Latest news with #TWG
Hypebeast
3 days ago
- Business
- Hypebeast
The Whitaker Group Unveils Its New Balance "Willful Bias" Campaign
Name:The Whitaker Group x New Balance MADE in USA 990v4 & 998 'Willful Bias'Colorways:Jade Green and Jade GreenSKUs:TBCMSRP:$220 USDRelease Dates:August 7 (JAIDE) and August 8 (All TWG Storefronts)Where to Buy:JAIDE It's been just under two years sinceThe Whitaker Groupkicked off its multiyear partnership withNew Balanceby dropping their collaborative9060 'Missing Pieces'campaign. The two followed up on this in 2024 by assembling the1906U 'Willful Bias'duo. Now, the 'Willful Bias' theme has returned as The Whitaker Group has presented theMADE in USAline's990v4and998in a fresh 'Jade Green.' Per usual, The Whitaker Group has set a scene that informs the overarching 'Willful Bias' campaign. It recounts the end of college semesters, channeling the excitement with a new cinematic short film. As for the shoes, both sport mixed material uppers that combine hairy suede with leather detailing. The Whitaker Group's New Balance MADE in USA 990v4 and 998 'Willful Bias' are set to launch via a phased release. Raffles via all TWG storefronts open tomorrow and close on August 4 at 3pm EDT. An early retail and online launch will then occur via JAIDE on August 7. From there, a complete launch will be hosted by all TWG storefronts, both online and in stores, taking place on August 8. Both pairs are priced at $220 USD for adult sizes. The 990v4 is also set to drop in Preschool sizes at a price of $110 USD.
Tatler Asia
5 days ago
- Business
- Tatler Asia
What's special about the new premium TWG tea destination for connoisseurs?
A new TWG destination in Ho Chi Minh City with a signature tea collection and a refined Tea Takeaway experience. TWG Tea, one of the world's leading premium tea brands, has just marked a new chapter in Vietnam with the opening of its flagship store at Diamond Plaza shopping mall. Set in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, with a view of the Notre Dame Cathedral, TWG Tea's gleaming space invites guests into a world of exceptional tea. This latest opening brings TWG Tea's total to three locations in Vietnam, and introduces a premium takeaway tea concept contributing to the evolution of a modern tea-drinking lifestyle in one of Asia's most dynamic cities. See more: What makes the tea-drinking culture of ancient Vietnamese people special? TWG's new space is a sophisticated blend of elegant architecture, experiential retail, and the artistry of tea gastronomy, offering elevated touches for everyday life. Nestled among Ho Chi Minh City's most recognisable landmarks, TWG Tea's Tea Salon & Boutique is where heritage achieves harmony with modernity. This is a tea experience rooted in tradition yet designed for today's discerning tea lovers. Vibrant reds and golden ambers play across mirrored walls and brass accents. Sculptural lighting and classic furnishings lend a sense of timeless poise. Etched glass, Italian marble and hand-gilded teapots glow under soft yellow lights, opening a multisensory journey into TWG Tea's world. Above TWG Tea's Tea Salon & Boutique is where heritage finds harmony with modernity A resting place for tea stories In an evocative, thoughtfully designed space, this distinctive TWG Tea Salon & Boutique invites guests to linger, discover and savour, whether browsing for a signature blend, selecting an elegant gift, enjoying a moment of calm in the salon, or sipping a takeaway cup of TWG tea while exploring the city. See more: From 'slow matcha' to 'matcha bar': Finding the right matcha in the heart of Saigon Above This distinctive TWG Tea Salon & Boutique invites guests to linger, discover and savour Alongside its celebrated blends such as French Earl Grey, Silver Moon and 1837 Black Tea from the Haute Couture and Cotton Teabag collections, TWG Tea also showcases unique varieties from countries with a rich legacy of tea cultivation. Vietnam, notably, contributes four distinct lines. Among them, Green of Vietnam and Secret of Vietnam are standout offerings, each honouring the country's cultural essence. Above TWG Tea also showcases unique varieties from countries with a rich legacy of tea cultivation Adding to its collections, TWG Tea has introduced a whimsical tea line featuring charming Teddy bear motifs reflecting the brand's continual inventiveness in delighting modern tea enthusiasts. With more than 1,000 teas sourced from the world's most renowned plantations, as well as exclusive in-house blends, an array of refined accessories, thoughtfully curated gift sets and a refined takeaway experience, TWG Tea is an ode to the art of tea.
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
TV licence fee revenue down €58m after RTÉ payment scandal, new figures show
TV licence fee revenue has decreased by over €58m in the last two years. New figures confirm that revenue from the licence plummeted following a range of financial scandals engulfing RTÉ in the summer of 2023, which sparked a wave of non-payments. Before the scandals, between July 2021 and June 2023, some 1.9m people paid the €160 annual fee, resulting in revenue of €306m. This included 1.7m people who renewed the licence, as well as 243,179 first-time purchases. However, figures for the two-year period after the RTÉ controversies, between July 2023 and June 2025, reveal revenue decreased by €58.4m compared to the previous two years. Some 1.55m people paid the licence fee, a decrease of more than 365,0000 people. This resulted in revenue of €247.6m, a decrease of 19% compared to the preceding two years. There has, however, been a slight increase in the number of people paying the fee since the Government announced a new funding arrangement for RTÉ on July 24, 2024. Between July 2022 and June 2023, some 947,999 paid the €160 fee. This fell to 761,762 payments between July 2023 and June 2024. In the last 12 months, the number of licences bought increased to 785,595. However, this is still 17% below the pre-scandal levels. This year to date, some 376,140 people have paid the licence fee. Figures for the two-year period after the RTÉ controversies, between July 2023 and June 2025, reveal revenue decreased by €58.4m compared to the previous two years. Picture: Colin Keegan The figures were provided to Fine Gael TD Micheál Carrigy following a parliamentary question to media minister Patrick O'Donovan. The RTÉ scandals included revelations that former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy was paid €345,000 over six years that had not been declared by RTÉ in its annual declaration of top-paid stars' salaries. It later transpired that money had been paid to Mr Tubridy as part of a three-year 'side deal' that would see Renault pay him €75,000 per year. They pulled out of the agreement after the first year, with RTÉ paying the remaining €150,000. Subsequent Oireachtas committee hearings heard of extravagant spending at RTÉ, including €5,000 on flip-flops, memberships to swanky London clubs, and a failed musical based on The Late Late Toy Show. Mr O'Donovan has reconvened the interdepartmental technical working group (TWG) on the TV licence to 'examine potential enhancements to the television licence'. 'I will consider the report of the TWG when I receive it and decide the next steps,' he added. It was reported last month that the number of people being taken to court or prosecuted for non-payment had dropped. In 2022, An Post made 13,709 summons applications for non-payment and pursued 7,263 court cases. There were 13,198 summons applications and 6,555 court cases in 2023. However, last year this fell to 12,229 summons applications and 5,392 court cases. The Government announced plans last year to provide RTÉ with €725m in funding over three years. Media minister Catherine Martin confirmed that the TV licence would remain in place, with the State providing top-up funding to ensure that RTÉ had a certain amount of ring-fenced funding each year.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
KWAP and Malaysia Forest Fund ink MoU
KUALA LUMPUR: Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (KWAP) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysia Forest Fund (MFF) aimed at advancing Malaysia's sustainability agenda through forest-based solutions. This partnership marks a significant step towards supporting Malaysia's transition to a net-zero economy and reinforces KWAP's commitment to achieve Net Zero Portfolio by 2050, a key element of its broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. The signing ceremony, held in conjunction with the KWAP Inspire Satellite 2025 event and witnessed by Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, the Secretary General of Treasury, Ministry of Finance and KWAP's chairman, marks the beginning of a collaboration to advance forest conservation and nature-based solutions (NBS). This MoU also supports the development of credible and scalable national carbon credits to help KWAP's investee companies meet their decarbonisation goals. KWAP CEO Datuk Nik Amlizan Mohamed said: 'The collaboration with MFF will be a game-changer for both KWAP and Malaysia's broader sustainability efforts. As a responsible institutional investor, KWAP is committed to driving stewardship through impactful actions and pursuing purpose beyond returns. By contributing to the development of a credible, nationally anchored carbon ecosystem, we aim to empower our investee companies with the tools they need to meet their net-zero commitment while also making significant contributions to Malaysia's climate and biodiversity goals.' The MoU features the Forest Conservation Certificate (FCC) to support domestic conservation initiatives, focusing on preserving Malaysia's vital biodiversity and ecosystems. In addition, MFF will oversee the development of the Forest Carbon Offset (FCO), a market-based mechanism that allows companies to offset their emissions through investments in forest conservation projects that reduce, remove, and avoid carbon emissions. Through this MoU, KWAP has become a participant in the National Forest Carbon Offset (FCO) Technical Working Group (TWG), established by MFF. The TWG aims to ensure the needs of institutional investors – including the nuances of ESG investing, are integrated into the framework, where relevant. This participation will also help align FCO standards with international carbon market requirements and best practices. These initiatives, aligned with Malaysia's National Climate Change Policy 2.0, aim to drive knowledge-sharing and capacity-building efforts to enhance participants' skills in forest management and carbon offsetting. This includes supporting the achievement of targets such as a 45% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 and Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2050, as well as Malaysia's commitment to maintaining at least 50% forest and tree cover. MFF CEO Datuk Shah Redza Hussein said: 'This collaboration with KWAP is a pivotal step in our mission to strengthen Malaysia's carbon market, achieving the nation's sustainability targets and accelerate meaningful climate action. By leveraging nature-based solutions, particularly through the Forest Conservation Certificate and the upcoming Forest Carbon Offset, we are creating a pathway for businesses towards achieving net-zero goals while supporting forest conservation, aligning with national climate commitments. 'Our work with KWAP and other stakeholders will drive long-term environmental and economic benefits, not only for Malaysia but for the global community as we strive towards a greener and more resilient future.' The collaboration positions KWAP as a thought leader in sustainability, enhancing its reputation in the financial sector while contributing valuable insights to both domestic and international markets. By exploring potential integration of nature-based solutions into its ESG investment and non-investment strategies, KWAP reinforces its role in advancing Malaysia's decarbonisation agenda and setting a strong example for other institutional investors. Looking ahead, KWAP and MFF will continue to explore opportunities to enhance the Forest Carbon Offset system and other potential nature-based solutions initiatives, ensuring they become key drivers for sustainable development in Malaysia. The partnership will also support ongoing efforts to build local capacity for biodiversity and forestry management, ensuring that the benefits of the projects reach the communities directly involved. Additionally, KWAP will seek to build upon its collaboration with MFF by engaging interested parties in driving collective action, with the hopes of exploring potential collaborations with fellow GLICs and relevant organisations, in line with the Ministry of Finance's Government-linked Enterprise Activation and Reform Programme (GEAR-uP) initiative, aimed at synergising efforts across Government-linked Entities for national impact. This collaboration represents a critical next step in KWAP's broader commitment to empowering partnerships that drive collective action for sustainability, as outlined in its Sustainability Pledge 2, 'Empower Partnerships for Collective Action.' By joining forces with MFF and other stakeholders, KWAP is helping to preserve Malaysia's forests and the communities that depend on them for future generations.
The Star
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Rafizi: Last-minute 13th Malaysia Plan overhaul raises concerns over rushed changes
PETALING JAYA: A government decision to 'restructure and reshape' the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is a hasty move that could undermine the credibility of the national development blueprint, says Rafizi Ramli. The former economy minister questioned why such a major change is being considered so close to the final print deadline, warning that it may bypass expert input. 'Does this mean the overhaul will be done in haste because there is no time to refer back to IAPG, TWG and experts? "Why is the issue of 'restructuring the 13MP draft' arising at the last minute when there were no such concerns raised throughout the time I and the Economy Ministry presented the contents of 13MP before this?' he asked in a statement Friday (June27). The concerns came after Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar announced that Finance Minister II Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan has been tasked with reviewing and revamping the core framework of the 13th Malaysia Plan. Rafizi said the statement 'to restructure and reshape' 13MP has triggered concern among civil servants, market analysts, and the public at large. He said the 13MP, which outlines Malaysia's development agenda for the next five years, had been prepared entirely by civil servants in record time — under one year — without engaging external consultants. He said the process began in September 2024 using a bottom-up approach that included the Inter-Agency Planning Group (IAPG), Technical Working Groups (TWG), and engagement sessions with state governments, industry and MPs. At the same time, Rafizi said the Economy Ministry worked on 'bold and radical' policy proposals, which were presented to the Prime Minister between February and April this year, and twice to a special Cabinet committee. 'All the evidence of the presentations to the Prime Minister and Cabinet are on the Prime Minister's Facebook page, which frequently reported discussions about 13MP with the Economy Ministry,' he said. Rafizi cautioned that the last-minute directive could undermine the plan's credibility and questioned whether the government was reacting to social media pressure. He noted that recent comments by internet users had criticised Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and some responses appeared to dismiss Rafizi's role in the plan's development. 'I worry that the government is taking a reactionary attitude just because there were a few replies to the Communications Minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, regarding 13MP over the past few days,' he said. He stressed that 13MP was a crucial national document, built through contributions from thousands of Malaysians. If politicised, he warned, it could erode public trust in the final version. '13MP is an important document for the country and the people, developed by thousands of Malaysians from all walks of life. If we are not careful, dragging 13MP into political polemics will erode public confidence in the final document,' he said. Rafizi added that such a situation would be a disservice to the civil servants who had worked relentlessly for over a year to complete the plan. 'If this happens, it would be a great injustice to those who have worked tirelessly for over a year, clocking long hours every day,' he said.
