As 2023 draws to a close, Laos celebrates a notable recovery in tourism after the COVID pandemic left a seemingly permanent scar. Anticipating continued growth, the country has now launched “Visit Laos Year 2024” to further boost the industry in the upcoming year.
Vietnam Considers Importing Electricity From Laos to Tackle Power Shortage
In response to the persistent power shortages in Northern Vietnam, the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) has put forth a proposal to import wind power from Laos. Currently, all domestic electricity is concentrated in southern Vietnam, leaving the north in dire need of an increased power supply.
Earthquake in Northwest China That Killed at Least 148 Causes Economic Losses Worth Millions

BEIJING (AP) — The strong earthquake that hit northwest China this week, killing at least 148 people, caused economic losses estimated to be worth tens of millions in the agricultural and fisheries industries, state media said Saturday.
Thailand Readies for Same-Sex Marriage in Wake of Papal Decision, Sparking Hope in Lao LGBTQ+ Community
As the Roman Catholic Church navigates varied reactions to Pope Francis’ recent approval of same-gender marriages, Thailand is on the verge of making history by advancing parliamentary measures to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a significant move in Asia with broad support.
Hong Kong Stands Ready to Cooperate With Laos on Yuan Trading, Green Financing

Hong Kong has identified three areas for cooperation with Laos and Vietnam during the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury’s visit to the two ASEAN members on 11-14 December.
Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd. Clinches Triple Triumph at Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2023 Thailand
Founded in Denmark in 1923, Novo Nordisk has a rich history. The company began as a small insulin manufacturer and has since grown into an international global pharmaceutical company, specializing in diabetes care and treating serious chronic diseases. Novo Nordisk is committed to driving change to defeat serious chronic diseases through innovative solutions and treatments. In 1983, Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd. in particular has been in business for 40 years, with over 260 employees dedicating all their efforts to strengthening diabetes care and other serious chronic diseases in Thailand throughout this period.
Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd. believes that its success is a result of its commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable world for every generation. Businesses are drawn to the Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd. brand as the brand has built a reputation for consistently delivering high-quality and safe products that make a difference in people who are suffering from health conditions such as diabetes, obesity and other serious chronic diseases.
In addition to the company’s commitment to defeating serious chronic diseases through innovative solutions and treatments, Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd.’s reputation as a leader in healthcare innovation is built on sustainable business. For over 40 years, Novo Nordisk has provided vital medication and resources to diabetes patients in Thailand. Its unwavering commitment to patient-centric care has made an impact on countless individuals in the country. Novo Nordisk’s research and development efforts have led to groundbreaking treatments such as GLP1 and insulin that have transformed diabetes care in Thailand. Its commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical science and patient care has left an indelible mark on the healthcare industry.
The company’s brand also reflects its corporate responsibility to make a positive impact on the world. Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd.’s strong commitment to ethical values, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability sets the company apart from others and inspires businesses around the world to follow its lead. Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd. is committed to driving change to defeat serious chronic diseases through innovative solutions and treatments.
Furthermore, all Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd. employees are proud of their company’s legacy and excited about its future. They are dedicated to making a positive impact on the world, believing that everyone has a role to play in creating a healthier world. Moving forward, Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd. aims to continue driving change and improving the health and well-being of all Thais.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Enterprise Asia
Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine towards sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are an investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, uplift the economic status of people across Asia, and ensure a legacy of hope, innovation, and courage for future generations. Please visit www.enterpriseasia.org for more information.
About Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards
Launched in 2007, the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards is the region’s most prestigious award for outstanding entrepreneurship, continuous innovation, and sustainable leadership. The Award provides a platform for companies and governments to recognize entrepreneurial excellence, hence spurring greater innovation, fair business practices, and growth in entrepreneurship. As a regional award, it groups leading entrepreneurs as a powerful voice for entrepreneurship and serves as a by-invitation-only networking powerhouse. The program has grown to encompass 16 countries/ regions and markets all over Asia. For further information, please visit www.apea.asia.
Kumwell Corporation Public Company Limited and CEO Boonsak Kiatjaroonlert’s Double Triumphs at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2023 Thailand
Established in 1996, the company focuses on producing and distributing products in the grounding system group and lightning protection system. With its products exported to over 40 countries, Kumwell is committed to delivering quality products that are tested and certified by international standards such as UL, IEEE, IEC, and Thai industry standards. Kumwell-branded lightning protection equipment has a testing laboratory that has been certified by the Thai industrial standards institute (TISI) in ISO/IEC 17025 as the first laboratory in ASEAN. Kumwell’s vision is to become a leader with complete solutions in lightning protection systems and safety innovation with the strongest brand and sustainable growth.
Under Boonsak Kiatjaroonlert’s leadership, the company created a safety innovation such as smart lightning warning system, smart lightning management system etc., and continuously developed it until it was on par with international standards to deliver safety to human, property and operating systems in all sectors. As a result, the company has become one of the leaders in the business of manufacturing and distributing such products.
Boonsak Kiatjaroonlert also initiated and adopted the Sustainability Risk Principle (ESG Risk: Environment, Social, Governance) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs: Sustainable Development Goals) into the organization’s strategy to engage with society, environment, including stakeholders to raise the economy both internally and externally the organization. Therefore, its commitment to developing the company according to the “Kumwell CSV: Creating Shared Value – Safety to Society” has been implemented for more than 10 years since 2007 and has been defined in the JD KPI of all employees and announced through both offline and online media channels of the company.
Furthermore, Kumwell has a policy to continuously innovate its corporate strategy; including environmental, social, and good governance to support various business challenges that may occur in the future. Ultimately, the main goal of the company is to create innovations that meet the needs of customers more efficiently and to increase the potential of the company to compete with both domestic and export competitors for the company to grow sustainably. Moving forward, Kumwell will also work towards creating fair returns for all groups of stakeholders of the company under the framework of good corporate governance.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Enterprise Asia
Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine towards sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are an investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, uplift the economic status of people across Asia, and ensure a legacy of hope, innovation, and courage for future generations. Please visit www.enterpriseasia.org for more information.
About Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards
Launched in 2007, the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards is the region’s most prestigious award for outstanding entrepreneurship, continuous innovation, and sustainable leadership. The Award provides a platform for companies and governments to recognize entrepreneurial excellence, hence spurring greater innovation, fair business practices, and growth in entrepreneurship. As a regional award, it groups leading entrepreneurs as a powerful voice for entrepreneurship and serves as a by-invitation-only networking powerhouse. The program has grown to encompass 16 countries/ regions and markets all over Asia. For further information, please visit www.apea.asia.
Five More Boats Packed With Refugees Approach Indonesia’s Shores, Air Force Says

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian authorities detected at least five boats packed tight with refugees approaching the shores of Aceh province, officials said Thursday.