More than 5,000 children have dropped out of primary, lower, and upper secondary schools in Bokeo Province during the current academic year of 2023–24, as reported by the provincial education and sports department.
WRISE Launches WRISE Prestige to Cater to Growing Mass Affluent Segment in Asia Pacific
New business unit will capitalise on the region’s rising affluence to expand wealth management offerings
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 February 2024 – WRISE Group today announced the launch of WRISE Prestige, a new business unit underlining the Group’s commitment to diversify its offerings and meet the region’s evolving wealth management needs. WRISE Prestige expands WRISE’s reach to the mass affluent market with a minimum investment threshold of USD500,000.
The mass affluent market in Asia is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by the rise of the Asian middle class and the inter-generational transfer of wealth. Southeast Asia’s mass affluent demographic is anticipated to surge to 136 million by 2030. In tandem, China’s mass affluent households are forecasted to witness a rise to 162 million by 2030.
“Over the past few years, we have been seeing stronger demand and increasing sophistication of wealth management solutions of clients in Asia, particularly as the region’s rising affluence has vastly expanded the investment opportunities for the mass affluent,” said Derrick Tan, Group Executive Chairman of WRISE. “WRISE Prestige positions WRISE Group at the forefront of managing the region’s changing wealth flows, aligned with the evolving demands of this dynamic clientele. The expansion also underscores our commitment to navigating these wealth demographic shifts, offering tailored solutions that bridge a crucial gap in the wealth management landscape.”
WRISE Prestige will first launch in Hong Kong and offer mass affluent clients unparalleled price transparency and exclusive opportunities for direct investments, mirroring the advantages enjoyed by WRISE’s existing clientele of Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs). Product offerings will also include global securities, structured products, mutual funds and fixed income.
Leadership for the new business unit includes Stephen Yan, Chairman of WRISE Prestige, who will oversee strategic business plans and activities, and Jowin Fung, Vice Chairman and CEO of WRISE Prestige, who will lead the day-to-day operations of WRISE Prestige.
“I am excited to be joining WRISE at such a pivotal moment. The launch of WRISE Prestige comes at an opportune time in meeting the wealth management needs of such market segments,” said Jowin Fung, Vice Chairman and CEO, WRISE Prestige. “As we navigate the convergence of traditional and digital wealth management, I look forward to leading our team in redefining the wealth management experience for our clients.”
The WRISE Group will also rebrand its existing WRISE Wealth Management services for UHNWIs to WRISE Private across Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai.
Hashtag: #WRISE
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WRISE Group
WRISE is a leading independent multi-family office that simplifies the complexity of legacy financial structure. Its proprietary wealth management tool, TREX, provides clients with complete control and transparency over their total wealth, and the ability to create their own family office with real-time access to expert advice and tailored solutions within a vast ecosystem of top global private banks, investment banks, fund managers, brokers, and others.
WRISE Group of companies include WRISE Wealth Management (Singapore), WeWrise Services, and Voo Technologies and affiliated companies WRISE Wealth Management (Hong Kong), WRISE Wealth Management (Middle East).
Lao Government Rolls Out New Tax Regulations on E-Commerce
The Ministry of Finance announced a new regulation on mandatory tax payments for all digital shopping platforms in its latest notice, released on 14 February.
Diverse Ancient Volcanoes on Mars Discovered by HKU Planetary Scientist May Hold Clues to Pre-plate Tectonic Activity on Earth

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 February 2024 – Volcanoes are a common feature on the surfaces of solid planets within the solar system, resulting from magmatic activity occurring within the planetary crust. On Earth, volcanism is driven primarily by heat and crustal recycling associated with plate tectonics, but Mars lacks plate tectonics and the driver of volcanism is not well understood.

Recent research by Professor Joseph MICHALSKI, a geologist in the Department of Earth Sciences at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), has revealed intriguing insights into the volcanic activity on Mars. He proposes that Mars has significantly more diverse volcanism than previously realised, driven by an early form of crust recycling called vertical tectonics. The findings, recently published in Nature Astronomy, shed light on the ancient crust of Mars and its potential implications for understanding early crustal recycling on both Mars and Earth.
Traditionally, Mars has been known to have large shield volcanoes similar to those in Hawaii. However, it was not known that Mars also possessed the diverse, explosive volcanoes that form on Earth due to crustal recycling.
The recent research conducted by Professor Michalski and his international team discover a vast number of diverse volcanoes in the ancient crust of Mars. ‘We have known for decades that Mars has volcanoes, but most of the recognised volcanoes correspond to large basaltic shield volcanoes similar to the ones that make up Hawaii,’ he explains. ‘In this work, we show that the ancient crust has many other types of volcanoes such as lava domes, stratovolcanoes, calderas and large shields of ash, not lava. Further, most scientists see Mars as a planet composed of basalt, which has low silica content and represents little crustal evolution, but these volcanoes have high silica content which means they formed from a complex process of magma evolution not known before.’
The paper suggests that intense volcanism occurred on ancient Mars, causing the crust to collapse into the mantle, where the rocks re-melted, resulting in magmas that have high silica. This tectonic process, called vertical tectonics, is hypothesised to have occurred on the ancient Earth, but rocks on Earth from that period (the Archean, more than 3 billion years ago) are highly modified by later geological activity, so we cannot see evidence for this process clearly on this planet. Therefore, exploring other planets like Mars, which has volcanism but no plate tectonics, can help reveal the mysteries of early crustal recycling on both the Red Planet, and by analogy, on early Earth.
Professor Michalski concluded, ‘Mars contains critical geological puzzle pieces that help us understand not only that planet, but the Earth as well. Martian volcanism is much more complex and diverse than has been previously thought.’
‘This is a significant discovery because it has revealed that crustal recycling can occur not only in plate tectonic regimes dominated by horizontal movements, but can also occur in pre-plate tectonic regimes dominated by vertical movements. This finding can help earth scientists revolve the long-term controversial issues of how and when felsic continents formed in our planet (Earth)’, said Professor Guochun ZHAO, the Chair Professor of HKU Earth Sciences.
The journal paper can be accessed here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-023-02191-7
About Professor Joseph Michalski
A Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences and Deputy Director of the Laboratory for Space Research at HKU, he collaborated with colleagues from mainland China and USA on this research project. He is a Research Fellow of the Hong Kong Research Grants Council, and winner of a Tencent Xplorer Prize in 2023. The funding for this work was provided by the RGC Collaborative Research Fund.
For more information on Professor Joseph Michalski’s research, please visit: http://www.clays.space; Twitter: @JoePlanets
Image and caption for download: https://www.scifac.hku.hk/press
Hashtag: #HKU
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How Thailand’s Thaksin Shinawatra Went From Prime Minister to Fugitive Abroad, Back Home Again
BANGKOK (AP) — Thaksin Shinawatra, the billionaire former prime minister of Thailand, made a dramatic return home after more than a decade of self-imposed exile.
Audelacare Unveils Next-Gen One-Push Walking Stick for Effortless Mobility in the Elderly
Audelacare launches the One-Push Walking Stick—a mobility aid designed for comfort and safety in the elderly during movement
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 February 2024 – Audelacare, a leading innovator in Singapore’s industry of eldercare products, launches the One-Push Walking Stick—a mobility tool designed to ensure ease, comfort, and safety in the elderly during movement.

The Features of the One-Push Walking Stick
Designed in Singapore and crafted in Taiwan, the One-Push Walking Stick is a mobility aid with a hiking length of 92 cm by 125.5 cm, and a walking length of 85 cm by 118 cm. It boasts a straightforward design and an adjustable height that makes it suitable for people of varying stature. This flexibility allows users to effortlessly adjust the walking stick to their needs and comfort with a simple pull of the handle, a great feature that promotes independence and convenience for the elderly.
For easy handling and storage, this One-Push Walking Stick also boasts a lightweight but robust design. For those who are concerned about its durability, the walking stick is constructed of anodised aluminium, which is a corrosion-resistant material capable of supporting up to 113 kg at once. It not only provides exceptional strength, but is also three times lighter than regular aluminium.
Additionally, ergonomics were factored into the design of the One-Push Walking Stick. It is made with Thermoplastic Rubber—a material that possesses the characteristics of both rubber and plastic—to ensure a comfortable, anti-slip, and secure grip ideal for long walks and hikes.
A Lifestyle Companion for Active Ageing
More than just a mobility aid; the One-Push Walking Stick serves as an accompanying tool that helps the elderly go about their daily lives with ease. Its composition of high-quality recyclable materials offers stability and support, while its user-friendly features seek to enhance the overall walking experience and contribute to a more active ageing lifestyle. Seniors can continue to engage in more physical movement easily, maintaining optimal cardiovascular health and simultaneously stimulating their muscles to strengthen them.
Benefits of the One-Push Walking Stick
- Improved independence and confidence in daily activities
- Enhanced safety through advanced safety features
- Ease of mobility, reducing strain on joints and muscles
- Stylish design that challenges the stigma associated with walking aids
Availability and Pricing
The One-Push Walking Stick is available for purchase online at a discounted price of $35.90. If you’d like to find out more about the walking stick, please visit https://www.audelacare.com/product-page/walking-hiking-stick
Hashtag: #Audelacare #SeniorMobility #ActiveAgeing #OnePushWalkingStick #ElderlyHealth #InnovationInEldercare #MobilityAid #IndependentLiving #SafetyFirst #StylishMobility
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About Audelacare
Founded in 2018, AudelacareTM is a homegrown eldercare brand that strives to make a positive impact on the lives of seniors. Their dedication to providing first-rate, reliable products at a modest price has driven them towards delivering an excellent product experience for its customers. The brand continually works towards enhancing the day-to-day lives of seniors, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.
What sets AudelacareTM apart is its commitment to sourcing premium materials from renowned regions like Germany, the USA, and Japan. Through rigorous testing processes, the brand proudly assures that its products adhere to top-notch standards. This commitment to quality ensures that customers receive eldercare products that meet the highest standards of comfort, affordability, and reliability.
AudelacareTM carries a wide range of eldercare products designed to meet the unique needs of seniors. They include solutions under the Audelacare, Gloveon, and Gracecare brands. To explore the full range of products, visit https://www.audelacare.com/product-range.
Nexus International School (Singapore) Learners Present “Nexwell” Well-Being App For Peers
Nexus International School (Singapore) learners have developed a well-being app to provide their peers with continuous access to mental health support.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 February 2024 – Learners at Nexus International School (Singapore) have unveiled “Nexwell,” a well-being app offering their peers access to 24/7 mental health tools, guidance and resources. Developed over six months, this project exemplifies Nexus’ focus on real-world learning and innovative education. Now in its testing phase, Nexwell is being refined for optimal user functionality.

Making Mental Health Resources Readily Available
Nexwell’s inception was sparked by an identification by Nexus counsellors of the need for a constantly accessible self-help platform for the school’s learners. Recognising this imperative, Ms Hemangi Ahire, the Learning Area Leader of the Computer Science department, was approached to evaluate the feasibility of creating a well-being app. Embracing this challenge, Ms Ahire assembled a team of five learners from Years 10 to 13, all keen on computer science and coding. Under her guidance, these learners embarked on the intricate task of developing the app, a venture blending their passion for technology with a commitment to mental health.
Learning by Resolving Real-World Problems
The creation of the Nexwell app provided the learner team with a rewarding real world learning experience. Tasked with creating a tool to facilitate easy access to self-help for their peers at Nexus, these learners, who were novices in programming, navigated a challenging but enriching journey. The project allowed them to acquire new software skills and knowledge through an interdisciplinary approach. Team members reflected on the invaluable lessons in collaboration and teamwork they gained, marking this project as a profound learning experience, distinct from the regular school curriculum.
This endeavour showcases Nexus’ commitment to fostering learner agency, encouraging learners to undertake personal initiatives. It also aligns with the school’s dedication to enhancing overall learner well-being.
Ms Ahire remarked, “The learners’ commitment to enhancing our school community through technology has been amazing. Their contributions have not only made the app functional and user-friendly, but have also added value to the entire school community. Their initiative reflects a deep sense of responsibility and a forward-thinking mindset that is truly commendable.”
Upcoming Exciting Developments
With the initial release of Nexwell, the learners have entered the crucial testing phase. This phase involves engaging with various stakeholders within the school community to gather feedback. Following this refinement process, the team’s goal is to make Nexwell available on both the Google and Apple app stores, allowing it to reach and benefit a wider audience, illustrating the essence of authentic, technology-enriched learning that Nexus International School fosters.
Hashtag: #NexusInternationalSchool
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Nexus International School (Singapore)
Nexus International School (Singapore) puts its learners at the heart of everything they do. The school offers the IB curriculum to children aged 3-18 years old, taking a holistic approach to learning that nurtures well-rounded and confident learners. Instead of asking the traditional question, “What do you want to be?”, Nexus asks its learners, “What problems do you want to solve?” Conscious of the ever-changing future, Nexus encourages its learners to push boundaries and make mistakes as they explore innovative possibilities and work towards attaining their personal goals and aspirations.
2035 E-Mobility Taiwan: The Platform Shaping the Future of Mobility

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2024 – 2035 E-Mobility Taiwan, Taiwan’s foremost E-Mobility trade show, returns to Taipei from April 17 to 20 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1 (TaiNEX 1). The trade show serves as a complete sourcing platform for electric vehicle and autonomous driving technologies where top-tier brands, promising startups, industry experts, influential media, and government leaders converge to foster valuable business connections, seize opportunities, and explore solutions for the future of mobility.

Get Ready for a Smarter and More Sustainable Experience
With net-zero emission policies sweeping the globe, major automotive players are swiftly transitioning towards electrification. BloombergNEF expects that global EV sales reach 14 million in 2023 and 16.7 million in 2024, showing an unstoppable momentum in the automotive industry. However, the promising EV and smart mobility industry demand substantial planning and investment, including the establishment of a robust charging infrastructure and integration of essential automotive electronics.
For years, Taiwan has been recognized as a trustworthy global supplier of automotive electronics, leveraging its robust semiconductor, ICT, and advanced manufacturing capabilities. This April, Taiwan is poised to offer comprehensive solutions for global buyers at 2035 E-Mobility Taiwan, centered around the theme “Drive Smart, Drive Sustainability.” This show showcases smart, sustainable, and efficient solutions that shape the future of mobility and address the most pressing challenges within the global smart mobility ecosystem.
Drive Smart
To pave the way for safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable journeys for drivers and passengers alike, 2035 E-Mobility Taiwan provides innovative solutions, including AI-based blind spot detection, OTA (Over-the-Air) technology, remote diagnostic, ADAS, smart cockpit, in-vehicle infotainment system, and autonomous parking system that redefine the driving experience.
Exhibitors: Advantech, Carota, Clientron, Voyager Technology, Keysight
Drive Sustainability
In the era of striving for net-zero emissions and sustainability, 2035 E-Mobility Taiwan shines with electrifying innovations. From EV batteries and motors to versatile home and commercial EV chargers alongside advanced charging stations and energy management systems, the show offers a thrilling display of advancements that not only fulfill practical needs but also optimize energy efficiency.
Exhibitors: Phoenix Contact, Texas Instruments, Delta Electronics, Zerova, HDRE, PEWC, TECO, MSI, Actron, GUS Tech
One-Stop Shop for Complete Mobility Solutions
This year, 2035 E-Mobility Taiwan will be held concurrently with TAIPEI AMPA and AutoTronics Taipei, creating a one-stop platform for global visitors seeking automobile and motorcycle spare parts, automotive electronics, electric vehicle solutions and autonomous driving technologies. With over 950 exhibitors using 2700 booths, this mega show is the ultimate destination for car manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers, IT experts, fleet managers, and government officials to discover comprehensive mobility solutions and forge new partnerships.
Be Inspired at 2035 E-Mobility Taiwan
Throughout the four-day trade show, the E-Mobility Forum serves as a hub for global industry leaders and visionaries to delve into the most significant advancements shaping the automotive sector. Additionally, leading companies will showcase innovations that enhance the human mobility experience during New Product Launches. Visitors can also join guided tours led by industry experts to gain interactive experience across the show floor.
2035 E-Mobility Taiwan is organized by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and will be held in Taipei from April 17 to 20, 2024. Overseas visitors can register here and visit the show for free. Visit e-mobilityshow.com.tw and follow on LinkedIn to get updates from 2035 E-Mobility Taiwan. Watch the highlights video from 2023 exhibition: https://reurl.cc/nLpnpd
Hashtag: #TaiwanExternalTradeDevelopmentCouncil
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