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With record scale, China’s consumer products expo shares opportunities and market with world


HAIKOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2024 – China, the world’s second-largest economy, is sharing its booming consumer market with companies around the world, with its heavyweight expo hitting a record high scale held in Haikou, capital city of south China’s Hainan Province.

The China International Consumer Products Expo 2024
The China International Consumer Products Expo 2024

The country launched a series of global consumption events on Saturday at the fourth China International Consumer Products Expo in the island province known for its offshore duty-free shopping and free trade port policies.

Lasting from April 13 to 18, the expo themed “Share Open Opportunities, Co-create a Better Life” will host over 4,000 brands from 71 countries and regions, showcasing their novel and upmarket products for global consumers.

In addition to the main venue at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center in Haikou, the provincial capital, three sub-venues regarding sailboats and yachts, duty-free shopping and international health have been set up in Haikou and Boao. The total indoor exhibition area is expected to reach 128,000 square meters, surpassing its previous editions.

More than 300 themed activities and featured activities such as new product releases will also be carried out.

‘Over the past three years, the scale, quality and influence of the expo have been continuously improved’, said Peng Qinghua, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, at the launch ceremony.

He added, ‘The expo has become the largest consumer products exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region, a gathering place for global consumer products and a vane for the consumer market, becoming a name card for the construction of Hainan Free Trade Port.’

Feng Fei, secretary of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, said from this year, the expo will be held in Hainan from April 13 to 18 every year to better facilitate the arrangements of participants.

Over 300 themed activities such as new product releases will be carried out at the China International Consumer Products Expo 2024.
Over 300 themed activities such as new product releases will be carried out at the China International Consumer Products Expo 2024.

In addition, the quality of the exhibitions is improving. Especially, more attention has been paid to the marketization, internationalization and specialization of the exhibitions.

Ireland is the guest of honor at this year’s expo, with a dedicated exhibition venue showing the country’s scientific and technological innovation, education, investment, tourism and culture.

“China is our largest trading partner in the Asia Pacific. Many of our companies will be represented at the Hainan consumer products expo,” Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin said in a congratulatory letter to the expo, adding that international expos like this one give Irish producers an important and direct platform to promote their high-quality produce.

Ann Derwin, Ireland’s ambassador to China, said the economic and trade exchanges between the two countries are strong.

In 2022, the total bilateral trade reached over 45 billion euros, a 28 percent year-on-year increase, she said.

“Free Trade Zones, such as Hainan Free Trade Port, are an important element and driver of this system as they allow greater freedom and incentives to companies wishing to trade globally,” she added.

Israel Alexander Assa, Estée Lauder Companies Travel Retail Global President, said that Hainan has made significant progress in developing its duty-free sector in recent years, with improvements in shopping policy and retail infrastructure and the company remains optimistic about the sector’s long term future.

In the first two months of this year, retail sales of consumer goods totaled 8.1 trillion yuan (about 1.14 trillion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.5 percent year on year.

“This fully reflects the strong resilience and vitality of China’s consumer market, and also lays a foundation for stable consumption throughout the year,” said Vice Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping.
Hashtag: #CICPE

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

Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan: The Latest Addition to Seoul’s Hospitality Scene


SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2024 – Travelodge Hotels Asia proudly unveils its newest addition, Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan, marking another milestone in the city’s hospitality landscape. Situated in the dynamic Myeongdong district, this contemporary hotel enriches Travelodge’s esteemed Seoul portfolio alongside Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall, Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro, and Travelodge Dongdaemun. General Manager, Paul Lee leads this venture, bringing a fresh perspective to the vibrant Myeongdong district for both leisure and business travellers.

Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan
Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan

“Our vision with Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan was to create a space where comfort meets convenience, offering our guests a truly unique experience in Seoul,” says Paul Lee, General Manager. “We are excited to welcome travellers from all over the world to discover the vibrant energy and charm of this amazing city through our hotel.”

Special Opening Rate

Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan is thrilled to offer a special opening rate, inviting travellers to experience the best of Seoul’s hospitality at an unbeatable value of KRW 96,000 a night. “We want our guests to experience the comfort and convenience of Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan while enjoying exceptional value,” says Paul Lee. This exclusive offer is available for a limited time until 30 June 2024.

Catering to Every Traveller
Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan features a diverse range of room types to cater to the unique needs of every visitor:

· Standard Queen: Ideal for solo travellers.
· Superior Queen/Twin: Perfect for couples or friends.
· Deluxe Plus Queen: Spacious for extended stays.
· Friends and Family: Accommodating for small groups or families.
· Accessible Rooms: Ensuring comfort for all guests.

Each room type is thoughtfully designed to provide maximum comfort and functionality, ensuring a restful and enjoyable stay.

Seoul-Inspired Design and Modern Amenities
The hotel’s design pays homage to Seoul’s cultural heritage with beautiful wall decal of the city’s iconic landmarks. Guests will enjoy a blend of local charm and modern amenities, including:

· Snooze: Restful sleep in Travelodge Asia’s signature beds.
· Stream: Stay connected with high-speed Wi-Fi.
· Soak: Refresh in showers and bathtubs.
· Service: 24-hour warm and attentive hospitality.
· Social: Multi-use all-day communal space
· Sweat: Modern gym facilities.
· Spin: Convenient self-service laundromat.
· Smart: Nearby convenience stores.
· Station: Self-service pantry for long stays.
· Storage: Secure luggage storage.

Prime Location Near Seoul’s Attractions
Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan is ideally located in the heart of Seoul, providing travellers with the perfect base to explore the city’s iconic attractions. Its prime location guarantees walking distance to public transportation and easy access to landmarks such as N Seoul Tower, Myeongdong Cathedral Church, Namsangol Hanok Village, Myeongdong Shopping Street, and Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Additionally, the hotel is surrounded by diverse dining options that showcase Seoul’s vibrant food scene, from authentic street food to refined international dining experiences. Travellers can seamlessly experience the perfect blend of cultural exploration and culinary adventures that defines Seoul, all while enjoying the convenience and comfort of Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan.

“Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan isn’t just a new addition to our South Korea portfolio; it’s a testament to our growing commitment to this vibrant country. We look forward to further expansion in South Korea, bringing more Travelodge Asia experiences to travellers,” concludes Paul Lee.

Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan is owned by Plenitude Berhad, a public listed company in Malaysia with investments in hospitality and property development.
Hashtag: #TravelodgeHotelsAsia #TravelodgeAsia #TravelodgeKorea #TravelodgeMyeongdongNamsan #TLMN




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

Plenitude Berhad

Plenitude Berhad is a public listed company with investments in hospitality and property development. Since its incorporation on 6 November 2000, the Plenitude Group has commanded a diverse portfolio of business ventures related to property and has built a reliable track record in the real estate industry. Its developments are recognized for their strategic locations, easy accessibility, and comprehensive amenities. For more information about Plenitude, visit its website, www.plenitude.com.my/property/

Plenitude Berhad diversified into the hospitality industry in 2001 with only 220 rooms and has proudly expanded its ownership of hotels. The Group currently holds over 2,000 hotel rooms inventory across Malaysia, alongside its international hotels, in South Korea and Japan. Today, the hospitality division of Plenitude Berhad encompasses hotel and resort properties ranging from international hospitality brands to home-grown brands and two residences. For more information, visit, www.plenitude.com.my/hotels/

For more information, log on to www.plenitude.com.my

Travelodge Hotels (Asia) Pte. Ltd. (TLA)

Travelodge Hotels (Asia) Pte. Ltd., is a hotel management and franchise company responsible for the development of hotels in Asia under the globally-recognised Travelodge brand. Travelodge Asia predominantly focuses on select services, midscale hotels in strategic locations in gateway cities and key travel destinations across Asia including Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Thailand.

About the Travelodge brand in Asia
A globally-recognised brand with more than 80 years of history, the Travelodge brand was brought to Asia to provide a value-for-experience accommodation option focusing on providing comfort, convenience and connectivity.

Travelodge Cashback
The opening of Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan also brings the opportunity to benefit further from the Travelodge Cashback programme. Members can get access to exclusive rates and earn up to 5% cashback credits on their stays, redeemable for their next bookings at any Travelodge hotels across Asia. Additional member benefits include early check-in, late check-out, and special offers, making every stay even more rewarding.

For more information, please log on to https://www.travelodgehotels.asia/travelodge-myeongdong-namsan/

LukFook Group Expanded Retail Footprint in Southeast Asia

With Grand Opening of its First Malaysia “Lukfook Joaillerie” at Tun Razak Exchange


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2024 – Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited (“Lukfook” or the “Group”) (Stock Code: 00590.HK) is pleased to announce the grand opening of the “Lukfook Joaillerie” shop at Tun Razak Exchange (“TRX”) in Malaysia on 13 April. It was graced by Mr. Chan Kah Hui, Deputy President of Federation of Goldsmith And Jewellers Association Of Malaysia, Mr Trevor Hill, The Exchange TRX General Manager, Ms. Moon Lau, TVB Star Awards Malaysia Favorite heroine, accompanied by Ms. Wong Hau Yeung, Shirley, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Group, Mr. Cheung Cheuk Kin, Billy, Senior Business Director of the Group, Mr. Cheung Chi Keung, Darwin, Deputy Director of Property of the Group and Ms. Kan Lee Ling, Wendy, Lukfook Jewellery in Charge of Malaysia, who served as the honored guests. Together with esteemed dignitaries, they witnessed this significant moment.

LukFook Group celebrates the grand opening of the “Lukfook Joaillerie” shop at Tun Razak Exchange (“TRX”) in Malaysia with key figures (from left to right) Mr. Darwin Cheung, Mr. Trevor Hill, Mr. Billy Cheung, Ms. Moon Lau, Ms. Shirley Wong, Mr. Chan Kah Hui and Ms. Wendy Kan.
LukFook Group celebrates the grand opening of the “Lukfook Joaillerie” shop at Tun Razak Exchange (“TRX”) in Malaysia with key figures (from left to right) Mr. Darwin Cheung, Mr. Trevor Hill, Mr. Billy Cheung, Ms. Moon Lau, Ms. Shirley Wong, Mr. Chan Kah Hui and Ms. Wendy Kan.

Mr. Wong Wai Sheung, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lukfook Group, said, “The Group is always committed to exploring markets with growth potential. Southeast Asia, with its booming tourism industry, offers an array of potential long-term investment opportunities. The new shop will enable the Group to expand its points of sale footprint and enhance brand awareness in the Southeast Asian market. We are committed to crafting the finest jewellery for customers to further consolidate its reputation in the international market. Currently, we have more than 3,320 shops worldwide to help us realise the corporate vision of ‘Brand of Hong Kong, Sparkling the World’.”

The Group established its presence in the Southeast Asian market since 2010 and has always been optimistic about the development of the region. The newly opened “Lukfook Joaillerie” is located at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, TRX, which sits at the heart of the Kuala Lumpur’s international financial district. With over 400 international brands moved in, it has become a new shopping landmark and social hub in Kuala Lumpur, contributing to the Group’s further enhancement of brand influence.

Address: L1.99.0, Level 1, Tun Razak Exchange, Jln Tun Razak, Imbi, 55188 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hashtag: #六福珠宝 #LukfookJewellery #六福精品廊 #LukFookJoaillerie #六福精品廊TRX #LukFookJoaillerieTRX



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

About Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited (Stock Code: 00590.HK)

The Group principally engages in the sourcing, designing, wholesaling, trademark licensing and retailing of a variety of gold and platinum jewellery and gem-set jewellery products, with a total of over 3,320 points of sale in 11 countries and regions currently. The Group will continue to identify new business opportunities in the international markets to keep in line with its corporate vision, “Brand of Hong Kong, Sparkling the World”.

For more information, please visit the official website of Lukfook Group at www..

Aramco Vice President addresses Aramco’s sustainability initiatives at One Earth Summit


BEIJING, CHINA – EQS Newswire – 15 April 2024 – Musaab Al-Mulla, Aramco Vice President of Energy & Economic Insights, attended the inaugural One Earth Summit held in Hong Kong on March 25th, elaborating on Aramco’s sustainability initiatives.

Themed “Planetary Crossroads: Investing in Innovations for a Sustainable Future”, One Earth Summit aims to set science-based targets and mobilize all the necessary capital to empower innovative solutions.

Throughout the panel discussion, Al-Mulla expounded Aramco’s sustainability initiatives, including lowering emissions from wholly owned and operated assets, scaling up new lower carbon solutions and developing technological solutions for the future in this space.

Al-Mulla noted,” We announced our decarbonatization strategy with the target of GHG reduction of 52 MMtCO2e by 2035 and achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions across our wholly owned operated assets by 2050. To achieve reductions in GHG emissions by 2035, we are focusing on five key levers: energy efficiency across our upstream and downstream assets; further reductions in methane and flaring; increased use of renewable energy sources; Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS); and development or purchase of offsets to help address hard-to-abate emissions. One key example to demonstrate the energy efficiency lever, Aramco have scale power co-generation facilities, which delivered a utility scale size of 5.3 GW of power in 2023. These are highly efficient solutions compared to conventional power and steam generation plants. In the methane and flaring reduction lever, we remain to be in the lowest pocket, with methane intensity of 0,05%, well below the Oil & Gas Climate Initiative ambition (0.2% by 2025) and near zero routine flaring, leveraging the captured flare into sales gas, a valuable product for power generation and industries, through a Master Gas System built since 1975. In the renewables lever, we contribute to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia renewable plans of 12 GW of solar and wind. In CCS, we are pursuing the development of a global CCS hub of 9 mmtonCO2e in 2027 in partnership with global leaders. All these four levers contributed to our 2022 upstream carbon intensity which remains among the lowest in the industry and if all industry reach to this level of carbon intensity, at least 1 Gton of CO2 emissions will be avoided annually. And by achieving the set forward Targets in these four levers, we have an ambition to further lower our upstream carbon intensity by 15% by 2035. The fifth complementary lever is the carbon offsets in which we planted 24 million mangroves trees and plan to plant 300 million mangrove trees by 2035, complemented by purchasing high quality carbon offsets through the newly established regional voluntary carbon market in Saudi Arabia.

Almulla noted that as part of our new energy ambitions Aramco is introducing blue hydrogen commercialization plan of achieving 2MMtpa capacity by the year 2030.

Commenting on how Aramco is driving decarbonization efforts in the oil and gas industry, Almulla mentioned that Saudi Aramco was proud to join with more than 50 of our peers and sign the Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC), jointly launched by the KSA and UAE. The OGDC is a platform that encourages oil and gas community to join the decarbonization efforts by sharing knowledge and best practices. Together, OGDC signatories represent more than 40% of global oil production.

Commenting on investments that exemplify Aramco’s commitment to the energy transition, Al-Mulla said, “Aramco expanded its global venture capital arm, Aramco Ventures, to $ 7 billion in Jan 2024. Aramco Ventures invests in various startups for climate technological solutions through $1.5B sustainability fund that make a difference in addressing the challenge of balancing energy security, affordability and sustainability.”

“We believe the energy transition will not happen without a corresponding material transition, where carbon-based materials are expected to be used to support global emission reduction and net zero ambitions. Aramco is maintaining positive momentum through our ambitious chemicals program. We are striving to convert up to 4 million barrels of liquids-to-chemicals per day to enable the global growth in material transition. In addition Aramco is working on developing high-performance enhancing materials through global collaborations with prominent academia, and industry leaders in many sectors including oil & gas, building & construction, automotive, renewables and packaging to strengthen and complement existing programs and push the boundaries of innovation in which Aramco deployed more than 15,000 km of polymers-based pipelines replacing steel ” Al-Mulla added.

The premier global gathering for international sustainability leaders attracted more than 1,000 influential leaders and changemakers from global corporations, the financial sector, start-ups, foundations, media, civil societies, and academia who engaged in action-focused dialogues for achieving the net-zero, nature positive transition for the world during the full-day Summit.

Hashtag: #oneearthsummit

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

GOOD Vision Unveils K-Shape™: A Revolutionary Corneal Topographer at The International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2024 – GOOD Vision Technologies Co., Limited, a Group in Ophthalmic Optics & Diagnostics, is introducing a game-changing corneal topography solution designed for use in patients as young as 4 years old at the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva. Supported by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation’s Incu-Bio Programme, a platform that supports the growth and development of biomedical tech start-ups in Hong Kong, GOOD Vision has developed a novel corneal topographer that aims to empower eye care practitioners with an efficient, accurate, and personalised option to enhance patient care.

This development aligns closely with the World Health Organization’s 2030 targets for effective eye care coverage, addressing critical gaps in diagnosing and treating refractive errors. Astigmatism affects a substantial portion of the population, with a global prevalence of 40.4% in adults and 14.9% in children. Furthermore, there was a notable 1.5-fold increase in astigmatism cases in Hong Kong during the COVID lockdown, underscoring the critical need for advanced diagnostic tools such as GOOD Vision‘s corneal topographer – K-ShapeTM.

The innovative topographer outperforms existing devices with its flexibility, compact size, utilisation of normative data from Chinese populations, and affordability. By investigating subtle topographic changes on the cornea’s front surface, the device allows for early diagnosis of vision conditions like astigmatism and corneal ectasia. This supports practitioners in assessing risks and facilitating timely interventions, which are critical for visual development in children.

Dr. Jason Lau, the Technical Director at GOOD Vision, said, “At GOOD Vision, we’re setting new standards in eye care with K-ShapeTM. Based on our extensive study of over 900 Chinese children, our topographer is set to advance corneal reshaping, ensuring early intervention and personalised patient care. Our research revealed key insights into astigmatism and its broader impact, driving us to develop a tool that detects early corneal changes for prompt treatment, essential for healthy vision. As optometrists are in short supply globally, K-ShapeTM offers a way for practitioners to deliver precise, efficient care, particularly in early childhood screenings and clinical practice. Our diverse team, spanning university researchers to engineers, has worked tirelessly to bring K-ShapeTM from concept to market. We proudly showcase this game-changing technology at the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.”

K-ShapeTM incorporates advanced AI algorithms to swiftly and accurately identify corneal irregularities, ensuring precise image capture and facilitating on-the-spot data analysis. This AI integration increases efficiency in eye examinations and streamlines the workflow in clinical settings. By leveraging a proprietary normative database informed by extensive research on Hong Kong-based Chinese children, K-ShapeTM offers substantial insights into typical corneal astigmatism patterns within this demographic. This data underpins the development of a more accurate and tailored management approach for visual development from a young age. The debut of GOOD Vision‘s corneal topographer marks a transformative moment in the industry, significantly enhancing practitioners’ ability to deliver personalised care.

GOOD Vision invites attendees to visit their booth at The International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva to experience first-hand the future of corneal topography.

For additional details about GOOD Vision and their innovative offerings, please visit https://goodvisiontechnology.com/

Hashtag: #GOODvision #astigmatism #healthcare #eyecare #optometrist #eyecarepractitioner #ophthalmologist #conealtopographer #geneva


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

GOOD Vision Technologies Co., Limited

GOOD Vision is a Hong Kong-based startup dedicated to advancing the field of corneal reshaping technologies. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and affordability, the company develops innovative solutions to empower eye practitioners and enhance the quality of eye care worldwide.

ICONSIAM’s ‘THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION’ Achieves Sensational Success as Tourists from All Over the World Join in the Unforgettable Water Splashing and Cultural Festivities


ICONSIAM hosts a 12-day Songkran event titled ‘THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION: Joyful Songkran Festival, Continuing the Legacy of World Heritage’. Five days in, the event has had a successful turnout, with many tourists from different countries joining in the fun, exceeding the initial target, and it is expected to attract over 2 million visitors from all over the world in 12 days.

BANKGKOK, THAILANAD – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2024 – In celebration of the Songkran Festival’s prestigious recognition by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the Chao Phraya River, has joined forces with the government and private sectors to welcome the Thai New Year with a world-class Songkran celebration titled “THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2024.” This event is the one and only Songkran celebration in Bangkok set against the breathtaking backdrop of the magnificent Chao Phraya River that lasts for 12 days (April 10 – 21, 2024), and it is expected to attract over 2 million visitors from all over the world. Under the concept of “THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION: Joyful Songkran Festival, Continuing the Legacy of World Heritage” honors Thai identity by blending traditional Thai recreational activities with contemporary cultural entertainment. This event delivers the most memorable experiences, with grand celebrations filling every corner of ICONSIAM from today to April 21, 2024.

ICONSIAM's 'THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION'

Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Company Limited, said, “As a world-class landmark along the Chao Phraya River, serving as a significant tourist destination in Bangkok and Thailand, this year, ICONSIAM hosts the Songkran event to be more enjoyable and memorable than ever before. The celebration is particularly meaningful as the ‘Songkran in Thailand’ festival was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO at the end of last year. “THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2024 showcases the rich traditions and customs of Songkran while welcoming tourists from around the world with warm hospitality and contemporary Thai entertainment. This collaborative effort seeks to create a historic event and promote Songkran in Thailand as a world-class festival. The goal is to honor Thai cultural heritage by blending contemporary elements and presenting it in a way that resonates with future generations. The Songkran Festival plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth for Thailand. This year at ICONSIAM, we are expected to welcome over 2 million Thais and international tourists for over the course of 12 days.”

ICONSIAM's 'THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION'
ICONSIAM's 'THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION'


“THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2024” at ICONSIAM showcases a joyful celebration of Thai culture and traditions, featuring several highlights:

  • Songkran Mahothorndevi Parade: A 7-day parade along the Chao Phraya River from showcasing Thai cultural richness, featuring top 7 famous actresses and artists, including Aff Taksaorn, Pie Rinrada, Becky Rebecca, Bella Ranee, Mai Davika and Diana Flipo, as well as internationally renowned Thai artist Minnie, a member of South Korean girl group (G) I-DLE, to be represented as Miss Songkran 2024.
  • Bathing of the Buddha Sihing: ICONSIAM has brought the replica of the Phra Buddha Sihing from Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, Chiang Mai Province to be placed at Exit Gate 1, G Floor, ICONLUXE Zone. Visitors can participate in a water-pouring ceremony to ask for blessings and purification. This traditional ritual is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who take part in it.
  • Songkran Water Splashing: Enjoy water splashing festivities at Water Splash Landmark at River Park, the only place in Thailand offering such an experience amidst the scenic backdrop of the Chao Phraya River from today until April 21. Moreover, there are mini-concerts performed by well-known Thai artists, and other cultural performances added to the festive atmosphere for visitors both locals and tourists to enjoy.

ICONSIAM is honored in collaborating with various sectors in hosting “THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2024.” This festival attracts tourists from all over the world, further stimulating tourism in Thailand, and provides a joyful and culturally enriching experience for all visitors worldwide, combining traditional festivities with modern entertainment and enjoyable activities over the course of 12 days from April 10 to 21. For more information about ICONSIAM, please visit www.iconsiam.com or Facebook: ICONSIAM
Hashtag: #ICONSIAM #THEICONICSONGKRANFESTIVAL2024 #THAICONICSONGKRANCELEBRATION #THAILANDSONGKRANFESTIVAL

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

GSM surpasses 50 million customers after 1 year of launch


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2024 – Celebrating its first year of operation since launching its electric taxi services in Vietnam, GSM has served over 50 million customers. The company has also expanded its services to many provinces and cities across Vietnam, contributing to a reduction of tens of thousands of tons of CO2 emissions.

GSM surpasses 50 million customers after 1 year of launch

In a major development for sustainable transportation in Vietnam, Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (GSM) officially launched the GSM pure electric taxi service in Hanoi on April 14, 2023. This marked the first time in Vietnam that a complex transportation model using 100% VinFast electric cars and motorbikes was introduced.

In its first year, GSM has achieved remarkable growth, launching new services, expanding to numerous provinces and cities, and even entering its first international market. Through these efforts, GSM has established itself as a major player in the ride-hailing market, winning the hearts of millions of customers.

GSM has significantly expanded its offerings in Vietnam, moving beyond the initial electric taxi service. The company now provides a comprehensive suite of electric mobility solutions, including electric motorbike transportation and delivery services, all-inclusive electric car transportation packages tailored to customer needs, and electric car rentals with or without drivers. Their most recent innovation, the Xanh SM Platform, connects VinFast electric car owners nationwide, allowing them to offer rides and share revenue.

Furthermore, GSM has established a robust presence across Vietnam, expanding to 36 provinces and cities. Through partnerships with over 30 businesses, they’ve played a key role in converting fleets and promoting the operation of electric car transportation services throughout the country. This collaborative effort significantly strengthens GSM’s position as a leader in green transportation and promotes its widespread adoption across localities.

GSM’s fleet of high-quality VinFast electric cars has traveled over 300 million kilometers in the past year, entirely on electric power. This has prevented an estimated 52,000 tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to 2.6 million trees photosynthesizing throughout the year. GSM’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its core business. The company has also contributed nearly 30 billion VND (approx 1.2 million USD) to Vingroup’s For Green Future Foundation, supporting environmental initiatives throughout Vietnam.

By the end of Q4/2023, GSM had achieved a strong second-place position in Vietnam’s ride-hailing market, capturing an impressive 18.17% market share and surpassing many established brands. Customers praise GSM for its commitment to a fully electric fleet, its high-quality drivers, and its exceptional 5-star service, setting a new standard for the industry.

Having secured a dominant position in Vietnam, GSM has embarked on a rapid international expansion. Laos became its first overseas market, demonstrating the company’s ambitious growth strategy. With plans to be operational in 9 countries by 2025, GSM is well on its way to becoming a leading global provider of pure electric ride-hailing services.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, Global CEO of GSM, shared: GSM’s impressive achievements are a testament to both customer acceptance and the dedication of our pioneering team. Together, they have brought green transportation and delivery solutions closer to everyone. This combined force fuels Xanh SM’s journey to conquer new milestones in its mission of creating a greener, more convenient, and sustainable transportation future

As GSM embarks on its second year, the company remains committed to its core values and unwavering mission: creating green, convenient, and sustainable transportation solutions. GSM aspires to be a leader in the global green transportation revolution, promoting a more sustainable future for mobility.

Hashtag: #GSM

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

K3 Legal in association with Fred Kan & Co opens first office in Hong Kong

K3 Legal Hong Kong gives access to clients to legal services across multiple jurisdictions including China’s Greater Bay Area, Japan, and New Zealand


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2024 – K3 Legal, a leading law firm in Auckland, New Zealand, has received approval from The Law Society of Hong Kong to launch an association with Fred Kan & Co., a law firm with a long history in Hong Kong and a network covering Mainland China including the Greater Bay Area, and Japan. Branded as K3 Legal Hong Kong, this is the first time K3 has established a presence outside of New Zealand.

Margaret Chen Director, K3 Legal New Zealand and head of K3 Legal Hong Kong
Margaret Chen Director, K3 Legal New Zealand and head of K3 Legal Hong Kong

Head of K3 Legal Hong Kong is Ms Margaret Chen, a highly regarded lawyer skilled in litigation, commercial and business and immigration. Ms. Chen recently relocated from K3’s office in Auckland to Hong Kong.

Commenting on K3 Legal Hong Kong, Ms Chen said:

“K3’s expansion into Hong Kong marks a significant milestone in our journey, made possible through our association with Fred Kan & Co. This move opens up a world of opportunities for investors, private equity, family offices, high net worth individuals and companies by streamlining inbound and outbound market entry, eliminating the need for external legal counsel and ensuring a seamless experience for all parties involved.”

Fred Kan & Co. was established in 1981 in Hong Kong and the firm has teams practicing in the areas of arbitration and mediation, construction, litigation, corporate and corporate finance, intellectual property, employment and real estate.

“We are honoured to be associated with K3 Legal and through this association we can now offer a more rounded and seamless service to clients in Hong Kong, Mainland China including the Greater Bay Area, and now, New Zealand,” said Mr Fred Kan, Founding Partner, Fred Kan & Co.

China and New Zealand enjoy close economic and trade ties. The New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement was signed in 2008 and was the first free trade agreement that the People’s Republic of China signed with any developed country. In 2013, New Zealand joined the China’s Belt and Road Initiative to further strengthen ties between both countries.

According to New Zealand Trade & Enterprise 2022 figures, China continues to be New Zealand’s primary trading partner, with total two-way goods and services trade amounting to NZ$38.5 billion in the year ending June 2022. During this period, China maintained its position as New Zealand’s largest market for both exports (NZ$20.9 billion) and imports (NZ$17.6 billion).

“K3 Legal Hong Kong offers clients a comprehensive suite of legal solutions spanning immigration, commercial law, arbitration, and effective dispute resolution. This gives clients the strategic legal support to navigate complex challenges across multiple jurisdictions with confidence and clarity, added Ms. Chen.
Hashtag: #K3LegalHongKong

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About The K3 Group (www.k3.co.nz)

Headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand with international partnerships, is made up of three pillars, namely K3 Human Resources, K3 Accounting, and K3 Legal, creating an expertise powerhouse providing clients with a unique perspective from every angle. This multi-dimensional approach means clients have access to teams of experts with a history of success across the Fortune 500, government, multinationals, small-to-medium enterprises, and startups.

About Fred Kan & Co. (www.fredkan.com)

Established in 1981, offers comprehensive legal solutions to both domestic and international corporate clients. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the firm has a presence in Mainland China and Tokyo, Japan. Fred Kan & Co. is a commercial law firm covering company and corporate finance, intellectual property, employment, dispute resolution, real estate, trust, private client, etc. It is particularly well-known for its expertise in handling construction-related legal matters and a track record assisting clients with issues related to construction contracts, tender documents, and construction disputes.

About K3 Legal Hong Kong (www.k3.com.hk)

is the Hong Kong office of New Zealand’s K3 Legal. Through association with Fred Kan & Co., K3 Legal Hong Kong offers legal services to companies, investors, family offices, ultra and high net wealthy individuals, private equity for inward and outbound New Zealand investment.