AFP – Vietnam has abolished the death penalty for eight crimes, including espionage, graft, and attempting to overthrow the government, state media said on 25 June.
Vietnam Approves New Law Allowing Foreign Spouses to Gain Citizenship Without Residency
Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens will now be eligible for Vietnamese citizenship without having to meet previous residency, language, or financial requirements, following a new law passed by the National Assembly.
On 24 June, all 416 deputies of the Vietnam National Assembly voted in favor of amending the Law on Vietnamese Nationality.
The revised law grants exemptions for foreign nationals and stateless persons who are married to Vietnamese citizens or who have biological children of Vietnamese nationality, according to the state media.
Previously, applicants were required to have lived in Vietnam for at least five years, demonstrate proficiency in the Vietnamese language, and prove financial self-sufficiency to qualify for citizenship. These requirements are now waived for eligible applicants under the new law.

However, certain core requirements remain. Applicants must still demonstrate legal capacity (with exceptions for children applying alongside a Vietnamese parent), comply with Vietnamese laws, and show respect for the country’s culture and customs.
The revised law requires applicants to adopt a Vietnamese or ethnic minority name, but those with dual citizenship may use a hybrid name combining both Vietnamese and foreign elements in official documents.
Justice Minister Nguyen Hai Ninh said the reform aims to attract talent and strengthen national development by drawing skilled professionals, scientists, investors, and experts with family ties to Vietnam.
While Vietnam does allow dual citizenship in specific cases, particularly for those with Vietnamese relatives and upon presidential approval, the law states that only Vietnamese nationality will be officially recognized within the country, unless otherwise stipulated by international agreements.
The law restricts dual citizenship for sensitive positions: Communist Party members, state officials, mass organization leaders, and armed forces personnel must hold only Vietnamese citizenship and maintain permanent residence in Vietnam. Other public employees may retain dual nationality if it benefits the state without compromising national interests.
Implementation guidance from the central government is expected in coming months.
Best Mart 360 Debuts on foodpanda mall in Hong Kong
Over 500 Premium Global Products Now Available for Convenient Home Shopping
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2025 – Best Mart 360 Holdings Limited (“Best Mart 360” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; stock code: 2360.HK), a leading leisure food retailer in Hong Kong, is excited to announce that its flagship retail brand, “Best Mart 360˚ ” and its global gourmet brand, “FoodVille”, are now available on foodpanda mall. In addition to its extensive network of over 170 stores across Hong Kong, Best Mart 360 is committed to expanding its online platform services, seamlessly integrating online and offline experiences to provide customers with a more convenient and comprehensive shopping experience.
Leveraging its global sourcing expertise, Best Mart 360 brings an extensive range of over 500 high-quality, competitively priced yet premium products to foodpanda mall, including (i) popular snacks such as biscuits, candies, and chocolates from Japan, Korea, Europe, and the Americas; (ii) exclusive flagship brands and featured products; (iii) a curated selection of international wines, sake, and beers; and (iv) premium cooking oils, condiments, and essential household groceries.
Convenient Shopping Across the Territory
Experience 24/7 Access to Premium Living
With foodpanda Mall, customers can order their favorite products, and foodpanda couriers will pick them up from selected Best Mart 360° or FoodVille stores, delivering in as little as 30 minutes. The service will initially be piloted at 39 stores and will gradually expand to more locations, unveiling more best-selling items in the near future.
Mr. Hui Chi Kwan, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Group, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with foodpanda to bring our global premium products online. This collaboration meets our customers’ demand for convenience, offering access to high-quality, competitively priced items anytime, anywhere. It further embodies our brand commitment of ‘Premium Living, Within Reach,’ connecting us even closer to our customers’ daily lives.”
Mr. Darren Luk – Director, Q-Commerce (HKTW) of foodpanda, said, “We’re dedicated to providing diverse lifestyle products. Best Mart 360’s addition enhances our offerings, particularly for imported snacks and groceries, solidifying foodpanda mall as Hong Kong’s go-to one-stop delivery platform.”
List of Designated Branches:
Best Mart 360˚
Hong Kong Island
1. Shop L, G/F, 484-496 Queen’s Road West, Shek Tong Tsui
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6. Shop 301, L3, New Jade Shopping Arcade, Chai Wan |
2. Shop Nos. D09-D13a, First Floor, Queensway Plaza, 93 Queensway, Admiralty
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7. Shop A and B, Ground Floor, 3-5 Stanley New Street, Stanley |
3. Shop No. 1, G/F, 334-336 King’s Road, North Point
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8. Shop E, G/F, Albert House,22 Chengtu Road, Aberdeen |
4. Shop D, G/F, Ellen Building, 192-198 Shau Kei Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan
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9. Shop 17, G/F, Hang Fung Mansion,17-19 Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley |
5. Shop 3 & Shop 4, G/F, 981 King’s Road, Quarry Bay
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10. Shop A, G/F, 194-204 Johnston Road, Wanchai |
Kowloon
1. Shop 18, G/F, 1-7 Wu Kwong Street, Hung Hom
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6. Shop UG22, UG/F, Temple Mall South, Wong Tai Sin |
2. G/F, 128-130 Nga Tsin Wai Road, Kowloon City
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7. Shops 79-80, 1/F, Laguna Plaza, Kwun Tong |
3. G/F, 511 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei
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4. G/F, 180 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
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5. Shop G19, G/F, Un Chau Shopping Centre, Cheung Sha Wan
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New Territories
1. Shop 205A, L2, Tai Wo Plaza, Tai Po
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9. Shop Nos. 4A, 4B and 19, G/F,Chung On Shopping Centre, Ma On Shan |
2. Shop No. A212, Level 2, YOHO Mall II, Yuen Long
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10. Shop 53B, 55A & 55B, 3/F, Shatin Centre, Sha Tin |
3. Shop No. L045, G/F, Tin Yiu Plaza, Tin Yiu Estate, Tin Shui Wai
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11. Shop Nos. TAW 31-32, MTR Tai Wai Station, Tai Wai |
4. Shop Nos. H-217 & H-218A, Level 2, Zone H, H.A.N.D.S., Tuen Mun
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12. Shops G2-3 & G16-18, G/F, Tai Hung Fai(Tsuen Wan) Centre, Chung On Street, Tsuen Wan |
5. Shop Nos. 209-211, 1/F, Fanling Centre, Fanling
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13. Shop TSY 30-31, Tsing Yi Station, Tsing Yi |
6. Shop Nos. UG046-47, UG/F,Metro City Phase II, Tseung Kwan O
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14. Shop No. B (2-8, 23-25), 2/F, Sun Kwai Hing Plaza, Kwai Chung |
7. Shop 15, G/F, Sai Kung Garden, 16 Chan Man Street, Sai Kung
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15. Shop 105, 1/F, Fu Tung Plaza, Tung Chung |
8. Shops F75-76, 1/F, PopCorn 2, Tseung Kwan O
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FoodVille
Kowloon
1. Shop No. G8-9 &16-19 on Ground Floor of Amoy Plaza Gardens, Phase I, 77 Ngau Tau Kok Road, Ngau Tau Kok
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New Territories
1. Shop Unit 304, The LOHAS, LOHAS Park, Tseung Kwan O
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4. Shop No. 354, Level 2, Zone E, Tai Po Mega Mall, Tai Po |
2. Shop 183, Level 1, Maritime Square 2, Tsing Yi
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5. Shop Unit 503, Level 5, The Wai, Sha Tin |
3. Shop No. 3013, Level 3, MOSTown (Phase 4), Ma On Shan
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6. Shop Nos. 152-153, Level 1, Park Central, 9 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O |
Hashtag: #優品360 #BestMart360 #foodpanda #foodpandamall
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Best Mart 360 Holdings Limited
Best Mart 360 Holdings Limited operates chain retail stores under the brand “Best Mart 360˚ “, offering wide selection of imported and pre-packaged leisure foods and other grocery products principally from overseas. It is the Group’s business objective to offer “Best Quality” and “Best Price” products to customers through continuous efforts on global procurement with a mission to provide comfortable shopping environment and pleasurable shopping experience to customers. As at 31 December 2024, the Group operated a total of 176 chain retail stores, spanning all of the 18 districts in Hong Kong and strategic locations with heavy pedestrian flow in Macau. Among the chain retail stores, the global gourmet brand “FoodVille” launched in September 2021 is also included, targeting the medium-to-high-end-market.
Thailand Classifies Cannabis Flowers as Controlled Substance for Medical Use Only
On 24 June, the Thai Ministry of Public Health officially announced a new regulation that classifies cannabis flowers as a controlled herbal substance, aiming to prevent misuse and strengthen legal oversight.
Lao Government Voices Concern Over Regional, Global Tensions

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has voiced serious concerns about rising regional tensions and global instability, warning of their potential impact on Laos’s economy and security.
Speaking during a session at the Prime Minister’s Office on 24 June, he pointed to growing geopolitical challenges, including military friction between ASEAN neighbors, referring to Cambodia and Thailand, as well as broader global conflicts and humanitarian crises.
He also highlighted the ongoing global economic slowdown, cautioning that these overlapping issues could drive up the cost of essential goods, especially fuel, and place added pressure on vulnerable communities in Laos.
Government officials stressed the need for proactive measures, stating that Laos cannot remain unaffected by these interconnected global events.
ABB among TIME’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies
- ABB ranked 14th in the “World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025” list by TIME Magazine and Statista
- ABB named third most sustainable company across all industries in Switzerland
- Companies assessed on sustainable business practice, commitments & ratings, reporting standards & transparency, environmental & social stewardship
ABB has been ranked 14th in TIME’s “World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025” and third in Switzerland across all industries. TIME and Statista assessed over 5,000 of the world’s largest and most influential companies, considering factors such as revenue, market capitalization, and public prominence. The top 500 companies from 35 countries and 21 industries were identified using a transparent methodology involving a rigorous 4-step process and the evaluation of more than 20 key performance indicators. Companies were assessed on sustainable business practices, commitments & ratings, reporting standards & transparency, environmental & social stewardship. An overall sustainability score was calculated, with a maximum achievable score of 100. ABB achieved a score of 81.92.
“Being among the top 15 in the World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025 is testament to ABB’s strategic approach of embedding sustainability into the business with a focus on transparency and accountability,” said Anke Hampel, ABB’s Group Head of Sustainability. “Our Sustainability Agenda aims to enable a low-carbon society, preserve resources and promote social progress for a net-zero future. As a global technology leader in electrification and automation, we help our customers optimize energy use, reduce emissions, and accelerate the transition to more resilient, resource-efficient operations.”
ABB has set ambitious net zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2050, compared to a 2019 baseline. In 2024, ABB achieved a 78% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions since 2019 and decreased Scope 3 emissions by 8% compared to 2022.
ABB has also been recognized for leadership in corporate transparency and performance on climate change by the global environmental non-profit organization Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) securing a place on its annual ‘A List’ in April 2025. In May 2025, ABB received a rating of AAA (on a scale of AAA-CCC) in the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment.
Discover more about ABB’s sustainability approach and progress: https://global.abb/group/en/investors/annual-reporting-suite
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they out-perform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
Hashtag: #ABB
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
AIA Launches Wealth Generation – Introducing market-first legacy planning options and a short 4-year projected breakeven period Empowering HNW customers to accumulate wealth and achieve seamless legacy transfer

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2025 – AIA Hong Kong announced the launch of Wealth Generation (“the Plan”), a bespoke life insurance plan designed exclusively for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals. This Plan enables customers to capitalise on wealth creation opportunities in today’s dynamic market while fostering long-term prosperity through strategic legacy planning. The Plan features multiple market-first^ legacy planning options, a rare-in-market* Flexi Withdrawal Option and value-added service, delivering a competitive projected total internal rate of return (IRR) #. With projected breakeven year as short as four years#, this comprehensive solution addresses the dual priorities of HNW customers: wealth accumulation and legacy management.

Ms Alice Liang, Chief Proposition & Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said: “As a global hub for asset and wealth management, Hong Kong has long been a magnet for high-net-worth individuals and families from around the world. Their needs for life insurance products are constantly evolving. They not only seek to navigate complex investment landscape but also place great emphasis on managing their wealth with control, precision, flexibility, and resilience, ensuring seamless wealth transfer.”
She added: “AIA remains unwavering in our customer-centric approach, consistently delivering innovative products and thoughtful services that go beyond expectations and delight our customers. Wealth Generation exemplifies this commitment, with its market-first legacy planning options, rare Flexi Withdrawal Option and value-added services. This empowers our customers with greater control and flexibility over their wealth accumulation and legacy planning journey, embodying AIA’s commitment to helping them achieve Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”
Key features and value-added services of the Wealth Generation:
Empowering Wealth Growth
Short projected total breakeven year and competitive projected total IRR
- Projected total breakeven year as short as four years#, with a 10-year projected total IRR of up to 5.05%#, helping customers seize opportunities for steady wealth growth.
- Guaranteed cash value and non-guaranteed Terminal Dividend1, along with the Terminal Dividend Lock-in Option2, enabling customers to secure potential returns while pursuing long-term financial growth.
Rare-in-market* Flexi Withdrawal Option3
- Policyholders can set up flexible withdrawal instructions starting from the end of the 5th policy year, where they may automatically and regularly withdraw policy values during their specified period for payment to the designated payment recipient, catering to their evolving needs at different life stages.
Seamless Legacy Planning
Legacy Planning Options and Value-added Services
- Market-first^ Future Guard Option: Through the value-added service, Transitional Owner Arrangement4, policyholder can designate a family member as the contingent owner of the policy and another aged 18 or above family member as the transitional owner of the policy. The transitional owner will oversee the policy with limited administrative rights until the designated contingent owner takes over ownership of the policy upon reaching the date or age as specified by the policyholder.
- The Future Guard Option also allows the transitional owner to split the policy into two separate policies and to designate another family member as the new contingent owner and insured of the split policy. Ownership of the split policy is transferred when the new contingent owner reaches the specified date or age, ensuring seamless and harmonious wealth succession across generations.
Safeguarding Loved Ones
- Market-first^ Beneficiary Flexi Option: Under specified conditions5, beneficiaries are empowered to flexibly choose their settlement options to receive their share of the unpaid death benefit and accidental death benefit. This ensures a personalised and holistic approach to legacy planning.
- Market-first^ Health Impairment Option6: In the event that the policyholder suffers from a mental issue or becomes unconscious for a certain period due to a specified illness, the designated recipient7 can receive benefit payment or policy ownership according to the policyholder’s instructions. This feature safeguards the financial well-being of loved ones.
Recognising the exacting standards of HNW customers for health and wealth solutions, AIA established AIA Club Alta in 2023 to deliver curated privileges8 across three pillars: health and wellness, wealth management and exquisite lifestyle experiences. These exclusive offerings have empowered customers to strike an optimal balance between health and wealth, enabling them to enjoy a more prosperous and fulfilling life. AIA Club Alta also extends its bespoke wealth management privileges9 to include advisory services on tax planning, trusts, legal and family office consultations. When combined with Wealth Generation, these services provide customers with an effective solution, ensuring the mastery of wealth amplification, seamless wealth succession and peace of mind for generations to come.
All information above is for reference only and does not constitute any offer and/or insurance product recommendation. The product information in this material does not contain the full terms of the product, for the details of the product features, terms and conditions, exclusions and key product risks, please refer to the product brochure and policy contract of relevant products or visit the AIA Hong Kong’s website.
Remarks
- Future Guard Option: As of 7 May 2025, compared with similar services offered by Hong Kong major insurance companies
- Beneficiary Flexi Option: With the Beneficiary Flexi Option, the policy owner allows the beneficiary to choose to receive the death benefit payment in accordance with the beneficiary’s selected settlement option when the beneficiary has attained the designated age chosen by the policy owner or when the beneficiary is diagnosed with a specified illness under Beneficiary Flexi Option. This feature is first-in-market when compared with the savings insurance products provided by Hong Kong major insurance companies, pioneered by AIA with the FlexiAchiever Savings Plan on 8 January 2025.
- Health Impairment Option: This option allows the policy owner to designate up to 2 different designated recipients and elect for both benefit payment and transfer of ownership at the same time. This feature is first-in-market when compared with the savings insurance products provided by Hong Kong major insurance companies as of 7 May 2025.
- The non-guaranteed Terminal Dividend may be declared to the policy at least once per policy year starting from the end of the 3rd policy year. However, AIA Hong Kong may also at its sole discretion declare the Terminal Dividend more frequently than once per policy year, such as on a monthly basis.
- This option is available once per policy year starting from the end of the 15th policy year, and application for such transfer must be made within 30 days after the end of a policy year.
- Subject to relevant conditions and withdrawal risks.
- Transitional Owner Arrangement is only available to designated policies which meet our eligibility requirements. Transitional Owner Arrangement is a value-added service and not a product feature, therefore it does not form part of the policy contract of Wealth Generation. Application is subject to our approval at our discretion. We reserve the right to withdraw the Transitional Owner Arrangement or change its terms and conditions or any related requirements at any time at our sole and absolute discretion. Future Guard Option is one of the service features under the Transitional Owner Arrangement. For details of Transitional Owner Arrangement and Future Guard Option (including but not limited to eligibility, risk and limitation), please refer to the value-added service leaflet of Transitional Owner Arrangement.
- If the policyholder has chosen the Death Benefit Settlement Option, he/she may also choose the Beneficiary Flexi Option. Upon the beneficiary attaining the designated age chosen by the policyholder or being diagnosed with a specified illness including cancer, stroke, heart attack, terminal illness and kidney failure, such beneficiary can receive his/her share of the unpaid death benefit and accidental death benefit (if any) according to his/her selected settlement option.
- Starting from the end of the 3rd policy year, if the policyholder is also the insured, he/she may elect for benefit payment and/or ownership transfer to designated recipient(s) under the Health Impairment Option. Subject to relevant conditions and withdrawal risk.
- The policyholder may designate up to 2 family members aged 18 or above as designated recipients and the applicable designated percentage of policy value for benefit payment and/or ownership transfer. If the policyholder suffers from a mental issue or becomes unconscious for a certain period due to a specified illness including Apallic Syndrome and Coma, the designated recipient may in accordance with the instructions receive a lump sum benefit payment and/or become the new policy owner of the policy.
- The membership and privileges of AIA Club Alta are subject to terms and conditions. For details, please refer to AIA Club Alta website (aia.com.hk/en/aia-alta).
- The wealth management privileges of AIA Club Alta are provided by third-party service providers and partners. AIA Hong Kong and its intermediaries do not provide any opinion or advice to customers regarding the relevant services.
Hashtag: #AIA #友邦
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AIA Hong Kong & Macau
AIA Group Limited established its operations in Hong Kong in 1931. To date, AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau have over 18,000 financial planners1, as well as an extensive network of independent financial advisors, brokerage and bancassurance partners. We serve over 3.6 million customers2, offering them a wide selection of professional services and products ranging from individual life, group life, accident, medical and health, pension, personal lines insurance to investment-linked assurance schemes with numerous investment options. We are also dedicated to providing superb product solutions to meet the financial needs of high-net-worth customers.
1 as of 31 March 2025
2 Including AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau’s individual life, group insurance and pension customers (as of 31 March 2025)