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Blue Chair Film Festival Returns to Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang will once again host its biennial film festival, previously known as the Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF), now rebranded as Blue Chair.  With a rich history of connecting regional filmmakers, supporting the Lao domestic film industry, and presenting a free, curated selection of contemporary Southeast Asian film, Blue Chair has been a force in the region for more than 12 years.

This year’s festival is officially scheduled to take place from 5-9 December, across three different venues in the city. As is customary, the entire five-day event will be free-of-charge and completely open to the public for attendance, with the full program schedule to be available as a downloadable app for easy accessibility. In addition to the films presented, this year’s festival will include panels and discussions, live evening performances, as well as special screenings and discussions around these additions.

The visual theme of this year’s festival will feature the iconic gecko as a regional mascot, paying homage to the rich biodiversity of Laos.

Blue Chair Film Festival flyer 2024. (Supplied)

As always, official selections for the program were made by filmmakers and critics from across Southeast Asia and represent a curated selection of the finest contemporary films from their respective nations. This year, Blue Chair expects to showcase a slate of films from at least 10 of 11 regional countries, including Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, Brunei, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. By working with regional expert curators with an inside understanding of their communities’ film scenes, Blue Chair presents a unique program that consistently delivers some of the strongest voices from across the region.

Once again, filmmakers will join in-person for the event. Blue Chair has become well-known as a unique forum for regional professionals to network internationally and exchange diverse ideas and experiences.

Founded in 2009, Blue Chair, originally known as the LPFF, is an annual celebration of Southeast Asian cinema held in Luang Prabang, Laos. This not-for-profit initiative promotes cross-cultural dialogue and supports the Lao film industry through cultural events, educational activities, and the Lao Filmmakers Fund, which offers grants to help Lao artists realize their film projects.

Among the festival’s supporters this year are The Asia Foundation, Heinrich Böll Stiftung Southeast Asia, Laos Buffalo Dairy, and EXO Travel. The event is produced in collaboration with the Luang Prabang Department of Culture, Information, and Tourism. Longtime hotel partners across Luang Prabang are also supporting the event, in addition to local businesses, community organizations and individual donors. Blue Chair is also a fiscally sponsored project of Film Independent, a US-based non-profit independent media arts organization.


Information provided by Blue Chair Film Festival

LOCA MINI Transforms Urban Mobility in Laos

Loca Mini. Photo supplied.
LOCA MINI is transforming urban mobility in Laos with its launch of a sleek, all-electric, and highly affordable ride-hailing service. This compact vehicle is not just a new addition to LOCA’s fleet but a revolutionary step towards sustainable transportation.

JustMarkets Nominated for UF AWARDS APAC 2024


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 August 2024 – A globally recognized multi-asset broker, JustMarkets is honored to be valued by clients and experts in the field and has been nominated for the prestigious UF AWARDS APAC 2024. This nomination is a testament to the company’s dedication and hard work in the online trading industry, as recognized on such a prominent platform.

JustMarkets UF Awards 2024

The UF AWARDS APAC highlights outstanding achievements in the fintech and online trading sectors, providing traders and businesses with industry examples of the best companies to trade and do business with. The shortlist of nominees is based on customer experience and partner feedback, which inspires JustMarkets to strive for higher standards and expand our offerings to meet the diverse needs of traders worldwide.

JustMarkets invites everyone to support and vote from 26.08 to 06.09 at the UF AWARDS APAC 2024:https://uf-awards.com/apac2024/

Let’s achieve this milestone together.

Hashtag: #JustMarkets #UFAwards #APAC #2024







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

JustMarkets

JustMarkets is a globally recognized multi-asset broker providing reliable and transparent trading services since 2012. The company has earned over 50 industry awards, highlighting its excellence in the financial sector. JustMarkets offers a diverse array of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, metals, energies, and cryptocurrencies, serving clients in over 160 countries.

The company is renowned for its competitive pricing, featuring low spreads and zero commissions. JustMarkets caters to both new and experienced traders by providing a wide range of services designed to enhance their trading experience.

Vizzio Technologies Awarded World’s First Patent for GeoSpatial 3D Mapping Using Satellite Images and AI


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 August 2024 – Vizzio Technologies Pte Ltd has been awarded a groundbreaking patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), marking a significant milestone in the field of 3D city mapping. This world-first patent recognises Vizzio Technologies for its innovative integration of 2D satellite imagery and state-of-the-art AI technology to produce highly detailed and geometrically accurate 3D city models.

Vizzio Technologies - First Patent for GeoSpatial 3D Mapping

The patent, granted exclusively to Vizzio Technologies, encompasses 15 novel methods and claims that outline their unique process of converting 2D satellite images into comprehensive 3D city models. This pioneering technology eliminates the need for drones or planes, establishing a new benchmark for 3D city mapping. It represents a pivotal component of Vizzio’s AI modelling pipeline, setting a new standard in the industry.

In addition to this landmark patent, Vizzio Technologies has also received a second patent, further solidifying its position as a leader in advanced 3D mapping technologies. The second patent underscores Vizzio’s commitment to delivering precise and photorealistic digital twins of urban environments. This capability was exemplified by Vizzio’s recent project where the entire city of Bahrain, covering 785 square kilometres, was modelled in under one month, demonstrating the efficiency and accuracy of their technology.

The combination of these patents signifies a major advancement for Vizzio Technologies, enabling the company to offer LIVE 3D real-time digital twins through their Polytron.AI platform. This technology enhances various applications, including urban planning, environmental sustainability, and defence. Vizzio’s innovations effectively merge physical and virtual worlds, creating a unified solution for diverse real-world applications.

These achievements by Vizzio Technologies not only highlight their past successes but also set the stage for future innovations and collaborations. The patents are a testament to Vizzio’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of 3D city mapping and digital twin technology.
Hashtag: #VizzioTechnologies #POLYTRON.AI #AITechnology #3DMapping


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

Vizzio Technologies

Vizzio Technologies leads the world in creating detailed 3D city models using satellite imagery and AI. We produce immersive digital twins of cities globally, integrating multi-resolution data and machine learning for real-time insights and modelling. Established in 2020, we have mapped over 1 million square kilometres of urban space, filed 34 patents, and saved 75% of time compared to traditional methods. Our goal is to deliver dimensionally accurate, photorealistic digital twins for every city on Earth, supporting a range of applications from urban planning to security.

International Big Data Industry Expo Opens in Southwest China


GUIYANG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 August 2024 – The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2024 opened on Wednesday in Guiyang, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, attracting over 21,000 guests and 414 domestic and international companies to participate.

People walk outside the venue of the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2024 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province
People walk outside the venue of the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2024 in Guiyang, southwest China’s Guizhou Province

“After a decade of development, the expo has emerged as a crucial platform in the country’s data field, leading innovation trends, showcasing industry achievements and promoting opening-up and cooperation,” Liu Liehong, head of the National Data Administration, said at the opening ceremony.

This year’s expo, themed “Smart Digital Technology Shapes Thriving Digital Economy,” spans an exhibition area of 60,000 square meters and consists of six main sections.

The expo’s participants include domestic industry leaders such as Huawei, Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu and JD.com, as well as 77 overseas companies from over 30 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany and Canada.

The companies will showcase their cutting-edge digital technologies, solutions, and innovative applications across various fields.

Over 90 activities, including 25 industry exchange events, are expected to be held on the sidelines of the expo that will run through Friday.

Hashtag: #ChinaInternationalBigDataIndustryExpo2024

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

YesAsia Holdings 2024 Interim Net Profit Rises Sixfold to US$11.1 Million Total Revenue Up by 80.2% to US$163.35 Million

Sustaining Momentum Fueled by Robust Global Demand for K-Beauty Products

Results Highlights
  • Revenue and net profit grew 80.2% to US$163.35 million and 610.6% year-on-year to US$11.1 million respectively, hitting first-half year historical high
  • Revenue from beauty products, in particular Korean beauty (“K-Beauty”) products, increased 113.9% to US$149.4 million, contributing 91.4% of the Group’s total revenue
  • While the US remained as the largest market, European Union became the largest contributor to the revenue growth of the Group with a growth rate of 114.1%; sales in the EU contributed 30.5% to the Group’s revenue, reaching US$49.8 million
  • The Middle East and Latin America also demonstrated strong growth momentum, with growth rate of 204.0% and 587.1%, reaching US$9.7 million and US$5.2 million, respectively
  • The Business-to-Customer (B2C) YesStyle Platforms recorded revenue of US$125.1 million, up 75.1%, contributing 76.6% of the Group’s total revenue and ranked as No.1 most visit website for Asian beauty products in many major overseas markets
  • The Business-to-Business (B2B) platform AsianBeautyWholesale continued its rapid growth trajectory, with revenue up by 112.1% to US$37.0 million, contributing 22.6% of the Group’s total revenue
  • The YesStyle Influencer Program exhibited robust growth, with approximately 365,000 unique influencers across various social media platforms, as at the end of June 2024, contributing 27.2% of revenue to YesStyle Platforms

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 August 2024 – YesAsia Holdings Limited (“YesAsia Holdings”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) (stock code: 2209), a leading e-commerce platform operator recognized for its expertise in identifying and procuring quality Asian beauty and lifestyle products, today announced its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2024 (the “Period” or “1H 2024”).

For 1H 2024, the Group recorded historical high first-half revenue of US$163.35 million, up by 80.2%, mainly driven by the rise in sales of beauty products via the YesStyle and AsianBeautyWholesale platforms. Gross profit rose by 78.1% to approximately US$50.2 million and gross profit margin was 30.7%. As a result, profit for the Period reached US$11.1 million, an increase of 610.6%, and net profit margin steadily improved by 5.1 percentage points to reach 6.8%. The basic earnings per share was US2.80 cents (1H2023: US0.39 cent).

Enhance K-Beauty Portfolio with Expanded Offerings

Beauty products were the primary source of revenue for the Group in the Period, with revenue doubling that in the same period last year to US$149.4 million, accounting for 91.4% of the Group’s total revenue. Also, the Group onboarded few more prestigious brands, Mamonde and B.READY under Amorepacific Corporation, CARE PLUS under CJ Olive Young Corporation, plus Belief and CNP Laboratory under LG Household & Health Care. In addition, the Group became the exclusive distributor of a well-known K-Beauty brand — Too Cool for School, in the US market, operating across both B2C and B2B channels. Positioned as an authorized distributor of 466 K-Beauty brands for global B2B and B2C channels, the Group has strengthened its position as a premier destination for capturing a burgeoning consumer base, as well as for overseas enterprises to seek high-quality Asian beauty products to grow their business.

Unlock Global Growth through Innovative Digital Marketing Initiatives

During the Period, US remained the largest market of the Group, accounting for 35.4% of the Group’s total revenue and a growth rate of 42.4% as compared to the Prior Period. Meanwhile, European Union recorded a high growth rate of 114.1%, with revenue reaching US$49.8 million, contributing 30.5% of the Group’s total revenue, followed by United Kingdom at 7.2% and Canada at 6.0%. The enlarging market share of the Group was partly attributable to its innovative digital marketing strategy leveraging influencers for the B2C platform starting in 2022. With the total number of unique influencers increasing, revenue generated from influencer referrals during the Period amounted to US$33.9 million, up by 115.2%, contributing 27.2% of the B2C platform’s revenue.

Currently, the Group’s B2C platform tops in traffic among Asian beauty shopping platforms in major overseas markets, such as the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.[1] To cater to a wider geographical distribution of customers, YesStyle is available in a variety of languages, including Chinese, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch. In addition, the Arabic language website was launched in August 2024. Meanwhile, partnering with influencers, who share the same characteristics of the target K-Beauty product customer group, across various platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, has not only elevated the market dominance of the Group’s B2C platform, but also increased its global exposure cost-effectively.

Meet Surging Customer Demand with an Additional Logistic Hub

In addition to the current autonomous mobile robotics (AMR) warehouse and fulfillment center in Hong Kong, the Group also established three overseas warehouses in the US, the UK and Germany for its B2B channel. To keep pace with the booming K-Beauty market, the Group is expanding its fulfillment capacity with a second AMR warehouse at the Mapletree Logistics Hub in Hong Kong, which will commence operations in Q1 2025. Drawing on the proven experience of the current fulfillment center, the new highly-automated facility will enable the Group to increase operational efficiency and fulfillment capacity with relatively less manpower, thereby satisfying rapidly growing customer demand across its e-commerce platforms.

Mr. Joshua Lau, Founder, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, said: “YesAsia Holdings is deeply honored to have the trust of many K-Beauty brand partners and is delighted that, during the Period, thanks largely to those partnerships, we made historical high first-half year revenue and profits. The Group has entered the expansion phase, not only capable of reaching to new promising markets via our B2C platforms and bolster the strength of our digital marketing strategy through the influencer program, but is also opening the door through its B2B platform for more overseas companies to harness the global surge in demand for K-Beauty products. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our vision to be ‘the go-to e-commerce gateway for leading Asian brand partners seeking to reach a global audience’, and will continue to strengthen our competitive brand portfolio, digital marketing strategy and fulfillment capabilities, so as to return value to our stakeholders in the long run.”


[1] Global Online Retailing Industry Independent Market Research by Frost & Sullivan in 2023. Traffic includes both Web and App traffic.

Hashtag: #YesAsia #YesAsiaHoldings

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

About YesAsia Holdings Limited (stock code: 2209)

Established in 1997, YesAsia Holdings is a leading e-commerce platform operator recognized for its expertise in identifying and procuring quality Asian beauty, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment products. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the Group deliver products promptly and efficiently to a global audience through its strong ties with over 400 leading Asian beauty brand and supplier partners. The Group operates three major e-commerce platforms: YesStyle, an e-commerce B2C platform for serving the increasingly popular Asian beauty, fashion and lifestyle products, particularly Korean beauty products; AsianBeautyWholesale, a B2B platform for Asian beauty products; and YesAsia, an e-commerce retail platform for entertainment products. Effective at the close on 30 August 2024, YesAsia Holdings will be included as a constituent in the MSCI Hong Kong Micro Cap Index.

For more information, please visit the Group’s official website:

Global broker Octa ponders on upcoming U.S. election and its potential market impact


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 August 2024 – As the U.S. presidential elections approach, global financial markets brace for potential turbulence. Global broker Octa looks at the historical correlation between U.S. elections and stocks, gold, and the U.S. dollar.

Octa

Economy

The relationship between the party affiliations of the U.S. presidents and economic growth has been a topic of extensive research and debate. Historically, some studies have suggested a correlation between the party in power and economic performance. For instance, data from the post-World War II era often shows that the U.S. economy has grown faster under Democratic presidents than Republican presidents. However, this correlation does not necessarily imply causation.

Kar Yong Ang, the Octa analyst, said: ‘Economic growth is a function of numerous variables, including global economic conditions, technological advancements, fiscal and monetary policies, and unforeseen events like natural disasters or pandemics. Therefore, attributing economic performance solely to the president’s party affiliation can be overly simplistic and potentially misleading.’

Indeed, the legislative branch also plays a crucial role in shaping economic policy. A president’s ability to implement their economic agenda often depends on the composition of Congress. For example, a president facing a divided government may struggle to pass significant economic reforms, regardless of party affiliation.

Still, there is widespread belief that Democratic administrations tend to focus more on fiscal stimulus and social welfare programs, which can boost consumer spending and economic growth in the short term. On the other hand, Republican administrations often emphasise tax cuts and deregulation, which can stimulate business investment and long-term economic growth.
At the same time, both bad and good events happen, regardless of who is in the White House. ‘Quite frankly, sometimes it’s just pure luck that defines Presidents’ track record on the economy. For example, Obama entered the White House when the U.S. economy was just about to start recovering following the great financial crisis of 2007–2008, whereas Trump may be said to be less fortunate as he faced the unprecedented Covid crisis during the final year of his presidency’, says Kar Yong Ang, Octa’s analyst. Overall, judging by historical macro indicators, there is no definite conclusion to make about which President is better for the economy.

U.S.Stocks
The U.S. stocks tend to experience increased volatility in the months leading up to an election. This is largely due to the uncertainty surrounding potential policy changes that could affect international trade, economic growth, and geopolitical stability. Therefore, market participants often engage in ‘wait-and-see’ behaviour, holding off on major investment decisions until the election outcome is clear. Historically, the stock market tends to perform better in the year following an election, particularly if the incumbent party wins, as this suggests policy continuity.

While elections can certainly stir immediate reactions, historical data reveals that their long-term impact on financial markets tends to be limited. Market performance over the medium to long term is more often influenced by broader economic parameters like inflation trends rather than who wins the election.

Historically, sectors like healthcare, energy, technology, and finance react differently to election results due to their sensitivity to legislative changes. The 2016 U.S. election serves as a notable example of markets reacting strongly to the election results, anticipating tax cuts and regulatory reforms that boosted market sentiment.

U.S. Dollar

Both domestic and international perceptions of the candidates’ economic policies influence the U.S. dollar’s performance during the election years. A candidate perceived as fiscally conservative might strengthen the dollar due to expectations of reduced government spending and lower inflation. Conversely, a candidate favouring expansive fiscal policies could lead to a weaker dollar due to concerns over increased debt.

Trade policies are another crucial factor. A candidate with a protectionist stance might introduce tariffs or renegotiate trade deals, which can affect the dollar’s value. Protectionist policies can lead to a stronger dollar in the short term due to reduced imports, but they might also result in retaliatory measures from trade partners, which could weaken the dollar in the long run.

Geopolitical stability and foreign relations are additional aspects that can affect the dollar during the election periods. A candidate perceived as more stable and predictable in foreign policy might boost the investors’ confidence, leading to a stronger dollar. On the other hand, a candidate whose policies are seen as potentially destabilizing could lead to a weaker dollar as investors seek alternative assets.

Over the past 20 years, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) has performed better under Democratic Presidents and had negative returns under Republican leadership. However, as with the U.S. stock indices, it’s crucial not to oversimplify this trend. The U.S. dollar is a global reserve currency influenced by a myriad of factors beyond just presidential policies.

Gold

Gold, considered a safe-haven asset, typically sees increased demand during election periods marked by uncertainty. Historical data indicates that on a micro level, gold prices tend to rise in the months leading up to an election and may continue to do so if the election results are contested or lead to significant policy shifts. However, Kar Yong Ang, an Octa analyst, notes: ‘If we look at the bigger picture, we see that gold price just generally tends to increase in the long-term and the ideological stance of an incumbent U.S. President has very little or no impact on its performance’. Indeed, the value of gold almost doubled during President Obama’s first term in office but experienced a 30% decline during his second term.

According to a study by the World Gold Council (WGC), gold typically performs slightly better in the six months leading up to a Republican president’s election and stays flat afterwards. On the other hand, it tends to underperform before a Democratic president’s election and performs just below its long-term average in the six months post-election period. However, WGC admits that these results are statistically insignificant and that gold is responding not to the party affiliation of an elected President but, more likely, to the expected effect of specific policies.
Hashtag: #Octa

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

Octa

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

VinFast in the Middle East: A Sprint Start, Marathon Finish

VinFast is striving for a first-mover advantage in the Middle East’s nascent EV market, aiming to establish early brand recognition and customer loyalty, paving the way for long-term success in the region.


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire 29 August 2024 – The race to dominate the electric vehicle market has begun, and VinFast, a subsidiary of Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerates, is sprinting to the front.

VinFast EV manufacturing complex in Hai Phong, Vietnam
VinFast EV manufacturing complex in Hai Phong, Vietnam

The company’s founder, Pham Nhat Vuong, once declared, “The growth of electric vehicles will be inevitable,” underscoring VinFast’s resolute belief in the electric future. This conviction has been the cornerstone of the company’s strategy, propelling it into a global race where establishing a foothold in emerging markets is paramount.

In the still-young EV landscape, the even younger car company has moved at a breakneck pace into multiple markets, impressing even TIME magazine enough to include it in their Top 100 Most Influential Companies of 2024. VinFast has now established its presence in various international regions, including Asia, North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

VinFast’s selection of the Middle East as one of its key markets is intriguing, considering the region’s historical dependence on fossil fuels and a track record not typically associated with environmental consciousness. However, this decision unveils VinFast’s underlying approach: sprinting to the starting line to secure a first-mover advantage in a nascent market, cultivating strong brand recognition, and then transitioning into a marathon towards the finish line.

This strategy is particularly well-suited for emerging markets like the Middle East, where established competition is scarce but a growing demand for EVs exists. The Middle East, with its affluent population and growing interest in sustainable technologies, presents a fertile ground for VinFast’s expansion. For instance, the region’s EV market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.9% by 2028, according to 6Wresearch. The UAE alone aims to have 30% of its vehicles be electric by 2030, and Saudi Arabia has set an ambitious target of 30% EV adoption in Riyadh by 2030.

VinFast’s diverse range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses caters to the varied needs and preferences of consumers in the region. Moreover, the company’s emphasis on smart technology, coupled with a commitment to inclusive pricing, positions it as an attractive option for Middle Eastern consumers who are increasingly looking for alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

It seems that with each passing day, VinFast’s approach gains further validation as the competitive landscape in the Middle East becomes increasingly dynamic. Global brands are expanding their EV lineups in the region, local brands are emerging, and government support for EVs in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia is growing. These developments are making the market even more attractive to both local and international players.

By moving fast and first, VinFast is positioning itself to be ahead of the curve. The company’s early entry allows it to establish a foothold before the market becomes crowded, giving it the time to build brand recognition and customer trust.

The road ahead is long, but VinFast’s strategic marathon has begun, and the company is moving with determination. As the Middle Eastern EV market evolves, the company is well-positioned to reap the rewards of its early investments, solidifying its presence and brand recognition. The EV industry is not just about speed but also about endurance, and VinFast is preparing for both.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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