Laos, like many developing nations, faces challenges in maintaining its road networks, which are crucial for transportation and connectivity. Recognizing the importance of well-maintained roads for Laos’ development, Japan has stepped forward with a commitment to assist in overcoming this challenge.
As part of this pledge, Japan will provide 24 units of essential road repair equipment, comprising road stabilizers and motor graders, to the Lao government.
The equipment, valued at 800 million yen (approximately USD 5.3 million), will be deployed nationwide to facilitate road repairs. This assistance comes as part of a broader aid package, with Japan committing 1.5 billion yen (approximately USD 10 million) in new aid signed on 26 April.
Photo supplied.
A ceremony was held in Vientiane on 9 May for the handover of the “Economic and Social Development Program (Road Repair Related Equipment).” Japanese Ambassador Kobayashi Kenichi presided over the event.
Traditionally, road repair in Laos involved removing pavement sections and laying new pavement after waste disposal. However, with the introduction of new support equipment, old pavement can now be reused as new pavement material during road construction.
These efforts are expected to extend the service life of roads, shorten construction periods, reduce costs, minimize environmental impact by reducing road waste, and expedite recovery from disasters.
Japan has been a key partner in Laos’ infrastructure development journey, supporting projects such as the Second Mekong International Bridge, Pakse Bridge, National Road No. 9, and Vientiane National Road No. 1. These initiatives not only enhance comfort and safety for residents but also strengthen crucial logistics routes vital for economic, industrial, and trade development in Laos.
The partnership between Japan and Laos has flourished since its elevation to a strategic partnership in 2015. Japan remains committed to addressing Laos’ diverse challenges through effective cooperation for sustainable economic and social development.
Information provided by the Embassy of Japan to Laos
21 Singaporean locals with no prior IT backgrounds will now be assigned to work on GovTech and other projects as Digital Business Analysts for a year to hone their professional competencies
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 May 2024 – Temus, a digital transformation services firm, commemorates the graduation of 21 trainees from its flagship ‘hire, place and train’ digital career conversion programme, Step IT Up.
Temus welcomed 21 career-converts at the firm’s 3rd Step IT Up Graduation event on 9 May 2024 with Guest of Honour, Mr Russell Tham, Chairman, IMDA
The digital career conversion programme, Step IT Up Singapore, is a partnership between Temus and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), supported by Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), under the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) initiative. Step IT Up now boasts 59 career-converts from diverse educational backgrounds and industries. They are actively deployed in client projects under Temus’ remit, and their scope covers digital transformation and tech modernisation work in the public and private sectors across industries such as healthcare, finance, defence, environmental intelligence.
In efforts to transform and thrive in Singapore’s Digital Economy, organisations and industry players can leverage on Step IT Up to draw on a wider bench of non-technically trained individuals in Singapore for their tech talent and digitalisation plans.
Temus’ third cohort of Transformers, hailing from diverse non-IT backgrounds like financial planning, education and research, has successfully earned certifications in business analysis, scrum, and software testing. Reinforced by their previous industry experience, these mid-careerists are now better equipped with the necessary technical expertise to bring fresh perspectives to their new technology roles within government organisations and various multinational enterprises, as employees of Temus.
For the first time since the programme’s inception in 2022, 17 (80%) of these graduates will be assigned to work on Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) projects as Digital Business Analysts for a year. The remaining graduates will continue to be full-time employees of Temus’ Value Assurance Centre of Excellence. KC Yeoh, Chief Executive Officer, Temus said, “Step IT Up provides graduates with the skills required for critical digital transformation initiatives in Singapore. Together with companies who have the same shared values on talent development, we will work towards win-win outcomes for all, as we provide opportunities for our Transformers to flourish in their new tech roles, while new iterations of Step IT Up ensure we and our clients continue to have access to new tech talent pools.”
Srijay Ghosh, Founding Member and Chief Revenue Officer, Temus said, “The Government’s Forward Singapore report highlighted the necessity of going beyond formal education to equip Singaporeans for a lifelong journey of skill acquisition. Our Step IT Up initiative reflects this shift in the digital domain, emanating from Temus’ purpose of unlocking societal and economic value through digital transformation. We are incredibly proud that Temus’ Transformers are making significant impact across over 15 client engagements in various sectors, including education, healthcare, defence, insurance, and financial services. Our experience has taught us that motivation and learning agility are as essential as aptitude and educational credentials. The key to our success lies in our Step IT Up selection process, which meticulously assesses these attributes.”
Marcus Loh, Director and Head of Step IT Up, Temus said, “Considering that each Transformer resolved to ‘step it up’ without prior IT qualifications, experience, or backgrounds, and are now poised to excel in these technically complex roles, it’s truly inspiring. It highlights the potential and ingenuity of the human spirit in Singapore, especially when the right industry, career opportunities and talent infrastructure are made possible with these private-public partnerships.”
Temus aims to train up to 400 tech-converted graduates as it welcomes applications for the next iteration of Step IT Up. Its success in Singapore mirrors the program’s global achievements in the United States, Israel, Mexico, and other countries across the world, where it was pioneered by Temus’ partner UST. Over 1,100 individuals have successfully landed tech roles at prominent multinational corporations such as Walmart and Home Depot, where they have advanced their tech careers for over two years.
Quotes from Temus Step IT Up Graduates
Eileen Tan, 44, decided to join Step IT Up to explore a new career path after 5 years as a stay-at-home mother of three. “Participating in the Step IT Up programme was a transformative journey as I blended my passion for continuous learning with the opportunity to pivot to a dynamic new career. As a former programme specialist and then a stay-at-home mum, the structured training not only equipped me with essential digital skills, but also taught me the art of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Being able to engage with fellow trainees and share diverse ideas and perspectives was particularly enriching. This experience has set me on a path to not only drive digital transformation, but to also empower other women in tech and I believe that embracing such change is a gateway to innovation and personal growth,” she said.
Fabian Balachandran, 30, an Engineering polytechnic diploma graduate who had worked in the aviation sector, regarded Step IT Up as an effective launchpad into a tech career as he discovered his new passion as a digital business analyst after being involved in testing applications in his company. “Embarking on the Step IT Up programme marked a pivotal shift from the aviation sector to the thrilling world of technology. This transition, driven by my desire to enhance lives through tech, involved leaving behind a familiar environment and diving into the unknown with trust and optimism. Guided by trusted coaches, the programme’s focus goes beyond just technical skills, but also on personal and soft skills development – which has been instrumental in my growth as a Business Analyst. From the electrifying first day surrounded by like-minded peers, to embracing challenges with grit and open-mindedness, this journey has reinforced my belief that with passion and the right support, transforming lives through technology is not just a dream, but a reachable goal,” he said.
Sophie Lew, 27, decided to make a career switch into technology after working as a physiotherapist at an acute tertiary public hospital for over 3 years. “Joining the Step It Up programme was a decisive step in me transitioning from a physiotherapist to the dynamic world of IT. The intensive training and mentorship, along with the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues with industry leaders, have been instrumental in reshaping my professional outlook. Facing both personal and professional challenges head-on, I’ve embraced the necessity of continuous self-reflection and adaptation. What was particularly memorable were the soft skills training sessions, where impromptu speeches pushed me out of my comfort zone and fostered my growth beyond just technical skills. This journey was not just about building a career in IT, it was also about continuously evolving, learning, and contributing in ways I had never imagined,” she said.
For more information about Step IT Up, please visit https://stepitup.temus.com/ Hashtag: #Temus #StepITUp #Upskilling #Careers #Jobs #Digitalisation #Technology #IMDA #GovTech
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Temus
Temus was established by Temasek in partnership with UST, to provide digital transformation solutions for the private and public sectors as we aspire to be a strategic partner in realising the Singapore Government’s Smart Nation vision. We are headquartered in Singapore and have more than 400 employees across a wide range of disciplines in strategy, design, architecture, technology, data & AI. For more information, please visit www.temus.com.
About Step IT Up
Step IT Up is an accelerated ‘place and train’ programme, supported by Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) initiative, aimed at growing digital talents for Singapore. The programme was launched in August 2022 and will benefit 400 people from non-tech backgrounds over the next three years. Step IT Up has been successfully conducted across multiple countries since its inception 8 years ago by Temus’ strategic partner, UST. Beyond Singapore, the programme has run in the United States, Mexico, Poland, Australia, Costa Rica, and Israel. For more information, please visit: www.stepitup.temus.com.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 May 2024 – Infinix, a trendy tech brand crafted for young consumers, announces its ultimate dual-chip gaming phone, the Infinix GT 20 Pro. Being the only smartphone to offer a dedicated gaming display chip at its price point, it delivers esports-level performance, redefining the mobile gaming experience across hardware and software.
Infinix GT 20 Pro Flagship Launch
Weiqi Nie, Head of Product at Infinix excitedly shares, “Innovation knows no bounds when passion meets technology. The success of the Infinix GT 10 Pro was just the beginning. With the Infinix GT 20 Pro, we have raised the bar higher, introducing a symphony of hardware, software, cooling systems, and cyber-mecha design. It’s not just a phone; it’s a game-changer for professional esports tournaments.”
Furthermore, the introduction of the Infinix GT VERSE elevates gaming, creating a range of products including a laptop, earphones, a smartwatch, and a cooling fan.
Outplay The Rest The Infinix GT 20 Pro sets itself apart in its price segment with dual chips that bring its performance on par with competitive flagship processors, delivering an unmatched high-performance gaming experience. Featuring the Dimensity 8200 Ultimate 4nm 5G Processor and Pixelworks X5 Turbo Dedicated Gaming Display Chip, it offers esports-level performance and visually stunning experiences, pushing frame rates from 60 FPS to 120 FPS. As the first IRX-certified smartphone launched by Infinix, players can expect a distinctively more immersive gaming experience.
Perform Like A Gaming Beast The gaming performance of the Infinix GT 20 Pro is underpinned by a Stable Frame-rate Engine that optimizes gameplay by balancing temperature and power consumption, ensuring smooth performance with minimal power usage. It includes Xboost for sustained performance management and employs vertical synchronization to prevent screen tearing. The engine prioritizes gaming resources, guaranteeing a seamless and efficient gaming experience.
A meticulously engineered cooling system employs a 68% larger Phase Change Material (PCM) graphite sheet and a 73% larger VC Liquid Cooling system to improve cooling and heat dissipation efficiency. Additionally, more than 66% of the thermal paste is applied to the primary heat source area for targeted cooling.
The Infinix GT Series is a newcomer in the gaming flagship arena but has quickly become a shining star in the esports field within just one year. Infinix aims to provide users with an esports-level gaming experience, so after three rounds of rigorous professional testing, the Infinix GT 20 Pro has met the standards for tournament-level use and has become the Official Gaming Phone of the PUBG Mobile Super League (PMSL).
The Infinix GT 20 Pro demonstrates exceptional performance and efficiency when handling popular games including MLBB, PUBG, COD, Genshin Impact, and Honkai: Star Rail. Notably, it can upscale Genshin Impact refresh rates to 120Hz through interpolation for super-smooth gameplay.
Designed For Gaming Master The Infinix GT 20 Pro showcases the Cyber Mecha Design, capturing the Infinix GT spirit of Metal, Power, and Speed with a unique Turbine Blade Pattern for dynamic, high-performance aesthetics. Its Mecha Loop LED Interface offers extensive customization, with eight color combinations and four lighting effects, allowing gamers to personalize their device extensively. Inspired by the intricate structure of beehives, the exterior design aligns with modern gaming’s vibrant aesthetics, making it a standout choice for gamers seeking performance and style.
Key Features • Bezel-Less 6.78-inch 144Hz FHD+ AMOLED Display • Clean & Pure OS 2.0 with 2 Major Android Upgrades and 3-year Security Patch Updates • Dual Speakers with Sound by JBL • Hyper Charge Mode – 5000mAh Battery & 45W Fast Charge • Cyber Mecha Design with Customizable & Interactive Mecha Loop Mini LED • Mecha Loop Game Lighting Effects • 108MP OIS Triple Rear Camera
Vision Toward A Holistic Gaming Universe The Infinix GT series was created to satisfy the multifaceted desires of gamers, from gameplay to enabling self-expression and beyond. The Infinix GT 20 Pro builds upon this rich heritage as part of a wider portfolio, introducing the Infinix GT VERSE, Infinix’s gaming ecosystem for all gaming enthusiasts. It features a laptop, earphones, a smartwatch, and a cooling fan, providing a full suite of tools to level up gaming.
Infinix also announces the Infinix GTBOOK, created in in collaboration with Nvdia. It boasts top-tier CPU and GPU technology, advanced cooling solutions, and a high refresh rate display. These features are encompassed within a sleek design that reflects the Infinix GT series’ commitment to cutting-edge, gamer-centric aesthetics.
Official Gaming Phone for PUBG Mobile Super League The Infinix GT 20 Pro is the Official Gaming Phone for the PUBG Mobile Super League (PMSL). The tournament is set to take place from May 15 to June 9 in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and from May 22 to June 16 in Central and South Asia (CSA). Infinix is committed to empowering all gamers with essential tools for the ultimate gaming experience.
Pricing & Availability: The Infinix GT 20 Pro will be available in Mecha Blue, Mecha Orange, and Mecha Silver, with 12+256GB and 8+256GB memory configurations. Pricing will vary by region, with details to be announced at launch.
Hashtag: #Infinix
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Infinix:
Infinix Mobility is an emerging technology brand that designs, manufactures and markets an expanding portfolio of devices worldwide under the Infinix brand which was founded in 2013. Targeting young consumers, Infinix focuses on developing cutting-edge technology embodied in meticulously designed mobile devices that offer refined style, power and performance. Infinix devices are trendy & attainable with the end-user at the forefront of every step forward.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 May 2024 – Generali Hong Kong teamed up with Kowloon Tong School (Secondary Section), a Project WeCan network school, to bring 60 student volunteers together for a meaningful afternoon of service and learning. These dedicated individuals served over 50 beneficiary families at OneSky, an NGO partner of Generali and The Human Safety Net Hong Kong. The initiative is part of Generali’s The Human Safety Net program, which aims to create the movement of “people helping people” for the most vulnerable communities.
Generali Hong Kong spent a meaningful afternoon with 60 dedicated volunteers from Kowloon Tong School (Secondary Section), a Project WeCan network school, and over 50 beneficiary families at OneSky Hong Kong, NGO partner of Generali and The Human Safety Net Hong Kong.
The activity provided these secondary school students, who have previously benefited from Project WeCan, with an invaluable chance to contribute to society. They participated in volunteer activities designed to support disadvantaged children and caregivers at OneSky, creating a heartwarming full-circle moment of giving and receiving help within the community.
Ms. Cecilia Chang, Chief Executive Officer of Generali Hong Kong, said, “As a Responsible Citizen, Generali Hong Kong continues to seek ways to make a meaningful impact and encourages other organizations to join in such efforts to strengthen the community. A key part of our commitment is our proactive engagement in The Human Safety Net. With its mission to unlock the potential of people living in vulnerable circumstances, The Human Safety Net is dedicated to transforming the lives of families and communities. In Hong Kong, our focus is particularly on vulnerable families with children aged 0-6, aiming to provide them with the tools and opportunities to build a brighter future. We encourage other organizations to join us in this meaningful endeavor, as we work together to empower those in need and strengthen the fabric of our society.”
Students and Generali volunteers jointly organized workshops for the children, which featured activities such as making desserts for their caregivers and crafting upcycled DIY lamps. The day also included a touching visit to a beneficiary family’s sub-divided flat to offer hands-on care and support.
Generali Hong Kong’s collaboration with Project WeCan and OneSky underscores the power of collective efforts in making a positive impact on society. By connecting students who have once been recipients of assistance with opportunities to serve others, the event demonstrated the far-reaching benefits of nurturing a cycle of generosity and support. Our ongoing relationship with OneSky, which began in 2020, has featured annual fundraising through our Global Challenge in June and active participation in volunteering at their events. OneSky’s initiatives, especially their responsive care approach to nurture the development of children aged 0-6 at their Family Centre, focus on providing tailored educational and developmental programs that foster an early foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. Hashtag: #GeneraliHongKong
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Generali Hong Kong
In 1981, Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. was first registered as an authorised insurer in Hong Kong, with the business extending into the life insurance sector in 2016 with Generali Life (Hong Kong) Limited. With a combination of local knowledge and Generali Group’s global expertise, we develop unique and innovative life insurance, general insurance, specialty insurance, and employee benefits solutions to meet the needs of our customers.
Generali Group
Generali is one of the largest global insurance and asset management providers. Established in 1831, it is present in over 50 countries in the world, with a total premium income of € 82.5 billion in 2023. With around 82,000 employees serving 70 million customers, the Group has a leading position in Europe and a growing presence in Asia and Latin America. At the heart of Generali’s strategy is its Lifetime Partner commitment to customers, achieved through innovative and personalised solutions, best-in-class customer experience and its digitalised global distribution capabilities. The Group has fully embedded sustainability into all strategic choices, with the aim to create value for all stakeholders while building a fairer and more resilient society.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 May 2024 – UXLINK, the leading social infrastructure platform, and Binance Web3 Wallet, the top-tier cryptocurrency wallet, are thrilled to announce their collaborative marketing campaign aimed at accelerating growth within Web3. This initiative rewards participants with 20,000,000 UXUY points, through the innovative UXLINK Social Protocol.
In today’s rapidly evolving Web3 landscape, fostering social interactions and community engagement has become increasingly important. UXLINK’s innovative Social Protocol, combined with Binance Web3 Wallet’s seamless access to DeFi services, presents a unique opportunity to foster widespread adoption and user participation.
Binance Web3 Wallet, well-known for its dedication to offering users a secure and user-friendly access point to the Web3 realm, provides a range of features. These include smooth fund transfers across various trading platforms and wallets, efficient cross-chain token exchanges with competitive rates, and an extensive set of financial management tools.
UXLINK, the largest social infrastructure platform for Web3, boasts a user base exceeding 5 million registrants. With approximately 800,000 daily active users on the DAPP and 180,000 daily active users participating on-chain, UXLINK facilitates trust and social interaction among acquaintances with over 90,000 web3-powered groups.
The collaborative campaign between UXLINK and Binance Web3 Wallet marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Web3. By bridging social infrastructure with decentralized finance, this campaign not only advances adoption but also shapes the future of digital interactions and financial transactions.
Hashtag: #UXLINK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About UXLINK
UXLINK is the largest web3 social platform and infrastructure for users and developers to discover, distribute, and trade crypto assets in unique socialized and group-based manners. 1. Gained over 5 million users, with 600K on-chain/off-chain daily active and 100K on-chain daily active users. 2. Organized user traffic and interactions by 90K+ web3-powered groups
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 May 2024 – eft Payments (Asia) Limited (“eftPay”), one of the leading e-Payment services providers in Hong Kong, participates in Retail Asia Expo 2024, a grand retail industry event in APAC region. Kicking off on May 8, the Expo takes place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center for three consecutive days. At its booth (location: Hall 1B, E11), eftPay demonstrates the Company’s latest services in e-payments and smart mobility, showcasing how it helps industry players seize market opportunities.
Since the beginning of the “New Retail Era,”the demand for local electronic payment and overseas wallet use has increased rapidly. Apart from the retail market, eftPay is committed to creating more business scenarios for the application of e-payments, including “Micro Market”, “B2B2C (Business-to-Consumer-to-Merchant)”, “Co-working Space” etc.
eftPay also actively connects to different oversea wallets and payment platforms to provide merchants with a variety of foreign currency payment functions and satisfy the needs of travellers, like “JKOPay” from Taiwan and “GLN” from South Korea, making it one of the e-Payment service providers in Hong Kong with the largest number of oversea wallets with support to multiple Southeast Asian wallets.
The Company strives to help Hong Kong transform into a smart city. For example, assisting with the introduction of e-payment services for “CabCab,”the smart taxi meter earlier, including QR code, credit cards, contactless NFC payments, and other related mainstream payment methods and access to overseas wallets, allowing citizens to experience the benefits of “smart mobility.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
eft Payments (Asia) Limited
Established in 2013, eftPay is one of the leading e-Payment services providers in Hong Kong, providing merchants with comprehensive e-Payment services, including account opening, point of sale system and integration of payment system, transaction processing and payment settlement services. Currently, eftPay serves at least 22,600 stores in Hong Kong, including well-known local jewelry chains, electrical appliances stores, makeup and beauty stores, clothing stores, food and beverage, theme parks, convenience stores and supermarkets. Website: http://www.eftpay.com.hk/
FILE: Phou Khao Khouay National Park (photo: A journey of thousands steps)
In a move to combat climate change, the Lao government, in partnership with AIDC Green Forest, is launching a forest carbon credit initiative (REDD+) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from forest destruction and degradation.
As per the initial announcement by the Water Supply State Enterprise Luang Prabang, the Namkhan water factory in Phanom village will undergo a temporary shutdown lasting from 6 May to 9 June. This closure is attributed to the installation of water pumping systems and other equipment. The announcement also advised local residents, particularly those residing in Luang Prabang City, to brace themselves for potential water shortages, including irregular water supply patterns, diminished water pressure, and the possibility of complete cutoffs.