Tag: Investment

Singapore – DHL Supply Chain has announced an investment of €350m (US$369.8m) in Southeast Asia to expand its warehousing capacity, workforce and sustainability initiatives. The regional investment is part of the company’s €1.35b strategic investment globally.

Some of the notable developments which will benefit from the investment include 40,000 square meters DHL Maheswara Green Logistics facility in West Java, Indonesia, 18,000 square meters Penang Logistics Hub 5 (PLH5) in Malaysia, 50,000 square meters built-to-suit facility in the Philippines, and 60,000 square meters of space acquired from a local business in Singapore.

DHL Supply Chain will also continue to develop its Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) while introducing other warehouse technology in selected markets such as auto-stores, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) for pallets and large goods, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). These digitalisation initiatives also allow employees to upskill themselves in such implementations.

Moreover, it has reinforced its commitment to people development as it seeks to create over 3,000 job opportunities across Southeast Asia by 2024. In addition, the company plans to double its EV fleet in Southeast Asia over the next five years.

Oscar de Bok, CEO at DHL Supply Chain, said, “There is an incredible opportunity for businesses in Southeast Asia to strengthen supply chain resiliency. Companies are looking at diversifying their supply chains. Southeast Asia, with its efficient work environment and effective trade agreements such as the China-ASEAN FTA, stands to benefit the most. Our multi-market investment of EUR350 million in this region complements our global investment strategy.”

He added, “These are strategic investments we take – despite the generally softer market environment – because we invest in the future growth of our business and strongly believe in the strategic expansion and diversification of our regional businesses. This puts us in a prime position to support our customers’ growth and omnisourcing strategy in the long term.”

Meanwhile, Javier Bilbao, CEO at DHL Supply Chain Asia-Pacific, commented, “We are not just increasing our capacity, but we are building logistics centers that can cater to future demand for our customers through robotics and sustainability initiatives. For example, we are equipping our upcoming fifth facility in Penang – PLH5 with state-of-the-art automated pallet storage and retrieval system and goods-to-person robotics technology to handle small parts picking.”

Singapore – Global professional and consulting services company Accenture has announced its strategic investment in generative AI platform Writer under ‘Project Spotlight’, their engagement and investment program that aims to help enterprises create and shape content more efficiently.

This investment allows Accenture to further provide marketing and communications professionals with Writer’s features to generate written content, synthesise various content and align writing to voice and brand guidelines.

Accenture started using Writer in 2021 to augment its writing proficiency and is now scaling Writer’s generative AI capabilities internally, while also preparing to offer them to clients as part of its existing capabilities.

This investment is also a part of Accenture’s announcement in June 2023 that the company would invest $3 billion in its Data & AI practice to help clients across all industries rapidly and responsibly advance and use AI to achieve greater growth, efficiency, and resilience.

Baiju Shah, chief strategy officer at Accenture Song, said, “Our continued investments in generative AI platforms will empower clients across all industries to transform how they create, personalise and distribute content at pace, but also safely, securely and with brand integrity.”

“We’ve entered a new era of tech-powered creativity and believe Writer’s enterprise-ready platform is a strong addition to Accenture’s comprehensive set of generative AI capabilities, tools and expertise, helping our clients capitalise on a wide range of uses across marketing and sales,” he added.

Meanwhile, May Habib, CEO and co-founder of Writer, commented, “Joining Accenture’s ‘Project Spotlight’ program will enable Writer to benefit from Accenture’s expertise from decades of deploying AI across industries and functions, and help us grow by driving broader awareness of our capabilities.” 

Notably, Writer is the latest company to join Accenture’s Project Spotlight, which offers extensive access to Accenture’s domain expertise and its enterprise clients, helping startups harness human creativity and deliver on the promise of their technology.

Manila, Philippines – Multinational technology company Dyson has announced that its pledging ₱11b investment to the Philippines by 2024. This comes after several Dyson officials met with Philippine government officials, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The president has expressed his delight following Dyson’s investment commitment, stating that the company has made the right decision in choosing the country for their investments.

Meanwhile, Roland Krueger, chief executive officer at Dyson, commented, “Three, four months ago, we made a decision that we want to further our investment to the Philippines with expanding our presence there and today we only have a factory producing our own electrical motors.”

He added, “So we have announced a significant investment equivalent of PhP11-billion into the new factory, the new R&D center, and we want to expand also in terms of staff, software, and others that we require over the next two years.”

Dyson also emphasised that their investment would generate around 1,250 employees and would move more contract manufacturing into the Philippines by the middle of 2022, or the second or third quarter of the year.

It is worth noting that Dyson previously announced the intended launch of its Philippines Technology Centre, amounting to ₱11b in investment, and will be located in City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas; scheduled to be operational by the first half of 2024.

With this, Dyson R&D (research and development) teams in the Philippines will be focused on software, AI, robotics, fluid dynamics and hardware electronics, according to the company.

Singapore – Global integrated fashion and beauty online marketplace SHEIN has announced a total commitment of $8.67m for the intended purpose of empowering communities and advancing opportunities for education in Singapore and beyond.

Through the commitment, SHEIN has signed four memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were signed with the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS), the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), SG Her Empowerment (SHE), and Access Singapore.

Around S$5m of that funding will go to UAS, where income from the endowment will be disbursed in the form of bursaries to help defray a portion of the tuition fees and living expenses of UAS students from lower-income households. Moreover, SHEIN is open to opportunities such as job attachments, mentorships and employment opportunities after graduation to these bursary recipients.

Meanwhile, S$2m of the funding will go towards Temasek Trust’s Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) initiative, which will fund projects related to PAA’s focus areas of holistic & inclusive education, and climate & nature.

In addition, S$1m of the funding will go to SUTD in support of its 42SG programme. The donation will be used to support the set-up and running of the programme, which supports digital upskilling for lifelong learners.

Lastly, the S$400k and S$275k will go towards Access Singapore and SG Her Empowerment respectively.

Leonard Lin, head of public affairs and general manager of Singapore at SHEIN, said, “SHEIN is deeply commited to empowering communities we reach. Through our investment in these organisations, we hope to contribute to the growth and prosperity of Singapore and beyond, thereby fostering a more inclusive global society.”

He added, “Aligned with our motto of making the beauty of fashion accessible to all, we hope that the donation strengthens the accessibility of opportunities to our beneficiaries.”

Singapore – The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has announced that it is committing S$150m to drive technological innovation in the financial sector. The financial commitment was made under the renewed Financial Sector Technology and Innovation Scheme (FSTI 3.0).

FSTI 3.0 seeks to accelerate and strengthen innovation by supporting projects that involve the use of cutting-edge technologies or with a regional nexus, while doubling down on MAS’ commitment to promote a vibrant technology ecosystem for the financial sector.

Moreover, FSTI 3.0 will continue to support advanced capability development and adoption in key areas such as artificial intelligence and data analytics (AIDA), and Regulation Technology (RegTech). 

Specifically, MAS will focus on promoting AIDA adoption in smaller financial firms and supporting the needs of less digitally mature firms looking to acquire regtech solutions. Across tracks, applicants will also be required to devote resources to talent development, in order to strengthen the Singaporean fintech talent pool.

FSTI 3.0 will comprise several tracks which include enhanced centre of excellence; innovation acceleration; and environmental, social and governance (ESG) fintech.

The scope of grant funding will be expanded to include corporate venture capital (CVC) entities, at funding support of up to 50% of qualifying expenses, capped at S$2 million per project. Moreover, the funding will enable CVCs to offer strong mentorship and support to help start-ups scale and develop resilient and viable business models.

Moreover, MAS recognises the importance of partnering with the industry to support innovative fintech solutions arising from emerging technologies such as Web 3.0. MAS will conduct open calls for the use of innovative technologies in industry use cases. Grant funding will be provided to support actual trial and commercialisation.

Lastly, MAS also aims to support the development and deployment of projects that address ESG data, reporting, and analytics needs of the financial sector, at funding support of up to 50% of qualifying expenses, capped at S$500,000 per project.

Ravi Menon, managing director at MAS, said, “Since 2015, the Financial Sector Development Fund (FSDF) has awarded $340 million as part of the FSTI programme to drive the adoption of technology and innovation in the financial sector. Transformative technology projects that MAS has piloted with the industry include SGFinDex, Project Orchid’s Purpose Bound Money, Project Veritas’ Responsible AI, green and sustainable finance through Project Greenprint, as well as large payment initiatives such as the cross-border payment linkage with Thailand.”

He added, “Notably, FSTI 1.0 and 2.0 helped strengthen the digital capabilities of financial institutions which served them and their customers through the COVID pandemic. With FSTI 3.0, we look forward to continued collaboration with the industry to advance purposeful financial innovation.”

Australia – Cartelux, an adtech software company, has secured an AU$3m post-seed investment from TEN13 and the Queensland Government through Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC).

The investment will fuel Cartelux’s ongoing growth and the development of innovative software solutions for the advertising industry while facilitating the company’s expansion into new market categories.

In response to the support they have received, Joshua Williams, the CEO and founder of Cartelux, said, “We are thrilled to have the support of TEN13 and QIC as we continue to grow Cartelux and drive it to new heights.

Moreover, Williams is optimistic about this partnership; he added that this will enable Cartelux to become a leading global SaaS business founded in Australia. The collaboration will not only lay the foundation for current success but also paves the way for subsequent funding opportunities in the future.

Stew Glynn, managing partner at TEN13 and recent board member of Cartelux, expresses excitement about the partnership, stating, “We look forward to supporting Cartelux in its mission to transform the adtech industry with innovative software solutions for brands and their franchisees.”

In a statement, Kristin Harder, global head of marketing and partnerships at Cartelux and former Audi global head of media, emphasizes the platform’s efficiency; she said the Cartelux platform streamlines the marketing processes, enabling brands to create professional, brand-compliant campaigns in just 60 seconds after onboarding.

With this recent investment, Cartelux is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory and solidify its position as a significant player in the global adtech market.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Carro, a regional used automobile platform, has announced that it has made a strategic investment to Driven Communications. Driven Communications is a Malaysian content production house that handles a network of websites, including Paultan.org, known for its car reviews and news material. This relationship is an important step forward for Carro as it increases its investment portfolio.

Driven Communications’ co-CEOs, Paul Tan and Harvinder Singh, will retain their leadership roles as a result of the transaction. The current board of directors will continue to serve, providing stability and continuity. Furthermore, Driven Communications will retain complete editorial control and decision-making authority, ensuring its independent voice. It is expected that the investment will be completed within two months.

“We welcome Carro’s strategic investment and our shared vision of a better, digitalised, transparent automotive used car ecosystem. Like many businesses, Driven Communications suffered financially during COVID-19. We are thankful for Carro’s future support that will protect our sites that loyal fans have come to love, save jobs, and ensure continued independent reviews,” Tan said.

Meanwhile, Singh commented, “We are thrilled to know that Carro respects our editorial independence, our work with our customers, and encourages us to charge arm’s-length commercial charges to Carro group of companies. With this investment, we are looking forward to achieving profitability and growth beyond Malaysia.” 

Aaron Tan, co-founder and CEO of Carro, said, “We have been working with Driven Communications for nearly 2 years. They helped us launch our first Tukar Autofair in Malaysia, and their digital online reach was incredible. Feedback from other automotive participants has been amazing: OEMs and end- customers alike rely on them. It would be a shame that it does not have the right resources and tools to scale higher.” 

Strategically, this investment is a proactive move toward encouraging transparency and independence. In recent years, competitors’ acquisition of automobile classifieds and websites has resulted in the barring of various dealers and platforms. Such efforts have hampered healthy competition and limited client access throughout the region, something Carro intends to change. Carro hopes that by making this investment, it will effect good change and create a more inclusive atmosphere that supports fair competition and improves customer accessibility.

Aaron, further explains, “We are a believer that classifieds and other services under Driven Communications should continue to be made available to their existing clientele, as our customers, dealers and competitors – a move we hope all classifieds emulate, given the Malaysian government initiative to break down monopolies and anti-competitive behavior. We also strongly support its role to freely shape industry awareness and disseminate relevant information that will benefit end-customers and the industry, by facts and professional journalism. We aim to maintain a non-controlling stake and welcome other industry participants to jointly invest and support Driven Communications continued growth.” 

Seoul, South Korea – Popular streaming platform Netflix has announced that it has pledged US$2.5b in investment to South Korea’s entertainment scene, including the creation of films, series, and other unscripted shows for the next four years.

The announcement was made following a meeting with Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos with South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol following the latter’s ongoing state trip in the United States.

According to Sarandos, said investment is twice the company had previously pledged in the Korean market since they started service in Korea in 2016.

“We were able to make this decision because we have great confidence that the Korean creative industry will continue to tell great stories. We were also inspired by the President’s love and strong support for the Korean entertainment industry and fueling the Korean wave,” he said.

Sarandos also added that with the partnership, they will continue to grow with the local industry while sharing the joy of entertainment with Korean storytellers to their fans around the world.

“I have no doubt our investment will strengthen our long-term partnership with Korea and Korea’s creative ecosystem. We are deepening our partnership with the Korean creative industry, which has produced global hits such as ‘Squid Game’, ‘The Glory’, and ‘Physical:100’,” he concluded.

Australia – The year-end is as important as ringing in the new year when it comes to our financial plans, and Aussie-based investment provider Colonial First State (CFS) want to be of help by reminding people of its ‘pro-grade’ financial products amidst the second half of the year. 

In partnership with creative agency It’s Friday, CFS launches a campaign with four films, each focussed on someone with a specific financial investment ambition. 

Seemingly resigned to limited options, individuals in the film are challenged by an enthusiastic, motivational figure, who grandly reveals the CFS pro-grade choice that could fulfil their investment ambitions.

One of the four films in the campaign.

Josh Grace, chief customer officer of CFS, said it’s time to break the perception that only a select few can access the world’s best investment managers. 

“CFS want Australians to know that they don’t have to be held back. No matter their life stage or goals, we have pro-grade investment choices that will open their eyes to bigger and better ways to unleash the potential of their money,” said Grace. 

Pete Bosilkovski, CEO of It’s Friday, commented, “Surprisingly many Aussies have a passive relationship with their finances. It’s often left in the too hard basket or has a misconnection that you can’t get access to the best products that can make your money work harder for you. Yet, most Aussies want to unleash boldly in their second half but fall short on making it happen.” 

“Sometimes all people need is a little encouragement and motivation to stir something deep inside them and see the light. That’s the genius thing about this campaign. Earlier this year, we reframed retirement inspiring Aussies to unleash their second half. Now, we inspire Aussies on how they can make it happen with pro-grade product choices in investment, superannuation, and retirement that CFS FirstChoice has to offer them,” he added.

Chief Creative Officer Vince Lagana also said, “Retail investment messages are often quite straight and bland. But CFS’s pro-grade choices aren’t ordinary choices. They deserve a grand introduction that excites people. While also serving to remind them that CFS isn’t just there for retirement planning. It’s for every life stage and every investor who wants to thrive.” 

Last March, CFS came out with its very first ad campaign, also developed by It’s Friday. Alongside this, the financial services launched a new brand platform. 

Sydney, Australia – Havas Australia has appointed technology platform OIS as its independent and third-party verification partner for its digital, programmatic, and classic out-of-home client campaign investments.

As the OOH sector evolves, the partnership sees Havas clients positioned to meet the challenges faced by advertisers wanting to independently verify their OOH investment, independent of publisher reporting, aligning to already adopted practices in other media.

At any moment in time, OIS tracks hundreds of out-of-home campaigns across Australia and New Zealand, processing billions of verification data points. 

Michelle Lee, group investment director at Havas said, “Our strategy is not to just keep up, we want to be ahead of the curve as out-of-home evolves, as there are some fantastic opportunities for brands and agencies. One example is the shift to programmatic, however, smarter trading and campaign management of existing direct investments is also top of the list, both areas where OIS technology will support Havas teams.” 

She added, “OIS was a standout, from their world-first programmatic solution that tracked a billion plus impressions across multiple markets to their proprietary physical inspection data which we can access to verify quality data for every screen across Australia.”

Meanwhile, Justin Singh, founder and CEO at OIS, commented, “It’s great to be appointed after a competitive review that centred on innovation and has acknowledged our broader suite of proprietary tags, pixels, and physical inspection data solutions. Unlike other verification alternatives in the market which may rely on publisher ‘pops’ or ‘log data’, brands recognise that all OIS solutions are completely third party, aligning to industry best practice and how agencies and brands verify other media channels.”