In a renewed effort to regulate the rapidly expanding rubber industry and address growing concerns over forest loss, the Lao government has issued a new decree aimed at ensuring the sustainable management of rubber production.
The decree, which outlines strict guidelines for rubber plantations, data collection, and rubber processing, seeks to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
The document, signed on 26 February, mandates that all rubber plantations and activities within Laos adhere to principles that prioritize environmental protection, community welfare, and sustainable practices. It provides clear measures for the management of rubber resources, including registration of plantations, proper certification, and the prevention of illegal practices such as land clearing in protected areas.
Economic Development vs. Environmental Protection
While rubber has become a critical economic driver for Laos, the expansion of plantations has raised alarms due to deforestation and the displacement of indigenous communities.
According to a 2022 Kyoto University study, Laos had then approximately 300,000 hectares of rubber plantations, nearly half of which were controlled by foreign companies, primarily Chinese and Vietnamese. These plantations have encroached on forested areas, threatening biodiversity and leaving local communities vulnerable to changes in land tenure and income stability.
The decree establishes a comprehensive framework for rubber activities, including the collection of data on rubber production, tapping, and trade. It also focuses on establishing a Rubber Information System to monitor the industry’s growth and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The government has also pledged to work with local authorities, agricultural departments, and relevant sectors to enforce these measures and ensure transparency across the industry.
Impact of Rubber Expansion on Local Communities
This move comes amid broader regional concerns about the environmental impact of rubber plantations. In neighboring countries, including Cambodia and Vietnam, similar issues have arisen, as rapid expansion continues to threaten local ecosystems.
The Lao government has taken steps to address these concerns by integrating sustainable land-use policies and increasing awareness about the negative consequences of unchecked rubber cultivation.
For local farmers, rubber has provided a lucrative alternative to traditional farming practices. However, the volatility of rubber prices has left many dependent on the industry, with some facing debt due to the long wait for returns from newly planted trees.
The latest decree aims to address these economic challenges by promoting fair revenue-sharing models, particularly through cooperatives and smallholder farming initiatives.
With ongoing efforts to improve regulatory oversight and increase community involvement in rubber production, Laos may find a path toward a more sustainable rubber industry that benefits both its economy and its environment.
– Supports five languages including English, Japanese, and Chinese – Commemorative event offering previously unreleased Special Artist Photocards
SEONGNAM, South Korea, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On February 25th, Kakao Games announced the global launch of its new title based on SM Entertainment’s IP, “SMiniz“.
‘SMiniz’ Key Visual
“SMiniz” is a mobile casual match 3 puzzle game featuring small character versions of SM artists, known as Miniz, where players progress through puzzles alongside their favorite character. The official release version supports five languages including Korean, English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.
Following a global closed beta test conducted last December, “SMiniz” received positive feedback for its approachable puzzle gameplay, along with a variety of SM IP based content, including photocard collection elements that reflect fandom culture customizable “Photo Deco” and “My Room” spaces tailored to individual preferences artist inspired costumes that capture the concept of real world artist activities.
Kakao Games previously built anticipation through promotional activities including a roulette giveaway event featuring Photocard sets, as well as online and offline promotions linked to the SMTOWN Fukuoka concert.
After launch, players can participate in an in-game event to obtain previously unreleased Special Artist Photocards. In addition, until March 10, users who download the game and complete simple missions will receive “SMiniz” merchandise through a special offline linked event at the SM Kwangya Store.
Kakao Games (CEO Sang-Woo Han) is the gaming subsidiary of Kakao, specializing in both publishing and development across a wide range of genres, from casual to hardcore titles on PC and mobile. Since its KOSDAQ listing in September 2020, Kakao Games has successfully developed and launched popular titles such as Odin: Valhalla Rising, Uma Musume Pretty Derby, Eversoul, Guardian Tales, and Kakao Battlegrounds, with multiple global releases on the horizon. Kakao Games remains committed to expanding its portfolio and exploring new opportunities in the evolving gaming landscape.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – AgileAsia has recently entered into a lifelong learning partnership with SMU Academy to deliver practitioner-led sustainability and ESG programmes, hosted by SMU Academy.
As part of this partnership, AgileAsia will contribute its deep industry expertise in ESG strategy, sustainability transformation, and organisational change. At the same time, SMU Academy will bring its applied learning framework and established professional training infrastructure. By combining industry-grounded insight with academic rigour, the collaboration will deliver sustainability-focused programmes that equip organisations and working professionals with structured, credible pathways to develop real-world sustainability capabilities.
Delivering Sustainability Education Through SMU Academy AgileAsia’s industry specialists and the academic leadership of SMU Academy co-develop certified sustainability courses. AgileAsia provides sustainability professionals with hands-on industry experience as trainers, while SMU Academy serves as the academic host and programme platform. This integrated model allows participants to gain applied industry insight within a recognised university-backed learning environment.
The collaboration is structured to help organisations move beyond sustainability intent towards practical execution. Programme content emphasises equipping professionals with practical skills that respond to climate risk, ESG reporting requirements, regulatory awareness, and the operational realities of cross-functional organisational change.
This approach responds to growing demand from organisations seeking structured, SkillsFuture-supported sustainability training that is both implementation-focused and academically grounded.
Responding to Industry and Regulatory Needs The partnership was shaped by a convergence of industry demand, evolving regulatory expectations, and increasing client need for formal ESG upskilling. Organisations across sectors are navigating sustainability disclosure requirements, decarbonisation targets, and stakeholder scrutiny, while often lacking the internal capability to translate strategy into action.
“SMU Academy was a natural academic partner for us due to its strong emphasis on applied learning, sustainability thought leadership, and close engagement with industry and government stakeholders,” said Sharan Mangalore, CEO of AgileAsia. “Its focus on professional education aligns closely with our delivery philosophy, making this lifelong learning partnership a strong strategic fit for advancing practical sustainability capability-building.”
The Sustainability Project Management course addresses common execution gaps faced by organisations, equipping professionals with structured project governance, stakeholder management, and delivery approaches tailored to ESG initiatives. The CRO programme, on the other hand, focuses on building practical capability in climate risk assessment, resilience planning, and organisational adaptation to climate-related disruption.
Across both programmes, participants engage with applied case studies, practical tools, and methodologies that can be directly contextualised to their organisations.
Audience and Organisational Impact This partnership builds on AgileAsia’s experience in enterprise transformation and leadership development, translating sustainability principles into structured execution frameworks that address real organisational challenges.
What’s Next for the Partnership As a long-term collaboration, it reflects a shared commitment to developing future-ready sustainability professionals through applied, university-hosted education pathways.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AgileAsia
AgileAsia is a leading professional training and certification provider headquartered in Singapore. With over a decade of experience, the company has partnered with enterprises, government agencies and education institutions across Asia to deliver transformative learning in Agile, Sustainability (ESG) and Generative AI.
In the Sustainability (ESG) space, AgileAsia is recognised for delivering comprehensive, industry-relevant programmes in collaboration with international ESG bodies. Their courses are facilitated by industry practitioners with decades of hands-on ESG experience across sectors such as maritime, finance, and manufacturing.
BARCELONA, Spain, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At the Product & Solution Launch event during MWC Barcelona 2026, Bob He, Vice President of Huawei Digital Power, unveiled the New-Generation AI-Powered Green Site and GW-level AIDC Solutions. These solutions help operators build zero-carbon target networks and lay a solid foundation for AI computing in the era of the agentic Internet, driving intelligent, low-carbon transformation.
Bob He, Vice President of Huawei Digital Power
AI-Powered Green Site
As the intelligent world accelerates, AI development drives explosive growth in traffic, posing challenges for site power facilities. Huawei’s AI-Powered Green Site is the first to feature end-to-end intelligent synergy, improving network resilience and reducing energy OPEX, turning operators’ energy storage assets into revenue streams.
Zero network disruptions due to power outages: iBackup doubles backup time, increasing site power availability to 99.9%. In Kuwait, the emergency backup time was increased from 3 hours to 6 hours to ensure business continuity during power outages.
One tank of fuel per year: Intelligent algorithms integrate weather, power generation, and load forecasts to enable intelligent, collaborative scheduling of PV, energy storage systems, and gensets. In Southern Africa, this solution helped customers reduce fuel consumption by 75%, saving over US$10,000 and reducing carbon emissions by 18 tons per site annually.
From saving money to making money: The all-scenario virtual power plant solution enables operators’ energy storage assets to participate in the electricity market and generate revenue. In Northern Europe, this solution helped customers increase annual revenue by over €2000 per site.
GW-level AIDC Solution
The intelligent era has witnessed a surge in demand for computing power, driving the construction of AIDC facilities. However, this also brings challenges in reliability, energy consumption, delivery, and smooth evolution. Huawei Data Center Facility reconstructs the four core links of power supply, cooling, energy storage, and operations to provide a highly reliable, energy-efficient, fast-delivered, and fully compatible AIDC solution, maximizing tokens per watt and powering the AI era forward.
AIDC full-link power supply: Through innovations in power supply from the grid to chips and by productizing power supply links, Huawei has developed a high-density, high-efficiency, and reliable integrated PowerPOD solution to facilitate rapid AIDC delivery.
AIDC full-chain cooling: Through innovations in heat dissipation from chips to the outdoor environment and by productizing cooling links, Huawei has built an efficient, reliable, and intelligent integrated IT POD solution to help AIDCs achieve efficient, highly reliable cooling.
AI for DC intelligent operations: AI is leveraged to enhance data centers, improving AIDC safety and energy efficiency throughout the lifecycle. AI for safety: Fault prediction and identification facilitate the transition from passive response to predictive maintenance.
AI for energy efficiency: Intelligent coordination and optimization of cooling and power supply reduce energy consumption.
Bob He stated that Huawei will fully leverage its advantages in converged technologies across the energy, wireless, and service fields to help operators build more flexible, reliable, and greener ICT power facilities, accelerate intelligent transformation in the AI era, and achieve continuous business success.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – World Obesity Day is celebrated on the 4th of March every year. Hong Kong Obesity Society (HKOS), in collaboration with the Tuen Mun District Health Centre, hosted the “Let’s Join, Let’s Be Healthy” Community Carnival to raise public awareness of obesity. With over 50% of Hong Kong’s adults suffering from overweight and obesity, alongside rising childhood obesity rates, the Society stresses the urgent need to confront this health challenge head-on.
Measuring Waistlines, Breaking World Records It has been known for a long time that BMI alone does not accurately measure the amount and distribution of fat in the body. Waist circumference is an important measure of central obesity and metabolic risk and has recently been incorporated into the diagnosis of obesity. HKOS and over six hundred Hong Kong residents set a world record for the “Most People Measuring Their Waist Circumference in a Carnival,” turning a symbolic feat into a powerful public health message. The Society hosted a full day of multi-disciplinary activities, including expert talks on healthy dining and Traditional Chinese Medicine for weight management. Tuen Mun District Health Centre also provided free health screenings for sarcopenia, vision, and blood glucose. Interactive booths made learning about nutrition and exercise fun and accessible for the community.
A Call to Action from HKOS “As we approach World Obesity Day 2026, we must recognise that obesity is not just a personal issue, but a complex medical condition that requires a societal response,” said Dr. See Wing Shan, President of the Hong Kong Obesity Society. “For nearly a decade, our Society has worked to dismantle harmful stigmas, such as correcting the misconception that ‘chubby children are healthy children.’ Our record-breaking event today proves that when we empower people with knowledge, they are ready to take charge of their health. We will continue to work with community partners and policymakers to ensure that obesity prevention and management remain a top priority in Hong Kong.”
The Society urges the public to take proactive steps, utilise the health risk assessment services available at District Health Centres, and seek professional guidance for weight management when needed. Hashtag: #HongKongObesitySociety #HKOS #WorldRecord #Obesity #Health #HongKong #BMI #Weight #Dieting
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Hong Kong Obesity Society (HKOS)
Founded in 2016, the Hong Kong Obesity Society (HKOS) is a multi-disciplinary organisation of healthcare professionals dedicated to obesity prevention and management. Serving as a key platform for professional collaboration, public education, and advocacy, HKOS bridges international obesity science with local community needs to combat obesity in Hong Kong through evidence-based strategies.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – Driven by growing affluence and a more discerning clientele, the Vietnamese real estate landscape is shifting toward a new paradigm of luxury. MIK Group’s The Magnolia project represents one of the most deliberate efforts in this transition, underscored by a strategic alliance with three international firms: design architect Benoy, interior designer Studio HBA, and construction manager Turner International. This partnership, built around a unified long-term vision, signals a move beyond cosmetic luxury toward an integrated development framework.
The Magnolia, developed under MIK Group’s M Series platform, integrates spatial discipline, privacy and long-term quality into its architectural framework. Photo courtesy of MIK
Raising the standard of luxury development
For years, Vietnam’s high-end residential market has been driven by ambition. Yet many projects have remained focused on premium materials and eye-catching architecture, without fully meeting deeper international benchmarks in long-term livability, operational consistency and disciplined execution.
Against that backdrop, a growing group of developers has begun adopting a more globally integrated model – prioritising process, partnerships and standards over visual spectacle. MIK Group stands among the notable names within this shift.
Founded in 2014, MIK Group has steadily established itself as one of Vietnam’s leading real estate developers. Guided by its vision of ‘creating prosperous living communities’, the company has developed a diverse portfolio spanning urban residential and high-end resort properties, including The Matrix One, Imperia Signature Co Loa, Imperia Sky Garden, Imperia Garden, Imperia Smart City, Mövenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc, Sol by Meliá Phu Quoc and Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay etc.
Its Imperia line, in particular, has maintained strong and consistent demand over many years, providing a stable foundation for the company’s move into a higher segment.
Building on that base, MIK Group introduced the M Series as a structured luxury platform.
Nguyen Dung Minh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MIK Group, said: “Today’s luxury buyers are not simply looking for square meters. They are seeking depth, refinement and privacy. Location and amenities matter, but lifestyle matters more.”
The M Series therefore represents not just an expansion into a higher tier, but an elevation of development standards – from site selection and density planning to design philosophy, construction discipline and long-term operational management.
Representatives of MIK Group working with international partners during the development of The Magnolia. Photo courtesy of MIK
Global partnerships: aligning vision, design and execution
To translate these standards into reality, MIK Group partnered with three international firms: Benoy for architecture and master planning, Studio HBA for interior design, and Turner International for construction and project management. The collaboration reflects not only technical capability but a shared long-term development philosophy.
Benoy, ranked among the world’s top 50 design firms, is known for shaping large-scale developments with strong identity, including The 18 Cross in Singapore, The Mural in Dubai and Lotte Mall West Lake in Hanoi. For The Magnolia, Benoy approached the project through spatial discipline and environmental rhythm rather than architectural spectacle.
According to Azaria Lee, Project Director at Benoy, what distinguished MIK Group was its clarity of intent from the outset.
“We quickly understood that this was not a project seeking immediate visual impact,” Lee said.
“MIK Group spoke about rhythm of life, privacy and the feeling of ‘coming home.’ That created a very clear foundation for architectural thinking.”
When surveying the site in Long Bien, the design team noted a perceptible transition from central Hanoi’s intensity to a calmer spatial atmosphere.
“We saw the opportunity to create an urban oasis – connected to the city, yet sufficiently tranquil to allow residents to recharge,” Lee added.
Benoy also highlighted MIK Group’s openness and disciplined approach, which enabled ideas to develop beyond short-term considerations.
For interiors, MIK Group appointed Studio HBA, the global hospitality design firm behind projects for Hilton, JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton Macau, Shangri-La and Four Seasons. The decision reflected alignment around the philosophy of ‘quiet luxury’.
“MIK Group was not pursuing extravagance,” said Joris Angevaare, Project Director at Studio HBA. “They were seeking balance, restraint and longevity.”
The Magnolia was therefore conceived not as a residence designed to impress at first glance but as one intended to sustain comfort and emotional equilibrium over time. The ‘Canvas’ concept was developed as a refined framework that allows residents to shape their own living narrative.
According to Angevaare, the most distinctive aspect of working with MIK Group was its emphasis on durability of aesthetics and lived experience, rather than surface-level visual impact.
Construction and project management were entrusted to Turner International, whose global portfolio includes Taipei 101, The Armani Hotel & Residences Dubai at Burj Khalifa, The Ritz-Carlton Residences Bangkok and JW Marriott Hanoi.
Bojan Petkovic, Project Manager at Turner, noted that MIK Group’s definition of success stood out.
He said: “In many projects, success is measured by floor area or delivery speed. With MIK Group, enhancing the resident experience is the definitive benchmark against which every decision is measured.”
He added that this mindset shaped the implementation process.
“Our role goes beyond managing timelines and budgets. We are safeguarding a vision,” Bojan said.
Turner views The Magnolia as reflecting a life-cycle approach to luxury real estate development – integrating ESG standards, operational efficiency and long-term asset value preservation from the outset.
The collaboration between Benoy, Studio HBA and Turner International therefore represents more than a collection of global names. It reflects an integrated framework in which vision, design and execution are aligned within a coherent development structure.
“Luxury is not about being seen,” Nguyen Dung Minh concluded.
“It is about living well, quietly, for a very long time.”
The Magnolia stands as the most mature expression of the M Series platform -where elevated standards are translated into a tangible residential environment. From architecture shaping spatial rhythm, to interiors sustaining emotional comfort, to disciplined execution ensuring long-term quality, the project illustrates MIK Group’s capacity for integrated delivery.
As Vietnam’s property market continues to mature, developments such as The Magnolia signal a new phase for the luxury segment – one where value lies not in immediate visibility, but in the ability to sustain quality of living over time.
Hashtag: #MIKGroup #MIK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
16-Hour U.S. Stock Trading Session*, Money Market Funds with T+0 Settlement
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – PAO Bank Limited (“PAObank”) is pleased to announce the official launch of wealth service, debuting a dual-advantage wealth solution. This service empowers customers to flexibly switch between investing or earning interest, offering unmatched flexibility and control over their finances. The wealth service combines the agility of a brokerage with the security of a bank, enabling customers to seamlessly manage investments, insurance, deposits, and more through a single account. Customers can flexibly allocate funds and trade a wide range of products, including U.S. stocks, Hong Kong stocks, funds and money market funds, at any time.
PAObank’s existing retail banking customers can open an investment account in as fast as 3 minutes, while new customers can open both savings and investment accounts in one-go, greatly simplifying the onboarding process. Customers can instantly deploy funds from their savings account to purchase stocks and funds directly, without the need for additional transfers. Investment returns can be credited back into the savings account to earn interest, supporting both the pursuit of timely market opportunities and steady interest income, all within one single PAObank account.
Mr. Ronald Iu, Chief Executive of PAObank, said, “The launch of wealth service marks a significant milestone in PAObank’s retail banking development. Retail banking at PAObank is rooted in user-friendliness. Our team believes that if we can save each customer one single step, we collectively save 10,000 steps for 10,000 customers. The design of our wealth service is customer-centric — streamlining procedures and eliminating unnecessary fund transfers, allowing customers to SWITCH flexibly between investment and deposit services. We will continue to upgrade our retail banking services, striving to become one of Ping An Group’s integrated financial platforms in Hong Kong, delivering a more comprehensive and user-friendly wealth management experience, and being recognised as the preferred digital bank in the minds of customers.”
U.S. & Hong Kong Stocks Trading: Broker-LevelAnalytics Tools forCapturing Opportunities PAObank’s wealth service offers broker-level professional analytics tools, providing comprehensive insights from macro market trends to detailed stock information to help customers seize every investment opportunity. Key features include:
40+ Technical Indicators: Multi-angle market analysis, covering company performance, market trends, stock price movements, and peer comparisons to support deeper investment insights and discover potential opportunities.
Free Level 1 Real-Time Quotes: Instant access to real-time indices and quotes, enabling customers to make informed decisions and act quickly.
Industry Heatmap & Real-Time Trading Rankings: Intuitive visualisations of industry momentum and real-time rankings of active stocks, helping customers track market hotspots and pinpoint focus stocks with ease.
Flexible Trading Capabilities:
Up to 16Hours of U.S. Stock Trading Sessions: Trade U.S. stocks day and night to maximise market opportunities, with flexible pre-market and after-hour trading sessions in response to major news or unexpected events.
Unlimited 24-hour Real-Time Quotes: Access the latest market information around the clock.
Multiple Order Types: Support for limit orders, stop-limit orders and more, empowering customers to respond flexibly to market volatility.
Money Market Funds: T+0 Settlement, $0 Subscription & Redemption Fees, Same-Day Liquidity PAObank’s money market funds offer a reliable and flexible way for cash management solutions, offering customers a stable and adaptable platform for capital growth. These funds primarily invest in short-term deposits and high-quality money market instruments, targeting lower risk and stable returns. Featuring: “T+0” same-day settlement, $0 subscription & redemption fees, low entry threshold, investors enjoy 24X7 access to subscriptions and redemptions, with proceeds credited to bank accounts as soon as the same day. Funds are available 365 days a year, enabling efficient and always-on cash management regardless of public holidays.
Curated Selection of Funds from Top-tier Global Fund Houses: Popular Thematic Rankings Including “Monthly Dividend Funds” PAObank partners with leading global fund houses, including Ping An of China Asset Management (Hong Kong), Allianz Global Investors, Invesco, and Schroders, to curate nearly 60 global funds spanning popular themes such as technology, Asia and consumer sectors. The platform provides diverse, thematic fund rankings, including a dedicated “Monthly Dividend Funds” category tailored for dividend lovers. Transparent fund performance and data-driven analytics give customers the flexibility to adjust their portfolios in response to market trends, seizing global investment opportunities with ease.
*U.S. market trading sessions are based on Hong Kong time: Summer time – Pre-market: 16:00 – 21:30; Market opening: 21:30 – 04:00; After-hours: 04:00 – 08:00. Winter time – Pre-market: 17:00 – 22:30; Market opening: 22:30 – 05:00; After-hours: 05:00 – 09:00. Total trading hours are 16 hours.
Investment involves risk. The price of investments fluctuates, sometimes dramatically. The price of investments may move up or down, and may become valueless. There is an inherent risk that losses may be incurred rather than profit made as a result of buying and selling investment products. Foreign investments carry additional risks not generally associated with the domestic market. You should carefully consider whether any investment products or services mentioned herein are appropriate for you in view of your investment experience, objectives, financial resources and circumstances.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
PAO Bank Limited
PAO Bank Limited (“PAObank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufax Holding Ltd (“Lufax”) (SEHK: 6623; NYSE: LU) and a member of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An”) (SEHK: 2318; SSE: 601318), is committed to fostering financial inclusion and establishing a digital banking ecosystem by leveraging its extensive experience in SME banking services and its leading financial technology advantages. PAObank was granted a banking licence by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in May 2019 to offer banking services via virtual channels. PAObank is expanding diverse business segments including retail banking and SME banking, serving customers in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, establishing itself as Ping An Group’s comprehensive financial platform in Hong Kong.
Phetthong Inthavong doesn’t talk about passion. His work speaks for itself. As the coordinator at the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW), he’s on the front lines of Laos’ battle against the illegal wildlife trade.
His work involves rescuing animals like gibbons, bears, alligators, and deer, rehabilitating them, and eventually releasing them back into their natural habitats.
At LCTW, the focus is on saving lives, protecting ecosystems, and offering a future to species that are often forgotten or exploited.
Not a Zoo, but a Lifeline for Animals
At first glance, the LCTW center might seem like a zoo, with animals in enclosures and staff moving between them. But Phetthong is quick to point out that it’s far from that.
“A zoo operates on a business model, focusing on profits from visitors. Our center focuses on rehabilitating animals and returning them to the wild,” he explains. “Our enclosures are designed with their rehabilitation in mind, offering them more space, trees, and an environment closer to their natural habitat.”
Unlike a zoo, LCTW isn’t open to the public except by appointment, and there are strict rules about visiting. The center is dedicated to the health and recovery of the animals, not for entertainment purposes.
The Pitfalls of Buying Animals to Free Them
One of the key messages Phetthong emphasizes is the danger of purchasing animals to “free” them from captivity. Many, seeing a wild animal in a market, feel compelled to buy it in order to release it. But Phetthong argues that this only fuels the trade.
“Every time you buy an animal, you send a message that the trade works,” he says. “Even if your intention is good, it’s still supporting the traders. The only way to stop this cycle is to reduce demand.”
Instead, Phetthong encourages people to call the Wildlife Rescue Hotline at 1601 if they encounter an illegally trafficked animal. The team will work with the authorities to rescue and relocate the animals to proper rehabilitation facilities.
The Silent Threat of Wire Snares
While the visible trade is a problem, Phetthong is more concerned with a less obvious threat: wire snares. These cheap, easy-to-make traps are indiscriminate and deadly, often leaving animals trapped and suffering for long periods before being discovered.
“These snares are silent killers,” he says. “They’re hidden and can kill any animal that walks into them. We need to get to the communities, educate them, and stop this.”
LCTW works alongside local agriculture and environment offices to run awareness campaigns, especially targeting rural areas where the use of traps is common.
A Vision for the Future
By 2030, Phetthong wants to see fewer animals in rehabilitation at LCTW, and ultimately, he hopes the center will be empty, because all the animals will be safe and thriving in the wild.
“My ultimate expectation is that we won’t have wildlife hunting or trade issues anymore,” he says. “Ideally, the center will be empty because all the animals will be where they belong, in the wild.”
It’s a long road ahead, but Phetthong and his team are determined to make it a reality. Their work is slow and often challenging, but every step they take brings Laos closer to a future where wildlife is protected, and ecosystems are restored.
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