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Houayxai Couple Found Dead From Gunshot Wounds

A couple was found dead in a bedroom in Houayxai District, Bokeo Province on Saturday.

Laos Participates in Regional Conference on Wildlife Crime

Wildlife sold for meat at local markets in Laos

The Supreme Courts of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam held an online meeting called Justice for Wildlife: Regional Chief Justices Conference on Wildlife Crime last week.

Empowering inspiration at Roland-Garros 2022 tournament with the OPPO Find X5 Pro’s flagship imaging experiences

PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach – 8 June 2022 – Capturing the true magic of tennis has been a challenge for fans across the world. The disparity between the imaging capabilities of smartphone technology and the action on the court has been evident to see with grainy results, blurred visuals and underwhelming colour reproduction. OPPO’s latest technological innovations empower authentic tennis experiences for tennis lovers worldwide.

OPPO: Premium Partner of Roland-Garros

OPPO: Premium Partner of Roland-Garros

As the premium partner of Roland-Garros for the 4th consecutive year, OPPO hopes to bring tennis fans’ inspiration with its advanced imaging technology to witness, capture, and share the heart-stopping moments on the court. In tandem with the continued partnership, OPPO’s new brand proposition, Inspiration Ahead, at its core, is centred on technology giving people the access to achieve success by pushing the limits of what is perceived as possible. Exemplifying the new brand proposition, OPPO launched the ‘Inspirational Light’ campaign, a global activation galvanising the support of tennis fans from across the globe for their tennis heroes.

Creating innovative technology is at the heart of OPPO’s ethos, and the MariSilicon X imaging NPU is a prime example of that belief. With over ten years of research and development supporting its creation, the self-designed chip is dedicated to levelling photography and videography for tennis fans with stunning HDR quality. MariSilicon X’s computational power enables true-to-life imaging experiences that can reveal the true vibrancy of the iconic clay court with the OPPO Find X5 Pro.

OPPO Find X5 Pro

OPPO Find X5 Pro

The result is a four-time improvement in perceived night video resolution, less grain and superior colour reproduction, making 4K Ultra Night Video possible for the first time on an Android smartphone and unlocking world-class imaging capabilities that keep up with players’ action on the Roland-Garros court.

The Find X5 Pro takes content capture to the next level with low-light videography. Each frame has detail, clarity, and dynamic range comparable with a still night mode photo, making any tennis supporter proud to share on social media.

Low light video has been a continual issue for smartphone photography. People have had to choose between capturing beautiful moments with low-quality results or just foregoing immortalising their experiences. With 4K Ultra Night Video, thanks to the MariSilicon X imaging NPU, this remains happily relegated to the past. The Find X5 Pro can capture the intensity and spirit of the court’s notable night matches without sacrificing quality so that tennis lovers can charge their own piece of Roland-Garros history.

Shooting fast-paced action with a smartphone has historically caused challenges for many. From trying to snap the volleys of the elite tennis stars to the crowd’s roaring cheers, the results can end up looking shaky and wobbly at best. OPPO’s Five-axis Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) in parallel with Ultra-Clear Shot and three-degrees anti-shake technology creates smooth and professional content without lag and incredible quality.

Shot on OPPO Find X5 Pro: Court Philippe-Chatrier

Shot on OPPO Find X5 Pro: Court Philippe-Chatrier

OPPO’s ‘Inspirational Light’ campaign, devised from the new brand proposition “Inspiration Ahead”, brings tennis fans globally to champion some of the world’s standout athletes. Inspiring messages of support from the avid tennis community were used to create striking yet beautiful light painting imagery showcased on the red clay court on each night of the tournament.

At the end of each night match, when the stadium’s lights were turned off, OPPO’s expert light painting crew ‘painted’ the fans’ best comments using OPPO’s Find X5 Pro’s long exposure photography capabilities. The stunning visuals were captured by OPPO Find X5 Pro, with photos and videos posted across social media. Inspiration to succeed is pulled from both tennis stars and their fans.

Shot on OPPO Find X5 Pro: Light Painting

Shot on OPPO Find X5 Pro: Light Painting

For tennis stars, the fans standing before them in the stadium inspire them to play with heart and perform their best. For the fans, it’s the players they admire on the court who encourage them to never give up and keep pushing the boundary. OPPO’s industry-leading mobile technology will also inspire more people to witness, capture and participate in these real emotions and spirits on the court.

With Roland-Garros 2023, OPPO will continue to be the premium partner for the legendary tournament. The leading technology company plans to bring even more tech innovations that excite tennis fans worldwide through standout imaging experiences. Bringing to life and reliving the true magic of the court is made simple with OPPO.

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find X and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services such as OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO has footprints in more than 50 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

#OPPO

Webinar on Asia: Renewable Energy Continent

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 8 June 2022 – The challenges of climate change and energy security have propelled Asian nations to increasingly embrace investment in renewable energy.

Advanced technology, investment incentives and readied capital have also helped renewable energy become one of the highest growth sectors with increasing deployment by businesses as they pursue a ‘green’ strategy. Another big question is whether consumers are ready?

These issues and more on renewable energy development in Asia will be highlighted at a webinar “Asia: Renewable Energy Continent” on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 2-4 pm Hanoi zone (7am GMT).

The event will open with a keynote address by H.E. Tran Hong Ha, Việt Nam’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

Việt Nam News in collaboration with The Statesman of India and Korea Herald, all of which are members of the Asia News Network, an alliance of 20 media in 19 Asian countries, are pleased to invite you to this landmark webinar.

The zoom webinar invitation link for registration is: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_N_gjvelxT-25anHKFMl-gA

Other speakers include Dr. Harald Link, Chairman of B Grimm Power from Thailand; Mr. Hideki Minamikawa, President of Japan Environmental Sanitation Center; Mr. Frank Phuan, Business CEO of Sunseap Energy based in Singapore; Mr. Anil Sood, President, Chetna, India; and Mr. Phan Tan Canh, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam.

The event will be moderated by Trong Kien Tran, News Editor at Vietnam News and Pana Janviroj, Editor, Asia News Network.

The webinar is free of charge.

For more information please contact Ms Cao Ly Ly at bizhub@vnsmail.com

GLy New Mobility Fund Invests in Israeli Unicorn Vayyar

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 8 June 2022 – GLy New Mobility Fund, a global mid-to-late-stage private equity fund backed by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, today announced that it has completed the investment in Vayyar Imaging, a leading 4D imaging radar-on-chip solution provider based in Israel. The US$108million round was led by Koch disruptive technology and joined by investors including Atreides Management, Battery Ventures, Bessemer Ventures, More VC, Regal Four, and Claltech.

Vayyar has developed the world’s most advanced 4D imaging radar solution which can see through walls and objects, map environments, and track movements in real-time, without invading one’s privacy. Initially developed to provide a more effective way for early-stage breast cancer detection, Vayyar’s chip solution has demonstrated its cost and performance capabilities and is now used in numerous sectors including automotive, smart home, elderly care, retail, security and medical.

Anny Lin, Co-CEO of GLy Capital, said “GLy New Mobility Fund invests with purpose and develops genuine investment partnerships with outstanding growth companies. With our networks and Vayyar’s technology, we are confident of creating more meaningful opportunities for our investors.”

“We couldn’t be happier with our participation in Vayyar’s journey. Their automotive offering is world class and their applicability and reach into other industry verticals, such as elderly care, smart home, retail, medical and other is impressive.”, said Hrvoje Krkalo, Co-CEO of GLy Capital.

“We are excited to have GLy Capital’s New Mobility Fund as shareholders and look forward to leveraging the GLy network for relevant opportunities for our business”, said Raviv Melamed, founder and CEO of Vayyar.

About GLy New Mobility Fund

The GLy New Mobility Fund is a global mid-to-late-stage private equity fund based in Hong Kong. Backed by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, the fund invests into startups that disrupt the transportation industry. Key areas of focus are electrification, smart cars, smart cities, mobility as a service (MaaS), materials. The New Mobility Fund has invested in several mobility startups globally such as Polestar, ECARX, Freewire.

About GLy Capital Management Limited

GLy Capital Management Limited is a Hong Kong based investment management entity holding SFC type 1, 4 and 9 licenses. The Company is majority owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

#GLyCapitalManagementLimited

About Vayyar Imaging

Founded in 2011, Vayyar has created the world’s most advanced radar-on-chip platform to gather life essential data, providing solutions for automotive, smart home, elderly care, retail, security and medical and more, while maintaining privacy at all times.

Its state-of-the-art chip covers imaging and radar bands from 3-81Ghz, with up to 72 transceivers in each chip and an integrated high-performance DSP. Vayyar’s multi-antenna sensor produces unprecedented levels of accuracy, enabling high-resolution 4D point-cloud images. Vayyar’s sensors can work in any environmental condition, unaffected by line-of-sight, lighting or weather conditions. Vayyar’s mission is to deliver the next generation of sensing technology that is miniature, affordable, and versatile enough to impact everyone’s lives, enabling a safer world.

Visit to learn more.

For further information, visit: .

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

Domestic Tourists in Laos Lured Away by Renewed International Travel

Vang Vieng District in Vientiane Province is a popular destination for domestic tourists in Laos.
Vang Vieng District in Vientiane Province is a popular destination for domestic tourists in Laos.

With international borders recently reopened, high-volume domestic destinations such as Vang Vieng, which received an influx of domestic tourists during the pandemic, have begun to struggle.

‘Unlocking’ Reform Policies Can Help Laos Realize Economic Potential

Laos is facing significant economic challenges but has the potential to develop sustainably and more equitably, according to a new World Bank report.

Singapore develops Asia’s first AI-based mobile app for shark and ray fin identification to combat illegal wildlife trade

  • Singapore National Parks Board, Microsoft and Conservation International collaborate to create AI-powered mobile application that visually identifies shark and ray species
  • Sharks and rays are in rapid decline. This joint innovation aims to combat a key driver of this decline; illegal wildlife trade

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 8 June 2022 – The Singapore National Parks Board (NParks), Microsoft and Conservation International announced the launch of Fin Finder, Asia’s first mobile application that employs artificial intelligence (AI) to visually identify illegally traded shark and ray species.

Shark fin species detection by Fin Finder. The rapid identification of shark and ray species will help officers to quickly flag suspicious fin shipments for further DNA testing, and combat illegally traded shark and ray fins. Photo by: Microsoft, Conservation International and the Singapore National Parks Board

Shark fin species detection by Fin Finder. The rapid identification of shark and ray species will help officers to quickly flag suspicious fin shipments for further DNA testing, and combat illegally traded shark and ray fins.
Photo by: Microsoft, Conservation International and the Singapore National Parks Board

Through the tripartite collaboration, the mobile app was created by a Singapore-led team from Conservation International in consultation with NParks with support from the Microsoft AI for Earth program. The app will be used by officers from the Singapore National Parks Board to combat illegal wildlife trade.

According to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II[1], there are approximately 1,000 species of sharks and rays in the world, of which over 30 species are listed under CITES Appendix II for regulated trade. In Singapore, more than 160,000 kilograms of fins from CITES-listed sharks and rays have entered the borders between 2012 and 2020[2]. The current process requires officers to collect the fins from each shipment for DNA testing to determine its species. This takes an average of up to one week.

Fin Finder optimizes this process by allowing officers to take photos of fins that will be matched against a database of over 15,000 shark and ray fin images via an AI-driven algorithm in the app. In a matter of seconds, the AI-powered app which runs on Microsoft Azure will quickly and accurately provide a visual identification of shark and ray species onsite and empower officers to quickly flag suspicious fin shipments for further DNA testing to stop the illegal trade of shark and ray fins.

Dhanushri Munasinghe, Project Coordinator, Conservation International Singapore said, “Sharks and rays play an important role in maintaining marine ecosystems by keeping other fish populations in check. If stripped from our oceans, there would be dire consequences for ocean health, which would affect us, and our food security. As one of the world’s most significant transhipment hubs, Singapore is well positioned to combat illegal wildlife trade. Conservation International, supported by Microsoft and other partners, is excited to support Singapore and the Singapore National Parks Board’s leadership in conservation through the creation of Fin Finder”.

Dr Adrian Loo, Group Director of Wildlife Management, NParks, said: “When wildlife species are traded illegally, the consequences are far-reaching to many ecosystems, economies and communities around the world. By using advanced technology in the creation of Fin Finder, we can strengthen the enforcement against the illegal trade of sharks and ray species following CITES regulation, and boost Singapore’s capabilities in conserving precious biodiversity. The collaboration with Microsoft and Conservation International also reinforce the importance of collective efforts among the public and private sector in combating illegal wildlife trade.”

Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General of CITES, said: “The first step in ensuring international trade complies with CITES regulations comes with the, sometimes difficult, process of identifying the species being traded. Fin Finder is a welcome and innovative addition in the identification of fins and will complement other tools such as iSharkFin. It will give customs and enforcement officers an easy-to-use tool that will contribute to an international trade in CITES-listed species that remains legal, traceable, and sustainable.”

Beyond identification of illegally traded shark and ray fins, officers from the Singapore National Parks Board will also use Fin Finder as a single-platform directory of relevant shark and ray species. The app also offers onsite access to reference materials that can be used for validation of CITES-approved permits or shipping documents. This feature is expected to reduce the time and effort spent to on shipment validation, enabling officers to help put a stop to illegal wildlife trade more quickly.

Fin Finder, a complex AI and cloud based mobile application that runs on Microsoft Azure, was created in just nine months to address a pressing need. The project was led by a Singapore-based team that was supported by a highly collaborative consortium of global experts in conservation and technology, with resources, data, and volunteer contributions from Microsoft, Conservation International, the Singapore National Parks Board, Sineurope Pte Ltd, Rumah Foundation, Coastal Natives and Wild Me.

Richard Koh, Chief Technology Officer, Microsoft Singapore, shared, “AI has the potential to solve critical environmental challenges. By taking AI tools out of the lab and putting it into the hands of experts in the field, we can accelerate new solutions for a better world. That’s why we are proud to support Fin Finder as it protects global shark and ray populations and preserves our ocean life. By conserving wildlife with help from technology, future generations can enjoy our natural world, as we empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.”

Fin Finder is a project in Microsoft AI for Earth, a global program that supports organizations applying responsible AI and cloud computing to address critical environmental issues. The program is part of Microsoft’s AI for Good initiative, which aims to solve the world’s most challenging problems, from climate change to agriculture, biodiversity and water. To date, AI for Earth has awarded 138 grants to people and businesses in more than 45 countries globally.

Learn more about Fin Finder here and here.

Notes to Editor:
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement that regulates the international trade of wild animals and plants to ensure that it does not threaten their survival.


[1] 39 CITES Appendix II, IUCN Shark Specialist Group News, Jan 2022 issue, pg. 16

[2] Extracted from the CITES Trade Database (https://trade.cites.org/)

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

#Microsoft

About the National Parks Board

The National Parks Board (NParks) is responsible for enhancing and managing the urban ecosystems of our City in Nature. We are the lead agency for greenery, biodiversity conservation, and wildlife and animal health, welfare and management. We are also working closely with the community to enhance the quality of our living environment.

NParks manages some 400 parks, 3,347 hectares of nature reserves, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Pulau Ubin and the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park. Adding to this is the extensive network of Nature Ways, and the over 300 km Park Connector Network that links major parks, nature areas and residential estates island wide. Every year, we run over 3,500 educational and outreach programmes across our various green spaces.

NParks has developed an urban biodiversity conservation model, which aims to conserve representative ecosystems in land-scarce Singapore. NParks also monitors and coordinates measures to enhance the presence of biodiversity in our urban landscape.

NParks is working closely with partners in the landscape, horticulture, veterinary and animal sectors to increase productivity, and provide training for all levels of the workforce. Enhancing competencies of the industry will support Singapore’s vision of being a City in Nature.

For more information, visit and

About Conservation International

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

In Singapore, Conservation International is a registered charity approved by the Commissioner of Charities bearing Institute of Public Character (IPC) status. Go to for more, and follow our work on , , , , and .

#ConservationInternational