Lao and Russian military personnel begin UXO clearance operation.
The Lao Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation started working last week to remove unexploded ordnances in Nakay District, Khammouane Province.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 29 November 2022 – On November 29, Huobi announced on its partnership with the Commonwealth of Dominica, TRON, and DMC Labs. The three platforms were endorsed by the Dominica government to issue Dominica’s national token, Dominica Coin (DMC), and Digital Identity (DID). DMC holders will be granted digital citizenship of Dominica. This is the first significant step in Huobi’s strategy of global development after its rebranding, manifesting its ambition to become a major player in the future stage of Web 3.0 and the metaverse.
Both issued by a sovereign country, DMC and DID are based on the TRON network, the official national blockchain infrastructure of Dominica, and are to be launched on Huobi Prime. The DID and DMC will be important credentials for users to access the future world of the metaverse.
DMC to be launched through Huobi Prime
As a TRC-20 token authorized and issued by the Dominica government, DMC supports cross-chain interaction with Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain through the BTTC Bridge. The tokens will be issued through Huobi Prime, and the platform will airdrop DMC and Dominica DIDs to all registered users.
Users may complete KYC verification or re-verify themselves by using their Dominica DID. It is understood that users passing verification with Decentralized IDs share the same privileges as citizens of other nationalities.
Meanwhile, DIDs may be transferred to TRON to generate Soul-Bound Tokens(SBTs), whose holders will be entitled to the “Citizenship of Dominica in the Metaverse” as fully mapped from that in the real world.
A physical certificate issued by the Dominica government will be available to the holders after a certain fee has been paid.
The main use cases of DID include KYC verification on major exchanges, opening bank accounts in Dominica, loan applications, and registration of digital enterprises.
A milestone in Huobi’s global expansion
The launch of DMC together with Dominica is a major step forward for Huobi after its recent rebranding. On November 22, 2022, H.E. Justin Sun, TRON Founder, Huobi’s global advisory board member, and the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Grenada to the WTO, attended Huobi’s rebranding launch event held in Singapore. Sun put forth three major strategies for Huobi’s future growth: globalization, tech-driven development, and tech for good. He also suggested that Huobi would help promote the application and compliance of the crypto technology in key regions of the world and work alongside its peers to build Web 3.0.
With the approval of the Dominica government, Huobi’s globalization strategy will set forth from the Caribbean region to cover Southeast Asia and Europe. While paving the way for full compliance and healthy development for the industry, Huobi is determined to regain its position as one of the top cryptocurrency exchanges.
Moreover, its cutting-edge technology and influence in the industry will enable Huobi to provide a secure, efficient Web 3.0 gateway for global users. Crypto technology is set to be the driving force for the forthcoming digital economy that will serve the public for a better life.
Build a new world of the metaverse and Web 3.0 technologies
Huobi’s collaboration with Dominica is a big step toward making the Caribbean region a global crypto center. It will create a new trend of cooperation between the crypto industry and sovereign countries.
Caribbean’s preferential policies on the crypto industry have attracted a myriad of leading crypto companies to this region. For instance, Huobi has expressed its intention to move its headquarters to the Caribbean region. Nevertheless, Caribbean economies, which are highly dependent on international trade and tourism, have reached a gridlock. Backed by Huobi, TRON, and other leading crypto platforms, Dominica took the lead and embarked on a journey of exploring the metaverse and Web 3.0.
By building a digital state using the metaverse and Web 3.0 technologies, Dominica will go beyond the geological limitation and deeply engage in the globalization process. The country is one of the first in the Caribbean to launch the Citizenship by Investment Program. Its passports allow visa-free access to more than 130 countries and regions around the world, including Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. The country’s decision to issue DIDs will push its open vibe to the next level.
With the significant influence and massive user base of Huobi and TRON, Dominica will attract top talents across the globe and seize its opportunities in the digital economy. The move will also pave the way for the future, bringing more Caribbean countries into the Era of Web 3.0.
Incepted in 2013, Huobi is a globally leading platform for virtual asset trading. It has been committed to providing safe, professional, and quality services to users, whose satisfaction the platform sees as its priority. As of now, it has established its presence in over 160 countries and regions, serving more than 50 million users. On November 22, 2022, Huobi launched its refreshed branding and unveiled three strategies, namely globalization, technology-driven development, and technology for good, in an effort to build a Web 3.0 gateway together with the industry.
Hashtag: #Huobi
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
World Cup transmissions will no longer be broadcast by Laosat after FIFA lodged a complaint.
The satellite company issued a statement on Tuesday canceling broadcasts of the FIFA World Cup 2022 and apologizing to Lao football fans for screening the football matches earlier without authorization.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 29 November 2022 –From 1 November to 31 December 2022, celebrate the year-end festivities with iShopChangi, as it rings in the new year with a plethora of exciting deals this Christmas. With sitewide deals and exclusive curated gift sets from renowned brands, it will undoubtedly be a Happy Haul-iday full of treats for travellers and non-travellers alike.
Deals for Non-Travellers Not to Be Missed
Kicking things off for non-travellers on iShopChangi are the Christmas sitewide vouchers and exclusive promotions. Not an iShopChangi shopper yet? Now’s the season to join with an exclusive upsized voucher for new sign-ups. Lock in the discount codes below and cart out your favourite products at a steal!
For Non-Travellers
Christmas Sitewide Vouchers
From 12 Nov – 27 Dec 2022
Code
Description
XMAS10
10% off* with min. spend S$100, capped at S$30
XMAS15
15% off* with min. spend S$400, capped at S$120
XMAS18
18% off* with min. spend S$900, capped at S$250
12.12 Sitewide Vouchers
From 10 – 14 Dec 2022
Code
Description
1212FLASH15
15% off* with no min. spend, capped at S$50
1212FLASH20
20% off* with min. spend S$800, capped at S$300
Upsized New User Voucher
From 1 Nov – 31 Dec:
XMASNEW
30% off^ with no min. spend, capped at S$50
^Limited to the first 1,000 new users per month.
*Product exclusions and other T&Cs apply.
Snap up sitewide deals this Christmas over a broad category of products, from beauty to home appliances. Non-travellers can expect great savings on beauty and health products like the Estée Lauder, with a specially curated Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme Beauty Set sold at S$118.99 (41% off the usual price of S$201). Accompanied by the Kinohimitsu Bird’s Nest Gift Set 8’s, retailing at S$99 (42% off the regular S$169.70 retail price), non-travellers can partake in the upcoming festive revelry with healthy, radiant skin.
Spice up the festive get-togethers with the Compendium Spirits “Palate” Miniatures Set. Inspired by local flavours, this sampling set will stun your guests with its intriguing flavours at only S$79.20 (10% down from its usual price of S$88). Retailing at S$59.90 (57% off the usual price of S$139), the c is set to fill the air with the scent of a warm breakfast. A perfect addition to the kitchen in and out of the festive season.
Travellers not only have flights to catch – with sitewide vouchers going up to 20% off, it’s time to fill your carts with tax and duty-free goodies at incredibly unbelievable prices. What’s more, there will be a five-day Christmas flash sale at the beginning of December! Check out the codes below to grab huge discounts on your favourite buys.
Christmas Sitewide Vouchers (For Travellers Only)
From 1 Nov – 31 Dec 2022
Code
Description
XMASTR12
12% off* min. spend S$400, capped at S$60
XMASTR15
15% off* min. spend S$600, capped at S$100
XMASTR20
20% off* min. spend S$1,000, capped at S$250
– Gift with Purchase^: Get exclusive Changi Airport Traffic Control Tower Pins with min. spend of S$300
– Purchase with Purchase^: Get exclusive Packing Cubes at S$8 with min. spend of S$80
^While stocks last
5-Day Christmas Flash Sale Sitewide Vouchers (For Travellers Only)
From 1 – 5 Dec 2022
Code
Description
FLASHTR12
S$12 off* with no min. spend. Limited to 3 redemptions per user.
*Product exclusions and other T&Cs apply.
From spirits to skincare, travelling iShopChangi shoppers can expect a wide range of deals to choose from! Look forward to shaving 5% off premier whiskies like the Martell XO B 40% 1000ml, which retails at S$452.20 after a 5% off from the usual price of S$476. Another highlight for travellers is the sought-after Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro — a must-have now that it is going at S$35 (30% off the usual price S$50).
A Celebration for Both Travellers and Non-Travellers
Both travellers and non-travellers can further enjoy a birthday exclusive 15% off voucher and up to 3% rebate with a Changi Rewards membership. A S$5 Welcome Voucher awaits for new signs up on Changi Pay too.
Travellers may place their orders between 30 days in advance and up to 12 hours before flying, and pick up their purchases from the Collection Centres across the departure halls of all terminals at Singapore Changi Airport. Alternatively, provide a Singapore residential address for delivery. Till 31 January 2023, they can also redeem 20% off at checkout, with no minimum spend, capped at S$20, with the code <REVENGE20>, which can be applied up to two times.
Non-travellers can cart out at duty-absorbed prices on iShopChangi and have their items delivered to them for free when they spend at least S$59 and provide a local residential address for delivery.
Hashtag: #iShopChangi
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About iShopChangi
iShopChangi was launched in 2013 as an extension of Changi Airport’s promise to deliver greater comfort and convenience to travellers in its suite of airport retail offerings. Passengers can browse and purchase tax- and duty-free products across all terminals between 30 days to 12 hours pre-flight on the e-store – and choose to collect their items at Collection Centres within departure, upon arrival or have them delivered free in Singapore. Providing easy access to over 30,000 products across 900 brands and exclusives such as Changi First product launches, the site has since received global recognition with its award for Best Website – Retail Customer Facing at The Moodies: the Airport and Travel Retail Digital Media Awards 2018. In early 2020, the e-commerce store started to retail a selection tax- and duty-absorbed products to Singapore-based residents without the need to fly.
Dr. Steve Arounsack signs a poster for Raya and the Last Dragon at a screening organized by the US Embassy in Savannakhet.
Dr. Steve Arounsack, the lead cultural advisor for the 2021 Disney film Raya and the Last Dragon, recently visited Laos and spoke to the Laotian Times about his experience of working on the first Disney animated feature to focus on Southeast Asian cultures with a strong emphasis on many aspects of traditional Lao culture.
The Flexi Group merges the Hive, Common Ground and The Cluster to create a portfolio of 45 locations across 12 cities and 9 countries in the Asia-Pacific region
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 29 November 2022 – The Flexi Group is launching as the largest operator of flexible workspaces in Asia-Pacific, merging regionally-recognised brands the Hive, Common Ground and The Cluster under one umbrella.
the Hive Carpenter, Singapore
With this merger, The Flexi Group will boast a portfolio of 45 locations across 12 cities and 9 countries – including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, and Japan – as well as offer holistic membership solutions for businesses of all sizes, ranging from typical coworking memberships to full-service enterprise and white labeled management solutions.
This first merger, in a series of planned consolidation activities, is supported by investment from Singapore-based Catcha Group and Malaysia-based Emissary Capital. It is also a step in the direction of an IPO that will enable The Flexi Group to consolidate the region’s flexible workspace industry through M&A and to lead the future of work in Asia Pacific- and beyond.
Chris Edwards, CEO of The Flexi Group, states: “We are delighted to launch The Flexi Group as the leading provider of flexible workspaces in the Asia-Pacific region. The pandemic has changed the way the world works, with businesses of all sizes shifting their workplace strategies towards flexible solutions, employee wellbeing, and collaborative spaces, and we are excited to be at the forefront of that trend.”
Unlike other flexible workspace companies, The Flexi Group has an asset-light approach to its real estate ventures, partnering with landlords on joint ventures instead of taking on large and unwieldy rental agreements. Their landlord partners in Asia include Chinachem Group in Hong Kong, Petronas in Malaysia, Central Group in Thailand, Ortigas in the Philippines and Hirsch and Faigen in Australia – with more to come in the next few months.
Chris states: “We work with some of the leading landlords in the region who see flexible workspaces as a natural evolution of their business. They work with us to help engage the tenants in their buildings, offering them access to best-in-class events, flexible work solutions and bookable meeting and event spaces. Asset owners can also unlock revenue potential as our partners see increased returns of up to 30% vs a traditional lease structure”
Along with their landlord partners, The Flexi Group will continue to expand their three unique brands the Hive, Common Ground and The Cluster across the region with multiple new locations set to open in Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Singapore over the next 12 months.
Chris continues: “Our multi brand for a multi-demographic approach is unique in the region. This strategy gives us the opportunity to partner with landlords across a variety of asset classes across Asia and Australia. With our multiple brands targeting a different market segment across a variety of industries, we will see exponential growth and are forecasting to grow by up to 100 locations in the next three years.” Note to editors: For more information on The Flexi Group:https://www.theflexigroup.com/ Click here for high-res imagery, including spokesperson portrait.
Hashtag: #TheFlexiGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About The Flexi Group
Founded in 2022, The Flexi Group is a rapidly expanding collection of leading Flexible Workspace operators in Asia. Spread across 45 locations in 12 cities, and with over 15 years of experience in designing, operating and scaling workspaces, we are the region’s largest operator. The Flexi Group is expected to be headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Creating beautiful workspaces and hosting best-in-class events since 2012, the Hive is Asia Pacific’s widest, boutique workspace network, carrying 21 locations in 7 countries. Aiming to deliver the ultimate Hive experience, the Hive has formed a creative community to inspire members to build deep, lasting connections, whatever their industry, role or location.
Since its launch in 2017, Common Ground has redefined premium flexible workspaces, building a powerful business network of like-minded thought leaders across Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines. It is home to an ecosystem of diverse resources, personalities and ideas and predominantly focuses on larger multinational corporations.
Established in 2010, The Cluster is among the pioneers of hospitality driven work and event spaces in Australia. Located in commercial and business city centers, The Cluster has earned a reputation for its flexible, spacious, and luxurious workspaces.
Top categories that Singaporean online shoppers plan to spend more on include groceries, health and personal care, apparel and accessories
Almost three in 10 are optimistic that the current economic climate will have no impact on their spending this holiday season
More than half (53%) are keen to see more local brands online, but majority (78%) will only purchase if there are good deals and promotions
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 29 November 2022 – (NASDAQ: AMZN) – A survey by Amazon Singapore, in collaboration with YouGov, revealed that shoppers in Singapore are likely to be more pragmatic and price-conscious this holiday season in light of current global conditions. Nevertheless, Singaporean shoppers are still looking to spend more on essential and personal care items like groceries and apparel this holiday season, with online shoppers aged 25 and above more likely to also purchase items online for their children or their partners.
The survey of 1,032 Singaporeans sought to understand local consumers’ shopping behaviour, as well as their views towards local brands and giving to social causes this holiday season. Findings from the survey highlighted several key insights:
Key insight #1: Online shoppers are expected to still spend more on Grocery, Apparel, Health and Personal Care items, despite a relatively conservative holiday shopping mood brought about by global economic conditions.
According to the survey, three in four Singaporeans make at least one online purchase a month, with pricing and sales discounts (50%) emerging as the top consideration factor among online shoppers looking to purchase items this holiday season, followed by product quality (15%) and trustworthiness of a website (11%).
The survey also found that more than half of online shoppers are likely to be more conservative with their spending this holiday season in light of current global economic conditions, with 57% of shoppers saying they will spend less (or buy from cheaper brands) or wait until there is more stability before making large purchases. This highlights the need for retailers to look at helping to mitigate consumers’ fear of inflation and offer budget-friendly options for customers.
On the other hand, almost three in 10 (27%) are optimistic that there will be no impact on their spending this holiday season. Online shoppers also say that the top categories they plan to spend more on during this period are Apparel and Accessories (38%), Groceries (35%), and Health and Personal care (31%).
To cater to this demand, Amazon.sg’s Fresh and Fast selection offers groceries, everyday essentials and more from Amazon Fresh and Watsons for Prime members. Prime members can also enjoy free 2-hour scheduled delivery for orders over S$60 on Watsons or Amazon Fresh.
Key insight #2: Shoppers want to see more from local brands, but are still price-sensitive in their purchase decisions as they shop for themselves and others
More than half of online festive shoppers (53%) also said they are keen to see more items from local brands on e-commerce stores, however, a large majority (78%) said that they will only shop from local brands if there are good deals and promotions. 66% of online shoppers surveyed said that they will buy from brands that offer the lowest prices.
This indicates that while Singaporean shoppers appreciate having more options from local brands, price and value-for-money are still the top considerations, and local brands have to be competitive in their pricing and offers in order to attract online shoppers.
While a large majority of shoppers say they plan to purchase items online for themselves during the holiday (68%), the survey found that almost four in 10 (37%) shoppers aged 25-34 years also plan to purchase items for their parents or partner’s parents, while almost half of shoppers (48%) aged 35-54 years plan to purchase items for their children. This indicates that there is an opportunity for retailers with a target audience aged 25 and above to appeal to online shoppers looking to purchase items or gifts for their family and children.
Shoppers on Amazon.sg can expect a great selection of items and deals from local brands and small businesses such as Hush Candles, PRISM+, Epitex and more at amazon.sg/smallbusinesses. They can also find inspiration on what to buy for their loved ones with Amazon’s selection of curated holiday gift guides at amazon.sg/holiday.
Key Insight #3: When it comes to online donations, transparency that the donations reach the intended beneficiaries is key
The survey found that Singaporeans in general do not donate online to charities or non-profit organisations (NPOs) frequently or regularly, with 34% saying that they prefer to do so only as and when they see a relevant cause. Half of respondents (51%) also said that they will only donate depending on the cause or beneficiary.
46% of Singaporeans said the biggest barrier to donating online is the uncertainty of whether their donation will reach the beneficiaries. This concern, however, is lower among younger audiences aged 18-24 years (31%).
Despite this general sentiment, more than half (54%) said they would be interested to donate to NPOs through an online wishlist based on what they need. This indicates that shoppers will be more inclined to donate if there is greater transparency and a more direct way that their donations can reach the intended beneficiaries.
As people shop on Amazon.sg for holiday gifts or everyday essentials, they can directly support the causes closest to their hearts by browsing the wishlists of items requested by NPOs – a depository of items they need the most. As of today, 16 NPOs in Singapore are part of the Amazon x Shop for Good wishlist initiative.
Leo Laforgia, Country Manager, Amazon Singapore, said, “We recognise that price and trust are important to our customers here, and Amazon strives to deliver the best value so our customers can spend less, smile more, and connect with their loved ones this holiday season. At the same time, we also want to give back to the community and provide a trusted means for our customers to do so through our Shop for Good wishlist initiative, which allows donors to contribute to a cause of their choice while enjoying the transparency on where their donations go.”
Delivering Smiles to children during holidays in Singapore
In the spirit of giving during the holidays, Amazon is also ramping up support for underprivileged children in Singapore via local non-profit organisations (NPOs) that are part of the Amazon x Shop for Good wishlist initiative.
Arc Children’s Centre, Beyond Social Services, SHINE Children and Youth Services, and Singapore Children’s Society will receive S$25,000 each in cash to help vulnerable children and youths in Singapore better learn, play, and develop in the long term. With Amazon’s donation, 25,000 children in Singapore, aged between three and 21 years, will get greater access to better and more enrichment activities, meals, and medical care, among help with other needs.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit Amazon.sg.
https://www.theflexigroup.com for more information. 
Amazon.sg. 
@Amazon.SG 
@Amazon.sg 
