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Trendy ‘Squishy’ Toys Suspended in Laos Over Chemical Safety Concerns

A picture of Squishy toys used for illustration purpose only.

Laos has ordered the immediate suspension of the import and sale of Squishy toys nationwide after authorities warned that some may contain hazardous chemicals that pose health risks, particularly to children.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued the order on 28 July, instructing provincial industry and commerce departments across the country to halt the import and sale of non-certified Squishy toys and step up inspections of shops, markets, supermarkets, shopping centres and online sellers.

According to the notice, market inspections found that some imported Squishy toys contained excessive levels of benzene, a chemical that can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and trigger allergic reactions. The ministry also warned that long-term exposure may increase the risk of cancer, although no confirmed cases linked to the toys have been established in Laos.

Businesses found importing or selling unsafe Squishy toys face product seizures, destruction of the goods, fines and other penalties under Lao law.

Popular Toy Makes a Comeback

The suspension comes as Squishy toys have made a comeback in 2026.

The soft foam toys, which first became popular and originally created in 2017, have surged in popularity again in recent months through TikTok and other social media platforms, where videos featuring satisfying squeezing sounds, unboxings and collectible designs have attracted millions of views.

In Laos, Squishy toys have become especially popular among children and teenagers as stress-relief toys and collectibles, with newer versions sold in colourful animal, dessert and cartoon designs.

Health Concerns Grow

The ministry’s announcement follows several widely shared social media posts from parents who said their children became ill after playing with Squishy toys.

At least three separate incidents involving children who reportedly developed adverse reactions after playing with Squishy toys have prompted health authorities to step up investigations nationwide. The cases, reported by different families this month, involved symptoms including skin rashes, blister-like burns, eye irritation, fever and vomiting. Authorities have not said whether the incidents are linked but are investigating the safety of the products.

While the ministry did not directly link those reported cases to the nationwide suspension, it said recent consumer complaints, along with market inspections, prompted the move.

Authorities have advised parents not to buy Squishy toys for children while investigations continue and urged consumers to report unsafe products through the consumer protection hotline 1510.

A Ceremony Held to Mark the 50th Anniversary of Partnership Between Laos and UNFPA

A picture of attendees from senior leaders from line ministries, representatives from government sectors, Ambassadors to Laos, representatives from UN agencies, international organizations, and civil society organizations at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Laos-UNFPA partnership in Vientiane, Laos on 27 July 2026. (Photo by UNFPA)

On 27 July, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs attended the ceremony held to mark the 50th Anniversary of Partnership between Laos and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Laos. The event was held under the theme “50 Years of the Partnership for People, Rights and Health,” at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Vientiane Capital. Attending the ceremony were senior leaders from line ministries, representatives from government sectors, Ambassadors to Laos, representatives from UN agencies, international organizations, and civil society organizations. This celebration ceremony was organized to reflect on the long-standing cooperation between the Government of Laos and UNFPA over five decades of partnership, promoting development in the areas of sexual and reproductive health, maternal and child health, youth empowerment, gender equality, as well as the development of population data systems and national sustainable development.

On this occasion, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave opening remarks highlighting outstanding achievements over the past period, particularly in population work, education promotion, and public health improvements—all of which contribute to the implementation of national development priorities alongside the Action Plan of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Laos.

At the event, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the commitment to achieving joint goals, striving in particular to reduce the maternal mortality rate to below 70 cases per 100,000 live births by 2030. Furthermore, as Laos enters a crucial phase of demographic transition, he emphasized the need to focus on education, public health, skills development for quality employment opportunities, and youth empowerment, while leveraging demographic potential to advance toward development goals and graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026.

At the event, Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator to the Lao PDR, delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of people-centered development, to which UNFPA has contributed by supporting the Lao PDR in areas such as policy formulation, coordination mechanisms, integration of demographic shifts, and the implementation of a fully digitalized Population and Housing Census. This data is vital for setting policies, allocating resources, and formulating the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan to ensure that no one is left behind.

In addition, Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, UNFPA Representative to the Lao PDR, noted that celebrating this milestone is not only about reflecting on past achievements, but also about setting shared goals to focus on unfinished agendas, further strengthen relations, and foster a comprehensive and sustainable partnership for the future in the years ahead.


Editor’s Note: This article was contributed by the UNFPA Laos. Views and information presented are those of the contributing organization.

Smartee Hosts Academic Programs in Thailand Highlighting Mandibular Repositioning Technology

BANGKOK, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Smartee Denti-Technology recently participated in two academic events in Bangkok, Thailand, focusing on the clinical principles and applications of its Mandibular Repositioning Technology. The programs brought together orthodontic professionals to exchange perspectives on the diagnosis and management of complex skeletal Class II malocclusions.


On July 14, Smartee hosted the Thailand GS Course 2026, featuring Professor Gang Shen, Chief Scientist of GS Research and Development at Smartee Denti-Technology, together with Dr. Ziqing Xu. Their presentations covered the biological mechanisms and clinical workflow of mandibular repositioning therapy, including the diagnosis of malocclusions associated with facial convexity, treatment strategies for patients presenting with physiological mandibular retrusion and pathological mandibular retrusion, as well as key considerations in treatment planning and clinical management.

The academic exchange continued on July 16 at the Thailand Association of Orthodontists (TAO) Annual Meeting, where Professor Shen and Dr. Tao Guo delivered a three-hour lecture on mandibular repositioning technology. Drawing on clinical cases and theoretical principles, the session discussed treatment indications, clinical protocols, and long-term treatment management for complex orthodontic cases.

Academic Discussion Focused on Clinical Decision-Making


During both events, participating orthodontists engaged in discussions on a range of clinical topics related to mandibular repositioning therapy. Questions focused on patient selection, treatment monitoring, and approaches to evaluating treatment stability throughout the course of care.

The discussions also addressed the management of complex skeletal Class II malocclusions, particularly cases involving mandibular retrusion, reflecting continued interest in treatment approaches that extend beyond conventional tooth movement.

Continuing International Academic Collaboration

Thailand remains an important part of Smartee’s international outreach. Through educational programs, professional exchanges, and collaboration with local orthodontic communities, the company continues to support knowledge sharing in digital orthodontics.

Smartee stated that it will continue working with orthodontic professionals and academic partners in the Southeast Asia to facilitate international clinical exchange and contribute to the ongoing development of orthodontic education.

State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company Ensures Uninterrupted Power Supply for Residential Community with 7 Generator Vehicles

CHANGZHOU, China, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — “Thank goodness you arrived so quickly. With temperatures this high, we would have really suffered without electricity!” — This was the heartfelt gratitude expressed by residents of Shanshui Mingmen Community in Liyang, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, on July 27, to the emergency repair crew from State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company. On that day, a sudden line fault caused a power outage in the community. Faced with scorching temperatures approaching 40°C, the company responded swiftly and mounted an urgent repair effort. Through professional and efficient emergency response, they rapidly restored power supply, striving to safeguard residents’ comfort and quality of life during the intense summer heat.

That morning, during sewage pipeline construction in the Shanshui Mingmen Community, construction workers accidentally damaged a high-voltage underground cable, triggering a power line fault. Following the fault, electricity supply to all residents in the community and dozens of nearby commercial outlets was completely cut off. As it was the peak of summer with extreme heat, a prolonged outage would have severely impacted residents’ ability to cool down, carry out daily activities, and affected normal business operations. Power restoration was an urgent priority.

Upon receiving the fault report, State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company immediately activated its high-temperature emergency power supply contingency plan. They swiftly coordinated and deployed emergency resources, assembled repair teams on an emergency basis, and dispatched 7 low-voltage generator vehicles to the fault site without delay. A comprehensive emergency power support and fault repair operation was launched to minimize the impact of the outage on the public’s production and daily life.

Under the blazing midday summer sun, the ambient temperature at the repair site approached 40°C. The outdoor heat was intense, and equipment surface temperatures were extremely high, posing significant challenges to the repair work. Despite the severe heat and urgent circumstances, the repair personnel worked against the clock to conduct equipment inspections, cable connections, fault diagnosis, and other tasks. They quickly completed the grid connection and paralleling of the emergency generator vehicles, providing emergency power to the affected area as soon as possible. After several hours of continuous effort by the power crew, normal power supply to the Shanshui Mingmen Community and its adjacent commercial outlets was fully restored at 16:50 that day, successfully completing this high-temperature emergency repair and power supply mission.

Since the onset of summer, the Liyang area has experienced frequent extreme weather events such as high temperatures and typhoons, leading to continuously rising power grid loads and intensifying pressure on power supply assurance. In response, State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company made proactive preparations and deployments in advance. They have consistently maintained adequate emergency repair capabilities, materials, and backup power generation equipment on standby, regularly conducted inspections and remediation of grid hazards, and continuously refined their emergency supply mechanisms. These efforts collectively build a comprehensive safety barrier for the summer operation of the power grid.

SC Introduces SCOPE Collection: A Curated Portfolio of Bangkok’s Finest Luxury Residences

Two ultra-luxury icons and one boutique Sukhumvit residence—fully completed, pet-friendly, ready to move in, and offering eligible international purchasers access to Thailand’s long-stay programme

BANGKOK, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SC presents SCOPE Collection, a curated portfolio of three fully completed residences offering international buyers immediate ownership opportunities across Bangkok’s most desirable neighbourhoods.

SCOPE Collection comprises two ultra-luxury landmarks and a boutique residence in Sukhumvit. All three developments are fully completed, pet-friendly, and ready for occupancy, with eligible international purchasers able to apply for Thailand’s long-stay programme.
SCOPE Collection comprises two ultra-luxury landmarks and a boutique residence in Sukhumvit. All three developments are fully completed, pet-friendly, and ready for occupancy, with eligible international purchasers able to apply for Thailand’s long-stay programme.

At the pinnacle of the collection are SCOPE Thonglor and SCOPE Langsuan—two ultra-luxury landmarks defined by exceptional scarcity, internationally acclaimed design, personalised hospitality, and addresses that cannot easily be replicated.

Guided by the philosophy “Think Sharp, Live Distinct,” SCOPE brings together Product Excellence, Lifestyle Integration, and World-Class Hospitality to create residences designed not only to be owned, but to retain their distinction and value for generations.

SCOPE Thonglor: The King of Penthouse Living

Only 18 families will ever own a residence at SCOPE Thonglor.

Situated on prime Sukhumvit Road adjacent to BTS Thong Lo Station, SCOPE Thonglor introduces Thailand’s first all-penthouse residential concept. Every residence occupies an entire floor, offering private lift access, no shared walls, expansive living spaces, and uninterrupted panoramic views across Bangkok. This is not conventional condominium living. It is the scale, privacy, and exclusivity of a private estate, elevated above one of the city’s most prestigious neighbourhoods.

Thonglor has long been a preferred address among affluent families, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and business leaders. Its proximity to Phrom Phong, luxury shopping destinations, acclaimed restaurants, international schools, leading hospitals, and major business districts reinforces its position as one of Bangkok’s most desirable places to live and own property.

The residences are designed by internationally acclaimed designer Thomas Juul-Hansen, whose portfolio includes some of New York and London’s most prestigious properties. His timeless aesthetic is expressed through exceptional proportions, refined materials, and meticulous craftsmanship.

Bespoke SieMatic kitchens manufactured in Germany are paired with appliances from globally renowned brands, including Gaggenau and Sub-Zero. Every element has been selected for buyers accustomed to the highest international standards.

Residences are available in simplex, duplex, and triplex configurations, starting from approximately 417 square metres and THB 190 million.

At the pinnacle of the development is The Trinity, an extraordinary three-level penthouse spanning approximately 756 square metres and priced at approximately THB 650 million. Created as the ultimate expression of SCOPE Thonglor, it combines exceptional scale, commanding city views, absolute privacy, and the freedom of living across three private levels.

The price represents more than square metres. It secures an entire floor—or, in the case of The Trinity, three exceptional levels—together with world-class design, highly personalised service, and membership within an exclusive community limited to only 18 owners.

SCOPE Langsuan: A Collectible Freehold Address

At SCOPE Langsuan, only one-bedroom residences remain—making this one of the final opportunities to own a residence within an ultra-luxury freehold landmark in the heart of Bangkok.

Located moments from Lumpini Park, Central Embassy, Central Chidlom, five-star hotels, and diplomatic embassies, SCOPE Langsuan stands within the city’s most established luxury ecosystem.

Ready-to-move-in freehold residences in this tightly held neighbourhood are increasingly difficult to secure. Land prices in the Langsuan area were recorded at approximately THB 750,000 per square metre in 2022, while more recent transactions have reached approximately THB 1 million per square metre—an increase of around 33%. This upward movement reflects the continued scarcity and appreciation of prime land in central Bangkok.

The area’s long-term potential is further supported by major upcoming developments, including WellEra, a new integrated wellness destination on the corner of Langsuan and Sarasin roads. Scheduled to open in 2030, it will bring together preventive healthcare, hospitality, branded residences, wellness services, and lifestyle retail within one connected ecosystem.

As the Langsuan district continues to evolve, SCOPE Langsuan offers a compelling opportunity to enter this prestigious neighbourhood at a highly competitive price for a completed ultra-luxury freehold residence.

Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, one of the world’s most celebrated architectural firms, with interiors by Thomas Juul-Hansen, SCOPE Langsuan brings international design pedigree to one of Bangkok’s most prestigious addresses.

Each residence is delivered with exceptional attention to detail and furnished with carefully selected imported pieces. Premium European kitchens by Bulthaup are complemented by appliances from globally recognised brands, including Gaggenau and Sub-Zero, creating a sophisticated home ready for immediate occupation.

Beyond the private residences, more than 2,500 square metres of facilities create an exclusive lifestyle environment. These include a private residents’ lounge, cinema, wellness and social spaces, concierge, and valet services.

The remaining one-bedroom residences start from approximately 83 square metres, with prices beginning at approximately THB 52.6 million.

SCOPE Promsri: Boutique Luxury with international Appeal

Located on Sukhumvit 49 between Phrom Phong and Thonglor, SCOPE Promsri offers boutique luxury within one of Bangkok’s most established international neighbourhoods. International schools, Samitivej International Hospital, premium supermarkets, wellness destinations, and leading restaurants are all within convenient reach. The area is particularly popular among Japanese professionals and families, supporting sustained demand for quality residences and long-term rental accommodation.

Comprising 146 residences across eight storeys, SCOPE Promsri combines the privacy and character of low-rise living with the convenience of a central Sukhumvit address. Its thoughtfully planned layouts serve both international homeowners and tenants, balancing sophisticated design with everyday practicality.

The residences feature premium furnishings from renowned French furniture house Ligne Roset in the brand’s first residential collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region. Elegant communal lounges, landscaped gardens, fitness and wellness facilities, and hospitality-inspired services create a refined residential experience aligned with the SCOPE standard.

Prices start at approximately THB 7 million for a 28.26-square-metre residence. Supported by its prime location and established expatriate tenant base, gross rental yields range from 4–6% per annum, with potential for long-term capital appreciation.

For buyers seeking a completed Sukhumvit residence with a prestigious brand, accessible entry price, and clear rental appeal, SCOPE Promsri presents one of the collection’s most compelling investment opportunities.

ACQUA: Hotel-Level Concierge That Knows Your Preferences

The SCOPE experience continues long after ownership transfer.

ACQUA provides residents with hotel-level concierge and lifestyle management services, delivering personalised support tailored to their individual preferences.

From preparing the residence before arrival to coordinating housekeeping, 24-hour valet assistance, private dining, wellness appointments, event planning, beautician services, and professional pet care, every detail is managed with precision, privacy, and discretion.

For international owners, ACQUA provides additional confidence and convenience by helping manage both the residence and its owner’s lifestyle requirements, whether they are living in Bangkok or travelling abroad.

At SCOPE, luxury is not simply about having access to premium services. It is about being understood well enough that every service feels personal, intuitive, and effortless.

Every residence within SCOPE Collection is fully completed, pet-friendly, and ready to move in. Buyers can inspect the actual property, experience its finished materials and views, and proceed with ownership without waiting for construction.

Eligible international purchasers may also apply for Thailand’s one-year long-stay programme after purchasing and transferring ownership of a qualifying SC condominium valued at THB 3 million or more. This provides greater flexibility for seasonal living, family relocation, retirement planning, and extended residence in Thailand.

Programme availability, purchaser eligibility, and application approval remain subject to the relevant terms and official requirements.

Whether seeking the unmatched privacy of an entire penthouse floor, one of the final one-bedroom residences at SCOPE Langsuan, or the rental potential of a boutique Sukhumvit home, SCOPE Collection offers an opportunity ready to be secured today.

Availability is limited. Prospective buyers are invited to contact SC for current promotional offers and an exclusive private viewing.

About SC

SC is one of Thailand’s leading property developers, committed to creating quality homes and communities through innovation, thoughtful design, and sustainable value. Through its portfolio of premium and luxury residential brands, including SCOPE Collection, SC continues to redefine contemporary living across Bangkok’s most sought-after locations.

#SCMasterofLuxury #SC #SCOPELangsuan #SCOPEThonglor #SCOPEPromsri #BangkokLuxuryProperty #UltraLuxuryLiving #BangkokRealEstate #ThailandLuxuryRealEstate

Contact us now for current promotions and private viewings:

Email: internationalbuyers@scasset.com 
Tel: +66 (0)65-050-5454
LINE Official: @scassetglobal
https://lin.ee/vOvyg6U

Infosys Powers NTN Corporation’s Digital Growth with Seamless SAP Commerce Cloud Adoption

Leveraging Infosys Cobalt, the collaboration enhances platform reliability and improves IT operations

OSAKA, Japan and BENGALURU, India, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in AI-first business consulting and technology services, today announced the successful migration of NTN Corporation‘s on-premise SAP Commerce-based e-commerce platform, e-WINGS, to SAP Commerce Cloud 2211. NTN Corporation is among the world’s leading manufacturers of precision equipment, including bearings.

Powered by Infosys’ proven methodologies, accelerators, and comprehensive SAP Commerce expertise, and leveraging Infosys Cobalt, a comprehensive set of services, solutions, and platforms that help enterprises accelerate their cloud journey, the migration of NTN’s on-premises e-commerce platform was executed swiftly, ensuring seamless business continuity. The transformation delivered tangible benefits for NTN Corporation, including streamlined maintenance by automating version control, enhanced reliability in daily operations, and improving cost efficiencies by enabling cloud adoption. With scalable, cloud-based architecture now in place, NTN is well-positioned to pursue digital growth with greater agility, modernize legacy system management, and focus on innovation and newer initiatives. This collaboration also underscores Infosys’s growing footprint in Japan and the ability to guide enterprises through complex digital transformations with agility and minimal risk.

Kenji Kitazato, Head – ICT Strategy Department, NTN Corporation, said, “This migration to SAP Commerce Cloud powered by Infosys has streamlined our IT operations, improved agility, and laid a strong foundation for future digital growth. This transformation enables us to utilize this new foundation and further promote the use of digital technology.”

Kishi Hattori, Chief Partner Officer, Partner Ecosystem Success, SAP Japan, said, “Infosys continues to demonstrate the transformative potential of SAP Commerce Cloud through its collaboration with NTN. By using SAP’s cloud features and Infosys’s strong knowledge in the field, companies like NTN can update their online shopping systems quickly, effectively, and with clear results for their business.”

Arun Hoskere, EVP and Head, Infosys Japan, said, “We are proud to collaborate with NTN Corporation on this strategic transformation. Our team’s deep expertise and insight into SAP Commerce Cloud, combined with Infosys’ experience in delivering complex, enterprise-scale digital transformations, enabled us to modernize NTN’s e-commerce landscape with agility and precision. This collaboration reflects our commitment to helping clients unlock agility, operational efficiency, and long-term business value through cloud-powered innovation.”

About NTN Corporation

NTN Corporation, founded in 1918, is a precision equipment manufacturer engaged in the development, production, and sales of products such as bearings and driveshafts (constant velocity joints). Today, more than 20,000 employees conduct business activities at over 200 locations in 33 countries worldwide.

The company’s main product, bearings, are essential and highly precise components that support the rotation of machinery. They are used in all kinds of machines, including automobiles, aircraft, and railway rolling stock, thereby supporting the lives of people around the world. Among its main products, hub bearings—which support the rotation of automobile tires—and driveshafts—which transmit the power of motors and engines to the tires—both boast a high global market share.

NTN aims to contribute to solving global social issues by utilizing its bearing technologies that help save energy across a wide range of fields. The company is committed to realizing a ‘Nameraka Society’ where people can easily lead a secure and fulfilling life in harmony with nature.

NTN HP: https://www.ntnglobal.com/

About Infosys

Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY) is a global leader in AI first business consulting and technology services. Over 325,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses, and communities. As navigators of enterprise transformation, we enable businesses in 59 countries to unlock AI value at scale. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we accelerate business transformation through our AI-first value framework, deep domain expertise, and our unique ability to orchestrate innovations from our AI-native partner ecosystem. Infosys is recognized as the fastest growing IT services brand globally, committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable partner for our clients where deep talent expertise, in an inclusive workplace, help them navigate their next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release, including those concerning our future events, future growth prospects, our future financial or operating performance and our offerings and collaborations are “forward looking statements” intended to qualify for the ‘safe harbor’ under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company, our industry, economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, and certain other matters. These forward-looking statements are subject to substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as artificial intelligence, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, particularly in the United States, our Environmental, Social, Governance (“ESG”) vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity and capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, cybersecurity matters, the outcome of pending litigation and the US government investigation, and the effect of current and future tariffs. These and additional factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not conclude that the results or outcomes referred to in any of the forward-looking statements will be achieved. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

 

EXPERIENCE SUMMER JOY AT THE PEAK: MONOPOLY DREAMS™ HONG KONG UNVEILS EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS

HONG KONG, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the vibrant summer travel season arrives, Hong Kong is buzzing with energy, welcoming global travelers to explore its world-renowned sights. To make this holiday season even more memorable, Monopoly Dreams™ Hong Kong, the world’s first MONOPOLY-themed immersive attraction located at the iconic Peak, has launched a limited-time summer promotion. Designed specifically for overseas visitors, this exclusive campaign invites families and friends to share in the ultimate summer joy at one of the city’s most beloved attractions.

Address:  Shop 301, 3/F, Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong
Address: Shop 301, 3/F, Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong

Summer holidays are all about creating shared memories with loved ones. Monopoly Dreams offers the perfect indoor oasis to escape the summer heat while diving into a world of shared excitement. Whether traveling with family or friends, visitors are transported into the captivating universe of the classic board game. The attraction features interactive challenges, multimedia experiences, and highly visual, shareable zones where guests can take memorable photos, and interact with Mr. MONOPOLY himself, making it a must-visit destination on any Hong Kong sightseeing itinerary.

A Sweet Addition to Your Summer Itinerary

To celebrate the joyful spirit of summer vacation, Monopoly Dreams is rolling out a special value campaign valid through the end of August. International guests can now unlock a 20% discount on standard admission tickets. Adding an extra layer of sweetness to the festive holiday vibe, every discounted ticket includes a complimentary cotton candy. This delightful pairing of savings and treats is designed to elevate the traveler’s experience, bringing a touch of whimsical joy to a day spent exploring The Peak.

Redeeming this exclusive summer deal is seamless for travelers planning their Hong Kong adventures. Visitors can simply access the official Monopoly Dreams online ticketing platform, select their preferred visit date, and enter the designated promo code [SUMMER26] during checkout. Upon arrival at the attraction, guests just present their valid ticket to embark on their immersive journey and claim their complimentary treat.

For ticket bookings and to start planning a joyful summer adventure, please visit [https://www.monopolydreams.com/tickets].

**About Monopoly Dreams™ Hong Kong:**Located at the iconic Peak, Monopoly Dreams™ Hong Kong is the world’s first immersive MONOPOLY-themed attraction. It invites visitors to step into the world of the beloved board game through interactive games, multimedia experiences, and family-friendly entertainment, serving as a premier destination for tourists and locals alike.

Laos Eyes State Fuel Stations as Future EV Charging Hubs

Pictures used to illustration purpose only.

Laos is exploring plans to turn state-owned fuel stations into electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging hubs as part of its push to expand charging infrastructure and reduce reliance on imported fuel.

The Lao State Fuel Company and Electricité du Laos signed an agreement on 24 July to study the feasibility of installing fast chargers at state fuel stations across the country.

Under the proposal, the charging stations would support both the international Combined Charging System (CCS Type 2) and China’s GB/T charging standards, allowing a wider range of electric vehicles to use the network.

The study will also look at transforming existing fuel stations into multi-service energy hubs by adding convenience stores, cafés, restaurants and other facilities for motorists.

If the project goes ahead, it could help reduce Laos’ dependence on imported petroleum products, the authorities believe. Although the country produces most of its electricity from hydropower, it still relies heavily on imported fuel, making it vulnerable to swings in global oil prices and placing pressure on foreign currency reserves.

EV Transition Gains Pace

The study comes as the government steps up efforts to build the infrastructure needed to support a nationwide shift to electric vehicles.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport introduced new regulations requiring government approval before home charging systems can be installed. The rules also tightened oversight of public charging stations, requiring construction permits, technical and safety inspections, and limiting new stations to approved locations such as shopping centres, transport hubs and fuel stations.

The measures build on a series of policies introduced this year to accelerate EV adoption. In May, Laos suspended imports of most new petrol and diesel vehicles until the end of 2026 while introducing price controls on electric vehicles to keep them affordable. Authorities also instructed relevant agencies to develop a pricing framework covering factory costs, transport, taxes and profit margins to prevent excessive mark-ups.

The government has also been expanding the infrastructure behind the transition. In April, it signed agreements with 27 public and private sector partners to develop charging stations, battery-swapping facilities, digital charging systems and financing for EV-related investments.

In June, authorities restored higher fuel excise taxes after temporary reductions introduced during the country’s fuel supply crisis expired. Officials said the long-term strategy is to reduce reliance on imported petroleum by expanding EV infrastructure and encouraging more drivers to switch to electricity.