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The Club forms strategic partnership with MoneyHero

The Club Members can earn up to 9,000 Clubpoints through designated credit card application via specified website

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 11 September 2023 – HKT (SEHK: 6823) – HKT’s digital commerce platform The Club has announced the launch of its strategic partnership with Hong Kong financial comparison platform MoneyHero to provide The Club members with financial knowledge and information to enable their smarter selection of appropriate financial products alongside earning Clubpoints.

(Front to back, left to right) Clive Chow, COO, The Club; Shravan Thakur, Group Head of Commercial, MoneyHero Group; Terri Yang, Vice President, Loyalty and Strategic Business Development, Digital Ventures, HKT; Anthony Cheng, Vice President, Business Development, MoneyHero; Monita Leung, CEO, Digital Ventures, HKT; and Bryant Chau, Head of Marketing, MoneyHero, announce the launch of the partnership between The Club and MoneyHero today.
(Front to back, left to right) Clive Chow, COO, The Club; Shravan Thakur, Group Head of Commercial, MoneyHero Group; Terri Yang, Vice President, Loyalty and Strategic Business Development, Digital Ventures, HKT; Anthony Cheng, Vice President, Business Development, MoneyHero; Monita Leung, CEO, Digital Ventures, HKT; and Bryant Chau, Head of Marketing, MoneyHero, announce the launch of the partnership between The Club and MoneyHero today.

Through The Club’s platform, The Club Members can link to the MoneyHero website to access the latest financial product comparisons as well as information on offers provided by third parties. Through the MoneyHero App, MoneyHero will also provide users with free access to TransUnion (TU) credit reports so that the public can better understand the factors behind their credit scores and the ways to improve them.

The Club x MoneyHero_Photo 2.png

During the promotion period, The Club Members who successfully apply for designated credit cards through the designated MoneyHero website and fulfill the spending requirements will stand a chance to get up to 9,000 Clubpoints from MoneyHero (equivalent to HK$1,800**), which can be used to redeem fabulous rewards* such as latest electronic products, home appliances, fine food and beverage, air tickets and hotels^, leisure activities and even different healthcare packages.

The Club x MoneyHero_Photo 3_a.png

Monita Leung, CEO, Digital Ventures, HKT, said, “The Club is committed to the pursuit of different types of partnerships with a view to providing unique products and services to enrich our members’ digital experiences. On top of providing a platform for The Club Members to enjoy shopping, through our collaboration with MoneyHero, we are pleased to offer practical knowledge and drive awareness on financial management for The Club’s 3.78 million members. We will continue to explore more possibilities in this partnership to present our members with more unparalleled offerings.”

Shravan Thakur, Group Head of Commercial MoneyHero Group, said, “We endeavor to provide our users with information on the latest financing products while encouraging the public to better understand and manage their credit status so as to facilitate their selection of the most appropriate financial products, including credit cards, financing, mortgage, and beyond. Through the free, unique credit score checking service available on the MoneyHero App, we hope that The Club members can enhance their financial management skills to add value to their smart spending.”

The Club and MoneyHero will continue to launch more offers and promotional activities for members to earn more Clubpoints. For details, visit https://www.theclub.com.hk/en/campaigns/moneyhero-exciting-rewards.html.

Remarks:
**The value of Clubpoints (i.e. Basic Redemption Rate) is calculated based on the Clubpoint conversion ratio used under the “Spend Less with Clubpoint” function on the Club Shopping Platform (i.e. currently 5 Clubpoints to HK$1). 9,000 Clubpoints is equivalent to HK$1,800. The conversion rate can be changed from time to time without prior notice.

*The Club Members apply for the designated credit card(s) through the designated website (https://www.moneyhero.com.hk/zh/campaign/hkt-creditcard-page) of MoneyHero Global Limited (“MoneyHero”) during 31 Aug 2023 18:00 to 3 Oct 2023 18:00, and select the rewards after applying for the credit card(s). The rewards will be sent and provided by MoneyHero in the form of Clubpoints. If The Club Members intend to redeem the relevant designated rewards, they must go through the designated channel. Terms and conditions apply – please visit https://moneyhero.link/cc-hkt-tnc-listing.

To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay.

^ Air tickets and hotels are supplied by The Club Travel Services Limited (“Club Travel”) and is a licensed travel agent (license number 350873) and a member of HKT Group.

Images are for reference only. The quantity of each reward is limited, first come first served, while stocks last. Offers are subject to terms and conditions (please visit: https://www.theclub.com.hk/en/campaigns/moneyhero-exciting-rewards-terms-and-conditions.html ).

The above promotions and rewards are not provided by Club HKT Limited (“The Club”) and The Club will not make any representation or warranty of any kind (including but not limited to quality, availability and suitability) or be responsible for any matters relating to the above offers and their contents. These promotions do not constitute any invitation or inducement to make a deposit with The Club or any other person. Please contact MoneyHero for details.

Hashtag: #TheClub #MoneyHero #HKT

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

About HKT

HKT is a technology, media, and telecommunication leader with more than 150 years of history in Hong Kong. As the city’s true 5G provider, HKT connects businesses and people locally and globally. Our end-to-end enterprise solutions make us a market-leading digital transformation partner of choice for businesses; whereas our comprehensive mobile communication and smart living offerings enrich people’s lives and cater for their diverse needs for work, entertainment, education, well-being, and even a sustainable low-carbon lifestyle. Together with our digital ventures which support digital economy development and help connect Hong Kong to the world as an international financial centre, HKT endeavors to contribute to smart city development and help our community tech forward.

For more information, please visit www.hkt.com.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hkt

About The Club
The Club, an HKT Digital Ventures arm, is an integrated loyalty and digital commerce online platform. Its services include e-commerce, travel, insurance and charitable contributions. The Club members can earn Clubpoints on their spending at The Club, designated HKT services and merchant partners to redeem rewards and privileges. For more information about The Club, please visit www.theclub.com.hk or call The Club’s hotline at +852 183 3000.

About MoneyHero
MoneyHero, a digital personal finance platform in Hong Kong, compares different financial products on the local market and delivers professional financial analyses. It also brings its users a wide array of discounts and rewards to help them master their financial health, improve their financial literacy, and get the best financial products for their needs. The platform has gained immense support from Hongkongers, with 70% of the city’s working population visiting its site, which powers over 100,000 applications for financial products every month. The MoneyHero App, launched in 2023, allows users to check their credit score and get financial information at no cost so that they can make better financial decisions.

MoneyHero was founded in 2013. Its parent company MoneyHero Group (previously known as Hyphen Group or CompareAsiaGroup) is a leading fintech company that operates in 5 markets across Greater Southeast Asia, including Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan.

Issued by HKT Limited.
1O1O, csl., Netvigator, Now E, Tap & Go, Club Travel and The Club are service brands operated by different companies under HKT.

HKT Limited is a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability.

Kenanga Futures Unveils “Grow Your Futures” Campaign to Boost Retail Participation on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 11 September 2023 – Kenanga Futures Sdn Bhd (“Kenanga Futures“) proudly announces its latest nationwide initiative, the “Grow Your Futures” Campaign. Geared towards building a smart derivatives trading community, this Campaign marks a stride forward in cultivating a network of savvy and well-informed traders. With a commitment to democratise access to the world of Futures, the Campaign which began on 4 September, is predicated on lowering barriers to entry through reduction in account opening fee (from RM3,000 to a nominal RM10), attractive prizes worth up to RM10,000, one-on-one coaching sessions, as well a commission-free trades.

Azila Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director and Head of Listed Derivatives at Kenanga Futures
Azila Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director and Head of Listed Derivatives at Kenanga Futures

“Our emphasis on inclusive retail participation underscores our Campaign’s commitment towards nurturing financial empowerment. It is an invitation to newcomers and novice Futures traders, providing them the opportunity to unlock the potential of this vehicle for portfolio diversification and risk management. It is a powerful avenue for hedging equity portfolios, as well as taking a position on the daily market fluctuations,” says Azila Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director and Head of Listed Derivatives of Kenanga Futures.

“Our steadfast belief is rooted in the transformational power of knowledge, because we understand that informed traders make confident decisions. Equipping our clients with tools, resources and educational support necessary for their journey, has been a cornerstone of our approach at Kenanga Futures,” added Azila.

As part of this campaign, account opening fee is reduced to a nominal RM10 from the standard RM3,000. Participants who trade a minimum of 10 Bursa Malaysia Derivatives contracts stand a chance to win the grand prize of a Blueshark R1 Smart Electric Scooter valued at RM10,000. Complementing this reward, participants are also in the running to win other prizes, including the Ultra-Light Series 4 Electric Scooter worth RM1,200, and e-Touch n’Go credit worth RM500.

Taking this further, the first 50 participants who open a trading account with Kenanga Futures will benefit from a complimentary one-to-one coaching session, as well as 20 commission-free trades across any of the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives products highlighted below.

The 12 Bursa Malaysia Derivatives products covered by this Campaign range from Crude Palm Oil Futures (“FCPO“) and FBM KLCI Futures (“FKLI“) to Options on FKLI, Gold Futures, Mini FBM 70 Index Futures, Options on FCPO, KLIBOR Futures, USD Crude Palm Oil Futures, RBD Palm Olein, East Malaysia Crude Palm Oil Futures, and 5-Year MGS Futures.

The FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index Futures is also part of the line-up – a unique offering that provides leveraged exposure to companies recognised for their Environmental, Social and Governance practices.

Mohd Saleem Kader Bakas, Director of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives
Mohd Saleem Kader Bakas, Director of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives

“We commend Kenanga Futures for their ‘Grow Your Futures’ Campaign’ that aligns with our shared vision of fostering informed trading and investment strategies. Such initiatives promote investor awareness and market engagement, which contribute positively to the market’s growth and dynamism,” said Mohd Saleem Kader Bakas, Director of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives.

Recent trends underscore an increasing appetite for derivatives trading, as evidenced by the total of 19.1 million contracts traded in the BMD market for 2022, surpassing the previous record of 18.4 million contracts in 2021 by 3.7%. This demonstrates the market’s dynamic nature and its potential for substantial gains. In line with this surging interest, the “Grow Your Futures” Campaign presents an opportune path for traders. With its diverse and accessible product range, along with its educational initiatives, the Campaign seamlessly aligns with these evolving market dynamics, offering traders a promising avenue to capitalise on the changing landscape.

For more information about Kenanga Futures and the “Grow Your Futures” Campaign, please visit http://www.kenangafutures.com.my.

Hashtag: #KenangaInvestmentBank

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

About Kenanga Futures Sdn Bhd

Kenanga Futures Sdn Bhd is an award-winning Malaysian listed derivatives broker regulated under the Securities Commission Malaysia and Bursa Malaysia Berhad. The company offers clients electronic market access to trade listed products on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives and CME Group. Apart from being a direct member of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad and the clearinghouse, the company is also a registered broker with the U.S. CFTC and was granted exemption relief pursuant to Commission Regulation 30.10 which enables the company to paper directly with entities in the U.S. On the domestic front, the company has an extensive network with 24 branches nationwide licensed to trade listed derivatives.

Clients can access both U.S. and Malaysian listed derivatives on a single trading platform via the company’s trademarked real-time customised online trading solution, KDF TradeActive™. KDF TradeActive™ is available on both desktop and mobile devices, giving clients easy access to real-time market data and flexibility to trade on-the-go.

This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group’s Marketing, Communications & Sustainability Department.

UK Paramedic Trainer Enhances Skills of Vientiane Rescue Volunteers in Specialized Program

UK Paramedic Trainer Enhances Skills of Vientiane Rescue Paramedics in Specialized Training Program
Matt Rolph instructing an EMT during the training (photo: Vientiane Rescue)

Matthew Rolph, a paramedic trainer from the UK, successfully conducted an intensive seven-day foundation course to enhance the life-saving capabilities of trainers at Vientiane Rescue, a volunteer-run rescue service in Vientiane Capital, from 4-10 September. 

Lao Farmer Seeks Reduced Jail Term for Drug Trafficking in Cambodia

Sophavan Soengnovvan during his arrest by Stung Treng Provincial Military Police on 5 August, 2016. (Photo: Khmer Times)

Sophavan Soengnovvan, a 55-year-old Lao farmer who was jailed for life and fined KHR 40 million (approximately USD 9,600) by the Stung Treng Provincial Court in late October 2017, pleaded on Thursday with the Phnom Penh Appeal Court to have his life sentence reduced.

Metalloinvest Opens Its Green Metallurgy Enterprises to Tourists

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach – 11 September 2023 – Metalloinvest, a pioneer of green metallurgy in Russia, has opened its enterprises for industrial tourism. This endeavour holds significant appeal for industry professionals with a keen interest in cutting-edge technologies, alongside students and families with schoolchildren. More than 5,000 people have already visited the Company’s facilities.

The Company began operating guided tours this summer at its largest facility, Lebedinsky GOK, in the Belgorod region, where tourists can see the world’s largest open-pit iron ore mine from an observation deck. With a width of 5 km, the pit earned its place in the Guinness Book of Records several years ago. Tours also include visits to the beneficiation plant and the direct iron reduction plant – the latter employs a technology that underpins the future development of green metallurgy.

Since 2001, Lebedinsky GOK has been producing hot briquetted iron (HBI) – a form of direct reduced iron in the shape of convenient-to-transport briquettes. HBI is a sustainable raw material capable of cutting carbon dioxide emissions from steel production by up to 50%. Given steel companies’ current drive to curtail carbon emissions and mitigate global warming, HBI is experiencing a well-deserved surge in demand, both within Russia and in export markets.

Metalloinvest’s other mining unit, Mikhailovsky GOK, located in the Kursk region, initiated industrial tourism as early as 2021. Its offering includes opportunities to take photographs with a giant mining truck and to eat meals at the miners’ canteen.

The steelmaking division of Metalloinvest, OEMK, began welcoming tourists earlier this year. OEMK adopted direct iron reduction technology to produce steel as far back as the 1980s, bypassing the use of traditional blast furnaces. With the industry’s growing emphasis on curbing carbon emissions, the direct reduction of iron is now gaining traction as a sought-after technology for steel production. The world’s largest steelmakers are turning to it when designing their new production facilities.

Hashtag: #Metalloinvest

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

pCloud Celebrates a Decade of Innovation and Security in Online Storage: A Decade of Data Management Excellence

ZUG, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach – 11 September 2023 – pCloud, the leading platform in online storage and data management, proudly commemorates a decade of reshaping the digital landscape. Since its inception in 2013, pCloud, a European cloud storage service provider created in Switzerland and compliant with Swiss privacy laws and GDPR, has redefined how individuals and businesses manage their data, offering secure, reliable, and user-centric solutions that have garnered the trust of over 19 million users worldwide.

A Symphony of Achievements:

1. Global User Reach: With its worldwide presence, pCloud has fostered a global community of 19 million users who rely on its exceptional services for their data storage needs.
2. Innovation and Security: Throughout the past decade, pCloud’s innovation has set new industry standards, all while maintaining an unblemished record of data security. pCloud utilizes advanced encryption techniques to safeguard user data. The company also boldly launched the “Hacking Challenge”, inviting the world’s best hackers to test its security measures, with none succeeding.
3. Championing Data Privacy: Over the years, pCloud’s commitment to privacy has stood unwavering, resulting in zero data breaches. Users can trust that their data is safe and remains their own.
4. Launch of pCloud Pass: In 2022, pCloud extended its commitment to security by launching pCloud Pass, a truly secure European password manager. pCloud Pass provides users with a safe and convenient way to manage their passwords, enhancing their online security.
5. More Security Tools: pCloud introduced innovative security tools like a Data Breach Checker, Password Strength Checker, and Strong Password Generator, empowering users to safeguard their digital presence.
6. Unique Offerings: pCloud has been at the forefront of innovation by becoming the first cloud storage to offer Lifetime plans with a unique payment model. Additionally, pCloud introduced a pioneering 10TB storage plan, meeting the evolving needs of its user base.
7. Referral Campaign: To thank its loyal users for a decade of support, pCloud is launching a referral campaign that rewards users with free storage. For each successful referral, users and their friends both receive additional storage space, strengthening the pCloud community.

An Exciting Future Ahead:

As pCloud embarks on its next decade, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to pushing the boundaries of data management technology. “Tunio Zafer, CEO of pCloud, expressed, “Our journey of the last 10 years has been characterized by innovation, security, and unwavering user trust. We’re excited to carry this legacy forward as we continue to redefine data management.”

Hashtag: #pCloud#pCloud10Years



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

About pCloud

pCloud is a Swiss trailblazing online storage and data management platform that has transformed the way individuals and businesses interact with their data. Established in 2013, pCloud’s focus on innovation, security, and user satisfaction has garnered the trust of 19 million users worldwide.

Hong Kong Survey Reveals Over Half of Middle-Aged and Elderly Unvaccinated Due to Low Pneumococcal Vaccination Awareness

Medical professionals and social organizations call for increased awareness of pneumococcal threat and strengthened preventative measures among high-risk individuals

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 10 September 2023 – Recent findings from a comprehensive survey conducted in Hong Kong have revealed an alarming lack of awareness about the pneumococcal vaccine, leaving more than half of the city’s middle-aged and elderly population unprotected against this potentially deadly infection. Despite the established effectiveness of vaccination as a preventative measure against pneumococcal disease, the city’s current vaccination rate is unsatisfactory.

Mr. Patrick Cheung, Founder of Jade Club (first from left),Mr. Chow Chun-man, Vice President of Hong Kong Respiratory Nursing College (fifth from left), Dr Stanley Tam Kui-fu, President of the Hong Kong Geriatrics Society(sixth from left),Professor Ivan Hung Fan-ngai, Chair Professor and Head of Division of Infectious Diseases of HKU Medical Faculty(seventh from left), Professor Angela Leung Yee-man, Professor of School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University(eight from left), Ms Iris Chang, President of the Hong Kong Academy of Pharmacy (ninth from left), Mr Yuen Siu-lam, President of the Hong Kong Alliance of Patients’ Organizations(fifth from right) , and Ms Lois Lam, Deputy CEO of The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation (fourth from right) call for increased awareness of pneumococcal threat and strengthened preventative measures among high-risk individuals
Mr. Patrick Cheung, Founder of Jade Club (first from left),Mr. Chow Chun-man, Vice President of Hong Kong Respiratory Nursing College (fifth from left), Dr Stanley Tam Kui-fu, President of the Hong Kong Geriatrics Society(sixth from left),Professor Ivan Hung Fan-ngai, Chair Professor and Head of Division of Infectious Diseases of HKU Medical Faculty(seventh from left), Professor Angela Leung Yee-man, Professor of School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University(eight from left), Ms Iris Chang, President of the Hong Kong Academy of Pharmacy (ninth from left), Mr Yuen Siu-lam, President of the Hong Kong Alliance of Patients’ Organizations(fifth from right) , and Ms Lois Lam, Deputy CEO of The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation (fourth from right) call for increased awareness of pneumococcal threat and strengthened preventative measures among high-risk individuals

As the next generation of pneumococcal vaccines with broader serotype coverage becomes accessible in Hong Kong, international vaccination guidelines, including those from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have been updated to encompass the latest immunization recommendations.

Hong Kong’s medical and social welfare communities have come together to issue a joint appeal, urging the public to recognize the serious threat posed by pneumococcal disease. The appeal emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, particularly among high-risk individuals.

Alarming low pneumococcal vaccination rate among high-risk elderly in Hong Kong

“Pneumonia, predominantly triggered by pneumococcal disease, ranks as the second leading cause of death in Hong Kong,” emphasized Dr Stanley Tam Kui-fu, President of the Hong Kong Geriatrics Society. “With pandemic prevention measures relaxing, we’re seeing a resurgence of serious illnesses linked to pneumococcal infections back to pre-epidemic levels. The elderly, particularly those grappling with chronic diseases, are at a significant risk. Their likelihood of hospitalization due to pneumococcal pneumonia is more than ten times higher compared to those in the 18-49 age group.”

Mr. Chow Chun-man, Vice President of Hong Kong Respiratory Nursing College, concurred, noting that older adults are particularly susceptible to severe complications from pneumococcal disease. “Many elderly patients hospitalized due to pneumococcal infections require intensive care and mechanical ventilation, with many suffering from significant sequelae, including reduced lung function, even after discharge,” he remarked.

To address the less-than-ideal vaccination rate — currently only 40% of the elderly population have been vaccinated — The Hong Kong Alliance of Patients’ Organizations partnered with the School of Nursing of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University to conduct a territory-wide survey through 90 trained elderly health ambassadors, inviting individuals aged 50 and above to answer questions about their knowledge of pneumococcus and their attitudes towards vaccination. This extensive outreach has successfully garnered over 2,000 completed surveys, providing a wealth of insightful data with highlights as follows:

1. General public’s knowledge of pneumococcal infection is limited, leading to oversight of the severe consequences it can bring.

  • Few people pay attention to symptoms such as ear pain, mental confusion, and neck stiffness that may appear during pneumococcal infection, most focus only on symptoms like fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
  • Additionally, few people know that pneumococcus can also cause severe diseases such as meningitis and septicemia.

2. The ratio of total vaccinated population is low, mainly due to a lack of knowledge about the vaccine.

  • Although the majority of people know that vaccination is an effective way to prevent pneumococcal infection, about half of the respondents have not been vaccinated.
  • The primary reason for not getting vaccinated is “not knowing /do not have adequate knowledge about the pneumococcal vaccine”. In addition, “lack of sufficient vaccine information” and “fear of vaccine side effects” are common reasons for not getting vaccinated.
  • On the hand, about half of the people do not know where to get the pneumococcal vaccination, and they are unaware that individuals aged 65 or above are eligible to receive subsided or even free government vaccination services.

3. A single-dose pneumococcal vaccine providing sufficient protection could be a game-changer in terms of encouraging prompt vaccination

  • More than 80% of respondents stated that if only one dose of vaccine is required to provide sufficient protection, it would increase their willingness to get vaccinated.
  • Long-lasting protection, availability of free vaccination, and high safety profile of the vaccine are the most important considerations for pneumococcal vaccination.

Professor Angela Leung Yee-man, Professor of School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, who led this research, said: “The survey results show that in addition to strengthening disease education, information about vaccines needs to be more targeted and easier to understand to increase the vaccination rate among the elderly.”

CDC updates national guidelines for pneumococcal vaccination following Introduction of new-generation vaccines

The HKSAR Government currently offers 13-valent and 23-valent pneumococcal vaccines. The former, a conjugate vaccine, provides long-lasting protection but only covers 13 serotypes. The latter, a polysaccharide vaccine, covers more serotypes but has a shorter duration of protection.

In recent years, there have been breakthrough developments in pneumococcal vaccines with the emergence and subsequent registration of 15-valent and 20-valent pneumococcal vaccines by the Department of Health in Hong Kong. Professor Ivan Hung Fan-ngai, Chair Professor and Head of Division of Infectious Diseases of HKU Medical Faculty, pointed out that, both the aforementioned new vaccines are conjugate vaccines, offering durable protection, and cover a broader range of serotypes than the conventional 13-valent conjugate vaccine. Taking the 20-valent pneumococcal vaccine as an example, its coverage rate is 13.4% higher than that of the 13-valent vaccine, and at the same time covers the more popular serotypes overseas. He indicated that vaccines with broad serotype coverage are particularly important for Hong Kong as it is an open city with a mobile population that is susceptible to exposure to other serotypes of pneumococcus.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its national guidelines for pneumococcal vaccination. The new guidelines reflect the most recent scientific insights and recommendations, ensuring the best possible protection against pneumococcal disease for the general population. The updated guidelines indicate that individuals aged 65 and above, or those aged 19-64 with chronic illnesses who have never been vaccinated against pneumococcal disease:

  • should receive a dose of the 15-valent vaccine, followed by a dose of the 23-valent vaccine a year later;

OR

  • after receiving a dose of 20-valent vaccine, no additional pneumococcal vaccination is required.

“New-generation vaccines cover a wider range of serotypes. It is important for the HKSAR Government to promptly update vaccination recommendations and provide subsidy for the elderly to get the latest vaccines free of charge, giving the high-risk individuals in our city a higher level of protection.” Professor Ivan Hung remarked.

Introduction of new-generation pneumococcal vaccine and simplified vaccination policy to boost uptake among Hong Kong elderly

The HKSAR Government currently provides a pneumococcal vaccine subsidy scheme for individuals aged 65 and above. However, the type and dose of vaccine administered are decided based on the individual’s medical history, and are divided into high-risk and low-risk groups, each with different vaccination arrangements and doses.

Ms Iris Chang, President of the Hong Kong Academy of Pharmacy, believes that the complexity of the current vaccine measures can be confusing for the public and burdensome for healthcare professionals to explain, thus potentially deterring elderly individuals from getting vaccinated. She recommends that the government swiftly introduce the new-generation pneumococcal vaccine to expand serotype coverage, enhance herd immunity, and simplify the vaccination policy to encourage more elderly to get vaccinated.

Mr Yuen Siu-lam, President of the Hong Kong Alliance of Patients’ Organizations, also urges the government to strengthen public education on pneumococcal disease and enhance preventive measures. This includes lowering the threshold for vaccine subsidies, such as considering all individuals aged 65 and above, regardless of their risk level, for free pneumococcal vaccination. Moreover, as chronic diseases can increase the chance of severe illness and hospitalization, it is also recommended that patients aged 50-64 with chronic disease be provided with subsidies to allow more high-risk individuals to be protected by the vaccine.

Hashtag: #pnemococcal #pneumonia #vaccine

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

Vietnam and the United States: Promoting trusted trade partnership and green growth in agriculture

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 9 September 2023 – President of the United States Joe Biden’s official visit to Vietnam (Sep 10-11) will mark a new milestone in bilateral relations and positive progress between two countries. In particular, that will facilitate development and continues to show notable growth in agricultural trade.

The Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has welcomed the delegations of the US Secretary of Agriculture, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), two US Deputy Secretaries of State, two US Deputy Secretaries of Agriculture, and the Governors of Nebraska and California over the past year. This demonstrates the importance of Vietnam in cooperation with the United States. Concurrent with the bilateral contacts is a series of exchanges, negotiations, shared understanding and coordination activities between the 2 sides, building partner trust and a very important foundation for promoting stronger agricultural cooperation. With President Biden’s upcoming visit to Vietnam, relations between the two countries will be raised to a new level, creating favorable conditions for promoting bilateral cooperation between the 2 countries in general and the agriculture and rural development sector in particular.

To foster trusted partnership and development of agricultural trade

The United States has been on the top list of export markets of Vietnam in general and for agricultural products in particular. Vietnam’s agricultural, forestry and fishery exports to the United States reached 13 billion USD in 2022, accounting for 24.4% of the total country Agro-forestry-fishery (AFF) exports to the world. However, it only represents 6.7% of the US’s AFF imports, showing a potential for Vietnam exports in the US market.

The United States applies strict requirements and a wide range of technical and SPS standards on agricultural and food products. In that context, Vietnam is making efforts to better meet those requirements.

Organization of production associated with the needs, tastes and technical standards of the United States. In details, priority is given to R&D investment on plant and animal breeds, etc., that meet technical, food safety and animal and plant health conditions and standards; promoting imported seed suitable to local conditions, increasing the diversity of agricultural products, targeting the US market; building value chain integration between US import enterprises and Vietnamese enterprises to transfer technology and varieties besides ensuring quality control to meet the requirements of technical and quality standards of the US market.

Improvement of product quality and value to satisfy the requirements of the US market. It is essential to review and finalize the current system of technical standards and national technical regulations for agricultural products with reference to US standards. It is also necessary to complete the food safety and disease safety control system crop, livestock, seafood, animal feed, etc., for consideration, evaluation, recognition of equivalence, and opening export markets by the United States.

Moreover, many agricultural products of the two countries have been opened market access in recent years. With active negotiation between two countries, the United States is becoming the largest poultry meat exporter to Vietnam (accounting for about 34% of total poultry meat imports), the second largest beef exporter (after Australia, accounting for about 16%) and the sixth largest pork exporter (accounting for about 5%) to Vietnam.

At the same time, the United States also opened the market for many Vietnamese products. Most recently, on August 7, 2023, APHIS completed updating the online database of Agricultural Commodity Import Requests (ACIR) to approve imports of Vietnamese fresh coconuts.

In the coming time, Vietnam will prioritize boosting the export of wood and wood products, seafood, and cashew nuts, pepper, and coffee, fruits into the US market.

To promote green growth and sustainable development

The cooperation agricultural green growth between Vietnam and the United States has brought many benefits, including environmental protection and improved product quality and the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. Two countries continue to cope with environmental challenges and climate change together.

Vietnam Government pays close attention to sustainable development, climate change and international commitments. At the COP26 (The UN Climate Change Conference), Vietnam made a commitment to bring net emissions to zero by 2050, joined the “Methane Pledge” and the “Glasgow Declaration on Forests and Land Use”.

To implement the commitments at COP26, COP27, Vietnam has participated in many initiatives with the United States and other countries and international organizations such as: i) Initiative “Agricultural Innovation Mission for Climate Change” (AIM4C); ii) the Action Alliance “Promoting Sustainable Productivity Growth for Food Security and Resource Conservation” (SPG); iii) the World Economic Forum’s “Food Innovation Hub” (FIH) and iv) the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) “100 Million Farmers: Transitioning to Zero-Emission and Environmentally Friendly Food Systems”; v) Coalition on “Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest Finance ” (LEAF).

As agreed between the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the US Secretary of Agriculture, from April 2022, the US-Vietnam Climate Change Working Group was launched with the participation of relevant agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam and representatives of USDA, USAID, and USFS to reduce emissions in agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry.

In the immediate future, the two sides focus on the implementation of projects including the project “Adaptation to Climate Change in the Mekong Delta”, “Fertilizer Right”, “Transformational Strategies for Farm Output Risk Mitigation in Livestock Sector” (TRANSFORM). In particular, The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam is coordinating with the US WF to complete the signing of the Letter of Intent and develop the program ” Viet Nam for Life: Nature-based Solutions for the Central ” with a long-term cooperation framework lasting up to 20 years, with a budget of up to 300 million USD, focusing on addressing climate change issues, protect and restore biodiversity, while benefiting local communities in the Central Annamite Mountains, one of Asia’s largest adjacent primary forests.

Vietnam will join hands to cooperate with the US Government, organizations, and investors as trusted partners to develop a green and sustainable agriculture and develop better agricultural supply chains and contribute to the global food security.

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