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Nanyang Polytechnic develops world’s first unagi cell lines and plant-based growth serum

Consumers can expect to enjoy lab-grown unagi and other fishes as early as 2024

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 16 January 2023 – Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Applied Science (SAS) successfully developed proprietary cell lines for high value fish species that cannot be farmed. These cell lines are the first in the world to grow on an ethically viable plant-based alternative to the more commonly used fetal bovine serum.

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As the world becomes increasingly vulnerable to supply shocks and disruptions, food resilience and sustainability have steadily become a top priority. Currently, for example, Singapore imports more than 90% of its food, leading to its Government setting a “30 by 30” goal of meeting 30% of Singapore’s nutritional needs by 2030.

In addition, with rampant overfishing causing marine populations to dwindle drastically, enjoying traditional seafood dishes may soon become a problem. One-third of commercial fish stocks are harvested at biologically unsustainable levels, and a staggering 90% are exploited.[1]

The development of the fish cell lines was led by Mark Richards, NYP’s Lead Specialist in Aquaculture Technology, with funding support from the Singapore Food Story R&D Grant managed by Singapore Food Agency and A*STAR. To address ethical concerns raised on the usage of fetal bovine serum for cell lines, the NYP team used an alternative serum extracted from a plant source. With significant cost savings from using the plant-based serum, fish cells can now be grown in a more sustainable manner, and at a larger scale.

Dr Joel Lee, Director of Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Applied Science, said, “We’ve worked on a variety of food fish species, but we have had the most success with unagi, which is unfarmable today. Through our R&D, we were able to transform and develop the fish cells into products like fish cakes and fillets, while prioritising and addressing the sustainable and ethical concerns of seafood farming.”

NYP has licensed three of the in-house developed proprietary cell lines to Umami Meats, a Singapore-based food tech start-up developing sustainable seafood, for retail. They include the Japanese eel/unagi (Anguilla japonica), humpback grouper (Cromileptes altivelis), and orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides). It is expected that seafood products developed using these cell lines will be available as early as 2024.

Hashtag: #NanyangPolytechnic

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About Nanyang Polytechnic

Established as an institution of higher learning in 1992, Nanyang Polytechnic’s (NYP) academic schools offer quality education and training through 40 full-time diploma courses and common entry programmes. NYP also has a full suite of Continuing Education and Training (CET) options for lifelong learning, ranging from specialist and advanced diplomas, to SkillsFuture-supported modules and courses. NYP’s Asian Culinary Institute Singapore and the Singapore Institute of Retail Studies are CET institutes set up in partnership with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to champion and transform Singapore’s F&B and retail sectors respectively. A third NYP CET institute – the National Centre of Excellence for Workplace Learning – also set up in collaboration with SSG, will spearhead the development of progressive workplace learning strategies and programmes for companies here.

South Korea Continues to Strengthen Food Security in Laos

Republic of Korea Continues to Strengthen Food Security in Laos
Officials from South Korea and Laos posing for a group photo with rice bags (photo: Pathedlao)

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Yung Soo Jung handed over a rice donation to the Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, Madame Baykham Khatthiya at the Ministry-United Nations World Food Program’s (WFP) warehouse in Vientiane Capital last week.

“Send more, Earn more” – DBS launching eLaisee function to spread Chinese New Year blessings

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 16 January 2023 – With Chinese New Year just around the corner, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (“DBS Hong Kong”) is pleased to announce the launch of new function eLaisee and the “Send more, Earn more” campaign this month to spread good fortune and blessings.

Sending eLaisee on DBS digibank HK app is simple. Input the recipients’ FPS-registered mobile number or email address and customise with a wide range of cheerful Xing Xing Jann Jann mascots eLaisee cover then it is done!

Watch the video to know how to send eLaisee

To celebrate the Chinese New Year, DBS Hong Kong’s “Send more, Earn more” campaign will be start from 12 January to 15 February 2023 to reward customers with eligible eLaisee/eDDA Transfer In/DBS remit transaction with up to HK$288 cash rewards.

Don’t forget to send fun greetings to loved one with our new Xing Xing Jann Jann WhatsApp stickers.

Learn More for eLaisee : go.dbs.com/hk-elaisee-en
Send more, Earn more Campaign details: go.dbs.com/hk-elaisee2023-en
Terms and Conditions apply.

eDDA (Electronic Direct Debit Authorisation) and eLaisee are supported by The Faster Payment System which is provided and operated by Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited. Use of related bank services supported by The Faster Payment System are subject to terms and conditions. Please refer to the terms and conditions relating to The Faster Payment System under section M of the Bank Account and Services Terms and Conditions.
Hashtag: #DBS

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

About DBS

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank’s “AA-” and “Aa1” credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “” by Global Finance, “” by Euromoney and “” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “” by Euromoney and the world’s “” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “” award by Global Finance for 14 consecutive years from 2009 to 2022.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting social enterprises: businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping communities with future-ready skills and building food resilience.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit .

Lao Airlines to Operate Extra Flight to Pakse Every Sunday

Lao Airlines increase its flights to Pakse. ( Photo: Lao Airlines).

Starting 15 January, Lao Airlines has added an extra flight on the Vientiane-Pakse route that will operate every Sunday morning.

Solitaire Official Unveils Singapore’s First Of Its Kind Rubber Watch Straps For Rolex 40MM Sports Model

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 16 January 2023 – A new sweat-proof, lightweight and classy line of watch straps is now revolutionising watch-wearing. Introducing: The Solitaire Rubber Straps. The latest launch by homegrown bespoke craftsman Solitaire Official is an innovative response to customer needs, the first of its kind in Singapore and globally for its unrivalled flexibility, style and durability. Expect weather-resistant vulcanised Fluoroelastomer (FKM) rubber in unmatched colour variations and effortless suitability; they are precisely sized for Rolex 40MM Sports models, including Daytona, GMT Master II, Submariner 40MM and Yachtmaster 40MM. Taking the bold step towards the unknown, Solitaire Rubber Straps reveal themselves as the epitome of cutting-edge in the world of craftsmanship.

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Artful Colour Choices & Patent-Pending Mechanism

Revel in the sleek and smooth textures of these rubber straps, paired with dual linings on each side for a distinctive flair. Contrasting the market’s present simple matte straps, this collection comprises five different colours – black, blue, green, orange and white – and nine possible design combinations for an improved visual appeal.

With a quick release functionality for flexibility, wearers can switch between straps wherever they are without any hassle. A user-friendly mechanism makes removing and installing straps a breeze, offering convenience while accommodating various style inclinations.

Depending on the amount of links worn on both sides, the straps can cater to different wrist sizes, allowing wearers to find their perfect fit with ease. While the new rubber straps reuse the original Rolex deployment buckles, Solitaire Official will launch more designs to suit different buckle preferences in the near future.

Sustained Quality, Durability & Comfort

Created using FKM rubber, a high-density synthetic rubber, these straps are incredibly soft and light on the skin, and resistant to perspiration and humidity. The latex undergoes a strict heating procedure that solidifies the components. The result is improved textile strength and durability, matched with waterproof properties and high resistance to heat, cold and UV rays.

Competitively Priced For Greater Accessibility

Despite high upstart costs entailing investments in research and development, craftsmanship and usage of the more expensive vulcanised FKM rubber, Solitaire Official has priced the all-new Solitaire Rubber Straps at S$179 / USD$129 at launch, lower than competing brands in the market. This demonstrates its commitment to delivering quality products at reasonable price points, allowing more wearers to take pleasure in the prestige of Rolex while celebrating their individual aesthetics.

Solitaire Official Rubber Straps are now released in limited quantities, available for both local and international shipping.
Hashtag: #SolitaireOfficial #SolitaireRubberWatchStraps


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

Solitaire Official

Founded in 2013, Solitaire Official started with its founder, Ren Yi, embarking on his journey as a leather craftsman. Burning with a passion for providing the finest bespoke leather products, he sought to combine the best level of workmanship with outstanding quality leather to deliver the true definition of refined luxury products. Its suite of products includes , and more.

Vietnam Seizes Drugs in Passenger Buses from Laos

Police search for narcotic substances in in Quang Tri Province. (Photo: VnExpress).

Vietnamese police discovered narcotic drugs on passenger buses traveling from Laos to Vietnam last week at the Lao Bao Border Checkpoint, which connects Savannakhet to Quảng Trị province in Vietnam.

5X Capital acquires stake in Colony Coworking Space to capitalise on booming flexible workspace market

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 16 January 2023 – 5X Capital, a private equity fund with a diverse portfolio of companies including BFM Radio and Vida has acquired a stake in Colony Coworking Space.

Colony Coworking Space, which currently operates 12 locations in Kuala Lumpur between its namesake brand and its mass-market brand Jerry, has a total footprint of 170,000 square feet in Kuala Lumpur. The group’s revenue grew 74% in 2022 and EBITDA grew by 265% year-on-year to an all-time high.

With this strategic investment, 5X Capital is looking to capitalise on the growing Flexible Workspace Market in Malaysia by investing in one of the largest Coworking operators in the country.

“We feel privileged to be invested into Colony, a team whose offering we love, has great execution and business acumen. This is an incredible opportunity and we will meaningfully support them for greater growth,” said a representative of 5X Capital. “Their success in being one of the few profitable coworking operators in the industry is a testament to the company’s strong brand and execution”.

“Colony has always been about sustainable growth: Growing while maintaining a minimum of being EBITDA neutral so we don’t burn cash. With that we find 5X Capital as partners that are aligned with our goal of sustainable growth,” said Timothy Tiah, CEO of Colony Coworking Space. “Their experience and resources will be invaluable as we continue to expand and meet the growing demand for coworking spaces in the region.”

Colony earlier this month also announced a new deal with property developer Sunsuria Berhad to open a new Colony in Sunsuria Forum at Setia Alam.
Hashtag: #Colony



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

About 5X Capital

5X Capital is a dynamic private equity fund that focuses on investing in and growing a diverse portfolio of companies in Southeast Asia. With a strong track record of success, 5X Capital is dedicated to identifying and supporting companies with high growth potential in the region. The fund typically invests up to RM20 million in its portfolio companies, helping them to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. 5X Capital’s team brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, and is committed to working closely with its portfolio companies to drive growth and success.

About Colony Coworking Space

Colony Coworking Space is a leading provider of flexible workspace solutions in Malaysia. With 12 locations across Kuala Lumpur, Colony offers a range of options for its clients, including its flagship luxury brand as well as its mass-market brand, Jerry. Since its founding in 2017, the company has raised close to RM30 million from investors and landlords to build its spaces, and is today one of the top flexible space operators in the country. Backed by prominent family offices and private equity funds, such as Oak Drive Ventures and Cornerstone Partners Group, Colony provides an unparalleled level of service and amenities to its clients.

Cambodia, Japan Offer Training to Ukraine for Demining Efforts

Content image - Phnom Penh Post The Cambodian government and the Japanese government have provided support to CMAC for running the humanitarian mine clearance training course for deminers from Ukraine. The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) will run a training course on mine clearance technology for Ukrainian deminers in Cambodia in January

Ukrainian deminers will receive a training course on mine clearance technology from The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) this month.