The Mongolian president will soon be on his way to Laos. In just a few days, on 5-6 November, President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa is scheduled to meet with his Lao counterpart in Vientiane to solidify the long-established amicable relationship between their countries.
Mongolian President Set for State Visit to Laos to Foster Friendship, Cooperation
Strong Earthquake Shakes Indonesia’s Timor Region
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck Indonesia’s Timor island on Thursday, causing panic and light damages to several buildings and houses but there no immediate reports of casualties.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake had a depth of 36.1 kilometers and its epicenter was located 21 kilometers north-northeast of Kupang, the capital city of East Nusa Tenggara province.
Daryono, who heads the Earthquake and Tsunami Center at Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency, said the land-based quake was causing panic as it was strongly felt in several cities and villages.
The agency measured a preliminary magnitude of 6.6 for the quake and then revised it to 6.3. Variations in early measurements of quakes are common. The USGS reported that the quake had a magnitude of 6.1.
“The quake has caused light damages in several buildings and houses,” wrote Daryono, who goes by a single name, on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, adding there was no danger of a tsunami.
Video circulating on social media showed residents in Kupang panicking as houses and buildings swayed just after dawn. Some witnesses said ceilings at the governor’s and mayor’s offices were damaged.
Indonesia is a seismically active archipelago of 270 million people that is frequently struck by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis because of its location on the arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin known as the “Ring of Fire.”
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake last year killed at least 602 people in West Java’s Cianjur city, It was the deadliest in Indonesia since a 2018 quake and tsunami in Sulawesi killed more than 4,300 people.
In 2004, an extremely powerful Indian Ocean quake set off a tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people in a dozen countries, most of them in Indonesia’s Aceh province.
BingX Airdrops Popular Sports NFT and Gamefi Token FEVR
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 2 November 2023 – BingX, a leading cryptocurrency trading platform, is thrilled to announce a substantial airdrop of FEVR tokens, the native token of the sports Web 3 project. This strategic move is in response to the recent impressive price surge of NFT platform token Blur and Gamefi platform token Gala, both of which have nearly doubled in value.
With the latest launch users will now be able to trade FEVR USDT.
Largest Possible Airdrop in October 2023: Secure Your FEVR Tokens with BingX
- Airdrop Deadline: November 5, 2023
- Event: BingX Airdrop of FEVR Tokens
- Significance: The largest NFT and Gamefi platform token airdrop in October
In the current bear market conditions, BingX is offering its users a unique opportunity to acquire tokens from promising platforms, setting them up for success in the anticipated bull market development.
Exclusive for New Users: During the same period, the first 500 new users depositing at least 100 tokens of USDT, USDC, or BUSD can share a 5,000 USDT prize pool, with a minimum trading requirement of 100 USDT at FEVR price.
Trade to Earn: From October 30 to November 5, 2023, users trading a minimum of 300 USDT in FEVR Spot trading can share a 5,000 USDT prize pool, with rewards proportional to their trading volume.
FEVR Airdrop: A 3,000,000 FEVR giveaway is happening from October 27 to November 5, 2023. Participants need to engage with BingX and RealFevr on social media, join Telegram groups, retweet the event, and provide their BingX UID. A total of 100 winners will share the FEVR prize pool.
Alternatively, traders can get into action by learning how to buy RealFevr (FEVR) from BingX.
BingX’s Commitment to Web3 Sports Projects
BingX has consistently shown its commitment to supporting Web3 projects related to sports competitions, ensuring that users have timely access to token price analysis content. This includes the global launch of the SPURS token, which saw SPURS price double on the day of its launch, garnering positive reception from numerous fans and investors.
Hashtag: #bingx #cryptoexchange #copytrading #coinlisting
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About BingX
BingX is a leading cryptocurrency exchange offering spot, derivatives, grid, and copy trading services to users in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. With a user base of over 5 million, BingX facilitates connections between users, expert traders, and the platform itself in a secure and innovative manner.
Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) pays tribute to the Community Care sector
Three satellite events held across Singapore to commemorate Community Care Day 2023
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 November 2023 – The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) is pleased to commemorate Community Care Day with a series of events aimed at showing appreciation and raising awareness of Community Care staff and the sector. This marks the fifth year that AIC has dedicated 1 November to honour the tireless efforts and dedication of Community Care staff who work diligently to enable seniors to live well and age gracefully in the community.
Community Care Day 2023 kicks off with celebrations at St. John’s-St. Margaret’s Nursing Home in Dover, with Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Health (MOH) as the Guest-of-Honour.
Two other similar events are held concurrently at St Luke’s ElderCare in Ang Mo Kio and Vanguard Tampines Care Home, where neighbouring Community Care organisations will join them to celebrate the passion and dedication of staff in caring for seniors and their well-being.
AIC has also galvanised nearly 60 staff as volunteers who will engage, interact, and bond with seniors at the three locations.
Sector Development
AIC recognises that celebrating Community Care Day would not be possible without the strength and commitment of all staff. Since 2017, MOH and AIC have been working with the sector to build their manpower capabilities and providing study opportunities for upskilling through the Community Care Manpower Development Awards, with over 800 awards granted to date.
Additionally, the commitment of more than $290 million to raise salaries of Community Care staff in 2022 and 2023 via MOH’s Community Care Salary Enhancement exercise, reflects efforts to put in place competitive compensation, rewards, and recognition for all staff.
AIC’s Chief Executive Officer Tan Kwang Cheak said, “Our commitment in enhancing capability building of the Community Care workforce signifies our dedication in making Singapore a great place to live and age well for seniors. We also want to give our heartfelt gratitude to all staff for their passion in delivering quality care to seniors, to empower and enable them to age in place.”
Exclusive treats for Community Care staff
To show appreciation to all Community Care staff, AIC has curated a special booklet in partnership with businesses and corporate partners, offering vouchers that provide staff with exclusive offers and discounts to enjoy across Singapore.
Spotlight on the sector through social media
One of the key objectives of this year’s Community Care Day is to highlight the critical role of Community Care staff in caring and empowering seniors. AIC will showcase diverse jobs and career paths within the sector through various social media channels, shedding light on the tireless work of those who provide professional care to seniors.
The public may view these videos on AIC’s social media pages on Instagram (@aic_Singapore), TikTok (@aicsingapore) or Facebook (@aic.sg).
Hashtag: #CelebratingCommCare #communitycareday
https://www.facebook.com/AICSingapore/
https://www.instagram.com/aic_singapore/
https://www.tiktok.com/@aicsingapore?lang=en
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Agency for Integrated Care
The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) aims to create a vibrant care community for people to live well and age gracefully. AIC coordinates and supports efforts in integrating care to achieve the best care outcomes for our clients. We reach out to caregivers and seniors with information on staying active and ageing well, and connect people to services they need. We support stakeholders in their efforts to raise the quality of care, and also work with health and social care partners to provide services for the ageing population. Our work in the community brings care services and information closer to those in need. For more about us, please visit 
https://www.aic.sg.
JDB Bank in Eye of Storm Over Scammers Impersonating Bank Officials
JDB Bank is in the spotlight as an increasing number of Lao residents reported attempts by scammers posing as bank officials on Facebook.
CK Life Sciences Presenting Preclinical Data for Its Investigational Dual-Antigen Cancer Vaccines, Co-targeting PRAME and PD-L1, at the 2023 Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 1 November 2023 – CK Life Sciences Int’l., (Holdings) Inc. is presenting preclinical data for its investigational dual-antigen cancer vaccines, co-targeting PRAME (preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma) and PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1), on November 4 at the 2023 Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, USA.
The investigational cancer vaccines evaluated in the preclinical study contain antigenic sequences of PRAME and PD-L1 intended to induce anti-cancer immune responses. PRAME is a cancer antigen highly expressed in many different types of cancers and has been associated with different oncogenic processes. PD-L1 represents one of the most important immune checkpoint antigens highly expressed on cancer cells to limit T-cell activation in the tumour microenvironment.
“CK Life Sciences has a growing pipeline of cancer vaccines in various stages of development. The preclinical efficacy results of our dual-targeting PRAME/ PD-L1 cancer vaccines in liver cancer are promising and we hope to start clinical trials in the coming years,” said Melvin Toh, Vice President & Chief Scientific Officer at CK Life Sciences. “Liver cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in Asia and remains a major unmet medical need. We plan to investigate the PRAME/ PD-L1 dual-targeting cancer vaccines further in liver cancer and other cancer types known to over-express PRAME and PD-L1.”
DETAILS ON POSTER PRESENTATION:
- Abstract 1336: Cancer vaccine co-targeting PRAME and PD-L1 exerts significant tumour growth inhibition in syngeneic mouse hepatocellular carcinoma models
- Authors: Kin-Tak Chan, Chen-Yi Chiang, Chai Ho, Melvin Toh, Hsin-Wei Chen
- Session Date and Time: Saturday, November 4th from 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
In this preclinical study, we investigated whether dual-antigen cancer vaccines co-targeting PRAME and PD-L1 could suppress tumour growth in both prophylactic and therapeutic syngeneic mouse hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) models.
Two recombinant fusion protein vaccines comprised of PD-L1 and PRAME with or without GM-CSF were synthesised and formulated with a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist CpG oligodeoxynucleotide and aluminum hydroxide for vaccination. In the prophylactic tumour model study, the vaccines were administrated subcutaneously twice at a two-week interval before implantation of mouse HCC cells expressing PRAME, followed by weekly vaccination. In the therapeutic model study, the vaccines were administrated weekly into the animals after tumour cell implantation. Body weight and tumour volume were measured three times a week.
All mice experienced a recoverable body weight loss without any abnormal behavior or reduction of activity after vaccination. In the prophylactic model (n=10 mice), both fusion protein vaccines significantly inhibited tumour growth, with 76.4% (P<0.01) and 59.5% (P<0.05) tumour growth inhibition (TGI) compared to control group, respectively. Importantly, there were some vaccinated mice without palpable tumour mass at the end of the study. These results were consistent with that found in the therapeutic model study (n = 10 mice), in which both vaccines significantly inhibited tumour growth, with 43.4% (P<0.01) and 40.7% (P<0.05) TGI, respectively, and prolonged animal survival compared to the control group (P<0.01).
The results of this preclinical study clearly highlight the potential of simultaneously targeting PRAME and PD-L1 by fusion protein vaccination in cancer immunotherapy.
DISCLAIMER
This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding the Group’s research and development projects which may involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from expectations discussed in such forward-looking statements.
All information in this press release is for general reference only and is not intended as investment advice or medical advice. CK Life Sciences Int’l., (Holdings) Inc. does not warrant or represent, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or updated status of such information. No liability will be accepted for any loss or damage howsoever arising from or in reliance upon such information.
REFERENCES
[1] Gradecki S, Slingluff C, Gru A. J Cutan Pathol. PRAME expression in 155 cases of metastatic melanoma.
Accessed at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cup.13876.
[2] Oyama K, Kanki K, Shimizu H, Kono Y, Azumi J, Toriguchi K, Hatano E, Shiota G. Gastrointest Tumors. Impact of preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Accessed at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465675/.
[3] Thongprasert S, Yang PC, Lee J, Soo R, Gruselle O, Myo A, Louahed J, Lehmann F, Brichard V, Coche T. Lung Cancer. The prevalence of expression of MAGE-A3 and PRAME tumor antigens in East and South East Asian non-small cell lung cancer patients.
Accessed at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27794402/.
[4] Epping M, Hart A, Glas A, Krijgsman O, Bernards R. Br J Cancer. PRAME expression and clinical outcome of breast cancer.
Accessed at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2527791/.
[5] Ahmad S, Borch T, Hansen M, Andersen M. Cancer Immunol Immunother. PD-L1-specific T cells.
Accessed at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26724936/.
Hashtag: #CKLifeSciences #CancerVaccines #R&D
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
CK Life Sciences Int’l., (Holdings) Inc.
CK Life Sciences Int’l., (Holdings) Inc. (stock code: 0775) is listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. Bearing the mission of improving the quality of life, CK Life Sciences is engaged in the business of research and development, manufacturing, commercialisation, marketing, sale of, and investment in, products and assets which fall into three core categories – nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and agriculture-related. CK Life Sciences is a member of the CK Hutchison Group. For additional information, please visit 
www.ck-lifesciences.com.
About PRAME
PRAME is a protein commonly expressed by cancer cells, including melanoma (1), liver cancer (2), lung cancer (3) and breast cancer (4). PRAME contributes to the development and spread of cancer cells, and studies have shown that high levels of PRAME are associated with poor outcomes in cancer patients (2,4). In recent years, researchers have been exploring ways to target PRAME using immunotherapy, such as T-cell therapy and cancer vaccines, as a potential treatment for cancer.
About PD-L1
PD-L1 is a protein expressed by certain immune cells and cancer cells. It plays a role in suppressing anti-cancer immune responses by binding to a receptor called programmed death-1 (PD-1) on T-cells, limiting the activation of T-cells, thereby helping cancer cells evade the immune system. Antibodies that can block the interaction of PD-L1 and PD-1 have been approved for the treatment of certain types of cancer. Recent studies have shown the presence of PD-L1-specific T-cells in both healthy individuals and cancer patients, which suggests that targeting PD-L1 with T-cell therapy or cancer vaccines could be a promising approach for cancer treatment (5).
NoonTalk Media Signs Three Thai Artistes to Tap Growth in Thailand’s Media and Entertainment Market
- Thailand’s entertainment industry is forecast to achieve revenues of USD16.5 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 4.5% from 2021 to 2025
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 November 2023 – NoonTalk Media Limited, a Singapore-based media entertainment company specialising in artiste and talent management, multimedia, film and drama production, as well as event conceptualisation and management, is pleased to announce that it has signed on three Thai artistes – Jet, Pentor and Lissa – to capitalise on the buoyant growth of Thailand’s media and entertainment industry.
About the Artistes
Jet (文豪), or Somjet Saejang, is a Chinese actor, model and singer born in Thailand. In 2018, Jet garnered media and public attention during the Tham Luang cave rescue expedition, where he volunteered as an interpreter for the Chinese rescuer teams. He made his acting debut in the 2022 television drama series “Why You… Y Me?”.
Pentor (杨斯维), or Jeerapat Pimarnprom, 24, is a Thai singer, dancer and actor born in Phuket and he speaks fluent Mandarin. He graduated from the Shanghai International Studies University and is a member of the boy group LAZ1 as well as an ambassador for Lazada. Pentor made his solo debut in March 2023 with the digital single “Buzzkill“.
Lissa（李丽莎）, or Melissa Ann Wonson, is a 22-year-old Thai-Australian singer and former member of the three-member girl group Hi-U. She graduated from Thailand’s Thammasat University where she studied journalism and mass communication. Lissa made her solo debut in July 2020 with the digital single “Waiting for You“. She was cast in the Thai drama “Destiny Seeker” which debuted in February this year.
Lissa has recently participated in “I Can See Your Voice Thailand“, a variety game show broadcast on Workpoint TV based on the highly popular South Korean programme of the same name.
Mr Dasmond Koh, Chief Executive Officer of NoonTalk Media says, “NoonTalk Media is actively pursuing opportunities within the region and have identified Thailand as one of our key markets. We see immense potential in Thailand, underscored by the increasing popularity of Thai dramas and films in Singapore. Streaming services and social media platforms have played a crucial role in promoting and connecting artistes to a broader audience, resulting in increased recognition of talents on the international stage.”
Hashtag: #NoonTalkMedia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
TJI Opens New Chapter with Potential Franchises in Australia and the Philippines
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 1 November 2023 – Tam Jai International Co. Limited (“TJI”, “Tam Jai International”, or the “Company”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; HKEX stock code: 2217), one of the leading and renowned restaurant groups in Hong Kong, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a joint venture (“JV”) agreement with ST Group Food Industries Holdings Limited (“ST Group”; SGX:DRX) to expand into Australia, marking the Group’s first foray into a Western market and developing its business with a franchise model. Separately, the Group announced a potential franchise partnership with a subsidiary of the Philippine conglomerate, Suyen Corporation, regarding the proposed entry into the market in the Philippines.
Venture into Australia through JV and Potential Franchise
A joint venture company (“JV Company”), which is 49% owned by TJI and 51% owned by ST Group, has been established and the JV Company will be granted the master franchise rights to operate restaurants and associated delivery services under one of the Group’s brands in Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the JV Company will be able to enter into further sub-franchise agreements with other partners to facilitate the Group’s expansion. TJI also retains the right to open and operate self-operated restaurants in the two countries under the TamJai Yunnan Mixian (譚仔雲南米線) and TamJai SamGor Mixian (譚仔三哥米線) brands.
Listed on the Singapore Exchange in 2019, ST Group is an established food and beverage (“F&B”) group headquartered in Australia. It holds the exclusive franchise and licence rights to a diversified portfolio of nine internationally popular brands, including “IPPUDO”, “Gong Cha”, “PappaRich”, “NeNe Chicken”, “Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart”, etc, with a network of 173 outlets across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
ST Group has a proven track record in the F&B markets in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. By leveraging its solid infrastructure and local know-how, TJI will be able to enter the Australian market at lower initial investment and set up costs, along with reduced risks. ST Group’s expertise in supply chain management, central kitchen and logistics support, identification of restaurant premises and locations, local government liaison and licensing, regulatory compliances, as well as people management, will be instrumental in TJI’s successful entry. The adoption of JV and franchising arrangements will also enable the Group to promote a more scalable business model for rapid expansion and market penetration through ST Group’s established franchise network.
Potential Franchise in the Philippines
In August 2023, the Group entered into a memorandum of understanding and heads of terms with BVCUISINE Inc. (“BVCUISINE”), a subsidiary of the Philippine conglomerate, Suyen Corporation, in relation to the proposed entry into the Philippine market by way of a franchise arrangement. The Group will grant an exclusive license to BVCUISINE to set up and operate restaurants under the Group’s brands in the Philippines.
Suyen Corporation is a Philippine conglomerate that has a strong presence in the fashion and retail sector. It also operates business in the F&B industry, managing the Philippine operations of the Japanese chains “Marugame Udon”, “Maisen” and “St. Marc Cafe”, as well as other brands such as “Patchi” and “Paul Boulangerie”.
Mr. Daren Lau, Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tam Jai International, said, “Building upon our investment and the development of a strengthened management team over the past year, we are thrilled to embark on an exciting new chapter for TJI with the introduction of a franchising model as we enter the inaugural Western market, Australia, and the Philippines. In particular, our JV partnership with ST Group, an experienced franchised F&B operator in Australia, not only paves the way for a successful and expedited expansion in Australia, but also establishes a strong foundation for future ventures into other Western markets, propelling our mission to bring ‘Tam Jai Taste’ to the world.”
Hashtag: #TamJaiInternational
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Tam Jai International Co. Limited (HKEX: 2217)
As one of the leading restaurant groups in Hong Kong, TJI has rapidly expanded its network to over 200 stores in markets such as Mainland China, Singapore and Japan, with plans to enter the Australian and the Philippine markets through franchise partnerships. The Group’s portfolio of distinguished brands includes TamJai Yunnan Mixian (譚仔雲南米線) and TamJai SamGor Mixian (譚仔三哥米線). With highly standardised operations, an innovative spirit and an efficient management model, the Group is committed to providing customers with a quality yet affordable dining experience while aiming to bring “Tam Jai Taste” and its distinctive food culture worldwide.
The Group has been listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (stock code: 02217.HK) since October 2021.
