Latest news with #GSEP
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
SIDEC marks 10 years boosting digital economy and semiconductor growth
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC) marked its 10th anniversary with key initiatives to strengthen digital transformation and entrepreneurial growth. The event, officiated by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, highlighted strategic partnerships and talent development in Malaysia's semiconductor sector. Three industry leaders were appointed as advisers to guide SIDEC's future direction. Datuk Lai Yit Loong and Dr Chiang Shang-Yi, both veterans in semiconductor innovation, will focus on talent development and cross-border collaboration. Nurul Izzah Anwar was named executive chair of Polity, a think tank aimed at advancing digital empowerment and socio-economic policies. A tripartite MoU was signed between SIDEC, Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB), and Artem Ventures to establish the Selangor Semiconductor Fund (SSF). This state-led venture capital initiative will support startups in IC design, AI chips, and advanced semiconductor solutions. The event also celebrated the first graduates of the Global Semiconductor Exchange Programme (GSEP), a training initiative in Shenzhen, China. Thirty participants gained hands-on experience in digital IC design, including EDA tools and system-level verification. Industry visits to firms like HONOR and Reexen Technology further enhanced their exposure. SIDEC reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation and digital growth, aligning with Selangor's vision to position Malaysia as a high-tech leader. - Bernama
Korea Herald
26-06-2025
- Korea Herald
A Sound Studio in Your Pocket: Gaudio Lab Launches 'Gaudio Studio' Mobile App
SEOUL, South Korea, June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gaudio Lab, a global leader in AI audio technology, announced on the 26 th the official launch of its mobile application Gaudio Studio, bringing powerful AI-driven music and audio separation tools to creators, editors, and everyday users through a simple, intuitive mobile interface. Following the strong reception of its web-based service, Gaudio Studio is now available on mobile—making advanced sound editing accessible anytime, anywhere. Designed for a wide range of users—from professional musicians and video editors to parents removing noise from family clips—Gaudio Studio offers a suite of AI-powered features including: Users can upload videos directly from their phones, isolate or adjust sound elements, and download clean, edited tracks in seconds. Whether you're producing a cover video, fine-tuning a podcast, or editing content for social media, Gaudio Studio empowers creators of all levels to deliver studio-quality sound with ease. At the core of the app is GSEP (Gaudio source SEPeration), Gaudio Lab's proprietary AI engine renowned for its speed and precision. In blind test conducted by MusicRadar, GSEP outperformed all other competitors and has already been integrated into major South Korean music platforms such as Melon and NAVER VIBE. "Our mission with Gaudio Studio is simple: to make advanced audio editing effortless and accessible to everyone with just a swipe of the finger," said Henney Oh, CEO of Gaudio Lab. "We believe that creativity shouldn't be limited by complex software or expensive equipment. Gaudio Studio brings high-performance audio tools into the hands of everyone—from professionals to passionate beginners." By bridging desktop-class functionality with the convenience of mobile, Gaudio Studio supports seamless workflow across devices—whether in the studio, at home, or on the go. About Gaudio Lab Founded in 2015 following the adoption of its binaural rendering technology as a global standard, Gaudio Lab is an AI audio technology pioneer headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The company boasts a team of 40+ audio experts, including 9 PhDs in acoustic engineering. Gaudio Lab delivers cutting-edge sound solutions across streaming, OTT, AR/VR, smartphones, theaters, and automotive environments. The company's innovations have been recognized by CES (Innovation Award Winner 2023–2025), SXSW (Innovation Awards Finalist, 2024), and the VR Awards (Best VR Innovation, 2017), and adopted into international standards by ANSI/CTA and ISO/IEC MPEG-H. Gaudio Lab is backed by top-tier investors including SBVA, Samsung Venture Investment, NAVER D2SF, CJ Investment, and LB Investment.
Korea Herald
30-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
GAR's Sustainability Report 2024 Shows Company, Customers and Communities Growing Together with Purpose
SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Golden Agri-Resources (GAR) today published its Sustainability Report 2024, covering a year that saw the company establish the scale and scope of its climate ambitions while continuing to deliver on core commitments to tackle deforestation, enhance traceability and promote thriving, resilient agricultural communities. GAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Franky O. Widjaja, explained how the company's sustainability foundations have helped GAR to navigate a year of global challenges, from economic shifts and evolving regulatory demands to extreme weather conditions. "The world is changing, and so is the future of agribusiness," he said. "At GAR, sustainability isn't just a part of our business strategy; it is our business strategy. We believe that sustainability leadership starts with action; with choices that reflect our values and shape a better future." For the first time, GAR has published a double materiality assessment, addressing both the company's impact on environmental and social issues and how these topics may influence GAR's operations, long-term resilience, and financial performance. In addition to preparing the company for upcoming reporting requirements, this assessment validates GAR's priorities for action on sustainability. Widjaja continued: "As extreme weather and regulations intensify, investing in responsible agriculture matters more than ever. Our 2024 theme of Growing Together with Purpose reflects a year of evolution for GAR's sustainability policies and practice. Over the past year, we have set bold targets for emissions reduction by 2030 and developed a new sustainability framework, Collective for Impact, that provides a clear path forward for the next stage of our sustainability journey – a journey we're taking together with partners, suppliers and smallholders." Notable developments include: Launching Collective for Impact Since 2015, the GAR Social and Environmental Policy (GSEP) has been the foundation of the company's sustainability commitments, implemented in its own operations and across the company's palm oil supply chain in Indonesia. Now, GAR has launched a new framework, Collective for Impact, marking the next phase of its sustainability ambitions. Covering three key areas: Sourcing Responsibly, Caring for our Planet, and Empowering People, this new business strategy extends beyond GAR's Indonesian palm oil supply chain to include its entire business and value chain, operationally and geographically. Anita Neville, GAR's Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer, described how this framework builds on the company's existing initiatives to address critical areas for action. "It has never been more urgent to act on climate change, eliminate exploitation, and protect natural ecosystems," she said. "We know that what got us here will not necessarily get us where we want and need to go," she continued. " Collective for Impact strengthens our resilience, creates long-term value and builds trust to keep us ahead of global expectations. This is not just a sustainability vision; it is a business strategy that touches every part of GAR." Advancing Net Zero Commitments In 2024, GAR set bold 2030 targets to cut absolute emissions as a milestone on its pathway to net zero emissions by 2050. The company will cut Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions by 30% and non-FLAG emissions by 42% from its 2022 baseline. Last year, GAR reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its direct operations by 3% through continued implementation of No Deforestation, No Peat and No Exploitation (NDPE) policies, coupled with energy efficiency initiatives and increased renewable energy use. However, GAR's total emissions increased by 7% year on year, from 32.7 million tonnes of CO 2 equivalent in 2023 to 35 million tonnes in 2024, driven by a 10% increase in Scope 3 emissions. These supply chain emissions account for 79% of GAR's total carbon footprint, underscoring the critical role of ongoing supplier engagement and collecting first party emissions data; two core pillars of the company's Scope 3 reduction efforts. Leading in Transparency and Traceability GAR has continued to map its Indonesian palm oil supply chain and has now reached 99.5% Traceability to the Plantation (TTP). The company is intensifying efforts to address the final 0.5% of TTP, addressing variability within its supply chain and extending its partnerships with smallholders to implement traceability while supporting them to improve yields and livelihoods. Elsewhere, the company has successfully expanded its traceability commitments to its other commodities, implementing 100% Traceability to the Mill (TTM) for soy, sugar, sunflower and coconut globally. The company has also launched the blockchain-powered SmartTrace system, giving users a window on the full journey of a palm oil product from plantation to purchase. Together with satellite monitoring, mapping, and supplier transformation initiatives, GAR is continuing to ensure responsible production across its supply chain, helping customers to prepare for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and future regulations. Action for Communities GAR's Bright Future Initiative continues to help communities build better livelihoods. In 2024, the company supported 189 projects, and empowering 113 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with skills from farming and technology to operations training, helping them grow and reach new markets. About Golden Agri-Resources Ltd (GAR) GAR is a leading fully-integrated agribusiness company. In Indonesia, it manages an oil palm plantation area of more than 500,000 hectares (including plasma smallholders) as of 31 March 2025. It has integrated operations focused on the technology-driven production and distribution of an extensive portfolio of palm-based products throughout its established international marketing network. Founded in 1996, GAR was listed on the Singapore Exchange in 1999 and has a market capitalisation of US$ 2.6 billion as of 31 March 2025. Flambo International Limited, an investment company, is GAR's largest shareholder, with a 50.56% stake. In addition, GAR's subsidiary, PT SMART Tbk was listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 1992. As an integrated agribusiness, GAR delivers an efficient end-to-end supply chain, from responsible production to global delivery. In Indonesia, its primary activities include cultivating and harvesting oil palm trees; the processing of fresh fruit bunch into crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel; refining CPO into value-added products such as cooking oil, margarine, shortening, biodiesel and oleo-chemicals; as well as merchandising palm products globally. GAR's products are delivered to a diversified customer base in over 110 countries through its global distribution network with shipping and logistics capabilities, destination marketing, onshore refining and ex-tank operations. GAR also has complementary businesses such as soybean-based products in China, sunflower-based products in India, and sugar businesses.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GAR's Sustainability Report 2024 Shows Company, Customers and Communities Growing Together with Purpose
SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Golden Agri-Resources (GAR) today published its Sustainability Report 2024, covering a year that saw the company establish the scale and scope of its climate ambitions while continuing to deliver on core commitments to tackle deforestation, enhance traceability and promote thriving, resilient agricultural communities. GAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Franky O. Widjaja, explained how the company's sustainability foundations have helped GAR to navigate a year of global challenges, from economic shifts and evolving regulatory demands to extreme weather conditions. "The world is changing, and so is the future of agribusiness," he said. "At GAR, sustainability isn't just a part of our business strategy; it is our business strategy. We believe that sustainability leadership starts with action; with choices that reflect our values and shape a better future." For the first time, GAR has published a double materiality assessment, addressing both the company's impact on environmental and social issues and how these topics may influence GAR's operations, long-term resilience, and financial performance. In addition to preparing the company for upcoming reporting requirements, this assessment validates GAR's priorities for action on sustainability. Widjaja continued: "As extreme weather and regulations intensify, investing in responsible agriculture matters more than ever. Our 2024 theme of Growing Together with Purpose reflects a year of evolution for GAR's sustainability policies and practice. Over the past year, we have set bold targets for emissions reduction by 2030 and developed a new sustainability framework, Collective for Impact, that provides a clear path forward for the next stage of our sustainability journey – a journey we're taking together with partners, suppliers and smallholders." Notable developments include: Launching Collective for Impact Since 2015, the GAR Social and Environmental Policy (GSEP) has been the foundation of the company's sustainability commitments, implemented in its own operations and across the company's palm oil supply chain in Indonesia. Now, GAR has launched a new framework, Collective for Impact, marking the next phase of its sustainability ambitions. Covering three key areas: Sourcing Responsibly, Caring for our Planet, and Empowering People, this new business strategy extends beyond GAR's Indonesian palm oil supply chain to include its entire business and value chain, operationally and geographically. Anita Neville, GAR's Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer, described how this framework builds on the company's existing initiatives to address critical areas for action. "It has never been more urgent to act on climate change, eliminate exploitation, and protect natural ecosystems," she said. "We know that what got us here will not necessarily get us where we want and need to go," she continued. "Collective for Impact strengthens our resilience, creates long-term value and builds trust to keep us ahead of global expectations. This is not just a sustainability vision; it is a business strategy that touches every part of GAR." Advancing Net Zero Commitments In 2024, GAR set bold 2030 targets to cut absolute emissions as a milestone on its pathway to net zero emissions by 2050. The company will cut Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions by 30% and non-FLAG emissions by 42% from its 2022 baseline. Last year, GAR reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its direct operations by 3% through continued implementation of No Deforestation, No Peat and No Exploitation (NDPE) policies, coupled with energy efficiency initiatives and increased renewable energy use. However, GAR's total emissions increased by 7% year on year, from 32.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2023 to 35 million tonnes in 2024, driven by a 10% increase in Scope 3 emissions. These supply chain emissions account for 79% of GAR's total carbon footprint, underscoring the critical role of ongoing supplier engagement and collecting first party emissions data; two core pillars of the company's Scope 3 reduction efforts. Leading in Transparency and Traceability GAR has continued to map its Indonesian palm oil supply chain and has now reached 99.5% Traceability to the Plantation (TTP). The company is intensifying efforts to address the final 0.5% of TTP, addressing variability within its supply chain and extending its partnerships with smallholders to implement traceability while supporting them to improve yields and livelihoods. Elsewhere, the company has successfully expanded its traceability commitments to its other commodities, implementing 100% Traceability to the Mill (TTM) for soy, sugar, sunflower and coconut globally. The company has also launched the blockchain-powered SmartTrace system, giving users a window on the full journey of a palm oil product from plantation to purchase. Together with satellite monitoring, mapping, and supplier transformation initiatives, GAR is continuing to ensure responsible production across its supply chain, helping customers to prepare for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and future regulations. Action for Communities GAR's Bright Future Initiative continues to help communities build better livelihoods. In 2024, the company supported 189 projects, and empowering 113 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with skills from farming and technology to operations training, helping them grow and reach new markets. About Golden Agri-Resources Ltd (GAR) GAR is a leading fully-integrated agribusiness company. In Indonesia, it manages an oil palm plantation area of more than 500,000 hectares (including plasma smallholders) as of 31 March 2025. It has integrated operations focused on the technology-driven production and distribution of an extensive portfolio of palm-based products throughout its established international marketing network. Founded in 1996, GAR was listed on the Singapore Exchange in 1999 and has a market capitalisation of US$ 2.6 billion as of 31 March 2025. Flambo International Limited, an investment company, is GAR's largest shareholder, with a 50.56% stake. In addition, GAR's subsidiary, PT SMART Tbk was listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 1992. As an integrated agribusiness, GAR delivers an efficient end-to-end supply chain, from responsible production to global delivery. In Indonesia, its primary activities include cultivating and harvesting oil palm trees; the processing of fresh fruit bunch into crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel; refining CPO into value-added products such as cooking oil, margarine, shortening, biodiesel and oleo-chemicals; as well as merchandising palm products globally. GAR's products are delivered to a diversified customer base in over 110 countries through its global distribution network with shipping and logistics capabilities, destination marketing, onshore refining and ex-tank operations. GAR also has complementary businesses such as soybean-based products in China, sunflower-based products in India, and sugar businesses. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Golden Agri-Resources
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DPU chair: Gas system changes fit into guv's energy agenda
BOSTON (SHNS) – The state's top utility regulator appeared before lawmakers Wednesday to explain a major policy shift limiting how much gas companies can charge customers for pipe replacement projects, aligning with the governor's new push to rein in energy costs. Department of Public Utilities Chairman James Van Nostrand appeared before the Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming one day after Gov. Maura Healey introduced legislation aimed at addressing consumer energy costs on Tuesday. The DPU's sweeping order on the Gas System Enhancement Plan (GSEP) program dovetails with that effort, Van Nostrand explained, following a winter of sky-high heating bills and with the state's focus on the transition to clean energy. 'In the last few months, we've been working with [the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs] to talk about where the cost savings, the things we're doing at the DPU, how that translates into that overall affordability agenda,' Van Nostrand told the committee. On April 30, the DPU issued an order reducing the maximum share of its annual revenue that gas utilities can recover from customers for work under the GSEP program, which was originally designed to accelerate the replacement of aging gas pipes. Van Nostrand said Wednesday that the program has been costing ratepayers too much. 'Our review has generally found that the utilities are not spending ratepayer funds wisely,' he said, adding that companies have 'over-relied on pipe replacement rather than repair or advanced leak technology, which can address the leak-prone pipe at a lower cost to customers.' Since 2015, GSEP-related capital spending has increased by 21% annually, while the number of miles of pipe remediated has increased by less than 3% per year, Van Nostrand said. In 2015, utilities spent $1.32 million per mile replaced; by 2025, the utilities' planned spending per mile is $3.46 million. 'Stating it a bit differently, miles replaced per $10 million has declined from 7.59 miles in 2015 to 2.89 miles in 2025,' the DPU chair told senators on the committee. 'We've concluded, in the order, that the absence of meaningful incentives to control costs was contributing to unnecessary spending.' Eversource, one of the largest energy companies in Massachusetts, says GSEP represents a small fraction of their customers' bills and was not a significant contributor to the recent winter gas spikes. Spokesperson William Hinkle said supply chain issues and inflation have driven cost increases for materials and construction since the pandemic began. 'This leak-prone, aging infrastructure requires thoughtful management to mitigate significant safety risks and environmental challenges posed by gas leaks, which contribute to both public safety hazards and greenhouse gas emissions,' Hinkle said. He continued, 'Through GSEP, we are proud of our significant efforts to safely replace over 900 miles of aging, leaky pipes and eliminate more than four thousand identified leaks across Massachusetts ultimately enhancing public safety for Massachusetts residents and effectively limiting the amount of methane gas, escaping into the atmosphere.' GSEP was never meant to be a safety program, Van Nostrand told lawmakers Wednesday. 'Our state and federal safety requirements remain rigorous and strictly enforced,' he said. 'In fact, we are proud that our pipeline safety division here at the DPU is considered to be one of the best in the nation.' Sen. Cindy Creem, who chairs the Senate committee and sponsored legislation reforming the GSEP program last session, asked Van Nostrand if he had an estimate of what taxpayers will save on their bills due to the GSEP reform. Under the new order, the allowable cap on recoverable GSEP spending will be reduced from 3% of a utility's revenue to 2.5% immediately, with further reductions scheduled — to 2% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027. The 1.5% cap reflects the minimum threshold allowed by statute and aligns with the recommendations of a GSEP working group convened by the DPU in 2022 which filed recommendations on how to rein in the program. DPU had raised the cap from 1.5% to 3% in 2019. Van Nostrand told Creem that just reducing the revenue cap from 3% to 2.5% could create a 17% reduction in the GSEP charge on customers' bills, assuming the gas company is spending at the 3% annual cap. Sen. Michael Barrett, who chairs the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee which deals with climate and energy legislation, asked about the messaging around the new GSEP order, and how it fits into the governor's recently rolled out energy affordability legislation. 'Yesterday, the administration did have a press conference on energy affordability. There is a degree to which these very important cost-reduction steps being taken by the DPU are on a separate track. They haven't been factored into the cost savings that the administration seeks, and that I know the Legislature is going to be interested in seeking as well,' Barrett said. 'Your numbers, which are real numbers representing incredible work done by you and your staff, are outside that energy affordability conversation. And really, those numbers should be part of the conversation.' Van Nostrand replied that 'to some extent' the DPU's work is a part of the administration's broader affordability plan. The DPU is an agency within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, all under the governor's purview. 'We were part of these discussions with Undersecretary [of Energy Michael] Judge and EEA developing that whole proposal. And those savings, for example, reducing from 3% to 2.5%, that's a meaningful reduction right there,' he said. The governor's energy bill includes some measures that directly relate to the DPU, including an accountability-related section that authorizes the agency to audit the utilities and ban the use of ratepayer funds for costs not associated with providing energy to customers. And there is support elsewhere on Beacon Hill for legislative action related to GSEP. Mary Gardner, assistant attorney general in the Energy and Ratepayer Advocacy Division, said the attorney general's office supports a 'gradual step down' of the GSEP program to 0% — effectively ending it — by 2030. 'The unintended consequences of accelerated cost recovery through GSEP is too expensive for rate payers, and it's working against our progress towards the climate mandates,' Gardner said. The 2014 law that created GSEP set a statutory minimum of 1.5%, so any further reductions would require legislative action. John Buonopane, president of the New England Gas Workers Alliance, said gas workers were 'intentionally' not invited to the committee's hearing on the new GSEP order. 'It's disappointing that this Senate committee held a hearing on a natural gas safety program but intentionally left out the perspective of the men and women who work with leak prone pipe on a daily basis,' Buonopane said in a statement Wednesday. 'As we re-evaluate the energy transition, we need to take a pragmatic approach to the infrastructure that provides safe heat to most Massachusetts residents. That's not what we heard today.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
