Technology

LAZADA GROUP RELEASES ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) IMPACT REPORT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2024

Published

4 weeks ago

August 27, 2024

Lazada’s third ESG Impact Report underscores its commitment to building a responsible and sustainable business through innovation

SINGAPORE, Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Lazada, a leading eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia, today released its annual Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) Impact report: Accelerating Innovation, Anchoring Resilience for its financial year (FY) 2024. The annual report continues to detail the Group’s ongoing efforts and achievements, under the four core pillars of its ESG framework, namely: Empowering Communities, Future-Ready Workforce, Environmental Stewardship, and Effective Governance.

One key highlight in this year’s report is the introduction of an internal carbon data collection platform developed to track and monitor the Group’s carbon emissions. The platform utilizes an improved activity-based carbon accounting methodology that is also constantly being refined to reflect real-world conditions to obtain more precise information for effective emissions management. This improvement enhances the data quality and accuracy for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, making it more robust than in previous years. The implementation of various business optimization initiatives to lower overall electricity consumption also contributed to a 40% reduction in Lazada’s overall Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions as compared to the previous reporting period. Specifically, our reported emissions have decreased by 54% in Scope 1, and by 8% and 30% in Scope 2 and Scope 3, respectively.

“Our third ESG Impact Report continues to showcase our commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and key stakeholders in the wider eCommerce ecosystem that includes our employees, buyers, sellers and the communities we serve,” said James Dong, Chief Executive Officer, Lazada Group. “Our confidence in Lazada’s future stems from our commitment to fostering long-term growth through continuous adaptation and resilience building. We remain focused on creating value for our stakeholders, driving economic prosperity, and championing sustainable developments across the region.”

The report highlights many other notable achievements and progress of the company’s ESG efforts during the reporting period, including:

Empowering Communities:Driving innovations across the ecosystem: Lazada leverages technological innovations to redefine the online retail experience and bridge the digital divide:AI applications to empower buyers, such as Lazada’s “Ask the Buyers” feature to prompt past buyers to respond to product-related questions and aid other buyers in product selection, and the launch of LazzieChat, Lazada’s first-of-its-kind chatbot powered by OpenAI ChatGPT, in Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore.Lazada’s national QR code payment initiative to facilitate seamless payments in Singapore and Thailand, to provide more online payment options for buyers, making online shopping more accessible and inclusive for consumers without credit or debit cards.Championing local businesses: Lazada launched the Lazada Sustainability Academy in October 2023, a pioneering program to empower small and medium Southeast Asian businesses with the mindset and knowledge needed to future-proof and transform sustainably.Future-Ready Workforce:Shaping the future of digital commerce through digital enablement and outreach engagement: Lazada Indonesia partnered with the West Java Ministry of Education through the Acceleration of Indonesian Digital People’s Work Movement (AKAR), to organize the “Naik KeLaz” Training of Trainers program for 100 vocational high school teachers.Cultivating a deeper understanding of sustainability for Lazadians: Lazada launched its first ESG internal training module, to provide a foundational understanding of ESG principles, enabling all employees to apply these learnings in day-to-day business practices.Environmental Stewardship:Lower carbon footprint: Lazada reduced its overall GHG emissions by 40%, compared to the last reporting period, based on a more accurate activity-based carbon accounting methodology.Notable sustainable logistics initiatives: In September 2023, Lazada Thailand launched its first eco-friendly logistics hub at the Tha Raeng Ramindra logistics facility to minimize its environmental impact through three key strategies: using solar power, utilizing electric motorcycles for transportation, and providing delivery partners with uniforms made from recycled PET plastics bottles. 20% of the facility’s electricity needs are powered by solar energy generated.Effective Governance:Strengthened cybersecurity measures: Lazada achieved a 100% employee training completion rate for its Code of Business Conduct and Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy during the reporting period.Best practices for intellectual property protection (IPR) and processes: Lazada’s Intellectual Property Protection Platform processes over 97% of takedown requests by rights holders within 72 hours. Under the proactive measures program, the platform is able to leverage advanced technology like AI and image recognition to remove 85.7% of identified listings, achieving a 90% removal rate before transactions occur for 140 brands.

“Sustainability is a continuous journey, which should be managed holistically. As such, we believe in transparency and accountability when it comes to tracking and reporting on our progress,” said Gladys Chun, General Counsel, Lazada Group. “We are proud of the achievements that we have accomplished on this journey, as we strive to make positive and meaningful contributions to the wider eCommerce ecosystem, the communities we serve and the environment.”

Lazada’s FY2024 ESG Impact Report is prepared with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards 2021[1].

The full FY2024 ESG Impact Report: Accelerating Innovation, Anchoring Resilience can be found here.
For a summary of notable achievements and highlights from the report, please click here.

Editor’s Note:

Lazada’s FY2024 ESG Impact Report details its ESG approach and performance across the Group’s operations in six countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – and the operations of its subsidiary, RedMart in Singapore for the reporting period of 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 (“FY2024”), unless otherwise stated.This report also includes data from the prior reporting period of 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 (“FY2023”) for comparison where applicable.The GRI Standards was selected as it is the most widely adopted global standard among businesses to report on sustainability matters across comparable criteria. A detailed GRI Standards content index is provided at the end of the report (page 24).

About Lazada Group
Lazada Group is Southeast Asia’s pioneer eCommerce platform. For the last 12 years, Lazada has been accelerating progress in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam through commerce and technology. Today, a thriving local ecosystem links about 160 million active users to more than one million actively-selling sellers every month, who are transacting safely and securely via trusted payments channels and Lazada Wallet, receiving parcels through a homegrown logistics network that has become the largest in the region.

[1] See Editor’s Note for more details

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SOURCE Lazada Group

Technology

PEAC Institute Launches “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert”

Published

32 mins ago

September 21, 2024

24 Hour Pause for Peace Will Be the Largest Peace Initiative Ever Worldwide, Unifying 96 Countries on Six Continents Through Music

MONTCLAIR, N.J., Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — On this International Day of Peace, PEAC Institute, part of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize winning team, has launched “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert,” the largest peace initiative ever organized worldwide through music.

“Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.”

On October 4, 2025, this ground-breaking program will activate a massive network of youth ensembles that spans 96 countries and territories across six continents and host two 24-hour commercial festivals featuring some of the biggest acts in music and entertainment. This extraordinary day-long event will be live-streamed globally, allowing millions to participate simultaneously.

“It has been 40 years since Live Aid and We Are the World historically unified and changed the world through music,” said Rebecca Irby, president and CEO of PEAC Institute. “With our planet riddled with post-pandemic fatigue, climate chaos, unsettling wars and more, we believe it is time to create a new trajectory for humanity by inviting everyone around the globe to a 24 hour pause for peace to enjoy the sounds of music and feel the transformative power of human connection,” Irby explained.

Additionally, 24 Hour Pause for Peace plans to amass more than 100 million ambassadors to sign an appeal to the United Nations calling for a 24 hour ceasefire during the children’s concerts and commercial music events. All countries are welcome to participate with no exceptions. One of Pause for Peace’s core beliefs is everyone has the right to be equally respected and heard, particularly in collectively calling for peace.

“Achieving this ambitious global endeavor requires the support and participation from the most impactful brands, organizations, and influential leaders, artists and celebrities,” said Jennifer McKenna, 24 Hour Pause for Peace CEO.

Pause for Peace is a $165 million global initiative. Currently, it is in its first phase of raising seed capital through consumer brand-aligned sponsorships and private donors. Funding for the program is tax-deductible through PEAC’s 501(c)(3) status.

“We have assembled an exceptional executive team of change agents in entertainment, production, consumer marketing, charitable development and global security to make this extraordinary, worldwide peace event happen.” McKenna added. “Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.” To become involved in 24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert as a sponsor, partner or donor, sign up to be an Ambassador, or for more information, go to www.24hourpauseforpeace.org.

About PEAC Institute

PEAC Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. PEAC stands for peace, education, art and communication. It was formed in 2016 through a campaign with partner organization, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which garnered a 2017 Nobel Peace Prize. PEAC now holds special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and has a global presence working with countries and territories worldwide to reach the most marginalized youth through art and communication activities to help them explore and express. For more information on PEAC Institute, go to www.peacinstitute.org.

Media Contact

Chadwick Boyd, Pause for Peace, 1 4046060611, chadwick@24hourpauseforpeace.org, www.24hourpauseforpeace.org

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SOURCE Pause for Peace

Technology

Global Times: China opens 12 nuclear research facilities to global scientists

Published

2 hours ago

September 21, 2024

The involved facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

VIENNA, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — China will open 12 nuclear research facilities and testing platforms to international scientists and institutions to enhance global cooperation, a senior Chinese official said here on Monday.

These include the China Advanced Research Reactor, the new-generation tokamak device Huanliu-3, and the Beishan Underground Research Laboratory, Liu Jing, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), said at a meeting on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) annual general conference.

The facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

Monday’s meeting, themed “Share for Development,” was organized by the CAEA to promote international cooperation in nuclear technology research and development, as China marks the 40th anniversary of its accession to the IAEA.

Yu Jianfeng, chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation, said at the event that the company aims to deepen cooperation with the IAEA and expand international collaboration. He expressed hope that opening China’s nuclear research facilities will contribute to advancing nuclear technology globally.

IAEA’s Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov commended China’s remarkable achievements in nuclear energy development and highlighted the long-standing, fruitful relationship between the IAEA and the CAEA.

Welcoming China’s decision to open up more of its nuclear research and development facilities, Chudakov said the move will further strengthen the agency’s technical capacity to support its member states.

On Monday evening, the CAEA and China’s permanent mission to the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations in Vienna jointly held a reception at the UN headquarters in Vienna to celebrate the 40th anniversary of China’s accession to the IAEA. More than 200 participants, including IAEA representatives and foreign envoys to Vienna, attended the event.

Li Song, China’s permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, said at the reception that China and the IAEA have expanded practical cooperation and jointly promoted the development of nuclear energy over the past 40 years.

China, he said, will continue to strengthen collaboration with the IAEA and its member states to address emerging challenges in international security, safeguard the global non-proliferation regime, and promote the use of nuclear energy and technology for the benefit of the Global South.

At the reception, Liu, Li and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi jointly unveiled a bronze statue of Qian Sanqiang, a renowned Chinese nuclear physicist and one of the founders of China’s nuclear industry.

The statue, donated by China, will be permanently displayed at the IAEA headquarters, alongside sculptures of Polish-French physicist Marie Curie and other prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Contact: xutianshu@globaltimes.com.cn

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SOURCE Global Times

Technology

The Ar-King of Spirits: Ed Arking’s Impact on the Liquor Industry

Published

3 hours ago

September 21, 2024

In the interest of providing luxury liquors in a convenient and stress-free format, Served Neat was born. When asked about his intentions for the company, Ed states, “My goal with Served Neat is to create a one-stop shop where customers can easily discover these rare gems.”

MOORESTOWN, N.J., Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Served Neat is an emerging online platform with a curated selection of some of the world’s most popular luxury spirits. The website offers daily flash deals that highlight a variety of high-end international brands including Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace, Clase Azul, and more.

“While there are websites selling spirits, none have the decades of experience that we bring from WTSO. Served Neat will offer not only incredible bottles but also the best customer service in the industry.”

Ed and Joe Arking, the father-son team behind the concept of Served Neat, have decades of experience hand-selecting and supplying sought-after liquors. Ed Arking, CEO of New Jersey’s Roger Wilco, grew up in the world of wine and spirits and formed his own business aspirations.

“Growing up, I watched my father navigate and succeed in the ever-evolving wine and spirits industry,” Ed explains. “While I always aspired to create something similar, I knew I needed to wait for the right moment.” Ed has gone on to manage his own liquor store and lead projects for up-and-coming brands, such as the vodka-infused and non-carbonated Smooth Water.

As he evolved in his career, Ed discovered the perfect time to make his lifelong vision a reality. He recalls, “I noticed a gap in the market—especially for whiskey and tequila. These categories have surged in popularity, making it difficult for the everyday consumer to find those elusive sought-after allocated bottles.”

When it comes to Served Neat, quality and knowledge is key. Ed adds, “While there are websites selling spirits, none have the decades of experience that we bring from WTSO. Served Neat will offer not only incredible bottles but also the best customer service in the industry.”

Served Neat is the sister company to WTSO and The Wine Market, two online platforms dedicated to sourcing and distributing top-notch wines from every corner of the globe.

At The Wine Market, an online marketplace for the world’s most popular wine brands, convenience and quality are key. Each bottle in their curated collection is a testament to exceptional flavor and craftsmanship.

Since 2006, WTSO has enjoyed creating a unique wine experience and sharing it with new beginners and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Using an extensive network of wineries and wine makers, WTSO connects customers to thousands of brands from top wine appellations around the globe. The strong relationships they’ve formed within the wine world allow the business to deliver authentic and high-quality bottles to homes across the United States.

Wine and spirits lovers alike are invited to explore Served Neat, WTSO, and The Wine Market to find their next favorite bottle. Visit their websites to learn more about these one-of-a-kind online marketplaces!

Media Contact

Julie Blount, WTSO, 1 8669572795, marketing@wtso.com

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SOURCE WTSO