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One Storage Unveils One Box: Enjoy Hassle-Free Storage Services from Home


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2024 – One Storage launches a new mini box service – One Box (上門迷你倉), where customers can enjoy the one-stop service from picking up and delivering items to the central warehouse, to receiving items as needed and delivering them to the user’s location on time without leaving home. The mobile storage boxes are sturdy and durable, and can safely protect the stored items. They are transported to the central warehouse by a professional transportation team, and with transportation insurance protection, the customers’ important items can be properly kept.

One Storage has been operating for many years (迷你倉推介) and has accumulated rich storage experience and a deep understanding of the unique needs of the same customer groups. The newly launched One Box caters to customers who store relatively small amounts of items and pursue flexibility and convenience. It is not only suitable for working people who are too busy to visit the mini storage, but also welcomes those being hesitant about the unfamiliar mini storage environment. In addition, small home renovations or relocations that need to temporarily store household debris, students who need economical and short-term use, cosplay-, model-, sneaker-collectors, and families who need seasonal needs can all make an easy and convenient reservation for door-to-door storage boxes for unparalleled security and convenience in storage services.

At the same time, One Box brings innovative solution to commercial storage needs, completely releasing commercial office space that costs a lot of money. Mobile storage boxes can provide a one-stop professional solution for small businesses, start-ups, e-commerce merchants, small shops that need extra storage space, as well as schools, medical institutions, law firms or social enterprises that need to safely store documents and files. One Box provides reliable door-to-door storage service, flexibility and convenience to solve the problem of insufficient storage space.

One Storage puts the safety of customers’ personal and property as top priority. The design and equipment of the One Box central warehouse comply with the latest fire regulations. It is equipped with an emergency power supply system and an all-weather intelligent security system to avoid accidents due to unstable power supply in the building or area, and strengthen the security level of the central warehouse.

One Box is HKD 49 per month and is suitable for small items. Transportation costs HKD 88 each time, additional charges apply to remote areas. Now offering the latest special offer, enjoy 3 storage boxes and one free shipping service for HKD 20 per month. EPS, PayMe, check, credit card, FPS, WeChat and other payment methods are accepted.

One Storage Website: https://onestorage.com.hk/
One Box Services: https://onestorage.com.hk/box
Hashtag: #storage #ministorage #storagespace #hongkongstorage



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

One Storage

Soundwill Group, keen on diversifying its portfolio to balance investment risks and augment profitability, has energetically broadened its mini-storage business venture – One Storage Management Limited. Established in 2018, One Storage is committed to delivering top-tier, professional storage solutions, assisting clients in managing their diverse storage requirements and reclaiming their space and joy in life. One Storage has been fervently extending its footprint, now boasting 42 branches strategically located across Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories. This wide coverage allows One Storage to offer its customers an extensive range of accessible and thoughtful services.

Bank Negara Malaysia is expected to keep the overnight policy interest rate at 3.00% – Octa

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will meet on 6 – 7 March to decide on monetary policy. Octa’s experts expect that the interest rate will be unchanged at 3.00% and that the accompanying rhetoric will significantly impact the ringgit.

  • The January inflation figures, together with weaker real GDP growth, show that Bank Negara Malaysia will likely continue keeping the overnight policy interest rate stable at 3.00%
  • Policymakers have stepped up their rhetoric to contain the fall of local currency. The policy statements had a positive effect on the ringgit.
  • The interest rate gap to the Fed Funds rate of 250 basis points is prompting foreign investors to withdraw capital from the domestic market.
  • If the Monetary Policy Committee leaves the rate unchanged, the USDMYR might decline to the critical support level of 4.6000–4.6200 in the short term.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2024 – The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will meet on 6 – 7 March to decide on monetary policy. BNM is expected to keep the interest rate unchanged at 3.00%.

In recent months, the overall inflation rate in Malaysia has been slowing down. According to the latest monthly highlights and statistics, headline inflation was 1.5% year-on-year (YoY) in January 2024. Thus, the January inflation figures, together with weaker real GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2023 (4Q23) and continued currency weakness, reinforce the view that Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will continue keeping the overnight policy interest rate (OPR) stable at 3.00% through 2024 and lean towards a 25 basis points rate cut a year from now.

Although inflation has declined significantly, it would be premature for Malaysia to declare victory over high inflation. Several internal and external factors could derail the decline in inflationary pressures. These include geopolitical tensions, high interest rate differentials, and currency depreciation. The last factor on the eve of the Monetary Policy Committee meeting is the most relevant.

Policymakers have stepped up their rhetoric to contain the local currency’s fall after last week when it hit its weakest level since the height of the 1998 Asian financial crisis. A key message from the government is a willingness to sell dollars from its reserves to limit the ringgit’s interchangeable weakness.

Bank Negara Malaysia is prepared to sell U.S. dollars from its reserves to ‘restrict excessive weakness in the ringgit’, the nation’s second finance minister, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, said.

The policy statements had a positive effect. The Malaysian ringgit gained strength against the U.S. dollar at the beginning of the trading week—USDMYR is trading below the 4.8000 level, which was identified in the rhetoric as a critical benchmark for the central bank to start currency interventions.

Also, Bank Negara Malaysia has kept its key rate at 3.00% since July, making it a record low relative to the Fed funds rate. The 250 basis point interest rate gap prompts foreign investors to withdraw capital from the domestic market, thereby adding pressure on the ringgit. Nevertheless, investors are optimistic about the further development of the situation, as starting from the second half of the year, the prospect of a rate cut in the U.S. Federal Reserve strengthens. This factor will support the ringgit—USDMYR may recover to 4.5000 by the end of the year.

Thus, the chances of rate savings are high. Investors should pay attention to the accompanying rhetoric regarding government support and the size of currency interventions to support the national currency. Should there be such statements, the ringgit could strengthen—USDMYR might decline to the critical support level of 4.6000–4.6200 in the short term.
Hashtag: #interestrate

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

Octa

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services already utilised by clients from 180 countries with more than 42 million trading accounts. Free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools they provide help clients reach their investment goals.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

Octa has also won over 70 awards since its foundation, including the ‘Best Educational Broker 2023’ award from Global Forex Awards and the ‘Best Global Broker Asia 2022’ award from International Business Magazine.

Number_I: The Rebirth of J-Pop Royalty as Former King & Prince Trio Unleash Eagerly Awaited Debut EP ‘GOAT’


TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2024 – The moment fans have been eagerly awaiting has arrived as Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi, collectively known as Number_I, unveil their much-anticipated debut “GOAT (EP)”. The 6-song EP includes the title track “GOAT” alongside other remarkable numbers such as “Blow Your Cover,” “Is It Me?”, “Midnight City,” “Rain or Shine,” and their next focus single “FUJI.”

GOAT (EP) artwork
Stream GOAT (EP) here.

Since its release this year, “GOAT” has taken the digital music world by storm, amassing over 14 million streams on Spotify globally and surpassing 10 million views on its music video within just three days, now exceeding 38 million views.

The momentum continues as Number_I prepares to perform at the upcoming inaugural ‘to HEROes 1st Super Live’ concert at Tokyo Dome from 14 to 17 March 2024. Organized by TOBE, the entertainment agency led by Hideaki Takizawa, this event marks a significant milestone for the group.

With their rapid ascent and unwavering fan support, Number_I is poised to become an unstoppable phenomenon as they captivate and mesmerize audiences across the globe with their music, energy and talent.

For tickets to ‘to HEROes 1st Super Live’ and more information, visit here.

“GOAT (EP)” is available for streaming here. Watch the ‘GOAT’ music video here.
Hashtag: #Number_i #GOAT #Number_i_GOAT #jpop #japanese #japanesemusic #otaku #jpopidols #idol #japan #jpopmusic

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

About NUMBER_I

Rising from the legacy of J-pop phenomenon King & Prince, Number_I emerges as a new sensational musical force. Comprising former members Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi, this dynamic trio, under the esteemed TOBE record label, is poised to redefine the music industry as they embark on a journey symbolizing greatness and a fresh start, promising to captivate audiences and shape the future of music.

The group’s name, Number_I, carries profound significance, representing both ‘Only One’ and ‘Love.’ This emblematic moniker reflects not only a message but also a pledge to their fans to journey together through the realms of music. For Sho, Yuta, and Yuta, Number_I embodies an exhilarating new chapter in their artistic endeavors.

Follow NUMBER_I:

Currencycloud granted ‘In-Principle Approval’ for Major Payment Institution Licence by the Monetary Authority of Singapore

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2024 – Currencycloud, a Visa solution and the experts in simplifying business in a multi-currency world, has obtained an In-Principle Approval (IPA) for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence holder from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The licence will allow Currencycloud to provide a full suite of intra-regional and international services to Singapore businesses.

Currencycloud now offers customers based in Asia Pacific the ability to collect, convert, hold, send, and spend multiple currencies simultaneously across 180 countries and territories. With the Singapore MPI licence, if granted, Currencycloud will gain additional capabilities for a broader suite of services to process intra-Asia and east to west payments more quickly, efficiently, and seamlessly.

For businesses in Singapore, customers can make conversions and payouts in their respective time zones and local currencies. By tapping into its global and local networks and multi-currency account infrastructure, Currencycloud can help enterprises launch new financial services quickly, while supporting banks with speedier go-to-market service innovations.

The granting of the IPA of the Singapore MPI licence comes after Currencycloud was awarded an Australia Financial Services Licence that allows the provision of services for the Australian market.

Rohit Narang, Managing Director of APAC, Currencycloud said, “The IPA for a Major Payment Institution Licence is testament to the strength of the Currencycloud brand. Having the licence would allow us to integrate with the robust financial network in Singapore and collaborate with valuable industry players. The payments opportunity in Asia-Pacific is significant, and Singapore’s excellent infrastructure, world-class regulatory system, and strategic geographical location serve as an ideal base for accelerating future payments innovation across the region.”

Zvi Appel, Co-founder of OPAL, a Currencycloud client in Singapore, explained that Currencycloud is a valuable partner for its business: “They provided us with the ease of use, speed and transparency demanded by our customers today. With new services to be offered, Currencycloud can help us stay competitive while we grow our lines of business within the region and beyond.”

Currencycloud expects to successively roll out its new services in the coming months, to complement its suite of offerings aimed at cutting friction in traditional cross-border money movement.

Hashtag: #Currencycloud

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

About Currencycloud

Banks, Fintechs and businesses everywhere can make bigger, better, bolder leaps with Currencycloud, a Visa solution.

Currencycloud gives businesses the capability to move money across borders, and transact globally in multiple currencies, fast. Experts at what they do, their technology makes it easy for clients to embrace digital wallets, and to embed finance into the core of their business – no matter what industry they’re in.

Since 2012, Currencycloud has processed more than $200bn to over 180 countries, working with banks, financial institutions and Fintechs around the world, including Starling Bank, Revolut and Lunar. Based in London with offices in New York, Amsterdam, Cardiff, and Singapore, Currencycloud works with partners including Integrated Finance, GPS and Mambu to deliver simple, clear cross-border infrastructure solutions for clients. They are regulated in the UK, Canada, US, the EU and Australia, and were acquired by Visa in December 2021.

Terminus Group Victor AI announces habitat solution SPACE at Web Summit Qatar


BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2024 – Victor AI, Founder and CEO of Terminus Group, was invited to attend and deliver a speech entitled “AI CITY: The Next Habitat on Earth” at Web Summit, the world’s technological Olympia, in Doha, Qatar.

Victor AI, the Founder and CEO of Terminus Group, delivers speech at Web Summit Qatar
Victor AI, the Founder and CEO of Terminus Group, delivers speech at Web Summit Qatar

Victor AI shared his thoughts with global audiences, delving into the intricacies of urban evolution. He illustrated how humans have utilized technology to transform their habitats from ancient times to modern society, analyzed the challenges of land, energy, and production scarcity on Earth, and creatively introduced Terminus Group’s technological-driven solutions and the original definition of future habitat: SPACE, which stands for Sustainable, Perceptible, Autonomous, Customized, and Energetic.

Sustainable: Future cities will fully adopt renewable energy and comprehensively apply technologies such as carbon management and carbon sequestration to minimize the impact of urban operations on nature and ensure the long-term healthy development of human habitats.

Perceptible: Based on AIoT technology, smart devices deployed in various urban scenarios in future cities will have perceptual capabilities – people no longer need to work hard to adapt and integrate into the environment they live in, and the city will be able to perceive and adapt to people’s needs.

Autonomous: Through deep learning, future cities will be able to learn and know user habits, and offer autonomous services based on their timely reactions. When the city detects a user fainting or similar accidents, it will trigger an alarm and automatically call an ambulance, greatly improving emergency management efficiency.

Customized: With a multi-level innovative network architecture, future cities will be able to provide tailor-made, customized services for each user, instead of offering monotonous and standardized services. The marginalized needs of vulnerable groups will also be fully considered.

Energetic: Based on the four features and capabilities: sustainable, perceptible, autonomous, and customized, people will be able to embrace and enjoy a more energetic, innovative, and greener exciting lifestyle in future cities.

As the global leading smart services and AIoT solutions provider, Terminus Group has put the above “SPACE” concept into real implementation and has enabled smart industrial parks that integrated the “SPACE” capabilities in Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia, China, and globally.

Steeped in the bond with Middle East, Terminus Group provided more than 150 AIoT-enabled smart robots and brought smart cities technologies to the largest-ever Expo2020 Dubai, serving nearly 30 million international visits and more than 100 countries leaders, showcasing a customized, innovative, and low-carbon driven capability for futuristic area.

Victor AI believes that, Terminus Group joined hands with partners from the GCC area、South-East Asia、Africa and Europe, bringing the world a new generation of solutions for the ‘Digital and Sustainable Eden’ while continuously promoting the development of green and innovative future cities based on the ‘SPACE’ concept.
Hashtag: #TerminusGroup

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

Major Summit to Address Cybersecurity Challenges and Solutions for the Public Sector

Summit explores public-private collaboration for cyber resilience in Africa


JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2024 – In the face of escalating cyber threats targeting public sector entities, IT News Africa is thrilled to announce the upcoming Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit on April 3, 2024, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Our central theme, “Public-Private Collaboration: Strengthening Cybersecurity through Strategic Partnerships,” underscores the critical importance of unity and shared strategies to fortify our defences against relentless cyber adversaries.

The Importance of Cybersecurity Awareness in the Public Sector

Recent ransomware attacks on prominent entities like the City of Johannesburg, Transnet, and the Department of Justice underscore the urgency of our collective response. In the spirit of collaboration, our discussions will focus on fostering partnerships, sharing threat intelligence, and developing joint strategies to bolster the overall cybersecurity posture in the public sector.

Why Attend the Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit

  • Discover the importance of collaborative defense in the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. This summit brings together thought leaders, security experts, and professionals from both public and private sectors to delve into strategies fostering partnerships and joint initiatives.
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of recent cyber incidents targeting public sector organizations in South Africa, including ransomware attacks on major entities like the City of Johannesburg, Transnet, and the Department of Justice. Learn from these incidents to fortify your organization’s defences.
  • Hear from experts on reassessing and upgrading cybersecurity strategies. Understand the latest technologies, best practices, and proactive measures to mitigate and protect against future cyberattacks.
  • Connect with best-in-class solution providers, security vendors, and senior colleagues from across the region. Share challenges, experiences, and strategies to enhance your organization’s approach to cybersecurity resilience.

To ensure the summit’s success, an esteemed advisory board has been assembled, featuring distinguished individuals such as Abdul Kader Baba, CIO, Infrastructure South Africa; Jabu (Hugh) Hlatshwayo, CIO, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD, and Dr. Stanley Mpofu, CIO, University of the Witwatersrand.

Become a Sponsor

The Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit presents a unique opportunity for cybersecurity vendors and solution providers to connect with a targeted audience of senior IT decision-makers from government departments and State Owned Enterprises. Showcase your cybersecurity expertise, build brand awareness, and generate leads by becoming a sponsor.

Register Now

Registration for the Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit is now open. Secure your spot at this essential event and join us in exploring the critical role of public-private collaboration in building cyber resilience.

For more information on the Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit, please visit the event website at www.publicsecurity.co.za.

For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact: events@itnewsafrica.com
Hashtag: #ITNewsAfrica

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

HKSTP Rides LEAP 2024 Platform to Power Middle East Innovation Drive and Calls on Ecosystem Leaders to Keep Up with Global I&T Opportunities


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2024 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has kicked off the first leg of a landmark delegation with the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) and Hong Kong Cyberport (Cyberport) to the Middle East. Together with eight Park companies and first stopping at LEAP 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, HKSTP is on a mission to rally innovators across the respective ecosystems to keep up with the global speed of disruptive innovation and technology (I&T).

The HKSTP Pavilion mimics Hong Kong’s iconic I&T landmark – the “Golden Egg”, showcasing cutting-edge innovation ranging from biotech, healthtech, logistics, AI, robotics, to new energy from eight forward-looking Park companies.
The HKSTP Pavilion mimics Hong Kong’s iconic I&T landmark – the “Golden Egg”, showcasing cutting-edge innovation ranging from biotech, healthtech, logistics, AI, robotics, to new energy from eight forward-looking Park companies.

The opening of the first-ever Hong Kong Pavilion at LEAP was officiated by Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry (SITI) of the HKSAR Government, Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP and Mr Peter Yan, CEO of Cyberport. At the same occasion, HKSTP has landed a strategic MoU with Saudi Arabia’s leading technology R&D government institution, the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). The MoU provides reciprocal soft-landing opportunities for companies in both regions, as well as commitment to collaborate on technology, industry best practices and support for startups across the two ecosystem networks.

Under the witness of Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government (second from left) and H.E. Dr. Munir M. Eldesouki, President, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (second from right), Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP (first from right), and Mr Peter Yan, CEO of Cyberport (first from left), signed a MoU with Dr. Khalid A. Aldakkan, Senior Vice President for Innovation Parks, KACST (middle), to form a strategic partnership between the Hong Kong and Saudi I&T ecosystems, accelerating the growth and development of start-ups and talent.
Under the witness of Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government (second from left) and H.E. Dr. Munir M. Eldesouki, President, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (second from right), Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP (first from right), and Mr Peter Yan, CEO of Cyberport (first from left), signed a MoU with Dr. Khalid A. Aldakkan, Senior Vice President for Innovation Parks, KACST (middle), to form a strategic partnership between the Hong Kong and Saudi I&T ecosystems, accelerating the growth and development of start-ups and talent.

Professor Sun Dong, SITI of the HKSAR Government, said, “I am deeply impressed by the energetic I&T culture and supportive programmes available at KACST. The strategic partnership between KACST and our I&T flagships will further deepen the I&T exchange between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, accelerate the growth and development of our start-ups and nurture more global I&T talent.”

Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, “LEAP 2024 is a crossroads of culture and innovation that captures the boundless energy and ambition of the Middle East. It is also an electrifying opportunity for HKSTP and eight of our Park companies to showcase cutting-edge advancements and explore the mega potential of Saudi Arabia. We are proud to be part of the Hong Kong delegation. Hong Kong is ready to collaborate, nurture breakthroughs and partner, as we all leap into a new era of innovation.”

Leveraging the Saudi Vision 2030, HKSTP also orchestrated the “Hong Kong Healthtech Innovations Driving Global Transformation for Generations to Come” panel session at LEAP to ignite discussions on R&D, investment, and collaboration. Three Hong Kong biotech and healthtech innovation leaders: Prof Samuel Au, President of Cornerstone Robotics; Dr Zhu Tian, Co-Founder and CEO of GenEditBio and Mr Chi Man Lam, Founder and CEO of Applied Technology Group illuminated the prospects of healthtech and highlighted Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia’s shared visions and limitless opportunities in the industry. Hong Kong-based biotech startup, GenEditBio, has also made its mark in the region with the confirmed MoU with Anwa Biosciences, a leading Saudi genomic firm. Both companies are collaborating to use cutting-edge CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology to combat genetic diseases, starting with sickle cell disease.

Titled “Hong Kong Healthtech Innovations Driving Global Transformation for Generations to Come”, the HKSTP-hosted panel discussion offered unique insights from robotics expert Professor Samuel Au, President of Cornerstone Robotics (first from left); Information and Communications Technology veteran Mr Chi Man Lam, Founder and CEO of Applied Technology Group (second from right); and passionate drug hunter Dr Zhu Tian, Co-Founder and CEO of GenEditBio (second from left).
Titled “Hong Kong Healthtech Innovations Driving Global Transformation for Generations to Come”, the HKSTP-hosted panel discussion offered unique insights from robotics expert Professor Samuel Au, President of Cornerstone Robotics (first from left); Information and Communications Technology veteran Mr Chi Man Lam, Founder and CEO of Applied Technology Group (second from right); and passionate drug hunter Dr Zhu Tian, Co-Founder and CEO of GenEditBio (second from left).

HKSTP Park companies participating in LEAP 2024 and their innovative technologies:
https://www.hkstp.org/news-room/calling-all-global-innovators-keep-up-with-the-golden-era-of-it/
Hashtag: #HKSTP #LEAP2024 #ITIB #SITI #Cyberport #KACST #Riyadh #SaudiArabia #MiddleEast #I&T

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

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 with a mission to position Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. HKSTP has created a thriving I&T ecosystem supporting over 10 unicorns with more than 13,000 research professionals and around 1,700 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies.

We offer comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures on their I&T journey. Our growing innovation ecosystem is built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Shatin, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long. The three InnoParks are realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen, opened in September 2023 to support Hong Kong’s future development and its growing demands of the I&T industry and to strengthen cross-border exchange, attract technology companies as well as talent from around the world, helping them go global. It has both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition spaces, and more. We will focus on attracting enterprises in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability.

Through our infrastructure, services, expertise, and network of partnerships, HKSTP will help establish I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at .

Cultural Beliefs, Spiritual Insights into ‘Nocturnal Deaths’ in Laos

Cultural Beliefs, Spiritual Insights into ‘Nocturnal Deaths’ in Laos
Shaman Txiaj Vwj Invites Spirits to his Altar, Thaj Neeb Healing Ceremony, Ua Neeb, Namla Village, Luang Namtha Province, Laos (photo: Tribal Music Asia)

Departing from this world during sleep is often perceived as tranquil and painless by some.

Scientifically referred to as “nocturnal death,” such episodes are frequently linked to sudden cardiac arrest or the progressive deterioration of heart function observed in congestive heart failure (CHF). However, in small or rural communities, these events might be attributed to supernatural causes, often involving ghosts and spirits. This is particularly prevalent among Hmong communities worldwide. Originally residing in China and Southeast Asia, including northern Vietnam, Thailand, and the eastern regions of Myanmar, the Hmong ethnic group is now the largest ethnic minority in Laos.

One of the periods most closely associated with the legend of sleep paralysis in Laos is the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War. During this time, numerous young Lao men were reported to have perished in their sleep, succumbing to a mysterious ailment later identified as “Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death Syndrome (SUNDS).”

According to the Los Angeles Times, SUNDS primarily affected Hmong men who had returned from the war in Northern Vietnam after being recruited by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Between 1978 and 1981, 13 deaths were recorded, with 98 percent of them occurring between 10 pm and 8 am. In 1981, 26 Hmong men died under similar circumstances, raising alarm and sparking speculations about the cause of these mysterious deaths. 

But the most eerie aspect of these deaths was the fact that they exclusively affected men, sparing women and children from such occurrences.

While the evident reasons behind the mysterious deaths during sleep remain unknown, speculations suggest it could be due to exposure to chemical nerve agents during the Vietnam War. However, some members of the Hmong community believed that these deaths were a form of punishment by spirits for leaving and abandoning their homelands.

Most members of the Hmong community practice animism and naturalism. However, some of them also adopt the practice of Buddhism. That was the case for Meng Moua, a 34-year-old Hmong man from Vientiane Province.

Mysterious Passing Prompts Reflections on Spiritual Involvement

“It was during Lao New Year, the 14th of April in the afternoon, when it all happened,” Meng recalled.

Like in many households in Laos, Meng joined in the festivities with his wife and younger sister. However, they soon departed for temples at the invitation of his cousin to perform meritorious deeds for the occasion. Meng’s sister opted to remain behind to oversee the house during their absence.

During their visits to nine temples across Vientiane Capital, Meng received fortunes from five of them. Unfortunately, each fortune foretold bad luck, leaving Meng with a sense of impending misfortune and sadness for the immediate future.

“I could feel that something bad was going to happen,” he said.

A couple of hours later, Meng returned home. “I knocked on the door multiple times with no response from my sister. I could tell that it was very strange because it had never happened before.”

Meng broke into the room to find his sister lying still on her back, as though she were asleep. 

“I tried to wake her up; I shook her body, doing everything I could, but to no avail.” 

As he rushed her to the hospital, he heard a gasp, a sound that, according to the village elders, often signals a person’s final breath. Meng also knew it.

The doctors made every effort to revive his sister. However, she showed no response to any form of treatment, ultimately leading to her passing, he recalled, believing the spirits may have taken her.

In Laos, spiritual beliefs have long been intertwined with cultural practices, with notable phenomena like spirits taking one’s life during sleep being passed down through generations. This phenomenon, characterized by a feeling of being haunted while sleeping, holds deep roots in Lao folklore and history.

Shaman Says, Expert Elaborates

In an attempt to shed light on this phenomenon, a Hmong shaman named Vanghua Moua, who has practiced for over 15 years, offered insights into the spiritual beliefs surrounding dying during sleep among the Hmong people in Xieng Khuang, Laos.

“Their souls get eaten,” Vanghua explained, referring to spirits such as phi pop and phi phong. “These ghosts came from people who practiced black magic but failed to follow its rules. As a result, they turn into such ghosts and feed on humans’ souls, flesh, and blood to survive.”

To protect against these malevolent spirits, Vanghua suggested placing the skin of a hog badger  in front of one’s house and burning it.

“Once you burn the hog badger’s skin, it will send out a strong smell that could chase the ghosts [phi pop and phi phong] away.”

Phi pop is often depicted as a creature that likes to devour human viscera. It is known for its terrifying appearance and is feared for its predatory nature. Phi phong, on the other hand, is a ghost of northern folk beliefs in Thailand and Laos. It is also known as phi phao in the Isan region of Thailand. Phi phong is believed to be a spirit that can cause harm to humans if threatened, especially those who are spiritually weak or unprotected.

While some may view these beliefs as superstitious, Ian Baird, an anthropologist and professor at the University of Wisconsin – Madison who studies Lao society closely, argues that there is a specific reason behind these beliefs.

“Some people, especially in rural areas, benefit from these beliefs,” Baird explained. He cited the example of Nang Thiam, a village spirit believed to possess a woman in the village between March and June annually. When possessed, the woman advises the chief village on how to improve the village and gives advice on various matters.

“If you try to diminish this belief, it’s like you are trying to get rid of women’s rights,” he said.  Baird also emphasized the importance of understanding these beliefs from different perspectives rather than dismissing them as superstitious, as they may hold meaningful ideas behind them.

Ian added that beliefs in spirits and ghosts can serve as a form of social control, preventing people from engaging in harmful actions. 

He mentioned that in rural villages, some individuals are accused of being phi pop by the governor, not because they are actual spirits, but because they may have violated laws or caused disruptions in the community.

“If the village chief can’t legally get rid of those kinds of people, what do they do? They accuse them of being phi pops of course.”

“People should try to be more open-minded about the beliefs of others and try to understand them from different perspectives,” Ian concluded. “These beliefs may hold valuable insights into the culture and society of Laos.”

Despite the advancements in science and medicine, the legend of sleep paralysis and its spiritual connections continue to intrigue and mystify many in Laos and beyond.