27 C
Vientiane
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 1661

Protect Children’s Vision: Join the Movement for Universal Eye Screening

Launch of board book will enable parents and teachers to detect vision problems in children

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 15 May 2023 – With the increasing usage of digital devices at young ages, it is estimated that one in four school-aged children has vision problems. The number of children with myopia and other vision problems is expected to rise. Unfortunately, many children with vision problems are not aware of their condition, leading to poor development and learning.

Eye Screening Book by Vision & Perception Practice
Eye Screening Book by Vision & Perception Practice

To address this issue, optometrist and preschool owner Andy Teo has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo for the “Children Eye Screening Book for Teachers & Parents.” The book is a children’s board book that allows teachers and parents to perform a basic eye screening for children from three years old, featuring easy-to-recognize shapes. The project’s goal is to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of eye problems in children and to encourage more schools in the region to perform universal eye screenings.

Andy Teo with “The Children Eye Screening Book for Teachers & Parents”
Andy Teo with “The Children Eye Screening Book for Teachers & Parents”

Andy’s passion for this project stems from his experience of having a cataract in his right eye as a child and his detection of vision problems in young children as young as two years old in his own preschool. As he frequently volunteered to perform eye screenings for schools in the region, he realised that eye screenings were not mandated, unlike in Singapore where all pre-schoolers receive their 1st eye screening at 5 years old. He believes early detection of eye problems in children is crucial for their learning and development, and wishes to start a movement for more schools in the region to provide a basic eye screening for every child.

Several schools, including AppleTree Preschool (Indonesia), Stella Gracia School (Indonesia), and Avenue Early Years Center (Philippines) in the region have already joined the movement to bring basic eye screening to every child.

“We believe that early detection of eye problems in children is crucial for their learning and development. With this book, we aim to start a movement to provide basic eye screenings for young children through schools and teachers. We hope that this project will help raise awareness about the importance of eye screening and encourage more people to take action to protect their children’s vision.” Says Andy Teo.

The project is seeking funding on Indiegogo, and backers can receive rewards such as a digital eye screener or an eye screening board book. Supporters can also donate eye screening books to schools in disadvantaged communities.

Join the movement to protect children’s vision. Visit the Indiegogo campaign page at https://igg.me/at/eyebook to support the “Children Eye Screening Book for Teachers & Parents” and help ensure that all children have access to basic eye screenings. For more information, please email andy@visionandperception.com.sg.

Hashtag: #visionandperceptionpractice #childrendevelopment #EyeScreeningBook

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

Laos to Host 5th International Mountain Tourism Day

Laos to Host 5th International Mountain Tourism Day
Deputy Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Ounthuang Khaophanh (right) met with a representative of China's International Mountain Tourism Alliance (left) (photo: Pathedlao)
Laos has been chosen to host the 5th International Mountain Tourism Day and conference from 28 May to 1 June in Vientiane capital and Luang Prabang.

Big C Hypermarket to Open in Laos Next Year

Big C Hypermarket to Open in Laos Next Year
A Big C retail store in Thailand. ( Photo : Retail in Asia )

Big C, a Bangkok-based grocery and general merchandising retailer, has commenced construction of its first hypermarket in Laos, with plans to open its doors next year.

Honoring Excellence: Hang Lung Properties Celebrates Elevating Customer Experience with the 2023 Emerald Award

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 May 2023 – Hang Lung Properties (SEHK stock code: 00101) (“Hang Lung” or “the Company”) reaffirms its commitment to customer-centricity with “Go the Extra Mile” mindset, taking customer service to the next level. The 2023 Hang Lung Emerald Award presentation ceremony, honoring frontline employees who have demonstrated exceptional customer service, witnessed many nominated cases that went beyond the normal exemplars of service excellence that have been seen in previous years, including cultural heritage conservation and instances where employees provided assistance to the police in solving cases. The Company received over 300 nominations from various areas of the business across Hong Kong and mainland China.

Mr. Weber Lo, Chief Executive Officer (middle); Mr. Kenneth Chiu, Chief Financial Officer (2nd from the right); Ms. Janet Poon, Director – Human Resources & Administration (2nd from the left); Ms. Helen Lau, Deputy Director (Head of Hong Kong Business Operation) (1st from the right) and Ms. Maggie Ma, General Manager – Corporate Communications (1st from the left) attend the 2023 Hang Lung Emerald Award presentation ceremony to congratulate winners for their exceptional customer services
Mr. Weber Lo, Chief Executive Officer (middle); Mr. Kenneth Chiu, Chief Financial Officer (2nd from the right); Ms. Janet Poon, Director – Human Resources & Administration (2nd from the left); Ms. Helen Lau, Deputy Director (Head of Hong Kong Business Operation) (1st from the right) and Ms. Maggie Ma, General Manager – Corporate Communications (1st from the left) attend the 2023 Hang Lung Emerald Award presentation ceremony to congratulate winners for their exceptional customer services

Mr. Weber Lo, Chief Executive Officer of Hang Lung Properties, said, “We’re proud of our award-winning employees for exemplifying our corporate focus of customer-centricity by going above and beyond to exceed customer expectations. Their dedication and strong ownership play a pivotal role in delivering the best Hang Lung branded experience, enabling us to realize our vision of creating compelling spaces that enrich lives, and to pursue our mission of sustainable growth by connecting our customers and communities.”

Since 2014, the Hang Lung Emerald Award has been a shining symbol of the Company's unwavering dedication to upholding customer-centricity
Since 2014, the Hang Lung Emerald Award has been a shining symbol of the Company’s unwavering dedication to upholding customer-centricity
(From left) Ng Kam Fai, Ngan Chun Hung, Joey Chan and Lau Hok Lai from Amoy Gardens, Hong Kong, receive the Hang Lung Emerald Award for demonstrating their sense of mission to protect residents' health and safety. Their proactive follow-up successfully averted the potential danger of concrete falling on an elderly resident in her unit, despite the resident rejecting earlier offers of assistance
(From left) Ng Kam Fai, Ngan Chun Hung, Joey Chan and Lau Hok Lai from Amoy Gardens, Hong Kong, receive the Hang Lung Emerald Award for demonstrating their sense of mission to protect residents’ health and safety. Their proactive follow-up successfully averted the potential danger of concrete falling on an elderly resident in her unit, despite the resident rejecting earlier offers of assistance

At this year’s Hang Lung Emerald Award presentation ceremony, a total of two Emerald Awards, five Merit Awards, and four Special Mentions were awarded based on the criteria of initiative, accountability, problem-handling, creativity, uniqueness, and “going the extra mile.”

Connie Liu from Riverside 66, Tianjin is awarded the Hang Lung Emerald Award for her exceptional dedication and sense of ownership. Her passion for work and initiative in self-enhancement reflect Hang Lung's commitment to customer-centricity
Connie Liu from Riverside 66, Tianjin is awarded the Hang Lung Emerald Award for her exceptional dedication and sense of ownership. Her passion for work and initiative in self-enhancement reflect Hang Lung’s commitment to customer-centricity

Hang Lung is committed to enhancing customer experience by prioritizing initiatives that support employee and community wellbeing. Hang Lung’s 19 properties in Hong Kong and eight cities in mainland China have achieved the WELL Health-Safety Rating from the International WELL Building Institute, showcasing a firm commitment to best practices in health and safety. To provide safe, healthy and sustainable environments for its stakeholders, the Company is among the first commercial companies in Hong Kong to have adopted C-POLAR air filters, which have been proven effective at arresting and killing airborne viruses and bacteria, in its medical hubs in Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mongkok. The Company has also further expanded availability of electric vehicle charging stations at strategic locations across Hong Kong by 60% compared to 2021. In addition to enhanced facilities, over 240 frontline staff have received “Dementia Friends” training recognized by the Social Welfare Department to improve their understanding of dementia and their communication skills in order to build a more inclusive community.

Hashtag: #HangLungProperties

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

About Hang Lung Properties

Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the “66” brand, the company’s Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the “Pulse of the City”. Hang Lung Properties is recognized for leading the way in enhanced sustainability initiatives in real estate as it pursues sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities.

At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.

For more information, please visit .

Laos Records Trade Surplus of USD 1.39 Billion in 2022

Laos Records Trade Surplus of USD 1,390 Million in 2022
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo: The Star)

Laos recorded a trade surplus of USD 1.39 billion in 2022, boosted by the country’s electricity exports, according to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Khammouane Approves 71 French Colonial Buildings as Historical Heritage Sites

Khammouane Approves 71 French Colonial Buildings as Historical Heritage Sites
One of the French colonial buildings (photo: Khammouane News)

Khammouane Province has designated 71 French colonial buildings and houses as historical heritage sites for educational purposes and tourism.

Gunman Robs Vientiane Jewelry Store, Escapes with Valuables

Glass fragments that were shattered at Khounkham Jewelry Store.

An armed man robbed a jewelry store at Viewmall Shopping Center in Vientiane Capital on Friday, making off with valuables.

The rise of conflicted consumerism: Cost-of-living prompts consumers to weight up price versus principles in buying decisions

  • 69% of global shoppers place price as top consideration in their buying journeys
  • Yet, despite cost-of-livings pressures, 73% remain ‘sustainably-minded’ shoppers
  • Next day delivery or fast format fulfilment tops ‘sustainable’ shoppers’ eco vices
  • 45% would pay more for fast fulfilment, but 26% would pay more for carbon-neutral deliveries


SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach – 15 May 2023 – A price versus principles paradox is creating a new cohort of ‘Conflicted Shoppers’, who are simultaneously demanding value for money as well as products and services from retailers that tap into their sustainable values, the latest research from Asendia, the leader in international e-commerce and mail delivery solutions, reveals.

Original research of over 8,000 global shoppers in Asendia’s ‘How To Sell Direct In The Age Of The Conflicted Shopper’ Report showed that price now tops consumers’ key considerations for 55% in their buying decisions, closely followed by value for money (54%). Price was most important for shoppers in Canada (68%), followed by the UK (56%), while German and Spanish consumers were most influenced by value for money (62% and 61% respectively). Yet, despite cost-of-living pressures, almost three quarters (73%) of global shoppers considered themselves to be sustainably-minded in their consumption habits.

Reduced consumption is both price and environmentally motivated

While 69% of global shoppers said they planned to cut back on spending in 2023 due to economic uncertainty, rising to 77% in France, consumers are also re-evaluating how and what they buy to minimise their environmental impact.

A further half (50%) plan to consume less but more sustainably by purchasing pre-loved or second-hand items in 2023, rising to 62% in Germany and 61% in France, while a further third (32%) intend to buy less by extending the life of the products they own by using retailers’ repair or upcycling and circular retail initiatives.

Renaud Marlière, Global Chief of Business Development of Asendia, commented: “There’s little doubt that cost-of-living pressures are forcing consumers to weigh up what values, such as sustainability and greener consumption, they can afford to maintain. But while household budgets remain squeezed, shoppers aren’t prepared to put price entirely before principals in their consumption habits.”

“This is creating what we’ve coined the conflicted shopper; consumers who seek value for money – acting with price-sensitivity and spending-caution – on one hand, but want to consume in line with their values on the other, opting for eco-conscious decisions across their buying journey, from product choice to fulfilment methods. Despite this seeming paradox, it means retailers now need to cater for both polar ends of the conflicted shoppers’ value spectrum if they are going to win custom, loyalty and lifetime value,” Renaud Marlière continued.

The value paradox

While 73% of global shoppers consider themselves to be sustainably-minded, rising to 76% in the U.S. and Spain, the same consumers who are mindfully shopping ‘green’ – with 47% buying organically, 41% buying eco-friendly products and 27% choosing low-carbon goods – are also displaying sustainability ‘vices’ within their consumption habits.

Almost a quarter (23%) were still choosing next day deliveries or fast fulfilment options, while a further 20% of Millennials and 23% of Gen Z who identified as sustainably-minded shoppers admitted to still buying fast fashion, despite being renowned for its damaging impact on the planet. Almost two fifths (17%) of ‘green’ Gen Z consumers were also choosing to buy denim, widely considered to be an environmentally-poor fashion choice.

Delivering on sustainability demands

And this value paradox is being exhibited not just in what consumers buy, but also in how they want their orders to be delivered. Global shoppers’ top consideration around international fulfilment was knowing where their order is being shipped from to better understand the cost and distance (carbon impact) of the product reaching them (33%).

When it came to improving deliveries, preparing orders with reusable-only packaging topped global shopper demands across international and domestic fulfilment (40% and 39% respectively), followed by offering 100% carbon-neutral deliveries (30% for international and 31% for domestic orders). While 45% of the global shoppers polled would pay more for faster fulfilment, 26% would pay more for 100% carbon neutral deliveries, while 19% would pay more for greener fulfilment options, even if the item took longer to arrive.

In 2022 Asendia announced it had reached 100% carbon neutrality through its carbon offsetting projects. It now offers carbon neutrality across all shipments carried out for international retail customers via its e-PAQ solution, a specialist range of international packet and parcel services designed for online retailers.

For further information on how brands can address demands around value and build international consumer relationships that better meet the needs of today’s conflicted shoppers, download the full report: ‘How To Sell Direct In The Age Of The Conflicted Shopper’ Report,.

Asendia is committed to putting the customer at the centre of everything it does, which is why it stands for trust, friendliness and ease of use as the key pillars representing its core values.

Research methodology

Original research of over 8,000 global shoppers in the UK, U.S., Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland and Hong Kong. Each individual market polled had a sample size of over 1,000 shoppers.

The research was conducted via online polling by Savanta on behalf of Asendia in February 2023.

Hashtag: #Asendia

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

About Asendia

Asendia is one of the world’s leaders in international e-commerce and mail, delivering packages, parcels and documents to more than 200 destinations across the globe.

Combining the experience and expertise of our founding companies, La Poste and Swiss Post, Asendia brings together a wealth of international and local know-how. Asendia’s expertise is broad reaching encompassing different aspects of e-commerce, from webshop software and marketplace management to international logistics. Asendia is committed to sustainability, offsetting all carbon emissions including first-mile collection, last-mile delivery, returns, and building emissions, machinery, and business travel.

Asendia employs over 1,500 people in Europe, UK, Asia Pacific and the USA – a global network blended with a local presence.