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Laos Taxi Scandal: Victim-Blaming, Public Outcry Highlight Gaps in Safety and Legal Protection

Laos Taxi Scandal: Victim-Blaming, Public Outcry Highlight Gaps in Safety and Legal Protection
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo credit: IStock)

A video of a Vientiane woman being sexually harassed by a taxi driver has gone viral, reigniting discussions about safety and accountability in Laos’ transportation sector.

Swiss-Belhotel International Wins Leading Industry Awards


JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 March 2025 – Swiss-Belhotel International, a global hospitality management group with a diverse portfolio of over 150+ hotels in key international markets, has been recognised with multiple prestigious industry awards in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. These accolades highlight the group’s unwavering commitment to Passion and Professionalism™, ensuring that every aspect of its operations – from guest experiences to hotel management – reflects Swiss efficiency and structure combined with Asian hospitality and warmth.

Gavin M. Faull and Faull family at Family Business Conference 2024: Asia Pacific in Cairns
Gavin M. Faull and Faull family at Family Business Conference 2024: Asia Pacific in Cairns

Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, expressed his gratitude for the recognitions, stating: “Receiving these distinguished awards is nothing short of extraordinary. We are incredibly proud of these achievements, which are a testament to the dedication, passion, and perseverance of our entire team. At Swiss-Belhotel International, we are deeply committed to delivering value to our owners while continuously investing in our most precious asset – our people. Our success is built on a foundation of operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences. These accolades reaffirm our strategy of sustainable growth and our ability to adapt to evolving market demands while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality. As we look ahead to 2025, we will continue to set new milestones – seizing new opportunities, enhancing our offerings, streamlining our operations, and further empowering our exceptional team.”

Among the awards received by the group are the Legacy Family Business Award Asia Pacific at the Family Business Association Excellence Awards 2024 (May 2024) and the EY Entrepreneur of The Year 2024 New Zealand Family Business Award (November 2024), both recognising the contributions of Gavin M. Faull and the Faull Family in shaping a legacy of excellence in hospitality. Additionally, Swiss-Belhotel International was awarded Hotel & Resort Management of the Year at the Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 by Travel Daily Media (February 2025), further reinforcing its strong market position. The group’s dedication to long-term partnerships and sustainability was acknowledged with The Most Excellence in Sustained Partnership Award at the GarudaMiles Loyalty Summit 2025 (February 2025) and the Excellence Award in the Sustainable Hospitality category from ESG Business Awards 2024 in Hong Kong (September 2024).

With 18 brands and a strong presence across 20 countries, Swiss-Belhotel International is recognised for its world-class management models, multi-brand strategy, and owner-centric approach, ensuring each property thrives in its respective market.

Hashtag: #swissbelhotel #swissbelhotelinternational #awardswinninghotel #awardswinning #hotelawards #hotelrecognition #gavinfaull #familybusinessawards #esgbusinessawards



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

About Swiss-Belhotel International

Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Hong Kong, Swiss-Belhotel International is recognized as one of the world’s fastest-growing hotel management groups. With 150+* hotels and projects in 20 countries, Swiss-Belhotel International provides professional and expert management services for hotels, resorts and serviced residences. The Group’s distinct blend of Swiss hospitality and Asian-inspired service sets them apart. Each property carries the Swiss-Belhotel International hallmark, symbolizing quality and commitment to value. This dedication echoes their philosophy of “Passion and Professionalism™”.

*Numbers may fluctuate

For further information visit

The Educational Foundation of William Louey is to launch a video series to support younger people facing mental health challenges due to education pressures.


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 March 2025 – The William SD Louey Educational Foundation is proud to announce a collaboration with Suicide Prevention Services (SPS) aimed at tackling the mental health challenges faced by young men aged 15–25 in Hong Kong.

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The initiative features five key opinion leaders (‘KOLs’) and comes at a critical time when youth mental health issues are on the rise. Students are particularly vulnerable to poor mental health due to academic and parental pressure. Studies show that younger people report academic pressure as one of the biggest influences on their well-being.

Suicide claims nearly 1,000 lives annually in Hong Kong, with the number of students considering suicide increasing by 50% since the 2018-2019 academic year. Despite being one of the most developed regions globally, Hong Kong’s psychiatrist-to-population ratio lags significantly behind other developed communities.

The collaboration between the William SD Louey Educational Foundation and SPS aims to speak directly to young men with relatable, expert-backed advice on overcoming mental health challenges, with a particular focus on academic and parental pressure.

Topics will include how to overcome exam stress, bullying and how to navigate feelings of failure. The video series, delivered in Cantonese and English, will feature KOLs including Stephanie Ng, Founder and Executive Director of Body Banter; Michael Chan, Founder of Companion HK; leading psychologist, Dr Adrian Low; D&I Advocate, Charlton Shiu; and Vivek Mahbubani, a comedian and mental health campaigner.

William SD Louey Educational Foundation Founder William Louey, who is well known as the fourth-generation heir of the founder of the Kowloon Motor Bus Company, said:

“Young people need and deserve a system that prioritises mental health, eases academic pressures, and encourages self-confidence and acceptance of individuals’ many strengths. I believe this collaboration will be a valuable step forward to protecting and improving young people’s mental health in Hong Kong.”

Mr. Vincent Ng Chi-kwan, Executive Director of SPS, said:

“SPS receives an average of nearly 10,000 calls per month. Students consistently express feelings of guilt and a sense that they cannot escape their predicaments, leading them to view suicide as their only way out – reflecting a lack of mental health support in the current system and highlighting an urgent need for increased attention to adolescent mental health.”

The full video series will launch on Suicide Prevention Services and William SD Louey Educational Foundation YouTube channels in April 2025.

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

About William Louey and the William S.D Louey Educational Foundation

established the William S. D. Louey Educational Foundation in 1995 to provide scholarships and bursaries for academically outstanding students from Hong Kong and Greater China to pursue studies abroad. To date, William Louey has contributed over HKD $60 million to support 60 scholars. Beyond financial assistance, William Louey has also invested time and expertise to mentor and guide students.

For more information about The William SD Louey Educational Foundation, visit

About Suicide Prevention Services (SPS)

Founded in 1995, SPS is a registered charitable organization committed to serving people who are suicidal, despairing or distressed by means of befriending and other services supporting them to regain control of their emotions and the will to live on. SPS has been helped more than 1,100,000 people, providing services including: 24-hour Suicide Prevention Hotline Service, Suicide Prevention Service for the Elderly, Services for Family with Elderly, Services for Survivors of Sudden Death and Suicide Loss, Community Education and Life Education for Youth.

For more information or to access Suicide Prevention Services, visit

Greenbriar Completes Major Water Acquisition for Sage Ranch

Scottsdale, Arizona – Newsfile Corp. – March 17, 2025 – Greenbriar Sustainable Living Inc. (TSXV: GRB) (OTC Pink: GEBRF) (“Greenbriar” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce that it has reached a binding agreement with Ronnie Strasser to buy 115 acre-feet of adjudicated and deeded water rights for USD $1,250,000. With this agreement, the Company now has under its control 282 acre-feet of adjudicated pumping rights for Sage Ranch. The payment for this agreement will be made from the proceeds from the Voya construction loan.

The Company is further pleased to announce Ronnie Strasser will be joining the Company’s Real Estate Advisory Board effective March 17, 2025.

About Greenbriar Sustainable Living Inc.

Greenbriar is a leading developer of sustainable real estate and renewable energy. With long-term, high impact projects and led by a successful industry-recognized operating and development team, Greenbriar targets deep valued assets directed at accretive shareholder value.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeff Ciachurski

Jeffrey J. Ciachurski
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Phone: 949.903.5906

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and United States securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”). All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the closing of the Shares for Debt Transaction, the issuance of Common Shares, and the approval of the Shares for Debt Transaction and the issuance of Options by the TSX Venture Exchange. Forward-Looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “potential”, “target”, “budget”, “propose” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-Looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: general business and economic conditions. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include those described under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s most recently filed MD&A (a copy of which is available under the Company’s SEDAR profile at (www.sedarplus.ca). The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law.

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

Diginex Signs MOU for Strategic Partnership, ADX Dual Listing and up to USD$250 Million capital injection with His Highness, Shaikh Mohammed Bin Sultan Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi’s Royal family, for Acquisitions and Regional UAE and GCC Expansion via Nomas Global Investments LLC S.P.C, a solely owned SPV of His Highness


LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2025 – Diginex Limited (“Diginex” or the “Company”)(Nasdaq: DGNX), an impact technology company specializing in environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) issues, today announced the signing of two memorandum of understandings (“MOUs”) to pursue a broad strategic partnership to facilitate Diginex with its planned expansion in the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council region (“GCC”), which includes assisting the Company with a dual listing of the Company’s ordinary shares on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (“ADX”) and a planned capital raise of up to USD$250 million focused on large institutional investors based in the GCC. This strategic move is expected to bolster Diginex’s growth trajectory, with the capital financing to fund multiple acquisitions and accelerate Diginex’s regional as well as global expansion initiatives.

The MOUs mark a significant milestone for Diginex as it seeks to tap into the vibrant Middle Eastern capital markets while enhancing its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing financial hubs. The dual listing on ADX, alongside its existing Nasdaq listing and recent cross listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and Tradegate, will provide Diginex with access to a broader investor base and increased liquidity to support its ambitious growth plans.

On February 25, 2025, ADX and Nasdaq announced further integration in their tie-up with one another. The integration of trading platform infrastructure opens up a pathway for desirable Nasdaq listed companies to dual-list in Abu Dhabi, and Diginex is proud to be included in the first cohort of companies to go through such process. Upon completion of the listing process Diginex will be the first technology company listed on the ADX, and with a sustainability focus it stands to benefit from the regions commitment to sustainable finance, which stands at publicly committed funds for sustainable lending of more than USD$135bn.

Shaikh Mohammed Bin Sultan Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, said “This strategic partnership and planned capital raise reflects our long-standing commitment to both technology and sustainability in the UAE. We must address sustainability challenges, develop strategic frameworks, and craft innovative solutions to ensure a prosperous future for all. Sustainability is a cornerstone of the nation’s strategies, as the UAE continues its unwavering efforts to harness resources and capabilities to drive global sustainable economic and social development.”

The anticipated capital raise pursuant to the MOUs will fuel Diginex’s acquisition strategy, targeting innovative firms in the AI, sustainability, and supply chain sectors by leveraging access to a new regional investor base and opportunities in the UAE, broader GCC region, and support Diginex’s global growth goals.

“We are honoured and excited to welcome a member of Royal Family of Abu Dhabi as a strategic partner,” said Miles Pelham, Chairman of Diginex. “We believe this partnership will support Diginex in establishing key relationships with regional and global financial institutions, banks, and strategic partners aligned with their business objectives. Our objective is to make Diginex a leader in ESG sustainable RegTech, utilizing gold-standard industry partnerships, blockchain, and AI technology within the UAE and GCC region”

The dual listing process will adhere to ADX’s rigorous listing standards, ensuring transparency and investor protection. Diginex anticipates completing the necessary regulatory steps and capital-raising activities in the next two quarters, with further details to be announced as the partnership progresses. However, a dual listing comes with its normal regulatory processes and there can be no assurance that Diginex’s planned dual listing of its ordinary shares on the ADX and capital raise will be successful.

Disclaimer

Not for release, publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in the United States, or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful or would require registration or other measures.

This press release is issued pursuant to Rule 135(e) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”). This press release and the information it contains do not, and will not, constitute an offer to sell, nor the solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities of Diginex in the United States (or to or from any U.S. person) or any other jurisdiction where restrictions may apply. Diginex’s securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States (or to any U.S. person) absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities law. Any public offering of Diginex’s securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from Diginex and such prospectus will contain detailed information about Diginex, its management, and its financial statements.

Hashtag: #Diginex

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

About Diginex

Diginex Limited (Nasdaq: DGNX; ISIN KYG286871044) is an impact technology business that empowers businesses and governments to streamline ESG, climate, and supply chain data collection and reporting. The Company utilizes blockchain, AI, machine learning and data analysis technology to lead change and increase transparency in corporate social responsibility and climate action. Diginex’s products and services solutions enable companies to collect, evaluate and share sustainability data through easy-to-use software.

The award-winning Diginex ESG platform supports 17 global frameworks, including GRI (the “Global Reporting Initiative”), SASB (the “Sustainability Accounting Standards Board”), and TCFD (the “Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures”). Clients benefit from end-to-end support, ranging from materiality assessments and data management to stakeholder engagement, report generation and an ESG Ratings Support Service.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website:

HKSTP European Innovation Mixer Tour Bridging Hong Kong with 1,000+ Global Tech Talents


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2025 – Mr Albert Wong, CEO of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), led a delegation on a highly successful European Innovation Mixer tour in March, engaging with over 1,000 students and innovation and technology (I&T) talents, encouraging them to pursue opportunities in Hong Kong. The delegation also secured over 1,000 business collaboration opportunities, further strengthening Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem.

The delegation from HKSTP visit multiple universities ranked among the world’s top 10 in the UK and hold multiple sharing sessions on campus to engage in face-to-face interactions with local students.
The delegation from HKSTP visit multiple universities ranked among the world’s top 10 in the UK and hold multiple sharing sessions on campus to engage in face-to-face interactions with local students.

As part of its European tour, HKSTP together with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), led 24 I&T companies to the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, achieving remarkable results. The Hong Kong Pavilion welcomed over 7,500 visitors, attracting representatives from global brands such as AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, T-Mobile, Verizon and Vodafone, and securing 1,000+ business collaboration opportunities. HKSTP also signed a cooperation agreement with 22@Network Barcelona to bolster cross-regional exchanges and jointly promote the sustainable development of innovative technologies.

The delegation also visited multiple universities ranked among the world’s top 10 in the UK, including Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the University College London. They met with representatives from academic departments, research institutes, and innovation and entrepreneurship centres to explore various collaboration opportunities in talent development and startup incubation. The delegation hosted multiple sharing sessions on campuses, engaging with over 300 local students face-to-face and introducing internship and career opportunities at Hong Kong Science Park. They actively encouraged Hong Kong students pursuing studies in the UK to return to Hong Kong for work or entrepreneurship, collectively contributing to the thriving growth of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem.

HKSTP works closely with the government, industry, academia, and research sectors. In London, HKSTP co-hosted a seminar with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London (HKETO-London), Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES). The event attracted interest from the local business community, academia, and I&T sector, with nearly 100 attendees focusing on Hong Kong’s potential investment and collaboration opportunities. The seminar featured guest speakers delivering keynote speeches on Hong Kong’s I&T development prospects, highlighting the city’s dynamic I&T ecosystem.

During his speech at the seminar, Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “As a growing engine situated at an international I&T hub in Asia, the HKSTP understands that nurturing next-generation I&T talent is as important as any R&D project, if not more. We’re currently an ecosystem that over 2,200 tech companies from 26 countries and regions call home, offering comprehensive support to more than 15,000 research and development professionals – a network we’re looking overseas to extend, and a number we’re eager to invest in for a sustainable future.”

While continuing to support park companies in recruiting overseas talent, HKSTP will soon launch a new talent programme designed to attract Hong Kong students and research professionals abroad to pursue careers in the city. The programme will provide eligible park companies with targeted salary subsidies and accommodation support for returning professionals, incentivising them to leverage the immense opportunities within Hong Kong’s thriving I&T ecosystem. Together, these efforts will advance Hong Kong’s rise as a leading global I&T hub.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

More information about HKSTP is available at .

Global attractions industry to converge in Shanghai for major trade expo

  • Attendee registration is now open for the IAAPA Expo Asia being staged this year in Shanghai, China.
  • Asia-Pacific’s theme and amusement park industry is booming – by the end of 2025, it is expected to have over 425 million visitors and spend of more than USD19 billion.
  • Jill Estorino of Disney Parks International to speak at Leadership Breakfast; attendee EDUTours to LEGOLAND Shanghai and Shanghai Disney Resort

SHANGHAI, CHINA – EQS Newswire – 17 March 2025 – Attendee registrations are now open for the largest amusement industry trade show in the Asia-Pacific region: the IAAPA Expo Asia 2025, running 30 June to 3 July at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

From thrilling rides to robotics, safety features to AI experiences as well as queue management, the inspiring four-day international extravaganza will showcase the newest technological advancements and innovative solutions in the attractions industry from more than 300 exhibitors.

Over 10,000 attendees are expected to visit the bustling 10,000m2 trade show floor to explore the latest trends, key issues and consumer preferences shaping the future of the sector.

IAAPA Asia Pacific Executive Director and Vice President, Jack Chan, said the event is the ultimate gathering of global attraction industry leaders and a prime platform to foster beneficial connections.

“IAAPA Expo Asia really is a one-stop destination for professionals in the leisure and attractions industry, whether you’re part of a multinational corporation or a small family-run operation,” he said.

The expo’s comprehensive education program of over 20 learning opportunities will cover a wide range of topics, from personnel development and merchandise to F&B trends and revenue diversification. Among this year’s stellar lineup of keynote speakers is President and Managing Director of Disney Parks International, Jill Estorino. Widely sought-after as an industry speaker, Jill will deliver insights on innovation, marketing, and guest service during IAAPA Expo Asia’s signature Leadership Breakfast.

Additionally, EDUTours at Expo Asia will enable attendees to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at some of Shanghai’s world-class attractions. Included in the lineup are tours to LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort and Shanghai Disney Resort. Both EDUTours to provide an opportunity to gain insider knowledge directly from top executives.

“The event caters to the incredible breadth of our industry – including amusement and water parks, entertainment centres, zoos, aquariums, museums and nature attractions as well as hotels and resorts and event facilities such as food and beverage operators, and everything in between,” Chan said.

“The expo opens attendees’ eyes and minds to new ideas and new thinking and, importantly, access to ready-to-implement tools, systems and products to propel their business further.”

This year’s theme ‘Find Possible’ reflects the event’s focus on inspiring creativity and forging meaningful connections to unlock new growth opportunities, explore the future of the leisure and entertainment industry, and discover unexpected partnerships and new market opportunities.

View the IAAPA Expo Asia event page for more information and registration details.

Media and industry influencers should visit the IAAPA Expo Asia Press Office page to apply for credentials.

Hashtag: #IAAPA

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

About IAAPA

IAAPA is a diverse and dynamic community of global attractions professionals. As the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, IAAPA unifies the attractions community, connects people to learn and grow together, and strives to promote the highest professional standards for excellence and safety around the world.

Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions and supplier companies, consultants, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, manufacturers, and suppliers.

The association’s global headquarters and North America office are in Orlando, Florida, U.S. IAAPA also maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong SAR, China; Shanghai, China; and, Mexico City, Mexico. Visit or connect through IAAPA’s social media channels: @IAAPAHQ

HERitage: Women Artisans Exhibition Launches in Luang Prabang

Handicraft Exhibition (Photo supplied)

In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, Sofitel Luang Prabang hosted the “HERitage: A Celebration of Lao Women in Handicraft exhibition,” where visitors can now purchase local handicrafts as souvenirs, supporting the work of Lao artisans.