Sumitomo Mitsui Banking expands disaster-prevention loans, first in Japan to meet international standard

First Graphene Limited has entered a three-year Strategic Partner Agreement with UK-based Vector Companies Group Limited, timed to the commercial launch of Vector's Peltyr printed heat flux sensors incorporating First Graphene's PureGRAPH. The 36-month agreement lets Vector introduce prospective end-users to First Graphene for its broad range of graphene products, and Vector may also purchase products directly under separate purchase orders. The deal broadens an existing relationship and gives First Graphene an additional channel to prospective customers through Vector's network across advanced materials, manufacturing and the built environment. Peltyr is designed to measure the actual rate of heat passing through building fabric such as walls, floors and roofs, enabling users to calculate an in-situ U-value rather than relying solely on modelled assumptions, with applications extending to industrial process monitoring, research, aerospace, automotive, HVAC and meteorology. The global heat flux sensor market is anticipated to reach US$455.8 million by 2034, which First Graphene describes as a significant opportunity to expand its commercial presence. Managing Director and CEO Michael Bell said the launch represents an important milestone for both companies and showcases another example of First Graphene's products transitioning from development into commercial reality.

TTBWEALTH Public Company Limited, or TTBWEALTH, assesses that this round of flooding will have a limited impact on the economy, as it is short-term and severe only in certain areas, unlike the 2011 event that flooded many areas and lasted several weeks to several months. In the short term, some stocks have gained both positive and negative sentiment. The groups benefiting positively include consumer goods retail, led by CPALL, CPAXT and CRC, as well as the home improvement and construction materials group, which is expected to benefit from demand for home repairs after the water recedes, namely HMPRO, GLOBAL, DOHOME, TOA and TASCO. Meanwhile, the groups affected negatively include insurance, such as TIPH, and tourism, namely AOT, ERW and CENTEL. In addition, several listed companies have updated the situation. DELTA reported that some areas were flooded but machinery and factories were not damaged, and operations returned to normal today after production lines were halted last Sunday. CENTEL had only some hotels affected, such as the Lat Phrao area where water entered the lobby, and the Pattaya zone, with a small number of customer cancellations. Its food business saw some sales decline from temporary store closures, but overall the impact is considered limited. MINT stated that most of its hotels are not in flood zones, its properties were not damaged, and it continues to operate normally. CPN confirmed that no shopping centers were closed, though it may be affected by a decline in customer traffic during the floods, and it expects no rental discounts to be offered.

Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon, Chief Executive Officer of TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited, or TOA, told Than Hoon that flooding in many areas has increased demand for renovating and repairing homes and buildings, or the repair and renovation market. However, demand for paint products and construction materials will not rise immediately after the waters recede and will serve as a long-term supporting factor, since an effective repainting process requires a detailed assessment of damage beforehand. Recovery is also constrained by a shortage of skilled painters who cannot serve everyone at once. The company therefore plans to expand its market in both construction chemicals and repair chemicals, focusing on providing knowledge and principles for home maintenance rather than pushing hard-sell tactics, and will consider adding sales promotion activities or campaigns to stimulate sales at an appropriate time later. The company's main warehouse, located on Bangna-Trad Road at Kilometer 23 in Samut Prakan Province, was not affected by the flooding, as most of the flooded areas are in Bang Bo District and nearby areas, which did not directly affect the main warehouse. Warehouse management, transportation, and the distribution of goods in and out continue to operate normally and smoothly. As for the outlook for the fourth quarter of 2026, the paint market remains stable, as the overall economy and market are not growing strongly, and the flooding, which has spread to provincial areas, has temporarily slowed purchasing power and repair and renovation activity in the regions. The company expects to keep its performance in the final quarter at a stable to slightly growing level in order to achieve its full-year 2026 revenue target of growth of close to 5%, and to prepare for continued growth opportunities through 2027.