Latest news with #CIIP
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
VIMB Emerges as Premier Agent for Vanuatu Citizenship
Photo Courtesy of: VIMB PORT VILA, Vanuatu, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following a comprehensive review by the Government of Vanuatu into the operations of all Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) agents, VIMB Vanuatu has emerged as one of the few agents fully compliant with the new regulatory requirements. The company has been officially recognized as a premier Designated Agent for Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment programs. The government-led review, conducted over several months, assessed agent compliance across financial reporting, investment integrity, and operational transparency. The resulting reforms have led to updated CIIP regulations that now govern how agents operate, including mandatory quarterly reporting, fund structure requirements, and stricter eligibility standards for applicants and service providers. VIMB Services Limited continues to serve global applicants through its administration of the CNO Future Fund—a government-approved investment vehicle supporting economic development in Vanuatu. Under the revised CIIP framework, VIMB remains one of the few approved firms authorized to operate at full capacity. 'The government review was a critical step in raising the bar for transparency and investor protection,' said Daniel Agius, Chief Operating Officer of VIMB Services Limited. 'We are proud to be recognized as a fully compliant agent and look forward to continuing our work in delivering structured, high-integrity investment citizenship.' The updated regulations require a minimum contribution of USD $165,000 for a main applicant, spouse, and two dependents, inclusive of government due diligence fees. This includes a USD $60,000 direct contribution to the government and a USD $50,000 investment into an approved fund, held for a five-year non-redeemable term. In addition, the rules now prohibit the use of loans or third-party financing, ensuring applicants provide their own capital. Since launching, VIMB has processed 144 CIIP applications, generating more than USD $7.2 million in fund contributions and USD $9.01 million in direct government revenue. Through the CNO Future Fund, these investments have supported infrastructure projects, renewable energy initiatives, and community development throughout Vanuatu. 'Our approach from the beginning was to build a program that could stand up to any level of scrutiny,' said Agius. 'We believe this recognition reflects our commitment to responsible citizenship investment and meaningful outcomes on the ground.' In 2024 and early 2025, VIMB's fund activities have included expanding coconut oil production infrastructure, introducing automated copra drying systems, restoring post-earthquake production capacity, and launching coconut water and meal exports. The company also facilitated logistics improvements, including the deployment of new transport vehicles and the creation of multiple aggregation hubs to streamline supply chains. As the CIIP program reopens under the revised framework, VIMB is preparing to scale its operations in line with growing demand. Planned investment expansions include engineered timber manufacturing from dormant coconut plantations, further development in the kava and cacao sectors, and the establishment of accredited agricultural processing centers. About VIMB Services Limited VIMB Services Limited is a government-appointed Designated Agent for Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment Programs, including the Development Support Program (DSP) and the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP). VIMB administers the CNO Future Fund and delivers end-to-end services for investors seeking second citizenship through structured, government-approved contributions. With a focus on compliance, impact, and global mobility, VIMB supports initiatives in renewable energy, agriculture, and community development across Vanuatu. Contact Information: Daniel Agius VIMB Services Limited Email: info@ Website: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CNO Future Fund Relaunches as Vanuatu's Gold Standard CIIP Option
Photo Courtesy of: VIMB PORT VILA, Vanuatu, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The CNO Future Fund has officially relaunched under Vanuatu's revised Citizenship by Investment regulatory framework, reinforcing its role as the leading option under the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP). Operated by VIMB Services Limited, the Fund is one of the few fully compliant entities confirmed by the government following an extensive review of all CIIP agents. The regulatory amendments, now in effect, require a minimum contribution of USD $165,000 for a main applicant with spouse and two dependents, inclusive of government due diligence fees. This includes a USD $60,000 direct government fee and a USD $50,000 five-year redeemable investment into a designated, government-approved fund. In addition, all designated agents must now submit quarterly and annual investment reports, financial statements, and employment data as part of enhanced compliance and transparency standards. Daniel Agius, Managing Director of VIMB Services Limited and architect of the CNO Future Fund, welcomed the relaunch, emphasizing the fund's alignment with government reforms and long-term development goals. 'The CNO Future Fund was purpose-built to deliver transparent, high-impact investment outcomes,' said Agius. 'This relaunch validates our structure and reinforces investor confidence in both the fund and the program.' In its first full year of operation, the CNO Future Fund raised USD $6.25 million, which was deployed in strategic investments, and achieved 32.62% Net-Asset Value (NAV) growth, despite a severe earthquake in December 2024 that disrupted much of Port Vila's infrastructure. Seventy percent of the Fund's operations were restored by Q1 2025, with all damages fully insured and repair work underway. Key achievements include: 144 CIIP citizenship applications processed USD $8.2 million in direct government revenue generated 30% equity stake in Vanuatu Baskets, the country's leading coconut oil producer New coconut plantation acquired on Malekula Island to secure long-term supply Copra hubs established in Epi, Ambrym, Malekula, with expansion in the Santo islands Upgrades to the copra mill infrastructure, improving production and safety 230+ tons/month of CNO production capacity — enough to power 2MW of renewable energy Exports initiated to New Zealand and New Caledonia Four 7-ton trucks delivered to support rural logistics Over 55 new jobs created and 65+ rural bank accounts opened 'We're proud to be recognized not just for compliance, but for delivery,' Agius added. 'Our NAV performance and infrastructure investments are directly contributing to Vanuatu's energy independence and rural development.' The Fund has also advanced key national priorities, including support for Vanuatu's 2030 goal of 100% renewable energy generation. Ongoing negotiations with UNELCO and global partners explore the use of coconut oil biofuel for grid power and maritime use. Plans are in motion to install 2x1MW biofuel-powered generators, further establishing Vanuatu's renewable credentials. The Fund's upcoming value-adding investment focus includes transforming old coconut plantations into high-value timber products, expanding supply chain activity into the kava and cocoa sectors, developing land projects with accredited processing centers to support local communities and streamline agricultural exports and integrated end-use supply in the Agri-Tourism Sector. About VIMB Services Limited VIMB Services Limited is a government-appointed Designated Agent for Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment Programs, including the Development Support Program (DSP) and the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP). Headquartered in Port Vila, Vanuatu with global reach, VIMB provides application processing, fund management, and project implementation services. Through the CNO Future Fund, VIMB channels investor capital into sustainable initiatives that support national development in renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and community resilience. Contact Information: Daniel Agius VIMB Services Limited Email: info@ Website: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New report calls for collective action to fight ‘silent pandemic' of Asia's growing antimicrobial resistance
In Asia Pacific, related costs are projected to reach up to US$700 billion by 2050. However, timely investment could generate between US$10 billion and US$15 billion in annual healthcare savings. A new report by Temasek Trust initiatives calls for more funding to tackle antimicrobial resistance in Asia (AMR), which could become the leading cause of death by 2050. The report, released May 5, outlines four key areas where funders can drive meaningful impact - from education and prevention to surveillance and treatment. "Antimicrobial resistance is on track to become the deadliest health threat facing humanity. But with urgent action and targeted finance, over 100 million deaths could be prevented by 2050," reads the report by the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) and the World Economic Forum's GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) initiative, supported by the Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA). Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are accelerating bacterial growth and disease transmission, while disrupting healthcare and immunisation services, say the report's authors. Climate-related pressures are also driving the increased use of antimicrobials in livestock and crops, contaminating freshwater sources and fuelling drug resistance, they add. In Asia Pacific, AMR-related costs are projected to reach up to US$700 billion by 2050, accounting for up to 1% of the region's GDP. However, timely investment in AMR solutions could generate between US$10 billion and US$15 billion in annual healthcare savings, and cut the region's annual socioeconomic costs by up to US$40 billion within the next decade, claim the authors. The 52-page report, titled "Targeted Action and Financing the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia", draws on insights from 15 case studies and examples of funding mechanisms, along with contributions from 26 organisations. New therapeutics, such as drugs and vaccines, can take 10 to 15 years to develop and launch to market. Hence, the authors call for immediate and practical interventions to curb resistance today and pave the way for long-term solutions. The report proposes interventions in four areas: Educate: Improving knowledge and behaviour by strengthening awareness of AMR among clinicians, patients and farmers; emphasising the importance of avoiding the overuse or abuse of antimicrobials; as well as introducing strategies to prevent infections in the first place. Prevent: Strengthening health systems and services by boosting preventive measures such as improving diagnostic capabilities and investing in better water, sanitation and hygiene measures. Monitor: Enhancing regional surveillance, and data collection and sharing between actors, especially in lower-income countries. Treat: Investing in research and development for new antimicrobials, and increasing access to novel and essential medicines. Private funders, impact investors and philanthropists have a vital role to play in closing critical gaps, say the authors, particularly in late-stage drug development, where funding is scarce. By pooling resources, funders can help bring life-saving treatments to market, strengthen the antibiotic pipeline, and build more sustainable and widespread access to essential medicines. PAA CEO Shaun Seow says the report is a catalyst for deeper involvement from all sectors - philanthropic, public and private. "It highlights the scale of the AMR threat and the opportunity for collective action. We are encouraged by the ongoing work of organisations - including PAA members like the Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust and Novo Nordisk Foundation - in driving AMR research and greater access to affordable solutions. Now is the time for more partners to come together, pool resources and support high-impact solutions that safeguard health and resilience across Asia and beyond." Infographic: CIIP, GAEA, PAA See Also: Click here to stay updated with the Latest Business & Investment News in Singapore 'Green revolution' needed to solve issues like food systems and nutrition, says President Tharman Trump administration will 'come around' on importance of partnerships: Bill Gates WEF, GenZero launch Green Fuel Forward initiative to scale sustainable aviation fuel demand in APAC Read more stories about where the money flows, and analysis of the biggest market stories from Singapore and around the World Get in-depth insights from our expert contributors, and dive into financial and economic trends Follow the market issue situation with our daily updates Or want more Lifestyle and Passion stories? Click here
Associated Press
07-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
New Report Highlights Need for Ecosystem Approach to Help MSMEs in Southeast Asia Adopt More Sustainable Practices
Report by the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) finds growing momentum among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Southeast Asia to adopt sustainability practices, driven by commercially motivated goals such as reducing costs, improving long-term efficiency, meeting consumer demand, entering new markets and attracting talent. As significant variations in ESG awareness and adoption exist across the region, advancing the adoption of ESG practices will require coordinated efforts from governments, industry associations, MNCs, investors, and financial institutions to provide MSMEs practical, constructive assistance. The report identifies key challenges and five ecosystem actions to unlock the full potential of MSMEs in advancing sustainable supply chains. SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 May 2025 - The 'Transforming for Sustainability: Driving Impact and Value through Supply Chain Action' report, by the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) found that MSMEs in Southeast Asia recognise the business value of adopting sustainability practices – from lowering costs and improving long-term efficiency (39%) to attracting or retaining talent in a values-driven workforce (27%) – and want to do more. At the same time, many global multinational corporations (MNCs) are making long-term sustainability commitments, setting higher expectations across their supply chains. As MSMEs often serve as key suppliers, aligning with these evolving standards – including MNC supplier codes – is becoming increasingly critical to remain competitive and secure long-term growth opportunities. Launched today at Ecosperity Week's Impact Investing Roundtable 2025, the report explores key barriers to increasing supply chain sustainability and identifies practical enablers and tools across four sectors: consumer goods, food and beverage, electrical and electronics, and tourism. The findings are based on a survey of over 3,500 MSMEs from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, alongside interviews with 85 organisations across Asia — including MNCs, solution providers, and ecosystem enablers. The report builds on CIIP's 2024 study, developed in partnership with PwC Singapore, titled 'It Takes a Community": Enabling SME Resilience in FMCG Supply Chains . While sustainability and ESG are separate concepts, they are closely linked – especially when looking at how ESG practices support sustainability goals. To better understand how MSMEs are putting sustainability into action, 21 practices were identified and mapped across the areas of 'environmental', 'social', and 'governance'. Encouragingly, 84% of MSMEs have adopted at least one ESG practice, with social practices being the most common due to mandated social employee protection policies in each of the countries studied. Waste management was the most common environmental practice, reflecting this key concern across the region. However, much more needs to be done. 'MSMEs are the backbone of Southeast Asia's economies and essential partners in advancing sustainable supply chains,' said Ms. Dawn Chan, Chief Executive Officer, CIIP. 'Their growing interest in ESG signals a real opportunity to unlock business resilience and long-term value. This report aims to provide a clearer view of what MSMEs need to succeed, and how ecosystem players, from industry leaders to governments and financial institutions, can work together to accelerate scalable, sustainable impact.' MSMEs Are Making Progress, But Practical Challenges Continue to Hold Them Back While MSMEs are making progress in meeting new sustainability requirements, many continue to face practical challenges in advancing their efforts. With lean, multi-functional teams focused on daily operations, they often lack the capacity for dedicated roles to oversee the adoption of more ESG practices – and 60% report moderate to significant difficulties in hiring staff for sustainability or ESG roles. Financial constraints remain a key hurdle. Many cite high upfront costs, though encouragingly, half of all MSMEs surveyed plan to increase their ESG budgets by 2027. Many also cite the inability to derive immediate benefits from adopting ESG practices, with 32% saying the ability to gain new clients or enter new markets would be a key motivating factor for future adoption of ESG practices. To overcome these challenges, the report provides five recommendations to shape ecosystem actions. Five Key Enablers to Raise ESG Awareness and Adoption among MSMEs Make ESG clear and simple. Clearly emphasise the commercial benefits of ESG practices – from cost savings to increased revenue opportunities – while highlighting clear improvement pathways. Companies should be assured that adopting ESG practices is not a formidable task and can be done in gradual steps. Build capacity, both internal and external. Develop industry-specific toolkits or education materials with global standards and local inputs, which are simple and actionable, while encouraging MSMEs to leverage external expertise for ad-hoc support and personalised guidance. Encourage more win-win customer-supplier partnerships. MNC buyers are a strong predictor of ESG adoption, and some are already leaning in to support their supply chains. This should be more widespread – MNCs can offer incentives such as longer-term contracts, paying more for sustainable products or services, and implementing shorter payment cycles. Invest in innovative MSME-targeted solutions. Venture capital firms and impact investors play a crucial role in facilitating ESG adoption across supply chains, providing catalytic funding to incentivise innovation and reducing the barriers to adopting ESG practices. They can play a particularly important role by backing early-stage solutions and business models that are priced and designed for MSMEs. Finance the change. While sustainability-linked loans are increasingly available, MSME uptake remains low – suggesting that concessional rates alone are not enough. A more holistic approach is needed, combining fit-for-purpose financing with practical guidance, stronger support for early adopters, and tools like digital platforms to assess ESG baselines and customise loan terms. These elements must work together to drive meaningful, scalable ESG adoption. For more insights and takeaways, the full report is available at: Turning Insights into Tangible Solutions The report also revealed that country-specific conditions significantly influence ESG adoption, underscoring the importance of tailored approaches that address local needs. Notably, industry associations serve as a key source of sustainability and ESG guidance for MSMEs, given their deep understanding of sector-specific needs and ability to recommend fit-for-purpose tools and approaches. In line with this, CIIP today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Singapore Fashion Council (SFC) to drive supply chain sustainability within the fashion and textiles industry. Under the agreement, SFC will lead the development of a sectoral plan, a resource guidebook, and a digital toolkit tailored to the sustainability needs of fashion and textiles MSMEs, leveraging insights from this report and CIIP's ongoing ecosystem engagement efforts. In parallel, CIIP and the Philanthropy Asia Alliance have launched the second edition of the Amplifier mentorship programme , with two dedicated tracks aimed at scaling innovative solutions for supply chain sustainability in tourism, as well as, fashion and textiles. Adopting a whole-of-ecosystem approach, the programme is supported by over 55 cross-sector partners this year. CIIP welcomes more partners – including industry associations, corporates, technology and solution providers, investors, and financial institutions – to work together and collectively advance ESG adoption among MSMEs in the region. For the full announcements, please refer to: The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices The Centre for Impact Investing and Practices ('CIIP') was established in 2022 as a non-profit entity by Temasek Trust to foster impact investing and practices in Asia and beyond by building and sharing knowledge, bringing together stakeholders in the community, and bringing about positive action that accelerates the adoption of impact investing principles and practices. CIIP is the anchor partner for the United Nation Development Programme's Private Finance for the SDGs, providing Asia investors and businesses with clarity, insights and tools that support their contributions towards achieving the SDGs. Temasek and ABC Impact are CIIP's strategic partners. For more information, please visit .
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New Report Highlights Need for Ecosystem Approach to Help MSMEs in Southeast Asia Adopt More Sustainable Practices
Report by the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) finds growing momentum among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Southeast Asia to adopt sustainability practices, driven by commercially motivated goals such as reducing costs, improving long-term efficiency, meeting consumer demand, entering new markets and attracting talent. As significant variations in ESG awareness and adoption exist across the region, advancing the adoption of ESG practices will require coordinated efforts from governments, industry associations, MNCs, investors, and financial institutions to provide MSMEs practical, constructive assistance. The report identifies key challenges and five ecosystem actions to unlock the full potential of MSMEs in advancing sustainable supply chains. SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 May 2025 - The " Transforming for Sustainability: Driving Impact and Value through Supply Chain Action" report, by the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) found that MSMEs in Southeast Asia recognise the business value of adopting sustainability practices – from lowering costs and improving long-term efficiency (39%) to attracting or retaining talent in a values-driven workforce (27%) – and want to do more. At the same time, many global multinational corporations (MNCs) are making long-term sustainability commitments, setting higher expectations across their supply chains. As MSMEs often serve as key suppliers, aligning with these evolving standards – including MNC supplier codes – is becoming increasingly critical to remain competitive and secure long-term growth opportunities. Launched today at Ecosperity Week's Impact Investing Roundtable 2025, the report explores key barriers to increasing supply chain sustainability and identifies practical enablers and tools across four sectors: consumer goods, food and beverage, electrical and electronics, and tourism. The findings are based on a survey of over 3,500 MSMEs from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, alongside interviews with 85 organisations across Asia — including MNCs, solution providers, and ecosystem enablers. The report builds on CIIP's 2024 study, developed in partnership with PwC Singapore, titled"It Takes a Community": Enabling SME Resilience in FMCG Supply Chains. While sustainability and ESG are separate concepts, they are closely linked – especially when looking at how ESG practices support sustainability goals. To better understand how MSMEs are putting sustainability into action, 21 practices were identified and mapped across the areas of "environmental", "social", and "governance". Encouragingly, 84% of MSMEs have adopted at least one ESG practice, with social practices being the most common due to mandated social employee protection policies in each of the countries studied. Waste management was the most common environmental practice, reflecting this key concern across the region. However, much more needs to be done. "MSMEs are the backbone of Southeast Asia's economies and essential partners in advancing sustainable supply chains," said Ms. Dawn Chan, Chief Executive Officer, CIIP. "Their growing interest in ESG signals a real opportunity to unlock business resilience and long-term value. This report aims to provide a clearer view of what MSMEs need to succeed, and how ecosystem players, from industry leaders to governments and financial institutions, can work together to accelerate scalable, sustainable impact." MSMEs Are Making Progress, But Practical Challenges Continue to Hold Them Back While MSMEs are making progress in meeting new sustainability requirements, many continue to face practical challenges in advancing their efforts. With lean, multi-functional teams focused on daily operations, they often lack the capacity for dedicated roles to oversee the adoption of more ESG practices – and 60% report moderate to significant difficulties in hiring staff for sustainability or ESG roles. Financial constraints remain a key hurdle. Many cite high upfront costs, though encouragingly, half of all MSMEs surveyed plan to increase their ESG budgets by 2027. Many also cite the inability to derive immediate benefits from adopting ESG practices, with 32% saying the ability to gain new clients or enter new markets would be a key motivating factor for future adoption of ESG practices. To overcome these challenges, the report provides five recommendations to shape ecosystem actions. Five Key Enablers to Raise ESG Awareness and Adoption among MSMEs Make ESG clear and simple. Clearly emphasise the commercial benefits of ESG practices – from cost savings to increased revenue opportunities – while highlighting clear improvement pathways. Companies should be assured that adopting ESG practices is not a formidable task and can be done in gradual steps. Build capacity, both internal and external. Develop industry-specific toolkits or education materials with global standards and local inputs, which are simple and actionable, while encouraging MSMEs to leverage external expertise for ad-hoc support and personalised guidance. Encourage more win-win customer-supplier partnerships. MNC buyers are a strong predictor of ESG adoption, and some are already leaning in to support their supply chains. This should be more widespread – MNCs can offer incentives such as longer-term contracts, paying more for sustainable products or services, and implementing shorter payment cycles. Invest in innovative MSME-targeted solutions. Venture capital firms and impact investors play a crucial role in facilitating ESG adoption across supply chains, providing catalytic funding to incentivise innovation and reducing the barriers to adopting ESG practices. They can play a particularly important role by backing early-stage solutions and business models that are priced and designed for MSMEs. Finance the change. While sustainability-linked loans are increasingly available, MSME uptake remains low – suggesting that concessional rates alone are not enough. A more holistic approach is needed, combining fit-for-purpose financing with practical guidance, stronger support for early adopters, and tools like digital platforms to assess ESG baselines and customise loan terms. These elements must work together to drive meaningful, scalable ESG adoption. For more insights and takeaways, the full report is available at: Turning Insights into Tangible Solutions The report also revealed that country-specific conditions significantly influence ESG adoption, underscoring the importance of tailored approaches that address local needs. Notably, industry associations serve as a key source of sustainability and ESG guidance for MSMEs, given their deep understanding of sector-specific needs and ability to recommend fit-for-purpose tools and approaches. In line with this, CIIP today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Singapore Fashion Council (SFC) to drive supply chain sustainability within the fashion and textiles industry. Under the agreement, SFC will lead the development of a sectoral plan, a resource guidebook, and a digital toolkit tailored to the sustainability needs of fashion and textiles MSMEs, leveraging insights from this report and CIIP's ongoing ecosystem engagement efforts. In parallel, CIIP and the Philanthropy Asia Alliance have launched the second edition of the Amplifier mentorship programme, with two dedicated tracks aimed at scaling innovative solutions for supply chain sustainability in tourism, as well as, fashion and textiles. Adopting a whole-of-ecosystem approach, the programme is supported by over 55 cross-sector partners this year. CIIP welcomes more partners – including industry associations, corporates, technology and solution providers, investors, and financial institutions – to work together and collectively advance ESG adoption among MSMEs in the region. For the full announcements, please refer to: The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices The Centre for Impact Investing and Practices ('CIIP') was established in 2022 as a non-profit entity by Temasek Trust to foster impact investing and practices in Asia and beyond by building and sharing knowledge, bringing together stakeholders in the community, and bringing about positive action that accelerates the adoption of impact investing principles and practices. CIIP is the anchor partner for the United Nation Development Programme's Private Finance for the SDGs, providing Asia investors and businesses with clarity, insights and tools that support their contributions towards achieving the SDGs. Temasek and ABC Impact are CIIP's strategic partners. For more information, please visit The Centre for Impact Investing and Practices
