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Nong Khang Airport Sees its First Successful Aircraft Landing

Nong Khang Airport Tests Landing System with Successful Aircraft Landing
The tested aircraft (photo: Media Laos)

Nong Khang Airport in the Samnuea district of Houaphanh province successfully tested its landing guide system for flights on Wednesday.

Arta TechFin and GFO-X partner to enhance global liquidity and trading services of regulated digital asset derivatives

Agreement to collaborate on the creation of product and provision of services relating to digital asset derivatives.

HONG KONG SAR and LONDON, UK – Media OutReach – 20 April 2023 – Arta TechFin Corporation Limited (“ARTA”) and Global Futures and Options Limited (“GFO-X”) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding and announce a strategic collaboration to create new and innovative digital asset derivative products tailored for both an Asian and UK/European customer base. GFO-X brings a regulated venue to grow the global liquidity pool for digital asset derivatives. ARTA will bring Asian-based client flow via regulated, cash-settled, derivatives solutions. The combination of GFO-X and Arta, which brings together a regulated institutional platform seeded with global liquidity, solves for the key gap between Asian and US trading hours, resolving client’s pain points and expediting institutional and family office’s adoption of digital assets in both regions.

In 2022 ARTA invested in GFO-X alongside other institutional investors and family offices.

Authorised and regulated by the UK FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), GFO-X is the UK’s first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue dedicated to digital asset derivatives. GFO-X recently announced a partnership with London Stock Exchange Group’s LCH SA. Subject to LCH SA’s regulatory approvals and requirements, GFO-X strives to ensure digital asset derivatives’ trading and clearing requirements and growing demand can be met within a secure, highly regulated environment.

Arnab Sen CEO of GFO-X said:

“We are delighted to announce this collaboration with ARTA. We look forward to working together to leverage each other’s geographical expertise to enhance our service offering to a significant and differentiated Asian customer base. GFO-X is regulated in the UK but has strong roots in Asia with our significant presence and heritage in Hong Kong. We see great potential in the growth and appetite for regulated digital asset derivative products in Asia.”

Eddie Lau, CEO of ARTA said:

“We are excited to partner with GFO-X in creating innovative digital asset solutions and offering the best global products to our clients. We bridge the gap between Asian and European flows and enable clients to take advantage of structural trading opportunities. Furthermore, our strategic investment in GFO-X shows our commitment in building up regulated digital asset ecosystem with leading global players.”

Hashtag: #ArtaTechFin

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

About GFO-X

GFO-X is the UK’s first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue dedicated to digital asset derivatives. UK FCA authorised and regulated to operate a Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF), GFO-X is connected to the world’s largest financial institutions and has partnered with a leading clearing house LCH, solving for counterparty and credit risk.

Evolving regulation will bring digital assets into mainstream finance. This transition demands traditional market structures, supported by new technologies, to solve the multiple risks currently associated with the digital asset market.

GFO-X services the significant unmet need of large global institutional participants who require a highly regulated, institutional-grade trading venue for digital asset derivatives.

Our mission is to deliver enhanced liquidity, institutional connectivity and risk mitigation through high-performance technology and optimised contract specifications.

Further information can be found at

About ARTA

Arta TechFin is a hybrid financial (HyFi) platform bridging traditional finance with blockchain-based financial system via technology innovations. Our regulated one-stop solution enables corporates, financial institutions, and family offices to access traditional assets and digital assets.

ARTA, through its various subsidiaries, are licensed under Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. Other licenses include Hong Kong Stock Exchange participant, insurance brokerage license, trustee license and money lending license in Hong Kong as well as Eurex participant in Germany.

Further information can be found at www.artatechfin.com

Vientiane Buses to Stop Only at Official Bus Stops From Next Month

A public passenger bus travels from Dongdok to the Morning Market. ( Photo : Vientiane City 2 Bus Service).
The Public bus system in Vientiane Capital is putting policies in place to improve its service and ensure that passengers reach their destinations in a timely manner. 

DBIoD: Supporting Sustainable Diamond Industry Growth Through 130-Years Expertise

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach – 20 April 2023 – With over 130 years of experience in the diamond industry, De Beers Institute of Diamonds (DBIoD hereafter) has recently been rebranded from the De Beers Group Industry Services (DBGIS). As the world’s leading laboratory that only grades natural and untreated diamonds, DBIoD offers professional and reliable services for grading and identifying raw natural diamonds, as well as cutting-edge diamond identification instrument sales and customized diamond education courses for industry professionals and consumers. Visit our official website to learn more.

Employee grading diamond with loupe and tweezers

Every natural diamond should be graded.

Unlike synthetic diamonds, natural diamonds are formed over billions of years and are both rare and unique. The beauty of natural diamonds goes beyond the traditional 4Cs (carat, cut, color, clarity) and is a complex interplay of various characteristics that make each diamond one-of-a-kind. Therefore, it is important to evaluate each raw natural diamond based on its unique characteristics.

DBIoD has international laboratories located in London (UK), Surat (India), and Antwerp (Belgium). From the moment a diamond is received from a customer, DBIoD utilizes advanced diamond testing instruments, an impartial grading process, and the rigorous 4Cs standard to accurately grade each diamond.

High-tech diamond testing instrument to exclude unnatural diamonds.

DBIoD employs sophisticated techniques for the identification of non-natural diamonds, utilizing three tests to ensure that simulants, synthetic diamonds, and treated diamonds are excluded.

In the field of identification science and technology, DiamondSure is first employed by DBIoD to measure the light absorption of diamonds, effectively excluding all simulants and most non-natural diamonds (primary identification). For the small number of diamonds that cannot be identified by DiamondSure, DiamondView is used for a secondary identification process, in which high-power ultraviolet light is used to scan diamonds and identify natural diamonds (second identification). If the second identification is unsuccessful in determining whether the diamond is natural or not, the diamond will be sent to professional physicists for further analysis (tertiary identification). The physicists will study the light absorption characteristics of the diamond using spectroscopy and advanced instruments to strive for accurate and reliable final identification results.

Different high-tech instruments available to ensure reliable testing results

DBIoD has developed a comprehensive and independent professional testing process that ensures consistency in laboratory testing standards and delivers accurate testing results. This approach not only protects the rights and interests of consumers, but also safeguards their confidence in the diamond industry.

The combination of instrument and manual determination of diamond grading.

Once a natural diamond has been tested for integrity, it undergoes a rigorous grading process at DBIoD. First, a unique De Beers laboratory automatic colour-grading instrument, known as The Falcon, assesses the diamond’s color and fluorescence. Next, a grader assesses the diamond’s color and cut. Finally, a senior analyst integrates the information from both the instrument and the grader to make the final assessment and issue a formal grading report.

DBIoD Diamond Grading Report (with Diamond Pilot)


Following the final grading, the diamond is inscribed with a code, its independent packaging is labeled by DBIoD, and can be sealed upon request. The diamond is then returned to the customer along with a complete grading report.

DBIoD relies on the exclusive grading technology and precise grading services of the De Beers Group, applying international 4Cs standards (carat weight, color, clarity, and cut) with a fair and transparent approach to grade every diamond. DBIoD is committed to providing high-quality consumer experiences for diamond retailers and consumers, ensuring they have confidence in their purchases.

Placing polished diamond in package

DBIoD offers customized diamond courses tailored to different levels of students.

In addition to its laboratory services, DBIoD offers customized diamond courses that are tailored to different learning levels of students who have multiple needs. These courses cover a range of topics related to natural diamond origin, identification, grading, and sales, and are designed to help professionals and enthusiasts alike deepen their knowledge and understanding of diamonds.

Some of the courses that DBIoD offers include Diamond Grading Course, Diamond Identification Course, Diamond Sales and Marketing Course, as well as Diamond Cutting and Polishing Course.

These courses can be conducted in person or online, and can be customized to fit the needs of the participants. DBIoD’s experienced instructors ensure that each course is informative, engaging, and relevant to the diamond industry.

Find the most suitable course for you on the Education website.

Students taking onsite DBIoD Diamonds Grading Course


DBIoD is committed to earning and maintaining the trust of the diamond industry by using state-of-the-art technology and rigorous testing procedures to ensure that all diamonds identified as natural are, in fact, 100% natural. By focusing on natural diamonds grading, testing and education, DBIoD aim to establish our professional authority and inspire confidence among industry stakeholders.

Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup

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

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of the De Beers Group strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and De Beers Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions, such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives GemFair and Tracr. De Beers Group is committed to ‘,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American PLC group. For further information, visit .

Next Generation Monitoring: Neumann Releases the KH 120 II

BERLIN, GERMANY – Media OutReach – 20 April 2023 – Neumann, one of the leading brands in pro audio, has announced the release of the KH 120 II studio monitor. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the KH 120 II offers improvements in all acoustic parameters for deeper bass, higher SPL capability, and increased resolution. In addition, its internal DSP engine allows for phase linear crossovers and room correction via Neumann’s MA 1 Automatic Alignment.

KH_120_II_Both_Colors.jpg

When Neumann released the KH 120 in 2010, it was the beginning of an ongoing success story. Neumann monitoring has since become the reference of choice in countless studios around the globe. The KH 120 II follows the same philosophy as its predecessor and takes it to the next level: highest linearity, lowest distortion, no coloration, and perfect adaptability to any acoustic environment.

“It is part of the Neumann ethos to never be satisfied with what has been achieved so far,” says Portfolio Manager Stephan Mauer, “The KH 120 garnered hundreds of 5-star reviews, yet we knew that we could make it even better. For the KH 120 II we’ve developed a novel woofer design that reduces distortion audibly and allows for much higher SPLs. In addition to an exceptionally flat frequency response from 44 Hz to 21 kHz (±3 dB), the KH 120 II also offers a linearized phase response. Which translates to clear mids with astonishing transparency as well as extreme accuracy in the time domain, i.e. precise impulse reproduction and finely resolved reverbs.”

This is made possible by DSP-controlled electronics whose sophisticated crossovers avoid the phase distortion caused by analog filters. The internal DSP also realizes new standards in tonal consistency. The KH 120-II is made to extremely low tolerances of no more than ±0.5 dB. Stereo imaging, therefore, is razor-sharp. Digital electronics also allow for automatic room alignment using Neumann’s MA 1 hardware/software solution (sold separately).

MA-1-Software-and-Mic_Neumann-Studio-Monitor-Accessory_MR.jpg

“Even the best studio monitor is dependent on its acoustic environment”, explains Neumann’s CEO Ralf Oehl. “So, being able to use the KH 120 II with Neumann’s Automatic Monitor Alignment MA 1 is an enormous advantage in terms of real-world performance. Finally, you can work with reliable reference-class monitoring even in less-than-ideal environments such as small studios or makeshift control rooms for mobile recording. But of course, the KH 120 II is also an excellent solution for professional studios, editing suites, and even immersive setups.”

The KH 120 II is also an update in sustainability. Neumann engineers took great care to develop a patent pending amplifier technology which combines superior audio performance with the energy efficiency of Class D. Although the amplifiers of the KH 120 II deliver up to 145 W to the 5.25″ woofer and 100 W to the 1″ tweeter, they only consume 17 W at idle. Auto-standby reduces power consumption to 0.3 W when the KH 120 II has not been used for a while, but can be deactivated.

The KH 120 II offers analog and digital inputs (S/PDIF). It will also be available in an AES67 variant with redundant AES67 audio network ports that are fully compliant with broadcast standards such as ST 2110, ST 2022-7 redundancy, and RAVENNA. At the same time, the KH 120 II AES67 is compatible with DANTE®-generated AES67 network streams.

More information at https://www.neumann.com/en-en/products/monitors/kh-120-ii

Features:

  • Linear frequency and phase response
  • DSP engine for outstanding performance and automatic room alignment via MA 1
  • Deep low end down to 44 Hz and high SPL capability in a small format
  • Analog and S/PDIF connectivity, optionally with AES67

Hashtag: #Neumann #KH120 #KH120II #monitor #studio #recording

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

About Neumann

Georg Neumann GmbH, known as “Neumann.Berlin”, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of studio-grade audio equipment and the creator of recording microphone legends such as the U 47, M 49, U 67 and U 87. Founded in 1928, the company has been recognized with numerous international awards for its technological innovations. Since 2010, Neumann.Berlin has expanded its expertise in electro-acoustic transducer design to also include the studio monitor market, mainly targeting TV and radio broadcasting, recording, and audio production. The first Neumann studio headphones were introduced in 2019, and since 2022, the company has put an increased focus on reference solutions for live audio. Georg Neumann GmbH has been part of the Sennheiser Group since 1991, and is represented worldwide by the Sennheiser network of subsidiaries and long-standing trading partners.

Large Parts of Asia Report Record Breaking High Temperatures

Large Parts of Asia Face Record Breaking Temperatures
Person on motorbike covering their whole body to protect them from the extreme heat wave. ( Photo : AP )

People living in Asia continue to grapple with the brutality of the April heat wave, as temperatures reach record-breaking levels with little relief in sight.

LUX stands with female athletes and challenges sports media to “Change The Angle”

Calling out how invasive camera angles target intimate parts of women’s bodies in sport, LUX challenges broadcasters and viewers to #ChangeTheAngle and support women against everyday sexism.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 20 April 2023 – Unilever’s global beauty brand, LUX, is rallying people once more to stand up against everyday sexism. This time it is calling out the objectification of women’s bodies in sport, highlighting how the media zeroes in on female intimate body areas rather than focus on their sporting prowess.

Caption


At South Africa’s highly anticipated Durban Open Women’s Beach Volleyball tournament this week, female athletes sported QR code on precisely those areas the cameras tend to focus on. Upon scanning, these ‘viewers’ were directed to a short film – ‘Hey Camera’, which calls on those behind the cameras to end the blatant objectification of women and, instead, focus on their strengths.

Bringing this campaign to live, LUX partnered with one of South Africa’s leading broadcaster, The South African Broadcasting Corporation, SABC Sport, which has an audience of 19.7 million in South Africa to livestream the event on 15th and 16th of April.

LUX’s #ChangeTheAngle campaign aims to get broadcasters and photographers reconsidering their portrayal of women in sport. The integrated campaign has also been pulled through online, social and PR channels with thousands of generated content via influencers, celebrities, athletes and media such as Gsport4girls, 2 times olympic gold medal Caster Semenya, Cricket commentator Kass Naidoo, Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi.

LUX understands the need to stop objectification of women as it can lead to more serious forms of sexism. According to its research, women are 10 times more likely to be objectified than men. While this objectification is rife across society, the brand saw that sports was the perfect, attention-grabbing example to call this out. Men in sports are frequently portrayed as strong role models who are at the top of their game. On the contrary, women’s body parts are what receive the most attention, with cameras zooming into their breasts or exposed butt cheeks.

LUX believes this objectification can diminish female achievements and also undermine confidence. The #ChangeTheAngle campaign aims to create a sense of urgency among people to call out what are increasingly unacceptable behaviours in real time and put pressure on broadcasters to change the camera gaze by sharing 6 guidelines for them to adhere to while filming women in sport.

“Women in sports are 10 times more likely to be objectified by camera angles that focus on certain body parts compared to their male counterparts. When we found out that this is also an issue for top female athletes who have achieved incredible things, we knew we had to act,” Severine Vauleon, Global Brand Vice President of LUX says, “This doesn’t only devalue the female athletes’ professional performance and achievements, but also perpetuates the objectification issue many women face every day. At LUX, we believe that beauty should be a source of strength, and that the focus should be on celebrating the beauty of their strength, skills and achievements in sport.”

“This is a bold and powerful move for a beauty brand like LUX to take, and it makes me even prouder to be a part of the LUX family. I am hoping to see the change that we need in the sports fraternity so that women athletes are celebrated for the amazing talent that they have rather than being objectified in a sexual manner. I encourage everyone to do what they can to participate and push media in South Africa and across the world to #Change the Angle” Says Zozibini Tunzi former Miss Universe.

“This initiative is part of our Positive Beauty mission, which is at the heart of our Beauty, Wellness and Personal Care category, championing progressive commitments and actions for our brands into a new era of beauty which is equitable and inclusive. LUX is one of South Africa’s most iconic heritage brands representing women, earning itself a heartfelt voice to challenge stereotypes by supporting woman in different aspects of their lives. A woman’s beauty is inclusive of her strength, her capabilities and her talent. LUX #ChangeTheAngle”, amplifies the voices of women in sport and their strength on the field or on the court.” – Sphelele Mjadu Unilever Beauty, Wellbeing & Personal Care Senior PR Lead for Africa.

Hinoti Joshi, Global Business Lead, from Wunderman Thompson, Singapore, who spearheaded the campaign says, “The media and broadcasters have the power to change the sexist portrayal of women. We are actively calling them out so that they can recognise the flaws in this antiquated practice and become change agents to end everyday sexism.”

Watch the film here: https://youtu.be/nNhekoeNh2g

Hashtag: #LUX

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

foodpanda and TADA sign strategic partnership MOU in Asia

Users in Singapore and Cambodia can enjoy savings and loyalty rewards on both platforms

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 20 April 2023 – foodpanda, Asia’s largest food and grocery delivery network outside of China, has entered into a strategic partnership with TADA, blockchain-based ride hailing platform, to introduce new user benefits for customers in Asia, starting with Singapore and Cambodia.

(L-R) Sean Kim, CEO of TADA Mobility and Jakob Angele, APAC CEO of foodpanda
(L-R) Sean Kim, CEO of TADA Mobility and Jakob Angele, APAC CEO of foodpanda

As part of the partnership, both foodpanda and TADA users can enjoy savings, discounted fares and loyalty programme subscriptions across both quick-commerce and ride-hailing platforms.

“On-demand deliveries and ride hailing have become a big part of our daily routines, so we’re constantly thinking of ways to make these conveniences more accessible and affordable for customers,” said Jakob Angele, CEO of foodpanda, APAC. “Joining hands and offering even more customer benefits with TADA is a natural next step to bring more choices and greater value for customers who use these services every day.”

Partnership benefits

Starting today, up to 30,000* TADA users in Singapore can opt in to receive a complimentary pandapro subscription which gives them easy access and cost savings to on-demand deliveries. foodpanda has more than one million pandapro subscribers across the region who have exclusive access to free deliveries, special pick-up offers, dine-in deals, and other discounts.

With this partnership, up to 30,000* pandapro subscribers in Singapore will automatically receive 25 percent discount vouchers capped at $4 in their TADA accounts which can be used for commuting to their favourite restaurants or anywhere else in the city.

In addition, corporate customers of either foodpanda or TADA in Singapore can also utilise the combined food delivery and ride-hailing benefits through joint corporate bundles. foodpanda’s exclusive service for corporate customers, foodpanda for Business, which provides customisable employee allowances, e-vouchers, employee packages, and access to catering, will now include TADA’s corporate solution. TADA Corporate is the solution for seamless business transport management. With TADA Corporate, companies can easily manage and streamline their teams’ transportation needs for work trips. TADA’s Zero-Commission model also allows for greater cost savings without compromising on quality.

(L-R) Sean Kim, CEO of TADA Mobility, Jakob Angele, CEO of foodpanda, and Pau-Pau
(L-R) Sean Kim, CEO of TADA Mobility, Jakob Angele, CEO of foodpanda, and Pau-Pau

“Partnering with foodpanda marks another exciting phase for TADA’s growth across the region. After seeing a rapidly growing user base in Singapore, and being one of the most downloaded apps in Cambodia, this partnership will introduce TADA to a larger community relying on ride hailing and food delivery frequently,” explained Sean Kim, CEO of TADA Mobility.

Currently, foodpanda users in Cambodia can enjoy free rides to locations that are within three kilometres and 50 percent discount codes for subsequent rides. From 1 May to 30 June 2023, foodpanda customers can also use their TADA voucher codes to get discounted rides when commuting to the various SEA Games competition venues. Similarly, TADA users enjoy a 50 percent discount when ordering food, groceries and more using foodpanda.*

“Over time we look to expand the benefits that customers enjoy, making our platforms the most preferred option for their everyday needs,” added Sean Kim, CEO of TADA Mobility.

“We expect that our partnership will only grow stronger as we continue to tap on each other’s networks and leverage our complementary services, offering customers the added convenience for all our customers across Asia Pacific,” said Jakob Angele, CEO of foodpanda.

*Terms and conditions apply

Hashtag: #foodpanda

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

About foodpanda

foodpanda is a leading delivery platform in Asia dedicated to bringing consumers a wide range of food, groceries and more, quickly and conveniently. Powered by technology and operational excellence, foodpanda is spearheading the growth of quick-commerce (q-commerce) across the region with its network of retail partners, as well as pandamart cloud stores to provide more on-demand options beyond the millions of food delivery options. foodpanda operates in more than 400 cities across 11 markets in Asia – Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan, Taiwan, Philippines, Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. foodpanda is a subsidiary of Delivery Hero, a global leader of the food delivery industry. For more information, visit .

About TADA

TADA is the world’s first blockchain-based zero-commission ride-hailing application. TADA is powered by the Mass Vehicle Ledge (“MVL”) blockchain technology where key mobility data such as transactions, movements, accidents, and maintenance of people and vehicles are recorded and connected in a single MVL ecosystem. TADA was first launched in Singapore in 2018 and further expanded to Cambodia in the same year. In 2019, it continued its growth and was launched in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. For more information, visit .