Technology

Global Times: China’s environmental protection efforts benefit whole Asia region

Published

1 year ago

November 19, 2024

BEIJING, Nov. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — China’s continuous improvement of air quality and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions has benefited not only the country itself, but also the rest of Asia and the world, foreign scholars said Monday at an event held in Beijing, calling for more success stories like “China Blue” to spread across the Asian region and help countries reduce air pollution.

Representatives from authorities and research institutions from China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Mongolia, the Philippines, totaling nearly 50 participants, attended the event.

At the opening ceremony of the Asian Regional Exchange for Clean Air held in Beijing on Monday, Lei Yu, director of Atmospheric Environmental Planning Institute, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, said that since the implementation of the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan in 2013, China has implemented a series of measures, including adjustments to the energy structure, industrial restructuring, and major emission reduction projects. These efforts have led to significant progress and notable achievements in air pollution prevention and control.

“Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei is renowned for turning smog into blue skies, much like what we are seeing today on such a beautiful autumn day,” Glynda Bathan-Baterina, deputy executive director of Clean Air Asia, an international NGO, said at the event, hailing China’s impressive results in this regard.

The deputy executive director noted that China has achieved 40 percent reduction of PM2.5 in merely seven years, a similar feat accomplished by the US in three decades.

“We need more success stories across Asia like this and having those spread throughout the region,” Glynda said.

Gantuya Ganbat, a professor of Environmental Engineering at the German-Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology, told the Global Times that Mongolia, particularly its capital Ulaanbaatar, is facing severe air pollution challenges due to the burning of fossil fuels, especially in winter. Insufficient financial resources, a shortage of skilled professionals, policy instability, as well as a lack of technological advancements are the major causes for the problem.

“Mongolia has a lot to learn from China’s experience and expertise in environmental planning,” Ganbat said. For example, Mongolia could learn how China’s specialized institutions, such as the Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, operate, the processes they use to develop strategies, and how they approach issues like air pollution and carbon neutrality.

Sharing China’s experiences and methodologies could not only support Mongolia, but also provide valuable insights for other countries, fostering broader regional cooperation, Ganbat told the Global Times.

Ririn Radiawati Kusuma, Indonesia director of Clean Air Asia, told the Global Times that in Indonesia, the main challenges regarding air pollution are the lack of government commitment and weak law enforcement.

China can coordinate with Indonesia to address these issues in several ways, Kusuma said. First, regional exchanges are essential for facilitating knowledge sharing between local and national governments. Second, partnerships with Chinese entities, including universities and institutions, can facilitate the R&D of environmental programs. Furthermore, Chinese green investments such as electric vehicle manufacturers in Indonesia can accelerate its effort to combat air pollution in the country.

A report was also released at Monday’s seminar as part of the “China Air” report series. The report said that as many Asian developing countries are still in the midst of rapid urbanization and industrialization, they are facing grave challenges in air pollution control and greenhouse gas emission reduction. Being the largest economy in Asia, China’s continuous improvement of air quality and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions has benefited not only the country itself, but also the rest of the region and the world.

In 2023, countries in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia have shown great economic growth momentum, but this has also been accompanied by increased energy consumption and emission intensity. Countries in South Asia face more severe air pollution challenges, as PM 2.5 exposure concentration in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan have nearly doubled the global average.

China, undergoing green transition, has shown a new development trend after encountering the situations seen in other countries, the report reads. As China’s GDP per capita exceeded the $10,000 mark and crossed the inflection point, the relationship between the country’s economic development and environmental quality improvement have turned from being “a compromise” to a “win-win situation,” according to the report.

According to the latest data released by the MEE, in the first three quarters this year, the percentage of days with good or excellent air quality across 339 Chinese cities at the prefecture level and above reached 85.8 percent, an increase of 1.6 percentage points year-on-year. The average concentrations of PM 2.5, PM 10, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide were 27, 47, 147, and 18 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively, representing year-on-year reductions of 3.6 percent, 7.8 percent, 0.7 percent, and 10 percent.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-chinas-environmental-protection-efforts-benefit-whole-asia-region-302309468.html

SOURCE Global Times

Technology

Meridian Singapore Immigration Launches New Website to Simplify the PR Application Journey for Foreigners in Singapore

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

New online platform provides clear, structured guidance for Employment Pass and S Pass holders navigating Singapore’s residency and Permanent Residency pathways

SINGAPORE, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. has officially launched its new website at meridianimmigration.sg, a resource built specifically for foreigners living and working in Singapore who are exploring Permanent Residency or long-term residency options.

The platform arrives at a time when Singapore’s expatriate and foreign professional community is growing rapidly, yet many EP and S Pass holders report struggling to find clear, reliable information on the PR application process. Singapore’s immigration framework is among the most structured in Southeast Asia, with eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and submission windows that change frequently. For individuals navigating this process without professional guidance, the stakes are high and the margin for error is narrow.

Meridian’s website was built to address that gap directly. The platform offers detailed explanations of available immigration pathways, structured consultation options, and educational resources developed by the firm’s team of immigration specialists. Rather than presenting a services catalogue, the site walks users through the considerations relevant to their specific situation, whether they hold an Employment Pass, S Pass, or are planning for their family’s long-term residency in Singapore.

“We built this platform because we saw how overwhelming and confusing the immigration process can be for people who genuinely want to build their lives here,” said a spokesperson for Meridian Singapore Immigration. “Our goal is to be the trusted partner that walks them through every step with clarity and integrity.”

Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a regional hub for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and technology firms means the pipeline of foreigners seeking long-term residency options remains substantial. At the same time, the ICA’s PR application framework has grown more nuanced, with factors such as economic contributions, family ties, and community integration weighed during assessment. Applicants who proceed without a clear understanding of these criteria often submit applications that are either premature or structurally incomplete.

Meridian’s approach centres on preparation and transparency, helping applicants understand where they stand before they apply and what supporting documentation strengthens their case.

Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. is a professional immigration consultancy dedicated to guiding individuals and families through Singapore’s immigration process. Specialising in Permanent Residency (PR) applications, residency pathways, and compliance support, Meridian offers clear, structured solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Founded on the values of Guidance, Integrity, and Success, Meridian is committed to making immigration simple, transparent, and accessible for everyone. For more information, visit meridianimmigration.sg or contact info@meridianimmigration.sg / +65 8873 1113.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/meridian-singapore-immigration-launches-new-website-to-simplify-the-pr-application-journey-for-foreigners-in-singapore-302757392.html

SOURCE Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd.

Technology

Socomec, Daitron team up to meet Japan’s growing power demands

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

TOKYO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Socomec, a century-old electrical group specialising in mission-critical energy, and Japan’s Daitron, an electronics components distributor, have signed a partnership to deliver power conversion solutions and service backup power and electrical-switching systems across Japan.

The deal combines Socomec’s equipment with Daitron’s on-the-ground engineering team, which has more than 74 years of experience in the Japanese market. The two companies will handle everything from project delivery to ongoing maintenance and spare parts.

The partnership covers three product areas: uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which keep facilities running during outages; power conversion systems, which ensure the availability and continuity of high-quality energy; and static transfer switches, which automatically reroute power loads between sources without interruption.

Beyond equipment sales, the agreement includes training, spare parts, long-term service contracts and a full range of expert services covering prevention, measurement and analysis, consultancy, deployment and optimisation. Socomec will provide product and technical training to Daitron’s team, while Daitron handles installation, servicing and day-to-day client support in Japan.

The target market spans data centres, semiconductor plants, industrial facilities, hospitals and green buildings, all areas where even brief power interruptions can prove costly. Data center demand in particular is surging, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, with colocation and enterprise facilities among the primary targets.

“Daitron knows the Japanese market inside and out. They have the people, the relationships, and the hands-on experience, and we bring the technology to match,” said Socomec Asia-Pacific CEO O’Niel Dissanayake. “It’s a natural fit, and together we can offer something neither company could deliver alone.”

“Japan’s data centres, chip factories and industrial plants all require power systems they can count on,” said Masaharu Kato, corporate officer of Daitron. “Socomec’s technology is exactly what these customers need, and our job is to make sure it’s installed, maintained and supported properly. That’s what we do best.”

The partnership comes as Japan faces a step change in power demand. Electricity consumption is expected to grow 5.3% over the next decade, driven by data centres and semiconductor factories, according to the country’s grid operator. Industrial energy demand alone is forecast to rise 18.3% over the same period.

That growth is creating strong demand for reliable power infrastructure. Data centres, for example, run around the clock and cannot afford downtime, making backup power and efficient energy management essential. Socomec’s systems are designed to reduce power consumption without sacrificing reliability, a balance that is becoming increasingly important as operators look to manage both costs and environmental commitments.

Both companies say project planning and bids are already underway, with a long-term goal of expanding the partnership’s reach across Japan as demand grows.

About Daitron

Daitron Co., Ltd. is a Japanese engineering and trading company founded in 1952 and headquartered in Osaka. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 7609), Daitron sells and manufactures electronic components, semiconductor processing equipment and power supply systems. The company has more than seven decades of experience serving Japan’s electronics and manufacturing industries.

SOCOMEC: When energy matters

Founded in 1922, SOCOMEC is an independent industrial group of more than 4,800 experts spread across the world in 30 subsidiaries. Our vocation: design, manufacture and sale of electrical equipment, with a strong expertize in critical power applications. In 2025, SOCOMEC achieved a turnover of 997 million euros (not yet audited).

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/socomec-daitron-team-up-to-meet-japans-growing-power-demands-302755570.html

SOURCE Socomec

Technology

Multi-Destination Travel Surges Across Asia-Pacific This Labour Day, Trip.com Group Data Shows

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-yearMulti-city travel outpaces single-destination growth by more than 2xSoutheast Asia sees strong double-digit growth, with Thailand up to 52% YoY

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2026 /CNW/ — Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-year this Labour Day period, according to data from Trip.com Group. Several Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and Mainland China celebrate Labour Day, driving strong cross-border and domestic travel flows across the region.

Over 30% of international trips now span multiple destinations, highlighting a continued shift towards more complex, itinerary-led travel. This shift reflects a growing preference to maximise time and value with multiple destinations within a single trip rather than a single location.

Multi-destination trips become a defining travel pattern

While single-destination travel continues to account for most bookings, growth is increasingly driven by more complex itineraries. Multi-destination bookings are growing at more than twice the pace of single-destination travel, reflecting stronger demand for flexibility and deeper exploration.

Travellers are increasingly structuring trips across multiple cities to maximise both time and value, with popular combinations including:

Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto (Japan)Seoul – Busan (South Korea)Bangkok – Phuket (Thailand)

These itineraries reflect a growing preference for multi-stop journeys that blend urban experiences with leisure destinations.

Southeast Asia sees fast growth in multi-destination travel

Across Southeast Asia, demand for multi-destination travel is rising steadily, with strong growth across key markets of Thailand: 52%, Malaysia: 40%, and Singapore: 17%, according to Trip.com Group data.

Top outbound destinations across Southeast Asian markets include Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), South Korea (Seoul), China (Shanghai, Beijing), Thailand (Bangkok), Indonesia (Bali).

In other parts of Asia such as Hong Kong SAR, multi-destination travel also grew by over 50% year-on-year, highlighting growing preference for more complex itineraries over traditional single-destination trips, particularly in well-connected urban markets.

In Mainland China, domestic travel remains a strong base, while overseas journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-destination itineraries, with over 40% of outbound trips spanning multiple destinations and continuing to grow.

This suggests that travellers in this region are increasingly combining multiple cities within a single trip, supported by strong regional connectivity.

Japan’s domestic travel momentum on the rise

Japan is also seeing shifts in domestic travel behaviour, even as outbound demand continues to grow.

In Japan, domestic travel is growing rapidly, indicating rising interest in travelling within the country, accounting for one-quarter of all flight bookings, and to cities such as Tokyo, Sapporo and Okinawa.

Intra-Asia travel dominates Labour Day demand

The Labour Day holiday period continues to be driven by regional travel within Asia-Pacific, with travellers favouring destinations that offer ease of access, diverse experiences, and flexible itineraries.

The Group’s data highlights the continued strength of short-haul travel, supported by strong connectivity and shorter flight durations.

More broadly, the way people travel across Asia-Pacific is evolving. Travellers taking a more deliberate approach to how they plan their trips. While cross-border journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-city itineraries, domestic travel remains a strong and steady part of the landscape. Together, these patterns point to a more flexible and value-conscious mindset, as travellers look to make the most of both time and budget.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.