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Lao Government Increases Living Allowances for Civil Servants

Candidates attend civil servant examination.

The Prime Minister’s Office has recently announced the increase in living allowances for civil servants across the country.

NEFIN and City Development join hands to build the green power capability in Taiwan

TAIPEI, TAIWAN Media OutReach – 9 January 2023 – NEFIN Capital Taiwan Company Limited (“NEFIN Capital”), a subsidiary of NEFIN, renewable energy supplier in Asia Pacific, announces its cooperation with City Development Company Limited (“City Development”) to venture into the solar energy market in Taiwan. City Development will assess, develop and acquire solar power plants for NEFIN, and be the largest developer and development investment consultant for NEFIN in Taiwan.

Caption
LEFT: Mr Passion Yang, Managing Director of City Development (left) & Mr Glenn Lim, Director of NEFIN Capital (right), sealed the partnership.
RIGHT: Mr Glenn Lim, Director of NEFIN Capital (left) & Mr Passion Yang, Managing Director of City Development (right), signed the partnership contracts.

Mr Glenn Lim, Director of NEFIN Capital, shared that NEFIN is a premium green independent power producer funded by AC Energy Corporation (“ACEN”) in the Philippines. It operates and holds over 3,800MW of utility-scale, commercial and industrial renewable energy systems across the world. NEFIN has continuously invested in Taiwan and works with local partners which possess long-standing performance and experience to develop and accomplish the market’s sustainability and green energy vision, as well as to work with local community to create a long-term and positive environment for domestic economy and society growth.

Mr Lim emphasized that NEFIN not only develops and builds its own solar power plants in Taiwan but it also actively looks for suitable projects for acquisition. NEFIN is positive about the cooperation with City Development as the collaboration provides an opportunity to integrate the expertise that the NEFIN and its partner possess in the areas of site evaluation analysis, technology integration, design and engineering construction, and solar power financing solution. This will speed up the supply of reasonably priced green electricity to Taiwanese enterprises and consumers, achievement of carbon neutrality, and assist Taiwanese government with implementation of its renewable energy policy and planning of green economy.

City Development Managing Director Mr Passion Yang mentioned that the concept of sustainable urban development has prevailed around the world and green energy development is an important part of it. With a clear principle of building local partnership, City Development earns trust from local landlords through its good reputation. Over the years it has consolidated close to 400 hectares of lands in Pingtung and Kaohsiung for energy companies owned by renowned enterprises including PJ Asset Management Group, AUO Group, Union Group, Lealea Group, and has facilitated the construction of 60 ground-mounted and water-based solar power plants. The Company is not only an important driver of Pingtung Solar Power Zone, but also the largest ground- mounted solar power developer in southern Taiwan.

Mr Yang also shared his high expectation on the collaboration with NEFIN in Taiwan, which will jointly respond to government policy and encourage general public to embrace green energy. The two organizations can synergize their expertise to promote the conversion of wasteland into green gold, creating wins for industry, government and community, and build green energy vision for Taiwan.

Hashtag: #NEFIN

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

About NEFIN

NEFIN is a premium green independent power producer (IPP) offering bespoke carbon neutral technologies & financing solutions in Asia Pacific. NEFIN, funded by ACEN Corp., has collectively installed over 3,400 MW of utility-scale, commercial and industrial renewable energy systems. ACEN is listed in the Philippines (PSE: ACEN) and is part of the Ayala Corporation, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines, founded by the Ayala family in 1834. With its regional and multidisciplinary team, NEFIN offers comprehensive assessments and a full-suite of services to evaluate the ESG impact and commercial viability of projects, utilizing innovative approaches to technology under its unified energy management platform.

With a mission of “Achieving Carbon Neutrality for You”, NEFIN is committed to the global climate goals and aims to accelerate the decarbonization of our client portfolios. NEFIN believes the future of the world is everyone’s responsibility and strives to redefine energy boundaries towards a sustainable future. Please refer to NEFIN’s website for more information and follow us at .

About City Development Company Limited

Established in 2010, City Development Company Limited began its business with large scale land development such as urban regeneration, land rezoning and land consolidation, as well as sales of large-scale commercial offices and buildings. The Company has made significant achievement since branching into solar power plant business in 2016. It is now focused on the development of Pingtung Solar Power Zone where its scale has already reached over 400 hectares of land to date. For more information, please visit https://www.city-development.com.tw/index.html

Lao Food Festival to Take Place This Month

A vendor makes food during Lao Food Festival 2020 in Vientiane (Xinhua)
A vendor makes food during Lao Food Festival 2020 in Vientiane (Xinhua).

The latest edition of the Lao Food Festival will be held between 24-28 January 2023 at Chao Anouvong park in Vientiane’s Chanthabouly district.

Generali Hong Kong wins whole-life critical illness, term critical illness and savings insurance awards at “10Life 5-Star Insurance Award 2022”

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 9 January 2023 – Generali Hong Kong has recently won the “5-Star Savings Insurance Award”, “5-Star Whole Life Critical Illness Insurance Award” and “5-Star Term Critical Illness Insurance Award” at 10Life 5-Star Insurance Award 2022, recognising its outstanding performance in delivering comprehensive health and wealth solutions. Generali Hong Kong is the only insurer to be awarded in all the three categories of savings, whole-life critical illness and term critical illness insurance.

(From left) Ms. Quinney Tang, Division Head, Product Development, Ms. Ady Law, Chief Distribution and Marketing Officer and Ms. Cecilia Chang, Chief Executive Officer of Generali Hong Kong received the trophies from Thomson Ho, Co-Founder of 10Life.
(From left) Ms. Quinney Tang, Division Head, Product Development, Ms. Ady Law, Chief Distribution and Marketing Officer and Ms. Cecilia Chang, Chief Executive Officer of Generali Hong Kong received the trophies from Thomson Ho, Co-Founder of 10Life.

Ms. Cecilia Chang, Chief Executive Officer of Generali Hong Kong said, “We are very honored to receive 3 accolades at ’10Life 5-Star Insurance Award 2022′, covering multiple award categories. These awards reaffirm our commitment to providing excellent products and services, demonstrating our ambition to be a Lifetime Partner to our customers. Moving forward, Generali will continue to develop first-class insurance solutions to protect customers at every stage of their life journey.”

Generali Hong Kong’s award-winning savings insurance, namely “LionTycoon Beyond”, offers numerous competitive product features to meet customers’ needs at different life stages, including:

  • Attractive potential returns
    The plan with a two-year premium payment term features a short total break-even year as low as 6 years and provides double total cash value in 15 policy years; quadruple in 25 policy years based on total premiums paid[1].

  • Various payment terms options
    A total of four payment terms, 2, 5, 8 and 10 years, are available to help customers achieve their financial goals based on their needs at different life stages.

  • Flexibility to lock-in Terminal Dividend
    Through the Regular and Flexi Lock-in Options[2], Terminal Dividend can be accumulated in the Benefit Accumulation Account to earn non-guaranteed interest of 4% p.a., securing market upside and avoiding volatility.

5-Star flagship products in Generali Hong Kong’s critical illness series, LionGuardian Beyond and LionGuardian PlusOne, provide comprehensive coverage with the following key features:

  • Unlimited major critical illness benefits[3]
    Exclusive in the market[4], both plans offer unlimited number of claims[5] for cancer, stroke and heart attack until the age of 100[6], protection for 138 illnesses, including Major Critical Illnesses and Early Stage or Minor Illnesses, and every major critical illness claim offers 100% of Sum Assured, unaffected by any previous claims on other critical illnesses.

  • Protection for unknown illnesses
    Even if the cause of the illness is unknown, benefits are also payable for losses in functionality of the key organs[7] – heart, liver, lung or kidney – with 100% of Sum Assured for each claim.

  • Juvenile illnesses coverage
    12 juvenile illnesses are covered, including Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism and Tourette Syndrome (TS). Children will also be guarded even if the covered illnesses are arisen from congenital conditions. If the insured is unfortunately diagnosed with cancer for the first time before the age of 22, a one-off Extra Child Cancer Benefit[8] which is equivalent to 40% of Sum Assured will be paid. Together with the 100% of Sum Assured for Major Critical Illness Benefit and the Extra Coverage Benefit8 of 60% of Sum Assured in the first 10 policy years, the total benefit payout is up to 200% of Sum Assured.

10Life is one of the largest insurance comparison platforms in Hong Kong and performs quantitative research on insurance products. Their actuaries rate insurance products based on factors that matter the most to the consumers. The top insurance products in the market are rated as 5 Star.

“Generali Hong Kong” refers to “Generali Life (Hong Kong) Limited” unless stated otherwise.
LionTycoon Beyond, LionGuardian Beyond and LionGuardian PlusOne are underwritten by Generali Life (Hong Kong) Limited.

Terms and conditions apply. The press release does not contain the full provisions of the products and the full terms can be found in the Policy Provisions. For details of coverage, limitations, product risks, terms and conditions, please refer to the insurance policy documents, e.g. illustration, Policy Provision, product brochure and other supplementary materials (if applicable).


[1] Applicable to Two-year Premium Payment Term, with annual premium of US$100,000. Calculation of total break-even year and total cash value includes Guaranteed Cash Value and non-guaranteed Terminal Dividend. It is assumed that all premiums are paid in full when due, no withdrawals, no policy loans and no other policy options were made.

[2] Terminal Dividend Lock-in Options can be exercised starting from the 15th Policy Anniversary.

[3] Unlimited claims are only applicable for Cancer, Stroke and Heart Attack. For each of the other major critical illnesses, the major critical illness benefit shall

be payable to the maximum once only.

[4] Based on comparisons with other critical illness plans issued by Hong Kong major life insurance companies as of Nov 2022.

[5] Subject to waiting period and specific terms and conditions

[6] Applicable to LionGuardian Beyond only. If the plan is taken out for an unborn baby, coverage period will be 100 years after the policy becomes effective.

[7] Diagnosed with specific condition of key organs (heart, liver, lung or kidney) which last for at least 3 consecutive months.

[8] Extra Child Cancer Benefit and Extra Coverage Benefit are applicable to LionGuardian Beyond only. The Extra Child Cancer Benefit will only be payable on the 1st diagnosed suffering from a Cancer before the Policy Anniversary falling on or immediately after the Insured’s 22nd birthday. This benefit can only be claimed once under the same Policy and it will cease after the claim.

Hashtag: #GeneraliHongKong

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

GENERALI HONG KONG

In 1981, Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A was first registered as an authorized insurer in Hong Kong, with the business extending into the life insurance sector in 2016 with Generali Life (Hong Kong) Limited. With a combination of local knowledge and Generali Group’s global expertise, we develop unique and innovative life insurance, general insurance, specialty insurance, and employee benefits solutions to meet the needs of our customers.

GENERALI GROUP

Generali is one of the largest global insurance and asset management providers. Established in 1831, it is present in 50 countries in the world, with a total premium income of €75.8 billion in 2021. With around 75,000 employees serving 67 million customers, the Group has a leading position in Europe and a growing presence in Asia and Latin America. At the heart of Generali’s strategy is its Lifetime Partner commitment to customers, achieved through innovative and personalised solutions, best-in-class customer experience and its digitalised global distribution capabilities. The Group has fully embedded sustainability into all strategic choices, with the aim to create value for all stakeholders while building a fairer and more resilient society.

DHL Express Expands Footprint in Laos with New Vientiane Service Point

DHL Express opens new service point in Xaysettha District in Vientiane
  • Located in Saysettha District in the capital city Vientiane, the new service point aims to boost convenience for customers in shipment delivery and collection
  • This is also the second service point opened within one year, with the first added in Xiengkhaung in January 2022
  • DHL plans to launch five more service points in the next two years, bringing the total number to 10 across the country


VIENTIANE, LAOS – Media OutReach – 9 January 2023 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has expanded its presence in Laos with a new service point in the Saysettha district of Vientiane. The service point caters to a growing need for outbound shipping, enabling customers to conveniently send and collect documents and parcels to any destination outside of Laos. It is also the second addition in 12 months, with the other service point opened in January in Xiengkhaung. There are currently five service points across Laos.

“As the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, Laos is looking to improve its connectivity to bolster trade. In recent years, we have also seen international shipping activities continue to thrive in Vientiane due in part to the Covid-19 pandemic. With this new service point in the Saysettha district, we hope to be a reliable provider of choice for our customers by offering more convenient and secure shipping options to more residents and businesses,” said Mark Ong, Country Manager for Laos, DHL Express.

The latest service point is strategically located in the Phonthan Zone of Saysettha district, closer to customers, including expatriates and businesses residing in the nearby Saphanthongkang village zone. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the e-commerce industry has similarly gained a foothold in Laos, with an increase in international shipping demand, the U.S. lane being the most popular.

Cross-border trade growth potential in Laos

Laos recorded a trade surplus of $1 billion in 2021, indicating a huge potential for cross-border trade and e-commerce. The landlocked country has been looking to boost trade and connectivity by proactively establishing stronger trade links with other economies. This includes the signing of trade and bilateral agreements over the years. Most recently, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership – of which Laos is a member – took effect in January 2022.

Established in 1995 in Laos, DHL Express was the first to provide express international delivery services for both businesses and individual customers. Over the years, DHL Express has been a critical connector for customers and expanded its presence to better support customers, even throughout the pandemic. In addition to the current five service points, DHL Express plans to set up three in 2023 and two in 2024 across the country.Hashtag: #DHLExpress #Vientiane #crossbordertrade #serviceexcellence



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

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 380,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 81 billion euros in 2021. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

Walmart Plans Business Expansion in Cambodia

Walmart Plans Business Expansion in Cambodia
Walmart sign (photo: Walmart.com)

A Walmart official, Ms. Anbinh Phan was in an online conference with a Cambodian Ministry of Commerce representative, Mr. Pan Sorasak to discuss the expansion of the American multinational retail corporation in Cambodia on Friday.

Gems Origin Partners with Accredify to Pioneer New Industry Benchmark in Bespoke Fine Jewellery Using Blockchain Technology

Gem collectors will receive certificates of authenticity that are stored on blockchain ledgers to safeguard its integrity and data

  • Gems Origin pioneers the use of blockchain as authentication for fine jewellery.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 9 January 2023 – Gems Origin, a private bespoke fine jeweller, today announced its partnership with Accredify, Asia Pacific’s leading verification solutions provider, to adopt cutting-edge blockchain technology for the authentication of fine jewellery pieces. This pioneering move serves as an industry benchmark and a significant milestone in integrating latest technologies to bring the fine jewellery industry into the next era.

Gems Origin is Singapore's bespoke jeweller that customises high quality, one-of-a-kind jewellery.
Gems Origin is Singapore’s bespoke jeweller that customises high quality, one-of-a-kind jewellery.

Under this partnership, each gem sold and crafted into a fine jewellery by Gems Origin will receive a certificate of authenticity which will be placed on the blockchain to ensure integrity and security. This immutable ledger will ensure that data on the certificates remained unchanged, which in turn helps customers to preserve and trace the value of their fine jewellery pieces as they pass them to their future generations.

Each time a piece of fine jewellery is made, information such as the size, type and number of gemstones used, the dimensions of the piece, accompanying certificates (eg. GIA certificate of diamonds) and picture of the final product are incorporated in the certificate. This same set of information is stored on the blockchain, allowing clients to verify the information about their pieces by simply scanning a QR code. The process is similar to how our vaccination certificates are being checked when we travel.

By making these verifiable information available on a public domain, it demonstrates the confidence Gems Origin has in every handpicked gemstone used to create bespoke jewellery. This in turn reassures its clients on the quality of gemstones used for their unique pieces.

This will also serve as the foundation for the resale market should there ever come a time when clients decide to sell their pieces. The immutable certification on blockchain will provide buyers with a peace of mind, with irrefutable certainty about the gem authenticity and quality.

The global jewellery market size was estimated to be valued at USD 249.02 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5 percent from 2022 to 2030 [1]. Coupled with a rise in high net-worth individuals (HWI) in the Asia Pacific region to approximately 7.2 million[2], there is a corresponding surge in demand for fine jewellery, especially bespoke pieces that serve as investments, collectibles and heirlooms.

“Superior quality gemstones are investment-worthy assets and at Gems Origin, we believe that gem collection has the potential to be even more accessible to all, both for collection and personal enjoyment. It is an unique asset class that boasts the added option of developing bespoke fine jewellery pieces which further increase their value. These high jewellery pieces last forever and is a great way for collectors to preserve their legacy and family heritage as their future generations inherit these pieces,” said Gems Origin founder, Venessa Lim.

Lim added, “For aspiring and existing gem collectors, fraud is a key pain point which undermines trust between gem sellers and customers, and we strive to mitigate that by embracing new technologies such as blockchain to give customers a greater peace of mind by offering an immutable document that validates authenticity without an inch of doubt. As professional gemologists, we are able to recognise if the gemstones have been swapped or changed from what is authenticated on the certificate.”

“This partnership with Accredify is a key milestone for Gems Origins as we embark on this journey of establishing verifiable certificate of authentication to safeguard customers’ interests. The team at Accredify is aligned with our mission and has also demonstrated exemplary professionalism, providing valuable inputs and technology know-how to ensure success. Their proven work in Singapore’s verifiable COVID-19 vaccination speaks to their high level of technical expertise and problem solving capabilities,” said Gems Origin Chief Operating Officer, Alvin Lin.

“The application of verification technology to luxury goods serves as a new way for brands to assure consumers of their high-value asset’s authenticity,” said Quah Zheng Wei, CEO and Co-founder, Accredify. “Accredify’s mission has always been to create trusted interactions between individuals and corporations, which is why we’re excited to be a part of this revolutionary collaboration with Gems Origin. This unique use case is going to be the stepping stone to the application of Accredify’s TrustTech in the industry, and we’re excited to explore more opportunities with brands like Gems Origin to enhance brand trust amongst their consumer base.”

Hashtag: #gemsorigin #finejewellery #customisjewellery #Sgbespokejeweller #Diamond #Gemstones

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

About Gems Origins

Gems Origin is a private bespoke jeweller who crafts high quality one-of-a-kind fine jewellery pieces. Working only with natural gemstones and diamonds, every piece of Gems Origin’s jewel embodies the sentimental stories of our clients. Gems Origin’s guiding principle is to only craft jewels that are valuable and will appreciate over time, last forever, and for generations to keep. With a dedicated team of skilled designers and artisans, Gems Origin creates unique jewels that are a work of art.

For more information, visit



Pro Bono PAP Tests – Osler Health International is Helping Domestic Workers Fight Cervical Cancer

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 9 January 2023 – Osler Health International is delighted to announce the ongoing support of foreign domestic workers through its pioneering ‘Osler Giving Back’ programme. Osler Health International is a primary care family GP clinic opened by Singaporean doctors in 2020.

Putting ethics at the heart of its healthcare business, Osler Health provides pro bono cervical cancer screening (PAP) tests to the domestic helpers of their patients. PAP tests are the best way to protect women from cervical cancer.

Also known as a ‘silent killer’, cervical cancer often produces no signs or symptoms in its early stages. It is the second most common cancer in women, and is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women between age 35 and 44. Regular PAP tests are fundamental to early detection and treatment.

Cervical cancer numbers have been on the decline across countries across Europe and in the United States, but remain high in less developed countries. The reason is simple: women from less developed countries typically have limited information about cervical cancer screenings and, more importantly, less financial access to regular PAP testing. Whilst domestic workers receive mandatory health check-ups every six months, PAP tests are not a requirement.

The doctors at Osler Health aim to bridge that gap by offering free PAP test clinics to their patients’ domestic workers. They run approximately 4 clinics each year, testing and protecting multiple women. Osler Health covers all the expenses including clinic costs, laboratory costs and the doctor’s time. It is free of charge to the foreign domestic workers and their employers.

Dr Foong Tsin Uin, co-founder of Osler Health International says, “Part of our ethical approach to medical care means we care for everyone. Many domestic workers are not knowledgeable about cervical cancer and often their age demographic puts them in a higher risk bracket. As a family clinic, we recognise that many domestic workers are part of the family they work for, and it only seems right that we do what we can to support their health needs too.”

Hashtag: #OslerHealthInternational



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

Osler Health International

Osler Health International is a premium GP family physician clinic, located in Raffles Hotel Arcade and Star Vista. The next Osler Health Giving Back clinic will be held on Saturday, 11 March 2023.

For further information on the Giving Back programme please see .
For further information on Osler Health International please see .