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Free Cervical Cancer Vaccinations Soon Available at Lao Hospitals

Free Cervical Cancer Vaccinations Soon Available at Lao Hospitals
A school girl receives HPV vaccine in Vientiane, Laos (photo credit: UNICEF Laos)

Hospitals across Laos are set to offer free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to girls aged 10 to 14 to prevent cervical cancer as part of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s global initiative to eradicate the virus. The nationwide campaign is scheduled to begin in October.

Joint Organ Transplant Surgery Marks Milestone in Laos’s Healthcare

103 Military Hospital of the Lao People’s Army

On 23 August, a landmark organ transplant surgery was successfully carried out at Military Hospital 103 in Vientiane, Laos. This achievement was the result of a collaborative effort between Lao and Vietnamese surgeons, marking the progress in Laos’s healthcare and strengthening the bond between the two nations.

Cambodia to Sign Double Taxation Agreements with Laos, Philippines

Cambodia to Sign Double Taxation Agreements with Laos, Philippines
Cambodia plans to sign Double Taxation Agreements with Several nations

Cambodia is set to sign double taxation agreements (DTAs) with Laos and the Philippines, following the completion of essential technical procedures, according to Cambodian media.

DFI Retail Group Celebrates the Success of Cross-Company Diversity Internship Programme


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 August 2024 – As part of DFI Retail Group’s (DFI) efforts to foster diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), DFI is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its Cross-Company Diversity Summer Internship Programme. This 5-week programme provides students from underrepresented backgrounds with real-life work experiences and robust network, to deepen their knowledge in different industries and help their career path in the future. Additionally, the initiative underscores the Group’s strategic focus on creating a more inclusive and respectful workplace whilst retaining and attracting top-tier talent.

Group photo at the closing ceremony of the
Group photo at the closing ceremony of the “Diversity Internship Programme”

Cultivating Diverse Talents to Drive Innovation
The programme welcomed five talented students from diverse backgrounds, who participated in a unique rotational structure across DFI Retail Group, Hongkong Land, and Maxim’s Group. This expansive exposure allowed them to gain hands-on experience across various functions, including Finance, Marketing, Commercial, Corporate Social Responsibility, and People & Culture. Their unique cultural perspectives contributed significantly to enhancing team collaboration and problem-solving capabilities.

Strategic Importance
Ms. Joy Xu, Group Chief People & Culture Officer at DFI Retail Group, emphasised the programme’s strategic importance, “The Diversity Internship Programme is a key part of that broader DE&I efforts and marks a significant step in our journey. We are committed to making deep, systemic investments to foster a truly inclusive culture, and focused on sustainable changes in recruiting early-stage talent from underrepresented groups. I’m confident that through programmes like this, we can continue to make progress towards our DE&I goals and build a workforce that brings diverse perspectives to drive innovation and better meet the needs of our customers.”

Participating Student Experiences and Achievements

  • Angel Zeng, a student in biochemistry at The University of Hong Kong, explored new career possibilities within Maxim’s Group, Hongkong Land, and IKEA Hong Kong. She expressed her gratitude, stating, “This internship allowed me to delve into the corporate world, revealing potential career paths I hadn’t considered before.”
  • Jude Azuro, a fourth-year Finance student at the Hong Kong Baptist University, found his niche despite initial hesitations, “While I initially had doubts on my limited professional experience, I was thrilled to see meaningful and significant impact of my contributions.”
  • Preeti Kaur, from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, actively participated in the Wellcome Marketing team. She shared, “Not only did I contribute to work tasks, I also felt genuinely integrated into the team culture, which included team-building activities with my colleagues.”

Closing Ceremony and Future Prospects
The programme’s success was celebrated at a closing ceremony held in DFI Store Support Centre, attended by interns and representatives from partnering companies. Ms. Natalie Wu, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility from Hongkong Land and Ms. Emmeline Tse, Senior Partner, Talent Acquisition from Maxim’s Group expressed their excitement to be a part of this meaningful programme. Witnessing the growth and dedication of the students, both expressed intention to expand it to involve more students next year.

DFI’s Ongoing Commitment to DE&I
DFI is greatly committed to promoting DE&I from within and creating pathways for diverse talent to grow and thrive in the company. In addition to the endorsement of the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), DFI aims to increase women representation in leadership roles to 40%, thereby enhancing gender diversity. Complementing these strategic goals, DFI has rolled out a wide range of ongoing workshops and training programs, achieving high participation from leaders to broader team members, further exemplifying its dedication to creating a truly inclusive workplace.

Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #DFI #diversity #DE&I #retail #internship


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

About DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group (the ‘Group’) is a leading pan-Asian retailer. The Group provides quality and value to Asian consumers by offering leading brands, a compelling retail experience and great service; all delivered through a strong store network supported by efficient supply chains.

The Group (including associates and joint ventures) operates under a number of well-known brands across food, convenience, health and beauty, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailing.

Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad Operating Profit Rise 60.4%, Boosts 1H24 Earnings


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 August 2024 – Malaysia’s leading independent investment bank, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“Kenanga” or “The Group“) today announced stronger earnings for the period ended 30 June 2024 (“1H24“).

Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad
Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad

Revenue for 1H24 rose by 18.3% to RM447.3 million from RM378.1 million, while profit before tax (“PBT“) increased by 13.1% to RM40.5 million from RM35.8 million in the preceding year. This improved performance is primarily due to a 60.4% increase in operating profit and share of profit from associates. Net profit stood at RM32.2 million, reflecting an 18.8% growth from 1H23.

In line with the improved trading volumes on the local bourse, the Group’s Stockbroking division PBT surged nearly three-folds to RM13.6 million in 1H24, from RM4.7 million in the corresponding period. Its revenue also reported robust growth, rising 38.4% from RM142.4 million to RM197.1 million in 1H24, driven by higher trading and investment income, as well as brokerage fee income. Additionally, the division maintained strong retail market share of 24.8%, demonstrating its continued presence and competitiveness in the market.

For the period 1H24, the Group’s Asset and Wealth Management division reported higher revenue of RM118.5 million, while PBT stood at RM11.6 million, impacted by lower management and performance fees income, as well as higher credit loss expense. Its AUA demonstrated a steady growth, increasing by 12.9% to RM23.6 billion against the same period last year.

For the Group’s Listed Derivatives business, the segment reported a 10.8% increase in revenue to RM13.3 million for 1H24 compared to RM12.0 million in the corresponding period. The growth is attributed to higher commission and interest income generated as a result of higher trading activities in the derivatives space. Mirroring this, its PBT jumped 18.8% year-on-year to RM3.8 million.

The Group’s Investment Banking division registered higher revenue of RM121.2 million, reflecting an 11.8% increase from the RM108.4 million reported in 1H23, attributed to higher investment banking fees income, as well as trading and investment income. Lower interest income and credit loss expenses resulted in a loss before tax of RM3.0 million for the division.

“Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we anticipate surpassing last year’s performance, driven by improving economic conditions and increased volumes on Bursa Malaysia,” said Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad.

“Amidst recent market volatility and geopolitical tensions, vigilant risk management and prudent credit management have been key to strengthening our resilience. With over five decades of capital market expertise and experience behind us, we are well-positioned to navigate challenges, capitalise on emerging opportunities, and sustain our growth momentum to continue delivering long-term shareholder value,” concluded Datuk Chay.

Earlier last week, Kenanga launched KDi GO, Malaysia’s newest wealth management app that integrates a spectrum of financial services into a seamless ecosystem. This launch marks another milestone in Kenanga’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients. KDi GO is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For more information, visit https://getkdigo.com.

Hashtag: #Kenanga

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

Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (197301002193 (15678-H))

Established for over 50 years, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“The Group“) is a financial group in Malaysia with extensive experience in equity broking, investment banking, treasury, Islamic banking, listed derivatives, investment management, wealth management, structured lending and trade financing.

An innovative and established home-grown brand, the Group’s digital ambition includes building a robust digital ecosystem that meets the needs of its clients and businesses. Some of its game-changing products include Malaysia’s fully online digital stockbroking platform Rakuten Trade and a fully A.I. robo-advisor, Kenanga Digital Investing. The Group also launched Malaysia’s first securities broking e-wallet, Kenanga Money, paved the way in AI-led Quan and algorithmic trading, kick-started a revolutionary supply chain financing solution for SMEs and made inroads into the digital assets space through its investment in Tokenize Technology (M) Sdn.Bhd.

The Group has garnered a host of awards and accolades reflecting its strong market position. It was awarded Highest Returns to Shareholder Over Three Years, Highest Growth in Profit After Tax Over Three Years and Highest Return on Equity Over Three Years by The Edge Malaysia Centurion Club in the Financial Services Category, Best Overall Equities Participating Organisation (Champion), Best Retail Equities Participating Organisation – Investment Bank (Champion), and Best Online Retail Participating Organisation (Champion), as well as Best Overall Derivatives Trading Participant (Champion), Best Trading Participant Commodity Derivatives (Champion), and Best Institutional Derivatives Trading Participant (Champion) in the Bursa Excellence Awards 2023. The Group was also accorded the title of Best Educational Initiative Award at the SRP Asia Pacific Awards 2023 and was recognised for Most Innovative Use of Technology at the FinanceAsia Awards 2024.

The Group continues to be a regular and repeat recipient of distinguished industry accolades, such as the Lipper, Fundsupermart and Morningstar awards. Rakuten Trade, Malaysia’s first fully digital securities broker in 2017 via a joint venture with Japanese fintech giant Rakuten Securities Inc was also named Malaysia’s Digital Experience of the Year – Brokerage at the Asian Experience Awards 2022. The Group is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principle-based approach to responsible business and is one of the highest scoring constituents in the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index.

Today, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad is an award-winning leading independent investment bank in the country with a continuous commitment towards driving collaboration, innovation, digitalisation and sustainability in the marketplace.

This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group’s Marketing, Communications & Sustainability Department.

An Ideal Wedding Destination: Vinpearl’s Blend of Nature and Luxury


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 August 2024 – Vietnam’s captivating blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and world-class hospitality has made it a prime destination for Indian tourists seeking a luxurious escape. Vinpearl, renowned for its innovative approach and rapid development, is ideally positioned to capitalize on this growing trend. As Vietnam’s tourism industry continues to thrive, Vinpearl’s role as a leading real estate developer becomes increasingly pivotal in solidifying the country’s reputation as a premier destination for travelers.

Vinpearl Resort and Spa Ha Long
Vinpearl Resort and Spa Ha Long

In a testament to Vietnam’s burgeoning appeal as a luxury travel destination, over 4,500 employees of Indian billionaire Dilip Shanghvi’s company, Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Limited, descended upon the Southeast Asian nation for a company-sponsored vacation.

The extravagant trip underscores Vietnam’s growing allure among India’s wealthy elite. In recent years, the country has witnessed a surge in high-profile weddings and events hosted by Indian billionaires, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for discerning travelers.

Vietnam’s Luxury Tourism Comes of Age: Vinpearl’s Role in the Revolution

Vietnam’s breathtaking natural landscapes, coupled with world-class resort experiences like those offered by Vinpearl, are proving to be an irresistible combination for discerning travelers. This was exemplified recently when Vinpearl Resort and Spa Ha Long hosted a lavish Indian wedding that captured international attention.

Over 600 guests, including Indian billionaire Vivek Dinodiya, descended upon the resort for the three-day celebration.The event showcased the resort’s ability to seamlessly blend luxurious amenities with the awe-inspiring beauty of Ha Long Bay.

Following the wedding festivities, the VIP guests embarked on a tour of the region, exploring the iconic landmarks and natural wonders of Ha Long Bay and Ha Long City.

In just a decade, the northern Vietnamese province of Quang Ninh has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, transitioning from a brown economy to a thriving tourism hub. This transformation has not only elevated Quang Ninh to the status of the region’s tourism capital but has also catapulted it onto the international stage with a successful track record of hosting major events.

Among the province’s crown jewels is Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long, a pioneering seaside resort offering luxury and natural beauty. Nestled upon three private beaches, the resort boasts expansive outdoor amenities, including a 1,200-square-meter swimming pool. The spacious rooms, each with a private balcony, provide guests with breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay and the city below.

Vinpearl’s influence extends far beyond Quang Ninh. Backed by billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong’s Vingroup, the resort chain operates 45 properties across 17 Vietnamese provinces, underscoring its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to guests nationwide.

The saga of Vinpearl began in 2001 when Vuong, returning from his entrepreneurial triumphs in Ukraine, recognized the untapped potential of Hon Tre Island in Nha Trang. After an intensive 18-month construction period, Vinpearl Nha Trang opened its doors in 2003, answering the doubters with its luxurious offerings. This 5-star resort marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would transform Vietnam’s tourism landscape.

Beyond Luxury: How Vinpearl is Fueling Vietnam’s Tourist Boom

With a clear investment strategy and a keen eye on global resort trends, Vinpearl rapidly expanded its presence across Vietnam. In less than a decade, the company had established a network of premier resorts, amusement parks, and entertainment complexes, each a testament to Vingroup’s commitment to excellence.

Vinpearl’s projects have consistently set new standards in the industry, impressing visitors with their scale, quality, and rapid development.

Vinpearl’s portfolio has expanded significantly over the years, now encompassing 45 accommodation establishments with over 18,500 rooms and villas, 3 theme parks and 2 amusement parks, 2 parks to preserve and care for semi-wild animals, and 4 golf courses. This diverse range of offerings caters to the needs of all travelers, from romantic couples seeking a secluded getaway to adventurous families and business professionals seeking a productive yet inspiring environment.

Vinpearl’s commitment to customer satisfaction has been a hallmark of its success. Even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, which devastated the tourism industry, Vinpearl demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. The company emerged from the crisis stronger than ever, achieving a rapid and full recovery. In 2023 alone, Vinpearl welcomed nearly 742,000 visitors to its resorts and conference facilities.

The allure of a destination favored by the world’s wealthiest individuals extends far beyond mere consumer spending.These high-net-worth individuals are often keen on investment opportunities, contributing significantly to the local economy. For Vietnam, attracting such clientele, particularly for milestone events like weddings, offers immense potential for economic growth.

Vietnam boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality. Its cultural proximity to India has also made it a popular choice for Indian tourists seeking to combine luxury travel with opportunities for diplomatic and economic engagement.

Vinpearl, with its reputation for innovation and rapid development, is well-positioned to capitalize on this growing trend. As the country’s tourism industry continues to flourish, Vinpearl’s role as a leading real estate enterprise becomes increasingly pivotal in shaping Vietnam’s future as a premier destination for discerning travelers.

Hashtag: #Vinpearl

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

Vietnam, Laos Strengthen Military Ties During High-Level Visit

Vietnam, Laos Strengthen Military Ties During High-Level Visit
General Secretary and State President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, Sr. Lt. Gen. Trinh Van Quyet and the VPA high-ranking political delegation in a joint photo. (Photo credit: People's Army Newspaper)

A high-ranking Vietnamese delegation visited Laos from 26-28 August with the objective of fortifying military relations and enhancing bilateral security cooperation. The visit was led by Trinh Van Quyet, a senior leader of the Vietnam People’s Army.

Dusit Hotels and Resorts and Generatorand Freehand Hotels enter strategic development partnership to boost global expansion in new markets

By leveraging each other’s strengths, both companies aim to break new ground and plant flags in destinations where they have yet to have a presence.


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 August 2024 – Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, and Generator and Freehand Hotels, an award-winning developer and operator of experiential hostels and boutique hotels in Europe and the USA, have entered a strategic partnership to synergise their development resources to pursue sustainable international growth for their respective brands.

This groundbreaking partnership marks an exciting new chapter in the growth trajectory of Dusit International and Generator and Freehand Hotels. Pictured (from left): Gilles Cretallaz, COO, Dusit International; Siradej Donavanik, VP – Global Development, Dusit International; Alastair Thomann, CEO, Generator and Freehand Hotels; and Anmol Bhojwani, Head of Development, Asia Pacific & Middle East, Generator and Freehand Hotels.
This groundbreaking partnership marks an exciting new chapter in the growth trajectory of Dusit International and Generator and Freehand Hotels. Pictured (from left): Gilles Cretallaz, COO, Dusit International; Siradej Donavanik, VP – Global Development, Dusit International; Alastair Thomann, CEO, Generator and Freehand Hotels; and Anmol Bhojwani, Head of Development, Asia Pacific & Middle East, Generator and Freehand Hotels.

Under the partnership, Generator and Freehand Hotels will leverage its extensive network and strengths in developing lifestyle hybrid accommodation models in the affordable lifestyle segment in Europe and the USA to seek opportunities to introduce Dusit Hotels and Resorts in key European destinations such as London, Paris, and Rome, and popular stateside destinations such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.

Similarly, Dusit Hotels and Resorts will leverage its presence in Asia and the Middle East to seek opportunities to introduce Generator and Freehand’s award-winning boutique hotel-hostel hybrid model in prime city destinations such as Bangkok, Manila, Kyoto, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, and renowned island retreats such as Phuket and Bali.

“It’s a real win-win situation for both companies,” said Mr Siradej Donavanik, VP – Global Development, Dusit International. “It broadens our development horizons without compromising our existing brand portfolios, allowing us to capitalise on prospects that might not align with our current brand offerings. We are delighted to collaborate with Generator and Freehand and look forward to breaking new ground with many exciting new signings ahead.”

Alongside its established brand lineup that includes Dusit Thani (luxury), dusitD2 (lifestyle/midscale), Dusit Princess (midscale), Dusit Suites (upscale/long stay), and ASAI Hotels (affordable lifestyle), Dusit also recently introduced two new brands, Devarana – Dusit Retreats (wellness luxury), and Dusit Collection (bespoke luxury). Generator and Freehand will explore development opportunities for all of these brands.

Mr Alastair Thomann, CEO, Generator and Freehand Hotels, said, “This groundbreaking partnership marks an exciting new chapter in the growth trajectory of our companies. Dusit’s unique blend of tradition and innovation aligns perfectly with our vision for delivering culturally rich experiences for inspired travellers worldwide.”

Dusit’s portfolio currently spans 18 countries and comprises 57 hotels operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 244 luxury villas under Elite Havens, the leading provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia, which Dusit acquired in 2018. More than 60 Dusit Hotels and Resorts are in the pipeline worldwide.

Generator and Freehand oversees a total of 21 global properties across Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, the UK, and North America.

Hashtag: #DusitThani #Bangkok

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

About Dusit Hotels and Resorts

is the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies. With a heartfelt belief and commitment to introducing Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world, Dusit Hotels and Resorts offers guests a uniquely special stay in high-style surroundings and a personalised approach to service. The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 18 countries worldwide.

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About Dusit International

Established in 1948, or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Dusit Estate, and Hospitality-Related Services.

Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

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About Generator

Founded in 1995, Generator is the leading boutique and lifestyle accommodation brand with a robust and growing portfolio across Dublin, London, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Berlin, Venice, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Rome, Madrid, Miami Beach, Washington D.C. and now New York. Pioneers of affordable lifestyle and masters of the social experience, all Generator properties have redefined their respective markets with design-forward room types from shared to private bedrooms, co-working and casual public areas, exceptional bars, cafes and a variety of private event spaces – from street facing to penthouse suites and roof tops. In March 2017, Queensgate Investments acquired Generator, cementing its reputation as a leader in hospitality. Generator has recently been awarded its first third-party management agreements for The Paramount Hotel in New York and Berlin Alexanderplatz and continues on an impressive growth trajectory.

Learn more on | @staygenerator

About Freehand Hotels

Freehand is a standout collection of beloved hotels operated by the trailblazing hospitality brand Generator that combine innovative design, award-winning food and beverage, and community spirit. Each Freehand location – across the US’s most vibrant cities New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami – takes its cues from its surrounding neighborhood, with spaces that are a microcosm of the best each city has to offer ensuring every experience at each Freehand property is completely one-of-a-kind. Acquired by London-based Queensgate Investments in 2019, Freehand and its award-winning renowned food and beverage concept, Broken Shaker, joins the trailblazing the globally revered, boutique Generator properties in offering affordable, design-centric accommodations – that include sophisticated yet comfortable private and shared rooms – alongside thoughtful communal spaces, and a lively, youth-driven social culture.

Learn more on | @freehandhotels

Generator and Freehand oversees a total of 21 global properties across Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, the UK, and North America.