Laos has recorded 335 cases of Covid-19 across the country today.
DHL and Singapore Airlines ink new agreement to expand partnership
- DHL Express to deploy five Boeing 777 freighters with Singapore Airlines on Crew and Maintenance agreement (CM)
- First two aircraft to be delivered in July and October 2022
- Ken Lee: “New agreement guarantees capacity on our critical routes out of Singapore.”
- Lee Lik Hsin: “New freighter operation will support fast-growing e-commerce segment.”
SINGAPORE / BONN, GERMANY – Media OutReach – 10 March 2022 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has entered into a Crew and Maintenance agreement (CM) with Singapore Airlines (SIA) to deploy five Boeing 777 freighters. This agreement marks a further step in DHL Express’ expansion of its intercontinental air network to meet customer demand in fast-growing international express shipping markets.



“With the deployment of five Boeing 777 freighters, we can expand our express service linking the Asia Pacific region with the Americas. Following the pandemic, we see good prospects for strong growth in trans-Pacific trade lanes. By collaborating with Singapore Airlines, we see a unique chance to establish a long-lasting relationship with a long time partner who shares common values and operates at the highest standard”, says Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations and Aviation at DHL Express.


Based at Singapore’s Changi Airport and serving DHL’s South Asia Hub there, the freighters, which will sport a dual DHL-SIA livery, will be operated by SIA pilots on routes to the USA via points in North Asia. SIA will also oversee the maintenance of these aircraft.
The initial agreement is set for more than four years with the opportunity for an extension. As part of the agreement, the first aircraft delivery will be in July 2022, with the second in October 2022. The remaining three aircraft are planned for delivery throughout 2023.
Lee Lik Hsin, Executive Vice President Commercial, SIA, said: “Today’s agreement builds on and strengthens the long-standing partnership between SIA and DHL. This new freighter operation will support the fast-growing e-commerce segment, in addition to other key business segments that rely on trusted express services that DHL excels in providing. It also provides a foundation on which the partnership between SIA and DHL can be further expanded in the future. Basing these freighters at Changi Airport will further reinforce Singapore’s position as a key air cargo and e-commerce logistics hub, contributing to its growth and development.”
“This new agreement guarantees capacity on our critical routes out of Singapore as we gear up for ongoing growth in Asia Pacific trade,” stressed Ken Lee, CEO DHL Express Asia Pacific. “It gives us greater flexibility to add new routes and optimize our aircraft utilization in the face of unpredictable changes or sudden increases in demand.”
DHL Express continuously invests to meet steady growth in cross-border time-sensitive shipments. It operates over 320 dedicated aircraft across its global network of 220 countries and territories. The Boeing 777 freighters are the world’s largest, longest range, and most capable twin-engine freighters that also contribute to DHL’s sustainability goals, reducing CO2 emissions by 18 percent compared to the legacy B747-400s.
SIA’s cargo division operates to more than 90 destinations as part of its current network, which includes a fleet of freighters as well as the bellyhold space of the SIA and Scoot passenger aircraft. The airline recently ordered Airbus A350F freighters as part of its fleet renewal program. SIA continues to invest in its cargo capabilities, capitalizing on healthy demand fueled by growth in e-commerce, fresh produce, and pharmaceuticals, among other segments.
DHL – The logistics company for the world
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than EUR 81 billion in 2021. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve zero-emissions logistics by 2050.
On the Internet: dpdhl.com/press
Follow us at: twitter.com/DeutschePostDHL
About Singapore Airlines
The SIA Group’s history dates back to 1947 with the maiden flight of Malayan Airways Limited. The airline was later renamed Malaysian Airways Limited and then Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). In 1972, MSA split into Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Malaysian Airline System. Initially operating a modest fleet of 10 aircraft to 22 cities in 18 countries, SIA has since grown to be a world-class international airline group that is committed to the constant enhancement of the three main pillars of its brand promise: Service Excellence, Product Leadership and Network Connectivity.
#DHL
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Laos Eyes USD 1.55 Billion Trade Surplus for 2022
The Lao government is hoping for a trade surplus of at least USD 1.55 billion in 2022, despite the economic challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Blue Cross Launches New Branding Campaign “360:1 Protection” Fully Support Fencing Gold Medalist Edgar Cheung Ka Long to Excel His Dreams



The new brand advertisement features fencing gold medalist and Blue Cross’ brand ambassador Edgar Cheung Ka Long. His different appearances showcase that Blue Cross 360o coverage is everywhere to safeguard elite’s daily life. Whether it’s a lovely home, a family-like domestic helper, a beloved pet, or engaging in various land and water sports for leisure or competition, Blue Cross will be here to safeguard every aspect of customers’ daily lives, giving them peace of mind.
Mr. Patrick Wan, Managing Director of Blue Cross, said, “The new branding campaign reinforces our commitment to be customers’ most preferred personal insurance partner. By providing a full range of insurance products, combined with the one-stop service of Blue Cross HK App, customers can enjoy total protection and smart living.”
The four eye-catching advertisements feature energetic images of Hong Kong’s pride Edgar Cheung, demonstrating Blue Cross’ dynamic and visionary brand image, and conveying the message that Edgar Cheung can keep going to pursue his dreams on the back of different protection.
The branding campaign covers both online and offline platforms, including bus shelter, tram body and social media advertisements, and social game with prizes. In addition, Blue Cross cooperated with Trial & Error for the first time to produce a thematic video to engage young customer segment. The video is expected to launch in mid-March.
Customers who successfully enrol in any of the designated insurance plans1 during the promotion period can enjoy up to 45% premium discount. In addition, upon successful enrolment in LovePet Insurance, MaidSafe Insurance (Plan B and C), HomeSafe Protection Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance or Job Changer Medical Protection, through the Blue Cross HK App or Blue Cross website, customers can enjoy free additional COVID-19 Protection2.
Promotional offers are subject to terms and conditions. Please visit Blue Cross website at www.bluecross.com.hk or download the Blue Cross HK App.

Remarks:
1. Designated insurance plans include MaidSafe Insurance, HomeSafe Protection Insurance, DecorationSafe, LovePet Insurance, LovePet Outpatient Insurance, Taipan GolferSafe, GolfSafe, Personal Accident Insurance, Personal AccidentSafe Insurance and SmartFit Sports Insurance.
2. The promotion period of free additional COVID-19 Protection lasts until 30 June 2022.
Disclaimers:
- This press release is for distribution in Hong Kong only. The distribution of this press release is not and shall not be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or a provision of any insurance product outside Hong Kong.
- Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited is a subsidiary of The Bank of East Asia, Limited and a member of the BEA Group. It is not affiliated with or related in any way to Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association or any of its affiliates or licensees.
Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited
Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited (“Blue Cross”) is a member of The Bank of East Asia Group. With over 50 years of operational experience in the insurance industry, Blue Cross provides a comprehensive range of products and services including medical, travel and general insurance, which cater to the needs of both individual and corporate customers.
In 2021, Blue Cross was assigned a financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “a” (Excellent) by A.M. Best, a global full-service credit rating firm specialising in the financial service industry. For the latest rating, please access www.ambest.com.
#BlueCross
Q1 Residential Transaction Volume Down by Half Y-O-Y, Market Expected to Recover Lost Ground in 2H
Upcoming Three Months Crucial to Recovery, Subject to Pandemic Control
- Impacted by the fifth wave of COVID-19, and heightened geopolitical tensions, total residential transaction activity is now estimated at 9,187 deals, down 49% y-o-y
- Overall average home prices are expected to drop 5% q-o-q in Q1, with a milder fall in the luxury sector
- Assuming effective control of the pandemic in the next three months, the property market should regain momentum in 2H, with expected price growth of up to 3% y-o-y for 2022
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 10 March 2022 – Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield announced its Q1 2022 Hong Kong Residential Market Review and Outlook report today. Impacted by the fifth wave of the pandemic, Hong Kong’s total residential transaction volume logged the lowest point since the 6,221 deals recorded in Q1 2016, while the overall average residential price is expected to fall by 5% q-o-q. However, despite the overall market being severely hit by the pandemic, end-user demand remains healthy. As the number of recorded positive COVID cases is now expected to start to decline, the recently proposed revision of the mortgage insurance programme and a potential reopening of the border will likely spur a market rebound.

Edgar Lai, Director, Valuation and Advisory, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield shared: “The secondary market has been hit by the pandemic, with the overall price slipping by 2.2% from its peak in September 2021. Prices at City One Shatin, a proxy for the mass market, have decreased by 5.2% q-o-q (Chart 2). Similarly, prices at Taikoo Shing, a proxy of the middle market, dropped by 4.9% q-o-q (Chart 3). On the other hand, Residence Bel-Air, representing the luxury market, has shown greater resilience with a relatively milder fall of 4.1% q-o-q (Chart 4). Typically, luxury property owners have greater holding power and can contribute to relatively more stable prices.”
Commenting on the market outlook, Keith Chan highlighted: “Control of the pandemic in the next three months will be crucial to the domestic property market. If the pandemic is brought under control before mid-year, and the social distancing measures and border controls are gradually relaxed, the Financial Secretary’s recently announced relaxation measures in the mortgage insurance program policy will likely help the market recover, and will stimulate demand that was previously excluded from the program. With the aforementioned assumptions, the property market is expected to recover in the second half of the year. We expect it will be driven by first-hand properties, with gradual momentum growing into the second-hand market. Given the high base in 2021, the total transaction volume in 2022 is expected to drop by 15% to 18%. Overall average home prices will likely reach the bottom by 1H and start to recover by 2H, and we hold growth expectations at between 0% and 3% for 2022.”
Please click here to download photos.
Image 1
Left: Keith Chan, Director, Head of Research, Hong Kong, Cushman and Wakefield
Right: Edgar Lai, Director, Valuation and Advisory, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield
About Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest real estate services firms with approximately 50,000 employees in over 400 offices and 60 countries. Across Greater China, 22 offices are servicing the local market. The company won four of the top awards in the Euromoney Survey 2017, 2018 and 2020 in the categories of Overall, Agency Letting/Sales, Valuation and Research in China. In 2021, the firm had revenue of $9.4 billion across core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, valuation and other services. To learn more, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk or follow us on LinkedIn (
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china).
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
*SCAPE Streamer Residency To Power Up Singapore’s Streamer Community
From over 100 aspiring streamers, 12 content creators to graduate and represent *SCAPE as ambassadors
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 10 March 2022 – 12 aspiring streamers, from a project manager to freelance musician, have been selected from over 100 youth content creators to represent *SCAPE as their ambassadors. With the opportunity to be mentored by veteran Twitch streamers, the streamers are pursuing their passion professionally as part of the new *SCAPE Streamer Residency.
After three months of intensive training, the 12 mentees are set to graduate on 12 March. The Streamer Residency Graduation ceremony will be livestreamed at 11am on the *SCAPEesports Twitch Channel. Members of the public can also follow their transformative journey to be professional streamers through The Pathway Season 2, a weekly video series available at www.scape.sg/streamerresidency.
Organised and developed by youth-focused organisation *SCAPE, the Streamer Residency is a holistic two-tiered programme and the latest initiative in its efforts to support and grow the community. Curated based on the needs of Singapore streamers and an extension of its highly successful Pathway Mentorship Programme, the residency offers networking opportunities for young streamers while providing expert resources and in-depth coaching from industry veterans to onboard them with the skillsets to be a professional content creator. The inaugural edition began on 10 December 2021 and will complete on 12 March 2022.
With a 3-day EXP Camp in December leading up to a two-month long Pathway Mentorship Programme, youths can look forward to a series of fun and educational activities including profiling, expert panel discussions, masterclasses, 1-on-1 mentoring sessions and more.
The programme was open to all youths of 18-35 years old. Registration closed on 28 November 2021.
“Community building is the foundation on which *SCAPE’s programmes are laid upon, and the streamer community is one that *SCAPE is committed to support. Since the onset of the pandemic, we’ve noticed an explosive increase in the number of youths who turned to livestreaming, especially during the Circuit Breaker period,” said Ivy Lim, Executive Director of *SCAPE.
Interactive livestreaming service Twitch currently sees 8 million unique creators streaming each month to an average of 31 million viewers daily. In 2021, it reported over 1.3 trillion minutes watched on the service.
“The Streamer Residency programme marks an important milestone in our continuous efforts to provide opportunities and platforms to develop our aspiring streamers, as well as bring together the different ‘ingredients’ that will help them thrive soft skills, networking opportunities, as well as meeting and learning directly from their peers,” added Ivy.
Headstart in the Foundations of a Streamer – EXP Camp
Over 100 registrants underwent an audition process, of which 35 were shortlisted to be eligible for the EXP Camp, the first step of the residency programme. The camp, held from 10 to 12 December 2021, included activities such as personality profiling, team bonding games, as well as working in groups to collaborate on streaming projects.
Participants had the rare opportunity to be directly coached and mentored by one of eight established streamers, including Arthars, Wolfsbanee and sukasblood, in developing a streaming project.
Youths gleaned first-hand insights from the professional streamers through panel discussion topics such as grinding on Twitch, content development, as well as nuances to note between real life and game streaming. Resident *SCAPE Twitch Team members such as skyllabtw, Nutzeru, tanggoz, Davichyyy and Jolyn, shared their past experiences and offered streaming-related tips.
Based on their performance during the camp, the best 12 participants qualified for the next stage, the Pathway Mentorship Programme.
Accelerating success in Professional Streaming – Pathway Mentorship Programme
From January to March 2022, the participants dived into an intensive 2-month talent development programme, the Pathway Mentorship Programme, to equip themselves with the skillsets for professional streaming. The mentees, between the ages of 19 to 31 years old, were from varied backgrounds including students, graphic designers, order fulfilment officers and a music teacher.
With a Pathway Crate (a toolkit worth up to $1,000 of hardware and software for streaming, sponsored by Logitech, Secretlab, Amarggeddon and Monster Energy) in tow, the mentees will be immersed in a weekly series of Masterclasses by local and regional streamers. Topics include building one’s brand personality, how to grow and keep communities, mental and physical health well-being, sponsorships and analytics.
Established local Twitch streamers will be on hand to conduct 1-on-1 weekly mentoring sessions with the participants. To hone their streaming skills, content review sessions and collaboration opportunities will be made available.
Top-performing participants will be able to score a one-year contract with *SCAPE to be part of the *SCAPEesports Twitch team.
This is the second edition of the Pathway Mentorship Programme, the first being held in December 2020. Two of the mentees from its first batch, skyllabtw and tanggoz, subsequently transitioned to streaming professionally.
More information on the *SCAPE Streamer Residency is available at https://www.scape.sg/streamerresidency/.
About *SCAPE
*SCAPE Co., Ltd is a non-profit organisation with its mission and vision rooted in support of youth, talent and leadership development. The organisation aims to facilitate youth-oriented programmes and support within various communities of youth interest in Singapore. The youth of today will be inspired and empowered to DREAM IT AND LIVE IT at *SCAPE!
*SCAPE exists to serve and support youths to live their dreams and realise their full potentials. As the integrated talent and resource hub for young people in Singapore, *SCAPE offers a holistic network of programmes, communities, partners and facilities for youths to explore, create and strive. No dream is too small, no dream is too big. *SCAPE wants youths to be inspired to come forward and share their interests, share their dreams. Through guidance and facilitation, *SCAPE wants to see their dreams turn into ideas, and ideas into reality. Living their dreams should no longer be a dream at *SCAPE.
#SCAPE
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Russian Tourists Stranded in Thailand Due to Russia-Ukraine Conflict
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has left more than seven thousand Russian tourists stranded in Thailand.
Kenanga Launches ‘Meals That Give’ In Urgent Support of Underprivileged Communities
1: 1 Match from Kenanga To Amplify Pledges
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 10 March 2022 – Kenanga launches ‘Meals That Give’, a campaign under the charter of its community programme The HumanKIND Project. The campaign is designed to continue rallying support for its long-standing social enterprise partner Café Includes, a café operated by a team of persons with disabilities, via online fundraising platform, Sedunia.

Doubling the impact of each pledge made, the meals will not only go towards sustaining employment opportunities of the differently-abled members of Café Includes, but they will also go towards feeding communities in need, as the packed meals will be distributed to children of orphanages, as well as the homeless.
Malaysians can now pledge meals from Café Includes starting from as little as RM20 on www.sedunia.me/campaigns/kenangahumankind/. To encourage participation, Kenanga will be amplifying pledges made by matching them 1 for 1.
“The HumanKIND Project is an initiative we kickstarted last year in response to the increasing social and community needs. We are pleased to be extending this programme this year under the campaign, ‘Meals That Give’. Besides giving back to the community, our aim is to also create an ecosystem to encourage the public to give back as well. It is more crucial now than ever as the nation transfers into the endemic phase that we continue to support each other in every way that we can.
Under ‘Meals That Give’, we will be providing meals for the underprivileged, while simultaneously helping to create awareness and support the differently-abled community at Café Includes. We hope that through this initiative we can help stretch your Ringgit by making it easy and affordable for all Malaysians to do their part for social good,” said Chuah Sze Phing, Kenanga’s Head of Group Marketing, Communications, and Sustainability.
Kenanga staff volunteers will coordinate and distribute the pledged meals from Café Includes to the recipients from Persatuan Kebajikan An-Najjah Malaysia, Rumah Ozanam PJ and Pertiwi Soup Kitchen.
Stevens Chan, visually-impaired social activist and founder of Café Includes, said, “The last two years have been extremely challenging for us. Due to the pandemic, we had to shut down the Dialogue In The Dark exhibition which was the main source of income for us. We redirected our focus to setting up Café Includes instead, which managed to continue to provide employment to our members who are disabled and from the B40 community. We are grateful for all the support we have been receiving from the public as well as corporates like Kenanga Investment Bank who continuously back us over the last 10 years, that have kept us going through the most trying of times.”
Last year, through the debut of The HumanKIND Project, Kenanga helped raise over 5,000 orders for Café Includes, that enabled them to keep the business afloat throughout the disruptions of the pandemic and sustained livelihoods of the 15 persons with disabilities who run the Café.
Pledge your meal and create double the impact today at www.sedunia.me/campaigns/kenangahumankind/.
About Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (197301002193 (15678-H))
Established for more than 45 years, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (the Group) is a financial group in Malaysia with extensive experience in equity broking, investment banking, treasury, Islamic banking, listed derivatives, investment management, wealth management, structured lending and trade financing.
The Group’s digital ambition includes building a robust digital ecosystem that meets the needs of its clients and businesses. Some of its game-changing products includes Malaysia’s fully online digital stockbroking platform Rakuten Trade and a fully A.I. robo-advisor, Kenanga Digital Investing.
The Group has garnered a host of awards and accolades reflecting its strong market position. It was awarded under the categories of Highest Returns to Shareholder Over Three Years, Best Overall Equities Participating Organisation by Bursa Malaysia, Best Overall Derivatives Trading Participant, Best Structured Warrant Issuer, Best Retail Equities Participating Organisation, Best Institutional Equities Participating Organisation Investment Bank; along with Best Trading Participant and Best Institutional Equities Participating Organisation and for Equity and Financial Derivatives for 19 consecutive years. The Group was also accorded the title of Best Institutional Derivatives Trading category by Bursa Malaysia.
The Group continues to be a regular and repeat recipient of distinguished industry accolades, such as the Lipper, Fundsupermart and Morningstar awards. For its continued efforts towards community outreach and employee volunteerism, the Group was awarded the coveted Company of the Year award for environmental and sustainability at Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2021. The Group is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principle-based approach to responsible business.
Today, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad is an award-winning leading independent investment bank in the country with a continuous commitment towards driving collaboration, innovation, digitalisation and sustainability in the marketplace.
This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group’s Marketing, Communications & Sustainability department.
#Kenanga
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.