Laos and South Korea have launched a USD 5.6 million partnership to improve water management and agricultural practices in Laos, focusing on sustainability and advanced technology.
Laos, Korea Launch Water Management Project to Boost Agriculture
Step Into The Multiverse With Doctor Strange’s Wax Figure At Madame Tussauds Singapore
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2024 – Madame Tussauds Singapore proudly unveils its latest addition from the Marvel Universe: a stunningly realistic wax figure of Doctor Strange. Fans of the Master of the Mystic Arts can now get up close and personal with the Sorcerer Supreme himself, portrayed in all his heroic glory.
Photo by Madame Tussauds Singpaore
Doctor Strange’s wax figure captures every intricate detail of the character brought to life by Benedict Cumberbatch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Dressed in his iconic blue robes, adorned with the Eye of Agamotto, and complete with his signature Cloak of Levitation, the figure is a testament to Madame Tussauds’ world-renowned craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Visitors will step into the specially designed Marvel-inspired zone, where they can immerse themselves in the mystical realm of Doctor Strange, the perfect setting for great photos.
“We’re thrilled to bring the magic of the multiverse to life with the launch of Doctor Strange at Madame Tussauds Singapore. This new addition allows fans to connect with one of Marvel’s most iconic characters in an entirely unique way,” said Steven Chung, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Singapore.
The Doctor Strange wax figure is the latest in Madame Tussauds Singapore’s Marvel collection, which includes fan favorites such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Loki. In addition, fans can immerse themselves in unparalleled cinematic adventure with Madame Tussauds Singapore’s Marvel Universe 4D movie! Join Captain Marvel, Thor, Black Panther, Rocket, Spider-Man, Ant-Man, and the Wasp as they battle the notorious Loki and save the world. Experience wind-chilling, water-soaking, and face-flinching special effects which will transport you into the heart of the action like never before!
Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan or simply seeking an extraordinary experience, Madame Tussauds Singapore invites you to explore the mystic world of Doctor Strange. For more information, visit https://www.madametussauds.com/singapore/tickets/
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Madame Tussauds Singapore
Located at Imbiah Lookout, Sentosa, Madame Tussauds Singapore opened in October 2014, and features variety of interactive experiences under one roof; from Madame Tussauds Singapore, to Images of Singapore, to “Spirit of Singapore” boat ride – the only Madame Tussauds site to have a boat ride, the Marvel Universe 4D Cinema, and lastly the Ultimate Film Star Experience! Featuring 12 incredible zones from glamourous Hollywood actors to your favorite K-pop stars, artists, musicians and sports heroes, the incredible Madame Tussauds Singapore houses over 75 wax figures. The gallery of wonder is so much more than an exciting attraction – where guests will get to experience our immersive and interactive technologies at every corner!
Madame Tussauds Singapore welcomes guests from 10am to 7pm daily (final admission at 6pm). For ticket enquiries, please call (65) 6715 4000 or visit www.madametussauds.com/singapore/.
Laos Expands UNESCO Legacy with New Cultural Inscriptions
Laos has earned renewed global recognition with the recent addition of the Fonelamvong dance to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list on 5 December. This honor adds to the growing list of Lao landmarks already recognized by UNESCO.
AI: A Journey Into the World of People
The AI Journey international conference on artificial intelligence began in Moscow on 11 December. Every year the event brings together Russian and international experts, including representatives of the business community, science, technology and education. This time, the conference’s geographical coverage has widened further still, with participants from China, India, the UAE, South Africa, Indonesia, Bahrain, Iran and other countries, alongside speakers from Russia.
One important focus area in this year’s event is the use of artificial intelligence in applied fields to boost consumer demand and profit, and to promote the sustainable development of companies for the benefit of all spheres of public life. And it was in this vein that the agenda of Day 2 of the conference was drawn up: the various conference platforms were used for discussions of the application of AI in industry and business. The organizers stress that AI is not only contributing to economic development but is also performing a mission that is now more vital than ever before – uniting mankind to tackle the shared challenges arising literally every day.
The principles of applying AI to address universal tasks were debated during a panel discussion entitled “Artificial Intelligence: uniting efforts with all countries in the service of all mankind”. The status of the AI Journey conference is demonstrated by the fact that the debate was visited by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The moderator was Herman Gref, chairman of the management board of Sberbank, who said that AI technologies can be applied for efficient collection of feedback, which is indispensable both for business and for addressing issues of national importance. For example, for the first time, Russia will use Sber’s large language model GigaChat to process questions submitted by Russian citizens for a live broadcast by President Putin on 19 December. The annual “Direct Line” with the President is enormously popular in Russia, and the language model will ensure even more precise and efficient processing of all the questions. The panel discussion also heard a presentation by Andrey Belevtsev, Sberbank’s head of technological development, who spoke about plans to developing existing tech services and launch new ones.
In the course of Day 2 of the conference, participants discussed how artificial intelligence is becoming a familiar and reliable assistant to human beings. The speakers noted that AI is changing everyday life for people all around the world.
Naturally, the development of artificial intelligence must be more than just a continuous “race” for innovation. All-embracing deployment and reinforcement of AI can be seen in the depth and scale of application of the technology, as it becomes integrated into already existing developments and infrastructure.
For its part, Russia attaches huge importance to the development of AI technologies, in order to take up a leading position in the global industry.
As we approach the end of 2024, AI is no longer just about replacing a secretary or a call center. Generative models can now propose effective solutions for businesses, urban development, public administration, and the medical and other sectors. For example, AI can improve the quality of business services and medical treatment, and accelerate the distribution of social benefits from the state. And crucially, it can take part in creating new medicines – in other words, it can literally save people from extremely serious diseases.
The conference presenters spoke about experience of integrating AI into public life in their own countries, such as China, which makes wide use of global AI technologies.
Doctor Song Haitao, President of the Shanghai Institute of Artificial Intelligence and director of industrial development at the United Nation’s International Center for Advanced Experience in Industrial and Operational Artificial Intelligence, said that AI has helped the Chinese government to automate data management. It has also been used to optimize the distribution of resources and draw up the budget. This same practice is being applied in Russia, where the Finance Ministry is using AI in the process of compiling the budget. AI is responsible for the routine work of classifying budget spending and also identifies the best ways of achieving the goals set out in the budget.
Experts form Dubai shared the news that crime has fallen by 25% in some districts of the city thanks to the help provided to the police and the authorities by Smart City solutions.
On the other side of the world, the Republic of South Africa is actively applying global AI technologies. According to Janet Sawari, CEO of TAIR Labs, South Africa’s experience of using AI is extremely broad – from education and healthcare to agriculture.
Precise data analysis, which is becoming possible thanks to the implementation of AI, s being actively employed in commerce, for example, to study consumer demand and to develop entrepreneurial strategies. Tech company representatives gave some detailed reports on solutions for the business and IT sectors, and the day ended with the presentation of prizes to the winners of the AI Leaders national awards for contributions to the development of artificial intelligence.
The AI Journey conference is not only about what is happening now – it’s also about laying down tracks for the future. This year, for example, brought the announcement of plans to create a new Artificial Intelligence Alliance, bringing together participants from 18 countries, including the BRICS group. The goal is to create a diversified global platform for cooperation on equal terms. Sberbank’s Gref stressed that creating this alliance could take collaboration between all parties up to a new level, thereby facilitating the open and transparent development of AI technologies that will be useful for everyone.
The AI Journey conference in Moscow is the culmination of a series of events held throughout the year. These are events of various types but they are invariably linked by one overarching idea – the artificial intelligence journey is always a path towards people.
Senheng Powers Up Malaysia with Solar Solutions Nationwide
Enjoy 10% S-Coin Cashback at all Senheng and senQ outlets
SETIA ALAM MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2024 – Senheng is excited to announce the launch of its nationwide solar solutions, now available across all Senheng and senQ outlets. With more than 100 outlets across Malaysia, Senheng is making it easier for Malaysians to switch to solar energy and enjoy significant savings on energy bills while reducing their carbon footprint.
(Standing from left to right) Mr. Liew Choon Wah, Sales Director of Panasonic Malaysia, Mr. Lim Chi Haur, Managing Director of BSL Eco Energy, Yang Mulia Tunku Akmaludin Zakri bin Tunku Dato’ Zuhri, Deputy President of the Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA), Mr. Lim Kim Chieng (KC Lim), President of Senheng, Mr. Lim Kim Heng (KH Lim), Executive Chairman of Senheng, Yang Berhormat Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Mr. Chin Soo Mau, Managing Director of Pekat Group Berhad and Mr. Sean Lyu, Managing Director of Magicube Energy Sdn Bhd, Authorized by Canadian Solar, officiating Senheng’s Solar Solutions launch.
The launch event at Grand Senheng Elite Setia Alam was officiated by YB Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry and Member of Parliament for Iskandar Puteri, who commended Senheng’s commitment to renewable energy as an important step toward Malaysia’s green energy goals. “Senheng’s nationwide solar initiative aligns well with our national mission to promote sustainable energy,” said YB Liew. “This effort not only benefits Malaysian households but also drives positive environmental and economic impacts.”
“At Senheng, we’re excited to lead the way in making renewable energy more accessible for Malaysia,” said Mr. Lim Kim Heng, Chairman of Senheng. “We want to help Malaysians save on energy costs while contributing to a more sustainable future. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about empowering communities to make choices that positively impact the environment and improve quality of life. With our trusted solutions, Malaysians can confidently take steps toward a greener future.”
Senheng’s solar solutions are complete, tailored packages designed to bring the power of solar energy into your home. These solutions include high-performance solar panels, inverters, and other essential components needed to generate, store, and manage renewable energy effectively. Starting from RM17,000, these solar solutions allow homeowners to save more than 95% on their monthly electricity bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and even increase their property value. With these incredible benefits, customers can expect a return on their investment within 5 to 7 years. This initiative aligns with Senheng’s strong commitment to delivering reliable solar solutions that meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
With flexible financing options, free standard installation, and a 0% interest plan for up to 36 months, going green has never been easier or more accessible. Senheng has partnered with trusted solar brands including Solaroo, Canadian Solar, BSL Eco Energy and Panasonic to provide customers with quality and performance for lasting energy savings.
To mark the launch, Senheng is offering customers a 10% S-Coin Cashback on all solar system purchases at Senheng and senQ outlets, making it even more rewarding to switch to solar and invest in sustainable energy. This underscores Senheng’s dedication to delivering quality products with attractive rewards.
To learn more about the benefits of solar energy, explore cutting-edge technology, and discover how you can make an eco-friendly impact while enjoying exclusive rewards, visit any Senheng location or check out the website at https://discover.senheng.com.my/solar-solution.
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Henkel Thailand continues support for border schools in Nakhon Phanom and Yasothon with renovation projects
Enhancing learning environments for border schools in Thailand
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2024 – On November 28-29, 2024, a team of Henkel Thailand employees visited the Konrad Henkel Border Patrol Police School in Nakhon Phanom and the Baan Srisawas Border Patrol Police School in Yasothon, to mark the completion of renovation projects funded by Henkel, and celebrate with the students through sports activities. The renovation projects are part of Henkel Thailand’s ongoing commitment to supporting local education by enhancing the safety, well-being, and learning environments for both students and teachers.
Andrianto Jayapurna, President of Henkel Thailand (center-left), marking the completion of the renovation project with Sanjorn Kisarang, School Director of Baan Srisawas Border Patrol Police School in Yasothon (center-right).
Enhancing safety and functionality at Konrad Henkel Border Patrol Police School in Nakhon Phanom
Building on the renovation efforts in 2023, Henkel Thailand identified additional improvements to enhance safety at the Konrad Henkel Border Patrol Police School in Nakhon Phanom. The 19,000-euro project, completed in June 2024, included replacing deteriorating classroom ceilings, upgrading wooden windows to aluminum, and installing a new roof to protect the school from weather-related damage.
Henkel Thailand employees also contributed donations to provide new fans, desks, and a gas tank for the classrooms, enhancing safety and functionality for the 86 students and 14 teachers. Henkel products, including Pattex Fix Nail Power Glue, were also supplied to support various repair needs at the school.
Andrianto Jayapurna, President of Henkel Thailand (center), with the Henkel Thailand team at Konrad Henkel Border Patrol Police School in Nakhon Phanom.
Renovations at Baan Srisawas Border Patrol Police School in Yasothon
Henkel Thailand also completed renovations at the Baan Srisawas Border Patrol Police School in Yasothon to enhance the learning environment for 63 students and 6 teachers. The project, completed in August 2024 with a funding of 17,000 euros, included the installation of new fans, doors, and windows across 10 classrooms, as well as upgrades to the drinking water system, to ensure reliable access to safe water.
In addition, the school received new furniture, supplies, and educational materials such as whiteboards and sports equipment. The barber room was equipped with tools and supplies to become fully operational, and a new kindergarten building was completed to accommodate young children.
The newly renovated compound for students and teachers at Baan Srisawas Border Patrol Police School in Yasothon.
Commitment to long-term support for the border schools
Henkel Thailand has a long-standing commitment to supporting border schools in Thailand and will continue its ongoing assistance. Moving forward, Henkel Thailand will maintain its support for the waste bank program at the Konrad Henkel Border Patrol Police School, which encourages students and school members to recycle and earn points for selling waste items. Additionally, Henkel Thailand will supply products to both schools to support skill development in their hair-cutting programs.
“Henkel Thailand is committed to enhancing both the safety and functionality of classrooms and facilities, while also enriching the learning environment for the entire school community. Through these efforts, we hope to foster an environment where the well-being of both students and staff continues to thrive,” said Andrianto Jayapurna, President of Henkel Thailand.
To date, Henkel Thailand has adopted three schools across the country, including Henkel Thai Border Patrol Police School in Kanchanaburi, Konrad Henkel Border Patrol Police School in Nakhon Phanom, and Baan Srisawas Border Patrol Police School in Yasothon. Henkel Thailand supports the schools in various ways, such as sponsoring construction projects, allocating funds for teaching staff, and engaging employees in school visits and donations.
Pattex is a trademark and/or registered trademark of Henkel and its affiliates in the US, Germany, Thailand, and elsewhere.
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About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. Henkel’s Adhesive Technologies business unit leads the global market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. The Consumer Brands business unit occupies a leading position in numerous markets and categories around the globe, particularly in the Laundry & Home Care and Hair business areas. Henkel’s three biggest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2023, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.5 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 2.6 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of around 48,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” For further details, please see 
www.henkel.com.
F.I.R.E. in Singapore: Navigating the Path to Early Retirement
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2024 – The Financial Independence, Retire Early (F.I.R.E.) movement continues to gain momentum worldwide, and Singapore is no exception. More and more Singaporeans are being drawn to the idea of achieving early retirement and financial independence. While the allure of escaping traditional work structures and enjoying life on one’s own terms is undeniable, experts caution that the pursuit of F.I.R.E. requires careful planning, particularly in a high-cost city like Singapore.
Clarence Cheong, Senior Group Financial Services Director at Infinity Platinum and Group Representative for Infinity Financial Advisory, weighs in on the growing F.I.R.E. trend: “F.I.R.E. is about more than just early retirement—it’s a blueprint for financial independence. But in a high-cost city like Singapore, burning too fast could leave you without the fuel for a lifetime.”
The Appeal of F.I.R.E.
For many, the promise of early retirement and the freedom to live life on their own terms is irresistible. The F.I.R.E. movement offers several key benefits:
1. Early Retirement and Time Freedom: Enthusiasts of F.I.R.E. aim to retire in their 30s or 40s, gaining the freedom to pursue personal passions, travel, or entrepreneurial ventures long before traditional retirement age.
2. Financial Discipline: Achieving F.I.R.E. requires intense focus on saving and investing. Those who embrace the movement must cultivate frugality, budgeting, and long-term wealth-building habits, which can lead to better financial discipline.
2. Financial Discipline: Achieving F.I.R.E. requires intense focus on saving and investing. Those who embrace the movement must cultivate frugality, budgeting, and long-term wealth-building habits, which can lead to better financial discipline.
3. Lower Financial Stress: Reaching financial independence relieves the burden of living paycheck to paycheck and the stress of job instability. Once achieved, financial security can also improve mental health and overall well-being.
4. Flexibility in Life Choices: Financial independence grants the ability to explore life beYyond the constraints of a 9-to-5 job. F.I.R.E. followers have the freedom to pursue passions, side projects, or new career ventures without worrying about financial survival.
The Challenges of F.I.R.E.
However, while the benefits are compelling, the road to early retirement is fraught with challenges that could derail plans if not carefully managed:
1. Aggressive Savings Can Be Restrictive: The pursuit of early retirement often requires extreme frugality, limiting lifestyle choices and potentially diminishing quality of life in the years leading up to retirement.
2. Market Dependency: F.I.R.E. depends heavily on the success of investments, exposing participants to market risks. Economic downturns, such as the 2008 financial crisis or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, can drastically affect retirement funds and future financial stability.
2. Market Dependency: F.I.R.E. depends heavily on the success of investments, exposing participants to market risks. Economic downturns, such as the 2008 financial crisis or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, can drastically affect retirement funds and future financial stability.
3. Healthcare Costs: Retiring early, especially without employer-provided healthcare, presents a significant challenge. In Singapore, healthcare costs can rise as individuals age, and early retirees may exhaust their Medisave contributions before reaching the age of 65, making it essential to plan for medical expenses.
4. Longevity Risk: With increasing life expectancy, early retirees must plan for the possibility of living several decades without a steady income. A lack of proper planning could lead to financial difficulties if resources are depleted too early. Additionally, re-entering the workforce after years of early retirement could prove difficult.
F.I.R.E. in the Singapore Context
Singapore presents unique challenges for those adopting the F.I.R.E. lifestyle. The high cost of living, combined with limited access to CPF funds before the age of 55, means that early retirees need to plan more carefully. CPF Life payouts, which provide a stable income in retirement, don’t begin until age 65, which can leave early retirees vulnerable during the years before they begin receiving those funds. Additionally, rising healthcare costs in Singapore mean that early retirees must account for medical expenses that may not be fully covered by the public healthcare system.
Clarence Cheong notes, “While F.I.R.E. offers a compelling vision of financial freedom, it’s crucial to approach it with a strategic, well-rounded financial plan. In Singapore, that means addressing the cost of living, healthcare needs, and long-term financial security through diversified investments and comprehensive retirement planning.”
Expert Guidance is Key
As the F.I.R.E. movement continues to inspire people to rethink their approach to retirement, financial experts emphasise the importance of a balanced, realistic strategy. Consulting with a qualified financial advisor is key to crafting a sound investment plan, establishing an emergency buffer, and ensuring that long-term financial goals are met.
“While the dream of early retirement is an exciting one, it’s essential to ensure that the journey is sustainable,” concludes Cheong. “With the right planning and discipline, the path to financial independence can be both achievable and secure.”
For more information on F.I.R.E. and how to approach early retirement with a comprehensive financial plan, contact Infinity Platinum or consult with a certified financial advisor.
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Infinity Financial Advisory
Come As You Are, Leap Forward With Us.
Infinity Financial Advisory started in July 2023, and currently has a company size of almost 280 financial consultants and staff. At Infinity FA, our vision is to be our clients’ guiding light through the infinite financial universe, one that is filled with countless options and opportunities. We focus on advancing wealth management with innovative solutions and personalised service, striving to support our clients with effective tools and exceptional service.
Celebrating Indonesia’s Collective Sustainability Leadership at ACES Awards 2024
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2024 – The ACES Awards 2024 cast a spotlight on Indonesia’s dynamic business landscape, shining a light on the nation’s remarkable achievements in sustainability, innovation, and community-driven growth. With 80 nominations spanning 41 diverse industries, Indonesian finalists are distinguishing themselves as forward-thinking organizations committed to shaping a responsible and resilient future.
Celebrating excellence at the ACES Awards 2024, where outstanding leaders and visionary enterprises were recognized for their exemplary contributions—setting new benchmarks in innovation, business, leadership, governance, sustainability, and corporate responsibility across Asia.
At the forefront of this collective endeavor are leaders and companies that exemplify the country’s progress. PT TBS Energi Utama Tbk, under the guidance of President Director Dicky Yordan, offers a compelling narrative of transformation: from coal mining to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and waste management solutions. TBS’s TBS2030 initiative illustrates how corporate success can be seamlessly intertwined with environmental stewardship, underscoring Indonesia’s readiness to align profitability with sustainable objectives.
Equally influential are those advancing the nation’s healthcare and financial well-being. PT Siloam International Hospitals Tbk—recognized as one of Asia’s Most Influential Companies—continues to expand its extensive network of hospitals and clinics, integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into every facet of its services. AIA Indonesia, another esteemed honoree, elevates the insurance industry by marrying financial protection with holistic wellness. Through programs like AIA Vitality, the company encourages healthier lifestyles, championing preventive care and climate responsibility as essential pillars of its growth strategy.
In sustainability management, PT Olahkarsa Inovasi Indonesia—led by Co-Founder and CEO Unggul Yoga Ananta—sets new standards for innovative social impact. The firm’s pioneering approaches to corporate social performance highlight how strategic partnerships and advanced digital tools can drive meaningful change, while inspiring a new generation of socially conscious leaders.
Meanwhile, PT Acer Indonesia illustrates the tech sector’s role in nurturing a greener ecosystem. By responsibly managing e-waste, investing in mangrove reforestation, and introducing eco-centric product lines, Acer demonstrates that cutting-edge innovation can flourish hand-in-hand with environmental care and long-term climate goals.
Together, these Indonesian award recipients reflect a shared vision: that growth, influence, and global relevance need not come at the expense of people or planet. By setting higher standards for sustainability and social responsibility, they are forging a path that others will undoubtedly follow—an inspiring legacy that firmly places Indonesia at the heart of Asia’s sustainable transformation.
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About ACES Awards
The ACES Awards, organized by MORS Group, recognize and celebrate the region’s most exemplary leaders, companies, and initiatives. By spotlighting transformative approaches to leadership and corporate excellence, the awards inspire continued innovation, promote sustainable practices, and encourage inclusive growth throughout Asia’s diverse and dynamic business ecosystem.
