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VSPO, the largest esports company in Asia, announces new CEO and international brand alignment to Hero Esports

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2024 – China-based esports tournament organizer VSPO announced that it has appointed a new CEO and has engaged in an “international brand alignment,” renaming itself to “Hero Esports.”

Danny Tang, co-founder and current CFO, will become the company’s new CEO, with the mission of expanding the company’s “operations and driving international growth.”

Dino Ying, Founder and CEO of VSPO, will transition to Executive Chairman, to focus on exploring and creating the next generation of esports products and experiences. Additionally, dedicating more time to the Esports Asian Champions League (ACL), and to support the development of the Esports World Cup and the Olympic Esports Games.
Hashtag: #VSPO

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

About VSPO (soon to be Hero Esports)

Founded in 2016, VSPO is the biggest esports company in Asia, producing more than 7,000 matches every year that captivate an online fan base of over 800 million. With a global presence encompassing 14 office locations and eight top-tier esports arenas, VSPO offers a comprehensive suite of esports services, including tournament organization, marketing solutions, community development, and more. VSPO has received huge investments over the years including a $265m (~£219m) investment from Saudi Arabian company Savvy Games Group in 2023.

Headquartered in Shanghai, with offices and teams based in a dozen countries, VSPO is a fully integrated operator of esports tournaments and creator of esports content with global reach. The company has helped produce many prestigious tournaments including the Olympic Esports Week, the Esports World Cup as well as the esports series featured at both the Jakarta Asian Games 2018 and the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023. VSPO also worked with the world’s top-tier game publishers such as Tencent and Krafton in organizing popular esports leagues such as the Honor of Kings’ KPL series and PUBG’s PGC series, among many others.

VSPO is also a pioneer in the commercialization of esports tournaments worldwide and was among the first to start helping brands to tap the power of esports in their integrated marketing strategies, including partnerships with notable clients, including McDonald’s, VIVO, OPPO, Pudong Development Bank, BMW, HLAJEANS, and others, to facilitate the commercialization of esports.

Following VSPO’s acquisition of Famulei, the leading livestreaming talent agency in Asia, and Banana Culture, a trendsetting esports startup, VSPO launched VSPO+, a content matrix brand that manages and represents more than 15,000 artists. For more information about VSPO (soon to be Hero Esports), please visit .

Vingroup Charges Towards Sustainability with VinFast and Green Initiatives


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2024 – Vingroup is leading Vietnam’s green transition with VinFast, its electric vehicle company, and a range of eco-friendly initiatives across its diverse businesses. This commitment to sustainability positions Vingroup as a key driver in the race towards a greener future for the nation.

Vingroup Charges Towards Sustainability with VinFast and Green Initiatives

The green transformation has become one of the defining challenges of our time. Countries around the globe are pushing toward the shared goal of zero emissions, or net zero, by 2050, but this race demands a whole-of-society approach that involves both the public and private sectors. Within this context, large enterprises stand out as critical players, shaping a sustainable future through their influence and actions.

In Vietnam, one corporation is at the forefront of this green transition: Vingroup. With its expansive presence across multiple industries, Vingroup exemplifies corporate environmental responsibility, driven not by hollow promises but by concrete actions. Its efforts serve as a powerful example of the role corporations must play in advancing the green agenda.

Vingroup’s Green Commitment: A Comprehensive Approach

Vingroup is no stranger to the opportunities and challenges presented by green transformation. Its diversified business ecosystem spans key sectors such as automotive, real estate, and tourism—industries that typically carry a significant environmental impact. However, Vingroup has not merely adjusted its operations for compliance; instead, it has embedded sustainability deeply into its corporate DNA. This commitment to green transformation is visible across nearly every aspect of the Vingroup empire.

One of the clearest examples of Vingroup’s leadership in Vietnam’s green transition is VinFast, its electric vehicle (EV) division. Initially launched in 2017 as a conventional gasoline vehicle manufacturer, VinFast pivoted in 2021 to focus exclusively on electric vehicles. The decision to embrace electric vehicles was not simply a financial move. Vingroup’s chairman and VinFast founder, Pham Nhat Vuong, once revealed the deeper motivation behind this change: “[We created VinFast] because we feel the need to contribute to society, not just to do business.”

Staying true to this vision, VinFast quickly developed seven fully electric vehicle models, along with e-buses, e-scooters, and e-bicycles. The company has expanded its reach into international markets, while also building an extensive charging network across Vietnam to accommodate its growing customer base. In 2023 alone, VinFast delivered 34,855 electric vehicles, contributing to a reduction of 152,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

VinFast’s rapid success is no accident—it reflects Vingroup’s strategic ability to integrate its larger business ecosystem into the EV market. By offering incentives such as free charging, discounted parking, and significant price reductions for VinFast EV owners at Vingroup properties or using their services, the corporation has made going green truly beneficial for consumers.

Just this week, VinFast reached a new milestone by becoming the top-selling car brand in Vietnam for September. This also marks the first time an electric vehicle brand has led the Vietnamese market, representing a significant advancement for both the domestic automotive industry and the country’s journey toward greener transportation.

Green Efforts Across Vingroup’s Ecosystem

VinFast is far from the only part of the Vingroup conglomerate making significant strides toward sustainability. Other subsidiaries within the “Vin” ecosystem are also working to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable living.

For instance, Vinhomes, Vingroup’s real estate arm, has made substantial efforts to foster green urban living. Vinhomes’ eco-friendly properties are designed with sustainability at their core, featuring energy-efficient technologies and green spaces that create a harmonious balance between urban development and nature.

Likewise, Vinpearl, Vingroup’s hospitality and entertainment brand, has fully embraced its role in promoting sustainability. With 45 properties spread across 17 provinces, Vinpearl has implemented a range of energy-efficient measures, such as rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and advanced wastewater treatment solutions that meet international standards. These efforts have earned Vinpearl a reputation as a collection of “green paradises,” recognized by guests and local communities alike.

And there are many more examples, all of which yield real-world results. In 2023 alone, Vingroup’s total carbon emissions reduction across its ecosystem neared 500,000 tonnes[1], underscoring the company’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

But while Vingroup’s contributions to Vietnam’s green transition are undeniably impressive, they serve a broader purpose: inspiring collective action. Achieving net zero emissions is a monumental task that no corporation, government, or individual can accomplish alone. The journey toward a sustainable future demands active participation from all—individuals, communities, and multinational corporations alike. Vingroup’s leadership in green initiatives stands as a powerful reminder of the positive changes we can create when we truly commit our efforts to a greener, more sustainable world.

Hashtag: #Vingroup #VinFast

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

Roadside concerts become a hit in China’s Guiyang


GUIYANG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2024 – During the past seven-day National Day holiday, roadside concerts under the wall of Wenchang Pavilion in Yunyan District, Guiyang City of southwest China’s Guizhou Province, attracted numbers of tourists and residents to watch performances. Different from regular concerts, roadside concerts in Guiyang, mainly performed by local bands and music enthusiasts, offered a stage for ordinary people to show themselves and attracted a lot of tourists and residents to watch performances on bustling streets and in tourist attractions.

This photo shows a concert in Guanshanhu District, Guiyang City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. (Photo by Yang Jing)
This photo shows a concert in Guanshanhu District, Guiyang City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. (Photo by Yang Jing)

Pakistani student Manha Abdellah, who currently studies clinical medicine at Guizhou Medical University, participated in a roadside concert and sang two songs, including a medley with other international students. Abdellah’s Chinese song performance won applause and cheering from audiences.

Roadside concerts, accessible to everyone without any entry fee, provided a platform for non-professional performers to showcase their talents and for the audience to enjoy performances spontaneously, Abdellah said.

“The audience was very warm and enthusiastic, especially when I mentioned I was from Pakistan. They cheered loudly, reflecting the strong friendship between China and Pakistan,” said Abdellah, adding that the audience’s warm reception made the experience very enjoyable.

Abdellah was just one of the foreigners who performed on the stage of roadside concerts. Over the past year, many foreign students and music enthusiasts took part in performances at roadside concerts in Guiyang, which become an important platform for global exchanges.

Besides Yunyan District, other downtown areas have also been the birthplace of roadside concerts.

Guanshanhu District has invited professional bands to perform on the stage of roadside concerts, and sometimes invited students, teachers and representatives of relative industries according to different themes and topics.

Besides roadside concerts, it also gave full play to the advantages of many venues, attracting well-known Chinese artists such as JJ Lin and Zhou Shen to hold concerts, well-known music festivals and livehouse performances.

Data shows that Guanshanhu District has held nearly 20 concerts by virtue of its resources of business districts, parks, fields and hills.

This photo taken on May 24, 2024 shows a roadside concert attended by foreigners at the Wenchang Pavilion in Guiyang City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo by Wu Si)
This photo taken on May 24, 2024 shows a roadside concert attended by foreigners at the Wenchang Pavilion in Guiyang City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. (Photo by Wu Si)

According to the cultural, sports, radio, film and tourism bureau of Guanshanhu, music has enriched the cultural life of its citizens, improved the life quality and provided a stage for music enthusiasts to enjoy music and reunite its people together.

In Qingzhen City, roadside concerts helped revitalize its resources and become a magnet for tourists. Since Sept. 2023, more than 20 roadside concerts have been held in the scenic spot of Shiguang Guizhou, leaving a deep impression on singers, citizens and tourists.

But back to the year of 2021, this scenic spot saw few tourists as a result of poor management, and about 40 percent of the leaseholders refused to rent the shops and stores again. It was listed as an efficient cultural and tourism project in the province.

In the past three years, local authorities gave a hand to the scenic area to attract tourists. They re-analyzed target customer groups and introduced new stores, improving services in an all-round way.

Chen Long, investment and planning director of the scenic spot, said that during the first half of 2024, it received 1.42 million tourists, and the comprehensive income reached about 78.97 million yuan (about 11.20 million U.S. dollars). It has witnessed its letting rate increasing to more than 85 percent, and been successfully declared as a tourism and leisure district in the province.

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

US-Lao Ties in Focus: Blinken Addresses Global Issues, UXO Clearance

US-Lao Ties in Focus Blinken Addresses Global Issues, UXO Clearance
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) meets Laos's Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (right) (photo credit: The US Embassy in Laos)

From 8 to 11 October, Vientiane welcomed United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken. 

From Local Tradition to International Stage: The Pageant Boom in Laos

From Local Tradition to International Stage: The Pageant Boom in Laos
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo credit: Lao connection)

LATEST UPDATE: 12 October at 10:00 PM

Laos has long celebrated beauty pageants, with traditional events like Miss Luang Prabang and Miss Lao New Year enjoying significant local popularity. However, the country’s online presence didn’t reflect this fame until much later.

Laos, Japan to Boost Cooperation on Green Energy, Infrastructure

Laos, Japan to Boost Cooperation on Green Energy, Infrastructure
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (right) shakes hand with his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba (left) (photo credit: Media Lao)

Laos and Japan are set to deepen their economic partnership, with a focus on enhancing Laos’s connectivity and sustainability.

Formalin Detected in Food Products in Champasack

Formalin Detected in Food Products in Champasack
An officer checking food product at a store in Pakse district, Champasack Province (photo credit: Champamai Newspaper)

On 9 October, authorities in Champasack Province discovered the presence of formalin in food products following an inspection conducted by the Department of Industry and Trade, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Sector of the Provincial Health Department in Pakse district.

2024 China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) to Take Place November 15-17

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 October 2024 – The 11th edition of the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) will take place from November 15-17, 2024 in Shanghai. As the leading event in the Asia Pacific region dedicated to children’s books and content, the 2024 CCBF is expected to host 480 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions, with an anticipated attendance of more than 45,000 visitors across a 25,000-square-meter exhibition area.

The CCBF is approved by the Shanghai Press & Publication Administration and organized by Shanghai Xinhua Distribution Group Co., Ltd., China Education Publishing & Media Group Ltd., and China Universal Press & Publication Co., Ltd., with co-organization by Ronbo BolognaFiere Shanghai Ltd. and support from the BolognaFiere Group.

As a pivotal bridge connecting Eastern and Western cultures, CCBF is dedicated to maintaining its role as a trendsetter in the children’s book industry. The Fair will strengthen its relationships with both domestic and foreign publishing institutions and continue to promote Chinese original titles globally. CCBF cordially invites colleagues from the global industry and friends who love to read to join in this vibrant and innovative celebration of children’s books!

Celebrating Global Diversity and Creativity in Children’s Publishing

CCBF 2024 will showcase a wide range of genres and themes, emphasizing the diversity and creativity of the Asia Pacific children’s book market. The Fair is an essential platform for discovering new trends and content in the children’s publishing industry.

Countries including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States will participate. Key sections like the Bologna Best Children’s Publishers (BOP) Lounge, Strega Prize Lounge, Asia Pacific New Entry Lounge, and Rights Centre will return.

The BOP Lounge will feature publishers from Asia, Europe, South America, North America, and Oceania, including Baobab (Czech Republic), Corraini Edizioni (Italy), EK Books (Australia), Fukuinkan (Japan), Libros Silvestres (Argentina), Poplar Publishing (Japan), Solisluna (Brazil), and Yambow Al Kitab (Morocco). The Strega Prize Lounge will host winners and shortlisted publishers from the Premio Strega Ragazze e Ragazzi, Italy’s premier children’s literary award, including Italian publishing houses such as Camelozampa, Edizioni EL, Giunti/Bompiani, Salani, Terre di Mezzo, Topipittori, and Tunuè. The Asia Pacific New Entry Lounge will feature Sekaibunka-sha Group (Japan), Five Mile Press (Australia), and Wizard Within (Malaysia).

Notable international institutions like Bayard (France), Clavis Publishing (Belgium), La Coccinella (Italy), Gloyeon (Korea), Hachette Children’s Group (UK), Hungry Tomato (UK), Oxford University Press (UK), and VLP Agency (Chile) will also be present.

Chinese publishing houses such as Shanghai Century Publishing Group, China Children’s Press & Publication Group, China Education Publishing & Media Group, CITIC Press Group, 21st Century Publishing Group, Jieli Publishing House, Phoenix Juvenile and Children’s Publishing Ltd., New Buds Publishing House, and Xinjiang Juvenile Publishing House, along with Post Wave Kids, Dandelion Children’s Book House, Lelequ, Caldecott Book, and Jojo Reading, will engage in enlightening discussions.

The 2024 CCBF promises a stellar lineup of distinguished guests, including luminaries such as Cecile Alix, Alessandro Barbero, Anne Crahay, Ivan Canu, Cai Yidong, Gui Tuzi, Jon Klassen, Maeva Rubli, Emily Sutton, Wu Bingrong, and Xiong Liang.

Leverage Professional Expertise and Discover Innovative Trends

CCBF is hosting eight professional Conferences and Seminars aimed at fostering cross-cultural exchanges. Some will explore original content from around the world, while others will present industry outlooks. The children’s book market, the largest segment in the book industry, will be closely examined in the “2024 Chinese and Global Children’s Book Retail Market Analysis.” The “Award Winners’ Series” will feature discussions with renowned authors, exploring the inspiration behind their creations. The “New Channels of Children’s Book” conference will gather industry leaders to discuss opportunities in emerging channels for children’s book publishing. The “Challenge and Opportunity of AI in the Children’s Publishing Industry” session will provide insights into the evolution of AI. The “Social Emotional Books” conference will explore how children’s books can support emotional intelligence, empathy, and social development.

Children Plus: A Fabulous Wardrobe

As one of the highlights of the CCBF program, Children Plus identifies a different category of books each year, relevant from both international and local perspectives. In collaboration with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, this year, Children Plus will spotlight fashion-themed picture books with the special exhibition “Children Plus: A Fabulous Wardrobe”, curated by a professional team.

An international collection of 150 captivating picture books will invite readers of all ages to explore stories celebrating the everyday magic of clothing, ancestral memories woven into threads, the wonders of fashion history, and the enduring power of textiles. The exhibition invites children to feel like authors, creators, and seekers of their own style, voice, and way of participating in the great game of fashion design, bridging memory and unexpected visions.

Marco Polo’s Legacy: A Journey Through Books and Cultures

In commemoration of the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s death, CCBF is partnering with the Cultural Office of the Italian Consulate General in Shanghai to host a special event. The centerpiece will be an exhibition of 50 children’s books chronicling Marco Polo’s legendary journey, accompanied by a series of themed lectures. Featured speakers include Professor Dario Rinaldi, Director of the Cultural Office at the Italian Consulate in Shanghai; renowned historian Professor Alessandro Barbero; and Ivan Canu, Director of the Mimaster Milan International Illustration School. Together, they will delve into the rich history of cross-cultural exchanges between Europe and Asia.

Spotlight on the Next Generation of Illustrators

The Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition (Golden Pinwheel) is an international illustration contest held annually as part of CCBF. Since its creation in 2015, the competition has provided a platform for emerging illustrators to showcase their talent. It aims to build bridges between them and children’s publishers, both locally and globally. In 2024, Golden Pinwheel received 2,584 valid submissions from 72 countries and regions across six continents, representing 2,228 illustrators. The jury, composed of eight international experts—Yukiko Hiromatsu (Japan), Jon Klassen (USA), Morgane Vasta (France), Xiao Aozi (China), Yao Hong (China) as Book Publishing jurors, and Hadi Barkat (Switzerland), Giacomo Benelli (Italy), Tango (China) as Commercial jurors—made the final selection of 66 exceptional finalists, which will be showcased at CCBF. Additionally, their works will be featured in the 2024 Golden Pinwheel Yearbook, to be published in November.

The Illustrators Survival Corner, in partnership with Mimaster Illustrazione, will feature 10 masterclasses, 9 creative workshops, and 27 one-on-one portfolio reviews, empowering young illustrators to showcase their skills, improve their craft, and engage in valuable exchanges.

Registration Now Open for Professional Visitors

Online registration for professional visitors is now open. Professionals in children’s book publishing, education, entertainment, and related fields are invited to attend free of charge. Visit www.ccbookfair.com/en.

Visa Information & Travel

International visitors are encouraged to apply for a visa in advance. From July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, China will offer a visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from 16 countries. Nationals from 54 countries can also take advantage of Shanghai’s 72-hour or 144-hour transit visa-free policy.

For more information, please contact:
Yvonne Sun
T: +86-33683186*8044
E: yvonne.sun@bfchina.net

Hashtag: #CCBF

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

About CCBF

The China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) is approved by the Shanghai Press & Publication Administration and organized by Shanghai Xinhua Distribution Group Co., Ltd., China Education Publishing & Media Group Ltd., and China Universal Press & Publication Co., Ltd., with co-organization by Ronbo BolognaFiere Shanghai Ltd. Launched in 2013, CCBF has quickly become an important event for the global publishing industry. It is the leading fair dedicated entirely to children’s books and content in the Asia Pacific region.

In 2023, CCBF hosted 478 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions, with 42,733 visitors, including 19,086 professionals, attending over the three-day event.