Month: May 2025

BATAM, Indonesia, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aslan Energy Capital recently successfully hosted a tender clarification workshop in Batam, marking a major milestone in the development of what will become Indonesia’s largest solar power project, a 1,200 MWp utility-scale solar plant. The event forms part of the Aslan’s ongoing RFQ process and drew overwhelming participation from leading solar developers from across Asia.

This landmark solar project will be a cornerstone of Aslan Energy Capital’s sustainable hydrogen hub initiative, linking clean power generation directly to green hydrogen production. Strategically located in the Riau Islands, the project supports Indonesia’s renewable energy ambitions and establishes Batam as the heart of a new energy hub in Southeast Asia.

 “This solar project will not only be the largest in Indonesia—it also sets a new benchmark for energy innovation by enabling utility-scale solar to power green hydrogen production for export,” said Muthu Chezhian, CEO of Aslan Energy Capital, during his opening address at the workshop. “Indonesia is uniquely positioned to lead the region’s transition to clean energy, and this initiative reflects our deep commitment to both environmental restoration and inclusive growth.”

Importantly, the solar development will incorporate environmental rehabilitation measures by installing part of the solar farm on top soil depleted post-mining lands, transforming degraded areas into productive clean energy assets. The project is expected to generate over 2,000 local jobs in Riau Islands will be accompanied by major social impact programs to uplift surrounding communities.

During the workshop, participating bidders received comprehensive briefings on the technical scope, commercial terms, and integration of the solar facility with downstream hydrogen infrastructure. The interactive Q&A sessions enabled open dialogue on permitting, collaboration frameworks, and grid connectivity, reinforcing Aslan’s transparent and inclusive development approach.

The RFQ process, launched in Q4 2024, received 31 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from global renewable energy developers. 17 of these were prequalified to advance to the final bidding round, underscoring the high level of global confidence and competition surrounding this initiative. Aslan Energy Capital will continue to engage with shortlisted bidders in the coming months, as the project advances toward execution and helps shape a sustainable and economically vibrant future for Indonesia and the region.

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SOURCE Aslan Energy Capital

MUNICH, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — May 7-9, Antaisolar participated in Intersolar Europe 2025, presenting its distinctive brand identity and comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) mounting solutions tailored for the European market. The showcase included smart tracking systems, distributed rooftop solutions, carports, and ground-mounted structures.

As a key global PV market, Europe is projected to see demand reach a hundred-gigawatt scale in 2025. Different regions exhibit diverse requirements shaped by geography, industrial structures, and energy policies—ranging from large-scale ground-mounted power plants to commercial/industrial rooftops, and emerging applications in innovative scenarios. Antaisolar has keenly identified these nuances, developing specialized solutions such as the TAI-Space multi-rotation single-axis 1P independent tracking system for utility-scale projects, the MetaRoof series for rooftop installations, four-pillar PV carports, and integrated fence/balcony systems. Antaisolar highlighted its next-generation solar roof designing platform – SolarAid, dedicated to simplifying the design and quoting process of rooftop PV projects for both end-users and distributors.

The company’s ability to deliver market-specific solutions stems from its robust localized support framework. Anchored by its R&D center in Spain and subsidiary in the Netherlands, Antaisolar provides localized design services, rapid delivery, and comprehensive operation/maintenance support—ensuring products align seamlessly with regional regulatory requirements, climatic conditions, and market expectations across Europe.

During Intersolar Europe 2025, Antaisolar further strengthened its European footprint by signing a 120MW distribution agreement with French distributor Sunliberty, underscoring Antaisolar’s growing influence in the region. With Europe’s energy transition accelerating, the PV market’s potential is set to expand further. Antaisolar is poised to leverage its all scenario mounting solutions and SolarAid intelligent system to offer European customers more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective choices, driving the continent’s shift toward sustainable energy.

About Antaisolar:

Antaisolar, expert in digital intelligent PV mounting system solutions, is a pioneer in renewable energy solutions specializing in structure and automation control. It ranks among the top 500 global new energy companies and is one of the top ten tracking system brands worldwide.As of 2024, the company’s cumulative global shipment has reached 41.7GW, with leading positions in markets such as Japan, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

Learn More: antaisolar.com

 

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SOURCE Antaisolar

Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews and Margo Price to headline event honoring the four-decade legacy of advocacy for thriving family farms

MINNEAPOLIS, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Farm Aid is heading to Minnesota for the first time for its 40th anniversary festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The event will launch a year-long celebration of four decades of impactful advocacy, historic cultural moments and unforgettable music.

Farm Aid 40 — a full day of music, family farmers, HOMEGROWN food and agricultural experiences — will feature performances by Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young (and the Chrome Hearts), John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds), and Margo Price, as well as Billy Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Trampled by Turtles, Waxahatchee, Eric Burton of Black Pumas, Jesse Welles, Madeline Edwards and more artists to be announced.

Since the 1980s, Minnesota has offered a groundswell of strength in the farm movement, championing rural advocacy, sustainable and equitable agriculture, and forward-thinking policy reform. Farm Aid President Willie Nelson says Minnesota is an ideal host as Farm Aid commemorates this milestone anniversary.

“Family farmers are the heart of this country, and we depend on each other for good food and strong communities,” said Nelson. “For 40 years, Farm Aid and our partners have stood with farmers, supporting them to stay on their land even when corporate power, bad policies and broken promises make it harder to keep going. This year, we’re proud to bring Farm Aid to Minnesota to celebrate the farmers who sustain us and to fight for a food system that works for all of us. Family farmers aren’t backing down, and neither are we.”

Farm Aid festival attendees will experience farmers’ contributions firsthand with HOMEGROWN Concessions^®, which offers a delicious and fresh menu with ingredients that are grown or raised by farmers who use ecological practices and are paid a fair price. Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Village features hands-on activities engaging festivalgoers with exhibits about soil, water, energy, food and farming.

The year-long anniversary celebration will feature a variety of special events and initiatives to honor 40 years of action, showcase historical music moments, highlight the strength of the farm movement, and create opportunities for long-time supporters and new ones to join in. Farm Aid Co-Executive Director Jennifer Fahy said this year’s festivities are not only about looking back, but also about building the future.

“We’re grateful to our dedicated board members and hundreds of generous artists who have brought us together year after year to celebrate family farmers and highlight the challenges they face every day. Our anniversary marks a critical time for the nation to come together in support of the family farmers we all depend on,” said Fahy. “Our work isn’t done. There are significant threats to the future of family farm agriculture and our food system. Farm Aid 40 is an opportunity to call those out and work for the food system that farmers, eaters and our planet all deserve.” 

“There is no farm movement without the people. Rural communities represent the heartbeat of this country. Farmers and rural and immigrant labor sustain our food system, care for the land, and strengthen our foodways and cultural connections,” said Co-Executive Director Shorlette Ammons. “When we invest in rural communities, we uplift the well-being of our entire country, celebrating the vibrant and needful contributions of all.”

Farm Aid was founded by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young in response to the growing crisis faced by American family farmers during the 1980s. The inaugural Farm Aid concert, held on September 22, 1985, in Champaign, Illinois, marked a historic moment in the farm movement, raising more than $7 million to support struggling family farmers, but more importantly, raising awareness of the impacts of the crisis. More than 50 artists came together to highlight the urgent need to address the challenges farmers were facing, including skyrocketing interest rates, mounting debt, plummeting land values, crop and market failures, and policies that were tailor-made to push farmers out of business. Since 1985, Farm Aid has grown into an annual festival that has raised more than $85 million, featured performances by more than 500 artists who generously donated their time and talent and championed policies that support family farms, promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen rural communities.

Tickets for Farm Aid 40 go on sale on May 16 at 10 a.m. CDT. Ticket prices range from $101 to $390 (including fees, sales tax will be added) and will be available for purchase at farmaid40.org. A limited number of pre-sale tickets will be available beginning at 10 a.m. CDT on May 14. Visit farmaid.org/festival for more information. 

Sponsors of Farm Aid 40 include Tractor Beverage Company, Explore Minnesota, Horizon Organic, Seven Sundays, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, REI Co-op and Frontier Co-op. Farm Aid welcomes the participation of the business community and offers corporate sponsorship and VIP hospitality opportunities. For more information, contact Anna Mulè at anna@farmaid.org.   

For festival and 40^th anniversary updates, follow Facebook (facebook.com/farmaid), Instagram (instagram.com/farmaid), X (@FarmAid), Bluesky (@farmaid.org), Threads (threads.net/@farmaid) and visit farmaid.org/festival.

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SOURCE Farm Aid

SINGAPORE, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As Catcher Technology’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) approaches on May 27, 2025, shareholder activism continues to play a prominent role in shaping corporate governance discussions at the Taiwanese electronics casing manufacturer. Two foreign institutional investors, Singapore-based Vasanta Master Fund and Hong Kong-based Pagoda, have formally nominated candidates for four of the seven board seats up for election, including three positions reserved for independent directors.

This follows a multi-year campaign by the two funds aimed at improving board oversight, capital allocation practices, and shareholder rights at Catcher. The investors previously submitted a shareholder proposal in 2024 to allow shareholders to propose cash dividends, which was supported by global proxy advisory firms ISS and Glass Lewis. While the resolution did not pass, it received 30.37% of the shareholder vote, suggesting growing interest in governance reforms among international investors.

In this year’s AGM, Vasanta and Pagoda are again seeking to influence the company’s direction through board representation. They argue that their nominees would bring independent oversight and align with global governance standards. Proxy advisors ISS and Glass Lewis are expected to release their voting recommendations in the coming weeks, which could shape the outcome of the election.

Both Vasanta and Pagoda remain under regulatory review by Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), which has revisited earlier inquiries regarding investor disclosure and ownership. The funds have stated that they continue to comply with all applicable regulations and disclosure requirements.

Catcher Technology has been the subject of increased scrutiny in recent years following the sale of key business assets and ongoing investigations involving its chairman and family members related to potential insider trading. These developments have raised broader questions around governance and accountability at the company.

The 2025 AGM may serve as a notable example of the increasing involvement of foreign institutional investors in Taiwan’s corporate governance environment. Additional details regarding Vasanta’s engagement with Catcher Technology are available at https://www.governanceforcatcher.com/, a public resource accessible to all market participants. Proxy advisors and shareholders are expected to make their assessments based on the information and disclosures provided.

 

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SOURCE Vasanta Master Fund

IRVINE, Calif., May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kia America today announced through its “Accelerate the Good” Dealer Match program, the company and its nationwide network of retailers raised a total of $4.6 million for non-profit organizations in 2024, including donations totaling more than $1.5 million each to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® and No Kid Hungry®. Now in its fourth year, the initiative continues to provide critical support for a wide variety of causes across the United States.

“At Kia America, our commitment to community remains strong,” said SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America. “Our ‘Accelerate the Good’ initiative continues to provide meaningful support to those in need. We are especially proud to continue our support of the lifesaving efforts of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, No Kid Hungry and the meaningful work of dozens of other nonprofit organizations nationwide.”

Donations were provided to the following organizations:

• American Red Cross
• Covenant House
• Operation Homefront
• Petfinder Foundation
• No Kid Hungry Campaign
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Toys for Tots

Kia also partnered with local organizations across the U.S., including food banks, children’s hospitals, and shelters. These efforts are part of the broader “Accelerate the Good” platform which has delivered more than $30 million in total donations since 2019. The initiative also includes employee-led volunteer efforts such as food pantry service, beach cleanups, clothing drives, and the supply of art kits to hospitalized children.

Kia continues to invest in long-term impact through scholarships for underserved students, and grants supporting environmental innovation, ocean conservation, and animal welfare.

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*. 

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert 

* Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 

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SOURCE Kia America

ISS Validates Elliott’s Case for Change and Recommends Nominees Brian Coffman, Sigmund Cornelius, Michael Heim and Stacy Nieuwoudt

Notes Phillips 66’s “Disappointing” Operating Performance, “Selective Disclosure, Unverifiable Claims About Various Operational Successes, and Ambiguous and Vague Responses to Otherwise Basic Questions”

Cites the Board’s “Failure” to Ensure Strong Governance and Board Oversight as Evidence of the Company’s “Disconnect from Shareholders”

All Three Proxy Advisory Firms – ISS, Glass Lewis and Egan-Jones – Have Now Endorsed Elliott’s Case for Change at Phillips 66 

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Elliott Investment Management L.P. (“Elliott”), which manages funds that together make it a top-five shareholder in Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) (the “Company” or “Phillips”), today announced that leading independent proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”) has recommended that shareholders support all four of Elliott’s nominees: Brian Coffman, Sigmund Cornelius, Michael Heim and Stacy Nieuwoudt.

ISS’s report follows reports issued by Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC (“Glass Lewis”) and Egan-Jones Ratings Company (“Egan-Jones”), both of which also advised shareholders to support meaningful boardroom change at Phillips 66. Shareholders will have the opportunity to vote for the election of Elliott’s nominees to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) on May 21, 2025.

Elliott stated:

“By recommending that Phillips 66 shareholders vote for all four Elliott nominees, ISS has now fully validated Elliott’s case for change – making clear that the status quo at the Company has failed to serve shareholders. Notably, ISS cited Phillips 66’s disappointing operating performance, poor corporate governance and ‘track record of providing selective and ambiguous disclosure’ as reasons to support Elliott’s ‘strong slate.’ With all three proxy advisory firms having endorsed Elliott’s case, it is clearer than ever that urgent and meaningful change is needed in the Phillips 66 boardroom. In our view, electing all four of Elliott’s independent, highly qualified nominees represents the surest step toward restoring accountability and driving improved long-term performance at Phillips 66.”

In its report, ISS supported Elliott’s case for change at Phillips 66, stating:

• “In summary, the dissident has assembled a strong slate, which has the experience and independence that PSX requires.”
• “Operating performance has been disappointing, particularly when considered alongside management’s messaging. The big picture is that PSX has not been able to sustain improvements or contend with market volatility effectively. This is clearly reflected in vacillating performance over the past three years, which culminated in deterioration relative to peers in 2024. It has also become increasingly evident that there is a disconnect between communication and results.”
• “The board’s [decision to combine the Chair and CEO roles] evidences a disconnect from shareholders, and undermines the argument about its commitment to ensuring strong corporate governance and board oversight.”

ISS criticized the Board’s performance and strategy, noting:

• “…the data does not support the board’s argument that the integrated strategy results in superior returns over the long-term…”
• “PSX has established a track record of providing selective and ambiguous disclosure that obfuscates results, makes it difficult to assess decisions, and creates impediments to evaluating performance. All in, it is difficult to view turnaround efforts since the CEO transition as successful.”
• “…despite claims that PSX has made significant improvements since the CEO transition, the refining segment has struggled more than peers to contend with shifting market conditions. These and other concerns have been reflected in TSR. Returns have been positive, but PSX began underperforming refining peers in mid-2021, and has not been able to close the gap.”
• “PSX has also struggled over all historical measurement periods relative to midstream peers. Communication with investors has provided minimal assurance about these concerns. Instead, PSX has presented shareholders with selective disclosure, unverifiable claims about various operational successes, and ambiguous and vague responses to otherwise basic questions. In other words, shareholders cannot adequately assess the strategy or performance.”

ISS detailed the Board’s poor corporate governance and misguided refreshment efforts, writing:

• “…there are serious concerns with the manner in which the board communicates important financial information to shareholders. This is part of a broader pattern that is also reflected in evasive maneuvers and defensive statements made by the board during this proxy contest.”
• “When the dissident went public in November 2023, the majority of the most relevant refining and midstream experience on the board was concentrated in the hands of the legacy directors. The settlement should have been the first step in addressing this defect. On Feb. 13, 2024, the board appointed Robert Pease. He was expected to be the first of two additions made in cooperation with the dissident. Instead, he was the only one, and his alignment with the board has become an important point in this contest.”
• “Although the board has been reshaped since the pandemic, important industry perspectives have been overlooked, and there is strong evidence that the board is not willing to exercise independent oversight of management. The addition of Pease could have been the first step toward addressing these deficiencies. However, his decision to support the recombination of the chair and CEO positions raises questions about whether he is an independent voice on the board. Lowe is a member of the legacy cohort, which has failed to support appropriate corporate governance and has overseen sustained underperformance.”

ISS also outlined the benefits of adding Elliott’s nominees to the Board, stating:

• “Coffman and Heim offer focused experience in refining and midstream operations, which makes them logical additions. Cornelius has a well-rounded perspective of the industry, which includes senior leadership positions and extensive board service. Thus, he would not only fortify the board’s independent industry experience, but he could provide a valuable perspective if PSX considers a separation of the midstream segment.”
• “…Nieuwoudt offers an important perspective through her experience as an industry investor and analyst. With her background and independence, she should be able to begin repairing PSX’s credibility, which has been damaged through years of suboptimal communication with investors.”

Independent proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis also recently confirmed Elliott’s case for change, stating:

• “In our view, the more compelling case is offered by Elliott, in this case by a relatively decisive margin.”
• “…we believe the core argument that P66 has failed to drive compelling shareholder returns or a differentiated valuation as an extension of management’s pursuit of further integration is fundamentally sound. We further consider Elliott lands much more effective ripostes on matters of cost management, synergy value and capital allocation, crimping core tenets of P66’s defense.”
• “These issues stack on what we consider to be fairly disconcerting corporate governance considerations, including a dubious commitment to good faith engagement, a questionable and counterproductive realignment of key oversight roles and a late-stage candidate pivot which seems to call into question the board’s prior candor. These issues should, in our view, be of significant concern to P66 investors.”
• “Narrative friction is at the fore, in our view, as the board firmly asserts that significant steps toward integration have been successful and ‘will continue to drive long-term value’ for investors. On review, this perspective appears disconcertingly disconnected from the boots-on-the-ground reality: P66 has regularly run afoul of market expectations, has not generated competitive value during the span of Mr. Lashier’s executive service…”

Egan-Jones has also recommended support for all four of Elliott’s nominees, writing that:

• “…Elliott’s nominees possess a strong mix of best-in-class industry expertise and experience and have the potential to unlock value for shareholders…”
• “Phillips 66’s current conglomerate structure appears to be suboptimal for sustained financial growth. We agree with the dissidents that a strategic shift towards refocusing on its core assets, particularly within the refining segment, is necessary to drive improved performance and value creation.”
• “Currently, the Company has a combined Chairman and CEO leadership structure, a classified board, and over-tenured directors. A plethora of these problematic governance practices appear to be a driving force in the Company’s underperformance. We believe that addressing these structural issues would enhance accountability and exercise of the directors’ fiduciary duties.”

For more information, including how to vote on Elliott’s GOLD proxy card, please visit Streamline66.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Elliott Investment Management L.P., together with the other participants in Elliott’s proxy solicitation (collectively, “Elliott”), has filed a definitive proxy statement and accompanying GOLD universal proxy card with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to be used to solicit proxies with respect to the election of Elliott’s slate of highly qualified director candidates and the other proposals to be presented at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Phillips 66, a Delaware corporation (“Phillips” or the “Company”). Stockholders are advised to read the proxy statement and any other documents related to the solicitation of stockholders of the Company in connection with the Annual Meeting because they contain important information, including information relating to the participants in Elliott’s proxy solicitation. These materials and other materials filed by Elliott with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies are available at no charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents filed by Elliott with the SEC are also available, without charge, by directing a request to Elliott’s proxy solicitor, Okapi Partners LLC, at its toll-free number (877) 629-6357 or via email at info@okapipartners.com. 

About Elliott

Elliott Investment Management L.P. (together with its affiliates, “Elliott”) manages approximately $72.7 billion of assets as of December 31, 2024. Founded in 1977, it is one of the oldest funds under continuous management. The Elliott funds’ investors include pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, funds-of-funds, high net worth individuals and families, and employees of the firm. 

Media Contact:
Casey Friedman 
Elliott Investment Management L.P. 
(212) 478-1780
cFriedman@elliottmgmt.com

Investor Contact: 
Bruce Goldfarb / Pat McHugh
Okapi Partners LLC
(877) 629-6357
(212) 297-0720
info@okapipartners.com

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SOURCE Elliott Investment Management L.P.