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Thailand Classifies Cannabis Flowers as Controlled Substance for Medical Use Only

Thailand Classifies Cannabis Flowers as Controlled Substance for Medical Use Only
Cannabis (photo credit: Thai herbal products)

On 24 June, the Thai Ministry of Public Health officially announced a new regulation that classifies cannabis flowers as a controlled herbal substance, aiming to prevent misuse and strengthen legal oversight. 

Lao Government Voices Concern Over Regional, Global Tensions

Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone delivers his speech during the closing ceremony of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia on Sep 7, 2023. (Photo credit: Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has voiced serious concerns about rising regional tensions and global instability, warning of their potential impact on Laos’s economy and security.

Speaking during a session at the Prime Minister’s Office on 24 June, he pointed to growing geopolitical challenges, including military friction between ASEAN neighbors, referring to Cambodia and Thailand, as well as broader global conflicts and humanitarian crises.

He also highlighted the ongoing global economic slowdown, cautioning that these overlapping issues could drive up the cost of essential goods, especially fuel, and place added pressure on vulnerable communities in Laos.

Government officials stressed the need for proactive measures, stating that Laos cannot remain unaffected by these interconnected global events.

ABB among TIME’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – EQS Newswire – 25 June 2025 –

  • ABB ranked 14th in the “World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025” list by TIME Magazine and Statista
  • ABB named third most sustainable company across all industries in Switzerland
  • Companies assessed on sustainable business practice, commitments & ratings, reporting standards & transparency, environmental & social stewardship

ABB has been ranked 14th in TIME’s “World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025” and third in Switzerland across all industries. TIME and Statista assessed over 5,000 of the world’s largest and most influential companies, considering factors such as revenue, market capitalization, and public prominence. The top 500 companies from 35 countries and 21 industries were identified using a transparent methodology involving a rigorous 4-step process and the evaluation of more than 20 key performance indicators. Companies were assessed on sustainable business practices, commitments & ratings, reporting standards & transparency, environmental & social stewardship. An overall sustainability score was calculated, with a maximum achievable score of 100. ABB achieved a score of 81.92.

“Being among the top 15 in the World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025 is testament to ABB’s strategic approach of embedding sustainability into the business with a focus on transparency and accountability,” said Anke Hampel, ABB’s Group Head of Sustainability. “Our Sustainability Agenda aims to enable a low-carbon society, preserve resources and promote social progress for a net-zero future. As a global technology leader in electrification and automation, we help our customers optimize energy use, reduce emissions, and accelerate the transition to more resilient, resource-efficient operations.”

ABB has set ambitious net zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2050, compared to a 2019 baseline. In 2024, ABB achieved a 78% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions since 2019 and decreased Scope 3 emissions by 8% compared to 2022.

ABB has also been recognized for leadership in corporate transparency and performance on climate change by the global environmental non-profit organization Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) securing a place on its annual ‘A List’ in April 2025. In May 2025, ABB received a rating of AAA (on a scale of AAA-CCC) in the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment.

Discover more about ABB’s sustainability approach and progress: https://global.abb/group/en/investors/annual-reporting-suite

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they out-perform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com

Hashtag: #ABB

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

AIA Launches Wealth Generation – Introducing market-first legacy planning options and a short 4-year projected breakeven period Empowering HNW customers to accumulate wealth and achieve seamless legacy transfer


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2025 – AIA Hong Kong announced the launch of Wealth Generation (“the Plan”), a bespoke life insurance plan designed exclusively for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals. This Plan enables customers to capitalise on wealth creation opportunities in today’s dynamic market while fostering long-term prosperity through strategic legacy planning. The Plan features multiple market-first^ legacy planning options, a rare-in-market* Flexi Withdrawal Option and value-added service, delivering a competitive projected total internal rate of return (IRR) #. With projected breakeven year as short as four years#, this comprehensive solution addresses the dual priorities of HNW customers: wealth accumulation and legacy management.

AIA WG Eng

Ms Alice Liang, Chief Proposition & Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said: “As a global hub for asset and wealth management, Hong Kong has long been a magnet for high-net-worth individuals and families from around the world. Their needs for life insurance products are constantly evolving. They not only seek to navigate complex investment landscape but also place great emphasis on managing their wealth with control, precision, flexibility, and resilience, ensuring seamless wealth transfer.”

She added: “AIA remains unwavering in our customer-centric approach, consistently delivering innovative products and thoughtful services that go beyond expectations and delight our customers. Wealth Generation exemplifies this commitment, with its market-first legacy planning options, rare Flexi Withdrawal Option and value-added services. This empowers our customers with greater control and flexibility over their wealth accumulation and legacy planning journey, embodying AIA’s commitment to helping them achieve Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”

Key features and value-added services of the Wealth Generation:

Empowering Wealth Growth

Short projected total breakeven year and competitive projected total IRR

  • Projected total breakeven year as short as four years#, with a 10-year projected total IRR of up to 5.05%#, helping customers seize opportunities for steady wealth growth.
  • Guaranteed cash value and non-guaranteed Terminal Dividend1, along with the Terminal Dividend Lock-in Option2, enabling customers to secure potential returns while pursuing long-term financial growth.

Rare-in-market* Flexi Withdrawal Option3

  • Policyholders can set up flexible withdrawal instructions starting from the end of the 5th policy year, where they may automatically and regularly withdraw policy values during their specified period for payment to the designated payment recipient, catering to their evolving needs at different life stages.

Seamless Legacy Planning

Legacy Planning Options and Value-added Services

  • Market-first^ Future Guard Option: Through the value-added service, Transitional Owner Arrangement4, policyholder can designate a family member as the contingent owner of the policy and another aged 18 or above family member as the transitional owner of the policy. The transitional owner will oversee the policy with limited administrative rights until the designated contingent owner takes over ownership of the policy upon reaching the date or age as specified by the policyholder.
  • The Future Guard Option also allows the transitional owner to split the policy into two separate policies and to designate another family member as the new contingent owner and insured of the split policy. Ownership of the split policy is transferred when the new contingent owner reaches the specified date or age, ensuring seamless and harmonious wealth succession across generations.

Safeguarding Loved Ones

  • Market-first^ Beneficiary Flexi Option: Under specified conditions5, beneficiaries are empowered to flexibly choose their settlement options to receive their share of the unpaid death benefit and accidental death benefit. This ensures a personalised and holistic approach to legacy planning.
  • Market-first^ Health Impairment Option6: In the event that the policyholder suffers from a mental issue or becomes unconscious for a certain period due to a specified illness, the designated recipient7 can receive benefit payment or policy ownership according to the policyholder’s instructions. This feature safeguards the financial well-being of loved ones.

Recognising the exacting standards of HNW customers for health and wealth solutions, AIA established AIA Club Alta in 2023 to deliver curated privileges8 across three pillars: health and wellness, wealth management and exquisite lifestyle experiences. These exclusive offerings have empowered customers to strike an optimal balance between health and wealth, enabling them to enjoy a more prosperous and fulfilling life. AIA Club Alta also extends its bespoke wealth management privileges9 to include advisory services on tax planning, trusts, legal and family office consultations. When combined with Wealth Generation, these services provide customers with an effective solution, ensuring the mastery of wealth amplification, seamless wealth succession and peace of mind for generations to come.

All information above is for reference only and does not constitute any offer and/or insurance product recommendation. The product information in this material does not contain the full terms of the product, for the details of the product features, terms and conditions, exclusions and key product risks, please refer to the product brochure and policy contract of relevant products or visit the AIA Hong Kong’s website.

Remarks

^ Three market-first options:
  • Future Guard Option: As of 7 May 2025, compared with similar services offered by Hong Kong major insurance companies
  • Beneficiary Flexi Option: With the Beneficiary Flexi Option, the policy owner allows the beneficiary to choose to receive the death benefit payment in accordance with the beneficiary’s selected settlement option when the beneficiary has attained the designated age chosen by the policy owner or when the beneficiary is diagnosed with a specified illness under Beneficiary Flexi Option. This feature is first-in-market when compared with the savings insurance products provided by Hong Kong major insurance companies, pioneered by AIA with the FlexiAchiever Savings Plan on 8 January 2025.
  • Health Impairment Option: This option allows the policy owner to designate up to 2 different designated recipients and elect for both benefit payment and transfer of ownership at the same time. This feature is first-in-market when compared with the savings insurance products provided by Hong Kong major insurance companies as of 7 May 2025.
* Compared with the savings insurance products provided by Hong Kong major insurance companies as of 7 May 2025.
# “Projected total breakeven year” is the policy year at the end of which the projected total surrender value is greater than or equal to the single premium paid for the first time. The projected Total IRR is neither indicative of future performance nor guaranteed. The projected total IRR based on the assumption that no cash withdrawals or policy loans are taken throughout the term of the policy, none of Terminal Dividend Lock-in Option, Flexi Withdrawal Option, Policy Split Option and Health Impairment Incapacity Option is exercised and that all premiums are paid in full when due.
  1. The non-guaranteed Terminal Dividend may be declared to the policy at least once per policy year starting from the end of the 3rd policy year. However, AIA Hong Kong may also at its sole discretion declare the Terminal Dividend more frequently than once per policy year, such as on a monthly basis.
  2. This option is available once per policy year starting from the end of the 15th policy year, and application for such transfer must be made within 30 days after the end of a policy year.
  3. Subject to relevant conditions and withdrawal risks.
  4. Transitional Owner Arrangement is only available to designated policies which meet our eligibility requirements. Transitional Owner Arrangement is a value-added service and not a product feature, therefore it does not form part of the policy contract of Wealth Generation. Application is subject to our approval at our discretion. We reserve the right to withdraw the Transitional Owner Arrangement or change its terms and conditions or any related requirements at any time at our sole and absolute discretion. Future Guard Option is one of the service features under the Transitional Owner Arrangement. For details of Transitional Owner Arrangement and Future Guard Option (including but not limited to eligibility, risk and limitation), please refer to the value-added service leaflet of Transitional Owner Arrangement.
  5. If the policyholder has chosen the Death Benefit Settlement Option, he/she may also choose the Beneficiary Flexi Option. Upon the beneficiary attaining the designated age chosen by the policyholder or being diagnosed with a specified illness including cancer, stroke, heart attack, terminal illness and kidney failure, such beneficiary can receive his/her share of the unpaid death benefit and accidental death benefit (if any) according to his/her selected settlement option.
  6. Starting from the end of the 3rd policy year, if the policyholder is also the insured, he/she may elect for benefit payment and/or ownership transfer to designated recipient(s) under the Health Impairment Option. Subject to relevant conditions and withdrawal risk.
  7. The policyholder may designate up to 2 family members aged 18 or above as designated recipients and the applicable designated percentage of policy value for benefit payment and/or ownership transfer. If the policyholder suffers from a mental issue or becomes unconscious for a certain period due to a specified illness including Apallic Syndrome and Coma, the designated recipient may in accordance with the instructions receive a lump sum benefit payment and/or become the new policy owner of the policy.
  8. The membership and privileges of AIA Club Alta are subject to terms and conditions. For details, please refer to AIA Club Alta website (aia.com.hk/en/aia-alta).
  9. The wealth management privileges of AIA Club Alta are provided by third-party service providers and partners. AIA Hong Kong and its intermediaries do not provide any opinion or advice to customers regarding the relevant services.

Hashtag: #AIA #友邦

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

About AIA Hong Kong & Macau

AIA Group Limited established its operations in Hong Kong in 1931. To date, AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau have over 18,000 financial planners1, as well as an extensive network of independent financial advisors, brokerage and bancassurance partners. We serve over 3.6 million customers2, offering them a wide selection of professional services and products ranging from individual life, group life, accident, medical and health, pension, personal lines insurance to investment-linked assurance schemes with numerous investment options. We are also dedicated to providing superb product solutions to meet the financial needs of high-net-worth customers.

1 as of 31 March 2025

2 Including AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau’s individual life, group insurance and pension customers (as of 31 March 2025)

So Drama! Entertainment and FLY Entertainment Announce Strategic Partnership

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2025 – So Drama! Entertainment (So Drama!) and FLY Entertainment (FLY) have entered a strategic partnership to elevate media and entertainment content and production. This partnership combines the creative strengths of both companies to develop compelling and locally resonant content—beginning with Kakee Originals. This proudly made-in-Singapore serialised video content is available on So Drama!‘s newly rebranded entertainment and lifestyle app, Kakee.

So Drama! Entertainment and FLY Entertainment Announce Strategic Partnership
So Drama! Entertainment and FLY Entertainment Announce Strategic Partnership

This creative collaboration is a bold commitment to homegrown storytelling. It features talents from FLY’s esteemed artiste roster, with familiar faces such as Allan Wu, Carla Dunareanu, Edwin Goh, Irene Ang, Rachel Wan, Suhaimi Yusof, Chua Enlai, Patricia Mok and more. Audiences can catch them in series such as See You There, Then & Now, The Situation Report, and the upcoming The Office Survival Guide, set to launch later this year.

This partnership extends beyond casting to include co-investment in content, brand collaborations, and talent development. FLY’s contributions in top-tier talent, production support and customised training for So Drama!‘s talent pool will enhance the quality and reach of So Drama!‘s flagship productions, bringing compelling storytelling to wider audiences.

With the FLY and So Drama! partnership, clients and sponsors can now leverage the strengths of both companies to create new business opportunities and better brand awareness through innovative media experiences.

Melvin Kuek, Executive Director at So Drama!, added, “We’ve been quietly cooking up this collaboration for a while now — and the timing couldn’t be more perfect with the launch of the Kakee app! The chemistry between So Drama! and FLY promises fresh possibilities for talent, brands, and bold new content that can become a strong differentiation factor for Kakee as an entertainment plaform. We’re absolutely buzzing to dive in together and serve up stories that will delight audiences and shake up the Singapore entertainment scene.”

“This partnership is more than just a content deal — it’s a bold declaration. We’re championing Singaporean stories and putting local talent exactly where it belongs: in the spotlight,” said Irene Ang, Founder & CEO of FLY Entertainment. “We’re proud to co-create with So Drama! from casting and production to talent development. It’s time our creatives take centre stage.”
FLY Entertainment has also teamed up with digital casting platform IAmCasting to discover and cast vibrant personalities and influencers for So Drama!‘s Kakee Originals series. This collaboration reflects FLY’s commitment to embracing digital innovation and shaping the future of talent discovery and next-gen storytelling.

Get the free-to-download Kakee app on the App Store or Google Play: https://go.kakee.sg/SDE-FLY

Hashtag: #MOU #partnership #SoDrama #FLYEntertainment


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

So Drama! Entertainment

So Drama! Entertainment aims to deliver compelling content on air, on screen and on stage. As a proudly Singaporean media and entertainment company, it has five established brands – Kakee, 88.3JIA, POWER 98, Music & Drama Company, and PIONEER – into which it injects fun and creativity, always. For more information, please visit .

About Kakee

Kakee is a homegrown entertainment app where users are rewarded for enjoying a wide range of content – from various 88.3JIA and POWER 98 curated music streams, to exclusive proudly-made-in-Singapore videos, mobile games and contests. As Your Rewards & Entertainment Buddy, the more users listen, watch and play, the more they stand to win.

Get the free-to-download Kakee app now and follow @kakeesg on , , and for exciting rewards and experiences.

About FLY Entertainment

Founded in 1999 by Irene Ang, FLY Entertainment is Singapore’s leading artiste management and entertainment agency. Representing a dynamic roster of top talents across film, television, theatre, digital media, and brand partnerships, FLY is known for discovering and nurturing some of Asia’s most recognisable names in entertainment.

Beyond talent management, FLY offers full-service capabilities in content production, creative direction, brand partnerships, and event management — making it a one-stop hub for innovative and impactful storytelling.

Learn more at .

About IAmCasting

IAmCasting is a digital casting platform designed to revolutionise the way talents are discovered, cast, and connected across Asia’s entertainment industry. Built for casting directors, producers, agencies, and brands, IAmCasting provides direct access to a growing pool of diverse talents — from actors and models to content creators and emcees.

IAmCasting simplifies the casting process while empowering talents to take control of their careers. Casting Reimagined.

Explore more at .

Porsche Design Tower Bangkok Offers a Culinary Voyage into Iconic Living


STUTTGART, GERMANY / HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2025 – Porsche Design Tower Bangkok hosted an exclusive dinner event in a private estate villa in Hong Kong, offering esteemed guests a preview of the unparalleled luxury and lifestyle associated with Asia’s first Porsche Design Tower. The exclusive event provided a taste of the exquisite experiences awaiting residents of the iconic Bangkok residence set to be completed in 2028.

Chanond Ruangkritya (President & CEO, Ananda Development), along with Melissa Chollasap (Managing Director, Porsche Design Tower Bangkok), and Jakrit Tejavanija (CEO, Anvinest) hosted an exclusive private dinner for Fraser Yacht VVIP clients to introduce Porsche Design Tower Bangkok to the Hong Kong market.
Chanond Ruangkritya (President & CEO, Ananda Development), along with Melissa Chollasap (Managing Director, Porsche Design Tower Bangkok), and Jakrit Tejavanija (CEO, Anvinest) hosted an exclusive private dinner for Fraser Yacht VVIP clients to introduce Porsche Design Tower Bangkok to the Hong Kong market.

Within the sophisticated embrace of the private estate villa, overlooking the breathtaking panorama of Sai Kung – Hong Kong’s ‘back garden’ of picturesque yachts, pristine beaches, and majestic mountains – guests experienced the essence of Porsche Design Tower Bangkok: a fusion of cutting-edge design, optimal functionality, and a passion for the finer things. The evening featured a Michelin-starred dinner course curated by Chef Guillaume, sommelier Victor Petiot from Four Seasons Hotel, and live jazz band entertainment. The opulent evening concluded with an exclusive Louis XIII cognac tasting, with guests savoring this legendary spirit with the CEO of Louis XIII.

“This exclusive dinner event was the perfect opportunity to introduce Porsche Design Tower Bangkok to discerning VIP guests,” said Chanond Ruangkritya, Founder & CEO of Ananda Development. “We are thrilled to showcase the unique lifestyle that awaits residents of this groundbreaking residence.”

Developed by Ananda and Porsche Design, the Porsche Design Tower Bangkok is an ultra-luxury residence on Sukhumvit 38. The tower features 22 exclusive ‘Sky Villas’ ranging from 525 to 1,135 square meters, with an average price of USD 15 million and up to USD 40 million. A key feature is the integration of “Passion Spaces,” the ultimate luxury garage. An exclusive show unit is set to be launched in Q3 2025, offering a first look into the future of iconic living.

Hashtag: #PorscheDesignTowerBangkok

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

About Porsche Design

In 1963, Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche created one of the most iconic design objects in contemporary history: the Porsche 911. Following his vision to take the principles and myth of Porsche beyond the automotive world, he created the exclusive lifestyle brand Porsche Design in 1972. His philosophy and design language can still be seen in all Porsche Design products today. Every Porsche Design product stands for extraordinary precision and perfection, boasts a high level of technological innovation and seamlessly combines intelligent functionality and puristic design. Created by Studio F. A. Porsche in Austria, our products are sold worldwide in Porsche Design stores, high-end department stores, exclusive specialist retailers and the official online store ().

Laos Proposes Tax Relief for Small Businesses Under Revised Income Tax Law

Laos Proposes Tax Relief for Small Businesses Under Revised Income Tax Law
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo credit: Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry)

On 24 June, Laos proposed amending the Income Tax Law to exempt unprofitable small businesses from taxes, aiming to ease their burden and improve tax efficiency, Finance Minister Santiphab Phomvihane said.

Wildberries Expands Educational Platform for Marketplace Sellers

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2025 – Wildberries, a leading e-commerce operator in Eurasia, is actively expanding its free educational platform that empowers small and medium businesses to launch and grow their sales on the company’s marketplace.

The PRO Wildberries (PRO WB) platform offers a variety of seminars, online courses and practical tools for achieving e-commerce success for both new and experienced entrepreneurs. Training topics range from creating product cards that are most appealing to buyers to choosing logistics solutions that best suit the seller’s needs.

The platform has proven effective, and Wildberries is now scaling it across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia to increase the number of local sellers in these countries.

Since its launch in 2023, PRO WB has hosted more than 800 offline and online events for sellers. Over 100,000 sellers across seven countries have taken courses through the platform —around 10% of all merchants on Wildberries. The seminars and online courses are delivered by company experts, top-performing sellers, and invited professionals.

Wildberries sees its mission as offering customers a wide range of products while supporting small businesses, including female entrepreneurship, in its key markets. The marketplace creates new opportunities for local sellers by enabling them to expand their customer base to neighbouring countries using Wildberries’ extensive infrastructure network.

In addition to smooth onboarding and comprehensive training on how to sell on the platform, PRO WB also educates sellers about commercial tools to boost sales. Once sellers understand how the platform works, and achieve initial success, sellers can take advantage of paid features offered by Wildberries—such as search query analytics, AI tools for product listing design, and in-platform advertising.

Hashtag: #Wildberries

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

About Wildberries

Established in 2004 in Russia, Wildberries is a leading e-commerce platform operating in Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, while also partnering with sellers in China and the UAE. Wildberries provides a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure to support customers and sellers, along with a developed logistics network spanning more than 130 facilities and 70,000 pick-up points across its markets. As of 2025, Wildberries serves over 79 million customers and processes more than 20 million orders per day.