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Laos Among Weakest Passports in New Global Ranking

Laos has been ranked 93rd on a list of the world’s most powerful passports, up slightly from last year’s ranking. 

All-new 7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT collaboration concept launches at new 7-Eleven store in Tai Po bringing customers more flavours, more surprises and more mix & match choices

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 12 January 2023 – 7CAFÉ+ and HOTSHOT, two of 7-Eleven’s popular own brands, are joining forces for the first time ever to create 7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT, an all-new and exciting concept! This unique collaboration officially launches in 7-Eleven’s new store on Tai Yuen Estate in Tai Po! Combining new ideas from 7CAFÉ+ and HOTSHOT’s classic snacks, 7-Eleven will continue to bring extra fun and excitement to its customers this new year!

7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT brings together these two brands’ signature items such as Frappe Cool, Bubble Tea, Croffles and Sundae Parfaits from 7CAFÉ+ and authentic Hong Kong HOTSHOT snacks from such as Shao Mais, Fish Balls, and Stirred Noodles. 7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT boasts a blend of innovative items and classic favourites with a unique menu of over 70 delicious drinks and treats! Unlike at previous 7CAFÉ+ and HOTSHOT counters, customers can freely mix & match the items from the two brands together to create their very own exclusive combos such as Mango Pomelo Frappe with Curry Fish Balls and more. The possibilities are endless! The new store has also launched a new and exclusive series of red bean items inspired by the Hong Kong cha chaan teng classic Red Bean Ice to bring extra excitement. To celebrate the launch of the new 7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT concept, 7-Eleven commissioned popular local illustrator Don Mak to create a 7-metre-long mural to decorate the storefront featuring 7-Eleven brand elements, signature items as well as famous Hong Kong and Tai Po landmarks such as the DukLing Chinese junk, the Spiral Lookout Tower and the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree to show that 7-Eleven is always there for its customers and the community in Hong Kong.

[Store Exclusive] New Red Bean Series

[Store Exclusive] Red Bean Fizzy Frappe Cool ($22/cup)

Topped with red beans directly sourced from Japan, this drink is inspired by the cha chaan teng classic red bean ice and is full of local flavour. Enjoy this sweet treat’s layers of shaved ice and rich creamy taste.

[Store Exclusive] Red Bean Fizzy Specialty Drink ($22/cup)

Our innovative take on the Hong Kong classic red bean ice drink features a delicious red bean paste directly imported from Japan. It’s sweet, rich and refreshing!

[Store Exclusive] Red Bean Sundae Parfait ($25/cup)

This Sundae Parfait combines rich, creamy milk with crunchy cornflakes and red bean paste directly imported from Japan. Savour the rich layers of different tastes and textures!

[Store Exclusive] Red Bean Toast ($19)

This toast is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Topped with a generous serving of butter and red bean paste, this sweet and tasty snack will be sure to tickle your taste buds.

7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT also has a whole host of tasty combos to choose from. Customers can freely mix & match signature items from both 7CAFÉ+ and HOTSHOT and create their very own combos. Everyone – from students and time-pressed office workers to busy full-time mums – can now find food and customise their own combos for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or just a quick snack at 7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT! There are countless combinations but here are four of 7-Eleven’s top picks to show how you can mix trendy treats with Hong Kong classics!

7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT Combos: Our top picks!

To kickstart their morning, many Hongkongers grab breakfast on the go before heading to work or school. This Breakfast Combo B at just $26 is ideal for office workers or students. This combo includes a main item, two sides and a drink and there are lots of options to choose from! The more health-conscious can opt for a nutritious, protein-rich boiled egg as one of their two sides. Or if you want to try something a little different, go for the new and exclusive Red Bean Toast only available at the Tai Po store. Then complete your combo with a refreshing cup of freshly brewed 7CAFÉ coffee made with 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified Arabica beans.

7-Eleven Combo Pick 1: Breakfast Combo B

Breakfast B ($26) Menu

1 Luncheon Meat/4 Cheese Sausages

+ 1 serving of Rice Noodles/Sesame Oil Flavoured Noodles/Macaroni with Chicken or Tomato Soup/Oatmeal with Milk
+ 5 Fish Balls /5 Shao Mais/1 Boiled Egg/1 slice of Toast (Butter/Condensed Milk & Butter/Peanut Butter & Condensed Milk/Red Bean)
+ 1 HK-style hot drink

Combo Upgrade offer:

+$3 to add on an iced HK-Style Drink
+$9 to add on a hot Freshly Brewed Coffee/Flavoured Milk
+$11 to add on an iced Freshly Brewed Coffee/Flavoured Milk
+$16 to add on a Frappe Cool/Bubble Tea/Iced Shaken Tea

Available until 11am

Looking for a light breakfast on the go? Then grab a Toast Snack Combo! Pick from a selection of toppings from HK-style Peanut Butter & Condensed Milk, Condensed Milk & Butter or Butter, as well as an all-new option exclusively at the Tai Po store Red Bean! If you love red bean, you have to try the Red Bean Toast – a slice of hot buttered toast with a generous serving of red bean paste made with Japanese beans! Toast Snack Combos are available all day. Treat yourself and upgrade to a Bubble Tea for a tasty afternoon tea!

7-Eleven Combo Pick 2: Toast Snack Combo

Toast Snack Combo ($24) Menu

1 slice of Toast (Butter/Condensed Milk & Butter/Peanut Butter & Condensed Milk/Red Bean)

+ 1 Purple Dot item (5 Fish Balls/5 Shao Mais/1 Boiled Egg /4 Cheese Sausages/3 Cuttlefish Balls/2 Star-shaped Fish Cakes/1 Luncheon Meat)
+ 1 hot HK-style drink

Combo Upgrade offer:

+$3 to add on an iced HK-Style Drink
+$9 to add on a hot Freshly Brewed Coffee/Flavoured Milk
+$11 to add on an iced Freshly Brewed Coffee/Flavoured Milk
+$16 to add on a Frappe Cool/Bubble Tea/Iced Shaken Tea

Available all day

Roasted Chicken Leg, Roasted Chicken Wings, Shao Mais and Fish Balls are also classic afternoon snack options to get you through the day. 7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT’s Roasted Chicken Snack Combo allows you to mix & match two of these items at a discounted price. Take a break and upgrade your combo with a Specialty Drink such as a Frappe Cool or Bubble Tea!

7-Eleven Combo Pick 3: Roasted Chicken Snack Combo

Roasted Chicken Snack Combo ($35) Menu

1 Roasted Chicken Leg/4 Roasted Chicken Wings

+ 1 Purple Dot item (5 Fish Balls/5 Shao Mais/1 Boiled Egg /4 Cheese Sausages/3 Cuttlefish Balls/2 Star-shaped Fish Cakes /1 Luncheon Meat)
+ 1 hot HK-style drink

Combo Upgrade offer:

+$3 to add on an iced HK-Style Drink
+$9 to add on a hot Freshly Brewed Coffee/Flavoured Milk
+$11 to add on an iced Freshly Brewed Coffee/Flavoured Milk
+$16 to add on a Frappe Cool/Bubble Tea/Iced Shaken Tea

Available after 11am

Our popular Korean-inspired Croffles and HK-style Eggettes are a hit with younger customers. 7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT’s Special Snack Combo lets you enjoy a crispy Croffle or Instaworthy Eggette with a side and a drink at a great value price! You can mix & match a variety of different drinks such as Frappe Cool, Bubble Tea or Iced Shaked Teas. But as 7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT mixes innovative items with classic favourites, we recommend you combine these trendy snacks with an authentic cup of HK-Style Milk Tea to tickle your taste buds!

7-Eleven Combo Pick 4: Special Snack Combo

Special Snack Combo ($35) Menu

1 Croffle/1 Eggette

+ 1 Purple Dot item (5 Fish Balls/5 Shao Mais/1 Boiled Egg /4 Cheese Sausages/3 Cuttlefish Balls/2 Star-shaped Fish Cakes /1 Luncheon Meat)
+ 1 hot HK-style drink

Combo Upgrade offer:

+$3 to add on an iced HK-Style Drink
+$9 to add on a hot Freshly Brewed Coffee/Flavoured Milk
+$11 to add on an iced Freshly Brewed Coffee/Flavoured Milk
+$16 to add on a Frappe Cool/Bubble Tea/Iced Shaken Tea

Available after 11am


New store limited time launch offer

From now until 21 January, visit 7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT and enjoy two surprise launch offers! Offer 1: Buy selected HOTSHOT items at $9 or $10 for a limited time only**! (The $9 limited-time special price applies to a la carte items including: 2 BBQ Pork Buns/2 Custard Buns/1 portion of Cheung Fun/2 Steamed Dumplings/2 Mini Glutinous Rice Dumplings; the $10 limited-time special price applies to a la carte items including: 10 Fish Balls / 10 Shao Mais / 5 Fish Balls and 5 Shao Mais). Offer 2: Enjoy any flavour Frappe Cool at the special limited-time price** of $18. Don’t miss this chance to try our store exclusive Red Bean Fizzy Frappe Cool at a super special price! Head down to 7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT with your family and friends to enjoy these two great offers! And discover a new way to enjoy fun trendy treats and Hong Kong-style classics at 7-Eleven!

* Prices may change without prior notice. The product price at the store shall prevail. Limited quantity available, while stocks last.

** Valid from 8 January (7am) to 21 January 2022. This offer is only applicable to Shop No. S4B & S4C, Ground Floor, Tai Yuen Shopping Centre, No.10 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po. Limited quantity available, while stocks last. All prices listed are in Hong Kong dollars at Hong Kong stores and in Macanese Patacas at Macau stores. The product prices shown at the stores shall prevail. Product images are for reference only. In case of any dispute, 7-Eleven reserves the right of final decision.

Store Details:

Store address: Shop No. S4B & S4C, Ground Floor, Tai Yuen Shopping Centre, No.10 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po
Store opening hours: Open 24 hours
7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT business hours: Monday to Sunday (7:30am to 8:30pm)

Hashtag: #7Eleven #7Cafe #HOTSHOT #TaiPo #7CAFEPLUS

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

About 7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT

The all-new joint 7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT concept brings together two of 7-Eleven’s popular own brands – 7CAFÉ+, famous for its Frappe Cool drinks, freshly brewed coffee, bubble tea, croffles, baked products and other innovative flavours, and HOTSHOT with its selection of authentic local treats such as HK-style milk tea, shao mais, fish balls and noodles. Customers can freely mix & match items from both brands together and combine new ideas with local favourites to enjoy more flavours, more surprises and more choices! Visit 7CAFÉ+HOTSHOT today and discover a new way to enjoy fun trendy treats and Hong Kong-style classics.

Laos Sees a Trade Deficit of USD 23 Million in December

Laos Reports USD 23 Million of Trade Deficit in December
Illustrative image (Photo: https://doanhnghiepkinhtexanh.vn/)

According to the Lao Trade Portal, the country recorded a trade deficit of USD 23 million in December, which is considerably lower than the trade deficits of USD 45 million and USD 230 million reported in November and October, respectively.

Laos Sees More than 1,000 People Cross at Chinese Border

Laos has recorded over 1,000 people entering and exiting via the Boten International Border checkpoint in Luang Namtha Province since China authorized the reopening of borders last week.

Alderan Resources chasing copper and gold in Utah’s best mining districts

Melbourne, Victoria – News Direct – 12 January 2023 –

PressReleaseTMPgnORi6.jpg

Alderan Resources Ltd (ASX:AL8) managing director Scott Caithness joins Proactive’s Elisha Newell to introduce the company and outline its exploration plans in 2023. Alderan is out to discover, delineate and develop copper and gold deposits across Utah, with a special focus on its Detroit gold camp. The company has also inked an option agreement with Rio Tinto, setting it up to profile the Corbin Wickes Project in Montana for copper and molybdenum.
Hashtag: #AlderanResources

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

Calastone accelerates Asia presence with opening of new Taiwan office

The new office bolsters Calastone presence in Asia and provides additional local support for the funds industry in Taiwan

TAIPEI, TAIWAN Media OutReach – 12 January 2023 – Calastone, the largest global funds network, announced the opening of its latest Asia Pacific office in Taiwan as the company extends the range of services for clients in the market. The latest expansion, together with Calastone offices in Singapore and Hong Kong, further strengthens its commitment and supports the future growth in the Asia Pacific region.

Serving clients in Taiwan since 2009, Calastone provides automated cross-border fund processing to over 80% of fund distributors in the market. Investors can also gain access to the largest range of funds in Taiwan via the firm’s collaboration with the Taiwan Depository & Clearing Corporation (TDCC), leveraging Calastone’s global network. Taiwan’s fund industry has grown steadily over the years, reaching US$177 billion in 2021 and is widely regarded as a model for digitalising fund processing.

The new office affirms Calastone’s position as the longest and leading service provider of fund processing and reporting services in Taiwan and strengthens their ability to support and enable further adoption of automation in the industry.

“Taiwan was our first key Asian market as we entered the APAC region in 2009. We are proud to have been a committed member and participant in the transformation Taiwan’s funds industry has gone through, which made the market a model for modernisation of the sector. Taiwan continues to be an important market and we see a lot of potential and opportunities to further support the industry as it continues its digital journey. We are excited to announce the opening of our office in Taipei and look forward to extending our services to our existing and prospective customers while drawing on our global expertise in helping clients operate in a fully automated, globally connected and frictionless digital environment,” said Justin Christopher, Managing Director, Head of Asia at Calastone.

Calastone’s industry-leading solutions have supported every step of the fund transaction lifecycle, benefitting the industry and its participants with enhanced operational efficiency and reduced risks across the entire process chain. Through further investment in latest technologies, including distributed ledger technology and cloud, Calastone is continuing to support clients in Taiwan and the wider APAC region to move towards an accelerated, fully digital future.

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

About Calastone

Calastone is the largest global funds network, connecting the world’s leading financial organisations.

Our mission is to help the funds industry transform by creating innovative new ways to automate and digitalise the global investment funds marketplace, reducing frictional costs and lowering operational risk to the benefit of all. Through this, we make investing more accessible, generating the opportunity for the industry to deliver greater value for the investor.

Over 3,500 clients in 54 countries and territories benefit from Calastone’s services, processing £250 billion of investment value each month.

Calastone is headquartered in London and has offices in Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, New York, Milan, and Sydney.

EcoCeres announces significant equity investment from Bain Capital

HONG KONG SAR and BOSTON – Media OutReach – 12 January 2023 – EcoCeres, Inc. (“EcoCeres” or the “Company”), an innovative biorefinery company with leading R&D capabilities, announced that it has received a significant equity investment from the leading global investor Bain Capital Private Equity (“Bain Capital”). The transaction follows Series A investment in EcoCeres from Kerogen Capital in February 2022.

EcoCeres is an Asia-based advanced biorefinery platform with industrial-scale production capacity that converts waste-based biomass into a wide spectrum of biofuels, biochemicals and biomaterials. The Company is one of the few players in the world to produce commercialized HVO (Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil), SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), and cellulosic ethanol. It has a dedicated R&D team with strong chemical engineering backgrounds, and commercially available combined capacity of 300,000 tons per annum of HVO and SAF in operation. Through the implementation of core proprietary technologies, EcoCeres is building up distinct bio-refining capabilities to deliver decarbonization solutions.

Philip Siu, Co-founder and CEO of EcoCeres, said, “Our partnership with a blue-chip investor like Bain Capital is yet another strong vote of confidence in our leadership in the critically important decarbonization sector. It is my heartfelt belief that both Bain Capital and Kerogen Capital have made their wise decisions to invest in EcoCeres – the innovative advanced bio-refinery platform. A good start means half success, I look forward to a strongly bonded and long-term win-win partnership to serve our common goal for a better and sustainable future.”

EcoCeres will benefit from Bain Capital’s deep industry experience and resources to further scale up international business in the global markets and advance renewable energy technologies, among other growth initiatives.

Alan Chan, Chief Investment Officer of Hong Kong & China Gas Limited (Towngas), which incubated EcoCeres and remains as a strategic shareholder in the Company, noted, “Having a world-class investor such as Bain Capital on the board will accelerate the growth trajectory of EcoCeres, especially with international expansion, by leveraging Bain Capital’s global platform and resources.”

Jonathan Zhu, a Partner and Co-Head of Bain Capital Private Equity in Asia, said, “We are highly impressed with the Company’s R&D capabilities, enabling the utilization of 100% waste-based feedstocks and the generation of significant carbon savings. We see an enormous opportunity for the Company to help clients to achieve decarbonization targets and ultimately become a key contributor in reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally. We look forward to joining hands with EcoCeres and other shareholders to bring the business to its full potential.”

James Tam, a Partner of Bain Capital Private Equity in Asia, noted, “This investment is testimony to Bain Capital’s commitment to sustainable growth and reducing climate impact. We embrace EcoCeres’ vision to build a global leader in decarbonization solutions much needed by the world to attain carbon neutrality, and believe we will form a productive partnership with EcoCeres and Towngas to achieve this goal.”

Hashtag: #EcoCeres

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

About EcoCeres, Inc.

EcoCeres has a strategic focus on the conversion of waste‐based biomass into a wide spectrum of biofuels, biochemicals and biomaterials. The Company is one of the few players in the world currently utilizing its own proprietary technologies to produce hydro‐treated vegetable oil (HVO) at scale to help markets in the European Union fulfil their greenhouse gas reduction targets mandated under the Renewable Energy Directive framework. EcoCeres has also successfully produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and received ISCC CORSIA plus to supply global aviation industry. The Company is also expecting to produce cellulosic ethanol from agricultural waste. Achievement of these milestones will cement EcoCeres as a first mover in the industry, with the capability to decarbonize the full spectrum of transportation fuels across diesel, jet fuel and gasoline.

For more information, please visit

About Bain Capital Private Equity

Bain Capital Private Equity has partnered closely with management teams to provide the strategic resources that build great companies and help them thrive since its founding in 1984. Bain Capital Private Equity’s global team of more than 280 investment professionals creates value for its portfolio companies through its global platform and depth of expertise in key vertical industries including healthcare, consumer/retail, financial and business services, industrials, and technology, media, and telecommunications. Bain Capital has 23 offices on four continents. The firm has made primary or add-on investments in more than 1,100 companies since its inception. In addition to private equity, Bain Capital invests across multiple asset classes, including credit, public equity, venture capital, and real estate, managing approximately $160 billion in total assets and leveraging the firm’s shared platform to capture opportunities in strategic areas of focus.

Sunlight Real Estate Investment Trust to acquire West 9 Zone Kids for HK$748 million

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 11 January 2023 – Henderson Sunlight Asset Management Limited (the “Manager”), as manager of Sunlight Real Estate Investment Trust (“Sunlight REIT”), is pleased to announce that a special purpose vehicle wholly-owned and controlled by Sunlight REIT entered into a sale and purchase agreement with an independent third party to acquire West 9 Zone Kids for a consideration of HK$748 million, representing a discount of approximately 11.9% to the valuation of HK$849 million as appraised by Knight Frank Petty Limited, the independent property valuer.

About West 9 Zone Kids

West 9 Zone Kids is the commercial development of “Florient Rise” located at No. 38 Cherry Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. It comprises a 3-storey shopping arcade with eight external wall advertising spaces and 17 commercial carparking spaces, with a gross rentable area of approximately 58,836 sq. ft..

Strategic location with defensive trade mix

Completed in 2008, West 9 Zone Kids is a well positioned retail property with direct covered footbridge linkage to the Olympic station of the Mass Transit Railway, and is strategically located within a strong catchment area in the West Kowloon district surrounded by both office buildings and high quality private residential developments. With a relatively defensive trade mix focusing on service trades, notably education and eateries, West 9 Zone Kids recorded an occupancy rate of 90.7% at 31 December 2022, with a monthly rental income and car park income of approximately HK$2.9 million.

Complementary benefits to Sunlight REIT’s retail portfolio

The acquisition is consistent with the investment objective of Sunlight REIT of acquiring quality commercial property assets to strengthen its existing portfolio. Further, the Manager believes that the acquisition will improve the geographic footprint of Sunlight REIT’s portfolio, initiate its presence in a key residential hub of Kowloon while providing complementary benefits to its retail portfolio.

Financial effect of the acquisition

Had the acquisition been completed on 30 June 2022, it is estimated that the gearing ratio of Sunlight REIT at 30 June 2022 would have increased from approximately 23.3% to approximately 25.7%, while its net asset value per unit of HK$8.36 at 30 June 2022 would have been largely unchanged. Accordingly, the acquisition is not expected to have any material adverse impact on the financial position of Sunlight REIT as compared to that at 30 June 2022 (as disclosed in the 2021/22 annual report of Sunlight REIT).

Hashtag: #SunlightRealEstateInvestmentTrust #SunlightREIT

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

About Sunlight REIT

Listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited since 21 December 2006, Sunlight REIT (stock code: 435) is a real estate investment trust authorized by the Securities and Futures Commission, and constituted by the amended and restated trust deed dated 10 May 2021 (the “Trust Deed“). It offers investors the opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of 11 office and five retail properties in Hong Kong with a total gross rentable area of over 1.2 million sq. ft.. The office properties are located in both core and decentralized business areas, while the retail properties are situated in regional transportation hubs, new towns and urban areas with high population density.

About the Manager

The Manager of Sunlight REIT is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Henderson Land Development Company Limited. Its main responsibility is to manage Sunlight REIT and all of its assets in accordance with the Trust Deed in the sole interest of its unitholders.