With LGBTQ+ rights making headlines in Laos, neighboring Vietnam has adopted global LGBTQ+ health standards to prevent discrimination and provide dignity to members of the community.
To develop the RCEP market, Dongfeng Motor Corporation shows multiple star products at CAEXPO
This year is the opening year when RCEP becomes effective and the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership is started. To seize such opportunity of CAEXPO and further promote the integrated development of regional industrial chains and supply chains, SASAC organized relevant authorities and resources to select a batch of central government-owned enterprises which have relatively strong technical strength and frequently cooperate with foreign companies. The joint exhibition zone for central government-owned enterprises was set up at CAEXPO. As a representative enterprise in the Chinese automobile industry, Dongfeng Motor Corporation was selected into such zone. Dongfeng Motor Corporation presented such products as its commercial vehicles, passenger cars, farm machineries, parts, etc. in a collective manner to the expo with the Group’s overall image. By synchronously setting up indoor and outdoor booths, it exhibited 9 finished automobiles, 4 sets of critical assemblies, two farm machineries and over 70 parts to comprehensively showcase the technical achievements of Dongfeng Motor Corporation’s technological innovation “Leap” initiative by orienting to the market in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Dongfeng Motor Corporation held the VOYAH new product introduction meeting oriented to the overseas market customers on the day of the opening ceremony of CAEXPO. VOYAH is a high-end intelligent luxury electric powered MPV. Equipped with Dongfeng’s autonomously developed dual-power electric driving ESSA architecture, VOYAH supports such two power systems as the pure-electric power system and intelligent multi-module driving power system. It is the only electric MPV which is equipped with a dual-power system layout in the industry. It aims to build perfect driving and riding experiences for commercial reception and family travel.
Dongfeng Motor Corporation introduced such products as Dongfeng Aeolus HAOJI, GS MAX, FORTHING Yacht, etc. to the customers in the ASEAN in a focused manner.
HAOJI is a brand new high-end hybrid SUV which is built by Dongfeng with great efforts. Bearing the Mach power assembly autonomously developed by Dongfeng, with an acceleration response time of only 0,15s and a fuel thermal efficiency of up to 41,07%, HAOJI is able to extend with multiple platforms such as hybrid power system, hydrogen energy power system, etc. It can meet power needs of such models as HEV, PHEV, REV, etc., so it is widely popular with the customers and is called “the fighter’s engine”.
Dongfeng Aeolus GS MAX which was designed in a fully new manner has the widest car body among the vehicles of the same class. Bearing the “Chinese heart” Top 10 engine 1,5T Mach power system and 7DCT300 gearbox golden power assembly, it has adequate power and low oil consumption and is highly safe, comfortable and smart, thereby sufficiently embodying the latest technical achievements for “electrification, intelligence orientation, networking, sharing and light weight orientation” of Dongfeng Motor Corporation.
FORTHING Yacht is a 7-seat family vehicle specially built by Dongfeng for family travel. Its design is greatly innovative and the brand new concept of “FENG Dynamic” is applied, so it attracted great attention from the customers in ASEAN on the site.
In the markets in such countries as Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines, etc. of ASEAN, Dongfeng commercial vehicles have outstanding quality, a leading market share and a widely positively evaluated comprehensive service capability. At the outdoor booth of CAEXPO, Dongfeng launches such 5 best selling commercial models as D760, D320, D560, etc. Of these models, the 6×4 D760 tractor, as the major exhibition vehicle at the outdoor booth, is the representative product of the Dongfeng Dragon flagship series and is the choice of efficient power and excellent performance for the customers in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
In addition, FORTHING T5 EVO SUV and such two MPVs as FORTHING Yacht and FORTHING M7 and 3 representative products such as Lapras Heavy-duty Truck were exhibited at the outdoor booth of Dongfeng Liuzhou Automobile Co., Ltd. Dongfeng Liuzhou Automobile Co., Ltd.’s products are safe, reliable, efficient, energy conserving and comfortable, thereby presenting diversified choices of value to the customers in the ASEAN market and being widely popular with the customers in the ASEAN.
Over recent years, Dongfeng Group has proactively responded to the “Going Abroad” national strategy. Its products were sold to over 100 countries including all countries in the ASEAN, etc. Additionally, it globally cooperated and collaborated with over 10 international finished automobile and parts enterprises. From January to August in this year, Dongfeng Motor Corporation exported 124000 vehicles which increased by 90% compared to the same period of the last year, representing a good development trend.
In the future, Dongfeng will continue to apply technical achievements of the “Wind blows in the east and technology leaps” initiative to such international markets as ASEAN, etc., thereby playing a greater role in the joint building of the “Belt and Road Initiative” and the promotion of regional economic cooperation and prosperity.
Hashtag: #DongfengMotorCorporation
Skyborn Renewables GmbH: Skyborn Renewables Launches as a Leading Company in Global Wind Power
New Management Team Appointed
Announces Opening of Hamburg Office Hub
HAMBURG, GERMANY – EQS Newswire – 19 September 2022 – Global Infrastructure Partners (“GIP”), a leading independent global infrastructure investor, today announced the launch of Skyborn Renewables, a leading player in the international wind power industry. Skyborn Renewables (Skyborn) was previously operated as wpd offshore.

In May, GIP announced an agreement to acquire 100% of the business. The transaction closed on September 15, 2022.
The assets of Skyborn include interests in 5 operating and under-construction projects in Germany, France and Taiwan; and a pipeline of over 30 GW (gross) of highly diversified offshore wind projects in various stages of development. The company has over 20 years of development experience, a track record of ~7 GW developed to date, and a presence in fifteen European and APAC markets.
CEO Achim Berge Olsen commented: “Skyborn Renewables will combine the team’s experience with GIP’s financial strength and track record of investing in renewables assets to the deployment of offshore wind energy for the benefit of future generations. Our mission is to address the global challenges of the climate crisis and energy security.”
In addition to Berge Olsen, the newly-appointed management team includes:
- João Metelo, Chief Investment & Financial Officer (CIFO), who has over 23 years of international experience,
- Morten Melin, Co-Chief Operating Officer (COO), who will join the team in March 2023, an industry expert with more than 25 years of offshore wind experience,
- Thomas Karst, Co-Chief Operating Officer (COO), who has almost 25 years of relevant industry and leadership experience and a strong focus on successful customer projects,
- Lars Muck, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), who has over 25 years of industry and leadership experience,
- Cathrin Browne, General Counsel (GC), who will join the team in November 2022, has over 12 years of experience and has held senior positions at market leading companies and law firms.
To support the team and strengthen its operating capabilities, Skyborn Renewables will open an office in Hamburg.
“GIP identified offshore wind as an important component of the transition to clean, renewable power. The investment in Skyborn is a significant milestone and demonstrates GIP’s commitment to the continued growth of global renewable power generation,” said Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and CEO of GIP.
Hashtag: #SkybornRenewables
About Global Infrastructure Partners
GIP is a leading independent infrastructure fund manager that makes equity and debt investments in infrastructure assets and businesses. GIP targets investments in the energy, transport, digital infrastructure, and water/waste sectors in both OECD and select emerging market countries. GIP’s global renewables portfolio includes solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage assets representing 18 GW of operating and construction capacity, royalty interests in over 21 GW of operating renewable projects, and over 175 GW of assets under construction or in development. Headquartered in New York, GIP operates out of 10 offices: New York, London, Stamford (Connecticut), Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Mumbai, Delhi, Singapore and Hong Kong. GIP manages c. US $84 billion for its investors. GIP’s portfolio companies have combined annual revenues of c. US $68 billion and employ over 100,000 people. For more information, visit www.global-infra.com.
About Skyborn Renewables
Skyborn Renewables (Skyborn) is helping to achieve global decarbonisation by accelerating the development of offshore wind energy across the world. We believe offshore wind is a cornerstone of the clean energy transition, which will enable the achievement of net-zero targets, ensure energy security, and provide a sustainable energy supply for future generations. Skyborn is a pioneer and leading offshore wind developer and operator with more than 20 years’ experience and a track record of approximately 7 GW developed around the globe to date. Our capabilities cover the entire offshore wind value chain, including greenfield development, engineering and design, procurement, financing, construction management and asset management. Skyborn’s portfolio includes a global pipeline of over 30 GW in various stages of development. Headquartered in Bremen, Germany, the company is present in 15 European and APAC markets. For more information, visit www.skybornrenewables.com
EdgePoint and Xperanti Collaborate To Realise Penang’s Smart City Ambition

Extension of Existing Smart Parking Solution
As part of the MoU, the parties will explore the opportunity to extend their existing partnership on the Penang Parking Application that will allow the integration of future IoT technologies such as flood monitoring solutions, air quality monitoring and energy conservation solutions. The current Penang Parking Application is run entirely on a Sigfox network, applied on 36,000 bays across Penang state.
With Penang as pioneers in this space, this initiative will continue the close collaboration with the Penang State Government as the key stakeholder in ensuring that the solutions deployed keep the Rakyat safe and informed, bring savings for the local councils and a consolidated view for better city management.
Both Companies Play Key Role in Achieving Smart City Ambition
Prashant Pathmanaban, CEO of Xperanti, commented “IoT offers possibilities for municipalities to address urban city challenges by supporting decision-making via the detection of key metrics such as parking availability, traffic movement and water levels along with city-wide energy conservation applications through real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making capabilities. To strengthen the value offering, the solutions deployed will be cost-effective for the local council and, more importantly, keep the Rakyat informed across many areas of public safety and updates via the unified app.”
Xperanti’s collaboration with EdgePoint will enable support for and growth of services in the Penang region, with a focus on intelligent infrastructure, scalability of the business model, and innovation and futureproofing.
Muniff Kamaruddin, Chief Executive Officer of EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd, added, “In line with our aim to be a leading digital and telecommunications infrastructure provider for the 5G age, this collaboration with Xperanti will further enable us to expand our scope of next-generation connectivity solutions, tailored to suit conditions on the ground where we have a presence. We will continue our focus on driving a leading-edge industry position through the provision of innovative and scalable infrastructure solutions, reinforced with analytics and digital technologies, for quick pivoting and adaptability amidst a landscape in flux.”
Hashtag: #EdgePoint #Xperanti
About Xperanti IoT
Xperanti IoT is the first IoT network provider in Malaysia, offering comprehensive end-to-end IoT solutions that unlock tremendous opportunities for businesses, government agencies and ambitious cities administration to adopt Industry 4.0. Our exceptional technology delivers practical, scalable and sustainable solutions for critical sectors such as Smart Cities, Transportation & Logistics, Utilities, Agriculture, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Healthcare and Communities. For more information, visit www.xperanti.com.
About EdgePoint Infrastructure
EdgePoint Infrastructure is a telecommunications infrastructure company that aspires to power Digital ASEAN via Next Generation Infrastructure. With operations in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, through EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd, PT Centratama Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk and Comworks Infratech Corporation respectively, the company is focused on providing sharable and leading-edge telecom structures, small cells and in-building systems. EdgePoint aims to be an industry leader through scale and innovation, driving operational efficiencies through the adoption of analytics and digital technologies.
Laos and Thailand Join Hands to Combat Wildlife Trafficking
More than 80 representatives from wildlife relevant enforcement agencies from Thailand and Laos met in Chiang Khong, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand on 14 and 15 September to report back on collaborative counter wildlife trafficking actions taken since August 3-5 when the PWENs met in Huay Xai, Bokeo Province, Laos.
38 participants from the Chiang Rai Provincial Wildlife Enforcement Network (P-WEN) welcomed 47 representatives from the P-WENs of Bokeo, Luang Namtha and Oudomxay provinces in Laos, as well as representatives of the national WEN.
Organized by WWF as part of the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs funded project on fighting wildlife trafficking in the Golden Triangle, this cross border collaboration meeting was implemented in collaboration with the Office of the Governor of Chiang Rai Province. Co-chaired by the Deputy Governor of Chiang Rai Province, Waradisorn Onnuch, and the Deputy Director General of the Department of Forest Inspection Lao PDR, Sounantha Chounlamany, the meeting builds on a similar event that took place last month, in which representatives of provincial offices of forest inspection, natural resources and environmental police, and customs, among others, came together to reinvigorate cross border relations with their counterparts and recommit to collaboration to combat the transboundary wildlife trade.
The PWEN members represent the provinces in Thailand and Laos that are located in the Golden Triangle, a border region that is notorious for the wildlife trade, as well as other illicit transboundary trades, including drugs, human, and arms trafficking. These PWENs are composed of various provincial departments and ministries with a purview to combat the illegal wildlife trade, ensuring cross sectoral collaboration. This and previous meetings are organized to encourage, not only this cross-ministerial collaboration, but transboundary collaboration as well.
The Deputy Governor of Chiang Rai Province opened the meeting by welcoming the delegation from Laos, stating that he was encouraged to see so many familiar faces and was looking forward to hearing the progress that had been made in addressing transboundary trade since the PWENs had met in Bokeo. He said that building trust between the two sides was the most effective way to ensure that the response to transboundary trafficking was effective.
The Deputy Director General of the Department of Forest Inspection followed, stating that he was encouraged by the collaboration between not only the provincial officials, but between the two countries, and hoped that the steps taken during the cross-border meetings would lead to more effective oversight of transboundary illicit wildlife trade and would continue into the future.
During the previous meeting in Bokeo, the participants had recommitted to operationalizing improved mechanisms for cross border collaboration, including improving communication and sharing information that has the potential to help with investigations, confiscations and arrests. They also agreed to report back on any progress made as a result of cross-border cooperation.
Since the PWEN members had met last month, enforcement officers from three key border checkpoints – Chiang Khong and Huay Xay, Chinag Saen and Ton Pheung, and Wiang Kaeng and Pak Tha – reported back that they had successful communications, both formal and informal, between the two sides, with many agencies coordinating patrolling efforts along the Mekong River. In a few instances, tip-offs had been shared about specific traders or wildlife crossing the border that had resulted in confiscations of illicitly trafficked muntjacs, sunbears, and over 250 flying squirrels, among others. One case, which is still under investigation in order to be prosecuted, involved both wildlife and 250,000 methamphetamine pills being trafficked together, showing the convergence of wildlife crimes with other illicit trades.
“This is very encouraging,” said Mr. Neuwat Leelapata of the Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. “In just one month, the efforts of your collaboration have yielded concrete results that show that when we work together, we can not only intercept wildlife trafficking, but build stronger cases that will act as an effective deterrent for wildlife traffickers.”
In order to ensure that the prosecutorial and judicial sectors will issue fair sentences for wildlife cases, WWF and partners have been working to train judges and prosecutors in target areas to improve their understanding of the serious impacts brought about by wildlife trafficking. To bring these two work streams together, a meeting will be held in Chiang Rai in October where PWEN members and the judicial and prosecutorial sectors from the two countries will share lessons learned, celebrate major achievements and reinforce the different roles that they each play in effectively combating transboundary wildlife trafficking in the Greater Mekong Region and beyond.
Laos-China Railway Revises its Parking Fees at Vientiane Station
After a public uproar regarding the charges levied on vehicles when picking or dropping off passengers, Boten Frontier Services Limited has decided to waive some of them.
Laos Finishes Fourth at AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifier Group C
Despite beating Guam in one of their first matches, the Laos U20 soccer team faced defeat at the hands of Japan, Yemen, and Palestine, finishing in fourth place at the AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifier Group C, which was held in Vientiane from 12 to 18 September.
The Laos team performed very well in the game against Guam and dominated them to win with a 3-0 victory. The players worked well together and displayed great teamwork, in line with the coach’s guidance.
As Japan was one of the strongest teams competing, winning every game they played in Group C qualifiers, Laos lost to Japan with a score of 0-4.
Laos had a fair chance of winning its third game against Yemen, but Lao players let several opportunities pass by and lost with a score of 1-2.
In Sunday’s game against Palestine, Laos did not deserve to lose, but as one observer pointed out, “Since the first half, Lao defenders kept losing the ball before scoring goals.”
Until the 91st minute, Laos could not clear the ball out of the penalty area and was punished by Palestine Captain Mohammed Sandouqa, who scored a single goal of 1-0 and won the match for his country.
Despite the mistakes, Laos played reasonably well on the ground and had some good opportunities but couldn’t utilize them for scoring goals.
Following all the matches played, the Laos Football Federation concluded that Japan defeated all four competing countries and qualified for the AFC U20 Asian Cup, which will be hosted by Uzbekistan in March 2023. Following Japan to Uzbekistan is Yemen with two wins, one draw, and one defeat, gaining seven points. Meanwhile, Palestine has also scored seven points. Though, Yemen has scored more goals than them.
Although the host Laos and Palestine did not qualify to play at the next stage, both teams received at least some points for their matches. Only Guam left the tournament without any points.
Hang Lung Nationwide Volunteer Day and Hang Lung As One Volunteer Team’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
Promotes Inclusive Caring Culture
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 18 September 2022 – On September 17, Hang Lung Properties (SEHK stock code: 00101) (the “Company” or “Hang Lung”) held its annual nationwide volunteer day in Hong Kong and nine cities across mainland China and celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Hang Lung As One Volunteer Team. Inspired by the theme, “Diversity and Inclusion – Caring for the Elderly”, the campaign combined the efforts of over 1,200 corporate volunteers to reach out to nearly 5,500 senior citizens in activities carefully curated to demonstrate heartfelt care and concern for building an inclusive and compassionate community.

Mr. Weber Lo, Chief Executive Officer of Hang Lung Properties, said, “Hang Lung has always actively contributed to society through community investment projects that enhance public wellbeing, promote diversity and inclusion and enrich lives. The 10th anniversary of Hang Lung As One Volunteer Team is an important milestone. Here, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the volunteers for living up our motto We Do It Well and for their continuous dedication to the community’s sustainable growth.”

Population aging is a global phenomenon. There is pressing need to tackle social issues and challenges faced by the elderly with dementia and living alone. This year’s Hang Lung nationwide volunteer day focused on this area of need with a desire to arouse awareness and promote an inclusive caring culture in society. Collectively with local governments, tenants and NGOs, the Hang Lung As One Volunteer Teams from Hong Kong and nine Mainland cities curated activities and provided care and support where it is most needed. Activities included visiting elderly centers and residential communities, distributing handmade gift packs, providing haircutting services, helping with house cleaning, and playing interactive games to enrich the lives of elderly.

In Hong Kong, the management team of Hang Lung led 100 volunteers to the HKYWCA Sydney Leong Holiday Lodge on Lantau Island together with a group of elderly dementia patients and their carers, to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax surrounded by nature. Activities included making DIY pizzas and creating wood chunk paintings as well as experiencing the forest therapy. Some of the volunteers also visited households with physically-weak senior citizens in Tai O, and provided assistance for their physical and mental health needs. In addition, the Five Senses Training Tools were distributed to families with dementia patients and people in need in the community, to help train up their senses to slow down deterioration.

Established in Hong Kong in 2012, the Hang Lung As One Volunteer Team actively cooperates with various community groups and charitable organizations to support wellbeing in society. Over the past decade, the Hang Lung As One Volunteer Team has set up 12 teams across 11 projects in nine cities in mainland China, which take part in a range of social service activities to promote diversity and inclusion, the health and wellbeing of senior citizens, youth education and development, and environmental protection, with more than 9,500 volunteers and over 112,000 accumulated service hours.
Under the Diversity and Inclusion area of the Company’s community investment initiatives, Hang Lung recently announced the launch of the “Hang Lung Future Women Leaders Program”, a nationwide program which aims to unleash the potential and sharpen the competitive edge of young female university students, thereby empowering their diversified development through mentorship, leadership training, and an internship. In the inaugural edition, the program targets 200 female university students across the country and engages 40 elite women leaders as the mentors.
Hashtag: #HangLung
About Hang Lung Properties
Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the “66” brand, the company’s Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the “Pulse of the City”. Hang Lung Properties is recognized for leading the way in enhanced sustainability initiatives in real estate as it pursues sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities.
At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.
For more information, please visit www.hanglung.com.