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Award-Winning Thres Kars Strengthens Its Position as One of Singapore’s Early Pre-Owned EV Pioneers

Recognised among Singapore’s 2026 Top 25 Distinguished Automotive Brands and awarded SME500 Singapore 2026, Thres Kars continues to build trust in the pre-owned EV market through multi-brand choice, trained EV guidance, and a clearer direct EV buying and selling experience. 

Founded by Dave and Anna, the Singapore dealership is building trust in the pre-owned EV market through multi-brand choice, trained EV guidance, and a clearer direct EV buying and selling experience.

SINGAPORE, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Singapore moves towards a greener transportation future, Thres Kars Pte Ltd is strengthening its position as one of Singapore’s early pioneers in the pre-owned electric vehicle (EV) space.

Ms Anna (left), Co-Founder, and Mr Dave (right), Co-Founder of Thres Kars Pte Ltd
Ms Anna (left), Co-Founder, and Mr Dave (right), Co-Founder of Thres Kars Pte Ltd

Founded in 2022 by Dave and Anna, Thres Kars has grown from a used-car dealership into a multi-brand EV destination focused on helping customers buy, sell, and understand EVs with greater confidence.

For Thres Kars, EVs are not a recent trend. Dave’s experience with EVs began before the company was founded. As early as 2019, he was already involved in selling Tesla Model 3 vehicles to Singapore customers before Tesla officially launched retail operations locally. This early exposure gave the team practical experience in EV ownership concerns, including battery confidence, charging, warranty, resale value, and long-term running costs.

“Many customers are interested in switching to EVs, but they are not always sure where to start,” said Dave, Co-Founder of Thres Kars. “Our role is to help them understand their options, compare different models, and make a decision with confidence.”

Building Trust in the Pre-Owned EV Market

As EV adoption grows in Singapore, more buyers are looking beyond brand-new vehicles. Many now want quality pre-owned EVs that offer better value while still giving them peace of mind. This is where Thres Kars sees a clear market need. Buying a pre-owned EV can be confusing for first-time buyers.

Customers often ask about battery health, charging infrastructure, warranty coverage, financing, resale value, and whether an EV fits their daily driving needs. Thres Kars aims to make this process clearer. Instead of only selling what is available, the team focuses on helping customers understand what matters before they buy.

“We do not want customers to feel pressured,” Dave added. “We want them to feel informed. When they buy from Thres Kars, they should feel that they are not just buying an EV, but buying with confidence.”

Not Just Selling EVs, But Understanding EVs

While many used car dealers may now include EVs in their inventory, Thres Kars is focused on building deeper EV knowledge across its team.

The company’s team is trained to understand different EV makes and models, supported by Dave’s early experience in the EV space. This allows the team to guide customers across key areas such as battery health, charging habits, warranty, ownership costs, trade-in options, financing, and resale considerations.

Thres Kars also offers customers a multi-brand EV comparison experience. Instead of being limited to one manufacturer or one model, customers can compare different EV brands under one roof, including Tesla, BYD, BMW, MG, Aion, Chery, GAC, and other emerging EV models.

This gives customers a clearer view of which EV suits their needs, budget, and lifestyle.

From a Small Inventory to a Growing EV Destination

Since its establishment, Thres Kars has continued to grow. The dealership started with fewer than five vehicles in its early days and has grown to stock more than 30 vehicles during peak periods.

The company has also moved into a larger 4,200-square-foot showroom, giving customers more space to view, compare, and understand different vehicle options.

Today, Thres Kars is led by founders Dave and Anna, supported by a growing team that handles EV consultation, customer support, financing, trade-ins, and after-sales needs.

Building a Direct EV Purchase Channel

Beyond helping customers buy EVs, Thres Kars is also building a clearer direct EV purchase channel for car owners who want to sell or trade in their electric vehicles.

This direct purchase approach allows EV owners to receive a more convenient and transparent selling experience, while helping Thres Kars maintain a stronger pipeline of quality pre-owned EV inventory.

For customers, this creates a more complete EV ownership journey.

They can buy a pre-owned EV, sell their current car, trade in, explore financing, arrange insurance, and receive guidance through one trusted dealership.

One-Stop Support for EV Buyers and Sellers Thres Kars offers a wide range of automotive services, including:

• Pre-owned EV sales
• Selected new EV options through partnerships
• Direct EV purchase and trade-in support 
• Financing assistance 
• Insurance solutions
• EV consultation and education
• Vehicle sourcing services
• After-sales support

This one-stop approach is designed to make the buying and selling journey easier for customers who want clear advice and practical support. The company’s key message is simple: customers should not feel alone when making the switch to EVs. They should have a team that can guide them before, during, and after the purchase.

Growing Recognition in the EV Space

Thres Kars’ EV-focused direction is also gaining wider market recognition. The brand has been recognized by Motorist as one of Singapore’s pre-owned EV pioneers, strengthening its credibility in the EV dealership space.

These milestones support Thres Kars’ goal of becoming one of Singapore’s trusted go-to names for preowned EVs.

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, Thres Kars plans to continue strengthening its position in the pre-owned EV market.

This includes expanding its EV inventory, improving customer education through content, and growing its direct EV purchase channel. The company also aims to use digital marketing and social media to help more customers understand EVs before they step into the showroom.

By explaining topics such as battery, warranty, charging, financing, and resale value in simple language, Thres Kars hopes to make EV ownership less intimidating for first-time buyers.

“We want more people to understand that EVs can fit into everyday life,” said Dave. “Our vision is to help customers navigate the future of mobility with more choice, more clarity, and more confidence.”

Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Dave shared that business requires courage, focus, adaptability, and perseverance. “Business is never a straight path,” he said. “There will be ups and downs, but every challenge teaches you something valuable. Stay focused on your direction, work hard, and be willing to adapt to changing times.”

About Thres Kars Pte Ltd

Founded in 2022 by Dave and Anna, Thres Kars Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based automotive dealership specialising in pre-owned and selected new electric vehicles. The company offers a wide range of EV brands, direct EV purchase and trade-in solutions, financing, insurance, EV consultation, and after-sales support.

With a strong focus on customer education, trust, and transparency, Thres Kars is committed to helping more Singapore drivers buy, sell, and switch to EVs with confidence. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/threskars

Paymentology and T2P partner to accelerate the future of card issuing in Thailand


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – Paymentology, the leading global issuer processor, today announced a strategic partnership with Thailand-based fintech and payment technology provider T2P to expand access to modern card issuing capabilities and accelerate digital payment innovation across Thailand.

Through the partnership, T2P will leverage Paymentology’s next-generation issuer processing platform to deliver scalable, secure and flexible card programmes for fintechs, financial institutions, corporates and enterprises looking to launch innovative payment solutions.

The collaboration strengthens T2P’s growing payments ecosystem, enabling businesses to bring new prepaid, corporate and digital wallet-linked card programmes to market more quickly while benefiting from Paymentology’s real-time processing capabilities, global expertise and highly configurable platform.

Thailand has become one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital payments markets. According to the Bank of Thailand, online payments increased by 13.5% year-on-year in 2025, reflecting growing adoption of digital wallets, QR payments, embedded finance and cashless payment experiences. As businesses look to capitalise on this shift, they increasingly need trusted technology partners that can reduce complexity and accelerate innovation.

By combining Paymentology’s cloud-native issuer processing platform with T2P’s local market expertise, the partnership will help organisations develop payment solutions that meet evolving consumer and business expectations while supporting Thailand’s continued digital transformation.

Minh Ha Truong, Head of Growth APAC at Paymentology, said:“Thailand is one of the most exciting payments markets in Asia. As demand grows for embedded financial services and innovative card programmes, organisations need technology that allows them to launch quickly while remaining flexible enough to evolve with customer expectations.We’re delighted to partner with T2P as they continue expanding their payment capabilities.

The partnership will initially support a broad range of use cases including:

  • Prepaid card programmes
  • Corporate and commercial payments
  • Employee spend management
  • Digital wallet-linked cards
  • Embedded finance solutions
  • Cross-border payment programmes supporting Thailand’s thriving tourism sector


Taweechai
Pureethip, Chief Executive Officer at T2P, said: Our partnership with Paymentology is an important step in strengthening T2P’s card and payment technology capabilities. Paymentology’s modern issuer processing platform, real-time processing capabilities, flexibility and experience across markets give us confidence as we continue to develop reliable and scalable payment solutions for businesses in Thailand. Together, we aim to make it easier for organisations to bring practical, secure and flexible card-based payment programmes to market.”

As payment services become increasingly embedded into everyday consumer journeys and business operations, the partnership positions both organisations to support the next generation of payment innovation while expanding access to more secure, reliable and practical payment tools for businesses and consumers across Thailand.

Hashtag: #Paymentology #T2P

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

Focus Graphite Completes Access Road Desktop Study and Selects Preferred Route for the Lac Knife Project

Preferred Access Corridor Expected to Reduce Future Infrastructure Capital Requirements and Advance Lac Knife Toward Construction Readiness


Ottawa, Ontario – Newsfile Corp. – July 14, 2026 – Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) (“Focus” or the “Company“), a Canadian developer of high-grade flake graphite deposits and advanced graphite materials for battery, defence, and industrial applications, is pleased to announce the completion of the Lac Knife Access Road Desktop Study (the “Study“) prepared by Norda Stelo (“Norda“) and overseen by IOS Geosciences (“IOS“) as part of the Company’s broader infrastructure advancement program for the Lac Knife Graphite Project (“Lac Knife” or the “Project“) located near Fermont, Quebec.

Following a comprehensive multi-criteria evaluation of three potential access road scenarios, the Study identified Scenario 2 (CH B + M3) as the preferred route (the “Preferred Route“). The selected route combines approximately 2.5 km of an existing access road corridor (CH B) with approximately 7.7 km of the existing Mazarin Road (M3), creating a practical and efficient connection between the realigned Highway 389, currently under construction, and the future mine site. The recommendation was unanimously supported following a joint technical review conducted by Norda, IOS, and Focus.

The Preferred Route maximizes the use of existing transportation corridors while minimizing environmental disturbance, permitting complexity, construction timelines, and stakeholder impacts. By leveraging existing infrastructure and the Highway 389 realignment, the selected corridor significantly reduces new road construction requirements relative to historical development assumptions, creating the potential to lower future infrastructure capital requirements and further strengthen the Project’s development profile.

The Study forms part of the infrastructure planning activities being advanced under the Company’s recently announced Natural Resources Canada (“NRCan“) First and Last Mile Fund (“FLMF“) program. As announced on June 3, 2026, Focus Graphite secured $1,378,700 in non-dilutive funding through NRCan’s FLMF program to support road and power infrastructure planning for the Lac Knife Graphite Project in Quebec. The funding supports the engineering, environmental, permitting, and Indigenous engagement activities required to progress both the proposed all-season access road and Hydro-Quebec grid connection toward construction readiness.

Advancing a More Efficient Infrastructure Strategy

The identification of the Preferred Route represents another important milestone in the systematic de-risking of the Project. Infrastructure is often one of the largest capital requirements for northern resource developments, making access optimization a critical component of project economics and overall development risk.

The 2023 NI 43-101 Technical Report – Feasibility Study Update, Lac Knife Graphite Project (the “2023 Feasibility Study“), contemplated the construction of an approximately 32 km access road connecting the Project to the existing alignment of Highway 389. Subsequent infrastructure investments by the Quebec Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, including the realignment of Highway 389 currently under construction, created an opportunity to significantly reduce the length of new road construction required. This has the potential to reduce future infrastructure capital requirements while improving the overall efficiency, constructability, and long-term development profile of the Project, supporting Focus’s long-term objective of advancing Lac Knife toward a shovel-ready development stage.

“Strong projects are built through disciplined planning and consistent execution,” said Dean Hanisch, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Graphite. “Identifying a preferred access route is another important milestone for Lac Knife because infrastructure decisions made today can have a meaningful impact on future capital requirements, project economics, and execution risk. We are looking forward to acting on these results and making the most of the 2026 field season. Every milestone strengthens the Project and moves us closer to establishing Lac Knife as a long-term strategic source of high-quality graphite for North American and allied supply chains.”

Figure 1: Proposed Access Road, Lac Knife (Norda Stelo, 2026)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1963/305099_42e53e6c4418eaf9_001full.jpg

Qualified Person

The technical content disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Richard Pearce, PE, President of Brasil Insight Capital LLC., a consultant to the Company, and a qualified person as defined under National Instrument NI 43-101.

About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc.

Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% owned world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. Our flagship Lac Knife project stands as one of the most advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully completed feasibility study. Lac Knife is set to become a key supplier for the battery, defense, and advanced materials industries.

Our Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining — we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including our patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency.

Our commitment to innovation ensures an eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, we are dedicated to securing a resilient, locally sourced supply of critical minerals — reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and driving the transition to a sustainable future.

For more information on Focus Graphite Inc. please visit http://www.focusgraphite.com.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-graphite/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusgraphite
X: https://x.com/focusgraphite

Investors Contact:
Dean Hanisch
CEO, Focus Graphite Inc.
dhanisch@focusgraphite.com
+1 (613) 612-6060

Jason Latkowcer
VP Corporate Development
jlatkowcer@focusgraphite.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words “could,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “will,” “projected,” “estimated,” and similar expressions, as well as statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company’s current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.

In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, the future development of the Lac Knife Graphite Project; the advancement of road and power infrastructure planning activities under Natural Resources Canada’s First and Last Mile Fund program; the anticipated benefits of the preferred access corridor identified in the Study, including the potential to reduce future infrastructure capital requirements, permitting complexity, environmental impacts, construction timelines, and stakeholder impacts; the completion of future engineering, environmental, geotechnical, permitting, and stakeholder engagement activities; the potential construction and development of a permanent all-season access road and Hydro-Québec grid connection; the timing and outcome of regulatory approvals and permitting processes; the Company’s ability to secure additional funding required to advance infrastructure and project development activities; the future construction, development, and operation of the Lac Knife Project; and the Company’s expectation that the selected access route may enhance the overall infrastructure profile, economics, and construction readiness of the Project.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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

Thailand Advances Net Zero 2050 through Public–Private “ONE MIND” Collaboration TCMA Launches “The NEXT Chapter” to Position Industry as a Climate Solution Partner


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – Thailand is strengthening its transition toward a net-zero economy through enhanced collaboration between government and industry. On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) announced its strategic initiative, “The NEXT Chapter to Net Zero 2050,” aimed at accelerating implementation across five priority areas under the theme ‘Accelerating Collaborative Action towards Net Zero 2050.’ The initiative reinforces the cement industry’s evolving role as a Climate Solution Partner, aligned with the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap, a collective industry commitment supporting national climate goals.

Thailand Advances Net Zero 2050 through Public–Private

The TCMA at 20 event was presided over by H.E. Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, and brought together senior representatives from government agencies, industry, professional institutions, and international organizations, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing Thailand’s Net Zero 2050 target.

In his remarks, the Minister of Industry emphasized that achieving net-zero emissions requires coordinated action across all sectors under a unified ‘ONE MIND’ approach. The Ministry of Industry continues to advance enabling policies, regulatory frameworks, and economic instruments to support industrial decarbonization, while promoting green industry development, strengthening ESG standards, and enhancing competitiveness. He also highlighted ongoing collaboration with international partners, including UNIDO, GIZ, and the Government of Canada, to accelerate the deployment of low-carbon technologies.

Dr. Chana Poomee, Honourary Chairman of TCMA, noted that Thailand’s cement industry is transitioning beyond its traditional role toward becoming a Climate Solution Partner, contributing to climate mitigation through both emissions reduction and the development of sustainable construction solutions.

Representing the government sector, Dr. Raweewan Bhuridej, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and Mr. Sunthorn Kaewsa-ard, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Industry, underscored the importance of public–private partnerships (PPP) in translating policy commitments into measurable outcomes, ensuring that emissions reductions are achieved alongside sustained industrial competitiveness.

Mr. Surachai Nimla-or, Chairman of TCMA, described “The NEXT Chapter” as a strategic inflection point for the industry, guided by the principle of being competitive, sustainable, and low-carbon. TCMA is advancing this transition through five key implementation engines, integrating policy, technology, innovation, energy transition, circular economy, and digitalization to enable systemic change that is measurable, scalable, and aligned with national timelines.

TCMA also continues to advance the SARABURI SANDBOX, a low-carbon city pilot that serves as a platform to test policy instruments, technological solutions, and green financing mechanisms through multi-stakeholder collaboration, with the objective of scaling successful models at the national and regional levels.

The launch of “The NEXT Chapter” underscores the role of Thailand’s cement industry as a key contributor to regional decarbonization efforts and highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing an inclusive and sustainable transition toward a low-carbon economy.

Hashtag: #TCMA #TCMAat20 #TCMAinAction #TCMAtoNetZero2050 #NextChapterNetZero #ClimateSolutionPartner #CementDecarbonization

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

Bear Paws, Pangolin Meat Seized in Vientiane Restaurant Raid Amid Laos’ Wider Crackdown

Lao authorities raided a Chinese‑run restaurant in Vientiane, seizing bear paws and snake meat amid a broader wildlife trafficking crackdown.

Lao authorities have stepped up their crackdown on illegal wildlife trade after raiding a Chinese-owned restaurant in central Vientiane, one of several wildlife enforcement operations carried out this year.

On 18 May, officers from the Law Enforcement Network for Aquatic Animals, Wildlife and Forestry (LAO-WEN) inspected a restaurant in Chommany village, Xaysettha district, after receiving reports that it was serving protected wildlife to foreign tour groups.

During the inspection, officers found live animals, carcasses, and wildlife products allegedly prepared and sold as food.

According to state media reports published on 14 July, officers seized one live snake weighing 1.42 kilograms, four pangolin carcasses, pangolin scales, meat and other body parts, along with four bear paws and a jar containing alcohol residue believed to have come from wildlife products. In total, authorities confiscated 25.52 kilograms of illegal wildlife products, including live animals.

Authorities said the restaurant catered primarily to foreign tour groups, advertising wildlife dishes as “special” menu items that cannot legally be served in neighbouring countries.

A Chinese national was arrested during the operation and has been referred to court. Officials said the case will test how Laos enforces its wildlife protection laws against businesses involved in the illegal trade.

Broader Crackdown

The raid is part of a broader crackdown on wildlife trafficking across Laos this year.

In January, Lao authorities seized nearly 50 kilograms of illegal wildlife products during coordinated inspections of shops and restaurants in Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

The following month, authorities in neighbouring Thailand arrested a Vietnamese man at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after discovering rhino horn hidden inside meat in luggage bound for Laos.

In May, Thai officers intercepted 130 kilograms of ivory along the Mekong River near Nong Khai in a shipment reportedly destined for Vientiane.

Most recently, in June, LAO-WEN announced the seizure of more than 60 kilograms of suspected wildlife products and 294 live animals during separate enforcement operations across the country.

Cross-Border Wildlife Trafficking

Recent work by conservation organisations and journalists have identified Laos as a key transit point for international wildlife trafficking and a destination for illegal wildlife meals marketed to low-cost Chinese tour groups.

Undercover investigations by Field Raw found that some Chinese tour operators took tourists to restaurants and shops in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane, where businesses offered products made from protected wildlife, including dishes containing pangolins and bear paws. Some operators marketed the trips as “Laos-China friendship” tours.

LAO-WEN has urged restaurants and businesses to stop trading protected wildlife and called on the public to report suspected offences, warning that anyone involved could face prosecution and have their assets confiscated under Lao law.

First Energy Africa Oil Corp. Strengthens Board with Appointment of Industry Veterans Simon Akit and Frederick Kozak

New directors bring 60 years of combined capital markets and resource industry expertise


CALGARY, ALBERTA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – First Energy Africa Oil Corp. (“First Energy Africa” or the “Corporation”), a Calgary-based energy corporation , today announced the appointment of Simon Akit and Frederick Kozak to its Board of Directors, effective July 13th, 2026.

Simon Akit
Simon Akit

Mr. Akit is founder and managing partner of a resource advisory firm, bringing more than 25 years of experience in Canadian and U.S. capital markets and seven years of engineering and operations experience in the resource industry. He has held senior capital markets and leadership roles at Ventum Financial, Canaccord Genuity, among others and has raised over $5 billion in equity and debt financing for resource companies from institutional investors across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia. He holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, is a Professional Engineer (APEGA) and currently serves on the boards of several public and private companies.

Frederick Kozak
Frederick Kozak

A Canaccord Genuity former oil and gas research analyst, Kozak is an award winning financial analyst and corporate executive. He brings more than 40 years of experience in the resource and capital markets sector with a focus in Africa and South America. Mr. Kozak holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. He is a Professional Engineer (APEGA) with Lifetime status in Alberta and currently serves on the boards of one public company and one private company.

“Simon and Fred are bringing complementary technical and capital markets seniority required for our complex business. We are confident their contributions will set the right approach on our strategic priorities,” said Jeff Ruskowsky, President, First Energy Africa

The Corporation remains committed to upholding the highest standards of governance and sustainability as it continues to responsibly unlock value across its resource portfolio.

Hashtag: #FirstEnergyAfricaOil

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

About First Energy Africa Oil

First Energy Africa Oil Corp. is a privately held Canadian corporation pursuing exploration and block acquisitions in sub-Saharan Africa. The Company is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Vientiane Police Arrest 122 Suspects in Alleged Online Scam Network

Laos arrested 122 suspected scammers in a Vientiane raid targeting cybercrime and online scam networks. The suspects included foreign nationals from six countries.

Vientiane police arrested 122 people during coordinated raids on seven rented houses in the capital’s Sisattanak district on 11 July as part of Laos’ ongoing crackdown on cybercrime and online scam networks.

The suspects included nationals of China, Malaysia, Brazil, Myanmar, Uruguay, and Pakistan. Authorities said the properties, located in Buengkhayong village, belonged to CAMCE Investment (Lao) Co., Ltd.

One house alone contained 34 Chinese nationals, while another housed 31 people, including 26 Brazilian nationals. Police also arrested 19 Malaysian nationals at a separate property and seized a small quantity of suspected narcotics during one of the searches.

Officers also detained a Chinese national who arrived at the scene while allegedly attempting to arrange bail for the suspects.

Police said investigations are continuing to identify others linked to the network, with those involved expected to face prosecution under Lao law.

Part of a Wider Crackdown

The Buengkhayong operation is the latest in a series of raids carried out across Laos this month as authorities step up efforts to dismantle online scam syndicates, illegal gambling operations, and telecom fraud networks.

The crackdown began on 3 July, when police raided a hotel at SanJiang Market in Vientiane’s Sikhottabong district and arrested 28 Chinese nationals allegedly operating an online gambling network. Suspects believed to be involved in call-center scams and fake social media accounts fled from two neighboring rooms before officers arrived.

The following day, immigration authorities transferred 174 Chinese nationals detained in earlier operations to Chinese officials at the Boten border checkpoint in Luang Namtha Province.

On 6 July, police arrested another 26 Chinese nationals in Sangthong district over an alleged fake South Korean stock investment scam promoted through social media. A day later, officers detained 35 suspects at three locations in Naxaythong district, before arresting 80 foreign nationals, mostly from Uganda and Kenya, at a wood-processing factory in Champasak Province on 8 July.

The recent operations follow a broader nationwide campaign against cybercrime.

Speaking at the National Assembly on 4 July, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said authorities arrested more than 4,400 people linked to cybercrime, online scams, and illegal gambling during the first half of 2026, with nearly 1,000 arrests recorded in June alone.

AI Account Named Best AI-Driven Accounting Software Platform in South East Asia at the 2026 FinTech Awards

Wealth & Finance International recognised AI Account for helping SMEs and accounting firms automate everyday finance tasks, enabling them to focus on business growth.


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – AI Account Pte Ltd (www.aiaccount.com), a Singapore-headquartered provider of AI-powered cloud accounting software, has been named Best AI-Driven Accounting Software Platform 2026, South East Asia, at the Wealth & Finance International FinTech Awards 2026. The recognition celebrates the company’s continued innovation in transforming financial management through intelligent automation, helping businesses and accounting professionals reduce manual work, strengthen compliance, and gain greater visibility over their financial operations.

In conjunction with the award, AI Account has also been featured in the latest edition of Wealth & Finance International magazine, where the publication highlights the company’s vision, product innovation, and growing impact across Southeast Asia’s accounting technology landscape.

What Does the Recognition Reflect

The Wealth & Finance International FinTech Awards recognise financial technology companies across global markets for product innovation, client impact, and operational excellence. The Best AI-Driven Accounting Software Platform, South East Asia title is awarded to platforms that demonstrate a measurable step forward in how financial management technology serves businesses in the region.

The accompanying editorial feature, published in Wealth & Finance International’s magazine, spotlights how AI Account serves SMEs, accounting firms, and corporate service providers managing multiple clients or entities and needing structured, audit-ready financial data with scalable access. It highlights the platform’s approach to combining automation with robust system controls, and the team’s commitment to evolving the product to meet emerging compliance requirements.

What Sets AI Account Apart

The platform was built around a single principle: the day-to-day work of financial management- invoicing, reconciliations, reporting, compliance submissions should be handled by the system, not the business owner.

Think of a human accountant buried under stacks of invoices, chasing reconciliations, manually pulling reports, and racing against compliance deadlines. That is the reality for most businesses today, and it is exactly the problem AI Account was built to solve.

An “AI accountant” is layered throughout the platform, applying intelligent accounting logic and automation across invoicing, reconciliations, reporting, and compliance workflows. The result is a modern, all-in-one accounting system that reduces manual effort while maintaining the controls that businesses and their advisors rely on.

“This recognition means a great deal to us, not because of the title itself, but because of what it represents. We built AI Account around one belief: that accounting should work for businesses, not the other way around. Every automation we ship, every workflow we simplify, is measured against one outcome, our clients spending less time on finance admin and more time running their business. Being recognised for that focus, across the whole of South East Asia, tells us we are building something that genuinely matters.”

Tommy Teo, Co-Founder of AI Account Pte. Ltd.

Hashtag: #AIAccount

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

About AI Account Pte. Ltd.

AI Account Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based provider of cloud-based accounting software serving accounting firms across multiple countries. It provides comprehensive functionality, including multi-currency accounting, inventory management, project tracking, and automated invoicing, with an unlimited usage model designed to support scalable growth.

AI Account’s mission is to deliver affordable, innovative, and future-ready accounting solutions while progressively integrating artificial intelligence to automate processes and enhance financial insights.

For more information, visit: