Laos and Australia’s foreign ministers met on Monday to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations and discuss upgrading bilateral ties to further strengthen their longstanding partnership.
Laos, Australia Celebrate 70 Years of Diplomacy

Appointments to the Board of Clean Air Network announced

Chris Roberge is a partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) specializing in taxation, fiscal incentives and legal affairs. He has helped numerous companies expand their businesses and manage the complex regulatory framework in the Americas and Asia during his 25 years’ tenure at Deloitte. Chris was also the Global leader of Deloitte’s energy practice and worked with many companies on their energy transition and climate strategies.
“Air Pollution is one of the top global environmental issues. I wish to advocate for clean energy policy developments using my prior experience to promote zero-emission among vehicles towards a sustainable environment in Hong Kong,” said Mr. Roberge.
Stephen Howard is a senior market executive and responsible officer with board-level experience for Hong Kong’s regulated banking entities. He has over 25 years of trading and management experience for the major US and European Banks and a Hong Kong Hedge Fund. Stephen was invited to join the Advisory Board of the Sydney Stock Exchange to help support the regional development of the Exchange and is currently the Chief Investment Officer of a sole family office in Hong Kong.
“I’m delighted to join the Board of Clean Air Network and work with our Chairperson, Tong, our CEO, Patrick and the team. The quality of our air in Hong Kong affects us all. This is an opportunity to help move the needle, in the right direction, for all of Hong Kong.” says Mr. Howard.
CAN is also proud to announce collaboration with the Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools (HKAHSS). Lin Mau Tong, Kitty, on behalf of the Executive Committee (2021-22) of the HKAHSS, assumed her new role as CAN’s Board Advisor. As principal of St. Rose of Lima’s College, Ms. Lin’s experience in educational sector will strengthen the organization’s capacity to educate future generations about clean air.
“We are thrilled to have three remarkable figures joining us. Their admirable passion for the cause and exceptional expertise will be priceless to Clean Air Network,” says Ms. Tong Zhao, Chair of the Board. “The synergy and solidarity among the existing and new board members will inspire the organization to advance our advocacy for clean air in Hong Kong.”
Clean Air Network also announces that Ms. May Chun will retire as Director of the Board effective from 22th September 2022. Ms. Zhao would like to express sincere gratitude to May, on behalf of the Board, for her valuable insights and contributions to the organisation.
Hashtag: #cleanairnetwork #airpollution #air #WHO #CAN #boardannouncement
About Clean Air Network (CAN)
www.hongkongcan.org
https://hk.linkedin.com/company/cleanairnetworkhk
Since our inception in 2009, CAN has become a principal advocate for clean air and the only dedicated air issue-focused non-profit organization in Hong Kong. Over a decade or so, we have been a strong force from civil society in shaping the HK government’s long-term emission control strategy through constructive dialogue and scientifically-sound approaches.
Currently, CAN is collaborating with the Institute for the Environment of HKUST to enhance community knowledge on air pollution matters and the Civic Exchange and World Resources Institute to formulate policy advice to accelerate the transition to zero emissions vehicles on the road. To make clean air a sustainable reality in Hong Kong, we have maintained a consistent media presence and our platforms to raise public awareness on air pollution-related issues and their health impact.
Get to know our new Board members: https://www.hongkongcan.org/hk/board-of-directors/
Novo Nordisk launches ‘Your Weight Can’t Wait’ Campaign to raise awareness of adolescents with obesity
This campaign aims to create awareness of obesity as a medical disease, focusing on adolescents in the society, and encourages caregivers & healthcare providers to be proactive to tackle its consequences
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 12 October 2022 – Novo Nordisk proudly launched Your Weight Can’t Wait campaign addressing the increase in prevalence of adolescents with obesity in Singapore due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From 2017 to 2021, the proportion of students who were overweight (BMI-for-age at or above the 90th percentile) in schools (primary, secondary and pre-university levels) has increased from 13% to 16%. In 2021, The Weight Management Clinic at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) reported a 12 per cent increase in such cases as compared to 2019, while the Division of Paediatric Endocrinology at National University Hospital (NUH) reported a 15 per cent increase[1], Even more alarming is the fact that such cases are often under-reported. If left unchecked, adolescent obesity would lead to a myriad of health and psychological issues later in life.
A modern solution for a longstanding issue

With the purpose of driving change to defeat chronic diseases, Novo Nordisk has made it a priority to tackle the issue of adolescent obesity. Using a multi-pronged approach, Your Weight Can’t Wait campaign aims to not only increase awareness regarding the dangers of obesity amongst adolescents and their caregivers, but to also encourage them to seek more information on obesity and management options while also addressing the stigma surrounding obesity that can be inherent in society.
This will be achieved by collaborating with notable social media figures through #ywcwchallenge, a physical challenge taking place on various social media platforms involving both strength and balance, where participants balance an apple on their head and perform 10 squats. This activity will remind everyone upon the importance of keeping active, thereby raising awareness on obesity.
For the face of the campaign, Novo Nordisk is proud to present an adorable otter as a mascot. Ottese the otter is an animal that is truly emblematic to the little island-state of Singapore with its famously tight-knit families. Novo Nordisk believes that Ottese will serve the campaign well, serving as a reminder that adolescent obesity should not be an issue that is faced alone, but with the help of a strong and cohesive family unit.
Supporting adolescents with obesity has never been more important in the current environment that has highlighted obesity as a significant risk factor for COVID-19. The Your Weight Can’t Wait campaign aims to increase knowledge and change the narrative around obesity in Singapore. Through this campaign, people with obesity and their families can learn more about the causes and consequences of obesity and find tools to help them to seek professional help to better manage this chronic disease.
For more information, please visit: www.yourweightcantwait.com
Hashtag: #NovoNordisk
About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Bagsværd, Denmark. Their purpose is to drive change to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic diseases such as obesity, and rare blood and rare endocrine diseases.
This is a disease awareness message brought to you by Novo Nordisk Singapore. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional in the event of any medical query or emergency – and please do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat any medical condition on your own.
Laos, Thailand Meet to Discuss Railway Project Connecting Vientiane and Nong Khai
Officials from Laos and Thailand met last week in Vientiane Capital to discuss the Laos-Thailand railway project, which is expected to commence operation in mid-2023.
SL Aesthetic Clinches Xeomin Highest Achiever Asia Pacific Award

Dr. Kelvin Chua, Founder and Medical Director of SL Aesthetic Clinic, shared his appreciation for the award. “We’re delighted to receive the XEOMIN® Highest Achiever Asia Pacific Award as the top user for South East Asia (including Vietnam and Philippines). This award reflects our wealth of experience administering XEOMIN® treatments here in Singapore. We would like to express our gratitude to Merz Aesthetics, the distributor of XEOMIN®, and the GRA organiser for this acknowledgement.”
Founded in the 2000s, SL Aesthetic offers a variety of FDA-approved, CE-marked, or HSA-approved minimal to non-invasive medical aesthetic treatments in Singapore. This includes their offering of XEOMIN®, a pure type of botulinum neurotoxin that can help treat skin issues such as wrinkles and frown lines.
XEOMIN® is the only type of purified botulinum neurotoxin type A that is free from complexing proteins. This leads to less development of antibodies and reduced incidence of reaction and tolerance to the effects of neurotoxins. Produced in Germany, it was developed to help improve the appearance of frown lines between the eyebrows and crow’s feet around the eyes. XEOMIN® can temporarily reduce the frown lines as it acts on nerve endings in muscles to prevent muscle fibres from contracting.
With this award, SL Aesthetic Clinic remains aligned with its ultimate objective, which is to enable those seeking beauty treatments to develop into the best version of themselves. For more information, you can visit SL Aesthetic Clinic’s official website or contact them at +65 6235 3246.
Hashtag: #SLAesthetic
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SL Aesthetic Clinic:
SL Aesthetic Clinic offers a continuously-updated array of minimal to non-invasive, FDA-approved, CE-marked, or HSA-approved medical aesthetic treatments in Singapore. The end goal is to empower you to become the best version of yourself.
Our Singapore doctors are medically trained and possess the various certifications of competence recognised by the Singapore Medical Council’s Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (APOC).
Dedicated to bringing clients an array of beauty enhancing services, SL Aesthetic Clinic has been in the aesthetic services industry since the 2000s. Offering augmentation via non-invasive facelifts and fillers, our doctors strive to help clients look their best selves. SL Aesthetic Clinic takes pride in going beyond expectations. We believe that patrons are more than just paying customers; they are connections, friends that make what we are today.
Some of the top services offered at SL Aesthetic Clinic include Fotona6D Pro, a proprietary protocol developed by SL Aesthetic Clinic for effective, painless and non-invasive facelift; FUE Hair Transplant, Pico Laser for rejuvenation, pigmentation and tattoo removal; Rosacea Laser which improves the symptoms of rosacea by treating its root cause; skin boosters and dermal fillers which hydrate and improve skin quality, as well as to correct deep wrinkles and scars; and liposuction.
SL Aesthetic Clinic is part of SL Aesthetic Group which also owns SkinLab The Medical Spa and TrichoLab, which offers scalp care services backed by medical science.
Laos Qualifies for the Final of AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023
Under the leadership of head coach Kanlaya Sysomvang, the Laos U17 football team has made it to the final of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023. Laos played three matches in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and finished their stint with two wins and a loss a few days ago.
7-Eleven and Andes by Astons bring you more exciting new Ready-to-Eat meal ideas!
There are always good food ideas at 7-Eleven! New additions to its delicious ready-to-eat menu include its first-ever microwavable steak, a tasty Honey Garlic sauce exclusive to 7-Eleven and more! All available anytime, anywhere at your nearest 7-Eleven.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 12 October 2022 – 7-Eleven is always a great place to grab a meal! Together with Andes by Astons, 7-Eleven now brings you a whole host of new meal ideas! Customers can enjoy an even wider selection of all-new and exclusive western delights. So whether you’re in the mood for hearty and wholesome dishes from popular local chain Andes by Astons, or looking to satisfy a craving. 7-Eleven has got you covered!

Western delights from Andes by Astons available around the clock
After the successful launch of their ready-to-eat range last year, we’re exclusively adding more delectable dishes from Andes by Astons to our menu. An even wider range of restaurant-style dishes from Andes by Astons is now available closer to home and ready in a matter of minutes! Each dish is halal certified. The new and exclusive line-up includes:
Andes By Astons Steak Cut with Garlic Herb Butter and Black Pepper Sauce (U.P. $13.50): Now, here’s a first…an all-new and exclusive striploin steak dish at 7-Eleven! This unique offering features a 120g sous vide grass-fed beef striploin steak with melted garlic herb butter on bed of roasted potatoes topped with Andes by Astons’ signature black pepper sauce. Who knew steak could be so juicy and yummy after microwaving?!!
Andes By Astons Honey Garlic Chicken with Aglio Olio (U.P. $6.50): Chicken and pasta are always a fan-favourite combination! Featuring Andes by Astons’ signature juicy baked chicken thigh with exclusive to 7-Eleven honey garlic sauce with perfectly tossed aglio olio in garlic oil.
Andes by Astons BBQ Chicken with Butter Raisin Rice (U.P. $6.50): Savoury and buttery raisin rice is paired with the succulent and smoky BBQ baked chicken thigh, along with Andes by Astons’ signature sweetcorn kernels and garden vegetables.
Andes By Astons Salmon & Spinach with Cream Fusilli (U.P. $7.50): Andes by Astons might be famous for its selection of steak and meat dishes, but now you can try something a little different with this seafood pasta option. This satisfying pasta dish boasts al dente fusilli, salmon chunks, spinach in a moreishly creamy sauce served with Andes by Astons’ signature corn kernels and garden vegetables.
Finish off your meal with a sweet treat and enjoy $0.30 off 7-SELECT Itohkyuemon Uji Matcha (Cream puff/Red bean dorayaki) with any purchase of an Andes by Astons meal!
Cheese-filled treats that hit the spot
To complete the menu, our exclusive own brand 7-SELECT has some new western delights to satisfy any craving.
7-SELECT Chicken Ham and Corn Lasagne (U.P. $3.90) contains chicken ham and corn layered with three types of cheese – parmesan, mozzarella and cheddar ¬– and is sure to be a comfort food classic suitable for any time of the day!
7-SELECT Croque Monsieur (Ham & Cheddar Cheese) Sandwich (U.P. $4.50) is our version of the classic French hot sandwich made with ham and cheese, which originated in French cafés and bars as a quick bite. Topped with bechamel sauce, melted cheddar cheese and chicken ham, this cheesy treat is best eaten warm to let the savoury flavours shine through.
For more detail on launch dates and promotions, please refer to this summary table:
Product | RSP | Promotion | Promotion Period |
Andes By Astons Steak Cut with Garlic Butter Herb and Black Pepper Sauce | $13.50 | Enjoy $0.30 off 7-SELECT Itohkyuemon Uji Matcha (Cream puff/Red bean dorayaki) with any purchase of an Andes by Astons meal | 12 Oct – 8 Nov 2022 |
Andes By Astons Honey Garlic Chicken with Aglio Olio | $6.50 | ||
Andes by Astons BBQ Chicken with Butter Raisin Rice | $6.50 | ||
Andes By Astons Salmon & Spinach with Cream Fusilli | $7.50 | ||
7-SELECT Chicken Ham and Corn Lasagne | $3.90 | ||
7-SELECT Croque Monsieur (Ham & Cheddar Cheese) Sandwich | $4.50 |
All are halal certified.
More promotions and updates can always be found on the 7-Eleven Singapore Facebook page so stay tuned!
Hashtag: #7-Eleven
About 7-Eleven
Established in Singapore in 1983, 7-Eleven has since expanded to more than 400 stores island-wide to become the leading 24-hour convenience chain store. We take pride in serving the Singapore community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 7-Eleven emphasises convenience and value by offering a wide array of quality products, food and services to satisfy the needs of its customers. Think 7-Eleven and what comes to mind are the refreshing Slurpee, 7CAFÉ as well as a wide range of quality ready meals and sandwiches under 7-SELECT. 7-Eleven is also a 24/7 one-stop destination for customers who need to access bill payment services in their own time. Our services cover payment of utilities, courier services, and even cash withdrawal.
For more information, visit www.7-eleven.com.sg
India International Insurance To Launch New Travel Policy, i-Journey
With the launch of i-Journey, Singaporeans or Singapore residents can look forward to their upcoming travel with peace of mind. I-Journey not only provides an extensive range of coverage, such as terrorism, travel delays, child protection, loss of baggage or passport, personal money, home contents and many others, but also offers higher claim benefits at affordable premiums. In addition, i-Journey includes Covid-19 extended coverage. The extended coverage will consist of Covid-19-related benefits, such as incurred medical expenses, repatriation of mortal remains to Singapore and Country of origin for non-Singaporeans, travel cancellation, postponement, curtailment, overseas hospital expenses, overseas quarantine allowance, as well as any follow-up treatment once back in Singapore.
As travel borders all over the world are gradually opening, Singapore residents, who have not been able to travel for the past two years, will be excited to travel as the end-of-year holidays are getting closer. More than ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, many international borders require travelers to provide proof of sufficient travel insurance to be granted a holiday visa or entry. The global pandemic has increased traveler’s need for adequate protection and health coverage. More individuals and families are looking for insurance policies, especially travelling packages, that provide comprehensive solutions for all their concerns. However, the main challenge is purchasing a travel insurance policy with maximum coverage at an affordable price.
India International Insurance (III) has provided insurance solutions in Singapore and surrounding nations since 1987. Specializing in non-life insurance solutions, III has been providing individuals, family, and corporate clients an extensive range of insurance solutions, such as travel insurance, comprehensive coverage motor insurance, motor fleet insurance, personal accident insurance, home insurance, maid bond package, marine insurance, property insurance, engineering insurance, liability insurance, and surety insurance, among others. India International Insurance ensures that they provide tailored solutions at an affordable premium.
You can expect comprehensive travelling solutions within your means at India International Insurance with their product launch, i-Journey, which will be available from 15th October onwards, including Covid-19 coverage. For more information on India International Insurance and its extensive range of insurance policies and products, visit https://www.iii.com.sg/ or contact them at +65 6347 6100 or insure@iii.com.sg.
Hashtag: #IndiaInternationalInsurance