The Bank of Laos has issued a public alert regarding the circulation of counterfeit currency, specifically targeting LAK 50,000 notes from 2004. This illicit activity has been observed predominantly in the northern region, with Bokeo province being notably affected.
FTLife Pre-Announces Name Change to Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited
Refreshing the Brand to Tap into Chow Tai Fook Enterprises’ Extensive Resources Consistently Committed to Creating Value Beyond Insurance
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2024 – FTLife Insurance Company Limited (“FTLife”) announced today that it will change its company name to Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited (“CTF Life”) and launch the new brand in the third quarter of this year, strengthening FTLife’s collaboration with the diverse conglomerate of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited (“the Group”). With the new brand, FTLife will further leverage the Group’s robust financial strength and strategic investments across the globe. With its unique positioning, FTLife is committed to creating value beyond insurance for customers and their loved ones by navigating life’s journey with personalised planning solutions, lifelong protection and diverse lifestyle experiences.

Man Kit Ip, Chief Executive Officer of FTLife, said: “The Group is a trusted and highly recognised brand with strong financial standing. The upcoming name change to FTLife signifies the close association with the ‘Chow Tai Fook’ brand, further bolstering customer confidence and solidifying our reliable brand image. With the launch of the new brand in the third quarter, we aspire to harness our refreshed corporate identity to open up more strategic collaboration opportunities within and beyond the Group. This move is set to create more opportunities for our Life Artisans, business partners, and the Group as a whole, as well as unlock greater potential for development, fuel business growth, and offer more quality products to serve diverse customers while continuously creating value beyond insurance.”
FTLife’s business operations remain consistent. The forthcoming name change and brand elevation will not affect the collaboration model with business partners and day-to-day management and operation of existing policies, including protection, benefits, fees and returns. FTLife will gradually roll out brand refresh promotions and will announce the details of the new trademark and brand story in due time.
Hashtag: #FTLife
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited (“CTFE”) is the flagship private investment holding company of the Cheng Family and is part of the “Chow Tai Fook” group of companies founded by the Cheng Family in 1929. CTFE is a premier family investor with strategic investments in energy, infrastructure, healthcare, insurance, education and media; marquee investments in prime real estate and hospitality services; private equity investments in quality growth companies mainly in the technology sector and a liquid portfolio of equities and bonds. CTFE, together with its subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities, has operations in 27 countries globally.
About FTLife Insurance Company Limited
FTLife Insurance Company Limited (Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability; “FTLife”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NWS Holdings Limited (Hong Kong Stock Code: 659). With a heritage of providing insurance services in Hong Kong for more than 30 years, FTLife’s Life Artisans leverage the Group’s ecosystem to curate life chapters of customers and their loved ones with comprehensive planning solutions and lifelong protection, embracing wealth management and succession, health and well-being, and quality of life. Backed by the Group’s financial strength and advanced customer-focused digital technology, FTLife aspires to become the leading insurance brand in the Greater Bay Area, while also maximising shared value beyond traditional insurance for a sustainable future.
Sahm, Top Trading App in KSA, Launches Extensive Promotional Campaign

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2024 – Sahm, the all-in-one trading app licensed by the Saudi Arabian Capital Market Authority (CMA), is excited to announce its largest promotional campaign to date. Users who open an account during the event will receive lifelong commission-free trading for the Saudi Market and claim free Snapchat shares upon depositing a specified amount.

Sahm is powered by Sahm Capital Financial Company (formerly known as VCFC), which operates in activities related to dealing, custody, and advisory services in securities, under the license granted by the CMA, number (22251-25) issued on October 19, 2022. The app simplifies trading for investors of all skill levels, seamlessly integrating Saudi and U.S. shares, real-time data, robust analysis, various education courses and breaking news.
In addition to the lifelong commission-free trading of Saudi stock, users who deposit SAR 5,000 will receive free Snap Inc. shares worth approximately $50. Furthermore, users who open an account during the event will also receive free real-time U.S. quotes for one year.
Since its launch in December 2023, Sahm app has quickly become one of the most popular stock trading platforms in KSA, ranking in the Top 3 financial apps in both the App Store and Google Play. Sahm app distinguishes itself as the first app in KSA to offer one-click quick switching between Saudi and U.S. stock accounts in real time for both trading and currency conversion. Additionally, the app enables users to create Conditional Orders, a sophisticated and powerful trading tool previously only available on professional trading desks.
To take advantage of this limited-time offer, visit https://www.sahmcapital.com/activitiesr/pre-activity-new?urlType=1&activityId=74&_scnl=1110844&lang=en-US and open an account to claim rewards.
Hashtag: #Brokerage #Sahm
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Sahm Capital:
Registered in Riyadh, Sahm Capital (formerly known as VCFC) is a joint venture company of Valuable Capital Group Ltd and eWTP Arabia Capital. In October 2023, Sahm Capital received final approval from the Capital Market Authority (CMA) to conduct Dealing, Advising, and Custody services in KSA, making it the first international online brokerage firm to provide online brokerage services in KSA. The company is also a registered member of the Saudi Stock Exchange, Tadawul, as well as its affiliates, the Securities Depository Center Company (Edaa) and the Securities Clearing Center Company (Muqassa). For more information about Sahm, please visit: https://www.sahmcapital.com/
Make Mother’s Day Marvellous in Singapore with Sweet Deals & Premium Gifts on iShopChangi

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2024 – From 26 April to 12 May 2024, non-travellers can elevate their Mother’s Day celebrations with iShopChangi, the ultimate destination for gifts that truly make a statement. Step beyond the predictable flowers and chocolates and explore a curated selection of gifts, including high-end fashion accessories, wines and spirits, and more, from premium brands such as La Mer, Emporio Armani, Luvenus, and Albert Bichot. But that’s not all! Show your appreciation in style by having each gift elegantly packaged with iShopChangi’s exclusive gift-wrapping services and personalised with a custom “Thank You” card. And for those last-minute gifting conundrums, on-demand delivery services guarantee that even eleventh-hour surprises are delivered swiftly to spread joy right on time.

Cherish Mum with Gift-Wrapped Surprises & Sweet Notes
This Mother’s Day, make her feel exceptionally cherished with thoughtfully selected gifts that speak from the heart. And for just an additional S$5, elevate your gift with iShopChangi’s luxurious gift wrapping service*. Choose from a selection of gift boxes to perfectly encase your present, and add a personal touch with a special-edition “Thank You” card designed to convey your deepest appreciation.
*Visit iShopChangi’s website for full terms and conditions.
Spoil Your Mum with Exclusive Mother’s Day Treats and Online Deals
Mark your calendars! From 26 April to 12 May 2024, forget the run-of-the-mill stuff and cart out with options that truly resonate with your mother’s unique tastes—be it chic fashion must-haves, refined wines and spirits, luxurious beauty products, or the latest tech gadgets.
Unlock exclusive savings with these promo codes*.
Mother’s Day Sale (For Non-Travellers Only) | |
From 26 April – 12 May 2024 | |
Code | Description |
MOMDAY12 | 12% off* with no min. spend, capped at S$30 |
MOMDAY15 | 15% off* min. spend S$550, capped at S$100 |
*Product exclusions and T&Cs apply
Tech Treats for the Modern Mum
Elevate your status to ‘Favourite Child’ this Mother’s Day with gifts that blend sophistication and functionality. Sweep mum off her feet with electronics like the sleek Dyson V8 Slim™ Fluffy Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, now available for S$489. And for the mum who loves staying connected, the new Samsung Galaxy S24+ is a must-have, offering top-tier performance and crystal-clear photos.
Beauty Essentials for the Glamorous Mum
For the mum who religiously indulges in self-care, dazzle her with the [Mother’s Day Gift Set I] Collagen Diamond 10’s + Red Dates Bird’s Nest Gift Set 8’s + JellyBoost Collagen 15’s, a true elixir of health by Kinohimitsu, available for S$105 at 29% off. Rejuvenate her skin with the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Daily Routine Set. To gift her the luxury of perfect hair days, consider the Dyson Supersonic™Hair Dryer HD15 in Prussian Blue/Rich Copper, a steal at S$689. Further enhance her beauty routine with the Ya-Man Photo Plus Prestige SS for S$917, complete with a 57% discount, and add a touch of glamour with the Bobbi Brown Minis Makeup Set for just S$55 thanks to the massive 50% slashed off.
Jet-Set Joys for the Globetrotting Mum
For the mum who reigns supreme in the skies and at the terminals, the SAM Evoa Spinner 55/20 from Samsonite is the queen-status gift that helps her traverse the globe in style. Priced at S$568.81, this minimalistic, hard-side luggage offers sleek functionality and robust durability, ensuring she travels comfortably and fashionably.
Little Indulgences for the Classy Mum
Mums often insist they don’t need anything, but we all know better. So, why not delight her with unexpected treasures she’ll adore? To cater to sophisticated tastes, consider the Emporio Armani Women’s Two-Hand Rose Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Watch, priced at S$570.07, a blend of classic elegance and modern style. For the jewellery-loving mum, the Luvenus 18K Natural Diamond Necklace, a stunning piece at S$802, will certainly make her swoon. And for a cosy and chic addition, wrap her in luxury with the Kashkha Soft Multicolour Luxe Cashmere Wool, going for S$159.
If you are looking to raise a glass on this special day, grab a bottle of red wine like the Albert Bichot Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru “Les Malconsorts” 2018. At S$333 per bottle after a 10% discount, this rich wine is the ideal companion for every connoisseur.
Deliver Smiles with Swift Gifts for Mother’s Day
Need a quick Mother’s Day solution? Embrace the convenience of iShopChangi’s on-demand delivery service. Available for selected gifts, this service ensures that last-minute surprises are delivered within just four hours of order confirmation. Yours to leverage from 10am to 6pm SGT, Monday to Saturday, it’s the perfect way to make sure that even the most last-minute tokens of appreciation arrive promptly to celebrate mum. Great for when you’re pressed for time but still want to make a big impression.
Celebrate Mum with Love and Win Big
Dive into Mother’s Day shopping at Changi, where thoughtful gifting meets grand rewards. Spend S$50 or more using Changi Pay on iShopChangi to not only delight in premium products and enjoy S$10 off as a new sign-up but also quadruple your chances of winning big in the Changi Millionaire draw, with prizes including S$1 million or even a Porsche Macan!
There’s more for newcomers! For new iShopChangi shoppers, the rewards start immediately. Use the promo code <ISCNEW20> at checkout with a minimum spend of S$79 to enjoy an extra S$20 off your first purchase.
Worried about delivery? As a non-traveller, you can cart out at tax and duty-absorbed prices on iShopChangi and have your items delivered to you for free when you spend at least S$59 and provide a Singapore residential address for delivery. Alternatively, pick up selected products from the Jewel Collection Centre. No minimum spend is required.
Hashtag: #ishopchangi
https://www.ishopchangi.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/www.cellini.com.sg/
https://twitter.com/ishopchangi
https://www.facebook.com/iShopChangi
https://www.instagram.com/ishopchangi
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
iShopChangi
iShopChangi was launched in 2013 as an extension of Changi Airport’s promise to deliver greater comfort and convenience to travellers in its suite of airport retail offerings. Passengers can browse and purchase tax- and duty-free products across all terminals between 30 days to 12 hours pre-flight on the e-store – and choose to collect their items at Collection Centres within departure, upon arrival or have them delivered free in Singapore. Providing easy access to over 30,000 products across 900 brands and exclusives such as Changi First product launches, the site has since received global recognition with its award for Best Website – Retail Customer Facing at The Moodies: the Airport and Travel Retail Digital Media Awards 2018. In early 2020, the e-commerce store started to retail a selection tax- and duty-absorbed products to Singapore-based residents without the need to fly.
Government Addresses Air Pollution in Latest Monthly Meeting
Air pollution persists as a pressing issue in Laos, primarily due to ongoing burning waste and crops, leading to the release of harmful smog into the atmosphere. In response, the government convened its monthly cabinet meeting on 26 April to address this concern.
Discover the BCCoin (BlackCardCoin) Listing on XT

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2024 – XT, the world’s first socially infused trading platform, is excited to declare the listing of BCCoin (BlackCardCoin) on its Main Zone featuring DeFi, AI, and Web 3.0. The BCCoin/USDT trading pair will commence trading on April 24th, 2024, at 11:30 (UTC).
About BCCoin
BCCoin, a BEP-20 token deployed on the Build N’ Build layer-1 blockchain, introduces a revolutionary approach to decentralized finance. With a maximum supply of 150 million coins, BCCoin seamlessly merges traditional spending with blockchain technology. The tokenomics incentivize user participation, highlighted by a fee-free staking mechanism allowing users to secure virtual and physical cards. This innovative feature not only waives delivery fees but also rewards users with 10% of their stake back in USD. Moreover, BCCoin ensures a robust trading experience with a liquidity allocation of 90 million tokens within PancakeSwap v3.
Quote from Albin Warin, CEO of XT
“We are thrilled to welcome BCCoin to our exchange, further expanding our offerings to our global community of traders and investors. The unique blend of decentralized finance and everyday spending offered by BCCoin aligns perfectly with our mission to provide users with access to cutting-edge projects that drive real-world utility.”
Hashtag: #XT #BCCoin
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About BlackCardCoin
BlackCardCoin, the visionary force behind BCCoin, is dedicated to revolutionizing the financial landscape. With a focus on innovation and inclusivity, BlackCardCoin introduces cutting-edge features aimed at empowering individuals worldwide. The team comprises experts in blockchain technology, finance, and cybersecurity, with a roadmap focused on product expansion and ecosystem synergy.
Website: blackcardcoin.com
Twitter: twitter.com/BlackCardCoin
Telegram: t.me/official_BCcoin
Youtube: youtube.com/@bccoin.official
About XT
XT, founded in 2018, boasts over 6 million registered users and offers a secure, trusted, and intuitive trading experience. With more than 800 tokens and 1000+ trading pairs, XT provides a diverse range of trading categories. From crypto futures trading to copy trading and the Futures Grid, XT continues to innovate to meet the needs of its growing user base.
Follow XT on:
Website: www.xt.com
Twitter: twitter.com/XTexchange
Telegram: t.me/XTsupport_EN
Mekong Tourism Forum 2024 Sets Stage for 2025 Tourism Event in Luang Prabang
The Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2024 kicked off on 25 April in Lijiang, China, under the theme “Visionary Journeys: Redefining Tomorrow’s Travel.” This prominent gathering involved pivotal figures from the travel sector across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), which included Laos, Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, focusing on transformative discussions to reshape the region’s travel landscape.
The event saw over 400 attendees, including tourism ministers, industry leaders, non-governmental organizations, the media, and private sector representatives. Discussions at the forum concentrated on innovation, collaboration, and progressive strategies aimed at developing tourism that is economically advantageous, environmentally sustainable, and culturally enriching.

The keynote address by Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, Zhang Zheng, highlighted the evolution towards sustainable and aware tourism in the GMS and advocated for enhanced cooperation to develop a regional tourism brand and improve the resilience of tourism in the area. His speech emphasized China’s readiness to enhance collaborative efforts with GMS countries to lift tourism cooperation to new levels.
From Laos, Khom Douangchantha, Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department, and Kettasone Sundara, Director of the Tourism Marketing Activities Division, were present, highlighting Laos’ active role in influencing the future of GMS tourism. Notably, Khom received the Mekong Tourism Forum flag from the Chinese hosts, marking the transition of the forum’s venue to Luang Prabang, Laos, for the upcoming MTF in May 2025.

Additionally, representing Laos at the panel titled “Crossing Bridges, Building Connections for Cultural Integration and Prosperity” was Aditta Kittikhoun, Senior Partner at RDK Group, a Laos-based media and marketing firm. Aditta shared his expertise on the shifting digital media landscape and its influence on tourism marketing in the GMS countries, highlighting the critical role of digital communication in promoting cultural integration and economic prosperity within the region.
Delegates also gained valuable insights about culture and tourism investment in Lijiang from Kimi Xiaozhou Liu, CEO of TripAdvisor China and Vice President of Trip.com Group. Liu delivered a keynote speech titled “Visionary Journeys: Redefining Tomorrow’s Travel”, which provided a comprehensive view of future travel trends and strategies essential for the sustainable development of the tourism industry in the GMS.

Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, stressed the importance of sharing best practices and innovative strategies among GMS countries to foster a unified and prosperous tourism future. The gathering in Lijiang offers an unparalleled opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate on innovative tourism models that prioritize inclusivity and community involvement.
The forum also featured a session on “Unleashing Potential: Enhancing International Cooperation to Propel Tourism Growth”, focusing on sustainable travel as a tool to address major development challenges in the Mekong region, including leveraging digital innovations for sustainable transformation.
The MTF 2024 has provided delegates with an immersive experience in Lijiang, including a field study in the UNESCO-listed Old Town, enhancing their understanding of how traditional culture can be integrated with modern tourism practices to create sustainable and vibrant travel destinations.
Hongkong Land champions women empowerment, gender diversity and inclusion with WOMEN in CENTRAL initiative

- Hongkong Land sees success in its unique and fully owned tenant-based, community initiative that promotes diversity and inclusion
- More than 700 professionals from among 400 office and retail tenants have joined the initiative
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2024 – Hongkong Land today announces the successful launch of WOMEN in CENTRAL, a major initiative aimed at creating an inclusive community in its Central Portfolio in Hong Kong that can unite around gender diversity in the workplace and in leadership roles. The initiative brings together female and male professionals in information-sharing events and casual gatherings to educate, connect, give back, spread best practices, and build community within the Hongkong Land ecosystem in Central.
“Hongkong Land is strongly committed to promoting women empowerment and gender diversity in our business and in the community where we operate,” said Ms Yolice Wu, Executive Director, Hongkong Land. “I am thrilled to officially announce the WOMEN in CENTRAL initiative soon after International Women’s Day. As Central’s largest commercial landlord, we are uniquely positioned to remove the figurative walls that separate our over 400 tenants across our 12 office buildings in the heart of Central and to lead our community in driving diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace and in society.”
Strong collaboration and participation among tenants
Drawing on the support of its Central Portfolio’s community of more than 400 office and retail tenants, including some of the most influential international and local financial and professional services firms, WOMEN in CENTRAL has organised eight events in its first full year since inception. These events have been jointly developed and hosted with a variety of tenants including Herbert Smith Freehills, HKU iCube, KPMG, Mayer Brown, White & Case, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and NET-A-PORTER. More than 700 professionals across all seniority levels and genders have participated.
Notable events have included The Challenges of Parenting with KPMG, Wellness in the Corporate World with HKU iCube, Gender diversity challenges and opportunities in the legal profession with Mayer Brown and Women In Private Equity with White & Case and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.
Commenting on Mayer Brown’s partnership with Hongkong Land and WOMEN in CENTRAL, Mr Hong Tran, Partner, Employment & Benefits, said: “With more than 75 law firms residing in Hongkong Land’s offices in Central, we recognise that WOMEN in CENTRAL is a tremendous platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding gender diversity in the legal profession and explore ways to nurture the next generation of women leaders. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with WOMEN in CENTRAL as it expands its engagement efforts this year and beyond.”
Looking ahead, WOMEN in CENTRAL aims to increase the number and frequency of its events in Hong Kong and drive greater participation among its tenants. Next month, it will partner with Deacons to co-host All Aboard: Achieving Diversity in the Boardroom, a seminar to explore the importance of gender diversity in corporate leadership.
Achieving positive change within the Group
Complementing WOMEN in CENTRAL, the Group has set out key inclusion, equity and diversity (“IE&D”) goals in its Sustainability Framework 2030. These include ensuring gender balance in management positions, increasing women board representation to 30%, and achieving gender pay parity.
Gradual progress is being made toward reaching these goals. This includes increasing women board representation to 22%, identifying 16 women for future leadership roles and providing them with tailored leadership and development courses, and developing comprehensive diversity & inclusion dashboards to track hiring, promotion, and leaver statistics. As shown by the latter, last year, the Group experienced a 66% inflow of female leaders compared to a 33% outflow.
While the Group has some way to go to meet its IE&D goals its achievements with WOMEN in CENTRAL were recognised by The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong which named Hongkong Land as a finalist for the Women of Influence Awards under the category of “Best Company Championing Women.”
Hashtag: #HongkongLand
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hongkong Land
Hongkong Land is a major listed property investment, management and development group. Founded in 1889, Hongkong Land’s business is built on excellence, integrity and partnership.
The Group owns and manages more than 850,000 sq. m. of prime office and luxury retail assets in key Asian cities, principally Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing and Jakarta. Its properties hold industry leading green building certifications and attract the world’s foremost companies and luxury brands.
The Group’s Central Hong Kong portfolio represents some 450,000 sq. m. of prime property. It has a further 165,000 sq. m. of prestigious office space in Singapore mainly held through joint ventures, five retail centres on the Chinese mainland, including a luxury retail centre at Wangfujing in Beijing, and a 50% interest in a leading office complex in Central Jakarta. The Group also has a number of high-quality residential, commercial and mixed-use projects under development in cities across China and Southeast Asia, including a 43% interest in a 1.1 million sq. m. mixed-use project in West Bund, Shanghai. Its subsidiary, MCL Land, is a well-established residential developer in Singapore.
Hongkong Land Holdings Limited is incorporated in Bermuda and has a primary listing in the standard segment of the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore. The Group’s assets and investments are managed from Hong Kong by Hongkong Land Limited. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.