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.
Lao-American Author Goes Beyond Borders With ‘Sticky Rice for Lunch’
Children’s literature has a new gem on its bookshelves. Rooted in cultural identity and acceptance, “Sticky Rice for Lunch” by Jacob (Jake) Singhavong offers a poignant reflection of the author’s own experiences growing up as a Lao-American in Riverside County, just 45 minutes north from Los Angeles, the United States.
Jake’s book weaves a narrative that goes beyond the pages, resonating with young readers and adults alike. From navigating cultural differences to embracing family traditions, “Sticky Rice for Lunch” immerses readers in a world that goes beyond borders and speaks to the human experience.
It is a child-friendly glimpse into Jake’s own life—a visual journey through his past, capturing genuine moments like his mother’s cherished flowers and the day his dad chauffeured him to school in their RV after misplacing the car keys.
Even his late sister, who passed before he was born, found a place within the pages, portrayed as his cherished best friend.

Jake was born 23 years ago into a Lao family that immigrated to the United States in the mid-90s. Through this book, he shares his childhood challenges of being one of the few Asian-Americans in the classroom. His lunch, comprising a basket of sticky rice and various Lao dishes such as noodle soup or papaya salad, often drew curious stares from classmates.
“I would just be so embarrassed to open up the container because my friends would just be like, oh, ‘What’s that like?’ to the strong smell of fish sauce or soy sauce, which wasn’t common back then,” Jake said.
Despite the curious stares, Jake remained unwavering in his appreciation for his family’s traditions. His book goes beyond these glances, elevating the symbolic importance of the traditional sticky rice basket. Within its pages, the basket becomes a central symbol of Lao culture and embodies Jake’s deep connection to his culinary heritage.
“There’s so much beauty in Lao culture. It’s part of my identity, and as such, it has a huge say in who I am as a person,” Jake said. “Growing up, I found myself valuing my origins more and more. Food like sticky rice is such a delicacy. Mango sticky rice as well, which takes so long to make.”
But as he grew older, Jake also felt that something was missing in children’s literature. He noticed a significant void in the representation of Asian and Lao characters. Inspired by his university professor and fueled by a desire to bridge this gap, at the end of his bachelor degree, he embarked on a mission to create a narrative that resonated with young readers and instilled a sense of belonging.
“I look back to it, and I’d say, ‘If only I had a book like this that I could look at and be like, wow, this little kid looks just like me.’ I’d feel so represented.” Jake said. “I wonder how different it would be. Systematically, here, we’re still conformed to thinking that blonde hair and blue eyes are the epitome of perfection, and that’s what we should be reaching for. I wish my book could give Asian-American children a sense of belonging.”
In “Sticky Rice for Lunch,” Jake introduces young readers to Lao culture, traditions, and the importance of embracing one’s roots. In a literary landscape where diversity is paramount, Jake delivers a powerful message about the significance of seeing oneself reflected in the stories we read.

“I knew that I wanted to give back to the Lao community in a way that was going to be reflective, but also something that would go much further than that,” Jake said. “I feel like books have so much power, especially children’s books. By harnessing these tools, we shape the minds of children. It grants us the incredible ability to empower them. It’s not just about representation; it’s about embodying it, and there’s immense power in that.”
The overarching theme of “Sticky Rice for Lunch” is acceptance and cultural adjustment, Jake explained. As he wrote the book, he wanted it to be among the stories of inclusion and diversity on the literary market.
“Even if some may not directly see themselves in the narrative, it’s crucial for children in schools to have literature that represents them with someone who looks like them on the cover,” he said. “This book is for everyone—I aimed to create a universally relatable book, not just direct memoirs. I hope that kids in places like Laos or Thailand can also relate, recognizing familiar aspects of their lives like clothing and food.”
As his first book takes its place on the shelves, Jake already has his sights set on the future, teasing a new book series with titles and stories held as tantalizing secrets for now.