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Laos Walks Back Kappa Variant Report

Covid-19 update

Laos has said that the Kappa variant of Covid-19 had been erroneously confirmed during sequencing on a recent imported case.

Laos Garment Industry Requires Over 10,000 Workers

A garment factory in Laos

The garment industry in Laos requires over 10,000 workers, with both skilled and inexperienced laborers needed, according to the Lao Garments Association.

Champasack Province Locks Down After New Community Spread of Covid-19

Champasack locks down following new community spread of Covid-19
Champasack locks down following new community spread of Covid-19.

Authorities have locked down Champasack Province following one new community transmitted case of Covid-19, as well a high number of imported cases.

Demerara Distillery Names SPUN Spirits as its First Distributor in Southeast Asia for El Dorado

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 7 July 2021 – SPUN Spirits (the “Company”) has been appointed the official distributor for the coveted El Dorado rum in Singapore by its producer, Demerara Distillers Limited (the “Distillery” or “DDL”).

Demerara Distillers Limited has established a reputation over the last 300 years for producing the world-renowned Demerara Rum. El Dorado, the Distillery’s flagship brand, is a winner of many prestigious awards, and is recognised as one of the finest rums internationally.

“We are delighted to add El Dorado to our portfolio,” shares Mr Matthew Fergusson-Stewart, Managing Director and co-founder, SPUN Spirits. “We have already made inroads with the brand into the finest bars and hotels in Singapore, and are poised to grow its presence in Singapore and beyond.”

El Dorado draws on three centuries of passion and wisdom in Caribbean rum crafting. It is a culmination of time-honoured tradition, modern knowledge and technology, and most importantly, distillation by possibly the oldest and original rum stills left remaining in the world. Since its launch, El Dorado has gone on to produce a range of rums, aging from 3 to 25 years old. Each product is unique, containing their own special blend of rums and a collection of special cask finishes.

Wooden Continuous Coffey or EHP Wooden Still

Double Wooden Pot

French Savalle

The original and last fully working of its kind in the world from the Enmore Sugar Estate founded nearly 200 years ago.

250 years old. Originated from the Port Mourant Estate, founded in 1732.

Original four-column metal French Savalle Still inherited from the 18th century.

Table 1: Rum stills used by Demerara Distillers for El Dorado.

“We are happy about this new partnership with Spun Spirits. This is the first time we have officially appointed a distributor in Southeast Asia, and we are very confident that the brand will make great impressions under the stewardship of SPUN Spirits.” says Mr Komal Samaroo, Chairman, Demerara Distillers Limited.

With the rare and unique stills, DDL is able to produce a range of El Dorado rums with richness and depth in character, and complexity in nose and notes that no other rums can replicate. El Dorado is available at:

RETAIL

https://www.spunspirits.com

BARS & RESTAURANTS

Rum Specialty Bars

Asia’s 50 Best Bars

Lime House Caribbean Restaurant & Bar

28 HKS

Low Tide Bar

Sago House

The Bar at 15 Stamford

Tippling Club

Media kit is available: https://tinyurl.com/SPUN-EDMediaKit

About SPUN Spirits Pte Ltd

SPUN Spirits is founded by award-winning industry leaders who have collectively more than four decades of experience and technical expertise. With a wide industry network in Asia especially in Singapore, and a framework proven to drive conversations and sales conversions, SPUN Spirits is well-poised to be the celebrated spirits solutions company for consulting, distribution, marketing and events of fine spirits in Singapore and beyond.

About Demerara Distillers Ltd

Demerara Distillers Limited is one of the leading manufacturing companies in Guyana, and an internationally recognised producer of award-winning rum. Exclusively owning and operating the only remaining distillery in Guyana, the Diamond Distillery at Plantation Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara, the company is celebrated for producing the award-winning El Dorado rums.

Hong Kong Healthcare Market Research and Consulting’s Gastrointestinal Health of Working Women Survey: 1/3 of women experience lengthened defecation time during the pandemic, exceeding 5 minutes in more than half of the women

  • 90% are stressed out during the pandemic; 70% have no shortened working hours

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 6 July 2021 – Women account for more than 50% (Note 3) of the labor population in Hong Kong. During the pandemic, many working people experience sudden changes in their job and living environment, possibly affecting their defecation habit. Some studies have shown that women experience more serious constipation problems than men (Note 2).The Hong Kong Consortium for Medical, Nursing and Healthcare Development (“MNHD”) (香港醫療護理發展協會) and the Hong Kong Society of Gastrointestinal Motility Limited (“HKSGM”) (香港腸胃動力學會) commissioned the Medical Research and PR consulting company, the Hong Kong Healthcare Market Research and Consulting Ltd. (“HKHMR”) (香港醫護市場調查及策劃) to conduct a questionnaire survey intended to understand changes in working women’s defecation habits during the pandemic and focus on women’s constipation problems.

In order to gain an insight into changes in working women’s defecation habits compared to before the pandemic, HKHMR dispatched investigators to distribute 209 questionnaire copies in 81 enterprises from April to May, 2021. 181 effective questionnaires were successfully collected.

According to the results of questionnaire surveys conducted in Hong Kong (Note 4), compared to before the COVID-19 outbreak, 22.1% of the respondents experienced a decrease in defecation frequency. Among them, more than 50% (52.5%) experienced a decrease of three times or more a week. In terms of the number of times, more than 30% (30.9%) of the people experienced longer average defecation time in the toilet than before the pandemic. The survey also showed that 12.2% of the respondents experienced symptoms of constipation (Note 4). At the same time, the ratio was higher for respondents with children compared to that of respondents with no children, accounting for 15% (14.7%) and 10% (10.6%) respectively. As for the daily habits of the respondents, 61.9% of the working female respondents worked 46 hours or longer per week. Compared to before the pandemic, about 70% (65.2%) of the respondents disagree with “shortened working time”, 85.1% believe their stress increased, and 82.3% believe their exercise time decreased. According to director, Wong Mong-Shuen of the HKHMR, “The figures reflect major impacts on working women’s defecation time and their significantly increased stress.” This indicates that their defecation habits may be associated with changes in defecation. Among women with constipation, the ratio is higher in women with children than women without children. The survey shows Swomen with two jobs have a more serious constipation problem, which should be taken seriously.”

Constipation is manifested by granular or sausage-like feces, which is mainly caused by improper daily habits.

According to Gastroenterology specialist, Dr. Chau Tai Nin (周泰年), the consultant of MNHD, “Everyone can conduct an initial constipation evaluation through a self-assessment questionnaire (Note 5). Generally speaking, defecating three times daily to three times a week and within five minutes each time is considered normal (Note 6). In addition, everyone can observe their feces according to “Bristol stool scale” and gain an insight into the degree of constipation”. Constipation (Note 1) refers to diminished muscle contraction function of the colon, which causes a slowdown in the peristalsis of feces in the colon and retention in the intestines. In time, the moisture in the stool is absorbed by the colon, the feces harden, and discharge becomes difficult. Dr. Chau pointed out that “Improper daily habits mostly cause constipation problems in adults, especially stress that cannot be ignored. Lack of exercise, insufficient dietary fiber and water intake, and frequently holding back the desire to defecate all may result in constipation. Additionally, drug administration and disease may also cause constipation.”

According to a survey on pandemic prevention and control measures and constipation conducted in Mexico, 25% of respondents exercise less due to community lockdowns and activity restriction measures, leading to the emergence of constipation-related symptoms (Note 7). Dr. Chau said, “This finding coincides with the current survey results. Everyone with a constipation problem should take it seriously and consult a doctor. Medical diagnoses such as colonoscopies, rectal x-rays during defecation, hematological tests, anorectal tests, and so on, will aid in deriving a confirmed diagnosis of constipation and in determining the severity to take the correct actions”.

Hormone-driven women are prone to more serious constipation. Allot time for “drinking water” during work.

According to gastroenterology specialist, Dr. Sze Wan Chee (施蘊知), the honorary secretary of HKSGM, “Women are more prone to constipation than men (Note 8). This is because female hormones are more likely to affect peristalsis than male hormones. Menstruating or pregnant women are more likely to experience constipation”. Dr. Sze suggests that women find time to drink water and go to the toilet, such as drinking water every hour, going to the toilet every three hours, or dividing their work into several stages to drink water after completing each stage“. At the same time, Dr. Sze also advises everyone to move around regularly to avoid sitting for prolonged periods. When everyone is unable to exercise outdoors, everyone can spread a yoga mat and perform simple stretching and muscle exercises daily to release life stress and move the limbs from time to time. In addition, women can also slightly elevate their legs in the toilet to facilitate defecation (Note 6). Of course, it is also necessary to consume high-fiber foods, such as oats and legumes. Table 1

PEG and psyllium alleviate constipation. People aged over 50 with constipation problems should seek medical attention immediately.

If the constipation problem fails to be solved even after improvement on daily habits, consult a doctor to see if medication is needed for handling constipation. First-line pharmaceuticals such as PEG without electrolytes, methylcellulose, and psyllium can increase defecation frequency and alleviate abdominal pain. PEG, in particular, is less likely to cause bloating, flatulence, and other side effects (Note 6). Dr. Sze recommends that “People aged over 50 who experience constipation should seek medical attention as soon as possible or join the “Colorectal Cancer Screening Program” funded by the government to determine if they have colorectal cancer.

Women with two jobs are confronted by “triple pressure”. Advocate the promotion of flexible work assignments by employers.

According to Professor Wong Kwok Shing (汪國成教授), concurrently the Chairman of MNHD and the Dean of Hong Kong Nang Yan College of Higher Education School of Nursing and Health Care (香港能仁專上學院醫療及護理學院), “During the pandemic, many working women have resorted to a home office, thus the reduced mobility. Some face salary, work, and manpower reduction, resulting in increased working hours and other issues. Let us not forget that the husbands of these working women are also currently working and facing double pressure. The many classes suspension earlier have compelled women with schooling children to accompany their children throughout visualized learning at home, which is a triple pressure.” Ms. Yu working in an insurance company and with three children, has had constipation for three years. She shared, “I defecate about once every other day. My feces are hard. I have tried eating fruit and drinking plenty of water, but they don’t seem to work, as constipation may be stress-induced. Although my work is more flexible, I need to accompany my children learning from an iPad while working during the pandemic. I am under tremendous pressure”. It is hoped that the general public and employers be more considerate of working women’s stress and encourage them to work at home or have a flexible work schedule. Working women should also pay attention to their physical and psychological health and adhere to proper daily habits to maintain their intestinal health despite the pandemic.

Table 1 Easy to understand guide for gastrointestinal health during the pandemic (Note1 & 6)

1.

Dividing work into several stages to drink water after completing each stage.

2.

Find time to go to the toilet (once every 2-3 hours).

3.

Eat more high-fiber food such as oats and legumes.

4.

Perform simple stretching and muscle exercises.

5.

Use a footrest during defecation. Slightly elevate both legs.

6.

Drink a cup of water after getting up and before eating to help eliminate feces in the intestines.

7.

Do not deliberately hold back the desire to defecate.

Remark:

(Note 1) Department of Health (2014). Surveillance and Epidemiology. April, 2014.

(Note 2) Corsetti M, Brown S, Chiarioni G, Dimidi E, Dudding T, Emmanuel A, Fox M, Ford AC, Giordano P, Grossi U, Henderson M, Knowles CH, O’Connell PR, Quigley EMM, Simren M, Spiller R, Whelan K, Whitehead WE, Williams AB, Scott SM. Chronic constipation in adults: Contemporary perspectives and clinical challenges. 2: Conservative, behavioural, medical and surgical treatment. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2021 Feb 1:e14070. doi: 10.1111/nmo.14070. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33522079.

(Note 3) Census and Statistics Department (2020). Woman and Men in Hong Kong, Key Statistics (2020). 30th July, 2020.

(Note 4) Correct to one decimal points.

(Note 5) “Rome Criteria IV” from Wu, J. C., Chan, A. O., Cheung, T. K., Kwan, A. C., Leung, V. K., Sze, W. C., & Tan, V. P. (2019). Consensus statements on diagnosis and management of chronic idiopathic constipation in adults in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Med J, 25(2), 142-8.

(Note 6) Hong Kong Society of Gastrointestinal Motility Limited. June, 2020.

(Note 7) Remes-Troche, Jose & Coss-Adame, Enrique & Amieva-Balmori, Mercedes & Velarde Ruiz Velasco, Jose & Flores-Rendón, Angel & Gómez-Escudero, O. & Rodríguez-Leal, María & Durán-Rosas, Cristina & Pinto-Gálvez, Samanta & Priego Parra, Bryan & Triana Romero, Arturo. (2020). Incidence of “new-onset” constipation and associated factors during lockdown due to the coronavirus-19 pandemic.. 10.21203/rs.3.rs-77783/v1.

(Note 8) McCrea GL, Miaskowski C, Stotts NA, Macera L, Paul SM, Varma MG. Gender differences in self-reported constipation characteristics, symptoms, and bowel and dietary habits among patients attending a specialty clinic for constipation. Gend Med. 2009 Apr;6(1):259-71. doi: 10.1016/j.genm.2009.04.007. PMID: 19467522.

About us

Co-Host: Hong Kong Consortium for Medical, Nursing and Healthcare Development (MNHD) https://www.mnhd.com.hk/

Co-Host: The Hong Kong Society of Gastrointestinal Motility (HKSGM)

Supporting: Hong Kong Nang Yan College of Higher Education http://www.ny.edu.hk/web/home.html

Medical Market Research and Public Relations Consultant: Hong Kong Healthcare Market Research and Consulting Ltd https://www.hkhmrc.com/

Easing of Lockdown Sees Increase in Road Accidents in June

Traffic Accidents in Laos

The number of road accidents across the country increased slightly in June compared to statistics for May, while the death toll decreased.

City Chain Launches E-Commerce Website in Singapore, Bringing Another Dimension to the Retail Experience

Enjoy attractive discounts, online exclusives and free shipping on City Chain’s newly launched e-commerce website in Singapore. Be the first to get your hands on the National Day limited edition Solvil et Titus watch, which will be released on City Chain’s online store in the first week of July.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 6 July 2021Watch enthusiasts can now shop from the comfort of their homes with the launch of City Chain Singapore’s e-commerce website, which will offer the latest timepiece models from renowned brands like Solvil et Titus, Seiko, Casio and more. This marks a significant milestone for the leading watch retailer, which has previously only operated brick-and-mortar stores in Singapore. The launch of the e-commerce site is part of City Chain’s efforts to refresh the brand and appeal to younger, tech-savvy audiences, such as the millennial generation. This year, City Chain will also be releasing a limited edition Solvil et Titus watch in commemoration of National Day.



Celebrate National Day With Limited Edition Solvil et Titus Watches

In commemoration of the nation’s upcoming 56th birthday, City Chain will release a limited edition uni-sex Solvil et Titus watch, which will feature a dial inspired by the Esplanade’s iconic “durian” roof.

Only 200 timepieces will be released, and each timepiece will come with a unique engraving that shows the year of celebration.

Shoppers can expect to get their hands on these limited-edition watches on City Chain’s online and physical stores from 6 July onwards.

Multifaceted Retail Experience for Everyone

City Chain is committed to offering a multifaceted retail experience for customers through innovative retailing methods, such as e-commerce expansion to adapt to the ever-changing retail landscape and cater to the needs of a wider audience. With its extensive store network and strong watch brand portfolio, the timepiece retailer maintains its strong foothold in the industry. City Chain continues to be the first retailer to receive stock of the latest models for brands like Solvil et Titus, Seiko, Casio and more in Singapore.

The leading watch retailer has also forged exclusive partnerships with international brands and celebrities to broaden its reach and develop its house brand, Solvil et Titus. Earlier this year, Solvil et Titus partnered with Peanuts to release the limited edition Solvil et Titus X Peanuts collection. With its tagline, “Time is Love,” Solvil et Titus continues to be an icon of romance for the style-conscious millennial generation.

Enjoy Exclusive Promotions Online With City Chain

Make the most of your retail experience by shopping with City Chain online. While the brand new e-commerce site will feature the same timepiece collections available in-store, shoppers can look forward to online exclusives with sizable discounts and monthly specials at attractive prices. Be rewarded with every purchase under the newly launched City Chain membership and get access to a series of exclusive privileges, such as lifestyle rewards, birthday vouchers and members-only promotions. On top of that, you also get to enjoy free shipping for all orders in Singapore.

About City Chain

Since its establishment in 1985 as Hong Kong’s first watch retail chain, City Chain has expanded its retail footprint to nearly 300 locations across Asia, including Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Mainland China. City Chain prides itself on its diverse product offerings and industry-leading customer service. Today, City Chain is committed to staying updated with the latest trends, offering customers quality timepieces from prestigious international brands.

#CityChain

Prudence Foundation announces winners of the 2021 SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards

Innovative oil spill recovery and dam water level monitoring solutions receive a US$75,000 grant each to help save lives from natural disasters

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 6 July 2021 Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential in Asia and Africa, together with Humanitarian Partner International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Technology Partner Lenovo, have announced the winners of the 2021 SAFE STEPS Disaster Tech (D-Tech) Awards. The Awards recognise the essential role that technology plays in protecting and saving lives before, during and after natural disaster events.

Singapore-based EcoWorth Tech and the Stimson Center from the United States are the winners of this year’s Awards. They were selected from among close to 60 entries around the world, and form part of eight finalists that took part in a virtual live pitch to a judging panel.

Mr Donald Kanak, Chairman of Prudence Foundation, said Prudence Foundation has been focusing on disaster preparedness and relief since 2011.

Asia is the world’s most disaster-affected region. More than 50 per cent of global natural disasters took place in Asia, including China, India, Indonesia and the Philippines.[1]


“The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards is a natural extension of our work to help communities recover from natural disasters through scalable, preventative technology solutions that can protect and save lives.

“We believe D-Tech should be front of mind for innovators, venture capitalists and businesses. The Awards serve as a platform to bring their knowledge, capabilities and investments to support D-Tech innovation and make the world a safer place,” said Mr Kanak.

EcoWorth Tech is awarded the first prize in the for-profit category. The company’s Carbon Fibre Aerogel (CFA) sponge, made of low-cost natural materials such as waste biomass, renewable cotton or wastepaper, is capable of cleaning waters following an oil spill. EcoWorth Tech’s reusable, environmentally-friendly CFA sponge can absorb oil of up to 190 times its own weight, mitigating the environmental impact of polluting industries.

“The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards provided a launchpad for us to meet like-minded innovators and environmentalists around the world. We will use the grant to further develop and deploy our solution, conduct more real-environment testing and encourage upcycling,” said Mr Andre Stolz, Co-Founder and CEO of EcoWorth Tech.

The Stimson Center is the winner of the non-profit category. Its Mekong Dam Monitor is a satellite imagery solution that leverages remote sensing data to monitor water levels in dams to help communities prepare in advance of flooding events or water supply disruption caused by upstream dam operations.

“Participating in the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards has been a very rewarding experience for our team. We had ample opportunities to meet with expert coaches who helped us sharpen our strategies and brainstorm new ways to scale and evolve our solution. We plan to use the grant to localise our services and language interfaces for use across Southeast Asia,” said Mr Brian Eyler, Director of Southeast Asia Programme at the Stimson Center and co-lead for the Mekong Dam Monitor.

Building resilience against disasters in the region has never been more critical, as COVID-19 has highlighted the growing vulnerability of people and communities to disasters. The pandemic has infected over 37 million people in Asia[2] and is expected to cause US$2.7 trillion in economic losses[3].

Mr Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific Director, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said, “We commend all the finalists and winners who have come up with such important innovative solutions at a time where we face unprecedented environmental challenges and threats due to climate change. We are delighted to work with the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards to foster a safer world as we face ever more dangerous disasters in Asia, the most disaster-prone region in the world.”

“D-Tech solutions have become critically important to strengthening disaster response,” said Mr Sumir Bhatia, President of Infrastructure Solutions Group at Lenovo Asia Pacific. “As such, it is of great urgency that technology companies, such as Lenovo, leverage their world-class technologies to collaborate with local entrepreneurs and NGOs to develop tailored solutions that can achieve better natural disaster preparedness, recovery, and resilience. The focus needs to be on collaboration, how we can effectively utilise the power of technology for the betterment of all.”

For more information about the 2021 SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards, visit http://www.safesteps.com/d-tech.


NOTES TO EDITORS

The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards were judged by an esteemed panel of experts from both the profit and non-profit sectors, who donated their time and expertise to the programme. The final panel was composed of the following experts:

  • Alexander Matheou, Regional Director, Asia Pacific, the IFRC
  • Bjorn Lindfors, Technology Partner, Antler
  • Birger Stamperdahl, CEO, Give2Asia
  • Jess Letch, Manager, Emergency Operations Coordination from the Disaster, Climate and Crisis Unit, the IFRC
  • John Sharp, Managing Partner, Hatcher+
  • Michael Woolley, Director, Head of Sustainability and Client Portfolio Manager, Eastspring Investments
  • Sumir Bhatia, President, Asia Pacific, Infrastructure Solutions Group, Lenovo

For the full list of competition judges and partners, visit http://www.safesteps.com/d-tech/2021judgesandpartners.php

Visual assets available here:

Video about the 2021 SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards: Link

Videos about the Finalists: For-Profit category and Non-Profit category

High-resolution images of the finalists’ solutions: Link

APPENDIX

Winners of the 2021 SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards

Company (For-Profit)

Prize

EcoWorth Tech (Winner)

US$75,000

FloodMapp (Runner-up)

US$25,000*

Company (Non-Profit)

Prize

The Stimson Center (Winner)

US$75,000

Fields Data (Runner-up)

US$25,000*

EcoWorth Tech Pte. Ltd (Singapore)

Singapore-based startup EcoWorth transforms local cellulosic waste (e.g. wood, fibres/husks, used paper) into a super-absorbent material for oil spill clean-up and used in water treatment filters to efficiently remove oil from the water. The material allows for the absorbed oil to be recuperated and recycled.

FloodMapp (Australia)

FloodMapp is specialises in rapid real-time flood forecasting and flood inundation mapping to provide greater warning time that can potentially save lives and reduce damage and associated financial losses. The technology supports all three stages of the disaster management process, before, during and after a flood.

The Stimson Center (United States of America)

The Stimson Center operates the Mekong Dam Monitor, which provides near real-time monitoring of water levels in dams in the Mekong through satellite data and modelling, helping communities prepare in advance of upstream dam operations that may result in flooding or water supply disruption. The Monitor is a partnership between the Stimson Center and Eyes on Earth, and is currently deployed in Cambodia, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Thailand, and China.

Link to the Mekong Dam Monitor

Fields Data (Norway)

Fields Data collects and share ground-level information about humanitarian and international development organisations in the form of 4W maps – who does what, where and when. Through these operational presence maps, Fields Data facilitates partnerships, give visibility accessibility to organisations working hard in the field and help organisations improve efficiencies. The solution is active in Burundi and Ghana with plans to expand to India.

*Lenovo’s support to the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards includes a total of US$50,000 cash prizes for the for-profit and non-profit runners up, as well as in-kind support for the winners and runners-up in both categories.


Finalists of the 2021 SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards

For-Profit:

Kacific Broadband Satellite Ltd (Singapore)

A next-generation broadband satellite operator that provides high-speed, low-cost, ultra-reliable broadband to rural and suburban areas of the Pacific and South East Asia.

Project OWL (United States of America)

Operates hybrid hardware and software solution that provides rapidly deployable sensor and communications networks on ground, water, or in the air from dense urban locations to rural environments hit by disaster.

Non-Profit:

Bike Scouts (Philippines)

A web and mobile app that gives users the tools for documenting disaster impact in real time and for activating and coordinating a community-driven, highly-scalable, and localised network of support to gather and deliver aid through social teamwork.

Yayasan Plan International Indonesia (Indonesia)

Yayasan Plan International Indonesia has developed a simple flood early warning tool made from local materials, such as small plastic pipes, small-sized loudspeakers, cables, and tennis balls.



[1] Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. (2020). Human cost of disasters: An overview of the last 20 years 2000-2019. Page 9. https://reliefweb.int/report/world/human-cost-disasters-overview-last-20-years-2000-2019.

[2] World Health Organization. (15 June 2021). “Weekly epidemiological update on COVID-19 – 15 June 2021”. https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/weekly-epidemiological-update-on-covid-19—15-june-2021

[3] S&P Global Ratings. (26 June 2020). “Economic research: Asia-Pacific losses bear $3 trillion as balance sheet recession looms”. https://www.spglobal.com/ratings/en/research/articles/200626-economic-research-asia-pacific-losses-near-3-trillion-as-balance-sheet-recession-looms-11549853.

About the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards

The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards looks to find, fund and support technology solutions which protects and saves lives before, during or after natural disaster events. The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards were created out of the belief that technological innovation has a significant role to play in improving disaster preparedness, recovery and resilience. This need is especially magnified in Asia Pacific where half of the world’s natural disaster events occur.

Now in its second edition, the Awards look to continue the work in catalysing a network of support, raising awareness of the sector, and helping the remarkable companies that operate in this space grow and scale.

The 2021 SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards are created by Prudence Foundation and supported by humanitarian partner, the IFRC and technology partner, Lenovo.

About Prudence Foundation


Prudence Foundation is the community investment arm of Prudential in Asia and Africa. Its mission is to secure the future of communities by enhancing education, health and safety. The Foundation runs regional and local programmes in partnership with NGOs, governments and the private sector in order to maximise the impact of its efforts. Prudence Foundation leverages Prudential’s long-term mindset and geographical scale to make communities safer, more secure and more resilient. The Foundation is a Hong Kong registered charitable entity.

For more information, please visit Prudence Foundation.

About IFRC


The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 member National Societies that work to save lives and promote dignity around the world.

For more information, please visit IFRC.

About Lenovo


Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$60 billion revenue Fortune Global 500 company serving customers in 180 markets around the world. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, we are developing world-changing technologies that power (through devices and infrastructure) and empower (through solutions, services and software) millions of customers every day and together create a more inclusive, trustworthy and sustainable digital society for everyone, everywhere. To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

#PrudenceFoundation