Latest news with #Roadmap
Web Release
01-07-2025
- Business
- Web Release
AIR Unveils First Sustainability Report Outlining Innovation-led ESG commitments
Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR), the world's leading social inhalation business, has published its first sustainability report, outlining its environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy. AIR's first sustainability report outlines its commitment to revolutionizing the shisha and wider inhalation category through innovation and harm reduction, while embedding responsible business practices across all levels of the organization. The report highlights shisha's rich heritage and history, alongside key milestones which have shaped AIR's business journey and commitment to sustainability as appetite for shisha has grown globally in recent years. The report reinforces AIR as a trailblazer in science-led, tobacco- and nicotine-free inhalation products. Key milestones detailed in the report include the launch of Zodiac, a tea-based, tobacco- and nicotine-free shisha alternative – and OOKA – the world's first charcoal-free, pod-based shisha device. A key driver of AIR's success, half a million OOKA pods and 14,500 OOKA devices have now been sold since launch. Moreover, both innovations demonstrate AIR's determination to lead the category in reducing the health risks associated with traditional shisha use and reshaping the experience for the modern, conscious adult consumer. As part of the reporting process, AIR conducted a full sustainability materiality assessment to ensure its strategy reflects the priorities of both internal and external stakeholders. The result is a long-term vision grounded in five strategic ESG pillars: · Public health and innovation · Working conditions · Business integrity · Environmental impact, particularly water usage · Governance Through this assessment AIR has now set out a 2030 Roadmap which is aligned to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, and will offer clear direction to stakeholders, consumers and employees through which to make an impact on global sustainability. Metrics included in this roadmap include improving gender diversity across leadership roles, strengthening supply chain standards, and increasing public awareness through science-based education around shisha consumption and harm reduction. Stuart Brazier, Chief Executive Officer at AIR, comments: 'As the global leader in our industry, our purpose is to transform the sector by creating a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable inhalation experience whilst also preserving the rich social and cultural value of shisha. By publishing our first sustainability report we are proud to be solidifying our commitment to driving this forward and shaping the future of the industry. 'This report celebrates the huge progress we have already made in optimizing all aspects of our operations, but we are also aware that we have a responsibility to accelerate our ESG efforts over the coming years to protect the world around us. With the publication of our 2030 Roadmap, we have laid out a clear path through which to enact meaningful change within our own operations and on the world around us. From reducing CO2 emissions to improving diversity and supporting fair working conditions across our supply chain, we are committed to driving long-term, meaningful progress for our consumers, our people, and the planet.' Ronan Barry, Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer at AIR, added: 'Publishing our first sustainability report marks a critical milestone in AIR's growth as a responsible, innovation-led inhalation company. We are proud to lead the way in harm-reduction technologies for shisha whilst also ensuring our operations and supply chains reflect our ethical standards. Sustainability is not an add-on for us – it's embedded into every level of our business, from how we develop products to how we treat people and protect the environment.' The report, which covers AIR's progress throughout 2024, is available at
Business Wire
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
AIR Unveils First Sustainability Report Outlining Innovation-led ESG commitments
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR), the world's leading social inhalation business, has published its first sustainability report, outlining its environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy. AIR's first sustainability report outlines its commitment to revolutionizing the shisha and wider inhalation category through innovation and harm reduction, while embedding responsible business practices across all levels of the organization. The report highlights shisha's rich heritage and history, alongside key milestones which have shaped AIR's business journey and commitment to sustainability as appetite for shisha has grown globally in recent years. The report reinforces AIR as a trailblazer in science-led, tobacco- and nicotine-free inhalation products. Key milestones detailed in the report include the launch of Zodiac, a tea-based, tobacco- and nicotine-free shisha alternative – and OOKA - the world's first charcoal-free, pod-based shisha device. A key driver of AIR's success, half a million OOKA pods and 14,500 OOKA devices have now been sold since launch. Moreover, both innovations demonstrate AIR's determination to lead the category in reducing the health risks associated with traditional shisha use and reshaping the experience for the modern, conscious adult consumer. As part of the reporting process, AIR conducted a full sustainability materiality assessment to ensure its strategy reflects the priorities of both internal and external stakeholders. The result is a long-term vision grounded in five strategic ESG pillars: Public health and innovation Working conditions Business integrity Environmental impact, particularly water usage Governance Through this assessment AIR has now set out a 2030 Roadmap which is aligned to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, and will offer clear direction to stakeholders, consumers and employees through which to make an impact on global sustainability. Metrics included in this roadmap include improving gender diversity across leadership roles, strengthening supply chain standards, and increasing public awareness through science-based education around shisha consumption and harm reduction. Stuart Brazier, Chief Executive Officer at AIR, comments: 'As the global leader in our industry, our purpose is to transform the sector by creating a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable inhalation experience whilst also preserving the rich social and cultural value of shisha. By publishing our first sustainability report we are proud to be solidifying our commitment to driving this forward and shaping the future of the industry. 'This report celebrates the huge progress we have already made in optimizing all aspects of our operations, but we are also aware that we have a responsibility to accelerate our ESG efforts over the coming years to protect the world around us. With the publication of our 2030 Roadmap, we have laid out a clear path through which to enact meaningful change within our own operations and on the world around us. From reducing CO2 emissions to improving diversity and supporting fair working conditions across our supply chain, we are committed to driving long-term, meaningful progress for our consumers, our people, and the planet.' Ronan Barry, Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer at AIR, added: 'Publishing our first sustainability report marks a critical milestone in AIR's growth as a responsible, innovation-led inhalation company. We are proud to lead the way in harm-reduction technologies for shisha whilst also ensuring our operations and supply chains reflect our ethical standards. Sustainability is not an add-on for us - it's embedded into every level of our business, from how we develop products to how we treat people and protect the environment.' The report, which covers AIR's progress throughout 2024, is available at About AIR AIR is the market leader in the $19 billion global shisha market, with an aim to provide superior physical, emotional, and mental benefits through inhalation. Launched in 1999 and headquartered in Dubai, the business has a multinational presence in over 100 countries across the UAE, Europe, North America, India, and Africa. AIR holds 47% of the shisha category market share in the markets it is present in and is the leading business in a market set to grow to $22 billion in 2026. Its portfolio of companies includes Al Fakher, the world's leading shisha brand; the world's number one e-commerce platform for hookahs and shisha; OOKA, the world's first charcoal-free shisha device, among others. AIR's science program, conducted in partnership with independent accredited laboratories, enables the development of innovative products that combine centuries of tradition with cutting edge innovation to minimize harm and maximize enjoyment for millions around the world.
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
RM497.54 mln for Sabah human capital development
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has allocated RM497.54 million this year to strengthen the human capital development agenda to produce a generation that is competent, innovative and has integrity, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said the state government continues to place human capital development as the main thrust in making the state's economic agenda a success, especially in exploring the great potential of the growing blue economy sector. 'The world has changed, and we also need to change. We can no longer hold on to the old system. Therefore, competitive and highly skilled human capital is needed to drive the state's development,' he said in his speech at the opening of the Sabah Blue Economy Skillfest 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), here today. The text of his speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also Sabah's Minister of Local Government and Housing. The Chief Minister said that through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Roadmap, the state government continues to formulate inclusive and sustainable development policies by prioritising increasing the people's capacity in the new economic era. According to Hajiji, from 2021 to 2024, a total of RM848.26 million has been allocated by the state government through four main education channels that benefit nearly 245,953 recipients. The allocation includes the Sabah State Education Fund (RM227.1 million), Sabah State Government Scholarships (RM324.1 million), Education Assistance from the Office of the Deputy State Secretary (RM164.14 million) as well as assistance and loans from Sabah Foundation (RM132.92 million). He said the Skillfest programme is among important efforts to strengthen skills training in the blue economy sector, which includes industries such as mariculture, fisheries, marine energy, marine tourism as well as ocean technology research and development. 'Sabah is rich in marine resources. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure that the people are prepared to harness this potential sustainably,' he said. Hajiji said the strategic collaboration between HRD Corporation and the Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat (SSMJ) in organising this programme was commendable as it supported the government's goal of expanding access to lifelong learning. The programme is also a continuation of the success of the Sabah International Blue Economy Conference (SIBEC) 2024 which has attracted global attention and positioned Sabah as a major player in the regional blue economy.
Barnama
17-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
FRIM Enhances Efforts To Commercialise Forest Resource-based Research Innovations
KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Bernama) -- The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) continues to strengthen its role in the development of forest resource-based technology and innovation through the comprehensive execution of research, development, commercialisation, and application (RDCA) activities. FRIM said the initiative represents a strategic effort by the institute to support Malaysia's aspiration of becoming a high-tech nation by the year 2030. 'In line with the Forestry Research Institute Malaysia Act 2016 and the National Research, Development, Innovation, Commercialisation and Economic (RDICE) Roadmap, FRIM plays a key role within the national innovation ecosystem by fostering collaboration between the research sector, industry, and government. 'This effort is guided by the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) 2021-2030, which aims to achieve research and innovation investments totaling RM85.7 billion,' FRIM said in a statement. It added that it plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between research laboratories and the market by actively participating in national initiatives such as Malaysia Commercialisation Year and working closely with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). According to FRIM, several approaches have been implemented to drive innovation, including the provision of technology packages, product certification, technical advisory services, and incubation activities through its Innovation and Commercialisation Division. 'FRIM's intellectual property is managed through the Technology Information Management System (TIMS), ensuring that innovation outputs are well-protected and ready for commercialisation. These efforts are further supported by its wholly owned subsidiary, FRIM Incorporated Sdn Bhd, which plays a pivotal role in facilitating technology licensing and translating research outcomes to meet market demands,' it said. 'Among FRIM's key achievements is the successful commercialisation of clones and extracts from local herbs such as Kacip Fatimah (Labisia pumila) and Cucur Atap (Baeckea frutescens) which are now incorporated into natural wellness products with strong potential to enter international markets. The institute also provides consultancy and technology transfer services to both government agencies and the private sector. These services encompass a wide range of areas, including biomass product development, plantation silviculture, eco-friendly product certification, and biodiversity mapping.
The Sun
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
FRIM enhances efforts to commercialise forest resource-based research innovations
KUALA LUMPUR: The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) continues to strengthen its role in the development of forest resource-based technology and innovation through the comprehensive execution of research, development, commercialisation, and application (RDCA) activities. FRIM said the initiative represents a strategic effort by the institute to support Malaysia's aspiration of becoming a high-tech nation by the year 2030. 'In line with the Forestry Research Institute Malaysia Act 2016 and the National Research, Development, Innovation, Commercialisation and Economic (RDICE) Roadmap, FRIM plays a key role within the national innovation ecosystem by fostering collaboration between the research sector, industry, and government. 'This effort is guided by the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) 2021-2030, which aims to achieve research and innovation investments totaling RM85.7 billion,' FRIM said in a statement. It added that it plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between research laboratories and the market by actively participating in national initiatives such as Malaysia Commercialisation Year and working closely with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). According to FRIM, several approaches have been implemented to drive innovation, including the provision of technology packages, product certification, technical advisory services, and incubation activities through its Innovation and Commercialisation Division. 'FRIM's intellectual property is managed through the Technology Information Management System (TIMS), ensuring that innovation outputs are well-protected and ready for commercialisation. These efforts are further supported by its wholly owned subsidiary, FRIM Incorporated Sdn Bhd, which plays a pivotal role in facilitating technology licensing and translating research outcomes to meet market demands,' it said. 'Among FRIM's key achievements is the successful commercialisation of clones and extracts from local herbs such as Kacip Fatimah (Labisia pumila) and Cucur Atap (Baeckea frutescens) which are now incorporated into natural wellness products with strong potential to enter international markets. The institute also provides consultancy and technology transfer services to both government agencies and the private sector. These services encompass a wide range of areas, including biomass product development, plantation silviculture, eco-friendly product certification, and biodiversity mapping. In addition, FRIM offers expertise in the development of nature trails and ecotourism projects, contributing to efforts in environmental sustainability. 'Through strategic collaborations with various local and international organisations, FRIM is also actively involved in implementing greening initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and raising public awareness on the importance of reforestation,' it added. FRIM stressed that the success in creating both commercial and social value from research outcomes underscores how forest resource-based scientific innovation can significantly contribute to national economic development. In line with this, FRIM remains committed to leading the development of an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable forest-based industry for the benefit of the nation.
