Police have arrested a man following the murder of two elderly women in Champasak Province on Monday.
Laos Confirms Ten New Covid-19 Infections and Third Death
Laos has confirmed ten new cases of Covid-19 and a third death as community spread continues in the capital city.
Smart Manufacturers Face a Security Conundrum as they Tackle Emerging 5G Threats
Trend Micro Research reveals multiple proof-of-concept attacks on connected systems
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 28 May 2021 – Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, released in-depth research highlighting new threats to 4G/5G campus networks, many of which capitalize on the difficulty organizations have in patching critical OT environments.
The report details multiple attack scenarios and possible mitigations, using a testing environment designed to mimic a smart factory campus network.
To read the “Attacks From 4G/5G Core Networks: Risks of the Industrial IoT in Compromised Campus Network” report, please visit: https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/hk/security/news/internet-of-things/the-transition-to-5g-security-implications-of-campus-networks .
“Manufacturers are at the cutting edge of IIoT deployment, gearing up with 5G to tap the power of connectivity everywhere to drive greater speed, safety and efficiency. But with new technology comes new threats added to legacy challenges,” said Yohei Ishihara, security evangelist for Trend Micro. “As the report warns, many are stuck in a bind—unable to afford the downtime necessary to patch critical system vulnerabilities that may otherwise be exploited. Fortunately, our extensive research also highlights multiple mitigations and best practices to protect the smart factories of today and tomorrow.”
The report identifies several key entry points for attackers to compromise a core 4G/5G network:
- Servers hosting core network services: targeting of vulnerabilities and weak passwords in these standard COTS x86 servers.
- VMs or containers: these can also be exposed if the latest patches aren’t applied promptly.
- Network infrastructure: appliances are often overlooked during patching cycles.
- Base stations: also contain firmware which needs to be updated from time-to-time.
Once the attacker gets in the core network from any of these entry points, they will attempt lateral movement in a bid to intercept and change network packets. By attacking industrial control systems in smart manufacturing environments like the test site, attackers could steal sensitive data, sabotage production, or hold organizations to ransom.
From the 11 attack scenarios demonstrated, one of the most potentially damaging involves targeting Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) servers, which are commonly used by IT and field engineers. The upgrade to 5G doesn’t automatically protect RDP traffic, so attackers could use this access to download malware and ransomware, or directly hijack industrial control systems. RDP v 10.0 is the most secure version and may offer some protections against these attacks, but again it may be difficult for organizations to upgrade.
Among the recommendations made in the report to protect 4G/5G campus networks are:
- VPN or IPSec to protect remote communication channels, including to remote sites and base stations
- Application-layer encryption (HTTPS, MQTTS, LDAPS, encrypted VNC, RDP v10, and secure industrial protocols like S7COMM-Plus)
- EDR, XDR or MDR to monitor attacks and lateral movement inside the campus and the containerized core network
- Proper network segregation with VLAN or SDN
- Prompt patching, where possible, of servers, routers and base stations
- Anomaly detection products, like Trend Micro Mobile Network Security, which are campus network-aware and provide a robust way to cut off unlisted device/SIM card pairs
Building a mobile network in an enterprise environment involves both the end users as well as various stakeholders, including service providers and integrators. In addition, private 4G / 5G networks are large-scale infrastructure and have a long life, so once built, they are difficult to replace or modify. Therefore, it is essential to implement “security by default” to identify and mitigate security risks at the design stage.
About Trend Micro
Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro’s cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, the platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 65 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.trendmicro.com.hk
Tanoto Foundation Endowment Enables Renaming of Northwestern University’s Kellogg Center for Family Enterprises to ‘John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises’
Endowment Continues Tanoto Foundation’s Commitment to the Study Of Family Enterprise at Leading Universities
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES – Media OutReach – 28 May 2021 – The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the renaming of the Kellogg Center for Family Enterprises to the John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises, which was made possible through an endowment from Tanoto Foundation. Professor John Ward, Clinical Professor Emeritus of Family Enterprise, previously served as co-director of the center.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the renaming of the Kellogg Center for Family Enterprises to the John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises, which was made possible through an endowment from Tanoto Foundation. Pictured from left: Anderson Tanoto, Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation; Professor John L. Ward, Clinical Professor Emeritus of Family Enterprise; Professor Morton Schapiro, President Northwestern University; Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto, co-founders of Tanoto Foundation; and Professor Francesca Cornelli, Dean Kellogg School of Management.
“The vast majority of businesses around the world are family businesses, and they drive significant innovation and growth in our global economy,” said Francesca Cornelli, Dean of Kellogg. “With the generous support of the Tanoto Foundation and the Tanoto family, the Kellogg School of Management will continue to expand on the Ward Center’s innovative, world-class work, building on the extraordinary foundation laid by Professor Ward.”
Pictured above, from left: Professor John L. Ward, Clinical Professor Emeritus of Family Enterprise; and Sukanto Tanoto, co-founder of Tanoto Foundation.
Mr. Ward has been a guiding force in developing the renowned teaching and research center, which provides cutting-edge thinking and guidance for family business strategies, governance, succession, entrepreneurship, foundations and business culture. A practical theorist, he has conducted extensive research, working with families worldwide and bringing that knowledge back to the classroom. Ward also is an accomplished writer, having co-authored many books and case studies on family business. He previously served on the Tanoto Foundation’s Board of Advisors.
Pictured from left: Professor Morton Schapiro, President Northwestern University; Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto, co-founders of Tanoto Foundation; Professor John L. Ward, Clinical Professor Emeritus of Family Enterprise; Professor Francesca Cornelli, Dean Kellogg School of Management; and Anderson Tanoto, Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation.
During the ceremony, Mr. Sukanto Tanoto, who co-founded Tanoto Foundation with his wife Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, said: “Family businesses have a special opportunity to make a difference in the world. A typical public company is run quarter on quarter and executives are incentivized based on ‘short-termism’. Family businesses should and must think long-term and embody the spirit of stakeholder capitalism.”
“The main purpose of our gift today to Kellogg is to capture and sustain the essence of what makes Professor John Ward a preeminent scholar in family enterprise, and to pass this spirit and wisdom to future generations.”
Tanoto Foundation’s recent endowment to the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University continues its ongoing contributions to the study of family business governance and succession at large globally. Through gifts made in 2012 and 2017, Tanoto Foundation also established the Tanoto Center for Asian Family Business and Entrepreneurship Studies at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). The center aims to bridge the knowledge gap between academics and practitioners as well as policymakers through its programs and activities, while spurring knowledge creation in Asian family businesses and entrepreneurship.
According to research conducted by HKUST, the role of family business globally is significant. Over 57% of the U.S. GDP comes from family owned businesses and an even higher rate in China at 60%. In Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous nation and 16th largest economy, more than 50% of local businesses are family owned.
In his address at Northwestern University, Mr. Sukanto added: “Professor John Ward’s prolific work with family businesses has been pivotal for companies, leaders and researchers around the world. His evidence-based work has created groundbreaking insights into the science and dynamics of thriving family businesses and philanthropies. In this constantly changing world, we need John’s work to continue. I’m confident that we’ll continue to build upon his teachings through the John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises.”
The mission of the Ward Center is to be the thought leader in family enterprise education. Established in 1999, the center has pioneered much of what is known about the collective challenges business-owning families face and led new ways of thinking about the management and leadership of family enterprises.
The endowment will help the center expand its educational offerings to:
- Share research insights with leading family enterprises around the world
- Conduct groundbreaking research on the challenges facing enterprising families globally
- Engage scholars and family enterprises to inform the discipline more fully and to enhance the scholarship and capabilities of the field
- Augment the family enterprise case and history library — with an emphasis on older, larger, global families that have achieved generational continuity
About Tanoto Foundation
Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organization founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto based on the belief that every person should have the opportunity to realize his or her full potential. Tanoto Foundation began operation in 1981, when Sukanto and Tinah built a kindergarten and an elementary school in Besitang, North Sumatra.
Tanoto Foundation believes that quality education accelerates equal opportunity. We harness the transformative power of education to realize people’s full potential and to improve lives. The three pillars of Tanoto Foundation are improving learning environments, developing future leaders and facilitating medical research and sciences.
Movement on the Vientiane to Pakse Expressway Project
The government is considering approval of the proposed route for an expressway running from Vientiane Capital to Pakse in the nation’s south.
Amazon and Science Centre Singapore launch Amazon Cyber Robotics Challenge to empower STEM exploration amongst the youth in Singapore
As part of the Amazon Cyber Robotics Challenge, Amazon and Science Centre Singapore are hosting a series of complimentary, immersive robotic-themed workshops for primary and secondary school students, ahead of the National Robotics Competition
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 28 May 2021 – (NASDAQ:AMZN) – To spark interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at an early age, Amazon Singapore is collaborating with Science Centre Singapore to host the Amazon Cyber Robotics Challenge from now until 31 August 2021. Open to all primary and secondary school students in Singapore, the Amazon Cyber Robotics Challenge is a complimentary, virtual learning experience curated to develop children’s creativity, problem-solving skills, and spark interest in STEM through immersive robot activities and games.
Onboarding Introductory Programme: On-site primary school workshop at Science Centre Singapore
The Amazon Cyber Robotics Challenge will equip students with the tools and skills to learn and practise the basics of computer science and coding in the lead up to the National Robotics Competition (NRC) scheduled to take place this September. The NRC is an annual competition organized by Science Centre Singapore that has been running for 22 years.
The Challenge consists of the Onboarding Introductory Programme and the CoderZ Coding Challenge (online competition). The Onboarding Introductory Programme is open to primary (9- 12yrs old) and secondary school students (13- 16yrs old). Through the Challenge, interested students can attend the onboarding workshops hosted virtually by Science Centre Singapore. One of the tasks that participants will need to do is code an Amazon Hercules robot, to deliver a friend’s birthday present within an allotted time. As they digitally navigate through Amazon’s fulfilment centre during the robotics game, they will discover how Amazon uses computer science daily to fulfil customer orders and witness how coding is applied in real-life.
Students keen to participate in the onboarding workshop may proceed to register here, no prior experience required: https://www.science.edu.sg/whats-on/workshops-activities/amazon-cyber-robotics-challenge
“STEM education has been a key focus at Amazon and as part of our community efforts, we are constantly looking for ways to empower individuals, especially children, to develop their interest and build their skills in science and technology. Coding is the language of the future and learning it early will give students the head-start to explore their passions. As such, we are delighted to broaden our collaboration with Science Centre Singapore to make STEM skills more easily available to students across the country, including children from underrepresented communities,” said Henry Low, Country Manager, Amazon Singapore.
Joanna Tan, Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Wishing Well, said, “Children’s Wishing Well is very grateful that our beneficiaries were given this opportunity to experience the world of robotics.”
Amazon’s collaboration with Science Centre Singapore for the Amazon Cyber Robotics Challenge builds on their 2020 STEM pilot programme allowing primary and secondary school students free access to online courses to complement home-based learning amidst COVID-19.
Appendix: How to participate in the Amazon Cyber Robotics Challenge
- Step 1: Sign up via https://www.science.edu.sg/whats-on/workshops-activities/amazon-cyber-robotics-challenge to choose ONE workshop session.
- Step 2: Upon successful enrolment, participants can create an account to log in for free via https://account.gocoderz.com/login.
- Step 3: Join the National Robotics Competition in September 2021 if you think you are up for the challenge! Stay tuned for updates here.
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.
About Science Centre Singapore
Science Centre Singapore, a non-formal educational institution and leading regional Science Centre, along with its group of attractions, brings out the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through its unique blend of exhibitions, educational programmes and events. A custodian of creativity and innovation, Science Centre Singapore has captured the evolution of scientific developments for nearly four decades.
The Centre and its partners have played a pivotal role in transforming the way students and the public interact with and learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Since 1977, the Centre has welcomed over 30 million visitors and inspired them with more than 1,000 exhibits spread across 14 exhibition galleries and outdoor exhibition spaces.
The Centre’s group of attractions include Omni-Theatre, Snow City and KidsSTOP™. The Omni-Theatre is an immersive dual-technology edutainment destination fitted with Southeast Asia’s largest seamless dome screen and featuring the latest and brightest 8k digital full dome system in the world. Snow City is Singapore’s only permanent indoor snow centre offering an Arctic inspired experience at Singapore’s first ice gallery and snow chamber. KidsSTOP™ – Where every child gets to Imagine, Experience, Discover and Dream – is Singapore’s first children’s science centre offering an enriching experience through purposeful play for children aged 18 months to 8 years old. For more information, please visit www.science.edu.sg .
#Amazon #ScienceCentreSingapore
Chubb makes Leadership Changes in Asia Pacific
– Edward Ler, EVP & Head of Southeast Asia
– Edward Kopp, Country President, Korea
– Ben Howell, Regional Head of Accident & Health
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 28 May 2021 – Chubb today announced three leadership appointments for the company’s Asia Pacific business. All appointments will be effective from 1 July 2021:
Edward Ler, currently Country President for Chubb’s general insurance business in Korea, has been appointed to the position of Head of Southeast Asia. Mr. Ler will be responsible for the general management and business results in the six countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. He replaces Glen Browne, who was recently appointed as Division President – Consumer Lines, Asia Pacific.
Mr. Ler joined Chubb in 2013 as Senior Vice President and Regional Head of Personal Lines, which includes oversight for Motor, Residential, High Net Worth and Specialty Personal Lines. During 2014-2016, in addition to his business leadership role, he was concurrently President Director for Chubb in Indonesia. Mr. Ler’s 18-year career in the insurance industry spans a variety of managerial roles covering the Asia Pacific, the Middle East and European markets. In his new capacity, Mr. Ler will relocate to Singapore and continue to report to Paul McNamee, Chubb’s Regional President for Asia Pacific.
Edward [Ed] Kopp, currently Chubb’s Regional Head for Accident & Health since 2019, will return to Korea as Country President for Chubb’s general insurance business, replacing Mr. Ler, subject to regulatory approval.
Mr. Kopp joined Chubb in 2012. He has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and a strong track record of building sustainable, profitable businesses across Asia. He has a breadth of knowledge in distribution, product development, underwriting, channel management, and a deep understanding of the Korean market. Prior to joining Chubb, Mr. Kopp held several leadership roles with some leading institutions in banking and insurance. He will continue to report to Mr. McNamee in his new capacity.
Ben Howell, currently Deputy Regional Head of Accident & Health will replace Mr. Kopp as Chubb’s Regional Head of Accident & Health, Asia Pacific. In his new role, Mr. Howell will be responsible for the management and development of the accident, health and travel insurance business in the region. He will continue to be based in Singapore and report to Mr. Browne, in the latter’s new role as Division President – Consumer Lines, Asia Pacific.
Mr. Howell has deep experience across both commercial and consumer insurance, with underwriting, product development, partnership and distribution management expertise spanning diverse product classes. During his 19-year career in Asia and Australia, he has built businesses, successfully grown and improved existing businesses and led strategy, teams and portfolios across multiple countries and territories. Mr. Howell commenced his career with the company in Australia, then known as ACE, in 2002 before re-joining in 2016.
According to Mr. McNamee, “In Asia Pacific, we have a deep pool of talented executives as reflected by the appointments of Edward, Ed and Ben. Edward is a highly experienced insurance professional with a strong track record of success which will be critical to achieve our growth plans for Southeast Asia. Korea is strategically vital to our ambitions, particularly in the consumer business, and we are fortunate to have Ed return to lead our operations there during such an important phase in our expansion. Ben is a true professional and proven leader, ideal for such an important role as the Regional Head of Accident & Health. I have every confidence in his abilities and skills to drive sustained growth and profitability in this business.”
About Chubb
Chubb is the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide.
Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.
#Chubb
Singapore-Based Online Florist Shares 4 Ways Businesses Can Strengthen Business Resilience Amidst Phase 2 Heightened Measures
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 28 May 2021 – The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented levels of business disruption. In Singapore, many businesses are struggling to cope with the lack of footfall islandwide as the city-state goes into the 2nd week of the Phase 2 Heightened Measures to combat the spread of the virus.
There is great uncertainty about when the pandemic will end, and businesses need an agile response plan to strengthen their business resilience.
Singapore-based online florist — Well Live Florist shares 4 ways businesses can strengthen business resilience to rise against the challenges brought about by COVID-19 and thrive in the face of ambiguity.
1. Use A Customer-Centric Approach To Engage With Consumers
In times of uncertainty, using a customer-centric approach to keep your consumers engaged is an important part of building business resilience. Plus, when stakes are high, this can help to drive brand loyalty.
One way that businesses can keep their customers engaged is to offer them the option to chat with the company via a helpline managed by an actual employee. The helpline allows them to reply to customer enquiries promptly and adds a personal touch to their messages that cannot be found elsewhere.
2. Adopt A Diverse Hiring Practice
One of the key reasons underpinning Well Live Florist’s business resilience is their diverse hiring practice.
That is why businesses need to adopt a diverse hiring approach, employing people with different backgrounds and cognitive abilities. A diverse team offers businesses a wide spectrum of responses, allowing them to better come up with solutions to combat any challenge.
3. Create Buffer Systems Against Unexpected Situations
To build business resilience, it is imperative that companies create buffer systems against the unexpected.
Well Live Florist, for example, carries a range of products including 99 roses, flower boxes, hand bouquets, preserved and dried flowers, wedding bouquets, grand opening flower stands, condolences wreaths, and more.
This protects them against supply chain disruptions due to any unpredictable COVID-19 related import restrictions, giving them the flexibility to continue offering their products to their consumers despite the supply chain disruption.
4. Provide Complimentary Delivery
As the number of COVID-19 cases in Singapore continues to grow, Singaporeans have been adapting to the measures set in place by the government to keep the virus at bay; working from home is the new normal and everyone is encouraged to stay home.
However, this makes it hard for consumers to go out and about to get their items, which may negatively impact businesses. To adapt to this new normal, businesses should try to offer free shipping for their products.
Not only does this help to protect the well-being of their customers, but it also encourages them to shop more as free shipping is known to positively influence consumer spending. On top of that, businesses do not have to worry about the lack of human traffic in their physical stores disrupting their supply chain.
About Well Live Florist
Well Live Florist is a Singapore-based online florist that offers a wonderful range of fresh and dried flowers. With the support of a team of passionate florists, Well Live Florist stands out from the crowd with their punctual delivery guarantee, stellar customer service, and stunning floral arrangements that are guaranteed to please.
For more information, please visit https://wellliveflorist.com/
