30.3 C
Vientiane
Saturday, August 16, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 669

Mekong River Commission Celebrates 30 Years, Calls for Enhanced Regional Cooperation

On 24 April, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) celebrated a major milestone with Mekong Day 2025 in Vientiane, marking 30 years since the signing of the 1995 Mekong Agreement.

The event brought together representatives from MRC Member Countries, development partners, diplomatic corps, regional stakeholders, youth, and the public to reflect on three decades of achievements and renew commitments toward a sustainable Mekong Basin.

Busadee Santipitaks, CEO of the MRC Secretariat and the fourth riparian leader to hold the position since January 2025, delivered the State of the Mekong Address, assessing the condition of the river, outlining key challenges, and setting forth the organization’s strategic directions.

“Last year, we released the 2023 State of the Basin Report and the Mekong Atlas, which have shown that the Mekong region has undergone notable evolution over the past decades. While there have been areas of positive developments, there remain some areas that will require careful consideration and collaborative action,” Busadee said.

Busadee Santipitaks, CEO of the MRC Secretariat, delivered the State of the Mekong Address, assessing the condition of the river, outlining key challenges, and setting forth the organization’s strategic directions. Vientiane, Laos, 24 April. (Photo: Thongsavanh Souvannasane)

Water-related sectors in the Lower Mekong River Basin contribute significantly to the region’s economy, generating nearly USD 63 billion annually, with key industries like rice, fisheries, and hydropower playing vital roles. The broader Gross Domestic Product (GDP) linked to energy, agriculture, navigation, and fisheries is estimated at USD 133.7 billion. Over the past two decades, living conditions have improved with better access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, and enhanced food security.

Key Challenges

However, climate change poses accelerating risks, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, and declining sediment and mangrove forests threaten communities and ecosystems. While water quality remains generally good, La Niña conditions may bring hotter temperatures and less rain, increasing drought risks in 2025.

“Basin countries recognize the urgency of climate adaptation, but financing gaps and institutional challenges persist,” Busadee emphasized. 

“Increased efforts are needed to strengthen disaster preparedness, particularly at the community level. Downstream areas also face the greatest environmental challenges, from sediment and wetland degradation to increased salinity levels. Sand mining and plastic pollution are ongoing concerns.”

Strategic Directions

As the MRC concludes its 2021–2025 Strategic Plan, it is establishing a bold course for the next Strategic Plan of 2026–2030, aligned with the Basin Development Strategy, focusing on deepening cooperation, driving innovation, and strengthening inclusivity.

Looking ahead, the MRC aims to continue and deepen collaboration with Development Partners, enhance regional and global partnerships, including with ASEAN and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, while advancing joint projects under its Proactive Regional Planning initiative. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, such as AI and satellite systems, the MRC will improve early warning systems and data access through platforms like the One Mekong App and Flood and Drought TV. 

More emphasis will be placed on inclusive decision-making by amplifying local voices and promoting gender equality.

“We must listen to the voices that matter most,” she said. “Their insights, concerns, and ideas will shape our policies and projects. At the end of the day, it’s not just about water, it’s about the people.”

Youth engagement

As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, the MRC announced the winners of its inaugural Mekong Song Competition, which showcased over 70 musical entries from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Finalists representing diverse genres performed live during the Mekong Day ceremony in Vientiane.

The winning song, “Never Run Dry,” performed by Seathencity, captivated judges with its poetic lyrics about unity, resilience, and shared responsibility for the river’s future. Second place went to “Every wave, we all belong” performed by the WAVE the laos, while AF Production’s “Carried by the Mekong” and 4Brothers’ “Mekong, our common future” both earned third place.

“Music has the power to connect hearts and inspire action,” said Busadee. “Through this competition, we saw how deeply the Mekong touches people’s lives and how youth can lead the way in redefining our relationship with nature and appreciating our lifeblood.”

“Never Run Dry” – Seathencity, first place winner, with poetic lyrics about unity, resilience, and shared responsibility for the Mekong’s future. Vientiane, Laos, 24 April. (Photo: Thongsavanh Souvannasane)
“Every wave, we all belong” – WAVE the laos, second place winner, celebrating connection and collective responsibility for the Mekong River. Vientiane, Laos, 24 April. (Photo: Thongsavanh Souvannasane)
“Mekong, our common future” – 4Brothers, third place winner, emphasizing shared responsibility and a sustainable future for the Mekong River. Vientiane, Laos, 24 April. (Photo: Thongsavanh Souvannasane)
“Carried by the Mekong” – AF Production, third place winner, honoring the river’s influence on lives and communities along its banks. Vientiane, Laos, 24 April. (Photo: Thongsavanh Souvannasane)

PEPSI® IS BACK WITH A NEW CHAPTER OF ‘THIRSTY FOR MORE’ FEATURING DAVID BECKHAM

David Beckham continues his journey with Pepsi in a new campaign to inspire fans to go after what they love

NEW YORK, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pepsi® is back with a fresh take on its “Thirsty For More” platform, fronted by none other than David Beckham. This new global campaign is about one simple universal message: “If you love it, it’s never a waste.”

“Thirsty For More” is Pepsi’s global platform that champions the mindset of going after what you love—big or small—without second-guessing. It’s about choosing to do what you find most fun and enjoyable, regardless of what others might expect. Whether it’s a daily ritual, a personal passion, or a spontaneous decision, Thirsty For More encourages people to lean into what feels right and make everyday moments as enjoyable as possible—because if you love it, it’s never a waste.

Whether it’s football or motorbiking, David Beckham has always gone all-in on what he loves. That’s what Thirsty For More is all about. It’s not about chasing the next big thing—it’s about doing what you truly enjoy, regardless of what others might expect. No pressure. No pretending. Just real moments, lived fully.

 Pepsi’s new campaign film celebrates just that. From spending time gaming with friends and dancing at a gig, to belting out karaoke or taking a road trip detour just because—it’s a snapshot of the moments that make life even more fun. The film ends with David Beckham delivering the campaign’s Thirsty For More message: “If you love it, it’s never a waste.”

David Beckham adds: “It’s always great working with Pepsi – we’ve been making campaigns together for well over 20 years now and have produced a lot of great work in that time. I enjoyed shooting this latest campaign and I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Cathy Graham Kidd, Senior Director of Global Brand Marketing at PepsiCo, adds: “David Beckham is a true icon, and his way of living reflects what this campaign is all about. Thirsty For More is about tuning into what makes you feel alive—however big or small—and enjoying it, unapologetically. This launch is just the beginning. You’ll see it come to life with local activations across the world.”

Long-standing fans may remember some of David Beckham’s most memorable Pepsi ads, including the legendary 2002 “Sumo” match, which saw him, and his teammates go head-to-head with a group of sumo wrestlers. In 2003, Pepsi transformed a Western-style duel into a humorous penalty shootout featuring David Beckham as part of its “Wild West” film, shortly followed by “Football Warriors” in 2004, which saw him using his football skills to help protect the protagonists’ hoard of soft drinks—whilst dressed in warrior guise.

Stay tuned—the adventure is just beginning!

For more information about the unmissable new partnership, head to Pepsi channels: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that

includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter)Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo. 

Video: https://youtu.be/EX5Vzp0G6JA 

PEPSI® IS BACK WITH A NEW CHAPTER OF “THIRSTY FOR MORE” FEATURING DAVID BECKHAM 01
PEPSI® IS BACK WITH A NEW CHAPTER OF “THIRSTY FOR MORE” FEATURING DAVID BECKHAM 01

 

 

miel Launches 2025 S/S Collection — Refined Natural Style in Japanese Linen Cotton

– Comfort of Wearing High-Quality Natural Fabrics from Japan — Stripe Shirt & Pants Recommended by miel –

SAYAMA, Japan, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — miel ( http://mielshop.net ), operated by chambrette Corporation, a Japanese apparel company based in Sayama, Japan, has unveiled its 2025 Spring/Summer collection for the U.S. market. This season features a refined selection of natural fabrics, highlighted by floral and striped patterns that capture the essence of the season. The collection offers breezy comfort and gentle designs that bring everyday elegance to life.

Image1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108390/202504187644/_prw_PI1fl_08O3oEL2.jpg

A New Spring Collection from ichi Antiquite’s Has Arrived

miel invites customers to discover its latest pieces crafted from natural linen-cotton, designed to bring a soft, organic texture to customers’ wardrobes. Thoughtfully made for comfort and lasting wear, these timeless garments add effortless elegance to everyday life.

About ichi Antiquite’s

ichi Antiquite’s is a Japanese brand that values the spirit of traditional craftsmanship while creating clothing that fits seamlessly into modern lifestyles. It features timeless designs, cherished like antiques, and high-quality materials that become more comfortable to wear.

The brand’s commitment to quality is evident in every detail, from fabric selection to sewing. Using luxurious natural materials such as linen and cotton, each piece is carefully crafted by skilled artisans in Japan. With every wash, the fabric softens and develops a unique texture, evolving into a garment that can be loved for years.

ichi Antiquite’s draws inspiration from antique wear, blending nostalgic details with modern silhouettes to create a unique aesthetic. Each piece embodies a timeless charm while offering a contemporary fit. At the heart of ichi Antiquite’s craftsmanship is the desire to deliver garments that feel comfortable with every wear and become cherished favorites for years to come.

Linen Cotton Stripe Shirt & Pants — Now at miel

Crafted with the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship, the Linen Cotton Stripe Shirt and Linen Cotton Stripe Pants have arrived at miel. Made from ichi Antiquite’s original linen-cotton fabric, these pieces embody natural textures and exceptional comfort.

This exclusive fabric, woven in Japan with a luxurious blend of linen and cotton, offers both breathability and insulation. It keeps cool and fresh in summer while retaining warmth in winter, providing year-round comfort. Designed with a simple yet refined silhouette, these pieces add a relaxed elegance to customers’ everyday wardrobes. Over time, the fabric softens and develops a unique character, making each piece truly their own. Experiencing the beauty of natural materials and timeless craftsmanship with these special additions to the collection is highly recommended for anyone interested.

Thoughtfully Crafted Design

Image2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108390/202504187644/_prw_PI2fl_6w25W1vn.jpg

The shirt features a relaxed silhouette, allowing customers to wear it open as a light outer layer. The pants have a wide-leg design, making them easy to pair with any top. They are available in three color variations — Indigo x Natural, Pink x Natural, and Natural x Indigo — each offering a unique look to suit the desired style.

Wearing the shirt and pants as a matching set creates a sophisticated and effortlessly polished look. The vertical stripes accentuate a clean, elongated silhouette, enhancing a sleek and refined impression. Made from a lightweight linen-cotton blend, the fabric moves beautifully with each step, adding a relaxed yet elegant touch to the customers’ style. Wear the shirt open for a laidback feel or buttoned up for a more structured look — the versatility is part of its charm. The coordinated set offers a sense of cohesion while maintaining a relaxed silhouette that is never too rigid.

Image3: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108390/202504187644/_prw_PI3fl_d4bVpL4B.jpg

Of course, each customer can also style the shirt and pants separately for a fresh and versatile look. The Linen Cotton Stripe Pants feature a comfortable elastic waistband for a relaxed fit. Made from a lightweight linen-cotton blend, they come with a soft inner lining, ensuring ease of wear without worrying about transparency.

Pair them with a simple top for a casual, effortless style, or dress them up with a blouse or jacket for a more refined look. Whether worn as a set or as standalone pieces, each item brings its own charm — allowing each customer to enjoy endless styling possibilities.

Message from Izumi Inoue of miel: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202504187644-O1-kjsSg51d.pdf

About miel store: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202504187644-O2-z2W1Lhtf.pdf

GE Jun’s “Grain Rain Speech” Ignites Chengdu: A Bold Vision for China’s Private Sector on the Global Stage


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 April 2025 – In an atmosphere charged anticipation and entrepreneurial urgency, GE Jun, Chairman and CEO of TOJOY Smart Enterprise Services, delivered a landmark speech at the Chengdu Financial City Performing Center as a guide to reshape the trajectory of China’s private sector.

GE Jun, Chairman and CEO of TOJOY Smart Enterprise Services, delivered a landmark speech at the Chengdu Financial City Performing Center as a guide to reshape the trajectory of China's private sector.

Over 2,000 business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts gathered to hear GE Jun’s Grain Rain 2025 address—a speech considered by attendees as “a wake-up call” and “a compass for business growth in turbulent times.”

Breaking the Walls: GE Jun Calls for Enterprises to find new roads

In a bold and candid tone, GE Jun didn’t mince words: “Many traditional enterprises are being phased out, not from failure, but from working harder and getting less.” He described a vicious cycle plaguing businesses across China—a trap of internal competition and shrinking returns.

Drawing on his frontline insights from Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, China and dialogues with global economists, GE Jun unveiled a five-point survival playbook for private enterprises:

A Message of Belief in a Time of Uncertainty

The theme, “With Belief, The Road Opens Up,” wasn’t just poetic—it was a call to action. In a time when headlines echo uncertainty and downturn, GE Jun offered what few dare to speak of: hope rooted in strategy.

“Belief is not blind optimism,” he said, “It’s seeing the light in the distance and walking toward it when others are frozen in fear.”

From Silicon Valley to Sichuan: Global Wisdom Meets Chinese Urgency

With executive stints at Intel, Apple, and Nvidia, GE Jun brings an uncommon global lens to Chinese entrepreneurship. Since joining TOJOY as CEO in 2019, his mission has been clear: build bridges between China’s business circles and the world stage.

Today, with over 56 million private enterprises driving China’s economy, the stakes have never been higher. “Instead of working harder,” he said, “we need smarter directions, global visions, and shared platforms.”

Grain Rain Speech: More Than a Stage, It’s a Movement

Now in its second year, the Grain Rain Speech has evolved into an intellectual IP and action platform for China’s business elite. Last year’s theme, “Leap Ahead Again,” sparked debates on intergenerational business succession. This year, GE Jun shifted the focus to the importance of transformation within China’s business sector.

Entrepreneurs from across the nation flooded the event with questions, ideas, and commitments to change. One CEO from Jiangsu summed it up: “It’s no longer about where to cut costs. It’s about who dares to grow again.”

GE Jun concluded with a powerful vision:

“Let the Grain Rain Speech stand as the bridge—where China’s private sector steps confidently onto the world stage. Not just to survive, but to co-create the next era of global enterprise.”

Editor’s Note: Why It Matters

This isn’t just another CEO keynote. It’s a mirror held up to China’s economic reality—and a map for how to escape the fog. As China’s private sector gears up for a new cycle of transformation, the Grain Rain Speech might just become its rallying cry.
Hashtag: #TOJOY #GEJun

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

Fibocom Unveils 5G AI Mobile Hotspot Solution, Redefining the Future of AI-Driven Connectivity

SHENZHEN, China, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fibocom has officially launched its next-generation 5G AI Mobile Hotspot Solution, a solution that deeply integrates 5G connectivity and advanced AI-driven voice interaction. The solution marks a significant breakthrough in intelligent terminal innovation of Fibocom, which will accelerate the scalable applications of AI and communication technologies across both consumer and enterprise markets.

Fibocom’s solution enables the mobile hotspot to be an intelligent, AI-powered hub. Powered by a customized AI App of Fibocom, the mobile hotspot device supports multilingual voice activation and interaction, allowing users to control functions and access services effortlessly via voice commands. The device powered by Fibocom’s 5G AI Mobile Hotspot Solution also enables instant local content retrieval, providing quick, voice-driven access to stored documents and cached media. Designed for global communication, it features a real-time AI translation engine supporting over 20 languages—including Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean—with up to 95% accuracy, making it a powerful companion for international business meetings, events, and travel.

The 5G AI Mobile Hotspot Solution is powered by the Qualcomm QCM4490 platform, featuring an 8-core 4nm CPU with speeds up to 2.4GHz, enabling real-time behavioral analysis with optimized power efficiency. Fully compliant with 3GPP Release 16, it supports NR 2CC 120MHz and achieves downlink speeds up to 2.33Gbps on Sub-6GHz bands. It features dual SIM standby, USB 3.1 and Ethernet support, 15W fast charging and reverse charging. Moreover, the solution is compatible with Android/Linux dual OS, 1080P displays, and external cameras, supporting a wide range of application scenarios.

Marking a significant leap in wireless capability, the device integrates Qualcomm’s next-gen Wi-Fi 7 chipset, making it one of the first to be embedded with the QCM4490 platform with concurrent dual-band modes: 2.4GHz + 5GHz, 2.4GHz + 6GHz, and 5GHz + 6GHz. Delivering speeds up to BE5800, it provides a robust, future-ready, and cost-effective 5G-Wi-Fi 7 hotspot experience for long-term, high-performance use.

Ralph Zhao, Vice President of Fibocom’s MC Product Management Department, remarked:
“The launch of 5G AI Mobile Hotspot Solution transforms connectivity, evolving mobile hotspot from a simple data link into an intelligent, user-focused companion. As we continue to innovate on 5G, AI, and edge computing, Fibocom is dedicated to empowering users globally, unlocking new possibilities for more intelligent future.”

Myanmar TikTok Astrologer Arrested for Forecasting New Quake

Myanmar TikTok Astrologer Arrested for Forecasting New Quake
This photo shows a general view of the damaged building at the Myawaddy Nunnery in Mandalay on April 13, 2025, following the devastating March 28 earthquake. (Photo by Sai Aung MAIN / AFP)

AFP – Myanmar authorities have arrested a TikTok astrologer for spreading panic by predicting another strong earthquake in the aftermath of last month’s tremor, state media said on 24 April.

NX Philippines Commemorates World Water Day with Cleanup Effort

– Community Working Together to Conserve Water Resources –

TOKYO, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nippon Express (Philippines) Corporation (hereafter “NX Philippines”), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., conducted a cleanup activity in Taguig City near Manila on Saturday, March 22 to commemorate “World Water Day.”

Logo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dqm0cxpYamnvMUra1AGXMuGlX932Z353/view?usp=drive_link 

Image1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Uik5uKIBM38t4459N0J2m3UguKOfLmzT/view?usp=drive_link 

Image2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XM0y0BGhu81iWEiK3uWGjsUaPsgpZZ7x/view?usp=drive_link 

Image3: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zWAnPEEmVmb7bX688p_IZ8Ee7o2JYnma/view?usp=drive_link 

The United Nations has designated March 22 of each year as “World Water Day” to promote water resource development and conservation as well as educational activities across the globe. NX Philippines is actively involved in environmental protection activities to achieve sustainable societies and, in conjunction with this observance day, it conducted a cleanup effort along the Pinagsama Creek flowing through Taguig City.

This effort was carried out in the Philippines this year under the theme “Glacier Preservation: Bayanihan sa Katubigan, Krisis sa Klima Labanan” (Glacier Preservation: Helping Each Other to Secure Water and Fighting the Climate Crisis) with the aim of raising awareness about climate change. Thirty-three employees from NX Philippines joined in the endeavor — conducted in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-DENR), the Department of Health (DOH), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and local government units (LGUs) — and worked together with local volunteers to remove debris and pick up trash, using this valuable opportunity to reaffirm the importance of managing and conserving local water resources through cleanup efforts.

The NX Group will continue fulfilling its responsibility for social development by connecting people, companies, and communities, and will actively work to preserve the global environment to realize sustainable societies.

About the NX Group: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g1Rtb9Mie5yhenpOr8A007kKolh1gBJ6/view?usp=drive_link 

NX Group official website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/
NX Group’s official LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/ 

Neusoft Showcases at Japan IT Week Spring 2025

TOKYO, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Japan IT Week Spring 2025 opened this week at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center. Neusoft Corporation (SSE: 600718, Neusoft), an industry-leading information technology, products and solutions company for the global market, showcased its full-stack business offerings tailored for Japan market. The company demonstrated its strong expertise and key strengths in accelerating customers’ product innovation and digital transformation, as well as its commitment to collaborative innovation with Japanese customers in the era of intelligence.

Japan IT Week is Japan’s leading exhibition for system development, operation and maintenance. The exhibition encompasses cutting-edge domains such as software & application development, IoT, and Edge Computing, etc. Leveraging over three decades of experience in Japan market, combined with its outstanding technological expertise and localized service capabilities, Neusoft drew the attention of many attendees at the exhibition. The company showcased an impressive array of leading-edge products, solutions, and services, including intelligent device solutions, enterprise digital transformation solutions, in-vehicle integrated cockpit system development, cloud application development, and generative AI, etc.

In the field of digital transformation, Neusoft combines successful practices across multiple industries with integration capabilities in advanced technologies such as public cloud, BI, and AI-IoT, to deliver efficient and reliable digital transformation support that is both innovative and practical for customers across various sectors. Through optimized architecture design solutions, Neusoft empowers customers to achieve comprehensive advancement from technology application to business value creation. During the exhibition, Neusoft also hosted a seminar titled “The Evolution of Enterprise Management and Operational Support – Leveraging Digital Transformation for Effective Data Utilization and Application Optimization,” offering insights on how businesses can navigate through challenges and achieve operational excellence amid the digital transformation wave.

In the automotive electronics sector, Neusoft, as a software innovation partner for global automakers and industry chain customers, focuses on software technology and offers software platforms, software components & solutions, and software engineering services, etc. to Japan market, helping clients tackle new challenges in the era of software-defined vehicles. With over three decades of experience in the field, Neusoft automotive products have been applied to 1800+ vehicle models, across 100+ countries and regions. Neusoft’s newly launched product portfolios of Neusoft A3 Cockpit-Driving-Parking Platform, Neusoft NeuMind Empowerment System for automotive industry, and OneCoreGo® Global In-Vehicle Intelligent Mobility Solutions 6.0. are designed to further accelerate the realization of diverse scenarios in intelligent mobility ecosystem for Japan and global customers.

Japan has always been one of the important markets for Neusoft, and through long-term partnerships, the company has fostered deep understanding and trust with numerous Japanese customers. In the digital and intelligent era, Neusoft will continue to collaborate closely with Japanese customers to embrace new opportunities, and jointly create a sustainable future. In the field of international software services, Neusoft focuses on customer value, integrates mature expertise and software engineering practices, to accelerate customers’ product innovation, empower their digital transformation, helping them achieve business growth by open innovation.

For more information about Neusoft, please visit www.neusoft.com.