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Central Department Store, under Central Retail, Massively Invests Bt 4 Billion to Transform Central Chidlom to a Luxury Department Store, “The Store of Bangkok”

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Central Department Store

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 March 2024 – Central Department Store, under Central Retail Corporation, has announced a substantial investment of 4 billion baht to transform Central Chidlom into “The Store of Bangkok.” Aspiring to establish itself as a luxury department store, it endeavors to provide customers with a comprehensive “One-Stop-Shopping” experience. Setting new benchmarks with its world-class sophisticated design, elegant architecture, and a curated selection of global luxury brands, Central Chidlom aims to offer exceptional services, positioning itself as an inspirational destination for discerning shoppers, thus ushering in a new era of luxury retail in Bangkok.

Natira Boonsri, CEO of the Central Department Store Group under Central Retail, unveiled, “Established in 1974, the store has strategically positioned itself in the heart of the city to cater to high-end customers and pioneered the concept of ‘One-Stop-Shopping’ in Thailand. Evolving over more than five decades alongside Thai customers and the retail industry, today marks another significant step as Central Chidlom ventures towards becoming a luxury department store. We no longer see Central Chidlom simply as a department store; it is now The Store of Bangkok, the epitome of shopping sophistication for both Thai and international clientele.”

The new Central Chidlom, branded as “The Store of Bangkok,” stems from the Central Department Store group’s vision to serve as ” The Store of Endless Inspiration for Every Moment of Your Life.” Incorporating three key principles into its redesign, the store aims to establish itself as a luxury department stores:

The Store of Design & Concept

Central Chidlom collaborates with Thailand’s leading architectural firm and a global consultancy to create contemporary architecture. Tailored to fit the Thai lifestyle, it excels in intricate detail while embracing international style:

  • Enhancing the Experience: Broadening the central space of the store to provide a spacious and airy ambiance, evoking luxury and relaxation, and offering a shopping experience designed to fit every product category.
  • Elevating Architecture: Redesigning the exterior façade of Central Chidlom, which serves as its signature, to modernize the store’s appearance. Opting for frosted white glass, capable of illuminating and changing colors at night, Central Chidlom will become a bright, vibrant, lively, and iconic landmark of Bangkok.
  • Enhancing Accessibility: Adding a Sky Bridge on the first floor to directly connect to the luxury floor, and expanding the existing Sky Bridge on the second floor to provide customers with easier access to Central Chidlom.

The Store of Curated Destinations

Central Chidlomrepresents the unique feature of the store itself, serving as a destination that gathers a diverse array of brands under one roof:

  • World of Luxury: Offering a world-class luxury shopping experience with:
    • Luxe Galerie presents an opulent array of prestigious global brands, such as Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Celine, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Missoni, Miu Miu, Prada, Roger Vivier, Saint Laurent, and Versace, ensuring an exquisite shopping experience.
    • Shoes Avenue,the ultimate destination for a luxurious collection of designer footwear. Brands such as Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Christian Louboutin, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Roger Vivier, Sergio Rossi, Tod’s, Tom Ford, and Vivienne Westwood are showcased, with exclusive debuts of brands making their first appearance in Thailand.
  • World of Beauty: Beauty Galerie, a new pinnacle of luxury and grandeur in Thailand, sprawls across more than 6,000 square meters. It houses an exquisite array of beauty products from over 150 esteemed global brands, including exclusive booths from prestigious names. Beauty Galerie offers exclusive distribution of elite brands, alongside a dedicated space for organic and niche beauty products.
  • World of Youth: Expanding Customer Base among New Generation, Central Chidlom stands out as the first and only department store with Sneakers Boulevard, an area featuring over 800 pairs of sneakers, including the latest collections, special editions, and rare models from various renowned brands.
  • Best Curated Food Destination: Selecting eateries and cafes that cater to every lifestyle and preference, with an increase of threefold in the number of food outlets, totaling over 60 establishments. This expansion aims to fulfill the lifestyle needs of customers who visit the store not just for shopping but also for hanging out.
  • Best-in-Class Service: Elevated services such as upgraded concierge lounges, personal shopping assistants, and digital parking services have significantly enhanced customer experience.

The Store of Communities

Central Chidlom continues to be a beacon of inspiration, aiming to foster strong communities by encompassing:

  • Customer Focus: Catering to three main customer groups: (1) High-spending customers who appreciate well-curated products, (2) Creative and inspired young individuals who are into fashion, art, and innovation, and (3) Travellers and expatriates in Thailand.
  • Introducing CENFINITY to elevate the private loyalty program for top customers of Central Department Store, Robinson Department Store, Central Embassy, and The1 members. This program is redesigned to be more personalized and tailored to meet the lifestyle needs and preferences of the store’s esteemed customers.
  • Establishing a new identity for Central Chidlom through revamped logos and fonts, inspired by the store’s new design. The introduction of the distinct “Central Chidlom Rose Pink” color derived from the iconic flower event of Central Chidlom, will be exclusive to Central Chidlom.
  • Positioning Central Chidlom as the store of endless inspiration for communities, which presents creative events spanning art, music, and gastronomy, in partnership with both local and global collaborators year-round.

The spending trend remains robust among premium clientele and the younger demographic, with projections indicating a 20% increase in foot traffic and a 30% growth in sales following the full-scale operation of the redesigned Central Chidlom in 2025.

Central Chidlom is poised to debut its new identity, embodying the concept of “The Store of Bangkok,” inviting both local and international customers to experience the latest luxury, beauty, and fashion offerings in April. Moreover, valued customers can anticipate the grand reveal of the fully revamped Central Chidlom in December this year.

Energy

High-Level Minister Roundup to Headline African Energy Week 2026

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African Energy Chamber

African Energy Week 2026 will convene ministers from Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia and Niger to spotlight oil, gas expansion, reforms and investment opportunities continentwide

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 13, 2026/APO Group/ –A high-level ministerial roundup will take center stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from 12–16 October –, convening some of the continent’s most influential energy leaders at a defining moment for Africa’s oil, gas and power sectors. As hydrocarbon expansion converges with accelerating energy transition strategies, the gathering is set to spotlight real-time project execution, regulatory reform and cross-border infrastructure that are actively reshaping Africa’s energy future.

 

Confirmed ministers to date include Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop, Zambia’s Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote and Niger’s Minster of Petroleum Hamadou Tinni.

 

Fresh from a March OPEC+ decision to lift output to 977,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), Algeria enters AEW 2026 amid a $60 billion sector transformation. The country is also advancing a 500-well exploration drive and accelerating its 1.48 GW “Project of the Century” solar rollout. Gas exports to Europe remains central to the country, supported by hydrogen corridor planning and refinery expansion aimed at boosting capacity to 50 million tons by 2029.

 

Following license extension for Jubilee and TEN to 2040 and the late-2025 restart of the Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana is pushing a $3.5 billion upstream reinvestment plan while settling $500 million in gas arrears. A 1,200 MW state thermal plant and expanded gas processing at Atuabo anchor its gas-to-power shift, alongside a renewed upstream push in the Voltaian Basin.

The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital

 

Senegal’s delegation comes on the back of strong production momentum, with the Sangomar oil field delivering 36.1 million barrels in 2025, outperforming forecasts, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development ramped up to 2.9 million tons per annum following first gas. Dakar is now prioritizing domestic gas through refinery upgrades at the SAR refinery and preparations for Sangomar Phase 2 to push output beyond 100,000 bpd.

 

Zambia is redefining its power mix after drought-induced hydro shortfalls. New solar capacity – including the 200 MW Chisamba expansion and 136 MW Itimpi Phase 2 – is part of a broader 2,500 MW diversification drive. Cabinet has approved major regional fuel pipelines, while the Energy Single Licensing System fast-tracks approvals. Lusaka targets 10 GW generation by 2030, with solar and wind rising to one-third of supply.

Niger’s presence reflects its emergence as a serious oil exporter, with the fully operational 1,950-km Niger-Benin pipeline now moving up to 90,000 bpd to international markets. Alongside uranium expansion and renewed cooperation with Algeria on upstream assets, Niamey is advancing digital oversight reforms and reinforcing energy sovereignty amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

 

“The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Their leadership reflects a continent moving decisively from strategy to execution, creating a platform where investors can engage directly with the policymakers shaping Africa’s next wave of oil, gas and energy growth.”

 

At AEW 2026, this ministerial cohort will be well-positioned to offer investors direct insight into Africa’s most dynamic energy markets – where new barrels, new pipelines and new megawatts are reshaping regional growth trajectories in real time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Enlit Africa 2026 Programme: 280+ speakers, African nuclear 2.0, Bruce Whitfield Business Breakfast

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Enlit Africa

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g) has released its full 2026 conference programme, featuring 280+ speakers across 8 specialised tracks including a new African Nuclear 2.0 session covering Koeberg’s 20-year life extension and Ghana’s nuclear vendor selection process.

 

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals.

Award-winning business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield will deliver the opening address at the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast on 19 May, kicking off three days of strategic sessions, deal-making platforms, and technical masterclasses.

New programme content includes:

African Nuclear 2.0 – A dedicated session examining the transition from planning to execution, featuring:

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s successful 20-year life extension (Units 1 and 2 now licensed until 2044/2045)

Ghana’s progression to Phase 3 of its nuclear programme, evaluating US, Chinese, and Russian technology bids

West African Power Pool‘s 10 GW regional nuclear capacity target

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment readiness across African grids

Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) – A new session exploring how private investment is unlocking Africa’s transmission bottleneck, featuring global case studies from India’s PowerGrid and lessons for scaling grid capacity across the continent.

Generation Masterclasses – Five interactive roundtables on gas-to-power, nuclear, hydro power, clean coal, and hydrogen.

AI in Africa’s Power Grid – Examining practical deployment realities, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance applications already in operation across African utilities.

Conference sessions and technical hub sessions on the expo floor are CPD-accredited by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

Co-located platforms:

Water Security Africa features country playbooks from Namibia (55-year potable reuse programme), Uganda (NRW reduction from 42% to 32%), Cape Town (Day Zero recovery strategies), and sector-specific stewardship sessions with Harmony Gold, Heineken, Mediclinic, and Growthpoint Properties.

Project & Investment Network (P&IN), part of the new Level 2 Executive Experience, connects project developers, investors, African utility CEOs, and DFIs through structured matchmaking, ministerial dialogues, and project briefings. Over the past two years, P&IN has facilitated $3 billion in project pitches.

Utility CEO Forum brings together 35+ confirmed utility CEOs under Chatham House Rule for candid, off-the-record strategic discussions on unbundling, prosumer management, and financial sustainability.

Municipal Forum addresses South African municipalities’ distribution, metering, and revenue challenges, including sessions on NRW management, tariff reform, Cost of Supply studies, and electrifying informal settlements.

Technical Hub sessions on the exhibition floor offer free, CPD-accredited training across Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water tracks, with confirmed speakers from Eskom, ENGIE SA, ACTOM, National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), RenEnergy, and Matla Energy.

Site visits on 22 May include Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the V&A Waterfront desalination plant.

Pass options:
Free expo pass registration: https://apo-opa.co/4bl2bYu

Free expo passes provide access to 250+ exhibitors and CPD-accredited Technical Hub sessions.

Delegate Pass:
Early bird registration closes 3 April 2026. Delegate passes start at R15,100 (Silver), with P&IN Executive passes at R32,000 including access to the Bruce Whitfield breakfast, Level 2 executive lounge, and investor matchmaking.

Download the full programme: https://apo-opa.co/3NwCble

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Binance Secures Second Major Legal Victory in U.S. Court Under Anti-Terrorism Act in Two Weeks

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Binance

US Federal Court in Alabama Dismisses All Claims Against Binance in Latest Lawsuit Victory

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced today that a U.S. federal court in Alabama has dismissed all claims against the company in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This marks Binance’s second major legal victory in an  ATA matter within one week, following their victory in the Southern District of New York.

A Full and Complete Legal Victory

In a detailed 19-page ruling, the Court found the plaintiffs’ complaint to be legally and factually deficient. The court’s decision to dismiss every claim across the board represents a decisive legal victory for Binance.

Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process

The judge described the filing as a “shotgun pleading.” The complaint failed to clearly specify the claims and improperly grouped all defendants together without distinguishing individual conduct or liability. The ruling also emphasized that the plaintiffs did not meet the basic pleading standard to provide a “short and plain statement” of their claims.

Following the ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs until April 10, 2026, to file an amended complaint addressing the deficiencies identified. However, the judge warned that failure to adequately address these issues would result in dismissal of the entire case.

Building on Momentum and Upholding Legal Integrity

“This decision reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting Binance and our community from unsubstantiated and bad-faith lawsuits,” shared Eleanor Hughes, General Counsel at Binance. “Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process. Courts have now examined these claims on two separate occasions and found them to be without merit. These outcomes speak for themselves. We will not tolerate attempts to misuse the legal system to target our industry, and we remain as committed as ever to transparency, security, and lawful conduct in everything we do”.

This latest decision follows closely on the heels of Binance’s comprehensive victory in New York (https://apo-opa.co/46Xg0ev), where the Court similarly rejected allegations that the company assisted, participated in, or conspired with terrorists. Together, these rulings reflect Binance’s strong resolve to protect its platform and community.

Binance has consistently invested in industry-leading compliance infrastructure, regulatory engagement, and legal governance. The company will continue to vigorously defend itself against any attempts to bring unfounded claims or misrepresent its operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

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