Vientiane Province is actively boosting tourism to position the industry as a key economic driver, with a goal to attract over 1.3 million visitors by the end of 2025. While officials are working to strengthen regional and international cooperation in tourism, aiming to promote its natural, historical, cultural, and agricultural attractions.
Vientiane Province Boosts Tourism Goals with 1.3 Million Visitor Target by End of 2025

Mobile Shop Collaborates with Zand Bank
Navigating Opportunities in the MENA: Cultivating a Smart Mobility Ecosystem
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 October 2024 – Mobile Shop Group Limited (“Mobile Shop” or the “Company“), a Hong Kong based taxi management and operation company, is pleased to announce a collaboration with Zand Bank, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s fully licensed all-digital bank, to provide “Smart City Innovation Solutions” in the Middle East & North Africa Region (MENA) via CabCab, a subsidiary brand of Mobile Shop, in building a smart transportation ecosystem.
Transportation is an integral part of daily life, underscoring the critical importance of advancing “smart mobility” initiatives in the UAE and Hong Kong, both recognized leading hubs of financial technology (FinTech). Leveraging on the partnership, CabCab delivers a comprehensive suite smart transportation solution for transportation in the MENA region, including smart taxi metre, e-payments, financial services, as well as providing taxi radio calls and a positioning system.
Mr. Sam Hui Kin-sang, CEO of Mobile Shop, said, “We are honoured to partner with Zand Bank. We believe that the partnership provides a breakthrough for the ‘smart mobility’ in the MENA region, thereby solidifying strong foothold for both parties at the forefront of FinTech revolutions. By integrating secured digital payments into our ‘Smart City Services,’ we are committed to delivering a more convenient and efficient experience for users. Looking ahead, we will actively integrate the relevant ecosystem into transportation modalities beyond traditional taxis, enabling citizens to reap the benefits of ‘smart mobility.'”
Mr. Michael Chan, CEO of Zand Bank, said, “We are excited to partner with Mobile Shop to drive innovation in smart city solutions and shape the future of urban technology.”
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Hashtag: #MobileShop #ZandBank #SmartMobility
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
CabCab – Operation and Business Development by Mobile Shop Group Limited
Mobile Shop Group Limited mainly specializes in the operation, promotion, and business development of taxi services in Hong Kong. The company is dedicated to leveraging technology in collaboration with partners to address industry pain points. It focuses on adapting to Hong Kong’s unique traffic conditions and introduces the smart meters, which enhance the quality of taxi services and foster a sustainable industry ecosystem, as well as enable the public to embrace the advantages of “smart mobility.”
CabCab, a subsidiary brand of Mobile Shop, is committed to integrating technology into daily life, as well as providing more comprehensive and accurate real-time information on road and data analysis.
Zand Bank
Zand Bank is a fully licensed bank by the Central Bank of UAE since July 2022. Our mission is to enable our UAE and global corporate, institutional, and wealth clients to unlock new opportunities, foster sustainable growth, and drive together positive impact in the evolving digital economy. Think beyond banking; think Zand, where infinite opportunities await.
For more information, please visit www.zand.ae
Lao, Vietnamese Leaders Advance Plans for Rail, Road Connections
In a push for regional connectivity and economic cooperation, Laos and Vietnam are accelerating infrastructure initiatives, focusing on the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway project. This plan aims to connect the two countries by rail, strengthening trade routes and mutual economic ties.
On 23 October, during a meeting at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Laos’ President Thongloun Sisoulith and Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh agreed to expedite the Thakhaek-Vung Ang seaport rail link. The leaders also committed to the Vientiane-Hanoi expressway and aligning financial and energy policies.
Their discussions emphasized strengthening Laos-Vietnam cooperation within regional frameworks.
The Vientiane-Vung Ang railway project, part of a 2021–2030 development plan extending to 2050, is a joint venture between Vietnam’s Deo Ca Group JSC and Laos’ Petroleum Trading Lao (PTL), designed as a public-private partnership and expected to launch in early 2027.
Spanning 554.7 kilometers and costing approximately USD 6.3 billion, the railway will connect Laos to regional maritime trade and open access to markets in China, South Korea, and Japan.
Johnson Controls-Hitachi Launches Sustainable Solutions for Commercial HVAC Customers in Singapore

- The newly launched high-performance VG and S Series chillers help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- The new systems align with the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) latest initiative to gradually phase out air conditioning equipment that utilises refrigerants with high GWP.
- Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning’s energy-efficient HVAC solutions support goals of Singapore’s Climate Action Plan 2030.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 October 2024 – Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Singapore has launched its VG and S Series centrifugal chillers that provide commercial customers in Singapore with highly energy efficient cooling solutions. Both the VG and S Series use environmentally friendly R1234ze ultra-low global warming potential (GWP <1) refrigerant, helping to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“The new systems align with the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) latest initiative to gradually phase out air conditioning equipment that utilise refrigerants with a high Global Warming Potential (GWP).” Country Sales & Service Manager for Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Singapore, Victor Lee, said. “We are proud to provide cutting-edge, low-carbon HVAC solutions in Singapore, supporting both our business goals and the decarbonisation process. Through innovative technologies and sustainable practices, we are meeting environmental standards and shaping a greener future for the built environment.”
Low-GWP refrigerants enable seamless energy transition
- The Direct-drive VSD Centrifugal Chiller VG Series features a high-speed VSD motor and gearless direct-drive two-stage compressor. This design increases efficiency for greater energy savings, crafted perfectly for commercial and industrial applications to lower energy consumption and operating costs while reducing the environmental impact of the cooling system.
- The Centrifugal Chiller S Series adopts a patented centrifugal two-stage compression technology and optimises the use of low-temperature cooling water to enhance performance, allowing the minimum inlet temperature to reach 12°C. Depending on the model, it offers a broad capacity range from 300 to 3000RT to meet various commercial and industrial building requirements.
The VG and S Series Centrifugal Chillers both adopt R513a and R1234ze refrigerants, which are chlorine-free and ozone-safe, ensuring minimal environmental impact while delivering superior performance.
Harnessing technology-driven, energy-efficient HVAC solutions for a greener future
In addition to utilising sustainable refrigerants, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Singapore is dedicated to developing energy-efficient HVAC solutions, supporting Singapore’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality as outlined in its Climate Action Plan 2030. The following products are currently being offered in Singapore:

- The Hitachi air365 Max Pro Top Flow VRF system, with pioneering Japanese design and engineering, offers significant improvements in energy consumption. Powered by Hitachi’s patented direct capacity control technology SmoothDrive 2.0, the air365 Max Pro enhances energy efficiency and temperature stability and ensures smoother compressor operation. SmoothDrive 2.0 uses 10% less refrigerant on average, ultimately reducing energy usage and carbon footprint by 47%. Additionally, the newly introduced airCloud Tap allows users to monitor unit data via their smartphones, enabling configuration and servicing to be performed up to four times faster than traditional methods.
- The Hitachi air365 SideSmart™, the world’s first slim modular Side Flow VRF system, is designed to adapt to diverse spaces and capacity needs. Its modularity allows for connection of up to four units, offering a capacity range of up to 72 HP and a combined cooling capacity of up to 200kW. Another advantage of air365 SideSmart™ modular air conditioning is its ability to reduce the overall refrigerant volume required, reducing emissions.
- The Hitachi airCore 700, our flagship residential and light commercial inverter split system, equipped with R32 DC inverter compressor to deliver exceptional cooling and heating performance across a broad capacity range, offers efficient operation in diverse ambient conditions while maintaining uncompromised comfort. With R32 refrigerant, airCore 700 units boast a lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to those using R410A. The airCore 700 is also compatible with airCloud Go, allowing customers to connect air conditioners to a mobile app, helping to save energy and enhance comfort directly from a phone.

With cooling making up 60% of a building’s electricity usage in Singapore, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning will continue to drive innovation in sustainable HVAC solutions, including high-efficiency systems and low-carbon refrigerants, to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint in line with Singapore’s sustainability targets. For more details on Hitachi Air Conditioning Products and Solutions, please visit https://www.hitachiaircon.com/sg/ or contact us at jch-sg-salesenquiry@jci-hitachi.com
Hashtag: #JCH
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning
Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning is a global air conditioning manufacturer established in October 2015 as a joint venture between Johnson Controls and Hitachi Appliances, Inc. (now Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc.). Approximately 15,000 employees have offered high-quality residential and commercial products, services, and solutions to our customers. We have released the most diverse HVAC products in the global market, including ductless solutions, chillers and residential air conditioning solutions that exceed customer expectations at all times.
First Direct Export of New Energy Buses from Guizhou to Laos Begins via China-Laos Railway

CGTN – A train carrying 28 China-made new energy buses departed on 28 October from the Dulaying International Land-Sea Logistics Port in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, heading for Vientiane, Laos. This shipment marks Guizhou’s first direct export of locally produced new energy buses to Laos via the China-Laos Railway.
FGA Trust CSO Helen Chen Highlights Digital Wealth Management Solutions at Fintech Week 2024

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 October 2024 – FGA Trust is proud to announce its inaugural participation in Hong Kong FinTech Week. Chief Strategy Officer Helen Chen contributed to the panel discussion titled “Seizing Growth Capital Opportunities: Exploring the Tech Landscape” at the WealthTech Forum, where she introduced FGA Trust’s all-in-one digital solution poised to transform the wealth management industry. She highlighted how this innovative platform positions FGA Trust to seize emerging opportunities in the digital era.

Panelists explored the rapid evolution of private equity, traditionally dominated by institutional investors, and the adaptive strategies employed by market participants in response to new regulations and policies. The discussion revealed substantial growth capital opportunities generated by fintech advancements, empowering family offices, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), and small investor groups to engage more effectively with capital markets. This opens new avenues for diversification and growth, underscoring the essential role of technology in creating a more inclusive and dynamic investment landscape.
Helen Chen presented FGA Trust’s cutting-edge digital solutions, featuring a comprehensive platform that supports a variety of asset classes for wealth management. She emphasized the integration of artificial intelligence in customer service and anti-money laundering (AML) processes, demonstrating how FGA Trust leverages technology to enhance operational efficiency and enrich client experiences.
During Fintech Week, FGA Trust showcased its AI-powered trust platform, designed to modernize traditional trust structures. This platform utilizes artificial intelligence to improve decision-making, streamline operations, and deliver personalized client experiences, ensuring FGA Trust remains competitive in a rapidly evolving market. The significance of these innovations for the industry is profound, as they enhance service delivery and foster greater transparency in wealth management.
“Our discussions at Fintech Week 2024 highlighted the necessity of adopting technological innovations to effectively navigate the complexities of today’s financial landscape,” said Helen Chen. “At FGA Trust, we are dedicated to delivering integrated solutions across all asset classes, enabling our clients to thrive and find comfort within the trust structure.”
Hashtag: #FGA #Trust #Wealth #Web3 #FamilyOffice
https://fgatrust.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/fga-trust/
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Wechat: 香港FGA信托
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
FGA Trust
FGA Trust is a Hong Kong-licensed financial institution specializing in bank-grade asset protection and customizable trust solutions. Our services provide a secure framework for managing and safeguarding clients’ assets, ensuring their financial legacies are preserved according to their wishes. With a team of experts from the trust, financial services, and payment sectors, we utilize cutting-edge, compliant technology to deliver customer-first services that prioritize safety and discretion. At FGA Trust, we empower clients to live confidently, knowing their arrangements are optimized for their benefit.
Digimind Rebrands as Onclusive Social, Marking Full Integration with Onclusive to Transform Global Media Intelligence
Global Media Intelligence Leader Announces Major Integration
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 October 2024 – Onclusive, a global leader in media intelligence, today announced the full integration of Digimind, now rebranded as Onclusive Social. This milestone marks a significant enhancement in Onclusive’s ability to provide comprehensive media monitoring and analysis solutions to clients worldwide.
- Digimind, a leader in social media listening and intelligence, is now fully integrated into Onclusive’s suite of services and rebranded as Onclusive Social.
- The integration and rebranding strengthen Onclusive’s social media monitoring, insights, and analysis capabilities on a global scale.
- Clients will benefit from a more comprehensive, AI-driven approach to media intelligence across all major social platforms under a unified brand.
- This integration provides clients with the tools they need for a complete view of their media presence and performance, encompassing earned, owned, and shared media landscapes.
Rob Stone, CEO of Onclusive, stated, “The full integration of Digimind as Onclusive Social represents a pivotal moment in our mission to provide the most comprehensive media intelligence solutions in the industry. By bringing Digimind’s cutting-edge social listening capabilities under the Onclusive brand, we are uniquely positioned to offer our clients unparalleled insights across all media channels with a seamless, integrated experience.”
The integration of Onclusive Social’s technology, which leverages advanced AI solutions and machine learning, significantly enhances Onclusive’s ability to deliver global social media listening and in-depth analysis. This move solidifies Onclusive’s position as a customer-rated leader in social media listening software, as recognized by G2.
Digimind Co-Founder Patrice Francois commented, “Rebranding as Onclusive Social is more than a name change; it’s a testament to our full integration and shared vision. As Onclusive Social, we’re excited to bring our advanced social listening and intelligence capabilities to a broader client base, helping organisations make more informed decisions based on comprehensive media insights.”
This integration and rebranding are part of Onclusive’s ongoing strategy to offer a complete suite of market-leading global media monitoring, measurement, and management solutions to PR, Communications, and Marketing teams, helping them to continually prove and improve their value.
Clients of both Onclusive and Digimind will be able to access an expanded set of tools and capabilities under the unified Onclusive brand. The integration also means that clients can now work with a single provider for all their media intelligence needs, from traditional media monitoring to advanced social listening and analysis.
For more information about Onclusive and its enhanced capabilities, including Onclusive Social, please visit www.onclusive.com.
Hashtag: #OnclusiveSocial #Business #Technology #MarTech #AI #SocialListening #MediaMonitoring #MediaIntelligence
https://onclusive.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/OnclusiveSocial
https://x.com/OnclusiveSocial
https://www.facebook.com/OnclusiveSocial
https://www.Instagram.com/OnclusiveSocial
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Onclusive
Onclusive is a world leader in media intelligence technology and services, dedicated to supporting PR, Communications, and Marketing professionals. We deliver leading-edge innovation, human expertise, and unmatched media reach in a suite of media management, monitoring, and analytics solutions that support every stage of the communications cycle. Our unified platform and services enable our customers to make fast, accurate, data-driven decisions about their communications and marketing strategies, allowing them to prove and improve their value.
11th Singapore Media Festival Returns to Showcase Captivating Films, Groundbreaking Collaborations, and Exceptional Talent from Asia

- More than 100 film screenings from 45 countries, including the psychological thriller “Stranger Eyes” by acclaimed Singaporean filmmaker Yeo Siew Hua.
- Discover collaborations and gain insights from industry giants-Warner Bros. Discovery, TVING, Youku and Tencent.
- Meet Asia’s creative talent, such as Singaporean cosplayer Rurusama, Malaysian actor and comedian Jaspers Lai, and Japanese illustrator Yuko Shimizu.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 October 2024 – The Singapore Media Festival (SMF) returns for its 11th edition from 28 November – 8 December 2024 to showcase the magic of Asia’s media industry with a fresh lineup of captivating films, groundbreaking collaborations, and exceptional talent across its partner events – the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF), Singapore Comic Con (SGCC), and Nas Summit Asia. Hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the festival is the platform to unite the best of Singapore’s film, TV and our new media talent.

2. SMF will be the focal point of Asia’s media community for 11 days as over 55,000 media professionals, leaders, talents, and consumers gather in Singapore to experience diverse media innovations, forge industry deals, and present Singapore’s world-class content. This year, more than 100 captivating films from 45 countries featuring fresh voices and emerging themes will be screened during SGIFF, along with a special celebration of talent from Singapore and around the globe. Building on the S$3.04 billion (US$2.23 billion) worth of deals and partnerships generated from the festival since its inception, Singapore has been and continues to be Asia’s anchor platform to discover meaningful collaborations and expert insights with industry giants like Warner Bros. Discovery, TVING, Youku, Tencent and more convening at the ATF.
3. In recent years, the festival has provided opportunities for new media content creators and creative professionals to learn and also present their work. At Nas Summit Asia, content creators will have the valuable opportunity to learn from over 20 sessions by creatives and personalities based in Asia like Malaysian actor and comedian Jaspers Lai and Singaporean photographer Smile with Jeryl. Pop culture enthusiasts will also get to interact with more than 30 comic book artists, toy creators, entertainers and more at SGCC, such as Clio Award winning illustrator Yuko Shimizu and Singaporean cosplayer Rurusama.
4. Ms Yvonne Tang, Cluster Director, Media Industry Cluster, IMDA, said, “Asia’s, and Singapore’s media industry in particular, have been taking the world stage by storm – staying relevant and even thrive in the fast-changing landscape. The Singapore Media Festival is a great platform for Asia’s creative talent to congregate, mingle and forge new partnerships and deals. As the world continues to be excited by Asian storytelling and stories, we are here to provide the spark for people to come together to collaborate and innovate. This annual festival also highlights Singapore’s strength as a hub for world-class content and impactful collaborations, shaping the future of Asia’s media industry for a global audience.”
Acclaimed Asian filmmakers, local creator Smile with Jeryl, and cosplay influencer Rurusama take centre stage
5. This year, attendees can look forward to several programmes, showcases, and speaker highlights to discover the magic of content, collaborations, and creativity made in Singapore:
Singaporean and Asian films featuring fresh voices and emerging narratives: The 35th edition of SGIFF returns from 28 November to 8 December with a captivating lineup of over 100 films across 45 countries. SGIFF will present over 25 Singaporean and Made-with-Singapore films, including highly anticipated “Spirit World’ by Eric Khoo starring Catherine Deneuve, Yutaka Takenouchi and Masaaki Sakai, multiple award-winning “Don’t’ Cry, Butterfly” and historical drama-meets-monster film, “Orang Ikan”. The festival will open with psychological thriller “Stranger Eyes”, by acclaimed Singaporean filmmaker Yeo Siew Hua. Taiwanese actor Lee Kang-sheng, who plays the protagonist in the film, will receive the SGIFF Cinema Icon Award, which recognises an Asian actor who has made an indelible mark as a creative force in film. The festival also appointed their first ever festival ambassador, Rebecca Lim, who will help to bridge the gap between filmmakers and audiences through public engagement.
Experience the finest blend of pop culture and cutting-edge technology: Asian and Western pop culture will assemble to turn imagination into reality at SGCC on 7 to 8 December. Pop culture enthusiasts can meet award-winning creatives like Hong Kong manhua artist Khoo Fuk-lung and Japanese illustrator Yuko Shimizu. Other highlights include:
- SGCC’s new ambassador, local cosplayer Rurusama will present an exclusive fan experience powered by 3D, augmented reality and artificial intelligence technology in collaboration with True Blue Production.
- Toy collectors can also look forward to the global premiere of exclusive merchandise such as:
- Mighty Jaxx’s exclusive Luffy XXRAY One Piece Luffy Wanted Series Treasure Gold Edition merchandise
- The Life Saving Figurines, a limited-edition series created in partnership with the Singapore Civil Defence Force and Accenture.
- There will be special F&B offerings from Brewerkz, Playmade, and Beardpapa, as well as fun family-friendly activities and appearances of kids’ favourite characters like Bluey, Spongebob and Captain Pikachu.
- Four new Made-with-Singapore games will make their debut showcase at SGCC. These IMDA-supported titles, developed by local studios, offer uniquely Singaporean gameplay. They are: A Stitch in Time by Crimson Forge, Commonwealth by Lambdamu Games, Find Lah! by The Doodle People, and Roachman by Andas Productions. Additionally, gamers can look forward to an exciting Mobile Legends community challenge organised by Mediacorp.
Dynamic discussions and groundbreaking pitches: Celebrating its 25th edition this year, the ATF will be held from 3 to 6 December 2024. The forum gathers industry leaders from media giants like Warner Bros. Discovery, TVING, Youku, Tencent, IMAX, and more to share their insights on the industry’s future challenges and opportunities at the ATF Leaders Dialogue and conference tracks over the 4 days. Six in-development pitches, the highest number ever at ATF, will also take place as aspiring productions vie for a chance to develop content focused on Asian-centric storytelling, revolutionary business models, and more.
Expand new media storytelling skills: The NAS Summit Asia is back on 30 November to 1 December as one of Asia’s biggest creator events, with over 1000 attendees and 150 companies expected to attend. Content creators can discover the magic behind impactful content from Asian content creators, Jaspers Lai, Smile with Jeryl, and Darshen K. Attendees can level up their skills through innovative formats like quick-fire networking session “speed dating”, and the “roast”, where creators workshop content with candid but humorous feedback.
6. For more details on the Singapore Media Festival and its partner events, please visit www.imda.gov.sg/smf. Media materials are available in this digital kit here.
Hashtag: #SGMediaFest
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Singapore Media Festival
The Singapore Media Festival, hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), proudly returns for its 11th edition as one of Asia’s premier international media industry platforms. From 28 November to 8 December 2024, Singapore will be the focal point for Asia’s media community, showcasing diverse media innovations, forging industry deals, and presenting Singapore’s world-class content. This year’s festival, themed “Make It Here,” aims to inspire the region’s media talent to create, connect, and realise their visions. The event will bring together media professionals, industry leaders, creators, and consumers through the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF), Singapore Comic Con (SGCC), and Nas Summit Asia (NAS).
For more information, please visit: www.imda.gov.sg/smf.
About Infocomm Media Development Authority
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (“IMDA”) leads Singapore’s digital transformation by developing a vibrant digital economy and an inclusive digital society. As Architects of Singapore’s Digital Future, we foster growth in Infocomm Technology and Media sectors in concert with progressive regulations, harnessing frontier technologies, and developing local talent and digital infrastructure ecosystems to establish Singapore as a digital metropolis.
For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on Facebook (IMDAsg) and Twitter (@IMDAsg).