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Open Lab Unveiled to Scale Up Sustainable Innovation in the Textile & Fashion Industry

A transformative initiative by HKRITA and H&M Foundation to drive advanced technologies and global collaboration


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 September 2024 – The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) and the H&M Foundation proudly announce the official unveiling of the Open Lab, a pioneering initiative designed to revolutionise the textile and fashion industry through sustainable innovation. Located at the Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Tseung Kwan O InnoPark, the Open Lab is set to become a dynamic hub for industry-wide collaboration, providing a 20,000-square-foot physical space for research and development, as well as a platform for fostering dialogue and knowledge sharing. Building on Hong Kong’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure and innovation-friendly environment, the Open Lab aims to not only support HKRITA’s research, but also become a hub for applied solutions to scale up to industrial-scale applications for the benefit of all global stakeholders addressing the challenges of climate change.

Mr Lee Kwok Bun, Ivan, JP, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (second right) joined today’s opening ceremony at the Open Lab, celebrating this important milestone together with other officiating guests including Mrs Christiane DOLVA, Strategy Lead, H&M Foundation (first right), Ms Teresa YANG, Chairman of The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (second left), and Mr Edwin KEH, CEO of The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (first left).
Mr Lee Kwok Bun, Ivan, JP, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (second right) joined today’s opening ceremony at the Open Lab, celebrating this important milestone together with other officiating guests including Mrs Christiane DOLVA, Strategy Lead, H&M Foundation (first right), Ms Teresa YANG, Chairman of The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (second left), and Mr Edwin KEH, CEO of The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (first left).

Mr Lee Kwok Bun, Ivan, JP, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, joined today’s opening ceremony at the Open Lab, celebrating this important milestone together with other officiating guests including Mrs Christiane DOLVA, Strategy Lead, H&M Foundation, Ms Teresa YANG, Chairman, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, and Mr Edwin KEH, Chief Executive Officer, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel.

Ms Teresa YANG, Chairman, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, said, “This moment marks a significant milestone in leading the textile and fashion industry toward a more resilient future. At the core of the Open Lab is the mission to bridge the gap between lab innovations and industrial applications. By applying cutting-edge research and technology, funded by Hong Kong’s ITF funding schemes, we at HKRITA are developing sustainable and scalable solutions that will benefit the Hong Kong community, local corporations, regional suppliers, and global brands in addressing our climate change challenges.”

Mrs Christiane DOLVA, Strategy Lead, H&M Foundation, added, “We are thrilled to see the vision of Open Lab come to life. A strong network of supporting organisations, the sharing of knowledge, and of course the courage to explore the unknown, is what has made the Open Lab possible. In providing a safe collaborate space, a key infrastructure and a vibrant encouraging community, the amazing team at HKRITA and it’s visionary partners, have created something truly special. I’m excited for the future and to witness the groundbreaking solutions that will help drive greater sustainability in the textile and fashion industry and hopefully beyond.”

With the support of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSARG, the Open Lab also received support from many stakeholders from multiple industries. These include manufacturers, brands, service providers and organisations that use textile and soft materials. The common goal is to address our shared environmental challenges by developing agile and scalable solutions. The Open Lab’s approach is threefold: to showcase innovative solutions at scale, to provide a collaborative platform for industry-wide partnerships, and to contribute to problem-solving – thereby catalysing the transformative journey of the fashion and textile industry toward a sustainable future.

The Open Lab features two main components: the Pilot Plant, which is an end-to-end upcycling line designed for industrial-scale demonstrations and technology trials, including an AI-powered smart garment sorting system for recycling and the Green Machine 2.0, which separates polyester fibres from PET-cotton blended textiles at scale, reaching up to 1 ton of daily recycling capacity; while the Fashion Future Lab is a modular research space focusing on early-stage solutions with the first project “Farm-to-Garment”, a location-independent production line from hydroponic cotton cultivation to yarn processing and garment knitting.

Open Lab also houses a technological database of over 80 of HKRITA’s sustainable projects. By bridging the gap between the research lab and industry, Open Lab transforms lab-scale outcomes into useful industrial-scale applications. Solutions developed here will be licensed at cost, ensuring they are affordable for widespread adoption. This approach maximises impact of reducing the carbon footprint and driving greater circularity within the industry.

Growth in research capabilities is a key focus for Open Lab, and it is dedicated to nurturing young innovators and startups. Through its upcoming residency program, which will be available to global undergraduates and postgraduates in full-time STEM-related programs, participants can work closely with scientists and engineers on meaningful textile related sustainability technology. For other curious minds, the Open Lab Challenge will invite creative solutions on various textile sustainability topics.

For more information about Open Lab and its initiatives, please visit the Open Lab website (theopenlab.one) or contact our media relations team.
Hashtag: #HKRITA #OpenLab

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the Open Lab

Open Lab, a pioneering initiative by HKRITA and the H&M Foundation, is a transformative force within the textile and fashion industry. The Open Lab spans 20,000 square feet in the Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Hong Kong and hosts a technological database with over 80 sustainable projects, creating a dynamic hub for the entire industry value chain. It focuses on showcasing solutions, providing a platform for collaboration, and engaging in problem-solving and resource optimisation in order to set the stage for industry-wide transformation to address climate change. Supported by key stakeholders like the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Hong Kong government and leading industry players, the Open Lab is driving the industry towards a sustainable future.

About The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA)

Established in 2006, HKRITA is funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government and is hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. HKRITA contributes to the competitiveness of the textile and apparel industry by providing one-stop services in applied research, technology transfer and commercialisation. HKRITA also plays a vital and expanding role in driving sustainable improvements in the industry and thus bringing benefits to society as a whole.

About H&M Foundation

The H&M Foundation is privately funded by the Stefan Persson family, founders and main owners of the H&M Group. It utilises philanthropic resources to find, fund, and facilitate disruptive innovations, initiatives, and research that enable a socially inclusive and planet-positive textile industry. To accelerate this transformation, the foundation takes a holistic and open approach, bringing diverse partners together to co-create solutions and share learnings. Additionally, the H&M Foundation provides emergency relief. For more information, visit .

Long-Tail Boat Capsizes, Dozens of Myanmar nationals Missing in Laos

Long-Tail Boat Capsizes, Dozens of Myanmar nationals Missing in Laos
Boat Capsized in Mekong River (Photo credit: Noykhamnuan Inthavong)

A long-tail boat carrying over 40 passengers capsized on 2 September in the Mekong River, near the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Bokeo Province, Laos. The boat, which was navigating the river close to the border with Chiang Saen District in Thailand, was en route from the Golden Triangle Special Administrative Region to Tachilek, Myanmar.

Latest Telecom Fraud Crackdown in Bokeo SEZ: Thousands of Devices Seized

The authority while the operation (Photo: Lao National Radio)

In the latest crackdown against telecommunications fraud, authorities in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo Province sized thousands of electronic devices.

Banyan Group Launches Stylish Skypark Elara Lakelands at Visionary New Laguna Lakelands in Phuket

The newest addition to the pioneering USD2bn residential community follows the near sell-out launch of Phase One Laguna Lakeview Residences


PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 September 2024 – Banyan Group is launching a new collection of stylish Skypark residences at its pioneering new eco-friendly residential community in Phuket, following the successful sale of the Laguna Lakeview Residences.

Banyan Group Launches Stylish Skypark Elara Lakelands at Visionary New Laguna Lakelands in Phuket

Skypark Elara Lakelands, which is located on a site adjacent to the Lakeview Residences, with equally serene lagoon views, provides residents with beautifully designed luxury condos that add convenience and style to tropical living. Three blocks of the low-rise seven-storey Skypark Elara Lakelands, totalling around 220 units, are being released in the first phase.

Skypark Residences is one of Banyan Group’s contemporary lifestyle brands which allows residents to literally “reach for the sky”, with rooftop living experiences and stunning interiors, in a range of live-in and residential properties across the world’s most premier destinations.

The Skypark Residences at Laguna Lakelands represents a significant evolution of the brand, with luxurious fit outs and bigger sizes than previous developments, with units ranging from 54 sqm all the way up to 183 sqm, in one to three-bedroom configurations.

Residents at Skypark Elara Lakelands will enjoy exclusive access to leisure facilities on the rooftop including the signature infinity-edge swimming pool with stunning views and an expansive outdoor terrace with a barbecue area, comfortable sitting out spaces and walking paths overlooking the forest and tranquil lagoons.

With prices starting from THB 8m, the Skypark Elara Lakelands residences are expected to be swiftly snapped up by buyers from all over the world, like the previously released Laguna Lakeview Residences.

Developed by the Banyan Group, whose iconic Banyan Tree brand has become one of the most admired and successful Asian hospitality brands, Skypark Elara is located at Laguna Lakelands on the Central West coast of Phuket next to Asia’s biggest and most iconic integrated resort, Laguna Phuket, to which residents also have access.

Spanning no less than one million square metres (700 rai or 276 acres) of botanical gardens, parks, rainforest, tranquil lagoons and rolling hills, Laguna Lakelands will be Phuket’s largest private residential community, and a self-contained green sanctuary designed for a new community of global citizens seeking high quality lifestyle balanced by nature.

Designed in a neutral palate of natural woodland colours, the stylish and contemporary Skypark Elara residences are designed to evoke the feeling of being hidden away in the forest, with the interior design reflecting its lush colours and textures.

The generously proportioned one, two and three bedroom open-plan configurations ranging from 54 to 183 sqm are ideal for all needs and budgets, and all feature unique foldable “work closets” which have been purpose built for today’s flexible work-from-home lifestyle.

Inspired by the colours and textures of the forest, the open and spacious designs accentuate nature and blend harmoniously with the natural tropical garden surroundings. Each has a private balcony and all are set within verdant lawns and parks.

The launch of Skypark Elara Lakelands comes as the Phuket real estate market is booming, fuelled by an increasing desire for families from all over the world to enjoy a second home in Phuket, or even to relocate there.

“We decided to launch Skyark Elara Lakelands now after the strong demand we have seen for the first phase of Lakeview Residences, which has exceeded our own expectations by a long way,” said Banyan Group founder and Executive Chairman KP Ho.

“This latest addition to Laguna Lakelands brings more spacious room configurations than our previous Skypark projects and a brand new attractive design with more elevated materials, which we think will appeal to the many people now looking for a place in Phuket either as a second home or as a primary residence.”

“High-quality property is still significantly cheaper in Phuket than in most of the buyer source markets like Hong Kong, Singapore or Europe, which is also an important factor,” he said.

Phuket’s strategic location within 5 or 6 hours flight of over 40% of the world’s population, its attractive year round climate and world-class international schools and hospitals are also part of its growing attraction.

Uniquely for Thailand, the developer also offers financing options which allow owners to purchase residences with staged payments over several years.

About Laguna Lakelands

The latest project by world-famous Laguna Phuket

Set within one square kilometre of verdant hills, forests and lakes with a private beachfront club

Laguna Lakelands is more than just a place to live

Themed Hillside, Orchard, Forest, and Lakeside precincts retain unique identities within a cohesive nature-centric community.

Interwoven by a 15 km network of trails, spacious apartments with rooftop sky parks or opulent waterfront villas grace the expansive landscapes of rainforests, botanical gardens, and serene lagoons.

A hillside adventure park, sports and aquatic complex, and a community centre in a vibrant town center anchor the entire community. And to top it off, its own prime beachfront beach club.
Hashtag: #BanyanGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Laguna Phuket

Laguna Phuket is Asia’s premier integrated destination. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Andaman Sea, on a 3km stretch of pristine beach, Laguna Phuket is home to six world-class hotels, premium facilities and a branded residences and property division. Spanning over 1,000 acres of lush parkland and beachfront and located just a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, Laguna Phuket offers an award-winning 18-hole golf course, luxury spas, exceptional dining options, and countless activities to create unforgettable experiences.

With more than 1,400 rooms, the destination offers accommodations that suit all, from families with young children to intimate, luxurious stays. Hotel guests staying within Laguna Phuket are welcome to enjoy the unlimited shuttle bus and shuttle boat service and the fully integrated cashless payment system – meaning guests can choose to charge expenses back to their room from anywhere in the destination. On top of the 6 Hotels, Laguna Phuket has a Branded Property division that offers sales and rentals of a variety of residences, apartments and villas for guests who wishes to live or invest in a holiday home within our integrated destination.

About Banyan Group

Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans across 80 hotels and resorts, over 60 spas and galleries, and 14 branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Management Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.

Nam Theun 2 Development Fund Expands to Benefit More Districts

Nam Theun 2 Development Fund Expands to Benefit More Districts
Vanxay Phongsavanh, Khammouane Governor and Marc-Antoine Rupp, Nam Theun 2 Chief Executive officer co-chaired the eighth steering committee meeting for the Nam Theun 2 Development Fund (NT2DF)

The Nam Theun 2 Development Fund (NT2DF) is set to expand its reach beyond Nakai’s resettled villages, bringing the transformative projects to the entire district and soon to neighboring Gnommalath and Mahaxay districts.

Yoyo Laos Sauce Spices Up the World Stage with New Laos Production Hub

Photo supplied

Yoyo Laos Sauce is making a significant leap onto the global stage. Originally produced in Yorkshire, UK, by Lao-British couple Frazer and Hatsadee “Yoyo” Rhodes, the sauce will now be manufactured in Laos thanks to a new partnership with Mai Savanh Laos, a local social enterprise.

It all began in 2020 when Yoyo served her homemade ginger chili sauce to friends during the Covid-19 pandemic. The response was overwhelmingly positive, she recalled.

“They dipped it non-stop with their sticky rice. They told me, ‘Yoyo, it’s so good. I can’t stop eating it,’” Yoyo said.

Inspired by their friends’ enthusiasm, Frazer saw the pandemic as an opportunity to launch a business. With supermarkets being one of the few places people could buy food, he proposed selling their sauce there.

“So we bought some bottles, made a really simple label, and started making the sauce. We took it to the market, and it all sold,” Frazer said, reflecting on how the couple began producing the sauce at home.

This initial success quickly led to further opportunities, allowing the Rhodes family to expand production to their own factory.

“Then we got into our first shop, then our first restaurant, and then we received our first international order. It just kept growing and growing. We developed more sauces and built a bigger range,” Frazer added.

Frazer emphasized that the sauce is made by hand by the couple and their team to ensure top-quality ingredients. They believe that this manual process, rather than using machines, achieves the best results.

Moving to Laos and Partnering with Local Businesses

As their business grew, the Rhodes family realized they needed to scale up production. They sought out manufacturers in the UK willing to hand-make the Lao-style sauce but found this effort futile.

Their luck changed when they visited Yoyo’s home country of Laos in January this year. In Laos, Frazer discovered a small bottle of sauce with a design similar to their own, sparking the idea of shifting production to Laos, where ingredients are “fresher.”

Noticing the label “Produced by Mai Savanh Laos,” he emailed them as Yoyo Laos Sauce from the UK to express interest. Frazer quickly met Schmidt Philippe, CEO of Mai Savanh Laos, who offered to help expand their brand, aligning with their mutual goal of promoting Lao products.

By November, the Rhodes family plans to ship 35,000 bottles back to the UK. The enhanced production process in Laos has also created jobs for locals. There are currently three production sites in Laos—Vientiane, Bolaven, and Sekong—employing 51 workers, including 61 percent women and 43 percent ethnic minorities, many of whom have been marginalized in Laos.

During their time in Laos, Yoyo Laos Sauce also partnered with The Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a UK-based charity, where they also donated their sauce.

“The production costs here are lower than in the UK, which means we can offer a better price to retailers, who can then make a better margin,” Frazer explained. “Now we’re starting to get interest from other places, like the Middle East, Dubai, and Japan.”

Some of their products are already available in Vientiane, and they plan to expand distribution to more shops nationwide starting in September.

Despite the progress, the transition has not been without challenges. Yoyo noted that achieving the same taste as the original UK recipe required numerous adjustments. “The team has done about 30 or 40 different tests. It’s taken many attempts, with slight changes each time,” she said.

Raising Awareness of Laos

In addition to business growth, the Rhodes family aims to increase awareness of Laos. “A lot of customers in the UK ask us, ‘What is Laos? Where is Laos?’” Yoyo said. To address this, the sauce labels include a QR code linking to information about Laos.

The family is also conducting research with locals to gather more information about the country. “We’d like to get some interviews with the staff and learn about their history and background,” Frazer added.

Yoyo Laos Sauce can be used as a dipping sauce, marinade, or added to stir-fries and salads to spice things up. As they say in Laos, “Sap lai lai,” which means very tasty.

The sauce’s popularity soared after winning Great Taste™ awards in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, along with the winner of the UK National Chilli Awards in 2022.

“Some of the awards we’ve won have all been blind taste tests. The judges don’t see any packaging; they just get a little pot, taste it, and judge. Winning the UK National Chilli Awards, ranking 18th globally, getting an award for the European Hot Sauce Awards, and the Great Taste Awards—it’s all a big honor,” Frazer said.

Laos Weather Alert: Thunderstorms Expected as Storm Yagi Intensifies in South China Sea

Laos Braces for Continued Rainfall, Flooding, Authorities Issue Warnings
FILE: A rainy day in Laos in That Dam stupa area (photo: Nouthaphone Simmavong)

As storm Yagi continues to intensify into a typhoon, it has yet to make a direct impact on Laos. However, heavy rainfalls and thunderstorms are expected across the country.

According to the government’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, the low-pressure currently traversing Laos is expected to persist, bringing moderate to heavy thunderstorms and gusty winds across the central and southern regions. Meanwhile, Storm Yagi, now classified as a tropical cyclone, is projected to enter the northern part of the South China Sea between 4 and 5 September. Although it has not yet affected Laos, its growing strength is likely to influence weather patterns in the country.

National Weather Forecasts:

– North-East (Phongsaly, Houaphanh, Xiengkhouang): Light thunderstorms are anticipated, with moderate to heavy rainfall in Phongsaly and Xiengkhouang with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 29°C.

– North-West (Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, Xayaboury): Thunderstorms, both light and moderate, will be prevalent, accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds in some areas. Rain is expected to cover 65% of the region, with temperatures between 22°C and 34°C.

– Vientiane Capital: The capital will experience thunderstorms with lightning and moderate rainfall. Temperatures are forecasted to range from 24°C to 34°C.

– Central Regions (Vientiane province, Bolikhamxay, Khammouan, Savannakhet):  The regions will likely be affected by light thunderstorms, with moderate rainfall and strong winds. Rain will cover up to 50% of the region, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 34°C.

– Xaysomboun Province: Light to moderate thunderstorms are expected. Temperatures will range between 20°C and 32°C.

– South (Salavanh, Champasak, Sekong, Attapeu): The southern provinces will see thunderstorms with lightning and moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly in the afternoon to evening. Rainfall will cover 60% of the region, with temperatures between 22°C and 35°C.

Residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and take necessary precautions, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall and strong winds. 

MDRT appoints first Singaporean as President of global organization’s leadership team

SINGAPORE – Media Outreach Newswire – 4 September 2024 – MDRT, The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®, has appointed Carol Kheng, ChFC, as the 99th President of the association’s Executive Committee. Kheng, a private wealth consultant with Prudential Assurance Company Singapore, will focus on strengthening the global network of MDRT professionals and celebrating member accomplishments as they continue to reach new heights of personal and professional success.

Carol Kheng, ChFC, the 99th President of MDRT, will boost opportunities to help members learn and attain even higher levels of personal and professional success.

Carol Kheng, ChFC, the 99th President of MDRT, will boost opportunities to help members learn and attain even higher levels of personal and professional success.

Kheng, a 26-year MDRT member, succeeds 25-year MDRT member Gregory B. Gagne, ChFC, who transitioned to Immediate Past President on September 1. Bringing a fresh perspective on refining the global member experience, Kheng is dedicated to building upon legacies set by past leadership, including Gagne’s impact. In her new role, she sees herself as a representative for all members of the global association and will concentrate on ensuring they have the resources that best meet their needs, while expanding previously established initiatives – including a continued focus on holding purposeful and engaging in-person meetings.

Under Kheng, MDRT will focus on tapping into its international network, allowing members to grow and learn at in-person events, promoting business growth and development. MDRT will continue to prioritize providing value to its global membership and pushing for increased connectivity and engagement.

“Since spearheading Prudential’s MDRT Club in 2005, I’ve witnessed the unparalleled growth members can gain through meaningful member interactions,” Kheng said. “During my presidency, MDRT will continue to hold spaces for members to network, engage with one another and learn unique, tailored techniques to propel their businesses further.”

With four Court of the Table and three Top of the Table qualifications, Kheng has served in multiple roles on the MDRT Executive Committee since 2022. She previously served as Divisional Vice President for Global Conference Program General Arrangements in 2019 and for MDRT’s Member Resources – Practice Management Division in 2009. Kheng also has served on the Board of Trustees of the MDRT Foundation, for which she is a Diamond Knight.

Hashtag: #MDRT

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

MDRT

MDRT (The Million Dollar Round Table), the Premier Association of Financial Professionals®, is a global, independent association of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 700 companies in 80 nations and territories. MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services business. For more information, please visit mdrt.org.