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Vietnam and the United States: Promoting trusted trade partnership and green growth in agriculture

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 9 September 2023 – President of the United States Joe Biden’s official visit to Vietnam (Sep 10-11) will mark a new milestone in bilateral relations and positive progress between two countries. In particular, that will facilitate development and continues to show notable growth in agricultural trade.

The Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has welcomed the delegations of the US Secretary of Agriculture, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), two US Deputy Secretaries of State, two US Deputy Secretaries of Agriculture, and the Governors of Nebraska and California over the past year. This demonstrates the importance of Vietnam in cooperation with the United States. Concurrent with the bilateral contacts is a series of exchanges, negotiations, shared understanding and coordination activities between the 2 sides, building partner trust and a very important foundation for promoting stronger agricultural cooperation. With President Biden’s upcoming visit to Vietnam, relations between the two countries will be raised to a new level, creating favorable conditions for promoting bilateral cooperation between the 2 countries in general and the agriculture and rural development sector in particular.

To foster trusted partnership and development of agricultural trade

The United States has been on the top list of export markets of Vietnam in general and for agricultural products in particular. Vietnam’s agricultural, forestry and fishery exports to the United States reached 13 billion USD in 2022, accounting for 24.4% of the total country Agro-forestry-fishery (AFF) exports to the world. However, it only represents 6.7% of the US’s AFF imports, showing a potential for Vietnam exports in the US market.

The United States applies strict requirements and a wide range of technical and SPS standards on agricultural and food products. In that context, Vietnam is making efforts to better meet those requirements.

Organization of production associated with the needs, tastes and technical standards of the United States. In details, priority is given to R&D investment on plant and animal breeds, etc., that meet technical, food safety and animal and plant health conditions and standards; promoting imported seed suitable to local conditions, increasing the diversity of agricultural products, targeting the US market; building value chain integration between US import enterprises and Vietnamese enterprises to transfer technology and varieties besides ensuring quality control to meet the requirements of technical and quality standards of the US market.

Improvement of product quality and value to satisfy the requirements of the US market. It is essential to review and finalize the current system of technical standards and national technical regulations for agricultural products with reference to US standards. It is also necessary to complete the food safety and disease safety control system crop, livestock, seafood, animal feed, etc., for consideration, evaluation, recognition of equivalence, and opening export markets by the United States.

Moreover, many agricultural products of the two countries have been opened market access in recent years. With active negotiation between two countries, the United States is becoming the largest poultry meat exporter to Vietnam (accounting for about 34% of total poultry meat imports), the second largest beef exporter (after Australia, accounting for about 16%) and the sixth largest pork exporter (accounting for about 5%) to Vietnam.

At the same time, the United States also opened the market for many Vietnamese products. Most recently, on August 7, 2023, APHIS completed updating the online database of Agricultural Commodity Import Requests (ACIR) to approve imports of Vietnamese fresh coconuts.

In the coming time, Vietnam will prioritize boosting the export of wood and wood products, seafood, and cashew nuts, pepper, and coffee, fruits into the US market.

To promote green growth and sustainable development

The cooperation agricultural green growth between Vietnam and the United States has brought many benefits, including environmental protection and improved product quality and the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. Two countries continue to cope with environmental challenges and climate change together.

Vietnam Government pays close attention to sustainable development, climate change and international commitments. At the COP26 (The UN Climate Change Conference), Vietnam made a commitment to bring net emissions to zero by 2050, joined the “Methane Pledge” and the “Glasgow Declaration on Forests and Land Use”.

To implement the commitments at COP26, COP27, Vietnam has participated in many initiatives with the United States and other countries and international organizations such as: i) Initiative “Agricultural Innovation Mission for Climate Change” (AIM4C); ii) the Action Alliance “Promoting Sustainable Productivity Growth for Food Security and Resource Conservation” (SPG); iii) the World Economic Forum’s “Food Innovation Hub” (FIH) and iv) the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) “100 Million Farmers: Transitioning to Zero-Emission and Environmentally Friendly Food Systems”; v) Coalition on “Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest Finance ” (LEAF).

As agreed between the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the US Secretary of Agriculture, from April 2022, the US-Vietnam Climate Change Working Group was launched with the participation of relevant agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam and representatives of USDA, USAID, and USFS to reduce emissions in agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry.

In the immediate future, the two sides focus on the implementation of projects including the project “Adaptation to Climate Change in the Mekong Delta”, “Fertilizer Right”, “Transformational Strategies for Farm Output Risk Mitigation in Livestock Sector” (TRANSFORM). In particular, The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam is coordinating with the US WF to complete the signing of the Letter of Intent and develop the program ” Viet Nam for Life: Nature-based Solutions for the Central ” with a long-term cooperation framework lasting up to 20 years, with a budget of up to 300 million USD, focusing on addressing climate change issues, protect and restore biodiversity, while benefiting local communities in the Central Annamite Mountains, one of Asia’s largest adjacent primary forests.

Vietnam will join hands to cooperate with the US Government, organizations, and investors as trusted partners to develop a green and sustainable agriculture and develop better agricultural supply chains and contribute to the global food security.

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

BingX shows possibility as first CEX to launch Banana Gun Token

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 9 September 2023 – BingX, a top copy trading crypto exchange, is showing signs of its strategic plans to bring the Banana Gun project onto its trading platform. This move comes in light of the recent buzz and significant traction that the Banana Gun project has garnered in the crypto community.

In recent days, the crypto community has been abuzz with discussions about the launch of Banana Gun token. This bot project has recently unveiled details about its token economy, airdrop, and token pre-sale, capturing significant attention. Notably, the Banana Gun boasts a vast user base, with most users previously only familiar with bot-type projects like Unibot and Maestro.

While the fervor around Unibot still lingers, Banana Gun has swiftly emerged as the preferred bot for many prominent owners and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). Touted as the fastest sniper robot for workers in the TG market, Banana Gun’s rapid rise is evident.

Comparative Analysis: Unibot vs. Banana Gun

A quick glance at the data reveals the potential of Banana Gun:

  • Unibot: Market Cap: Approximately $85 million, FDV: Approximately $85 million, 5% transaction tax.
  • Banana Gun: Approximately $1.3 million (800ETH, 20%), FDV: Approximately $6.5 million, 4% transaction tax.

While Banana Gun might currently trail Unibot in some metrics, its user base is fast approaching that of Unibot. Given the recent pre-sale hype, it’s anticipated that Banana Gun will soon surpass its competitor.

Banana Gun stands out from other trading bots due to its primary focus on sniper openings. It allows users to snipe upcoming tokens or trade issued tokens. With an aim to be the sniper/manual purchase bot of choice on the Ethereum network, Banana Gun has plans to expand to more chains in the future.

BingX’s decision to possibly integrate Banana Gun onto its platform underscores its commitment to offering its users access to the latest and most promising trading tools. By bringing Banana Gun onboard, BingX aims to enhance its platform’s capabilities and provide its users with a competitive edge in the fast-paced world of crypto trading. Find out how to get Banana Gun Presale on BingX Guide, before it’s official token launch.

Hashtag: #bingx #cryptoexchange

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

About BingX

Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange that offers tracking, spot, derivatives, copy, and grid trading services to over 100 countries and regions worldwide with over 5 million users. BingX continues to connect users with expert traders and the platform in a safe and innovative way.

ROSEN, A LEADING LAW FIRM, Encourages Sea Limited Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important September 19 Deadline in Securities Class Action – SE

New York, New York – Newsfile Corp. – September 8, 2023 – WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Sea Limited (NYSE: SE) between April 23, 2022 and May 15, 2023, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important September 19, 2023 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Sea securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Sea class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=17863 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 19, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Sea overstated its ability to manage the growth of its user base and loan book while enhancing its profitability; (2) Sea’s expansion to a broader user base and growing loan book rendered the Company significantly more vulnerable to higher credit losses; (3) as a result, the Company was likely to book a significant increase in loan loss reserves; (4) the foregoing was likely to have a significant negative impact on Sea’s earnings; and (5) as a result, the Company’s public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Sea class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=17863 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

——————————-

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com

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

WIN SOURCE Announces New Strategic Partnership with Supplyframe

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 8 September 2023 – To help companies strengthen their electronics supply chain and reduce procurement costs and risks, WIN SOURCE and Supplyframe have entered a strategic partnership at Electronica China this year. As part of the partnership, WIN SOURCE will leverage Supplyframe’s Design to Source Solution into its B2B e-commerce platform to accelerate its Supply Chain Services and deliver a better customer experience.

The high volatility of the electronic supply chain has created multiple crises ever since 2018, affecting more than 169 industries, which peaked during the Covid-19 pandemic with unprecedented product launch delays and eye-opening surging costs. It is an urgent wake-up call for every industry player, whether manufacturers, distributors, or suppliers, to re-evaluate supply chain strategies, validate current partners, and optimize backup plans, to secure the best possible resilient supply chain before the next crisis hits.

WIN SOURCE has taken quick action to help itself and its customers. As revealed in the announcement of WIN SOURCE and Supplyframe’s partnership, WIN SOURCE e-commerce platform will connect to Supplyframe’s AI-empowered component intelligence, capturing and interpreting numerous market signals of millions of sellable components, generating actionable insights as to how to optimize the sourcing decisions at the best time window. Customers of WIN SOURCE will directly benefit from this upgrade, where they can search, compare, and order more than a million ready-to-ship components, now better equipped with real-time sourcing intelligence covering price fluctuation, lead time changes, and potential risk notification.

The partnership is also regarded as a strategic move of WIN SOURCE. Synchronizing its fast rise on the distribution horizon, WIN SOURCE shows great determination to adopt state-of-the-art technology, further honing its supplier management and inventory control skill, and broadening its global reach in servicing clients worldwide.
Hashtag: #WINSOURCE

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

About WIN SOURCE

WIN SOURCE, established in 1999, has emerged as Asia’s first overseas B2B e-commerce platform specializing in electronic components. The company, listed among the Top 50 Electronics Distributors in the world by Supply Chain Connect in 2023, is renowned for its commitment to reducing production costs for various customer groups, including EMS, OEM, and ODM. With an extensive inventory surpassing a million components and a robust procurement network, WIN SOURCE enables manufacturers to fulfill all their product requirements efficiently, significantly enhancing procurement efficiency. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and a vast inventory, WIN SOURCE delivers exceptional value to businesses worldwide.

About Supplyframe

Supplyframe, headquartered in Pasadena, California, has redefined supply chain management with its comprehensive ecosystem of targeted marketing solutions, engineering resources, and supply chain tools. Specializing in Design-to-Source Intelligence (DSI) solutions for the global electronic components industry, Supplyframe’s platform interprets billions of signals related to intent, demand, supply, and risk, offering valuable insights throughout the product life cycle. Through its collaborative approach and innovative technology, Supplyframe ensures its clients are always at the forefront of industry trends and developments, empowering businesses to navigate the complex electronics value chain with ease.

Redress Design Award 2023 Winners Announced, Ushering New Era For Sustainable Fashion

World’s largest sustainable fashion design competition by NGO Redress concludes with winner joining Timberland® to kickstart a sustainable design collaboration

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 8 September 2023 – Redress, the Hong Kong-headquartered, Asia-focused environmental NGO accelerating the change to a circular fashion industry, announced the winners of the Redress Design Award 2023. With Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the Lead Sponsor, the world’s largest sustainable fashion design competition concluded its 13th cycle at Hong Kong’s fashion spotlight event, CENTRESTAGE*, on 7 September.

Redress_image.JPG

Winning First Prize, Nils Hauser from Germany gets the career-changing chance to work on a sustainable design collaboration out of VF Corporation’s Tokyo Design Collective with the Timberland® design team for the brand’s Spring 2025 apparel collection. The winner out-designed eight other emerging designer Finalists from Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, India, Sri Lanka, and the USA, following a gruelling nine-month educational competition that attracted applications from 46 countries and regions.

“Collaborating with a world-leading brand like Timberland® and bringing my sustainable fashion ideas into the mainstream and large-scale fashion market whilst working with Timberland®’s expert team is a designer’s dream,” said Nils Hauser. “Designers have solutions, and we know that by working together we can make change,” he said.

Change is much needed. Fashion is one of the world’s most polluting industries. Approximately 100 billion apparel items are sold per year, representing a 50% increase since 2006, with the majority of clothing being landfilled or burned within one year of production.[1] Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned.[2]

Meanwhile, 80 percent of a product’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage.[3]

“Design decisions made at the drawing board can change the world,” said Redress Founder, Dr. Christina Dean. “Fashion needs to reinvent itself to become more circular. Floods and fires are continuing. Our Redress Design Award Finalists are fashion’s fire-fighters. Making sustainability and circularity an industry norm feels like a far off dream, but it’s worth fighting for if we want to reduce fashion’s negative environmental impacts.”

Congratulating on the success of another cycle of the Redress Design Award, Mr. Victor Tsang, Head of CreateHK, remarked that “The National 14th Five-Year Plan has stated its clear support towards Hong Kong developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is pleased to support the Redress Design Award, which plays a pivotal role in bringing sustainable design elites from around the globe and providing a unique platform that serves to educate talented fashion game-changers to transform the global fashion industry.”

The Finalists represent a new generation of fashion designers who are designing waste out of fashion with the circular design techniques of zero-waste, upcycling, and reconstruction. They do so by exploring their local textile waste streams for their design materials, from manufacturing waste and consumer castoffs to the more imaginative reuse of turbans, tents, and bedsheets. Their bold designs and sourcing methods represent creative and innovative solutions to increase current circularity achievements, which presently see less than one percent of clothing being recycled back into clothing.[4]

“Our collaboration with Redress gives us the unique opportunity to directly connect with emerging fashion designers who have a passion for sustainability, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to usher in a new era of sustainability in fashion,” said Jeannie Renne-Malone, Vice President of Global Sustainability at VF Corporation. “VF remains committed to fostering a lower carbon future through implementing sustainable design principles, such as circular design, that minimise the industry’s environmental impact.”

Nils Hauser now takes the previous winners’ baton from Redress Design Award 2022 winner, Federico Badini Confalonieri from Italy, 2021 winner Jessica Chang from Taiwan, and 2020 menswear winner Lê Ngọc Hà Thu from Vietnam, who each contributed towards sustainable capsules in collaboration with Timberland®.

EXPERT JUDGES AT THE VANGUARD

Nine expert judges scrutinised this complex judging process across criteria ranging from circularity to commerciality, including Mr. Kévin Germanier, Creative Director, GERMANIER and Alumnus, Mr. Rod Henderson, President, TAL Apparel Ltd; Mr. Peter Hui, Honorary Secretary, Sustainable Fashion Business Consortium.

Judge Orsola de Castro, Author and Co-founder, Fashion Revolution said; “I’ve judged the Redress Design Award for 13 cycles and mentored as many winners. I’ve seen the transformation that Redress is driving in Asia’s fashion industry, and the ripple effects globally. It’s a remarkable impact and Hong Kong should be commended for this.”

REDRESS ALUMNI FUEL SUSTAINABLE FASHION DEVELOPMENT GLOBALLY

All nine of the 2023 Finalists now join the Redress Design Award Alumni Network, which consists of over 300 previous Finalists and Semi-finalists from over 40 countries and regions to benefit from Redress’ ongoing support. With diverse circular design talents and solutions, these influential fashion game-changers continue to catalyse greater industry change, whether starting their own sustainable brands, educating other designers, or working for small to large fashion brands and manufacturers.

Over the last four years, Redress Alumni have worked with American Eagle Outfitters, Harvey Nichols Hong Kong, Kipling, and Timberland®; showed at fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, Shanghai, and Shenzhen; and dressed global celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Heidi Klum, Taylor Swift, and Sunmi. Through The R Collective, the social impact business inspired into life through Redress, Alumni have also collaborated with Lane Crawford, Net-a-Porter, kapok, Haustage, UBS, and Value Retail.

In celebration of the Alumni’s ongoing achievements, and supported by Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong, eight Redress Alumni brands were showcased at the Grand Final Fashion Show on 7 September and at CENTRESTAGE until 9 September 2023.

EDUCATION AT THE CORE

Education plays a vital role in driving a circular fashion system. As such, the Redress Design Award works with 150 fashion university partners to reach thousands of fashion students across the globe, and provides free circular fashion resources and teaching materials through the Redress Academy. This year’s selected Finalists also experienced a weeklong educational bootcamp of masterclasses and circular design challenges, from working with manufacturers and packaging solution providers to revitalising discarded consumer clothing.

Editor’s Notes

About the Redress Design Award 2023 competition: www.redressdesignaward.com

  • The competitors: The Redress Design Award 2023 was open to applications from emerging designers and students with less than four years’ professional experience globally. Finalists here.
  • The winners:
    • First Prize winner: Nils Hauser, Germany
    • Runner-Up Prize winner: Ruwanthi Gajadeera, Sri Lanka
    • Hong Kong Best Prize winner: Mandy Fong, Hong Kong
    • People’s Choice winner: Pavneet Kaur, India
  • The prize details are here.
  • The full panel of international judges is here.
  • The Redress Design Award 2023 partners and sponsors include Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the Lead Sponsor; VF Corporation, TAL Apparel, Delta Global, and UPS.
  • *CENTRESTAGE is sponsored by Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

About the Redress Alumni

  • All Redress Alumni can be seen here.
  • The Redress Design Award Alumni Showcase: Redress is presenting a showcase of six Alumni brands at CENTRESTAGE Booth 3D-B06 in Hong Kong from 6–9 September 2023.
  • 2023 Alumni Prize winner: Eric Wong wins the opportunity to create an upcycled showpiece using Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong’s used airbag waste fabric, which will be exhibited as part of the brand’s BAM Festival in Hong Kong in October 2023.

About the Redress Academy and education

  • The online, open-access Redress Academy platform is here.
  • The Redress Pathway to Circularity online courses are here.
  • Further supporting statistics are here.
  • The 2023 Finalists participated in educational activities including: a factory visit, masterclasses and group challenges at a TAL Apparel factory in Vietnam; a packaging-solutions workshop with Delta Global; and a post-consumer textile waste design challenge.


[1] UBS – $2.5trn industry at risk – What if consumers stop buying disposable clothes

[2] Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017), A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion’s Future

[3] EU Science Hub (2018): Sustainable Product Policy

[4] Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017), A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion’s Future

Hashtag: #RedressDesignAward

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

About Redress

Redress () is a Hong Kong-headquartered, Asia-focused environmental NGO with a mission to accelerate the change to a circular fashion industry by educating and empowering designers and consumers so as to reduce clothing’s negative environmental impacts.

The Redress Design Award () is the world’s largest sustainable fashion design competition that educates and empowers emerging fashion designers about circular design techniques to reduce fashion’s negative environmental impacts. Organised by Hong Kong-headquartered, Asia-focused environmental NGO Redress annually since 2011, the competition now has over 150 global fashion university partners and attracts designer applicants from over 50 countries and regions to win prizes that connect them with global-leading fashion businesses to accelerate the change to a circular fashion industry.

About Create Hong Kong () Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in June 2009 to spearhead the development of creative industries in Hong Kong. From 1 July 2022 onwards, it is under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community. CreateHK has been sponsoring the Redress Design Award (formerly the EcoChic Design Award) since 2011 to promote Hong Kong’s fashion design.

About VF Corporation () Founded in 1899, VF Corporation is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish most through a family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland® and Dickies®. Our purpose is to power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. We connect this purpose with a relentless drive to succeed to create value for all stakeholders and use our company as a force for good. For more information, please visit vfc.com.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Lee Kum Kee Sponsors the 4th World Master Chefs Competition for Cantonese Cuisine

Lee Kum Kee Appointed as the Official Sauces Supplier for the Event; 160 Elite Chefs Around the World Converge to Compete for Culinary Prestige

KUCHING, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 8 September 2023 – The 4th World Master Chefs Competition for Cantonese Cuisine, organised by the World Master Chefs Association for Cantonese Cuisine (WMACC) and sponsored by Lee Kum Kee was held on 4 to 6 September at Kuching in Sarawak, Malaysia. The competition aimed at promoting the global development and exchange of Cantonese culinary arts, attracted over 160 elite chefs from over 20 countries and regions worldwide to compete on their Cantonese cuisine culinary skills by utilising Lee Kum Kee premium sauces.

Competitors showcase their remarkable talent in crafting innovative Cantonese dishes with Lee Kum Kee sauces and condiments
Competitors showcase their remarkable talent in crafting innovative Cantonese dishes with Lee Kum Kee sauces and condiments

Being the Official Sauces Supplier for the competition, Lee Kum Kee provided an array of sauces and condiments to inspire participating chefs in creating their winning dishes. In addition, Lee Kum Kee sponsored a total of 20 talented chefs from Hong Kong, China and Malaysia to participate in the competition, fostering their collaboration and idea exchange with fellow participating chefs, and thus elevating the standard of Cantonese cuisine to new heights.

The competition spanned two eventful days from 5 to 6 September. Over 160 Chinese chefs from various countries and regions, including Malaysia, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Taiwan region, Australia, the Netherlands, Japan, Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and others, showcased their remarkable talents in crafting innovative Cantonese dishes using the exquisite range of Lee Kum Kee sauces and condiments. The judging panel, consisting of 12 globally-renowned Chinese master chefs, evaluated the dishes based on criteria such as taste, cooking techniques, presentation and hygiene standard to determine the final results of Top 10 “World Master Chefs for Cantonese Cuisine”.

Mr. Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee, said, “With a history of 135 years, Lee Kum Kee has been dedicated to promoting the development of the global Chinese culinary industry, with a particular focus on Cantonese cuisine, in line with our mission of ‘Promoting Chinese Culinary Culture Worldwide’. We are pleased to support the competition by sponsoring Lee Kum Kee’s products. We hope the dishes created by each team, with the use of Lee Kum Kee sauces, could fully unleash the exquisite and delicate flavours of Cantonese cuisine. It would be great that they helped promote the Cantonese culinary culture to the world and ensure that the legacy is preserved and passed down to future generations.”

During the competition, Lee Kum Kee partnered with Master Chef Kwok-keung Chan from Hong Kong to showcase his exceptional skills in braising abalone using Lee Kum Kee Premium Oyster Sauce. The audience had the opportunity to taste the delectable abalone, resulting in enthusiastic and positive responses. Furthermore, Lee Kum Kee Malaysia team had set up a dedicated demo area and hosted multiple food tasting sessions. Over 100 representatives from Kuching’s foodservice industry were invited to join and learn more about the features and applications of Lee Kum Kee’s flagship and new products.

Ms. Carmen Lang, Corporate Affairs Director of Lee Kum Kee, Mr. Wai-sing Yeung, Chairman of WMACC, Master Chef Kwok-keung Chan, and Mr. Yat-tung Leung, Founding Chairman of WMACC pictured at the event (From left to right)
Ms. Carmen Lang, Corporate Affairs Director of Lee Kum Kee, Mr. Wai-sing Yeung, Chairman of WMACC, Master Chef Kwok-keung Chan, and Mr. Yat-tung Leung, Founding Chairman of WMACC pictured at the event (From left to right)

Hashtag: #LeeKumKee

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

About Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee was established in 1888 when its founder Mr. Lee Kum Sheung invented oyster sauce in Nanshui, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province of China. With a glorious history of 135 years and the stringent quality management from farm to fork, Lee Kum Kee has become an international household name as well as a symbol of quality and trust.

With the vision of “Where there are people, there is Lee Kum Kee” and the mission of “Promoting Chinese Culinary Culture Worldwide”, Lee Kum Kee provides over 300 choices of sauces and condiments to over 100 countries and regions worldwide.

Substantiating the core values of “Pragmatism”, “Integrity”, “Constant Entrepreneurship”, “Si Li Ji Ren” (Considering Others’ Interests), “Benefitting the Community” and “Sharing Fruits of Success” in every aspect of its business operations, Lee Kum Kee has straddled three centuries. Lee Kum Kee’s headquarters is located in Hong Kong SAR, China, with other production bases in Xinhui, Huangpu and Jining, China; Los Angeles, the United States and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Please visit for further details.

UN Chief Urges Global Action on Climate Financing and Debt Relief

UN Chief Urges Global Action on Climate Financing and Debt Relief
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta on Sept. 7: Guterres came to ASEAN with a plea to show leadership in the fight against climate change (photo: NIKKEI ASIA)

In a press conference held in Jakarta on Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for a robust debt workout mechanism to facilitate global climate financing, citing challenges faced by energy transition initiatives in Indonesia and Vietnam as prime examples of the critical need for action.

Tanoto Foundation gives S$1m to Singapore National Eye Centre to Combat Age Related Macular Degeneration

  • Tanoto Foundation’s donation will advance research into gene therapy to address eye condition that is a major cause of vision loss
  • The condition affects 200 million globally and 5 out of 100 in Singapore; number of cases expected to rise with Singapore’s ageing population

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 8 September 2023 – Tanoto Foundation today announced a donation of S$1 million to the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) to support a three-year research programme into gene therapy to combat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a chronic, irreversible eye condition that affects 200 million people worldwide. Due to ageing population and longer life spans, this number is set to increase to 240 million by 2030.

Left to Right: Dr Ng Choon Ta, Member, Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation; Ms Imelda Tanoto, Member, Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation; Prof Aung Tin, CEO, Singapore National Eye Centre; Dr J. Satrijo Tanudjojo, Global CEO, Tanoto Foundation
Left to Right: Dr Ng Choon Ta, Member, Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation; Ms Imelda Tanoto, Member, Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation; Prof Aung Tin, CEO, Singapore National Eye Centre; Dr J. Satrijo Tanudjojo, Global CEO, Tanoto Foundation


AMD can result in loss of vision because of damage to the macula, or central part of the retina, and is a major cause of blindness in those over 50 years old. The condition is more prevalent in countries with ageing populations, such as Singapore, where around one in four citizens will be over 65 years old by 2030.

There are two forms of AMD, early and late. The early form of AMD is not immediately sight threatening but the late neovascular form of AMD (nAMD), where there is abnormal growth of blood vessels that can result in bleeding or swelling, is responsible for 90% of blindness in AMD cases. In Singapore, the prevalence of AMD is estimated to be about 5.1% (five out of every 100 individuals) for early AMD and one in every 200 individuals for nAMD, above the age of 40.

The research programme, which will be funded by Tanoto Foundation and led by scientists from the SNEC and the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), will focus on the development of new gene therapies to address AMD. Gene therapy is broadly defined as a therapeutic technique to modify a patient’s genes to treat or cure disease. This can work by replacing or inactivating defective genes.

Imelda Tanoto, Member of the Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation, said: “We recognise that in old age, vision, which impacts mobility significantly, affects the quality of life. With a long standing commitment to support medical research especially in Asia-prevalent diseases, we also leverage Singapore’s quality healthcare and research ecosystem to build meaningful partnerships and pilot medical innovations that are scalable to the region. Our partnership with SNEC to advance gene therapy research is a great example.”

Since 2009, the Tanoto Foundation has contributed more than S$20 million towards research and advocacy for various treatments for major health issues, such as cardiology, oncology and diabetes.

Professor Aung Tin, CEO, SNEC, said: “We are grateful for the support from Tanoto Foundation in advancing research into the use of gene therapy to address AMD. This condition is a major cause of vision loss, resulting in significant economic and healthcare costs. The number of individuals affected by AMD is fast rising, partly due to our ageing population. The support from Tanoto Foundation will help us devise promising new gene therapies, which can potentially reduce the required number of treatments per year for nAMD patients and can help improve their quality of life.”

Current treatments are in the form of regular, often lifelong injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents into the eye, administered on average about every two to three months. The overall healthcare burden in the United States for AMD is estimated to be US$4.6 billion. This burden is also comparable to other first world nations such as Singapore. By introducing a new gene into the body to trigger its own cells to produce therapeutic agents, this gene therapy research programme can potentially significantly reduce the number of injections a patient may require to combat AMD as this treatment will be long-lasting. If the research is proven to be successful, it can potentially be extended to other retina diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and retinal vessel occlusion.

The research team comprises clinicians and scientists from SNEC/SERI, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s (A*STAR) Genome Institute of Singapore and the Centre for Vision Research at Duke-NUS Medical School. This clinician-scientist collaboration is a testament to the ongoing strong collaborative efforts to translate novel therapies from bench to bedside.

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About Tanoto Foundation:

Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organisation founded in 1981 by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto based on the belief that every person should have the opportunity to realise his or her full potential. Tanoto Foundation programmes stem from the belief that quality education accelerates equal opportunity. We harness the transformative strength of education to realise people’s full potential and improve lives. Tanoto Foundation focuses on making an impact in three main areas: improving learning environments, future leader’s development, as well as medical research and sciences.

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