The World Bank has recommended that Vietnam adopt a 155 percent special consumption tax on alcoholic beverages, warning that the country’s rising alcohol-related deaths and illnesses are becoming a public health concern.
Brewing Up A Storm For International Coffee Month with Citadines
Embark on a Coffee Adventure Like Never Before with Exclusive Tour, Tastings, and Workshops at Citadines Properties in Singapore
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 August 2024 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), is inviting guests to embark on a captivating coffee adventure this October in celebration of International Coffee Month, with exclusive local Nanyang coffee roastery tour, engaging coffee workshops, and more across participating Citadines properties in Singapore.
Guests can experience a truly unique and unforgettable coffee experience by going for an exclusive local Nanyang coffee roastery tour that helps them deep dive into Singapore’s rich coffee culture where they can witness coffee roasting firsthand and uncover the roots of our beloved coffee-drinking traditions. This exclusive tour is a hidden gem available only to guests staying at Citadines.
But that’s just the beginning! Upon arrival at our Citadines properties, guests will receive a complimentary cold brew Kopi-O Kosong (Singapore’s version of Americano) and a Welcome Kopi Postcard filled with recipes and tips on navigating the local coffee scene. To add to the excitement, guests will receive our special Citadines For the Love of Coffee Limited Edition Welcome Kit, complete with coasters and a custom-designed Jute Bag. Plus, they get to enjoy a complimentary Kim’s Duet to-go cuppa every Tuesday morning and Thursday evening for the perfect pick-me-up or wind-down session.
For those unable to join the local Nanyang coffee roastery tour, we are bringing a taste of the experience to our participating Citadines properties with a mini-coffee exhibit showcasing the history of Singapore’s traditional coffee (known colloquially as kopi), the art of traditional kopi roasting, interactive sensory experiences, and insights into Robusta and Arabica beans. Guests can also participate in complimentary coffee workshops like DIY Coffee Scrub, How to Make Bullet Coffee, and traditional coffee appreciation sessions every Saturday at selected Citadines properties.
Join us this October at Citadines and immerse yourself in a world of coffee delights that are set to captivate your senses and elevate your stay to new heights. Booking starts from now till 30 September for stay between 1-31 October 2024 and enjoy additional 5% off with “Rediscover Singapore” offers rates. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information and to book your stay, visit: For the Love of Kopi | Discover ASR | English
For high resolution images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ouw4IoFKCIJsLQc0uu4rmA1lMVRved8i?usp=sharing
Hashtag: #discoverasrsingapore #Ascott
https://www.discoverasr.com/
https://www.instagram.com/discoverasrsingapore/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About The Ascott Limited
Since pioneering Asia Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984, Ascott has grown to be a trusted hospitality company with over 950 properties globally. Headquartered in Singapore, Ascott’s presence extends across more than 220 cities in over 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA.
Ascott’s diversified accommodation offerings span serviced residences, coliving properties, hotels and independent senior living apartments, as well as student accommodation and rental housing. Its award-winning hospitality brands include Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Quest, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Preference, Fox, Harris, POP!, Vertu and Yello. Through Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott’s loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and offers at participating properties.
A wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott is a leading vertically-integrated lodging operator. Harnessing its extensive network of third-party owners and in-market expertise, Ascott grows fee-related earnings through its hospitality management and investment management capabilities. Ascott also expands its funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.
This year, Ascott marks 40 years in hospitality service with the launch of Ascott Unlimited, a full year campaign that will offer Unlimited Opportunities, Unlimited Choices, Unlimited Freedom, and Unlimited Good. Navigating a future of unlimited possibilities against a backdrop of global change and evolving perspectives of travel, Ascott Unlimited marks Ascott’s ambitions to break new ground, and springboard to its next chapter of growth as a global hospitality company. Find out more about Ascott Unlimited at www.discoverasr.com/ascottunlimited.
For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Alternatively, connect with us on
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Instagram,
TikTok and
LinkedIn.
About CapitaLand Investment Limited
Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 31 March 2024, CLI had S$134 billion of assets under management as well as S$100 billion of funds under management (FUM) held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts, and more than 30 private vehicles across Asia Pacific, Europe and USA. Its diversified real estate asset classes cover retail, office, lodging, business parks, industrial, logistics, self-storage and data centres.
CLI aims to scale its FUM and fee-related earnings through fund management, lodging management and commercial management, and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand’s development arm.
As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.
VinFast continues to expand with 15 new dealer stores in Indonesia

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 August 2024 – VinFast Auto showcases its rapid growth in the Indonesian market with the opening of 15 new dealer stores from July 31 to August 31, 2024. This expansion reaffirms VinFast’s commitment to providing high-quality, competitively-priced products and exceptional after-sales services to Indonesian consumers.

The new VinFast dealer stores are strategically located in major cities, including Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Malang, Sidoarjo, Mojokerto, Surabaya, Bali, Batam, and Makassar. Customers at these locations will have the opportunity to experience and buy VinFast’s modern electric vehicles while enjoying professional consultation, dedicated customer service, and comprehensive after-sales support.
Mr. Temmy Wiradjaja, CEO of VinFast Indonesia, stated: “VinFast’s swift expansion in Indonesia clearly demonstrates the importance of this market to us. Designed to provide the best customer experience, VinFast dealer stores promise to support customers throughout their entire ownership journey, from learning about our products to making a purchase and enjoying after-sales services and warranties.”
Mr. Irawan Nurisman, Representative of VinFast Dealership Sumber Baru – Yogyakarta, shared: “We are proud to be among the next wave of dealers partnering with VinFast on this journey towards widespread electrified transportation. VinFast’s strong commitment to Indonesian customers throughout the vehicle ownership process has built trust with us and facilitated this partnership.”
Currently, VinFast has officially launched two electric vehicle models, the VF 5 and VF e34, in Indonesia, covering the two most popular segments, A and C respectively. Both models come with attractive battery subscription policies, reducing ownership costs and making electric vehicles more accessible.
VinFast also offers an exceptional after-sales policy, including a 7-to-10-year warranty for the vehicle body, 8-to-10-year for the battery (for customers who purchase vehicles with batteries), and free maintenance and battery replacement if the battery’s charging capacity falls below 70% (for customers who opt for battery subscription).
Previously, VinFast officially broke ground on its electric vehicle assembly plant in Subang, West Java, launched two models in its diverse product range, and delivered the first electric cars to customers at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2024. Along with today’s dealership expansion, these continuous advancements affirm VinFast’s commitment to accompanying customers, laying the foundation for its long-term presence in Indonesia and globally.
Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia.
Learn more at: https://vinfastauto.id/en
CorpTrust Applauds ICA’s New e-System for Streamlining Singapore PR and Citizenship Applications

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 August 2024 – Corptrust Pte Ltd, a renowned consultancy firm specialising in Singapore PR and citizenship applications, welcomes the recent launch of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s (ICA) new e-system. Introduced on 26 June 2024 without prior announcement, this new system is accessible through the ICA e-services portal and is set to revolutionise the application process for Singapore PR and citizenship.
The new e-system integrates the previously separate PR, citizenship, and long-term visit pass application portals into a unified platform. This change is expected to simplify the process for applicants, particularly families, who can now submit multiple applications simultaneously. For instance, a family with a Singapore citizen and a newborn requiring both a long-term visit pass and citizenship can now complete both applications through the same portal.
Key features of the new e-system include:
- Unified Application Process: The user interface and experience for PR and citizenship applications have been standardised, enhancing usability and consistency.
- Common Data Set: Applicants must now provide a comprehensive data set for each person in the application.
- Simplified Document Submission: Form 4A, a staple of the PR process for over 20 years, is no longer required. Instead, all details are entered directly into the e-system.
- Additional Information Requirements: Applicants must now provide previous passport records, spouse employment history, and more detailed information about family members.
- Elimination of Certain Documents: Annex A to Form 4A and declarations, now handled electronically, are no longer required. However, home country ID cards and household registers must now be submitted.
- Alternative Principal Applicant: A new feature allows families to nominate an alternative principal applicant. If the primary applicant is unsuccessful, ICA will evaluate the alternate applicant, simplifying the decision-making process for families.
- Supplementary Document Submission: The new portal provides sections for uploading supplementary documents, enabling applicants to strengthen their applications with additional relevant information.
Brian Tan, CEO of Corptrust Pte Ltd, commented, “The introduction of this new e-system by ICA is a significant step towards modernising and streamlining the application process for Singapore PR and citizenship. At Corptrust, we have always advocated for more efficient and user-friendly application processes, and this new portal aligns perfectly with our vision. Our team of experts is ready to assist applicants in navigating this new system to ensure their applications are as strong as possible.”
With over a decade of experience, Corptrust Pte Ltd is known for its tailored migration services and comprehensive application guidance. The firm offers transparent pricing and an unlimited warranty on its services, reflecting its confidence in achieving successful outcomes for clients.
For more information about Corptrust Pte Ltd and its services, please visit www.corptrust.sg or contact us at media@corptrust.sg.
Hashtag: #corptrust #singaporepr #singaporecitizenship #ica
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Corptrust Pte Ltd
Corptrust Pte Ltd is a premier consultancy firm in Singapore, specialising in PR and citizenship applications. With a team of experts from diverse specialisations, including migration, finance, employment, education, and legal matters, Corptrust provides comprehensive and effective solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Formed out of frustration with the largely unregulated migration industry, Corptrust is dedicated to offering reliable, transparent, and affordable services to individuals and families seeking to make Singapore their permanent home.
CorpTrust Applauds ICA’s New e-System for Streamlining Singapore PR and Citizenship Applications

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 August 2024 – Corptrust Pte Ltd, a renowned consultancy firm specialising in Singapore PR and citizenship applications, welcomes the recent launch of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s (ICA) new e-system. Introduced on 26 June 2024 without prior announcement, this new system is accessible through the ICA e-services portal and is set to revolutionise the application process for Singapore PR and citizenship.
The new e-system integrates the previously separate PR, citizenship, and long-term visit pass application portals into a unified platform. This change is expected to simplify the process for applicants, particularly families, who can now submit multiple applications simultaneously. For instance, a family with a Singapore citizen and a newborn requiring both a long-term visit pass and citizenship can now complete both applications through the same portal.
Key features of the new e-system include:
- Unified Application Process: The user interface and experience for PR and citizenship applications have been standardised, enhancing usability and consistency.
- Common Data Set: Applicants must now provide a comprehensive data set for each person in the application.
- Simplified Document Submission: Form 4A, a staple of the PR process for over 20 years, is no longer required. Instead, all details are entered directly into the e-system.
- Additional Information Requirements: Applicants must now provide previous passport records, spouse employment history, and more detailed information about family members.
- Elimination of Certain Documents: Annex A to Form 4A and declarations, now handled electronically, are no longer required. However, home country ID cards and household registers must now be submitted.
- Alternative Principal Applicant: A new feature allows families to nominate an alternative principal applicant. If the primary applicant is unsuccessful, ICA will evaluate the alternate applicant, simplifying the decision-making process for families.
- Supplementary Document Submission: The new portal provides sections for uploading supplementary documents, enabling applicants to strengthen their applications with additional relevant information.
Brian Tan, CEO of Corptrust Pte Ltd, commented, “The introduction of this new e-system by ICA is a significant step towards modernising and streamlining the application process for Singapore PR and citizenship. At Corptrust, we have always advocated for more efficient and user-friendly application processes, and this new portal aligns perfectly with our vision. Our team of experts is ready to assist applicants in navigating this new system to ensure their applications are as strong as possible.”
With over a decade of experience, Corptrust Pte Ltd is known for its tailored migration services and comprehensive application guidance. The firm offers transparent pricing and an unlimited warranty on its services, reflecting its confidence in achieving successful outcomes for clients.
For more information about Corptrust Pte Ltd and its services, please visit www.corptrust.sg or contact us at media@corptrust.sg.
Hashtag: #corptrust #singaporepr #singaporecitizenship #ica
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Corptrust Pte Ltd
Corptrust Pte Ltd is a premier consultancy firm in Singapore, specialising in PR and citizenship applications. With a team of experts from diverse specialisations, including migration, finance, employment, education, and legal matters, Corptrust provides comprehensive and effective solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Formed out of frustration with the largely unregulated migration industry, Corptrust is dedicated to offering reliable, transparent, and affordable services to individuals and families seeking to make Singapore their permanent home.
Henkel Indonesia partners Yayasan Kelestarian dan Edukasi Kaimana to transform primary school building
Building a safe learning environment
WEST PAPUA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 August 2024 – Supported by Henkel’s ‘Make an Impact on Tomorrow’ initiative, Henkel Indonesia partnered non-governmental organization Yayasan Kelestarian dan Edukasi Kaimana to rebuild SD Namatota, a primary school building in West Papua, Indonesia.

The school was originally constructed in 1973 through community funding and was facing structural issues and deteriorating conditions including leaks, wall cracks, and inadequate toilet facilities and water supply. Through the project, the school was rebuilt with a focus on safety and durability.

The six-week transformation project delivered a revitalized school environment featuring three classrooms with new walls and roofing, upgraded windows and doors, and fresh paint. Other key improvements included improved sanitation facilities with two refurbished toilets and a water pump to supply running water, and a functional library space repurposed from a small storage building. The building’s infrastructure was also strengthened with cement castings to enhance safety.
“Henkel is committed to supporting the needs of the communities we operate in. We hope that this project can play a meaningful role in supporting educational standards in Namatota and empowering future generations,” said Alejandro Schoenhoff, President of Henkel Indonesia.
Joel Jeckson Sumantry, Head of Yayasan Kelestarian dan Edukasi Kaimana, said, “The school is now a safer and more hygienic environment for the children of Namatota Island to learn. On behalf of SD Namatota and the foundation, we want to thank Henkel for supporting our community.”
SD Namatota currently serves 115 students and employs five dedicated teachers, providing tuition-free education to support local families and empower the community.
Hashtag: #Henkel
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company’s three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2023, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.5 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 2.6 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 48,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com
HKTB Drives Strong MICE Rebound Over 60 World-class MICE Events Secured, Solidifying World’s Meeting Place Appeal
New industry events span key sectors including aviation, education and architecture, medical sciences, I&T and financial services
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 August 2024 – The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) reports a strong rebound for Meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) tourism in the first half of 2024.
Hong Kong received about 21 million visitors between January and June this year, about half of them stayed overnight. Among overnight visitors, MICE arrivals accounted for 700,000 visitors, which has recovered to about 80% of the level recorded in the same period of 2018, making MICE the fastest recovering visitor segment in Hong Kong.
The MICE sector serves to attract high-yield visitors to the city on top of enhancing Hong Kong’s international image as the world’s meeting place. Each overnight MICE visitor spent an average of HK$8,000 in town, which was about 20–30% higher than the average per-capita spending of all inbound travellers.
In 2023, MICE visitors were longer stayers, staying 3.7 nights on average, compared to the average of 3.2 nights for all overnight visitors. MICE tourism helped attract more international tourists too, evident by the fact that half of the overnight MICE visitors came from international markets, compared to 25% of all overnight visitors.
Over 60 world congresses, region’s first trade shows and mega meetings, bringing in more than 180,000 inbound visitors
The impetus to grow the MICE sector is sustained. The HKTB has facilitated public and private sector bids for regional and international events, and helped secure over 60 large-scale international MICE events for Hong Kong slated for between 2024 and 2026, many of these are first time events for Hong Kong. The line-up of events is expected to attract more than 180,000 Mainland and international visitors.
The events span a wide range of themes and industries. On top of sectors where Hong Kong boasts unique strengths, such as innovation and technology (I&T), medical sciences and financial services, new themes of other sectors such as aviation, architecture, education are also trending among the latest event wins.
Notable wins include the triumphant return of ACM SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 after the last conference held in Hong Kong back in year 2013; and a number of the region’s first conventions and exhibitions across different sectors, including SmartCon 2024 and Consensus Hong Kong 2025 of the I&T sector; and Super Terminal Expo 2024, Routes World 2025 and Airspace Asia Pacific 2025 & 2027 of the aviation sector. Prominent first-ever world congresses to be held in Hong Kong for the first time include World Cancer Congress 2026 and International Federation of Landscape Architects World Congress 2026.
These significant event wins not only solidify Hong Kong’s status as the world’s meeting place but also strengthen the city’s leading status across these industry sectors.
Five strategies to step up promotion of MICE tourism
To maintain the growth momentum, the HKTB will continue to:
- Make every effort to secure and bid for major international MICE events to be held in Hong Kong;
- offer various funding schemes to support events of different scale and types, benefitting the trade, travel agents, hotels and more;
- continue the proven targeted multi-pronged approach to boost MICE tourism growth through tailored programmes including the “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook” and the “Hong Kong Convention Ambassadors” programme;
- enhance tourist’ in-town experiences by arranging value added activities, from sightseeing tours to complimentary tickets to museums etc.., to showcase Hong Kong’s tourism appeal on top of business fundamentals;
- play up Hong Kong’s unique advantages, especially as a “super-connector” for connecting international businesses with Mainland markets, in bids and publicity and promotions, highlighting the city’s hardware advantages such as world-class venue facilities, and well-connected transport infrastructure.
List of Conventions & Exhibitions Secured
Theme/ Sector | Date | Events (* first-ever in Hong Kong) |
Highlights |
Innovation & Technology | Oct 2024 | * SmartCon 2024 | Flagship tech event in blockchain field |
Feb 2025 | * Consensus Hong Kong 2025 | World’s most influential cryptocurrency and Web3 event with the longest history | |
Mar 2025 | * IEEE Electron Devices Technology & Manufacturing Conference 2025 | Conference in the field of electronic device technology and manufacturing, held by world’s largest electronics technology and electrical engineering organisation | |
Dec 2025 | ACM SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 | World’s largest annual conference for computer professional organisations | |
Aviation | Nov 2024 | * Super Terminal Expo 2024 | First edition in Asia of this flagship event gathering the world’s aviation, air transport, transportation and logistics sectors |
Sep 2025 | * Routes World 2025 | Significant international aviation trade event | |
Dec 2025 & 2027 | * Airspace Asia Pacific 2025 & 2027 | First edition in Asia for this exhibition on airspace management | |
Medical sciences | Nov 2024 | * Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR) Congress 2024 | The largest scale and most influential congress on respirology in APAC region |
Jun 2025 | * International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2025 Annual Meeting | World’s largest meeting in stem cell research and regenerative medicine across disciplines | |
Sep 2026 | * World Cancer Congress 2026 | World’s largest anti-cancer conference | |
Finance and Insurance | Sep 2024 | East Asian Insurance Congress | A significant meeting of insurance industry in East Asia |
Oct 2024 | GAMA LAMP Asia | Annual flagship event of the financial and insurance industry | |
2026 | Worldwide Chinese Life Insurance Congress & International Dragon Award | The highly anticipated annual conference of the global Chinese insurance industry | |
Education | 2026 | Asia-Pacific Association for International Education Conference & Exhibition 2026 | World-class exchange and convention for higher education institutions across the APAC region |
Architecture | 2026 | * International Federation of Landscape Architects World Congress 2026 | World-class event in landscape architecture |
Hashtag: #MEHK #MeetingsandExhibitionsHongKong #events #TheWorldsMeetingPlace#conference #eventprof #MeetingsandExhibitionsHongKong #InternationalMeeting #InternationalConference #HongKong #BusinessEvents #Conferences #HKCA #HongKongIncentivePlaybook #upthegameforyourteam hashtag#incentivetrip #MICE
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Lao Students Create Eco-Friendly Plates from Banana, Teak Leaves to Combat Plastic Waste

In an effort to reduce plastic and foam usage, first-year students from the National University of Laos (NOUL) have created eco-friendly plates made from banana and teak leaves. The initiative, guided by professors of the Department of Forest Economics and Wood Technology aims to promote environmental conservation, particularly within Laos’ tourism sector.