Home Blog Page 892

Countdown to a Global Stage: Thailand Fully Prepares to Host the 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings

By
Advertorial Desk
-

BANGKOK, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings are held every October, rotating between the institutions’ headquarters in Washington, D.C., United States (for two consecutive years) and a selected member country every third year. This rotation reflects regional diversity and global collaboration. In 2026, Thailand has the honor of hosting the Annual Meetings for the second time, following its first hosting in 1991—35 years ago. Thailand is also one of only three countries to have been selected to host the Meetings twice.

Countdown to a Global Stage: Thailand Fully Prepares to Host the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings
Countdown to a Global Stage: Thailand Fully Prepares to Host the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings

The return of this “Olympics of Finance” to Thailand after more than three decades marks a significant milestone in enhancing the country’s global image across multiple dimensions. It highlights Thailand’s status as a core economic, fiscal, and financial hub in Southeast Asia, while demonstrating its readiness to host a world-class event. This includes robust infrastructure, connected aviation and transportation systems, welcoming tourism ecosystem, integrated work-support services, and a world-class meeting venue, such as the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the official host venue of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.

Hosting the Meetings also presents a valuable opportunity for Thailand to showcase its unique identity through soft power, ranging from arts and culture to cuisine and diverse travel destinations. The event is expected to stimulate the domestic economy and bring positive impacts to tourism, hospitality, and investment across various sectors.

At the same time, the Meetings will serve as a platform of opportunity for all Thais to act as hosts, welcoming not only finance ministers, central bank governors, and leaders of financial institutions, but also representatives from civil society and global media. More than 15,000 participants from 191 countries are expected to attend and collectively shape the future of the global economy. During the meetings, Thailand will advance its official theme: “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience”, which reflects a people-centered development approach, while strengthening economic and financial resilience to better navigate future risks.

Since early 2026, the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand working together as the “Thailand Planning Team” have been closely collaborating to prepare for the Annual Meetings. Key initiatives include the launch of an official event landmark at Benjakitti Park to raise public awareness and symbolize Thailand’s readiness to welcome the world, as well as ongoing progress meetings with the IMF and World Bank Group. Thailand also recently welcomed Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, during her visit in early March.

Importantly, the Thailand Planning Team has actively engaged the younger generation, an essential driving force of the country, by inviting university students to present economic policy ideas through video submissions. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance is recruiting 200 student volunteers to support the Annual Meetings, reflecting the collective strength and unity of Thai society in delivering this historic mission.

From now until October, preparations will intensify through a series of key activities, including in-depth seminars on secure and inclusive digital finance, and on driving jobs and innovation; both priority agenda that Thailand aims to advance on the global stage—public engagement with civil society, and the promotion of Thai soft power through innovation and sustainable lifestyles. Key milestones include:

  • The IMF-World Bank Group Spring Meetings 2026 (April, Washington, D.C.): Participation in international meetings and exhibition booths to reinforce Thailand’s readiness and officially kick off the countdown to the 2026 Annual Meetings.
  • International Public Procurement Conference 2026 under the theme of “Procurement for Prosperity”: the conference will explore how procurement can become a strategic driver for jobs, innovation, and national prosperity by 2030. 
  • World Bank Thailand Young Economist Contest 2026 under the theme “Youth and Jobs”: Providing a platform for young people to contribute ideas toward resilient and sustainable economic development.
  • 30-Day Countdown Event: A major press conference titled “Countdown to AM2026: Thailand’s Global Stage Preview” alongside the launch of the Thailand Travel Guide to welcome global participants.

As Thai citizens, we are all “cultural ambassadors” and hosts who will extend warmth, generosity, and professionalism to visitors from around the world. Together, we will demonstrate that Thailand is ready to step into new horizons, welcoming the global community with pride.

Join us in counting down to the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, a global platform for shaping the future of the world economy. This is an opportunity to showcase Thailand as a true global destination and center, ready to welcome the world with smiles and the unique spirit of Thai identity.

Apical Launches Rumah FABA Kreasi Muda Initiative to Support Independent Small Businesses in Dumai

By
Advertorial Desk
-
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 March 2026 – Apical, through its business unit PT Sari Dumai Oleo (PT SDO), recently inaugurated the Rumah FABA Kreasi Muda in Lubuk Gaung, Sungai Sembilan, Dumai, Riau. The initiative forms part of the company’s efforts to support community empowerment through productive economic activities.

Rumah FABA Kreasi Muda serves as a production facility for concrete blocks and paving stones using Fly Ash and Bottom Ash (FABA) – non-hazardous by-products generated from Apical’s power plant – as alternative raw materials. These materials are processed into construction products that can support infrastructure development in the surrounding community.

In his remarks, PT SDO Head of General Affairs, M. Jaya Budi Arsa, said the initiative was introduced to strengthen economic independence in communities around the company’s operational areas. “We established Rumah FABA Kreasi Muda to create new business opportunities and support the economic independence of nearby communities. We hope this facility will help enhance residents’ skills and capacity to run sustainable businesses,” he said.

To support the programme’s implementation, Apical, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, has provided assistance through the construction of the production facility, the supply of equipment and the provision of a steady supply of FABA as an alternative raw material. This support is intended to enable the community to carry out production in a structured manner while gradually developing independently managed businesses.

Lubuk Gaung Subdistrict Head Syafrianto, S.Sos., M.IP., noted that the Rumah FABA initiative has had a direct impact on youth engagement and local economic development. He also emphasised the importance of continued guidance to ensure the business can grow sustainably.

“Rumah FABA provides space for young people in Lubuk Gaung to take part in productive activities and access new job opportunities. Moving forward, ongoing support will be key to ensuring the business continues to grow and deliver long-term benefits,” he said.

Rumah FABA Kreasi Muda is expected not only to create employment opportunities but also to strengthen the community’s capacity to manage businesses independently. By repurposing available materials, the programme generates added value while promoting resource efficiency.

In line with Apical’s 5Cs business philosophy – doing what is good for Community, Country, Climate and Customer, and only then will it be good for the Company – the company aims to ensure that its operations deliver balanced benefits for society, the environment and long-term business sustainability.
Hashtag: #RGE #Apical #Palm #CommunityEmpowerment #Indonesia

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

About Apical

Apical is a leading vegetable oil processor with an expanding global footprint. Our vertically integrated mid-stream refining and value-added downstream processing makes us an integral supplier that supports the needs of various industries namely food, feed, oleochemicals and renewable fuel, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) which enables a great reduction of CO2 emissions.

With integrated assets in strategic locations spanning Indonesia, China and Spain, Apical operates numerous refineries, oleochemical plants, renewable fuel plants and kernel crushing plants. Through joint ventures and strategic partnerships, Apical also has processing and distribution operations in Brazil, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Middle East, Africa, USA and Vietnam.

Apical’s growth is built on the foundations of sustainability and transparency, and motivated by our strong belief that we can contribute to a circular economy for a more meaningful impact, even as we continue to grow our business and deliver innovative solutions to our customers.

Apical and Partners Target 30,000 Trees in East Kutai in the Second Year of Sustainable Living Village Programme

By
Advertorial Desk
-
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 March 2026 – The Sustainable Living Village (SLV) programme, a collaboration between Apical and the Earthworm Foundation, has entered its second year of implementation in East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan. From 8 to 12 February 2026, the programme resumed activities across Tepian Makmur, Tepian Indah, Tepian Langsat and Tepian Raya villages, focusing on strengthening community resilience through environmental restoration and capacity-building initiatives.

The SLV programme promotes a model for sustainable rural development that balances socioeconomic benefits with environmental protection. Through the programme, smallholders receive guidance on adopting sustainable palm oil practices while also being encouraged to diversify their livelihoods. One such initiative is cacao cultivation, which offers an additional income source while helping to promote more sustainable land use.

A key focus this year is a tree-planting initiative in river buffer zones and areas of high conservation value. The programme aims to plant a total of 30,000 trees to strengthen vegetation cover, safeguard watershed functions and support wildlife habitat protection.

Apical CSR Manager, Agus Wiastono, said the programme is designed to encourage active community participation in protecting high conservation value areas while reinforcing sustainable environmental management.

“Through tree-planting activities and ongoing support, we aim to ensure that efforts to protect riverbanks and natural habitats go hand in hand with strengthening the capacity of village communities,” he said.

Local community groups have also played a direct role in the initiative. In Tepian Baru Village, the Sempekat Benderang Farmer Group, together with Apical and the Earthworm Foundation, planted around 200 trees along river buffer zones as part of the broader programme target. The trees included fruit crops, agroforestry species and native timber, which are expected to deliver both ecological benefits and economic value for the community.

Romi, head of the Sempekat Benderang Farmer Group, said the activity reflects the village’s collective to environmental protection. “We have taken the initiative to protect the riverbanks and the remaining forest areas in our village. By maintaining vegetation cover, we hope the environment will be preserved and continue to provide long-term benefits for the community,” he said.

Bahrun, operations manager at the Earthworm Foundation, added that collaboration is essential to ensuring the programme’s sustainability. “Active community participation strengthens efforts to protect areas with important ecological value. When communities are involved from the outset, the impact becomes more sustainable,” he said.

Beyond tree planting, the SLV programme in East Kutai also includes cacao cultivation on two community land sites, training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for cacao farmers, and the distribution of 55 Plantation Cultivation Registration Certificates (STDB) to oil palm smallholders. These initiatives improve farming practices while strengthening the legal and governance aspects of smallholder plantations.

Through this ongoing collaboration, Apical, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, together with the Earthworm Foundation and local communities, aims to strengthen environmental resilience while creating more stable economic opportunities for villages in East Kutai. The initiative forms part of Apical’s long-term commitment to supporting sustainable development through partnerships with communities and local stakeholders.
Hashtag: #RGE #Apical #Palm #SLV #Community #SustainableRuralDevelopment

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

About Apical

Apical is a leading vegetable oil processor with an expanding global footprint. Our vertically integrated mid-stream refining and value-added downstream processing makes us an integral supplier that supports the needs of various industries namely food, feed, oleochemicals and renewable fuel, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) which enables a great reduction of CO2 emissions.

With integrated assets in strategic locations spanning Indonesia, China and Spain, Apical operates numerous refineries, oleochemical plants, renewable fuel plants and kernel crushing plants. Through joint ventures and strategic partnerships, Apical also has processing and distribution operations in Brazil, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Middle East, Africa, USA and Vietnam.

Apical’s growth is built on the foundations of sustainability and transparency and motivated by our strong belief that we can contribute to a circular economy for a more meaningful impact, even as we continue to grow our business and deliver innovative solutions to our customers.

Phuket Strengthens Appeal for UK Families as Secure International Residential Destination

By
Advertorial Desk
-

Growing demand from British buyers, strengthened long-haul connectivity, and the continued evolution of Laguna Phuket are reinforcing the appeal of Thailand’s largest island as a secure and globally connected place to live and invest.

PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 March 2026 – Phuket’s transformation from world-renowned holiday destination into a fully established international residential hub is entering a new phase, supported by rising long-haul arrivals and improving access from the United Kingdom and Europe.

Phuket Strengthens Appeal for UK Families as Secure International Residential Destination

UK buyers represent one of the fastest-growing segments of Phuket’s European residential market, alongside France, Germany, Switzerland and Scandinavia. The island’s year-round climate, quality of life, international schools, structured long-term residency pathways and expanding long-haul connectivity are key factors driving interest from British families and investors.

Thailand welcomed more than 35 million international visitors in 2025, underscoring global confidence in the country as a safe and accessible destination. Long-haul arrivals exceeded 11 million, rising 13% year-on-year and generating approximately 668 billion baht in tourism revenue. The Tourism Authority of Thailand continues to prioritise sustainable, high-value travel, targeting 14 million quality international visitors annually under a value-over-volume strategy.

International connectivity continues to strengthen. European flight capacity increased by more than 16% year-on-year and now stands approximately 5% above pre-pandemic levels. According to Immigration Bureau data, European arrivals reached approximately 7.8 million in 2025, up from 7.2 million in 2024. Direct services from London and Paris, alongside new Scandinavian routes, are reinforcing Phuket’s accessibility for UK travellers.

Improved access is translating into extended stays, remote working flexibility and lifestyle-driven property ownership. Increasingly, visitors are returning not only for holidays, but to explore long-term residency and residential investment opportunities.

Beyond its island setting and established hospitality sector, Phuket offers international-standard healthcare, leading international schools, yacht marinas, championship golf courses and reliable high-speed connectivity. The island combines year-round resort living with the infrastructure required for full-time residence and professional activity.

Industry research ranks Phuket among the world’s leading destinations for branded residences, alongside Dubai, Miami and New York. Foreign buyers account for more than 60% of condominium purchases, reflecting sustained international confidence in the market. Direct air links to more than 80 cities further support its global integration.

At the centre of this residential evolution is Laguna Phuket, developed by Banyan Group. Over 35 years, it has become one of Asia’s most established integrated resort and residential communities. Spanning more than 1,000 acres along Bang Tao Beach, Laguna Phuket includes six hotels, an award-winning golf course, RAVA beach club and more than 3,000 branded residences. Residents from over 70 nationalities call it home within a master-planned environment supported by on-site education and comprehensive lifestyle amenities.

With approximately 5,000 additional residences planned across Laguna Phuket and neighbouring Laguna Lakelands, Phuket’s long-term residential trajectory continues to strengthen.

Phuket today represents more than a holiday destination. It has matured into a secure, internationally connected residential market offering stability, accessibility and enduring value for globally-minded UK families.

Hashtag: #BanyanGroup

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

Lao-Born Refugee Now Holds Five Ministerial Portfolios in Australian Government

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
-
A picture of Anoulack Chanthivong. (Photo by The Australian)

A man who crossed the Mekong River as a child fleeing conflict in Laos now serves as one of the most senior Lao-born politicians in Australian history, holding five ministerial portfolios in the New South Wales (NSW) government.

Anoulack Chanthivong, a minister in the NSW cabinet under Premier Chris Minns since 2023, was born in Laos and arrived in Australia at around age six after his family fled in the early 1980s. They crossed into Thailand and spent time in a refugee camp before being resettled in Sydney.

The family then settled in western Sydney, where his parents took on manual work despite language barriers. 

Anoulack grew up in Cabramatta, studied economics at the University of Sydney, and later completed further studies at the London School of Economics. He worked as an economist for more than a decade before entering politics, joining the Labor Party shortly after finishing high school and winning a local council seat in 2004.

He was later elected to represent Macquarie Fields in the NSW Parliament and has since been re-elected multiple times.

Following the 2023 state election, he was appointed to cabinet with responsibility for industry and trade, innovation, science and technology, better regulation and fair trading, building, and corrections, portfolios that place him at the centre of economic and regulatory policy in Australia’s most populous state.

His rise from refugee resettlement to senior minister has drawn attention both in Australia and among the Lao diaspora, with his career widely seen as representing the broader experience of Lao families who left home in search of stability and opportunity.

 

Fullgoal Launches Its First Hong Kong‑Domiciled ETF, Targeting High Dividends and Low Volatility

By
Advertorial Desk
-
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 March 2026 – Fullgoal Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited (“Fullgoal AM HK”) listed its first Hong Kong-domiciled ETF — the Fullgoal Hang Seng HK High Dividend ETF (Stock Code: 3031) — on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on 31 March. A milestone in Fullgoal’s more than ten years of commitment to the Hong Kong capital markets, the listing marks a new chapter in the company’s product development in Hong Kong and further strengthens its product portfolio bridging Chinese and international capital. Citi Investor Services is trustee, custodian and ETF administrator for the newly listed ETF.

On the launch of the firm’s first ETF, Li Xiaowei, Deputy General Manager and Chief Investment Officer of Fullgoal Fund, said: “The Fullgoal Hang Seng HK High Dividend ETF is Fullgoal’s first step into Hong Kong’s ETF market and an important addition to our product lineup in the city. We believe that, in the current macroeconomic environment, Hong Kong equity assets combining high dividend yields with low volatility are well-positioned to deliver sustained long-term value to investors. Drawing on the 15 years of ETF management experience accumulated by Fullgoal Fund’s quantitative investment team onshore, we have both the capability and the confidence to provide investors with an efficient and reliable allocation tool.”

One Product: Targeting the Most Compelling Dividend Opportunities in Hong Kong Equities

The Fullgoal Hang Seng HK High Dividend ETF tracks the Hang Seng SCHK High Dividend Low Volatility Index – Net Total Return (HSHYLVN), selecting 50 high-quality Stock Connect-eligible securities with consistent dividend track records and lower price volatility. The portfolio is diversified across banking, energy, utilities, consumer, and other sectors, constructed on a net dividend yield-weighted basis, with a single-stock weighting cap of 5%.

Low Volatility: Beyond Stability, a Smarter Screen

Unlike conventional high-dividend equities, the Hang Seng SCHK High Dividend Low Volatility Index incorporates a proprietary low-volatility screening mechanism that reinforces risk management. According to Wind data, the index delivered cumulative returns of 92.75% and 91.12% over the past three and five years respectively, significantly outperforming the Hang Seng High Dividend Yield Index (HSHDYI) at 71.90% and 9.84% over the same periods, and well ahead of the Hang Seng Index at 49.86% and 22.88%¹. On the risk management front, during the March 2022 index rebalancing, the Hang Seng SCHK High Dividend Low Volatility Index removed approximately 14% of its real estate constituent weighting in a single rebalancing cycle, effectively sidestepping the sector’s subsequent downturn. In 2025, against a backdrop of heightened volatility in Hong Kong equity markets, the index delivered a full-year gain of 27.27%², further demonstrating the strategy’s resilience and effectiveness.

The “HALO Strategy”: A Tailwind for the Times

In 2026, the appeal of high-dividend investing has become increasingly evident. Amid significant uncertainty over the direction of global interest rates, the sources of return and risk characteristics of various asset classes are being repriced. In an environment of heightened market volatility, high-dividend assets—offering both stable cash flow and a combination of defensive qualities and yield—are emerging as core targets for active capital allocation in a climate of interest rate uncertainty. At the same time, the widely discussed “HALO Strategy” (Heavy Assets, Low Obsolescence) provides a new investment rationale for Hong Kong’s high-yield assets. Sector leaders in Hong Kong’s energy, power, and telecommunications industries — underpinned by physical asset moats that are difficult to replicate — have demonstrated rare long-term stability in an era of rapid AI-driven technological change, and may well emerge as an important safe harbour for institutional capital.

About Fullgoal AM HK: Fullgoal Fund’s Hong Kong Subsidiary, with Deep Quantitative Investment Expertise

Fullgoal Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited was established in 2012 and holds Type 1 (Dealing in Securities), Type 4 (Advising on Securities), and Type 9 (Asset Management) licences issued by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fullgoal Fund Management Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shanghai.

The parent company, Fullgoal Fund, was founded in 1999 as one of the first ten fund management companies approved by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). As of end-2025, Fullgoal Fund’s total assets under management were around RMB 2 trillion3, including public fund AUM of over RMB 1.3 trillion, making it the largest asset management institution headquartered in Shanghai4.

Fullgoal Fund’s quantitative investment team was established in 2009 and currently comprises more than 40 professionals with an average industry tenure of over 11 years, maintaining a long-term focus on quantitative and ETF index investing.

¹ Source: Wind. Period: 8 May 2017 – 27 February 2026. Past index performance is not indicative of future returns and does not guarantee fund performance.
² Source: Wind (total return index). Period: 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025.
³ Source: Fullgoal Fund. As of 31 December 2025.
4 Source: Wind. As of 31 December 2025.

Hashtag: #Fullgoal

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

METABORA GAMES Launches BORA DEEPS v2.0, A Global Gamer-Engagement Platform

By
Advertorial Desk
-
  • Expands mission content using real gameplay data via an enhanced ‘Quest’ system
  • Introduces instant-play “DEEPS Minigame” with no installation required
  • Strengthens BORA token utility through a participation–reward loop

SEOUL, South Korea, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — METABORA GAMES (CEO Choi Se-hoon), a leading blockchain game project developer, announced today the official launch of BORA DEEPS v2.0, a global gamer engagement platform.

METABORA GAMES Launches BORA DEEPS v2.0, A Global Gamer-Engagement Platform
METABORA GAMES Launches BORA DEEPS v2.0, A Global Gamer-Engagement Platform

BORA DEEPS v2.0 moves beyond a simple loop of completing in-game missions and earning BORA-based rewards. It offers a more dynamic experience where players’ in-game activities translate into broader participation across the entire ecosystem.

At the core of the update is an enhanced ‘Quest’ system that expands game integrations and introduces mission-based content closely aligned with players’ actual gameplay. With v2.0, users can engage in tailored quests optimized for their play experience, creating a seamless and immersive journey from gameplay to rewards.

In addition, METABORA GAMES has introduced “DEEPS Minigame” within the platform. The feature allows users to instantly access and play mini games without any downloads, delivering an interactive environment where players can enjoy gameplay while earning rewards directly within BORA DEEPS.

The update also introduces a “Scratch” feature, allowing users to use points earned through platform activities, including mini games, in a raffle-style experience, delivering ongoing engagement and rewarding experiences.

Meanwhile, METABORA GAMES aims to increase platform retention by establishing a virtuous cycle of participation, rewards, and re-engagement, driven by BORA DEEPS v2.0’s user-driven content. Through this initiative, the company plans to expand real-world use cases for the BORA token and strengthen its overall utility across the ecosystem.

More details about BORA DEEPS v2.0 are available on the official website.

APPENDIX

BORA DEEPS Official Website: https://intro.boradeeps.com/

About METABORA

METABORA is a casual game developer and the service operator of the blockchain platform BORA.

The BORA ecosystem brings together partners across various industries—ranging from tokenomics and content to blockchain technology—driving innovation and collaboration across games, sports, and entertainment.

BORA is a national game/entertainment token with a high liquidity in the market and reinforcing the accessibility of users and services abroad by increasing the listing on global cryptocurrency exchanges and expanding partnership.

Lao-American Chef Saeng Douangdara to Release Debut Lao Cookbook in April

By
Simmavanh vayouphack
-
Saeng Douangdara’s cookbook, "The Lao Kitchen"

Saengthong Douangdara grew up eating food most American restaurants don’t have on their menu. Padaek, beef bile, jaews, the bold, fermented flavours of a Lao household in the United States, cooked by a mother who saw no reason to drastically change what she had always known.

That upbringing is now a cookbook.

The Lao Kitchen: Lao Flavors and Stories Told Through Family Recipes, written by the Lao-American chef and content creator known as Saeng, will be published by Ten Speed Press on 21 April 2026. A boost for local food lovers, the book is already available for preorder in Laos through Monument Books in Vientiane.

Saeng’s inspiration starts from his mother’s traditional cooking. Originally from Savannakhet, she slightly adapted her flavors to suit American palates.

His father would often go fishing, bringing back fresh-water fish for his mother to ferment into Padaek, which they then distributed to the local Lao community in the US.

Back to the Source

For decades, “Thai” labels concealed Lao food in the West. However, a younger generation has reclaimed the “Lao” brand with confidence, following the global spotlight from icons like Anthony Bourdain and Gordon Ramsay through their TV shows in the 2010s.

When Saeng traveled back to Laos in his twenties, he found a powerful connection. He discovered that the flavors he grew up with in the US were identical to the traditional dishes he found across Laos. His mother’s cooking, which preserved the authentic soul of Savannakhet’s cooking, became a major inspiration for his work.

To keep the book as authentic as possible, Saeng collaborated with the RDK Group in Vientiane to develop the Lao typography used throughout the pages.

While many cookbooks focus solely on measurements and methods, The Lao Kitchen acts as a “premiere” for the country. With the backing of a major international publishing house, Saeng and his team have designed the book to be highly approachable for everyone.

History Through Food

The book also adds deep educational layers, teaching readers about the Lao people, culture, and history. It serves as a bridge, using food as the primary language to tell the broader story of Laos to the world.

For Saeng, this book is a “masterpiece” inspired by the people and the land of Laos (Meuang Lao).

“It is understandable that history has divided us,” Saeng reflects, “but food brings us together and heals pieces of ourselves that may have been taken away when we had to leave our country.”

While the book is currently in English, Saeng hopes to one day release a Lao-language version. For now, he is proud to leave a physical piece of his work in Laos to connect with his fans.

“This is just the start of showing people that you can be successful by being Lao and cooking Lao food,” he said.

Following the April launch, Saeng will travel around the United States for the book tour, visiting cities like Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York City, and San Diego to meet the community that has followed his journey online. He also hopes to host a special event right here in Laos soon.

While plans for a second book are already in his mind, Saeng is currently focused on engaging with his fans and sharing new recipes through his channel.

“Lao culture is strong and resilient,” he said. “Nothing can stop us from sharing our food to the world.”

1...891892893...6,718Page 892 of 6,718