Latest news with #Pua
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Filipino Times
LTO brings online license renewal to OFWs in Japan after Taiwan success
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has launched the second phase of its online driver's license renewal caravan for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), this time in Japan. LTO Acting Assistant Secretary Atty. Greg Pua Jr. said the initiative—coordinated with the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Labor and Employment—follows the successful rollout in Taiwan last year, where over 1,000 OFWs were assisted. Pua expects a similar turnout in Japan. The caravan includes information campaigns to help OFWs learn to use the online renewal platform. He also said the event serves as a live testing ground to resolve technical issues based on user feedback. To renew online, OFWs need a scanned copy of their expiring or recently expired license and a medical certificate from an LTO-accredited telemedical provider. A stable internet connection and smartphone are needed for the process, though Pua recommends using a tablet or laptop for telemedical exams. After payment, licenses will be printed and delivered to Japan via courier within three to five days. As part of the Bagong Pilipinas initiative, LTO plans to expand the program to OFWs in the Middle East, the U.S., and Europe.
Business Times
15-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Perennial explores Reit listings in China with ‘aggressive' expansion in medical, eldercare sectors
[SINGAPORE] Property player Perennial Holdings is exploring real estate investment trust (Reit) listings in China – one for commercial properties and another for healthcare assets, the company's chief executive, Pua Seck Guan, told The Business Times. The Reits, which could be listed in Shanghai or Shenzhen, would ride on booming demand from yield-hungry investors on the mainland. 'The Chinese love this class of assets. If you go and do a check today, the Chinese Reit yield is below 5 per cent; in Singapore, it's more than 7 per cent,' said Pua in an interview at the company's one-north office. With deposit rates under 1 per cent, Chinese investors are hunting for dividends. 'So if you give them 4 to 5 per cent (in yield), they will be very happy,' the CEO said, adding that there is demand from both retail and institutional investors. Founded in 2009, Perennial has five healthcare-centric mega developments in China – in Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Chongqing and Tianjin – and a commercial-focused one in Hangzhou, among other assets. It also operates China's first fully foreign-owned hospital in Tianjin, has another coming up in Guangzhou, and is invested in major eldercare company Renshoutang. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Reits were introduced in China in 2021, and demand has been 'stratospheric', according to a Bloomberg report in February. There were 28 Reits listed in China last year – nearly trebling from the number in 2023 – which raised a record 64 billion yuan (S$11.4 billion). Perennial may also consider listing its healthcare business in Hong Kong or mainland China, said Pua. The company, which traded on the Singapore Exchange from 2014 to 2020, has no plans to pursue listings here. Pua cited liquidity and valuations as concerns, along with the fact that the majority of Perennial's business is now in China. The company began its foray into China healthcare a decade ago with the opening of a medical hub in Chengdu. It now owns and operates more than 25,000 beds in medical and eldercare facilities in Singapore and China. In Singapore, Perennial, together with Far East Organization, is redeveloping Golden Mile Complex. There will be medical suites, offices, retail spaces and a residential tower. The company is also heading a consortium that is redeveloping the former AXA Tower in Shenton Way. A patient at the Perennial Rehabilitation Hospital in Tianjin. PHOTO: ST First-mover advantage Perennial's listing plans come on the back of big ambitions to expand in China's medical and eldercare sectors. In late 2024, it announced the 500-bed Perennial General Hospital Tianjin, the first such facility to be fully foreign-owned in China, with a one billion yuan investment. Months later, it inked a deal to build a second fully foreign-owned hospital in Guangzhou, also with a one billion yuan investment. Perennial is now concluding talks to open another fully foreign-owned hospital in Shanghai, said Pua. Tianjin, Guangzhou and Shanghai are among the nine trial cities where China has allowed fully foreign-owned hospitals to operate, in a pilot announced in September 2024. The other trial cities are Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou, Fuzhou, Shenzhen and Hainan. Pua hopes to do projects in more than half of these nine cities. 'We think the Chinese medical (sector) is just at a very nascent stage… The market is huge, so we want to seize this opportunity. I think we have a first-mover advantage.' He sees the Chinese authorities being supportive of private operators such as Perennial that can service the medical needs of the upper middle class segment. The company also wants to ride on China's emerging medical tourism industry. It hopes to attract patients from Russia, Central Asia and South-east Asia – including Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, said Pua. He views Guangzhou as an ideal location for medical tourism, due to its good air connectivity, infrastructure and weather. Perennial's rehabilitation facilities could also be a pull factor, with their combination of Western and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), he added. That said, he acknowledged that the more challenging part is attracting patients who are willing to undertake surgery, and emphasised the need to build trust and reputation. Dr Daniel Liu, president of Perennial's general hospital in Tianjin, says the company wants to grow medical tourism in China. PHOTO: ST Perennial's Tianjin general hospital aims to have 30 per cent of its revenue come from international patients within its first year, said its president, Dr Daniel Liu. 'Medical tourism can't yet be called an industry in China; there are some signs, but not yet. What we hope to do now is to make this cake bigger,' he said during a tour of the hospital. Dr Liu believes that the hospital could even attract patients from the UK, where waiting times for surgeries are long. Some of China's specialised medical services – such as cardiology, orthopaedics and urology – are competitive with international peers, he said. 'Very aggressive' Perennial is 'actually very aggressive' with its expansion plans, said Tan Bee Lan, the company's healthcare chief executive, on the sidelines of a visit to a Renshoutang facility in Shanghai. Asked about the timing of the moves – amid global uncertainty and weak consumer spending in China – Tan said that she does not see a 'material effect', given the counter-cyclical nature of healthcare. There is also an opportunity to secure assets at attractive valuations. 'You should take projects when no one wants to do them – that is when you get the land, the property, at a very reasonable price… This is what Perennial is doing. We're going around very aggressively, looking at suitable properties to take over,' she said. Tan Bee Lan, Perennial's healthcare chief executive, is sanguine about macroeconomic headwinds. PHOTO: ST Perennial also plans to apply what it has learnt in Tianjin to an upcoming Singapore project: the city-state's first private assisted-living development, for which the company won a tender in June 2023. Said Pua: 'To be honest, it's very, very difficult to make money in Singapore because of the high real estate costs, the high labour costs… But I think being headquartered in Singapore, we thought (it would be) good to do something and (showcase) a model.' 'So this project will contain the ingredients that we have in Tianjin,' he added, citing how the development in Parry Avenue will also integrate eldercare with TCM rehabilitation and a geriatric care centre. With the Tianjin hospital opening more doors, Pua believes that the company is two to three years 'ahead of anybody' in its expansion plans. 'I'm excited,' he said. Perennial's key shareholders include agribusiness Wilmar International – where Pua is also chief operating officer – and Wilmar co-founder Kuok Khoon Hong.
The Sun
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
O'Briens Malaysia: Fresh, fast and balanced
ON the sandwich shop spectrum, O'Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe Malaysia (O'Briens) falls on the slightly more premium end but customers are known to get what they pay for – sandwiches crafted to international standards with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Speaking to theSun, O'Briens managing director and master franchise holder Brian Pua explained that the success of the brand over the past two decades is the result of his team's relentless commitment in upholding the highest standards in food quality, customer service and healthy food products. Opening its first outlet in Malaysia at Great Eastern Mall in Kuala Lumpur back in 2002, O'Briens quickly expanded under Pua's stewardship to over 30 locations, largely in urban areas. Though the 'Irish' in its name may give some pause, Pua stressed that O'Briens is halal-certified, which was his very intention from the opening of the initial Malaysian outlet. 'As a cafe offering what many consider comfort food, it was important for us to target the halal status. Now, all our food is halal-certified, so our Muslim customers can enjoy their meals with confidence,' Pua explained. 'From the start, it was very clear how we would serve our customers,' he said. Healthy eating, local flavours O'Briens was one of the first businesses in the country's food and beverage landscape to push the concept of fresh and nutritious food – even if the general awareness on how both went hand in hand with living a healthy lifestyle was not as prevalent. Pua believes the pandemic drove a change in attitudes. 'It was when people began to have more awareness on the importance of taking care of their immune system by consuming more natural, fresh food products. 'People now look for meals that support their lifestyle, where they want something balanced, fresh and satisfying. We are proud to be part of that movement and it is great to see so many regulars who have made O'Briens part of their everyday routine,' he said. Yet, O'Briens is not rigid in its offerings. Over time, the brand has adapted – or rather tweaked – its menu to suit local tastes while maintaining its original values. 'Being a Malaysian myself has helped guide O'Briens. In the beginning, we looked at introducing Irish sandwiches, the concept and lifestyle to the Malaysian market. Over time, we looked into the taste of what O'Briens offered,' he said. Giving an example, Pua cited how Malaysians liked spicy food. This eventually led to the O'Briens menu adopting items such as the Piri-Piri Chicken Multigrain and the Volcanic Chicken Wrap. 'Another thing was the demand for vegetarian options and we answered it with a wide range of vegetarian offerings such as the Watercress Sandwich and even those that combined the spicy and vegetarian taste portfolio, such as the Sundried Tomato on Hot Ciabatta, which is popular with vegetarians,' he pointed out. 'We put in the effort to make each and every sandwich have its own unique identity by increasing the taste portfolio, while staying true to our Irish roots and the philosophy of clean, nutritious eating'. Listening to lifestyles Today, O'Briens continues to adapt to what consumers are looking for. To Pua, this means always having his ear to the ground. On top of integrating new technology into its operations, O'Briens is working with the fitness industry, finding new ways to approach the food and beverage landscape. They are already taking into consideration what gym-goers want. 'We have done surveys with them to develop our salads to be low in carbohydrates and high in protein, while striking a balance between the health aspect and the taste of our food,' Pua said. While the brand is known for promoting healthy foods and living, one element is conspiciously missing from its clean and attractive menu – nutritional information for each item, with calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats in gram and so on clearly stated. 'We are currently working on it,' Pua exclaimed with a laugh. 'In fact, our halal quality control team already has all the information for each product and very soon, we will incorporate it into our menu. 'We want our customers to know the nutritional value of what they consume and they can plan their meals. That is also what we want to encourage our customers to do, which is to have a balanced diet,' he said.
The Sun
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Healthy bites, local flavours
ON the sandwich shop spectrum, O'Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe Malaysia (O'Briens) falls on the slightly more premium end but customers are known to get what they pay for – sandwiches crafted to international standards with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Speaking to theSun, O'Briens managing director and master franchise holder Brian Pua explained that the success of the brand over the past two decades is the result of his team's relentless commitment in upholding the highest standards in food quality, customer service and healthy food products. Opening its first outlet in Malaysia at Great Eastern Mall in Kuala Lumpur back in 2002, O'Briens quickly expanded under Pua's stewardship to over 30 locations, largely in urban areas. Though the 'Irish' in its name may give some pause, Pua stressed that O'Briens is halal -certified, which was his very intention from the opening of the initial Malaysian outlet. 'As a cafe offering what many consider comfort food, it was important for us to target the halal status. Now, all our food is halal -certified, so our Muslim customers can enjoy their meals with confidence,' Pua explained. 'From the start, it was very clear how we would serve our customers,' he said. Healthy eating, local flavours O'Briens was one of the first businesses in the country's food and beverage landscape to push the concept of fresh and nutritious food – even if the general awareness on how both went hand in hand with living a healthy lifestyle was not as prevalent. Pua believes the pandemic drove a change in attitudes. 'It was when people began to have more awareness on the importance of taking care of their immune system by consuming more natural, fresh food products. 'People now look for meals that support their lifestyle, where they want something balanced, fresh and satisfying. We are proud to be part of that movement and it is great to see so many regulars who have made O'Briens part of their everyday routine,' he said. Yet, O'Briens is not rigid in its offerings. Over time, the brand has adapted – or rather tweaked – its menu to suit local tastes while maintaining its original values. 'Being a Malaysian myself has helped guide O'Briens. In the beginning, we looked at introducing Irish sandwiches, the concept and lifestyle to the Malaysian market. Over time, we looked into the taste of what O'Briens offered,' he said. Giving an example, Pua cited how Malaysians liked spicy food. This eventually led to the O'Briens menu adopting items such as the Piri-Piri Chicken Multigrain and the Volcanic Chicken Wrap. 'Another thing was the demand for vegetarian options and we answered it with a wide range of vegetarian offerings such as the Watercress Sandwich and even those that combined the spicy and vegetarian taste portfolio, such as the Sundried Tomato on Hot Ciabatta, which is popular with vegetarians,' he pointed out. 'We put in the effort to make each and every sandwich have its own unique identity by increasing the taste portfolio, while staying true to our Irish roots and the philosophy of clean, nutritious eating'. Listening to lifestyles Today, O'Briens continues to adapt to what consumers are looking for. To Pua, this means always having his ear to the ground. On top of integrating new technology into its operations, O'Briens is working with the fitness industry, finding new ways to approach the food and beverage landscape. They are already taking into consideration what gym-goers want. 'We have done surveys with them to develop our salads to be low in carbohydrates and high in protein, while striking a balance between the health aspect and the taste of our food,' Pua said. While the brand is known for promoting healthy foods and living, one element is conspiciously missing from its clean and attractive menu – nutritional information for each item, with calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats in gram and so on clearly stated. 'We are currently working on it,' Pua exclaimed with a laugh. 'In fact, our halal quality control team already has all the information for each product and very soon, we will incorporate it into our menu. 'We want our customers to know the nutritional value of what they consume and they can plan their meals. That is also what we want to encourage our customers to do, which is to have a balanced diet,' he said.
Daily Record
31-05-2025
- Daily Record
Hiker's chilling final scream before vanishing after sending haunting photo of 'shadow man'
Group of hikers claimed a scream could be heard around the same time teenager Daylenn Pua went missing on a walk in Hawaii A teenager who vanished on a hiking trail in Hawaii snapped a mysterious photo featuring a 'shadow man' just before he disappeared. Eighteen-year-old Daylenn Pua was last seen heading up the perilous Haʻikū Stairs - known as the 'stairway to heaven' - on O'ahu island. The stairs were constructed during World War II to provide better access to a former US Navy Communications facility. With a staggering 3,922 steps, the steep path across the mountain range used to be a popular hiking spot prior to its removal in 2024. The site was infamous for safety issues and was actually illegal to traverse, but this did not deter many, including 18-year-old Pua, wanting to attempt the walk anyway despite the risks. Located on either side of the ridge lies a sheer drop, which meant that a stumble at any point could prove fatal. Despite his grandmother's worry about the challenge, Pua was eager to take it on and promised to send her regular photographs to chart his progress. And one of the last photographs sent clearly shows a man partially hidden behind a tree, standing in the centre of the image and side on to the teenager. Dubbed the 'shadow man', this enigmatic figure remains unidentified and is believed to be the last person to have seen Pua before his vanishing. The eerie photograph has sparked numerous online theories, fuelling debate over whether Pua was abducted or assaulted. Following his disappearance, Pua's family made a heartfelt appeal for the mysterious individual in the photo to step forward, but to no avail. With no alternative leads or evidence, and after exhaustive search efforts yielded nothing, it seems most probable the teenager fell from the stairs. This theory is supported by other hikers present at the time who recall hearing desperate pleas for assistance. Reddit user 'Dclandry', who alleges to have heard the distressing sounds, posted: "I could never explain to you the feeling I felt when you hear a cry like that. The hiker did not trust pass and go up the stairs. By the looks of the photographs, he didn't ever make it to the stairs. "The hiker went up the Moanalua way. I'm not a local so I don't really know any of the name of the ridges, all I can do is try my best to explain to others where we went and where it was that we heard him. We started the hike on a trail about 20 feet from the Kulana'ahane trail. We had hiked about three hours up. "We were yelling to each other to make sure the others were okay because we were so far apart. The wind died down for just a half a second and we hear a scream 'help me!". The incident left them so shaken that they phoned 911 for assistance, and when the rescue team arrived, they reportedly heard additional 'screams'. "I'm down here!" was allegedly heard by the group, but pinpointing the exact source of the cries proved difficult. "The wind was so bad and the clouds are starting to roll in so it was hard to hear anything," the commentator noted. "My friend and I that heard the last cry, are heading up the ridge tomorrow the same way that we went Monday. It's hard to explain where the location was that we heard it, as well as where the voice was coming from."
