A ceremony was held at the Keoudom district’s main club in Vientiane Province to provide compensation to families affected by the construction work around the Nam Ngum Hydropower Dam 1, especially in Sengsavang village.
Laos Welcomes Over 1.6 Million Tourists in First Half of 2023
The Tourism Development Department of Laos recently released a report informing that over 1.6 million international tourists visited Laos until June 2023.
Joining Forces for a Greener Future: Watsons Partners with Kenvue, L’Oréal and P&G to Drive Sustainability Efforts

Malina Ngai, CEO of A.S. Watson (Asia & Europe), said, “At Watsons, sustainability is at the heart of our business, and we recognise the importance of prioritising it. As the leading industry player, we take our responsibility to lead by example, encouraging our supplier partners to join us in our journey to build a better world. We believe that only by working together, we can create a bigger positive impact to our planet. Our partnership with Kenvue, L’Oréal, and P&G is a significant step towards achieving our shared sustainability goals.”
Inspiring Customers to Go Green
In addition to providing sustainable choices products, the collaboration with our supplier partners has gone beyond just product range. We’ve also been teaming up to run a wide range of sustainability initiatives to engage every one of our customers.
The collaboration with Kenvue has led to the launch of a region-wide Green Smiles Campaign across Asia, aimed to inspire customers to go green with us while shopping. In Watsons Taiwan, Kenvue will plant one tree for every customer who purchases a sustainable choices product, while Watsons Indonesia’s customers will help save a sea turtle upon buying a sustainable choices product. In Thailand, customers will be able to learn sustainability tips through gamification and join beach clean-up activity with KOLs. Thibaut Mongon, CEO of Kenvue, said, “At Kenvue, our commitment to everyday care includes our planet. We are excited to launch our jointly created campaign, Green Smiles, and to continue our long-standing collaboration with A.S. Watson.”
In Hong Kong, Watsons and P&G have collaborated on the Plastic Reborn programme to encourage customers to recycle plastic containers. Since its launch in 2021, over 530,000 bottles have been recycled. Building on the success of the programme, this year, we plan to reprocess the plastic bottles collected through the Plastic Reborn programme and transform them into 3D printing materials suitable for STEM education in primary and secondary schools. James Lin, President of Procter & Gamble Hong Kong & Taiwan, said, “Stepping into the 3rd year of the programme, we pilot to repurpose the recycled plastic for school STEM education to immerse young generation to dial up sustainability awareness and inspirations on plastic waste solutions.”
Meanwhile, in the markets of Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia, Watsons continues to team up with L’Oréal to run the Beauty for Future recycling campaign. Customers can recycle an array of beauty containers, ranging from foundation bottles, skincare tubs, to lipstick tubes, at Watsons stores. The campaign garnered tremendous support from our customers, resulting in nearly 200,000 bottles being recycled in just one year. Jean-Marc Cazenave, Global Sustainability Director (Consumer Products Division) of L’Oréal, said, “Thanks to our regional partnership with Watsons, we engage consumers via on-going recycling campaigns to further develop the collection of empty packaging in-store to build a more sustainable beauty”.
Empowering Customers via Sustainability Education
Continuous sustainability education plays a crucial role in inspiring customers to make behavioural changes. Watsons has launched Sustainable Month to encourage customers to reduce plastic waste by making smarter, more sustainable choices in their daily lives. The month-long social media campaign provides tips and hacks for customers to contribute to a sustainable future. Additionally, an innovative VR Hub (https://www.watsonsgogreen.com/vr) has also been launched to help customers earn exclusive rewards and adopt a sustainable lifestyle through educational videos, interactive games, and exploration of more sustainable choices products.
Ngai concludes, “We believe that Green is the new beautiful and each of us has a vital part to play in making a meaningful difference. Watsons will continue to inspire more business partners and customers to work together and create a significant impact. By embracing our social purpose Look Good. Do Good. Feel Great, we are committed to building a better, more sustainable world for more generations to come.”
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HK’s First Carbon Neutral Wedding at Carbon Zero Park: A Milestone for Environmental Conservation
The environmental startup, Negawatt Utility Ltd., has launched a ground-breaking sustainability reward platform, Zero2, marking a significant moment for the environmental movement in Hong Kong. The launch was celebrated with the first carbon neutral wedding held at the ‘Zero Carbon Park’.

Negawatt’s CEO, Mr. Arthur Lam, stated that Zero2 is a low-carbon, environmentally friendly mobile game application. It rewards individuals with merchant discounts, encouraging users to make sustainable behavioral changes in their daily lives. The aim is to promote social responsibility and bring positive energy. He also mentioned that Negawatt will sponsor a brand new Tesla Model Y electric car by the end of this year and reward it to the Zero2 user who best practices a sustainable lifestyle. This user will also have the chance to join Lin Min Chen for a “Green Low-carbon Day Tour”.
A Celebrity Union for Carbon Neutrality
Renowned Malaysian celebrity, Lin Min Chen, has pledged her dedication to a carbon-neutral lifestyle by becoming an integral part of the Zero2 community. In a heart-warming ceremony, Lin declared “I do, Zero2,” symbolizing her dedication to reducing her carbon footprint and inspiring others to do the same. Lin’s union with ESPig, the endearing Zero2 mascot, represents a powerful commitment by both parties to work tirelessly towards transitioning Hong Kong into a net-zero city.
Diamond Ring: A Symbol of Love and Carbon Neutrality
The exchange of a diamond ring during the wedding is more than just a symbol of love; it embodies the commitment to a lifelong journey towards carbon neutrality. As each Hong Kong citizen emits approximately 6 tons of carbon emissions annually, Zero2 has gifted Lin Min Chen an astounding 50 years’ worth of carbon credits (6 tons x 50 years) to offset her future carbon emissions. This significant carbon credit offering ensures that Lin will not only offset the whole-life-worth of carbon footprint but also become a carbon-positive role model for the entire city of Hong Kong.
The Eco-Friendly Wedding Gown
Adding to the sustainability of the event, the wedding gown worn by Lin Min Chen is a stunning creation from the atelier of Ms. Noel Chu. This exquisite gown has been designed with utmost care for the environment, using low-carbon and reusable materials. Crafted from high-quality Italian satin, soft tulle, and delicate French lace, the gown exemplifies elegance and eco-consciousness. Moreover, the gown features recyclable die-cut paper embellishments, making it a unique blend of artistry and environmental responsibility.
The choice of a low-carbon and reusable wedding gown sends a powerful message about embracing sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Ms. Noel Chu’s atelier has set an example for the world, showing that style and beauty need not come at the expense of the environment.
Achieving a Net-Zero Wedding
Negawatt, the mastermind behind the event, has taken a low-carbon approach when designing the celebration. The event will feature an array of recyclable materials, underscoring the commitment to sustainability at every step. To achieve a net-zero wedding, two types of carbon emissions are considered: embodied carbon and operational carbon.
Embodied carbon, arising from non-recyclable materials used for the event, such as the wedding dress, has been meticulously calculated and offset. Additionally, operational carbon, encompassing the energy and resources utilized during setup, operation, and dismantling, has been measured and compensated.
Transportation emissions from guests arriving at the event have also been accounted for and offset, with each guest receiving 3 carbon credits as part of the initiative. Negawatt has gone the extra mile by purchasing and retiring carbon credits from HKEx’s Core Climate and sponsoring a rainforest restoration project in Nguru Mountains, Tanzania, Africa, to offset any remaining carbon emissions.
An official ‘vow’ as activation
During the mobile app Kick-off ceremony, Lam, Lin and guests followed the emcee’s lead and together shouted the ‘wedding vow’ “I Do Zero2” on stage, further declaring their collaboration and determination with Negawatt in promoting sustainable development and circular economy in Hong Kong.
A Memorable and Inspirational Event
The day-long event features an exciting lineup of activities, including inspiring speeches from esteemed personalities. Among them is Mr. Suleiman Amin, Managing Director of Catalyst, Masdar City’s accelerator, who signed a strategic partnership MoU in Dubai with Negawatt earlier this year. The momentous occasion was witnessed by the Hong Kong Chief Executive, Mr. John Lee.

Joining the stage were Ms. Pamela Leung, Corporate Communications Director from Hong Kong Housing Society. Ms. Leung stated that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Housing Association, which has been tirelessly pushing environmental work forward for over 20 years and has held numerous regional events to raise residents’ awareness of environmental protection. She pointed out that Zero2 starts with clothing, food, housing, and transportation to record the carbon footprint of Hong Kong people. The Housing Association has recently been promoting the community project, ‘Community ESG Program’, through the ‘Zero 2’ platform since the beginning of July, hoping to make new breakthroughs and set an example.
Mr. Tom Gaffney, Managing Director of CBRE HK, also congratulated Zero2 on its official launch through video. Gaffney’s sharing was followed by Mr. Kelvin Kwong, founder of XGD media, who appreciated Lam for sparing no effort in driving ESG in Hong Kong.
Mr. Eddie Lee, Associate Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) Merchandise Trade and Innovation, presented Lam, CEO of Negawatt Utility, with the Start-up Award and the ESG Award of the sixth edition of the “Start-up Express” organized by HKTDC. The organizing company, Negawatt Utility, received these two awards at the beginning of the month. Lee was also attending the ceremony to present the two awards to Lam in person. During the ceremony, Lee also pledged “I Do Zero2” on stage.

Besides the esteemed speakers, the event was well attended by distinguished executives from prominent organizations, including Mr.Alex Ho, Designated Director of Construction Industry Council (Industry Development) and Mr.Ricky Lai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Students Union.The presence of these key players in the industry further highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in driving sustainability and regenerative economy for Hong Kong.
Additionally, health and fitness influencers lent their valuable insights to the event, emphasizing the significance of individual well-being in the broader context of a sustainable future.
During the event, attendees were given the opportunity to experience first hand how Zero2 is paving the way for a regenerative economy.
A Special Incentive for the Most Sustainable Zero2 User
During the event, Mr. Arthur Lam, CEO of Negawatt, made an exciting announcement. Negawatt will sponsor a free Tesla Model Y for the most sustainable Zero2 user by the end of the year. The winning user will also have the chance to go on a green low-carbon day tour with the Zero2 artist endorser Lin Min Chen! This grand gesture underscores Negawatt’s commitment to rewarding and encouraging individuals who actively contribute to building a greener future. The Tesla Model Y, an all-electric SUV, epitomizes sustainable mobility and embodies the spirit of Zero2’s environmental mission.
Join us in celebrating this historic milestone in Hong Kong’s journey towards sustainability and carbon neutrality. Together, let’s create a greener, cleaner, and brighter future for generations to come.
Hashtag: #Negawatt
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Zero2
Zero2 aspires to gamify ESG and drive sustainability involvement, by setting up a reward platform for the society. Through missions, points and rewards, Zero2 encourages users to achieve a low-carbon lifestyle. Visit https://www.zero2.app/ to find out more about its vision and impact.
Zero2’s visions
Zero2’s vision is to move towards a future of zero waste and net-zero emissions. We believe this is a necessary goal for the health of our planet. While we are committed to partnering with sustainable businesses, we also understand that relying solely on these partnerships is not enough to achieve our net-zero emissions target. We acknowledge that we must collaborate with companies that have not yet incorporated sustainability into their business strategies. Our focus is not to promote consumerism but to help all businesses undergo digital transformation and achieve sustainable operations. We believe that doing so can collectively have a positive impact on the environment, save our planet, and create a circular economy.
About Negawatt
Negawatt started as an AIoT (Artificial Intelligent of Things) startup specializing in ESG with smart city solutions. Using proptech to accelerate digital transformation for landlords and building occupants to drive quantifiable ESG impact. To make impact scalable, we newly launched a B2B2C with an ESG GameFi app called Zero2 to reward individuals with merchant discounts. By incentivizing individuals, users will make sustainable behavioral changes in their daily lives and we can digitize all of the impact for future work.
About Mr. Arthur Lam, CEO of Negawatt Utility Limited
Mr. Arthur Lam is the co-founder and CEO of Negawatt Utility Limited, an AIoT (Artificial Intelligent of Things) startup specializing in ESG with smart city solutions. As a serial entrepreneur with over 14 years in property technologies with the focus on sustainability, he was the Co Founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Unity Group (1539.hk), a publicly listed company on HKEx Main Board specializing in Energy Management Contracts with businesses across APAC and Africa. He is a certified ESG Planner of the International Chamber of Sustainable Development, Carbon Audit Professional and a certified Energy Manager of The Association of Energy Engineers (Hong Kong Chapter). Arthur has also completed executive courses such as Net Zero from Cambridge University, Artificial Intelligence for Business from MIT, and Venture Capital from Stanford University. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, United States, with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in May 2008.
HKU Earth Science scholar Dr Joseph Michalski becomes the first non-Chinese recipient of Xplorer Prize

Dr Michalski’s research centers on Mars’ ancient crust, which he believes contains vital information about the origins of life on Earth and pre-plate tectonic processes.
“Mars and Earth had similar geological environments, so life could have formed there just the same as it formed here on Earth. Because Earth has plate tectonics and Mars does not, the crust of this planet has been almost completely recycled, but it is preserved on Mars. That means that our only hope to discover the steps that led to origins of life might only be found on Mars, not on Earth. This is why it is so important to study the ancient crust of Mars,” explained Dr Michalski, adding that Mars and Earth shared remarkably similar geological environments approximately 3.8 to 4 billion years ago, suggesting that life could have formed on the Red Planet as it did on Earth.
Utilising a range of remote sensing data, including infrared, visible, magnetic, gravity, and laser data from satellites orbiting Mars and rovers on its surface, Dr Michalski and his team at HKU focus on uncovering new discoveries about the volcanology, geochemistry, tectonics, and mineralogy of Mars. He has established the Planetary Spectroscopy and Mineralogy Laboratory (www.clays.space/lab) at HKU. This cutting-edge facility offers laboratory support for past, current, and future missions to Mars, the Moon, and asteroids in China and beyond. Dr Michalski also serves as Deputy Director of HKU’s Laboratory for Space Research (https://www.lsr.hku.hk/).
HKU congratulates Dr Michalski on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to his continued success in advancing our understanding of the universe.
The Xplorer Prize is a non-governmental merit-based award and one of the most generous talent funding programmes for young scientists in China.
The prize is one of the most generous talent funding programmers for young scientists in China. Established in 2018 by Pony Ma, Chairman and CEO of Tencent and founder of Tencent Foundation, along with 14 renowned scientists, including Chen Ning Yang, Rao Yi, Shi Yigong, Pan Jianwei and Xie Xiaoliang, the Xplorer Prize recognises up to 50 outstanding scientists annually. Each winner receives a total of RMB 3 million over the next five years.
Please click here to visit the Xplorer Prize website for more information about the 2023 awardees.
Hashtag: #HKU
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Thailand Launches First Tokamak in Southeast Asia, as Major Milestone in Clean Energy Research

Thailand launched the first tokamak device in Southeast Asia on Tuesday with the help of Chinese scientists, marking a milestone in the development of fusion energy research and scientific cooperation between the two countries.
Immuno Cure Completed US$12M First Close of Series A Financing, led by AEF GBA Fund managed by Gobi Partners GBA
Advancing DNA vaccines & Immunotherapies for HIV, Cancers & Infectious Diseases
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 27 July 2023 – Immuno Cure BioTech (“Immuno Cure“) is pleased to announce today that it has closed the US$12 million tranche in the US$27 million Series A fundraising round. Led by the AEF Greater Bay Area Fund that Gobi Partners GBA (“Gobi GBA“) manages, this round will be used to accelerate the development of DNA vaccines and antibodies, as well as to prepare for an initial public offering (“IPO“) in Hong Kong.
Immuno Cure focuses on research and development of immunotherapies for cancers, inflammatory and infectious diseases based on its patented “PD-1-enhanced DNA Vaccine Platform” and “Anti-Δ42PD1 Antibody Platform” with two DNA vaccine candidates, ICVAX and ICCOV, currently in clinical trials.
Dr. Xia JIN, CEO of Immuno Cure, said, “This funding round is a landmark in Immuno Cure’s business expansion. We are honored to receive strong support from the AEF Greater Bay Area Fund, which affirms the recognition of our scientific merits and R&D achievements. Immuno Cure will continue to be at the frontier of DNA medicines, antibodies and innovative immunotherapies, conducting R&D on novel and effective vaccine technologies to enhance our arsenal against cancers and infectious diseases.”
Mr. Chibo Tang, Managing Partner of Gobi Partners GBA, shared, “Infectious diseases are a universal issue that has threatened global public health for many years and has further been highlighted by COVID-19. We believe that Immuno Cure’s technologies have innovative applications of immunotherapies for not only infectious diseases but also cancers and other ailments down the line, and have the potential to truly change the world.”
ICVAX, a therapeutic DNA vaccine candidate against HIV/AIDS, was developed with an aim to induce broadly reactive polyfunctional viral-specific T cells to achieve functional cure in HIV/AIDS. The Phase I clinical trial of ICVAX, which is underway in Shenzhen, is designed as a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of ICVAX in a total of 45 stable HIV/AIDS patient volunteers under antiretroviral therapy.
ICCOV, a preventive COVID-19 DNA vaccine candidate, has entered the Phase IIa clinical trial in Hong Kong, which is designed as an open-label study to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of ICCOV as a booster vaccine in a total of 60 healthy adult volunteers between 18 and 75 years of age.
Furthermore, Immuno Cure has made significant achievements on the Anti-Δ42PD1 Antibody platform, which utilizes antibodies targeting Δ42PD1, a recently discovered isoformic programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), for the restoration of function of killer T cells, a type of immune cells essential for killing cancer cells, for the treatment of cancers such as liver cancer and colorectal cancer.
Hashtag: #ImmunoCure #醫克生物 #医克生物
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About Immuno Cure
Immuno Cure is a clinical stage biotechnology group based in the Hong Kong Science Park, focusing on research and development of immunotherapies for cancers, inflammatory and infectious diseases based on its patented PD-1-enhanced DNA vaccine and Anti-Δ42PD1 Antibody platforms; with two DNA vaccine candidates currently in clinical trials.
Official Website: www.immunocure.hk
Official Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/immuno-cure
About Gobi GBA
Gobi Partners GBA (Gobi GBA) was established in 2016 as a part of the leading Pan-Asian venture capital platform Gobi Partners. Gobi GBA is the sole general partner (GP) of the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund (AEF) as well as the AEF Greater Bay Area Fund (AEF GBA Fund), and has formed strategic partnerships with other renowned financial institutions such as HSBC and Hang Seng Bank.
As of 2023, Gobi GBA has invested in over 70 start-ups across the Greater Bay Area, and has fostered the growth of 7 unicorns including Airwallex, Amber, Animoca Brands, GoGoX, Prenetics, and more.
Official Website: https://gobi.vc
Official Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gobi-partners-gba
Collapsed Metal Plate Revealed as Cause of Tragic Accident at Thailand’s Don Mueang Airport
The Airports of Thailand (AoT) said on Wednesday that the June incident at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport, where a woman tragically lost her leg after falling into a moving walkway, was caused by a collapsed metal plate.