Eco Foodsoft (M) Sdn Bhd Achieved ASEAN Record for Largest Earthworm Farm by Monthly Vermicast Production

Eco Foodsoft (M) Sdn Bhd Achieved ASEAN Record for Largest Earthworm Farm by Monthly Vermicast Production

Eco Foodsoft (M) Sdn Bhd has achieved an extraordinary milestone, earning an ASEAN Record for ASEAN’s Largest Earthworm Farm by Monthly Vermicast Production. With a staggering output of over 10 tons of nutrient-rich vermicast monthly, this achievement highlights the company’s dedication to sustainable agriculture and its role as a pioneer in organic farming solutions across the region.

Eco Foodsoft’s remarkable achievement sets a new benchmark in sustainable agriculture. Producing over 10 tons of vermicast monthly, their farm has become a vital resource for organic farmers and agricultural sustainability efforts throughout ASEAN. This recognition underscores Eco Foodsoft’s leadership in combining environmental responsibility with agricultural innovation.

“We are honored to receive this ASEAN Record, which validates our efforts in driving sustainable farming solutions. This achievement motivates us to further expand our initiatives and strengthen the impact of organic agriculture across ASEAN,” said Jason Teo, Founder of Eco Foodsoft (M) Sdn Bhd.


About Eco Foodsoft (M) Sdn Bhd

Founded with a mission to revolutionize agriculture through sustainable practices, Eco Foodsoft (M) Sdn Bhd has emerged as a leader in vermiculture and organic farming solutions. Their flagship earthworm farm is a cornerstone of their operations, delivering high-quality vermicast that enhances soil health and agricultural productivity across ASEAN.

Key Highlights of Eco Foodsoft’s Impact:

  • Sustainable Agriculture: Vermicast, often called “black gold” for its rich nutrient content, boosts crop yields naturally, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.
  • Environmental Benefits: The farm’s vermicomposting process helps divert organic waste from landfills, promoting a circular economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Support for Organic Farming: By providing farmers with cost-effective and eco-friendly soil solutions, Eco Foodsoft is driving the growth of organic agriculture across the region.

Transforming Agriculture in ASEAN

Eco Foodsoft’s groundbreaking efforts have led to significant contributions to the agricultural sector:

  • Enhancing Soil Health: Their vermicast improves soil structure, increases water retention, and enriches nutrient availability, ensuring healthier crops and more sustainable farming practices.
  • Empowering Farmers: Through partnerships and training programs, Eco Foodsoft equips farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to transition to organic farming, improving livelihoods and productivity.
  • Reducing Carbon Footprint: By replacing chemical fertilizers with organic alternatives, the company significantly reduces environmental impact, fostering a greener future for ASEAN.

Driving a Sustainable Future

Eco Foodsoft’s achievement is not just a milestone—it’s a movement. By combining innovation with sustainability, they are setting an example for the agricultural industry across ASEAN. Their work aligns with global efforts to combat climate change, promote food security, and support eco-friendly farming practices.

“At Eco Foodsoft, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that organic agriculture is not just the future—it’s the present. This recognition from ASEAN Records inspires us to continue leading the charge for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system,” added Jason Teo.

For more information about Eco Foodsoft (M) Sdn Bhd and their sustainable solutions, visit https://www.ecofoodsoft.com/.

ASEAN Records Officially Launched at the 2nd ASEAN Festival 2024

ASEAN Records Officially Launched at the 2nd ASEAN Festival 2024

The ASEAN Records was officially launched today during the grand 2nd ASEAN Festival 2024, a four-day cultural festival held at GEM Box, Nilai. This monumental launch marks a new era in celebrating and documenting the extraordinary achievements within the ASEAN region, further strengthening regional unity and showcasing excellence.

Founded by Eldrick Koh and Gillian Ooi, ASEAN Records aims to honor exceptional achievements within the ASEAN community, encompassing individual, organizational, and collective contributions. With a commitment to fairness, credibility, and transparency, ASEAN Records sets a new standard for recognizing milestones that shape and inspire the region.


About ASEAN Records

ASEAN Records was officially approved by the ASEAN Secretariat on 1st December 2023, reinforcing its legitimacy as a trusted platform for honoring achievements across the region. The initiative focuses on measurable milestones that highlight contributions in areas such as cultural heritage, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

These records serve as benchmarks of credibility, ensuring each achievement is rigorously verified and meets the highest standards of authenticity. By celebrating these milestones, ASEAN Records highlights the strengths and potential of the ASEAN community, promoting pride and unity among its members.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Dr. Christina Yeo, representing YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia. Distinguished guests from ASEAN embassies and key organizations were present, including:

  • Y.M. Tengku Dato’ Dr Hishammudin Zaizi Bin Y.A.M. Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah Alhaj
  • Mr. Eldrick Koh – Founder, ASEAN Records & Organizing Chairman of ASEAN Festival
  • Ms. Gillian Ooi – Founder, ASEAN Records
  • H.E. Thepthavone Sengmany – Ambassador of Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Malaysia
  • H.E. Aung Soe Win – Ambassador of Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
  • H.E. Lisualdo Gaspar – Ambassador of Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
  • Ms. Tran Thi Chang – President, Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association
  • Mr. Roussel Reyes – Consul General, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines
H.E. Thepthavone Sengmany Ambassador of Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Malaysia
H.E. Aung Soe Win Ambassador of Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Ms. Tran Thi Chang President, Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association
Mr. Roussel Reyes Consul General, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines
H.E. Lisualdo Gaspar Ambassador of Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

The Vision of ASEAN Records

Our vision is to create a platform that not only celebrates achievements but also inspires a culture of excellence within the ASEAN region. These records symbolize the resilience, creativity, and innovation of the people and organizations in our community.

ASEAN Records is more than just a recognition platform. It is a movement to spotlight the potential and extraordinary accomplishments of our region, bringing attention to stories that inspire and unite us.


Asia Big Power Sdn Bhd has achieved an ASEAN Record for creating Malaysia’s Largest Rooftop Beverage Can Replica: BIG BEE Honey Drinks Can Replica, measuring 10.65 meters in height and 6.03 meters in diameter
City Coin Laundry Sdn Bhd has achieved an ASEAN Record for the Largest Self-Service Laundromat Chain in ASEAN, with 760 outlets
Eco Foodsoft (M) Sdn Bhd has achieved an ASEAN Record for ASEAN’s Largest Earthworm Farm by Monthly Vermicast Production, producing over 10 tons monthly
Rest N Go App Sdn Bhd (formerly Gintell Rest N Go) has achieved an ASEAN Record for the Largest Deployment of Vending Massage Chairs in ASEAN, with 6,691 units across seven ASEAN countries

A Platform for Achievements

ASEAN Records honors achievements that represent the diverse strengths of ASEAN, from cultural heritage preservation to groundbreaking innovation and entrepreneurship. Each recognition undergoes a rigorous verification process, ensuring the integrity of every milestone documented.

By recognizing these contributions, ASEAN Records fosters pride in the region and creates opportunities for collaboration and growth across member countries.

Performance from the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Performance from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Artroniq Announces EV Bike Launch with United Motors in Malaysia in Q4 of 2023

Artroniq Announces EV Bike Launch with United Motors in Malaysia in Q4 of 2023

Artroniq, a Malaysian investment holding company, and United E-Motor, an Indonesian electric motorcycle manufacturer, have jointly announced the imminent introduction of the United E-Motor electric two-wheeler brand in Malaysia. This launch event is scheduled to take place on October 21, 2023, at Pavilion Bukit Jalil.

During this event, the company intends to unveil two electric scooter models and reveal its expansion plans for the local network. One notable model in the United E-Motor lineup is the TX3000 electric scooter, positioned as a versatile “all-terrain electric vehicle.”

The announcement event at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia was attended by notable figures, including Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Datuk Indera Harmono, Chairman of the Asian Trade, Tourism, and Economic Council Budihardjo Iduansjah, Malaysian Member of Parliament Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian, PT Terang Dunia Internusa Director Andrew Mulyadi, and Artroniq’s Chief Financial Officer, Marcus Chin.

According to information on the United E-Motor Indonesian website, the TX3000 electric scooter boasts dimensions of 1,890 mm in length, 765 mm in width, and 1,195 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 1,380 mm. This model is equipped with two 60-volt, 28 Ah lithium batteries, providing a maximum range of 120 km. Charging from 0 to 80% can be achieved in four hours. It has a weight of 118 kg and a maximum load capacity of 167 kg, with a top speed of 90 km/h, including a reverse function up to 5 km/h.

The electric scooters will be locally assembled at the Batu Kawan facility in Penang, with a production target of 2,000 units across two models in 2024, as disclosed by Artroniq’s CFO, Marcus Chin. The assembly process is set to commence in November this year, following the launch event next month. Initially, the electric two-wheelers will be manufactured exclusively for the Malaysian market, with no current plans for export, according to Chin.

The United E-Motor electric scooter brand intends to establish a distribution and service network in Peninsular Malaysia’s northern, central, and southern regions, specifically in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor. Service centers will operate under the Artroniq brand, as confirmed by Artroniq’s CFO, Chin.

Singapore Airlines named World’s Best Airline in the 2023 Skytrax Awards

Singapore Airlines named World’s Best Airline in the 2023 Skytrax Awards

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has been named World’s Best Airline at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, taking over the top spot from Qatar Airways.

It’s the fifth time the country’s national air carrier has won the prestigious accolade. In 2019, 2021 and 2022, SIA came second after Qatar Airways.

The Skytrax awards are based on surveys of more than 20 million travellers across over 100 nationalities, who rated more than 325 airlines between September 2022 and May 2023.

Japan’s All Nippon Airways is in third place this year, with Emirates and Japan Airlines coming in fourth and fifth, respectively.

SIA took the top spot in four categories at this year’s Skytrax awards, including Best First Class Airline, Best First Class Comfort Amenities, and Best Airline in Asia.

Scoot named Best Long Haul Low-cost Airline

SIA’s low-cost subsidiary Scoot was named Best Long Haul Low-cost Airline, and ranked second in the World’s Best Low-cost Airlines category.

SIA’s chief executive officer Goh Choon Phong received the World’s Best Airline award on behalf of the Airline in Paris on Tuesday (20 June).

“This award is a testament to the indomitable spirit of our people, who worked tirelessly and made many sacrifices to ensure that SIA was ready for the recovery in air travel. That has allowed us to emerge stronger and fitter from the pandemic as a leading international airline,” Goh said in a statement.

He added that they are very grateful to their customers for their loyalty and support, especially during the pandemic.

Edward Plaisted, Skytrax’s chief executive, congratulated SIA for the achievement and said that the success should be a source of great pride and satisfaction for the airline management and staff.

World’s top 10 airlines in 2023
1. Singapore Airlines
2. Qatar Airways
3. ANA All Nippon Airways
4. Emirates
5. Japan Airlines
6. Turkish Airlines
7. Air France
8. Cathay Pacific
9. EVA Air
10. Korean Air

Proton X90 SUV launched, priced from RM123,800 to RM152,800 – 6 or 7 seats

Proton X90 SUV launched, priced from RM123,800 to RM152,800 – 6 or 7 seats

Malaysia has the potential to become a regional automotive industry leader, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said that plans are underway to further develop national car manufacturer Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant into a regional hub with foreign investment from Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd (Geely).

“I have discussed with the Perak Mentri Besar to ensure that there is ease of doing business and all processes are facilitated so that everything necessary will be done.

“This is to ensure the success of collaborative efforts of Geely and Proton to turn the Tanjung Malim plant into the focal automotive centre in the region, whether for training or research and development.

“The end goal is to eventually develop the entire enterprise and plant into an integrated automotive centre,” he said in his speech during Proton’s 40th anniversary celebration and launch of the new Proton X90 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (May 7).

Earlier, Geely chairman Eric Li Shufu said that they would continue to support Proton’s growth and transition into new energy vehicle technology, such as electric vehicles.

“We will spare no effort to support Proton with new technologies, products and business models to enable them to become a leader in new energy vehicles in the Asean market while also building the new energy vehicle ecology in Malaysia.

“The plan now is to help Proton launch at least one new energy vehicle model every year while also cultivating 5,000 local talents in the field of new energy vehicles in the company within the next five years,” he said.

Geely currently owns a 49.9% stake in Proton through its affiliate, Linkstate Overseas Ltd.

The newly launched Proton X90 will be a three-row SUV and be the national automaker’s first mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) with a 48-volt electric motor synergy (EMS) system. In addition to including features from its previous X70 model, the new X90 will also feature increased safety features such as increased back sensor range and a parking assistant system.

The X90 will come in four variants with prices starting at RM123,800 for the Standard (seven-seater) variant.

The Executive (seven-seater) variant is priced at RM130,800 followed by the Premium (seven-seater) variant at RM144,800, while the range topping Flagship (six-seater) version is priced at RM152,800.

Source: thestar.com.my

Japan’s Mitsubishi, others raise $692 million for Monsoon Southeast Asia’s largest wind project in Laos

Japan’s Mitsubishi, others raise $692 million for Monsoon Southeast Asia’s largest wind project in Laos

VIENTIANE – US$692 million loan secured to finance region’s largest wind farm in Laos. The project is set to generate revenue in foreign currencies to the Lao government, and create jobs for local people during the construction and operation periods.

A developer has signed a US$692 million loan agreement to finance the 600MW “Monsoon Wind Power Project” in Laos, the largest in Southeast Asia, according to media reports.

Thailand-based Impact Electrons Siam Limited (IES), Asia-Pacific’s leading renewable energy solutions provider, as the developer of the project known as Monsoon Wind and other shareholders recently inked the non-recourse financing agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as the lead arranger of the loan.

The other shareholders include ACEN Renewables International Pte. Ltd., STP&I Public Company Limited, and SMP Group, according to the Bangkok Post.

Monsoon Wind Power Company Limited will construct, own and operate the wind power plant and its dedicated 500kV transmission line in Laos’ Xekong and Attapeu provinces.

Comprising 133 turbines, the project will be the largest wind power farm in Southeast Asia and the first in Laos.

Under a 25-year power purchase agreement, electricity generated by the project will be sold to Vietnam Electricity (EVN).

The project will be co-financed by the ADB as lead arranger, Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA), the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (Thai EXIM), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC), Kasikornbank, and Siam Commercial Bank.

Mitsubishi Corporation said on Monday that the Japanese heavyweight and other shareholders of the Monsoon wind power project in Laos have raised $692 million in financing for the wind farm, which will serve Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Comprising 133 wind turbines, the project in Sekong and Attapeu provinces in southern Laos will form the largest wind power plant in Southeast Asia and the first in Laos. Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Monsoon Wind Power Co. Ltd. (Monsoon) signed a $692.55 million non-recourse project financing package this March to build the 600-megawatt wind farm to sell power to Vietnam.

Once the wind farm has been constructed, it will sell electricity to Vietnam’s state-run utility giant Electricity Vietnam under a 25-year power purchase agreement, Mitsubishi said, adding that the Japanese firm, Thai renewable energy firm BCPG Pcl, and other stakeholders secured the financing package from ADB, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and other lenders.

The project should be launched in 2025. Its total cost is $950 million, according to Monsoon’s website. Meanwhile, according to documents BCPG Pcl had earlier shown to its investors, the project’s second phase is expected to raise the capacity to 1,000 megawatts.

The first cross-border renewable energy project in Southeast Asia is set to play a central role in a plan shared by the governments of Vietnam and Laos to transmit 5,000 MW of electricity from Laos to Vietnam by 2030, Mitsubishi said.

In plans for the development of energy in ASEAN, electricity generated in Laos would also be exported to other regional countries like Cambodia, Thailand, and Singapore.

Mitsubishi is involved in the renewable project via investment through its wholly-owned subsidiary Diamond Generating Asia Ltd. Other partners, the Japanese heavyweight said, are ACEN Renewables International of the Philippines’ Ayala Group, three Thai firms namely Impact Electron Siam Co., STP&I Pcl, BCPG Pcl, together with SMP Consultation, a Laotian consulting firm.

ADB said in its release for this March’s signing of the project financing package with Monsoon that cross-border power supply has been a pillar of Laos’ economic growth.

“Harnessing the country’s untapped wind resources can provide energy diversification as the seasonality of the wind resource is countercyclical to the rainy season, which supports the country’s hydropower generation.

“The project will reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 748,867 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent,” ADB said.

First Hydrogen ART in ASEAN Own by Sarawak Metro

First Hydrogen ART in ASEAN Own by Sarawak Metro

The Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) says it will widely promote the use of hydrogen-powered public transport vehicles in the state. According to its chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Hussain, this will include hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) vehicles as well as buses.

He said that one ART vehicle is ready and would be coming in soon. It will be trialled on the highway in Samarahan for a period of a year, the Borneo Post reports.

He added that more ART vehicles will start coming in next year, and when the required number is obtained the state will begin commercial operations, which is expected to be by the end of 2025. When asked how many ART vehicles would arrive next year, he replied that they will come in batches. “Bit by bit, maybe three or four units at one time,” he said.

The ART system consists of a trackless tram that is outfitted with rubber tyres to run on tarmac instead of on rails as required by trains. These can run autonomously on virtual routes, directed by road markings.

In the case of the hydrogen-powered system that will be used by Sarawak, the Chinese-made ART vehicle measures 30.2 metres in length, 2.65 metres in width and 3.7 metres in height. It can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h and has a 241-passenger capacity with a revised seating layout.

Back in January, Abdul Aziz said that SEDC Energy would produce hydrogen to power the state’s ART system. “We will require about two tonnes of hydrogen a day for the ART next year and we need to ramp this up to five tonnes a day. As such, we need to produce electrolysers for that and we want to produce our own. We don’t want to import from other countries and add to the cost,” he said then.

The state is aiming to become a leader in hydrogen economy in the country, having stated plans to begin large-scale commercial production and export of hydrogen by 2027. development of a new plant located in Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu, was announced last year. Dubbed the H2biscus project, the plant will eventually produce 220,000 tonnes of green hydrogen, 630,000 tonnes of green ammonia and 600,000 tonnes of blue ammonia when it is up and running.

Source: Paul Tan

Fastest Train in South East Asia

Fastest Train in South East Asia

China’s high-speed bullet trains for the 142-kilometer Indonesian Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) rolled off the assembly line in Qingdao, East China’s Shandong Province on Friday. It is China’s first high-speed bullet train export with a top speed of 350 kilometers per hour (km/h).

The Jakarta-Bandung HSR is the first high-speed railway project launched overseas that fully uses Chinese technology, standards and equipment.

It is a landmark project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which sets a good example for Southeast Asian countries, which are potential buyers of China’s bullet trains and rail systems, analysts and industry insiders said.

“More countries, especially Southeast Asian countries, may develop their high-speed railways and intercity rail transit with Chinese products, after seeing the examples of the Jakarta-Bandung HSR and the China-Laos Railway,” Sun Zhang, a railway expert at Shanghai Tongji University, told the Global Times on Friday.

Eleven pairs of high-speed electric multiple units (EMUs) and one set of comprehensive testing bullet railcars will be shipped to Indonesia very soon, which will lay a solid foundation for the completion of the Jakarta-Bandung HSR as scheduled and high quality, according to a statement sent from China Railway to the Global Times on Friday.

The railway project is expected to be completed in June 2023, the Xinhua News Agency reported. The designed speed of 350 km/h will shorten the travel time between Jakarta and Bandung, the capital of Indonesia’s West Java province, from more than three hours to about 40 minutes.

The high-speed EMU and comprehensive test train that rolled off the production line were developed with the advanced and mature technology of the Chinese standard Fuxing EMU at 350 km/h, and adapted to the local operating environment in Indonesia, said a person in charge at China Railway.

The EMU used on the Jakarta-Bandung HSR adopts intelligent sensing technology and is equipped with earthquake monitoring and early warning systems. Through more than 2,500 detection points located along the whole train, all key systems can be monitored and assessed in real time. The EMU also adopts high-standard corrosion-resistant design and advanced protection technology, making it more resistant to salt spray and ultraviolet radiation.

The train can achieve a safe start on a slope of 30 degrees. The train adopts a technology that can regenerate energy from the braking system, which is less carbon-intensive and more energy-efficient.

According to China Railway, the EMU for the Jakarta-Bandung HSR is designed to be capable of carrying 601 passengers, with one first-class car, one dining car and six second-class cars.

CRRC Qingdao Sifang Rolling Stock Research Institute (CRRC SRI) has provided a number of core system products, including a fire monitoring system, an AC/DC insulation monitoring system, the braking system and anti-vibration system, for the EMUs for Jakarta-Bandung HSR, CRRC SRI told the Global Times on Friday.

Smart technology makes fire and smoke monitoring systems smarter. The fire detector is self-learning, and can continuously upgrade itself during operation to make the alarm information more accurate, said CRRC SRI.

According to the institute, relevant parties gathered in Jakarta, Shanghai, Beijing and Qingdao to witness the EMUs rolling off the assembly line by video on Friday.

All the Jakarta-Bandung HSR tunnels have been completed, and more than 90 percent of the subgrade, bridge and station civil works have been completed. Track laying began on the main line in July.

The Jakarta-Bandung HSR is further proof that China’s technology and standards for high-speed rail have won international recognition, said Sun, the railway expert.

In July, two international railway standards mainly drafted and developed by China were published by the International Union of Railways. “Design of High-Speed Railways – Infrastructure” and “Design of High-Speed Railways – Power Supply” are both the first international railway standards in their related fields.

The standards introduced China’s design concepts based on its global experience in high-speed railway construction, promoted the country’s advanced technologies, such as power supply systems, and provided solutions for the design and construction of high-speed railways worldwide, said China State Railway Group.

China’s high-speed rail system spans different conditions, including extremely cold weather, frozen soil, mountainous areas, deserts, wet coastal areas and tropical regions, providing rich experience in building high-speed railways worldwide, especially in Southeast Asia, said Sun.

As of the end of 2021, China’s high-speed rail service exceeded 40,000 kilometers, accounting for more than two-thirds of the world’s total high-speed rail length.