Laos hosted an ASEAN ministerial meeting on Wednesday that saw environmental ministers come together to address the issue of transboundary haze.
Laos Chairs ASEAN Meeting on Commitment to Tackling Transboundary Haze

Thai Durian Exports to China Surge Amid Use of Laos-China Railway
Thai fruit exports to China, particularly durian, have experienced remarkable growth this year, with exporters citing the strategic use of the Laos-China Railway as the reason for their success.
Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor Conducts 2nd Cancer Symposium In Collaboration With The Malaysian Medical Association Johor Branch
11 Key Speakers from the Private and Public Medical Sectors Share Valuable Insights on Various Cancers and Its Management
JOHOR BARHU, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 24 August 2023 – In a pivotal effort to fight cancer, Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor (GHMJ) and the Malaysian Medical Association Johor Branch (MMA) jointly hosted their second cancer symposium at Amari Johor Bahru this 19 August. With 11 distinguished speakers spanning both the private and public healthcare realms, this initiative seeks to bridge knowledge gaps in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Esteemed speakers and panelists invited, hailed from institutions such as GHMJ, Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Hospital Sultan Ismail, and Hospital Segamat.

The symposium’s comprehensive coverage ranged from breast, endocrine, thyroid, and hepatobiliary cancers to upper gastrointestinal and lung cancers, underscoring the collective endeavour necessary to decrease incidences and improve overall societal health. Delving into more than just the physical aspects of the disease, the event also spotlighted the psychological challenges faced by patients and the significance of palliative care, advocating for an integrative approach to cancer management.
Dr Kamal Amzan, Chief Executive Officer of Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor, remarked during his opening address, “Our partnerships between private and public sectors are pivotal in harmonizing expertise, resources, and engagement. In today’s age of swift technological advancements, such collaborations are increasingly crucial.” He added, “We are two sides of the same coin, each with unique strengths and resources that, when combined, can achieve a monumental impact on cancer awareness and prevention.”
With an eye on the future, GHMJ is gearing up for ongoing initiatives, aiming to cater to the Johor medical community and beyond. These events will reinforce the importance of combined efforts in healthcare and knowledge-sharing, heralding a new era in the medical domain. To learn more about GHMJ please visit www.gleneagles.com.my/medini-johor or contact +607 560 1000.
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About Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor (GHMJ)
A premier tertiary hospital located in Johor, Malaysia, Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor is a mere 20-minute drive from the Singapore-Tuas checkpoint, right at the heart of Medini’s Lifestyle precinct. GHMJ is home to some of the most advanced medical technologies and procedures available such as:
- PET CT (FDG & Gallium) – the first outside Klang Valley with Gallium and the second one in Johor with FDG to complement the hospital’s Cancer Centre.
- Monalisa – Robotic prostate biopsy which is minimally invasive and provides better precision to remove lesions.
- ESWL – Treatment of kidney stones and ureteral stones through a non-invasive, day-surgery, with higher precision using Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL).
- Linear Accelerator Elekta Synergy equipped with Catalyst HD – The latest Radiotherapy system with 3-Dimensional Radiation Therapy (3DRT), Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Arc Therapy (MAT) which provides more accurate delivery, shortens treatment time and lowers overall dose of radiation.
- Davinci Xi – The da Vinci® Surgical System is a robotic surgical system that uses a minimally invasive surgical approach. It features multiple arms that can perform manoeuvres and rotations beyond the natural ability of the human hand.
About The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA)
MMA is the association with the largest number of doctors in the country. Formed in 1959, it currently has more than 10,000 members. It is the main representative body for all registered medical practitioners including specialists and general practitioners, medical and house officers, as well as medical students from the private and public sectors. MMA recognizes its educational role in influencing health policies in the community, including the prevention of disease, promotion of healthy lifestyles, protection of the environment, and personal responsibility for health. It also strives to find innovative approaches and solutions that balance the delivery of high-quality care with cost-effective practices, ensuring accessibility and sustainability for all individuals.
Laos, Malaysia Ink Deal to Enhance Cross-Railway Cooperation

In a significant move to bolster their respective railway sectors and enhance regional trade within the Pan-Asian railway initiative, the Lao National Railway Enterprise (LNRE) and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) have signed a memorandum of cooperation this month.
New Survey Reveals 80% of Respondents Prefer Natural Diamonds for their Engagement Rings
Two-thirds of respondents conduct online research for their ideal engagement rings and 94% would make their purchase in Hong Kong
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 24 August 2023 – Now that the pandemic is behind us, grooms and brides-to-be may be rethinking their wishes and priorities for their big day. However, certain core elements of engagements and weddings, such as the preciousness of an intimate “proposal” and a sparkling engagement ring adorned with natural diamonds, remain unchanged. These findings come from the latest online pre-bridal survey conducted by NielsenIQ.

The online survey, in its second consecutive year, continues to explore the latest engagement and wedding expectations in Hong Kong. Among the 482 respondents, 80% of them prefer natural diamonds for their engagement rings and 82% indicate engagement ring is an important detail in wedding planning. Two-thirds of the respondents research online about their ideal engagement rings, while 94% would conduct the purchase in local jewellery stores. The results also show that following the end of the pandemic, the preference for a more glamourous wedding has re-emerged, since social distancing is no longer a concern. More than half (54%) of the surveyed are in favour of a good balance of simplicity and grandeur in their weddings. A simple and casual wedding, which was highly popular last year, became the second choice (39%), followed by a travel wedding (28%).
The Proposal of Paramount Importance
However, regardless of how couples would like to structure their big day, 88% of the respondents stress the paramount importance of a proposal. Unlike the wedding style, the proposal is usually viewed as an intimate event, with the vast majority of respondents (80%) preferring the proposal to take place privately. In addition, over half (60%) enjoy a moment of “just the two of us.” The trend aligns largely with the results from last year.
Choose my own Engagement Ring
A large majority of respondents (82%) believe engagement rings are an important part of a wedding, a trend that has remained consistent before and after the pandemic. This ritual is followed in importance by pre-wedding photos (72%) and honeymoons (58%).
Regarding the selection of an engagement ring, 80% of the respondents prefer natural diamonds while 86% of them would like to be involved in handpicking the right ring. The top considerations during the selection include the conventional 4Cs (colour, clarity, carat and cut) (83%). In addition, 39% of respondents would prefer diamonds that come with certifications, and 21% value the origin of their diamonds.
Meaning of Marriage and Engagement Rings
As a new attempt this year, the survey included questions about meanings of marriage commitment. A majority of the respondents (70%) believe the marriage vow represents “everlasting love/life-long partnership”, while 63% think marriage commitment means “unconditional/mutual support.” Among those who opt for natural diamonds, over half of them (51%) appreciate natural diamonds are “one-of-a-kind”, while 49% see natural diamonds as “precious, rare and naturally formed through time and nature”.
Survey Methodology
Commissioned by De Beers Group, the pre-bridal survey was conducted by NielsenIQ in May 2023 via multiple social media channels, with a total of 482 participants aged 18-44. Among the participants, 77% were female, while 23% were male. A majority of them (72%) were either engaged or in a serious relationship. The design and data analysis of the survey were engineered by NielsenIQ.
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Hashtag: #DeBeers#NaturalDiamonds #diamondweddingrings
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About De Beers Group
Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and De Beers Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit
www.debeersgroup.com.
About NielsenIQ
NielsenIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NielsenIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NielsenIQ delivers the Full View(TM).
Five Vehicles Collide at Traffic Light in Vientiane Capital

Five Vehicles collided at a traffic light in Phonesart Village, Vientiane Capital, on Wednesday night. The crash disrupted traffic, but no injuries were reported.
BEST Express Malaysia is committed to support SMEs in East Coast

The exponential growth of e-commerce in Malaysia has unveiled new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, especially SMEs, to leverage online platforms in expanding their market presence. BEST Express Malaysia, renowned for its logistics and innovation expertise, aims to be a key driver of business growth in this digital era. By harnessing innovative platforms, the company seeks to empower businesses, particularly SMEs, to tap into the potential of e-commerce and reach more customers.
“We recognize the economic potential of the local businesses in East Coast, and we are committed to connect SMEs with the opportunities presented by digital transformation. The collaboration between our advanced logistics infrastructure and innovative technological solutions will be a milestone in advancing businesses in this East Coast region,” said Jessy Sun, General Manager of BEST Inc Malaysia and Singapore.
“This initiative will not only benefits SMEs in East Coast but will also have a positive impact on the overall economic growth. By enabling broader access to the digital market, SMEs will have the opportunity to increase sales and reach more customers,” Jessy Sun continued.
Puan Norizah, the owner of Batik Desa Paloh from Kuala Terengganu, who run her own batik brand,provides wholesale and retail services, both online and offline. I’ve been in this business for over 10 years. We diversify our techniques, including batik canting, blogging, and tie & dye, among others. My business has gradually shifted towards online sales, particularly for blouses and scarves, through social media.
She chose the services of BEST Express Malaysia in Kuala Terengganu, as online businesses require efficient delivery services, and BEST Express fulfils my needs.
Puan Norizah, the visionary owner of Batik Desa Paloh in Kuala Terengganu, has skillfully cultivated her own distinctive batik brand over the past decade.
Through a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, her enterprise offers a captivating array of techniques, including the intricate artistry of batik canting, the vibrant allure of tie & dye, and the insightful storytelling of her blogging endeavors.
With an astute awareness of evolving market trends, Puan Norizah has adeptly steered her business towards a predominant online presence, focusing notably on the sale of blouses and scarves through various social media platforms.
To ensure swift and reliable delivery services crucial to online enterprises, she has judiciously partnered with BEST Express Malaysia in Kuala Terengganu. This strategic collaboration underscores her unwavering dedication to not only preserving the heritage of batik but also delivering a seamless and satisfying customer experience.
Encik Mohd Johan Ngiew Ah Sui @ Hassan, the enterprising force behind Josi Donut n Café in Kuala Lipis. His journey began modestly in 2014, selling donuts from home, and has since flourished into a bustling café that has become a local favourite. Starting with occasional festive cookies, the café now boasts an impressive line-up of over 30 cookie varieties available year-round, a true testament to Encik Mohd Johan’s dedication to his customers’ cravings.
As the cookies’ popularity grew, so did the need for reliable delivery services. Recognizing the importance of post-purchase satisfaction, Encik Mohd Johan partnered with BEST Express Kuala Lipis, a delivery service known for its strong customer support. This partnership aligns seamlessly with his commitment to providing not just delicious treats but also a delightful overall experience for his customers.
Hashtag: #BESTExpress
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mPay Expands Cross-Border Payment Coverage to More Than 40 Countries, creating a Convenient Global Travel Smart e-wallet for Macao residents

According to the 2022 Household Information Technology Survey by the Statistics and Census Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, among the online shopping consumption in the fourth quarter of 2022 in Macao, the median consumption of “tourism services” (MOP2,000) ranked top on the list, and comparing 2021 and 2022, the number of consumers has increased by 142%. With the optimization of the entry-exit management policy of the Macao SAR government, the increase in search volume of outbound flights and accommodation in overseas countries indicates that the outbound travel demand of Macao residents continues to recover in 2023, and cross-border consumption is expected to surge.
Mr. Sun Ho, Chairman and CEO of Macau Pass, said that the change in consumer culture and modern technology goes hand in hand in the new era, and demand for electronic payments, especially cross-border mobile payments, is also booming rapidly. As one of the leading mobile payment e-wallets in Macao, mPay and Alipay+ which has launched a suite of innovative digital cross-border solutions, strive to create a smart e-wallet that facilitates Macao residents to travel globally, this could also solve the issues they encounter with payment while travelling overseas, thus improve travelers’ payment and shopping experience.
Mr. Sun said that when international payment services give consumers fine global travel consumption experience, it will also bring more cross-border businesses and tourism growth opportunities for global merchants. mPay will continue to expand electronic payment, lifestyle services and marketing technology services to develop more open and diversified intelligent payment business scenarios, which is dedicated to introducing the inclusive ecology and vitality of Macao and even Mainland China’s digital economy to the whole world and let them have a deeper understanding of the vibrant developments.
Hashtag: #MACAUPass
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About Macau Pass S.A.
Macau Pass S.A. is a non-bank local financial institute with the scope of financial clearance, and is also a credit institution qualified to issue cards in Macao. In 2007, Macau Pass introduced the first contactless smart card in Macao, “Macau Pass Card”, which is now the largest contactless smart card and electronic payment system in Macao. Macau Pass introduced mobile payment into Macao in 2015 and created mPay app in 2018, which has now become the most used payment app in Macao, and is now actively integrating more non-payment scenarios to serve local merchants, residents and tourists. For details on Macau Pass’ information, please visit https://www.macaupass.com