24.6 C
Vientiane
Sunday, May 25, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 2708

Alibaba-backed SaaS company SleekFlow was selected by 500 Startups for their Global Launch Program

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 17 August 2021 – Having recently raised a six-figure USD Pre-Series A round investment from Gobi Partners China (the investment manager of Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund), SleekFlow was selected for the Global Launch Singapore Program inaugurated by the global venture capital firm 500 Startups. It marks SleekFlow’s first move in their Southeast Asia (SEA) expansion plan apart from setting up a sales hub in Singapore.

Caption: SleekFlow first 4 members, earlier photo. (Photo)

SleekFlow, along with 11 other selected participants, hopes to scale like many of the tech unicorns from 500 Startups’ global portfolio, including Canva and Grab. “We feel so honored to be selected and thrilled to join the 500 Startups Global Network. Knowing that they have invested in more than 2500 companies across more than 77 countries is empowering. We appreciate this valuable chance and look forward to getting insights about the SEA market and gaining regional exposure,” said Henson Tsai, the founder of SleekFlow.

Carrie Liauw, Regional Director of Startup Programs APAC from 500 Startups, said, “This being our fourth batch of the Global Launch program, we are really excited about the selected startups we are able to continuously support. This program will help startups like SleekFlow navigate their expansion into SEA through a customized curriculum and dedicated mentorship. We look forward to seeing SleekFlow make an impact in the SEA market. “

Henson has also joined a Hong Kong-based accelerator FoundersHK whose program advisor is Bonnie Cheung, a former venture partner for 500 Startups. “We are amazed at the level of execution and the speed of market domination demonstrated by our current batch of Hong Kong startups. It is not hard to see Hong Kong’s international nature has given them an unfair advantage when it comes to global expansion.  As e-commerce continues to boom in SEA, I am eager to see the hyper-growth of social commerce products like SleekFlow in these mobile-first countries.”

At the very early stage of SleekFlow, the total revenue was about 5000 SGD. It has proliferated over the past years and achieved annual recurring revenue of seventh-digit USD today. “Given 500 Startups’ experience in nurturing entrepreneurs globally, we are eager to equip ourselves and get ready for the global stage. We have faith in the full potential of our social messaging platform, especially for eCommerce, which I believe is a thriving industry in SEA,” Henson added.

Bio of the Founder (Photo)

Henson Tsai (26 years old) graduated from Imperial College London and worked as an investment banker at HSBC and Ernst & Young. Before SleekFlow‘s success, Henson already had two entrepreneurial experiences.

About SleekFlow

SleekFlow is an Omni-Channel Social Commerce Platform that helps companies manage communication channels such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Line, Live Chat, etc., all in one place. Use intelligent routing rules and targeted campaign messages to streamline sales, customer support, and marketing workflows while integrating with 2500+ tools, including eCommerce platforms and payment gateways, to automate the whole customer journey with ease.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sleekflow.io

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/sleekflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sleekflow

YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCy5Ez5ZteTxoFYVh8aQobRA

#SleekFlow

China Remains the Largest Foreign Investor in Laos

Chinese workers on the Laos-China Railway

China remains the largest foreign investor in Laos, undertaking a total of 813 projects worth USD 16 billion.

Innovation Decisions Accelerated: TechInsights Acquires VLSI Research

OTTAWA, CANADA – News Direct – 16 August 2021 – TechInsights Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of VLSI Research Inc., the award-winning provider of market and economic analysis covering the semiconductor supply chain. Together, TechInsights and VLSI will provide a unified platform of the most valuable semiconductor-related content to inform the world’s most innovative companies. In addition to extracting insights and intelligence and filling information gaps to solve problems today, the unified platform will identify trends to predict how the future of technology will unfold.

In an increasingly connected world, and with semiconductor market drivers like automotive, machine learning and 5G, the explosive demand for semiconductors is leading to a growing addressable market which has a thirst for intelligence in the form of reverse engineering data and informed analysis. VLSI Research’s strategic trends analysis complements TechInsights’ technical content and will be incorporated into TechInsights authoritative information platform to bring unprecedented insights into semiconductors and microelectronics.

“We have long been regarded as the world leader in semiconductor reverse engineering. Our trusted platform is the source of the broadest and deepest range of semiconductor research.” said Gavin Carter, CEO of TechInsights. “We have been on the hunt for a partner that can complement our content with the ability to reverse engineer the future. We found the perfect partner in VLSI Research. I am delighted to welcome an industry guru in Dan and his team to TechInsights.

Founded in 1976, VLSI is led by visionary CEO and Chairman Dan Hutcheson, who for over 40 years has had the opportunity to engage semiconductor legends Gordon Moore, Robert Noyce and Jerry Sanders among others. Hutcheson and his VLSI colleagues leveraged this unique access and insight to empower executives with strategic and tactical marketing value.

“When I first learned TechInsights wanted to bring us together,” said G. Dan Hutcheson, Chairman and CEO of VLSI Research, “it was clear there was a unique opportunity to connect market and technical analysis on high-volume and emerging applications of technology in ways that has never been done before. Merging both into a single platform would offer the industry a powerful new way to view the past, present and future of the semiconductor sector. It would give clients the competitive advantage in their ability to make better decisions faster.”

ABOUT TECHINSIGHTS

TechInsights is the authoritative information platform serving the semiconductor and related markets. Leveraging a unique reverse engineering competency we reveal innovations in technology products, providing advanced technical analysis to organizations to help them make fact-based technology and intellectual property decisions. Over the course of thirty years, we have developed the world’s largest technical analysis database and extensive expertise in multiple technical industries and disciplines. We exist to support a fair marketplace where electronics and intellectual property can be innovated and monetized. Our customers include the world’s largest consumer electronics and semiconductor companies, law firms, government agencies, and technology startups. Technology and intellectual property professionals subscribe to our insights to support product innovation, benchmark products against competitors, de-risk go-to-market strategies, build stronger product roadmaps, monetize, and defend innovations, and win more competitive bids.

ABOUT VLSI

VLSI Research’s unique combination of deep semiconductor industry contacts, data analytics, with databases and information libraries that reach back seven decades, combined with its locations in the world’s technology hot spots, make it perfectly suited for the development of the world’s most distinguished semiconductor market research. VLSI’s information is selectively crafted by the world’s most renowned semiconductor market research analysts who have over a century of combined experience. VLSI’s contributions are industry recognized by being the only market research firm to have received SEMI’s Sales and Marketing Excellence Awards. It was founded by Dan’s research physicist father Jerry Hutcheson and mother, Lynda.

#TechInsights

Jaguar Racing finish runners-up in season seven of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship

RACING FINISH RUNNERS-UP IN SEASON SEVEN OF THE ABB FIA FORMULA E WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
RACING FINISH RUNNERS-UP IN SEASON SEVEN OF THE ABB FIA FORMULA E WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • Jaguar Racing finish runners-up in season seven of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship teams’ standings
  • Jaguar Racing driver, Sam Bird, scythed through the field, climbing 15 places to finish in seventh in Berlin
  • Heartbreak for Mitch Evans as his car didn’t launch off the line today due to a technical fault
  • New Zealander, Mitch Evans, finished fourth overall in season seven of the ABB FIA Formula E Drivers’ World Championship with five podiums just nine points from the winner
  • Briton, Sam Bird finished sixth in the championship with two wins, three podiums and a pole position
RACING FINISH RUNNERS-UP IN SEASON SEVEN OF THE ABB FIA FORMULA E WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
RACING FINISH RUNNERS-UP IN SEASON SEVEN OF THE ABB FIA FORMULA E WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Berlin, Germany, 15 August 2021 – Jaguar Racing finish runners-up in season seven of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship teams’ standings after a unpredictable season finale on the Berlin Tempelhof circuit. This season has been the most successful so far in Jaguar Racing’s five-year Formula E campaign with seven podiums, two wins, one pole position and 177 points scored. The British team narrowly missed out of victory by just four points from Mercedes EQ.

New Zealander, Mitch Evans, finished fourth overall in season seven of the ABB FIA Formula E Drivers’ World Championship securing five podiums for the British team. Teammate, Sam Bird finished sixth in the championship with two wins, three podiums and a pole position.

The final race of the championship started with heartbreak for front-runner Mitch Evans and the team as his racecar had a technical fault and didn’t launch off the line. By making it into Super Pole from group one and qualifying third the Kiwi put himself in a great position to win the drivers’ title.

Briton, Sam Bird, secured valuable points and held off the chasing pack in the teams’ championship. Despite a tricky qualifying, he scythed his way through the field, climbing fifteen places to finish seventh.

RACING FINISH RUNNERS-UP IN SEASON SEVEN OF THE ABB FIA FORMULA E WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
RACING FINISH RUNNERS-UP IN SEASON SEVEN OF THE ABB FIA FORMULA E WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

James Barclay, Team Director Jaguar Racing, said: “As a team, we put ourselves in a position to fight for both the drivers’ and teams’ championship this season and that’s what we’re most proud of. It was a massive shame for Mitch in the season finale, the team have worked so hard all season to put both of our drivers and Jaguar Racing into the championship fight. Sam performed an incredible drive through the field today, gaining 15 places to secure runners-up in the teams’ world championship. This has been our best season and we have made huge progress – seven podiums, two wins, one pole position and only four points off first place is an amazing achievement. I would like to thank all our commercial partners who contribute to our success and our loyal fans. Congratulations to Nyck de Vries and Mercedes – they fought hard to the very end. We’ll be back next year to fight for the title and to make it to the top step.”

Sam Bird, #10 Jaguar Racing driver, said: “A good day in the office for me – I really enjoyed coming through the field and I was determined to get a good finish for the team. I’m really gutted for Mitch who was in with a great shot today. The team have done an amazing job all year and I’d like to thank every single person and our fans for everything this season. I can’t wait to start my second season with Jaguar in Formula E”

Mitch Evans, #20 Jaguar Racing driver, said: “We appeared to have some failure after the launch in the car today. It was over before it even started so it was obviously not meant to be this year. I’m gutted for the whole team to not get a run at it today but to be able to finish second in the teams’ championship is still huge progress. I want to thank everyone who has put in so much hard work this year. We’ll come back fighting again next year.”

RACING FINISH RUNNERS-UP IN SEASON SEVEN OF THE ABB FIA FORMULA E WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
RACING FINISH RUNNERS-UP IN SEASON SEVEN OF THE ABB FIA FORMULA E WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Jaguar Racing look forward to season eight of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship where the team will continue to fight for more points, podiums and wins which is due to start on 28 / 29 January 2022 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.

JWA Dubai launches inaugural call for entries

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 16 August 2021 – The Jewellery World Awards (JWA), a prestigious and well respected event for the international jewellery and gemstone industry, launches JWA Dubai, its regional edition that recognises the growing importance of the trade in the Middle East. The awards ceremony will be part of JGT Dubai (Jewellery Gem Technology Dubai), a joint premium exhibition by Informa Markets Jewellery – the world’s largest B2B jewellery fairs organiser – and Italian Exhibition Group SpA (IEG).

 

JWA Dubai will recognise and honour outstanding achievements and contributions made in this region. It is accepting entry submissions in three of its four categories from now until 21 October 2021, Thursday.

 

The 2021 JWA Dubai categories are:

1.       Brand of the Year – Retail

2.       Outstanding Enterprise of the Year

3.       Young Entrepreneur of the Year (age 40 and below)

4.       Lifetime Achievement Award (by nomination)

 

“We are thrilled to launch JWA Dubai to identify, recognise and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of the gemstone and jewellery community in the Middle East. We see a lot of potential for growth and development in this high-performing region, which plays an important role in the global industry. We look forward to receiving entries from entrepreneurs and businesses from this part of the world,” shares Letitia Chow, Chairperson & Founder of Jewellery World Awards at Informa Markets Jewellery.

 

To submit their entries and to peruse the criteria for judging, interested parties may register on www.JWADubai.com.

 

Nirupa Bhatt, a well-regarded gemstone and jewellery expert, has also been named as one of the principal judges. Prior to becoming Consulting Advisor at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) India, she also served as Managing Director of GIA India and the Middle East from 2008 until 2020, and introduced the organisation to more than 60 locations in India, the Middle East and Turkey. Bhatt is also a business success coach and leadership circle practitioner. 

 

“The Middle East is a very unique and interesting region that caters to local and international consumers. My compliments to the JWA team for launching JWA Dubai in recognition of the efforts of these outstanding businesses and the region’s ­­growing market share,” said Bhatt.

 

The first edition of JWA Dubai is supported by Official Partner, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), and will culminate in a highly anticipated gala dinner at JGT Dubai (Jewellery Gem Technology Dubai) on 21 February 2022, Tuesday.


#JWADubai


Jockey Club Engage Digital Exploration, Helping Local NGOs Thrive with Video Storytelling, Three Winners Shortlisted as Catalysts for Social Impact

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 16 August 2021 – Jockey Club Engage Digital Exploration (JC ENGAGE) has just completed the first round of Video Storytelling workshop journey in 2021 with 14 NGO teams in Hong Kong serving across various sectors of society powered by a team of 32 passionate skill-based volunteers from the corporate sector.

Research suggests that the top 3 challenges for NGOs to engage the community are funding, manpower and an effective strategy. To help NGOs communicate with their stakeholders effectively, Asian Charity Services (ACS) has launched a 3-year program, named Jockey Club Engage Digital Exploration, funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, to get the many impactful NGO stories heard, increase their organizational profile and expand their reach in the crowded digital space.

 

This cannot be timelier than in the current social distancing and COVID-19 environment where digital is an essential element in everything we do.

 

In May, 45 NGO participants from 14 NGO teams and 32 volunteers started their journey on video storytelling with ACS. They learnt the fundamentals of video storytelling and video making tips via an eLearning course followed by an interactive half-day workshop to discuss, learn, share and create an impactful story for their organization.  

 

With insights from professional communications practitioners, Perry Lam and Iris Chan, to working together with ACS volunteers in the breakout sessions, NGO participants reviewed their communications objectives and prepared themselves to create a story to be remembered. The workshop series ended with a lively panel discussion moderated by Treena Nairne, with avid storytellers including Iris Chan, John Jamison and Maxime Vanhollebeke. 

 

12 NGO teams have submitted their final videos (link) and on June 8, they pitched their stories in front of our judge panellists including local celebrity and event host Astrid Chan, and communications consultant, Iris Chan. After lots of sweat and dedication, 3 NGO teams: Agency for Volunteer Service, Hong Kong Society for the Blind, PathFinders Limited have been awarded with professional video production service worth HKD60,000 each to realize their stories with professional video production house.  The videos helped all NGOs to bring their stories to the wider community with positive feedback from the judges all around. 

 

Judges’ Comments:

 “I was happy to see how there are actually so many local NGOs serving the needs of Hong Kong.  As a result of this event, I have become more informed about their meaningful contributions and ability to deliver love and compassion to society, and I am thankful for all the NGOs and wish them all the best of luck going forward.” Astrid Chan, Reputable Host in Hong Kong & Corporate Trainer.

 

 “I was inspired by the objectives of the JC ENGAGE program to empower NGOS in digital storytelling – an important skill for today’s stakeholder engagement.  Being a judge and a speaker of the program, I particularly enjoyed watching the videos of participating NGOs, and seeing how they turned what they ad learnt into engaging and meaningful video ideas in a short few weeks.” Iris Chan, Regional Client Leader, PACT.

 

About the Winners:

Agency for Volunteer Service (“AVS”), founded in 1970, is an NGO that offers a referral service for those who wish to volunteer and organizations requiring the service of volunteers.  From mentorship to community involvement, AVS serves the needs of many in society across a variety of sector needs.  AVS, through its video, impressed the judges with a clear portrayal of its services covering a wide range of needs. 

 

Hong Kong Society for the Blind (“HKSB”), founded in 1956, provides a wide range of services covering eye care and low vision, primarily supporting the vision impaired and improving the mental health and overall well-being of these individuals.  Through its touching video, HKSB promotes its Mindful Music program to its supporters, using music to uplift the moods and brighten up the days of the visually impaired elderly.

 

PathFinders Limited, founded in 2007, protects and supports the children of migrant domestic mothers in Hong Kong.  The organization was founded on the belief that no child should be born alone and be deprived of medical support, shelter and identity.  Having served almost 7000 babies, the organization is committed to supporting the welfare of children.  This team wowed the judges and viewers during the pitching segment, delivering a professional pitch to capture the importance of supporting the children of migrant domestic workers.    

 

There are so many meaningful NGOs in Hong Kong serving our community with inspiring stories that are waiting to be discovered.   In August, we will be holding a Digital Campaign series to propel our NGO partners’ abilities to voice these stories on the digital landscape and effectively reach into the minds and hearts of their target audience.  To sign up or learn more about this event as an NGO or a volunteer, please contact us at “email address”.

 

About Asian Charity Services

Asian Charity Services (ACS) offers customized philanthropic services to enable foundations and corporates to engage and impact NGOs in a meaningful and innovative way. ACS provides training and support for capacity-building, and help bridge the gap between funders and non-profits. To learn more, visit https://www.asiancharityservices.org / or follow @asiancharityservices on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About Jockey Club Engage Digital Exploration

JC ENGAGE is a digital exploration program for staff from non-profit organizations. We aim to equip NGOs with the knowledge of storytelling taught by subject matter experts and executing a digital campaign. Through this journey, non-profit communication with stakeholders can be better, stronger and deeper. To learn more, visit https://engage.asiancharityservices.org/

#AsianCharityServices #JCENGAGE

foodpanda Launches pandamart Virtually

Mrs Thanyalat Chaleunsouk, Managing Director of Delivery Hero (Lao) Sole Co.,Ltd.
Mrs Thanyalat Chaleunsouk, Managing Director of Delivery Hero (Lao) Sole Co.,Ltd.

foodpanda announced the launch of its 1st pandamart for Laos yesterday. foodpanda’s grocery cloud store provides consumers with convenient and easy access to more than 2,000 grocery and household products, delivered within 25 minutes. 

Laos Confirms 349 New Cases of Covid-19 with New Red Zone in Vientiane

Lao People in Face Masks to Prevent Covid-19 in Laos

Laos has confirmed 349 new cases of Covid-19 today, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 10,441.