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Celebrating 5 Years of Empowering Fertility Wellness: Babies Bliss Marks Milestone Anniversary


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2024 – Babies Bliss is proud to announce the celebration of its 5-year anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its mission to empower couples on their fertility journey.

Babies Bliss is proud to celebrate its 5-year anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its mission to empower women on their fertility journey.

As part of the celebration, Babies Bliss is offering a special one-time 20% discount on its thermal wellness therapy as a way to give back to those who have supported its growth. Clients can contact Babies Bliss at 86140898 via WhatsApp or fill out a consultation form at https://www.babiesbliss.com.sg/consultation/ to redeem this promotion.

This occasion also provides Babies Bliss with the opportunity to reflect on the centre’s journey and strengthen its relationships with its clients.

Providing Over 5000 Fertility Support Sessions Since 2019

Established in 2019, Babies Bliss dedicates itself to providing compassionate care, holistic treatments, and fertility support services to those navigating the challenges of infertility and reproductive health. Over the past 5 years, the centre has provided over 5000 fertility support sessions to help numerous couples achieve their lifelong dreams of starting a family in Singapore.

“During IVF, my husband and I discovered that we both have fertility issues that affected our chances of conceiving. This discovery left us shattered and disheartened. We were close to giving up before I chanced upon Babies Bliss through an Instagram post and contacted the centre for a fertility consultation. After heeding Angelia’s advice regarding my diet, diligently practising the fertility yoga poses she recommended, and receiving regular fertility massages at Babies Bliss for about 8 months, I finally got pregnant in the first round of frozen transfer after undergoing another round of IVF,” said Ms Emanuel, a client of Babies Bliss, who had tried diligently for six years to conceive a child.

Expanding Babies Bliss’s Fertility Wellness Services

Over this period, Babies Bliss has also broadened its range of services to better serve its clients’ needs. To aid couples as they embark on their fertility journey, the centre introduced a non-invasive, evidence-based, adjunct therapy, termed Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), to help men and women get their reproductive systems in optimal health before trying for a baby.

In addition, the centre expanded upon its fertility massages to provide new mothers with a postnatal massage therapy designed to enhance blood flow and relieve tension in the muscles used during labour and after birth, preparing the body for recovery and improving their overall well-being.

“As Singapore’s total fertility rate falls to a historic low of 0.97 in 2023, it is more pivotal than ever for us to extend our support to those dealing with fertility issues. At Babies Bliss, we aim to offer something different and more caring for women facing infertility, with our approach focused on helping clients develop a holistic lifestyle rather than just relying on conventional methods.”, said Angelia Ng, founder of Babies Bliss.

Looking Forward To Many More Years Of Service

Looking ahead, Babies Bliss remains committed to its mission of empowering fertility wellness and supporting individuals and couples in achieving their family-building goals.

“As we commemorate our 5-year anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to providing compassionate care and personalised support to individuals and couples on their fertility journey.”, added Angelia. “We are excited about the future and the opportunity to further expand our impact in supporting fertility wellness.”

For more information about the centre and its services, please visit its website or contact Angelia Ng, founder of Babies Bliss Fertility Wellness.
Hashtag: #fertilitymassagesingapore

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

Babies Bliss

Established by Angelia Ng, a leading fertility specialist with more than 19 years of experience in the industry, Babies Bliss is a fertility wellness centre that provides comprehensive fertility support services to help couples in Singapore deal with their infertility issues.

Gmail Revolutionized Email 20 Years Ago, People Thought It Was April Fool’s Day Joke

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin loved pulling pranks, so much so they began rolling outlandish ideas every April Fool’s Day, not long after starting their company more than a quarter century ago. One year, Google posted a job opening for a Copernicus research center on the moon. Another year, the company said it planned to roll out a “scratch and sniff” feature on its search engine.

The jokes were so consistently over-the-top that people learned to laugh them off as another example of Google mischief. And that’s why Page and Brin decided to unveil something no one would believe was possible 20 years ago on April Fool’s Day.

It was Gmail, a free service boasting 1 gigabyte of storage per account, an amount that sounds almost pedestrian in an age of one-terabyte iPhones. But it sounded like a preposterous amount of email capacity back then, enough to store about 13,500 emails before running out of space compared to just 30 to 60 emails in the then-leading webmail services run by Yahoo and Microsoft. That translated into 250 to 500 times more email storage space.

2024 China-ASEAN Youth Culture Week and the 7th China-ASEAN Youth Symposium Successfully Held


BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2024 – On March 31st, the 2024 China-ASEAN Youth Culture Week and the 7th China-ASEAN Youth Symposium, themed “Youth Practice in Mutual Learning and Exchange among Civilizations,” were successfully concluded in Beijing. Over four days, more than a hundred youth delegates from China and ASEAN countries participated in a series of events including the opening ceremony, the launch of “I Show ASEAN”: China-ASEAN Youth Story Collection, Roundtable Forums, Academic Sessions, Citywalk, Chine-ASEAN Fusion Kitchen, and Cultural Night.

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During the opening ceremony, Vice President of China International Communications Group (CICG), Lu Cairong, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, Svay Nakry, Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network(AUN), Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti, Senior Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, Destry Damayanti, Ambassador of Singapore to China, Peter Tan, and President of Peking University Alumni Malaysian, Nai Chen Huang, delivered speeches, expressing their hopes for enhanced communication and cooperation among youth from all nations, injecting vitality into China-ASEAN relations, and wishing for the success of the event.

Yong Kaiqing, a representative of China-ASEAN youth, advocated mutual respect for diverse cultures, seeking resonance in diversity, promoting regional dialogue and cooperation, voicing opinions in regional affairs and policy-making, and contributing to cultural exchange and mutual learning.

During the launch ceremony of “I Show ASEAN”: China-ASEAN Youth Story Collection, six foreign employees from Chinese enterprises in ASEAN countries shared their perspectives on the China-ASEAN community with a shared future, narrating stories of their involvement in ASEAN projects, mutual benefits between China and ASEAN people, and cultural integration from a personal angle.

Two roundtable forums focused on “How can China-ASEAN youth promote inter-cultural exchange in the region?” and “How has emerging technology reshaped the social lives and experiences of youth in the ASEAN-China region?” respectively. Participants discussed the leadership role of youth in cultural exchange, and educational reforms amid technological developments, emphasizing the crucial role of youth in bridging China and ASEAN through cooperation and the impact of scientific and technological development on the younger generation.

During the academic sessions, each youth representative chose one of the five major themes: Food, Culture, Earth, Technology and Development, engaging in in-depth deliberations and heated discussions, proposing corresponding solutions from a youth perspective.

Throughout the cultural week, China-ASEAN youth representatives also participated in various cultural exchange activities, visited the Railway Engineering Corps Memorial Hall, Chinese Medicine Cultural Center of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Center, and the Food and Agricultural Organization Representation Office in China, experiencing the similarities and differences between Chinese and ASEAN cultures firsthand. In the China-ASEAN Fusion Kitchen, representatives showcased their creativity by preparing unique fusion cuisine blending Chinese and ASEAN flavors. At the Cultural Night themed “Balik Kampung” (Return to Hometown), youth delegates experienced the unique “kampung spirit”, sampling Southeast Asian delicacies and enjoying exciting live performances. During the Citywalk, youth delegates embarked on a vibrant journey through Beijing, experiencing the unique charm of Chinese culture.

2024 marks the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The event was jointly organized by the Center for International Cultural Communication(CICC), the Southeast Asian Association of Peking University(SAAPKU), the Institute of Area Studies, Peking University(PKUIAS), and Boya Group, aiming to provide a platform for China-ASEAN youth to deepen mutual understanding and friendship and further promote the development of China-ASEAN relations through the power of youth.
Hashtag: #CICC

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

Nord Pacific Medical to bring regulatory and market access services to East Asia


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2024 – Nord Pacific Medical has launched across the East Asian market, building upon sister company Andaman Medical’s legacy by offering across-the-board regulatory and market access support for manufacturers and distributors of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics (IVD).

With four offices across Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, Nord Pacific Medical will offer regulatory and market access services such as device registration, local authorized representative services, post-market surveillance, regulatory intelligence, and importation.

“The launch of Nord Pacific Medical to our portfolio of companies is another step towards our ambition to become the number one partner for medical device and IVD regulatory outsourcing in Asia,” said Nord Pacific Medical founder and CEO Mourad Kholti.

The expansion is a welcome development for medical devices and IVD manufacturers that are looking to tap the fast-growing East Asian markets with the help of a dedicated partner in navigating their regulatory and market access challenges.

Comprising in-house experts who stay up-to-date with regulatory changes for each market, Nord Pacific Medical is ideally positioned to serve medical devices and IVD manufacturers as a one-stop shop for regulatory affairs and logistics solutions.

“Our mission is to help manufacturers and distributors bring the latest and greatest advancements in healthcare technology to the forefront, ensuring that patients receive the highest-quality care possible,” said Mourad Kholti.

Hashtag: #NordPacificMedical


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

ABOUT NORD PACIFIC MEDICAL

Nord Pacific Medical is at the forefront of regulatory excellence in the medical devices and In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) industry. Building on Andaman Medical’s legacy, Nord Pacific Medical offers seamless integration into the East Asian market with services including device registration, local authorized representative services, and QMS compliance with ISO 13485 certification. With offices across Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, we ensure a broad market access spanning 11 Asian countries. Our comprehensive suite of services includes everything from device registration to market access strategies for a seamless and efficient pathway for your products.

For more information, please visit our website at

Thailand, Laos, China in Talks for New Aviation Routes to Handle Surge in Flights

Representational image (ET Infra)

New aviation routes are under discussion between Thailand, China, and Laos to alleviate air traffic congestion.

Sivanh Sibounhueang Defies Disability Odds to Craft Masterpieces

Sivanh Sibounhueang Defies Disability Odds to Craft Masterpieces
Sivanh Sibounhueang painting on a piece of paper (photo: Vanh LikeDrawing)

Living without arms or legs can be a daunting and life-altering experience for some. Yet, for many people with disabilities, embracing their uniqueness becomes a source of empowerment. Sivanh Sibounhueang, known as “Vanh,” is a prime example. Despite losing both arms due to an accident while working in construction when he was only 16, the now 27-year-old is a passionate artist whose art holds meaning beyond words.

Ascott’s Global Loyalty Platform ‘Ascott Star Rewards’ Achieved Record Member Revenue Growth In 2023

Celebrates 5th Year of Loyalty Programme with Refreshed Brand Promise ‘Stay Rewarded’ to Offer More Membership Privileges, Elevated Experiences and Greater Value


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2024 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), today marked the 5th year of its global loyalty platform, Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), with record results from FY 2023. Having grown exponentially since its launch in April 2019, Ascott achieved its highest ever room revenue from ASR members last year at over S$342 million, surpassing that of FY 2022 by almost 63%. This was from its 350 participating properties across 14 brands, where repeat stay revenue from ASR members constituted more than 60%.

‘Stay Rewarded’ with more benefits, experiences and adventures every time you travel
‘Stay Rewarded’ with more benefits, experiences and adventures every time you travel

Ascott also welcomed a record one million new ASR members in FY 2023. More than 90% of Ascott’s direct web and mobile app bookings were made by ASR members, contributing to the channel’s surge in booking revenue by over 40%, compared to 2022. The average spend per transaction of ASR members was over 50% higher than non-members. The dominance of pan-Asian travel was highlighted through the booking preferences of ASR members in 2023. Out of the top 10 travel destinations for ASR members, eight were Asian countries, while the top five feeder markets for international stays were China, Singapore, the USA, Indonesia, and Australia. Building on the strong momentum, Ascott anticipates yet another stellar year for ASR in 2024, with 1Q 2024 already registering a 25% year-on-year uplift in member revenue.

Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott said: “Riding on a strong momentum of travel recovery, Ascott saw the highest number of property openings in 2023. This brought about a record number of properties onboarded onto the Ascott Star Rewards programme last year, which included the successful integration of the newly acquired Oakwood portfolio into Ascott’s operational framework. Ascott was able to provide higher value offerings and more choices, across brands and geographies, to our ASR members. Our pipeline of property openings following several consecutive years of record signings will propel ASR towards further expansion and innovation in the year ahead.”

“With a robust database of ASR members with an Asian stronghold driving an active member rate of over 60%, we have a deep appreciation of evolving travel trends and the hospitality landscape, especially in the Asia Pacific region. As Ascott continues its growth upswing globally, we will be distilling insights from member preferences to enhance and refine our offerings. All to ensure that Ascott remains the preferred accommodation of choice; and ASR to not only foster loyalty but to drive substantial business growth too,” added Ms Tan.

Celebrating the 5th year of its loyalty programme, Ascott is rolling out a refreshed brand promise for ASR from 1 April 2024 – ‘Stay Rewarded‘. From invitations to exclusive global events, preferential room rates, complimentary upgrades, access to exclusive amenities, and bonus loyalty points that can be redeemed for free stays, experiences, or other rewards, Ascott is setting sights on pushing the boundaries of travel rewards.

“As Ascott marks its 40th year in hospitality service this year with its campaign – Ascott Unlimited, it is an opportune time for ASR to also celebrate its 5th year milestone by going unlimited for our loyalty members. Unlimited in more ways than before, unlimited with more value than ever. With the refreshed ASR brand promise ‘Stay Rewarded‘, we want to reward our guests for their stays at Ascott’s properties worldwide, with elevated experiences and enhanced membership privileges. We also want our guests to stay rewarded with a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from staying loyal to a trusted brand like Ascott. Upholding our commitment to go unlimited for our guests, to foster a sense of belonging and appreciation that is inherently rewarding, this year and beyond,” said Ms Tan.

‘Stay Rewarded’ with the Refreshed Ascott Star Rewards
Driven by Ascott’s commitment to innovation and excellence, the refreshed ASR programme is built on three pillars: boldness, innovation, and a penchant for experimentation. Revitalised to be bold and vibrant to personify the young nature of the refreshed programme, the new look also reflects the unlimited potential that the programme brims with, as it continues advancing on its journey to become a leading loyalty programme in the hospitality industry.

Underscored by the tagline Stay Rewarded, the brand refresh is showcased through a year-long series of elevated member experiences that includes the all-new Ascott Privilege Signatures, enhanced membership privileges, and greater stay value. In a progressive and bold move, full 24-hour stays from time of check-in and 48-hour room guarantee will be launched with the refreshed ASR programme. The expanded suite of benefits also includes priority check-in, milestone rewards, airport lounge access, and more. Tapping on the growing priority that travellers place on experiences, ASR members will be able to access exclusive global events as part of the Ascott Privilege Signatures programme. These include major sporting highlights such as motorsport and tennis championships, alongside local experiences planned in key cities around the world. Benefits have been specially designed for varying tiers of ASR members as detailed in the Appendix.

Elevate Travel Experiences Beyond Stays
To elevate travel experiences around the world, ASR members will be able to earn frequent flyer miles on all eligible direct bookings made via DiscoverASR.com, Discover ASR mobile app as well as via email or phone through Ascott’s key airline partnerships from 2Q 2024. Tours and activities will also be available and bookable via ASR platforms, providing members with a more seamless booking and travel planning journey. Additionally, members will be able to earn ASR points for these purchases of tours and activities while planning their itineraries.

One-Stop 24/7 Digital Concierge with Discover ASR Mobile App
Unlocking even more conveniences and enhanced value for members, the Discover ASR mobile app enables guests to discover unlimited choices to perfect their stay at Ascott, from searching for special deals, managing reservations, to performing self check-ins. Newly enhanced, added benefits include increased app-exclusive offers tailored to search patterns, selection of stay preferences to support sustainability, as well as the ease of digital room keys. New and classic members will also be gifted with an instant upgrade to the Silver tier upon their first login to the Discover ASR mobile app.

Stay Offers with Ascott Unlimited and ASR
Celebrating Ascott’s transformative journey to mark 40 years in hospitality service with ‘unlimited’ possibilities, all loyalty members will enjoy a complimentary fourth night with a minimum of three nights booked using the promotional code “ASCOTT40”. Available at all ASR participating properties, the offer is valid for bookings and stays from now until 31 December 2024.

A further testament to its engagement strength and value, ASR has been recently awarded the TripZilla Excellence Award 2023: Best Hotel Rewards. For more information on ASR as well as detailed member benefits, please visit https://www.discoverasr.com/member or view the latest brand refresh film. An overview of ASR member benefits, milestone rewards, and its refreshed look can also be found in the Appendix, available in the media pack.
Hashtag: #TheAscottLimited #Hospitality #Anniversary #LoyaltyProgramme




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

About The Ascott Limited

Since pioneering Asia Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984, Ascott has grown to be a trusted hospitality company with about 950 properties globally. Headquartered in Singapore, Ascott’s presence extends across more than 220 cities in over 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA.

Ascott’s diversified accommodation offerings span serviced residences, coliving properties, hotels and independent senior living apartments, as well as student accommodation and rental housing. Its award-winning hospitality brands include Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Quest, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Preference, Fox, Harris, POP!, Vertu and Yello. Through Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott’s loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and offers at participating properties.

A wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott is a leading vertically-integrated lodging operator. Harnessing its extensive network of third-party owners and in-market expertise, Ascott grows fee-related earnings through its hospitality management and investment management capabilities. Ascott also expands its funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.

This year, Ascott marks 40 years in hospitality service with the launch of Ascott Unlimited, a full year campaign that will offer Unlimited Opportunities, Unlimited Choices, Unlimited Freedom, and Unlimited Good. Navigating a future of unlimited possibilities against a backdrop of global change and evolving perspectives of travel, Ascott Unlimited marks Ascott’s ambitions to break new ground, and springboard to its next chapter of growth as a global hospitality company. Find out more about Ascott Unlimited at .

For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit . Alternatively, connect with us on , , and .

About CapitaLand Investment Limited

Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 31 December 2023, CLI had S$134 billion of assets under management as well as nearly S$100 billion of funds under management (FUM) held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and more than 30 private vehicles across Asia Pacific, Europe and USA. Its diversified real estate asset classes cover retail, office, lodging, business parks, industrial, logistics, self-storage and data centres.

CLI aims to scale its FUM and fee-related earnings through fund management, lodging management and commercial management, and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand’s development arm.

As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.


Issued by: The Ascott Limited | Website:

International Day for Mine Awareness: United States Renews Commitment to Laos, Removes UXO as a Barrier to Development

HALO excavating UXO. (Photo supplied)

Op-Ed by Heather Variava, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on 4 April, provides an opportunity to reflect on former President Obama’s statement during his historic 2016 visit to Laos:  “Given our history here, I believe the United States has a moral obligation to help Laos heal.”

The United States remains committed to being a strong partner and supporter of Laos in working to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 18 – to eliminate unexploded ordnance (UXO) as a barrier to national development by 2030.

As the new Ambassador of the United States of America to Laos, my first visit outside Vientiane was to a UXO clearance site in Phalanxay district, Savannakhet Province,  with my fellow co-chairs of the UXO sector working group, Vice Foreign Minister Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune and UNDP resident representative Martine Thérer.  Together, we saw first-hand how courageous teams from UXO Lao are working to make land safe so it can be returned to communities and create more economic opportunities.

During my tenure in Laos, I will continue to support this important work.  I am therefore honored to announce an additional contribution of USD 36 million to continue UXO survey and clearance efforts in Laos’ nine most contaminated provinces.  This new contribution brings the United States’ total support to UXO efforts in the country to more than USD 391 million since 1995, with two thirds of this total disbursed since 2016.

Our UXO program in Laos is one of our largest such efforts in the world.  

We are the largest single donor to the UXO sector in this country, and our support provides employment for over 4,000 national staff nationwide.

Expanding on former President Obama’s pledge, the United States government has worked with partners, including the National Regulatory Authority for the UXO Sector (NRA), UXO Lao, HALO Trust, Mines Advisory Group (MAG), Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), and World Education to complete proactive survey operations in five southern provinces, expand risk education, provide assistance to UXO victims, provide more services for people with disabilities in war affected areas, and significantly increase the clearance capacity of Laos.

Our combined efforts have tripled the number of U.S.-funded area clearance teams from 70 in 2020 to 210 as of March 2024.  The United States also recently expanded support to UXO Lao in Luang Prabang and Houaphanh provinces, bringing to six the total number of provinces where the United States funds UXO Lao.

Each and every project we fund is aligned with Laos’ National Socio-Economic Development Plan.  Our cooperation with our partners delivers concrete progress towards implementing the National Strategic Plan 2021-2030 for the UXO Sector, “Safe Path Forward III.”

In the coming months and years, I will continue to advocate for resources to support this important work.  I also look forward to continuing to co-chair the UXO Sector Working Group with the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNDP.  This coordination mechanism is vital to all partners working together on this important issue – for information sharing and for maximizing the efficient and effective use of available resources to address the challenges posed by UXO in Laos.