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Salavanh Police Reject Bribery Claim Amid Online Backlash

The corruption (Photo: Campaign Asia)

A bribery allegation involving Salavanh provincial police has triggered widespread discussion on social media, despite authorities denying the claim and describing it as misinformation.

The controversy began on 7 December, when a Facebook user posted a video showing himself following a police vehicle while shouting accusations at officers. 

In the footage, the individual alleged that police demanded between LAK 150,000 (about USD 8) and LAK 200,000 (about USD 10) in so-called “tea money.”

As the video spread online, it drew significant public attention and prompted calls for an official response.

On 13 December, Salavanh Provincial Police addressed the viral video. Lieutenant Colonel Oudon Keosengmany said an internal investigation found no evidence that officers had solicited bribes. He said the video had damaged the image of law enforcement officers and urged the public not to spread false or misleading information.

Lieutenant Colonel Oudon further explained that the individual in the video had allegedly used his vehicle improperly. 

According to police, the vehicle was registered for transporting goods but was being used to carry passengers, which violates licensing regulations. Authorities also said the vehicle lacked proper authorization.

Public Skepticism on Social Media

Despite the official clarification, the police statement prompted strong criticism online. 

Many Facebook users questioned the credibility of the investigation and pointed to a long-standing public perception that local police often solicit informal payments.

One user commented, “If the police didn’t do it, why would people accuse them out of thin air?” 

Another wrote, “In other countries, police usually release camera footage to prove their side.”

The incident has reignited online debate over police transparency and accountability.

EFGH and Minerva Sign Strategic MSA to Develop Next-Generation Data Centres in Ghana

ACCRA, Ghana and SINGAPORE, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Embed Financial Group Holdings (EFGH) and Minerva Data Limited, a Hiedberg Holdings company with operations focused on digital infrastructure development in Ghana, have signed a Master Services Agreement (MSA) to jointly explore, structure and develop data centres and digital infrastructure projects across Ghana and other mutually agreed markets.

EFGH and Minerva Sign Strategic MSA to Develop Next-Generation Data Centres in Ghana
EFGH and Minerva Sign Strategic MSA to Develop Next-Generation Data Centres in Ghana

The agreement establishes a disciplined framework for collaboration, detailing how both organisations will evaluate project sites, review existing feasibility studies, coordinate regulatory submissions and undertake Statements of Work (SOWs) for specific initiatives. The MSA also introduces robust confidentiality, data-sovereignty and intellectual-property protections reflecting the critical nature of digital infrastructure in Ghana’s expanding technology landscape.

Under the collaboration, Minerva will lead land sourcing, local due diligence, feasibility assessments and engagement with Ghanaian authorities. EFGH will contribute expertise in digital infrastructure design, systems architecture and coordination with international partners. A Joint Steering Committee will provide shared governance, equal decision rights and clear escalation pathways to ensure structured progress and transparency at every stage. The framework is designed to help both parties work with clarity and consistency as they assess opportunities across multiple jurisdictions.

The MSA outlines comprehensive compliance expectations, including adherence to Ghana’s Data Protection Act, Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation. It also reinforces the need for regulatory alignment in any future project, with each SOW specifying its own scope, deliverables, timelines and commercial terms. These safeguards ensure that any subsequent activity proceeds only after both sides have agreed to a clearly defined plan.

Minerva Statement

Miriam MacCarthy, Chief Executive Officer of Minerva Data Limited, said:
“Minerva is excited to partner with EFGH to help strengthen Ghana’s growing data center ecosystem. This collaboration enables us to play an active role in supporting Ghana’s emergence as West Africa’s leading hub for digital services.”

EFGH Statement

Dennis Ng, Executive Chairman of EFGH, said:
Ghana deserves digital infrastructure built on strong governance, resilience and long-term planning. Minerva brings deep local insight and trusted relationships, while EFGH contributes the technology, architecture and operational frameworks needed to support the country’s evolving digital landscape. This MSA sets a disciplined foundation for how both parties will work together with clarity, accountability and shared purpose.”

The MSA also enables the Parties to extend this collaboration into other markets where Minerva operates, subject to future SOWs and local regulatory requirements.

About Minerva

Minerva Data Limited is a Ghana-based digital infrastructure company with capabilities in land sourcing, feasibility assessments and regulatory coordination for data-centre development. The company works closely with government agencies, local partners and private-sector stakeholders to support Ghana’s digital transformation.

About EFGH

Embed Financial Group Holdings is a Singapore-headquartered digital infrastructure and financial technology group focused on building trusted platforms across emerging markets. EFGH partners with governments, regulators and private-sector organisations to deliver resilient, secure and scalable digital systems and services.

Alpen SNOWLAND BIBAI, One of Japan’s Largest Snow Playgrounds, Opens Its 2025-2026 Winter Season on December 6

BIBAI and NAGOYA, Japan, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alpen Co., Ltd. started operations for the 2025-2026 winter season at its winter activity facility, Alpen SNOWLAND BIBAI, located in Hokkaido, on December 6, 2025. Located on an expansive 1.25 million-square-meter site that operates as a 27-hole golf course during the summer, Alpen SNOWLAND BIBAI offers a wide range of snow activities designed for families, visitors experiencing snow for the first time and adventure seekers alike. Guests can enjoy an unforgettable winter experience unique to the vast landscapes of Hokkaido.

Image1:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108935/202512100765/_prw_PI1fl_UDESJN0Z.jpg 

– Hot Air Balloon Experience: Once-in-Lifetime Winter Moment
Soar gently above Hokkaido’s snowy landscape and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Bibai’s mountains — an experience possible only under ideal weather. The vast scenery from the balloon offers a unique perspective and unforgettable tranquility.

Image2:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108935/202512100765/_prw_PI2fl_q35kkRtR.jpg 

– Hovercraft Adventure — Rare Experience That Lets Visitors Glide Effortlessly Over Snow
A hovercraft floats on a cushion of air, allowing it to travel smoothly over snow, water or grass regardless of terrain. Rare in Japan, Alpen SNOWLAND BIBAI proudly offers this unique experience — the only leisure facility in the country to do so.

Image3:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108935/202512100765/_prw_PI5fl_7Rd0dA6l.png 

– More Than 10 Exciting Snow Activities to Choose from
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of snow activities including snowmobiles, snow rafting, mini snowmobiles that children can drive, and four-wheel buggies. The facility offers experiences ranging from family-friendly fun to more thrilling rides.

Image4:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108935/202512100765/_prw_PI3fl_5L1c5Pz3.png 

– Stay in Newly Built On-site Cabins
Hokkaido ZEN Cabins, brand-new accommodations, now open within Alpen SNOWLAND BIBAI. Each stand-alone cabin can be reserved privately for up to three guests, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Hokkaido’s natural beauty in a completely private setting.

Image5:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108935/202512100765/_prw_PI7fl_b7u90v5g.png 

– Excellent Accessibility
Alpen SNOWLAND BIBAI is conveniently located just 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport and approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes from Asahikawa Airport. From JR Sapporo Station, the limited express train reaches Bibai Station in only 35 minutes.

– Reservations
Please make the reservation through the official website. Enter the promotion code “Philippine” or “Malaysia” at the time of booking to receive 5% off.

Official website: https://www.alpen-group.net/bibai_snowland
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpen_snowland_bibai/ 

Overview: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202512100765-O1-t3tkzckK.pdf 

stc Group signs five-year Master Frame Agreement with Ericsson to advance Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure

  • Strengthened partnership ramps up stc group actions to accelerate delivery of digital infrastructure in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
  • The five-year agreement spans 5G hardware and software, cloud-native solutions, and advanced AI-driven managed services solutions
  • Agreement aligns with stc group’s longer-term 6G readiness, and self-optimizing network ambitions

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — stc Group, a leading digital enabler in Saudi Arabia, has signed a new five-year Master Frame Agreement (MFA) with Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) to accelerate the delivery of advanced digital infrastructure and boost technology adoption across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Through the agreement stc Group will tap Ericsson’s latest portfolio offerings including: 5G hardware and software, cloud-native solutions, advanced managed services, and infrastructure and network support (including third-party product (3PP) components).

stc Group and Ericsson have been longstanding partners, marked by milestones such as the successful deployment of one of the Kingdom’s first 5G networks in 2019. Under the MFA, stc will accelerate 5G expansion and the rollout of advanced technologies such as 5G Standalone, 5G Advanced, Massive MIMO, Ericsson Radio System products, cloud-native platforms and network management solutions.

Abdullah M. Alowini, Supply Chain VP at stc Group, says: “This long-term agreement with Ericsson reinforces stc’s commitment to driving digital transformation and innovation in Saudi Arabia. By leveraging advanced technologies, we aim to deliver cutting-edge connectivity that empowers our customers, accelerates enterprise innovation, and supports the Kingdom’s ambition to build a globally competitive digital economy.”

Håkan Cervell, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Saudi Arabia, says: “We know how committed stc Group is to ensure that Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 becomes a reality. We share that commitment and will continue to work closely and productively with stc to deliver digital infrastructure to drive innovation and economic competitiveness goals – both for stc as a valued customer and for the vital role they have to make Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 a reality.”

Through the expanded partnership, stc is positioned to drive new levels of innovation, efficiency, and entrepreneurship. With features such as 5G Standalone network slicing, stc will enable differentiated connectivity, to create a wide range of business opportunities and use cases across both consumer and enterprise segments in Saudi Arabia.

stc Group will also benefit from Ericsson’s Managed Services capabilities to optimize network performance.

The partnership also supports stc’s requirements for a scalable, resilient, and future-ready mobile network, advancing digital inclusion and next-generation technology adoption across the Kingdom.

The strengthened partnership scope aligns with stc Group’s long-term strategic vision, including 6G readiness and cognitive self-optimizing networks. It also reinforces stc’s role in advancing national priorities around digital infrastructure, public safety networks, and digital inclusion to increase national, regional and global competitiveness.

Related links:
Ericsson 5G Radio Access Network (RAN)
Ericsson Differentiated Connectivity
Ericsson: High-performing programmable networks
Managed Network Services: Empowering networks – Ericsson

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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ABOUT ERICSSON:

Ericsson’s high-performing, programmable networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For nearly 150 years, we’ve been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com

ABOUT STC GROUP:

stc group is a digital enabler, offering advanced solutions and driving a role in the digitalization process. The group provides a comprehensive suite of services encompassing digital infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), digital payments, digital media, and digital entertainment. The group comprises 13 subsidiaries across The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. To learn more about stc group: Click here 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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Laos Donates USD 200,000 in Flood Relief to Southern Thailand

Laos Donates USD 200,000 in Flood Relief to Southern Thailand

On 15 December, Laos donated USD 200,000 in flood relief assistance to Thailand following severe flooding in the country’s southern region late last month.

Weaving Dreams Through Light and Shadow, Reborn for the New Year | The Sanya EDITION’s Holiday Celebration Season Redefines Luxury Festivities

SANYA, China, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Where tropical breezes meet starlight in romantic holiday splendor, The Sanya EDITION embraces the brand’s “tradition-disrupting” ethos by weaving Christmas and New Year celebrations into an intricate dialogue of architecture, nature, and art. The resort crafts an immersive experience that marries natural beauty with surreal aesthetics, fundamentally redefining what luxury means in island hospitality. We deliberately reject formulaic celebration approaches, orchestrating collisions between light and shadow, water and space, art and gastronomy to unlock new dimensions of luxury festivities.

 

Festival Season Hotel Events – Video Preview

Festival Season Hotel Activities – Schedule
Festival Season Hotel Activities – Schedule

Light and Shadow Wonderland: Where Nature and Technology Converge

Two groundbreaking light installations breathe distinctive character into the 2025 Christmas season. Within the resort’s signature 20,000-square-meter private ocean, an illuminated Christmas tree hovers above pristine waters. Light strips and rippling reflections dance together in mesmerizing patterns, creating the illusion of scattered starlight falling into this Southern French-inspired aquatic paradise. This suspended design challenges the traditional ground-rooted Christmas tree concept, allowing holiday magic to flow and sway with gentle waves. Meanwhile, The fiber optic Christmas tree in the lobby’s bamboo grove and water pool emits a soft, dreamy glow through delicate fibers, creating enchanting contrasts with dancing bamboo shadows—a seamless fusion of technological innovation and natural serenity.

These twin Christmas trees serve as both bold reimaginings of traditional holiday iconography and the ultimate expression of The EDITION’s “carefully curated relaxed luxury.” Rather than overwhelming guests with excessive decoration, light strips and fiber optics trace holiday forms with minimalist elegance. The flowing interplay of light and shadow creates an immersive art gallery experience, allowing guests to discover technological wonder while maintaining perfect tranquility amid tropical surroundings—whether quietly contemplating tree reflections from waterside vantage points or private balconies, or wandering through the lobby to encounter shifting light displays. Here, vacation rhythms and Christmas romance coexist in perfect harmony. Sanya EDITION transforms the Christmas season into an aesthetic and wellness journey, using nature as canvas and technology as medium, ensuring every visitor discovers the distinctive warmth of tropical Christmas within these luminous poetic narratives.

The resort’s gardens evolve into a flowing exhibition of light artistry: the “Tree of Life,” revitalized through cutting-edge illumination technology and complemented by delicate firefly lighting, creates alternating brilliance that transforms evening strolls into magical journeys through an enchanted tropical sanctuary, where every footstep follows pathways of liquid light.

Sensory Spectacular: Where Technology Meets Tradition

At the private ocean’s heart, a stunning three-dimensional water projection show unfolds nightly. Light sculptures merge with undulating waves while fantastical imagery pierces the darkness, delivering immersive visual experiences that blur distinctions between imagination and reality.

During Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve celebrations, floating wish lanterns drift gracefully across the private ocean’s surface. Flickering candlelight mirrors starlight above as these hope-laden vessels glide with the current, infusing holiday moments with meaningful, healing ceremony.

Traditional fire-forging performances set the night ablaze with cascading golden sparks that fall like earthbound meteors. Soaring horse and phoenix displays weave through the air with fluid grace, masterfully combining the grandeur of ancient folk traditions with contemporary celebration energy. Choreographed drone formations slice through darkness, transforming the night sky into a canvas for Christmas Eve and New Year blessings, generating extraordinary moments where cutting-edge technology meets time-honored cultural heritage.

Culinary Excellence: Cross-Cultural Gastronomic Adventures

The Jade EGRET Restaurant collaborates with a prestigious two-Michelin-starred Italian establishment to develop an exclusive New Year tasting menu. Master chefs blend global culinary traditions with the finest tropical ingredients, ensuring each course delivers boundary-crossing flavor revelations that elevate dining into luxurious celebration.

The Sky Bar and Beach Club each orchestrate distinct New Year festivities, spanning sophisticated electronic music experiences to exuberant beachside celebrations, fulfilling guests’ varied evening entertainment desires. Pulsing rhythms harmonize with ocean breezes and moonlit scenery as tropical ambiance collides with party energy, empowering guests to embrace passionate farewells to the past while welcoming fresh beginnings on sandy shores beneath infinite stars.

At The Sanya EDITION, holidays transcend conventional definitions while luxury discovers limitless expression. Using nature as our foundation, art as our essence, and technology as our catalyst, we seamlessly blend cherished holiday traditions with visionary contemporary concepts. Join us for this extraordinary celebration where light and shadow, revelry, and culinary artistry intertwine. Among swaying palms and turquoise waters, discover a holiday experience that defies every expectation.

For further information on The Sanya EDITION, please visit the website https://www.editionhotels.com/sanya/.

Instagram: @editionsanya

For more images, please download via this link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ilsrNLVLyoVfN565plBdTlI7F4puv0Pa?usp=sharing

ABOUT EDITION HOTELS 

EDITION Hotels is an unexpected and refreshing collection of individualized, customized, one-of-a-kind hotels that redefines the codes of traditional luxury. Displaying the best of dining and entertainment, services, and amenities “all under one roof,” each EDITION property is unique, reflecting the best cultural and social milieu of its location and time.

Each hotel, with its individuality, authenticity, originality, and unique ethos, reflects the current spirit and zeitgeist of its location. Although all the hotels look completely different, the brand’s unifying aesthetic is in its approach and attitude to the modern lifestyle rather than its appearance. EDITION is about a mindset and how it makes you feel rather than the way it looks. Sophisticated public spaces, finishes, design, and details serve the experience rather than drive it.

For an underserved market of affluent, culturally savvy, and service-savvy guests, the EDITION experience and lifestyle explores the unprecedented intersection and the perfect balance between taste-making design and innovation and consistent, excellent service globally. EDITION currently operates 22 hotels in New York and Times Square, Miami Beach, West Hollywood, Tampa, Barcelona, Bodrum, London, Reykjavik, Madrid, Rome, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sanya China, Shanghai, Tokyo Toranomon, Singapore, Riviera Maya at Kanai, Mexico, a second in Tokyo Ginza, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Facebook: /EDITIONhotels

Instagram: @EDITIONhotels

editionhotels.com

www.marriott.com

PressLogic Announces Strategic Acquisition of Baby-Kingdom: Merging AI AdTech and Community Power to Redefine Hong Kong’s Digital Parenting Ecosystem

HONG KONG, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Asia’s leading data-driven AdTech ecosystem, PressLogic, today officially announces the full acquisition of Baby-Kingdom, one of Hong Kong’s most established and influential online parenting communities. With this strategic move, PressLogic will take over Baby-Kingdom’s operations and content strategy while also integrating its extensive historical database, user insights, and community interaction infrastructure—laying the groundwork for future AI-driven innovation.

This acquisition is not just a headline—it’s a forward-looking move to reshape the digital parenting landscape by combining deep-rooted community trust with PressLogic’s cutting-edge AI and advertising technology.

PressLogic RedefinesEstablishing the New Core of Next-Gen Digital Parenting

Founded in 2002, Baby-Kingdom has long stood as a trusted hub for Hong Kong’s parents and expecting families, with over 1.3 million active members and 100 million discussion posts. Now part of the PressLogic ecosystem, Baby-Kingdom will further solidify its leading position in the parenting vertical, while offering brands a uniquely high-retention, high-quality audience base.

“This marks a pivotal milestone in our long-term strategy to build a deeper presence in the parenting community,” said Ryan Cheung, Founder and CEO of PressLogic.  “It significantly strengthens our digital footprint in Hong Kong and brings more than 2 million additional monthly active users into our network. By combining Baby-Kingdom’s community depth with our advanced capabilities in AdTech, AI and data, we can now offer brands a truly end-to-end O2O (online-to-offline) marketing solution—driving measurable impact and performance.”

Empowering Community Through TechnologyUshering in the Era of Smart Marketing

This acquisition reflects PressLogic’s ongoing vision to create synergy at the intersection of content, technology and data intelligence. With MediaLens providing social trend analytics, buzz detection and audience insights, ChatBooster enabling real-time engagement, and EventVibe curating one-stop event planning and production, PressLogic will elevate Baby-Kingdom’s content strategy and community experience through smart, adaptive technology.

From deeper user understanding and AI-enhanced content recommendations to more meaningful private-domain interactions, this synergy will not only redefine the value of content but also accelerate the evolution of the entire parenting marketing ecosystem.

We deeply respect the Baby-Kingdom team for their dedication and years of service to the parenting space. The culture and trust they’ve built have become a quiet yet powerful support system for countless families across Hong Kong. This community-born legacy will continue to shine and thrive within the PressLogic ecosystem.

More info here.

About PressLogic: Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Hong Kong, PressLogic is a next-generation Ad-Tech ecosystem group. We focus on integrating content creation, data analytics, AI technology, and full-funnel marketing strategies. Through technology and data, our advanced SaaS products MediaLens and ChatBooster precisely drive content value and business conversion. These advanced Ad-Tech tools provide brands with one-stop solutions with data-driven insights and to maximize client’s advertising efficiency and performance.

PressLogic business spans 7 major Asian markets across countries and regions, including Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, South Korea, India, and Shenzhen. Our team comprises over 200 marketing and technology professionals, having built a complete system for production, technology, and analytics capabilities. Our content matrix covers 10 vertical media brands, accumulating over 20 million followers, with monthly content reach exceeding 500 million, and is rapidly expanding. Our media brands span various lifestyle areas, including:

As a leader in the Ad-Tech industry, PressLogic was honored with the 2023 Deloitte Hong Kong Rising Star Award in the AI Software category, is a member of the Hong Kong Science Park Elite Program (ICT), and an alumnus of the Hong Kong Cyberport Incubation Program.

About Baby-Kingdom: Established in 2002, Baby-Kingdom stands as one of Hong Kong’s most venerated and comprehensive online forums dedicated to parenting. It has long served as an essential digital haven for parents and expectant mothers, fostering vibrant discussions and knowledge-sharing across all facets of family life.

Enquiry
Philip Chau – Director of Corporate Affairs
Email: philip.chau@presslogic.com

EDL-Gen Defends Nam Ngum 1 Dam Amid Flood Accusations

Nam Ngum 1 hydropower plant reservoir. (Photo: EDL Generation Public Company)

Electricité du Laos Generation Public Company (EDL-Gen) has defended operations at the Nam Ngum 1 hydropower plant following public accusations that water releases from the dam contributed to flooding in parts of Vientiane Province and Vientiane Capital in late September.

The controversy emerged after floodwaters affected Phonhong and Naxaythong districts, prompting rumours that discharges from the Nam Ngum 1 dam in Keooudom district had caused or worsened the flooding.

Speaking to state media on 12 December, Deputy Managing Director Daovieng Sounanthalath said the dam plays a role in reducing flood risks and operates strictly under government-approved procedures. He rejected claims that the dam caused recent flooding, saying its operations support both flood management and daily water needs.

Before any discharge takes place, the company must conduct technical assessments and obtain approval from relevant authorities.

Such releases reduce electricity generation and result in financial losses, giving the company strong incentives to limit unnecessary discharge.

To clarify operations, Daovieng outlined the procedures required before any release, including 24-hour monitoring of weather conditions, analysis of upstream water flows, coordination with relevant ministries, particularly the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and advance notifications to downstream communities 24 to 48 hours in advance.

Nam Ngum 1 began operations in 1971 as Laos’ first hydropower plant and remains one of the country’s major electricity producers. EDL-Gen currently supplies about 20 percent of domestic electricity demand and exports power to neighbouring countries, particularly Thailand.