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Inflation Rate Sees Slight Drop in September, Government Takes Aim at Rising Cost of Living

Inflation Rate Sees Slight Drop in September, Government Takes Aim at Rising Cost of Living
FILE: a local market in Laos (photo: hotels)

Laos recorded an inflation rate of 25.69 percent in September, a slight decrease from August which was capped at 25.88 percent, according to the official Bank of Lao PDR website

Prudence Foundation, IFRC and Cartoon Network collaborate on launch of animated series on climate change

‘SAFE STEPS Kids Climate Change’ promotes climate change awareness to children via Cartoon Network’s beloved characters

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 3 October 2023 – Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc, has launched SAFE STEPS Kids Climate Change, the latest thematic series of the SAFE STEPS Kids programme. Using well-loved cartoon characters such as We Bare Bears and Gumball, the new series aims to teach children about climate change issues and simple actions they can take to make the planet healthier and safer. The programme was developed in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Cartoon Network.

Nik Nazmi (6th from left) and Marc Fancy (5th from right) launching SAFE STEPS Kids Climate Change in Malaysia
Nik Nazmi (6th from left) and Marc Fancy (5th from right) launching SAFE STEPS Kids Climate Change in Malaysia

The series was officially launched in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 30 September 2023 by Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad (Nik Nazmi), Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, and Marc Fancy, Executive Director of Prudence Foundation.

Speaking at the launch event, Nik Nazmi said, “Climate change is an existential issue for both present and future generations. The energy and passion of the young will be crucial in helping the world address its impact. We are pleased to introduce this collaborative effort, which will educate and empower our youth to address and respond to this global challenge by incorporating simple yet impactful actions into their daily lives.”

Marc Fancy shared, “Our foundation approach is very much aligned to our core business, life insurance, which is about protection and taking action before events happen. Climate change affects all, especially the vulnerable populations and children. We believe in grassroot education to children about our climate and protecting our environment as well as create a sense of responsibility of how climate change will affect them throughout their lives.”

Prudence Foundation’s mission is to create a better future for vulnerable communities across Prudential’s markets in Asia and Africa by making them safer and more resilient to life’s risks. Climate adaptation is a key focus area for the Foundation where programmes are developed to protect families, communities and economies from the impacts of climate change.

“By investing in resilience and preparedness we can minimise the risks to communities in the event of a disaster. Through the SAFE STEPS Kids programme, we hope to be able to educate and empower the younger generation to become valuable contributors to combat climate change,” added Fancy.

Alexander Matheou, Regional Director, IFRC Asia Pacific said, “Community-led solutions to climate related risks are at the centre of the work at Red Cross, Red Crescent. And at the core of this are our young people. They are not only valuable stakeholders, but are contributors, agents of change, and innovators in every community and area of work. The SAFE STEPS Kids series is a unique cross-sector collaboration to engage these young people and scale up all our efforts to accelerate climate action.”

Vikram Sharma, Head of Consumer Products – India, Southeast Asia & Korea and Head of Advertising & Partnerships – Southeast Asia at Warner Bros. Discovery, added, “Characters from several of our most popular Cartoon Network originals including The Amazing World of Gumball, Teen Titans Go!, Craig of the Creek and We Bare Bears are instantly recognisable and help make the messages shared through the SAFE STEPS Kids initiative relatable and engaging. Warner Bros. Discovery is proud to partner with Prudence Foundation and IFRC on this important project, reaching millions of kids in the region through Cartoon Network and its social media channels.”

SAFE STEPS Kids reaches more than 20 million households everyday via Cartoon Network in Asia. Launched in 2019, previous themes have covered natural disasters, road safety, first aid, and health.

For more information, please visit https://www.safestepskids.com/

Hashtag: #PrudenceFoundation

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

About SAFE STEPS Kids

SAFE STEPS Kids is a multi-platform public-service programme created by Prudence Foundation, in partnership with International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Cartoon Network.

The programme focuses on providing life-saving information to children via a series of entertaining videos and education materials featuring beloved Cartoon Network characters. SAFE STEPS Kids aims to save millions of lives by educating children from a young age, helping to create a future generation that is well-prepared and resilient to life-threatening situations.

For more information please visit:

About Prudence Foundation

Prudence Foundation is the community investment arm of Prudential plc in Asia and Africa. Its mission is to create a better future for communities by making them safer and more resilient to life’s risks. The Foundation runs regional programmes as well as local programmes in partnership with NGOs, governments and the private sector in order to maximise the impact of its efforts. Prudence Foundation leverages Prudential’s long-term mindset and geographical scale to make communities safer, more secure and more resilient. The Foundation is a Hong Kong registered charitable entity.

For more information please visit:

Vietnam Begins Construction on Power Line from Laos

Vietnam Begins Construction on Power Line from Laos
(Photo: Freepik)

The National Utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN) has broken ground on the construction of a power line to import electricity from Laos on 30 September, to combat the country’s chronic power shortage.

NTT and Qualcomm Team up to Drive AI at the Edge

  • Move aims to drive ecosystem and accelerate Private 5G adoption across digital devices

  • NTT unveils Device as a Service practice to help enterprises boost IT maintenance productivity and reduce costs

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 3 October 2023 –
NTT Ltd., a leading IT infrastructure and services company, today announced a strategic engagement with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a global leader in semiconductor technologies, to invest in and accelerate the development of the 5G device ecosystem to facilitate private 5G adoption, which is critical to powering AI at the edge.
As part of a multi-year engagement, NTT and Qualcomm Technologies will prioritize the development of 5G enabled devices to accelerate innovation with global enterprise customers, a critical catalyst in driving widespread enterprise adoption of private 5G, a market which IDC estimates will exceed $8 Billion by 2026. Qualcomm Technologies’ leadership in application specific semiconductors and 5G chipsets, combined with NTT’s leadership in private 5G, will strengthen the 5G ecosystem, advance AI processing capabilities at the edge and spur innovation across industries.

Driving the 5G device ecosystem
With enterprises accelerating digitization efforts, more connectivity and even more devices are needed. NTT and Qualcomm Technologies will use their combined expertise to meet the need for 5G-enabled devices that support use cases, such as push-to-talk devices, augmented reality headsets, computer vision cameras and sensors at the edge across the manufacturing, automotive, logistics and other industries.
“This collaboration is truly an exciting one because we are answering the demand we’re hearing from our clients. Together with Qualcomm Technologies, we will strengthen the 5G ecosystem delivering the devices our customers require in a simple and cost-effective way, empowering them as they continue along their digital transformation journey,” said Shahid Ahmed, Executive Vice President, New Ventures & Innovation at NTT Ltd. “By working with Qualcomm Technologies, we will further accelerate demand for private 5G across global industries.”
“The proliferation of 5G-enabled devices is a critical component of shaping a more digital and sustainable future. It forms the backbone of many tech advancements that can improve efficiency and sustainability through efficient resource management, energy conservation, and are pivotal for innovation across various industries,” said Mark Bidinger, President, Commercial & Industrial Segments & Channels at Schneider Electric. “NTT’s collaboration with Qualcomm represents a significant step forward in advancing private 5G adoption and meeting the unique demands of the Internet of Things and Machine Learning.”
Accelerating AI adoption at the edge
For AI to scale and make an impact on enterprise operations and organizations’ bottom line, AI processing needs to happen in a hybrid form—both in the cloud and at the edge of the network. The silicon that Qualcomm Technologies develops includes built-in AI and machine learning models, making it well-positioned for growing AI capabilities at the edge. Qualcomm Technologies’ experience with scaling AI technology allows the company to touch a wide range of devices and applications including smartphones, laptops, sensors, automotive solutions, and networking.
“Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G chipsets are prepared for the widespread adoption of AI applications at the edge and, together with NTT, we’ll enhance innovative change across the 5G device ecosystem.” said Jeffery Torrance, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Connected Smart Systems, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “NTT is the voice of the customer and combined with Qualcomm Technologies’ semiconductor expertise, we can enable OEMs to build the devices that will benefit a wide range of use cases and customers.”

Qualcomm Technologies and NTT will work together to deliver 5G-ready devices with Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G chipsets with AI models built in to enhance AI at the edge through various applications, such as image recognition, with capabilities ranging from counting items and identifying object characteristics to verifying workers wearing safety masks or hardhats (PPE). Deploying AI applications through NTT’s Edge as a Service will assist enterprises with workplace safety, optimization, and security.
Device as a service
As part of NTT’s end-to-end Edge as a Service offering, NTT is now offering manages services for Device as a Service, to make it easy for customers to access, upgrade and recycle 5G and edge devices and simplify device lifecycle management as well as reduce IT maintenance and costs. The cost-effective per-user, per-month fee model means enterprises no longer need to make large capital investments up front, but rather consume on a more comfortable monthly fee basis, making it easier for customers to deploy edge devices at scale.

Hashtag: #NTT #Semiconductor #5G

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

About NTT Ltd.

As part of NTT DATA, a USD 30 billion IT services provider, NTT Ltd. is a leading IT infrastructure and services company serving 65% of the Fortune Global 500 and more than 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We lay the foundation for organizations’ edge-to-cloud networking ecosystem, simplify the complexity of their workloads across multicloud environments, and innovate at the edge of their IT environments where networks, cloud and applications converge. We offer tailored infrastructure and ensure consistent best practices in design and operations across all of our secure, scalable and customizable data centers. On the journey towards a software-defined future, we support organizations with our platform-delivered infrastructure services. We enable a connected future.

Visit us at .

Rosette Celebrates their 10th Anniversary with Past & New Clients and Unveils Exciting New Offerings: Weddings & Beyond

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 3 October 2023 – As Rosette Designs & Co. gears up to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a cosy dinner on 10th October ’23, the renowned creative event styling and wedding planning company reflects on a decade of turning dream weddings into reality. This special dinner, an exclusive invite-only event, will be a gathering of clients from the past ten years, celebrating their shared journey with the company. Established in 2013, Rosette Designs & Co. has consistently demonstrated its unique approach, seamlessly blending design, decor, and wedding planning to offer couples a hassle-free wedding experience.
Over the years, Rosette Designs & Co. has carved a niche in the wedding industry, not only through their innovative 2-in-1 service model that combines in-house styling and decor with full planning and coordination but also by offering invaluable wedding, marriage, and relationship tips to their dedicated subscribers. This comprehensive approach ensures that couples receive a timeless wedding experience — beautifully designed, flawlessly coordinated, and enriched with insights for a lasting marriage.
In celebration of this significant milestone, Rosette Designs & Co is thrilled to introduce a range of new offerings. Leading the way is their most anticipated online course titled “How to Plan Your Wedding Confidently.” Tailored specifically for couples in Singapore and beyond, this course emerges from years of listening to couples who often felt overwhelmed about where to begin their wedding planning journey.
While Rosette Designs & Co can’t personally assist every couple as their wedding planner, this course is their way of imparting invaluable knowledge to a broader audience. Additionally, ‘Rosette Celebrates’ is set to cater to lifestyle events, marking a strategic expansion of the company’s portfolio beyond weddings.
Meanwhile, the Pre-Marriage Course is a testament to Rosette Academy’s dedication to nurturing enduring marriages. Offered as a 5-week series, this course provides couples with the vital tools and insights necessary for a lifetime filled with love and understanding.
Developed by Nicky and Sila Lee, renowned authors of The Marriage Book from the UK, the course covers five foundational topics: Communication, Conflict, Commitment, Connection, and Adventure. Designed to mirror intimate restaurant settings, couples are treated to a unique learning experience, complete with meals, guided discussions, and expert insights.

Another highlight is Rosette Designs & Co’s collaboration with Esther Ku, a renowned Relationship Coach from Malaysia. She will be delivering a virtual speech from LA during the celebratory 10th-anniversary dinner. They will be rolling out relationship and wedding content in collaboration with Esther through weekly updates.

Hellen Lie, the visionary behind Rosette Designs & Co, commented, “Our mission has always been to create memorable weddings, but we also believe in the importance of building strong foundations for marriage. The PreMarriage Course reflects that commitment, ensuring couples are well-prepared for the journey ahead.”
As Rosette Designs & Co. embarks on its next chapter, the company invites everyone to explore their new offerings and services. For more details, please visit https://rosettedesigns.com/.

Hashtag: #RosetteCreativeEvents

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

About Rosette Designs & Co

Established in 2013, Rosette Designs & Co. is Singapore’s premier event styling and wedding planning company. Embracing the philosophy that “A wedding lasts for a day, but a marriage lasts a lifetime,” they offer a unique 2-in-1 service model, blending in-house design and decor with comprehensive planning, ensuring couples a holistic, memorable wedding experience.

Lever Style Keeps Up the Momentum with Sixth Acquisition Since IPO and Continued Outperformance in the Apparel Supply Chain Sector

Elegant Team Development Augments Group’s Outdoor Apparel Technical Capabilities, and Adds Bangladesh Production Base

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 3 October 2023 – Lever Style Corporation (HKEX: 1346, “Lever Style”), has acquired the Elegant Team Development (“Elegant”) apparel business through an asset purchase. Lever Style is one of the world’s fastest growing apparel production platforms with industry-leading 51% growth in 2022 and 64% growth in 2021.

“Our strategy is to grow organically during strong economic times, and acquire fellow manufacturers and transforming them into our asset-light platform business model during challenging times,” said Stanley Szeto, Executive Chairman of Lever Style.

After a two-year hiatus during the post-covid rebound, Elegant is Lever Style’s first acquisition since 2021, and the sixth acquisition since the company’s IPO in 2019.

Lever Style aggregates smaller apparel supply chain companies that will benefit from Lever Style’s scale, progressive management, platform business model, and financial strength. Increasing scale gives Lever Style more options and resources to better service existing and newly acquired customers.

Lever Style is already a key apparel production partner for outdoor apparel brands such as Arcteryx, Haglofs, and Helly Hansen. Other clients include designer brands such as Paul Smith and Armani; premium contemporary brands such as Hugo Boss and Theory; streetwear brands such as Aime Leon Dore and Todd Snyder; active/athleisure brands such as Spanx and Vuori; and digitally-native brands and platforms such as Bonobos and Stitch Fix.

Elegant is a supply chain solutions provider with special expertise in outdoor and activewear, and also brings Lever Style customers the option to produce in Bangladesh.

Elegant produces for such trusted brands as Mammut, Jack Wolfskin, Red Bull, and Beretta among many others. With this acquisition, Lever Style strengthens its business scale and skillsets in outdoor and active apparel.

Refer to HKEX Announcement: click here

Hashtag: #LeverStyle




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

About Lever Style

Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Lever Style (HKEX 1346) is the world’s premier apparel production platform for designer brands such as Paul Smith and Armani; premium contemporary brands such as Hugo Boss and Theory; streetwear brands such as Aime Leon Dore and Todd Snyder; active/athleisure brands such as Spanx and Vuori; outdoor apparel brands such as Arcteryx and Helly Hansen; and digitally native brands and platforms such as Bonobos and Stitch Fix.

Our supply chain solutions encompass fashion design, prototype development, raw material procurement, production, quality control, and logistics. Our innovative, modularized multi-country platform delivers high mix-low volume orders and reduces excess inventory and stockouts. Our versatile approach is rooted in decades of technical expertise gained from working with many of the world’s highest quality and demanding brands. We produce garments for over 100 customers in around 60 factories in Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and India. A certified B Corp, Lever Style is a committed ESG leader in the apparel production sector.

Learn more at

The Year’s Premier Financial Event Grand Unveiling of the World Investor Week in Taiwan

Resilience x Digital x Sustainability: Paving the way for the Future of Investment and Wealth Management

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 3 October 2023 – The highly anticipated “World Investor Week (WIW)” event, a hallmark in the global finance domain, commenced yesterday across several international venues. Taiwan has curated an elite assembly of both local and international experts to deeply explore the evolving landscape of investment and wealth management. In light of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) advocating enhanced resilience among investors, this forum is strategically designed to bolster investor resilience, enhance digital financial expertise, and champion sustainable innovation. The initiative is set to elevate the broader public’s grasp on judicious investment and astute financial planning.

Photo (8).JPG
The Presidential Office Secretary-General, Lin Chia-lung, along with the heads of various organizing agencies, jointly presided over the opening ceremony of the 2023 WIW from October 2nd to 6th.

“Since its inception in 2019, the WIW forum has grown in stature each year,” said Hank C.C. Huang, President of the Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance and Chairman of the Financial Planning Association of Taiwan. “This year marks a significant expansion, as we collaborate for the first time with ten of Taiwan’s preeminent financial institutions. From October 2nd through 6th, we present the ‘2023 World Investor Week in Taiwan’, revolving around the theme ‘Resilience x Digital x Sustainability: paving the way for the Future of Investment and Wealth Management’. Featuring contributions from over 40 distinguished financial experts from home and abroad, the forum is poised to present avant-garde investment perspectives, affording participants an insightful understanding of global investment dynamics. As we roll out a jam-packed five-day program, we anticipate a turnout of more than ten thousand enthusiasts, an assembly set to fortify investor resilience and enhance Taiwan’s financial stature.”

The “World Investor Week 2023 in Taiwan” is a collaborative effort, co-hosted by the Financial Planning Association of Taiwan, Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance, Pension Fund Association, R.O.C., Securities Investment Trust & Consulting Association of the R.O.C., CPA Society Taiwan, Commercial Real Estate’s Global Standard for Professional Achievement, Taiwan Stock Exchange Corporation, Taipei Exchange, Taiwan Futures Exchange and Taiwan Depository & Clearing Corporation.

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

Food Japan 2023 Showcases the Best of Japan’s Food and Beverage Industry

ASEAN’s leading Japanese Food and Beverage (F&B) exhibition is happening on 11-13 October at Suntec Singapore

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 3 October 2023 – ASEAN’s leading Japanese Food and Beverage (F&B) exhibition, Food Japan 2023, opens its doors today to welcome visitors from across the region. This year marks the 11th edition of Food Japan, and it promises to be an exceptional showcase of Japan’s vibrant food and beverage industry, technology, and services.

FJ 2023 - Asset.jpg

With over 180 exhibitors from 30 prefectures, Food Japan 2023 offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse flavours of Japan. What makes this year even more exciting is that 50% of the exhibitors are participating in Food Japan for the first time, ensuring visitors can expect a plethora of new and innovative products.

Each exhibitor brings their local delicacies, regional specialties, and rich cultural heritage to the forefront, providing visitors with an immersive culinary journey. It also features a wide range of innovative Japanese food and beverage products. Visitors can explore various displays and sample tastings scattered throughout the exhibition floor, showcasing the latest trends in technology and culinary innovation.

The success of Food Japan would not be possible without the support of our esteemed stakeholders. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Japan Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), the Embassy of Japan (Singapore), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the Singapore Food Manufacturers Association (SFMA), and Yamaguchi Prefecture for their unwavering support.

Food Japan 2023 promises to be an unforgettable event, where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culinary traditions of Japan and explore the cutting-edge advancements in the industry. Join us and embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other.

Food Japan 2023 Information

Trade: 11-13 October, 10.00am–5.30pm
General Public: 13 October, 2pm – 5.30pm
Address: Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre, Level 4, Hall 401-402, Singapore

For more information, please visit: www.oishii-world.com

Hashtag: #foodjapan2023



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

About Food Japan

Food Japan is the annual event that serves as a bridge between Japan and ASEAN, providing valuable opportunities for business collaboration and knowledge exchange of classic Japanese ingredients, quality seasonal produces, unique prefecture specialities, as well as innovative technology, and machinery.

OJ Events Pte Ltd

Food Japan Executive Committee (of OJ Events Pte Ltd) is helmed by professionals with a strong track record in organising leading trade shows in various sectors, including food and beverage (F&B) The company was founded with the aim of supporting Japanese enterprises keen on tapping international markets by providing effective sales and marketing platforms for their products and services. Food Japan is one such platform for the F&B industry.