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Vice Minister of Energy and Mines Opens LXML Sepon Underground Mine

Some engineers discover gold pour.

Community and government stakeholders yesterday visited Lane Xang Minerals Limited (LXML) Sepon mine opened the first modern underground mine in Lao PDR.

adidas Originals and Mars Reunite for Six Brand New Color Updates to the Forum Lo 84 Sneaker Inspired by M&M’S® Brand

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 17 May 2022 – Fresh off the heels of the successful launch of their collaborative endeavor, adidas Originals and Mars have returned with six distinctly playful color updates to the classic Forum Lo 84 silhouette, inspired by the colorful fun only M&M’S® from Mars can deliver.

RED-adidas-Originals.jpg

For the second product drop in the long-awaited series, the sportswear brand and the iconic Mars candy brand, M&M’S®, present a suite of Red, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, and Brown sneakers, with each pair in the collection celebrating the unique personality of the M&M’S® characters.

Elevated yet undeniably fun, each pair features a tumbled leather upper matched with bounded TPU three stripes with groove lines and cut out tongue details – all inspired by the M&M’S® Mars iconic branding. Meanwhile, “M” perforations on both toe boxes as well as peanut-shade lining serves as a subtle homage to one of the Mars chocolate candy’s most celebrated flavors, Peanut M&M’S®.

“Mars is thrilled to partner with adidas on the second drop of the adidas Originals Forum Lo 84 M&M’S® sneaker, featuring six new and distinct colors for fans to choose from inspired by our beloved and world-famous M&M’S® characters,” said Jane Hwang, Global Marketing Vice President, Mars Wrigley. “M&M’S® is proud to offer fans more moments of fun through this collaboration with adidas, as we seek to continue creating colorful fun for all, as part of our mission to create a word where everyone feels they belong.”

Rounding out the look in quintessential fashion, each pair comes replete with printed sock liners adorned with graphics of respective M&M’S® characters and arrives packaged in a custom yellow box inspired by the instantly recognizable M&M’S® Mars peanut variant packaging and branding.

The latest selection of adidas Originals Forum Lo 84 M&M’S® sneakers launches on May 20th in Hong Kong. The Red, Blue, and Green sneakers are available through adidas.com.hk, and selected retailers.

For more high resolution press images, please download here.

About Mars, Incorporated

For more than a century, Mars, Incorporated has been driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. This idea is at the center of who we have always been as a global, family-owned business. Today, Mars is transforming, innovating and evolving in ways that affirm our commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us.

Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of confectionery, food, and pet care products and services, we employ 133,000 dedicated Associates who are all moving in the same direction: forward. With $40 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’s®, MILKY WAY®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, ORBIT®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL™, WHISKAS®, COCOAVIA®, and 5™; and take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses, including AniCura, Banfield Pet Hospitals®, BluePearl™, Linnaeus, and VCA™.

We know we can only be truly successful if our partners and the communities in which we operate prosper as well. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our Associates to take action every day to help create a world tomorrow in which the planet, its people and pets can thrive. , inspired by the Economics of Mutuality, is used to measure the company’s progress in service of its purpose; The world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today.

For more information about Mars, please visit mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

#Mars,Incorporated

Syfe, Singapore’s Leading Digital Investment Platform Launches in Hong Kong

  • Licensed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission for Types 1, 4 and 9
  • Introduces Direct Indexing Global Portfolios for Retail Investors

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 17 May 2022 – Syfe, a digital investment platform headquartered in Singapore, today announces its entry into Hong Kong. This marks the company’s first market expansion since its launch in 2019. Syfe has gained tremendous success in Singapore, and is a trusted and leading brand in Singapore’s growing wealthtech industry.

Syfe's seamless interface provides an effortless experience to users.

Syfe’s seamless interface provides an effortless experience to users.

“There is a critical gap in the Hong Kong market for a trusted wealth partner that will transform the way people manage their money. Syfe combines proven investing strategies, technology and continuous innovation to deliver financial solutions at a fraction of the cost when compared to traditional institutions. We are very excited to bring our successful offering with a strong track record in Singapore to Hong Kong as our first market for expansion. Syfe looks forward to partnering Hong Kongers in shaping better outcomes in life through better investing,” said Dhruv Arora, Founder & CEO.

“Culturally, people in Hong Kong have a high tendency to save. However, due to rising inflation and a low interest rate environment, savings in the bank may no longer live up to their expectations. With a focus on long-term wealth building, Syfe is now bringing high quality financial services made affordable and accessible for investors, helping Hong Kongers reach their important financial goals,” said Yenson She, Head of Business Development of Syfe.

Licensed in Hong Kong under Types 1 (Dealing in Securities), 4 (Advising on Securities), and 9 (Asset Management), and regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), Syfe provides investors access to institutional-level investment strategies and advisory services previously only available for the top level of high-net-worth individuals. Its leading technology also allows Syfe to deliver its high-end and personalised advisory simply through an app – all without any minimum investment balance required. Syfe’s wealth experts are just a call away for any investor who requires personal guidance in planning for their financial goals.

Direct Indexing Global Portfolios for Retail Investors, Exclusively for Hong Kong

Syfe creates its own portfolios based on a passive, long-term investment strategy that minimises costs. The following portfolios are currently offered in Hong Kong:

Core
(4 portfolios)
Built for one’s essential financial goals. Core portfolios maximise risk-adjusted returns by holding equities, bonds and gold in varying allocations. Each core portfolio is broadly diversified across asset classes, sectors and geographies.
Themes
(5 portfolios)
Thematic portfolios function as satellite portfolios to complement the Core, allowing investors to have added exposure to opportunities in Disruptive Technology, Healthcare Innovation, China Growth, Global Income and ESG & Clean Energy.

Over the last few decades, passive investing has gained massive popularity through the proliferation of index funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). As technology advances, the next evolution of passive investing has now been made possible.

Exclusively in Hong Kong, Syfe’s Core portfolios leverage the direct indexing strategy for its US equity component, in place of US ETFs. The weights of individual stocks will vary according to the portfolio selected.

Through direct indexing, an investor directly owns the underlying individual stocks in their portfolio, and gains the same broad market exposure at low cost that an ETF or index fund can offer. The key benefits of direct indexing include greater transparency for investors who will be able to know exactly what they own, cost savings of up to 90% of fund fees (excluding Syfe platform fees), and reduction in the overlap of stocks. Through direct indexing, overlaps of stocks among ETFs can be reduced in a portfolio. Syfe’s innovation in direct indexing is part of its commitment to finding the most efficient investment instruments to reduce costs and improve returns.

Personalised, Effortless and Affordable Investing

Syfe’s fully-managed, curated portfolios enable investors to grow wealth with ease and own a portfolio with minimal upkeep. With Syfe, a person investing $10,000 or even $10,000,000 will have access to the same portfolios. Signing up and building portfolios requires no minimum investment balance, no lock-ups, and low fees starting at 0.35%-0.65% per annum. Withdrawals or inter-portfolio transfers can also be done speedily with a few taps on the app.

Clients can connect to locally-based, English and Cantonese-speaking Wealth Experts for a free initial consultation, where portfolio options can be explained in detail and questions answered. Syfe’s WhatsApp and live chat function is also always available for investors’ enquiries.

Safe and Secure, a Strong Track Record in Singapore

The fast-growing fintech saw a significant four-fold increase of its assets under management in the first half of 2021. Syfe’s platform and its features are protected with bank-grade security, coupled with two-factor authentication through phone or email for all users. Monies and assets in investors’ portfolios are held in a custodian account through an SFC licensed broker, and any uninvested cash is held in a client account at HSBC Hong Kong, regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

“Starting today, Hong Kongers can participate in investing opportunities available in global markets and leverage Syfe’s curated portfolios to grow their wealth. Having a simple, smart yet powerful digital wealth platform enabling investing at your fingertips will be a true game changer for Hong Kongers, who desire an effortless way to make their money work even harder than before. We look forward to partnering with users on their wealth journey ahead,” concluded Yenson.

In Singapore, Syfe is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Syfe has a team of over 150 people in the region and has raised a total of US$52.4 million since its launch in 2019, led by the New York-based Valar Ventures. In December 2021, Syfe launched its brokerage offering in Singapore – Syfe Trade, offering direct access to US stocks and ETFs offering free trades, fractional trading, with an easy-to-use interface.

About Syfe

Syfe is an MAS and SFC licensed digital investment platform that is building the next generation of financial solutions for individuals across Asia. Launched in July 2019 in Singapore, Syfe’s mission is to transform the way people manage their money and make high quality financial services affordable and accessible to all. Syfe is the all-in-one platform where everyday investors can access simple, smart and affordable investing, to grow wealth their way.

Syfe Wealth offers personalised and custom portfolios, enabling users to fulfil their long-term financial goals. Grounded in the deep expertise of our financial research team, Syfe Wealth offers investment strategies for the most important goals in life, as well as access to Syfe’s wealth advisors and an intuitive investing experience that is low cost and hassle-free. The platform has no minimum investment amounts and maintains a low annual fee, starting at 0.35 percent per annum of the total amount invested.

For more information on Syfe, please visit: , and

#Syfe

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

Spackman Media Group Artist Son Suk-Ku’s K-Drama, MY LIBERATION NOTES, #1 In Korean TV Drama Rankings For Two Consecutive Weeks

  • MY LIBERATION NOTES, the Korean drama series starring Spackman Media Group artist Son Suk-ku, maintained its top spot in TV drama rankings in Korea for two consecutive weeks, according to Good Data TV Popularity Research
  • Son Suk-ku, who is represented by SBD Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spackman Media Group, is the most popular actor in Korea for three weeks in a row, based on Good Data TV Popularity Research
  • Son Suk-ku stars along with Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee) in upcoming film THE ROUNDUP, a sequel film to the 2017 box office hit THE OUTLAWS, which is expected to be released on May 18

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 17 May 2022 Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (the “Group“), one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups founded in 2011 by media & technology investor Charles Spackman, wishes to announce that the Korean drama series MY LIBERATION NOTES, headlined by Son Suk-ku of the Group’s associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited (“Spackman Media Group“), was ranked as the number one TV drama in Korea for two consecutive weeks as of May 16, according to Good Data TV Popularity Research.

Based on the same data by Good Data Corporation, Son Suk-ku of Spackman Media Group topped the most popular actor rankings in Korea for three weeks in a row. His co-star in MY LIBERATION NOTES, Kim Ji-won who previously starred in DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN (2016), took the second place in Korea’s actor popularity rankings for the same period.

MY LIBERATION NOTES surpassed its own highest viewership record in Korea with an audience rating of 5% as of May 15, according to Nielson Korea, an audience rating research company.

MY LIBERATION NOTES has been on the rise for five consecutive weeks, starting from the first week of its broadcasting, before taking the top spot in the TV drama rankings in Korea. The K-drama surpassed OUR BLUES to claim the first place.

Son Suk-ku’s K-drama MY LIBERATION NOTES airs every Saturday and Sunday at 22:30 on JTBC, and is also available on Netflix. MY LIBERATION NOTES tells the story of a secretive stranger (Son Suk-ku) and three siblings (Kim Ji-won, Lee Min-ki and Lee El), who long to escape from their dead-end lives. The Korean drama is produced by Chorokbaem Media and JTBC Studios.

Alongside Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee) of Marvel Studios’ ETERNALS (2021), Son Suk-ku stars in THE ROUNDUP, a sequel to the 2017 box office hit THE OUTLAWS, which is scheduled to premiere on May 18. THE ROUNDUP was pre-sold to 132 countries around the world, including Singapore, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and France, as well as the regions of North America and Eastern Europe. Previously, the Group’s subsidiary, Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd., co-presented and distributed the 2017 box office hit THE OUTLAWS. THE OUTLAWS broke the all-time highest Video On Demand sales record in Korea in 2018.

Son Suk-ku of SBD Entertainment also starred in the romance comedy film, NOTHING SERIOUS (2021), which reached #1 at the box office in Korea last year, and K-dramas, Netflix’s D.P. (2021), DESIGNATED SURVIVOR: 60 DAYS (2019) and MATRIMONIAL CHAOS (2018). He also starred in the American Netflix drama series SENSE8, which was written and produced by the Wachowski sisters.

Other than Son Suk-ku, SBD Entertainment also represents one of Korea’s rapidly rising young actors, Han Ji-hyun of popular K-drama THE PENTHOUSE 3, who won the Best Rookie Female Actor in the 2021 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards in Korea and endorsed luxury brand Gucci in April 2021.

About Spackman Entertainment Group Limited

Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (“SEGL” or the “Company“), and together with its subsidiaries, (the “Group“), is one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups. SEGL is primarily engaged in the independent development, production, presentation, and financing of theatrical motion pictures in Korea.

The Company was founded in 2011 by renowned media and technology investor Charles Spackman who served as the Company’s Executive Chairman until 2017. For the past two decades, Mr. Charles Spackman has been a powerhouse in the Korean entertainment industry starting in the early 2000’s with the pioneering success of Sidus Pictures, the largest movie production company at the time and the first to be listed in Korea. Mr. Spackman is also the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the global investment firm, Spackman Group. For more information, please visit and .

Since its founding, SEGL had produced more than 30 major motion pictures including a number of the highest grossing and award-winning films in Korea, namely #ALIVE (2020), CRAZY ROMANCE (2019), DEFAULT (2018), MASTER (2016), THE PRIESTS (2015), SNOWPIERCER (2013), COLD EYES (2013) and ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012).

Our films are theatrically distributed and released in Korea and overseas markets, as well as for subsequent post-theatrical worldwide release in other forms of media, including online streaming, cable TV, broadcast TV, IPTV, video-on-demand, and home video/DVD, etc. Generally, we release our motion pictures into wide-theatrical exhibition initially in Korea, and then in overseas and ancillary markets.

The Group also invests into and produces Korean television dramas. In addition to our content business, we also own equity stakes in entertainment-related companies and film funds that can financially and strategically complement our existing core operations. SEGL is listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited under the ticker 40E.

Production Labels

SEGL owns Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd. (“Novus Mediacorp“), an investor, presenter, and/or post-theatrical distributor for a total of 79 films (58 Korean and 21 foreign) including ROSE OF BETRAYAL, THE OUTLAWS and SECRETLY, GREATLY, which was one of the biggest box office hits of 2013 starring Kim Soo-hyun of MY LOVE FROM THE STARS, as well as FRIEND 2: THE GREAT LEGACY. In 2012, Novus Mediacorp was also the post-theatrical rights distributor of ALL ABOUT MY WIFE, a top-grossing romantic comedy produced by Zip Cinema. In 2018, THE OUTLAWS, co-presented by Novus Mediacorp broke the all-time highest Video On Demand (“VOD“) sales records in Korea. For more information, please visit

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Simplex Films Limited (“Simplex Films“) which is an early stage film production firm. The maiden film of Simplex Films, JESTERS: THE GAME CHANGERS (2019), was released in Korea on 21 August 2019. Simplex Films has several line-up of films including HURRICANE BROTHERS (working title).

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Take Pictures Pte. Ltd. (“Take Pictures“) which produced STONE SKIPPING (2020) and THE BOX (2021), and shall release THE GUEST in the second half of 2022 and A MAN OF REASON, with the previous working title GUARDIAN in 2022 tentatively.

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Greenlight Content Limited (“Greenlight Content“) which is mainly involved in the business of investing into dramas and movies, as well as providing consulting services for the production of Korean content. Through the acquisition of Greenlight Content, the Group’s first co-produced drama, MY SECRET TERRIUS, starring top Korean star, So Ji Sub, achieved #1 in drama viewership ratings for its time slot and recorded double digits for its highest viewership ratings. Greenlight Content was one of the main investors of MY SECRET TERRIUS.

The Company owns a 20% equity interest in The Makers Studio Co. Ltd., which plans to produce and release four upcoming films, the first of which will be THE ISLAND OF THE GHOST’S WAIL, a comedy horror film.

Talent Representation

The Company holds an effective shareholding interest of 43.88% in Spackman Media Group Limited (“SMGL“). SMGL, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, together with its subsidiaries, is collectively one of the largest entertainment talent agencies in Korea in terms of the number of artists under management, including some of the top names in the Korean entertainment industry. SMGL operates its talent management business through renowned agencies such as MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Son Ye-jin, Wi Ha-jun, Lee Min-jung, Ko Sung-hee), SBD Entertainment Inc. (Son Suk-ku, Han Ji-hyun, Lee Cho-hee, Park Keun-rok), UAA&CO Inc. (Kim Sang-kyung, Kim Hye-ri, Kim Ji-young, Wang Ji-won), Play Content Co., Ltd. (Kang Min-ji, Hwang-hwi) and Kook Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Baek Si-won, Shin Ji-woong). Through these full-service talent agencies in Korea, SMGL represents and guides the professional careers of a leading roster of award-winning actors/actresses in the practice areas of motion pictures, television, commercial endorsements, and branded entertainment. SMGL leverages its unparalleled portfolio of artists as a platform to develop, produce, finance and own the highest quality of entertainment content projects, including theatrical motion pictures, variety shows and TV dramas. This platform also creates and derives opportunities for SMGL to make strategic investments in development stage businesses that can collaborate with SMGL artists. SMGL is an associated company of the Company. For more information, please visit

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Constellation Agency Pte. Ltd. (“Constellation Agency“). Constellation Agency, which owns The P Factory Co., Ltd. (“The P Factory“) and Platform Media Group Co., Ltd. (“PMG“), is primarily involved in the business of overseas agency for Korean artists venturing into the overseas market. The P Factory is an innovative marketing solutions provider specializing in event and branded content production. PMG is a talent management agency which represents and manages the careers of major artists in film, television, commercial endorsements and branded entertainment.

Strategic Businesses

The Company also operates a café-restaurant, Upper West, in the Gangnam district of Seoul and own a professional photography studio, noon pictures Co., Ltd.

For more details, please visit

#SpackmanEntertainmentGroup

Bank of Laos Blames Currency Manipulation for Crisis

Lao kip
Lao kip

The Bank of the Lao PDR has called out currency manipulators and blamed the importation of unnecessary luxury items as reasons for the current financial crisis.

Laos and Vietnam Strengthen Diplomatic and Business Ties During NA Chairman’s Visit

President of the Lao National Assembly, Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane with Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue
President of the Lao National Assembly, Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane with Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue (Photo: Pasaxon)

Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly, Vuong Dinh Hue, has made an official visit to Laos this week to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss Vietnamese investment in Laos.

ASEAN Countries Agree to Mutually Recognize Covid Vaccination Certificates

The flags of ASEAN

ASEAN countries have agreed to mutually recognize Covid-19 vaccination certificates to facilitate seamless and safe cross-border travel, says the Health Ministry.

TYPENT Introduces A New Affordable IT Package for SMEs

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 17 May 2022 – TYPENT has introduced a new Standard Plan pricing bundle – an affordable IT package ideal for SMEs with approximately 20 employees. The company seeks to make it fuss-free for businesses to receive an estimated cost based on their specific business goals.

With the digitalisation of society, IT support services in Singapore are in demand now more than ever. For many organisations, IT outsourcing provides the external help needed to manage technical aspects of the business. It can also reduce labour costs whilst gaining access to industry expertise and specialised professional support.

Recognising the benefits of professional IT support for businesses of all sizes, TYPENT aims to make enterprise-level IT services accessible to SMEs with their new Standard Plan. This popular plan comprises remote and onsite support, 24/7 health monitoring, anti-virus software, backup management, proactive maintenance and more. With reliable IT support, SMEs can have their technological issues resolved swiftly and have their business run smoothly.

Founded in 2004, TYPENT has over a decade of experience providing suitable solutions that stand the test of time. The company strives to continually offer products and services of the highest quality to all their clients. With TYPENT’s new Standard Package, SMEs in Singapore have access to tailor-made IT solutions to facilitate business growth.

TYPENT is an IT outsourcing company in Singapore. The company offers a range of IT support services and solutions to ensure optimal performance for their corporate clients. Some of the services provided include server migration, technological optimisation, maintenance scheduling and even office relocations. TYPENT is also a licensed distributor of quality products such as Office 365, TrendMicro Email Security, Fortinet Fortigate firewall security solution and TrendMicro Endpoint Security. The company has professional partnerships with reputable brands such as HP Servers and Systems, Lenovo and VMWare.

For more information, please visit https://www.typent.com/.

#TYPENT

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