MELBOURNE, Australia, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Leaders from Australia’s environment sector have delivered a set of recommendations to the government ahead of its three-day economic roundtable this week.

The recommendations followed an environmental economic reform roundtable convened on Friday by the environment sector, in response to concerns over the lack of environmental input into the Treasurer’s Canberra event.

The roundtable was attended by CEOs and policy leaders from 25 organisations with key roles in nature conservation and land management in Australia, including Greening Australia, the Indigenous Desert Alliance, the North Australian Land and Sea Management Alliance, the Biodiversity Council, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, WWF Australia, the Nature Conservancy, Landcare Australia and NRM Regions Australia.

Despite the environment underpinning Australia’s GDP and export earnings, there will only be minimal representation at the Canberra event, which aims to build consensus on strategies to boost productivity, enhance economic resilience, and strengthen budget sustainability.

Australian Land Conservation Alliance CEO Dr Jody Gunn said other industry groups had been engaged in earlier roundtables to feed into the Treasury discussions and agenda. “The environment sector had encouraged the Minister for Environment and Water, Murray Watt’s office to hold or co-host a discussion, and whilst this was not taken up, we were pleased to have a representative from Minister Watt’s office attend Friday’s roundtable.”

“Nature’s economic role is too important to leave out of national reform conversations. If we ignore nature, productivity suffers. If we invest in the solutions it brings, we all win — with stronger regional economies, better disaster resilience, and healthier communities.”

Among the recommendations are calls for stronger laws for nature that underpin long-term economic growth, a review of tax settings to incentivise conservation and environmental restoration activities, the need to embed connection with Country and draw upon the knowledge and relationship Indigenous Australians have with the land, and workforce planning for the environment sector.

Environment leaders warn that without nature-based investment and reform, the ongoing decline of our natural capital—soil, water, native vegetation, and biodiversity—will erode productivity, economic growth, and disaster resilience.

Dr Gunn emphasised, “Nature is essential economic infrastructure and through the roundtable recommendations, the environment sector is highlighting the need for it to have a key seat at the table for sustainable economic reform.”

“We’ll continue advancing nature-based solutions, delivering results on the ground, and working to make sure it is part of the broader economic reform conversation.”

“Failing to seize this opportunity would be outdated thinking: the economy does not exist in isolation from the natural world that sustains it.”

Key asks:

1. Put nature at the heart of economic planning and reform

Governments should treat nature like any other critical economic asset — forecasting how the loss of forests, waterways, soils, and wildlife will impact jobs, exports, and the cost of living.

2. Invest in nature and make it easier for others to do the same

We need more funding from both government and business to protect and restore nature. That means direct investment, smarter policies, and reforms that unlock private capital — without letting governments off the hook.

3. Stop paying for damage, start funding solutions

Right now, public money is still flowing to activities that harm nature. Governments should phase out these harmful subsidies and redirect them into projects that regenerate ecosystems and support long-term prosperity.

4. Strengthen and enforce the laws that protect nature

Environmental laws must be clear, consistent, and properly enforced. That includes finishing national reforms, resourcing regulators, and creating an independent agency to ensure transparency, accountability, and certainty.

5. Back solutions that work for people, climate, and Country

Nature, climate, and people are deeply connected. Supporting Indigenous-led land and sea management, aligning climate and biodiversity policies, and ensuring environmental markets deliver real, lasting benefits, is critical.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 August 2025 – SafetySam, Singapore’s provider of safety solutions and workwear, is proud to announce a new product launch—the WORKSafe Greta Safety Boot.
Born from Craftsmanship, Built for the Field
Known as “Generally Resistant Enough To Anything”, the Greta boot is a rugged innovation designed for industrial professionals who rely on their footwear every day. The new product launch demonstrates the blend of traditional leather craftsmanship with cutting-edge safety performance.
After the success of its sneaker-style WORKSafe Starfire, SafetySam sought to create something more timeless. Inspired by classic leather boots and the designer’s own appreciation for Goodyear-welted construction, Greta was developed to meet a clear gap in the Singapore market: a durable, stylish, and functional safety boot that doesn’t compromise in wet or high-intensity work environments.
“Cemented and injection-moulded soles just don’t cut it in our humid climate,” said Jeffrey Seah, General Manager at PDS International. “We needed a boot that wouldn’t split, would age well, and still meet the demands of modern workers.”
What Sets Greta Apart
Greta is certified to EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024 and SS513:2005. It has been field-tested and endorsed by workers across construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. The new product launch introduces a range of features to deliver protection, performance, and durability.

• Goodyear-Welted Construction for water resistance and long-lasting durability (WR).
• Natural Latex Outsole with superior grip and hot contact resistance (HRO).
• Free Lacing System for quick on-and-off without sacrificing style.
• Metatarsal Impact Gel Guard (M) to shield the top of the foot.
• Penetration-Resistant Sole (PS) that’s non-metallic yet highly protective.
• Antistatic Protection (A) to guard against electrostatic discharge.
• Energy Absorption Heel (E) and PU/PE insole for fatigue-free comfort over long shifts.
• HBR lining is a waterproof, breathable membrane that contributes to the overall shoe achieving S7S compliance.

Who Is Greta For?
The new product launch targets the following groups:

• Construction and Civil Engineering – where falling objects and heavy impacts are daily risks.
• Oil and Gas / Marine – where exposure to fluids, heat, and slippery surfaces is constant.
• Heavy Manufacturing – where hot metals, debris, and rough terrain challenge every step.
• Logistics and Warehousing – where long hours on concrete demand both comfort and support.

The Story Behind the Boot: Greta and the Wild West
As with all great WORKSafe products, Greta is brought to life through SafetySam’s original comic series. This time, Sam is thrust into a Wild West multiverse—a tribute to the rugged origins of leather boots. There, he combines old-world techniques with modern safety innovations, mirroring the real-world development process behind Greta.
“The Wild West aesthetic captures the spirit of Greta—gritty, independent, and ready for anything,” as revealed by Crystal Heng, Marketing Manager at PDS International. “It’s a fun, narrative-driven way to express the soul of the product.”
The comic not only reflects the journey of a boot but also conveys a belief: workwear can be both legendary and practical.
Authentic Launch, Real Connections
The product launch is in line with SafetySam’s long-standing community—those who’ve supported the brand’s evolution from the ground up. The campaign now expands across digital platforms, social media, and storytelling content designed to resonate with both seasoned tradespeople and a new generation of users.
Notably, SafetySam is actively exploring partnerships. It is seeking content creators, industrial influencers, and distributors who share the same appreciation for quality craftsmanship and purpose-driven gear.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Lam Dinh Thang, director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, said the city has entered a new development phase driven by high labour productivity and advanced technology, with the digital economy seen as an inevitable growth engine.

“Ho Chi Minh City has made the digital economy one of its key development pillars, setting targets 5–10 per cent above the national average. It aims for the sector to account for 25 per cent of regional GDP this year and 40 per cent by 2030,” Thang said at an August 12 seminar on the digital economy as a growth driver for the southern metropolis, co-organised by Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH).

“Our goal is for the city’s digital economy to truly and effectively contribute to a double-digit economic growth rate starting from 2026,” Thanh added.

Photo: Le Toan.

Meanwhile, according to Nguyen Huu Yen, deputy director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, to develop a strategic roadmap for the coming period, the city needs to rely on five pillars: improving the institutional framework, developing digital infrastructure, enhancing human resource quality, building an innovation ecosystem, and strengthening cooperation and linkages.

“In particular, Ho Chi Minh City will leverage the central urban area’s advantages in services and innovation, Binh Duong’s industrial strengths, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau’s seaport and tourism potential, to form a comprehensive digital economy value chain,” said Yen.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Minh Tuan, director of the Department of Digital Economy and Digital Society under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), shared the formula for success in the digital economy.

First, according to Tuan, the digital economy must be measured by online results. “The MoST has deployed an intelligent survey tool on smartphones, allowing citizens to evaluate action programmes. Based on these evaluations, we can directly measure the impact of initiatives in numerical terms, and from there adjust relevant policies.”

Second, the wholesale and retail support ecosystem should include e-commerce platforms (such as Shopee, Lazada), customer relationship management systems (salesforce), warehouse management systems, online payment platforms (such as Momo, ZaloPay), and data analytics tools to optimise business operations.

Third, is a demand-supply connection model that coordinates between central and local levels, a structured collaboration aimed at addressing imbalances in resources, products, and services between central and local governments through mechanisms such as information exchange, shared responsibility, resource allocation, and unified policies to achieve socioeconomic efficiency.

In addition, the MoST is implementing plans to enhance the role of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in digital transformation. SMEs currently account for 97 per cent of all enterprises and contribute 60 per cent of GDP, but their labour productivity is three to four times lower than the regional average.

“The ministry has developed a set of digital transformation assessment indicators for SMEs, and proposed solutions such as digital signatures, e-invoices, e-commerce, and AI platforms tailored to each sector,” Tuan said, adding that SMEs are the focus due to their simple business models and the potential to boost productivity by 15–20 per cent if digital transformation is successfully implemented.

Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam, rector of the School of Economics, Law, and State Management (under UEH), said Ho Chi Minh City should prioritise the development of a shared data repository, encourage digitalisation, and connect data from multiple sources, while ensuring privacy protection and cybersecurity.

At the same time, the city needs to invest heavily in developing technology platforms and high-quality workers, forming an innovation community, and supporting Vietnamese-made technology products.

Despite its many advantages, Ho Chi Minh City also faces significant challenges. One major challenge is the disparity in the level of digitalisation between regions, particularly between Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

In addition, cybersecurity is emerging as a major issue as the city becomes a mega-urban area, increasing the risk of cyberattacks. Moreover, changing the digital mindset and culture of citizens and businesses, especially SMEs, remains a long journey that will require greater guidance and support from the city government.

Ho Chi Minh City aims for a smarter and greener future Ho Chi Minh City’s development vision to 2050 is a strategic integration effort. VIR’s Quynh Chau spoke with Doan Manh Thang, director of Water Technology and Resilience at Royal HaskoningDHV Vietnam, which led a consortium of 10 consultants to set up the city’s master plan.

Ho Chi Minh City and Danang gear up for financial hub projects Ho Chi Minh City and Danang are advancing plans to establish international fnancial centres as part of Vietnam’s long-term growth strategy.

Ho Chi Minh City – Hyogo Economic Forum promotes green and digital cooperation Green and digital transformation for sustainable development was the central theme of the 7th Ho Chi Minh City – Hyogo Economic Forum, held in Ho Chi Minh City on August 5.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2025 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, is proud that it has been ranked number one on the list of Best Workplaces in Hong Kong by the Great Place to Work Institute for the second consecutive time. Additionally, DHL Express Hong Kong has received “The Legends” recognition, awarded to companies that have been listed for 10 consecutive years, making it the only company to earn this distinction this year. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to fostering a dynamic, supportive, and inclusive workplace culture where every employee feels valued and empowered.
“DHL Express is deeply honored to be recognized as the top company on the Best Workplaces List in Hong Kong for the second time,” said Andy Chiang, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau, DHL Express. “Creating the best workplace for all is our priority. By creating a supportive, motivating work environment, we foster a sense of belonging that allows each person to thrive. Their unique perspectives and contributions fuel our success and help us stand apart in the industry.”
Commitment to a great workplace for all
DHL Express is dedicated to creating a workplace where every individual feels valued and respected. The company organizes various “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging” activities throughout the year to cultivate an inclusive culture that embraces diverse perspectives. Additionally, new joiners benefit from streamlined and digitized onboarding experiences, allowing them to access essential information and resources before starting. The Career Marketplace serves as DHL’s internal one-stop shop for career development, providing personalized job and learning recommendations based on employees’ skills and aspirations, ensuring they have tailored growth opportunities.
To enhance employee health and wellness, DHL Express Hong Kong has offered on-site health screening and health talks on different topics to the employees to enhance their health awareness. Also, employees’ healthcare benefits are enhanced to fit employees’ needs.
Transparent communication is a cornerstone of DHL’s workplace culture. Employees participate in the annual “Employee Opinion Survey,” offering a platform for anonymous feedback, while regular small group meetings facilitate direct communication and engagement to address specific concerns effectively. With this deeper level of employee engagement, DHL Express is well-positioned to continue its legacy of excellence, ensuring high standards of service for both employees and customers.
DHL Express’s Great Place to Work® achievement in Hong Kong repeatedly reinforces its position as a leading employer and sets a benchmark for workplace excellence in the region. The company will continue its efforts to create an attractive working environment for employees, where outstanding performance is met with appreciation and respect.
Great Place To Work® (GPTW) is the global authority on workplace culture. Its Great Place To Work For All™ Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming certified or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List. This year, employees of DHL Group in 128 countries had the opportunity to participate in the survey. The external survey captures employees’ workplace-related experiences and evaluates them based on the Trust Index across five dimensions: credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie. Only those companies with the best results make it onto the World’s Best Workplaces™ list. This year, 21 companies in Hong Kong were honored, achieving an impressive average score of 91.18 percent, a testament to the hard work and commitment of all employees.
Starting in 2026, the logistics company will no longer be evaluated by individual business units globally but will be certified as DHL. As part of the company’s commitment to becoming an Employer of Choice, DHL Group emphasizes creating a safe and positive work environment, competitive benefits, and fostering employee development and inclusion. Dr. Thomas Ogilvie, Chief Human Resources Officer of DHL Group, stated: “We want to be a great company to work for all. Participating in the GPTW survey provides us with detailed insights about our strengths and our areas of improvements also by comparing our results with those of other leading companies. This recognition is important for employer branding and significantly contributes to our perception as an attractive employer.”
https://www.dhl.com/hk-en/home/press.html

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

With a graduating cohort of 109 students, ISHCMC achieved an impressive 98 per cent diploma pass rate, far exceeding the global average of 81 per cent.

This accomplishment underscores the school’s dynamic learning culture and dedication to supporting students on their individual educational journeys.

The Class of 2025 achieved an average score of 34 points, outperforming the global mean of 30.58. Nearly half the cohort, 44 per cent, attained scores of 35 points or higher, demonstrating a breadth of strong performance across the board.

Remarkably, six students achieved the prestigious 40+ points milestone, a reflection of their perseverance and the expert guidance of ISHCMC’s educators.

In addition to academic success, ISHCMC celebrates its robust culture of multilingualism and international-mindedness.

This year, 53 per cent of graduates earned the IB Bilingual Diploma, more than double the global average of 23 per cent. This achievement highlights the school’s dedication to fostering cultural fluency and preparing students to engage with a diverse, interconnected world.

“These results reflect more than numbers,” said Marco Longmore, head of school. “They represent countless stories of determination, creativity, and growth. Our students are developing the curiosity and resilience that will carry them into their future endeavours.”

Many graduates began their educational journey at ISHCMC as young learners in the Early Years Programme, progressing seamlessly through the IB continuum from the Primary Years Programme to the Middle Years Programme, and finally into the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).

This pathway has allowed students to grow in confidence, critical thinking, and compassion, equipping them with the tools to contribute meaningfully to society.

The accomplishments of the Class of 2025 extend well beyond academics. Students have demonstrated leadership and empathy through initiatives such as Theory of Knowledge essays that challenge conventional thinking, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) projects that create real-world impact-from environmental campaigns and social entrepreneurship ventures to artistic performances and mental health awareness drives.

Their CAS projects alone touched countless lives in Ho Chi Minh City and beyond, with efforts to promote sustainability, build community engagement, and support underprivileged groups.

ISHCMC’s educators have been integral to this success, providing not just academic instruction, but also mentorship and guidance. Teachers and IB coordinators have cultivated an environment where inquiry and innovation thrive, supporting students to pursue their passions and achieve their best.

The Class of 2025 is now preparing to join prestigious universities around the globe, from the United States and the United Kingdom to Canada, Australia, and beyond.

Their destinations include top-tier universities such as the University of California system, Imperial College London, University of Toronto, and Seoul National University.

Many graduates have also secured scholarships and awards, including a remarkable $56 million in scholarships, recognising their academic potential and community service contributions.

Yet, beyond their academic qualifications, these students take with them a mindset rooted from ISHCMC’s core values: curiosity, achievement, resilience, and empathy.

These qualities will enable them to lead, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully in a fast-changing world where adaptability and compassion are essential.

ISHCMC extends heartfelt congratulations to every graduate, their families, and the dedicated faculty who have supported them throughout this journey.

The school remains steadfast in its mission to inspire and empower young people to become confident, compassionate global citizens who will shape the future with vision and purpose.

As ISHCMC reflects on this milestone, it also looks forward, continuing to innovate and strengthen their programmes to ensure every learner is prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s world.

With plans to further enhance student wellbeing initiatives, invest in state-of-the-art learning spaces, and expand partnerships with global institutions, ISHCMC is building a future where excellence is not just achieved but sustained for generations to come.

International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is the first international school established in Ho Chi Minh City. ISHCMC offers a high-quality education for students aged 2 to 18 with three distinct pathways: the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, IB Courses, and the ISHCMC High School Diploma. Accredited by globally recognised organisations such as CIS and NEASC, ISHCMC provides a learning environment where every individual is encouraged to explore their potential and grow holistically. Over the years, ISHCMC students have been accepted into seven of the world’s top 10 universities ranked by QS World University Rankings. Learn more about ISHCMC: * Website: https://www.ishcmc.com/ * Phone: (028) 3898 9100 * Email: admissions@ishcmc.edu.vn

The first steps: How early years at ISHCMC build a foundation for life The Early Years programme at International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is designed to be the starting point for lifelong learning.

ISHCMC celebrates 30-year legacy International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) held its 30th Anniversary Gala Event on December 2, a momentous occasion commemorating three decades of educational excellence and innovation.

ISHCMC celebrates 30 years with launch of new Student Grant Programme In celebration of 30years of providing exceptional education, the International School of Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) has proudly announced the launch of its 30 Year Grant, designed to recognise and support students who exhibit exceptional talent, determination, and potential.