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Op-Ed: Laos Marks Incredible Progress on Health in Recent Decades

A local nurse in Laos suggests food nutrition pyramid to a new mother. ( Photo : World Health Organization in Laos).

Today we mark World Health Day and the 75th anniversary of WHO and have a chance to reflect on the gains secured, and what is needed to sustain and build on these, writes Dr. Ying-Ru Lo, WHO Representative to Laos in an Op-ed.

Chinese President Xi Calls for Ukraine Peace Talks

Chinese President Xi Calls for Ukraine Peace Talks
Chinese President Xi Calls for Ukraine Peace Talks. French President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping take part in a Franco-Chinese business council meeting in Beijing, Thursday, April 6, 2023. ( Photo : AP )

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping called Thursday for peace talks over Ukraine after French President Emmanuel Macron appealed to him to “bring Russia to its senses,” but Xi gave no indication Beijing would use its leverage as Vladimir Putin’s diplomatic partner to press for a settlement.

Lao Government Vows to Address Passport Processing Complaints

Lao Government Vows to Address Passport Processing Complaints
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo: vietnamembassy-seoul)

According to an announcement from the Lao government on Thursday, it has promised to address concerns from the public about the slow processing time of passports in the country. 

Fighting in Myanmar Sends Thousands Fleeing to Thailand

Fighting in Myanmar sends thousands fleeing to Thailand
Residents from eastern Myanmar are seen after fleeing into Thailand's Tak Province from Myanmar's Myawaddy district, Thursday, April 6, 2023. ( Photo : AP )

BANGKOK (AP) — More than 5,000 people have fled from eastern Myanmar into Thailand in recent days as fighting between Myanmar’s army and armed resistance groups has intensified in the border area, Thai media and officials said Thursday.

Vietnam’s UNESCO Town Hoi An to Collect Entry Fees from Visitors

The historic town of Hoi An, located on Vietnam’s central coast, will soon be implementing entry fees for visitors beginning in mid-May.

Greenbriar Announces Sage Ranch Update

Newport Beach, California – Newsfile Corp. – April 6, 2023 – Greenbriar Capital Corp. (TSXV: GRB) (OTC Pink: GEBRF) (“Greenbriar“) is pleased to announce the following update:

Sage Ranch Water

Greenbriar is providing its project lender all of the final Sage Ranch project documents for the first tranche of its USD $40 million project loan package. Greenbriar expects to start construction a few weeks after the approval of the PDP and permits.

The Water for Sage Ranch is brought up in discussion by some shareholders and is consistently misreported by the Tehachapi News due to their lack of complete information. As everyone is aware, the Project is mentioned in a pending lawsuit filed by the Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District (District) against the City of Tehachapi (City). Greenbriar has also been engaged in confidential settlement negotiations with the District and the City to try to resolve their dispute out of court. This remains confidential.

The latest Regional Urban Water Management Plan (RUWMP), which the Water District is currently preparing with the City, forecasts sufficient water supply for the Sage Ranch Project.

State law requires preparation and regular updating of such Urban Water Management Plans to evaluate whether projected water supplies will be sufficient to meet demand from existing development and planned future growth over a 20-year horizon. (Water Code § 10610, et seq.)

Greenbriar understands that the District and the City disagree as to whether the RUWMP also should find the City will have sufficient water to meet varying levels of new demand from growth beyond that of Sage Ranch. The City contends the RUWMP should confirm the City will have sufficient water to serve additional annual growth rates beyond that of Sage Ranch, while the District seems to publicly want a lower growth rate. Even with the District’s lower growth rate, there will be sufficient water supplies for the Sage Ranch Project.

The District’s fight between the District and the City is very unfortunate and wastes hard earned funds paid for by water users. But the issues go beyond Sage Ranch. Sage Ranch has adequate water and the City performed a CEQA analysis with documented facts under the law, and according to the unanimous City council approval for Sage Ranch. Even with the Districts public claims for lower growth, Sage Ranch has enough water.

About Greenbriar Capital Corp:

Greenbriar is a leading ESG Alternative Asset developer of renewable energy and sustainable real estate. With long-term, high impact, contracted sales agreements in key project locations and led by a successful, industry-recognized operating and development team, Greenbriar targets deep valued assets directed at accretive shareholder value.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jeffrey J. Ciachurski
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Phone: 949.903-5906
Fax: 604-608-9572
www.greenbriarcapitalcorp.ca

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute “forward-looking statements” and include any information that addresses activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including the Company’s strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance and other statements that express management’s expectations or estimates of future performance.

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

Melco unveils thrilling all-weather indoor waterpark and Epic Tower at Studio City Phase 2

Reaffirming commitment to the diversification of Macau’s tourism industry

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 6 April 2023 – Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (Nasdaq: MLCO) (“Melco” or the “Company”), a developer, owner and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe, today announced the highly anticipated opening of an unparalleled indoor water park and its own-branded hotel, Epic Tower, at Studio City Phase 2, demonstrating the Company’s unwavering commitment to the continued growth and diversification of Macau’s tourism industry.

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Macau’s thrilling all-weather indoor water park at Studio City Phase 2 was unveiled

At an opening ceremony attended by officiating guests including Mr. Liu Decheng, Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macau SAR andMs. Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of Macau Government Tourism Office, Melco unveiled the first attractions at Studio City Phase 2. Ms. Helena de Senna Fernandes acknowledged the Company’s ongoing efforts in bringing unique, world-class entertainment offerings to Macau. With such distinctive additions, visitors can experience the thrills of Macau’s all-weather, all-year-round waterpark and discover the contemporary urban glamor of its prestigious new hotel tower, fulfilling the city’s vision for the further enhancement of leisure tourism.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Melco, commented: “With our new ten-year gaming concession, Melco’s commitment and belief in Macau’s long-term future remains unwavering. Throughout the pandemic, we never compromised our core beliefs in providing guests with quality hospitality, great design and world leading entertainment.

“The opening of the indoor waterpark and Epic Tower marks the start of a new chapter for Studio City, which is also an important milestone in Macau’s diversification objective and a demonstration of Melco’s confidence and belief in the long-standing potential of Macau. The development, in addition to the many more to be unveiled in the third quarter of this year, undoubtedly reinforces Studio City’s positioning as Asia’s Entertainment Capital, and Melco’s commitment to Macau through substantial and ongoing investment in the city’s future.”

Designed by renowned international architecture firm Zaha Hadid Architects, the USD1.2 billion Studio City Phase 2 will feature two luxury hotel towers – Epic Tower and W Macau, the Macau’s all-new, all-weather, all-year-round water park, and state-of-the-art space for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. The extension project will complement Melco’s existing offering of ‘next-generation’ world-class entertainment and further enhancing the distinctive Studio City brand.

Studio City Phase 2’s stunning new attractions include:

  • Indoor Water Park: Spanning nearly 10,000 square meters with 16 heart-pumping waterslides and attractions, the park offers year-round aquatic adventure.
  • Epic Tower: an own-branded hotel of Melco, with a total of 338 glamorous suites in 8 room types including 2 villas, epitomizes the Group’s hallmark for exceptional hospitality with a design fusing innovation, fashion and city chic.

Hashtag: #Melco

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

About Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited

The Company, with its American depositary shares listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (Nasdaq: MLCO), is a developer, owner and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe. The Company currently operates Altira Macau (), an integrated resort located at Taipa, Macau and City of Dreams (), an integrated resort located in Cotai, Macau. Its business also includes the Mocha Clubs (), which comprise the largest non-casino based operations of electronic gaming machines in Macau. The Company also majority owns and operates Studio City (), a cinematically-themed integrated resort in Cotai, Macau. In the Philippines, a Philippine subsidiary of the Company currently operates and manages City of Dreams Manila (), an integrated resort in the Entertainment City complex in Manila. In Europe, the Company is currently developing City of Dreams Mediterranean () in the Republic of Cyprus, which is expected to be the largest and premier integrated destination resort in Europe. The Company is currently operating a temporary casino, the first authorized casino in the Republic of Cyprus, and is licensed to operate four satellite casinos (“Cyprus Casinos”). Upon the opening of City of Dreams Mediterranean, the Company will continue to operate the satellite casinos while operation of the temporary casino will cease. For more information about the Company, please visit .

The Company is majority owned by Melco International Development Limited, a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, which is in turn majority owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is the Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

NASDAQ-listed wealth and health firm, AGBA Group Holding Limited to acquire Sony Life Financial Advisers Pte Ltd in Singapore

  • AGBA Group signs agreement to acquire Sony Life Financial Advisers Pte Ltd in Singapore
  • Acquisition is a key milestone for AGBA’s business and expansion beyond the Greater Bay Area into Southeast Asia

HONG KONG and SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 6 April 2023 – NASDAQ-listed AGBA Group Holding Limited “AGBA” announced that it has entered into a sale and purchase agreement, dated 5 April 2023, to acquire Sony Life Financial Advisers Pte Ltd, a duly licensed financial adviser and insurance broker in Singapore. AGBA, together with its subsidiary, the “AGBA Group”, is a leading one-stop financial supermarket headquartered in Hong Kong.

(Left) Yoshiki Moriyama, Managing Director and CEO, Sony Life Financial Advisers Pte Ltd
(Right) Wing-Fai Ng, Group President, AGBA Group Holding Limited

Trusted by over 400,000 individual and corporate customers, the AGBA Group offers the broadest set of financial services and healthcare products in the Greater Bay Area in China. The AGBA Group has a unique collection of complementary businesses that blends market-leading businesses with emerging businesses models. It serves a large captive customer base, while at the same time unlocking growth through the introduction of innovative new wealth and health products and services through a variety of B2B and B2C distribution channels.

(Left) Yoshiki Moriyama, Managing Director and CEO, Sony Life Financial Advisers Pte Ltd
(Middle) Almond Wong, Group Chief Operating Officer, AGBA Group Holding Limited
(Right) Wing-Fai Ng, Group President, AGBA Group Holding Limited

The latest acquisition marks a key milestone for AGBA; it is lucrative to its insurance and fintech businesses and expands access to key markets in Asia. While AGBA’s primary focus is in the Greater Bay Area in China, Singapore was selected for expansion due to the island nation’s position and reputation as a global center for innovation, business and finance. Ranked 10th place for average income by country, Singapore has is known to have one of the highest saving rates in the world.

Group photo of senior management of AGBA Group and Sony Life Financial Advisers at the signing ceremony

Singapore is also home to one of the largest and fastest growing family office and wealth management centers in the world. AGBA believes its advanced technology and infrastructure in wealth management will offer the industry compelling solution sets in the long run.

Yoshiki Moriyama Managing Director and CEO, Sony Life Financial Advisers Pte Ltd said, “We are confident AGBA has the capabilities, resources and commitment to take SLFA to new heights. We will work together with AGBA to obtain regulatory and other approvals. As we do so, SLFA will continue to deliver the high standard of service that its customers have come to expect. When such approvals are given, Sony Life and AGBA are both committed to ensure an orderly and seamless transition. This agreement is good news for all stakeholders. We are committed to support AGBA and to ensure that SLFA is well positioned to succeed.”

Wing-Fai Ng, Group President, AGBA Group Holding Limited said that beyond the Greater Bay area, Southeast Asia plays a key role in the development of financial service markets.

“Singapore, in particular, holds magnificent potential for this, given its strategic geographical location and status as a global centre for innovation and finance,” Ng said. “As a company, AGBA will continue to leverage our existing infrastructure, business partners, and our large user base to optimise customer experience through technology.” Ng added that AGBA will further strengthen its competitive advantages in procuring and financing new clients and partners.

“The acquisition of Sony Financial Advisers is a win-win solution for both companies as our businesses are similar and our products are complementary,” Ng said. “Our expectation is for the latest acquisition of Sony Life Financial Advisers in Singapore to bring forth new prospects and promising business opportunities — especially in the Southeast Asian region.”

Hashtag: #AGBAGroup

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

About Sony Financial Advisors:

Sony Financial Advisers is a duly licensed financial adviser and insurance broker in Singapore which was established in 2017 and has become a distinctive retail financial services advisory firm that serves mass affluent retail customers (comprising Japanese residing in Singapore as well as local residents) for both their protection and investment needs.

About AGBA Group:

Established in 1993, AGBA Group Holding Limited (NASDAQ: “AGBA”) is a leading one-stop financial supermarket based in Hong Kong offering the broadest set of financial services and healthcare products in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) through a tech-led ecosystem, enabling clients to unlock the choices that best suit their needs. Trusted by over 400,000 individual and corporate customers, the Group is organized into four market-leading businesses: Platform Business, Distribution Business, Healthcare Business, and Fintech Business.

Safe Harbor Statement:

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the AGBA uses words such as “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from AGBA’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: AGBA’s goals and strategies; AGBA’s future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against us following the consummation of the business combination; expectations regarding our strategies and future financial performance, including its future business plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products, pricing, operating expenses, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and our ability to invest in growth initiatives and pursue acquisition opportunities; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in Hong Kong and the international markets AGBA plans to serve (including without limitation Singapore) and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by AGBA with the SEC, the length and severity of the recent coronavirus outbreak, including its impacts across our business and operations. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in AGBA’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. AGBA undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward–looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

For more information about AGBA, please visit

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