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This Ramadan, traders can support charitable foundations together with OctaFX

OctaFX will raise funds for charitable activities during Ramadan together with its clients. Active trading is all that’s needed to contribute to the noble cause.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 13 April 2022 – International Forex broker OctaFX launches its annual Ramadan charity campaign aimed at supporting local communities by financing humanitarian activities in numerous regions of the world. The broker invites its clients to participate in a dedicated trading campaign where every 100 lots they trade between 4 and 29 April will increase the charity fund by 3 USD of its own funds.

Over a period of three Ramadan seasons, OctaFX helped realise several charitable projects through collaboration with humanitarian organisations in Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

Partnering with the PERTIWI Foundation, each month, OctaFX distributes essentials and child care products to 80 families with children in Malaysia. This project commenced last year during Ramadan when OctaFX and PERTIWI carried out the first distribution in Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

In an effort to support education and literacy incentives in Nigeria, OctaFX partnered with the KIR foundation and set up eight reading corners with 1,200 books in Abuja, Ibadan, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.

OctaFX’s collaboration with the JDC Foundation resulted in providing IT coaching centres with teaching aid equipment in Pakistan. The broker also financed machinery for free dialysis centres across the country as part of the project.

This year, with the special Ramadan trading campaign, OctaFX’s clients can support socially significant projects supporting education, medicine, and local communities in some of the most vulnerable regions of the world.

About OctaFX

is a global broker providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers everything one needs to reach their investment goals, providing top-notch conditions utilised already by 7.5 million clients globally.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charity and humanitarian initiatives, including improvement of educational infrastructure, short-notice relief projects, supporting local communities and small to medium enterprises.

#OctaFX

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

Videomaking Solutions Company VideoMonster Closes $2.5 million Series A Funding

The company will accelerate its process of adopting AI technology & introduce a long-form video editing solution

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach – 13 April 2022 – VideoMonster Inc., the ultra-simple online short-form videomaking solutions provider, recently closed a Series A round investment worth 3 billion KRW (approx. USD 2.5M). VCs that participated in this round include Innopolis Partners, Smart Study Ventures, ETRI Holdings, and Union Partners, featuring tech-based and content investors evenly.

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With the recent investment, VideoMonster Inc. plans to accelerate the adoption of AI technology in advancing its services, including the launch of the long-form video editing solution. Also, the startup celebrates its first anniversary in the Southeast Asia region with a special discount deal for subscribers.

Chun Donghyuk, CEO of VideoMonster, said in an interview that, “Having successfully closed the Series A round, we have gained the momentum to introduce AI technology for the entire solution. With this, we plan to innovate the entire video editing process and focus on the advancement of service for our target users in the global market.”

Global company with a ‘localization’ strategy

Established in 2019, VideoMonster provides 4,900+ quality motion-graphics video templates and 400 loyalty-free music tunes for creators. It allows anyone to create captivating 30-second videos within 3 minutes. As of February 2022, it is Korea’s go-to videomaking platform optimized for short-form marketing videos, with over 500,000 members and 200,000 paid video sales (cumulative).

VideoMonster’s global expansion is also worth noticing. Currently present in more than five other countries, it continues pursuing strategic localization, starting with local language services, including English, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian.

The company has successfully leaped forward as a global service by achieving 150,000 monthly average users (MAUs) within six months of expanding overseas. VideoMonster strives to expand its customer base by introducing customized SI for various platforms and entering new markets, including Singapore and North America.

Long-form video editing solution in 2022

Now, VideoMonster is eyeing the long-form videomaking market. Its latest development is an automated Vlog app, “ViiV,” a solution that applies AI technology to video editing methods. This all-in-one app automatically edits and completes VLOG images once the user film, targeting Generation Z’s demand for simple yet quality video making.

VideoMonster estimates a post-COVID19 boom in the tourism-related industry and plans to partner with relevant corporations and institutions once it acquires a threshold number of users. ViiV is set to be launched in the global market in the second half of 2022 with the aim of growing as a global platform that provides video content and travel information together.

Special Code for subscription discount

Meanwhile, VideoMonster offers a special deal ahead of its first anniversary in Southeast Asia. Anyone can get up to 3 months of FREE extension on the subscription plan by putting code “EVENTSEA2022” when checking out. Or, new users can sign-up through this link and automatically receive the special deal coupon.

Link – https://videomonster.page.link/7xhZ

#VideoMonster

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

OxProp Capital Launches New Property Financing Offerings

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 13 April 2022 – Financing startup OxProp Capital has announced that it will be launching its new property financing offerings, in its push to solve SMEs’ working capital needs and to deliver technology-driven credit solutions to underserved Singaporeans.

In today’s credit landscape, many borrowers are turned away by traditional providers for failing to meet borrowing criteria due to poor credit history or outstanding loans. With the belief that individuals and businesses should enjoy equal and fair access to quality loans, OxProp Capital aims to advance financial inclusion and help its customers embark on a better financial future. To achieve that, it offers up to 80% Loan-To-Value (LTV) for property loans, with fewer red tapes and more relaxed eligibility criteria. Furthermore, it also offers fixed-rate loans to protect its customers from a sudden increment in monthly mortgage payments.

OxProp Capital uses advanced analytics and proprietary technology to streamline the borrowing process and transform the way people access credit online. While traditional bank financing can take at least 30 days or even months to process a loan application, OxProp Capital can disburse funds as fast as a week after completing the paperwork. With its fast approval rates, individuals and businesses in need of home loans, loans for commercial property or funds for financing important milestones, emergencies, or business expansion can get access to funds quickly and seamlessly.

With a strong history of finance-related services and activities, OxProp Capital promises four things: transparent and straightforward rates with no hidden fees, borrowing options tailored to your specific needs, fast approval and disbursement of funds, and a high LTV to get the most out of your equity. As a trusted provider of property financing loans in Singapore, OxProp Capital hopes to extend its services to help individuals and businesses reach financial independence by overcoming complicated obstacles in their property loan application process.

For more info, please visit https://oxpropcapital.com/.

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

Laos Environment Ministry Warns of Dangerous Air Pollution

Air pollution descends upon Laos each year during the dry season when slash and burn agriculture is conducted.
Air pollution descends upon Laos each year during the dry season when slash and burn agriculture is conducted.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has issued a notice warning residents about unhealthy levels of air pollution across the nation.

Hong Kong remains the most costly market in Greater China for the third consecutive year Permanent Hybrid Planning, Experience-Focused Design and Environmental, Social and Governance are Three Key Fit-Out Trends in 2022

  • Six Greater China markets figure in top 20 most expensive office fit-out markets in Asia-Pacific
  • Permanent Hybrid Planning where costs are still being closely scrutinized

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 12 April 2022 – The COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years has greatly impacted the workplace. As markets continue to tackle the ongoing impacts and the rise of the Omicron variant, corporate occupiers are increasingly adopting more flexible working practices.

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“We have seen a shift in how corporates are envisioning their space requirements, which in turn impacts fit-out decision-making, all within an environment where costs are still being closely scrutinized. Besides the application of thoughtful design and fit-out standards, there is the need for corporate occupiers to provide employees with seamlessly integrated technology solutions for both onsite and offsite working. There is also a greater emphasis on providing a workplace that is not only environmentally friendly but also has the employees’ well-being at heart.” said Tom Gibson, Head of Project & Development Services, Asia Pacific.

According to Cushman & Wakefield’s 2022 Asia Pacific Office Fit-out Cost Guide, the three key office fit-out trends for 2022 are:

1. Planning for permanent hybrid
With Asia Pacific countries in varying stages of Return to Office, occupiers are incorporating an increasing spectrum of flexible working practices. Fit-out typologies are also changing, providing more collaborative spaces as well as space for focused work. There is growing interest in understanding how to engineer an ideal hybrid ecosystem — how much space is needed, what this space should look like, and how much it will cost to fit it out, as well to meet the ever-growing design demands of the flexible workforce.

2. Designing for experience
Insights from Cushman & Wakefield’s bespoke workplace strategy tool, Experience per Square FootTM (XSF), have shown that employees across all markets desire greater workplace flexibility, though to varying degrees. Employers are investigating how to embrace greater flexibility while also maintaining corporate culture and equity of employee experience and are increasingly preferring quality over quantity of space. High quality buildings that provide the highest quality health and wellbeing credentials are mandatory, as is the need for seamlessly integrated technology solutions for both onsite and offsite working. The application of thoughtful design and fit-out standards is crucial in order to reflect the role and purpose of the office, which is all about experience, engagement, collaboration, culture, and wellbeing.

3. Incorporating ESG

We are seeing occupiers and investors placing greater emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations across all aspects of their real estate footprint as they address challenges related to the war for talent, corporate ESG commitments, and the rise of green capital. Occupiers are increasingly seeking green and wellness certifications for their projects and are engaging consultants early in the design process. Project managers play a pivotal role here by exposing clients to the latest workplace design strategies and assisting the integration of ESG principles into their workplace.

“The 2022 report reveals that six Greater China markets figure in the top 20 most expensive office fit-out markets in Asia-Pacific. Hong Kong remains the most costly market in Greater China for the third consecutive year, followed by Shenzhen, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Taipei. Across mainland China, occupiers are increasingly seeking green and wellness certifications for their projects and are engaging consultants early in the early project stage to provide inputs in project programming, budget setting, and design specs.” commented David Shi, Head of Project & Development Services, China, Cushman & Wakefield.

“Hong Kong occupiers traditionally prefers basic hybrid mode, while there is an increasing trend and greater need for more collaborative hybrid such as incorporating workspace into the break-out area and pantry space. With the COVID-19 pandemic persisting, IT and AV provisions (such as video conferencing) are in greater demand for enhanced remote communications. On the other hand, corporate relocation is still prevalent, despite many occupiers remaining cautious due to the capital expenditure requirements, as the city’s fit-out cost ranking no.5 among APAC cities. In turn, landlords are adopting new measures to incentivize and facilitate occupier movements. Looking ahead, corporate requirements and employees’ preference for greener practices will likely further push for greater ESG adoption, such as green building certifications and incorporating sustainability elements into their offices.” added Bryant Cheung, Head of Project & Development Services, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield.

Cushman & Wakefield’s report revealed the average office fit-out costs for 31 cities in Asia Pacific. The top 20 cities in Asia Pacific with the highest office fit-out costs are:

ASIA PACIFIC RANKING CITY AVERAGE COST (USD PSF)
1 Tokyo 166
2 Osaka 161
3 Nagoya 157
4 Auckland 139
5 Hong Kong 138
6 Sydney 135
7 Singapore 134
8 Melbourne 132
9 Brisbane 129
10= Adelaide 124
10= Perth 124
12 Seoul 121
13 Shenzhen 119
14 Beijing 117
15 Busan 116
16 Guangzhou 115
17 Shanghai 114
18 Taipei 92
19 Manila 87
20 Bangkok 85

Source: Cushman & Wakefield

Click here to download the 2022 Asia Pacific Office Fit-out Cost Guide.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest real estate services firms in the world, with approximately 50,000 employees in over 400 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 22 offices serves local markets across the region, earning recognition and winning multiple awards for industry-leading performance. In 2021, the firm had revenue of $9.4 billion across core services including valuation, consulting, project & development services, capital markets, project & occupier services, industrial & logistics, retail and others. To learn more, visit or follow on Twitter.

#Cushman&Wakefield

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

Vientiane Traffic Police Out in Force During Lao New Year 

Police checks a motorist on the road

Traffic Police officers in Vientiane Capital will increase their presence in and around the city over the Pi Mai Lao period.

Laos Confirms 1,209 New Cases of Covid-19

Covid-19 Update for Laos
Covid-19 Update for Laos

Laos has recorded 1,209 cases of Covid-19 across the country today.

CPA Australia: Hong Kong SMEs confident in overcoming fifth wave of COVID

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 12 April 2022 – Most small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong are confident they will overcome the city’s fifth wave of the pandemic. However, to take advantage of expected improvements in conditions, small businesses may need to increase their investment in technology and innovation, and reset their business strategy. That’s according to dual studies by CPA Australia on the impact of the fifth wave on local SMEs and a broader survey of Asia-Pacific small businesses.

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In light of the fifth wave of COVID-19 in Hong Kong, CPA Australia conducted a poll of SMEs in mid-March on their current and expected performance. This was a follow-up to a more in-depth survey of Asia-Pacific small businesses in November and December, which focused on the characteristics of high growth small businesses, business confidence and access to finance.

Fifty-five per cent of respondents to the March poll were confident that their business or employer will overcome the fifth wave, with 57 per cent expecting revenue will largely remain the same as normal or grow in the next three months.

Forty-two per cent of respondents believe that the relaxation of social distancing restrictions will have the most positive impact on their SME in the next three months, followed by the Employment Support Scheme (18 per cent) and Consumption Voucher Scheme (12 per cent).

When asked which areas of their business were most negatively impacted by the fifth wave, over one-third (35 per cent) nominated business operations, followed by cash flow (26 per cent).

Mr. Janssen Chan, Chairperson of CPA Australia’s SME Committee – Greater China said, “We are aware that many small businesses are suffering during the fifth wave of COVID-19, but they are also demonstrating resilience and adaptability during this period.

“The pandemic is a major catalyst for transforming business models and consumer spending patterns. In Hong Kong, more consumers are purchasing online and using digital payments. With social distancing restrictions set to relax from mid-April and the roll-out of stimulus measures such as the e-consumption vouchers, small businesses should continue innovating, digitalising and updating their business plans to ensure they are best placed to rebound in the second half of 2022.”

CPA Australia’s November/December survey of Asia-Pacific small businesses showed that while the percentage of Hong Kong small businesses that grew in 2021 was below the survey average of 47 percent, it rebounded strongly from 16 per cent in 2020 to 36 per cent in 2021, the same level recorded in 2019. Hong Kong was the only market of the 11 surveyed where small business performed better than expected in 2021.

Helping drive this improvement was an increase in the number of local businesses that found their investment in technology in 2021 improved their profitability (40 per cent in 2021 compared with 25 per cent in 2020). Revenue generated from e-commerce also increased. Over half (53 per cent) generated more than 10 per cent of their revenue from e-commerce in 2021, the highest result for the city since 2017.

Chan explained, “Although Hong Kong small businesses overall may still fall short of the survey average in technology adoption, another positive to emerge from the 2021 results was that more small businesses embraced digital transformation. This bodes well for the future with the survey results showing that high growth small businesses are significantly more likely to be using digital technologies in many aspects of their business.

“Over the past two years, the pandemic has adversely impacted all surveyed markets. Our survey findings indicate that those that innovate and digitalise were more likely to outperform other businesses. I’m delighted to see that nearly seven in ten Hong Kong small businesses will or may innovate in 2022, the highest result since 2017.”

Based on the characteristics of high growth small businesses from the survey results, we recommend that Hong Kong businesses:

  • increase their focus on online sales and new payment technologies
  • identify and adopt suitable technologies into their business
  • innovate through the introduction of new products, services or processes
  • explore expanding sales into overseas markets
  • seek professional advice such as IT and financial consultants.

“The SAR government offers a range of support mechanisms to small business such as the Anti-epidemic Fund, Employment Support Scheme and incentives to innovate and digitalise. We encourage businesses to consider these as they should increase the chances of your business succeeding,” says Chan.

About the research

In light of the fifth wave of COVID-19 in Hong Kong, CPA Australia polled SMEs on their current and expected performance in mid-March. Nearly 300 Hong Kong-based accounting and finance professionals who provide services to or are working in SMEs participated in the poll. CPA Australia’s 13th Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey surveyed 4,252 small business owners or managers, including 310 from Hong Kong, across 11 Asia-Pacific markets. The survey was conducted to understand their business conditions and confidence, and was conducted from November to December 2021.

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 170,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 22,200 members in Greater China. CPA Australia has been operating in Hong Kong since 1955 and opened our Hong Kong office in 1989. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at
#CPAAustralia

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