Laos experienced four consecutive months of trade deficits from January to April this year. This situation has been exacerbated by rising inflation rates, leading to a record depreciation of the national currency, the Lao Kip.
Laos Cracks Down on Drug Trade: Over 10,000 Cases Handled in Five Months
Laos has made significant progress in combating the growing drug trade, handling over 10,000 drug-related cases since the beginning of the year. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone revealed these figures in his address to the National Assembly on 10 June.
Galaxy Macau Unveils “Revel in an Oasis of Bliss” Wellness Campaign
Offering A Series of Health and Wellness Activities to Rejuvenate Body, Mind, and Spirit in the Luxurious Urban Oasis of Galaxy Macau
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 June 2024 – Embracing the current trend of wellness and supporting the Macau SAR Government’s strategy for moderate economic diversification, Galaxy Macau™ Integrated Resort (hereinafter “Galaxy Macau”) has launched the “Revel in an Oasis of Bliss” campaign. This initiative offers a range of activities designed to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual health. Guests are invited to take a break from their busy routines and immerse themselves in the luxurious urban oasis of Galaxy Macau, finding renewal and discovering their true selves.

The “Galaxy Macau Wellness Day”, sponsored by AIA Vitality, marked the official start of the “Revel in an Oasis of Bliss” campaign on June 8 and 9 at Banyan Tree Macau. Industry representatives, media, and guests participated in various wellness activities aimed at healing the body and mind. The day began with morning yoga sessions, promoting deep stretches and full-body relaxation. This was followed by a tea ceremony with Ancient Chinese Qin-Xiao music that explored the traditional art of wellness through Chinese music and tea rituals. Guests also enjoyed an aromatherapy candle-making workshop using natural scents to soothe body, mind, and spirit.

A highlight of the event was the immersive sleeping & healing concert by “Ming Shi”, one of China’s most influential sleep therapy teams. This unique performance, a first for Hong Kong and Macau, used music as a remedy for common modern ailments such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Through innovative renditions with instruments like the piano, guqin, and flute, participants were guided through an auditory journey simulating natural environments, easing accumulated stress and tension, and leading them to a tranquil and rejuvenating “seven-layer dream”.

Galaxy Promenade, housing luxury fashion and clean beauty brands from around the world, is an ideal destination for a shopping therapy. It regularly hosts pop-up stores and themed art exhibitions, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxing shopping experience while rejuvenating their bodies and minds. From now until June 24, guests are invited to visit the exclusive Summer in Dior Pop-Up at Pearl Lobby, Galaxy Promenade. This pop-up store offers a summer vacation vibe with one-on-one makeup, skincare, hand and facial massage services. The store also features an exclusive Dior Café where guests can relax on lounge chairs, enjoy afternoon tea, and immerse themselves in the elegant lifestyle as interpreted by Dior.

Following this, from June 28 to October 7, the World’s First large-scaled indoor art installations “Eggspression Immersive Art Experience” exhibition will be presented at multiple areas within Galaxy Promenade and Galaxy Art, taking visitors on an artistic journey centered on love and life. This will be an extraordinary egg adventure. Through a series of interactive art installations, it will guide the audience to explore the profound meaning of a positive life that lies behind the humble egg. Additional experiences include a lucky draw, themed workshops, and inspiring culinary delights, allowing guests to embrace a remarkable summer to immersion, unwind and de-stress.
At Galaxy Macau, guests can embark on a refreshing healing journey anytime, anywhere. On a beautiful summer day, families and friends can enjoy nature at the Grand Resort Deck, appreciate the subtropical landscape from the comfort of a tent, have a leisurely picnic, and relax in the 75,000 square meter sky oasis. Galaxy Macau’s restaurants, including CHA BEI and Bei Shan Lou, offer a variety of nutritious Chinese and Western dishes and beverages. Guests can also indulge in healing massages at the Forbes Five-Star Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz-Carlton Spa Macau, or Foot Hub, to explore relaxation at their own pace, savoring moments of tranquility.
For more information about the exciting activities and experiences of the “Revel in an Oasis of Bliss” campaign, please visit the official website at www.galaxymacau.com or follow the latest updates on their official Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, Little Red Book, and Douyin platforms.
Hashtag: #galaxymacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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 and 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; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theaters are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; 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 Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours 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 www.galaxymacau.com,
www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and
www.galaxyicc.com.
Dobin Launches “Card Compass” Feature to Simplify Tracking and Maximising Credit Card Rewards

- Dobin announces the launch of its “Card Compass” feature, redefining how users approach tracking and maximising credit card rewards.
- The company plans to introduce further enhancements in the coming months, rewarding users and empowering them to achieve better financial outcomes.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 June 2024 – Dobin, a financial lifestyle app that launched in July 2023, announces its latest feature, “Card Compass”. This new feature is designed to help users maximise rewards, manage benefits, and track essential data on all their credit cards. With Dobin’s expertise in evaluating credit card rewards and merchant discounts, users can make informed decisions to optimise their financial gains.
Rise of Credit Card Rewards & Complexity of Discount Offers
In today’s saturated financial landscape, consumers are overwhelmed with a variety of credit card options and the complexity of navigating credit card reward programmes. Dobin recognises these challenges and addresses them with digital automation and advanced data analytics, simplifying the path to earning substantial rewards and saving on everyday spending.
Dobin stands out by analysing the reward programmes of nearly 90 credit cards in Singapore, each with its own set of terms and conditions, and sourcing more than 5,000 discount offers. Dobin then provides personalised, data-driven recommendations, making it easier for users to harness the full potential of their spending to earn higher rewards and savings in just a few taps.
Introducing Dobin’s “Card Compass”
Dobin’s latest feature, “Card Compass”, comprises three key components designed to address multiple opportunities for smart spending:
- Card Rewards Maximiser: Users can maximise earning miles, reward points, or cashback on every dollar spent on credit cards. They can search for a merchant and determine the best card to use for their next purchase based on the Merchant Category Code (MCC), payment mode (online or in-store, mobile contactless or physical card, domestic or overseas), and the rewards they want to optimise for (miles or cash).
- Card Benefits Tracker: Users can stay on top of what their credit cards offer by easily accessing the key benefits and terms and conditions. They can also find card-related discounts, ensuring they never miss out on valuable deals and promotions.
- Card Insights Navigator: Users can make informed decisions by managing all their credit cards in one app. This includes viewing essential data such as their account spend, transactions, balances, and payments due. The tool also allows users to view reward balances and track their progress against minimum and maximum spend criteria for accelerated rewards.
Comprehensive Approach to Empower Users
Enhanced by data analytics, the Dobin app is designed to elevate users’ financial outcomes by equipping them with a unique, three-pronged approach:
- Enhanced Visibility: Users can seamlessly track their expenses and cash flow across all credit cards and bank accounts.
- Improved Insights: Users gain valuable insights, allowing them to cut unnecessary expenses and hidden fees.
- Accelerated Rewards: Users can maximise rewards and savings on every purchase by selecting the right credit card and applying valuable discounts.
Empowering Users Towards Better Financial and Reward Outcomes
Dobin is committed to empowering users on their journey towards achieving better financial outcomes. With the launch of “Card Compass”, Dobin continues to set new standards in financial and rewards management by helping users maximise rewards and achieve significant savings despite Singapore’s increasingly complex credit card benefits and merchant promotions.
Since the app’s full release in July 2023, Dobin has gained thousands of monthly downloads, built a community of enthusiastic and engaged users, and established partnerships with leading industry players in financial services and e-commerce.
Dobin’s Founding Team
Backed by a team of experts in the financial industry and tech veterans, Dobin’s founding team brings decades of experience.
The co-founders of Dobin are Khaled Benguerba, Chief Executive Officer, a financial industry veteran with extensive experience at Visa, American Express, and Société Générale; Erwan Macé, Chief Technology Officer, a seasoned entrepreneur with leadership roles at Bitsmedia, Akamai Technologies, Vivendi, and Google; and Gyanendra Singh, Chief Product Officer, an expert in credit risk and data analytics with a career spanning OneCard, Visa, Experian, FICO, and ICICI Bank.
The Dobin app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
Hashtag: #Dobin #Business #Technology #Finance #OpenBanking #SEA
https://www.dobin.io/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dobin/
https://www.instagram.com/dobin_io/
https://t.me/dobin_io_sg
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Dobin
Dobin is a Singapore-based fintech committed to helping fully banked and underbanked customers in Southeast Asia achieve their best financial outcomes. Using Open Finance combined with AI, Dobin’s innovative solutions empower users to gain control over their finances, make informed decisions, and thrive in today’s complex financial landscape with data-driven insights, personalised rewards, and improved access to credit.
Luang Prabang Battles Blood Supply Crisis as International Day Approaches

With International Blood Donation Day approaching, Laos is preparing for an increase in blood donations.
BCI Celebrates the Best in Hong Kong’s Architecture, Building and Design Industry

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 June 2024 – Hong Kong’s 10 most-active architecture firms, contractors and property developers were awarded the BCI Asia’s Top 10 Awards at the annual BCI Asia Awards ceremony held on 7th June 2024, at Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel.

It is of immense pleasure to invite the below as our Guests of Honour at the ceremony –
- Miss LAW Shuk Pui, Rosanna, JP, Permanent Secretary for Housing / Director of Housing, Housing Bureau/ Housing Department, Hong Kong SAR Government
- Hon Judy CHAN Kapui, MH, JP, Member of the Legislative Council (Election Committee), Hong Kong SAR Government
- Hon Tony TSE Wai Chuen, BBS, JP, Member of the Legislative Council (Functional Constituency – Architectural, Surveying, Planning and Landscape), Hong Kong SAR Government,
together with the related personnel from the Liaison Office of Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR.
The portfolios of these elite architecture firms comprise USD25.17 billion worth of properties scheduled to start construction in Hong Kong this year, while the portfolios of the top developers are valued at USD4.13 billion. These firms were chosen based on the greatest aggregate value of projects under construction during the last full calendar year, weighted by the extent of their sustainability efforts. For architecture firm, pre-tender projects were included to recognise early incorporation of Green design efforts.
The Top Ten Main Contractors in Hong Kong are identified as the firms with the greatest aggregate value of projects by the extent of their sustainability and confirmed green building ratings at USD15.05 billion. Projects reported in BCI Central’s construction big data system between 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 at Construction stage.
BCI ASIA TOP 10 ARCHITECTS 2024 (In alphabetical order)
- Aedas
- Andrew Lee King Fun & Associates Architects Ltd.
- DLN Architects Limited
- Hsin Yieh Architects & Engineers Limited
- Lead8
- LWK + PARTNERS (HK) Limited
- P&T Group
- Ronald Lu & Partners
- Wong & Ouyang (HK) Ltd.
- Wong Tung & Partners Limited
BCI ASIA TOP 10 DEVELOPERS 2024 (In alphabetical order)
- China Resources Land (Overseas) Limited
- Chinachem Group
- Emperor International Holdings Limited
- Henderson Land Development Company Limited
- K. Wah International Holdings Limited
- Kerry Properties Limited
- New World Development Company Limited
- Sino Land Company Limited
- Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited
- Vanke Holdings (Hong Kong) Company Limited
BCI ASIA TOP 10 CONTRACTORS 2024 (In alphabetical order)
- Build King Holdings Limited
- Chevalier (Construction) Company Limited
- China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited
- Chun Wo Construction Holdings Company Limited
- CR Construction Company Limited
- Gammon Construction Limited
- Hip Hing Construction Co., Ltd.
- Paul Y. Engineering Group Limited
- SOCAM Development Limited
- Unistress Building Construction Limited
The event also showcased regional winners and merit recipients of Asia’ leading Green design competition FuturArc Prize and BCI Interior Design Awards.
FuturArc Prize
FuturArc Prize (FAP) is an international Green design competition that inspires and elevates the creativity and spirit of sustainability in architecture professionals and students alike. The 2024 cycle was held from September 2023 to February 2024 with the theme of Architecture for Life After. This cycle asked entrants to propose architectural solutions and ideas for the continuation of life after either one or both of the following scenarios: Climate Destruction and/or Endings.
The competition received over 700 registrations from more than 20 countries. This cycle’s jury panel comprised multidisciplinary built environment experts across Asian contexts: Dzung Do Nguyen, Co-Founder and CEO of enCity and enfarm Agritech; Farizan d’Avezac de Moran, Senior Partner and leader at GreenA Consultants; and Dr Tony Ip, Founder of Tony Ip Green Architects.
Following two rounds of judging, the FAP 2024 winners and merit recipients have been selected as follows:
Winners:
- First Place: Arkansyah Farras Setiawan (Indonesia) for Ouroboros – The Architectural Gamification to Terraforming Tangerang Trashscape
- Second Place: Lyvia Simano (Singapore) for Coastal Reform – Muara Angke 2100
- Third Place: Kamil Muhammad, Raushan Fikri, Gerald Djunaedy and Novita Anggraini (Indonesia) for The Spatialisation of Salt
Merits (in no particular order):
- Hà Nhựt Anh and Nguyễn Gia Huy (Vietnam) for Reviving Mines – The Tan Cang Ecosystem
- Pham Nguyen Hung, Le Xuan Vinh Khang, Ho Nghiem Thuy Quynh and Nguyen Thanh Tan (Vietnam) for Circulation of Life
- Nguyen Chi Dung, Pham Duong Dang Huy, Thach Tran Xuan Anh and Le Quoc Thai (Vietnam) for Haven to Heaven
- Ian Chung (Singapore) for The Commons Cooperative
- Chai Yi Yang and Ng Yi Ming (Malaysia) for Living Traces, Leaving Traces
- Abraham Chintianto, Andianto Mahdi Prasasya, Adika Ramaghazy, Kenzy Arandha Irdham and Tasyarin Hasnaa Prisidiyani (Indonesia) for Mangrupuncture – The Tale of Coastal Remediation
They will be awarded at the respective local BCI Asia Awards 2024 to be held across the seven BCI Central countries. The awardees will receive cash prizes, trophies, certificates and recognition on FuturArc print and online platforms. For more information, please visit www.futurarc.com/competitions.
BCI Interior Design Awards
BCI Interior Design Awards (IDA) is a regionally renowned competition that recognises beauty and originality in completed interior design projects in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. The 2024 cycle called for projects under the theme of “Tone × Texture” to select those that have demonstrated a masterful command over colour and texture in crafting ingenious interiors, as well as contributing to sustainability and providing a positive impact on users.
More than 280 firms with projects across seven countries (China & Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) participated in this cycle. The jurors for this cycle are professionals who are experts in the design industry for more than 15 years: Budi Kurniawan, the founder and principal design of BK Studio (Indonesia); IDr Norshafina Ibrahim, the co-founder of Skala Design Consult Sdn Bhd (Malaysia); and Vicky Chan, the founder of Avoid Obvious Architects (Hong Kong).
Awarded in two categories, the IDA 2024 winning and merit projects are:
Residential:
- First Place: The Luxury House by Cat Moc Group (Vietnam)
- Second Place: The St. Regis Residence by Natalie Kwong Studio (Indonesia)
- Third Place: Kabuchin Penthouse by Idee Architects (Vietnam)
- Merit: Luxurious Sophistication by Artwill Interior Design House (Hong Kong)
Commercial:
- First Place: Angels’ Share Bar by Eigh-T Architects (Vietnam)
- Second Place: Crystal Restaurant by NH Village for Architectural Design Company Limited (Vietnam)
- Third Place: Beauty of Light by Arti Studio Limited (Hong Kong)
- Merit: Shenzhen Yanlord Dream Center by Woods Bagot (Hong Kong)
- Merit: The Greenhouse at Dulwich College by DP Architects Pte Ltd (Singapore)
The project teams of the winning entries from Hong Kong have been awarded at the same Award Ceremony, while other project teams will be awarded at the other respective local BCI Asia Awards 2024 to be held across the seven BCI Central countries. They will receive cash prizes, trophies, certificates and recognition on Construction Plus’ print and online platforms. For more information, please visit www.constructionplusasia.com/competition.
BCI Asia Awards Hong Kong 2024 is proudly presented by:
Top 10 Architects & Developers:
Award & Event Partners: Greentins, Commy, Dyson, LIXIL
Exhibitors: Eco-Green, Jupiter, Moderato
Top 10 Contractors:
Sapphire: Hilti, Peri
IDA Gold Sponsor: LIXIL
Event Backdrop sponsor: Play Concept
Gallery Sponsor: Saint-Gobain Hong Kong & Macau
Banquet Sponsor: Mitsubishi Electric (Hong Kong)
Furniture Sponsor: Patio Verde
Green Pilot Sponsor: Eco-Green, Fujifilm
Hashtag: #BCICentral #BCIAsiaAwards #BCIHK #HongKong #Top10Developers #Top10Architects #Top10Contractors #FuturArcPrize #BCIAsialnteriorDesignAwards
https://www.bcicentral.com/zh/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcicentral/
https://www.facebook.com/bcicentral.group
https://www.instagram.com/bcicentral/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About FuturArc Prize
Launched in 2008, FuturArc Prize is the first international Green building design competition in Asia open to professionals and students. It aims to trigger continuous change and creativity in the art and science of building design, showcasing innovative ideas and solutions for a sustainable future. With a highly respected international jury and tremendous industry support, the Prize enables Green building design ideas and practitioners to emerge on the regional stage. Winning entries from the competition are published in both the Journal’s annual Green edition and on its website. Year after year, the competition attracts an increasing number of participants from more than 20 countries. Contact us: prize@futurarc.com
About BCI Interior Design Awards
In 2016, the BCI Group of Companies introduced the Interior Design Awards with a clear mission: to honour exceptional interior architectural designs that excel in aesthetics, functionality, and ergonomics. This competition serves as a powerful platform to raise awareness about responsible design encompassing human, economic, environmental, and ethical considerations. It underscores the pivotal role of excellent design in shaping our society.
Contact us: idawards@bcicentral.com
About BCI Asia Awards & BCI Central
Celebrating 19 years of building and design leadership, BCI Asia Awards remains as one of the most coveted awards in the regional building industry while serving as a platform for domestic and international networking among elite architecture firms, property developers, manufacturers and service providers.
The BCI construction media group reports future construction projects in the Asia Pacific region. BCI bridges the information gap between design consultants seeking to specify products for their projects and suppliers seeking to inform them about building products and new construction technologies. In doing so, BCI Central conducts more than 250,000 face-to-face and phone interviews with architects, developers, engineers and contractors every year, reporting on approximately USD400 billion worth of projects. Besides promoting efficiency and transparency through its research services, BCI also publishes the award-winning
FuturArc journal,
Construction+ magazine and other architectural books.
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Denmark Recalls Spicy South Korean Noodles Over Health Concerns
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Food authorities in Denmark have recalled three types of spicy instant noodle products imported from South Korea over possible risks for “acute poisoning.” Consumers are asked to discard them or return the noodles to the retailer.
Luang Namtha Boosts Tourism with New Attraction Study
Luang Namtha Province is actively enhancing its tourist sites to attract both foreign and national tourists. The province is particularly popular in winter, drawing visitors to its ethnic villages and temples.