Statement from UNFPA Executive Director Natalia Kanem
Right now, around the world, millions of lives are in the hands of midwives. Whether they are wading through flood waters to reach pregnant women or delivering babies amid the rubble of an earthquake, midwives are the unsung heroes of community health services. Thanks to midwives, births are safer. The sexual and reproductive health care they provide is more attuned to women’s needs, desires, and local cultural practices.
When crisis strikes, midwives are often first on the scene, especially in remote communities. They know that babies arrive no matter a childbearing woman’s circumstances – whether she’s resting at home or fleeing it due to conflict or disaster.
A woman or girl dies every two minutes somewhere in the world due to pregnancy, childbirth, or its aftermath. Now, climate change threatens to make the situation worse. Hotter temperatures complicate pregnancies and can lead to premature births and miscarriages. Sudden floods can sweep away roads, making it impossible to reach health facilities. Extreme weather events put women and girls at heightened risk of displacement, child, and forced marriage and can take away their means of supporting themselves.
Midwives can provide up to 90 percent of essential services for sexual and reproductive health and bring their expertise and counsel to women wherever they are.
Yet, there remains a critical global shortage of around a million midwives. Their working conditions can be arduous, discouraging many from joining the profession. Overt gender discrimination against this largely female workforce has also resulted in low wage rates, limited opportunities for advancement, and reports of sexual harassment on the job.
Without significantly expanding midwifery, more women will die in childbirth. Millions of stories will have no heroes and instead end in tragedy.
On this International Day of the Midwife, 5 May, we celebrate their countless achievements.
Midwifery in Laos Steps Forward
Despite challenges, Laos has recently made progress in enhancing maternal and newborn healthcare. In 2022, Laos’ colleges were selected by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and UNFPA Laos for the Midwifery Education Accreditation Programme (MEAP), and by January 2023, Laos became the first in ASEAN to achieve International Accreditation of Midwifery Education.
This milestone also mirrors the strategic vision outlined by the Lao government in its Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child Adolescent Health Strategy 2021-2025, where the government reaffirmed its commitment to achieving zero preventable maternal deaths.
SMEs can achieve higher ROI by maximizing all of Google’s products
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 May 2024 – Ice Cube Marketing, a performance-based digital marketing agency, is pleased to announce its elevation to Google Premier Partner status, an accolade conferred upon only the top 3% of agencies in the country. This achievement underscores the agency’s dedication to best practices and its proven success in driving client growth through Google Ads.
The Google Ads platform has undergone significant changes over the past few years with the advent of AI and machine learning technology. However, many SMEs in Singapore need to better utilise the platform’s latest features and harness its full capabilities.
“Most businesses are so busy with their day-to-day that they have not even updated their Google ads to Responsive search ads”, says Ted Chong, co-founder of Ice Cube Marketing. The agency helps SMEs stay abreast of the latest developments and adopt solutions that can help them move ahead of their competitors.
This includes the use of Performance Max, one of Google’s biggest innovations on the ads platform over the past few years. Performance Max is a campaign type offered by Google Ads that allows advertisers to access all of Google’s advertising channels and inventory from a single campaign. This type of campaign uses Google’s machine learning technology to optimize ad placements and bidding across various channels to achieve the advertiser’s specified conversion goals.
“We actually have an average ROI of a minimum 5 times and we could not have done good or better business after the pandemic if it is not through Ice cube Marketing”, shared Fairoz, General manager of Parlour group.
One of the reasons SMEs cannot leverage all the solutions provided by Google is the lack of resources and assets such as videos. With an in-house video team, Ice Cube Marketing helps businesses generate their creative assets and tap on new channels such as Youtube and Performance Max to achieve outstanding ROI on their digital marketing efforts.
This is made possible because of the use of a full sales funnel and proper marketing techniques that attract quality leads through the digital marketing campaigns that Ice Cube creates. Its lead generation service and social media marketing program are among the most well-received by SMEs.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About IceCube Marketing
Founded in 2015, Ice Cube Marketing is a Meta partner, Google Premier Partner agency and a PSG pre-approved vendor that helps SMEs run performance campaigns. Through the use of video and direct response copywriting techniques, Ice cube marketing has helped many SMEs get results from their campaign and garnered dozens of case studies.
A train runs from China through Laos to Thailand in 2023. (Photo: China Daily)
The first China-Laos-Thailand-Malaysia express freight train began its journey from Chengdu, the capital of China’s southwestern Sichuan Province on 30 April, and it is expected to arrive in Port Klang in Malaysia on 8 May.
Introducing “The Feeling of Home” on the Pristine Shores of Koh Samui with Marasca Samui and Cabanas Koh Samui Beach Club
KOH SAMUI, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 May 2024 – Marasca Samui, the latest retreat from Marasca Hotels & Resorts, opens its doors to welcome guests seeking an intimate and mindfully sustainable beachfront escape on the picturesque shores of Chaweng Beach. With its debut, Marasca Samui brings a fresh interpretation of casual luxury, inviting travellers to enjoy a stay filled with cherry-on-top moments amidst the serene beauty of Koh Samui with the ethos of “The Feeling of Home,” experience. With 62 rooms, the resort promises a casual luxury escape, offering high-quality amenities and intimate spaces to #RediscoverYou that incorporates eco-conscious practices, where every detail is thoughtfully curated to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.
Cabanas Koh Samui Beach Club
Marasca Samui proudly holds the distinction of the first hotel to receive FitWel Design Certification in Thailand and on track to become a LEED Certified hotel. These certifications affirm the resort’s commitment to sustainable practices and guest well-being. The LEED Certification emphasizes Marasca Samui’s dedication to environmentally friendly design and operations, ensuring a minimal ecological footprint while providing guests with a guilt-free luxurious experience.
“We are excited to introduce Marasca Samui as our second casual-luxury destination, following the success of our debut in Khao Yai in 2022,” says Alex Magaton, General Manager of Marasca Samui. “With our commitment to crafting intimate escapes and providing exceptional service, our goal is to surpass our guests’ expectations and curate unforgettable experiences through our #RediscoverYou approach. Here, we assist guests in rediscovering their ‘cherry-on-top’ moments – those small details that make their stay with us truly special.”
In addition to the opening of Marasca Samui, the resort invites guests to immerse themselves in the pulsating energy of Cabanas Koh Samui Beach Club. This upscale beach club offers a seamless transition from rejuvenating daytime relaxation by the pool to an electrifying evening atmosphere. At Cabanas Koh Samui, guests are treated to a wide selection of dishes from around the world at various food stations and the unique cocktails at the beach bar. Comfortable and stylish seating areas and private cabanas are available, facing the stunning view of the resort’s stunning view of the Chaweng beach. Guests can choose to enjoy social dining experience by the beach or the pool area, surrounded by soothing sounds soothing sounds of live music to the bright displays of local art. At the Cabanas Koh Samui guests can enjoy the varieties of wellness activities that aim to refresh both body and mind. Additionally, guests can look forward to seasonal food and drink pop-up stations, each changing with the tides of the seasons to offer a fresh, sensorial journey.
At Marasca Samui, guests can look forward to a diverse range of tailored experiences, from rejuvenating spa treatments at Spa by Marasca, where signature treatments inspired by the beauty of Koh Samui Island await, where professional therapists use 100% essential oils and natural oil. Additionally, the resort offers exclusive access to Hideout, a dedicated rest and relaxation space right next to the spa, where guests can indulge in complimentary self-serviced beverages and snacks throughout the day. For those with a green thumb, Homegrown activities provide the opportunity to harvest organic vegetables and delve into sustainable gardening practices. From cosy rooms overlooking the serene sea to spacious suites and options of private plunge pools, Marasca Samui offers unique accommodations to suit every preference.
Named after the Marasca cherry, Marasca Samui’s philosophy centres on curating “cherry on top” moments for guests, fostering an environment where they can rediscover themselves through thoughtful touches throughout their stay. Marasca Samui aspires to become a premier casual lifestyle brand, offering escapes that celebrate the uniqueness of each location – inviting travellers to reconnect with the things that matter and rewards that leave a smile in their mind.
To celebrate its opening, Marasca Samui launches a special opening offer, #RediscoverYou at Marasca Samui, offering guests an exclusive opportunity to experience the resort’s casual luxury at a special rate. With this limited-time offer, guest can enjoy a stay starting from THB 5,499 NET with an additional extra 10% off for members and a complimentary one-way private airport pick-up service. Guests will also receive a resort credit up to THB 2,400 per room per night, perfect for indulging in dining, spa treatments and activities. Plus, those booking the Home Haven Suites Room Type will enjoy a complimentary 30-minute massage per person at Spa by Marasca.
Rates start from 5,499 THB per night, and the offer is valid for bookings made before May 31, 2024, for stay period between July 1 – December 20, 2024
For more information or to book your stay at Marasca Samui, visit www.marasca.live or contact +66-81-245-8485 or hello.samui@marasca.live Hashtag: #MarascaSamui #RediscoverYou
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Marasca Hotels & Resorts
Launched in 2022 by Narai Hotel Group, Marasca Hotels & Resorts offers a collection of intimates, casual luxury escapes inspired by their unique locations to let travelers rediscover cherry-on-top moments that make each stay experience unforgettable. Each Marasca offers a home-away-from-home providing comfort and thoughtful service touches that enrich one’s wellbeing, rekindle curiosity, and lets guests #RediscoverYou. For more information, visit www.marasca.live
With more than 50 years of expertise in hospitality, Narai Hospitality Group has been the hospitality developer and operator of many outstanding properties, including the long standing ‘Narai Hotel’, the hip ‘Lub d’ brand with 6 properties across Asia and the new casual-luxury brand ‘Marasca’. The group also has hotel investments in Australia and management platforms in Europe. The iconic Narai Hotel is now under major renovation into an exciting landmark in the heart of Bangkok, Silom Road.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 May 2024 – Aligning the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the third Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards will soon be held to recognize organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the field of sustainable development. The award ceremony will be held concurrently with the Asia-Pacific Sustainability Development Action Expo and Summit, and is expected to attract participation from industries, universities, and government agencies across the Asia-Pacific region. There have already been 1051 registrations, covering 537 organizations, showcasing the vibrant development of the Asia-Pacific region in the field of sustainable development.
The 2023 Asia-Pacific and Taiwan Sustainability Action Awards Ceremony: Group photo of the distinguished guests in attendance.
TAISE Chairman Dr. Eugene Chien expressed, “This is an excellent opportunity to showcase global achievements in sustainable development. We will strengthen partnerships with various industries to accelerate the realization of sustainable development goals.” Last year’s two international award winners, Krung Thai Bank PCL. from Thailand and PT United Tractors Tbk from Indonesia, demonstrated the new value of ESG sustainability in businesses, and more indicators are expected to participate this year.
This event aims to promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, raise awareness of sustainable development issues in the Asia-Pacific region, and recognize outstanding performances in sustainable development across various fields, while also providing a platform for exchange and dialogue. TAISE especially hopes to draw attention to the Livable City Award, as cities play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals.
Registration deadline is May 31st, TAISE sincerely invites sustainable development leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to accelerate their efforts and join hands towards a sustainable future, making positive contributions to the planet’s future.
Get ready as the world’s number one gaming monitor brand*, AGON by AOC, is ready to take the world by storm again with AGON PRO OLED Gaming Monitors.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 May 2024 – AGON by AOC is introducing two high-end OLED gaming monitors to the AGON 6 lineup, the AG276QZD and AG456UCZD, delivering superior performance that raises gameplay to the maximum level for professional gamers and hardcore enthusiasts. With more AGON 6 models expected to come this year, AGON by AOC is ready to push boundaries even further.
Rise to the Ultimate with Award Winning AOC AGON 6 Gaming Monitors and OLED
OLED Provides Unparalleled Immersion with Stunning Contrast Representing a pinnacle pillar of display technology, OLED brings gamers unrivaled immersion, with the ability to display perfectly deep blacks alongside stunning brightness. This ability is due to each pixel on the display being self-illuminating, which is why OLED stands for “organic light-emitting diodes”.
With AGON 6 OLED panels, any environment, no matter how dark, can still be enjoyed with highly detailed images, infinite contrast ratio, and purer colors. This not only allows gamers to dive right into any gaming universe of their choosing for complete immersion, but also enhances gameplay performance through allowing for details to be more easily seen. In addition, OLED also provides faster response times, superior viewing angles, and lower levels of harmful blue light emission compared to traditional LCD displays.
Maximized Gaming Potential with Award Winning Features Two of AGON 6’s OLED monitors have already earned an award, with the 27″ slim AGON Pro Monitor AG276QZD and the 45″ curved AGON Pro Monitor AG456UCZD becoming Red Dot winners of 2023. These award-winning monitors not only boast a comprehensive suite of premium gaming features that are synonymous with the AGON 6 brand, they are also meticulously engineered to meet the highest technological standards, while their distinctive stand designs set them apart in a fiercely competitive market.
In addition to their cutting-edge technology, these monitors prioritize the comfort and well-being of gamers, equipped with height-adjustable stands and TUV Eye comfort certifications to ensure gamers can enjoy extended gaming sessions without compromising on comfort. By combining top-tier technology with iconic design and ergonomic considerations, these two AGON 6 OLED monitors redefine the gaming experience, setting a new standard for excellence in the industry.
A Choice to Be Made Within a Dynamic Duo of Excellence The two new AGON 6 monitors each bring something exceptional and unique to the table:
The AG276QZD features a 26.5″ QHD OLED panel, coupled with G-Sync compatibility and HDR 10 technology delivers flawless image quality with superior brightness of up to 1000 nits, while a lightning-fast refresh rate of 240Hz, low input lag, and sniper scope ensure smooth, crisp, and truly immersive experiences. The AG276QZD is ideal for enthusiast gamers and professionals seeking exceptional gaming performance in a sleek design that includes an eSport-optimized base that accommodates playing preferences, resulting in better performance and customization that suits genres such as FPS shooters and MOBAs.
The AG456UCZD features a massive 45″ WQHD OLED panel to deliver maximum space and for you to take in all the pin-sharp details, wrapping around your field of vision with 800R curvature to put you fully into the character’s shoes. Additionally, the AG456UCZD provides true 10-bit color depth and a cinema-grade 98% DCI-P3 gamut to deliver unparalleled realism, coupled with OLED technology producing the deepest blacks and vivid colors at stunning brightness levels alongside a contrast ratio up to 1,500,000:1. The model also features essential gaming features that raise gamers’ ability to perform, including Adaptive Sync, 240Hz refresh rate, and 0.03ms GTG response times. Overall, the AG456UCZD is crafted for optimal immersive gaming and content creation, as well as fantasy adventures and games with high graphical demands.
Learn More AGON 6 OLED Gaming Monitors bring gamers the best of the best in the industry, from immersion, to raising gamers’ performance levels. More information on how to purchase these models can be found at ap.aoc.com
*No. 1 gaming brand 2023, according to IDC Quarterly Gaming Tracker: Gaming Monitor 2023Q4 (≥144Hz).
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AOC
Founded in 1967, AOC is a globally leading monitor and IT accessories brand and a subsidiary of TPV Technology Limited, the world’s largest LCD manufacturer. AOC’s comprehensive product portfolio provides innovative, ergonomic, environmentally conscious and stylish solutions for professional as well as personal applications.
The AGON by AOC sub-brand of offers one of the world’s strongest portfolios of high-performance gaming monitors, and a complete ecosystem of gaming accessories grouped in three categories: AOC GAMING for core gamers, AGON for competitive gamers, and AGON PRO for esports enthusiasts and professional esports players. Since 2020, AGON by AOC has been one of the leading gaming monitor brands and a top choice of gamers worldwide.
For more information, please refer to AGON by AOC’s official website or follow AGON by AOC on Facebook.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 May 2024 – UPCX (UPC), a developer of open-source blockchain payment systems, has announced that it will be the main sponsor of Coinfest Asia, which will be held in Indonesia on August 22-23, 2024. The event is expected to attract a wide range of participants including entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, and media from around the world, providing attendees with a direct interaction opportunity with top experts and enterprises in the cryptocurrency and blockchain sector.
UPCX Becomes the Main Sponsor for Coinfest Asia 2024
UPCX’s Super App is a payment and financial services platform optimized with blockchain technology, offering high-speed payment solutions on par with existing financial institutions. As the main sponsor of Coinfest Asia, UPCX will showcase its revolutionary payment system that supports high-speed transaction settlements, financial smart contracts, multi-asset trading, and stablecoin issuance, among other features.
At that time, UPCX will showcase its unique payment system capabilities and products to attendees during the two-day conference. These features include User Issued Assets (UIA), Non-Fungible Assets (NFA), Decentralized Exchange (DEX), and the UPCX digital wallet, among other advanced payment solutions.
Koki Sato, Chief Marketing Officer of UPCX, stated, “We are extremely honored to be the main sponsor of Coinfest Asia. This event will gather over 6,000 practitioners from more than 60 countries, providing us with an excellent platform to showcase UPCX technology. We believe that our innovative payment solutions will significantly promote the application of blockchain technology in everyday business activities.”
As blockchain technology continues to mature and become more widespread, UPCX is committed to advancing this technological innovation for broader application in global payment and financial services. By being the main sponsor of Coinfest Asia, UPCX hopes to strengthen its connections with the global blockchain community and collectively push the future development of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Hashtag: #UPCX
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
More about UPCX:
UPCX is a blockchain-based open-source payment platform designed to provide regulatory-compliant financial services to users worldwide. It supports quick payments, smart contracts, cross-asset trading, User Issued Assets (UIA), Non-Fungible Tokens (NFA), and stablecoins. Additionally, it offers a Decentralized Exchange (DEX), APIs, SDKs, customizable payment solutions, and integrates POS applications and enhanced security with hardware wallets, creating a comprehensive financial ecosystem.
AI Technology Plays Big in Enhancing Communication Efficiency, Pair with Full-range Services and Handy Planning
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 May 2024 – MasterBuilde (“the Company” or “the Platform”), the UK’s first-ever intelligent matching system for comprehensive household services specifically targeting the Chinese community, is pleased to launch its fully upgraded intelligent matching platform. The Platform aims to provide top-quality renovation, maintenance, and other household services for the Chinese community living in the UK, featuring cutting-edge AI technology and an integrated service mechanism that creates a safe and intuitive site for users and skilled handymen to communicate pricing, timeline, requirement, material selection, and essential awareness of municipal infrastructure regulations. This ensures that miscommunication or chaos in typical renovation and maintenance cases can be adequately resolved, preventing disputes and protecting the common interests of users.
MasterBuilde is designed specifically for Chinese who have moved to the UK. Through rigorous screening, the platform provides users access to contact experienced and reputable professionals in household construction. The various services offered by the Platform include regular annual inspections of gas-fired and electric boilers inside the home, as well as maintenance, installation, design and decoration, heating system repair, electrical system, plumbing and faucet maintenance, roof cleaning, painting projects, lock replacement, aluminium windows and doors, moving and relocation support, home cleaning, and all other types of household miscellaneous services. The platform has a rating system allowing users to browse and acknowledge all the registered handypersons’ resumes, previous works, mastered languages, and expertise. Furthermore, its built-in blocklist can prohibit poorly rated contractors from accepting orders and tendering quotes, promising to provide users with quality and trustworthy services. The matching process is straightforward: users access the website, select their desired service items, and enter basic information for registration. The system will then automatically match them with a suitable handyperson or contractor in a flexible and intuitive manner.
It is worth mentioning that the platform has recently introduced innovative AI technology, allowing users to ask intelligent chatbots detailed questions and inquire about basic information, such as UK renovation regulations and standards, and how to coordinate different stages seamlessly to facilitate the overall project planning. Afterwards, homeowners can match contractors according to their demands and liberty and directly obtain quotes.
Ray, the founder of MasterBuilde, said, “After moving to the UK. Some relatives and friends often lament that the biggest inconvenience of their overseas life is finding a dependable handyman. Home renovation is a very complex and cumbersome work for ordinary homeowners as laymen; clearly describing their trouble can be challenging enough, let alone considering the expertise and preferences of multiple handypersons or contractors. The typical scenario is that after a phone call, they may feel the site is too far away, the case is too complicated, or there may be communication difficulties, all of which can lead to unresolved housing problems. As a result, much time and effort are spent searching for the right service provider and obtaining quotations instead of solving the housing issues. The application of technology, especially AI, has been vigorously developed during the pandemic. Therefore, I have decided to integrate this advanced technology into our matching platform to help solve the obstacles faced by overseas Chinese in decoration, maintenance, and other relevant household aspects. That’s how MasterBuilde finally came to light.”
Alex Chiu, Chief Technical Officer of MasterBuilde, added, “The Platform’s core function is to provide users with superior household services while leveraging the advanced technology to make the entire communication process smoother, more efficient and convenient. Our platform not only presents comprehensive services that cover all aspects of daily life but also introduces the latest AI technology to facilitate end-to-end communication between users and contractors. We are committed to forging MasterBuilde, the most preferred household service platform for the Chinese community in the UK.”
Hashtag: #masterbuilde
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About MasterBuilde
MasterBuilde is an innovative AI-powered household service matching company based in the UK, specialising in first-rate services for the Chinese community. Our matching platform strictly screens, headhunts, and connects experienced and reputable renovation professionals with homeowners, ensuring smooth communication and reliable service. The Platform recently introduced innovative AI tools to facilitate end-to-end communication between users and contractors, enhancing overall efficiency.
MasterBuilde is committed to being the most acclaimed household service platform for the Chinese community in the UK.