Laos is targeting a significant increase in tourism in 2024, with over 1 million foreign tourists already welcomed in the first three months of the year. The top arrival was from Thailand, with 337,689 visitors, according to the Tourism Development Department of the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.
Laos Makes History as First Southeast Asian Nation to Ban Child Corporal Punishment
UPDATED ON 12 NOVEMBER AT 10:42
Laos has just become the first in Southeast Asia to officially outlaw corporal punishment to fully protect children from all forms of violent punishment. The country, where violence against children is prevalent, especially in rural areas, might have shed its bad reputation when Globally, Laos is the 66th nation to legally prohibit corporal punishment.
phData is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious “Best Place to Work” certification for 2024
One of the industry’s most coveted ‘Employer-of-Choice’ recognitions, the Best Place to Work Certification reinforces phData’s standing as one of the leading technology employers in India
BENGALURU, INDIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 May 2024 – phData, a tech company focusing on delivering data products and platforms and modern data technologies, today announced that it has been certified as a Best Place to Work in India for 2024.
This achievement recognizes the company’s commitment to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture where employees feel valued and supported. The prestigious award is based on the evaluation of the company HR practices along with employees’ feedback. This year, 95% of employees said phData is a best place to work, compared to just 74% at the typical Indian tech company.
Commenting on the achievement, Manashi Chakraborty, HR Director of phData, stated, “phData is extremely delighted to be awarded as the Best Places to Work in India. This achievement has further strengthened our employees’ belief in the organization’s mission, vision, and values. This is a very proud moment for all of us at phData. The recognition motivates us to keep working on our people policies along with building a culture of belonging, innovation, and excellence.”
phData has rapidly advanced its capabilities within Snowflake’s partner ecosystem. They are focused on delivering data products and platforms using Snowflake and modern data technologies. They help with end-to-end services to architect, deploy, and support machine learning and data analytics on Snowflake. phData also comes with best practices, industry experts, and proven data strategies to ensure the clients meet their business objectives.
Please visit the phData website at https://www.phdata.io to know more about them.
Every year, the program partners with many organizations in India, across different industries, to help them measure, benchmark, improve their HR practices and have access to the tools and expertise they need to deliver effective and sustainable change in their organizations.
For more information, please visit www.bestplacestoworkfor.org
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-places-to-work-program/
Twitter : http://www.twitter/bptw4
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/bptw4all/
Hashtag: #BestPlacesToWork
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Nearly 1,500 Nominations for the Fourth Season of the VinFuture Prize

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 May 2024 – The nomination portal for the 2024 VinFuture Prize officially concluded on April 17th with a total of 1,469 nominations for the fourth award season. The number of nominating partners has increased nearly eightfold compared to the first-year Prize; and nearly 15% of this year’s nominating partners are among the world’s top 2% most-cited researchers.

In the 2024 season, nominations continue to cover a wide range of essential fields such as healthcare (36.3%), sustainable energy (24.6%), environment and climate change (15.2%), AI applications in multidisciplinary fields (13.8%), and agriculture (10.1%).
Within this context, numerous nominations encompass pioneering fields, including but not limited to the discovery and formulation of new drugs leveraging artificial intelligence; solutions with potential for effective climate change adaptation; new sources and utilization processes of sustainable energy; the development of resource-efficient smart agricultural systems; and research on new materials, equipment, and optimized processes applicable to essential daily life activities…
The number of international scientists becoming official nominators for the fourth season of the VinFuture Prize has also seen a significant increase, totaling 9,101 individuals. This marks a rise of over 70% compared to the 5,264 partners in the third season and nearly eight times the 1,200 partners in the inaugural season. Among these, the majority of nominating partners are from the Americas (comprising 31.4%), followed by Europe (28.3%), Asia (26.0%), Africa (7.3%), and Oceania (7.0%).
Notably, among the 9,101 nominators, 1,347 (14.8%) are scientists within the top 2% most highly cited researchers worldwide, and 5,989 experts hail from top universities and research institutes globally. Institutions on the list include Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University (USA), University of British Columbia (Canada), University of Cambridge, University of Oxford (UK), National University of Singapore (Singapore), University of Tokyo (Japan), Australian National University (Australia)… The participation of outstanding scientists and leading experts has enhanced the quality of the nominated works for consideration for the VinFuture Prize.
Dr. Thai-Ha Le, Managing Director of the VinFuture Foundation, remarked: “In the fourth season of the VinFuture Prize, the increase in both quantity and quality of the nominations demonstrates the affirmation of VinFuture Prize’s vision and mission with comprehensive and practical criteria aimed at improving the quality of life for millions while ensuring sustainable development goals. The majority of the nominations are the results of cross-border and multidisciplinary collaborative projects, beyond conventional limitations. VinFuture hopes that by honoring worthy nominations, it will bring about positive impacts and contribute to promoting groundbreaking scientific innovations worldwide.”
The 2024 VinFuture pre-screening round takes place from June 1st to August 31st and aims to enable the Committee to meticulously evaluate the most impactful and award-worthy nominations to proceed to the final round. To ensure scientific integrity, fairness, and transparency, the 10-member Pre-Screening Committee will assess the nominations according to a rigorous evaluation process based on the highest international standards and core criteria. These criteria include the degree of scientific or technological advancement, the level of impact on people’s lives, as well as the project’s scale and sustainability.
After nearly 4 years of operation, the VinFuture Prize, with its mission of “Science for Humanity,” has progressively solidified its position in the international scientific community due to its visionary approach and comprehensive evaluation criteria. Many VinFuture Prize Laureates have continued to be honored with prestigious international awards and world-renowned rankings. For instance, Dr. Katalin Karikó and Prof. Drew Weissman, the 2021 VinFuture Grand Prize Laureates, were honored with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2023. Most recently, the three Laureates of the 2023 VinFuture Special Prize, including Prof. Daniel Joshua Drucker (Canada), Prof. Joel Francis Habener, and Assoc. Prof. Svetlana Mojsov (USA), were named among Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024.Hashtag: #VinFuture
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the VinFuture Prize
The VinFuture Prize is the core activity of the VinFuture Foundation, a non-profit organization established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Mrs. Pham Thu Huong. The VinFuture Prize aims to recognize transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide.
Arla Foods Ingredients targets ‘holistic hydration’ at Vitafoods Europe

GENÈVE, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 May 2024 – Arla Foods Ingredients will showcase the potential of whey protein in beverages that combine hydration with nutritional benefits at Vitafoods Europe 2024.

Research shows that 61% of global active and lifestyle nutrition consumers are looking for functional beverages that provide health benefits beyond nutrition. At Vitafoods Europe (14th to 16th May) Arla Foods Ingredients will showcase new functional water concepts demonstrating how its whey protein isolates can meet this need for ‘holistic hydration.’
Designed for powder shake formats, Lacprodan® ISO.WaterShake is rich in both essential amino acids (EAAs) and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). It is easily combined with other functional ingredients, creating opportunities for additional claims for physical and cognitive wellbeing – perfect for consumers seeking convenient, holistic nutrition. For example, the new concepts will combine zinc and caffeine with protein.
Offering water-like refreshment, they include solutions for ready-to-drink applications as well as powder shakes and also contain on-trend botanical flavours.
The concepts meet many of the market needs highlighted by Innova in its top ten food and beverage trends for 2024. Its research shows that 42% of consumers globally see protein as the most important ingredient, and it also predicts a stronger focus on additional functional ingredients in everyday water products.
Sarah Meyer, Head of Sales Development, Health and Performance, at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “Active consumers are increasingly adopting a holistic health approach, and seeking out products that offer more than one benefit. Beverages that boost their daily nutrient intake while facilitating hydration are a great example. As these new concepts demonstrate, our whey protein isolate ingredients are a fantastic way to meet this need. Designed to appeal to consumers who are taking a proactive approach to their health, they create opportunities for efficient, on-trend combinations of hydration and nutrition.”
Exhibiting at Stand K122, the leader in premium nutrition will also showcase two additional concepts:
- A multi-layered bar with high-quality whey and milk protein ingredients in every layer
- A ready-to-mix powder application for medical nutrition showcasing the findings of a recent clinical study on how whey protein can improve day-to-day glucose control.
Hashtag: #ArlaFoodsIngredients
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Arla Foods Ingredient
Arla Foods Ingredients, a subsidiary of Arla Foods, is a global nutrition leader committed to sustainability and innovation, serving major brands worldwide.
Click here for more.
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.

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 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 https://viewqwest.com/sg/
Highway Collapse in Southern China Kills at Least 36 People

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.