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Poddster Opens First International Podcasting Studio in Singapore, Marking Stage One of its Global Expansion


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2024 – Poddster, a pioneering network of video podcast production studios that empower the podcasting community, has established its Asian headquarters in Singapore as the company embarks on its international expansion.

Poddster 1

The Poddster location at Frontech Center in Bukit Merah is the company’s first to open outside of Dubai. The state-of-the-art 4,000 square-foot venue includes four large professional studios and an expansive community space for events and workshops that will more closely connect the podcasting community in Singapore.

Co-founded by serial entrepreneur Vuk Zlatarov in April 2022, Poddster aims to democratise high-quality podcast production by offering an end-to-end modern and tech-enabled recording experience for anyone with a great idea.

Poddster 2

Poddster 3

“Our vision is to build a network of hubs that gather some of the most inspiring figures, enabling them to learn from each other and grow together through a transformative podcasting experience,” said Zlatarov, who founded Poddster two years after launching his own podcast, The Change Officer, in 2020. “Strategically, it is vital for us to bring Poddster to Singapore. It has long been a premier destination for international organisations, and is a focal point for influential figures and commercial ventures across Asia Pacific.”

The opening of Poddster in Singapore comes at an opportune time, as the podcast industry in Singapore and the wider APAC region is expanding rapidly. Listening to podcasts is becoming increasingly popular, and statistics show the number of daily and weekly podcast listeners has increased by 53 percent over the last year. On average, listeners tune in to three to five podcasts a week – and over 90 percent of listeners in Singapore reportedly take action after listening to a podcast advert.

“Singapore represents a really exciting market for us,” said Poddster’s Co-founder and Asia Pacific CEO, Borko Kovacevic. “As podcasts grow in popularity, the demand is definitely there for professional podcasting studios like Poddster that prioritise consistent service quality.”

With podcast listeners globally projected to rise to over 504 million listeners in 2024, according to YouGov, Poddster is set to continue its global expansion, with plans to open in Australia, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia by 2025.

Hashtag: #poddster

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

About Poddster

Co-founded by serial entrepreneur Vuk Zlatarov in April 2022, Poddster is a pioneering network of video podcast production studios and Dubai’s first podcasting community. The company aims to democratise high quality podcast production, empowering individuals and businesses to document their knowledge and stories and experience the transformational power of podcasts. Poddster has three studios in Dubai plus new locations opening in Singapore and beyond. With more than 500 podcasts and 1000 active creators, Poddster continues to set standards and drive the podcast industry forward, cementing its position as the preferred choice for anyone looking to start or grow their show. Poddster partners include Anghami, Podeo, Canon, and Shure, with the company committed to expanding its ecosystem further.

www.poddster.com
Instagram: @poddster
LinkedIn: Poddster

FUNCO Elevates Corporate Events with Expert Planning Services for Road Shows, Dinners, and IT Shows

Transforming Corporate Gatherings into Unforgettable Experiences with Professional Event Planning Expertise


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2024 – FUNCO Private Limited, a distinguished event and party planning company in Singapore, is proud to announce the expansion of its services to cater specifically to corporate events, including road shows, dinner and dance events and IT shows. This initiative is set to redefine corporate event planning, offering a blend of creativity, precision, and innovation.

“We at FUNCO are thrilled to expand our services to meet our corporate client’s evolving needs. Our goal is not just hosting events but crafting unforgettable experiences that truly reflect our clients’ brands. With our experience and portfolio hosting hundreds of events, we’re ready to transform any gathering into something spectacular and memorable,” said Joshua Lua, Founder at FUNCO Private Limited.

FUNCO’s expanded service portfolio now includes the intricate planning and execution of high-profile product/media launch events, where every detail from lighting to sound is crucial. Complemented by FUNCO’s reliable audio-visual equipment rental services, they want to create an immersive environment that captivates and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

For road shows and IT exhibitions, FUNCO brings a dynamic approach, ensuring each event is a showcase of products and an engaging experience for attendees. Their expertise in audio-visual technology and creative event design transforms these events into interactive and memorable platforms for brand promotion and product demonstrations.

Meanwhile, the dinner and dance events planned by FUNCO are a blend of elegance and excitement. They understand the importance of these events in corporate culture and go above and beyond to create evenings filled with fine dining, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere, all tailored to the client’s theme and objectives. With FUNCO, every corporate event becomes an extraordinary experience that resonates with the brand and its audience.
Hashtag: #FUNCO



Wechat: Funco Private Limited


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

FunCo Private Limited

FUNCO Private Limited, a prominent event and party planning company in Singapore, specialises in creating unforgettable experiences for both corporate and private events. Offering a one-stop solution, their services range from live food stations and arcade games to balloon decorations and carnival rides. Driven by a team of passionate professionals, FUNCO is committed to delivering personalised and innovative event solutions, ensuring every detail is meticulously handled for a successful and stress-free celebration.

Address: 39 WOODLANDS CLOSE #07-31 MEGA@WOODLANDS SINGAPORE (737856)

Singapore’s Largest Aesthetic Group, V Aesthetics, Expands To Provide Weight Management Solutions


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2024 – V Medical Aesthetics Group has extended its services to its newest weight management arm in Singapore, known as “V Aesthetics Body Slim”. Following its rapid business growth that led to an expansion to 16 laser clinics islandwide and over 45,000 patients treated since its inception in 2020, the largest aesthetic group in Singapore* shifted its focus from tackling face and skin issues to addressing unwanted weight gain. Through the new body slim arm, V Aesthetics hopes to influence the conversations over weight management treatments and approach them in a painless, non-invasive manner.

V Aesthetics Body Slim
V Aesthetics Body Slim

V Aesthetics’ new weight management arm will feature a 3-in-1, non-surgical slimming treatment that aims to assist with fat melting, body contouring, and muscle toning. With tailored treatments that work to target trouble areas like cellulite and belly fat, patients can potentially make progress on their weight loss goals through V Aesthetics Body Slim’s services, supporting their well-being without having to go under the knife.

Expansion to a New Brand – Changing The Conversation Around Weight Loss Treatments

Dr Ian Tan, founder and lead Aesthetic Doctor for V Aesthetics Body Slim, believes that non-invasive weight management treatments will possibly alter the landscape of weight loss solutions.

“These treatments mark a transformative shift in how we perceive and approach body contouring and weight management. The introduction of newer [non-invasive] techniques and technologies has opened the floor for healthier and safer weight loss treatments that remove the need for surgical procedures.”

Designed with the individual’s well-being in mind, V Aesthetics Body Slim’s weight management treatments are conducted over several sessions, each tailored to the client’s unique physiological needs and weight loss goals.

We believe this shift will normalise weight-related treatments and create a space for the community to tackle weight issues in the healthiest way possible,” said Dr Tan.

Creating a Safe Space to Tackle Rising Weight Gain Among Singaporeans

This move to break into the weight management market comes in response to the country’s growing concerns over weight gain and painless weight loss avenues. Currently, 28.8 per cent of Singapore adults are found to be overweight, signalling a broader health issue that is drawing attention to a change in lifestyle habits across the population.

Tackling weight concerns effectively will require a collaborative effort from the nation to eliminate the stigma associated with it. In the space of body image perception and self-confidence, a concerning 17 per cent of Singaporeans aged 16 and above are found to be at risk of body image anxiety (BIA) and body dysmorphic disorder. An unhealthy perception surrounding weight gain and body shape can lead to dangerous weight management practices, such as starvation and the use of slimming pills.

In response to the growing need for sustainable weight management solutions is the development of non-invasive treatments that address concerns such as water retention and cellulite more healthily, i.e. without going under the knife.

These treatments, designed with the individual’s well-being in mind, are conducted over several sessions, each tailored to the client’s unique physiological needs and weight loss goals. By leveraging non-invasive techniques with well-paced treatment frequencies, patients stand a better chance at getting slow but eventual results, where their bodies can gradually and healthily adapt to the weight loss process.

V Medical Aesthetics Group hopes that a holistic wellness approach to one’s skin and body can make greater strides to manage their weight gain issues and slow down the climb in obesity.

2 New V Body Slim Flagship Stores at Plaza Singapura, Orchard and Royal Square Medical Centre, Novena

The body slimming clinic features its 3-in-1 non-surgical V Slim treatment, utilising weight management technologies such as low-level laser, radio frequency and amplitude-modulated middle frequency (AMF) to potentially break down fats, tone muscles, and boost metabolism.

With more non-invasive weight management solutions being introduced, patients experiencing obesity will be able to find more accessible solutions in clinics islandwide.

Until then, Singaporeans looking to explore a sustainable weight loss avenue may visit V Aesthetics Body Slim at their flagship stores at:
– Plaza Singapore, 68 Orchard Rd, #04-42 Plaza Singapura (Dhoby Ghaut MRT)
– Royal Square Medical Centre, 101 Irrawaddy Road #11 – 01/02 (Novena MRT)

*Largest aesthetic clinic in Singapore based on 16 clinical locations opened Hashtag: #VAestheticsBodySlim



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

V Aesthetics Body Slim

With significant growth since 2023, V Aesthetics Body Slim is born of Singapore’s largest aesthetic group, with a commitment to providing safe weight management solutions. Dr Ian Tan, founder and proponent of evidence-based aesthetic treatments, leads his team of over 80 doctor-trained professionals and 23 medical aesthetic clinics to provide customers with aesthetic services

The 33rd Vietnam International Trade Fair – VIETNAM EXPO 2024

Cooperation for Sustainable Development


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2024 – First established in 1991, Vietnam International Trade Fair (VIETNAM EXPO) is the longest-standing annual trade promotion event in Vietnam. VIETNAM EXPO is hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, directed by the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), and organized by VINEXAD JSC. Being trusted by local enterprises and international trade promotion organizations as a destination to showcase their products and explore opportunities for business expansion and investment in the Vietnamese market, VIETNAM EXPO has gradually asserted its role and influence over the past 30 years.

Maintaining a peak exhibition scale

In 2024, The 33rd Vietnam International Trade Fair (VIETNAM EXPO 2024) will take place from April 3rd to April 6th at Hanoi International Exhibition Center (I.C.E), 91 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. It will feature more than 480 enterprises from 16 countries and territories presenting in 550 booths, the fair focuses on introducing five main categories: (1) Vietnam Export and Investment Promotion Pavilions; (2) National Pavilions; (3) Electronics, Machinery, and Supporting Industries; (4) Digital Technology and E-commerce; (5) Food and Beverage.

A networking hub for an array of domestic and international businesses

This year, at VIETNAM EXPO, among the 16 participating countries and territories, there are 4 major national pavilions from China, India, South Korea, and the Russian Federation, which demonstrates the appeal of the Vietnamese market in attracting investment and fostering sustainable foreign trade cooperation.

  • India: Following the robust and noticeable progress of the Vietnam-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023, the India Pavilion led by the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) will officially participate in VIETNAM EXPO. This sets the foundation for cooperation and experience exchange between the business communities of both countries in 2024 and beyond.
  • South Korea: VIETNAM EXPO 2024 will celebrate the 25th consecutive year chosen as a flagship event to promote economic, commercial, and investment activities by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). This will continue to be a bridge to expand bilateral cooperation, especially in 2024 – the second year of implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and South Korea.
  • The Russian Federation: In the context of preparing to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, many leading enterprises from Moscow, who are interested in exploring the Southeast Asian markets in general and seeking opportunities to develop business relationships with Vietnamese partners in particular, will gather at VIETNAM EXPO 2024.
  • China: Continuing to affirm its role as Vietnam’s largest trading partner and the second-largest export market, the China Pavilion with over 100 booths will exhibit industrial machinery and equipment from major cities and provinces such as Fujian and Guangdong. To deepen the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, this pavilion is expected to bring more opportunities for technology transfer and offer greater flexibility in investment cooperation.

In addition, to provide useful market information and support businesses to penetrate the market, the “Invest in Vietnam” Pavilion continues its mission to foster the development of key industries closely aligned with the economic development direction of provinces, cities, and key industrial zones across the country.

At VIETNAM EXPO 2024, the Hanoi Promotion Agency (HPA) remains the highlight of the show, continuing to promote the strengths, potentials, and investment policies of the city; present export products and capacity of Hanoi enterprises; and develop business connections with domestic distributors as well as foreign importers in supporting industries, electrical equipment, and food industry.

Enhancing the promotion of Vietnamese Brands, approaching new export markets

Thanks to the enthusiastic support and response from local investment, trade, and tourism promotion centers, high-quality export products and OCOP products are introduced to consumers nationwide and abroad through many fair editions. These products from Vietnamese enterprises have been well received by most of the participants not only for the quality but also for the carefully cultivated brand image. In 2024, the Vietnam Exports Zone at VIETNAM EXPO welcomes the participation of nearly 50 companies from 23 cities and provinces of Vietnam, including Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Bac Ninh, Ben Tre, Dak Nong, Dak Lak, Dong Thap, Hanoi, Ha Tinh, Hai Duong, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Long An, Nghe An, Nha Trang, Ninh Binh, Phan Thiet, Quang Binh, Quang Ninh, Quang Nam, Thanh Hoa, Tien Giang, Thai Nguyen, Son La, Yen Bai.

Seminars, forums as bright spots at VIETNAM EXPO 2024

Besides showing the diversity of exhibiting categories and the quality of exhibitors’ products and services, VIETNAM EXPO 2024 also focuses on creating supply-demand connections through many activities, specialized seminars, and high-level forums with various discussion sessions and topics. To maximize efficiency and productivity during the four-day exhibition, this year’s event is scheduled with the prominent side activities as follows:

  • Wednesday (April 3rd): Program “The investment promotion training for Vietnam’s provinces and industrial parks”, co-organized by the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE).
  • Thursday (April 4th): Seminar “Extended Producer Responsibility: form Policy to Implementation” in collaboration with Viet Nam News in the morning, and Seminar “Identification of waste and improvement methods in production” in collaboration with the Hanoi Association of Main Industrial Products (HAMI).
  • Friday (April 5th): Seminar “Solutions to improve productivity and quality for business success and elevate Vietnamese brands in the global supply chain.” in collaboration with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and then seminar “Global Process Automation Market & BPA Solutions” with WBSys Co., Ltd.

For further information, please contact:

VINEXAD Exhibition & Event I

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung (Kelly)

General Manager

Address: No. 9, Dinh Le St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam

H/P: +84-913368489

E-mail: nhungnh@vinexad.com.vn

Hashtag: #VINEXAD

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

About VIETNAM EXPO 2024

The grand opening ceremony of the Fair will officially kick off at 9 AM on April 3rd under the host of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam with the active participation of leaders from related ministries and governmental departments, representatives from diplomatic and consular missions in Vietnam, representatives from industry associations, exhibitors and mass media agencies.

The 33rd Vietnam International Trade Fair – VIETNAM EXPO 2024 will be open from 9 AM to 5 PM from April 3rd to April 6th at the Hanoi International Exhibition Center (I.C.E – 91 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi), expecting to welcome more than 20,000 visitors to participate and work at the fair.

The show schedule and details will be posted on the official website: or fanpage: .

Visa launches citywide concert ticket giveaways for MTR tap to ride passengers, starting with performances by wildly popular local boybands and K-pop star

  • Starting from 8 March to 15 May 2024, MTR passengers who tap to ride with Visa will have the chance to win tickets to the “Katch the POP” concert on 8 June 2024, featuring top Cantopop boybands and acclaimed female K-pop star.
  • The concert ticket lucky draw campaign is an extended celebration of the launch of the first contactless bank card payment for MTR rides as provided by Visa and aims to connect music and entertainment lovers with their transit experience.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2024 – Visa, a global leader in digital payments, is set to dial up the excitement of residents and tourists riding the MTR. Starting from 8 March, passengers using Visa tap to ride on the MTR will be rewarded with lucky draw chances[1] to experience exciting music and entertainment events. In collaboration with Katch, one of the music and entertainment platforms, Visa and MTR will bring together a sensational concert series of five live music shows scheduled throughout 2024 and beyond.

The inaugural “Visa x MTR presents ‘Katch the POP’ concert”, set to take place on 8 June 2024, promises an exciting lineup, with music performances from beloved members of boyband MIRROR – Lokman Yeung, Stanley Yau, Alton Wong, Frankie Chan, and Tiger Yau, and all members from popular boyband ERROR – Fatboy, Dee, 193 and Poki, as well as acclaimed female K-pop star, Jessica Jung. As part of this citywide promotion, cardholders of credit cards or debit cards issued in Asia Pacific[2] are invited to enroll and tap to ride with Visa on the MTR to earn lucky draw entries, with a total of 1,600 concert tickets up for grabs.

“We are committed to enhancing the daily commute for everyone, everywhere, by connecting public transport to convenient, secure and globally consistent Visa payments. In collaboration with MTR, Katch, our bank partners, and popular local and regional artists, we aim to make tapping to ride with Visa a rewarding journey,” said Paulina Leong, General Manager, Visa Hong Kong and Macau. “In 2024 and beyond, we will be rolling out a series of music and entertainment experiences to bring more joy to locals and overseas visitors on their MTR journey.”

Throughout the promotional period running from 8 March to 15 May 2024, participants can enroll their eligible Visa credit card or debit card on Katch’s webpage (https://concert.katch.hk/visamtr). Participants have to fill in the required information stated on Katch’s webpage including their name, contact information, and their eligible Visa card number. Participants will also be asked to select their preferred pick-up location.

Participants must then tap to ride on the MTR with their enrolled Visa card to qualify for one lucky draw entry per day. Visa cardholders of cards issued by selected bank partners may earn up to three additional lucky draw entries per day. Further details will be announced in due course by our bank partners.

800 lucky draw winners of the “Visa x MTR presents ‘Katch the POP’ concert” will be announced on Katch’s webpage on 30 May 2024. Each winner will receive a set of two concert tickets. The lineup of artists and musicians of forthcoming concerts will also be revealed on Katch’s webpage.

Visa is committed to making cities more livable with easier, connected and secure ways to pay for door-to-door journeys. In Hong Kong, Visa is supporting the future of a smart city by providing better payment experiences for everyone, powering smart mobility from parking meters, road tunnels, buses, taxis to trams. Recently, Visa and Hong Kong Tramways announced an extension of the longest-running promotion on Hong Kong trams, which offers a contactless payment discount of HKD 1 off every HKD 3 spent[3]. Visa is the first digital payment company in Hong Kong to provide contactless bank card payment for MTR rides.


[1] Terms and Conditions apply. Trade Promotion Competition Licence No.:58415-20

[2] The offer is applicable to the cardholders of Visa cards issued in Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

[3] General terms and conditions apply. Please visit the Hong Kong Tramways Limited website (https://www.hktramways.com/en/visa-on-trams) for details. Quotas of this offer are subject to limited availability and will be allocated and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hashtag: #Visa

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

About Visa

Visa is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at .

PRovoke Media & PR Council Announce North American Summit Partnership Focused On Elevating PR’s Value

Landmark collaboration will include an industry-wide survey in partnership with AMEC, exploring attitudes towards the value and effectiveness of PR practices across agency and in-house.


NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2024 – In a landmark collaboration that aims to redefine the value and effectiveness of public relations, PRovoke Media and the PR Council (PRC) have announced a new partnership focused on the upcoming North American Summit on 1 May.

PRovoke Media and the PR Council announce a new partnership focused on the upcoming North American Summit.
PRovoke Media and the PR Council announce a new partnership focused on the upcoming North American Summit.

Titled “Proving and Improving the Value of Public Relations,” the Summit aims to enhance the understanding and appreciation of PR’s true value in today’s complex reputational landscape. A cornerstone of the partnership will be an industry-wide North American survey led by AMEC, the world’s largest media intelligence and insights professional organisation, which will examine attitudes towards the effectiveness of PR practices – aiming to bridge the divide between agency and in-house perceptions.

The survey topic will lay the groundwork for the Summit’s agenda, informing the content of individual sessions and driving editorial coverage. Specific areas of discussion will include such crucial topics as: C-suite value, the effectiveness of ESG initiatives, talent and skills development, the integration of technology and AI, the impact of earned-led creativity, ROI amid geopolitical volatility, employee advocacy metrics, the business impact of DEI and measuring what matters.

The PRC, which counts 150 of U.S. and Canada’s premier global, mid-size, regional and specialty PR firms as members, will serve as the title sponsor of PRovoke Media’s 2024 North American Summit, which takes place on 1 May at the Whitby Hotel in New York, ahead of the 2024 North American SABRE Awards at Cipriani 42nd St.

“This collaboration is designed to spotlight the PR Council’s commitment to tackling the critical challenge of effectively demonstrating PR’s value,” said PR Council president Kim Sample. “We aim to challenge and inspire PR professionals to rethink strategies for demonstrating value in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.”

“This partnership not only emphasizes the critical role of public relations in today’s business environment but also offers a crucial platform for discussing, showcasing, and advancing the PR industry’s capabilities and impact,” added PRovoke Media CEO and editor-in-chief Arun Sudhaman.

“I would urge all PR professionals to participate in the survey and Summit, to ensure we can all identify and address the most pressing challenges relating to investment, value and impact.”Hashtag: #PRovoke #PRCouncil





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

PRovoke Media

PRovoke Media produces content across multiple platforms, delivering the most sophisticated reporting and analysis of public relations news, trends and issues, along with an extensive global footprint of events, including the SABRE Awards – the world’s biggest PR awards program. Founded in 2000 and previously known as the Holmes Report, the media company’s intelligence and insight challenges practitioners to consider the broader implications of their actions and elevates the status of the discipline by proving to senior executives that PR is a mission critical management function that can deliver extraordinary business value.

PR Council

The PR Council is the only North American association dedicated to supporting agencies with a core competency in earned media. Through a combination of convening and advising, the PR Council aims to help Members – the leaders of 150 premier global, mid-size, regional and specialty firms – work smarter to build more valuable agencies. The organization is focused on the most critical issues affecting PR agency leaders’ ability to attract and retain talent and grow client relationships and their firms.

“Bonjour! Chine Soleil Hainan” international image exhibition and Hainan Tourism and Cultural Promotion Event Held in Paris, France


PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2024 – On the afternoon of 8th March, local time, ” “Bonjour! Chine Soleil Hainan” international image exhibition and Hainan Tourism and Cultural Promotion Event took place in Paris, France. Through a combination of picture and physical exhibitions, as well as videos of Hainan tourism and cultural highlights, it comprehensively showcased the essence of Hainan’s tourism and culture, as well as its innovative products, new business formats, and new images to the French public.

A presentation at
A presentation at ” “Bonjour! Chine Soleil Hainan” international image exhibition and Hainan Tourism and Cultural Promotion Event

The event featured various exhibition areas, including Sunny Island, Rainforest Elves, Recreation and Health Sanctuaries, Shopping Paradises, and Hainan Culture. In addition to captivating photo exhibitions, over 200 exhibits showcasing Hainan’s unique intangible cultural heritage, such as Li costumes, Li brocade, coconut carving and shell carving, were also presented.

Wang Zhongyun, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism and Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province, highlighted Hainan’s significance as the world’s largest free trade port, China’s only international tourism consumption center, China’s largest special economic zone and an international tourism island. He emphasized Hainan’s role as a strategic hub of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and a beautiful, romantic international tourism and holiday destination.

Hainan’s abundant tourism resources, including its unique tropical island landscapes, vibrant Li and Miao ethnic cultures, and rich historical heritage, contribute to its charm. In 2023, Hainan welcomed over 90 million domestic and international tourists, marking a significant 49.9% increase from the previous year. During the 2024 Spring Festival holiday alone, the province received 9.5145 million tourists, achieving a total tourism revenue of RMB15.127 billion, both creating new records.

Recently, efforts to promote foreign tourism to Hainan continue, with a focus on creating special tourism products tailored to international visitors. It was emphasized that Hainan has opened 47 overseas routes, 13 marinas, and over 2,300 yacht berths. In 2024, Hainan plans to expand overseas flight to 66 routes, and aims to apply for passenger routes of the Seventh Freedom of the Air in the first half of this year. Additionally, the newly launched Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway spans 988 kilometers, offering access to 12 coastal cities and counties, 31 national A-level tourist attractions, 21 coastal tourist resorts, 7 marine sports bases, and 11 five-coconut-level beautiful villages, satisfying various tourism purposes such as coastal vacations, sports, medical and health care, research and study.

During the event, Wang’s introduction of Hainan’s visa-free policy for inbound tourism attracted significant interest among guests. Announced by China’s National Immigration Administration, effective 9 February, 2024, nationals from 59 countries, including France, Russia, Britain, and Germany, are eligible for visa-free entry to Hainan for up to 30 days, for purposes such as trade, visiting relatives, medical care, exhibitions, and sports competitions (exclusive of work and study).

Furthermore, Hainan recently launched a public test of the “Hainan Assured Payment” platform to facilitate payment for foreigners visiting China. This initiative aims to enhance the convenience of payment for foreigners in China. By then, overseas visitors to China will be able to make payments with their bank cards without downloading any software.

Guests viewing the bamboo silk painting
Guests viewing the bamboo silk painting “The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting”.

Remy Aron, a French artist with extensive experience in China, was invited to the event. He believed that in 2024, the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations of France and China, the two countries can join hands to make greater contributions to building a 21st century civilization. He believes that Hainan Free Trade Port, with its unique advantages, has the potential to develop into a world-class tourist destination where art converges, and become an emerging cultural center of the world.

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

Lao Companies Slow to Adapt to Wage Increases

Garment factory workers in Laos. (Photo: ILO in Asia and the Pacific, taken on 19 July 2016.)

Several companies across Laos have shown reluctance to comply with government initiatives to raise the minimum wage.

Despite the government’s approval of a minimum wage increase in 2023, it has proven insufficient to counteract the escalating prices of food and consumer goods.

In collaboration with the Lao Federation of Trade Unions, senior officials from the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare recently conducted visits to companies in Vientiane to gather direct information. Shockingly, only 10 percent of all companies had adjusted their minimum wage in line with decisions made at the trilateral meeting, as reported by Lao state media.

Officials emphasized that wage hikes negatively impacted businesses, potentially leading to workforce reductions. Despite numerous job vacancies, few individuals are willing to accept positions at low pay rates.

The high cost of living in Laos has widened the significant gap between the minimum wage and workers’ basic needs. Consequently, in the quest for higher wages, Lao workers are seeking job opportunities abroad, particularly in countries such as South Korea and Thailand.

In Thailand, unlike in Laos, employers actively seek skilled workers and offer competitive wages, exacerbating the worker shortage dilemma faced by companies in Laos.

Additionally, the lack of accurate data in Laos has contributed to issues such as informal recruitment processes and insufficient employment protection, with the absence of job market indicators complicating efforts to gauge employment opportunities and unemployment rates.

To address the issue, the Lao Employment Business Association is working to empower local workers by educating them about their rights and providing platforms for negotiation with employers and authorities. 

Through representing recognized employment agencies in Laos, the association aims to protect workers from exploitation, particularly in the context of both Laos and overseas employment opportunities.

Despite efforts, Laos still faces challenges such as the lack of data on labor issues and limited negotiation capacity with relevant sectors. Further effort is also needed to promote better industry practices and facilitate access to legal services for workers.