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Laos Begins Compensation Process for Railway-Affected Residents

Khamsavath Station in Vientiane, Laos, part of the Lao-Thai Railway network.

The Lao government has begun compensating residents whose land and property have been affected by the Lao-Thai Railway Project, despite ongoing delays in updating land documentation.

During the 9th Ordinary Session of the Vientiane Capital People’s Council on 9 July, members raised concerns about delays in updating land titles for affected areas. In response, Anouthai Chanthalasy, Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Vientiane Capital, confirmed that compensation is being implemented..

The Lao-Thai Railway project is being implemented in two phases, according to Anouthai.

The first phase has already completed both compensation and land title adjustments. 

Meanwhile, the second phase, currently in progress, spans across a 7.5-kilometer stretch running through five villages in Saysettha district, including South Nakhuay, Meuangnoy, Somsanga, Nonwai, and Khamsavath.

Buffer Zone Reduced, Compensation Scaled Back

Initially, the designated railway buffer zone was 40 meters wide, affecting 288 land plots and covering over 682,000 square meters. Compensation for this land was estimated at more than LAK 170 billion (about USD 7.9 million). 

However, this zone was later reduced to 20 meters on 25 March 2020. With the revision, 250 plots covering 507,168 square meters are now subject to compensation worth over LAK 130 billion (about USD 6 million).

To date, the Vientiane authority has received 56 land title documents from Saysettha district’s Department of Public Works and Transport. Of these, 41 have been corrected, while 15 remain pending, one in a logistics zone and 14 awaiting technical surveying.

Officials have pledged to resolve the remaining land title issues by August and will coordinate with the compensation committee to accelerate payments to affected households while finalizing adjustments to an additional 194 land plots.

The Lao-Thai Railway began cross-border passenger service on 30 October 2023, operating between Vientiane Capital, Laos, and Nong Khai Province, Thailand. The route was further extended on 20 July 2024, with the launch of a direct service from Khamsavath Station in Vientiane Capital to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station in Bangkok.

Positioning Vietnam – Promoting the National Image in the New Era


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 July 2025 – A seminar titled “Positioning Vietnam – Promoting the National Image in the New Era” was co-hosted in Hanoi on July 9 by Vietnam News and Law newspaper under the Vietnam News Agency and the Department of Grassroots Information and External Information under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Mrs. Vu Viet Trang, General Director of the Vietnam News Agency, delivered the keynote speech at the seminar. Photo: VNSL
Mrs. Vu Viet Trang, General Director of the Vietnam News Agency, delivered the keynote speech at the seminar. Photo: VNSL

The event aimed to gather expert feedback for the Draft Strategy on Promoting Vietnam’s National Image Abroad.

The strategy’s overall goal is to enhance positive information about Vietnam both domestically and internationally, improving global awareness of a stable, developing, innovative and culturally rich country. It seeks to elevate the country’s standing on the international stage.

According to the draft strategy, which is expected to be submitted to the Prime Minister later this month, by 2030 all provinces and centrally governed cities will implement international communication campaigns aligned with a unified national direction.

The plan also targets the organisation of at least 10 major international media campaigns and aims to increase the volume of positive international media coverage and digital content about Vietnam to at least 80 per cent.

The strategy further aspires for Vietnam to rank among the top 40 countries with the most favourable media presence globally, attract 35 million international visitors by 2030, and have the cultural industry contribute 7 per cent of GDP by 2030 and 8 per cent by 2035.

To achieve these goals, the strategy proposes a diversified communication approach, combining traditional and digital platforms.

It also recommends integrating media campaigns into diplomatic, cultural and sports events; partnering with international media outlets, film crews and foreign correspondents.

Supporting measures include enhancing local capacity, building unique local brands, conducting international surveys and strengthening the role of external communication platforms.

Developing a modern, cohesive and competitive communication strategy is considered a critical step in amplifying Vietnam’s values in a rapidly changing world.

As Vietnam’s global credibility and governance capacity continue to grow, there is a rising need to inspire national development aspirations and promote the image of a strong and resilient nation.

Vu Viet Trang, Vietnam News Agency General Director said: “Positioning the national image is not only the task of the media but an essential part of overall development strategy. To successfully implement the strategy, we need a strong communication ecosystem where mainstream journalism plays a leading role, offering credible data as a foundation for other stakeholders — from KOLs and digital creators to businesses and overseas Vietnamese — to tell a consistent and inspiring story of Vietnam.”

Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, Director of the Department of Grassroots Information and External Information, delivered a presentation on the draft strategy. Photo: VNSL
Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, Director of the Department of Grassroots Information and External Information, delivered a presentation on the draft strategy. Photo: VNSL

Pham Anh Tuan, director of the Department of Grassroots Information and External Information, said “The competition to shape national image is growing increasingly fierce, yet Vietnam’s image still falls short of reflecting our achievements. That’s why the Government has assigned the task of developing a long-term, strategic plan to secure our rightful position on the global map.”

Nguyen Minh, Viet Nam News and Law’s editor-in-chief, said “We are fully aware of our role in promoting the image of a modern, dynamic and deeply integrated Vietnam that remains rooted in its cultural identity. We continue to innovate our content, expand our digital and multimedia platforms and strengthen cooperation with domestic and international partners to bring authentic and compelling Vietnamese stories to the world.”

The seminar gathered representatives from ministries, news agencies, communication experts, businesses and international organisations. Participants exchanged insights and contributed valuable input on the strategy’s content.

Key discussion topics included national image positioning, storytelling methods to promote Vietnam globally, international best practices in nation branding and the role of digital communication and independent storytellers in a multi-platform era.

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

Laos Launches New Training Program to Empower Underprivileged Lao Youth

The signing ceremony between the Lao Employment Business Association (LEBA) and the Skills Development Institute (Photo: the Skills Development Institute)

Underprivileged Lao youths are set to receive skills training and job preparation through a newly launched initiative designed to improve living conditions and close the employment gap for those with limited access to job opportunities nationwide.

Results of the ixCrypto Index Series Quarterly Review (2025 Q2) & IX Digital Asset Industry Index Series Half Yearly Review (2025 1H)


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 July 2025 – Today, IX Asia Indexes announced the 2025 2nd quarter review of the ixCrypto Index Series and the IX Digital Asset Industry Index Series. The constituent changes will be implemented on the effective date of 18th July 2025 (Friday). The results of the constituent review and exchange review are as follows:

1. Constituent Review – ixCrypto Index Series
1.1. ixCrypto Index (“IXCI”)
The number of constituents will increase to 21 with 3 additions and 0 deletions.

Additions
  1. Hyperliquid
  1. Pi
  1. Pepe
Deletions

No deletion

After the change, the free float adjusted market capitalization coverage is 84.28%* (excluding stablecoins, which has 7.29% of the total crypto universe), while the 90-day-average volume is 74.54%*. The constituents change above and recapping at 40% will take effect on the effective date.

Since the last review, there has been a decrease in the crypto total market capitalization from USD3.14T to USD3.09T (-1.59%)#, and a decrease in the daily volume from USD122.17B to USD107.37B (-12.11%)#. Bitcoin remains the largest crypto in the constituent list, with its price increased by 31.64% since the last review.

1.2. ixCrypto Portfolio Indexes
1.2.1 ixCrypto 5 Equal Weight Index (“IXEW5”) and ixCrypto 5 Square Root Index (“IXSR5”)

Additions
No addition
Deletions
No deletion

1.2.2 ixCrypto 10 Equal Weight Index (“IXEW10”) and ixCrypto 10 Square Root Index (“IXSR10”).

Additions
  1. Sui
  1. Hyperliquid
Deletions
  1. Avalanche
  1. Stellar
1.2.3 ixCrypto Altcoin 10 EW Index (“IXAEW10”) and ixCrypto Altcoin 10 SR Index (“IXASR10”).

Additions
  1. Hyperliquid
Deletions
  1. Stellar

1.3. ixCrypto BTC/ETH Indexes
As of the cut-off date on 30th June 2025, the ixCrypto BTC/ETH 50/50 Index (“IX5050”) maintains a 50%/50% weighting for the ixBitcoin Index (IXBI) and ixEthereum Index (IXEI). The ixCrypto BTC/ETH Proportional Index (“IXPI”) has a weighting of 88.23% and 11.77% for IXBI and IXEI, respectively.

At the upcoming effective date, IX5050 weightings will remain unchanged at 50%/50%. IXPI weightings will be adjusted to 87.71% and 12.29% for IXBI and IXEI, respectively, reflecting the market capitalization proportions of Bitcoin and Ethereum at the cut-off date.
2. Constituent Review- IX Digital Asset Industry Index Series
2.1 ixCrypto Stablecoin Index

The number of constituents will remain at 4. Stablecoin comprises 7.29% of the total crypto universe, and ixCrypto Stablecoin Index covers around 98.50% of the 90-day average market capitalization in the stablecoin universe.

Additions
No addition

Deletions

No deletion

2.2 ixCrypto Infrastructure Index
The number of constituents will decrease to 20 from 23 with 2 additions and 5 deletions.

Additions
  1. Hyperliquid
  1. GateToken
Deletions
  1. Stacks
  1. Arbitrum
  1. Optimism
  1. Fantom
  1. Injective
3. Exchange Review
As a result of exchange review, 8 exchanges passed the review process, which are as follows:

Passed Exchanges
  1. Binance
  1. Bybit
  1. Coinbase Advanced
  1. OKX
  1. Gate.io
  1. MEXC (NEW)
  1. Bitget
  1. Crypto.com (NEW)
Removed Exchanges

  1. Bitrue
  1. WhiteBIT

The selected 8 exchanges will be used to generate each of the fair average prices for the IX indexes’ constituents. The exchange review covers volume rankings, exchange background checks, founders’ background checks, USD/USDT/USDC/BTC pair coverage, overconcentration rules, exchange API coverage checks, and stability, among other aspects, for an exchange.

For more details about our exchange selection criteria, please email info@ix-index.com. More information on the ixCrypto Indexes, including their constituents and constituents’ weights, is provided in the Appendices, or refer to the website https://ix-index.com/.

*Exclude stable coins and exchange coins that trigger conflict of interest (based on conflict-of-interest rule methodology 3.9, effective on Oct 2, 2020)

#As of 30th June 2025, based on the past 90 days average
XXXX (NEW)Newly introduced exchanges as of 2025 Q2

Appendix 1

ixCrypto Index (“IXCI”)
Universe

All crypto coins traded in at least two different exchanges around the world

Selection Criteria

Cryptocurrencies ranking in the top 80% of cumulative full market capitalization (“MC”) coverage and within an acceptable range in accordance with the Volume Buffer Rule in terms of 90-day average trading volume

Number of Constituents

21 in Q2 2025

Launch Date

12th December 2018

Base Date

3rd December 2018

Base Value

1,000

Reconstitution Rule

If the coverage is below 75% or any of constituents is not within an acceptable range in accordance with the Volume Buffer Rule in terms of 90-day average trading volume, IXCI will be reconstituted to bring MC coverage back and do liquidity screening.

Reconstitution and Rebalancing Frequency

Quarterly and with a fast entry rule

Weighting Methodology

Free float adjusted market capitalization weighted with a cap of 40%

Currency

US Dollar

Dissemination

Every 5 seconds for 24×7

(On Bloomberg, Reuters and major information vendors)

Website

Wechat

信昇亞洲指數
Appendix 2
Weightings of the Constituents of ixCrypto Index

Crypto

90-day-average- Market Cap

90-day-average-Volume

Cut-off

Price

Cumulative

Market Coverage

Weighting (%) After 40% Cap#

1

Bitcoin

$1,958,824,850,898

$43,773,161,779

$108,385.57

63.30%

40.00%

2

Ethereum

$264,630,208,306

$20,330,586,434

$2,500.96

71.85%

26.24%

3

XRP

$129,093,439,083

$3,536,484,161

$2.21

76.02%

11.32%

4

Solana

$77,727,473,997

$3,889,287,782

$153.35

78.53%

7.13%

5

Dogecoin

$27,568,851,994

$1,414,503,515

$0.17

79.42%

2.21%

6

TRON

$24,735,939,164

$640,070,448

$0.28

80.22%

2.28%

7

Cardano

$23,831,031,962

$814,152,503

$0.58

80.99%

1.78%

8

Sui

$10,244,970,455

$1,278,858,659

$2.90

81.32%

0.86%

9

Chainlink

$9,279,422,096

$404,124,268

$13.73

81.62%

0.81%

10

Hyperliquid

$8,951,075,346

$230,002,470

$39.74

81.91%

1.15%

11

Avalanche

$8,611,447,780

$368,069,992

$18.74

82.19%

0.69%

12

Stellar

$8,238,304,094

$197,531,742

$0.24

82.46%

0.65%

13

Bitcoin Cash

$7,771,865,094

$330,241,952

$503.79

82.71%

0.87%

14

Toncoin

$7,712,917,926

$187,410,580

$2.91

82.96%

0.63%

15

Shiba Inu

$7,659,613,344

$220,836,176

$0.00

83.20%

0.61%

16

Hedera

$7,318,869,233

$204,080,474

$0.15

83.44%

0.56%

17

Litecoin

$6,600,292,835

$462,534,345

$87.99

83.65%

0.58%

18

Polkadot

$6,402,181,346

$195,868,905

$3.55

83.86%

0.49%

19

Pi

$4,745,528,506

$229,349,123

$0.53

84.01%

0.35%

20

Pepe

$4,297,898,972

$1,026,963,274

$0.00

84.15%

0.38%

21

Uniswap

$3,877,141,952

$297,010,690

$7.40

84.28%

0.41%

As of 30 June 2025

# Weighting (%) after 40% Cap is adjusted according to the cut-off price, the arrangement of order may not be the same as 90-day-average-Market Cap

Selection of index constituents is based on the past 90-day-average market capitalization and volume.

For the calculation methodology of the index, please refer to the “ixCrypto Index Methodology Paper” on our website

Appendix 3

Weightings of the Constituents of ixCrypto Portfolio Indexes
Index Constituent

ixCrypto 5 EW Index

ixCrypto 5 SR Index

ixCrypto 10 EW Index

ixCrypto 10 SR Index

ixCrypto Altcoin 10 EW Index

ixCrypto

Altcoin 10

SR Index

1

Bitcoin

20.00%

51.98%

10.00%

43.16%

2

Ethereum

20.00%

19.45%

10.00%

16.15%

10.00%

27.03%

3

XRP

20.00%

12.78%

10.00%

10.61%

10.00%

17.75%

4

Solana

20.00%

10.14%

10.00%

8.42%

10.00%

14.09%

5

Dogecoin

20.00%

5.65%

10.00%

4.69%

10.00%

7.84%

6

TRON

10.00%

4.21%

10.00%

7.04%

7

Cardano

10.00%

4.76%

10.00%

7.97%

8

Sui

10.00%

2.84%

10.00%

4.75%

9

Chainlink

10.00%

2.61%

10.00%

4.38%

10

Hyperliquid

10.00%

2.55%

10.00%

4.26%

11

Avalanche

10.00%

4.89%

As of 30 June 2025

Appendix 4

Weightings of the Constituents of ixCrypto BTC/ETH 50/50 Index and ixCrypto BTC/ETH Proportional Index
Crypto

90-day-average Crypto Market Cap

90-day-average Crypto Volume

Index Level

Weight in BTC/ETH 50/50

Weight in BTC/ETH Proportional

Bitcoin

$1,958,824,850,898

$43,773,161,779

26259.77

50.00%

87.71%

Ethereum

$264,630,208,306

$20,330,586,434

21550.90

50.00%

12.29%

As of 30 June 2025

Appendix 5
Weightings of the Constituents of ixCrypto Stablecoin Indexes
Crypto

90-day-average- Market Cap

90-day-average-

volume

Cut-off

Price

Cumulative

Market Coverage

Weighting (%) After 40% Cap

1

Tether USDT

$150,434,687,801

$74,954,359,584

$ 1.0003

4.86%

40.00%

2

USDC

$61,142,710,723

$10,713,787,820

$ 0.9999

6.84%

40.00%

3

Ethena USDe

$5,365,061,050

$10,894,372,584

$ 0.9998

7.01%

10.06%

4

Dai

$5,190,458,650

$100,774,939

$ 1.0003

7.18%

9.94%

As of 30 June 2025
Appendix 6

Weightings of the Constituents of ixCrypto Infrastructure Index
Crypto

90-day-average- Market Cap

90-day-average-volume

Cut-off Price

Cumulative

Market Coverage

Weighting (%) After 40% Cap#

1

Ethereum

$264,630,208,306

$20,330,586,434

$2,500.96

8.55%

40.00%

2

Solana

$77,727,473,997

$3,889,287,782

$153.35

11.06%

23.53%

3

TRON

$24,735,939,164

$640,070,448

$0.28

11.86%

7.53%

4

Cardano

$23,831,031,962

$814,152,503

$0.58

12.63%

5.87%

5

Sui

$10,244,970,455

$1,278,858,659

$2.90

12.96%

2.83%

6

Chainlink

$9,279,422,096

$404,124,268

$13.73

13.26%

2.67%

7

Hyperliquid

$8,951,075,346

$230,002,470

$39.74

13.55%

3.81%

8

Avalanche

$8,611,447,780

$368,069,992

$18.74

13.83%

2.27%

9

Toncoin

$7,712,917,926

$187,410,580

$2.91

14.08%

2.07%

10

Hedera

$7,318,869,233

$204,080,474

$0.15

14.32%

1.86%

11

Polkadot

$6,402,181,346

$195,868,905

$3.55

14.52%

1.62%

12

Aptos

$3,131,713,884

$151,613,038

$4.96

14.62%

0.92%

13

NEAR Protocol

$2,973,329,612

$182,318,756

$2.26

14.72%

0.80%

14

Internet Computer

$2,684,391,657

$75,870,046

$5.08

14.81%

0.78%

15

Ethereum Classic

$2,579,704,121

$101,042,400

$16.97

14.89%

0.74%

16

GateToken

$2,419,718,826

$10,896,292

$15.75

14.97%

0.56%

17

Mantle

$2,342,288,931

$210,686,737

$0.60

15.04%

0.58%

18

POL (prev. MATIC)

$2,212,231,131

$121,033,232

$0.18

15.12%

0.55%

19

VeChain

$2,126,095,766

$52,034,336

$0.02

15.18%

0.54%

20

Cosmos

$1,724,317,079

$112,401,543

$4.21

15.24%

0.47%

As of 30 June 2025

# Weighting (%) after 40% Cap is adjusted according to the cut-off price; the arrangement of order may not be the same as the 90-day-average-Market Cap
Selection of index constituents is based on the past 90-day-average market capitalization and volume.

For the calculation methodology of the index, please refer to the “ixCrypto Index Methodology Paper” on our website

Appendix 7
ixCrypto Indexes Dissemination

Real time indexes are disseminated every 5-second interval for 24×7 since 23 June 2022. The real-time indexes are available for viewing on the IX Crypto Index official webpage. For IXCI, IXBI and IXEI, the indexes are also available through Nasdaq Global Index Data Service (GIDS) with the tickers “IXCI”, “IXBI” and “IXEI”, with dissemination interval kept at 15-second unchanged.
The vendor tickers are shown below:

Index Name

Bloomberg Ticker

NASDAQ

Reuters Ticker

Real-time

Delayed

ixCrypto Index

IXCI

IXCI2

.IXCI

.IXCI

ixBitcoin Index

IXCBI

IXCBI2

.IXBI

.IXBI1

ixEthereum Index

IXCEI

IXCEI2

.IXEI

.IXEI1

For further information about ixCrypto Index and other available indexes including IX Crypto spot price index series, please visit company official webpage https://ix-index.com or subscribe to LinkedIn: IX Asia Indexes

For data licensing and product, please contact us at licensing@ix-index.com.

For free API use on academic research or trial, please contact enquiry@ix-index.com

Hashtag: #ixCrypto

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

About IX Asia Indexes and IX Asia Index Advisory Committee

IX Capital International Limited is an award-winning index and investment advisory company. The index business arm- IX Asia Indexes, providing real-time digital asset and innovative indexes, disseminated 24×7 globally and built on robust infrastructure. Since the launch of the first crypto benchmark index (“IXCI”) launched in Hong Kong in December 2018, the ixCrypto index series expand into 29 indexes designed for exchange futures products, mark-to-market, and fund managers’ portfolio construction purposes. To ensure the professionality and impartiality of the index methodologies and operations, IX Asia Indexes has established its index advisory committee with representation from different industries, including fund management, exchanges, brokerage, financial blockchain experts, crypto service providers, etc. The committee will meet quarterly a year to discuss matters relating to the IX Asia Indexes, including to review and to comment the data sources, methodologies, and operations of IX Asia Indexes, to provide guidance to the future development of new IX Asia Indexes and to handle other issues and decisions on an as-needed basis.
IX Asia Indexes was awarded the Fintech Award (wealth investment and management) 2019 and 2021 organised by ETNet. It as well won an award for Startup of the Year and Basic Technology (Big Data) from Hong Kong Fintech Impetus Awards 2022 by Metro Broadcast and KPMG. It also won Asia Pacific Enterprise Achievement Award 2024 by Echolade. IX Asia Indexes completed its IOSCO compliance statement and obtained ISO/IEC 27001:2013 UKAS certification.

About IX Crypto Indexes

The ixCrypto index (“IXCI”) is the first crypto index launched in Hong Kong. It was launched on 12 December 2018. It is denominated in USD with a base value of 1000 and a base date on 3 December 2018. Designed to be easy to understand while providing a good representation of the crypto market, ixCrypto index aims to cover the top 80% of the cumulative free-float adjusted market capitalization in the crypto universe and, at the same time, the crypto currencies should fall within the top liquid cryptos ranked by trading volume in the 90 days preceding the review date. The index is to be reviewed quarterly and with a fast entry rule. Real time indexes are disseminated every 5-second for 24×7 since 23 June 2022. Real time index data together with ixBitcoin Index and ixEthereum Index can be obtained from IX Asia Indexes Data Services and Bloomberg terminal on IXCI . For IXCI, IXBI and IXEI, the indexes are also available through Nasdaq Global Index Data Service (GIDS) with the tickers “IXCI”, “IXBI”, “IXEI”, with dissemination interval kept at 15-second unchanged.

The Real Fertility Crisis? Young People are Denied Choice

World Population Day: UNFPA Calls for Greater Support for Young People Across Asia-Pacific. (Photo credit: United Nations Population Fund Laos)

On World Population Day, UNFPA Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Pio Smith calls for systems that empower young people across the region to decide on their future where parenthood is a choice – not a risk or a burden.

Across Asia and the Pacific, fertility rates are falling. Headlines warn of “population collapse,” and young people are often blamed, accused of turning away from parenthood. But the real crisis is not “too many” or “too few” births. It’s about whether young people can choose when and how to start or grow a family, on their own terms. For too many young people who ask the question: Can I build the life I want? The answer is no.

This is the fertility story we need to tell. Not one driven by panic but by the urgent need to support reproductive agency and real choice.

Around the region and the world, young people are either shut out of parenthood or forced into it by systems that fail them. Systems that push girls into early motherhood without access to contraception or education, that delay parenthood for couples facing job insecurity, unaffordable housing or rigid gender roles, that exclude young people because of who they are, who they love, or where they live.

Pio Smith, UNFPA Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. (Photo credit: UNFPA)

A few months ago, I met a 17-year-old mother in a remote part of Vanuatu, who had walked for hours to reach the nearest clinic. It was her first time accessing any kind of healthcare as a young adult. No contraception. No antenatal care. Yet she spoke about her dream to finish school and become a teacher. Her aspiration is not extraordinary. But the obstacles in her way are.

This story is not unusual. It echoes across the region. Over 40 per cent of adolescent pregnancies are unintended and fewer than one in four sexually active, unmarried adolescents use modern contraception. In rural areas, in conflict zones, and among marginalized groups, the barriers are even greater. They fall heaviest on migrants, LGBTQIA+ youth, young people with disabilities and ethnic minorities. 

In some countries, social stigma and legal restrictions keep young people from accessing sexual and reproductive care. In others, it’s restrictive gender norms, especially for unmarried youth. In crisis-affected areas, services are overstretched or non-existent. These are not just health gaps. They are justice failures.

Even where services exist, economic insecurity, care burdens and social expectations still stand in the way of reproductive agency. UNFPA’s 2025 State of the World Population report shows that in Thailand, where most people reported wanting two or more children, fertility has declined to 1.2 children per woman. In the Republic of Korea, it’s 0.8, the lowest in the world – not because people are rejecting parenthood, but because the systems around them prevent them from realizing their aspirations. 

Reproductive agency means more than access to services. It means the power to make informed choices, free from stigma, discrimination and coercion. It means being able to start a family – or not – in safety, dignity and with hope.

Today, young people are navigating a world marked by climate disasters, economic instability and rising conflict. Many feel they’ve inherited a future more fragile than their parents’ – one shaped by decisions made without them. And when hope disappears, so does the willingness to bring children into the world. But this is not inevitable.

If we want to see stronger families and resilient societies, we must create the conditions that make choice and hope possible.

That means youth-friendly health services and comprehensive sexuality education. Decent jobs, affordable housing and parental leave. It also means building safe and inclusive digital spaces and education systems that provide young people with the tools to lead and the support to thrive. It means investing in youth-led solutions, mentorship, and civic leadership, not as afterthoughts, but as priorities.

None of this can be achieved with one-off incentives or reactive policies. It requires sustained, long-term investment in systems that uphold rights and dignity, regardless of fertility rates. 

We must stop trying to “fix” fertility. What needs fixing are the systems that are failing our young people. 

One young person who contributed to this year’s State of World Population Report put it best:

“Before I bring a child into this world, I have to fight for the right to do so on my own terms. This isn’t just my fight. It’s the fight of billions of young people trapped in systems that deny them the rights and dignity they deserve.”

This World Population Day, let’s commit to hearing that call and answering it.

Let’s build a region where every young person has the power to decide on their future, where parenthood is a choice – not a burden or a risk – and where the future is shaped not by fear, but by hope.

Alibaba’s Amap Launches China’s First Multilingual Map with 14 new Languages for Overseas Users


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 July 2025 – As China continues to streamline its visa, transportation, payment and departure tax refund policies, interest in “China Travel” is soaring. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, foreign inbound tourists reached 7,367,400 in the first quarter of 2025, a 39.2% increase year-on-year.

To further enhance the travel experience for foreign visitors, Alibaba Group’s Amap officially launched China’s first multilingual map on July 9. Building on its existing Chinese and English versions, the platform now supports 14 additional languages: Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Thai, Japanese, Korean, Turkish, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Malay, Indonesian, and Vietnamese.

Overseas users can now directly download the multilingual version of Amap via the App Store and Google Play.

Earlier this year, Amap became the first domestic platform to introduce an English-language map specifically designed for overseas users, providing a more pleasurable and seamless travel experience in China. The release of the multilingual version further broadens language coverage, enabling users from non-English-speaking countries to also benefit from Amap’s high-quality mobility services.

The multilingual version features a fully localized interface and geographic information, accurately displaying locations across China. It includes names and descriptions of key places such as tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels, assisting foreign visitors in quickly familiarizing themselves with and navigating their surroundings effortlessly.

The multilingual version is seamlessly integrated with Amap’s core functions, allowing foreign visitors to access the same driving, walking, cycling, and public transport navigation services as local users.

It also features an English-language ride-hailing function, allowing foreign visitors in China to book vehicles across multiple platforms with a single tap, while easily accessing key information such as pick-up locations and fare estimates.

Amap, under Alibaba Group, is a leading provider of professional travel and location service solutions. Since its inception, Amap has remained committed to “connecting the real world with a living map for smarter journeys and better living.” In the future, Amap will continue to enhance its multilingual services, covering more languages and usage scenarios, to help overseas users seamlessly adapt to travel and life in China.

Hashtag: #Amap #Alibaba #Travel #Ride-hailing #Map #Navigation

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

MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd Announces CEO Transition: Mr Chua Retires After 42 Years Of Distinguished Service

Industry veteran steps down after leading company through 15 years of consecutive business growth and digital transformation. He is succeeded by Ms Ang Yien Chia.


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 July 2025 – MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd (“MSIG Malaysia”) announced that Mr. Chua Seck Guan, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) since 30 March 2010, retired on 2 July 2025 after an illustrious career spanning 42 years in the insurance industry, including 15 years at the helm of MSIG Malaysia. Effective July 3, 2025, Ms. Ang Yien Chia succeeded him as the new CEO of the general insurer.

Mr. Chua’s career at MSIG Malaysia is marked by a series of remarkable achievements. Starting at the company when it was NZI Insurance as a Loss Control Surveyor, he progressively advanced through the ranks, occupying key leadership roles across various regions, including East Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Peninsular Malaysia. During this period, he witnessed the company’s transformation, including experiencing two major mergers and four strategic acquisitions.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Mr Chua was instrumental in advocating for the advancement of the insurance industry in Malaysia and throughout ASEAN. He served in key roles with the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM), as industry representative of the Joint Committee on Climate Change (JC3), and with the ASEAN Insurance Council. He also held various board chairman and advisory roles across industry bodies. His journey reflects a legacy of strategic leadership and unwavering dedication to both the company and the insurance industry.

As the steward of one of the largest general insurance providers in the country, Mr Chua led MSIG Malaysia through significant milestones, including consistent growth in Gross Written Premium (GWP), underwriting results, and strong financial performance. He introduced innovative general insurance solutions tailored to the needs of today’s policyholders and pioneered digital transformation initiatives that enhanced customer experience and operational efficiency. Mr Chua was instrumental in establishing the insurer’s Data Analytics Department, leveraging consumer insights that enable the company to develop beneficial, win-win solutions for company, customers, and intermediaries, enabling the insurer and its partners to transition from tariff to risk-based pricing for both current and future products.

Under his leadership, MSIG Malaysia achieved 15 consecutive years of underwriting profitability, successfully navigated a key strategic partnership, and led the company through the detariffication of Motor and Property classes. The company also developed numerous innovative motor and fire products, with add-on products contributing to the company’s growth. This track record of sustained excellence and innovation has earned widespread industry recognition. Among the accolades received during Mr Chua’s tenure are the Asia Insurance Review’s General Insurance Company of the Year in 2015, and InsuranceAsia News’ Property and Casualty Insurer of the Year 2018 as well as multiple intragroup regional Innovation Awards and the PTV-Mini PA (microinsurance for B40).

Expressing his gratitude, Mr Chua stated, “It has been an incredible journey, and I am immensely thankful to our Head Office in Japan, MSIG Malaysia’s board members, senior leadership team and employees, as well as our partners, and our customers for their trust and support over these 42 years. I’m filled with gratitude, pride, and a deep sense of fulfilment as I transition to a senior advisory role. I leave confident that MSIG Malaysia will continue to thrive and grow under Ms. Ang’s capable leadership.”

Following Mr Chua’s retirement, MSIG Malaysia is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Ang Yien Chia as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective 3 July 2025. Ms. Ang brings extensive experience and a proven track record in the insurance sector, having served MSIG Malaysia for 29 years in various strategic roles across East and Peninsular Malaysia. Over the past eight years, she has been a key member of the Senior Management Team, where her leadership and strategic insights have played a vital role in shaping the company’s direction and fostering growth across multiple distribution channels, including Agency, Bancassurance, Broking, Direct Corporate and Affinity Partnerships.

Ms. Ang stated, “I am honoured to take on this role, building on the strong foundation laid by Mr Chua over the past four decades. My focus will be on driving continued innovation, enhancing customer satisfaction, and further strengthening MSIG Malaysia’s market position while preserving the culture of excellence and teamwork that has made us successful.”

To ensure a smooth transition, Mr Chua will continue to serve in a senior advisory capacity, helping to maintain continuity across strategic initiatives and key stakeholder relationships.

MSIG Malaysia expresses its deepest appreciation to Mr Chua for his exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication, and extends its best wishes as he transitions to his advisory role.

-END-

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is Mr Chua retiring from his role as CEO of MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd?
Mr Chua is retiring after an illustrious 42-year career in the insurance industry, including 15 years as the CEO of MSIG Malaysia. His retirement is part of a planned leadership transition, though he will continue to contribute as a senior business advisor.

2. Who will succeed Mr Chua as the new CEO of MSIG Malaysia?
Ms. Ang Yien Chia will succeed Mr Chua as the new CEO of MSIG Malaysia, effective 3 July 2025.

3. What are the key achievements of Mr Chua’s tenure at MSIG Malaysia?
Mr Chua led MSIG Malaysia to become one of the leading general insurers with consistent growth in Gross Written Premium (GWP), underwriting results, and strong financial performance for 15 consecutive years. He successfully navigated a key strategic partnership, led the company through the detariffication of Motor and Property classes, and established the Data Analytics Department. Under his leadership, the company introduced numerous innovative motor and fire products, with add-on products contributing significantly to the company’s GWP growth.

4. What will Mr Chua do after his retirement?
Mr Chua will transition to a senior business advisor role, sharing insights and advice to support a smooth leadership transition while minimising risks often associated with leadership changes. He remains committed to MSIG Malaysia and will focus on ensuring continuity and supporting the new CEO.

5. Who is the new CEO of MSIG Malaysia, and what is their background?
Ms. Ang Yien Chia is a homegrown talent with over 29 years of experience in the general insurance sector at MSIG Malaysia. She has built a strong strategic foundation through her involvement in several branch operations across East and Peninsular Malaysia, consistently driving excellence in business development, claims, and underwriting management. Over the past eight years, she has been a key member of the Senior Management Team, recognised for her ability to lead through change and strategic foresight.

6. How will this leadership transition impact MSIG Malaysia’s customers and partners?
MSIG Malaysia remains committed to maintaining its high standards of customer service, innovation, and financial strength. The leadership transition is designed to be smooth, with Mr Chua’s continued involvement as senior advisor ensuring no disruption to customers or partners. Ms. Ang’s 29-year tenure with the company ensures deep understanding of all stakeholder relationships.

7. Can we speak with Mr Chua or the new CEO for an interview?
Media interview requests can be directed to Yee Feng Lim (+603 2039 0908 | yeefeng_lim@my.msig-asia.com) or Vinsant Huang (+604 2190 882 | vinsant_huang@my.msig-asia.com).


Hashtag: #MSIGMalaysia

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

About MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd

MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd (“MSIG Malaysia”) is a subsidiary of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited and a member of MS&AD Insurance Group Holding, Inc. (MS&AD).

With over 100 years of general insurance experience and a nationwide network of 20 branches in Malaysia, MSIG Malaysia is one of the leading general insurers in Fire, Engineering and Motor classes and No.1* in Marine Cargo, offering an extensive range of products and services for personal and business needs.

MSIG Malaysia’s expertise is well recognised through its receipt of many prestigious awards. These have included the 2020 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award – Silver winner in the Car Insurance category. MSIG was recognised for having one of the highest levels of quality service, which reflects the effort that the company has put in to satisfy consumers’ demand for high service standards. The company was also awarded the 2018 “Outstanding Property and Casualty Insurer in Malaysia” award in the InsuranceAsia News Awards for Excellence. MSIG Malaysia was commended for leading the market with strong financial growth, investment in product innovation, enhanced digital capabilities in business and claims management systems and strong customer service proposition. Its commitment to customer service excellence through its efforts in enhancing the customer experience and industry leadership in Enterprise Risk Management also earned MSIG Malaysia the “General Insurance Company of the Year” at the Asia Insurance Industry Awards in 2015. Later at the 26th Asia Insurance Industry Awards 2022, MSIG Malaysia was among the Top 3 Finalists for the General Insurance Company of the Year.

For more information on MSIG Malaysia, visit or facebook.com/MSIGmy.

Focus on Empowerment: Octa Broker Helps Malaysians Jumpstart Their Careers


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 July 2025 – Last year, Octa broker teamed up with its long-time charity partner, Ideas International, to carry out STATUS 200, a coding bootcamp for anyone willing to pick up a new valuable skill set from scratch. The overwhelmingly positive feedback and inspiring success stories of STATUS 200 graduates motivated organisers to continue with this initiative. This summer, the Bootcamp 2.0 will hopefully build on last year’s success, offering goal-driven individuals a unique opportunity to jumpstart their career in coding.

Octa Broker
Octa Broker

Coding and trading: a lift to a better future
As a globally regulated and trusted broker, Octa envisages trading as a universal opportunity. If used correctly, it can become a metaphorical lift to help traders improve their financial outcomes and social standing. The same goes to coding—a profession where dedication and hard work often outweigh educational background, allowing for unique opportunities for growth.

In Malaysia, a study found that a notable 48.4% adopt a fatalistic view regarding wealth and success. To turn this trend, Octa broker strives to provide new drivers of success for wide audiences via e-brokerage services—and now via coding as well.

Social lift: Octa broker's free bootcamp
Social lift: Octa broker’s free bootcamp

In 2024, Octa broker and Ideas International’s STATUS 200 bootcamp showed that with targeted support, hard work can bring tangible results in several months. Shortly after graduation, several bootcamp participants made their first serious steps in the coding industry:

  • several students engaged in paid, commissioned web development projects on a freelance basis after completing Stage 2
  • three students were offered internships in the field
  • one student with no prior teaching experience became a coding teacher
  • one student applied for a computer science scholarship in Australia.

Throughout its 14 years in the financial markets, Octa broker has emphasised the importance of continuous learning for trading success. It is there that coding and trading seem to have a lot in common. By incrementally improving their skillset, analysing their mistakes, and realistically approaching their short-term and long-term goals, both new traders and aspiring coders can significantly improve their financial and social outcomes and unlock their potential.

As skill-based pursuits popular in the modern globalised and digitalised world, both trading and coding present a valuable opportunity to step up in life regardless of social and educational background. To empower traders, Octa provides them with a seamless trading environment—a comprehensive array of tools that complement each other, enabling continuous improvement and better results.

Octa’s Bootcamp 2.0
Octa and Ideas International’s free coding bootcamp 2025 will bring together young Malaysian men and women who are passionate about coding but have never had the chance to launch their careers in the field.

Octa’s long-standing charity partner, Ideas International, is a holistic school that empowers students to become contributing citizens who can succeed in an ever-changing world. Among other projects, the school carries out joint initiatives with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees.

In their joint educational charity projects, Octa and Ideas International aim to unlock human potential in the next generation through technology, human, and life skills.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice or an offer. It does not consider your financial situation or needs. Octa and its affiliates are not liable for losses. Trading carries risks and may not suit all investors. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Product availability varies by jurisdiction—ensure compliance with local laws.
Hashtag: #Octa

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

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including improving educational infrastructure and funding short-notice relief projects to support local communities.
In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.