For the second time in April, Chiang Mai reported the world’s worst air pollution on Tuesday morning as Air Quality levels reached an unhealthy high of 180.
KAUST launches satellite to aid Saudia Arabia and other countries for advanced Earth observation research
The satellite aims to collect high-quality and high-resolution data across global terrestrial, coastal and ocean ecosystems to help Saudi Arabia observe and characterize its unique natural resources.
The 6U satellite hosts a hyperspectral camera with advanced on-board processing capabilities in combination with Spire’s Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) sensor payload, and will collect insights on Earth surface features such as the condition of plants, soils and water.
“We’re lauching state-of-the-art technology on this satellite platform,” said Matthew McCabe, professor of remote sensing and water security, and director of the Climate and Livability Initiative at KAUST. “The hyperspectral imager is not only collecting imagery, it also integrates with onboard processing that allows analysis of the data even before it is returned to the ground. The combination of this capability with two unique sensors — the GNSSR and the hyperspectral — offers one of the first in-orbit demonstrations of such technologies. It’s the mix of cutting-edge imaging and on-board analysis that makes this such an exciting mission.”
Apart from providing enhanced Earth observation capabilities, the satellite will yield data that can help advance Vision 2030 goals, especially those related to protecting and restoring the environment. For example, the hyperspectral imager can be used to characterize terrestrial and marine systems, allowing an assessment of the condition of rangelands, soils, mangroves and other plant communities— delivering information that can be used to understand the regions unique ecosystems, and help to better monitor and manage their health.
“It’s shared knowledge, and a shared community resource. Developing a community of scientists and collaborators who can access this data will bring global perspectives to local and regional questions that we’re trying to address,” McCabe said.
Though the mission will image the Saudi Arabian peninsula and surrounding region, the satellite has the capability to gather information and images from anywhere on Earth.
McCabe added that the KAUST mission is an example of a growing footprint in the space sector, noting that the Saudi Space Commission has ambitious plans to develop the local space economy. “This is the type of mission that we want to be able to see into the future — building innovation and technology in the Kingdom, training the next generation of scientists and engineers, and facilitating further space exploration from Saudi Arabia.”
Note for editors:
Embed the interview with Professor Mathew F McCabe on the satellite launch: https://vimeo.com/816449035/d1036144a0
Hashtag: #KAUST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About KAUST
Established in 2009, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate research university devoted to finding solutions for some of the most pressing scientific and technological challenges in the world as well as Saudi Arabia in the areas of food and health, water, energy, environment and the digital domain. KAUST is a curiosity-driven, interdisciplinary problem-solving environment, with state-of-the-art labs, distinguished faculty and talented students.
KAUST brings together the best minds from around the world to advance research. More than 120 different nationalities live, work and study on campus. KAUST is also a catalyst for innovation, economic development and social prosperity, with research resulting in novel patents and products, enterprising startups, regional and global initiatives, and collaboration with other academic institutions, industries and Saudi agencies.
For additional information, visit www.kaust.edu.sa.
About Spire Global, Inc.
Spire (NYSE: SPIR) is a leading global provider of space-based data, analytics and space services, offering access to unique datasets and powerful insights about Earth from the ultimate vantage point so that organizations can make decisions with confidence, accuracy, and speed. Spire uses one of the world’s largest multipurpose satellite constellations to source hard to acquire, valuable data and enriches it with predictive solutions. Spire then provides this data as a subscription to organizations around the world so they can improve business operations, decrease their environmental footprint, deploy resources for growth and competitive advantage, and mitigate risk. Spire gives commercial and government organizations the competitive advantage they seek to innovate and solve some of the world’s toughest problems with insights from space. Spire has eight offices across the U.S., Canada, UK, Luxembourg and Singapore. To learn more, visit www.spire.com.
Enjoy Higher Potential Returns by Selecting Wealth Up Savings Insurance Plan
Up to 4.46% p.a. Projected Total Return Rate upon Policy Maturity
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 19 April 2023 – Facing the complex and volatile economic situation, most customers would adopt more balanced strategies on wealth management. With competitive and steady returns, savings insurance can cater longer term of wealth management plan for customers, such as education fund for children and retirement reserve, etc. Hong Kong Life sincerely better arranges for customers by providing the premium discount of “Wealth Up Savings Insurance Plan” which allows customers enjoying higher potential returns.
From now until 30 June 2023, customers may enjoy up to 13% first year premium discount upon successful application of “Wealth Up Savings Insurance Plan” with fulfilment of specified first-year premium requirement and the policy being successfully issued. In addition, up to 5% Premium Prepayment Discount will be offered to customers if the second year premium is paid in advance together with the first year premium at the time of application. The Projected Total Return Rate can reach up to 4.46% p.a. upon Policy Maturity1.
“Wealth Up Savings Insurance Plan” provides 20 years of savings and life protection with only 2-year premium payment. The Plan also offers premium prepayment arrangement, flexible death settlement options and simple application procedure with no medical examination required to meet the needs of different customers.
Mr. Jonathan Ko, Chief Marketing Officer of Hong Kong Life, said, “Hong Kong Life understands that customers would allocate their assets with various management tools to maximize the potential growth. Savings insurance is one of the common wealth management tools which provides steady returns and can better strive a balance between assets appreciation and financial risks. We have especially provided the premium discount of the ‘Wealth Up Savings Insurance Plan’, bringing up to 4.46% p.a. Projected Total Return Rate upon Policy Maturity to help customers achieving their wealth accumulation goals of medium-to-long term.”
Learn more about Wealth Up Savings Insurance Plan – Client Promotion Incentive :
https://www.hklife.com.hk/en/promotions/index-id-34.html
Learn more about Wealth Up Savings Insurance Plan:
https://www.hklife.com.hk/en/products/personal-insurance/savings-plan/wealth-up-savings-insurance-plan/index.html
Key Features of Wealth Up Savings Insurance Plan:
- Short Premium Payment Term2 with 20-Year Life Protection
The Premium Payment Term2 of the Plan is 2 years2 only with 20 years life protection for the Life Insured.
- Premium Prepayment Arrangement3 to Build Your Wealth with Ease
You can prepay the premium for the second year at the time of application and enjoy the premium prepayment discount on the second year premium3, so that you can build your wealth with ease.
- Additional Return to Build Your Wealth
The Plan not only provides Guaranteed Cash Value, Terminal Dividend (non-guaranteed)4 may also be payable on or after the end of 5th Policy Year when the Policy is fully surrendered by the Policyowner, upon the death of the Life Insured or upon Policy Maturity, whichever is earlier.
When the Policy is partially surrendered by the Policyowner, Terminal Dividend (non-guaranteed)4 may be payable on or after the end of 5th Policy Year. The payable amount is equal to the Terminal Dividend (non-guaranteed)4 attributable to the reduced portion of Principal Amount5. Terminal Dividend (non-guaranteed)4 will not accumulate in the Policy.
- Life Protection for Peace of Mind
When the Life Insured dies, the Total Death Benefit will be paid to the Beneficiary as below:
Policy Year | Total Death Benefit | |
1 – 5 | 101% of Total Premiums Paid6 | less Indebtedness (if any). |
6 – 20 | Applicable to the Life Insured
with issue age 70 or below: 105% of Total Premiums Paid6 OR 100% of Guaranteed Cash Value as at the date of death of the Life Insured (whichever is greater) Applicable to the Life Insured with issue age above 70: 101% of Total Premiums Paid6 OR 100% of Guaranteed Cash Value as at the date of death of the Life Insured (whichever is greater) |
plus Terminal Dividend (non-guaranteed)4(if any),less Indebtedness (if any). |
- Flexible Death Settlement Options7
The Plan provides flexible Death Benefit Settlement Options7. Instead of receiving the Death Benefit in a lump sum payment, Policyowner can designate other settlement options including Installment Payments (Fixed Amount) or Installment Payments (Fixed Period) while the Plan is in force and the Life Insured is alive to settle the Death Benefit to the Beneficiary.
- Fixed Premium for Your Better Planning
The premium will remain unchanged throughout the Premium Payment Term2, allowing you to have a better plan for your future.
- Simple Application
Application procedure is simple and no medical examination is required.
Terms and Conditions apply. For enquiries, please visit the branches of our Appointed Licensed Insurance Agency, including Chong Hing Bank Limited, CMB Wing Lung Bank Limited, OCBC Wing Hang Bank Limited and Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited, or contact our Customer Service Hotline at (852) 2290 2882.
Note:
- For the successful application of USD Policy, the projected total return rate is 4.46% p.a. (non-guaranteed) upon Policy Maturity, if no Policy Loan, no partial surrender, no withdrawal of Policy Value and all premiums have been paid when due during the benefit term, with the 13% discount on the first year premium of USD375,000 or above and the 5% discount on the second year premium prepayment which is paid in advance together with the first year premium at the time of application. Client incentive is subject to the terms and conditions of “Fascinating Rewards 2023” Client Promotion Incentive – Wealth Up Savings Insurance Plan. For details of client promotion incentive, please refer to : https://www.hklife.com.hk/en/promotions/index-id-34.html
- The Policy will be terminated if the Policyowner cannot settle the premium payment before the end of the Grace Period during the Premium Payment Term, subject to the Non-forfeiture Option and other relevant provisions of the Policy. For detailed terms and conditions, please refer to the policy document issued by Hong Kong Life. If the Policy is terminated before the Policy Maturity, the Total Surrender Value (if applicable) received by the Policyowner may be less than the Total Premiums Paid.
- When paying the first year premium, the second year annual premium may be deposited in advance into the Premium Deposit Account at the same time in order to be eligible for 4% (applicable to HKD Policy) or 5% (applicable to USD Policy) discount on the second year premium. If the premium is pre-paid in HKD for USD Policy, the pre-paid amount will be converted to USD based on the exchange rate as at the date of prepayment and deposited into the Premium Deposit Account for paying the second year premium. The amount in the Premium Deposit Account will be debited automatically to pay the premium on the premium due date of the 2nd Policy Year. No interest will be credited and no partial or full withdrawal is allowed for the amount in the Premium Deposit Account.
- Terminal Dividend is not guaranteed and may be changed from time to time. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. The actual amount payable may be higher or lower than those illustrated in the Insurance Proposal. Hong Kong Life reserves the right to change them from time to time.
- Principal Amount is used to calculate Initial Premium, any subsequent premium, benefits and policy values (if any) of the respective Basic Plan and any Supplementary Benefit. Any subsequent change of the Principal Amount will result in corresponding change in premium, benefits and policy values (if any) of the respective Basic Plan and any Supplementary Benefit. The Principal Amount does not represent the amount of death benefit of the respective Basic Plan and any Supplementary Benefit.
- Total Premiums Paid means the total amount of due and payable premiums from the Policy Date up to the date of termination of the Plan, paid to the Plan and received by Hong Kong Life. Any payment in excess of such amount of due and payable premiums will not be included in the Total Premiums Paid. In case of Partial Surrender, the Total Premiums Paid under the Policy shall be adjusted and reduced proportionally as specified in the Partial Surrender provisions. The Total Premiums Paid does not include the amount in the Premium Deposit Account. In the event of the death of Life Insured, the amount in the Premium Deposit Account (if any) will be paid to the Beneficiary. If Policyowner requests to surrender, the amount in the Premium Deposit Account (if any) will be returned to the Policyowner.
- Death Benefit Settlement Options are only applicable in the event of the death of the Life Insured after the Premium Payment Term and all premiums due have been paid, and subject to the terms and conditions, and the then administrative rules as determined by Hong Kong Life from time to time. For detailed terms and conditions, please refer to the policy document issued by Hong Kong Life.
Hashtag: #HongKongLife
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https://www.instagram.com/hklifeinsurance/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hong Kong Life
Established in 2001, Hong Kong Life Insurance Limited (“Hong Kong Life”) was founded by five local financial institutions including Asia Insurance Company Limited, Chong Hing Bank Limited, CMB Wing Lung Bank Limited, OCBC Wing Hang Bank Limited and Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited, which laid their foundations and have been serving people in Hong Kong for more than 50 years in average. Through our extensive network of around 130 distribution points comprising Chong Hing Bank, CMB Wing Lung Bank, OCBC Wing Hang Bank and Shanghai Commercial Bank, we provide a comprehensive range of insurance products and services.
One Killed, Six Injured at Music Festival in Savannakhet

At least one person died and six others were injured by an electric shock at a foam music festival held in Savannakhet Province during Lao New Year.
The Hong Kong Web3 Festival has successfully ended, and CoinW opened three themed events in two days, marking a “highlight” moment of its visit to Hong Kong.
CoinW kicks off its “highlight” moment with three Web3-themed events over the course of two days.
On April 12th, the “Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2023” organized jointly by Wanxiang Blockchain Lab, HashKey Group, and W3ME was launched. More than 300 industry leaders, well-known blockchain project founders, investment institutions, regulatory agency representatives, experts, and scholars were invited to this Web3 Festival. Through five venues, they brought cutting-edge Web3 technology to nearly 10,000 on-site participants, jointly discussing the key issues of Web3’s future development, making it one of the largest cryptocurrency events in Hong Kong’s history.
During the Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2023, the world’s leading cryptocurrency trading platform, CoinW, held three events within two days. On the evening of April 13th, CoinW, together with ChainDD, Boliancaijing, and 1783 DAO, held a private cocktail party called “Web3 Hong Kong Night,” specifically inviting government officials, regulatory agency representatives, experts, scholars, well-known Web3 project founders, and investment institutions to attend. At the event, The Director of Business Development of CoinW introduced CoinW’s development history and listing policies in detail, and shared their views on the future development of the Web3 market. During the event, guests also explored the development path and innovative opportunities under the changes brought about by the Web3 era while raising their glasses.
On the evening of the 14th, CoinW, ChainDD, Boliancaijing, and 1783 DAO joined hands again, together with more than 30 well-known media, community, and project representatives in the industry, opened a private sharing meeting on the cutting edge of Web3. Scholars and guests at the meeting engaged in a lively discussion in a closed-door format, focusing on the topic of “Where are the high-quality Web3 projects and Hong Kong’s direction of co-prosperity?” The entire meeting lasted for more than two hours, mainly discussing the technical issues that urgently need to be addressed to realize Web3 and how ordinary people can integrate into the Web3 space. Many attendees contributed their unique insights to the discussion.
On the evening of April 14th at 7:30 pm, more than 50 industry guests and representatives boarded the “Cheung Po Tsai” yacht at the Public Pier No. 9 in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. On this ancient handcrafted yacht, CoinW, together with PANONY and TingTrader, held the Hong Kong Web3 Carnival yacht private cocktail party. In an elegant atmosphere, guests enjoyed the rhythm of the waves and the scenery on both sides of Victoria Harbour, while industry leaders and experts discussed the latest trends and opportunities in Web3 development, talking about new opportunities and new tracks under the new policies of Web3.
In the future, CoinW will continue to build an international, high-end, and professional platform for industry professionals to learn, communicate, and socialize, providing more Web3 professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts with an excellent opportunity to grasp the latest Web3 technology trends and market dynamics.
CoinW has entered Hong Kong and is actively contacting Hong Kong relevant departments.
Since the Hong Kong government released its virtual asset development policy declaration in October last year, the loose regulatory environment and the genes of a free economy have pushed Hong Kong towards the position of a global Web3 hub. More and more Web3 companies and talents, like CoinW, are gathering in Hong Kong.
In order to seize the opportunities presented by Hong Kong’s virtual asset development, to provide more compliant and secure services to users in Hong Kong and around the world, CoinW has established effective communication with Hong Kong relevant departments, and is actively applying for the qualifications and licenses of a Hong Kong cryptocurrency trading platform. According to insiders, CoinW has hired lawyers and compliance professionals familiar with Hong Kong financial regulations to further understand all related policies. At the same time, CoinW plans to establish a localized trading service center in Hong Kong, focusing on providing cryptocurrency asset trading services to institutional investors and high net worth individuals in Hong Kong.
The prosperous era of the Web3 in Hong Kong is starting, and CoinW will also join hands with more Web3 enterprises to support the innovation and implementation of the Web3 industry in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2023 is just the beginning. A revolution leading the Web3 is brewing in the East.
Hashtag: #CoinW
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About CoinW
In 2017, a group of young Bitcoin believers gathered together with the goal of changing the world through blockchain technology. From this vision, CoinW was born. Five years have passed, and CoinW has become a leading comprehensive cryptocurrency trading platform, providing a one-stop digital asset service entrance for 220 million digital currency users worldwide. Since its inception, CoinW has been adhering to the service tenet of “empowering blockchain technology financial transformation” and “helping users increase their wealth,” continuously optimizing its product line, making innovative breakthroughs, shouldering the mission of realizing global financial freedom and inclusiveness, leading new trends in the cryptocurrency industry, and promoting the connection of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency assets with the world and the future.
- A global New first-tier exchange.
Innovative product ecosystem and globalized operations to aggregate traffic.
- In line with regulatory requirements
Globalized and compliant development approach, embracing regulation and holding multiple financial regulatory licenses from various countries.
- Global deployment to achieve inclusive finance.
Expand the presence globally in the past five years, serving 8 million users in 200 countries and regions, with a mission to achieve global financial freedom and inclusiveness.
- Secure and reliable.
Industry-leading security and risk control system, with a distributed system architecture, and a five-year track record of zero security incidents, utilizing cold and hot wallets, multi-signature technology.
- High-quality projects globally launched first.
Select quality projects for global debut, capturing investment opportunities.
- over 1,000 cryptocurrencies Listed.
Including popular projects in global markets, with a rich variety of coins, high-speed matching engines, and the deepest order book in the industry.
- Convenient, fast, and secure OTC trading
Supporting over 40 fiat currencies and credit card purchases, providing a one-stop-shop for buying and selling.
- 24/7 efficient customer service support.
24/7 operating model, providing timely answers to users’ inquiries.
- Cryptocurrency wealth management
High-yield financial management, flexible term, and redeemable at any time.
Website: www.coinw.com
Twitter:https://twitter.com/CoinWZH
TG:https://t.me/CoinWTaiwan
IG:https://www.instagram.com/coinwexchange/
LINE Community:https://reurl.cc/GelO8Z
Thailand Sees Over 2,000 Accidents During Songkran

The disaster prevention center in Thailand has revealed the statistics for the number of road accidents that happened during 11-17 April, also known as the “seven deadly days” of the New Year.
JustCo champions Small and Medium-sized Enterprise pivot to hybrid work
Newly-released SME’s Guide to Building Employee Engagement, Productivity and Business Profitability outlines strategies for creating happier and more productive work environments
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 19 April 2023 – Businesses are increasingly turning to flexible workspace solutions to help drive employee engagement, productivity and profitability. JustCo is at the forefront of this trend, helping SMEs create workspaces that support different working styles and promote collaboration.

Hybrid work models are strongly corelated with healthy employee engagement and better business performance, recent research shows. For example, a Nov 2022 study conducted by Accenture found that 68% of high-growth organisations employ productivity-anywhere workforces.
“Flexible, hybrid work is proven to boost employee engagement and productivity,” says Michelle Lee, Managing Director and Chief People Officer, JustCo. “Having a coworking office arrangement helps employers to achieve the flexibility and autonomy their teams crave.”
In its newly-published SME’s Guide to Building Employee Engagement, Productivity and Business Profitability, JustCo has identified four key strategies to cultivate strong employee engagement in the workplace:
First, having offices designed to support the different ways employees work—from private booths for focused, quiet work to breakout spaces for group projects—can greatly enhance employees’ sense of freedom and ownership over their work.
Second, setting teams up for effective remote collaboration with technology such as video conferencing tools can help bridge any physical gaps between colleagues and collaborators.
Third, tapping into biophilic design elements like natural light, greenery and open spaces can help employees feel more rejuvenated at work.
Finally, providing ample opportunities for employees to socialise outside of their usual tasks—such as team lunches or outings—can also go a long way towards fostering strong relationships within the company.
With deep experience and expertise in providing flexible workspaces for individuals, SMEs and large enterprises across Asia Pacific, JustCo can help businesses to adopt highly-adaptable and scalable offices designed to meet the demands of the modern hybrid workforce. For example, JustCo recently launched a SuperPass that enables member companies to accommodate more employees to utilise their coworking centres than the allocation determined by the size of their office membership.
Market research consultancy Axanteus Research already adopts a hybrid work model at the JustCo centre at The Centrepoint in Singapore. Axanteus Research’s Executive Director, Arthur Cheong, shares, “We’ve been practicing hybrid work for more than 3 years now, and coworking at JustCo really propels that. Since we enjoy coworking access to all of JustCo’s locations, we can be flexible with where we conduct meetings. This just makes life easier for our team. We’re exploring the SuperPass to help us scale further without getting locked into office overheads.”
With remote work moving from privilege to necessity, employers want to be more competitive and productive by emphasising flexibility of workspace, work time and work technology. Lee explains, “Increasingly, our members cite this as the reason they move to and stay with a coworking provider. JustCo offers companies a strong foundation and easy opportunity to pivot to a hybrid work model, and this shows up in the number of times our members ask us about our SuperPass solution as well as how they can rightsize with us.”
SMEs looking for a workspace to enable their hybrid work model may reach out to JustCo to set up a tour of their preferred centre with a JustCo hybrid workspace expert.
Hashtag: #hybridwork #coworkingspace #workspaces
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https://www.facebook.com/JustCoGlobal/
https://www.instagram.com/justcoglobal/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About JustCo
JustCo is Asia Pacific’s leading provider of flexible workspace for businesses of all sizes seeking flexible solutions to nimbly scale their operations. JustCo’s value proposition lies in its focus on high-quality fitouts, attractive locations, and a seamless experience via technology to work from any of its spaces. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Singapore, JustCo has over 40 co-working spaces across nine major cities in Asia Pacific.
We make work better by revolutionising how people work, empowering our ever-growing community with exceptional flexibility, opportunities and experiences.
Myanmar Army Rulers Free 3,000 Prisoners in Holiday Gesture

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military government on Monday granted amnesty to more than 3,000 prisoners to mark the traditional lunar New Year holiday, but it wasn’t immediately clear if those released included the thousands of political detainees locked up for opposing army rule.