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Laos Records Over 6,700 Road Accidents in 2024

Laos Records Over 6,700 Road Accidents in 2024
An accident that took place in October 2024 which saw seven vehicles collided (photo credit: Target Magazine)

Road accidents in Laos remain a major concern, with 6,789 cases reported nationwide in 2024, according to the Traffic Police Department. 

Riding the Wave: Businesses and Investors Set Their Sights on ASEAN’s Blue Economy

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As global business communities place greater emphasis on sustainability, the potential of ASEAN’s blue economy offers a renewed opportunity for forward-thinking businesses and investors. The ASEAN Blue Innovation Expo and Business Matching, set for 19 February 2025 at Menara Mandiri Jakarta, will convene startups, businesses, investors, policymakers, and development partners to explore cutting-edge innovations from ASEAN and Timor-Leste. From digitally driven aquaculture to biotechnologies, plastic alternatives, and blue carbon conservation, the event will showcase ventures that drive sustainable economic growth while protecting marine and freshwater ecosystems.

ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation Expo and Business Matching
ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation Expo and Business Matching

Unlocking Investment for Blue Economy

This event marks the highlight of the ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation (ABEI) Project initiated by UNDP Indonesia, ASEAN Secretariat and Permanent Mission of Japan in ASEAN, funded by the Government of Japan. Aligned with the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework, adopted in 2023, the project aims to drive the sustainable use of ocean and inland water resources for inclusive growth across ASEAN and Timor-Leste.

As coastal communities across ASEAN and Timor-Leste wrestle with rising sea levels and overfishing threatens global food supplies, the need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent. Investors and established business communities have a unique opportunity to be part of this transformative journey.

Innovative Solutions from Across ASEAN

The Expo will feature 60 innovations from startups, MSMEs, NGOs, and academic institutions, selected from over 1,300 applications, who are developing solutions in four key areas, such as sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, plastic pollution, climate issues, and sustainable tourism. In addition to the highlight of 60 pitching sessions, the event features inspirational talks and panel discussions led by leading impact investors and blue business leaders in the ASEAN countries.

Why Now?

The blue economy presents new paradigm for the role of ocean. By 2030, its contribution to the global economy is projected to reach $3 trillion, generating 43 million jobs, with it playing a key role in driving inclusive growth in ASEAN. With ASEAN countries’ increasing interests on food security, carbon neutrality, and zero plastic waste, alongside accelerating digitalization and AI, the time is ripe to focus on the blue economy’s potential. Participants in this event will gain insights into the forefront of this high-potential sector, helping shape the future of sustainable marine and freshwater economies in ASEAN.

Secure your spot now and be part of the future of blue innovation! Register here: https://www.undp.org/indonesia/asean-blue-innovation-challenge.

Contact
nabilla.rahmani@undp.org

FBS Launches AI Assistant for Confident Trading


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 February 2025 – FBS, a leading global broker, introduces FBS AI Assistant, a next-generation tool designed to support traders in making informed decisions. This AI-powered feature analyzes instrument charts in seconds, providing real-time insights based on price trends, patterns, and key market signals.

FBS AI Assistant
FBS AI Assistant

FBS AI Assistant simplifies complex data, transforming complicated chart patterns into clear, easy-to-read reports. By leveraging AI-driven insights, traders can validate their strategies, minimize human error, and make informed decisions faster.

The feature scans charts using key indicators and timeframes, delivering a fresh perspective that can confirm or challenge a trader’s analysis. Additionally, it suggests trade ideas that can be executed with a single click, enabling users to act swiftly in dynamic market conditions*.

How FBS AI Assistant supports traders:

  • Instant chart analysis: Identifies trends, patterns, and signals in seconds.
  • Simplified insights: Turns complex data into structured, easy-to-understand reports.
  • Efficiency & accuracy: Reduces human error and saves time for decision making.
  • Actionable trade ideas: Suggests potential opportunities with a one-click execution option.

As the future of trading evolves, FBS remains committed to equipping traders with cutting-edge tools that enhance their experience. Trade smarter with FBS AI Assistant and stay ahead in the market.

For more details, visit FBS.com.

*Disclaimer: AI-generated analysis is not financial advice. Always conduct your own research before trading.
Hashtag: #FBS #trading #forex #AI




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

About FBS

FBS is a global brand that unites several independent brokerage companies under the licenses of FSC (Belize), CySEC (Cyprus), and ASIC (Australia). With 15 years of experience and over 100 international awards, FBS is steadily developing as one of the market’s most trusted brokers. Today, FBS serves over 27 000 000 traders and more than 700 000 partners around the globe.

NX Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Branch Honored as Excellent Japanese Company on “Kaohsiung Harmony Day 2024”

TOKYO, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Kaohsiung Branch of Nippon Express (Taiwan) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “NX Taiwan”), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., received an award recognizing it as an excellent Japanese company during “Kaohsiung Harmony Day 2024” celebrations held on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

NX Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202501223192-O3-C1SDSWOv

Chairman Masaru Kawamoto receiving award from Kaohsiung deputy mayor: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202501223192/_prw_PI2fl_5yY3xwx8.png

Chairman Kawamoto presenting speech: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202501223192/_prw_PI1fl_TU3NzqDs.png

“Kaohsiung Harmony Day,” an event sponsored by the Kaohsiung City Government’s Economic Development Bureau, was established in 2010 to acknowledge Japanese companies that have made significant contributions to Kaohsiung’s economic development. This time’s event — the 15th — honored eight companies, including NX Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Branch.

Home to Taiwan’s largest container port, Kaohsiung serves as an important hub for international logistics. NX Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Branch provides logistics services to companies in such fields as semiconductors, electronics and precision equipment, and it celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. The Kaohsiung Branch was honored for its contributions to Kaohsiung’s economic development and for its successful efforts to work in closer cooperation with the local community. NX Taiwan and its Kaohsiung Branch will continue to team up with a variety of industries to support customers’ logistics in the spirit of its corporate message “We Find the Way.”

The NX Group will be further expanding its logistics functions in Taiwan as well as its international transport services that utilize the Group’s global network to help customers enhance their business activities and thereby realize its long-term vision of becoming a logistics company with a strong presence in the global market.

About the NX Group:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202501223192-O1-dTJDS45T.pdf

NX Group official website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/
NX Group’s official LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/

KERRY HEALTH AND NUTRITION INSTITUTE SPOTLIGHTS KEY HEALTH AND NUTRITION TRENDS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AT LIVE EVENT IN SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE , Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Healthy ageing and longevity, women’s health, accessible nutrition, and sodium reduction were the highlights of a panel discussion at the first Kerry Health and Nutrition Institute (KHNI) event in Singapore.

Kerry Group CEO Edmond Scanlon (second from right) and Peter Dillane, President & CEO of Kerry APMEA (first from left) with the Kerry team and industry experts at The Future of Sustainable Nutrition event
Kerry Group CEO Edmond Scanlon (second from right) and Peter Dillane, President & CEO of Kerry APMEA (first from left) with the Kerry team and industry experts at The Future of Sustainable Nutrition event

The Future of Sustainable Nutrition event marked KHNI’s 10th anniversary, and explored cutting-edge research, leading technology, and consumer behaviour forecast that will influence food innovation in the region.

The panel included Kerry Group CEO Edmond Scanlon, KHNI’s Dr Aoife Marie Murphy, and Simon Hague, foodservice chains general manager, Kerry Southeast Asia. Joining the Kerry team were Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran, President of the Singapore Nutrition and Dietetics Association; Angelia Teo, futurist; and Oliver Truesdale-Jutras, Chair of Singapore’s F&B Sustainability Council and Founder of Re:Growth, a regenerative hospitality consultancy.

The discussion focused on KHNI’s Ten Key Health and Nutrition Trends for 2025 relevant to Southeast Asia.   

  • Accessible Nutrition: Commented Edmond Scanlon, Kerry Group CEO: “Consumers trust the food system. It is our responsibility to ensure what is in a product is good for them. Accessible nutrition should balance five pillars – convenience, nutrition, sustainability, cost, and taste. If a food item cannot be offered to the mass market, that is not accessible nutrition.”
    However, with 75% of global food coming from just 12 plants and 5 animals[1], a single disease could wipe out a fifth of our food supply, said Oliver Truesdale-Jutras.
  • Healthy Ageing & Longevity: By 2030, 32% of Asia Pacific’s population will be over 50[2]. Quality of life is vital. After age 30 comes a loss of 5%-8% of muscle mass per decade. Compact, protein-rich foods for older adults and exercise are necessary to counter muscle loss, said Dr Aoife Marie Murphy.
  • Women’s Health: Some 80% of women in menopause will experience hot flushes, mood swings and memory loss[3]. Eating right is key, said Dr Aoife Marie Murphy. “Women must be educated on the direct impact diet plays in wellbeing.” Minerals like calcium and magnesium are also essential. “If you don’t deposit right amounts of calcium, the body will plateau. Women must build bone health early,” stressed Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran.
  • Sodium Reduction: Excessive sodium leads to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, contributing to 1.89 million diet-related deaths annually[4]. Angelia Teo observed: “In today’s era of simulation, can food companies simulate salt satisfaction, rethink how to enhance the sensory experience of food for consumers, without using salt?”

Post discussion, the event continued at Kerry’s Regional Technology and Innovation Centre, where guests sampled food and beverage concepts incorporating Kerry technologies such as Citrus and Cocoa Replacers, Tastesense™, and Proactive Health solutions, designed to enhance taste and nutrition to meet demand for delicious, healthier, more sustainable food options.

“As Southeast Asia emerges as a food innovation hub, KHNI’s commitment to advancing nutrition science and innovation will pave the next chapter in sustainable food solutions, helping Kerry deliver positive impact and sustainable nutrition to people everywhere,” said Mervyn Gribben, Vice President & General Manager, Kerry Southeast Asia.

ASSEMBLY APPOINTS KAREN HO AS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GREATER CHINA TO SPEARHEAD GROWTH IN THE REGION

Ho will oversee the growth and client development of the agency’s business across Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

HONG KONG, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global omnichannel media agency Assembly has announced the appointment of Karen Ho to the newly created role of Managing Director, Greater China, underscoring its commitment to accelerating growth in the dynamic region.

Karen Ho, Managing Director, Greater China, Assembly
Karen Ho, Managing Director, Greater China, Assembly

In her new role, Ho will spearhead Assembly’s evolution in Greater China, leading growth for clients operating or investing in the region. Ho will lead efforts to enhance product, talent, and technology innovation across the agency’s offices in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, ensuring they are built to deliver client impact. Additionally, Ho will strengthen cross-market collaboration and develop connected solutions to better support clients’ local and international ambitions. Ho will oversee key client relationships in Greater China, including Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, APM Monaco, Clarins, American Eagle Outfitters, and more.

With over two decades of industry experience, Ho has demonstrated a strong ability to drive growth and deliver results. Formerly at Initiative China, she oversaw significant market growth, working with major clients such as Volkswagen Group China, Bridgestone, and GM Ultium. Her leadership contributed to the agency receiving several industry awards, including Agency of the Year. Known for her skill in building effective teams and achieving measurable outcomes, Ho is well-prepared to guide Assembly in its next stage of expansion.

“Karen is a visionary leader with unparalleled market insights and a true appetite to build,” said Richard Brosgill, APAC CEO of Assembly. “Her leadership will be pivotal as we invest strategically into the Greater China region and look ahead to a new chapter of growth as we continue to deliver campaigns that drive both brand and business impact.”

This appointment reflects Assembly’s broader ambition to strengthen its leadership in APAC and deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique demands of the region’s markets. Following the elevation of Assembly’s Vivian Mok to Managing Director of North Asia, Ho’s addition reinforces the agency’s focus on deepening in-market expertise and driving innovation across APAC’s subregions.

“I have long admired Assembly for its bold approach to innovation and commitment to excellence,” commented Ho. “I resonate deeply with the agency’s proposition to Find the Change to Fuel Growth, something I have been committed to fulfilling throughout my career.  I’m energized to partner with their talented teams and clients to unlock new growth opportunities in this diverse and fast-evolving region and drive our next chapter of growth across this diverse and dynamic Greater China region.”

ABOUT ASSEMBLY  

Assembly is a leading global omnichannel media agency that merges data, talent, and technology to catalyze growth for the world’s most esteemed brands. Our holistic approach weaves together compelling brand narratives with a comprehensive suite of global media capabilities, driving performance and fostering significant business expansion. Our initiatives are powered by STAGE, our proprietary operating system, and executed by a dedicated global team of over 2,300 professionals across 35 offices worldwide. Committed to purposeful action, Assembly leads the way in social and environmental impact within the agency realm. As a proud member of Stagwell, the challenger network designed to revolutionize marketing, Assembly continues to set new standards of excellence. For more information, please visit assemblyglobal.com.  

MEDIA CONTACT
Kelvin Lee,
Marketing Director, APAC
kelvin.lee@assemblyglobal.com

 

VINEXPO ASIA SHOWCASES IN SINGAPORE WITH A ROBUST AND DYNAMIC PROGRAMME

SINGAPORE, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Vinexposium group is delighted to announce the return of Vinexpo Asia 2025 to Singapore. The successful debut in 2023 has confirmed Singapore as the gateway to the Asia-Pacific market and Vinexpo Asia 2025 will return to Singapore with an in-depth program designed to meet the challenges facing the industry today.

SINGAPORE, THE HUB OF SOUTHEAST ASIA’S GROWTH

Vinexpo Asia 2025 will take place from 27 – 29 May, set at the iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. This edition will bring together 1,100 exhibitors from over 20 countries and welcome 11,000 professional visitors from 70 countries, offering three days of unmatched business opportunities.

Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of the Vinexposium group, shares, “The global wine and spirits industry faces a pivotal geo-economic challenge with declining consumption worldwide. In this context, seizing commercial opportunities is imperative. Southeast Asia, with Singapore as its key business hub, is where growth happens. Vinexpo Asia in May will be the prime event for industry leaders to connect and thrive in this dynamic region”

This year’s Vinexpo Asia in Singapore will attract stakeholders from diverse markets in Asia Pacific, including mature wine markets like Japan, South Korea and China. The event is also well-positioned to open opportunities to emerging markets that promise great growth, such as Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

According to the IWSR, Asia Pacific accounts for 10% of global wine imports, with beverage alcohol consumption forecast to grow in 2025 by 1.5%, rising to 5.9% for the ready-to-drink segment. Singapore alone represents a mature yet dynamic market, with 3% growth in the wine sector projected by 2025. The city of Singapore alone represents an increasingly attractive market with a respective 2.18% CAGR in volume through 2028 for Wine and 3% for spirits. Gastronomy and wine are particularly dynamic, with 54 restaurants awarded Michelin stars in 2024 alone.

Singapore is also Asia’s most favorable region for the premium and above category with a market share of 60% in volume. Whilst highly competitive, the Singapore wine and spirits market gains ground year-on-year and constantly welcomes new products, provided their marketing strategy caters to its specific needs.

AN IN-DEPTH, DYNAMIC PROGRAMME

Vinexpo Asia 2025 will return to Singapore as an even more dynamic and robust trade show.

The exhibition will welcome exhibitors from such diverse producing regions as France, Italy and Australia (top 3 countries), along with Spain, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, United Kingdom, to name a few.

Asian producers from China and Japan are also set to make an impactful showing, while South American representation from Argentina and Chile will also be spotlighted.

Introduced in Singapore for the first time, the Welcome to the Organic World (WOW!) section will also offer visitors an opportunity to explore the diverse range of organic and biodynamic wines produced globally.

For the first time, the award-winning collective Wines Unearthed will make a debut at Vinexpo Asia, offering a unique one-stop showcase of boutique producers who are looking for distributors in the region.

At Vinexpo Asia 2025, spirits will also make a strong showing, with representation from Japan, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, France, and China, highlighting the current trends.

The highly anticipated Vinexpo Academy programme will once again offer visitors an opportunity to experience insightful high-level masterclasses, conferences, and discovery tastings. The line-up includes top sommeliers from around the globe, discussions on current-day issues in wine and spirits markets and rare opportunities to taste specialty wine vintages.

Reminder of key 2023 figures

  • Over 1,000 exhibitors
  • 3,512 pre-scheduled meetings
  • 9,989 trade visitors attended from 64 countries

Pre-registration for visitors to Vinexpo Asia can be accessed at:
https://vinexposium.mybadgeonline.com/Pro-Login-en-US?trk=GPRONEW

To view photos of the 2023 exhibition, click here:
https://public.joomeo.com/users/Vinexposium/albums/64468f379891f

About Vinexpo Asia

Vinexpo Asia is a premier event for wine and spirits professionals, offering exclusive access to key stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. Taking place alternately in Singapore and Hong Kong, two major business hubs, it serves as a strategic platform for networking, discovering industry innovations, and fostering business opportunities in one of the most dynamic markets worldwide.

About Vinexposium

Vinexposium offers a cohesive focal point for every strand of the wine and spirits industry by designing a variety of relevant event formats, all year round and across the globe. By bringing together exhibitors and visitors at 8 events a year, Vinexposium is the industry’s ally, geared to developing its sales reach.
Vinexposium, creating momentum

VINEXPOSIUM MEDIA CONTACT

Camille Cordasco

Vinexposium

 Email : media@vinexposium.com

 

Amelia Kwek

Vinexposium

Email: amelia.kwek@comexposium.com

Tel: +65 9797 7712

Jenny Tan

FoodCult Pte Ltd

Email: words@foodcult.com.sg

Tel: +65 9836 7653

Penny Wu

FoodCult Ptd Ltd

Email: pr@foodcult.com.sg

 

Bedrock Wraps Up Boyco Campaign, Contributing 1,000 uniBTC to Berachain’s $3 Billion TVL

SINGAPORE, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bedrock, the leading multi-asset restaking protocol in decentralized finance (DeFi) and part of GoldenBull Enterprise, has successfully concluded its participation in Berachain’s Boyco campaign—solidifying its position as one of the most active liquid restaking protocols within the Berachain’s ecosystem.

Over two weeks, Bedrock onboarded nearly 1,000 uniBTC to Berachain, contributing to Boyco’s total $3 billion in total value locked (TVL) and helping to bootstrap liquidity for the network’s upcoming mainnet launch.

Bedrock’s Role in the Boyco Campaign

The Boyco campaign, launched by Berachain and Royco, was designed to solve DeFi’s “cold start problem” by securing Day One liquidity for decentralized applications (dApps) before Berachain’s mainnet goes live.

As part of this effort, Bedrock introduced “The Year of The Bera,” a one-week pre-deposit initiative that rewarded participants from a 75 million Bedrock Diamond prize pool while strengthening Berachain’s liquidity infrastructure.

“We’re thrilled to have played a key role in the Boyco campaign,” said Zhuling Chen, Core Contributor at Bedrock. “By addressing liquidity challenges through innovative solutions, we’re building a strong foundation for decentralized applications to thrive while delivering meaningful incentives to our community. Bedrock is excited to continue expanding its presence in Berachain’s growing ecosystem.”

A Strategic Liquidity Network: Bedrock’s Six Markets on Boyco and uniBTC Berachain Vault

Bedrock contributed to the campaign by launching six high-yield uniBTC markets in collaboration with Beraborrow, Goldilocks, Kodiak, Dolomite, and SatLayer. These markets enabled Bitcoin restakers to optimize their yields while helping dApps secure sustainable liquidity.

Throughout the campaign, Bedrock’s liquidity markets attracted $86.57 million in TVL. To further drive participation, they offered an average APY of 8.99% and distributed 75 million Bedrock Diamonds.

Among Bedrock’s most successful initiatives was the uniBTC Berachain Vault, which initially launched with a 500 BTC cap but quickly filled 86% within two weeks. Due to strong demand, the cap was raised to 1,000 BTC, and within days, it reached 75% capacity.

“The integration of Bedrock’s uniBTC markets within Boyco highlights the technical innovation driving the DeFi—particularly Bitcoin DeFi—ecosystem forward,” said Calvin Zhou, Core Contributor at Bedrock. “By leveraging automated vaults, restaking mechanisms, and cross-chain interoperability, Bedrock is enabling BTC liquidity to power Berachain’s next-generation DeFi ecosystem.”

Bedrock’s success in the Boyco campaign stemmed from its multi-layered reward system, user-friendly design, and seamless integration across Berachain. Participants earned incentives on both Ethereum Mainnet and Berachain, including 3x Bedrock Diamonds, 2x Cian Points, Babylon Points, FBTC Sparks, and partner rewards on Ethereum, as well as BERA tokens and additional bonuses from Kodiak, Dolomite, Goldilocks, and Beraborrow on Berachain.

Bedrock also featured a Swap & Deposit tool in its uniBTC Berachain Vault. Powered by Enso, this feature enables users to deposit USDC, USDT, DAI, or ETH, which were automatically swapped into BTC derivatives and deposited into the vault. Furthermore, Bedrock’s 30% referral bonus fueled community-driven growth, boosting engagement and participation across the board.

Bedrock’s Expanding Footprint in the Berachain Ecosystem

The Boyco campaign is just one part of Bedrock’s larger role within Berachain’s DeFi landscape. As the most active Liquid Restaking Token (LRT) protocol, Bedrock has driven strong user engagement and adoption of uniBTC.

As of February 3, 2025, Bedrock recorded a TVL of 385.72 uniBTC, 29,839 holders, and 213,319 transactions.

What Sets Bedrock Apart?

Bedrock’s impact in the Boyco campaign and the Berachain ecosystem is driven by a combination of cutting-edge innovation, strong community engagement, and institutional-grade reliability. For instance, Bedrock’s Diamonds Rewards Program and Referral Program ensure that users are rewarded for participation, strengthening long-term engagement.

Additionally, Bedrock introduced a new paradigm in the Bitcoin DeFi segment called BTCFi 2.0, marked with the launch of brBTC, a unified Liquid Restaking Token (LRT) that eliminates liquidity fragmentation and optimizes Bitcoin-based yield strategies.

Furthermore, Bedrock places a strong emphasis on transparency and security. With reserves verified by Chainlink Proof of Reserve and data openly accessible on DeFiLlama, the protocol ensures financial integrity and trust among its users.

Beyond its innovations, Bedrock’s leadership team brings deep industry expertise. As a project founded by the RockX team, which manages $2.5 billion in assets, Bedrock has contributed to some of the most influential DeFi projects, including Lido, Obol, and SSV. This extensive experience reinforces Bedrock’s credibility and positions it as a driving force in the evolution of Bitcoin restaking within Berachain and beyond.

For more information, please contact lynn@rockx.com.

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