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Lao Bullion Bank Soft Opens in Vientiane

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On 27 September, Lao Bullion Bank hosted its much-anticipated Soft Opening Ceremony at its headquarters in Phonsay village, Xaysettha district, Vientiane Capital. The event marked a significant step forward in Laos’ financial landscape, highlighting the government’s strategic efforts to enhance the country’s economic stability.

The ceremony was attended by Santiphab Phomvihane, Minister of Finance, Atsaphangthong Siphandone, Mayor of Vientiane Capital, Vatthana Dalaloy, Acting Governor of the Bank of Laos, Thongphat Inthavong, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, and Chanthone Sitthixay, Chairman and Founder of PTL Holding Co., Ltd. Their participation reflects the broad support for this new financial institution.

The opening of Lao Bullion Bank marks a milestone in the nation’s broader goal of safeguarding economic resilience and securing the country’s gold reserves. As the first institution of its kind in Laos, Lao Bullion Bank is expected to play a critical role in stabilizing the value of the Lao kip, while enhancing the government’s ability to manage its reserves.

Vatthana Dalaloy, Acting Governor of the Bank of Laos, underscored the importance of this launch, stating that Lao Bullion Bank is a central player in the nation’s economic development and financial stability. She highlighted the institution’s alignment with the strategic goals of both the government and the party.

Chanthone Sitthixay, Chairman and Founder of PTL Holding Co., Ltd., expressed his confidence in the bank’s upcoming operations, set to begin by the end of September 2024. He emphasized the collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Laos, ensuring that the institution is fully prepared to deliver on its promises to the public.

The soft opening also introduced the bank’s first key services, which include Gold Savings Accounts and Gold Vending Machines. The Gold Savings Accounts, offered to customers starting from the launch date, allow for a secure and efficient way to manage personal investments in gold. However, due to the bank’s early-stage operations, the number of accounts is limited to 50 per day, ensuring careful management during this initial phase.

With the opening of Lao Bullion Bank, Laos takes a significant step toward enhancing its financial system, ensuring the stability of the national currency, and fostering long-term economic growth.

LEUCHTTURM1917 Partners with Emerging Artist Chloe Chen Launches Limited Edition Notebook “Mirror Wonderland · Explore Within and Beyond”


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 September 2024 – LEUCHTTURM1917, an international premium notebook brand from Germany, has recently announced Chloe Chen (Yanran Chen) as the brand ambassador for the Chinese market. They are launching a limited edition notebook titled “Mirror Wonderland · Explore Within and Beyond” This product embodies LEUCHTTURM1917’s commitment to high quality and exquisite craftsmanship, incorporating the unique creative style and profound reflections from Chen’s artwork “Imagine.” The notebook captures the delicate sound of paper and pen friction, the emotional resonance from deep within dreams, and the fleeting sparks of inspiration, filling the pages with fantastical colors and artistic ambiance. This bridges reality with imagination and the past with the future.

LEUCHTTURM1917 Partners with Emerging Artist Chloe Chen Launches Limited Edition Notebook

LEUCHTTURM1917 is known for upholding German precision and maintaining a century of tradition with outstanding quality and unique design. Every detail, from material selection to production, is meticulously chosen and strictly controlled to ensure that each product meets the highest quality standards. Their notebooks, made from high-quality paper, offer a smooth writing experience without ink bleed, and have gained global popularity among users. Chloe Chen, a rising artist/illustrator of Generation Z, is influenced by Japanese-style manga and French experimental films. She does not confine herself to a single style, gradually forming her unique voice and gaining recognition in the art world.

The new limited edition notebook features Chen’s artwork “Imagine” on the cover in a matching color scheme. The artwork depicts a girl in a school uniform with a curious expression, exploring a mysterious world within a mirror. The vibrant imagination transforms into lively imagery. The artwork’s brushwork has a rich saturation reminiscent of American comics, while its deeper meanings clearly draw from Lacan’s mirror theory, exploring the existential dilemmas of human consciousness. The cover utilizes special materials and processing techniques, making the patterns more vivid and three-dimensional, with a tactile feel that is both delicate and comfortable.

Wayne, the head of LEUCHTTURM1917 in China, stated, “As a leader in the industry, we are dedicated to integrating exceptional quality with unique design in every product. Our previous collaborations with various brands and artists have consistently received market acclaim. Chloe Chen, an emerging Chinese artist, has garnered widespread attention among global fans for her unique artistic language and profound thought process, standing out among young artists. This aligns perfectly with LEUCHTTURM1917’s pursuit of innovation that combines pragmatism with artistic taste. We hope this collaboration will allow Chinese consumers to see the imagination and unique personality of young artists.”

Chloe Chen expressed, “LEUCHTTURM1917 notebooks are my closest companions. They bring me comfort and a sense of ease while I create. These surreal thoughts are born from the friction of pen on paper. Whether it’s the emotions stirred by dreams or fleeting inspiration, I’m accustomed to capturing and sharing my stories with the world.” She encourages everyone to explore and express themselves, saying, “Think with the hand.”

This limited edition notebook will soon be available on various platforms, inviting users and enthusiasts to embark on a journey of inner exploration.

About Chloe Chen
Born in Beijing, China in 2005, her work stems from an inward self-examination and a proactive response to the complex external world. As an emerging artist, Chloe’s works have been exhibited in numerous domestic and international exhibitions, gaining widespread attention and acclaim. She has held solo exhibitions at the SOMSOC GALLERY in Harajuku, Tokyo, and at the Daikanyama Tsutaya Bookstore in Tokyo. She has also been invited to important art events such as ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024, the Budapest Art Fair 2023, the Art Xiamen International Expo 2023, and ART021 Shanghai 2023. Additionally, her works have been collected by prominent figures, including Hungarian violinist Roby Lakatos.
Hashtag: #LEUCHTTURM1917

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About LEUCHTTURM1917

The LEUCHTTURM Group originated in Hamburg in 1917 and has a century-long history. LEUCHTTURM1917, the high-end writing brand under the group, is regarded as one of the best notebooks in the world. Its outstanding “inkproof” patented quality, sleek appearance, and customized color designs reflect the unique craftsmanship of German products and the elegance of European design, making it beloved by journal enthusiasts, fashion bloggers, designers, and business elites. Its high-end customization services also cover international luxury goods, high-end consumer products, finance, and new energy automotive brands.

Reinvented Dior Galaxy Macau Boutique Reopens at Galaxy Promenade


MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 September 2024 – Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting the world’s most iconic luxury brands, welcomes the newly reinvented Dior Galaxy Macau boutique. The new two-story boutique hosts the different universes of the House, as well as an array of exclusive products and experiences, enabling guests to embark on a fashionista journey of divine elegance and immersing into a one-of-a-kind luxury shopping experience.

The newly reinvented Dior Galaxy Macau boutique now reopens at Galaxy Promenade.
The newly reinvented Dior Galaxy Macau boutique now reopens at Galaxy Promenade.

The new Dior Galaxy Macau boutique notably showcases a diverse range of the House, from ready-to-wear and accessories dreamed up by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Kim Jones, to watches and jewellery. Adding to the sumptuous spectacle are some of the exclusive offerings – My Dior fine jewellery collection, sublime variations of the Lady Dior, exotic leather goods customization services, and a designated fragrances area, to name a few. This marvellous showcase also unveils the Dior autumn-winter 2024-2025 ready-to-wear collection; a wardrobe radiating the strength of plural femininity, presented alongside timeless 30 Montaigne models, and Victoire de Castellane’s Rose des Vents and My Dior creations. A second space reveals men’s pieces from the Dior Winter 2024-2025 line and the Lifestyle Capsule dedicated to board sports.

The new two-stories boutique hosts the different universes of the House, as well as an array of exclusive products and experiences.
The new two-stories boutique hosts the different universes of the House, as well as an array of exclusive products and experiences.
My Dior fine jewellery collection is exclusively showcased at the Dior Galaxy Macau boutique.
My Dior fine jewellery collection is exclusively showcased at the Dior Galaxy Macau boutique.

At the convergence of heritage and ultra-contemporary refinement, this unique place, bathed in light, is magnified by Dior codes – including Versailles parquet and cannage graphics – and punctuated by furniture that combines audacity and sophistication in soft shades of white, beige and gray. An invitation to stroll, it features exceptional artworks by Hong Hao, Etienne Moyat, Lucie Touré and Tsai Yunju, as well as fascinating paintings by artist Wang Zhiyuan. What is more, the new boutique also has VIP private shopping areas for both men’s and women’s, where VIP guests enjoy a tranquil shopping experience with true intimacy, in an elegant setting surrounded by sublime art pieces.

The new boutique offers exotic leather goods customization services.
The new boutique offers exotic leather goods customization services.
VIP private shopping areas for both men’s and women’s are situated inside the new boutique, offering exclusive shopping experience for VIPs with intimacy.
VIP private shopping areas for both men’s and women’s are situated inside the new boutique, offering exclusive shopping experience for VIPs with intimacy.

Galaxy Promenade brings together the world’s biggest names in luxury fashion and high jewelry. It is where the latest trends converge and exclusive limited-edition collectibles are found. Explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels as they present the latest collections in creative ways. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at your service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT

Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.

Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.

Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavors & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavors at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.

Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit and .

The 3rd Edition of ReMIX Creative Business Partnership Programme

New Product Launch Ceremony for Innovative Collaborative Products Created by Ten Premium Brands X Hong Kong Designers


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 September 2024 – The New Product Launch Ceremony of The 3rd edition of the “ReMIX · Yesterday’s Future, Invent Tomorrow!” (ReMIX) Creative Business Partnership Programme (“ReMIX”), organised by the Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong (IDSHK), with the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) as the Lead Sponsor, was successfully held at the Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley. To commemorate the occasion, the organiser invited Mrs. CHO LAI Suk Ha, Lowell, Acting Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, as the Guest of Honour, and Mr. Ball Cheung, President of the Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong, to officiate at the ceremony. This edition’s “ReMIX” successfully paired up ten premium brands and ten Hong Kong design teams to form ten teams, creating a total of 51 collaborative products.

Mrs. CHO LAI Suk Ha, Lowell (front row, fifth from left), Acting Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Mr. Ball CHEUNG (front row, middle), President of the Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong, the Assessment & Advisory Panel of the 3rd Edition of ReMIX Creative Business Partnership Programme, the ten premium brands and ten Hong Kong designers, sponsors and supporting organisations are attending the New Product Launch Ceremony.
Mrs. CHO LAI Suk Ha, Lowell (front row, fifth from left), Acting Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Mr. Ball CHEUNG (front row, middle), President of the Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong, the Assessment & Advisory Panel of the 3rd Edition of ReMIX Creative Business Partnership Programme, the ten premium brands and ten Hong Kong designers, sponsors and supporting organisations are attending the New Product Launch Ceremony.

The 3rd ReMIX has attracted premium brands from Hong Kong, including Leung So Kee, afontane, Laws Knitters, Fotomax, BAST, Momax and INFINITE, as well as first-time participants from a food brand, namely Koon Wah, and a retail brand, namely LOG-ON. Other first-time participant include Easily Home which is a brand from other city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The wide participation of different brands proved that the programme has successfully created more collaboration opportunities for designers to develop new creative collaborative products. These products cover different categories, ranging from smart furniture, modular furniture, lighting, pet home products, leisure products, snacks, umbrella to personal accessories, creating synergy for the local design community and the wider business community in the GBA.

ReMIX aims to connect and promote business collaboration between local professional designers and premium brands, and to enhance the image of the local creative market through cross-industry synergies and brand influence strategies, as well as to promote the recognition and sustainable development of Hong Kong’s creative services, products, and industrial design in the market. ReMIX was launched under the sponsorship of CCIDA (formerly known as Create Hong Kong) in 2021 and now in its third edition. To date, about 100 creative collaborative products have been successfully launched. While the cumulative number of participating brands and design teams continued to grow over the past three editions, ReMIX also provides more product promotion and overseas exchange opportunities to these brands and design teams.

Mrs. CHO LAI Suk Ha, Lowell, Acting Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, expressed her gratitude to the Hong Kong Industrial Designers Association for organising ReMIX again and congratulated the ten participating teams for successfully launching their new collaborative products under the 3rd ReMIX.

Mr. Ball CHEUNG, President of the Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong, spoke on behalf of the organiser at the New Product Launch Ceremony, “I am delighted that through ReMIX , we are able to promote the contributions of Hong Kong industrial designers and showcase the charm of innovative products from Hong Kong. This initiative has not only expanded the development potential of local designs and brands but has also enhanced their momentum for growth. In the long run, this will significantly contribute to the innovative development of Hong Kong’s economy. This edition’s ReMIX has a record number of collaborating Hong Kong brands and design teams, and for the first time, a GBA brand outside Hong Kong participated, reflecting the spirit of cooperation in the GBA.”
Hashtag: #ReMIX #IDSHK #香港工業設計師協會 #創意商業夥伴計劃

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About Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong

Founded in 2002, Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong (IDSHK) aims to promote the state-of-the-art and professional practice of Hong Kong’s industrial design (ID), and to leverage its status. Over the years, IDSHK has been committed to promoting and striving for the rights of industrial designers by enhancing their competitiveness, providing them with industry-related knowledge and promoting exchanges with local, the Mainland and international professional organisations. IDSHK has successfully established collaborations and strategic alliance partnerships with industrial bodies and education institutes and is continuing to support industrial design education.

IDSHK grasps the pulse of the society and technology evolvements with innovative ideas to provide members with updated relevant knowledge and connections to keep pace with the times. Gather all parties’ strength and cooperate to create a brilliant future design prospect.

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong’s positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Texhong International Speaks on Supply Chain Transparency and Traceability at the COTTON USA™ Sustainability Seminar

Evidencing Leadership in Sustainability in Textile Industry


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 September 2024 – Texhong International Group Limited (“Texhong International” or the “Group“; HKEX stock code: 2678), one of the world’s largest suppliers of cotton yarns, was a speaker at the COTTON USATM Sustainability Seminar organised by the Cotton Council International (“CCI”), which was attended by more than 150 guests representing international brands and USCTP members, on 19 September in Hong Kong, underscoring its commitment to and industry leadership in pushing for sustainability and the recognition it enjoys for its efforts in enhancing supply chain transparency and traceability.

In addition to the welcome remarks from Mr. Garrett McDonald, Director of U.S. Agricultural trade office at US Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau, and Mr. Bosco Law, Chairman of Textile Council of Hong Kong Ltd., guests also heard Mr. Steve Dyer, Chairman of Cotton Council International, sharing his view on the outlook of the US cotton and global cotton markets.

Mr. Dyer voiced concern about cotton consumption facing major challenge today from man-made fibres like polyester not biodegradable. Apart from taking hundreds of years to degrade completely, the microplastics broken down from such materials are ending up in drinking water and food, with some studies saying people could be swallowing a credit card’s weight of plastic every week. Thus, it is crucial for people to think about how their choices of clothing and materials could impact the environment and the world, and that is where cotton and cotton production come in with sustainability, traceability, and carbon footprint topping the list of emphasis worldwide.

Ms. Sarah Hong, Executive Assistant and Marketing Director of Texhong International Group, said, “We are honoured to be invited by the CCI to share our experience and efforts on sustainable development. As a world-leading cotton yarn manufacturer as well as a global citizen, Texhong International recognises that it has responsibilities beyond delivering high-quality products and services, thus has strived also to ensure its operations have beneficial impacts on the environment and also society. Over the years, the Group has worked closely with top tier fibre suppliers to explore sustainable and accountable materials, and has taken effective actions to promote circular economy for textiles. Additionally, as the largest user of U.S. cotton in the world, we take traceability very seriously, and have developed an internal raw material traceability system that helps us track the inventory and production process, providing customers with a comprehensive package of relevant documents. Looking ahead, we will continue to work with our supply chain partners to contribute to sustainable development of the industry and create value for all stakeholders.”

Texhong’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its procurement practices, with the majority of cotton purchased meeting rigorous sustainable planting standards, accredited by organisations such as U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, Cotton LEADS, BCI, Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), GOTS, and OCS. The Group carries out on-site traceability audits regularly and actively promotes to supply chain partners measures to reduce pesticide use and adapt to climate change. The comprehensive approach has ensured all operations of the Group comply with relevant laws and regulations, and at the same time align with the Group’s sustainability goals.

CCl is a non-profit trade association that promotes to the world U.S. cotton fibre and manufactured cotton products under the COTTON USA trademark. In the past more than 60 years, CCI has collaborated with spinning mills, fabric and garment manufacturers, brands, retailers, textile associations, etc. to facilitate use of U.S. cotton, and it reaches more than 50 countries now. The COTTON USA™ Sustainability Seminar gathers key US cotton customers and global sourcing offices, including AEO, Gap, PVH, Puma, Hugo Boss, Next, Target, Lululemon and Ralph Lauren, to exchange views on global cotton supply and demand, and latest sustainable developments in the cotton and textile industry.

Hashtag: #TexhongInternational #COTTONUSA

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About Texhong International Group Limited (stock code: 2678.hk)

Founded in 1997 in Hong Kong and listed on the HKEX in 2004, Texhong is one of the largest cotton yarn suppliers in the world. The Group is principally engaged in the production and distribution of quality yarns, grey fabrics and garment fabrics, in particular high value-added core-spun yarns. Since its establishment, the Group has grown rapidly and has over 5,000 customers in the PRC and overseas, with a sales network covering the PRC, Vietnam, North America, Europe, Brazil, Turkey, Bangladesh, Japan and South Korea, etc. The Group has production bases in the PRC, Vietnam and the Americas, respectively.

Elevating Business Horizons: Hong Kong, London Shape New Collaborative Success


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 September 2024 – A delegation led by Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan is on a four-day visit to London (September 25-28, 2024), the second leg of an overseas trip to strengthen ties with European businesses and cultivate enhanced co-operation, especially in financial services and innovation and technology.

Addressing approximately 350 leaders from the British political and business sectors and professionals at the annual Hong Kong Dinner, Mr Chan underlined the enduring economic and cultural ties between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom (UK). He also reaffirmed the city’s commitment to the “one country, two systems” arrangement, which includes the implementation of common law, respect for the rule of law and ensuring a friendly business and investment environment.

Hong Kong welcomes European businesses and talent to explore opportunities in the city and advance co-operation.
Hong Kong welcomes European businesses and talent to explore opportunities in the city and advance co-operation.

“We recently enacted legislation allowing a simplified extension of commercial, residential and industrial leases well beyond 2047. Hong Kong’s leases are written in common law language, and the legislation makes clear that our legal heritage is built to last. So, too, is our pro-business, pro-investment environment,” he said. “We continue to levy no capital gains tax, no goods and services tax, no value-added tax, no withholding tax on dividends and interest, and no digital services tax.”

Mr Chan went on to point out the many positive changes in Hong Kong. The city’s economy, for instance, has shown robust growth and is now home to some 2,700 single family offices. Its IPO market is the fourth-largest globally this year thus far, and its innovation and technology ecosystem is continuously expanding, with good progress made in attracting key technology companies, he added.

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, delivers a keynote speech at the Hong Kong Dinner in London.
Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, delivers a keynote speech at the Hong Kong Dinner in London.

Welcoming British businesses and talent to explore opportunities in Hong Kong, Mr Chan said he looked forward to maintaining connections with different sectors in the UK and advancing co-operation for mutual benefit.

While in London, the delegation will participate in a series of events to share the latest developments and advantages of Hong Kong.

Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #UK #london #delegation #collaboration #business #partnering





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Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) Creative Tourism Project Returns this Winter

Brand new activities integrating cultural, heritage and natural offerings in two distinctive local neighbourhoods


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 September 2024 – “Design District Hong Kong” (#ddHK) creative tourism project, organised by the Tourism Commission of Hong Kong, is set to return this winter, continuing its exploration in Tsuen Wan and taking on the discovery of the captivating area of Sha Tau Kok. Curated by Number 2, a brand new #ddHK event themed “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” will take place from December 2024 to February 2025, integrating creative elements with the cultural, heritage and natural offerings of the two neighbourhoods and leading visitors to discover the distinctive characteristics there.

#ddHK 2024 Key Visual

Tsuen Wan: A Spectacular Destination Worth Exploring Twice or More

Tsuen Wan is an emerging destination for immersive travel, attributable to its multi-faceted characters evolved in an organic manner. It is where history meets creativity, intangible cultural heritages mixed with chic lifestyle, and vibrant cityscape immersed in natural scenery. #ddHK will continue its unfinished exploration of the neighbourhood last year, and extend its reach to enchanting places including heritage sites and country parks.

Sha Tau Kok: A Hidden Gem for Hong Kong Tourists

Sha Tau Kok is a township in the northeastern-most part of Hong Kong adjacent to the Mainland. It has been a Frontier Closed Area with restricted access for decades, but when it was progressively opened up for tourism in recent years, many visitors have been immediately attracted by the lesser-known history, culture and natural elements there. Apart from its unique attractions, Sha Tau Kok is also where tourists may easily access to the stunning nearby islands and villages, such as Lai Chi Wo, Kat O, Ap Chau and Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, by water-borne transport. #ddHK will embark on a new journey to lead visitors to delve deeper into the offerings in this mysterious frontier township.

Tourism Experiences Curated by a Global Line-up of Creative Units

Continuing its mission to create new travel experiences through design and creativity, #ddHK will bring together a lineup of seven creative units from overseas, the Mainland and Hong Kong to inject creative elements into various venues in Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok in the urban, heritage and natural settings. In addition, through crossovers with cultural and creative hotspots, heritage sites, nature attractions and local delicacies, an array of immersive visiting routes will also be introduced for visitors of different interests. The collaborating creative units include animation artist Coolman Coffeedan (USA), interactive public art and design studio ENESS (Australia), multi-disciplinary artist En Iwamura (Japan), floral installation artist Kiki Ji (The Mainland), contemporary artist Louis To Wun (Hong Kong), artist and illustrator Vivian Ho (Hong Kong), and knot designer Zoe Siu (Hong Kong). (Please refer to the Appendix for brief biographies of the creative units.)

Through cross-sector collaboration, #ddHK will also curate a series of exciting activities filled with local flavour, including themed guided tours, cultural and eco workshops, live performances, weekend markets, and many others, throughout the event period. Tourists and locals alike are invited to explore and experience the infinite possibilities brought by the two lovely neighbourhoods. Stay tuned for further information and event announcements to be made by the curatorial team in the near future.

Hashtag: #ddHK



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

About Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK)

Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) is a creative tourism project that celebrates authentic culture and creativity and livens up unique neighbourhoods in Hong Kong through design elements. Launched in 2018, #ddHK has transformed different neighbourhoods into new tourism destinations filled with characteristics, and has become a well-acclaimed creative cultural tourism project. A brand new #ddHK event themed “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” will be held from December 2024 to February 2025, leading visitors from around the world to immerse themselves into two diverse, distinctive and captivating neighbourhoods, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok. Creative elements will also be injected to highlight the unique charm of the two places.

Stay tuned!

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Lao Red Cross Boosts Blood Services: A Lifesaving Leap Forward

Lao Red Cross Boosts Blood Services: A Lifesaving Leap Forward. (Photo supplied)

The Lao Red Cross-National Blood Transfusion Service (LRC NBTS) project, implemented by the National Blood Transfusion Institute (NBTI) with support from the Swiss Red Cross (SRC), has achieved remarkable progress in its third year.

On 13 September, the Implementation Management Committee (IMC) convened to assess the project’s developments and chart future directions. Co-chaired by Chanthala Souksakhone, Director of NBTI, and Binita Poudel, SRC Country Representative, the meeting brought together representatives from the LRC Headquarters, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NBTI, and various other sectors.

In the first half of 2024, thanks to the support of the Swiss Red Cross, the project successfully collected 35,540 blood units, surpassing 91 percent of its target. 

Key activities during this period included annual planning workshops, community blood donation campaigns, and behavior change communication training. A significant accomplishment was the achievement of AABB certification for the NBTI, demonstrating its commitment to providing safe and high-quality blood transfusion services.

The AABB, or Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, is a globally respected organization that establishes rigorous standards for blood facilities. Achieving AABB certification signifies that a facility meets or exceeds stringent quality and safety benchmarks, ensuring the effectiveness and safety of its blood products.

Looking ahead, the project is set to focus on enhancing blood service quality management, expanding infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships in the remaining months of 2024. Key initiatives will include finalizing standard operating procedures (SOPs), conducting internal inspections, providing refresher training, and pursuing AABB certification for additional facilities.

While significant achievements have been made, the NBTI acknowledges the need for ongoing improvements in various areas. These include expanding the voluntary donor base, enhancing blood service quality, improving infrastructure, ensuring financial sustainability, and strengthening partnerships with international stakeholders.

The NBTI faces several challenges, including the increasing strain on the blood transfusion system due to the growing number of thalassemia patients, the need to maintain and expand AABB accreditation, and the underutilization of plasma.

Thalassemia Care in Laos: Evolving Needs and Challenge

Although blood donations have steadily increased to over 80,000 annually, 40 percent of this blood is allocated to thalassemia patients, necessitating a higher absolute volume of blood donations to meet the growing needs of this population. 

Also, the post-COVID era has witnessed a troubling rise in replacement donations, particularly in Vientiane and the southern region of Champassak, where voluntary donations have experienced a sharp decline.

Enhancing Blood Safety in Laos: Quality Assurance and Future Priorities

While the pursuit of AABB accreditation has led to notable improvements in blood quality at the NBTI in Vientiane, expanding this accreditation to regional and provincial centers remains a critical challenge. This expansion is anticipated to be more straightforward in regions under the jurisdiction of Luang Prabang, Sayaboury, and Vientiane provinces compared to the southern regions.

Proposed Solutions for Strengthening Blood Safety and Thalassemia Care in Laos

To address these challenges, it is proposed that the Ministry of Health develop a comprehensive strategy focusing on testing and counseling for thalassemia, which currently accounts for 40 percent of the blood supply needs

Increasing the number of blood collections and boosting the percentage of voluntary blood donations will be essential steps in this endeavor.

Overall, the LRC NBTS project has made substantial strides in enhancing blood transfusion services in Laos. By tackling the challenges of rising demand for blood transfusions and promoting voluntary donations, the project aims to further strengthen the national blood service and ensure the availability of safe blood products for all.