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FAWCAR Opens Vientiane Showroom, Launches Two SUVs in Lao Market
On 17 August, Delong Auto opened its FAWCAR showroom in Vientiane and launched two vehicles into the Lao market: the JOYEE S04, an electric SUV, and the JOYEE S08, a plug-in hybrid SUV.
Bounvanh Vilavong, Head of the Office of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and Yang Zhiyong, Chairman of the Inspection Committee of Delong Auto Group, as a distributor for FAWCAR in Laos, attended the event along with guests, influencers, and media representatives.
The launch extends FAWCAR’s expansion into ASEAN, backed by manufacturing from China FAW. The company built both models for Lao road and weather conditions and will use the Laos-China Railway to transport vehicles and parts, aiming to shorten delivery times for buyers.
FAWCAR priced the JOYEE S04 at USD 22,500 for a 445km-range version and USD 23,800 for a 565km-range version. The SUV runs on a Jigull electric drive system rated at 88 percent efficiency. Its battery uses High-molecular Carbon Nanocoating technology and has passed 169 safety tests covering fire, seawater immersion, and underbody impacts. The cabin includes a panoramic glass roof, a 14.6-inch control screen, L2 driving assistance, and a 360-degree camera.
The JOYEE S08 costs USD 24,800 and pairs a fuel engine with an electric motor.
It runs up to 200 kilometers on electric power alone, supports 2C fast charging, and reaches up to 1,500km on a full battery and tank. The SUV carries a water-resistant battery, a full driver-assistance system, a continuous 360-degree camera, 33 storage points, and seats upholstered in Ganoderma mushroom leather. FAWCAR ranks it fourth among the world’s top 10 best-selling hybrid vehicles.
To test both models under local conditions, the FAWCAR team began a 1,500 kilometers drive from Vientiane to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The S04 is running urban and suburban routes within Laos, while the S08 is covering the cross-border stretch into Cambodia.
FAWCAR said it will expand distribution from Vientiane to nationwide coverage as demand for new energy vehicles grows in Laos.
The showroom is located in Dongnasok Tai Village, Sikhottabong district, Vientiane Capital.
Contact info:
Phone: 020 9538 7666.
Facebook page: @Delong Auto ເຕີຫລົງ ອໍໂຕ້
Prime Minister Calls for Tighter Oversight of Boten SEZ Amid Development Challenges
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called for stronger management of the Boten Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Luang Namtha as Laos seeks to expand the border area as a trade and investment hub.
Laos began developing the Boten SEZ in 2012 to attract investment in finance, trade, industry, transport and tourism. More than a decade later, the zone has completed most of its basic infrastructure, including roads and water supply systems.
During a visit from 17 August, authorities said they were preparing to build a data centre in the zone, adding digital infrastructure and technology investment to its traditional focus on trade and logistics.
Sonexay instructed authorities to review land allocations to ensure investors use land efficiently and projects receive proper oversight.
He also called for closer coordination between Electricité du Laos (EDL) and the SEZ developer to ensure a stable power supply. He tasked the Ministry of Labour with securing enough local workers to meet legal employment quotas.
The prime minister also ordered road repairs and told the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local border officials to work with Chinese authorities to streamline procedures for people and goods crossing the border.
The push comes as trade and transport links through Boten continue to grow.
Boten Railway Station began its first major expansion in June since opening in 2021. The upgrade aims to increase capacity and improve cross-border freight handling as trade between Laos and China continues to rise.
Ongoing challenges
The development push comes as authorities tackle security and environmental concerns in Luang Namtha.
On 30 June, police in the province raided a building inside the Boten SEZ that authorities said organised scam groups used to run fake investment schemes, fraudulent online platforms and social media scams. During the raid, police detained 135 suspects
On 12 August, local authorities formed a committee to tackle drug trafficking and online scams as part of regional cooperation between China, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Wildlife trafficking has also emerged as a major concern in the Boten area.
A 2022 study found protected wildlife products, including pangolin and bear parts, for sale in outlets in the Boten SEZ.
Despite these challenges, Luang Namtha collected more than LAK 2.21 trillion (USD 98 million) in revenue during the first half of 2026, reaching 58.4 percent of its annual target, according to officials.
The province spent LAK 220 billion (USD 9.8 million), or 26.24 percent of its annual budget target, suggesting that project implementation and government spending remain slow.
SNP appoints Neeraj Athalye as Managing Director for India strengthening its partner‑first and best-data-for business-AI strategy
- Appointment reinforces SNP’s commitment to one of the world’s fastest-growing enterprise software and AI transformation markets
- Supports SNP’s growth ambitions in Asia Pacific through its partner-first, software-led strategy
- Enables organizations to accelerate SAP transformation and build AI-ready data foundations to reduce downtime and deliver faster, more secure modernization
MUMBAI, INDIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2026 – SNP SE, a leading provider of software for AI-enabled digital transformation, automated data migration and data management in the SAP environment, announced the appointment of Neeraj Athalye as Managing Director, India. Based in Mumbai, Athalye will be responsible for leading SNP’s expansion helping customers build the data foundations for business AI using SNP’s Kyano® platform and Bluefield® approach.
Athalye brings with him more than 30 years of experience across enterprise software, SAP, cloud technologies and business leadership, having held senior positions at SAP, MatrixOne (Dassault Systèmes), Honda, John Deere, SUSE and, most recently, Icertis. His track record in building partner ecosystems, scaling high‑growth businesses, and driving customer‑centric innovation positions him perfectly to lead SNP’s next phase of expansion in India.
The appointment comes as SNP expands its presence in Asia Pacific and continues to invest in AI-enabled capabilities for SAP transformations. At its annual flagship event “Transformation World” in Heidelberg, Germany, in July, SNP introduced new capabilities for its Kyano platform to customers, partners and experts from across the global SAP ecosystem. Kyano brings together software for data management, migration and continuous assessment of SAP landscapes, supporting organizations throughout their SAP transformation journey. The platform also supports migrations from different ERP source systems and integrates partner capabilities through its ecosystem and Marketplace.
Among the new capabilities is Kyano Lorna, an Agentic AI Layer that draws on more than 30 years of SNP’s data transformation expertise to provide real-time insights and project-specific recommendations. Embedded directly into transformation projects it helps customers execute transformations faster while maintaining the highest levels of accuracy, reliability and compliance. Kyano Oros extends the platform to unstructured data which accounts for approximately 80% of enterprise data volumes and has largely remained inaccessible to traditional transformation tools. This provides a critical foundation for preparing enterprise data landscapes for modern AI applications. Together, these capabilities help India’s organizations accelerate and simplify SAP transformations while preparing their data for business AI.
India continues to see growing demand for SAP transformation projects, driven by cloud adoption, digital transformation initiatives and increasing investment in AI. This makes the country an important market within SNP’s Asia Pacific strategy. Following its partner-first approach, SNP plans to further expand its ecosystem of consulting, hyperscaler and technology partners, combining Kyano with local delivery and industry expertise to support customers throughout their transformation projects and accelerate time-to-value.
Phillip Miltiades, President & Managing Director, Asia Pacific & Japan, SNP Group: “We see significant growth potential in India and across the Asia Pacific region. India represents one of the most exciting opportunities for SNP, with growing demand for solutions that simplify complex SAP transformation programs while minimizing business disruption. Neeraj’s experience will help us further expand our market presence and strengthen our partner-first strategy to deliver scalable, software-led transformation outcomes.”
Hashtag: #SNP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SNP
SNP (ticker: SHF.DE) is the global technology platform leader and trusted partner for companies seeking unparalleled data-enabled transformation capabilities and business agility. SNP’s Kyano® platform integrates all necessary capabilities and partner offerings to provide comprehensive software-based experience in data migration and management. Combined with the Bluefield® approach, Kyano sets a comprehensive industry standard for restructuring and modernizing enterprise data faster and more securely while harnessing AI-driven innovations based on over 30 years of experience.
The company works with more than 3,000 customers of all sizes and in all industries in over 80 countries, including numerous DAX 40 and Fortune 500 companies. The SNP Group has more than 1,700 employees worldwide at over 34 locations in 22 countries. The company is headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, and generated revenues of around EUR 297 million in the 2025 fiscal year.
More information is available at 
www.snpgroup.com
Stick with the Good Vibes: OZO and Benzilla Turn Travel Memories into Collectable Luggage Art
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2026 – Every journey leaves a story behind – sometimes in photographs, sometimes in the scratches, tags and stickers collected on our luggage along the way. OZO is turning those travel memories into something guests can take with them, teaming up with acclaimed Thai street artist Benzilla to launch four exclusive OZO x BENZILLA luggage stickers inspired by the character and energy of its destinations.
Featuring Benzilla’s signature LOOOK character, the limited-edition designs invite travellers to add a new story to their luggage with every OZO stay. The collaboration forms part of ONYX Hospitality Group’s 60th anniversary celebrations under More of What You Love, bringing OZO’s Unpack Good Vibes philosophy and Local Pulse brand pillar to life through art, travel and destination-inspired experiences.
OZO, ONYX Hospitality Group’s upper-midscale lifestyle hotel brand, is built around its Unpack Good Vibes philosophy and three brand pillars: Rest to Rise, helping guests recharge; Feel the Buzz, embracing fun and social experiences; and Local Pulse, connecting travellers with the people, culture and character of each destination.
The collaboration grew out of OZO’s Local Pulse concept, with Benzilla using his distinctive visual style and LOOOK character to interpret the personality of four OZO destinations.
Guests booking directly with participating OZO hotels will receive one limited-edition OZO x BENZILLA luggage sticker per room, per stay at check-out. The offer applies to bookings made by 30 April 2027, for stays completed by 30 June 2027, while stocks last.
OZO Hotels in Thailand
- OZO North Pattaya puts guests close to North Pattaya Beach, local restaurants, lifestyle attractions and the energy of the city. After a day exploring Pattaya, guests can cool off at the SPLASH swimming pool, recharge at TONE or unwind over food and drinks at EAT and THIRST – making it an easy base for combining city experiences with time to relax.
- OZO Phuket is just moments from Kata Beach, one of Phuket’s best-known beach and surfing spots. With a lagoon pool, children’s pool, water slides and play areas, the hotel works particularly well for families, while its location makes it easy to experience Phuket’s beaches, water activities and island lifestyle. Guests can also dine at EAT and Prego, relax at CHILL or recharge at TONE.
- OZO Chaweng Samui sits directly on Chaweng Beach, placing the sea at the heart of the stay. Guests can spend their days enjoying the beach and SPLASH swimming pool, discover Koh Samui at their own pace, or simply settle into the island atmosphere with drinks at the BEACH BAR and burgers at STACKed Burger Samui.
OZO Hotels in Malaysia
- OZO George Town Penang offers a contemporary base for exploring UNESCO-listed George Town, from its famous street art and heritage streets to the food and multicultural influences that have shaped Penang. Back at the hotel, guests can take in city views from the rooftop SPLASH swimming pool, enjoy Malaysian and international dishes at EAT on the 21st floor, or relax and reconnect at CONNECT.
- OZO Medini is well placed for families and travellers exploring Johor’s growing leisure district, with attractions including LEGOLAND Malaysia, Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club and X Park nearby. After a day of adventures, guests can return for a swim at SPLASH, a meal at EAT or poolside refreshments at THIRST before recharging for the next day.
Bringing OZO’s Local Pulse pillar to life in a playful and tangible way, the collaboration turns the character of each destination into something guests can carry beyond their stay. Because while a trip may end at check-out, the Good Vibes – and the stories collected along the way – can travel on to the next destination.
Hashtag: #ONYXHospitality #OZO #Benzilla
https://www.onyx-hospitality.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group/
https://www.facebook.com/ONYXHospitalityGroup
https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ONYX Hospitality Group:
ONYX Hospitality Group is an established hospitality management company in the Asia-Pacific region, operating a comprehensive yet complementary portfolio of brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – designed to meet the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across a region in which the Group has deep expertise. Beyond its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also offers hospitality services spanning spas and food and beverage. Drawing on six decades of management experience, the company delivers innovative solutions throughout the region while upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimum operational flexibility. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving needs of travellers.
For more information: www.onyx-hospitality.com
Toy Story | PEACEMINUSONE: THE FIRST FAN Project Makes Its Fourth Global Tour Stop at Harbour City
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HONG KONG, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From 14 August to 6 September 2026, “Toy Story | PEACEMINUSONE: THE FIRST FAN” arrives at Harbour City in Hong Kong for its fourth global tour stop. Created in collaboration between Disney and G-DRAGON’s PEACEMINUSONE, the limited-time event features three must-visit experiences: “THE FIRST FAN” Dream House, “THE FIRST FAN” Official Pop-up Store, and “THE FIRST FAN Photo Zone” Art Exhibition — blending contemporary art, childhood nostalgia, and creative aesthetics into a multisensory fan experience.
“Toy Story | PEACEMINUSONE: THE FIRST FAN” arrives at Harbour City in Hong Kong for its fourth global tour stop, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from local and international fans.
Against the spectacular backdrop of Victoria Harbour, Ocean Terminal Forecourt is transformed into “THE FIRST FAN” Dream House, featuring an illuminated entrance inspired by Andy’s house that stands over 5.5 metres tall. A message wall presented by Buzz Lightyear and Jessie carries the quote: “We may have been small, but our dreams were big. It was the friendships we formed then that made us who we are today”. Inside, Toy Story characters installations gather around a 3-metre-tall illuminated PEACEMINUSONE Daisy. Popular installations from the Seoul stop — including a 3-metre-tall chest of drawers inspired by Andy’s bedroom, a 1.6-metre-tall Woody sculpture, and the iconic Pixar Ball — also make their Hong Kong debut. The experience continues at the Daisy Garden, where the staircase is transformed into a playful floral landscape featuring beloved Toy Story characters.
“THE FIRST FAN” official pop-up store at the Ocean Terminal Lobby recreates the artistic concept from the Seoul stop, featuring approximately 70 fashion, lifestyle, and collectible items from the Toy Story x PEACEMINUSONE collection, along with the debut of exclusive merchandise available only at the Hong Kong stop.
Meanwhile, “THE FIRST FAN Photo Zone” at Gallery by the Harbour features nearly 2-metre-tall sculptures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear, a time-travelling elevator installation, and more than 20 Daisy-themed artworks showcased exclusively in Hong Kong. A dedicated “THE FIRST FAN” Dream Wall invites fans to leave personal messages for their favourite Toy Story characters and PEACEMINUSONE, while an interactive colouring installation also invites visitors to unleash their creativity.
#HarbourCity #thefirstfan #PEACEMINUSONEDOTCOM #SAKASAKA #playinthebox #disneystylehk #KKdayhk @harbourcity @thefirstfan_official @peaceminusonedotcom @sakasaka_hk @playinthebox_official @disneystylehk @kkdayhk
Event Details: https://www.harbourcity.com.hk/en/article/toy-story-peaceminusone-the-first-fan/
“THE FIRST FAN” official pop-up store at the Ocean Terminal Lobby recreates the artistic concept from the Seoul stop, featuring approximately 70 fashion, lifestyle, and collectible items from the Toy Story x PEACEMINUSONE collection, along with the debut of exclusive merchandise available only at the Hong Kong stop.
“THE FIRST FAN Photo Zone” at Gallery by the Harbour features nearly 2-metre-tall sculptures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear, a time-travelling elevator installation, and more than 20 Daisy-themed artworks showcased exclusively in Hong Kong.
Tencent Cloud’s “AI CAN DO IT” Hackathon Hong Kong and Macau Demo Day Concludes Successfully
AI-powered projects spotlight social impact and cultural expression, empowering young creators to transform ideas into reality through innovative technologies
HONG KONG, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent Cloud successfully hosted the Hong Kong and Macau Demo Day of the 2026 “AI CAN DO IT” Tencent Cloud Game Development Hackathon, bringing together 10 outstanding finalist teams from across Hong Kong and Macau SARs to showcase innovative AI-powered projects. Covering themes such as social good, cultural expression, and narrative innovation, the projects demonstrated how the next generation of creators are leveraging AI to transform creative ideas into meaningful digital experiences and real-world solutions.
As one of Tencent Cloud’s developer challenge series, the “AI CAN DO IT” Hackathon encourages participants to utilize AI tools including CodeBuddy, WorkBuddy, and Miora to explore new forms of creation through games, animation, AI Agents, and other digital experiences. Centered around three core pillars, Social Good, Cultural Expression, and Narrative Innovation, the competition inspires participants to address societal challenges, promote cultural inheritance, and experiment with new approaches to storytelling through AI technologies.
This year’s competition spans multiple regions, including Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau SARs, and Southeast Asia, attracting more than 10,000 creators worldwide and generating over 1,000 innovative project submissions. Participants explored a broad range of topics, from supporting individuals with high-functioning autism and advancing silver-tech solutions for ageing populations to developing AI-powered games and immersive content experiences.
Hui Cai, Operations Lead of the Tencent Cloud Hackathon, said: “AI is rapidly becoming an essential creative partner for the next generation. Through the ‘AI CAN DO IT’ Hackathon, we hope to provide more young people with opportunities to access and apply advanced AI technologies, transforming ideas rooted in real-world needs and societal challenges into meaningful and impactful solutions. The creativity, execution capabilities, and interdisciplinary thinking demonstrated by the participating teams from Hong Kong and Macau have been truly impressive, highlighting the tremendous potential of young innovators in the AI era.”
The Hong Kong and Macau Demo Day featured 10 finalist teams whose projects reflected the growing convergence of AI technology and creative expression. Participants showcased how AI can empower creators from diverse backgrounds to develop meaningful experiences that address social needs, celebrate cultural heritage, and redefine digital storytelling.
Projects in the Social Good Category focused on addressing social issues such as support for individuals with high-functioning autism and fostering greater social inclusion. Teams competing in the Cultural Expression Category incorporated Chinese cultural elements into digital creations, exploring new possibilities for cultural preservation and innovation in the AI era. Meanwhile, the Narrative Innovation Category showcased interactive games and immersive experiences that demonstrated AI’s potential to reshape content creation and storytelling.
During the Demo Day, participating teams presented their project concepts, technical implementations, and creative outcomes to a panel of judges, sharing how AI tools enabled them to transform ideas into tangible products and experiences. Following a comprehensive evaluation process, the following three teams emerged as winners and will advance to represent Hong Kong and Macau at the Tencent Cloud Hackathon Global Finals, where they will compete and exchange ideas with outstanding developers from around the world:
- First Place: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology – “Anchor”
- Second Place: The University of Hong Kong – “Walking in Poetry”
- Third Place: Public Division – “LOONG SEASON”
As AI technologies continue to evolve, the barriers to innovation and creation are rapidly lowering, enabling more young people to transform ideas into products, content, and services regardless of their technical backgrounds. Beyond a technology competition, the Tencent Cloud Hackathon serves as a platform where developers, designers, creators, and students can explore new opportunities in the AI-native era, unlocking fresh possibilities for creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving. Through the initiative, Tencent Cloud also aims to promote its commitment to “Tech for Good,” encouraging young innovators to harness AI responsibly to address societal needs, preserve cultural values, and create positive impact through technology.
Looking ahead, Tencent Cloud will continue supporting young developers, creators, and innovators through educational partnerships, developer programs, and innovation challenges. By providing access to advanced AI tools, technical resources, and collaborative learning opportunities, Tencent Cloud remains committed to nurturing the next generation of AI talent and driving future innovation.
About Tencent Cloud
Tencent Cloud, one of the world’s leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation.
STEVEN GERRARD HEADLINES ‘BEYOND THE PITCH’ AT RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA SINGAPORE THIS OCTOBER
SINGAPORE, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Football legend Steven Gerrard will be in Singapore on 4 and 5 October 2026 for the inaugural Beyond the Pitch at Resorts World Sentosa, where he will take part in an interactive football clinic, share stories and lessons from his career, and join members of Singapore’s football community in a conversation about leadership, football development and the future of the game.
Catch football legend Steven Gerrard at Resorts World Sentosa 4 and 5 October 2026
Created by World Football Legends, Beyond the Pitch is a new series designed to bring audiences closer to the people behind some of football’s most celebrated careers, not only through what they achieved on the field but through the experiences, challenges, leadership lessons and defining moments that shaped them.
The inaugural edition will see Gerrard interact with participants during the Beyond the Pitch Football Clinic at Resorts World Sentosa, before taking centre stage that evening for an in-depth conversation about his journey from player and captain to manager.
He will also join members of Singapore’s football community for a discussion on the development of the game, exploring leadership, coaching philosophies and what it takes to nurture the next generation of players.
“Beyond the Pitch is about bringing people closer to the legends of the game and creating experiences they will remember long after the event is over. Football has an incredible ability to connect people, and we want to take that connection beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch,” said Ian Holahan, Founder of World Football Legends.
“There is no better person to launch the series with than Steven Gerrard. His career and achievements are known around the world, but this is an opportunity for people in Singapore to see another side of Steven – to interact with him, hear his stories first-hand and gain insights from his journey in football, leadership and life beyond the game.”
MORE THAN AN APPEARANCE
The Beyond the Pitch Football Clinic will take place on Sunday, 4 October 2026, at the Equarius Hotel Lawn at Resorts World Sentosa.
Participants will take part in a series of technical football activities under the guidance of qualified Football Association of Singapore coaches, with Gerrard joining the sessions and interacting with participants throughout the programme. The clinic will culminate in an interactive question-and-answer session with Gerrard, followed by autograph and official photograph opportunities.
Later that evening, Gerrard will take centre stage at the Beyond the Pitch Gala Dinner, where the focus will shift from his achievements on the field to the experiences behind them. An In Conversation with Steven Gerrard session will explore his career, captaincy, leadership journey and defining moments, before Gerrard joins representatives from Singapore’s football community for a Football Leadership Panel Discussion examining football development, coaching and the future of the game.
A limited number of tickets to the Beyond the Pitch Gala Dinner will go on sale from 10.00am on Friday, 21 August 2026. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Beyond the Pitch Gala Dinner event page.
BRINGING FANS CLOSER TO THE GAME
Resorts World Sentosa joins the inaugural Beyond the Pitch as Presenting Sponsor, hosting the Football Clinic and Gala Dinner at Equarius Hotel.
For fans looking to extend the experience, Resorts World Sentosa will also offer a very limited Steven Gerrard Immersive Experience Bundle at The Laurus, featuring a 3-day, 2-night stay in a Deluxe Suite with daily breakfast for two, access for two to the Beyond the Pitch Football Clinic and Gala Dinner, Singapore Oceanarium admission for two, and a S$200 nett Resorts World Sentosa Gift Voucher. The Steven Gerrard Immersive Experience Bundle is available for stays between 3 and 5 October 2026. For package details and reservations, click here.
KrisFlyer, the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group’s lifestyle rewards programme, is the Official Football Clinic Partner. KrisFlyer members can redeem miles for exclusive access to the Football Clinic, as well as VIP seats at the Gala Dinner. For more information and to redeem, visit KrisFlyer Experiences.
Beyond the Pitch will continue on 5 October with a series of private engagements with Gerrard, extending the experience beyond football and providing further opportunities for interaction in more intimate settings.
FROM SINGAPORE TO ASIA
Singapore marks the starting point for Beyond the Pitch, which World Football Legends intends to develop into a continuing series featuring different football legends, stories and experiences across Asia.
The concept is built around four pillars – Celebrate, Inspire, Connect and Grow – with future editions designed to connect football’s most recognised figures with fans, businesses and communities in ways that extend beyond traditional appearances.
“Singapore is just the beginning for Beyond the Pitch. Our ambition is to take the series across Asia, bringing different legends and their stories closer to audiences in ways they would not ordinarily experience,” said Holahan. “There is always more to a great football career than what happens on match day. Beyond the Pitch is about discovering the person behind the player.”
EVENT INFORMATION
Beyond the Pitch by World Football Legends featuring Steven Gerrard
4 & 5 Oct 2026
Singapore Beyond the Pitch Football Clinic
Sunday, 4 October 2026
Equarius Hotel Lawn, Resorts World Sentosa
Beyond the Pitch Gala Dinner
Sunday, 4 October 2026
Equarius Hotel Ballroom, Resorts World Sentosa
Limited tickets on sale from 10.00am, Friday, 21 August 2026. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Beyond the Pitch Gala Dinner event page.
Steven Gerrard Immersive Experience Bundle at The Laurus
Very limited packages available.
Booking details available here.
ABOUT WORLD FOOTBALL LEGENDS
World Football Legends creates football experiences across Asia, connecting some of the game’s most recognised figures with brands, businesses, fans and communities. Through live experiences, football clinics, corporate engagements and community initiatives, World Football Legends brings audiences closer to the personalities, experiences and stories behind the game.
Laos Arrests More Than 550 in August Scam Crackdown
Laos has detained more than 550 people in raids targeting online scams and illegal gambling operations so far in August, as authorities step up a nationwide crackdown that has now netted more than 1,100 suspects since mid-July.
The latest figures come after a series of raids across Vientiane Capital and Vientiane Province, with Chinese nationals making up a large proportion of those detained.
On 18 August, authorities reported that 84 Chinese nationals had been arrested during raids on a guesthouse and an apartment in Huayhong village, Vientiane.
The raids, carried out in Chanthabouly District between 23 July and 7 August, uncovered laptops, mobile phones, passports, Chinese identification cards and other equipment allegedly linked to scam activities.
The suspects and seized evidence were transferred to Vientiane’s Public Security authorities, who are investigating the operation and seeking to identify its alleged ringleaders.
Several Raids
The arrests were among several large-scale operations carried out across the capital this month.
On 12 August, police raided an alleged cybercrime operation at the Athena Hotel, a two-building compound in Nongsanokham village, Sikhottabong district. They detained 74 suspects, including 71 Chinese nationals, one Vietnamese woman and two Taiwanese nationals.
Police seized computers and mobile phones and also found illegal drugs, including ketamine-laced e-cigarettes and compressed marijuana, according to authorities.
The same day, police in Vientiane Province and Vang Vieng district inspected two hotels allegedly being used as bases for internet crime. They detained 78 foreign nationals, including 77 Chinese citizens and one Malaysian. None had valid passports, according to authorities.
Four days earlier, on 8 August, police raided an alleged telecommunications fraud and online gambling operation in the Thatluang Lake Special Economic Zone, detaining 261 suspects from seven nationalities.
Chinese nationals accounted for 153 of those arrested, followed by 61 Vietnamese and 36 Thai nationals. Taiwanese, Malaysian, South Korean and Myanmar nationals were also among those detained.
The operation was the largest single haul reported during the current crackdown.
On 1 August, authorities carried out six coordinated raids in Sikhottabong and Hatsayfong districts, arresting 63 people, most of them Chinese nationals.
One raid in Salakham village uncovered an alleged scam call center with thousands of mobile phones and led to the arrest of 24 Chinese suspects.
Crackdown Beyond Vientiane
The campaign has also extended into the provinces.
On 18 August, authorities reported that police in Paklay district, Xayaboury Province, had arrested 47 suspects, including 10 women, during a 13 July raid on a guesthouse.
Police seized 22 laptops, 228 mobile phones and other evidence.
Some of the suspects told authorities that seven Chinese nationals had recruited and trained them from May, paying most workers about USD 600 a month and a Lao interpreter about USD 455 a month.
Authorities are also continuing to transfer Thai nationals detained during a major raid in July.
Police arrested 589 people during a 18 July operation at ST Vegus Company Limited in Hadsayfong district. As of 18 August, 268 of the 373 Thai nationals detained in the case had been handed over to Thailand, while 105 remained in Laos awaiting transfer.
The latest operations follow a wider push by the Lao government against cybercrime and organised scam networks.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone told the National Assembly in early July that authorities had arrested more than 4,400 cybercrime suspects from 25 nationalities across Laos during the first half of 2026.
About 1,000 arrests were made in July alone, according to official reports.
The latest raids suggest the campaign has continued to intensify into August, with authorities targeting alleged scam call centres, online gambling operations and other facilities believed to be involved in cybercrime.
