In Laos, as the job market grows more challenging, people are questioning the true value of academic accolades, particularly the “red certificate,” a mark of academic distinction. But is it truly a key to success, or does it merely add more pressure? As graduates celebrate this accolade, many are left wondering about its actual value in today’s job market and how it shapes their future.
VinFast and Durango Drivers’ Union sign strategic MOU on green transition of public transport in Mexico

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2024 – VinFast and the Durango Drivers’ Union in Mexico signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the green transition of public transport, including the potential purchase of 3,000 VF 5 electric cars and 300 electric buses by Durango Driver’s Union for operation in Mexico. This strategic partnership underscores the growing global interest in VinFast’s electric vehicles, highlighting their ability to meet the evolving needs of diverse markets.

Under the agreement, both parties will negotiate the sale of VF 5 electric vehicles and electric buses to the Union of Drivers and Related Workers of Durango, a member of the Confederation of Mexico Workers (CTM) for public passenger transport in Durango City, replacing the current gasoline-powered fleet.
Additionally, VinFast and its affiliate, V-Green, and CTM will collaborate in studying, setting up, installing, and/or operating charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and electric buses in Durango, creating a convenient and extensive charging network to meet the needs of both personal and public transport vehicles.
This cooperation will contribute to the greening of transportation and the development of the EV ecosystem in Durango City and across Mexico. Replacing the gasoline fleet with electric vehicles will significantly reduce CO2 emissions, while also helping the Durango Drivers’ Union save on operating costs and create new jobs through the installation and operation of the charging system.
A subsidiary of Vingroup, the leading private conglomerate in Vietnam, VinFast offers a full range of electric vehicles, from cars and buses to scooters and bikes. Their compact e-SUV VF 5 is a popular choice for both individual drivers and taxi fleets due to its good value, reliability, nice design, smart technologies. VinFast’s electric buses are designed with versatile capacities and options, prioritizing safety with the latest technology. These vehicles, along with others in VinFast’s lineup, have been adopted by various transportation companies throughout Vietnam, playing a crucial role in familiarizing the public with EVs and promoting a greener transportation landscape.
Ms. Pham Thuy Linh, Deputy CEO at VinFast, stated: “We are impressed by the State of Durango and CTM’s strong commitment to a green transition. This shared vision for a sustainable future aligns perfectly with VinFast’s core values. With our high-quality electric vehicles and our affiliates‘ s expertise in taxi operation and charging infrastructure, we are confident in our ability to support the State of Durango in realizing their vision, creating a lasting impact on the state and the broader Mexican landscape.”
Mr. Juan Erik Mercado Rangel, on behalf of Mr. Ricardo Fidel Pacheco Rodríguez, General Secretary, and Mr. Juan Pedro Mercado Gallegos, Deputy General Secretary of the Durango Drivers’ Union, remarked: “We are thrilled to collaborate with VinFast, a global EV brand. Their vehicles, their green mobility eco-system, as well as their grand vision and spirit of partnership have truly impressed us. CTM believes that this collaboration not only paves the way for enhanced transportation services but also positions us at the forefront of the global shift toward sustainable mobility.”
While still at an early stage, Mexico’s electric vehicle market is experiencing a rapid uptick. The country’s potential for EV adoption is significant, and the Mexican government is exploring incentives to further stimulate the sector.
As a global electric vehicle brand, VinFast is at the forefront of solutions and collaborations aimed at promoting the greening of transportation worldwide. Recently, in September 2024, VinFast marked a significant milestone by becoming the first EV car brand to top sales in Vietnam, establishing its presence with a diverse range of EV models in the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Hashtag: #VinFast #Vingroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia. Learn more at: https://vinfastauto.com/vn_en
About CTM
The Union of Drivers and Workers of the CTM in Durango, founded on August 8, 1932, is one of the city’s key players in public transportation. Currently, it operates around 65% of the transportation concessions, with a fleet exceeding 300 buses and 5,000 taxis, along with additional services such as personnel, school, and tourist transportation, thus meeting a wide range of mobility needs within the region. As a member of the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM), the country’s largest labor organization, the Union is dedicated to securing workers’ rights and promoting fair working conditions within the transport sector.
The Union is developing an innovative business model aimed at acquiring 100% electric vehicles for fleet renewal. This project seeks to modernize the service, reduce carbon emissions, and support Durango’s environmental commitment, aligning with global trends toward the electrification of transportation.
First Broker in Hong Kong permitted to market Virtual Asset Structured Products
Victory Securities to Launch Two Exclusive New Offerings
Hashtag: #finance #crypto #financeproducts
https://www.victorysec.com.hk/zh-hk
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vscl8540/
https://www.facebook.com/vscl8540
https://www.instagram.com/vscl8540/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Victory Securities
AIA Singapore enhances accessibility and affordability of quality healthcare services for more than 1 million insured members with deepened partnership with WhiteCoat
All insured members will benefit from having increased access to telemedicine, mental wellness services, pediatric care and home health screenings from WhiteCoat.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2024 – AIA Singapore, a leading health insurer, is reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the quality of care for insured members by making Whitecoat’s healthcare services accessible to all1 AIA insured members at affordable rates from 4 November 2024. This initiative will provide convenient, quality and affordable medical care to more Singaporeans and Singapore Residents.
Previously only accessible for customers with AIA HealthShield Gold Max and selected AIA critical illness plans, AIA Singapore’s exclusive partnership with Whitecoat will now provide all1 AIA insured members access to on-demand telemedicine services from the comforts of their own homes.
“Health is wealth. With people at the centre of everything that we do at AIA Singapore, we want more people to take a worry-free step towards living Healthier, Longer, Better lives,” said Ms. Irma Hadikusuma, Chief Marketing and Proposition Officer, AIA Singapore.
Worryingly, Singapore’s medical inflation is increasing at a faster pace than the rise in overall cost of living[1]. With the average cost of medical care expected to increase by close to 10.7% in 2024[2], it is no surprise that a large majority of Singaporeans (80%) are concerned about the rising medical costs[3]. Furthermore, Singaporeans listed rising healthcare costs and loss of independence as the main concerns they have when it comes to growing old[4]. In response to the growing concerns of financial pressures brought about by rising medical cost and cost of living, AIA Singapore’s timely move in partnership with Whitecoat further fortifies its commitment to make quality healthcare services affordable and accessible to all.
As a leader in the insurance industry, AIA Singapore is dedicated to understanding and meeting the evolving needs of its customers. To underscore this commitment, the company recently provided 15,000 Singapore residents with six months of free critical illness and mortality insurance. This initiative aimed to address the protection gap in Singapore[5] and showcase AIA’s ability to deliver innovative solutions that cater to the specific requirements of its customers.
In August 2024, AIA Singapore announced its initiative of minimising jargon in policy documents and simplifying these documents. This will enable customers to better understand what their policies cover and don’t cover, allowing them to better understand their coverage and identify protection gaps to better plan for their future needs[6].
More information on AIA Singapore’s partnership with WhiteCoat is available at https://www.aia.com.sg/en/health-wellness/healthcare-services/telemedicine.
Hashtag: #AIASingapore #Telemedicine #Telehealth #WhiteCoat #HolisticWellness #MentalHealth #MentalWellness
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AIA Singapore
AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR[1], Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR[2], and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$289 billion as of 30 June 2024.
AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 42 million individual policies and 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.
AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes “1299” for HKD counter and “81299” for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol “AAGIY”.
Watsons Singapore Launches Inaugural Get Active Event
A Fun-Filled Family Day for Health and Wellness
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2024 – Watsons Singapore, the leading health and beauty retailer, is thrilled to announce its first-ever Get Active event, a vibrant initiative designed to promote health and wellness within the community. Scheduled for Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the iconic Fort Canning Green, this exciting event runs from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and invites Singaporeans of all ages to join in a day of fitness, fun, and family bonding.

Find out more about Watsons Get Active 2024 today on https://www.watsons.com.sg/get-active!
The Watsons Get Active 2024 event is not just a fitness gathering; it represents a pivotal step towards fostering a culture of active living in Singapore. This year’s theme, “Healthy n Fun Family Day,” emphasises inclusivity and enjoyment, ensuring that everyone can participate in various engaging activities while prioritising their health. Best of all, participation is completely free, with no tickets required.
Attendees at the event can look forward to an exciting Health & Beauty Festival featuring 16 leading health and beauty suppliers and partners, offering exclusive gifts, rewards, and more. Our lineup includes OCBC, ShopBack, GNC, L’Oreal, Unilever, P&G, Holistic Way, Caltrate, Greenlife, and many others! Be sure to stop by the Watsons booth, where participants can enjoy a complimentary ice cream just by downloading the Watsons SG app.
Event Highlights
- FREE Upsized Goodie Bag (worth over $340): The first 200 attendees will receive an exclusive goodie bag filled with wellness essentials—no purchase necessary!
- Family Fun Run (2km): Experience a scenic run through the Trees of the Fort Trail! The first 300 finishers will earn a limited-edition Watsons Get Active 2024 finisher medal.
- Thrilling Obstacle Courses: Test your skills with exciting challenges like Ninja Warrior and Life-Sized Human Foosball.
- Health & Beauty Festival: Shop from 16 leading health and beauty brands offering exclusive deals, giveaways, and more.
- Chill & Relax Zone: Enjoy live music, free food booths featuring delicious treats like acai bowls, chipolatas, burger livestation, popcorn chicken and unlimited truffle fries, plus fun activities such as creative face painting, giant bubble-making stations and kite painting kit giveaways for children.
This event is an excellent opportunity for families to come together and enjoy a day packed with fitness activities, entertainment, and great deals. It also provides the perfect platform to explore Watsons’ wide range of health and beauty products.
Join Us!
No registration or tickets are required to participate. Simply mark your calendar for 9 November 2024 and bring your family and friends to Fort Canning Green for a day of fun, fitness and festivities. Be sure to arrive early to secure your free goodie bag and be a part of the exciting line-up!
Tip: Don’t forget to bring along a picnic mat to relax and enjoy the atmosphere in our Chill & Relax Zone. It’s the perfect way to unwind between activities while savouring delicious treats and enjoying live music!
For more information and updates, visit our dedicated event page at Watsons Get Active.
Hashtag: #WatsonsSingapore #WatsonsGetActive2024, #WatsonsSG
https://www.watsons.com.sg/
https://www.facebook.com/watsons.sg
https://www.instagram.com/watsonssg
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Watsons Singapore
Watsons Singapore is part of AS Watson Group, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer operating over 16,500 stores under 12 retail brands in 29 markets, with over 130,000 employees worldwide. For the fiscal year 2023, AS Watson Group recorded revenue of US$23 billion. Every year, it is serving over 5.5 billion shoppers via its O+O (Offline plus Online) technology-enabled platforms.
Watsons is the leading O+O (Offline plus Online) health and beauty retailer in Asia, currently operating 8,000 stores and more than 1,500 pharmacies in 16 Asian, European and Middle-East markets.
Watsons is named as the No.1 Personal Care and Beauty retailer in Asia*, providing personalised advice and counselling in health, beauty and personal care on top of its market-leading product range, making customers LOOK GOOD, DO GOOD, FEEL GREAT every day. Watsons is the flagship health and beauty brand of AS Watson Group.
In Singapore, Watsons has received other accolades and awards including Retail App of the Year 2024 (Singapore), Omnichannel Strategy of the Year 2023 (Singapore) and Health & Beauty Retailer of the Year (Singapore) consecutively from 2021 to 2024 by Retail Asia Awards, and Best HR Digital Transformation Strategy at the prestigious Employee Experience Awards 2023.
*Campaign Asia-Pacific’s Top 50 Brands survey with 10,000 respondents across 6 Asian countries
HK01 Names SWISS REJU as Annual Award Winner, Elevated Slimming Experience with Latest Technology

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2024 – HK01, the leading online media for Hong Kong, announced the 2024 Good Living Awards. The prestigious recognition honors top brands in the city that have proven track records delivering innovative services and outstanding results. Luxury beauty brand SWISS REJU is recognized as the Winner in the “Medical Aesthetics and Body Contouring” category, a new record for the beauty brand.

The HK01 Good Living Award celebrates top companies across retail, beauty, utilities, health and wellness, that have made a significant impact on society. Unbiased opinions of industry experts, coupled with public voting and reliable panel evaluation, lead to credible selection outcomes. Besides SWISS REJU, this year’s winners also include household names such as CSL, Uber, Nestle, CTS etc.
SWISS REJU’s signature thermal body contouring program “K-Lipolysis”, is recognized for superb slimming results while encouraging serenity and deep rejuvenation.
“We are very honored to receive the prestigious HK01 Good Living Award, and to be at the forefront of transforming Hong Kong’s medical aesthetic industry through innovation. SWISS REJU provides guests with a variety of sophisticated beauty experiences. Our slimming program is special as it not only helps to contour the body for a better looking figure, it also enhances energy, improves circulation and overall well being. All backed up by over 290 pieces of independent scientific research. ” says the spokesperson for SWISS REJU.
“This year, we are adding to our offerings new and FDA approved technologies such as “Winback” from France.
Debuting this year also include the new 3GHz Microwave lipolysis technology, and cutting-edge collagen boosting machine from Japan, an all-new skin texture remodeling platform. As the company continues to expand, it will boast even more elevated and redesigned spaces, which will be announced in the near future.
If you’ve been dreaming about having a better looking body and more vitality, now is the time to make it a beautiful reality.”
Hashtag: #SWISSREJU #KLipolysis
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
OPPO and HKPolyU Renew Collaboration and Launch Joint Innovation Research Centre to Expand AI Imaging Frontiers

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2024 – Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd. (OPPO) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held a signing ceremony to further deepen their collaboration based on the agreement signed in 2022, contributing to the integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). According to the renewal agreement, OPPO will collaborate with PolyU to increase funding and technology investment, upgrading the “PolyU-OPPO Joint Innovation Research Centre”, which marks a new chapter in the comprehensive partnership in AI imaging technology.

The signing ceremony took place last Friday (1 November) at the PolyU campus, witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Mr Jason LIAO, President of OPPO Research Institute. The agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr Zheng QIN, Head of Industry-Academia Affairs of OPPO. Under the framework of the agreement, the “PolyU-OPPO Joint Innovation Lab” will be upgraded to the “Joint Innovation Research Centre.” Additionally, OPPO will provide no less than RMB 30 million over the next five years to expand the scale of co-trained PhD and postdoctoral researchers, promoting technical development and exploration in imaging algorithms while further deepening the collaborative efforts between OPPO and PolyU in AI imaging technology.
“In the three years of collaboration between OPPO and PolyU, we have witnessed significant technological breakthroughs and notable achievements in talent cultivation through the Joint Lab,” said Jason LIAO. “Adhering to our mission of ‘Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World’, OPPO is dedicated to deepening the integration of academia-industry cooperation in the field of AI through this renewal, bringing more innovative intelligent imaging experiences to global users.”
Prof. TENG remarked, “To address the opportunities and challenges of the AI era, PolyU will officially establish the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences in January 2025. This is an important move to implement the University’s innovation development strategy, aiming to meet growing technological needs and support talent nurturing. The Department of Computing, which houses the Joint Innovation Research Centre will also join the new faculty. The new structure will effectively promote in-depth exchanges and collaboration among research teams, and create more impactful outcomes. We believe that this in-depth cooperation with OPPO will enable us to fully seize opportunities and actively promote technological innovation and knowledge transfer.”

In 2022, to promote in-depth cooperation in GBA, OPPO and PolyU signed an agreement to establish the “PolyU-OPPO Joint Innovation Lab.” Within just three years, the Joint Lab has achieved a series of innovative milestones, successfully developing and implementing various leading imaging algorithms: the AI super-resolution technology has been applied to multiple OPPO products, significantly enhancing the image quality of telephoto photography; the deployment of HDR imaging algorithms enables users to capture high-quality photos under different lighting conditions, greatly enhancing the photography experience.
Furthermore, the Joint Lab has actively explored cutting-edge technologies, including image restoration and detail enhancement based on generative models, as well as interactive image and video editing technologies. These efforts have improved the quality and stability of image generation and provide more possibilities for image and video post-processing. Additionally, the Joint Lab has made significant strides in talent cultivation, nurturing several PhD and postdoctoral researchers who are actively contributing to OPPO’s AI imaging technology, providing a strong driving force for continuous technological innovation.
The evolving collaboration between OPPO and PolyU will propel the further development of AI imaging technology, providing new momentum for technological innovation and talent development in the GBA. Looking ahead, both parties will continue to strengthen the academia-industry cooperation, fully exploring and promoting innovative applications of AI imaging technology.
Hashtag: #OPPO
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About OPPO
OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.
About The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) aspires to be an innovative world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility, driven by its motto, “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”. The University provides the best holistic education to nurture socially responsible “leaders of tomorrow” who possess a strong sense of national identity and a global perspective and pursues impactful innovation and interdisciplinary research to address the world’s most pressing challenges. A robust culture of knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of the University, ensuring PolyU’s technologies are transformed into practical real-world applications. The University’s unwavering commitment to excellence has earned it international recognition, with PolyU consistently ranking among the top 100 universities worldwide. Based on this solid foundation, the University will continue to make positive contributions in collaboration with its strategic partners for the betterment of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world.
Bizcap Announces Plans for Singapore Expansion, Appoints Joseph Lim as Asia Managing Partner to Drive SME Growth

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2024 – Bizcap, an Australia-headquartered fintech leader in fast and flexible business finance across Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K, today announced its expansion plans into Singapore, along with the appointment of Joseph Lim as Asia Managing Partner.
Launching in Q1 2025, Bizcap’s expansion into Singapore addresses a critical gap in the SME financing landscape: the challenge of accessing quick and flexible capital. Many of the 300,000 SMEs in Singapore encounter challenges in securing traditional financing, often due to a short financial track record or inadequate collateral. According to the Singapore Department of Statistics, only 27% of SMEs in Singapore are able to secure bank financing, while 40% rely on personal savings or loans from family and friends.
Bizcap provides financing solutions ranging from SGD 5,000 to SGD 500,000, with approvals within hours, no upfront credit checks, a low documentation process, and fund disbursement within 24 hours. In response to the increased demand for alternative financing, this approach supports businesses in accessing timely funds to meet immediate needs in an increasingly digitalised market.
To lead this new venture, Bizcap has appointed Joseph Lim as Asia Managing Partner. With over 13 years of experience in financial services and a proven track record of driving growth in competitive markets, he has been pivotal in generating $50-$70 million annually and has led channel and direct distribution teams of over 120 people across APAC. Additionally, he played a key role in notable transactions, including the sale of OneSource to Dunn & Bradstreet Australia (now ‘illion’) in 2016 and the acquisition of the Zip Business loan book in 2023.
Lim will be central in Bizcap’s expansion, working closely with advisers, lenders, and referral partners to establish a strong foundation for Bizcap’s growth across Asia. He will focus on driving strategic partnerships, overseeing market entry initiatives, and ensuring alignment with local market needs to support sustainable growth in the region.
“Lim’s appointment as our Asia Managing Partner marks a key milestone in our international growth strategy,” said Abraham White, Co-CEO of Bizcap. “His deep knowledge of financial services and passion for innovation will be key as we deliver on our promise to provide fast, reliable funding to SMEs across the region. We look forward to seeing the success of the Singapore market as the first entry point to Asia for Bizcap.”
With an estimated GDP growth forecast of 2.6% in 2024, SMEs are showing increased optimism as they pursue growth and expansion opportunities, driving demand for quick, flexible funding options to fuel development, hire skilled labour, and invest in equipment. Bizcap will focus on supporting SME growth in sectors such as wholesale, retail, manufacturing, professional services, construction, and hospitality.
Key features of Bizcap’s financing solutions to support Singapore SMEs include:
- Fast Processing: Approvals are processed within hours, with funds typically dispersed within 24 hours, enabling SMEs to capitalise on urgent business opportunities in Singapore’s competitive sectors.
- Flexible Criteria: Bizcap tailors its lending approach by evaluating each SME’s unique circumstances, making it possible for businesses that might not meet strict traditional criteria to secure the funding they need.
- Low-Documentation Requirements: By minimising paperwork and upfront requirements, Bizcap’s streamlined application process removes common administrative barriers, making access to funds quicker and simpler for SMEs.
- Transparency: With clear, straightforward terms and no hidden fees, Bizcap provides SMEs the ability to make informed financial decisions.
Since its founding in 2019, Bizcap has provided over $1 billion in funding to more than 25,000 SMEs across Australia, New Zealand and the U.K.
Hashtag: #fintech #technology #singapore
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Bizcap
Founded in 2019, Bizcap is a non-bank commercial lender empowering Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Australia, New Zealand and the U.K through fast, accessible funding. Bizcap has funded over 25,000 SMEs, totalling over $1 billion, while holding a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating. Unlike traditional lending practices, Bizcap embraces an innovative credit assessment and risk evaluation methodology, considering a wide range of both qualitative and quantitative factors, enabling us to say “yes” more often.
For more information, visit www.bizcapfunding.sg or
LinkedIn.