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Thai Energy Minister Visits Laos to Expand Cross-Border Electricity Trade Amid Corruption Probe

Electricity transmission lines

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, arrived in Laos today on an official visit aimed at deepening energy cooperation, even as he faces a corruption investigation at home.

Pirapan was welcomed in Vientiane by Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and Minister of Energy and Mines Phosay Sayasone. The visit, made at the invitation of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, is focused on expanding Thailand’s imports of renewable electricity from Laos under government-to-government agreements.

The Thai delegation is seeking to secure a more stable and cost-effective supply of renewable energy, particularly from hydropower, which is seen as critical to the country’s energy transition strategy.

Discussions between the two sides are centered on four key areas: strengthening electricity grid interconnections, upgrading and expanding transmission infrastructure, developing efficient cross-border payment systems, and facilitating electricity trade with Malaysia and Singapore via Thailand’s power grid. These efforts aim to boost regional energy connectivity while ensuring a consistent and resilient power supply for Thailand.

Pirapan highlighted Laos’ hydropower as one of the most stable energy sources in the region. Unlike Thailand, where water resources are often prioritized for agriculture and hydropower generation depends on reservoir overflow, Laos benefits from continuous river flows that support year-round power production.

During the visit, the delegation is expected to tour major hydropower sites, including the Nam Ngum 1 hydropower plant in Vientiane Province and possibly the under-construction Luang Prabang Mekong dam project.

However, Pirapan’s trip comes amid growing scrutiny at home. He was scheduled to appear before Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on 14 May in relation to allegations that he distributed food relief supplies bearing stickers with his name and photo to flood victims, a move that may violate ethical standards for public officials, according to the NACC.

Oliver Healthcare Packaging opens state-of-the art manufacturing facility in Johor to meet the needs of pharmaceutical and medical device companies in Asia-Pacific

The 120,000 square foot manufacturing facility is the largest of Oliver’s plants in the region


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2025 – Oliver Healthcare Packaging (“Oliver”), a leading healthcare company driving quality and innovation in medical packaging, has officially opened its new 120,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Johor, Malaysia. The opening ceremony was officiated by Yang Berhormat Tuan Lee Ting Han, Chairman of the Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee.

From (L-R): Mr. Mohd Reduan Mohd Zabri, Director, Johor Office Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Mr. Michael Benevento, President & Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Healthcare Packaging, Yang Berhormat Tuan Lee Ting Han, Chairman of Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee, Mr. Kenneth De Muynck, General Manager, Asia-Pacific Oliver Healthcare Packaging, Mr. Warren Shaw, Vice President, Global R&D & Quality, Oliver Healthcare Packaging, at the grand opening of Oliver Healthcare Packaging's Johor manufacturing facility
From (L-R): Mr. Mohd Reduan Mohd Zabri, Director, Johor Office Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Mr. Michael Benevento, President & Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Healthcare Packaging, Yang Berhormat Tuan Lee Ting Han, Chairman of Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee, Mr. Kenneth De Muynck, General Manager, Asia-Pacific Oliver Healthcare Packaging, Mr. Warren Shaw, Vice President, Global R&D & Quality, Oliver Healthcare Packaging, at the grand opening of Oliver Healthcare Packaging’s Johor manufacturing facility

Located strategically within the i-Tech Valley in Iskandar Puteri, the facility will join a growing number of companies operating out of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and will serve Oliver’s growing customer base across Asia-Pacific.

The new manufacturing facility will create various roles across quality, engineering, logistics and supply chain, and build resilience in Oliver’s regional operations. Equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment and ISO13845, ISO-7 and ISO-8 cleanrooms, the facility will produce high-quality, medical grade packaging such as pouches, lids and roll stock. Oliver will support customer productivity and regulatory efforts in this diverse regional market.

“Asia-Pacific has fast become a hub for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, and Malaysia alone is home to the highest concentration of medical device manufacturing sites in the region. The new facility’s capabilities will boost in-region sourcing for our operations and will aim to address gaps in demand and expertise for the Asia-Pacific healthcare industry,” said Michael Benevento, President and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver.

With over 50 years of experience in the design and manufacturing of medical-grade packaging, Oliver continues to strengthen its focus on quality and sustainability with the new facility. With state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and a focus on designing out waste before it is created, Oliver is positioned to work with customers to reduce emissions and gain efficiency. Additionally, the new site has enhancements contributing to a more sustainable working environment through features such as auto sensor energy saving LED lights and a rainwater harvesting system.

“We have witnessed tremendous growth in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries in the region, and our new capabilities in Johor aim to handle the growing demand from our customers across a wider geography in Asia-Pacific with a more resilient supply chain. We are committed to delivering unsurpassed innovation and quality, and we look forward to better meeting the evolving needs of the region’s healthcare companies,” said Kenneth De Muynck, General Manager, Asia-Pacific, Oliver.

The new Johor facility is part of Oliver’s commitment to growing globally, with a focus on local support. Across Asia, Oliver has been investing in new capabilities to support the medical industry. This includes an ISO-7 converting facility in Suzhou, China as well as a fully-equipped technical lab in Singapore to collaborate with customers on packaging design, innovation, testing, and troubleshooting.

Hashtag: #OliverHealthcarePackaging #Healthcare #MedicalDevice #ManufacturingFacility


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

About Oliver Healthcare Packaging

Oliver is not just a packaging company, but a healthcare company first. With its primary mission to protect patients, Oliver is a leading supplier of medical-grade packaging. Through 9 manufacturing sites across 3 continents, Oliver offers pouches, die-cut lids, HDPE cards, and innovative materials to the medical device, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical markets. Learn more about how Oliver’s packaging is Designed to protect at .

Exclusive Seaside-Inspired Collection Featuring Disney’s Stitch Launches Now at OH!SOME


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2025 – The storefront of OH!SOME’s Grand Kota Bintang location in Bekasi is getting a limited-time makeover to celebrate OH!SOME’s latest collaboration with Disney. OH!SOME’s Stitch-themed collection launched globally on May 9, ahead of the release of Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch. The launch is accompanied by “Stitch Summer Invasion”, a Stitch-themed event in Jakarta, with OH!SOME as one of the key supporting collaborators.

Disney’s Stitch Makes a Splash with Exclusive Seaside-Inspired Collection at OH!SOME

The new collection marks the brand’s first time being inspired by Stitch and seaside-themed elements, bringing a fresh sense of sunshine and relaxation. Perfect for a beach getaway, the collection includes straw shoulder bags, bento boxes, beach towels and flip-flops.

Stitch fans can also discover exclusive merchandise only available at OH!SOME, such as acrylic quicksand blocks featuring a beach scene with Stitch and Angel and charms showcasing Stitch surfing. The collection also includes ice-cold tumblers and puzzles with sand play scenes, as well as adorable Stitch-themed plush toys in jellyfish, crab, and anglerfish hats.

Beyond that, it includes practical daily-use items like hair accessories, neck pillows, handheld fans, scented candles, and portable chargers. These items infuse beach vibes into daily routines, making it easy to carry that relaxed and holiday spirit anytime, anywhere.

Back in January, OH!SOME teamed up with Disney to launch a special Winnie the Pooh picnic-themed collection.

“We’re all about spreading joy and creating meaningful moments. Whether it’s through our products or interactive events, OH!SOME is where happy memories are made,” an OH!SOME representative said.Hashtag: #OHSOME

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

Disney’s Stitch Makes a Splash with Exclusive Seaside-Inspired Collection at OH!SOME

Playful seaside-themed merchandise debuts, blending functionality with the charm of Disney’s beloved character.


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2025 – Shoppers at OH!SOME‘s Grand Kota Bintang location in Bekasi are being greeted by an exciting and unexpected sight this month: Disney’s mischievous Stitch perched atop the storefront, flashing his signature playful grin. This eye-catching display celebrates the global launch of OH!SOME’s exclusive Stitch Beach Collection — a first-of-its-kind collaboration that comes just ahead of Disney’s highly anticipated live-action Lilo & Stitch release.

Disney’s Stitch Makes a Splash with Exclusive Seaside-Inspired Collection at OH!SOME

This limited-edition collection reimagines Stitch’s universe with refreshing seaside-inspired designs, perfect for summer adventures. Featuring a mix of statement pieces and practical accessories, the collection effortlessly captures the essence of beachside relaxation. From whimsical straw shoulder bags and vibrant bento boxes to plush beach towels and flip-flops, these items are must-haves for every Stitch fan planning a sunny getaway.

“We’re thrilled to bring this exclusive collection to our customers,” shared an OH!SOME representative. “At OH!SOME, we’re all about spreading joy and creating meaningful moments. Whether through our products or interactive events, we aim to be a destination for happy memories.”

Collection Highlights

The Stitch Seaside-Inspired Collection offers a wide range of thoughtful designs, blending functionality with the playful charm of Disney’s beloved character. Standout items include:

  • Acrylic quicksand blocks featuring Stitch and Angel in beach-themed scenes.
  • Surfing Stitch charms that add a fun touch to accessories.
  • Adorable plush toys showcasing Stitch in jellyfish, crab, and anglerfish hats.
  • Practical essentials like straw shoulder bags, bento boxes, beach towels, and flip-flops designed for style and functionality.

The collection also extends beyond beach essentials to include versatile, everyday items infused with summer vibes — such as hair accessories, neck pillows, handheld fans, scented candles, and portable chargers. These products bring a touch of holiday spirit into daily routines.

OH!SOME’s Rapid Expansion

Since debuting in Malaysia in September 2024, OH!SOME has quickly become a favorite destination for fun and unique merchandise and has quickly expanded across Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Perak, and other regions, with its sights now set on entering the Singapore market later this month.

Hashtag: #OHSOME

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

Tenchijin to Share Expertise in Satellite Data Applications at Penang Slush’D 2025


PENANG, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2025 – Tenchijin Inc., a space-tech innovator based in Tokyo, will participate as a featured speaker at Penang Slush’D 2025, taking place from May 19-21, 2025, in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia. The event is a regional edition of Slush Finland, one of the world’s largest startup events.

Tenchijin at Penang Slush'D 2025

Yohei Nishiyama, Executive Officer and Business Development Manager, who leads new business development and global expansion initiatives, will represent Tenchijin to discuss “The Frontier of Satellite Data Applications.”

About Penang Slush’D 2025
Penang Slush’D 2025 is an international tech event that brings together startup entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. The event’s theme, “Between Worlds” focuses on exploring opportunities to build new connections while overcoming divisions.

Session Details:

  • Title: “From Space to Solutions: The Practical Uses of Satellite Data”
  • Date: May 20, 2025 (Day 2) 15:15-15:45 (Local Time)
  • Venue: Impact Stage @ Loft29

Tenchijin maintains an office in Malaysia and recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Universiti Sains Malaysia for collaborative research on infrastructure assessment and renewable energy site selection using AI technology and satellite data. Through this speaking engagement at Penang Slush’D 2025, the company aims to showcase the potential of satellite data solutions globally while accelerating its business expansion and partnerships in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Hashtag: #Tenchijin #PenangSlushD #Space #SatelliteTechnology #WaterLeakage #Innovation #AITechnology




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

About Tenchijin Inc.

Tenchijin Inc. is a pioneering space technology company that develops innovative solutions for infrastructure management. Its flagship product, KnoWaterleak, utilizes satellite technology and advanced algorithms to detect and prevent water leaks, contributing to sustainable water resource management globally.

About Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak:

Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak is an advanced cloud-based mapping service that leverages satellite data and AI technology to support efficient leak inspections for water utilities and contractors. Using data from multiple satellites and open data sources, it identifies high-risk areas for leaks within 100m square zones. A key feature of the system is its integration with digital water supply registers and distribution pipe maps, enabling centralized management of leak risk through a 5-level evaluation system. The intuitive interface enables real-time data monitoring, facilitating rapid leak detection and repair planning.

Through regular registration and management of leak locations, the AI continuously reassesses risk levels based on accumulated data, improving accuracy over time. Field demonstrations conducted with the Cabinet Office and various municipalities in 2022 have shown potential cost reductions of up to 65% in inspections and time savings of up to 85% in investigations.

The system has received high recognition for its technical excellence and ease of implementation, earning the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Prize at the 7th Infrastructure Maintenance Grand Prize.

Special site for Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak

For inquiries regarding the expansion of Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak in Asia, please contact the following:
Asia Business Development Div.
Contact: asia-t@tenchijin.co.jp

Company overview
Company name: Tenchijin, Inc.
Address: Room 3, Ground Floor, Block 2330, Century Square, Jalan Usahawan, Off, Persiaran Multimedia, 63000, Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Representative: Yasuhito Sakuraba, CEO
Business content: land evaluation consulting using satellite data
Site URL:

Authorities Crack Down on Expired, Illegal Goods Across Multiple Provinces

Industry and Commerce office in Savanakhet Province destroy and burn expired and illegal imported goods, 2022. (Image used for representational purposes)

Authorities in several provinces across Laos have recently destroyed significant quantities of expired, counterfeit, and illegal consumer goods in an effort to protect public health and ensure compliance with national regulations.

On 8 May, the Office of Industry and Commerce in Mai District, Phongsaly Province, destroyed a range of non-compliant products, including expired, substandard, untaxed, and prohibited items. 

Following inspections of 30 wholesale and retail stores, officials confiscated 46 products across seven categories, with a total value of LAK 23 million (approximately USD 1,062). The destroyed goods included food, beverages, cosmetics, engine oil, lubricants, and various other consumer items.

Earlier, on 9 April, the Office of Industry and Commerce in Ton Phueng District, Bokeo Province, incinerated 23 expired and counterfeit products valued at LAK 24 million (approximately USD 1,108). 

Similarly, on 10 April, in Hongsa District, Xayaburi Province, authorities destroyed expired and substandard products after conducting a week-long inspection of 102 locations. These included convenience stores, minimarts, frozen food outlets, and shops located within schools. 

During this operation, 65 items classified as expired, illegal, or prohibited, ranging from snacks and instant noodles to cosmetics and beverages, were seized and destroyed. The total estimated value of the goods was LAK 6.6 million (USD 305).

On 24 April, the Luang Namtha District Health Office in Luang Namtha Province carried out a similar operation, destroying expired and deteriorated consumer goods found in 86 stores across the district. 

These products included candy, soft drinks, noodles, milk, and powdered food items, with a total value exceeding LAK 25.9 million (approximately USD 1,196).

Earlier in the year, on 8 January, the Food and Drug Control Committee in Xieng Kho District, Houaphanh Province, disposed of expired products seized from 150 stores. 

Among the destroyed items were soft drinks, milk, instant noodles, sweets, and various cosmetics, including soaps, powders, creams, and lotions. The total value of these items was nearly LAK 7 million (USD 415).

Rising Prices in Laos Push More into Self-Employment, Work Abroad, World Bank Says

Lao Minister Proposes New Employment Law to Safeguard Workers' Rights and Boost Job Market
FILE: a Lao woman working in an office (photo: KPL)

World Bank Lao PDR – Inflation in Laos is eroding living standards and reshaping the job market, according to the latest World Bank Household Monitoring Survey.

To cope with rising prices, more people are working, but with wages not keeping up with inflation, workers are turning to self-employment and migration to help support their families.

The tenth round of the World Bank’s Rapid Monitoring Phone Surveys, conducted across Laos from January to February  2025, shows that employment  has steadily increased over the past four years , with the proportion of respondents reporting working in January 2025 at 97.1 percent, up from 94.4 percent in June 2024 and from 88.2 percent in May 2022.

An increasing number of women have entered the workforce, with the gender employment gap narrowing significantly from 8 percent in December 2022 to just 1.9 percent in January 2025.

At the same, high inflation, currency depreciation, and declining real wages have persuaded many workers to shift from service jobs to agriculture, from wage employment to self-employment, or to leave Laos.

Thanks to tight monetary policy and foreign exchange controls, inflation has slowed, falling from 26.2 percent in mid-2024 to 11.2 percent in March 2025.

The rate remains high though, and many households are in a weakened financial situation after several years of continued price increases.

“The transformation of the labor market in Laos is astonishingly quick,” said Alex Kremer, World Bank Country Manager for Laos. “Three years of high inflation and currency depreciation have reshaped work choices, eroded household living standards, accelerated migration, and undermined human capital development. The findings of this survey suggest that families have depleted their assets and may eventually run out of coping mechanisms.”

Wage growth is steady, standing at 13 percent in December 2024, while the decline in real wages slowed from 11.2 percent in 2023 to 3.9 percent in 2024. Profit growth among non-farm family businesses has also slowed, falling behind wage growth.

Average profits increased by 7.4 percent in the year to December 2024, below both the annual wage growth rate of 13 percent and the year-on-year inflation rate of 16.9 percent.

In rural areas, households continue to expand agricultural activities and are selling more produce as returns from farming remain higher than those from non-farm businesses.

Labor migration continues, with workers seeking better opportunities and higher wages abroad. A third of the number of migrants reported in January 2025 left Laos in 2024.

The money Lao workers earn abroad supports household incomes at home: 8.6 percent of surveyed households received remittances in 2024, at an average of LAK 22.9 million (USD 1,057) annually, equivalent to about 76 percent of the annual minimum wage.

To deal with high food prices, many households have resorted to using their savings, selling livestock or other assets, or borrowing. These strategies are depleting family assets, weakening future resilience and income-generating capacity.

A third of households report reducing their spending on health and education. As a result, children from poorer families are more likely to be out of school: 11.4 percent of school-age children from low-income households were not enrolled in January 2025, more than double the 4.5 percent rate among children from better-off families.

Vietnam Revives Nuclear Power Plans in New Energy Pact with Russia

Visiting Russian president Dmitry Medvedev (2nd L) and his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Minh Triet (2nd R) clap as Sergey Kiriyenko (L), General Director of Russia's Rosatom group and Vietnamese Minister of Trade and Industry Vu Huy Hoang exchange signed document on building of one nuclear power plant in Vietnam on October 31, 2010 at the presidential palace in Hanoi. The state visit is aimed at boosting ties between two former communist allies. AFP PHOTO / POOL / HOANG DINH Nam (Photo by HOANG DINH NAM / POOL / AFP)

Vietnam is reigniting its nuclear energy ambitions through a new partnership with Russia, as both countries agreed to accelerate talks on building nuclear power facilities in the Southeast Asian nation.

In a joint statement released after Vietnamese President To Lam’s official visit to Moscow, the two governments committed to quickly finalizing and signing agreements that would see Russia assist in the development of nuclear plants in Vietnam, Reuters reported on 12 May.

These facilities will be built using advanced technologies and will adhere strictly to safety standards for nuclear and radiation protection.

The move signals Vietnam’s renewed commitment to diversifying its energy sources amid rising demand and rapid economic growth.

The country had previously shelved its nuclear power plans nearly ten years ago, citing financial and safety concerns. Now, with energy needs climbing, nuclear is back on the table as part of Vietnam’s long-term power strategy.

Government plans indicate that Vietnam aims to bring its first nuclear plants, capable of generating up to 6.4 gigawatts, online between 2030 and 2035. Officials have been in discussions with several nations, including Japan, South Korea, France, the US, and Russia, to explore opportunities for collaboration in the nuclear sector.

In addition to nuclear cooperation, the joint statement outlined plans to deepen bilateral ties in oil and gas. Russia will supply Vietnam with crude oil and liquefied natural gas, while both sides will support the expansion of their national energy companies across each other’s markets.