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STEVEN GERRARD HEADLINES ‘BEYOND THE PITCH’ AT RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA SINGAPORE THIS OCTOBER

By
Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Football legend Steven Gerrard will be in Singapore on 4 and 5 October 2026 for the inaugural Beyond the Pitch at Resorts World Sentosa, where he will take part in an interactive football clinic, share stories and lessons from his career, and join members of Singapore’s football community in a conversation about leadership, football development and the future of the game.

Catch football legend Steven Gerrard at Resorts World Sentosa 4 and 5 October 2026
Catch football legend Steven Gerrard at Resorts World Sentosa 4 and 5 October 2026

Created by World Football Legends, Beyond the Pitch is a new series designed to bring audiences closer to the people behind some of football’s most celebrated careers, not only through what they achieved on the field but through the experiences, challenges, leadership lessons and defining moments that shaped them.

The inaugural edition will see Gerrard interact with participants during the Beyond the Pitch Football Clinic at Resorts World Sentosa, before taking centre stage that evening for an in-depth conversation about his journey from player and captain to manager.

He will also join members of Singapore’s football community for a discussion on the development of the game, exploring leadership, coaching philosophies and what it takes to nurture the next generation of players.

“Beyond the Pitch is about bringing people closer to the legends of the game and creating experiences they will remember long after the event is over. Football has an incredible ability to connect people, and we want to take that connection beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch,” said Ian Holahan, Founder of World Football Legends.

“There is no better person to launch the series with than Steven Gerrard. His career and achievements are known around the world, but this is an opportunity for people in Singapore to see another side of Steven – to interact with him, hear his stories first-hand and gain insights from his journey in football, leadership and life beyond the game.”

MORE THAN AN APPEARANCE

The Beyond the Pitch Football Clinic will take place on Sunday, 4 October 2026, at the Equarius Hotel Lawn at Resorts World Sentosa.

Participants will take part in a series of technical football activities under the guidance of qualified Football Association of Singapore coaches, with Gerrard joining the sessions and interacting with participants throughout the programme. The clinic will culminate in an interactive question-and-answer session with Gerrard, followed by autograph and official photograph opportunities.

Later that evening, Gerrard will take centre stage at the Beyond the Pitch Gala Dinner, where the focus will shift from his achievements on the field to the experiences behind them. An In Conversation with Steven Gerrard session will explore his career, captaincy, leadership journey and defining moments, before Gerrard joins representatives from Singapore’s football community for a Football Leadership Panel Discussion examining football development, coaching and the future of the game.

A limited number of tickets to the Beyond the Pitch Gala Dinner will go on sale from 10.00am on Friday, 21 August 2026. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Beyond the Pitch Gala Dinner event page.

BRINGING FANS CLOSER TO THE GAME

Resorts World Sentosa joins the inaugural Beyond the Pitch as Presenting Sponsor, hosting the Football Clinic and Gala Dinner at Equarius Hotel.

For fans looking to extend the experience, Resorts World Sentosa will also offer a very limited Steven Gerrard Immersive Experience Bundle at The Laurus, featuring a 3-day, 2-night stay in a Deluxe Suite with daily breakfast for two, access for two to the Beyond the Pitch Football Clinic and Gala Dinner, Singapore Oceanarium admission for two, and a S$200 nett Resorts World Sentosa Gift Voucher. The Steven Gerrard Immersive Experience Bundle is available for stays between 3 and 5 October 2026. For package details and reservations, click here.

KrisFlyer, the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group’s lifestyle rewards programme, is the Official Football Clinic Partner. KrisFlyer members can redeem miles for exclusive access to the Football Clinic, as well as VIP seats at the Gala Dinner. For more information and to redeem, visit KrisFlyer Experiences.

Beyond the Pitch will continue on 5 October with a series of private engagements with Gerrard, extending the experience beyond football and providing further opportunities for interaction in more intimate settings.

FROM SINGAPORE TO ASIA

Singapore marks the starting point for Beyond the Pitch, which World Football Legends intends to develop into a continuing series featuring different football legends, stories and experiences across Asia.

The concept is built around four pillars – Celebrate, Inspire, Connect and Grow – with future editions designed to connect football’s most recognised figures with fans, businesses and communities in ways that extend beyond traditional appearances.

“Singapore is just the beginning for Beyond the Pitch. Our ambition is to take the series across Asia, bringing different legends and their stories closer to audiences in ways they would not ordinarily experience,” said Holahan. “There is always more to a great football career than what happens on match day. Beyond the Pitch is about discovering the person behind the player.”

EVENT INFORMATION

Beyond the Pitch by World Football Legends featuring Steven Gerrard
4 & 5 Oct 2026

Singapore Beyond the Pitch Football Clinic
Sunday, 4 October 2026
Equarius Hotel Lawn, Resorts World Sentosa

Beyond the Pitch Gala Dinner
Sunday, 4 October 2026
Equarius Hotel Ballroom, Resorts World Sentosa
Limited tickets on sale from 10.00am, Friday, 21 August 2026. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Beyond the Pitch Gala Dinner event page.

Steven Gerrard Immersive Experience Bundle at The Laurus
Very limited packages available.
Booking details available here.

ABOUT WORLD FOOTBALL LEGENDS

World Football Legends creates football experiences across Asia, connecting some of the game’s most recognised figures with brands, businesses, fans and communities. Through live experiences, football clinics, corporate engagements and community initiatives, World Football Legends brings audiences closer to the personalities, experiences and stories behind the game.

Laos Arrests More Than 550 in August Scam Crackdown

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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Vientiane police detained 261 foreign nationals during a raid on a telecommunications fraud and online gambling operation at Thatluang Lake Special Economic Zone. Vientiane, Laos. 08 August 2026. (Photo: Lao Security News)

Laos has detained more than 550 people in raids targeting online scams and illegal gambling operations so far in August, as authorities step up a nationwide crackdown that has now netted more than 1,100 suspects since mid-July.

The latest figures come after a series of raids across Vientiane Capital and Vientiane Province, with Chinese nationals making up a large proportion of those detained.

On 18 August, authorities reported that 84 Chinese nationals had been arrested during raids on a guesthouse and an apartment in Huayhong village, Vientiane.

The raids, carried out in Chanthabouly District between 23 July and 7 August, uncovered laptops, mobile phones, passports, Chinese identification cards and other equipment allegedly linked to scam activities.

The suspects and seized evidence were transferred to Vientiane’s Public Security authorities, who are investigating the operation and seeking to identify its alleged ringleaders.

Several Raids

The arrests were among several large-scale operations carried out across the capital this month.

On 12 August, police raided an alleged cybercrime operation at the Athena Hotel, a two-building compound in Nongsanokham village, Sikhottabong district. They detained 74 suspects, including 71 Chinese nationals, one Vietnamese woman and two Taiwanese nationals.

Police seized computers and mobile phones and also found illegal drugs, including ketamine-laced e-cigarettes and compressed marijuana, according to authorities.

The same day, police in Vientiane Province and Vang Vieng district inspected two hotels allegedly being used as bases for internet crime. They detained 78 foreign nationals, including 77 Chinese citizens and one Malaysian. None had valid passports, according to authorities.

Four days earlier, on 8 August, police raided an alleged telecommunications fraud and online gambling operation in the Thatluang Lake Special Economic Zone, detaining 261 suspects from seven nationalities.

Chinese nationals accounted for 153 of those arrested, followed by 61 Vietnamese and 36 Thai nationals. Taiwanese, Malaysian, South Korean and Myanmar nationals were also among those detained.

The operation was the largest single haul reported during the current crackdown.

On 1 August, authorities carried out six coordinated raids in Sikhottabong and Hatsayfong districts, arresting 63 people, most of them Chinese nationals.

One raid in Salakham village uncovered an alleged scam call center with thousands of mobile phones and led to the arrest of 24 Chinese suspects.

Crackdown Beyond Vientiane

The campaign has also extended into the provinces.

On 18 August, authorities reported that police in Paklay district, Xayaboury Province, had arrested 47 suspects, including 10 women, during a 13 July raid on a guesthouse.

Police seized 22 laptops, 228 mobile phones and other evidence.

Some of the suspects told authorities that seven Chinese nationals had recruited and trained them from May, paying most workers about USD 600 a month and a Lao interpreter about USD 455 a month.

Authorities are also continuing to transfer Thai nationals detained during a major raid in July.

Police arrested 589 people during a 18 July operation at ST Vegus Company Limited in Hadsayfong district. As of 18 August, 268 of the 373 Thai nationals detained in the case had been handed over to Thailand, while 105 remained in Laos awaiting transfer.

The latest operations follow a wider push by the Lao government against cybercrime and organised scam networks.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone told the National Assembly in early July that authorities had arrested more than 4,400 cybercrime suspects from 25 nationalities across Laos during the first half of 2026.

About 1,000 arrests were made in July alone, according to official reports.

The latest raids suggest the campaign has continued to intensify into August, with authorities targeting alleged scam call centres, online gambling operations and other facilities believed to be involved in cybercrime.

Janitha Sukumaran Joins Reputation Advisors International as Newest Member

By
Advertorial Desk
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Malaysian communications advisor brings more than three decades of experience in strategic communications, reputation management, and crisis advisory

NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Reputation Advisors International (RAI), a global network of esteemed communications professionals, announced today that Janitha Sukumaran, Founder of Rantau+, has joined as its newest member.

Janitha Sukumaran, Founder & Chief Sustainability Consultant of Rantau+, joins Reputation Advisors International (RAI).
Janitha Sukumaran, Founder & Chief Sustainability Consultant of Rantau+, joins Reputation Advisors International (RAI).

Sukumaran has spent more than 35 years working across journalism, strategic communications, reputation management, and crisis advisory. During her career, she has advised governments, multinational corporations, publicly traded companies, and purpose-driven organizations across Asia – often during times of significant change and uncertainty.

She founded Rantau+ in 1992 and continues to lead the Malaysia-based independent communications consultancy. Under her leadership, the firm has transformed into a purpose-driven, data-driven Communications Intelligence Advisory. She has also pioneered Narrative Intelligence, an approach that combines communications, sustainability, data, and AI to turn insights into action.

“Reputation is no longer built through communications alone; it is earned through how organizations behave and create value for society,” Sukumaran said. “I look forward to contributing an Asian perspective while strengthening the collective intelligence we can offer clients across the market.”

“We are pleased to welcome Janitha Sukumaran as our newest member,” said James F. Haggerty, CEO of PRCG Haggerty LLC in New York and President of Reputation Advisors International. “Her extensive background in journalism, strategic communications, and reputation management provides exactly the expertise needed to strengthen our organization.”

About Reputation Advisors International (RAI)

Reputation Advisors International is a global association of senior communications professionals specializing in high-stakes issues related to reputation management, brand positioning, legal and regulatory communications, crisis planning and response and related fields.

The network currently has members in 18 cities across 14 countries, including Abu Dhabi, Brasília, Brussels, Chiasso, Frankfurt, Geneva, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Munich, New York, Oslo, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto and Zurich.

To learn more about Reputation Advisors International, visit: www.reputationadvisors.net.

Huasun Secures First Overseas Order of Himalaya PLUS with 100MW Supply Agreement in Pakistan

By
Advertorial Desk
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LAHORE, Pakistan, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Anhui Huasun Energy Co., Ltd. (“Huasun”), a leading global heterojunction (HJT) solar manufacturer, signed a 100MW module supply agreement with Air Solution, a Futex Group company, in Lahore, Pakistan. The deal marks the first overseas order of Huasun’s flagship Himalaya PLUS module, following its European debut at Intersolar Europe 2026 in Munich this June.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Ehsan Ali, CEO of Air Solution, and Mr. Rana Farhan, Regional Director – Middle East & Pakistan at Huasun, at a ceremony held alongside Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations. Mr. Laeeq, Director of Air Solution/Futex, also attended the ceremony.

“There’s no better day than Pakistan’s Independence Day to sign this agreement. It reflects the vision of a green Pakistan — a nation building its own energy independence through clean, reliable technology,” said Mr. Rana Farhan. “This is the start of a new journey with Air Solution, across projects and distribution, and I’m confident it will grow into a strong and lasting partnership.”

Air Solution has been a long-standing execution partner for Huasun in Pakistan, having delivered several large-scale HJT installations across commercial, industrial, and utility-scale segments. Looking ahead, Air Solution will establish technology and experience centers across three major cities, supported by Huasun, to ensure enhanced after-sales service for customers.

“Our track record with Huasun has helped build real market trust in HJT technology in Pakistan,” said Mr. Ehsan Ali, CEO of Air Solution. “We’re proud to deepen this partnership and keep standing at the front of new technology entering this market.”

The modules supplied are Huasun’s Himalaya PLUS series, launched in November 2025. Featuring ultra-large wafers with negative-gap cell design and a 95.8% screen-to-body ratio, the module delivers up to 760W output and supports 2000V system voltage, significantly reducing BOS cost and LCOE while improving project IRR.

Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards and Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2026 China Chapter Celebrate Resilient Enterprises Forging Legacies of Excellence and Impact

By
Advertorial Desk
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SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2026 – The Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) and Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2026 China celebrated a new generation of resilient enterprises and visionary leaders forging lasting legacies of excellence and impact. The prestigious dual awards ceremony recognized China’s most outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs who have demonstrated the ability to thrive amid disruption, drive meaningful innovation, and create sustainable value.

Organized by Enterprise Asia, the ceremony was held on 7 August 2026 at Jing An Shangri-La, Shanghai. This year’s recipients exemplified how strategic vision, innovation, and a commitment to positive impact can create lasting value for businesses, communities, and the wider economy.

Following a comprehensive evaluation by a distinguished panel of judges, over 150 nominees were assessed across ten AREA categories and five APEA categories. The AREA celebrated enterprises and leaders who have made significant contributions through responsible business practices and sustainability-driven initiatives. Meanwhile, the APEA recognized organizations and entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional performance, strategic agility, and forward-thinking leadership in shaping the future of business.

In his welcome address, Enterprise Asia President Richard Tsang highlighted the need for enterprises to embrace transformation and responsible growth, noting that resilience, strategic foresight, and purpose-driven leadership remain key to achieving long-term success in an increasingly dynamic global landscape.

Among the outstanding AREA award recipients, Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. was recognized under the Green Leadership category for its Trusted Circular Materials system. By developing advanced recycling networks, digital traceability, and high-value recycled plastics, Chery has recovered over 10,000 tonnes of waste plastics, reduced approximately 9,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions, and advanced sustainable automotive manufacturing.

Further advancing circular economy practices, SUS ENVIRONMENT won the Circular Economy Leadership award for its City-Benefiting Low-Carbon Solid Waste Management Model, demonstrated through the Xi’an Gaoling Project. By integrating waste-to-energy, district heating, AI-powered operations, and multi-source waste co-processing, the project has processed 5.34 million tonnes of waste, generated 2.24 billion kWh of green electricity, and achieved over 1.92 million tonnes of carbon reductions.

China Hongqiao Group Limited, a three-time consecutive AREA award recipient, has once again received the award under the Circular Economy Leadership category for advancing circular economy development through recycled aluminum. Its closed-loop circular economy model enables recycled aluminum to save approximately 95% of energy and reduce carbon emissions by over 85% compared with traditional electrolytic aluminum.

Honored with the AREA under the Corporate Governance category, E.SUN Bank (China) has embedded transparency and accountability throughout its operations. The bank implemented comprehensive Board meeting records three years ahead of regulatory requirements while strengthening stakeholder disclosure, maintaining a Moody’s Baa1 rating since 2022 and customer satisfaction above 97%.

Demonstrating the power of industry-wide collaboration, The Hong Kong Association of Banks received the AREA under the Social Empowerment category for its Anti-Fraud Education initiative. The initiative reached more than 11,000 people in 2025 and has contributed to strengthen its community outreach, with over 300 activities conducted across Hong Kong to date. According to figures released by the Hong Kong SAR Government, reported deception cases decreased by 2.9% in 2025 compared with 2024, marking the first decline after nine consecutive years of growth.

Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited was honored with three prestigious awards at the AREA — the Social Empowerment Award, Investment in People Award and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Award, recognizing its exceptional and impactful sustainability practices. The Bank exemplifies a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility through a diverse range of initiatives that promote social inclusion, nurture talent development, and continuously enhance ESG disclosure. These accomplishments highlight its leadership in advancing responsible business practices and establish a new benchmark for excellence within the financial sector.

Techtronic Industries (TTI), a world leader in cordless technology, was awarded two AREA accolades, receiving recognition under the Circular Economy Leadership and Social Empowerment categories. Through its award-winning initiatives, “Advancing Circularity Through Sustainable Product Innovation” and “Empowering Exceptional People and Strengthening Communities” , TTI is creating lasting social impact while accelerating the transition towards a more circular and sustainable future.

As the sole recipient of both the APEA and AREA in 2026, OrbusNeich Medical Group Holdings Limited was recognized under the Corporate Excellence and Health Promotion categories respectively. Operating in more than 70 countries and regions, the Group continues to drive innovation in interventional medical devices while advancing regional clinical capabilities through its cross-border medical education initiative, ultimately improving patient outcomes across Asia-Pacific.

In the APEA segment, Onewo Inc. was honoured under the Corporate Excellence category for redefining space services through technology-driven innovation. Powered by its proprietary “Link X” AI platform, the company manages over 5,300 residential and 3,400 property and facility management projects nationwide,driving the space service industry toward a smarter and more sustainable future.

The AREA and APEA 2025 China Chapter are co-organized by Enterprise Accelerator Co., Ltd. and proudly supported by Eruid (Shanghai) Inspection & Certification Co., Ltd., MayCham China in Shanghai, SingCham Shanghai, Strategic Public Relations Group (SPRG), The Hong Kong Institute of Directors, and Tang Cultural Media. PR Newswire is the official news release distribution partner, with Dailywire.asia as the official media partner and Osin Au Pty Ltd as the official beverage sponsor.

AWARD RECIPIENT LIST OF THE ASIA RESPONSIBLE ENTERPRISE AWARDS (AREA) 2026 CHINA

SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT CATEGORY
ORGANIZATION WINNING ESG PROGRAM
BANK OF CHINA (HONG KONG) LIMITED CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: BOCHK PARA SPORTS AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME
TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES COMPANY LIMITED EMPOWERING EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES
THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS COMBATING FRAUD THROUGH INDUSTRY-WIDE COLLABORATION AND PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
HEALTH PROMOTION CATEGORY
ORGANIZATION WINNING ESG PROGRAM
ORBUSNEICH MEDICAL GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED ORBUSNEICH MEDICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE CATEGORY
ORGANIZATION WINNING ESG PROGRAM
BANK OF CHINA (HONG KONG) LIMITED EXEMPLARY EMPLOYER OF EXCELLENCE: BOCHK TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
GREEN LEADERSHIP CATEGORY
ORGANIZATION WINNING ESG PROGRAM
AUO (XIAMEN) CO., LTD. “GREEN MANUFACTURING, SUSTAINABLE FUTURE” AUO (XIAMEN) GREEN TRANSFORMATION PRACTICES
CHEERWIN GROUP LIMITED SUPERB “DUAL-GREEN DRIVE” PLASTIC-REDUCTION & RECYCLING PROGRAM
CHERY AUTOMOBILE CO., LTD. FROM WASTE TO WELLBEING: CHERY’S TRUSTED CIRCULAR PLASTICS SYSTEM
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CATEGORY
ORGANIZATION WINNING ESG PROGRAM
AUTOHOME INC AUTOHOME SUSTAINABLE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
E.SUN BANK (CHINA) COMPANY, LTD. THOROUGH CORPORATE GOVERNANCE & EASY-TO-BE-UNDERSTOOD AND DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION
CIRCULAR ECONOMY LEADERSHIP CATEGORY
ORGANIZATION WINNING ESG PROGRAM
CHINA HONGQIAO GROUP LIMITED GREEN LOW-CARBON RECYCLING ALUMINUM
SHANGHAI SUS ENVIRONMENT CO., LTD. SUS ENVIRONMENT “CITY-BENEFITING” LOW-CARBON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT MODEL
TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES COMPANY LIMITED ADVANCING CIRCULARITY THROUGH SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT INNOVATION
CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING CATEGORY
ORGANIZATION WINNING ESG PROGRAM
BANK OF CHINA (HONG KONG) LIMITED A ROLE MODEL FOR ESG DISCLOSURE IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR: BOCHK SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
SUSTAINABLE INVESTING CATEGORY
ORGANIZATION WINNING ESG PROGRAM
PING AN BANK CO., LTD. FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT FOR A WASTE-FREE URBAN TRANSFORMATION – PING AN BANK SUPPORTS SHENZHEN TIANYING’S WASTE-TO-ENERGY POWER GENERATION UPGRADE PROJECT
AWARD RECIPIENT LIST OF THE ASIA PACIFIC ENTERPRISE AWARDS (APEA) 2025 CHINA CHAPTER

CORPORATE EXCELLENCE CATEGORY
COMPANY
INDUSTRY
ONEWO SPACE-TECH SERVICE CO., LTD.
REAL ESTATE
ORBUSNEICH MEDICAL GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY


About Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA)
The Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards program recognizes and honors Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship in the categories of Green Leadership, Investment in People, Health Promotion, Social Empowerment, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, and Responsible Business Leadership. For more information, visit: https://enterpriseasia.org/area/.

About Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards
Launched in 2007, the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards is the region’s most prestigious award for outstanding entrepreneurship, continuous innovation, and sustainable leadership. The Award provides a platform for companies and governments to recognize entrepreneurial excellence, hence spurring greater innovation, fair business practices, and growth in entrepreneurship. As a regional award, it groups leading entrepreneurs as a powerful voice for entrepreneurship and serves as a by-invitation-only networking powerhouse. The program has grown to encompass 16 countries/ regions and markets all over Asia. For further information, please visit www.apea.asia.
Hashtag: #Business #Sustainability #ESG




Wechat: Enterprise Asia 亚洲企业商会

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

About Enterprise Asia

Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine toward sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, in uplifting the economic status of people across Asia and in ensuring a legacy of hope, innovation and courage for the future generation. Please visit https://www.enterpriseasia.org/ for more information.

Laos-China Railway Trade Surges as Cross-Border Freight Hits New Highs

By
Laotian Times
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The China-Laos Railway has transported more than 90 million tonnes of cargo since it opened in December 2021, including 18 million tonnes of cross-border goods. (Photo credit: People's Daily)

Trade along the Laos-China Railway continued to grow sharply in the first half of 2026, with imports and exports reaching CYN 17.17 billion (USD 2.53 billion), up 33.8 percent from a year earlier.

The figures, released on 18 August by China Railway Kunming Group Co., Ltd., come as the railway approaches its fifth year of operation and continues to develop into a major regional trade route.

Since trains began running in December 2021, the railway linking Kunming with Vientiane has carried more than 90 million tonnes of freight, including more than 21 million tonnes of cargo transported across the China-Laos border.

Freight volumes have accelerated particularly quickly this year. By mid-June, the railway had already moved more than 10 million tonnes of freight in 2026, more than three times the three million tonnes recorded during the first half of 2025.

The number of trains using the route has grown alongside the cargo. More than 80,000 freight trains have travelled along the railway since its opening, including more than 23,000 cross-border trains.

At its busiest, the railway now handles up to 23 cross-border freight trains a day, according to an official at the Kunming Logistics Center.

The trains can also carry more than they did when the railway first opened. Their capacity has increased from about 2,000 tonnes to as much as 2,800 tonnes per train following upgrades to the route and freight infrastructure.

The railway has also opened new opportunities for trade in agricultural products. Refrigerated trains connecting China, Laos and Thailand have been operating since February 2023, allowing fresh fruit from Southeast Asia to reach Chinese markets in as little as three days.

China imported more than 185,000 tonnes of fruit through the railway in the first half of 2026, a 73.1 percent increase from the same period last year.

The range of goods carried along the railway has expanded at the same time. From just over 10 categories when the line opened, the number has grown to more than 4,000, with goods now reaching 19 countries and regions, including Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Bangladesh.

The railway has also connected Laos more closely with China’s wider domestic market, with goods travelling to 31 Chinese provinces.

A wider regional network

The railway’s growth has also brought new investment and expansion along its route.

In June, Boten Railway Station in Luang Namtha Province began its first major expansion and renovation since the railway opened, as freight and passenger traffic continue to increase.

The railway is also becoming part of a wider network beyond Laos and China. In June, Lao railway authorities signed an agreement in Tajikistan for Laos to join an international rail framework linking Vientiane with the Baltic Sea through China, Vietnam, Central Asia and Russia.

For the Laos-China Railway, Chinese and Lao railway authorities have credited closer coordination with the continued rise in freight traffic.

Since its launch, improvements to cross-border operations and increased capacity have helped move more goods through the route, while the growing number of destinations and products has expanded its role in regional trade.

#legend Announces Next Phase of Digital Growth Strategy Under Chairman Bruce Rockowitz

By
Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2026 – #legend today announced the next phase of its digital growth strategy under Chairman Bruce Rockowitz, with a clear focus on expanding audience engagement, deepening premium multimedia storytelling, and opening new avenues for luxury brands to connect with culturally engaged consumers across Hong Kong, Thailand, and Asia at large.

The announcement marks a meaningful new chapter for a publication that has spent a decade building its reputation as Hong Kong and Thailand’s premier print and digital destination for culture, watches and jewelry, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. This next phase sharpens that editorial and commercial identity, with a renewed commitment to high-quality digital storytelling, audience development, and brand collaboration that genuinely reflects the world its readers inhabit.

Under Rockowitz’s leadership, #legend is placing fresh emphasis on multimedia content and cross-platform engagement, creating an environment where culturally relevant stories reach readers wherever they choose to consume them. Alongside this, the company is strengthening its offering for premium brand partners through offline content experiences that bring luxury storytelling to life in ways that go beyond the page and the screen.

The strategy draws on #legend’s established editorial foundation and its international creative network of photographers, stylists, writers, and contributors. The combination of sharp local cultural insight and a broader regional perspective is what the publication believes will make its content more dynamic and compelling, for readers and brand partners alike.

With more than a decade in the market, over 500,000 monthly readers, more than 100 cover stories, and upwards of 150 brand partners, #legend enters this next phase from a position of real strength. These foundations are what make continued investment in editorial development, digital reach, and new storytelling formats not just possible, but purposeful.

“#legend was created to tell stories where culture meets lifestyle, and this next phase reflects how we plan to grow that vision in a more connected digital media environment,” said Bruce Rockowitz, Chairman of #legend. “We see strong opportunities to deepen engagement with our audience, expand our multimedia capabilities, and create more value for luxury brands looking to reach consumers through trusted and culturally relevant content.”

The announcement reinforces #legend’s place at the heart of Hong Kong’s premium publishing landscape and signals its ambition to grow that influence across the region. With storytelling, creativity, and audience relevance at the center of everything it does, the company is well positioned to make its editorial impact and commercial opportunities count in the years ahead.

Bruce Rockowitz and AI Development

Bruce Rockowitz has spoken openly about the growing role of artificial intelligence as a practical business tool across wellness, dining, and media. He describes AI as an enabler of revenue growth, customer engagement, operational efficiency, forecasting, personalization, and subscription retention, while remaining clear that technology should support rather than replace human creativity, judgement, and the relationships that sit at the heart of great publishing.

Hashtag: #legend

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

About #legend

#legend is Hong Kong’s premier digital destination for fashion, beauty, culture, and the extraordinary lives of the city’s most influential figures. Founded in Hong Kong, #legend has grown from a local publication into an influential voice in Asian luxury lifestyle media. The platform covers Culture, Watches & Jewellery, Fashion, Travel, Wellness, Design, Beauty, and related verticals, through print, digital, social media, and event experiences, with a mission to celebrate creativity, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence, connects influential audiences with the people, brands, and ideas shaping the future of luxury living.

For more information, visit:

iHerb Kicks Off 30th Anniversary Celebrations in Singapore

By
Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE– Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2026 – Ahead of its 30th anniversary, iHerb is highlighting probiotics, collagen, B vitamins and everyday care products, alongside an early-bird flash promotion and daily limited-time offers.

Selected products featured as part of iHerb's 30th anniversary celebrations in Singapore.
Selected products featured as part of iHerb’s 30th anniversary celebrations in Singapore.

Founded in the United States, iHerb has spent 30 years connecting consumers with products across vitamins, dietary supplements, sports nutrition, beauty and personal care. Its emphasis on product quality and transparency is reflected in the iHerb Quality Promise, which covers sourcing, ingredient verification, storage standards and additional quality assurance measures.

As wellness routines continue to extend beyond topical skincare, consumers are also paying greater attention to nutrition, supplementation and everyday habits. Ahead of its 30th anniversary celebrations, global health and wellness e-commerce platform iHerb is spotlighting six popular products for Singapore customers. Spanning probiotics, collagen, vitamins, minerals and personal care, the selection addresses a range of needs across beauty, nutrition and general wellness.

Probiotics, Collagen and B Vitamins for Daily Nutrition

California Gold Nutrition LactoBif 30 Probiotics provides 30 billion CFU per serving. The capsule format is designed for convenient daily use and is among the popular products in iHerb’s Probiotics and Intestinal Formulas category.

California Gold Nutrition CollagenUP combines hydrolysed marine collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Its unflavoured powder format can be incorporated into beverages as part of a daily supplementation routine.

Doctor’s Best Fully Active B Complex provides a combination of B vitamins for consumers seeking daily nutritional support, particularly those managing busy schedules and active lifestyles. The product is also among the popular items in iHerb’s Vitamin B Complex category.

Additional Products Across Everyday Wellness and Personal Care

ProHealth Longevity NMN Pro 1000 is a nutritional supplement for consumers exploring different approaches to daily supplementation and long-term wellness.

21st Century Calcium Magnesium Zinc + D3 combines calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D3 in a single formula for convenient daily supplementation.

Beyond nutritional supplements, iHerb’s selection extends to personal care and everyday needs. Fixodent Original Denture Adhesive Cream, designed for denture wearers, reflects the breadth of products available on the platform.

30th Anniversary Preview Offers

An early-bird flash promotion will run in Singapore from now to 10:59 p.m. on August 23. Customers will receive 23% off with the promotional code 26IHERB30, while new customers will receive 25% off with NEW25*. Customers placing their first order on the iHerb App can also enjoy an additional one-time 25% off with code MYAPP25
Separately, a daily Flash Sale is run from August 18 to September 16, around 200 selected products will be offered each day at discounts of up to 70%*. No promotional code is required for the daily limited-time offers.

The selection of 200 products will change daily throughout the campaign. On August 19, featured products will include Nature’s Way Alive! Kids Multivitamin Gummies at 40% off and d’Alba UV Essence Waterfull+ Sunscreen. On August 20, the selection will include Nutricost Zeaxanthin with Lutein and ManukaGuard Deep Allercleanse Nasal Spray.

*Final promotional products are subject to availability and as displayed on iHerb. Terms and conditions apply.

iHerb Launches Official WhatsApp Channel in Singapore

iHerb also launched its official WhatsApp channel in Singapore, offering customers another way to receive updates on upcoming campaigns, promotions and other announcements. Customers who join the channel may also be eligible to receive a 25% off coupon*.

*Product availability may vary, and terms and conditions apply. Final promotional products are subject to availability and as displayed on iHerb.

iHerb: A One-Stop Global Health and Wellness Platform

Headquartered in California, USA, iHerb is a global online retailer of health and wellness products. The platform provides Singapore consumers with access to authentic products through a safe and reliable cross-border shopping experience. Products are shipped directly from logistics centres in the United States and Asia, alongside the following delivery and shipping options:

  • Fast delivery: Orders can arrive in as fast as three days.
  • Free shipping: Available on orders over SGD 30. Final availability is subject to the options shown at checkout.
  • Authentic products :Choose from more than 50,000 authentic products across health, wellness, beauty and daily essentials.

The featured products and anniversary preview offers are available through iHerb Singapore at https://sg.iherb.com/.

Hashtag: #iHerb #30thAnniversary #Singapore

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

About iHerb

iHerb is a globally recognised US-based cross-border e-commerce platform specialising in health supplements, nutritional products, beauty and personal care, and daily essentials. Offering a curated selection of more than 50,000 items and serving over 180 countries and regions, iHerb is dedicated to helping consumers worldwide access health and beauty options at reasonable prices. All products are shipped directly from multiple logistics centres in the United States and Asia, with cold-chain and temperature-controlled warehousing used where appropriate. iHerb also continues to enhance its multilingual customer service and localised payment methods to provide a safe, transparent and convenient shopping experience.

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