Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada made an official visit to the Mekong River Commission (MRC) headquarters in Vientiane, Laos, on 11 October, becoming the first head of government from an MRC Development Partner to visit the organization.
Taobao and Tmall Group Kicks Off 11.11 Global Shopping Festival 2024 with RMB30 Billion of Consumer Benefits

HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2024 – Taobao and Tmall Group (“TTG”), Alibaba Group’s domestic commerce business, is kicking off its 16th 11.11 Global Shopping Festival (“11.11” or “Festival”) today by putting users first with unprecedented shopping incentives. TTG will offer RMB30 billion ( ~US$4.2 billion) worth of vouchers and red packets in anticipation of the record-high volume of users participating in this year’s Festival.
“This year’s 11.11 is unfolding as Chinese consumer sentiment is improving. TTG serves China’s largest and most valuable consumer base, and is well positioned to capture and further boost rising consumer confidence and activity,” Bo Liu, Vice President of Alibaba Group and President of Tmall, said. “We are making unprecedented investments to incentivize our users and support our brands and merchants to drive high-quality growth. We are excited about the high level of merchant participation and robust product offerings, which have exceeded expectations. We have strong confidence in branded products sales growth this 11.11.”
The presale of 11.11 will begin at 8:00 p.m. Beijing time on October 14. There will be two checkout periods: the first one from 8:00 p.m. on October 21 until the end of the day on October 24 and the second one from 8:00 p.m. on October 31 until the end of the day on November 11.
For consumers: doubling down on 88VIP membership
Driven by our user-first strategy, TTG is accelerating user investment this 11.11. The platforms will offer RMB30 billion worth of spending incentives through coupons and red packets, on top of a 15% discount and “RMB50 off every RMB300” promotion.
TTG will double down on exclusive benefits and services for its 88VIP members, currently the largest paid e-commerce membership in China with over 42 million paying members. 88VIPs will receive exclusive high-value coupons, the total value of which will be greater than the RMB20 billion distributed last year. They will also enjoy exclusive interest-free installment payment privileges and premium return service.
The value and frequency of product categories vouchers and red packets distributions will progressively increase throughout the Festival. For example, Taobao Live, the live-streaming commerce channel, will distribute RMB2 billion worth of red packets in conjunction with merchants and partners. Each user can collect up to RMB1,500 daily across the live stream rooms.
The RMB10 Billion Subsidy program features the best deals for branded products and offers discounts of up to 80% off. To date, this program has over 500 million active users.
User experience has been further improved this 11.11 with easy-to-understand product information and a new payment option. TTG team will work with merchants to ensure simplified pricing on the product listing page so users can easily see the final sale price. The introduction of WeChat Pay in late September also offers mainland China users an additional payment option for their purchases.
For merchants: Robust measures to capture the most significant growth opportunities
This year’s Festival will host around 300,000 brands and a multitude of SME merchants, with the number of products on offer exceeding expectations. In the September quarter, the number of newly launched brands on Tmall increased by 70% quarter-over-quarter. This is a strong testimonial for TTG’s latest industry-leading support initiatives to help merchants achieve quality growth within a cost-efficient and optimized operating environment.
For this 11.11, TTG will invest RMB10 billion to boost cross-platform traffic and RMB3 billion to subsidize merchants’ marketing costs. Commissions will be waived for Taobao store owners participating in 11.11.
These investments are in addition to previously announced merchant support initiatives introduced ahead of the Festival, including:
- Optimization of “refund-only” policy: Since the launch of the upgraded policy in August, Taobao has intercepted over 400,000 unreasonable “refund-only” transactions daily. At the same time, the proportion of merchants with high Store Experience Scores (4.8 or above) has increased to 36%. The increase in high-quality merchants has reduced Taobao’s intervention for refund-only scenarios.
- Reduction in Return Logistics Costs: Tuihuobao, a new return service launched in September, has served ~1 million merchants. It has reduced merchant return order logistics costs by 23% in the past week. TTG will also offer discounts for SMEs during this 11.11, further reducing their logistics costs for return orders.
- Upgraded AI Tools for Merchants: The AI-powered analytics platform Business Advisor has served over three million Taobao SMEs since April. TTG’s AI tools for image and text generation are frequently used by over one million merchants weekly. 74% of merchants using TTG’s AI image generation tools have reported savings equivalent to hiring a full-time graphics designer.
Hashtag: #Double11 #TaobaoTmall #TTG #Alibaba
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Energea Unveiled its Mini Tech Kit for Effortless Charging On the Go
Miniverse by Energea emphasizes ultimate portability and functionality for today’s charging needs.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2024 – Energea, a Singapore-based company specializing in innovative power solutions and lifestyle tech products, proudly announces its Innovative Tech Kit: Miniverse. This compact and versatile mini kit is designed to meet the needs of digital natives on the go, offering practical and stylish options for charging in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.

The Evolving Tech Gadgets Market
With 61% of people now owning a smart device, smartphones, smartwatches, and earphones have become essential companions in today’s digital landscape. However, traditional accessories, such as power banks, wall chargers, and cables, can often be bulky and inconvenient. This has led to a consumer shift towards portable, lightweight charging solutions that prioritize convenience while maintaining functionality.
Miniverse: Power Gadgets for Modern Nomads
Miniverse is Energea’s response to the growing demand for convenient and versatile gadgets. Featuring the tagline “Power Made Mini,” the tech kit aims to demonstrate that users can maintain device power without bulky chargers.
Miniverse comprises of three “ultra-portable” components within a single box, including:
- Alupac Mini
The Alupac Mini is an ultra-compact, 5,000mAh power bank with a credit card-sized design. It offers fast charging capabilities, including 20W USB-C charging, wireless charging for Android and iPhone devices at 15W and 7.5W, respectively, and simultaneous dual capabilities. Its portable size and durable aluminum finish make it a convenient choice for users.
- AluCable 15cm
The AluCable 15cm is a versatile charging cable featuring four interchangeable connector types: 2 USB-C, Lightning, and USB-A. It has a full-metallic housing with anti-slip grip ribs for secure handling and a cable that supports up to 60W fast charging for efficient power delivery. The device also comes with a built-in magnet that allows the cable to fold and snap, as well as a rubber cover to protect connector heads.
- AmpCharge GaN35 Wall Charger
The AmpCharge GaN35 is a compact wall charger, designed to be 60% smaller than standard 30W wall chargers. It utilizes GaNSmart Technology to optimize charging efficiency by minimizing energy loss due to heat. The charger supports Power Delivery (35W), PPS (33W), and Quick Charge 3.0. Additionally, the AmpCharge GaN35 automatically detects device power requirements to optimize charging speed, delivering 60% charge to an iPhone 14 Pro Max in 30 minutes and 80% charge to supported Android devices in 35 minutes. Safety features are also included to ensure secure usage across all supported mobile devices.
Miniverse: The Future of Charging
Energea is committed to redefining the perception of uninspired tech accessories with the Miniverse series. With a mini tech kit that provides stylish functionality and versatility, users can stay connected and powered up wherever they go.
Discover Energea’s Miniverse today and select the best fit for your charging needs.
Hashtag: #powermademini #goenergea #staypowered
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Energea Pte Ltd
Energea is a Singapore-based company offering power solutions and tech accessories that combine quality, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. With a global presence in 28 countries across APAC, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe regions, the brand aims to reshape the perception of tech accessories as purely functional, highlighting their role in enhancing daily life and empowering customers with innovative and hassle-free solutions. Energea is committed to long-term goals of continuous improvement to meet the evolving needs of consumers.
Vietnam agricultural products’ quality to meet Chinese high standards
Vietnam has implemented and strengthened measures to enhance the quality and safety of its agricultural products, reinforcing the nation’s reputation in key markets and building consumer trust.
HA NOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2024 – Chinese Premier Li Qiang and a delegation arrived in Hà Nội on October 12, 2024 for an official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính. This visit highlights the positive exchanges between the two nations’ leaders and will open up many opportunities for greater cooperation in various fields, including agriculture.
Agriculture has always been a key area of focus for both governments. Recently, the leaders have expressed very open-minded views, facilitating the opening of official agricultural exports and enhancing agricultural trade, thereby promoting economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
During the visit of Vietnam’s General Secretary and President Tô Lâm to China in August, the Chinese government affirmed its willingness to boost imports of Vietnamese agricultural products and facilitate trade promotion offices, creating favourable conditions for high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products into its market.
China’s high demand for quality Vietnamese agricultural products
At the 12th session of the Vietnam-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Committee in November 2023, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao highlighted China’s strong demand for Vietnam’s high-quality agricultural goods.
During the Vietnamese Fruit Festival in China in September, Deputy Director of the Asian Affairs Department under China’s Ministry of Commerce emphasised that many Vietnamese fruits, including durians, dragon fruits, bananas and mangoes, have already established a strong presence in China’s 1.4 billion-strong market.
Food products produced in Vietnam, including coffee and pho, have also gained significant popularity among Chinese consumers.
Along with the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement and the continuous upgrading of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, cooperation between the two countries in technology, standards and agricultural production has been developing more deeply.
With a population of over 1.4 billion and a rapidly growing middle class, China is a major market for many high-quality agricultural, forestry and aquatic products. However, Vietnam accounts for less than 5 per cent of China’s total import value of this group of products.
Given the growing consumer preference and demand for Vietnamese agricultural products and food, the opportunities for cooperation and increased exports of Vietnamese agricultural products are immense. This is a prime chance for Vietnamese businesses to expand their market share for high-quality agricultural, forestry and fishery products in China.
13 Vietnamese fruits are being exported to China. Of these, seven kinds of agricultural products have been exported under the form of signing the protocol, including watermelon, mangosteen, black jelly, fresh banana, fresh coconut, and sweet potato. In comparison, six traditional kinds of fruit have not yet been standardised by export protocols, including dragon fruit, rambutan, mango, litchi, longan and jackfruit. Separately, passion fruit and chilli are being exported on a pilot basis.
The Vietnam-China agricultural, forestry and fishery trade reached US$9.3 billion in the first seven months, an increase of 16.2 per cent year-on-year. These developments are crucial as agricultural products are a traditional commodity group and are integral to the livelihoods of millions of Vietnamese farmers.
Enhancing the quality to meet China’s import standards
To continue affirming the quality, reputation and market accessibility of Vietnamese agricultural products, Vietnam will enhance and monitor the quality of agricultural exports to meet China’s import requirements. The focus will be on regularly updating information on market demand and China’s regulations regarding quality standards, food safety and disease prevention, and strictly managing and supervising product quality and traceability to ensure compliance with Chinese regulations.
It also includes strengthening negotiations for official exports to ensure that agricultural, forestry and fishery products are standardised, consistent in quality, packaging, labelling, food safety, traceability and branded with logos and national trademarks. Moreover, standardising cross-border trade and frequently coordinating with China to address logistical bottlenecks are also issues of concern.
Vietnam has great agricultural potential, with many agricultural products highly favoured by Chinese consumers.
With a geographically advantageous location and competitive logistics, Vietnam’s fresh agricultural products, including vegetables, fruits and aquatic products can be transported to China in a short time, maintaining their natural quality and freshness. This provides Chinese consumers with access to high-quality agricultural products from Vietnam at reasonable prices.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
VSPO, the largest esports company in Asia, announces new CEO and international brand alignment to Hero Esports
Danny Tang, co-founder and current CFO, will become the company’s new CEO, with the mission of expanding the company’s “operations and driving international growth.”
Dino Ying, Founder and CEO of VSPO, will transition to Executive Chairman, to focus on exploring and creating the next generation of esports products and experiences. Additionally, dedicating more time to the Esports Asian Champions League (ACL), and to support the development of the Esports World Cup and the Olympic Esports Games.
Hashtag: #VSPO
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About VSPO (soon to be Hero Esports)
Founded in 2016, VSPO is the biggest esports company in Asia, producing more than 7,000 matches every year that captivate an online fan base of over 800 million. With a global presence encompassing 14 office locations and eight top-tier esports arenas, VSPO offers a comprehensive suite of esports services, including tournament organization, marketing solutions, community development, and more. VSPO has received huge investments over the years including a $265m (~£219m) investment from Saudi Arabian company Savvy Games Group in 2023.
Headquartered in Shanghai, with offices and teams based in a dozen countries, VSPO is a fully integrated operator of esports tournaments and creator of esports content with global reach. The company has helped produce many prestigious tournaments including the Olympic Esports Week, the Esports World Cup as well as the esports series featured at both the Jakarta Asian Games 2018 and the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023. VSPO also worked with the world’s top-tier game publishers such as Tencent and Krafton in organizing popular esports leagues such as the Honor of Kings’ KPL series and PUBG’s PGC series, among many others.
VSPO is also a pioneer in the commercialization of esports tournaments worldwide and was among the first to start helping brands to tap the power of esports in their integrated marketing strategies, including partnerships with notable clients, including McDonald’s, VIVO, OPPO, Pudong Development Bank, BMW, HLAJEANS, and others, to facilitate the commercialization of esports.
Following VSPO’s acquisition of Famulei, the leading livestreaming talent agency in Asia, and Banana Culture, a trendsetting esports startup, VSPO launched VSPO+, a content matrix brand that manages and represents more than 15,000 artists. For more information about VSPO (soon to be Hero Esports), please visit https://vspo.gg/.
Vingroup Charges Towards Sustainability with VinFast and Green Initiatives

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2024 – Vingroup is leading Vietnam’s green transition with VinFast, its electric vehicle company, and a range of eco-friendly initiatives across its diverse businesses. This commitment to sustainability positions Vingroup as a key driver in the race towards a greener future for the nation.

The green transformation has become one of the defining challenges of our time. Countries around the globe are pushing toward the shared goal of zero emissions, or net zero, by 2050, but this race demands a whole-of-society approach that involves both the public and private sectors. Within this context, large enterprises stand out as critical players, shaping a sustainable future through their influence and actions.
In Vietnam, one corporation is at the forefront of this green transition: Vingroup. With its expansive presence across multiple industries, Vingroup exemplifies corporate environmental responsibility, driven not by hollow promises but by concrete actions. Its efforts serve as a powerful example of the role corporations must play in advancing the green agenda.
Vingroup’s Green Commitment: A Comprehensive Approach
Vingroup is no stranger to the opportunities and challenges presented by green transformation. Its diversified business ecosystem spans key sectors such as automotive, real estate, and tourism—industries that typically carry a significant environmental impact. However, Vingroup has not merely adjusted its operations for compliance; instead, it has embedded sustainability deeply into its corporate DNA. This commitment to green transformation is visible across nearly every aspect of the Vingroup empire.
One of the clearest examples of Vingroup’s leadership in Vietnam’s green transition is VinFast, its electric vehicle (EV) division. Initially launched in 2017 as a conventional gasoline vehicle manufacturer, VinFast pivoted in 2021 to focus exclusively on electric vehicles. The decision to embrace electric vehicles was not simply a financial move. Vingroup’s chairman and VinFast founder, Pham Nhat Vuong, once revealed the deeper motivation behind this change: “[We created VinFast] because we feel the need to contribute to society, not just to do business.”
Staying true to this vision, VinFast quickly developed seven fully electric vehicle models, along with e-buses, e-scooters, and e-bicycles. The company has expanded its reach into international markets, while also building an extensive charging network across Vietnam to accommodate its growing customer base. In 2023 alone, VinFast delivered 34,855 electric vehicles, contributing to a reduction of 152,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
VinFast’s rapid success is no accident—it reflects Vingroup’s strategic ability to integrate its larger business ecosystem into the EV market. By offering incentives such as free charging, discounted parking, and significant price reductions for VinFast EV owners at Vingroup properties or using their services, the corporation has made going green truly beneficial for consumers.
Just this week, VinFast reached a new milestone by becoming the top-selling car brand in Vietnam for September. This also marks the first time an electric vehicle brand has led the Vietnamese market, representing a significant advancement for both the domestic automotive industry and the country’s journey toward greener transportation.
Green Efforts Across Vingroup’s Ecosystem
VinFast is far from the only part of the Vingroup conglomerate making significant strides toward sustainability. Other subsidiaries within the “Vin” ecosystem are also working to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable living.
For instance, Vinhomes, Vingroup’s real estate arm, has made substantial efforts to foster green urban living. Vinhomes’ eco-friendly properties are designed with sustainability at their core, featuring energy-efficient technologies and green spaces that create a harmonious balance between urban development and nature.
Likewise, Vinpearl, Vingroup’s hospitality and entertainment brand, has fully embraced its role in promoting sustainability. With 45 properties spread across 17 provinces, Vinpearl has implemented a range of energy-efficient measures, such as rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and advanced wastewater treatment solutions that meet international standards. These efforts have earned Vinpearl a reputation as a collection of “green paradises,” recognized by guests and local communities alike.
And there are many more examples, all of which yield real-world results. In 2023 alone, Vingroup’s total carbon emissions reduction across its ecosystem neared 500,000 tonnes[1], underscoring the company’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
But while Vingroup’s contributions to Vietnam’s green transition are undeniably impressive, they serve a broader purpose: inspiring collective action. Achieving net zero emissions is a monumental task that no corporation, government, or individual can accomplish alone. The journey toward a sustainable future demands active participation from all—individuals, communities, and multinational corporations alike. Vingroup’s leadership in green initiatives stands as a powerful reminder of the positive changes we can create when we truly commit our efforts to a greener, more sustainable world.
Hashtag: #Vingroup #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Roadside concerts become a hit in China’s Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2024 – During the past seven-day National Day holiday, roadside concerts under the wall of Wenchang Pavilion in Yunyan District, Guiyang City of southwest China’s Guizhou Province, attracted numbers of tourists and residents to watch performances. Different from regular concerts, roadside concerts in Guiyang, mainly performed by local bands and music enthusiasts, offered a stage for ordinary people to show themselves and attracted a lot of tourists and residents to watch performances on bustling streets and in tourist attractions.

Pakistani student Manha Abdellah, who currently studies clinical medicine at Guizhou Medical University, participated in a roadside concert and sang two songs, including a medley with other international students. Abdellah’s Chinese song performance won applause and cheering from audiences.
Roadside concerts, accessible to everyone without any entry fee, provided a platform for non-professional performers to showcase their talents and for the audience to enjoy performances spontaneously, Abdellah said.
“The audience was very warm and enthusiastic, especially when I mentioned I was from Pakistan. They cheered loudly, reflecting the strong friendship between China and Pakistan,” said Abdellah, adding that the audience’s warm reception made the experience very enjoyable.
Abdellah was just one of the foreigners who performed on the stage of roadside concerts. Over the past year, many foreign students and music enthusiasts took part in performances at roadside concerts in Guiyang, which become an important platform for global exchanges.
Besides Yunyan District, other downtown areas have also been the birthplace of roadside concerts.
Guanshanhu District has invited professional bands to perform on the stage of roadside concerts, and sometimes invited students, teachers and representatives of relative industries according to different themes and topics.
Besides roadside concerts, it also gave full play to the advantages of many venues, attracting well-known Chinese artists such as JJ Lin and Zhou Shen to hold concerts, well-known music festivals and livehouse performances.
Data shows that Guanshanhu District has held nearly 20 concerts by virtue of its resources of business districts, parks, fields and hills.

According to the cultural, sports, radio, film and tourism bureau of Guanshanhu, music has enriched the cultural life of its citizens, improved the life quality and provided a stage for music enthusiasts to enjoy music and reunite its people together.
In Qingzhen City, roadside concerts helped revitalize its resources and become a magnet for tourists. Since Sept. 2023, more than 20 roadside concerts have been held in the scenic spot of Shiguang Guizhou, leaving a deep impression on singers, citizens and tourists.
But back to the year of 2021, this scenic spot saw few tourists as a result of poor management, and about 40 percent of the leaseholders refused to rent the shops and stores again. It was listed as an efficient cultural and tourism project in the province.
In the past three years, local authorities gave a hand to the scenic area to attract tourists. They re-analyzed target customer groups and introduced new stores, improving services in an all-round way.
Chen Long, investment and planning director of the scenic spot, said that during the first half of 2024, it received 1.42 million tourists, and the comprehensive income reached about 78.97 million yuan (about 11.20 million U.S. dollars). It has witnessed its letting rate increasing to more than 85 percent, and been successfully declared as a tourism and leisure district in the province.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
US-Lao Ties in Focus: Blinken Addresses Global Issues, UXO Clearance

From 8 to 11 October, Vientiane welcomed United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken.