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Upgrade any TV with these Philips Soundbars – Now Available in Thailand

Distinctive geometric design, clear sound, wireless subwoofers, and Bluetooth connectivity

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach – 16 February 2022 – Two of the latest Philips soundbar speaker systems, famous worldwide for their sound clarity and realism, are now available in Thailand. The Philips TAB5305 and TAB8805 offer great features like wireless subwoofers, astounding multichannel sound and Bluetooth.

 

Any entertainment system will be upgraded and complemented by these soundbars. They’re an easy-to-setup enhancement, and easy to use – controllable by existing TV remotes via HDMI ARC – and they take the listening experience to the next level. Wireless subwoofers get rid of cable clutter and reduce setup hassles. These soundbars don’t only offer amazing sound and picture quality, they’re also beautiful to look at, thanks to Philips’ distinctive, cool geometric design.

 

Philips TAB5305 – Take any TV to the next level

 

Raise any TV to the next level – with enough power to make favorite movies and music fill any room, the 2.1 channel Philips TAB5305 soundbar and wireless subwoofer deliver clearer sound and deeper bass. And with Bluetooth, audio-in, and optical inputs, users can enhance their music too. It fits anywhere: The TV table, the wall (with the integrated wall brackets), or any flat surface. The understated metal grille looks amazing and also protects the speaker.

 

Philips TAB8805 – Powerful cinematic sound and picture

 

Make more of movie night with this powerful 3.1 channel, 400W (300W RMS) soundbar with wireless subwoofer and a dedicated center channel for crystal-clear dialogue. The immersive 3D audio of Dolby Atmos puts listeners right in the middle of the scene. The TAB8805 soundbar’s DTS Play-Fi compatibility makes it easy to create a true surround-sound setup. Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2 and Optical-in ensure access to a huge world of entertainment content.

 

Price and Availability

 

The Philips 3.1 CH Soundbar TAB8805 is available for an MSRP at 17,990 Baht and Philips 2.1 CH Soundbar TAB5305 at 5,990 Baht.

 

Both soundbars are available at Power Buy and The Mall.

About TP Vision

TP Vision Europe B.V. (‘TP Vision’) is registered in the Netherlands, with its head office in Amsterdam. TP Vision is a wholly-owned company of TPV Technology Limited (‘TPV’), which is one of the world’s leading monitor and TV manufacturers.

TP Vision is a consumer electronics key player in TV and audio entertainment. TP Vision concentrates on developing, manufacturing and marketing Philips-branded TV sets (Europe, Russia, Middle East, South America, India and selected countries in Asia-Pacific) and Philips-branded audio products (Globally) under trademark license by Koninklijke Philips N.V. We combine the strong Philips brand with our product development and design expertise, operational excellence, and industry footprint of TPV. We believe in creating products that offer superior audio and visual experiences for consumers.

#Philips

Laos Begins Covid-19 Vaccination of Children Aged 6-11

A child receives a Covid-19 vaccine
A child receives a Covid-19 vaccine (Photo: US Embassy Vientiane).

Laos has announced it will begin a Covid-19 vaccination campaign for children aged 6 to 11 next month as part of plans to fully reopen schools.

Laos Reduces VAT to Support Hard-hit Economy

Laos reduces value added tax (VAT)

Laos has lowered its value-added tax (VAT) rate as part of the government’s post-Covid-19 economic recovery efforts.

Sunlight Real Estate Investment Trust (“Sunlight REIT”) Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 31 December 2021

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 February 2022 – Henderson Sunlight Asset Management Limited (the “Manager“) announces the interim results of Sunlight REIT for the six months ended 31 December 2021 (the “Reporting Period“).

 

Reflecting a higher average occupancy rate and a lower amortized rental concession, Sunlight REIT recorded a 1.2% year-on-year increase in revenue to HK$404.3 million for the Reporting Period, while net property income (“NPI“) was also up 1.2% to HK$323.4 million.

 

The Board has resolved to declare an interim distribution per unit of HK 12.2 cents, representing a payout ratio of 94.2% and an annualized distribution yield of 5.6% based on the closing price of HK$4.34 on the last trading day of the Reporting Period.

 

The portfolio of Sunlight REIT was appraised at HK$18,396.9 million at 31 December 2021, representing a mild increase of 0.3% from 30 June 2021. Meanwhile, net assets of Sunlight REIT grew 0.8% to HK$14,230.5 million, which translates to a net asset value of HK$8.48 per unit.

 

Highlights of Interim Results

 

The overall occupancy rate of Sunlight REIT’s portfolio at 31 December 2021 was 94.5% as compared to 93.7% at 30 June 2021. Office occupancy rate rose to 93.3% (30 June 2021: 92.4%), while occupancy rate for the retail portfolio increased to 97.1% (30 June 2021: 96.5%). For the Reporting Period, the office and retail portfolios registered negative rental reversions of 4.5% and 4.9% respectively.

 

In respect of the performance of major properties, occupancy rate of Dah Sing Financial Centre (“DSFC“) has shown reasonable improvement to 91.6% at 31 December 2021, mainly driven by new letting commitments from domestic corporations. In addition, its NPI grew 4.8% year on year to HK$87.6 million. Metro City Phase I Property recorded a high occupancy rate of 99.3%, with a mild 1.5% year-on-year increase in NPI to HK$67.4 million. In contrast, Sheung Shui Centre Shopping Arcade saw a 4.1% year-on-year decline in NPI to HK$69.9 million on the back of a lower occupancy rate of 94.6% and a decrease in passing rent given a diminished presence of high-margin trades.

 

The Manager maintains its pledge to advance sustainability. During the Reporting Period, Sunlight REIT entered into a secured sustainability-linked loan of HK$500 million with a tenure of 4.5 years. Meanwhile, its Sheung Wan-based Strand 50 has been awarded Excellent gradeNote under BEAM Plus V2.0 (Selective Scheme). Together with the successful renewal of DSFC as a BEAM Plus platinum-rated building (Comprehensive Scheme), this achievement amply illustrates the passion of the Manager for managing a greener portfolio which forms an integral part of the sustainability endeavours of Sunlight REIT.

 

Note : In Materials and Waste, and Indoor Environmental Quality aspects.

Mr. Wu Shiu Kee, Keith, Chief Executive Officer of the Manager said, “Despite myriad uncertainties, it is not doom and gloom. Given a diversified and quality asset base, Sunlight REIT is relatively well placed to withstand the impact of swinging market conditions. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Manager believes that the prospects for Sunlight REIT remain solid, while fully committed to caring about the health and safety of our tenants, customers and staff.”

 

Remarks: Attached financial highlights of FY2021/22 interim results of Sunlight REIT.

                 

Financial Highlights of FY2021/22 Interim Results:

(in HK$’ million, unless otherwise specified)

 

          Six months ended

         31 December 2021

        Six months ended

       31 December 2020

                       Change

                                (%)

Revenue

404.3

399.5

1.2

Net property income

323.4

319.5

1.2

Profit/(loss) after taxation Note

234.2

(194.1)

N/A

Distributable income

217.2

220.0

(1.3)

Distribution per unit (HK cents)

12.2

12.5

(2.4)

Payout ratio (%)

94.2

94.7

                N/A

 

 

At 31 December 2021

             At 30 June 2021

                                            

                       Change

                                (%)

Portfolio valuation

18,396.9

18,341.7

0.3

Net asset value

14,230.5

14,124.3

0.8

Net asset value per unit (HK$)

8.48

8.45

0.4

Gearing ratio (%)

23.0

23.0

                                     N/A

Note:  Included an increase in fair value of investment properties of HK$49.7 million (versus a fair value loss of HK$380.2 million for the six months ended 31 December 2020).

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer or invitation to sell or the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for units in Sunlight REIT in Hong Kong or any other jurisdiction.

 

About Sunlight REIT

Listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited since 21 December 2006, Sunlight REIT (stock code: 435) is a real estate investment trust authorized by the Securities and Futures Commission and constituted by the amended and restated trust deed dated 10 May 2021 (the “Trust Deed“). It offers investors the opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of 11 office and five retail properties in Hong Kong with a total gross rentable area of over 1.2 million sq. ft.. The office properties are located in both core and decentralized business areas, while the retail properties are situated in regional transportation hubs, new towns and urban areas with high population density.

About the Manager

The Manager of Sunlight REIT is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Henderson Land Development Company Limited. Its main responsibility is to manage Sunlight REIT and all of its assets in accordance with the Trust Deed in the sole interest of its unitholders.

#SunlightREIT

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

Kerry Logistics Network and Hengan Group’s Joint Venture Karrion Meets Strong Demand for COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits in Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 February 2022 – Kerry Logistics Network Limited’s (‘KLN’; Stock Code 0636.HK) joint venture with Hengan International Group Company Limited (‘Hengan Group’; Stock Code 1044.HK), Karrion Development Limited (‘Karrion’), is launching a new SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Detection Kit (Colloidal gold method) (‘rapid detection kit’) named “BandiCheck” under the Banitore brand in Hong Kong today to help check the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public.

 

The “BandiCheck” rapid detection kit contains nasal and oral swabs and is proven to be able to effectively detect the COVID-19, including the Omicron and Delta variants. According to the test results of Germany’s Paul-Ehrlich Institut (PEI), the overall sensitivity of the “BandiCheck” nasal swab ranked in the top ten among a total of 199 comparable products as at 31 January 2022. Furthermore, the oral swab is not only an innovative product, but is also designated for the Hong Kong market. Optimal to use in conducting large scale screening tests, the rapid detection kits can provide results within 15 minutes and are easy to use, highly stable as well as at a lower cost.

 

Samuel Lau, Deputy Managing Director – Integrated Logistics of KLN, said, “Building upon KLN’s established logistics network and Banitore’s reputation as a trustworthy healthcare brand, Karrion will deliver this in-demand solution efficiently and with abundant supply to meet the present need for a quick and easy to use detection kit in bulk to help contain the fifth wave and for the public’s peace of mind.”

 

Martin Li, Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer of Hengan Group, said, “To support the government’s call for voluntary testing, Karrion and Banitore are a perfect fit to bring the ‘BandiCheck’ rapid detection kit to the public at this challenging moment. Our collaboration with KLN was formed during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020, and it is only fitting that we are doing our part to help curb an even more ferocious outbreak.”

 

Karrion was established in 2021 to create synergy in the B2B bulk distribution and wholesale market of medical, healthcare and hygiene products.

 

About Kerry Logistics Network Limited (Stock Code 0636.HK)

Kerry Logistics Network is an Asia-based, global 3PL with a highly diversified business portfolio and the strongest coverage in Asia. It offers a broad range of supply chain solutions from integrated logistics, international freight forwarding (air, ocean, road, rail and multimodal), industrial project logistics, to cross-border e-commerce, last-mile fulfilment and infrastructure investment.

With a global presence across 58 countries and territories, Kerry Logistics Network has established a solid foothold in half of the world’s emerging markets. Its diverse infrastructure, extensive coverage in international gateways and local expertise span across the Mainland of China, India, Southeast Asia, the CIS, Middle East, LATAM and other locations.

Kerry Logistics Network generated a revenue of over HK$53 billion in 2020 and is the largest international logistics company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

About Hengan Group (Stock Code 1044.HK)

Hengan Group was established in 1985. It is principally engaged in production, distribution and sales of personal hygiene products in mainland China. The shares of Hengan International have been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1998. The Group has become a Hang Seng Index constituent since June 2011. Under the Hengan Group, BANITORE was founded in 1978 and is Hong Kong’s leading brand in First Aid supplies. Its products have been extended to most pharmacies, supermarkets, chain-stores, hospitals and clinics.

#KerryLogisticsNetwork

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

Iberian ham adds value in healthy sports diets to winter Olympic athletes

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 February 2022 – February has become a key month for winter sports enthusiasts. The 2022 Winter Olympics have officially started on February 4. Held in Beijing, the daily training and diet of professional athletes has become a topic of interest for the Chinese citizen.

Professional athletes need to have excellent and competitive skills, and a strong physique to show the best performance. Therefore, a rich, varied and balanced diet, together with the necessary daily training, is essential to maintain the optimal state of the body and improve sports performance. A good diet is essential in sports practice for energy generation and physical recovery.

 

For professional athletes, adequate intake of high-biological protein, vitamins and minerals is especially important, as it contributes to muscle development and maintaining normal biochemical functions.

 

In this context, the Mediterranean Diet, recognized as Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2010, is a world reference for varied and balanced diet. Within it, Iberian hams occupy a prominent place for their nutritional values.

 

A recent study carried out by a Spanish university (UEX), highlights the high biological value of the proteins presented in Iberian hams from Spain. In addition, the study shows the essential amino acids Iberian ham provides, as well as the presence of minerals (potassium, phosphorus, selenium and zinc) and vitamins of group B (B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12), and from the point of view of fat content, the study highlights the high content of monounsaturated fatty acids in Iberian Ham, and its richness in oleic acid. The replacement of saturated fats by this type of fats presented in Iberian Ham, contributes to maintain normal levels of blood cholesterol.

 

The production of Iberian Ham involves a traditional elaboration process based on long curing times that sometimes lengthen 4, 5,… or even more years. Matured naturally thanks to the climatology of the territory in which the ham is made, they become a food of high nutritional value.

 

The Iberian Jamón is the most prestigious delicacy in Spain and one of the jewels of European cuisine, for its unique flavor, as well as for the nutritional contributions it represents within a varied and balanced diet. 

 

Precisely, to show the Chinese consumer the qualities and benefits of Iberian Ham, ASICI, with the support of the EU, has launched “Iberian Hams of Spain, Ambassadors of Europe in the World”. A historic promotional campaign led by renowned Spanish chef Mario Sandoval (two Michelin stars) and an international network of influential chefs, who are great spokesperson of world gastronomy, will bring the benefits of Iberian Ham to consumers. Meanwhile, this campaign will be carried out in Spain, France, Germany and Mexico to awaken the “Iberian Sense” of more than 300 million consumers, in addition to reaching a market with enormous potential such as China. It is the most important international promotion program carried out by the Iberian sector in its history and is expected to show Chinese consumers what it means to enjoy Iberian Ham in all its splendor.

On the occasion of the Lantern Festival and the Winter Olympic Games, The Interprofessional Association of the Iberian Pig (ASICI) wishes its best regards to Chinese consumers and will continue to promote the culture of Iberian Ham within a healthy diet.

About ASICI

The Interprofessional Association of the Iberian Pig (ASICI) is a non-profit Interprofessional Agrifood Organization (OIA) in which more than 95% of the organizations in the production branch (farmers) and more than 95% of the branch of the transformation (industrial) of Iberian pork are represented. Created in 1992, it was recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in 1999 as an Interprofessional Agrifood Organization for the Iberian Pig Sector.


#ASICI

Medriva™ COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kits to Launch at Mannings, Largest Pharmacy Chain in Hong Kong; Company to Donate $4 Million of Test Kits to NGOs to help fight Omicron Wave as Mass Rapid Testing (MRT) becomes the future for controlling future outbreaks

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 February 2022 – Medriva™ COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kits will be made available across Hong Kong through its partnership with Mannings, announced by leading global medical product supplier ProcureNet.

The Company will launch its Medriva™ COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kit at Mannings, the largest pharmacy chain in Hong Kong with 366 stores as the city fights its biggest battle with the pandemic.

 

The agreement comes days after Medriva won TGA approval by the Australian Government to market and sell the Medriva COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kit, which provides quick and easy detection via a nasal swab of a COVID-19 viral infection.

 

Medriva is one of the most effective test kits on the market, having a 95% “sensitivity rate” and a 99% “relative specificity” rate. Its overall effectiveness is 97%. The results meet the World Health Organization’s recommended performance standards.

 

“Mannings has rigorously assessed our antigen test kit for safety, quality and effectiveness,” commented ProcureNet chief executive Gurbaksh Chahal. Founded in 2020, Medriva had a successful launch through its strong government partner network, including organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, Health Canada, Italy, Hong Kong, Turkey, and over a dozen states in the USA.

 

“Mannings’ distribution enables us to supply the Medriva Antigen Test Kit to help Hong Kong residents in their early detection of the virus and provides ProcureNet with the opportunity to scale up to meet future demand there.”

 

He added: “We look forward to teaming up with Mannings to prevent the spread in Hong Kong. This will provide residents with the most cost-effective solution on the market and added assurance during the latest Omicron outbreak.”

 

On Monday, the city was hit with another record-breaking 2,071 new confirmed cases and about 4,500 preliminary infections. The test kits availability will also mean Hong Kong locals no longer have to face eight-hour waits for kits.

 

The Company will donate $4 million worth of Rapid Antigen Test Kits to the following NGOs to help distribute rapid antigen test kits to underprivileged communities: The Community Chest of Hong Kong, Caritas Hong Kong, Hong Kong Red Cross and Pok Oi Hospital. The kits will be distributed amongst the community and shared amongst the front-line staff assisting patients during the pandemic.

 

Chahal said, “Hong Kong has a special place in all of our hearts, and this is just a small token of our gratitude to help this city recover from the recent Omicron wave. We look forward to working with these NGOs at the grassroots level to help distribute these test kits to the underprivileged groups to ease any burden for the well being of the community.”

 

As countries begin to live with COVID-19, mass rapid testing becomes the main tool to control future outbreaks. Eliminating the virus through stringent lockdown and quarantine measures, and treating it as endemic, are often discussed as mutually exclusive strategies. Frequent and widespread adoption of at-home antigen rapid testing could offer the best of both worlds. And, we look forward to helping Hong Kongers by bringing the most cost-effective diagnostic solutions to them.

 

Chahal asserted: “Whatever we do now is preparation for the next variant wave or future pandemics. Self-testing is already as easy as other hygiene routines, like brushing teeth. We know it can be made as cheap as a daily commute. When that happens, we can crush the pandemic with a new kind of ‘MRT’: mass rapid testing,” said Chahal.

 

The company will extend its production capacity of 60 million rapid antigen test kits per month to Hong Kong. Medriva also plans to make the kits available on Amazon, HKTVMall, and other pharmacies in Hong Kong.

 

Learn more about Medriva’s Self-Test Kit: https://medriva.com/.

About ProcureNet

ProcureNet is a leading global leader of pharmaceutical materials and vaccines consumables. Medriva is the company’s B2B brand for its own consumable products.

Founded by serial entrepreneur Gurbaksh Chahal, the company connects government, international world organizations and large businesses to a vast network of pre-approved on-demand manufacturers that produce the world’s most sought-after commodities at rapid speed and tremendous scale.

ProcureNet’s rise came due to strong social impact values as the company provided life-saving medical equipment and materials to aid in the treatment of COVID-19 during the most critical times of the pandemic.

#ProcureNet

Liaoto Chinese School to Construct New Building to Accommodate Thousands of Students in Laos

Liaoto Chinese School

The Liaoto Chinese School has begun construction of a new school building in Vientiane Capital that will allow it to accommodate thousands of students.