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Vietnamese EV Maker VinFast Sets Course for the Middle East


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 July 2024 – VinFast, a pioneering Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is making waves on the global stage with its meteoric rise. This upstart, emblematic of Vietnam’s burgeoning economic power, has now set its sights on the electric vehicle market in the Middle East.

VinFast EV manufacturing complex in Hai Phong, Vietnam
VinFast EV manufacturing complex in Hai Phong, Vietnam

Haiphong Harbor, once a symbol of a war long past, has serves as a tangible emblem of Vietnam’s rapid economic ascent. Yet, Haiphong signifies something even more profound – it’s the birthplace of VinFast, Vietnam’s first homegrown automaker with global ambitions.

A subsidiary of Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest conglomerate, VinFast has not only emerged as the country’s first carmaker but also established itself as a pioneer in the EV revolution.

VinFast’s Rapid Ascent

VinFast owes its existence to the vision and ambition of Vietnam’s richest man and Vingroup’s founder, Pham Nhat Vuong. Known for his decisiveness, Vuong established the car company in 2017.

Following the launch of 3 gasoline models, VinFast made a bold move: it was going all electric. The company delivered its first EVs to Vietnamese customers in December 2021, a remarkable feat achieved in less than five years.

The motivation behind VinFast’s lightning pace lies in Vuong’s laser focus and strategic partnerships. Vingroup, with its vast and multi-faceted resources, leveraged its expertise in construction and real estate development to establish a nationwide network of charging stations. To accelerate development, VinFast partnered with some of the automotive world’s heavyweights, including BMW and Pininfarina.

But why electric? Vuong once said that a large, successful enterprise such as Vingroup has a duty to contribute to its homeland by way of building a quality brand capable of competing with the world’s best.

“VinFast is not only a business project, but a devotion project,” he declared in a recent interview with Bloomberg.

Journey To The West

Initial domestic success proved to be a mere stepping stone for VinFast.

In 2022, the first VinFast VF 8s arrived on North American shores. The following year, VinFast debuted on NASDAQ, becoming a publicly listed company. VinFast’s bold foray into the U.S. market “sends a message about Vietnam’s rising profile in the global economy,” writes one expert.

Setting Sights on the Middle East

VinFast isn’t solely focused on North America. The company is also expanding into Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The latter region, with its growing environmental awareness and ambitions to diversify from fossil fuels, presents a particularly promising market for electric vehicles.

This is evident in the ambitious targets set by countries like the UAE, which aims to have 50% of its vehicles electric by 2050. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s investments in one American EV company further highlight the region’s commitment to electric mobility.

The Middle East’s young, affluent demographic also presents a lucrative market for VinFast’s electric vehicles. Mordor Intelligence projects the region’s EV market to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.20% between 2024 and 2029, reaching USD 9.42 billion.

VinFast has already begun making its moves in the region. In Oman, the company has partnered with Bahwan Automobiles Trading to distribute its electric vehicles. In the UAE, it has signed an exclusive dealership agreement with Al Tayer Motors. And more recently, VinFast has established a regional headquarters in Dubai.

VinFast’s foray into the Middle East signifies a new chapter in the brand’s global expansion and the region’s shift toward sustainable transportation. Only time will tell if VinFast’s Middle Eastern venture will replicate its domestic success, but the early signs are promising.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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PolyU researchers develop intelligent activewear for a dry and comfortable experience


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 July 2024 – The Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games are just around the corner and a global sports frenzy is underway. However, intense summer workouts often lead to sportswear absorbing excessive sweat, becoming clingy and cumbersome, causing discomfort and potentially impacting performance. A research team from the School of Fashion and Textiles at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed the iActive™ sportswear range which features a root-like liquid transport system and a skin-like active perspiration dissipater and utilises nature-inspired, anti-heat textile fabrics to expedite sweat removal, effectively reducing the weight and stickiness of activewear caused by sweat accumulation during exercise.

A research team led by Dr Shou Dahua, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies and Associate Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles at PolyU, has invented the groundbreaking iActive™, intelligent, electrically activated sportswear with a nature-inspired active perspiration function.
A research team led by Dr Shou Dahua, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies and Associate Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles at PolyU, has invented the groundbreaking iActive™, intelligent, electrically activated sportswear with a nature-inspired active perspiration function.

The human body has millions of sweat glands that are vital for regulating body temperature by dissipating sweat for evaporation to cool the skin’s surface. With unabating greenhouse gas emissions, the number of very hot days annually is expected to increase significantly. This will lead to elevated energy consumption and increased sweating during physical activity and outdoor labour. Even when wearing highly breathable clothes with good sweat-wicking properties, individuals may still experience discomfort due to excessive sweat accumulation.

A research team led by Dr SHOU Dahua, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies and Associate Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles at PolyU, has invented the groundbreaking iActive™, intelligent, electrically activated sportswear with a nature-inspired active perspiration function. This pioneering innovation has garnered significant recognition, including a Gold Medal at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva this April.

Its nature-inspired technologies, including low-voltage-driven artificial “sweat glands” created by skin-like anti-heat textile fabrics and a root-like branching liquid transport system that aligns with the body’s sweat map, can actively and programmably remove sweat to a perspiration dissipater at the lower region of the sportswear. The all-textile sweat dissipater is compact and operates at a safe output voltage of approximately 5-9V, and its battery is easy to detach from the clothing, making it convenient for users to repeatedly wash the clothing by hand or in a washing machine to maintain hygiene. When the human body’s sweat rate is low, iActive™ can still be used independently without the battery.

Based on the optimised wettability pattern and gradient, the research team utilises a skin-like textile fabric to transport sweat one-way quickly and dissipate it from the inside to the outside. This feature reduces the stickiness and weight of clothing, improves breathability and ensures the garments remain dry and comfortable to wear. Experimental findings indicate that iActive™ creates a breathable and dry skin microclimate by dissipating sweat at a rate that is three times faster than the maximum human sweating rate. This innovation can also prevent discomfort from coldness and moisture after a workout. In comparison to traditional fabrics, the textile materials in iActive™ are 60% lighter and 50% less clingy when soaked, providing the wearer with all-round comfort and enabling sports enthusiasts and athletes to perform at their best.

Furthermore, a mobile app further aids personalised sweat management by wirelessly adjusting the sweat level of iActive™. This innovation is versatile and can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of textile materials to facilitate sustainable mass production. Beyond sportswear, iActive™ is also well-suited to protective clothing and workwear for individuals engaged in prolonged, high-intensity physical labour and outdoor occupations, including healthcare professionals, construction workers, firefighters, law enforcement officers and others, thereby significantly enhancing their work performance.

Dr Shou Dahua stated, “The extreme weather and high temperatures resulting from global warming have elevated the importance of heatstroke prevention and cooling measures on a global scale. Drawing on the vivid phenomena of thermal insulation and directed liquid flow in nature, we aim to foster innovation and sustainable advancement in garment manufacturing by inventing intelligent clothing and materials to address global challenges. We seek to harness the power of technology to infuse fresh perspectives into the traditional clothing industry, thereby enhancing its competitiveness.”

His research team has also developed a premium fabric named Omni-Cool-Dry™, drawing inspiration from volcano dwelling beetles. This fabric not only provides ultra-fast sweat dissipation and ensures all-day comfort with its dry and breathable features under dynamic thermal conditions, but also reflects solar radiation and emits body heat into the cold universe, enabling passive cooling. The team is working hard to leverage the benefits of both inventions to further enhance the sweat-dissipating and cooling capability of iActive™ sportswear.

Dr Shou Dahua, a core member of the PolyU Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems and the Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion, has recently been bestowed with the 2023 Distinguished Achievement Award by the Fiber Society for his outstanding contributions to the fields of personal thermal and moisture management, intelligent wearables and soft robotics. The accolade is presented annually to an individual researcher worldwide. He has also received international innovation awards, including consecutive TechConnect Global Innovation Awards in 2021 and 2022. Moreover, his research papers have been published in various internationally renowned academic journals including Science Advances, PNAS, Advanced Functional Materials, and Advanced Energy Materials. Dr Shou will be chairing The Fiber Society Spring 2025 Conference at PolyU.

Hashtag: #PolyU

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Laos, Singapore Strengthen Ties in Education, Clean Energy

Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone and Singaporean PM Lawrence Wong (Photo: Photo Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Laos and Singapore have agreed to enhance collaboration on education and carbon credits, with two agreements signed on 9 July during Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s official trip to the country.

‘Medlab Asia & Asia Health 2024’ Grand Opening Under Concept ‘International Healthcare Week’

Expected to generate value over 1.64 billion baht for medical laboratory and healthcare.


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 July 2024 – Informa Markets launched “Medlab Asia & Asia Health 2024,” the largest medical laboratory and medical device trade show and conference in Southeast Asia. Under the concept of International Healthcare Week, it focuses on presenting advancements and innovations in the medical industry, creating opportunities and business networks for entrepreneurs during challenging in the Thai and Asian healthcare industries, and enhancing knowledge for healthcare personnel.

Grand Opening Ceremony
Grand Opening Ceremony

Mr. Manu Leopairote, Chairman of Informa Markets Thailand, stated, “This year, Informa Markets has combined three major events in Southeast Asia: Medlab Asia, Asia Health, and CPHI Southeast Asia, under the concept of International Healthcare Week. This platform is the most important for global health experts to network, learn, and do business, focusing on innovative products and solutions related to medical laboratories, medical devices, health solutions, and the pharmaceutical industry value chain, including academic conferences, seminars, and meetings across all related sectors. This aligns with Thailand being ranked 6th out of 195 countries for health security, bolstering Thailand’s reputation as Asia’s medical hub.”

Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Group Director – ASEAN at Informa Markets, as the organizer of Medlab Asia and Asia Health, said, “The medical laboratory and healthcare business in Thailand has significantly improved compared to 2023 due to increased demand for medical devices following the expansion of hospitals and healthcare facilities, the rise in the elderly population, and the public’s growing health awareness. These are key factors driving growth in Thailand’s medical device business. Additionally, government support for promoting the medical industry, the introduction of new technologies and innovations enhancing treatment efficiency, collaboration between public and private sectors in research and development, and increased investment in medical infrastructure, all drive the growth of the medical laboratory and medical device industry.”

“Medlab Asia and Asia Health 2024 is the leading platform for the ASEAN medical laboratory and medical device industry, providing unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and medical personnel to network, connect businesses, share knowledge, and update on the latest medical advancements to enhance business opportunities in the industry and in Asia. This year, over 350 companies from 50 countries will exhibit. Over 10,000 attendees and business matches with potential industry buyers are expected, with an expect to generate value over 1.64 billion baht,” said Rungphech.

Countries participating in showcasing medical products and technologies this year include Singapore, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Canada, Germany, Poland, Hungary, India, Italy, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, the UAE, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Thailand, and more. Leading companies such as Dedalus, AGD, AL FAHIM Healthcare Solutions, Autobio, DBC, Healthium, Sekisui Veredus, Snibe, TOP, URIT, WonFo, YHLO, Beacon, DNA-Technology, FAPON, and OneCell Diagnostics will participate.

Products highlight include the DTprime RT-PCR system for DNA/RNA targets analysis is an optimum choice for diagnostic laboratories with high throughput of routine tests, the V-VEIL UP2 is a self-sampling medical device used to collect secretions, various fluids and substances that are in the vaginal cavity and cervix for diagnostic laboratory testing, the Theruptor NXT is a next-generation wound dressing solution aimed at providing optimal wound management which is designed to cater to acute wounds, the OncoIndx offers Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) across all Solid Tumors. It is a well-validated NGS test to extract therapy information from both tissues as well as blood samples with a Faster Turn Around Time of less than 15 days. Clinalytix Medical AI is an AI assistant for healthcare providers. It predicts and notifies users of each patient’s risk of a set of acute clinical complications, by leveraging the mass of structured and free-text medical data available in each patient’s Electronic Health Record (EHR), and more.

Besides showcasing medical products and technologies, Medlab Asia and Asia Health also hosts scientific academic conferences for professionals to enhance careers and expand knowledge in the ever-changing healthcare world. Renowned speakers from around the world will lead Medlab Asia conferences on topics such as laboratory management, clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, clinical microbiology, anatomic pathology, and hematology. Asia Health conferences will cover digital health, future medical practices, hospital management, medical device reimbursement and national health funds, patient safety, radiology, and sterile processing and infection control. Attendees will receive CME, CMTE, CPD, and CNEU continuing education credits. Additionally, there will be seminars for the medical device business sector on doing business in Asia, providing updates on business opportunities in Thailand and Asia for industry entrepreneurs and interested parties.

Interested individuals can visit “Medlab Asia & Asia Health 2024,” showcasing medical laboratory, medical device, and international medical academic conferences, from today until July 12, 2024, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Visitors can register at https://www.medlabasia.com/.

Hashtag: #medlabasia #asiahealth



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About Medlab Asia and Asia Health

As the ASEAN region’s leading medical laboratory and healthcare exhibition and congress, Medlab Asia and Asia Health play a crucial role in developing the value of medical laboratory and healthcare by transforming tomorrow’s diagnostics. They provide a platform for industry leaders, including manufacturers, dealers, and distributors, to share best practices, showcase innovations, and collaborate and network.

Thai Robber Apprehended in Laos After Bangkok Robbery

Thai Robber Apprehended in Laos After Bangkok Robbery
Nantaporn “Ball” Piantamdee, who has a history of serious offenses and has been arrested multiple times in the past. (photo credit: Bangkok Post)

Lao authorities apprehended a Thai man in Khammouane Province on 7 July for conspiring with an accomplice to steal THB 3.3 million (about USD 90,700) from a victim in Bangkok, Thailand.

Naumann Foundation opens Human Rights Hub in Geneva / German Federal Minister of Justice Dr. Buschmann: “The brave need support.”


GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Newsaktuell – 10 July 2024 – On July 10, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom officially opens its Human Rights Hub in Geneva. The Human Rights Hub will be a hub for the promotion of freedom and human rights worldwide. Journalists, lawyers, activists – many are committed to the universal defense of human rights. In doing so, they often put their own freedom or lives at risk. Freedom is not free – it must be defended by liberal societies and single individuals. Dr. Michaela Lissowsky will serve as the hub’s director.

Anne Brasseur, former President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and member of the Board of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom:

Geneva is the world capital of human rights and the rule of law. This is where people come together, network, become visible and have their voices heard. All over the world, people are threatened, imprisoned or tortured if they want to express their opinion, argue their case in court or report critically. Standing up for the universal application of human rights every day is at the heart of our mission as the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. I am very pleased that the Human Rights Hub in Geneva will be such a place of encounter and joining forces.”

The German Federal Minister of Justice, Dr. Marco Buschmann, who will inaugurate the Human Rights Hub in Geneva, congratulates with the following words:

“Human rights protect people. They protect the individual. At the same time, it is individuals who stand up and fight for these rights. It takes individuals with courage. Because without courage, it wouldn’t have been possible to defend Alexander Navalny in court in Russia. Without courage, you can’t fight corruption or help safeguard the rule of law in Zimbabwe. Without courage, you can’t stand up to those who despise human rights. But even the courageous need help. The Human Rights Hub of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Geneva will support them in finding that help, winning over fellow campaigners and generating attention. I therefore wish this institution the very greatest of success.”

More information about the work of the Human Rights Hub is available here: https://www.freiheit.org/human-rights-hub-0

Hashtag: #FriedrichNaumannFoundationforFreedom

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Vientiane Sees Over 20 Percent Surge in Tourist Numbers in First Half of 2024

Patuxai (Photo: Kaikeo Saiyasane)

Vientiane Capital welcomed a total of 674,196 visitors in the first six months of this year, including international and domestic tourists.

Uni-Bio Science And Chongqing Minji Establish Strategic Partnership, Targeting Hundreds Of Billions Of Yuan of Medical Aesthetics Device Market


HONG KONG SAR – EQS Newswire – 10 July 2024 – Recently, Uni-Bio Science Group Limited (the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries (Beijing Genetech, Shenzhen Watsin, Dongguan Watsin), the “Group”) is pleased to announce a strategic cooperation with Chongqing Minji Medical Device Co., Ltd. (hereafter “Chongqing Minji”). This partnership expands the Group’s business into the medical aesthetics device sector and enhances its long-term strategy in biopharmaceuticals and medical aesthetics.

In the realm of skincare, amidst the escalating global aging population, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and growing aspirations for improved aesthetics, there is a surging demand for specialized skincare products post-procedures such as general surgery, cosmetic operations, burns, and accidental injuries. Public data forecasts that by 2026, the market size for medical device dressings and functional skincare products in China will reach CNY 253.8 billion and CNY 623 billion, respectively. This alliance with Chongqing Minji, based on market analysis and growth opportunities, will leverage both parties’ strengths in product registration, R&D, market channels, and brand influence. Together, they aim to develop a new business model combining biopharmaceuticals and medical devices to meet diverse market needs.

As an initial step, Uni-Bio Science Group has secured the exclusive distribution rights nationwide for Chongqing Minji’s flagship product – a hydrogel wound dressing designed for post-skin injury and minimally invasive surgery wound healing. This class II medical device complements the Group’s flagship product, GeneTime® (rEGF recombinant human epidermal growth factor), which is well-established in the domestic market for burn and trauma treatment. The addition of the hydrogel wound dressing further enriches the Group’s product pipeline, providing patients with a full-range solution from treatment to recovery.

Uni-Bio Science Group has also attained the exclusive distribution rights for Chongqing Minji’s soon-to-be-approved collagen liquid dressing, another class II medical device targeting premium demands in medical aesthetics and daily skincare. This aligns with the Group’s self-developed medical aesthetic product pipeline, including fibronectin repair fluids and essence, advancing the group’s integrated strategy of “Medicine + Devices + Cosmetics” for a seamless transition from therapy to beauty, offering consumers a full-cycle skin care solution.

Most notably, both companies will collaborate on developing medical device products based on Uni-Bio Science Group’s proprietary core patented ingredient – Skbrella, a small molecular highly active recombinant human fibronectin. Fibronectin, naturally present in the dermis layer of human skin, boasts remarkable effects in skin repair and nourishment, presenting immense potential in medical aesthetics and premium skincare markets. This joint project aims to develop and launch China’s first batch of class II medical devices utilizing fibronectin, reinforcing the company’s leadership in skincare and medical aesthetics.

Lastly, Uni-Bio Science has the option to deepen its strategic alliance with Chongqing Minji by investing in and potentially acquiring the company within the next 24 months. Seizing this cooperation opportunity, the Group aims to enhance its technological innovation and market expansion in biopharmaceuticals, high-end medical devices, and medical aesthetics. Filled with confidence, the Group aspires to jointly embark on a new chapter in the healthcare industry with Chongqing Minji, introducing more innovative and high-quality products and services to the global skincare market.

Hashtag: #Uni-BioScienceGroupLimited

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