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Laos: July Inflation Rate Remains High Amid Rising Living Costs

Patuxay Monument (Photo: Laotian Times)

In July, Laos continued to grapple with high inflation, with the rate slightly decreasing to 26.1 percent from June’s peak of 26.2 percent. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) also climbed from 234.5 in June to 239.8 in July, highlighting the rising cost of living in the country.

According to the Lao Statistics Bureau, the healthcare and medicine sector experienced the most significant price increase, soaring by 39.9 percent. Other sectors with notable price hikes included restaurants and hotels at 34.4 percent, and shelter, water, electricity, and cooking fuel at 34.1 percent. Additionally, prices for home appliances, alcohol and tobacco, and food and non-alcoholic beverages also saw significant rises.

Within the healthcare and medicine sector, there were substantial increases in the prices of pharmaceutical products and children’s medicines. Transportation costs, including fuel, automobiles, and motorcycles, also experienced notable rises, further straining the budgets of Lao citizens.

The country has seen considerable fluctuations in exchange rates, particularly against the Thai baht. On 26 July, Lao commercial banks, including BCEL and Phongsavanh Bank, adjusted their rates up to five times, with the baht falling from over LAK 700 to just above LAK 620. 

These currency fluctuations have also impacted gold prices in Laos. Local shops have been adjusting prices on weekends when the global market is closed, leading to confusion among residents and customers.

In response to these economic challenges, Soulisack Thamnouvong, Director General of the Monetary Policy Department at the Bank of Laos (BOL), recently stated that the central bank is working with sectors such as tourism, mining, and agriculture to enhance foreign investment and increase currency inflows. He highlighted that Laos’ financial challenges are driven by external factors like shifts in major economies’ financial policies and internal issues, including high demand for foreign currencies due to imports, debt repayments, and persistent trade deficits.

Additionally, in a recent government cabinet meeting, President Thongloun Sisoulith directed the government to urgently address inflation and halt the depreciation of the kip as part of a broader strategy to tackle the country’s financial difficulties. The government’s actions will be crucial in stabilizing the economy and alleviating the financial strain on Lao citizens.

Discover the EEE rating for Sustainable Tourism in Thailand


THAILAND, BANGKOK – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2024 – Sustainable tourism is a crucial approach to promoting environmentally and socially responsible travel. Effective hygiene management is central to this, especially in the current era where tourists demand higher standards of hygiene and cleanliness. Utilizing biotechnology to enhance cleaning efficiency while being eco-friendly is the most suitable option.

Cover_picture_FT

Dr. Watson Ariyaphuttarat, President of the Thai Biotech Industry Association, stated that the association aims to promote tourism through biotechnology for effective hygiene management. This approach not only reduces the use of harmful chemicals but also fosters efficient waste management, reducing long-term environmental impact, which is essential for sustainable tourism. In this mission, the Thai Biotech Industry Association collaborates with the Sustainism Project, Mahidol University’s Faculty of Environment, and Suan Dusit University’s Faculty of Science and Technology as academic advisors, along with certification from the Department of Climate Change and Environment, enhances the credibility and international acceptance of this initiative.

Discover the EEE rating for Sustainable Tourism in Thailand.

Participating tourism businesses, such as mass transit, restaurants, hotels, and various tourist attractions, will receive the EEE symbol. This symbol signifies their support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , such as

SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, The use of bioproducts reduces chemical discharge into water sources and improves water quality.
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, Promoting eco-friendly products reduces waste and supports sustainable production.
SDG 14 Life Below Water, Reducing the discharge of toxic chemicals into the sea helps preserve marine environments.

A case study of BTS Group Holdings, a major mass transit provider in Thailand, highlights their outstanding alignment with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. BTS Group has achieved a top 1% position in the S&P Global ESG Scores for sustainable companies worldwide. They have partnered with KEEEN, a company specializing in eco-friendly bioproducts, to support and enhance their ESG-driven business practices. This collaboration demonstrates both organizations’ commitment to creating a sustainable society and protecting the environment.

Similarly, Bangkok Airways has adopted biotechnology innovations from KEEEN for maintaining their office buildings, parking bays, and aircraft maintenance areas. This elevates their standards for hygiene management and environmental management, effectively reducing environmental impact while enhancing staff safety and hygiene. Additionally, this effort improves the airline’s image and credibility among investors.

The EEE symbol reassures tourists that their journey will be safe and environmentally responsible. The adoption of biotechnology reduces carbon emissions, making Thailand an attractive and credible destination for sustainable tourism on the global stage.

Mr. Nithee Sriprae, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated that Thailand’s tourism industry significantly contributes to the country’s economy and its reputation as a premier global tourist destination. The combination of Thailand’s rich culture, warm hospitality, breathtaking natural beauty, and diverse cultural experiences has made it a favorite among travelers worldwide. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recognizes the importance of sustainable tourism and has implemented policies to minimize negative impacts on the environment, society, and culture, while maximizing economic benefits. By promoting sustainable tourism practices, TAT aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry in Thailand, attracting environmentally conscious tourists and maintaining the country’s position as a top destination.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is collaborating with the Sustainism Project on this sustainable tourism mission. They are selecting restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions that adhere to TAT’s sustainable tourism policies to assure global travelers who prioritize social and environmental responsibility.

TAT’s perspective on welcoming foreign tourists goes beyond providing friendly service; we aim to offer them authentic Thai experiences that will leave a lasting impression and inspire them to become ambassadors for Thai tourism. Through initiatives highlighting Thai cuisine, Muay Thai, cultural festivals, and efforts to target specific market segments, TAT expects the tourism industry to grow significantly in 2024. By offering diverse travel experiences and committing to sustainable development, Thailand will remain a top destination for travelers seeking memorable and warm, sustainable hospitality.

Additionally, TAT’s collaboration with the Michelin Guide Thailand is an excellent opportunity to boost international tourists’ confidence in Thai cuisine. This partnership will create jobs, generate income, and stimulate economic spending. Moreover, it will elevate the standards of Thai cuisine to be on par with global benchmarks.

Mr. Chamnan Srisawat, Chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand, stated that tourist trends are changing. Tourists are becoming more aware of environmental and social issues and are placing greater importance on sustainable tourism. As representatives of the private sector in tourism, we aim to design travel experiences that respond more to sustainability. Partnering with Sustainism Project allows us to effectively drive sustainability initiatives, providing partners to co-create, design, and drive sustainable tourism to become a reality.

Initially, our goal is to curate a list of at least 100 restaurants that meet sustainability criteria to cater to tourists seeking sustainable dining experiences. We will award the EEE Symbol to restaurants that meet our standards and promote these venues to global tourists through our O2O network and media partners both locally and internationally.

Looking ahead, it is expected that Thailand’s sustainable tourism industry will play a crucial role in enhancing the country’s capabilities, welcoming up to 40 million tourists by 2026 and generating over 3.6 trillion baht in revenue.
Hashtag: #O2O #O2Oforum #O2OESG #EEE #TAT #TCT

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

Introducing Cloud Phone by CloudMosa: A transformative affordable solution enabling internet and app ecosystem access for the next billion users

  • Closing the ‘B-Gap’ – How CloudMosa and HMD have cracked getting the next billion people online through a new cloud solution delivered on affordable devices
  • CloudMosa unveils new cloud-driven technology that makes internet and modern app experiences accessible on low-cost feature phones, piloting with HMD’s Nokia 110 4G (2023) and 106 4G (2023) devices
  • Opening significant business expansion and spectrum migration opportunities for telecom carriers, manufacturers, and content providers in the transition from 2G to 4G
  • Bridging the gap for underserved communities, fostering digital inclusion through easy internet access

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2024 – CloudMosa, a leading cloud and mobile technology company today announces the launch of Cloud Phone, a cloud-based technology that enables the most affordable devices to bridge the digital divide. This solution ushers in a new era of affordable connectivity and huge opportunities for growth and innovation for telecom carriers, phone manufacturers and content providers. CloudMosa aims to bridge the gap for the billions of people worldwide that still lack crucial access to the internet and app ecosystem, which are no longer a luxury but a basic human need in today’s digital-driven world.

CloudMosa landed on a critical equation to bring the next billion people online

Piloted in India in partnership with Human Mobile Devices (HMD), makers of Nokia phones, CloudMosa’s Cloud Phone technology has enabled existing Nokia 110 4G (2023) and Nokia 106 4G (2023) feature phones to access YouTube Shorts and other cloud widget applications for news, weather and more. This successful soft launch marks the start of Cloud Phone’s expansion to provide digital access to more underserved users across the globe.

Using cloud technology to run phone functions virtually, Cloud Phone presents a transformative array of features that extend internet accessibility and modern app experiences to 4G feature phones at prices a fraction of the cost of most budget smartphones. This innovation marks a significant departure from the conventional perception of cloud technology as a luxury reserved for the affluent, demonstrating its newfound role as a democratizing force for underserved communities. The Cloud Phone system operates on a user-friendly virtual browser platform, facilitating seamless access to real-time content through popular web applications such as YouTube and Facebook via cloud-based widgets.

A turning point in mobile computing

The soft launch in India found high demand for YouTube Shorts — around 70.3% among Nokia 4G 110 (2023) and 116 (2023) users[1]. This trend highlights the opportunity Cloud Phone technology provides for telecom carriers and other ecosystem players to shift from traditional voice and text-based business models to dynamic data-driven possibilities.

The launch of Cloud Phone technology unlocks growth opportunities for telecom carriers, phone manufacturers and content providers, which all face challenges in the form of saturation and commoditization. For telecom carriers it’s a golden opportunity to secure new subscribers, upgrade existing prepaid customers and build loyalty in the transition from 2G to 4G. For makers, it is a chance to dramatically expand their user base and forge new partnerships.

Content providers, meanwhile, stand to gain access to a group that has never experienced social media or online entertainment. The results of the India pilot program emphasize the demand for content and a chance to convert these new users into lifelong fans.

“Our mission is to disrupt the paradigm and lead the next phase of the mobile revolution,” said Shioupyn Shen, CloudMosa’s Founder and CEO. “With our Cloud Phone technology, we aim to partner with industry and ecosystem giants in telecommunications, phone manufacturing and content providers to reach new markets and capitalize on the immense potential of bringing the next billion users online. Cloud Phone represents a pivotal first step towards our goal where any device at any price point, even as low as $10, can leverage the cloud for robust user experiences, never before possible on constrained feature phone hardware. Our solution will empower individuals with more equal opportunities and access to the internet, which should be a basic human right for all.”

Ravi Kunwar, VP India and APAC – HMD said, “At HMD, we’re not merely in the business of selling both smartphones and feature phones; we’re shaping culture, advancing connectivity, and propelling innovation forward. We firmly believe in human-centric innovation, in this case being the first adopter of Cloud Phone technology and inventing and integrating new functions into our feature phones and in the process bridging the digital divide.”

Closing the “B-Gap”

CloudMosa landed on a critical equation to bring the next billion people online: (A) connectivity + (B) affordable devices with compelling applications. Major tech companies have made significant strides in addressing connectivity (A). However, the real challenge lies in providing affordable devices (B) for those below the poverty line, many of whom struggle with rural internet connectivity, inadequate infrastructure, and expensive devices.

Cloud Phone addresses the affordability issue, which CloudMosa has termed the “B-Gap” — the chasm preventing billions of users from coming online or continuing their journey to accessing all the internet has to offer. Whether it’s societal inclusion and entertainment through social media platforms, real-time weather forecasts for farmers to ensure a better harvest or creating digital profiles to unlock essential government services and financial aid, Cloud Phone technology serves as a lifeline, providing access to critical information, education, healthcare, government services, and entertainment for those with limited incomes.

Looking ahead, CloudMosa plans to expand its ecosystem of partners, reaching more regions including South Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. Visit https://www.cloudphone.tech to find out more.

For more information on CloudMosa and other launch materials, click here for the full press kit.


[1] Sourced from internal CloudMosa data.

Hashtag: #CloudMosa

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

About CloudMosa

CloudMosa is a pioneer in providing cloud computing and remote browser solutions for both the consumer and enterprise sectors. For over a decade, CloudMosa has developed products with unparalleled security, speed, and efficiency for its clients. With a suite of offerings powered by its flagship product, Puffin Cloud Avatar Technology, CloudMosa is committed to reshaping the digital landscape and empowering users for a faster, more secure mobile experience. To learn more about CloudMosa’s cloud-powered solutions, visit .

About HMD

We are HMD, Human Mobile Devices. At HMD, we start by tuning into what people really want. Our consumers are passionate about the planet, often feel swamped by digital overload, and are keeping a close eye on their budget. That’s why we are thrilled to be Europe’s largest smartphone maker, championing repair-at-home phones, and a go-to for much needed digital time out.

Coming this year, you can expect to see a new portfolio of HMD original mobile devices, as well as Nokia phones and exciting new partnerships. For further information, see .

TM and © 2024 HMD Global. All rights reserved. HMD Global Oy is a licensee of the Nokia brand for phones. Nokia is a registered trademark of Nokia Corporation.

YouTube is a trademark of Google LLC.

Taiwan Cybersecurity Day in Thailand: Showcasing Innovative Solutions and Leadership in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Experts Bolster Digital Transformation, Strengthen Corporate Defenses


TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2024 – In response to global supply chain changes, Thailand, located at the center of ASEAN, has become a top choice for international manufacturers, promoting digital transformation across various industries. Digitalization inevitably increases cybersecurity risks, making supply chain security a top priority. As a high-tech stronghold, Taiwan has extensive supply chain cybersecurity experience and has nurtured numerous solution providers that are highly regarded internationally.

'Taiwan Cybersecurity Day' EDM
‘Taiwan Cybersecurity Day’ EDM

To encourage the collaboration between Thailand and Taiwan in cybersecurity, Taiwanese corporations and associations have organized a delegation of renowned cybersecurity firms to Bangkok in early August. The delegation will lead several well-known Taiwanese cybersecurity companies to visit public associations in Bangkok and hold a ‘Taiwan Cybersecurity Day,’ sharing and exchanging Taiwan’s expertise in supply chain cybersecurity and cybersecurity verification. The delegation will also discuss strategies for joint defense against cyberattacks and ways to enhance international cooperation.

‘Taiwan Cybersecurity Day’ will be held on August 7 (Wednesday) afternoon at The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam in Bangkok. The event will feature presentations from internationally acclaimed Taiwanese cybersecurity firms like CHT Security, Billows Technology, KeyXentic, Cycraft Technology, Array Networks Taiwan, PacketX Technology, SYSTEX Corporation, uniXecure Technology Corporation. They’ll share insights on zero trust solutions, OT cybersecurity technology, professional cybersecurity management and detection services, etc. Invitations have been extended to exchange ideas with government officials, corporate executives, technical experts, and academic representatives. The event invites all interested in cybersecurity issues to join us in exploring how to maintain competitiveness and information security in the digital age. For more event details, please refer to the event page: https://reurl.cc/XG7KGD.
Hashtag: #CISA

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

Brands and Business Magazine awards OctaTrader as the best trading platform of 2024 in Malaysia


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2024 – OctaTrader, a multi-platform investing solution developed by a global broker Octa, was named Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024 by Brands and Business Magazine. The award is granted to businesses and brands that create breakthrough concepts, contribute to society, and drive synergies across platforms.

Octa

The Brands and Business Magazine annually marks achievements in various verticals in the space of business, industry, and finance. With that goal, the magazine assesses participants across various sectors and geographies.

Awarded by Brands and Business Magazine as Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024, OctaTrader is the all-in-one investment solution developed by Octa (ex-OctaFX), a global broker with a successful track record in the financial markets of more than 12 years. OctaTrader reflects the company’s long and successful track record, offering both emerging and seasoned traders a personalised journey streamlined every step of the way.

With a full-fledged analytical toolkit designed to support the decision-making process and a database with a wide scope of educational content integrated into the application, OctaTrader promotes a less stressful, more enjoyable and comprehensible approach to trading within Octa’s strategic vision of making trading more efficient and accessible. A dynamically evolving product, Octa’s trading platform continually improves user experience by implementing the best international practices and incrementally covering the most popular trader demands.

With Space — a customisable data feed and analytical hub seamlessly integrated into the platform — the Octa’s solution brings even more value to its clients, on top of favourable trading conditions, transaction transparency, and top-tier customer support.
Hashtag: #Octa

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

Octa

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

Babysteps Medical Unveils Brick-and-Mortar Clinic at Newton


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2024 – Babysteps Medical, a house call medical service for children, has announced their expansion to Newton, Singapore. With a physical, brick-and-mortar clinic located in central Singapore, Babysteps Medical aims to provide accessible and efficient medical care to patients unable to schedule a same-day house call visit. The new clinic, which will be called Babysteps & Beyond (Medical & Dental Clinic), offers a broader scope of services, including general adult and paediatric dentistry as well.

While Babysteps Medical has built a reputation for delivering convenient and personalised medical care directly to patients’ homes, the overwhelming demand for house call visits has, at times, resulted in limited availability for same-day appointments. As such, some patients are unable to receive medical attention for urgent enquiries and concerns. The new physical clinic—Babysteps & Beyond (Medical & Dental Clinic)—will allow Babysteps Medical to better serve their patients by offering same day appointments for their child to be seen physically in clinic. Babysteps Medical also hopes their clinic, Babysteps & Beyond (Medical & Dental Clinic), provides individuals with another quality option should they be looking for family-focused medical clinics in central Singapore.

Moreover, with the expansion into paediatric dentistry, Babysteps & Beyond (Medical & Dental Clinic) provides a one-stop clinic for children’s health looking after not only medical health but also dental health. The new clinic is also designed to separate unwell children from well children to avoid exposing the latter, who may be seeking to undergo check-ups and vaccinations, to illnesses. The clinic is also open daily for accessibility.

Babysteps Medical currently provides house call consultation for patients of all ages. Their primary services include jaundice management, vaccinations, childhood developmental screening, acute and chronic home visits, and teleconsults. Led by Medical Director Dr Adrian Tan, the team has vast experience in primary care and relevant post-graduate certifications in child’s health that enables them to see a wide range of patients. Additionally, Babysteps Medical works closely with paediatricians from nearby hospitals. This allows the clinic to assist with hospital treatment referrals in the case that any patients require admission.

Babysteps & Beyond (Medical & Dental Clinic) is a reliable and convenient healthcare option for all family members, from infants to grandparents. As a clinic for both the paediatric and adult population, Babysteps Medical constantly seeks ways to provide personalised care for all families.

For more information on services of Babysteps Medical and Babysteps & Beyond (Medical & Dental Clinic), please visit https://babystepsmedical.sg/ and https://babystepsbeyond.sg
Hashtag: #BabystepsMedical #paediatric #paediatricdentistry



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

SKINARMA Unveils JUNO: A New Collection for the Everyday Explorer


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2024 – SKINARMA, the Singaporean lifestyle brand known for pushing the boundaries of self-expression and style, is set to launch its latest collection, JUNO. Coming soon, this collection will be available for purchase online. The collection embodies the brand’s vision to rewrite how fashion, tech, art and culture are seen.

Unveiling the latest from SKINARMA, the JUNO Collection blends urban chic with outdoor functionality.
Unveiling the latest from SKINARMA, the JUNO Collection blends urban chic with outdoor functionality.

Introducing the JUNO Collection

Founded in 2018, SKINARMA has quickly gained a niche following worldwide, from Taiwan to Dubai, by merging fashion and tech with unfiltered creative freedom. The JUNO collection marks a new direction for the brand, showcasing a stripped-down aesthetic that sets it apart from previous offerings.

JUNO is a capsule collection of carry items inspired by the outdoors and influenced by recent gorpcore trends. This new line of laptop sleeves, sling bags, and crossbody sacoche bags seamlessly blends functionality with the characteristics of outdoor hiking gear and modern utility bags, catering to the everyday person seeking style and practicality.

Departing from previous designs with loud logotypes and reflective materials, JUNO features a minimalist aesthetic with a subtle x-print and muted colours. Hidden snap closures and numerous pockets and compartments make these pieces ideal for daily use, whether heading to the office or embarking on a weekend hike.

“JUNO was designed with the everyday person in mind. We wanted to create a highly functional collection for all kinds of situations – travel, work, everyday activities, and even outdoor adventures. And we opted to pair it with a clean, simple aesthetic while still retaining that signature SKRM attitude so that anyone can carry and style it the way they want,” shared Darren, Fashion Director at SKINARMA.

While there are no immediate plans for expansion, the brand hints at future releases, including the JUNO bag straps as a versatile lanyard/strap collection. This move allows customers to add a touch of SKINARMA flair to their phones or other small crossbody bags.

The JUNO collection will be available on the brand’s website (https://skinarma.com). New customers who sign up for SKINARMA’s mailing list can enjoy a 10% discount on their first purchase, including items from the JUNO collection.

For the latest updates on the JUNO collection and future releases, follow SKINARMA on social media below.

Hashtag: #SKINARMA




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

PROVACUNO launches a new campaign co-funded by the European Union to promote European Beef from Spain in Singapore, the Philippines and Japan

To Highlighting and placing value to the main characteristics of the European production model


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 July 2024 – PROVACUNO, with the support of the European Union, is launching the “It’s time for European Beef” program to promote European Beef from Spain in the Philippines, Japan and Singapore for three years, highlighting and placing value to the main characteristics of the European production model.

Provacuno

During the campaign, a series of strategic actions will be carried out to promote European beef from Spain, including public relations activities and press releases, as well as a strong web and social media presence, with a special focus on Instagram and Facebook.

In addition, video recipes attractive to the target audience will be produced and online advertising campaigns will be launched to maximize the reach of the message to be conveyed.

Besides, audiovisuals such as promotional videos, will play a very important role, to help the dissemination of the main messages of the campaign. Apart from that, in the framework of the project it is included the organization of special events such as participation in trade fairs in the three countries, special on-site events, organization of showrooms with well-known European chefs with at least one Michelin star, master classes in culinary schools, workshops with influencers from each country to reach a greater diffusion, visits to production centers and points of sales in each country and inverse trade missions. This way, we expect the main players of the sector to get a better understanding of the European Production Model and the European beef.

The message conveyed highlights the unique characteristics of the European Beef from Spain, a product obtained from young animals fed with high quality cereals and oilseeds, which, at the end, turns into a tender product with excellent flavor, low fat and highly appreciated by consumers.

Hashtag: #PROVACUNO

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