Laos will recruit 2,000 soldiers to serve as volunteer substitute teachers in remote areas across the country, the Ministry of National Defense announced on 29 June.
The initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports, is aimed at easing the country’s chronic shortage of teachers, particularly in remote, mountainous, and hard-to-reach villages where basic infrastructure such as roads remains underdeveloped.
The selected military personnel will undergo specialized training before being deployed to classrooms. According to the ministry, incentives for participating soldiers include rank promotions and honorariums.
The shortage of qualified teachers in rural Laos has been a longstanding issue. Low salaries for educators and limited employment opportunities have discouraged many from entering or staying in the profession.
While some young people have served as volunteer teachers in hopes of securing permanent positions, ongoing economic pressures and rising inflation have reduced the likelihood of full-time government employment, leading many volunteers to leave the field altogether.
In some areas, the impact is especially severe. For example, in Savannakhet Province’s Xepon district, there are 109 schools, but only nine are adequately staffed. More than 500 teaching positions remain vacant in that province alone.
The move to enlist soldiers as substitute teachers is part of a broader government strategy to address issues contributing to student dropouts and to provide an immediate solution to the growing number of unfilled teaching posts.
The effort is guided by a government Resolution, which tasks the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Education and Sports with leading the response to the education sector’s staffing crisis.
Laos has expanded its telecommunications network, now operating 18 cross-border transmission lines with Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China.
Officials announced the development on 26 June during the 9th Ordinary Session of the National Assembly.
The expansion is part of a broader upgrade to the country’s telecom infrastructure, aimed at extending coverage to all regions of Laos.
In 2023, Laos made a major leap in its telecommunications system by installing 98,524 kilometers of fiber optic cable, an investment that significantly extended mobile signal coverage to remote areas.
As a result, mobile phone service now reaches 8,245 villages across 148 districts in all 18 provinces, covering 97 percent of villages nationwide.
According to state media, over 6.1 million mobile numbers are currently registered nationwide, with more than 4.6 million internet users. Most users currently access 3G and 4G services, though the rollout of high-speed 5G in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Bokeo provinces marks a significant advancement in nationwide connectivity.
In 2024, five telecom operators generated more than LAK 5 trillion (USD 231 million) in revenue and contributed LAK 391 billion (USD 18 million) in taxes.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2025 – ESET Asia Pte. Ltd. (“ESET”), a global leader in cybersecurity, and Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. (“Canon”) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) that marks the extension of a strategic partnership to deliver ESET’s award-winning cybersecurity solutions across Asia1 progressively.
Canon Singapore and ESET signing a Memorandum of Understanding to broaden partnership to deliver security solutions across Asia. From left to right: Fukui Shinsuke, Senior Director, Regional Business Imaging Solutions, Canon Singapore; Parvinder Walia, President of the Asia Pacific Region, ESET
Through this collaboration, Canon will integrate ESET’s leading cybersecurity solutions into its expanding digital portfolio, targeting businesses and enterprises across Asia1. This partnership enhances Canon’s commitment to delivering innovative, secure solutions tailored to meet the growing office security needs of the region.
Canon has already been offering ESET’s cybersecurity solutions in key markets including Japan, India, and Singapore, and this MOU marks the next phase in strengthening and broadening that partnership. This aligns with Canon’s strategic evolution beyond imaging hardware, aiming to provide comprehensive solutions that help businesses transform and future-proof their operations.
“Cybersecurity is no longer optional. It’s foundational to any business, big or small,” said Parvinder Walia, President of the Asia Pacific Region, ESET. “Canon’s move to extend endpoint protection to its customers is timely and reflects their keen understanding of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape. ESET combines the power of AI and human expertise to deliver protection that is both easy and effective, and we are proud to join forces with Canon to equip businesses in the region with the tools they need to thrive securely in a connected world.”
“At Canon, we want trusted solutions for our customers and to protect their interests. We believe this can be achieved by collaborating with our trusted partner, ESET, to integrate their endpoint protection solutions into Canon’s suite of offerings. With this integration, Canon will be well-equipped to meet the growing office security needs of modern enterprises, which includes the SMEs and large enterprises,” said Fukui Shinsuke, Senior Director, Regional Business Imaging Solutions, Canon Singapore.
ESET technology protects over one billion internet users through our technology stack, services, product portfolio, and partnerships. For more information on ESET’s solutions, click here.
Through Canon’s 3D ethos – Digitisation, Digitalisation and Digital Transformation – Canon offers a host of solutions to help customers manage print, document and even automation solutions. For more information on Canon’s solutions and services, click here.
1 Asian markets include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Hashtag: #ESET #Canon
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ESET
ESET® provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of known and emerging cyberthreats — securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud, or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. An ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.
About Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Canon is a global leader in photographic and digital imaging solutions. Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. is the headquarters for South & Southeast Asia driving sales, marketing and service strategies. Besides handling the domestic market, the company covers 22 other countries and regions. The parent company Canon Inc. has a global network of more than 300 companies and employs about 170,000 people worldwide. Canon is guided by its kyosei philosophy that focuses on living and working together for the common good.
Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong Launches Ultherapy® Authenticity Verification Reward Program This August Consumers Urged to Verify Ultherapy® Transducers Authenticity for Safe and Effective Treatments
HONG KONG SAR & MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2025 – Merz Aesthetics®, the world’s largest dedicated medical aesthetics business for more than 115 years, leads the industry shift with Ultherapy PRIME®, the latest innovation in hyper-personalized, non-invasive skin lifting., which have earned the trust and support of medical aesthetics professionals and consumers in Hong Kong and Macau. Recently, the emergence of counterfeit and refurbished transducers in the local markets pose serious potential risks to treatment results and patients’ safety. Merz Aesthetics®Hong Kong urges consumers to verify the authenticity of Ultherapy® products and seek treatments exclusively at authorized clinics. Merz Aesthetics®Hong Kong will launch the Ultherapy® Authenticity Verification Reward Program this August — making it easy for consumers to verify the Systems and transducers, reinforcing confidence and safety in every treatment.
Trusted Technology, Proven Results — Beware of Counterfeit Transducers
Ultherapy® and its latest innovation, Ultherapy PRIME®(collectively “Systems”), are manufactured in the United States and remain the only US FDA cleared non-invasive micro-focused ultrasound skin lifting treatment with real-time visualization.. Ultherapy® DeepSEE® transducers are available in 4.5mm, 3.0mm, and 1.5mm depths to target different layers of the skin. The real-time imaging allows practitioners to visualize skin structure and tissue layers during treatment, ensuring that energy is precisely delivered to the intended depth of the skin for safe and effective results. Each Ultherapy® DeepSEE® transducer is designed to deliver a designated 2,400 dosage lines and cannot be recharged or refurbished once depleted.
The recent emergence of counterfeit or refurbished transducers in the market has raised serious concerns over treatment results and patients’ safety. Inaccurate energy delivery into the skin will compromise lifting results and create extremely high risks, potentially leading to burns. The use of counterfeit or refurbished transducers can also impair the Systems, potentially leading to unpredictable outcomes that may cause harm to patients.
Authentic Transducers Are Traceable — Counterfeit Unknown
Every Ulthera® DeepSEE® transducers carries a unique serial number and QR code, allowing it to be traced back to the purchasing clinic. Counterfeit or refurbished transducers often fail QR verification, raising questions about their origin and posing significant safety risks. In addition, every authentic transducer has a specified shelf-life which is12 months from the date of manufacture. Expired transducers should not be used, as they may result in unpredictable outcomes which can possibly harm or injure the patients because there is no clinical evidence to support the use of such expired transducers.
Choose Only Authorized Ultherapy® Clinics
Our official Ultherapy® website (www.ultherapy.com.hk) regularly updates the list of clinics and medical aesthetic centers that use authentic Systems and transducers. Each authorized provider receives official certificates for in-clinic display.
Merz Aesthetics® urges consumers to choose authentic Ultherapy® treatments from officially authorized clinics and aesthetic centers to ensure that only certified Systems and transducers are used. Products obtained through unauthorized or parallel import channels may not comply with the manufacturer’s prescribed storage and handling standards, potentially compromising safety and efficacy.
3-Step Verification Program Launches This August
To help consumers easily identify authentic Systems and transducers, Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong is launching the Ultherapy® Authenticity Verification Reward Program in August 2025. With just three simple steps, consumers can authenticate products and enjoy a special reward:
1. Scan the QR code on the System to verify authenticity. Counterfeit machines typically lack valid QR verification.
2. Take a photo of the QR code on the transducer and upload it to the official website for instant verification.
3. Successfully complete both verifications to receive a HK$100 Häagen-Dazs coupon as your reward (limited quantities, available in Hong Kong only).
Report Suspected Counterfeit or Refurbished Devices
Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong will continue to take enforcement action against the sale or use of counterfeit version of the Ultherapy® and Ultherapy PRIME® systems, as well as unauthorized, refurbished, or counterfeit transducers. The company also warns against any unauthorized modifications or repairs of the Systems. Only authorized representatives and service centers, certified by the manufacturer, are properly trained and qualified to inspect, repair, or replace components of the Systems.
Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong believes that the patients’ well-being and treatments safety are core values shared with its network of professional medical partners. We urge both providers and consumers to report any suspected use of counterfeit systems, counterfeit transducers, or refurbished transducers.
Consumers are encouraged to consult the official Ultherapy® website (www.ultherapy.com.hk) for a list of authorized clinics before treatment. With the launch of the Ultherapy® Authenticity Verification Reward Program this August 2025, they can also complete a simple verification process to confirm that both the Systems and transducers are authentic ensuring every session is safe, effective, and provides piece of mind.
Hashtag: #MerzAesthetics
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Ultherapy® /Ultherapy PRIME®
Ultherapy® , The noninvasive Ultherapy® procedure is U.S. FDA-cleared to lift skin on the neck, on the eyebrow and under the chin as well as to improve lines and wrinkles on the décolletage, with over 3 million treatments performed worldwide. Using micro-focused ultrasound energy with real-time visualization (MFU-V), Ultherapy® can see deep within the layers of the skin and enable treatment plan to be hyper-personalized. A single treatment provides results lasting up to one year with no downtime.1,2,3,4,5,6,7.
Ultherapy PRIME® is the latest innovation version of Ultherapy®, recognized as the gold standard for non-surgical lifting and skin tightening.
Merz Aesthetics® is a medical aesthetics business with a long history of empowering health care professionals, patients and employees to live every day with confidence. We aim to help people around the world look, feel and live like the best versions of themselves — however they define it. Clinically proven, its product portfolio includes injectables, devices and skin care treatments designed to meet each patient’s needs with high standards of safety and efficacy. Being family owned for more than 115 years, Merz Aesthetics® is known for building unique connections with customers who feel like family. Merz Aesthetics®’ global headquarters is in Raleigh, N.C., USA, with a commercial presence in 90 countries worldwide. It is also a part of Merz Group, which was founded in 1908 and is based in Frankfurt, Germany. Learn more at https://www.merzaesthetics.com.hk/
References: 1. Ulthera® Instructions for Use.Fabi SG, Joseph J, Sevi J, Green JB, Peterson JD. Optimizing patient outcomes by customizing treatment with microfocused ultrasound with visualization: gold standard consensus guidelines from an expert panel. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(5):426-432. 2. Park JY, et al. Customized Treatment Using Microfocused Ultrasound with Visualization for Optimized Patient Outcomes: A Review of Skin tightening Energy Technologies and a Pan-Asian Adaptation of the Expert Panel’s Gold Standard Consensus. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021;14(5): E70-E79. 3. Werschler WP, Werschler PS. Long-term efficacy of micro-focused ultrasound with visualization for lifting and tightening lax facial and neck skin using a customized vectoring treatment method. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016;9(2):27-33. 4. Goldie K, Kerscher M, Fabi SG, Hirano C, Landau M, Lim TS, Woolery-Lloyd H, Mariwalla K, Park JY, Yutskovskaya Y. Skin Quality – A Holistic 360° View: Consensus Results. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021 Jun 14;14:643-654. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S309374. PMID: 34163203; PMCID: PMC8214518. 5. Sasaki G, Grossman J, Fabi SG, et al. Stimulation of Collagen Synthesis in Human Skin Following Microfocused Ultrasound Therapy. Presented at the ASDS 2018 Annual Meeting. 6. White WM, Makin IR, Barthe PG, Slayton MN, Gliklich RE. Selective creation of thermal injury zones in the superficial musculoaponeurotic system using intense ultrasound therapy: a new target for non-invasive facial rejuvenation. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2007;9(1):22-29. 7. Data on File.
Vietnam has officially scrapped tuition fees for public schooling from preschool through to the end of high school, following the National Assembly’s approval of a sweeping new policy on 26 June.
The move is aimed at making education more accessible to every child in the country.
Under the new measure, all students enrolled in public kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, as well as continuing education programs, will no longer need to pay tuition.
Meanwhile, students in private institutions will be eligible for government subsidies, with the support capped at the actual cost of tuition and determined by local authorities based on national guidelines.
The policy also extends to individuals of Vietnamese descent residing in the country, even if they have not formally acquired citizenship.
Officials say the reform is designed to ease financial pressure on families and reflects the government’s long-term commitment to building a more inclusive education system.
General Secretary To Lam reaffirmed this during a National Assembly session in late 2024, calling universal access to education a “core national mission,” according to Vietnamese state media.
The Politburo had previously given the green light to the plan in February 2025, after a financial review confirmed the country could support the cost.
The government estimates the total annual expense at VND 30.6 trillion (USD 1.2 billion). For the upcoming 2025–2026 school year, VND 22.5 trillion (USD 862.4 million) has been allocated to begin implementing the policy, with an additional VND 8.2 trillion (USD 314 million) set aside to expand coverage.
Vietnam’s public education system currently serves about 23 million students. With this reform, the country joins a growing list of nations prioritizing free education as part of broader efforts to invest in human capital and reduce inequality.
A train loaded with 28 China-made new energy buses departs from Dulaying International Land-Sea Logistics Port in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, en route to Vientiane, Laos, 28 October /CFP
The Laos-China Railway has notched up another milestone in its rapid expansion, transporting more than 2.48 million tones of goods worth over CNY 10 billion (approximately USD 1.4 billion) between January and May this year, according to figures released by Chinese customs and reported by Xinhua.
Both freight volume and value surged compared to the same period last year, with tonnage up 7.9 percent and the total value climbing by a 33.2 percent.
In May alone, the line carried 512,000 tones of cargo valued at CNY 3.76 billion, setting a new monthly record since the 1,035-kilometer railway opened in December 2021.
Fast Track to Regional Trade
Since its launch, the Laos-China Railway, connecting Kunming in China’s Yunnan Province to Laos’ Vientiane, has transformed trade in the region.
As of 22 May, total freight volume had surpassed 60 million tones, with cross-border shipments accounting for more than 13.9 million tones.
Originally intended to boost trade links between landlocked Laos and China’s market, the railway now acts as a bridge for goods moving across Southeast Asia, and onwards to Europe via China’s rail freight network.
When the line first opened, it carried just over ten product categories. Today, it handles more than 3,000.
Among the main goods moving north from Laos are fresh tropical fruit, cassava, rubber, and minerals, while Chinese exports heading south include electronics, solar panels, communication equipment, vehicles and daily essentials.
Efficiency Upgrades, Lower Costs
Behind the growing figures are a series of logistical improvements. Officials have boosted the maximum train load from 2,500 tones to 2,800 tones, added more containers, and streamlined customs procedures at the Lao–Chinese border, cutting declaration times and red tape.
As a result, exporters have seen transport costs slashed by 30–40 percent compared with traditional road haulage, while delivery times for key shipments, such as fruit exports, have shrunk dramatically.
For Beijing, the railway is a flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project, designed to bind China more closely with its southern neighbors through infrastructure. For Laos, it represents a chance to shift from landlocked to “land-linked”, tapping into a regional supply chain that reaches as far as Europe.
Exhibiting at IVS Startup Market to Showcase Advanced Water DX Solutions
TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2025 – Tenchijin Inc., a space-tech innovator revolutionizing sustainable water infrastructure management, today announced it has been selected as one of 15 finalists for IVS2025 LAUNCHPAD from over 350 global applicants. The company will also exhibit at the “IVS Startup Market” during the three-day conference (July 2 to 4) at Kyoto’s Miyako Messe, Japan.
IVS LAUNCHPAD, Asia’s Most Influential Startup Competition Now in its 19th year since 2007, IVS LAUNCHPAD has established itself as Asia’s most influential startup competition. The platform has launched numerous companies that have gone on to achieve major funding rounds and successful market exits, making it a crucial stepping stone for emerging technology companies seeking regional expansion.
CEO Yasuhito Sakuraba will present “Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak” to leading investors and industry executives on July 3 at 3:00 PM JST at Rohm Theatre Kyoto, Japan.
IVS2025 LAUNCHPAD Finals
Date: July 3, 2025 (Thursday) 3:00 PM JST
Venue: Rohm Theatre Kyoto Main Hall (9-1, Okazaki Seishojicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan)
IVS2025 is a conference for entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, engineers, researchers, and all those interested in startups and open innovation. IVS Startup Market features 300 companies over three days, with 100 companies rotating daily. Only startups selected by the IVS2025 Startup Market Selection Committee through VC recommendations or self-nomination can participate. The venue facilitates efficient networking among investors, corporations, and startups, with representatives present at each booth for partnerships, fundraising, and recruitment discussions.
IVS2025 Event Overview
Official Name: IVS2025
Schedule: Main Event: July 2 to 4, 2025 (Wednesday to Friday)
Venue: Kyoto International Conference Center (Miyako Messe), Rohm Theatre Kyoto, and other locations
Tenchijin will simultaneously showcase its “Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak” solution at the startup exhibition, demonstrating how satellite technology can revolutionize municipal water systems globally. Our COO, Norito Higuchi, will provide demonstrations and consultations.
KnoWaterleak is an innovative platform that harnesses satellite data and AI to predict and prevent water infrastructure risks. The system analyzes space-derived data to identify potential leaks within 100-meter square zones, providing unprecedented insights through a 5-level risk evaluation system.
Through continuous AI learning and data collection, the platform demonstrates efficiency in sustainable water management, reducing inspection costs by approximately 65% and saving 85% of time. This technology was recognized by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare at the 7th Infrastructure Maintenance Grand Prize.
Tenchijin Exhibition at IVS2025 Startup Market Overview
Tenchijin Exhibition Date: July 3, 2025 (Thursday)
Booth Numbers: 3F-SM-B- / 72
Location: Kyoto International Conference Center (Miyako Messe)
“We’re using space technology to solve critical infrastructure challenges that affect millions of people worldwide,” said CEO Sakuraba. “Our participation in both IVS2025 LAUNCHPAD and Startup Market represents a major milestone in bringing these solutions to water authorities globally, where aging infrastructure and rapid urbanization create urgent needs.” Hashtag: #Tenchijin #SpaceTech #IVS2025 #SatelliteTechnology #KnoWaterLeak #Sustainability #AI
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Tenchijin Inc.
Tenchijin, Inc. is a space-tech innovator leveraging satellite data and AI to detect hidden water infrastructure risks, predict potential leaks, and drive more sustainable, efficient water management through space-derived insights. Our flagship product, KnoWaterleak, combines satellite technology with advanced AI algorithms to proactively identify and prevent costly infrastructure failures, enabling organizations to manage their water systems more sustainably. Company Overview:
Company Name: Tenchijin Inc.
Address: 5F, Nihonbashi 1-chome Mitsui Building, 1-4-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Yasuhito Sakuraba, CEO
Business Content: Land evaluation consulting using satellite data
Website: https://knowaterleak.space/
For inquiries regarding the expansion of Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak globally: Asia Business Development Representative: asia-t@tenchijin.co.jp
For media inquiries: Satomi, Kiki pr@tenchijin.co.jp
CGTN – China terminated the highest-level emergency flood response in Rongjiang County, southwest Guizhou Province at 10 AM on 29 June as the heavy rainfall ended, according to local authorities.
Guizhou Province and other bordering provinces in southwest China have been hit by torrential rain since 18 June, resulting in severe flooding. Rongjiang County was affected the worst.
Local authorities marked the region into seven flood-affected areas and evacuated residents to higher places. More than 40,000 people had been moved to safer areas due to the flood risk as of 6 PM on 28 June, an official told CGTN.
Heavy flooding returned to Rongjiang County on Saturday, prompting local authorities to reactivate the highest-level emergency flood response, effective from 12:30 PM on Saturday.
China has allocated an additional CNY 100 million (about USD 13.96 million) from the central budget to support emergency response and recovery efforts in flood-hit Guizhou Province, bringing the total to CNY 200 million, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.
According to Qiao Qi, the chief forecaster at the Guizhou Provincial Meteorological Bureau, strong rainfall has occurred across China’s southwestern region, extending to the Jianghuai area between the Yangtze and Huai Rivers, during the past week.
“Actually, from mid-to-late June to early July each year, China’s southern regions, including Guizhou, are prone to heavy rainfall,” Qiao said, adding that this year’s rainfall coincides with the plum rain season, also known as Meiyu season, which is characterized by a prolonged period of continuous heavy or moderate rain in regions along the Yangtze River, particularly its middle and lower reaches.
Qiao explained that there has been a strong development of the Southwest Monsoon, transporting abundant moisture from the Indian Ocean and the Northwest Pacific to Guizhou Province and the Jianghuai area. Simultaneously, cold air from the north has moved southward.
“The convergence and persistence of this warm and cold air mass from Guizhou to the Jianghuai region have formed a wide, east-west oriented rain belt spanning this area,” Qiao said.