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Laos to Experience Cooler Temperatures and Rain This Week

Rain forecast for June in Laos

Cooler weather and rain is expected in several parts of Laos this week, with temperatures dropping by up to three degrees.

Maribus launches the new World Ocean Review: Communicating the latest marine knowledge

KIEL/HAMBURG/BERLIN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 19 January 2022 – More than ten years after the first edition of the World Ocean Review (WOR), maribus gGmbH and their scientific partners, the German Marine Research Consortium (KDM) and the Kiel Future Ocean Network, are publishing the next WOR that reviews the overall situation of the oceans. Its conclusion: only together can we achieve solutions for a sustainable future of the ocean by balancing protection and sustainable use. In order to achieve those sustainable solutions, important transformations in the way humans interact with the ocean must be initiated quickly. The new WOR is freely available to download and printed copies can be ordered.

 

Cover “World Ocean Review 7”

Language is generally an excellent mirror of reality. Moreover, if anything can be concluded more than ten years after the publication of the first World Ocean Review, then it is clear: the tone of the ocean debate has intensified. Where there was previously talk of ocean change, the dominant term is now ocean crises. We now speak of irreparable damage, the extinction of species, the ocean as a garbage dump, collapsing ecosystems and the destruction of millions of people’s livelihoods already happening today and worsening in the future.

 

At the same time, politics, industry and science are promoting the ocean as a potential bringer of hope. Coastal States are keen on growing their maritime (‘blue’) economy and expect billions in profits from transport and trade, tourism, offshore wind power, aquaculture and the commercialisation of active ingredients from the sea. In the deep seas of the Pacific, mining companies are testing giant machines for the extraction of mineral-rich manganese nodules, and in the international climate negotiations, the carbon storage potential of mangroves, seagrass meadows, salt marshes and kelp forests is being promoted under the keyword “Blue Carbon”.

 

Experts argue long-term prosperity form the ocean can only be secured if humanity transforms its business model towards the sustainable use of the ocean, minimizing pollution and destruction, protecting and restoring critical zones and paying attention to the limits of its capacity in order to safeguard long-term wealth, prosperity and a liveable climate in the future. Marine research in Germany and around the world has generated new knowledge in the last ten years, not only to describe the problem zones in the ocean, but also to develop potential solutions. On the question of how and when, it turns out that drastic changes are required essentially today.

 

An understanding of mechanics and changes in the Seas is now more important than ever

 

This dilemma between the promise and reality of the human-ocean relationship is the focus of the seventh edition of the World Ocean Review. The new edition was first published in November 2021 in German and now translated to English by the non-profit organisation maribus gGmbh with the support of the magazine mare, the International Ocean Institute (IOI), as well as climate and marine researchers from the German Marine Research Consortium (KDM) and the Kiel Future Ocean Network.

 

“A science-based yet easily understandable, free ocean report showing the complex threats to the seas and potential solutions seemed a long-overdue necessity over ten years ago. Then, the ocean was predominantly seen as a medium for transport and tourism,” said Nikolaus Gelpke, initiator and editor of the World Ocean Review, founder of the magazine mare, and director of the International Ocean Institute (IOI). “Due to the climate debate and the plastic pollution problem, the oceans have meanwhile moved into the broader view of the public, and therefore also of politics – and we are observing that the complexity of processes such as ocean warming or overfishing increasingly requires explanation based on facts. Against this background, the concept of the World Ocean Review has proven its worth.”

 

The way towards sustainable use of the ocean

 

The seventh edition of the World Ocean Review focuses on the effects of climate change on the state of the ocean and its communities. Further topics are the consequences of rapidly increasing fishing, shipping, resource extraction, energy generation and marine pollution, along with questions of how the sea can be used more sustainably and how the ocean can be managed in the future so as to safeguard its eco-system function by both protection and equitable sharing of goods and services it provides. The new WOR offers integrated solutions for sustainable use of the ocean in all subject areas and provides best-practice examples. It refers to a variety of international marine protection agreements, which represent important instruments; although to date, their implementation has not been successful in many aspects. A new opportunity to improve the visibility of the ocean is the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) declared by the United Nations general assembly. The UN has set itself the goal of increasing, combining and sharing knowledge in order to support the international community to implement more sustainability in the human-ocean relationship and establish binding measures to protect the oceans. 

 

“In 2021 or in the first year of the UN Decade, one insight is important: the emerging global ocean crisis can only be contained with the active involvement of all social actors worldwide in sharing ocean knowledge – from scientist, governments, local decision-makers, to companies, civil society and to every individual. The foundations for a transformative transition from overuse and towards sustainable use of the ocean and seas need to be scientifically sound, easily understandable and comprehensive knowledge bases. And this is what the World Ocean Review offers”, said Prof. Dr. Martin Visbeck, co-speaker of the Kiel Future Ocean Network and leader of the physical oceanography research unit at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel.

 

Setting the course towards protection and sustainable use of the ocean is a mammoth task, emphasise the scientific partners of World Ocean Review 7. However, they explicitly advocate for remaining confident and committing to innovative, transformative and collaborative engagement for a healthy ocean. “Management of the seas comes with the great responsibility of implementing scientific knowledge in such a way that the various demands from society, economy and nature conservation on the use of the sea are coordinated in such a way that the greatest natural treasure on Earth – the ocean – is preserved over the long term”, said Prof. Dr. Ulrich Bathmann, director of the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW) and director of the German Marine Research Consortium (KDM).

 

www.worldoceanreview.com

The Hong Kong Institute of Housing Urges 2022-23 Budget Allocation to Improve the Current Old Districts and Old Buildings Conditions

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 19 January 2022 – Ms. Yu Chun, President of The Hong Kong Institute of Housing (HKIH) sent a letter to the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government last week and proposed the followings regarding the 2022-23 Budget: 

(1) Allocate budget to strengthen anti-epidemic measures in old districts and rural village areas


The COVID-19 situation in Hong Kong remains challenging. Therefore, it is critical to improve hygiene of local community to fight the virus. However, some buildings in old districts and rural villages do not have proper property management (PM) support and cleaning services, they are areas of great potential risk under the pandemic.

HKIH Recommendations

For buildings with confirmed cases or residents who are required to receive compulsory testing , HKIH suggested the Government to allocate funding in the 2022-23 Budget for a one-off comprehensive cleaning action for these buildings, their surrounding lanes and streets. The initiative can maintain the overall environmental hygiene of these areas, thus  reducing the chance of transmission as well as the risk faced by the community.  It also serves the purpose of  reminding owners and residents of the importance of professional property management and environmental hygiene.

 

(2) Allocate budget to encourage residents of old buildings or village houses to engage PM services under the pandemic


Over the years, quite a number of old buildings in the urban area and  village houses in remote areas do not have  effective and professional property maintenance and management, since they are not supported by any residents’ organizations and management companies. Different problems arise under the pandemic, such as building management, environmental hygiene, security, maintenance, illegal alterations and changes in building use, etc. As a result, the Government has to face the problems which can actually be solved by engaging consistent, professional and effective property management services. Under pandemic crisis, citizens have stronger awareness of the need for good property management and the Government should seize this golden opportunity to encourage them to engage effective property management services.

HKIH Recommendations

Therefore, HKIH suggested the Government to reserve budget in the 2022-23 Budget to provide seed funding for the establishment of Owners’ Corporations (OC) and hire PM services. The seed funding can be used for initial appointment of professional PM companies or for setting up of CCTV systems. It can help improving residents’ living environment and extending the lifespan of buildings, as well as, ensuring the safety and hygiene of these areas in local community.

 

(3) Subsidies for implementing Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Charging Scheme


HKIH is delighted that The Waste Disposal (Charging for Municipal Solid Waste) (Amendment) Bill 2018 was passed by the Legislative Council. To comply with civil responsibility and support environmental protection, HKIH believes that the PM industry will show full support to the scheme. All in all, properties with OCs or PM companies will have a higher success rate in proper execution of waste reduction initiatives.  However, it may be difficult for residents of some old buildings or rural village houses to comply with this statutory requirement as they are lack of PM services and monitoring systems.  This may hinder the effectiveness of waste reduction.

HKIH Recommendations

HKIH hopes that the Government will subsidize installation of CCTV system for old buildings and rural village houses without PM company for monitoring illegal garbage disposal and will also subsidize in upgrading or installing public refuse collection points/recycle bins in order to enhance hygiene of nearby areas too. Installation of CCTV system can also alleviate manpower burden and reduce management fee if a PM company is engaged in future. This will benefit small properties of limited owners to have PM services at an affordable cost. At the same time, HKIH suggested the Government to reserve budget for distributing designated garbage bags to residents free of charge at the early stage of MSW implementation so as to assist residents to get used to the new Scheme. 

 

(4) Allocate budget to encourage digitalization of the city and PM industry.


Digital transformation of the city is a popular trend. Recently, many PM companies have launched AI-management. Supplemented with technology and service, it can be used in daily management work and provide a more high-quality living experience for citizens. Nevertheless, hindered by cost-effectiveness concerns among network providers, old districts and remote areas in Hong Kong are seriously short of facilities like optical fibres and launch stations. Thus, it hinders the overall pace of digital transformation in Hong Kong.

HKIH Recommendations

HKIH suggested the Government to establish a long-term and comprehensive plan for Hong Kong’s 5G infrastructure projects in the 2022-23 Budget to establish necessary network infrastructures for areas in need. Besides, the Government should provide funding or subsidies for developing innovative technology and deploying latest devices in the PM industry. It can help accelerating 5G infrastructure development and benefit the digital transformation of the PM industry, old buildings’ management, and Hong Kong society as a whole.

About The Hong Kong Institute of Housing

The Hong Kong Institute of Housing (“the Institute”) was incorporated in Hong Kong on 29 November 1988 under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32 of the Laws of Hong Kong) as a company limited by guarantee. Effective from 9 May 1997, the Institute has become a body corporate under The Hong Kong Institute of Housing Ordinance (Cap. 507, originally 34 of 1997). The Institute has been announced as one of the first-batch Recognised Professional Bodies (RPBs) of PMSA since December 2019.

#TheHongKongInstituteofHousing

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

Vientiane Capital Upgrades Khouvieng Road to Improve Traffic Flow

Khouvieng Roundabout

Authorities in Vientiane Capital have begun widening stretches of Khouvieng Road to better facilitate traffic flow and reduce congestion.

Government of Laos Signs Agreement on Blockchain with Welnance Finance

With the advent of modern technologies and as the world enters the era of the 4.0 industrial revolution, it has potentially become more and more interconnected. There are links between the tangible and intangible world, connecting things through digital technology and a colossal source of information like the internet.

One of them is Blockchain, also known as unique blockchain technology for exchanging values electronically through a decentralized computer network, resulting in digital assets transactions, cryptocurrencies, and digital tokens used in many industries.

On January 13, 2022, at the Don Chan Palace Hotel, Vientiane, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed for a joint feasibility study on blockchain application and platform development projects in Laos. The purpose is to study, conduct researches, develop and provide technical services on blockchain technologies as Laos is facing considerable challenges in the era of Industry 4.0.

At the ceremony, the Ministry of Technology and Communications, Department of Digital Technology, represented by Director-General, Mr. Keonakhone Xaysulian, and Welnance Trade Online Sole.co., ltd, represented by Managing Director, Mr. Sitha Phommachith, signed the MOU;

The project will focus on developing platforms, software, and applications that will support the management and administration, including services to the government and the general public such as Digital ID, E-Resident, E-Finance, E-Health, E-School and E-Government systems.

This cooperation implements the government’s vision, strategy, and National Digital Economic Development plan to achieve the goals.

Phousy Group, previously reported to have been linked to the country’s cryptocurrency trial program, has part ownership in Welnance.

The mission of VinFuture has touched human hearts

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 19 January 2022 – The VinFuture Prize has hugely inspired all the scientists involved and it will go a significant way to put the country on the world’s science map and honour those willing to go the extra mile to make scientific breakthroughs – those with endless curiosity that think outside of the box.

“Talk with VinFuture Prize Council and Pre-Screening Committee” in the morning of January 18th, 2022


“For the community” prize


Talking about the journey to VinFuture, Professor Albert P. Pisano (California University, San Diego, USA), co-chairman of the VinFuture Pre-Screening Committee spoke about his first time hearing about VinFuture. “The first idea on my mind is that we rarely see a prize that can acknowledge such devotion from scientists, since when the ideas were formed until the realization is made, and impacting millions of people, as with VinFuture,” said Pisano during VinFuture’s talk with the public on the morning of January 18, 2022, at Almaz Convention Center, Hanoi.

Professor Richard Henry Friend, chairman of VinFuture Prize Council, said he still remembers the “excitement” when he heard about VinFuture.

Professor Nguyen Thuc Quyen, California University, Santa Barbara (USA), co-chairwoman of VinFuture Pre-Screening Committee, said: “To me, this is not simply a prize fund, it is the prize for Vietnamese people.”

Professor Quyen is persuaded by the fact that technology all over the world has not changed the lives of poor farmers and labourers. Born in a small village in Việt Nam where there was no electricity for 16 years, she knows better than anyone else. Accordingly, she wants to contribute a scientific idea that can reach the majority, especially the poor. 

Quyen could not hide her happiness that there are almost 600 nominees for the prize. “The mission of the prize has touched the hearts of many. There are plenty of candidates coming from various continents,” she said.

Professor Richard Friend confirmed that the quality of entrants was marvellous, and beyond the standards they were expecting. 

“If we don’t knock, no door is opened” 


A much-awaited part of the talk is the stories of popular and learned “judges” about how they made breakthroughs in technology.

The journeys of the professors all came from a simple thing: “curiosity.”

Nguyen Thuc Quyen loved literature and history, but only when she turned 25 did she find her true calling, during a science lesson.

Professor Albert P. Pisano accidentally met a relative who made glasses and cups from different materials, which ignited his curiosity and first steps in science.

“The aim of science, after all, is curiosity, exploration, and the journey to walk on,” said Professor Nguyen Thuc Quyen. 

Professor Dang Van Chi, Ludwig Cancer Research Institute, told the story of his u-turn when he raised “a question that never been questioned.” 

These questions can be doubted at first; some questions may be wrong, but the important thing is that “among many wrong questions, there will be a right question,” he said.

Professor Quyen believes the beauty of science originally comes from the act of stepping out of your comfort zone, to be brave enough to run and step into a new zone. 

“If we don’t knock, no door will be opened. No one can stop us from dreaming and reaching dreams high above,” she said.

Professor Richard Friend thinks that we need the forum to explore together and create a “can do” culture to inspire the young. “Talents need to be inspired, authorised, and we must never stop exploring,” he said.

Meanwhile, Professor Albert P. Pisano said that this prize was a precious lesson to everyone, so scientists can show off their potential, express their love to human beings, and be confident in the way they choose. 

Professor Richard Henry Friend said: “We must not judge young people when they are walking on different paths of their own. The crucial thing is that we need to build a culture of respecting education and training, to encourage the students to walk freely with proper orientation. They can be outside regular standards, as long as they are successful.”

“This is the only event that has had such a positive impact on Việt Nam and the whole world.”

The VinFuture Sci-Tech Week shall have three more main events:

  • January 19: “Science for Life” Symposium.
  • January 20: At 8:10 pm, the Inaugural Award Ceremony of VinFuture Prize shall be officially held live on VTV1, and other national and international social media channels.
  • January 21: Talk with the laureates of VinFuture Prize.  

To ensure the safety of the world-class event, the organization board has carried out procedures for controlling and testing for COVID-19 under strict conditions.


#VinFuture

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

Malaysia welcomes a new DJI Experience Store Premium

New Store Premium and first Service Centre now open at One Utama.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 19 January 2022 – DJI, is a global leader in developing and manufacturing civilian drones and creative camera technology for personal and professional use, has launched its newest DJI Experience Store Premium and Service Centre at One Utama Shopping Mall, Petaling Jaya.

Following the recent launch of its first DJI Experience Store Premium in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the one-stop centre offers customers a holistic DJI experience of its facilities and services all under one roof.

Situated inside the largest shopping mall in the Klang Valley, the DJI Experience Store Premium and Service Centre are now ready for visitors and enthusiasts at Lot LG 343A. The 543 sq-ft facility is the first DJI service centre that includes after-sales services for customers to bring in their DJI gadgets for maintenance, repair or parts replacement.

 

Visitors will get to experience DJI’s product offerings first-hand in its immersive section. Displaying DJI’s wide range of camera drones including the DJI Mavic series, Air series, Mini series and DJI FPV, customers can also take the award-winning gadgets for a spin with on-ground DJI experts ready to provide basic demonstration, guidance and product information.

“This DJI Experience Store Premium and Service Centre opening is a testament to our continuous effort to grow our presence in Malaysia. While our goal is to make our award-winning DJI products more visible than ever, we subsequently want to provide our enthusiastic fans and customers peace of mind by having a comprehensive after-sales service for them.” said Johnny Liao, General Manager of Azure Telecommunication Sdn Bhd.

 

“Recognising the demand for our innovations, DJI is committed to equipping users with that vital knowledge to ensure that the core functions of our drones are maximised; be it for hobby or rescue mission purposes. We will continuously innovate to deliver high-quality products and provide excellent service to ensure customer satisfaction.” Johnny Liao added.

In conjunction with its grand opening on Saturday 15 January at 12:30PM, DJI will be offering a promotion to customers as follows:

– DJI Tello: RM399 (Original price RM499)
– DJI OM4: RM379 (Original price RM459)
– DJI Mini SE: RM1,199 (Original price RM1,349)
– DJI FPV Combo: RM4,299 (Original price RM5,299)
– DJI Mavic 3 + Shoulder Bag: RM9,999

Furthermore, existing customers can even experience the DJI Service Campaign. Starting from 10 January till 28 February, the Service Campaign offers complimentary product checking service and firmware updates, 10% discount for battery replacements and 50% off for the replacement of propellers for selected models.

More about DJI Malaysia’s latest products:

DJI Malaysia Official Store on Shopee Mall: https://shopee.com.my/djimalaysia

DJI Malaysia Flagship Store on LazMall:  https://www.lazada.com.my/shop/dji1632734422/  

#DJI

Laos Confirms 1,281 New Cases of Covid-19, Seven Deaths

Covid-19 Update Xayaboury

Laos has recorded 1,281 cases of Covid-19 across the country today, with seven new deaths confirmed.