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Delta Strain Confirmed Among Imported Cases in Laos

Covid-19 update

Laos has confirmed the presence of the Delta strain of Covid-19 among imported cases entering Laos from Thailand.

Laos and Vietnam Sign Various Agreements During Visit by Thongloun Sisoulith

President Thongloun Pays Official Visit to Vietnam
Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith. Photo: VGP

Laos and Vietnam have signed a number of agreements during a visit to Hanoi by Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith this week.

Singapore Startup Wype Launches Subscription Platform For Toilet Paper

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 30 June 2021 – Wype, a local startup, has announced the official launch of an innovative toilet paper subscription solution to help Singaporeans manage their toilet paper in a smarter and a more efficient way.

Wype’s subscription service takes away the hassle of shopping for bulky packs of toilet paper from the supermarket monthly by having toilet paper delivered to Singaporean homes at an affordable price.

Founded by Roy, 25 and Bryan, 25, Wype’s platform has been embraced by Singaporeans keen on signing up to Wype’s subscription plans as indicated by recent subscription numbers.

“Wype is looking to create a simple yet impactful service that could increase the quality of life for all Singaporeans. By taking small daily hassles out of busy schedules, Wype has managed to put an end to this inconvenience.” Says Roy

“Wype’s prices are affordable for a few reasons. Wype customers are essentially buying in bulk and at wholesale price. Adding to that, Wype sell directly to customers instead of paying for shelf space at retailers. These margins are repurposed into free delivery for all Wype customers.” Says Bryan

Wype’s responsibly engineered toilet rolls are ensured to have no unnecessary chemicals to ensure safe usage across all ages and is designed to make every wipe a luxurious experience for the skin.

“Wype has never compromised on quality in any way – our toilet rolls are made with a unique blend of 100% virgin pulp fibres to ensure it’s just as absorbent as it is gentle to your skin and the environment.” says Roy.

Wype’s subscription services is available at https://wype.sg/

ABOUT Wype:

Wype was established as Singapore’s first and only toilet paper subscription and delivery service with the promise of taking care of your toilet paper products via subscribed delivery to your residence every 6 months. Taking the hassle out of hygiene, Wype and makes sure Singaporeans never need to queue at a supermarket for toilet paper ever again.

#Wype

Robert Parker Wine Advocate Announces Launch of Organic and Biodynamic Wine Search Filters and the Robert Parker Green Emblem: Recognising Extraordinary Sustainable Efforts in Wine Production

24 wineries from around the world achieve Robert Parker Wine Advocate reviewers’ recognition in the inaugural 2021 list

SINGAPORE & NAPA – Media OutReach – 30 June 2021 – Today, Robert Parker Wine Advocate unveils two brand new search filter capabilities on the RobertParker.com website: the ability to search for wines that are certified organic and/or certified biodynamic. Adding to these new search functions is the Robert Parker Green Emblem – a recognition given to selected wineries that have demonstrated extraordinary efforts in the pursuit of environmentally friendly practices.

Definition of Terms

Certified: A “certified” organic or biodynamic wine is one that has been farmed and/or made by methods that have been audited and verified as organic or biodynamic, as dictated by the regulations of one of the internationally recognised third-party organisations.

Organic: Organic viticulture involves a regulated set of farming principles, the degree of strictness versus conventional farming depending on the countries in which the grapes are produced and where the wine is sold. Throughout the world where the use of the word “organic” is legally controlled and protected, regulations can vary. In order to declare grapes as organically grown, the producer will need to seek certification by a recognised third-party auditing institution within the country of production. Usually, a vineyard will need to go through a three-year conversion period of documented and randomly tested adherence to the national legal guidelines before an organically grown certification can be granted. Generally speaking, organic grape growing precludes the use of artificial chemicals such as chemical fertilisers, herbicides and synthetic pesticides in the vineyard. Most countries allow naturally occurring compounds to be applied within stricter limits than conventional agriculture, such as the limited use of sulfur and copper spraying in vineyards for the production of wines from “organically grown grapes.” Major organic certifying organisations around the world include: Ecocert, USDA Organic, BioGro NZ, Australian Certified Organic and EU Organic.

Biodynamic: First established by Rudolf Steiner in 1924, biodynamics is a set of farming practices that follow more philosophically based guidelines than those of conventional farming. It essentially uses a foundation of organic farming methods, such as the exclusion of artificial chemicals, and builds upon these. For example, specially crafted composts and herbal infusions are applied with rigor to vineyards. The movements and phases of celestial bodies are commonly used to determine the timing of key winemaking practices. Biodynamic certifying organisations include: Demeter and Biodyvin.

Robert Parker Green Emblem: Recognises a winery or producer that extends their efforts far beyond the requirements for organic and/or biodynamic certification, serving as true ambassadors for environmentally friendly practices.

Criteria for Awarding the Robert Parker Green Emblem

To qualify for this award, a winery may or may not already be organic and/or biodynamic certified. Beyond or apart from certification, the producer needs to be an outstanding proponent of sustainability who looks towards long-term environmental protection and biodiversity. The Robert Parker Green Emblem is carefully considered and is given on rare and exceptional merit.

Each year, Robert Parker Wine Advocate reviewers nominate new candidates from their regions that they feel are worthy for the Robert Parker Green Emblem. Each nomination is researched and discussed across the editorial group. Once a winery is recognised, all of their wines will carry the Robert Parker Green Emblem going forward, until changes at the winery may result in the recognition being rescinded.

Says Nicolas Achard, CEO of Robert Parker Wine Advocate, “We are aware of the increased consumer desire for responsible and environmentally committed viticulture, and for easier access to this information. In the Robert Parker Wine Advocate team, we share these concerns, which is why we decided to develop the Robert Parker Green Emblem to highlight the vineyards that combine richness of taste and sustainable viticulture. We wish to facilitate the meeting between these committed winemakers, who prove to us how respect for the environment can magnify the terroirs and the vines without compromising the taste and the quality of the wines.”

The Inaugural Robert Parker Green Emblem list

Robert Parker Wine Advocate comprises a global team of ten experienced wine reviewers who are committed to highlighting the world’s best wines, shedding light on magnificent terroirs and their diversity, as well as exceptional craftsmen and timeless traditions. Led by Editor-in-Chief Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (Master of Wine), the team of expert wine critics delved deeply into their respective assigned regions, and carefully weighed the case for including these wineries into the inaugural list. The first Robert Parker Green Emblem in 2021 includes 24 wineries with impeccable reputations for sustainability. The list is spread across eight countries and five continents. “Our new Organic and Biodynamic filters and the Robert Parker Green Emblem recognitions are our way of recognising the increasing importance to wine consumers of sustainable practices in wine production. No other wine criticism website is thus empowering wine lovers who want to drink more sustainably. With these new enhancements to our website, our subscribers now have the ability to easily find great wines produced with a like-minded philosophy of sustaining the health and viability of our planet for future generations,” says Perrotti-Brown.

Australia (2):

Cullen Wines, Henschke

Austria (1):

Weingut Ernst Triebaumer

France (8):

Champagne Larmandier-Bernier, Gerard Bertrand, Domaine Leroy & Domaine d’Auvenay, Domaine Bruno Lorenzon, Château Pontet-Canet, Louis Roederer, Felix et Gabin Richoux, Domaine Valentin Zusslin

Germany (1):

Weingut Odinstal

Italy (3):

New Zealand (1):

Alois Lageder, Salcheto, Tasca d’Almerita

Millton Vineyards & Winery

South Africa (2):

Reyneke, Sadie Family Wines

Spain (1):

Descendientes de J. Palacios

USA (5):

The Eyrie Vineyards, Horsepower Vineyards, Littorai Wines, Ridge Vineyards, Spottswoode Estate

Look for the new sustainability filters/symbols when accessing thousands of wine reviews at www.RobertParker.com.

Official hashtags: #RobertParker #WineAdvocate #RobertParkerGreen


About Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Robert Parker Wine Advocate is the world’s premier independent wine buyer’s website with a database of more than 450,000 tasting notes, scores and reviews from professional critics around-the-world. For over 40 years, Robert Parker Wine Advocate (a part of the MICHELIN Group of companies) has been the global leader and independent consumer’s guide to fine wine with its 100-point rating system and in-depth coverage of major wine regions.

For more information, visit www.RobertParker.com.

Breakthroughs International Conference Malaysia 2021 gathers kinesiology practitioners online globally for the first time ever

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 30 June 2021 – Breakthroughs International Conference Malaysia 2021 (BTiC 2021) is set to bring together experts, consultants and learners alike in the field of kinesiology for its first-ever global online conference. Taking place from 29 July to 1 Aug 2021, BTiC 2021 will feature some 30 leading expert practitioners of various movement methodologies for optimal neurological development and physical wellbeing.

Hosted by Malaysia Brain Gym® Association, BTiC 2021 features dozens of related topics such as The Crispiani Method, Classical Movement, Balanced Diet, Neurobiological Foundation, Co-regulation and many others. These will be especially beneficial to Brain Gym® and MBL professionals, educationists and parents of school-age children, including those who have special needs.

Conference Keynote Speakers include:

  • Dr Paul and Gail Dennison, Brain Gym® and Educational Kinesiology Developers, USA, presenting on Brain Gym® Games for Kids of All Ages,
  • Prof Piero Crispiani and Dr Eleonora Palmieri, Italy, co-presenting on Cognitive Motor Training (CMT) and Champion Pressing Practices for Neuro-activation,
  • Kim Barthel, Occupational Therapist, Canada, presenting on Movement and Play as Neurobiological Foundation,
  • Ron Jones, Historical Kinesiologist and Physical & Health Educator, USA, presenting on exercise as the key to good physical and emotional health,
  • Dr Ng Meng Lek, Educational Psychologist and Founder of NeuroLAT, Singapore, presenting on how to Diagnose Your Child’s Ability
  • Viv Hailwood, Founder of Brainchild Development Programme, UK, presenting on the inequality of research resources on future impact of school and employment,
  • Amy Choi, Co-founder of Brain Body Centre, Hong Kong, presenting on how to Trust Your Intuition,
  • Dr Tan Shot Yen, Medical Doctor and PhD in Nutrition, Indonesia, presenting on Balanced Diet in Improving Immunity,
  • Phoebe Long and Minaz Ajani, International Faculty of Breakthroughs International, Malaysia and India, co-presenting on A Brake to Break Vicious Cycles of Stressful Reaction with Co-regulation, and
  • Many more international experts in kinesiology.

Over four days, participants will be able to participate in real-time talks, pre-recorded presentations and live Q&A sessions with the keynote speakers and presenters. Participants will also enjoy unlimited replay for 30 days after. In addition, Brain Gym® instructors will receive 32 CEU hours for re-licensure.

Professionals and parents interested in kinesiology, Brain Gym®, MBL and other modalities are urged to visit the following website to sign up before spaces run out: https://btic2021.online/ (and save $30 USD using promo code: COV19).

About Breakthroughs International Conference

Breakthroughs International Conference had its start in 1988 as Brain Gym® Gatherings in the US.


The first international Conference was convened in Toronto, Canada in 1998. Since then, the conference has made its way around the globe, alternating between cities in the US and internationally.

BTiC 2021 will be the first time the Conference is hosted by Malaysia, as well as the first that will be held virtually, further lowering the barrier to entry for participants from all over the world.

More info: https://btic2021.online/

#BreakthroughsInternationalConference

About Malaysia Brain Gym® Association

Malaysia Brain Gym® Association (MBGA) is committed to the principle that moving with intention leads to optimal learning.


Founded in 2018 and representing more than 70 Brain Gym® instructors, consultants, facilitators and students, MBGA is the premier body working to elevate the knowledge and practice of kinesiology among its members, Malaysian society at large, and beyond.

More info: https://www.braingym.my/

#MalaysiaBrainGymAssociation

Callsign Warns That More Than Half of Consumers Trust Organizations Less After Receiving Scam Messages From Fraudsters Impersonating Their Brand Name

Consumers receive 3 scams a day, with a quarter receiving more messages from fraudsters than genuine messages from friends and family.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 30 June 2021 – Callsign, the digital identity pioneer, revealed today that the rise of scams is harming organizations’ reputations across the world. The global study* of consumers revealed that just receiving a scam message purporting to be from any brand is enough for 52% of them to lose trust in the organization regardless of any real association with the message.

Industries most targeted by fraudsters are financial services and public sector organizations with consumers stating that of all scam messages they receive, 60% claim to represent their bank, or a public sector provider (40%).

The scam problem is rampant across all communications channels. Globally, on average, individuals who receive scam messages via all channels receive 1133 a year, with more than a quarter 28% saying they receive more messages from fraudsters than friends and family.

With 52% of consumers admitting they don’t report fraudulent messages, the scale of scam messaging and victims is likely to be underestimated.

“Fraud hides in volume and the rapid migration of the global population online in the last 18 months has led to the industrialization of scams. The consequence is fraudsters are using the same channels we’re using to authenticate genuine consumers, and this is harming organizations’ reputations with the decrease of trust in their brands,” explained Stuart Dobbie, Senior Vice President, Innovation, Callsign.

The survey is a reminder that consumers have a choice. Almost a third (29%) of consumers who have been a victim of fraud say they have stopped using the company whose name the fraudster used to execute the scam. In comparison consumers are less likely to leave the channel the scam is executed through (only 13% would leave their network provider) demonstrating that regardless of the scam method, it’s the brand being mimicked that suffers.

SMS appears to be the weakest link with only 8% of consumers thinking it is a safe channel to communicate with their bank or retailer, and the channel has seen a 57% decrease in trust from those surveyed just because they have received a scam text message.

“Organizations need to re-evaluate the communications channels they use to interact with customers to better establish trust. With fraudsters monopolizing open channels such as SMS and email, these channels cannot be relied upon to also authenticate identity. Our research shows that almost half (45%) of consumers think identity is the problem and that people should prove who they are when signing up to use a platform to stop scammers. These consumer concerns emphasize organizations must wake up to the importance of digital identification,” explained Dobbie.

Dobbie concluded: “If organizations are to maintain and build trust in the digital world, they need to better balance protection and experience to ensure their brand is not tarnished by scammers. With Intelligence Driven Authentication, organizations can overcome the fraudsters, protect their brand, create seamless and secure customer journeys and build all important digital trust.”

Editors notes.

*All figures, unless stated are from Opinium. The total sample size was 9,568 adults with the following national breakdown: Brazil, 1000; Germany, 1000; Hong Kong, 420; India, 553; Indonesia, 541; Philippines, 529; Singapore, 457; UK 1000; USA, 2003.

Regional samples; Benelux, 500; Middle East and Africa (United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, South Africa) 1065; Nordics; 500. The fieldwork was carried out online by Opinium in June 2021.

About Callsign

Callsign is pioneering the global network for identification. We solve challenges that organizations face in getting their users on to and interacting with their digital platforms easily and securely. We provide solutions to some of the world’s largest banks and offer “bank-grade” identification to public and private sector clients of all sizes. Callsign’s Intelligence Driven Authentication recognizes users by combining deep learning insights with personalized and contextual customer journeys. As a result, users can get on with their digital lives whilst businesses improve customer engagement, increase productivity and reduce the risk of fraud.

To learn more about Callsign and how it is helping businesses to intelligently protect against global threats in real-time visit: https://www.callsign.com/

#Callsign

Laos Joins Monthly Railway Meetings with Thailand and China.

Laos joins railway monthly meeting between Thailand and China
A high-speed train in China (Photo: 终有 那天).

Laos is to join a monthly meeting previously held between Thailand and China that will review updates on the progress of a plan to connect the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail system in Thailand with Laos.

Jacobson Pharma Announces FY2021 Annual Results

Declares Final Dividend of HK1.5 Cents Per Share; Resilient Performance Albeit Market Challenges

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 29 June 2021 – Jacobson Pharma Corporation Limited (“Jacobson Pharma” or the “Company”; Stock Code: 2633), a leading company engaging in the research, development, production, marketing and sale of essential medicines, specialty drugs and branded healthcare products, today announced the annual results of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Group”) for the year ended 31 March 2021 (the “FY2021” or the “Reporting Period”).

During the Reporting Period, the economy was hit hard by the pandemic with retail consumption stalled due to various social distancing measures and travel restrictions. At the continual impact of the pandemic on its businesses, the Group made total revenue of HK$1,445.9 million in the Reporting Period, dropped narrowly by 8.0% against the previous year. Mitigated by the impact relief and cost-saving measures, profit attributable to shareholders softened by 19.4% to HK$173.7 million.

The Board has recommended payment of a final dividend of HK1.5 cents per share (FY2020: HK2.5 cents per share). Including the interim dividend of HK0.8 cent per share already paid and a special interim dividend made by the Company on 5 February 2021 in the form of distribution in specie based on 1 share in JBM (Healthcare) Limited (“JBM Healthcare”; Stock Code: 2161) at HK$1.20 per share for every 8 shares held by the shareholders of the Company which represented a distribution of approximately HK15 cents per share, the total dividend for FY2021 would be HK17.3 cents per share (FY2020 total dividend: HK4.5 cents per share).

Steady Growth of Generic Drugs Business in Public Sector

The generic drugs business of the Group recorded revenue of HK$1,048.8 million in the Reporting Period, with the public sector business reporting steady growth but offset by a drop in sales momentum of the private sector business considerably dampened by infection control measures under the pandemic.

The Group’s offerings in certain therapeutic classes saw solid growth, with oral anti-diabetics and gastrointestinal product classes registering a growth of 28.3% and 26.0% respectively in the public sector, mainly attributable to the realisation of tendering business plus increased usage of these essential medicines in respective disease management. In addition, the Group’s angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor class and angiotensin II antagonist class of cardiovascular products achieved robust sales growth of 62.2% and 33.6% respectively, alongside an increase in the public sector consumption of antihypertensive drugs.

In the Reporting Period, the Group launched a number of new products including Arsenic Trioxide Oral Solution, Dihydrocodeine Tablet, Perindopril Tablet, Atomoxetine Capsule, Rosuvastatin Tablet, and Hydroxychloroquine Tablet. Among these, Arsenic Trioxide Oral Solution is the first ever Arsenic Trioxide approved in Hong Kong for the treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia.

The Group also signed in-license regional agreements with reputable manufacturers in Europe and South Korea for a total of 15 specialised drugs covering the central nervous system, infectious diseases, gastrointestinal, and other therapeutic classes.

Resilient Performance of Branded Healthcare Business

The branded healthcare business of the Group recorded revenue of HK$397.1 million during the Reporting Period, up by 4.1% year-on-year. The growth was mainly attributable to the robust sales of Hoitin (海天) in concentrated Chinese medicine granules products of the Orizen Group, coupled with the resilient performance of AIM Atropine Eye Drops and Flying Eagle Woodlok Oil albeit market challenges.

Distribution of Fosun BioNTech Comirnaty Vaccine in Hong Kong and Macau

The Group is the distributor of Fosun Pharma/BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (“Fosun BioNTech Comirnaty Vaccine”) in Hong Kong and Macau under an exclusive distribution agreement with Fosun Pharma Group. The Fosun BioNTech Comirnaty vaccination programme started in Hong Kong on 10 March 2021, and as at 31 May 2021, over 1.3 million doses of the vaccine have been administered.

Fosun BioNTech Comirnaty Vaccine is an mRNA based vaccine developed by German biotech company BioNTech SE with a clinically-tested efficacy rate of 95%. The Advisory Committee of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently endorsed the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine and its use in 12-through 15-year-old adolescents, which represented important progress on COVID-19 infection control within the population.

Successful Spin-off of JBM Healthcare

The Group successfully spun off and separately listed its branded healthcare business, JBM Healthcare, on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange on 5 February 2021. After the spin-off and public listing, the Group holds 53.74% stake in JBM Healthcare in effect, which remains as a subsidiary of the Group.

JBM Healthcare is a Hong Kong-based branded healthcare company with a product footprint covering Greater China, Southeast Asia and other selected countries. It principally engages in the manufacturing and trading of branded healthcare products, comprising consumer healthcare products and proprietary Chinese medicines. The spin-off will create two distinct platforms for the Group and JBM Healthcare to enhance their strategic focuses and sharpen the execution of their growth strategies respectively.

Mr. Derek Sum, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jacobson Pharma, concluded, “Although market situations have been challenging, the Group has remained steadfast in delivering its growth strategies and fortifying its leadership in the generic drugs market in Hong Kong. In our collaborative fight against the pandemic, Jacobson took pride in playing a part in introducing the Fosun BioNTech Comirnaty Vaccine into the markets of Hong Kong and Macau. I am particularly thankful for the dedicated efforts of our professional pharmacist teams who worked diligently with our business partners in setting up the systems on regulatory compliance, pharmacovigilance and medical information dissemination for seamless execution of the vaccination program.”

“Looking ahead, with proven technological know-how, commercial strengths and priding operational excellence, the Group remains confident in delivering sustainable growth and creating values to our shareholders in the long term.”

About Jacobson Pharma Corporation Limited (雅各臣科研製藥有限公司;Stock Code: 2633)

Jacobson Pharma is a leading pharmaceutical company in Hong Kong vertically integrated with the research, development, production, sale and distribution of essential medicines and specialty drugs. As a major provider of generic drugs in Hong Kong, the Group has one of the most extensive sales and distribution coverage for both the private and public market sectors in Hong Kong, with an expanding reach into strategically selected Asian markets. Carrying a broad product portfolio and taking a pre-eminent market position in a number of therapeutic categories, the Group operates a host of 10 PIC/S GMP licensed production facilities for generic drugs in Hong Kong.

The Group aims at the continued strategic enrichment of its generic drug portfolios through the addition of high value-added products. With its corporate headquarters based in Hong Kong, the Group has also established its operating subsidiaries in China, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore and Cambodia forming a regional commercial platform to tap the market potential in the Asia Pacific and Greater China region. Jacobson Pharma has been a constituent stock of MSCI Hong Kong Micro Cap Index since 1 June 2017. For more details about Jacobson Pharma, please visit the Group’s website: http://www.jacobsonpharma.com

#JacobsonPharma