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Laos to Provide Booster Shots for Populations in Tourism Zones

Laos to provide booster shots for populations in tourism zones
Laos to provide booster shots for populations in tourism zones (Photo: Itecc Exhibition Hall).

Laos is to issue booster shots of Covid-19 vaccines for members of the general population residing in tourism green zones or along the route of the Laos-China Railway.

Rhenus Greater China Sets Up New Office in Zhuhai

The expansion of its network in South China will better position Rhenus to provide comprehensive supply chain support locally, while riding on growing opportunities in the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach – 13 December 2021 – Leading global logistics service provider Rhenus has established a new branch in Zhuhai. The first in the city and its third in the Guangdong province, the team is part of the company’s efforts to strengthen support for businesses in Zhuhai and connect them with international players in the region.

Zhuhai is China’s second-largest port city and plays a key role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, since the Guangdong Pilot Free Trade Zone (GPFTZ) Hengqin Area came into operation in 2015. Designated as one of China’s first special economic zones and home to over 2,200 high-tech enterprises, Zhuhai has a strong focus on high-end service and manufacture, the high-tech industry, characterized marine economy and eco-agriculture. With new development plans announced for Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation in Hengqin, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is set to see a boost in economic activity across diverse industries.

The new branch will offer a full range of Rhenus services across air, ocean, road and rail freight. Industrial solutions for sectors including aviation, marine and hospitality as well as warehousing solutions for customers using the Macau International Airport and Hong Kong Airport will also be available.

“We are very happy to expand our network in South China with the new office in Zhuhai. The proposed ‘Free Trade Zone’ project will lead to an influx of investments and opportunities from the region and having our own setup here will allow us to better understand and support our clients more closely,” said Cliff Xu, CEO of Rhenus Air & Ocean Greater China.

Rhenus Greater China plans to extend its presence to Macao by 2022. With 20 offices, it is one of the largest networks in the Asia-Pacific region. Key focus areas include rail freight from China to Europe, cross-border road freight and warehousing solutions. For more information, visit www.rhenus.com/en/cn.

About Rhenus

The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 5.4 billion. 33,500 employees work at 820 business sites and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.

#Rhenus

Xero Gold Partner CALTRiX scales up Cloud Accounting adoption in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 13 December 2021 – Cloud accounting adoption by Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will grow exponentially over the next three years and we’re scaling up to help more Malaysians streamline their workflow, says Alfred Ang, founder and CEO of CAL Cloud Sdn Bhd (CALTRiX), a Small & Medium Practice (SMP) and leading Xero Gold Partner and Xero Certified Advisor specialising in retail & ecommerce industries.

Ang shared this after attending the Xero Asia Roadshow 2021 held virtually on International Accountant’s Day earlier this month. Xero Asia’s Managing Director Kevin Fitzgerald shared Xero’s impressive growth in customer numbers and usage in the region, increasing exponentially over the previous financial year.  Fitzgerald added that Xero is committed to capacity building programs across the region and is working with governments on Cloud First initiatives. Xero was named the 2021 Asia-Pacific SME Accounting Software Vendor of the Year by global research and consulting firm, Frost & Sullivan, 2021 Best Practices Awards. Fitzgerald announced Xero’s partnership with Asia Cloud Computing Association (ACCA) to launch advisor certification programs in Singapore to boost the next generation of accounting professionals.

 

CALTRiX is one of 577 Coach n Grow grant alumni (Cohort 5) of the public-private partnership between the Ministry of Finance’s Cradle Grant and Proficeo. “I started the company to promote Cloud Accounting to SMEs. A big challenge for us is company directors who are averse to change as they are used to desktop/offline accounting software. In our years of experience, switching to cloud-based solutions like Xero takes approximately three-months. The Coach n Grow program has sharpened my skills in generating leads, business communication and using business metrics to measure profitability. It’s undeniable that the demand for cloud accounting solutions will increase and we are scaling our business to serve the industry and expect to triple our sales revenue by the end of financial year 2023. My confidence in the product and market acceptance is reflected by Xero’s H1 FY22 performance with operating revenue climbing 23% year on year to US$505.7 million,” said Ang.

 

The cloud computing market revenue in Southeast Asia is estimated to reach US$40.32 billion by 2025 as a result of an increased demand for cloud computing among SMEs according to a Gartner forecast.

 

Ang’s sentiments were inspired from the recent Budget 2022 announcements. The Digital First Programme aims to increase cloud computing use in the public sector, reducing physical storage of documents and inculcating a paperless culture. The budget earmarked RM300 million allocated under SME Digitisation Grant Scheme and Automation Grant to support automation and modernisation activities, plus another RM700 million allocated to enhance digital connectivity which will facilitate digitalisation of SMPs and SMEs.

 

The 33 year-old accountant comes from a family of entrepreneurs. Ang started his career in the accounting backroom of a hotel, then turned business analyst before starting his first business as a software distributor and led 500 SMEs in Malaysia to adopt accounting software digitisation during the GST implementation period from 2015.

 

“I sold my software business in 2017 and took a short sabbatical. I was interested in cloud accounting, as it was one of the fastest growing sectors in business automation. In my research, I learned that company executives would require constant training and upskilling when transitioning onto cloud services. I started CALTRiX alone in January 2018 to provide services to companies looking to switch from tedious manual bookkeeping to having real-time financial information right from an app on their mobile phone! Our clients have given positive testimonials about the beautiful user interface because it is intuitive and easy to use,” he shared.

 

“We work with accountants and finance departments of manufacturing and trading enterprises and one of the Xero features they’re excited about is e-invoicing, a new B2B feature where invoices are not only generated but also paid on the cloud, distributed intuitively from software to software on both the client’s and supplier’s side. This results in faster payments for SMEs – an important feature for healthier cash flows,” Ang added.

 

“One thing I have learned is to not hardsell. We initiate customers on a Clarity Call, where we learn about their business needs and understand their pains. Once we’re confident we can serve their needs, we’ll bring the client onboard and work with their team to streamline and consolidate their software needs.” said Ang.

About CAL Cloud Sdn Bhd (CALTRiX)

CALTRiX is a leading Xero Gold Partner and Xero Certified Advisor specialising in retail & ecommerce industries. They also support other services sectors in accommodation, hospitality, construction, trades, ecommerce, healthcare, marketing and advertising, consulting firms and NGOs. CALTRiX is an MDEC approved technology solutions provider. Learn more about Xero’s features that small businesses love, and get in touch with CALTRiX at connect@caltrix.asia for a 30 days free trial if you are keen to find out how you can grow your business with Xero – Cloud Accounting Software.


#CALTRiX

NOTHING SERIOUS, Starring Son Suk-Ku Of Spackman Media Group, Makes A Strong Comeback As #1 At The Weekend Box Office In Korea

  • NOTHING SERIOUS, headlined by Son Suk-ku of Spackman Media Group, recaptured the top spot at the Korean box office over the weekend since its debut on 24 November 2021
  • Represented by SBD Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spackman Media Group, Son Suk-ku also stars in original content, UNFRAMED PROJECT released exclusively on Watcha on 8 December 2021
  • Son Suk-ku shall also headline alongside Ma Dong-seok in upcoming sequel film, THE OUTLAWS 2

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 13 December 2021  Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (the “Group“), one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups, wishes to announce that Son Suk-ku represented by SBD Entertainment Inc. (“SBD Entertainment“), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group’s associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited (“Spackman Media Group“), stars in romance comedy film, NOTHING SERIOUS, which ranked #1 at the weekend box office in Korea. Since its debut on 24 November 2021, the film rose as a dark horse and recaptured its top spot. The film made a solid comeback, consecutively clinching the top position last Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Korean box office. Word-of-mouth marketing and promotion catapulted the success and popularity of the film in Korea, following its theatrical release.

NOTHING SERIOUS is directed by Jeong Ga-young and distributed by CJ ENM Corp. In the film, Son Suk-ku takes the role of Woo-ri, an ordinary magazine columnist who writes a sex column. Through a dating app, he meets a start-up entrepreneur Ja-young, played by Jun Jong-seo.

Represented by SBD Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spackman Media Group, Son Suk-ku also stars in original content, UNFRAMED PROJECT, which was released exclusively on Watcha on 8 December 2021.

Son Suk-ku shall headline alongside Ma Dong-seok in THE OUTLAWS 2, a sequel to the 2017 box office hit THE OUTLAWSTHE OUTLAWS 2, also directed by Kang Yoon-sung of the first sequel, had completed filming. Son Suk-ku takes on the role of extreme villain Kang Hae-sang in the film where he confronts Detective Ma Suk-do, played by Ma Dong-seok.

Previously, Son Suk-ku starred in K-drama MATRIMONIAL CHAOS (2018) and DESIGNATED SURVIVOR: 60 DAYS (2019).

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.

About Spackman Entertainment Group Limited

Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (” SEGL” or the ” Company“), and together with its subsidiaries, (the ” Group “), founded in 2011 by Charles Spackman, 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. According to Variety, Korea was the world’s fourth largest box office market in 2019, behind only North America, China and Japan.

Since incorporation in 2011, SEGL had produced more than 30 films including a number of 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).

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 OUTLAWSand 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 on Novus Mediacorp, do visit http://novusmediacorp.com.

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 GUARDIAN(working title) in 2021 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.

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. We release all of our motion pictures into wide-theatrical exhibition initially in Korea, and then in overseas and ancillary markets.

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, Lee Min-jung, Ko Sung-hee), UAA&CO Inc. (Song Hye-kyo, Yoo Ah-in, Park Hyung-sik), Fiftyone K Inc. (So Ji Sub, Ok Taec-yeon), SBD Entertainment Inc. (Son Suk-ku), and Kook Entertainment Co., Ltd. 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.

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 owns a 100% equity interest in Frame Pictures Co., Ltd. (” Frame Pictures “). Frame Pictures is a leader in the movie/drama equipment leasing business in Korea. Established in 2014, Frame Pictures has worked with over 25 top

directors and provided the camera and lighting equipment some of Korea’s most notable drama and movie projects including ITAEWON CLASS(2020), HOW TO BUY A FRIEND(2020), KIM JI-YOUNG, BORN 1982(2019), FOUR MEN(2019) and ASADAL CHRONICLES(2019).

We also operate a café-lounge called Upper West, in the Gangnam district of Seoul and own a professional photography studio, noon pictures Co., Ltd.

For more details, do visit http://www.spackmanentertainmentgroup.com/

#SpackmanEntertainmentGroup

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

Cheng & Cheng Taxation Reveals how Super Tax Deduction on R&D Activities in Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 13 December 2021 – Taxation can be an effective tool for influencing corporate behaviour. Cheng & Cheng Taxation Services Limited (“Cheng & Cheng’s Taxation”) regards it is the reason why many jurisdictions are devoting huge amounts of resources in an effort to attract research and development (R&D) centres. In this, Hong Kong is no exception.

 

A ‘super tax deduction’ on certain R&D activities was introduced in Hong Kong with effect from the year of assessment 2018/19. This was a breakthrough in Hong Kong’s taxation system as it was the first time that the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) had allowed deductions of 300%/200% on certain operating expenditure. The first HK$2 million spent on qualifying R&D expenses is eligible for a 300% tax deduction. For amounts over HK$2 million, a 200% tax deduction will be granted.

 

There are two important tax considerations relating to R&D expenses in Hong Kong:

  • Requirements for Hong Kong’s super tax deduction on R&D activities
  • Tax risk on R&D expenses paid by a Hong Kong corporation to overseas entities

A three-minute video relating to each consideration to facilitate your understanding of the issues. Please refer to this link (Link) to access to the videos.

 

Cantonese Version : Link

Mandarin Version : Link

 

Requirements for Hong Kong’s super tax deduction on R&D activities

 

Carrying out the R&D activities in Hong Kong is compulsory for qualification for the super tax deduction.

 

Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport are popular incubators for start-ups in Hong Kong, particularly for those with significant R&D functions, as they offer appealing incentives and funding for start-ups. The super tax deduction is a further incentive introduced by the Hong Kong government for corporations carrying out R&D activities in Hong Kong.

 

Below is a summary of some of the basic requirements for the super tax deduction:

 

Requirement 1:

The R&D activities must be carried out either by the taxpayers themselves, or must be outsourced to designated local research institutions. Outsourcing of R&D activities to group companies or external parties that are not designated local research institutions are generally not eligible for the super tax deduction, except under proper cost-recharge arrangements. A list of designated local research institutions can be found on the Hong Kong government website. (Link)

 

Requirement 2:

For R&D activities carried out by the taxpayers themselves, only consumables and staff costs directly related to the R&D activities qualify for the super tax deduction. These expenses have to be exclusively and directly related to the R&D activities in order to qualify for the super tax deduction. (Link for illustration of Qualifying R&D Expenses)

Tax risk on R&D expenses paid by a Hong Kong corporation to overseas entities

 

At first, R&D payments made to overseas group companies were not tax deductible in Hong Kong under the IRO’s original Section 16B. The recent amendments under Departmental Interpretation and Practice Notes (DIPN) 55 have now slightly relaxed the situation, but it is still difficult.

 

R&D expenses are subject to specific tax deduction rules in Hong Kong. The underlying reason is that R&D is treated as a capital expenditure by the IRD, since R&D activities tend to bring fundamental change and significant advancements to the products or services of a company. Capital expenditure is generally not tax deductible in Hong Kong.

 

Section 16B of the IRO is the legal provision that governs tax deductions for R&D expenses. It is too complex to go through all details of Section 16B here, but Cheng & Cheng’s Taxation will highlight the current situation of cross-border R&D cost recharge arrangements, which are common for multinational corporations.

 

Regardless of the super tax deduction, R&D payments made in the past to overseas group companies were not tax deductible in most circumstances under Section 16B. Now, under DIPN 55, R&D fees paid to overseas group companies could qualify for the 100% normal tax deduction if both the following conditions are met:

  • Not more than 20% of the total R&D costs of the Hong Kong company are subcontracted to overseas group companies; and
  • The R&D costs paid to overseas companies should not be more than HK$2 million.

Despite the relaxation in DIPN 55, it is still difficult for multinational corporations with significant R&D functions outside Hong Kong to pursue tax deductions for R&D costs. Multinational corporations should plan their R&D cost contribution and subcontracting arrangements carefully.

 

Tax advisory consulting

 

Multinational corporations should consult their tax advisors to ensure thorough cross-border tax planning is in place to maximise the tax benefits.

 

There are pros and cons to incurring R&D costs in Hong Kong from a tax perspective. Multinational corporations should consult their tax advisors to ensure their current R&D arrangements are eligible for the maximum tax deduction, with a view to improving their group’s overall tax efficiency.

 

For more details of Hong Kong and Mainland China tax news, please visit our website at https://henrykwongtax.com.

 

About Cheng & Cheng Limited

Cheng & Cheng Limited, one of the member firms of Cheng & Cheng Group, is an accounting firm established in Hong Kong with over 250 staff locate in Hong Kong and Mainland China. We are the principal auditor for 10 listed corporations in Hong Kong and the tax advisor for over 80. We specialise in providing Hong Kong, Mainland China and international tax advisory services, as well as transfer pricing services to international clients. If you would like to know more about R&D super tax deduction in Hong Kong, or seek tax advice, please do not hesitate to contact us by email (henry.kwong@chengtax.com.hk) or phone (3962 0114).

Legal Disclaimer:

The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

#Cheng&ChengLimited

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

Winners of British Council UK Alumni Awards Announced in China

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach – 13 December 2021 – The British Council announced on 11 December 2021 the recipients of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2021-22 in CHINA at a ceremony in Beijing. In total, 11 UK alumni in China were shortlisted for their outstanding achievements as business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders, and for their contribution to strengthening ties between the UK and China.

 

Group photo of Leina Shi, Education Director, British Council China and finalists

Leina Shi – Education Director, British Council China, opening speech

Christina Scott, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Beijing, with 2 finalists of Science and Sustainability award

 

Following in-depth interviews with a judging panel, recipients were selected for the four award categories: Science and Sustainability Award, Culture and Creativity Award, Social Action Award, and Business and Innovation Award.

 

The prestigious international award celebrates UK higher education and the achievements of UK alumni all over the world. Now in its eighth year, the award received more than 1,500 applications from international UK alumni in more than 100 countries, representing more than 140 UK higher education institutions across the UK.

 

Science and Sustainability Award was presented to He Baihuiqian, a graduate of University of Edinburgh. Hebaihuiqian is an atmospheric scientist with research interests that lie primarily in urban-scale air pollution modelling and using modelling results to inform both the public and policy makers on human exposure to air pollutants and ultimately help them mitigate or avoid significant negative impacts. 

 

Upon receiving the award, He Baihuiqian noted, ‘This award carries a strong and long-term responsibility and I hope I don’t disappoint my alma mater The University of Edinburgh. I look forward to seeing more people devoted to science and sustainable development, and making contributions together.

 

Culture and Creativity Award was presented to Xie Yi, a graduate of King’s College London. Yi Xie is a pioneer in immersive entertainment industry between UK and China. As Representative in China for Society of London Theatre (SoLT), Yi has produced a few world-class licensed immersive theatres in China, had has been selected as senior associate by China Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, China National Innovation Alliance and Shanghai Cultural and Creative Association.

 

Xie Yi noted, ‘I thank the British Council for hosting this event so I can be connected with so many brilliant souls. A big thanks to my schools — University of Westminster and Kings College London, for filling me with knowledge and skills that I benefit from every day in my career. I am grateful for my family and friends for supporting me in exploring this immersive industry from the beginning of my journey. I also want to give a huge thanks to all of the collaborators and colleagues in the UK and China, without whom I cannot achieve anything on the record.

 

The Social Action award was presented to Chen Zemin, a graduate of University of Manchester. Dr. Chen Zemin has been working in the UK higher education for over 10 years since 2009 and she created UCLan Online in 2017 to link UK universities with students, alumni, industry, and online learners, now with 250,000 followers. UCLan Online also won third place in the Educational Links category at the Department for International Trade (DIT) Greater China Awards in 2018 for honouring organisations that have contributed to developing business or relationships with China.

Chen Zemin noted, ‘I was so privileged to receive the “UK Alumni Awards-Social Action Award”, many thanks to the British Council, the University of Central Lancashire and The University of Manchester.  I can’t believe it’s been 16 years since I first went to the UK, it’s definitely been a life-changing journey.

 

The Business and Innovation award was presented to Wang Wen, a graduate of University of Aberdeen. Wang Wen is the CEO&CMO of IASO BIO, a global clinical-stage biotechnology company with 400+ employees, operating at China and US, dedicated to developing breakthrough cell therapies treating cancer and autoimmune diseases. With $178 Mn USD capital fund raised since 2017, he is leading the company going public and launching the Chinese 1st BCMA-CART therapy to the market treating cancer patients soon.

 

Wang Wan noted, ‘My first gratitude goes to the British Council for providing this brilliant opportunity so that I can stand here. Studying in UK the best choice I have made throughout in my whole life. My second gratitude goes to the University of Aberdeen and those who helped me during my way of growth, especially to my supervisor, Dr. Julie Crockett, who helped me a lot.  Lastly, my third gratitude goes to my family and my wife.

 

Matt Burney, Country Director at the British Council in China, spoke through the video that “It is our mission to connect people to life changing opportunities the UK has to offer. The success stories of a handful of some of the 750,000 Chinese alumni that have studied in the UK and that have contributed to building the people to people bridge that help us move forward through thick and thin. You are the embodiment of the ties that exist between our two countries.”

 

Leina Shi, Director of Education at the British Council in China, said: “It allows us to celebrate the role international students play in making the UK one of the most diverse, dynamic and rewarding higher education destinations for international study. It also allows us to recognise the achievements and contributions our alumni from China have made to their communities. The UK cares deeply about celebrating their success, and while they no longer study and live in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, they somehow remain connected to it.

 

China is the second country to host the awards this year and will be followed by awarding ceremonies in a further 23 countries, including India, Armenia and Qatar.

About the Study UK Alumni Awards

The Alumni Awards were developed by the British Council and UK universities, and were launched by the British Council in September 2014. They are open to alumni currently residing in any country outside the UK, who have studied in the UK, at an officially recognised provider of UK university degree level study for a minimum of a term or semester, or who have been awarded a full UK degree level qualification (or higher), by a UK university, within the last 15 years.

Award winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, professions and countries. The Alumni Awards celebrate and showcase the impact and value of a UK higher education and raises the profile and reputation of UK alumni, their former universities, and the whole of UK education.

For full details about the Study UK Alumni Awards please refer to:

https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/alumni-awards

For a list of previous Study UK Alumni Award recipients, please refer to:

https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/alumni-awards/winners

Images from the ceremony can be downloaded here, full-resolution photos are available on request.

About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. In 2019-2020 we reached over 75 million people directly and 758 million people overall including online, broadcasts and publications. Founded in 1934 we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. We receive a 14.5 per cent core funding grant from the UK government.

www.britishcouncil.org

#BritishCouncil

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

Sateri and Conservation International Collaborate to Restore Health and Biodiversity of China’s Largest Freshwater Lake

SHANGHAI, CHINA  – Media OutReach – 13 December 2021 – Sateri and Conservation International today announced their partnership on the wetland conservation of Poyang Lake, China’s largest freshwater lake. This initiative aims to improve the ecosystem’s health, restore biodiversity and provide sustainable livelihoods to local people.

Tundra Swan in Poyang Lake©YangFan

Located in Jiangxi Province, in the southeastern part of the country, Poyang Lake plays a critical role in regulating floods in the Yangtze River, and is a vital ecosystem for the environment, culture, and economy.  The lake supports the livelihoods of more than 45 million people living in the province, and contributes more than 15% of the Yangtze River’s annual runoff. It is also a wetland of national and global importance — providing a habitat for flora and fauna of high conservation value, including the critically endangered Siberian crane and finless porpoise.

The five-year partnership, which began in 2019, evaluates the health of Poyang Lake and develops strategies for managing and protecting it, while also supporting communities to live in harmony with nature. To guide this work, a preliminary assessment of the Poyang Lake was conducted using Conservation International’s Freshwater Health Index. This scientific tool analyzes the health of the freshwater ecosystem, and measures human uses, needs and impacts providing decisionmakers with clear, scientific guidance on how best to sustainably manage these wetlands.

Richard Jeo, Conservation International’s Asia-Pacific Field Division Senior Vice President, said “Water security and biodiversity loss are two of the most pressing challenges facing humanity and the environment. Our strategic partnership with Jiangxi Provincial Forestry Bureau and Sateri at the Poyang Lake, China’s largest freshwater Lake, demonstrates how government, corporate and communities can work together on conservation, and will go a long way towards addressing these challenges, and finding solutions that benefit both people and nature.”

Allen Zhang, President of Sateri, said, “The protection of biodiversity and the sustainable use of resources in production must go hand-in-hand. The Poyang Lake initiative is a good example of how manufacturers can support nature-based solutions in parallel with community development. It also aligns with our Vision 2030 aspiration to be net-positive, giving more than we take.”

This project also supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and China’s commitment at the recent UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP 15) by improving protection and management of the Duchang Nature Reserve and Poyang Protected Areas Network for these important wetlands.

About Conservation International

Conservation International works to protect the critical benefits that nature provides to people. Through science, partnerships and fieldwork, Conservation International is driving innovation and investments in nature-based solutions to the climate crisis, supporting protections for critical habitats, and fostering economic development that is grounded in the conservation of nature. Conservation International works in 30 countries around the world, empowering societies at all levels to create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet. Follow Conservation International’s work on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Sateri

Sateri is the world’s largest producer of viscose fibre, a natural biodegradable raw material found in everyday items like textiles, wet wipes and other personal hygiene products. Our five mills in China collectively produce about 1.5 million tonnes of viscose fibre yearly.

Our range of high quality viscose products, branded EcoCosy®, is independently verified as safe, sustainable, and responsibly produced. We also produce textile yarn, spunlace non-woven fabric, Lyocell, and FINEX™, a recycled textile fibre.

Headquartered in Shanghai, we have a sales, marketing and customer service network covering Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Sateri is committed to the fundamental principles of sustainable development; our business practices are underpinned by strict adherence to our Sustainability Policy, Pulp Sourcing Policy and universally accepted environmental and social standards.

More information at www.sateri.com

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Laos Confirms 1,138 New Cases of Covid-19

Bolikhamxay Covid Update

Laos has recorded 1,138 cases of Covid-19 across the country today.