The UK government in partnership with the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), held a launch event in Vientiane for their new trade preferences scheme – the Developing Country Trading Scheme (DCTS) last week.
Victory Securities obtains SFC approval to manage investment funds that comprise up to 100% virtual assets
With this approval Victory Securities becomes the only licensed corporation in Hong Kong with the necessary regulatory approvals to provide virtual asset-related dealing, advisory, and asset management services under the Type 1 (dealing in securities), Type 4 (advising on securities), and Type 9 (asset management) licenses, cementing Victory Securities’ position as Hong Kong’s leading regulated provider of comprehensive digital assets related services.
“After becoming the first licensed corporation to be permitted to provide the full spectrum of virtual asset dealing and advisory services in Hong Kong, Victory Securities is thrilled to announce the approval to manage investment funds that comprise up to 100% virtual assets,” said Kennix Chan, Executive Director of Victory Securities. “The approval represents a significant milestone for us and demonstrates our commitment to providing safe and reliable virtual asset services in Hong Kong.”
As a financial group rooted in Hong Kong for over 50 years, Victory Securities recognizes the potential of virtual assets and is dedicated to developing virtual asset-related products. “We are very excited to reach another milestone and we look forward to providing a full range of virtual asset related services and products to our clients in the coming days.” said Kennix.
Furthermore, Victory Securities is looking forward to collaborating with other virtual asset fund managers and professional parties to promote the development of the virtual asset market in Hong Kong and to contribute to the creation of a sustainable global financial services ecosystem.
Victory Securities was assisted by leading international law firm Baker McKenzie in securing the suite of SFC approvals. The Baker McKenzie team comprised virtual asset specialists Joy Lam, Ryan Chan and Samantha W.S. Lai. Commenting on the approval Joy said, “We are very proud to have supported Victory Securities in its journey from a storied traditional securities firm with a 50 year-long history of successfully servicing the securities needs of its clients to becoming a pioneer amongst licensed intermediaries in Hong Kong and forging a new path to provide the full spectrum of virtual asset dealing, advisory and asset management services. It has a been privilege to partner with Victory Securities as it has explored and embarked upon its embrace of virtual assets across each of its regulated service lines. We are particularly impressed by the team’s forward-thinking vision and willingness to blaze a trail for other future oriented licensed intermediaries to follow. ”
Having the world’s largest concentration of institutional and professional investors, Hong Kong has a sound regulatory system and investment environment that makes it an ideal location to develop a virtual asset business. Obtaining the license for Victory Securities is not only an important milestone for Hong Kong’s virtual asset market, but also a significant step towards promoting Hong Kong’s vision of becoming an international virtual asset centre.
For more information, please visit Victory Securities’ website at www.victorysecurities.com.
Hashtag: #VictorySecurities
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Be there for your little one at every moment with Arlo
Can’t bear leaving your little one at home even for just a second? Arlo can help!
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 29 March 2023 – Parents with small children understand all too well the anxiety every time something calls your attention away from your little one. Yet, work, social obligations, errands and a million other responsibilities mean sometimes you have to reluctantly leave your baby in someone else’s care.
For concerned parents out there, Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera will bring you the much needed peace of mind, acting as an extra pair of eyes that lets you watch and even interact with your baby from afar at any time of the day. You’ll never miss a moment with your little one again!
Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera
The Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera is the ideal monitoring solution for any room inside your home, connecting directly to Wi-Fi to deliver 1080p HD video with a 130-degree diagonal field-of-view. Even at night, you can rest easy knowing the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera captures video with Night Vision that turns on automatically once it’s dark. The capable camera also comes with motion and audio detection that sends alerts directly to your phone, and full-duplex audio that allows you to communicate two-way with your baby. Having privacy concerns over having a security camera indoor? You can easily activate the privacy shield on the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera to cover the camera lens whenever you want to stop recording.
Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera: SGD169 (RP: SGD209)
For more information on Arlo products and accessories, please visit https://kaira.arlostore.sg/.
Hashtag: #Arlo
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Arlo Technologies, Inc.
Arlo is the award-winning, industry leader that is transforming the way people experience the connected lifestyle. Arlo’s deep expertise in product design, wireless connectivity, cloud infrastructure and cutting-edge AI capabilities focuses on delivering a seamless, smart home experience for Arlo users that is easy to setup and interact with every day. The company’s cloud-based platform provides users with visibility, insight and a powerful means to help protect and connect in real-time with the people and things that matter most, from any location with a Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. To date, Arlo has launched several categories of award-winning smart connected devices, including wire-free smart Wi-Fi and 4G LTE-enabled security cameras, audio and video doorbells, and floodlight.
With a mission to bring users peace of mind, Arlo is as passionate about protecting user privacy as it is about safeguarding homes and families. Arlo is committed to supporting industry standards for data protection designed to keep users’ personal information private and in their control. Arlo doesn’t monetize personal data, provides enhanced controls for user data, supports privacy legislation, keeps user data safely secure, and puts security at the forefront of company culture.
Laos-China Railway to Begin Cross-Border Service on 13 April
The Laos-China Railway is set to open for cross-border service between the two countries on April 13, according to the governor of Luang Namtha province.
Cambodian Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team Heads to Thailand for Transformative Training
Trip Sponsored by Prince Foundation and Cambodia Airways to Support Cambodian Female Para-Athletes
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Media OutReach – 29 March 2023 – The Cambodian Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team will be embarking on a journey to Thailand for an immersive and intensive 9-day training program from March 28th to April 5th. Supported by Prince Foundation and Cambodia Airways, the team of 16 members is traveling to the Asia Oceania Zone (AOZ) Women’s Development Camp in Suphan Buri, Thailand in preparation for the upcoming 12th ASEAN Para Games.

The program is organized by the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation, with support from the Agitos Foundation and the World Wheelchair Express Foundation. Participating nations include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand, with players building their skillsets and tournament experience through intensive training and match simulations.
Senior Minister Ly Thuch, President of the Cambodia Wheelchair Basketball Federation, expressed his gratitude to Cambodia Airways and Prince Foundation. “We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support that has enabled the team to reach their full potential. Our female athletes, who have already won gold in the 2022 ASEAN Para Games, look forward to participating in the AOZ Women’s Development Camp program and further honing our skills on the international stage,” he commented.
Gabriel Tan, head of Prince Foundation, expressed his support for the team and wished them well on their journey. “At Prince Foundation, we are dedicated to empowering people with disabilities and promoting inclusion through sports. As Cambodia prepares for the 12th ASEAN Para Games and 32nd SEA Games, we are honored to support the Cambodian women’s wheelchair basketball team in their quest for excellence,” he said.
The Cambodian Wheelchair Basketball Federation, led by H.R.H. Princess Sisowath Kanthireth (Honorary President) and Senior Minister Ly Thuch (President), is an organization dedicated to promoting wheelchair basketball and providing opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Together with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross and Prince Foundation, the team is preparing for the 2023 ASEAN Para Games, which will take place in Cambodia this year.
Prince Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Prince Holding Group. Founded by its Chairman Neak Oknha Chen Zhi, Prince Foundation has been a keen supporter of sports development in Cambodia. In addition to their support for the Cambodia Wheelchair Basketball Federation (CWBF), the Foundation further sponsors the coach of the national volleyball team and facilitates friendly exhibition matches between Cambodia and other countries. Prince Foundation will continue to promote sports development as a force for positive impact in Cambodia.
Hashtag: #PrinceFoundation
https://www.facebook.com/princefoundationkh
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
CICC hosts the China-Japan Finance and Economic Forum in Tokyo
In the opening speech, Dr CHU Gang, Chief Operating Officer of CICC, presented the business strength of CICC and highlighted the influence of China-Japan cooperation in the capital market. “Japan is not only the third largest economy, but also the second largest developed economy, with numerous leading Japanese institutions and companies operating worldwide. Both China and Japan have large capital markets full of dynamic financial players, and the role of CICC Japan is to bridge the two markets and support institutions and corporates to identify opportunities for mutual benefits and facilitate transactions on behalf of our clients.”
In another speech, Mr Eiji TANAKA, CEO of CICC Japan, said that Japanese investors expect to have an increased understanding of the Chinese market. And he believes the Company can assist clients in building a greater perception and well managing the assets with CICC’s strong business expertise and broad networks. At the forum, external experts and CICC representatives shared profound observations and insightful views on the economy, markets and various financial trends. These bring value to institutional and retail participants’ investment portfolios and business strategies.
The forum focused on the key issues and opportunities that China, Japan, and Asia facing, covering areas such as macroeconomics, investment strategies, industry trends, and business dynamics, engaging with more than 30 speakers from China and Japan’s policy, business, and academic fields through in-depth presentations and discussions on regional and global economic policies, industry and financial market trends.
The topics covered “Outlook for China-Japan Economic and Finance Co-operation”, “Outlook for China-Japan Economic and Finance Co-operation”, “2023 Post-COVID Asian Economic Outlook”, “Implications from NPC & CPPCC 2023”, “Aging Population and Financial Planning”, “Global Supply Chain Restructuring and its Implication to Asia”, “China’s New Economy and the Future”, “Carbon Neutrality”. At the FICC parallel forum, analysts from CICC delivered keynote speeches on China Bond Market Outlook 2023 and Investment Strategy and RMB FX Outlook 2023. Meanwhile, top-notch specialists from both home and abroad participated in panel discussions to share and exchange views centering on topics such as ESG Investment Opportunities in Asia and Cross-border Securities Investment Outlook. CICC and industry experts created a unique opportunity for all the attendees to have face-to-face communications.
At the forum, CICC Fixed Income, Commodities and Currency Department (FICC) officially launched its FICC APP in Japan’s iOS App store to serve Japanese users. As an online portal of market insights and in-depth research views, CICC FICC APP now has over 20,000 registered users worldwide.
The forum also aimed to expand CICC’s business influence in Japan and support the Company in seizing the accelerating cross-border capital flow between China and Japan. By growing its business activities in Japan, CICC will continue strengthening its dialogues with regional public sectors, enterprises, financial institutions and research institutions, promoting international capital market cooperation, and facilitating cross-border capital flows.
Hashtag: #CICC #ChinaInternationalCapitalCorporation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC):
China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC, 601995.SH, 3908.HK), as the first joint-venture investment bank in China, provides comprehensive one-stop investment banking services for domestic and overseas companies, institutions and individuals. Since its inception in 1995, CICC has adhered to the core values of “by the people and for the nation, professionalism and diligence, innovation and entrepreneurship, client first, and integrity”, and is committed to making itself a first-class international investment bank based in China and a critical player in the future financial system. CICC is qualified for both domestic and overseas securities business operations, having set up a broad range of international business network. Headquartered in Beijing, CICC has set up a number of branch companies and subsidiaries in the Chinese Mainland, owned more than 200 securities branches in 30 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China, and established offices in a series of international financial hubs including Hong Kong SAR, New York, London, Singapore, San Francisco, Frankfurt, Tokyo etc., which enables CICC to provide one-stop domestic, overseas, and cross-border financial services. CICC has a comprehensive and balanced business structure including investment banking, equities, FICC, asset management, private equity investment, wealth management and research.
4th MRC Summit to Balance Economic Growth, Environment Sustainability

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) is expected to promote regional economic growth in the Lower Mekong River Basin and protect the mighty Mekong River which is under increasing threat, according to the MRC Secretariat CEO.
“Ear Up Plus” supported 18 indie music units to broaden the music spectrum in Hong Kong
This year, Ear Up Music stepped up their core programme – “Ear Up Incubation” – into “Ear Up Plus 2022: Indie Label Sponsorship Program” (“Ear Up+”). Sponsored by Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, “Ear Up+” provided 18 music units with professional support including dedicated small group mentorship sessions about label management, music production, brand building and marketing strategy to assist their sustainable development in the music industry.
Among the 18 “Ear Up+” finalists, 8 shortlisted indie music units were entitled to a “label sponsorship” of HK$450,000 max. for music production and promotion. They were able to bring their music to the market with passion and strategic tactics in partnership with a commercial music company. The finalists displayed their talents at the Ear Up Music Festival in January. The remaining 10 finalists were entitled to a “production sponsorship” of HK$60,000 max for producing one song.
Startup Music to stand out from the mainstream
The 8 shortlisted performers (in no particular order) included Charming Way, Lester Lam, The Hertz, FIESTER, XTIE, Yack Studio, Prune Deer, and Virgin Vacation. Many of them were alumni of Ear Up Music programmes in the past.
With their label sponsorship funds, they created two songs and two music videos, as well as executed their own promotional plans. The overall outcome was in line with Ear Up Music’s mission to create a more diverse music ecology and encourage rising young musicians to experiment with creative promotional ideas, while injecting a new impetus into the local music scene and creating a multi-media dialogue.
With high circulation and streaming rates from certain indie musicians, it has been proven that the music industry in Hong Kong is no longer just a mainstream culture. Indie music has evolved over the years into a multicultural creative industry through the endless efforts of musicians.
A bright future for indie music
In recent years, local indie music has been thriving with indie musicians successfully attracting a wide range of fans with their unique music styles and genres and gradually forming an unprecedented music scene with its own unique vibe. This in turn influenced mainstream music labels to reposition themselves.
Without the support of major record labels, indie musicians lack the essential capital and connections which limits their development, connections within the industry, and exposure. From songwriting, post-production and music video ideas, to filming, hunting for performing opportunities, and marketing, their projects are either self-financed or rely on their own limited connections.
However, there are still many indie musicians who, through their own endless creativity and enthusiasm, overcame all these obstacles to produce great music with its own character. Ear Up Music is proud to support indie musicians in all aspects through “Ear Up+”. This project is not only about music, but also about the entire operation of a brand so fans will know more and fall in love with local indie music culture through more professional production and promotion.
All Ear Up+ performers rock the stage and extend the creative music industry
- The MV for indie rock band Charming Way’s new song “Imagine Imagine” is a montage of different scenes and surreal video spaces to express the richness of the scene and an imaginative dream world. The immersive new song release event was a cross-media event, using screen projections, lighting design, virtual reality, and mixed reality. At the same time, the band actively engaged in musical exchanges with Cantopop and R&B singers, sharing the delicate relationship between music and life through IG live broadcasts and inviting the KOLs popular with young people to film IG reels.
- The all-female heavy metal and electro rock band FIESTER collaborated with local video production team The Sumerian Studio to produce music videos for their new songs “It’s Time” and “Torrent Butterfly”. In addition, they launched a publicity campaign to attract more attention, such as advertising on public transport, collaborating with the social welfare sector for community activities, holding record release parties, selling related merchandises, holding Giveaway events, and collaborating with online media targeting teenagers.
- The Hertz is an indie-pop band with a diverse mix of funk and rock. Its self-financed independent label 852 HZ handled all aspects of production and marketing, organizing offline activities such as calligraphy or illustration exhibitions and collecting stories on social media platforms to interact with audiences. The band also collected pre-written time capsules from the participants during the song release event, which they will send them out on their behalf a year later.
- Singer-songwriter Lester Lam presented a multi-sensory immersive experience in his concept concert titled “Rainy days in the Blue Whale”, blurring the boundaries between reality and surreality, including hearing (music, sound design, etc.), sight (set design, lighting, dance, animation) and sensory (rain, snow, fog, wind, etc.), presenting a re-imagined version of The Blue Whale Jazz Club in Los Angeles.
- The instrumental rock band, Prune Deer, focused on artistic activities as local promotion, extending the MV story about the worldview “past, present and future” to reality, and collaborated with local art photographers to cross artistic boundaries. The band adopted the Arena Stage style in their release event to enhance the sensual excitement of instrumental rock to the audience at close range. The band also worked with overseas music curators to promote their music in Taiwan and Japan and collaborated with renowned Japanese sound mixers to further expand the reach of Prune Deer’s music to new markets.
- The experimental instrumental rock band – Virgin Vacation – teamed up with musicians, artists, and designers to produce new songs and MVs showcasing their unique musical style. These creative talents included Li Chi Tak, Lai Tat Tat Wing, Overloaddance, Romers Quartet, MV Director wootwoot and Aberto Gerosa@Thy Lab. The new songs were released at The Room in Freespace, with the participation of Fountain de Chopin. The show offered a unique experience for the audience to immerse in the music of Virgin Vacation through their performance, visuals, and lighting effects.
- XTIE is a new generation singer-songwriter who promotes body positivity through art and music. The music video of her song “Skin” was a combination of music, modern dance, and improvised performance. XTIE partnered with lifestyle brand Slowood to broaden her audience base. A charity sale was hosted for her new song to sell natural handmade soaps by Soapmum. Donations were made to non-profit organisations dedicated to researching allergies, skin problems, or promoting body self-love. In addition, XTIE also hosted an immersive song release event to share thoughts and feelings online and offline with fans through her music.
- Yack Studio is a Hong Kong-based hip-hop collective label that combines literature, rap, performance and fashion design. The lyrics of their music incorporates poetry to hip hop music with a mixture of local culture. In addition to the two founding rap artists Novel Fergus and SoWhat, Novel Flash from SMOB also joined Yack Studio last year, and his two songs “I’m Not Surprised” and “Underdog” featured his rap buddy Novel Friday and indie singer-songwriter Anna hisbbuR. The former’s MV was set in an art gallery reflecting on the value of art, while the latter is a visually stunning animated music video.
Ear Up Music Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earupmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/earupmusic
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/earupmusic/
Hashtag: #EarUpMusic #EarUpPlus
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Ear Up Music
Ear Up Music is a music label that spotlights new music of Hong Kong to its neighbouring regions and beyond. The label, established by Renaissance Foundation Hong Kong in 2016, runs numerous projects from talent development to showcase events that connect with global music networks. These projects include Ear Up Incubation*, Ear Up Global*, Ear Up Tour* and Ear Up Gig On*.
In 2018, Ear Up Music founded Ear Hub to curate the latest developments in the Hong Kong, Asian and International music, media, production and interactive industry. Ear Hub is an international music conference and festival that offers an audiovisual feast as well as a cordial environment to initiate cross-border collaborations for music lovers and professionals.
*Sponsored by Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
About Create Hong Kong
Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) in June 2009 to spearhead the development of creative industries in Hong Kong. From 1 July 2022 onwards, it is under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organizers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.