24 C
Vientiane
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 1432

The largest scientific conference of heart rhythm in Asia Pacific begins Global experts explore cardiac knowledge and advancements in HK

Financial Secretary and Secretary for Health wishing the meeting success

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 1 September 2023 – A decade later, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) and the Hong Kong College of Cardiology (HKCC) co-organize the largest scientific conference of heart rhythm in the Asia-Pacific region in Hong Kong again. The “16th APHRS Scientific Session in conjunction with CardioRhythm 2023 (APHRS 2023)” gather the global cardiologists to exchange latest knowledge and ideas, aiming to drive the world development of managing heart rhythm disorders. Regardless of the bad weather, the opening ceremony held today, with the honor to receive congratulatory video recordings from the HKSAR Financial Secretary and Secretary for Health. Cardiologists from the Asia Pacific and Hong Kong also addressed on the stage.

(From the left) Dr. Ngai-yin Chan, Co-Chair, Organizing Committee, APHRS 2023; Prof. Chu-pak Lau, Honorary President, Organizing Committee, APHRS 2023; Prof. Wataru Shimizu, President of Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society; Prof. Hua Wei, President of Chinese Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology; Prof. Hung-fat Tse, Co-Chair, Organizing Committee, APHRS 2023; Dr. Kathy KF Lee, Secretary General, APHRS 2023
(From the left) Dr. Ngai-yin Chan, Co-Chair, Organizing Committee, APHRS 2023; Prof. Chu-pak Lau, Honorary President, Organizing Committee, APHRS 2023; Dr. Godwin T.C. Leung, President-Elect of Hong Kong College of Cardiology; Prof. Wataru Shimizu, President of Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society; Prof. Hua Wei, President of Chinese Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology; Prof. Hung-fat Tse, Co-Chair, Organizing Committee, APHRS 2023; Dr. Kathy KF Lee, Secretary General, APHRS 2023

More than 2,300 cardiac experts “Embracing the Breakthroughs” together

The APHRS is the first and only society organized in the Asia-Pacific region to promote excellence and advancement in diagnosis and treatment of patients with heart rhythm disease. The annual scientific session is the highlight of its activities. In 2023, it is the second time for the APHRS and the HKCC to co-organize the joint meeting of the APHRS and the CardioRhythm in Hong Kong, and the last joint meeting is exactly 10 years ago.

With the theme “Embracing the Breakthroughs”, more than 2,300 participants from 48 countries or regions will explore and deliberate on the advancement and innovation in the science and management of heart rhythm disorders in the meeting. The latest development in cardiac pacing, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachyarrhythmia will be presented. Innovation in mapping and ablation of cardiac arrhythmia will be shown both as lectures and case demonstrations.

Financial Secretary and Secretary of Health wishing the meeting success

The opening ceremony was held at the first day of the meeting, and honorably receiving congratulatory videos from Mr. Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, and Professor Chung-Mau Lo, Secretary for Health. They wished that the meeting would be held smoothly and successfully under the unstable weather. Cardiologists also addressed at the ceremony, including Professor Wataru Shimizu, President of Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, Dr Godwin T.C. Leung, President elect of Hong Kong College of Cardiology, and Dr. Ngai-yin Chan, Co-Chair of the APHRS 2023 Organizing Committee.

The meeting manifesting HK’s unique advantages

Hong Kong’s unique advantages were acknowledged that it has always had a high standard of medical care and an efficient healthcare system, with many world-leading medical indicators. The budget increasement on medical care shows that the government is valuing the importance of the sector.

It was also emphasized that the meeting not only proves Hong Kong’s international status in exhibitions and medical care, but also demonstrates its irreplaceable unique advantages under “One Country, Two Systems”. With the solid support of the country, Hong Kong can fully play the role of a “super-connector” between the mainland China and the international community in different fields.

Hashtag: #APHRS #AsiaPacificHeartRhythmSociety #HKCC #HongKongCollegeofCardiology

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

Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS)

The Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) has grown very rapidly and efficiently after its founding in 2008. The success of the organization and rapid growth was due to the enthusiastic support by pioneer electrophysiologists and efforts by many physicians to cure heart rhythm disorders. With the experience of preceding arrhythmia symposia of inter‐cities or international basis in the region, the organization could quickly grow to become APHRS. The mission of APHRS is to promote basic research and improve clinical practice, optimize care of patients with heart rhythm disorders, and to train and encourage young physicians to actively participate and promote the activity of our society.

Hong Kong College of Cardiology (HKCC)

The Hong Kong College of Cardiology (HKCC) is a charitable organization founded in 1992. It aims at upkeeping the highest standard of cardiovascular practice and working towards the improvement of heart health amongst people of Hong Kong. There are now 310 fellows and 117 members.

Thailand’s King Reduces Prison Term of Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Single Year

Thailand’s king on Friday reduced the prison term of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from eight years to one year. (Photo: AP)

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s king on Friday reduced the prison term of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from eight years to one year following the divisive politician’s return from 15 years of self-imposed exile.

New Study Finds Air Pollution to Reduce Life Expectancy by Over Two Years

New Study Finds Air Pollution Reduces Life Expectancy by 2.3 Years on Average
FILE: This image is used only for representational purposes (photo: IANS)

According to the latest annual Air Quality Life Index report released on Tuesday, air pollution has emerged as the foremost threat to human life expectancy.

Vang Vieng Improves Tourist Facilities Ahead of Visit Laos Year 2024

Tourists kayaking on the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng. (Photo: DiscoverLaos)

Vang Vieng district authorities have made improvements to various facilities and services in the hopes of making a great first impression on visitors during Visit Laos Year 2024.

Cotti Coffee, the New Vanguard of the Industry, Boasts Over 5,000 Outlets in Less Than a Year.

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach – 1 September 2023 – Cotti Coffee, started by Luckin Coffee founders Charles Lu and Jenny Qian, is the global sponsor for the Argentina National Football Teams. Since the inauguration of its flagship store in October 2022, Cotti Coffee now graces over 300 cities in 5 countries with more than 5,000 outlets, making it the fifth largest coffee brand worldwide.

In August 2023, Cotti Coffee announced its global expansion strategy, marking its formal entry into the international arena. Concurrently, it launched a global partnership recruitment initiative and has already established multiple outlets in South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, and Canada.

Since its establishment, Cotti Coffee has been driven by its mission of “enabling customers to enjoy a comfortable coffee lifestyle” and its mantra of “Drink Cotti, Feel Younger”. The company is committed to providing customers with high-quality, cost-effective, and convenient coffee products, complemented by Western-style light meals and desserts. With its youthful and chic brand experience, Cotti Coffee has won widespread adoration from its customers.

The brand’s remarkable store performance and validated business model underscore its rapid ascendancy in the industry. Cotti Coffee’s success can be attributed to a combination of strengths, including innovative business strategies, robust supply chain capabilities, an intelligent digital platform, and an unparalleled product and service experience.

Unlike traditional franchising or direct management models, Cotti Coffee has adopted an innovative partnership approach. Initially, the company forgoes any franchise-related fees, opting instead for a profit-sharing arrangement, aiming to share risks with its partners and maximize each party’s strengths. Additionally, Cotti Coffee has instituted a lifetime partnership system, ensuring the longevity of the business locations and sustainability of the business collaboration. If a partner chooses to exit, the company offers a depreciation buy-back option for the equipment, which significantly reduces the barriers for potential partners to enter and sustain their business. This model exemplifies a sustainable, century-long business model that is built to last.

For the international market, Cotti Coffee has introduced both single-store partnerships and regional partnership models, offering more flexible collaboration methods catered to the diverse needs of its partners. Under this arrangement, the company provides support in branding, supply chain, operations, and digital platforms. Partners can select the manner and scale of their collaboration, ensuring both modularity and adaptability. Regional partners benefit further from model store incentives, regional exclusivity, and revenue sharing from both store operations and expansion, thus empowering small enterprises and individual entrepreneurs.

Cotti Coffee boasts an integrated coffee bean roasting facility that combines research, production, and quality control, accompanied by a production facility for related materials. With an annual output of 45,000 tons, it stands as China’s largest individual coffee roasting factory. To further solidify its supply chain prowess, Cotti Coffee is in the preparatory stages of establishing coffee bean and raw material supply chain bases in South America, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and other regions. By amassing global top-tier resources, the company is building a robust foundation of global supply chain infrastructure and capability to support its international expansion.

Leveraging a fully digitalized platform, Cotti Coffee taps into its innate internet advantages. Customers can place orders online via the app and pick up in-store, eliminating the inconvenience of in-store queues and long wait times, and vastly improving in-store efficiency and service consistency. Moreover, through insights drawn from big data analysis, Cotti Coffee can offer personalized recommendations for its customers, offering a plethora of benefits.

Furthermore, Cotti Coffee consistently offers an innovative product and brand experience. Committed to offering coffee with great value for money, the company meticulously selects only IIAC Platinum and Gold Award-winning 100% Arabica coffee beans, ensuring premium quality in every cup. Beyond its dedication to timeless coffee classics, Cotti Coffee also boasts a variety of innovative drinks, including fan favourites such as Coco Cotti, Cheese Latte, and its Sparkling Cold Brew series. The offerings are revamped weekly, ensuring they meet the ever-evolving preferences of diverse consumers. Alongside its extensive beverage range, Cotti Coffee also features muffins, hotdogs, and other light meals as a parallel growth strategy to its coffee and beverage lineup. By presenting an ever-changing combination of food and drinks, Cotti Coffee fulfils the diverse situational needs of consumers, crafting products that are both a daily necessity and frequently desired.

With a keen understanding of coffee consumption trends, Cotti Coffee is committed to continuous innovation, broadening its product range, and adopting a “survival of the fittest” approach. Its goal is to consistently deliver high-quality, cost-effective, and convenient products to coffee enthusiasts. Concurrently, Cotti Coffee strives to fortify its strengths in branding, digitalization, and supply chain management, propelling small and micro enterprises and individual entrepreneurs towards effortlessly realizing their coffee business aspirations.

Hashtag: #CottiCoffee

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

Houaphanh Authorities Halt Unregulated Production of Bamboo Shoots

Houaphanh Authorities Halt Unregulated Production on Bamboo Shoots
Dried bamboo shoots for sale. (Photo: LaoPost)

The Office of Agriculture and Ministry in Aed District, Houaphanh Province, issued a notice on 23 August to curb the unregulated production of bamboo shoots due to concerns about their scarcity.

KPMG China Garners Outstanding Gold Award at the PCPD’s Privacy-Friendly Awards 2023

A recognition for commitment to governance

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 1 September 2023 – KPMG China is pleased to announce its privacy protection achievement through the Outstanding Gold Award presented to the Firm by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (“PCPD”) at this year’s Privacy-Friendly Award ceremony. This award recognizes KPMG China’s tremendous efforts in maintaining a high standard on the protection of personal data privacy. The award also demonstrates KPMG China’s strong commitment in matching up with client and employee expectations in privacy protection, which effort is worthy of public trust.

Under the theme of “Embrace Privacy Management Programme to Gain Trust and Benefits”, the 2023 Privacy-Friendly Awards aims to recognize the commitment of enterprises, public and private organizations as well as government departments in “Privacy Protection Measures”. “Privacy-Friendly” Certificate is presented to the organizations to recognize their efforts in promoting the protection of personal data privacy and championing the importance of setting up a Privacy Management Programme (“PMP”).

Ivy Cheung, Managing Partner, Hong Kong, KPMG China says: “At KPMG China, we are committed to safeguarding the personal data of our clients, employees and other related individuals. The implementation of the PMP at KPMG China demonstrates our strong commitment to risk management and governance under ESG. The Award injects new impetus for the Firm to continuously foster our efforts in data privacy and information security protection, and to further enhance the public’s trust and confidence in KPMG China, strengthening our competitiveness so as to set us apart.”

Benjamin Tang, National IT Security Officer, KPMG China says: “Governance is an integral part of ESG. To garner customers’ trust, we have done more than what the law requires in terms of ensuring information security and privacy protection. We have integrated the PMP into our quality and risk management exercise with a series of privacy and security controls being implemented into our business and operation processes, which fully exemplify our efforts and competitive edge in terms of governance.”

Tan Poh Hua, National Privacy Liaison Officer, KPMG China says: “KPMG China performs privacy risk assessments on client projects involving in the collection and processing of personal data . Since the implementation of the PMP within the Firm, privacy protection awareness among employees has been heightened to such an unprecedented level. Our employees have now begun to embrace the true value of conducting privacy risk assessments. It is very encouraging to see this positive development happening in KPMG China as a result of implementing the PMP.”

Inaugurated by the PCPD in 2021, the Privacy-Friendly Awards recognizes the efforts made by organizations in protecting personal data privacy, and enable enterprises, public and private organizations, as well as government departments to showcase their achievements in privacy protection.

Hashtag: #KPMGChina

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

About KPMG China

KPMG China has offices located in 31 cities with over 15,000 partners and staff, in Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Dongguan, Foshan, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hangzhou, Hefei, Jinan, Nanjing, Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Wuhan, Wuxi, Xiamen, Xi’an, Zhengzhou, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR. Working collaboratively across all these offices, KPMG China can deploy experienced professionals efficiently, wherever our client is located.

KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively.

KPMG firms operate in 143 countries and territories with more than 265,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.

KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

In 1992, KPMG became the first international accounting network to be granted a joint venture licence in the Chinese Mainland. KPMG was also the first among the Big Four in the Chinese Mainland to convert from a joint venture to a special general partnership, as of 1 August 2012. Additionally, the Hong Kong firm can trace its origins to 1945. This early commitment to this market, together with an unwavering focus on quality, has been the foundation for accumulated industry experience, and is reflected in KPMG’s appointment for multidisciplinary services (including audit, tax and advisory) by some of China’s most prestigious companies.

Former Thai Leader Thaksin Shinawatra, Jailed After Returning From Exile, Requests Royal Pardon

Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who recently returned from exile and began serving an eight-year prison term, has requested a royal pardon, a senior member of the outgoing Cabinet said Thursday, 31 August 2023. Thaksin was moved from prison to a state hospital soon after his return last week for reported ill health. (Phto:AP)

BANGKOK (AP) — Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who recently returned from exile and began serving an eight-year prison term, has requested a royal pardon, a senior member of the outgoing Cabinet said Thursday. Thaksin was moved from prison to a state hospital soon after his return last week for reported ill health.