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Beijing E-Town Accelerates the Construction of a National Robotics Industry Innovation Hub

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2024 – Recently, at the press conference for the 2024 World Robot Conference (WRC 2024), it was announced that Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA or Beijing E-Town) will focus on key segments of the industrial chain, intensify efforts in tackling critical technologies, implement 50 demonstration projects for application scenarios, launch a series of “Robotics+” application demonstrations, expand typical application scenarios, and accelerate the construction of a national robotics industry innovation hub.

“Technological breakthroughs are the driving force of industrial development,” said Wang Lei, a member of the Party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of BDA. Beijing E-Town is committed to supporting critical technological advancements, focusing on key segments of the robotics industry chain. It supports eco-friendly enterprises in collaborating with universities and research institutes to establish common technology platforms, enhancing the platforms’ capabilities in common technology research and application services. Additionally, Beijing E-Town supports upstream and downstream enterprises in the industrial chain in jointly tackling product challenges and building production lines, fostering simultaneous growth in various types of robots, including those for healthcare, special purposes, and logistics.

Particularly in the field of humanoid robots, E-Town is leveraging the leadership role of the “One Center”—the Embodied Intelligence Robotics Innovation Center—to establish a high-level innovation center. This center is supported in its collaboration with major research institutions and upstream and downstream enterprises in the industry chain, driving key technological breakthroughs in areas such as humanoid robot prototypes, general-purpose humanoid robot models, motion control systems, toolchains, open-source operating systems, and developer communities. In April of this year, the center released “Tiangong,” a self-developed general-purpose humanoid robot platform, and achieved the world’s first anthropomorphic running by a full-size, all-electric humanoid robot.

Wang Lei further explained that E-Town is focusing on expanding typical application scenarios, enabling the orderly deployment of robots across various industries and fields. It will implement 50 demonstration projects for application scenarios, launch a series of “Robotics+” application demonstrations, and accelerate the formation of iconic scenarios, services, models, and formats. This will drive the specific demonstration and application of robots in intelligent manufacturing, education, training, healthcare, elderly care, and safety emergency response scenarios.

Previously, E-Town released a plan to build a city-wide artificial intelligence hub, according to which it will launch the construction of ten benchmark application scenarios including “AI + Healthcare,” “AI + Transportation,” and “AI + Humanoid Robots,” and promote the incubation, city-wide application, and comprehensive empowerment of AI technologies.

Moreover, E-Town will also focus on promoting industrial clustering and strengthening the guarantee of key elements. “We are elevating the level of ‘One Park’ by leveraging the 250,000-square-meter E-Town Robotics Industrial Park to host key projects in the robotics field, attracting upstream and downstream ‘Robotics+’ enterprises to settle,” Wang Lei said. Additionally, E-Town will activate the roles of “One Fund,” “One Group of Platforms,” and “One Cluster of Talents,” such as establishing a 10-billion-yuan government-guided investment fund to support the continued development of robotics enterprises. The BDA will also establish high-level innovation platforms, and fully utilize urban renewal spaces and vacant industrial land to create a robotics industry expansion zone and meet the needs of large-scale production. Furthermore, E-Town will cultivate high-level industry talents, support leading robotics enterprises in enhancing industry-education integration, and enhance the training of highly skilled robotics talents.

Through a series of strategic deployments, E-Town is now home to over a hundred robotics ecosystem enterprises, half of which are specialized and innovative enterprises. It has attracted leading humanoid robot companies such as Ubtech and key robotics component companies like SMC, with a production scale nearing 10 billion yuan, accounting for about half of the city’s robotics industry. This has essentially formed a full robotics industry chain covering chips, operating systems, core components, complete machines, and application scenarios. “We will accelerate the construction of a domestically leading and internationally advanced robotics industry cluster, creating a ‘Beijing model’ for the innovation and development of the robotics industry,” Wang Lei stated.

Hashtag: #BeijingE-Town

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

Avenir Group Becomes Top Institutional Holder of Two Major Bitcoin ETFs in Asia Bitcoin ETF Holdings Totaled US$384 Million in Q2


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2024 – Avenir Group, a global institutional family office focused on multi-strategy investment trading powered by financial technology (FinTech), has become the largest institutional holder of two major Bitcoin exchange traded-funds (ETFs) in Asia in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024. According to its 13-F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on 2 August this year, Avenir Group’s cumulative investment in two Bitcoin ETFs amounted to approximately US$384 million, demonstrating its extensive and dedicated investment in emerging technologies, as well as its expertise and strong deployment in the crypto asset space.

Avenir Group Becomes Top Institutional Holder of Two Major Bitcoin ETFs in Asia Bitcoin ETF Holdings Totaled US$384 Million in Q2

According to the data released, Avenir Group holds a total of 3.847 million shares of the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), with an approximate market value of US$202 million, as well as 5.319 million shares of the BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), with an approximate market value of US$182 million.

Jason Lan, Chief Executive Officer of Avenir Crypto Business, commented, “We are optimistic about the long-term prospects of bitcoin and other crypto assets. As the U.S. enters a rate-cutting cycle and regulatory frameworks become clearer, it is expected that mainstream institutions will increase their presence in the crypto asset space, attracting more investors to enter the market quickly and share the benefits of its growth. This will further deepen the integration of blockchain with the traditional financial system. Avenir Group will continue to improve its risk management of crypto asset investments and expand the depth and breadth of its investment products through continuous investment and research, so as to better tap into and expand overseas markets and go global.”

Founded by Mr. Li Lin in 2023, Avenir Group is a pioneering institutional family office and investment management group dedicated to building an innovative, diversified and robust investment platform and ecosystem. Through the integration of financial technology, technology-driven investment methodologies in today’s digital assets and traditional financial systems, Avenir Group envisions to empower the industry by providing and developing more accurate investment strategies and better risk management capabilities. Avenir Group makes multi-strategy investments in the global marketplace, including public market investments, private equity and venture capital investments, in the traditional financial and digital asset sector. Avenir Group strives to maintain a leading position in the industry with deep insights and excellence in the Web3 and crypto asset space.

Public data from 13-F filings by major institutions reveal a growing enthusiasm for Bitcoin ETFs among mainstream financial institutions and pension funds in Q2. According to industry analysis, Bitcoin ETFs saw a 27% jump in acceptance by institutional investors in Q2 of 2024, bringing the total number of professional bodies holding these ETFs to more than 1,000. Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley together purchased over US$600 million of spot bitcoin ETFs in Q2, while pension funds also accelerated their participation, with the State of Michigan Retirement System purchasing US$6.6 million of spot bitcoin ETFs in Q2. Furthermore, a significant number of advisory firms, family offices, and select institutional investors are joining the race. The continued increase in Bitcoin ETF holdings by mainstream financial institutions and pension funds reflects the further integration of the emerging digital asset market with the traditional financial market, which will have a profound impact on the long-term development of the Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency market. Avenir Group is capitalizing on these new market opportunities by leveraging its investment expertise in blending the new with the traditional.

Hashtag: #AvenirGroup

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

About Avenir Group

Founded by Mr. Li Lin and inspired by the French word for “a better future,” Avenir Group is a pioneering institutional family office and investment management group dedicated to investing in emerging technologies through the financial technology innovation. With a global footprint in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, Avenir Group engages in an extensive range of multi-asset class, multi-strategy investments, including cryptocurrency trading, quantitative trading, public market investments, private equity, and venture capital in both traditional financial and digital asset sectors. Avenir Group strives to maintain a leading position in the industry with deep insights and excellence in the Web3 and crypto asset space.

Hong Kong Successfully Bids for the “Lions Clubs International Convention 2026” will attract a large number of visitors, expected to boost the local economy and promote intellectual exchange among international cities and GBA cities


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2024 – Hong Kong, as a leading international metropolitan city in Asia, has stood out among numerous candidate cities and been elected as the host city for the “Lions Clubs International Convention 2026.” This successful bid signifies Hong Kong’s high international reputation, with its outstanding attractions in transportation infrastructure, legal system, personal safety, and tourism facilities. As the coordinating body, Lions Clubs International, District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China will actively prepare over the next two years to welcome Lions and companions from around the world, showcasing Hong Kong’s unique charm as an international metropolis.

Group photo

“Lions Clubs International Convention” attracts a significant number of Lions and their families to the host city, directly stimulating local economic activities. Simultaneously, it promotes the spirit of “We Serve,” fostering a more harmonious society. Past host cities for the convention include Montreal, Canada; Milan, Italy; Fukuoka, Japan and Melbourne, Australia, among others.

Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages and convenient transportation links with cities in the Greater Bay Area, it is believed that aside from the five-day convention and events, many visiting tourists will seize the opportunity to explore nearby cities and gain deeper insights into their development.

One of the most anticipated events at the “Lions Clubs International Convention” is the grand parade, where Lions from around the world showcase local cultures in the city. In the past two conventions held in Hong Kong in 1992 and 2005, the city center was chosen for the parades, with enthusiastic participation from the citizens, making it a major event in Hong Kong.

Dr. Tam Wing-kun BBS MBE JP, Honorary Chairman, LCIcon2026 cum Past International President, Lions International: Hong Kong as a vital international hub can effectively connect exchanges worldwide

Dr. Tam Wing-kun, as the first and only Chinese former president of the Lions International, dedicated his life to promoting the spirit of “We Serve” to various parts of the world, especially mainland China. During his tenure, he actively promoted environmental awareness, encouraging Lions members globally to plant trees, resulting in the planting of seventeen million trees worldwide within a year. Dr. Tam also strongly advocated for the “Vision First China Action,” which to date has treated 5.2 million cataract patients domestically, assisted in eliminating blinding trachoma within the country, and trained over fifty thousand medical personnel across the nation, ensuring that knowledge and services are implemented in every corner of the motherland. Dr. Tam also devoted efforts to establish Lions Club organizations domestically, with over thirty-five thousand Lions Club members in China currently.

He stated, “Hong Kong is one of the very few among over 200 member countries and geographical areas that have had the opportunity to host the Lions International Convention three times. Hosting such conventions can bring various economic benefits to the host city. Due to the highly praised International Conventions held in Hong Kong in 1992 and 2005, the global Lions Club community holds Hong Kong in high regard. Hong Kong’s reputation as an international city, its conference facilities, its comprehensive international and local transportation networks, and its accommodations have received high praise from the Council, leading to its victory over other contenders. This reflects the advantages of Hong Kong’s exhibition industry and once again affirms the world’s recognition of Hong Kong as an outstanding international city. It also shows the proactive response of Lions International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China to the government’s call for important conference and exhibition events to be held in Hong Kong.”

Dr. Tam actively participated in hosting the Lions Club International Convention in Hong Kong in 1992, 2005, and 2026, leveraging the city’s strengths and the efforts of District 303 Lions Club members, ensuring the success of the convention.”

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Lion Sammy Shum, District Governor, Lions Clubs International District 303, Hong Kong and Macao, China: Showcasing the advantages of Hong Kong as the “City of Mega Events,” aiming to solidify Hong Kong’s status as an “International Metropolis”

Lion Sammy and his team dedicated substantial time during the bidding process to present Hong Kong’s advantages to the Lions Clubs International Board, ultimately succeeding among six candidate cities to host the “Lions Clubs International Convention 2026.” Reflecting on this experience, he stated, “Lions Clubs, as the world’s largest service organizations, always prioritize local societal needs. District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China has been rooted in Hong Kong for around 70 years, with keen attention to the city’s livelihood and economy. This successful bid aligns with the SAR government’s efforts to enhance coordination of mega events, promoting a wider array of events in various themes and forms in Hong Kong, which is the primary reason for our bid for hosting the Lions Clubs International Convention this time.” He anticipates that the “Lions Clubs International Convention 2026” can attract over 20,000 overseas visitors, conservatively estimating to generate over HK$400 million in direct income for Hong Kong, and hopes to enhance external promotion of Hong Kong’s social stability and prosperity.

Dr. Pang Yiu-kai GBS JP, Chairman, Hong Kong Tourism Board :700,000 recorded for overnight MICE arrival in the first half year

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will fully support the event being held in Hong Kong. Dr. Pang Yiu-kai stated that the HKTB has been actively bidding for and facilitating the hosting of large-scale international Meetings, Incentive trips, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) events. He mentioned that in the first half of this year, Hong Kong recorded 700,000 overnight MICE arrivals, equivalent to 80% of the level in the same period in 2018, making it the fastest recovering segment. The average expenditure per person is around HK$8,000, which is about 20-30% higher than the overall tourists. As of today, the HKTB has successfully bid for and facilitated over sixty large-scale international business events in Hong Kong to be staged this year through 2026, with an expected total attendance of at least 220,000 people, including at least 180,000 visitors from mainland China and overseas.

Dr. Pang emphasized, “Hong Kong has significant advantages in MICEtourism, with its unique geographical location, well-developed infrastructure, and comprehensive professional services, which will undoubtedly attract more world-class business events to be staged in Hong Kong and provide enriching experiences for tourists.” Dr. Pang calls on Lions and companions from around the world to come to Hong Kong to participate in this conference, experience the joy of traveling in Hong Kong, and witness the warm hospitality of its citizens, taking the opportunity to showcase the charm of Hong Kong to the world.

Mrs. Gianna Hsu, Chairman, Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong:

“Learning that Hong Kong has successfully secured the hosting rights for the 108th Lions International Convention, as a Lion and a member of the tourism industry, I am 200% excited. It is truly inspiring and something to look forward to! I believe that the five-day convention in 2026 will showcase Hong Kong’s unique advantages and charm to participants from around the world. It will effectively boost the development of industries such as hotels, tourism, exhibitions, dining, and retail, creating economic benefits. It is understood that the convention held in 2005 generated over 100 million HKD in consumer spending. Travel agencies play a significant role in the industry’s development, especially in actively exploring local rich tourism resources and developing diverse tourism products post-pandemic, continually enhancing service quality. This ensures that every visitor to Hong Kong experiences the spirit of “Hong Kong, a place where everywhere is for travel, and everyone is hospitable, as mentioned by the Chief Executive, turning popularity into prosperity.”

Mr. Caspar Tsui, Executive Director, The Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners

At today’s briefing, seeing the entire tourism industry personally attending to show their support indicates that the industry greatly values the Lions Club’s successful bid to host the 2026 International Convention. This is an absolutely significant event for Hong Kong. The biggest challenge is to invite friends from around the world to come to Hong Kong in person to experience and share the wonderful stories of Hong Kong. Many friends who have recently visited Hong Kong have mentioned that it is currently very enjoyable and safe, with many new attractions and exhibitions. Through the participation of travelers in exhibitions and events, the focus lies on showcasing the authentic experiences of Hong Kong. It is hoped that the organizers, the Tourism Board, the government, and the industry can work together to prepare and promote this event, showcasing the beautiful side of Hong Kong to friends from all around the world.

Mr. Freddy Yip MH, Chairman, Hong Kong Travel Agent Owners Association:

The Hong Kong Government, together with the industry, is working hard to attract global airlines to resume flights to Hong Kong after the pandemic. The Hong Kong Tourism Board is stepping up its efforts to promote Hong Kong, and the government is organizing many events to attract tourists, hoping to revitalize the economy. This time, we have successfully secured the hosting of the Lions Clubs International Convention in Hong Kong in July 2026, attracting tens of thousands of Lions Club members from around the world to attend the event. We in the industry are very much looking forward to participating in this large-scale event and convention hosted by the Lions Clubs.

Angela Sau-Ling, Yuen, Convener of the briefing session and Second Vice District Governor Lions International District 303 Hong Kong Macao, China: The five-day conference will require a significant number of hotel accommodations and dining facilities. We hope that various industries provide the necessary support.

The preparations for the “Lions Clubs International Convention 2026” are in full swing, as announced by Angela Sau-Ling Yuen, Second Vice District Governor. “The five-day conference is tentatively set to take place at the AsiaWorld-Expo. Based on past statistics, approximately 60% of participant come from Europe, America, Australia, and other regions, while 40% come from Asian countries. The days before and after the conference will likely see a peak in travel to nearby cities. During the conference, we will need to reserve a minimum of 6,000 to 8,000 rooms per night, spread across over 30 hotels. There will be a large-scale parade with around 20,000 Lions members participating. Approval from the police department will be required for the parade route, which we hope will take place in Tsim Sha Tsui or Wan Chai. We are currently discussing the parade route with consulting companies, and substantial railway and road transportation support will be needed on the day of the parade. Discussions with the MTR and bus companies for further arrangements will also follow.”

She urges collaboration with various sectors including tourism, retail, and food and beverage industries to make appropriate arrangements during the conference. Regarding the need for a large number of volunteers at the time, she continued, “We have reached agreements with several higher education institutions with tourism-related departments, including Thei and Chu Hai College. Students will be involved in the work, and we are in discussions with other educational institutions for volunteer arrangements. We hope to promote prosperity for Hong Kong, as well as bring more care and love to the community!”

Ms. Enid Low, Chief Strategy Officer: AsiaWorld-Expo:

AsiaWorld-Expo has always been a preferred venue for numerous international large-scale events. We are committed to providing top-notch venue facilities and excellent services. The venue has undergone extensive facility upgrades in recent years, covering exhibition halls, meeting rooms, and public spaces. The majority of the construction projects have been completed this year, and we hope to bring everyone a refreshing and state-of-the-art intelligent experience.

Hong Kong is a hub for the international exhibition industry, possessing a unique blend of Eastern and Western city charm, with unquestionable tourism reception capabilities. AsiaWorld-Expo is close to the airport, reaching half of the global population within a five-hour radius. Adjacent to the venue is the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and it houses an Airport Express station, allowing easy travel between the Greater Bay Area and the city center of Hong Kong. We believe this will provide Lions Club members with the most comfortable and convenient journey. AsiaWorld-Expo eagerly looks forward to offering a fantastic and extraordinary exhibition experience for Lions Club members worldwide.

Hashtag: #LionsClubs

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

About Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China

Lions Clubs International was established in Chicago, USA in 1917 and is spread across over 208 countries and regions. The first Lions Club in Hong Kong was founded in 1955, with several clubs subsequently established. In 1960, Lions Clubs International approved the establishment of the “Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China.” There are a total of 123 clubs in Hong Kong and Macao, providing social and charitable services in various regions and areas. Currently, District 303 has over 3,500 members. The Lions Clubs is also recognized by the Chinese government as one of the international charitable service organizations.

The services provided by District 303 are diverse. In the field of education, they have established the “Lions Club Chiang Tsui King Secondary School,” “Lions Club Ho Tak Sum Primary School,” “Lions Club Sister School Program,” “Community Youth Club,” “Lions Club Music Fund,” and “Lions Club Anti-Drug Fund.” In terms of environmental protection, we established “Lions Club Nature Education Center.” In youth services, some examples are “Hong Kong Macao Youth Lions Fund,” “Lions Club Hong Kong Macao Leo Fund,” “Lions Club International Youth Camp and Exchange” “Tseung Kwan O Lions Club Youth Camp,” “Lions Club Lam Tsuen Youth Recreation Center,” and “International Peace Poster Design Competition.” In the field of medical service, we work in “Lions Club Kidney Disease Education Center and Research Fund,” “Hong Kong Lions Club Eye Bank,” “Deaf Center,” “Challenging Diabetes and AIDS Awareness Campaign,” “Lions Club and Hong Kong Baptist University Chinese Medicine Charity Fund,” “Lions International Osteoporosis Education and Research Fund,” “Lions Club Community Service Fund,” and “Lions Club Youth Innovation Fund.” We continue to effectively support various service developments in Hong Kong, expand multi-district Lions Club activity centers, and serve both Hong Kong and Macao.

Hong Kong Wins 2026 Lions International Convention

Energises 20,000 Attendees with City’s Unique Charms


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2024 – Hong Kong has secured the hosting right of the prestigious Lions International Convention in 2026, one of the world’s largest service club events. With an estimated 20,000 attendees from over the globe expected to descend upon the city, this annual gathering of Lions Clubs International members promises to be a truly global and significant event.

Hong Kong Wins 2026 Lions International Convention

The 2026 Lions International Convention will be held in July 2026, at the AsiaWorld-Expo, strategically located next to the Hong Kong International Airport, the venue will provide a first-class and seamless connectivity for Lions community activities and an extensive convention programme.

Hong Kong has twice been the host city for the Lions International Convention in 1992 and 2005. This massive win marks the triumphant return of one of the biggest conventions and the event also underlines Hong Kong’s excellent ability to host large-scale international events and reinforces its position as a leading MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) destination in the region.

“Hong Kong is ready to roar with excitement as we support the Lions Clubs International District 303 to host the 2026 Lions International Convention,” said Dr. PANG Yiu-kai, GBS, JP, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), which is one of the supporting organisations of the event. “This event aligns with our mission to grow the MICE sector and bring the world’s most prestigious events to our vibrant city and drive social and economic benefits for Hong Kong. We can’t wait to welcome the members of the Clubs to our city once again with much new attractions and excitements developed in the past and coming years.”

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service organisation, with more than 1.4 million members in more than 48,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographic areas around the globe, where members benefit their communities through social and humanitarian services.

“We’re thrilled to host 2026 Lions International Convention in Hong Kong. The city’s diverse culture and dynamic energy will fuel ‘Lionism’ by providing a robust platform for members from around the world to come together and interact with each other as they enjoy making a difference in their communities,” said Mr. Sammy Shum, District Governor, Lions Clubs International District 303.

During their stay in Hong Kong, convention guests will be treated to a dazzling array of experiences that demonstrate the city’s diverse charms. Hong Kong’s infectious energy and warm hospitality will leave a lasting impression on all the Lions Clubs International members in attendance.

Hong Kong Wins 2026 Lions International Convention

Hashtag: #MEHK #MeetingsandExhibitionsHongKong #events #TheWorldsMeetingPlace #conference #HongKong #InternationalMeeting #InternationalConference #BusinessEvents #Conferences #LCICON #LionsInternationalConvention2026 #LionsClubInternational

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

Thailand Pushes Ahead With Plan to Legalize Massive Casino ‘Entertainment Complexes’

By Will Jackson/ABC News – Thailand’s stunning beaches, delicious food, unique cultural heritage and red light districts are already big drawcards for tourists.

Soon the country could add roulette, blackjack, pokies and other forms of currently illegal gambling to its list of attractions.

The Thai government has developed draft legislation to legalize casinos as part of gigantic “entertainment complexes” that must include at least four facilities from a list that includes hotels, restaurants, convention centers, music venues, sports arenas and amusement parks.

The two-week public exhibition period for the Entertainment Complex Business Operation Bill closed this weekend.

However, the controversial bill’s passage through parliament is not assured as critics warn the hope for economic benefits come with “considerable risks”.

Hopes to supercharge tourism income

The long-debated proposal comes amid a long period of economic stagnation in Thailand, which already relies heavily on tourism.

It’s hoped the casinos will attract more tourists from China, where gambling is banned apart from in Macau.

A study commissioned by Thailand’s parliament last year found that the entertainment complexes, which are envisioned to be similar to those already in Singapore and Macau, could boost tourism revenue by at least USD 12 billion in the first year.

The Bangkok Post reported that licenses were expected to be issued for five casinos with two in Bangkok, one each in Chiang Mai and Phuket and one in the Eastern Economic Corridor (Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong provinces).

Thai citizens will have to pay an entry fee of 5,000 baht (USD 146) but admission for foreigners will be free.

In a post on X earlier this year, former prime minister Srettha Thavisin said the casinos would have to comprise only 3 percent to 10 percent of the entertainment complexes’ total area.

“We can regulate the grey economy and collect taxes,” Srettha said.

“We do not want to promote gambling, but would rather supervise it and use the investment to create jobs.”

Thailand’s early casinos

Casinos have a long history in Thailand.

According to James A Warren’s book Gambling, the State and Society in Thailand, legal gambling houses were a valuable source of revenue for the country’s rulers as far back as the 17th century, mainly catering to the growing Chinese population.

When King Chulalongkom came to the throne in 1868, about 20 per cent of taxes came from gambling.

However, even then gambling was seen by many as a disease with the symptoms “poverty, debt slavery, and crime”, and during the late 19th century King Chulalongkom began shutting down the proto-casinos with the last abolished in 1917.

Other forms of gambling were increasingly regulated and restricted until the current Gambling Act was adopted in 1936.

Warren noted that between 1939 and 1945, the government tried opening a series of state-owned casinos, but all were short lived.

Those casinos were in some ways similar to the ones the Thai government is now proposing, with locals charged much more for entry than foreigners.

“Despite the revenue it provided, the casino experiment had been a failure, primarily because the government was unable to attract the ‘right’ clientele — whether foreign tourists or wealthy Thais — or to exclude the majority of the population that could ill afford to gamble,” Warren wrote.

These days, legal gambling in Thailand is restricted to licensed horse racing and the national lottery.

However, other kinds of illegal gambling — including underground casinos and unlicensed sports betting and lotteries — are commonplace.

Thais also often travel to gamble in casinos in Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Laos.

A survey by Thailand’s Centre for Gambling Studies and Centre for Social and Business Development in 2019 found that 57 per cent of Thais had gambled in the previous year with government lotteries the most popular form of gambling, followed by underground lotteries, card games and football betting.

“We have to admit that there is illegal gambling in the country, we are trying to get rid of (it) but it cannot be wiped out, so we have to rethink and see that it is time for this,” Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat told reporters earlier this year.

Singapore to be the model

A number of international casino operators have flagged interest in establishing operations in Thailand if the law is passed.

Robert Goldstein, the chief executive of casino and resort company Las Vegas Sands which operates casinos in Macau and the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, earlier this year said the company “absolutely” had interest in Thailand.

“It’s a very, very exciting market in a lot of levels,” he said on an investor call.

“Just the sheer size of population, the accessibility and the willingness of people to travel to Thailand. It’s obviously, I think, number one resort destination city in Asia.

“I think it’s conceivable. It’s early days, although we still have work to do with the numbers and understanding it.”

The government has said Thailand would emulate Singapore, which legalized casinos in 2005.

Two huge “integrated resorts” — Resorts World Sentosa and the Marina Bay Sands — opened there in 2010 and together now employ tens of thousands of workers and contribute 1 or 2 per cent to the city state’s annual GDP.

However, attempts to harness the revenue generating potential of casinos have fared less well in other parts of South-East Asia.

In Cambodia, a rush of Chinese-backed casino resort developments in the late 2010s intended to turn the beach side town of Sihanoukville into the country’s version of Macau disenfranchised the local population, failing to provide them work opportunities while forcing up property prices and living costs.

The development boom spiraled into a nightmare of violence and crime and eventually led to the proliferation of online scam operations that have since metastasized across the region.

Legislation still faces big hurdles

Adam Simpson, a senior lecturer in International Studies at the University of South Australia, said the law’s passage still faced significant challenges, especially following the surprise removal of Srettha Thavisin as prime minister by the country’s Constitutional Court this week.

The court ruled on Wednesday Srettha had violated the constitution over a cabinet appointment.

He was replaced as prime minister on Friday after Thailand’s parliament voted in Pheu Thai party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of billionaire former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Simpson said the vast majority of the population, including the former king, had in the past opposed legalizing gambling.

“Thai society is changing but it’s not clear that there is majority support for legalizing casinos,” he said.

Critics argue that legalizing casinos would not eliminate illegal gambling, while also exacerbating problem gambling.

“At present the bill excludes Thais unless they pay around USD 200 to enter the casino, however once the casinos are established there will be constant pressure from the casinos and their political backers to make it easier for Thais to enter the casinos to expand the revenue base,” said Simpson.

Dr Simpson said the Bhumjaithai Party, which is the junior party in the governing coalition, opposed the legislation, arguing the benefits will not outweigh the negative impact.

“There has also been opposition from the Democrat Party,” he said.

“It is not clear whether the People’s Party (Prachachon), the successor to the MFP [Move Forward Party], will support the legislation but it seems unlikely.”

Simpson said the big push for the legalization of casinos had come from Srettha, a property developer and businessman who always took a pro-business approach to policy.

“Srettha being removed from office may well impact on the legislation,” he said. “Thailand already has a thriving tourism industry and there are plenty of avenues for increasing foreign exchange from tourism without resorting to this socially harmful policy.”

‘Considerable risks’

Richard Horsey, a senior adviser to the Crisis Group thinktank, said the move to legalize casinos came with other “considerable risks” — including providing opportunities for criminal syndicates and irritating Beijing.

“Casinos are attractive to criminal syndicates not only as a lucrative revenue stream in their own right – for example by providing online gambling services to mainland Chinese punters, illegal in China – but also because they are an attractive means to launder profits from other criminal activities, from drug trafficking to scam centers,” he said.

“Given that a large proportion of the revenues of Thai casinos are likely to come from visitors from mainland China, Thailand also faces the risk that Beijing may take a dim view of this development.

“China is concerned not only about the moral and social consequences of gambling, but also that junkets and other overseas gambling have been a key conduit for capital flight.”

Horsey said that even Singapore was struggling to deal with money laundering and other activities by transnational criminal organizations.

“Thailand will hope to emulate Singapore by putting in place a fairly credible and effective regulatory infrastructure for casinos,” he said.

“But the risk is that it ends up being more like some other jurisdictions in the region that have struggled to control rampant criminality in the gaming sector.”

He said that criminal syndicates generally gravitated to the least well-regulated jurisdictions.

“So the question is not only whether Thailand can emulate Singapore, but also whether it can do better than Cambodia, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar,” he said.

“It probably can, but one thing is clear from the recent history of transnational crime in the region, which is that these syndicates try to diversify as much as possible across multiple jurisdictions, so that they are more resilient to crackdowns.

“This means that Thailand will inevitably have to grapple with these difficult challenges.”

SUSS and Orange Cap Innovative Launch Success Academy in Thailand to Foster Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Regional Social Impact

The Academy will offer programmes with cross-cultural industry experiences to empower students and executives for success in the global business arena.


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2024 – The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and IT consultant company Orange Cap Innovative (OCI) today launched the SUSS Success Academy in Bangkok, creating new learning experiences and real-world training opportunities for students in Singapore and Thailand.

The occasion was marked by an opening ceremony at The Sukosol Hotel and attended by over 60 guests from both countries, including representatives from institutions of higher learning, and industry and community partners. The ceremony was presided over by H.E. Catherine Wong, Ambassador, Singapore Embassy in Bangkok and Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng Executive Director/CEO of National Innovation Agency (Public Organisation), Thailand.

Grounded in SUSS’ commitment to lifelong learning and creating social impact, the Academy will serve as a key nexus for academic and industry partners from both countries.

As an IT consultant and venture builder, OCI will leverage its unique technological expertise and deep understanding of Thailand’s market dynamics to support and enhance the Academy’s offerings.

Through the Academy’s two distinct tracks – Personal Success and Professional Success – SUSS will offer opportunities for students from SUSS and other Singapore pre-tertiary and tertiary institutions to co-learn and co-innovate with students from Thailand. This will include participation in programmes such as interdisciplinary global learning courses and student exchanges. Additionally, SUSS students will have the chance to gain professional experience in the region through work attachments and internships.

Key initiatives include:

  • Student Leadership Development in Social Sustainability: In partnership with All Green Learning Centre in Khao Yai, SUSS will leverage the centre’s facilities to develop a place-based education programme and experiential site, known as Camp R.A.I.S.E. By tapping on organic farms and renewable energy installations located around the premises, students will engage in hands-on activities and projects that emphasise practical applications of sustainability concepts.
  • Impact Start-Up Challenge (ISC): The ISC is a credit-bearing course that provides a platform for students from Singapore and Thailand to experience the startup ecosystem, collaborate to generate ideas, and test and pivot their proposals in real-world settings. The first of these partnerships was launched with Siam University in May this year, involving 21 SUSS students and 21 Siam University students. Since 2017, this programme has impacted over 1,000 students across more than 10 cities.

The Academy will also support SUSS in partnering with universities in Thailand to co-design and co-deliver interdisciplinary and experiential global learning programmes in areas such as sustainable urban development, heritage and advancement in gender equity.

Beyond its student focus, the Academy will leverage SUSS’ expertise in adult and workplace learning to create professional training and development solutions for industry partners, organisations, and institutions.

Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS, said, “SUSS’ curriculum is designed to provide enriching student experiences. Along with future expansions in the region, the launch of the Success Academy in Thailand is a significant step towards realising our goal of taking our students to more places to gain real-world knowledge and exposure beyond Singapore. We are grateful to Orange Cap Innovative for their close partnership, enabling us to build a strategic network of alliances and extend our education and expertise to learners and corporations worldwide.”

Mr. Amornched Jinda-apiraksa, CEO of Orange Cap Innovative, said, “This collaboration aligns with our corporate goal of using innovative technology to enhance education and prepare future generations with a global outlook. We believe that OCI’s network and expertise can help deliver SUSS’ goals in Thailand and the greater Mekong region. The Success Academy will also enhance Orange Cap’s core competencies by expanding our international network, fostering global collaborations, and introducing diverse perspectives and solutions. Establishing the Singapore educational system in Thailand demonstrates our commitment to offering world-class education and expertise that reflect our values to both local and international communities. We are grateful for SUSS’ trust in us to deliver their programmes and look forward to making a positive impact, fostering innovation, and developing future leaders for a rapidly evolving world.”

The launch of the Success Academy in Thailand is the latest in a series of academy openings as SUSS continues to expand its educational footprint across Asia. Last year, SUSS established three Academies in Ho Chi Minh City, Beijing, and Shenzhen. In the next three months, the University will inaugurate four more academies in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila, and Mumbai, bringing the total to eight regional academies.

For the full media release: https://suss.to/media-release-bkk.

For more information: www.suss.edu.sg/success-academy.

SUSS: www.suss.edu.sg
Orange Cap Innovative: https://www.orangecapinnovative.com
Hashtag: #SUSS

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

Redress Design Award 2024 Calls on Public Vote to Shape The Future of The Fashion Industry


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2024 – Redress, the environmental NGO with a mission to accelerate the change to a circular fashion industry by educating and empowering designers and consumers so as to reduce clothing’s negative environmental impacts, is now calling for consumers worldwide to vote online here for their favourite Finalist of the Redress Design Award 2024, the world’s leading sustainable fashion design competition. Voting for the People’s Choice Award will be open until 3 September 2024, with the winner to be announced at the Grand Final Fashion Show in Hong Kong on 5 September.

redress KV

The Redress Design Award, organised by Redress and with the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) as the Lead Sponsor, now turns to the public voice to champion sustainable fashion and empower the next generation of circular design talents. With 98% of consumers believing that brands have a responsibility to make positive change in the world[1], Redress now offers a crucial opportunity for consumers to influence the industry.

Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned, while just 1% of the material used to produce clothing is recycled into new clothing.[2] To tackle fashion’s massive waste issue, this year’s 10 Redress Design Award Finalists, representing nine countries and regions around the globe, have created their sustainable fashion collections out of textile waste, from shredded military parachutes to car seat covers.

“Fashion ‘consumers’ and designers are incredibly connected, and their wishes and works are often inextricably linked. Designers respond to consumers’ aesthetic and ethical expectations, and consumers are romanced and inspired by designers’ creations,” shared Dr. Christina Dean, Founder and Board Chair, Redress. “Our 10 competition Finalists are pushing boundaries in circular design, crucially to address one of the world’s most polluting industries. We need consumers to be engaged. By voting for your favourite designer, you can have your say in the future of fashion.”

From around the globe to Hong Kong

Next up, the Finalists’ garments will be delivered to Hong Kong via the official logistics partner, DHL Express. The sustainable collections will be shipped from various global locations to Hong Kong using DHL’s GoGreen Plus service, which helps to reduce carbon emissions of the international shipments using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Through GoGreen Plus, DHL Express implements decarbonisation levers in the DHL network and allocates these carbon emissions reductions to customer shipments, applying the book and claim approach. These carbon emission reductions and allocations are validated by a third-party auditor and Redress accounts for a 50% CO2e reduction compared to using conventional jet fuel.

“We are delighted to support sustainable fashion by leveraging our industry expertise. We actively contribute to a greener future by using our GoGreen Plus service to transport these exquisite collections from talented designers worldwide to Hong Kong. Achieving a 50% carbon reduction in the shipment journey, we take pride in setting the pace for low emission logistics. This goes beyond simply providing a service; it’s our steadfast commitment to sustainability,” said Andy Chiang, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau.

The Finalists’ runway looks will be captured in an editorial photoshoot to be featured in Vogue Hong Kong as well as the Redress Design Award 2024 digital magazine. The circular aesthetics displayed in the photoshoot pay tribute to the role of circularity in driving fashion towards a more sustainable future.

Consumers hold the power in shaping the fashion industry

Beyond voting for the People’s Choice Award, consumers can also directly influence the direction of the industry by supporting the work of Redress Alumni. This community of previous competition Semi-finalists are at the forefront of a new breed of fashion designers prioritising sustainability and circularity as much as desirability. With Redress’ support, recent Alumni highlights include 11 Alumni showcasing designs made from upcycled sporting waste at the Paris 2024 Olympics and alum Lola Clavel creating bookmarks from Redress’ clothing takeback waste in Hong Kong. Discover more Redress Alumni brands here.

Find out who wins at the Grand Final Show

The People’s Choice Award winner will be announced at the Redress Design Award 2024 Grand Final Fashion Show, along with the coveted, career-changing First Prize with 2024 Exclusive Fashion Sponsor, Tommy Hilfiger: the opportunity to join the Tommy Hilfiger team and work on a sustainable design project for retail, creating impact for the industry.

The Redress Design Award 2024 Grand Final Fashion Show will be livestreamed globally on 5 September 2024 (Thursday), at 7pm HKT / 1pm CET via YouTube. Save the date here.

The Redress Design Award 2024 Photoshoot Credits

  • Photography: Kim Lo
  • Creative Direction: Matthieu Amelin
  • Models: Chakchu Lee (Model One), KC, Rosemary (Synergy), Yanzhen (WE Management)
  • Creative Stylist: Cheryl Yam
  • Hair: Henry Tse and Joyce Lo for Davines
  • Make-up: Cindy Lai, Daisy Ho, and Karen Yiu for MakeupBees
  • Studio: KIMLO WORKSHOP
  • Production: Kenji Cheung, Hillary Fong, Serene Cheung
  • Studio Manager: Ric Chow
  • Retoucher: Eric Lam
  • Photographer Assistant: Kuco Chan
  • Lighting: Keefe Wong


[1] Futerra consumer research (2019) The honest generation are here. Are you ready?

[2] Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017), A New Textiles Economy

Hashtag: #RedressDesignAward

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

About the Redress Design Award 2024: www.redressdesignaward.com

  • The applicants: The Redress Design Award 2024 was open to applications from emerging designers and students with less than four years’ professional experience globally. Finalists .
  • The judges: The Redress Design Award 2024 judges represent the crème de la crème of global sustainable fashion industry expertise. .
  • Prizes: In addition to the First Prize with Tommy Hilfiger, prizes for contestants include high-profile mentorships and high-performance sewing machines from JUKI. .
  • People’s Choice voter prize: Voters for the People’s Choice Award will be entered for a chance to win one of four limited edition checkers sets made from recycled post-consumer fabrics.
  • Logistics: Learn more about DHL GoGreen Plus .
  • Redress Alumni: The Redress Design Award 2024 Finalists join the , which offers ongoing support to over 300 designers as they develop their careers in sustainable fashion.

About Redress’ education for designers

  • The online, open-access Redress Academy platform is .
  • The online Redress Circular Fashion Design Courses are .
  • Further supporting statistics are .

The Redress Design Award () is the world’s leading sustainable fashion design competition that educates and empowers emerging fashion designers about circular design techniques to reduce fashion’s negative environmental impacts. Organised by Hong Kong-based, Asia-focused environmental NGO Redress and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (formerly known as Create Hong Kong) annually since 2011, the competition now has over 170 global fashion university partners and attracts designer applicants from over 50 countries and regions to win prizes that connect them with global-leading fashion businesses to accelerate the change to a circular fashion industry.

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) () established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong’s positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

Redress () is a Hong Kong-based, Asia-focused environmental NGO with a mission to accelerate the change to a circular fashion industry by educating and empowering designers and consumers so as to reduce clothing’s negative environmental impacts.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Green Transition: An Irreversible Global Trend and Vingroup’s Pioneering Steps


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire 20 August 2024 – Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, is leading the charge towards a sustainable future. As the global race to net zero intensifies, Vingroup is leveraging its resources to drive green initiatives across its businesses, from real estate to electric vehicles. The company is positioned as a pioneer in Vietnam’s green transition.

Vinhomes Ocean Park 1 urban area, part of the Vingroup ecosystem
Vinhomes Ocean Park 1 urban area, part of the Vingroup ecosystem

Vingroup has clearly defined its pioneering role in promoting the green transition, not just through words but through concrete actions. Notable examples include Vinhomes’ green real estate strategy and VinFast’s electric vehicle product lines. These bold moves by Vingroup are shaping a green ecosystem, creating a new, environmentally friendly, and smarter lifestyle in Vietnam.

In the real estate sector, Vinhomes has pioneered the development of green urban areas, creating favorable conditions for residents to adopt a green lifestyle. With amenities such as electric vehicle charging stations and readily available electric buses, and meticulously planned green spaces, Vinhomes is not just building houses but also creating sustainable living environments where residents can enjoy a healthy, convenient life while contributing to environmental protection.

VinFast, Vingroup’s automotive arm, transitioned to producing fully electric vehicles in 2022. Through attractive promotional and marketing campaigns, this subsidiary has encouraged its Vietnamese customers to join the national green transition initiative while simultaneously transforming the entire automotive market landscape in the country. Customers enjoy perks like free parking, long-term free charging, and assistance with installing home charging stations. VinFast vehicles are not only environmentally friendly but also feature futuristic designs, smart safety features, and advanced technology, symbolizing a new lifestyle.

Having achieved unicorn status, VinFast earned a place on TIME Magazine’s 2024 list of the 100 Most Influential Companies, joining the ranks of global giants like Google, Microsoft, and BMW. VinFast is making a strong push into international markets, including the US, Canada, Europe, and Asian countries like India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

On July 31st, the company made a significant move by opening its first Middle East showroom in Oman, marking its entry into this region. The next target markets are Qatar and the UAE, where VinFast has recently completed partnership agreements with local dealerships. VinFast’s diverse product portfolio and excellent after-sales services promise to deliver unique and exciting experiences in the journey toward electrification for consumers in the Middle East.

Vingroup’s real estate and electric vehicle sectors have become significant revenue drivers, exceeding $6.5 billion in 2023. In the first quarter of 2024, the company reported a consolidated net revenue of $853.7 million and a net profit of $52.5 million, highlighting its financial strength and the importance of its key business sectors.

In March 2023, Pham Nhat Vuong, Chairman of Vingroup, established GSM, Vietnam’s first all-electric ride-hailing service using 100% VinFast all-electric cars. These partnerships and initiatives not only promote VinFast electric vehicles but also help establish smart, environmentally friendly transportation habits among Vietnamese people.

With its strategic vision and concrete actions, Vingroup is not only solidifying its position in Vietnam but also making its mark internationally, building a green and smart ecosystem aimed at a sustainable future. Vingroup’s efforts were further recognized with the ASEAN Sustainable Technology Award 2023, affirming its commitment to integrating sustainable practices into its core business strategies. The path ahead holds immense potential, and this Vietnamese conglomerate appears well-positioned to make a lasting impact.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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