcoming more visitors to our homeland Malaysia, particularly following the government’s announcement of visa free entry into the country last year.” Continuing the celebratory momentum, AirAsia is offering limited-time-only promotional fares to India with a whopping 20% discount. Fly from Kuala Lumpur to a myriad of exciting destinations in the country such as Bhubaneswar*, Visakhapatnam*, Ahmedabad*, Trivandrum, Amritsar and so much more from only RM179 all-in-one-way.** Book your flights now till 28 April 2024 and travel from 6 May to 30 November 2024. AirAsia currently flies directly from Kuala Lumpur to an incredible 13 cities in all of India with 78 flights weekly to Trivandrum, Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, (flights to commence on 28 May 2024), Visakhapatnam (flights to commence on 26 April 2024) and Ahmedabad (flights to commence on 1 May 2024). Medium haul affiliate airline AirAsia X Malaysia (flight code D7) also provides two direct routes from Kuala Lumpur to New Delhi and Amritsar with 8 flights weekly. Stay tuned to @flyairasia for all-things AirAsia. *The travel period for Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam and Ahmenabad is 28 May 2024, 26 April 2024 & 1 May 2024 to 30 November 2024 respectively **Includes airport taxes, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees. Terms and conditions apply

JD.com Debuts AI Digital Representative of Founder Richard Liu During Livestream, Drawing 20 Million Views in Under One Hour

During a livestream on April 16th, JD.com introduced an AI digital representative of its founder, Richard Liu (Qiangdong Liu), nicknamed “procurement and sales manager Brother Dong (采销东哥).” Liu appeared in both JD Home Appliances and JD Supermarket’s livestreaming rooms, attracting over 20 million views within the first hour and generating RMB 50 million in sales throughout the entire livestream. The digital representative almost perfectly replicates Liu’s facial expressions, body language, gestures, and voice, capturing even the subtlest movements of his fingers. Behind this technology is JD Cloud’s ChatRhino, an advanced large language model (LLM) that brings the avatar to life. Behind the Technology The LLM precisely mirrors Liu’s distinctive expressions and movements, naturally weaving in his occasional finger twiddles while he speaks, accentuating points with hand gestures, and adding nods at just the right moments for emphasis, creating a natural and authentic representation. Perfecting the voice proved to be a greater challenge. Those who have heard Liu speak are well-acquainted with the distinct inflections of his Suqian accent—a characteristic touch from his small-town roots in Jiangsu province. Observers will note the brisk pace of his speech, lighter enunciation, and his tendency to meld words in a seamless flow. His “sh” sounds carry a nasal quality, and he often addresses people as “brothers” to boost morale. While programming the standard Mandarin dialect is relatively straightforward, teaching the AI to adopt the nuances of the Suqian dialect and Liu’s unique vocal patterns required a precise level of customization from the ChatRhino LLM. For example, the LLM had to provide accurate judgments on when to introduce the nasal tonality or the specific moments to merge words, ensuring the AI’s linguistic output mirrored Liu’s signature speaking style authentically. Beyond replicating vocal characteristics, the AI’s voice must also be suitable for the casual, dynamic atmosphere of e-commerce livestreaming, such as adopting colloquialisms like “xiong di men” — a phrase comparable to “folks” or “guys” in English — to create a friendly rapport with the audience. JD Cloud’s ChatRhino team fine-tuned the model to focus on sociable nuances. The initial dataset for the LLM consisted predominantly of Liu’s formal speeches—spirited and compelling, yet too ceremonious for the interactive world of livestreaming. To cultivate a more congenial and approachable persona, the team utilized Liu’s recent casual conversations as the primary source material, rich with personal anecdotes and travel tales. This approach shaped the AI’s voice into one that is that is not only natural and approachable but also genuinely engaging for the end user. As a fully self-developed technology product of JD Cloud, the ChatRhino Digital Representative solution has already served over 4,000 brand merchants, contributing to a 30% increase in order conversion rate during idle hours and helping merchants reduce livestreaming costs, enhance operational efficiency, and optimize user experience. Equipped with 50,000 hours of voice data, this technology enables digital representatives to intelligently adapt to various livestreaming styles dynamically. The AI is also adept at managing 70% of routine live chat inquiries autonomously without any manual intervention, while also optimizing its responses with a self-improving algorithm. For instance, digital representatives can autonomously fields questions using product details and scripts, and post-livestream, and assimilate new information. Mirroring the acumen of seasoned sales professionals, it boasts a 90% accuracy rate in offering tailored product recommendations when solicited by customers. The recent introduction of a cutting-edge livestream control console serves as the “brain” for the digital representative solution. It diligently monitors real-time inventory, adjusting the showcased products in the livestream and tailoring the script to ensure relevance—sidestepping items that are out of stock and spotlighting those in high demand. It also gauges and fine-tunes the frequency and style of interactions based on live audience engagement. With this advanced platform, businesses managing multiple livestreams can effortlessly operate thousands of sessions concurrently via cloud services, bypassing the need for intricate local setups. This innovation yields a substantial cost reduction of 30%. Human-Machine Synergy The intention behind digital avatars is not to outshine or compete with human talent but to harness the potential of technology to work in concert with livestreamers, maximizing overall growth. Essentially, the digital representative solution serves as a tool for brands and merchants to leverage long-tail traffic once real livestreamers conclude their broadcasts. JD’s analytics indicate this strategy can boost order conversion rates by 30% during off-peak hours, such as late into the night. Digital representatives also excel in specific product categories that require detailed explanations, such as health products like nursing beds, electric wheelchairs, and oxygen concentrators. The solution can provide constant, round-the-clock guidance, adding substantial value to livestreams when traffic is typically lower. Last week, JD.com announced an investment of one billion yuan into video content creation. This investment underscores JD’s commitment to leveraging the power of short videos and livestreams to transform the online shopping experience for its users and create new growth avenues for brand merchants. ( yuchuan.wang@jd.com )

April 21, 2024

CapitaLand Investment and SG Eco Fund Unveil Partnership to Enhance Community Engagement on Sustainability Initiatives in Singapore

CapitaLand Investment (CLI) and SG Eco Fund will be entering a two-year partnership to drive greater environmental awareness and community engagement on sustainability initiatives in Singapore, in celebration of Earth Day on 22 April. CLI is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold, while the SG Eco Fund supports ground-up sustainability initiatives that engage the community. Together, they will leverage their combined expertise to engage and inspire individuals, communities, and businesses in advancing environmental sustainability initiatives across CLI’s retail and workspace network in Singapore. As part of the partnership, CLI and SG Eco Fund are aiming to jointly curate ten events and engagement activities. These initiatives aim to enhance awareness of environmental issues, involve communities in sustainability initiatives, and spotlight both the SG Eco Fund and its grant recipients. They are set to extend until 2026 and include: A Go Green Hub design project with Temasek Polytechnic’s School of Design. Under this project, students will develop a concept design for a physical exhibition that promotes environmental awareness and engages the public on sustainable practices, in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and CLI’s 2030 Sustainability Master Plan. A public showcase of the ground-up sustainability solutions and initiatives supported by the SG Eco Fund at a CapitaLand mall. The showcase aims to educate and engage shoppers on the topic of sustainability through informative booths and workshops which will be facilitated by SG Eco Fund grant recipients. The showcase also aims to leverage CLI’s extensive outreach to encourage individuals to adopt sustainable practices. Engagement with CLI’s retail and workspace tenants to share about the SG Eco Fund and facilitate connections between CLI’s tenants and grant recipients to support the co-creation of sustainability initiatives. Networking sessions to connect SG Eco Fund grant recipients, CLI’s tenants, non-profit organisations and individuals interested in sustainability. These sessions will foster learning about different sustainability topics, explore collaboration opportunities and share CLI’s sustainability initiatives. Ms June Tan, Head, Digital Platforms, Strategic Marketing & Business Partnerships, Retail & Workspace, CLI said: “We are pleased to embark on this partnership with SG Eco Fund to contribute to the environmental and social well-being of the communities that we operate in. This is in line with CapitaLand Investment’s refreshed 2030 Sustainability Master Plan. We hope to collaborate with like-minded partners, tenants and the public to jointly drive sustainable impact for Singapore’s built environment sector through our extensive network of retail and workspace properties as well as omnichannel platforms.” Ms Phua Mei Pin, Trust Secretary, SG Eco Fund, said : “The SG Eco Fund is dedicated to supporting ground-up community projects that contribute to Singapore’s sustainability goals. We are heartened by CapitaLand Investment’s commitment to environmental sustainability. This partnership is a great opportunity for us to reach out together to more communities and organisations, to play an active role to achieve meaningful environmental impact.” Go Green Hub Design Project with Temasek Polytechnic To kickstart the partnership, the Go Green Hub design project will begin in May 2024 with the development of the design guidelines by CLI and SG Eco Fund, together with Temasek Polytechnic’s School of Design. This will be followed by the development of the concept design and visitor experience by students from the Diploma in Interior Architecture & Design, and the Diploma in Communication Design programmes. The final concept design is expected to be ready by February 2025. The concept design is envisioned as an interactive and functional exhibition that allows the public to: (i) learn about sustainability topics including waste reduction and recycling, climate change, energy and water conservation, food production, or biodiversity conservation; (ii) engage with the digital and/or physical displays through interactive components and/or hands-on activities; and (iii) be inspired to take action after visiting the exhibition. There may be opportunities to showcase or implement the students’ concept design at suitable spaces or events within Temasek Polytechnic or at public venues such as a CapitaLand mall, with funding support from the SG Eco Fund. Mr Elvis Tay, Head of BeyonDesign Centre at Temasek Polytechnic’s School of Design, said, “Temasek Polytechnic is deeply committed to fostering environmental sustainability in Singapore. We have woven this into the fabric of the whole polytechnic’s curriculum and implemented concrete measures to achieve net zero carbon emissions on campus. Our students, educators, and industry partners work together on myriad eco-friendly initiatives across diverse fields and disciplines. Through this collaboration, both staff and students will have the opportunity to cultivate practical skills and engage in a meaningful project aimed at heightening public awareness and fostering a culture of sustainability in everyday life.”

April 20, 2024