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Citi Property Survey Shows Higher Interest in Home Ownership Among the Affluent After the Rollback of Property Cooling Measures

Over 70% of the affluent individuals surveyed express a greater interest in home ownership and anticipate a rise in housing prices in the next 12 months


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 May 2024 – Hong Kong conducted a survey in April 2024 on residential property ownership in Hong Kong in response to the Hong Kong Government’s withdrawal of all property cooling measures in February in view of the current economic and market conditions.

Here are some highlights of the survey results among the respondents in the affluent segment (i.e. individuals with liquid assets of HKD 1.5 million or above):

· 50% think it is now a better time to buy a property, as opposed to 40% who think it does not make any difference and 8% who think it is a worse time to buy.

· 72% express a greater interest in buying a property. Compared to the general respondents, those in the affluent segment are more interested in buying a property as an investment (46%), followed by support to their children (34%) and a source of rental income (25%). Only 6% of those surveyed express less interest in buying a property after the cooling measures have been lifted.

· Among the home-owner respondents in the affluent segment, 62% express a greater interest in changing to a new property, as opposed to only 3% who show less interest in doing so.

· 54%, 62% and 57% anticipate a rise in housing prices over the next 6, 12 and 24 months respectively, as opposed to 31%, 21% and 26% who think housing prices will stay flat. Only 13%, 16% and 15% think housing prices will go down over the next 6, 12 and 24 months.

· Those with children (77%) and a monthly family income of more than HKD 80,000 (75%). as well as those who had once owned a property (81%) in the affluent segment are more interested in buying a property now that all property cooling measures have been lifted.

· Among all the property cooling measures that have been lifted, the respondents in the affluent segment are most aware of the removal of the Special Stamp Duty (SSD, 65%) and Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD, 61%).

· Of those who express a greater interest in home ownership in the affluent segment, 42% cite the removal of SSD as one of the reasons for their increased interest in buying a property, followed by the easing of loan-to­ value ratios for residential properties (41%) and the removal of BSD (36%).

Josephine Lee, Managing Director and Head of Citigold and Cards & Unsecured Lending Sales, Citibank Hong Kong, said, “We have always been committed to bringing together the full power of Citi to serve the entire continuum of wealth clients with financial solutions that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. From this survey we see that affluent individuals have a greater need for investment, wealth preservation and legacy planning, with residential property being an integral part of their wealth portfolios. With Citigold built around the banking needs of our customers, we offer a range of long- and short-term investments, mortgage and liquid asset solutions, as well as various financing tools that help protect their wealth and grow their portfolios.”

In general, the survey results reflect a positive sentiment among the public toward the property market after all the cooling measures have been lifted in February, boosting optimism among potential home buyers. As we continue to leverage our extensive retail network and expertise, we have solidified our position as a trusted mortgage partner with mortgage remaining a core component in our total wealth management solution offered to affluent clients.

In order to facilitate faster and more efficient mortgage application, Citi is one of the very few banks in Hong Kong to have digitalized the process with the launch of the New Online Mortgage Application Platform, giving customers the ability to initiate their mortgage applications with immediate preliminary online assessment results, and to follow up on their mortgage applications anytime, anywhere.

Since 2010, Citi Hong Kong has been conducting surveys of the Hong Kong housing market to assess the current state of home ownership in the SAR, gauge public intentions towards home ownership, and track public expectations of future housing price trends.

Source: 2024 Citi Property Survey1

Exclusive Offers2
From now until May 31, customers who successfully open a Citigold or Citigold Private Client account will enjoy a cash rebate of up to HK$42,100 or HK$65,300 respectively, including a cash rebate of up to HKD 24,000 for a successful mortgage loan drawdown. For existing Citi banking and card customers who successfully refer a customer to draw down a mortgage loan3 and open a Citigold or Citigold Private Client account will enjoy a referral cash rebate of up to HKD 7,088 and HKD 13,888 respectively. For more information, please visit https://www.citibank.com.hk/citigold and https://www.citibank.com.hk/cpc

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Hashtag: #Citi

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

About Citi

Citi is a pre-eminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in nearly 160 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services.

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Shopee Prioritises Seamless Shopping Experience with Launch of On-Time Guarantee


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 May 2024 – Shopee Malaysia launches the On-Time Guarantee program today, empowering buyers with the assurance of prompt order fulfilment by all Shopee Supported Logistics. Shopee reinforces their commitment to this promise with a RM5 voucher for all deliveries that exceed the estimated delivery date provided. This gives all Shopee app users nationwide the assurance that they can receive their parcels with predictability backed by Shopee’s established fulfilment practices.

Shopee On-Time Guarantee

The On-Time Guarantee program builds upon Shopee’s long standing commitment to providing a seamless and secure shopping experience for digital savvy buyers. This includes providing Malaysians with faster and more flexible delivery options, such as Next Day Delivery, Instant Delivery, and increased Shopee self-collection points.

Ming Kit Tan, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia, said, “Shopee is consistently implementing new practices to meet and anticipate the needs of both our buyers and sellers. With the increase of user demand for a seamless shopping experience, we are proud to announce the On-Time Guarantee program. This initiative aims to solidify buyer confidence by ensuring timely deliveries, underscoring the critical role that trust in fulfilment practices plays for Malaysians.”

The On-Time Guarantee program features a user-friendly claim process. Each order’s estimated delivery date will be clearly displayed on the order details page. If a delivery surpasses this timeframe, buyers can effortlessly claim their RM5 voucher directly through the same page. This streamlined approach ensures buyer satisfaction.

Shopee’s robust fulfilment network, consisting of trusted and reliable delivery partners, guarantees the program’s smooth operation. This network offers a diverse range of delivery options to cater to individual needs, all while maintaining consistent delivery timeframes. As such, Shopee is directly addressing user preference for timely delivery, ultimately strengthening buyer confidence and driving repeat business on the platform.

Positive User and Seller Experiences

The On-Time Guarantee program has garnered positive feedback from users who have had the opportunity to experience it during a pre-launch period. Matthew, a Shopee user from Selangor, shared his delight, stating, “I was amazed at how quickly my recent order arrived! Packages from within Klang Valley usually take three days, but with the On-Time Guarantee, I received it in just two days – well within the estimated timeframe.”

Sharing his own experience on reliable deliveries, Emankamel, a Shopee Affiliate, stated, “I stocked my new studio with a ton of items from Shopee. I bought a lot of small items and didn’t have to worry because the items arrived on time with the Shopee On-Time Guarantee. With this, you can buy anything you set your eyes on and the items will arrive in a short period of time.”

The program not only benefited buyers, Shopee sellers too have positive experience from it. Founder of Asikin Ahmad, Asikin Arifin said, “I strongly feel this On-Time Guarantee program is a great initiative by Shopee as it encourages sellers to prepare shipments more promptly. This ensures sufficient time to deliver the items within the promised timeframe. In return, customers will also have more trust in purchasing our products via Shopee.”

Find out more about On-Time Guarantee at: https://shopee.com.my/m/on-time-guarantee.
Hashtag: #ShopeeMalaysia #OnTimeGuarantee

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

Shopee Malaysia

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee promotes an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem by enabling businesses to digitalise and grow their online presence, helping more people access and benefit from digital services, and uplifting local communities.

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping homegrown brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

Shopee is part of Sea Limited (NYSE: SE), a leading global consumer internet company. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology through its three core businesses: Shopee, Garena and SeaMoney.

For media enquiries
Shopee Public Relations Team
Write to

Rising Heat Wave Grips Southeast Asia, Forcing School Closures, Health Warnings

Rising Heat Wave Grips Southeast Asia, Forcing School Closures, Health Warnings
A Lao resident drinking water under the heat (photo: RDK Group)

Additional text from the Associated Press 

Midwives: Heroes on Frontlines of Global Climate Crisis 

Laos Celebrates First Internationally Accredited Midwifery Schools in Asia-Pacific
(Photo: UNFPA)

Statement from UNFPA Executive Director Natalia Kanem

Right now, around the world, millions of lives are in the hands of midwives. Whether they are wading through flood waters to reach pregnant women or delivering babies amid the rubble of an earthquake, midwives are the unsung heroes of community health services. Thanks to midwives, births are safer. The sexual and reproductive health care they provide is more attuned to women’s needs, desires, and local cultural practices.

When crisis strikes, midwives are often first on the scene, especially in remote communities. They know that babies arrive no matter a childbearing woman’s circumstances – whether she’s resting at home or fleeing it due to conflict or disaster.

A woman or girl dies every two minutes somewhere in the world due to pregnancy, childbirth, or its aftermath. Now, climate change threatens to make the situation worse. Hotter temperatures complicate pregnancies and can lead to premature births and miscarriages. Sudden floods can sweep away roads, making it impossible to reach health facilities. Extreme weather events put women and girls at heightened risk of displacement, child, and forced marriage and can take away their means of supporting themselves.

Midwives can provide up to 90 percent of essential services for sexual and reproductive health and bring their expertise and counsel to women wherever they are.

Yet, there remains a critical global shortage of around a million midwives. Their working conditions can be arduous, discouraging many from joining the profession. Overt gender discrimination against this largely female workforce has also resulted in low wage rates, limited opportunities for advancement, and reports of sexual harassment on the job.

Without significantly expanding midwifery, more women will die in childbirth. Millions of stories will have no heroes and instead end in tragedy.

On this International Day of the Midwife, 5 May, we celebrate their countless achievements.

Midwifery in Laos Steps Forward

Despite challenges, Laos has recently made progress in enhancing maternal and newborn healthcare. In 2022, Laos’ colleges were selected by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and UNFPA Laos for the Midwifery Education Accreditation Programme (MEAP), and by January 2023, Laos became the first in ASEAN to achieve International Accreditation of Midwifery Education.

This milestone also mirrors the strategic vision outlined by the Lao government in its Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child Adolescent Health Strategy 2021-2025, where the government reaffirmed its commitment to achieving zero preventable maternal deaths.

Ice Cube Marketing attains Google Premier Partner status and helps SMEs leverage more Google products

SMEs can achieve higher ROI by maximizing all of Google’s products


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 May 2024 – Ice Cube Marketing, a performance-based digital marketing agency, is pleased to announce its elevation to Google Premier Partner status, an accolade conferred upon only the top 3% of agencies in the country. This achievement underscores the agency’s dedication to best practices and its proven success in driving client growth through Google Ads.

The Google Ads platform has undergone significant changes over the past few years with the advent of AI and machine learning technology. However, many SMEs in Singapore need to better utilise the platform’s latest features and harness its full capabilities.

“Most businesses are so busy with their day-to-day that they have not even updated their Google ads to Responsive search ads”, says Ted Chong, co-founder of Ice Cube Marketing. The agency helps SMEs stay abreast of the latest developments and adopt solutions that can help them move ahead of their competitors.

This includes the use of Performance Max, one of Google’s biggest innovations on the ads platform over the past few years. Performance Max is a campaign type offered by Google Ads that allows advertisers to access all of Google’s advertising channels and inventory from a single campaign. This type of campaign uses Google’s machine learning technology to optimize ad placements and bidding across various channels to achieve the advertiser’s specified conversion goals.

“We actually have an average ROI of a minimum 5 times and we could not have done good or better business after the pandemic if it is not through Ice cube Marketing”, shared Fairoz, General manager of Parlour group.

One of the reasons SMEs cannot leverage all the solutions provided by Google is the lack of resources and assets such as videos. With an in-house video team, Ice Cube Marketing helps businesses generate their creative assets and tap on new channels such as Youtube and Performance Max to achieve outstanding ROI on their digital marketing efforts.

This is made possible because of the use of a full sales funnel and proper marketing techniques that attract quality leads through the digital marketing campaigns that Ice Cube creates. Its lead generation service and social media marketing program are among the most well-received by SMEs.

Hashtag: #digitalmarketing



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

About IceCube Marketing

Founded in 2015, Ice Cube Marketing is a Meta partner, Google Premier Partner agency and a PSG pre-approved vendor that helps SMEs run performance campaigns. Through the use of video and direct response copywriting techniques, Ice cube marketing has helped many SMEs get results from their campaign and garnered dozens of case studies.

New Express Freight Train Links China, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia in Regional Trade Boost

A train runs from China through Laos to Thailand in 2023. (Photo: China Daily)

The first China-Laos-Thailand-Malaysia express freight train began its journey from Chengdu, the capital of China’s southwestern Sichuan Province on 30 April, and it is expected to arrive in Port Klang in Malaysia on 8 May.

Marasca Samui Opens in July 2024: A New Concept of Casual Luxury at Chaweng Beach in Thailand

Introducing “The Feeling of Home” on the Pristine Shores of Koh Samui with Marasca Samui and Cabanas Koh Samui Beach Club


KOH SAMUI, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 May 2024 – Marasca Samui, the latest retreat from Marasca Hotels & Resorts, opens its doors to welcome guests seeking an intimate and mindfully sustainable beachfront escape on the picturesque shores of Chaweng Beach. With its debut, Marasca Samui brings a fresh interpretation of casual luxury, inviting travellers to enjoy a stay filled with cherry-on-top moments amidst the serene beauty of Koh Samui with the ethos of “The Feeling of Home,” experience. With 62 rooms, the resort promises a casual luxury escape, offering high-quality amenities and intimate spaces to #RediscoverYou that incorporates eco-conscious practices, where every detail is thoughtfully curated to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.

Cabanas Koh Samui Beach Club
Cabanas Koh Samui Beach Club

Marasca Samui proudly holds the distinction of the first hotel to receive FitWel Design Certification in Thailand and on track to become a LEED Certified hotel. These certifications affirm the resort’s commitment to sustainable practices and guest well-being. The LEED Certification emphasizes Marasca Samui’s dedication to environmentally friendly design and operations, ensuring a minimal ecological footprint while providing guests with a guilt-free luxurious experience.

“We are excited to introduce Marasca Samui as our second casual-luxury destination, following the success of our debut in Khao Yai in 2022,” says Alex Magaton, General Manager of Marasca Samui. “With our commitment to crafting intimate escapes and providing exceptional service, our goal is to surpass our guests’ expectations and curate unforgettable experiences through our #RediscoverYou approach. Here, we assist guests in rediscovering their ‘cherry-on-top’ moments – those small details that make their stay with us truly special.”

In addition to the opening of Marasca Samui, the resort invites guests to immerse themselves in the pulsating energy of Cabanas Koh Samui Beach Club. This upscale beach club offers a seamless transition from rejuvenating daytime relaxation by the pool to an electrifying evening atmosphere. At Cabanas Koh Samui, guests are treated to a wide selection of dishes from around the world at various food stations and the unique cocktails at the beach bar. Comfortable and stylish seating areas and private cabanas are available, facing the stunning view of the resort’s stunning view of the Chaweng beach. Guests can choose to enjoy social dining experience by the beach or the pool area, surrounded by soothing sounds soothing sounds of live music to the bright displays of local art. At the Cabanas Koh Samui guests can enjoy the varieties of wellness activities that aim to refresh both body and mind. Additionally, guests can look forward to seasonal food and drink pop-up stations, each changing with the tides of the seasons to offer a fresh, sensorial journey.

At Marasca Samui, guests can look forward to a diverse range of tailored experiences, from rejuvenating spa treatments at Spa by Marasca, where signature treatments inspired by the beauty of Koh Samui Island await, where professional therapists use 100% essential oils and natural oil. Additionally, the resort offers exclusive access to Hideout, a dedicated rest and relaxation space right next to the spa, where guests can indulge in complimentary self-serviced beverages and snacks throughout the day. For those with a green thumb, Homegrown activities provide the opportunity to harvest organic vegetables and delve into sustainable gardening practices. From cosy rooms overlooking the serene sea to spacious suites and options of private plunge pools, Marasca Samui offers unique accommodations to suit every preference.

Named after the Marasca cherry, Marasca Samui’s philosophy centres on curating “cherry on top” moments for guests, fostering an environment where they can rediscover themselves through thoughtful touches throughout their stay. Marasca Samui aspires to become a premier casual lifestyle brand, offering escapes that celebrate the uniqueness of each location – inviting travellers to reconnect with the things that matter and rewards that leave a smile in their mind.

To celebrate its opening, Marasca Samui launches a special opening offer, #RediscoverYou at Marasca Samui, offering guests an exclusive opportunity to experience the resort’s casual luxury at a special rate. With this limited-time offer, guest can enjoy a stay starting from THB 5,499 NET with an additional extra 10% off for members and a complimentary one-way private airport pick-up service. Guests will also receive a resort credit up to THB 2,400 per room per night, perfect for indulging in dining, spa treatments and activities. Plus, those booking the Home Haven Suites Room Type will enjoy a complimentary 30-minute massage per person at Spa by Marasca.

Rates start from 5,499 THB per night, and the offer is valid for bookings made before May 31, 2024, for stay period between July 1 – December 20, 2024

For more information or to book your stay at Marasca Samui, visit www.marasca.live or contact +66-81-245-8485 or hello.samui@marasca.live
Hashtag: #MarascaSamui #RediscoverYou

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

About Marasca Hotels & Resorts

Launched in 2022 by Narai Hotel Group, Marasca Hotels & Resorts offers a collection of intimates, casual luxury escapes inspired by their unique locations to let travelers rediscover cherry-on-top moments that make each stay experience unforgettable. Each Marasca offers a home-away-from-home providing comfort and thoughtful service touches that enrich one’s wellbeing, rekindle curiosity, and lets guests #RediscoverYou. For more information, visit

Facebook:
Instagram:
Line: @Marasca.Samui
Phone Number: +66-81-245-8485
Email:

About Narai Hospitality Group

With more than 50 years of expertise in hospitality, Narai Hospitality Group has been the hospitality developer and operator of many outstanding properties, including the long standing ‘Narai Hotel’, the hip ‘Lub d’ brand with 6 properties across Asia and the new casual-luxury brand ‘Marasca’. The group also has hotel investments in Australia and management platforms in Europe. The iconic Narai Hotel is now under major renovation into an exciting landmark in the heart of Bangkok, Silom Road.

TAISE 3rd Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards Embarking on a Sustainable New Journey


TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 May 2024 – Aligning the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the third Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards will soon be held to recognize organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the field of sustainable development. The award ceremony will be held concurrently with the Asia-Pacific Sustainability Development Action Expo and Summit, and is expected to attract participation from industries, universities, and government agencies across the Asia-Pacific region. There have already been 1051 registrations, covering 537 organizations, showcasing the vibrant development of the Asia-Pacific region in the field of sustainable development.

The 2023 Asia-Pacific and Taiwan Sustainability Action Awards Ceremony: Group photo of the distinguished guests in attendance.
The 2023 Asia-Pacific and Taiwan Sustainability Action Awards Ceremony: Group photo of the distinguished guests in attendance.

TAISE Chairman Dr. Eugene Chien expressed, “This is an excellent opportunity to showcase global achievements in sustainable development. We will strengthen partnerships with various industries to accelerate the realization of sustainable development goals.” Last year’s two international award winners, Krung Thai Bank PCL. from Thailand and PT United Tractors Tbk from Indonesia, demonstrated the new value of ESG sustainability in businesses, and more indicators are expected to participate this year.

This event aims to promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, raise awareness of sustainable development issues in the Asia-Pacific region, and recognize outstanding performances in sustainable development across various fields, while also providing a platform for exchange and dialogue. TAISE especially hopes to draw attention to the Livable City Award, as cities play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals.

Registration deadline is May 31st, TAISE sincerely invites sustainable development leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to accelerate their efforts and join hands towards a sustainable future, making positive contributions to the planet’s future.

Official website: https://reurl.cc/9vXLjV
Hashtag: #TAISE

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