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Vingroup: A Vietnamese Trailblazer on the Path to Global Prominence

With bold ventures across multiple industries, Vingroup exemplifies Vietnam’s potential on the world stage, becoming a symbol of innovation, ambition, and national pride.


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 September 2024 – Founded in 1993 by Pham Nhat Vuong, Vingroup has rapidly transformed into Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate. Over the past three decades, the company has played a crucial role in the nation’s development, reshaping the physical landscape and improving the lives of millions. Today, Vingroup is recognized as a multi-industry leader, with a diverse range of businesses including Industry, Technology, Commerce, Services, and Social Philanthropy.

The Landmark 81 Building in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Landmark 81 Building in Ho Chi Minh City.

A Pillar of Sustainable Economic Growth

Vingroup’s contributions to the Vietnamese economy are immense. In 2023, the company emerged as the largest taxpayer in Vietnam, underlining its pivotal role in the nation’s economic engine. It led the list of the top 100 private enterprises contributing the most to the state budget, with a total contribution of approximately VND 30.9 trillion (about $1.32 billion) in 2023. Combined with Vinhomes and VinFast, entities related to billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong contributed over VND 51 trillion (around $2.2 billion), accounting for more than a quarter of the total contributions from the top 100 private enterprises in Vietnam.

Vingroup’s commitment to innovation has led to the development of products and services that have significantly improved the quality of life for millions of Vietnamese. Its commitment to sustainable development is exemplified by its strategic focus on green transformation, particularly in the areas of green real estate and electric vehicles.

In the real estate sector, Vinhomes has been a pioneer in creating “green” urban areas that not only offer luxurious living spaces but also incorporate sustainable design and construction practices. Projects like Vinhomes Ocean Park and Vinhomes Smart City are designed with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, featuring extensive green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and advanced waste management systems. These developments are setting new standards in Vietnam for environmentally responsible urban planning, making them attractive to both local and international investors.

Vingroup’s automotive arm, VinFast, has made significant strides in the electric vehicle industry, contributing to the global push for greener transportation. VinFast’s transition to producing fully electric vehicles, including cars and e-scooters, marks a bold step toward reducing Vietnam’s carbon footprint and promoting sustainable mobility.

A Trailblazer With Global Vision

Vingroup’s influence extends far beyond Vietnam’s borders. The company’s innovative products, particularly in the automotive sector, have garnered international attention, enhancing Vietnam’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge technology and manufacturing. Its projects have attracted substantial foreign investment, further bolstering Vietnam’s economic resilience and positioning the country as a key player in the global market.

The key to Vingroup’s success lies in the relentless entrepreneurial spirit of its founder, Pham Nhat Vuong. This drive is evident in the company’s ongoing expansion into diverse industries. Vingroup’s bold approach to exploring uncharted territories has not only propelled its growth but has also inspired other Vietnamese businesses to think big and aim high.

VinFast has made global headlines as the first Vietnamese car manufacturer to be listed on the U.S. stock exchange. Rapidly expanding its presence in key international markets, VinFast has solidified its position as the second-largest EV manufacturer in Southeast Asia. By launching electric cars in North America, Europe, and Asia, the company is showcasing Vietnam’s technological capabilities and proving its ability to compete with established global brands. This success has earned VinFast a spot on the “TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024” list, alongside industry giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.

The VinFuture Prize, an international science and technology award established by Vingroup in 2021, further cements the group’s commitment to global innovation. This award not only honors groundbreaking inventions that positively impact human life but also brings the world’s most advanced scientific achievements to Vietnam. It highlights Vingroup’s dedication to promoting scientific research and development, both in Vietnam and globally, fostering a culture of innovation that will benefit future generations.

Through VinFast and VinFuture, Vingroup is positioning Vietnam as a significant contributor to global scientific and technological advancements. This vision of connecting global intellect and fostering international collaboration is a reflection of Vingroup’s broader mission to elevate Vietnam’s status on the global stage.

A Mission Beyond Profit

At the heart of Vingroup’s success is a mission that goes beyond profit. The company is deeply committed to contributing to the nation’s development and improving the lives of its people. Vingroup’s extensive philanthropic activities, including scholarships through VinUni and Vinschool, free medical services at Vinmec, and disaster relief efforts, demonstrate its dedication to social responsibility.

Through its investments in education and healthcare, Vingroup is not only enhancing the quality of life in Vietnam but also helping to build a more prosperous and equitable society. The group’s initiatives are creating opportunities for thousands of young people, helping them to realize their potential and contribute to the nation’s future.

Vingroup’s story is not just about business success; it is also about inspiring the next generation of Vietnamese entrepreneurs and innovators. The company’s relentless pursuit of excellence, its willingness to take risks, and its commitment to contributing to the nation have set an example for young people across the country. Vingroup’s success underscores the importance of entrepreneurship, innovation, and resilience in the face of challenges.

Hashtag: #Vingroup

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

Medtronic expands investment in Asia with the launch of its first Robotics Experience Studio in SEA

State-of-the-art facility based in Singapore aims to accelerate adoption of Robotics and AI across Southeast Asia through training and education, improving access to new healthcare technologies and delivering better care experiences across the region


SINGAPORE – Media Outreach Newswire – 4 September 2024 – Medtronic plc, a global leader in healthcare technology, expands the capabilities of Medtronic Customer eXperience Center (MCXC) in Singapore with the opening of its first Robotics Experience Studio in Southeast Asia. This underscores the commitment of Medtronic to enhance access to new technologies through collaboration, training and education within the healthcare ecosystem. The opening ceremony was held today in the presence of Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director of Singapore Economic Development Board, Sarah McGrath, Ambassador, Embassy of Ireland in Singapore, Majid Kaddoumi, Senior Vice President and President, Medtronic Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia-Pacific (EurAsia) and leading healthcare professionals from America, Korea, Singapore and India.

Since the opening of MCXC in November 2022, Medtronic has made substantial strides in medical education and upskilling, having trained more than 2,000 healthcare professionals (HCPs) across Asia and conducted nearly 1,400 training and experience sessions. The addition of the Robotics Experience Studio is set to amplify these efforts by providing cutting-edge resources for HCPs to hone their skills in robotic-assisted procedures and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

The launch event brought together leading medical experts from around the world and featured a panel discussion on the topic of the future of Robotics and AI in healthcare. Titled “The future of Robotics and AI in the healthcare landscape – a Global and Asian perspective”, the dialogue highlighted how Robotics and AI technologies are transforming healthcare, and the unique challenges and opportunities present in Asia’s diverse healthcare landscape, where rapid population growth and increasing life expectancy are driving demand for more personalized and sophisticated treatments. The discussion also included the readiness of current healthcare organizations, professionals, and systems to adopt Robotics and AI technologies, and the anticipated efforts to facilitate this adoption.

The advancement of medical technology in Robotics and AI have demonstrated significant improvements in patient outcomes which include reduced complications, faster recovery times and improved precision in surgical interventions. However, despite significant economic growth in some parts of Asia, the provision of equitable and accessible healthcare is still an ongoing challenge in the region.

Majid Kaddoumi, Senior Vice President and President, Medtronic Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia-Pacific (EurAsia), emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion in accelerating the adoption of advanced medical solutions and improving access to quality healthcare across Asia. “By enhancing our presence in this region, we’re not only tapping into the world’s most rapidly growing markets but also fostering a collaborative ecosystem. The Robotics Experience Studio will enable Medtronic to work closely with local stakeholders including healthcare providers, academia, industry forums and government to further bring new technologies closer to Asia for better patient outcomes,” he stated.

Expressing strong support for the initiative, Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director, EDB noted, “Medtronic’s latest investment underscores Singapore’s role as a leading hub for healthcare innovation and talent in Asia Pacific. The Robotics Experience Studio builds on Medtronic’s manufacturing and regional headquarters activities in Singapore to position for the evolving needs of its customers in the areas of robotics and AI for healthcare. We look forward to deepening our long-standing partnership with Medtronic.”

Feng Dong, Vice President, Medtronic Asia Region-Led Markets said, “Asia’s healthcare landscape is poised for significant growth, driven by demographic shifts and increasing demand for advanced medical technologies. Breaking down physical barriers to education and opening new frontiers of experience is key. The Robotics Experience Studio is an effort by Medtronic to bring technologies close-to-market and support skill enhancement in Southeast Asia. We look forward to meaningfully contributing to improving healthcare access and addressing the growing need in Asia for skill building and more efficient healthcare delivery. We believe that our innovative approach to medical and surgical education will shape the future of healthcare, transform patient care and outcomes, and positively impact health outcomes for millions in Asia.”

MCXC distinguishes through its innovative approach to medical training, offering a unique, non-tissue and cadaver-free experience. With training available over 20 different platforms, the Center leverages a variety of advanced simulator models to deliver comprehensive education. A Micra XR training program utilizes a blended learning methodology that combines holographic procedural animations with relevant physical model. This approach enables healthcare professionals to gain a deep understanding of the therapeutic principles and applications of Micra leadless pacemaker. To-date, Micra XR training app is approved in 155 countries and has drawn nearly 1,550 healthcare professionals from a diverse array of countries including the Philippines, Singapore, Egypt, South Africa, Poland, Hungary, and beyond. For more information about MCXC, please visit the official website.
Hashtag: #Medtronic #Healthcare #Robotics #AI #Surgery

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

About Medtronic plc

Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic, visit and follow Medtronic on .

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic’s periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Open Lab Unveiled to Scale Up Sustainable Innovation in the Textile & Fashion Industry

A transformative initiative by HKRITA and H&M Foundation to drive advanced technologies and global collaboration


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 September 2024 – The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) and the H&M Foundation proudly announce the official unveiling of the Open Lab, a pioneering initiative designed to revolutionise the textile and fashion industry through sustainable innovation. Located at the Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Tseung Kwan O InnoPark, the Open Lab is set to become a dynamic hub for industry-wide collaboration, providing a 20,000-square-foot physical space for research and development, as well as a platform for fostering dialogue and knowledge sharing. Building on Hong Kong’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure and innovation-friendly environment, the Open Lab aims to not only support HKRITA’s research, but also become a hub for applied solutions to scale up to industrial-scale applications for the benefit of all global stakeholders addressing the challenges of climate change.

Mr Lee Kwok Bun, Ivan, JP, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (second right) joined today’s opening ceremony at the Open Lab, celebrating this important milestone together with other officiating guests including Mrs Christiane DOLVA, Strategy Lead, H&M Foundation (first right), Ms Teresa YANG, Chairman of The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (second left), and Mr Edwin KEH, CEO of The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (first left).
Mr Lee Kwok Bun, Ivan, JP, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (second right) joined today’s opening ceremony at the Open Lab, celebrating this important milestone together with other officiating guests including Mrs Christiane DOLVA, Strategy Lead, H&M Foundation (first right), Ms Teresa YANG, Chairman of The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (second left), and Mr Edwin KEH, CEO of The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (first left).

Mr Lee Kwok Bun, Ivan, JP, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, joined today’s opening ceremony at the Open Lab, celebrating this important milestone together with other officiating guests including Mrs Christiane DOLVA, Strategy Lead, H&M Foundation, Ms Teresa YANG, Chairman, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, and Mr Edwin KEH, Chief Executive Officer, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel.

Ms Teresa YANG, Chairman, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, said, “This moment marks a significant milestone in leading the textile and fashion industry toward a more resilient future. At the core of the Open Lab is the mission to bridge the gap between lab innovations and industrial applications. By applying cutting-edge research and technology, funded by Hong Kong’s ITF funding schemes, we at HKRITA are developing sustainable and scalable solutions that will benefit the Hong Kong community, local corporations, regional suppliers, and global brands in addressing our climate change challenges.”

Mrs Christiane DOLVA, Strategy Lead, H&M Foundation, added, “We are thrilled to see the vision of Open Lab come to life. A strong network of supporting organisations, the sharing of knowledge, and of course the courage to explore the unknown, is what has made the Open Lab possible. In providing a safe collaborate space, a key infrastructure and a vibrant encouraging community, the amazing team at HKRITA and it’s visionary partners, have created something truly special. I’m excited for the future and to witness the groundbreaking solutions that will help drive greater sustainability in the textile and fashion industry and hopefully beyond.”

With the support of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSARG, the Open Lab also received support from many stakeholders from multiple industries. These include manufacturers, brands, service providers and organisations that use textile and soft materials. The common goal is to address our shared environmental challenges by developing agile and scalable solutions. The Open Lab’s approach is threefold: to showcase innovative solutions at scale, to provide a collaborative platform for industry-wide partnerships, and to contribute to problem-solving – thereby catalysing the transformative journey of the fashion and textile industry toward a sustainable future.

The Open Lab features two main components: the Pilot Plant, which is an end-to-end upcycling line designed for industrial-scale demonstrations and technology trials, including an AI-powered smart garment sorting system for recycling and the Green Machine 2.0, which separates polyester fibres from PET-cotton blended textiles at scale, reaching up to 1 ton of daily recycling capacity; while the Fashion Future Lab is a modular research space focusing on early-stage solutions with the first project “Farm-to-Garment”, a location-independent production line from hydroponic cotton cultivation to yarn processing and garment knitting.

Open Lab also houses a technological database of over 80 of HKRITA’s sustainable projects. By bridging the gap between the research lab and industry, Open Lab transforms lab-scale outcomes into useful industrial-scale applications. Solutions developed here will be licensed at cost, ensuring they are affordable for widespread adoption. This approach maximises impact of reducing the carbon footprint and driving greater circularity within the industry.

Growth in research capabilities is a key focus for Open Lab, and it is dedicated to nurturing young innovators and startups. Through its upcoming residency program, which will be available to global undergraduates and postgraduates in full-time STEM-related programs, participants can work closely with scientists and engineers on meaningful textile related sustainability technology. For other curious minds, the Open Lab Challenge will invite creative solutions on various textile sustainability topics.

For more information about Open Lab and its initiatives, please visit the Open Lab website (theopenlab.one) or contact our media relations team.
Hashtag: #HKRITA #OpenLab

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

About the Open Lab

Open Lab, a pioneering initiative by HKRITA and the H&M Foundation, is a transformative force within the textile and fashion industry. The Open Lab spans 20,000 square feet in the Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Hong Kong and hosts a technological database with over 80 sustainable projects, creating a dynamic hub for the entire industry value chain. It focuses on showcasing solutions, providing a platform for collaboration, and engaging in problem-solving and resource optimisation in order to set the stage for industry-wide transformation to address climate change. Supported by key stakeholders like the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Hong Kong government and leading industry players, the Open Lab is driving the industry towards a sustainable future.

About The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA)

Established in 2006, HKRITA is funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government and is hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. HKRITA contributes to the competitiveness of the textile and apparel industry by providing one-stop services in applied research, technology transfer and commercialisation. HKRITA also plays a vital and expanding role in driving sustainable improvements in the industry and thus bringing benefits to society as a whole.

About H&M Foundation

The H&M Foundation is privately funded by the Stefan Persson family, founders and main owners of the H&M Group. It utilises philanthropic resources to find, fund, and facilitate disruptive innovations, initiatives, and research that enable a socially inclusive and planet-positive textile industry. To accelerate this transformation, the foundation takes a holistic and open approach, bringing diverse partners together to co-create solutions and share learnings. Additionally, the H&M Foundation provides emergency relief. For more information, visit .

Long-Tail Boat Capsizes, Dozens of Myanmar nationals Missing in Laos

Long-Tail Boat Capsizes, Dozens of Myanmar nationals Missing in Laos
Boat Capsized in Mekong River (Photo credit: Noykhamnuan Inthavong)

A long-tail boat carrying over 40 passengers capsized on 2 September in the Mekong River, near the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Bokeo Province, Laos. The boat, which was navigating the river close to the border with Chiang Saen District in Thailand, was en route from the Golden Triangle Special Administrative Region to Tachilek, Myanmar.

Latest Telecom Fraud Crackdown in Bokeo SEZ: Thousands of Devices Seized

The authority while the operation (Photo: Lao National Radio)

In the latest crackdown against telecommunications fraud, authorities in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo Province sized thousands of electronic devices.

Banyan Group Launches Stylish Skypark Elara Lakelands at Visionary New Laguna Lakelands in Phuket

The newest addition to the pioneering USD2bn residential community follows the near sell-out launch of Phase One Laguna Lakeview Residences


PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 September 2024 – Banyan Group is launching a new collection of stylish Skypark residences at its pioneering new eco-friendly residential community in Phuket, following the successful sale of the Laguna Lakeview Residences.

Banyan Group Launches Stylish Skypark Elara Lakelands at Visionary New Laguna Lakelands in Phuket

Skypark Elara Lakelands, which is located on a site adjacent to the Lakeview Residences, with equally serene lagoon views, provides residents with beautifully designed luxury condos that add convenience and style to tropical living. Three blocks of the low-rise seven-storey Skypark Elara Lakelands, totalling around 220 units, are being released in the first phase.

Skypark Residences is one of Banyan Group’s contemporary lifestyle brands which allows residents to literally “reach for the sky”, with rooftop living experiences and stunning interiors, in a range of live-in and residential properties across the world’s most premier destinations.

The Skypark Residences at Laguna Lakelands represents a significant evolution of the brand, with luxurious fit outs and bigger sizes than previous developments, with units ranging from 54 sqm all the way up to 183 sqm, in one to three-bedroom configurations.

Residents at Skypark Elara Lakelands will enjoy exclusive access to leisure facilities on the rooftop including the signature infinity-edge swimming pool with stunning views and an expansive outdoor terrace with a barbecue area, comfortable sitting out spaces and walking paths overlooking the forest and tranquil lagoons.

With prices starting from THB 8m, the Skypark Elara Lakelands residences are expected to be swiftly snapped up by buyers from all over the world, like the previously released Laguna Lakeview Residences.

Developed by the Banyan Group, whose iconic Banyan Tree brand has become one of the most admired and successful Asian hospitality brands, Skypark Elara is located at Laguna Lakelands on the Central West coast of Phuket next to Asia’s biggest and most iconic integrated resort, Laguna Phuket, to which residents also have access.

Spanning no less than one million square metres (700 rai or 276 acres) of botanical gardens, parks, rainforest, tranquil lagoons and rolling hills, Laguna Lakelands will be Phuket’s largest private residential community, and a self-contained green sanctuary designed for a new community of global citizens seeking high quality lifestyle balanced by nature.

Designed in a neutral palate of natural woodland colours, the stylish and contemporary Skypark Elara residences are designed to evoke the feeling of being hidden away in the forest, with the interior design reflecting its lush colours and textures.

The generously proportioned one, two and three bedroom open-plan configurations ranging from 54 to 183 sqm are ideal for all needs and budgets, and all feature unique foldable “work closets” which have been purpose built for today’s flexible work-from-home lifestyle.

Inspired by the colours and textures of the forest, the open and spacious designs accentuate nature and blend harmoniously with the natural tropical garden surroundings. Each has a private balcony and all are set within verdant lawns and parks.

The launch of Skypark Elara Lakelands comes as the Phuket real estate market is booming, fuelled by an increasing desire for families from all over the world to enjoy a second home in Phuket, or even to relocate there.

“We decided to launch Skyark Elara Lakelands now after the strong demand we have seen for the first phase of Lakeview Residences, which has exceeded our own expectations by a long way,” said Banyan Group founder and Executive Chairman KP Ho.

“This latest addition to Laguna Lakelands brings more spacious room configurations than our previous Skypark projects and a brand new attractive design with more elevated materials, which we think will appeal to the many people now looking for a place in Phuket either as a second home or as a primary residence.”

“High-quality property is still significantly cheaper in Phuket than in most of the buyer source markets like Hong Kong, Singapore or Europe, which is also an important factor,” he said.

Phuket’s strategic location within 5 or 6 hours flight of over 40% of the world’s population, its attractive year round climate and world-class international schools and hospitals are also part of its growing attraction.

Uniquely for Thailand, the developer also offers financing options which allow owners to purchase residences with staged payments over several years.

About Laguna Lakelands

The latest project by world-famous Laguna Phuket

Set within one square kilometre of verdant hills, forests and lakes with a private beachfront club

Laguna Lakelands is more than just a place to live

Themed Hillside, Orchard, Forest, and Lakeside precincts retain unique identities within a cohesive nature-centric community.

Interwoven by a 15 km network of trails, spacious apartments with rooftop sky parks or opulent waterfront villas grace the expansive landscapes of rainforests, botanical gardens, and serene lagoons.

A hillside adventure park, sports and aquatic complex, and a community centre in a vibrant town center anchor the entire community. And to top it off, its own prime beachfront beach club.
Hashtag: #BanyanGroup

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

About Laguna Phuket

Laguna Phuket is Asia’s premier integrated destination. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Andaman Sea, on a 3km stretch of pristine beach, Laguna Phuket is home to six world-class hotels, premium facilities and a branded residences and property division. Spanning over 1,000 acres of lush parkland and beachfront and located just a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, Laguna Phuket offers an award-winning 18-hole golf course, luxury spas, exceptional dining options, and countless activities to create unforgettable experiences.

With more than 1,400 rooms, the destination offers accommodations that suit all, from families with young children to intimate, luxurious stays. Hotel guests staying within Laguna Phuket are welcome to enjoy the unlimited shuttle bus and shuttle boat service and the fully integrated cashless payment system – meaning guests can choose to charge expenses back to their room from anywhere in the destination. On top of the 6 Hotels, Laguna Phuket has a Branded Property division that offers sales and rentals of a variety of residences, apartments and villas for guests who wishes to live or invest in a holiday home within our integrated destination.

About Banyan Group

Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans across 80 hotels and resorts, over 60 spas and galleries, and 14 branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Management Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.

Nam Theun 2 Development Fund Expands to Benefit More Districts

Nam Theun 2 Development Fund Expands to Benefit More Districts
Vanxay Phongsavanh, Khammouane Governor and Marc-Antoine Rupp, Nam Theun 2 Chief Executive officer co-chaired the eighth steering committee meeting for the Nam Theun 2 Development Fund (NT2DF)

The Nam Theun 2 Development Fund (NT2DF) is set to expand its reach beyond Nakai’s resettled villages, bringing the transformative projects to the entire district and soon to neighboring Gnommalath and Mahaxay districts.

Yoyo Laos Sauce Spices Up the World Stage with New Laos Production Hub

Photo supplied

Yoyo Laos Sauce is making a significant leap onto the global stage. Originally produced in Yorkshire, UK, by Lao-British couple Frazer and Hatsadee “Yoyo” Rhodes, the sauce will now be manufactured in Laos thanks to a new partnership with Mai Savanh Laos, a local social enterprise.

It all began in 2020 when Yoyo served her homemade ginger chili sauce to friends during the Covid-19 pandemic. The response was overwhelmingly positive, she recalled.

“They dipped it non-stop with their sticky rice. They told me, ‘Yoyo, it’s so good. I can’t stop eating it,’” Yoyo said.

Inspired by their friends’ enthusiasm, Frazer saw the pandemic as an opportunity to launch a business. With supermarkets being one of the few places people could buy food, he proposed selling their sauce there.

“So we bought some bottles, made a really simple label, and started making the sauce. We took it to the market, and it all sold,” Frazer said, reflecting on how the couple began producing the sauce at home.

This initial success quickly led to further opportunities, allowing the Rhodes family to expand production to their own factory.

“Then we got into our first shop, then our first restaurant, and then we received our first international order. It just kept growing and growing. We developed more sauces and built a bigger range,” Frazer added.

Frazer emphasized that the sauce is made by hand by the couple and their team to ensure top-quality ingredients. They believe that this manual process, rather than using machines, achieves the best results.

Moving to Laos and Partnering with Local Businesses

As their business grew, the Rhodes family realized they needed to scale up production. They sought out manufacturers in the UK willing to hand-make the Lao-style sauce but found this effort futile.

Their luck changed when they visited Yoyo’s home country of Laos in January this year. In Laos, Frazer discovered a small bottle of sauce with a design similar to their own, sparking the idea of shifting production to Laos, where ingredients are “fresher.”

Noticing the label “Produced by Mai Savanh Laos,” he emailed them as Yoyo Laos Sauce from the UK to express interest. Frazer quickly met Schmidt Philippe, CEO of Mai Savanh Laos, who offered to help expand their brand, aligning with their mutual goal of promoting Lao products.

By November, the Rhodes family plans to ship 35,000 bottles back to the UK. The enhanced production process in Laos has also created jobs for locals. There are currently three production sites in Laos—Vientiane, Bolaven, and Sekong—employing 51 workers, including 61 percent women and 43 percent ethnic minorities, many of whom have been marginalized in Laos.

During their time in Laos, Yoyo Laos Sauce also partnered with The Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a UK-based charity, where they also donated their sauce.

“The production costs here are lower than in the UK, which means we can offer a better price to retailers, who can then make a better margin,” Frazer explained. “Now we’re starting to get interest from other places, like the Middle East, Dubai, and Japan.”

Some of their products are already available in Vientiane, and they plan to expand distribution to more shops nationwide starting in September.

Despite the progress, the transition has not been without challenges. Yoyo noted that achieving the same taste as the original UK recipe required numerous adjustments. “The team has done about 30 or 40 different tests. It’s taken many attempts, with slight changes each time,” she said.

Raising Awareness of Laos

In addition to business growth, the Rhodes family aims to increase awareness of Laos. “A lot of customers in the UK ask us, ‘What is Laos? Where is Laos?’” Yoyo said. To address this, the sauce labels include a QR code linking to information about Laos.

The family is also conducting research with locals to gather more information about the country. “We’d like to get some interviews with the staff and learn about their history and background,” Frazer added.

Yoyo Laos Sauce can be used as a dipping sauce, marinade, or added to stir-fries and salads to spice things up. As they say in Laos, “Sap lai lai,” which means very tasty.

The sauce’s popularity soared after winning Great Taste™ awards in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, along with the winner of the UK National Chilli Awards in 2022.

“Some of the awards we’ve won have all been blind taste tests. The judges don’t see any packaging; they just get a little pot, taste it, and judge. Winning the UK National Chilli Awards, ranking 18th globally, getting an award for the European Hot Sauce Awards, and the Great Taste Awards—it’s all a big honor,” Frazer said.