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Endangered Wildlife Found Shot in Salavan Despite Stricter Conservation Laws

red-shanked douc langur. (Photo: New England Primate Conservancy)

Salavan Province is once again in the spotlight after the discovery of two protected wildlife species, one Greater Hog Badger and three Red-shanked Douc Langurs, found dead in the forest on 20 July.

The find, shared by a local resident via a now-deleted Facebook post, has sparked widespread concern across social media, with citizens demanding urgent action from authorities who, so far, appear unaware of the details of the incident.

News of the wildlife killings quickly spread online, sparking frustration and outrage among the public. The hashtag #Saveລິງຂາແດງ and #SAVEtheRedShankedDoucLangur began trending as social media users demanded that authorities take immediate and stronger action to protect endangered species.

“What a pity! Protected wildlife in Salavan has been killed. Related sectors, please investigate, because these animals are rare and worth preserving for future generations to see,” one Facebook user wrote on a private post.

Echoing this sentiment, the Facebook page “Thatsamphang Village” stressed the ecological value of Laos’s wildlife:

“Wildlife is a valuable natural resource and is of great importance to the ecosystem. It is not only a part of biodiversity but also an indicator of the health of the forest and environment. Moreover, in Laos, we have many unique and rare protected species, which are national treasures that all Lao people should help conserve and preserve.”

Species Status Under Scrutiny

Both the Red-shanked Douc Langur and the Greater Hog Badger are listed as protected under Lao law and vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to declining populations caused by habitat loss and poaching.

The Red-shanked Douc Langur, often considered one of the most beautiful primates in the world, is known for its maroon-red legs and golden-orange face. Native to parts of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, this species has suffered a population decline of up to 80 percent in the past 30 years, largely due to deforestation, illegal hunting, and the wildlife trade.

The Greater Hog Badger, another protected species in Laos, is also found in forested regions such as the Xe Sap National Protected Area in Salavan.

While sightings are reported across the country, little is known about its current population trends due to limited data and research.

This incident comes just weeks after the Lao government introduced a tougher regulation aimed at curbing natural resource crimes.

On 7 July, the Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor announced it would begin replacing administrative fines with criminal prosecution for violations involving forests, wildlife, and natural resources.

Despite this policy shift, illegal hunting and unauthorized access to protected areas appear to persist, raising questions about enforcement and public awareness of wildlife protection laws.

ETO Markets: Where Real Connections Drive Real Trust

SYDNEY, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ETO Markets recently hosted the ETO Markets Tennis Cup in Sydney — a day not just for sport, but for genuine connection.

As the tournament’s official sponsor, ETO Markets gathered partners and traders from across the Asia-Pacific region. It wasn’t just to compete, but to connect. The event reflected a core philosophy ETO Markets has held since day one: people first, always.

On and off the court, what stood out were the genuine conversations, laughter, and shared experiences — moments that reminded everyone why real connections matter.

ETO Markets_Where Real Connections Drive Real Trust
ETO Markets_Where Real Connections Drive Real Trust

As Gabriel, an attendee from the Philippines shared: “It’s rare to see a business that speaks our language.” Throughout the day, conversations unfolded in multiple languages, from English, Chinese and French to Vietnamese, Thai, Cantonese and more, reflecting the diversity of the community ETO Markets serve.

Another guest, Emily, remarked: “You can tell their services are built around real people. Everything felt thoughtful — from their global presence and Australian regulatory framework to how responsive their team is. It feels like they’ve really thought through every detail.”

These moments speak to who ETO Markets are. Founded in Australia and trusted worldwide, ETO Markets has had the privilege of supporting clients in over 120 countries and regions for more than 12 years. From multilingual service to seamless funding, a diverse range of over 300 investment products, and reliable infrastructure, ETO Markets remains focused on meeting real client needs.

The thoughtful feedback from guests affirmed the care ETO Markets brings to every interaction — during events and in our everyday work.

The tournament may be over, but the journey is far from finished. At ETO Markets, the belief remains that beyond performance and platforms, it’s the people and the relationships that truly matter. As ETO Markets continue to grow, it remains focused on creating authentic, long-term partnerships, while opening the door to new opportunities in a more accessible, inclusive, and human-centered future.

Email: info@eto-markets.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/etogroup/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etomarketsglobal/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etomarketsglobal/

 

Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow 2025 Youth Innovation Competition is Now On


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2025 – Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025, the highly-anticipated youth innovation competition, is back for its ninth edition in Singapore! As the nation gears up to celebrate SG60 in the coming weeks, this year’s Solve for Tomorrow provides a platform for youths to step out and build a more secure future for Singapore. By inspiring youths in Singapore to address key societal issues via innovation and technology, they are empowered to transform creative ideas into impactful solutions for the good of society.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025 is now on!
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025 is now on!

“At Samsung, we believe that youth and their application of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) knowledge is the key to building a better future. By providing a platform for them to unleash their creativity and passion, Solve for Tomorrow aims to be the catalyst that inspires meaningful change and positive action among our youths,” said Jeffrey Hahn, President, Samsung Electronics Singapore. “With this year being a milestone SG60 year, Solve for Tomorrow is calling for youths to join us in building a more secure future for Singapore. As youths put real action into their ideas to influence positive change, we believe that they will find their place in our society and become the change that they want to see in their future.”

Karan Gopu Pillai, the leader of Team redbluegold, the grand prize winner of the Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition, shares his experience: “We are grateful for the Solve for Tomorrow experience, as it gave us the platform to turn our ideas into real-world solutions, to make a difference to the people we care about in our society. With the support of the organising team and mentorship from Samsung’s Product and Innovation team, we not only pushed through the challenges we faced but also gained new insights and skills that will help us to face our future with confidence.”

This year’s competition is organised in support of the national Digital for Life movement, which mobilises partners from the private, people and public sectors to help Singaporeans embrace digital as a lifelong pursuit and enrich lives through digital technology. Solve for Tomorrow 2025 also provides the opportunity for youths to develop interdisciplinary skills like critical thinking, problem-solving capabilities, as well as to expand their Science, Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) knowledge, and to elevate their potential while preparing them for the workforce.

Building a More Secure Future for Singapore this SG60

Samsung has identified four key themes for this year’s competition, to encourage submissions that can build a more secure future for Singapore as we celebrate SG60. Participants can develop their ideas around these themes:

1. Environmental Sustainability: Climate change is one of the most critical challenges of our time, and everyone has a role to play in shaping a more sustainable future. Whether it’s conserving energy, reducing resource consumption, or improving recycling efforts, small actions can lead to big differences over time.

2. Sport, Health and Technology: Health is the foundation for a fulfilling and productive life, and sport and technology are key enablers that can support and enhance overall health. By making it easier for one to stay active, manage stress levels and prevent illnesses, one can also create lasting and positive change for others.

3. Inclusivity and Social Harmony: Inclusivity and social harmony are key to a healthy and sustainable future. From creating solutions that remove barriers for people with disabilities, to fostering social inclusion for disadvantaged communities, let us build a Singapore where everyone feels at home, regardless of their backgrounds.

4. Digital Readiness and Security: Digital readiness and security are growing in importance, as advances in technology unlock new opportunities. For society to move forward collectively while leaving no one behind, it is critical to enhance digital literacy and security while shaping a safer digital environment for all.

Call for Entries Open from Now till 31 August 2025

From now till 31 August 2025, students can submit their entries for the competition by forming groups of two to four and submitting their innovative ideas or solutions on the Solve for Tomorrow 2025 website.

  • Eligibility: Full-time students aged 12 to 18 years old, enrolled in a secondary school in Singapore, including:
    1. Secondary 1 to Secondary 5 students if they are enrolled in the following schools:
      • Government schools (including autonomous schools)
      • Government-aided schools (including autonomous schools)
      • Independent schools
      • Specialised independent schools (SIS)
      • Specialised schools
      • Special education (SPED) schools
    • Secondary 1 to Secondary 4 students if they are enrolled in IP (Integrated Programme) secondary schools with 6-year IP programmes.

Prizes

The top three teams will receive the following prizes:

  • First Prize Winning Team
    1. S$10,000 worth of Samsung products
    2. S$7,000 cash prize
    3. A trip to Samsung’s headquarters and innovation facilities in South Korea
  • Second Prize
    1. S$6,000 worth of Samsung products
    2. S$4,000 cash prize
  • Third Prize
    1. S$3,000 worth of Samsung products
    2. S$2,000 cash prize

For more information visit the Solve for Tomorrow 2025 website or reach out to the organising team at samsungsolvefortomorrow@infom.asia.

Hashtag: #Samsung #SFT_SG_2025 #TogetherForTomorrow #ShapeTheFuture #SolveForTomorrow #SFT25 #EnablingPeople #SG60 #DigitalforLifeSG





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

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

Jollibee Group Evolves its Corporate Brand to Help Power Global Growth

Brand update brings to life its global purpose and positioning as a unified group of brands


MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2025 – The Jollibee Group, one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, has officially launched its evolved corporate brand, marking a major milestone in aligning the company’s global growth strategy with its long-standing values and vision.

Corporate Brand Evolution. Fresh from introducing the new corporate brand to employees worldwide, Jollibee Group Global President & CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong (left, standing) brought the story behind the evolution to life for more than 270 global and local suppliers—highlighting how the brand reflects the company’s bold ambitions and purpose-driven growth.
Corporate Brand Evolution. Fresh from introducing the new corporate brand to employees worldwide, Jollibee Group Global President & CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong (left, standing) brought the story behind the evolution to life for more than 270 global and local suppliers—highlighting how the brand reflects the company’s bold ambitions and purpose-driven growth.

More than a visual update, the new corporate brand embodies the company’s purpose of spreading joy through superior taste and underscores its evolution into a modern, purpose-driven global enterprise. The updated identity brings greater consistency across the company’s diverse portfolio of 19 brands.

At our core, we are here for one reason—spreading joy through superior taste. This purpose drives our innovation, defines our customer promise, and fuels our momentum,” said Jollibee Group Global President and CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong. “Superior taste is not just what we serve—it’s the reason our brands resonate across cultures and markets.”

While its legal entity name remains to be Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC), Jollibee Group will now be the official corporate name. This brand evolution also includes a reimagined visual identity, updated brand architecture, and a unified naming convention.

This initiative is designed to support the company’s business, attracting new franchise partners and investors, enhancing connections with talents, and reinforcing the Jollibee Group’s credibility as a trusted, values-driven partner.

JoyMark. Tanmantiong highlights JoyMark, the icon in the company’s new logo that symbolizes momentum, movement, and unity. It is tilted at 8 degrees as a subtle tribute to Jollibee Group’s incorporation year, 1978.
JoyMark. Tanmantiong highlights JoyMark, the icon in the company’s new logo that symbolizes momentum, movement, and unity. It is tilted at 8 degrees as a subtle tribute to Jollibee Group’s incorporation year, 1978.

“Our purpose is more than an internal compass—it’s our strategic advantage,” Tanmantiong added. “It unites our people, inspires brand loyalty, and strengthens our connections with communities around the world.”

The enhanced corporate brand was first introduced to employees and key partners during the company’s internal launch, supplier summit, and annual stockholders’ meeting. It is now being rolled out externally across global business media platforms and corporate channels.

“As we scale globally, we’re not only expanding our reach—we’re shaping a company known not just for business success, but for the joy and quality we bring to people’s lives,” Tanmantiong said. “This refreshed identity is a powerful expression of who we are and where we’re headed.”

With its reimagined corporate brand, the Jollibee Group reinforces its position as a dynamic, forward-looking company poised for sustained growth and global leadership.

Hashtag: #JollibeeGroup

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

About Jollibee Group

The Jollibee Group (PSE: JFC) is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. Its portfolio includes 19 brands with over 9,900 stores across 33 countries.

The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes nine wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and has recently invested in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.

The Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Jollibee Group has been recognized as the Philippines’ Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia’s Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a three-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME’s World’s Best Companies and Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit

United States Announces Leaving United Nations Cultural Body UNESCO

United States Announces Leaving United Nations Cultural Body UNESCO
The United States on July 22, 2025 announced it has left UNESCO, saying the UN cultural and education agency, best known for establishing world heritage sites, is biased against Israel and promotes "divisive" causes. (Photo by BERTRAND GUAY / AFP)

AFP – On 22 July, the United States announced it has left UNESCO, saying the UN cultural and education agency, best known for establishing world heritage sites, is biased against Israel and promotes “divisive” causes.

AWE2026 Officially Launched: Two Venues, One Vision to Reshape the Industry Landscape

SHANGHAI, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On July 22, the China Household Electrical Appliances Association held the official launch event for the 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE2026) in Shanghai. Under the theme “Smart AI, Smarter Future,” AWE2026 will introduce a brand-new dual-venue format, with the exhibition running March 12-15, 2026, across two locations: the Shanghai New International Expo Center and the Sunrise Complex at the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone. It is expected to span over 170,000 square meters, feature more than 1,200 leading brands, and draw over 200,000 attendees. AWE2026 will showcase cutting-edge innovations in smart technology and immersive future lifestyle solutions from around the world, reinforcing its role as a global hub for technological advancement and industry collaboration.

AWE2026
AWE2026

The two AWE2026 venues will work in close coordination, complementing each other in both focus and function. The Shanghai New International Expo Center zone will run for four days, from March 12 to 15, 2026, with the final day dedicated as Consumer Day. This zone will continue to gather over a thousand leading global brands and innovators from across the home appliance and consumer electronics value chain. Spanning 140,000 square meters, it will showcase smart living solutions and cutting-edge products, featuring innovations in whole-home intelligence, digital entertainment, fitness and health, green energy, smart mobility, smart office, smart cities, and more – presenting a comprehensive view of an industry evolving around people and real-life scenarios.

The Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone is designated as the Advanced Consumer Electronics Technology Zone, running for three days from March 12 to 14, 2026. Located on the third floor of the Sunrise Complex within the zone, this 30,000-square-meter area will focus on cutting-edge fields such as chip and computing technologies, AI, next-generation information technologies, new display technologies, robotics, drones, new energy vehicles, and smart home solutions. The zone will be organized into four themed areas: breakthroughs in core technologies, commercialization of innovative products, upgrades of intelligent digital terminals, and smart lifestyle scenarios—showcasing the new quality productive forces driving the consumer electronics industry in the AI era.

With broader vision, stronger momentum, and a more open stance, AWE will continue to empower global innovation, stimulate new consumption vitality, and lead the industry into a new era of smart living driven by AI. See you in Shanghai, March 12-15, 2026!

CUHK Faculty of Engineering: Advancing Innovation Through Research Excellence and Global Collaboration


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2025 – The Faculty of Engineering at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) continues to strengthen its position in global engineering education and research, with notable achievements across multiple engineering disciplines including Computer Science, Information Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical and Automation Engineering, Systems Engineering and Engineering Management. Recent rankings highlight the Faculty’s research excellence, including the 7th in both Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science (U.S. News & World Report 2025–2026), along with 19th in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence and 27th in Computer Science & Information Systems (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).

Research Impact and Innovation

The Faculty’s commitment to innovation is demonstrated through nine impactful research projects awarded funding in the first two rounds of Hong Kong Government’s Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+ Scheme). The projects cover a diverse range of innovative areas from advanced engineering, biomedical to materials science, demonstrating a high level of technology which enables the translation of research outcomes into product developments:

Nine research project teams led by CUHK Faculty of Engineering Professors received funding support in the first two rounds of RAISe+ Scheme, including: Left Photo - Prof. Barbara CHAN (1st left), Prof. Ni ZHAO (2nd left), Prof. Raymond YEUNG (3rd left), Prof. Hon-ki TSANG (3rd right), Prof. Yun-hui LIU (2nd right), and Prof. Samuel AU (1st right); Right Photo - Prof. Ka-wai KWOK (1st left), Prof. Yi-chun LU (2nd right), and Prof. Wei REN (1st right)
Nine research project teams led by CUHK Faculty of Engineering Professors received funding support in the first two rounds of RAISe+ Scheme, including: Left Photo – Prof. Barbara CHAN (1st left), Prof. Ni ZHAO (2nd left), Prof. Raymond YEUNG (3rd left), Prof. Hon-ki TSANG (3rd right), Prof. Yun-hui LIU (2nd right), and Prof. Samuel AU (1st right); Right Photo – Prof. Ka-wai KWOK (1st left), Prof. Yi-chun LU (2nd right), and Prof. Wei REN (1st right)

In addition, the Faculty’s researchers have also established multiple start-ups and spin-off companies based on their research findings. At present, the Faculty has successfully seeded two unicorns—SenseTime and Cornerstone Robotics—both of which are valued over US$1 billion.

Fostering Future Innovation

The Faculty of Engineering at CUHK provides one of the world’s premier research environments with access to over 80 specialised laboratories. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, the Faculty encourages students to explore a diverse range of subjects in their studies and research, equipping them with both a solid foundation and the flexibility needed for their future career development. The Faculty’s nurturing environment is exemplified by students like Aiana BAEKOVA, a Kyrgyz Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) recipient in Biomedical Engineering. “The department’s interdisciplinary nature and strong connections with other departments allow students to engage in cutting-edge research while examining their scientific work from various perspectives,” shares Aiana.

With the support from CUHK’s leading supervisors and research facilities, Aiana’s research investigates the use of nanomedicine in tissue engineering to enhance healthcare solutions
With the support from CUHK’s leading supervisors and research facilities, Aiana’s research investigates the use of nanomedicine in tissue engineering to enhance healthcare solutions

Consistently ranked among the top 100 engineering schools globally, the CUHK Faculty of Engineering remains committed to offering an inspiring environment that empowers future engineering leaders to pursue knowledge and drive innovations at the frontier of modern technology. For more information about the postgraduate programmes available at CUHK’s Faculty of Engineering, visit: https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/programme/engineering.

Hashtag: #CUHK

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

About CUHK

Founded in 1963, CUHK combines tradition with innovation in teaching and research, maintaining strong global partnerships to address real-world challenges.

Adecco Singapore Marks 40 Years of Enabling Talent and Business Growth


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2025 – Adecco Singapore has officially commemorated its 40th anniversary with a stakeholder event held at the National Gallery Singapore. The occasion marked four decades of providing workforce solutions and contributing to Singapore’s evolving labour market.

Adecco Singapore 40th Anniversary
Adecco Singapore 40th Anniversary

Since its founding in 1985, Adecco Singapore has worked with employers and jobseekers across a broad range of industries, supporting workforce development through recruitment, advisory, and outsourcing services.

Four Decades of Workforce Support

From its beginnings as a staffing agency, Adecco Singapore has expanded into a comprehensive provider of workforce solutions. The company has supported thousands of associates annually and worked with multinational corporations, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and government-linked organisations.

Its services have expanded to include permanent recruitment, flexible staffing arrangements, outsourcing, and HR advisory. This growth has aligned with shifts in Singapore’s economic strategy and labour market trends.

“Adecco’s 40th anniversary is both a milestone and an opportunity to reaffirm our role in Singapore’s workforce ecosystem,” said Cindy Lee, Country Manager of Adecco Singapore. “We remain committed to delivering practical workforce solutions that support business continuity and career development in a changing world of work.”

Event Highlights and Recognition

The commemorative event brought together Adecco’s clients, associates, and partners to express gratitude for their ongoing support. Guest speakers included Kenny Tan, Deputy Secretary (Workforce) at the Ministry of Manpower; Frank Grütter, Swiss Ambassador to Singapore; and other key clients.

Speakers highlighted the long-standing partnership between Adecco and various government agencies, associations, and clients. Remarks acknowledged the efforts of Adecco’s teams and their commitment to going beyond transactional delivery to meet the needs of clients across various sectors.

Following the formal programme, guests attended a networking session over canapes and refreshments. The session provided an opportunity to celebrate the milestone and reaffirm shared goals around workforce resilience, agility, and long-term partnership.

Adapting to Workforce Transitions

Adecco Singapore has supported businesses through significant shifts in the employment landscape, including digital transformation, pandemic recovery, and the rise of flexible labour models. Its workforce solutions have helped organisations manage short-term operational needs, implement hiring technology, and plan for long-term skills demand.

The company’s workforce solutions and recruitment services in Singapore continue to play a role in helping employers remain responsive to evolving labour market needs.

Positioning for the Future of Work

Today, Adecco Singapore maintains a defined service model supported by more than 60 recruiters who specialise by sector and function. The company continues to deliver end-to-end workforce solutions that align with business needs and national workforce developments.

Strategically, Adecco is focusing on skills-based hiring and the application of AI-driven talent matching to improve recruitment speed, accuracy, and inclusiveness. These priorities are designed to support workforce planning and help individuals adapt to evolving career pathways.

The company also provides structured recruitment advice for jobseekers and employers navigating a fast-changing employment landscape while continuing to support individuals who are looking to find jobs in Singapore that match emerging skills demands.

To learn more about Adecco Singapore’s services, visit: https://www.adecco.com.sg/
Hashtag: #Adecco





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

About Adecco

Adecco Singapore is part of The Adecco Group, a global provider of HR services and workforce solutions. With local experience spanning four decades, the company supports employers with permanent hiring, temporary staffing, HR outsourcing, and workforce advisory services. Through its group ecosystem, Adecco delivers integrated services to a wide range of sectors across Singapore.