Laos is facing issues in managing its state budget, with billions of kip unaccounted for, according to the Vientiane Capital People’s Assembly on 19 December.
State Budget Mismanagement Uncovered in Vientiane Capital

Step into Hong Kong: Experience the “Immersive Hong Kong” Exhibition in Dubai

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 December 2024 – The “Immersive Hong Kong” exhibition opened today (December 20) in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, making its fifth stop after successful runs in Jakarta, Indonesia; Bangkok, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Guangzhou, China, staged by the Information Services Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

Organised in collaboration with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (Dubai ETO), the exhibition is part of the ISD’s promotional campaign to showcase the city’s new attractions, advantages and opportunities. Themed “Hong Kong – Where the World Looks Ahead”, it invites visitors to explore Hong Kong’s potential for tourism, business and investment.
The Director of Information Services, Mrs Apollonia Liu, said Hong Kong efforts to deepen overseas networks, including closer ties with the Middle East.
“The Chief Executive and principal officials have led delegations since last year to strengthen connections with the Middle East. We hope this exhibition showcase Hong Kong’s unique potential,” Mrs Liu said.
The exhibition features six immersive zones, each highlighting Hong Kong’s world-class strengths:
- Financial Bridgehead: Discover Hong Kong’s leading role as a global financial hub
- I&T Brain Bank: Experience the city’s cutting-edge innovation and technology
- Blossoming Creativity: Delve into Hong Kong’s thriving arts and culture scene
- Diversity and Greenery: Explore greenery and sustainability out of the metropolis Hong Kong
- Buzzing Sports Action: Get a sneak peek of Kai Tak Sports Park, a premier sports and entertainment complex
- Messy Desk x Brand Hong Kong photo corner: Discover local elements from the creative illustration of the Hong Kong skyline
With state-of-the-art displays, naked-eye 3D installations and interactive exhibits, visitors can immerse themselves in the multi-faceted brilliance of Hong Kong.
Join the ‘Snap a Cool Shot @Immersive Hong Kong’ contest! Win a grand prize of two round-trip Cathay Pacific business class tickets to Hong Kong, or secure second prize with two round-trip economy tickets from Dubai.
Enjoy live entertainment From December 20 to 22, including a high-energy street dance show by Move Beyond and a pop concert by SENZA A Cappella, bringing Hong Kong’s dynamic culture to Dubai.
Open daily with free admission, the exhibition runs until January 5, 2025, and offers complimentary souvenirs. Come to discover Hong Kong’s unparalleled blend of innovation, creativity and opportunity.
To learn more, visit https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/en/campaign/hkpromotion-middle-east as well as www.hketodubai.gov.hk/en/index.html.
Hashtag: #ImmersiveHongKong
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Japan’s first overseas JOYPOLIS SPORTS flagship complex opens in Kai Tak Sports Park
The all-weather indoor sportainment complex, JOYPOLIS SPORTS HONG KONG, grandly opens today.
- With five stories and nearly 30,000 square feet, it features dozens of sports entertainment activities.
- With the mission of “Sports for All Generations,” it combines sports and entertainment under the concept of Sportainment.
- The first SEGA-licensed SONIC Stadium and the top-floor themed restaurant “Hungry Tiger, Hidden Dragon” are also unveiled simultaneously.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 December 2024 – The largest indoor amusement park in Japan, TOKYO JOYPOLIS, launched its sister brand JOYPOLIS SPORTS, opening its first overseas flagship complex—JOYPOLIS SPORTS HONG KONG—today with a grand opening ceremony. The event was graced by Mr Shuji Utsumi, President and COO of SEGA CORPORATION; Mr. Justin Scarpone, Executive Vice President, Executive Officer and Head of Global Transmedia Group of SEGA; Mr. Nishiumi Shigehiro, Deputy Consul-General of Japan, Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong; Mr. Arnold Lau, Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, InvestHK, Mr John Sharkey, Project Director, Kai Tak Sports Park Limited; along with Dr Bonnie Or, Director; Mr Vincent Law, Executive Director; Mrs Alice Law, Managing Director, Supreme Joy Limited and Mr Stanley Chan, Director and the owner of the legendary Hong Kong racehorse “Golden Sixty”; Mr Alan Ho, Director; Mr Chan Kam-lung, Director representative; and Mr. Keo. W, representative of “Hungry Tiger Hidden Dragon” and interdisciplinary designer, who served as officiating guests. They celebrated the unveiling of JOYPOLIS SPORTS HONG KONG alongside numerous distinguished guests, business partners, and friends from the sports community.


JOYPOLIS SPORTS HONG KONG – Introduction to the Three Major Themed Areas
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Ninja Dojo
Modern Ninja Training Experience
(Location:G/F)
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Modern Ninja Training Experience
At JOYPOLIS SPORTS HONG KONG, the Ninja Dojo perfectly combines traditional Japanese ninja elements with modern ninja athletic concepts. Participants enter a training dojo where they can enhance their explosive power and reaction speed through traditional ninjutsu techniques, martial arts training, and the throwing of ninja tools. They will face a series of challenges that test both physical fitness and intelligence, earning exclusive scores to assess their modern ninja skills.
Selected Game Highlights:
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SONIC Stadium
SEGA Licensed the First Sports-Themed SONIC Stadium
(Location: 2/F)
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SEGA-Licensed SONIC Stadium
The SONIC Stadium at JOYPOLIS SPORTS HONG KONG is licensed by SEGA that combines multiple SONIC-themed family entertainment attractions. This exciting arena merges the world of SONIC with sports amusement facilities, offering a thrilling experience filled with speed and excitement. Specifically designed for fans, the stadium allows visitors to experience SONIC’s signature moves while pushing their own limits. It also features a dedicated parent-child sports area designed for children aged 2 to 11, ensuring that players of all ages can immerse themselves in the world of SONIC.
Selected Game Highlights:
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FUTURE ARENA
World-Class Innovative Sports Experiences
(Location:3/F)
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Seamless Integration of Physical Sports and Innovative Entertainment
The Future Arena at JOYPOLIS SPORTS HONG KONG combines physical activities with cutting-edge entertainment experiences. It showcases the latest projects developed specifically for the Hong Kong flagship complex, featuring advanced sports games created by top global game developers. Players can immerse themselves in these experiences without wearing any equipment, redefining fitness and entertainment through state-of-the-art technology.
Selected Game Highlights:
The Future Arena promises to offer unparalleled fun and engagement, making it an exciting destination for fitness enthusiasts and gamers alike.
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Merchandise
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Ticketing Office and Souvenir Shop
(Location:1/F)
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Ticketing Office and Souvenir Shop
The ticketing office and souvenir shop are located on the first floor, offering official SEGA SONIC & FRIENDS merchandise from Japan, as well as a variety of SONIC memorabilia from around the world. Every fan will find something to cherish.
Additionally, JOYPOLIS SPORTS HONG KONG will collaborate with popular IPs to periodically launch exclusive events, limited-edition products, collectibles, and even more exciting surprises waiting to be discovered!
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Hashtag: #JOYPOLIS
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About JOYPOLIS SPORTS HONG KONG
- JOYPOLIS SPORTS HONG KONG
Monday to Saturday: 10:30 am – 8:30 pm
- Hungry Tiger Hidden Dragon Restaurant and Bar
Monday to Wednesday, Sunday: 12pm – 10pm
Thursday to Saturday: 12pm – 2am

- Instagram:
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@SONIC_stadium_hk
- Facebook:
JOYPOLIS SPORTS HONG KONG |
SONIC STADIUM HONG KONG
ZJLD Awarded the 2024 Hong Kong Corporate Governance and ESG Excellence Award by the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 December 2024 – The first baijiu company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, ZJLD Group Inc. (“ZJLD” or the “Company”, SEHK stock code: 06979. HK), is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the 2024 Hong Kong Corporate Governance and ESG Excellence Award by the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies (“CHKLC”). This accolade recognizes ZJLD’s outstanding ESG practices and affirms the Company’s effort in sustainable development and responsible business strategies. The award ceremony was successfully held on December 12 with Mr. Joseph Chan, Acting Secretary for the Financial Services and the Treasury, and Dr Kelvin Wong, Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission (“SFC”), attending as guest speakers.

Hashtag: #ZJLD
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About ZJLD Group Inc.
XTransfer and OCBC Jointly Announce Comprehensive Partnership
“Global Multi-Currency Accounts” Empowers SMEs with New Market Opportunities
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 December 2024 – XTransfer, the World’s Leading & China’s No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, and OCBC, the second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia, jointly announced the comprehensive partnership. OCBC China will leverage the OCBC Group’s extensive regional network and resources in its key markets of Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia to collaborate with XTransfer to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaging in international trade with one-stop innovative cross-border financial solutions, including payment, FX, risk control and wealth management. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 18 December 2024 by Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, and Ang Eng Siong, CEO of OCBC China.

Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, stated, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for XTransfer, greatly enhancing our global payment capabilities. By leveraging OCBC’s extensive global payment network, XTransfer saves a substantial amount of market costs and accelerates our business expansion in Southeast Asia, saving on local expansion efforts. XTransfer looks forward to expanding its business with OCBC in the future in a variety of areas, including wealth management and lending, and is looking forward to working with them to capture the vast opportunities in Greater China and ASEAN.”
Ang Eng Siong, CEO of OCBC China, said, “OCBC uses Singapore and Hong Kong as our twin-hubs, radiating out to Greater China and ASEAN regions. XTransfer’s business development plans in these areas align closely with our network layout. As XTransfer’s global account manager, OCBC China will support XTransfer and its clients in facilitating cross-border settlements through close collaboration with various business subsidiaries of the group. This will help meet the growing demand for cross-border development and business growth, helping them achieve their aspirations in Greater China and ASEAN.”
XTransfer and OCBC collaborate in several areas of cross-border business. In particular, XTransfer leverages the strong banking networks and service capabilities of OCBC to offer its customers the “Global Multi-Currency Account” provided by OCBC Hong Kong, allowing clients to make payments and collect funds globally. The Global Multi-Currency Account supports not only major currencies, such as the Renminbi, US Dollar, British Pound, Euro, etc., but also currencies from ASEAN and various countries and regions. This will benefit SMEs in foreign trade settlement in the corresponding countries and enhance global cross-border trade efficiency. The partnership will provide XTransfer’s over 550,000 clients and their buyers with more payment and collection options. Additionally, clients can make payments and collect funds through CHATS or FPS, the local clearing network in Hong Kong, offering convenience similar to local bank transfers.
In recent years, trade exchanges between China and ASEAN have become increasingly close. According to data from XTransfer, from January to September 2024, the amount received by small and medium-sized foreign trade enterprises on the XTransfer platform from ASEAN grew by 80% compared to the previous year. The partnership between XTransfer and OCBC will address this growth in international trade by SMEs, and help them capture opportunities in trade and capital flow between China and ASEAN.
XTransfer continues to build its global payment infrastructure for foreign trade through partnerships with renowned international banks and financial institutions. This partnership with OCBC brings XTransfer a new upgrade in its global payment infrastructure, offering substantial benefits to global cross-border traders. By utilising the Global Multi-Currency Account provided by OCBC Hong Kong, buyers can easily make payments in various currencies to overseas suppliers and collect funds from worldwide customers. This partnership is expected to enhance cross-border trade by significantly broadening the payment methods and scope for SMEs.
Hashtag: #XTransfer #OCBC #Partnership #SMEs #Crossborder #Payments
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Guangzhou Development Zone Aims to Build a Bridgehead for the opening up of Guangzhou, China

GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 December 2024 – This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Guangzhou Development Zone. The revised Regulations of the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone (hereinafter referred to as the “Regulations”) officially came into effect on November 1, 2024.Recently, the district released a micro-documentary “Road in Whampoa” focusing on its 40 years of development, telling the story of their struggle through the stories of companies growing up here.

After 40 years of development, the Guangzhou Development Zone has established three major industrial clusters, each valued at over 10 billion yuan, characterized by high-end equipment, biotechnology, and integrated circuits. Additionally, five industrial clusters, each exceeding 100 billion yuan, are represented by automobiles, new displays, green energy, new materials, and health and beauty products. The zone is also taking the lead in the low-altitude economy and artificial intelligence sectors, aiming for a new trillion-yuan market.
‘The Guangzhou Development District has formed a relatively complete industrial chain, ranging from the equipment and materials supply to the panel processing, and the terminal application.’said Zhang Haitao, general manager of TCL CSOT, Guangzhou Base.
The Guangzhou Development Zone was born out of reform and has thrived through openness. As a key gateway for Guangzhou’s external openness, foreign investment has always been a pivotal topic since the zone’s establishment. In 2023, the actual foreign investment utilized by the Guangzhou Development Zone surpassed 3 billion US dollars for the first time, accounting for 44.4% of the city’s total foreign investment. The zone has maintained its position as the top economic development zone in the country for five consecutive years.
‘When we joined the Development District, we fully utilized the innate advantage of the Development District as a window of reform and opening up. The entrepreneurial spirit of that time is still fresh in the memory of these entrepreneurs.’said Chen Senlin, vice president of Supply Chain, Amway China.
In this revision of the Regulations, “openness” remains a prominent development keyword for the Guangzhou Development Zone. The zone aims not only to attract high-quality investments but also to adhere to a strategy of high-quality outbound engagement. By pursuing both “bringing in” and “going global” strategies with equal emphasis, the zone seeks to expand its new development landscape and fully leverage its role as an open platform.
‘With the Development District as a window to the world, we have carried out autonomous driving tests, operations, and services in 30 cities across seven countries globally.’said Huang Yehua, Vice President of WeRide.
After 40 years of magnificent transformation, the Guangzhou Development District is now advancing towards a higher level of openness with a pioneering spirit!
Hashtag: #GuangzhouDevelopmentZone
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Laos Performs First Beating-Heart Cardiac Surgery
On 13 December, medical staff at the Laos-Luxembourg Heart Institute performed Laos’s first-ever cardiac surgery.
A team of cardiac surgeons from Laos and Luxembourg performed the surgery at Vientiane’s Mahosot Hospital using the “beating-heart surgery” technique, a type of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) that does not require stopping the patient’s heart.
Unlike traditional CABG, which requires halting the heart and using extracorporeal circulation, the beating-heart method keeps the heart beating throughout the procedure, reducing both trauma and costs. Experts say this technique is less invasive and more affordable for patients compared to traditional heart surgery.
The first patient, a 50-year-old man with severe angina and blocked arteries, received four bypass grafts while his heart continued to beat. The surgery was a success, leading to improved cardiac function, a rapid recovery, and a short stay in the ICU.
This achievement marks an advancement in cardiac care for Laos, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, particularly in resource-limited settings. It also complements other procedures like stenting and angioplasty. The surgery was made possible through the support of Luxembourg Aid and Development and LuxDev in Laos.
HKU engineering researchers develop revolutionary diamond fabrication technology

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 December 2024 – A research team led by Professor Zhiqin Chu, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, and Professor Yuan Lin, Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), has developed a groundbreaking method for massively producing ultrathin and ultra-flexible diamond membranes, in collaboration with Professor Kwai Hei Li, Assistant Professor of the Southern University of Science and Technology, and Professor Qi Wang, Professor of the Dongguan Institute of Opto-Electronics of Peking University.
These ultrathin and ultra-flexible diamond membranes are compatible with existing semiconductor manufacturing technologies, and thus can, in principle, be fabricated into a variety of electronic, photonic, mechanical, acoustic, and quantum devices.
The innovative edge-exposed exfoliation method discovered by the team facilitates the rapid production of scalable, free-standing diamond membranes. This approach is superior to traditional methods, which are typically time- and costly and limited in size. Remarkably, the new process can manufacture a two-inch wafer within 10 seconds, offering unmatched efficiency and scalability.
These ultra-flat diamond surfaces, essential for high-precision micromanufacturing, along with the flexibility of the membranes, open up new possibilities for next-generation flexible and wearable electronic and photonic devices. The research team envisions significant industrial applications in electronics, photonics, mechanics, thermics, acoustics, and quantum technologies.
“We hope to promote the usage of the high-figure-of-merit diamond membrane into various fields, and to commercialise this cutting-edge technology and deliver premium diamond membranes, setting a new standard in semiconductor industry. We are eager to collaborate with academic and industry partners to bring this revolutionary product to market and accelerate the arrival of diamond era,” concluded Professor Chu.
Diamonds, renowned globally as valuable gemstones, possess exceptional versatility in various scientific and engineering applications. They are the hardest natural material, boasting unparalleled thermal conductivity at room temperature, extremely high carrier mobility, dielectric breakdown strength, an ultrawide bandgap, and optical transparency spanning from the infrared to the deep-ultraviolet spectrum. These remarkable properties make diamonds ideal for fabricating advanced high-power, high-frequency electronic devices, photonic devices, and heat spreaders to cool high-power density electronic components, such as those in processors, semiconductor lasers, and electric vehicles. However, the inert nature and rigid crystal structure of diamonds pose significant challenges in fabrication and mass production, particularly for ultrathin and freestanding diamond membranes, thereby restricting their widespread usage.
The full paper can be accessed here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08218-x
About Professor Zhiqin Chu
Prof. Zhiqin Chu received his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Physics from Northwest University (China) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, in July 2008 and July 2012, respectively. After spending one year as a postdoctoral fellow in the same group, he conducted postdoctoral research at The University of Stuttgart (Germany) from April 2014 to September 2016. Since November 2018, he has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (with a joint appointment in the School of Biomedical Sciences) at The University of Hong Kong, and was promoted to tenured Associate Professor in November 2024. Since joining HKU, Prof. Chu has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Nature, Nature Communications, and Science Advances, and has filed 14 patents related to diamond technology. Prof. Chu has received multiple awards, including the Gold Medal at the 2023 International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada (iCAN), the Top 10 Best Invention Award at the 2023 iCAN, the Silver Medal at the 2022 Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days, and the Gold Medal at the 2024 International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.
About Professor Yuan Lin
Prof. Yuan Lin earned his B.S. and M.S. in Engineering Mechanics from Tsinghua University, followed by another M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Solid Mechanics from Brown University. He joined The University of Hong Kong in 2008 and is now a full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His research on cell/tissue mechanics and mechanics of functional materials led to publications in top journals, including Nature, PNAS, Nature Communications, Science Advances and PRL. Prof. Lin has served as Chair of the Gordon Research Conference on Nano-Mechanical Interfaces and keynote speaker in numerous international conferences. As the PI or Co-PI, he has secured more than 15 research grants. Prof. Lin currently serves as the Secretary for the Hong Kong Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics.
Hashtag: #HKU
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