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Techday NZ
24-06-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Exclusive: ASUS redefining what sustainability means in the tech sector
ASUS has become the very first company in the world to receive a five-star 'Role Model' rating in sustainable procurement from SGS, based on the ISO 20400 standard. For Emma Ou, Commercial Regional Head for Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia at ASUS, the recognition is more than symbolic. "This recognition is an important milestone in our sustainability journey," she said. "Being the first company globally to receive the SGS ISO 20400 certificate with a five-star rating demonstrates the maturity of our systems, the strength of our cross-functional collaboration, and the power of data-led transformation." At the core of the company's strategy is a wide-reaching sustainable procurement framework that integrates supplier performance metrics, risk assessments, digital carbon tracking, and ESG education into day-to-day operations. "This certification validates that our approach is not just comprehensive but truly sets a benchmark for the global tech industry," she added. Unlike many companies that treat sustainability as a compliance box to tick, ASUS is turning it into a business advantage. "We believe that sustainability is no longer a cost centre or compliance issue - it's a source of competitive advantage," Ou said. ASUS's approach is built around embedding environmental goals across its value chain. This ranges from sustainable procurement to transparent carbon data platforms and product design focused on durability and energy efficiency. A critical element in this transformation has been the Carbon Data Management Platform, now used by over 900 suppliers and ASUS subsidiaries. "The platform was built to support ASUS and our suppliers in complying with the international carbon disclosure standards, but its impact goes far beyond compliance," Ou explained. "It eliminates millions of manual data entries, reduces supplier guidance time by 70%, and increases data accuracy across the board." Ou sees the platform as the backbone of a more resilient and low-carbon supply chain. While much of ASUS's global sustainability strategy is driven from its headquarters, regional leaders like Ou are focused on local execution. "Locally we play an important role in supporting these efforts through alignment, implementation and engagement, something I am passionate about elevating locally over the coming years," she said. This means embedding sustainability into regional decision-making, upskilling local teams, and promoting initiatives such as sustainable procurement and customer education. ASUS's internal structure supports this integration, with a Business Continuity Management Committee that brings multiple departments together. "This cross-functional structure has been key to our progress thus far and will no doubt continue playing a key role as we further advance ESG standards," she said. Sustainability is also becoming a core principle in product design. ASUS now uses lifecycle assessments in the early stages of development and prioritises recycled materials, energy-efficient components, and repairability. "Our product teams work with our ESG leads to model environmental impacts early in the design process," Ou explained. "Our ExpertBook range uses recycled materials and is designed to maximise repairability and longevity. We've also implemented digital product passports to help communicate product-level environmental data more transparently to end-users." Rather than balancing innovation against sustainability, ASUS integrates the two. "I would not call it a trade-off. We would view this as a design principle," she said. "Our teams are tasked with delivering innovation that is both powerful and responsible." The ExpertBook B9, for example, is ultra-lightweight and high-performance, while also being carbon-neutral and certified under rigorous environmental standards. "The key is to integrate ESG goals into every product brief and make sustainability a driver of innovation, not a barrier," she added. Strong supplier and customer partnerships have been vital to advancing these goals. ASUS regularly audits its suppliers' ESG performance, offers training, and collaborates on low-carbon solutions. The company's Carbon Partner Services programme helps enterprise customers align their procurement strategies with Scope 3 emissions targets. And ASUS is taking these efforts even further. "For select product lines, we offset the carbon footprint at the point of shipment, meaning the devices received by our customers are already certified carbon neutral," Ou said. "This allows enterprise customers to contribute directly to their Scope 3 goals without needing to take additional steps post-purchase." Looking ahead, Ou sees ASUS's model as a signpost for the wider industry. "The future of tech isn't just faster, smaller or more powerful," she said. "It's also cleaner, smarter, and more transparent."
CNA
28-05-2025
- General
- CNA
China authorities investigating paraglider who was sucked into the clouds
Chinese authorities are investigating an incident in which a paraglider was sucked into the clourds and carried more than 8,500m above sea level. He survived the chilling ordeal but authorities are looking into potential regulatory violations, Chinese media outlet Global Times reported on Wednesday (May 28). The man, known as Liu Ge, was paragliding in the Qilian Mountain region of Northwest China's Qinghai and Gansu provinces on Saturday when he was caught in a 'cloud suck' - a phenomenon where paragliders experience a significant lift. The moment was captured on camera, showing his face and clothes covered in frost. He remained conscious throughout the video while controlling the parachute. Liu was not wearing an oxygen mask and was seen to suffer from extensive frostbite. He managed to control the parachute and landed safely in what local media reports are calling a miraculous survival. 'I just kept communicating over the radio the entire time," he told local media. An experienced paraglider surnamed Ou told local media that participants typically prepare cold-weather gear as temperatures at 2,000m are already frigid. At 8,000m, temperatures drop to around -40 degrees Celsius with critically low oxygen levels. While there are global cases of cloud suction incidents reaching 6,000 to 7,000m, few people survive such extreme altitudes, Ou said. 'This is truly miraculous. His mental resilience was extraordinary,' Ou added.
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Shock vid shows half-frozen paraglider who was sucked 5 MILES into sky by vortex & left shivering in -40C conditions
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SHOCKING video shows the terrifying moment a paraglider was sucked five miles into the sky and endured bone-chilling conditions among the clouds. He reportedly became trapped in a rare "cloud suction" that pulled him more than 28,000ft into the air during a flight over China . Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The paraglider, who miraculously survived the ordeal on Saturday, caught the nerve-shredding moments on camera 4 He can be seen dangling over the clouds - visibly freezing cold and covered in frost 4 He reportedly became trapped in a rare "cloud suction" that pulled him more than 28,000 feet into the air 4 He was not wearing an oxygen mask, fully exposing him to the hostile elements The paraglider, who miraculously survived the ordeal on Saturday, caught the nerve-shredding moments on camera. His jaw-dropping footage has now gone viral on social media. He took off for his flight from an altitude of around 3,000 metres (9,842.52ft) over the Qilian Mountains according to local media reports. But the paraglider quickly malfunctioned and became uncontrollable, dragging up thousands feet more up into the clouds. read more on china ON THE RUN I have a £100k bounty on my head - I'm always looking over my shoulder He was sucked to the sort of heights at which passenger aeroplanes might cruise. The footage lays bare the icy conditions he had to endure, suffering from extensive frostbite at the terrifying altitude. He can be seen clinging onto his parachute for dear life in the frightening conditions. Visibility is initially poor at the start of the clip as the paraglider is sucked to high altitudes over the mountains. But at the peak of the trip, he can be seen dangling over the clouds - visibly freezing cold and covered in frost. He was not wearing an oxygen mask, fully exposing him to the hostile elements. Inside dystopian Chinese megacity of 32 million where workers 'don't see sunlight' & Big Brother is always watching However, the man miraculously remained conscious throughout the ordeal and successfully brought his parachute to a safe landing. He would later recall experiencing hypoxia and having his hands exposed to the blistering cold above the clouds, local media has reported. "I just kept communicating over the radio the entire time," he said. An experienced paraglider surnamed Ou told local media that few people would survive being pulled to such high altitudes. "This is truly miraculous," Ou said. "His mental resilience was extraordinary." Ou added that paragliders will typically come prepared for such flights with cold weather gear, as it would already be extremely cold at the take-off altitude. But at 8,000 metres, temperatures can drop to as low as -40, and oxygen supplies would be critically low, Jiupai News has reported. Why is China now investigating him? THE paraglider may have miraculously survived the terrifying ordeal, but he now faces an investigation from the authorities. It is understood that he holds a valid paragliding licence, but Jiupai News reports that failed to file the requisite flight plan for this trip. The local aviation sports regulations say that such activities need approval from air traffic controllers - and that paragliders cannot alter their planned routes without authorisation. Paragliding activities are also prohibited under adverse weather conditions. Anyone found to have breached the rules faces sanctions that can range from warning and fines to criminal charges. The incident is now being investigated by regulatory authorities. A source told Jiupai News that he had failed to file the necessary flight plan - including getting airspace clearance for the launch site. Chinese national aviation sports regulations state that aerial activities need prior airspace approval from air traffic control. Paragliding activities have to be carried out according to a pre-arranged plan, and trips are prohibited under adverse weather conditions. Changing flight plans without authorisation is also not allowed. Penalties for those found in breach of the rules range from warning and fines to criminal charges, local media reports.
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Shock vid shows half-frozen paraglider who was sucked 5 MILES into sky by vortex & left shivering in -40C conditions
A SHOCKING video shows the terrifying moment a paraglider was sucked five miles into the sky and endured bone-chilling conditions among the clouds. He reportedly became trapped in a rare "cloud suction" that pulled him more than 28,000ft into the air during a flight over China . 4 The paraglider, who miraculously survived the ordeal on Saturday, caught the nerve-shredding moments on camera 4 He can be seen dangling over the clouds - visibly freezing cold and covered in frost 4 He reportedly became trapped in a rare "cloud suction" that pulled him more than 28,000 feet into the air 4 He was not wearing an oxygen mask, fully exposing him to the hostile elements The His jaw-dropping footage has now gone viral on social media. He took off for his flight from an altitude of around 3,000 metres (9,842.52ft) over the Qilian Mountains according to local media reports. But the paraglider quickly malfunctioned and became uncontrollable, dragging up thousands feet more up into the clouds. read more on china He was sucked to the sort of heights at which passenger aeroplanes might cruise. The footage lays bare the icy conditions he had to endure, suffering from extensive frostbite at the terrifying altitude. He can be seen clinging onto his parachute for dear life in the frightening conditions. Visibility is initially poor at the start of the clip as the paraglider is sucked to high altitudes over the mountains. Most read in The US Sun But at the peak of the trip, he can be seen dangling over the clouds - visibly freezing cold and covered in frost. He was not wearing an oxygen mask, fully exposing him to the hostile elements. Inside dystopian Chinese megacity of 32 million where workers 'don't see sunlight' & Big Brother is always watching However, the man miraculously remained conscious throughout the ordeal and successfully brought his parachute to a safe landing. He would later recall experiencing hypoxia and having his hands exposed to the blistering cold above the clouds, local media has reported. "I just kept communicating over the radio the entire time," he said. An experienced paraglider surnamed Ou told local media that few people would survive being pulled to such high altitudes. "This is truly miraculous," Ou said. "His mental resilience was extraordinary." Ou added that paragliders will typically come prepared for such flights with cold weather gear, as it would already be extremely cold at the take-off altitude. But at 8,000 metres, temperatures can drop to as low as -40, and oxygen supplies would be critically low, Jiupai News has reported. Why is China now investigating him? THE paraglider may have miraculously survived the terrifying ordeal, but he now faces an investigation from the authorities. It is understood that he holds a valid paragliding licence, but Jiupai News reports that failed to file the requisite flight plan for this trip. The local aviation sports regulations say that such activities need approval from air traffic controllers - and that paragliders cannot alter their planned routes without authorisation. Paragliding activities are also prohibited under adverse weather conditions. Anyone found to have breached the rules faces sanctions that can range from warning and fines to criminal charges. The incident is now being investigated by A source told Jiupai News that he had failed to file the necessary flight plan - including getting airspace clearance for the launch site. Chinese national aviation sports regulations state that aerial activities need prior airspace approval from air traffic control. Paragliding activities have to be carried out according to a pre-arranged plan, and trips are prohibited under adverse weather conditions. Changing flight plans without authorisation is also not allowed. Penalties for those found in breach of the rules range from warning and fines to criminal charges, local media reports.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Houston bride out $54K after venue 'ghosts' her day before wedding; is a notorious con-man behind it?
The Brief A Houston bride says she's out $54,000 after her wedding venue went unresponsive the day before her wedding. Other couples allege similar things have happened to them concerning the same venue operator. The host of the podcast 'The Wedding Scammer' claims this operator has conned multiple people across the country for years. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - A Houston bride says she showed up to locked doors and no lights at her $54,000 venue the day before her wedding for rehearsal, saying the man she booked with still won't return her calls. What we know Cyndi Ou spent 20 months preparing for her wedding day. "My husband worked so hard," she said. Charleston Lane in Willis, Texas was her dream venue. Open water and blue skies were going to be the picture-perfect backdrop. She provided a contract that shows she paid more than $52,000 to book the venue. Ou said the total spent was closer to $54,000 - all worth it for her dream wedding. But that dream came to a halt on May 16 when she and her wedding party showed up for rehearsal to locked doors, no lights, and unkept property. "When we all got there, the door was chained up and nobody was answering the front door," she said. Repeated calls to the operator of the venue went unanswered. "At that time my heart just sunk, and I realized that we had been tricked," she said. Ou says the operator had been on the phone with her just days prior confirming the rehearsal and ensuring that he would be present. Ou had to make the hard decision to book a new venue at the last minute and re-plan her entire wedding in 24 hours. "I mean seriously, I was in tears with my bride," said her wedding coordinator Charlize Cao. The backstory Cao says Ou booked the venue before she hired her, and it's something Cao wouldn't have advised because she's had a bad experience in the past. Cao says in 2023, she had a couple who booked the venue and were not satisfied with the service and never got their deposit back. She says it was the same situation; repeated tries to reach the operator with no success. "Completely ghosted, disappeared," she said. Kiet Nygyuen was the groom involved in the 2023 incident. He says they paid $3,500 for a flower arch and on the wedding day, that arch had no flowers. He says they brushed it off, but the real issue came with getting their deposit back. Nygyuen says he contacted the operator to get the $1,500 deposit back and was given multiple excuses over a series of weeks as to why he hadn't sent the money. Nygyuen says he decided to pick the check up himself. "I picked up the check and went home to cash the money, but that was an empty check. A fraud check," he said. He says after a few calls back and forth, the operator stopped picking up the phone. "I tried to file a lawsuit against him," said Nygyuen. But, he says the constables assigned to his case couldn't locate the operator. "He still owes me $1,500," he said. Several reviews online are posted by other couples who claim similar things have happened to them. Bounced checks, canceled weddings, and no response. Dig deeper Who is this operator? FOX 26 isn't reporting his name because no criminal charges have been filed. All the parties involved in this story gave us the same name, but we're told by Justin Sayles, a podcast host - that name might be an alias. Sayles claims he once worked for this operator at a startup business and that he never got paid for his work. He says he continued to track this person, eventually launching a podcast on his reporting, "The Wedding Scammer." "When I learned all the things that were happening, I thought it became so important to spread the word as far as we could," he said. The Podcast launched in 2023 and quickly became a hit, sitting at the third most popular podcast under 'The Joe Rogan Experience' at one point. "Millions of people have listened to this show and despite that he's been able to continue to operate," he said. In the series, Sayles alleges this operator has held many different positions in different states throughout the years, and Sayles successfully followed the trail here to Houston. Moving forward Alex Garcia says he is the new owner of the real estate associated with Charleston Lane in a rent-to-own agreement with the landlord. He says the property went up for sale in February, and he was excited about the investment opportunity. He says he never met the previous tenant, who was renting. "The tenant was not paying his rent, and he was evicted from the property," he said. Garcia says the operator never sent him any information or contracts regarding the weddings that were already booked at the venue once he took over. He says when he bought the place, it was clearly unkept and seemed abandoned. Then one day, the unexpected happened. "A bride and a whole family showed up to the place," he said. Garcia says it was a day he and his team were doing renovations, and he was just as shocked as the wedding party. Garcia says he and his team scrambled and did all they could to still host a wedding for the group. "It's a hard situation to be in, we have no information about these events," he said. Garcia says Charleston Lane is no more and that he did not acquire the business, only the property. He is re-naming the venue to "The Lake Venue". What's next FOX 26 contacted the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office about the allegations. They replied with this statement: "We haven't had a law enforcement agency present us with any charges connected to these allegations. The venue in question appears outside the Willis city limits, so individuals who wish to make a report can contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for investigation." Ou says she has been in contact with the DA and urges anyone who had a similar experience to do the same. FOX 26 attempted to reach out to the operator by phone and email multiple times, but like those above who were involved, we haven't heard back. The Source FOX 26 Reporter Abigail Dye spoke with one victim about what happened as well as the new owner of the property.
