Wu Yi-fang, born #OnThisDay in 1893, was one of the only 4 women among 850 delegates who signed the UN Charter, founding document of the United Nations. Let's celebrate #HERstory.

SIG Group Holding participated in the "Making Global Goals Local Business - Africa", organised by United Nations Global Compact in collaboration with Global Compact Local Networks South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Morocco. "Making Global Goals Local Business – Africa" is a one-day virtual forum that will bring together local and global leaders from business, civil society, Government, Global Compact Local Networks and the United Nations to inform, inspire and catalyse collective approaches in this Decade of Action in Africa that will realize the goals of 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 on the continent.

Business leaders from more than 100 countries pledge support for multilateralism as the United Nations turns 75 - Over 1,200 CEOs endorse Statement on Renewed Global Cooperation and pledge to unite in the business of a better world  UNITED NATIONS, New York, 21 September 2020 — More than 1,200 Chief Executive Officers from companies in over 100 countries have demonstrated their support for the United Nations and inclusive multilateralism by signing onto a powerful Statement from Business Leaders for Renewed Global Cooperation . The Statement has attracted signatures from some of the world’s largest brands along with hundreds of other large, small and medium-sized enterprises participating in the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.  The Statement of support – including the full list of CEO supporters – was presented to UN Secretary-General António Guterres by Sanda Ojiambo, the CEO & Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, at the opening of the Private Sector Forum on the sidelines of the High-level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. Image: Shelley Tsang, Chairman of SIG Group Holding, signed the United Nations (UN) pledge for renewed international cooperation, a move set to boost the vendor’s efforts in creating technology to solve societal issues. “The Statement is a resounding endorsement of inclusive multilateralism. In no uncertain terms, it says that cooperation must cross borders, sectors and generations for us to adapt to changing circumstances,” said Sanda Ojiambo. “In the course of just one month after we issued the Statement, it has been signed by 1,294 CEOs from large, medium and small enterprises in virtually every industry and region. We deeply appreciate their commitment to global cooperation at a pivotal time for the UN and the world at large.” The 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations comes at a time of unprecedented disruption and global transformation, serving as a stark reminder that international cooperation must be mobilized across borders, sectors and generations to adapt to changing circumstances. In the spirit of renewed global cooperation, public and private institutions need to show they are accountable, ethical, inclusive and transparent.  The statement endorsed by CEOs states: “We, the business peoples, recognize that peace, justice and strong institutions are beneficial to the long-term viability of our organizations and are foundational for upholding the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Now is our opportunity to learn from our collective experiences to realign behind the mission of the UN and steer our world onto a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable path. We are in this together — and we are united in the business of a better world.” Under the headline Uniting Business LIVE from 21-23 September, the Private Sector Forum is the first in a series of three events on the sidelines of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly organised by the UN Global Compact to promote principled business and the Sustainable Development Goals. The CEO Statement also supports the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 16: to promote peace, justice and strong institutions. Through the UN Global Compact’s Action Platform on Goal 16, interviews with 60 senior executives in June and July revealed that – alongside environmental and social issues – they believe good governance lies at the heart of good business. See full list of signatories: https://ungc-communications-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/docs/publications/UN75_UnitingBusinessStatement.pdf or download from here: ABOUT THE UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL COMPACT As a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the United Nations Global Compact is a call to companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Launched in 2000, the mandate of the UN Global Compact is to guide and support the global business community in advancing UN goals and values through responsible corporate practices. With more than 10,000 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and more than 60 Local Networks, it is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world.

This year the United Nations marks 75 years and the UN Global Compact turns 20. Now more than ever, we must work together to achieve the #GlobalGoals. I stand with the UN for a healthy planet. Add your photo too! #UN75 #UnitingBusiness https://globalcompact.un75.online

https://www.weps.org/ "We look at the private sector to generate innovation, employment and financing that can bridge the gender gaps in the world of work and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. This will help our women, families and communities, and it is certainly good for the bottom line in business. Companies that invest in women and support women’s leadership and decision-making, and commit to gender equality typically outperform their competitors. The Women’s Empowerment Principles offer a great platform for change." - Amina Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General at the 2018 WEPs Forum About Women's Empowerment Principles The Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) are a set of Principles offering guidance to business on how to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community. Established by UN Global Compact and UN Women, the WEPs are informed by international labour and human rights standards and grounded in the recognition that businesses have a stake in, and a responsibility for, gender equality and women’s empowerment. The Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) are a primary vehicle for corporate delivery on gender equality dimensions of the 2030 agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By joining the WEPs community, the CEO signals commitment to this agenda at the highest levels of the company and to work collaboratively in multistakeholder networks to foster business practices that empower women. These include equal pay for work of equal value, gender-responsive supply chain practices and zero tolerance against sexual harassment in the workplace. CEO Statement of Support for the Women's Empowerment Principles "The most typical way women give up their power is by presuming they do not have any. No matter the colour, race or belief, all women share similarities that within women is the capability to create, nurture and transform. Indeed, women are an enormous supply of talents in our society. The most powerful way to change our community for the better is to assemble women of the world for actions." - Shelley Tsang, Signed CEO Statement of Support https://www.weps.org/company/sig-group-holding Please support UN Women to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community, visit the Women's Empowerment Principles o fficial website at: https://www.weps.org

New York, United States of America More than 20,000 sustainability champions attend UN Global Compact’s 20th anniversary Leaders Summit online UNITED NATIONS, New York, 16 June, 2020 — German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Presidents of Botswana, Colombia, Costa Rica and Ethiopia joined the President of the UN General Assembly and UN Secretary-General alongside dozens of Chief Executive Officers and UN chiefs at the United Nations Global Compact Leaders Summit to address the private sector’s response to three unprecedented and interconnected global crises — health, inequality and climate change. Over 26 hours of continuous virtual programming — including more than 100 global, regional and local sessions — the Summit was the UN’s largest, most inclusive and most sustainable convening of purpose-driven business leaders committed to tackling societal challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More than 20,000 business and sustainability leaders from over 180 countries participated in their local time zones and languages. Under the theme of “Recover Better, Recover Stronger, Recover Together,” the event marked the 20th anniversary of the UN Global Compact, providing a platform of platforms where leaders from business, civil society, Governments and the UN were challenged to reflect on the importance of collaboration and public-private partnerships, and increase their ambition to achieve the SDGs. “I am encouraged to see so many companies, of so many sizes and from so many sectors and countries, recognizing the urgent need for global unity and international cooperation. Our shared aim is to see businesses integrating the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact into their core strategy and operations, taking strong steps to support the SDGs, and reporting publicly on progress,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his opening remarks from UN Headquarters in New York.  The Leaders Summit marked the transition to new leadership for the UN Global Compact, with Sanda Ojiambo of Kenya taking over from Denmark’s Lise Kingo as Executive Director. Reflecting on five years of leadership as the UN business chief, Ms. Kingo said “The Ten Principles and the SDGs must inform every decision and action — big and small, in every part of business. All the way into the supply chain. We need many more businesses to adopt this approach, so it becomes the new normal.” “While the COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented global crisis, let us not forget that climate change and growing inequalities continue to shake the very foundations of business and of humanity. Now more than ever, business can and should play a central role in societal transformation,” said Ms. Ojiambo in her concluding remarks.  During an Asia-Pacific plenary session, the UN Global Compact launched the Action Platform on Sustainable Infrastructure for the Belt and Road Initiative to Accelerate the SDGs . With more than 100 SDG targets linked to infrastructure, the world can benefit from leveraging the Belt and Road Initiative — expected to impact 60 per cent of the world’s population, 40 per cent of world trade and 30 per cent of world GDP — as a collaborative mechanism to further the advancement of the SDGs. Speaking on the launch, Ren Hongbin, Vice Chairman SASAC and UN Global Compact Board Member, said, “I hope that the Action Platform launched by the UN Global Compact today will serve as a key international mechanism to facilitate the business community’s contribution to boost sustainable infrastructure and investment along the Belt and Road Initiative countries to accelerate the SDGs.” At the event, the UN Global Compact, in collaboration with DNV GL, released UN Global Compact 20th-Anniversary Progress Report: Uniting Business in the Decade of Action — an analysis of progress businesses have made in embedding the Ten Principles in their strategies and operations to align with the universal values of the UN, and in contributing to the 17 SDGs. Based on annual survey data supported by interviews with UN Global Compact participants, the report takes stock of how businesses are performing on critical sustainability topics. Broadly, the report finds that companies need to take more ambitious actions, at scale, to meet the objectives of the 2030 Agenda and create the world we want. For example, while 84 per cent of companies participating in the UN Global Compact are taking action on SDGs, only 46 per cent are embedding them into their core business and only 39 per cent have targets that are sufficiently ambitious, science-based and/or align with societal goals. Together with Russell Reynolds Associates, the UN Global Compact also launched Leadership for the Decade of Action . The report sets out to discover what can be learned from business leaders who are integrating sustainability across strategy, operations and stakeholder engagement and what this means for how board and C-suite leaders are selected. It reveals an urgent need for transformational business leaders who look beyond near-term profits to make the long-term sustainability and resilience of our world a top business priority — both within and beyond their firms and broader ecosystems. The UN Global Compact also released Introducing Business Benchmarks for the Decade of Action , featuring an initial set of best practice business benchmarks to gauge whether corporate activities are aiming at the necessary level of ambition to deliver on the SDGs. The announcement comes as part of the SDG Ambition initiative, a partnership with Accenture and SAP, which aims to enable the world’s leading companies to embrace ambitious targets and advance the integration of the SDGs into core business management, business processes and information technology landscapes.  As part of these efforts to call for more ambitious action across the SDGs, speakers at the Leaders Summit called for companies to take specific action across a range of issue areas, including on gender equality, with Manny Chirico, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PVH Corp., announcing the company’s patron support for Target Gender Equality which will support participants on their journey to achieve gender balance in business leadership. Other speakers at the event included: Her Excellency Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General; Mark Carney, UN Special Envoy on Climate Action and Climate Finance; Al Gore, Founder and Chairman of The Climate Reality Project; Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General and Deputy Chair of The Elders; Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary, ECLAC; Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union; Roberto Marques, Chief Executive Officer of Natura & Co; Sandra Wu Wen-Hsiu, Chairperson and CEO of Kokusai Kogyo; Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture; Helena Helmersson, CEO of H&M Group; Ilian Mihov, Dean of INSEAD; and Fiona Reynolds, CEO of PRI, amongst others. Watch the 20th anniversary UN Global Compact film Explore the new resources launched at the event:  UN Global Compact 20th-Anniversary Progress Report: Uniting Business in the Decade of Action Leadership for the Decade of Action : A United Nations Global Compact – Russell Reynolds Associates study on the characteristics of sustainable business leaders Introducing Business Benchmarks for the Decade of Action , part of the SDG Ambition initiative Learn more about the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2020 About the United Nations Global Compact As a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the United Nations Global Compact is a call to companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Launched in 2000, the mandate of the UN Global Compact is to guide and support the global business community in advancing UN goals and values through responsible corporate practices. With more than 10,000 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and more than 60 Local Networks, it is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world.     For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at unglobalcompact.org

HONG KONG, CHINA 16 June, 2020 SIG Group Holding has adopted the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) as part of its commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community. SIG Group Holding Chairman Shelley Tsang signed the Principles on 16 June, 2020 at a special ceremony at Hong Kong, China and was congratulated by Phumzile Mlambo - Ngcuka, the UN Women Executive Director and Lise Kingo, UN Global Compact Executive Director. Chairman Shelley Tsang said: “We are delighted to sign up to these principles – we will be implementing them with concrete actions such as provide basic gender awareness training for all employees, ensure the company policies implemented can provide women with opportunities for promotion and development at all levels and fields, support young female leadership and provide mentorship programs for female employees, use our influence or work with other companies to advocate gender equality, carry out corporate social responsibility gender equality projects, and hope to have them in place by 2030.” “We congratulate SIG Group Holding for taking the first step on their WEPs journey. We consider SIG Group Holding a key partner in closing gender gaps in the workplace, marketplace and community and in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.” - Phumzile Mlambo - Ngcuka, UN Women Executive Director “Women represent half of the world’s population, yet remain under-represented in the global workforce. Not only an affront to human rights and equality, barriers to women’s empowerment also hurt economic growth. That’s why we are calling on business leaders everywhere to implement the Women’s Empowerment Principles and I want to thank you for joining the ever- growing community of WEPs signatories. We need ALL companies to get onboard, because gender equality is more than a moral responsibility. Equality means business.” - Lise Kingo, UN Global Compact Executive Director ABOUT THE WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT PRINCIPLES The Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) guide businesses on how to promote gender equality and empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community. Jointly established by the UN Global Compact and UN Women, the WEPs are underpinned by international labour standards and human rights and by the recognition that businesses have an important role in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. Adopting the seven principles is the best way that businesses can deliver on the ambitions for gender equality and women’s empowerment as outlined in the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and in the 17 SDGs.

Our new partner bar and restaurant in New Everbright Centre Beijing. We will be organising small and elegant exhibitions and interesting activities in this space. This is at the centre of the future sub-centre of Beijing. The total scale of Xinguangda Center is 750000 square meters. It consists of four blocks of high-end furnished apartments, two international Grade A office buildings with a height of nearly 200 meters, a Beijing Tower, the tallest building in Beijing Sub-center, with a height of nearly 300 meters, and a 100000 square meters shopping mall.

ASEAN as a Global Cultural Hub: What’s Next for Southeast Asian Arts and Media? Written by; Shelley Tsang , 2024. In recent years, Southeast Asia has gained international recognition for its rich and diverse cultural heritage. From traditional crafts and performance arts to contemporary cinema and music, ASEAN member nations offer a wealth of artistic expressions that reflect the region’s unique histories and identities. As ASEAN continues to integrate economically and politically, there is a growing movement to position the region as a global cultural hub, with a spotlight on the arts and media industries. This article explores the opportunities, challenges, and future directions for ASEAN’s arts and media as they rise to prominence on the world stage. The Rise of Southeast Asian Arts and Media on the Global Stage Southeast Asia’s cultural industries have experienced unprecedented growth over the past decade. Films from ASEAN countries have garnered acclaim at international film festivals, traditional art forms like batik and wayang have achieved UNESCO recognition, and Southeast Asian pop and indie music are gaining dedicated followers around the world. With increased connectivity and digital access, Southeast Asian creators are reaching wider audiences, contributing to a more globalized cultural landscape. The rise of platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify has been a major catalyst in this expansion, allowing artists and media producers to showcase their work to international audiences without needing to go through traditional gatekeepers. Southeast Asian cinema, for example, is finding dedicated viewers around the world, with films like “Parasite”-inspired thrillers from Indonesia, indie documentaries from the Philippines, and romance dramas from Thailand breaking cultural barriers. The arts and media industries are thus not only expanding within ASEAN but also positioning the region as a vibrant centre for creative content. Strengthening Cultural Identity in a Globalized World As ASEAN grows as a cultural hub, it faces the challenge of balancing modernization with cultural preservation. The region is rich in traditional art forms, from Thai classical dance and Filipino weaving to Vietnamese water puppetry and Cambodian Apsara dance. Each art form has deep roots in local history, mythology, and spirituality, often passed down through generations within communities. However, globalization and rapid urbanization are creating pressures that threaten the survival of these traditional forms. To address this, several ASEAN countries have implemented initiatives to protect and promote their intangible cultural heritage. For instance, Indonesia has invested heavily in promoting batik, while Thailand has funded projects that preserve traditional dances and ceremonies. These efforts are crucial, as maintaining a distinct cultural identity helps ASEAN nations offer something unique to the world. By celebrating and preserving these traditions, Southeast Asia strengthens its position as a cultural hub, showcasing a blend of innovation and heritage. The Role of Technology in Transforming ASEAN Arts and Media Technology plays an essential role in elevating Southeast Asian arts and media to a global platform. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow artists, musicians, and filmmakers to reach global audiences, while e-commerce platforms provide avenues for local artisans to sell their crafts internationally. This digital exposure has made it easier for Southeast Asian creatives to break into international markets and gain a following. Moreover, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are beginning to influence the ASEAN art world. Galleries and museums, such as the National Gallery Singapore, are experimenting with digital art installations that offer interactive experiences. These technological innovations provide immersive ways for audiences to experience Southeast Asian art, both in the region and globally. As these technologies become more accessible, ASEAN’s art and media landscape will likely evolve, offering more innovative and cross-cultural experiences that appeal to global audiences. Building an ASEAN Creative Economy The ASEAN creative economy, which includes industries like film, music, fashion, and visual arts, has significant potential for economic growth. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) has made strides toward a single market, which allows for greater collaboration and cultural exchange across member states. Policies that support creative industries, such as investment incentives, tax breaks, and grants, can stimulate growth in these sectors. Thailand, for example, has launched initiatives to position Bangkok as a hub for film production, while Singapore has invested heavily in its media and gaming industries. As ASEAN countries invest in their creative sectors, they are creating job opportunities, fostering talent, and attracting foreign investment. The establishment of festivals, art fairs, and film markets across the region, such as the Busan International Film Festival and the Singapore Art Week, further boosts the ASEAN creative economy by drawing global attention to Southeast Asian art. Promoting ASEAN Art and Media on the World Stage ASEAN’s emergence as a global cultural hub is not just about production; it also requires strategic promotion. This can include establishing cultural exchange programs, participating in international art fairs, and forming partnerships with global media companies. Joint initiatives between ASEAN nations, like ASEAN Cultural Year, have been instrumental in showcasing the region’s cultural richness and diversity. These collaborative efforts foster mutual understanding and amplify the region’s visibility worldwide. International organizations, such as UNESCO and the ASEAN Foundation, have also played a significant role in promoting Southeast Asian arts and culture. UNESCO's recognition of various ASEAN intangible heritage sites provides global legitimacy, drawing tourists and art enthusiasts interested in authentic cultural experiences. By increasing visibility on the world stage, ASEAN establishes itself as a vibrant, multifaceted cultural hub, appealing to audiences beyond its borders. Encouraging Cross-Cultural Collaboration Within ASEAN A significant advantage of ASEAN’s cultural positioning is the diversity within the region itself. By fostering cross-cultural collaborations among member nations, ASEAN can create art that reflects the complexity and interconnectedness of its people. ASEAN governments are increasingly supporting collaborative projects that bring together artists from different countries to produce music, films, and other forms of art. For example, a cross-border film project between Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia could tell a story that resonates across cultures, providing a more inclusive narrative of Southeast Asia. Similarly, musical collaborations can blend traditional instruments from different cultures, creating a sound unique to the ASEAN region. By encouraging cross-cultural collaborations, ASEAN leverages its diversity, producing art that is both deeply local and universally appealing. Challenges in Establishing ASEAN as a Cultural Hub Despite its potential, ASEAN faces several challenges in establishing itself as a leading cultural hub. Issues such as funding limitations, censorship, and lack of infrastructure can hinder the growth of the arts and media industries. In some countries, censorship restricts the creative freedom of artists, impacting the diversity of voices and stories that can be shared. Additionally, while some ASEAN nations are making significant investments in their creative sectors, others may lack the resources needed to compete globally. Another challenge lies in the fragmented nature of the ASEAN cultural scene. Different countries have distinct languages, cultures, and religious practices, which can make collaboration challenging. Moreover, a lack of standard regulations across member states can create hurdles for artists and media producers who wish to work across borders. The Future of ASEAN Arts and Media: Toward Global Impact As ASEAN moves toward greater cultural integration and global recognition, the region’s art and media industries have a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact. To achieve this, ASEAN needs to continue supporting its artists, filmmakers, musicians, and writers, providing them with platforms to share their work and resources to develop their talents. Governments and private organizations can play a critical role by offering funding, creating policies that encourage artistic expression, and investing in cultural infrastructure. Looking to the future, ASEAN could establish itself as a global centre for arts and media by furthering its commitment to cultural preservation, fostering innovation through technology, and strengthening its creative economy. Regional festivals, international collaborations, and digital platforms will likely be essential in propelling ASEAN’s art and media industries to new heights. By embracing both its traditional heritage and its capacity for innovation, ASEAN has the potential to make a profound cultural impact on a global scale. As Southeast Asian art and media continue to flourish, the world can expect to see an even greater presence of ASEAN voices, stories, and creative expressions — enriching the global cultural landscape with the diverse perspectives of Southeast Asia. Conclusion The journey to becoming a global cultural hub is well underway for ASEAN, but there is still much to be done. As Southeast Asia’s art and media industries grow in prominence, the region must navigate the challenges of globalization, cultural preservation, and creative freedom. However, with strong support from governments, innovative use of technology, and strategic cultural promotion, ASEAN has the potential to establish itself as a thriving centre for arts and media. The future of ASEAN as a global cultural hub is one of balance — merging traditional and contemporary expressions, supporting local artists, and building a sustainable creative economy that not only showcases Southeast Asia’s cultural wealth but also contributes meaningfully to the world. By promoting its rich heritage and nurturing its creative talent, ASEAN is poised to capture the world’s imagination, demonstrating that it is truly a cultural powerhouse. Publication and dissemination of this article, including translations, require prior written consent. Don't hesitate to get in touch with  contacts@seach.asia

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