Sekong provincial authorities are planning to upgrade the tourism infrastructure and provide better facilities at Tad Fai Mai waterfall to welcome more tourists next year.
Build Strategy for Banking Platforms Resulted in 70% of Failed Digital Transformation for Banks in APAC
IDC InfoBrief, commissioned by Backbase, discusses adopt and build as the best practice to grow ROE for digital initiatives
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 31 August 2023 – Backbase, the global pioneer of Engagement Banking, today announced the release of the APAC-focused IDC InfoBrief, “Accelerating Customer-Centric Transformation by Balancing Build and Buy – A Collaborative Approach Towards Sustainable Digital Banking Architecture.” This in-depth report draws insights from 125 banks and 316 CIOs in APAC, offering a regional perspective on digital transformation. The IDC InfoBrief challenges the long-standing default approach of building in-house solutions for digital engagement banking platforms, and finds that 65% of mid to large sized banks in APAC have opted to build their engagement banking platforms in-house to achieve digital transformation, however, 70% of these projects have failed due to costly and lengthy in-house efforts.
From the IDC InfoBrief, a staggering 80% of digital engagement platforms built in-house with budgets over USD10M face underperformance and have not yielded the desired ROE in their digital initiatives.
“Building in-house has been a de-facto strategy by banks, but it’s no longer feasible to deliver to the pace and scale that is required to be competitive. The complexities that come with the extensive amount of data layers, channels, features, upstream and downstream integration that needs to support legacy and modern systems to manage and orchestrate sophisticatedly is where in-house implementation breaks apart,” said Ashish Kakar, Research Director, Financial Insights, IDC Asia/Pacific.
The Shortfalls in Digital Experiences
Despite having embarked on digital transformation since the 2000s, many banks in APAC remain at an early stage, failing to fully capitalize on its benefits and deliver compelling digital customer engagements.
The IDC InfoBrief highlights a crucial disconnect between banks and their customers, where most banking products and offerings are deemed “me-too” and limited. Customers face challenges accessing multiple services through disparate interfaces, lack a unified view of their portfolios, and endure lengthy onboarding processes. The demand for instantaneous approvals and streamlined digital processes remains unmet, while personalized experiences, segmentation, and relevant promotions based on customers’ lifestyles, life moments, and goals continue to elude them. Additionally, backend operations suffer due to the lack of intelligent assistance in contact centers, leaving customers repeating information to different service officers due to the absence of a 360 degree unified customer view. This is a result of banks focusing on locking in a high amount of resources getting banking platforms into shape instead of prioritizing the creation of differentiated upstream customer journeys and experience.
“Over 150 modern and forward-looking banks have adopted and built on top of Backbase’s Engagement Banking Platform to accelerate their go-to-market visions and prioritize innovative, differentiated digital customer engagement and experiences. In APAC, you see large to mid-sized banks like Techcombank, BDO, HDFC, ABBANK, OCB, and more already on the Engagement Banking Platform bandwagon”, said Riddhi Dutta, Regional Vice President, Asia of Backbase.
“ A true platform comes with all the hygiene requirements from market fit, to security and regulatory compliance, to being versatile and customizable to support each bank’s unique customer needs. The platform is a composable fabric providing modularity and re-usable data and journeys for banks to help banks futureproof at scale,” Dutta further explained.
A Shift in Mindset: Embracing “Adopt and Build” for Accelerated Growth
The analysis in the IDC InfoBrief finds the “Adopt and Build” approach a pragmatic solution for banks to accelerate their go-to-market efforts, differentiating where it matters instead of reinventing the wheel by building from scratch. By adopting a collaborative platform and building upon it, banks can achieve 40% faster time-to-market, where digital engagement banking platforms can be launched within 11 months, as compared to the traditional 20 months with a full “build” approach. In addition, “Adopt and Build” had proven to be 2.3 times more cost-effective than the traditional in-house “build” option.
Across six key metrics—market fit and differentiation, legacy risk, build risk, time to market, modernize talent & IT skill set, and regulatory compliance, the “Adopt and Build” approach was rated highest and had shown tangible advantages in comparison to the “Build” and “Buy” approaches.
This IDC InfoBrief is the first of two consultative guides commissioned by Backbase to provide pragmatic guidance for banks to evaluate a more effective platform strategy that can drive accelerated and differentiated digital customer engagement.
To download the IDC InfoBrief, “Accelerating Customer-Centric Transformation by Balancing Build and Buy – A Collaborative Approach Towards Sustainable Digital Banking Architecture.”, #AP241480IB June 2023, click here
Hashtag: #Backbase, #digitalbanking, #engagementbanking, #retailbanking, #omnichannelbanking, #idcinfobrief, #adoptandbuild #bankingplatform
https://www.linkedin.com/company/backbase/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Backbase
Backbase is on a mission to re-architect banking around the customer.
Backbase created the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform – a unified platform with the customer at the center, empowering banks to accelerate their digital transformation. From customer onboarding, to servicing, loyalty, and loan origination, our single platform — open and frictionless, with ready-to-go apps — improves every aspect of the customer experience. Built from the ground up with the customer at the heart, our Engagement Banking Platform easily plugs into existing core banking systems and comes pre-integrated with the latest fintechs so financial institutions can innovate at scale.
Industry analysts Gartner, Omdia, and IDC continuously recognize Backbase’s category leadership position. Over 120 financials around the world have embraced the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform. In APAC, the customers we serve include ABBANK, BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, EastWest Bank, HDFC, IDFC First, JudoBank, OCB, Techcombank, TPBank, and UBank.
Backbase is a privately funded fintech company, founded in 2003 in Amsterdam (Global HQ), with regional offices in Singapore (APAC HQ), Atlanta (Americas HQ), and operations in Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Latin America, and the UK.
Dive into iShopChangi Tax AbsorbMania: Present Your Receipts & Reclaim Your Taxes in Singapore
Shop without Tax, Flying or Not.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 31 August 2023 – Put your shopping shoes on and step into a world of excitement, where shopping becomes a skilful Great Whirlpool game with a chance to win captivating prizes totalling up to S$30,000. Indulge in your shopping spree, where a receipt entitles you to redeem a once-off exclusive iShopChangi tax redemption worth up to S$30*. From luxury beauty products to the latest tech releases, iShopChangi brings forth the ultimate shopping experience, the Tax AbsorbMania. Showcasing a series of pop-up stores throughout Singapore, running for five-days each, experience GST-absorbed shopping and event-exclusive deals of more than 60% in savings from favourite brands such as Estée Lauder, Chloé, Apple and more. Both travellers and non-travellers, can wave goodbye to those tax woes and prepare for a shopping spree, sans the guilt!

Pop-Up Store Spectaculars to Revel In
Pop-Up Store Dates and Venues (10am to 9pm) | |
Date | Venue |
30 August – 3 September | Wisma Atria (outdoor) |
25 September – 29 September | Guoco Tower |
18 October – 22 October | Star Vista |
8 November – 12 November | Wisma Atria (outdoor) |
Easily Enjoy a Tax Redemption*
Making the most of Tax AbsorbMania at iShopChangi’s pop-up store and reducing the cost of your online purchases with the delight of tax redemption is a breeze. Simply present any locally-issued receipt(s) with the Goods & Services Tax (GST) value when you visit any of the pop-up stores physically. If you’re new, ensure you register for an account with iShopChangi. Once done, you’ll receive a special iShopChangi promotion code on-site (based on your receipt spend) that will allow you to immediately offset your online purchases by up to S$30*. Remember, a visit to the physical store is a must to secure your tax redemption promo codes!
*Up to S$30 only. Terms & Conditions apply. The promotional codes pertaining to the “Tax redemption” and shared at the event are applicable to both travellers and non-travellers and valid from 30 August 2023 to 3 September 2023 only.
The Great Whirlpool Game
All geared up for some game-time thrill? Have a go at The Great Whirlpool Game and receive one of many prizes, which total up to a whopping S$30,000 – crowned by the ultimate grand prize – iPhone 14 128GB (worth more than S$1,000). There are also prizes from notable brands – Mt.Sapola, Estée Lauder, Bobbi Brown, MAC Cosmetics, along with Changi Pay and iShopChangi vouchers, up for grabs, every catch promises a dash of delight.
Candy Floss Delight
End off your shopping spree with an added touch of delight by treating yourself to a delectable candy floss creation. With a vibrant candy floss machine at your service, craft custom-designed candy flosses. Simply select your desired candy floss design, insert the candy floss stick, and within a mere 60 seconds, you’ll be able to enjoy your uniquely crafted candy floss.
In-store Shopping Fiesta
Revel in the in-store Shopping Fiesta and immerse yourself in an exclusive showcase of iShopChangi’s top-tier offerings. Experience firsthand the culmination of top-notch quality of products from well-known brands and unrivalled savings as prices are lowered for a limited period.
Ready to jump on the opportunity to explore bestsellers in-store, where event-exclusive savings await you? Peruse the remarkable range, make your selection, and enhance your experience by scanning the in-store product QR codes. Cart out online using the specially provided promo codes and unlock even more substantial savings reserved solely during each exclusive five-day event.
Beauty Buffet
Indulge in the ultimate beauty banquet and discover a diverse range of beauty products and beloved Beauty Sets from both local and international brands. Grab special bundles and deals to maximise your savings while enjoying attractive gift-with-purchase offers!
Dive into luxurious offerings such as the IDS Skincare Summer Refresh Revival Set at a tantalising S$124, 13% off its original price and the Clinique Blockbuster Set, a steal at just S$127, 64% off its original price. And don’t forget to empower yourself with the Estée Lauder Blockbuster Set for a mere S$252, slashed down by 50% from its original price.
To give you a flavour of how exciting these in-store beauty bundles are, the Estée Lauder Blockbuster Set, for instance, contains the following:
- 1 x Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex 75ml
- 1 x Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex 7ml
- 1 x Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme 5ml
- 1 x Micro Essence Treatment Lotion 15ml
- 1 x Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Foam 30ml
- 1 x Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara
- 1 x Pure Envy Lip Balm
- 1 x Cream & Tan Cosmetic Bag
Style Edit
Elegance finds its match in iShopChangi’s curated fashion collection that offers a seamless blend of stylish handbags and home fragrances. Treasure the Gnome & Bow Gulliver Zip Coin Pouch Card Holder, now at S$102, down by 20%, and the radiant collections from Chow Tai Fook such as the 999 Pure Gold Alphabet Charms and 999 Pure Gold Pendant – Otter R33083 (a Singapore exclusive), offering a sweet 5% off with a minimum spend of S$399. Also, enhance your home living with top picks like the Mt. Sapola Aroma Nebuliser, Home Scent Rose Geranium 200ml Duo Set, and Home Scent Lemongrass 450ml Duo Set, all going at slashed prices.
Tech & Gadgets
Calling all tech trailblazers! Unlock phenomenal savings with discounts of up to 60% on a range of technology assortment – encompassing everything from mobile and smart devices to computers, peripherals, cameras, and drones — all available at competitive prices.
Elevate your audio game with the dazzling Samsung Galaxy Buds2, priced at S$95, a massive 52% off its original price. Take it a step further and blast your favourite tunes through the Nakamichi Soundbox Lite for just S$63.89 after shaking off 35% from the usual price. Take ultra-clear pictures in any situation as you treat yourself to a new mobile phone experience with the OPPO Reno10 Pro+, going at S$1063.89 after a 7% discount. Unveil your inner radiance like never before with Ya-Man Photo Plus Prestige S, which you can take home for just S$772.15 after a 41% discount.
Drinkers Party
Celebrate with a toast to a captivating selection of Wines & Spirits, offering an extensive range that includes premium bestsellers, limited-edition picks, and everyday favourites. Discover competitive prices that cater to every palate.
Savour the aged perfection of Yamazaki 18 Years Japanese Whisky, down 8% at S$2,650, or toast to the good times with The Choya Royal Honey 700ml, set to retail at only S$40.75 after a 25% discount.
$50 and Under Hotshots
Discover an exclusive trove of adored must-haves from beauty, wellness to tech bundles, each flaunting a price of S$50 or less. Shake off 31% from the original price of Lao Xie Zhen Premium Boiled Essence Of Chicken, and take a pack home at just S$49.90. Treat your skin to what it deserves with the LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask EX 70ml + 75ml Set, priced at S$50 after a stunning 56% off.
Travel Favourites
Jetting off or touching down at Changi Airport? Turn your transit into a treat with iShopChangi. Sip in style with the Johnnie Walker Black Label 1000ml at a cool S$52.70, or refresh with the Roku Gin Select Edition 1000ml for just S$52.30. Check out other beauty favourites amongst travellers such as Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Daily Routine and fragrances from brands such as Byredo, Chloe, Gucci and more. From the Penhaligon’s Portraits Scent Library 10x2ml to the Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Daily Routine 6 Items, find the ultimate travel companion to keep your skin hydrated and enveloped in wondrous scents.
Simply plan ahead and make your purchases between 30 days and 12 hours pre-flight. Your shopping haul awaits at our Collection Centres in every departure hall. And, because iShopChangi loves making travel sweeter, stack up a cart worth S$59 and your purchases can be whisked right to your doorstep in Singapore.
Unbox More Surprises with iShopChangi
The celebration is always in full swing on iShopChangi and new users can get in on the action too. As you immerse in iShopChangi’s offerings, consider checking out with Changi Pay. New to it? Here’s a sweet deal: for first-timers who spend a minimum of S$50, a delightful discount of S$10 awaits you. Moreover, by entering the code <ISCNEW20> at checkout, you can receive S$20 off your first purchase of S$79 or more.
Participating brands under the following store experiences:
BEAUTY BUFFET:
Crystal Tomato, IDS Skincare, SK-II, The Estée Lauder Companies, ést.lab, HEURE, IREN Shizen, RE:ERTH, BSKIN
STYLE EDIT:
Gnome & Bow, Chow Tai Fook, Mt.Sapola
TECH & GADGETS:
Apple, Samsung, Oppo, OGAWA, OSIM, Bose, Sony, Fitbit, Ya-Man, Nintendo, Polaroid, Nakamichi, Rakuten Kobo
DRINKERS’ PARTY:
Hibiki, Yamazaki, The Macallan, The Dalmore, Jack Daniel’s, Glenfiddich, Dassai, Bottega, Penfolds, Choya
TRAVEL FAVOURITES:
Lotte Duty Free, The Shilla Duty Free
S$50 & UNDER HOTSHOTS:
ANKER, Bobbi Brown, Chow Tai Fook, Estée Lauder, Holistic Way, IDS Skincare, Kinohimitsu, Lab Series, Laneige, Lao Xie Zhen, LARQ, M.A.C, New Moon, Nintendo, Origins, Sony
THE GREAT WHIRLPOOL GAME:
Changi Pay, Mt.Sapola, Estée Lauder, Bobbi Brown, MAC Cosmetics, Kinohimitsu, Polaroid, Nikka, Baidu, ANKER
Hashtag: #iShopChangi
https://www.facebook.com/iShopChangi
https://www.instagram.com/ishopchangi
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
iShopChangi
iShopChangi was launched in 2013 as an extension of Changi Airport’s promise to deliver greater comfort and convenience to travellers in its suite of airport retail offerings. Passengers can browse and purchase tax- and duty-free products across all terminals between 30 days to 12 hours piShopChangi was launched in 2013 as an extension of Changi Airport’s promise to deliver greater comfort and convenience to travellers in its suite of airport retail offerings. Passengers can browse and purchase tax- and duty-free products across all terminals between 30 days to 12 hours pre-flight on the e-store – and choose to collect their items at Collection Centres within departure, upon arrival or have them delivered free in Singapore. Providing easy access to over 30,000 products across 900 brands and exclusives such as Changi First product launches, the site has since received global recognition with its award for Best Website – Retail Customer Facing at The Moodies: the Airport and Travel Retail Digital Media Awards 2018. In early 2020, the e-commerce store started to retail a selection tax- and duty-absorbed products to Singapore-based residents without the need to fly.re-flight on the e-store – and choose to collect their items at Collection Centres within departure, upon arrival or have them delivered free in Singapore. Providing easy access to over 30,000 products across 900 brands and exclusives such as Changi First product launches, the site has since received global recognition with its award for Best Website – Retail Customer Facing at The Moodies: the Airport and Travel Retail Digital Media Awards 2018. In early 2020, the e-commerce store started to retail a selection tax- and duty-absorbed products to Singapore-based residents without the need to fly.
Schneider Electric empowers facility management and unleashes property asset value at the 3rd International Property Management and Procurement Expo
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 31 August 2023 – Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced its participation in the 3rd International Property Management and Procurement Expo (IPMAPE) from August 30 – September 1, 2023. Attendees are welcome to visit the Schneider Electric booth located at D12, D14 & E11 & E13 in Hall 3E of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to experience Schneider Electric’s advanced digital technologies in person.
“We are excited about staying connected with stakeholders in the property management segment at IPMAPE to foster the digital transformation of facility management and unleash the value of property assets,” said Jonathan Chiu, President of Schneider Electric Hong Kong. “Property management companies, owners and developers have unique advantages that can lead to rapid success in this market. They can leverage existing operational and infrastructure solutions to meet the rapidly growing demand for greener and smarter operation and management in building and EV charging. Adopting the latest technologies, facility managers can transform the buildings today to become more sustainable, efficient, resilient and people-centric.”
Schneider Electric will showcase an impressive array of innovative solutions and top-notch services at their booth. Attendees will be provided a comprehensive look into their advanced digital technologies, services, products, and dynamic offerings.
EcoConsult: Optimizing Electrical Distribution Systems and Enhancing Operational Efficiency
Schneider Electric’s EcoConsult offers comprehensive consulting services to businesses seeking to optimize their electrical distribution systems and equipment. The company’s consultants help businesses save billions in losses from electrical disruptions by identifying potential safety and performance issues, reducing risks, and improving resilience and operational efficiency.
EcoCare: Empowering Asset Management and Maintenance Efficiency
Leveraging breakthrough technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data, EcoCare is a personalized service plan combining preventive and predictive maintenance techniques into a cost-effective condition-based maintenance system for managing critical assets. By capturing real-time data through IoT sensors and analyzing asset health status, Schneider Electric’s domain experts enable facility managers to receive better forecasts on maintenance interventions.
EVlink™ Pro AC and EcoStruxure™ EV Charging Expert: A comprehensive range of EV charging solutions
By ensuring maximum uptime and delivering a seamless user experience, the EVlink Pro AC EV charger offers highly reliable, flexible, and sustainable smart charging with reinforced safety measures. Additionally, EcoStruxure EV Charging Expert, the EV charging infrastructure load management solution, addresses the increased electricity demand and redistributes the loads resulting from the addition of EV charging infrastructure.
AvatarOn high-power USB chargers: A new benchmark for fast and safe charging
Featuring dynamic charging technology, and GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology, AvatarOn high-power USB chargers offer fast and worry-free charging of electrical devices. These chargers offer options of 45W and 65W in USB Type-C ports, providing greater energy efficiency and help reduce carbon footprint. Rated at 93% charging efficiency compared to the international standard of 88%, the USB chargers provide greater energy efficiency, making them the ideal choice for fast and sustainable charging.
To register and join the event, please click here.
To view the full event agenda, please click here.
Hashtag: #PropertyManagement #propexhongkong #IPMAPE2023 #EcoConsult #EcoCare #facilitymanagement #AvatarOn #USBcharger #EVlink #EVCharger #EVChargingSolutions
https://www.linkedin.com/company/schneider-electric
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https://www.instagram.com/schneiderelectric/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Schneider Electric
Schneider’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On.
Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.
We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.
We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.
Wattay International Airport to Open New Buffet Restaurant Offering Lao Cuisine
The Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital will soon see the opening of a new all-you-can-eat restaurant and a host of shops selling Lao artifacts and products.
HKU Biomedical Engineering team develops a novel injectable hydrogel that can revolutionise regenerative medicine

Injectable hydrogel delivery is a highly effective method of administering medicine. A drug is incorporated into a soft gel which is then injected directly where it is required. Another advantage of this method is that the gel releases the drug gradually, allowing for better, more precise control of drug dosage.
Injectable hydrogels have a number of applications – from cancer therapy where they can deliver drugs directly to the tumours, to treating diabetes, regenerating human tissues, and chronic pain management. They are especially suitable for treating wounds, including burns and surgical sites. Hydrogels can deliver growth factors, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory drugs directly to the wound, aiding the healing process.
However, there have been challenges in hydrogel development, such as the high cost of production, difficulty in scaling up, and the potential for adverse reactions in patients. The Fibro-Gel, created by the research team led by Professor Anderson Ho Cheung Shum from HKU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, together with two groups of collaborators – Professor Michael To’s team from The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, and the group of Professor Howard Stone and Dr Janine Nunes from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University, addresses these issues.
Fibro-Gel is made by squeezing out a polymer, that contains the molecules of the required drug, through a narrow channel (not unlike toothpaste squeezed out of a tube), and snapping off the microfibres by using a pulse of ultra-violet light.
What sets aside Fibro-Gel from the existing hydrogels is that it is solely aqueous-based, without using oils – which makes it more biocompatible, stable and cheaper to make. In addition, Fibro-Gel is biomimetic – it replicates the properties of biological materials, such as the tissues it is injected into, which prevents adverse reactions. As the result, Fibro-Gel heals wounds faster as it promotes vascularisation – formation of new blood vessels, which plays a crucial role in wound healing.
A revolutionary feature of Fibro-Gel is that it allows the use of different drugs within the same gel, thus enabling controlling and tuning the time of their release. This is very important because the processes of healing and tissue regeneration consist of a sequence of different stages which require administration of specific growth factors and drugs.
Finally, the production of Fibro-Gel production is not costly and can be easily scaled up to manufacturing levels.
The crucial breakthrough was made by PhD student Yanting Shen and postdoctoral fellow Dr Yuan Liu of HKU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering – the researchers realised that the release of the drugs from the gel can be controlled and tailored by setting the length of microfibres that the gel consists of.
Longer microfibres become very entangled, resulting in a stiffer, less fluid gel, and it takes longer for the molecules of the drug to be released from it. Conversely, Fibro-Gel with shorter microfibers has lower stiffness and is more fluid fluid-like, resulting in faster rates of drug release.
Leveraging this feature, the researchers designed a multiple drug release system – a gel consisting of multiple layers with different length of microfibres and containing different drugs. These multiple drugs are released from the gel at different times, in sequence, addressing the drawbacks of existing hydrogel systems.
Laboratory testing on mice showed that, compared to commercially available gels, Fibro-Gel regenerates tissues significantly faster, with new tissue forming sooner. Furthermore, using a two-layer Fibro-Gel model, the researchers demonstrated that the release of distinct drugs at different rates enhanced wound healing.
One such potential application of Fibro-Gel is regeneration of brain tissue in people suffering from Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.
Professor Shum emphasised that multidisciplinary collaboration was key in producing Fibre-Gel, “Our collaboration has enabled us to address the topic of wound healing from multiple perspectives. This novel hydrogel has immense potential to address critical medical needs that require more versatile and compatible soft materials.”
The successful partnership between HKU and Princeton University, supported by the Research Impact Fund by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, exemplifies the power of cross-border collaboration and highlights the significance of pooling expertise to drive groundbreaking research in the field of regenerative medicine.
Their work was published in Advanced Materials in an article “Fibro-Gel: An All-Aqueous Hydrogel Consisting of Microfibers with Tunable Release Profile and its Application in Wound Healing”.
Link to the paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202211637.
Hashtag: #HKU
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Survey Finds Only 20 Percent Of Vientiane Capital Residents Satisfied With Public Hospitals
A survey of 150 people who used the services of three central hospitals in Vientiane Capital in April 2023 found that only 20 percent, or 30 people, were satisfied with the services provided.
DrGo launches innovative DrGo Me+ personalised nutritional supplement pack
Handy packets tailored with professional health survey to address daily nutritional needs
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 31 August 2023 – HKT (SEHK: 6823) – DrGo, HKT’s one-stop telemedicine platform, announced the launch of DrGo Me+, an innovative personalised nutritional supplement pack. Based on advice from professional nutritionist and pharmaceutical body, DrGo Me+ puts together customised nutritional supplements in handy daily packets and delivers them directly to the user’s doorstep. DrGo Me+ revolutionises the concept of bespoke healthcare, providing users with a more convenient and tailored approach to a healthy lifestyle.

“My Personalised Supplement Pack”: Professional nutritional care tailored to personal needs
Driven by its commitment to leveraging advanced technology for effortless personal health management, DrGo has presented an innovative solution for personalised nutrition supplementation through DrGo Me+.
By simply accessing the DrGo Me+ platform, users are guided through a survey1 designed by a nutritionist and validated by the Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Care Foundation, aiming to provide insights about their lifestyle, dietary habits, and health goals. Upon completion of the survey, DrGo will instantly generate a curated list of recommended supplements tailored for the user, with information on the health benefits of each type of supplement.
Daily personalised pack of supplements, meeting user’s daily nutritional supplement needs
DrGo Me+ packages the supplements into personalised daily packs according to daily requirements before dispatching them to the user’s designated location in Hong Kong. With just one pack a day or to take as needed, users can effortlessly meet their nutritional supplement needs, sparing them from the hassle of storing and carrying multiple bottles while helping to reduce the chance of missing doses, hence help to reap the most benefits from the supplements.
DrGo Me+ offers monthly subscription plans spanning 30 or 90 days that can be cancelled or modified2. With an average price of HK$282, users can enjoy a 30-day plan of up to four supplements that cater to their health needs along with delivery, ensuring that their health regimen will not be interrupted.
Teresa Ng, Chief Commercial Officer of DrGo, said, “The consumption of health supplements as a means to enhance one’s wellbeing has become a growing trend. Even the younger members of the workforce are seeking nutritional supplements to improve their physical health and augment their work performance. Yet the market is overflowing with a bewildering variety of such products, often making it difficult for consumers to find products that genuinely cater to their health needs. They may also realise, only after consumption, that the product has fallen short of their expectations. Professional guidance is rarely sought prior to making such purchases. DrGo Me+ aims to address these challenges by empowering users with an understanding of their personal nutritional needs with professional guidance. From the comfort of their homes, users can access nutritional supplements tailored to their personal health needs conveniently and efficiently.”
Terry Chiu, Council Member of the Hong Kong Health Foods Association and collaborating partner of DrGo, said, “A survey3 conducted by the Hong Kong Health Foods Association in October 2020 revealed that about 90% of respondents are in the habit of purchasing health products. Notably, nearly 40% of those polled indicated that they had purchased more health products since the onset of the pandemic, with the intention of bolstering their immunity. These findings underscore the public’s eager pursuit of health products that are of high quality and effective.”
S.C. Chiang, Director from the Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Care Foundation emphasised the crucial importance of expert advice in maximising benefits derived from nutritional supplements. “Distinct health challenges, such as sleep irregularities, psychological stress, skin conditions as well as gastrointestinal and immune health, can be addressed through the intake of specific nutrients. However, an individual’s nutritional state is shaped by various factors, including dietary habits and lifestyle. This means that the supplementary nutrients and dosage required differ markedly from person to person. A bespoke nutritional plan, therefore, is more effective in meeting individual needs. In fact, the medical community consistently advises that the public consults with professionals prior to taking health products to help prevent excessive intake, which could lead to failure to deliver the expected health benefits and trigger adverse reactions.”
To experience personalised nutritional supplement packs from DrGo Me+, please visit our website at www.drgohealthstore.com.hk/meplus-supplement/.
To register with DrGo, please download the DrGo app at https://drgohkt.page.link/download_app. For more details, please call DrGo’s service hotline at +852 2380 2323 or visit DrGo’s website at www.drgo.com.hk.
Remarks:
1 The survey and suggestions of supplements were designed by nutritionist Mandy Wong and endorsed by the Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Care Foundation.
2 A user’s subscription of personalised pack will be automatically renewed every 30 / 90 days (depending on whether the user has subscribed to a 30-day or 90-day plan). A user may cancel or modify the automatic renewals at least 3 days prior to the expiry date of the 30-day / 90-day plan.
3 The survey was conducted by the Hong Kong Health Foods Association from 5 to 18 October 2020, during the 2020 epidemic period, on Hong Kong people’s health supplement consumption habits, with 570 individuals successfully interviewed and a 92% response rate.
To download the relevant images: https://bit.ly/DrGoMePlusPhotoLibrary
Hashtag: #DrGo #Me+ #Personalisednutritionalsupplementpack #Nutrition #Supplement #TeresaNg
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About HKT
HKT is a technology, media, and telecommunication leader with more than 150 years of history in Hong Kong. As the city’s true 5G provider, HKT connects businesses and people locally and globally. Our end-to-end enterprise solutions make us a market-leading digital transformation partner of choice for businesses, whereas our comprehensive connectivity and smart living offerings enrich people’s lives and cater for their diverse needs for work, entertainment, education, well-being, and even a sustainable low-carbon lifestyle. Together with our digital ventures which support digital economy development and help connect Hong Kong to the world as an international financial centre, HKT endeavours to contribute to smart city development and help our community tech forward.
For more information, please visit www.hkt.com.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hkt
About DrGo
DrGo is an end-to-end app-based platform connecting users with Hong Kong registered medical practitioners, Hong Kong registered / listed Chinese medicine practitioners and other healthcare professionals who will provide medical and healthcare consultation services and advice via video consultation on mobile device. Certain prescribed medicine will be delivered to the user’s designated address. DrGo is the first HealthTech platform pioneered by HKT, offering convenient telehealthcare services via on an end-to-end app-based platform developed and managed locally by HKT professionals. With HKT’s advanced technologies, the entire consultation journey, including service registration, appointment booking, video consultation and payment will take place with encryption, aiming at protecting users’ privacy.
DrGo users in Hong Kong can get access to a one-stop healthcare consultation via their mobile devices. They can speak to medical practitioners, Hong Kong registered / listed Chinese medicine practitioners or other healthcare professional from their home or workplace without the need to making a physical visit or queuing at a hospital or clinic. Remote consultation provides sense of ease and convenience, which is particularly important at a time when social distancing is critical during the current pandemic. Furthermore, DrGo received the “Technology – Best Telemedicine Mobile App” award from The Global Economics Awards 2022 and took Silver in the “Public Affairs and Social Innovation” category of Asia Smart App Awards 2021. These significant global awards are testament to DrGo’s cutting-edge innovation and professional service standard, which have earned the trust of its customers.
At present, DrGo is partnering with over 100 healthcare professionals from the below medical organisations to provide remote telemedicine and healthcare services: Amazing Medical, Ascendo Health, Dr Wendy Wong’s Clinic, EC Healthcare, Fu Heng Medical Center, Gleneagles Hospital, Healthkit Medical Centre, Hong Kong Medical Concierge, Human Health Medical Centre, Max Medical, Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, Pop Point Medical Center, Precious Blood Hospital (Caritas), Premier of Professional Medical Care Center, Quality Healthcare Medical Services Limited and River Cam Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic.
About DrGo Me+
All information, recommendation and statements provided under DrGo Me+, including, without limitation, any supplement and other recommendations are merely recommendation only and are not in any way intended to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any illness; and users are free to decide whether or not to purchase any supplement or other products or services at DrGo Health Store after conducting the survey under DrGo Me+. Supplements recommended by DrGo Me+ are not registered under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance nor the Chinese Medicine Ordinance. Any claim made for or in relation to such supplements has not been subject to evaluation for such registration.
Issued by HKT Limited.
HKT Limited is a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands.