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Echoing International Mother Language Day, CIP holds the 5th annual Indigenous Language Development Conference


TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2024 – On February 25, the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) held the 2024 International Mother Language Day – Indigenous Language Development Conference at National Taitung University. Some 400 participants, including indigenous language revitalization practitioners and traditional leaders from indigenous communities nationwide, were invited to attend. Minister Icyang .Parod publicly commended the 20 recipients of this year’s awards for their efforts in indigenous language development, encouraging more to follow suit in focusing on and engaging in the sustainable inheritance of indigenous languages.

Recipient of the Lifetime Contribution Award – Taya Masing
Recipient of the Lifetime Contribution Award – Taya Masing

CIP Minister Icyang expressed that President Tsai initiated the Indigenous Languages Development Act, which stipulates indigenous languages as Taiwan’s national languages. The Executive Yuan has provided substantial financial support for indigenous language development, enabling CIP to collaborate with central and local governments, civil organizations, indigenous communities, and indigenous peoples, all dedicated to the sustainable development of indigenous languages.

Minster Icyang further stated that echoing the United Nations International Mother Language Day, the Council of Indigenous Peoples has been organizing indigenous language development conferences annually since 2020. This year marks the fifth conference, with each year’s theme progressing from “Language Division,” “Language Development,” “Traditional Leaders,” “Indigenous Language Church,” to this year’s theme of “Community-led Language Promotion.” This systematic approach allows the step-by- step revitalization and inheritance of indigenous languages.

This year’s awards for promoting indigenous language development include the Lifetime Contribution Award, Language Inheritance Award, Language Promotion Award, and Special Award. These awards are given to a total of 20 recipients, who have been diligently and steadfastly promoting indigenous languages through research, preservation, teaching, and promotion efforts across Taiwan. Their dedication and fruitful achievements are truly inspiring.

Through discussions on various topics, this conference provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the government’s efforts and achievements in promoting the development of indigenous languages. It also facilitated discussions on how to create environments conducive to the use of indigenous languages in indigenous communities, as well as the role of church, where indigenous people often gather, in language promotion, thereby encouraging indigenous communities to actively participate in language revitalization efforts and create a friendly living environment where indigenous languages are widely used among indigenous community members.

Hashtag: #CIP #InternationalMotherLanguageDay

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

Cushman & Wakefield 2024/25 Budget Response

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2024 –

Response to the Budget 2024/25 by KK Chiu, International Director, Chief Executive, Greater China of Cushman & Wakefield:

We welcome the government’s proactive efforts in seeking land for housing development to ensure an adequate supply for future public and private housing. However, historical data shows that there have been frequent delays in the completion of private housing projects. We hope that the government can collaborate on various aspects of infrastructure development, provide incentives to developers, and encourage them to proactively develop land in the New Territories to expand the supply of private housing. Regarding public housing, we hope that the government can conduct a more in-depth study to adjust current housing policies, such as significantly tightening the allocation of public housing units to more wealthy individuals, so that deserving grassroots families who have been on the waiting list for many years can move in quickly, and resources can be utilized more fairly.

Based on data from the Census and Statistics Department, the number of individuals aged 65 and above in Hong Kong is projected to rise from 1.45 million in 2021 to 2.74 million by 2046. This demographic shift indicates a significant aging trend, with one in three citizens expected to be seniors by the 2046 date. The implications are profound in terms of the additional pressure on social services and infrastructure. In light of this, we recommend that the government takes proactive steps to address the challenges posed by the aging population. One key area of focus should be on enhancing elderly housing policies. This can be achieved through initiatives such as allocating funds to support aging in place programs and drawing insights from successful models such as the Ming Wah Dai Ha, managed by the Hong Kong Housing Society. By providing suitable accommodation options for the elderly, the government can help improve their quality of life and well-being. Furthermore, to stimulate private sector involvement in addressing the housing needs of seniors, the government could consider implementing measures such as land premium waivers. This can serve as an incentive for private developers to participate in the development of senior-friendly housing projects, thereby increasing the overall supply of suitable housing options for the elderly population in Hong Kong.

We are pleased to see the government now taking a more proactive and comprehensive approach to attract businesses to Hong Kong. With more than 10 key enterprises signing memoranda of understanding with OASES next month, we hope that the government will swiftly implement plans with these enterprises and enable new job opportunities, thereby helping to spur economic growth. However, given that the overall development blueprint for the Northern Metropolis area has yet to be approved by the Town Planning Board or endorsed by the Legislative Council, the implementation timeline remains distant. We also hope the government will introduce further specific economic stimulus measures in the short- to medium-term.

Response to Budget 2024/25 by Kevin Lam, Executive Director, Head of Retail Services Agency & Management, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

We welcome the government’s initiative to promote digital transformation in Hong Kong’s retail and food and beverage industries via Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme. We believe that further upgrades in payment and storefront systems will assist merchants in serving a new wave of mainland tourists through the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS), in turn enhancing the consumer experience with more direct and convenient services, and creating new business opportunities.

Response to Budget 2024/25 by KB Wong, Executive Director, Head of Valuation and Advisory Services, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

We are pleased to see the government now taking a more proactive and comprehensive approach to attract businesses to Hong Kong. With more than 10 key enterprises signing memoranda of understanding with OASES next month, we hope that the government will swiftly implement plans with these enterprises and enable new job opportunities, thereby helping to spur economic growth. However, given that the overall development blueprint for the Northern Metropolis area has yet to be approved by the Town Planning Board or endorsed by the Legislative Council, the implementation timeline remains distant. We also hope the government will introduce further specific economic stimulus measures in the short-to medium-term.

Response to the Budget 2024/25 by Rosanna Tang, Executive Director, Head of Research, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

We appreciate the government’s response to market demands by canceling all the demand-side management measures for residential properties. This action will facilitate an orderly adjustment of the real estate market, guiding it towards a healthier direction. Currently, three key factors are challenging the Hong Kong housing market: high interest rates, stringent stamp duty measures, and economic downturns coupled with stock market instability. With the government’s complete withdrawal of SSD, BSD, and NRSD, we anticipate a boost in confidence among potential homebuyers, leading to increased transaction volumes and revitalization of the property market chain.

In terms of property price trends, if the U.S. Fed initiates interest rate reductions this year, we can expect to see property prices stabilize and potentially see rebound from current levels in the 2H 2024 period.

Response to the Budget 2024/25 by Alva To, Vice President, Head of Consulting, Greater China of Cushman & Wakefield:

In the 2024/25 Budget we have seen that the government has provided specific and actionable details regarding the development of the Northern Metropolis, particularly in terms of transportation and industry. We wholeheartedly agree with the government’s adoption of the planning principle of “infrastructure-led,” prioritizing the development of transportation networks and fostering diverse industrial sectors. In conjunction with the development of the Greater Bay Area, this approach will effectively attract talent and businesses.

We also welcome the government’s efforts in defining the development models and positioning for Hong Kong industries, including fisheries and agriculture, biomedicine, and the digital economy. These clear and specific directions contribute to determining Hong Kong’s distinctive roles and responsibilities within the Greater Bay Area industrial chain, and align with the three-year action plan released by the National Development and Reform Commission for the Greater Bay Area. This aims to create a world-class business environment and lay a solid foundation for the development of the Northern Metropolis area.

Response to the Budget 2024/25 by Tom Ko, Executive Director, Head of Capital Markets, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

We are glad to see the government’s relaxation of mortgage policies for non-residential properties, together with the increase in tax exemptions. With banks’ cooperation, investors can now more flexibly choose properties without being confined to specific timeframes. Additionally, new property owners can calculate tax exemptions based on construction costs and the remaining tax liabilities of previous owners, further reducing transaction costs. We anticipate that these measures will create a more flexible and favorable environment for Hong Kong’s property investment market, sending positive signals, boosting confidence, and stimulating transaction volumes.

(Click here for high-res pictures)

Hashtag: #戴德梁行 #Cushman&Wakefield

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About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in approximately 400 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2022, the firm reported global revenue of US$10.1 billion across its core services of valuation, consulting, project & development services, capital markets, project & occupier services, industrial & logistics, retail and others. It also receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and more. For additional information, visit or follow us on LinkedIn ().

VinFast signs dealer sales agreement with first dealer in the Middle East


MUSCAT, OMAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2024 – VinFast Auto (Nasdaq: VFS) officially signed a dealer sales agreement with Bahwan Automobiles Trading LLC (BAT) for the distribution of electric vehicles in the Oman market. This event signifies not only VinFast’s initial operation in the Middle East region but also a significant step in the VinFast’s global expansion.

VinFast Chairwoman Ms. Le Thi Thu Thuy (center), CEO of VinFast Middle East Mr. Ta Xuan Hien (left), and Mr. Abdullah Ahmed Salim Bahwan, Executive Director of Bahwan Automobiles Trading at the signing ceremony (Photo: Bahwan Automobiles Trading)
VinFast Chairwoman Ms. Le Thi Thu Thuy (center), CEO of VinFast Middle East Mr. Ta Xuan Hien (left), and Mr. Abdullah Ahmed Salim Bahwan, Executive Director of Bahwan Automobiles Trading at the signing ceremony (Photo: Bahwan Automobiles Trading)

Under the terms of the agreement, BAT will become the official dealer of VinFast in Oman. From 2024 to 2027, BAT plans to establish and operate 13 VinFast stores and service centers. The inaugural store is anticipated to open in mid-2024, with vehicle sales commencing shortly thereafter. Additionally, VinFast will collaborate with BAT to sell four e-SUV models: VF 6, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9 upon their market launch.

Previously, within the framework of the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023 (COP 28) held in the United Arab Emirates, VinFast and BAT signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation. Through this collaboration with its first dealer in Oman, VinFast actively contributes to the realization of green mobility solutions within the Middle Eastern region, while affirming the commitment of the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer to making electric vehicles more accessible to everyone.

Representatives of VinFast and Bahwan Automobiles Trading at the signing ceremony (Photo: Bahwan Automobiles Trading)
Representatives of VinFast and Bahwan Automobiles Trading at the signing ceremony (Photo: Bahwan Automobiles Trading)

Mr. Ta Xuan Hien, CEO of VinFast Middle East, said: “Oman presents a promising market for electric vehicles, as consumers in the nation demonstrate a growing interest in sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. We are confident that this dealer sales agreement with BAT, a leading and highly reputable dealer in Oman, will empower VinFast to swiftly establish a presence in the market and provide customers in the country with the most diverse and high-quality selection of electric vehicles available.”

Mr. Abdullah Ahmed Suhail Bahwan, Executive Director of Bahwan Automobiles Trading, shared: “We are delighted to be the first Middle Eastern dealer of VinFast, a pioneering electric vehicle manufacturer in Vietnam renowned for its strategic vision and innovative products. We firmly believe that this dealer sales agreement will introduce captivating electric vehicle models to the Oman market, contributing to the development of the electric vehicle sector in Oman and enhancing the electric mobility experience for our customers.”

The electric vehicle market in Oman is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years. The Omani government has implemented numerous initiatives to encourage the use of electric vehicles, aiming to address climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and limit the consumption of fossil fuels.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

About VinFast

VinFast – a member of Vingroup – envisions driving the advancement of the global smart electric vehicle revolution. Established in 2017, VinFast owns a state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing complex with globally leading scalability that boasts up to 90 percent automation in Hai Phong, Vietnam.

Strongly committed to the mission of a sustainable future for everyone, VinFast constantly innovates to bring high-quality products, advanced smart services, seamless customer experiences, and pricing strategy for all to inspire global customers to jointly create a future of smart mobility and a sustainable planet. Learn more at: www.vinfastauto.com.

About BAT

BAT is an allied business of Bahwan International Group, which is a reputed entity with over 45 associate companies and more than 2000 employees, with presence across the Sultanate of Oman, the Gulf Region, North Africa, and South Asia. These Group of companies represents an impressive portfolio of more than 40 global brands, their diversified businesses cover a wide spectrum including automobiles, healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy, airport solution, logistic solution, earthmoving equipment, construction equipment, industrial equipment, debt collection services, high-end security solutions, survey instruments, elevators and parking solutions, which are some of the major businesses among others.

Response to budget announcement 2024/2025 from Mr. Paul Chan, President of the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2024 –

Acknowledge the problem of inadequate per capita public open spaces

  • The Institute is pleased to see the Government promoting sustainable innovation and growth while aiming to protect the natural ecosystems and provide citizens with a better quality of life. However, there is no mention of strengthening and implementation of various government policies related to climate change, biodiversity, ecological and landscape in the budget proposal. The Institute advocates for Nature-Based Solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change. These measures will help Hong Kong become a more resilient and appealing international city.
  • In response to the issue of insufficient public recreational spaces per capita, the Institute suggests to develop new and to enhance existing public open space in addressing the specific requirements for public recreational spaces in individual districts, we can enhance community and greening functions, ensuring widespread benefits for citizens. The Institute suggests also to explore public-private partnership in the management of public open space, that on one hand reduces government long term recurrent cost and on the other hand promote innovative design in our public realm. Adequate investment to our public open space promotes physical and mental well-being, ultimately leading to long-term reductions in healthcare and social welfare expenses.

Organising large-scale exhibitions to link up the development of the landscape industry with socio-economic development

  • The Institute is pleased to see the Government actively preparing for over 80 different themed events to enhance urban competitiveness and attract talent and visitors. Additionally, we have successfully secured the right to host the 2026 International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) World Congress, which we hope will contribute to the development of the industry and the economy. This event is supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and the Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture, representing the national landscape architecture profession, has committed to collaborate in the event. We hope that the relevant departments of the SAR Government will support the Institute to successfully host this rare international event, showcasing Hong Kong’s unique achievements in ecological civilization.
  • The Institute strongly supports the recent initiative proposed by the Secretary, “Innovation and Technology Empowerment, Industry Leads to Development.” We suggest that the HKSAR Government apply to the Ministry of Housing and Construction for the organization of the China International Garden and Flower Expo (CIGFE) in 2027-28. The theme, “Gardening Industry, Expo for the Future,” would involve constructing a nature-based green industry demonstration zone in alignment with the development direction of the northern metropolis. This initiative would leverage existing infrastructure in Sandy Ridge to optimize the natural environment in the eastern part of the northern metropolis and inject additional economic power.

Utilising the advantages of Hong Kong’s landscape architects to promote Hong Kong’s social development

  • The Institute acknowledges that the proactive development of various sectors by the Government plays a crucial role in Hong Kong’s economic progress. Compared to neighbouring regions, Hong Kong’s landscape architectural profession is well established and enjoys one of the most advanced recognitions in the regions. The Institute believes that, given the shortage of manpower in the construction industry, landscape architects should have equal opportunity to bid for lead consultancy or direct consultancy for projects primarily focused on public spaces or landscapes, adhering to the principle of specialization.

Hashtag: #HKILA

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BingX Launches Ethereum Layer 2, Bitcoin Layer 2, and Web3 Game Token Airdrop Guide for 2024

BingX QA, known for its innovative approach to cryptocurrency research, has unveiled the 2024 Airdrop Guide featuring Ethereum Layer 2, Bitcoin Layer 2, and Web3 Game tokens


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2024 – BingX QA, known for its innovative approach to cryptocurrency research, has unveiled the 2024 Airdrop Guide featuring Ethereum Layer 2, Bitcoin Layer 2, and Web3 Game tokens.

In 2023, BingX QA released Airdrop Guides for tokens such as Starknet and Arbitrum, providing users with valuable insights into airdrop opportunities. Following these guidelines, numerous users participated in the Starknet airdrop in February 2024 and received a minimum of $1000 worth of STRK tokens. In response to inquiries from users eager for more airdrop opportunities, BingX QA intensified its exploration and research efforts.

The latest Airdrop Guide includes promising projects such as Ethereum Layer 2 Blast, Bitcoin Layer 2, Celestia, Ronin Network, and the ERC404 protocol.

Blast, developed by the NFT trading market Blur, is an Layer 2 public chain where users can receive airdrops by staking ETH.

The development of Bitcoin Layer 2 has been a hot topic, with the recent Merlin coin airdrop requiring staking of Bitcoin ecosystem’s BRC-20 Ordi tokens.

Celestia, being one of the earliest modular public chains, also requires staking of Tia tokens for airdrop eligibility.

Additionally, the ERC404 protocol released its first token, Pandora, in February 2024, with the promise of future airdrops for holders of Pandora tokens.

In order to facilitate user participation in airdrops, BingX has listed coins such as Ordi, Celestia, and Pandora on the spot trading market. Investors can use BingX Price Tools to access price estimates, valuations, and risk assessments to decide whether to purchase tokens for airdrop participation.

Peter, BingX QA’s Researcher, stated, “Despite the abundance of bull market airdrop projects, Ethereum’s price performance continues to correlate with Bitcoin’s price fluctuations. Since acquiring airdrops requires staking tokens of the respective public chains, investors should also be mindful of the risk of token price declines due to Bitcoin price depreciation.”

Hashtag: #bingx #btc #eth #blockchain #airdrop




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

BingX

BingX is a leading cryptocurrency exchange offering spot, derivatives, grid, and copy trading services to users in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. With a user base of over 5 million, BingX facilitates connections between users, expert traders, and the platform itself in a secure and innovative manner. BingX recently listed and on the spot market.

Public Health Project Plays Part in Controlling Dengue Transmission in Vientiane Capital

A recent report by Save the Children showed a major reduction in dengue fever instances across Vientiane Capital, Laos, between 2022 and 2023.
FILE: young student looking at a cup of Wolbachia mosquitoes (photo: Save the Children)

A recent report by Save the Children signified a major reduction in dengue fever instances across Vientiane Capital, Laos, between 2022 and 2023.

Major Road Upgrade Project in Vientiane to Be Completed by March 2025

Sikhai-Sikeuth road upgrade. (Photo: Lao National Radio)

Residents and motorists traveling between Sikhai village in Sikhottabong district and Sikeuth village in Naxaithong district, Vientiane, can anticipate smoother journeys as the road upgrade project progresses steadily toward its anticipated completion by March 2025.

Newborns in Japan Are at a New Low, While Fewer Couples Marry

A pedestrian crossing a street with a child is seen through a taxi window in Tokyo. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

TOKYO (AP) — The number of babies born in Japan last year fell for an eighth straight year to a new low, government data showed Tuesday, and a top official said it was critical for the country to reverse the trend in the coming half-dozen years.

The 758,631 babies born in Japan in 2023 were a 5.1% decline from the previous year, according to the Health and Welfare Ministry. It was the lowest number of births since Japan started compiling the statistics in 1899.

The number of marriages fell by 5.9% to 489,281 couples, falling below a half-million for the first time in 90 years — one of the key reasons for the declining births. Out-of-wedlock births are rare in Japan because of family values based on a paternalistic tradition.

Surveys show that many younger Japanese balk at marrying or having families, discouraged by bleak job prospects, the high cost of living that rises at a faster pace than salaries and corporate cultures that are not compatible with having both parents work. Crying babies and children playing outside are increasingly considered a nuisance, and many young parents say they often feel isolated.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters Tuesday that the ongoing declining birth rate is in a “critical state.”

“The period over the next six years or so until the 2030s, when the younger population will start declining rapidly, will be the last chance we may be able to reverse the trend,” he said. “There is no time to waste.”

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has called the low births “the biggest crisis Japan faces,” and put forward a package of measures that have included more support and subsidies, mostly for childbirth, children and their families.

But experts say they doubt whether the government’s efforts will be effective because so far they have largely focused on people who are already married or are planning to have children, while not adequately addressing a growing population of young people who are reluctant to go that far.

The number of births has been falling since 50 years ago, when it peaked at about 2.1 million. The decline to an annual number below 760,000 has happened faster than earlier projections predicting that would happen by 2035.

Japan’s population of more than 125 million is projected to fall by about 30% to 87 million by 2070, with four out of every 10 people at age 65 or older. A shrinking and aging population has big implications for the economy and for national security as the country seeks to fortify its military to counter China’s increasingly assertive territorial ambitions.

BY MARI YAMAGUCHI, The Associated Press