Latest news with #VictorTan
The Star
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
For the safety of the young ones in South-East Asia and globally, Nuna and BMW join hands to innovate premium baby gear designs
Nuna, the world-renowned authority in premium baby gear innovation, and top car producer BMW have announced an exclusive design collaboration, which will give parents peace of mind when it comes to the safety of their babies. This partnership brings together two brands recognised for their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to providing exceptional lifestyle solutions. Nuna and BMW are celebrated for their unwavering dedication to premier industry expertise. The result is a collection that marks a new chapter in the world of sophistication and precision, tailored to families seeking the best quality and design for their everyday adventures. Craftsmanship and Innovation The collaboration focuses on elevating the user experience through thoughtful design. Each product in the collection showcases both brands' commitment to detail and is a testament to the exceptional safety and durability standards and luxe aesthetics synonymous with Nuna and BMW. 'Our collaboration with BMW is a natural fit, with a passion for premium quality and innovative design,' said Noraizan Din, Chief Executive Officer of Nuna Malaysia (Supreme Global Marketing Sdn Bhd). 'We are excited to combine our expertise to create premium products that will enhance the everyday lives of our selective buyers who think carefully about their purchases and value remarkable design and premium quality for themselves and their families.' Meanwhile, BMW, represented by Victor Tan, the Head of Sales, Auto Bavaria Malaysia, said they were also excited that BMW is moving into more innovative sections that can improve the lives of children too. 'With design and craftsmanship as the basis for the product lines, BMW is collaborating with Nuna on products that will enhance the lives of our customers and their children in terms of form and function,' said Tan. "In fact, for the future, we may even offer a stroller as part of the package for buying a BMW car, especially for young parents. In the past, there have been these kinds of requests from our customers." A Shared Vision This partnership is not just a collaboration but a meeting of minds and a shared vision of excellence that Nuna and BMW are excited to offer their discerning customers. 'At Nuna, our mission is to create premium baby gear that is designed for living,' said Marta Piña Fernández, Head of Marketing EMEA & APAC for Nuna. 'Partnering with BMW allows us to push the boundaries of what is possible in baby gear design and set a new standard for quality and style that provides adventure and creates memories for families to treasure.' The Nuna x BMW collection includes three pushchairs, the MIXX ™ next, TRIV™ next, and TRVL ™ lx, each featuring design details inspired by BMW, such as wheels with a BMW pattern, rims resembling BMW tires, and logo applications and patterns. On top of this there is also an essential bag available in the collection. Prices start from RM2,699 for the strollers. The Nuna x BMW collection is available at selected retail outlets, Nuna Malaysia showroom in Subang Jaya, and will be available in selected BMW dealers. For more information, visit
Business Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
SMEs ‘ideal catalysts for social change', says Top International CEO
[SINGAPORE] When some towkays from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) get together, it is not always to cut deals or to putt on the fairway. At least not for Victor Tan, CEO of TOP International, a mining and resources company headquartered in Singapore. The 40-year-old managed to gather his counterparts from various SMEs, which include Mlion Corporation and Shield, to raise more than S$150,000 this year to subsidise transport costs for students from underprivileged backgrounds. The initiative, Kindness Warrior, stemmed from the CEO's formative years and to his knowledge, is among the first of its kind in Singapore where leaders from various SMEs come together to give back to society. Tan said: 'I grew up in Johor Bahru. During my years in school, I had the opportunity to see the work that Robert Kuok (also known as the Sugar King of Asia) was doing through initiatives in my school. 'It wasn't loud of flashy, it was quiet and impactful. I became inspired to learn more about his philanthropic work. It left a deep impression on me because it showed how business success can be a powerful platform for positive change.' A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up To the CEO, the initiative was 'more about doing whatever we can to ease the burden on families and support children's education as… the cost of getting to school can be a real barrier'. Hence, Kindness Warrior partnered North East Community Development Council to support its School Transport Assistance and Relief Scheme (Stars) project. 'I grew up in Johor Bahru. During my years in school, I had the opportunity to see the work that Robert Kuok (also known as the Sugar King of Asia) was doing through initiatives in my school,' says Victor Tan, CEO of TOP International. PHOTO: TOP INTERNATIONAL 'It's a simple but powerful way to remove one hurdle and ensure that no child misses out on education and all the opportunities it brings,' he added. The Kindness Warrior initiative, into its third year, has raised $368,168 in total so far. Last year, the Stars programme disbursed more than S$500,000 to help 1,181 students from lower income families. Of this amount, S$100,000 came from TOP's Kindness Warrior campaign. Faradillah, a stay-home mum to five children, said that the initiative has helped alleviate the financial burden on her family. Another beneficiary, Ahyarudin, concurred and added that he can now use the money that he used to spend on school transport on other areas such as textbooks. When asked on the importance of the role that SMEs can play in the giving landscape, Tan said: 'When it comes to galvanising support (from them), I think it starts with understanding their realities. SMEs face their own unique challenges – sometimes it's budget constraints, and other times it's manpower or time limitations. But I've personally not found it to be an insurmountable challenge. It's really about showing them the value of what we're trying to achieve, and how their participation can make a tangible impact on children and families.' Tan added that he 'believes there's something powerful when SMEs lead such initiatives themselves'. SMEs make up about 99 per cent of all enterprises in Singapore and 72 per cent of the workforce. 'They're the lifeblood of our economy: the entrepreneurs who are shaping communities and creating jobs. When they come together, they represent the true spirit of nation-building, and they show how business can play a central role in supporting families and strengthening society. As entrepreneurs, we know what it means to build something from the ground up. That spirit of resilience and community makes them ideal catalysts for social change.'
Business Times
29-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
First Reit reports lower H1 DPU of S$0.0113 on FX depreciation, enlarged unit base
[SINGAPORE] The manager of First Reit reported a 5.2 per cent fall in H1 2025 distribution per unit (DPU) to S$0.0113 from S$0.012 in H1 2024 in a bourse filing on Tuesday (Jul 29). This comprises the Q1 2025 DPU of S$0.0058, which was paid on Jun 26, and Q2 2025 DPU of S$0.0055, which will be paid on Sep 25. Rental and other income for H1 2025 fell 2.9 per cent to S$50.5 million from S$52 million in H1 2024. This was mainly driven by the depreciation of the rupiah and yen against the Singapore dollar, and partially offset by higher rental income from assets in Indonesia and Singapore. As a result, net property and other income also fell in tandem, down 2.7 per cent to S$48.9 million in H1 2025 from S$50.3 million in H1 2024. Distributable amount fell 4.8 per cent to S$23.8 million in H1 2025 from S$25 million in H1 2024 on the same foreign currency depreciation. The fall in DPU was driven by these factors and an enlarged unit base from issuance of units as payment of management fees to the manager. The gearing ratio for First Reit rose slightly to 41.2 per cent, and interest coverage ratio remained at 3.7 times. The real estate investment trust has no refinancing requirements until May 2026, and has adopted hedging strategies to protect net cash flows from Indonesia and Japan. Currency volatility is expected to persist across Asia, influenced by the ongoing global trade uncertainties and domestic fiscal challenges. The rupiah and yen have both depreciated this year, with Bank Indonesia intervening in June and Bank of Japan signalling caution over additional rate hikes. 'The volatility and depreciation of the Indonesian rupiah against the Singapore dollar moderated our distributable income for the first half of 2025, despite Indonesia properties achieving a 5.5 per cent increase in rental income in local currency terms. This necessitates our continued focus on actively managing foreign currency risks and our capital management strategy,' said Victor Tan, executive director and CEO of the manager. Units of First Reit closed unchanged at S$0.28 on Tuesday.
Business Times
29-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
First Reit H1 reports lower 2025 DPU of S$0.0113 on FX depreciation and enlarged unit base
[SINGAPORE] The manager of First Reit reported a 5.2 per cent fall in H1 2025 distribution per unit (DPU) to S$0.0113 from S$0.012 in H1 2024 in a bourse filing on Tuesday (Jul 29). This comprises the Q1 2025 DPU of S$0.0058, which was paid on Jun 26, and Q2 2025 DPU of S$0.0055, which will be paid on Sep 25. Rental and other income for H1 2025 fell 2.9 per cent to S$50.5 million from S$52 million in H1 2024. This was mainly driven by the depreciation of the rupiah and yen against the Singapore dollar, and partially offset by higher rental income from assets in Indonesia and Singapore. As a result, net property and other income also fell in tandem, down 2.7 per cent to S$48.9 million in H1 2025 from S$50.3 million in H1 2024. Distributable amount fell 4.8 per cent to S$23.8 million in H1 2025 from S$25 million in H1 2024 on the same foreign currency depreciation. The fall in DPU was driven by these factors and an enlarged unit base from issuance of units as payment of management fees to the manager. The gearing ratio for First Reit rose slightly to 41.2 per cent, and interest coverage ratio remained at 3.7 times. The real estate investment trust has no refinancing requirements until May 2026, and has adopted hedging strategies to protect net cash flows from Indonesia and Japan. Currency volatility is expected to persist across Asia, influenced by the ongoing global trade uncertainties and domestic fiscal challenges. The rupiah and yen have both depreciated this year, with Bank Indonesia intervening in June and Bank of Japan signalling caution over additional rate hikes. 'The volatility and depreciation of the Indonesian rupiah against the Singapore dollar moderated our distributable income for the first half of 2025, despite Indonesia properties achieving a 5.5 per cent increase in rental income in local currency terms. This necessitates our continued focus on actively managing foreign currency risks and our capital management strategy,' said Victor Tan, executive director and CEO of the manager. Units of First Reit closed unchanged at S$0.28 on Tuesday.
The Star
29-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Dragon-riding Penangites to row it out
Roaring energy: A file photo of rowers taking part in the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta 2024 at Straits Quay Retail Marina, on Nov 24, 2024. Though the festival is this Saturday, most dragon boat races in other parts of the world tend to be held later in the year. GEORGE TOWN: Eighty Penangites with highly tuned upper bodies will be churning up the waters on dragon boats this Saturday. Spectators can watch them power through the waves with unflagging speed during the global Dragon Boat Festival from 3pm to 8pm at the Penang Chinese Swimming Club in Tanjung Tokong. Although the actual date of the Dragon Boat Festival falls this Saturday, or the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar, most dragon boat races in other parts of the world tend to be held later in the year. This is to take advantage of more favourable weather conditions, said Penang tourism committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, adding that the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta takes place in November. In this regard, this Saturday's race is billed as 'one for Penangites'. 'Penang has so much sea and we should encourage water sports including rowing and ones with cultural significance,' he said, adding that races like this can attract young rowers. The festival will also offer more than just racing. 'The public can enjoy cultural activities such as rice dumpling-making, traditional performances and a variety of food,' he said. Penang Chinese Swimming Club president and event organising chairman Victor Tan said this was the first time they were organising the festival. 'The competition will feature a 300m sprint and a 3km race around Pulau Tikus island,' he said. 'While we welcome teams from other states, so far only Penang teams are racing this weekend,' he said of the competitive activities done in collaboration with the Penang Dragon Boat Association and Penang Rowing Association.
