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LAZADA GROUP RELEASES ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) IMPACT REPORT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2024

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Lazada’s third ESG Impact Report underscores its commitment to building a responsible and sustainable business through innovation

SINGAPORE, Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Lazada, a leading eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia, today released its annual Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) Impact report: Accelerating Innovation, Anchoring Resilience for its financial year (FY) 2024. The annual report continues to detail the Group’s ongoing efforts and achievements, under the four core pillars of its ESG framework, namely: Empowering Communities, Future-Ready Workforce, Environmental Stewardship, and Effective Governance.

One key highlight in this year’s report is the introduction of an internal carbon data collection platform developed to track and monitor the Group’s carbon emissions. The platform utilizes an improved activity-based carbon accounting methodology that is also constantly being refined to reflect real-world conditions to obtain more precise information for effective emissions management. This improvement enhances the data quality and accuracy for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, making it more robust than in previous years. The implementation of various business optimization initiatives to lower overall electricity consumption also contributed to a 40% reduction in Lazada’s overall Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions as compared to the previous reporting period. Specifically, our reported emissions have decreased by 54% in Scope 1, and by 8% and 30% in Scope 2 and Scope 3, respectively.

“Our third ESG Impact Report continues to showcase our commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and key stakeholders in the wider eCommerce ecosystem that includes our employees, buyers, sellers and the communities we serve,” said James Dong, Chief Executive Officer, Lazada Group. “Our confidence in Lazada’s future stems from our commitment to fostering long-term growth through continuous adaptation and resilience building. We remain focused on creating value for our stakeholders, driving economic prosperity, and championing sustainable developments across the region.”

The report highlights many other notable achievements and progress of the company’s ESG efforts during the reporting period, including:

Empowering Communities:Driving innovations across the ecosystem: Lazada leverages technological innovations to redefine the online retail experience and bridge the digital divide:AI applications to empower buyers, such as Lazada’s “Ask the Buyers” feature to prompt past buyers to respond to product-related questions and aid other buyers in product selection, and the launch of LazzieChat, Lazada’s first-of-its-kind chatbot powered by OpenAI ChatGPT, in Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore.Lazada’s national QR code payment initiative to facilitate seamless payments in Singapore and Thailand, to provide more online payment options for buyers, making online shopping more accessible and inclusive for consumers without credit or debit cards.Championing local businesses: Lazada launched the Lazada Sustainability Academy in October 2023, a pioneering program to empower small and medium Southeast Asian businesses with the mindset and knowledge needed to future-proof and transform sustainably.Future-Ready Workforce:Shaping the future of digital commerce through digital enablement and outreach engagement: Lazada Indonesia partnered with the West Java Ministry of Education through the Acceleration of Indonesian Digital People’s Work Movement (AKAR), to organize the “Naik KeLaz” Training of Trainers program for 100 vocational high school teachers.Cultivating a deeper understanding of sustainability for Lazadians: Lazada launched its first ESG internal training module, to provide a foundational understanding of ESG principles, enabling all employees to apply these learnings in day-to-day business practices.Environmental Stewardship:Lower carbon footprint: Lazada reduced its overall GHG emissions by 40%, compared to the last reporting period, based on a more accurate activity-based carbon accounting methodology.Notable sustainable logistics initiatives: In September 2023, Lazada Thailand launched its first eco-friendly logistics hub at the Tha Raeng Ramindra logistics facility to minimize its environmental impact through three key strategies: using solar power, utilizing electric motorcycles for transportation, and providing delivery partners with uniforms made from recycled PET plastics bottles. 20% of the facility’s electricity needs are powered by solar energy generated.Effective Governance:Strengthened cybersecurity measures: Lazada achieved a 100% employee training completion rate for its Code of Business Conduct and Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy during the reporting period.Best practices for intellectual property protection (IPR) and processes: Lazada’s Intellectual Property Protection Platform processes over 97% of takedown requests by rights holders within 72 hours. Under the proactive measures program, the platform is able to leverage advanced technology like AI and image recognition to remove 85.7% of identified listings, achieving a 90% removal rate before transactions occur for 140 brands.

“Sustainability is a continuous journey, which should be managed holistically. As such, we believe in transparency and accountability when it comes to tracking and reporting on our progress,” said Gladys Chun, General Counsel, Lazada Group. “We are proud of the achievements that we have accomplished on this journey, as we strive to make positive and meaningful contributions to the wider eCommerce ecosystem, the communities we serve and the environment.”

Lazada’s FY2024 ESG Impact Report is prepared with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards 2021[1].

The full FY2024 ESG Impact Report: Accelerating Innovation, Anchoring Resilience can be found here. 
For a summary of notable achievements and highlights from the report, please click here.

Editor’s Note:

Lazada’s FY2024 ESG Impact Report details its ESG approach and performance across the Group’s operations in six countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – and the operations of its subsidiary, RedMart in Singapore for the reporting period of 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 (“FY2024”), unless otherwise stated.This report also includes data from the prior reporting period of 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 (“FY2023”) for comparison where applicable.The GRI Standards was selected as it is the most widely adopted global standard among businesses to report on sustainability matters across comparable criteria. A detailed GRI Standards content index is provided at the end of the report (page 24).

About Lazada Group
Lazada Group is Southeast Asia’s pioneer eCommerce platform. For the last 12 years, Lazada has been accelerating progress in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam through commerce and technology. Today, a thriving local ecosystem links about 160 million active users to more than one million actively-selling sellers every month, who are transacting safely and securely via trusted payments channels and Lazada Wallet, receiving parcels through a homegrown logistics network that has become the largest in the region.

[1] See Editor’s Note for more details

 

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SOURCE Lazada Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

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SOURCE Travelzoo

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