UEM Edgenta Champions Malaysia’s First Pet Food Rescue

UEM Edgenta Berhad (UEM Edgenta), Malaysia’s leading provider of integrated asset management and infrastructure services, in collaboration with The Lost Food Project, is proud to announce the remarkable progress of the Saving Animals, Serving Community campaign through the Pet Food Project (PFP) from January to July 2024. As the first initiative of its kind in Malaysia, this groundbreaking project is dedicated to rescuing surplus pet food and redistributing it to animals in need, thereby fostering a more sustainable and compassionate community.

UEM Edgenta, the sole corporate partner in this first-of-its-kind collaboration, has been instrumental in driving the success of the Pet Food Project. Over the past six months, the project has successfully diverted 5,496 kilograms of surplus pet food from landfills, bringing the total amount of rescued pet food to an impressive 12,724 kilograms since the project's initiation. This surplus has been distributed to individual cat and dog rescuers, shelters, and feeders across the Klang Valley and beyond, ensuring that countless animals receive the nourishment they need.

The success of the Pet Food Project highlights UEM Edgenta’s commitment to innovation in community support and sustainability. By partnering with The Lost Food Project, UEM Edgenta has enabled the PFP to engage individuals and local businesses in combating pet food waste. This effort has rescued 5,490 kilograms of pet food, prevented 36,935 kilograms of CO2 emissions, and supported over 50 shelters, rescuers, and feeders. It has also delivered 50,384 meals to cats and kittens and 8,833 meals to dogs, enhancing the well-being of countless animals. At the same time, this initiative has significantly reduced the environmental impact of food waste, making a lasting difference in the community

As PFP moves beyond its pilot phase, UEM Edgenta and The Lost Food Project are committed to integrating the valuable learnings and connections established to ensure the continued success and growth of the initiative. Insights gained from the pilot, including the specific needs of animal shelters and the logistical challenges of surplus pet food distribution, will be leveraged to refine processes and make them more efficient and responsive to community needs.

Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Syahrunizam Samsudin, MD/CEO, UEM Edgenta, emphasised “At UEM Edgenta, sustainability is not just a business objective; it is an integral part of our commitment to creating lasting value for the communities we serve. The ‘Saving Animals, Serving Community’ campaign, in partnership with The Lost Food Project, exemplifies this commitment by addressing the critical issue of pet food waste while enhancing animal welfare across Malaysia. As the only corporate partner of this groundbreaking initiative, we are proud to be at the forefront, which aligns with our broader vision of driving innovation and fostering social responsibility. As we continue to scale this effort, we remain dedicated to building meaningful, sustainable partnerships that make a tangible difference in society.”

In addition to this initiative, UEM Edgenta proudly served as the main sponsor of the "Potong Royong" programme, in collaboration with Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). This vital campaign successfully neutered 680 animals, including over 500 cats and 150 dogs, helping to manage the stray animal population and promote responsible pet ownership. SPCA has been UEM Edgenta's trusted partner since 2023. Through the Company's continued sponsorship in 2024, this collaboration further underscores the UEM Edgenta's enduring commitment to both animal welfare and community sustainability. Building on the success of these initiatives, UEM Edgenta will continue to strengthen its collaboration with other like-minded organisations. The Company is dedicated to expanding its efforts in reducing pet food waste, enhancing animal welfare, and driving sustainable, community-focused solutions across Malaysia.

For further information on UEM Edgenta’s CSR programmes and its journey in sustainability, log on to https://www.uemedgenta.com.

(fourth from right) Wan Laila Fatihah, Head, Corporate Communications, UEM Edgenta Berhad and (third from left) Daniel Devadason, General Manager, The Lost Food Project together with representatives of UEM Edgenta symbolically handing over rescued pet food to TLFP.

(left) Wan Laila Fatihah, Head, Corporate Communications, UEM Edgenta Berhad together with (right) Daniel Devadason, General Manager, The Lost Food Project at a recent pet food rescue programme.

A representative of UEM Edgenta Berhad with one of the many feline recipients of the rescued pet food under the Pet Food Project following the collaboration between UEM Edgenta and TLFP.

About UEM EDGENTA BERHAD

UEM Edgenta (www.uemedgenta.com) is a leading Asset Management and Infrastructure Solutions company in the region and is a subsidiary of the UEM Group. Listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (KLSE: EDGENTA), our expertise covers Healthcare Support and Property & Facility Solutions, and Infrastructure Services covering Expressways and Rail, including project management & engineering design capabilities via our Opus Consultants business arm.

Guided by our ‘Edgenta of the Future 2025’ vision, UEM Edgenta’s full suite of business services is driven by technological advancements throughout the business assets’ life cycle including consultancy, procurement & construction planning, operations & maintenance, as well as optimisation, rehabilitation and upgrades. Digital solutions across multiple industries positions UEM Edgenta as a powerhouse to become a Technology-Enabled Solutions Company with a focus on healthcare by 2025. 

UEM Edgenta has operational presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy to Launch on Nintendo Switch October 31, 2024

GSC Game World is excited to announce the release of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy on Nintendo Switch™ on October 31, 2024. The collection, featuring Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009), will arrive ahead of the previously planned November release window.

Fans can view the official launch trailer, captured entirely on Nintendo Switch hardware

TRAILER

These Switch-optimized versions of the iconic games come with several enhancements, including:

Gyro aiming for a more intuitive shooting experience

Touch interface integration for easier navigation

Refined visuals to maintain the atmosphere while maximizing Switch performance

Full support for both handheld and TV modes, ensuring smooth gameplay on the go or at home

These updates ensure that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. veterans and new players alike will have an authentic experience in the Chornobyl Anomalous Zone.

GSC Game World partnered with MATABOO to fully leverage the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch, making the immersive world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. accessible to a new audience.

Pricing & Availability

Each game will be available digitally for $19.99 USD / €19.99 / £15.99 individually or as a bundle for $39.99 USD / €39.99 / £32.99. Regional pricing will apply in select territories.

For access to the press kit and review codes, please contact the team below. Follow GSC Game World’s official social media channels for further updates on S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy and other S.T.A.L.K.E.R. projects.

Supporting Ukraine

As the war in Ukraine continues, GSC Game World remains steadfast in supporting our home country. For those interested in contributing, we encourage donations to the official charity fund organized by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: https://u24.gov.ua.

About S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is a series of first-person survival shooters that blend horror, RPG mechanics, and deep storytelling in a post-apocalyptic world shaped by the 1986 Chornobyl disaster. The original trilogy — Shadow of Chornobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Prypiat — has sold over 15 million units worldwide and remains celebrated for its atmospheric gameplay and innovative design.

The S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy is an enhanced edition of the original titles, available for PlayStation and Xbox since March 2024, and now coming to Nintendo Switch on October 31, 2024.

About GSC Game World

Founded in 1995, GSC Game World is a Ukrainian game development studio known for creating world-class gaming experiences, including the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Cossacks series. The team is currently hard at work on the highly anticipated S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. 

Contact InformationWorldwide Media Contacts — Renaissance PRStefano Petrullo - CEO: stefano@renaissancepr.bizGreg Jones - Head of Communications: greg@renaissancepr.bizSam Faulkner - Account Manager: sam@renaissancepr.biz

Worldwide Influencer Contacts — Renaissance PRThomas Hughes - Content Creators Manager: thomas@renaissancepr.bizGeneral Inquiries: stalker2@renaissancepr.biz

GSC Game WorldZakhar Bocharov - PR Manager: zb@stalker2.com

About 4Divinity Pte Ltd

4Divinity is a digital and retail games publishing company focused on bringing exciting games content from around the world to Asia and introducing Asian content to a global market. Along with its sister company Epicsoft Asia, 4Divinity is partnering with publishers and development studios to introduce brand-new IP to the region. https://www.4divinity.com/

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Asuene Announces Strategic Acquisition of ESG Data Analysis and Decarbonization Startup "E4G" from the University of Tokyo

Asuene Inc.is pleased to announce the strategic acquisition of E4G, Inc. a cutting-edge startup originating from the Tanaka Kenji Laboratory at the University of Tokyo. E4G specializes in AI-driven ESG data collection and analysis, as well as decarbonization roadmap development software.

Background of the Acquisition

Asuene offers a diverse range of products, “ASUENE”, a carbon accounting platform, "ASUENE ESG," evaluation cloud service, and "ASUENE CAREER," the talent recruiting support for your Decarbonization and ESG initiatives. By providing a one-stop solution for sustainability, “ASUENE” has supported the decarbonization and ESG management efforts of over 9,000 companies, while “ASUENE ESG” has exceeded 14,000 companies, boasting the top position in the industry.

In recent years, the importance of ESG metrics as a basis for corporate evaluation has significantly increased, leading to a rapid rise in the demand for efficient collection, analysis, management, and disclosure of ESG data among businesses and financial institutions.

However, the lack of standardization and normalization in ESG data collection makes this process extremely challenging. Many companies face significant burdens of time and cost, as they must manually gather vast amounts of information for competitor comparisons and industry analyses, while also requiring ongoing data collection and analysis.

Furthermore, in the context of decarbonization, the importance of visualizing CO2 emissions, as well as developing and implementing emission reduction roadmaps, has become increasingly critical for companies. However, the complexity of formulating reduction plans has led to rising challenges, as organizations often lack the necessary expertise to proceed effectively.

In light of these social trends and customer challenges, we have determined that integrating E4G— which possesses robust services and technological foundations in the areas of ESG data and CO2 emissions reduction—will significantly enhance the value we provide to our customers and further expand our platform. This realization has driven us to pursue the acquisition of E4G.

Objectives Achieved Through the Acquisition

Enhanced ESG Data Solutions: The acquisition allows Asuene to integrate E4G’s ESG data capabilities with its existing platform, offering a more comprehensive solution for businesses. This integration will enable organizations to efficiently collect and analyze non-financial indicators, conduct competitor assessments, and streamline corporate value evaluations.

Strengthening Decarbonization Support: The combined expertise of Asuene and E4G will provide a one-stop solution for decarbonization management, covering everything from visualizing CO2 emissions to formulating and implementing reduction strategies.

Fostering University-Industry Collaboration: The partnership with E4G, backed by advancedtechnology and a robust data foundation, will accelerate the development and societal mplementation of decarbonization and ESG solutions.

Comments from E4G and Asuene Representatives

Representative Taichi Obara, E4G, Inc.

I am truly delighted to join the Asuene Group. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders, including our customers, partner companies, team members, and shareholders. In light of the global ESG movement, companies are being called upon to undergo further transformation. By collaborating with Asuene, which is rapidly expanding its operations on the global stage and driving societal GX initiatives, E4G will continue to advance our vision of 'DATA DRIVEN GX.

Founder&CEO Kohei Nishiwada, Asuene Inc.

I am very honored that E4G has decided to join the Asuene Group. As the importance of ESG data and GHG reduction continues to rise both in Japan and globally, E4G's expertise in ESG data disclosure analysis and reduction roadmap development will become crucial for comprehensively assessing corporate sustainability, as well as evaluating corporate value, risks, and investment potential. Together with Daichi Obara, the CEO of E4G, we look forward to delivering new value in the areas of decarbonization and ESG data.

About Asuene APAC Pte. Ltd.

Asuene Company Profile

Asuene Inc. is a leading Climate Tech company in Japan with the mission of ”Changing the world for the next generation”. We provide "ASUENE", a carbon accounting platform to measure, report and reduce carbon emissions of companies and we contribute to the net zero society.

Company name: Asuene Inc.

Representative: Founder & CEO Kohei Nishiwada

Date of establishment: October, 2019

Headquarters: WeWork, KDX Toranomon 1Chome Building 4F, 1-10-5 Toranomon, Minato-Ku

URL: https://earthene.com/apac

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Ignoring the Small Stuff: How Our Reactive Mindset Leads to Bigger Problems

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



In a world that thrives on speed and convenience, it is easy to overlook the small issues that don’t seem to demand our immediate attention. However, ignoring these seemingly minor concerns often leads to larger, more complex problems that could have been prevented had we acted earlier. Our tendency to react only when situations escalate can have serious repercussions, transforming what could have been simple fixes into enormous challenges.

The Problem with Being Reactive

It is human nature to prioritize what seems urgent, leaving less immediate concerns unattended. As a result, we tend to react only when the effects of our inaction are impossible to ignore. By the time we choose to act, the problem has often spiraled out of control, requiring greater resources, time, and effort to resolve. This reactive mindset not only affects our personal lives but also has widespread consequences for communities, nations, and even the planet.

One of the clearest examples of this is how we handle issues related to informal settlers, improper waste disposal, deforestation, and public transportation. When left unchecked, these seemingly minor concerns grow into formidable challenges that impact the economy, environment, and public health.

The Escalation of Informal Settlements

Take the issue of informal settlers, for instance. People begin to occupy vacant land, often due to the lack of affordable housing, and over time, entire communities form without proper documentation, infrastructure, or services. For years, the situation might be tolerated, until it becomes a much larger problem that governments are forced to address. By then, the squatters demand relocation, compensation, or other forms of assistance, putting pressure on the system. Had there been early intervention, such as improving access to affordable housing or enforcing land use laws, the situation could have been prevented from growing to such proportions.

Improper Waste Disposal: The Hidden Cost

Another glaring example is the improper disposal of everyday waste like plastic sachets, cigarette butts, and candy wrappers. These items may seem insignificant when disposed of carelessly, but they accumulate over time, clogging waterways, polluting rivers, and leading to flooding during storms. The result? Not only do we face environmental degradation, but we also create health hazards for communities. Governments are then forced to invest in expensive cleanup projects and disaster response programs. The truth is, by adopting proper waste management practices early on, this situation could be easily prevented. Yet, we often wait until the damage becomes visible before we take action.

Deforestation: Ignoring Long-Term Impact

The cutting down of trees is another overlooked issue that eventually snowballs into environmental crises. When forests are destroyed for short-term economic gain, the consequences—soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and increased carbon emissions—take years to become apparent. Eventually, we are left grappling with extreme weather events, agricultural decline, and shrinking natural resources. Only then do we realize the true cost of deforestation, but by that time, reversing the damage is a Herculean task. Early action, such as sustainable logging practices and reforestation efforts, could have mitigated these long-term effects.

Public Transportation: An Overlooked Crisis in the Making

In the realm of public transportation, we frequently allow overloading and standing in buses, trains, and other transit systems, despite the obvious health and safety risks. With no immediate consequences in sight, we become complacent about enforcing proper regulations, and eventually, we face more significant problems like poor health conditions, overcrowded transit systems, and even accidents. Only after the crisis becomes severe do we attempt to implement solutions, often struggling to restore order to an already broken system.

Why We Need to Be Proactive

The common thread in all these examples is that the issues did not emerge overnight. They started small and grew because we neglected to address them at the root. To be proactive means to act on problems while they are still manageable, before they develop into massive concerns that require extensive effort and resources to fix. It is about seeing the potential long-term consequences of our actions—or inaction—and making decisions today that will prevent those future crises.

In the case of informal settlements, proactive solutions would involve creating long-term housing programs and policies that prevent illegal squatting. For waste disposal, stricter regulations on single-use plastics, as well as public education on proper waste management, could drastically reduce pollution. Forest conservation laws and sustainable practices could curb deforestation and the adverse effects of climate change. For public transport, enforcing rules that limit standing and overloading would ensure safer, more comfortable commutes for everyone, while maintaining health standards.

From Molehills to Mountains: The Price of Inaction

The cost of ignoring small issues often results in larger, more expensive problems. It is like allowing a tiny crack in a dam to persist, believing it will not lead to any real damage, only to watch that crack widen and eventually cause catastrophic flooding. We must change our collective mindset to focus on preventing issues before they escalate.

As individuals, communities, and nations, we need to embrace a proactive approach that recognizes the importance of small issues. Every seemingly minor concern, whether it’s waste disposal, housing, environmental protection, or transportation, has the potential to grow into something far larger. If we fail to take action early, we will find ourselves scrambling to fix problems that could have been easily avoided.

In a world that faces complex, interconnected crises, from climate change to economic instability, our ability to foresee and prevent these problems will determine the quality of life for future generations. It's time we start paying attention to the small stuff before it becomes too big to ignore.

Alab ng Pasko: a Spectacular Magic Show this December at Batangas Lakelands

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

This year, Batangas Lakelands takes its annual Alab Ng Pasko celebration to an exciting new direction. Following the success of the previous performances by Yeng Constantino and Parokya Ni Edgar, the 2024 event promises to captivate with a magical twist.

Guests can look forward to a variety of magical performances throughout the evening, with the show’s highlight being the internationally renowned illusionist, Kent Oliver. In addition to his stunning magic act, the event will feature thrilling performances by The Reals Band, Tectonix, The Fire Benders, Alab Poi, and the Acrobat of Manila. It’s a night guaranteed to dazzle and entertain guests of all ages.

The event happens on December 14, 2024. Gates will be opened at 8:00 AM for guests to take full advantage of Batangas Lakelands’ Day Trip Adventure. Visitors can enjoy activities such as biking, archery, bus tour, and access to walking trails.

Tickets are now available at Ticketworld https://bit.ly/MAGICSHW24 and Batangas Lakelands’ website for only ₱500.

The magic and entertainment will run until 10:00 PM that will surely ignite the holiday spirit.

For reservations and inquiries, you may call Batangas Lakelands’ Landline: (02) 7623-9465 or Mobile: 0917 852 7735 / 0917 869 1619 or send an email at tours@lakelands.com.ph.

To get in the loop for latest updates and information, please like Batangas Lakelands' official facebook page at www.facebook.com/batangaslakelands and website at www.batangaslakelands.ph.

23rd PELÍCULA Spanish Film Festival: Here’s Your Last Chance!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?





As the 23rd PELÍCULA>PELIKULA Spanish Film Festival enters its final weekend, moviegoers are invited to catch the remaining films from October 11 to 13, 2024, at the Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La Plaza. The Festival, which has celebrated Spanish and Latin American cinema over the week, will wrap up with a dynamic lineup of films, including the highly anticipated Audience Choice Awards on the final day.

Earlier this week, the Festival presented the Asian premiere of Benito Pérez Buñuel on October 8, 2024. The screening was followed by Q&A session moderated by Mapúa University professor and filmmaker Sheryl Andes, with the film’s producer Marta de Santa Ana and director Luis Roca. The documentary explores the life and influence of Spanish filmmaker Luis Buñuel and Spanish writer Benito Pérez Galdós, and the audience had the opportunity to dive into the creative process behind the film.

In addition to the films, the Festival also held a Post-production workshop of Rick, Rack, Catatrack!, with the Spanish filmmaker Mario Torrecillas on October 6, 8 & 9 at Shang and iAcademy Nexus Makati. The workshop was attended by children and 12 film students from leading universities such as iAcademy, Mapúa, CSB, MINT, APFI, and CIIT, who gained practical knowledge of the stop motion animation and post-production process. Torrecillas guided the students on offering useful hands-on experience.

As PELÍCULA>PELIKULA draws to a close, the final weekend kicks off on Friday, October 11, with a special screening of Puan, courtesy of the Embassy of Argentina. Directed by María Alché and Benjamín Naishtat, Puan explores in a comedic way the rivalry between two University professors of Philosophy, offering a satirical look at academia.

On Saturday, October 12, audiences can catch the last screening of the animated film Robot Dreams by Pablo Berger, as well as Casa en llamas, a dark comedy directed by Dani de la Orden. Casa en llamas follows Montse, a woman determined to reunite her estranged family for a weekend at the Costa Brava, leading to a chaotic but humorous series of events. The day also features Rioja, tierra de los mil vinos (Rioja, A Land of Thousand Wines), a documentary exploring Spain's renowned wine region.

By Sunday, October 13, the festival will feature the En Corto short film series. This year’s lineup includes Transients, presented by Kyla Romero, Aunque es de noche by Guillermo García López, Primetime Mother by Sonny Calvento, and La Sixtina by Juan Camilo Fonnegra. The festival will conclude with the screening of La Estrella Azul and the announcement and screening of the Audience Choice Awards.

The 23rd edition of PELÍCULA>PELIKULA is presented by Instituto Cervantes de Manila, Embajada de España en Filipinas, Shangri-La Plaza, and Red Carpet Cinemas. The festival is held in collaboration with MTRCB, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Teatro Real, Embajada Argentina en Filipinas, Embassy of Brazil in Manila, Embajada de Colombia en Filipinas, University of the Philippines Film Institute, De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, CMB Film Services Inc., University of the Philippines Department of European Languages, Far Eastern University - Institute of Arts and Science, Ateneo de Manila University - Modern Languages, Meridian International College, CIIT College of Arts and Technology, Mapua University School of Media Studies, i-Academy Makati, Asia Pacific Film Institute, Kinoise PH, and Sinegang PH. The Festival is proudly sponsored by Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc., Arthaland, Ayala Corporation, Boysen, Fundador, Terminal Six, and Barcino.

All screenings are free of charge, and films will be shown in Spanish (or their original language) with English subtitles.

For more information and updates on the festival, including the full schedule, please visit the Instituto Cervantes de Manila website at https://manila.cervantes.es or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila .

DepEd and BJMP Forge Partnership to Expand Educational Opportunities for Persons Deprived of Liberty

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) have formalized their partnership to enhance educational access for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) through the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

The newly signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) underscores both agencies' shared commitment to improving the well-being and educational rights of PDLs, recognizing education as a key component in rehabilitation and reintegration.

In his speech, Education Secretary Sonny Angara commended BJMP’s “Tagapangalaga Ko, Guro Ko" program, which has been instrumental in providing continued education to PDLs since its inception in 2010.

“Saludo po kami sa inyong pang-unawa at suporta sa kahalagahan ng edukasyon bilang bahagi ng rehabilitasyon ng ating mga kababayan. Together, we’re not just giving education; we are providing hope, we are providing dignity, we are providing a brighter future,” said Secretary Angara.

Secretary Angara highlighted that, on average, around 20,000 PDLs have enrolled in ALS over the past three years. For School Year 2023-2024 alone, 5,596 PDLs enrolled in elementary, 9,286 in junior high school, and 5,983 in senior high school under the program. "Through this MOA, we are reinforcing our commitment to leave no one behind. With your help, we reaffirm that every Filipino, no matter their circumstances, deserves a chance to learn and grow," he added.

BJMP Chief Ruel Rivera expressed his gratitude to DepEd for its continued dedication to creating meaningful change in the lives of PDLs.

“Ang inisyatibong ito ay isang patunay ng pinagsamang pagsisikap ng BJMP katuwang ang Kagawaran ng Edukasyon na sumasailalim sa isang layunin na lumikha ng mas makatarungan at makataong lipunan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapahalaga sa edukasyon.” Rivera said.

By expanding educational access, DepEd plays a crucial role in developing the skills of PDLs, boosting their self-esteem, and preparing them for reintegration into society. This agreement also highlights the Department’s ongoing commitment to social justice and its mission to reach marginalized and underserved populations.

Ph and Bangladesh Envi NGOs Forge Cooperation to Tackle Toxic Chemicals in Toys and Kids' products in the region

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Asian children are increasingly at risk from unsafe toys, including those made from recycled plastics that contain hazardous chemicals and legacy compounds banned in many markets, as highlighted by various studies. Unlike their counterparts in Europe, they face greater dangers due to inadequate and inconsistent regulations governing toy safety in the region. This assessment has driven environmental NGOs advocating for toxic-free consumer products to address this critical public health issue.

On October 3, 2024, NGOs BAN Toxics from the Philippines and the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) from Bangladesh signed a pivotal memorandum of agreement (MOA) that would strengthen cooperation in advocating for safe and toxic-free children’s products. The signing, led by BAN Toxics Deputy Executive Director Jam Lorenzo and ESDO’s Executive Director Siddika Sultana, took place at ESDO’s head office in Dhaka.

The two environmental NGOs started their collaboration in 2023 to conduct a study on the presence of toxic heavy metals in children’s products in Bangladesh. The new MOA, set for a duration of five years, will continue and expand this collaboration by pursuing further research, publishing scientific studies, conducting public awareness campaigns, and developing information, education, and communication materials, among other initiatives.

“This new agreement reinforces our shared commitment to safeguarding children's health and the environment through collaborative research and public education efforts. We are hopeful that this continued cooperation will pave the way for stronger regulations and greater public awareness of the pressing issue of toxic chemicals in children’s products in both our countries,” said Lorenzo.

Prior to the signing of the MOA, a press briefing was held to share the initial results of product testing of 160 samples of children’s products. Laboratory analysis revealed that all samples contained one or more hazardous chemicals, including mercury, lead, bromine, cadmium, arsenic, among others.

ESDO called for stricter enforcement of regulations on toxic substances in children’s products, including mandatory third-party testing before they reach the market. The organization also advocated for a ban on harmful materials, such as recycled plastics containing hazardous chemicals like bromine in children’s toys, while promoting safer alternatives.

“The presence of such hazardous chemicals in children's products is an urgent public health issue. We must act swiftly to protect our future generations from these invisible threats,” said Syed Marghub Murshed, Former Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh and Chairperson of ESDO.

Sultana, meanwhile, stressed the long-term impacts on children’s health, saying, “Exposure to toxic chemicals at such an early age leads to developmental, cognitive, and physical issues that can last a lifetime. This is a crisis that demands immediate regulatory intervention.”

BAN Toxics Advocacy and Campaign Officer Thony Dizon highlighted that the issue of harmful chemicals in toys is a global concern that transcends borders, necessitating international cooperation and action.

“The same toys we found in local markets in Bangladesh are also sold openly in other Asian countries like the Philippines. This underscores the transboundary nature of the problem and emphasizes the need for regional and global solutions to ensure that unsafe products are removed from our markets,” Dizon added.



BAN Toxics and ESDO are set to release their joint study on plastic toys in the coming months. They will also conduct further testing of children’s products in the region, alongside efforts to promote cooperation with other civil society organizations and campaign for harmonized regulations to ensure the safety of children’s products.

Oceania Cruises Unveils Details of the Crêperie, a New Culinary Venue Debuting on Allura™ in 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Serving Bruxelles waffles, bubble waffles, and crêpes, guests can choose from 20 recipes or customise their choice


Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has unveiled details of its new culinary venue, the Crêperie, debuting on Allura™, its newest ship launching in July 2025.

The Crêperie, located next to Baristas, the line’s signature coffee bar, will offer a selection of tempting French crêpes, Bruxelles waffles and bubble waffles, alongside Italian ice cream sundaes, from mid-morning throughout the afternoon.

Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Directors and resident Master Chefs of France, Alex Quaretti and Eric Barale, have developed more than 20 recipes for the new venue. The menu options, including the French classic crêpes Suzette as well as Bruxelles waffles with fresh banana, salted caramel sauce, and whipped cream, sit alongside the opportunity for guests to customise and create their own perfect sweet treat, opening the door to seemingly endless possible combinations.

“Allura, our eighth elegant small ship, represents the next step in Oceania Cruises’ evolution and a new way of exploring the world. Food is at the heart of everything we do at Oceania Cruises; The Finest Cuisine at Sea® is not just a tagline, it’s a philosophy which drives our whole business,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “However, finest does not always mean the fanciest – and our more relaxed, yet still refined, culinary venues, such as the beautiful new Crêperie aboard Allura, is a perfect example of this. With this addition on board Allura, our guests have never had more choice in what to eat and when – and of course all our dining venues on board are included for all guests free of charge.”

Chef Alex Quaretti added: “We cannot wait for Allura to join the fleet, and the new Crêperie concept is a great addition to our onboard culinary venues. Located next to Baristas, and just around the corner from the very popular Bakery, the new Crêperie completes this sociable and temptingly delicious corner of the ship.

“I know our guests will be delighted by the range of delicious fluffy waffles, delicate crêpes, and myriad flavors of Italian ice cream served in a bubble waffle wrap, cone or bowl – the challenge will be choosing which toppings. Among my personal favorites is the French crêpe with Nutella and whipped cream – it reminds me of being taught how to cook the perfect crêpe by my grandmother when I was growing up.”

Chefs Alex and Eric are hard at work finalising other menu developments specifically for Allura, plus other new culinary initiatives to be rolled out across the eight-ship fleet next year. More announcements are to come in the next few months.

The Crêperie will be the 12th dining venue on board Allura, joining:The Grand Dining Room – The Grande Dame of the fleet’s dining venues offering an abundance of choice every day, including Jacques Pepin’s French classics, dishes inspired by global destinations, to a four-course food and wine pairing option
The Terrace Café – offering international cuisine with a panoramic seaside terrace
Polo Grill – classic steakhouse
Toscana – Italian specialities
Red Ginger – pan-Asian cuisine
Ember – American classics with a modern twist
Aquamar Kitchen – wellness-inspired cuisine with a hint of indulgence
Waves Grill – poolside gourmet sandwiches and signature burgers by day; al fresco pizzeria by night
The Bakery at Baristas – freshly baked French and Italian pastries
Afternoon Tea at Horizons – time for tea at 4pm sharp every day
Privée – guests can celebrate truly special occasions with the ultimate private dining experience



Allura highlights include:

Allura is the eighth vessel for Oceania Cruises and is the line’s second 1,200-guest Allura Class ship. She follows her sister ship, Vista™, which launched to great global acclaim in May 2023.

One chef for every 10 guests, ensuring 50% of crew members are dedicated to culinary experiences
Five speciality dining venues, including the line’s newest signature restaurants, Ember and Aquamar Kitchen, all free of charge
1,200 guests served by 800 crew members = two crew members for every three guests
The most spacious standard staterooms at sea, at an astounding 291 square feet
Hundreds of immersive small group shore excursions and tours to choose from on each sailing
Onboard enrichment, including art classes at Oceania Cruises’ much-loved Artist Loft and numerous Guest Speakers
An expansive Culinary Center and accompanying Chef’s Studio, where epicurean secrets will be shared by the talented onboard Chef Instructors
Food and wine pairing experiences, including demonstrations during exclusive Sommelier’s Choice and Cellar Master’s Classic Wine Pairing Luncheons
A luxurious new library, featuring walls of floor-to-ceiling glass, oversized chairs and plush residential furnishings


Your World Included™

Every guest sailing on Oceania Cruises receives Your World Included™, which features a rich selection of always included amenities: dining at all gourmet speciality restaurants and the Crêperie; sodas, juices, specialty coffees and teas; still and sparkling Vero Water®; unlimited Starlink® WiFi; in-room dining; fruit smoothies, gelato and artisan ice cream; group fitness classes; laundry services; and gratuities for stateroom attendants, butlers, and dining waitstaff.

For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, +852 800-967609 (Hong Kong), +65 31 651 677 (Singapore), or speak with a professional travel advisor.