That Phon Stupa and Heuan Hinh in Xayphouthong district, SavannakhetProvince, have been recognized as national cultural heritage sites
Savannakhet Province has added two sites to its national cultural heritage list, with authorities formally recognising That Phon Stupa and Heuan Hin in Xayphouthong district on 30 January.
Both sites received national-level status following earlier local designation, marking a new step toward stronger protection and wider promotion of the province’s historical and spiritual landmarks.
That Phon Stupa ranks among the most revered Buddhist sites in southern Laos. Local legend traces its construction to 118 BE, when builders used laterite stone to form a lotus-bud-shaped stupa believed to be around 2,500 years old.
Located in Phonthat Village, about 65 kilometres from Kaysone Phomvihane City and 12 kilometres from National Road 13 South, the stupa has long served as a spiritual center for surrounding communities. Its annual festival takes place in February, usually on the full moon of the third lunar month.
The other site, Heuan Hin, meaning “Stone House,” lies in the same district near the Mekong River, around 30 kilometres from That Phon.
The unfinished structure is believed to be one of 121 rest houses built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII between 1181 and 1218, linking major routes across the Khmer Empire.
The site shows architectural similarities to Vat Phou in Champasak and Thailand’s Phimai temple, and hosts its annual festival in March, on the full moon of the fourth lunar month.
Provincial authorities said elevating the two sites to national heritage status will support long-term conservation while helping to promote cultural tourism in Xayphouthong district and across Savannakhet Province.
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – EQS Newswire – 2 February 2026 –
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KOCHI, India, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a premier Government of India enterprise, has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from internationally reputed companies, firms, or agencies for empanelment as Territorial Representatives for ship repair and refit projects across key global markets.
This initiative is part of CSL’s strategic efforts to strengthen its global outreach and deliver world-class ship repair, refit, and conversion services to international customers. The empanelled Territorial Representatives will support CSL by leveraging local market intelligence, promoting its ship repair capabilities, and facilitating business development within their respective regions.
In the initial phase, CSL intends to appoint Territorial Representatives for the following key global clusters (1) Norway, Sweden, and Finland, (2) United Kingdom, Germany, and Denmark, (3) Greece and Cyprus, (4) GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE), (5) Singapore and Malaysia, (6) Hong Kong and Vietnam and (7) South Korea and Japan. Successful applicants will be granted exclusive rights to promote CSL’s ship repair services within their assigned territories, subject to satisfactory performance and adherence to the terms and conditions of the agreement.
Commenting on the initiative, a CSL spokesperson said that this empanelment initiative aligns with their long-term vision to enhance Cochin Shipyard’s global footprint and provide customers worldwide with seamless access to CSL’s ship repair and refit expertise
Interested parties are required to submit their EoI on or before 1500 Hrs IST on 05 February 2026.
Detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, scope of work, and submission guidelines is available on the Cochin Shipyard Limited website (Tender ID: CSL/SRP/324/2026) and the Government of India Central Public Procurement Portal (Tender ID: 2026_CSL_824799_1).
About Cochin Shipyard Limited:
Cochin Shipyard Limited is India’s largest shipbuilding and maintenance facility, offering comprehensive ship repair, refit, and conversion services to domestic and international clients.
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Four-day global celebration in Hua Hin highlights National Muay Thai Day and large-scale cultural performances
BANGKOK, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will stage the Amazing MuayThai Festival 2026 from 4–7 February at Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, reinforcing Thailand’s sports tourism positioning through Muay Thai while marking National Muay Thai Day with traditional rites, ceremonies, and cultural performances.
Officials and Muay Thai practitioners pose during the launch of Amazing MuayThai Festival 2026, marking the upcoming four-day celebration from 4–7 February 2026 at Rajabhakti Park, Hua Hin, which highlights National Muay Thai Day and reinforces Thailand’s position as the world’s home of Muay Thai.
Held under the concept “Ultimate Muay Thai Experience”, the festival pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, in recognition of her immeasurable contributions to the Thai people, while presenting Muay Thai as Thailand’s national martial art and a distinctive cultural attraction for international visitors. Delivered in collaboration with Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, the Royal Thai Army, the Sports Authority of Thailand, the Ministry of Culture, the Public Relations Department, Chom Bueng Rajabhat University, the World Boxing Council Muay Thai, and public and private sector partners, the festival supports sports tourism development by strengthening international standards for Muay Thai as a recognised expression of Thai cultural heritage and a driver of travel demand.
Mr. Nat Kruthasoot, TAT Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, said, “Amazing MuayThai Festival 2026 reflects Thailand’s commitment to safeguarding and presenting Muay Thai as a living cultural heritage with international appeal. The festival invites visitors from around the world to experience Muay Thai in its authentic setting, connecting physical training with tradition, ceremony, and community, while supporting sports tourism development and local economies.”
The Amazing MuayThai Festival 2026 will deliver a comprehensive four-day programme combining sport, culture, and hands-on engagement, with activities taking place daily from 16.00 to 22.00 at Rajabhakti Park. Across all four days, visitors can experience professional Muay Thai demonstrations, exhibitions explaining ceremonial traditions and fighter rankings, and training sessions rooted in the four classical styles of Muay Thai Boran — Muay Chaiya of the Southern region, Muay Korat of the Northeastern region, Muay Tha Sao of the Northern region, and Muay Lop Buri of the Central region — conducted at the Ancient Muay Thai Camp between 16.00 and 19.00. Stage programmes commence from 16.05, featuring self-defence demonstrations, traditional Thai folk games related to boxing such as Muay Tap Chak and Muay Thale, and cultural or contemporary performances in the early evening.
A major highlight takes place on 6 February, officially designated as National Muay Thai Day, commemorating King Sanphet VIII, more widely known as the Tiger King (Phra Chao Suea) and revered as the Father of Muay Thai. The principal ceremonial programme runs from 17.30 to 20.00, featuring rituals honouring seven former Thai monarchs and Phra Chao Suea, the offering of royal tributes, a Brahman blessing ceremony, and the Wai Kru ceremony led by master Muay Thai teachers. The evening culminates in a grand cultural performance presented in four acts by more than 1,500 performers, enhanced by light, sound, and fireworks.
Complementing the main programme, visitors can also participate in a wide range of hands-on cultural activities, including traditional strength-testing practices such as banana tree kicking and lime punching, as well as demonstrations of Thai craftsmanship associated with Muay Thai culture, including sacred tattooing and yantra inscription. Additional highlights include interactive skill-based games, retail zones offering Muay Thai equipment and training courses, local food and signature products from Prachuap Khiri Khan, live music performances from 20.00, and nightly mini-concerts by well-known artists from 21.00, before activities conclude at 22.00 each evening.
Thailand currently has more than 5,000 Muay Thai camps and gyms nationwide, demonstrating a strong capacity to welcome international visitors. This is supported by government measures such as the Non-Immigrant ED Muay Thai visa, which allows foreign visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days to train at certified camps, with the option to extend up to one year, strengthening Thailand’s position as a leading destination for Muay Thai-focused sports tourism and long-stay travel.
TAT expects the Amazing MuayThai Festival 2026 to attract approximately 18,000 visitors, generating an estimated economic value of around 214 million Baht, while stimulating travel among Muay Thai enthusiasts and culturally motivated visitors during the event period and reinforcing Thailand’s position as the world’s leading destination for Muay Thai learning and authentic engagement.
HCMC, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 February 2026 – The Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank, ticker: HDB) recorded pre-tax profit of over VND21.3 trillion (US$820.5 million) in 2025, up 27.4% year-on-year and exceeding its target.
HDBank delivers robust 2025 results with profit up 27.4%.
Profitability and core indicators remained among the strongest in the banking sector, reflecting the Bank’s sustainable growth quality.
In the fourth quarter alone, HDBank posted profit of over VND6.5 trillion (US$250.3 million), a 60% increase compared to Q4 2024.
As of the end of 2025, consolidated total assets reached VND931 trillion (US$35.8 billion), up 33.5% year-on-year. Total funding mobilisation stood at VND832 trillion (US$32 billion), with customer deposits rising 28.2%.
Outstanding loans increased 34.3% to VND588 trillion (US$22.6 billion), with credit focused on sectors featuring reasonable risk profiles and long-term growth potential, including SMEs, supply chains, production and business, exports and green projects. This strategy enabled the Bank to maintain high growth while effectively managing risk.
Total operating income rose 25.4% to VND42.7 trillion (US$1.6 billion) driven by strong growth in non-interest income, which rose 2.5 times year-on-year and accounted for 18.6% of the total.
Return on equity reached 25.3%, among the highest in the sector, while return on assets stood at 2.1%. During the year, HDBank paid stock dividends and issued bonus shares with a combined ratio of nearly 30%, reaffirming its commitment to shareholders.
The non-performing loan ratio remained low at 1.66%.The capital adequacy ratio under Basel II reached 16.7%, among the highest in the industry, providing ample room for credit growth and scale expansion without immediate pressure for capital increases.
2025 also marked a strategic milestone in HDBank’s long-term strategy with the completion of the receipt of DongA Bank subsequently rebranded as Vikki Digital Bank, a new-generation digital bank. In its first year of operation, Vikki recorded more than 2.1 million app downloads, highlighting strong growth potential in digital and retail banking.
Meanwhile, HD SAISON, a subsidiary of HDBank, posted profit of over VND1.39 trillion (US$53.5 million) with ROE of 22.5%.
HDBank now serves more than 25 million customers, with 94% of individual transactions conducted via digital channels.
Moody’s upgrade of HDBank’s credit rating to the top tier among Vietnamese banks in 2025 further strengthened investor confidence in the Bank’s financial strength and long-term growth prospects.
Hashtag: #HDBank
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 February 2026 – CPA Australia has today submitted a set of forward-looking recommendations for consideration in the Hong Kong SAR Government’s 2026-27 Budget. With an estimated HK$0.9 billion fiscal deficit for 2025–26 and solid fiscal reserves of HK$653 billion, CPA Australia propose a series of policy measures under the theme of “Power Hong Kong’s Growth” focusing on four pillars:
Connecting China and global markets to power growth
Strengthening Hong Kong as a global trade and wealth hub
Diversifying the economy and boosting workforce competitiveness
Raising living standards for a healthier and liveable city
(from left to right) Ms Karina Wong, Divisional Councillor and Deputy Chair of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China; Mr Janssen Chan, Co-Chair of Taxation Committee; Mr Anthony Lau, Co-Chair of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China; Mr Adam Chiu, Member of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China
Connecting China with global markets and powering Hong Kong’s future economic engine
CPA Australia emphasises that Hong Kong must reinforce its position as the premier gateway connecting China with global markets. As China’s 15th Five Year Plan places greater focus on high-quality opening up, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to help Chinese enterprises expand overseas while attracting foreign direct investment into the Mainland through Hong Kong. Strengthening this gateway function will be critical to driving the city’s next phase of economic growth.
Mr Anthony Lau, Co-Chair of CPA Australia’s Greater China Taxation Committee stated,
“Developing a unified and coherent tax incentive framework for Corporate Treasury Centres (CTC) and regional headquarters (RHQ) would further strengthen Hong Kong’s appeal as a base for multinational operations. In addition, the effectiveness of re-domiciliation has attracted many overseas companies to move their legal domicile to Hong Kong. As there is no clear guidance on whether re-domiciliation will trigger Mainland tax liabilities and tax reporting obligations, we recommend the Hong Kong Government engages with the Mainland tax authorities to clarify that no actual transfer of assets occurs during the process, and therefore no Mainland tax should arise.”
“We also recommend advancing market connectivity measures such as allowing a tax deduction specifically for IPO-related expenses for companies that list on the Main Board of the HKEX, and continuing to enhance existing cross boundary financial mechanisms such as introducing an IPO Connect scheme.”
A streamlined approach would reduce complexity, improve tax certainty and encourage overseas and Mainland enterprises to centralise management, financing and strategic functions in Hong Kong.
CPA Australia also highlights the importance of positioning the Northern Metropolis as a flagship cross‑border innovation zone that will drive Hong Kong’s future growth. Mr Lau said, “To support the infrastructure development, we suggest the Government adopts forward‑looking financing tools that ease pressure on public finances. These may include issuing bonds targeted at with an estimate amount for example USD2 billion at different maturity to international investors, and providing a tax exemption for bond holders on interest income and trading profits derived from bonds issued for Northern Metropolis infrastructure projects, whether issued by the government or the private sector.
“To attract leading innovation and technology enterprises to the zone, we further recommend broadening the scope of qualifying R&D expenditures to include activities outsourced to related parties based and operating in other cities within Greater Bay Area. This reflects the increasingly integrated nature of cross boundary innovation and supply chains.”
Strengthening Hong Kong as a global trade centre and a hub for wealth retention
Hong Kong’s long‑standing role as a free, open and trusted trading and financial gateway remains central to its international relevance.
Ms Karina Wong, Deputy Chair of the Greater China Taxation Committee said, “Hong Kong should build on its unique status as a global trading centre by strengthening the free trade port regime and expanding support for high-value commodity trading, which would help diversify the city’s economic base and enhance market depth. Qualifying commodity items such as silver and rare-earth materials remain outside the current scope, the qualifying list needs to be reviewed regularly, with sufficient legislative flexibility, to ensure timely updates in response to market developments. The Government could also consider whether the scope should extend beyond physical trades and incidental income to cover derivative driven transactions, which form a significant part of global commodities activity.”
A stronger family office ecosystem is central to reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as Asia’s preferred hub for wealth management and succession planning. “We recommend introducing a preferential 8.25 per cent profits tax rate for Single Family Office, Multi Family Offices (MFOs) and fund managers to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness relative to other regional wealth management centres.
“Aligning the permissible investment asset classes under the family office tax concession regime with those under the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) would also streamline operations, provide greater investment flexibility and further strengthen Hong Kong’s appeal among global wealth owners managing long term capital,” added Ms Wong.
Modernising Hong Kong’s philanthropy framework would encourage a more caring and compassionate community and strengthen the city’s appeal to long-term capital. “The generous donations supporting residents and the reconstruction of Wang Fuk Court show that Hong Kong is a caring city. To encourage greater philanthropic participation, we suggestremoving the current 35 per cent cap on cash donation deductions and allowing a full 100 per cent deduction, while introducing a 300 per cent enhanced deduction for contributions to designated funds, such as the Community Care Fund and Disaster Relief Fund. This would direct more resources toward areas of social need.
“These reforms will strengthen Hong Kong’s ecosystem for trade, wealth management and philanthropy, helping the city attract and retain long term capital and strengthen Hong Kong’s competitive edge,” Ms Wong said.
Diversifying the economy and enhancing workforce competitiveness
As advanced economies accelerate digital transformation and adopt emerging technologies, Hong Kong’s long-term competitiveness will depend on the city’s ability to scale innovation, raise productivity and strengthen the capacity of its workforce and enterprises.
“We propose to relaunch a revamped Technology Voucher Programme to help businesses, in particular SMEs, accelerate digitalisation and adopt artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
“Strengthening R&D related tax incentives is equally important in driving innovation, therefore we propose increasing the cap for the highest rate of the R&D super tax deduction by raising the threshold for the 300 per cent deduction on qualifying R&D expenditure from HK$2 million to HK$4 million.” said Mr Janssen Chan, Co‑Chairperson of CPA Australia’s Greater China Taxation Committee.
SMEs remain the backbone of Hong Kong’s economy, yet many continue to face cost pressures and increasing competition.
“We recommend raising the cap under the two-tier profits tax regime for concessional 8.25 per cent half-rate from HK$2 million to HK$4 million of assessable profits. Extending the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme beyond March 2026 is another move that would ease operating pressures for smaller businesses and encourage reinvestment,” added Mr Chan.
By raising the two-tier profits tax cap, extending financing support and retooling tech programmes for AI adoption, the Government can give SMEs the room to grow and strengthen their long-term resilience.
Raising living standards and building a healthier and more liveable city
Mr Adam Chiu, member of the Greater China Taxation Committee, said the Budget should introduce targeted tax and subsidy measures that deliver practical support to households while encouraging healthier and more productive lifestyles.
“To provide direct relief to taxpayers, we recommend maintaining the 100 per cent salaries tax rebate on the 2025/26 final salaries tax, capped at HK$6,000. This would help offset rising living costs and support disposable income, particularly for middle‑income earners. We also propose introducing a tax deduction of up to HK$60,000 for working families who employ domestic helpers specifically to care for children, elderly family members or persons with special care needs. This would help ease caregiving pressures, support labour‑force participation.” Mr Chiu said.
He added that lifelong learning and skills upgrading are increasingly important in a rapidly evolving economy. “To enable individuals to undertake more advanced or specialised training, including in emerging areas such as AI, we recommend increasing the subsidy ceiling under the Continuing Education Fund to HK$30,000 per eligible applicant, and increasing the cap on the self-education tax deduction to HK$150,000 per year. To promote physical wellbeing, we also propose a tax deduction of up to HK$2,000 for sports‑related expenses.”
“By supporting working families, encouraging lifelong learning and promoting healthier lifestyles, these measures can collectively enhance quality of life and help build a more resilient and inclusive Hong Kong,” Mr Chiu said.
CPA Australia believes these recommendations will strengthen Hong Kong’s ability to engage more effectively with global markets, enhance its competitiveness as an international financial and business hub, and improve quality of life for residents. Taken together, these measures will help ensure Hong Kong is well positioned for a more sustainable, innovation driven and inclusive future.
Hashtag: #CPAAustralia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About CPA Australia
CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 176,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 22,500 members in Greater China. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on issues affecting the accounting profession and the public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at cpaaustralia.com.au
The Vat Phou Festival was held from 31 January to 2 February at the Vat Phou Temple site in Champasak Province. (Photo by Tholakhong)
The Vat Phou Festival was held from 31 January to 2 February at the Vat Phou Temple site in Champasak Province, marking the 25th anniversary of the ancient complex’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The three-day festival combines religious observances, cultural performances, and large-scale visual displays, drawing both domestic and international visitors to one of Laos’ most important historical sites.
The opening ceremony on 31 January featured a spectacular light and sound show illustrating the history of Vat Phou’s construction. The evening celebration included a drone display using 590 drones accompanied by 250 fireworks. A seminar commemorating the 25th anniversary of Vat Phou’s World Heritage status also took place during the opening events.
On the second day, 1 February, activities focused on religious practices, including ceremonies to pay respect to the Buddha, listening to Dhamma teachings, and an overnight chanting of protective blessings at the temple complex.
The festival concludes 2 February, with an early-morning alms-giving ceremony, where hundreds of monks receive offerings from worshippers.
In the evening, a candlelit procession will mark Makha Busa Day, the full moon day of the third lunar month in the Buddhist calendar.
History of Vat Phou
Dating back to the 7th century, Vat Phou is one of the most significant archaeological and architectural sites in Laos. The temple was originally built for Hindu worship, particularly devoted to Lord Shiva, before merging with a Buddhist site from the 13th century onwards as Buddhism spread through the region.
The Lao government and local authorities have undertaken continuous restoration and conservation efforts across various historical periods. Combined with the commitment of local communities and ethnic groups, these preservation efforts led to Vat Phou’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 16 December 2001.
cpaaustralia.com.au
