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Adrien Gagnon and ESDlife Survey Reveals: Nearly 60% Suffer from Both “Trouble Falling Asleep” and “Waking Easily”

Over 80% of Employees Take Sick Leave Due to Sleep Deprivation; Mondays Are the Most Popular “Sickie” Days

  • Economic downturn: 91% of respondents feel stressed from work and life
  • 81% report frequent awakenings; 64% have trouble falling asleep – two distinct sleep problems, doctor explain
  • 78% say stress impacts sleep quality
  • 80% hope to resolve both types of sleep problems; 85% seek long-term sleep solutions
  • Dual Action Release health supplements suggested by pharmacist to tackle both sleep problems

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2025 – As the economic outlook remains gloomy, stress levels among Hongkongers continue to rise. A recent survey shows that many locals feel overwhelmed by stress, which disrupts their sleep and creates a vicious cycle that severely affects both their emotional well-being and physical health. In light of this, Adrien Gagnon commissioned ESDlife to conduct the “Hong Kong Sleep and Stress Survey” in May 2025. The online survey interviewed 540 respondents in Hong Kong to examine sleep challenges and stress triggers. The goal was to raise awareness about sleep health and stress management, and to guide the public toward natural, long-lasting solutions to improve both “difficulty falling asleep” and “waking easily.”

Dr. Ka Yau Raymond Wong, Specialist in Psychiatry (center), Mr. Ian Cheung, Registered Pharmacist (left), and Ms. Casey Chow, Head of Media Business at ESDlife (right) participated in the “Hong Kong Sleep and Stress Survey” press conference.
Dr. Ka Yau Raymond Wong, Specialist in Psychiatry (center), Mr. Ian Cheung, Registered Pharmacist (left), and Ms. Casey Chow, Head of Media Business at ESDlife (right) participated in the “Hong Kong Sleep and Stress Survey” press conference.

81% of Workers Skip Work Due to Sleep Deprivation
Mondays Most Common for Sick Leave as Employees Create Their Own Mini-Holidays

Under mounting pressure, many employees admit to “calling in sick” just to take a breather. The survey reveals that 82% have considered taking sick leave simply to avoid work. Among them, 81% cited sleep deprivation, while 64% blamed overwhelming stress. Additionally, 64% of respondents reported having at least one “sickie” impulse per month, a sign that stress has deeply impacted their mental and physical health. When asked about their preferred sick days, the top choices were Mondays (43%), after long holidays (25%), Fridays (24%), the day after working overtime (24%), and rainy or cold days (18%). (See Table 1)

64% Struggle to Fall Asleep, 81% Wake Easily
Nearly 60% Suffer from Both Sleep Problems; 80% Seek Dual-Solution Treatments
Sleep problems top the list of modern-day work-life struggles. Among respondents, 64% reported trouble falling asleep, and a significant 81% said they wake up easily. Almost 60% experience both sleep problems simultaneously. However, 77% said they lack effective methods to address both sleep problems at once. A full 80% expressed a desire for dual action release solutions.

Psychiatrist Dr. Ka Yau Wong, Raymond explained: “Difficulty falling asleep and waking easily are two different sleep disorders. Difficulty falling asleep is usually stress-related, while waking easily may be linked to melatonin levels. Melatonin is only released in the dark, its production decreases with daylight or screen exposure. Dual action release melatonin supplements can provide extended support by releasing melatonin in two phases, helping the body fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. To tackle both sleep problems effectively, one must manage stress and regulate melatonin to improve the sleep cycle and overall sleep quality.”

91% of Hongkongers Suffer from Stress Due to Work and Life Pressures
87% Say Stress Affects Their Sleep Quality
Beyond sleep problems, the primary reason workers want to skip work is stress. The survey found that 91% of respondents are currently dealing with stress from work and life, and 83% reported a sense of helplessness. This highlights the prevalence of stress among Hongkongers. Stress was shown to cause sleep problems (78%), irritability (58%), loss of motivation (40%), lower work efficiency (34%), and even social withdrawal (33%) (see Table 2).

Alarmingly, 76% of respondents felt more stressed this year than last, yet 40% admitted they are not addressing it and simply hoping it will resolve itself. Meanwhile, 87% noted that stress has negatively impacted their sleep quality. Dr. Wong warned: “Stress-related sleep problems needs timely attention. Prolonged avoidance of stress without proper relief could worsen the condition, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and further deterioration in sleep quality.”

85% Seek Long-Lasting Sleep Solutions
Pharmacist Recommend Dual Action Release Supplements for Dual Sleep Problems
With nearly 60% experiencing both difficulty falling asleep and waking easily, 85% of respondents said they are looking for long-lasting sleep solutions. Registered pharmacist Mr. Ian Cheung advised: “Those dealing with dual insomnia problems may benefit from melatonin supplements with a ‘dual action release’ formula for comprehensive effect. These supplements provide an initial fast release to help you fall asleep, followed by a slow, sustained release that maintains melatonin levels overnight, tackling both early and mid-sleep disturbances. Some dual action release melatonin products combine Western herbal ingredients to address stress-related insomnia. If your sleep problems are caused by stress, consider formulas that include calming Western herbs.”

Nearly 60% Are Aware of Western Herbs for Stress Relief
72% Will Consider Herbal Supplements for Stress Reduction
When it comes to stress and sleep improvement, most respondents prefer natural solutions. “Western herbs like Eschscholzia californica and Hops are scientifically proven to ease stress and anxiety,” Cheung explained. “They can help improve sleep quality and are suitable for those who prefer natural remedies. Reducing stress naturally can prevent work avoidance and maintain daily function.”

The survey also revealed that 59% of respondents were aware that Western herbal supplements can aid in sleep and stress relief. When selecting health supplements, 63% prefer Western brands, and 72% are willing to try herbal ingredients for stress relief. Cheung added, “If symptoms persist despite using natural products, professional medical consultation should be considered.”

For more information, please visit:
https://www.adriengagnon.com.hk/en/product?category=sleep-and-stress&group=

Appendix
Table 1: Most Popular Days for Taking Sick Leave (“Sickies”)

Most Popular Days for Taking Sick Leave (“Sickies”) Percentage
Monday 43%
After long holidays 25%
Friday 24%
Day after working overtime 24%
Rainy/cold days 18%
Wednesday 15%
Meeting-heavy days 11%
Thursday 9%
Deadline days 8%
Tuesday 7%

* Multiple answers allowed

Table 2: Impact of Stress on Sleep and Daily Life

Stress Symptoms Percentage
Sleep problems / insomnia 78%
Irritability 58%
Wanting to skip work 47%
Loss of motivation 40%
Lower work efficiency 34%
Social withdrawal 33%

* Multiple answers allowed

Table 3: Key Factors in Choosing Western Herbal Supplements

Consideration Percentage
Product safety and certification 28%
Ingredient transparency 22%
Effectiveness & longevity (e.g., dual action release) 11%

* Multiple answers allowed

Hashtag: #AdrienGagnon

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

About Adrien Gagnon

Founded in 1946 by renowned naturopathy expert Mr. Adrien Gagnon, the ADRIEN GAGNON brand is one of the renowned and sizable natural health companies with long history in Quebec, Canada. With more than 160 products on the market, ADRIEN GAGNON brand is synonymous with high quality and has repeatedly set the bar for superior health products in terms of value, selection and brand recognition. ADRIEN GAGNON’s plant in Canada is accredited with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). ADRIEN GAGNON has become one of the trusted health supplement brands

About ESDlife

ESDlife, a joint venture of CK Hutchison (formerly Hutchison Whampoa) and Hewlett-Packard HK SAR, operates the award-winning website (www.esdlife.com) and establishes it as one of the most popular and trusted online lifestyle media in Hong Kong. The online platform of ESDlife is furnished with a wide range of lifestyles information under the categories of Wedding, Family, Health and Anniversary. In addition to the prominent No. 1 position of its Wedding Channel in Hong Kong, an e-commerce platform is provided to consumers by offering medical check-up ordering services. ESDlife also delivers integrated marketing and digital solutions to diversified corporate clients.

Takeda Ukraine & Bulgaria Earn #8 Global Ranking in Best Places to Work 2024


LONDON, UK – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2025 – Takeda, a global value-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company, has been proudly recognized as one of the Top 10 Best Places to Work in the World for 2024, achieving the No. 8 global ranking by both Ukraine and Bulgaria countries. This prestigious recognition underscores Takeda’s commitment to creating a workplace that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), fostering an empowering culture across all locations it operates. This accolade reflects Takeda’s consistent focus on employee well-being, trust-based leadership, and a people-centered approach to business.

At Takeda, we are committed to delivering an exceptional employee experience by cultivating an inclusive, purpose-driven workplace where our people can grow both personally and professionally. Being recognized as a Best Place to Work reflects our unwavering dedication to building a culture where every colleague feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Volodymyr Pedko, General Manager of Takeda Ukraine, shared:
“It gives me great pride to receive this recognition during such challenging times! It stands as a testament to the exceptional quality of work and everyone’s commitment to building and sustaining an innovative and inclusive workplace in our organization.”

Todor Kesimov, General Manager of Takeda Romania & Bulgaria, commented:
“I am extremely proud that Takeda has been recognized as one of the top ten employers in the world for 2024. This confirms our efforts to build a culture of trust, care, and respect in every country, including Bulgaria. This recognition inspires us to continue building a better future – for our employees, for patients, and for society.”
Hashtag: #BestPlacesToWork

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

About Takeda

Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit .

For more information, please visit the program website: .

Lao Language Ranked ‘Moderately Difficult’ by US Foreign Service Institute

Lao Language Ranked 'Moderately Difficult' by US Foreign Service Institute
The Lao alphabets (photo credit: Autour Asia)

The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the United States Department of State has classified Lao as a “moderately difficult” language for native English speakers to learn. It falls under Category III, alongside languages such as Hungarian, Russian, and Thai.

OPPO Licenses Cellular Standard-Essential Patents to Volkswagen Group for Connected Vehicles


SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2025 – Leading smart device company OPPO today announced the signing of a global patent licensing agreement with Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft (hereafter referred to as Volkswagen) to license OPPO’s cellular standard-essential patents portfolio to the group, including 5G. Under the agreement, OPPO’s cellular standard-essential patents will be licensed to Volkswagen to enhance user experiences for its connected vehicle offerings across its global product lineup.

Joint Logo

“We are delighted to collaborate with Volkswagen through this patent licensing agreement,” said Vincent Lin, Head of Patent Licensing at OPPO. “Volkswagen IP team’s hard work and foresights in recognizing the value of this cooperation are highly appreciated. This partnership is further recognition of OPPO’s leadership in cellular technology innovation and our commitment to creating a long-term, healthy and sustainable intellectual property ecosystem that empowers long-term innovation and industry growth.”

“The partnership with OPPO is an example of efficient, respectful, business focused collaboration in the space of licensing of Standard Essential Patents,” said Robin Cefai, Chief IP Licensing Officer at Volkswagen. It illustrates Volkswagen’s willingness to recognize the value of IP and find sustainable solutions for all parties.

Marking OPPO’s first ever bilateral patent licensing agreement with a connected-car company, the collaboration reflects the broader adaption of OPPO’s cellular standard-essential technologies beyond smartphones, especially in the automotive sector. OPPO’s 5G SEPs are currently distributed in over 40 countries and regions globally, and according to LexisNexis® IPlytics, a leading patent analytics platform, OPPO ranked eighth globally in overall 5G patent strength as of January 2025.

As of March 2025, OPPO has filed over 113,000 patent applications and holds more than 62,000 granted patents globally. OPPO continues to invest in core technology areas including 5G/6G, artificial intelligence, charging, imaging, and video, reinforcing its position as a global leader in innovation and high-value intellectual property.

Hashtag: #OPPO #Business

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

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

Cambodia Confirms Participation in JBC Meeting with Thailand, Excludes Disputed Temples Referred to ICJ

Cambodia and Thailand: Border dispute intensifies with legal and diplomatic efforts underway.

Cambodia has confirmed its participation in the upcoming Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting with Thailand, scheduled for 14 June, with Phnom Penh serving as host.

However, four contested temple sites, Mom Bei, Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei—will be excluded from the meeting agenda following their formal referral to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 2 June.

The development follows a border clash on 28 May between Nam Yuen District in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani Province and Techo Morokot village in Cambodia’s Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear Province, which resulted in the death of one Cambodian soldier.

On 4 June, Cambodia reiterated its commitment to bilateral dialogue but clarified that the temple disputes now fall under ICJ jurisdiction and will be addressed solely through international legal proceedings in The Hague. The Cambodian government condemned the incident as an unprovoked violation of sovereignty and cited it as evidence of the limitations of current dispute resolution mechanisms.

Cambodia has expressed hope that Thailand will engage constructively in the ICJ process in line with principles of peaceful conflict resolution and neighborly cooperation. 

Thailand, however, has rejected ICJ arbitration, instead expressing a preference for resolving the border issue through bilateral negotiations. 

In response to rising tensions, Thailand’s Ministry of Interior issued a directive today  to governors of seven border provinces, Trat, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, and Buriram, calling for enhanced security and emergency preparedness. 

The directive includes increased surveillance by local authorities and village defense units, updated evacuation and contingency plans, public communication campaigns to prevent panic, expedited incident reporting, and increased readiness among territorial defense volunteers, particularly in high-risk areas such as Chong Bok, where the fatal clash took place.

Both countries now appear to be pursuing parallel strategies: Cambodia is pursuing a legal path through the ICJ, while both sides maintain diplomatic engagement through the JBC to manage broader border coordination.

National Youth Council, KPMG in Singapore and Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS) co-design youth action programme for youths to drive social sustainability projects with industry mentors

  • Launch of Gen2050, a structured accelerated programme to drive youth action in the area of social sustainability with an engagement series on key social issues
  • Avails opportunities for youths from all backgrounds to start ground-up initiatives with the support of industry mentors and subject matter experts
  • Provides youths with critical skillsets such as stakeholder management and seed funding to advance innovative ideas

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2025 – The National Youth Council (NYC), KPMG in Singapore and Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS) today unveiled a youth action programme, Gen2050, to nurture youths’ ability in tackling pressing societal challenges. The tripartite collaboration aims to bring together expertise and support of the public, private and non-profit sector in the areas of youth engagement, industry perspectives and mentorship.

Two-prong programme to enable youths to drive meaningful change

As part of commemorating SG60, Gen2050 seeks to equip more than 1,000 youths with practical skills to influence, mobilise and drive meaningful change. The programme aims to reach out to youths of all backgrounds, including students with disadvantaged backgrounds, to provide easy access to critical skills and competencies including social entrepreneurship, problem solving, stakeholder management, and knowledge to develop impactful and scalable solutions.

Gen2050 offers two tracks – a structured programme with four key modules led by industry experts who will share insights to help participants develop and refine their ideas, and receive funding and mentorship to pilot them. The mentorship process also allows students to be plugged into professional networks where they get to discover potential career paths. Following the programme, selected participants of this track may be considered for national youth leadership programmes.

The second track features a curated series of youth engagements that offer youths the opportunity to directly engage with policymakers, industry leaders, and peers to discuss critical societal issues like the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, equitable access to digital skills and mental wellness. These insights from these engagements will support the development of the SG Youth Plan, a five-year action plan that holds the hopes and aspirations of young Singaporeans for themselves and for Singapore, and outlines how youth, supported with opportunities, platforms, and resources, can take action to do good for Singapore with the support from the rest of society.

Gen2050 demonstrates how public-private collaboration amplifies youth-driven impact. NYC brings its expertise in youth engagement and understanding of the youth landscape, KPMG supports programme implementation with industry insights and its Leaders 2050 network of young professionals focused on driving positive impact. IPRS equips youths with strategic communication skills to augment the impact of their solutions.

“This tripartite collaboration demonstrates how the whole of society, and not just government, can collaborate as a collective to give our young people opportunities to learn, grow and drive impact at the same time,” said David Chua, Chief Executive Officer of NYC. “And if they do not succeed in implementing their ideas, they will still gain invaluable lessons, connections and insights that will shore up their confidence. We also aim to give youths with less access the opportunity to go through this programme.”

“Young people have the passion and energy to address the pressing challenges of our time, from social sustainability to climate change,” said Lee Sze Yeng, Managing Partner, KPMG in Singapore. “Channelling that restlessness into collaborative movements that drive meaningful progress is not straightforward. At KPMG, our experience with global youth programmes gives us a deep understanding of our next generation talents’ challenges and potential. Through Gen2050, we are dedicated to equipping youth with the guidance, skills and networks they need to transform their aspirations into impactful, lasting change.”

Ross Gan, President of IPRS, said, “Great ideas often make their biggest impact when they are clearly and authentically communicated in a manner that rallies others to the vision. At IPRS, one of our focus areas is on equipping youth and participants with practical strategies and skills to sharpen their messaging, build credibility, and drive action, ensuring their go-to-market solutions translate into real-world, measurable outcomes.”

For more details about Gen2050’s structured accelerated programme and youth dialogues, please see: https://kpmg.com/sg/en/home/media/press-releases/2025/06/gen2050-youth-action-programme.html
Hashtag: #KPMG

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

About KPMG

KPMG in Singapore is part of a global organisation of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 142 countries and territories with more than 275,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

For more detail about our structure, please visit kpmg.com/governance.

For more information, visit kpmg.com.sg

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kpmg-singapore

About the National Youth Council

At NYC, we believe in a world where young people are respected and heard and have the ability to influence and make a difference in the world. Together with our partners, we develop future-ready youth who are committed to Singapore by instilling in them a heart for service, resilience and an enterprising spirit.

About the Institute of Public Relations of Singapore

Established in 1970 as a non-profit organisation, IPRS is the only accrediting body for Public Relations (PR) practitioners in Singapore. The Institute promotes excellence in the industry through knowledge exchange platforms and training programmes that are aligned with the many changes and developments in the practice of PR and Communications today.

IPRS has a growing membership consisting of professionals from diverse backgrounds in public relations, journalism, advertising, marketing, education, and management – a factor that has contributed to the Institute’s strength and dynamism.

There are 10 Student Chapters with various tertiary institutions to create opportunities for communications students and IPRS members to share expertise and experiences. The IPRS introduced the Biennial PRISM Awards (Public Relations In the Service of Mankind) in 1987 to recognise and reward excellence in PR and Communications in Singapore and the region.

About the SG Youth Plan

SG60 is about Building Singapore Together, and how each of us can contribute to a Singapore that we will proudly call home. NYC and its partners are organising a year-long series of engagements for youths to connect with others who are just as passionate about making a difference and taking action to build our shared future. The engagements will culminate in an SG Youth Plan – a five-year action plan created by youths, for youths, and supported by all of us, so that we collectively do our part for Singapore and fellow Singaporeans.

The SG Youth Plan will hold the hopes and aspirations of young Singaporeans for themselves and for Singapore, and outlines how youth, supported with opportunities, platforms, and resources, can take action to do good for Singapore, and details ideas for how every part of society can play a part in empowering youths to be the best versions of themselves.

Laos to Upgrade National Road No. 12 in 2025, Enhancing Thailand-Vietnam-China Trade Link

Upgrading Laos' National Road No. 12 to boost regional connectivity and trade between Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China. (Photo: Wikipedia)

Laos will begin upgrading National Road No. 12 in late 2025. The project, expected to take around 30 months, aims to improve the 147-kilometer highway that links Thailand, Vietnam, and southern China.

Construction will start after the rainy season in 2025, beginning from Thakhek district, near Thailand’s Nakhon Phanom border checkpoint. The road will pass through Yommalath and Boualapha districts and end at the Na Phao border checkpoint, connecting to Vietnam’s Cha Lo checkpoint in Quang Binh Province.

On 22 May, the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport signed contracts with the construction company. The project is split into two parts: the first covers the 61.5 kilometers from Thakhek to Yommalath Junction; the second covers the remaining 86 kilometers to Na Phao.

Thailand’s Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) is funding the project with a low-interest loan of THB 1.8 billion (about USD 49.3 million) at 1.75 percent interest annually. The loan comes with a 30-year repayment period and a seven-year grace period.

The agreement requires at least half of the project’s materials and equipment to come from Thailand, with Thai contractors and supervisors leading the work.

When finished, National Road No. 12 will meet Asian Highway standards and improve transport and border facilities along the route. The road supports trade and travel between Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China, especially connecting to Nanning City in Guangxi Province.

Emirates Launches New Flights to Shenzhen, Da Nang, Siem Reap

Emirates, the popular Middle Eastern airline, is expanding its presence across Asia by launching three new destinations: Shenzhen in China, Da Nang in Vietnam, and Siem Reap in Cambodia. 

According to the company’s website, these new services will begin in June and July of this year.

Starting 1 July, Emirates will become the first Middle Eastern carrier to offer daily non-stop flights to Shenzhen, China’s southern tech hub. This route will complement the airline’s existing services to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, increasing its mainland China destinations to four.

In Southeast Asia, Emirates is boosting connectivity with two new routes linking Da Nang and Siem Reap to Dubai via Bangkok. 

Flights to Da Nang will commence on 2 June, operating four times weekly, while Siem Reap flights will launch on 3 June, running three times a week.

These routes are tailored to meet growing demand for leisure travel to Vietnam’s beautiful coastline and Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, including the renowned UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat.

With these additions, Emirates now operates 269 weekly flights to 24 destinations in East Asia, solidifying its status as one of the most connected non-Asian airlines in the region.

The expansion into Da Nang aligns with Emirates’ broader strategy to strengthen regional trade and tourism, supporting ongoing economic partnerships in Southeast Asia.

This move comes in the wake of the UAE-Vietnam Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), according to Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer.

By launching this new route, Emirates aims to deepen bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

In Cambodia, Emirates anticipates growing interest in cultural tourism. Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, remains one of Southeast Asia’s top tourist destinations, and the new flight is expected to attract travelers from Europe and beyond.