Comprehensive Guide and Capacity Building Program Announced to Combat Marine Plastic Pollution in ASEAN Cities

  

The Capacity Building Programme for Reducing Recycling-Related Marine Plastic Pollution in ASEAN Cities (CaRMPAC Project) will be officially launched on 16 August 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This significant regional initiative is designed to address the pressing issue of marine plastic pollution through targeted capacity building and implementation strategies. In conjunction with the launch, the outcomes of Phase 1 of the project have been published, including the Situation Assessment Reports and Technical Guidelines for six key ASEAN cities, which aimed at preventing plastic and resin pellet leakage from recycling facilities.

The Capacity Building Programme for Reducing Recycling-Related Marine Plastic Pollution in ASEAN Cities (CaRMPAC Project) will be officially launched on 16 August 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This significant regional initiative is designed to address the pressing issue of marine plastic pollution through targeted capacity building and implementation strategies. In conjunction with the launch, the outcomes of Phase 1 of the project have been published, including the Situation Assessment Reports and Technical Guidelines for six key ASEAN cities, which aimed at preventing plastic and resin pellet leakage from recycling facilities.

Publication of Situation Assessment and Technical Guidelines

Phase 1 of the CaRMPAC Project focused on a comprehensive situation assessment and the development of technical guidelines, which aimed at preventing plastic and resin pellet leakage from recycling facilities. This phase covered six key ASEAN cities: Pattaya, Nonthaburi, Hanoi, Iloilo, Manila, and Vientiane. The situation assessment revealed critical factors contributing to plastic leakage. That resulted in the creation of technical guidelines and manuals tailored to each city to improve recycling process and practices to prevent plastic leakage across both formal and informal sectors. The outcomes of Phase 1, including the Situation Assessment Reports and Technical Guidelines, have been published and are available for free access here.

Launching Phase 2: Capacity Building Programme

Following the successful completion of Phase 1, Phase 2 of the CaRMPAC Project aims to expand its reach to additional cities and countries, including Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Bandung, Davao City, and others. Over the next 24 months, this phase will address the capacity gaps identified in Phase 1, with a particular focus on informal plastic recyclers and relevant city government regulators. The objective is to promote responsible recycling practices and sustainable plastic management through enhanced training, increased awareness, and improved regulatory support.

The CaRMPAC Project is being implemented by the Asian Institute of Technology’s Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific, with support from the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris of ERIA and the ASEAN Secretariat.

About RKCMPD

The Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris (RKC-MPD) was established under the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) in 2019. The Knowledge Centre’s mission is to provide information and support to ASEAN+3 Member States, thereby helping them to improve the circularity of plastic and prevent leakage into marine environments.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

SB19 and Gloc-9 join forces on uplifting new single “KALAKAL”

 

The collaborative track pushes their artistry in a bold direction

OPM is excited as P-Pop kings SB19 and legendary rapper Gloc-9 drop their joint single “KALAKAL” today on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

The monumental collaboration finds both music titans taking their creative direction to previously uncharted

places and harnessing their gifts with a balance of star power and dynamism. 

SB19 said they reached out to Gloc-9 first for a potential partnership after performing together on the well-received

PAGTATAG! The finale concert was held at the Araneta Coliseum a few months ago.

“What sets this collaboration apart from anything that we’ve done before is that we took it upon ourselves to be as

involved as possible from the beginning of the creative process,” the GENTO hitmakers share in a press statement.

“Aside from brainstorming from scratch, we were really hands-on in sharing our melodic and lyrical ideas.

Sir Gloc-9 also approached the material with his own creative stamp and further solidified the storytelling aspects

of our final output. The result is something that we’re excited to share with our music fans: a rousing chant that

brings out the best of both worlds in uniquely inspiring ways.”

Cover art of "KALAKAL"

All members of SB19 and Gloc-9 contributed individual songwriting parts and verses on “KALAKAL,” while putting their collaborative hats together in coming up with the chorus and hooks. The five-piece pop act admits that the iconic hip-hop star’s presence motivated them to write from a place of vulnerability and truth while taking into consideration the anthemic aspects of the production. 

“We’ve always wanted to make a song that resonates with people of varying generations, a material that will encourage them to beat their chests out and sing along in their full emotional glory,” SB19 explains. “KALAKAL, with its impactful instrumentation and earworm appeal, was made in pursuit of authentic human connection.”

More than shining a light on unique Filipino consumerism, “KALAKAL” is a powerful track that showcases their journey of empowerment and longevity. It also chronicles their story of building their legacy as artists through years of hard work, perseverance, humility, and pure talent.

"Gloc-9 shares, “This song is all about believing in your own craft. Despite being years ahead of them, I was

actually inspired by SB19’s level of dedication and confidence. I also admire their willingness to learn and

explore ideas that may not necessarily reflect the way they work. I would love to collaborate with them again

if given a chance.” Stream SB19 and Gloc-9’s new single "KALAKAL" via Sony Music Entertainment. As part of their ongoing campaign to promote "KALAKAL" on a grassroots level, SB19 partnered with select local

businesses to engage its followers in exploring the deeper meaning behind the song through the members' individual

preferences. For more information, check out the social media pages of SB19 and Sony Music Entertainment

Philippines on how to join for a chance to win a special prize."

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About Sony Music Entertainment

At Sony Music Entertainment, we honor the creative journey. Our creators shape movements, culture, communities, even history. And we’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from establishing the first-ever music label to inventing the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 100 countries, supporting a diverse and distinctive roster of talented creators at every level and on every stage. Situated at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to emerging products and platforms, embrace new business models, and employ breakthrough tools—all to support the creative community’s experimentation, risk-taking, and growth. And we form deep, trusted, cause-based partnerships to uplift and empower communities around the world. Sony Music Entertainment is part of the global Sony family. Learn more about our creators and labels here.

Global pop sensation Henry Moodie captivates audiences across Southeast Asia

 Sony Music Southeast Asia is thrilled to announce the tremendous success of Henry Moodie’s recent promotional tour across Southeast Asia. The up-and-coming global pop superstar has captured the hearts and minds of fans across the region, demonstrating his star power and cementing his status as an artist to watch.

Moodie’s inaugural visit to Southeast Asia met with overwhelmingly positive receptions in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where his mall busking and showcases attracted a massive turnout of over 6,500 fans in total across all 3 performances.

TikTok videos featuring Henry's audio clips have tripled over the past month, resulting in a 132% increase in consumption to 7.9 million views on the platform. Collaborations with content creators across tour markets have generated over 42 million video views to date, demonstrating the high engagement inspired by Moodie’s music across social media.

Amid fervent fan support, the artist saw a considerable increase in Spotify streams across Southeast Asia. Average daily streams in the Southeast Asia region has peaked at 1.5 million, indicating a meaningful surge in audience engagement with the artist's catalog throughout the tour.

“The Asia promo trip was up there with one of my favourite experiences so far in my life. Southeast Asia has shown me so much love over the past couple of years so it was so nice to finally see everyone in real life and have a sing along! I’m so grateful for all the support and I can’t wait to come back!”, says Henry Moodie.

As a testament to his rising popularity, Moodie’s hit single “drunk text” saw exponential growth on Spotify charts during the tour:

• Peaked at #88 on Spotify’s Global charts
• Holding strong at #1 for 8 weeks in Indonesia
• Returned to #1 in Malaysia following his performance in Kuala Lumpur
• Now at Top 20 in Singapore and Top 200 in Thailand and Philippines

Moodie's dynamic stage presence and vocally impressive live performances have evidently connected strongly with fans.

The tour marks another global milestone for the breakthrough singer, who is on the path to becoming one of the most popular international artists in Southeast Asia following widespread airplay success over the past year.

Further expanding his footprint into Asia, Moodie will be performing at We The Fest in Jakarta, Indonesia (20th July), Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (21st July) and Summer Sonic in Bangkok, Thailand (25th August). Fans can also expect his highly anticipated new EP due for release later this year while he takes his tour globally to the US and the UK.

Ben&Ben leads heartwarming video campaign for Robinsons Malls, featuring the hit anthem “Araw-Araw”

 

Ben&Ben, in partnership with Robinsons Malls, has launched a video campaign to mark the grand opening of Liwanag House, the newest concept store. Set to the uplifting tune of Ben&Ben's hit song  "Araw-Araw,” the video follows the award-winning band members as they explore the various corners of the mall while experiencing love, joy, and happiness every day within the familiar comforts of #OurFavoritePlace.

From indulging in delicious meals to hitting the shops for retail therapy, the campaign highlights the diverse offerings that make Robinsons Malls the perfect place to create memorable everyday moments. Robinsons Galleria is currently the homebase of Liwanag House, where the nine-piece act plans to hold special activities and personalized experiences for their fanbase, as well as provide special launches for exclusive releases and limited-edition merch. Ben&Ben also wants Liwanag House to be a place for community-driven gatherings where everyone feels heard, valued, and welcomed.

Ben&Ben recently serenaded the music fans with a jam-packed concert at the atrium of Robinsons Galleria on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The band performed some of their most notable chart-topping smashes, including the now-viral “Sa Susunod Na Habang Buhay” and their new single “COMETS,” which dropped a few days ago on all digital music platforms.

The video campaign is available now on YouTube. Watch it here.