Hin Nam No National Park is on the path to achieving World Heritage Status, with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) accepting its complete application document. However, additional reviews are necessary before the park can receive this prestigious status.
Cyber Threat Surge: Trend Micro Blocks 160 billion Incidents in 2023
Ransomware detections fall 14% as alternative attack strategies evolve
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2024 – Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704) a global cybersecurity leader, today revealed a 10% annual increase in total threats blocked in 2023 and warned that attackers are using more advanced methods to target fewer victims with the potential for higher financial gains.
To read a copy of the report, Calibrating Expansion: Annual Cybersecurity Threat Report, please visit: https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/hk/security/research-and-analysis/threat-reports/roundup/calibrating-expansion-2023-annual-cybersecurity-threat-report
Jon Clay, VP of threat intelligence at Trend: “We’re blocking more threats than ever before for our customers. But understand that adversaries showed a variety and sophistication of TTPs in their attacks, especially in defense evasion. As our report demonstrates, network defenders must continue to proactively manage risk across the entire attack surface today. Understanding the strategies favored by our adversaries is the foundation of effective defense.”
Trend Micro blocked 161 billion threats overall in 2023, compared to 82 billion threats five years ago. In 2023, threats blocked by email and web reputation dropped annually by 47% and 2%, respectively. Threats blocked by Trend’s Mobile Application Reputation Service (-2%), Smart Home Network (-12%), and Internet of Things Reputation Service (-64%) also declined. However, there was a 35% annual increase in threats blocked under Trend’s File Reputation Service (FRS).
This could indicate that threat actors are choosing their targets more carefully. Instead of launching attacks on a wider range of users and relying on victims clicking on malicious links in websites and emails, they’re targeting a smaller number of higher-profile victims with more sophisticated attacks. This might enable them to bypass early detection layers like network and email filters—which could explain the surge in malicious file detections at endpoints.
Some other trends observed in the report include:
- APT actors showed a variety and sophistication of their attacks against victims, especially around defense evasion tactics.
- Email malware detection surged by 349% year-on-year (YoY), while malicious and phishing URL detections declined by 27% YoY – again highlighting the trend for more using malicious attachments in their attacks.
- Business email compromise (BEC) detections increased 16% YoY.
- Ransomware detections dropped 14% YoY. However, once again, the increase in FRS detections may indicate that threat actors are getting better at evading primary detection via techniques such as Living-Off-The-Land Binaries and Scripts (LOLBINs/LOLBAs), Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD), zero-day exploits, and AV termination.
- Linux and MacOS ransomware attacks were 8% of the overall ransomware detections.
- There was an increase in remote encryption, intermittent encryption, EDR bypass using unmonitored virtual machines (VMs), and multi-ransomware attacks where victims were hit more than once. Adversaries have recognized EDR as a formidable defense but are now utilizing bypass tactics to get around this technology.
- Thailand and the US were the top two ransomware victim countries, with banking as the most affected sector.
- The top MITRE ATT&CK detections were defense evasion, command & control, initial access, persistence, and impact
- Risky cloud app access was the top risk event detected by Trend’s attack surface risk management (ASRM), recorded almost 83 billion times.
- Trend’s Zero Day Initiative discovered and responsibly disclosed 1914 zero-days, up 12% YoY. These included 111 Adobe Acrobat and Reader bugs. Adobe was the number one vendor for vulnerability reporting, and PDFs were the number one spam attachment type.
- Windows applications were the top 3 vulnerabilities exploited through detections from our virtual patches.
- Mimikatz (used in data harvesting) and Cobalt Strike (used in Command & Control) continued to be the preferred legitimate tools to abuse to aid criminal activity.
In light of these findings, Trend advises network defenders to:
- Work with trusted security vendors with a cybersecurity platform approach to ensure resources are not only secured but also continuously monitored for new vulnerabilities.
- Prioritize SOC efficiency by monitoring cloud applications carefully as they become more closely integrated into day-to-day operations.
- Ensure all the latest patches/upgrades are applied to operating systems and applications.
- Utilize comprehensive security protocols to safeguard against vulnerabilities, tighten configuration settings, control application access, and enhance account and device security. Look to detect ransomware attacks earlier in the attack lifecycle by shifting left in defenses during initial access, lateral movement, or data exfiltration stages.
Hashtag: #trendmicro #cyberthreat #cybersecurity
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Trend Micro
Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro’s cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, the platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 65 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.trendmicro.com.hk.
Laos Grapples with Extreme Weather Events, Fires in 2023, Causing USD 53.5 Million Damage
Laos faced a tough year in 2023 as it battled through 76 extreme weather events and fires that caused severe damage across the country. In a recent meeting chaired by Lao Deputy Prime Minister General Chansamone Chanyalath, the extent of the havoc became clear.
Jollibee Ranks as Second Fastest-Growing Restaurant Brand in the World

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2024 – Jollibee has been recognized as the second fastest-growing restaurant brand in the world, according to the latest annual brand ranking report by Brand Finance, the world’s leading independent brand valuation agency. Surging by an impressive 51% to USD 2.3 billion in brand value, Jollibee ascended from rank 20 to rank 17 in this year’s Global Restaurant Rankings.

The brand further solidified its position by achieving fifth place in the strongest restaurant brand category, elevating its rating from AA- to AAA. In addition, Jollibee is the only Philippine brand listed in the 2024 Top 25 Most Valuable Restaurant Brands and Top 10 Strongest Restaurant Brands.
“We thank our loyal customers for their love for Jollibee, allowing us to grow the brand further and reach more people in various parts of the world,” said Jollibee Group President and CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong. “Being ranked as the second fastest growing brand in the world validates the effective work of all the leaders and teams of Jollibee—past and present—whose commitment to the brand and its customers has helped drive the brand’s sustained growth over the years.”
Confidence in Jollibee’s Strategic Direction
Jollibee, the flagship global brand within the Jollibee Group’s extensive portfolio of 18 brands, originated in the Philippines in 1978. The brand has since grown to encompass 1,668 locations across 17 countries as of January 2024.
Richard Shin, Chief Financial Officer of Jollibee Group, expressed confidence in the brand’s strategic direction, stating, “This valuation from Brand Finance gives us confidence that we are on the right track in our strategic goals for the brand. Jollibee’s ability to resonate with consumers across diverse markets and cultures opens opportunities for further expansion and growth, enhancing the potential for better shareholder value to investors and franchisees.”

Jollibee’s Growth Momentum
Brand Finance’s latest report attributes Jollibee’s remarkable financial performance and sustained momentum to its robust expansion initiatives, particularly in international markets. Emphasizing a diverse menu of exceptionally tasty, high-quality, and affordable fare, the brand continues to captivate global audiences.
The Chief Marketing Officer of Jollibee Group, David Beal, emphasized, “Jollibee’s impressive brand value growth is a testament to the Jollibee Group’s expertise in building brands that are craved globally. Our growth is underpinned by delicious offerings, a compelling brand proposition, and a cohesive restaurant system that positions us for success across markets.”
To sustain its growth momentum, Jollibee remains steadfast in expanding its store network in key markets such as the United States and the Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Australia (EMEAA) region, while sustaining market leadership in the Philippines.

Strong Brand Love for Jollibee
The brand has recently marked a significant milestone by inaugurating its 100th store in North America, with the first customer lining up for 20 hours before the store opening.
The same passionate demonstration of brand love has been consistent across store openings in new markets, with massive crowds queuing for long hours—some camping out the night before or braving freezing temperatures—to be the first to taste Jollibee’s signature crispy and juicy fried chicken called Jolly Crispy Chicken in North America and Chickenjoy in the Philippines and other markets. This bestselling product has been voted a fan favorite across markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Other bestsellers that turn customers into loyal fans of Jollibee include the Chicken Sandwich, a crispy, juicy chicken breast fillet with umami mayo in a toasted brioche bun; and the Peach Mango Pie, made with peaches and Philippine mangoes tucked in a warm, light, and crispy crust.

Hashtag: #Jollibee
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Jollibee Group
Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. Its mission is to serve great-tasting food and bring the joy of eating to everyone through its 18 brands with over 6,800 stores across 33 countries including the Philippines, United States, Canada, the People’s Republic of China, United Kingdom, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, and Australia.
The Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); four franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines, and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee; and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand. JFC also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.
The Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 92% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. The Jollibee Group has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. Recently, the Jollibee Group has signed an agreement to establish a joint venture company that will own and operate Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines.
The Jollibee Group has launched its global sustainability agenda dubbed Joy for Tomorrow, which aims to strengthen the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices. The agenda centers on the key pillars of Food, People, and Planet, and consists of 10 focus areas namely: food safety, food quality, nutrition & transparency, employee welfare, farmers livelihood, community support, good governance, packaging & recycling, waste reduction, and energy & water efficiency. Each focus area sets goals and initiatives that contribute and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)).
The Jollibee Group was named the Philippines’ most admired company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia’s Fab 50 Companies and among the World’s Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. The company is also a two-time recipient of Gallup’s Exceptional Workplace Award, making it the only Philippine-based company to receive the distinction.

Central Singapore CDC Runs Inaugural Hackathon in ‘My Digital Bootcamp’ Series, Opportunity for Disadvantaged Kids to Be Future-ready

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2024 – Some 200 primary school students from lower-income families in Singapore’s Central District have just completed their first hackathon, which took place in the third ‘My Digital Bootcamp’ series.

Under the guidance of sustainability experts, primary school kids between the ages of 9 and 12 identified relevant climate-related issues and designed solutions using IT skills and upcycled materials.
They were part of the more than 1,000 primary school students from lower-income backgrounds who participated in transformative two-day camps aimed at nurturing digital and soft skills.
Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District, said Central Singapore has invested efforts in carefully curating high-quality programmes like these to bridge the digital gap that allow kids from lower income groups to be future-ready.
“In the spirit of lifelong learning, there is the pleasure and the pressure to continue to update skillsets. Given the importance of climate change, this is not a nice-to-do programme but a must-do programme,” she said.
This is one of the initiatives under Central Singapore CDC’s SkillsFuture Junior movement. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are equipped with relevant 21st century skills. This movement complements the long-term national SkillsFuture efforts: To give Singaporeans from all walks of life the opportunity to develop skills relevant for the future.
UOB has donated $1.5 million across three seasons of ‘My Digital Bootcamp’, with $500,000 attributed to Season 3. In Season 3, over 30 employee volunteers from UOB also befriended the students, distributed participation kits and meals, and helped guide the students through their learning.
Mr Leonard Tan, Head of Group CSR, Group Strategic Communications and Brand, UOB said: “UOB is committed to supporting the social development of the communities that we operate in. We are proud to be a longstanding supporter of ‘My Digital Bootcamp’, a programme that helps to develop young minds and build their confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world. It is a testament to UOB’s promise to do right by our community by equipping children with digital tools and skills and developing them to their full potential.”
This Hackathon event is a culmination of a year-long effort and students competed to develop solutions in four categories:
* Create a linguistic device
* Design smart homes for people with disabilities
* Create an AI device that helps in garbage disposal
* Design fun games to help those like refugees cope with difficult times
One of the trainer-mentors in the programme was Mohd Faisal bin Ali, who had been helping kids for nearly a decade. He has mentored primary and secondary school kids in similar programmes, especially in coaching students to understand climate change and get students to “think” about such solutions.
Commenting on the latest hackathon, he said: “The goal is to help these students incorporate AI to think and address practical challenges.
“I feel blessed to be able to mentor these students because most of them are fast learners. They can quickly understand issues and know how to execute what they have learned from the programme. They are definitely above-average students because they are inquisitive,” he said.
Hashtag: #CentralSingaporeCDC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
DHL appoints Tay Yi Ning to helm its Asia Pacific Innovation Center

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2024 – DHL, the world’s leading logistics provider, has appointed Tay Yi Ning as the new Head of Asia Pacific Innovation Centre in Singapore. In her role, Yi Ning plans to further advance the innovation center’s position to become a reference for futuristic logistics solutions and customer centricity. She also leads a team dedicated to driving innovation-focused customer engagements and fostering open and collaborative discussions among solutions providers and start-ups.

Additionally, she plays a pivotal role in facilitating connections between customers, business partners and solution providers. This enables the exploration of technology to be integrated into viable and scalable solutions for logistics operations. With nearly 20 years of customer relations expertise at DHL, Yi Ning brings with her a sound understanding of customers’ unique logistics challenges and industry insights from across the region.
“As a key logistics partner to some of the biggest companies in the world, we have a responsibility to constantly innovate and improve our logistics solutions to best meet our customers’ needs. Our innovation centers around the world are here to shape the future of logistics and support our customers to secure new opportunities,” said Eric Vargas, Head of Innovation Centers, Global and Europe. “Asia Pacific is a region that continues to surprise us in many ways as several markets have emerged as key players in the global innovation landscape. With Yi Ning’s extensive experience pioneering business solutions within the logistics sector on a regional scale, I am confident her expertise will help further position DHL as the innovative leader in the region.”
A familiar face to DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Customer Solutions and Innovation (CSI), Yi Ning started her career at DHL Group in 2008 in the technology business development team of DHL Global Forwarding. In 2015, she moved to the DHL CSI team as Regional Customer Director for the technology sector and supported highly strategic customers, where she remained until she assumed her latest role.
“These are exciting times as we see more companies interested in innovative solutions that could help perform tasks efficiently and effectively. Our aim at the DHL Asia Pacific Innovation Center is to generate new ideas using smart logistics solutions that meet our customers’ pain points and address today’s global challenges,” said Yi Ning Tay, Head of Asia Pacific Innovation Center, DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation. “I am thrilled to lead the passionate and talented team, which does tremendous work. Together with our customers and partners, we commit to continuously enhancing our platform to drive logistics innovation in Asia Pacific.”
Launched in 2015, the DHL Innovation Center in Singapore is the company’s first in the Asia Pacific region. It is home to key innovative solutions that revolutionize the future of logistics, catering to a wide variety of customers’ needs. Tailored workshops and custom tours are also offered at the innovation center for customers, partners and thought leaders to share their expertise and explore the latest logistics trends. Across the globe, DHL has three other innovation centers in Troisdorf, Germany; Chicago, USA; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Hashtag: #DHL #AsiaPacificInnovationCenter #Leadership
https://group.dhl.com/en.html
https://twitter.com/DHLglobal
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 DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 81.8 billion euros in 2023. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
Poddster Opens First International Podcasting Studio in Singapore, Marking Stage One of its Global Expansion

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2024 – Poddster, a pioneering network of video podcast production studios that empower the podcasting community, has established its Asian headquarters in Singapore as the company embarks on its international expansion.

The Poddster location at Frontech Center in Bukit Merah is the company’s first to open outside of Dubai. The state-of-the-art 4,000 square-foot venue includes four large professional studios and an expansive community space for events and workshops that will more closely connect the podcasting community in Singapore.
Co-founded by serial entrepreneur Vuk Zlatarov in April 2022, Poddster aims to democratise high-quality podcast production by offering an end-to-end modern and tech-enabled recording experience for anyone with a great idea.


“Our vision is to build a network of hubs that gather some of the most inspiring figures, enabling them to learn from each other and grow together through a transformative podcasting experience,” said Zlatarov, who founded Poddster two years after launching his own podcast, The Change Officer, in 2020. “Strategically, it is vital for us to bring Poddster to Singapore. It has long been a premier destination for international organisations, and is a focal point for influential figures and commercial ventures across Asia Pacific.”
The opening of Poddster in Singapore comes at an opportune time, as the podcast industry in Singapore and the wider APAC region is expanding rapidly. Listening to podcasts is becoming increasingly popular, and statistics show the number of daily and weekly podcast listeners has increased by 53 percent over the last year. On average, listeners tune in to three to five podcasts a week – and over 90 percent of listeners in Singapore reportedly take action after listening to a podcast advert.
“Singapore represents a really exciting market for us,” said Poddster’s Co-founder and Asia Pacific CEO, Borko Kovacevic. “As podcasts grow in popularity, the demand is definitely there for professional podcasting studios like Poddster that prioritise consistent service quality.”
With podcast listeners globally projected to rise to over 504 million listeners in 2024, according to YouGov, Poddster is set to continue its global expansion, with plans to open in Australia, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia by 2025.
Hashtag: #poddster
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Poddster
Co-founded by serial entrepreneur Vuk Zlatarov in April 2022, Poddster is a pioneering network of video podcast production studios and Dubai’s first podcasting community. The company aims to democratise high quality podcast production, empowering individuals and businesses to document their knowledge and stories and experience the transformational power of podcasts. Poddster has three studios in Dubai plus new locations opening in Singapore and beyond. With more than 500 podcasts and 1000 active creators, Poddster continues to set standards and drive the podcast industry forward, cementing its position as the preferred choice for anyone looking to start or grow their show. Poddster partners include Anghami, Podeo, Canon, and Shure, with the company committed to expanding its ecosystem further.
www.poddster.com
Instagram: @poddster
LinkedIn: Poddster
FUNCO Elevates Corporate Events with Expert Planning Services for Road Shows, Dinners, and IT Shows
Transforming Corporate Gatherings into Unforgettable Experiences with Professional Event Planning Expertise
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2024 – FUNCO Private Limited, a distinguished event and party planning company in Singapore, is proud to announce the expansion of its services to cater specifically to corporate events, including road shows, dinner and dance events and IT shows. This initiative is set to redefine corporate event planning, offering a blend of creativity, precision, and innovation.
“We at FUNCO are thrilled to expand our services to meet our corporate client’s evolving needs. Our goal is not just hosting events but crafting unforgettable experiences that truly reflect our clients’ brands. With our experience and portfolio hosting hundreds of events, we’re ready to transform any gathering into something spectacular and memorable,” said Joshua Lua, Founder at FUNCO Private Limited.
FUNCO’s expanded service portfolio now includes the intricate planning and execution of high-profile product/media launch events, where every detail from lighting to sound is crucial. Complemented by FUNCO’s reliable audio-visual equipment rental services, they want to create an immersive environment that captivates and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
For road shows and IT exhibitions, FUNCO brings a dynamic approach, ensuring each event is a showcase of products and an engaging experience for attendees. Their expertise in audio-visual technology and creative event design transforms these events into interactive and memorable platforms for brand promotion and product demonstrations.
Meanwhile, the dinner and dance events planned by FUNCO are a blend of elegance and excitement. They understand the importance of these events in corporate culture and go above and beyond to create evenings filled with fine dining, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere, all tailored to the client’s theme and objectives. With FUNCO, every corporate event becomes an extraordinary experience that resonates with the brand and its audience.
Hashtag: #FUNCO
https://www.funco.com.sg/
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FunCo Private Limited
FUNCO Private Limited, a prominent event and party planning company in Singapore, specialises in creating unforgettable experiences for both corporate and private events. Offering a one-stop solution, their services range from live food stations and arcade games to balloon decorations and carnival rides. Driven by a team of passionate professionals, FUNCO is committed to delivering personalised and innovative event solutions, ensuring every detail is meticulously handled for a successful and stress-free celebration.
Address: 39 WOODLANDS CLOSE #07-31 MEGA@WOODLANDS SINGAPORE (737856)