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US Aircraft Carrier Makes Rare Vietnam Port Call as Countries Compete for Favor in SE Asia

The U.S. carrier USS Ronald Reagan is escorted as it arrives in Busan, South Korea on Sept. 23, 2022. The American aircraft carrier was due to make a port call in Vietnam on Sunday, June 25, 2023, a rare visit by one of the U.S. Navy's biggest ships that comes as Washington and Beijing both are stepping up efforts to bolster ties with Southeast Asian nations. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File)

BANGKOK (AP) — An American aircraft carrier was due to make a port call in Vietnam on Sunday — a rare visit by one of the U.S. Navy’s biggest ships that comes as Washington and Beijing both step up efforts to bolster ties with Southeast Asian nations.

Bags: Inside Out Inaugural Asian Tour Marks Grand Finale at Pacific Place Presented by Swire Properties and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London

Celebrate all things bags with an extraordinary showcase of 240 unique objects and singer Kelly Chen’s personal collection

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 26 June 2023 – Bags: Inside Out, presented by Swire Properties in partnership with the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (V&A), is now on show at Pacific Place until 16 July 2023. This marks the finale of its inaugural international tour in celebration of Swire Properties’ 50th anniversary. Bags: Inside out is one of the most comprehensive exhibitions dedicated to the ubiquitous, yet most coveted, of accessories, from the luxurious to everyday, the humble to iconic. The exhibition is displayed in a museum grade event space with free admission to the public.

Bags: Inside Out is now on show at Pacific Place until 16 July 2023.
Bags: Inside Out is now on show at Pacific Place until 16 July 2023.

Curated by Dr Lucia Savi and comprising over 240 objects dating as far back as the 16th century, Bags: Inside Out offers an extraordinary and comprehensive look at the ultimate fashion accessory through three themed sections: Function and Utility, Status and Identity, and Design and Making. Featuring all types of bags, from designer handbags and vanity cases to utilitarian rucksacks, the exhibition explores their function, status and craftsmanship, as well as the world’s longstanding fascination with this global obsession. Often projecting bold statements on the exterior whilst concealing treasured belongings within, bags prove to be very complex and personal possessions.

Bags: Inside Out is Curated by Dr Lucia Savi and comprising over 240 objects.
Bags: Inside Out is Curated by Dr Lucia Savi and comprising over 240 objects.

Mark Celenk, General Manager of Pacific Place at Swire Properties said, “We’re excited to be collaborating with V&A once again to bring a truly iconic experience to our shoppers and the greater Hong Kong community. Bags: Inside Out is a wonderful way for us to officially wrap up our 50th Anniversary celebrations, but more importantly, this exhibition is part of our continuing efforts to always offer new and unique experiences, and make arts and culture a part of everyday life. Thank you to the many parties and our colleagues who made this unforgettable exhibition possible.”

Exclusively for the Hong Kong exhibition, celebrated singer and actress Kelly Chen showcases 13 bags from her most coveted collection in the Collecting Bags section. Kelly is a passionate bag collector and has been amassing her own impressive collection of bags for more than two decades. From her very first classic to a memorable gift upon becoming a wife, each of the collectable on display represents a cherished moment in her life and career. Of particular note is one of the very first bags of Kelly’s career, a canvas and leather backpack from Ralph Lauren. Gifted to her from renowned Hong Kong Film Awards-winning costume designer, Dora Ng, this bag was a memento from her first ever on-screen debut on Jacky Cheung’s music video.

Welcome to Bag Paradise!
To accompany the exhibition, Pacific Place has curated a series of happenings, including bespoke guided tours, makers workshop and ‘Bag the Spotlight’ 360-degree video booth, shopping rewards alongside with exclusive privileges offered by shops in Pacific Place. Get ready to this immersive showcase only at Pacific Place.

Begin this three-part exhibition in Function and Utility that looks at the practical origin of bags as holders of our personal belongings. In the sumptuously curated second section, Status and Identity, explore how bags became symbols of style and power through culturally significant items such as Sarah Jessica Parker’s iconic Fendi ‘Baguette’ used in Sex and the City, or Princess Diana’s ‘Lady Dior’ by Christian Dior. Finish with an intimate look into the crafting process behind some of today’s most luxurious bags in the final section, Design and Making.

Date: 16 June – 16 July 2023
Time: 10am – 10pm
Fee: Free of charge
Location: Garden Court, Level LG1 & Level L1

Highlights:

  1. Fendi Baguette bag worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City, 2000, Italy.
  2. Hermes, ‘Sac Mallette’ handbag, 1968, Paris
  3. Gianni Versace, Safety-pin handbag, Spring-Summer 1994, Italy
  4. Rhinestone encrusted metal ‘Faberge Egg’ evening bag, Judith Leiber

‘Collecting Bags’ by Kelly Chen
Say hello to Hong Kong singer, actress and fellow bag enthusiast Kelly Chen! The local superstar is bringing 13 of her own bags from her personal collection to the showcase including a backpack from Kelly’s first shooting set, a large shoulder bag from film “Lavender” and Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama – Alma BB, etc.

Date: 16 June – 16 July 2023
Time: 10am – 10pm
Fee: Free of charge
Location: Level L1 (near Lane Crawford)

The Maker’s Table
Come to the Makers’ Table at Level L1. Here you can delve into the process for making bags from prototypes, cutting, stitching, gluing and finishing.

Bespoke Guided Tour
For a more intimate and bespoke experience, join our guided tours for a tailored journey through Bags: Inside Out. Receive an exclusive gift after the tour.

Date: 17 June – 16 July 2023
Time: Please refer to website for available timeslots
Language: Available in English and Cantonese
Fee: Free of charge
Registration: Bags: Inside Out Website

Bag the Spotlight
Get snapping with those pics and make your followers jealous! ‘Bag the Spotlight’ is a 360-degree video booth that allows you to capture unique moments. Take a video with your beloved bag and make the memory yours!

Date: 16 June – 16 July 2023
Time: 12nn – 8pm
Fee: Free of charge
Location: Level L1 (near ZARA)

Make Your Own Bag!
For those looking to delve deeper into the artistry and craft of bag making, embark on the chance to make your own bag under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Date: 16 June – 16 July 2023
Time: Please refer to website for available timeslots
Fee: HK$500 (Registration fee will be redeemable as HK$500 Pacific Place Gift Card upon completion of workshop.)
Location: Level L1 (near adidas)
Registration: Bags: Inside Out Website

Exclusive Shopping Rewards

Want to keep the memories with you and take home your own special V&A tote? Get a custom made, uniquely embroidered V&A Tote Bag upon designated retail spending (with at least one bag item purchase) at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct.

Accumulated Same-day
Electronic Retail Spending at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct
(with at least ONE bag item purchase)#
Shopping Rewards*
HK$3,000 – HK$7,999 A V&A Tote Bag with Custom Embroidery Service
HK$8,000 or above A V&A Tote Bag with Custom Embroidery Service

+ HK$300 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher

#With at least ONE receipt (with valid stamp) for a bag purchase from designated Pacific Place / Three Pacific Place / Starstreet Precinct retail shops (exclude plastic bag).
*Shoppers are entitled to redeem shopping rewards by joining the Pacific Place Loyalty Programme – above. Same-day machine-printed sales receipts and electronic payment slips issued by
designated merchants of Pacific Place / Three Pacific Place / Starstreet Precinct must be presented on the same day of purchase to redeem the rewards. Each receipt must be for HK$100 or more. For designated merchants, please refer to https://www.pacificplace.com.hk/-/media/files/pacificplace2/pdf/va-bagsinsideout-sales-redemption-designated-merchants
Each shopper is entitled to a maximum of ONE redemption of rewards per day. Shopping rewards are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.
Other terms and conditions apply.

Bags Around Every Corner
Enjoy a constellation of special offers and privileges on selected products and discover exclusive items and happenings in store during this promotion period! Participating brands include Gucci, ISABEL MARANT, Louis Vuitton, MAX&Co., MAX MARA, SAINT LAURENT, SPORTMAX and TUMI.

You can also enjoy an exclusive themed cocktail at Salisterra, The Upper House. Inspired by the opulence of designer bags, the Golden Gimlet perfectly blends elderflower, yuzu and gin. Receive an exclusive gift during the exhibition period when enjoying the elegant cocktail at Salisterra.

Please refer to Bags: Inside Out Website for the exclusive shopping and dining privileges.

Hashtag: #SwireProperties #VAMuseum #BagsInsideOut #BagsInPlace

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

Laos Records Trade of Over USD 1 Billion in May

Thanaleng Dry Port in Vientiane Capital.

The country saw two-way trade of USD 1.086 billion in May, with gold bullion and gold bars being the most exported items, according to the Lao Trade Portal (LTP).

Vietnam’s Economy Slows Amid Global Headwinds, Experts Predict Rebound

A woman sitting next to Thu Bồn river in Hoi An, Vietnam
A woman sitting next to Thu Bồn river in Hoi An, Vietnam

Vietnam’s economy is confronting obstacles such as a slowdown in industrial production and declining exports due to weak external demand, as highlighted by the World Bank.

SIBUR Executive Speaks at International Conference on Sustainable Plastics

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach – 26 June 2023 – The head of sustainable development at SIBUR was among a group of executives from the world’s leading petrochemical companies that spoke at the China Sustainable Plastics Summit 2023, which was held in Shanghai last week. The conference took place at a time when plastic waste has become a vital problem globally and is being actively discussed at the level of the United Nations and the G20.

In response to public concern, plastic producers are increasingly shifting their focus to environmental protection and circular economy, including through the adoption of mechanical and chemical recycling. These processes reuse plastic waste to produce new materials in a circular-economy approach that decreases the use of hydrocarbons and reduces the petrochemical industry’s carbon footprint.

SIBUR, Russia’s largest petrochemical producer, shared its experience in producing sustainable plastics. Last year, SIBUR launched the production of PET granules made from up to 30% post-consumer recycled plastics, according to the Company’s Head of Sustainable Development Maxim Remchukov. These granules are then used to manufacture key consumer products, including plastic bottles as well as food and cosmetics packaging.

SIBUR also committed to reduce carbon emissions from its petrochemical production by 15% by 2025, including through the use of renewable energy, and has pledged to plant 5 million trees to promote carbon capture in the regions where it operates.

The China Sustainable Plastics Summit also featured representatives of Dow and SABIC who discussed the use of mechanical recycling in their polymer production, including in China. European producers of technologies for chemical recycling, such as Mura Technologies and Plastic Energy, also took part in the event. China’s leading petrochemical producer Sinopec, whose research center develops several technologies for the production of sustainable plastic, presented its projects at the conference.

Hashtag: #SIBUR

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

New coalition formed to fight heart disease across Asia

Patients, allied health professionals, academia, global health think-tank and corporate partners launch the Asia-Pacific Cardiovascular Disease Alliance (APAC CVD Alliance) to tackle heart disease in Asia

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 26 June 2023 – Today, patient organizations, allied health professionals, academia, corporate partners and a global health think-tank came together to launch the Asia-Pacific Cardiovascular Disease Alliance (APAC CVD Alliance), a multisectoral coalition committed to improving heart health and reducing the CVD burden across nine countries in Asia (Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam).

CVD is the leading cause of death in the Asia-Pacific, with the largest increase in premature deaths occurring in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia over the last 20 years. In 2019 alone, over 10 million people died of heart disease in Asia, making up 35% of all deaths in the region.

With four strategic partners – the Asia-Pacific Federation for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine (APFCB), Global Alliance for Patient Access (GAfPA), Global Heart Hub (GHH), and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Faculty of Medicine in Malaysia – and corporate partners Amgen, Novartis, and Roche Diagnostics, the APAC CVD Alliance aims to:

  • Increase public and policy awareness of the importance of tackling CVD at regional and domestic forums in Asia;
  • Encourage implementation of scalable and sustainable CVD innovations across all health systems in Asia, and
  • Emphasize that investments to address CVD is much needed for healthy societies and productive economies.

Growing affluence, rapid urbanization, and aging populations in Asia present health systems with an increasing burden of CVD’s direct and indirect costs and poor health outcomes.

“Accurate and rapid diagnoses for people with CVD are fundamental to all health systems”, said Dr Tony Badrick, President, APFCB. “As the largest clinical biochemistry and laboratory federation in Asia, we have seen that investing in capacity building and education of laboratory professionals are essential for early detection and treatment of CVD and other non-communicable diseases. The APAC CVD Alliance’s mandate to elevate policy awareness dovetails with the APFCB’s goal of encouraging continual improvements to laboratory practices in the region.”

“To tackle the rise of CVD in the region, we first have to confront the barriers that prevent patients from accessing quality cardiac management in their healthcare systems. Together with our alliance partners, Amgen aims to unify multi-sectorial efforts towards the common goal of recognizing and overcoming these challenges. Success for us means creating sustainable solutions that provide more effective, longer term care for patients in the region”, said My Linh Kha, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Amgen Japan and Asia Pacific.

The APAC CVD Alliance will adopt a patient-centered approach across the entire CVD care continuum – prevention; early detection; treatment, cardiac rehabilitation, and step-down care.

Brian Kennedy, Executive Director, GAfPA said, “We are proud to partner the APAC CVD Alliance to advance patient engagement with clinicians and healthcare providers in the Asia-Pacific. With diverse stakeholders, we can ensure that patients’ voices are heard and that policies are developed with the patient at the center.”

“We are excited to join the APAC CVD Alliance to provide a global voice for those affected by CVD in Asia”, added Neil Johnson, Executive Director, GHH. “As a long-time heart patient advocate, I believe we can make a real difference for patients and their families by partnering professionals and policymakers in Asia.”

“According to the World Heart Federation, 80% of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is preventable. This is a shocking reality and calls for urgent action”, said Iris Zemzoum, President, Novartis Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. “At Novartis, we envision a world where CVD is eliminated so patients can live longer and healthier lives. This alliance is a powerful example of forging sustainable partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem and working together to find innovative ways to unblock the barriers that stand in the way of heart health.”

Building interdisciplinary, multisectoral partnerships are essential to unite CVD action across borders, especially with varied socio-economic and cultural diversity in the Asia-Pacific.

“CVD control cannot be accomplished with clinicians alone”, said Associate Professor Dr Fazah Akhtar Hanapiah, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, UiTM. “The faculty has been working tirelessly in co-creating innovative solutions that bring together multidisciplinary healthcare professionals and other partners along the care continuum to prevent, treat, educate, and empower those living with CVD. Our academic, clinical and research background gives us that different edge in tackling the CVD crisis. We are excited to join the APAC CVD Alliance as a strategic partner, to improve patient well-being and care.”

“A healthier, equitable future requires a renewed focus on chronic disease management and a willingness to look beyond physical symptoms. Chronic conditions such as heart disease come at a high personal cost to the person living with it, their families and communities. The Alliance provides an excellent platform to raise awareness around heart health. More importantly, it creates a collective opportunity to bring multiple voices that are critical to driving better healthcare for patients, lowering cost to society and creating a national push for greater access to cardiovascular disease innovations”, said Lance Little, Head of Region, Asia Pacific, Roche Diagnostics Asia Pacific.

Based in Singapore as its regional hub for Southeast Asia, global health think-tank ACCESS Health International is the secretariat for the APAC CVD Alliance.

ACCESS Health International (Asia) President Dr Krishna Reddy said, “The Alliance aims to harness the existing good work in tackling CVD in the Asia-Pacific. ACCESS Health is proud to be the secretariat for this regional initiative and we look forward to improving investment in CVD innovations in policies, care models, products, or services across all health systems.”

We are keen to work with more patients in Asia. We’d love to have a chat.

The Alliance is made possible with the support of Amgen, Novartis, and Roche Diagnostics. Read about our commitment to transparency.

Hashtag: #hearthealth


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

Asia-Pacific Cardiovascular Disease Alliance

The APAC CVD Alliance is a multisectoral, multistakeholder coalition dedicated to improving heart health for patients, societies, and economies by elevating public and policy awareness about CVD at regional and domestic forums in Asia.

Alliance strategic partners are the Asia-Pacific Federation for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the Global Alliance for Patient Access, the Global Heart Hub, and Universiti Teknologi MARA Faculty of Medicine, with Amgen, Novartis and Roche Diagnostics as corporate partners. ACCESS Health International is the secretariat for the Alliance based in Singapore.

Rakuten Wallet Joins Oasys Blockchain as Validator, Alongside Softbank, KDDI, Nexon and MIXI

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 26 June 2023 – Oasys, a gaming-optimised blockchain, today announced a partnership with Rakuten Wallet Inc., a renowned Japanese crypto exchange company. Rakuten Wallet’s addition to Oasys’ dynamic network of validators marks a pivotal leap in Oasys’ ongoing journey to revolutionise Web3 within the gaming industry.

Rakuten Wallet, well-regarded as a crypto asset exchange service provider for its spot and margin trading services, will be entering the Web3 sphere as an Oasys validator in this new initiative. Moreover, possibilities of linking the Oasys ecosystem with Rakuten Wallet’s developed services are currently under exploration.

This partnership aims to redefine the gaming experience by integrating the endless potential of blockchain technology. In line with this, Rakuten Wallet will provide staking and validation services for Oasys’ proof-of-stake network, a multi-layered, EVM-compatible public blockchain. This collaboration aligns with Oasys’s commitment to offering a highly efficient and stable gaming development environment, characterised by low gas fees and high transaction speeds.

Daiki Moriyama, Director of Oasys, said: “Rakuten Wallet’s trailblazing entry into Web3, together with its proven expertise in service operations, wealth of know-how, and vast customer reach, will immensely contribute to the burgeoning Web3 sector in Japan. Their involvement as a validator on the Oasys Chain is just the beginning of a promising partnership. We foresee future collaborations, spawning new opportunities and transformation in the Web3 landscape.”

Oasys has continually fortified its stature as a gaming-focused blockchain through partnerships with several industry leaders, who have joined the network as validators across three rounds. The participation of industry giants such as SoftBank, KDDI, Nexon, and MIXI has propelled the Oasys chain to new heights, with Rakuten Wallet’s involvement further enriching this consortium.

Tatsuya Yamada, CEO of Rakuten Wallet, said: “Oasys, Japan’s pioneering gaming-focused blockchain, promises an unsurpassed environment for gaming users and intellectual properties. As a forward-thinking tech company, we are thrilled to contribute as a validator. Additionally, we remain open to exploring further synergies with Oasys, especially in relation to Web3-orientated services.”

The partnership will tap into Rakuten Wallet’s extensive expertise in strengthening network security and consensus protocol. This symbiosis between Rakuten’s robust economy and the Oasys ecosystem is anticipated to drive innovation, crafting novel solutions that align with the evolving demands of the Web3 gaming era.

Hashtag: #Oasys #blockchain #gaming #japan

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

About Oasys

Oasys is a blockchain-based game development platform that offers a highly scalable Layer 1 hub and specialized Layer 2 using Ethereum’s Layer 2 scaling solution. The ecosystem provides game developers with a secure and scalable blockchain infrastructure for creating more efficient, secure, and interoperable games. Among Oasys’ validators are leaders in gaming and Web3, such as SEGA, Ubisoft, and Yield Guild Games, who act as initial validators in our Proof-of-Stake (PoS) based blockchain. Oasys’ expert blockchain team, combined with the biggest names in gaming, is revolutionizing the gaming industry.

Oasys solves the challenges that game developers face when building blockchain-based games by focusing on creating an ecosystem for gamers and developers to distribute and develop games. The company’s trifecta approach includes a fast network powered by the gaming community, a scalable network powered by AAA game developers, and a blockchain that provides the best user experience with fast transactions and zero gas fees. This approach prepares participants to enter the Oasys and play.

More information on Oasys is available at:

Website: Twitter: Discord:

About Rakuten Wallet

Rakuten Wallet is a global technology company that provides a wide range of services, including e-commerce, digital content, fintech, mobile carrier services, and professional sports. With a commitment to innovation, Rakuten Wallet continues to explore and lead advancements in the Web3 industry.

Immeasurable contribution to the development of law and order: in memory of Dr. the Hon. Sir Ti Liang Yang

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 25 June 2023 – The University of Hong Kong is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. the Hon. Sir Ti Liang Yang, a distinguished legal luminary and one of the most respected mentors at the University.

Caption

Sir Ti Liang served as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong from 1994 to 2001. He was also Council Chairman of the University from 1985 to 2001 and an honorary lecturer in the Faculty of Law. Throughout his life, Sir Ti Liang maintained strong connections with the University, reflecting his deep commitment to higher education and the advancement of knowledge.

Above all, Sir Ti Liang was the first ethnic Chinese judge to hold the top post of Chief Justice, who played a pivotal role in establishing the relationship between the Basic Law and the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China.

Sir Ti Liang’s contributions to the legal field were numerous and far-reaching. He was instrumental in the modernisation of Hong Kong’s legal system. Notably, in 1995, he introduced the use of the Chinese language into the courts, marking a historic turning point in 152 years of legal tradition. This significant step ensured that Hong Kong’s legal proceedings were accessible to a broader population segment, further strengthening its judicial independence.

Backed by his illustrious career, Sir Ti Liang’s exceptional achievements garnered widespread recognition and accolades, including the honour of knighthood and the prestigious Grand Bauhinia Medal (GBM). In honour of his accomplishments, the University also conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Letters honoris causa in 1991. These distinguished awards underscored his remarkable contributions to the University, the Hong Kong judicial sector, and the wider community.

His passing is a profound loss for Hong Kong and the entire legal community. The University of Hong Kong extends our deepest condolences to Sir Ti Liang’s family and friends and will honour his memory by upholding the values and principles he championed throughout his extraordinary life.

Hashtag: #HKU

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