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Taiwan International Student Design Competition: Taiwanese Students Win Grand Prix


TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 December 2024 – Organized by the Ministry of Education (MOE) of the Republic of China (R.O.C., Taiwan), the 2024 Taiwan International Student Design Competition (TISDC), the largest international student design competition in the world, has announced its winners. Students from the R.O.C., Taiwan achieved remarkable success, securing the competition’s highest honor, the Grand Prix as well as gold and silver awards in the Product Design and Digital Animation categories. A total of 43 entries from the R.O.C., Taiwan have received awards, showcasing the exceptional talent and creativity of local students.

A group photo from the award ceremony of the 2024 Taiwan International Student Design Competition
A group photo from the award ceremony of the 2024 Taiwan International Student Design Competition

The 17th TISDC is one of the MOE’s key initiatives for cultivating artistic and design talents. Over the years, it has nurtured countless young design professionals and significantly enhanced the R.O.C., Taiwan’s international visibility. The theme of this year’s competition, “Equality,” echoes the United Nations’ 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The aim is to encourage participants to design with the principles of “Equal Respect”, “Universal Love”, “Embracing Diversity” and “Fostering Harmony” creating designs that contribute to a better human society.

This year, the competition received 19,667 entries from 1,138 schools and departments in 64 countries and regions, marking a post-pandemic high. The enthusiastic response to the competition demonstrates that the R.O.C., Taiwan’s design education has been widely recognized and affirmed by the international community for its excellence and standards. The final jury, composed of 70-80% foreign judges recommended by international design organizations, conducted evaluations with a fair, objective, and diverse approach. Out of 567 finalist entries, only 90 succeeded in winning awards, with an award rate of just 0.5%, reinforcing this competition’s status as a globally recognized and reputable event.

The Grand Prix was awarded to “BLOT” by SHEN PEI-TING, LEE CHIA-YEE, HUANG TZU-FANG, CHEN YU-TAO, and LUO YI-JUAN from the National Taiwan University of Arts. The story describes the difficulties and challenges a man faces during his reintegration into society after being imprisoned for theft in his youth. It delicately portrays the emotional struggles of a rehabilitated person, earning unanimous praise from the judges and a prize of NT$400,000.

Billy Shevriyanto from the Ming Chi University of Technology earned the Gold Prize in the Product Design category for his creation, “One for All Bench.” This adjustable bench is designed with ergonomic principles, catering to users of all ages and genders. Made from high-performance concrete and aluminum, it combines aesthetics with sustainability, aiming to foster inclusivity across generations and communities.

The Gold Prize in the Digital Animation category was claimed by HUANG HSIAO-I, LAI GUAN-LING, LIN HSIU-FANG, HSUEH CHU-YUN from the Chaoyang University of Technology for their work, “The Last”. The animation begins with a funeral, exploring the unfair treatment of a daughter-in-law in her husband’s family and the pressures imposed by traditional societal norms. Drawing from real-life experiences of older generations, the heartfelt narrative resonated deeply with the judges.

The Gold Prize in the Visual Design category went to Hasti Ghobakhloo from the Semnan University in Iran for the work, “It’s Not a Garbage”. The design features a lifelike whale crafted from black garbage bags, highlighting the devastating impact of marine debris on ocean life. Its powerful visual message serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency of environmental conservation.

In addition to awards provided by the MOE, several organizations contributed special prizes. The iSee Taiwan Foundation and the Sayling Wen Cultural & Educational Foundation jointly sponsored 21 International Design Association Special Prizes. The TPCA Environment Foundation sponsored 3 Environmental Sustainability Awards and 6 Special Regional Awards. The Chiayi City government established 3 Chiayi City Special Prize Excellence awards and 6 Chiayi City Special Prize Honorable mentions. These collective efforts aim to inspire students to unleash their creativity and boldly take on the global stage.

The award ceremony for the 2024 Taiwan International Student Design Competition was successfully held on November 29 at the Eslite Performance Hall in Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (Address: B1, No. 88, Yanchang Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei). On the same day, the Winners’ Sharing Session brought together awardees from around the world to share their creative experiences. Industry designers were also invited to provide valuable advice and professional perspectives, helping students further refine their works and enhance their market competitiveness.

The winning works of the 2024 TISDC have been announced on the official website (https://www.tisdc.org/en). We sincerely invite you to explore them online and experience the limitless creativity and potential of these talented students.

Hashtag: #TISDC

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Galaxy Macau Shines Bright in Awards Season – Garnering Best in Class Recognition

The new Long Bar at Raffles at Galaxy Macau, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA, Feng Wei Ju, and The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge have been recognized as best in class by a raft of industry-leading awards


MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 December 2024 – Galaxy Macau™, the world-class luxury integrated resorts (referred to as “Galaxy Macau”), is proud to announce that its dining establishments and bars have added to an impressive collection of accolades. Scooping up five best-in-class awards, Long Bar at Raffles at Galaxy Macau, the world’s first speakeasy concept, has garnered the “Best New Hotel Bar Design” award at this year’s “VOGUE LIVING DESIGN AWARDS” for the bar’s standout interiors, which are the brainchild of homegrown design icon, Joyce Wang.

Interior design star Ms. Joyce Wang (second from the right) and the Joyce Wang Studio team, with Mr. Troy Hickox, Head of Hotels & Lifestyle Development of Galaxy Entertainment Group (second from the left) and Ms. Olivia Toth, Assistant Senior Vice President of Marketing Partnership of Galaxy Entertainment Group (first from the left), accepting the “Best New Hotel Bar Design” award at the "Vogue Living Design Awards," for the newly minted Long Bar at Raffles at Galaxy Macau .
Interior design star Ms. Joyce Wang (second from the right) and the Joyce Wang Studio team, with Mr. Troy Hickox, Head of Hotels & Lifestyle Development of Galaxy Entertainment Group (second from the left) and Ms. Olivia Toth, Assistant Senior Vice President of Marketing Partnership of Galaxy Entertainment Group (first from the left), accepting the “Best New Hotel Bar Design” award at the “Vogue Living Design Awards,” for the newly minted Long Bar at Raffles at Galaxy Macau .

Securing their place in the inaugural “Tatler Best 2024: Best Bars Asia”, The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge has cemented its spot as one of the region’s superlative drinking establishments. Gaining further traction in the “Tatler Best 2024: Best Restaurants Asia” rankings, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA, a culinary powerhouse holding a Michelin star for nine consecutive years and Black Pearl Restaurant Guide – One Diamond in 2024, cements its status recognition.

Monica Yao, Assistant Senior Vice President – Premium Customer Services, Integrated Resort Service of Galaxy Entertainment Group accepted the award for 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau, which, along with The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge has been recognized in the inaugural "Tatler Best 2024: Asia Best 100 Bars and Restaurants" awards.
Monica Yao, Assistant Senior Vice President – Premium Customer Services, Integrated Resort Service of Galaxy Entertainment Group accepted the award for 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau, which, along with The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge has been recognized in the inaugural “Tatler Best 2024: Asia Best 100 Bars and Restaurants” awards.

The global benchmark in gastronomy awards, La Liste has unveiled its Top 1000 ranking of the World’s Best Restaurants. Both 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA and Feng Wei Ju – StarWorld Hotel’s famed two-Michelin-starred restaurant for an unprecedented eight consecutive years and Black Pearl Restaurant Guide One Diamond 2024, proudly feature in the 2025 rankings, based on a comprehensive compilation of thousands of publications, guidebooks, and online reviews, providing the best restaurant and hotel selections for customers worldwide.

Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, which have long been the favorites of global food enthusiasts, frequently appearing on the world’s leading culinary awards lists.
Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, which have long been the favorites of global food enthusiasts, frequently appearing on the world’s leading culinary awards lists.

The awards re-affirm Galaxy Macau’s standing at the pinnacle of luxury hospitality, marking the integrated resort’s status as the city’s leading destination for experiential gastronomy.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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About Long Bar Macau

Long Bar at Raffles at Galaxy Macau, the world’s first speakeasy rendition of the Raffles Long Bar, takes inspiration from the Madre de Deus, a Portuguese carrack that brought precious spices to Macau in the 1500s. Echoing the subterranean coastal caves once teeming with sailors and sunken treasures, the Long Bar is hidden from view in true speakeasy style. Guests enter through a nautical porthole door, where they encounter a chiseled cavern, designed by Hong Kong interior design star Joyce Wang. A secret rendezvous for modern-day explorers and connoisseurs of fine libations.

About 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau

8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau, is the third restaurant of three-Michelin-starred Chef Umberto BOMBANA. The Macau team follows Umberto’s philosophy of offering the most authentic Italian cuisine, presenting a diverse menu that highlights the rich Mediterranean and Sicilian culinary traditions. With its elegant decor and impeccable service, the restaurant has become a favorite among food lovers and critics alike, committed to delivering an unforgettable dining experience.

About Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel

Experience the authentic flavors of Hunan and Sichuan cuisine at Feng Wei Ju. From the stunning presentation of Hunan dishes to the bold, spicy flavors of Sichuan cuisine—including irresistible noodles and pastries—every dish is crafted to perfection. Designed with classic Dong Ting decor, Feng Wei Ju provides an atmosphere that complements these exceptional flavors.

About The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge at Galaxy Macau

The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge is a testament to the city’s passion for fine spirits. As the first and only bar in Asia to feature The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge as its signature whisky, it boasts an impressive collection of over 400 malt whiskies, including some of the rarest selections from the renowned Macallan Distillery. The bar’s ambiance is a luxurious nod to Scotland and the United Kingdom, with the oak floors, leather sofas, and a cozy fireplace. This haven for whisky aficionados has rightfully earned its place among the ‘Tatler Best 100’, celebrating the best of Asia’s hospitality.

About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort

Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau and Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theaters are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.

Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit , and .

Lao Teams Shine at Jaifa King’s Cup with U8 Championship Win

Lao Teams Shine at Jaifa King’s Cup with U8 Championship Win
Lao football team at JAIFA sport tournament 2024 (Photo credit: Lao Economic Daily)

The Lao youth football team, with three groups of players from the WIG NAGA club, competed in the 2024 Jaifa King’s Cup in Lopburi, Thailand, on 5 December. 

The tournament saw teams from ten countries, including Laos, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea. 

The highlight for Laos was a championship win in the U8 category.

Moreover, The U8 team’s triumph also earned a record-breaking prize of THB 100,000 (approximately USD 2,942), the highest-ever prize awarded to a Lao team in the U8 category.

Meanwhile, Anoulack “Lucky” Wilaikul, a young striker from Laos’ U8 team was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after scoring six goals in a match, contributing to the overall victory of his time.

Another standout player was Aekkalath “Tiger” Wilaikul, captain of the U12 team, who won the tournament’s Top Scorer Award with a tally of 26 goals. The U12 team conquered two decisive victories in the group stage, including an 18-0 win against Korea Andong City Sports Club.

ONYX Hospitality Group Celebrates the Grand Opening of Amari Colombo: An Elegant New Landmark in Sri Lanka


COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 December 2024 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading force in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry, is proud to announce the grand opening of Amari Colombo in Sri Lanka, set to welcome its first guests on 1st December 2024. This much-anticipated launch marks the beginning of a new chapter for Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector, coinciding with the season’s start and heralding a vibrant new era of sophistication and modernity in the region. The landmark property, located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s bustling commercial and economic centre, is set to redefine modern elegance and comfort with its exceptional facilities, authentic dining experiences, and commitment to world-class hospitality.

ONYX - Amari Colombo Grand Opening

This milestone represents a defining achievement for ONYX Hospitality Group, advancing its vision to become “the best medium-sized hospitality management company in Southeast Asia,” while simultaneously setting a new benchmark for excellence and reshaping the hospitality landscape in Colombo. Amari, part of ONYX Hospitality Group’s portfolio, has long been synonymous with warm, authentic Asian hospitality. Now, with the introduction of Amari Colombo in Sri Lanka, the brand is set to extend its influence into the South Asian market, appealing to both business and leisure travellers.

The development of Amari Colombo is the result of a successful partnership between ONYX Hospitality Group and Winil Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. The strong mutual trust and confidence between the two companies reflects a shared commitment to elevating hospitality standards in Sri Lanka and delivering outstanding guest experiences.

Sri Lanka remains a captivating destination, drawing travellers with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage. From ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites to lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and dynamic cities, the island offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. With improved accessibility and enhanced connectivity, Sri Lanka has become an increasingly sought-after destination for those seeking both tranquil retreats and immersive cultural experiences. ONYX Hospitality Group is proud to be a part of this dynamic landscape, elevating the island’s hospitality scene with its exceptional offerings at Amari Colombo.

Amari Colombo is ideally located in the heart of Colombo, a city that perfectly blends rich heritage with modern vibrancy. With 167 spacious rooms that combine contemporary comfort and traditional Sri Lankan charm, the hotel offers an upscale experience while allowing guests to connect with the island’s cultural roots. Its prime position provides easy access to both the city’s business and leisure attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring Sri Lanka’s diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and hidden gems.

The hotel also offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in bespoke experiences, such as curated gastronomic events and cultural excursions, providing a deeper connection to Sri Lanka’s unique traditions.

From its refined accommodation options to state-of-the-art facilities, the hotel is designed to cater to both leisure and business travellers. Guests can expect to experience the warmth and signature outstanding service that the Amari brand is known for across its portfolio.

An exceptional culinary journey awaits at Ahāra, a vibrant all day dining destination set to tantalise taste buds with a unique fusion of Thai, Sri Lankan, and Japanese flavours. This gastronomic hotspot showcases premium, sustainable seafood, skillfully crafted by a Thai specialty chef who blends authentic tradition with innovative techniques. At Ahāra, every dish is a celebration of flavour, quality, and sustainability, offering a true feast for the senses, and “Prego”, ONYX Hospitality Group’s renowned Italian restaurant brand – making its debut in Sri Lanka after over 20 successful years in Thailand. The hotel also features several bars and lounges, such as “The Chancellor” epitomises the artistry of mixology, offering an unparalleled experience for discerning palates. This premier destination seamlessly marries timeless elegance with a curated selection of premium beverages, where the art of fine drinking takes center stage. The lounge invites connoisseurs to indulge in the nuanced perfection of each meticulously crafted pour, ensuring an unforgettable journey of taste and refinement. “Club Pahana” is the exclusive executive lounge for Suite and Club guests, and “Mira Lounge” for a serene Ceylon tea and gourmet coffee experience where Sri Lankan heritage intertwines with Sri Lankan flair, Thai artistry and French sophistication. Together, these outlets promise a unique blend of flavours that reflect the rich culture of the region.

As ONYX continues to grow its presence across Asia, Amari Colombo plays a pivotal role in the group’s strategic expansion. Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, comments: “We are thrilled to welcome our first guests to Amari Colombo and look forward to showcasing the exceptional service and vibrant culture that defines the Amari brand. This property exemplifies our tailored approach to hospitality, combining the best of contemporary Thai and Sri Lankan influences, and we are confident it will set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the region.”

Amari Colombo stands as a testament to ONYX Hospitality Group’s commitment to offering thoughtfully curated and culturally enriched experiences. With its strategic location in the heart of Colombo and its focus on delivering tailored services for international guests, Amari Colombo is set to become a key destination for travellers seeking both adventure and comfort.

The addition of Amari Colombo further strengthens ONYX Hospitality Group’s regional presence and emphasises its capability to customise offerings to meet the distinctive needs of each market segment. As the group continues its journey towards managing over 50 hotels and residences by 2025, and targeting 70 by 2028, this latest opening highlights its commitment to offering unparalleled experiences for guests in key destinations.

ONYX Hospitality Group is renowned for consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences across its diverse portfolio of brands, including Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence. Currently, ONYX Hospitality Group manages 46 properties under the four brands.

For more information on Amari Colombo, visit: www.amari.com/colombo

For more information on ONYX Hospitality Group, visit: www.onyx-hospitality.com

Hashtag: #ONYX

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ONYX Hospitality Group transforms “The Tide Resort” to “Amari The Tide Bangsaen” Set to Debut in Thailand in Early 2025


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 December 2024 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading management company for hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences in Southeast Asia, has signed an agreement to manage Amari The Tide Bangsaen. This property, which is a significant transformation of The Tide Resort, and has been reimagined as Amari The Tide Bangsaen, is set to reveal its new look in the second quarter of 2025. Located in Thailand in the Chonburi Province, a region poised for significant economic growth, especially in tourism, this property reflects Amari’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences in Thailand’s most promising destinations.

Amari The Tide Bangsaen Signing
Amari The Tide Bangsaen Signing

With a focus on enhancing the guest experience to create memorable moments for Thai and international tourists, it is set to cater to a wide range of traveller needs and preferences across leisure and business segments

On 7 November 2024, a signing ceremony for a business partnership agreement to manage Amari The Tide Bangsaen was held between Five Leader Group Co., Ltd. and ONYX Hospitality Group at the property. Thanasit Khunplome, the owner’s representative, and Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, were present to sign the agreement, joined by executives from both organisations as witnesses.

Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, announced that Amari The Tide Bangsaen will be an exciting new addition to the Amari brand, bringing its signature hospitality and exceptional guest experiences to a region undergoing dynamic growth.

The area, located in Eastern Thailand, has seen steady expansion in recent years, driven by the continuous development of infrastructure to support tourism and its capacity to host major international events, thanks to its comprehensive facilities. This positions Amari The Tide Bangsaen as an appealing destination for Thai and international tourists seeking beachfront accommodation within close reach of Bangkok, just over an hour’s drive, and only 45 minutes from Pattaya city. In addition, Bangsaen is a strategic location offering quick access to key tourist attractions within the province, as well as popular local shops and restaurants, all just minutes away.

Thanasit Khunplome, representing the owner of Five Leader Group Co., Ltd., said that the decision to rebrand the hotel from The Tide Resort to Amari The Tide Bangsaen marks a significant shift aimed at enhancing growth and competitiveness in the local market. This rebranding will also facilitate the city’s hosting of world-class sporting events, such as the Bangsaen Series, Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, and Bangsaen Grandprix Road Race, among others.

“In addition, the Amari brand is a long-established name, well recognised among both domestic and international tourists, inspiring confidence in meeting our set goals. Previously, ONYX Hospitality Group handled marketing for The Tide Resort, demonstrating consistent business growth through its vision, as well as the capabilities of its management team and staff. This strong foundation affirms our confidence in the decision to rebrand from The Tide Resort to Amari The Tide Bangsaen today,” added Thanasit.

Amari The Tide Bangsaen is situated directly opposite the renowned Bangsaen Beach, providing a tranquil beachfront retreat in the heart of the city. Easily accessible and surrounded by stunning natural scenery, the hotel offers a range of accommodation options, including deluxe rooms and suites, with a total of 154 rooms to cater to diverse needs and lifestyles. Whether for families, business travellers visiting nearby industrial estates, or hosting special meetings and events, the hotel features medium to large meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 900 participants. The hotel also features the Amaya restaurant, which serves breakfast and dinner, offering a delightful selection of Thai and international cuisine. Guests can enjoy a beachside café experience at Aloha Beach Cafe, located on Bangsaen Beach. For relaxation and wellness, there is a signature spa, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a kids’ club, along with many other facilities to enhance the guest experience.

For over five decades, ONYX Hospitality Group has been operating luxury hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and residences, with a commitment to continuous development. The group’s vision is to become “The Best Medium-sized Hospitality Management Company in Southeast Asia.” With extensive experience and a strong reputation as a leader in the hospitality industry in the region, ONYX Hospitality Group has achieved outstanding performance across various countries in the Asia-Pacific. Through its diverse brands—such as Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence—the group effectively caters to a wide range of target markets, meeting the differing needs of both business and leisure travellers. The group is dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences, adhering to internationally recognised service standards by combining excellent hospitality practices in Asia with world-class business precision.
Hashtag: #ONYX

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Lao Bullion Bank Officially Opens Its First Financial Institution in Laos

Lao Bullion Bank Open Ceremony
Lao Bullion Bank Open Ceremony

On 3 December, a ceremony was held to celebrate the official launch of Lao Bullion Bank at the office building in Ban Phonxay, Xaysettha District, Vientiane Capital, with the participation of Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Laos, and leaders of the Party and State, representing various ministries and organizations, along with the leadership and all responsible parties of Lao Bullion Bank, who jointly participated in organizing and celebrating this important ceremony.

The official opening of the Lao Bullion Bank is an important step in contributing to the organization and implementation of the determination of the Lao Party and Government to have a strong bank to fulfill its role in reserving gold to ensure stability and create financial and treasury liquidity, guarantee the value of the Kip currency at a stable level, and contribute to raising Lao industrial standards up to international standards, increasing the value of resources to maximize value and benefits, and creating economic stability for the Laos to become stronger and develop sustainably and civilize.

Chanthone Sitthixay, Chief Executive Officer of Lao Bullion Bank
Chanthone Sitthixay, Chief Executive Officer of Lao Bullion Bank

Chanthone Sitthixay, Chief Executive Officer of Lao Bullion Bank, said: The official opening of Lao Bullion Bank demonstrates the strong commitment and solidarity between the Party, State, and the Lao people in focusing on solving the economic and financial difficulties that our country is facing, gradually easing and eliminating them in the future. 

To ensure standard and professional services, Lao Bullion Bank has collaborated with relevant government departments, especially the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of the Laos, as well as trade partners from both domestic and international, including banks, financial institutions, and precious metals enterprises, to be fully equipped in terms of management and modern equipment in accordance with internationally accepted standards. 

Lao Bullion Bank's gold vending machines
Lao Bullion Bank’s gold vending machines

Lao Bullion Bank is ready to provide a variety of products and services that are easily accessible to everyone, such as gold deposit accounts, loans, issuing certificates to be used as collateral, accepting gold deposits with secure storage rooms and high-end safes, transporting valuables, even gold vending machines, and others.

In addition, it is ready to provide a variety of products such as gold trading services on an international digital platform (International Gold Trading), gold refining, and valuation of unmined gold ores to be valued as assets for the government budget and gold reserves for the nation in the future.

After the ceremony at the Bank of Laos office building, the official opening ceremony continued at the Landmark Riverside Hotel, with the honor of being witnessed by Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister of the Laos, and Party and State leaders representing ministries and organizations, as well as leaders representing banks, enterprises, and entrepreneurs who are partners of Bank of Laos from both domestic and foreign countries, as well as customers of Bank of Laos who enthusiastically participated.

Chanthone Sitthixay, Chief Executive Officer of Lao Bullion Bank Sign A Contract
Chanthone Sitthixay, Chief Executive Officer of Lao Bullion Bank Sign A Contract

Lao Bullion Bank has signed business and strategic cooperation agreements with banks, financial institutions, and precious metals companies to jointly create factors and cooperation mechanisms to serve as an important foundation for contributing to the country’s future development.

Vathana Dalaloy, Acting Governor of the Bank of Laos, commented that the Lao Bullion Bank is important in the economic system, so she agreed to allow it to operate a gold bank business as an element of the financial-monetary system, contributing to maintaining financial stability and socio-economic development of the Laos. 

The Bank of Laos is the macro-regulator of gold banks under the Law on Commercial Banks. Based on the law, the Bank of Laos issued an Agreement on the Business of Gold Banks that sets out the principles, regulations, and measures for the business operations of Gold Banks to serve as a basis for providing Gold Bank products efficiently and transparently and growing strongly to contribute to the continuous development of the financial and socio-economic institutional system of the Laos.

Lao Bullion Bank officially opens The first financial institution in Laos
Lao Bullion Bank officially opens The first financial institution in Laos

The official opening of the Lao Bullion Bank is an important milestone that demonstrates the will, commitment, and joint efforts to contribute to the development of a strong financial and treasury system capable of regional and international integration, as well as to promote economic activities to grow continuously and sustainably in line with the Party and Government’s socio-economic development policies, which are the national agenda, to increasingly become a reality.

Bamboo Soup Wins Top Prize in Lao Culinary Contest

The winner team

Bamboo Soup, known as “Keng No Mai,” is a traditional Lao dish cherished by families across the country. Typically served alongside sticky rice, this soup combines bamboo shoots, Yanang extract, fermented fish, mushrooms, and a variety of herbs to create an aromatic meal. 

DHL Group’s GoHelp program conducts Disaster Response Team training in Sri Lanka to bolster regional preparedness

  • DHL’s GoHelp program equips local employees with critical disaster response skills to enhance resilience 20 years after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami devastated Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 December 2024 – DHL Group has expanded its GoHelp Disaster Response Team (DRT) training to Sri Lanka, strengthening resilience and preparedness against disasters in the Asia Pacific region.

DHL Group's first GoHelp Disaster Response Team (DRT) training in Sri Lanka
DHL Group’s first GoHelp Disaster Response Team (DRT) training in Sri Lanka

The first DRT training in Sri Lanka was held from November 23-24 at the DHL Express Service Center in Colombo. Twenty employees from both DHL Express and DHL Global Forwarding attended the training. Employees were equipped with specialized skills to manage relief cargo efficiently and ensure that aid reaches those in need safely during times of crisis.

Participants first attended a workshop on safety and stakeholder management, including how to work with NGOs, military, government organizations, and the media, before going through practical skills training, including a disaster simulation, where they were coached on relief cargo management during a crisis and forklift driving.

Since 2005, DHL Group has volunteered its logistics expertise and global network in partnership with the United Nations to help provide global relief efforts in disaster areas via their GoHelp program. In times of disaster, the DRTs are deployed to landside or airside facilities in need of assistance when called upon by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, to better manage incoming relief goods.

“As we mark 20 years since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami profoundly impacted Sri Lanka, the humanitarian landscape has evolved significantly. Today, the focus is shifting from reactive disaster response to proactive preparedness. In line with this trend, we have adapted our Disaster Response Team (DRT) training beyond airport logistics to include warehouse management during crises. This ensures our employees are equipped to manage relief cargo effectively and provide critical aid across multiple touchpoints during emergencies,” noted Carl Schelfaut, Head of the GoHelp program, Asia Pacific, DHL Group.

The Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the deadliest tsunami in recorded history, devastated communities along the surrounding coasts of the Indian Ocean in December 2004, killing an estimated 228,000 people in 14 countries, including Sri Lanka.

“Sri Lanka’s geographical position makes it particularly vulnerable to natural disasters such as tropical cyclones and storm surges. The devastation caused by the 2004 tsunami remains a stark reminder of the importance of being well-prepared for emergencies,” noted Dimithri Perera, Country Manager, DHL Express Sri Lanka. “Twenty years on, it remains essential for businesses to actively contribute to disaster preparedness, and at DHL Express, we are committed to equipping our teams to play a pivotal role in humanitarian efforts.”

Global warming has also led to intensifying monsoon variability, leading to more frequent and severe weather events such as heavy rainfall, droughts, and rising sea levels, which exacerbate flooding and coastal erosion. In October 2024, Sri Lanka experienced severe flooding due to heavy monsoon rains that resulted in landslide warnings issued across multiple districts, including Colombo.

These recent events highlighted the Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters, emphasizing the need for robust disaster preparedness measures.

“Disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility. We believe in using our logistics expertise to make a tangible difference in crisis situations. Programs like GoHelp train our teams to act swiftly and effectively, empowering them to bring aid where it’s needed most. I am heartened by all our employees who volunteered to be DRT trained, and I hope that our employees can make a meaningful difference during times of crisis, both here in Sri Lanka and around the world,” said Sudeep Raina, Managing Director, DHL Global Forwarding Sri Lanka.

“As the impacts of climate change intensify, the need for swift, efficient, and effective disaster response has never been greater, and well-trained individuals are the backbone of any successful humanitarian effort. The recent DRT training in Colombo is a testament to our commitment to continue equipping our employees with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to make a tangible difference when disasters strike. By continuously evolving our training programs to include broader aspects of crisis management, such as warehouse operations and media coordination, we hope to build more resilient communities and contribute to a stronger, faster global humanitarian response,” said Schelfaut.
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