At Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025), ASEAN’s largest sustainability fair, Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) invites visitors to explore its Feed–Farm–Food Sustainability Showcase, presented under the concept “SUSTAINOVATION BEHIND EVERY BITE – Every Bite, Everyone, Empowering Sustainability.” Through an interactive journey that recreates the polar regions, CPF highlights the urgent challenge of climate change while demonstrating how sustainable innovation across the entire value chain—from animal feed to responsible farming to safe, nutritious food—can secure better living for people and the planet.
Guided by its vision as the “Kitchen of the World,” CPF showcases how technology and innovation are embedded in every stage of its operations, ensuring that sustainability is at the heart of food production.
At the opening ceremony, M.L. Jirapan Davivongs, Director and Deputy Secretary-General of the Chaipattana Foundation, and Thanpuying Putri Viravaidya, Chairperson of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, visited CPF’s booth. They were welcomed by Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer, together with Peerapong Karinchai, Head of Central Engineering, and Kobboon Srichai, Head of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations.
The immersive experience is open to the public at CPF’s booth in the Better Living Zone, Hall 3, G Floor of Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, throughout September 26 – October 5, 2025.
Step inside the CPF booth and embark on an immersive journey through four themed zones that bring Feed–Farm–Food sustainability to life:
The Crisis: Meet the “Polar Bear” on melting ice, a powerful reminder of environmental fragility.
The Call: Cross cracking glaciers and discover everyday actions that help protect the planet.
The Choice: Explore a mock-up supermarket, learn to spot eco-friendly labels and packaging, and practice sustainable shopping with waste-sorting tips.
The Creation: Conclude with an interactive dining experience where virtual chefs, researchers, and farmers reveal the sustainable journey behind every dish.
Beyond the booth, CPF also joins the SX Food Festival (LG Floor), where popular brands Five Star and Star Coffee serve signature menus—including classic fried chicken, spicy chicken steak rice, and a wide range of hot and cold beverages.
In Collaboration with Public and Private Sectors to Advance Sustainable Packaging Management
Bangkok, October 2, 2025 – Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of beverages under the Suntory and PepsiCo brands in Thailand, has joined hands with public and private sector partners to expand the “Bottle-to-Bottle Recycling by Suntory PepsiCo Thailand” project through the launch of the “Recyclable Waste Buy Station by Suntory PepsiCo Thailand” in Mab Yang Porn Subdistrict, Rayong Province. The initiative aims to reduce the amount of landfill waste, increase the quantity and quality of recyclable materials— particularly clear, colorless PET bottles—returned to the recycling system, and generate additional income for local residents through proper waste segregation and recyclable waste buying in the community. At the same time, the project instills waste segregation habits among local youth, promoting efficient and sustainable recyclable waste management.
Mr. Yosayut Sahawatcharin, Senior Vice President, People & Culture and Corporate Affairs, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated “Suntory PepsiCo Thailand is committed to advancing sustainable packaging management because we believe post-consumer packaging is not waste, but a valuable resource, particularly clear, colorless PET bottles which can be safely and efficiently recycled into new bottles through a process known as ‘Bottle-to-Bottle Recycling.’ Over the years, we have consistently and seriously driven this concept, becoming Thailand’s first beverage company to use 100% recycled PET bottles (100% rPET). We have also extended producer responsibility into tangible post-consumer packaging management through the ‘Bottle-to-Bottle Recycling’ project. Today, we are scaling this approach to the community level by opening of the ‘Recyclable Waste Buy Station’ in Mab Yang Porn Subdistrict, Rayong Province, to promote the sustainable management of post-consumer packaging and other recyclable materials, while creating recurring income opportunities for local residents. All of this reflects our corporate value of ‘Growing for Good,’ which places equal importance on consumers, society, and the environment alongside business growth. We believe this collaboration marks another important step in creating a truly positive impact on society.”
Mr. Aphichat Ngerntuam, Mayor of Mab Yang Porn Subdistrict Administrative Organization, said “Mab Yang Porn Subdistrict Administrative Organization has always prioritized improving the quality of life for our residents, with waste management being as one of our key responsibilities—covering collection, disposal, and encouraging community participation. In the past, we have carried out several projects, such as the Waste Bank Project, to promote waste segregation at source. Today, we are taking another step forward through our collaboration with Suntory PepsiCo Thailand to establish the ‘Recyclable Waste Buy Station’ in our subdistrict. This project not only helps reduce waste in the area but also generates income opportunities for the community by cultivating the understanding that waste has value, and that proper segregation can reduce environmental impact while easing the government’s burden in waste management. We firmly believe that sustainable change begins with the collective participation of everyone, and Mab Yang Porn Subdistrict Administrative Organization is fully committed to supporting this initiative so that our community can grow alongside a better environment.”
Ms. Wipawan Tasanapreechachai, Vice President, Corporate Affairs,Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., added “Suntory PepsiCo Thailand first launched the ‘Bottle-to-Bottle’ project in 2023 as a CSR initiative. Over the years, it has evolved into a long-term sustainability program. This year marks another important milestone in advancing sustainable packaging management, with Mab Yang Porn Subdistrict in Rayong selected as the pilot area. The location was chosen because it is close to our beverage production plant and brings together all key stakeholders in the packaging value chain—from manufacturers, distributors, and consumers to segregators and recycling plants. In collaboration with Mab Yang Porn Subdistrict Administrative Organization, we have established the ‘Recyclable Waste Buy Station by Suntory PepsiCo Thailand,’ which will be driven through three main activities:
Recyclable Waste Buy: Buying back various types of recyclable materials such as PET plastic bottles, glass bottles, aluminum cans, paper cartons, and used cooking oil, while strengthening the capabilities of local community representatives to effectively manage the station.
Knowledge Sharing: Providing community members with training on waste segregation techniques to enhance the value of recyclable materials, along with organizing workshops for more than 200 local students to foster waste segregation habits at the source.
Communication and Public Engagement: Raising awareness and encouraging continuous participation among local residents to build long-term community commitment to recycling.
We are confident that learning and co-developing with community representatives will ultimately lead to a fully community-managed Recyclable Waste Buy Station, enabling long-term, sustainable change across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. This reflects our strong commitment to the corporate value of ‘Giving Back to Society.’”
In addition to collaborating with government agencies, Suntory PepsiCo Thailand has also received strong support from two key partners, GC YOUTURN and The Geen, both of which bring specialized expertise and share a mutual goal of advancing Thai society toward sustainability.
GC YOUTURN, a comprehensive plastic waste management platform, will support the collection of recyclable materials by physically picking them up from the Recycle Waste Buy Station and delivering them into a proper and efficient recycling process.
The Geen plays a vital role in laying the groundwork and co-designing the project—from conducting in-depth community research to understand the local context, piloting waste buy activities, and enhancing the skills of local representatives, to organizing student workshops. By leveraging its expertise, experience, and genuine commitment to systematic waste management, The Geen, together with GC YOUTURN, strengthens operational effectiveness and provides essential support for the “Recyclable Waste Buy Station by Suntory PepsiCo Thailand” to steadily advance toward achieving its sustainability goals.
The “Bottle-to-Bottle Recycling by Suntory PepsiCo Thailand” project is designed to promote sustainable packaging management, embodying the corporate values of “Growing for Good” and “Giving Back to Society” into real action. Through strong collaboration with all stakeholders, the initiative not only helps reduce environmental problems but also creates opportunities for everyone to take part in protecting our planet. Every bottle that is recycled and returned to the system represents a small step that contributes to a significant change for our society and environment.
Ybrs. Tuan Khalid Bin Mohamed, CEO of SW CORP trying out the ECOPOD machine under the watchful eyes of Dr. Kalithasan Sothinathan, Marketing Manager of Etika Sdn Bhd; and Dr Kalithasan Sothinathan, Marketing Manager of Etika Sdn Bhd with the signed MoUs
Public-private partnership brings world-record innovation to wet markets, universities, hospitals, and UTCs, making recycling part of everyday life
Kuala Lumpur, 1 October 2025 – In a landmark step towards a greener Malaysia, ATLAS Vending, the vending machine arm of Etika Sdn Bhd, and the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SW Corp) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at SW Corp’s headquarters in Cyberjaya. This public-private partnership unites two national leaders with a shared mission: scaling up recycling infrastructure, embedding sustainable habits into daily life, and making green living more accessible to all Malaysians.
Under the agreement, SW Corp will adopt 50 ECOPODs from ATLAS Vending, the Guinness World Records-recognised reverse vending machine (RVM) hailed as the world’s thinnest with a can compaction system. ATLAS will also work alongside SW Corp to deploy the units at strategic, high-impact locations identified by the corporation.
ECOPOD will be deployed at wet markets, hospitals, universities, and Urban Transformation Centres (UTCs) – all high-footfall, often congested locations where placing machines can be a challenge. With its sleek, space-saving design, ECOPOD fits seamlessly into these environments, making recycling convenient without adding to space concerns.
Unlike conventional reverse vending machines that take up the space of both a recycling unit and a vending machine, ECOPOD combines the best of both worlds in one slim footprint, offering greater benefits without compromise. Despite its compact build, each unit has the capacity to hold up to 214 crushed cans and 70 bottles per cycle, proving that smart design can achieve both efficiency and impact.
Nestle Continues to Purchase Coffee Beans from Thai Farmers Supporting Local Farming Communities While Promoting Regenerative Agriculture
Thursday 2 October 2025 – Nestle (Thai) Ltd. has joined hands with the Thai Coffee Farmers Association to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support coffee farmers in Thailand. This agreement includes the purchase of coffee beans from Thai farmers during the production season of 2025/2026. Additionally, Nestle is committed to transferring knowledge about Regenerative Agriculture to enhance both the quantity and quality of coffee production while also protecting the environment. Furthermore, Nestle will also continue to conduct research and development of coffee varieties to provide farmers with access to high-yield coffee plantlets. These initiatives are aimed at supporting coffee farmers in Thailand to improve their income and quality of life. The MoU signing ceremony was honored by the presence of the Governor of Chumphon Province.
Ms. Salinla Seehaphan, Corporate Affairs Director, Nestle (Thai) Ltd., said, “For several decades, Nestle has continuously supported our local coffee farmers. Additionally, Nestle has consistently been the largest purchaser of local Robusta beans in Thailand. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) each year reaffirms that Nestle will purchase Robusta coffee beans directly from Thai farmers. Moreover, we support farmers in adopting Regenerative Agriculture practices in their coffee plantations through knowledge-sharing programs and various training sessions. This not only helps improve coffee production in terms of both quantity and quality but also aids in restoring ecosystems and protecting soil and water resources, enabling farmers to cope with climate change.”
Mr. Thianchai Chookittiwiboon, Governor of Chumphon Province, said, “We are very pleased that Nestle continues supporting our coffee farmers with the direct purchase of coffee beans. Coffee is an economic crop for Chumphon and we have the potential to enhance coffee cultivation in the province to be more efficient and meet market demands. All of this will help farmers improve their income and quality of life while promoting the province’s economy. This is aligned with the province’s ongoing policy to develop Chumphon into a ‘Robusta Metropolis’ recognized both domestically and globally.”
Mr. Prayoon Songprasert, Chairman of Thai Coffee Growers Association, said, “During the past decades, Chumphon’s coffee farmers have received support from Nestle through direct purchases of coffee beans and knowledge sharing on sustainable coffee cultivation. Additionally, the coffee plantlets developed by Nestle give good yields, consistently producing high-quality beans. This enables our farmers to generate substantial income from coffee cultivation and improve their living standards, which encourages them to continue pursuing this career with enthusiasm and passion.”
Masan’s coffee-flavoured energy drink brand Wake-Up 247 has recently debuted a latte style energy drink in Vietnam. This energy drink contains taurine and vitamin B complex with a high caffeine concentration.
Promoted as best enjoyed cold, this new creation builds on the well-known coffee taste of Wake-Up 247 and introduces it in a refreshing latte format. This approach paves the way for exciting innovation opportunities by experimenting with a wide range of popular coffee beverages. At the same time, this fusion flavour strategy allows Wake-Up 247 to attract consumers who typically avoid energy drinks but still seek their energising benefits in a tastier format
Vinamilk has recently launched its new Black Sesame Soy Nut Milk in Vietnam, featuring a low-sugar formula designed to support a healthier lifestyle. This plant-based beverage delivers 16.2 micrograms of Biotin per 180ml serving. Rich in nutrients and crafted for wellness, it us especially beneficial for maintaining healthy skin and promoting strong, vibrant hair.
This launch aligns with broader regional preferences—in China, for example, black-colored edible ingredients such as black sesame and black soy milk are traditionally associated with hair health and vitality.
More broadly, consumers are actively looking for ways to maintain healthy hair, yet there is a noticeable gap in the market for ingestible products specifically designed to help men nourish hair from the inside out. This gap presents an opportunity for brands to innovate with functional foods and beverages that target men’s hair health.
TOKYO, September 25, 2025 – Kirin Brewery Company, Limited (Kirin Brewery) is pleased to announce the establishment of a new company in Malaysia, KIRIN BREWERY SOUTHEAST ASIA SDN. BHD. (KBSEA), with the aim of strengthening its business foundation and achieving sustainable growth in the Southeast Asian market. The new entity will officially begin operations on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
The alcoholic beverage market in Southeast Asia has been steadily growing over the years, driven by population growth and economic development*¹. Until now, Kirin’s operations in the region have been managed through Kirin Holdings Singapore Pte. Limited, a subsidiary of Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (Kirin Holdings), based in Singapore. However, to fully leverage the region’s growth potential, Kirin Brewery is establishing a local entity and transferring certain functions to the new company. This will enable more agile decision-making and allow for faster, more responsive engagement with local consumer needs.
KBSEA will lead the development of marketing strategies and brand initiatives across Southeast Asia, while strengthening partnerships with local distributors to build a business deeply rooted in the region. In addition, by expanding its product portfolio, launching new products, and promoting OEM operations, KBSEA aims to meet diverse consumer needs, invigorate the market, and drive sustainable growth and competitiveness in this rapidly developing region.
29 September 2025 (Hong Kong SAR) – Regent Hong Kong has been awarded the highest recognition from The Most Perfect View Certified program, securing a flawless score of 100 in its independent audit. This milestone makes Regent Hong Kong the first and only hotel in Asia to achieve a perfect score, affirming its unrivalled panoramas over Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island skyline, and cementing its reputation as a global icon of extraordinary, view-driven guest experiences.
From serene harbour-facing rooms and suites to the spectacular, panoramic harbourview dining at The Lobby Lounge, Nobu Hong Kong, Harbourside and Lai Ching Heen to the east-facing infinity spa pools overlooking Victoria Harbour, Regent Hong Kong offers harbourview perspectives that frame the city’s most celebrated landmarks — including the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, The Peak, Bank of China Tower, IFC and the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. The certification highlights not only the clarity and dramatic impact of these views, but also how they are seamlessly integrated into both the luxurious accommodations and cinematic public spaces.
“At Regent Hong Kong, the view defines the experience. We are thrilled to see this validated by The Most Perfect View Certified programme,”said Michel Chertouh, Managing Director of Regent Hong Kong. “This recognition provides our guests with the assurance that every vista — whether from a private suite, the infinity spa pools or our celebrated restaurants— is as breathtaking as promised.”
Many of Regent Hong Kong’s iconic dining destinations which include The Lobby Lounge, Nobu Hong Kong, Lai Ching Heen, Harbourside, Qura Bar and The Steak House also featured prominently in the audit for their exceptional settings, where culinary artistry is paired with panoramic city backdrops that capture the essence of Hong Kong.
Guests at Regent Hong Kong will discover Personal Havens with exclusive vantage points of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline. These thoughtfully crafted spaces are designed for intimate and indulgent moments that delight and inspire – fromgazing over the harbour from the windowfront daybed or Oasis Bath to spotting landmarks on the Hong Kong skyline while sipping artisanal cocktails from a cosy sofa in the Lobby Lounge or Qura Bar.
What sets Regent Hong Kong apart is its prime location, perched directly over the edge of Victoria Harbour with uninterrupted picture postcard views. Here guests can experience an intimacy with the harbour in all its cinematic glory, like nowhere else. Regent Hong Kong offers entirely unobstructed perspectives of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island skyline from its guestrooms, restaurants, bars and lounges, as well as the infinity spa pools at the Pool Terrace. The Most Perfect View Certified Program underscores this singular advantage — views with no interruptions from every angle, creating a one-of-a-kind Hong Kong experience that leaves lasting impressions.
For the ultimate harbour vantage points and exclusivity, Regent Hong Kong’s Signature Suite Collection features a trio of luxurious residential style retreats, each with an expansive outdoor rooftop terrace and whirlpool, allowing guests privacy and intimacy while embracing the panoramic harbour skyline at its most spectacular.
During Hong Kong’s famous fireworks displays on Victoria Harbour, Regent Hong Kong is a sought-after destination, with up-close Framed Views from every harbourview room and restaurant, uninterrupted by surrounding buildings.
· Collective recognition amid industry headwinds, standards held high
· A national salute to the people behind exceptional hospitality
24 September 2025, Singapore – The Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) announced today the Superstar title winner of the Excellent Service Award (EXSA) 2025, marking the Award’s 31st year of celebrating the sterling performance of outstanding service employees of Singapore’s vibrant F&B industry. Held at Nanyang Polytechnic’s (NYP) Auditorium, the national event was graced by the Guest of Honour, Ms Dilys Boey, Chief Executive Officer, Workforce Singapore (WSG), together with industry leaders, education partners, and key F&B industry players.
EXSA 2025: BreadTalk Group Pte Ltd Awards Presentation
This year, EXSA received nominations from 75 companies representing over 200 brands and concepts including, for the first time, a cross-sector organisation from NTUC LearningHub under the RAS EXSA umbrella. In total, 2,653 recipients were honoured across four categories:
1. EXSA Star Award: 606 recipients
2. EXSA Gold Award: 836 recipients
3. EXSA Silver Award: 1,211 recipients
4. EXSA Superstar Award: 1 recipient
EXSA 2025 Superstar Winner – Pheng You Yen Evan, Seoul Garden
The EXSA Superstar Award was conferred on Pheng You Yen Evan, Assistant Manager at Seoul Garden, who distinguished himself from the pool of 2900 nominees and was named one of ten finalists representing the breadth of Singapore’s F&B industry. All nominees and finalists embody the highest standards of service excellence, bringing with them inspiring stories of dedication, resilience, and a passion for hospitality.
EXSA 2025 casts a national spotlight on service professionals powering Singapore’s F&B industry amid persistent manpower shortages and operational challenges. The Superstar winner represents the gold standard for service excellence, as industry partners and sponsors come together to reward top performers – a collective gesture of solidarity and celebration
2. Marking a resilient F&B sector with broader participation
EXSA 2025 is buoyed by strong ground-up support from outlets island-wide, reflecting a community-minded ecosystem that honours everyday excellence on the restaurant floor. For the first time, various F&B partners collaborated to contribute towards rewarding the EXSA Superstar winner, building a prize pool of $2,500 in cash and vouchers – a milestone that underscores shared commitment across the sector.
3. Building a sustainable F&B workforce
A new initiative launched this year is The F&B People Collective – a coalition of HR practitioners from diverse F&B organisations committed to addressing training, retention, and employee wellbeing. The Collective seeks to ensure that F&B employees are skilled, supported, and have clear pathways for career growth. By pooling data, sharing best practices, and collaborating with agencies, the industry is working towards a sustainable workforce that thrives even amid immediate pressures
4. Industry & education collaboration
EXSA 2025 also highlighted collaboration between industry and education. This year’s ceremony was co-produced with a Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) student project team under lecturer supervision, reinforcing the practical pipeline between education and industry. This collaboration underscores the shared responsibility of nurturing the next generation of service champions.
EXSA 2025: Marking 31 Years of Service Excellence
Building on more than three decades of service excellence, EXSA 2025 continues to showcase the individuals who keep Singapore’s dining experience exceptional. It is a national award that recognises those who have delivered outstanding service and demonstrated a steadfast commitment to excellence.
Launched in 1994, the RAS is one of six industry Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) that runs the EXSA programme. This year marks the 31st edition of EXSA – underscoring the industry’s shared commitment to enduring service excellence.
RAS has achieved a new high in 2025, receiving nominations from 75 companies representing over 200 brands and concepts, including a cross-sector organisation from NTUC LearningHub, which participated for the first time under the RAS EXSA umbrella. Recognising these service champions now strengthens morale and standards across the F&B ecosystem, and celebrates the frontline professionals who make Singapore’s food culture shine.
EXSA 2025 Superstar finalists (in no particular order)
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 September 2025 – More Malaysians are seeking wellness breaks as a way to rest, recharge and prioritise well-being, according to new data from Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s leading travel platform. In Traveloka’s 2024 ‘Travel Redefined’ APAC study of 12,000 respondents, 31% of Malaysians cited ‘rest and recharge’ as their main reason to travel, with the trend continuing into the first half of 2025 where resorts and villas were among Malaysians’ top five most searched accommodation types on the platform. Domestic wellness hotspots were favoured, with Malaysians booking holidays to the beaches of Kota Kinabalu, Penang and Langkawi in 2025.
To encourage more travellers to embark on self-care holidays, Traveloka is launching its 10.10 Travel Sale, running from 1–10 October, featuring unmissable promotions on flights, stays, and experiences.
“Travel is no longer just about sightseeing—it is increasingly a way to nurture well-being, build meaningful connections, and support local communities,” said Baidi Li, VP Commercial, Traveloka. “Through our 10.10 Travel Sale, we want to make these restorative travel experiences more accessible and affordable, while also contributing to the growth of the tourism ecosystem across Asia Pacific.”
Traveloka’s Key Insights on 2025 Wellness Travel Trends:
Southeast Asia as a Top Wellness Regions: Kota Kinabalu, Penang and Langkawi are the most searched wellness hubs among Malaysian travellers in 2025.
Resorts & Villas Popularity: Resort stays are highly sought after by Malaysians, ranking just behind hotels and apartments in accommodation searches.
Beyond Spas: While traditional offerings like massages remain top draws, cultural rituals (onsens), reflexology, and medical aesthetic treatments are gaining traction—with Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia as go-to hotspots.
Emerging Wellness Spots: Yogyakarta and Da Nang are rising on SEA travellers’ radars for immersive cultural, sleep-focused, and nature-based wellness experiences.
About the 10.10 Travel Sale
From 1–10 October 2025, Traveloka users can enjoy limited-time offers including:
50% off flights through Airline Super Brand Days on Malaysia Airlines (2 & 3 October) and Singapore Airlines (8 & 9 October).
50% off flights and hotels in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia daily from 1-7 October.
From 8-10 October, enjoy RM100 for selected flights to Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Jakarta, selected domestic hotel stays in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi and more, plus Buy 1 Free 1 deals on travel activities.
By connecting the rising demand for wellness travel with affordable, timely options, the 10.10 Travel Sale empowers Malaysians to plan restorative breaks that prioritise both self-care and meaningful experiences.
Vinamilk has recently launched Probi Pedia+ fermented milk drink in Vietnam. Probi Pedia+ targets children to provide them with 65 billion of L. Casei...
