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Denmark’s First Female Prime Minister Joins AUW as a Patron


CHITTAGONG, BANGLADESH – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 May 2024 – Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Denmark’s first female Prime Minister and a decade-long leader of the Social Democrat Party of her country, has joined the Asian University for Women (AUW) in Bangladesh as a Patron. Prime Minister Thorning Schmidt also served as the Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children International and continues to serve on a variety of important Board and Advisory roles, including as Co-Chair of Facebook’s Oversight Board that addresses complex issues relating to freedom of expression.

Helle Thorning-Schmidt
Helle Thorning-Schmidt

Asian University for Women (https://asian-university.org) which was co-founded in 2008 by another prominent Danish political leader, former Environment Minister the late Lone Dybkjaer, has gained wide recognition and support In Denmark. The Lone Dybkjaer Foundation was expressly established under the stewardship of Ms. Dybkjaer’s husband, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen – who served three terms as Prime Minister of Denmark. Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen attended the annual Commencement of the Asian University for Women in 2023 in Chittagong, Bangladesh and, in drawing attention to the vital importance of women’s education and empowerment as a matter of human right as well as for addressing wider global challenges, termed the event as “the most important meeting of all” that he had ever attended.

Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt said “I am delighted to be joining the Asian University for Women as a Patron. No other university in the world does what AUW does — it proactively seeks out through numerous creative methods to reach the most marginalized adolescent girls in the world, prepare them for university education, and graduate them as extraordinarily well-rounded and skilled young women who carry a strong determination to devote their lives to overcoming injustice and underdevelopment. Nelson Mandela was my hero as a child — and these young women who despite all unimaginable obstacles still persist in creating a new world have also captured my admiration. I look forward to helping the AUW mission in whatever way I can.”

Prime Minister Rasmussen said “I am enormously pleased that my friend Prime Minister Helle Thorning Schmidt is joining AUW as a Patron. She broke many “glass ceilings” and propelled significant changes more widely through her keen intellect and passion for a more just world. On a personal note, it so happens that my late wife Lone Dybkjaer (after whom the AUW Danish Foundation is named) served in the European Parliament with Helle as well as Helle’s late mother-in-law, Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead, on the European Parliament at the same time.”

Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen with Lone Dybkjaer Scholars in front of a portrait of the late Lone Dybkjaer at AUW’s Mahsa Amini Center
Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen with Lone Dybkjaer Scholars in front of a portrait of the late Lone Dybkjaer at AUW’s Mahsa Amini Center

Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt’s awakening to the great social issues came at an early age: as a teen-ager growing up in Denmark she was already repelled by the cruelty and absurdity of apartheid South Africa. As the Prime Minister of Denmark, she caused a significant increase in Danish support for education. She noted then: “…we must not forget vulnerable children living in insecure areas, children living in fragile situations. Their right to education is extremely important.” As the CEO of Save the Children International, she particularly advocated for protection of the vulnerable in Syria, Yemen and the Rohingyas from the Rakhine state of Burma.

Educated at the University of Copenhagen and the College of Europe, she brings to the Asian University for Women her deep appreciation of education as an instrument of women’s empowerment and an unflinching commitment to help build this institution as a center of global excellence where every young woman of talent can aspire to get a great education and renew her commitments to the creation of a just world.

The AUW Council of Patrons is chaired by Chief Patron Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Other Patrons include Mrs. Cherie Blair CBE KC (UK); Laura Bush (USA); Emma Bonino (Italy) and other luminaries from around the world.

Hashtag: #AUW

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

ViewQwest and Console Connect Collaborate to Deliver Seamless and Secure Cloud Connectivity for Singapore Businesses

Unleashing the Potential of the Cloud with Simplified Access, Enhanced Performance and Streamlined Management


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 May 2024 – ViewQwest, a leading Telecommunications and Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP), announced a strategic collaboration with Console Connect, a leading Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) platform, to elevate direct cloud connectivity for enterprises in Singapore. This collaboration will bring forth a myriad of advantages for ViewQwest’s enterprise customers.

“Our collaboration with Console Connect underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for enterprise businesses in Singapore,” said Benjamin Tan, ViewQwest’s Chief Commercial Officer overseeing its Enterprise and International Business segments. “By combining Console Connect’s global NaaS expertise with our local telecommunications and security services, we aim to provide seamless, secure, and scalable networking solutions that empower businesses to focus on their core objectives.”

ViewQwest’s enterprise customers will benefit from preferred rates and services for direct cloud connectivity to major providers, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Alibaba, Oracle, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. The collaboration also facilitates secure and automated cloud connectivity for remote and hybrid workers, simplifying the task of connecting new entities and sites and reliving IT Teams from the burden of complex connectivity management.

“As a strategic channel partner of Console Connect Edge Port services in Singapore, ViewQwest contributes its extensive expertise in telecommunications and managed security services, creating a synergy that benefits businesses seeking advanced and reliable cloud connectivity solutions tailored to the Singapore market,” added Tan.

Console Connect, known for its excellence in advancing network automation and cloud connections, brings innovative technology to reinforce ViewQwest’s commitment to providing businesses with state-of-the-art network automation tools and fostering innovation in on-demand connectivity solutions.

“We are delighted to be working with ViewQwest in Singapore to seamlessly extend our network reach to enterprise locations throughout the country. Through this collaboration, more businesses in Singapore are able to access Console Connect’s innovative and agile connectivity and automation solutions directly from their office location – in turn, bringing them much closer to the cloud,” said Michael Glynn, SVP of Digital Automated Innovation at Console Connect.

This collaboration marks a step forward in ViewQwest’s mission to provide comprehensive cloud connectivity solutions, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the telecommunications and managed security services sector.Hashtag: #ViewQwest

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

About ViewQwest

ViewQwest is an award-winning Telecommunications and Managed Security Services Provider driven by a vision to make the world a better place, powered by a safer, better internet. Founded and headquartered in Singapore since 2001, it has expanded operations and market coverage in Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other countries in North and Southeast Asia.

ViewQwest builds and manages high-performing network and security infrastructure for the digital enterprise, securely connecting corporate sites and workforces wherever they are needed. It is a trusted partner of global and regional multinational corporations (MNCs) and top companies across Asia, delivering fit-for-purpose connectivity and security to power their digital future. ViewQwest also provides market-leading Residential and SME broadband connectivity and cybersecurity services in Singapore and Malaysia.

ViewQwest received the 2024 Network and Security Integration of the Year Award – Singapore and, in 2023, was named Singapore Broadband Telecom Provider of the Year by the Asian Telecom Awards, recognizing its innovation and excellence in network and security. From 2018 to 2022, Ookla Speedtest Awards recognized ViewQwest as Fastest Fixed Network in Singapore.

For more information, visit

Highway Collapse in Southern China Kills at Least 36 People

An aerial photo shows rescuers work at the site of a collapsed road section of the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway in Meizhou, south China's Guangdong Province on Wednesday. Xinhua News Agency/AP

BEIJING (AP) — A section of a highway collapsed after heavy rains in southern China, sending cars tumbling down a slope and leaving at least 36 people dead, authorities said Thursday.

The Meizhou city government said that 23 vehicles have been found in a pit after a 17.9-meter (58.7-foot) long section of the highway gave way about 2 am on Wednesday. Thirty other people had injuries, none of them life-threatening, a government statement said.

Parts of Guangdong province have seen record rains and flooding in the past two weeks, as well as hail. A tornado killed five people in Guangzhou, the provincial capital, last weekend.

Some villages in Meizhou flooded in early April, and the city had seen heavy rain in recent days.

The ground beneath the highway appeared to have caved in, along with the section of the road above it. Witnesses told local media they heard a loud noise and saw a wide hole open up behind them after driving past the section just before it collapsed.

Video and photos in local media showed smoke and fire at the scene, with highway guardrails slanting down into the flames. A pile of blackened cars could be seen on the slope leading down from the highway.

Laos Celebrates 14th Field Epidemiology Training Graduating Class

Commencement ceremony for the eighth batch of graduates from the 14th Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP). Photo supplied by the US Embassy in Laos.

The Lao Plaza Hotel hosted the commencement ceremony for the eighth batch of graduates from the 14th Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) on 26 April. Senior officials from the Ministry of Health, the Embassy of the United States in Laos, and the World Health Organization (WHO) attended the event, marking a significant step forward in bolstering the nation’s capacity to combat infectious diseases.

The FETP program strengthens Laos’ capacity to conduct infectious disease biosurveillance and response, enabling Laos’ health officials to detect and respond to disease outbreaks including COVID-19, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Avian influenza, and other diseases.

Since its inception in 2009, the FETP has been a collaborative effort between the US Department of Defense’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the Lao Ministry of Health’s Department of Communicable Disease Control and National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology.

As of April 2024, 110 field staff have successfully completed this one-year training course, with 38 alumni from the national level, 53 from provincial level, and 19 from district level.

“As we saw during Laos’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, FET graduates make a real difference in the health and safety of Laos’s citizens.  We are proud to support this program, and to contribute to the continued improvement of health services in the country,” said Michelle Y. Outlaw, Chargée d’Affaires of the US Embassy to Laos.

Phayvanh Keopaseuth, the Vice Minister of Health, echoed this sentiment, lauding the invaluable contributions of FET graduates to enhancing health security within the Lao PDR. “I offer my sincere congratulations to the FET graduates for their successful completion of the FET course,” he remarked, urging them to leverage their newfound skills to fortify health systems across the nation.

“Today marks a significant milestone for protecting communities and the nation, as we celebrate additional epidemiologists who will reinforce the country’s preparedness and response to public health emergencies,” further commented Timothy Peter Armstrong, acting WHO Representative. “We congratulate the Ministry of Health for its unwavering commitment to improving the nation’s capacity to detect and respond to disease outbreaks and to strengthening health security in Laos.”

FETP graduates play a crucial role in the health sector, contributing to communicable disease prevention and control through biosurveillance activities, investigating cases, and collecting samples. Graduates provide recommendations to policy makers to address and improve disease prevention and control measures. They also assist in outbreak response by conducting contact tracing and interviews to ascertain disease etiology. To date, FETP students and alumni have responded to approximately 500 outbreaks in all 18 provinces, significantly strengthening the epidemiology capacity within the country.

Steward Leadership 25 (SL25) 2024 Opens for Application

SL25 recognises and celebrates the 25 best projects of steward leadership excellence by for-profit organisations. Past honourees include Avtar Group, Last Mile Care Private Limited, Marico Limited, and Tata Consultancy Services.


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 May 2024 – In an era where talk of sustainability often exceeds impactful action, Singapore’s Stewardship Asia Centre (SAC) and its partners have embarked on a mission to spotlight businesses that are leading by example. The third iteration of Steward Leadership 25 (SL25) aims to honour projects that embody the essence of steward leadership by merging profitable growth with solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Steward leadership, characterised by a deep-seated commitment to fostering a brighter future for stakeholders, society, future generations, and the environment, is not merely a noble pursuit but a strategic business imperative. It seeks to establish an optimal approach to growth, marrying profit and purpose and achieving prosperity that benefits employees, shareholders, and society alike.

Open to for-profit entities of all sizes and sectors, SL25 welcomes submissions of projects that have generated positive societal and environmental impacts. The application ends 15 May 2024. Last year’s cohort showcased a diverse array of projects from 14 countries, led by companies operating in sectors ranging from financial services and transportation to food and beverage and real estate.

Past honourees have focused on serving underprivileged communities. For instance, Tata Consultancy Services has improved digital access and literacy to youths and seniors, contributing more than S$40,000 worth of laptops and wi-fi connections to underprivileged students to relieve COVID-19 challenges, benefitting more than 150 students in Singapore.

India’s leading consumer goods company, Marico, underscores the importance of environmental stewardship and generates sustainable livelihoods. Among their initiatives is a social value creation programme, Parachute Kalpavriksha, which equips farmers with scientific and climate-resilient farming methods to promote sustainable agriculture while improving their productivity and income generation opportunities.

SL25 is a collaborative initiative involving SAC, the INSEAD Hoffmann Global Institute for Business and Society, WTW, and The Straits Times.

For more information on SL25 and to apply for the 2024 cycle, scan the QR code below. Applications open now till 15 May 2024.

Steward Leadership 25 (SL25) 2024 Opens for Application

Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of SAC, remarked, “Everyone is talking about sustainability, yet we are not making enough progress. We at SAC have found champions who are quietly creating a powerful impact on society and the environment through their businesses. SL25 recognises these champions of steward leadership.”

The previous iterations of SL25 have brought to light a variety of impactful projects, and the expectation for 2024 is no different. Annisah Smith, Senior Research & Engagement Manager at SAC, shared, “With the growing adoption of steward leadership principles across corporates and SMEs in the region, I’m eagerly anticipating the innovative projects ahead. I’m excited to witness the transformative effects these initiatives will have on communities and the wider Asia-Pacific area.”

The top 25 projects will be showcased at the Steward Leadership Summit 2024 in Singapore, SAC’s flagship event that convenes business leaders, global experts, and eminent speakers to discuss and promote the concept and practice of steward leadership.

SL25 is proudly supported by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP), Family Business Association (Australia & New Zealand), The Family Business Advisors Association Japan (FBAA), Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (IDCM), Indonesian Institute for Corporate Directorship (IICD), Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE), Singapore International Chamber of Commerce (SICC) and UN Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS).

Steward Leadership 25 (SL25) 2024 Opens for Application

Hashtag: #SAC

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

About Stewardship Asia Centre (SAC)

Stewardship Asia Centre (SAC) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping business and government leaders, investors, and individuals accelerate leadership action on environmental and social challenges through catalytic knowledge and advisory. We are part of the with a shared purpose of building a better future for every generation. Temasek Trust is the philanthropic arm of Singapore­based global investor Temasek Holdings.

Fosun’s Core Businesses Grow Significantly, Nomura Reiterates “Overweight” Rating


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 May 2024 – On 30 April 2024, Nomura Orient International Securities (Nomura”) published a research report stating that Fosun International Limited’s (Fosun International” or the Company”) (stock code: 00656.HK) core operations have shown a clear sign of growth on the back of its effective strategy of focusing on core businesses. The growth momentum is especially strong at Fosun Tourism Group. Nomura, therefore, maintains an overweight” rating on Fosun International.

Nomura pointed out that Fosun’s four core subsidiaries, namely Yuyuan, Fosun Pharma, Fosun Insurance Portugal and Fosun Tourism Group together contributed 72% of the Group’s revenue. The revenue from the four core businesses increased by 8%, which was mainly attributable to the growth in Yuyuan’s jewelry and gold business and the outstanding performance of Club Med and Atlantis Sanya under Fosun Tourism Group. The growth drove the Company’s steady revenue growth.

Nomura believes that consumption has shown a clear sign of recovery. The tourism sector, in particular, has outstanding performance. Globally, Club Med broke a record in 2023 by recording a business volume of RMB15.1 billion, which represented an increase of 19.2% over 2022 and is equivalent to 118.3% of the business volume achieved for the same period in 2019. Atlantis Sanya also recorded equally strong momentum for recovery with its business volume surging by 90.9% year-on-year to RMB1.7 billion in 2023. The average occupancy rate at Atlantis Sanya was maintained at a high level of 81.9% in 2023 through a series of industry-driven international and diverse activities such as “Night Tour Experience”, “Super Summer”, and “China’s Mermaid Open Tournament”. For the first two months of 2024, Atlantis Sanya recorded a year-on-year increase of 16.5% in business volume to approximately RMB500 million and an average occupancy rate of 94.8% as it benefitted from surges in demand during the New Year and the Chinese New Year holidays.

The recovery in consumption also spilt over into other sectors. In 2023, Yuyuan’s restaurant chain business accelerated its expansion, with the number of Songhelou Noodle Restaurant increased to 173 nationwide. Meanwhile, the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou Railway has been put into operation for two years, and has been run safely and in an orderly manner, transporting a cumulative total of over 20 million passengers.

Nomura sets a price target of HK$5.59 for Fosun International with 19.85% upside, and maintains an “overweight” rating on the Company based on the good development of its business.

Hashtag: #nomura #fosun

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

First Phosphate Announces Gold Sponsorship of THE Mining Investment Event of the North in Quebec City on June 4-6, 2024 and Inaugural Indigenous Business Panel


Saguenay, Quebec – Newsfile Corp. – May 1, 2024 – First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTC: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) (“First Phosphate” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce its Gold Sponsorship of THE Mining Investment Event of the North (“THE Event“) to take place on June 4-6, 2024 at the Centre des Congrès in Québec City, Canada.

Armand Mackenzie, VP of Government Relations for First Phosphate, is responsible for organizing and moderating this year’s inaugural Indigenous business panel at THE Event on Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 at 11:30 EST. Ian Lafrenière, Quebec Minister Responsible for Relations with the First Nations and the Inuit; Gilbert Dominique, Chief of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan First Nation; John Passalacqua, CEO of First Phosphate and Darrell Beaulieu, CEO of Denendeh Investments Inc. will discuss best practices in the Industry and the recent collaboration agreement between First Phosphate and the Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan First Nation and how it aims to combine critical minerals, energy transition, de-carbonization and Indigenous community development into a wholesome view of the future.

“We are proud to sponsor THE Event as it aligns with our values of global cross-border co-operation in the mining industry though community development, student participation, bilingualism and indigenous involvement,” says First Phosphate CEO, John Passalacqua. “Joanne Jobin and her team have undertaken excellent work in short time in establishing THE Event as a premier venue showcasing Canadian mining industries to the world and with careful attention to community, sustainability and culture.”

“I’m delighted to welcome the First Phosphate team as a Gold Sponsor – where they will also participate as a Pavilion Sponsor at our first annual Sponsors Gala Networking/Cocktail and Coreshack Events on June 4 – 5. I’d also like to thank Armand and John for their invaluable contributions to our Indigenous business panel,” says CEO and THE Event Founder, Joanne Jobin. “THE Event invites issuers, investors and government entities to join us in support of this important Canadian mining initiative among global industry investment conferences.”

First Phosphate is planning to install its operations, just two hours’ drive north of THE Event conference venue, in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec. First Phosphate believes that Quebec igneous anorthosite phosphate rock is an untapped source of high purity phosphate which can be mined and transformed into purified phosphoric acid (“PPA”). The Company’s objective is the development of a lithium iron phosphate (“LFP”) battery valley in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec, one which can help satisfy the large future demand for LFP battery cathode active materials (“CAM”) across North America.

The Company also announces that it has approved the grant of 140,000 restricted share units of the Company (“RSUs”) to an eligible consultant of the Company. The RSUs vest in 4 tranches (25% on each of May 31, 2024; August 31, 2024; November 30, 2024; and February 28, 2025). The terms of the RSUs are in accordance with the Company’s Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan as approved by disinterested shareholders at the Company’s annual and special meeting of shareholders held on August 25, 2023. All securities issued are subject to a hold period of four months plus one day from the date of issuance.

About THE Mining Investment Event of the North
THE Event is by invitation only. Interested investors & issuers should visit:
https://www.themininginvestmentevent.com/register or contact Jennifer Choi, jchoi@irinc.ca

THE Event Agenda, Brochure, participating companies, initiatives, speakers & panelists may be found at: https://themininginvestmentevent.com

THE Event is a Tier I Canadian global mining investment conference held annually in Québec City, Canada. THE Event is independently sponsored and designed to facilitate privately arranged meetings between mining companies, international investors, and various mining government authorities and provides a platform to hear from some of the most influential thought leaders in the sector. THE Event is committed to promoting diversity, equality and sustainability in the mining industry via education and innovation through its unique Student Sponsorship and SHE-Co Initiatives.

About First Phosphate Corp.
First Phosphate is a mineral development company fully dedicated to extracting and purifying phosphate for the production of cathode active material for the LFP battery industry. First Phosphate is committed to producing at high purity level, in responsible manner and with low anticipated carbon footprint. First Phosphate plans to vertically integrate from mine source directly into the supply chains of major North American LFP battery producers that require battery grade LFP cathode active material emanating from a consistent and secure supply source. First Phosphate holds over 1,500 sq. km of royalty-free district-scale land claims in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean Region of Quebec, Canada that it is actively developing. First Phosphate properties consist of rare anorthosite igneous phosphate rock that generally yields high purity phosphate material devoid of high concentrations of harmful elements.

For additional information, please contact:
Bennett Kurtz, CFO & CAO
bennett@firstphosphate.com
Tel: +1 (416) 200-0657

Investor Relations: investor@firstphosphate.com
Media Relations: media@firstphosphate.com
Website: www.FirstPhosphate.com

Follow First Phosphate:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FirstPhosphate
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-phosphate

Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements
This news release contains certain statements and information that may be considered “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and other similar expressions. In addition, statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, including, among other things, the Company’s planned exploration and production activities, the properties and composition of any extracted phosphate, the Company’s plans for vertical integration into North American supply chains, the Company’s belief that Quebec igneous anorthosite phosphate rock is an untapped source of high purity phosphate which can potentially be mined and transformed into large quantities of purified phosphoric acid (PPA) to service North America’s need for the production of LFP cathode active material to meet electrification targets, and the ability to realize a battery valley in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec.

These statements and other forward-looking information are based on assumptions and estimates that the Company believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, expectations of the Company’s long term business outcomes given its short operating history; expectations regarding revenue, expenses and operations; the Company having sufficient working capital and ability to secure additional funding necessary for the exploration of the Company’s property interests; expectations regarding the potential mineralization, geological merit and economic feasibility of the Company’s projects; expectations regarding drill programs and the potential impacts successful drill programs could have on the life of the mine and the Company; mineral exploration and exploration program cost estimates; expectations regarding any environmental issues that may affect planned or future exploration programs and the potential impact of complying with existing and proposed environmental laws and regulations; receipt and timing of exploration and exploitation permits and other third-party approvals; government regulation of mineral exploration and development operations; expectations regarding any social or local community issues that may affect planned or future exploration and development programs; expectations surrounding global economic trends and technological advancements; and key personnel continuing their employment with the Company.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include: limited operating history; high risk of business failure; no profits or significant revenues; limited resources; negative cash flow from operations and dependence on third-party financing; the uncertainty of additional funding; no dividends; risks related to possible fluctuations in revenues and results; insurance and uninsured risks; litigation; reliance on management and key personnel; conflicts of interest; access to supplies and materials; dangers of mineral exploration and related liability and damages; risks relating to health and safety; government regulation and legal uncertainties; the company’s exploration and development properties may not be successful and are highly speculative in nature; dependence on outside parties; title to some of the Company’s mineral properties may be challenged or defective; Aboriginal title and land claims; obtaining and renewing licenses and permits; environmental and other regulatory risks may adversely affect the company; risks relating to climate change; risks related to infrastructure; land reclamation requirements may be burdensome; current global financial conditions; fluctuation in commodity prices; dilution; future sales by existing shareholders could cause the Company’s share price to fall; fluctuation and volatility in stock exchange prices; and risks related to market demands. There can be no assurance that any opportunity will be successful, commercially viable, completed on time or on budget, or will generate any meaningful revenues, savings or earnings, as the case may be, for the Company. In addition, the Company will incur costs in pursuing any particular opportunity, which may be significant.

These factors and assumptions are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors and assumptions that could affect the Company and, though they should be considered carefully, should be considered in conjunction with the risk factors described in the Company’s other documents filed with the Canadian securities authorities, including without limitation the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Information Form dated November 29, 2023 which is available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking information or information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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

Thailand’s NACC finds guilty among four former executives of energy base firm of corruption and bribery


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 May 2024 – The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) reached a resolution that four former executives of the Thai State-owned oil and gas company, PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), are found guilty of corruption, collusion, and bribery in connection to PTTEP’s Arthit Offshore Gas Field Project.

The NACC was made aware of this case following the United States Government’s announcement of the conclusion of its investigation into the global bribery scheme of Rolls-Royce, the United Kingdom-based manufacturer and distributor of power systems for the aerospace, defense, marine, and energy sectors. The company entered into a deferred prosecution agreement, which publicly disclosed information on corrupt contract awards about gas turbine procurement for several Thai Government’s natural gas projects, including PTTEP’s Arthit Project. The NACC initiated its investigation in response to this high-profile disclosure. The evidence obtained in this case was secured not only from domestic sources but also from abroad through close cooperation with foreign authorities and the Attorney-General, which is the designated Thai Central Authority for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

The NACC’s Secretary-General, Mr. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol revealed in recent days that the NACC investigation found a long-running corruption and bribery scheme in the Arthit Project pertaining to the procurement of feed gas turbine compressors between 2004 – 2008 valued over US$24.6 million. The scheme involved PTTEP’s Vice President of the Thai Offshore Assets Division, Mr. Poawpadet Vorabutr, intentionally issuing invitations to unapproved vendors, including Rolls-Royce, to submit bid proposals. In furtherance of the scheme, the Ad Hoc Board for Arthit Procurement whose members included Mr. Chitrapongse Kwangsukstith, Mr. Chulasingh Vasantasingh, and Mr. Anucha Sihanatkathakul, acknowledged the bid result and approved the purchase in principle prior to finalization of critical issues and observations. Subsequently, PTTEP’s President and Secretary to the PTTEP Board, Mr. Maroot Mrigadat, reported contrary facts regarding the approval to the PTTEP Board Meeting. However, Mr. Kwangsukstith, Mr. Vasantasingh, and Mr. Sihanatkathakul, attending the meeting along with Mr. Mrigadat, did not make any clarification or objections against those distorted facts which eventually resulted in the purchase made directly to Rolls-Royce. Moreover, the investigation documentarily revealed that Rolls-Royce transferred approximately US$300,000 into the overseas bank accounts of Mr. Vorabutr’s close associates after the contract was awarded to the company.

Accordingly, the NACC came out with the following decisions:

1. The acts of Mr. Chitrapongse Kwangsukstith, Mr. Anucha Sihanatkathakul, and Mr. Maroot Mrigadat constituted criminal offenses of corruption and collusion under Articles 8 and 11 of the Act on the Offences of Officials in State Organizations or Agencies 1959; and Article 12 of the Act on the Offences Relating to the Submission of Bids to Government Agencies 1999. The acts of Mr. Mrigadat additionally have grounds for a gross disciplinary offense.

2. The acts of Mr. Poawpadet Vorabutr constituted criminal offenses of corruption, collusion, and bribery under Articles 6, 8, and 11 of the Act on the Offences of Officials in State Organizations or Agencies, and Articles 5 and 12 of the Act on the Offences Relating to the Submission of Bids to Government Agencies, and Article 5 (1) and (2) in conjunction with Article 60 of Anti-Money Laundering Act 1999; and Article 103 in conjunction with 122 of the Organic Act on Counter Corruption 1999 (currently, an offense under Article 128 in conjunction with 169 of the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption, B.E. 2561 (2018)). The acts also have grounds for a gross disciplinary offense.

3. The investigation found no facts and evidence demonstrating other persons’ offenses as accused. The accusations had no grounds for further proceedings and were dismissed accordingly.

Due to the death of Mr. Chulasingh Vasantasingh, the right to file a criminal case was extinguished. His case was disposed of.

Following Article 91 (1) and (2), and 98 of the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption, 2018, the NACC’s report, investigation file, documentary evidence, electronic copy, and decision shall be sent to the Attorney-General for prosecution in the competent court, and to their superiors for disciplinary proceedings. Also, the NACC shall notify the Attorney-General to file a motion to the competent court for the confiscation of approximately US$300,000 in bribes following Articles 83 and 84 in conjunction with 93 of the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption 2018.

This successful investigation is one of the tremendous examples reflecting the NACC’s strong commitment to fighting transnational bribery and emphasizing the importance of working cooperatively alongside our international partners to effectively investigate transnational bribery cases.

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*This press release translation is funded by the National Anti-Corruption Fund (NACFHashtag: #IntegrityWay #AntiCorruption #ZeroCorruption #NACC #NACF

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

National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), Thailand

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is a constitutional independent organization and supervised by nine commissioners selected from various professions. It is authorised to undertake work on the prevention and suppression of malfeasance, particularly in government agencies, on assets investigations, as well as on the monitoring of ethics and virtues of political position holders.

It has the authority to file charges in court as well as support and build up awareness of the penalties for committing corruption. The NACC is supervised by the NACC Board and has the Office of the NACC as its administrative agency.

Since 1997, Thai Courts have ruled against and punished politicians, former ministers, high-ranking government officials as well as executives of the private sector in the thousands of cases submitted by the NACC.