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Lao Airlines Restarts Flights From Laos to Changsha, China

Laos Airlines Revives Flights From Laos to Changsha, China
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo: Lao Airlines)

Lao Airlines resumed its flight service to the central capital of Changsha in China’s Hunan province on Friday, after a long hiatus due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Bitkub CEO Jirayut (Topp) Srupsrisopa Speaks to Xapo’s Bank Maverick Podcast on Blockchain, Democratising Finance and Bitcoin in Southeast Asia

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach – 2 May 2023 – Xapo Bank, the world’s first international private bank to combine traditional banking with Bitcoin, has welcomed Jirayut (Topp) Srupsrisopa as a guest on its Maverick podcast to share his thoughts on the evolution and future of blockchain, crypto and decentralised finance in Southeast Asia. The episode is available now via Xapo Bank’s website.

The Mavericks podcast series explores some of the world’s brightest minds across the crypto ecosystem and the impact they are having, particularly within emerging markets. Topp is the head of the largest and most trusted blockchain and digital asset group of companies in Thailand. He is also one of Asia’s foremost Bitcoin and open blockchain experts, with over ten years of experience.

Topp is interviewed by Mavericks host Joey Garcia, a globally recognised expert across the DLT and blockchain space, a Director of Xapo and Head of Policy and Regulatory affairs. During the interview/ Joey and Topp discuss the future of blockchain technology and different perspectives that enable those defined as mavericks to see the world differently and motivate them to push for change.

Topp also shared his views on the future of stablecoins, value exchange in Web 3.0, closed and open financial systems, and the fundamental integration of traditional fiat currency banking with blockchain technology, one of Xapo Bank’s primary value propositions.

Speaking on the future of decentralised finance (DeFi), Topp said: “If you talk short term, my grandmother or my grandfather will not be able to use decentralised finance; we need to humanise this technology. People know how to use Skype or Zoom, but nobody knows what TCP/IP protocol is; people know how to use Gmail or Hotmail, but nobody knows what SMTP protocol is.

“We need to humanise DeFi first. Then, when money is no longer paper-based, and everyone is embedded in Web 3.0 and can log in to their web wallets like they log in to their emails now, DeFi will take off. However, because DeFi only allows you to convert value from digital to digital, not physical to digital, you will still need an exchange platform as a transition, or a bridge, from the old world to the new. Otherwise, how will you be able to convert fiat to crypto?”

On how the move towards digital will further transform lifestyles in Southeast Asia, Topp said: “Blockchain is going to democratise value sharing in the same way the internet democratised information sharing. People will be free to choose which platform they want to exchange value.

We need more education, but restricting or banning the technology doesn’t work. Retail investors drove previous waves of Bitcoin growth, and we’re still seeing more and more retail customers onboard blockchain technology. I believe that the next wave of growth will be driven by institutional investors, even to the extent that some counties’ central banks will be in Bitcoin.

Speaking of the future of global economic growth over the next five years, Topp concluded: “I see the biggest focus development in Asia, the Southeast region in particular.

Right now, we live in a fragmented world – there is a decoupling between China and the US, and there’s an East and West divide and a global North and South inequality. Supply chains have been disrupted after Covid… it is clear that we are moving towards de-globalisation and a more fragmented world.

In ASEAN, we are the ones who swing the vote; we do not pick sides, we do not have the ageing population issues, and we are rich in natural resources. I believe the investors will need stability in this new fragmented world, and they will see the Southeast Asian region as the new S-curve. After 2024 we will see unprecedented growth in investment going into South-East Asia because of these various factors”.

To watch the whole podcast episode, visit https://www.xapobank.com/podcast

To explore the range of accessible and safe private banking benefits that Xapo Bank offers and to apply for membership, visit: https://www.xapo.com/membership

Hashtag: #XapoBank



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

ABOUT XAPO BANK

Xapo Bank is the world’s first international private bank to combine traditional banking with Bitcoin, experienced via an app built on a next-generation secure digital platform.

Xapo Bank originated as cryptocurrency wallet Xapo, founded in 2013 by Wenses Casares. The dream behind Xapo Bank is a world that enjoys economic freedom and wealth protection, no matter where you live or who runs your country. Members of Xapo Bank enjoy the freedom of knowing that their wealth is protected, have instant access to US dollars, can immediately buy and sell their Bitcoin, and exchange USDC to USD instantly in the most secure and safe way possible.

Xapo Bank renders its services through fully regulated entities within the legal jurisdiction of Gibraltar, a rock-solid jurisdiction with a 300-year history of stability and UK standards of law and protection of property rights. Xapo Bank and Xapo VASP are fully segregated and regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC), and all members’ fiat deposits are protected up to 100K Euros under the Gibraltar deposit guarantee scheme.

Xapo Bank has a global branch in Gibraltar that members can visit anytime and currently has a 100% remote workforce of 200 Xapiens.

ABOUT JIRAYUT (TOPP) SRUPSRISOPA

Jirayut (Topp) Srupsrisopa is the Founder and Group CEO of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co., Ltd., — the largest and most trusted blockchain and digital asset group of companies in Thailand. He is a speaker: one of Thailand’s leading bitcoin and open blockchain experts with over eight years of experience in the blockchain industry. He previously founded Coins.co.th, Thailand’s largest Bitcoin wallet company. Founded in 2018, Bitkub has become Thailand’s Unicorn startup company in a span of three years.

He is an Executive Board Member and Vice President of the Thai Fintech Association and a Subcommittee member at Thailand’s Office of the Trade Competition Commission.

After completing his MPhil in Economics at Oxford University, UK, Topp worked as an investment banker, a financial consultant, and a central banker. Topp received an Honorary Degree of Philosophy in Digital Economy (PhD in Digital Economy) from Rangsit University. He is the youngest nominee for an Honorary Degree in Digital Economy in Thai history.

CPA Australia: Most Indonesian small businesses expect to grow in 2023

  • The vast majority of small businesses expect to grow in 2023.
  • Almost one-quarter embracing green and sustainable finance opportunities.
  • Accessing external finance remains a challenge for businesses.

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach – 2 May 2023 – Eighty-four per cent of Indonesian small businesses expect to grow in 2023, the second highest result for the Asia-Pacific region, a new survey shows.

CPA Australia’s Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey reveals that Indonesian small businesses remained among the most positive across Asia-Pacific in 2022. The survey covered responses from 4280 small business owners or managers across 11 Asia-Pacific markets, including 306 from Indonesia. Seventy-seven per cent reported growing in 2022 and 32 per cent hired more employees. This year is expected to be even stronger with more than four-in-10 planning to hire more staff.

Dr Adi Budiarso FCPA (Aust.), Chairman of CPA Australia’s Indonesia Advisory Committee said micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were resilient amid global uncertainty. Dr Budiarso is Director of the Financial Sector Policy Centre at Indonesia’s Ministry of Finance.While 48 per cent of Indonesian small businesses said COVID-19 was a major challenge, this was a drop from 72 per cent in 2021.

“Indonesia is home to more than 64 million MSMEs, creating a significant number of jobs and contributing to the economy. Although the pandemic still casts a shadow over Indonesia, its impact is diminishing. The lifting of travel restrictions has helped Indonesian small businesses perform, by boosting the tourism industry and private consumption.”

Sixty-seven per cent of businesses said technology investments made last year improved their profitability. The adoption of online tools is also prevalent. Social media is used by seven-in-10 to promote their business and 61 per cent use it to communicate with customers.

“The government’s National Economic Recovery Program and the Proud of Indonesian Products Movement has contributed to technology adoption across Indonesia’s MSMEs. The pandemic prompted businesses to embrace technology and adapt. Indonesian businesses have a strong focus on improving customer satisfaction, becoming sophisticated at using social media to stay connected.”

Sixty-five per cent of businesses received more than 10 per cent of sales through digital payment. This was lower than the survey average of 74 per cent.

“With digital payment options closely associated with high growth businesses, we hope more Indonesian small businesses will offer such payment options.”

While most of Indonesia’s small businesses are growing, many found accessing external finance difficult. Among the 73 per cent that sought funds last year, 39 per cent found it difficult. This was higher than the survey average of 33 per cent. In spite of this, intentions to access finance remain strong, with 89 per cent planning to seek external funds this year.

“Accessing financing is still challenging to many in developing economies including Indonesia. The pandemic may have exacerbated difficulties due to cashflow problems.”

“The government has been trying to improve financial inclusion. For example, increasing access to finance through digital platforms, encouraging financing through People’s Business Credit (KUR) and Ultra Micro (UMi) Financing programs and offering mentoring. MSMEs should also try to improve their solvency as this may impact their future credit score. They must keep a close eye on cashflow and costs.”

The survey findings reveal that many Indonesian small businesses have spent time and resources on environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. Twenty-four per cent monitored their energy and water use and 23 per cent adopted green and sustainable finance opportunities.

“MSMEs are crucial contributors to achieving Indonesia’s climate and clean energy goals. Indonesia has established a comprehensive framework for sustainable finance to meet these goals and MSMEs should consider applying this to their business.”

Hashtag: #CPAAustralia #SME #Business #Economics

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

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 172,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 21,000 members in South-East Asia. Our Indonesian office, located in Jakarta, opened in 2011. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at

DHL Global Forwarding expands its dedicated Container Freight Station (CFS) space in Bangladesh to meet global garment export needs

  • DHL Global Forwarding invested over 2 million EUR in state-of-the-art CFS facilities in Chittagong with a capacity of 70,000 sqft
  • Bangladesh’s exports hit a record high of 52 billion USD in 2022, a 34.3% increase from the previous year
  • Top export markets include the USA, Germany, UK, Spain and France

DHAKA, BANGLADESH – Media OutReach – 2 May 2023 – DHL Global Forwarding, the freight specialist arm of Deutsche Post DHL Group, invested over 2 million EUR to expand its dedicated Container Freight Station (CFS) space in Bangladesh to cater to the nation’s ever-growing readymade garments (RMG) industry. CFSs are a scarcity in Bangladesh, with less than 20 CFSs countrywide. These facilities help pick up goods from multiple suppliers and consolidate them into a single container before shipping to its destination.

Bangladesh’s exports for FY2022 hit a record high of 52 billion USD for the first time in history as its exports continue to enjoy steady growth due to its strong RMG sector, with a 34.3% increase in export earnings compared to FY2021. The RMG Industry plays a substantial role in the country’s exports, accounting for more than 80% of all exports. The leading markets for RMG include the USA, Germany, UK, Spain and France.

“The expansion of the DHL Global Forwarding dedicated CFS facilities will aid the growing demand for Bangladesh’s readymade garments worldwide. With its exports reaching a whopping 42.6 billion USD, Bangladesh’s readymade garments industry has grown significantly due to its strong manufacturing capabilities and competitive labor costs. Improved security, storage and sorting processes at these CFS facilities enable us to deliver high service quality to our customers while ensuring that it complies with EU/US quality standards. By operating from these facilities, we can further strengthen our environmental, social and governance foundation which is an integral part of our corporate sustainability agenda,” said Fabian Rybka, Cluster Head Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, DHL Global Forwarding.

“With Bangladesh being the second-largest readymade garments exporter in the world, businesses must ensure that they employ the right supply chain solutions to ensure that their exports can reach consumers in a cost efficient and timely manner. These facilities will support the growth of less than container load shipments especially from the rising demand of e-commerce,” added Feroz Jahangir, COO & Head of Value Added Services, DHL Global Forwarding Bangladesh.

The DHL Global Forwarding dedicated CFS are located in Chittagong, a port city that houses the largest seaport in Bangladesh, Chittagong Port. This port is Bangladesh’s principal seaport and handles more than 92% of Bangladesh’s import-export trade. The expansion to 70,000 square foot facility’s strategic location will allow for quicker access to the port, where goods can be promptly shipped out on ocean freight. The dedicated facilities also boast green operations to reduce carbon emissions.

In line with our green operations, customers can opt for sustainable marine fuel for both full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) shipments under the GoGreen Plus solution, to reduce the carbon emissions of ocean freight shipments. This new CFS facility also has green features such as electric forklifts for a healthy working environment for employees, and ongoing discussions to install solar panels at the facility to help sustain day-to-day operations and further reduce carbon emissions in the long run.

Hashtag: #DHL #DHLGlobalForwarding #Bangladesh #CFS



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 395,000 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 94 billion euros in 2022. 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.

UN Experts Condemn Continued Use of Death Penalty for Drug-Related Crimes

Rights experts call for moratorium on the death penalty

UN experts strongly condemned Singapore’s execution of Tangaraju s/o Suppiah on Tuesday and called on the Government to impose an immediate moratorium on capital punishment in the country.

HOYA BIT joins hands with world billiards champion Bingyi Ke, redefining the HODL spirit

TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 2 May 2023 – HOYA BIT announced a collaboration with world billiards champion Bingyi Ke, who will serve as the brand’s sports ambassador, embodying his unique HODL spirit. Since its establishment, HOYA BIT has been committed to providing users with secure, reliable, and intuitive cryptocurrency trading services, enabling every novice user to enter the Web3.0 new financial market. As a world-renowned billiards champion, Bingyi Ke has won over 20 international pool championships in his career. In addition to his recognized skills and handsome appearance, he is also well-known for his high self-discipline and unwavering dedication to rigorous training.

In this collaboration with Bingyi Ke, HOYA BIT aims to convey the HODL spirit of unwavering self-belief to users, hoping to help the public rediscover cryptocurrency and bring about more stable investment opportunities.

HODL is an investment strategy that emphasizes holding cryptocurrencies for the long term. It encourages investors not to be swayed by market fluctuations and short-term risks but to persist in long-term investments, waiting for the market to gradually stabilize and grow. This investment strategy not only reduces risk for investors but also allows them to obtain more stable returns through cryptocurrencies.

As HOYA BIT’s brand sports ambassador, Bingyi Ke perfectly embodies the HODL spirit. A world-class billiards player skilled in ball control and tactical analysis, he demonstrates exceptional resilience and stability during competitions. His relentless daily training, persistence in self-belief, and constant improvement in the face of challenges exemplify the determination that has made Bingyi Ke a consistent winner in major international tournaments.

HOYA BIT provides a secure and reliable cryptocurrency trading platform, enabling users to complete a range of tasks from spot trading to financial management for cryptocurrencies, all in one place. Major cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT, can be easily traded on HOYA BIT. In line with the HODL spirit, HOYA BIT offers a daily interest-earning financial plan that features an intuitive interface and a low investment threshold, making it highly accessible for small investors. With as little as approximately 3,000 New Taiwan Dollars, users can easily develop an investment habit, holding cryptocurrencies long-term and receiving stable returns.

Through this collaboration, HOYA BIT hopes to convey the HODL spirit to the public. Bingyi Ke’s unwavering belief and determination will inspire more people to courageously adhere to their convictions and incorporate them into their lives and investments. It is believed that, with the joint efforts of HOYA BIT and Ke Bingyi, the value of the HODL spirit will be recognized and passed on by even more people.

HOYA BIT APP iOS Version: https://tw.hoyabit.com/w39jC
HOYA BIT APP Android Version: https://tw.hoyabit.com/iLPMD

Hashtag: #HOYABIT

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

Xieng Khouang Authorities Kill Pigs Smuggled from Vietnam

Authorities destroy smuggled pigs in Xiengkhoung province.

Authorities in Nong Het District, Xieng Khouang Province have seized and killed hundreds of smuggled pigs from Vietnam, which were infected with a deadly and contagious virus. 

Reckitt’s brand Dettol partners with Carousell to provide rest assured second-hand shopping experience through visible disinfectant protection

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 2 May 2023 – With online second-hand trading becoming popular nowadays, Reckitt’s brand Dettol announces the partnership with Carousell to define a new hygiene standard and help buyers and sellers maintain good hygiene habits through online and offline promotions. This first-ever partnership will help enhance consumer confidence and provide all an assured second-hand trading experience.

Dettol x Carousell Partnership.jpg

Carousell, a leading multi-category platform for second-hand, has been gaining traction quickly in Hong Kong, with 1 in 5 Hong Kongers as active users of the platform[1]. After enduring the COVID-19 pandemic for over three years, consumers’ perception of hygiene has changed and they are now looking for more comprehensive protection in all aspects of life. A consumer study by Dettol Hong Kong showed that 60% of consumers were concerned that germs would be brought back home from the outside[2], and 91% expected businesses to implement additional protective measures[3]. Hygiene is the foundation of public health—the collaboration between Dettol and Carousell will offer shoppers peace of mind with enhanced confidence through visible protection by Dettol, the most trusted antiseptic brand in Hong Kong.

“Second-hand shopping has increased in acceptance locally in recent years. Over 80% of our Hong Kong users increased their second-hand shopping last year with challenging economy. While we are in the post-pandemic era, it is still important to constantly remind our users of public health safety and educate them on how to use disinfectant products to keep items clean properly, including second-hand items. We are delighted to collaborate with Reckitt’s brand Dettol to bring a curated second-hand shopping experience for our users, and welcome their official Carousell store.” said Ivan Chung, Carousell Hong Kong representative.

During 2 – 9 May 2023, buyers and sellers who complete a transaction within the “Furniture & Home Living” category on Carousell will receive a HK$5 e-voucher for purchasing Dettol products online and offline at designated retailers. In addition, after completing simple steps on Dettol campaign page on Carousell platform, consumers can get an exclusive promotional code to enjoy a discount of HK$80 upon a net purchase of HK$400 on Reckitt Hong Kong’s Health and Nutrition Flagship store.

To raise campaign awareness and promote good hygiene habits among the mass public, Dettol will give away 6,000 products for free at multiple locations in Hong Kong during 13 – 14 and 20 – 21 May 2023. Carousell mobile app users who have liked and followed Dettol Hong Kong’s social media channels can get Dettol disinfectant sprays, surface wipes or surface cleansers randomly to keep their second-hand items clean, including furniture and clothes. Besides, the Dettol x Carousell campaign page includes valuable tips to disinfect pre-owned items with promotions on social channels of Dettol and Carousell to raise consumer hygiene awareness and encourage participation. For more information about the partnership, please check out Dettol Hong Kong Facebook Page.

“At Reckitt, we protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world,” said Boudewijn Feith, Reckitt General Manager Hong Kong/Taiwan. “Through the partnership with Carousell, we hope to bring a more confident, rest assured second-hand trading experience to consumers. This is simply another way that we are working to safeguard different moments of Hong Kong people’s lives in the post-pandemic world by leveraging our expertise and trusted products. We will continue to seek new opportunities to be where our consumers are and to fit the local market’s needs through partnerships and innovations.”


[1] Data by Carousell
[2] HK Disinfectant Focus Group Study (IPSOS) 2022
[3] FleishmanHillard March 2020 Survey

Hashtag: #Reckitt #DettolHK #CarousellHK


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

Reckitt Benckiser Hong Kong Ltd

Reckitt* exists to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. We believe that access to the highest-quality hygiene, wellness and nourishment is a right, not a privilege.

Reckitt is the company behind some of the world’s most recognisable and trusted consumer brands in hygiene, health and nutrition, including Air Wick, Calgon, Cillit Bang, Clearasil, Dettol, Durex, Enfamil, Finish, Gaviscon, Harpic, Lysol, Mortein, Mucinex, Nurofen, Nutramigen, Strepsils, Vanish, Veet, Woolite and more.

Every day, more than 30 million Reckitt products are bought globally. We always put consumers and people first, seek out new opportunities, strive for excellence in all that we do and build shared success with all our partners. We aim to do the right thing, always.

We are a diverse global team of close to 40,000 colleagues. We draw on our collective energy to meet our ambitions of purpose-led brands, a healthier planet and a fairer society. Find out more, or get in touch with us, at

* Reckitt is the trading name of the Reckitt Benckiser group of companies

About Dettol

Dettol is a leader in germ protection helping families protect what they love for over 80 years through better hygiene. Founded in trust, efficacy and education, Dettol’s purpose is to ensure everyone has the right to good hygiene and, with its wide range of personal care and home care products, is continuing its fight to empower everyone with the knowledge to build positive and long-lasting hygiene habits.

For more information, please visit:

About Carousell

Carousell is part of Carousell Group, the leading multi-category platform for secondhand in Greater Southeast Asia on a mission to inspire the world to start selling, and to make secondhand the first choice. Founded in August 2012 in Singapore, the Group has a leading presence in seven markets under the brands Carousell, Cho Tot, Laku6, Mudah.my, OneShift, Ox Luxe, Ox Street, and Refash, serving tens of millions of monthly active users. Carousell is backed by leading investors including Telenor Group, Rakuten Ventures, Naver, STIC Investments and Sequoia Capital India. In Hong Kong, Carousell has a diverse range of products in over 30 categories, including property, autos, electronics, home and furniture, and fashion. Download the app for iOS or Android, and visit for more information.