FILE: a field of opium poppy (photo: wallpaperflare)
Local authorities and police in several northern provinces of Laos have intensified efforts to combat illicit drug cultivation by eradicating opium poppy fields discovered within local communities.
FILE: this image is used for representational purpose (photo: UNFPA Laos)
Laos is poised to take an active role in addressing human rights issues within the ASEAN community during its tenure as chair of the regional bloc, according to Yong Chanthalangsy, a Lao representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR).
As the Lunar New Year approaches, the streets of Asian countries like China, Vietnam, and South Korea buzz with vibrant celebrations, including majestic dragon dances, mesmerizing lantern festivals, and joyous Seollal festivities, all brimming with cultural richness and tradition.
Damith Aluge, General Secretary of Sri Lanka Laos Union and Head of Chancery of the Honorary Consulate (photo: Best Diplomats)
Damith Aluge, General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Laos Union, has spent the last 16 years in Laos, pioneering projects in tourism, Buddhism, and IT initiatives. As Sri Lanka marked its 76th anniversary of independence on 4 February, Aluge highlighted the evolution of Sri Lanka-Laos relations post-independence.
Damith Aluge’s journey as Sri Lanka’s representative in Laos shows the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration in building strong relationships between the two countries. As Sri Lanka and Laos work towards a closer relationship, Aluge’s commitment to unity and progress offers hope for a bright future with cultural enrichment and technological advancements.
One of the notable contributions that Aluge made during his tenure was the rescue of Sri Lankans who were trapped within the Special Economic Zone in Bokeo Province, Laos. He revealed that the successful operation was a joint effort involving the Government of Laos, Sri Lanka, and the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM). Together, they managed to rescue over 70 Sri Lankans from the Special Economic Zone, with an additional 30 people being rescued by the IOM alone.
But this is just one of his latest works. Reflecting on his early days in Laos, Aluge described his departure from Sri Lanka in 2008 as being guided by “destiny.” A life-changing moment that led him to his current position back in mid-2018.
Embracing Destiny and Overcoming Challenges in Laos
Initially envisioning himself working in countries like England, Australia, New Zealand, or America, he ultimately found himself in Laos, a place that he now considers part of his destiny.
“The Lao people show respect to their fellow Lao citizens. They refrain from belittling others and value qualities such as dignity. Showing respect is paramount,” he noted. “Secondly, there’s respect for foreign visitors. Essentially, I advocate respect for all individuals, regardless of nationality. Then, their rich culture is noteworthy, with Buddhism as its foundation. Lastly, the historical relationship between Sri Lanka and Laos spans over many years, dating back more than a century or two,” he carried on, praising the Lao cultural context.
Aluge’s journey to Laos took a significant turn when he was only 28 years old. He was selected to work on a collaborative tourism project with the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism in Laos. Aluge’s expertise in ecotourism and IT made him the ideal candidate for the project, as he possessed the unique combination of qualifications that others lacked.
“They were looking for an ecotourism and IT expert. During that time, within our ministry, many tourist-specialized people were considered, individuals who had long experience in tourism but lacked IT background. However, I was the only one with such qualifications at that time. I had acquired bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree in IT back then,” he explained.
However, his path wasn’t always easy. Adapting to life in Laos, Aluge faced challenges such as transitioning from being a vegetarian to embracing the local culinary culture. With limited vegetarian options available in the country and a lack of understanding of the concept of vegetarianism among the locals, Aluge decided to give up his dietary restrictions.
“At that time, I thought it was very difficult to stay like this. So then I gave up being a vegetarian. Ah, now. Whatever they give me, I can eat,” he said.
A Journey From Religion to Technology
As a devout Buddhist, Aluge’s primary goal as Sri Lanka’s Honorary Consulate in Laos is his involvement in a scholarship project for monks in Laos, aiming to provide them with opportunities to study Buddhism in Sri Lanka. He advocates not only for monks but also for tourists intrigued by Buddhism and travel, urging them to explore Sri Lanka’s abundant Buddhist heritage and emphasizing its appeal to those seeking spiritual enlightenment.
“One of our former ministers and current Member of Parliament visited Laos three weeks ago to conduct research on the Buddhist relationship and its history between Sri Lanka and Laos,” he said.
According to Aluge, this research serves as a foundation for expanding the scholarship program to benefit more monks in the future.
In addition to his contribution to the religious aspect of the country, Aluge also discussed Sri Lanka’s contributions to Laos in the fields of IT and technology. He mentioned Sri Lanka’s assistance in developing the Lao KYC application free of charge and initiating the E-Visa system.
“I was the one who made the proposal and asked (the Sri Lankan company that developed this app for Sri Lanka) if we could support the development of this particular app (KYC and/or COVID-19 status update system) for Laos for free,” he added. “In Sri Lanka, e-visas have been implemented for 17 to 18 years already. We suggested that we could assist Laos in initiating this system.”
Aluge also addressed the persistent issue of delayed passport queues in Laos, which has caused significant inconvenience for Lao residents. Recognizing this challenge, he expressed his confidence in the collaborative efforts between Laos and Sri Lanka to streamline the complicated passport process in Laos. By leveraging Sri Lanka’s expertise and experience in this area, Aluge believes that a solution can be found, providing much-needed relief to the residents of Laos. “Also, we can support the Lao Government as a public-private partnership (PPP) for passport online applications,” he said.
According to Aluge, Laos and Sri Lanka have had long-lasting bilateral relations based on shared history and common spiritual heritage.
Looking to the future, Aluge envisions a closer relationship between the two countries, with streamlined passport processes and increased cultural exchange.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2024 – On 8 February 2024, Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support students in developing targeted skills and competencies to boost their competitiveness in the corporate world. This is an initiative under Prudential’s Talent Engagement Ecosystem (TEE-Up) that supports students and young adults in their professional development, as they transition from schools to workplaces. Close to 90 attendees from ITE, Polytechnics, Prudential and industry experts, were at the MOU event.
(From left) Mr Ben Tan, Chief Distribution Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer, Prudential Singapore, Ms Magdalene Loh, Head of Strategy and Innovation, Prudential Singapore, Mr Suresh Natarajan, Principal of Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College Central, Ms Neetha Nair, Chief Human Resources Officer, Prudential Singapore, Ms Alice Seow, Principal of ITE College West, and Dr Yek Tiew Ming, Principal of ITE College East, at the signing of the MOU by Prudential and ITE. The MOU signing was held at Prudential Singapore’s Marina One office.
As part of the three-year MOU, about 3,000 ITE students will benefit from a range of future-ready workforce courses on automation, financial literacy, generative AI, and design thinking, as well as internships and the TEE-Up mentorship programme. Prudential will hold industry talks and/or learning journeys for ITE students to help them understand and appreciate the use of technology and sustainability practices in the financial services sector. Prudential will also provide opportunities for ITE students to apply their learnings and bolster their portfolios through internships, events and hackathons, building a strong foundation for their future careers.
Under TEE-Up, students can explore more than 300 videos on various social media channels. These include interviews with professionals like a chief financial officer, productivity tips from a scientist, and entrepreneurial stories such as the founding of a guitar business. In addition to consuming content, students are encouraged to become co-creators of the video content, sharing their own internship experiences. Furthermore, TEE-Up provides access to programmes and content designed by career development coaches to help prepare them for the working world by identifying their key competencies and areas of growth.
Since the pilot launch of TEE-Up in 2022, Prudential has also collaborated with five polytechnics in Singapore to prepare their students for the workforce. Students are paired with more than 120 mentors under the programme who are experts across different industries such as financial services, wholesale trade, technology, and design.
Mr Ben Tan, Chief Distribution Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer, Prudential Singapore, said: “Our partnership with ITE is testament to our shared commitment to nurturing careers and building targeted competencies. In a world experiencing dynamic shifts such as the accelerated pace of technology, it is more crucial than ever to prepare students for work. Building on our success in engaging 300 ITE students through talks, panels and workshops last year, this partnership with ITE will empower 3,000 more young minds with the tools they need to thrive when they embark on their career. Through TEE-Up, students will apply what they have learned in school and acquire vital technical and life skills, preparing them for the workforce of tomorrow.”
Ms Low Khah Gek, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Technical Education (ITE), said: “Mentorship is not just about sharing knowledge. It’s about shaping futures and building bridges that connect aspirations to accomplishments. In this aspect, I would like to thank Prudential for coming in to support us and for giving our students the tools needed to shape their future.”
Mr Byron Yap, an ITE student pursuing Higher Nitec in Financial Services and ex-intern with Prudential’s Innovation team, said: “Throughout my internship at Prudential, I had the opportunity to gain real-world and first-hand experience that helped me to learn more about my future career options. Being exposed to partnership events organised by Prudential has allowed me to make meaningful connections. My mentors have also supported me in identifying areas of improvement to grow as an individual, learning different skillsets and charting my internship journey.”
English names and designations
Chinese names and designations
Mr Ben Tan, Chief Distribution Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer, Prudential Singapore
保诚保险新加坡首席保险分销官及首席业务发展官, 陈长庆
Ms Low Khah Gek, Chief Executive Officer, ITE
工艺教育局总裁, 卢巧玉
Dr Yek Tiew Ming, Principal of ITE College East
工艺教育东区学院院长,叶昭铭博士
Ms Alice Seow, Principal, ITE College West
工艺教育西区学院院长,萧翠云
[1] These polytechnics are Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore)
Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country’s citizens for 93 years. The company has an AA- Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s, with S$49.4 billion funds under management as at 31 December 2022. It delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of more than 5,200 financial representatives.
About Institute of Technical Education (ITE)
The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) was established as a post-secondary institution in 1992, under the Ministry of Education. ITE is a principal provider of career and technical education and a key developer of national skills certification and standards, skilling Singapore for the future economy. It offers three key programmes – (1) Pre-Employment Training for youths after secondary education (2) Continuing Education and Training for adult learners, and (3) Workplace Learning and Work-Study Programmes with employers. Under its ‘One ITE System, Three Colleges’ Governance Model, ITE has three Colleges – ITE College Central, ITE College East and ITE College West. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.ite.edu.sg
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2024 – Since 2013, Bright Day Divorce Consultancy has established a commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible divorce counseling services to diverse sectors within the Hong Kong community. With ambitions to broaden its reach, the consultancy has announced expansion plans into the Greater Bay Area, which includes Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, responding to the increasing demand for its specialized divorce services in the region.
Lucas, the Business Development Manager, notes the Greater Bay Area’s rapid growth and dynamism present significant opportunities for the firm. Bright Day aims to provide the essential divorce counseling guidance needed by clients from China and Hong Kong. As part of its expansion efforts, the firm will extend its services to Shenzhen, offering a comprehensive range of personalized divorce counseling services (離婚申請) for China-Hong Kong cases, encompassing divorce procedures, child custody(撫養權), alimony, and asset division counseling.
Furthermore, to optimize service delivery in new markets, Bright Day will implement a cutting-edge video conferencing system to facilitate 24-hour online counseling services and will employ an additional staff force to manage inquiries from Hong Kong and Mainland China clients. This advanced video conferencing technology integrates high-definition video, audio conferencing, telephony, webinars, and chat functionalities into a seamless communication platform, ensuring secure and confidential meetings with features like password protection and controlled screen sharing, regardless of the client’s location. Lucas emphasizes that this system will simplify access to services, catering to the busy schedules of clients, and is enthusiastic about providing continuous, superior quality divorce counseling to individuals in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
Bright Day Divorce Consultancy is committed to building long-term, trust-based relationships with clients, offering personalized counseling solutions for pre- and post-divorce scenarios, and providing objective, professional advice to individuals and families. The consultancy also has ambitions to expand into new markets in Europe and the United States in the future, aiming to serve a wider array of Chinese and international clients. Hashtag: #divorce #divorcehongkong #hongkongdivorce #alimony #childcustody
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Bright Day Divorce Consultancy
Bright Day Divorce Consultancy specializes in navigating the complexities of the divorce process, focusing on divorce counselling strategies tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. The consultancy’s services include guidance on divorce procedures, divorce lawyer recommendations 離婚律師, property division advice, alimony counselling, child custody arrangements, and specific assistance for divorces involving Hong Kong and China residents.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2024 – In the face of rapid technological advancement and with the dedication to offer customers high-quality and speedy 24-hour loan services. Wealth Reach Finance Limited (二線財務公司) has introduced a cutting-edge integrated customer communication system that leverages artificial intelligence across major social communication platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram. This initiative aims to improve the loan service and customer experience across various communication channels, allowing for enhanced marketing and sales automation. It also empowers frontline staff to address customer loan requests efficiently and with greater mobility.
Customer service specialists at Wealth Reach Finance Limited can access the company’s database via smartphones or computers, utilizing artificial intelligence to analyze customers’ previous loan service engagements. This technology facilitates quick responses to frequently asked questions and enables the system to offer additional recommendations or tailored loan services based on conversation history. This reduces the time required to search for and understand customers’ personal profiles, a significant advantage over traditional approaches used by other finance companies.
The integrated customer communication system supports multiple languages, meeting the needs of a global customer base. It is equipped with a powerful AI algorithm capable of translating, adjusting, or expanding content to ensure brand consistency, enhance the quality of customer service, and decrease the rate of customer complaints. An automated personalization feature addresses customers by name, creating personalized contact records and loan demand files.
Furthermore, the system’s complete personalization and automation capabilities streamline internal management processes at Wealth Reach Finance Limited. It consolidates customer inquiries and team responses for record-keeping, simplifies report generation, and facilitates the handover process. This enables new customer service specialists to become operational more quickly, maintains the quality of customer service, shortens the learning curve, and efficiently trains professional talent.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Wealth Reach Finance Limited
Wealth Reach Finance Limited is committed to providing “quality” loan services to everyone in Hong Kong. The company is a vital financial support for individuals in urgent need of cash flow, offering flexible TU-free personal loan programs, homeowner loans, and comprehensive debt restructuring (債務重組) and debt consolidation advice (債務舒緩). Wealth Reach Finance Limited is proud to hold a Qualified Money Lender License.
WENCHANG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2024 – On January 17th 2024, the Long March-7 Y8, carrying the Tianzhou-7 cargo spacecraft, was successfully launched. An increasing number of “space fans” are coming to Wenchang, Hainan Province, the site of China’s youngest spaceport, to see the rockets, and the city’s space-themed tourism is becoming more and more popular. The 2,100-year-old town in the northeastern part of Hainan Island is becoming “China’s version of Cape Canaveral”.
Tourists watch a rocket launch at Qishui Bay, Longlou Town, Wenchang.
In recent years, Wenchang has been actively exploring the “aerospace +” model to develop tourism. Facilities such as seaside B&Bs and local featured farmhouses have been built in response to the trend, and an aerospace tourism town is now taking shape. When rocket launches and tropical island scenery perfectly combine, the former hometown of overseas Chinese has undergone tremendous changes- transforming into a well-known destination of aerospace coastal tourism in China.
Wenchang has attracted many young photographers to “chase rockets” whenever there is a launch. In their opinion, this is the closest that ordinary people can get to space. “No matter how many times I watch a rocket launch, I’m always deeply moved to tears” said space photographer and sophomore at Northwest Minzu University Tang Muzhi. He added that he hoped his photos would attract more people’s attention and love to space.
Zhang Zuoxing, also a photography enthusiast, wanted to share this mind-blowing experience to more people and set up “Walking at 20”, a youth travel organization, after graduating from university in 2020 with his friends. They aim at providing immersive trips and social opportunities for young people. The “Wenchang Rocket Chasing Tour” has become the company’s best product. Watching rockets in the gentle sea breeze has become a must experience for many tourists in Wenchang.
According to Ye Sheng, in charge of Longlou Town, Wencheng, which has a population of only 27,000, it transpires that they have received more than 1.5 million tourists in the past two years because of the aerospace industry. Over 9,000 jobs have been created, and the aerospace tourism industry has achieved an increase in annual income of 15 percent. Local people have benefited greatly as more and more aerospace-themed cultural and tourism activities are being held there. Their door to the outside world has been truly opened, bringing in new knowledge and understandings.
“During important holidays and launches, we are always fully booked.” said You Zhuo, who runs the Wenchang Ruoyuan Yuanshe B&B. Take an example of the launch of the “Wentian” laboratory cabin module in July 2022, this single event brought more than 200,000 tourists to Longlou Town, creating a boom in demand for hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, and other related services. Some hotels even achieved record revenues of more than one million yuan in a single day.
B&Bs along the coast of Qishui Bay, Longlou Town, Wenchang, where people can watch a rocket launch on the balcony of their accommodation or on the beach. Photo credit: Guo Cheng, Xinhua News Agency
Thanks to the aerospace industry, a very distinctive tourism sector has been developing in full swing, supporting the businesses of local B&Bs, farmhouse stays, leisure fisheries, sightseeing industries, science tours, and other touristic offers. At the same time, aerospace communities, aerospace schools, aerospace markets, and other supporting facilities have been gradually improved as well.
Rocket launches have not only brought a “tourism craze” to Wenchang and improved the living standards of local residents, but also driven the transformation of the city’s industrial system.
As China’s only commercial space launch site, Hainan commercial launch site is the major infrastructure project of Wenchang International Aerospace City, which will be able to launch regularly in 2024. So far, public platforms for aerospace science and innovation, such as the satellite assembly and testing plant, rocket assembly plant, and aerospace supercomputing center, have been completed and gradually put into use.
Liu Chong, Mayor of Wenchang, said that Wenchang will gradually form its industrial advantage based on the commercial aerospace industry, accelerate the construction of the industrial system of “three chains” (rocket chain, satellite chain, and data chain) and the “aerospace +”, while continuing to drive the transformation and upgrading of the traditional advantageous industries such as Wenchang chicken, coconuts, and fishery.
It is foreseeable that the “aerospace craze” based on the “aerospace effect” will drive more industries to gather and grow in Wenchang, and China’s commercial aerospace industry will usher in a brilliant new chapter in the future.
Hashtag: #Wenchang #Hainan #Aerospace
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
