The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has launched a Channel on Mekong Flood and Drought Forecast, aimed at improving public awareness and understanding of Mekong River conditions in the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB).
Developer: Plain of Jars Concession Intended to Boost Tourism, Attract Visitors
The recently-announced concession of the Plain of Jars sites will help improve tourism facilities and attract more visitors, says the developer, who plans to upgrade the scenery of the sites with cherry blossoms, among other initiatives.
Philip Nova, a member of PhillipCapital Group, unveils the potential of ETFs and building a 6% dividend return portfolio
ETFs: what are these and how they work
ETFs stand for exchange-traded funds, which are purchased or sold on a stock exchange like regular stocks. ETFs are a type of pooled investment security that holds multiple underlying assets. It typically tracks or replicates the performance of a specific benchmark index. It allows investors to invest in a basket of securities with just one trade.
ETFs: a good fit for beginners
Simplicity
Investing in ETF helps save time by removing the need for single stock picking, which is a very time-consuming process due to constantly having to monitor the news, earnings releases, and company financials.
Investors can rest assured that they will get close to market returns, eliminating the need to constantly monitor single stock positions. Furthermore, when a constituent is removed from the index, the ETF does the same. Thus, there is a low barrier to entry for newer investors, as less market knowledge is required. ETFs ultimately offer investors a convenient and simple way to invest in the stock market.
Diversification
By investing in a basket of stocks, it helps to reduce company-specific risks such as management decisions, financial health, and corporate scandals. Investors are able to gain exposure to more than a single company, as well as stocks across different asset classes, sectors, and geographic markets.
Different types of investors and suitable ETFs for their consideration
Ultimately, the choice of investment will depend on the investment goals of the investors. Here are examples of some ETFs that Phillip Nova offers:
Dividend Chasers:
Dividend chasers are individuals who look for another source of income. The investment priority is to attain a regular and passive income stream to supplement the main source of income from the daily job. These are the suitable high-yielding income-generating ETFs:
- Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG)
- Lion-Phillip S-REIT ETF (CLR)
Steady Builders:
Steady builders are individuals who want to avoid “putting all the eggs in one basket” and prefer investing for the long term while diversifying the portfolio across different asset classes, sectors, and geographic regions; but have limited time and financial knowledge to pick an ETF. These are the suitable high-yielding income-generating ETFs:
- SPDR Straits Times Index ETF (ES3)
- Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)
Tips for successful investing with ETFs
ETF Investors should aim to minimise any overlaps in their holdings. For example, rather than holding three different ETFs that all track the S&P 500, it would be better to consolidate all three of them into just one ETF holding, preferably the fund with the lowest expense ratio.
Examples of successful diversification with ETFs
Successful investors often hold different types of ETFs (asset class, sector, geography, etc.) to diversify, reduce risk, and maximise profits. For example, investors may include a Gold ETF such as SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) in their portfolio to hedge against a downturn. Gold has historically been uncorrelated with the stock market and typically thrives during a recession.
To view complete selection of recommended ETFs to build the 6% dividend return portfolio, download a playbook here.
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About Phillip Nova
Phillip Nova (formerly known as Phillip Futures) was inaugurated in 1983 as a member of PhillipCapital Group and is one of the founding clearing members of Singapore Exchange Derivatives Trading (SGX-DT). We have since grown to become one of the region’s top brokerages for the trading of Stocks, CFD, Forex, global Futures and Commodities. The Group has clearing memberships in 21 global exchanges, including APEX, BMD, CME Group exchanges, DGCX, HKEX, ICDX, ICE Singapore, JPX Group exchanges, NSE, TFEX, TOCOM and SGX Group exchanges.
Ongoing Promotion: Get a free Nespresso Coffee Machine when you open an account with us in August! Learn more here.
Download the ETF E-guide here to build a 6% dividend return portfolio.
Regarding fees and commissions, please visit our website https//www.phillipnova.com.sg/ for more information.
Viral Job Ad Highlights Employment Discrimination in Laos
A job advert that went viral on social media this week highlights gaps in laws on employment discrimination in Laos, after an employer posted a part-time job vacancy on a Facebook group, urging only candidates of certain gender, age, height, and zodiac signs to apply.
Kaspersky unveils latest APT trends for Q2
A significant new revelation was the exposure of the long-running “Operation Triangulation” campaign involving the use of a previously unknown iOS malware platform. Experts also observed other interesting developments that they believe everyone should be aware of. Here are key highlights from the report:
Asia-Pacific witnesses a new threat actor – Mysterious Elephant
Kaspersky uncovered a new threat actor belonging to the Elephants family, operating in the Asia-Pacific region, dubbed “Mysterious Elephant”. In their latest campaign, the threat actor employed new backdoor families, capable of executing files and commands on the victim’s computer, and receive files or commands from a malicious server for execution on the infected system. While Kaspersky researchers have observed overlaps with Confucius and SideWinder, Mysterious Elephant possesses a distinctive and unique set of TTPs, setting them apart from these other groups.
Toolsets upgraded: Lazarus’ develops new malware variant, BlueNoroff attacks macOS, and more
Threat actors are constantly improving their techniques, with Lazarus upgrading its MATA framework and introducing a new variant of the sophisticated MATA malware family, MATAv5. BlueNoroff, a financial attack-focused subgroup of Lazarus, now employs new delivery methods and programming languages, including the use of Trojanized PDF readers in recent campaigns, the implementation of macOS malware, and the Rust programming language. Additionally, ScarCruft APT group has developed new infection methods, evading Mark-of-the-Web (MOTW) security mechanism. The ever-evolving tactics of these threat actors present new challenges for cybersecurity professionals.
Geopolitical influences remain primary drivers of APT activity
APT campaigns remain geographically dispersed, with actors concentrating their attacks on regions such as Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and various parts of Asia. Cyber-espionage, with a solid geopolitical backdrop, continues to be a dominant agenda for these endeavors.
Adrian Hia, Managing Director for APAC at Kaspersky said “Kaspersky has been monitoring all the active APT actors in the region that infect mobile devices and are slowly targeting businesses and infrastructure. Our researchers focuses on APT activities to uncover the most sophisticated cyber-attacks. By publishing our findings from our investigation, we hope to be able to help organisations be aware of the latest activities and remain secure in our bid to build a safer world.”
“While some threat actors stick to familiar tactics like social engineering, others have evolved, refreshing their toolsets and expanding their activities. Moreover, new advanced actors, such those conducting the ‘Operation Triangulation’ campaign, constantly emerge. This actor uses a previously unknown iOS malware platform distributed through zero-click iMessage exploits. Staying vigilant with threat intelligence and the right defense tools is crucial for global companies, so they can protect themselves against both existing and emerging threats. Our quarterly reviews are designed to highlight the most significant developments among APT groups to help defenders combat and mitigate related risks,” comments David Emm, principal security researcher at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT).
To read the full APT Q2 2023 trends report, please visit Securelist.
In order to avoid falling victim to a targeted attack by a known or unknown threat actor, Kaspersky researchers recommend implementing the following measures:
- Ensuring the security of your system, it is crucial to promptly update your operating system and other third-party software to their latest versions. Maintaining a regular update schedule is essential in order to stay protected from potential vulnerabilities and security risks
- Upskill your cybersecurity team to tackle the latest targeted threats with Kaspersky online training developed by GReAT experts.
- Use the latest Threat Intelligence information to stay up-to-date with the actual TTPs used by threat actors.
- For endpoint level detection, investigation, and timely remediation of incidents, implement EDR solutions such as Kaspersky Endpoint Detection and Response.
- Dedicated services can help combat high-profile attacks. The Kaspersky Managed Detection and Response service can help identify and stop intrusions in their early stages, before the perpetrators achieve their goals. If you encounter an incident, Kaspersky Incident Response service will help you respond and minimize the consequences, in particular – identify compromised nodes and protect the infrastructure from similar attacks in the future.
Hashtag: #Kaspersky
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KASPERSKY
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help over 220,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com.
Authorities at Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Investigated for Collecting Unofficial Passport Fees
Residents have raised the issue of corruption at the second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge that connects Savannakhet with Mukdahan, after officials were reported collecting unofficial fees for entry and exit passport stamps.
Creativities Unfold 2023 : Symposium of ideas and creativity

Jaime Hayon : A Spanish designer who is regarded as one of the contemporary world’s creative visionaries. Topic: Design Follows Function, and Then What?
PP – Pat Pataranutaporn : A technologist, researcher and student at MIT Media Lab who is fascinated by the creative synergy of human power and AI. Topic: Human + AI for the Future of Entertainment & Storytelling
Kentaro Kimura : A Japanese creative visionary in the world’s leading advertising & media industry. An avid traveler who often brings back home new ideas to be transformed into sharp and phenomenal advertising strategies. Topic: Unimagined Cultural Solutions: A Global Journey into The Next Creativity
Stephen Jenner : One of the world’s foremost mass communications expert and a revered advisor in the world film industry and a thought-leader in creative media and film industry. Topic : Mission Possible: The Rise & Rise of the Asia Pacific Screen Industry
Lyndon Neri : An Asia’s architectural marvel who has graced the world with intriguing designs through fascinating architectural designs. His thoughtful process derived from creative in-depth research to transform ideas into forms that respect either functions or contextual references. Topic – Liminality
Creativities Unfold is one of the activities in CREATIVE BUSINESS CONNEXT as an inspiring event to unfold future visions, ignite your creative spark, and expand business opportunities organized by The Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA. Besides Creativities Unfold, there are other interesting activities including Creative Business Space – Creative business matching, and CE awards – The first-ever award ceremony to honor creative excellence by CEA.
CEA invites you to join us on an exciting journey of creative businesses and those interested in participating in the Creativities Unfold 2023 event can find out more on Facebook : Creativities Unfold. Tickets can be booked at 1,200 THB for Public and 900 THB for TCDC Member from today – August 24, 2023 via Zipevent or creativebusiness.cea.or.th
Hashtag: #CEA #CreativitiesUnfold2023 #CREATIVEBUSINESSCONNEXT #Creative #Symposium #CreativeIndustry #CreativeBusiness #AI #Architecture #Design #Film #Motion #Creativity #AdvetisingAgency #Media
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Creative Economy Agency
The Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA, was elevated from the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC) in 2018. CEA is a public organization under the direct supervision of the Office of the Prime Minister. Our key mission is to promote and develop Thailand’s creative economy by working in close cooperation with both the private and public sectors to drive our mission and policy forward. CEA also works to develop creative areas and the creative industry by providing knowledge-based resources and creating opportunities for developing creators in both local and regional areas. CEA also strengthens cooperation between different.
MoneyFitt™: Redefining Personal Finance for Singaporeans

MoneyFitt™ recognises that each person has unique financial needs and goals. By leveraging advanced algorithms, the app provides users with actionable steps to improve five foundational areas of financial well-being: Spending, Credit Card, Emergency Fund, Protection, and Investments. Through the app’s intuitive interface, users understand what to do, which steps to prioritise, and why they are essential.
One of the standout features of MoneyFitt™ is its access to a matching service of Singapore’s trusted financial experts. Users can complete their profiles with relevant financial information and objectives, and then select a licensed financial advisor who users feel they can relate to and understand their needs. MoneyFitt™ does not charge users for connecting with advisors, nor does it take any commission from action taken through experts, for a transparent and hassle-free experience. It’s the perfect platform for individuals seeking expert guidance without the risk of a hard sell.
“Our primary focus is to help individuals address multiple areas of personal finance, ultimately improving their financial, mental, and physical well-being,” stated Lim Ka-ming, CEO of MoneyFitt™. The platform leverages content and customised suggestions to push action in every aspect, whether creating a budgeting template, developing an emergency fund, building an investment portfolio, or contacting a human advisor.
MoneyFitt™’s target audience for the Singapore launch comprises Gen Z and Millennial Singaporeans and working professionals who desire financial security but may lack the knowledge or confidence to attain it. The app caters to individuals who want to take action and are not afraid to ask for help from an expert.
Key features of the MoneyFitt™ app:
The app’s features are designed to address the most important pain points faced by users, providing tangible benefits to enhance their financial well-being:
1. Content Feature: A vast library of financial literacy content, including articles, videos, quizzes, infographics, and tools. Users can choose their interests to access relevant content related to investing, retirement planning, saving, and wellness. The content produced by MoneyFitt™ and trusted third-party sources ensures unbiased and engaging information, free from product sales pitches.
2. Sliders Feature: A personalised feature that provides actionable steps to address the five foundational areas of personal finance. By addressing pain points and providing guidance on prioritising financial actions, MoneyFitt™ helps users take crucial steps toward financial freedom.
3. Expert Matching Feature: MoneyFitt™’s matching service allows users to connect with financial experts who can understand and relate to their unique needs and aspirations with the touch of a button. MoneyFitt™ does not provide investment or insurance advice but arms users with knowledge they can use to address their financial needs.
4. MoneyBott AI Chatbot: MoneyFitt™’s innovative feature transforms how users consume information and enhances the overall experience, acting as an intelligent and interactive guide to answer key personal finance questions. By offering a more targeted content experience, users can learn more about subjects of interest, whether that be MoneyFitt™’s features or personal finance-related questions.
MoneyFitt™ has already received highly positive feedback from early Singaporean users, who noted the app is intuitive, proven effective, and action-driven.
The all-new MoneyFitt™ App is available for download on [August,22,2023] on both iOS and Android platforms.
To learn more about MoneyFitt™ and join the financial revolution, visit our website at www.moneyfitt.co. For more information and media inquiries about MoneyFitt™, please contact: feedback@moneyfitt.co
Hashtag: #moneyfitt #personalfinance #moneymanagement
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MoneyFitt
MoneyFitt is a financial wellness platform that helps people cultivate good financial habits and achieve financial freedom. It can be hard to know what takes priority, so we provide actionable guidance and tools to help you make better financial decisions. We believe that everyone deserves access to financial education and resources, regardless of their income or background. Let’s get MoneyFitt.