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Police in Laos Seize Over Three Tons of Amphetamines in Massive Bust

Drug Bust in Bokeo nets three tons of Amphetamines
A recent drug Bust in Bokeo Province, Laas, nets over three tons of amphetamines.

Authorities in Bokeo Province, Laos, have arrested four drug traffickers and seized over 3.64 tons of amphetamines.

ESR closes JPY28 billion Sustainability-Linked Loan

Represents ESR Group’s third sustainability-linked loan which further reinforces its deep-rooted commitment to ESG following the acquisition of ARA

SINGAPORE/HONG KONG – Media OutReach – 30 January 2022 – ESR Cayman Limited (“ESR” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries as the “Group”; SEHK Stock Code: 1821) has secured a Sustainability-Linked Loan (“SLL”) of JPY28 billion (approximately US$243 million) with an option to upsize it to JPY35 billion (approximately US$303 million). This represents an important step for ESR as an enlarged platform in further strengthening its commitment in Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”), following the recent completion of the acquisition of ARA Asset Management (“ARA”).

 

The Group has secured the loan from a consortium of leading Asian banks, including the Group’s strategic investor Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (“SMBC”) which acted as Sustainability Advisor and Mandated Lead Manager. Other Mandated Lead Managers included Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (“Mizuho”) and E.Sun Commercial Bank, Ltd. (“E.Sun”). 

 

The five-year senior unsecured, committed corporate facility is designed with the same tiered incentive mechanism as the Group’s inaugural US$1 billion sustainability-linked loan which closed in November 2021. ESR will be entitled to a reduction of interest rate (currently at Tibor plus 1.8%) as sustainability targets are achieved. The proceeds will be used to fund the Group’s refinancing of existing borrowings, working capital requirements and for general corporate purposes. This JPY28 billion SLL also comes on the heels of the ARA US$1 billion sustainability-linked loan which recently closed in January. Structured as a dual currency USD-SGD facility, ARA’s five-year unsecured committed facility is also designed with a pricing incentive mechanism to the extent it achieves its sustainability targets.

 

Jeffrey Perlman, Chairman of ESR, said: “ESG sits at the heart of our business, playing a key role in each and every part of our operations. With the closing of this financing, I am very pleased that the Group is already realising on its cost-of-capital synergies from the ARA acquisition. As the largest real asset manager in APAC, we have a strong sense of common purpose and a vision to focus on the well-being and long-term priorities of our broader community and environment. We look forward to using the proceeds of this loan to sustainably enhance our assets, operations and the communities in which we work.”

 

Jeffrey Shen and Stuart Gibson, Co-founders and Co-CEOs of ESR, said: “We would like to express our gratitude to SMBC, Mizuho and E.Sun for their recognition of the Group’s achievements and continued progress and emphasis on sustainability. We are also delighted to have expanded our relationship with SMBC which became ESR’s strategic investor as a part of the ARA acquisition. Together with the two sustainability-linked loans ESR and ARA closed previously, these facilities are important milestones as we seek to integrate sustainability in all aspects of our business in pursuit of our goal of creating a positive impact on our stakeholders and the communities where we operate.”

 

With the completion of the ARA acquisition, ESR has emerged as APAC’s largest real asset manager powered by the New Economy and the third largest listed real estate investment manager globally with a gross AUM of US$140 billion[1]. The integration with ARA, including its subsidiary LOGOS, also drives the Group to further strengthen its ESG leadership and offerings. The JPY28 billion SLL backed by SMBC, Mizuho and E.Sun is a demonstration of such efforts, in addition to ESR and ARA’s respective recent US$1 billion sustainability-linked loans.


CONTACTS

Investors

Chang Rui Hua

Group Managing Director

Capital Markets and Investor Relations

+852 2376 9623

rh.chang@esr.com


Media

Antonia Au

Group Executive Director

Corporate Communications 

+852 2376 9617 

antonia.au@esr.com


[1] Based on management estimates for the Group (including the AUM of associates – Cromwell and Kenedix) as of 31 December 2021

About ESR

ESR is APAC’s largest real asset manager powered by the New Economy and the third largest listed real estate investment manager globally. With US$140 billion in gross assets under management (AUM), our fully integrated development and investment management platform extends across key APAC markets, including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, India, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, representing over 95% of GDP in APAC, and also includes an expanding presence in Europe and the U.S. We provide a diverse range of real asset investment solutions and New Economy real estate development opportunities across our private funds business, which allow capital partners and customers to capitalise on the most significant secular trends in APAC. With 14 listed REITs managed by the Group and its associates, ESR is the largest sponsor and manager of REITs in APAC with a total AUM of US$45 billion. Our purpose – Space and Investment Solutions for a Sustainable Future – drives us to manage sustainably and impactfully and we consider the environment and the communities in which we operate as key stakeholders of our business. Listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, ESR is a constituent of the FTSE Global Equity Index Series (Large Cap), Hang Seng Composite Index and MSCI Hong Kong Index. More information is available at www.esr.com.


#ESR

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

Merace Officially Starts Registration Announce FunBall’s Latest Update

LONDON, UK – Media OutReach – 28 January 2022 – Recently, the Metaverse competition platform MeRace announced that the official website has formally opened registration for all users, and updated the functions and contents of the game FunBall on Jan. 30 to further improve the user’s game experience.

 

On the official website, MeRace formally opened the registration function. Users with digital currency wallet can bind and register through the link wallet function on the official website. After new users register, they can log in to the game through the wallet QR code, or click the wallet to view the platform token assets and NFT assets. Users participating in MeRace airdrop activities can view and open the blind box through NFT assets. At present, the official website of MeRace carries out airdrop rewards for newly registered users. If you register successfully before March 10, you will have the opportunity to obtain airdrop rewards with a total value of 100000 MER, such as MER, player NFT, game props and so on. It is worth noting that the official website of MeRace only supports MetaMask wallets for the time being, and other digital currency wallets will be gradually accessed.

 

In terms of games, FunBall’s commercial activities section and League section will be opened on Jan. 30. Commercial activities are classified according to activity rewards, with four levels: S, A, B and C. Users can send football players to participate in commercial activities to obtain special training cards, which are necessary props for football players to update stars in the game. According to the official introduction, players with higher quality and level will bring additional bonus. The League section opens the function of creating and joining. White list users can become the president of the League to create the League. The League will synchronize with the real-world game system, set rich tournament bonuses, and continue to receive dual incentives and sponsorship from platforms and games. The game is expected to be launched for internal test in February, and more functions are gradually opening up.

 

Since 2021, the wind of GameFi has been blowing very fast, resulting in the lack of playfulness in most of the current market. However, FunBall has achieved the integration of a variety of game contents, forming a model that can really relax, entertain and get rewards. In the future, MeRace will rapidly promote the research and development of FunBall game, realize the concept of diversified game playing of football competition, further improve the functional application of the platform and expand the Metaverse game world.

#MeRace

M1 Singapore to Offer the Brand-New HUAWEI P50 Pro 4G with Availability from 22 January

A fan of the HUAWEI P Series and its never-ending stream of smart photography capabilities and technological aesthetics? Once again making a breakthrough, the global leading provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, HUAWEI, has released its newest flagship-grade handset – the P50 Pro. Just as the launch of the latest generation 4G compatible phone was announced, M1 makes great strides in being one of the first telecommunications companies in Singapore to offer the new mobile device online and in-store. Starting from January 22, 2022, customers will be able to order the tech giant’s hottest release with Bespoke plans to pair.

 

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 28 January 2022 – With the newly revealed addition to the P Series, HUAWEI has been setting unprecedented records with its ingenuity. With the official launch of the P50 Pro 4G, customers can now cart out with the revolutionary smartphone online at M1. Boasting Bespoke Flexi and Bespoke Contract plans that allow customers to pay as low as $0 upfront and cover the remaining cost of their device between 12 to 36 months, HUAWEI fans can get the new legend at an affordable price. 

 

The Legend Reborn with Off the Charts Capabilities

Featuring exhilarating interaction experiences and significant camera changes, the HUAWEI P50 Pro with 4G is the latest top-end smartphone to own. Packing revolutionary imaging technology, the P50 Pro’s True-Form Dual-Matrix Camera is equipped with 4 camera lenses. Its 50MP True-Chroma Colour, 40MP True-Chroma Mono, 13MP Ultra-Wide Angle, and 64MP Telephoto rear camera setup offers up to 200x zoom range to capture true-to-life images regardless of lighting conditions and distance.

 

Built with a 6.6″ OLED True-Chroma display that supports professional-grade colour accuracy of 1.07 billion hues, the capacitive touch-screen handset offers a smooth viewing experience with its 120Hz refresh rate. Available in stylish and sleek Cocoa Gold or Golden Black, the P50 Pro is truly a sight to behold. Designed with a chipset that delivers superior performance, it packs a punch with its Snapdragon 888 4G processor that lets users play, watch, and talk with confidence. Add to that its 4360mAh battery for long-lasting power, IP68 rating, and 8GB internal memory, it is easy to see how the HUAWEI P50 Pro 4G delivers excellence that exceeds expectations.

 

Experience Maximum Power with M1 Today

Make the P50 Pro or any other HUAWEI smartphone the new legend of your life with M1. Customers can benefit from optimal flexibility given the range of Bespoke plans and can leverage add-ons for a complete mobile experience. Order the latest HUAWEI P50 Pro smartphone today with unmatched discounts right before Chinese New Year. Head in-store or online today for more information on pricing and fantastic perks!

About M1

M1, a subsidiary of Keppel Corporation, is Singapore’s first digital network operator, providing a suite of communications services, including mobile, fixed line, and fibre offerings to over two million customers.

Since the launch of its commercial services in 1997, M1 has achieved many firsts – becoming one of the first operators to be awarded one of Singapore’s two nationwide 5G standalone network licences, being the first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, ultra-high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice, and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN).

M1’s mission is to drive transformation and evolution in Singapore’s telecommunications landscape through cutting-edge technology and its made-to-measure offerings. For more information, visit www.m1.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/m1limited

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/m1-limited

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m1.sg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/m1singapore

#M1

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

Laos to Raise Minimum Wage by March This Year

Garment factory in Laos (Photo: ILO)
Garment factory in Laos (Photo: ILO)

Lawmakers have begun discussions surrounding a raise of the national minumum wage amid inflation and an increasing cost of living.

Axion Global Asset Management launches its first crypto fund to offer investors secure and diversified exposure to large-cap crypto opportunities

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 28 January 2022 – Axion Global Asset Management Limited (“AGAM” or the “Company”), a subsidiary of Edvance International Holdings Limited (SEHK stock code: 1410.HK), is set to make its debut in the cryptocurrency space with a new flagship product, Smart Beta Fund SP (“Smart Beta Fund”), after receiving approval from the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong (“SFC”) to manage portfolios that invest up to 100% in virtual assets.

 

The Smart Beta Fund seeks to provide professional investors1 with superior risk-adjusted returns by tracking the Axion Global Smart Beta Liquidity Index. The Index, which has consistently outperformed industry benchmarks, is comprised of the top ten eligible cryptocurrencies by market capitalisation weighted by proprietary investment factors. Total assets under management (AUM) for the fund is expected to reach US$100 million.

 

The crypto fund debut will come on the heels of the Company’s recent launch of Axion Global Innovations Fund that invests in early-stage ventures in the burgeoning blockchain and digital assets ecosystem. As an asset manager specialising in different blockchain and digital asset investment strategies, the Company will continue to roll out more products to capture returns for investors.

 

‘Investing in digital assets like cryptocurrenies has become an irresistible huge trend. By launching the Smart Beta Fund, we will be able to offer a secure and regulated investment vehicle for professional investors to tap into the rapidly growing cryptocurrency market,’ said Mr. Scottie Siu, Investment Director of Axion Global Asset Management Limited. ‘As part of the collective effort to enhance the regulatory landscape for digital assets, we work with reputable custodians and best-in-class trading platforms such as BitGo Trust, Coinbase and OSL, leading legal advisors Baker McKenzie and Mourant Ozannes, as well as expert virtual asset fund to establish and operate the fund in accordance with the highest industry and regulatory standards.’The AGAM team was also supported by Sidley Austin, the leading legal advisor, during the approval process with the SFC.’

 

Mr. Gavin Ho, Strategy Director of Axion Global Asset Management Limited commented, “We are thrilled that Axion Global Asset Management has received regulatory approval to make inroads into the virtual asset fund management sector. We see tremendous potential and demand for innovative digital asset products and offerings in the years to come. Backed by our parent company Edvance International, which has been a leader in the cybersecurity space for over 20 years, we are at forefront of the industry to ride the digital asset wave.’

[1] The term “professional investor” has the meaning as defined under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong) and its subsidiary legislations.

About Axion Global Asset Management Limited

Axion Global Asset Management Limited (AGAM) is an investment management company and an indirect non-wholly owned subsidiary of Edvance International Holdings Limited (SEHK stock code: 1410.HK). It develops investment products focusing on digital assets and blockchain opportunities. AGAM holds a license approved by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong to engage in Type 1 (dealing in securities), Type 4 (advising on securities) and Type 9 (asset management) regulated activities. (CE Number: BMG243)

#AxionGlobalAssetManagement

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

Foodpanda to Launch Internship Program for Students This Mid-Year

On Tuesday, Vientiane Capital. A seminar on E-Commerce for COVID-19 Response was held at Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and Co-organized by Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF).

2022 Taiwan Lantern Festival will be launched on 1st February in Kaohsiung

KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 28 January 2022 – The streets and night skies of Kaohsiung will be bathed in light as the city stages the 2022 Taiwan Lantern Festival, with this year’s event drawing on both tradition and modern innovation to mesmerise visitors to the city.

 

The Flying Phoenix lantern will light up Kaohsiung in 2022 Taiwan lantern festival. 

 

The festival, which will run for 28 days from February 1, will for the first time provide a model for collaboration between artisans who use time-honoured methods to construct traditional lanterns and cutting-edge artists from around the world.

Spread throughout the National Kaohsiung Centre for the Arts at Weiwuying and the city’s Love River Bay district, the festival will provide interactive experiences for visitors to learn about how traditional lantern art can be passed down to modern generations at the same time as harnessing advanced exhibition technology, such as high-speed, low-latency 5G for remote artistic displays.

Historic roots


First staged in 1990, the annual lantern festival is inspired by traditional folk celebrations on the fifteenth day of the first month, according to the lunar calendar, and to mark the end of the Lunar New Year. For centuries, people from China have marked the arrival of the New Year by carrying paper lanterns through their darkened streets, with the designs becoming far more elaborate and adventurous in recent years.

This year, Kaohsiung will be aglow with works by artists keen to put forward their own interpretations of light.

Signature Lantern


The event’s signature work is a cross-border collaboration that brings together lantern designer Benson Lu and renowned calligrapher Dong Yangzi. Together, they have created a work that transforms the Chinese character “feng,” which means phoenix, into an illuminated pheasant that is native to Taiwan spreading its wings atop a mountain.

Lighting up Kaohsiung, the Flying Phoenix lantern will use the aesthetics of lighting to communicate the message of effective urban governance, and increase awareness of Kaohsiung City around the world.

The 2022 Taiwan Lantern Festival


The artists and organizers of the festival hope visitors will be able to put the difficulties of the last year behind them, at least temporarily, and enjoy an occasion that will be a unique feast for the senses.